The Real Scandal

Every day it’s a new scandal, a new divisive issue.

• Race issues.
• Gender issues.
• Abuse issues.
• Political issues.

You know the names. The places. We see and hear them all day, every day. Our newsfeeds overflow with opposing points of view. We share the ones we agree with, furthering the furor. We discount the opinions of others without attempting to understand them.

And I have to ask the question, cliche as it is. What would Jesus do?

Occupy YOUR Street

The salesclerk asked a simple question - one I answered easily every year. But this year, I hesitated.

“Would you like to add on ‘Thanks for Sharing’?” Smile. Slight head tilt. Credit card please?

Every year at this time - for a $25 enrollment fee that goes to charity - Macy’s offers their customers an opportunity to earn 10% back on their purchases through the end of the year. Since I usually spend at least $250 at Macy’s during this time, it always made financial sense to enroll.

But because of my growing awareness of human trafficking, slave labor, injustice in the world, and poverty, my spending patterns have changed. I no longer spend as much money in Macys, but shop for gifts in catalogs by World Vision, IJM, Fair Trade vendors, etc.

And so I stood there mute, not moving a muscle while my brain raced away.  

As the clock ticked and the awkward silence grew, I knew I had to say something. So I said the truth - that this year the question is not as easy to answer as previous years because things have changed.

I chose to explain to the salesclerk WHY I was hesitating. I told her about Advent Conspiracy, Justice Network, Charity:Water, and how God is directing me to make my spending be intentional in both fighting poverty and injustice and building relationships with family and friends.  

She stood there dumbfounded at first, but then she shared with me that her mother watches the 700 Club and often asks for prayer. “Is that similar?” she asked. And then I was able to enter into a deep conversation with her. I gave her my business card inviting her to read my blog. She asked about my church, and I was able to tell her not only about church but more importantly about God and what Christmas is really about for me and my family, and could be for her too.

I am, by nature, an introvert. My natural inclination is just to say “No thank you” or “Sure sign me up” and leave it at that. But that night, God impressed upon me to speak up, and He gave me the words to share. (Col. 4:6)

When I came home and told my daughter Lauren about the conversation, she said, “Way to go, Mom. That’s what Pastor Carl would call – 'occupying your street'.” Her pastor, Carl Lenz of Hillsong NYC, used the Occupy Wall Street movement as an illustration to apply the phrase to our Christian lives. He exhorted us to make an impact for Christ in the immediate world around us - our street, our workplace, our family, our friends, our church, even our local Macy*s cosmetics counter. 

Lauren's favorite quote among the many she recorded from his message, “Shock people with the dream in your heart, and impact them with your dedication to what’s in your hand right now.”

What was in my hand that day? My credit card.

Well I'm not dedicated to my credit card, but God used it just the same. I may never see that salesclerk again, but I will look for her on my next visit to Macy’s.

And I decided to go ahead and purchase the $25 Thanks for Giving program. Whether it makes financial sense or not, the money goes to charity so it makes perfect sense. 

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. …

And he called his servants… and said unto them, Occupy till I come.” Luke 19:10,13

In what way can you occupy YOUR street in the months to come?

Why Is Red The Color Of Christmas?

I confess - my least favorite color is red. 

Years ago, a friend gave me a gift - maroon/reddish sweater. I finally wore it to be nice. That day, everyone asked me if I was sick. "You're a little flushed today, are you ok?" "You look pale today. How are you feeling?" Flushed? Pale? In the same day? Nope, I feel fine - it's just the sweater. 

My husband and I were shopping for cars a few years after that. The only car left in the model we wanted was maroon/red. It had all the features. The price was right. But I just couldn't be surrounded by that color, looking sick everywhere I drove. We didn't buy the car. 

At Christmas, I tend to decorate in shades of gold, white, and silver adding sprinkles of colors here and there. At Christmas, I tolerate red. Barely. 

But today, I embrace RED. I'm grateful for its presence throughout the history of humanity. Watch this video and I think you'll agree. Red is THE color of Christmas, the color of salvation, the color of life! 

http://blog.greglaurie.com/?p=5390

http://youtu.be/toE3Vo6BBwk

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Separation Anxiety

In a parking lot near my office, I spotted the cutest family parade: four little goslings marching single file, Mother and Father Goose in front and rear, on their way to a nearby stream. 

