Crossing Your Jordan
Ministries
Ministries
Crossing Your Jordan
I Will Always Love You
February 13, 2012
"And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is." Ephesians 3:18
When others fail to show you the genuine affection you desire. When you long for a companion but find only callousness. When you feel unloved . . .
I love you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).
When the things of the world fail to satisfy your cravings. When you work longer and harder to maintain an elaborate lifestyle. When its never enough . . .
It is Me who will provide for you (Philippians 4:19).
When you feel as if everyone has left you behind. When you feel as if no one cares. When you feel alone and forsaken . . .
I will never leave you. I will never forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
When the past leaves you feeling worn-out and used-up. When you feel you've hit rock-bottom and there's no place to turn. When you look in the mirror and fail to see beauty and glamor . . .
I see you as a masterpiece. I created you new in my Son to do good things (Ephesians 2:10).
When you've messed up so badly you feel there's no hope, no chance for redemption. When your mistakes become your identity. When you feel stained by sin . . .
I will wash you clean (Isaiah 1:18).
When you feel shamed by the things you've done or by the things that have been done to you. When you've lost hope for restoration. When you feel like succumbing to the worst . . .
I will crown you with glory and honor (Psalm 8:5).
When the cares of this world weigh you down. When the load grows so heavy you can't take another step. When you feel weary and burdened . . .
I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).
The recent death of the queen of pop music grips my heart. I find myself captivated, not by the way she lived, but by the way she died—seemingly alone, hurt, attempting to mask the emptiness with what might have been one too many substances this time. I wonder how many read her story and think, I wish I could slip away too.
Death creates a void so deep we question how we could ever feel complete again. Perhaps the greatest gift of love we can offer is to faithfully lift the queen-of-pop-music's legacy in prayer. May she come to know the fulness of His love which somehow seemed to escape her mother's heart.
"And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is." Ephesians 3:18
When others fail to show you the genuine affection you desire. When you long for a companion but find only callousness. When you feel unloved . . .
I love you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).
When the things of the world fail to satisfy your cravings. When you work longer and harder to maintain an elaborate lifestyle. When its never enough . . .
It is Me who will provide for you (Philippians 4:19).
When you feel as if everyone has left you behind. When you feel as if no one cares. When you feel alone and forsaken . . .
I will never leave you. I will never forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).
When the past leaves you feeling worn-out and used-up. When you feel you've hit rock-bottom and there's no place to turn. When you look in the mirror and fail to see beauty and glamor . . .
I see you as a masterpiece. I created you new in my Son to do good things (Ephesians 2:10).
When you've messed up so badly you feel there's no hope, no chance for redemption. When your mistakes become your identity. When you feel stained by sin . . .
I will wash you clean (Isaiah 1:18).
When you feel shamed by the things you've done or by the things that have been done to you. When you've lost hope for restoration. When you feel like succumbing to the worst . . .
I will crown you with glory and honor (Psalm 8:5).
When the cares of this world weigh you down. When the load grows so heavy you can't take another step. When you feel weary and burdened . . .
I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).
The recent death of the queen of pop music grips my heart. I find myself captivated, not by the way she lived, but by the way she died—seemingly alone, hurt, attempting to mask the emptiness with what might have been one too many substances this time. I wonder how many read her story and think, I wish I could slip away too.
Death creates a void so deep we question how we could ever feel complete again. Perhaps the greatest gift of love we can offer is to faithfully lift the queen-of-pop-music's legacy in prayer. May she come to know the fulness of His love which somehow seemed to escape her mother's heart.
Oh Me of Little Faith
February 4, 2012
"And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?" Matthew 6:30
I dislike the dentist. No offense Dr. T, but I would rather do most anything else than have my mouth examined. Last week was my semi-annual checkup. No biggie, just a cleaning . . . and a fitting for a hugely romantic night-guard (apparently I'm back to grinding my teeth again at night, something I struggle with every few years). Other than the pink goo my dentist used to take an impression of my teeth my appointment went rather smoothly. That is, until we received notice in the mail from our insurance company that we no longer have dental insurance.
Oops.
It seems that amidst HR changes within my husband's company we failed to renew our policy. Genius of us, I know.
God, where were you on that one? I questioned. Finances are tight. We do our best to honor you with our "wealth" (Proverbs 3:9). How can we honor you when we face a huge medical bill from the dentist? How can we save for a rainy day when we continue to shell out large lump sums to doctors?
Amidst my whining and complaining I decided to open the rest of our mail.
And there it was.
A notice from a different company that we are due a reimbursement check for twice the amount of what we owe the dentist office.
I fell to my knees and cried.
Father, I'm not worthy of your grace. Oh me of little faith! How could I question you? Accuse you? You remain faithful to me even when I am unfaithful to you (2 Timothy 2:13) . . .
I debated on sharing our mailbox miracle. First, it makes my husband and me look a little silly. More importantly, I know some pray without ceasing yet the check never comes.
Sometimes God provides for us financially. Other times He provides a shoulder to cry on or the strength to endure. He always offers Himself, which is all any of us really need.
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?"
“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?"
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need." Matthew 6:25-33
I do not know why God chose to pour out His blessings on us this time but He did, and He deserves all the credit my feeble fingers can type.
What are you in need of today? I would consider it an honor to pray with you.
"And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?" Matthew 6:30
I dislike the dentist. No offense Dr. T, but I would rather do most anything else than have my mouth examined. Last week was my semi-annual checkup. No biggie, just a cleaning . . . and a fitting for a hugely romantic night-guard (apparently I'm back to grinding my teeth again at night, something I struggle with every few years). Other than the pink goo my dentist used to take an impression of my teeth my appointment went rather smoothly. That is, until we received notice in the mail from our insurance company that we no longer have dental insurance.
Oops.
It seems that amidst HR changes within my husband's company we failed to renew our policy. Genius of us, I know.
