Who Are You?

We’ve all read the parable. We’ve heard numerous teachings on it, and I would venture to guess I’m not the only one who has been asked the question, whether in a sermon style teaching or in a group bible study: “Who are you in this parable?”

Many see themselves as The Prodigal Son himself: having walked away from the Father, pursued things of the world, only to discover them all to be a lie. This is the one who praises God for His incomprehensible grace. Who proclaims he was lost and is now found. Who gives all glory to the Father who never gave up on him. The Father that watched daily, patiently waiting for him to return to his senses.

Then there are those parents who can relate with this Father: the ones holding on to hope for that wayward child. The parent that aches and grieves, offering prayers day and night, watching expectantly. To this parent, the parable offers reassurance that God can save, even to the uttermost. Even when the sinner has knowingly chosen to walk away, setting aside the cross and taking up the desires of world. You may be that parent.

Or you may associate more closely with the brother. You know, the ‘Other Son.’ The one that despised his Father for welcoming his brother home with celebration and a fatten calf after squandering his inheritance. The son who felt he ‘deserved’ so much more. This one proclaiming himself to have followed the commands of the Father to a T, never wavering in his service, always doing what was good and expected. He looks down on his brother as the sinner that he is: no grace, no love, no compassion or understanding. My mind puts this brother in the place of the ‘Rich Young Ruler.’ The brother proudly declares he has kept all the commandments from his youth. The Father gently responds in the form of a question: “You too have an inheritance, Son. Will you sell all that you have and give to the poor?” But when the son hears this, he becomes very sorrowful because his inheritance is much.

I have pondered the question time and again, “Who am I in this parable?” Recently the answer I received was one I never would have expected. The person I clearly saw isn’t even in this parable, but could easily have received a starring role. You see, as the son wasted his possessions with prodigal living, God was at work. As the son found himself in the middle of a famine, desiring to eat the food he fed to swine, God was at work. As the son began coming to his senses, seeing clearly the foolishness of his ways and the need for his Father, God was at work.

BUT, what would have happened if…

What if someone had stepped in and helped this son? What if a brother, friend, or someone simply passing by had brought him food, given him money, or offered him a place to sleep?

What if…?

And this friend, this brother, this wanna be savior is the role I would fill had there been written a part for the character. Because I am that person stepping in to save the world. I am that person wanting to make everything ok and assure no one suffers. I am a savior hindering the work of The Savior. Yes, I am an enabler, and I am convicted to the core!

So maybe you’ve been asked countless times as I have. Even so, I ask you again: who are you in this parable? You may be surprised at what the Holy Spirit reveals to you as you seek to find the answer. 

Follow me on Facebook.

I Cast Because He Cares

I don’t doubt the splitting of the sea, the calming of the storm, the turning of water to wine, or even the raising of a dead man. I can clearly envision steel chains and prison bars miraculously being loosed. I am in awe of a God supplying bread from Heaven, not just once or twice or even a hundred times, but day after day for forty years to an ungrateful and undeserving generation.

A God that pours water from rocks and sprouts fruit from sticks? Surely He does the impossible. No doubt nothing is too hard for Him. I know it, and I believe it, and then we open math books, and the directions don’t make sense, and the questions lead to more questions and I am but one teacher. One minute lost in praise and wonder, the next drowning in place value, expanded form, addends, and subtrahends.

And it’s my turn to question the Teacher: Why does it matter, Lord? What is the point of knowing how to write the same number four ways? Can’t we just go back to our carpet, sing more songs, and be showered in the Word? Let’s get back on our knees and just wait- wait for that strength that I so desperately need right now.

The big things are never too big! God is a God of THE BIG. He’s moving mountains and feeding thousands! But what about the small? Forget the thousands, what about the ONE? What about the math? What about the hard questions and the bad attitudes? What happens when there is nothing BIG and I’m surrounded by little? Just me and these little hearts ready to learn and to grow and to soak it all in. Why is it when my trials are ‘small,’ my God becomes even smaller?

“God is many things: a ruling God, a righteous, a judging God, a holy God. He is also a feeling God. He who knows no sin feels for us who do.”

~Beth Moore, Jesus The One and Only.

What a big job it seemed, declaring salvation to the Ninevites. And what a small thing to offer shade for the messenger. Sending the mighty angel to deliver news of a coming messiah? Not so big that God would neglect to comfort the young handmaiden through the confirming proclamation of an over aged aunt.

