Yesterday I saw a t-shirt with the following message on it:
BElieve
THEre is
GOOD
IN THE
WORLD
Isn't that profoundly simple yet true?
Time out for a comic strip I once read.
A turtle is complaining to God about all the hunger, disease, sadness, hunger, and injustice there is in the world. He shakes a little turtle foot at God and says, "Look at this mess this world is in. Why don't You do something?"
And then God responds, "Funny you should ask because I was just about to ask you the same thing!"
BE THE GOOD IN THE WORLD!!!
Do you desire to see less divorce? Then start by fighting for your family because that is good and it will perpetuate goodness as they grow and start their own families.
Do you desire to see people pray more? Then be bold and start asking folks if you can pray for them when you sense a need, and I can assure you they will start praying more too and before you know it, you have started a revolution.
Do you wish to see an end to depression? Then be happy wherever you go and cheer someone up.
The possibilities are endless.
Time out for another story:
There was a priest who spent his life helping wayward youth, and one day one of his fellow priests was belittling him for spending so much time with these "lost causes."
But one of these "lost causes" grew up to be a police officer who was called to an on-going robbery at the local church. To make a long story short, the officer took a bullet for one of the hostages when the robber opened fire. Who did he take the bullet for?
The very same priest who years earlier had said it was a waste of time to spend so much energy on kids who never changed.
Doing good really makes a difference :)
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, Here we are again today but with a new perspective on how we see the world. You long for Your children to rise up and declare that they will be the good this world needs. We are willing. Strengthen us to do good--especially in our immediate circles. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Friday, December 7, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Spread the Love
Chelo~
I heard on the news this morning that companies like Google and Comcast are working on technology that will monitor you while you are watching TV and then send tailor-made commercials just for you.
The examples given by the broadcaster included these:
"If you and your partner are making out on the couch, they might send you a commercial for birth control."
"If the technology picked up that you and your partner were arguing, they might send you a commercial for marital counseling."
Isn't that a scary thought? But it raises an interesting question. If they could somehow someway sense your fear, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and all around feelings of gloom in general, would they send a Bible verse? Would they send Jesus?
Probably not, but that is why we are here, people. I have said it before that we are Christ's outstretched arms on the earth. When He wants to encourage someone, love someone, help someone...He will use you.
Immediately I can hear some of you wondering how on earth you can encourage somebody else when you so desperately need it yourself.
Let's take a time out for a story.
A couple of years ago I was asked to pray by someone who's child was having an issue similar to an issue one of my children was facing. I was mega gung-ho about praying about it because I figured we would pray for both of our kids. And we did--faithfully--for several weeks. Then one glorious day she received a Divine answer, and I did not.
While I was happy for her, I was more upset that I was still waiting, and that was WRONG WRONG WRONG! I think my complaint at the time was something like this, "Really, Lord? Why not answer us both? I am so tired! How can this be?"
But alas, God allowed that in my life to show me a powerful lesson, and that is while we are still in the middle of a problem, or crisis, or whatever, we are to exercise our faith, encourage others, and continue praying because in doing so, God is going to encourage us!
Did you know that if I would have waited to write the DEVOs only when I had received every answer to every prayer I have ever said, I would not have even started to write? And that would have been catastrophic because God has blessed me immeasurably by letting me see the answers to prayer He has given to many of You.
If I could go back right to the time my buddy got her answer and I didn't, I would now say this, "Wow, Jesus! Thank You! If You answered her, then my answer is on the way!"
I would have used her answer as a faith strengthener in my own life.
How do we tie this all up?
You have to spread the love even when you don't feel like it because no one else is going to do it, certainly not Google, but it will make it's way back to you. This is God's way, and it is good.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, What is this world coming to? The thought that I could be monitored by my TV just so advertisers can make money is scary and offensive. They do not care about me, but You do, which is why You tell us over and over again to love You and love others. By doing that we will have a blessed life. Thank You, in Jesus' name, AMEN~
Galatians 6:9-10
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all...
I heard on the news this morning that companies like Google and Comcast are working on technology that will monitor you while you are watching TV and then send tailor-made commercials just for you.
The examples given by the broadcaster included these:
"If you and your partner are making out on the couch, they might send you a commercial for birth control."
"If the technology picked up that you and your partner were arguing, they might send you a commercial for marital counseling."
Isn't that a scary thought? But it raises an interesting question. If they could somehow someway sense your fear, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and all around feelings of gloom in general, would they send a Bible verse? Would they send Jesus?
Probably not, but that is why we are here, people. I have said it before that we are Christ's outstretched arms on the earth. When He wants to encourage someone, love someone, help someone...He will use you.
Immediately I can hear some of you wondering how on earth you can encourage somebody else when you so desperately need it yourself.
Let's take a time out for a story.
A couple of years ago I was asked to pray by someone who's child was having an issue similar to an issue one of my children was facing. I was mega gung-ho about praying about it because I figured we would pray for both of our kids. And we did--faithfully--for several weeks. Then one glorious day she received a Divine answer, and I did not.
