“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”
2 Corinthians 4:6
I heard the following quote while watching an art journaling video: “There is a crack in everything that’s how the light gets in.” The instructor on the video didn’t say who the quote was from yet it struck me as being truthful and perhaps truth filled, so I did some research to find out who said it.
Interestingly, there are three variations of this quote out in the world.
The oldest variation is attributed to 13th century Persian poet Rumi. His version reads:
“The wound is the place where the light enters you.”
The next version is attributed to American Author Earnest Hemingway, his reads:
“We are all broken that’s how the light gets in.”
Finally, the third version is attributed to Canadian poet, singer/songwriter Leonard Cohen:
“Forget your perfect offering, there is a crack in everything that’s how the light gets in.”
The last one is the one in the art journaling video for sure, but, I have to say I think I prefer the other two better.
The passage of Scripture above talks about the God who in the beginning said “let there be light” also puts His light into our hearts. But how and why does he do this? Scripture tells that “He replaces our hearts of stone with hearts of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26). It tells us that “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).
Every time He heals our brokenness and binds up a wound He leaves some of His light to keep the life transforming healing going. But what causes us to be broken? We are born a bit broken, a result of the choice Adam and Eve made. Then our own selfish choices break us more. Whenever we choose to follow the world, to satisfy our needs in a way that causes God’s heart to hurt for us – when we sin, when we are disobedient, when we hurt others, when we act like we are ruling the universe – we break more, we get wounded in the battle of life.
When we reach a crisis point in our lives, when we realize that nothing we’ve done has truly satisfied our soul and filled the emptiness we have. When we are at the end of ourselves and cry out for help, even if we don’t know if there is someone out there to hear our call for help. He is there and the God who spoke our world into existence will come and heal your heart, bind up your wounds and leave His light in your heart to light your way all the way back to His heart.
Scripture is filled with stories of broken people who let His light in and found a new life, a life that will last for eternity. Are you broken today, shattered even? Call on Him and let the light in.
A Prayer Father – Some of our brokenness is out of our control and some of it is a direct result of our own selfish choices. We need you Lord now perhaps more than ever to come and bind up our wounds, heal our broken hearts and fill us with your light. Thank you for loving us so much. In the name of Jesus, who is the light of the world and the light in us. Amen.
Monday, August 17, 2020
Thursday, July 23, 2020
A World Paralyzed
“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Romans 5:3-5 NLT
Seriously! 2020 is going to go down in history as the year that the whole world was paralyzed by a virus and worldwide unrest. The year thus far has shown us the worst and thankfully the best of humankind. Amidst the best is some great music. Music that no doubt has been long planned, with words that reach to our very souls have been released at just the perfect moment. This has not been an accident, but in my opinion divine appointments.
One of my favorite singers is Australian singer/songwriter Delta Goodrem. Delta has released two such perfectly timed songs in the past couple of weeks and this is not the first time one of her songs has inspired Something Special For You. The two songs from an upcoming album have words that speak into the times we are living in. It is the very newest of these a song titled Paralyzed that serves as the inspiration of this particular installment of Something Special For You.
The whole song is great but these words in particular grabbed ahold of my heart:
“With a little time
With a little hope
With a little light you’ll never know
For a little space
For a lot of love
Close your eyes and think of
Better time, big dreams
Open your mind for you
To find a little strength inside
Stop and rewind”
In the passage above Paul in his letter to the Christians in Rome is telling them in essence that in those times of trial when life seems paralyzed, that they and so we should rejoice because that time where we feel like we can’t move can build endurance in us, which leads to a bit more strength and gives us hope – a hope that will not disappoint us because of how much God loves us.
Scripture actually says a lot about hope, strength and love. Here are just few good ones to hang onto. King David reminds us: “GOD make his people strong. God gives his people peace” (Psalm 29:11 MSG). Isaiah writes: “…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40_31 NIV). Paul later in his letter to the Romans reminds them and us to: “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying” (Romans 12:12 NLT).
What besides this viral pandemic has you paralyzed? Some other sort of health issue? Finances? Unemployment? A problem with a relationship? No matter what it is, remember – “a little time, a little hope, a little light, a little space and a lot of love will help you think of better times and bigger dreams and to find strength. No matter what has you paralyzed it’s ok to stop and rewind.”
A Prayer
Father – thank you for the words of your servant Paul. May his prayer for the people of Ephesus be our prayer. “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower those who read this with inner strength through his Spirit. Thank you Lord for walking with us in this time where our world feels paralyzed. In the name of Jesus, who is always with us. Amen.
