Who's calling you?

“AJ, COME HERE!!”

My son AJ turned and put down the rake. Sweaty and tired from his backyard landscaping project, the last thing he expected was to hear our beloved neighbor across the street calling him so harshly. “There must be something wrong,” he thought. And there it was again.

“AJ, COME HERE NOW!!!”

Bewildered, AJ sauntered across the street and saw Kim in her front yard, hands cupped aside her mouth, bellowing, “AJ, COME HERE!”

“Kim, is something wrong?”

Her eyes landed on AJ, and when she saw the expression on his face, Kim broke out in hysterical laughter, hands on knees, almost rolling over into the driveway. It was several minutes before she was able to compose herself enough to squeak out the story. She was dog-sitting, and AJ-the dog had run away down the street.

AJ-the son,  greatly relieved that she was calling AJ-the dog, ran off to retrieve the missing pet.

There’s an important lesson we can glean from this light-hearted case of mistaken identity.

To read the rest of the story, click here. 

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Are You Waiting?

“God’s Waiting Room.” I’ve heard the term, even said the term myself. It’s that period of time spent waiting for our life to begin anew. 

• “When this happens, then I will…”
• “When I get a job, get married, have a baby, then I will …”
• “When the chemo is over, then I will…"
• “When I discover my gifts, then I will…”

If you're in that waiting room, join me over to Laced With Grace for a word of encouragement.

What - Me Worry??

This week, I’m heading to the speaker/writer conference She Speaks, with my book proposal in tow. I’m filled with anticipation of exciting possibilities ~ meeting women from across the country, learning from experts in their fields, and appointments with publishers to present my proposal. And despite the excitement, a measure of fear lurks beneath. And I’m not alone. I see from friends I know and those I will get to know that many are experiencing similar emotions.

Some worry about their families at home. Others about the conference itself and what they’ll say in their presentations.

Worry seems to be a universal tool of the enemy to keep our eyes focused on ourselves instead of God. But thankfully, there’s an antidote to worry.

Jesus knew the disciples would be called to speak publicly and He had this advice for them:

“...don’t worry in advance about what to say. Just say what God tells you at that time, for it is not you who will be speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” Mk 13:11

The Holy Spirit inside us, comforting us, guiding us, dispels the worries that plague us.

If we try to fit God into our agenda, we’ll be worried and stressed. When we rest in the knowledge that the Spirit is doing the talking, we’ll experience peace. This is not to say that we shouldn’t be diligently prepared.  It is to say that we let God guide our thoughts and actions.

We have no control over many of the things that happen to us each day. Family, health, financial, weather, and job situations press upon us and weigh us down. In any given moment, we could receive bad news, have an argument, be required to do something seemingly beyond our ability.

In that moment, we have a choice.

We can wallow in the gloom of self-pity, worry, fear, or depression. Or we can ask God for His perspective. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul shares the secret to finding joy in troubling times:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Phil 4:8

This process is the same whether it’s worship or worry. Worry is life-sucking meditation on the negative. Paul tells us what to meditate on: what’s true, noble, just, pure, lovely, things of good report, virtuous and praise-worthy things.

When a dear friend was going through a terrible time, she started a list. Using this Scripture, she decided to  list verses that stated what was true, noble, just, etc. She never got past "true." Her truth list was comprehensive enough for her to rewire her brain to meditate on the truth of God's unfailing love, His hope-filled plans for her, His never-ending compassion, His mercy, His trust-worthiness, His peace that passes understanding. 

What's on your truth list? 

My husband, the Snickers commercial

It only took me 25 years to catch on.

25 years of being defensive and overly sensitive. Taking things personally that really weren't personal.

You see, my husband and I work together. He's a chiropractor and I manage the office. Ok, I hear it all the time "Wow - I could never work with my husband." To which I nod, sweetly smile, and say "I could never work with your husband either." 

But that aside, we have had our challenging moments. Often around 12:50 pm. We break for lunch at 1:00 and, if there's no patient in the office, around 12:50 he starts hovering. "What are you doing?" "Are you done with that yet?" "How long will you be on the phone?" "I'm hungry, let's go before I get a headache." And so on.....

