Focal Verse: "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27)
In my six-year career since graduating college, my positions have always included marketing. From my first job as an advertising sales rep at the local newspaper to my current job in charge of online, email, and direct mail marketing, my aim has been knowing how to communicate a message to a particular audience.
One main premise in marketing is repetition. I learned in an advertising conference that it takes 3 direct mail messages for the recipient to engage. Even at the newspaper, businesses were encouraged to invest in repetition even if it meant smaller ads more frequently.
You can even see this in everyday life. How many times have you seen the first commercial for a new TV fall series and thought nothing of it, but the fourth or fifth time, your interest is piqued enough to watch the pilot episode? How many times have you decided to buy that new product only after seeing it advertised repetitively?
What I've noticed recently is that God is in the repetition business as well. It seems everywhere I turn recently, God has been showing me how he longs to speak to me. If you read my posts recently, you may be experiencing a little deja vu right now. But that's okay. If God cares enough to be repetitious with me to prove a point, I think it's okay for me to do the same with this blog.
One reason it has been several days since I've posted is because I have been struggling with something in particular. It is a personal issue for which I've been seeking God's direction. After several days and after getting even more desperate for an answer, I got on my knees and begged God to shine a light on my soul and show me if there were any offensive way in my thinking in regard to this issue (Psalm 139:23). I begged him to simply show me what direction he wanted me to go. Although he didn't speak right then, I trusted that he would in his time.
That night, I was reading in Ecclesiastes and a group of verses spoke to my heart. Although the author, Solomon, was talking about something completely different, God used these verses to speak directly to my situation. The particular verse that spoke to me was Ecclesiastes 8:6: "For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a man's misery weighs heavily upon him." I was comforted that through this verse God was showing me that he understood my heart and what I was battling. Yet in the same verse, he spoke, telling me to wait on him, that there is a proper time for that in which I hope.
Through many of the circumstances about which I've written on this blog and others which I haven't, God has made his point to me. He desires to speak to us. He doesn't want the only message we hear from him to be the one from the pulpit. He wants to initiate a passionate relationship with us through one-on-one conversing. He wants to build his relationship with us. Through that relationship, he wants to comfort us in our sorrows. He wants to direct us in our life decisions. He wants to fill our deepest longings. He wants to show us his glory.
Yes, this blog may seem repetitive at the moment, but if you read through the book of Jeremiah for example, you'll see that God makes a point to be repetitive when he wants to speak to us.
I pray that we will continue to listen, because he is ready to speak.
I Get It
Focal Verse: "For God does speak—now one way, now another— though man may not perceive it" (Job 33:14).
Okay, Father, I get it. That was my conversation with God on the way to work this morning. Listening to K-love on my 7-minute commute, the song by Chris Sligh, Empty Me, came on. Now this doesn't seem unusual, except Empty Me has been coming on quite a bit lately when I'm in the car. But not just on K-love. It seems every time I change the station to the Spirit channel on my satellite radio this particular song comes on as well.
But the frequency of this song coming on both radio stations I listen to may not have been that significant either. What got my attention was when I was in my quiet time this morning, the song popped in my mind. I remember taking note of why God would bring this particular song to my mind. And then, during my morning commute, there it was again. Okay, Father, I get it.
Now this song wasn't one of those that hit me like an arrow at a target (as compared to what I wrote about in the Miracle of the Moment blog). The lyrics were meaningful but didn't seem to have any special significance in my life at the moment. Or so I thought. I decided I would look up the lyrics and pray about what God was saying to me. With that thought, I went on to work this morning.
And then when I went to lunch, I realized how God can mix persistence with a sense of humor. Yep, on my lunch break there it was again. Chuckling, I prayed, Okay God I really get it! You are preparing to tell me something. Show me what it is.
Later this afternoon, a situation occurred where I was able to look back and see one way God wanted to speak to me through this song. The chorus "Empty me of the selfishness inside, every vain ambition and the poison of my pride" revealed an area of pride of which I wasn't aware.
I am so thankful that when God speaks, his voice is persistent. When he wants to make a point, he'll make every effort. It's his job to speak. It's our job to anticipate his voice and to listen.
Sometimes we may initially pass off occurrences like this as mere coincidence. But if we are open to God's voice and attentive to it, he might just have something to say to us individually. Even though God's lesson to me wasn't easy to hear, I was overjoyed that he took the time to speak to me.
I look forward to more of those Okay, I get it moments with my Savior. And I'm convinced that he does, too.
