The Greatest Gift

 

"If we have the slightest clue about being bought by the blood of Jesus, we won't see how much we can get away with. We'll see how much we can honor Him. True, there is not a sin that you or I could muster up that would make God say, 'I don't love you anymore.' But that doesn't mean we have the right to take His grace for granted." ~ David Nasser


If we know what a sacrifice was made for us by Jesus, if we grasped how much He gave of Himself for us, then we could not help but to live every moment of every day in a way that honors and pleases Him. Think of it like this, if someone nearly died saving your child (or insert your mother, father, or dearest loved one's name here) from a raging fire, would you not be grateful to that person and show them gratitude? Would you not do whatever was in your power to show them that you valued their willingness to, if need be, sacrifice their very life trying to save the one you love with all your heart?

Well, Jesus did that. He died to save your loved one from a fire bigger and hotter than any forest fire. He also died to save you from the same fate. And would you dare to be anything but grateful for that sacrifice? Should you not live a life of gratitude? Should you not do your best to honor Him? Yes, we will all fail, we will all sin, we will never be perfect on this earth. I get that. But, shouldn't we seek everyday to live in a way that says "thank you" for the great sacrifice of the cross instead of pushing limits to see how much we can "get away with"? 

If we really understand grace, and the price of the gift given to us by our Heavenly Father through His only Son, we can't take it for granted.

Lost in the Sand

April 15, 2013

 

I am the type of person who likes to make up her own, "quotes." For each season of life I make up little sayings, often drawing from Scripture, and things I have heard or read. These little phrases may be ones I hang onto for only a day, or maybe on that is with me for a week. If I were to make one for today it would be, "In times of drought, trust in the Maker and Sender of rain, for He shall surely quench your deepest thirst."

 

There are times as we walk the paths of life where dryness comes to our souls. Darkness shades our way and we cannot make out what the "road signs" so. We stand at this crossroad of the heart, unsure of which way to go. Left or right? There seems to be no hope, no reason to keep on keeping on. The joy to which we once danced to, slips away...and all we hear is silence.

 

In such times I have learned to cling with every fiber of my being to the truth of His Word. Maybe it does not speak so clearly to my heart, but I just keep on trusting in the truths that He has promised. I do not always know why the dry times come, but I know that I have always made it through them before...and I trust that I will once more.

 

If we have not trust and faith in the unseen, then we have no faith at all. It is how we act and react in the times of drought that truly show how much we truly trust in the unseen Almighty God.

 

If you are going through a time where God seems sooooooo far away, let me encourage you to soak in the Word and to trust in what you cannot see, clinging to His promises. He will not let you die of thirst. He will be your Spring of Life.

The Law of God

Some say that we are no longer under the Law of the Old Testament. That the Old Testament is just there so we can know history and see where we came from. I disagree. Obviously there are areas of the Law of the Old Testament that we no longer have to live under because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, like the many sacrifices that were required of God's children back then, but there is much of the law that we are still to keep.

 

Jesus, Himself, stated, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled" (Matthew 5:17-18).

 

Without the Law we would have no standards, and without standards how would we know the difference between righteousness and unrighteousness? The Bible states in 1 John 2:3-6, " And herby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked." So, to recap, he who loves God will keep God's commandments -- or law?

 

Maybe you want to argue that our faith is not to be of works, but of grace. There is truth to that. Ephesians 3:8-10 says, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Ultimately we are saved by God's grace. We cannot save ourselves by our own works. This is a fundamental truth that cannot be argued, but we should not stop there. The verse goes on to say, "created in Christ Jesus unto good works" or as some translations state, "for good works."

 

We were created to glorify God, we can do this, in part, through good works. We show God that we love Him by obeying Him and following His commandments -- obeying His Law. By doing that which His Word commands, by His grace, we will love others, which means we will serve others, which means we will do that which people consider to be "works." These works will not save us, no, because we have already been saved by grace through faith in the Son of God which is the only way we can be saved. No, these works are not our salvation, these works are the result of our salvation in Christ. They are an out pouring of our love for God.

