Sometimes you've got to look back...

Happy New Year dear readers!  I, for one, am glad to see 2015 end and I look forward to what God has in store for 2016.  Normally I am not one for looking backwards.  What's done is done and there isn't anything that can change it.  But sometimes......... sometimes you've just got to look back.

Paul recognized this need.  In Philippians chapter 4 he spends several verses advising the readers to  find joy in everything, and to focus on the good.  (Philippians 4:4-8)  These are wonderful verses and would obviously be a blessing to anyone who implemented them.  But Paul seemed to know that even with the best of intentions people stumble.  And sometimes when we stumble things begin to look bleak.

In verses 10-18 Paul reminds the people of Philippi of the times that he faced hardship, that he "knows what it is to be in need".  When no other church supported him, the Philippians did.  When he was in Thessalonica they repeatedly sent him gifts to assist him.  God used them to provide for Paul.  Paul isn't trying to build them up, but to make it personal.  He is trying to help them see the part they played in God's provision for Paul so that they will connect with the next sentence.   This sentence:

And my God will supply every need of yours
according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
~Philippians 4:19
emphasis mine

God will supply every need.  Let that sink in.  God will supply every need of yours!  Sometimes we need to be reminded of what God is capable of, what He has already done.  That is why Paul made sure to point out the ways God had used the philippians to supply for his needs and make it personal for them before this verse.  And we can take comfort in the knowledge that it is still true for us today.  (Hebrews 13:8)

Sometimes we need to be reminded of just how much God has supplied for our needs.  Sometimes we get lost in the troubles, the darkness, the pain of this world and lose sight of this truth.  I know there were many times in 2015 that this was true for me.  And I am sure that there will probably be a few times in the year to come that it could happen as well. 

Might I encourage you this year to begin a new tradition - one of remembrance.  My family has used several different tools for this over the years.  We created a blessing jar for several years.  A simple jar that we kept on a shelf in our living room with a notepad beside it.  Every time one of us felt especially blessed by God we recorded it on paper, dated it and placed it in the blessing jar.  On New Year's Eve we opened the jar and read through them.  I was amazed at some of the notes as we read them.  Not that God had blessed us, but at the many blessings my young children recognized that I had begun to take for granted.  ("Thank you for the pretty yellow flowers (they were dandelions) in the yard.  They make me happy."  "Thank you for the rain today.  It was fun to play in.")

My pastor keeps a special chest in which his family saves "touchstones" to remind them of times that they have been blessed.  Items range from receipts to letters to candles.  Every member of the family can tell you exactly what the item represents and how God came through in that particular situation.

I keep a journal.  Nothing fancy, just a 3-ring binder with some tabbed dividers.  Inside I record scripture that speaks to me, prayers (and how god answered them), copies of emails that were sent to me by complete strangers with just the right words at just the right time, and so much more.  When I need a reminder of God's provision for me I open it up and flip through and am comforted by how my God looks after all of my needs and the needs of those I love. 

As a special New Year's gift I want to share some starter pages for you to create your own journal.  It is nothing fancy, just a few divider pages for things that I wanted to include in my own journal.  You can see a sample below.  Click here to download the PDF file. I pray that it helps you in those moments where you need to look back to remember that God's got this!

*originally published on Coffee with Christ

Merry Christmas

It is Christmas Eve as I write this.  My family sits watching Christmas shows with the tree lit up while I ponder the ways that God has protected and cared for us over this last year.  I have been blessed to see my children grow a year older, to see my husband draw close to God, and to spend a lot of quality time with my first grandchild.  We had a lot of moments in which we weren't sure how things were going to turn out, and even a few in which a positive outcome seemed impossible, and yet we have come through.

I began a new Bible study this week focusing on all the names of God.  In Jewish culture a name is more than just a unique label to identify a person.  A name is a description of a person's personality - it identifies a quality of them.  Therefore when someone assigns God a name it isn't a new identity for Him, but a newly identified aspect of who He is.

One of the earliest names given to God is by Abraham in Genesis chapter 22.  God has called him to sacrifice his son, a test of his obedience to and trust in God.  Abraham brings him up the mountain, builds an altar, lays his son upon it and raises his knife before God stops him.  It is then that God shows him the ram he is to offer instead.  Abraham then identifies a key aspect of God and names Him:

 

The Greek and Latin root of the word provide shed a bit more light on this wonderful aspect of God.  You see pro- means before and vid- means to see.  God gives us what we need before we even see the need!  

Which brings me back to Christmas.  Since Eve bit the fruit God saw the need to provide a way to return to Him.  We may have run from that need over the years, and some of us may not even realize how much we truly do need that relationship with Him.  But God knew - and before we recognized it He had already developed and implemented a plan to provide for us.  And many years later He did - by sending His Son down to earth as a helpless babe to experience all that we might.  

Jesus came to take on every thing that you or I have ever done that could separate us from His Father.  He paid the price so that we could once again have fellowship with God, so that we could again enter into a close, personal relationship with Him.  He is the ultimate provision!

So as you open your Christmas gifts and enjoy time with your family today, please take a few moments to remember the best gift you could ever be given - Jesus - and take the time to give Him the best gift of all - YOU.  

Merry Christmas!

*originally published on Coffee with Christ

Black Friday

I am not a Black Friday shopper.  There, I have admitted it.  Not that I think there is anything wrong with those of you who do Black Friday shop.  I love a deal just as much as the next gal.  And it isn't even the crowds that keep me away, I can handle those.  And while I am TOTALLY not a morning person that isn't the reason I chose to stay home either (although it definitely is a bonus to get to snuggle under my warm blankets until I smell my automatic coffee pot begin to brew its delectable offering!). 

I don't Black Friday shop because very rarely is there something on sale that my family and I really want at a price that we are willing to pay.  When those two things merge on the day after Thanksgiving you will find me patiently waiting in line with the rest of you.  Several years ago I stood in line for a few hours with my sister to purchase the Game Boy that my son had been requesting all year long.  We laughed, we talked with those in line around us and generally enjoyed ourselves.  And I have to say that on the times that I have ventured out I have been pleasantly surprised to NOT witness the chaos that the media tends to portray it as.

There was no pushing or shoving, no people being trampled, and no foul language being shouted angrily.  Now I am not naive enough to believe that this is the case everywhere, as it obviously isn't.  But if you are a follower of Christ, it shouldn't ever be the case for you (and me!).

