I love Christmas. It is my most favorite time of year. The glow of the Christmas tree. The smell of hot cocoa and my new cinnamon candle. The wonderful harmonies of The Messiah flowing through my home. The warm, snuggly scarves and sweaters. My two little girls running through the house in their Christmas pajamas and asking repeatedly with much anticipation, "Is it Christmas, yet??" I love it all. I even love the hustle and bustle of shopping for just the right gift. Tis the season.
But if I'm not very careful, I will allow all of these charming sights and smells and sounds to lure me away from the true meaning of this yearly celebration. Christmas is not about going to parties and putting up decorations and finding the perfect present at the best price. As we enter this time of year, we rejoice in the fact that God sent His one and only Son to earth as a baby, in order to live a sinless life and become the perfect sacrifice on our behalf.
Nestled within the account of Jesus' birth in the book of Matthew is the story of the Magi. In Matthew 2:1-12, we are told that these wise men came from the east, asking about the new infant king of the Jews. They saw His star and they wanted to see Him with their own eyes. As they searched for the child, they encountered others that did not seem to share their excitement about this bundle of true joy.
The Magi went to Jerusalem, assuming that the royal descendant would certainly be found there. When King Herod heard of their inquiries, he was immediately troubled by this information. (Matt. 2:3) You see, Herod was both cruel and paranoid. He was so determined to hold on to his crown that he was willing to kill his wives and sons because he was terrified that they would overthrow him. Scripture says that "all of Jerusalem" shared in his distress, for the people were aware of his brutality and they were mostly likely afraid that he would make them bear the brunt of his anger. The truth is that Herod didn't want to worship the Christ child. He wanted to kill Him. Herod responded to the birth of Christ with animosity. There are those today who also respond to Christ with hate-filled hearts. They desire to destroy any and all worship of the one true God. It is becoming increasingly more dangerous to share Christ with this lost and dying world. We must be bold to proclaim the truth.
In the story of the Magi, we also come into contact with the chief priests and scribes. The chief priests and scribes, along with the other lay elders, made up the Sanhedrin, which was the central Jewish authority under Herod's rule. These were the men that knew the prophecies about the Messiah and yet seemed to pay little attention to the Magi and their quest to see the newborn king. Instead of searching alongside the wise men, they fade into the background of the story. The chief priests and scribes responded to the birth of Christ with apathy. Many in our culture have an attitude of indifference about the birth of Christ. Christmas is more about toys and food than about celebrating the Savior. We must focus our minds on Christ and not allow our hearts to be divided.
The Magi followed the star and found "the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him." (Matt. 2:11) These Gentiles, who were considered separate from God, exhibited an openness and a reverence toward Jesus that His own people had not embraced. The Magi presented three gifts to the Christ child - gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Some say that the gold represented His royalty, the frankincense represented His divinity, and the myrrh represented His death and burial. The wise men responded to the birth of Christ with adoration. As believers, this season should draw us closer to the heart of God as we remember all that He has done for us through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We must offer Him our praise and rejoice in His great love and kindness toward us.
What is your response to Christ this Christmas? Does the season awaken feelings of animosity, apathy, or adoration in your heart? I want to challenge you to truly worship Christ this Christmas and seek to find ways to share the gospel with those around you who may have never heard.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
The Wonder Years
I spent most of the summer dreading August 20th. I worried over it and wept in light of it. I pondered my various options and prayed like never before. I second-guessed myself and struggled to come to grips with the undeniable fact.
Eden was going to start kindergarten.
How did this happen? Wasn't it just yesterday that I brought her home from the hospital and cried my eyes out because I was so happy, exhausted, and overwhelmed? Didn't she just mumble her first "Mama" and take her first clumsy steps as I walked next to her to soften her impending fall? It seems like only moments have passed since she graduated to her big girl bed and f-i-n-a-l-l-y decided it was okay to use the potty. As her mother, I have these memories cataloged in my (slowly deteriorating) brain, like a slideshow of all her significant stages.
