Premature Dreams

As September draws to a close, I remember a week in September, 1991.  That was when a routine prenatal visit turned into a week of trying to delay the birth of my son.  It was more than 13 weeks too soon.  Although we were very anxious to meet this child, we knew that it was not yet the proper time.  All of our effort extended the pregnancy just under a week.  On Friday, September 13, 1991, our son Jon came into this world; nearly 13 weeks early and weighing 2 pounds 4 ounces. 
The next several months involved medical staff, equipment and procedures.  Organs that had not been completely formed inside the womb now needed support from machines and medicines.  I sat beside the isolet of a tiny son, who had dropped to 1 pound 13 ounces before he finally beginning to gain weight.  I could not even hold him because he was too fragile.  We had our dream.  He was a little man full of personality and containing a very strong will.  But it was far from what we had anticipated the welcoming of our new life into the world would be. 
As I reflect on this time, I think of some of the many lessons I have learned over the years.  There are things we try to rush God on.  When the answers to our prayers don’t come soon enough, we can become discouraged. We fail to remember, “To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven:” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) God’s intended season for a 9 month pregnancy is best.
As many expectant parents will share, there is a ‘Can’t wait to meet the little guy’ feeling that grows as the time gets nearer and nearer.  You see the ultrasound photos, you feel the kicks and you know he is a real baby.  It just seems to be taking so long. There is a lot going on in that secret place of the womb.  As the mom of one who didn’t go full term, I can tell you that the wait will be well worth it.
Do you have dreams from God that seem to be taking longer than you expected to become reality?  Are you still waiting for the answers to prayers you have prayed seemingly 10,000 times?   Have you ever tried to move God onto your timetable instead of his?   If you answered yes to all three, you have probably walked with God for a while.  And, I might add, you are very typical.  How we handle these questions is very important.  Just as trying to stay pregnant was critical, so is holding the dream until the appointed time.
Let’s look at what having a premature child entailed for us. Jon spent the first 94 days of his life in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).  The first 28 days he was so fragile, I was not even allowed to hold him.  Putting my hand the small door of the isolet let out precious warmth that his tiny body required. Therefore, until his body could produce its own heat, I had to settle for fleeting touches as I sat at the bedside watching and praying for my baby boy.  At first, a ventilator did his breathing for him and IV lines delivered his food.  He required several surgeries to take care of problems that a few more months in the womb would have prevented.
I won’t go into all the details.  Let’s just say that when I should have been experiencing kicks and back pain, I was on a roller coaster of good and bad days.  David and I were making life decisions for which we had only the recommendations of the medical staff and lots of prayer to guide us.  Our tiny guy was fighting to survive, when he should have been sleeping in a cozy, enclosed womb. There were days when we were unsure he would even pull through.  It was a long 94 days until we finally brought him home.
Homecoming was not the end of the story.  There were months of oxygen tanks and monitors in our home.  These were followed by several years of clinics and therapies to get him past the developmental delays that his early arrival created.  Our lives included a series of adjustments to accommodate these needs.  Also, there was a high risk of a recurrence, which was life threatening to me. This caused us to delay, and then never actually have, the baby brother or sister we had imagined for our son. Even now, 22 years later, my son has scars that are a reminder of that rough start to this life.
Not everything related to this experienced has been bad.  I have been able to reach out to many families that experienced similar circumstances.  Jon has a deep compassion for people who face extra challenges.  Much of who our family is today has been molded by those hard times.  God has turned a difficult time into much growth and character development.  Our trust in the faithfulness of God grew step by step.  I would not trade these valuable experiences now.  But given the choice, I would not relive them either.  I would be happy to follow God’s 9-month pregnancy plan.
Have you experienced a premature birth of a dream God has given?  Don’t be too discouraged.  You may experience some adjustments to the original plan.  There may be some extra work and even heartache. But even that is not all bad. You will learn lessons you may not have otherwise.  You will be equipped to help others in ways you never would have expected. Cling to God! He can make all things turn out well!  The new plan can turn out better than the original.   “We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.” (Romans 8:28 AMP)

Are you waiting on a dream that seems to be long overdue?  Take courage. “For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day.” (Habakkuk 2:3 AMP)  Though it may seem late, God is working behind the scenes.  His timing is perfect.

 Whichever situation you are in, remember this promise. “And therefore the Lord [earnestly] waits [expecting, looking, and longing] to be gracious to you; and therefore He lifts Himself up, that He may have mercy on you and show loving-kindness to you. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) are all those who [earnestly] wait for Him, who expect and look and long for Him [for His victory, His favor, His love, His peace, His joy, and His matchless, unbroken companionship]!” (Isaiah 30:18 AMP)  Live expecting, looking and longing for God.

One of the final lessons Jesus conveyed before he left the earth concerned the fulfillment of the promises of when he would return.  ““He replied, ‘The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know.’"  (Acts 1:7 NLT)  We are not meant to know exactly when God will perform what he has promised.  We can only be sure that He will.  So do not become frustrated as you wait on God’s timing.  Do not try to hurry it along.  Just trust and patiently live life.

“And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint”. (Galatians 6:9 AMP)

Distracted By Good

My husband and son were walking in a field one day.  They observed a bird with an apparently wounded wing. As they approached the bird cautiously, my husband explained to our young son that they must be careful not to touch the bird if it was a baby.  When they got close, the bird flew away a few feet.  When they began to resume the original path of their walk, the bird began crying out loudly and again flapping the wounded wing.  This recurred several times. Finally the bird flew away, seemingly unharmed.

Puzzled by this behavior, my husband did an internet search on “bird – pretend broken wing” To his surprise the search led to a description of the Killdeer, who is named for their frequently heard call.  Living in grassy areas such as fields, meadows, and pastures, the Killdeer’s nest is a shallow depression in the ground surrounded by some stones.  The spotted eggs appear to be stones, and all blend in with the surroundings.  To distract predators from the nest, a Killdeer will use the "broken-wing act" that my husband and son witnessed.

 David considered this and thought of the distractions that can keep us from the things God has planned for us.  If we equate the nest with God’s perfect plan, there will be many ‘Killdeers’ in our path to distract.  When he shared this with me, I agreed that it was a great story line for this blog site.  So today you get a combination of what ‘our’ hearts see.

We receive several warnings in the Bible concerning selfish distractions.  In the parable of the sower, Jesus explains   ^“And the ones sown among the thorns are others who hear the Lord; Then the cares and anxieties of the world and distractions of the age, and the pleasure and delight and false glamour and deceitfulness of riches, and the craving and passionate desire for other things creep in and choke and suffocate the Word, and it becomes fruitless.”  (Mark 4:18-19 AMP)  John warned the early church, “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things]—these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself].” (1 John 2:16 AMP)  These are contrary to the heart of God and we must continually guard ourselves against them.

