Whatever you do...

A recent Facebook post impacted my life afresh this morning in a way I never imagined.

Here is that post:

I showed what I had posted about our little adventure to my daughter and after reading it and laughing that her mom would put it on Facebook, she looked at me completely seriously and asked the million dollar question... "Mom, what does this have to do with Ministry?"

As I tried to explain to her that ministry is not just standing up in front of people teaching or preaching the Word of God, or walking alongside someone as they place their trust in Christ for the first time, it is meeting needs, helping others, so many different ways and avenues of ministry in our lives. Then it happened, the words came gushing into my heart and out of my mouth ... ministry is pouring our lives out for others.

Not profound, not new, not anything I hadn't known before, but so timely and just what God needed me to hear.  Pouring myself out for others.  Not receiving 'at-a-girls.  Not things going my way.  Not things looking like I thought they should.  Not worrying about the nay-sayers, and can I just call it like it is, the haters.  Not looking ahead.  Not looking behind.  Not the crowds, or the lack there of.  Simply, earnestly, whole-heartedly pouring my life out for others.  No regrets.  No rewards.  No questions.

God places so many opportunities for ministry in our paths each and every day, and the trick is not to miss them.  I know I have missed my share being too busy or too focused on one thing or another.  Ministry is life lived intentionally meeting others needs whether physical, emotional, or praise the Lord when it is Spiritual.  We all have ministry to do.  We all have people around us who need a touch of Christ in their lives, and He has us in their paths to provide just that.

"Whatever you do in word of in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:17

Whatever you do...all you do...no turning back...no recognition needed ... pour yourself out for others. Ministry. I want this life.

 Thank You Lord for providing me a much needed reminder.  Amen.

Rosh Hashanah Anyone?

Sundown this evening marked the beginning of Rosh Hashanah.  To many, that is not something that is typically “calendared” in your yearly experience.  For Christians, it marks some very historically important events.  For the first celebration, it marked the celebration of the day God created Adam and Eve, and in such, His entire creation prior to the Fall.  It also marks the Days of Awe, as well as the 10 days of repentance leading up to Yom Kippur, or The Day of Atonement, which will begin at sundown on Friday, September 13^th this year. 

Many have already quit reading and decided I have lost my mind and am going “legalistic” and “ritualistic” on them.  If you are still reading, that is not my intent or the passion of my heart as I observe these next 10 days.  I do believe that there is MUCH we can learn from our Hebrew and Jewish roots by way of reverence, duty, obedience, dedication, and holiness, but more than that, our Lord was Jewish and would have observed these days and so as we have moved into the age of redemption, we cannot fully grasp what we have gained without understanding more fully our heritage.  Context is vital in scripture if we are going to accurately see the fulfillment of the law met by the measure of unmerited grace Jesus Christ and the gospel represent. 

Here is what I mean in very simple terms.  As I observe this 10 days of repentance I will be asking the Lord to reveal to me such areas as where I am failing in my relationship with Him whether by simply taking His creation for granted, or possibly growing slack in my passion for prayer, hardening my heart to things that His is tender toward, closing my ears to His voice, distracting myself with business instead of being still in His presence to receive from Him His best, or heaven forbid, harming His reputation because of issues in my character or attitude.  You see, standing in awe of Him, His creation, and His presence was a priority in the lives of Jews from the beginning, but how much more should it be vital to us now that we have the fullness of the Messiah and His gospel?  I am thankful for the law which points out my sin, but I am eternally changed and grateful for the finished work of Christ and the provision of the Holy Spirit living in me and through me. 

As I reflect on and receive what the Lord reveals to me, I then as part of the days of repentance make it a priority to set things right with God first, with myself and my obedience, with my loved ones, and then with others.  As a Christ follower, hearing His voice is only as good as I follow what He says.  James says we should not be hearers only but doers of the Word.  The Word is not just the written Word, but also the living Word which is Christ Himself.  We must hear Him, and obey Him.  What a precious time on my calendar, a 10 day span, marking the Jewish New Year, but for me, a new season or season of renewal in my walk with Christ.  A time specifically set aside to do all I can to allow myself and position myself to hear from Him, and to do what He says as portrayed by the day of Atonement or Yom Kippur.  I don’t know about you, but come September those “New Years Commitments/Resolutions” are faded and mostly forgotten sad to say.  What a sweet time of slowing down and taking in a deep breath of reflection and renewal of passion for His presence. 