Enjoy the song Empty Me performed by Chris Sligh below the lyrics. Apparently he was on American Idol? I had no idea until I looked him up on youtube! :)
Lyrics: I've had just enough of the spotlight when it burns bright To see how it gets in the blood. And I've tasted my share of the sweet life and the wild ride And found a little is not quite enough. I know how I can stray And how fast my heart could change. Empty me of the selfishness inside Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride And any foolish thing my heart holds to Lord empty me of me so I can be filled with you. I've seen just enough of the quick buys of the best lies To know how prodigals can be drawn away. I know how I can stray And how fast my heart could change. Cause everything is a lesser thing Compared to you, compared to you. Cause everything is a lesser thing compared to you. So, I surrender all!
Okay, Father, I get it. That was my conversation with God on the way to work this morning. Listening to K-love on my 7-minute commute, the song by Chris Sligh, Empty Me, came on. Now this doesn't seem unusual, except Empty Me has been coming on quite a bit lately when I'm in the car. But not just on K-love. It seems every time I change the station to the Spirit channel on my satellite radio this particular song comes on as well.
But the frequency of this song coming on both radio stations I listen to may not have been that significant either. What got my attention was when I was in my quiet time this morning, the song popped in my mind. I remember taking note of why God would bring this particular song to my mind. And then, during my morning commute, there it was again. Okay, Father, I get it.
Now this song wasn't one of those that hit me like an arrow at a target (as compared to what I wrote about in the Miracle of the Moment blog). The lyrics were meaningful but didn't seem to have any special significance in my life at the moment. Or so I thought. I decided I would look up the lyrics and pray about what God was saying to me. With that thought, I went on to work this morning.
And then when I went to lunch, I realized how God can mix persistence with a sense of humor. Yep, on my lunch break there it was again. Chuckling, I prayed, Okay God I really get it! You are preparing to tell me something. Show me what it is.
Later this afternoon, a situation occurred where I was able to look back and see one way God wanted to speak to me through this song. The chorus "Empty me of the selfishness inside, every vain ambition and the poison of my pride" revealed an area of pride of which I wasn't aware.
I am so thankful that when God speaks, his voice is persistent. When he wants to make a point, he'll make every effort. It's his job to speak. It's our job to anticipate his voice and to listen.
Sometimes we may initially pass off occurrences like this as mere coincidence. But if we are open to God's voice and attentive to it, he might just have something to say to us individually. Even though God's lesson to me wasn't easy to hear, I was overjoyed that he took the time to speak to me.
I look forward to more of those Okay, I get it moments with my Savior. And I'm convinced that he does, too.
Enjoy the song Empty Me performed by Chris Sligh below the lyrics. Apparently he was on American Idol? I had no idea until I looked him up on youtube! :)
Lyrics: I've had just enough of the spotlight when it burns bright To see how it gets in the blood. And I've tasted my share of the sweet life and the wild ride And found a little is not quite enough. I know how I can stray And how fast my heart could change. Empty me of the selfishness inside Every vain ambition and the poison of my pride And any foolish thing my heart holds to Lord empty me of me so I can be filled with you. I've seen just enough of the quick buys of the best lies To know how prodigals can be drawn away. I know how I can stray And how fast my heart could change. Cause everything is a lesser thing Compared to you, compared to you. Cause everything is a lesser thing compared to you. So, I surrender all!
Completely Trustworthy
Focal Verse: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
Drew and I were walking toward the entrance of Hobby Lobby today, planning to buy the final supplies for Drew's second birthday party, which is in less than a month. As I was pushing him in the stroller, my mind flashed back to almost two years ago, when Drew was two weeks old. I was pushing him in that same stroller, although then he was lying asleep in the infant carrier part of the stroller instead of sitting up facing forward like he did today.
I remember that day like it was yesterday. Drew was calm and softly sleeping. I was able to somewhat live the dream that I had had months before when I chose this particular stroller combination. When I picked out the exact one I wanted online, I was full of excitement and anticipation. I couldn't wait to stroll my baby calmly and quietly wherever I wanted to go. Everyone would "ooh" and "aah" and how precious he would be and I would be the giddy mommy, like it seemed every other new mommy was. Fast forward a few months to that day in Hobby Lobby two years ago. Drew wasn't the calm and quiet baby I expected. Even as I was shopping in Hobby Lobby, I bided my time until he would wake up, because since it seemed he was either sleeping, eating, or crying, when he awoke, I knew I had to have an exit strategy. This wasn't what I expected.
