This past Saturday I had the honor of taking part in a group discussion
with several other women. The purpose of our gathering together was to
videotape us sharing our stories in a community setting. The video will
be used in an upcoming womens conference called "Food, Sex, and Danger."
As you can imagine from the title of the conference, our stories are
not the usual ones you hear openly discussed in church circles.
Especially when it comes to us women. In my opinion, one of the greatest
lies of satan is that if anyone knew the real us, we would spend the
rest of our lives alone. The friends we have would surely abandon us if
they knew our real struggles. If my church knew this secret about me,
they would disqualify me from serving and might even ask me to leave the
church. The sad reality is that in some churches, this might be the
case. If this is what would happen in your church, then it might be time
to find a new church home. But that is not the topic of today's
writing.
The subjects touched during our discussion included divorce, pregnancy
and adoption, porn addiction, drug abuse, cutting, promiscuity, food
addictions, and single motherhood. All of these stories came out of only
5 women. Some of the participants are barely out of their teens (if not
still teenagers). I am humbled to have been a part of this group. The
reality is that by sharing our scars with one another, we not only
facilitate healing in ourselves, but we can bring healing to others. I
suspected I might cry while telling my story, but did not think I would
cry by hearing someone else share theirs. It wasn't even the story
itself that moved me to tears, but the young woman who shared of placing
her daughter for adoption as she explained through the process of
giving birth God birthed something in her. How there is a reason it's
called "expecting" because the process of growing a life inside of you
is similar to how God grows us internally and we have to labor in order
to give birth to the purpose He has placed inside of us.
What are your scars? Do you spend your life in an attempt to cover them
or do you display them proudly? I don't mean proudly in the sense of
being proud of what you've done, but proudly in that you are no longer
the person you were. Display them so others can see they are no longer
bleeding, but are healed because of the power of Jesus. Thinking of the
topic of scars last night I recalled the interaction between Jesus and
Thomas after Jesus' resurrection.
"Then He said to Thomas, Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing." John 20:27
What would happen if instead of hiding our scars and wounds, we allowed
others to reach their hands in and feel them? How might their belief in
Jesus change if we allowed them to truly see how He has healed us? Some
wounds are tender and the scab is steal healing. I understand that
sharing our past is painful. I have a place on my body where I received
stitches over a dozen years ago and yet sometimes when it rains that
same place itches. When rains come in our life our old wounds can cause
us new discomfort. It's not the same as when the wound happened, but yet
we know the scar is there.
What is your story? Who has God placed in your life that needs to know
the wounds can heal? I can promise you there is SOMEONE in your circle
of influence that is going through a difficult time and needs to hear
from you that it can get better. Maybe it's someone with a weight issue
and you have fought the same battle. They need to see the "before" you
in order to know it can change. Maybe you have struggled with sexual
addiction and there is another woman in your life that thinks if she
told anyone what she does in the dark that she would be labeled as a
slut and outcast from the church. What about the mom that has to drink
or pop a pill every day just to cope with the realities of life? How
much different would she feel to know someone else who has battled this
same demon? There are so many more examples I could list, but you
already know the area in which God has healed you!
Maybe you have not experienced your healing yet and you are in the
middle of the battle. I beg you...PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do not remain
silent another day! We have a very real enemy who does not want to see
you healed. He knows that your healing will release all that God has
placed inside of you and as long as you remain trapped in this bondage
of secrecy you cannot walk out His purposes. Pray that God will show you
who to trust with your struggles. We must be sure when our wounds are
open and raw that we do not share with others who will simply throw in
salt. God will bring you someone who is prepared with salve and bandages
to help protect your wound during the healing process. The beauty of
community with others is knowing they are praying for you. It is having
someone who knows you are struggling even before you say a word out
loud. If you are not part of a church, I pray you find one that is
strong in God's word and is welcoming to the broken and hurting. Don't
let satan rob you of another day of freedom by remaining addicted to
your shame.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Not Just Another Day in the Neighborhood
I am writing this morning with a heavy spirit. It's currently 5:16 am
and those who know me are well aware this is not a "normal" time for me
to be awake and definitely not to be writing. However, a little after 4 I
was awakened by a noise outside that I did not recognize. I live next
to train tracks and at an intersection where the trains blow their
whistle every time they pass through. It takes a lot for a noise to wake
me up! When I looked outside I saw two news vans parked directly in
front of my condo. This is not typical activity no matter where you
live. As I stepped outside I saw crime scene tape next to my home. This
was not looking good.
