Pink With a Purpose

I love the colour pink. In fact, if I wish to have a cheery day, a pink outfit will do wonders. I believe there are more souls traversing this earth that have certain colours that fit them specifically. A colour that appears in their wardrobe, on their cars, in their drawings, in their washcloths, and on their bedroom walls. 

Mine has limits. I simply refuse to drive a pink car with tacky flowers on its side, wear hot pink socks, don a blossoming pink jacket, or use a glitzy pink backpack. There is more to life than pink. 

As I think about favourite colours and how they colour our life, I also think about the topic of moderation. Too much of a good thing is too much! 

We all know that eating only sugar-laden, crispy, chocolate bars for an entire day would lead to a bad end. On the other hand, eating only nutritious, beautiful, round green peas would also lead to a bad end. Somewhere there must be moderation. 

I am still young (according to some people's standards) and old according to others. 😏 However, I have lived long enough to see a few patterns in this thing called life and the people that inherit it. 

We as humans tend to richochette to extremes. For example: "My mother was tight-fisted, I'm going to enjoy life. This person delves off into a new life and pretty soon there is a collection of expensive items accumulated in their house, show-casing their lavish life-style and quickly descending bank balance. Or someone may say, "I'm sick of people being apathetic around me, I want to make a difference." Off he or she goes to try a grand venture without any foresight or forethought and quickly ends in disaster. 

A friend of mine once commented that he believes we need to stop this extreme sway of one generation going far left and then the other one reacting and going far right. I have thought about this some and come to the conclusion, actually conviction, that the only way to stop this is if we become absolutely convinced that the Word is truth. I know this is an old and obvious statement, but if we would become more concerned with following the actual than correcting other people or doing a better job than our parents, I believe we would see a phenomenal shift in today's generation. Instead of confusion, there would be clarity. Instead of rebellion there would be wise questioning. Instead of uncertainty, there would be vision. We would become grounded and solid in truth instead of reactionary volcanoes!

Nobody can choose what they are handed, but everybody has a choice in how they will receive and work with it.

‭‭Colossians 1:9-12 ESV

[9] And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, [10] so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; [11] being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; [12] giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

Passing on the Mantle

Last night we had our first parent teacher meeting of the year. To say I was blessed is an understatement. At the end of our meeting, the parents gathered around and prayed over us as staff. As I left the room, I bumped into my co-teacher and said, "We're spoiled teachers." She heartily agreed. 

To be part of an organization like a Christian school that resolutely seeks to impact and inspire the next generation for Christ, is one of my greatest joys in life. And I know we are in it together. Although it is hard at times, there is still a remnant on earth furthering the Kingdom of Christ as they wait for His return.

This morning I stumbled upon the chapter in 1 Chronicles where David is passing on instruction, vision, and blessing to his son Solomon. He begins by gathering all the princes, captains, and stewards of the kingdom together and then proceeds to explain that he himself had desired to build a house for the Lord. However, since he was a man of war, God was choosing his son Solomon instead. Then he turns to Solomon and begins speaking:

"And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it." (1 Chronicles 28:9-10)

As I read these words, I was deeply impressed and my heart leaped a little because I felt it. I felt the passion in David's heart as he passed on his last instructions to his son. I felt his deep desire to see Solomon faithfully move on in the Kingdom of God. And I realized that that is what I and all the parents at that meeting are living for. We pour out our hearts and souls so that the next generation can also know Jesus and what it means to live for him. We teach them Biblical tools and model godly responses. We give them principles and watch as they wrestle with good and evil. We pray again and again as we see them struggle between the Light and darkness. And ultimately we keep on. Why? Because the Kingdom is still moving and there are still men and women needed to join its forces. Souls are still dying without hope and the Gospel must be preached. The world is in dire need of humble, Holy Spirit- dependent individuals who will love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength and carry His hope to the uttermost parts of the earth. 

And so we press on. Preparing for the next generation just like David did as he accumulated supplies for Solomon's use. We pray for the children in our care just like he did for his son to be faithful. And ultimately, we walk with the God who knows our children inside and out and has a special calling for each one. 

