Stable

As a new Christian I was amazed by those in the church who seemed to be able to do everything. I mean they were everywhere. Appearing at the front door, greeting you with a welcoming smile, hug or handshake when you arrived (even if you were late :-/).

Praying in front of the church with others after a service and then taking the lead evangelistic outreaches. 

Walking down the hallway, you would catch a glimpse of them enthusiastically placing colorful fabric disciples on a flannelboard to instruct even the littlest of lambs in God’s flock. Then, rounding the corner there they were again! ( How did they do that?) Opening the door for you to exit, they sent you off into the real world with a pat on the back and a hearty “God bless you!”

These Super-saints had to be cut from a special cloth. I was just sure that they had an giant “S” emblazoned on their undershirts.

During this time I wanted to do everything too! I especially wanted to do street outreach and visit people that had requested someone in the church to come and talk with them about faith in Jesus. Passionately sharing this desire at a small group, another Christian a bit older than me in the Lord said, “zeal without knowledge is not good.” Ouch! What was he saying? That I didn’t KNOW enough?!?!?! I mean I had been already Christian for a month!

Now,... I believe every Christian from the one who has just received Christ yesterday to the one who has walked with Him faithfully for 50 years has a testimony. Because the unshakable reality is that Jesus has saved their lives. If that is all we know, that is enough to help someone else grab hold of the Life vest and get out of the deadly ocean of sin.

But I understand what he was saying to me...”slow down ...grow.. get grounded a bit more ..let your faith be tested and developed before you step out.” 

Good advice.

I began to notice that some of the people that got saved around the same time as me, who those everywhere Christians, suddenly seemed AWOL. I mean, they just kinda disappeared,

When I was considering this phenomenon, a very wise person shared this analogy with me: ”When you look at the night sky, the stars you see have been in place for a very long time. Now, a shooting star will blaze across the darkness and undoubtedly get your attention; but, as quickly as it has appeared on the scene...it is gone and what you will see clearly once again, are the enduring and well established stars.”

That spoke volumes to me.

If I wanted to finish this race of faith strong then I needed to be more concerned with faithfulness than flash. 

Last week I went for my follow up brain MRI and PET Scan. 

My brain is unremarkable. ( they could use a better word, right?) 

But, seriously that is a great report....all is good in there! 

My PET scan came back basically the same as the last one:

No lymph nodes are seen and the mass is only seen as an opacity.

When we met with the doctor to receive the results she said, “this is good. It’s stable.”

Now “stable” may not sound like the most exciting adjective, but take a look at it’s definition:

“Relatively unchanging, permanent; firmly fixed or established, consistent, not easily to be moved, changed, unbalanced, destroyed or altered in value.”

Turns out that in terms of health-physically and spiritually, stability is a beautiful thing.

Be a consistent Christian. You burn brightly for Jesus every single day as you faithfully serve and walk with Him through the small and not so small details of your beautiful life.

 “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7

*Thank you saints for praying for me so consistently! He shines through you!..:-) To Him be the glory!

Just Ask

Ok, if you have teenagers you will recognize the following scenario.

It goes something like this. Suddenly, this child of yours becomes extremely attentive and kind to you. Maybe they start by asking if they can get you anything or inquiring about how your day was and even acting extremely interested when you respond! Suddenly the lightbulb goes off in your brain as your recognize familiar territory. The ruse is up and the stage has been set....”I get it....they want something!” you think to yourself.

Currently our ladies Bible study is studying the book of Joshua. 

In the portion we are covering this week, Joshua, the fearless leader whom God appointed and equipped to lead the children of Israel into the promised land, has conquered most Canaanite territory and is now in the process of dividing up the land according to various tribes’ inheritances.

The tribe of Judah is up to receive their portion and Joshua’s well known faith-full friend, Caleb is in that tribe. He steps up, reminds Joshua of Moses’  promise to him and ends with a request.

