An Instantly Gratified Ministry

Microwaves are wonderful inventions. I love the ease of being able to quickly soften butter as I begin to make chocolate chip cookies (baby Langness loves cookies) or re-heat some leftovers for a quick meal (baby Langness doesn't like cold pizza). Cell phones and emails are also fantastic: instant communication. Google allows us to type in a question and within a mere second, we have an answer. No doubt about it -- our culture is surrounded by instant gratification. Unfortunately, we've also applied this principle to our lives as servants of Christ.

I don't know about you, but I often find myself wishing for quick results in regards to ministry. I want to see those youth group kids grow in their faith overnight. I want to see every single person in our congregation moved to sacrifice their luxuries in order to help solve world hunger. I want to see lost souls come to Christ and become impassioned for Jesus instantaneously. But if there's one thing I've learned out here in Beulah: it doesn't work that way.

The other night as I cuddled up on my couch with a bowl of pasta and a blanket, I popped in one of my favorite movies: Amazing Grace. If you haven't seen it, you should. The movie tells the story of William Wilberforce - a man who literally poured himself into the work of ending the slave trade in Great Britain back in the late 1700s to early 1800s. Countless times, his bills were defeated before parliament. It seemed like victory was impossible. Wilberforce even gave up hope for awhile . . . but not forever. He tried again, fighting with all that was in him to stop the abomination of the slavery. After nearly 18 years, he saw the fruit of his labors as Britain abolished the slave trade.

Although the movie is rather familiar to me, I was struck last night harder than ever with the reality of the battle we as believers face and the endurance we must possess. It sure would be fantastic to see instant results in our ministry, in those things that fill us with passion. But as demonstrated by Wilberforce's life, there rarely does ministry involve instant results.

"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." - Galatians 6:9-10 

". . . Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus . . ." - Hebrews 12:1-2 

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness with the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day . . . " - 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Don't give up. Whatever the Lord has given you a passion to do, whoever He has given you a passion for: do it. And be encouraged that although you may never know the result of your labor, the Lord's word never returns void.

"'For as the rain and snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeding in the matter for which I sent it.'" - Isaiah 55:10-11

Respect. Reflect.

Aretha Franklin sang a song calling for a little bit of respect.

What was she trying to get? She wanted people to listen to her voice.

At that time, to give an African American woman your undivided attention and truly listen to her voice was simply unheard of by the majority. Today, we still hear a lot about respect.

In most churches, there is an expectation for those entering the worship service to show respect to God. Many traditions exhibit this respect in many ways. This is all fine and dandy, I must admit. But, when it's time to spend time with God all by one's lonesome...

Do we give Him our undivided attention, a little bit of respect, in order to really hear his voice?

Out in the world, people live and look for respect. Each and every person has a desire for love and to be loved. We all want someone to know and to be known by someone else. There is an urge to serve and a longing to be served. All of us need to learn to forgive, but also to be forgiven. The image of God that exists in all of creation is distorted by sin.

By God's grace we can live a life of redeemed reality allowing us to reflect His image.

In a beautiful collision of humanity and the divine, we can once again reflect the picture of our Maker. Grace and mercy make us new and give us a different lens through which we can view the world. The blood shed and victorious resurrection of Jesus changes everything. Upon our acceptance of this reality, and repentance from sin; upon this response we receive the Holy Spirit.

In this, we can give God our undivided attention and hear His voice. Life is no longer defined by me, but by the Holy Spirit living in me. With His help, there is a chance to figure out how to show a little bit of respect.

The relationships shaping our world come from our respect of God and respect of humans.

When one is able to reflect the image of God in daily conversation, lives begin to change. Truth reigns in that place. Forgiveness fuels freedom. The outcast in welcomed in. True love is shown. Strangers are known. Out of respect for who God is and who the people around us are, we are able to reflect the only perfect picture of grace, mercy, and peace; the imago dei.

As we rush through our busy lives, I urge us all to take time to stop.

Learn to listen by being silent. Give another person the time of day it takes to truly be known. Forgive and be forgiven. Learn how to live. Have the nerve to humbly serve. Start showing love after receiving Jesus' love.