God, where were you on that one? I questioned. Finances are tight. We do our best to honor you with our "wealth" (Proverbs 3:9). How can we honor you when we face a huge medical bill from the dentist? How can we save for a rainy day when we continue to shell out large lump sums to doctors?
Amidst my whining and complaining I decided to open the rest of our mail.
And there it was.
A notice from a different company that we are due a reimbursement check for twice the amount of what we owe the dentist office.
I fell to my knees and cried.
Father, I'm not worthy of your grace. Oh me of little faith! How could I question you? Accuse you? You remain faithful to me even when I am unfaithful to you (2 Timothy 2:13) . . .
I debated on sharing our mailbox miracle. First, it makes my husband and me look a little silly. More importantly, I know some pray without ceasing yet the check never comes.
Sometimes God provides for us financially. Other times He provides a shoulder to cry on or the strength to endure. He always offers Himself, which is all any of us really need.
“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to Him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?"
“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?"
“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need." Matthew 6:25-33
I do not know why God chose to pour out His blessings on us this time but He did, and He deserves all the credit my feeble fingers can type.
What are you in need of today? I would consider it an honor to pray with you.
Do Not Hesitate
January 31, 2012
"When morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, 'Up, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.' But he hesitated." Genesis 19:15-16a
I consider myself a hesitater. My spell-check dislikes the word hesitater, and frankly so do I. But when it comes to decision making I rarely respond with immediate action. I tend to drag my feet, refusing to take the next step until I've had a chance to weigh my options. I believe God's way is good and trustworthy. I sometimes hesitate to follow God's lead because I question whether I've heard Him correctly. Discretion is good. However, when it comes to following the call of God I believe Scripture reveals that hesitation can prevent us from receiving His best.
In Genesis 12:1 God says to Abram (who in Genesis 17 becomes Abraham), “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you." Notice God doesn't tell Abram where to go, God simply instructs Abram to go to the land that He will show him.
At this point I would have composed a thousand questions for God. In which direction should I head? Should I pack a snack? Will this be an overnight stay or should I plan for a week? or more? Will it be hot or cold when I arrive? Can I bring my flat iron?
Genesis 12 records no questions from Abram. Instead we read in verse 4, "Abram departed as the LORD had instructed." No questions. Not an ounce of hesitation. Abram simply obeys.
Skip forward a few chapters to Genesis 19. In this chapter we find Lot, Abraham's nephew, residing in the city of Sodom. Two angels come to Lot and say, "Whomever you have in the city, bring them out of the place; for we are about to destroy this place, because their outcry has become so great before the LORD that the LORD has sent us to destroy it" (Genesis 19:12-13). Unlike God's call to Abram the angels tell Lot exactly where to take his family in order to escape destruction. But Lot hesitates.
Abraham became the father of many nations. His descendants eventually inherited the Promised Land. God counted Abraham righteous because of his faith.
And Lot?
Lot helped form two nations . . . through his own two daughters (Genesis 19:30-37). Rather than escaping to the mountains as the angels commanded, Lot sought refuge with his daughters in a cave. Seemingly alone and feeling cutoff from civilization Lot's daughters concoct the idea of having relations with their father so that they could preserve their family line. The firstborn daughter bore a son who became the father of the Moabites. The younger daughter also bore a son who became the father of the sons of Ammon. Eventually both the Moabite and Ammonite nations were destroyed.
Lot's outcome may have had to do with more than just his hesitation. But I can't help but to consider how his lot might have changed if he had obeyed the Lord without delay.
For more than a year I have felt the Lord encouraging me to consider other publishing options with my first book, A Place of Peace. Realizing I would find it difficult to cancel my publishing contract I've prayed that God would make it obvious when I should act. A printing error on a recent order, one which the publisher failed to fully reconcile, helped me to recognize that now is the time. I consulted my contract yesterday and realized I have sixty days remaining until my contract automatically renews for an additional year (and I have to give thirty days notice of my intent to cancel). A few weeks of hesitation could have forced me to stay bound another year to an agreement from which I feel the Lord leading me away. In light of the story of Abraham and Lot I decided to obey right away.
Not to worry about the book. Though I may experience a few days of unavailability toward the end of March, the Lord has already provided another way for publication. Not with a big-name publisher but with a way which will still allow me to make my book available to those who need it most.
Where is the Lord calling you to go?
Do not hesitate.
Trust God to make it happen, for He who calls you is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
"When morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, 'Up, take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.' But he hesitated." Genesis 19:15-16a
I consider myself a hesitater. My spell-check dislikes the word hesitater, and frankly so do I. But when it comes to decision making I rarely respond with immediate action. I tend to drag my feet, refusing to take the next step until I've had a chance to weigh my options. I believe God's way is good and trustworthy. I sometimes hesitate to follow God's lead because I question whether I've heard Him correctly. Discretion is good. However, when it comes to following the call of God I believe Scripture reveals that hesitation can prevent us from receiving His best.
In Genesis 12:1 God says to Abram (who in Genesis 17 becomes Abraham), “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you." Notice God doesn't tell Abram where to go, God simply instructs Abram to go to the land that He will show him.
At this point I would have composed a thousand questions for God. In which direction should I head? Should I pack a snack? Will this be an overnight stay or should I plan for a week? or more? Will it be hot or cold when I arrive? Can I bring my flat iron?
Genesis 12 records no questions from Abram. Instead we read in verse 4, "Abram departed as the LORD had instructed." No questions. Not an ounce of hesitation. Abram simply obeys.
Skip forward a few chapters to Genesis 19. In this chapter we find Lot, Abraham's nephew, residing in the city of Sodom. Two angels come to Lot and say, "Whomever you have in the city, bring them out of the place; for we are about to destroy this place, because their outcry has become so great before the LORD that the LORD has sent us to destroy it" (Genesis 19:12-13). Unlike God's call to Abram the angels tell Lot exactly where to take his family in order to escape destruction. But Lot hesitates.