Throw in postpartum hormones, and those first few weeks of Drew's life were the most difficult weeks I had ever experienced in that point of my life. I remember sobbing on my bed one night, asking God why in the world did he answer my prayer for a child. What was he thinking? I was a horrible mom, and frankly, I wanted my old life back. I was so thankful when I discovered that I was pregnant and that God answered my prayer for Drew, but after he was born, I wondered why God hadn't vetoed this request.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. (Isaiah 55:8)
Thankfully in the midst of my depression, I had enough faith to know that God didn't make a mistake. He knew exactly what he was doing, and if that were the case, then surely this whole mommy thing would get better.
And of course, it did. One amazing thing about God is that we can completely trust him. He knows what he's doing. He has a purpose when he speaks. He has a purpose for his silence. He has a purpose when he answers our prayers. He has a purpose when he says "no" or "wait."
He is completely trustworthy even when we think he may have made a mistake. He is completely trustworthy even when we think he must have forgotten about us. He is completely trustworthy even when we don't understand.
God is completely trustworthy. Drew and I are living proof. :)
God Speaks
Focal Verse: "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12).
My heart has had a yearning for ministry for as long as I can remember. I vividly recall an experience when I was at a church camp, where I excitedly told my camp counselor - who had also led me to Christ a few years before - that I wanted to "save people." She quickly pointed out the err of my words of choice, but my excitement was obvious. That desire has never left me, and I always felt that God would bring me into ministry in his time and in his way.
That desire has not only been stirred in past months, but it has turned into a passion that at times I can barely contain. As I have been praying and contemplating the possibilties - and the possible barriers - I realized that I have to get serious about listening to God's voice and the direction he has planned for me. So, I felt led to buy Priscilla Shirer's book Discerning the Voice of God. Although I have learned so many things that I've already applied to my prayer life, one chapter in particular spoke to me. It was about God using His word to speak to us.
In this day in age, I don't think we expect to hear God speak. Perhaps that's why he doesn't - or perhaps why we don't hear when he does. And although God speaks in different ways - through prayer, Bible study, circumstances, other believers, etc., I lean toward believing that his Word is his preferred method. Why? Because, even in prayer, sometimes it can be hard to distinguish God's voice from our own thoughts. Circumstances don't always point the way we think they do (I learned that first-hand this year but that's for another blog). And believers can give wrong advice (remember Job's friends?). In these methods, what we think we heard from God must be tested against His inerrant Word.
So how are we supposed to hear God speak through his Word - or test what we think we heard from God with his Word - if we don't know his Word?
Today my mom and I were at lunch and started talking about this. She is a children's leader in our church as she has been since I was a little girl. I was talking about how thankful I am that I grew up with Scripture memory as part of our church lessons. Every Wednesday at GA's we would learn a new Scripture. In Acteens we were expected to memorize Scripture verses and passages. In Bible Drill we memorized the books of the Bible and learned how to locate them. Most of the Scriptures I have memorized today came from my youth. I am so thankful that I had leaders in my home church who cared enough to teach and require Scripture memory.
Priscilla Shirer writes, "When a Scripture comes to mind 'out of nowhere,' that speaks to the specific problem I'm facing, I'm learning not to dismiss it as mere coincidence. Instead, I trust that the Holy Spirit is at work in me to reveal more about God and what my actions should be" (Discerning the Voice of God, p. 68).
When I was having trouble at work with my boss and some of his actions, I grew very frustrated. Then God brought to mind Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."
It is an amazing thing when God uses his Word to speak to us in our individual circumstance. But we need to know his Word before God can bring it up in our mind.
Scripture memory can be just like it sounds: going over a verse again and again until it's etched on your heart. This is easier than you think. I put verses on my bathroom mirror and practice them in the morning.
But knowing Scripture can also mean just spending time reading God's Word. God has brought passages to my mind that I may not have specifically memorized, but I knew enough about the idea of the Scripture that I knew what he was saying. And, thanks to the Internet, if I can recall a phrase, I can type it into http://www.biblegateway.com/ and easily locate the passage.
If I have learned anything in seeking God's voice, it's that God WANTS to speak to us! He wants to blow our socks off with those "Wow! He spoke to ME" moments. Sometimes we wish we could be in the Old Testament when God spoke audibly or appeared in signs like the burning bush, but we have to remember that God only spoke to prophets and certain people. Now God's Holy Spirit indwells every believer, and if we will listen, he wants to speak to each and every one of us. And the first place to start is in the Scripture he provided for us.
