Days Twenty-Four and Twenty-Five

Dear Lord, I am not sure where to go with these passages from yesterday and today.  As I ponder them and seek what You would have me learn from them, I am faltering.  I know You are righteous, just, and merciful.  I know that You sent Jesus to me as a gift for my many sins.  What I don’t know is how to explain them to anyone else as a means of dealing with this topic of forgiveness that has been the theme for the month of June.

And maybe that’s the point, Lord.  I don’t know.  I am crazy to think I have all of the answers when I am still so full of questions for You myself.  Maybe these words are just to make me realize how little I do know and instead should take the time to ponder them instead of spouting off self-acclaimed wisdom about them.  

Okay then.  No blog today.  Just a brief reminder that sometimes we just need to be still, to know You are God, and to ponder what exactly that means for the specific times in life when there are no easy answers.  I can do that.  

Thank You for allowing me the time, Lord.  May I use it wisely and have You reveal more of Yourself to me is my prayer, asked in the sweet name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Don't I Know You From Somewhere?

How do you realize there has been change in your life?  For instance, when you were in high school folks thought a certain way about you and then--somewhere down the road or when it's class reunion time--they see you after x amount of years and they say to you "You haven't changed a bit!" or "Wow! If I hadn't read your name tag I would have never recognized you!"  Have the years changed you or are you the same person you've always been?

II Corinthians 13:5 tells us to examine our selves.  Now, the former English teacher in me thinks that "our selves" should be one word.  However, I think this means we are to examine we--me is to examine me, you is to examine you.  Got it?  A lot of good it does me to tell you what's wrong with you and disregard the things I need to change in my own self.  Remember the story of the mote and the plank found in Matthew 7:3-5?  

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?  Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?  Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

Next, how do we prove that we are different, that we are new creatures in Christ? That one's a little tougher, isn't it? Especially to those we grew up with or those that have known us since birth. Witnessing to family members is often the hardest sale one will make. Remember even Jesus Himself had trouble with this. Why, His own family thought he had lost His mind!

And He came home, and the crowd gathered again, to such an extent that they could not even eat a meal.  When His own people heard of this, they went out to take custody of Him; for they were saying, "He has lost His senses."  Mark 3:20-21

Thirdly, how do we know we are indeed living by faith and not just convinced we are saved when there are often doubts that arise to make us unsure?  That one is a little tougher for some--especially if they have been adamantly told that if they can't remember the exact time and moment that salvation happened then they probably aren't saved to begin with.  Hmn.  Guess I'll have to combat that with some more scripture!

And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.     1 John 5:11‑13 

Friends, it doesn't have to be a mystery.  When we examine ourselves and see the evidence of Christ in our lives, when we prove that we aren't the same souls we used to be, and when we know that Jesus saved us in spite of what others may try to tell us, then we can rest assured that we are His children and not Satan's spawns.  Yes, there are going to be those who try to drag us back down and/or back to a place where they were more comfortable (perhaps) in knowing us, since it relieves them of the pressure of dealing with their own salvation issues.  After all, if our lives don't convince them that Jesus has changed us, then why would they see the need in themselves to seek Him for their own assurance?  Does that make sense?  If we are living a life that pleases God, the world is not going to embrace us.  They aren't going to want to accept us as His children because too often that makes them check up on their own selves and see what is lacking, see Who is lacking.  On the other hand, for those who have been delightfully excited to see the change Jesus made in us, then we can offer hope, renew faith, and encourage them to keep on with their own witnessing efforts so that the name of Jesus Christ is lifted up.

Let's pray!

Dear Lord, how I hope You can use my muddled thoughts and words to encourage those who may be questioning their lives today.  Too many times as young Christians, we are swayed by what others say we should be and how we should act.  Help us, I ask, to seek You, to read Your Word, and to allow You to teach us what we need to know to prove that You have saved us and we are Yours and haven't been misled in our trust.  Give us strong role models who have been examined by the trials of faith so that we may use their examples to--not to measure up to but...not to be our role models...Um, Lord?  Maybe give us folks to teach us through their lives how You have worked in them to make them the better people that are now versus who they used to be.  Grant us teachers and preachers who know You, You, The King of Glory, the Lover of our souls, and the Redeemer of man.  May we grow closer to You each moment of our lives is my earnest prayer, asked in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

All things work together for good

I've been a little under the weather for the past couple of days, and not just because it's raining.  My throat has been sore and I've had a slight fever.  Perhaps my body is rebelling against fall?  May it not be so!  It's my favorite time of the year, after all, so maybe the reason I have had to be chair and bed-ridden is instead so that time is put upon me to reflect over the Bible verse Steve and I have been studying and pondering on this week.