This God of grace, God of love, this Consuming Fire. He’s surrounded these little ones with angles- angles that present themselves before the Lord Himself- and I take comfort; I rest in complete assurance knowing that at any moment six of these mighty beings are present. Protecting. Ministering. Taking guard over the one appointed to them. Standing strong in my little classroom.

God’s plan is in effect; His works are evident. I CAN see them in the small if I’m not distracted by the big. That smile and those bright eyes when he suddenly ‘gets it.’ When it all makes sense, and who knew rounding to the ten thousandths place was actually this simple! Who knew the God of the Big was concerned about Declaratives, Interrogatives, joining words, and simple subjects. WHO KNEW?!

Cast your cares upon Him ‘cause He cares for you. And I do, and I am! I’m casting and He’s caring and we’re progressing… one punctuation mark at a time. What Little thing are you seeing Him in? Please share!

Follow me on Facebook!

Identity vs Action

The cottage cheese thighs and muffin top drove me to it. I couldn’t take it anymore. After weeks of not running and weeks prior to that of sporadic, inconsistent running, I shoved myself onto the treadmill. I can honestly say it was torture. Not a moment of enjoyment or satisfaction. (I actually took a picture of my own muffin top, but could not bring myself to post it for you!)

The whole time I kept pushing aside thoughts that went something like ‘if you’d been more consistent you wouldn’t be having this issue right now,’ or ‘your laziness sure took its toll.’ Yes, those things are TRUE, I can’t deny that. However, I can deny them being noble, lovely, pure, praiseworthy, or of good report! And if my thoughts don’t fit into those categories, I mustn’t think on them (Phil 4:8).

What did I replace those ugly, blameworthy, discouraging thoughts with? ‘Yes, this is horrible and something close to torture, yes, I brought it on myself, but I know I CAN do this because I’ve done it before!’  

God is teaching me the importance of knowing MY IDENTITY, and not just that, but the difference between MY IDENTITY and MY ACTIONS. It seems like I am writing a lot about this lately, which must mean I have much to learn in this area. How often those two things get confused in my mind and life: IDENTITY and ACTIONS. I fall short and I sin (action), leaving me feeling unaccepted and less loved by God (identity). Does this mean that when I have a moment without sin (surely I must have those) that God loves and accepts me more? NOPE.

I can do nothing to make God love me more. I can do nothing to make God love me less. I am accepted by Him regardless of my actions. I’m reminded of the name He gave me, and I offer this task up to you as well. Ask God to give you a name. Ask Him who you are. I did this, and before I could even finish asking, I clearly heard the word BELOVED. About a week later, as I thought about this word and was writing it down, I realized that to be His BELOVED, I must BE LOVED; I must allow myself to receive His love. Do you see this? BELOVED = BE LOVED. This is what God is walking me through. Scratch that! If God says I am (or you are) His BELOVED, that means exactly that. I can choose to receive it or not. However, if I choose not to receive His love, I remain His BELOVED regardless. My job- to walk in it; to let my actions reflect that identity.

I cannot walk in my identity if I don’t know and accept who I am. Because I KNEW I could do it, I didn’t allow my inconsistency and laziness to keep me from running for thirty minutes. As I struggled on that treadmill I kept telling myself ‘I’m going to get through this, because I KNOW I’m a runner! I KNOW I can do this and I will not allow my actions this past month to change that!’

MY ACTION- I fall short and sin everyday

MY IDENTITY- Beloved by God and made righteous and holy

My actions do not change my identity

'Remind Me Who I Am' Jason Gray You Tube

(Be sure to watch the video as you listen closely to the words)

Like my Facebook page for regular updates.

The Grass is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” –John 16:33

In the world you will have tribulation. This is a promise. This is a guarantee. We live in a world full of sin and ruled by Satan (2 Cor 4:4, Eph 2:2), and tribulation is always right around the corner. Sometimes it slams us in the face, sometimes it slowly creeps into our lives, and other times we willingly, knowingly, persistently walk right into it.

The Israelites walked into 40 years of it when they refused to enter the land of Promise because of fear and unbelief (Num 14:26-38). The prodigal son didn’t think twice before he irrationally forsook the peace and protection of his father’s home and found himself in a place of loneliness, hunger, and need (Lk 15:11-32). King David made a rash decision to not only take another man’s wife, but also premeditate the murder of that man in an attempt to cover his own sin (2 Sam 11).

