My Eyes and My Heart Will Always Be There

There is a beautiful passage of scripture in 2 Chronicles where Solomon and God are having a dialogue. Solomon has dedicated the Temple to the dwelling of the LORD. And The LORD promises Solomon that if His people "will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

He goes on to say that His eyes will be open and His ears attentive to their prayers offered in the Temple, that His name will always be there. AND "My eyes and my heart will always be there".

The New Testament teaches that when we accept salvation through Jesus Christ that we become a temple for the dwelling of God. So this Old Testament scripture speaks to me too. And I love the visualization I get when I read about His eyes and His heart. The eyes are the window of the soul, you know. It is hard to read or know another person without looking into their eyes or heart. I love thinking about God's eyes and heart always dwelling with me. I love to close my eyes and picture actually/physically looking into His eyes. And I feel His heart when I bask in His love. All the cares of the world aside, just bask. Remember how much He loves us. Remember love never fails. Love covers a multitude of sins. Love. Love. Love.

When we soak up His love, doesn't that cause us to love others more?

So the words for today? He sees and He cares! That will get us through anything!

Through the Watches of the Night

Psalm 119:148 "My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises."

Now that sounds like a cure for insomnia. I've had trouble sleeping the past few weeks. I've never had that problem. I could go to sleep anytime, anyplace. Power naps were a staple for me. But lately, I've found myself wide awake in the night. That's rather unnerving. There's something about sleep that we all think we need lots of it :-)

Anyway, this morning the Lord brought this verse to me. It made me think of David and this longest chapter of the Bible. Maybe he wrote it during a bout of insomnia. Maybe he learned to cope with his sleeplessness by meditating on God's promises. Hmmm...interesting. Maybe those times of seeming darkness in the night can become rays of light in my life as I dwell on being in His presence, bask in His goodness, and ponder His promises.

Maybe it's not "wasted time" after all. Maybe, just maybe He will refresh my soul and spirit so much that my body will not notice a lack of sleep.

Thank You, Lord, for Your promises!

From the Inside Out

Last night I made a yummy taco cornbread casserole. I kind of made it up on my own. But there are similar recipes around, I know. I just season ground beef like I would for tacos, but add a can of tomato sauce to make the meat juicier than for tacos. Spray a 9 x 13 pan, layer the meat/sauce, then 8 ounces (or more if you like) of cheese (I used Mexican) and then on top of that put cornbread batter (I mixed up 2 Jiffy cornbread mixes with eggs and milk just like the instructions say). Bake at 350 degrees for approx. 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean and edges are turning golden.

Then we dish this up on our plates, add salsa, sour cream, a side of tortilla chips, and whatever else you like (cilantro, chopped onions, etc.) It's yummy and I love the sweet cornbread taste with the spicy Mexican.

HOWEVER, due to the new way I am learning to cook (this involves being used to cooking for growing children and now they are grown and gone most of the time leaving fewer people to cook for) I made this same recipe in a smaller dish. That made the cornbread thicker and when I took it out of the oven and cut into it, I realized that the cornbread was not done in the middle. YUCK! It was still batter. I should have made it the same way, but put it in a larger pan which would have been thinner and baked in the same amount of time. I put it back in the oven and baked it awhile longer.

This a.m. when I sank my teeth into my pumpkin donut, the same thing happened! There was still a center of pumpkin dough in the middle that wasn't cooked all the way through. It was a grocery store donut, so I wasn't at fault, but it seemed odd to find the same problem. You see, it can look good and complete on the outside, but be far from it on the inside. I think that's the same way with us. We can look like we have it all together, but if you look real deep, you see parts of us that is not as "done". What's wrong with that, you say? Nothing. Nothing at all. But let's be honest with one another. None of us are done-finished. We all have our gooey spots. That's why we need a daily walk with our Lord. By taking a few minutes each day to grow in Him, we are heading towards "living a life worthy of the Lord and pleasing Him in every way; bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:10).

Thank You, Lord, for not giving up on me! Thank You for working with me every day to show me more of Your wonderful awesomeness!

Hope and a Future

Jeremiah 29:11 "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."

This scripture is so often shared with kids graduating from high school or college. But it's true for anyone at any age. God was talking to the Israelites that had been carried off into exile in Babylon. He was reminding them that He still had a plan for them. That after 70 years He would come to them and fulfill His precious promises.

We must remember that God's timetable is not ours. We may feel less youthful or more tied down than ever. But God always has a plan for us. He never puts us on the shelf or finishes with us.

Thank you, LORD, that I can look forward to my future with You!

Fun Experience

I had a really fun experience this past weekend! I thought you might like to share it. I had a story featured on a blog that I've been reading for a couple years. As I stated in my personal notes in the story, Sandy's blog The Reluctant Entertainer has inspired me to look beyond my limitations. I hope you enjoy reading it!

Joy and Gladness Will Be Found In Her

Isaiah 51:3 "...Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing."

This verse really made me think. Now I know that this scripture is referring to the everlasting salvation for Zion, but many times I feel like it could be talking about me too. I have faced ruins and desolation of sorts, and in verse 1 of chapter 51 it says, "Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the LORD..." - I certainly fit that description.

So back to 51:3. If I make this verse personal, it says that joy and gladness will be found in me, thanksgiving and the sound of singing. Is that what others see and hear? Or do I whine all the time? I believe in being "real", but honestly, what positive outcome can there be from whining? Is my joy and gladness buried underneath my stress, busyness, and self-centeredness?

Hmmm...more food for thought (notice how we always bring it back to food, haha).Maybe a thankful heart is the basis for the singing to burst forth. Starting today I want the people around me to be able to say (instead of whining) that joy, gladness, thanksgiving, and the sound of singing can be heard from Chris. Want to harmonize with me?

Every day I will praise You!

Psalm 145:1 "I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. 2 Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. 3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. 4 One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts."

Every day I feel more and more like I'm at a crossroads. Friday, my youngest child turned 18 years old. I overheard a friend tell my son, "now you don't have to do what they tell you to do or eat their food any more" (believe it or not it was a friend my age, not his). So, needless to say, I feel less and less "needed" these days. I know many of you can identify with me, and for those who don't know yet, there will come a day when you have a lot of feelings to deal with. Feelings you've never had to confront before. It will probably be a few years before my kids "need" me again. You know, they're 23, 20, and 18. They're in that stage where "they know it all". Now my daughter would be hurt to hear me say that. It's not so much that she "knows it all", but right now - she's got it all together. She's almost finished with college and knows what she wants to do next. We've grown into that "friendship" stage more than her needing me to mother her.

Oh hummmm....after dedicating 20 or so years of my life to mothering, I'm pretty much retiring. And mothering I did. Three in 5 years, and when my youngest started school, things turned around to where I started homeschooling all three of them. They have consumed my every thought and most of my energy.

But you know what? I've decided to dwell on what I have, not what I have not. I have 3 kids that are becoming independent and sufficient on their own. That's good! And while I don't do the same things at home, church, or work that I did just five years ago, I'm going to try to be faithful in what God has given me at this point in my life. I'm not done (not by a long shot), but my "realm of influence" has certainly changed. This morning before I got out of bed, I started listing the people and activities in my life. I'm going to write it down and put it in my Bible and work at being faithful with all those God has put in my life right now. But mostly, I'm not going to look a week, month, or year down the road. I'm going to strive for a day's worth of faithfulness. I'm going to "commend God's works to the next generation" whenever I get a chance. And I'm going to try my best to show people that God is faithful at every stage of life. Even at the crossroads!

True Contentment

Thought for the day: "The source of true contentment is a Person, not provision." (Alicia Britt Chole in her book Sitting in God's Sunshine...Resting in His Love)

I'm working on the contentment level in my heart. I feel like I probably think that if I had this or that, I'd be more content...if I didn't have this problem, or that problem...

Paul in the Bible said, "I've learned to be content whatever the circumstances" Philippians 4:11. In Chole's books she also writes, "Contented hearts always know satisfaction even before they finish their prayer."