I saw a reporter and inquired what happened. He informed me two young men were murdered in the home behind me last night. Police have said it was not random and that the suspects and victims knew each other. This is the neighbor whose home I face when looking out of my back door. The neighbor who I just learned his name last week. The neighbor who waves and smiles and says hello every time he sees me. I just saw him yesterday when I was waiting for Olivia to get off the bus.
Can I say I truly knew him personally? No. Even heavier on my heart right now is, do I know he was saved? No. Can I say I ever attempted to witness to him? No. There is no greater reminder of the brevity of life than seeing that two of your neighbors have been killed. I had just learned his name and surely I would have talked to him about Jesus eventually, right? Or at least I like to think I would have done so.
Who is in your outer circle of life that you know you could be of more influence? Do you feel an urgency when seeing people that heaven and hell could be only a few breaths away? The news has not yet released the names of the victims. I think of their families and wonder do they know yet that their loved ones are gone? There is such a menacing spirit outside right now. I pray against any of that in my home! I am praying for peace and comfort for the families of every one involved. Not just the victims, but the suspects also. As a parent I think of how the news will affect the parents of everyone involved. Every action we take affects others somehow.
I want this experience to be a catalyst to move me towards action. Eternity could be only a heartbeat away and I want to know I did everything possible to show people the love of Jesus.
"Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." James 4:13-14
What plans did you have for today? Did they include God? I would challenge each of you (myself included) to evaluate those plans and make changes where changes are needed. Tell someone about Jesus today. Show somebody the love of Christ. You never know....today could be the last chance they get.
I saw a reporter and inquired what happened. He informed me two young men were murdered in the home behind me last night. Police have said it was not random and that the suspects and victims knew each other. This is the neighbor whose home I face when looking out of my back door. The neighbor who I just learned his name last week. The neighbor who waves and smiles and says hello every time he sees me. I just saw him yesterday when I was waiting for Olivia to get off the bus.
Can I say I truly knew him personally? No. Even heavier on my heart right now is, do I know he was saved? No. Can I say I ever attempted to witness to him? No. There is no greater reminder of the brevity of life than seeing that two of your neighbors have been killed. I had just learned his name and surely I would have talked to him about Jesus eventually, right? Or at least I like to think I would have done so.
Who is in your outer circle of life that you know you could be of more influence? Do you feel an urgency when seeing people that heaven and hell could be only a few breaths away? The news has not yet released the names of the victims. I think of their families and wonder do they know yet that their loved ones are gone? There is such a menacing spirit outside right now. I pray against any of that in my home! I am praying for peace and comfort for the families of every one involved. Not just the victims, but the suspects also. As a parent I think of how the news will affect the parents of everyone involved. Every action we take affects others somehow.
I want this experience to be a catalyst to move me towards action. Eternity could be only a heartbeat away and I want to know I did everything possible to show people the love of Jesus.
"Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." James 4:13-14
What plans did you have for today? Did they include God? I would challenge each of you (myself included) to evaluate those plans and make changes where changes are needed. Tell someone about Jesus today. Show somebody the love of Christ. You never know....today could be the last chance they get.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Refreshing Waters
Is there a song that catches your attention
no matter how many times you hear it played? I'm not referring to a
song with a catchy beat or tune, but one with lyrics that resonate deep
inside your soul. One song that does this for me is "From The Inside
Out" by Hillsong United. When I had friends over for coffee every week
this song would always come on the radio during our time together. It's
one that has always impacted me with its lyrics.