The book of James was written by Jesus brother.  It is interesting to me that he did not believe that Jesus was God's son before His death and resurrection.  It was only afterwards that James recognized the truth and began to share the news with others.  His book is right up my alley as it tells us how to live as followers.  And I think he may have had a peek at a future Black Friday sale when I wrote the beginning of chapter 4:

What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. ~James 4:1-3

Can't you just picture him standing in the midst of a full on Black Friday brawl shaking his head in disbelief?  Only, he was talking about a once a year sale.  Instead he was talking about the every day struggles within us - our desire to have a house bigger than our neighbor, a car nicer than our friends, a TV that dwarfs all others, the latest phone, the newest tablet etc. 

You see, we all have passions.  We were built to.  The problem comes when we misdirect our passions to selfish desires.  Galatians 5:24 says those selfish desires, or desires of the flesh, were supposed to die when we gave our life to Christ.  Instead we should be passionate for the things that please Him. 

He wants our passion to be for Him and not ourselves or even other people.  (Colossians 3:23, 1 Corinthians 10:31)  In order to do this we must first spend time getting to know Him.  Pray, study His word, learn all about him for yourself.  Unfortunately just showing up at church once a week and listening to what someone else says about Him isn't going to cut it.  You wouldn't expect to learn all about your spouse or children by listening to what their friends say once a week and then not talking to them the rest of the time would you?  Why do we so often expect it to work with God?

When our passion is for Him, He starts directing us on how to be passionate for others.  It may be that you are called to raise a family, to serve in a shelter, to teach others, to reach out to your neighbor that seems so grumpy.  Or it may be to hand the person beside you in the store the last of THE sale item with a smile on your face.  I can't tell you what He is calling you to, but I can tell you that you won't know if your passion is misdirected.  Happy Black Friday.


*originally published on Coffee with Christ

Costumes

 

Whether your family celebrates Halloween or not, it is hard to miss a hoard of children dressed as everything from princess and pirates to Lego men and weeping angels as they travel around neighborhoods begging for tricks or treats.  For a few hours they get to pretend to be heroes, or villains.  They can forget about homework, grades, and chores and just BE.  And this got me thinking...

We are all wearing costumes.  According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary a costume is "an outfit worn to create the appearance characteristic of a particular period, person, place, or thing".  Now take a look at this verse from John 3:6, "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit".  If you have accepted Christ, you are no longer flesh, but spirit.  Hebrews 13:14 reminds us that this is not our home.  So follow me here.  We who are saved by grace are wearing a costume and wandering the neighborhood until we go home.

That leaves us with a myriad of costume choices.  Fortunately, God has some suggestions for us.  Ephesians 4:22-24 encourages us to shed our old costume and instead put on a new one.  One that is in the likeness of God.  Ephesians 6:10-18 reminds us that while we are here in this world we aren't safe and as a result we need to put on our armor to protect and defend ourselves.  Colossians 3:12-15 gives us a list of things to put on as well: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness and love.   And the suggestions don't stop here.

God's word is full of advice about how we should navigate this world, if we just take the time to read it.  Instead we tend to be so focused on gathering the treats and avoiding the tricks that we neglect the instructions our Father has given us before He sent us out.  This Halloween I encourage you to take some time to consult with Him.  Trust me in that the costume He would have you to wear really is flame retardant! 

*originally published on Coffee with Christ

Bondage....it's not what you think!

My laptop is on the fritz.  Perhaps because my son accidentally knocked it over and it fell on the floor.  Maybe due to it's age (I have had it 3+ years and it is a refurb).  What I can tell you is that during this past week I have come to realize that I may have a small computer addiction.

I found myself frequently reaching for my laptop during downtime so I could just browse through Facebook to see what was going on.  It didn't happen just once or twice - but several times throughout the day.  I was forced to stop and examine just how much time I spend on mindless social media interactions.....and I am ashamed to admit that it is more time than I am comfortable with.

The irony is that my husband and I decided to limit the screen time for our children.  We were concerned that they would spend so much time on a computer or game screen that they would miss real world experiences.  And somehow I missed the lesson and became the example.

During my Bible readings this week God really drove this point home with the verse from 2 Peter chapter 2.  It says:

for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage (verse 19)

God whispered to my heart that sometimes our enemy disguises himself in order to overcome us.  In my case, I was being overcome with a false sense of camaraderie with others.  Now don't get me wrong, Facebook and other social media tools can be a wonderful communication tool (thanks so much to those of you who are following us!) and way to keep in touch.  My problem was a result of too much of a good thing becoming a bad thing.  ANYTHING that pulls us away from God becomes a bad thing, and screen time was not only pulling me away from God, but was pulling me away from the things God had laid on my heart to do.

I was getting up in the morning and rather than opening my Bible I was opening my Facebook app.  I would be on the computer planning for the upcoming home school year and then get sidetracked when I "quickly" checked my Facebook.  I would log in to Pinterest to pull up a recipe and find myself browsing other pins instead.  And the next thing I would know my husband was home, my kids were hungry and I hadn't managed to turn on the stove.  I would pull out my knitting needles to create an item to donate to my favorite charity only to find myself on my favorite pattern site browsing endlessly for that perfect pattern....that I never managed to get started on before the sun went down.

The good news is that bondage can be a good thing too - in the right circumstances.  It is just a matter of who or what you allow to control you.  The thing is, about 15 years ago I willingly submitted control of my life to Jesus.  Over the last 15 years I have had to stop and examine myself to see where I had given that control to something or someone else instead several times.  It reminds me of Paul who said, "I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate". (Romans 7:15)  I don't want to be brought into bondage by anything or anyone other than Jesus.  But that requires me to daily submit and draw close to God.  Fortunately, when I do that He promises to draw close to me as well.  (James 4:8)

So, for now, it's bye-bye screen time as I refocus.

*originally published on Coffee with Christ

Bound Together

“Fear not, be glad and rejoice. For the LORD will do great things.” Joel 2:21 

I don’t know about you, but for me these last several weeks have been hard.  Social media has blown up with opinions on both sides of the "Love Wins" issue, and some harsh words have flown - both from those who support and oppose the decision.  I have at times been very disappointed with the Christian community during all of this.  You see, sometimes it is easy to forget that our enemy isn't flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil.  (Ephesians 6:12)  Sometimes it is easier to take a stand against those who are held captive to sin rather than against the one who holds them captive....after all, those caught in sin are easier to see and confront.

I have been trying to remember this when others talk to me about my opinions on the subject, but honestly it is difficult to answer.  I worry, am I going to say the right things? Am I going to honor God in my actions? Is this what I am supposed to be doing or saying? It can be overwhelming at times.