My response usually begins with a rumbling volcano deep in my gut that periodically erupts. Not every day, but far too often. I take his questioning personally like he’s criticizing my job performance, or my wifely abilities, or my character. Sometimes it's due to his tone of voice. Other times it's because I'm wound up tight in defensive mode ready to uncoil and pounce as soon as he opens his mouth. And frankly, if I don't say something in response, I'm thinking it. 

Except for that day last month. 

In he came, and with my fingers on the keyboard and my face to the monitor, my gut started tightening. The questions started, but for some reason known only to God, my reply was remarkably different. The volcano ebbed as I slowly turned in my chair to face him,

     “You’re a Snickers commercial hon. You’re just not you when you’re hungry.”

With the realization that the guy is hungry not angry at me, the pressure cooker valve released as the tension subsided and it was laughter that erupted. 

And now we have a new tagline whenever stresses arise. 

..

Snickers Commercial with Joe Pesci and Don Rickles

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MixNh9L7G5M

"And 'don’t sin by letting anger control you.' Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. ... Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.  Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." Eph. 4:26-27, 31-32

How about you? Do you find yourself at the ready to defend even if you're not under attack? How many arguments could be avoided if we sought to extend grace rather than dig our heels in? 

Thanks Tony for letting me share our story! 

Joy is a choice

When the Apostle Paul was in a Roman prison, he wrote several letters. His prison was no Ritz Hotel, and he was chained to a Roman guard night and day. His freedom robbed, he nevertheless continued on his mission. He opens his letter to the Philippian church by thanking God and praying for them. Then he goes on to say:


To keep reading and for a great tip on how to cultivate joy in troubled times, click here where I'm at Laced With Grace.

From Rubbish to Restored

SLOW DOWN!!! My husband Tony shrieked as I drove down the street. I thought there was mortal danger ahead and nearly caused some myself, but no - he wanted to scan the yard sale we were passing.

And that's why I don't drive when he's in the car. 

But this week, he was passing a house in lovely Franklin Lakes when he spotted an amp sitting at the curb. Being the master guitar player (and garbage picker – you didn’t hear that from me) that he is, he couldn’t resist. He stopped, and the owner told him that the amp was broken and Tony was free to take it. And being the master Mr. Fixit that he is, he did just that. He took it home and repaired it to work perfectly! 

This is life with Tony. 

Sometimes we feel like that amp - broken, useless, good for nothing but the garbage heap. At one time, we were new, clean and fresh, but life was hard. We might have been treated badly. Perhaps we were ignored or overlooked. Maybe we made some bad choices that hurt others or ourselves. And now we feel wounded or inadequate.

We feel like the amp out on the curb might feel – broken, defeated, alienated, separated from what could have been.

What we need is life with Jesus, the original Mr. Fixit. He takes our broken pieces and makes them like new.

Throughout Scripture, God restores His people, their health, their wealth, their hopes. He restored nations and order. He restored  “the crushed spirit of the humble and revived courage of  the repentant” (Is 57:15). He brought “sparkle to eyes” (Ps 13:3)

Jesus comforted the alienated and the outcast. He healed the infirmed. He made people useful and vibrant again. And He still does this today. If we let Him.

Will you let Him in today?  Will you enter into life with Jesus? How can I pray for you, beloved?

  

“In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.” 1 Peter 5:10

Your Roots Are Showing

I hadn't visited my hairdresser in months. I need to go regularly for my hair coloring, but I had to confess that I had been cheating on Nina. I was using a product called Root Touchup which got me through these months, but that only takes care of a small portion of my head. My roots needed real attention, and thankfully on Thursday they got it.

The Bible has something to say about our roots from a spiritual perspective. Jeremiah tells us that the woman who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him, is blessed. And it’s not just feeling blessed, it’s a blessing with tangible benefits.

Click on over to Laced With Grace and let's chat about what the Bible has to say about "roots." 

A Rose Among Thorns

Hello friends! I'm still slightly jet-lagged and bleary-eyed from my week in Australia, but Lauren is all set up and excitedly starting classes. Please remember her in your prayers as this first week is "intensives" which means classes from morning to night. Thanks so much. 

Today I'm posting over at Laced With Grace about an unlikely lesson learned from my friend Rose. Please click here to meet me over there. And be sure to leave a comment!