What occurred in the field that day was not the result of selfish motives.  Although the Killdeer uses this tactic to distract predators, my guys weren’t looking for easy prey.  They were only concerned with helping a wounded bird.  Often, it is good things that can distract us from the best.  There will always be needs around me.  I must discern if I am the one God has purposed to meet them.  If I try to help every person in need, two things will happen.  First, I will eventually burn out.  Second, I may be too busy to see what God really wants from and for me.

Burn-out, stress and related health issues are so prevalent in today’s world.  The Body of Christ is not immune.  Although we are to rely on God’s strength, we often work so hard we neglect our time receiving from Him.  Whenever we are too busy for God, something is wrong.  Good works cannot begin a relationship with God.  Good works cannot continue a healthy relationship with Him either.  Burn-out is only avoided by spending time with the Father and getting our marching orders from Him.  Follow the pattern demonstrated in the life of Jesus. In several places Scripture tells us, He went away early to spend time with the Father.  His ministry was described by, “How God anointed and consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the [Holy] Spirit and with strength and ability and power; how He went about doing good.”  (Acts 10:38 AMP)

The second point is even more serious.  When I am spending so much time and resources on every need I see, I can actually miss those things that God intends for me to do.  I’ve even found myself telling God I can’t do something because I have all these other things to do. Martha experienced this.  She had dinner guests who needed attention.  Yet she nearly missed the time with Jesus.  “But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; There is need of only one or but a few things.”  (Luke 41-42a AMP)  Jesus guarded himself against this. “I am able to do nothing from Myself [independently, of My own accord—but only as I am taught by God and as I get His orders]. Even as I hear, I judge [I decide as I am bidden to decide. As the voice comes to Me, so I give a decision], and My judgment is right (just, righteous), because I do not seek or consult My own will [I have no desire to do what is pleasing to Myself, My own aim, My own purpose] but only the will and pleasure of the Father Who sent Me.” (John 5:30 AMP) By only doing what he saw His Father doing, he never got distracted from the goal

There were many people at the pool of Bethesda, but Scripture accounts only of Jesus approaching one man. (John 5:1-15)  He saw the need that The Father was drawing Him to, and He met that need.  Other times it is said that “He healed them all.”  Time, discernment and obedience are needed to follow this pattern.  People will not always understand when you decline to help with their request.  Some may even try to use guilt to sway you.  Ask God daily to show you His will. “Man’s steps are ordered by the Lord. How then can a man understand his way?” (Proverbs 20:24 AMP)  Then walk confidently, whether you or others understand the plan of God.
The day of that walk, David and Jon did not even realize there was a nest nearby.  (They would not have bothered the nest if they had known about it.)  They were so concerned with the need of the bird ‘with the broken wing’, that they were blinded to the real treasure.  They were successfully steered off course by what seemed to be the suffering of a helpless bird. It appeared to be a need, but it was not.
It is said that ‘good’ is the greatest enemy of ‘best.’  Don’t miss the treasure (best) that God intends for you to have.  Don’t let anything steer you off the course He has planned for you.  Whether it be sin, or good intentions, we must learn to follow this advice, “…let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1 AMP)   We will run right to the prize of God’s perfect will. 

Sit Simply Means Sit.

I have learned many lessons in the last few years from my dogs, Beamer and Kari. One thing occurs regularly in our home. I think it may be a pair of lessons I need to be reminded of often.
We’ve had Beamer for just over three years and Kari for one. Because of the time when Beamer was our only dog, we have invested a little bit more in training him. Kari does okay, but sometimes needs extra promptings to sit. Beamer will sit on the first command. Kari knows how to sit on command and is learning to do so more promptly.
There is usually a treat involved when I give the command, “sit.” Both of my dogs get really excited about treats. Okay, impatient anticipation describes it a little better. All right, they get downright crazy. Beamer will do just about anything, to ensure he gets his treat as quickly as possible. Thus, if sitting doesn’t bring the immediate reward, he will begin trying anything he has ever learned. When I have to repeat the command for Kari to obey, Beamer will then go from “sit” to “down” to “up” and back to “sit.”  Kari, on the other hand, just looks at me. She needs a moment to focus on my voice, rather than the treat.  Then she needs to process that when I say “sit” I mean “sit.”
How often do I act like one or the other of my dogs when God gives me direction?
Sometimes I have done exactly what God has asked me to do.  I can forget that there are many factors concerning the workings of God. Other people may be involved. Character traits in me may need a little adjusting. Leaving time for these can require me to wait. During this time, I may not understand why there is a delay in the answer to my prayer. If I am not careful, I can become just like Beamer. I can doubt that I have heard and obeyed God. I can start questioning, “What am I doing wrong?” I can also begin to try other ‘works of the flesh’ to get God to answer my prayers in my timing.
At other times, I can be just like Kari. God can speak to my heart and although I hear Him talking, I don’t seem to move at all. For whatever reason, reluctance, laziness, or lack of clarity, I am not quick to obey. I need to hear the command a couple more times before I do what I am told.  In all situations, I truly want to experience what God intends for me.  I just don’t always respond quickly or correctly.
A Biblical example of Beamer’s response is found in the Genesis account of Abraham.  God promised him a son.  When the promise did not come about soon enough, he began trying to make it happen on his own.  After two such attempts, he waited on God.  Though it took many years, he received the original promise. “And so it was that he [Abraham], having waited long and endured patiently, realized and obtained [in the birth of Isaac as a pledge of what was to come] what God had promised him.”  (Hebrews 6:15 AMP)  His own attempts did not produce the desired results.  Only waiting on God’s provision can bring about His promises. 
One example of the behavior Kari exhibits is the young Samuel.  He heard God call his name, but did not realize it was God speaking. He ran to Eli the priest.  This occurred three times before Eli explained that this was the voice of God.  The next time God called, he quickly responded, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10b AMP)  I sometime wonder if I attribute nudges from God as random thoughts.  I hear them in my mind, but don’t take the time or effort to investigate their origin.  I simply dismiss them.  God repeats the command until I realize that it is Him and decide to obey.  At other times, when the task is difficult, I may not want to obey.  It takes a few times for me to respond correctly.  Oh, He is so patient with me!
When I am in either of these ‘doggie’ modes I need to be cautious.  Since others can be involved, my quick obedience may cause me to wait for others to respond as well.  I may also need to mature in some areas.  During these times I cannot begin to question why God is not moving quicker. I cannot begin to analyze what else I need to do to hurry it along.  I must only affirm that I have done and am doing what God has asked.  Then I must trust in His timing.  When I hear God’s promptings in my heart, I must quickly ascertain that it is God and then decide to immediately obey.
In all instances, our responses should be “Yes Lord.”  For the times we are tempted to respond as Beamer does, we must remember “to obey is better than sacrifice.”  (1Samuel 15:22b AMP)  To avoid acting like Kari, we must remember this instruction, ^“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”  (James 1:22 NLT)

Let these verses be the cry of our hearts, “I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.”  (Psalm 40:1 AMP) and “Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart.” (Psalm 119:34 NLT) 

At the appointed time (when both dogs were sitting) the treat came.  At the appointed time (God’s time) His plan will be worked out in your life.

