We sent Timothy...to strengthen and encourage you in your faith... 1 Thessalonians 3:2
Last night, we were in a meeting with a couple and we were going over an exercise of "unmet expectations." The exercise lists about 15 statements that some people believe are true. In the exercise, each partner must put a "T" next to any statement they think is true and then we discuss it. One of the statements that always stands out to me is, "If I have to ask, it's not as meaningful." Now, I understand, people aren't mind readers, but at the same time, if you knew me very well and cared for my needs, for the most part, I feel that person should be able to pick out what I need or would desire and I shouldn't have to ask. Granted, I understand that puts a lot of pressure on the other person, but this is a statement I struggle with.
So, with that in mind, there was an event that happened about 6 to 8 months ago and a friend, whom I felt should have been there for me, wasn't. Well, another friend of mine who had been there in other ways kept apologizing to me for not being there in the way that I expected my first friend to be there. I don't know if you do this, but I tend to fit my friends into certain categories based upon their personalities. Certain friends are phone call friends, others are hang out friends, with some friends you show up with a Dr. Pepper and chocolate, with others you offer to clean, etc., etc. My friends have categories. Well, my friend who kept apologizing didn't fit into the other friend's category and my apologizing friend knew that I was hurt by my other friend.
Until I read that scripture this morning, I never understood why my one friend kept apologizing to me. "So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials," (1 Thessalonians 3:1-3). In the structure of our church, leaders are not left to stand on their own. We have more than one pastor, more than one small group coach, more than one small group leader, and more than one church member. In Noah's day, all the animals traveled in pairs. In marriage, you travel in pairs. It's not considered a "friendship" if there is only one.
I later discovered, after my trial had ended, that my friend who could not be there for me was undergoing her own heavy trial, but didn't tell me and wouldn't let anyone else tell me. But what she did do for me, was she sent me her friend--who was my friend, too--so that I would still be encouraged. The Bible says, "Two are better than one...If one falls down, his friend can help him up," (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). That's what my friend did for me and what Paul did through Timothy for the Thessalonians. I pray that you have someone who will do that for you.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Resolution or Vision?
Do you know the difference between a vision, a dream, and a resolution? A resolution--usually something made on New Year's Day for the coming year--is, "the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action; the mental state or quality of being resolved," (Dictionary.com). How many people have made a New Year's Resolution? Come on, let me see your hands (yep, mine's up, too). Now, how many are still carrying out their resolutions? I see a lot fewer hands. Statistics say that "40-45% of adults make one or more resolutions or goals for themselves. Research shows...[of the 40-45% only] 46% make it past 6 months," (Articlesbase, 22, Nov. 2009). So why do we keep making resolutions if we can't keep them? I think the answer is in the question. It's because we can't keep them that we keep making them. We think that one of these years we will succeed. I think another part of the answer is in the definition. The definition says that a resolution is a "mental state" or "determining." It's like willing yourself to get up in the morning (30 minutes earlier) to exercise. If your only hope is "willing" yourself, you probably won't make it past the first two weeks. So, how do you make something stick?
What about a dream? According to Cinderella, "A dream is a wish your heart makes," (Walt Disney's Cinderella, 2005). For some, their dreams come true and not for others. How is a dream different from a resolution? A dream is, "an aspiration; goal; aim; a wild or vain fancy; to see or imagine in sleep or in a vision," (Dictionary.com). So why do some dreams come true and some dreams not? Let's come back to that.
Last, but not least, a vision is, "an experience in which a personage, thing, or event appears vividly or credibly to the mind, although not actually present, often under the influence of a divine or other agency," (Dictionary.com). What does the Bible say about visions? "Where there is no vision, the people perish," (Proverbs 29:18). "Write the vision, and make [it] plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it," (Habakkuk 2:2). "That he may run," is the difference between the vision, the dream, and the resolution succeeding. There is nothing wrong with having big dreams. In fact, our pastors encourage us to dream big dreams for God. They encourage you to do that, because if your dreams are only little, you may think that you caused them to come true. Mark Batterson said that God likes impossible odds, (see In a Pit with a Lion, ch. 2). I believe that's true and that's why we need to have more than a heart-wish and more than a mental determination. If all we have to lean on are those two things, then when trouble comes, we'll abandon our dream or resolution. But, if this is a vision, from God, that we've written on our hearts and sewn into the weave of our lives, then we will find the strength to see it through to completion, even in the face of impossible odds. "Though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come..." (Habakkuk 2:3). This year, don't make a New Year's Resolution...make a God vision and write it down, so that you will keep running after it.
