He Said, She Said

A few weekends ago...

2009-03-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago it was it. It was the weekend when I realized it was time to cut the grass down. It was almost as tall as our daughter; if she sat down, we probably could lose her. Of course, she probably would have thought it was cool having her own little outside fortress in our backyard; being able to peer out into the yard and not be seen.

So Saturday, I get the stuff together to go to work. As I was out cutting it with our weed trimmer, I wondered how the grass got to be so tall in the first place. The sprinklers were off for the last several months, probably since last October. I mean, don’t plants need water? Is there that much in the ground to live on? Even prosper? Then God reminded me about Genesis… “In the beginning…” O’ no, I thought. I’m working in the yard. Seems that God always shows me something when I’m working in the yard. “Ok, God. What is it?” I asked.

He said, “Remember back in Genesis how I provided for the plants in the beginning? It hadn’t rained yet; the water came up from the ground to produce life and feed the plants, water the soil.”

“Yes, I remember” I replied. No answer. I think He was letting it sink in. The plants are being fed through the ground. Getting back to the basics; the way he intended things in the beginning. I thought about saving a blade as a reminder but it wouldn’t stay green; it had no roots to absorb water from. Roots! That was it! It’s the roots that transfer the nutrients from the soil and water to produce what the plant is intended for.

Later, I thought about different relationships with people. So many have drifted apart over the years; distanced themselves from one another. Friendships that were thought to be great disappeared. In many cases, they chose to drift away; in others they were just for the season you are in. He said, “these relationships weren’t intended to produce life; your relationship with me will. It’s also your choice. Choose to remain in Me, and I will provide for your needs just like the grass. Choose the world and its fruit will come forth.” I asked, “How will you provide?” He replied, “It’s not the way you think; My ways are not your ways. Through Me, I have Living Water that satisfies.”

Those that have their roots firmly planted in Him won’t be uprooted by every wind that comes. He may not provide through their homes, 401k’s, savings accounts, or any other means that we know of today. His Word is truth though – He will provide!

Stimulus Plan

2009-02-22T12:54:00.000-08:00

It seems to be the topic everyone is talking about; the topic that everyone has an opinion on. Over these last couple of weeks, our nation has debated over whether to do a stimulus plan for the economy or not. They’ve debated how much we should do and what should be included. Should it include increased spending or decreased taxation? They’ve debated on the effect of the outcome and the consequences of such a plan. They’ve debated on what has caused this crisis and who’s at fault. They’ve considered who should be helped and who shouldn’t be based on who they think caused this crisis.

It’s tiring listening to the conversations going on; the opinions that are broadcast to the masses. So, here’s my opinion, my two cents. Get to the root of the problem and focus only on that!
Here’s the thing I don’t hear much about. Our economy is much like a see-saw kids play on. There’s a balance to it and if the kids weigh the same you could actually have the see-saw stay level. But what happens when one is heavier? They drop to the ground and would have to give a push off the ground to be able to keep moving. If they get off and just let go as they do, the other end drops to the ground and the child on that end can get seriously hurt.

The same can be said of our economy. An 800 pound guerilla got off the see-saw. Home values dropped dramatically; in Arizona some places have dropped more than 50%, most of that is in debt (aka someone else’s money). I’m not an economist and I may be oversimplifying the situation. In my opinion, when that much money has been pulled out of the economy in a relatively short period of time, people will get hurt and they won’t jump back in very quickly; it will take time to rebalance and trust who’s on the other end of the see-saw. In the mean time, there is substantially less money circulating in the economy causing fewer jobs and lower pay.

There are a few ways to off set that cycle whether it’s families, businesses, or government; currently we’re focusing on the government doing it. The entity that can produce more money (i.e. the government) can either spend their way out (increase government debt putting money into the economy now to be paid back later), increase the money flow (print more money which lowers the value of that currency which leads to inflation) or they can reduce taxes (leave more money in the economy and reduce government spending to match). Keep in mind, there still is a balance and each one has a consequence. And with each one of these, we’re trying to fix our money problems with money.