 Joel prophesied to a nation that hungered for God, even if they didn’t know it. The times were dark and the enemy was near.  Yet Joel reminded them of just how much they needed to say “yes” to Him, that God had not turned His back on them. I feel like we are standing in a similar place. We stand in a world that hungers for all that God offers - love, acceptance, compassion - and yet they often do not understand or even know that it is being offered to them.  They face an enemy that they can not defeat alone and don't realize that they don't have to.

We, as followers of Jesus,  need to remember who is in control.  We need to take to heart the words of Joel.  He tells us that we must return to God with all of our heart (Joel 2:12).  He encourages us to trust in the Lord, because He can and will do great things.  This word “great” in Hebrew is gadal which can also be translated as "to cause to grow". Gesenius’s Lexicon defines it as “to twist together, to bind together.” I find that comforting. The Lord will cause us to grow, bound together with Him. I don’t know about you, but I want to grow bound to Him, and I want to help others to grow that way too!

So perhaps we need to stop lamenting the law and start reaching out and sharing how love really wins, through a relationship with Jesus.  Maybe it is time to stop pointing a finger of condemnation and instead extend our arms in love.  That doesn't mean accept their sin, but it does mean that we realize that God loves them just as much as He loves us - despite ALL of OUR sins.  It is through love that we can lead others to be grafted into God's family.  It is through love that we can grow.  And it is through love that we can be bound together as His people.  THAT is how love truly wins.

*originally published at Coffee with Christ

Drowning?

My youngest daughter started swim lessons this week.  It is her second year, and to be honest I almost didn't sign her up.  By the end of summer last year she was jumping from the diving board and swimming to the side of the pool after a short confidence break in my arms once she surfaced from the dive.  This year, however, it was as if she had never swam before.

Our first visit to the pool I asked her to stay where she could touch until I got everything settled and could get in with her.  She got a little overconfident and swam out to where she could just barely touch, and her feet slipped out from under her.  She instantly panicked.  I saw it on her face as I was entering the pool.  I began to push through the crowd to get to her as I saw her bob in the water as she attempted to right herself.  It lasted about 5 seconds but it was enough to convince her she could no longer swim.  I spent the day trying to restore her confidence but by the time we left I stopped at the lifeguard table and added her name to the swim lessons list.

This past Monday I saw this video popping up all over social media about the dangers of drowning.  In a lot of cases a drowning person doesn't LOOK like a drowning person.  To the casual observer it just looks like a kid splashing around in the pool.  The adults around my daughter, the ones right beside her had no idea she was struggling.  It's a scary thought for those of us with kids, but then God laid another thought on my heart...

In this world we are surrounded by people who are drowning, and more often than not we don't even recognize that they are in trouble much less reach out a hand to help.  I am not talking about the obvious people, those who are homeless, living a lifestyle that is blatantly opposed to God, addicted.  While all of those people are drowning in their sins, I was reminded that there are many who appear to be okay and yet they are still struggling to inhale the breath of life.  These are the people that seem to be "ok".  The person you work with, the cashier that is scanning your groceries, the neighbor with a newborn baby and a husband that works long hours, the single father struggling to make ends meet and still be there for his kids.

We are surrounded by people who just need to know they aren't alone, people that thirst for a kind word or a helping hand.  And yet we, who are called to love them, often barely recognize them, much less reach out to help them.  It is easy when you are "in the pool" to shift focus to those who are "yours".  After all, you know them and love them.  But Jesus reminds us that our calling is to care for more than just those who are in our inner circle, but to care for all his children.

This first begins with those who are our brothers and sisters in Christ. (Romans 12:13, Romans 15:1, Galatians 6:2)  But beyond that, we are called to care for those in the world.  Did you know that of the 132 intimate contacts between Jesus and individuals in the Bible, 122 of them occurred either when Jesus went to them or while He was on His way somewhere?  In other words, Jesus met the people who needed Him most where they were.  He didn't require them to come to Him, or to visit the temple or synagogue.  He knew the people in the world were drowning, and just like a drowning person in the water they needed to be rescued.  We don't expect a drowning person to go to the lifeguard stand and request help.  Why do we expect the people of the world to do any differently?

So today I encourage you to look around you for those who are drowning and offer some help.  What does this look like?  Sometimes it just means to smile at the cashier and really see them while they scan your groceries.  Others times it may mean noticing the mom in the beat up car with three kids in the backseat who is only putting $5 in the gas tank and anonymously paying to fill the tank for her.  Other times it may mean just listening to someone, just being there for them.  And maybe, just maybe a door will open for you to tell them about Jesus.  But first you have to love them.  After all, you don't give swim lessons while a person is drowning.  First you address the immediate need.

*originally published at Coffee with Christ

Supplements

I don't know about you, but I take a vitamin supplement every day. My food choices aren't always great and it is often a struggle for me to eat the recommended daily amount of vegetables; I'm pretty selective about which ones I like and very confident that I am not eating the ones I don't. So I take a vitamin every day to help fill in the gaps that my diet leaves.

God gives us a list of supplements to fill our faith gaps as well. We don't always have the faith that we should. Sometimes fears and doubts get in the way and cause us to question and worry. Fortunately God has a plan for us to supplement our faith. In 2 Peter 1:5-7 He lays it all out for us:

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection and brotherly affection with love. (ESV)

The verses preceding this tell us that we are to do this because God has given us all that we need and allowed us to share in His nature.  His gifts are not given to us IF we supplement our faith.  The gifts have already been bought and paid for (thank you Jesus!).  Rather Peter is making that point that while our faith saves us (Ephesians 2:8), it should motivate us to want to do something in return.  And in the doing sometimes our faith needs some gaps filled in because we aren't feeding our faith properly, and the list he provides helps us to strengthen the health of our spiritual life - our faith.  So let's take a look at these things.

Virtue is an outward show of our moral values.  This is where we walk the walk and talk the talk.  God says don't steal, so we don't.  We know lying is wrong so we choose to tell the truth in love instead.  It is possible to behave virtuously and not have faith, but if you have truly have faith it is impossible to not have virtue as well.

Knowledge is gained by actively studying God and His word.  You can have a set of morals based upon your understanding of God, but you have to take the time to know Him, to understand His character.  Not everything we encounter in this life will have a neat Bible verse to turn to.  Sometimes we have to make decisions based upon what we know of God and his character.  That is why knowledge is so important.