Wrestling With Pain

Lately I have been wrestling with the unfairness, the frustration, and the confusion of pain. Yesterday I went back to visit a blogpost that I had read before. It had been penned by a woman who lost her life to cancer when she was just past thirty. She titled it, "God is on the Bathroom Floor," and then dove into a beautiful piece of writing that wrapped desperation, humanity, and the deep love of God all into one. You can read it here if you feel so inclined. 

As I talked with God about pain and listened for His returning answers, something gradually and completely hit my soul. After a few days of one-sided dialogue on my end, God used a small clip from the movie called "The Hiding Place" to speak to me. It comes to life in Germany during the harsh Nazi regime of World War II. A couple minutes in, a scene unfolds of Jews lining up and going forward to receive their yellow star one by one. These stars would mark them as targets and subject them to a life of abuse, rejection, and often death. Suddenly, I spoke out loud. "Many people have it worse than me!" I knew it before but needed to be reminded.

Then I took it a step further. I thought of my Gr.6 teacher who lost her life to cancer. She was one of the best teachers I ever had, so why her? Then I contrasted the lot of the starving children who are born in refugee camps with children who have cellphones, bunk beds, and chips at their finger tips and I thought, why them? And I realized that I don't know.

We can easily throw the phrase out that God has a plan for everything and that pain has a purpose, but truth be told, half the time we have no idea at the present what that means or looks like. I highly doubt that all those Jews sent to death like a herd of swine had a clear view of the purpose. Perhaps it strengthened their faith and caused them to trust deeply. But it is clear they couldn't see the entire picture. But did they need to?  

Can we get to a place in our faith where we are willing to suffer without seeing the reason? Willing to trust God even when we don't understand? Willing to keep praising Him because of who He is even when we feel like sitting and pouting? 

Perhaps like Job we can say, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him." Perhaps life is bigger and more complex than we will ever understand or know. Yes, God has an ultimate purpose in mind. All is for His glory and His triumph. If it takes pain or ease to accomplish it, He will use it. And so in health, in sickness, in strength, in weakness, in rejection, and in praise, we rest in this - He is in control and He knows what He is doing. 

Besides, these words were written about God's Son himself:

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: My heart is like wax; It is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; And my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; And thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: The assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: They pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: They look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, And cast lots upon my vesture. But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me. 

Psalm 22:11-19 (bible.com)

When we think of how our salvation was won through the trouble portrayed above and remember that only God makes beauty out of unfathomable ashes, perhaps it is not too much to raise our hands to the sky in surrender and praise. He alone is worthy - always and every time. 

Link: Praise You In This Storm by Praise and Harmony 

The Truth That Stings

I love people who speak truth even though there is a human side of me that is tempted to be offended. There's something compelling about the friend who hands you the bare black facts without sugar coating. The one who makes you take a step back at the ouch and ponder a bit before you mend your ways! Throughout the last few weeks, God has been impressing on my heart more and more how important it is for us to know the truth and walk in it. 

David charged forward in battle because he knew that God would help him conquer. Sarah trusted and honored Abraham without fear because she honoured the God who had called him. Paul shared the Gospel across the ancient world because he was convinced it was true. 

We live in a time where truth is questioned, criticized, and down-sized to fit agendas and personal goals. Churches are changing, people are changing, and society is changing. Indeed, change is part of life. I used to think that perhaps we as Christians ought to give up some things in order to reach a world that is so far off. While I don't disregard the necessity of being approachable and friendly in our lives, or turn a blind eye to the places where tradition receives more emphasis than salvation, we dare not compromise truth in our efforts to reach the lost. As stated by Chuck Smith, "When the church starts looking like the world to reach the world, she's already lost her power." 

Everyone knows that when extending a rope into a pit to a drowning man, the person at the top must be firmly anchored lest he also fall in. Likewise in the spiritual sense, we have a beautiful and timeless rope that we can extend to lost people. That rope is Christ and He is able to reach into any lifestyle, age level, and nationality. However, in the process of sharing Him with dying souls, we must stay anchored to Him, lest we fall into the pit with them.

