What Would Make America Great

I am heartbroken by the hatred and discord that has become so prevalent in the news. I guess I have been living in a bubble. I am colorblind and try to love everyone I meet with the love Jesus has given me to share. I volunteer at a pregnancy center that serves all races and attempt to give the women I meet love and hope in Jesus. My church is multi denominational and I have relationships with individuals from many nationalities. So I'm shocked and saddened when I am faced with the fact that there are people who hate me because of the color of my skin and to know that the hatred comes from deep pain and abuse. But what can I do. I am only one Middle Class American White Woman.

Well, I can open my mouth and speak truth and maybe someone will hear and share and maybe God will use me to make a difference in someones life. 

Do you remember the 1965 song "What the World Needs Now Is LOVE"? The same is still true today and the source of Love is God. The further we move from One Nation Under GOD the more hate and violence will become the norm. The answer to our national condition will not come from Washington. It will come from individuals who decide to allow the love of Christ to dwell richly in them and are committed to allow that love to flow through them into a hurting world.

I woke up at 3 am this morning with these thoughts in my head and I am writing this blog post because I felt compelled to share them:

• 1. My favorite verse to quote to my children. They call it Mama's verse. "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is useful for building others up according to their need."Eph.4:29 NIV. Imagine  Facebook if this was a rule.

• 2. What if Americans controlled their thoughts instead of allowing the news to pump poison into their minds every day. Consider this verse from Philippians. "Finally Brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure,whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent and praiseworthy--think about such things." Ph. 4:8 NIV. There is a lot of good in our world. Imagine if these events were considered more newsworthy.

• 3. And finally this, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves" Ph.2:3. What if we would get over ourselves and focus more on the needs of those around us.

Our enemy is not another race, the government officials, the media or any other entity. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ep. 6:12 The enemy is Satan. He is a thief and a Liar. "the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;" John 10:10.

It is a spiritual battle and we need to join the battle by spreading Truth and Love and Hope. 

Please comment. Lets get a conversation started.

Mark 3:1-35

Scripture

• Another time Jesus went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there.2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath.3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand,"Stand up in front of everyone."4 Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they remained silent.5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus
• he had healed many, so that those with diseases were pushing forward to touch him
• Whenever the impure spirits saw him, they fell down before him and cried out, "You are the Son of God."
• When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."
• the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons."

Also *  Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelvet that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.

Observation

• Notice the varied responses to the actions and ministry of Jesus. His followers can expect the same. Those who recognize that they have a need are the most likely to respond positively to attempts to the ministry of Jesus Christ that we are attempting to carry on.
• Jesus calls His followers and gives them specific tasks to do 

Application

Be prepared and expect to be rejected when following Jesus. Remember that He is the only One I have to please.  Some will respond and those make it all worthwhile.

Prayer

LORD, please make me willing to suffer rejection for Your sake.  You suffered much more than I ever will.  Please call me, empower me and equip me to fulfill Your purposes for my life.

Hitting The Mark

Our church (Northridge Christian In Milledgeville GA) is currently in a series titled Hitting the Mark. The congregation is challenged to study the book of Mark using the S.O.A.P method of studying Scripture developed by Wayne Cordiero.  You can learn more about it here. 

Mark 2:1-28 

S.O.A.P Notes

Scripture

They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. 

This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, "We have never seen anything like this!"

"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

"The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath."

Observation

When we are truly and accurately imitating Christ, large numbers will be drawn to us! When they come we should teach them the Word!

Our actions will stand out and amaze people!

Get out of the holy huddle and reach out to the sin sick.  Do not be afraid of them or avoid them.

Don't be restricted and bound by traditions that keep you from taking care of business!!

Application

Test for Christ imitator wanna-be's

1. Are crowds following you wanting what you have?
2. Are they amazed at the things you do that are different from the norm?
3. Am I reaching out to the sin sick and loving them into the kingdom?
4. Am I controlled by the Spirit of God or the traditions of men?

