There are many times I find myself thinking about how unworthy I am to live a life so blessed by God. But this morning as I was reading Romans 8 I was reminded again that I am no longer a slave to the sinful life I used to live - even though I may still screw up from time to time - but that I am a child of God and an heir, along with Jesus Christ, to all of God's riches.
"For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs - heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him." Romans 8:15-17 (ESV)
To say I am unworthy is to deny the work of Jesus on the cross and the love of God that sent Jesus to the cross to pay for my sins. EVERY person is unworthy! But "God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
As a child of God, I am part of the family. Adopted intentionally and made a co-heir with Christ by my Father. Rather than dwell on my unworthiness and past sins, I should be dancing in the streets shouting hallelujah and thank you. How dumb would it have been to tell my earthly daddy I can't eat with you or go on vacation with you or accept this money for college because I once did things that hurt you. Because of Jesus' death, burial and resurrection and my repentance, God chooses to forget all my past sins (Isaiah 43:25) and I am worthy, because of Jesus, to accept every blessing God sends my way.
Even Paul had these acceptance issues as he called himself the foremost of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15) and a wretched man (Romans 7:18-24). But, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1). So I will choose to live each day in full confidence of my place in God's family.
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Friday, May 17, 2013
Monday, October 22, 2012
Joseph
Sometimes as I read all the good God character lessons in the Bible I tend to overlook some things. In the life of Joseph, for instance, God's faithfulness is a constant theme for all the years Joseph was a slave in Egypt. We are told the Lord was with Joseph in Potipher's house and in prison and as governor of the land. God allowed Joseph and those he served to prosper.
But Joseph is also a study in how not to conduct a family. Israel loved his sons by Rebecca more than he loved his other sons. Joseph was openly favored above his brothers. I imagine when Joseph told his family of his dreams there was a little smugness, a little hautiness in his telling of it. After all he was the favored son and now he was literally having dreams of grandeur.
When Joseph saw his brothers in Egypt after all those years, he set about making life miserable for them. He wanted a reunion but not before extracting a little revenge. Joseph is now the second most powerful man in a powerful land. He is about 40 years old and looks nothing like the 17 year old boy the brothers hated so much. Joseph takes advantage of that. He accuses his brothers of being spies, keeps a brother as a pledge of honesty, returns their money without telling them and vows they may not buy more grain without bringing their youngest brother back with them.
I can imagine the fear of being in a foreign country and being accused of a crime. I can imagine the heartache of going home without their brother, Simeon, to tell their father all that happened. I can imagine the confusion of opening grain bags to find money inside; money that was to pay for the grain. I can imagine the fear in Israel's heart and mind when he releases his youngest son to go back to Egypt to buy more grain not knowing if he will return home.
The brothers return again to Egypt and Joseph, buy their grain and start home. But Joseph had his servant put his silver cup in Benjamin's grain bag. He then sends the servant to accuse them of stealing. So back they go to Joseph and Judah pleads for Benjamin's life.
Finally, Joseph says hey guys it's me, your brother! Surprise! Maybe the brothers thought they deserved going through all this fear and intimidation from Joseph but I don't think it endeared him to them any more than the special coat Israel had given to Joseph as a child or the dreams he had spoken to them.
Our family relationships should be grounded in love, honesty, and respect. Not much of that is evident in the life of Joseph and his relationship with his brothers. I'm glad the Bible is full of imperfect people. If God could use and bless them despite all their imperfections, then He can do the same for me! After all, He did give me Jesus!
But Joseph is also a study in how not to conduct a family. Israel loved his sons by Rebecca more than he loved his other sons. Joseph was openly favored above his brothers. I imagine when Joseph told his family of his dreams there was a little smugness, a little hautiness in his telling of it. After all he was the favored son and now he was literally having dreams of grandeur.
When Joseph saw his brothers in Egypt after all those years, he set about making life miserable for them. He wanted a reunion but not before extracting a little revenge. Joseph is now the second most powerful man in a powerful land. He is about 40 years old and looks nothing like the 17 year old boy the brothers hated so much. Joseph takes advantage of that. He accuses his brothers of being spies, keeps a brother as a pledge of honesty, returns their money without telling them and vows they may not buy more grain without bringing their youngest brother back with them.
I can imagine the fear of being in a foreign country and being accused of a crime. I can imagine the heartache of going home without their brother, Simeon, to tell their father all that happened. I can imagine the confusion of opening grain bags to find money inside; money that was to pay for the grain. I can imagine the fear in Israel's heart and mind when he releases his youngest son to go back to Egypt to buy more grain not knowing if he will return home.
The brothers return again to Egypt and Joseph, buy their grain and start home. But Joseph had his servant put his silver cup in Benjamin's grain bag. He then sends the servant to accuse them of stealing. So back they go to Joseph and Judah pleads for Benjamin's life.
Finally, Joseph says hey guys it's me, your brother! Surprise! Maybe the brothers thought they deserved going through all this fear and intimidation from Joseph but I don't think it endeared him to them any more than the special coat Israel had given to Joseph as a child or the dreams he had spoken to them.
Our family relationships should be grounded in love, honesty, and respect. Not much of that is evident in the life of Joseph and his relationship with his brothers. I'm glad the Bible is full of imperfect people. If God could use and bless them despite all their imperfections, then He can do the same for me! After all, He did give me Jesus!
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Genealogy
The wife of a distant relative of my father on his mother's side of the family decided a decade or so ago to trace this part of her husband's family tree. She was able, with the help of people all over the country, to trace this part of my family back in America to a land grant in the mid 1600's. It is interesting to see how the original patriarchal family branched and the number of known descendants has grown so huge over 350+ years. We have spread far and wide from that original landholding in Virginia.
