Archive for March, 2012

Hi from Poland!

Friday, March 30th, 2012

Hi from Poland! We’ve had a whirlwind week since leaving Vancouver on Monday night. Landed in Berlin on Tuesday evening, drove three hours to Gorzow, Poland that night, taught a class there on Wednesday evening, and then traveled by train for nine hours yesterday via Warsaw and Karpacz to reach Poronin.

This area reminds me of Banff–an alpine resort. This morning we woke to a beautiful snow cover.

Snowy day in Poland

We spent the day with our International Messengers staff. There are about 185 people at this conference. It’s like a giant homecoming! Enjoyed two worship services with great music and a wonderful speaker. Spent time this afternoon meeting with individuals to talk about what’s happening in their lives and pray. Some of these friends/coworkers come from the Ukraine, others from Russia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Romania, and of course, Poland. What a great group of people. It’s an honor to know and work with them. They inspire me!

The day ended with plans being made for a week of family camp this summer in Poland. It was topped off with a Skype call to wish our grandson a happy third birthday.

And now, while you’re in the middle of your afternoon, I’m going to bed. There’s a nine-hour time difference. Good night!

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Joy…Again!

Monday, March 26th, 2012

In previous blogs I’ve mentioned that my heaven-sent word for 2012 is joy. I had no idea how often Scripture mentioned it until now. It seems that every time I read the Word, it’s there.

The latest popped up while I sat on a window seat overlooking the grounds of Capernwray Harbour Bible school on Thetis Island. It was early Saturday morning, before breakfast at the women’s retreat where I was speaking. I opened my Bible and read Psalm 68:2,3,6—“Let the wicked perish in the presence of God. But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy…God places the lonely in families, he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.”

The part about being glad in God’s presence caught my attention. Being in God’s presence brings joy—and not just a little. It brings fullness of joy. You know what that tells me? Those who love God can experience joy no matter what because His Holy Spirit dwells in them 24/7. God’s presence in is them, over them, behind and before them. They can never get away from His presence. That means joy is their constant companion, too.

I’m not talking about a giddy, giggly emotion. I’m talking about a deep settled sense of peace, contentment, and confidence that God is in control of every detail and will fulfill all of His promises.

The more time I spend in the Word and practicing God’s presence, the more I experience joy. How about you? What’s your joy quotient today?

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Why Our Morning Words Matter

Monday, March 19th, 2012

What are the first words you speak in the morning?

What words do you speak in the morning?

Here’s a multiple choice quiz:

  • Grooooan. It’s morning again. I don’t feel like getting up.
  • Help! I need coffee—now!
  • My to-do list is a mile long; I don’t know where to begin.
  • Good morning, Lord. This is the day You’ve made; I’ll rejoice and be glad in it.

Which option sounds most like you? Truthfully, I’ve said all these things in the past, but nowadays I intentionally focus on the last statement.

I find that my first words make a huge impact on the rest of my day. If the first words from my mouth are negative, I trudge through my day with a negative outlook towards everything and everyone. If I speak positive words, however, my attitude reflects them.

Perhaps the Psalmist discovered the same truth. In Psalm 59:16, he writes, “…I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress” (emphasis mine).

Sounds like this guy made an intentional choice about his words. We can do the same. Even when our emotions tell us to stay in bed or to complain about a specific task ahead or our perceived hardships, we can refuse to go along with them. We can—and should—choose instead to thank the Lord for the gift of a new day, for His presence with us, and for His unfailing love. Doing so changes us from the inside out, creating in us a thankful heart and a sense of joy no matter what. I’d much rather live that way than the opposite.

Do you agree? Do you have a favorite phrase with which you greet the morning?

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A Good Question to Ask When We Feel Afraid

Friday, March 16th, 2012

Relevant questions reveal a lot about what people think and the reason for their behavior. Lawyers use them. So do life coaches. And parents.

David used them, too. The Psalms record numerous songs and prayers he wrote throughout his lifetime, and many contain questions. On one occasion, as he ran from enemies determined to capture or kill him, he asked, “I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?” (Psa. 56:4,11).

That’s a very good question, simple and direct. It helps us focus our spiritual eyes where they belong—on the almighty, all-wise, all-powerful God who presences Himself with His people at all times. When we truly acknowledge who He is and chose to trust His character, fear loses its grip on us. Here are some examples of how this has worked in my life:

When my husband suffered a major reaction to a wasp sting last fall, I asked myself this question and found comfort. I knew that the incident was no surprise to God, and that He would care for me if anything happened to my hubby.