Highly Favored

Today's post comes from my friend Barbara Higby over at The Hope Perspective. Her great insight into Mary's encounter with Gabriel moved me deeply and makes me want to be more like Mary.  

"Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Luke 1:28

Mary had plans. She was engaged to be married to an honorable man. Likely, her expectations were to be a faithful wife, a good Jewish mother, and a prudent housewife as a Jehovah worshiping Hebrew woman. Her expectations would be fulfilled, but not as she anticipated. A surprise visit from the angel Gabriel drastically changed the dimension of her dreams. They were no longer confined to the home of a carpenter in Nazareth but took on world shaking significance. 

Gabriel presented Mary with the astonishing news that she would be a virgin mother—a mother of God. How could she wrap her mind around such a thought? The child’s conception would be unnatural, miraculous, inexplicable—an immaculate conception. Mary would never be the same; the world would never be the same. The significance of this prediction would change history. She had but one thing asked of her. The only request the angel made was, “Do not be afraid.”

How could this young girl not fear pregnancy? How could she explain a conception that did not take her virginity? How could she marry when pregnant? How could anyone, Joseph included, believe the truth?

But Mary heeded Gabriel's words. She set aside her fears and ten verses later we see this highly favored young woman respond as a humble servant. “I am the Lord’s servant…. May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38).

Lord, Director of history, Ruler of earth, omniscient Father, loving Master, Your plan is always greater, bigger, more complex, farther reaching than we can imagine. Help us to internalize that truth so that we will not fear but, in every situation, say with Mary, “I am the Lord’s servant…. May it be to me as you have said.”

But I'm Not A Morning Person!

I am not a morning person. I used to be a night owl. But age, kids, and work schedules have changed that for me. Now, you might say I’m strictly an afternoon person.

So when my friend Diane suggested a “ladies bike ride” at 7 am on a Saturday morning - at the shore - an hour away, I was secretly ambivalent. The fellowship sounded awesome, but the early morning hour, well let’s just say, I’m not a morning person. Despite my reservations, I agreed to go. And because I had a bike rack, I was committed.

The night before the ride, I had terrible trouble sleeping. When I finally fell asleep at 4 am, I dreamt that one of the girls cancelled the bike ride. Waves of relief flooded my subconscious REM sleep. When the alarm went off in the predawn darkness, my disappointment was palpable. You mean it was only a dream??? With great reluctance, I lethargically rose, got ready, and headed out. If it wasn’t for that darn bike rack commitment, I think I would have backed out. Have I mentioned that I am just not a morning person? Oy!

Six of us met at the rendezvous point, loaded up our bikes, and headed down the highway. Little by little, my morning brain fog began to dissolve.

We set out on our bikes heading north. A spectacularly glorious day. With the ocean to our right, the bay to our left, the refreshing wind in our faces, and nonstop laughter abounding. 

And I thought - I might have missed it all.

It’s not just the morning hour. I almost let my feelings dictate my actions. It sure wouldn’t have been the first time that happened. So often, I don’t feel like reading the Word OR making that phone call OR going to the homeless ministry OR preparing a Bible lesson OR writing that encouraging card OR going on that health walk OR a host of other things that turn out to be amazing blessings when I do follow through. 

And yet I justify my actions - or lack thereof -

- But I'm just not a morning person.

- But I'm just not organized.

- But my temperament is _______ (fill in the blank.)

- But I don't have time. 

- But I'm afraid. 

I recently saw this on facebook: 

"You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say." Martin Luther

I'll add to that - you and I are not only responsible for what we do, but also for what we do not do. 

Paul struggled with this issue - "For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, the the evil I do not want to do -this I keep on doing." Rom 7:19-20 

Thankfully he went on to say "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Rom. 8:1 Oh joy! 


But I want more than to be free from God's condemnation. I want to be obedient. I want to be centered in His will. I want to invest my "talent", not bury it. (Matt. 25:14-30) I want to hear "Well done, good and faithful servant." I want to experience the rewards of obedience, sensing His peace and His pleasure in my actions. 


If Jesus could endure the cross for the joy that awaited Him (Heb. 12:2), can't I even roll out of bed for the joy that awaits me? 