What about a dream? According to Cinderella, "A dream is a wish your heart makes," (Walt Disney's Cinderella, 2005). For some, their dreams come true and not for others. How is a dream different from a resolution? A dream is, "an aspiration; goal; aim; a wild or vain fancy; to see or imagine in sleep or in a vision," (Dictionary.com). So why do some dreams come true and some dreams not? Let's come back to that.
Last, but not least, a vision is, "an experience in which a personage, thing, or event appears vividly or credibly to the mind, although not actually present, often under the influence of a divine or other agency," (Dictionary.com). What does the Bible say about visions? "Where there is no vision, the people perish," (Proverbs 29:18). "Write the vision, and make [it] plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it," (Habakkuk 2:2). "That he may run," is the difference between the vision, the dream, and the resolution succeeding. There is nothing wrong with having big dreams. In fact, our pastors encourage us to dream big dreams for God. They encourage you to do that, because if your dreams are only little, you may think that you caused them to come true. Mark Batterson said that God likes impossible odds, (see In a Pit with a Lion, ch. 2). I believe that's true and that's why we need to have more than a heart-wish and more than a mental determination. If all we have to lean on are those two things, then when trouble comes, we'll abandon our dream or resolution. But, if this is a vision, from God, that we've written on our hearts and sewn into the weave of our lives, then we will find the strength to see it through to completion, even in the face of impossible odds. "Though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come..." (Habakkuk 2:3). This year, don't make a New Year's Resolution...make a God vision and write it down, so that you will keep running after it.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Red Words
My sheep recognize my voice, John 10:27, NLT.
Did you ever wonder why, when Jesus talks in the gospels, the words are in red? It was done so that we would get to know the color of the Lord's voice. People say to pay attention to the red words. In fact, even Brooks & Dunn make mention of it in their song, Believe. The lyrics say, "I raise my hands and bow my head. I'm finding more and more truth to the words written in red. They tell me that there's more to life than just what I can see. Oh, I believe." The line, "They tell me that there's more," is accurate. The red words are a visual practice. There are many sounds and voices in the world, all vying for your attention. If the voice of the Lord is generally a whisper and we are not accustomed to listening for it, how will we ever know what it sounds like, (see 1 Kings 19:12).
The Bible says that if we are His sheep, then we will recognize His voice. I think recognition takes practice and it takes knowing. I also think it depends upon the individual. Did you ever notice that the Lord speaks to many different people in many different ways? He speaks to some through writing and some through speaking and some through songs and some through the written word. We all learn and understand in different ways. The Lord designed us that way and so He will communicate to us, individually.
The Lord said He wanted us to recognize the color and tone of His voice and He is always speaking to us. He can be heard in a hurricane and in the falling of the winter snow. He will speak to the single mom and the stay-at-home mom. He will speak to the childless and the mother of seven. He will speak to the rock star and the aspiring artist. He will speak at the top, in the middle, and on the bottom rung of the corporate ladder. He speaks to the team player and to the soloist. He speaks to the well-loved child and the fatherless. He speaks to proud parents and worried parents. He speaks to Olympic champs and kids goofing off. He speaks to the 80 year old and the infant. He speaks to the widow and the widower. He speaks to the wealthy and the homeless. He speaks to those in prison and to those who are free. He speaks to those who are in debt and to those who are not. He speaks to you and your brother, to your father and your mother. He speaks to them all. The only difference: who's listening? Who knows and can see the tone and color of His voice? He said, I'm in the red words. Look for me in the red words. My sheep know my voice and they follow me.
