Graceful Warrior

Let’s go.

Luke 8:22-25  One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.”  So they got into the boat and set out.  As they sailed, he fell asleep.  A squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger.

The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we’re going to drown!”

He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.  “Where is your faith?” he asked his disciples.

In fear and amazement they asked one another, “Who is this?  He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him.”

Jesus says to his disciples  “Let’s go” knowing that there was a storm approaching.  Was he interested from the beginning to find out what or how they would react in the midst of the boat tossing and turning and the waves splashing over the side?  It seems to me that he knew they were capable of handling the boat during the storm, but they doubted themselves.  After all, he fell asleep, letting that rocking boat lull him to sleep.  He does the same thing today.  He tells us to get in the “boat” confident that we have the power to handle the “storm”.  He is always nearby, but not always “awake” because he knows we can do it!  But when we get afraid of what’s going on around us, he will be there to rebuke the wind and raging waters and the storm, but seems disturbed that we don’t realize our potential.

Psalm 91:1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Lessons learned from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

LESSONS LEARNED FROM “RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER”

Pretty much everyone has seen the Christmas story about Rudolph.   Rudolph is born into a normal reindeer family.  He has a mother and father who love him, but because Rudolph is “different” from all the other reindeer, he is labeled odd and sets off to find his purpose in life.  Through many adventures, he finds that being different can be useful.

We tend to be the same way.  Because of “standards” that are beyond our control, we set out to look for our purpose.  We search for a place to fit in.  Sometimes we luck out and find the “right” friends.  Others of us find the friends in low places and we conform to fit in.  We may do things that are totally out of our nature and follow the crowd instead of the thing that we were created to do for the glory of God who created us for Himself.

Psalm 139:13-14 NIV

 ¹³ For you created my inmost being;
   you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
   your works are wonderful,
   I know that full well.

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

¹¹ 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.

When Rudolph sets out with his friend Yukon Cornelius he has no idea what’s in store.  But together they overcome great odds.  They meet up with a big “mean” abominable snowmonster, who tries to scare the heck out of them.  It turns out that the big meanie is really just a big teddy bear who is himself a misfit.  He finds that he can be useful too. 

In the end, it turns out that different is good.  We have all been created uniquely.  We all have a purpose.  Hermie the elf, who wants to be a dentist, gets to help out the ornery snowmonster.  Rudolph gets to help Santa and save Christmas.  The toys who feel they are of no use, get to be given to children in need.

And Rudolph gets to hear the words he longs to hear Santa say—“Rudolph with your nose so bright; won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?”  And he found a place in his-story! 

1 Peter 3:3-4 NIV

³ Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. ⁴ Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

John 1:18 NLT
No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us. 

Definition:

Unique-  noun—the embodiment of unique characteristics; the only specimen of a given kind.

Misfit-noun—a person not suited in behavior or attitude to a particular social environment.

God has created us with a uniqueness that only we represent.  It’s ok to be who we are no matter who says different.    

Psalm 35

Of David.

 ¹ Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me;
   fight against those who fight against me.
² Take up shield and armor;
   arise and come to my aid.
³ Brandish spear and javelin^[a]
   against those who pursue me.
Say to me,
   “I am your salvation.”

 ⁴ May those who seek my life
   be disgraced and put to shame;
may those who plot my ruin
   be turned back in dismay.
⁵ May they be like chaff before the wind,
   with the angel of the LORD driving them away;
⁶ may their path be dark and slippery,
   with the angel of the LORD pursuing them.

 ⁷ Since they hid their net for me without cause
   and without cause dug a pit for me,
⁸ may ruin overtake them by surprise—
   may the net they hid entangle them,
   may they fall into the pit, to their ruin.
⁹ Then my soul will rejoice in the LORD
   and delight in his salvation.
¹⁰ My whole being will exclaim,
   “Who is like you, LORD?
You rescue the poor from those too strong for them,
   the poor and needy from those who rob them.”

 ¹¹ Ruthless witnesses come forward;
   they question me on things I know nothing about.
¹² They repay me evil for good
   and leave me like one bereaved.
¹³ Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth
   and humbled myself with fasting.
When my prayers returned to me unanswered,
 ¹⁴ I went about mourning
   as though for my friend or brother.
I bowed my head in grief
   as though weeping for my mother.
¹⁵ But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee;
   assailants gathered against me without my knowledge.
   They slandered me without ceasing.
¹⁶ Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked;^[b]
   they gnashed their teeth at me.

 ¹⁷ How long, Lord, will you look on?
   Rescue me from their ravages,
   my precious life from these lions.
¹⁸ I will give you thanks in the great assembly;
   among the throngs I will praise you.
¹⁹ Do not let those gloat over me
   who are my enemies without cause;
do not let those who hate me without reason
   maliciously wink the eye.
²⁰ They do not speak peaceably,
   but devise false accusations
   against those who live quietly in the land.
²¹ They sneer at me and say, “Aha! Aha!
   With our own eyes we have seen it.”