"A thousand times I've failed Still your mercy remains
Should I stumble again Still I'm caught in your grace
Everlasting, your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, your glory goes beyond all fame
Your will above all else My purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise
Everlasting, your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul
I give you control
Consume me from the inside out
Let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love you from the inside out
Everlasting, your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring you praise
From the inside out
Lord my soul cries out"
No matter what I've done in my life, God's love and mercy ALWAYS remains. Because of His love for me, I can return love to Him. I want my love for Him to not just exist in my words or actions, but all the way into my soul and spirit. It's when His love consumes us completely that our actions and lifestyle will reflect Him. If our lives are not a reflection of Jesus, then we are simply paying Him lip service and going through the motions of Christianity. Sin is less tempting to us when we are submerged in the depths of His love. No other love on earth compares to Him. No drug, no drink, no earthly relationship can bring the "high" that true fellowship with Christ can provide. Once we have even a small taste of Him, we will thirst and hunger for nothing else.
I think of the woman at the well whose thirst was manifested through her numerous relationships with men. This story always speaks deeply to me because my addiction has been relationships. Just as Jesus assured her "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:13-14), He also assures me. I don't know about you, but this is the water I want to not only taste, but DROWN myself in! I want to be so submerged in Him that nothing else has room to fill my lungs! I know this has to be intentional on my part. It doesn't happen by living the same lifestyle I lived prior to encountering Jesus. It requires changes. It requires losing friendships. It requires a sacrifice. Think of the people who travel miles every day just to obtain a bucket of water. They sacrifice their time and energy simply to have a drink of physical water. How much are we willing to sacrifice in order to taste of His refreshing water?
I pray today that His love is not simply something you hear about or know about in your head. I pray it's a knowledge that penetrates all the way into your soul. I pray it consumes you from the inside out.
"A thousand times I've failed Still your mercy remains
Should I stumble again Still I'm caught in your grace
Everlasting, your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, your glory goes beyond all fame
Your will above all else My purpose remains
The art of losing myself in bringing you praise
Everlasting, your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, your glory goes beyond all fame
In my heart, in my soul
I give you control
Consume me from the inside out
Let justice and praise
Become my embrace
To love you from the inside out
Everlasting, your light will shine when all else fades
Never ending, your glory goes beyond all fame
And the cry of my heart is to bring you praise
From the inside out
Lord my soul cries out"
No matter what I've done in my life, God's love and mercy ALWAYS remains. Because of His love for me, I can return love to Him. I want my love for Him to not just exist in my words or actions, but all the way into my soul and spirit. It's when His love consumes us completely that our actions and lifestyle will reflect Him. If our lives are not a reflection of Jesus, then we are simply paying Him lip service and going through the motions of Christianity. Sin is less tempting to us when we are submerged in the depths of His love. No other love on earth compares to Him. No drug, no drink, no earthly relationship can bring the "high" that true fellowship with Christ can provide. Once we have even a small taste of Him, we will thirst and hunger for nothing else.
I think of the woman at the well whose thirst was manifested through her numerous relationships with men. This story always speaks deeply to me because my addiction has been relationships. Just as Jesus assured her "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:13-14), He also assures me. I don't know about you, but this is the water I want to not only taste, but DROWN myself in! I want to be so submerged in Him that nothing else has room to fill my lungs! I know this has to be intentional on my part. It doesn't happen by living the same lifestyle I lived prior to encountering Jesus. It requires changes. It requires losing friendships. It requires a sacrifice. Think of the people who travel miles every day just to obtain a bucket of water. They sacrifice their time and energy simply to have a drink of physical water. How much are we willing to sacrifice in order to taste of His refreshing water?