Did you ever wonder why, when Jesus talks in the gospels, the words are in red? It was done so that we would get to know the color of the Lord's voice. People say to pay attention to the red words. In fact, even Brooks & Dunn make mention of it in their song, Believe. The lyrics say, "I raise my hands and bow my head. I'm finding more and more truth to the words written in red. They tell me that there's more to life than just what I can see. Oh, I believe." The line, "They tell me that there's more," is accurate. The red words are a visual practice. There are many sounds and voices in the world, all vying for your attention. If the voice of the Lord is generally a whisper and we are not accustomed to listening for it, how will we ever know what it sounds like, (see 1 Kings 19:12).
The Bible says that if we are His sheep, then we will recognize His voice. I think recognition takes practice and it takes knowing. I also think it depends upon the individual. Did you ever notice that the Lord speaks to many different people in many different ways? He speaks to some through writing and some through speaking and some through songs and some through the written word. We all learn and understand in different ways. The Lord designed us that way and so He will communicate to us, individually.
The Lord said He wanted us to recognize the color and tone of His voice and He is always speaking to us. He can be heard in a hurricane and in the falling of the winter snow. He will speak to the single mom and the stay-at-home mom. He will speak to the childless and the mother of seven. He will speak to the rock star and the aspiring artist. He will speak at the top, in the middle, and on the bottom rung of the corporate ladder. He speaks to the team player and to the soloist. He speaks to the well-loved child and the fatherless. He speaks to proud parents and worried parents. He speaks to Olympic champs and kids goofing off. He speaks to the 80 year old and the infant. He speaks to the widow and the widower. He speaks to the wealthy and the homeless. He speaks to those in prison and to those who are free. He speaks to those who are in debt and to those who are not. He speaks to you and your brother, to your father and your mother. He speaks to them all. The only difference: who's listening? Who knows and can see the tone and color of His voice? He said, I'm in the red words. Look for me in the red words. My sheep know my voice and they follow me.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Who I Am
I am
a daughter of the King,
an heir to riches and treasures stored up in heaven,
and a descendant of Abraham.
I am
a child of God,
a wife,
and a daughter, granddaughter, sister, and friend.
I am
saved by grace,
forgiven of my sins,
reborn of the blood,
baptized in water,
and loved by Him who sits at the right hand of the Father.
I am
a princess in the Kingdom of God,
a survivor,
a victor,
and an overcomer.
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
a daughter of the King,
an heir to riches and treasures stored up in heaven,
and a descendant of Abraham.
I am
a child of God,
a wife,
and a daughter, granddaughter, sister, and friend.
I am
saved by grace,
forgiven of my sins,
reborn of the blood,
baptized in water,
and loved by Him who sits at the right hand of the Father.
I am
a princess in the Kingdom of God,
a survivor,
a victor,
and an overcomer.
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Who You Are
"Live like you know who you are." That's what Dale Brooks said in his sermon this past weekend. I wrote a poem a few years ago, stating who I am. I know I don't always act like I know who I am. But, the more I say it, the more I believe it and the more I act like I know who I am. The thing is, when Dale Brooks made that statement and asked the question, "Who are you," I was aware that my husband knew.
Brad & I have been on a long journey. You see, since the beginning of our relationship and especially since we've been married, I wanted Brad to act a certain way. I wanted him to be the head of the household; I wanted him to take charge or at least help with the finances. I wanted him to lead and do all the things the Bible said he should do. The biggest problem, I later discovered, was that I was doing them. Now, I already knew that I liked to be in charge and I liked to be in control. The problem was that I wasn't filling my role, and instead, I had taken over Brad's. There was no room for him to be the man he was supposed to be, because I was running the show.
The first small group that I ever lead was Power of a Praying Wife, by Stormie O'Martian. A friend of mine is leading it now and I pray that she continues to change lives through it. I know that I changed at least one woman's life: mine. It wasn't right away, but it gave me some tools that I put away. In fact, as Brad and I went along, we both picked up some more tools that helped to shape our marriage to more resemble the design that God had for us.
In April, 2009, God added another tool. Brad was in the emergency room with what later turned out to be bronchial pneumonia. I sat next to him while they gave him breathing treatments to see what would help. While we waited, I was reading In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, by Mark Batterson. It just so happened that I was at a point in the book that suggested it was time to face and embrace my biggest fear (see Chapter 3). Let me tell you, that was not what I wanted to hear.