Self-Control, admittedly this is one I struggle with.  Our faith sometimes will require us to react in a way counter to our instincts.  When we learn to control those instincts and choose to react according to our virtue and knowledge instead we give God room to work.  We also set an example for those around us of what it is to live what Jesus preached.  (Matthew 5:38-42)

Steadfastness is the choice to stand firm, even when it is easier give in.  This is especially important in the world we live in now.  When we are told at every corner that life is about our personal happiness, having more than our neighbor, and that anything we desire should be allowed it is hard to stand up as the dissenting voice.  However, it is so important to not waver.  When we remain resolute in Jesus we are choosing the less traveled, but correct path.  (Matthew 7:13-14)

Godliness, or devotion to God that results in a life that is pleasing to Him, is something I strive for daily.  When we keep this goal at the forefront of our mind it will affect every aspect of our lives.  Living a life for God is to trust in who He says He is and to devote yourself to Him.  That trust helps to fill in the gaps when our faith wavers, when we don't understand why things are happening we can choose to continue living our lives for Him because we know He has our best interest at heart, that He loves us.

Brotherly love, or phileo, is to feel affection for others.  This is where we open our eyes to those around us and choose to really see them.  All of the previous "supplements" have been about personal growth.  This one asks us to look outside ourselves and start looking at people the way Jesus does.  They may not be perfect, but they are our brothers and sisters trying to make it through this world just like we are.  Some are even worse off, because they don't know they aren't alone on this journey; they haven't met Jesus yet.  Here we are called to not only recognize them but to care about them.  And when you start caring you get a glimpse of God's love in a special way.  THAT is a definite faith boost.

And finally there is LOVE, real, agape love.  This is more than just an emotional response or an affection for another.  This is a conscious choice to put others before yourself, to consider their needs more important than your own.  When we get this right it is as if we are walking with God.  Next to loving Him, this is the most important thing we can do.  (Matthew 22:36-40)

So today I ask you, have you taken your supplements?  Maybe you should!

*originally published on Coffee with Christ

When you are walking in the fire

"So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames." ~Daniel 3:23

I was recently watching a documentary with my daughters about two college boys who left the comforts of home to spend two months living in a third world country on an average third world salary.  While that alone was eye opening, I was drawn to the story of one man, 24 years old with a wife, 3 children and elderly family members he was responsible for.  This family lived in what most of us here in the U.S. would consider deplorable conditions.

They all lived in a one room home.  He was among the "rich" in his community because he had a job cleaning in a local hotel and thus had a steady, although meager, income.  They had saved and been able to purchase a stove for the house rather than cook over an open fire but school for their children was not something they could afford at $25 per child.  Despite all of the difficulties, and yes he did recognize and struggle with the difficulties, he appeared to be always cheerful.  He usually had a smile on his face and was quick to help those in his community with not only knowledge, or physical help, but even financially - despite the burden it put on his own family.  And I wondered....how was this man - who had so little in the world - able to maintain that joy?

Many of you know the story of Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego;  Three young men taken captive from their homeland with Daniel to go live in Babylon.  They were trained up in the ways of the people and expected to serve the royalty.  These boys remained strong in their faith and true to God despite all they were surrounded with.  When things got hard, when they faced the fires, they didn't waver.  This, I think, is where so many of us fail - myself included.

When things get hot, when we face the fire, we begin to question God.  We begin to shake our fist or bow our heads in defeat.  Whereas Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego stood tall and declared that either God would save them, because they knew it was within His power to do so, or He wouldn't. (Daniel 3:17-18) Either way they would not be swayed from doing what they knew God had asked of them.  WOW!  Personally this is the point that I am questioning if I really heard Him.  After all, it wouldn't be so difficult if I were walking the path He chose, would it?

The king then had them bound and tossed into the fire.  Not just any fire, but one that was so hot that when they were being led to it, their guards bust into flames.  (Daniel 3:22)  This was a trial that even the strongest person, without God, could not withstand and yet these three boys had accepted their fate.  In this instance, God chose to display His power to those observing.

“Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!" ~Daniel 3:25

The faith that these young men had not only saved them from the fire, it released them from their bonds.  I believe that this is the mystery of the fullness of joy that God calls us to.  (Psalm 16:11)  Sometimes, the fires we are called to walk through  are there to unbind us from the things that keep us captive.  So I ask you, what keeps you bound today?  Is it a fixation on the things of this world?  Are you tied up by the pursuit of things? of money? of prestige?  If you feel like you are in the fire, perhaps you need to examine yourself and see if God is trying to release you from bondage. If so, is your faith strong enough to willingly step into the furnace?

Maybe, this is what the man in the third world country had discovered.  

*originally posted on Coffee with Christ

Arm Yourself!

Earlier this week Stacie shared a great post encouraging us to go beyond survival and instead choose to thrive where we are planted.  (If you missed it you can read it here.) Survival is a mode that we too often find ourselves idling in.  We do the same thing, day in and day out...forgetting that complacency leads to defeat.  It is the difficult things in this life that bring about growth.  It is realizing that there is a battle being waged around us between good and evil, a battle in which the enemy seeks to either defeat us, or better yet keep us out of the fight by making us complacent.  And yet Peter encourages us to join the fray, to arm ourselves for this battle.  And yet, how do we arm ourselves?  It isn't like we can just visit the local pawn shop and pick up our tools for spiritual battle. 

I wanted to share a few pointers that I have picked up in my own battles.  Hopefully they will help you in yours. 

1)  Research the enemy.  Take the time to read God's word.  When we do so we can see what tactics the enemy has used previously, what weak spots he looks for.  Understanding the enemy gives us an advantage over him.  And the good news is that in the end....we win!

2)  Gather ammunition - memorize God's word.  Jesus used scripture to battle the enemy in the desert.   (Matthew 4:1-11)  In His weakest moments He was able to hurl God's truths and protect himself from temptation.  We can do the same, but only if we have stockpiled the ammunition before hand.

3)  Practice makes perfect.  To develop a skill you practice it, whether it is playing the piano, making a three point shot, or mastering a new craft technique you have to keep at it.  Thomas Edison failed several thousand times before inventing a working light bulb.  Rather than be discouraged he kept trying and reportedly told a colleague that he had not failed, he had simply discovered several thousand things that did not work.  You will be involved in many battles in this life.  Some you will win, others will be learning experiences that you can use to improve yourself.  Don't let the "failures" keep you from the fray.  Instead use them to prepare for the battles to come.  What can you learn from them?  Which leads to ....