I pray today that His love is not simply something you hear about or know about in your head. I pray it's a knowledge that penetrates all the way into your soul. I pray it consumes you from the inside out.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Time To Rest
I just woke up from a really good hour and a half nap. Yep. I took a
nap! And it was glorious! I didn't have any cleaning jobs today so
earlier I went to the gym. After coming home and taking a shower I was
faced with the decision of how I wanted to spend the next couple hours
before the girls got home from school. I really need to clean my
youngest daughters room. The upstairs bathroom is no place I would allow
you to enter in its current condition. I have clothes I need to go
through and sort. There is laundry that needs folded. The list of things
that "need" to be done could go on for quite a while. But I was tired.
Sometimes we can become so tired or burned out that our effectiveness amounts to very little. I knew that if I attempted any of the things on my list, that I would most likely not do a very good job at any of the items. This can happen to us in so many areas of life. We push and push because of all the things we see "need" to be done and without thought to ourselves or our health we push to our limits. In an article I read this morning about weight loss it reminded me of the importance of getting enough sleep. I would dare say most of us rarely get 8 hours of sleep at night. Either we are night owls and stay up too late or we are early birds and get up too early and cut short something that is so important to our bodies. Not resting affects us not only physically, but mentally, emotionally, and I would even bet spiritually.
As a single mom, I not only feel that I have to do it all, but I DO have to do it all. Through this I have learned how to let the things that are not vital go undone and I've also learned how to say no. It's okay to not be superwoman, superwife, or supermom. Your kids will sleep just fine tonight if their beds go unmade. Having cereal for dinner never hurt anyone. In fact, my girls sometimes ask for it for dinner!
How is your rest? Are you always the woman who is first to volunteer as class mom, PTA president, church leader, cooking when someone is in need, or any of the other numerous opportunities that come our way? It is important to take time to rest. A vacation once or twice a year does not count! I try to take at least a couple hours each week to turn off my cell phone and relax. Usually I take a nap! Maybe you have tried to relax, but you are simply too high strung or you think of all the things you "should" be doing. There is an answer found for this:
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
Sometimes we can become so tired or burned out that our effectiveness amounts to very little. I knew that if I attempted any of the things on my list, that I would most likely not do a very good job at any of the items. This can happen to us in so many areas of life. We push and push because of all the things we see "need" to be done and without thought to ourselves or our health we push to our limits. In an article I read this morning about weight loss it reminded me of the importance of getting enough sleep. I would dare say most of us rarely get 8 hours of sleep at night. Either we are night owls and stay up too late or we are early birds and get up too early and cut short something that is so important to our bodies. Not resting affects us not only physically, but mentally, emotionally, and I would even bet spiritually.
As a single mom, I not only feel that I have to do it all, but I DO have to do it all. Through this I have learned how to let the things that are not vital go undone and I've also learned how to say no. It's okay to not be superwoman, superwife, or supermom. Your kids will sleep just fine tonight if their beds go unmade. Having cereal for dinner never hurt anyone. In fact, my girls sometimes ask for it for dinner!
How is your rest? Are you always the woman who is first to volunteer as class mom, PTA president, church leader, cooking when someone is in need, or any of the other numerous opportunities that come our way? It is important to take time to rest. A vacation once or twice a year does not count! I try to take at least a couple hours each week to turn off my cell phone and relax. Usually I take a nap! Maybe you have tried to relax, but you are simply too high strung or you think of all the things you "should" be doing. There is an answer found for this:
"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30
Monday, April 23, 2012
Shouldn't It Be Simple?
Have you ever taken the time to examine the qualities of the New Testament church and wonder if we have it all wrong? I know there are the arguments of making things "relative" to today's society, but perhaps we are doing more conforming than actual relating. Even during New Testament times, many of the exhortations and rebukes were given not to the unbelievers, but to those within the church. To me, it would be pretty naive of us to think the discipline provided then would not apply to us today or to think we have it all figured out.
