"As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend. " Proverbs 27:17
This weekend has been anything but 'dull'. It started out Friday morning with my husband (my best friend) Mark and I sharpening our rummaging skills...seeking and successfully finding a nice, used kitchen table and chairs for our oldest daughter. Then later on that afternoon we had the opportunity to serve alongside other friends for a few blustery hours at an outdoor book sale...with proceeds (over $2,000!) going to help support the Compassionate Life Foundation and their work with orphans and widows in Swaziland, Africa. Then before the crack of dawn Saturday morning I had the blessing of meeting with some Bible Study Fellowship friends/leaders as we thanked God for the many truths and blessings He has showered upon us this year through our study of Matthew. Once home, I was blessed to spend some uninterrupted phone time with my dear friend (and sister in Christ) Becky in Boston. A time of laughter, tears, encouragment and just catching up on life. After that my husband and I took a leisurely walk in a local county park with man's best friend...our dog Rapha. Then today was baptism Sunday at church. A powerful time of worship and hearing many men, women and children give testimony of what their faith in Jesus Christ has meant in their lives. And tonight, wrapping up the weekend, a small group of friends met at our house for pizza & fellowship as we let lesson #2 of 'The Truth Project' sharpen our biblical worldview. Now it's late. The house is quiet, and I'm tired...ready to call it a day. But not before giving thanks to God for the many friends He has used to 'sharpen' my walk with Him. Thank you Jesus!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
The Great Commission
"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20
We all know what it feels like to be 'sent' don't we. We're sent to the grocery store for food. We're sent across town to run errands. We're sent to the neighbors for a cup of sugar. In a few short weeks athletes from all around the world will be 'sent' to represent their countries in the Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. All different scenarios, but each with a specific purpose. So then...what does it mean & how does it look when we're sent by God? Good question! Looking at these verses, I see some hints. First hint: there's authority behind the sending. The God of the universe is backing us. (No small thing there!) Second hint: The supernatural power of God is in action. We may feel inadequate (we are!), but God can and will enable us to do what He's called us to do. Third hint: there's work to be done - make disciples. People who are willing to hear about, learn & live for God & His Son Jesus Christ. Fourth hint: It's an adventure. My friend Jen would often say "God has a wild imagination!" So true! And is there anything more exciting than to be willing and eager to go wherever God might send us? Fifth hint: We never go it alone. Wherever God sends us, He's promised to be with us. So whether He 'sends' us to the grocery store, the neighbor's house, across town, Beijing, or Africa ...being 'sent' by God truly is the greatest commission!
We all know what it feels like to be 'sent' don't we. We're sent to the grocery store for food. We're sent across town to run errands. We're sent to the neighbors for a cup of sugar. In a few short weeks athletes from all around the world will be 'sent' to represent their countries in the Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. All different scenarios, but each with a specific purpose. So then...what does it mean & how does it look when we're sent by God? Good question! Looking at these verses, I see some hints. First hint: there's authority behind the sending. The God of the universe is backing us. (No small thing there!) Second hint: The supernatural power of God is in action. We may feel inadequate (we are!), but God can and will enable us to do what He's called us to do. Third hint: there's work to be done - make disciples. People who are willing to hear about, learn & live for God & His Son Jesus Christ. Fourth hint: It's an adventure. My friend Jen would often say "God has a wild imagination!" So true! And is there anything more exciting than to be willing and eager to go wherever God might send us? Fifth hint: We never go it alone. Wherever God sends us, He's promised to be with us. So whether He 'sends' us to the grocery store, the neighbor's house, across town, Beijing, or Africa ...being 'sent' by God truly is the greatest commission!
Monday, February 25, 2008
3rd Time Around?
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for." Hebrews 11:1-2
Friday, January 25, 2008
Day of Prayer for Kenya
"So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer." Ezra 8:23
I have a friend who had spent many years as a teacher at Rift Valley Academy in Kenya. Because of the gravity of what's been happening in that country, she is asking that we join her in spending some specific time in prayer today (Jan. 25th) for the people and situation in Kenya. Here's the link to her blogsite that gives more specifics. http://acupofteawithme.blogspot.com/. God alone is able to transform that situation. So let us expectantly and by faith, join together in prayer on their behalf.
I have a friend who had spent many years as a teacher at Rift Valley Academy in Kenya. Because of the gravity of what's been happening in that country, she is asking that we join her in spending some specific time in prayer today (Jan. 25th) for the people and situation in Kenya. Here's the link to her blogsite that gives more specifics. http://acupofteawithme.blogspot.com/. God alone is able to transform that situation. So let us expectantly and by faith, join together in prayer on their behalf.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Never, Ever Give Up!
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9
Years ago, in my athletic years, I remember racing against a team of riders that had printed on their jerseys in big bold letters: "NGU". Not knowing what it stood for, naturally I asked one of them. She said that even though they were a small unsponsored team, and even though they might not stand a chance racing against the powerhouse teams of that day, they were still a team...and that the letters on their jerseys stood as a vivid reminder to each of them to "Never Give Up". Sure they had some successes, but for the most part during races they found themselves just part of the pack. But no matter how hard things got, no matter the disappointments, the challenges, the ups & downs....they were committed to pressing on. I've never forgotten that.
Now apply that to life. Life is truly a gift from God. But it's not easy is it? Full of ups & downs. Joys and heartbreaks. Successes and challenges. Many times we feel like we're just part of the pack. Other times we wonder if what we're doing is really making a difference. Well let me tell you...you are! Press on! Keep committing yourself to making the most of every single day God gives you. Give out lots of hugs. Give out lots of encouragement. Give out lots of love. Let us not become weary in doing good...NGU...for in the long run, it'll all be worth it.