Oh and be sure to check Delta Goodrem’s Paralyzed here: https://youtu.be/J_LeOqIXMUg
Romans 5:3-5 NLT
Seriously! 2020 is going to go down in history as the year that the whole world was paralyzed by a virus and worldwide unrest. The year thus far has shown us the worst and thankfully the best of humankind. Amidst the best is some great music. Music that no doubt has been long planned, with words that reach to our very souls have been released at just the perfect moment. This has not been an accident, but in my opinion divine appointments.
One of my favorite singers is Australian singer/songwriter Delta Goodrem. Delta has released two such perfectly timed songs in the past couple of weeks and this is not the first time one of her songs has inspired Something Special For You. The two songs from an upcoming album have words that speak into the times we are living in. It is the very newest of these a song titled Paralyzed that serves as the inspiration of this particular installment of Something Special For You.
The whole song is great but these words in particular grabbed ahold of my heart:
“With a little time
With a little hope
With a little light you’ll never know
For a little space
For a lot of love
Close your eyes and think of
Better time, big dreams
Open your mind for you
To find a little strength inside
Stop and rewind”
In the passage above Paul in his letter to the Christians in Rome is telling them in essence that in those times of trial when life seems paralyzed, that they and so we should rejoice because that time where we feel like we can’t move can build endurance in us, which leads to a bit more strength and gives us hope – a hope that will not disappoint us because of how much God loves us.
Scripture actually says a lot about hope, strength and love. Here are just few good ones to hang onto. King David reminds us: “GOD make his people strong. God gives his people peace” (Psalm 29:11 MSG). Isaiah writes: “…but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40_31 NIV). Paul later in his letter to the Romans reminds them and us to: “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying” (Romans 12:12 NLT).
What besides this viral pandemic has you paralyzed? Some other sort of health issue? Finances? Unemployment? A problem with a relationship? No matter what it is, remember – “a little time, a little hope, a little light, a little space and a lot of love will help you think of better times and bigger dreams and to find strength. No matter what has you paralyzed it’s ok to stop and rewind.”
A Prayer
Father – thank you for the words of your servant Paul. May his prayer for the people of Ephesus be our prayer. “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower those who read this with inner strength through his Spirit. Thank you Lord for walking with us in this time where our world feels paralyzed. In the name of Jesus, who is always with us. Amen.
Oh and be sure to check Delta Goodrem’s Paralyzed here: https://youtu.be/J_LeOqIXMUg
Monday, April 20, 2020
Show Yourself
“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior.”
Psalms 25:4-5
Another Frozen 2 inspired offering, this time inspired by one of the amazing songs from the movie. Written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez “Show Yourself” is a powerful anthem. My daughter Elizabeth sent me a text that said: “That song in Frozen 2 where she’s (Elsa) arriving at the voice place, that ‘Show Yourself’ song. If you picture singing that as a worship song talking to God… oof.” She was right. Let me try to explain.
Spoiler Alert – once again if you haven’t seen the movie you may not want to read on or you might want to watch the clip for this song on YouTube.
While technically the song begins “Every inch of me is trembling…” I really think it starts with the line: “I hear you and I’m coming.” This line could have two perspectives – the first as God calling and us responding. Not unlike Samuel responding to hearing God call his name (1 Samuel 3:4-10). The Lord called Samuel three times and then on the fourth time Samuel responded “Speak, for your servant is listening.” The second as us calling and God responding, not unlike the many times David calls out, for instance “When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted” (Psalm 138:3). Either works although for me the first perspective is the more powerful of the two. I suppose it depend on where you find yourself in this moment.
Elsa in many way has known that something was missing, she understands that in some ways she is lost and not where she is meant to be (but that’s another song). In the first verse Elsa has fully surrendered to this voice that has been calling her – a voice she somehow knows is good and has the answers she has been searching for. Arriving it feels familiar, it feels like home. Can you relate to those feelings in response to your own moment of surrender to that still small voice of God whispering to your heart, a moment when you realize that, that missing something was within reach?
Then Elsa sings about how she’s been a fortress and not the best kind. She was a fortress stuffing her emotions and hiding her gift out of fear. The physical place she has arrived at looks like a fortress and while there may be mystery and secrets to be discovered inside - this fortress does not hide. Quite like our God. David often refers to God as a fortress like in Psalm 31 “Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me” (v. 3). God also does not keep secrets from those who dare answer His call; “And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure…” (Ephesians 1:9).