Unfortunately, one little fella wound up on the wrong side of the fence. Hearing his family on the river side, he franticly scuttled along the barrier. A mere one foot high, for the little bird the fence might as well have been Alcatraz. 

you can spot his little head all the way to the left

Nearby, Mother Goose hovered and honked loudly to Junior who desperately waddled back and forth along the divider. At one point, he tried with all his pathetic little might to fly over the divider. Jumping and flailing his weak downy wings, he failed to launch more than an inch off the ground. And then I saw it. Several feet away, the rugged wooden beam arched upward, just a few inches, but surely high enough for Junior to scurry under. Now how to steer him there without causing him a coronary? 

I approached the drama with tiny steps in his direction, whispering words of encouragement. Mother Goose shrieked and wildly spread her wings, and I trembled, most grateful for my sunglasses protection should she attack. Then inexplicably her demeanor changed. Innately, I think she realized I was not a threat. She eyed me, but stayed silent and motionless until Junior finally found his way under the fence, and the reunited family sailed away.

 

Seems like a perfect belated Mother’s Day story.

Here was a mother striving in her own strength to guide her little prodigal in the way he should go, only to release control to one with greater vision. May we, like she, guide our brood, protect them as we are able, but ultimately trust their care to the One with greater vision. May we realize that He came to show us the way, speaking and guiding us gently with His still, small voice. 

Happy Belated Mother's Day! 

seen last week at my Hallmark store:

Here’s to good women-

- May we Know them

- May we Be them

- May we Raise them

^{Psalm 138 (Amp)}
I will confess and praise You [O God] with my whole heart;
...
In the day when I called, You answered me; and You strengthened me with strength in my inner self.
...
they shall sing of the ways of the Lord and joyfully celebrate His mighty acts, for great is the glory of the Lord.
...
For though the Lord is high, yet has He respect to the lowly [bringing them into fellowship with Him]; 
...
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me...

You're Invited!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItcURbkjXOA

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Dying You destroyed our death

Rising You restored our life

Lord Jesus, come in glory

Lord, we remember You

And remembrance leads us to worship

And as we worship You

Our worship leads to communion

We respond to Your invitation

How will we respond to His invitation?
Dear friend, how will you respond to His invitation?

Hark... God and sinner reconciled!

Hark! The herald angels sing,

“Glory to the newborn King;

Peace on earth, and mercy mild,

God and sinners reconciled!”

The good news, the heart of the story, the reason He came - "God and sinners reconciled." As you celebrate Christmas this year, may you be filled to overflowing with the joy of knowing the One who came to die, who came to redeem you as His own. Merry Messiah-mas!

Col. 1:15-23

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,

and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 

if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel.

This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I have become a servant.

Do You See What I See?

It's funny how two people can look at the same image and see two different things.

But once it's pointed out to you, you can see both!

Today, I'm having a little fun with the popular Christmas carol, Do You See What I See?

Do you see what I see?

Some see: sweet little baby Jesus
I see: the Savior of the universe, Creator God, who reduced Himself to a single cell embedded in the womb of a humble virgin, that He might become as one of His subjects to live like them, to die for them, to rise again providing victory for them.

Some see: plastic figurines of nativity characters
I see: depictions of real men and a woman who lived 2000 years ago and were used by God in the incarnation of God the Son. Unlikely people who were led to participate in the event that changed the course of human history.

Some see: twinkling lights adorning houses, trees, windows
I see: images of the Light of the world, eliminating darkness bulb by precious bulb

Some see: jolly old Santas
I see: a portrayal of Bishop Nicholas of Myra, a godly man with a reputation for secret gift-giving to the poor, who worshiped Jesus with all his heart

Some see: paper wrapped gifts under the tree
I see: demonstrations of love for family and friends representing the Gift that came wrapped in swaddling clothes

Do you hear what I hear?