As I read about the descendants of Noah after the flood, I get that same since of wonder at how families grow and change. Genesis 10 lists four or five generations of Noah. A few of the names we easily recognize today from biblical or political history are Egypt, Canaan, Nimrod, Babel, Ninevah, Amorites, and Havilah. We usually associate those names with places rather than people but the places in ancient times were usually named for the person or family that first settled there.
When Noah and his sons came off the ark after the flood, the first thing Noah did was build an altar and offer sacrifices to God. (Genesis 8:20) But by the names above we know that a few generations and the people were no longer worshiping God. Later as God gave the Law to Moses, God commanded His people to teach their children about Him. "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up." Deuteronomy 6:4-7
We, who are followers of Jesus Christ, have our own genealogy, a spiritual genealogy. Because of that we have an obligation to the next generation to teach them the truth of Scripture. We need to tell them about God and His salvation through Jesus Christ but we also need to tell them the stories of Jesus in our own lives. How He changed us. How He provides for us. How He guides us. Jesus is not just history. Jesus is alive and active in our lives today and that needs to be told so the next generation can carry the gospel to the generations after them and keep building the family tree.
As I read about the descendants of Noah after the flood, I get that same since of wonder at how families grow and change. Genesis 10 lists four or five generations of Noah. A few of the names we easily recognize today from biblical or political history are Egypt, Canaan, Nimrod, Babel, Ninevah, Amorites, and Havilah. We usually associate those names with places rather than people but the places in ancient times were usually named for the person or family that first settled there.
When Noah and his sons came off the ark after the flood, the first thing Noah did was build an altar and offer sacrifices to God. (Genesis 8:20) But by the names above we know that a few generations and the people were no longer worshiping God. Later as God gave the Law to Moses, God commanded His people to teach their children about Him. "Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up." Deuteronomy 6:4-7
We, who are followers of Jesus Christ, have our own genealogy, a spiritual genealogy. Because of that we have an obligation to the next generation to teach them the truth of Scripture. We need to tell them about God and His salvation through Jesus Christ but we also need to tell them the stories of Jesus in our own lives. How He changed us. How He provides for us. How He guides us. Jesus is not just history. Jesus is alive and active in our lives today and that needs to be told so the next generation can carry the gospel to the generations after them and keep building the family tree.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
True Beauty
I know it's nothing new but I fear for many of the girls growing up with the images of Victoria's Secret "angels" and other false ideas of what true beauty is.
My thirteen year old grandson has a female classmate who is obsessed with body image and always trying to lose weight and calling herself fat when she weighs just what she should for her age and height. And she is not alone in this obsession with body image.
No one wants to see models who look like me...old and wrinkly and saggy baggy...but a lot of girls, and even grown women, believe that looking like these super models will bring them happiness, or at least the boyfriend/husband they desire. Most don't see the stress these women are under to keep their weight "perfect", the hours of working out, the surgical enhancements and reductions to make them into someone they are not.
Men are not immune to this. We see all the exercise ads so men can have those 6 pack abs. And the hormone replacement ads, for men and women, so you can be "young again" are filling the TV. I don't know if we have lost the art of aging gracefully or we are afraid of old age and dying. Don't get me wrong, I want to live to be 100 - but do not fear standing before Jesus when my numbered days end. Job 14:5
Peter spoke to the women of the first century when he said, "Do not let your adorning be external - the braiding of your hair, the wearing of gold, or the putting on of clothing - but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious." 1 Peter 3:3-4
Peter is not telling women it is wrong to look nice but rather that all the finery does not give us true beauty. True beauty comes from a heart surrender to God. True beauty can change the course of marriages and draw unbelieving husbands to Jesus (vs1-2).
We can photoshop our pictures, get plastic surgeons to change our shape, work out in the gym for hours each day, and replace the hormones age is taking away but will we ever be satisfied? Nope! Only a personal relationship with Jesus can satisfy our deepest longings. Only through Jesus can we find peace and contentment for this life and the next.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
He Loved Them to the End
John 13:1 "Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come to depart out of this world, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end." (ESV)
Jesus loved His ragtag bunch of disciples. Outspoken, impulsive Peter who would deny Him. James and John who would ask for higher positions of authority than their counterparts. Thomas who would doubt Jesus' resurrection. And Judas. Judas who was a thief in charge of the money bag. Judas who would betray Him to those who would kill Him.
And Jesus loved them. He taught them and encouraged them and washed their feet. We probably dont't think much about the foot washing but it was a dirty job that was reserved for the lowest of the low of the foreign slaves. And then Jesus loved them all the way to the cross.
Last Sunday Pastor Perry preached a sermon called "Going for the Big ASK" where he talked to us about asking THEM...our friends and family...to church this Sunday as we have "salvation Sunday". But he also told us we should always ask HIM...God...to save those we invite.
We don't berate those we care about for their lifestyle or for their poor choices. Jesus didn't. He washed their feet. He loved them to the end. So then we never give up on our family and friends. We never stop inviting. We never stop praying for God to save them. We never stop looking for opportunities to speak Jesus into their lives. We love THEM to the end as we continually ask HIM to save them.
Jesus loved His ragtag bunch of disciples. Outspoken, impulsive Peter who would deny Him. James and John who would ask for higher positions of authority than their counterparts. Thomas who would doubt Jesus' resurrection. And Judas. Judas who was a thief in charge of the money bag. Judas who would betray Him to those who would kill Him.
And Jesus loved them. He taught them and encouraged them and washed their feet. We probably dont't think much about the foot washing but it was a dirty job that was reserved for the lowest of the low of the foreign slaves. And then Jesus loved them all the way to the cross.