Though it may be cliche now, it's still true. Nike's slogan "Just Do It!" is echoed in the letter to the Hebrews (Message version):


"... we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running - and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed - that exhilarating finish in and with God - he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!" Heb 12:1-3 MSG


One act of obedience paves the way for the next. Each time we obey, we make it easier for the next time. So friends, can we all "Just Do It!" 

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

Dear friends,


Today is my debut as a contributing writer at the devotional blog, Laced With Grace. 

www.lacedwithgrace.com

In New Jersey, we have been devastated by flooding. Today's post reflects on the how's and why's some people suffer yet some are spared. 


Please click the link to visit me over at Laced With Grace. And pretty please leave a comment! I'd love to hear from you, and will respond ;D


Blessings,
Susan

The Unthinkable

The unthinkable happened this week.
A multi-generational tragedy so great there are no words.

We hugged. She wept, “I didn’t sign up for this.”
Pain unimaginable.
Walking wounded.

It can’t be real. These things happen on Law and Order. They happen to other people, not to me, not to us. But on tv, they are resolved in 60 minutes. This will take a lifetime, if it ever is resolved.

The why’s are not for us to know…. Yet.

But He knows what it is to lose a loved One in a violent tragic seeming mistake.

And because He knows - we can trust.

We can have peace that is beyond understanding.
Not peace of the “worry-free” variety.
But peace that comes from a deep assurance that belies common sense. It is uncommon sense.

How do we cope?
Another friend lost her firefighter husband on 9/11. After being bombarded with literature on how to cope, she searched the Scriptures to see what God said about coping. And found that the word “cope” is not in the Bible.
But the word “hope” is.
Nearly two-hundred times.

But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him,

on those whose hope is in His unfailing love…

We wait in hope for the LORD;

He is our help and our shield.

In Him our hearts rejoice,

for we trust in His holy name.

May your unfailing love be with us, LORD,

even as we put our hope in You.

Psalm 33: 18-22

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23

 

How To Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day

What did you first think when you read the title of today's post?
- Leprechauns? Shamrocks? Pot of gold?
- Drunken revelry? Celebrations out of control?
- Green bagels? Green beer? Green painted people?

After working in NYC for years, I've seen it all. I find it most curious the way that people "honor" St. Patrick on March 17th. I once witnessed a near-fatal showdown between mounted police and carousing, green-faced partygoers who spilled out of a bar and blocked 33rd St. and nearly became a casualty myself!

Since St. Patricks Day in Ireland is a religious holiday, I wondered how these American traditions developed. MSN.com provided a few answers:

Leprechauns
-In Irish folklore, leprechauns were cranky tricksters who you wouldn’t want to mess with. The cheerful, friendly ‘lil fairy most Americans associate with St. Paddy’s Day stems from a 1959 Walt Disney film called Darby O’Gill & the Little People. The Americanized, good-natured leprechaun soon became a symbol of St. Patrick’s Day and Ireland in general.

Shamrocks
- You may have worn a shamrock tattoo or donned a clover-covered necklace on some St. Patrick’s Day past. According to Irish legend, St. Patrick used a three-leaved clover, or shamrock, to illustrate the idea of the Holy Trinity, versus the good luck associated with the four-leaved variety, a mistake many Americans make.

Green Milk Shake
- Introduced in 1970, and discontinued in 1990, the deliciously minty McDonald’s Shamrock Shake returned to select stores in 2008. Only available for the month of March, the shake has received rave reviews by milkshake connoisseurs, who have entire websites dedicated to finding all of the shake-selling McDonald’s outposts.

Chicago's Green River
- Chicago has dyed its river green for St. Patrick’s Day every year since 1962, when city workers realized that the dye they used to trace illegal dumping would provide a fun way to celebrate the holiday. They released 100 pounds of dye into the river, which kept it green for an entire week. Chicago now uses just enough dye to last one day in order to be kinder to Mother Earth.

Parades
- The First St. Paddy’s Parade didn’t take place in Ireland but in the U.S. in 1762, when Irish soldiers serving in the British military marched through the New York City streets playing music. In America today, New York, Boston and Chicago boast the biggest St. Paddy’s Day parades, with New York being the longest-running civilian parade in the world. (Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day parade is a wee 75 years old.)

