Giving God Control

http://youtu.be/0wiVjOo3sQQ  - Lord I Give You My Heart - Michael W Smith

Galatians 5:22-23



But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!


Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.

Self-Control - ugh!


Good friends treated Larry and me to dinner at Cheddars tonight. The food was so delicious! Tilapia with mango salsa!

It was wonderful. About half-way into my meal, I was feeling a little full, you know what I mean, when you realize that one more bite just might be too much. But it was so good....

So I didn't stop. I took 3-4 more bites. Before long I began to wish that I had not felt the need to "clean my plate".

I never eat dessert. Well, hardly ever. But our friend ordered two large chocolate chip cookies topped with 2 scoops of ice cream. Yum-yum! It looked so good. Maybe just a bite or two, surely that wouldn't hurt anything.

I was wrong. I didn't stop at one or two bites. And now I'm miserable. If I could just go back and do it over, or should I say - undo it. I would have stopped half way through the Tilapia, and I wouldn't have even been tempted by the cookie and ice cream dessert. But I can't go back. What's done is done, and I'm paying the price.

If only I had used more self control.

Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. I don't hear many sermons about it. I don't think we Americans like the word all that much. After all, we're living in a country where over indulgence is a way of life. Too much food, too much t.v., too much _____________ - You can fill in the blank. We have access to so much of everything. It's really obscene.  And we don't like to tell ourselves "no" very often. At least, I don't.

As I sat staring at my computer screen feeling like a beached whale, I thought back to church
Wednesday night.  We talked about fasting. I began to see a connection between self-control and fasting.

Matthew 6:16

“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.

One of the men in the class asked, "why we don't fast?"   Great question.
 
According to the Hayford Bible hand book, the Verb "fast" occurs 22 times and the Noun fast occurs 26 times. And the verse in Matthew says "WHEN you fast", not if you fast.  So I began to wonder.  Could Fasting be more than a suggestion?  We've certainly made other things "set in stone" rules without much more inference.
 
Possibly, it's just one of those things that people did back in bible times - not really relevant for us today - especially not relevant for us Americans, right?  Or could it be that fasting requires more selflessness than most of us are willing to endure?  Are we just too self-indulgent to go without food for a day or two?

Seems to me that Fasting is a perfect example of exercising self-control.

I've fasted in the past - not often -  and usually more for medical reasons. At times, Periodically, I have gone one day without eating solid food just to give my body a little break.  One day isn't long enough to suffer from malnutrition,  although to hear me tell, you'd think I was starving!  But one day is usually just enough to help give my insides a reprieve from all the garbage I eat; I almost always feel better after fasting for a day. 

But I don't think that's the kind of Fasting Jesus was talking about.
My fasting, for the most part, has been selfish fasting - I fasted so I would feel better. 

Bible Fasting has a totally different focus.  Fasting is a tool, not unlike Prayer. It's a discipline that I can use to help me to take my eyes off myself and my little world, and instead focus completely on my relationship with Jesus.  For that little while when I'm fasting, I'm  seeking spiritual food instead of physical sustenance.

Luke 5:33-35
One day some people said to Jesus, “John the Baptist’s disciples fast and pray regularly, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees. Why are your disciples always eating and drinking?”
Jesus responded, “Do wedding guests fast while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.”

I'm no bible scholar but this passage indicates to me that when Jesus was no longer on the earth with His disciples, time spent in fasting and prayer would help the disciples feel His presence more.  I think He's indicating that fasting would be something that could help them stay centered and in communion with Him. 
I don't think Fasting is a magic trick to get God to do what I want Him to do.  Instead, it's a time of turning my eyes to God and away from the worries and cares of the world; its a time when I am fully and completely relying on Him for all my needs.  When I get a hunger pain, it serves to remind me that He is the true Bread of Life.  When I feel hungry, I pray.

Fasting should be done with humility and generally, in private.  No one should even know I'm fasting.  If I'm making a big to-do over my self-sacrificing, then my focus is on me, not on my relationship with Christ.  Jesus told the disciples - don't make a fuss, don't draw attention to yourself when you are fasting.  Fasting is NOT to be done so others can see how "righteous" I am.  Fasting is all about drawing nearer to God.

Fasting doesn't have to be about giving up food.  For some people, medically that's not safe.  Fasting can be giving up T.V. or anything that might play an important role in my life.  Doing without Facebook or Texting might be more of a sacrifice for some.   The goal is godly self-control.  Bringing my body, my thoughts, my actions into submission to Christ; placing Him above all other things that might steal my attention and time from Him. 

Corinthians 9:24-25
Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.


Paul says we are training just like an athletic, we, too,  train our bodies.  We work them hard.  We give up certain foods.  We might give up drinking or smoking.  We take control of our bodies so that our bodies will br fit for the task ahead of us.  Winning the Race, right? 
 
I want to get the best out of this life, and I like having fun just as much as the next guy.  But this life isn't going to last forever.  I don't want to waste time chasing after things that don't really matter at all. My future is with Christ. My focus should always be centered on the Eternal life He has promised me. 
 
How can I get the best out of this life?  That's easy.  I can listen to God's instructions and do the things He directs me to do. He wants my happiness and joy more than I do.  I'm His child!  So I can trust that what He has planned for me will be much better than what I might settle for when I'm seeking "fun" for myself.   
 
I can just imagine how frustrated He must feel when I'm doing things my way instead of listening to Him.  Can't you hear Him saying: 
 
"Child, I have so much more for you if you'd just listen.  I know your future, and I will guide you around the potholes and  through the detours of this world if you just listen and obey." 
 
But do I listen?  Not always.  Sometimes  I simply ignore his instructions.
Other times I don't listen because I'm distracted, and I cannot hear Him for all the noise and chatter. 
 
Fasting is a sacrifice I can lift up to God.  When I willingly give up something that's important to me in order to have more time for what's most important, I believe God honors my offering. and is more than willing to meet with me for a time of sweet communion. Having that precious time with God is worth so much more than than a chocolate chip cookie with ice cream.
 
Self control is not about punishing my body by refusing to eat or by over exercising; it's not about cutting myself or any other method I might use to feel "in control" of my life.  Self Control that is a fruit of the Spirit is when I give up "self" - and  invite the Holy Spirit to take control.  Fasting helps me do that.
 
http://youtu.be/MV63_Vmf-74 - All I Need is You Lord - Hillsong

Lord, please draw me close to You.  There are so many temptations and distractions in my life, and some of those distractions might even be good things, but when I get so caught up in those "good things" that I fail to spend time with my Father, when I don't sit with Jesus and focus on Him, those good things become a tool for the Enemy to take my eyes away from what's most important: my relationship with You.  Clear my mind.  Purify my heart, renew my spirit.  Give me strength and determination to be more in control of how I spend my time.  Help me to always make my time with You my first priority.  I want to know You better.  I want the peace that being in Your presence gives me.  I need You more than anything else in this world.  Show me how to use fasting as a time when I give you full control over everything.  In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.

