"...I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all that she had to live on." Mark 12:43-44
We're a funny bunch, us humans. Ever wonder if the "hosts of heaven" look down on us sometimes shaking their heads and saying, "they just don't get it do they?"
As much as Jesus loved his disciples, he still expressed his frustration with them from time to time because they just didn't seem to catch on. In Matthew 17:17 he even said, "...how long shall I put up with you?" They were, as we are, true to the description that God outlined in 1 Samuel 16:7 when he said that "man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
How often do we look at situations and people and make judgments on face value rather than asking for that eternal perspective that can only come from spending time with the One who holds eternity in his grasp? We compare ourselves, our situations, our circumstances, our education and careers, our abilities and talents, our possessions, our relationships with everyone else. Why is it that we feel such a need to do that all the time? Sadly, we never win when we get on the comparison train. When will we understand that God's plans and purposes for us having nothing to do with how we stack up to the next guy (or girl). What a release to decide against another trip around that same track. To decide it's time to get off and start marching to a totally different tune (or is that drummer?)
The widow in this verse was rich. Yes, I said she was rich! Why? Because she decided against the comparison train long before she entered the temple. Don't you think she knew all the "power players" with their wealth and influence would be watching when she put her 2 little copper coins in the plate? Sure she did. But she didn't care because she was wearing eternal glasses that day. Her vision was focused on one thing and one thing only - giving all she had to the One who had her name written in the palm of His hand. (Isaiah 49:16)
I've heard it said that when we give (not just materially by the way) that God doesn't look at what we give away nearly as much as He does at what we keep for ourselves. Hmmm. That's a game changer.
Looks like the widow was the one with all the "might" after all.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Heavenly Support Group
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1
We have a support group at our church. In fact, we have several small support groups under the umbrella of a larger support group called "Target 10:10 for Recovery". When my husband and I first felt the Lord leading us to start this group a couple of years ago, I remember thinking, "This is a really nice thing we're doing. There are a lot of hurting people out there and they need encouragement and strength to keep fighting." That was all well and good and I was more than happy to help. You know what I didn't realize then that I know now --and the Lord knew all along? I needed this group just as much as anyone else.
We try not to be predictable at Target 10:10. We have a format to follow but sometimes we like to kind of "shake things up a bit" (I think that's one characteristic we are learning from our Heavenly Father!) A few weeks ago we pulled all of our chairs into one big half circle and started sharing how we feel we're doing in our "journey of recovery". Some of us struggle with substance abuse, some with depression and rejection, some with co-dependency, some with sexual addictions, and the list goes on. There were some very private moments, some tears, some laughter, some questions and some heartaches while waiting for answers. More than anything else though, I sensed an amazing outpouring of love and support from brothers and sisters who loved each other and wanted to see each other succeed.
One of the last things we did that night was to go around and tell each person what strengths that the Lord had revealed to us were in their lives. Talk about encouraging! Hebrews 12:1 comes to mind when I remember that evening. We were surrounded by a pretty great cloud of witnesses. Because we knew that cloud of witnesses were cheering us on, we walked out of there that night with a renewed motivation to "run the race with perseverance".
The writer of Hebrews, in chapter 12 was giving us a picture of a "Heavenly Support Group" that is in glory cheering us on in our race here on earth. The scripture begins by saying, "Therefore..." The therefore reverts back to all of the members of the "Hall of Faith" mentioned in chapter 11. The scripture says they are all in heaven cheering us on. What a beautiful picture to keep focused on as we press forward. The most powerful part of that picture is the person leading that cheer--our Lord Jesus.
That's one of Easter's most amazing results. Because of his death and resurrection,
Romans 8:34 tells us, "...Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." Verse 35 goes on to remind us that nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ. Talk about motivation!
He is Risen!
We have a support group at our church. In fact, we have several small support groups under the umbrella of a larger support group called "Target 10:10 for Recovery". When my husband and I first felt the Lord leading us to start this group a couple of years ago, I remember thinking, "This is a really nice thing we're doing. There are a lot of hurting people out there and they need encouragement and strength to keep fighting." That was all well and good and I was more than happy to help. You know what I didn't realize then that I know now --and the Lord knew all along? I needed this group just as much as anyone else.