Drinking … a Lot
- While Americans associate St. Paddy’s with binge drinking, the Irish consider it a religious holiday. Until the 1970s, a law required all Irish pubs to close every March 17th. Drinking on St. Paddy’s really only became popular in Ireland post-1995, with the start of a national campaign to attract tourists for the holiday. It worked — over a million people now attend Dublin’s five-day festival.

Corned Beef
- Those who celebrate old-school by eating a meal of corned beef and cabbage are only really getting it partly right: The dish was originally eaten with bacon, not corned beef. Irish immigrants in America couldn’t afford the traditional bacon, so they substituted it with corned beef, a cheaper option they picked up from their Jewish neighbors. (Too bad they didn’t grab some bagels while they were at it!)

The prayer of St. Patrick adds the right perspective to this celebratory day. After reading the words and sensing the heart of this godly man, it grieves me to see the misunderstanding that the celebration of his life has become.

I arise today through God's strength to pilot me,

God's might to uphold me,

God's wisdom to guide me,

God's eye to look before me,

God's ear to hear for me,

God's word to speak for me,

God's hand to guard me,

God's way to lie before me,

God's shield to protect me,

Christ be with me,

Christ before me,

Christ behind me,

Christ in me,

Christ beneath me,

Christ above me,

Christ on my right,

Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down,

Christ when I sit down,

Christ when I arise.

Christ in the heart of everyone thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me.

Christ in every eye that sees me.

Christ in every ear that hears me.

"When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus." Acts 4:13

Oh that Christ would flow through me in such a way that people would see Him when they "think of me, speak of me, see me, or hear me." May your day today be filled with His presence. And may His presence flow through you to those around you today and everyday.

Stuff

I heard a song recently that struck a chord with me. It wasn’t the tune which got me. In fact, when I first heard it, I was ready to dismiss the song as fluff, “gospel-lite”, not worthy of my attention. But the words convicted me deeply.
.
Too often, I’m derailed by small things, things that are so trivial it’s embarrassing to admit I’m bothered by them, “stuff” as Francesca Battistelli calls them. In a world where people experience deep suffering, why do I allow these small matters to rob me of joy and peace?
.
The Bible refers to small annoyances such as these as “little foxes that ruin vineyards.” Song of Sol 2:15
.
Many small things have great impact.
• A poor widow donated two small coins and was honored for it.
• A young boy shared a lunch of two small fish and five loaves, and it was used to feed thousands.
• The mustard seed is the “smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants...” Mk. 4:31-32
• “The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.” Jms 3:5
.
Small things can have large consequences -- negative ones or positive ones -- depending upon our response to them. We’re given a choice: to just be irritated OR to allow God to use these irritations to shape our character like a file smooths a rough surface.
.

This is the Stuff - Francesca Battistelli

I lost my keys in the great unknown

And call me please 'Cuz I can't find my phone

.

This is the stuff that drives me crazy

This is the stuff that's getting to me lately

In the middle of my little mess

I forget how big I'm blessed

This is the stuff that gets under my skin

But I gotta trust You know exactly what You're doing

It might not be what I would choose

But this is the stuff You use

...