Some hear: unlikely singers belting out holiday tunes
I hear: God’s word embedded in Christmas carols. His Word does not return void. Those unlikely singers are proclaiming the good news!

Some hear: well-wishers sharing “holiday greetings”
I hear: more opportunities to share the gospel “It is God's responsibility to make people receptive; it is our responsibility to sow the seed.” Rick Warren

Do you know what I know?

Some know: that Jesus was a great teacher
Some know: he was a liar, heretic or lunatic
Some know: all about Him with knowing Him personally

I know: that Jesus is the foretold Messiah, the Savior of the world, who left His home in heaven to live a sinless life dwelling in and among His people and ultimately paying the price for their sins and mine.  
I know: that my life has meaning and purpose that I never knew before 
I know: that I have peace that is beyond understanding 
I know: that someday, in His timing, I will go to heaven and be with Him
I know: that you can know what I know


Dear Lord,
May we see what You see.
May we hear what You say.
May we know what You share with us.

Mission Trip - Haitian Style

As most of you know, my 2 children have been on mission trips this month with Touch The World. AJ arrived back from Eleuthera, Bahamas safe and sound, and has promised to write a blogpost about his trip, but first he’s busy catching up with friends :) Lauren returned from Uganda last night. More on their trips later.

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Last Saturday, the TTW Haiti team bunked over at our place. After arriving at JFK, they stayed with us until their closing rally on Sunday. What a joy! As they shared their stories, we laughed, cried and vicariously experienced their last 3 weeks.

So many things I want to share, but I'll settle for two:



1- Symphony of Prayer
When we bowed our heads in prayer, I was greatly moved. Rather than hearing one person to pray aloud, each person simultaneously prayed aloud. This is how the Haitians pray, and the team adopted this manner of prayer. As they prayed, I thought - this is what God hears all the time on a much greater scale! The cacophony of voices brought to mind John's description of the prayers of the all the saints ascending to heaven like incense (Rev. 8:3-4). I heard all the prayers, but not a single word could I discern. Yet God has no problem hearing multitudes of voices across the entire earth and identifying each of His children in a personal way.

God, come close. Come quickly!
Open your ears—it's my voice you're hearing!

Treat my prayer as sweet incense rising... Ps.141:1-2 MSG

 

2- What is permanent?
One of the team's tasks in Haiti was to build the platform from which they presented VBS, dramas and puppet shows. However, the wood supplied for the task could not be cut. At the conclusion of VBS, they had to disassemble the platform and use the wood to make bunk beds, benches and tables for the Haitian children.
As they shared this story with me, we discussed what was really permanent. The team shared the gospel from the sturdy wooden platform they built. The wood then was reconstructed into furniture for the Haitian people which would remain with them. But, eventually time, use, neglect, weather will take their toll on these items. What will really endure forever are the words that were shared, the everlasting truths of God, and the love that was poured into the hearts of these people who have lost so much, yet have gained eternity.  

The grass withers and the flower drops off, But the Word of the Lord (divine instruction, the Gospel) endures forever. And this Word is the good news which was preached to you. 1 Pet. 24b-25 Amp

Thank you, Haiti team, for sharing with us your stories, your humor and your sweet spirit. And thank you, Lord, for using these young people in such mighty ways.

Once was lost....

It was just a scarf. But it was one that I loved and that represented so much to me.


It was a gift from my mother-in-law. But it was one that I picked out myself.

It was one of the first things that I bought that my daughter said,
“Cool. Can I borrow it sometime?”


Oooooh... I have now morphed from classic (aka -“boring”) mom to funky (aka - “cool-er", not yet totally cool) mom. I’ve been trying to move away from my typical traditional styling with some trendy fashion pieces. The scarf was one of my breakthrough items.

And it kept me warm - a practical bonus.

Now it was gone.

Driving home from dinner and a movie Saturday night, for no apparent reason, I got that heightened sense something was amiss. My nerves tingled. The hairs on my head prickled. It was that “spidey-sense” feeling. Where was my scarf? I knew, just knew for sure, that it was gone forever.