If our generation and the next is to stay faithful and solid, we must acquire a love and zeal for truth. We must dig for it, hang onto it, and teach it. Children need truth, parents need truth, youth need truth, pastors need truth, teachers need truth... Everybody needs truth for the Truth will set us free. (John 8:32)

Out world is crying for it, our churches need it, and our personal lives depend on it. We must stand for truth. 

The Army That Moves

Lately I read the verses in 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 where it says, "Quit you like men. Be strong. Watch ye all, stand fast in the faith." I did a bit of digging into commentaries and quickly had a picture before me of an army. A STRONG army. It was led by visionary, purposeful leaders who protected and led with such courage, wisdom, and clarity, that the people behind them were sheltered, safe, and following boldly.

The more I pray and listen to God's voice, the more my heart grows for the next generation to be a strong army. We need men who are willing to stand up with courage. Men who are boldly planted on the truth and so filled with the Spirit that not a single ounce of fear will stop them. We need women who know the word and live it out daily. Who protect the children under their care from evil and show them the True Way.

Our world and sadly some of our churches, have been hijacked by Satan and his values. We no longer love what is pure and honest and lovely. We value perverted cheap entertainment. We revel in the world's filth while singing, "I'm Pressing on the Upward Way." Really?

Sometimes I wonder how Jesus feels. Really feels. I would be terribly grieved if the very people I died for endorsed what I saved them from. 

Perhaps it is time we come back to Him. Every army needs a General. He is ready and waiting to give us His Spirit and His guidance. The question is, are we ready to come to him for it? In this King's army, no self-righteous snipers are allowed. No selfish wealth-grabbing individuals. No guards with tainted motives. Only the truly broken and humble will be taken in and suited with a uniform. Only those who listen and are ready to follow instructions. They will hate sin and shed it for a new garment of righteousness. They will lay aside personal rights and accumulation of wealth and fame to serve at their own expense. It's all or nothing and we must make the choice. 

The King is calling but never forces enlistment. 

<a href="https://www.vecteezy.com/free-photos/army">Army Stock photos by Vecteezy</a>

Is Deodourant Wrong?

What a title you say! Indeed what a title. 😀 I have had some very fascinating conversations with various people and realized that there are varying opinions on the topic of personal hygiene. It has intrigued me to say the least and so I have decided to try compiling a blog post on it. 

The actual definition of personal hygiene is "behaviors that can improve cleanliness and lead to good health (www.cdc.gov/health/about).

Before I dove into this topic, I considered the fact that the Christian life boils down to the root of love. In any given discussion, point of view, etc., it is always essential to be gracious, humble, and understanding of the other person's side. And so, with that in mind, join me on a little journey of discovering and looking into a variety of views. 

I have met people who wear a heavy scented perfume that fills a room and lingers long after they are gone. They often enjoy fashion and dressing up, which in their opinion,  includes a nice smell. I believe it is essential for these people to remember the people sitting beside them in church lest they create headaches or wound their brother with offense. 

On the other side of the ditch, I have met people who could use a shower and some deodourant in order to get rid of a repulsive sweaty smell. These people also should remember that they are their brother's keeper and would do well to make church or any other event a nice experience for them. It is not prideful or wrong to take care of our bodies. I mean, we trim finger nails, comb our hair, and wipe our noses too.

So the question is, what is the middle ground? As Christians we are to be salt and light on the earth. We are also called to be a sweet fragrance to God with our thanksgiving. Personal hygiene is not mentioned in the Bible much beyond Leviticus (correct me if I'm wrong!) and there it mostly refers to washing, cleansing, etc. 

Initially, I concluded that nowhere in the Bible do I find scents mentioned as being needed or essential, but I did conclude that their use actually occured in a number of places. Frankincense and myrr were given to Jesus as gifts. Incense was burned in the temple. The women brought spices to Jesus' tomb and the list goes on. In a simple conclusion, scents are beautiful and can be used to honour God if used appropriately. Now, on the other hand, it is biblical not to offend our brother. Which leads me to believe, that if whatever scent I am wearing, sweat or excessive perfume, offends or triggers allergies in whoever is around or beside me, it is wrong. 