So break me of impatience my frustrations

I've got a new appreciation

It's not the end of the world

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HteoxWzAT8

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The Perfect Comeback

I almost did it.
.
Have you, like me, ever yearned for a perfect comeback to someone discourteous, but couldn’t think of a thing until hours later, and only then after mulling over all possible options for hours?
.
Today, I almost had my moment.
.
Of course, it’s a dicey situation, isn’t it? What if that person walks into my office tomorrow or my church on Sunday, not to mention the fact that I represent Jesus who is always with me. But today, as I muttered to my steering wheel, it came to me. The perfect comeback. And I almost had the opportunity to express it.
.
Here’s how it all went down:
.
I met my husband and son at the Post Office needing to renew our three passports. The clerk, Ann, had just taken their mug shots photos and seemed a little annoyed that she had to stay in the chilly lobby to take yet another one. [OK, I get that.]
.
My husband’s joke, “Can I get a different background?” was met by stony silence. No smile, headshake, or even an acknowledgement that he had spoken, despite the chuckles of other patrons stamping their letters nearby.
.
After my quick headshot, we returned to her station to proceed with the paperwork. Tony reminded her to process my son’s application first because he needed to leave quickly. Her steely-eyed glare was almost as cold as her reply, “I heard you the first time.” Ouch, that was a little harsh, but giving her the benefit of the doubt, my husband can have a tendency to make sure things are done “right.” [Luv ya, hon ;D]
.
As she continued to process the many papers, photos, and payments, her attitude continued to deteriorate from abrupt to curt to downright churlish.
.
Tony and I walked away mumbling to each other about her. My photo horrified me. For the next 10 years, I will be identified by a ghastly auburn slash of bang bisecting my forehead. Come on, I’m a girl, you’re a girl, can’t you clue me in before you snap?
.
But later I had to return to mail the applications with a “traceable delivery method” and I would have my chance. At least I thought I would. Here’s how I had it worked out in my head:
.
“Hi, again. Are you having a bad day today? Because I’d like to pray for you.” [genuine sweet smile]
.
“Hmmmpphhh…”
. 
"But if you’re just ordinarily surly, I’ll pray differently for you. [wink, not so genuine huge sweet smile] Thank you so much. Have a great day.”
.
When I returned to the scene of the crime, alas, at clerk Ann’s counter stood Charles; Ann nowhere to be seen, perhaps gone for the day. The momentary disappointment that I wouldn’t get my chance for the perfect comeback was partnered with a flood of relief that I couldn’t share that perfect comeback.

. 
In the movie, You’ve Got Mail, Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) longs to hurl a perfect comeback to her adversary, Joe Fox (Tom Hanks). Only when she finally does, it came with the realization that her words left her feeling worse for having said them. “Do you ever feel like you've become the worst version of yourself? That a Pandora's Box of all the secret hateful parts -- your arrogance, your spite, your condescension -- has sprung open. Someone provokes you, and instead of just smiling and moving on, you zing them. I didn't get any satisfaction from it," she types, "I just felt mean. When you say the thing you mean to say at the moment you mean to say it, remorse inevitably follows.” I knew I’d feel the same way.
. 
So, what is the perfect comeback? It is to come back to the Lord and allow Him take care of any consequences my “adversary” deserves. I spent half my day invisibly tethered to a mean-spirited postal worker. What a waste of time and energy.
. 
Instead, I decided to honestly pray for her. You never know why God puts certain people in your path, and it may be that I’m the only one praying for her. For the next 10 years, my bifurcated forehead photo will serve as a reminder, not just to pray for Ann and others like her, but to keep turning the other cheek, going the second mile, and loving the unlovely, for as Jesus said, “If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? …In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you." Mt. 5:46-48 MSG





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Draw Near

Thanks to Lynn Mosher of Heading Home for sharing this excellent post. What an awesome God that woos us to draw near.

Draw nigh to God...

...in holiness

Draw nigh in repentance, for the forgiveness of sins

Draw near...

...in silent adoration

Draw near in unrestrained awe and praise

Draw close to the Lord...

...to that Intimate Friend
Draw close to the Beloved of your soul

Draw alongside...
...kneeling as a petitioner
Draw alongside as a listener, in deepest affection

Draw closer still to the Babe in the manger...
...listen to the sweet sounds of the Newborn, as a foreshadowing of grievous sobs for a world of sinners
...smell the scent of the timbered cradle, as a harbinger of the distinctive fragrance of a destined, wooden cross
...see the Babe’s tiny hands reaching out, as impending vessels for prophetic iron spikes
...hear the gentle beat of His humble heart, as the antithesis of the future, rhythmic clanking of a metal hammer

Draw near to receive...
...a salvation so freely offered
...the power and strength you are lacking
...the guidance necessary to proceed through life’s events
...the tender touches of love to ease your pain and suffering
...overflowing streams of peace into your tired and hurting soul
...words of comfort and encouragement to soothe your broken heart and wipe away your tears

Draw near...
...in moments of anger
...in moments of praise

Draw near...
...in moments of emergency
...in moments of stillness

Draw near...
...in moments of deep sorrow
...in moments of great joy

Draw near...
...in moments of despair
...in moments of thankfulness

“Something better has been brought to us. It is God’s promise. And by that promise we come near to God.” (Heb. 7:19b Worldwide English) Therefore, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Heb. 10:22 NKJV)

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8 NKJV)

Draw near to the King of heaven and earth! Draw near to sing Happy Birthday!