4)  Recognize your weaknesses.  None of us are perfect. (Romans 3:10 and Romans 3:23)  We each have areas of our life with a target on it for the enemy.  If you aren't sure what yours is, pray and ask God to reveal it to you.  Do you gossip?  Do you doubt God's love for you?  Are you prideful?  We each have different targets, but the enemy is excellent are discovering them.  And yet we tend to try so hard to cover them up, even from ourselves.  This makes us very vulnerable to attack.  

And finally 5) protect and fortify your weaknesses.  Once you know your weak spots don't leave them weak.  Take steps to strengthen those areas.  Read scripture about them, pray for help with them, not only from God but pray that he sends people into your life that can support you as well.  There is a reason we are told to gather with fellow believers! 

By no means is this an exhaustive list.  What do you do to "arm yourself" against the enemy?

*originally published on Coffee with Christ

Pet Parrots

There are three things you can be sure of about us Coffee with Christ gals.  First, we are girls who strive to be totally sold out for Jesus.  Second, we really like our coffee.  Third, we both struggle with taming our tongues.  

I don't own a pet parrot, but I have the next best thing - a 6 year old.  Those of you who have small children understand that statement.  Those that don't, let me explain.  Young children shadow their parents constantly.  Even to the point that for some of us going to the bathroom alone is a luxury.  They see and hear everything you say - and they often repeat it at the most inopportune times.  

Have you been talking on the phone to a dear friend about Mrs. So-and-So who said such and such?  You can bet that when your little darling sees Mrs. So-and-So she is going to ask about it!  Did you get cut off in traffic and let some less than nice words fly with your child in the backseat?  I can guarantee that isn't the last time you hear them.  They are going to fall out of your child's mouth, and probably while you are standing in front of your pastor.  

It is easy to get upset at the one repeating, whether it is your child or a friend in which you were chatting with sharing your conversation with another.  After all, they are sharing things that were spoken to them (or in front of them) privately.  But the real issue isn't what they are saying, it's what came out of your (my) mouth to begin with.  And it is an age old problem.

Proverbs 21:23 says, "whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble".  If you never said it, it could never be repeated.  It could never create a problem.  Matthew 12:34 takes it a step further, reminding us that our words are a reflection of our heart.  Ouch!  And he goes on to warn us in verses 36-27 that we will be judged for every careless word we speak.  Double ouch!  If that isn't enough to make you want to be more careful about the words you (I) speak I don't know what will!

The good news is that we have help with this.  2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us that God is making us into a new creation since we have accepted the gift of salvation.  The old is gone.  Ezekiel 36:26-27 tells us that He has given us a new heart, and a new spirit that will help us to live according to His statutes.  All we need do is listen for that Spirit to whisper to us, and then respond appropriately.  You know, that voice that tells you you shouldn't be saying what is spewing from your mouth.  The one that prods you to talk TO that person rather than about them.  That is the Spirit of God attempting to direct you to the path you should be walking.  

So don't live as if a parrot were in your house, rather live like the Spirit is in you....because He is.

*originally published on Coffee with Christ

Yes, you can!

Sweat poured off of me and parts of my body hurt that I didn't even know I had.  I was ready to quit, I just knew I couldn't complete the last 10 minutes of the workout I had begun.  I was upset that I had let myself get to the point that what had once been a routine task now felt like I was dying and I'll be honest, I had tears rolling down my face.  Yet I pushed through-and I did finish.  Not only that first day, but many days past it.

Before you click the X at the top right of your screen, stick with me for a minute.  I promise that this is not an exercise post about how I lost X number of pounds etc.  Anyone who looks at my picture can tell that I am not at that "ideal" weight or BMI.  I am not a dietitian or physical fitness expert and I won't pretend to be.  That is why this post is not about that.  What this post IS about is perseverance-not giving up.

I am not blessed to be one of those people who just LOVES exercise.  I don't dream of entering and winning a 5k.  But I am someone who wants to be healthy and for me that means increasing my exercise.  It means doing something that isn't especially fun in order to receive a benefit that exceeds the work I put into it.  And it occurred to me that this is a principle that applies to all areas of life, and it is one that God encourages us to apply.

James 1:12 reminds us that the person who perseveres, who withstands the trials of this life, will receive a crown of life.  Our walk as a follower of Jesus isn't always an easy one.  Just ask the teenager whose parents disown them for doing so (and yes, I personally know people that this has happened to here in the United States!).  Ask the families of the Libyan migrants who were thrown overboard and left to drown last week if following Jesus is easy.  Talk to the child in public school who is made fun of for carrying his or her Bible to class with them to see if they think following Jesus is easy.  Or ask the man who has to decide whether to do what is right and possibly lose his job, or do what Jesus teaches is wrong.  You don't have to live in another country to experience trials as a part of following Jesus example.

I don't know what you are going through right now.  You may be struggling to maintain a healthy lifestyle, or you may be in a situation like one of those above.  Whatever you are going through, let me remind you that you CAN get through this. Here are a few pointers to help you out.

•  Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we can do ALL things through Christ.  When you face difficulty, turn to Jesus first.  
• Turn to your brothers and sisters in Christ.  (2 Timothy 2:3)  We weren't intended to walk this path without help, rather to work together and help each other to stand strong.  (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
• Recognize that this difficulty only lasts for a time.  And while it may feel like it is going to last forever, our time here in the grand scheme of things is fleeting when compared to eternity.  (Psalm 144:4)
• Look for others going through a similar situation.  Perhaps you are going through this hardship so that you can provide comfort to another as God provides comfort to you.  (2 Corinthians 1:4)

So I'm going to go get back on my exercise bike, crank up some Crowder and persevere through this temporary physical difficulty.  I encourage you to stick with it and push through your difficulty - the reward will be great!

*Please note that is it not my intention to compare exercise with the sacrifices being made and the difficulties being faced by Christians all over the world.  Rather it is my hope that you can see the correlation between sticking with an exercise program that causes temporary discomfort for physical health and persevering through difficulties for an eternal reward.

*originally published on Coffee with Christ

So much better than the bunny!

We were walking through the mall, my six year old and I, while my teen daughter happily traipsed around the mall with her gal pals.  In the center court was the giant Easter display, complete with an Easter bunny and a place for children to line up for pictures.

"What's that, mommy?"

"A place for children to get their picture taken with the Easter bunny," I replied as we kept on walking towards the area of the mall that had been set up for children to play and parents to take a break.

