"Food" for Thought

I saw our Pastor’s sermon, “Generosity in Giving”, applied the other day while at work.  I don’t normally work up front at the cash registers, but it was very busy, and I got called to help.  The young woman whose groceries I was ringing up looked tired and a little nervous as she watched the subtotal go higher and higher.  After a point, she sighed and asked me to not ring up the rest.  She told me she had to stop there and apologized for having to leave the rest behind for us to put back.  As I took her money and her groceries were being bagged, the woman behind her told me to ring up the “leftover” groceries with her order and to make sure they got into the young woman’s cart with the others.  She would pay for them.  Both the young woman and I had tears in our eyes at the generosity of that woman. The young woman thanked her and left.  As the other woman paid me for her groceries she said she knew a time in her life when she couldn’t afford groceries and now that she can, she was glad to help someone else.  She didn’t have much but she could share.

I saw generosity in giving in that moment.  One had a need, the other had the means. Not only did the other woman meet the need but did it with an understanding of the woman’s situation and with a glad heart to give what she had to help.

Proverbs 11:25 came to my mind as I wandered back to my section of the store. “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”  Having been on both ends of generosity and getting to witness it at that moment, I felt refreshed, the young woman looked like a weight had been lifted, and I’m pretty sure the woman who showed generosity left with a lilt in her step.  it was a win-win all around!

We don’t need to wait for grand opportunities or worry that we don’t have enough to share, remember the Macedonians, “We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.” They were poor but begged for opportunities to be generous!  Wow!  

I know it should be enough to be generous because God is generous to us, but our giving comes with benefits. 

“A gift opens the way and ushers the giver into the presence of the great.” Proverbs 18:16

“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.” 2 Corinthians 9:10

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”  
2 Corinthians 9:8

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 
2 Corinthians 9:11

“’Jesus answered, ‘If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’” Matthew 19:21

Those verses provide us with just a taste of God’s blessings when we freely give what He has given us.  Giving generously is so powerful that even witnessing it is like an overflow of blessings to those around.

Lord, help us to be more aware of opportunities to share what You have given us.  Let us not be hoarders, but givers; all working together to meet the needs of those around us.  May we be like the Macedonian people begging and earnestly seeking for opportune moments to be generous.  You have given us all things and may we, with open hands, give them back to You for we know that we will be enriched in every way and the result will be thanksgiving in You.

Worshiping with open hands and heart with you today,
Lisa

Checklist or Love?

“Marks of the True Christian

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.  Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.  Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.  Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:9-15)

When you first read this passage, especially with a header like, “Marks of the True Christian”, you may think it is a checklist; especially for you “check the box” type of personalities. If so, it may look something like this:

Let’s see, “Love one another with brotherly affection.”  I played a prank on our guitarist at church.  Something I would totally do to my brother. Check! 

“Outdo one another in showing honor”. I sent a card and a gift. Check!

“Do not be slothful in zeal”, Hm..zeal means great energy or enthusiasm for a cause.  Oh yeah, I can check that one off!  I was very zealous in regard to the homemade apple crisp my daughter made. 

“be fervent in spirit”. Well, this one needs some work.  Can’t say I have a passionate intensity towards spiritual things all the time.  Work harder, Lisa!

“Serve the Lord”.  Let’s see…I’m on the worship band, am church secretary, and try to work in the produce department of our local store as if I am tending the Lord’s garden, so, check! 

“Rejoice in hope”.  Hope is good!  I rejoice in it!  Check!

“be patient in tribulation”.  Hm…this one is a hard one.  Sometimes.  As long as the tribulation doesn’t last more than my patience.  Check?

“be constant in prayer”.  Oh yeah.  I need all the help I can get.  Check!

“Contribute to the needs of the saints”.  I tithe.  Bake the occasional casserole for someone. Give things away.  Check!

“seek to show hospitality” I let people come to my house on occasion; when it’s convenient; when the house is clean, and the planets are aligned correctly. Check?

“Bless those who persecute you” With gritted teeth at times… Check?