Carry Loads and Help Lift Burdens

Last week, my son, Jon, fractured a tiny bone in his foot. (For those of you who are medically inclined, it was the fifth metatarsal on the right foot.) Suddenly, he is wearing a protective, pressurized boot.  His activities are restricted and things that were once done without thought, have now become laborious and even impossible to do without help.  He cannot stand on his feet for extended times.  Also, because it is the right foot, he cannot drive for at least 3 weeks.

The prior Sunday’s message at our church concerned “loads and burdens.”  Loads referred to those responsibilities that are a part of everyday life.  These include working, paying bills, maintaining car and home, caring for family, etc.  Although these may sometimes be difficult, they are part of your everyday life.  A burden was described as something that results from occurrences beyond your control. Referenced here, were a car wreck taking the life of the mother of young children, severe illness, a woman left to raise her children alone when her husband leaves, an elderly widow, etc.  These are above and beyond the ordinary occurrences of everyday life.

Jon’s current situation is a picture of this message.   Under normal conditions, he would never ask someone to drive him to work.  He is embarrassed to ask for help getting him food and water or moving his computer. He would never consider requesting ‘sit down’ work duties. He’s a dependable young man who does what is necessary to take care of his own responsibilities.  He strives to go above expectations.

My husband, David, and I are more than happy to assist. We are not only willing to respond to his requests, but we actually look to help with his needs before he even asks. This is just what we want to do. Jon is our son and we love him. We can’t think of responding in any way but helping him at this time. Although driving him to work will be a little inconvenient, it is just what I will do. Getting him a bottle of water or moving things that he cannot carry is just the way it is. We are family. We help each other.

The church body is also referred to as a family. Do we respond to the needs of those in our church family in this same way? Do we not even consider acting otherwise? Do we look for ways to help someone before they even need to ask? When we do respond, is it grudgingly or cheerfully? Do we pat ourselves on the back for being so selfless? These are all questions that we must ask ourselves. If you are living in a community within the body of Christ, you should look to the overwhelming needs of others with a heart open to serve.

The apostle Paul encourages the church at Philippi. “Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not [merely] his own interests, but also each for the interests of others”. (Philippians 2:4 AMP)  They were not told to neglect their own needs or fail to fulfill their own responsibilities, but they were encouraged to look for ways to meet the needs of others.  Often we are called to help others during the times of our greatest need. God wants us to respond with willing hearts, even when those hearts are themselves overwhelmed. Instead of looking for who will help me, I am to look for who I can help.

We have this great promise from the Lord.  ^“I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency]. (Philippians 4:13 AMP)   If you are carrying a heavy load, you have the assurance that God will give you the strength to see the situation through. Your daily life may have some things you wish you didn’t have to deal with, but God will provide the strength for each day.

We also have the promise, “And my God will liberally supply (fill to the full) your every need according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19 AMP) This does not mean that we must stand alone, trusting God and looking for His direct provision in silence. He can and does intervene miraculously and sometimes this is may be through strangers.  Yet this often quoted passage comes after verse 18 which states, “But I have [your full payment] and more; I have everything I need and am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent me.” Putting these verses in the proper order, all needs are met by God, but often through others who want to support us. When we experience the circumstances that lead to a burden, God intends for those in our family to help us along.  Just like the Philippians helped Paul, there are fellow believers who want to help you.

I mentioned earlier that Jon hates asking for help doing the simple, basic things.  He cannot get out of the car without his crutches.  He needs someone to not only drive him places, but place his crutches in and retrieve them from the back seat. His duties at work include driving and some activities that require him to be on his feet. He had to ask his supervisor if there was work he could do sitting down.  By asking he has found people more than willing to accommodate him.  His friends assisted him when they went over the weekend and his supervisor is preparing modified duty for him to continue to work.  All he had to do is ask.

Sometimes we face struggles that are too much for us to bear alone.  We try to do it on our own.  This results in frustration and often tears.  Asking may be difficult.  You may hate to ask for help.  But the Bible tells us to bear one another’s burdens.  If we don’t ask, we not only hurt ourselves, but also that person that wants to obey God by providing assistance.  Simply if you need help, ask.  Let your brothers and sisters know what is going on in your life.  Sometimes all you have to do is ask.

So what exactly is our pattern for life? We are to carry our loads with a cheerful, trusting attitude. When we experience a burden, we are to let those in our family know what we need. We need to gratefully receive from our brothers and sisters as though from the Lord. And at all times we are to be looking for those we can help.

What is "Not on Your List?"

A while back my family went on a very structured diet.  During the strictest phase you eat only foods from a very specific list.  As we started, the nurse who coached us, encouraged my son, who was 20 at the time, to use the phrase, “It’s not on the list.”  This would help with the social pressures, when sharing a meal with friends.  I found myself using that phrase frequently.  "It is not on the list!" became my response not only for the diet, but also became a guard over my spiritual life. 

The foods not on the “list” fall into three categories.  Some of the foods are simply not good for you.  No matter how healthy you become, they will always be detrimental to continued health.  Refined or artificial sugars, refined flours and chemically or genetically altered foods will always have ill effects.  Others are perfectly healthy food items. They are simply not for eating right now. I entered the eating plan kicking, screaming and pouting. "What is wrong with cauliflower, zucchini and mushrooms?  They don't have any calories."  Alas, they were not on the list.  And the third category of ‘not on the list’ foods will not be good for an individual.  . I have some food allergies/sensitivities.  Some foods that are perfectly healthy for most people have disastrous effects for me.  My personal choices must include avoiding apples and oranges, although these may be very wise food choices for others. 

The same can be said for a spiritual food list.  When we first come to the Lord, many of our former activities are taken from the list of things that are good for developing a relationship with the Lord. “So, come out from among [unbelievers], and separate (sever) yourselves from them, says the Lord, and touch not [any] unclean thing; then I will receive you kindly and treat you with favor,” (2 Corinthians 6:17 AMP)   Some of these will stay off the list forever, others return and some are altered or replaced.