Hmmm...if you're like me, I've never really thought about it that way before. To be honest, I think I pray with a sense of urgency, asking God to provide such and such, because if He does, I will be more content. I now feel enlightened about my contentment barometer. I think contentment goes hand in hand with trust and peace, but I am going to work on mine.

"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Philippians 4:12

"Your soul will delight in the richest of fare."

Wait a minute! I can't help it, I'm drawn back to this blog. If you're out there, I hope it helps you in some way to look up. Because I think I'm just going to keep writing and encouraging. It encourages me as much as you. :-)

Isaiah 54:2 says "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare."

Alicia Britt Chole writes, "When we spend the best of our energy seeking God, we find ourselves sufficiently provided for in every area of our lives."

I have my mind on food a lot these days. I've been trying to lose weight and have read so much about using food (or lack of it) to minimize inflammation in my body. I am still struggling with the effects of full-blown sciatica and am looking for non-surgical ways to deal with it. So I think a lot about food. This verse emphasizes that seeking God is even more important than the food we eat or don't eat. And Alicia Cole's quote affirms that peace in all areas of our lives is ours when we seek God first.

Peace...salvation...resting in Jesus...comfort...sustenance...my soul delighting in the richest of fare! Thank You, Jesus. my soul delights in You!

Blog Update

After discussion, we've decided to suspend the blog for the present time. We're looking for ways to apply our energy to help the women of Crossroads connect. If you have any suggestions, feel free to let us know. Women stay very busy, don't we? But it's important to stay connected to God, and to stay connected to each other.

Hope to see you at church! May God bless!

Give me some feedback

Hi everyone. The Volun-"tour" was a huge success, wasn't it? I love the display boards. Everyone put a lot of time and effort into them. I loved the meal. It was nice to see so many people signing up to help in new ways!

We represented the blog at the Volun-"tour". We were hoping to get more members. I don't have any idea if people picked up a card to check us out. But I really need you to do me a favor. I need some feedback from you. You can see we have 14 members; we may have many more readers. I was in hopes that this blog would be a place of connecting. But to be honest, it's mostly my sharing devotions and Bible studies--which is great--if it's meeting needs! Please give me some feedback! Let me know your comments either here on the blog, or call me, or see me at church. Over the next couple of weeks I will be gathering these comments to determine what direction we want to go with the blog.

Here's a thought for the day that I read on one of the blogs I read:

Charles Spurgeon said, if you are a Christian, goodness and mercy follow you “always” - “the black days as well as the bright days. Goodness supplies our needs, and mercy blots out our sins.”

Thank You, Lord, for Your goodness and mercy!

Honor the Message

2 Thessalonians 3:1 "Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you."

I believe we would all agree that this shared prayer by Paul to the Thessalonians is still pertinent to us today. We don't know how long we have before we see Christ, but according to the Bible it can't be long. We are busy with things of this life, but we must remember that it is temporary. Eternity is just around the corner. Therefore, we must pray for the message to be spread rapidly-quickly-and not lose sight of that vision.

But I also like Paul's prayer that the message be honored. We live in a day that people are losing honor for the message of God. Let's pray that we all honor the words of God, that we place God at the highest place in everything we do. Let's pray for each other in this endeavor.

Have a great weekend and hope to see you at the Volun"tour"!

We Have Peace

Romans 5:1 "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ"

We haven't had very much really hot weather this summer. I don't know if that's good or bad. But last week our air conditioner at home broke and we went several days without any. Now the one at work is broken. Now I know that there are many, many people who do without it all the time. But I have never handled heat well. And I handle it worse at this point in my life (it makes my foot swell and feels tighter on my pinched nerve). Anyway, I try not to let it make me irritable. Did you get that word - try...

More importantly than the outside is my inner peace with God. To think that I could have peace with the Almighty God is so....I truly can't think of a word to describe it! Awesome, overwhelming, uplifting, joyous, etc.

So despite whatever is going on with us on the outside, let's remember the peace we can have with God through Jesus Christ. That's so cool!!! (that's just what I need - something cool!)

"Pray Continually"

1 Thessalonians 5:17 "pray continually;"

Sunday night at Youth Group, we set up prayer stations and prayed for the new school year and all the ways it affects our lives. It was a time of reading prayers and offering prayers. A time to remind the kids that God cares about every aspect of their lives. I'm sure there was a variety of responses to this from the kids. But I wanted them to be exposed to prayer.

How can you feel any less than overwhelmed at the thought of going before the Creator of the universe, spending time in His presence, and talking to Him about anything - anything - that crosses your mind?

Let's not forget to take advantage of this life-sustaining opportunity that He's freely given to us!

Don't forget the Volun-tour Sunday, Aug. 23. Hope to see you there!

The Light Shines in the Darkness

John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was with God in the beginning.
3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men.
5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it."

This scripture is one that is taught to reinforce the eternal existance of Jesus and His "oneship" with God the creator. Those of us who have accepted Jesus understand that He is the light of the world. The last phrase of verse 5 reminds me of Pastor Eddie's sermon yesterday when he mentioned relationship evangelism. He said that a lot of people won't get on board with you to do a church activity, but they will rally for a community project like working on a rundown house. He said we should do those activities with people to give them a chance to get to know a Christian, so that we can be an example of Jesus to them. Unfortunately, many people are blinded by the darkness and don't understand Jesus can light their way. We need to come along beside them and love them to Jesus.

Then I started reading a devotion this morning and it was on the same subject. Okay, God is speaking to me. I need to look to see who I need to get to know so that I can show them Jesus. I'm sure I need reminded to be purposeful about relationships in my life. It's easy to stay on the surface without really going any deeper.

Lord, help me to be a friend to someone who needs me and to show them how wonderful You are!

All Day Long

Psalm 25:4 "Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths;

5 guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are my God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long."

Most mornings, one of the first things I do is open my Bible. But by the end of the day, I must admit that I'm not still focused on what God said to me that morning. This verse reminds me to let Him carry me through the entire day. And since this is Friday - through the entire week! Hope you have a blessed weekend.

Connect with me on Sunday with a word, a recipe, a devotion, a scripture...

"let His blood..."

Matthew 27:24 "When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. 'I am innocent of this man's blood,' he said, 'It is your responsibility!'

25 All the people answered, 'Let his blood be on us and on our children!'"

How ironic! As I was reading this scripture this morning it struck me that the very people who cried "crucify him" also stated, "let his blood be on us and on our children". They didn't have the conviction that, in fact, that was truly what they needed--the blood of Jesus to rid them and their children of their sin and make a way for them to enter heaven. I am so thankful that my children and husband and I have accepted Jesus. And I want to literally pour myself into ministering in ways that will help people know Jesus.

Thank You, Jesus, for being willing to shed your blood! Thank You!

"It was not you...but God"

Genesis 45:8 "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God."

Last night in youth group, we finished the major characters of Genesis. Joseph (the coat of many colors) was our last discussion for the night. Joseph, being the favorite of his father, should have had a "charmed" life. However, he endured much suffering -- betrayal, rejection, being a victim, imprisonment, false accusation, long periods of waiting, serving outside his comfort zone...he had every reason to be angry and bitter. But he wasn't. How could he not take advantage of the chance to get back at his brothers? How could he not gloat over the fact that there came a time when they were pleading with him to save their entire family? I could go on and on. If you have not read this passage of scripture for awhile, you should. Genesis chapters 37 - 45 inspires us to remember that God doesn't forget us during the dark days. No, he takes all the valley time and weaves it into the plan for our lives that will eventually bring Him glory. If we let Him.

God is good. All the time. And all the time, God is good. Rather than lashing out at those around us, or blaming others for the circumstances of our life, we need to look to God. He's in charge.

Don't we want Him in charge?

It All Comes Back to Jesus

John 15:9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.
10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.
11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."