“Rejoice with those who rejoice” I love a good happy dance!  Check!

“weep with those who weep” It just takes one tear in the eye of another and I am undone!  Check!

Now, I know that each one of those things is much more than my responses reflected.  And when I really meditated on each one, I realized that I sometimes fall very short and I my initial response was to tell myself to try harder.  Do better.  Figure this out.  However, the list is not the main point.  The very first verse says, “Let love be genuine, abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” 

Love.  Love is the basis for the list that follows.  If we focus on loving with a genuine love, all those “marks” will be the outpouring; the fruit.  When we focus on holding fast to God and loving Him with our whole being, loving what He loves, we will naturally love one another, show honor, be zealous and fervent. Everything we do will be with a heart of service to the Lord.  We won’t be able to stop from rejoicing in the hope He has given us. Tribulation will do its work in us while we wait because we know God has our best interests at heart.  We will want to be in constant communication with Him, contribute to His cause, and be a people who bless, rejoice, and weep together.

So, fellow siblings in Christ, don’t focus on the “list” or the “marks” as something you check off or, like me, fret and feel overwhelmed with deficiency, but focus on loving God well.  A love that is authentic and centered on Him so that the “marks” will be evident to all around us.

There needs to be only one thing on that checklist and that is, “Let love be genuine.”  Check?

Learning to love genuinely with you today,

Lisa

Prayer to the Life-Giver

Praise be to God our Father! Our soul waits in quiet expectation and complete rest because You have saved us. There is nothing to fear; our soul is secure in You. May our lives reflect the love and devotion we have for you so that we may bring healing and life to others. Help us to walk in your ways, obeying, honoring, and serving as we hold tightly to You; the One who rescued us into life forever with Him.

(Psalm 62:1; Proverbs 13:17; Deuteronomy 13:4)

Worshiping the Life-Giver with you today,

Lisa

Godly Reward

“…but my words seem so useless!  I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose.” Isaiah 49:4a.

Do you ever feel like that?  Like Isaiah?  You work so hard trying to accomplish what you feel is God’s calling on your life and yet you see no results, no rewards, no encouragement, no nothing.  What’s even more interesting to me is right before that verse God had just told Isaiah that he, Isaiah, would bring Him glory.  Obviously, Isaiah wasn’t so sure about that and yet in the second half of verse 4 we see Isaiah’s faith shine.  He says, “Yet I leave it all in the Lord’s hand; I will trust God for my reward.”

Isaiah realized that his reward for his obedience to God was not going to come from man or this sinful world, but from God.   It’s a great reminder that our work on earth is not for others, but for the One who has called us.  Isaiah says in Chapter 50 verse 7 that “because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced.  Therefore I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will.  And I know that I will not be put to shame.”

I encourage you today to take Isaiah’s example and “set your face like a stone” and persevere in your calling.  God has called each of us for a specific purpose. “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6-8).  And, most importantly, it is all for God’s glory. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

So, when things are discouraging and you don’t feel like you’ve made any earthly progress, look to the One who has called you in the first place.  Let Him be your measure and encouragement.  Let Him be your reward.  Be determined to do his will knowing that you will not be put to shame when you serve your God in loving obedience because he is faithful and “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”. (Philippians 1:6)

Praying that God’s truth about you and your calling will penetrate your heart today and spur you on to worship our truly amazing God!

Serving and worshiping alongside you today,

Lisa

Our Hope is in You

O God, we give glory to you all day long and constantly praise your name.  You bless those who put their trust in you.  We lift you up because you are our hope and confidence.  With you as our Lord we are like trees whose roots reach deep.  Lord, remind us we are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it. And so, Lord, where do we put our hope? Our only hope is in you; our humble and gentle Lord who gives us rest for our souls.