And here we stood at the brink of yet another exhilarating step.
When the day finally arrived, it was nothing like I thought it would be. I anticipated much nervousness from my firstborn, and I was sure she would have some tears and fears about being separated from her loving mother. However, this was not the case. She woke early with excitement and hurried through the new morning routine. She squealed about her new stylish outfit and posed for the camera like a model on the runway. As we loaded into the car, Eden declared, "I am NOT going to cry!" And you know what? She didn't. When we got to the school, I grabbed her hand and tried to get a good grip on my emotions as she pranced happily next to me. We walked into her classroom, she quickly put her things away, and she left my side to find her name and get busy with her first activity. As Jason, Caroline, and I walked back into the hallway, I began to shed the first of many tears. (Caroline was sobbing loudly as well.) I couldn't believe it had actually happened. The painful goodbye had passed. And we survived.
As I think of all the anxiety and grief that I entertained over the thought of Eden growing up and having new life experiences, I know deep down that this is a necessary part of becoming who God desires for her to be. As much as I wish that I could freeze time and keep her as a tiny little baby for many years to come, I can't. That isn't the way the Creator designed us. He built us for growth. And if we didn't blossom and grow, there would be major cause for concern.
The same is true for our walk with Christ. If you are a believer, you are designed for growth. As a matter of fact, your growth is essential to the growth of the entire body of believers in Christ. Ephesians 4:11-16 states that...
I want to challenge to you consider your life thus far as a believer. Are you the same as you were when you first came to Christ? Or are you continuing to grow and change into the person He desires for you to be? I pray that you will be rooted in Him and that you will grow in His fullness and bear fruit for His kingdom.
Eden was going to start kindergarten.
How did this happen? Wasn't it just yesterday that I brought her home from the hospital and cried my eyes out because I was so happy, exhausted, and overwhelmed? Didn't she just mumble her first "Mama" and take her first clumsy steps as I walked next to her to soften her impending fall? It seems like only moments have passed since she graduated to her big girl bed and f-i-n-a-l-l-y decided it was okay to use the potty. As her mother, I have these memories cataloged in my (slowly deteriorating) brain, like a slideshow of all her significant stages.
And here we stood at the brink of yet another exhilarating step.
When the day finally arrived, it was nothing like I thought it would be. I anticipated much nervousness from my firstborn, and I was sure she would have some tears and fears about being separated from her loving mother. However, this was not the case. She woke early with excitement and hurried through the new morning routine. She squealed about her new stylish outfit and posed for the camera like a model on the runway. As we loaded into the car, Eden declared, "I am NOT going to cry!" And you know what? She didn't. When we got to the school, I grabbed her hand and tried to get a good grip on my emotions as she pranced happily next to me. We walked into her classroom, she quickly put her things away, and she left my side to find her name and get busy with her first activity. As Jason, Caroline, and I walked back into the hallway, I began to shed the first of many tears. (Caroline was sobbing loudly as well.) I couldn't believe it had actually happened. The painful goodbye had passed. And we survived.
As I think of all the anxiety and grief that I entertained over the thought of Eden growing up and having new life experiences, I know deep down that this is a necessary part of becoming who God desires for her to be. As much as I wish that I could freeze time and keep her as a tiny little baby for many years to come, I can't. That isn't the way the Creator designed us. He built us for growth. And if we didn't blossom and grow, there would be major cause for concern.
The same is true for our walk with Christ. If you are a believer, you are designed for growth. As a matter of fact, your growth is essential to the growth of the entire body of believers in Christ. Ephesians 4:11-16 states that...
"he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds, and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." (emphasis mine)How do we grow in our walk with the Lord? By reading and meditating on His Word and allowing Him to transform our wayward thoughts. By asking Him to fill us to overflowing with His Spirit so that we can exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. By spending time with the community of believers and joining with them in worship, fellowship, and service. By pointing the lost to Christ and telling them how He has rescued us from the pit of despair.
