throwing out the fleece

Today's Life Journal reading includes Judges 6-7, the story of Gideon's defeat of the Midianites.  We love this story!!  God speaks to Gideon, tells him to do the impossible.  Gideon has the audacity to make three different requests of God, so that he can really, really know that God will do what He has said He will do.  Then God leads Gideon as the ultimate underdog into a battle for which the victory is undeniably the LORD's.

My morning prayer time usually springboards from what I have read in the bible, and so it did today.  Lord, what is the impossible thing  you want me to do?  Lord, what am I attempting in life that is so big that only You could get the glory?  Lord, speak to me about how you want me to life my life in a radically faithful way so that You will be seen for who You are!

Then came the quiet voice of conviction, guiding my prayers and my thoughts.  I want your heart.  Throughout the history of Israel God seems delighted to do what only He can do.  He gladly glorifies Himself through impossible odds.  But what He desires is love, worship, and obedience from His people.  So today, instead of "throwing out a fleece" for confirmation from God about the next big thing He wants to do through me, I am asking Him to remind me of the things He has already spoken to me through His Word.  Here are a few:

• He wants the first-fruits of my time.  He wants me to seek Him in the morning and He wants me to give Him enough time so that I can be still and listen.  He wants me to write His Word on my heart.

• He wants me to trust Him enough to allow me to give sacrificially.  He wants a tithe and more.  He wants me to be like the widow giving a mite.  He wants to be my Provider.

• He wants me to be different from the world around me.  He wants me to love the unloveable, to set my mind and heart on what is good and true, to obey Him no matter what the cost.  He wants His light to shine through my good deeds.

• He wants me to be a witness to the world around me.  He wants me to fearlessly proclaim the Truth of the Gospel and the freedom that Jesus offers.
  

Today, I am throwing out the fleece, the idea that I need God to speak to me in a unique way so that I can do some great, big thing for Him.  Today I am going to obey Him in the things He has already clearly spoken.

unChristian

Judges 2: 10  After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what He had done for Israel. 

That's a verse that breaks my heart.  Because I see that it could describe America today.  The younger generations seem to be rejecting Jesus at an alarming rate; they know neither God nor what He has done for us.  I am currently reading a book called unChristian which unpacks extensive research done among the buster and mosaic generations in America (those in their teens through early 30's).  Their perception of Christianity is that most people who claim to be Christians act in a way that is distinctly "unChristian".  One of the most interesting and saddening discoveries of the research is that the majority of those people have in fact had personal experience with the Church before they reject Jesus.  Their involvement with the church leaves them with the impression that Christians are hypocritical, judgmental, and care more about being right than they care about people. 

I am passionate about reaching younger generations with the Truth of the Gospel.  But honestly, what I care most about is the next generation of Demetri's.  They are uniquely my responsibility.  I recognize that it is not enough that they know the answer to the questions in Sunday School.  They need to see real faith in the real GOD lived out in front of them.  They need to see me learning from Jesus every day, and obeying the truth that He reveals to me.  They need to see me loving God and people well.  They need to see me repent when I sin.  They need a home marked by love and grace.  They also need me to care enough about them to discipline them.  

By God's grace I long to live a life worthy of Christ, who has saved me.  May my children never claim that the Christians they know seem unChristian.  And may these three members of the next generation grow up to be radically passionate Christ-followers who know God and remember what He has done for us.

the love of God at Walmart

If you go to the Green Acres Walmart early in the morning you will be greeted by Phyllis.  She will tell you good morning and she will wish you a "blessed day".  And as you leave she will look you straight in the eyes and tell you, "we appreciate you".  She actually makes me feel glad to shop at Walmart!

I have often thought that the church could learn from Phyllis' example.  She speaks to everyone who walks through the doors.  She connects with them.  She expresses their value.  She blesses them.  Are we doing that as the church?  I sure hope that no one would feel more blessed by going to Walmart than by going to church!  But Phyllis has challenged me to extend the love of God in an intentional way no matter where I am.  Whether I am in church, at the store, at my boys' school, out walking the dog, wherever I am I want to connect with people, value people, and bless people with the love of Jesus.

I ran into Walmart a couple of days ago to buy some paper towels.  This time Phyllis greeted me differently.  She said, "I know who you know."  And my suspicions were confirmed!  Phyllis is, of course, on a mission from God.  She knows Jesus, and she intends so share His love with everyone she greets.  And so do I!

shouts of joy

Today's Life Journal reading includes Psalm 47.  Here is part of that psalm:

Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.

How awesome is the Lord Most High, the great King over all the earth!

God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets.

Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises.

We had an amazing worship celebration on Easter Sunday.  We sang praises to God, we rejoiced in the truth of the Gospel, we ate the Lord's Supper together, we welcomed in many new people.  It was a glorious day!

I received a "suggestion" that morning from a visiting older gentleman.  He wondered if we would consider lowering the volume of the music about 5 decibels for next year's Easter celebration.  It is not uncommon that I receive feedback on the music on Sunday, since I am married to the Worship Pastor and he is often busy.  And usually the comments are overwhelmingly positive!  But every once in a while someone corners me with a criticism.  I do my best to respond with love and grace.  But on this day, on Resurrection Sunday, I just couldn't help but say what I really think!  