Just as some foods will never go on our good list, some things that we have left behind to follow Jesus will never be good to pick again.  These include bitterness, unforgiveness and judgmental-ism. They have never been good and we don't truly see how harmful they are, until we live free of them. Though they move into the permissible category, because all things are permissible, they will never become profitable to you. “All things are legitimate [permissible—and we are free to do anything we please], but not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life].” (1 Corinthians 10:23AMP)  You won’t cease to be a child of God, but you will miss the benefits of spiritual health.  True peace and joy far surpass anything we thought we wanted to hold onto. The physical and spiritual benefits of healthy eating outweigh any “lust of the eye, lust of the nose or vain imaginings of our taste buds."

We are also to avoid circumstances and situations that place us into overwhelming temptation.  Although the activity or locale itself may not be inherently sinful, they place the believer is in a spot where wrong choices are very likely to occur.  We are instructed, “…strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,” (Hebrews 12:1AMP)   As we grow in the Lord, some of these things that had previously tied us to bad habits may again become acceptable. These had a “not now” status.   As we grow, poor behavior patterns are replaced by new desires to live according to God’s principles.  Certain friends or places may return to your life without causing you to stumble into sin. Activities once tied to bad thoughts or behavior may now be enjoyed without negative effects. 

Like my food sensitivities, a calling or purpose from God may cause one to avoid some things that others are allowed. It may be a single event you don’t attend or a lifelong choice.  You may also be asked to do things that others are not.  God has created us each as unique individuals.  We must learn to both eat and act according to His plan.
Ignorance to these principles can be very dangerous.  For years I was unaware that many of my health problems were caused or drastically exaggerated by poor food choices.  Compared to many, I ate somewhat healthy.  It wasn’t until this very small list of “clean” foods became my diet, that I gained hope of living pain and asthma free. Sure, I knew I drank too much diet soda, but did not realize the extent of the damage it was causing.  And now I actually love water.  I wonder what things I have consumed that caused spiritual sickness I wasn’t aware of.  All I know is that now I want only what God wants.  I strive to let go of things He tells me to let go of.  This is not always easy, but definitely worth it.  And I love the Word of God.
I have been able to live healthy now for well over a year.  I have added many healthy foods to that original list.  I will not eat items containing gluten, dairy or sugars/artificial sweeteners.  A food allergy that had not been a problem for years has returned.  I’ve adjusted my eating plan again to avoid this food.  We’ve changed how we prepare food.  I make my own BBQ sauce and my brownies start with black beans.  My husband grills our meats and I chop vegetables.  Many of the old favorite foods are still around, but in an alternate form.  My whole family benefits by eating and feeling better. 
So what changes are you willing to make?  What will you be willing to take off your list of ‘profitable’ life practices.  Don’t feel like you will starve.  The scripture gives us a great list of items that will keep you spiritually nourished.  “For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. (Philippians4:8AMP)

Create s list for your life. Eat!  Eat Well! And, when temptation comes, your reply can be, “It is not on the list!”

Who Will Have the Last Word?

(The body, the soul and the spirit were having a discussion one day…)  It sounds like the start of a joke, but really is quite serious.  We face decisions every day.  Our bodies, souls and spirits will all have opinions as to the best course of action.  There will be a battle for supremacy and the spirit must win.
These (body, soul and spirit) are the three major players in this battle.  We are three part beings.  I have heard it explained like this. “We are a spirit.  We have a soul.  We live in a body.”  Each part has a distinctive role.  Each part is important.  And each part wants to win every disagreement.

The body can offer valid information obtained through the senses.  It can also be a petulant child who screams, “I want, I want, I want!”  The soul is the intellectual and can seek out necessary information.  But it often rationalizes and questions everything, wanting all the answers, even those beyond its comprehension.  The soul can also be very emotional, changing its mind as its moods change.  All who have been born again have a new spirit.  Paul states “No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit.  And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.” (1 Corinthians 2:11-13 NLT)  The spirit of a believer can communicate with the spirit of God, therefore having access to the wisdom of God.

The spirit of man communicates with the spirit of God.  How does this happen? Communication occurs by talking and listening to the other. Both praying and staying in the word are essential to making the spirit strong. Knowing God intimately will lead to trusting in Him. Discovering how big He really is will lead to that reverential fear that leads to wisdom. (The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; Proverbs 1:7a AMP).

Our spirit man must be the final decision maker in our life. This does not mean that the body and the mind are evil or even unnecessary. Quite the contrary! Without the sensation of the body, we could come to great harm. The pain the body feels when cut or burned can prevent serious harm or injury. Likewise, we are to think decisions through. We are told to count the cost and consider all aspects before taking on a new endeavor. (For which of you, wishing to build a farm building, does not first sit down and calculate the cost [to see] whether he has sufficient means to finish it? Luke 14:28 AMP). But in all things, the will of God must win out over comfort. Wisdom must win out over knowledge. God’s word and his will must be the supreme ruler in my life.
As the mother of the talkative preschooler can “half” listen to her child, so we must learn to listen to our bodies. We need to determine if they’re relating something important, or just having a tantrum to get their way.  In the same manner we can allow much of what our selfish desire screams for to fall into the background. We know the body is talking, but it can no more gain control than a four-year-old can control the household.
As a student who thirsts for knowledge, we should seek out facts. We can gather insights from others. We can even consider varying opinions. The Bible states that “Where there is no counsel, purposes are frustrated, but with many counselors they are accomplished.” (Proverbs 15:22 AMP)   But after all diligence and consideration have been made, we must remember that the wisdom of God far exceeds anything our minds can comprehend.  Wisdom must confirm or overrule knowledge and emotion.
When a difficult situation arises in life, there can be a variety of responses all taking place within the same person. The body may react with fear that includes a physical response of trembling or ‘butterflies’ in the stomach. The mind can respond with doubt and despair. The same process that seeks and determines the best method to accomplish goals, can now deliver countless reasons why things are impossible and even hopeless. Faith is the expression of the spirit who stays in constant contact with Father God. The body and the soul say, “We can’t.  The Giants are too big.”  The spirit taunts the same enemies with, “my Dad’s bigger than your dad…”

The same process can occur when God has given you a big dream.  Deep inside you know that it is from God.  Every fiber of your spirit is shouting “Go for it!”  But these shouts of encouragement can get muffled by the equally loud cries of the body saying, “It might hurt.” or “It is too much work.”  The soul chimes in with, “You are not qualified to do that!”  “Let someone else do it.”  Keep feeding your spirit until faith rises. That voice must become louder than the rest. “I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].” (Philippians 4:13 AMP)

 No to your flesh and yes to God… No to your reasoning and yes to God... Several years ago there was a worship song that repeated “Yes Lord, yes Lord, yes, yes Lord… Amen.”  At first glance this may seem a little bit redundant. I believe the “Yes, Lord” is repeated so many times, because we face so many decisions every day.  The answer cannot be “Yes, Body,” or “Yes, Soul.”  We cannot say ‘Yes Lord’ to this and ‘no’ to that.  In every case, our response must be “Yes, Lord!”