While I was happy for her, I was more upset that I was still waiting, and that was WRONG WRONG WRONG! I think my complaint at the time was something like this, "Really, Lord? Why not answer us both? I am so tired! How can this be?"
But alas, God allowed that in my life to show me a powerful lesson, and that is while we are still in the middle of a problem, or crisis, or whatever, we are to exercise our faith, encourage others, and continue praying because in doing so, God is going to encourage us!
Did you know that if I would have waited to write the DEVOs only when I had received every answer to every prayer I have ever said, I would not have even started to write? And that would have been catastrophic because God has blessed me immeasurably by letting me see the answers to prayer He has given to many of You.
If I could go back right to the time my buddy got her answer and I didn't, I would now say this, "Wow, Jesus! Thank You! If You answered her, then my answer is on the way!"
I would have used her answer as a faith strengthener in my own life.
How do we tie this all up?
You have to spread the love even when you don't feel like it because no one else is going to do it, certainly not Google, but it will make it's way back to you. This is God's way, and it is good.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, What is this world coming to? The thought that I could be monitored by my TV just so advertisers can make money is scary and offensive. They do not care about me, but You do, which is why You tell us over and over again to love You and love others. By doing that we will have a blessed life. Thank You, in Jesus' name, AMEN~
Galatians 6:9-10
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all...
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Take That First Step :)
Tuesday Greetings~
Yesterday's one resounding response to the DEVO was, "How can I get God's arm down here to help? He seems so far away...It seems like His arm is too short..."
Well, glory glory hallelujah; the Bible has an answer for you!!!
"Come close to God, and God will come close to you." James 4:8
We must take that first step, and when we do, God responds. He perfectly executes His part of the deal, so what is the problem? Are we drawing near to Him? How do we even do that?
We start off by what? All together now: PRAYER!
We all know the Lord's prayer, and one line in there has a pretty clear guideline as to how often we should pray: "Give us this day our daily bread."
We should come close to God everyday by prayer. At least once. Sometimes, depending on the urgency at hand, I have been known to pray every five minutes (Ask Hormone and Rayray). And one time I received a frantic call from a mom whose daughter was about to run off with a miscreant of society, and she and I had a three-hour prayer marathon. For the record that young lady is now a happily married mother of two!
God is so good, dear people, and He longs to lavish us with His goodness. It starts with our coming close to Him.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, We come close to You now in prayer. Thank You that You are right here with each and every one us. Wrap Your arms around us and help us. We need You so much, but You need us too. We are Your children, and You love it when we spend time with You. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Yesterday's one resounding response to the DEVO was, "How can I get God's arm down here to help? He seems so far away...It seems like His arm is too short..."
Well, glory glory hallelujah; the Bible has an answer for you!!!
"Come close to God, and God will come close to you." James 4:8
We must take that first step, and when we do, God responds. He perfectly executes His part of the deal, so what is the problem? Are we drawing near to Him? How do we even do that?
We start off by what? All together now: PRAYER!
We all know the Lord's prayer, and one line in there has a pretty clear guideline as to how often we should pray: "Give us this day our daily bread."
We should come close to God everyday by prayer. At least once. Sometimes, depending on the urgency at hand, I have been known to pray every five minutes (Ask Hormone and Rayray). And one time I received a frantic call from a mom whose daughter was about to run off with a miscreant of society, and she and I had a three-hour prayer marathon. For the record that young lady is now a happily married mother of two!
God is so good, dear people, and He longs to lavish us with His goodness. It starts with our coming close to Him.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, We come close to You now in prayer. Thank You that You are right here with each and every one us. Wrap Your arms around us and help us. We need You so much, but You need us too. We are Your children, and You love it when we spend time with You. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Monday, December 3, 2012
Short Arm? NOT!!!!
Happy Monday :)
I love rhetorical questions because it's like saying "DING DONG or DUH!" in a nice way.
Kind of like when I used to say to Hormone, "Is your room going to clean itself?"
But before I ask you one, I want to point out that I spoke with several of you over the weekend, and there's a lot of stuff on our minds. In our DEVO group there are those who are unhappy at work, unsatisfied in relationships, freaking out over their kids, worried about money, experiencing health concerns and so on and so on and so on...
It's the same old stuff. But here's that question I told you I was going to ask, and it is from Isaiah 50:2 in the Bible:
Is God's arm too short that it can not help you? Does God lack the power to rescue you?
I love those questions because they point out the absurdity of even asking. Of course God's arm isn't too short nor is He lacking in any power.
Where would you like for God to reach down today and bring rescuing power?
PRAYER:
Dear Lord,
I are weary and tired and discouraged sometimes, but not when You remind me that You are more than enough to bring the help and rescuing I need. I invite You to extend Your more-than-long-enough-arm and help me. And I cry out to You for Your rescuing power in (fill in the blank) !!! In Jesus' name, AMEN~
I love rhetorical questions because it's like saying "DING DONG or DUH!" in a nice way.
Kind of like when I used to say to Hormone, "Is your room going to clean itself?"
But before I ask you one, I want to point out that I spoke with several of you over the weekend, and there's a lot of stuff on our minds. In our DEVO group there are those who are unhappy at work, unsatisfied in relationships, freaking out over their kids, worried about money, experiencing health concerns and so on and so on and so on...