My heart has had a yearning for ministry for as long as I can remember. I vividly recall an experience when I was at a church camp, where I excitedly told my camp counselor - who had also led me to Christ a few years before - that I wanted to "save people." She quickly pointed out the err of my words of choice, but my excitement was obvious. That desire has never left me, and I always felt that God would bring me into ministry in his time and in his way.
That desire has not only been stirred in past months, but it has turned into a passion that at times I can barely contain. As I have been praying and contemplating the possibilties - and the possible barriers - I realized that I have to get serious about listening to God's voice and the direction he has planned for me. So, I felt led to buy Priscilla Shirer's book Discerning the Voice of God. Although I have learned so many things that I've already applied to my prayer life, one chapter in particular spoke to me. It was about God using His word to speak to us.
In this day in age, I don't think we expect to hear God speak. Perhaps that's why he doesn't - or perhaps why we don't hear when he does. And although God speaks in different ways - through prayer, Bible study, circumstances, other believers, etc., I lean toward believing that his Word is his preferred method. Why? Because, even in prayer, sometimes it can be hard to distinguish God's voice from our own thoughts. Circumstances don't always point the way we think they do (I learned that first-hand this year but that's for another blog). And believers can give wrong advice (remember Job's friends?). In these methods, what we think we heard from God must be tested against His inerrant Word.
So how are we supposed to hear God speak through his Word - or test what we think we heard from God with his Word - if we don't know his Word?
Today my mom and I were at lunch and started talking about this. She is a children's leader in our church as she has been since I was a little girl. I was talking about how thankful I am that I grew up with Scripture memory as part of our church lessons. Every Wednesday at GA's we would learn a new Scripture. In Acteens we were expected to memorize Scripture verses and passages. In Bible Drill we memorized the books of the Bible and learned how to locate them. Most of the Scriptures I have memorized today came from my youth. I am so thankful that I had leaders in my home church who cared enough to teach and require Scripture memory.
Priscilla Shirer writes, "When a Scripture comes to mind 'out of nowhere,' that speaks to the specific problem I'm facing, I'm learning not to dismiss it as mere coincidence. Instead, I trust that the Holy Spirit is at work in me to reveal more about God and what my actions should be" (Discerning the Voice of God, p. 68).
When I was having trouble at work with my boss and some of his actions, I grew very frustrated. Then God brought to mind Colossians 3:23: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."
It is an amazing thing when God uses his Word to speak to us in our individual circumstance. But we need to know his Word before God can bring it up in our mind.
Scripture memory can be just like it sounds: going over a verse again and again until it's etched on your heart. This is easier than you think. I put verses on my bathroom mirror and practice them in the morning.
But knowing Scripture can also mean just spending time reading God's Word. God has brought passages to my mind that I may not have specifically memorized, but I knew enough about the idea of the Scripture that I knew what he was saying. And, thanks to the Internet, if I can recall a phrase, I can type it into http://www.biblegateway.com/ and easily locate the passage.
If I have learned anything in seeking God's voice, it's that God WANTS to speak to us! He wants to blow our socks off with those "Wow! He spoke to ME" moments. Sometimes we wish we could be in the Old Testament when God spoke audibly or appeared in signs like the burning bush, but we have to remember that God only spoke to prophets and certain people. Now God's Holy Spirit indwells every believer, and if we will listen, he wants to speak to each and every one of us. And the first place to start is in the Scripture he provided for us.
The Heart of Music
Focal Verse: "'Everything is permissible'—but not everything is beneficial. 'Everything is permissible'—but not everything is constructive." (1 Corinthians 10:23)
I was listening to K-love this morning on the way to work, as I normally do, and MercyMe happened to be live in the studio. Right as I was about to arrive at work, they sang one of their hits, "So Long Self." I love that song and listened to it so much when I was pregnant that I was sure Drew would come out of the womb with the lyrics memorized (or else he could have been traumatized by his Mom singing along with MercyMe the line that says "there's no room for two so you are going to have to move"). As I was listening to the song, I was reminded of how much Christian music has meant in my Christian life over the last two decades.
As I was pondering this, I recalled the number of conversations lately I've had, discussing whether it is "okay" for us as Christians to listen to mainstream music.
Now before I continue with that thought, I have to admit that in my much-younger years, I was a big fan of Paula Abdul, M.C. Hammer, and Vanilla Ice. I sang "Cold Hearted Snake" way before I had any idea what I was singing. But when I was around middle school, I was introduced to some Christian music that blazed the trail to the contemporary Christian music we have today - specifically D.C. Talk, Carman, and Steven Curtis Chapman. Even now when I hear some of the Christian songs of the 90s, I remember how this music really helped me stay focused in my impressionable teen years. I can't count the number of songs that God has used to make a profound impact on my life.