Last Sunday Pastor Perry preached a sermon called "Going for the Big ASK" where he talked to us about asking THEM...our friends and family...to church this Sunday as we have "salvation Sunday". But he also told us we should always ask HIM...God...to save those we invite.
We don't berate those we care about for their lifestyle or for their poor choices. Jesus didn't. He washed their feet. He loved them to the end. So then we never give up on our family and friends. We never stop inviting. We never stop praying for God to save them. We never stop looking for opportunities to speak Jesus into their lives. We love THEM to the end as we continually ask HIM to save them.
Monday, July 25, 2011
It's Gauntlet Time
I am so excited for my grandson, Nate. He should be at the TD Convention Center now, checking in for his first trip to the Gauntlet. This is the annual (and only) youth trip NewSpring has each year. There are about 280 students and 100 adults going from Greenville (about 1300 students and 500 or so adults total who will be loading up at each campus) and heading to Daytona for a week of Bible study, music, Jesus, sun and fun.
Nate is going to have a blast. He will make new friends, get closer to the ones he already has, learn more about Jesus, play at the beach, laugh, sing, read his Bible, get a little homesick and probably not enough sleep. I hope I hear "can't wait to do that again next year" as soon as he gets home.
The "theme" for the week at the Gauntlet is AWAKENING. Praying them up for God to move among the students and adults in amazing ways.
Nate is going to have a blast. He will make new friends, get closer to the ones he already has, learn more about Jesus, play at the beach, laugh, sing, read his Bible, get a little homesick and probably not enough sleep. I hope I hear "can't wait to do that again next year" as soon as he gets home.
The "theme" for the week at the Gauntlet is AWAKENING. Praying them up for God to move among the students and adults in amazing ways.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Open Letter to My Son
Jeremy,
I was not the best influence for you for many years of your life. My emotional struggles as a single mom led me down paths that I wish I could erase for me and for you but that is not possible. I do ask that you forgive me for all the ways I failed you during some pretty dark days - and nights.
I thank God for the influence of Granddaddy on your life. His gruff exterior covered a heart full of love for you. I am also grateful for Richard and Sharon and the way they took you into their family when you and Andrew became such good friends. They helped you to see what a normal family with a mom and a dad should look like. That you have turned out to be a man who loves and cares for his family is more their influence than mine.
You have overcome many obstacles without a hint of bitterness or anger. You are a man full of grace and forgiveness. I see the love you have for Holly and your children; your patience; your interest in them as individuals; your desire to teach and correct and to be the leader that your family needs. I am grateful that you gave your heart to Jesus years ago and have let Him turn you away from the destructive paths you walked for a few years and back to His paths. "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11
You work so hard to provide for your family plus you are going to school and you are volunteering at church. You and Holly together are striving to teach your children to love Jesus and to provide them opportunities to learn and grow and just have fun. I don't know how you do it all.
I love you and I am so proud of you.
Mom
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Nate's Best FUSE Ever
When Nate got in the car on Wednesday night after FUSE, he said this was the best night ever! I said so tell me what made it so great. And he said...I got to lead my small group!
Now Nate is 11 years old. I know lots of adults who would not think being asked on the spur of the moment to lead the group of 10 or so with the regular leaders sitting around listening something to be excited about. LOTS of people would be so intimidated they might never come back. Not Nate. He was ecstatic!
And this Grandma? I was thanking Jesus as Nate told me all about it. Thanking Jesus for the work He is doing in Nate's life. Thanking Jesus for his small group leaders who see potential in him. Thanking Jesus that Nate found it exciting and wants to do it again.
Next Wednesday, he will be representing the 6th grade in reciting from memory Psalm 23. This will be in the main ballroom at CFC and they are encouraging the kids to invite lots of friends. The leadership is praying for 400-500 students to come.
I can hardly contain my excitement as I think about where this might lead Nate in the future. Now that I think about it, it was MY best FUSE ever too!
Now Nate is 11 years old. I know lots of adults who would not think being asked on the spur of the moment to lead the group of 10 or so with the regular leaders sitting around listening something to be excited about. LOTS of people would be so intimidated they might never come back. Not Nate. He was ecstatic!
And this Grandma? I was thanking Jesus as Nate told me all about it. Thanking Jesus for the work He is doing in Nate's life. Thanking Jesus for his small group leaders who see potential in him. Thanking Jesus that Nate found it exciting and wants to do it again.
Next Wednesday, he will be representing the 6th grade in reciting from memory Psalm 23. This will be in the main ballroom at CFC and they are encouraging the kids to invite lots of friends. The leadership is praying for 400-500 students to come.
I can hardly contain my excitement as I think about where this might lead Nate in the future. Now that I think about it, it was MY best FUSE ever too!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Eternity
I wish I had a sharper mind, or maybe a deeper mind. I read things in Scripture and sometimes I just can't get my mind around it. One of those things is eternity.
Although I believe it, I just can't quite grasp that God is. Just is - always in the present. Before there was time God is there."In the beginning God..." (Genesis 1:1) After time ends, God is there. "And He said to me, 'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.'" (Revelation 21:6)
And He is omniscient so He is the only real "know it all". He IS the beginning and the end so He sees it all. We often can't see beyond today. Especially when we are in a pit of despair for some reason. That is even more reason to surrender daily to Jesus as Lord. We don't know what tomorrow holds but Jesus does. He has promised to work all the circumstances of our lives - good and bad - into something that is for our ultimate good and for His glory. "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son..." (Romans 8:28-29)
My brother, David, was one who really believed this. I was the black sheep of the family, my brother the "good" guy. But David was the one who got sick and suffered physically for 20+ years, As he was dying we were talking one day and I expressed my doubts about why David had to suffer and not me. I DESERVED to be sick and dying. I was the one who had told God to go away and leave me alone. (Thank you, Jesus, for not doing that!) David said maybe it was just that God knew he could handle it. And he did with much grace. He glorified God in all he did. He never complained. He never doubted God's love. He never gave up. He kept serving and giving and worshiping God every day. Hundreds came to his funeral and several met Jesus there. So even in death he was glorifying God.