It's the same old stuff. But here's that question I told you I was going to ask, and it is from Isaiah 50:2 in the Bible:
Is God's arm too short that it can not help you? Does God lack the power to rescue you?
I love those questions because they point out the absurdity of even asking. Of course God's arm isn't too short nor is He lacking in any power.
Where would you like for God to reach down today and bring rescuing power?
PRAYER:
Dear Lord,
I are weary and tired and discouraged sometimes, but not when You remind me that You are more than enough to bring the help and rescuing I need. I invite You to extend Your more-than-long-enough-arm and help me. And I cry out to You for Your rescuing power in (fill in the blank) !!! In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Up Up and Away...
This past weekend I experienced all the emotions that are humanly possible from deep sadness to my-stomach-hurts laughter. We humans are a crazy, unpredictable bunch, and thank God that He knows it and loves us anyway.
One emotion I also felt was admiration.
I spoke with a lovely young lady who was well within her right to be upset about something but chose to overlook it for the greater good. And as soon as I heard her story, I knew I would share that principle here with you all as well because there is a mighty lesson in it for us all.
As always, I will keep the details private, but I encourage you all right now, right here, to think about what's been upsetting you lately. There is always something bothering us that is not as big a deal as we are making it out to be.
A mom, embraced on either side by her two surviving daughters as they hover over the casket of their son/brother is a big deal--too big for any of us to fully comprehend it. And that is what I saw recently. Think about what your problem may be today and ask yourself if perhaps you should let it go.
How, then, do we do that? Imagine a helium balloon with a big twirly ribbon attached, and let's pray.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord,
Sometimes we humans are grudge holders. And it makes our hearts heavy. Today we choose to let it go. Just like a helium balloon, we want whatever is bothering us to float up up and away, and if we try to catch that balloon again by worrying about it or thinking about it or becoming upset about it, we realize we can't because it is closer to You now than us. We offer this prayer to You and ask You to heal our hearts and give us a fresh new perspective on what really matters. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Hebrews 12:1-3
...Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
These verses are cool, people! There's junk in our lives slowing us down, and it can trip us if we're not careful. SET IT FREE! That joy that awaits must be AMAZING if if compelled Jesus to endure the cross. That is also the same joy awaiting us. I CAN'T WAIT :)
Friday, November 30, 2012
I Love Christmas~
No, I do not have a fever. I just love this season and celebrating the birth of our Savior. Is there anything better to celebrate than this anyway? I don't think so.
I am also aware that for many this is an extremely difficult time of year. I have especially been thinking about Andy's mom and dad. He is the young man who passed, and I can not imagine what this Christmas will be like for his family.
So I want to challenge each and every one of you to do something extra special for somebody else--maybe even a complete stranger.
What if your, "Merry Christmas," were the only kind words spoken to someone all day? What if your putting a little something something extra on the tip line caused the waitress or waiter to say, "Thank You, Jesus?" What if your toy donation brought a smile to a child whose parent is in jail?
But what if you are feeling blue and don't have the energy or desire to bless someone else? Read these verses:
Deuteronomy 30:8-9
...keep all His commandments and God will outdo Himself in making things go well for you.
One of His many commandments is found in Romans 12:10:
Be kindly affectionate one to another with brotherly love.
Notice how God doesn't put any exceptions on this verse. He always says what He means, and He doesn't say only be kind when you feel like it or when everything is going well for you. If we put two and two together we can conclude that God wants us to treat others with love and respect no matter what. But, then He Himself will make things go well for us.
Dang if that ain't good news! In other words, it is never ever a bad time or inappropriate time to be kind because even if you ain't in the mood, God will bless you for it.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, If we're being honest, we do not always feel like being nice to others, and there are some people we meet whom we would rather slap than bless. Thank You that we can be honest with You about how we feel. Nevertheless, Your Word is clear, so help us today to be a blessing. Help us to see the bigger picture: If we can rise above how we feel to be kind toward others, You Yourself will outdo Yourself in making things go well for us. We'll take that deal. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Better than a thousand days...
Greetings:)
How many of you woke up to a perfect day? How many of you are living a perfect life? How many of you are 100% carefree? GET OVER YOURSELF!!!!
No matter how spectacularly wonderful your life is or isn't at the moment, there is a TRUTH that I want us all to embrace, and it is found in Psalm 84:10.
"For a day in Your presence is better than a thousand anywhere else."
Ultimately, this is great news for each and every one of us because if your life has been perfect, it still can not compare to the glory that awaits. But if your life has been a mix of ups and downs and joys and sorrows, then all it will take is one day with our Lord to forget all about the former struggles and get your eternity on!!! Hang on, people, God has got our back!
PRAYER:
Dear Lord,
Really? Just one day with You will be so awesome that it can not compare to even a thousand picture-perfect days on a caribbean beach? Then we can't wait. When we go through a rough patch remind us that the best is yet to come. Sometimes we experience disappointments and heartaches that take us months and even years to get over. But all it will take is one day with You to realize what true joy is. Thank You. In Jesus' name, AMEN~
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