So back to my original discussion. Is it "okay" for Christians to listen to mainstream music? When I get into these discussions, I try to point out that it's not always a matter of whether it's "permissible," but whether it is "beneficial."
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:23: "'Everything is permissible'—but not everything is beneficial. 'Everything is permissible'—but not everything is constructive." I can't count the number of times when the Holy Spirit has brought a truth to my mind through a song that I didn't realize I knew. Many Christian songs are based on Bible verses or even have Bible verses in the lyrics, so in essence listening to some types of Christian music aids us in memorizing Scripture. I also look at my mindset. As I listen to uplifting, encouraging music, it keeps my focus on God and the things of God, and it helps me have the right attitude and perspective in other areas of my life.
I'm definitely not critizing all mainstream songs. After all, some of my favorite songs were songs I shared with my dad - "Centerfield" and "We didn't start the fire" to name a couple. And where would we be without songs like "Butterfly Kisses?" But we must be vigilant. I think when we listen to a mainstream song, a good rule of thumb is if we're having to rationalize how it won't affect us, that should be our cue that maybe we should turn the station.
Consider another verse that is well worth memorizing. This verse provides a measuring stick for all kinds of thoughts and behaviors, but it can definitely be applied to the music we listen to: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things" (Philippians 4:8).
The thing that most people don't understand about Christian music is that it has come a long way since classic hymns and southern gospel. You can find just about any genre of music you enjoy in the realm of Christian music. Even mainstream movies like The Transporter and The Chronicles of Narnia are using songs from artists like TobyMac and Jeremy Camp, respectively. That tells you that even the secular movies are seeing that the style line between Christian and secular music is less defined. The difference between the two is the message and the "beneficial" effect it will have on our lives.
One other thing. As I was listening to MercyMe this morning, I couldn't help but feel a bond with this band I have never met. It's a Christian bond that even through the airwaves, I felt that I wasn't alone. Listening to Christian music gives me that extra encouragement I need in the midst of a secular workplace.
So, if everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial, will we make a conscious effort to choose the beneficial?
I was listening to K-love this morning on the way to work, as I normally do, and MercyMe happened to be live in the studio. Right as I was about to arrive at work, they sang one of their hits, "So Long Self." I love that song and listened to it so much when I was pregnant that I was sure Drew would come out of the womb with the lyrics memorized (or else he could have been traumatized by his Mom singing along with MercyMe the line that says "there's no room for two so you are going to have to move"). As I was listening to the song, I was reminded of how much Christian music has meant in my Christian life over the last two decades.
As I was pondering this, I recalled the number of conversations lately I've had, discussing whether it is "okay" for us as Christians to listen to mainstream music.
Now before I continue with that thought, I have to admit that in my much-younger years, I was a big fan of Paula Abdul, M.C. Hammer, and Vanilla Ice. I sang "Cold Hearted Snake" way before I had any idea what I was singing. But when I was around middle school, I was introduced to some Christian music that blazed the trail to the contemporary Christian music we have today - specifically D.C. Talk, Carman, and Steven Curtis Chapman. Even now when I hear some of the Christian songs of the 90s, I remember how this music really helped me stay focused in my impressionable teen years. I can't count the number of songs that God has used to make a profound impact on my life.
So back to my original discussion. Is it "okay" for Christians to listen to mainstream music? When I get into these discussions, I try to point out that it's not always a matter of whether it's "permissible," but whether it is "beneficial."
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 10:23: "'Everything is permissible'—but not everything is beneficial. 'Everything is permissible'—but not everything is constructive." I can't count the number of times when the Holy Spirit has brought a truth to my mind through a song that I didn't realize I knew. Many Christian songs are based on Bible verses or even have Bible verses in the lyrics, so in essence listening to some types of Christian music aids us in memorizing Scripture. I also look at my mindset. As I listen to uplifting, encouraging music, it keeps my focus on God and the things of God, and it helps me have the right attitude and perspective in other areas of my life.
I'm definitely not critizing all mainstream songs. After all, some of my favorite songs were songs I shared with my dad - "Centerfield" and "We didn't start the fire" to name a couple. And where would we be without songs like "Butterfly Kisses?" But we must be vigilant. I think when we listen to a mainstream song, a good rule of thumb is if we're having to rationalize how it won't affect us, that should be our cue that maybe we should turn the station.