 ²² LORD, you have seen this; do not be silent.
   Do not be far from me, Lord.
²³ Awake, and rise to my defense!
   Contend for me, my God and Lord.
²⁴ Vindicate me in your righteousness, LORD my God;
   do not let them gloat over me.
²⁵ Do not let them think, “Aha, just what we wanted!”
   or say, “We have swallowed him up.”

 ²⁶ May all who gloat over my distress
   be put to shame and confusion;
may all who exalt themselves over me
   be clothed with shame and disgrace.
²⁷ May those who delight in my vindication
   shout for joy and gladness;
may they always say, “The LORD be exalted,
   who delights in the well-being of his servant.”

 ²⁸ My tongue will proclaim your righteousness,
   your praises all day long.

A Certain Dream of Hope House

Habakuk 2:2-3  Record the vision and inscribe it on tablets, that the one who reads it may run with it. For the vision is yet for the appointed time.  It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail.  Though it tarries, wait for it; it will certainly come, it will not delay.

I see a large yellow house with white gingerbread trim in every corner.  It is surrounded by a white picket fence.  Towards the entrance is a wide sidewalk that leads to an immense wrap-around porch adorned with white wicker furniture fashioned with soft cushions.  Just the place to enjoy the warm summer breeze from the river that is only feet away.  At one end of the porch is an inviting swing and two cozy rocking chairs with a table in between on which to set your icy cold lemonade.

From the front sidewalk there is an enormous front door painted white to match.  As you enter the door, there is the chatter of girls laughing in the kitchen where they are making chocolate chip cookies because that’s everyone’s favorite.  Off the kitchen is a formal dining room with wainscoting half way up the wall and flowery wallpaper to remind me of my mother.

In the center of this room is a table vast enough for everyone to sit for all meals.  Above it is a fancy crystal chandelier that reflects the sunlight radiating through the french doors.  Outside the doors is a large wooden deck that overlooks a lush green lawn that is surrounded by a garden of wild flowers in a rainbow of colors.

In the old fashioned living room there is no blare from a television set, just floor to ceiling book shelves filled with every book you could imagine.  Next to the book shelves is a red brick fireplace that on cold winter nights is lit to keep everyone toasty warm.  On the floor in front of the fireplace is a cozy rug where the kitty cat and dog can curl up.

Soft cushioned sofas and immense armchairs are filled with lovely ladies who chat about their day and of things to come.  In between the armchairs are large tables with antique lamps that emanate a soft glow when the night falls.

Beyond the living room is a massive stairway, that as you ascend, you can visualize the past generations of families that have been there before.  Grasping the banister, worn smooth by all the children sliding down, you start the climb.  At the top there is a long hallway with doors on either side.  The lengthy hallway leads to a narrow open window with antique lace curtains billowing with the wind from the breeze blowing off the rapidly flowing blue river. 

In each of the four bedrooms is a single bed, with a different antique wooden headboard and dresser to match.  In one corner is a tiny bassinet with a lacy cover anticipating the life that it will occupy.  A glider rocker is in another corner where the new mother will nurse her tiny, squirming baby.

This is a safe place, where there is no shame of the mistakes of the past.  A place of acceptance and love in a difficult time.  A place where Jesus is welcomed and dwells.  A place where young woman will come and know that one day they will leave, but only when they are confident to take on the challenges of this world, knowing that they are dark, but lovely.

Matthew 11:28-29 Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

OOoooOOO That Smell!

The past few weeks I have been doing a study in the Song of Solomon.  I have been learning so much and God is truly changing me and causing me to grow more in love with Him every minute.  There is so much to chew on.  I remember asking Him to give me chewy meat.  I was past the milk and wanted the deep things.  Well, be careful what you ask for, because that’s exactly what He did. 

I actually am seeing things in a different light.  Nature seems so much more brilliant.  I can see deeper into it and the realm of color that is in it is amazing.  Did you know that there are blues and yellows in a green leaf?  Or that the sky is blue, purple, yellow, and white? 

God led me to study the word fragrance.  When I study the word of God, I also look up the meaning of the words that stick out.  I gain such insight from that and I want to share. 

Fragrance: Noun: A substance, extract, or preparation for diffusing or imparting, an agreeable or attractive smell, especially a fluid containing fragrant natural oils extracted from flowers, woods.  The scent, odor or volatile particles emitted by substances that smell agreeable. Verb:  to impart a pleasant fragrance to. To impregnate with a sweet odor.

Synonyms: 1. essence, attar, scent, incense.  2. perfume, aroma, fragrance.  All refer to agreeable odors.  Perfume often indicates a strong, rich smell natural or manufactured:  The perfume of flowers.  Fragrance is usually applied to fresh, delicate and delicious odors, especially from growing things.

Antonym:  stench

Impregnate:  to cause to be infused or permeated throughout, as with a substance; saturate.

Impart:  To give, bestow, to grant a part or share of.

God imparts to us the fragrance of Christ and we are actually permeated with his fragrance when we are growing and moving forward for His kingdom.