Last night was the first night of our Boomerang Express Vacation Bible School. What a great time! We were blessed with 69 children on our first night. Wow! Verse 9 was the lesson verse for last night. "Remain in my love." I like the sound of that...remain in the love of Jesus. But wait, the scripture goes on to say that remaining in His love is actually linked to obeying His commands. Okay, so I obey His commands in the visual sense. I mean I have accepted Him as Lord of my life and try to live a life that represents Jesus. But let's get deep and personal. What are His commands for the deepest part of my heart? How do I deal with conflict? Do I have my priorities straight? Do I appear loving to my family that know me best? (I have a huge area of improvement to work on in that...I've been so overwhelmed with ministry and now am really tired). Do I schedule time to sit at the feet of Jesus like Mary did or am I too busy like Martha was (Luke 10:38-42)?

I have some work to do on the inside. I want to remain in His love. And I want my joy to be complete. I love the beauty of the scriptures. I love the beauty of the joy of Jesus in me. I love that if I put Jesus in His place in my life, everything else falls in place. But I truly want this in the deepest sense, not just on the surface. Join me in this quest?

A Name for Ourselves?

Genesis 11:1 "Now the whole world had one language and a common speech.
2 As men moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there.
3 They said to each other, 'Come, let's make bricks and bake them thoroughly.' They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar.
4 Then they said, 'Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.'
5 But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building.
6 The Lord said, 'If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.
7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.'
8 So the Lord scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city.
9 That is why it is called Babel--because there the Lord confused the language of the whole world. From there the Lord scattered them over the face of the whole earth."

This is the passage of scripture we studied in Youth Group 2 weeks ago. It is important that we continue to study and reread the scriptures. When I reread these verses to prepare the lesson for that night, I was surprised that some of the details I had thought were there - weren't. I had confused the story in my memory. When I asked the students to tell me about The Tower of Babel (before we had read the scripture), they told it they way I had wrongly remembered it. They thought the people were building a tower to reach God. How could He punish them for trying to reach Him?

But when you look at the verses, you see that they were trying to make a name for themselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth. The Tower of Babel happened not that long after the flood when God had said to "be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth." (Genesis 9:1) I believe this scripture teaches that God punished them because they were

1. trying to glorify themselves,
2. disregarded God in the whole plan, and
3. were in direct disobedience to God's words after the flood.

When applying this teaching to my own life, I feel like it is wrong to ever build myself or my church up above God Himself. Do you know what I mean? Crossroads is a wonderful place to be a part of, but it is one speck in the Kingdom of God. We must remember that we are a part of God's plan - not THE PLAN. And we mustn't proceed with "churchy stuff" without checking in with God to see if it's His time and agenda. And of course, we mustn't ever move forward with a project that disregards God's words at any given time.

I feel like this is one passage of scripture that merits my time to dig deeper into the truths here. What these people did here and the response they received from God has affected every person born since that time. I want to learn from their mistakes and remember that my actions affect those around me too. A close walk with God which includes talking to Him and listening every day can help me to choose carefully and make wise decisions.

I continually need reminded to live, breathe, and think in Him...

Be Still

Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

I'm still on the rollercoaster of life this week. Camp and VBS in back to back weeks is insane. And then add in the usual craziness of family and work. To be honest, (and you would want me to be honest wouldn't you?) I've felt overwhelmed to the point of tears. Then I remembered the verse above, and God said, "Be still! Don't think about all you have to do, don't think about what you did last week, don't think, just be still." And you know what? It was refreshing. So today, I'm going to factor in some brain breaks. I'm just going to be quiet and think about my Lord and Savior. Very simple thoughts too. Because if I think too deeply, I'll be off chasing rabbits in my mind and it will lead me right back to myself and all I have to do.

I just wanted to share the value of simplicity in stillness. There may be a time you really need it too.

Passion

Thanks for missing me! I appreciate all the comments yesterday at church about my absence from the blog this past week. Boy, was it a week! We saw many teenagers come to know Christ and many recommitted their lives to Christ. We had "open mic" night and allowed them to share during the worship time. What a blessing! It was interesting too, no one said more than a few sentences, but lots of kids just stepped up to say what Jesus was doing in their life. Wow!

I think the main thing I brought home was the sense of passion the kids had. Oh, teenagers (especially girls) are very "dramatic" about everything. That's not what I mean. I'm talking about the passion when they worship and lead worship. The worship celebration which concludes the week is an awesome array of performances by all the classes that met during camp. By Saturday I had gotten to know who was shy and who wasn't. But everyone gave everything they had during Saturday's performance. Tears ran down my face as they gave such moving, thoughtful performances. I pray that they will keep their passion for serving Jesus as they go back to the "real world" after camp.

It is my prayer that we would encourage each other to be passionate for Jesus. To never lose our "give all" attitude in serving Him!

Apologies

I must apologize for being away from the blog. I want this to be a consistent available source for you to feel connected. Let me update you. I've been preparing to go to a worship arts camp this week. I usually teach a class or 2, but this year they asked me to direct the upper grades. And of course, this would be the year we have a record number of registrations: 61 to date. We usually have 25-30 teenagers. This is a camp that focuses on instrument skills and the many ministries used to enhance worship in the church. It's a little more "narrow" in activities, so it doesn't attract every teenager. Most of the kids we get already know Jesus and will enjoy worshiping with other teenagers from throughout the state of Indiana.

My entire family is going. Many of you know us and know that this kind of camp is well within the focus of our lives. In fact, this camp helped form my kids spiritually. We've been going for 10 years and they are now the "adults" serving and giving back to the camp they went to as kids. Even my hubby is going. This is his first year, but I'm going to enjoy having my whole family there. And not having to cook the rest of the week! Yeah! No dishes, no menu planning! Surely, you share in my excitement!

So, I may be away, but you're all in my prayers. This blog certainly enables me to feel more "connected". I've come to know some of you better and I enjoy talking with you on Sundays at church. Thank you for your kind words.

I could really use your prayers this week. You may remember that my back is still in the mending stage. I had a setback, but do feel like I'm making some progress again. But by the end of the day, I am exhausted because the muscles in my back have had spasms throughout the day and are too weary to support me. Please pray that I will have strength and stamina to do my job as director this week. Much of my work is done at this point, having planned and contacted, etc. But I want to be able to encourage and spiritually lift up those around me-adults and teenagers. Camp is draining, but it is also exhilirating!

We're taking 8 kids from Crossroads. Pray for them to feel God's presence in a mighty way. And that when they come back from camp that they will continue to make Him even more a part of their lives.

Thanks, until later...

Casting

1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

I've been feeling anxious. I actually prayed about the anxiety I've been feeling. Some of it is because I'm very busy preparing to direct a worship arts camp next week. We've been blessed with twice as many teenagers registered as ever before. What an exciting time that will be. But I feel a little bit anxious about it.

I also want to say that I think there are times that we don't deal as well with anxiety. Wouldn't you agree? I'm still not physically back to where I was before the herniated disc. My strength and stamina are weak. But I'm trying some life changes for my health and hope that it helps. Because I'm physically weaker right now, I'm feeling more mentally overwhelmed with what lies ahead.

Back to anxiety and casting...this verse is a wonderful gift from God this morning. Now I'm not a fisherman or fisherwoman, to put it more accurately, but I've seen people "cast". Visualize that motion of an experienced fisherman casting his line. He can skillfully put that baited hook out in the water several yards from where he's standing. I think that's what I need to do with this anxiety. But I think I need to practice my skills. What about you? Are you experienced at casting your anxiety?

And we can cast with confidence because he cares for us. Thank You, God, for caring! Sometimes it seems like everyone is so busy that no one cares. But God does. I love that!

So, shall we practice "casting" together?

Why the Bible?

2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Last night at Youth Group, we talked about the importance of the Bible in our lives. This scripture in 2 Timothy certainly speaks of the value of "God's breath" in our walk with Him. So why don't we schedule more study time in our lives? Why do we let the day slip by without reading God's Word? I'm just as guilty as anybody else. I love to read the Bible, but before I know it I'm falling into bed at night without having even opened it that day.

