Sunday November 30, 2014 Who’s Calling?

When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” John 11:43

Caller ID is a great tool… I can listen before I run for the phone if it is someone I want to speak with. I pray often for guidance and when I hear what I think is an answer, sometimes I wonder if it is really the Lord speaking. Lazarus didn’t need for the Lord to call to him in a loud voice… I bet Jesus did that for effect to inspire those who were there mourning. Jesus could have whispered and His friend would have recognized His voice because they had spent so much time together, there would have been no doubt.

When, I am dead in sin and hear a voice calling, how do I know it is Christ calling me out of the darkness? Is it God speaking to me or the devil adding insult to injury. In my research on the topic, these seven signs have helped me.

1. TONE: If what I am hearing sounds nagging or mocking… it is not the Lord. His tone is gentle, imploring me to return to goodness. Urging me onward.
2. CHARACTER: The devil vaguely makes me feel guilty and hopeless, not at all like Jesus who’s clear and concise message contains specific action.
3. LEADERSHIP: Satan attacks and belittles me making me feel weak. God encourages me and lets me know that together we can accomplish the goal.
4. RELATIONSIP: When I am told about the past and my prior failed attempts at righteousness Beelzebub is doing the talking. The Holy Spirit reminds me that my sins are forgiven and the slate is clean.
5. HEALTH: Satan speaks of my unworthiness and portrays God as a demanding judge but I know Him to be kind, loving and waiting upon my return to Him.
6. SENSE: The devil wants to keep me isolated so my problems seem insurmountable. While Jesus draws me into fellowship because when I realize that I am not the only one who has dealt with this issue, I take heart.
7. TRUTH: There is nothing but negativity surrounding what comes from the dark side. God’s love is filled with light and the fact that He loves me cannot be denied.

God calls out to me and offers Himself as a refuge in my time of need. I know that He answers my prayers… it is my most important job to stay close to Him in Scripture and fellowship so that I can recognize His voice.

Lord, I love You and I beg You to forgive my weakness and my deafness when I do not discern when You are speaking to me. Open my ears, my mind, my heart and my soul so that I can welcome Your voice. Help me to be a better listener!

 

Saturday November 29, 2014 Advent

Jesus said to His disciples: “Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.”  Luke 21:34

One of my favorite authors and preachers is Matthew Kelly.  I have one of his talks where he uses this verse and reflects on the Gospels for Advent.  He poignantly kept reminding me of how easy it is to become drowsy about FAITH.  Complacent and comfortable people are very surprised when something bad happens.  Going along minding my own business… happily attending Christmas parties, feeling pretty good about how things are going or head down pushing thru to get all the “stuff” done seem to be the hallmark of December.  The day that Luke describes is the final tribulation.  Matthew kept challenging me by saying over and over… “ BEWARE that your heart does not become drowsy!!!”

God does not want a church full of lackadaisical or wishy washy Christians.  He sent His only Son to earth to bring each of us back to a true devotion to Him.  Advent is a wonderful time to prepare for Jesus SECOND coming not just the birthday party that the world throws remembering the FIRST time.  I love everything about Christmas BUT if I never baked another cookie or decorated another tree or wrapped another present because I was going to meet my God with a heart awakened and on fire for Him, it would be fine.

Today is the last day of the church calendar.  Tomorrow it begins again…  Advent each year is the “NEW Year’s Day” of the Church Year.  Today I will be making my resolutions for my Faith Year.  I will be using Luke and Matthew’s admonition to challenge myself to keep myself aware and on track so I am ready.

Lord help me to set my New Year’s resolutions based on the direction that You are calling me to follow.  Guide me past the drowsy and complacent path, past the anxious and tumultuous road and keep me heading always toward YOU!  Help me be ready to greet the day of Tribulation with a confidence that comes only through Your grace.  My hope is in My Lord. 

Black Friday November 28, 2014 Shifting Priorities

Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 　The second is equally important: ‘ Love your neighbor as yourself.’　 No other commandment is greater than these.”　 Mark 12:29-31

HO, HO, HO, the holiday season bursts upon us as stores opened very early this morning or in some cases at 6PM on Thanksgiving.　 It is so easy to lose sight of the reason for the season when I am shopping, baking, doing my Christmas Cards, decorating, attending parties and hosting them.　 Christmas is truly about those we love…　 God and our neighbor.　 Can I keep that foremost in my mind instead of making the tasks the focus. 　　The WHY I do anything is the priority not the task itself.　 When I can keep the emphasis on the right syllable then everything flows and it does not become about ME getting it done so I am not as stressed.

Jesus taught through example how to touch the people that He loved and gave tremendous gifts of healing and salvation.　 He gave time, touch and listened as His gifts. 　These may be my miracles in today’s society where time is more important than money.