Begin showing respect so the image of God is what our lives reflect.

Homesick

Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah. Psalm 84:4

It holds a familiarity like no other place. At home there is safety (allowing vulnerability), comfort and encouragement (family just ‘gets it’), the love and tender care of a mother, the inspiration and wisdom of a father. Home allows one to be 100% themselves—no masks, no facades, no pose, no make up—and still loved!

Jesus is home to His sons and daughters. He is a place for inspiration when discouraged, a place to regain strength when weary, a place to safely cry and find comfort, and a place His children can feverishly lay and feel the healing touch of His hand. He wants to be the home our soul “longs and faints” for, that our flesh “cries out” for (Ps. 84:2).

Children grow and home becomes only a past childhood memory and a place to ‘visit’ for anticipated future holiday. And yet, with God, we never need leave home. We can wake up every day in His house! Like a sparrow’s birdhouse and a swallow’s nest—so is His presence to us (Ps. 84:3).

Don’t be satisfied to simply visit the palace of the Most High King (church, Bible classes, retreats, inconsistent devotions, etc). Rather, dwell (Hebrew: abide, inhabit, remain in, live, remain, stay) in the house of the Lord. This is accomplished in spending quality time in His Word—daily. In communing with Him in prayer—daily. In all your day’s busyness, set aside the fleeting ‘tents’ of this life (sleep, homework, socializing, even serving) to dwell in His eternal presence.

Truly, there’s no place like home.

For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. Psalm 84:10

Homesick

Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah. Psalm 84:4

It holds a familiarity like no other place. At home there is safety (allowing vulnerability), comfort and encouragement (family just ‘gets it’), the love and tender care of a mother, the inspiration and wisdom of a father. Home allows one to be 100% themselves—no masks, no facades, no pose, no make up—and still loved!

Jesus is home to His sons and daughters. He is a place for inspiration when discouraged, a place to regain strength when weary, a place to safely cry and find comfort, and a place His children can feverishly lay and feel the healing touch of His hand. He wants to be the home our soul “longs and faints” for, that our flesh “cries out” for (Ps. 84:2).

Children grow and home becomes only a past childhood memory and a place to ‘visit’ for anticipated future holiday. And yet, with God, we never need leave home. We can wake up every day in His house! Like a sparrow’s birdhouse and a swallow’s nest—so is His presence to us (Ps. 84:3).

Don’t be satisfied to simply visit the house of God (church, Bible classes, retreats, inconsistent devotions, etc). Rather, dwell (Hebrew: abide, inhabit, remain in, live, remain, stay) in the house of the Lord. This is accomplished in spending quality time in His Word—daily. In communing with Him in prayer—daily. In all your day’s busyness, set aside the fleeting ‘tents’ of this life (sleep, homework, socializing, even serving) to dwell in His eternal presence.

Truly, there’s no place like home.

For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. Psalm 84:10

Today there is

a Warrior protecting you…

a Shepherd leading you…

a Counselor instructing you…

a High Priest representing you…

a Comforter encouraging you…

a Father loving you!

(Always Love, Roy Lessin)

Behold, what manner of love the Father has given unto us,

that we should be called the sons of God! (1 John 3:1)

My Steadfast Anchor

I love the Book of Hebrews. I love how faithful our God is to His promises.

"For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain [Holy of Holies], where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."

Hebrews 6:13-20 ESV

God's faithfulness is sure; what He promises will come to pass. In the words "Abraham, having patiently waited", it indicates that God's promises do not always show themselves in our lives when we think they will. (Take a look at Genesis 17--talk about God's timing!) His timing is best, and His promises are certain. Our hope (assured knowledge of that which is yet to come) is taken right into the Holy of Holies as Christ tore the veil and gives us access to God the Father.

Wherever you are in life, know that God is faithful. What He says is final.

God hears you. (Jeremiah 29:12-13)

God loves you. (Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2:4-5)

God has a plan and purpose for your life. (Jeremiah 29:11)

God will never leave you. (Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5)

Nehemiah Chapter Two

Nehemiah 2:

Take a moment and read Nehemiah 2.

Nehemiah had to go before a king and rebuild a wall. How do you think we apply this to our lives today? Let me share some ideas with you.