We then talked about how well we would do on Jeopardy if the category was the Bible. I asked them how much they knew about key characters in the Bible. It was fun to put the facts together of what they knew and try to come up with accurate accounts. It was very funny at times. So I've challenged myself in the coming weeks. I promised the kids that the Bible is just as exciting as any movie they could watch: just as scary, just as romantic, just as action-packed, adventurous...you see what I was saying. Now I have to come up with lessons to prove this point. And then relate them to their lives so it's not just a Bible history class.

Do you believe in the value of the Bible? Do you believe we should do more than just breathe the Word once a week at church? Do you believe the accounts in Scripture are intentional and still relevant today? I am going to be sharing on this blog some of what I share in Youth Group. Why? Because I think we all could use some cramming for life's Jeopardy game. I look forward to what God's going to teach me through this series. I hope you do too!

Let me introduce you to:

Tammie Padgett and her family have been attending Crossroads for 1+ year. She is married to Jay and they are the parents of Ariana (college) and Josh Padgett (8th grade). She is a substitute teacher at RCA school. In her spare time she likes to cross stitch, read, and work word games. When I asked her what she enjoyed most about Crossroads she said, "I think it's the people--when you come in the door, they make you feel like you're that relative from far away that they haven't seen for awhile and they're glad to see." What a great feeling! Tammie volunteers/serves by teaching. You'll find her mostly in the "Wildside", but you might see her other places since she said she'll help out wherever she's needed.

Press On

Philippians 3:12b "...but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me."

In case you haven't noticed by now, I love phrases. I sometimes refer to myself as a "phrasologist" (I think I made up that word). The one I'm pondering today is "Christ Jesus took hold of me." I love that thought. Christ Jesus took hold of us in order that we might someday share a heavenly reward that He is preparing. Awesome! Amazing! Incidentally, it wasn't by sheer randomness that I happened along into being a Jesus follower. No, He took hold of me. And so I press on. Looking forward to the day when I see Him face to face and share eternity with Him. AHHHHHH, the bliss! Aches and pains remind us that we don't really want to live on this earth forever anyway, right?

Oh, I'm glad to share this journey with you. But I believe Heaven will bring us all together where we're really connected. So, chin up, smile from within, and press on!

Wait in Expectation

Psalm 1 "Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my sighing,
2 Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.
3 In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."

I sigh a lot. Most of the time I don't even realize I've done it. But my husband does. Sometimes he'll ask what's wrong. He keeps a pretty good check on my pain right now. I've had a miserable setback. I think we've figured out that it's the "therapeutic" exercises I was doing. So I was advised to stop them and give my back more healing time. Anyway, I sigh a lot. Not always from pain. And not always with a "woe is me" thought. Sometimes it's a sign of completion - "ok that's done", or "can't change that", etc. I used to work with a lady that, after a trip to the restroom, she would sigh and say out loud with a sigh of finality "OK". I didn't think much about it until a client overheard it one day and chuckled. It was priceless!

Psalm 5 shows us that David sighed too. He wanted God to hear his every sigh. That's a neat thought to me! It reminds me that He knows my every thought and pain. The scripture goes on to say that David starts in the mornings laying his requests before God. I kind of feel guilty sometimes that I start requesting things of God first thing in the morning. So I'm trying to train myself to just thank Him and converse with Him for awhile before I "rip off" my "please do" list.

But the last line of verse 3 really spoke to my heart: "wait in expectation". How many times do we make our requests but don't really believe they'll be answered? I know I do. I want to pray with more belief and conviction that, if I pray in God's will, I can wait, expecting Him to answer and work all things together for good (Romans 8:28).

Let's wait in expectation!

Let me introduce you to Nancy Brown. Nancy is married to Dan and they have 3 children: Scott, Mandy, and Heather. They also have 4 grandchildren. Nancy is a vital part of the women's ministry here at Crossroads. She is working hard right now to help with the Voluntour August 16 which will honor the volunteers in our church and also encourage others to get involved by introducing them to the different ministries where they can serve. It is going to be a wonderful day. You'll want to plan to be there. Nancy is always thankful to see God work at Crossroads. She is excited to see the children's programs growing and to see so many young families coming to Crossroads. Having grown up in a family that put Christ first she knows families will benefit from being a part of the Crossroads family.

Psalm 19:1-4

1 "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."

This scripture reminds me to look up to the sky and remember God's handiwork. His creation proclaims His awesome love and majestic work day after day, night after night. I want to be part of that faithful proclamation too. Faithful. Proclamation. I want those words to convict me to grow, to go forward in Him. I don't want today to be yesterday's news. In other words, I want to share what God is doing in my life every day, not just a long time ago, or just high points in my life. No, I want to share that He is part of me and my life every day. He meets me at each transition in my life and gives me what I need. I lost my mom almost 11 years ago. As I finish raising my kids and enter my "older" years, I wish she was here so I could ask her some questions. She was strong, spunky, lots of fun, and never seemed as old as she was. I'd like to ask her how she did that even through the hard times. I know what she'd say, though. She'd say, "the Lord gives the strength. Remember Philippians 4:13 - 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'"

That's the greatest gift we can give each other - Jesus. He will always be here - always - for every stage. Share Him whenever you get the chance. Let's radiate just like the skies!

Return to the Lord

Hosea 14:1 "Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God. Your sins have been your downfall!"

The book of Hosea is a beautiful story of God's love for His wayward child-Israel. Hosea 11:1-2 says, "When Israel was a child, I loved him...but the more I called Israel, the further they went from me."

I thought about these scriptures in terms of my life. And I must say that even in my sincerity to follow God, there are so many times that I become distracted with the busyness of life. I'm so thankful that He always welcomes me back with open arms. The entire Bible is full of hope - of love and forgiveness. God knew we were humans and that we would have days when it seems like we're running from God and that there are days that we just get too busy for God. But He never changes! He's always waiting for us to remember that we need Him. We can't do it on our own. He wants us to come to Him, not only when we feel needy, but also just to be with Him. I hope you can take a few moments today to let His presence wash over you, renewing and refreshing you for all you have ahead of you!

A God Near and Far

Jeremiah 23:23 "'Am I only a God nearby,' declares the LORD, 'and not a God far away?'"

I was thinking this morning of what the weekend brings. Crossroads at the Lake is this Sunday, June 28. It will be a great time. It's always fun to worship outside. To see folks baptized in the Lake is really cool too. The Youth are leading Wet and Wild games after the pitch-in dinner. Haley has some really fun games set up for those brave enough.

Then I was thinking about our group that's heading off to Haiti the 30th. This verse came to my mind. Our great big world will seem a little bit smaller to them as they bridge the gap between Sullivan and the places they're going in Haiti. Let's remember to hold them in prayer while they're preparing to go and also while they're there. They are going as Ambassadors for Christ. What an awesome opportunity! By being faithful in prayer for them, we share in that mission experience. So while I may not leave Sullivan this month, I plan to be a part of my church family's service through prayer.

So, join in, invite, and rejoice in the Kingdom of God!

You have been a refuge, shelter, shade...

Isaiah 25:4 "You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in his distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat."

My youngest son is gone to a youth conference this week. He left after the second song in the second service Sunday. I know he is having a wonderful time getting away and spending the week with lots of teenagers! I started a tradition several years ago when my kids first started going to youth camps and conferences. I set my alarm for earlier in the morning and wake up to pray for them and ask God to reveal Himself to them that week, to keep them safe, to let them experience Him in a new way, etc. And God has blessed these weeks. These experiences have "cemented (is this a word?)" their relationships with God in a way that is different than the every day experiences they have at home. Being with other teenagers who are seeking Christ, worshiping Him, and joining with them in these times is so huge for kids.

This morning as I was praying, I thought about how different God is for each of us. When I asked Him to reveal Himself to my son, I realized the many ways He reveals Himself to me, but that God would meet needs so vastly different for my teenage son. Wow! Think about it, your needs and my needs are different and yet He is so real and personal. Now you might be thinking, "Chris - what a basic thought. Haven't you had that before?" I guess I just never thought about it in terms of mothers and sons and how God is God to both of us.