One great thing to me about eternity is I will be united with my brother and Mama and Daddy who have all gone before me to be with Jesus. And we will worship Jesus forever. "But nothing unclean will ever enter it...but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever." (Revelation 21:27, 22:5)
Although I believe it, I just can't quite grasp that God is. Just is - always in the present. Before there was time God is there."In the beginning God..." (Genesis 1:1) After time ends, God is there. "And He said to me, 'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.'" (Revelation 21:6)
And He is omniscient so He is the only real "know it all". He IS the beginning and the end so He sees it all. We often can't see beyond today. Especially when we are in a pit of despair for some reason. That is even more reason to surrender daily to Jesus as Lord. We don't know what tomorrow holds but Jesus does. He has promised to work all the circumstances of our lives - good and bad - into something that is for our ultimate good and for His glory. "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son..." (Romans 8:28-29)
My brother, David, was one who really believed this. I was the black sheep of the family, my brother the "good" guy. But David was the one who got sick and suffered physically for 20+ years, As he was dying we were talking one day and I expressed my doubts about why David had to suffer and not me. I DESERVED to be sick and dying. I was the one who had told God to go away and leave me alone. (Thank you, Jesus, for not doing that!) David said maybe it was just that God knew he could handle it. And he did with much grace. He glorified God in all he did. He never complained. He never doubted God's love. He never gave up. He kept serving and giving and worshiping God every day. Hundreds came to his funeral and several met Jesus there. So even in death he was glorifying God.
One great thing to me about eternity is I will be united with my brother and Mama and Daddy who have all gone before me to be with Jesus. And we will worship Jesus forever. "But nothing unclean will ever enter it...but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever." (Revelation 21:27, 22:5)
Thursday, May 26, 2011
FSKO 2011
My grandson got to go to his first FUSE Summer Kick Off on Wednesday night as part of the NewSpring student ministries. He is so pumped to be part of all that is happening there. This year was even bigger and better than last year!
More than 3100 students showed up - regular attenders and their friends - across 4 campuses and 469 of those were in Greenville. In all the fun and games and give aways, the message is always Jesus. NewSpring ALWAYS preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Why else would anyone do anything through the church? Fun and games can be had in lots of places but only the Church has the message of Life. And new life was in abundance. Dan Lian preached from the prodigal son on God's love for us. One thing he said that stuck with me was if you could cut God's arm, He would bleed love. The visual I got was the spear piercing Jesus side as He hung on the cross and blood and water flowing out. "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
I haven't seen the final numbers on salvations but I know it will be high. God is doing a mighty work in the lives of students all around South Carolina. I am so glad I am part of a church that places a high value on the next generation. If every kid that attends is impacted like my grandson, God will use the next generation in ways we can't even imagine now! And most exciting for me is to see what He does in the life of my grandson.
More than 3100 students showed up - regular attenders and their friends - across 4 campuses and 469 of those were in Greenville. In all the fun and games and give aways, the message is always Jesus. NewSpring ALWAYS preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Why else would anyone do anything through the church? Fun and games can be had in lots of places but only the Church has the message of Life. And new life was in abundance. Dan Lian preached from the prodigal son on God's love for us. One thing he said that stuck with me was if you could cut God's arm, He would bleed love. The visual I got was the spear piercing Jesus side as He hung on the cross and blood and water flowing out. "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
I haven't seen the final numbers on salvations but I know it will be high. God is doing a mighty work in the lives of students all around South Carolina. I am so glad I am part of a church that places a high value on the next generation. If every kid that attends is impacted like my grandson, God will use the next generation in ways we can't even imagine now! And most exciting for me is to see what He does in the life of my grandson.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Nate's Graduation
Well, an era has passed in Spartanburg City Schools. Nate is part of the last 6th grade at Pine Street School as the city school district changes the way they've always done school. Beginning next year District 7 will move 6th graders to the Junior High/Middle School level and shift 9th graders to the high school.
His graduation ceremony was long to say the least. I actually left before it ended having been there for 2 hours - for 6th graders!! There were awards in 7 different categories and one teacher, visual arts I think, gave out so many, I wondered if there was anyone who didn't get an award. Well, Nate didn't but that's OK.
The guest speaker was the football coach at the local college. He was great. He kept everyone's attention and had the kids participating in what he was saying. What struck a chord with me was his story of himself as a young man in Ohio working as a garbage collector. Although he didn't intend to always be a garbage man, he had plans and dreams, he was the best garbage man he could be. One day in a neighborhood on his route all the garbage cans had been knocked over. He picked up all the trash that had been scattered and put it in the hopper of the truck. Then he heard a crack and was struck by something. When he turned around he saw a boy, about 12 or 13, pulling a gun back in the window of his house. The police were called because the boy had shot him with a pellet gun. Mike, the coach, didn't press charges but wanted to know why the boy shot him. The boy said, "He's only a garbage man."
I thought about the times Nate had been upset because kids at his school made fun of him because his clothes weren't the right label or because of the brand of skateboard he had or because he didn't have a cell phone as a 2nd grader or because he doesn't have a Nook or an iPad or an iPhone now. The saddest part to me is the kids learn to consider what you have to be more important than who you are from their parents.
