Archive for June, 2011

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Human Strength Means Nothing in God’s Economy

Wednesday, June 29th, 2011

The countdown continues. Tomorrow’s the day we board the plane and head overseas again, and, in all honesty, I don’t feel ready. Spiritually, so-so. Physically and mentally, no.

Eastern Europe, here we come!

Maybe that’s because I leave wondering whether or not we’ve planned enough crafts. We want our camps to be fun, after all. We certainly don’t want people sitting around and feeling bored. And so I worry about that little detail.

Maybe it’s because I struggle with feelings of inadequacy re: teaching English classes, even though it’s fairly simple and straightforward. Maybe it’s because I know I’m facing five weeks of trying to communicate in languages other than my own, and I sometimes wonder if the nationals think I’m a knucklehead if I can’t understand what they say.

Or perhaps it’s because I’ve done these trips many times before, and on each one, I’ve encountered spiritual warfare that’s left me feeling trampled and in a deep, dark pit for hours or, in one case, for four days. I don’t even know how to describe it—it felt so evil that it took two months for me to even talk about it with anyone other than my husband.

For whatever reason, I’m feeling very s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d today. And so, this verse is the one I’m claiming for the next five weeks:

“He takes no pleasure in the strength of a horse or in human might. No, the Lord’s delight is in those who fear Him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love” (Psalm 147:10,11).

I acknowledge that the days ahead will require ‘way more human strength than I can muster. I’m counting on God’s unfailing love to surround, carry, fill, and equip me for the task. If He prompts you, would you please pray that for me? I’d so appreciate it.

I’ll be praying for you, too. May you, too, place your hope in God’s unfailing love for whatever you’re facing today, and may you sense His delight.

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God Loves YOU!

Monday, June 27th, 2011

It's true!

The countdown is on. Within a few days, our British Airways jet will be wingin’ its way over the North Pole and landing in London enroute to Budapest. From there, we’ll travel by van into Romania. Only God knows what’s in store this summer as we once again have the privilege of loving and learning from teens and young adults with seriously compromised immune systems.

I wish you could all meet these young men and women. To call them courageous is an understatement. They face incredible odds, have few or no physical and medical resources, and still they laugh. They also worship in a way that could put most North American believers to shame.

I also wish I could post pictures so you could meet them via the internet, but that would risk confidentiality and potentially cause them undo hardship. And so, I’ll blog when I have internet access and try to describe what we’re doing and learning while being sensitive to my “kids’”situation. Honestly, I can hardly wait to give each one a great big hug!

Please pray for our team as we go. We have four women and three men. We’ll be teaching the Word, enjoying crafts, playing games, and becoming experts at the ministry of “hanging out.” It’s possible that we’ll visit infectious disease hospitals and do some ministry in outlying villages as well, although we haven’t heard those specifics from our career staff yet.

My to-do list is ‘way too long right now! I’m still working on a book proposal that needs to be turned over to my agent before Thursday and doing a gazillion other things, so I’m simply going to leave you to ponder two verses that really encouraged me this morning:

“The LORD is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love, ” and “The LORD is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness” (Psalm 145:8,17).

You know what grabbed me when I read the verses? They share one common word: filled. The visual image is a goodie. Imagine—God is filled with both unfailing love and kindness. If Divine love and kindness were measured by the cup, it would overflow. There’s nothing skimpy about those qualities in His character.

This is the God who adopts us into His family. Can we trust such a One as this with every detail of our lives? Absolutely. Need we fear when we cannot see or understand? Never.

Have a great day, my friend. Know that this God, the One who’s filled with love and kindness, goes with you.

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God Provides

Friday, June 24th, 2011

Is there something for which you need specific provision? Take heart! God can provide.

Gotta love the story in 2 Kings 3:16-18. Three kings had banded together to attack a neighboring king. Trouble was, their plans took them on a roundabout trip through the wilderness for a week, and they couldn’t find water for themselves or their animals during that time.  In despair, they contacted Elisha and asked for his insights on the situation. Here’s what he said:

“’This valley will be filled with pools of water. You will see neither wind nor rain,’ says the LORD, ‘but this valley will be filled with water. You will have plenty for yourselves and your cattle and other animals. But this is only a simple thing for the LORD, for he will make you victorious over the army of Moab.’”