Worship services, and life in general, should be intentional and places where we can focus. Anything that distracts should be taken away. 

So, if you need to get rid of a strong body odor, find something that works well for you and honours the others around you. I know people who use natural products, store products, baking soda, and the list goes on! And if you are someone who enjoys a heavy scented perfume of some kind, also remember the dear souls you go to church with and spare them a headache. 

Much love to all and wishing you a fresh, beautiful day! 🙂

In Croc-covered Feet

The folks were religious, or so they said.
They buttoned their shirts right up to their heads. 
Not a single blight in their church-approved look, 
They checked off each list in their long-winded book.

Their children were combed, their shoes were all shined.
Their Bibles and booklets prepared on the dime.
They hopped into cars that were beautifully waxed.
Polished and shined, their shoes nicely blacked.


Oh yes, they were perfect, God's holy elect.
All their T's nicely crossed, their I's carefully specked.
Their harmony perfect, oh yes they could sing!
Their four parts created a melodious ring.


When lo and behold, the back door gave a squeak,
And in walked a woman with crocs on her feet.
She looked out of place as she surveyed the crowd,
Feeling conspicuous like a bump on their log.


She turned around slowly while the parishioners stared.
She could feel the discomfort rise up through the air.
So she silently trundled back out to the street
Looking down grimly at her croc-covered feet.


And she spoke in a voice that was too low to hear.
I thought maybe Jesus could help me down here.
But it seems I'm too lost, can't be saved anymore.
I guess I'll just quit, should've known this before.


And back at the church, the singing resumed.
The folks were relieved with the old peaceful tune.
Their previous discomfort had left through the door,
Trudging so sadly across their church floor.


As they turned to John three and found verse sixteen,
They read it in gratefulness for what had all been.
Their Saviour had come and had shown them the way.
He could've ignored them and left them to stray.


And out in the dark, away down the street,
Walked a woman alone in croc-covered feet.

footwearnews.com

The Next Leaders...

Joshua fought the battle of Jericho but where did he get the know-how? Well, I imagine he watched his predecessor, Moses, follow God into some sticky situations and walk by faith instead of sight. When the time came, he knew how to trust courageously. 

Elisha, the prophet, begged Elijah for a double portion of the Spirit that was upon him before he was whisked away to heaven in a chariot of fire. What made him ask? I imagine he watched some of Elijah's bold prophecies come to pass and observed the wisdom that Elijah maintained in the face of a dark and evil generation. 

The disciples followed Jesus for the bulk of three years, observing His lifestyle, His miracles, His tears, His prayers, and the very essence of His heart. When He ascended up to glory, He sent His beloved followers an overwhelming portion of His Spirit. 

As I survey the three accounts above, I get a pretty good picture of what it takes to be a good leader. 

1) Following and serving well 

2) Being appointed to a position in due time

3) Being filled with the Spirit and walking in dependence on God

I would venture to say that every single person, above the age of infancy, is a leader to some degree. We lead others by example if nothing else. Even the quietest person in the room affects the atmosphere by their demeanor, actions, words or lack thereof. And so, we all lead. Of course, some people are called to lead much larger groups of people and in much more prominent ways than others, but the question remains, How can we be good leaders?

And so, the topic of mentoring comes up. All three of the above leaders walked for some time with the leader who preceded them, before stepping up to the plate themselves. It is clear to see, that people in leadership positions such as mothers, fathers, teachers, pastors, older siblings, elderly grandparents, etc etc. have a strong responsibility to pass skills, wisdom, and guidance on to the people following their footsteps. Someday, we will die and go on to our reward and someone will fill our place. Not only that, many young people are full of energy and simply waiting for something to do with it. What better way to help them (and God's kingdom) than to invite them into our work. Allow them to observe, learn from our mistakes, walk with us, so that they can begin preparing for the day they will carry on our position. Allow them to ask difficult questions and to wrestle with them. Aid them in their search for answers but always make sure they have their own mind too. It is a weak Christian whose entire life is based on the conviction of others. 