We try not to be predictable at Target 10:10. We have a format to follow but sometimes we like to kind of "shake things up a bit" (I think that's one characteristic we are learning from our Heavenly Father!) A few weeks ago we pulled all of our chairs into one big half circle and started sharing how we feel we're doing in our "journey of recovery". Some of us struggle with substance abuse, some with depression and rejection, some with co-dependency, some with sexual addictions, and the list goes on. There were some very private moments, some tears, some laughter, some questions and some heartaches while waiting for answers. More than anything else though, I sensed an amazing outpouring of love and support from brothers and sisters who loved each other and wanted to see each other succeed.
One of the last things we did that night was to go around and tell each person what strengths that the Lord had revealed to us were in their lives. Talk about encouraging! Hebrews 12:1 comes to mind when I remember that evening. We were surrounded by a pretty great cloud of witnesses. Because we knew that cloud of witnesses were cheering us on, we walked out of there that night with a renewed motivation to "run the race with perseverance".
The writer of Hebrews, in chapter 12 was giving us a picture of a "Heavenly Support Group" that is in glory cheering us on in our race here on earth. The scripture begins by saying, "Therefore..." The therefore reverts back to all of the members of the "Hall of Faith" mentioned in chapter 11. The scripture says they are all in heaven cheering us on. What a beautiful picture to keep focused on as we press forward. The most powerful part of that picture is the person leading that cheer--our Lord Jesus.
That's one of Easter's most amazing results. Because of his death and resurrection,
Romans 8:34 tells us, "...Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." Verse 35 goes on to remind us that nothing shall separate us from the love of Christ. Talk about motivation!
He is Risen!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Walking With The Wise
"Whoever walks with the wise will become wise; whoever walk with fools will suffer harm." Proverbs 13:20
Have you ever stepped back to evaluate with whom you spend the most time? According to this scripture, that should be a pretty serious consideration in our lives.
First of all, aside from spouses, who are your friends? Really. There are casual acquaintances and there are true friends. As believers (and women) we will likely have many acquaintances; people at work, people we see when dropping the kids off at sports, gymnastics, people at the grocery store, etc... Those are the people in this world that we come in contact with everyday. Hopefully, they are feeling Jesus from us as we rub shoulders with them. But who are your real friends - the ones you share deeper cares, concerns and fears? Maybe even more importantly, the ones that offer you advice? Who are they? Does it really matter? It should.
This scripture tells us that we become like the people we choose to walk with. Look at the word "walk". Now to walk with someone, a couple of things need to be happening. First, you have to be in step with that person - your pace has to be about the same. Otherwise, you won't be together very long. Secondly, you have to be headed toward the same destination. You can't walk with someone who is heading in a different direction than you are. If you attempt to do that, one of you will be forced to change directions. Amos 3:3 says, "Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction? Hmmm....
Ladies, now more than ever we need godly friends. Let's stop here and remind ourselves that not all christian friends are necessarily godly friends. A believer away from the Lord can often be a very dangerous friend to have around. Because her heart has wandered away from the Lord Jesus, she will naturally pull you along with her if you allow it. Don't. If we commit ourselves to choosing godly christian friends who encourage us and offer godly advice, we are richly blessed. These are the "I love you enough to get in your face when you're headed in the wrong direction kid of friends."
Who are you walking with?
Have you ever stepped back to evaluate with whom you spend the most time? According to this scripture, that should be a pretty serious consideration in our lives.
First of all, aside from spouses, who are your friends? Really. There are casual acquaintances and there are true friends. As believers (and women) we will likely have many acquaintances; people at work, people we see when dropping the kids off at sports, gymnastics, people at the grocery store, etc... Those are the people in this world that we come in contact with everyday. Hopefully, they are feeling Jesus from us as we rub shoulders with them. But who are your real friends - the ones you share deeper cares, concerns and fears? Maybe even more importantly, the ones that offer you advice? Who are they? Does it really matter? It should.