So I responded with a smile and said, "We just can't worship the Lord loud enough!"  To which the gentleman replied, "But you know, God can hear a whisper".  And I said, "Yes, but the psalms don't say worship the Lord with a whisper!  They call us to sing and shout His praise!!"  

I'm taking this morning's reading as a confirmation that we at Norkenzie can just keep on praising with all of our hearts, all of energy, with songs and shouts of joy!

the way of the cross

I will spend today thinking of the cross. The horrible, beautiful cross on which my Savior died. I thank GOD for this day in history, when He demonstrated His love for us in an indisputable way.

2 Corinthians 5:21 God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of GOD. Hallelujah!

If I really knew what I was doing, I think I would be able to insert a little window below to connect you to a video that I found online. But I don't know what I'm doing so here's a link instead. If you a have a few minutes you can meditate on what Jesus did for us by clicking below and then clicking on "launch video".

bitter journey: the way of the cross

empty spaces

I looked up the word "Lent" in Wikipedia this morning. Here is what it says: Lent, in most Christian denominations, is the 40 day liturgical season of fasting and prayer before Easter. I think it's interesting that so many Christian churches don't observe Lent (even if Wikipedia assumes that we all do!). But many of us are so busy doing Christian things that we have lost the beauty and power of simple spiritual disciplines.

So I am trying to get back to those disciplines, and finding that they don't come naturally! Here is a little of what I'm learning: Fasting is not just about sacrifice, it is also about seeking. My temptation in giving up food is to fill up that space with something else. If I am not sitting down to eat lunch, I get busy doing laundry or cleaning the house. Until, in the middle of my third stack of folded clothes God gently speaks to me. Be still. Quiet yourself in my love. Listen.

Most of us are all about filling up empty spaces, aren't we? We don't just eat when we are hungry, we eat when we aren't full, or when we are bored, or when we are upset. When it is quiet, we turn on the tv or music. When we have a little bit of free time, we think of what we should be doing. Prayer for us is usually about talking, seldom about listening.

Isaiah 55:2 Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.

Empty spaces can become sacred opportunities. Instead of listening to the radio when driving, listen for the voice of GOD. Instead of filling up a 15 minute chunk of free time with one last little chore, leave it undone and sit outside and observe GOD in His creation. Sit quietly with your children and give them space to talk to you about whatever they want- it's amazing what comes out!! Let yourself be hungry for a while and recognize your humanity, your dependence on GOD. Best of all, when we leave empty spaces unfilled, our heart and soul are free to long for what they need most- the presence of GOD.

dedicated to a sacred purpose

Joshua 3:5 Joshua told the people, "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you."

In all the Life Journal readings this morning, this one little verse is what jumped out at me. Maybe it's because I really want to see God do amazing things! I pray daily that God will reveal Himself, doing what only God can do, in my home, church, community and world. But this morning I am asking myself, "Am I consecrated to HIM?"

According to Strong's dictionary, that word is "sanctified" and means separated to GOD. I really like the Miriam Webster definition of consecrate: dedicated to a sacred purpose. Yes, I do have a sacred purpose! For reason's I will never fully comprehend, the God of the universe has chosen to reveal Himself to the world through His people. He wants to do amazing things among us so that "all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful"( Josh 4:24).

I understand my life's purpose like this: I seek to live my life in such a way that everyone with whom I interact moves closer to Jesus. To do that, I myself must live close to Jesus! I want to seek HIM in the morning, talk to HIM throughout the day, and look for HIM all around me. I want to be dedicated to this sacred purpose: to know and to follow hard after JESUS. I want to consecrate myself to the LORD and I will see HIM do amazing things!

the desires of your heart

Psalm 37:3-4 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

As I read these oft-quoted verses this morning, it struck me in a fresh way that they are not a formula from God to help us get the things we want. The psalm directs us to find complete joy and pleasure in what the Lord has already given us. The psalmist is tempted to look around him at what other people are doing, at what the unrighteous have, at the apparent injustice in the world. When we compare ourselves with others, and when we start to assert our sense of fairness onto the world, we are robbed of JOY. Be still, wait patiently, the Lord says. Trust God and do good. There is so much in life we cannot control. But this we can- set your heart on the steadfast goodness of the LORD. Meditate on His love and mercy. Be reminded that however chaotic life on earth appears to be, there is a GOD in heaven who is in control. Quiet yourself in the presence of GOD.

What does my heart desire? Love, security, purpose, adventure and yes, happiness. What JOY fills my heart as I realize anew this morning that I have all this and more in Jesus My Lord. I am delighted in God today. Are you?

the secret life of a soccer mom

There's a new show called the Secret Life of a Soccer Mom, which invites a handful of women to live out their secret dreams.  From what I can tell without actually watching the show, these women have the opportunity to do the things they would have done if they hadn't chosen to stay home with their children.  The show promises them that they can, in fact, have it all!

Chip asked me what I would do if the show came knocking on my front door.  Honestly, I wouldn't do anything different from what I am doing right now.  The truth is, you can't have it all.  Life is all about choices, and the choices we make help define who we are. I am committed to living a life of no regrets!  I thank God for allowing me to live the greatest adventure I can imagine.  And when trials come my way and my life seems less than ideal, I will trust God to give me the grace I need to stay thankful, loving, and obedient to Jesus.

Philippians 4:12-13  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.  I can do everything through HIM who gives me strength.

The one thing I could think of that I have been wanting to do, but just haven't done it yet, is starting a blog.  So here goes!  No regrets!