(Psalm 44:8, Jeremiah 17:7-8, Psalm 39:6-7, Matthew 11:29)

Worshiping with you today,

Lisa

Remember

Fear, uncertainty, insecurities, and all things scary come at us at different times in our lives.  During those times I long to be immersed in God's presence. His Word tells us to be still and allow Him to be God in our lives.  He is our Deliverer, our Warrior, our Strength, Faithful Love, our Leader, our Hope, our Forever God who endures through everything that life throws at us.  Many times when God was dealing with Israel and their insecurities and fears he would tell them to remember.  

“Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.” 
(Deuteronomy 5:15) 

“But do not be afraid of them; remember well what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 7:18) 

“Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced,” (1 Chronicles 16:12) 

When fears and doubts assail us we need to be still and remember that the Lord is active and alive in our lives.  Remember what He has already done.  Remember what He is capable of.  Remember that He is God.  This doesn’t mean He will always do things the way we want.  However, we can be confident in the fact that He will do what is best for us, He will be glorified through it, and we will never be alone while He works His perfect will in us.

Lord we praise you for the reminder that we do not have to be afraid.  That if we stand firm we will see your deliverance.  Thank you for fighting for us; help us to be still.  Our hearts sing of your strength and unfailing love that leads us to your holy dwelling. We lift up joyous praise for showing us a love that never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (Exodus 14:13-14, Exodus 15:13, I Corinthians 13:7)

Remembering with you,
Lisa

Notes of Discovery

“ You have done many good things for me, LORD,
    just as you promised.
I believe in your commands;
    now teach me good judgment and knowledge.
 I used to wander off until you disciplined me; 
   but now I closely follow your word.
You are good and do only good;
    teach me your decrees.
Arrogant people smear me with lies,
    but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart.
 Their hearts are dull and stupid,
    but I delight in your instructions.
My suffering was good for me,
    for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.
Your instructions are more valuable to me
    than millions in gold and silver.” (Psalm 119:65-73 NLT)

Back in the “olden days”, when you wanted to get to know someone, you had to talk to them in person (Gasp! Only if I had to because shyness is a real thing and I had it in spades), call them (on a phone hooked to the wall with a cord.  Which is a pain if you are a pacer and twirler. Sigh…My family had to “free” me from the phone cord on one or two occasions.), or (my favorite way) write notes back and forth.  Oh, how I loved getting those little folded up notes of white lined paper!  It was like opening up a little present.  Each carefully folded note giving me a better glimpse into the person as we shared back and forth glimpses into our dreams, hopes, frustrations, and plans. I still have many of them tucked into my journals from over the years.  

When I open God’s Word, I get that same jolt of anticipation as I did with those notes long ago.  “What will I discover about God today?” “What will He tell me today?”  And that is so important because what we discover and learn about Him influences our perceptions and actions throughout the day. 

Psalm 119:65-73 says:

1.  He keeps his promises
2.  He is a Teacher
3.  He disciplines
4.  He is good
5.  He allows suffering for our good
6.  His instructions are priceless

How does knowing these things about God help your perspective in what is happening in your life today?  Do things look hopeless?  Grasp his promises.  He always keeps them.  Do you need wisdom?  He is your teacher.  Ask Him for instructions.  Have you messed up and now suffer the consequences of your actions?  Run into his arms, confess, and allow God to make something good out of your mistake.  Be willing to do the hard thing to turn it around because Psalm 34:15 says “The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and his ears toward their cry.”  The Lord pays particular attention to those who seek to follow closely His path and His ways.  

Open His notes to you. Enjoy the discovery of Who God is and follow closely after Him.  You will never run out of things to learn about our precious Father who breathed His Word to us.

Enjoying God’s precious notes to us with you today,

Lisa

“I ask –ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory – to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him – endless energy, boundless strength!” (Ephesians 1:17-19 – the Message)

Interlude

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of Heaven’s Armies. I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the LORD.  With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God.  Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar,   O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God!  What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises. Interlude” Psalm 84:1-4 (NLT)

Longing.  Fainting. I am struck with how passionately the author expresses his desire to be in God’s presence or how fun it will be to sing his praises continually.  However, today my eyes keep getting drawn to the directional word, “interlude”.  A lot of times you’ll see the word “selah”.  This implies a time of reflection.  The composer of the Psalm wants the singers to pause, reflect, and meditate on what was just sung.  He wants people to stop and really think about the words and their impact before moving on.  