 

This is a huge topic, and one that takes much thought and discussion to get to the bottom of. My thoughts in writing was to encourage you to study the topic for yourself. There are so many things that we have been told we should believe, even in our churches, that are not firmly grounded in God's Word. We should not blindly believe everything we hear, but take everything and hold it up against the Word of God to verify whether it is actual truth or a convincing lie.

 

The God that many supposedly Christian churches teach of is not the God of the Bible. The God of the Bible is a God of order, a God of justice, a God of unfathomable love and mercy, but He is not a God who condones those who live in sin and disobey His commandments. If you think I am wrong, read His Word for yourself from cover to cover. I have, and it has challenged the way that I believe, the way that I think, and the way that I live. I am not perfect, but daily being conformed into His image. My prayer is that you too, will be drawn closer to Him through His truth each day.

 

"It is not the Law which separates me from God; it is my violation of that Law (sin)." ~ Michael Davis

For Him Alone

"Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand." ~ Isaiah 53:10

 

This verse is one of the many that stood out to me as I made my way through the book of Isaiah this last week. I could comment on many things the verse says and what it speaks to my heart, but for the sake of time, I will stick to one little phrase.

 

"the pleasure of the LORD"

 

As I read through Isaiah, that phrase and others like it continued to stand out to me. "For mine own sake" (Isaiah 48:11), "He will do His pleasure" (Isaiah 48:14), and many others. Over and over and over the truth that all things are for God, for His pleasure, for His glory, for His honor, and for His purposes.

 

If all things are for the Lord and His purposes, than it means that each day we live, the hard - the boring - the terrifying, somehow fit into His bigger picture.

 

Let me ask you a question? If you have had a really tough day, is it easy for you to get downhearted and to be tempted to question God's wisdom with, "Why, Lord?" What if we thought instead, "Lord, I don't know why today has to be so hard, but I trust that it is for Your pleasure and for Your purposes. Show me how I can live out this day in such a way as to only add to that pleasure and purpose. Help me to be faithful with this charge that You have given."

 

I am finding that if I keep in mind that all things are for Him, than it changes my whole perspective and how I live each day, the good or the hard.

Priorities

"As a leader, you can remain available to mentor others. This means you may get less done in the present, but you will actually accomplish far more in the future by pouring your life into the people who can carry on those things that are nearest and dearest to your heart."

 

~ The Ascent of a Leader

Sometimes as I juggle life's many roles, I get so focused on my plans that I began to shove relationships aside. I close all the doors and make myself unavailable to others so that I can check each item off my lengthy to-do list without interruption. Have you ever found yourself doing that?

 

When I came across these words yesterday, I stopped. My eyes grew a little wider as I realized that the picture the authors had painted was just what I wanted to be, but just what I was furthest from being.

 

So what if I completed all the items on my forever growing lists of things to do? In the end, what would it all amount to? If I had not taken time to invest in the lives of others, teaching them and helping them grow so that they are able to carry on with those things that are nearest and dearest to my heart, then have I not failed?

 

I will not live forever. Not even close. At the end of my race, when I am drawing my last breath. When I look back over life, will I see nothing but the doors I slammed in the faces of those seeking my assistance, or will I see the flourishing and vibrant trees that have sprung from the investments I was willing to make...sometimes at the cost of my own personal goals?

 

What can I do to be more available to others? What might I have to give up for the present time? Am I pouring my life into others in such a way that they may better carry out those purposes ,are not only the nearest and dearest to my heart, but also to the Lord's?

 

 

CollegePlus Leadership Capstone Event

If I could sum up the CollegePlus Leadership Learning and Execution Capstone in Colorado in just a few words, it would be, life changing.

 

We arrived Tuesday afternoon and from the very moment I met with the first 11 people in the group and we boarded our shuttle, I knew that this was going to be one of the most amazing weeks of my life. The awkwardness of meeting each other for the first time lasted only a few minutes. Once we had boarded the shuttle, life stories began to be told.

 

Hearing about how the Lord had worked in each of these people's lives and how that had brought them to this very moment on a shuttle headed for the Estes Park YMCA of the Rockies was inspiring. None of us were there by chance. There was no doubt in my mind that God had brought us together for purposes far greater then we could even imagine.