Then I went to the Word and asked God to give me a verse that expressed this thought. And He did! Wow! again. These are just some of the words to describe Him - refuge, shelter, shade...

I pray that you enjoy Him and that He reveals Himself to you in a new way today!

God's Grace

2 Corinthians 12:8 "Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
9 But He said, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
10 That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

I'm going to be honest. I'm still really struggling with my herniated disc. I've had a small setback and I'm discouraged. I need this scripture today. And then, I feel really bad that I'm making such a big complaint when others have way more difficult situations to complain about. So, I'm sharing the verses that I'm sure will give me strength in hopes that whatever you're going through will also be helped by this message.

Delight in weakness? In insults? In hardships? In persecutions? In difficulties?

God, help us to feel Your strength when we're struggling so that even though we may feel weak and powerless, we can rise up as we feel Your power and strength!

Friday Thoughts

Fridays I like to leave you with something for over the weekend. Well, not too long ago, I listened to an audio of a young woman with an unbelievable message. It truly touched my life! I want to share it with you. It's about 54 minutes long (but worth it!) and if you get a chance to listen, it will surely inspire you. It might be something you can share with a friend, too. Give it a try. I hope the technology works. If not, let me know. I'll try to figure out what to do!

deathisnotdying.com/event/video/

With Love

1 Corinthians 13:1 "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal."

Do you ever stress when your plans "take a 180"? Mine have today. The electricity is off in my office, so I've headed back home. I'll remain ready to go in if they get it back on soon, but Sullivan was really rained on in the last few hours and I'm sure there's a list of needy people.

It just occurred to me, though, as I came back in my house where my 2 sons are still sleeping, that I could come unglued today. Oh, sure, I love being at home. I'd be at home every day if I could. But an unexpected day at home, now that's another situation. To be honest, I'm going to have to rally my physical and emotional and get on track or else I'll crawl back in bed and "veg" all day. But I need to do some stuff on the house, so I'm going to try to change directions faster, maybe, than I ever have.

Then there's the boys. They're not going to be the happiest when they wake up and find their mom home with them today. They had planned an early morning fishing trip; that's off. There's a pond in our yard, but obviously no fish. I need to purpose in my heart that I will not let my own situation cause my voice to sound grumpy with them. I've got to grab this day in its downhill spiral, and with God's help, make something of it.

Honestly, I'd love to take advantage of 2 strong boys at home with me today and put them to work cleaning the house with me. But if the only thing they ever hear come out of my mouth is chore lists, that's not a very good relational foundation. So I will refrain. I will do what I can do and try to let them know that I just enjoy being with them. Have I got this mastered? Nope. They hear chore lists come out of my mouth way more than they should.

So, I'm going to try not to sound like a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal today. I'm going to try to speak the language of love!

"Becoming a Holy Temple In the Lord"

Ephesians 2:19 "Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household,
20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit."

This scripture jumped off the page at me as a picture of what God is doing at Crossroads. We are built on Christ Jesus and we are joined together as we become what God wants us to be. The Greek word for building in verse 21 is oijkodomhv which refers to edification or promoting growth. I know that I have grown a lot since coming to Crossroads.

What do you think we could do to involve more women in serving at Crossroads? Do you have ideas? Do you have needs that other women could help you find the answer to? We want to know because we want to find more and more ways to be "joined together".

So leave a comment on the blog, or give me a call, or look for me Sunday to share your thoughts!

Acts 17:28

28 "For in Him we live and move and have our being."

This verse covers it all, doesn't it? Live, move, have our being...there have been many songs written from this simple sentence. Yet it's so full of Christ. He is our Everything! Or is He? One aspect of my purpose here on this earth is to encourage people to make Him a part of everything in their life. Everything! Too often, God is compartmentalized into a neat little package that is part of one's religious beliefs, but not a relational being. God wants to have an intimate relationship with every person. He wants to be a part of every day, every move, and every happening. Is this being a fanatic? You bet. But I'll accept that label. Because you see, everything else in this world and in my life can disappear. But I'll still have Jesus. He's the Rock that we can cling to when everything else in this world is shaky.

Let's encourage everyone we can to seek Him every day. This blog is one way to connect to Him and His Word. There are countless other ways. If this blog touches your life, pray about sharing that with someone else.

May He be your Everything!

Do Not Grow Weary

^{Galatians 6:9} "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
¹⁰ So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith."

It may seem like a strange topic for a Monday, but I just want to share what a blessing last night at church was. First of all, the Fireproof movie is absolutely awesome. Kirk Cameron did some of his very finest work here. It is intense, not a bit cheesey (which some people assume because it's a movie about marriage), and quite beautifully inspiring. AND, you need plenty of tissues. I loved what I saw of it. We were kind of busy with the teens/concessions, so Mike and I will watch all of it together, maybe tonight.

Then I want to mention the teens/concessions. We made about $150 for the youth group! But more than that--I was so proud of those kids. They served people, worked together like a team, and really represented Crossroads in a spectacular way. Am I exaggerating? I don't think so. They were also busy coming up with ideas on doing "Movie Night" more often and offering a "Date Night" for parents to drop off their kids for a movie and snacks, and parents could go out on a date. Now Mike and I didn't come up with this idea. The kids did. They loved the idea of getting together and doing something for others!

Brad and Abby Mason came with little Hunter to look after any other babies that came with their parents. Hunter was the only one, and since Brad and Abby had seen the movie already, they went on home after hanging out with the teens for a bit.

I especially want to mention Pastor Eddie and the other adults who played kickball with the kids whose parents were watching the movie last night. And in case you didn't realize it, it was hot and humid. They played outside until intermission, then came in for concessions. Eddie made sure everyone had a cold drink, then headed back outside to play more. I think they were all quite exhausted after about 2 1/2 hours of kickball in the heat. But the kids had a blast! And what an experience for the kids to know that adults cared enough to spend that time with them.

We are so blessed to have a Pastor who not only preaches the whole Bible to us, but lives it too. He didn't delegate the job to someone else, but "got down and got dirty". He was pretty sweaty, too.

We estimated that there were between 60 and 70 people there for that fantastic evening! I wish there would have been more. But maybe it's the start of something good.

Some of us are tired from the effort put forth last night. Some are way more tired than others. But we'll start in again today looking for ways to continue to build the Kingdom. I hope the message will spread and serving will become so contagious that we look as busy as a beehive, or the workers putting up the new Dollar General. I don't drive by there and see any of them sitting back, watching the others work. They're all working like crazy for the goal.

So, spread the word, and let's encourage one another not to grow weary, but to keep on keeping on!

Psalm 121

1 "I lift up my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip--he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
5 The LORD watches over you--the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
7 The LORD will keep you from all harm--he will watch over your life;
8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forever."

Today being Friday I wanted us to have thoughts to take us into the weekend. This is such a beautiful Psalm and I hope it will be a blessing to your hearts!

I've had a good week and look forward to spending some time this weekend enhancing our blog. Some of the women discussed some ideas to add and I'm going to be asking for more ideas from all of you. It is my prayer that you will find a connection with God and with other women as we seek Him together!

God bless your weekend!

P.S. Don't forget the Fireproof movie this Sunday night at 6:30 p.m. The Youth will be serving concessions for donations. It should be a fun night in the "theater". Hope to see you there!

Glory in Christ Jesus

Romans 15:17 "Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God."

A rather short verse, but powerful. Our service to God brings glory to Christ Jesus. We can't ever repay Jesus for what He's done for us, but serving God brings Him glory. One definition of the word glory is expressed this way: "radiant beauty or splendor". Our faithfulness in serving God through our every day tasks is actually seen by God as radiant beauty or splendor. That's a breathtaking thought, don't you agree? I don't often see my mundane daily chores as fitting any of these descriptive words. But as we do them to please God ("So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31), He accepts our heartfelt intentions as the most beautiful gift He could receive.