Consider another verse that is well worth memorizing. This verse provides a measuring stick for all kinds of thoughts and behaviors, but it can definitely be applied to the music we listen to: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things" (Philippians 4:8).
The thing that most people don't understand about Christian music is that it has come a long way since classic hymns and southern gospel. You can find just about any genre of music you enjoy in the realm of Christian music. Even mainstream movies like The Transporter and The Chronicles of Narnia are using songs from artists like TobyMac and Jeremy Camp, respectively. That tells you that even the secular movies are seeing that the style line between Christian and secular music is less defined. The difference between the two is the message and the "beneficial" effect it will have on our lives.
One other thing. As I was listening to MercyMe this morning, I couldn't help but feel a bond with this band I have never met. It's a Christian bond that even through the airwaves, I felt that I wasn't alone. Listening to Christian music gives me that extra encouragement I need in the midst of a secular workplace.
So, if everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial, will we make a conscious effort to choose the beneficial?
Cleaning the Gunk
Focal Verses: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-34).
My husband Matt and I will celebrate our seventh wedding anniversary in a little over a month. We each finished college, started our first jobs, bought our first home, adopted 5 pets, traveled together, and eventually welcomed our almost-2-year-old son. We've had ours ups and downs, and overall, it has been a wonderful seven years.
A few weeks ago, while waiting on a meeting at work, I was looking at my diamond engagement ring, reminiscing on the first few days that I wore it. It was so shiny then, reflective of young love and anticipation of the years to come. But as I looked at this ring that has been on my finger for almost eight years, I noticed how the diamond in the center wasn't shining, and neither were the small diamonds on each side and on the wedding band. I couldn't recall how long it had been since I had cleaned my ring. I wear it everywhere and only take it off when absolutely necessary (which is almost never). I got so accustomed to the ring on my finger that I hadn't even noticed that it had lost its shine and sparkle long ago.
So one night, I did what I had read somewhere - I brushed the ring with an old toothbrush and non-gel toothpaste. (If you laugh, you must try it first-it works!) I couldn't believe how much my ring sparkled! It looked like it was brand new and I was sure it would blind someone if they got too close.
My pride was short-lived, when the next day waiting for another meeting at work, I started looking at my ring again. I happened to look on the underside of my shiny diamond, where the prongs were, only to notice "gunk." There was no telling how many months - or years - of dirt was on this part of the diamond that I didn't scrub. I was determined to go back and get my toothbrush and toothpaste and work on this hidden area much harder. But do you know what I found? I couldn't remove this gunk myself. I don't know if it was too encrusted or if the bristles just wouldn't reach. Irritated, I realized that I would have to take it to a jeweler to restore the shine even in the less obvious places.
In the same way, sometimes I can go a long time without acknowledging or confessing sin, and over time, that unconfessed sin starts to cloud the brightness of the Light of Christ within. I don't even realize how dirty I am until I come to Christ for cleansing.
I also started to realize that there are probably parts of me that I don't even realize are dirty. I can look (and feel) bright and shiny on the outside and yet part of me is encrusted with sin that I may not even be aware of. And no matter how hard I scrub to be clean, unless God reveals that sin to me, I may never see it. Others might. But it also might be so entrenched and hidden that no one else sees it either.
That's why David said at the end of Psalm 139: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." These verses indicate that it is very possible we may have sin we are unaware of. Some sin may be so entrenched that it began in childhood and we assume it's part of our personality. Other sin could be the product of denial when the Holy Spirit convicts us, and just like a callous, we're so accustomed to it, and it is part of our way of life.
If we wholeheartedly pray these words of David in Psalm 139, God will show us if there is an area of our lives that only He can bring to light - and cleanse. When we are cleansed, the light of Christ will shine through us.
I think of those verses now every time I look at my engagement ring. It's a good reminder to pray for God to reveal any gunk that might be in my life. Now if I can just find the time to get to a jeweler.
My husband Matt and I will celebrate our seventh wedding anniversary in a little over a month. We each finished college, started our first jobs, bought our first home, adopted 5 pets, traveled together, and eventually welcomed our almost-2-year-old son. We've had ours ups and downs, and overall, it has been a wonderful seven years.
A few weeks ago, while waiting on a meeting at work, I was looking at my diamond engagement ring, reminiscing on the first few days that I wore it. It was so shiny then, reflective of young love and anticipation of the years to come. But as I looked at this ring that has been on my finger for almost eight years, I noticed how the diamond in the center wasn't shining, and neither were the small diamonds on each side and on the wedding band. I couldn't recall how long it had been since I had cleaned my ring. I wear it everywhere and only take it off when absolutely necessary (which is almost never). I got so accustomed to the ring on my finger that I hadn't even noticed that it had lost its shine and sparkle long ago.