Jesus fasted for forty days and forty nights.  Why?  Surely, He was close to His Father!  Yet He knew what was coming.  After His baptism, He knew the battle had begun.  The Enemy would do everything in his power to keep Jesus from accomplishing His God given mission.  Even though Jesus was God, He was not relying on His rights as God. He faced every temptation that the Enemy threw at Him - not as God but as a man. As a man, He knew that He would need to feel His Father's presence in a powerful way. He needed God's strength.  Jesus kept His eyes on His Father so that He would not be controlled by His physical wants and needs. He completely focused on what God wanted for Him.  Jesus used Fasting and Prayer to stay connected in mind and spirit to His Father.

If Jesus needed to Fast, how in world can I think I don't need that kind of close communion with God to enable me to stand against the enemy? 

http://youtu.be/FMrAafe7Mns - With All I Am - Hillsong

MY Best Friend

FRIEND - a person one knows, likes and trusts.

James 2:23
And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”  He was even called the friend of God.

Exodus 33:11
Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.

http://youtu.be/lcxKRsn-hGc - I am a Friend of God - Phillips Craig and Dean


I love this song.  But honestly, I have always questioned if I have the right to call myself a "friend of God".  After all, I'm no Moses and I'm no Abraham.  But just like both of them, I have faith in God.  I believe in the saving Power of Jesus Christ with all my heart, but is that all it takes for me to be considered a Friend of God?

Friend is defined as a person whom one knows, likes and trusts.  

God knows me, to be sure.  He made me.  He knows everything about me.  He knows my thoughts, and what I'm going to say even before I say it.  He understands me better than I understand myself.  And I know Him through His word and by the amazing things He does in life.

God loves me with a love that goes way beyond my understanding of love.  I believe that His perfect love would also "like" .  So, I believe my Father likes me, too.  I and can truthfully say I like God more than I like anything.

Does He trust me?  I definitely trust Him, but does He trust me? That's a tough one.  I so want to be trustworthy in His eyes.  My heart's desire is to live for Him, but no matter how hard I try, I keep doing things I shouldn't. And I fail to do the things I know I should. Me and Paul, right? 

Romans 7:18-20
I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.  But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 

Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?  Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.

I can so identify with Paul.  And like Paul, I'm so thankful that Jesus redeemed me from my fate as being a slave to the Enemy.  I still stumble, I still fall, but I get back up with His strength and power.  With all my faults, when my Father looks at me, He sees the righteousness of Jesus.  Thank You, LORD, for Your grace and mercy that saved a wretch like me!

God trusts me to lean on Jesus. He knows that I reach for His Hand in all situations.  He knows I fall - often - but He knows the intention of my heart is to do His Will.  I hope to be worthy of His trust.

As I searched for an answer to my question,  "Does God consider me His friend?", I found the answer spoken by Jesus Himself.

John 15:12-15
This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. ¹³ There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. ¹⁴ You are my friends if you do what I command. ¹⁵ I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.

If I do what Jesus commands, I am His friend.  Tall order, right!

When I read through the Gospels and listen to the instructions Jesus gives to His followers, I tend to feel very inadequate - not quite up to the task of obeying all his instructions. 

I have to forgive others as I've been forgiven?

I have to take up my cross daily and follow Him?

I have to seek Him first in all things?

I have to love others as I love myself???

I really want to do those things.  I want to make my Father proud.  But, boy, do I fall short.  Every day!
How can Christ consider me His friend when I can't seem to get these things right?  I desperately need help.
I need someone to stand over me and remind me to choose His way, not my own.  I need guidance.

Great news for me!  Jesus provided His Holy Spirit to give me everything I need to obey His commandments, to follow His decrees and regulations.

John 15:26
 “But I will send you the Advocate (Helper, Comforter, Encourager, Counselor)—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.

Ezekiel 36:26-28
And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. “And you will live in Israel, the land I gave your ancestors long ago. You will be my people, and I will be your God."

I want to be a friend of God, and Jesus made that possible through His death, burial and resurrection.  He created in me a new heart, and He put His Spirit inside of me.  I am sealed by His Spirit who lives me (Thank You, Jesus!) This is the very Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead.  The Holy Spirit is powerful and He gives me strength, wisdom, guidance, encouragement, comfort... The Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit gives me everything I need to obey, to follow, to be a Friend of God.

2 Corinthians 21-22
Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.

Ephesians 1:12-14 NLT - Paul writes...
God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God.  And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, He identified you as His own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom He promised long ago. The Spirit is God’s guarantee that He will give us the inheritance He promised and that He has purchased us to be His own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify Him.


I belong to Christ.  He has given me His Holy Spirit as a guarantee that everything He promised will be fulfilled.  The Spirit gives me all I need to obey and follow Christ.  The Holy Spirit living in me is more powerful than the spirit in this world. (the Enemy)  I will stumble, more times than I'd like to admit, but because I belong to Christ, the Spirit lifts me up, puts me back on my feet, and says, "Let's try that again."

When I measure my walk with Christ to Abraham's or Moses' walk with God, I feel unworthy.  They were such powerful men of faith. 

Hebrews 11:8
It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going.

Hebrews 11:24-27
It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.  He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin.  He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward.  It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.

I can't measure up to Abraham or Moses. They are both in the "Faith Hall of Fame".   They trusted God to do what He promised. They stepped out in Faith.  Amazing Faith.  If that's what it takes to be a friend of God, I may be in trouble.

I believe with all my heart that Christ has saved me, and that I will spend Eternity with Him because of what He has done.  He promised me, and God always keeps His promises.  But I falter.  I don't always choose the right path.  I disobey - not because I don't want to the right thing, but because I'm weak and I take eyes of Jesus.  I fail to listen to His Spirit living in me.  Does that mean God doesn't consider me His friend?

I don't think so.  A closer look at Abraham and Moses encourages me.  Abraham was not perfect.  He made his wife, Sarai, lie and say she was his sister.  Sarai was beautiful, and Abraham was afraid that Pharaoh would have him killed so that he could take Sarai (Sarah) for himself.  Abraham lied more than once.

Abraham also made a terrible decision when he slept with Haggar, his wife's handmaiden.  Sarai wanted a son desperately and felt that she was too old for for that to happen.  God promised that He would make Abraham the father of many, and that all nations of the earth would be blessed through his Seed.  But Sarah didn't believe God.  Abraham should have been the spiritual leader of his family.  He should have stood firm and told Sarah that God's promise would happen.  But instead he listened to his wife instead of trusting God.