Hmmm, I think I'll put a little more heartfelt intention into my work today. God deserves all the glory, all the praise, all the honor...

Overflow With Hope

Romans 14:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

...the God of hope...maybe you need hope today. I've been a Jesus follower for a long time, but there's still days I need to be reminded I serve a God of hope. There is so much bad news in the world that if we focus on that, we're sure to feel hopeless. And the bad news doesn't even have to be somewhere else in the world. It can be at our front door.

If you didn't know by now, I like to visualize scripture. This verse says to me: since God lives in me, and He's the God of hope, He will fill me so full of His joy and peace that I overflow - overflow - OVERFLOW - with hope. I see a pitcher running over with milk - and it never runs out - it just keeps running over the sides, getting all over the table, running onto the floor, etc. The milk is not only in the pitcher, but spilling over onto everything near it.

What's the secret? If God lives in me (which He does) why are there times when I feel so empty? There are times when I'm sure I'm not spilling over and affecting those around me. The secret is the last phrase of this verse: "by the power of the Holy Spirit". If I allow the Holy Spirit to rule my life, I tap into the hope, joy, and peace that is already in my life through God living in me.

I hope this reminder of God's never-ending, always overflowing hope is as timely for you as it is for me!

Living Sacrifice - Romans 12:1-2

1 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers (sisters), in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.
2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."

Good morning! Thanks for your comments about the blog and wondering where I was last week. My computer had a virus and spyware. I had to take it into the shop and have it cleaned out. Most of my week was "computerless". But I'm back and sharing one of the scriptures that inspire me most!

These verses truly inspire me to make every day a sacrifice to God. I get buried with the workload I have and start to focus on the tasks instead of the reason for the tasks. That's why I like to renew my mind like verse 2 says. There are a lot of ways to do that. Certainly the Word of God is our main priority. I am so thankful for the eternal power of the scriptures. They were pertinent when they were written, and they're still relevant to my life every day.

Other ways of renewing my mind is to read uplifting books, blogs, magazines, listen to good music, take a few minutes to talk to and listen to God, etc. These "Power moments" help us so much to be able to test and approve what God's will is. I don't want to become overwhelmed with stuff that is not in God's will for my daily life. But I most certainly will if I'm not seeking Him and living every day for Him. It's like the spyware that was in my computer. It crept in little by little. At first I didn't even know I had let in something that could endanger my normal running processes. But pretty soon they accumulated until they became a roadblock to my agenda. They had to be purged! Same way in our lives. Let's have a frequent maintenance program to clean and clear out the junk in our lives and become transformed for God's will.

Be Still

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

As we head into the weekend, I was thinking about the things I wanted to do. One of them is to seek a little silence with God. For me, that probably means my front porch swing. If weather permitted, that would be my prayer closet year round. But it's an open front porch and doesn't permit me to be there in every season. And for me, it probably means early morning. There is something enriching about the early morning silence, my Bible and my God.

Right now, I have some heavy issues that need laid at the throne. They're weighing on my heart and bring tears to my eyes even as I write about them. I'm going to pack them up and take them to the front porch swing and talk to Him. Then I'm going to try not to take them back in the house with me. I'll pray about them whenever I'm in the porch swing, but I can't carry them around with me all the time because it is too heavy a burden.

Try to find some time this weekend, even if it's only a few minutes, to spend some quiet time with God. Drink in His strength and let Him refresh you. No strings attached. Just silent communion with our Savior. Think about all that is contained in the phrase "know that I am God"!

All In One Breath

9 "because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me."

I've got this verse circled in my Bible. It has interested me since I first noticed it. All in one breath Paul shares that there is new opportunity opening up for him and people who are trying to prevent him from the ministry God's given him. I know how many times I start to question whether I've heard God's leading correctly when I'm faced with roadblocks in my path. But Paul seems to take it in stride. He takes the good and he takes the bad. That inspires me. When I read about Paul's faithfulness in serving God, I'm always amazed at the opposition he dealt with. His words encourage me to pick myself up (from discouragement, opposition, health challenges, etc...) and get going again.

So, if you find yourself in a place of opportunity today, but you also feel overwhelmed by the opposition, you're not alone. Let Paul's words in verse 13 be your banner today: "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men (or women) of courage; be strong."

Remember, with God anything's possible!

"In Your Thinking Be Adults"

20 "...stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but
in your thinking be adults." 1 Corinthians 14:20

Don't you love it? Paul is reminding us not to be childish. Of course, in regards to evil, we should be innocent or childlike. I don't see anything wrong with sheltering our children from knowledge of evil for as long as we can. I think that's what Paul is saying here. Stay away from evil as much as possible. Evil affects each of our lives differently. So I'm not going to be specific here. Let God speak to us about how it might be creeping into our lives. And let's determine to prevent it from getting a foothold.

However, the other side of that is to think like adults. I'm giving that some thought today. I haven't been a young adult for quite some time, yet I'm sure there are some ways I still need to mature. I like how the Bible brings these thoughts to our attention. Otherwise, I think we'd just keep speeding through life, oblivious to a lot of bad habits that we're acquiring.

Lord, show me where I need to be "childish" and where I need to be more mature!

"There Is None Like You"

"Remember the former things, those of long ago:
I am God, and there is no other;
I am God, and there is none like me." Isaiah 46:9

This verse reminds me of a song I love. What a fitting verse for Memorial Day Weekend. I researched the origin of Memorial Day because, to be honest, I was confused about what it really meant. It was for decorating the graves of those who gave their lives for our country. It has since come to mean many more things - decorating graves of other people, too....and other significant events.

As I give thanks for family and friends who sacrificed for me, I want to also spend time thanking God for sacrificing His Son to be my salvation. This is a great time to worship Him and remember all He's done for us and for all He's brought us through as a nation and our families, too.

Dear God, there is none like You! Thank You for always being there for me.

"I Will Sustain You"

"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens." Psalm 68:19

That's an encouraging verse! I've been struggling a bit with my health and then I had internet issues - it's been a crazy week. It's so comforting to know that God has been with me every day as I face whatever comes my way.

For those who've known the Lord for awhile, we acknowledge that God bears our burdens. But I know that I have my "pet" burdens that I keep for myself and don't actually turn them over to God in my mind. It seems easier to release some to God - "Oh, God will take care of that" - but other troubles stay on my mind. My mom once told me that if I thought of a certain problem constantly, then I was worrying about it. I had always thought worry was more hand wringing emotions. But she got me to thinking. I worry when I mull a problem over and over in my mind. But I release it to God's control when I pray about it, then focus on positive thoughts and thanking God.

Dear Lord, thank you for daily bearing my burdens. Help me to release all my worries to You and spend my energy on praising You!

Colossians 4:16-18

16 "After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
17 Tell Archippus: 'See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.'
18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you."

I deeply apologize for being absent from the blog for a couple days. I had some physical setback on my road to recovery. But thanks for the comments and for your prayers as I seek God for healing.

I find 3 profound thoughts in the wrap-up of Paul's letter to the Colossians.

1. Share the letter - or the teaching of the Word
2. Finish what God's given you to do
3. Remember Paul's chains (and the many sufferings for the Kingdom of God)

I love studying the Word of God, and I'm richly blessed by others sharing what God's shown them through the scriptures. The more I read the Bible, the more personal it becomes.

Point #2 is important! How many times do we get an idea from God, get excited, get involved, and then when the "honeymoon" is over, fizzle out...I think in the last ten years I've tried harder to pray about an idea before jumping in to see if it's my idea or God's. If it's God's, then I need to get started on it and finish the task He's asked me to do. Eddie's message yesterday was about hearing God's voice. I want to learn to hear what He wants me to do and remember that He'll give me the strength I need to complete it (Philippians 4:13). But how satan works on us in the process. He likes to rob us of our joy of serving and put obstacles in our way that make it difficult sometimes to serve. What's that expression? "When the going gets tough, the tough get going."