So the body, the soul and the spirit will be having a discussion today. Who will have the final say in your life? A good discussion has input from all, but every group needs a leader. There has to be a final decision maker. Let your spirit take the role. Let your spirit consider all the inputs of the body and the soul. But, let your spirit be guided by the Holy Spirit. “Yes, yes Lord, amen!”

Course Corrections

I attended college in Dallas, Texas. The Dallas/Fort Worth area has many highways. Each city has a highway that runs north/south through the heart of the city. There is an east/west highway going through the down towns of both Dallas and Fort Worth. There are also large loops that encircle each city. Just about everywhere you want to go in the DFW Metroplex, you get on one of these highways.

One night as I was returning home from work, I found myself unable to change lanes in time to access the exit ramp from one highway to another. I was a bit frustrated with myself for not paying better attention and getting in the right lane earlier. I knew how crazy the mix master can be. Soon, I found myself continuing south when I wished I had been going west. My destination had been southwest of the location of that interchange, but I always took the highway west out of the downtown area and then exited south to return to the campus.

After missing my exit, I had quickly decided that turning around would be more hassle than it was worth. The road I was following would meet the southern section of the loop and I could travel westbound from there.  I would then need to go a short distance north. Following these roads, I would make it back to the dorm approximately five minutes later then I would have with my originally intended route.

I learned a lesson that evening about my spiritual journey. As I drove, God began speaking to me about my life. Sometimes I would miss the ideal path, due to inattentiveness or self interest. But this does not always mean that I have gone in the opposite direction of God. This new path will take me out of the way and cause some delays. Following God’s original design is always the best and most expedient plan. Drifting off course a bit, does not, however, mean that everything I do from that moment on is out of, or contrary to, God’s will.

Prior to that evening, I saw my walk with God as a straight line. If you stepped off the line, you were totally off doing your own thing; apart from God. This can be true when defiance and rebellion are present. But in the case of inattentiveness or confusion, there may be missed opportunities, but not a total separation. I had always felt that in order to get back in line with God, I had to return to and re-enter at the point I had exited. This meant that every step in the mean time had been wasted. It was, like a board game. If someone landed on your piece, you go back to the beginning and start all over. I wasn’t always sure exactly when and where I had drifted away. Therefore I didn’t even know where or how to get back in step with God.

But God is so much bigger than even our mistakes. When I step off his ideal path, he has another that He will take me down. That detour will likely contain some unnecessary “potholes” or trials of life. It may take some time and energy away from the originally intended, perfect plan that God has. There will be some extra distance to get back on track. But in the end, God is big enough to get me where he wants me. He can make the new path as good as, or even better than, the original. Even my straying doesn’t surprise him.

Would it have been better for me to take the original exit ramp?  I would have gotten back to campus five minutes sooner. Most evenings that was the route I continued to take.  Do I regret going the wrong way that night?  Not at all!  In the years since that night, I have taken great comfort in this lesson. Knowing that God is bigger than my mistakes, gives me peace. There is security in understanding that He will put me back on the correct path; the one He has for me.

We follow the God who is bigger than any trial that can be in our path. He will see us through any circumstance. God is not only bigger than the obstacles in our path; He’s also bigger than our poor decisions, our confusion or our desires to simply follow our own ways. He will not only deliver us from the things that come against us, he will also deliver us from us. If our hearts are set on following Him, He will bring us back to the correct path. We will find ourselves reentering this path at the God chosen point. Our own detour may have wasted some time and energy, but God will not continually send us to the back of the line.

The apostle Paul talks about running the race, and we are all commanded to run our own race. We are told to complete our course. God has made provision for when we step off the intended path. This provision is grace and mercy. “… [God’s gift] is not a question of human will and human effort, but of God’s mercy. [It depends not on one’s own willingness, nor on his strenuous exertion, as in running a race, but on God’s having mercy on him.]” (Romans 9:16)  So look to this merciful God, and ask Him to lead you back into the race. God will get you where He intends you to be, even if it made be a day late. But even then, God is beyond the constraints of time. He will make all things good in His time.

Just as my new route took a circuitous path back to campus, your path will also get you where God intends you to be.

Lessons From a Squirrel

One day, back when I was in college, I was sitting in wooded area at the UW Parkside. I had been asking God about following his direction for my life. He showed me a picture of this, through the activities of a squirrel.

I observed the squirrel hop up onto the end of a fallen tree trunk. He ran with amazing speed to the other end.  He intently scanned the area and hopped off.  Cautiously, he began to cross the ground. He painstakingly selected where each foot was placed, zigzagging and turning through the underbrush. This process caused him to side step, change direction and even backtrack as he continued to the next fallen tree. Once there, he proceeded to again hop up on the trunk and run like the wind.

I watched this pattern repeat itself several times until my squirrel friend was out of sight. His turns and changes took him in a completely different direction than he had appeared to be headed when he initially began his journey. Eventually, he had climbed up into the branches of a tall, living tree far across the woods.

As I reflected on this process, I saw my life set before me. There would be times in my life that the direction would be clear and I would run with a confidence and passion for the things that God had set before me. At other times the path may not be so clear. I would have to test the ground to see where the proper steps would take me. During these times, seeking God and stepping out with care would be essential. These times may not be as fast moving, but they would allow God to fine-tune the direction of my live.

Now, more than 30 years later, I can see that this process has occurred over and over in my life. There have been times when my path has been clearly set before me.  Jesus promised “The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27) I have known the next step from God and been able to follow it with confidence. Daily life occurs during these times, with its little distractions. But overall, I know where I’m going and that I am doing what God has for me at this time.

There are also those times when I have asked God, “What in the world are you doing?” During these times, I’m tempted to just sit and wait at the end of that tree trunk.  Because I do not see the next step clearly, I do not want to move. Sometimes this occurs because I don’t want to miss God.  Other times it is simply laziness or fear. Early on, God taught me a valuable lesson for when I am in this stubborn, stuck mode. “And your ears will hear a word behind you, saying, ’This is the way; walk in it, when you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left.’” (Isaiah 30:21) This verse has given me great comfort when I step out into the unclear areas.  God promises us that if we take a step in the wrong direction he will call from behind, “Not that way. Turn this way.” When we have made the right choice, He’ll also nudge us on, “That’s it! Keep going!”  