The coach went on to talk about what's inside is more important than how you look on the outside. He talked about God given gifts and talents and blessings on his life from his Savior. I wanted to stand up and cheer!
Nate didn't get any awards, any pieces of paper, to say his teachers think he's special but that doesn't mean he's not special. Parents told his dad after a trip to Barrier Island a couple of months ago that Nate was one of the nicest kids on the trip, always polite, always going out of his way to include those who were not being included. His small group leader at church told me yesterday that Nate is the neatest kid he knows; he has a maturity and understanding of God's word and a hunger to know God that the other kids in the group don't have.
Nate's got plenty of stuff, just not the stuff that matters to his school mates. He might not have any awards for a scrapbook. But I would much, much, much rather Nate have character built on the word of God. I am so proud of Nate and can't wait to see what God has in store for him!
His graduation ceremony was long to say the least. I actually left before it ended having been there for 2 hours - for 6th graders!! There were awards in 7 different categories and one teacher, visual arts I think, gave out so many, I wondered if there was anyone who didn't get an award. Well, Nate didn't but that's OK.
The guest speaker was the football coach at the local college. He was great. He kept everyone's attention and had the kids participating in what he was saying. What struck a chord with me was his story of himself as a young man in Ohio working as a garbage collector. Although he didn't intend to always be a garbage man, he had plans and dreams, he was the best garbage man he could be. One day in a neighborhood on his route all the garbage cans had been knocked over. He picked up all the trash that had been scattered and put it in the hopper of the truck. Then he heard a crack and was struck by something. When he turned around he saw a boy, about 12 or 13, pulling a gun back in the window of his house. The police were called because the boy had shot him with a pellet gun. Mike, the coach, didn't press charges but wanted to know why the boy shot him. The boy said, "He's only a garbage man."
I thought about the times Nate had been upset because kids at his school made fun of him because his clothes weren't the right label or because of the brand of skateboard he had or because he didn't have a cell phone as a 2nd grader or because he doesn't have a Nook or an iPad or an iPhone now. The saddest part to me is the kids learn to consider what you have to be more important than who you are from their parents.
The coach went on to talk about what's inside is more important than how you look on the outside. He talked about God given gifts and talents and blessings on his life from his Savior. I wanted to stand up and cheer!
Nate didn't get any awards, any pieces of paper, to say his teachers think he's special but that doesn't mean he's not special. Parents told his dad after a trip to Barrier Island a couple of months ago that Nate was one of the nicest kids on the trip, always polite, always going out of his way to include those who were not being included. His small group leader at church told me yesterday that Nate is the neatest kid he knows; he has a maturity and understanding of God's word and a hunger to know God that the other kids in the group don't have.
Nate's got plenty of stuff, just not the stuff that matters to his school mates. He might not have any awards for a scrapbook. But I would much, much, much rather Nate have character built on the word of God. I am so proud of Nate and can't wait to see what God has in store for him!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Blessed
I've been thinking lately about what it means to be blessed. In America we mostly think healthy, wealthy, good job, obedient children, loving spouse, beautiful home, nice car. Thing is those things could be a curse as easily as a blessing. They may draw me away from God rather than toward Him.
If I'm blessed when I have all this good stuff going on, what happens if I lose it? Is my contentment, my happiness, my blessedness tied up in my good life or in my relationship with Jesus? What if I get cancer? Or the stock market tumbles...again? What if my child becomes rebellious? Or my spouse leaves? What if an earthquake or hurricane or tsunami or wildfire or tornado destroys my home and all my possessions? What if I'm a victim of unspeakable violence? Or a disastrous accident?
At the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives several "Blessed are..." the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who are persecuted for righteousness, those who are reviled because of their relationship with Jesus. And the result of this blessing? The kingdom of God, comfort, inherit the earth, satisfaction, receive mercy, see God, be called sons of God.
There is a lot more, in the eyes of God, to being blessed than what we usually think about. God is always after our hearts, our complete surrender to Jesus as Lord and Savior. When we do that we are living the "good life" even if we don't have all the other stuff. I consider myself blessed beyond my wildest dreams not because I have a lot of stuff, which I don't, but because Jesus pulled me from the pit of destruction and radically changed my life. And now I am seeing Him change the lives of my son and his family. That is the greatest blessing of all!
If I'm blessed when I have all this good stuff going on, what happens if I lose it? Is my contentment, my happiness, my blessedness tied up in my good life or in my relationship with Jesus? What if I get cancer? Or the stock market tumbles...again? What if my child becomes rebellious? Or my spouse leaves? What if an earthquake or hurricane or tsunami or wildfire or tornado destroys my home and all my possessions? What if I'm a victim of unspeakable violence? Or a disastrous accident?
At the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives several "Blessed are..." the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, those who are persecuted for righteousness, those who are reviled because of their relationship with Jesus. And the result of this blessing? The kingdom of God, comfort, inherit the earth, satisfaction, receive mercy, see God, be called sons of God.
There is a lot more, in the eyes of God, to being blessed than what we usually think about. God is always after our hearts, our complete surrender to Jesus as Lord and Savior. When we do that we are living the "good life" even if we don't have all the other stuff. I consider myself blessed beyond my wildest dreams not because I have a lot of stuff, which I don't, but because Jesus pulled me from the pit of destruction and radically changed my life. And now I am seeing Him change the lives of my son and his family. That is the greatest blessing of all!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Generational God
Brad Cooper preached today at NewSpring as we continued the Upgrade series. He talked about God working in each generation and how important it is for us as the church to invest in the next generation through children's and youth ministries.