This scripture tells us that we become like the people we choose to walk with. Look at the word "walk". Now to walk with someone, a couple of things need to be happening. First, you have to be in step with that person - your pace has to be about the same. Otherwise, you won't be together very long. Secondly, you have to be headed toward the same destination. You can't walk with someone who is heading in a different direction than you are. If you attempt to do that, one of you will be forced to change directions. Amos 3:3 says, "Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction? Hmmm....
Ladies, now more than ever we need godly friends. Let's stop here and remind ourselves that not all christian friends are necessarily godly friends. A believer away from the Lord can often be a very dangerous friend to have around. Because her heart has wandered away from the Lord Jesus, she will naturally pull you along with her if you allow it. Don't. If we commit ourselves to choosing godly christian friends who encourage us and offer godly advice, we are richly blessed. These are the "I love you enough to get in your face when you're headed in the wrong direction kid of friends."
Who are you walking with?
Monday, December 26, 2011
What Should I Do With This?
"...Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." I Peter 5:7
Christmas is over. After all the build up and preparation--it's finished. What are you left with? Well, let's see. There is a tree that is losing needles by the minute, lights and ornaments that are destined for the storage box to await their turn to shine next year, cast off wrapping paper, bags and bows that are beyond their usefulness today. That's what is "physically" left. But what about the emotional?
For many, we are left with memories--good and bad, and we aren't always sure what to do with them are we? Kind of like some of the gifts we've received. Some gifts we open are a pleasant and wonderful surprise--something we had always hoped for but never expected to receive. Others, however, are things we never asked for and have no idea what to do with. Ever receive a gift and in your mind you are thinking, "What in the world am I going to do with this?" What does one do with a painful memory or a disappointment that we have no idea how to handle?
Maybe it's not as complicated as it may seem. If I receive a gift that I have no idea what to do with, I look for someone who is familiar with that particular item and pass it on to them. Perhaps that what the scripture is telling us in 1 Peter 5:7. We are to cast our anxiety on him (Jesus). Why? Because he (Jesus) cares about us.
We are to give him the things we don't know what to do with. Why? Because he likes to collect stuff? No, because He cares about us. He knows that carrying around unnecessary baggage is not healthy. He's all about our health (physical, emotional and spiritual).
Need to do some "casting" today?
Christmas is over. After all the build up and preparation--it's finished. What are you left with? Well, let's see. There is a tree that is losing needles by the minute, lights and ornaments that are destined for the storage box to await their turn to shine next year, cast off wrapping paper, bags and bows that are beyond their usefulness today. That's what is "physically" left. But what about the emotional?
For many, we are left with memories--good and bad, and we aren't always sure what to do with them are we? Kind of like some of the gifts we've received. Some gifts we open are a pleasant and wonderful surprise--something we had always hoped for but never expected to receive. Others, however, are things we never asked for and have no idea what to do with. Ever receive a gift and in your mind you are thinking, "What in the world am I going to do with this?" What does one do with a painful memory or a disappointment that we have no idea how to handle?
Maybe it's not as complicated as it may seem. If I receive a gift that I have no idea what to do with, I look for someone who is familiar with that particular item and pass it on to them. Perhaps that what the scripture is telling us in 1 Peter 5:7. We are to cast our anxiety on him (Jesus). Why? Because he (Jesus) cares about us.
We are to give him the things we don't know what to do with. Why? Because he likes to collect stuff? No, because He cares about us. He knows that carrying around unnecessary baggage is not healthy. He's all about our health (physical, emotional and spiritual).
Need to do some "casting" today?
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
His Ways Are Perfect.....
"As for God, his way is perfect. All the Lord's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection." Psalm 18:30
Psalm 18:30 keeps me grounded. It gives me perspective when mine has gone haywire. It reminds me that my loving God has everything under control even when I am totally out of control.
Notice that it doesn't say God's way is usually a pretty good idea, or that his way almost always makes a lot of sense. No. It says -His way is perfect. Sometimes that's all I need to hear. That phrase is God's way of wrapping up all my why's and how's in a neat package marked "trust me" and lovingly handing them back to me with a smile.
