Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Looking for a pastor...

SEARCH COMMITTEE REPORT: We do not have a happy report to give. We have not been able to find a suitable candidate for this church, though we have one promising prospect.

Thank you for your suggestions. We have followed up on each one with interviews or by calling at least three references. The following is our confidential report.

ADAM: Racial ancestry could not be confirmed. Good man but has problems with his wife. One reference told us how he and his wife enjoyed walking nude in the woods, until God finally made them clothes to put on.

NOAH: Had Former pastorate of 120 years with no converts. Prone to unrealistic building projects. Great animal lover, but the last neighborhood received a flood of complaints right as he was leaving town.

JOSEPH: A big thinker, but a braggart; believes in dream interpreting and has a prison record over accusations of a rape of his bosses wife. Good with budgets and managing resources, however.

MOSES: A modest and meek man, but poor communicator; even stutters at times. Sometimes blows his stack and acts rashly in business meetings. Some say he left an earlier church over a murder charge. Often claims to get direct quotes from God. Too much over the top for most folks. History says he was a basket case from the beginning.

DEBORAH: One word --- Female.

DAVID: The most promising leader of all until we discovered the affair he had with his neighbor’s wife. Besides, he can’t control his own household... so how could we respect him.

SOLOMON: Great preacher, but he too, has had serious women problems. Independently wealthy, so the church could pay him less and he can make up the difference.

ELIJAH: Prone to depression; collapses under pressure. Besides, no one has seen him in a long time. Doesn’t blend well with other religious leads, either.

HOSEA: A tender and loving pastor, but our people could never handle his wife’s occupation.

JONAH: Told us he was swallowed up by a great fish. He said the fish later spit him out on the shore near here three days later. We hung up.

AMOS: Too much of a country hick. Backward and unpolished. With some seminary training, he might have promise; but he has a hang-up against wealthy people.

JOHN: Says he is a Baptist, but doesn’t dress like one. May be too Pentecostal. Tends to lift both hands in the air to worship when he gets excited. You know we limit to one hand. Sleeps in the outdoors, has a weird diet, and provokes denominational leaders.

PETER: Too blue collar. Has a bad temper, even said to have cursed on occasions. He’s a loose cannon.

PAUL: Powerful CEO type and fascinating preacher. However, he’s short on tact, unforgiving with young ministers, harsh, and has been known to preach all night. Very offensive to women when he starts his "submission" stuff. And besides, he has a rap sheet a mile long in numerous cities.

TIMOTHY: Too young and inexperienced.

JESUS: Has had popular times occasionally, but once when his church grew overnight to 5000, he managed to offend them all with too hard a message; eventually his church dwindled down to twelve people... then finally to eleven, and even the faithful finally left his team. Critics report he seldom stays in one place very long, is easily distracted by poor, sick, and needy people, so doesn’t focus on ministry. Disappeared for forty days one time to go camping and everyone thought he had left the ministry. Spends too much time in meditation, needs to attend more of the organizational meetings without making a spectacle of himself and displaying his temper. And, of course, he is single, which disqualifies him automatically. Oh... and he hangs around with sinners most of the time. Rumor has it he got crossed up with the government at one point, and they buried him with accusations. He’s not a quitter, however, and keeps popping up here and there. His followers are too radical at times for society, and that seems headed for a showdown somewhere in the future. Besides, he’s Jewish.

Summary: We intend to keep looking until we find the perfect pastor for our congregation. Sincerely, Pastor Search Committee

Are you laughing yet? Wow! I can't ever get enough of this story. Once again, the Bible demonstrates that God uses imperfect people over and over and over again to serve His Kingdom. Even when the perfect "Pastor" finally appears, the religious folks still don't recognize him.

I've been feeling pretty imperfect lately. Maybe you can relate. Are you feeling young and inexperienced? Not a problem. So did Timothy. Feeling like your personality is too strong? too harsh? too meek? too different? God designed you that way to for reaching specific people or people groups. Take heart. You are here for a purpose and there is a plan for God to use you!!

Our birthright

Dr. Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ tells this story of a famous oil field called Yates Pool: During the depression this field was a sheep ranch owned by a man named Yates. Mr. Yates wasn’t able to make enough on his ranching operation to pay the principal and interest on the mortgage, so he was in danger of losing his ranch.

With little money for clothes or food, his family (like many others) had to live on government subsidy. Day after day, as he grazed his sheep over those rolling West Texas hills, he was no doubt greatly troubled about how he would pay his bills.