Prayer
LORD Jesus, please mold me and make me into your image and use me to make a difference in someone's life today.

Are You Merry This Christmas

My church has been blessed to have Dan Garrett bringing the message for the last several weeks. This week's sermon was so encouraging that I wanted to try to put it in print. This is my version of what Dan shared based on what it said to me.

The Google definition of mer·ry is...

1. Full of high-spirited gaiety; jolly.
2. Marked by or offering fun and gaiety; festive: a merry evening.
3. Delightful; entertaining.

Difficult circumstances, disappointment, loss, financial strain or fear of an uncertain future has the potential to steal the joy from the Holiday Season. These issues are not anything new. Mary and Joseph, the wisemen and the shepherds likely had issues too.

Mary was dealing with being an unwed mother, forced to take a road trip, on a donkey, at full term. Joseph was the husband of the woman taking a road trip, on a donkey, at full term (and not the father of the baby). The wise men had to admit that they couldn't explain the unusual star and leave their comfort zone, and the shepherds had to leave their flocks unattended to go see a baby.

They most likely felt helpless, vulnerable and out of control. This is a recipe for depression. According to a leading psychologist, these hopeless feelings are at the root of most situations that cause individuals to seek professional help for depression.

BUT, Jesus chose to leave heaven and became that baby in a stinky stable. He chose to come to die so that we can be forgiven and enjoy His presence in our lives forever. This is a reason for joy!!

Joy to the world does not mean that I have to be perky all the time. Life is tough! But we can choose to focus on the gift -- Emmanuel -- God with us. When we choose to shift our focus, from the difficult circumstances of life, to the God who loves us so much that He sent His Son--We choose JOY.

Once Mary, Joseph, the wisemen and the shepherds experienced the wonder of that first Christmas it is likely that they never looked at life the same again. They saw that God's plan in the difficult circumstances had a wonderful, and amazing outcome and purpose. Likely, they trusted Him to continue to be in control and work all things together for good as Romans 8:28 claims He will.

My prayer for my friends, my family and myself is that this holiday season and in the months ahead we will be filled with joy because God is with us and He is in control.

"The Noticer" by Andy Andrews

"The Noticer" is one of those books that is so simple it is profound. The main character, Jones (not Mr. Jones, just Jones) changes the lives of everyone he meets by simply helping them to see things a little differently. Jones always appears at a choice moment and then is gone before you know leaving behind a new perspective that shines a new light on a problem and illuminates a path of greater understanding that leads to a better outcome.
The book was engaging and easy to read and left me feeling hopeful, thoughtful and encouraged. From the first paragraph I was convinced that this was a book I really needed to read. I was feeling discouraged and frustrated and realized right away that a new perspective could make a difference and it did. Jones was very mysterious and the reader is left with questions about exactly who he was supposed to be. But he was very much someone I would hope to meet and be glad to know. Perhaps I could be Jones to someone I know.
The characters that Jones meets and helps with his unique perspective were easily recognizable types the reader can identify with and thus profit from Jone's message. Many elements/lessons in the book were very familiar, but were pulled together in the book for a greater impact.

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

This 366 day daily devotional challenges, encourages and teaches readers to abide in Christ. The author invites the reader to share with her the messages that Jesus has impressed on her spirit as she has developed the habit of quietly listening to His still small voice. His invitation the trust Him completely and to be thankful for His loving care becomes an overarching theme throughout. Each message is followed by recommended Scriptures that give authority to the messages.

When I first received this book, I read the first three months in one sitting and finished it the next day. Now I am looking forward to going back through it one day at a time and reading the recommended Scriptures and journaling as I go. I feel compelled to seek the closeness that the author enjoys with my Savior and am thankful that she has shared her journey with me.

This book would make an excellent gift for someone who is going through a difficult time. In fact, I will have to purchase a new copy because I gave mine away when I learned that my friend's elderly mother has quit eating and will probably be going home soon.