1. What has God laid upon your heart? For Nehemiah it was the ruin and disgrace of his people. 

The weight of Jerusalem’s situation is so heavy upon Nehemiah’s heart that he is unable to, even in the presence of the King, mask his sorrow and King Artaxerxes notices. Nehemiah’s sorrow and concern for his people is deep and pressing not only on his mind, but also on his spirit. As a cupbearer to the King he would have been adept at putting forward a positive face and attitude. It was actually a very dangerous thing to appear before the king unhappy. Nehemiah says of that moment : “I was very much afraid,” and yet he boldly replies to the king his concern.

Rebuilding the wall would bring restoration of God’s city and protection to His people. Perhaps there is a brokenness you are aware of that God has laid upon your heart to pray for. (Nehemiah 2:1-3)

2. Who can lend you aid? It was within King Artaxerxes power to grant Nehemiah permission to rebuild the wall, provisions to rebuild the wall and protection to rebuild the wall. (Nehemiah 2:5-8) 

God has given Nehemiah favor before King Atraxerxes who is caring of his servant, not only asking why he is sad, but also what his servant needs. God gave King Artaxerxes benevolence for Nehemiah.

3. What must you do to prepare? As we see with Nehemiah prayer was a big part of preparation. Planning was also a big part of preparation. Nehemiah new what he would need to rebuild the wall. (Nehemiah 1:4-11, Nehemiah 2:7-8)

Nehemiah prays before going to the king in chapter one. We know from chapter one that Nehemiah prayed for several days before praying the prayer recorded there. The time frame between that prayer and when he is questioned by the king is about four months giving Nehemiah time to think thoroughly through and prepare for his answer to the king. And yet, I think it’s extremely important to note that Nehemiah paused and prays again before answering the king.

In the book “The Expositor’s Bible author Walter F. Adeney says this about Nehemiah’s pause for prayer, “Such a sudden uplifting of the soul to God is the most real of all prayers. This at least is genuine and heartfelt, whatever may be the case with the semi-liturgical composition the thought and beauty of which engaged our attention in the previous chapter. But then the man who can thus find God in a moment must be in the habit of frequently resorting to the Divine Presence ; like the patriarchs, he must be walking with God. The brief and sudden prayer reaches heaven as an arrow suddenly shot from the bow ; but it goes right home, because he who lets it off in his surprise is a good marksman, well practiced. This ready prayer only springs to the lips of a man who fives in a daily habit of praying.” (Source)

Nehemiah has taken the time to pray, thought through his requests and needs by the time he makes his request to the King to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls.

4. Who can join you in your task? Nehemiah knows he cannot accomplish this task alone. He scouts out the wall and properly accesses the situation. Then, he states his purpose and asks the people to join with him.

When Nehemiah asks for their help he 1) is aware of the condition of the walls, 2) tells them about what God has done, and 3) tells them of the support of the king. Nehemiah 2:17-18 “Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.”

The conclusion of the chapter: Nehemiah 2:20 “I answered them by saying, “The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.”

Nehemiah properly gives ALL credit to God in recognition that it is by His hand that success is given!

Have any Quarters?

Somehow, we've reached the second half of February. Before you know it, March will come in like lion and out like a lamb. And then, we'll be in April, celebrating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. During this season of Lent, it's typical for believers to "give something up" in order to remember Jesus' incredible sacrifice for us. This year, I'd like to challenge you to do something a little bit different.

If you're one of those who usually give something up during Lent - go ahead and sacrifice. But this year, I'd like to challenge you collect the money you save by not buying your latte, baking and eating chocolate chip cookies, taking a trip to the Dairy Queen or Cold Stone, or supporting your daily addiction to Mountain Dew. Take the money you save and donate it to someone who needs it desperately.

If you typically don't sacrifice something you love during Lent - go ahead and don't give anything up. But this year, I'd like to challenge you to match the funds you spend on your latte, baking and eating chocolate chip cookies, taking a trip to the Dairy Queen or Cold Stone, or supporting your daily addition to Mountain Dew. Take the money you spend on those luxuries and for every dollar you spend, donate it to someone who needs it desperately.