God didn't just work in Abraham's life, but in the lives of Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Samuel, David, Solomon. Jesus' genealogy shows how God works throughout time to accomplish His plan. But God is still working in our generation and expecting us to pass down what He has taught us.
As I sat there with my son and my grandson, I was so very aware of God's work in the generations of my family. Although my son gave his heart to Jesus early in life, he followed in my footsteps of rebellion and spent many years doing his own thing. But God did not let him go; God kept pursuing him - and his wife. God opened their hearts to want to be part of the things of God through the local church.
My grandson began attending FUSE at the beginning of this school year as a 6th grader. He gave his heart to Jesus soon after and was baptized last fall. He has now been to Ownership Class to become a member of NewSpring and will start volunteering soon. My granddaughter is in KidSpring. She loves reading her Bible and learning her memory verse and she is just 6 years old. They both WANT to come to church each week because they not only learn about Jesus, they have fun.
Thank you, NewSpring, for investing in the lives of children and youth. Thank you, NewSpring, for being a church where people are not expected to "clean up" their act before they come. Thank you, NewSpring, for faithfully proclaiming the Gospel. Thank you, NewSpring, for having messages every Sunday about Jesus and how I can live my life successfully day by day by reading my Bible and doing what it says. Thank you, Jesus, for sending me to NewSpring 3 years ago...it has changed all our lives!
God didn't just work in Abraham's life, but in the lives of Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Samuel, David, Solomon. Jesus' genealogy shows how God works throughout time to accomplish His plan. But God is still working in our generation and expecting us to pass down what He has taught us.
As I sat there with my son and my grandson, I was so very aware of God's work in the generations of my family. Although my son gave his heart to Jesus early in life, he followed in my footsteps of rebellion and spent many years doing his own thing. But God did not let him go; God kept pursuing him - and his wife. God opened their hearts to want to be part of the things of God through the local church.
My grandson began attending FUSE at the beginning of this school year as a 6th grader. He gave his heart to Jesus soon after and was baptized last fall. He has now been to Ownership Class to become a member of NewSpring and will start volunteering soon. My granddaughter is in KidSpring. She loves reading her Bible and learning her memory verse and she is just 6 years old. They both WANT to come to church each week because they not only learn about Jesus, they have fun.
Thank you, NewSpring, for investing in the lives of children and youth. Thank you, NewSpring, for being a church where people are not expected to "clean up" their act before they come. Thank you, NewSpring, for faithfully proclaiming the Gospel. Thank you, NewSpring, for having messages every Sunday about Jesus and how I can live my life successfully day by day by reading my Bible and doing what it says. Thank you, Jesus, for sending me to NewSpring 3 years ago...it has changed all our lives!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Nate
I am so proud of my grandson, Nate. A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that he should give a tithe from his allowance and money he earns before he ever spends it on all the stuff he wants. Last Wednesday when I took him home from Fuse he mentioned to his friend, Justin, that he had put aside $1.00 for his tithe. Today he put that money in the offering plate.
Friday I mentioned that it would be good for him to memorize the names (in order) of the books of the Bible so he can find references easier. By Saturday he had learned the Old Testament from Genesis through Lamentations. Today when Perry said he was reading from 1Samuel, Nate was able to find it easily as he was also able to find the verse in Job.
Then as we started home, he started memorizing Ephesians 3:20 that Perry said he wanted everyone to memorize this week. He got the first half of the verse down by the time we stopped for lunch. And I didn't even mention that to him!
I can't wait to see what God does in his life as he continues to go to Fuse and as he goes to the Gauntlet this summer.
Friday I mentioned that it would be good for him to memorize the names (in order) of the books of the Bible so he can find references easier. By Saturday he had learned the Old Testament from Genesis through Lamentations. Today when Perry said he was reading from 1Samuel, Nate was able to find it easily as he was also able to find the verse in Job.
Then as we started home, he started memorizing Ephesians 3:20 that Perry said he wanted everyone to memorize this week. He got the first half of the verse down by the time we stopped for lunch. And I didn't even mention that to him!
I can't wait to see what God does in his life as he continues to go to Fuse and as he goes to the Gauntlet this summer.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Martin Luther King Day
I remember hearing Dr. King when I was in high school back in the 60's. He was assassinated in 1968. I have to admit that I do not really remember much of what he said. I do remember that I thought he was a great man and I admired him for the peaceful stand he took when America was reeling with violence everywhere.
I have seen 3 quotes from Dr. King today posted on twitter and I think they are worth remembering:
"It's not whether we will be extremists but what kind of extremist we will be... The world is in dire need of creative extremists."
"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."
"A man who won't die for something is not fit to live."
Of course there are lots more things he said that changed a generation and all sorts of quotes are available online. These particular quotes made me think of my relationship with Jesus and His church.
I kinda think of NewSpring as creative extremists of church world. And that is a good thing! Just heard today that in the 11 years since NewSpring was started, 12,182 people have walked from death to life by surrendering to Jesus.
Hate...too many Christians concentrate too much on what they are against rather than loving people enough to introduce them to Jesus.
What will I die for? My family - my son, my daughter-in-law, my grandchildren. I would say yes, I would. If they were in harm's way, I would prefer to die if it would spare them. But what about Jesus? Would I be willing to die if necessary to advance the gospel? Would I still speak the name of Jesus if it meant my death? Again, I would say, yes, I would. Death only means seeing Jesus!
Paul said, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes..." Romans 1:16.
I have seen 3 quotes from Dr. King today posted on twitter and I think they are worth remembering:
"It's not whether we will be extremists but what kind of extremist we will be... The world is in dire need of creative extremists."
"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."
"A man who won't die for something is not fit to live."
Of course there are lots more things he said that changed a generation and all sorts of quotes are available online. These particular quotes made me think of my relationship with Jesus and His church.