Why is it that we refuse to trust God in the simplest things? When God says “take over Jericho,” we say, “No, Lord, there are giants there.” When He offers protection and peace, we throw it back in His face and sprint for a world that hands us trouble and heartache. He’s given us all we need in the place He has put us, yet we see what’s on the other side of the fence and decide that what we have is simply not enough.

God has made real to me these things lately as I grow in frustration, disappointment, and anger at my dog. Yes, he is just a dog, but we love him as a part of our family. However, he refuses to stay in the yard. For the past few months he has continually done everything possible to escape and run loose. He even had to spend an entire day and night in doggy jail, and I felt horrible. That is until we received a warning that we would be cited the next time he was loose and ‘obstructing traffic,’ then I was just mad. When his night in jail taught him nothing, we were forced to keep him tied up, rather than let him run free in his yard and risk the chance of another escape. However, day after day I would sit and listen to him bark and whine for hours and hours. I felt so bad! I complained to my hubby that our dog was as annoying as a pack of Israelites, complaining even though God had already given them everything they needed! Why can’t he just learn his lesson already?!

My hubby spent this last weekend digging holes, pouring concrete, and building a fence strong enough and tall enough to keep him in. What a relief to finally be able to let him off the leash and know he is secure and safe. Well, that’s what we thought until I came home to signs of his successful attempt to escape the safety of his yard. He had dug a hole under the new fence, and broken through, leaving bits of fur behind.  I imagine that was painful.

Yes, he’s purposefully put himself and others at risk. He is gone, out of my protection, thinking he is wise enough to make it on his own. He looks through that fence and thinks "the grass is greener over there!" Little does he know, the grass is ALWAYS greener over the septic tank! If I could speak ‘dog,’ I would tell him that I know what’s best for him! I would say that I’ve provided everything he needs for peace, protection, and happiness, but he chooses what’s out in the world and puts himself in danger. If I could become a K9 and clearly explain myself to my dog, I could show him that our discipline is for his good, for the protection of him and of others.

Our Lord has done everything possible to make his message clear to us. He became a man in the flesh so that we could know him personally! He’s written an entire book, just for us, in a way that we can comprehend. He tells us that yes, this world is full of troubles, but take heart, I have overcome the world, and I give you peace! All we need to do is stay in that yard, in the place of protection, and not wander out into a world that will harm us. Tribulation is a promise and a guarantee, but God also promises His peace. I just have to trust Him.

The grass is always greener, over the septic tank. -unknown

Like my Facebook page for regular updates.

God's Little Blessings

For the last month, I’ve been extremely inconsistent in the area of fitness. It’s been a struggle to run just a few times a week, and I’m paying the consequences for it! Since I slacked off, I have gotten out of shape and made running even a short distance incredibly difficult. It’s so discouraging to go through this struggle, knowing I’m capable of going further because I have done it in the past, but also knowing I have to work back up to that place.

My main struggle is that I haven’t wanted to run alone lately. I used to run solo just fine! I even enjoyed the solitude I found in that time with just me, the outdoors, and the Lord. I’m not sure why my thinking has changed in this area, but hope I can get out of this ‘funk’ soon! My hubby has been so gracious to run with me when he can, even skipping the gym (which he much prefers) to come straight home after work and run with his needy wife. However, this results in us running the dark, which is not the best of circumstances. I can’t wait until the sun decides to stick around longer each day!

Yesterday I was having a difficult day, and knew I would feel better if I got out of the house and spent some time praying. So, I made myself do it; I made myself run alone! I put those shoes on and decided I would take a new route; enjoy a change of scenery. I hadn’t voiced to God my desire to run with someone. I hadn’t asked Him for a running buddy. But He knows our hearts and our desires, doesn’t He?  

You understand my thought afar off…. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. –Psalm 139:2,4

So I’m running, trying desperately to enjoy it, forcing myself to observe the blessings around me (thanks to a little perspective change from a friend) when all of a sudden this little guy scares

the bajeebers out of me! He came out of nowhere, and at first I thought he was chasing me. After a while, I realized he was running with me! God sent me a running buddy! I literally started laughing! Yes, my run was slightly interrupted since I had to take pics- I didn’t want to forget this! Have you ever tried running and using your cell phone’s camera at the same time? I don’t recommend it! But I’m glad I did J

Yes, it was only a silly bird, but I knew it was a little gift, just for me from my ever present God. On a trying day full of disappointment and tears, He met me and reminded me that He is always there, always comforting, always making Himself known, always offering ways to ease my burdens. I was filled with thanksgiving and joy. I don’t usually laugh on my runs! This day I did. Eventually my new friend ventured off into a nearby field (I think those short stubby legs got tired) and I was slightly disappointed to see him go. However, I was thankful he didn’t follow me home, since I would feel obligated to feed him, and then he might stay indefinitely.