In the first chorus Elsa wants to see who has been calling her, to know if she will really find the answers she seeks and she is ready to learn about her gifts and her purpose. In a numbers of the Psalms the psalmist is asking the Lord to “teach me, O Lord.” We should often be asking the Lord to teach us about His ways, about the path He has for us and about our purpose.
In the second set of verses Elsa’s countenance is already changing. She feels certain, she is no longer trembling she has found a new boldness – remember David in Psalm 138:3. The journey has been long, but her response to the voice calling her is making her whole. Just has our response to Jesus calling us makes us whole.
At the bridge of the song the lyrics go:
“Come to me now; Open your door; Don’t make me wait, One moment more.
Come to me now; Open your door; Don’t make me wait, Once moment more.”
This is another point in the song where it could either be us speaking or God speaking. Like Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door will be open.” Or perhaps you need this to be God talking as in Revelation 3:20 “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Just like a friend we’ve always known.
The song includes a reprise from the song that opens the film and thus brings the movie full circle so to speak. The line here “Come, my darling (change darling to child), homeward bound and we too can sing I am found. Just as I was writing this it made me think of the prodigal son.
At the end of the song Elsa can now step boldly and without fear into the power and purpose she has been given. She is whole, she is new – she may still be a fortress but she will no longer hide she will step fully into who she was created to be.
When we step boldly into the power of the Holy Spirit we can step into the world without fear to be who we were created to be, to be made new day by day.
Today in the midst of this pandemic storm let’s step into His power so we can step fully into who we were created to be, without fear.
A Prayer
Father – thank you for showing yourself to us in ways and places that we would never expect. Call to us and grant us the courage to follow your voice to the place where we find our true selves. Thank you for the power that makes us new and lets us go boldly into our world to make your love known. In the name of Jesus, who calls us. Amen.
Psalms 25:4-5
Another Frozen 2 inspired offering, this time inspired by one of the amazing songs from the movie. Written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez “Show Yourself” is a powerful anthem. My daughter Elizabeth sent me a text that said: “That song in Frozen 2 where she’s (Elsa) arriving at the voice place, that ‘Show Yourself’ song. If you picture singing that as a worship song talking to God… oof.” She was right. Let me try to explain.
Spoiler Alert – once again if you haven’t seen the movie you may not want to read on or you might want to watch the clip for this song on YouTube.
While technically the song begins “Every inch of me is trembling…” I really think it starts with the line: “I hear you and I’m coming.” This line could have two perspectives – the first as God calling and us responding. Not unlike Samuel responding to hearing God call his name (1 Samuel 3:4-10). The Lord called Samuel three times and then on the fourth time Samuel responded “Speak, for your servant is listening.” The second as us calling and God responding, not unlike the many times David calls out, for instance “When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted” (Psalm 138:3). Either works although for me the first perspective is the more powerful of the two. I suppose it depend on where you find yourself in this moment.
Elsa in many way has known that something was missing, she understands that in some ways she is lost and not where she is meant to be (but that’s another song). In the first verse Elsa has fully surrendered to this voice that has been calling her – a voice she somehow knows is good and has the answers she has been searching for. Arriving it feels familiar, it feels like home. Can you relate to those feelings in response to your own moment of surrender to that still small voice of God whispering to your heart, a moment when you realize that, that missing something was within reach?
Then Elsa sings about how she’s been a fortress and not the best kind. She was a fortress stuffing her emotions and hiding her gift out of fear. The physical place she has arrived at looks like a fortress and while there may be mystery and secrets to be discovered inside - this fortress does not hide. Quite like our God. David often refers to God as a fortress like in Psalm 31 “Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me” (v. 3). God also does not keep secrets from those who dare answer His call; “And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure…” (Ephesians 1:9).
In the first chorus Elsa wants to see who has been calling her, to know if she will really find the answers she seeks and she is ready to learn about her gifts and her purpose. In a numbers of the Psalms the psalmist is asking the Lord to “teach me, O Lord.” We should often be asking the Lord to teach us about His ways, about the path He has for us and about our purpose.
In the second set of verses Elsa’s countenance is already changing. She feels certain, she is no longer trembling she has found a new boldness – remember David in Psalm 138:3. The journey has been long, but her response to the voice calling her is making her whole. Just has our response to Jesus calling us makes us whole.
At the bridge of the song the lyrics go:
“Come to me now; Open your door; Don’t make me wait, One moment more.
Come to me now; Open your door; Don’t make me wait, Once moment more.”