Has my life turned out the way I intended? Has the path been easy and clear along the way? These questions make me chuckle just a little. Who could have seen a premature birth coming? Who intends to sit as a husband has in brain surgery? And then there are the comas, car wreck,” flight for life” to Children’s Hospital and several other incidents that have occurred in the life of my family. During these times it was so great to know that God would both speak so I could follow and go behind and call out to me and correct my path.

Think about the life of Joseph. I’m pretty sure he never intended to be sold by his brothers or get put in prison. But as he told those brothers later in life, “But now, do not be distressed and disheartened or vexed and angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me ahead of you to preserve life.” (Genesis 45:5) Joseph’s greatest work was only accomplished because of those hard times.  Similarly, my life is what it is today, because of my hard times.

These would be the times when my squirrel was between the tree trunks, testing the ground, carefully seeking his way. Knowing this, I can confidently choose my steps, knowing that God has another path already prepared for me.  Maybe this will be the time I climb into the branches of that strong, upright, living tree. And, even then, there will be another branch to climb or jump over to, as this wonderful walk with God continues.  Run, hop and climb with great expectation!  Following God’s voice or hearing Him from behind, you will be always remain in His care.

How May I Serve You?

In the earlier days of home computers, when windows and icons were yet a dream, there was DOS. When you turned the computer on, you received a C Prompt. (C:/)  This let you know the computer was ready for information.  My husband, being the creative character he is, would change the prompt when he set up a computer. My computer opened up saying “Yes, my love?” For a friend of ours, David set the prompt to say “How may I serve you, Master Jeff?”
This came to mind one morning as I was pondering ways to serve. I asked the Lord, “How may I serve you, today?” I thought of those around me and wondered how I could serve them. Actually these are one and the same question. When I give my day the Lord, with a heart ready to serve Him, He will show me how to serve those He places in my life that day. There’s no list to check off for the ‘who’ or the ‘how‘. It’s unique to the day and to the way.
So how can we serve the Lord? How can we serve those around us? How can we be led by the Holy Spirit to the ‘who’ and ‘how’ of our service? This can appear very tricky. We can meditate on this question and devise a seemingly right formula for serving. We can look to how others serve and imitate them. Both methods eventually lead to burnout. We may feel good about what we’re doing for a time. But eventually, our strength will give out and we will wonder where our peace and joy have gone.
Asking the Lord this question recently, I considered the things he has done for me. Some blessings came directly from Him, and others through people He sent. Much of what He brought to my mind were the hard times He has walked me through.  He promises “[I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!].” (Hebrews 13:5)  Through the many situations I have encountered in this life, I have experienced this presence and secure grip of God.
We are to acknowledge, thank and share what God has done for us.  “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement),  Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)  Comfort and encouragement are given, both to sustain us and equip us to give it away.
 Armed with these promises and direction, I can look for the person God has for me to help next. God has guided me through so many things during the 35 years I have walked with him. Some of these things are big and some are little. The people I meet today may be going through big trials or little ones. They may be having great joys or quiet contentment. I may have a direct word to speak into their situation. I may have a tangible gift that can meet the current need. I may just silently pray and seek direction for future conversation or action. There’s no magic formula, no power point presentation to refer to.  
So, just as the home computer is a tool to assist us in many things, so we also are made to be a tool in the hands of the Lord. ” For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].”  (Ephesians 2:10)  Workmanship, masterpiece and unique creation all describe us. He created me specifically for a purpose that only I can fill. He created you specifically for a purpose that only you can fill.  As a craftsman chooses the right tool, specific to the task at hand, so God has chosen you and me today for a specific purpose. Uniquely crafted, specifically tempered by the good and bad times in our past, we can go out with confidence. The creator of the universe and lover of his creation wants to bless today. And, prepared and ready for this day, I get the privilege to be part of that.  Yeah!
 “What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed].” (1 Corinthians 2:9)  This promise from Scripture can be both daunting and exhilarating.  It is worked out each and every day.  Do you love Him?  Do you gratefully recognize His benefits?  Do you want to fulfill the purpose only you can fill today? All you have to do is ask, “How may I serve you, Master Jesus?” Then open your eyes and your heart.  He will give you the direction.

Warm Me Up, Please!

Warm Me Up, Please!

My morning ritual is pretty well set.  I start the coffee, shower, grab the coffee and head for my “favorite corner of the couch”.   This is my time with God, before I face the day.  Did I mention the coffee? It is very much a part of this time.  When I am at home, I am very precise on how I have my coffee.  It is one third regular and two thirds decaf. (If made like this, I can enjoy more than one cup.)  It is lightly sweetened with a few drops of whichever flavored Stevia I am in the mood for at that time.  (English Toffee and Chocolate Raspberry are frequent choices.)

With all the care that I put into preparing my coffee, one would think I would drink it while it is hot.  But, alas, I often take the first few sips and then let the rest sit, while I ponder the scripture I am reading.  Then, when I reach over and take a drink, I am unpleasantly reminded of the passage in Revelation 3 in which Jesus tells the church at Laodicia they are neither hot nor cold and he will spit them out of His mouth. (I have yet to actually spit, but I certainly understand the concept.)  There has been a very good reason for my inattention to that cup of coffee.  Contemplating what God has for me is far more important than any beverage.  But none the less, the lack of attention has had a negative effect.

I then, often compound the problem by adding fresh, hot coffee to the cup that has already gone cold. If too much cold coffee remains, the result is a cup that is only a slightly warmer than before.  It is still a non-ideal, if not completely unpalatable, temperature.  When I am not careful, I find the only truly enjoyable coffee of the entire morning has been those first few sips.

Standing at the coffee pot one morning, poised to once again add some fresh, hot coffee to my now quite cold, half full cup, I saw my error and a spiritual parallel. Our walk with God, full of dreams and vision, can grow cold for many of the same reasons as my coffee.  A lukewarm spiritual condition and that now cold coffee also share similar solutions.