Here is a short video of our run together. Such a cute little thing. (I apologize for how shaky it is -remember, I was trying to run- and in an attempt to save myself the embarrassment of allowing you to hear my labored breathing, I added music, but for some reason it's not working! Ugh. Again, I appologize, now you get to hear just how out of shape I am.) I wasn’t going to include the video, but decided I must, so you can fully enjoy my blessing with me!

God's Little Blessings

The LORD has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron.

-Psalm 115:12

Like my Facebook page for regular updates.

What Are My Chances?

Omnipotent- Having all power

Omniscient- Having all knowledge

Omnipresent- Always present- Present in all places at all times

----------------------------------------

Is God omnipotent? Yes. Is God omniscient? Yes. Is God omnipresent? Yes. Do you really believe this? Let me rephrase that- Do I really believe this? Um… I thought so. *Sigh* This blogging thing is becoming really hard on my ego.

The Holy Spirit used a conversation I had with my mom through Facebook messaging to reveal again my heart of unbelief. Let me start from the beginning.

A few days ago, the family sat around watching HGTV. (Have I mentioned I adore this channel? That I feel inspired by it, even though almost every wall in my house remains bare…. I may be afraid of commitment.)After multiple episodes of amazing transformations, HGTVs Dream Home 2012 came on. Eyes glued to the TV, we watched in awe as they revealed room after room of beauty and surprise. Let me tell you, this home has it all! If you ever dreamed of THE perfect home, this is it!

Not only is this house amazing, but they are GIVING IT AWAY! Wait, it gets even better. The blessed receiver will not only be handed this FULLY FURNISHED 1.5 MILLION DOLLAR MANSION, but also a brand spanking new 2012 GMC TERRAIN, and (as if that’s not enough) $500.000!!!! Can you say “Mine, mine, mine, mine (insert seagulls from Finding Nemo)?” I think you can envision the pools of drool on my hardwood floor as four pairs of eyes gazed covetously at the TV screen. We were ready to pack up and move to Utah! Before the episode was over, I was on the computer entering to win, OF COURSE!

My son (age 10½) was begging me, “please mom, can we get it, can we get it?” I gently reminded him that I had no control over who would win this unbelievable prize, that all I could do was enter the drawing, and that he should pray and ask God for this house. He was instantly disappointed, stating “since we don’t NEED the house, God won’t give it to us.” “But Joseph, the bible says ‘If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!’ (Matt 7:11) God does not only give us what we need, He enjoys blessing us just as we enjoy blessing each other. But you have to ask Him.” See what a wonderfully spirit filled mom I am. Yeah, I was pretty proud of myself too. BUT NOT FOR LONG.

The next day I sent my mom a Facebook message (private of course), telling her she needed to enter this drawing so one of us could win. I explained that she shouldn’t tell anyone else

about the drawing because if they entered, it would lessen our chance of winning (hence the private message). There’s that word- chance. Ugh. But I don’t believe in chance. I believe that God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent! I believe He is in control and I leave nothing in the hands of chance. Really? Hmmmm, your thinking would say otherwise. Yes, I was once again being convicted.

I was equally convicted of attempting to steal a blessing and a gift that God may have for someone else by being deceitful and selfish. As if I could do anything to keep this unbelievable home from being handed over to the one God already decided would receive it! Do I really think I’m all that?! Apparently so.

Well, I’ve made a short story long. To wrap it up, I confessed my selfishness, unbelief, and pride, and thanked God for revealing my heart to me again. I am now giving you the links to enter (however, I don’t think I can pray for you to win… I’m not quite there yet L). You can enter twice a day, once here, and once here. (I enter four times a day- once at each site for my hubby, and once at each site for myself). See, I’m giving you all my secrets!

I really do hope one of us wins! Oh, and if you win, you must have us over for a nice loooooooonnnnnnngggg visit! J

“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” –Mark 9:24

Like my Facebook page for regular updates.