I personally don’t think our government should be fixing the problem in our economy by spending money or printing money. In doing so, they are simply getting on the see-saw. They shouldn’t be on it but govern the way it’s played on to maintain some sort of balance and fairness and to maintain the core values of the founding fathers of our nation. Had it been governed properly before, I don’t believe they would need to get on now.

But we still haven’t got to the root of the problem that we should be focusing on. You can’t buy your way out of a problem, whether it’s our economy, our relationships with others, marriages, etc. Only submitting to God’s plan will fix the problem. God has given us His Word to solve this crisis.

He tells us in Deuteronomy 8:17-20 -
You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. Like the nations the LORD destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the LORD your God.

It is God that gives us the ability to produce wealth when we seek Him. When our nation starts to seek God and His ways, then our nation will be healed and revived; we’ll have new inventions and discoveries develop wealth in our nation that will benefit others first. In the process of discovery and development of new inventions, we’ll increase our national production and cure our financial problems. When we return to our roots and be a nation under God called to be lenders not borrowers, we’ll reduce our personal and national debts and increase our influence in the world.

Battle Against Complacency

2009-02-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

“Complacency is a tool formed in the pit of hell, used by the enemy to render us ineffective for the Kingdom of God.” ~ Tracy Keck

Several years ago, I had the incredible opportunity to attend Pastors and Leaders School, hosted by Phoenix First Assembly, a wonderful church in Phoenix that does outreach to poverty-ridden and crime-filled areas. It offers help and hope through ministry to gangs, prostitutes, substance abusers, runaway youth, the homeless, prisoners, etc, with phenomenal results. While there, I saw what a difference Christ makes in the lives of those who really encounter him. I saw living examples of the Scripture one who’s been forgiven much loves much (Luke 7:47). And I left there with an awareness of how crippling complacency can be. The above quote is one that was included in my testimony to my church, about my experience.

Since then, I have kept that statement near to my heart, to remind me to be vigilant against the lull of complacency. I have seen how I can apply it in many situations. We Christians can be good people who really make a difference in this world, if we choose to look beyond ourselves and our current situation. Not everyone is meant to be on the front lines of a cause (though certainly some of us are), but we can support others who are, through our gifts of money and prayer. Once again, this hit home to me, just this weekend.

We went to a prayer meeting at our church on Saturday evening. When we got there, we discovered it was to be a bit different than normal. They began by showing a video of people who face terrible persecution for being followers of Christ in Iran. I have to be honest here, I had no idea there were even Christians in Iran, and I certainly didn’t have a soft heart toward Iran. After all, the Muslim extremists there have made their feelings and intentions toward both the U.S. and Israel pretty clear. But there are Christians there. And in the face of intense persecution and martyrdom, the Christian movement there is growing in both numbers and strength. (Of course Iran is only one of the many nations where Christians face persecution.)

Through this sad but hopeful, eye-opening video, I remembered once again, that we American Christians are blessed. And in some ways, I think our blessing is also a curse. We have freedoms and liberties that many only dream of. We have tons of churches to choose from and hop between. Most of us have multiple Bibles that we might read, but then again we might not if our favorite TV show is on, or we have something else to do. Because we have so much freedom and so many options, I think we mostly tend to take them for granted, and can even be contemptuous about them. Because our churches and Bibles are so readily available to us, we simply don’t use and treasure them the way we should.

This is not true in countries that do not enjoy religious freedom. If you choose to have a Bible in a country where you could be killed simply for having it, you’re probably going to read it faithfully and treasure it as one of your most precious and important possessions. If you could be abducted, thrown into jail and tortured for merely going to a Christian church, you’re probably not going to be inclined to leave it just because Sister So-and-So hurt your feelings. If you speak out for Christ and righteousness in a regime that is intolerant of it and you face most certain execution, it is highly likely that you are living for far more than yourself.

The wonderful and amazing part of all this, is that God is moving mightily in persecuted regions. I’ve heard it said that a church that is not afraid of martyrdom and persecution knows what it is to live for Christ. When people understand the reality of dying for something they live for, death loses its hold on them. When the body of Christ sees the most powerful moves of God, following the tragic loss of its leaders and members to martyrdom, how can they not be encouraged by the Comforter Himself?