Then a seismographic crew from an oil company came into the area and told him there might be oil on his land. They asked permission to drill a wildcat well, and he signed a lease contract. At 1,115 feet they struck a huge oil reserve. The first well came in at 80,000 barrels a day. Many subsequent wells were more than twice as large. In fact, 30 years after the discovery, a government test of one of the wells showed it still had the potential flow of 125,000 barrels of oil a day. And Mr. Yates owned it all.

The day he purchased the land he had received the oil and mineral rights. Yet, he’d been living on relief. A multimillionaire living in poverty. The problem? He didn’t know the oil was there even though he owned it. Many Christians live in spiritual poverty. They are entitled to the gifts of the Holy Spirit and his energizing power, but they are not aware of their birthright.

Do you really understand what your birthright and position in Christ is? Are you truly reigning as an authentic heir to a King of Kings? Let's stop settling for crumbs when our King has provided a banquet. More thoughts on this to come....

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Fun factoids!!

I LOVE this stuff!!!! Enjoy!!!

Foods That Look Like Body Parts They're Good For

Learn how you can stay healthy by noshing on 10 anatomically shaped eats

By Amanda Greene

Every child has heard the healthy-eating mantra "You are what you eat." But there may be a closer resemblance between good-for-you grub and your body than you thought. We found 10 foods that mirror the body parts they provide nutrients for—for example, brain-boosting walnuts actually look like a brain. Coincidence? Maybe. Though these healthy foods are beneficial to the whole body, the list below is a fun reminder of what to eat to target specific areas.

1. Carrot: Eye

Slice a carrot in half crosswise and it's easy to see that the veggie resembles an eye—look closely and you'll even notice a pattern of radiating lines that mimic the pupil and iris. And the old wives’ tale is true: Munching on carrots will actually promote healthy eyes. "Carrots are filled with vitamins and antioxidants, like beta-carotene, that decrease the chance of macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss in older people," says Sasson Moulavi, MD, medical director of Smart for Life Weight Management Centers in Boca Raton, Florida. Photos by iStockphoto

2. Walnut: Brain

The folds and wrinkles of a walnut bring to mind another human organ: the brain. The shape of the nut even approximates the body part, looking like it has left and right hemispheres. And it's no surprise walnuts are nicknamed "brain food"—according to Lisa Avellino, dietitian for Focus28 Diet, "they have a very high content of omega-3 fatty acids, which help support brain function." Photos by iStockphoto

3. Celery: Bone

Long, lean stalks of celery look just like bones—and they're good for them, too. "Celery is a great source of silicon, which is part of the molecular structure that gives bones their strength," says Dr. Moulavi. Another funny bone coincidence: "Bones are 23 percent sodium, and so is celery," reports Avellino. Photos by iStockphoto

4. Avocados: Uterus

The lightbulb shape of an avocado looks like a uterus, and it supports reproductive health as well. "Avocados are a good source of folic acid," says Elizabeth Somer, registered dietician and author of Eat Your Way to Happiness. "Folate has been found to reduce the risk for cervical dysplasia, which is a precancerous condition." Photos by iStockphoto and Shutterstock

5. Clams: Testicles

Studies have offered evidence that clams, which bear a resemblance to testicles, are actually good for the male sex organs. "Research from the Netherlands has suggested that supplementing your diet with folic acid and zinc—both of which clams are high in––can have a significant effect on improving semen quality in men," says Dr. Moulavi. Photos by Shutterstock and 3D Clinic

6. Grapefruit: Breast

The similarity between round citrus fruits––like lemons and grapefruit––and breasts may be more than coincidental. "Grapefruit contains substances called limonoids, which have been shown to inhibit the development of cancer in lab animals and in human breast cells," says Dr. Moulavi. Photos by iStockphoto and 3D4Medical.com

7. Tomato: Heart

Slice open a tomato and you'll notice the red veggie has multiple chambers that resemble the structure of a heart. "Studies have found that because of the lycopene in tomatoes, there is a reduced risk for heart disease in men and women who eat them," says Somer. And, she adds, if you mix them with a little fat, like olive oil or avocado, it will boost your body's lycopene absorption nearly tenfold. Photos by iStockphoto and 3D Clinic