Do I observe every tradition they did? No.  Do I even pretend to know or understand them all? No.  Do I have to in order for God to honor this time of dedication in my life? No.  God knows our hearts.  This for me is a specific time set aside on my calendar to refocus, regroup, and renew passion.  I do try to study the traditions, learn more about the different aspects of these days in early practice, and honor the purpose set aside, but I am sure if you set days aside they will look different for you as well. 

I have barely scratched the surface of these High Holy Days.  I have just introduced the observances.  I have purposely not gone into detail of how they practiced these times, or how I typically observe them.  The point is this… the time is here.  The High Holy days are upon us.  Now that you have heard of them or been reminded of them, what will the Lord lead you to do with them?  For each of us it will look different and carry different implications.  My heart is overflowing with anticipation of what the Lord will do in my life over the course of the next few days.  My prayer is that no matter what it looks like in your life, or where it fits on your calendar, you will allow Him an extended time in your life to do what only He can do.  A time you purposely set aside to meet with Him.  A specific time you purpose to slow down, listen intently and with anticipation to hear His voice and respond.  Celebrate a season of renewal in your passion for your personal prayer time, revival in your personal quiet time, or a recommitment to obedience to His call in your life.  Set aside time just to stand in awe of the creator Himself.

The Groom and His Bride

Just had the privilege to see a mighty man of God going to visit his beloved in the hospital.  He had just been buzzed in the door to ICU, and was headed to see  his bride.  In his eyes and voice were two undeniable emotions.  The love for his sweet bride was piercing, even in just a few brief moments.  His heartache over her illness and desire to see her restored to health was just as transparent.

God immediately showed me a picture of Himself and His love and concern for HIS bride, the church.  His love for her is undeniable.  Who else would die for the bride but someone who was enamored with her and is willing to sacrifice whatever necessary for her to be His, to thrive, and to survive? He is passionate about her.  He knows what is in her best interest.  He tarries and hovers and cares for her.  He protects and guards her. 

 He is heart broken over her illnesses.  When she hurts he hurts. What illnesses you ask?  Apathy.  Prayerlessness.  Shut-ins.  Low blood flow.  Legalistic.  Callousness.  Lack of Biblical knowledge.  Lack of forgiveness.  The list goes on and on.  There are many illnesses the Bride of Christ is exposed and at risk of contracting.  His desire is to be her first love, and to have her so engrossed in His presence there is no room for illness to set in. 

The picture of the husband having to ask permission to get in the door to be present with his wife is a stark warning for us.  What has the Bride of Christ set up as deterrents for the Bridegroom being present in Her life?  We have limited His freedom to enter in.  We have set policies, procedures, and programs ahead of His presence.  We have legalism instead of liberty.  We cling to what we can see and what we can measure instead of what only He can do by being free to move about the body as He sees fit.  The Groom should not have to ask permission to be in the room with His Bride. 

I think this picture was so vivid to me for a few of reasons.  One, I missed being able to worship with my church family this week.  I love that I missed it.  I love that it is a priority.  I love most that I missed that special time with Him.  Personal worship is a priority, but there is just something special about the Bride coming together.  Secondly, I also admire this man I saw today greatly.  I love his heart.  It reminds me of Christ's heart for His people. Not a far leap for God to use that picture as a reminder of His heart which loves on an infinitely deeper level than we can fathom, even in Godly men.  And lastly, just life.  Sometimes God just needs to remind us of His heart for us, and His desire to be present.  What do I add to my congregation or the Bride as a whole?  Do I allow God to use me as a clean heart to enter into His presence or am I putting up roadblocks? Am I allowing Him to move freely or limiting His access?  Do I fully understand and convey to others His love, care and concern for His people or do I just spit out easy cut and dry rote with no passion for who they are in His eyes and His heart?

Lord, let me be a part of the Bride of Christ who desperately desires Your presence above all else.  Allow me to see the potential for illness.  Not for the sake of blame or negativity, but rather for alert, warning, and passionately seeking You in truth.  Let me be a part of the health of the body.  Help me also not add to roadblocks for Your presence.  Thank You for Your picture of love today through the life of one of Your servants.  Bless he and his bride as well.  Be present Lord! Let Your Bride function in health, truth, and beauty.  Love us, cover us, and protect us as we pursue You passionately.  Amen.

From Crazy to Confirmation

We all know that God can accomplish His will when and how He chooses.  Just sometimes you want to look up and ask, "Really?"