If there is anything I have learned in my years of serving Jesus (or my feeble attempts to), it is that I don't know a darn thing about anything. The minute I begin to THINK I have a beginning of understanding, I realize I'm just as clueless as I was before I gave my life to Him. The one thing that never changes is His love for me and my knowing I'm forgiven. No matter how much I screw up or have people turn their backs on me, I know Jesus is always there. I've found the more I try to complicate Him, the less I feel connected to Him. It's only when I get down to the basics of this faith that I feel genuinely close to Jesus. It's not about anything else that can be offered under the title of "church", but about what is offered to me through the person of Jesus Christ.
I know I have been guilty of trying to "sell" a particular church throughout my Christian walk. I've talked about how cool or good the worship team is or promote our children's ministry as fun for the kids. Maybe it's the kind of coffee that is served or some other superficial facet of our service. Yet, most of the time I have overlooked the most important part of any church service. The fact that Jesus is there. The reality is that the ONLY important part of a church is whether or not it is a place for people to encounter the one and only living God. Aside from that, all the rest is just fluff and entertainment. We want so much to be comfortable. I say we, but please know I'm referring to myself and not anyone else or any one church. The reason we should invite someone to our church is simple. It should be so they can encounter Jesus. If the messages are not focused on Jesus, then we are doing something wrong. If the messages are not challenging to those who are already believers, then we are overlooking those He loves ("Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent" Revelation 3:19)"
Nobody ever told me this Christian walk could be so difficult. I thought it was just about becoming whole and healed, which it is, but it is so much more than that. It's about learning to love others. I find this hardest when applied to those who profess to have the same kind of beliefs and love as Jesus. Why is it those of us who are supposed to have the same Spirit living inside of us can often find it so hard to get along with each other? It's about learning to see the world through a different lens. If the way I view the world remains the same as before I knew Jesus, then have I really met Him at all? If my reactions when being persecuted for my beliefs are the same as someone apart from Christ, then do I really know Him? If I am unwilling to step outside of my comfort zone and form relationships with others who do not come from the same background, have the same income status, or look and think like myself, then can I truly say I'm Christ-like? Jesus was not relevant, He was and is the definition of radical. The greatest stories in scripture involve Jesus' affection and love for those who were the outcasts of society. And yet so many of us strive to be in the "cool" club, even within our churches.
My life has never been one of being cool, hip, or trendy. And I'm absolutely 100% okay with that! I simply want to be what Jesus has called me to be. Nothing more and nothing less. I also want to be able to accept others for who Jesus has created them to be and not simply how I think they should be or who I need them to be to further my own purposes. Each of us has a call on our lives from God. What that call looks like is different for each of us. The beauty of communication with God through the Holy Spirit is finding out what that call is for you. That call will likely require you to get outside of your comfort zone. I've found in my own experience that it ALWAYS requires this of me. Today, it required me to write this message knowing it probably will not be a popular one. However, I'm simply trying to be obedient and expressing the things that are currently in my heart. I pray you each examine where you are in your walk and evaluate if it's become too complicated. The ideologies, theories, and rules of man can be complex. The love of Jesus is very simple.
If there is anything I have learned in my years of serving Jesus (or my feeble attempts to), it is that I don't know a darn thing about anything. The minute I begin to THINK I have a beginning of understanding, I realize I'm just as clueless as I was before I gave my life to Him. The one thing that never changes is His love for me and my knowing I'm forgiven. No matter how much I screw up or have people turn their backs on me, I know Jesus is always there. I've found the more I try to complicate Him, the less I feel connected to Him. It's only when I get down to the basics of this faith that I feel genuinely close to Jesus. It's not about anything else that can be offered under the title of "church", but about what is offered to me through the person of Jesus Christ.