Check this out:

Think of that: $.25 - a single quarter - can feed a child. You can't even buy a can of pop or stick of gum for that anymore. So little can do so much. And I believe this is something that touches the heart of God in ways that we too often neglect in the church today:

"'Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke? Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into the house; when you see the naked, to cover him; and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light will break out like the dawn, and your recovery will speedily spring forth; and your righteousness will go before you; the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. Then you will call, adn the LORD will answer; you will cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.' If you remove the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger and speaking wickedness, and if you give yourself to the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then your light will rise in darkness and your gloom will become like midday. And the LORD will continually guide you . . .'" - Isaiah 58:6-11a

Part two of my Lent challenge to you: If you're able, spend a couple hours volunteering at a Feed My Starving Children location. I guarantee you they will be some of the most blessed and rewarding hours of your day, even your year.

So, are you willing to take my challenge? I cannot think of a better way for us to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ than to spread the Gospel - and sometimes, sharing the Gospel starts with a bag of rice.

For more information regarding Feed My Starving Children and to donate your saved or matched funds, simply go to http://www.fmsc.org/.

Doubt Not

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” –Corrie Ten Boom

A simple fork in the road of life can suddenly bring even the strongest warrior to their knees. Which direction? Could a wrong turn lead to destruction? Which way to God’s best? These divisions in the road come frequently in life—which school to attend, what major to declare, who to date, where to move, when to act, which job to accept, etc. These questions can overwhelm and discourage.

In seeking God, He will always faithfully answer—in His timing. Sometimes He wants us to remain in that place of seeking, of resting, of waiting on Him for direction. And then, when the road is ready, He will shine a light and lead the way.

Darkness is bound to come. The path ahead and behind is indiscernible. Only the next step is lit. Doubt creeps in. Is this the right path? Was an incorrect decision made at that fork in the road? Fear tells the heart to stop, to turn-back, to reroute.

“They did not keep God's covenant, but refused to walk according to his law. They forgot his works and the wonders that he had shown them.” Psalm 78:10, 11

Faith tells the heart to stop, to reflect, and proceed. Remember His leading—how brightly His light shown down the directed path? Recall the unquestionable words He spoke in that moment of decision—the words that undeniably revealed the right course. Now in the dark, do not doubt. Do not waiver. Remember and continue on in confidence.

He established a testimony…that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.” Psalm 78:5a, 7

“Never doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light.” –Edith Edman

Yahweh

God loves us, and wants to be with us. This song always reminds me of how great God is, and how good it is to just sit at His feet, to know Him more. And when I seek Him at His feet, I get to know Him more and love Him greater.

True Love

The Wittenberg Nightingale

"Luther teaches that we all

Are involved in Adam's fall.

If man beholds himself within,

He feels the bite and curse of sin.
When dread, despair, and terror seize,

Contrite he falls upon his knees.

Then breaks for him the light of day.

Then the gospel may have sway.

Then sees he Christ of God the Son,

Who for us all things has done.

The law fulfilled, the debt is paid,

Death overcome, the curse allayed,

Hell destroyed, the devil bound,

Grace for us with God has found.

Christ, the Lamb, removes all sin.

By faith alone in Christ WE WIN."

--Hans Sachs, shoemaker poet of Nurnberg, Germany

"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV)

The word "righteousness" here comes from the Greek word "dikaiosyne", meaning "the state of being in proper relationship with God." Whoa! As we celebrated (or mourned...however you chose to look at it!) Valentine's Day this week, I was reminded of the great love that God has for me. The kind of love that God had the prophet Hosea portray to the prostitute Gomer. The kind of love that forgives even when forgiveness seems out of the question. A love that is unheard of.

We enter into this perfect love by Christ, the Lamb, who removes all sin. You don't deserve it. I don't deserve it. In of myself, I'm just in the line of Adam that beholds the bite and curse of sin. It is on my knees at the Cross that I find such love and grace, that was freely given for me. For you!

And yep, I'd say that's a win!

Nehemiah Chapter One

A few things stuck out to me as I read through Nehemiah chapter one this week. Take a moment to read Nehemiah 1.