Moses killed a man.  He saw an Egyptian mistreating an Israelite, and in his efforts to help his people, he killed the Egyptian and then ran away. 

Moses complained.  He told God he couldn't do what God wanted to do. 

Moses had doubts...

Exodus 3:11
But Moses protested to God, “Who am I to appear before Pharaoh? Who am I to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt?”


Moses complained ...

Number 11:11
And Moses said to the Lord, “Why are you treating me, your servant, so harshly? Have mercy on me! What did I do to deserve the burden of all these people?

Moses failed to give God credit from bring water out of the rock...

Numbers 20:9-11
So Moses did as he was told. He took the staff from the place where it was kept before the Lord. ¹⁰ Then he and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock. “Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?”

I do stupid things just like Abraham and Moses.  But just like Abraham and Moses, I love the Lord with all my heart.  My desire is to honor Him and bring Him glory by the way I live my life here on earth.  I fall short, but God can use me, inspite of my failures as a testimony to His faithfulness.  I fall down, but He's always there to pick me back up.  He's my Friend.


http://youtu.be/b0Hz4OAVfWE - What a Friend we have in Jesus - the Haven Quartet
I mess up every day but my heart belongs to Jesus.  I am a friend of God.  And even better, HE is my Friend.

Father God, because of Your great mercy, my faith, as weak as it is compared to the faith of Abraham and that of Moses, my struggling faith gives me "friend" status with You.  Jesus said that there was no greater man than John the Baptist, yet the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than John!  Not because of what we've done, but all because of what Jesus did for us.  I want to be considered Your friend.  I do want to obey Your commands.  I do want to walk according to the instructions Jesus gave us.  But You know very well how easily I get off track.  Thank You for giving me Your Spirit to live in me, to guide me and encouragement me on my earthly journey.  Thank You for providing everything I need to live this life for You.  Thank You most of all for Jesus, my true Friend, who covers me with His precious blood so that I can stand before Your Holy Throne, not with a righteousness of my own, but in His Righeousness.  Give me strength and power over the Enemy today and always,  so that my life will honor You and bring You glory.  In the blessed Name of Jesus I pray. Amen. 

John 11:11
“I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is!..."



http://youtu.be/TCUO7FAp6J8 - My Savior, My God - Aaron Shust

the Joy of the Lord

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!

People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm36:7

 

http://youtu.be/jeAUZdaLmBc - I'm trading my sorrow 

2 Corinthians 4:7-9
But we have this treasure (the Holy Spirit) in jars of clay (our human bodies)  to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.  We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

I feel stronger just reading that passage.  Very few of us will have to endure more hardships and suffering than Paul, but his continual message was one of victory and thanksgiving.  He continues this thought:

Corinthians 4:6-18:
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

His joy was in the strength of the Lord!



Today, I'm trading my sorrow, I'm trading my pain, I'm trading it all for the joy of the LORD!  Yes, Lord!!!

JOY -  the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good                    or satisfying;  keen pleasure; elation.

 Joy is a feeling of delight so deep and so lasting that one radiates happiness and expresses it spontaneously.  (Dictionary.com)

Nehemiah 8:10
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”


 
1 Chronicles 16:26-28
The gods of other nations are mere idols, but the Lord made the heavens!
Honor and majesty surround Him; strength and joy fill His dwelling. 
O nations of the world, recognize the Lord, recognize that the Lord is glorious and strong.

The joy -  that feeling of delight so deep and so lasting that one radiates happiness and expresses it spontaneously - that joy of the LORD is my strength!

What does that mean to me? 
For me it's a promise.  When I remember and focus on how awesomely wonderful and delightful being in God's Presence is, when I rest in the knowledge that the Creator of the Universe is my Father who loves and cares for me; when I take the time to observe the beauty of all His creation and realize that I am His very special possession - over all His amazing Creation; these thoughts give me strength to do anything that I might be required to do.  This understanding of who God is in my life gives me such unexplainable happiness that it simply overflows, and I radiate contentment and satisfaction no matter what my circumstances may be.

I'm afraid I don't always radiate that contentment, and that's too bad.  Because not only do I have a future with God in Eternity, I have the power of His Spirit living within me every single moment of every single day.  What can this world do to me?  I am a child of the King of the Universe.  He is my strength, my protector, my provider, my defender.  He is faithful.  He never leaves nor forsakes me.  All I have to do is call on Him, and He hears my every cry.  He goes before me preparing my way.  Nothing that happens to me comes as a surprise to Him, because He is not limited by time. He is already there in my future making sure I have everything I need to handle anything that comes my way.  And the future He has prepared for me is too wonderful for me to comprehend.

Good grief!  I should be beside myself with joy every single minute! 

How can I grasp the truth about my great GOD?  There are no words I can use to express His greatness, His majesty, or His love for all His children.  He is simply indescribably awesome!  And HE loves me, unconditionally!  That is reason for me to celebrate, to be full of joy!

http://youtu.be/7-zJHgaoVa4 - Indescribable - Chris Tomlin

Psalm 8:3-4
When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
the moon and the stars you set in place—
what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them?

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.This is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving that David sang before the people as the Ark of the Convenant was returned to Jerusalem.  The Presence of the LORD dwelt in the Ark. Having the Ark returned meant God's Presence was now back in Jerusalem.  David was full of joy and celebrated without one thought of looking foolish in front of his people. The mighty King danced in the streets; he radiated happiness and joy because of what the LORD had done for them.

That day David first appointed Asaph and his associates to give praise to the LORD in this manner:


1 Chronicles 16
Give praise to the LORD, proclaim His name;
make known among the nations what He has done. 
Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts. 
Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. 
Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always. ...


Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim His salvation day after day. 
Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples. 
For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods. 
For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. 
Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and joy are in His dwelling place. 

Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; bring an offering and come before Him.
Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness. Tremble before Him, all the earth!

The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
Let them say among the nations, “The LORD reigns!” Let the sea resound, and all that is in it;
let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them! Let the trees of the forest sing,
let them sing for joy before the LORD, for He comes to judge the earth. 

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever. 
We cry out, “Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations,
that we may give thanks to Your holy name, and glory in Your praise.”


Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting.
Then all the people said “Amen” and “Praise the LORD.”

http://youtu.be/uSM96OA39ic - Forever God is Faithful - Michael W Smith

Holy God, Creator the Universe, I lift up  all my praise and worship to You!  
You alone are worthy of all my praise and devotion.  Thank You for being faithful
even when I'm distracted by the cares of this world.  I will not be afraid for You,
O God, are with me always!  May the whole earth, all of Creation lift up praises
to Your Holy Name!   You reign!!! Amen.