I know I have been guilty of trying to "sell" a particular church throughout my Christian walk. I've talked about how cool or good the worship team is or promote our children's ministry as fun for the kids. Maybe it's the kind of coffee that is served or some other superficial facet of our service. Yet, most of the time I have overlooked the most important part of any church service. The fact that Jesus is there. The reality is that the ONLY important part of a church is whether or not it is a place for people to encounter the one and only living God. Aside from that, all the rest is just fluff and entertainment. We want so much to be comfortable. I say we, but please know I'm referring to myself and not anyone else or any one church. The reason we should invite someone to our church is simple. It should be so they can encounter Jesus. If the messages are not focused on Jesus, then we are doing something wrong. If the messages are not challenging to those who are already believers, then we are overlooking those He loves ("Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent" Revelation 3:19)"
Nobody ever told me this Christian walk could be so difficult. I thought it was just about becoming whole and healed, which it is, but it is so much more than that. It's about learning to love others. I find this hardest when applied to those who profess to have the same kind of beliefs and love as Jesus. Why is it those of us who are supposed to have the same Spirit living inside of us can often find it so hard to get along with each other? It's about learning to see the world through a different lens. If the way I view the world remains the same as before I knew Jesus, then have I really met Him at all? If my reactions when being persecuted for my beliefs are the same as someone apart from Christ, then do I really know Him? If I am unwilling to step outside of my comfort zone and form relationships with others who do not come from the same background, have the same income status, or look and think like myself, then can I truly say I'm Christ-like? Jesus was not relevant, He was and is the definition of radical. The greatest stories in scripture involve Jesus' affection and love for those who were the outcasts of society. And yet so many of us strive to be in the "cool" club, even within our churches.
My life has never been one of being cool, hip, or trendy. And I'm absolutely 100% okay with that! I simply want to be what Jesus has called me to be. Nothing more and nothing less. I also want to be able to accept others for who Jesus has created them to be and not simply how I think they should be or who I need them to be to further my own purposes. Each of us has a call on our lives from God. What that call looks like is different for each of us. The beauty of communication with God through the Holy Spirit is finding out what that call is for you. That call will likely require you to get outside of your comfort zone. I've found in my own experience that it ALWAYS requires this of me. Today, it required me to write this message knowing it probably will not be a popular one. However, I'm simply trying to be obedient and expressing the things that are currently in my heart. I pray you each examine where you are in your walk and evaluate if it's become too complicated. The ideologies, theories, and rules of man can be complex. The love of Jesus is very simple.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
The Note
I had something happen today that gave me pause to reflect on the power of my words. I am sure we are all aware that our words have power, but oftentimes we can become careless with our tongue. Today's occurrence made me think of how I speak when I'm upset and more specifically how I speak to my children.
I have several friends that clean houses for a living and one asked me to assist her today with the house she had to clean. The house is fairly large and by all appearances the family has a great life. There's a mom, dad, son, and daughter. They live in a nice, upper class neighborhood in Charlotte, have many luxuries, and travel all over the world. Life would appear perfect, right? Today as we were cleaning we found a note written by the daughter to her parents. She is in kindergarten, so please keep that in mind as you read the words of her note. This is what it read (with my corrections to her spelling):
"Dear mommy and daddy, I'm very sorry that I ruin everything for you and I again ruined once more another morning for you. So please let this note calm you down. Yours truly, ______"
My heart broke as I read these words from a child the same age as my youngest daughter. Maybe I'm wrong, but as I read this, I could only imagine she was writing what she had been told. This is not the normal language of a 5 or 6 year old. As I was feeling sad, the thought occurred to me that I have likely said things to my daughters that if spoken back to me in a note would break my heart also. (There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" Proverbs 12:18). And this would not be the words of a stranger, but from my own mouth. When I think of who I was as a person and a mother when my oldest daughter was 6 and how I am now to my youngest daughter who is 6, I know I'm a completely different person. At different stages of their lives they experienced a different kind of mothering. 10 years ago I was a very angry woman. I was a screamer and regretfully, I know my child received the raw end of that deal. I have repented to both God and her for the way I spoke to her when I was a broken woman. My attitude is definitely an area in which I know God has changed me especially when it comes to how I interact with my children. Even in times of frustration I try to be aware of the power of my words.
My friend whom I cleaned with today shared that she used to have a problem with always asking her children "What is WRONG with you?" when they would do something wrong. God began convicting her several years ago about saying this because she realized her children heard this as a criticism of THEM and not their actions.