Arriving home, I called the restaurant, waited on hold for over 15 minutes while they searched, but alas, with no luck. Certain that I’d have worse luck at the mega-movie theater, I felt despair, but called their “Guest Services” anyway. No one ever answers that line. I know, I’ve tried before.


Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring....


“AMC Garden State Plaza, Guest Services, May I help you?”


“Duh, Uh, ... you’re really there??”


“Yes ma’am. How can I help you?”


“I lost a scarf there tonight. In Theater # 14. Any chance you have it?”


“Please describe it.”


(Are you kidding me? If you don’t have it, just say so. Why waste my time and yours?)


“Well, it sounds gross, but it’s sortof brown, red, orange and purple. And it’s not flat, it’s round.”


Pause.


(I know she’s thinking, Why would anyone want something like that back?)


“Hold on. Let me check.”


Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick....


“Ma’am, there’s something here that might be it. You can come to Guest Services tonight.”


Elation...., could it be? “I can’t come back tonight. Can you hold it 'til Monday?”


“Uh, sure.”


“My name is Su.......”


“We can’t put your name on it. It might not be yours.”


“Oh, okay.”


Why wait until Monday? On Sunday afternoon, I stopped in at AMC Guest Services and shared my dilemma with the hip-hop fashionista clerk.


She disappeared into the lost-and-found black hole. When she returned, she held out my beloved scarf on both hands away from her torso as if she was holding roadkill.

With dismay, “Is this it????”        


“Oh, thank you so-o-o much. It may not mean much to you, but means the world to me.” I circled the scarf around my neck and headed back out into the cold.



What exactly does this all mean? Is there a message to be gleaned here?

Well, first of all, someone cared enough to bring my bedraggled scarf to a place where it could be redeemed. And 30 years ago, someone cared enough to share the gospel with me so that I could be redeemed. Who cared enough about you to share the gospel? Have you brought someone to your home or to church or out for coffee lately who needs to hear the good news?

My scarf clearly wasn't the clerk’s style, and sometimes, people just don’t appeal to us. But they appeal to God and mean the world to Him, and because of that, they must mean the world to us, too. Is there someone unlovely that you need to see God's way?

OK, this next one is a totally cheap illustration I know. When I was separated from my scarf, I sorely missed it. Being reunited with my scarf warmed my heart. Of course, this cannot begin to compare to the unfathomable love that God has for us, but you get the picture. Apart from Christ, we just are not complete. In Christ, we have joy, purpose, fulfillment, peace.
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This scarf of mine was lost and now is found, so I began to celebrate -


“…For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate." Luke 15:24
.

Do you know Him? Celebrate!

Susan

The Real Christmas People

I received this devotion a last month from Ron Hutchcraft's "A Word With You", and thought it so worthwhile to share during our 40 Day Focus.

Nate Saint, better than anyone else I know, may have captured Christmas from heaven's perspective. I've stood on that beach where Nate Saint, Jim Elliott, and the others died at the hands of the Aucas. But today, the men who murdered them are leaders of the Auca Church, and many, including me, were inspired by their example to serve Christ. On the eve of his last Christmas on earth, Nate Saint wrote his perspective on Christmas, and I can't get it out of my mind. I hope you won't either. I believe this is the heart of God about Christmas.



Here's what Nate Saint wrote in his journal on December 18: "May we be moved with compassion as our Lord was. May we shed tears of repentance for these we have failed to bring out of the darkness. Beyond the smiling scenes of Bethlehem, may we see the crushing agony of Golgotha. May God give us a new vision of His will concerning the lost - and our responsibility." Twenty-one days later, Nate Saint died, attemping to rescue some of those very people.


His words are hard to hear in the middle of all our Christmas activity. Aren't they? It's all about a spiritual rescue mission that cost the Son of God His life. That mission was clearly spelled out to Joseph when the angel announced the coming of Jesus to him in Matthew 1:21, our word for today from the Word of God. "You are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins." The very name Jesus means "the Lord saves" - that's "save" as in rescuers saving people from the rubble at Ground Zero, or a firefighter saving people from a burning building. Sin is the burning building we're in, trapped with no way out - except for heaven's Rescuer, Jesus Christ, who gave His life rescuing ours with the "crushing agony of Golgotha."