Lord, I pray that through the “Official” holiday season that I will be more like YOU in setting my priorities.　 That quiet cup of Christmas Tea may be much more appreciated than a sweater or a book.　 Please open my eyes to recognize what those I love truly desire from me.　 Let my gifts be those that reveal to each and every person my commitment to their JOY!　

Thanksgiving November 27, 2014 Promise

O give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His love endures forever.  Psalm 136:1

In these troubled times, where fires burn in Ferguson and homeless people struggle against cold and hunger… many gather to celebrate a feast of Thanksgiving.  I was blessed to read the Proclamation that Abraham Lincoln wrote proclaiming the fourth Thursday of November to be Thanksgiving Day.  I thought you would be blessed to read it as well.

By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation

It has pleased Almighty God to prolong our national life another year, defending us with His guardian care against unfriendly designs from abroad and vouchsafing to us in His mercy many and signal victories over the enemy, who is of our own household. It has also pleased our Heavenly Father to favor as well our citizens in their homes as our soldiers in their camps and our sailors on the rivers and seas with unusual health. He has largely augmented our free population by emancipation and by immigration, while He has opened to us new sources of wealth and has crowned the labor of our workingmen in every department of industry with abundant rewards. Moreover, He has been pleased to animate and inspire our minds and hearts with fortitude, courage, and resolution sufficient for the great trial of civil war into which we have been brought by our adherence as a nation to the cause of freedom and humanity, and to afford to us reasonable hopes of an ultimate and happy deliverance from all our dangers and afflictions:

Now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, do hereby appoint and set apart the last Thursday in November next as a day which I desire to be observed by all my fellow-citizens, wherever they may then be, as a day of thanksgiving and praise to Almighty God, the beneficent Creator and Ruler of the Universe. And I do further recommend to my fellow-citizens aforesaid that on that occasion they do reverently humble themselves in the dust and from thence offer up penitent and fervent prayers and supplications to the Great Disposer of Events for a return of the inestimable blessings of peace, union, and harmony throughout the land which it has pleased Him to assign as a dwelling place for ourselves and for our posterity throughout all generations.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this 20th day of October, A.D. 1864, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-ninth.

Abraham Lincoln

Dear Lord, Help me to be a channel of Your peace.  Let my thankful heart be a catalyst for change inspiring others to love you more. 

 

Wednesday November 26, 2014 Justice

I, the Lord, have called you for the victory of justice, I have grasped you by the hand;  I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, To open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness.  Isaiah 42:6-7

Tall order for those of us who don’t see ourselves as having any power to right wrongs or level the playing field for those who are being dealt with unfairly.  God does ask me through Isaiah’s words to be a light in the darkness.  If I can respond to God’s call He will put the words on my tongue and the spirit will make a straight path for me to serve my brothers and sisters.

Opening the eyes of the blind can be through serving dinner at a homeless shelter or playing Santa for a needy family.  Bringing out prisoners from confinement can be visiting the sick or aged who are confined in a prison of their bodies, frustrated and alone, doing for them is a freeing experience.  There are so many people who are living in darkness right now,  sending a card or calling will bless and shed light on those who are in a dungeon of depression, frustration or loneliness.

The true thief of true ministry is time.  Hurrying from one activity to the next, prevents me from really ministering as Jesus did to those who needed Him.  He never rushed away or ignored the people who came asking something from Him… Life as we know it is filled with opportunities to act with Justice. Seeing them and asking HOW can I be like Jesus in this scenario?  I loved the bracelets that became popular…  WWJD? What Would Jesus Do?

Lord help me to ask this question often throughout my day until I don’t have to ask…  I know and I just do it! 

Tuesday November 25, 2014 Faith

Abraham did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.  Romans 4:20-21

There is a picture of faithfulness in Scripture and that is Abraham.  He was told when he was 75 years old that he would become a father… he believed what he was told and waited… TWENTY-FIVE years for that promise to be fulfilled.  So often, I get frustrated if I have to wait 25 minutes for answers to prayer!  Can you imagine the gnawing doubts, the ridicule by Sarah, the storm of criticism.  He did give in and conceived a son with his wife’s slave girl because he listened to his wife’s cajoling and look how that turned out.

The bottom line is that God fulfills His word.  My doubts may be justified BUT if I have FAITH, I will be rewarded.  The trick for me is not in believing His revelation.  It is in knowing how to recognize His promises.  God does not act like an ATM machine giving out favors like twenty dollar bills when I ask for them.  He opens my mind to the blessings of His kingdom but looking at the “Big Picture” is not something that I am very good at doing.  My vision is clouded by mountains of misdirected doubt and blind turns that obscure His destination.  I know He is leading me and has full knowledge of where I should end up.

Lead me Lord, I am Your servant and want only to see Your face.  Help me to have the Faith of Abraham. 