It is obvious that a leadership position must be prepared for. Many of us want to do great things without doing the work required to get there. We hope God will miraculously call us out of our pit of self-indulgence and laziness to do some great eye-catching work for Him. I believe there is a reason God often calls the unassuming and "background" sorts of people to be His strongest instruments. They have learned how to be faithful when no one is watching and to stick to the hardest tasks when it would be easiest to quit. They will be the most humble and loyal leaders because they remember where they came from and the miracle of grace that called them. 

In conclusion, if you want to be a leader, find good people to shadow. Mentoring is important. Don't be afraid to ask the right people to speak into your life and by all means dig into the opportunities that are in front of you. He who is faithful in that which is least will be faithful also in much. Those tiny things you attend to now will enhance your larger space someday. Develop your mind according to God's word. Wrestle with difficult passages and seek God's heart. Good leaders must be able to hear God's voice clearly. Become a person of principle and discipline. Above all, follow God's will for your life diligently. He will call you to the place He has for you and only in His perfect will can you ever hope to accomplish the full potential your life has. After all, it never was about you or me. Only about the One who has called us adopted, a peculiar people, chosen, anointed, saints, and His children. We owe our lives as a sacrifice - whether in the trenches, at the ironing board, or on the stage. 

GettyImages-1164781412.jpg

How Can We Stop Being Afraid of Each Other?

This question was posed at one of our youth discussions in reference to being open and honest with others versus carefully guarded about all things personal. 

I've done some thinking on it since, and it seems to me there are a number of factors that play into this dilemma. One, as I've mentioned on a previous blog post, Will You Be That Place?, is people who gossip and are not trustworthy. These types of people cannot and should not be trusted with anyone's personal life.

A second factor is the playing of the victim card. I have met people who believe everyone is out to get them and they are constantly feeling criticism that doesn't exist. Sometimes this is because they are overly critical themselves and expect the same in return. Other times it is caused by harsh treatment in the past where they were significantly belittled or falsely accused. Fear results, and they continue to live out of that wound of rejection. 

Then a third factor that I have come upon is the way we as humans judge. If we go back to the Pharisees and Jesus, it is quite easy to see a vast difference in the way they viewed and handled people. 

The Pharisees were quick to trample and criticize anyone who was even mildly different than their strict interpretation of the law. There were no grounds for mercy if an action went against what they had deemed to be correct. They watched with horror as Jesus came into a picture:

#1.He loved a woman caught in blatant adultery. 

#2. He healed lepers. 

#3. He asked a Gentile woman for a drink of water.

#4. He spoke to a searching ruler at night. 

Now let us view these activities through the eyes of the deeply religious. 

#1. The woman should clearly have been brutally stoned. 

#2. The lepers were desperately unclean and to be avoided at all costs.

#3. The Gentiles were absolutely untouchable and despised and women in that time period were typically seen as having a lower status than men. Any self-respecting Jewish man would never have stooped low enough, other than spitting, to associate with anyone in that category.

#4. This man was beginning to stray from his proper upbringing. He should have been severely reprimanded and brought back into the correct way. No time for questions when things were already clearly figured out.

And so, I'd like to point out that the Pharisees judged everything through their own hearts and eyes. They saw things from the outside and made judgement calls based on their own understanding. Jesus, on the other hand did not. Of course, He had the extra advantage of being God and being able to see into people's hearts, but it is clear that His entire method of viewing people was completely different than the religious leaders. He valued people for who God had made them. Not by what they did or didn't do but instead for who they could be. 

I wonder what would happen if we would all begin to view people with Jesus' mindset. I believe we would listen a little better, speak a little gentler, and offer a lot more kindness. Perhaps we would all begin to feel safer and more confident, and our churches would become places of healing instead of hurting. ❤️

Behind It All

This morning I asked Jesus how He could ever walk on earth where there were so many people who were broken and hurt. Then, for a moment, I entered His heart. I sensed the deep compassion He carries and the pain of watching His people suffer.