Is there something you habitually say that could be harming your children? Do you make comparison between your children? Each child is unique and different and comparisons should never be made. What about your spouse? Do you say things, even in jest, that could be damaging or harmful to your spouse's soul? (Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear" Ephesians 4:29). Or how about your dialogue with yourself? Do you constantly criticize yourself as being stupid, fat, lazy, etc? This was another area I had to change. Before I left the bank I had to complete a self assessment on my job performance. I described myself as AWESOME! Seriously, I did! Ten years ago that never would have happened! I think how we speak to others begins with how we speak to and about ourselves. If we belittle ourselves it becomes easier to berate others. Once we realize the love Christ has for us, it becomes easier to accept who we are and be open to the areas in which change is needed. This love also spills over onto all those around us.
My prayer for you today is for God to reveal to you the areas in which you may need to change your speech. If there are things you say that are harmful to others, then ask God to help you control your tongue. I promise you, He will help you with getting it under control if you are truly repentant and ready to make that change!
I have several friends that clean houses for a living and one asked me to assist her today with the house she had to clean. The house is fairly large and by all appearances the family has a great life. There's a mom, dad, son, and daughter. They live in a nice, upper class neighborhood in Charlotte, have many luxuries, and travel all over the world. Life would appear perfect, right? Today as we were cleaning we found a note written by the daughter to her parents. She is in kindergarten, so please keep that in mind as you read the words of her note. This is what it read (with my corrections to her spelling):
"Dear mommy and daddy, I'm very sorry that I ruin everything for you and I again ruined once more another morning for you. So please let this note calm you down. Yours truly, ______"
My heart broke as I read these words from a child the same age as my youngest daughter. Maybe I'm wrong, but as I read this, I could only imagine she was writing what she had been told. This is not the normal language of a 5 or 6 year old. As I was feeling sad, the thought occurred to me that I have likely said things to my daughters that if spoken back to me in a note would break my heart also. (There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" Proverbs 12:18). And this would not be the words of a stranger, but from my own mouth. When I think of who I was as a person and a mother when my oldest daughter was 6 and how I am now to my youngest daughter who is 6, I know I'm a completely different person. At different stages of their lives they experienced a different kind of mothering. 10 years ago I was a very angry woman. I was a screamer and regretfully, I know my child received the raw end of that deal. I have repented to both God and her for the way I spoke to her when I was a broken woman. My attitude is definitely an area in which I know God has changed me especially when it comes to how I interact with my children. Even in times of frustration I try to be aware of the power of my words.
My friend whom I cleaned with today shared that she used to have a problem with always asking her children "What is WRONG with you?" when they would do something wrong. God began convicting her several years ago about saying this because she realized her children heard this as a criticism of THEM and not their actions.
Is there something you habitually say that could be harming your children? Do you make comparison between your children? Each child is unique and different and comparisons should never be made. What about your spouse? Do you say things, even in jest, that could be damaging or harmful to your spouse's soul? (Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear" Ephesians 4:29). Or how about your dialogue with yourself? Do you constantly criticize yourself as being stupid, fat, lazy, etc? This was another area I had to change. Before I left the bank I had to complete a self assessment on my job performance. I described myself as AWESOME! Seriously, I did! Ten years ago that never would have happened! I think how we speak to others begins with how we speak to and about ourselves. If we belittle ourselves it becomes easier to berate others. Once we realize the love Christ has for us, it becomes easier to accept who we are and be open to the areas in which change is needed. This love also spills over onto all those around us.
My prayer for you today is for God to reveal to you the areas in which you may need to change your speech. If there are things you say that are harmful to others, then ask God to help you control your tongue. I promise you, He will help you with getting it under control if you are truly repentant and ready to make that change!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
We Will Overcome!
It always amazes me how we think we know a verse of scripture. There can be a verse we have heard many times and possibly even used as inspiration in our lives. And then something dramatic happens. We look up the verse and read the lines that proceed the one with which we are familiar. This is what happened to me this evening.