Over the last few weeks I have had the privilege to be in Austin for the purpose of testifying before the House Committee for the pro-life bill.  If you have missed all that just get online and look at any social media site for #Stand4Life. 

I would say the following conversation could ONLY take place in Austin, but that would just be tempting the Lord, kind of like saying "always" or "never".

This conversation took place with a very angry and glassy eyed young man, who only spoke to me in a yelling, low tone raspy growl.

He came face to face with me and yelled, "HYPOCRIT!!"
I (stunned of course) asked what made him say that.
His answer was just crazy ... "YOU ARE HERE TO SAY YOU STAND FOR LIFE, BUT YOU ARE WEARING POLYESTER BLEND!!"
My response? I had nothing!  I simply said, "Yes I am.  Thank you."

Now, not having a conversation quite like this one before, my initial reaction, and the one I had for days was very simple...that guy was nuts!  It just kept playing in my mind.

A day or so later, and I would not use her name had she not put it out there, Abby Johnson, a well known Planned Parenthood worker saved and turned Pro-Life Advocate, posted on Facebook and Twitter that we "desperately need some LGBTQ pro-lifers at the Texas Capitol" this coming week.  It flew all over me.  We can not begin partnering purposely with one lifestyle of sin in order to stand against another one.  Scripture is clear on this in several places.  One is Mark 3:24, "If a kingdom is divided against itself it cannot stand." Or maybe the verse about being unequally yoked.  Or how about Amos 3:3 "Can two men walk together except they be agreed?"  I just found it stunning that she was calling for this partnership.  I would have thought so had she said lets go to the local drug hangout and recruit some blue shirts as well.  What stunned me most, was the many positive comments she got for being inclusive and reaching out.  I am all for reaching out and caring for people right where they are, but there is a vast difference in that and aligning yourself with them.  The ends do not always justify the means, and if we will but be obedient with the means we can trust God for the ends.

So all this is going through my mind.  The enemy of course wanting the sheer numbers of comments to cause me to question my stance.  Ever been there?

Enter a study on remaining pure, set apart, and holy.  Enter the Holy Word of God.  Enter mixed fabrics.  Leviticus 19:19 says, "You are to keep my statutes.  You shall not breed together two kinds of your cattle; you shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed, NOR WEAR A GARMENT UPON YOU OF TWO KINDS OF MATERIAL MIXED TOGETHER."  Deuteronomy 22:11 states, "You shall not wear a material mixed of wool and linen together."

Passed smooth out!

Did that crazy man know His scripture that well?  I'm guessing by the way he earlier had been chanting, "hail satan", he did not know Jesus, but was He knowingly speaking scripture?  I just had him pegged as one of those granola guys.

I have no idea, but what I do know is God spoke it to me, and it had nothing to do with polyester blends!  It had everything to do with laws of holiness.  In order to walk in holiness and in the full counsel of God there are just some things that you do not bind together.  Righteousness with unrighteousness, light with dark, spiritual with carnal, sin and holiness.  God had confirmed where He wanted me to be on this issue by speaking through someone who most likely did not know the spiritual ramifications of his hollering. God has spoken in many ways, and through many types of people throughout history, and this time it was Mr. Pro-Choice. 

 The point of all this is simple.  First,stand for God's truth, extend grace and truth to those on the other side, but do not bind yourself together with lifestyles of sin in order to get the results you think are supposed to happen.  God will take care of the details if we will but stand firm in His truth and His love. Second, even crazy conversations and happenings in our lives can be used of the Lord if we are looking for Him in everything.  Lastly,  speak life.  What if I had told that guy how ridiculous I thought he was and then proceeded to shut him up with my smart mouth? I would be full of crow by now.  Not because of his intelligence, but because I would have mentally and verbally shut that conversation down to the point that I would not hear from the Lord on it to help me confirm what was truth in another conversation.  

God doesn't show up like we think He should sometimes.  He doesn't fit our mold.  But if we let Him He will speak life, speak truth, and speak grace...even through crazy people. 

A Time for New Life

Acts 17: 28 'For in him we live and move and have our being.'

Grass is peeking up, trees budding, flowers blooming, and baby animals being born.  Our barest human senses are reminding us that we are born desirous of birth and new life.  It is an innate part of us to be inspired by these things.

 However, birth and spiritual rebirth are only made possible by the Creator Himself, and are gifts to us from His Son, Jesus Christ.  They were purchased by Him on the Cross, and gift wrapped for us individually at His resurrection.  He gift wrapped our ability to be reborn and truly understand new life when He rose again on that third day.