This is another point in the song where it could either be us speaking or God speaking. Like Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks the door will be open.” Or perhaps you need this to be God talking as in Revelation 3:20 “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” Just like a friend we’ve always known.
The song includes a reprise from the song that opens the film and thus brings the movie full circle so to speak. The line here “Come, my darling (change darling to child), homeward bound and we too can sing I am found. Just as I was writing this it made me think of the prodigal son.
At the end of the song Elsa can now step boldly and without fear into the power and purpose she has been given. She is whole, she is new – she may still be a fortress but she will no longer hide she will step fully into who she was created to be.
When we step boldly into the power of the Holy Spirit we can step into the world without fear to be who we were created to be, to be made new day by day.
Today in the midst of this pandemic storm let’s step into His power so we can step fully into who we were created to be, without fear.
A Prayer
Father – thank you for showing yourself to us in ways and places that we would never expect. Call to us and grant us the courage to follow your voice to the place where we find our true selves. Thank you for the power that makes us new and lets us go boldly into our world to make your love known. In the name of Jesus, who calls us. Amen.
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
The Next Right Thing
“Then you will understand what is right and just and fair – every good path.”
Proverbs 2:9
Spoiler Alert – If you haven’t seen Frozen 2 you might not want to read this and I highly recommend seeing it.
In Disney’s Frozen 2, Princess Anna has once again been pushed away by her sister. Anna and Olaf who was pushed away at the same time find themselves in a deep dark cavern, when they receive a frozen message from Elsa. Anna understands the meaning of the message and sadly tells Olaf, “I know what needs to be done, we need to destroy the dam.” You see destroy this dam will right a wrong done long before Elsa and Anna were born. Why was Anna so sad, breaking the dam would also destroy her home and kingdom. Olaf spot the way out and as they turn to go something happens to Olaf leading him to the conclusion that “Elsa had gone too far.” Anna says goodbye to Olaf as he flurries away. Anna now alone in the dark, her sister presumed dead, having sacrificed herself for the truth, without her friend Olaf and now faced with overwhelming grief and the need, the call to do the next right thing.
And some of us think we’ve got it hard.
In this interesting time, we find ourselves in – a time where many are fearful, lots are sick, we are all somewhat isolated although some more than others. It can be overwhelming and the next right thing can be hard to see.
I have to be honest, my life personally hasn’t at this point been terribly disrupted – I still shop for groceries once a week, non-groceries every two weeks, my husband still goes to work and our off time is spent at home, which is how it would be normally. We had been hunting for a new church when this hit, but I have known how important church online is, for quite a long time. So in some ways or us church is really good right now – we can go to church with friends in Australia and back at home in California. We can listen to amazing music and listen to powerful messages of hope from all over the world.
Figuring out the next right thing to do is the challenge. For me trying to encourage others is on the list, as is being extra grateful for all I have and being extra thankful for people who normally get taken for granted – supermarket clerks, Walmart employees, restaurant staff, truck drivers, people who work in the trades, the list gets longer the more I think about it.
I don’t know how you are going at this time but I want to encourage you especially if you are a follower of Jesus to not be afraid, and to just do the next right thing. What is the next right thing? Maybe it’s not watching the new as much and taking care of your own mental, physical and spiritual health. Maybe it’s checking in on an elderly neighbor or a friend who you know struggles with mental health issues. Maybe it is making sure the people who work in the shops and restaurants you visit that you are thankful that they are there doing the best they can to serve you. Maybe for some of you it’s looking over all that stuff you purchased in a panic and giving some of it away so that those in need can have it.
Ask God to show you what your next right thing is. I know things can seem pretty dark and lonely right now, but things will get better and maybe if we all focus doing the next right thing our lives will be better for it when this storm is over.
As with all Disney movies Frozen 2 has a happy ending, actually it is an extraordinary ending. We’ll get to a happy ending eventually too if we will seek His face, hold on to faith, accept His peace and do the next right thing.
A Prayer
Father – thank you for walking with us in the midst of this world wide storm. Help us to show our gratitude to you and to all the people who are working so that life can be as normal as possible in this time. Show each of us what next right thing you have for us to do and grant us the courage to do it. In the name of Jesus, whose next right thing bring us new life. Amen.
Proverbs 2:9
Spoiler Alert – If you haven’t seen Frozen 2 you might not want to read this and I highly recommend seeing it.