Abraham became the father of many nations. His descendants eventually inherited the Promised Land. God counted Abraham righteous because of his faith.
And Lot?
Lot helped form two nations . . . through his own two daughters (Genesis 19:30-37). Rather than escaping to the mountains as the angels commanded, Lot sought refuge with his daughters in a cave. Seemingly alone and feeling cutoff from civilization Lot's daughters concoct the idea of having relations with their father so that they could preserve their family line. The firstborn daughter bore a son who became the father of the Moabites. The younger daughter also bore a son who became the father of the sons of Ammon. Eventually both the Moabite and Ammonite nations were destroyed.
Lot's outcome may have had to do with more than just his hesitation. But I can't help but to consider how his lot might have changed if he had obeyed the Lord without delay.
For more than a year I have felt the Lord encouraging me to consider other publishing options with my first book, A Place of Peace. Realizing I would find it difficult to cancel my publishing contract I've prayed that God would make it obvious when I should act. A printing error on a recent order, one which the publisher failed to fully reconcile, helped me to recognize that now is the time. I consulted my contract yesterday and realized I have sixty days remaining until my contract automatically renews for an additional year (and I have to give thirty days notice of my intent to cancel). A few weeks of hesitation could have forced me to stay bound another year to an agreement from which I feel the Lord leading me away. In light of the story of Abraham and Lot I decided to obey right away.
Not to worry about the book. Though I may experience a few days of unavailability toward the end of March, the Lord has already provided another way for publication. Not with a big-name publisher but with a way which will still allow me to make my book available to those who need it most.
Where is the Lord calling you to go?
Do not hesitate.
Trust God to make it happen, for He who calls you is faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
Separated by Sin
January 24, 2012
"When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the LORD God among the trees." Genesis 3:8
Nearly two weeks ago I delivered what I feel is my life message to a group of women from my home church. Upon coming to know Christ as my Savior as a sophomore in high school I embraced God's promise of abundant life. Though I endured a period of wavering faith after my daughter passed away, I shared with these women how God restored my relationship with Him. God allowed me to discover life more abundant than ever before by leading me along a path of His Word on which I choose to walk daily across the troubled waters of life into a place of abundance in Him. I shared how nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Nothing. But the more I reflected on my message the more I feared the idea that I misled someone. May God deal with me ever so severely if I ever sugar-coat His truth. Nothing can separate us from His love . . . but there is something that separates us from Him.
After God established His Creation He placed man and woman, Adam and Eve, in the garden of Eden (technically God made Eve from Adam while Adam was in the garden of Eden). God granted Adam and Eve permission to eat from any tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In Genesis 3 the serpent convinces Eve to eat the forbidden fruit who in turn shares the fruit with Adam. Following their disobedience Scripture tells us, "the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the LORD God among the trees" (Genesis 3:8). Prior to their sin Adam and Eve walked in close fellowship with God. After their sin Adam and Eve felt too ashamed to appear before their Creator, and were eventually banished from His presence.
Separated from God's love?
Never.
Separated from Him?
Yes.
Though nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38) sin will drive us away from His best every single time.
Stroll with me for a moment down the ol' Roman road. All have sinned and fallen short of God's glorious standard (Romans 3:23). The penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23a) but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23b). If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).
Sin separates us from God. But God loves the world so much He sent a way for us to return to Him (John 3:16). The Way is Jesus (John 14:6).
When we turn away from our sin trusting in the work of the cross, our relationship with God is restored. To embrace a life of abundance in Him we must choose to turn away from sin and walk in His Ways instead.
Will we get it right every single time? Probably not. But as Jeremiah recorded in Lamentations 3:22-23, "the faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning." I invite you to seek God and His mercy each and every day.
"When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the LORD God among the trees." Genesis 3:8
Nearly two weeks ago I delivered what I feel is my life message to a group of women from my home church. Upon coming to know Christ as my Savior as a sophomore in high school I embraced God's promise of abundant life. Though I endured a period of wavering faith after my daughter passed away, I shared with these women how God restored my relationship with Him. God allowed me to discover life more abundant than ever before by leading me along a path of His Word on which I choose to walk daily across the troubled waters of life into a place of abundance in Him. I shared how nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Nothing. But the more I reflected on my message the more I feared the idea that I misled someone. May God deal with me ever so severely if I ever sugar-coat His truth. Nothing can separate us from His love . . . but there is something that separates us from Him.
After God established His Creation He placed man and woman, Adam and Eve, in the garden of Eden (technically God made Eve from Adam while Adam was in the garden of Eden). God granted Adam and Eve permission to eat from any tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In Genesis 3 the serpent convinces Eve to eat the forbidden fruit who in turn shares the fruit with Adam. Following their disobedience Scripture tells us, "the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the LORD God among the trees" (Genesis 3:8). Prior to their sin Adam and Eve walked in close fellowship with God. After their sin Adam and Eve felt too ashamed to appear before their Creator, and were eventually banished from His presence.
Separated from God's love?
Never.
Separated from Him?
Yes.
Though nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38) sin will drive us away from His best every single time.
Stroll with me for a moment down the ol' Roman road. All have sinned and fallen short of God's glorious standard (Romans 3:23). The penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23a) but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23b). If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved (Romans 10:9).
Sin separates us from God. But God loves the world so much He sent a way for us to return to Him (John 3:16). The Way is Jesus (John 14:6).
When we turn away from our sin trusting in the work of the cross, our relationship with God is restored. To embrace a life of abundance in Him we must choose to turn away from sin and walk in His Ways instead.
Will we get it right every single time? Probably not. But as Jeremiah recorded in Lamentations 3:22-23, "the faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning." I invite you to seek God and His mercy each and every day.