While listening to the song Overcome by New Life Worship, the line "We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony" stuck in my head. I know this is a verse of scripture and decided to make it the topic of my post today. However, when I looked up the whole story surrounding this verse I realized my writing was going to take a completely different direction than I first thought. When I first heard this verse, I thought I would be writing to you about sharing your testimony. After reading the verse within its context I have decided to talk about it in a different way. First, let's read the verses together:
"And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought,8 but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer.9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time." Revelation 12:7-12
When you fight against temptation (the devil), what do you use in your fight? I am guilty of relying on my own good intentions in order to "behave." I don't think I need to tell you how well that works for me. All the cartoonish drawings of satan have not helped us in our understanding of the depth of his evil. This is the creature who was involved in a war in heaven and when he failed there, he was cast down to earth to wage war here. There is a battle occurring around us daily. Spend a day aware of all the anger you see displayed in people's lives. Just this morning I witnessed a man stop his car in the middle of a road and get out of his car in order to yell at the driver behind him. The news channels are full of horrible tragedies and acts of sin. It can all be overwhelming at times if these stories are where we choose to focus our attention.
How do we overcome a world full of sin? By the blood of Jesus! We must be willing to lay down our own lives or idea of what our lives should be, in order to live out a life of testimony for Jesus. The devil knows his time is short. We may feel the attacks never end, but it is because satan KNOWS he LOSES! Just as verse 12 tells us, he has great wrath! We must never rest in a mode of "safety" or thinking we are too good for an attack. The reality is that the more we are doing for the Lord, the angrier we make satan. He knows the power of the name of Jesus! It is the power that cast him out of heaven and will defeat him here on earth as well! Not only did he lose out on his first kingdom choice, but he loses the second one also!
When it comes down to sharing our story, we must never forget the role Christ has played in our story. The fact that we are still living is proof of His love over our lives. The question is whose influence are you letting speak through you? Are you a testimony of satan or a testimony of the power of the blood of the Lamb?
While listening to the song Overcome by New Life Worship, the line "We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony" stuck in my head. I know this is a verse of scripture and decided to make it the topic of my post today. However, when I looked up the whole story surrounding this verse I realized my writing was going to take a completely different direction than I first thought. When I first heard this verse, I thought I would be writing to you about sharing your testimony. After reading the verse within its context I have decided to talk about it in a different way. First, let's read the verses together:
"And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought,8 but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer.9 So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.10 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down.11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.12 Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time." Revelation 12:7-12
When you fight against temptation (the devil), what do you use in your fight? I am guilty of relying on my own good intentions in order to "behave." I don't think I need to tell you how well that works for me. All the cartoonish drawings of satan have not helped us in our understanding of the depth of his evil. This is the creature who was involved in a war in heaven and when he failed there, he was cast down to earth to wage war here. There is a battle occurring around us daily. Spend a day aware of all the anger you see displayed in people's lives. Just this morning I witnessed a man stop his car in the middle of a road and get out of his car in order to yell at the driver behind him. The news channels are full of horrible tragedies and acts of sin. It can all be overwhelming at times if these stories are where we choose to focus our attention.
How do we overcome a world full of sin? By the blood of Jesus! We must be willing to lay down our own lives or idea of what our lives should be, in order to live out a life of testimony for Jesus. The devil knows his time is short. We may feel the attacks never end, but it is because satan KNOWS he LOSES! Just as verse 12 tells us, he has great wrath! We must never rest in a mode of "safety" or thinking we are too good for an attack. The reality is that the more we are doing for the Lord, the angrier we make satan. He knows the power of the name of Jesus! It is the power that cast him out of heaven and will defeat him here on earth as well! Not only did he lose out on his first kingdom choice, but he loses the second one also!
When it comes down to sharing our story, we must never forget the role Christ has played in our story. The fact that we are still living is proof of His love over our lives. The question is whose influence are you letting speak through you? Are you a testimony of satan or a testimony of the power of the blood of the Lamb?
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