1. Nehemiah reacted to the bad news from home with prayer. But, before he prayed the prayer recorded for us in chapter one he prepared himself for prayer. He mourned. He fasted. He prayed. For some days. And then... he prayed. (v.4) Even though the majority of this chapter is Nehemiah’s prayer verse four leaped out at me.

How often do we take the time (some days in Nehemiah’s case) to prepare ourselves to come before God? How often do we pray before we pray? Nehemiah prayed and then he prayed.

2. The structure of Nehemiah’s prayer makes it evident his priorities are in order.

Let’s look at the four key components to his prayer.

A. Praise:

Notice how Nehemiah starts his prayer in praise and recognition of who God is:

Nehemiah 1:5 “Then I said: “LORD, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments,”

Do we come before God with a proper view of who He is?

B. Penance:

Nehemiah knows the condition God’s people are in and recognizes the need for repentance. Before he makes any requests he confesses his sins and the sins of Israel:

Nehemiah 1:6-7 “let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.”

Do we humble ourselves, confess our sins and admit our guilt to God?

C. Promises

Nehemiah knows who God is and that he can claim His promises.

Nehemiah 1:8-9 “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.”

An amazing rainbow stretched across the sky as I drove to work this morning. As intended it was an instant reminder of how trustworthy and true our God Almighty is; faithful to keep and carry out His promises.

Do we claim God’s promises with confidence?

D. Petition:

Nehemiah understands before he makes a request to the King that he must lift up his needs to God first.

Nehemiah 1:11 “Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.”

Do we ask God before leaping into action?

3. Nehemiah was cupbearer to the King. The cupbearer historically was one of the most influential people in the King’s court. God placed Nehemiah is a position of prominence that made it possible for him to make a request of the King.

Can you think of some people through out the Bible who God placed at just the right time for specific purposes?

Esther and Joseph come to my mind.

Esther: Esther 4:14 “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish.And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Joseph: Genesis 50:19-21 “But Joseph said to them (his brothers), “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.”

Where has God placed you?

Remember His Love

In elementary school, Valentine's Day parties were always my favorite. I enjoyed getting 20 boxes of those conversation hearts - who doesn't love solidified sugar in second grade? I also have fond memories of decorating an empty Kleenex box with my mom - making it transform into a beautiful, love-colored mailbox. (To be honest, every February, I'm tempted to create a Valentine's box just because I can.) I also liked picking which classmate received what Valentine . . . and you had to be careful about it; otherwise, Boy #1 might realize you're crushing on him when he's not supposed to know and Boy #2 might think you're crushing on him. But alas, elementary school comes to a close for most of us and such parties cease to be. And although I don't get to celebrate Valentine's Day like I did in second grade, I definitely have a better understanding of this wonderful thing called love.

Ezekiel 16 paints an incredible picture of God's love for us. I encourage you to stop reading this blog, grab your Bible, and read the entire chapter. It's humbling to do so . . . to realize our condition before the Lord saved us, before He redeemed us with His blood. It's mind-boggling to consider all that He has done for us even though we are beyond unworthy. And unfortunately, it's heart-wrenching to consider how we treat this precious gift of His love towards us.

"'As for your birth, on the day you were born your navel cord was not cut, nor were you washed with cleansing; you were not rubbed with salt or even wrapped in cloths. No eye looked with pity on you to do any of these things for you, to have compassion on you. Rather you were thrown out into the open field, for you were abhorred on the day you were born.When I passed by you and saw you squirming in your blood, I said to you while you were in your blood, 'Live!' . . . I also swore to you and entered into a covenant with you so that you became Mine . . .Then I bathed you with water, washed off your blood from you and anointed you with oil. I also clothed you with embroidered cloth and put sandals of porpoise skin on your feet; and I wrapped you with fine linen and covered you with silk. I adorned you with ornaments, put bracelets on your hands and a necklace around your neck. I also put a ring in your nostril, earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head. . .Then your fame went forth among the nations on account of your beauty, for it was perfect because of My splendor which I bestowed on you . . . But you trusted in your beauty and played the harlot because of your fame, and your poured out your harlotries on every passer-by who might be willing . . . You also took your beautiful jewels made of My gold and of My silver, which I had given you, and made for yourself male images that you might play the harlot with them. . . Moreover, you took your sons and daughters whom you had borne to Me and sacrificed them to idols to be devoured. . .Besides all your abominations and harlotries you did not remember the days of your youth, when you were naked and bare and squirming in your blood.'" (Ezekiel 16:4-6, 8-12, 14-15, 17, 20, 22 - emphasis added)