I kinda think of NewSpring as creative extremists of church world. And that is a good thing! Just heard today that in the 11 years since NewSpring was started, 12,182 people have walked from death to life by surrendering to Jesus.
Hate...too many Christians concentrate too much on what they are against rather than loving people enough to introduce them to Jesus.
What will I die for? My family - my son, my daughter-in-law, my grandchildren. I would say yes, I would. If they were in harm's way, I would prefer to die if it would spare them. But what about Jesus? Would I be willing to die if necessary to advance the gospel? Would I still speak the name of Jesus if it meant my death? Again, I would say, yes, I would. Death only means seeing Jesus!
Paul said, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes..." Romans 1:16.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Hubby
Well, I don't have a hubby and don't want a hubby - not now. I have been married and divorced twice. Both times to men that I never should have dated and NEVER, ever have married although I have a terrific son and now grandchildren because of my second marriage. Marriage was long, long ago in a far away land that was focused on me and now, with no thought of God or the future.
But yesterday, when I was shoveling 6" of snow and ice off my car and driveway, I had the passing thought that having a hubby around to do this might be nice. Then I came to my senses and said don't go there in your thoughts because that is not where God wants you to be.
I am convinced that the singleness I've experience for the last 29 years is not just a "season" in my life but an actual gift from God. A gift that allows me to serve God without guilt or restraint whenever and wherever He chooses. Not everyone can be content in singleness but I thank God that He has given me the ability to relish the life He has provided for me.
But yesterday, when I was shoveling 6" of snow and ice off my car and driveway, I had the passing thought that having a hubby around to do this might be nice. Then I came to my senses and said don't go there in your thoughts because that is not where God wants you to be.
I am convinced that the singleness I've experience for the last 29 years is not just a "season" in my life but an actual gift from God. A gift that allows me to serve God without guilt or restraint whenever and wherever He chooses. Not everyone can be content in singleness but I thank God that He has given me the ability to relish the life He has provided for me.
Friday, January 7, 2011
They Supposed
I wonder how many times arguments in families or businesses or churches occur because someone supposed a person had done or said something. How many times could the disagreement be averted if people just talked?
When Paul was arrested in the temple in Jerusalem, he was purifying himself according to the Jewish custom and was with other Jews. But the men who were opposed to Paul had seen him earlier with a man from Ephesus and supposed Paul had brought him into the temple. Since the man was not a Jew, this would be defiling the temple. But Paul hadn't done it. The man in question was not in the temple and had not been brought into the temple by Paul.
This made me think about my own relationships. Have there been times I been angry with someone because I supposed they had acted when I didn't know for a fact? Have churches ever split wide open because people were acting on gossip or supposition with knowing the truth?
Sometimes we're afraid to ask, "Did you say..." or "Did you do..." We can build whole scenarios around false assumptions. But in addition to asking for the truth we also need to ask does it matter. Is this issue important enough to cause a rip in the fabric of my relationships? Most of the time, probably not. Maybe I have a pride issue that is bigger than the "supposed" actions of another.
When Paul was arrested in the temple in Jerusalem, he was purifying himself according to the Jewish custom and was with other Jews. But the men who were opposed to Paul had seen him earlier with a man from Ephesus and supposed Paul had brought him into the temple. Since the man was not a Jew, this would be defiling the temple. But Paul hadn't done it. The man in question was not in the temple and had not been brought into the temple by Paul.
This made me think about my own relationships. Have there been times I been angry with someone because I supposed they had acted when I didn't know for a fact? Have churches ever split wide open because people were acting on gossip or supposition with knowing the truth?
Sometimes we're afraid to ask, "Did you say..." or "Did you do..." We can build whole scenarios around false assumptions. But in addition to asking for the truth we also need to ask does it matter. Is this issue important enough to cause a rip in the fabric of my relationships? Most of the time, probably not. Maybe I have a pride issue that is bigger than the "supposed" actions of another.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Political Correctness
I got an e-reader for Christmas from my son and his family. It came with 100 free books - those old books that have no copyright restrictions. One of the books I read was the Adventures of Tom Sawyer. It had been many, many years since I'd read it so I was a little shocked to see the word "nigger" (or rather the N word as we say today) in the text maybe 4 or 5 times. I don't recall how many times it was there, but not much.
That word was NEVER allowed to be spoken in our home even though I grew up in the South of the 50's before the days of Civil Rights. My parents believed the word was an unkind, derogatory expression and as such was unworthy to come from the lips of a Christ follower because God created ALL people and ALL races.
So it came as no surprise to me that I saw on the news just yesterday that someone is re-writing Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn to take that word out and use the word slave in it's place. But now I can't remember if the person referred to was actually a slave or not in the story. I guess calling someone a slave is less inflammatory today than using the N word.
But it is not just the social commentary fiction of Mark Twain that has recently jolted my brain with political correctness - or incorrectness as the case may be.
I downloaded an epub copy of the NIV Bible, published by Zondervan in 2010. As I started reading in Matthew, something kept gnawing at me as not right as I read the familiar stories. I finally figured out that it is the political correctness of the text. Because I normally read the English Standard Version and my printed copies of the NIV are older, I was not aware of the NIV removing the male pronouns and changing the text to the plural they, their, them. So a passage I am used to reading that says, "...if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" now reads "...whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24).
In all the years of reading the Bible as a child, I never doubted that God's word, God's promises, God's love, God's salvation was for me as a female even though the pronouns in the Bible were all pretty much male. And that made me wonder about the insecurities of our day that make people want to change all sorts of texts to make them feel better about themselves. Not that it's necessarily wrong just wondering why we feel the need to do it.