In Disney’s Frozen 2, Princess Anna has once again been pushed away by her sister. Anna and Olaf who was pushed away at the same time find themselves in a deep dark cavern, when they receive a frozen message from Elsa. Anna understands the meaning of the message and sadly tells Olaf, “I know what needs to be done, we need to destroy the dam.” You see destroy this dam will right a wrong done long before Elsa and Anna were born. Why was Anna so sad, breaking the dam would also destroy her home and kingdom. Olaf spot the way out and as they turn to go something happens to Olaf leading him to the conclusion that “Elsa had gone too far.” Anna says goodbye to Olaf as he flurries away. Anna now alone in the dark, her sister presumed dead, having sacrificed herself for the truth, without her friend Olaf and now faced with overwhelming grief and the need, the call to do the next right thing.
And some of us think we’ve got it hard.
In this interesting time, we find ourselves in – a time where many are fearful, lots are sick, we are all somewhat isolated although some more than others. It can be overwhelming and the next right thing can be hard to see.
I have to be honest, my life personally hasn’t at this point been terribly disrupted – I still shop for groceries once a week, non-groceries every two weeks, my husband still goes to work and our off time is spent at home, which is how it would be normally. We had been hunting for a new church when this hit, but I have known how important church online is, for quite a long time. So in some ways or us church is really good right now – we can go to church with friends in Australia and back at home in California. We can listen to amazing music and listen to powerful messages of hope from all over the world.
Figuring out the next right thing to do is the challenge. For me trying to encourage others is on the list, as is being extra grateful for all I have and being extra thankful for people who normally get taken for granted – supermarket clerks, Walmart employees, restaurant staff, truck drivers, people who work in the trades, the list gets longer the more I think about it.
I don’t know how you are going at this time but I want to encourage you especially if you are a follower of Jesus to not be afraid, and to just do the next right thing. What is the next right thing? Maybe it’s not watching the new as much and taking care of your own mental, physical and spiritual health. Maybe it’s checking in on an elderly neighbor or a friend who you know struggles with mental health issues. Maybe it is making sure the people who work in the shops and restaurants you visit that you are thankful that they are there doing the best they can to serve you. Maybe for some of you it’s looking over all that stuff you purchased in a panic and giving some of it away so that those in need can have it.
Ask God to show you what your next right thing is. I know things can seem pretty dark and lonely right now, but things will get better and maybe if we all focus doing the next right thing our lives will be better for it when this storm is over.
As with all Disney movies Frozen 2 has a happy ending, actually it is an extraordinary ending. We’ll get to a happy ending eventually too if we will seek His face, hold on to faith, accept His peace and do the next right thing.
A Prayer
Father – thank you for walking with us in the midst of this world wide storm. Help us to show our gratitude to you and to all the people who are working so that life can be as normal as possible in this time. Show each of us what next right thing you have for us to do and grant us the courage to do it. In the name of Jesus, whose next right thing bring us new life. Amen.
Friday, December 13, 2019
Ruins Restored
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
1 Peter 5:10
I’d been watching a series on YouTube called Restoration Home. Now this is not your ordinary home renovation program – in this program ordinary people (some with deep pockets and some with basically no pockets) are purchasing historically significant properties that have been long abandoned and left to ruin. Their new owners, pour life back into them – perhaps making them better than new, while preserving their beauty and history.
The interesting thing about many of the properties being featured is that from the outside and a short distance away, these buildings look beautiful. It is not until you get up close and go inside to the heart of the building that the depth of the ruin is truly discovered. Buildings fall to ruin from the inside out, not unlike we humans.
Thanks to Eve and Adam’s selfish disobedience, all of us and our planet are ruins. In the passage above Peter is encouraging his readers that the suffering they are facing – some brought on by their own sinfulness and some by the persecution they are facing from the culture around them, will only last a short time and then God Himself will restore them, making them strong once again. We are all ruins – yes, but we are not abandoned. The original architect of our world stands ready to do an amazing work of restoration in our lives if we let Him, if we find the courage to realize that we are ruins, that we need new life breathed into us. As each ruined human allows God to do His work in them, they become strong, they show the beauty God placed in them from the beginning, they find purpose and the relationship between Creator and creature is restored and that is the very best part. As we are restored, God is working out His plan to restore our planet as well. In Scripture we read that He is making all things new.
How are you looking? From the outside do you look beautiful and whole, while on the inside you are living ruined and broken? Is your heart and soul in need of a total restoration? Will you deny that anything is wrong or will you find the courage to recognize that a chat with the Architect is in order so that restoration work can begin or be continued?
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, remember that the reason for the celebration is Jesus – God in the form of a man come to open the way to restoration for those who believe and know they are ruined.