I want to challenge to you consider your life thus far as a believer. Are you the same as you were when you first came to Christ? Or are you continuing to grow and change into the person He desires for you to be? I pray that you will be rooted in Him and that you will grow in His fullness and bear fruit for His kingdom.
Monday, July 23, 2012
The Mind of Christ
ME FIRST!!!
This declaration rings throughout the halls of my house multiple times each day. Even though my daughters are wonderful playmates (until they're not), there tends to be an undercurrent of competition that exists between the two of them. Sometimes it's a race to pick the best Barbie out of the bunch. Sometimes it's a struggle to the perceived goal posts as they push their way out of the front door. Sometimes it's a contest to see who can finish their dinner the fastest so they can get back to more important things like dancing and imagining and coloring. No matter how insignificant it may seem to me in that moment, it is a life or death situation for my sweet, precious little rivals. They fuss. They fight. They scrutinize. They compare. I get frustrated with their disregard for each other, and there are days when I am weary with their utter selfishness.
Then I remember my own.
As I repeatedly lecture my children about shoving their way to the front of the imaginary line, I am struck with the embarrassing fact that I, too, get caught up in the desire to win. I struggle often with comparing myself with others and fight the urge to puff up my own qualities in light of theirs. It's not pretty, I know. It's downright ugly. So what's a hypocritical mama to do?
Yesterday I was drawn to the book of Philippians, and this passage jumped off the page at me.
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:3-8, ESV)
My responsibility as a Christ-follower is to put the interests of others ahead of my own. Even when I'm tired. Even when I'm cranky. Even when I've already put their needs before mine many times that day already. In this way, I can have the mind of Christ. Because He made Himself nothing so that He could give me everything. I want my life to radiate with that same humility and love.
Lord, thank You for Your obedience and for conquering death on the cross. Please help me to remember Your sacrifice as I yield my desires in order to "count others more significant" than myself.
This declaration rings throughout the halls of my house multiple times each day. Even though my daughters are wonderful playmates (until they're not), there tends to be an undercurrent of competition that exists between the two of them. Sometimes it's a race to pick the best Barbie out of the bunch. Sometimes it's a struggle to the perceived goal posts as they push their way out of the front door. Sometimes it's a contest to see who can finish their dinner the fastest so they can get back to more important things like dancing and imagining and coloring. No matter how insignificant it may seem to me in that moment, it is a life or death situation for my sweet, precious little rivals. They fuss. They fight. They scrutinize. They compare. I get frustrated with their disregard for each other, and there are days when I am weary with their utter selfishness.
Then I remember my own.
As I repeatedly lecture my children about shoving their way to the front of the imaginary line, I am struck with the embarrassing fact that I, too, get caught up in the desire to win. I struggle often with comparing myself with others and fight the urge to puff up my own qualities in light of theirs. It's not pretty, I know. It's downright ugly. So what's a hypocritical mama to do?
Yesterday I was drawn to the book of Philippians, and this passage jumped off the page at me.
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:3-8, ESV)
My responsibility as a Christ-follower is to put the interests of others ahead of my own. Even when I'm tired. Even when I'm cranky. Even when I've already put their needs before mine many times that day already. In this way, I can have the mind of Christ. Because He made Himself nothing so that He could give me everything. I want my life to radiate with that same humility and love.
Lord, thank You for Your obedience and for conquering death on the cross. Please help me to remember Your sacrifice as I yield my desires in order to "count others more significant" than myself.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Missional Mama
A couple of weeks ago I traveled with thirteen other brave souls to Montgomery, Alabama to serve the at-risk children that are a part of the Nehemiah Center in the Chisholm community. The ladies and youth led afternoon sessions where we taught the children Bible stories, made crafts, sang some songs, and played games with the kids. The men painted, mended fences, and performed other various odd jobs that were needed at the sponsoring church and at the center. We also worked together to prepare and serve both breakfast and lunch for the children each day.