It is easy for us to be complacent about the body of Christ, here in America. After all, our problems here really aren’t all that significant. But if we look beyond ourselves and beyond our borders, we can see clearly what our brothers and sisters in Christ face just for following Him. We may think there is nothing we can do, so we just do nothing. But there is something we can do. We can refuse to live in complacency. There are organizations we can support with our finances and our prayers. And most importantly, we can pray for those who are being persecuted. Prayer really can make a difference.

If you would like to join in praying for the persecuted church, but don’t really know where to begin, there is a great organization that can help. The Voice of the Martyrs has a monthly newsletter, with stories of those around the world who suffer persecution. Simply visit the site and sign up for the newsletter and it will be delivered to your home free of charge. You may also donate, if you feel inclined. Is it informative? I think so. Will it break your heart? I hope so. In addition, if you would like more information specific to Iran and the Muslim world, please check out Elam Ministries. They are bringing the Light to a very dark part of the world.

And remember, “Complacency is a tool formed in the pit of hell, used by the enemy to render us ineffective for the Kingdom of God.” Battle against complacency and win with compassion.

God Is Amazing!

2009-01-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

Let me just say, God is amazing! I don’t understand it; I don’t have an agenda; I don’t even know what’s up next. But He never fails to bring me back to a central point about our foundations. It’s been in various conversations with completely different people and times over the last couple of weeks. And I know He’s not done with this topic yet because there are deeper truths and revelations that keep coming up.

Take the economy for instance. This country has and still is going through a great transition. From a country that was prosperous from acquiring stuff through debt to seeing the value of those items vanish and the results of that devastating economic transition. With unemployment on the rise, personal net worth dropping, companies struggling to survive and seeking government bailouts and laying off more workers, it’s become a vicious downward cycle. Now I believe we’re in a stage where people are afraid to spend or invest because they don’t know what’s next and they don’t want any more debt or losses. But the very fear of not knowing what is coming next will keep raising unemployment rates and lowering housing prices, it will keep the downward cycle going until we realize things are going to be ok.

Now, I’m not suggesting we should go spend frivolously or incur any debt. But the very thing we are afraid of will happen unless something changes the cycle. It says in Job 3:25, “What I always feared has happened to me. What I dreaded has come true.” I believe there are many people that have taken it to extremes - people that have jobs, have reserve funds, and have provision for their daily needs but are hoarding cash because of the tremendous fear in the world. I’ve heard from several that have said they’ve stopped taking the family out to dinner; they’ve stopped going on trips or to the movies; they’ve stopped giving to those in need. They’ve stopped doing the things they enjoy or doing for others; they’ve stopped living. I know it’s contrary to what the world says about building your savings, and unemployment is at 7.2% and likely will rise further. Look at it another way, that means that 92.8% are employed! The majority of the nation is at work and by eliminating extra spending this will continue to eliminate jobs. You might say, what difference can one person make and you’re right to an extent. Households make up 75% of our national economy and it would take many households to change the direction.

The point is this, what is it that rules our decisions? What’s the foundation that we are standing on? Are we living in fear of the future or hope for a better tomorrow, regardless of who the President is? This is a perspective I believe God has given me to challenge my thinking. By no means should you do anything different without seeking God’s direction. For me though, I’ve been a saver really for all of my life. He’s shown me that when I choose to buy something, someone else just might be able to keep their job. And that the resources He’s blessed me with should remain in motion so that other people are blessed also. He’s challenged me with the story of Ruth and Boaz, leaving remnants of the harvest so that Ruth could collect and feed herself and Naomi (Ruth 2). He’s shown me the value of observing the seasons as Joseph did and store up in the plentiful times to have enough for the lean years (Gen. 41-45). But now in my walk, I believe He’s challenging me to “give to others so that He can give back to you.”

- “Fear is faith contaminated”

- “There’s nothing to fear but fear itself”

- “Fear and faith cannot coexist”

- “Fear is False Evidence Appearing Real”

- “Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around in awareness.” – James Thurber

A Time for Change

2009-01-16T06:00:00.000-08:00

We are embarking on a season of change. That has been the mantra for quite some time now. We the people (though not me specifically) voted into the office of the President of the United States, a man who proclaimed he will bring about change. Of course, anytime there is a new Administration, there is change – it sort of goes with the territory.