It isn't comfortable to remember our past sins. And we don't need to live in guilt because the Lord throws our sins on the bottom of the ocean floor when we come to Him in repentance (Micah 7:19). Yet how important it is for us to remember. To remember what we were before the Lord came along; to remember from how great a danger He has saved us. As we remember that, His love and grace seem to become so much stronger, so much greater, and so much sweeter.

This Valentine's Day, whether you snuggle up with a sweetheart or your teddy bear, remember to meditate on the great, great love of God the Father towards you. Remember what you have been saved from. Rejoice in the wonderful love of our Savior. And never cease giving Him thanks for that love that passes all comprehension.

Doodlin' in the Margin

Way back when I used to be a student of mathematics, I learned a lesson that has helped me a lot lately. No it does not involve simple addition and subtraction. No it isn't the reason my checkbook's agility is compared with Olympic level gymnasts. Further, this lesson really has nothing to do with numbers.

You see, early on in my math career I learned that numbers make about as much sense to me as Norwegian cooking. Cod + lye = lutefisk - really? I think it equals a permanently horrid garbage can because of thrown-out leftovers rotting on top of vomit. I digress. Basically, my mathematical abilities didn't come naturally, but I still learned a lesson in life because I was forced to do math homework.

The lesson comes from doodlin' in the margin.

With modern technology being what it is, margin may vary from paper to paper, but it doesn't matter what is being printed; there is always empty space surrounding all the work. Under-motivated undergrads learn early on in college how to ever-so-slightly adjust the margins so their 1200 word essay magically morphs into a 5-page masterpiece. Conservative Christians who work with guys that have names rhyming with the Mideons know how to print New Testaments with nearly no margin. But, in the end, there must be a place to stop, the work must stay on the page, and there needs to be some empty space.

It is in this empty space where my learning began. Amidst the chaotic scribbles that teachers recognized as "showing your work" I saw the empty space. Where my hard work tried to fit nicely in its place, my brain battled against it causing premature wrinkles on my face. As my frustrations boiled over like a miserable concoction of cod and lye, the space in the margin caught my eye.

The tip of my pen would wiggle and jump, squiggle and jiggle, and doodle like a wet noodle. Pictures of mountains set my mind's eye free. For the first time in my life, math was fun. When I saw that my textbook had over 300 pages containing margin, skiers shredded the slopes in my first-ever flip-book creation. Years of education have come and gone, but to this day I still find myself doodlin' in the margin. This is where the lesson is learned.

The lesson is learned when the lesson is lived.

Some may wonder where the lesson is learned so the lesson may be lived. Look in the Bible, because that's where it is. "Doodlin' in the margin" isn't in the ancient Hebrew texts. First century scribes didn't screw up when they translated the Word into Greek. The learned ones didn't throw it in when Latin was in. This wasn't even in Eugene Peterson's lexicon when he penned The Message.

Doodlin' in the margin comes from God's design when He created the world. After six days of work, God stopped, looked at His creation, and took the time to rest. In this rest, He observed that what was before His eyes "was very good." After I labored laboriously over my mathematics, I stopped for a bit, doodlin' in the margin and took delight in what I had done. The margin is home of freedom and fun, creativity and life. Each space is personal. God has created all of life to work in a cycle of six days of work and one day of rest. This is the best.

Nowadays, I open the pages of God's love letter to me and what do I see? Doodlin' in the margin.

In the space carved out of the chaos, I've found time to listen to Abba. He speaks through His Word and I write down what I hear. The gift I receive each week is from Him. The gift I receive each day is from Him. Sabbath rest is the margin in my week. Silence and solitude creates the margin in my day. It is there that I doodle. In the midst of life, Jesus speaks to me when I take time to stop. When the work is less important the One who allows me to work. As I delight in who He is, I learn a little more about who I am. This is the lesson I have so graciously been taught and am graciously learning how to live.