8. Red Wine: Blood

Red wine, which is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, including powerful resveratrol, looks like blood. "When you drink it, you're really loading up on the healthy stuff that protects against destructive things in the blood, like LDL cholesterol, which can cause heart disease," says Somer. "There's also a blood-thinning compound in red wine, so it reduces blood clots, which are associated with stroke and heart disease." Photos by iStockphoto

9. Ginger: Stomach

Anyone who's ever reached for a glass of ginger ale when they’ve had a stomachache knows about the antinausea effects of ginger. So it's fitting that the herb somewhat resembles the digestive organ. According to Dr. Moulavi, "gingerol, which is the ingredient responsible for ginger's pungent scent and taste, is listed in the USDA database of phytochemicals as having the ability to prevent nausea and vomiting." Photos by iStockphoto

10. Sweet Potatoes: Pancreas

The oblong sweet potato bears a strong resemblance to the pancreas, and also promotes healthy function in the organ. "Sweet potatoes are high in beta-carotene, which is a potent antioxidant that protects all tissues of the body, including the pancreas, from damage associated with cancer or aging," says Somer. Photos by Shutterstock

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Mini Miracles

Today I went up to Carmen's like I do almost every day. We have a group here from Mechanic Falls, Maine, so I took up the ladies from the group to visit with me. Seidy went, too. When we got there, Carmen was in a good mood. She had just washed and rebandaged her own foot (she has a renewed motivation for her foot to heal...remind me to tell you about that tomorrow). In the course of conversation she told me she had been thinking just this very morning about the first group of gringos she met back in October: the very first people who had come to pray in her house. She said she was praying this morning and asked God if they would ever come back to visit her. Ironically, which is only the commonly acceptable Americanized word to use in this situation, I should say providentially, the woman sitting on the couch to Carmen's right, Maida, was one of those very people who had visited her in October. Her husband, Dick, the pastor of the church, was also in Costa Rica. I told her that. Recognition dawned on her face, she had forgotten what Maida had looked like, but on closer inspection remembered her. And then told her God answers her prayers much quicker than he seems to answer mine :)

Some times we don't recognize what's in front of us because time and life helps us forget. Some times we just need to be reminded that often God sends us the answers to our prayers immediately, we just occasionally need help to see.

Faces of San Jose

We went out into the city today to pray for people and share the love of Jesus in a practical way...by giving out juice and cookies. On our way back, Rodney spotted this lovely woman sitting in the middle of the Paseo Colon, or main shopping street, in downtown San Jose. We stopped to pray for her. She is 81-years-old and her name is Amanda. She has a house, but no family. She told us she walks to downtown to ask for money. Her feet were covered with a small cloth and she had an old, beat up pair of black shoes by her side. Rodney asked if she had any problems with her feet. She said no, other than they were very cold. She has no socks. So I ran over to one of the nearby stores, bought a pair of knee high fuzziness, and ran back out to where Rodney, David, and Nanis were praying for Amanda. I gently peeled back the cloth and put each sock on her tiny feet. Rodney encouraged us to pray blessings over her as the socks were going on. What a humbling thought to think that while I complain when the sock monster eats one of my socks in the wash (but I can just go get another pair out of my drawer), here is an elderly woman who could be my grandmother sitting outside on the hard cement with no socks at all! Please think of Amanda in your prayers tonight. That she would stay warm, sheltered, and well fed.

This is Marito (little Mario). He is very famous in downtown San Jose. He sits on the streets every day playing his 2 stringed guitar and singing to whoever will listen, also hoping to make enough money to support himself.

Every person has a story.

One thing I have learned while being in Costa Rica is to take time to listen to those stories.

The stories of the forgotten ones.

The ones who live on the streets

or have been estranged by their families or have left their families out of anger, shame, or hurt.

The ones who most people just walk by without a second glance.

These are just 2 stories among thousands.

Join with me in praying for them.

“Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39 NIV

A Picture is worth 1000 words!!

I love art. I love finding new art. I think it is a fascinating express and creative outlet for us. I also think it is a great testimony to being like our Heavenly Father, the first amazing Creator. While we can never create anything as spectacular as an orchid or paint any masterpiece as phenomenal as a sunset, we can honor Him by creating as well. He created us in His own image...therefore since He is creator, we can also create as a demonstration of who He is and how He has made us. Here are a few of my current favorite art works by random artists in a variety of mediums. Enjoy!

Friday, February 24, 2012

To run the good race

The Need for Self-Discipline Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)... You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? (Galatians 5:7)... Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:1-3)... But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses (1 Timothy 6:11-12)... I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing (1 Timothy 4:7-8)...