So one night, I did what I had read somewhere - I brushed the ring with an old toothbrush and non-gel toothpaste. (If you laugh, you must try it first-it works!) I couldn't believe how much my ring sparkled! It looked like it was brand new and I was sure it would blind someone if they got too close.
My pride was short-lived, when the next day waiting for another meeting at work, I started looking at my ring again. I happened to look on the underside of my shiny diamond, where the prongs were, only to notice "gunk." There was no telling how many months - or years - of dirt was on this part of the diamond that I didn't scrub. I was determined to go back and get my toothbrush and toothpaste and work on this hidden area much harder. But do you know what I found? I couldn't remove this gunk myself. I don't know if it was too encrusted or if the bristles just wouldn't reach. Irritated, I realized that I would have to take it to a jeweler to restore the shine even in the less obvious places.
In the same way, sometimes I can go a long time without acknowledging or confessing sin, and over time, that unconfessed sin starts to cloud the brightness of the Light of Christ within. I don't even realize how dirty I am until I come to Christ for cleansing.
I also started to realize that there are probably parts of me that I don't even realize are dirty. I can look (and feel) bright and shiny on the outside and yet part of me is encrusted with sin that I may not even be aware of. And no matter how hard I scrub to be clean, unless God reveals that sin to me, I may never see it. Others might. But it also might be so entrenched and hidden that no one else sees it either.
That's why David said at the end of Psalm 139: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." These verses indicate that it is very possible we may have sin we are unaware of. Some sin may be so entrenched that it began in childhood and we assume it's part of our personality. Other sin could be the product of denial when the Holy Spirit convicts us, and just like a callous, we're so accustomed to it, and it is part of our way of life.
If we wholeheartedly pray these words of David in Psalm 139, God will show us if there is an area of our lives that only He can bring to light - and cleanse. When we are cleansed, the light of Christ will shine through us.
I think of those verses now every time I look at my engagement ring. It's a good reminder to pray for God to reveal any gunk that might be in my life. Now if I can just find the time to get to a jeweler.
Every Opportunity
Focal Verse: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." (1 Peter 3:15b)
She was leaning against the counter, obviously very upset. As she let out her frustration to us, she ran her fingers through her bouncy brown hair. A pretty woman, probably in her 30s, the wear of traveling showed on her like I'm sure it did us.
She, my mother-in-law, and I were in the Chicago airport at 11:30 p.m., mistakenly sent there by the airline on our way to Orlando. We, along with six other people, had just been told that our flight to Orlando had left an hour ago, and the St. Louis airport had made a mistake sending us here. So, they were going to put us up in a hotel and help us get a flight to Orlando the next morning.
I could tell that this woman was about to air her frustration to the airline employee across the counter, even though none of this was this airline employee's fault and she handled the situation in such a way that only a fellow worker in customer service could appreciate. I was determined to handle the situation calmly, probably in an effort to protect this airline employee from this woman's anger. It seemed to work; this lady calmed herself and even later asked us how we were able to stay so calm in the situation.
"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." (1 Peter 3:15b)
That was my opportunity. No, I didn't feel led to share Jesus at that moment, but I did sense that God was telling me to talk more to her; after all, we would be traveling to the same hotel and would get opportunities to talk. Yet I failed. We waited for a long time together for our shuttle to the hotel, but I just didn't pursue more conversation. I can list the reasons but none of them compare with what I knew I needed to do. When we were in our hotel room, I decided I was going to try to find her and talk to her more the next morning because we would be on the same flight. I was hopeful. But then at the last minute, our flight got changed and I never saw this lady again.
How many of us cringe when we hear the word, "Evangelism?" What thoughts and feelings does it evoke? Perhaps we think of evangelistic training techniques, such as Win Our World (W.O.W.), apologetics, or the Roman Road. We may think of knocking on someone's door we've never met, trying to share with them Jesus. For most of us, "evangelism" evokes an insecurity, maybe even fear, within us, that moves us to shy away from it. If we've ever done a spiritual gift class where "evangelism" was one of the gifts mentioned, we reason that evangelism isn't my gift, so I don't have to worry about it.
But true evangelism goes beyond cold visits and boot camp-like training. Sure, the training techniques can be helpful, and Scripture memory is useful, but true evangelism isn't encompassed in a method. It stems from being sensitive to the Holy Spirit and making the most of an opportunity that he brings our way.