Every time I have participated in a mission trip, I have always returned from the venture with an altered perspective, viewing life through changed eyes. This trip was no different. During our trek back home, my mind was flooded with memories and reflections on the week, and I want to share some of them here with you.
Every time I have participated in a mission trip, I have always returned from the venture with an altered perspective, viewing life through changed eyes. This trip was no different. During our trek back home, my mind was flooded with memories and reflections on the week, and I want to share some of them here with you.
- When we met the children at the beginning of the week, most of the kids appeared to be wary of our presence. I found it interesting that the older girls, in particular, wouldn't even make eye contact with me. The home life for some was far from ideal. Throughout the week, they learned that they could trust us and that we were there to share God's love with them. As I taught the final Bible story to one of the classes, I was struck by the fact that one of the older girls scooted up next to me, raising her hand to answer questions and giving me sweet smiles as I taught. It was a blessing to witness such a transformation from the first day. Lord, help me to be trustworthy and kind so that I can make an impact for the gospel.
- On the third day with the children, we accompanied them to a state park where they were able to go swimming and enjoy a nature hike. I must admit that I was not overly excited about hiking through the woods. I am more "indoorsy" and I really, really do not appreciate bugs of any sort. However, I agreed to trek through God's wonderful creation for the benefit of the kids. I'm not gonna lie...it was HARD. There were moments when my head started to spin because I was looking straight down the side of the mountain and I have a definite fear of heights. But I loved watching the children help each other (and me) through the tough spots. At one point some of the boys and girls started to run ahead of the group, and I can remember our fearless leader making the statement, "You can't follow me if you are in front of me." Woah. That's one to ponder. Lord, give me the courage to let you lead, so that I can follow Your ways.
- I was able to befriend another young mom who worked at the center, and I am still grieving the fact that I didn't have more time to get to know her better. She had the sweetest spirit and seemed to be full of energy, despite the fact that she is a mother of six. (Whew. I am down for the count with just two. I can't even imagine the laundry and dishes from SIX.) I learned that even though we live in different states, we were born in different countries, and we have vastly different backgrounds, there was still a tangible bond between us because of the power of the Holy Spirit. Lord, please help me to look past culture and circumstances to make a connection with those around me for Your kingdom.
- The last night that we were in Montgomery, the ladies that tirelessly run the Nehemiah Center invited us to their home for dinner. I was dazzled by their warmth and kindness and overflow of hospitality, even after working hard all day long. They told us story after heartbreaking story of the horrors some of those children face each and every day. I literally forced back tears. And it made me wonder...how many people in my own city are living in that same despair? Lord, please make me aware of how I can reach out to those in my community that need Your hope and salvation.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Man on a Hot Tin Roof
I am not a sports fanatic in any way, shape, or form. Athletics have never been my strong suit, although I have a very competitive streak when provoked. But I can recall attending my first and only hockey game with a friend while I was in college. It strikes me as humorous now, seeing as neither one of us had a particular affinity for hockey. I'm not even sure why we went. All I remember is the pure aggression that the players exhibited on the ice. They would glide along, working together with their teammates, when suddenly a fight would break lose. People yelled. Punches were thrown. Heart rates increased. Blood boiled. And then it was over. Someone was sent to the penalty box and the game continued. Until the next brawl.
Sometimes marriage can be just like that hockey rink...minus the ice and the face masks. There are days when we glide along, working together in perfect sync. And then a bad day hits. And then another. And if you are anything like me, my mouth moves faster than my brain. Before I know it, words have escaped my lips, and I desperately wish I could take them back.
I have been reading in the book of Proverbs in my quiet time, and I came across these verses...
"It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife." Proverbs 21:9
"It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman." Proverbs 21:19
"A continual dripping on a rainy day and a quarrelsome wife are alike; to restrain her is to restrain the wind or to grasp oil in one's right hand." Proverbs 27:15-16
Do you sense a theme here? Quarrelsome wife = NOT GOOD. Scripture says that our husbands would be better off hanging out on the roof than sharing perfectly good space in the house with their contentious, argumentative wives. The desert seems like paradise compared to spending the day enduring our verbal attack. Trying to restrain our belligerence is like trying to bridle the wind.