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A Prophecy of Peace

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace

there will be no end.

He will reign on David's throne

and over his kingdom,

establishing and upholding it

with justice and righteousness

from that time on and forever.

The zeal of the Lord Almighty

will accomplish this.

Isaiah 9:6-7

Into the turmoil of our world, our families, our hearts, comes One who is the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. These names of the promised Messiah who came on Christmas always rivet my attention when reading this prophetic passage in Isaiah. Reflection on any one of those names stirs wonder within and calms my heart. But this Advent season a different phrase brought the peace into my unsettled world.

“The government will be on his shoulders.”

Like a placard, the words hung over a door through which too many uninvited concerns had paraded. Concerns that demanded urgent attention, shouted threats, and bullied my composure. Now the words of Scripture blocked out the noise and boldly declared, “The government of life, the government of your life, is not on your shoulders, they are on mine.”

The dictionary helps us understand what it means for the Lord to govern our lives:

• He exercises continuous sovereign authority over us


• He controls, directs, and strongly influences the actions that touch our lives


• He exerts a determining influence over us


• He holds our lives in check


• He prevails and has a decisive influence over our lives


Verse seven elucidates the blessings of our Lord’s government – nothing falls outside His influence (no end to the increase of his government), He rules with peace, justice and righteousness, and He is zealous to govern and accomplish His perfect will.

The Messiah has come and the government is on His shoulders. Let us rest under His loving reign until He returns to free us from the conflicts of this world and bring us into His Kingdom.

 

Today's post comes from gifted writer and leader of our local writers group, Barbara Higby of The Hope Perspective.   

In Search of Bethlehem’s Babe

My dear friend, Lynn Mosher, from Heading Home is sharing today's message, and two more before our 40 Days are out. I'm so grateful to her for her skills and her heart. Thank you, Lynn, for this beautiful reminder of that holy night.

As darkness swallows up the day, the black-velvet expanse of night displays a bazillion, shimmering constellations.

Shepherds gather around a flickering fire to dispel the evening’s chill, the flames casting a warm glow across their faces, while others keep guard from the watchtower.

Peace and quiet surround them, except for the soothing crackle of the fire.

Their flocks lie still, serene.

The night’s shroud abruptly parts, revealing the radiance of an angel of the Lord. The shepherds fall on their faces, trembling.

The angel assures this cluster of caretakers, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12 NIV)

Heaven then severs the night sky to display more of its glory, unfolding a host of angels, as their voices ring out, “Glory to God in the highest. On earth, peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14 NKJV)

Rising to their feet, the shepherds agree, “Come on! Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” (Luke 2:15 TLB)

One unusual star emblazons the eastern sky; one divinely-appointed beam of light illuminates the way to this heralded wonder.

Weaving their way through those rushing to find a place to stay, those having been summoned here to register for taxation, the shepherds follow the beam of light, seeking the site of this new Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths.

From a chorus of angelic voices to the clamor of the street, a multitude of sounds reaches their ears: the bleating of sheep, the braying of donkeys, the lowing of cattle. Suddenly, the cries of a newborn resonate above all the rest.

Finding their way inside a stable, the shepherds find the Babe of Bethlehem, wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a hayed trough.

The shepherds encounter the Savior of the world. What they sought, they found.

Oh, to know the wonder of that holy night. To follow the Light, to find the Babe of Bethlehem.

Lord, take me to those fields filled with Your glory. Draw back the black curtain of my night and spill out the glory of Your heaven.

Lead me to that humble manger that I may learn to make my heart a humble manger-place for You. Reveal my life’s emptiness and fill it with the same joy of heaven that filled that night’s air. Guide me always by the Light of Your Life.

Give me willing knees to crouch before You in lowly reverence and awe. Give me listening ears to hear the rush of angels’ wings, to hear their glorious hallelujahs and the holiness of their worship.

Oh, that my heart would always be filled with the glory and wonder of that precious night.

Have you encountered the Babe of Bethlehem? Have you sought and found the Savior of the world? I pray your heart will be filled with Bethlehem wonder and glorious worship this Christmas.


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Dear Lord,
May we take this message to heart and instead of running all over the place, let us run, run, run to You.