Am I part of the Solution?

http://youtu.be/V9G-KN3tdag - I'll Stand by You - Glee

Psalm 41:1
"Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble.
The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; He will bless him in the land and not
surrender him to the desire of his foes.

  http://youtu.be/qpSBxxNNSWc -   Phoebe Prince story -

Phoebe needed a hero; someone willing to stand with her against the malicious bullying. She felt alone and helpless to defend herself and her reputation.  She couldn't see a time in future when it would be better.  She couldn't think past the pain of the moment.  What if other kids and teachers would have stood up and said, "Phoebe, what's happening to you is wrong, and we're not going to put up with it any longer."  What if they  would have stood up against the bullies and stood with Phoebe?  What if they would have told the bullies "NO MORE!"

Jealousy.  That's one of the Enemy's favorite tools.  This nightmare, Phoebe's nightmare, all started over a boy.  Phoebe was new to the school and one of the popular boys liked her.  His old girlfriend was jealous and determined to make Phoebe pay for "stealing" him away from her.  Her friends joined in and made Phoebe's life a living hell. 

Phoebe's gone now. The kids involved in the bullying now have a police record.  Nobody won this battle.
And the people who saw what was happening...they have to wonder, "What if I would have stepped up?  What if I would have tried to a make difference for Phoebe?"

http://youtu.be/7_qGcq6z0A0 - Keep Holding On - Avril Lavigne

"How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked? 

Defend the weak and the fatherless; the cause of the poor and the oppressed.

Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."


Who am I, right?

Well, I'm one mom who is ready to say "NO MORE! Not on my watch!"

I have never been bullied. Nor have I bullied others. But you know what I have done?

I saw classmates who were made fun of and called names, and I didn't say anything. Oh, sure, I might smile at them in the hallways (and that was a good thing) but there was no way I was willing to sit by them at lunch. After all, then others might think I was "one of them" - one of the outcasts.

If I'm not part of the solution, I'm part of the problem!

Some of you may think this isn't something you need to be concerned about. You may not have a child that's dealing with bullying, but do you know a child that might be a victim or a perpetrator? Are you a teacher, an aunt, an uncle, a grandparent? You may be the only one willing to stand up for a child who needs to know they have value. Can you be "Jesus" to that child?

Parents, talk to your children. Your child may be experiencing bullying and too ashamed to tell you. He may be witnessing bullying and not know what he can do to stop it. He may be joining in with taunting and name-calling out of fear of becoming the next victim if he doesn't join in. And even the bullies themselves may very well be hurting on the inside and taking out their pain on someone they see as weaker, or they may just not understand the pain they are causing because they can't feel compassion. Whatever the situation, we adults need to come along side our kids and show them God's way is so much better.

Too many young people have killed themselves because of unrelenting bullying for us to act like it's not an issue we need to worry about. Let's stop this emotional and sometimes physical brutality. Let's say "NO MORE!". I don't think any of us approve of bullying, yet when we refuse to take a stand against it, aren't we  just as guilty as the person who is doing the bullying?

Who do you think hurt Jesus the most?  The Pharisees hurling all those insults and shouting for Jesus to be crucified or Peter, His trusted friend, denying that he even knew Him?  The difference was Peter knew better but did it any way.  TAKE A STAND!

If I'm not part of the solution, I'm part of the problem!

Bullying can happen to anyone. If we took an anonymous poll of our students and asked who had been bullied or made to feel left out or not good enough by their peers or by anyone, I'll bet we'd be amazed. I've included the video above as just one example of a young girl who appeared to have everything going for her. She was beautiful and well liked by many people, but a few mean spirited kids made her life a living-hell. No one knew until it was too late.

We parents should educate ourselves, too. Cyber-bullying is a horrible thing. Kids are being attacked and bullied through texting, Social network sites, email... And unlike when they are bullied at school and can find safety at home, they can't get away from cyber-bullying. It follows them wherever they go. And the anonymity of it gives would-be bullies more courage to be vicious and hateful. If your child is on Facebook or texting, teach him to block offensive "friends", tell him to refuse to engage in conversations that are mean spirited, tell him to tell an adult when he sees bullying on the internet, and make sure he knows the damage that words can cause, so that he won't inadvertently cause harm to someone else with his words. A careless accusation on Facebook, a hurtful comment could be just enough to push some struggling, hurting child over the edge. Those kids that terrorized the young lady on the video are now facing criminal charges - all because of their words!

I read this article from Focus on the Family.
http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/schooling/bullying/the_wounded_spirit.aspx

I hope you'll take the time to read the entire article.  Tom Neven paints a very real picture of what bullying can do to a person's spirit - even long after the bullying ends.  He shares the painful story of Frank Peritti, author of This Present Darkness and  Piercing Through the Darkness.  Mr. Peritti was a victim of vicious bullying when he was young because of a medical condition that he had - it made him "different".  Looking "different" is like waving a red flag in front of a bull to a bully.

Middle school years can be torture.  For young Frank, the locker room - that male domain full of testosterone and immature boys who are doing their best to look like real "men", pushing and shoving, etc.... that locker room became his greatest fear.   It was all in good fun, right?  But to him and many other young boys, it was horrifying.  He was much smaller than most of the guys because of his illness. His body growth had been stunted because of his medical problems.  He wasn't strong.  He certainly was not "manly" looking to those kids. Unfortunately for Frank, he looked different.  He looked weak.  So they attacked full force.

"There's the idea that somehow manliness is equated with cruelty; if you're cruel, if you're tough, if you one-up everybody physically, that makes you a man," he says. "That's the way it was in gym class anyway. The teacher's demeanor just permeated the rest of the class. But in that environment, that suck-it-up, no-pain, be-a-man environment, you're not going to complain about being picked on. And Mom and Dad said I had to be there. The teachers said I had to be there. No one, not one adult anywhere, said, 'You know what, Frank? What's happening to you is wrong. You shouldn't be putting up with that.'"  

The bullying wasn't just in the gym or locker room.  Every where he went, there was someone pushing and shoving, and shouting mean insults.  Finally, one day after another vicious attack in a little grocery store, he ran out of the store and sat down on the curb and cried.  He just couldn't suck it up any longer.

What kind of person finds joy in making another person feel so bad?  What goes on in their brain that makes it okay to be mean and abusive to anyone else, especially, to someone smaller, weaker?  And what's wrong with me that I can stand by and watch, or maybe even encourage the bad treatment by not standing up for what's right?  Sometimes, all it would take to stop the bully is for someone to stand up to him and say "NO MORE!"