God knew the kings’ need for water, and He was able to provide in ways that surpassed human understanding. Verse 20 says, “ The next day at about the time when the morning sacrifice was offered, water suddenly appeared!”

Exciting, eh?

Have you ever experienced God’s provision in a miraculous way? Our family has. Having lived as missionaries on faith support for 18 years, we’ve had plenty of opportunity. Like when a national postal strike kept our support cheques from arriving and I didn’t know how I’d buy food to feed our family and guests who planned to visit one Sunday afternoon.

What happened? When those guests showed up, they brought several bags of groceries because, they said, they felt they should that. They had no clue beforehand of how tight our finances were due to the strike. A situation that looked impossible for us was a simple fix for the Lord.

God provides in creative ways.

Every time I’m tempted to stress over a lack of some sort or other, I remember that God knows my needs. I then express my concerns to Him, thank Him in advance for provision, and then watch with expectancy to how He answers. The creativity with which He provides never ceases to amaze me.

That’s only one example. I could go on and on. But I’d love to hear your stories. How has God provided for you when the situation seemed impossible?

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Doing as the Father Says

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011

My three preschool grandkids provide lots of in-house entertainment. Last week, for instance, I told my three-year-old granddaughter that I was getting ready to fly far away on a big plane again. She said, “Are you going to tell other people about Jesus?”

“Well, on this trip I’ll be teaching people how to write books,” I said.

She blinked her big, blue eyes and said, “Grandma, you’re not a teacher!”

Yes, I laugh at the kids’ comments and imagination. And I watch with great interest as their personalities develop. It’s fascinating to see how different they are despite being raised in the same family.

I see the same thing in God’s family. Some of His kids are more gentle than others. Some are more intense. Some are more compassionate. Some are better listeners. And some are more apt to do what their Father says.

King David was one of those who did as he was told. In Acts 13:22, Paul taught that God said,  “I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.”

What parent wouldn’t love to have a child like that? Imagine—a son or daughter who does everything Mom or Dad require. No yelling, no tantrums, no stalling for time. Just unquestioned obedience.

Compare that to the child who yells in defiance, stomps his feet, and slams the doors.  Compare to the one who says he’ll obey but then runs off and does the opposite.

The parent loves both, but I’ll bet one brings him more pleasure than the other. Which would it be? It’s a no-brainer.

If God were to talk to someone about you and me, what would He say? Would He say that we’re strong-willed and bent on doing things our way? Or would He say that we, like King David, do everything He wants us to do?

I pray that it’s the latter because, after all, God is a loving, all-wise, sovereign Father. We ought to be able to trust His judgment and know that He’ll never ask us to do something that’s impossible, wrong, or meant to hurt us. Knowing the truth about His character, let’s strive to do everything He wants us to do. No more whining, pouting, or backtalk.

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When Speaking the Truth Makes Us Unpopular

Monday, June 20th, 2011

This weekend was a good one. I spent it in Guelph, Ontario, teaching at Write! Canada. I so enjoyed meeting others who share my desire to communicate life-changing words through writing and speaking. I trust that my classes and keynote presentation will equip and encourage them to pursue their dreams with passion and excellence.

The theme for the conference was “Changing the World with Words.” One of the things I mentioned in my keynote was that Jesus, our role model, spoke only the words that the Father gave Him. Unfortunately, those words sometimes made Him unpopular with the crowd. The same thing happened with an Old Testament prophet, Micaiah, who was forced to stand alone.

"God, grant me the courage to stand alone if necessary."

Let’s backtrack for a moment. The king of Israel had asked his 400 prophets for guidance re: whether or not he should go to war against Ramoth-gilead. He received a unanimous, ‘Yes, go right ahead! The Lord will give the king victory” (1 Kings 22:6). But then Jehoshaphat said, “Ah…wait a minute. Let’s ask a prophet of the LORD the same question and see what he says.” And so a messenger summoned the prophet Micaiah.