Cabbage and Peas
January 1, 2012
"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need." Matthew 6:33
I despise cooked cabbage and black-eyed peas. Just thinking about the bitter flavor of the greens and the pasty texture of the peas causes my tongue to twist in disgust. Legend has it that if eaten on New Years Day a serving of black-eyed peas will bring good luck and a spoon-full of cabbage will deliver prosperity. Such a feast is the one tradition I dread most about ringing in the new year. As I contemplated my New Years Day fate I began to question the torturous meal. I'm all for tradition—after all, my husband and I both graduated from Texas A&M University, a school most known for tradition. But when tradition turns to trouble for my taste-buds it's time to reconsider the truth.
The Bible tells us how to prosper (and there's no eating involved). Joshua 1:8 reads, "Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do." We are to feed not on lettuce leaves but on the Word of God.
And who needs luck when we have a Sovereign God who promises to be with us and to protect us wherever we go (Genesis 28:15)? God watched us as we were being formed in utter seclusion, as we were woven together in the dark of the womb. He saw us before we were born. Every day of our lives was recorded in His book. Every moment laid out before a single day had passed (Psalm 139:15-16). God promises to work all things for our good (Romans 8:28) and for His glory (Romans 11:36) . . . if we let Him. I'll take a heaping spoonful of the Prince of Peace over a plate of peas any day.
Those of us who choose to buck the system by refusing to eat our cabbage and peas won't fare any differently than those who choke down their lentils and veggies on New Years Day. The secret to a good year isn't found in what you eat on the first day of the year but in what you choose to indulge yourself each day of the coming year.
Tired of cabbage and peas? Maybe its time to consider attending a different type of feast. In 2012 I invite you to join me as we seek to fill ourselves on the very Bread of Life.
"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need." Matthew 6:33
I despise cooked cabbage and black-eyed peas. Just thinking about the bitter flavor of the greens and the pasty texture of the peas causes my tongue to twist in disgust. Legend has it that if eaten on New Years Day a serving of black-eyed peas will bring good luck and a spoon-full of cabbage will deliver prosperity. Such a feast is the one tradition I dread most about ringing in the new year. As I contemplated my New Years Day fate I began to question the torturous meal. I'm all for tradition—after all, my husband and I both graduated from Texas A&M University, a school most known for tradition. But when tradition turns to trouble for my taste-buds it's time to reconsider the truth.
The Bible tells us how to prosper (and there's no eating involved). Joshua 1:8 reads, "Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do." We are to feed not on lettuce leaves but on the Word of God.
And who needs luck when we have a Sovereign God who promises to be with us and to protect us wherever we go (Genesis 28:15)? God watched us as we were being formed in utter seclusion, as we were woven together in the dark of the womb. He saw us before we were born. Every day of our lives was recorded in His book. Every moment laid out before a single day had passed (Psalm 139:15-16). God promises to work all things for our good (Romans 8:28) and for His glory (Romans 11:36) . . . if we let Him. I'll take a heaping spoonful of the Prince of Peace over a plate of peas any day.
Those of us who choose to buck the system by refusing to eat our cabbage and peas won't fare any differently than those who choke down their lentils and veggies on New Years Day. The secret to a good year isn't found in what you eat on the first day of the year but in what you choose to indulge yourself each day of the coming year.
Tired of cabbage and peas? Maybe its time to consider attending a different type of feast. In 2012 I invite you to join me as we seek to fill ourselves on the very Bread of Life.
One Gift
December 23, 2011
"For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
How many gifts will you receive this Christmas? I know, I know, that's a highly inappropriate question. Perhaps an even more ill-suited conversation starter is, how many gifts will your children receive on Christmas day?
Our children will receive an abundance of loot over the next forty-eight hours. They'll move from one gift to the next unable to fully embrace or appreciate any one particular item because their internal drive forces them to keep going, to keep unwrapping, to keep searching for the next best thing. Each year I witness our children's gratitude weaken; the significance of each gift minimized as they make their way through a multitude of presents.
I experience the same dilemma. The abundance of activity during the holiday season—shopping, buying, wrapping, decorating, caroling, baking, visiting, packing, more shopping and wrapping, traveling—causes me to lose sight of the true reason for the season. Rather than focusing on the most significant gift I've ever received—the gift of my salvation—the hysteria of the holidays robs me of my focus and adoration for my Savior.
God loved the world so much that He gave us one gift—His one and only Son—so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
Feeling overwhelmed this past week I prayed that God would hush the world around me and remind me of His one true Gift. I recently taught a four-week Bible study which revealed multiple treasures God bestowed us through the birth of His Son (see the Free Resources tab to download the handout from each lesson). But each of those gifts came from the same hand, from the life of One.
As my thoughts grew still I realized it isn't until everything else—the shopping, the gifts, the packing list—is removed that I truly appreciate my one gift. I recognized a similarity between my children and me, and for the first time I began to consider what would happen if my children received just one gift for Christmas.
Did you roll your eyes? I thought some might but I invite you to stay with me for a moment.
My children receive gifts from family members. I am grateful for the generosity of family and friends, and I wouldn't begin to tell others to exclude our children at Christmastime. I realize that the giving and exchanging of gifts is one way to demonstrate our love for others.
I'm suggesting that our children receive one gift from my husband and me.
What if?
What if, when we celebrate Christmas with our immediate family, we each received one gift?
Two years ago my husband and I trimmed our children's Christmas list down to three gifts—after all, the wise men brought Jesus three gifts upon His birth (Matthew 2:1-11), why should we receive more than our King? But this year, we've trimmed our tree even more.
God gave us one gift at Christmas—not three, not one hundred and three. To my earlier point, many treasures came to us through that one gift—the gift of life, hope and peace to name a few. When my children receive one gift from mom and dad, won't they also receive the gift of simplification? of gratitude? of learning to embrace and appreciate one gift?
What if I follow God's lead?
What if we give our children one gift and give Jesus three?