 

As the week progressed and we learned from Dr. Jeff Myers of Summit, you could see a change coming over the students as we each begin to learn how to tell our story, and put into practice good mentoring and coaching skills as we visited with one another. A sparkle shown in each eye as excitement for what the Lord was doing began to be realized. Here in this group of 38 students and 13 CollegePlus coaches, friendships for a lifetime were beginning to be forged. Plans for business and ministry opportunities were being expanded and suddenly went from dreams to tangible possibilities that a few months of collaboration and hard work could turn into reality. New business and ministry ideas were put forth, and in such a manner that none of us doubted that someday soon, they too, would be reality.

In four days strangers became fast friends. In four days those who were uncertain, reserved, and stood off to the side were exclaiming about how grateful they were that they had come. Those who felt hopeless about their dreams for helping to fill the desperate needs of others, like girls with low self-esteem, human trafficking victims, and orphans in Haiti had hope that their dreams did not have to remain dreams. We all had hope. Hope and an assurance that, together, we could make a difference in the world because 1) God had plans of purpose for our lives, 2) God had brought us to this place with people who shared our visions and dreams, people who would encourage us to not give up 3) we had the keys to effective coaching, mentoring, and networking that would make it possible for us to build relationships that would ensure we no longer lacked the support we needed to move forward with making a difference. We felt encouraged to tackle the highest mountain, knowing that with God, and the people He puts into our lives, nothing will be impossible (Philippians 4:13).

 

 

 

Live for SomeONE

"Upon his death, natives gently removed his heart and buried it in the Africa he so loved. Then his body was carried to the coast, where it was shipped back to England for burial....As the body of Livingstone was carried through the streets of London on its way to its final resting place in Westminster Abbey, one man wept openly. A friend gently consoled him, asking if he had known Livingstone personally. 'I weep not for Livingstone but for myself,' the first man said, adding, 'he lived and died for something, but I have lived for nothing.'"

~ Harold J. Sala, Heroes: People Who Made a Difference in Our World

 

 

 

 

"He lived and died for something, but I have lived for nothing." That line halted me from reading any further. I could not help but think of my life, even today, and ask myself, "What am I living for? Do I live for self? Or do I live for Christ?"

 

At the moment life has been going a a breakneck pace. It seems like I have spent every day this week catching up on that which should have been done the day before, only the day before held not the hours with which to do the tasks in. And not for lacking of trying, because I assure you that I did indeed try. No, things have been rushing along at such a pace because, like everyone, there are some weeks or months in each year in which more happens then it seems ought to be possible or right. But then, after a time things will settle back into their slower trot and I will go back to evenings where nearly every task will be check off my to-do list for that day with a satisfied if weary sigh. Yet, especially because I have been going "like crazy" for these last few weeks, I had to pause when I read that line. What am I living for? Is all this rushing to and fro for the only purpose that is worth living and dying for? For my Lord?

 

David Livingstone's own words state ever so clearly what I pray I will always say.

 

 

 

"I will place no value on anything I have or possess, except in its relationship to the kingdom of God."

 

 

 

 

In all the busy in and outs and back and forths of life, it's good to take a moment to think about why I am doing what I am doing and to see what I am living for, because, I want to always be living for Christ above all. I never want to become so distracted by just being busy that I miss that most important point.

Just Do It

I love Mrs. Beavers' thoughts on John 2:5 about doing what He asks, no questions asked. Please take a moment to hop over and read her post on Unto Him We Live.

 

Do You Believe?

November 30, 2012

"Is anything to hard for the Lord?" ~ Genesis 18:14

 

Maybe your first reaction to reading that is, "No way! God can do anything!" I do hope that you know that He can do anything, but more than know that, I hope you believe it. What do I mean by that?

 

We often say that we believe God can do anything, but when it comes to obeying God blindly do we always trust Him explicitly? In that moment when doubt creeps in...do we let it live, or do we crush it because we trust even when we cannot see? Search your heart, is there anything that you are not trusting the Lord in? Are there any areas where you have let doubt creep in that He is actually who He says He is and that He can actually do anything and everything because He is that big and powerful?

 

Can you say from the depths of your heart that you believe without a shred of doubt that there is nothing that is too hard for the Lord?
 

New Years Resolutions?