A day later, on April 22, 2009, when I was at home by myself and Brad was in the hospital, I called one of my friends and cried as I told her what I read. I knew exactly what my biggest fear was and there was no way that I wanted to embrace it, even in a small dose, as the book suggested, (p 50). My biggest fear was that everything we had fought for would be taken away from us and our relationship would go back to the way it was in the beginning. My wise and wonderful friend said that maybe God was using this sickness in order that Brad may be tested to see who he believed his Provider to be. And maybe He was using the length of the illness and the time away from work to show me that Brad was becoming the spiritual leader that I had been wanting him to become--the spiritual leader that God designed him to be.
That brings me to about a week ago. In the evening after work, we were taking a walk through our neighborhood. I'll spare you the details of why Brad was mad at me (though I'll admit it was something I said). And the point isn't that he got mad, but it's what he said when he got mad. He said that he was the priest of our family, the spiritual leader of our household, and I needed to listen when he talked because his thoughts were valid. I was totally blown away. I had never heard him talk like that before. I was sorry that he was mad at me, but I was thrilled that he knew who he was.
This past weekend, Dale Brooks said, "you must know who you are...You are salt and light...filled with all spiritual blessings...[and] God is on the inside." He asked an important question: Who are you?
Brad & I have been on a long journey. You see, since the beginning of our relationship and especially since we've been married, I wanted Brad to act a certain way. I wanted him to be the head of the household; I wanted him to take charge or at least help with the finances. I wanted him to lead and do all the things the Bible said he should do. The biggest problem, I later discovered, was that I was doing them. Now, I already knew that I liked to be in charge and I liked to be in control. The problem was that I wasn't filling my role, and instead, I had taken over Brad's. There was no room for him to be the man he was supposed to be, because I was running the show.
The first small group that I ever lead was Power of a Praying Wife, by Stormie O'Martian. A friend of mine is leading it now and I pray that she continues to change lives through it. I know that I changed at least one woman's life: mine. It wasn't right away, but it gave me some tools that I put away. In fact, as Brad and I went along, we both picked up some more tools that helped to shape our marriage to more resemble the design that God had for us.
In April, 2009, God added another tool. Brad was in the emergency room with what later turned out to be bronchial pneumonia. I sat next to him while they gave him breathing treatments to see what would help. While we waited, I was reading In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, by Mark Batterson. It just so happened that I was at a point in the book that suggested it was time to face and embrace my biggest fear (see Chapter 3). Let me tell you, that was not what I wanted to hear.
A day later, on April 22, 2009, when I was at home by myself and Brad was in the hospital, I called one of my friends and cried as I told her what I read. I knew exactly what my biggest fear was and there was no way that I wanted to embrace it, even in a small dose, as the book suggested, (p 50). My biggest fear was that everything we had fought for would be taken away from us and our relationship would go back to the way it was in the beginning. My wise and wonderful friend said that maybe God was using this sickness in order that Brad may be tested to see who he believed his Provider to be. And maybe He was using the length of the illness and the time away from work to show me that Brad was becoming the spiritual leader that I had been wanting him to become--the spiritual leader that God designed him to be.
That brings me to about a week ago. In the evening after work, we were taking a walk through our neighborhood. I'll spare you the details of why Brad was mad at me (though I'll admit it was something I said). And the point isn't that he got mad, but it's what he said when he got mad. He said that he was the priest of our family, the spiritual leader of our household, and I needed to listen when he talked because his thoughts were valid. I was totally blown away. I had never heard him talk like that before. I was sorry that he was mad at me, but I was thrilled that he knew who he was.
This past weekend, Dale Brooks said, "you must know who you are...You are salt and light...filled with all spiritual blessings...[and] God is on the inside." He asked an important question: Who are you?
Friday, December 25, 2009
Content Christmas
Living in Florida at Christmastime has never been the same as living in Wisconsin. For as many years as I can remember, we always had snow for Christmas (in Wisconsin). It wasn't always snowing on Christmas, but at least there was always snow on the ground. But when it did snow for Christmas, especially on Christmas Eve, it was magical. Light fluffy snow drifting to the ground was signature Christmas.