Years ago, in my athletic years, I remember racing against a team of riders that had printed on their jerseys in big bold letters: "NGU". Not knowing what it stood for, naturally I asked one of them. She said that even though they were a small unsponsored team, and even though they might not stand a chance racing against the powerhouse teams of that day, they were still a team...and that the letters on their jerseys stood as a vivid reminder to each of them to "Never Give Up". Sure they had some successes, but for the most part during races they found themselves just part of the pack. But no matter how hard things got, no matter the disappointments, the challenges, the ups & downs....they were committed to pressing on. I've never forgotten that.
Now apply that to life. Life is truly a gift from God. But it's not easy is it? Full of ups & downs. Joys and heartbreaks. Successes and challenges. Many times we feel like we're just part of the pack. Other times we wonder if what we're doing is really making a difference. Well let me tell you...you are! Press on! Keep committing yourself to making the most of every single day God gives you. Give out lots of hugs. Give out lots of encouragement. Give out lots of love. Let us not become weary in doing good...NGU...for in the long run, it'll all be worth it.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Merry Christmas
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:66
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Reflecting on the most precious gift ever given. God's own son (Jesus). My prayer is that we might each unwrap the gift, through faith, and receive everlasting life. God bless you all this Christmas.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Reflecting on the most precious gift ever given. God's own son (Jesus). My prayer is that we might each unwrap the gift, through faith, and receive everlasting life. God bless you all this Christmas.
2007 Swaziland Work Team Christmas Tree :-)
Friday, November 2, 2007
Courage
My friend Jennifer is in the battle of her life. She was diagnosed with breast cancer just over 6 years ago. She is a loving wife and the mother of two young children (age 7 and 6). Now, after rounds of chemotherapy, radiation and time spent in the hospital...the cancer is back. Because of some damage a tumor has done to her spine, she is also dealing with some paralysis from the waist down. She’s home now and she and her husband are in the midst of prayerfully deciding which treatment direction is best. Over these past six years, she and her family have often asked the question: Why? Why would God allow suffering like this? To quote another friend's daughter Laura: "This is one of those situations that automatically gets added to my already long list of Things I Would Do Differently If I Was In Charge of the Universe". (http://acupofteawithme.blogspot.com/2007/10/big-question.html) We can relate. Just yesterday I was blessed to spend some precious time with Jennifer. An amazing time witnessing her, in the midst of her suffering, praising God for who He is. Continuing to ask & believe Him for healing ('He owns my cells') in the midst of some serious odds. Reciting Scripture passages she memorized long ago that speak of God’s greatness, goodness, faithfulness and love. Passages that give her peace and hope in the midst of this raging storm.
Again quoting my friend's daughter: "We often tend to ask WHY these things happen, but maybe a more realistic question is, HOW will we react WHEN they do? Here in America, I think we’ve been lulled by our relatively cushy lifestyles into believing that suffering is something best avoided. Certainly, it hurts -- and no one likes pain! But we seem to regard suffering as strange and unnatural. We think we're somehow entitled to a pain-free, trouble-free life. We assume that, if something deeply uncomfortable comes our way, God must be picking on us. We lash out at Him or at the people who are closest to us, and we feel sorry for ourselves. We try to find a way out of our misery. But what happens when there is no way out? At least, not at a price we’re willing to pay. What then?" Well, according to my friend Jennifer, we have two choices; we can either choose to dwell on WHAT God does for us or on WHO He is. She has chosen the later. Circumstances constantly change, life often turns out very differently than we had expected or imagined and many are left discouraged and disillusioned. But praise God He never changes. He's always the same. His word is eternally true.
None of us want to suffer...but it’s comforting to know that when I do, God has promised to be there with me every step of the way. May we all learn to focus on Him, trust in Him, rest fully in Him so that we too might find....like my dear friend Jen...the peace that passes all understanding. (Phillipians 4:7). May God pour out His love, mercy, grace and healing on you Jen. I love you.
God has said;
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13: 5b, 8 NIV)
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4 NIV)
"The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights." (Habakkuk 3:19 NIV)
Again quoting my friend's daughter: "We often tend to ask WHY these things happen, but maybe a more realistic question is, HOW will we react WHEN they do? Here in America, I think we’ve been lulled by our relatively cushy lifestyles into believing that suffering is something best avoided. Certainly, it hurts -- and no one likes pain! But we seem to regard suffering as strange and unnatural. We think we're somehow entitled to a pain-free, trouble-free life. We assume that, if something deeply uncomfortable comes our way, God must be picking on us. We lash out at Him or at the people who are closest to us, and we feel sorry for ourselves. We try to find a way out of our misery. But what happens when there is no way out? At least, not at a price we’re willing to pay. What then?" Well, according to my friend Jennifer, we have two choices; we can either choose to dwell on WHAT God does for us or on WHO He is. She has chosen the later. Circumstances constantly change, life often turns out very differently than we had expected or imagined and many are left discouraged and disillusioned. But praise God He never changes. He's always the same. His word is eternally true.
None of us want to suffer...but it’s comforting to know that when I do, God has promised to be there with me every step of the way. May we all learn to focus on Him, trust in Him, rest fully in Him so that we too might find....like my dear friend Jen...the peace that passes all understanding. (Phillipians 4:7). May God pour out His love, mercy, grace and healing on you Jen. I love you.
God has said;
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13: 5b, 8 NIV)
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (James 1:2-4 NIV)
"The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights." (Habakkuk 3:19 NIV)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