When I wonder whether or not our overseas ministry will have enough volunteers to fill the necessary slots this summer, I ask myself this question and find confidence. God is a master at working out the details.

As technology forces change in publishing and marketing techniques, I ask myself this question and discover peace. I’ll do what I can knowing that God says nothing can thwart His purposes, and He controls my destiny.

I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?

If you’re facing a difficulty right now, then pause and reflect on who God is. Read the Psalms and discover who He claims to be. Praise Him for these characteristics. Thank Him for the promises He’s given you. When you’ve finished doing these things, ask yourself this question: “I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?” I guarantee you’ll find a new perspective.

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Different People, Different Perspectives

Monday, March 12th, 2012

It amazes me how different people can look at the same situation and come away with completely different perspectives.

It’s like the old fable about a group of blind men who encountered an elephant and then tried to describe the beast. Each man, having felt a different part of the elephant’s body, had a personal and unique perception of what the animal was like.

Such was the case in Numbers 13. Moses sent 12 spies into the Promised Land to scope out the people and geography. Twelve men saw the same things—a beautiful land flowing with milk and honey, bountiful harvests of fruit, and the people who lived there. Of the 12 spies, 10 cowered in fear. Only two displayed courage.

Why was that? Here’s my hunch: the majority focused on the challenges they’d face if they tried to conquer the land. Fear bulldozed them.

In contrast, the minority focused on God’s promise to give them the land. In their minds, worrisome circumstances were His problem, not theirs, to deal with. Courage controlled their response.

See what I mean about different people looking at the same situation and having different perspectives? Here are some modern-day examples:

  • A couple wants to adopt a child from overseas. The financial cost seems astronomical for their income. They’re willing to trust God to provide for their needs so they can provide a loving home for an orphaned toddler. But then a family member says, “What are you thinking? That’s ‘way too expensive. You can’t afford that!”
  • A mother prays and believes God to bring her wayward daughter home. Her husband lacks her confidence. “Don’t be a fool,” he says. “She’ll never return. Move on with your life.”
  • A man is unemployed for several months. Feelings of failure sink him into depression. His wife, however, refuses to give up. “C’mon, Honey,” she says. “God knows what He’s doing. Let’s thank Him in advance for what He’s going to do.”

In each case, someone possesses courage while another’s possessed by fear. Their focus determines their perspective and ultimately their response.

What circumstances are you facing today? What’s your perspective of the situation—are you courageous or fearful?

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The Mistake That Causes Us to Make Mistakes

Friday, March 9th, 2012

Doing women’s ministry means hearing lots of personal stories from other gals’ lives. Nothing saddens me more than hearing them express regrets for making certain choices.

Sometimes these choices are moral issues; sometimes not. Here are some examples:

  • I shouldn’t have become involved in a relationship with so-and-so. I’ve had nothing but heartache ever since.
  • We shouldn’t have bought the house in which we live. Doing so has put ‘way too much financial pressure on us.
  • I shouldn’t have spoken angry words at so-and-so. I wrongly jumped to conclusions before opening my mouth, and my words hurt her.
  • Years ago, I sensed God asking me to take a risk. I refused because I was afraid. Now I feel as though I missed His plan for my life.

My first response is to encourage women to remember that God is sovereign and to not become mired in regrets. When our hearts honestly desire His glory, He can beautifully turn negative situations around.

My next response is to ponder the underlying reason for these choices in the first place. Here’s my hypothesis, found in Mark 12:24—“Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God.” Jesus spoke these words to the religious leaders of His day. How do they apply to us?

  • A woman fears spending her life alone. In haste, she gets involved with a guy who shows interest. Later she discovers things about him that she wishes she’d known before giving her heart away. Perhaps, if she’d known the power of God in her life, she would have trusted Him to either bring a good man to her in His timing or to help her learn to be content as a single.
  • A couple take on crippling debt to live in a house they don’t really need. Why? Because they don’t know the Scriptures that encourage them to be content living with less.
  • Someone chooses to speak angry words over holding her tongue. Why? Because the Scriptures about speaking life-giving words have not been acknowledged.
  • Someone refuses to accept God-given risks.  Why? A lack of familiarity with His promises of presence and provision and a lack of trust in His power to do what He says He will do.