So how ARE we supposed to act?
First of all, disagreements will naturally occur in a marriage because the marital bond is shared by two sinners who sometimes have vastly divergent opinions. The word "quarrelsome" indicates that our attitude has somehow slipped out of line. Remember to respond to your husband with gentleness and kindness, even if you have a ironclad case against him. Proverbs 15:1 says, "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." You are responsible for your own actions. Watch your tone.
Secondly, when you do sense that you have taken a simple disagreement and turned it into a verbal boxing match, be quick to seek forgiveness. Apologize. Forgive as you have been forgiven in Christ. How much has He forgiven you? To the uttermost.
My prayer for you (and ME!) is that you would be trustworthy, that your husband would have no lack of gain, and that you would do him good and not harm, all the days of your life. (Proverbs 31:11-12)
Sometimes marriage can be just like that hockey rink...minus the ice and the face masks. There are days when we glide along, working together in perfect sync. And then a bad day hits. And then another. And if you are anything like me, my mouth moves faster than my brain. Before I know it, words have escaped my lips, and I desperately wish I could take them back.
I have been reading in the book of Proverbs in my quiet time, and I came across these verses...
"It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife." Proverbs 21:9
"It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman." Proverbs 21:19
"A continual dripping on a rainy day and a quarrelsome wife are alike; to restrain her is to restrain the wind or to grasp oil in one's right hand." Proverbs 27:15-16
Do you sense a theme here? Quarrelsome wife = NOT GOOD. Scripture says that our husbands would be better off hanging out on the roof than sharing perfectly good space in the house with their contentious, argumentative wives. The desert seems like paradise compared to spending the day enduring our verbal attack. Trying to restrain our belligerence is like trying to bridle the wind.
So how ARE we supposed to act?
First of all, disagreements will naturally occur in a marriage because the marital bond is shared by two sinners who sometimes have vastly divergent opinions. The word "quarrelsome" indicates that our attitude has somehow slipped out of line. Remember to respond to your husband with gentleness and kindness, even if you have a ironclad case against him. Proverbs 15:1 says, "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." You are responsible for your own actions. Watch your tone.
Secondly, when you do sense that you have taken a simple disagreement and turned it into a verbal boxing match, be quick to seek forgiveness. Apologize. Forgive as you have been forgiven in Christ. How much has He forgiven you? To the uttermost.
My prayer for you (and ME!) is that you would be trustworthy, that your husband would have no lack of gain, and that you would do him good and not harm, all the days of your life. (Proverbs 31:11-12)
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
The Answer is No
The scene I am about to describe plays out multiple times over any given week in my house.
Lights, camera, action...
Eden gets bored with the three thousand toys and games that are piled into the playroom and her bedroom. She approaches me as timidly and humbly as possible and asks if she can please, please, please watch something on TV. I respond by saying "no"and she proceeds to pout for the next ten minutes. Then when I ask her to come to me so that I can attempt to reason with her, she erupts into tears and wails, "I THINK YOU DON'T LIKE ME!!! I calmly reply that I do like her, I think she is the coolest five year old in the world, and I LOVE her more than I can say. She continues to cry for a couple of minutes but eventually moves on to other creative ventures.
End scene.
I am not withholding TV time because I am mean-spirited and I want Eden to wither away in apathy. I want better for her and I know that she is fully capable of coming up with something to entertain herself on her own. I am loving her by saying no. However, she interprets my actions as hateful and wonders if I even like her. I most certainly do.