Maybe you've seen the image circulating on Facebook—the one with a picture of starving children on one side and a picture of holiday shoppers with full carts (and full arms) on the other side. Beneath the photo reads, "Define necessity."
Just think of what we could do with the money made available by narrowing down our shopping list.
Yesterday our family chose to return this
$10 Barbie clothes
As the conclusion of a busy holiday season fast approaches I invite you to consider one gift. May God help us to unwrap the gift of Jesus on Christmas day as well as each day of the coming new year.
I'd love to hear from you. If you had to choose, what one gift would you like to receive this Christmas? How does your family take time to recognize the significance of each gift at Christmastime?
"For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
How many gifts will you receive this Christmas? I know, I know, that's a highly inappropriate question. Perhaps an even more ill-suited conversation starter is, how many gifts will your children receive on Christmas day?
Our children will receive an abundance of loot over the next forty-eight hours. They'll move from one gift to the next unable to fully embrace or appreciate any one particular item because their internal drive forces them to keep going, to keep unwrapping, to keep searching for the next best thing. Each year I witness our children's gratitude weaken; the significance of each gift minimized as they make their way through a multitude of presents.
I experience the same dilemma. The abundance of activity during the holiday season—shopping, buying, wrapping, decorating, caroling, baking, visiting, packing, more shopping and wrapping, traveling—causes me to lose sight of the true reason for the season. Rather than focusing on the most significant gift I've ever received—the gift of my salvation—the hysteria of the holidays robs me of my focus and adoration for my Savior.
God loved the world so much that He gave us one gift—His one and only Son—so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
Feeling overwhelmed this past week I prayed that God would hush the world around me and remind me of His one true Gift. I recently taught a four-week Bible study which revealed multiple treasures God bestowed us through the birth of His Son (see the Free Resources tab to download the handout from each lesson). But each of those gifts came from the same hand, from the life of One.
As my thoughts grew still I realized it isn't until everything else—the shopping, the gifts, the packing list—is removed that I truly appreciate my one gift. I recognized a similarity between my children and me, and for the first time I began to consider what would happen if my children received just one gift for Christmas.
Did you roll your eyes? I thought some might but I invite you to stay with me for a moment.
My children receive gifts from family members. I am grateful for the generosity of family and friends, and I wouldn't begin to tell others to exclude our children at Christmastime. I realize that the giving and exchanging of gifts is one way to demonstrate our love for others.
I'm suggesting that our children receive one gift from my husband and me.
What if?
What if, when we celebrate Christmas with our immediate family, we each received one gift?
Two years ago my husband and I trimmed our children's Christmas list down to three gifts—after all, the wise men brought Jesus three gifts upon His birth (Matthew 2:1-11), why should we receive more than our King? But this year, we've trimmed our tree even more.
God gave us one gift at Christmas—not three, not one hundred and three. To my earlier point, many treasures came to us through that one gift—the gift of life, hope and peace to name a few. When my children receive one gift from mom and dad, won't they also receive the gift of simplification? of gratitude? of learning to embrace and appreciate one gift?
What if I follow God's lead?
What if we give our children one gift and give Jesus three?
Maybe you've seen the image circulating on Facebook—the one with a picture of starving children on one side and a picture of holiday shoppers with full carts (and full arms) on the other side. Beneath the photo reads, "Define necessity."
Just think of what we could do with the money made available by narrowing down our shopping list.
Yesterday our family chose to return this
$10 Barbie clothes
in exchange for this
feeding a hungry baby for a week.
(Photo courtesy of Samaritan's Purse 2011 Gift Catalog)
I share snapshots of our giving neither to boast nor to depict myself as a saint, but rather to demonstrate the power of a dollar . . . or in this case, of ten dollars.
Malachi 3:10 reads, "'Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,' says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, 'I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!'" Its the only place in Scripture God tells us to test Him. In essence God says, "Share generously with those in need. When you do, I will bless you so much you won't have room for it all." I know my God. He's an A+ student. He'll pass this test every time!
feeding a hungry baby for a week.
(Photo courtesy of Samaritan's Purse 2011 Gift Catalog)
I share snapshots of our giving neither to boast nor to depict myself as a saint, but rather to demonstrate the power of a dollar . . . or in this case, of ten dollars.
Malachi 3:10 reads, "'Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,' says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, 'I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!'" Its the only place in Scripture God tells us to test Him. In essence God says, "Share generously with those in need. When you do, I will bless you so much you won't have room for it all." I know my God. He's an A+ student. He'll pass this test every time!
As the conclusion of a busy holiday season fast approaches I invite you to consider one gift. May God help us to unwrap the gift of Jesus on Christmas day as well as each day of the coming new year.
I'd love to hear from you. If you had to choose, what one gift would you like to receive this Christmas? How does your family take time to recognize the significance of each gift at Christmastime?
A Glimpse Into a Mother's Heart
December 22, 2011
"But Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often." Luke 2:19
Earlier this week I tagged along with my husband as he traveled to Dallas for a business trip. Back-to-back meetings for my husband left me free to roam our old stomping grounds. My first stop? The cemetery—to pay our daughter a Christmas visit.
On account of our relocation to Central Texas, nearly two years have passed since I last visited her. I arrived to the cemetery just after eight o'clock in the morning. Just me. No one else. No bereaved family members or friends visiting loved ones. Just an opportunity for some quality mother/daughter time.
I realize my daughter isn't really there. My faith allows me to rest knowing that her spirit, her soul, the part of her which God made to last for eternity is alive and very well in Heaven. The cemetery is simply the place I go to visit the most tangible memory of my daughter.
"Your flowers look weathered," I tell her. "I'll buy a replacement and return in a bit." As a mother, the chance to care for my child, to do something for her brought my heart tremendous joy.
Amidst visits with old friends and neighbors throughout the day I eventually made it to the store and returned to the cemetery with flowers—and a full heart—in hand.