God has our best interests in mind and He promises to guide us continually, but we have to do our part, too. Being familiar with the Word and trusting God to do what He says is vital. Not doing these things is a big mistake—one that we can easily avoid. And when we avoid this mistake, we can live life without regrets. Sounds good to me. How about you?

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What does Revival Look Like?

Monday, March 5th, 2012

Yesterday I caught a glimpse of revival. It left me awestruck. It rendered me speechless. It filled with me with wonder and a craving for more of God.

It happened at a women’s retreat. The theme was “Fearless and Free.” The sessions addressed several rampant fears: the fears of the storms of life, of inadequacy, and of facing the ghosts of our past. The fourth session focused on the Scriptural truth, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

During that session, we examined the Truth not only as the written and spoken word of God, but as the person of Jesus Christ who declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” We talked about the importance of knowing Him intimately, and looked at practical ways to pursue that friendship.

As the teaching time drew to a close, I sensed the Holy Spirit say, “Don’t close this time with prayer for the women. Instead, invite them to pray—to offer short, sentence prayers of worship to Jesus, the one who came to give freedom.”

Over the course of the weekend, many of these women had admitted to being afraid to pray in public. Asking them to pray now, despite their fear, meant calling them to put into practice the truths they’d heard throughout the weekend. Would they respond? Or would they allow fear to continue to hold them in chains?

They responded. One after another, like popcorn, they stood to their feet and prayed. They seemed to forget about others in the room. They didn’t seem hampered by a perceived need to impress with spiritual-sounding words. They simply poured out their love for Jesus with words of thanks, and they cried to God for a greater passion for Him.

Tears flowed, and a reverential awe fell across the room. Together, with only our voices, we sang “Jesus Loves Me”—a sweet offering to the Lord for loving us and calling us His daughters. How can I adequately describe that time except to say, “God visited us.”

“God, send revival,” I’ve prayed for years.  “We, the North American church, desperately need You to stir our hearts to passionate intimacy with You.” This weekend, I experienced an answer to that prayer. I can hardly wait to see how God is going to draw the women from this retreat into greater intimacy with Him, transforming and using them in amazing ways as they learn to walk in freedom.

“Go, God! Send revival. Change Your people from the inside out by giving us an unquenchable desire for You and Your ways.”

Have you ever experienced a time such as I’ve described?

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How Does God Guide Us? An Example From My Life.

Friday, March 2nd, 2012

God always guides those willing to do what He says. I’ve seen this prove true many times in my life. Here’s one example:

Last fall I began planning a weekend getaway for businesswomen. This wasn’t an idea I birthed on my own; I truly believe it was conceived in God’s heart. More than a year prior, He’d challenged me from John 4, using the account where Jesus went into Samaria and sat down at the well where He knew the woman would come. Rather than waiting for her to come to Him, He went to her. He met her in her space and whet her appetite for Him.

That message convicted me. How many friends did I have outside my comfortable church circles? How much effort was I putting into getting to know other women whose beliefs didn’t match mine? What could I do to turn that around? Months passed, and the idea of a weekend getaway began to take root.

“Provide an event where women feel loved from the moment they arrive,” He said. And so I obeyed. I’ll confess, it was a scary venture.

At first, I feared no one would come. I questioned my ability to present meaningful workshop material in a format different from my norm. I doubted my ability to provide a package that would justify the financial cost. But I kept moving forward because I believed God was asking me to do this. One step, then another, and another.

One day in late December, my calendar reminded me that the event was a mere five weeks away. Plans were far beyond the point of no return. My heart raced every time I thought about how quickly the weekend was approaching. God knew my anxious thoughts, and He met me there. He did it through His Word:

“But now the LORD says: ‘Be strong, Zerubbabel. Be strong, Jeshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work for I am with you,’ says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. ‘My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid.’”

“Keep going,” God said. “I’m with ya all the way.” Those words dashed any lingering doubts about whether I’d heard His initial marching orders correctly. They confirmed God’s hand in this venture. They boosted my courage and planted anticipation about the event. From that day on, joy replaced my scaredy-cat emotions.

The retreat has come and gone. Thirty-six women attended, and we had a great time. No doubt it will become an annual event. I’m almost ready to book the dates for 2013, and plans are in the works for holding a similar event in another province this fall.

Has God given you marching orders? Are doubts causing you to question or hesitate? If He’s planted an idea in your mind, then His Word will confirm it. Just start walking, and He’ll guide you every step of the way.

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