The first and foremost reason a relationship with God can lose vitality is simple inattention.  Time away from the heat source is all it takes to cool down a warm cup of coffee, or a passionate heart. There have been times in my life when I have not intentionally let my heart grow cold.  I’ve just allowed other things, many of them good things, to get in the way of true communication with God.  I have never stopped talking to him throughout the day, but I have been less consistent in planning that specific time alone with him. I have relied on the ‘throughout the day’ and, in those times, I tend to do more talking than listening. I need a focused time to listen to his voice.  We have this promise,   “I love those who love me, and those who seek me early and diligently shall find me.” (Proverbs 8:17)                                                                                   

The other reason my heart can grow cold is interruption.  Have you ever sat down to read the word only to experience a string of interruptions?  The phone rings, the dog needs to go out, you remember that dinner is still in the freezer, the kids cry out for help… the list can be endless.  Soon your allotted time is up and you wonder where it went. What I’ve learned to do about this is a two-step process to limit the distractions.  First, pre-plan your time.  Take care of urgent needs prior to your time with the Lord.  And second, some great advice I received, is to keep pen and paper nearby. When those “must do” items come to mind, jot them down.  Then, you are prepared to get to them when you return to your daily activities.

Rebellion will also cool a heart in a hurry.  It may not be blatant sin.  It may be an attitude you don’t want to relinquish.  Anger, unforgiveness and self pity can be notorious for this.  I can choose a cup of tea or juice over coffee and there are no lasting ill effects.  If we chose anything over God, even a bad attitude, it becomes an idol and leads to death.  “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me” (Psalm 66:18) Pour the sin out and refill with an obedient heart and time with God.

I have found three things to do when my coffee gets cold.  They also apply to my walk with the Lord.  When I keep these steps in mind, I find myself more content and enjoying both, my coffee and the life God has for me.

Instead of simply adding some hot to the cold, heat up the cold first.  The first time one of our guests asked my husband for a warm up of his coffee, David went to the microwave and literally warmed it up.   (He came from a southern family and drank very little coffee.)  Likewise I must make the effort to go to the source of my passion and intentionally reheat.   For your spiritual life, the source of heat is the fire of God.  Seek him.  The Word, prayer and worship are all great ways to access that fire.  Allow God to revive dreams and visions that you have let go cold.  Let him restore what you have lost and then add new vision and direction from here.

Sometimes the old has gotten stale and we may be trying to hold on to the past.  If you’ve ever tried to warm up yesterday’s coffee, you realize it no longer tastes or satisfies as only fresh can.  I have a tendency to try to hang on to something after God has determined that the time is finished for that stage of my life.  The result is triply bad.  First, you are no longer gifted or called to that task, so it no longer fulfills you as it once did.  (Cold or lukewarm coffee)  Second, you are missing out on the next great thing God has planned for you.  (Hot, fresh coffee)  And third, you are probably in the way of the person God had called to that endeavor.  That new person is now specifically equipped for the task. (Hot beverage of their choice)

In times like these, discard the old and start fresh.  Don’t try to reheat the old coffee, and don’t try to relive an old dream.  If a dream is to be resurrected, that will come from God.  Take your hands off.  Listen and look for the new thing you can set your hand to.  That fresh, steaming cup of coffee is better than any reheat. So is following the new direction of God.  It will be better than anything you can hold on to.  Let go, dive in and drink deep.

The final solution to my cold coffee problem is to get a cup warmer and use it.  I’ve had a warmer for years. It is simply a small, electric pad that sits beneath the cup.  I had been using it at work for the tea I drink later in the day.  I’ve now brought it home, but have yet to take it to my den.  Why?  I couldn’t tell you.   In order to not let our vision from God get cold, we need to continually keep it warm. We need to intentionally keep it with the heat source. This constant, intentional heat source comes from a constant, intentional communication with the one who loves us more than anything.  Don’t let your Bible sit on a shelf, unused like my coffee warmer.  Not letting the dream go cold is the best plan of all.  King David stated, “ O God, You are my God, earnestly will I seek You; my inner self thirsts for You, my flesh longs and is faint for You, in a dry and weary land where no water is.” (Psalm 63:1)

So start today.  Drink deeply of the fresh, hot vision from God for your life.  Don’t let distractions get you off course.  Learn what needs to be let go of.   And determine to keep the vision and your relationship with God hot, fresh and delicious. 

“O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.”  (Psalm 34:8) 

  

Feeling Insignificant?

In several passages in the Bible, the apostle Paul draws an analogy between to the body of Christ and the human body. He states in Romans 12 that just as the physical body has many parts, so also the body of Christ has many members.   And each has been given gifts. All body parts are not the same and do not perform the same function.  Neither, are all followers of Christ created alike or have the same gifts. Just as each body part has an individual purpose, so each believer has specific gifts. These gifts have vital and unique purpose to the operation of Christ’s body. (verses 4 & 5)  Paul then tells us to use them by the grace God has given us. (verses 6 – 8)

The body analogy is expanded in 1 Corinthians 12. Here, hands and feet are used to describe how each believer has his or her own place. The apostle Paul warned Christians about being jealous of the roles that others play in the body of Christ. He also warned against competition and the need to elevate our own role. He refers to the ear, the eye and the nose to show how interdependent we all are. Paul states “but as it is, God has placed and arranged the limbs and organs in the body, each (particular one) of them, just as he wished and saw fit and with it best adaptation.” (verse 18) Likewise, each one of us is perfectly placed and arranged just where God wishes us to be.  He saw fit to put us here and perfectly adapted us for His purpose. No one is any more or less significant.

When I first read these Scriptures, I did not feel that I was a hand, a foot, an eye, an ear or even a nose. All of those seemed much bigger than the role I thought I could play in the body of Christ. Then I began to contemplate diabetes. I’ve personally had this Type 1 diabetes for over 35 years. What I learned about this disease has, in turn, taught me much about each person’s importance in the body of Christ.

Diabetes is frequently in the news because it is a major contributor to heart disease, blindness, kidney failure, neurological pain in the extremities and other serious maladies. Whenever any of these diseases are discussed, diabetes is considered as a major risk factor. Doctors will inquire of any family history and test for any signs of the disease.  There is great concern and care given to the treatment of diabetes. Treatment is both for the disease itself and for the prevention of the long-term complications.  These complications include the onset of so many other diseases.

In the body of someone with type 1 diabetes there is one problem. A small, not so impressive organ called the pancreas has tiny, microscopic beta cells that do not work.  No one sees the pancreas. No one goes around saying, “Look how great my pancreas is!” It’s a part of the body that is seldom discussed outside of an anatomy class or a doctor’s office. It’s just not glamorous or impressive. But it’s not even the whole pancreas that stops working when diabetes is present. It’s microscopic (unable to see without a microscope) cells that have been attacked and stopped working.

Do you ever feel unseen?  Do you wonder if you have any gifts and talents to offer?