Our fast-paced, overly-booked, overly-worked society doesn’t allow much time for “interlude” and reflection. So, I’m challenging you to slow down right now.  Read the verses above or maybe another verse that has been on your mind today.  Take a moment.  Don’t rush through the words.  Pause and reflect on what the Lord is telling you.  Sometimes the sweetest worship experience is just being quiet before the Lord soaking in His word and resting in His presence.

May you have many “interludes” with our Lord today,

Lisa

Why We Worship

“Worship is the magnification of God and the minimization of self. One of the most succinct expressions of a worshipper’s heart in all the New Testament came from John the Baptist: ‘He must increase, but I must decrease’” (page 168 from Dr. James Macdonald’s book, “Vertical Worship”).

Many times, it’s easy to come to church hoping to hear our favorite songs sung, favorite verses read, or favorite preaching style preached, and so on.  We think of church like Burger King’s 40-year-old slogan, “Have it your way”.  However, when we do that we are missing out on the real reason we are there.  And what is the real reason we meet week after week? Because “…we have been rescued from our sins, united with a risen, living Christ and with each other through faith in Jesus. And because of that union with Jesus and with each other, the Bible, God’s word, calls us to regular, weekly expressions of our corporate joy and thankfulness before God in worship,…” (John Piper)

We don’t come to fill our preference tank.  It is taking the focus off of ourselves and putting it on the One who deserves it.  Timothy Keller puts it this way, “Worship is pulling our affections off our idols and putting them on God…at our deepest level, we were created for worship.”  I love that!  What idol are you and I holding on to that gets in the way of worship?  Pride?  Selfishness in which we insist on our way?  Unforgiveness?  Worldly distractions?

I pray that when it comes time for worship we come with affections duly placed where God may have it His way. May we come with anticipation of God’s presence, His Word made alive in us, His love showered upon our hearts.  And in light of all He has done for us, giving God the praise due His name. May we expect to be moved by His Spirit and not necessarily by the elements that make up our time together.  God can use those things, yes, but He doesn’t need them to make an impression on a heart that is open to His still small voice.

Worshiping with you today,
Lisa 

The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble! He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake! Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns (Psalm 99:1; Revelation 19:6).

To Know and Be Known: Prayer for Today

Father, let us not be like those who have turned their back from following you or ones who do not seek You.  But let us be a people who trust in your steadfast love and follow your direction.  Help us to remember whether in good times or in struggles to remember we are not forgotten by You and that You know and find us valuable.  To You, we lift up our soul!  

(Zephaniah 1:4,6; Psalm 143:8; Luke 12:6-7)

He Has Done It!

I have mentioned before that I spent about a month in South Africa on tour with Carpenter’s Tools/Youth for Christ when I was in high school.  At one point on our tour we stayed for about three days in a small African village with several host families.  Most of the homes were huts made from sticks, mud, and thatch, but we were housed with families that had bigger homes made of wood but still had dirt floors, no electricity, and no running water.  Several generations lived under one roof, but they were so generous to offer their home and precious food to us for a few days; giving up the one bed they owned so we girls didn’t have to sleep on the dirt floor.  

In between concerts we worked with a translator as we met with our “neighbors” to talk about Christ.  The fact that this village was poor was not lost on us and made us feel guilty for what we took for granted at home.  They truly had very little to offer us but what they did, they gave freely and joyfully.  And during times of worship together, I saw such peace and joy on their faces.  Here they were surrounded in poverty and unrest, but their faith in God was unshakable.  

What I took away from that experience was our faith, trust, and joy in God is not determined by circumstances.  Habakkuk 3:17-19 says,

“Though the fig tree should not blossom,
    nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
    and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
    and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the LORD;
    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
GOD, the Lord, is my strength;
    he makes my feet like the deer's;
    he makes me tread on my high places.”