From Stressed to Blessed

Alright friends, here we are, December 19^th and only six days until the Big Day! Can you believe it!? Every year it seems to descend upon us quicker than the last. Before we know it, time has escaped us and we are left with only days to accomplish the impossible. Get the Christmas cards mailed- will they even make it in time? Oh well, nothing wrong with receiving a card after Christmas… maybe I should send it as a New Year’s card

instead! Oh dear, what about the lights!? Christmas isn’t Christmas without the lights! However will the hubby find hours to spend on the roof before the Big Day?! Panic is setting in! Dinner? Cookies? If we are going to have a real Christmas we must make it a feast. The door bell rings. It’s my all too thoughtful neighbor delivering an amazing assortment of edible gifts. Really? And now I have yet one more necessity to pile upon my mile long list because, well, I will not receive without giving back! Ahhhhhhh! I am overwhelmed to the point of tears. I cannot possibly do it all, Lord! Who do You think I am? Super Woman? I am overwhelmed! Overwhelmed. This word devours me lately.

But God. Let me repeat that- But God. I love when the scriptures include a “But God.” Whenever I read those two words I am immediately relieved with anticipation of God’s Buts. (Please don’t read that the wrong way!) He gave me some Buts today and I can’t help but share with you! As the enemy came against Jehoshaphat and was too much for him to bear, God proclaimed “‘Do not be afraid or dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chr 20:15). “My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever “ (Ps 73:26). And my favorite: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8).

When I am dismayed and overwhelmed over the great multitude of things I must conquer, I take heart that this battle is not mine, but God’s. My flesh and my heart fail, but God is my strength! I choose not to be overwhelmed by my list, but rather overwhelmed by the affection of a God that loved me and died for me while I was yet a sinner, despising and hating Him. I am overwhelmed at the miraculous birth that took place over two thousand years ago. I am overwhelmed that this perfect God-Child grew to be the Servant of servants, yet King of kings, all the while seeking, loving, and choosing me. This God, this Love, this Friend of mine, He is overwhelming. And all of a sudden, I am devoured by an overwhelming God rather than an overwhelming list.

And as the Psalmist pleas, so will I: “From the end of the earth I will cry unto You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the Rock that is higher than I” (Ps 61:2).

Rejection and Healing Grace

Rejected. Disqualified. Undesirable. Unwanted. Lacking. Disappointing. Not good enough. Why, oh why am I here again? And so soon! Why do I continue to find my identity in things and other people? Why do I persist in setting myself up for failure and disappointment? My expectations are all wrong. I hate that I am dealing with this issue again. I am frustrated in myself for allowing it. Yet, here I am.

Truth is, I know God loves me unconditionally, and I think I know wholeheartedly that He has my best interest in mind. He’s not the one I doubt. It’s those around me that I struggle with. When others disappoint me, or when I feel like I have failed them, I KNOW without a doubt that I can rely on my trustworthy God. When I disappoint myself because I fail to meet my own expectations, He remains the same no matter my circumstances. This is what I will take comfort in, the sole thing that will keep me moving, keep me writing, and keep me grounded. I must keep my eyes on Him.

Once again I am soothed and reassured by the only One who really understands me. He reminds me that not only was He rejected, despised, misunderstood, and unwanted, but that He sufficiently fulfills all my needs and understands these struggles in my life because He encountered them Himself. Yet, He was without sin and blameless while I am sinful and full of blame. Even so, even as He sees my heart and my failures, He covers me with His unfailing love, compassion, kindness, and care.  And this is where I will sit. This is what I will let devour me. I will wait here in this place until His perfect love consumes the rejection that eats me up. I will be still and allow His healing power to incinerate those desires and feelings in me that are not of Him. I am reminded of those words to the song and I cry out “empty me Lord, and fill me with You!”

You may not be aware of the fact that as I write, I pray that my words might comfort and encourage you. I pray that my words would be His words and He would speak into your situation and bring healing. What you also may not know is that He does that very thing with me. Just in this short amount of time I have spent here, talking with Him and sharing with you, a measure of grace is being poured out upon me and I am being restored. And I am thankful. I am thankful that He speaks to me, chastens me, gives me words to share, allows me to share with you, and restores and encourages me the whole time. I am unworthy, yes, but He is in the habit of using such as me. And I am humbled.