"I'm back," I said to her. I placed the new flowers in her vase and pulled out a small wind-chime I purchased years ago and hung it on one of the stems. Sweet music chimed in the gentle breeze. Resting my hand on the ground one last time I whispered my goodbyes.
I hate that the body of one of my children resides in a cemetery. Driving down the dirt road which leads to my daughter's grave site fills my mind with wonderment and disbelief. But to visit my daughter at Christmas time is a gift I'll treasure this year. A simple gift. Just a mama caring for her child the best she knows how.
Merry Christmas my sweet one. May you rest in His arms tonight.
"But Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often." Luke 2:19
Earlier this week I tagged along with my husband as he traveled to Dallas for a business trip. Back-to-back meetings for my husband left me free to roam our old stomping grounds. My first stop? The cemetery—to pay our daughter a Christmas visit.
On account of our relocation to Central Texas, nearly two years have passed since I last visited her. I arrived to the cemetery just after eight o'clock in the morning. Just me. No one else. No bereaved family members or friends visiting loved ones. Just an opportunity for some quality mother/daughter time.
I realize my daughter isn't really there. My faith allows me to rest knowing that her spirit, her soul, the part of her which God made to last for eternity is alive and very well in Heaven. The cemetery is simply the place I go to visit the most tangible memory of my daughter.
"Your flowers look weathered," I tell her. "I'll buy a replacement and return in a bit." As a mother, the chance to care for my child, to do something for her brought my heart tremendous joy.
Amidst visits with old friends and neighbors throughout the day I eventually made it to the store and returned to the cemetery with flowers—and a full heart—in hand.
"I'm back," I said to her. I placed the new flowers in her vase and pulled out a small wind-chime I purchased years ago and hung it on one of the stems. Sweet music chimed in the gentle breeze. Resting my hand on the ground one last time I whispered my goodbyes.
I hate that the body of one of my children resides in a cemetery. Driving down the dirt road which leads to my daughter's grave site fills my mind with wonderment and disbelief. But to visit my daughter at Christmas time is a gift I'll treasure this year. A simple gift. Just a mama caring for her child the best she knows how.
Merry Christmas my sweet one. May you rest in His arms tonight.
Telling Our Children
December 16, 2011
"And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7
My husband and I did the deed last night—we told our children the truth about Santa Claus. They took the news quite well. To my husband's credit, he began by telling our children the true story of Saint Nicholas.
According to the St. Nicholas Center, Saint Nicholas, better known at an early age as simply Nicholas, became an orphan after his parents died in an epidemic. Nicholas' parents left him with a sizable sum of money, and enough godly faith and character to match his inheritance. Following the generosity of his Savior, Nicholas anonymously gave all he had to the poor. Eventually the church named Nicholas a Bishop; the day of his death still remembered as St. Nicholas day. Generations have honored Saint Nicholas by the exchanging of gifts; children by hanging socks over the fireplace in hopes that the generous Saint Nicholas might pay them, or at least their stockings, a visit.
It's a good story. The generosity of one man inspired countless others to give in a similar manner.
As I pondered the origins of our modern-day Santa Claus, I sat amazed by the influence of one man. Enamored by Saint Nicholas, parents told their children about him, and those children told their children, and so on. Hardly a Christmas passes without mention of the name St. Nick. Amazingly, born just 270 years after the birth of Christ, the story of Saint Nicholas continues strong today. We've told the story, and we've told it well.
But as I considered the faithfulness with which we've passed down the story of jolly ol' St. Nick, my heart sank with grief. For there exists a greater story which deserves to be told.
God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel—which means, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).
The legacy of Santa honors one who lived a generous life. How do we choose to honor the One who gave the most generous gift of all? We pass down through generations the story of a man who is deceased. What about the story of the Man who died on the cross for our sin but who rose again to live forever with God, interceding on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25)?
The prominence of Santa in our modern-day society proves that stories can indeed be passed from generation to generation. Good news withstands the test of time.
Let us not be remiss this Christmas, and every Christmas, when we are at home and when we are on the road, when we are going to bed and when we are getting up, to tell our children the true Good News, the Greatest story ever told.
"And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7
My husband and I did the deed last night—we told our children the truth about Santa Claus. They took the news quite well. To my husband's credit, he began by telling our children the true story of Saint Nicholas.
According to the St. Nicholas Center, Saint Nicholas, better known at an early age as simply Nicholas, became an orphan after his parents died in an epidemic. Nicholas' parents left him with a sizable sum of money, and enough godly faith and character to match his inheritance. Following the generosity of his Savior, Nicholas anonymously gave all he had to the poor. Eventually the church named Nicholas a Bishop; the day of his death still remembered as St. Nicholas day. Generations have honored Saint Nicholas by the exchanging of gifts; children by hanging socks over the fireplace in hopes that the generous Saint Nicholas might pay them, or at least their stockings, a visit.
It's a good story. The generosity of one man inspired countless others to give in a similar manner.
As I pondered the origins of our modern-day Santa Claus, I sat amazed by the influence of one man. Enamored by Saint Nicholas, parents told their children about him, and those children told their children, and so on. Hardly a Christmas passes without mention of the name St. Nick. Amazingly, born just 270 years after the birth of Christ, the story of Saint Nicholas continues strong today. We've told the story, and we've told it well.
But as I considered the faithfulness with which we've passed down the story of jolly ol' St. Nick, my heart sank with grief. For there exists a greater story which deserves to be told.
God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel—which means, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).
The legacy of Santa honors one who lived a generous life. How do we choose to honor the One who gave the most generous gift of all? We pass down through generations the story of a man who is deceased. What about the story of the Man who died on the cross for our sin but who rose again to live forever with God, interceding on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25)?
The prominence of Santa in our modern-day society proves that stories can indeed be passed from generation to generation. Good news withstands the test of time.