As we concluded our thoughts on it last night, we mostly discovered that this verse has been taken out of context for many who claim it as their life verse or who might have misunderstood its meaning in other ways.  It doesn't say that "all things work together for my good."  It just says "for good."  "For good to them that love God."  "For good to them that love God and are the called according to His purpose."

Steve and I discussed how sometimes you have to take one for the team, so to speak, in order that a higher purpose may be fulfilled.  Remember Joseph in the Bible (the one with the brothers, not the earthly dad to Jesus)?  Do you honestly think he would have chosen the suffering he went through, the imprisonment, and the neglect by those he helped get out of some pretty tight spots just so that one day he would be second in command?  His plight was used to save thousands from starvation and in his later years, he was commended for his common sense and his ability to delegate, rule, and decipher dreams.  The title he received:  do you think it made up for the years of angst?

A friend of ours went through a harrowing life event several years back.  It cost her her dignity, her reputation, and her home but she stuck it out, stood by her man, and now?  Now her children are flourishing, hubby has been restored to a position of great importance, and she has a new home that isn't filled with memories of his betrayal.  Would she have wished his adulterous actions upon her family?  Hardly.  But she's a different woman now and this horrid mistake was used to accomplish a greater good for many who now get to participate in the lives of the two incredible daughters who shine even brighter for Christ than ever before.  She has become a person of compassion and understanding in ways she never dreams she'd have to be but God had a reason for her to go through this trial.

While Steve and I in no way claim to have it all together, we too have been through some life experiences--some before we met and some since--that have shaped us into the couple we are today.  Super Couple?  Hmn.  Doubtful.  But we have overcome some of the obstacles of our pasts that made us stronger together and have allowed us to be examples of what God can do with a broken life when we allow His super glue to put souls back together.  Had we allowed "things" to not work together, had we thrown in the towel, or had we not loved God enough to put His will for our lives first, no doubt we wouldn't be together to this day.  

A lady I met recently told me of how she was still trying to figure out how good was going to come from her nephew's seemingly senseless death at a young age when here she was, old and used up.  What could she do that he couldn't?  Why when his life was just starting did it end and why was hers allowed to go on?  I couldn't answer her in depth but I did tell her that God knew what He was doing.  We can't always see it and maybe the answers aren't clear for years to come and yes, sometimes the answers just cannot be found this side of heaven.  But I fully believe He is working it for good.  The greater good.  For them that love Him.  For those whom He foreknew.  For them that are willing to work for His purpose.  We are never too old to be used by our Lord God.  He has a purpose for us being here.  Instead of wondering why He lets certain things happen, perhaps we should be asking Him what:  What do You want and need for me to do, Father?  I love You.  You first loved me.  What can I do for You?  How can You use me for the good of the rest?  When will I be relevant?  Who can I reach out to on Your behalf?  

The picture I used for today's verse is from a bulletin board of members of my church who answered a brief survey of who they are, what their testimonies are, why they would invite others to our church, and when they became members.  They were asked to share favorite memories and special dates.  They are the ones who are here now, carrying the torch, enabling the church to continue.  Theirs are the labors being done as they work together to teach, to minister, to spread the Good News.  Would their ancestors be proud that the light they instilled in them years ago is shining so brightly now?  I think so.  I know so.  For you see WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM THAT LOVE GOD, TO THEM THAT ARE THE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE.  Aren't you just so glad He called you, friends?  Me too!

Let's pray!

Dear Lord, how I thank You for this verse and the promise it holds!  The abuses I suffered as a child helped to shape me into a more compassionate adult who can better relate to some of the issues that others have gone through.  While I wish my childhood years had been better spent, they did teach me much on who not to be when I got older.  You used those negatives to mold me into one who isn't as quick to judge another's motives because You have taught me to look deeper into actions folks do rather than just accepting at face value the supposed intent of the heart.

Lord, You are still using me and I think that is because I love You.  My life's messes and failings each teach me different things that are making the outline of this puzzled life of mine take form.  One day You will complete the work You have begun in me and I know it will be for good.  I used to wonder why You bothered with me and yes, there were times I feared You weren't even paying attention, for how else could such atrocities have been allowed?  But You were there.  You're here now.  You haven't forsaken me and You speak to me when I take the time to be still.  