I hope and pray that the change that comes with Barack Obama will be mostly for good, though I’m not overly optimistic that will happen. He and I appear to see certain things very differently, so I am a bit skeptical. But hey, I would love to be proven wrong. There are many people though who are putting their trust, their faith, and their hope in him. They are looking to him for guidance and direction to get them through this dark time. And he will offer it, because that’s what a President does.

Like others though, I won’t be looking to him. Yes, he will generally be considered to be the most powerful man in the world, but he is still just a man. These are difficult times that we are in, with war, terrorism, the economy, unemployment, etc. but in these times, God is doing something.

God is in control. And I believe with all my heart, that He has not turned His back on America. So things may not be as comfortable as we are accustomed too, so what? Does that mean we are doomed? Of course not! God is still on the throne and He can still make a way where there is no way. He can turn things around, He can take care of His children and He can bring about change.

We are all going through the storm right now, one way or another. But our storm doesn’t scare God, and we should stop making the storm to be more powerful than God. We don’t know what is coming next, but He does. If we know God, know His character, then we need not fear. We can, and should, put all our trust in Him.

Even when things don’t make sense to us, we can trust Him because He does things that don’t make sense to us (forgiveness, walking on water, raising the dead, etc). Our understanding comes from what we see and what we know, both of which is limited. But God sees and knows everything, so His understanding is infinitely greater than ours.

The time we are in is crucial to the Kingdom of God. Will we give Him our prayers, our worship, and our words? Will we give Him the honor and glory He deserves? Will we point others to Him, to help them find salvation? If we do, He will not disappoint us. Though the journey may be uncertain and maybe even a little dark, He will guide us along our path. We may stumble and even fall off the path, but He will hold us up or pick us up and will continue leading us always, patiently and lovingly.

Right now, everyone is clamoring for change. Right now, everyone is looking forward to a savior. But how many are missing the Savior? This is the time to be let His light shine through us to push back the darkness. After all, He is the only one who can really change and correct whatever difficulties we are going through.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust In God

2009-01-11T13:33:00.000-08:00

Saturday, I was playing with my daughter. She was laughing and smiling, having a good ole time! As we were playing, I was thinking about life from her perspective. She eats, sleeps, plays, explores and learns new things like a sponge. It’s amazing what she picks up! In all her days, she doesn’t have a single worry about where her next meal comes from or what it will be, she just knows that when she gets hungry, she’ll get to eat until she’s full. And when she’s tired, she’ll have a warm, safe place to sleep. And the rest of the day, she’ll have a place to play and her mom and dad will be there to comfort her and play with her when she needs it. Yes, she is blessed as all children should be, unfortunately there are many that aren’t as blessed.

Somewhere as we grow up though, we tend to wander from this state. We go through school, maybe college, get married and transition into a new season of life full of hopes, dreams and responsibilities. Seemingly, somewhere we lose sight of that childlike faith and peace. That sense that all of our needs will be supplied, that everything works out ok in the end. It may not be as we are going through it, but in time, all things work out for our good.

God tells us in Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. We often don’t know the end from the beginning. In fact, we truly only know what has happened. At times, God may give us glimpses of the future, but even those aren’t enough to know all that is to come. It’s never like His full, all knowing, all seeing perspective.

So the question is, not really knowing anything that will happen next, do we really trust Him over our thoughts, opinions and experiences? Do we acknowledge Him in all that we do and praise Him regardless of the circumstances? Can we wipe the slate of our minds clear and accept His Word as our compass and trust that the direction it’s pointing will yield the great life God intended us to live? None of these are easy questions nor do I live them they way I believe He desires for me to. I fall short and ask for his mercy knowing that life is a journey not a destination. But hopefully the depths of these questions illustrate the depth of trust that God desires of us.

Reading more of Proverbs 3 from The Message Bible broadens the illustration of what is being asked of us.

Don't Assume You Know It All (The Message – Proverbs 3:1-12)

1-2 Good friend, don't forget all I've taught you; take to heart my commands. They'll help you live a long, long time, a long life lived full and well.