If you are burdened today, please allow yourself to be filled with the only One who truly fills. Be filled with Jesus and His unconditional, perfect love today.

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with

our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are,

yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the

throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy

and find grace to help in time of need.

-Hebrews 4:15-16 (NKJV)

What About Me?

Goodness, the longer I walk with Christ the more wretched I become. As our relationship grows more intimate, I seem to grow more selfish. How can this be? Shouldn’t I be more like my Savior every day? Shouldn’t I begin to bear His image, to walk as He walked? I want to offer you and myself an excuse. I would love to say that as I become more keenly aware of Christ’s perfect love and goodness, I also become more attentive to my own deficiencies, selfish ambitions, and sinful desires. And there may be some truth to that. Even so, there is no excusable reason for these thoughts and intents of my heart.

You see, lately I grow frustrated with baby Christians stepping up into ministries and godly areas I have strived so hard to serve in. I consider the numerous classes I’ve taken, bible studies I’ve participated in, groups I’ve been a part of, and just the little things I do regularly between only me and my Lord and I think, "What about me?." I observe these brand new believers receiving great opportunity in ministry, honor, glory, and a name for themselves. As if I were brother to the prodigal son, I cry out pridefully,  "look, these many years I have been serving You; I never transgressed Your commandment at any time; and yet You never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. But as soon as this son of Yours came, who has devoured Your livelihood with harlots, You kill the fatted calf for him” (Lk 15:29-30). Let’s get one thing straight- I do not want a young goat or a fatted calf. However, I would be happily content with a clear, effective  ministry, or some acknowledgement regarding the countless acts of service I have performed. Is this too much to ask for?

I am such an example of the vineyard workers complaining against the landowner after receiving a day’s wage, “These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of day” (Matt 20:12). Lord, it’s just not fair! It’s simply not done this way! How can you forget about all I’ve done? What about me?

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saves us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit. –Titus 3:5

And then I am reminded of the thief on the cross. Even having reviled and mocked Jesus, our perfect Lord forgave this man, offering him salvation in the last moments of his life (Matt 27:44, Lk 23:39-43)). This thief reigns with Christ in Heaven today. This thief received Mercy and Grace from a dying Savior. I must understand this! The thief, after mocking Jesus Christ was granted Mercy (not receiving what he deserves ) and Grace (receiving what he don’t deserve). Rather than life separated from Christ for eternity, as I deserve, He has offered me something I could never earn, something I do not deserve, payment for my sins and eternity with Him. Mercy and Grace!

So with this difficult correcting from the Lord, with this revealing of my heart's selfish desire, comes thankfulness in that whom He loves He also chastens (Heb 12:5-6). I will receive this correction and most of all, I will receive this love. Rather than ask what about me I seek to ask what about Him?

It is Written

This morning I read about the temptation of Jesus in Matthew chapter 4. The preceding chapter tells us that Jesus was baptized by a reluctant (who wouldn’t be) John the Baptist. As soon as Jesus came out of the water, the Spirit of God descended upon Him like a dove, and an audible voice spoke from heaven proclaiming “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt 3:13-17). What a glorious moment this must have been! I am constantly seeking to envision these events as exactly that, actual events; to see them as more than a simple ‘story’ from a book, but rather real life occurrences with real living people. When it comes to the life of Jesus however, it is the most daunting task because, well, He was and is not only Man but God. It doesn’t really get any more complicated than that. So, I am left struggling to relate to the life of this God-Man.

However, as I read this morning, I’m able to see some of my own circumstances and difficulties. It seems that immediately following this wondrous event, “Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil” (Matt 4:1). What a way to ruin a perfectly wonderful day! Looking back on my own baptism years ago, I recall it being so foundational for me; knowing nothing of the scriptures, only that I desperately needed Christ, I came out of that water a changed child of God. There was no dove or audible voice from heaven, but the Spirit of God was active in my life, and has been ever since. I wish I could say I have walked in obedience to Him from that moment on, but no, I still am and always will be a work in progress. And His incessant message to me: YOU ARE MY BELOVED.

It wasn’t until I read this passage again this morning that I realized these are the exact words the Father said regarding His Son, “This is My beloved Son.” 