"Don't they know the Easter bunny isn't real?  That Easter is about Jesus?" she questioned.  Now don't get me wrong, I don't judge anyone for enjoying the Easter bunny tradition.  My older children delighted in discovering their Easter baskets that had been skillfully hidden by the bunny when they were younger.  But one Easter my husband and I looked around us as the children devoured their chocolate bunnies and realized that they had totally missed the point of Easter.  That we had failed to share the importance of what were were celebrating.  And our Easter celebration became less about the bunny and more about Jesus.

In a world full of hurting people, it seems especially important to share the truth of Easter.  While a bunny may bring temporary relief (it is chocolate after all!) from the things that get us down, eventually the chocolate is gone and reality sets in again.  But if we instead focus on Jesus we see that Easter is about so much more than the bunny.  It's about one man, who was the Son of God, choosing you and I over His own comfort, even His own life.  It's about one man enduring pain, shame and rejection so that one day we won't have to.  I don't know about you, but for me that is a much better message to share with my children than the bunny.

Today is Good Friday.  A day that over 2,000 years ago must have felt anything but good to those who were there.  I can only imagine how it felt to watch the man that had become one of my closest friends, the man I believed to be God's own Son, hang on a cross and later be buried in a tomb - dead.  But it is that act that brings us so much hope today.  Hope that there is more to this life that what we are presently experiencing.  Hope that God can overcome everything!  Because if death can't hold him (and we know it can't) nothing else can either!

This Easter especially that thought brings me comfort.  It's a message I want to share with you.  No matter what you are going through, no matter how difficult or dark things may appear, this isn't the end of the story.  That is what Easter is really about.  If you know Jesus, if you have accepted the gift He freely gave on the cross, then you know how the story ends - in victory.  So don't focus on the here and now, it is fleeting.  Instead, focus on the truth that you are loved so much that He couldn't let anything separate you from Him, not even death.  No bunny can even compare to that!

*originally published on Coffee with Christ

How matzah means freedom

My girls and I have been studying the events surrounding Easter, what Jesus last days on earth were like.  Today were made matzah bread and talked about the last supper.  I wanted to impress upon them not only the importance of the last supper, but the importance of this meal to the disciples as part of their heritage.

The meal that they were eating was in remembrance of the Exodus, pharaoh finally relenting and letting the Jewish people to leave the country.  It is a story of  freedom from slavery, and a story to remember the cost of that freedom.  It was a time to reflect upon all that God has done for His people.  While the people must have been elated to be free, it had to be a confusing time as well.  They had spent 400 years as slaves, what would they do now?  How would they live?  Where would they live?  

It is fitting that Jesus chose this celebration of freedom to declare the actions that would bring about our own freedom.  We have been in bondage to sin much longer than 400 years, and it can feel like an impossibility to truly be free of it, much as the Jews must felt at the thought of ever being free of pharaoh.  It would cost Jesus everything to provide this freedom, much more than the discomfort that the Egyptians experienced before freeing the Jews.  And yet the cost to those being freed is minimal, simply a willingness to follow, a desire to be free.  

It was a beautiful thing to see my youngest daughter's excitement to be eating something similar to what Jesus must have eaten that day.  To share in that with Him.  And it saddened me when I realized that despite the command to "do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19) I have so often missed the harsh reality of the sacrifice that was made for me.  Jesus endured terrible suffering, so that on the day of judgement I would not have to be given the punishment of suffering.  Jesus endured the humility of every sin I have ever or will ever commit so that when I stand before the throne His Father will not see those sins, only the sacrifice of His Son.  Jesus endured the pain of separation from God so that I will not have to.  And the most beautiful thing?  None of it was done out of obligation, but out of love.

In Matthew 26 we read about Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane.  He is in anguish about the path that lies before Him.  Three times He requests that if there is any other way, if God can accomplish the reconciliation between Himself and mankind in any other way to please let that be done.  Jesus knew that what was to come was going to be excruciatingly difficult.  And yet, He didn't turn from it.  He loves each and every one of us so much that if this was to be the only way He was willing to go through it.  Stop and think about that.  This isn't the case of making the choice between you going through something difficult rather than your spouse, child or loved one having to go through it.  Jesus didn't just die for those who loved Him back.

This is like going through terrible hardship for the person at work that said horrible things about you in order to get the promotion.  Or the burglar that broke in to your house and stole everything of value that you had.  Or the drunk driver that hit the vehicle your loved ones were in and killed them and still showed no remorse.  It's hard to understand why Jesus would chose to die for those that hated and despised Him, and yet He chose to die for each of them as well.

Only love can make you do that.  Have you ever had a family member that made some terrible choices in their life?  Perhaps they became addicted to drugs and began hurting those around them.  Or perhaps it was your loved one that was the drunk driver.  When you love someone, you don't stop just because of their actions.  You love them in spite of their actions.  THIS is what Jesus has done.  He chose to love us in spite of our sins.  

For me, that is what makes Easter so special.  That is what I want my children to understand.  We don't need to be perfect to approach Him.  He already knows all the dark places in our heart and He has chosen to love us anyway.  He has chosen to cover our sins with His gift of salvation.  

Like the Jews who were freed from Egypt, we have been freed from the slavery of sin.  We may not know what the future holds, but if we are willing to follow, God will provide for us a new life, one in which He will provide for all of our needs. (Phil. 4:19)  That is true freedom!

*originally published on Coffee with Christ

Intentional

Life is a little crazy at my house right now, and honestly, I feel a little overwhelmed by the tasks I have taken on sometimes.  You know how it is, we tend to put on several different hats and try to be the best we can at all of them:  wife, mom, employee, friend, Christian.  Sometimes one hat takes precedence over another because of the phase of life we are in, other times hats get dusty from lack of use.

For the last several years I have set a personal challenge for Lent.  First, let me explain that I don't "do" Lent in the traditional sense.  I don't usually give something up, or avoid meats.  Not because I don't think those are worthy things, but because I chose to focus on something different for Lent.

For me, Lent is a time to focus on who Jesus is and what He has called us to do - Love Him and love others ((Mark 12:30-31).  Jesus spent a great deal of His life here on earth focusing on helping others, loving on others, and teaching them the Truth.  With that in mind I have chosen to spend the 40 days of Lent in acts of service rather than of penance.  Now, I am not saying my way is better than any other way.  But between prayer and service I really feel closer to Him, and isn't that what our goal should always be?  To walk closely with God.