Let your life be restored by the original Architect and in the process your relationship with the Holy God who loves you will be restored as well.
A Prayer
Father – grant us the courage to recognized that we have fallen into ruin because of our selfishness and disobedient choices. Thank you for giving us Your Son, that we can be restored from the inside out. Restore our hearts that we long to serve You with everything in our being. Restore us, making us strong and steadfast. In the name of Jesus, who has made our restoration possible – Amen.
1 Peter 5:10
I’d been watching a series on YouTube called Restoration Home. Now this is not your ordinary home renovation program – in this program ordinary people (some with deep pockets and some with basically no pockets) are purchasing historically significant properties that have been long abandoned and left to ruin. Their new owners, pour life back into them – perhaps making them better than new, while preserving their beauty and history.
The interesting thing about many of the properties being featured is that from the outside and a short distance away, these buildings look beautiful. It is not until you get up close and go inside to the heart of the building that the depth of the ruin is truly discovered. Buildings fall to ruin from the inside out, not unlike we humans.
Thanks to Eve and Adam’s selfish disobedience, all of us and our planet are ruins. In the passage above Peter is encouraging his readers that the suffering they are facing – some brought on by their own sinfulness and some by the persecution they are facing from the culture around them, will only last a short time and then God Himself will restore them, making them strong once again. We are all ruins – yes, but we are not abandoned. The original architect of our world stands ready to do an amazing work of restoration in our lives if we let Him, if we find the courage to realize that we are ruins, that we need new life breathed into us. As each ruined human allows God to do His work in them, they become strong, they show the beauty God placed in them from the beginning, they find purpose and the relationship between Creator and creature is restored and that is the very best part. As we are restored, God is working out His plan to restore our planet as well. In Scripture we read that He is making all things new.
How are you looking? From the outside do you look beautiful and whole, while on the inside you are living ruined and broken? Is your heart and soul in need of a total restoration? Will you deny that anything is wrong or will you find the courage to recognize that a chat with the Architect is in order so that restoration work can begin or be continued?
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, remember that the reason for the celebration is Jesus – God in the form of a man come to open the way to restoration for those who believe and know they are ruined.
Let your life be restored by the original Architect and in the process your relationship with the Holy God who loves you will be restored as well.
A Prayer
Father – grant us the courage to recognized that we have fallen into ruin because of our selfishness and disobedient choices. Thank you for giving us Your Son, that we can be restored from the inside out. Restore our hearts that we long to serve You with everything in our being. Restore us, making us strong and steadfast. In the name of Jesus, who has made our restoration possible – Amen.
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Grateful for Lint
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Colossians 4:2
How many of you really love doing the laundry? Ok, now I know there are some out there who find ironing relaxing, but that’s not what I’m talking about. I am talking about the chore of washing, drying, folding and putting it all away. A necessary, menial task that gets done but isn’t necessarily a means of joy and thankfulness or is it?
Our oldest daughter admitted to lamenting about having to do the laundry, watching her family walk around clothed (how dare they) and realizing as soon as she had finished the laundry she would have to start the “vicious” cycle of laundry again. I get it. I helped her with the laundry once. Doing laundry at her house is a big task – the laundry room is in the lowest part of their house, it’s in the sub-basement and the master bedroom is on the highest level of the house – four flights of stairs away from the laundry room. Makes me very thankful for my tiny, single story house.
Then one day as she once again cleaned the dryer’s lint trap, she slowed down enough to actually see the lint. She discovered she could see all her reasons for being thankful in that lint. If the lint was dark, navy blue she could tell she had washed her firefighter husband’s work clothes. If the lint was tinted a paler color like pink, the clothes for her beautiful daughters had been washed. With each colored ball of lint taken from the dryer that day, she could see a reason to be grateful for what God had given her. What a change in perspective!
In the scripture passage above, Paul is preparing to close his letter to the Christians in Colosse. This church was feeling the pressures of other religious philosophies and Paul was writing to remind them of the truth of Jesus Christ and to encourage them to stay the course. As he prepares to close the letter he tells them to devote themselves to prayer – meaning to spend time with God communicating with Him, to stay focused on Him. To be watchful – watchful for the false teachers who would be trying to lead them from the truth and freedom they had found in Jesus and to keep a proper perspective on what it means to be a Christ following human. To be thankful – thankful for everything.
Thankful for the menial tasks that need to be done. Thankful for the celebrations of life. Thankful for the struggles and storms we often encounter in this life. Thankful for the perspective changing, course correcting moments in life. The kinds of moments that turn a disliked chore into a moment of thankfulness.