Finally, one teacher did something.  That teacher noticed that Frank seemed a little down.  He took the time to ask one little question:  "How are you?"  And Frank could see that this teacher really cared.  That's when his life began to change.  It all started with one person being willing to step up for a little boy who was scared and alone.

Mr. Peritti is just one of many celebrity types who experienced bullying as a child. Let me make this very clear. It wasn't the bullying that led to his success.  It was the strength he found in Christ that helped him be successful inspite of the bullying. He gives credit to his strong Christian foundation that was given to him by godly parents.  He also gives credit to that one teacher... ONE TEACHER... who took the time to care. Can you be the ONE person who might make a difference in someone's life?


If I'm not part of the solution, I'm part of the problem!
 
We are made to shine for Christ.  God tells us to be salt and light in a world where bad things happen every day.  Different does not mean "not as good". Sometimes it can mean "set apart; holy. 
 
Light is definitely different from darkness.  Kindness is different from meaness.  Good is different from Bad.
 
God wants us to be different. And He wants us to make a difference.  
 
What will you do the next time you see someone being mistreated unjustly?  Here's the real question for me, as a mom.  If I saw one of my children being attacked, would I stand by and keep my mouth shut for fear the attacker would turn on me?  NO WAY!  I don't care how big or how tough or how many - I would not stand quietly by and watch any of my children be hurt.   What if it were your little brother or sister who was being bullied, would you laugh or maybe even join in with the taunting? Or would stand next to your brother and take his side?  Would you be your sister's hero? 

The best question is simply:
 
What would Jesus do?  I think I know that answer.
 
Jesus stood up for me.  He stepped in and took the punishment that I deserved. The worst bully in the world was after me. He called me names and accused me of all kinds of things!  He made me feel so bad about myself, so unworthy that I just wanted to die. And when I was down and feeling so hopeless, he still continued to pound me into the ground. 
 
But then Jesus came to my rescue.  He took me by the hand and lifted me up from the dirt. He placed Himself in between me and the bully, and He told that bully, "NO MORE, she is mine!" 
 
I don't have to guess what Jesus would do.  I was there.  I experienced it first hand. And I know without a doubt that whenever there is an injustice, He's ready to defend  those who cannot defend themselves. Jesus is pretty good role model for me to follow.  I'm probably not going to have to die defending someone from a bully, but I may end up getting bullied, too.  I might even be labeled as "one of those outcasts".  But that's okay.  Jesus was an outcast too. 
 
 
" The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
                             Edmund Burke
 
James 4:17 TNIV
So then, if you know the good you ought to do and don’t do it, you sin.
 
Psalm 82:2-4
“How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked?
Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked."

Take a stand for the oppressed.  Defend the weak. Deliver them from the hand of the wicked.  That's God's way.

Holy Father, it's just shameful how we treat each other. I'm remembering the times when I've stood by silently when someone was bullied or made fun of.  It made me sad.  I felt bad.  I even had compassion.  But I did nothing. Forgive me please. Give me the courage to come along those who are being belittled or abused, whether that's physical or emotional.  Help me stand for what's right and defend the oppressed, instead of shrinking away in fear.  Thank You Jesus for defending me against the enemy.  I feel so safe and strong when You're by my side. I know You are always with me. Whom then shall I fear? In the mighty Name of my Protector and Redeemer, Jesus Christ,the HOLY Son of God, I pray.
Amen.

http://youtu.be/J4xm2mtDj2c - This LIfe - MercyMe

Show a Little Kindness

This is a photo of a little boy who was on our prayer list for quite a while.  Bryce developed a serious staff infection and nearly died.  His twin brother was right by his side while Bryce was in the hospital.

http://youtu.be/KaCBTSQZq1E - Try a Little Kindness - Glenn Campbell


Ephesians 5:16
Be very careful, then, how you live -- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Be careful how you live - make the most of every opportunity...
People are hurting.  Every day I pass by someone who is broken in some way.  Some are physically hurting because of illness or disease; some have emotional pains that I might not be able to see, and some have no faith or if they do, it's wavering, questioning whether God really cares about them.

If I know someone is struggling, I usually make an effort to show kindness.  Just a simple smile and "How are you?" to someone who feels alone and rejected can make all the difference in the world.  But I don't always know who is hurting.  Sometimes the people who are hurting the most are the ones who put on the biggest smile.  They act like everything is going wonderfully in public, and then they go home and cry. 

How can I show kindness to those who feel so separated from the rest of us?  How can I be Jesus to the hurting?  I think it starts with the human touch.

There's a short little passage in the Gospels about a man with leprosy. Leprosy was a disease that separated it's victim from everything and everyone.  Not only was leprosy very contagious, there was no known cure.  One person with that horrible disease could contaminate a whole city very quickly.  To prevent an outbreak, people with leprosy were expelled from their homes and cities. A leper could no longer be around his family or friends.  The only way he could have any interaction was with other  lepers . 

In Luke 5 Jesus is approached by a man covered with leprosy.  This passage indicates that the leprosy was attacking him all over his body, face, arms, legs...  Most likely it had been a long time since anyone had even made eye contact with him on the streets, much less stopped and talked with him.  He would have been repulsive to look at; he probably smelled awful, too, as his body was literally decaying and dying each day.  His hope for ever being able to hug his children or his wife was long gone.  If ever a man needed a Savior, it was this leper.

He must have heard about this man, Jesus, who could heal the sick and raise the dead.  Can you imagine?
What if?  What if he could see Jesus and just ask him for help?  Obviously, Jesus was kind and good.  Surely he would want to help?  But how could the leper ever get close enough to ask Jesus for his help?  Crowds of people were always surrounding him.  His disciples tried to protect Jesus from the crazy people in the crowds, too.  There's no way they would let a leper get close to Jesus.

But then there it was. The window of opportunity!  For just a second, this poor disease-ridden man caught the gentle, loving eyes of Jesus of Nazareth.  The leper's hopes must have soared when Jesus didn't look away.  No one had looked at him like that in a very long time.  No one had acknowledged his presence unless it was to yell and shout for him to go away.  But Jesus didn't seem afraid.  He stopped. 

The man fell with his face to the ground and begged him,
"Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Luke 5:12

Then the impossible happened.  Jesus reached out His hand and touched him!  He touched the leper!  This man had not been touched in so very long.  His children had not been able to hug his neck, or sit in his lap.  His wife hadn't been able to give him a kiss or hold his hand.  His mother, oh the thought of that! His mother could not wrap her arms around him.  It was forbidden for anyone to touch him, or they would be considered "unclean", and they could be sent away, too.  I imagine this man loved his family, and he would not have wished this life on the people he loved - not even on his worst enemy.  So as much as he longed for human touch, he stayed away from those he loved.