What race are you running? What prize are you seeking? What are you training for?

I love this picture. The caption under it talked about how in reality it didn't matter who won the race, it was all about the look on their faces for finishing. It is obvious they were running that race with all of their hearts, all of their souls, and all of their mights. I wonder if some day my face will have that same look of intensity as I cross my finish line into eternity? To have persevered in this crazy race called life? How will your face look?

Missions at any age

Short term mission groups who come to stay at our house here in Costa Rica come in all shapes and sizes. They also come in different ages. Some teams come with all adults and couple. Some come with a completely mixed group from 11 to 65. And some come with mostly teenagers, as is the case with the team from Mechanic Falls, Maine. Of the twelve people on the team, two thirds are of the teenage variety. But that doesn't mean they are any less effective in the ministry department. I was exceptionally impressed with how tuned in these kids were with the Holy Spirit and how willing they were to pray not only for the people in the eye glass clinic or here in the community, but also over each other.

The teen girls pray for a man after he received his glasses. The guys not only helped carry water up the mountain to people who still have no running water, but they also played with the kids.

This man walked into the clinic for a pair of reading glasses. Only a few minutes later his son came in for an eye test as well. The son went over to be prayed for with the father and pretty soon the two both burst into tears. The son had been estranged from the family for dating a girl the family didn´t like and had been causing some other trouble in the community and in the family. The father told us he was literally at the point of wanting to kill his son. But this prayer time brought the healing power that only comes through Holy Spirit and the reconciliation of Jesus Christ. The father and son wept and embraced each other. The teens with us were powerful intercessors and witnesses to this incredible act of God.

Chris made some new friends. Hannah and the some of the other girls spent time chatting with this man outside the clinic.

The moral of the story is: Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. ~1 Timothy 4:12

No matter what our age or stage in life, we all have something to offer and give for the kingdom of God if we are bold enough to step our of our comfort zone and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. From the youngest of children to the oldest of adults, God can use us if we are willing. The faith of these teens was inspiring. I see a great future in the Lord for all of them!!

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

This was posted as a link on facebook back to the Counseling Solutions website. The original link to the original article online is: http://www.rickthomas.net/2012/02/21/caring-too-much/

Categorized | Article by Rick Thomas, Greenville, SC

The problem with caring too much or “over-caring”

Posted on 21 February 2012
Tags: anxiety, being responsible, caring too much, worry

18Share

While walking downtown Main Street the other day I met a beggar coming my way.
My mind hit a momentary pause button and then I re-indexed and ran a few thoughts through my head about how I should respond to this man.

As he came closer to me, he popped the question.
“Mister, can you spare a dollar or two. I haven’t had anything to eat since yesterday.”

I told him it would be a privilege to help him.

With a quick glance to my right, I pointed to the local Subway restaurant and told him I’d love to buy him a sandwich.

He said that he didn’t want a sandwich, but preferred I give him a couple of dollars to help him out.
I declined to give him cash and attempted to carefully explain that to him.

He was fixed on what he wanted.

I let him know that I could not help him that way, but would love to serve him.

He declined and continued on to his next prospect.

Within minutes of that encounter he became a fading event of my past, one of a million things I have done in my life that I hardly remember anymore. I was not perturbed, bothered, upset, or annoyed that he was working me.

It was just one of those events that happens to all of us. It was a quick opportunity to discern the Spirit and ask the question, “What would the Savior do in a moment like this?” You deal with it the way you believe God would want you to deal with it and you move on to the next thing that He has prepared for your day.

I did not dismiss this man or show a lack of care for him. It could possibly be analogous to the rich young ruler who wanted something from the Savior. The Savior encountered him and sought to serve him, but believed it would not be wise to give the young ruler what he wanted the way he wanted it.

When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich. – Luke 18:22-23 (ESV)

The rich young ruler did not want what Jesus was offering. He had another motive. I’m not sure if this young man ever became a Christian. Minimally he became a Bible illustration regarding salvation.

I don’t think I was unkind to the beggar-man. He asked for money for food. I offered him food instead. He decided that he did not want the food after all. He wanted the money. I believed I did what I was supposed to do. I went on with my day. I tried to care for him, but did not feel tempted to over-care.

When caring becomes over-caring

Brent has been my friend for many years. We went to high school together and then separated shortly thereafter as marriage, family, and work took us to different places around the country.