This small group of South African believer’s joy did not rest on what they had or didn’t have but the assurance that God saved them, was their strength, and He would take care of them.  Your version of the above verses could go like this: Though I have no job, money, or resources, and my friends and health have failed, and my future seems to hold no possibilities, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; my salvation, my strength.  He helps me to run with power and reach those unreachable places.

Even though there are times when we feel like we have nothing, God is still there.  He is still good.  He is still powerful.  He has saved our souls and we can say with complete confidence Psalm 52:8-9,

“I am like a green olive tree
    in the house of God.
I trust in the steadfast love of God
    forever and ever.
I will thank you forever,
    because you have done it.
I will wait for your name, for it is good,”

Rejoicing with you because He has done it!

Lisa

A Prayer of Praise

Our Father, who knows what we need before we ask and to whom we have seen your power and glory in our lives, we seek you to comfort our waste places and make the wilderness of our lives like Eden; fresh, renewed, and healthy.  

Where there is desert in our heart, transform it into a thriving garden so that joy, gladness, thanksgiving, and song will be found in us. 

Thank you for your steadfast love that is better than life.  We bless you with every breath and lift our hands in praise to You! 
(Matthew 6:8; Psalm 63:2-4; Isaiah 51:3)

Worshiping our amazing Father with all of you today,

Lisa

Blessed Are....

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.  He said:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
    for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
    for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
    for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:2-12 NIV)

A while back I was reading through Matthew and had so much fun “re-discovering” truths and precious nuggets that I sometimes just skim through or take for granted.  One of those precious truths is the word “blessed”.  According to Warren Weirsbe, blessed was a powerful word for those in Jesus’ day.  To them it meant “divine joy and perfect happiness”.  The word was not used for humans; it described the kind of joy experienced only by the gods or the dead. “Blessed” implied an inner satisfaction and sufficiency that did not depend on outward circumstances for happiness.  So in a sense verse 2 of Matthew 5 could say, “Divine joy and perfect happiness for the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 
Weirsbe goes on to explain that the beatitudes describe four attitudes:

1. our attitude toward ourselves (v.3)
2. our attitude toward our sin (vv.4-6)  When I read those verses, the word “meek”          jumped out at me.  I found out that the word was used by the Greeks to describe a horse that had been broken.  It refers to power under control.  Gives a whole new perspective on that word, doesn’t it?
3.  our attitude toward the Lord (vv.7-9)
4.  our attitude toward the world (vv.10-16)  The Pharisees thought they were conserving God’s word, when in reality they were preserving it; “embalming it so that it no longer had life!” (Weirsbe)  

Sometimes I can be like the Pharisees.  I get so concerned about obeying the letter of the law for the sake of the law instead of obeying out of love for my Lord.  The difference between being a Pharisee and a follower is the attitude and motivation behind our actions.  It all comes back to our hearts.

I encourage you to re-read the beatitudes closely.  Maybe stop and examine one or two of them closely.  You now have a better understanding of the word “meek”, but what does it mean that the “pure in heart” will see God?  What does a pure heart look like?  Act like?  How can one possibly achieve one?  (Hint:  power of the Holy Spirit) Or what does it mean to be a “peacemaker”?  Is that the same as a “peacekeeper”?  And why do you think they are called “children of God”?  Have some fun “treasure hunting” in the Scriptures today!  I can promise you, you will find something of value and worth!

Worshiping (and treasure hunting) with you today!

Lisa

Do I Trust You?

“Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called.‘Yes,’ he replied. ‘Here I am.’

‘Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.’

The next morning Abraham got up early. He saddled his donkey and took two of his servants with him, along with his son, Isaac. Then he chopped wood for a fire for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day of their journey, Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. ‘Stay here with the donkey,’ Abraham told the servants. ‘The boy and I will travel a little farther. We will worship there, and then we will come right back.’

So Abraham placed the wood for the burnt offering on Isaac’s shoulders, while he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them walked on together, Isaac turned to Abraham and said, ‘Father?’