There was a reason He wept over Jerusalem and the unrepentant, blind Jews. There was also a reason He let Mary wash his feet with her tears and anoint them with perfume. He didn't care about the opinions of others or attaining a high level in the local pecking order. He cared about people and their hearts. He saw straight past religious facades, through tears on faces, beyond handicaps, and into the heart behind small offerings. He answered desperate cries for help and refused to get hung up on religious trifles. His heart was like His Father's, bent on redemption.

And I see us today, much like Jerusalem of old. Some of us are ensnared in religious fabrications and some of us lost in empty living. Others are sending out cries of desperation and a remnant bring their small gifts of thankfulness. 

Jesus' heart still breaks. Otherwise He wouldn't send us as Christians out into the world. In His own words, "I pray not that You would take them out of the world, but that You would keep them from evil." John 17:15 He wants us here to be the salt and the light, and to bring others back to oneness with Him. 

And yet, some of us need healing, forgiveness, and grace before we can go out. And in my experience, it takes the powerful cleansing blood of Jesus Christ to attain that. There is no substitute for His love, His grace, and His righteousness. I have watched Him open the eyes of the religiously blinded, heal the demonically oppressed, gently and gradually heal childhood wounds, and bring deliverance to those who were abused. He is able to reach into the lowest situations and bring restoration in miraculous ways. 

How about you let Him reach into yours? ❤️

Behind

Verse 1

He knows the pain you're holding 

Sees the tears that never fall 

He knows that you are breaking 

And afraid to lose it all 

It seems dangerous to trust Him 

'Cause everyone has let you down 

Letting go seems like a failure 

Turning your world upside down.

Chorus
It's a simple song of grace, 

A simple song of love
A song of healing mercy
A song from up above.
A song to say He's with You
He sees your hiding face
He knows the fight you're fighting
And He wants to be Your peace.


Verse 2

He knows the unsung heroes
The ones who held it all
Who fought until the finish
Then carried home the scars
He sees that you are hiding
Ragged wounds beneath your smile
He's saying you let go now
I'll take the extra mile.

                          - Corrine Horst

outreachmagazine.com

When Love Hurts

 Sometimes I've asked myself the question, "Why do I even care?" When I see someone that's near to my heart going through a time of struggle, loss, or confusion, it tugs on my heart and brings me to prayer over and over again. Love hurts. It is simply part of the bargain. We will hurt for and with people if we care. And yet, the opposite life looks shabby and worthless at best. Were I to go through life simply attending to my own needs and ignoring the hurting around me, what would I have to show for it at the end of life? 

My own Master's example was one of extreme sacrifice and dedication regardless of the cost. Because of His unwavering love, He brought many souls to new life and glory.

And so I will continue to love and love hard. The sacrifice may be great, but the reward will outweigh it. 

Pxfuel.com

"Let us love one another, for love is of God." - 1 John 4:7

What If?

I was reading some books tonight that I ordered from Voice of the Martyrs, and to say I was challenged is an understatement. It wrenched me to the core. I mean, how could it not, when I read about people, namely my brothers and sisters in the faith, laying down their lives, being tortured, enduring imprisonment, etc. while I sit here comfortably in America, sometimes too timid to share my faith because of what my family or friends would think. And then I think about the fact that North Korean Christians who share their faith only have a 3 month life-expectancy. I mean really! I begin to wonder what I am doing?

I fear too many of us are lukewarm, back-slidden, focused more on Instagram and novels than the Bible, spending more time in leisure activities than with the broken, and more consumed with our friends than Jesus. Yet, we claim the name of Christian and wave it like a banner. There are still many of us in North America who hold the Name of Christ as our victory. 

And yet, what victory? Isn't it one that was bought with blood? One that was purchased by a simple godly Carpenter who lived in mockery and solid opposition for nearly all of His ministry? I would think that something that cost so much would also cause us to pay a high price in return.

But sometimes I wonder if we can ever truly understand the price when we are paying so little. I believe very few of us have truly identified with the suffering of our Lord like our brothers and sisters in persecuted countries. And it brings me to my knees begging my Lord for His anointing, His heart, His truth, and His fire. 

If only we as His people would burn with His Spirit and walk in His ways. Imagine the revival that would come to our communities, churches, and nations. Imagine how powerfully He would work and the lives that would be changed. Oh, if only we would fall on our knees and beg Him to take us as we are and mold us to be like Him. Oh, if only we would be willing to let go of all to follow and never look back.