What are you not looking forward to? Do you have a never ending pile of laundry? Are you facing a more significant challenge in life – a health issue, the loss of a loved one, finances that never seem to keep up? Whatever it is – devote yourself to prayer. Pour out your heart to the God who loves you and listen for His heart to speak to yours. Be watchful, on the lookout for perspective changing moments and be thankful always and for everything.
A Prayer
Father – help us to wade through the piles of stuff we face in this life. Help us to seek you first in everything situation by being devoted to spending time with you in prayer. Help us to be watchful not only for the things and people who would try distract us from Your truth, but for those moment in life that can change our perspective and turn our laments into songs of thankfulness and praise. Help us to be thankful regardless of the situations we find ourselves in – because we can count on You to keep Your promises to finish the good work you have started in us. In the name of Jesus, who loves us more than we can possibly know. – Amen.
Colossians 4:2
How many of you really love doing the laundry? Ok, now I know there are some out there who find ironing relaxing, but that’s not what I’m talking about. I am talking about the chore of washing, drying, folding and putting it all away. A necessary, menial task that gets done but isn’t necessarily a means of joy and thankfulness or is it?
Our oldest daughter admitted to lamenting about having to do the laundry, watching her family walk around clothed (how dare they) and realizing as soon as she had finished the laundry she would have to start the “vicious” cycle of laundry again. I get it. I helped her with the laundry once. Doing laundry at her house is a big task – the laundry room is in the lowest part of their house, it’s in the sub-basement and the master bedroom is on the highest level of the house – four flights of stairs away from the laundry room. Makes me very thankful for my tiny, single story house.
Then one day as she once again cleaned the dryer’s lint trap, she slowed down enough to actually see the lint. She discovered she could see all her reasons for being thankful in that lint. If the lint was dark, navy blue she could tell she had washed her firefighter husband’s work clothes. If the lint was tinted a paler color like pink, the clothes for her beautiful daughters had been washed. With each colored ball of lint taken from the dryer that day, she could see a reason to be grateful for what God had given her. What a change in perspective!
In the scripture passage above, Paul is preparing to close his letter to the Christians in Colosse. This church was feeling the pressures of other religious philosophies and Paul was writing to remind them of the truth of Jesus Christ and to encourage them to stay the course. As he prepares to close the letter he tells them to devote themselves to prayer – meaning to spend time with God communicating with Him, to stay focused on Him. To be watchful – watchful for the false teachers who would be trying to lead them from the truth and freedom they had found in Jesus and to keep a proper perspective on what it means to be a Christ following human. To be thankful – thankful for everything.
Thankful for the menial tasks that need to be done. Thankful for the celebrations of life. Thankful for the struggles and storms we often encounter in this life. Thankful for the perspective changing, course correcting moments in life. The kinds of moments that turn a disliked chore into a moment of thankfulness.
What are you not looking forward to? Do you have a never ending pile of laundry? Are you facing a more significant challenge in life – a health issue, the loss of a loved one, finances that never seem to keep up? Whatever it is – devote yourself to prayer. Pour out your heart to the God who loves you and listen for His heart to speak to yours. Be watchful, on the lookout for perspective changing moments and be thankful always and for everything.
A Prayer
Father – help us to wade through the piles of stuff we face in this life. Help us to seek you first in everything situation by being devoted to spending time with you in prayer. Help us to be watchful not only for the things and people who would try distract us from Your truth, but for those moment in life that can change our perspective and turn our laments into songs of thankfulness and praise. Help us to be thankful regardless of the situations we find ourselves in – because we can count on You to keep Your promises to finish the good work you have started in us. In the name of Jesus, who loves us more than we can possibly know. – Amen.
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
With Sacrificial Obedience Comes Freedom
“Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last.”
Luke 23:46
Hours earlier, before Jesus willingly gave up his spirit he had been at Gethsemane, overwhelmed with sorrow, sweating blood and asking his Father if there was anyway… Let’s rewind, just a bit. Matthew, Mark and Luke all tell us that Jesus was not alone in the garden that evening – his disciples were with him. He told them to sit here while I go over there to pray and he took Peter, James and John with him. Peter, James and John were asked to “keep watch with me” (Matthew 26:38). Jesus went a bit further, falls on His face in prayer and in great emotional turmoil prays “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Jesus agonizing with the Father over the act of sacrificial obedience he is about carry out – finds his friends asleep, not able to carry out a simple request.