Perhaps it was just the thoughts of the holidays sneaking up on me, or perhaps it was adding every ones birthdays in my 2013 calender and seeing how quickly the years are passing me by, or perhaps it is something else entirely, but whatever the reason, my thoughts last month were turned to the past and the future. What did I do this last year that I would like to do better in the this year? There are two things at the top or my list, and they have been there probably as long as I have been making lists. They are, "Love God more" and "Love people more."

 

Now, loving more can mean a whole variety of things, and to list them all would take longer than I have. So, I will just give you the abbreviated definitions. To love God more is to make it my top priority that His name be hallowed in everyday life and in every circumstance. To love people more is love others as Christ loves. Selflessly, forgiving all wrongs, putting their needs above my own wants.

 

I have never been much for New Years resolutions, so this year I am not making any. What about my goals to love more, you ask? Well, those are not New Years resolutions. Those are New Life resolutions. Everyone who has New Life, should have these types of resolutions. Resolutions to be more like our Lord.

What are your New Life resolutions?

Talk Less, Pray More

 

Written September 10, 2012

A sigh escapes my lips...there is no one there. I look again five minutes later. Still no one. Have you ever found yourself constantly checking social networking sites in hopes that a friend gets on-line? I know I have. There are times when I want so bad just to talk. I don't really care who to, just someone so that I can get my mind off what is "bugging" me.

 

I am currently staying off most social networking sites where my friends are most active for that very reason. I realized that I had become dependant on talking to others because it was a way for me to escape. A way to stop thinking. When did thinking and deep thoughts become something which I wanted to run from? I used to sit for hours just thinking and writing our my thoughts. What has changed?

Maybe because my thoughts are ones that I have no answers to? It's easier if you have a problem to solve. You research, and in time you find a solution. But what about those thoughts that there is no real solution to as far as you are able to see. That is, no solution but to wait on the Lord. The ones that chase each other around and around your head and no matter how hard you try to stop thinking of them they don't go away.

 

Today I have a little cold and haven't felt up to my normal riggers, so I've been sitting still. I caught myself glaceing at my phone to see if anyone had texted, and looking at my inbox for a new email to answer. But there was nothing. I started to grow a little agitated. Where was everyone when I needed to talk? Then a simple truth came to mind. The things I wanted to talk about, they are things that only God has the answers to. Talking them over with friends is not a bad thing, and yet, is it profitable? They don't have answers and you still don't, so you are right where you started. If God knows the answers, why am I afraid (yes, afraid) to talk to Him about these things that will not leave my mind?

 

I am afraid because what if the things I want are not what He has planned? What if He says no? What if He says I need to wait...just wait for His timing? What if He tells me that I don't need answers. That I just need to have faith and trust in Him? I'm not good a waiting for answers. I like to know what lies ahead, what the plan is, have a schedule. I don't want to give up all of the things that I have dreamed about and prayed for, even if only for a season. In fact, I just want what I want. Or do I?

 

If I think about it long enough. If I face my fears and if I take those fears to the Lord, He teaches me that I don't really want what I think I want. He shows me where selfishness leads and reminds me of a better way. His way. If it brings Him glory (which in turn brings Him pleasure) then I desire to die to self. I desire to go where He leads even if it means walking in ways that I fear to trod. I desire to learn how to wait, patiently.

 

The next time I start looking to see if anyone is available for me to talk to. I am going to try to ask myself why it is I want to talk. And I pray that in times when I am running, I will learn to seek out silence and seek out my Lord. That my desires will become molded more and more into the likeness of His perfect plan.

Each Day, a Gift



It started like any other ordinary day, but the ending was far from what I could have imagined. That was the day we learned that one of my younger sisters has type 1 diabetes.

 

It got me thinking. We have this expectation that each day will be a continuance of the last. We wisely do not borrow trouble, but trust that the Lord knows what plans He has for us and will provide strength accordingly. Yet, there is one thing that I have found, while it is good to not worry about tomorrows, it is not good to take things for granted. Neither health, nor loved ones, nor life. Thank God for the blessings He bestows, treasure them, treat each day as if it might be your last...day of good health...day with those you love...day to live on this earth. Do not live in fear of what could happen, and look with joy towards a future with the Lord in eternity, but do not take today or what it holds for granted. The things of this life are fleeting.