Discovering the Mystery of Who I Am in Christ
Being in spiritual leadership is not easy. You commit yourself to serve people who may not always respect your sacrifice—like Jesus did. When you are a servant leader, you can find yourself carrying a lot of the load while other people relax—like Jesus did.
Today, in the bittersweet parting of ways with my college age daughter, I found profound perspective. I know the feeling of longing to have one more long walk, one more hug, one more shared couch with her head on my shoulder. Separation is an ache that reminds me of the relationship's tender value.
The pilgrims' lives truly were lived in sacrifice without complaining, as was their trademark. They were living in the New World before it was famous for "first world problems". As I poured through their journals and writings, I was gripped with an extreme conviction. Their hard work ethic, their fellowship and unity, their faithfulness, their lack of complaining paints a stark contrast to the world that I live in. The men, women and children who left everything to come to The New World were following what they believed was the strong and direct will of The Lord for their lives. They were refugees in every sense of the word, yet they lived in confident knowledge that the King of Kings was their father and protector.
In a time of distress we seek The Lord for healing. Whether you need emotional, physical, mental, spiritual or relational healing, Jesus Christ is faithful. He will always work his Father's will in your life, as you seek him. I didn't say he will fulfill your will, but he will fulfill his Father's perfect will …
Some seasons of our lives are times of change, personal stretching and maybe, even a time of loss. I have been struck this year by the brevity of life. When I count up my years, all that I have lived for and loved seems so small. Even my busiest years seem like a drop in …
Continue reading "Praying the Psalms~Psalm 19 The Heavens Declare the Glory of God! "
This summer, I asked God to give me a "word" for this school year we are starting. I needed a word that would embody God's plan or focus for me and a word to give me personal direction for my life. Some people pick a word for themselves. An example of this may be a …
Continue reading "Praying the Psalms~ Psalm 18 Train My Hands for Battle!"
Here is a brief thought today. These brave firefighters in CA are right up on the edge of this fire, feeling the heat and battling for the lives of those in harms way. Let's remember to pray for them. Let's also take a lesson from their example. As believers, when we follow God's call for …
Today, as I floated serenely on a body board on a lake, a thought came to me. It was a short, powerful answer to a question I have been asking. I have been searching in prayer concerning forgiveness and it's function in the life of a believer. Why do we need to forgive when we …
Continue reading " Forgivness is Like a Bath After A Long Day."
I've gotta admit. I don't like to suffer. In Christian circles we enjoy immortalizing the martyrs and their eternal sacrifices. We wonder if we would ever be so brave, so faith filled. We hope so, but deep down inside there is this twinge of fear that we may not have what it takes. Today, I …
When I was younger, I wished to throw off the chains of domestication. There had to be bigger and greater things for a woman out there than wiping runny noses, baking cakes and cleaning up after everyone's messes. I am pretty observant. I saw my mother, everyone's doormat, tucking in crying children, cooking supper and …