Years later we reconnected. During the intervening years Brent’s life went from good to bad. His wife was about to leave him, his children did not have a heart for God, and Brent’s head was immersed in the worldly cares of this life.

He wanted to meet to work through some of these problems. We met. And we met. And we met again. And again and again and again. We met for nearly six months.

During this time Brent proved to be stubborn and disinterested in the kind of change that was necessary to bring reconciliation to his family. He said he wanted to change, but he was not willing to do what it
took to change.

I prayed and pondered many hours about how to help this man to change. I would present change this way and then talk about it another way. It didn’t seem to matter. Nothing worked for Brent.

Not being deterred, I would back up and start all over again with a totally new approach. That new fangled approach did not work either. Over time I started becoming critical of Brent. Initially I never said anything, but sensed my heart growing frustrated with him.

After awhile I began to go home and tell my wife about how difficult he was being–about how rough and challenging the counseling was going. As the weeks went by and my personal investment in his life grew, I began to grow impatient with him.

It wasn’t long before I became harsh and unkind toward Brent. Sadly, I actually had a growing disinterest in helping him. He was not listening. I was over-caring. The investment had grown deep and the change was not happening according to my expectations.

Being concerned – Being responsible

Have you ever over-cared for someone or something? Have you ever cared too much? If you are a Christian with the love of God in your heart, I suspect you have. Have you ever over-worried? Have you ever been over-anxious?

Let me ask the questions this way:

Do you generally feel responsible for certain people?
Or can you guard your heart from being responsible, but still show concern?
Do you know the difference between being responsible and being concerned?

It is one thing to be concerned for someone regarding whether they change or not. It is a wholly other matter to be responsible for people–including your own children. I’ve illustrated the two positions with the stories above.

I am concerned – I was concerned for the beggar on the street, but I did not sense a responsibility to change him. I wanted him to change. I even thought about how I could serve him before he popped the question. But I did not feel like it was my job to make him change.

I did not act disinterested by showing no concern and I did not cross the line as though his change was my responsibility. I offered him some food and hoped to continue the convo by introducing Christ to him. He wanted one thing–money.

I am responsible – With Brent it was a different story. I crossed the line from being concerned to thinking it was my responsibility to change him. I treated him much different from the beggar in the street or the way Christ interacted with the rich young ruler.

I forget what my role was with Brent. It’s simple: my role for all people at all times is to be concerned, but I am not to be responsible for anyone. I cannot make people change.

Righteousness is not something that can be forced on anyone. It is a personal choice between an individual and God. This has been my story regarding how I have changed through the years. No one could make me change, except for God.

They could water.
They could plant.
But they could not give the growth.
Change is God’s job.

What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. – 1 Corinthians 3:5-6 (ESV)

When the water boy sins

I am forever grateful for the people who have loved me enough to speak into my life. I love all water boys and seed throwers for Jesus. But I do not hold anyone responsible for my personal change.
Sometimes I can forget this very basic truth about the Gospel. Sometimes I can cross the line from being God’s water boy and seed thrower to trying to make a person grow–to change or what the Bible calls repentance.

When I forget my role, it is as though I believe I am responsible for their change. There is a world of difference between being concerned for someone and being responsible for someone. If I cross that line it won’t be long before I’m sinning against them.

You may ask, “How do I know when I have crossed the line from being concerned for those I help versus feeling responsible for them changing?” That is the million dollar question and it’s easy to answer.

When I begin to over-care for a person there are certain things that begin to happen in my heart. Initially they are not discernible to the human eye, but if I don’t take these heart sins to God, they will soon manifest in behavioral sins that are clearly discernible.

What I try to do is keep an eye on my heart by sensing when I am caring too much. If these sins (below) begin to rear up then I know I have crossed the line from being appropriately concerned for
someone to caring too much for someone.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of heart attitudes and behaviors that I commit when I’ve crossed
the line. If any of these things happen to you, then may I suggest that you are caring too much–that you have forgotten your role in the change process:

I’m tempted to become angry when a person does not change.
I’m tempted to become critical when I think about him.
I’m tempted to gossip about him to others.
I’m tempted to be cynical and lose faith in God that he will ever change.
I’m tempted to become impatient when I am with him.
I’m tempted to exhibit more sadness than joy when I think about him.
I’m tempted to uncharitably judge him because he won’t change.
I’m tempted to worry or become anxious as though his lack of change is because of me.