Let us not be remiss this Christmas, and every Christmas, when we are at home and when we are on the road, when we are going to bed and when we are getting up, to tell our children the true Good News, the Greatest story ever told.
Mary's Obedience
December 14, 2011
"And Mary said, 'Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.' And the angel departed from her." Luke 1:38 NASB
I recently asked the Lord to take me to the next place, to the next level in our relationship. I love the Lord but I want to love Him more. I trust God but I want to know Him by another name—ELOHIM (the Hebrew name for God), ADONAI (my Lord), EL-SHADDAI (God Almighty).
I knew my request would come with discomfort, challenge and discipline, as drawing nearer to God will always require further surrender myself and my ways. The past two weeks have been difficult. Two nights ago I cried myself to sleep. The Lord has burdened my heart for many things—scary things. My response? "But Lord, what about my kids?" It goes without saying that I would never intentionally place my children in the path of danger. However, as I consider reaching out to those bound by the enemy, my mommy-mind runs amuck with the potential harm that could come my family's way.
A few years ago I struggled to transition into the role of stay-at-home mom. It wasn't that I didn't want to be with my children, it was that staying at home meant that I had to surrender my idea of sustaining a career. Six years into the SAHM journey, I love serving as the primary caregiver and teacher of these precious ones. I love my role almost to a fault. I love my children. I want to be with them, provide for them, protect them at all costs. In my quest to go deeper with the Lord He has revealed to me that I have placed my children in a most precarious place: above my love and concern for Him.
Matthew 10:37 reads, "If you love your son or daughter more than Me, you are not worthy of being mine."
Ouch.
Its okay that I love my children. As parents God calls us to teach and to train our children, and to serve as a vessel through which He can pour His love for them. But God loves my children more than I ever could. His plans for my children exceed anything I can think to ask or imagine. Why, then, do I think God would call me to serve in a manner which would cause my children to fall out of the protection of His will for them? Why do I think that His will for me includes anything less than His best for my children?
In light of Christmas, I couldn't help but ponder the example of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
God sent the angel Gabriel to tell Mary that she would conceive and give birth to Jesus, the Son of God.
Consider Mary's plight. Wasn't she familiar with Scripture? God's Word is so deep and so wide that none can fully comprehend its meaning. However, I must believe that because of the prophets Mary knew enough of the Holy Writ to have an inkling as to what her—and her child's—future might hold if she followed in obedience.
Didn't Mary know the rejection and utter disdain that her Son would face? Didn't Mary know that her Son would endure a horrid death upon a cross? Didn't Mary know?
Mary could have said, "But God, if I fulfill the call you've placed on my life, my child (whose child?) will suffer. I think instead I'll spare Him the suffering by refusing to follow your lead."
But that's not how Mary responded. Mary recognized her place of humility before God. She surrendered to the fact that she could not change God's will for His Son. Mary did not challenge God's authority or question His plan or petition Him for another way. She simply responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true."
Oh, that I may respond to God's call with similar words. "Behold your bondslave; may it be done to me according to your word."
On account of Mary's obedience, God delivered Salvation to the world. Who knows what God may accomplish through our obedience?
I do not know what God has in store for my children (whose children?). I do know God will never call them to suffer as much as He did His own Son—to bear the sins of the world.
My earnest prayer for my children is Colossians 1:9-11, which read, "We have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need."
I beleive the most abundant life we'll ever live is the life God ordained for us. The one sure way for my children to fulfill God's call on their lives is to watch their mama walk in obedience to fulfill God's call on her own life.
Father, I must ask forgiveness for my lack of trust in You. Thank you for revealing an area of my heart which offends you. Help me to trust you with your children. Help me to love you so much that I am willing to follow you wherever you go. In Jesus name, Amen.
"And Mary said, 'Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.' And the angel departed from her." Luke 1:38 NASB
I recently asked the Lord to take me to the next place, to the next level in our relationship. I love the Lord but I want to love Him more. I trust God but I want to know Him by another name—ELOHIM (the Hebrew name for God), ADONAI (my Lord), EL-SHADDAI (God Almighty).
I knew my request would come with discomfort, challenge and discipline, as drawing nearer to God will always require further surrender myself and my ways. The past two weeks have been difficult. Two nights ago I cried myself to sleep. The Lord has burdened my heart for many things—scary things. My response? "But Lord, what about my kids?" It goes without saying that I would never intentionally place my children in the path of danger. However, as I consider reaching out to those bound by the enemy, my mommy-mind runs amuck with the potential harm that could come my family's way.
A few years ago I struggled to transition into the role of stay-at-home mom. It wasn't that I didn't want to be with my children, it was that staying at home meant that I had to surrender my idea of sustaining a career. Six years into the SAHM journey, I love serving as the primary caregiver and teacher of these precious ones. I love my role almost to a fault. I love my children. I want to be with them, provide for them, protect them at all costs. In my quest to go deeper with the Lord He has revealed to me that I have placed my children in a most precarious place: above my love and concern for Him.
Matthew 10:37 reads, "If you love your son or daughter more than Me, you are not worthy of being mine."
Ouch.
Its okay that I love my children. As parents God calls us to teach and to train our children, and to serve as a vessel through which He can pour His love for them. But God loves my children more than I ever could. His plans for my children exceed anything I can think to ask or imagine. Why, then, do I think God would call me to serve in a manner which would cause my children to fall out of the protection of His will for them? Why do I think that His will for me includes anything less than His best for my children?
In light of Christmas, I couldn't help but ponder the example of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
God sent the angel Gabriel to tell Mary that she would conceive and give birth to Jesus, the Son of God.
Consider Mary's plight. Wasn't she familiar with Scripture? God's Word is so deep and so wide that none can fully comprehend its meaning. However, I must believe that because of the prophets Mary knew enough of the Holy Writ to have an inkling as to what her—and her child's—future might hold if she followed in obedience.