II Corinthians 2: 14-15 But thanks be to God who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him.  For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. (Emphasis mine)

God permeate me with the fragrance of Christ and remind me when I’m not.  Things that do not represent Your Son or have His fragrance are not what I want in my life.  Help me to remember that You love me the way that You created me to be and trying to be someone or something else is futile and a complete waste of time.  Let me see You more and more.  Let me keep remaining and becoming towards the triumphal procession!!  Let me not be the one who missteps and causes the whole procession to be out of sync with You. Give me wisdom, Lord, beyond my years.  Amen.

Service

2 Corinthians 9:12-15 (NIV)

 ¹²This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. ¹³Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. ¹⁴And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. ¹⁵Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

2 Corinthians 9:12-15 (The Message)

 ^12-15Carrying out this social relief work involves far more than helping meet the bare needs of poor Christians. It also produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God. This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ. You show your gratitude through your generous offerings to your needy brothers and sisters, and really toward everyone. Meanwhile, moved by the extravagance of God in your lives, they’ll respond by praying for you in passionate intercession for whatever you need. Thank God for this gift, his gift. No language can praise it enough!

I’m having a problem with people who say that they will serve in an area and then don’t go through with what they say they will do.  So I have to do what Michael Hindes has taught me.  He said “When one finger is pointing at another person, there are three more pointing back at you”  So, I’m getting introspective here.  I’m looking at why this really bothers me.  It comes down to sticking with a commitment.  Because of past experiences, I resent it when people don’t do what they say they will do. I am working out of my own expectations of what should be done and shouldn’t let this bother me.  But I feel that if you make a commitment, you should follow through.  When you are serving in the church you are not only doing it for yourself, you are doing it for needy person and Jesus Christ. 

The word commitment means an agreement or pledge to do something in the future.  I guess that when I make a pledge or agreement to do something, then I stick with it or let someone know if I can not at the very beginning.  The whole thing comes down to letting your yes be yes and your no be no.(Matthew 5: 36-38)  If you prefer not to do something, then just say no.  This took me a long time to learn.  I would agree to do things and then would resent having to do them.  When I found out it was ok to say no, it brought great freedom.  We don’t need someone who resents doing something when they really don’t want to, we need people who do what they say they will do and commit to doing it.  This is the true representation of Christ, to give with an abundant heart, not out of obligation.  What God is trying to teach us is to give because you want to not because He says to.  That is a defiled sacrifice and is not acceptable as pure.

Romans 12:1 (The Message)

Place Your Life Before God

 ^1-2 So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Do we really die to self.

Mark 8:34 (The Message)

 ^34-37Calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how. Self-help is no help at all. Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to saving yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you? What could you ever trade your soul for?

SELF

noun

1.  a person or thing referred to with respect to complete individuality: one’s own self.

Singing Those Songs

The other day I was standing outside and heard a bird singing in the tree.  When I looked up I couldn’t see him, but I knew he was there by his song.  After looking for a while, I finally saw him.  Once I knew where he was it was easy to find him again.  The bird was a cardinal and bright red.  How could I not see him before?  He stood out so vividly with his bright red color and his beautiful song.  I started thinking  about how we walk along in this life and we can hear the song, but not see the bird.  Once we see the bird, he’s easier to find again.  Now I can associate the song with the bird.  I know that song belongs to the cardinal.  It’s the same with God.  We walk out our days hearing the song but not seeing Him.  Once we really look and find Him, we realize he was there the whole time just waiting for us to see him.  He sings songs over us and we don’t know where they are coming from until we look through the things that are blocking our view.  We sing songs in reciprocation, the ultimate praise to our God.  We cannot lift up our voice or hands in praise if we have our mouths and hands full of the junk from the world.  Just think how carefree the birds are, singing their beautiful songs from the treetops.

  Singing breaks the chains that bind us, make us prisoners.  Paul and Silas were in prison and when they started singing praises and hymns to God, the prison doors flew open and everyone’s chains were loosed.  One of the prison guards was even brought to Christ that day. 

I heard a story one time about a farmer who’s cattle got out of the fence and headed for the road.  He and his wife were chasing them down and it seemed futile when the farmer stopped, closed his eyes and started singing “How great is our God, sing with me how great is our God and all will see how great, how great is our God.” When he opened his eyes all he could see was cattle faces all around him.   When we lift up our voice and praise God with our songs, he is blessed and so are we.

     Ezekiel 33:32
Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.

Exodus 32:18
Moses replied: “It is not the sound of victory, it is not the sound of defeat; it is the sound of singing that I hear.”

Psalm 63:5
My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”

Acts 16:24-26 (New International Version)

²⁴Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

 ²⁵About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. ²⁶Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose.

Psalm 63:5 (New International Version)

 ⁵ My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

Psalm 50:9-13 (New International Version)

 ⁹ I have no need of a bull from your stall
       or of goats from your pens,

 ¹⁰ for every animal of the forest is mine,
       and the cattle on a thousand hills.

 ¹¹ I know every bird in the mountains,
       and the creatures of the field are mine.