All that being said, this year has been especially difficult for me to stay on task.  The hats that I wear seem to loom large over the day and it is too easy to let them overshadow my relationship with Jesus.  When the pile of dishes in the kitchen sink loom, (which is bad enough but imagine not being able to find ONE clean coffee cup!!!) and the task list is so long I can't find the end of it, it is so easy to "put off" my private study and prayer time, "just for a little while".  After all, God understands.

The problem is, He does.  He understands that I am allowing the things of the world to replace Him, (1 John 2:15) and that saddens Him.  (Ezekiel 18:21-23)  This Lent season I am learning to be intentional.  I have to be intentional about the task I have prayed about and embarked upon for this Lent season.  I must be intentional about keeping God before me (Exodus 20:3).  I need to be intentional about imitating Jesus in my life (1 John 2:6).  It's not an easy task, and it is one that I find I have to focus on daily, sometimes minute by minute.  But I know first hand that the time I spend focused on Jesus is NEVER wasted - and everything else still gets done.  :)




If you are interested in my Lent challenge, you can find out more here.  

*originally published at Coffee with Christ

Snow Day

Last week our little part of the world was hit by a winter storm.  Stacie and I both live on hills (there isn't much of West Virginia that isn't on a hill!) that became impassable as a result of the storm.  Who would have thought that 8 inches of snow could cause such difficulty?!  I know Stacie didn't see a mail truck or civilization for several days, and I was grateful that we had full kitchen cabinets as not very many people made it out of my subdivision and home again without having to park at the bottom of the hill and walk in.

It dropped about 5 inches of snow in one day, and despite the difficulty it caused, it was beautiful.

Glade Creek, WV

And it seemed that as soon as we adjusted to life, it snowed some more, causing havoc again.  Roads that had been cleared were again snow covered.  And once we adjusted to that it warmed up just enough to turn everything to slush and then froze again into solid sheets of ice!  I realize that many of you farther north than us are probably shaking your heads and laughing at our inability to adjust and continue our normal routines, but when you aren't used to snow it is a bit overwhelming!

Sometimes, following Jesus can be just as daunting.  We are going about our daily routines, focusing on what needs to be accomplished next, when something comes along that changes everything - Jesus.  He has always been there, like the moisture in our air, but it took the right set of circumstances for us to finally see Him.  Once we do, though, it affects every part of our life and we have to make adjustments as a result.

Some decide that they are going to continue on as if nothing has changed, ignoring the obvious.  They attempt to continue the routines they have already established despite, or in spite of, the obstacles.  This rarely ends well.  God has allowed us free will, and He will not force us to accept Him.  His way is best, though, and when we choose a different path we tend to stumble, fall and ultimately separate ourselves from Him forever.  Think of those who venture out despite the warning that the roads are dangerous and then angrily complain about the road conditions as the tow truck pulls away with their vehicle.  

Others choose to attempt to tame the snow through their own power.  You will see them determinedly shoveling snow in the middle of the storm, attempting to create their own paths.  Eventually the snow will stop, and the paths will remain clear.  But the path isn't always the best one.  I saw many instances in which snow plows attempted to remove snow off the road only to plow through parts of people's yards, or worse yet damaging roads by creating potholes.  There may be immediate results, but sometimes it isn't the path you should be on, or the path becomes more difficult than it needed to be due to our impatience.

And then there are those that choose to withdraw until the storm passes.  They acknowledge the beauty, power and majesty, but rather than enjoying it, they choose to insulate themselves from its effects.  They make personal adjustments in their lives, but others don't really see them because of the withdrawal.  This isn't was God has intended the result to be.  (John 17:16)  While our relationship with Him should change us, the change isn't meant to be one that is only evident to us.  

Finally, there are those who embrace the snow, THIS is what we are meant to do in our relationship with Jesus.  I find it interesting that the ones who tend to embrace the snow the most are also the ones that Jesus told us we should model ourselves after.  (Matthew 18:3)  Children are quick to get out in the midst of things and joyfully frolic.  They aren't concerned with the work that needs to be done, but instead with what lies immediately before them.  

It isn't easy to let go of the cares of the world, to not focus on the things that had become routine in our lives, and yet that is what we are called to do.  (Matthew 6:34)  Don't get me wrong, I am not saying we should live every day like it is a snow day, but I am saying that we need to let Jesus dictate our actions.  Besides, sometimes we DO need a snow day, a time to reconnect with the wonderment and joy of our relationship with Him.

*originally published at Coffee with Christ

And the door was shut

It was one of those days.  Nothing was going right.  My alarm went off and I hit snooze a few to many times.  When I finally registered the time I realized that I HAD to get up and get moving like 5 minutes ago.  I rushed out of bed, threw on my clothes, and woke my children.  I scoured the kitchen for some sort of quick, portable food that they could eat for breakfast.  Granola bars and fruit to the rescue!  We managed to get out the door and lucked in to favorable traffic conditions (thank you God!) and arrived ON TIME at our co-op classes.  

Only, after we entered I realized that I had forgotten my knitting bag.  Now, I know that doesn't sound like a big deal but I was working on a project that had a deadline.  I only assist with one class at co-op and I had planned to spend my down time making some serious headway on the project, only in my haste to get out the door, I had left it behind. Now I wasn't sure if I would be able to complete the project by the deadline.

It seems that being in a hurry is a problem that goes back at least as far as Jesus' time.  He told a story in Matthew about a group of bridesmaids that were preparing for the bridegroom.  You see, during Jesus time couples got engaged and then the future husband returned home and began building a home for his wife.  Only when the home was complete, and his father had approved it, was he able to return for the wedding ceremony.  Jesus tells the story that these bridesmaids went out to meet the groom.  In my mind they left in a hurry, anxious to get the party started.  Half grabbed extra oil for their lamps and the other half rushed out without it.  The groom was delayed, Jesus reported, and the bridesmaids fell asleep.  When they awoke those who had rushed out without getting the extra oil had to leave to find a vendor and purchase more.  Verse 10 says, "And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut."  The bridesmaids were not permitted to enter when they returned.  Ouch!  

Jesus goes on to explain that the message of this parable was to be watchful for His return, since we don't know when it might be.  I have to admit, when I get hurried with the things of this world, my watchfulness level goes down and my focus shifts to what needs done RIGHT NOW instead.  It's a backwards way to live...and has been for some time.  

There is an old Latin saying, festina lente, which means make haste slowly.  Sounds kind of weird, but when you think about it, it makes sense.  You see, when we get in a hurry we make mistakes.  We walk out of the house without our knitting bag, or even worse we lose sight of what is really important - Jesus.  But when we take the time to focus in the midst of our haste on the details that are important, we don't find ourselves without our knitting bag.  Or worse yet, standing on the outside of that shut door.   