Following Jesus means living to join Him in His rescue mission to save others.


Maybe even in these countdown days to Christmas, you can pray for God to open up some amazing opportunities to tell someone about Him - why He came, why He died, and what He does when we open our life to Him. Because Christmas is all about a rescue mission - to intervene for someone who is, in Nate Saint's words, hurtling "headlong into a Christless night without ever having a chance." You can be that chance.

Jesus, may we see your children as You do. Help us to have the words to share, the eyes to  see, the heart to love, to courage to reach the lost. 
 
Susan

Happy Birthday, James!

Today, I got the most wonderful phone call. James was a student in my Sunday School class when he was 5 years old. He called to remind me that it was his "spiritual birthday". Nine years ago today, he prayed with me to receive Jesus Christ as his Savior.

He remembers many details of that day, including where we where and even what he ate that day - chocolate chip pancakes! But more importantly, he remembers what that day signifies. At 5 years old, he was born into God's eternal kingdom. Each year, his parents honor that decision with a special gift. He is a godly young man, and the Lord has great plans for him, I'm sure.

At 24 years old, I made the same decision as James. My friends and I spent summer weekends at a beach house in the Hamptons. We slept on the beach by day and danced in the bars at night. One night, we met the members of a band. What we didn't know was that the band members had come to Christ a few weeks before we met them. Well, it wasn't long before we did know that! They freely shared the good news with us, and after several more meetings and reading the Bible, we also accepted Christ as our Savior. That was the beginning of a long, an unusual, but a glorious story of walking with my Lord.

Whether you have come to know Jesus as a child or as an adult, whether long ago or recently, the important thing is the coming to Him. We often lavishly celebrate our physical birthdays, but our earthly bodies will one day pass away. Our spiritual birthday marks the day we enter eternal life which will never pass away.

Today was a beautiful reminder to me of my spiritual birthday as well as James'. I am reminded of the best gift ever given. I am thankful to Tony A., Richie and the other band members for sharing Christ with me. I am thankful for the opportunites I've had to share Jesus with others, and to have had a part in James' spiritual birthday, as well as other students, friends and family. We are forever linked!

Having received Christ as Savior, we have a mandate to share Him with others. It is the greatest privilege to participate in another's salvation experience.

Do you have a story to tell? What is your testimony of coming to Christ? Have you had the opportunity to share in another's coming to Him? Would you leave me a comment or send me an email! I'd love to hear about it!

Susan

Indecision???

Today on the radio, I heard the following statement: "Indecision may or may not be my problem." I laughed out loud! That hit close to home!

Indecision has frequently caused me to procrastinate. I have a "to-do" pile that is expanding because I'm not sure what action to take. I'll think that perhaps this might be the way to go, only to rethink that decision, and ultimately, I end up taking no action at all.

But there is one decision that I made almost 30 years ago that I will never rethink. I made the choice to accept the gift of salvation that God so generously offered. Moses told the Israelites, "Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. ... Oh, that you would choose life, that you and your descendents might live! Choose to love the LORD your God and obey Him and commit yourself to Him, for He is your life." (Deut. 30:19-20) I chose life on Sept. 9, 1979.

But I find that I must choose every day to walk according to that life. Joshua said, "Choose this day whom you will serve." Each day presents itself with new challenges that test my decision of 30 years ago. According to a footnote in my Bible, "The people had to decide whether they would obey the Lord, who had proven His trustworthiness. ... It's easy to slip into a quiet rebellion - going about life in your own way. But the time comes when you have to choose who or what will control you? The choice is yours. Will it be God, your own limited personality, or another imperfect substitute? Once you have chosen to be controlled by God's Spirit, reaffirm your choice every day."

Have you reaffirmed your choice to serve the Lord today? As Bob Dylan sang, "You gotta serve somebody." So, if you find that you're not serving the Lord, who are you serving? Have you been going your own way? Has a minor incident caused a major disconnect with God? Remember that as many steps as you may have taken away from God, it's only just one step back - back into fellowship with Him and the blessings that accompany that relationship.

Susan