Get a load of this. The messenger said to Micaiah, “Look, all the prophets are promising victory for the king. Be sure that you agree with them and promise success” (v.13). Those words forced Micaiah to make a choice: he’d either follow the messenger’s advice and take the easy route, or he’d stand up for truth and risk the consequences.

Micaiah chose to stand up for the truth. “As surely as the LORD lives, I will say only what the LORD tells me to say.” And that’s what he did. He warned the king that going to battle would result in his death, and he ended up being slapped across the face, literally (v. 24).

This theme of saying only what God tells us to say keeps returning to me as a writer and speaker. It forces me to examine my message and my motive behind it. Am I writing or speaking words to please the crowd? To tickle their ears? To give them what they want to hear? Or am I pressing in to know God better, to understand His heart for individuals and for the world at large, and then delivering His message and words of truth even though they might make me unpopular and force me to take a lonely position at times?

The same question applies to all believers, no matter their walk in life. Do we speak words of truth when we see our friends making lousy choices? When we see Christian couples split up due to irreconcilable differences? When we see others bury themselves in anger and unforgiveness? Or do we speak up and (lovingly) challenge them with the truth of God’s word even though doing so might strike us from their “Most Popular” friends list?

I hope we’re faithful to do the latter for others. And I hope others will do the same for me if they see me heading down the wrong path.

Here’s a question to ponder: How does fear play into our natural bent towards desiring popularity?

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Truth

Wednesday, June 15th, 2011

Our grandkids recently spent two days with us. When their folks came to collect them, their mom told 3-year-old Anna to put her shirt and socks in the suitcase that was in our bedroom. I happened to be in the bedroom but wasn’t aware that Anna was under orders, so I didn’t pay much attention to what she was doing when she dashed in and out.

Several minutes later, Anna’s mom walked into the bedroom. “Did Anna put her shirt and socks in the suitcase?” she asked me. “I don’t know,” I said. “I didn’t see her do it.”

Anna returned at that exact moment and overheard my statement. She stopped short and looked at me. “Grandma,” she commanded in her pipsqueak voice. “You need to tell the truth.”

I may chuckle at my granddaughter’s observation, but I agree wholeheartedly. I do need to tell the truth. Don’t we all?

Sometimes we struggle with speaking the truth, especially if we think coloring it might benefit us or cover a mistake. Sometimes our human emotions overrule our sense and make it difficult to discern the truth let alone speak it. Occasionally a painful truth is so difficult to bear that we’d rather deny it exists. Or we’re scared to speak the truth lest others take offense.

Thankfully God’s words are always truthful. They never change based on feelings or circumstances, and we never have to question their integrity or wonder if He’ll keep His promises. Psalm 119:160 says, “The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.”

Why is truth the essence of God’s words? Because God’s character is truth itself. There isn’t so much as a pinch of deceit in Him, therefore He cannot lie. Just a wee bit different from the lot of us, I’d say.

The very essence of God’s words is truth. Let’s pray that others can say the same for our words.

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Where is Hope Found?

Monday, June 13th, 2011

This week I’ll visit a childhood friend who’s in hospice after a long and courageous battle with leukemia. She underwent a bone marrow transplant this spring. On day 100, the doctors told her that the transplant won over the leukemia. That was the good news. The bad news was that another form of cancer—this one untreatable—had invaded her bone marrow. Her family met and discussed the options. Together they decided it was time for her to rest, and for them to spend as much time together as possible as her journey draws to a close.

When I learned of her situation, I felt an inexpressible sadness on her behalf. We’re the same age. Our kids are the same age, too. And we both have grandbabies. Frankly, I cannot fathom how she must feel saying goodbye to those she loves.

I spoke with her by phone last week. Though her voice was weak and her words somewhat slurred, she said, “I have peace.”

How can my girlfriend make this statement in the midst of such difficult circumstances? Because she knows God’s promises. Psalm 119:49,50 say, “Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.”

As my girlfriend prepares to take up residence in heaven, I imagine that the promise found in John 14:1-3 gives her great comfort:

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you so that you will always be with me where I am.”

I’m wrestling with my friend’s situation. When sadness overwhelms me, I turn to God’s promise of eternal life, and I find hope. His promise revives me and gives me comfort.