Monday November 24, 2014 Under Siege

In this living hope you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if need be, you have been distressed by various trials. 1 Peter 1:6

The old saying “When it rains, it pours” seems to be the perfect description for certain times in life. Feeling barraged and bereft, it is hard to find hope in time of weeping. Dealing with loss of a loved one can very much feel this way. The world goes on but I am so into my own grief, I do not see or want to experience anything. God knows how I feel… He watched His own Son die and had to mourn the torture and indignity that Jesus suffered.

God empathizes with my sadness and visits upon me the hope that believers know exists even when the sadness engulfs. There is nothing that can lift the darkness now. BUT God assures me that it will pass. The LIVING Hope is my faith. God sends His community of believers to lift me and provide a light in my darkness. With their support and prayers even this most difficult time will pass away.

Lord, I am grateful for those in my life who walk beside me in tragedy. Those who care for the details when I am not able to function at all. I trust in Your promise that the sun will again shine and I will able to embrace life once more.

 

Sunday November 23, 2014 Christ the King

Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink?  And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’  The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’  Matthew 25:37-40

My friend, Micki died this morning.  It is fitting to read the scripture on the Judgment.  Micki indeed epitomized those described in Matthew’s Gospel who served the Lord by helping those in need.  She toiled as a nurse most of her life and gave great comfort to friends and family alike recognizing when someone had a need, she filled it.

This passage has always been close to my heart.  It speaks to me about choices and priorities.  It calls me to live a different life from the person who is only in it for themselves.  Jesus came to make the world a better place.  His Kingdom is to be one with each of us paying attention.  It is easy to notice that someone is hungry or lonely when I pause to really SEE them.  The people who were condemned did not recognize the Lord in those who were all around them crying out for help because they did not look into the eyes and hearts of those who stood right in front of them.

I was blessed to know Micki, who recognized Christ in everyone.  She was a beautiful example of a disciple who is certainly being welcomed home today.  I can hear the King saying, “Welcome HOME, Good and faithful servant.”

Lord, help me to really SEE YOU in the hungry, the downtrodden, the sick and those in prison.  Open my eyes and my heart to serve.

Friday November 21, 2014 Distracted

Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.  Matthew 13:22

I love going on retreats especially when I arrive and they ask me to turn in my watch and my cell phone.  The time is directed by God and my focus is on the “PRESENT” that He is about to give me through the retreat masters and my fellow participants.  I am blessed not only by the quiet but by the freeing of my mind to focus on what has been hiding there ready to spring forth.

Nothing is born in chaos.  When a mother is birthing her child, there is NOTHING that can distract her from the task at hand.  She may want to be texting or talking but when the time comes… there is absolutely no way her attention can be on anything but giving birth!  When some serious decisions must be made… quiet, nature, peace allow me to hear and feel the answer.

I want more than anything to be “fruitful” and contribute to the Kingdom.  I have always tried to bloom where I am planted.  When I read the sower and seed passages in the Gospel I am reminded that analogy is very real.  I learned a long time ago that when I get into deep weeds… producing anything is nigh onto impossible.  God is calling me to be a devout disciple… the thorny patches prevent me from producing the results that He and I desire.

Lord, please help me remove the choking distractions from my life.  I want to do Your will but find myself choked by the constant barrage of shiny objects demanding my attention.  Make my heart the Good soil to accept the seed and bear much fruit! 

Thursday November 20, 2014 A Little Help from my Friend

Someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.”  Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.  James 2:18

Yesterday was all about charities.  Ten different non-profits were featured at the Chamber luncheon I attended.  Every person I spoke to from these fine organizations was passionate and committed to their causes.  Last night WEE had a baby shower at the Citrus Club that benefitted the Children’s Home Society, Perinatal Program.  It was a very beautiful day for reflecting what can be done when people believe they can make a difference in someone else’s life.  A person does not have to be Dorothy Day or Mother Teresa to make a difference.  Mary Jo Copeland started washing the feet of the homeless in MN and giving them food and new shoes and warm socks.  Today, she has a shelter, Mary’s Place, that has changed the landscape for homelessness in Minneapolis.  It all must begin somewhere.  The Children’s Home Society helped 10,000 last year.

Doing something, demonstrates my faith that God is the center of my life.  Even if I do not have much money, sharing what I have tells God that I trust Him.  Seeing a need and filling it the best we can is what James asked of his fellow Christians in the early days of the Church and he asks me today.  If I tell a homeless person to be warm and well fed, to have a blessed day… it is almost ludicrous.  I am not able to give to everyone who needs but I do look to my heart and find ways I can have some kind of impact.  Introducing my faith through works may be the only way that a person will ever see the face of Christ.  James might call it being God with skin.  For being Christ for another might be washing their feet, feeding them, providing a safe place and an education or helping their baby.  God provides for the least of His brothers through those of us who are willing to say YES.

Lord, Help me to recognize the opportunities to serve Your people.  My YES may be their only exposure to YOU.  Let my faith show through my works.