‘Yes, my son?’ Abraham replied.

‘We have the fire and the wood,’ the boy said, ‘but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?’

‘God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,’ Abraham answered. And they both walked on together.

When they arrived at the place where God had told him to go, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. Then he tied his son, Isaac, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. At that moment the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, ‘Abraham! Abraham!’

‘Yes,’ Abraham replied. ‘Here I am!’

‘Don’t lay a hand on the boy!’ the angel said. ‘Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.’

Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means ‘the Lord will provide’). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: ‘On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.’

Then the angel of the Lord called again to Abraham from heaven. ‘This is what the Lord says: Because you have obeyed me and have not withheld even your son, your only son, I swear by my own name that I will certainly bless you. I will multiply your descendants beyond number, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will conquer the cities of their enemies. And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed—all because you have obeyed me.’ Genesis 22:1-18

I’ve always struggled with this passage.  God promises Abraham many descendants, takes what seems like forever to make good on that promise, and then asks Abraham to give up that promise by killing his one and only son.  My struggle is that if put in the same situation, would I obey without argument like Abraham or would I fight and argue and plead for the life of my son?  Would I love and know God so much that I would trust Him and know He was doing what was best for me? For my son?

God and I have these conversations quite often. I know God has my best interests at heart and He sees the whole picture, but my feeble, weak heart argues that there has to be a better way.  It doesn't make sense.  I don't want to do it that way.  I think I know better than God. Oh to be like Abraham and just trust without argument that God's plan is perfect.

So, maybe we have to ask the question, “When faced with life’s challenges, are we going to waste time arguing with God about His ways or trust Him knowing His ways are better than ours?  My prayer is that we get to know our God so well and follow Him so closely that no matter what He allows in our life or challenges us to do, we will trust Him with complete confidence.

Here’s some great wisdom and insight from my friend, Brenda:

“Picture Isaac on the sacrificial altar. Now contemplate this. Sometimes what we think is going to kill us is actually where we find our salvation.” Brenda Storms

I love it!  It may be hard to see in the midst of troubles, but I pray we would trust God enough to know He is bringing about good in what may seem like a complete mess.  Whatever God asks of you, He will supply what you need so go ahead, obey with confidence, because He is loving you through it and bringing about something wonderful!  "I trust in you, O Lord; I say, 'You are my God.'"(Psalm 31:14)

Worshiping with you today,

Lisa

He Did What?

Music has always been my first love.  There are pictures of me on the piano before I could walk, but in early high school, I started babysitting for our neighbor who was a large animal veterinarian and I decided that, maybe I might want to be a vet as well.  I loved animals and along with music, I was an avid reader and James Herriot was my hero in the vet world. So, my vet neighbor graciously let me go on call with him. 

I was so excited when the phone rang one day, and he said, “Lisa.  I have to go and take care of a pig with a protruding uterus.  Wanna come?” Yes!  My heart was a flutter!  Why so excited?  Because all the other calls and rounds that I had been on with him before were not so exciting.  For most of the summer, I was wading in ankle deep manure, pushing my way through cows or pigs the size of small horses.  I should have known from day one that this was not my calling.

My first day with the vet was spent doing herd checks.  This is basically a pregnancy test. Since I didn’t know what my role would be when I rode out on these calls, I was relieved to be handed the clip board when I saw what you had to do to see if the cow was pregnant.  I don’t know what I was expecting, but it surely wasn’t what happened as I saw the vet’s hand go into the cow (from the back if you get my meaning) all the way up to his elbow.  Seriously?  There has to be another way!  This career idea was looking less appealing by the cow!

it just went downhill after that…I found the daily routine of a country vet in Wright County, Minnesota, was not as exciting as James Herriot wrote it to be.  Apparently, veterinary medicine in Darrowby, Yorkshire England is more varied and eventful.  However, my vet neighbor?  He loved every minute of it. 