Doodlin' in the Margin.

Genesis 2:1-3 - Exodus 20:8-11 - Deut. 5:12-15 - Psalm 1:1-6 - Matt. 11:25-30 - Mark 6:30-32
  

Tongue Wars

"So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!...From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so." James 3:5, 10

This week has been tongue boot camp. Running through an obstacle course of various tongue tests--each challenge was a new opportunity to strengthen (and prove) my tongue's spiritual fortitude. As I sat, lips pursed, mind reeling with unkind words, I struggled to maintain self-control. How difficult to respond in the spirit when the flesh is ablaze with emotion!

The following are a few means the Lord uses to 'tone' my tongue. I pray you will put a few of them to practice this week when you encounter your next tongue-test.

1. Ask the Lord to "Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!" (Ps. 141:3)
2. Take a breather. Sometimes stepping away from the situation, or simply silence, allows emotions to cool and gives you an opportunity to strengthen your spirit.
3. Spend time with the Prince of Peace. Pray. Grab your Bible (ahem, smartphone with Bible app=always on you) and read His word. His "word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Ps. 119:105), which will guide your response/words in difficult situations.
4. Take the Saul approach and listen to peaceful music. "And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him." I Sam. 16:23 (This really works!)
5. Make a list of "tongue-tamer" verses (Proverbs is FULL of them!) and commit them to memory. The Holy Spirit will bring them to the forefront of your mind when you most need them.

May we seek to glorify the Lord with our speech. And may the world know we are Christians... by our loving speech.

"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." James 3:17,1

LOVE

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. (1 John 3:16)

Love was demonstrated for us by Jesus when He died on the cross. Love is a sacrifice of self. It is a commitment. It is a choice. And we are called to love the LORD our God first, and then our neighbor as our self.

Love. It is seen in our actions, words, expressions. I pray that I would live the love of Christ out loud in a world that is so noisy. I praise God that He gives me all that I need to do so.

Lord, spill Your love out of Your people! Help us to see who to spill it on.

THIS IS GOD'S DOING.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." Then I said, "Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth." But the LORD said to me, "Do not say, 'I am only a youth; for to all to whom I send you, you shall go, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, declares the LORD." Then the LORD put out His hand and touched my mouth. And the LORD said to me, "Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant."--- Jeremiah 1:5-10

In my Discovering God's Will for Your Life class with Pastor Haugen (I know, crazy huh? Big topic for a one credit class!) he had us read this passage and mark all the personal pronouns. In doing so, I found that everything that happened was God's doing.

Sometimes it's easy to stress about the future and plans as we are in a stage of transition. But GOD is the One who does it all. HE knows the plans He has for us (Jeremiah 29:11). While it can still be stressful making big decisions, God has a plan and is going to use us in the situations that He brings us to.

God will bring you to the place where HE wants you to be. Remember, this is God's doing.

Tennis shoes and sweatshirts on we hit the sidewalk for a walk. The sky was a brilliant blue and the crisp California air was more like Fall than the February Winter day that it was. We were quiet at first and then we set about the real purpose of our walk: Prayer.

Deep earnest prayer. We lifted up and laid before our God Almighty praise of who He is, our concerns, hurts, struggles and hopes. We prayed for each other. We prayed for ourselves. We prayed for our families and for our friends. We prayed for our faith. We prayed for God to work in our lives.

Prayer. It's one of the most important aspects of our faith and perhaps also one of the most overlooked. I don't pray enough. I know I don't. I also don't pray deeply enough.

Colossians 4:2 "Devote yourselves to prayer." 

1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."

James 5:16 "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective"

Ephesians 6:18 "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints"

Romans 12:12 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

In the next twelve weeks I would like to ask you to take a journey with me through the book of Nehemiah. In a glimpse the book of Nehemiah is the story of rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Through out the book two key underlining themes stand out. Those themes are leadership and prayer.