“You know the word which the LORD said to Moses the man of God concerning you and me in Kadesh Barnea. I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back word to him as it was in my heart. Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt, but I wholly followed the LORD my God. So Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land where your foot has trodden shall be your inheritance and your children’s forever, because you have wholly followed the LORD my God.’ And now, behold, the LORD has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, ever since the LORD spoke this word to Moses while Israel wandered in the wilderness; and now, here I am this day, eighty-five years old. As yet I am as strong this day as on the day that Moses sent me; just as my strength was then, so now is my strength for war, both for going out and for coming in. Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the LORD spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fortified. It may be that the LORD will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out as the LORD said.” Joshua 15:6-12

I think seeing the 85 year old Caleb ask for a mountain to conquer must have made Joshua smile. He of course, grants him his request.

In the next passage, we see Caleb offering a reward (his daughter as a wife) to the man who would help him attack the territory. Othniel steps up, takes the land and the hand of Caleb’s daughter, Achsah and the two are married.

What comes next is my favorite part though...

Achsah has her Dad’s spirit. 

After she is married, she persuades her husband to ask her Father, Caleb for a field.

Then, she makes her own request.

“Now it was so, when she came to him, that she persuaded him to ask her father for a field. So she dismounted from her donkey, and Caleb said to her, “What do you wish?” She answered, “Give me a blessing; since you have given me land in the South, give me also springs of water.” So he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs. Joshua 15:18-19

I like her approach.

I would rather my kids just ask me for what they need rather then to put on pretense.

Our relationship is established. I love them immeasurably! They hold the most tender of places in my heart and they don’t have to do anything to win my affection or favor.

If they have a need and I can help them, I will and I think they know that. 

This all reminds me of Jesus‘ words in Matthew 6:8

“...your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”

Sometimes when I talk with God, I speak alot about the things that I have done wrong that day, or what I perceive is in error in my heart. It seems I just want things to be right with Him before I proceed to ask Him for anything. While repentance is good an attitude change of the heart is more important than many words,

Lately though in such moments,  I have sensed the Lord speaking gently to my heart...”what do you want to ask Me.” 

Ugh...Am I like the teenager? Am I trying to butter up God?

Thankfully, God is already well-pleased with me..and you, His child. And not because of what we have done..but because of what Jesus has accomplished. And WHO He is..The Father’s Own Beloved Son.

Because of Jesus’ sacrifice I am in right standing with God 

As I make my requests in Jesus’ name, the Father is attentive.

What’s even more amazing is that I am encouraged to ask..

“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask  anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:13, 14

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will  ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” John 15:7-8

“Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.” John 16:23

What is it that you need today greatly loved of God? With a humble, surrendered heart, and childlike faith......run to Your Father arms and just ask.

Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24

*Today (Tuesday, April 10th) I will be having a follow up brain MRI and PET scans of my whole body. Please pray about those procedures. May HE be greatly glorified in me...and you! 

Close Call

If I were to ask you, “how do you think God feels about you right now?”

What would your first response be?

There are times when we sense God’s presence and are overwhelmed by His great love for us. There are other times when we walk in that reality, step by step by faith alone. 

Oftentimes. in romantic relationships people believe it’s ”over” when “the feelings just aren’t there anymore.”  

In our relationship with Jesus, it’s just the opposite. In fact, I would venture to say that most of us (please don’t leave me out here on this one alone!) don’t always feel the depth of God’s love for us personally. Yet, no truth could be more real, more sincere or more powerful than the Father’s love for us which He proved by giving His only Son to die so that we could know true love.

“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us.” 1 John 3:16

I think what God wants for us is to KNOW His love for us.

Knowing far surpasses momentary feelings. It is solid and unshakable. Concrete reality.

Just look at how many “knows” there are in this passage that describes the distinctivenesss of the love His children experience.

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” 1 John 3:1-2

Do you KNOW how much the Father loves YOU today?

He sees every cry of your aching heart.

He knows the discouragement you feel when you try again (and again) and fail. 

He rejoices in your grandest triumphs and simple joys.

But best of all...He loves you. Right now.

I don’t know why we sometimes think God wants to keep us at arms length.

Perhaps we think He is too busy or there are way more important people and needs to attend to.

Don’ t believe it.

Jesus died to be close to you.

For, If not you,..... then who? Think about that. 

The LORD your God in your midst,

The Mighty One, will save;

He will rejoice over you with gladness,

He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.” 

Zeph. 3:17

Praying we all have a day of knowing the closeness of God’s love for us!