3-4 Don't lose your grip on Love and Loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart. Earn a reputation for living well in God's eyes and the eyes of the people.

5-12 Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own.Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track.Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over. But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline; don't sulk under his loving correction. It's the child he loves that God corrects; a father's delight is behind all this.

Trusting in Him

2009-01-11T12:27:00.000-08:00

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

Sometimes we can read a Scripture verse and like it or love it. We might highlight it or underline it, and maybe, if we really love it, we might even memorize it. And that can be a good thing. But isn’t it also true that familiarity breeds contempt? I mean we can find it quickly and recall it quickly and sound really super spiritual about it, but aren’t we also then in danger of it losing the very thing that made it so special?

There are many verses that I love, that have really impacted me, given me wisdom, or brought me comfort. The above Scripture is one of them (In fact Proverbs is probably my favorite book of the Bible). It has been coming to mind a lot lately, for multiple situations. It has been awhile though, since I’ve really taken the time and effort to meditate on it. Read it again with me. Go ahead, I’ll wait.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart. ~ Really Lord, with all my heart? All my heart? That’s a lot of trust. That is believing with everything within me, that He loves me and will take care of me no matter what. That is understanding I can come to Him with all of my thoughts, all of my emotions and all of my concerns, the good, the bad and the ugly. That is knowing He will always be available to pick me up and clean me up when I fall. That is having all confidence that His mercies are new every day, His judgments are just and that His promises really are for me.

And lean not on your own understanding. ~ But Lord, my own understanding is what I know! How can I lean on something else, understand something I don’t know? I see my situation, my circumstance, my storm; I know what common sense and my knowledge would dictate. But He is God and I am not. He is omniscient and I am not. He is omnipotent and I am not. He is omnipresent and I am not. I see with my natural eyes, He sees with spiritual eyes. He knows everything, and I know enough to know that I don’t know very much. He is everywhere, all the time, and I am only in my own little and limited world. His understanding is infinitely vast and complete, while mine is exceedingly narrow and lacking.

In all your ways acknowledge Him. ~ Do You really mean all my ways? When I’m strong and weak? When I succeed and fail? When I am confident and fearful? When I am going in the right direction and when I am lost? Yes. No matter what state I am in, He never changes. If I seek to know Him and do His will, He will always meet me. Whatever my situation I can, and should, come boldly before Him. And give glory to Him.

And He shall direct your paths. ~ But Lord, but what if I can’t see the path? He will direct my paths. I may misstep, get confused or turned around, but He will set me right. I may even fall and fail, but He is bigger than that and He can hold my hand, lift me up and give me a fresh start. A do-over. His plans for me are for good and the path He sets before me will lead me to those plans. While on the path, I may run into a highwayman, a thief who would come only to kill and to steal and to destroy. But I need not fear this enemy because he is a defeated foe.

When we are walking through the good times and the bad our trust in the Lord should not waiver, because He is faithful and trustworthy. We don’t know what we don’t know, so it is imperative that we don’t lean on what we do. By seeking Him and His will for our lives at all times, we have the opportunity to live the life we were created for. He doesn’t just set us on a path and leave us, but rather He is with us throughout, leading and guiding us like a Good Shepherd. Thank you, Lord!

Foundational Focus

2009-01-05T05:30:00.000-08:00

With 2008 now past and 2009 upon us, it’s a natural time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. Last year was a year of turmoil for many and a year of abundance for a few. Believe it or not, some people actually had their best year ever financially! Not that finances represents the full measure of abundance but it is one of many pieces. I can’t say I’m in that boat but somehow it gives hope that there is a better tomorrow and that all things are possible for those who believe. But all these ups and downs where we somehow feel victorious or are reconciling with defeat, I believe are truly out of focus. Somehow, we’ve come to accept how we feel about our daily lives as the barometer of our closeness with God.

Isn’t it strange that when we feel things are going well, our prayer life, our selfless giving, our cheerful attitude tends to fade? (What I mean by selfless is the difference between giving out of your need or sacrificially vs. giving out of your excess.) And when things aren’t so well, we seek some sort of relief from God when what God wants all along is a steady and consistent relationship with us? He wants you to know that He will work it out (Proverbs 3:5-6, Romans 8:28). Times may be rough for a season, but keep your eyes fixed on Him and you’ll do well (Eccl 3:1-8, Prov 4:25, Psalm 119:133, Jer 29:11).