Thank You for not giving up on me, for not disowning me during all those times I brought You much shame.  Thank You for keeping me from the world and its ugliness and wisely taking me out during Your time to accomplish the deeds You have set before me.  And it's not over yet, Lord.  There is still much to be done so I pray that my love for You deepens as does my dependence on You as I rely on Your Word to continue teaching me, growing me, and molding me more and more into the image of Jesus.  Sometimes that hurts but why should I expect special treatment or a life without pain?  He certainly didn't have such.  If I am to be like Him, there are certain sufferings I too must endure.  But those sufferings, You teach me, cannot compare with the glory ahead.  Keep my eyes on You is my plea, Father.  In the name of Christ Jesus, I lift them to You.  Amen.

Put me in, Coach!

Is this verse true to you?  Do you know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose?  If it is, then that means you have some sense.  Your eyes, ears, mouth, touch, and smell can tell what is going on around you, working on your behalf and on the behalves of others who have been chosen by Him to fulfill certain assignments in life.  

Chosen.  Isn't that such a wonderful word?  For most of my life, I was the one left behind, the last one picked for the team, for the group activity.  Except when someone needed the use of my special talents and skills. My brains, if you will.  I was always the "smart one" and when group assignments came to class, guess who was selected to be one of its members?  Oh no:  still not as first choice because--after all--there are just some loyalties that know no limits.  Often I was dumbfounded as the less-intelligent kids were picked by their friends to partake in something that counted for a large percentage of the grade.  How I envied such acceptance!

Guess what?  I have it.  Had it all along.  Those little stumbling stones from my past that made my self-confidence nearly non-existent were working, even then, to make me who I am today.  Bold.  Willing to volunteer rather than waiting to be called upon.  Unafraid to voice my thoughts and opinions for fear of ridicule.  The one who initiates activities instead of wondering why no one does anything around here.

Friends, is this you today?  It doesn't have to be.  As children of God, we have been specially selected--before we were even brought into existence!  Talk about being first choice!  

And we know... states this verse.  We know.  No more doubt.  No more feeling less than.  No more desperation to fit in.  We are His.  He chose us.  Us.  You.  Me.  But He didn't stop there:  oh no.  He chose us to work together:  together for good.  We aren't in it alone anymore.  Woo hoo!!  

If some of you are scratching your heads and thinking "Uh, Stef?  The verse says all 'things.'  I'm a person not a thing"  then let me point you on to the words following:  to them that love God.  Mmn hmn.  See it now?  You love God, right?  Thus, you are working with your fellow man because--once again--you are the called.  Called according to His purpose, not some grand scheme of man.  Nor for popularity contests.  Called according to His purpose.  God's.  Got it?

So, because you are so smart, because you know that you are working alongside of others, and since you love God then I guess there's just one thing left.  Work.  Oh come on now.  If everything was easy everyone would do it but since it's not, since some things just cannot be done through wishful thinking.  We've got to step up, offer assistance, and join our brothers and sisters in Christ in working what needs to be worked for the greater good of us all.

Here's an example.  Yesterday at the Card Ministry Meeting, we were short two ladies.  But, we also had a new one to join us.  Throw in the sweet young girl who came with her babysitter and voila!  Mission accomplished.  Needs discussed, cards divvied up, and...and then someone had the bright idea of asking the Sunday School Classes to help pay for stamps.  Hmn.  Now how about that?  Why would we ask for others to assist us when we--regardless of how many came to participate--had up unto this point just paid for the stamps ourselves?  Oh yeah:  I remember!  It's so that others could be a blessing too.  Much as some of us would like to have unlimited funds, sometimes there are so many cards to send that it can get a little expensive for those who live on fixed budgets.  And because ol' slew foot is out there, trying every way he can to get us to not work together, he could easily make this ministry a drudgery when folks feel like they just can't participate because of a few stamps--a few stamps that a couple of dollars can easily be obtained by a willing few who want to be a part in some way but cannot attend meetings.  Ta Da!  Purpose fulfilled!!  

As I conclude today, let me challenge you to examine yourselves.  Are you working together or are you trying to do it all on your own?  Don't you know, dear one, that when you do this what you mean for good can too often be turned into a task that you dread, that there is no joy in, and that you soon neglect?  Don't be a grumbler, murmurer, nor a whiny goat.  Get in there and support your teammates.  Ask for help when you find yourself floundering.  Mostly though?  Remember, God picked you.  You!  He's using us all and there aren't any bench warmers on His team.  We all get to play so get out there and do what needs to be done.  Amen?