Next it says, "...All the Lord's promises prove true." Although I have long since forgotten most of what I learned in my 3 semesters of Greek in college, I have managed to hang onto this--All means All. When I feel disappointed or disillusioned or betrayed, I need that reminder. All that the Lord has promised me will prove true. Maybe I don't see it yet. But I have his word on that.
Finally then, I get to the shield part. I like that word - shield. Just makes me feel safe. I also like that fact that it doesn't say that the Lord will give me a shield--it says he "is" a shield to all who look to him for protection. If I keep looking to him then that includes me. I need that assurance. I'm not too good at protecting myself. Truth be told, much of the time I don't even realize when I'm in danger and need protection.
Thank you Almighty God for Your ways, Your promises and Your protection.
Psalm 18:30 keeps me grounded. It gives me perspective when mine has gone haywire. It reminds me that my loving God has everything under control even when I am totally out of control.
Notice that it doesn't say God's way is usually a pretty good idea, or that his way almost always makes a lot of sense. No. It says -His way is perfect. Sometimes that's all I need to hear. That phrase is God's way of wrapping up all my why's and how's in a neat package marked "trust me" and lovingly handing them back to me with a smile.
Next it says, "...All the Lord's promises prove true." Although I have long since forgotten most of what I learned in my 3 semesters of Greek in college, I have managed to hang onto this--All means All. When I feel disappointed or disillusioned or betrayed, I need that reminder. All that the Lord has promised me will prove true. Maybe I don't see it yet. But I have his word on that.
Finally then, I get to the shield part. I like that word - shield. Just makes me feel safe. I also like that fact that it doesn't say that the Lord will give me a shield--it says he "is" a shield to all who look to him for protection. If I keep looking to him then that includes me. I need that assurance. I'm not too good at protecting myself. Truth be told, much of the time I don't even realize when I'm in danger and need protection.
Thank you Almighty God for Your ways, Your promises and Your protection.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Wanted: Disciple
"Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." Matthew 16:24
Don't you love that part in a dramatic movie when one person says to another in frustration, "What do you want from me?" We've all said that to someone in our life. Maybe a parent, a spouse, an employer. Maybe........God? Come on. Sure you have. Be honest. We've all asked the Lord at one point or another just exactly what is it that He wants from us anyway.
I love direct answers, don't you? Don't beat around the bush with me. Give it to me straight. Well Jesus didn't mince words. We don't have to wonder what he was getting at. He said what he meant and meant what he said.
There are 3 directives here for the potential recruit: 1) Deny yourself 2) Take up your cross and 3) Follow me. Pretty simple, right? Well, yes and no.
Let's look at number 1 - Deny yourself. Ouch! That one doesn't leave much wiggle room. Deny yourself means you can't be the center of your world. It won't work that way. Jesus has to come first in everything. Others have to slide in next and you actually belong in the caboose. Yep. You're dead last.
Number 2 is the part about taking up your cross. Ever hear someone say in relating a painful or difficult situation in their life, "Well I guess that's just my cross to bear?" Sounds so humble doesn't it? Maybe, but I don't think that's what the Lord meant here. You see, the cross was actually an instrument of death. Number 2 actually is building on number 1. We deny ourselves, and then we die to ourselves. We die to our old way of thinking, living, relating. The Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:31 "...I die daily..."
Finally, number 3 says that we are to follow him. That one's not too tough either. Where he goes--you go. What he loves--you love. What he hates--you hate.
Ready, set..............surrender!
Don't you love that part in a dramatic movie when one person says to another in frustration, "What do you want from me?" We've all said that to someone in our life. Maybe a parent, a spouse, an employer. Maybe........God? Come on. Sure you have. Be honest. We've all asked the Lord at one point or another just exactly what is it that He wants from us anyway.
I love direct answers, don't you? Don't beat around the bush with me. Give it to me straight. Well Jesus didn't mince words. We don't have to wonder what he was getting at. He said what he meant and meant what he said.
There are 3 directives here for the potential recruit: 1) Deny yourself 2) Take up your cross and 3) Follow me. Pretty simple, right? Well, yes and no.