Does this scene ever happen between you and God? You pray and beg and plead for something and His answer is no. You pout for a little while, and then you begin to wonder if God is truly wise and kind and loving like His Word claims. Maybe He's holding out on you because of that sin that you committed many moons ago. Maybe He's refusing your desired happiness because you haven't quite grasped the concepts of patience and gentleness and kindness. You speculate about why others seem to be winning the "life lottery" and seeing their wildest dreams come true. You even allow yourself to ponder the thought that He doesn't even like you. I can assure you that He DOES.
First of all, GOD LOVES YOU. Truly. Madly. Deeply. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (ESV) And there is nothing that could make Him stop loving you. According to Romans 8:38-39, neither "death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (ESV) His love for us is unchangeable and unshakeable.
Secondly, GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOU. He knows you better than you know yourself and He has a purpose for your life. Jeremiah 29:11 states, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (ESV) God created you and designed you, and His plans for you are so very good. When He says no, it's because He wants you to experience the pure joy of HIS perfect plan for you.
Third, GOD IS NOT LIKE YOU. In Isaiah 55:8-9, the Lord proclaims that "my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (ESV) He doesn't think like you. He isn't consumed with worry and fear like you. He isn't limited by time, so He can see the beginning, the end, and everything in between. He sees every thread in the tapestry of your life and He knows exactly how to weave your circumstances into something incredibly beautiful for His glory.
So sit tight, my friend. God is in control and He sees you right where you are. His plan is best. Trust Him completely and watch His wonders unfold.
Lights, camera, action...
Eden gets bored with the three thousand toys and games that are piled into the playroom and her bedroom. She approaches me as timidly and humbly as possible and asks if she can please, please, please watch something on TV. I respond by saying "no"and she proceeds to pout for the next ten minutes. Then when I ask her to come to me so that I can attempt to reason with her, she erupts into tears and wails, "I THINK YOU DON'T LIKE ME!!! I calmly reply that I do like her, I think she is the coolest five year old in the world, and I LOVE her more than I can say. She continues to cry for a couple of minutes but eventually moves on to other creative ventures.
End scene.
I am not withholding TV time because I am mean-spirited and I want Eden to wither away in apathy. I want better for her and I know that she is fully capable of coming up with something to entertain herself on her own. I am loving her by saying no. However, she interprets my actions as hateful and wonders if I even like her. I most certainly do.
Does this scene ever happen between you and God? You pray and beg and plead for something and His answer is no. You pout for a little while, and then you begin to wonder if God is truly wise and kind and loving like His Word claims. Maybe He's holding out on you because of that sin that you committed many moons ago. Maybe He's refusing your desired happiness because you haven't quite grasped the concepts of patience and gentleness and kindness. You speculate about why others seem to be winning the "life lottery" and seeing their wildest dreams come true. You even allow yourself to ponder the thought that He doesn't even like you. I can assure you that He DOES.
First of all, GOD LOVES YOU. Truly. Madly. Deeply. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (ESV) And there is nothing that could make Him stop loving you. According to Romans 8:38-39, neither "death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (ESV) His love for us is unchangeable and unshakeable.
Secondly, GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOU. He knows you better than you know yourself and He has a purpose for your life. Jeremiah 29:11 states, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (ESV) God created you and designed you, and His plans for you are so very good. When He says no, it's because He wants you to experience the pure joy of HIS perfect plan for you.
Third, GOD IS NOT LIKE YOU. In Isaiah 55:8-9, the Lord proclaims that "my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (ESV) He doesn't think like you. He isn't consumed with worry and fear like you. He isn't limited by time, so He can see the beginning, the end, and everything in between. He sees every thread in the tapestry of your life and He knows exactly how to weave your circumstances into something incredibly beautiful for His glory.
So sit tight, my friend. God is in control and He sees you right where you are. His plan is best. Trust Him completely and watch His wonders unfold.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Forbidden Fruit
We have a brand new kitchen floor, and as the guardian of cleanliness in the Fletcher household, it is my duty to make sure that it is well-maintained. When we moved into our house, I was told to use a certain, high-powered cleaner to really make the floor shimmer and shine. But because of the potency of this particular cleaner, I get very nervous about my children pitter-pattering their little feet across the kitchen floor while it is still wet and potentially dangerous to their precious growing bodies.