I love the way Mark tells this same story in Mark 1:41 - "Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man."  Jesus saw the pain, the fear, the loneliness; and He was filled with compassion! 
Most people would have quickly looked away from the leper, but Jesus had empathy for him. Maybe Jesus forsaw his own future when He would be the "outcast", shunned by everyone who knew Him. Remember that night when the soldiers came and took Him away, how His friends and family looked the other way for fear that they, too, would be arrested and killed?  Jesus definitely would experience the loneliness and rejection of those who loved him.

Jesus cared for the leper and that gave  him hope.  Could Jesus save him from this life of misery?

The touch of human kindness is God's medicine.  A touch gives hope and encouragement, love,
compassion...  A simple touch on the arm of a friend who is hurting can be a powerful reminder than someone cares. But Jesus didn't stop there.  "Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man.  "I am willing," he said.  "Be clean!" And immediately the leprosy left him. Luke 5:13

There are people I will see today who feel alone. They may be experiencing family problems, illness, financial struggles, depression, discouragement... they may not appear to be hurting - on the outside.  I know I will either see or speak to someone today who needs a little kindness.  I can do that.  I can offer a "touch".  I can take an extra moment to reach out and touch that person, either physically or emotionally with a kind word.  I can make eye contact and give a smile, instead of looking the other way.

Kindness is such a powerful thing. What if we all made a special effort today to show kindness to everyone we meet?  Make the most of every opportunity! Don't miss anyone.  And don't think that just because someone seems happy, as if he has his life all together, that he doesn't need a little human kindness directed at him.  We all need it.  We all need to feel loved and accepted.  So today, my challenge to you is to show kindness to everyone God puts in your day. You'll be a blessing to others and God, who can never be out done, will bless you even more!


Here are just a few references about the importance of showing kindness.  If you want to feel really great today, show kindness to someone! They will feel better, and so will you.

“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” Proverbs 12:25


“He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.”        Proverbs 19:17


This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the LORD. Jeremiah 9:23-24


“He has not left Himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” Acts 14:17


“God’s kindness leads you toward repentance.” Romans 2:4


“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” 1 Corinthians 13:4


“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23


In order that He might show the incomparable riches of His grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”  Ephesians 2:7
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32


“When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.” Titus 3:4-6

Holy Father, thank You for Your kindness towards me.  Because of the kindness You expressed through Your Son, I am redeemed.  Because of the kindess and love of my Savior, I am saved, not because anything I done, but because of Your mercy and kindness.  You've shown such compassion and caring towards all Your people, even when we've turned away from You so many times, You still offer forgiveness and love. Lord, help me to show kindness to others.  Help me to reach out and touch those who may be hurting and feeling like nothing will ever be okay again.  It's amazing how much hope comes with just a little smile.  Help me to be quick to smile, to make eye contact, to show compassion, just like Jesus.  Lord, open my eyes so that I can see the people You are putting in my path; those to whom You want me to show kindness and love.  It's the least I can do after all the kindness You've shown me and continue to show me.  I love You, LORD, and thank You for showing me the heart of Jesus through the story of the Leper.  This is my prayer in Jesus's Precious Name.  Amen.
 
http://youtu.be/AJ4oUGt14BY - Give me Your Eyes - Brandon Heath
 
I heard this story a few years ago.  Whether it's a true story or not doesn't really matter, because this kind of situation does happen all the time.  We may never know what our acts of kindness prevent.  We also may never know the opportunities we have missed to make a life altering difference in another person's life.
 
Make the most of every opportunity...
A Simple Gesture


Mark was walking home from school one day when he noticed the boy ahead of him had tripped and dropped all of the books he was carrying, along with two sweaters, a baseball bat, a glove and a small tape recorder. Mark knelt down and helped the boy pick up the scattered articles. Since they were going the same way, he helped to carry part of the burden. As they walked Mark discovered the boy's name was Bill, that he loved video games, baseball and history, and that he was having lots of trouble with his other subjects and that he had just broken up with his girlfriend. They arrived at Bill's home first and Mark was invited in for a Coke and to watch some television. The afternoon passed pleasantly with a few laughs and some shared small talk, then Mark went home. They continued to see each other around school, had lunch together once or twice, then both graduated from junior high school. They ended up in the same high school where they had brief contacts over the years. Finally the long awaited senior year came and three weeks before graduation, Bill asked Mark if they could talk.

Bill reminded him of the day years ago when they had first met. "Did you ever wonder why I was carrying so many things home that day?" asked Bill. "You see, I cleaned out my locker because I didn't want to leave a mess for anyone else. I had stored away some of my mothers sleeping pills and I was going home to commit suicide. But after we spent some time together talking and laughing, I realized that if I had killed myself, I would have missed that time and so many others that might follow. So you see, Mark, when you picked up those books that day, you did a lot more, you saved my life."

It's Monday...

Philippians 4:10-13
I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

http://youtu.be/A8JsRxVczmQ - Strong Enough - Matthew West


Here we go again.  It's Monday and a new week begins.  
The kids are off to school and I'm ready to sit down and  work.              By the way, those little cuties in the photo  are two of my granddaughters, Brooklyn and Presley and they are headed off to school. 




Psalm 118:24
This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.


Every Monday, I think to myself, "Today I will make a list, and I'll prioritize so that I get the most important things done first".  


By 10:00, I've already been distracted so many times, I feel totally overwhelmed and out of control for the rest of the day.


I see other people managing their time, getting things done. Why is this so hard for me? I'm such a loser!  I can't seem to get anything done!  Where's my brain at today?  I'm so frustrated!


Well, part of my problem is my self-talk.  Once I start feeling overwhelmed, I let myself get stuck in those negative thought patterns, and before I know it, I'm frozen - I can't seem to make any progress with anything on my list.  That my friend, is how the Enemy works!  


But I have a Secret Weapon! Today, I will not try to fight the Enemy and his evil spirits of despair and discouragement by myself.  I have Someone on my side who has already defeated the Enemy more times than he can count.  I'm calling for back up!


LORD, I can't do this by myself.  I need You!


Instead of letting myself feel defeated and discouraged, I need to invite God into my day first thing.  He's promised over and over again that He will give me everything I need to face whatever comes my way, so why do I let myself get bogged down and overwhelmed when all I have to do is invite Him to take control?  


Hebrews 13:6
So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?"


Deuteronomy 31:8
"The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."


Psalm 27:1 NKJV
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?