When I was planning to talk to this lady the next morning, I had no fear as I would have, had I been knocking on a stranger's door. I simply intended to talk to her, asking God to give opportunities in everyday conversation. The one thing I've learned about God is if we care to take the time to pray for opportunities to talk to people about him, he will answer. One time in my workplace, I started praying for one of my employees, that I might get to talk with her about Christ. It was amazing that while I was praying for this, how many religious conversations came about. I did get a chance to talk with her and with others in my office. Yet I notice when I get too bogged down in daily life and don't pray for these opportunities, they simply don't come as often.
I feel like we need to stop evading evangelism like the plague. Evangelism in its essence is simply talking to others about the hope we have in Christ. It's not as hard as it sounds, for God promises us that the Holy Spirit will give us the words to say: "for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say" (Luke 12:12). Also consider the words of Paul: "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel" (Ephesians 6:19).
One other thing to remember. It's not about us! Jesus said the only way someone will come to faith in him is through the Holy Spirit: "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" (John 6:44a). God does the work. We only provide the vessel.
Yet our vessel must be willing to make the most of every opportunity that God brings our way.
She was leaning against the counter, obviously very upset. As she let out her frustration to us, she ran her fingers through her bouncy brown hair. A pretty woman, probably in her 30s, the wear of traveling showed on her like I'm sure it did us.
She, my mother-in-law, and I were in the Chicago airport at 11:30 p.m., mistakenly sent there by the airline on our way to Orlando. We, along with six other people, had just been told that our flight to Orlando had left an hour ago, and the St. Louis airport had made a mistake sending us here. So, they were going to put us up in a hotel and help us get a flight to Orlando the next morning.
I could tell that this woman was about to air her frustration to the airline employee across the counter, even though none of this was this airline employee's fault and she handled the situation in such a way that only a fellow worker in customer service could appreciate. I was determined to handle the situation calmly, probably in an effort to protect this airline employee from this woman's anger. It seemed to work; this lady calmed herself and even later asked us how we were able to stay so calm in the situation.
"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." (1 Peter 3:15b)
That was my opportunity. No, I didn't feel led to share Jesus at that moment, but I did sense that God was telling me to talk more to her; after all, we would be traveling to the same hotel and would get opportunities to talk. Yet I failed. We waited for a long time together for our shuttle to the hotel, but I just didn't pursue more conversation. I can list the reasons but none of them compare with what I knew I needed to do. When we were in our hotel room, I decided I was going to try to find her and talk to her more the next morning because we would be on the same flight. I was hopeful. But then at the last minute, our flight got changed and I never saw this lady again.
How many of us cringe when we hear the word, "Evangelism?" What thoughts and feelings does it evoke? Perhaps we think of evangelistic training techniques, such as Win Our World (W.O.W.), apologetics, or the Roman Road. We may think of knocking on someone's door we've never met, trying to share with them Jesus. For most of us, "evangelism" evokes an insecurity, maybe even fear, within us, that moves us to shy away from it. If we've ever done a spiritual gift class where "evangelism" was one of the gifts mentioned, we reason that evangelism isn't my gift, so I don't have to worry about it.
But true evangelism goes beyond cold visits and boot camp-like training. Sure, the training techniques can be helpful, and Scripture memory is useful, but true evangelism isn't encompassed in a method. It stems from being sensitive to the Holy Spirit and making the most of an opportunity that he brings our way.
When I was planning to talk to this lady the next morning, I had no fear as I would have, had I been knocking on a stranger's door. I simply intended to talk to her, asking God to give opportunities in everyday conversation. The one thing I've learned about God is if we care to take the time to pray for opportunities to talk to people about him, he will answer. One time in my workplace, I started praying for one of my employees, that I might get to talk with her about Christ. It was amazing that while I was praying for this, how many religious conversations came about. I did get a chance to talk with her and with others in my office. Yet I notice when I get too bogged down in daily life and don't pray for these opportunities, they simply don't come as often.
I feel like we need to stop evading evangelism like the plague. Evangelism in its essence is simply talking to others about the hope we have in Christ. It's not as hard as it sounds, for God promises us that the Holy Spirit will give us the words to say: "for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say" (Luke 12:12). Also consider the words of Paul: "Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel" (Ephesians 6:19).
One other thing to remember. It's not about us! Jesus said the only way someone will come to faith in him is through the Holy Spirit: "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" (John 6:44a). God does the work. We only provide the vessel.
Yet our vessel must be willing to make the most of every opportunity that God brings our way.
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