Didn't Mary know the rejection and utter disdain that her Son would face? Didn't Mary know that her Son would endure a horrid death upon a cross? Didn't Mary know?
Mary could have said, "But God, if I fulfill the call you've placed on my life, my child (whose child?) will suffer. I think instead I'll spare Him the suffering by refusing to follow your lead."
But that's not how Mary responded. Mary recognized her place of humility before God. She surrendered to the fact that she could not change God's will for His Son. Mary did not challenge God's authority or question His plan or petition Him for another way. She simply responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true."
Oh, that I may respond to God's call with similar words. "Behold your bondslave; may it be done to me according to your word."
On account of Mary's obedience, God delivered Salvation to the world. Who knows what God may accomplish through our obedience?
I do not know what God has in store for my children (whose children?). I do know God will never call them to suffer as much as He did His own Son—to bear the sins of the world.
My earnest prayer for my children is Colossians 1:9-11, which read, "We have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need."
I beleive the most abundant life we'll ever live is the life God ordained for us. The one sure way for my children to fulfill God's call on their lives is to watch their mama walk in obedience to fulfill God's call on her own life.
Father, I must ask forgiveness for my lack of trust in You. Thank you for revealing an area of my heart which offends you. Help me to trust you with your children. Help me to love you so much that I am willing to follow you wherever you go. In Jesus name, Amen.
Leftovers
November 28, 2011
"After everyone was full, Jesus told His disciples, 'Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.'” John 6:12
Our family enjoyed quite the Turkey Day. Ham and turkey and all the trimmings one might imagine. We finished our meal, stocked the refrigerator full of the food which remained, and consumed a second round of our Thanksgiving meal again the next day. We were thankful for leftovers. And it wasn't until I read John 6 this past week that I realized how important leftovers are to Jesus too.
John 6 records the account of a little boy who offered all he had—five loaves of bread and two fish—to Jesus as Jesus aimed to feed a crowd which had gathered before Him. Five loaves of bread and two fish to feed 5,000 men (not to mention the women and children who traveled with these men). The boy's offering doesn't seem like much but what matters most is that he withheld nothing from our Savior.
I can't help but wonder why the boy had five loaves of bread and two fish. Had the boy come with his family only to give away every last bite of nourishment they had prepared for their journey? Had the boy paid an honest day's wages for the food only to return home empty-handed? Why did the boy bother offering his food to Jesus when it obviously would fail to feed such a crowd?
Jesus took the bread and fish, thanked God for it and distributed the food amongst the people who had gathered. Scripture tells us that everyone ate as much as they wanted (John 6:11). That a crowd which likely exceeded 10,000 was fed by such a small amount of food is just one of the many miracles Jesus performed while on this earth. But what I find just as fascinating is that Jesus took extra care to capture every last piece of the boy's offering.
After the crowd had eaten their fill Jesus said to His disciples, "Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted."
Not only does the story of Jesus feeding 5,000+ teach me that no offering is too small for Jesus to use, it reminds me that nothing goes to waste in God's economy. When we surrender our lives to Him for His purpose and His glory, He promises to use every last bit of our offering for the good of ourselves and for the good of others.
Feel as if you have nothing to offer our Lord? Remember the boy and his fish and bread. Jesus said the harvest is great but the workers are few (Luke 10:2). Offer all you have to Jesus so that He may feed the crowd which stands before Him. If there is any part of us, any part of our family, any part of our offering left over, rest assured that He'll collect it in a basket so that none goes to waste.
"After everyone was full, Jesus told His disciples, 'Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted.'” John 6:12
Our family enjoyed quite the Turkey Day. Ham and turkey and all the trimmings one might imagine. We finished our meal, stocked the refrigerator full of the food which remained, and consumed a second round of our Thanksgiving meal again the next day. We were thankful for leftovers. And it wasn't until I read John 6 this past week that I realized how important leftovers are to Jesus too.
John 6 records the account of a little boy who offered all he had—five loaves of bread and two fish—to Jesus as Jesus aimed to feed a crowd which had gathered before Him. Five loaves of bread and two fish to feed 5,000 men (not to mention the women and children who traveled with these men). The boy's offering doesn't seem like much but what matters most is that he withheld nothing from our Savior.
I can't help but wonder why the boy had five loaves of bread and two fish. Had the boy come with his family only to give away every last bite of nourishment they had prepared for their journey? Had the boy paid an honest day's wages for the food only to return home empty-handed? Why did the boy bother offering his food to Jesus when it obviously would fail to feed such a crowd?
Jesus took the bread and fish, thanked God for it and distributed the food amongst the people who had gathered. Scripture tells us that everyone ate as much as they wanted (John 6:11). That a crowd which likely exceeded 10,000 was fed by such a small amount of food is just one of the many miracles Jesus performed while on this earth. But what I find just as fascinating is that Jesus took extra care to capture every last piece of the boy's offering.
After the crowd had eaten their fill Jesus said to His disciples, "Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted."
Not only does the story of Jesus feeding 5,000+ teach me that no offering is too small for Jesus to use, it reminds me that nothing goes to waste in God's economy. When we surrender our lives to Him for His purpose and His glory, He promises to use every last bit of our offering for the good of ourselves and for the good of others.
Feel as if you have nothing to offer our Lord? Remember the boy and his fish and bread. Jesus said the harvest is great but the workers are few (Luke 10:2). Offer all you have to Jesus so that He may feed the crowd which stands before Him. If there is any part of us, any part of our family, any part of our offering left over, rest assured that He'll collect it in a basket so that none goes to waste.
Donate Funds for Bibles
This summer I will travel with a team to Africa to teach at a discipleship conference. Our goal is to provide every attendee with a Bible in their own language. $3 buys a study guide; $10 buys one Bible. Visit www.equipdisciples.org if you'd like to donate. Donations are tax deductible. Thank you!