So the other day, as I began mopping the floor with said cleaner, I gave my "sometimes compliant" children express instructions to stay off the kitchen floor while it dried. They listened with rapt attention as I explained that, under no circumstances were they allowed to cross through that doorway into the temporary danger zone. And while they immediately obeyed and kept their footsies off the floor, I also noticed that they sat right up against the line that divided the family room from the kitchen. Perilously close to the forbidden floor, but not actually touching it.
After a few moments, both of my daughters grew bored with watching the floor dry and ran off to occupy themselves with more interesting things like Barbies and baby dolls. But when they sailed past me to cut through the kitchen minutes later, I had to warn them once again that they had to choose a different route. Eventually, I didn't catch the three year old in time, and she waltzed right through the prohibited area without even blinking an eye. Thankfully, the floor was bone dry by then and the perceived danger had passed.
I wish I could say that the desire to push the boundaries (and sometimes run right past them) is a rare inclination in our household or even in our society at large. But sadly, it is a cancer that infects our hearts as a result of our sinful nature.The book of Genesis paints the glorious picture of how God spoke the world into existence and lovingly placed the first man and woman in a beautifully perfect garden that was fully stocked with all sorts of wonderful plants and fruits so they could fill their bellies to their heart's content. There was only one tree that God withheld from their smorgasbord. Only one. And only three short chapters into the very first book of the Bible, Adam and Eve fall head over heels into sin by eating the only fruit that they were commanded not to eat. But thankfully...and mercifully...the story doesn't end there.
God had a plan. He knew what we were going to do before we even did it. And He sent and sacrificed His Son on the cross to atone for our sins and satisfy His holy justice. Hallelujah! What a Savior! God continues to work out His plan in the lives of those who have surrendered to Him. So even though we still reach for that forbidden fruit day after day, His mercy remains and He stands ready and willing to forgive and receive us back by the power of His unending love. His grace is truly amazing.
So the other day, as I began mopping the floor with said cleaner, I gave my "sometimes compliant" children express instructions to stay off the kitchen floor while it dried. They listened with rapt attention as I explained that, under no circumstances were they allowed to cross through that doorway into the temporary danger zone. And while they immediately obeyed and kept their footsies off the floor, I also noticed that they sat right up against the line that divided the family room from the kitchen. Perilously close to the forbidden floor, but not actually touching it.
After a few moments, both of my daughters grew bored with watching the floor dry and ran off to occupy themselves with more interesting things like Barbies and baby dolls. But when they sailed past me to cut through the kitchen minutes later, I had to warn them once again that they had to choose a different route. Eventually, I didn't catch the three year old in time, and she waltzed right through the prohibited area without even blinking an eye. Thankfully, the floor was bone dry by then and the perceived danger had passed.
I wish I could say that the desire to push the boundaries (and sometimes run right past them) is a rare inclination in our household or even in our society at large. But sadly, it is a cancer that infects our hearts as a result of our sinful nature.The book of Genesis paints the glorious picture of how God spoke the world into existence and lovingly placed the first man and woman in a beautifully perfect garden that was fully stocked with all sorts of wonderful plants and fruits so they could fill their bellies to their heart's content. There was only one tree that God withheld from their smorgasbord. Only one. And only three short chapters into the very first book of the Bible, Adam and Eve fall head over heels into sin by eating the only fruit that they were commanded not to eat. But thankfully...and mercifully...the story doesn't end there.
God had a plan. He knew what we were going to do before we even did it. And He sent and sacrificed His Son on the cross to atone for our sins and satisfy His holy justice. Hallelujah! What a Savior! God continues to work out His plan in the lives of those who have surrendered to Him. So even though we still reach for that forbidden fruit day after day, His mercy remains and He stands ready and willing to forgive and receive us back by the power of His unending love. His grace is truly amazing.
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