Let's look at number 1 - Deny yourself. Ouch! That one doesn't leave much wiggle room. Deny yourself means you can't be the center of your world. It won't work that way. Jesus has to come first in everything. Others have to slide in next and you actually belong in the caboose. Yep. You're dead last.
Number 2 is the part about taking up your cross. Ever hear someone say in relating a painful or difficult situation in their life, "Well I guess that's just my cross to bear?" Sounds so humble doesn't it? Maybe, but I don't think that's what the Lord meant here. You see, the cross was actually an instrument of death. Number 2 actually is building on number 1. We deny ourselves, and then we die to ourselves. We die to our old way of thinking, living, relating. The Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:31 "...I die daily..."
Finally, number 3 says that we are to follow him. That one's not too tough either. Where he goes--you go. What he loves--you love. What he hates--you hate.
Ready, set..............surrender!
Friday, July 15, 2011
It Will Always Be This Way....
"...He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." John 8:44b
Have you noticed that our enemy, Satan, gets a good deal of mileage out of every lie he speaks to us? By this I mean that he takes one lie and uses it forward, backward, twists it, turns it inside out and uses it all over again. He is the ultimate recycler (is that a word?)
Anyway, have you noticed that when things aren't going so well for you, maybe you're sick, or your finances are upside down, or a relationship in your life is damaged and painful, that the enemy sings this tune into your ear as often as he can? It usually goes something like this, "Your life is depressing. Nothing is going right. Everything is falling apart. You'll never get a break. Why should you keep putting forth so much effort in this area? It's not worth the trouble. No one appreciates what you do anyway. It's hopeless. Nothing will ever change. It will always be this way."
Amazingly, later on when things are going great, he turns over the same record (for those of us who remember records) and plays the other side. It usually sounds something like this, "Everything is going great (and by the way, you have yourself to thank for that, you are so smart). Don't worry about being obedient to Christ in every area of your life right now, there will be time to straighten things out later. Just relax and enjoy today. Yes, you have some very unhealthy physical and emotional habits but you can take care of them down the road. By all means, don't worry about mending any broken relationships in your life. Sure, you have some unforgiveness and maybe a little bitterness here and there but who doesn't? After all, you've been mistreated yourself, you know. Maybe you owe a couple of people an apology but they will be around for awhile and so will you for that matter. Those things can wait. Concentrate on you. Take it easy and do some things that you want to do. You've worked hard--You deserve it! You are definitely on a roll. It will always be this way!
Hmmm. I often wonder if the enemy's favorite name for most of us is--Sucker!
Have you noticed that our enemy, Satan, gets a good deal of mileage out of every lie he speaks to us? By this I mean that he takes one lie and uses it forward, backward, twists it, turns it inside out and uses it all over again. He is the ultimate recycler (is that a word?)
Anyway, have you noticed that when things aren't going so well for you, maybe you're sick, or your finances are upside down, or a relationship in your life is damaged and painful, that the enemy sings this tune into your ear as often as he can? It usually goes something like this, "Your life is depressing. Nothing is going right. Everything is falling apart. You'll never get a break. Why should you keep putting forth so much effort in this area? It's not worth the trouble. No one appreciates what you do anyway. It's hopeless. Nothing will ever change. It will always be this way."
Amazingly, later on when things are going great, he turns over the same record (for those of us who remember records) and plays the other side. It usually sounds something like this, "Everything is going great (and by the way, you have yourself to thank for that, you are so smart). Don't worry about being obedient to Christ in every area of your life right now, there will be time to straighten things out later. Just relax and enjoy today. Yes, you have some very unhealthy physical and emotional habits but you can take care of them down the road. By all means, don't worry about mending any broken relationships in your life. Sure, you have some unforgiveness and maybe a little bitterness here and there but who doesn't? After all, you've been mistreated yourself, you know. Maybe you owe a couple of people an apology but they will be around for awhile and so will you for that matter. Those things can wait. Concentrate on you. Take it easy and do some things that you want to do. You've worked hard--You deserve it! You are definitely on a roll. It will always be this way!
Hmmm. I often wonder if the enemy's favorite name for most of us is--Sucker!
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