 

What we fail to acknowledge, is that He knew the price all along.  He did not just endure the agony of the cross for a few hours.  He counted the cost for every healing, every act of mercy, every Word spoken in love, and every act of forgiveness.  All of these gifts would be paid for on the cross to come.  He loved us and counted us worthy of the price of the gift …and the awe inspiring gift wrap.  His work, completed, in power and majesty for the love of you and I.  And the gift continues today.

In the scripture above, read verses 27-29 as well.  Bunnies, eggs, baskets and bonnets are cheap substitutions for the gifts we truly need to celebrate.  Go to Him, not to buy a new dress, but to receive new life.  Spend time worshipping the One who died for you, not something you dyed.  Let’s celebrate The Resurrection, and hunt for Christ to deliver His gift of eternal life wrapped in the bow of His risen glory.  Let Christ Resurrect your life.

No other has the power.  No other has paid the price.  No other has defeated the grave.

Acts 2:21: And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

He loves you.  Will you seek Him or cheap substitutions?

Predator

Today, as I sat outside a friends house, I was surprised to see a coyote approaching from a field behind her house.  Surprised because it was in this neighborhood where even though it is in the country, it is a development of homes on 1-2 acre lots.  Surprised at how confidently it approached so closely to her back fence.  It did not approach in attack mode, or in cowering manner.  It simply came sauntering up like it belonged there, and was a part of the neighborhood. 

My mind went to her dogs, and chickens, and goats.  Would there be a fight with the dogs trying to protect the home.  Would the chickens be easy prey for this predator to attack?  Would the goats run around blindly and aimlessly in fear wondering where to run for safety?

What I failed to see, and what the coyote didn't see until he got right up to the fence railing is that the main fence, posts and rails, that he could have easily fit through or under, was accompanied on the bottom half by wire.  This reinforcement has probably been seen by neighbors and onlookers as a way to keep the animals inside the property, but the owners knew it was also to keep them within a safe boundary to protect them from just this type of prey. 

Now, what my eyes saw, God translated into a spiritual picture of our lives, and even possibly our churches.  The enemy is close.  He is in our neighborhoods.  He is friendly in first appearance.  He is among us often enough that he knows how to approach in a manner that even almost looks like he belongs.  He does not just attack when we are isolated and alone. 

Our minds go, like mine did, to those around us.  The spiritual watchdogs, the babes in Christ who are easy prey, as well as those in our midst who have age old religion, but do not know for sure Who to run to when danger approaches.  So what about them?  Well, in this picture, the fence with its slats and rails represents our communities in salvation.  We are inside the protective arms and boundaries of our Salvation in Christ with others in our family, church, or Kingdom partners.  A body of believers whatever form that takes.  We have come into that property and inheritance by trusting Jesus as our Savior.  But that does not prevent the enemy from approaching, or even attacking.  What we must begin to see is that our God loved us enough to also provide us with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  The additional hedge of protection to keep the enemy from fully entering into our lives.  The impenetrable power of the Holy Spirit to lead, protect, advise, and stand guard around our lives. 

Where in our bodies have we neglected to invite the presence of the Holy Spirit?  Where have we let down our guard?  In our individual lives, families, and church bodies, where are we relying on "being in the fold" to be enough to keep us safe while we are here on earth?  Do not confuse what I am saying, trust in Christ resulting in Salvation is the ultimate gift, and is all that is required for God's eternal presence and involvement in our lives, but after that we can not just sit on the porch.  We must invite the Holy Spirit to guard us, we must continually pray over and check our boundaries and make sure we have not left holes in it or allowed them to wear down making us prey to enemy encroachment, and that we have not ventured past where the boundaries of our calling and presence of the Holy Spirit can accompany us.  We must realize that within our bodies there are believers at different stages of maturity in their walks and only the Holy Spirit can protect us all, guard us all, and keep us all within God's boundaries for our lives as Christ-followers. 

The picture was a sharp reminder that we must be on guard.  We must be diligent.  We must see the Lord's guidelines and boundaries as outlines for our own protection and the Holy Spirit active in our midst as a necessity in protecting us from the coyotes who think they might sneak in and wreak havoc.  God has given us this protection, and through His Word, the direction to safely manage inside the boundaries and provision of the Holy Spirit.   Let's not leave ourselves or those in our circles of influence vulnerable by ignoring the essentiality of the Holy Spirit.