On our way home tonight, from a family get-together, we were listening to the new Chris Tomlin CD. The song, "Winter Snow" was playing as we turned the corner near our house. Icicle lights, hung on the houses, caught my eye as the song continued to play. There was something gentle about the soft glow of the lights and the melody of the music. The combination wrapped around my heart and I felt the glow of content Christmas. Paul said, "I have learned to be content...I have learned the secret," (Philippians 4:11-12). Contentment is not millions of toys or hoards of money. Contentment is a feeling inside that no one can steal from you. I don't know if I can explain the feeling, but when you have it, you know it's there.
The song, "Winter Snow," describes how Jesus came to the earth, "like a winter snow." That's how I feel my contentment to be tonight. It's like sitting by the fireside, watching the fall of the winter snow, "quiet and soft and slow."
On our way home tonight, from a family get-together, we were listening to the new Chris Tomlin CD. The song, "Winter Snow" was playing as we turned the corner near our house. Icicle lights, hung on the houses, caught my eye as the song continued to play. There was something gentle about the soft glow of the lights and the melody of the music. The combination wrapped around my heart and I felt the glow of content Christmas. Paul said, "I have learned to be content...I have learned the secret," (Philippians 4:11-12). Contentment is not millions of toys or hoards of money. Contentment is a feeling inside that no one can steal from you. I don't know if I can explain the feeling, but when you have it, you know it's there.
The song, "Winter Snow," describes how Jesus came to the earth, "like a winter snow." That's how I feel my contentment to be tonight. It's like sitting by the fireside, watching the fall of the winter snow, "quiet and soft and slow."
Merry Christmas!
~Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11~
Today is a new day. It's filled with new hopes and new joys. It's because today we celebrate the birth of a baby boy who has come to make all things new. Today, we say, "Merry Christmas," to everyone who passes us on the streets. But some, for fear of offending others, say, "Happy Holidays." Sometimes, I think we don't really understand why we say, "Merry Christmas."
Before Christ came, there was no Christmas; there were no presents. Back then, today was just another day among days. We say, "Merry Christmas" out of the joy that overflows on this anniversary--or birthday--celebration of the day when God came to His people on the earth. Today is the day that we can pinpoint the beginning of His life.
When you turn 27, your friends and family don't celebrate your life starting at 21. No, they celebrate your life from birth. On tombstones, a person's life is marked by two dates, birth and death. While Jesus was raised from the dead, His life is still marked by two dates: His birth and His Resurrection. We celebrate those two dates because they signify when our lives changed forever.
It's OK to celebrate holidays. There are plenty of fun ones to celebrate. Personally, I'm pretty keen on Flag Day. But today is Christmas. So as you say, "Merry Christmas," remember that we celebrate today because all those years ago a baby was born who would save the world. When you say, "Merry Christmas," you're not just wishing someone a "safe and happy holiday." You are passing on a wish to another of what Christ gave you: new life, new hope, and new joy.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Today is a new day. It's filled with new hopes and new joys. It's because today we celebrate the birth of a baby boy who has come to make all things new. Today, we say, "Merry Christmas," to everyone who passes us on the streets. But some, for fear of offending others, say, "Happy Holidays." Sometimes, I think we don't really understand why we say, "Merry Christmas."
Before Christ came, there was no Christmas; there were no presents. Back then, today was just another day among days. We say, "Merry Christmas" out of the joy that overflows on this anniversary--or birthday--celebration of the day when God came to His people on the earth. Today is the day that we can pinpoint the beginning of His life.
When you turn 27, your friends and family don't celebrate your life starting at 21. No, they celebrate your life from birth. On tombstones, a person's life is marked by two dates, birth and death. While Jesus was raised from the dead, His life is still marked by two dates: His birth and His Resurrection. We celebrate those two dates because they signify when our lives changed forever.
It's OK to celebrate holidays. There are plenty of fun ones to celebrate. Personally, I'm pretty keen on Flag Day. But today is Christmas. So as you say, "Merry Christmas," remember that we celebrate today because all those years ago a baby was born who would save the world. When you say, "Merry Christmas," you're not just wishing someone a "safe and happy holiday." You are passing on a wish to another of what Christ gave you: new life, new hope, and new joy.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
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