*originally published at Coffee with Christ

My verse of the year

I'm going to share a secret with you.  For the last couple of years, I pray during December and ask God to lead me to a verse for the upcoming year.  Some years God leads me to a verse that reminds me to rest in Him (Psalm 62:1).  Others encourage me to be more proactive in working for Him (Matthew 5:16).  And others are those that help me to better reflect His character (Psalm 19:14).  No matter what verse I am led to, it becomes a central part of me for the next year.

This year my verse is Psalm 19:14, let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, oh LORD, my Rock and Redeemer.  Not always an easy task for me.  As a matter of fact, our struggles with controlling our tongues is actually one of the things that drew Stacie and I together and made us BFF's. This year, though, I want to go beyond just attempting to tame my tongue and look inward as well.  For our words are a reflection of our heart.  (Matthew 15:18)

Here is my secret though, I'm not very good at remembering my goal during my day to day activities.  It doesn't really matter what that goal is, whether it was resting in God, letting my light shine, and especially not the goal this year.  In the heat of the moment, when I have had little sleep, am under a lot of stress, have a little one still trying to master her own struggle with choosing the right words (and tone), and two teenagers in the house I don't always choose to react in a manner that would be acceptable to God (and upon reflection once I calm down, it really isn't to me either!).

Last year, though, I found a way to help me stay more aware of my goal.  I purchased a bracelet and had my verse stamped on it.  I'm not a bracelet wearer, so having it dangling on my wrist, catching on my shirt sleeve, reflecting the light at times, getting in the way was a constant reminder of my goal.  It helped me to stay focused.  And as a plus, I had a pretty piece of jewelry to wear and something to remind me forever of the lessons I learned that year.

Over time, however, I became accustomed to the bracelet.  Like the verse, it became a part of me, no longer an nuisance.  As a result I knew another bracelet would not be a good reminder.  So this year I visited Etsy and found a seller that was willing to create a custom ring with my verse of the year on it.  It finally arrived!

I don't usually wear a ring on my right hand, so my hope is that this serves the same purpose that the bracelet did.  I have been wearing it for about a week now and I have to admit that there have been several times that I have been saying or thinking something and found myself twisting my ring around my finger at the same time.  I then stop and consider if what I have said or thought would be pleasing to God.  

So, why am I sharing this with you?  Because no matter where you are in your Christian walk, God has something to share with you.  There is something He wants you to do -whether for the kingdom or for yourself.  Are you asking Him what it is?  Are you making a REAL effort to accomplish it if you have?  I'm not saying you need to run out and buy a bracelet or a ring and have a verse stamped on it.  I'm not even saying you need to have a verse of the year.  What I am saying is that you need to be in conversation with Him, because if you aren't doing something then I have to wonder if you have really committed to Him.  (James 2:14-26)

And if you have a verse, or even a word, of the year I would love for you to share how you keep focused on it.  Eventually I am going to run out of jewelry ideas.  :)

*originally published at Coffee with Christ

Resolutions

 It is only two weeks into January and I have already failed at some of my New Year's resolutions.  Every year I tell myself that I am not going to make any, since I know that more often than not the passion that I had when I decide that this is the year I am going to maintain an exercise routine, or this is the year I am going to read the entire Bible from cover to cover, or this is the year that I am going to tackle organizing my craft area....it tends to smolder out after a while.  And that grand plan I had....it just kind of fades into the background of every day life.

It's never a conscious decision to let the flames die out.  I just seem to get busy with taking care of the house, or my homeschool plan blows up with a 6 year old melt down because she "just can't do it" today, or any other interferences that pop up.  One thing leads to another and I suddenly realize that I haven't touched a piece of exercise equipment in days.  Or I haven't managed to read more than one or two consecutive Bible verses at a time without an interruption or distraction. Please tell me that I'm not the only one....

It's frustrating to lose your passion for your resolutions, but when is the last time you checked your passion level for God?  "Wait!" you say, "I do a LOT for Him!"  And you might be right.  From volunteering in the church, the community, giving money to a need, tending the needs of others etc.  You may very well be very busy being busy for God.  But I'm not talking about what you are doing for Him, I am asking you to examine WHY you are doing for Him.  

“I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people... You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first!    ~Revelation 2:2-4 NLT

It is so easy to get in the habit of being a Christian that we forget what it is to BE a Christian.  It's all about love, first for God (Matthew 22:37-38) and second for others (Matthew 22:39).  1 Corinthians 13:1-3 tells us that no matter what we do, if it isn't done in/for love then it  has no value.

Remember when you first accepted the gift Jesus offers?  I do.  I was ON FIRE!  I wanted to do everything to please Him.  I spent time in His word trying to figure out who He is, what makes Him happy, what makes Him sad.  I was telling everyone about Him, how He changed my life, how He could change theirs.  I am sure I drove family and friends crazy.  And I am sure I am not alone.

When one of daughters first started studying scripture she would look up and ask (with a glow on her face and a sparkle in her eyes), "Did you know that Paul got to go and see the future and he wrote about it in Revelation?  How cool is that!" When is the last time you read Scripture and had to stop and say, "how cool is that!"?  I know for me, it's been a while.  I have found myself skimming familiar passages because I already knew that story.  Here's the thing though, God's word is living and breathing.  (Hebrews 4:12)  I have experienced it.

I've read a passage, made notes in my journal about how it spoke to me, only to come across the passage months or years later and get an entirely new revelation from it.  I KNOW this, and yet in my hurry to just read scripture and check that off my good Christian list, I have not allowed God to speak to me.  And when we don't allow God to speak to us, we can't be fed by Him, and when we aren't fed by Him, our passion wanes.  That is a scary path to be on.  Allowed to smolder long enough and a fire eventually goes out.

There is good news though.  Revelation 2:5 tells us that we can turn back to Him, we can rekindle our passion.  First we have to recognize that it isn't what it once was, and ask Him to forgive us for that.  Then we have to open ourselves up to Him, look for Him expectantly, have faith in His power to stir up a fire in us.  And finally we have to make Him the priority.  Luke 12:29-31 reminds us that there is no need to do otherwise. When we put Him first, He will take care of the rest.

So whether you, like me, have already found yourself behind on your New Year's resolutions on not, I encourage you to focus on the one thing that really matters, your passion for God.  Is it time to fan the flames and rekindle it?

*originally published on Coffee with Christ