~ Naomi

When - Not If

I woke up with a heavy heart this morning. It's been a rough week here in Beulah. On Tuesday night a shooting occurred, resulting in the death of one young man and injury of another. Last night, a student who was out skateboarding was a hit by a vehicle; he passed away early this morning. Two tragic events in less than a week is enough to shake up any town . . . especially a small town like Beulah. And even though I didn't know those involved in either incident personally, my heart is weighed down with grief -- grief for those who lost a son, a brother, a friend. Once again, it seems like Satan is winning.

This morning as I sat down with my bowl of oatmeal, Bible, and heavy heart, I was encouraged by the LORD's promises in Isaiah 43:1-5:

"But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior . . . Since you are precious in My sight, since you are honored and I love you . . . Do not fear, for I am with you.'" 

I was struck once again with the truth that the LORD doesn't say if - "If you pass through the waters . . . if you pass through the rivers . . . if you walk through the fire." He said when. "When you pass through the waters . . . when you pass through the rivers . . . when you walk through the fire." Jesus promised tribulation during our time here on earth (John 16:33), so it shouldn't surprise us when awful things happen. Yet, as those who trust in Him, we have confidence that the LORD is with us through every trial and tribulation - no matter how difficult, no matter how tragic, no matter how impossible it seems to cope. Praise the LORD He doesn't leave us when the 'going gets tough'.

"'Do not fear, for I am with you; do not look anxiously about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'" - Isaiah 40:10

Through the events of this last week, I was also struck with the urgency we as believers must have to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those around us. Life is short -- sometimes too short. And it can come to an end so quickly, so unexpectedly. But this life is not the end; in fact, it's only a small portion of our existence. We, along with those we work with, learn with, drive the freeways with and buy groceries from, all have eternal soul and will spend eternity somewhere. As believers, we have the best news ever to share with them - as well as a heavy responsibility. May we be found faithful stewards of the grace of God, sharing it with those we encounter every day . . .and may we never fall into the lie of believing we can tell them about Jesus "later". Later may to be late - either for us or for them.

"Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." - 1 Corinthians 4:1 

"Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:15-16 (emphasis added)

love one another

"Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other;
let us show the truth by our actions."
1 John 3:18

God gives us two basic commands: Love Him, and love others. We can say that we love God and that we love others, but when our actions do not line up with what we say, we are liars.

Recently God has been pointing out in my life how I fall short in His commands, especially in loving others. I say that I love others, but that love cannot be seen until I sacrifice my pride, my selfishness, my desires...everything about MYself. And many times, I hold onto MYself, and essentially I don't let Christ's love flow through me. All the love He has poured into me is stuck behind a dam of selfishness.

Our actions and words impact others - either in a positive way or a negative way. Even lack of actions or words impact others. I need to be intentional in doing actions and saying words that will leave a positive impact on others - that will leave an imprint of Jesus. Maybe there is one person that you have a hard time loving - is God asking you to intentionally make an effort to love them in your actions and words?

Be with Jesus so you can think like Jesus so you can act like Jesus.

Guess What?!

"Guess what Auntie Kate?!"-- my almost 3 year old niece Grace.

"What?"

"I GOT A NEW TONGUE!" --excitedly sticking her tongue out to show me the new addition to her mouth.

My niece is something else. Honestly, I don't know where she gets this stuff; obviously not from her favorite auntie. :) However strange she can be, this excited statement made me think tonight. The Bible speaks of tongues quite a bit actually. In fact, the word "tongue" is seen in the ESV 102 times!

James 3:6 says, "And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell." Whoa, those are pretty powerful words.

In our old nature, the only thing this tongue can do is set fire and bring death. (Proverbs 18:21) But that's not the end! As believers in Christ, we have a new nature, a new tongue! This new tongue can build up and encourage the body. It brings words of life! And in the new nature, by the grace and mercy of God, it praises our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I wish that were the end of the story. However, that won't be the case until we reach Glory in Heaven. While we do have a new tongue, we also have the old one at the same time. In this life, we have to deal with the old and new nature--a constant battle. But by the grace of God, He gives us the victory to cling to in His death and resurrection, and we can live in the new nature by His strength.

"His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."

(2 Peter 1:3-4 ESV)

Friends, you have a new tongue. How are you using your's today?