Needless to say, I did not pursue a career in veterinary medicine and went back to my first love, music.  That was God’s plan all along, though I feel like He got a certain enjoyment watching me discover what He already knew; I was not created to be a vet.

Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”  His workmanship.  His pre-planned creation.

^“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” (Romans 12:4-8)

We are all different with the same purpose; to glorify God in what He has called and created us to do. For me, it’s not through veterinary medicine, but through a beautiful melody or thought-provoking words.  For you it might be teaching, serving, or leading.  Whatever it is, we all work together as one like a beautiful harmonious symphony; each part unique but essential to the whole. 

Never underestimate your role in the Kingdom of God.  Our Father is intentional and purposeful in all He does.  His plans for you are perfect even if it involves the not so glamorous task of herd checks.

Thankful I’m holding the clipboard,

Lisa

"Holy" Jeans

I started making jean quits when my boys decided it was no longer necessary to walk on their feet like normal people.  No, obviously, walking on the knees was much better and efficient!  So, I had perfectly good jeans with perfectly placed holes in the knee area.  I could have patched them, but the store that I bought their jeans from had this guarantee that if your child wears out the jeans before they out grew them they would replace the jeans for free.  I’m very sure the reason this store doesn’t do this anymore is because of us.

So, I had piles of holey jeans that I just couldn’t throw out and I certainly wasn’t going to pass them on to someone else.  “Here!  I have piles of jeans for your kids.  Yes, they have holes in the knees, but you can patch them.  Patching is fun!  You’re welcome!”  No, that was not an option.  So, I started making jean quilts.  A lot of quilts.  

A few years ago, I started praying over the quilts and for the person who it was going to.  While I am cutting up the jeans and making them into 6-inch squares, I pray that those times when he or she may feel like a jumbled pile of discards with an uncertain future, they would know God is shaping them into His plan and purpose.  "'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'" (Jeremiah 29:11)

As I start to sew the blocks together, I pray he or she would take each day as it is, and trust God is putting all the pieces of their life together in His timing.  Each day, no matter what it looks like, is part of the whole and that they would embrace it. "Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act." (Psalm 37:7)

When I get to tying all the layers together, I pray that he or she would remember it is God who holds them all together.  When they feel like maybe everything is coming apart, God is there holding and comforting them. "For I hold you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.'" (Isaiah 41:13)

Then the binding!  The part that makes the rough edges disappear and finishes the quilt.  When I get to this stage I pray that they would know that God takes all our rough edges, whatever that may look like, and binds them up.  He makes them beautiful. "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." (Psalm 147:3)

Those old jeans look nothing like they were originally.  They have a new purpose and just like 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, they are a new creation; the old things have passed away; and new things have come. Just like us when we let God take over our lives and make us into something new.

My quilts are nothing fancy, but they remind me and hopefully those that receive one that they are God’s beautiful creation; fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14) He takes those times when we feel useless and discarded and gives us purpose and direction.  He takes everything we experience and “sews it together” into a beautiful masterpiece.  Just like those ties, He holds us all together with His love.  And all those rough edges? He binds them while holding us tight and secure.  His works are wonderful, and I know that full well!  I hope you do too!

Enjoying the comforts of His love with you today, 
Lisa

You're In Good Hands

“You’re in good hands with Allstate!”

Allstate's slogan "You're in good hands" was created in the 1950s by Allstate Insurance Company's sales executive, Davis W. Ellis based on a similar phrase he used to reassure his wife about a doctor caring for their child. It has been their slogan ever since.  When I read Isaiah 43:2-3 that slogan comes to mind. 

God never promised us an easy life on Earth.  Isaiah doesn’t say “if” you go through deep waters, rivers of difficulty, or fires of oppression.  It says “when”.  And when those times come, and they will, God promises to be with us.  Think of it as God’s assurance in His “insurance”; His protection and the fulfillment of His promises. We are in His good, capable, loving, all-powerful, (insert your own amazing God adjective here!) hands.  There is nothing.  Absolutely nothing, He can not handle. 