What promise gives you hope and revives you in the midst of trouble?

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Want Freedom?

Friday, June 10th, 2011

My first brush with Psalm 119 came when I attended Pioneer Girls club ‘way back in elementary school. The theme verse was “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (v. 105). We recited it every week, and it’s remained in my memory bank ever since.

Psalm 119 has become a favorite chapter to me in recent years. It contains many stand-alone nuggets of truth. One of them is ”I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments” (v. 45). It’s short but mighty. Think about it for a moment:

When we devote ourselves to God’s command to forgive those who offend us, then we walk in freedom from anger and bitterness.

When we devote ourselves to God’s command to speak words of life rather than gossip, then we walk in freedom knowing our words can’t come back to bite us.

When we devote ourselves to God’s command to maintain sexual purity, then we walk in freedom from the emotional and physical consequences of promiscuity.

Sounds so simple, doesn’t it? Our role is to devote ourselves to God’s commands. In turn, He gives us inner freedom.

This chapter is chock full of similar nuggets. I’ll share a few more next week. In the meantime, what’s your favorite verse from Psalm 119?

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The Cure for Anxiety

Wednesday, June 8th, 2011

I’ve got a ton of stuff on my mind today. I’m thinking about my visit next week with a childhood friend who’s now in hospice, preparing PowerPoint presentations for seven speaking sessions, planning for an upcoming 5-week missions trip to Poland and Romania, spreading word about my new Bible study, and writing a couple of book proposals.

Quite honestly, it’s easy to feel anxious. But in the midst of it all, God plops a few Scriptures into my path and reminds me that I’m not dealing with this alone. I love it when He does that. Here’s what He said this time:

“I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The LORD himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever” (Psalm 121:1-8).

The God who spoke these mountains into existence is the One who watches over my life!

Good stuff, eh? You know what really blesses me? The frequent reminder of God’s presence and power in my life today and always. I know He’s beside me and will be my source of strength. The same is true for you. No matter what you face today, know that God watches over your life and will be your help if you’re in right relationship with Him.

Oswald Chambers encourages us to be obsessed by God—to be always mindful that He is with us and around us and living in us at all times if we’ve placed our saving faith in Jesus Christ. He says this knowledge ought to make a difference in our outlook when we feel stressed. He writes,

“If we are obsessed by God, nothing else can get into our lives—not concerns, not tribulations, not worries. And now we understand why our Lord so emphasized the sin of worrying. How dare we be so unbelieving when God totally surrounds us? To be obsessed by God is to have an effective barricade against all the assaults of the enemy.”

He’s right! And so, I choose to believe that God knows my concerns and will be my help today. And tomorrow. And the next day, and the next. Every time I feel anxious, I’ll thank Him that He watches over my life and promises to be my help.

What do these verses mean to you today?

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See the Opportunity

Monday, June 6th, 2011

"God, give us spiritual eyes to see opportunities to speak about You."

Traveling by plane as often as I do provides lots of opportunities to speak with fellow passengers. When I engage in a conversation, I’ll admit that my spiritual antennae are up, looking for ways to share God’s love. Often, the other person makes a comment that makes for a perfect lead-in. Last December, a lady seated next to me asked, “I’m on a personal quest for peace. Have you found it yet?” One usually only dreams of such obvious openings.

As believers, we need to go through life looking for and recognizing opportunities to present Jesus. Peter did so, specifically in Acts 3:12 when people showed their amazement upon seeing him heal a lame man. He seized the moment to direct their attention to God, whose power made it possible for the man, born lame, to walk and leap.

“Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd,” says Acts 3:12. Let’s ask God to give us eyes like Peter’s. Let’s ask Him to enable us to see divine opportunities to share our faith, the reason for our hope, the source of our joy and peace.

Those opportunities might happen on the city bus. They might come at the hair salon, or in a restaurant, or at the gym. We don’t know how God is working in other people’s lives, but we know that He is. And we just need to be alert, keeping our spiritual eyes open to see those opportunities when they come.

Question: Describe a recent opportunity you’ve had to share Jesus.

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