Oh how often I need this reminder! Remind me again, Lord, remind me again! I can’t help but pay special attention to the fact that Satan tried desperately to make Jesus doubt who He was “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” And again “If you are the Son of God, throw Yourself down” (Matt 4:3,6). Now, I’m in no way implying Jesus ever doubted his identity as the Son of God, but there is no question Satan tried desperately to tempt Him into doing so. Likewise I have no doubt he tempts me in the same way and truth be told, he is quite successful at times.

How do I defeat my enemy in this battle? How do I proclaim victory from doubt? Exactly how Jesus did: with the Word of God. There it is again, the Word of God. Are you growing weary yet? Have I frustrated you into deleting my web address so you never have to endure this again? God is urgently trying to speak to one of us, and I presume it must be YOU! (Just kidding! Please know I never share something He is not actively striving to teach me. I suspect I gain substantially more from my ramblings than you do!) Jesus combated Satan’s lies with scripture “It is written” “It is written” “It is written” (Matt 4:4,7,10). Do you know what is written? When Satan says you are not God’s, can you swing that sword, confidently proclaiming “Away with you, Satan! It is written that I have been redeemed! It is written that I have been called by name! It is written that I am a child of God!” (Isa 43:1)? Lord, I pray You would grant us strength to live according to the example of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

 

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we

are, yet without sin.

-Hebrews 4:15

 

Voice Of Truth - Casting Crowns- YouTube

Images courtesy of: http://wallpaper4god.com/en/background_jesus-baptism-2/, http://wordincarnate.wordpress.com/2011/01/06/the-appearing-of-our-blessed-hope/, http://taitegallery.net/2011/03/if-parody.html, http://greg-hansen.com/albums/armorofgod.html, http://www.kineticfaith.com/blog/?tag=temptation

Hope Does Not Dissapoint

Have you ever experienced great anticipation? If you are living and breathing, I can only imagine your quick reply is yes. Do you know that feeling of excitement when expecting a package in the mail?

Or how about when you tossed and turned all night as a child so eager that Christmas morning was only a few hours away! Have you watched any football games lately, cheering anxiously, excited for your team to take home the win? What about the days or weeks spent waiting for a friend’s email response? I have a dear friend in Mexico who just delivered her third baby. Sadly, after the delivery things didn’t go so well and she became very sick. We have prayed for her and her family everyday and were so excited when her husband finally emailed us that she is home safe and sound. However, I am incredibly anxious to get word from her; to receive a personal message from my far away friend.

This feeling of expectation; I have had it ALL WEEKEND! Why? Because my husband is not here! That’s why! Oh, the anticipation is killing me! I can’t wait any longer! He’s only been gone since Thursday, it’s now Sunday, and he is due home any minute! I realize that’s only four days, but it’s felt like the longest four days of my life. Do you know this feeling? I cannot wait for him to share how the visit with his close friends went. I’m so excited to hear how blessed and encouraged the ladies were during the women’s weekend. Yes, I know good news and good things are in store and I am EXCITED!

Tonight I’m incredibly thankful to God for granting us emotions; for creating us with desire, anticipation, excitement, and longing! As I think about the numerous, sometimes ridiculous things I get so excited about (such as sharing something with you!), I begin to feel slightly childish, as if I need to grow up and get with the “more spiritual” program. I don’t think God sees it that way though. When we give our children a gift, are we not anxious to see them get excited over it and use that gift? There’s not much I hate more than buying my son or daughter something special only to watch them never even use it. How irritating and disappointing!

Well friends, God has given us many gifts and one of those gifts is called HOPE! All the feelings I have described boil down to that one word- HOPE.  The longing I have to hear from my friend, the anxiousness I feel for my husband to get home, those are just shadows of the HOPE our God imparts to us. He offers us a HOPE we cannot see (Rom 8:24-25), a future full of HOPE (Jer 29:11), a HOPE that does not disappoint (Rom 5:5), a HOPE of eternal life (Titus 3:7), a living HOPE (1 Pet 1:3), and our greatest HOPE, Jesus Christ (1 Tim 1:1)! When my husband walks through that door, my anticipation will be fulfilled with his presence. However, there remains within me an even stronger HOPE; a HOPE for a deeper, more intimate relationship with my Savior and a HOPE to spend eternity with Him. Nothing else in this life compares to the HOPE of Jesus Christ.

“Most people, if they had really learned to look into their own hearts, would know that they do want, and want acutely, something that cannot be had in this world. There are all sorts of things in this world that offer to give it to you, but they never quite keep their promise.”

- C.S. Lewis