Throughout scripture God demonstrates is preference of obedience over sacrifice. But I believe those who are willing to be sacrificially obedient, find themselves in closer relationship God. Abraham is a good example. Abraham and Sarah finally have the desire of their hearts a son. Then God tells Abraham to take his beloved Isaac and sacrifice him as a burnt offering. Abraham did not hesitate – but what agony must he have felt, was his soul overwhelmed with sorrow? God provides a lamb; Isaac is spared and Abraham walks closely with God all the days of his life.
Jesus’ willingness to act in sacrificial obedience to his Father, to be beaten almost to the point of death, to have the rough wood of the cross dig into his back and to die the torturous death that being crucified was, not only returned Jesus to his rightful place. It freed him from his earthly limitations and enabled Him to create and sustain a life transforming change on our planet – but it also sets everyone who believes in Him free, to be who they were created to be, to fulfill the purpose they were made for, to walk in close relationship with the creator of the universe.
Jesus’ disciples would carry out their commission with sacrificial obedience, all but one dying painful deaths. All being persecuted in one way or another, all facing painful storms. Yet they walked in freedom with the One who made them free and gave them the power they needed. The One who promised a forever life with Him in a forever kingdom.
What is God calling you to that requires sacrificial obedience? Do you trust Him to give you what you need to endure the pain of sacrificial obedience? Do you believe that Jesus will be with you in every storm, until you are filled with His light and the fullness of His kingdom?
With sacrificial obedience comes freedom. Embrace His freedom.
A Prayer
Father – We humans want to live a life that has as little pain as possible, we don’t want to sacrifice what we think we should have. We don’t even like to be obedient to anyone but ourselves. Help us Lord to see the freedom that comes with being sacrificially obedient to the things You are calling us to. Yes, it will be painful possibly very painful. But to be a fully restored image bearers in close relationship with the God who made us and loves us is worth it. In the name of Jesus, who showed us what sacrificial obedience looks like – Amen.
Luke 23:46
Hours earlier, before Jesus willingly gave up his spirit he had been at Gethsemane, overwhelmed with sorrow, sweating blood and asking his Father if there was anyway… Let’s rewind, just a bit. Matthew, Mark and Luke all tell us that Jesus was not alone in the garden that evening – his disciples were with him. He told them to sit here while I go over there to pray and he took Peter, James and John with him. Peter, James and John were asked to “keep watch with me” (Matthew 26:38). Jesus went a bit further, falls on His face in prayer and in great emotional turmoil prays “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Jesus agonizing with the Father over the act of sacrificial obedience he is about carry out – finds his friends asleep, not able to carry out a simple request.
Throughout scripture God demonstrates is preference of obedience over sacrifice. But I believe those who are willing to be sacrificially obedient, find themselves in closer relationship God. Abraham is a good example. Abraham and Sarah finally have the desire of their hearts a son. Then God tells Abraham to take his beloved Isaac and sacrifice him as a burnt offering. Abraham did not hesitate – but what agony must he have felt, was his soul overwhelmed with sorrow? God provides a lamb; Isaac is spared and Abraham walks closely with God all the days of his life.
Jesus’ willingness to act in sacrificial obedience to his Father, to be beaten almost to the point of death, to have the rough wood of the cross dig into his back and to die the torturous death that being crucified was, not only returned Jesus to his rightful place. It freed him from his earthly limitations and enabled Him to create and sustain a life transforming change on our planet – but it also sets everyone who believes in Him free, to be who they were created to be, to fulfill the purpose they were made for, to walk in close relationship with the creator of the universe.
Jesus’ disciples would carry out their commission with sacrificial obedience, all but one dying painful deaths. All being persecuted in one way or another, all facing painful storms. Yet they walked in freedom with the One who made them free and gave them the power they needed. The One who promised a forever life with Him in a forever kingdom.
What is God calling you to that requires sacrificial obedience? Do you trust Him to give you what you need to endure the pain of sacrificial obedience? Do you believe that Jesus will be with you in every storm, until you are filled with His light and the fullness of His kingdom?
With sacrificial obedience comes freedom. Embrace His freedom.
A Prayer
Father – We humans want to live a life that has as little pain as possible, we don’t want to sacrifice what we think we should have. We don’t even like to be obedient to anyone but ourselves. Help us Lord to see the freedom that comes with being sacrificially obedient to the things You are calling us to. Yes, it will be painful possibly very painful. But to be a fully restored image bearers in close relationship with the God who made us and loves us is worth it. In the name of Jesus, who showed us what sacrificial obedience looks like – Amen.
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