Finally, Paul reminded them of his chains. I don't think it was because he wanted any glory for what he was enduring. I just believe that a sustaining point for him in the middle of his persecution was to believe that "his chains were not in vain". Like we say, "everything happens for a reason." He kept reminding himself that even though he was imprisoned, God was still using his letters to spread the Good News. Paul inspires me. Sometimes I feel chained down by my circumstances and inadequacies. But God will prevail. He can still use me as long as I am willing.

I hope you've been blessed by the book of Colossians. We'll start something new tomorrow!

Colossians 4:12-15

12 "Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.
13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.
15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house."

I have to share that I love verse 12 and the thought of someone "wrestling in prayer" for me. Strong's concordance explains the original Greek word for wrestling: "Agonizomaito which means to contend with adversaries, fight". Wow! Epaphras in prayer for the Colossians was actually like a tug of war with satan over these people at Colosse. It's interesting to look up word origins and understand the whole picture that the writer, in this case Paul, was implying. Agonizomaito comes from Agon which is the stadium or arena where contests took place.

I can't say I love the idea of facing satan, but that's what I want to be. A prayer warrior. Now I have a better understanding of that term. When I go to God, the creator of the universe, it's like stepping into the arena to state my case against what satan would want to do. I have Jesus on my side. His blood enables me to even face God. No wonder satan works so hard to put obstacles in the way of my praying. Satan knows that when I go to battle with an issue that is God's will, there's no way he can win.

I want people wrestling in prayer over me. And I want people to know that I'm wrestling in prayer over them.

Thank you, God, that you always listen when I pray. And You care about everything I tell You! So here are some issues I'm wrestling with...

Colossians 4:7-11

7 "Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord.
8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our cirucmstances and that he may encourage your hearts.
9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.
10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him).
11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. There are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me."

This letter to the Colossian church is believed to have been written approx. A.D. 57-62 while Paul was a prisoner in Rome. I can only imagine how Paul must have felt to know that the Colossian people were struggling with false teachers and that he was literally chained in prison and couldn't get to them. Instead, he had to send people in his place to teach and encourage. He also mentions that this would give them a chance to hear about his ministry from prison. It's interesting that Onesimus was one of those to travel to Colosse to inform. He had lived there as a slave to Philemon. Philemon had been converted to Christianity through Paul. Onesimus also became a believer of Jesus Christ. Philemon set Onesimus free from slavery and at this time he is one of Paul's delegates (he had been in Rome with Paul) back to his homeland.

Paul has nothing but good to say about these men who will visit Colosse. He uses words like [dear, faithful, servant in the Lord, encourage, fellow workers, and comfort to me] to describe his friends in ministry. I must say that these descriptive words inspire and convict me as I consider my place in women's ministry, youth ministry, and overall ministry at Crossroads. We've been given an opportunity to reach out to our community through our church. I want to join in the Crossroads vision:

• to help people seeking spiritual truth become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ

and in the mission:

• to impact our community, our culture, to reproduce churches and to build nations.

Time is short and we're much stronger when we stand together. I'm thankful for all of you!

Colossians 4:3-6

3 "And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.
5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

Paul wouldn't let anything stop him from sharing Christ. Not even beatings, chains, prison. I want to be faithful to share the...I can't even think of words to describe how much Jesus means to me. I'm going to let these verses speak for themselves and let them influence me to never lose the awe of my Savior when talking with others. I want my conversations to be flavorful and wise and I can only do this through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).

Let's pray for each other - for doors to open that we can share the love of our lives!

Colossians 4:2

2 "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."

It's Friday, and I like to keep it simple on Friday. I've been trying to spend more time in prayer, and in an attitude of prayer. And I must brag on God. He has answered me this week about an issue I was seeking direction.

Paul didn't just say pray, he said to be devoted to prayer - devoted to spending time in the presence of God. That's why satan is so determined to prevent prayer in our lives is because it's a powerful tool for God to work in our lives.

I looked up the word origin for watchful and it is the same as when Jesus was praying in the garden before He was arrested and the disciples kept falling asleep. He asked them to be watchful and pray with Him. It's also the root for rising up which confirms the fact that I pray better when I get up earlier than trying to pray when I am tired at night. That's because I am a morning person. Maybe you're not. Either way, we should be alert/watchful in prayer and thankful.

Thought to carry into the weekend: be devoted to prayer!

Feel free to brag on God!

Colossians 3:18-4:1

18 "Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,
24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favortism.
4:1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven."

I think one of the main thoughts of this passage of scripture is to be real. If you say you have Christ in you, then let it overflow into all areas of your life - marriage, parenting, being an employee or the employer. Dedicate all areas of your life to the Lord (v 23) to bring glory to Him. When He becomes #1 in our lives, everything works out. That's not to say that there are no potholes in the road. I wasn't born yesterday and I've fought battles in all those areas of my life. But I believe that as I sought to glorify God, my marriage became more peaceful, my parenting became more peaceful, and my work became more peaceful. Called to peace, remember yesterday's scripture?

Thank you, God, that you are preparing an inheritance for your children. And that you show no favortism. Help me, Lord, to be sincere and glorify You in all I do.

Colossians 3:15-17

15 "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Called to peace...hmmm...then why is life so "unpeaceful" a lot of the time? As author/speaker/pastor Chuck Swindoll says, "happiness is a choice". I need to remember that my circumstances shouldn't dictate my attitude. Verse 15 also says we are called to peace. I wonder why we don't hear more about that calling?

Of course, being a musician, I love verse 16. I believe God does use music to minister deep within our souls. There's nothing as healing and refreshing as worshiping God, and often times music is the tool that moves us in that direction.

Verse 17 reminds us that no matter what we're doing or have to be doing, it can glorify God. I'm glad for this. Otherwise, there would be a lot of meaningless mundane drudgery, wouldn't there?

Finally, notice there are 3 admonitions to give thanks in these 3 verses.

1. verse 15: "And be thankful"
2. verse 16: "with gratitude in your hearts"
3. verse 17: "giving thanks to God"

Maybe that's the secret to peace, real peace - an attitude of gratitude - remembering what Christ has done for us.

Think I need to work on that some more :-)

Colossians 3:12-14

12 "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

Yesterday's passage was pretty heavy with the "put to death" beginning. This next scripture is a wonderful reminder of the love God has for us. I know, Paul is telling us what character traits to embrace to become Christlike, but notice the beginning of verse 12: "God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved..." I need that today. I'm blessed to have a family that loves me and friends that love me...I sort of hate to even say this - but today I'm gratefully blessed by the reminder that God dearly loves me. Not just loves, but DEARLY loves! Do you ever have those times when you need to hear that? It's like a hug from God. Okay, I'm crying right now, but as I bask in the deep and forgiving love God has for me, my heart goes out to the people that don't know how much God loves them - the ones who don't believe God loves them - some are overwhelmed by their circumstances and can't seem to find God through the cloud of despair.

Verse 13 tells us to bear with each other, forgive each other. I often wonder how some people can carry around the heavy list of grudges they hold against people. It must be a very heavy burden to bear. God would have us to bury those issues - forgive whatever - whatever - WHATEVER! (Reminder: This is not saying that God would have us to become a victim of abuse - that's not forgiveness - you can remove yourself from abusive situations - verbal or physical - and still embrace forgiveness for that person)

I want to remember verse 14 today - over everything - put on love. I can do that if I remember God dearly loves me. Love is like a band-aid. It binds and unites. It makes everything feel better.

Thank you, Lord, for loving me, let your love flow through me today to everyone, but especially someone who needs to feel Your love!

Colossians 3:5-11

5 "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.
7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.
8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all."

This passage of scripture definitely addresses the sin issues in our lives that we wrestle with. As I read through this list of sins in verses 5 and 8, I certainly can find a relationship between those specific sins and sinful attitudes I struggle with.

Paul says "put to death...rid yourselves...take off your old self...put on your new self which comes from knowledge of Christ." That's really strong language, but possible through the blood of Jesus.