THEN we would see Him work.

What if...

But I Can't Do It...

Many of us make excuses as to why we cannot speak for God or do things in His kingdom. We say we are too young, inexperienced, not educated or smart enough, not gifted enough, or simply too tied down with responsibilities. Some of us curl up in a corner and mourn because we feel we will never amount to anything with our sad lack of talent.  Then we get side-tracked with our work and play and completely lose sight of the purpose God has for us. 

As I study the word of God, I have come to believe that God specializes in situations like this. You see, He didn't pick the educated Pharisees to be His disciples or the well-versed chefs of the day to cook for Him. In fact, His disciples were described by the following: 

- too young

-inexperienced

-not educated 

-used to catching fish, collecting money, or farming

-cheats, betrayers

Yet, they all dropped EVERYTHING and followed Jesus. And in that move of faith, they also dropped their inability and exchanged it for Jesus' ability.

You see, when we say we can't go because of who we are, we effectively remove God with His grace and power from His post and focus on the depressing sight of ourselves. This sadly, limits His grace working in and through us.

The truth is, we may be uneducated. We may be young. We may be poor. We may be inexperienced. We may be tied down with obligations. But, if our God is so small, inexperienced, weak, and foolish that He can't use people unless they are flawless and perfect, then we are not truly serving the God of the Bible. 

Our God is the One who commanded Moses to speak and used Aaron. He is the One who used young David the Shepherd boy because of his faith. He is also the One who called Joash to be king at age 7. He used a little maid to help Namaan the leper. He is the One who delivered Mary Magdalene from seven demons. And He is the One who started His church with twelve young men who hadn't an iota of an idea what He was doing. 

The question may come to Your mind, "How? What does He want me to do and how do I do it?" I would advise you to show up and let Him teach you how to follow. 

The disciples learned by living with Him, watching Him, and asking Him questions. I imagine that the same process would yield the same results today. 

You see, when Jesus called them, He said, "I will make you fishers of men." Not, "Please become fishers of men and I'll hire you."

He specializes in taking the unreachable, unusable, unlikable, and unholy and transforming them into His likeness. 

So, in answer to the question... No, you are not good enough, but He'll take you anyway if you'll let Him. ❤️

The Walls That Won't Move...

Sometimes we find ourselves in places we never wanted to be. Frustrating places. Places where things seem to be stuck more than they move. Places where we can't do what we thought God was calling us to. 

Lately I have been reading the book of Exodus and God has been giving me faith to believe that He will move some of these seemingly unmovable barriers. 

You see, the Israelites were in bondage for years. They suffered under the harsh yoke of Egypt and cried out to God. Did God hear them? Absolutely. They were His people. Did He shake heaven and earth and come down immediately? No. He waited over 400 years. 400 years of work and dirt and pain and crying. Why didn't He come sooner? I don't know, but He knew what He was doing. 

I have learned a lot through waiting in my life. It seems to me that when we as Christians camp beside walls that God has allowed to be there and begin praying with fervor and patience, it changes us in ways we never expected. Sometimes God leaves a few walls in order to bring us to a spot of complete dependence on Him and trust in His timing instead of ours. It may look difficult and be outright frustrating, but I know my God enough to know that He is doing a couple things behind the scenes. And when the time is right, He will bring the wall down in the way only He can. 

You see, He could have had another nation come and kill the Egyptians or do it in some other regular way, but no, when God delivered His people, it was unmistakable who had accomplished it. He used a death angel, spoke through two simple men, and then collapsed some walls of water on an army. His way, not the Israelites'; not according to common sense, but His. 

We all have walls in our lives. People that don't change, bad habits to overcome, physical ailments, financial difficulties, family problems, trauma, waiting to step into our life's calling, and the list could go on. Just remember that there is nothing that escapes the eye of our Creator. He is  accomplishing His perfect purpose in you and the lives of the people around you. Keep believing, keep trusting, keep waiting. Hold out an arm of faith and watch God bring the wall down in His time and His way.

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