Paul had a lot more to worry about than I do, but his inspired advice to the Philippians was simple.  "Rejoice in the Lord always!  The Lord is near.  Don't be worried or anxious about anything.  That's right; don't worry about  anything!!!  When you're stressed or overwhelmed, just pray and ask God to help you.  Remember all the things He's already done for you?  Well then, thank Him for always being there for you.  He is, you know. Lean on Him.  Let Him be your strength, and before you know it, His great peace that surpasses all understanding will flood your hearts."  That's what I hear in Philippians 4:4. 


Philippians 4:4
 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


My Father wants to help me in everything I do.  I wished I could wrap my brain around the fact that the Creator of the Universe, the One who sustains everything - the planets, the stars, the oceans and everything in them, everything that has life - HE sustains everything with a Word. That's all it takes!  That very God longs for me to invite him into my life - nothing is too small or insignificant for Him to care.  If it concerns me, it concerns Him.  That's how earthly parents feel, so how more would our Heavenly Father feel that way?  Why in the world do I keep trying to do everything under my own power and strength when the the God who created the Universe is so willing to help me?  


Luke 11:11-13
 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”


I remember watching my sons put puzzles together when they were really young.  I'd watch as they would pick up a piece of the puzzle and try to put it in upside down or cross ways.  I could clearly see how the piece needed to fit, but I would watch and wait until they asked for help.  The minute they asked, I gave them a hint at first; "turn, turn, turn.."  I would say.  I wanted them to be able to figure it out on their own, but I was there to point them in the right direction.  


I think that's kind of how God works sometimes. When I ask for help, He points me in the right direction, opening doors/closing doors along the way. He'll let me struggle by myself just as long as I choose, but He's there just waiting to give me what I need.  Sometimes, He'll put a thought into my head, and if I'm listening, it's like the old "light bulb going off" feeling!  Yeah!  That's how I can do it!  That's how to make the puzzle piece fit!"  Unfortunately, too many times I forget to give Him a big "Thank You" for helping me find the answers.  


When things are going fine, I tend to forget how dependent I am on God for everything.  I can't even breathe without His help, but how many times do I thank Him for all He does for me?  Not often enough.


Today, I'm going to start my day by thanking God for all my blessings.  Whenever I feel overwhelmed or stressed this week, I'm going to stop and thank God, not for the stress necessarily, but for the strength He's going to give me to face that stress.  I can thank Him for His faithfulness; that He  never leaves nor forsakes me. There is nothing that I can't handle with Him by my side.  And He will be right there beside me every second of the day.  


There's so much I have to be thankful for.  I could spend my whole day listing my blessings.  How can I worry about anything when I know He has promised to provide everything I need to face any circumstance? I can always depend on Him.


Philippians 4:19-20
"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.  To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen."


Maybe as I remember what all God has done for me, I'll be reminded that He's still so willing to help me put today's puzzle together if I just ask. 


http://youtu.be/7fwI4qbLpxE -  Just Another Mountain - Jamie Slocum


Gracious Father, You bless me beyond measure!  I can't begin to list all my blessings and yet most days, I worry more about what I don't have instead of focusing on all You've given me.  Thank You for being so merciful and forgiving.  Thank You most of all for sending Your precious Son to take away my sins. Jesus, thank You for covering me with Your righteousness, because I could not stand before my Holy God on my own.  Because of what You did, I can call Him "Abba, Father"!  Thank You so much for that gift!
Thank You for providing shelter, food, clean water, clothing, family and friends.  Thank you for the blessing of fellowship through the church.  What a beautiful relationship You've created for us with other believers - You've shown us how to come together and encourage one another, to carry each other's burdens, to love one another through the ups and downs of life.  What a wonderful gift You gave us by allowing us to be part of Your Family.


Father, today, help me to be mindful of each blessing.  The birds that fly overhead, gliding as they let the wind beneath their wings carry them along, enjoying their ability to fly and soar.  Father, You are the wind beneath my wings, too. Help me to trust in Your strength and power. Thank You for providing everything I need to soar through my day, just like those little birds!
You are my everything.  I give You all my praise and thanksgiving today and always.  For alone, Holy God, are worthy.  In the powerful Name of Jesus I pray.  Amen.  

True Beauty of the Heart

http://youtu.be/bmUfJtsaqps - Beautiful - MercyMe

Psalm 139:14I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

A couple of weeks ago while at the Galleria waiting for Tyler to get his hair cut, we were strolling through the mall when I had to do a double-take! There was a life-size cardboard cutout of a model in some name brand jeans. I did a double-take because the girl's thighs couldn't have been as big as my upper arm. She was so very thin, it was disturbing. I couldn't get that image out of my mind. Who ever could ever think that was attractive? What mad man decided that was the "ideal" size that should be held up for our girls to aspire to be?

I wished I could have found that exact poster so you could see for yourself. The girl in the poster above is much "bigger" than the girl on the poster at the Galleria. I still am just aghast when I think about it. I know that young girl on the poster is most likely starving herself to fit the image required by so many modeling agencies, and it breaks my heart. What are we doing to our girls?

The more I thought about it, the more upset I became. If that little model had been clothed in some dirty, ragged clothes, if her hair had not been styled to perfection and been restyled for every shot all through the photo shoot, if her make-up hadn't been painted on to make all her lines and dark circles, blemishes and bumps disappear, and if she had been squatting down in front of a hungry child, instead of posing in a sultry fashion, we would have thought "how can we get food to that poor girl. She's starving!"

The director of that photo shoot wants us all to believe a lie - that the girl on the poster is perfect from head to toe, when in real life, she looks more like a starving child we might see in a foreign country.

There is so much focus on how we look on the outside. If we aren't just the right weight, if we're too short or too tall, if our hair isn't perfect, if we fail to measure up to "model or movie star standards", we feel self-conscious and unattractive, not good enough.

We spend so much time worrying about the outside, but God wants us to focus on the inside.

How much time do I spend on my appearance each morning? How much time during the week do I spend on grooming and working out so that I can look "perfect"? All that is fine and good. I think we should take care of our bodies and take pride our appearances, after all our bodies are the temple of God. The Holy Spirit resides in each believer! We should take care of ourselves, but that should not be our primary focus.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.
How much time do I spend nurturing my inside - refreshing my spirit and cleansing my heart of anything that isn't desirable?

If it takes 45 minutes for me to "groom" myself in the mornings so that I can look good to the people I'll see that day, do I also spend 45 minutes with the LORD, so that He can prepare my heart to interact with others? If I work out at the gym for an hour strengthening my muscles, shaping my body, do I read the Bible for an hour to strengthen my faith muscles? Do I spend time with God allowing Him to renew my spirit so that I will project the love of Christ to those I meet? Do I let Him fill my heart with good things; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control? Unfortunately, too many days I just don't find the time to "pretty up" my insides.