I love the last part of this passage: "Christ is all, and is in all". I want Him to be my all - and in all I do!

Would you join me in prayer? "Lord, continue to help me put to death the sins in my life that represent my old life. Thank You that you give us new life and please be my all in all!!!"

What is your favorite verse or passage of scripture?

It's Friday! I thought it would be fun to relax and hear from all you blog readers out there. All you have to do is click on the comments link and let your thoughts be known.

What is your favorite or one of your favorite passages of scripture? When I was a teenager I picked out Psalm 46 to be one of my favorites. It has sustained me many times when I was fearful of circumstances and the future. It starts out "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear..." If you're not familiar with that chapter, take time to read through it. It has beautiful visuals and is a great escape from the pressures of the world and a reminder that God is in control!

Now it's your turn.

Colossians 2:20-23

20"Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules:
21 'Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!'?
22 These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings.
23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence."

Paul's words are a good reminder not to fall back into old habits. I know, old habits die hard, but he reminds us that they died with Christ. His power is greater than the habits. He reminds us that human traditions perish; they give a false pretense of wisdom and humility.

And finally, they can't restrain our sensual indulgences. A dictionary definition of sensual is: "Pertains to the undue gratification of the physical appetites -- the 'carnal pleasures' that are associated with our body." One way of looking at that is that the world doesn't satisfy. It leaves you wanting more - searching for more. Christ fills you up - eternal gratification.

Complete and eternal...

Colossians 2:13-19

13 "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,
14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.
15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.
17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.
18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle otions.
19 He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow."

Here are some key points that stand out to me in this passage of scripture:

• we were dead in our sins
• God made us alive with Christ
• He forgave all our sins
• He canceled the writtten code - He nailed it to the cross
• He triumphed over sin
• Don't judge each other by rules
• People who do this possess false humility, and their unspiritual mind puffs up
• People who judge by rules have lost connection with the Head - God
• The Body grows as God causes it to grow

This scripture is pretty clear that Jesus came to give us salvation - that no longer are we bound by the Old Testament laws. A study of the life of Jesus shows that He came to usher in the age of love and forgiveness. When asked about the greatest commandment, He replied in Matthew 22:37-39

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

When we try to base spirituality on anything but a relationship with Jesus Christ, we've lost connection. When we judge each other's spirituality on rules and regulations, we've lost connection.

He wants us to focus our lives on our connection with Him, and He wants us to build His kingdom with people connecting with Him. He'll take care of all the rest.

We can do that, right?

Colossians 2:9-12

9 "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,
10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.
11 In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ,
12 having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead."

We've been given fullness in Christ. For some reason, that reminds me of Thanksgiving. You know, the full feeling. It's wonderful to smell all the food cooking and think about how good it will taste and then you take that first bite of turkey and noodles, etc... and that feeling you get when you're finished...full and purring like a kitten. Now just transfer that Thanksgiving feeling to the thought of being filled with Christ to the point of complete and ultimate satisfaction. Hmmm...I love it. He forgave me of my sin - took it away - and filled me with Himself. That is hard to comprehend and rightly so because Paul said that there is nothing human about it - but only what Christ can do. Thank you, Jesus!

Finally, the spiritual baptism in verse 12 reminds me of the water baptism at church this past Sunday. What a joy to see 3 generations of the Steele family follow the Lord in Believer's Baptism. What a blessing!

Thank you, God, for the fullness of Your Spirit!

Colossians 2:8

8 "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depend on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ."

This verse really spoke to me this morning. I didn't want to go farther in the scripture, but let this sink in during the day. I feel like it has strong and profound meaning. Paul wasn't speaking to unbelievers in this book. He was speaking to people who had already placed their faith in Christ. But his warning was that they not become captives through hollow and deceptive philosophy. Now I realize that these words are the NIV translation, but it cautions me to consider what might be taking me captive. And the word hollow is not how I want to describe anything about my life.

Then he goes on to warn about the philosophy that is based on traditions and basic principles of the world instead of Christ. Wow! It makes me wonder if I'm letting any of these "hollow" principles sneak into my life.

So I'm going to take some time to ask the Lord to show me if I'm letting anything come between God and me. I want Him to work through everything in my life, not take second place.


BTW: I loved Pastor Eddie's comment yesterday, "if you don't understand the resurrection, you have nothing". I'm so thankful for eternal life and that He gives us hope of a resurrection and glorified body. I want to take yesterday's sermon into this week - "Take Hope - Our Rez Look is Coming!"

Colossians 3:1-4

1 "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

Ok, I skipped ahead. But it's Friday and Chapter 2 is a bit too lengthy and deep for a Friday devotion, so I skipped ahead to one of my favorite phrases. It's in verse 4..."when Christ, who is your life..."I love that phrase. I want Him to be my life. Not just a part of my life, but be the starting point for everything I do and everything I think. I want Him to be every breath I breathe in and every breath I breathe out. Because when He becomes that essential to my being, then it's natural to do verse 1 and 2 - set my heart and mind on things above.

This morning when I got up I noticed a verse I have on my desk - "The joy of the Lord is my strength" - and the word joy really spoke to me. It's not living a life for God because I feel indebted to Him, but letting the joy of the Lord overwhelm me. It was a nice reminder to embrace joy this day.

So, embrace joy, focus on heaven, live Christ...I'm ready to go...are you glad it's Friday?

Colossians 2:6-7

6 "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him,
7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

What a cool verse! Here's the key words:

• received Christ
• live in him
• rooted
• built up
• strengthened in the faith
• overflowing with thankfulness

That says it all. Are we overflowing today?

We'd love to hear your comments and feedback about this or the blog or anything you want to say...

Colossians 2:1-5

1 "I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally.
2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,
3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.
5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is."

This is a personal appeal to the Laodicean church from Paul. He is pleading with them to remain faithful in his absence and not be deceived by false teaching. Throughout Paul's teachings he continually implores the new Christians to grow in Christ and be firm in their faith.

But I also find important points that I can apply to my own life and ministries. Paul said his purpose was

1. that they be encouraged in heart
2. united in love
3. have rich and complete understanding
4. know God through Christ - this is all wisdom and knowledge

It is my prayer that my life would be encouraging to others, loving, and that as I grow in Christ, I will be contagious in my desire for learning more about Him - that others will want to do the same.

Colossians 1:28-29

28 "We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
29 to this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me."

Verse 28 is a beautiful picture of the Christian life - our daily walk with Jesus. We proclaim, admonish, and teach so that we can bring more people into the Kingdom. There are many ways we do this; some are through the church and others are on a personal level. Feel like sharing some of the opportunities you've had to share Christ?

Verse 29 became special to me one day when I was feeling very "out of energy". I didn't know if I could complete everything that I felt God would have me do. Then I read the words in verse 29 like I'd never read them before - "struggling with all his energy- it was a reminder that I was not serving Him from my own energy, but with His energy. Wow! That hit me so personally. And the next words reminded me that He powerfully works in us. He not only energizes us, but He also "powerizes" us. That's not a word, is it? Oh well, the thought works here.

So, if we feel less than the task, first of all check to make sure it's a task that God has given us and not just one we tacked on an already busy schedule. Then go to Him to be refreshed with His energy and power!

What could possibly be better than that?

Colossians 1:21-27

21 "Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.
22. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation--
23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
24 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.
25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness--
26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.
27 To them God has chosen to make known among the gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

This is a wordy passage, but Paul's key points are

1. Before we chose God, we were His enemy - that's a hard pill to swallow, but the scripture is clear - if we are not for Him, we are against Him.
2. We were reconciled through Christ to live a life of faith - established and firm, unmovable.
3. We are free from accusation! Christ's blood covers us!
4. Paul does not regret what he has suffered for the kingdom - it is an extension of what Christ suffered for us.
5. Paul was commissioned by God to present the Word to us.
6. God chose to make His glorious riches known to us.

Let's remember that Christ in us gives us all the hope we will ever need!