It reminds me of some friends that went deep sea fishing. They say one of the first things the captain would tell you is to look out at the horizon. By fixing your eyes out in the distance at the horizon, it will help you avoid getting seasick. The same applies to driving. When you look further out ahead, everything seems to slow down around you and you’re more in control of the vehicle.

God’s Word tells us to fix our eyes on Him and to build on the rock, on a solid foundation rather than the sand of the seashore (Luke 6:48). By no means do I feel like I’ve mastered this; it’s just a lesson that God’s been challenging me with for some time. And every time I think I’m getting closer, it seems a bigger wave comes to try and take me out. Nevertheless, I’ve committed my focus to remain on Him for 2009 and beyond.

Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Romans 8:28 – And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 – For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.

Proverbs 4:25 – Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.

Psalm 119:133 – Establish my steps and direct them by [means of] Your word; let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

The Old Has Gone, The New Has Come

2009-01-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

The thing I love about New Years Day every year is the opportunity it offers us to have a fresh start, a new beginning, a do-over. I’m not really into resolutions, because let’s face it, they rarely last. But I am into reflection, and I try to take the opportunity to reflect on the past year, and my own role in it, and ruminate on the next year. It’s also a great time to review my foundation.

It’s good to take time to focus in on what I’ve done, for good or for bad, and make a determination to try to grow as a person, to ensure that by this time next year I’m further along in my journey. What goals do I want to accomplish (maybe the first is to actually set goals!) and what will I do to accomplish them? What relationships do I want to invest more into? How can I prioritize my time and my money, to ensure that I maximize both of them and minimalize the needless waste of either of them?

With the current state of the world, I think a lot of people were happy to say goodbye to 2008. And there is hope yet for 2009. Many people are placing their hope on January 20th, inauguration day for President-Elect Obama. And I’m not talking about American’s only. I’ve heard on the news recently that many nations are looking to him to solve their problems and save their country. Obviously, there are many problems with this.

There is only one Man who can be a Savior to the world – and it’s not Barack Obama! Jesus is the One who gives us a fresh start, a new beginning, a do-over. When we come to Him with a repentant heart, He forgives us and takes us lovingly into his family. He offers us love when we are unlovable, peace in turbulent times, comfort when we are hurting, and rest when we are weary.

It is impossible to predict what will unfold in 2009. Indicators, economists and even common sense, tell us that there are no quick fixes to the economic storm that is raging right now. And while it is good to be aware of the times and what ‘professionals’ think about it, I don’t put my faith in them. I put my faith in Jesus. After all, He has calmed a storm before, and He can certainly do it again!

The beginning of a new year really is an opportune time to review and the foundation that my life is built upon. Is it strong, firm and unshakeable? Or is it weak, cracked and sinking? If my foundation is firm, if Jesus is within me, then I need not fear the storm. After all, greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4) and through Him we are more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37)!

So this year, I resolve to ensure that my foundation grows stronger, not weaker. I resolve to not take my eyes off my Lord and focus on the waves. I resolve to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might (Eph. 6:10). Would you join me?

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” ~ Matt. 7:24-27

'Tis Still the Season

2008-12-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

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!

Giving, part 2

2008-12-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

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!

Tis the Season

2008-12-03T12:43:00.000-08:00

‘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

Giving - Part 1

2008-12-02T07:46:00.000-08:00

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?

The Times They Are A Changin'

2008-11-19T09:08:00.000-08:00

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

Choices, Changes and Challenges

2008-11-17T06:41:00.000-08:00

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!

Ishmael, Ishmael, Ishmael

2008-11-05T15:12:00.000-08:00

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!

Ishmael Moments

2008-11-04T07:23:00.000-08:00

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.

Welcome to "He Said, She Said" from Jeff

2008-10-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

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.

Welcome to "He Said, She Said" from Tracy

2008-10-27T08:21:00.000-07:00

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!