When God looks at me, my 5'2" less than perfect self, He thinks I'm beautiful. After all, He made me to be this height. He gave me a body structure that isn't "model" perfect by a long shot, and my hair is not thick and luscious, my face is too round, I have too many wrinkles, and when I wave to someone, my arm waves back at me! = ( And that's okay. I'm me - just the way God made me. I'm not perfect in man's eyes, but I'm perfect in God's eyes. And that's what really matters, isn't it? What a creepy world it would be if we all looked exactly the same! God is creative, and He made each one of us special and unique, with specific purpose and plan that we can't even begin to imagine.

Psalm 139:13-14
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
How does God feel when I complain about being too short or not having this feature or that feature? He made me. I"m His special design! I can't help but remember Paul's words in Romans 9:19-20 - On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers back to God? The thing molded will not say to the molder, “Why did you make me like this,” will it? Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?
Have you ever given a special gift to someone? Maybe you put lots of thought and energy into finding just the "perfect" thing for your friend. You're so excited to see her open this present, but when she opens it, you can tell by the expression on her face that she doesn't like it at all. In fact, maybe she wants to know if you'll give her the receipt so that she can exchange what you gave her for something else she has had her eye on. Don't we see that as rude and disrespectful? Maybe I'm wrong here, but it seems to me when we complain about how God designed our particular bodies, we're just like that friend, wanting to exchange His present for something a little "better", at least better in our eyes.

I'm preaching to myself. I've complained about how I look. My eyes are greenish-blue but I wanted them bluer. I complain about being fair skinned, and when I was younger, I spent hours each week in a tanning bed so I could be golden brown. And I have the wrinkled skin to proof it! I've wished I was taller and thinner my whole life - even during those times when I was thin and in good shape. Even then, it wasn't good enough.

How much time have I wasted trying to be perfect on the outside but all the while, I let my insides, my spirit, get complete out of shape and weak?

Matthew 23:25

“What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence!

I've learned a great lesson over the years. I'm still "living" that lesson. Physical beauty doesn't last, no matter how hard we fight to hold on to it. If you live long enough, it will fade.

But here's the good news! God has given us the greatest beauty secret of all times. True beauty comes from the inside - out.

We have little control over so much of our physical appearance, but we can make ourselves beautiful if we allow the Spirit of God to create in us a clean and pure heart. If we allow the fruit of the Spirit to grow and fill us up, our "outside" will become radiant and beautiful, just like our inside.

1 Peter 3:3Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
God has a plan for each one us. That plan is for good and not evil; to give us a hope and a future. God's plan for me is tailor made - designed especially for me. He didn't make me 5'10" because His purpose for me doesn't require that I be tall. He didn't bless me with incredible athletic abilities because His plan for me doesn't require that I be a professional athlete. You see? God gives us exactly what we need to accomplish the plan He has designed for us.

There are amazing people in this world who have accomplished great things for the Kingdom. They are beautiful - not necessarily because of how they look on the outside, but because of their beautiful heart. I can't help but think of Mother Teresa who would never have won a physical beauty competition, but, wow! what a beautiful heart! I'm sure that anyone who spent time in her presence walked away thinking she was beautiful.

And sometimes, God allows physical challenges in our lives because He knows that when we learn to overcome those struggles and difficulties by trusting Him, we will become stronger and more powerful in our witness for Christ.

How I look on the outside might open certain doors for me. People do tend to be drawn to beauty, and so when God blesses you with natural beauty or athletic ability, use those things for His glory. Remember always that your beauty, your brain, your strong body - those are all blessings from God. He could have given those attributes to someone else instead of you. But He chose You. And when He chose to give you those qualities, He knew it would be a challenge for you not to become self-reliant, not to think you don't need God. If you remember to rely on Him, you can be a powerful witness.

Gianna Jessen's 17 year old biological mother tried to abort her when she was 7 1/2 months pregnant. I'm including the video clip of Gianna speaking out against abortion so you can see for yourself how powerfully she has used her "weakness" to stand for Christ, even though she has cerebral palsy (from the lack of oxygen to her brain during the failed abortion) and has difficulty walking, her testimony is powerful and effective. Gianna has allowed God's strength to work through her weaknesses - her imperfections. Paul explains the power of Christ and how our weaknesses/shortcomings/perceived imperfections can become a platform of strength and powerful testimony for Christ.

http://youtu.be/BrPuOrEMNwE - Gianna Jessen

2 Corinthians 12:5-10I will boast only about my weaknesses. If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud.

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

The most powerful testimonies I've ever heard or seen have been from people who may have been labeled as "less than perfect". God made each of us special for a purpose. Whatever we may see as our "weakness" or our imperfection, we need to understand that God may have given us that imperfection so that we would depend on Him for our strength - not on our physical abilities or looks.

http://youtu.be/3dAKbR3WODo - From the Inside Out - Seventh Day

Holy Father, I praise You for making me special. I know that You have a special plan and purpose for my life. Thank You, Father, for giving me everything I'll need to accomplish that purpose. Forgive me for all the times I complained about what I don't have. I have so much to be thankful for. I can see and hear. I can walk and talk and breathe! So many people don't have all those blessings so it's okay with me that You decided I didn't need to look like a super model. = ) In reality, that's probably a blessing, too.
The blessings You've given me are perfect in everyway to enable me to accomplish what You have for me to do. Lord God, I pray for all the young people who struggle with body image. Father help them to see how beautiful they truly are. Help them to seek the beauty that comes from Your Holy Spirit living in them. Give them confidence to stand tall and to feel at Your Peace as they face life, even if they feel imperfect sometimes. Help them Lord to put their focus on being all You created them to be. Lord, put Your arms around each person who is struggling with feelings of inadequacy, those who feel different, or "less than" others. Remind them, Lord, that they belong to You. That gives them more value than anything else on this earth.
Lord God, thank You for showing us how You use less than perfect people to accomplish great things. And the most amazing thing to me is that You sent Your own Son to earth to be my Savior. But You could have given Him the blessing of outward beauty, but You didn't. Your word says that He did not have a physical beauty that attracted people to Him. It was His inner beauty and strength that drew others to Him. What an amazing lesson for me! You demonstrated that beauty is from within, and we all can be beautiful from the inside out. Help me to focus on spending time with You so that You can mold me into the person You want me to be - all for Your glory. In the Name Jesus. Amen.

Isaiah 53Who has believed our message? To whom has the Lord revealed his powerful arm? My servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.
Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.
He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. 8 Unjustly condemned, he was led away. No one cared that he died without descendants, that his life was cut short in midstream. But he was struck down for the rebellion of my people. He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man’s grave.
But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.

http://youtu.be/RguluDUQq2o - I'm Free to Be Me - Francesca Battistelli