Take heart those of you treading water, crossing difficult raging rivers, or high-stepping over hot coals!  Your Lord, your God, the Holy One, your Savior is with you!  You’re in good hands!

Resting in my “insurance” benefits with you,
Lisa

Eye to Eye and Heart to Heart

“I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them.” (Hosea 11:4b) 

What a beautiful picture of God’s love. Our Mighty, Magnificent God taking away our burden and then getting down to our level to meet our needs.

I don’t have many memories of my great grandfather, but I have seen pictures of him lying on the floor and playing with me.  I was about 6 months old and he had debilitating arthritis.  It was difficult and painful for him to just cross the room yet he somehow got down on the floor so we were eye to eye and played together. When I look at those pictures I see a man who loved me and wanted to spend time with me at my level.  

God’s “bending down” is similar to our interaction with children; like what my great grandpa did for me. We get down on our knees or bend down so that we can be eye-to-eye with them. This simple gesture shows them that we care; that we’re not trying to dominate or intimidate them.  I see God doing the same thing; lovingly putting aside his “hugeness” for a moment to show us that we are important; that he loves us and wants us to feel secure in him. I like to think of it as seeing the “softer side” of our warrior, powerful God.

My prayer for you today is that you would know that God is powerful, mighty, and awe-inspiring, but that he also loves you enough to get down to your level; eye-to-eye and heart-to-heart.  He is not beyond your reach.  He is accessible. He is there.  “Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” (Psalm 116:2)

Enjoying His nearness with you,

Lisa

Stay On the Path or Eat Bark

I am notorious for getting lost in the woods.  Just ask my kids.  When I suggest a hike, they immediately ask if they should bring survival gear and leave a note for their loved ones.  Really?  I mean, yes, one of our 3-mile hikes turned into 6.  And, I must confess, I gave up navigational control to my 12-year-old during one of our romps in the woods after an hour of walking in circles.  In my defense, the path was poorly marked. 

Staying on the path is important.  And knowing where you are going or how to get there keeps you from praying for a rescue while you endlessly circle the same pine tree.  Psalm 34:15 says that the Lord looks towards the righteous and hears them. God watches over everyone, but He seems to take a particular interest in those who are righteous. So, what does it mean to be righteous?

Righteous, in Hebrew, is tsadiyq which means one who is straight and does not depart from the way of God.  It is not one who lives a religiously pious life but is one who follows the correct path; the path of God.  It is following God closely.  How He does things.  Having the same character as Him.  And we do that by studying His Word, talking to Him, doing things His way, and paying close attention to the path and not veering from it. Seems simple, doesn’t it? It can be when we are blessed with a path that has huge neon signs where hot dog vendors and lemonade stands line the way.  However, there are times when the path is marked by old weathered wooden signs or piles of rocks where the path is not so clear, and you are required to pay more attention or get lost.

Unfortunately, just like those hikes with my kids, I have gotten lost numerous times in my spiritual walk. It happens because I don’t always pay close attention to the path.  It’s there but I am distracted by what’s around me and then find myself in the middle of nowhere.  I don’t take the time to check in with the One who leads me. Then, to make things worse, I think I can get back on track by myself.  Like I can channel my inner Bear Grylls from Man vs. Wild clawing my way up deep ravines, making hammocks out of reeds, catching the dew with a leaf frond, and eating bark.

Following God’s path takes full concentration and constant checking-in.  We can’t just go rambling about our day and not expect to get lost.  However, when we do, James 1:5 says, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Without reproach.  No, “I told you so’s”, “What were you thinking?’ or piling guilt and disapproval upon you. God is generous and gracious and leads us back to the path. He will do for you what He does for me. He takes my dirty hands, helps me out of my pitiful attempt at a hammock, gives me water, throws away my meal of bark and seeds, and leads me to the path lined with all that I need.  My Hero.  My Guide. My Father.  Much better than Bear Grylls.  Though if you do find yourself gnawing on bark, pine is the best. We'll talk later.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” (Proverb 3:5-6)

Staying on the path with you today,

Lisa