That word was NEVER allowed to be spoken in our home even though I grew up in the South of the 50's before the days of Civil Rights. My parents believed the word was an unkind, derogatory expression and as such was unworthy to come from the lips of a Christ follower because God created ALL people and ALL races.
So it came as no surprise to me that I saw on the news just yesterday that someone is re-writing Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn to take that word out and use the word slave in it's place. But now I can't remember if the person referred to was actually a slave or not in the story. I guess calling someone a slave is less inflammatory today than using the N word.
But it is not just the social commentary fiction of Mark Twain that has recently jolted my brain with political correctness - or incorrectness as the case may be.
I downloaded an epub copy of the NIV Bible, published by Zondervan in 2010. As I started reading in Matthew, something kept gnawing at me as not right as I read the familiar stories. I finally figured out that it is the political correctness of the text. Because I normally read the English Standard Version and my printed copies of the NIV are older, I was not aware of the NIV removing the male pronouns and changing the text to the plural they, their, them. So a passage I am used to reading that says, "...if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" now reads "...whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24).
In all the years of reading the Bible as a child, I never doubted that God's word, God's promises, God's love, God's salvation was for me as a female even though the pronouns in the Bible were all pretty much male. And that made me wonder about the insecurities of our day that make people want to change all sorts of texts to make them feel better about themselves. Not that it's necessarily wrong just wondering why we feel the need to do it.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Thanksgiving
I love the fall of the year...the beautiful colors of the trees, the crisp morning air, and Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday. Christmas has become so commercial and the "I want..." is the loudest voice heard. There are public battles over religious displays in stores and government offices and whether it is appropriate for someone to say Merry Christmas rather than Happy Holidays. Kinda gives one the bah-humbugs.
New Years is about parties, drinking and making resolutions that can be broken soon. Easter is about Spring and eggs and bunnies - not much Jesus to be found in any of that.
But Thanksgiving is a time of reflection; a time to join with family and friends around the dinner table and just celebrate being together. It doesn't seem to upset the "separationists" (as in separation of church and state) if someone thanks God for his provision during the past year.
Even our "pagan" Christmas is about giving to others; New Years is about starting over with a clean slate and Spring is about new birth or re-birth. Sounds to me like pretty deep theology even for those who don't want to ever mention Christ or God in connection with these holidays.
God gave the greatest gift to mankind by sending His Son to earth as an act of love. It is through Him that we can have new life and a clean slate through the forgiveness of our sins by His blood shed on Calvary's cross. In addition, EVERY good and perfect gift comes from Him. Every beat of my heart, every breath I take, every, everything that I have in my life - salvation, people, stuff, health, income - all of it is because of God's graciousness to me. And for that I WILL say "Thank You, Lord!"
To set aside a time of reflection and thanksgiving should be part of my day, each day. But just in case the busyness of life gets in the way, Thanksgiving provides the perfect opportunity to do it.
Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday. Christmas has become so commercial and the "I want..." is the loudest voice heard. There are public battles over religious displays in stores and government offices and whether it is appropriate for someone to say Merry Christmas rather than Happy Holidays. Kinda gives one the bah-humbugs.
New Years is about parties, drinking and making resolutions that can be broken soon. Easter is about Spring and eggs and bunnies - not much Jesus to be found in any of that.
But Thanksgiving is a time of reflection; a time to join with family and friends around the dinner table and just celebrate being together. It doesn't seem to upset the "separationists" (as in separation of church and state) if someone thanks God for his provision during the past year.
Even our "pagan" Christmas is about giving to others; New Years is about starting over with a clean slate and Spring is about new birth or re-birth. Sounds to me like pretty deep theology even for those who don't want to ever mention Christ or God in connection with these holidays.
God gave the greatest gift to mankind by sending His Son to earth as an act of love. It is through Him that we can have new life and a clean slate through the forgiveness of our sins by His blood shed on Calvary's cross. In addition, EVERY good and perfect gift comes from Him. Every beat of my heart, every breath I take, every, everything that I have in my life - salvation, people, stuff, health, income - all of it is because of God's graciousness to me. And for that I WILL say "Thank You, Lord!"
To set aside a time of reflection and thanksgiving should be part of my day, each day. But just in case the busyness of life gets in the way, Thanksgiving provides the perfect opportunity to do it.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Hurting People
As part of the prayer team, I get to hear about a lot of the hurts people are going through. I talked to Sarah yesterday at NewSpring, Greenville, who is longing for love. She is a 20 something, obese, sexually promiscuous woman who has a 2 year old son but has never been in a relationship with a guy; all her encounters with men are just for sex. She also said she had been abused by her step-father when she was a child.
I prayed with Sarah and got her a Bible and talked to her a little about Jesus and life as a believer but then we parted and I don't know if any of it "took". Sometimes that makes me feel so impotent. I know the answer to all their questions is Jesus and I know He has to draw people to Himself for them to be healed of all that is wrong in their lives. That was true in my own life and I know it will be true in their lives. But sometimes it would be nice to see the lights go on, to know they get it.
At least it is good that those who are hurting are putting themselves in the position to hear of the love of Jesus by actually being in church on Sunday.
I prayed with Sarah and got her a Bible and talked to her a little about Jesus and life as a believer but then we parted and I don't know if any of it "took". Sometimes that makes me feel so impotent. I know the answer to all their questions is Jesus and I know He has to draw people to Himself for them to be healed of all that is wrong in their lives. That was true in my own life and I know it will be true in their lives. But sometimes it would be nice to see the lights go on, to know they get it.
At least it is good that those who are hurting are putting themselves in the position to hear of the love of Jesus by actually being in church on Sunday.
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