When I sense these sinful temptations in my soul, then I know that my trust is slipping from the Savior of the universe to my own abilities, agendas, and preferences for this particular individual (think Brent here).

I am mini-Messiah, hear me roar

In short, I have become a Mini-Messiah. In those moments I have become a functional atheist–a man who believes the change process rests more on him and his opinion of how things should be than whatever God may be thinking or doing in a person’s life.

This is hardcore pride that must be repented from. In the case of me, I have to reposition myself within the framework of God’s purposes for that individual’s life.

If I do repent of my pride and realize that my main purpose is to water and to plant the seed while trusting God to bring the growth, then my human ability to serve my friend does not impede what God is doing in his life.

However, when I begin to feel more responsible than God wants me to feel, then I typically sin against the person–according to the list above. My sin then becomes a distraction in the helping process. My faith for change and the timing for change must be fully in God’s will, especially when I’m helping a seemingly unchangeable person.

For me, the tipping point is usually a person I have spent more time with rather than a person I will meet only briefly. That is why it was easier for me to not become emotionally attached to the beggar. He was a temporary encounter. That is also the reason I crossed the line with Brent. He was a long-term investment.

Typically people will sin against a person they have spent a long time praying for, pulling for, and generally helping and hoping that they will change. That is normal. The more time you put into somebody’s life, the more you expect them to change.

A lot of mothers are this way with their children. They are tempted to cross the line from being concerned and helping to taking it personal and getting in the way or becoming a distraction regarding what God might be doing in their child’s life.

It is one of the toughest lessons for a parent to learn. Can we discern and obey our roles in the change process, especially with our children? One of the triggers that will let you know if you have crossed the line is when you begin to sin. If you’re sinning, you’re not helping. Read my article I got angry at my daughter the other day if you want to read how not to parent.

If you are becoming more anxious, worried, fearful, fretful, impatient, frustrated, or some other sin, then you’re out of line and in the way. You must repent and trust God. This is one of the most remarkable things about the Savior. He was cool in all contexts. He shared His Word and went on His way.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Persistence

I normally don't post my artwork. But this piece has been on my mind and heart for a while and the theme keeps coming up. I drew this one this week in response to one of my favorite Psalms: 126, with a special focus on verses 5-6:

Those who sow with tears
   will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping,
   carrying seed to sow,
will return with songs of joy,
   carrying sheaves with them.

I've been meditating on this passage for over a year now. What does it mean to sow in tears? For intercessors, like King David who wrote this Psalm, there are seasons in life that are full of weeping, crying, and shedding tears over the important matters in life. I think it shows that there are often seasons in our lives when we need to intensely pray over that which we want to grow in our lives, to the point of tears. What are the seeds? I think they can be anything we want to see God grow in our lives or in the lives of others. When Jesus talked about seeds, one of the most famous verses in the Bible comes to mind:

He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you. ( Luke 17:6)

The question remains: What do you want to plant in faith and are you willing to water the seeds with your tears?

Here's another parable that goes hand in hand with the Psalm...

Luke 18

The Parable of the Persistent Widow

¹ Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. ² He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. ³ And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’

⁴ “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, ⁵ yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’”

⁶ And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. ⁷ And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? ⁸ I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

It is pretty apparent this widow had a season of tears with the unjust judge. I can just picture her PLEADING with the judge, probably frequently crying and making a scene to get his attention to take up her cause. How long did she have to go to him over the same matter? Enough to wear him down!

Is there an area in your life where justice is not being accomplished? Is there injustice happening to some one you know? What issue or situation in your life needs to be planted in faith and watered with your tears in prayer before the Lord?

Of course the best part of this is the second part: The harvest of joy and receiving the justice from the Lord!!!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Perspectives...

I have been seeing these pop up all over facebook...The perceptions of others about our lives. I thought I´d share a few of my favorites...and then my thoughts on them.

The concept of others perceptions of us is not new. In fact, some of the oldest writings of the Bible talk about this very topic:

1 Samuel 16:7: But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

Isaiah 2:22: Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?

The first chapter of the book of Jeremiah also talks about how the Lord called Jeremiah to be a prophet. The Lord told him not to be afraid of what they thought of him or their misconceptions of him, but to speak what the Lord would tell him without fear.

I think it is our natural tendency to worry about what others think of us. We want to be liked. Loved. Appreciated. It means a lot for us to have the approval of others. The world especially values this. It´s allllllll about image. How we look. How we dress. What we have. But I think it is an important matter to remember how God sees us....