The Bible has several accounts of what I personally term “beta cell” prophets.  Men who asked, “Are you sure you have the right man for the job?” Does “I’m the least of my clan and my clan is the smallest in our tribe,” sound familiar.  (Gideon - Judges 6:15)  “Send my brother, Aaron. He speaks better than me.” (Moses – Exodus 3 & 4) Who am I, Lord?” (David - Psalm 8)  Throughout the word of God, great men have suffered from feeling insignificant. They thought they were too small. But Gideon routed the enemy with only 300 men. Moses led the people out of Egypt and through the wilderness and ruled over them for 40 years. David was king of Israel and wrote some of the most heartfelt portions of scripture. These men and several more suffered from “beta cell, self image” syndrome. They saw themselves as insignificant until they saw themselves as God saw them.

Are you suffering from “beta cell, self image” syndrome? You may feel that you are “just a mom” “just a dad,” “just a teen” or “just a (fill in your blank).”   You may feel that all you do is “pray for” or “give support to” the ministries others are called to do. You may clean the church, greet at the door or hand out water, but never preach, teach or lead a group.  Remember, those microscopic cells on that little heard of pancreas?  They have the power to destroy the heart, brain, eyes, feet and even bring death, simply by not working.  Major works of God are likewise hindered and even die off, without the prayers and support of many silent partners.  Yet for every heart that is softened, every life that is touched, this behind the scenes work is critical to prepare people to receive what God has for them.  You share in the labor, and you will share in the reward.

If you have a healthy pancreas, rejoice that your beta cells are working properly. Your heart, brain, eyes, feet and the rest of your body can do their jobs unhindered. If you are a beta cell do your job well. No matter how small, the task it can be vital to the great work that a congregation, ministry or any group is called to do.  Encouragement is a very important, but little practiced gift these days.  Barnabas, known as the son of encouragement, defended Paul before a fearful body of believers and later travelled with him on many of his trips. They were the encourager and the preacher. (Acts 9:27 11:30)  Add encouragement to your current gifting.  Pray and encourage! Give and encourage! Parent and encourage!  Live and encourage!  This may be the greatest gift of all.

Most importantly, see yourself as God sees you.  He may have some greater work in your future that you cannot even imagine yet.  Yet, even  if your entire life remains obscure and microscopic, continue to see yourself as God sees you.  He created a body that relies on microscopic beta cells to maintain health.  He created you and placed you, “in the body, each (particular one) of you, just as he wished and saw fit and with your best adaptation.” (see 1 Corinthians 12:18 from above)

Beta cells, though microscopic, have the power of life and death. Operate from the unseen.  Bring life!

Are You God's BFF?

One of my favorite worship songs is, “I am a Friend of God” by Israel Houghton.   Recently, as we were singing it in a service, I thought of God being my BFF.  I’m not one to frequently text, so I don’t generally think in text abbreviations.  But then, almost everyone knows what a BFF is. As I continued to sing, I felt the Holy Spirit whisper, “You’re my BFF too!”  At first this was a bit confusing.  How could that be true?  God loves us equally.  How can every person in the world have the opportunity to simultaneously be God’s best friend?  That’s when I began to think of the true meaning the term, BFF.

Best Friend Forever!   That’s a pretty significant term, when you really think about it.  I know that young girls often change their BFF every other week.  And in our society, words do not always carry the weight of their true meaning.  But if we consider this term, one word at a time, we’ll see that only God can truly fulfill the literal meaning of a BFF.

Best:  (adjective 1. of the most excellent, effective, or desirable type or quality.) When people talk of a best friend, it often carries the sense of “first in line.”  There is a best friend, a second best friend and so on.   According to the Bible, God is impartial and “no respecter of persons”. (Acts 10:34)  Thinking of best as a hierarchy is what caused my confusion.    How can I, or anyone, be God’s best friend?  That is when I realized that best is a quality, not a place in line.  Best refers to the type of friendship.  This friendship is deep, unconditional and will stand through any circumstances.    We do not have to worry about our place in the standings.  There is no fear of getting knocked out of first place by anyone or anything.  We simply receive the friendship that comes from God. He only gives the highest quality…the best!

Friend:  (noun 1.  a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection)  God has committed to us so much more than this dictionary definition.  His friendship is the, “friend who sticks closer than a brother.”  (Proverbs 18:24b)  Am I committed to that same level of friendship with him?  Do I want to know his heart each day?  Do I want to see things and people as he sees them?  I must ask myself these questions.  I can say I love God.  But, if I don’t seek this friendship with him, do I really?  True friendship takes time and effort. True friendship contains the love described in 1Corinthians 13, especially the part of “always believing the best.” (1Corinthians 13:7)  Do I always believe God has my best interest in mind?  Am I a best friend?

Forever: (adverb 1. for all future time; for always.)  This is an amazing word that we often throw around lightly.  Forever goes beyond this week, this year and even this lifetime.  Forever goes beyond death and into an eternity in heaven.  God knows what forever looks like, but I sure don’t.  I have thoughts and imaginations about what it may be like.  But in reality, I cannot comprehend what forever looks like.  In this temporal world, unending is merely a math concept.  And the best in a fallen world will pale next to God’s uninterrupted presence.  Whatever eternity looks like, feels like and actually is like: it will be wonderful beyond imagination.

So now that we’ve defined BFF, let’s consider what being a BFF with God looks like.   

BFFs text or talk to each other constantly.  We are to “pray without ceasing” (1Thessalonians 3:10) Prayer is two way conversation, talking and listening. God likes to talk, too.  From those first days in Genesis, God has been speaking to man.  The Bible is God’s word.  Jesus is the “Word made flesh” (John 1:14) Talking to us is pretty important to God.  He desires to speak.  Two way conversations should be natural for a BFF with God.  Also,+ we’re promised that God “will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:4)   We do not have to worry about a vibrating phone waking him up.

BFFs share secrets with each other.  God wants to hear my dreams, my fears, my hopes and every cry of my heart. Nothing is too small or too silly to share with him. He also wants to share his heart, his dreams and plans with me.  The Bible is an expression of God’s heart.  He desires someone to not only listen, but be willing to work with him to make his dreams a reality in this world.

Modern technology allows us to video chat.  We can see not only God’s face, but also his heart, as we look deeply into his word.  And when we feel alone, all we have to do is remember a line from an old hymn, “His eye is on the sparrow and he watches over me” (based on Matthew 6:26)

There’s so much I could say about BFFs wanting to spend all of their time together.  But I’ll simply acknowledge that God’s presence is precious and something definitely not to be missed.

So where do we go from here.  Realize and acknowledge that you are God’s BFF.  Like anything you consider truly important, give the time and effort to develop your friendship with God.  Tell him your dreams and listen to his.  Trust him.  He will never let you down.

I am a friend of God…He calls me friend!