“..let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith,..” Hebrews 10:22

Beyond Words

Have you ever received a piece of news, perhaps from a close friend or family member that so strikes you that you are literally left speechless? At such a time, you may have even heard yourself uttering this familiar phrase,  “I have no words”.

The news can be either extremely joyful, sorrowful or just plain shocking,  but responses to some experiences in life simply seem to transcend verbal communication.

When I think about all that the Lord has done in my life I am left with this feeling.

I often resort to using the word amazing. He is so amazing. But that truly pales in comparison as a description of just Who He truly is and as a term worthy to describe Him.

You see, .....Jesus saved me.

What can you say to Someone who rescued you from a cesspool of sin? 

Jesus set me free.

What do you say to the One whose power changed the course of your life by releasing you from the chains of self destruction? 

Jesus has filled my life with a treasury of grace.

How do I thank Him for the wonderful family, and friends He has allowed me to walk with through the ups and downs of life? Whose care and love and quirks and craziness make the flavor of living just so sweet.

Jesus will never leave me.

How do I express my gratitude for a Faithful friend whose hand catches me when I  fall, gently guides my steps in HIs good path, and wipes away ever tear? A Mighty Saviour who lifts me up when I am weak and encourages my heart with His promise to work all things together for good in my life.

Jesus has prepared a place for me.

What words can you use to convey the joy that heaven is a reality? That one day I will forever live in a place with no more tears, no more death, no more sorrow and no more crying. Where all who have called on His name will live together in perfection. And when I will finally get to see this One who loves me so, face to face.

No words.

I was talking with a friend about this today. She said she wishes she had her own word like, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious to describe her wonderment at His power, His love and His gift of new life. Agreed!

I think the Apostle Paul must have shared these same feelings when he was allowed a glimpse of heaven as he speaks of hearing things that were inexpressible and impossible for a human to even speak of, there in 2 Cor 12:4.

So, what do we do in response to His goodness in our lives?

The psalmist asks this question in Psalm 116:12 saying, 

“What shall I render to the LORD for all His benefits toward me?”

 He answers in the next verse by stating:

“I will take up the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.”

What could we possibly give to God that HE doesn't already have?

I mean, He made everything!

I think after the psalmist came to that conclusion, he declared that all he could do...and maybe more importantly all God really wanted him to do, was to continue to receive all that He had given him in Christ Jesus. To drink deeply from the cup of salvation.

A great price was paid for that wellspring of life. It would be a dishonor to not humbly partake of what He has afforded us, each and every single day.

And of all God’s benefits towards us, a relationship with Him outshines them all. 

The inexpressible privilege of calling on His name. 

Thank You, Jesus.

In response to that, this is one thing I can say.....Truly, my cup runneth over.

Here is the song that came to mind.:-)

“When I Think About the Lord” by Shane and Shane

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdTT6rmkk9M

Listen and I think you’ll agree.

Here’s the lyrics:

When I Think About the Lord,
How He Saved Me, How He Raised Me,
How He Filled Me, With the Holy Ghost.
How He Healed Me, to the Uttermost.

When I Think About the Lord,
How He Picked Me Up and Turned Me Around,
How He Placed My Feet On Solid Ground

It Makes Me Wanna Shout,
Halleilujiah,
Thank You Jesus,
Lord, Your Worthy, of All the Glory, and All the Honor,
And All the Praise..

Dig in!

One of the interesting side effects that the anti-cancer medication I am on can produce is a change in taste. Things just don’t taste the way they are supposed to. An apple doesn’t  taste like an apple, and spicy things (which I love!) really have no taste, but just a very unpleasant, intense, sharp sensation in my mouth! (No Bueno)

This phenomenon has led me to develop a couple of new “habits.”

First, I have begun to do what what Robert calls “explosion cooking”. Now, I liked to cook ok before, but now it is like preparing for an art show for me. Trying to achieve a suitable “right” flavor takes a lot of space, time, ingredients and well, shall we call it...“creative energy”. 

When the inspiration hits me, he will walk in the door and say, “oh no explosion cooking again!“ ( I think he is just worried that he will have to clean up because I cooked! That’s fair, right?)

Sometimes, I get it all done and taste the newest culinary experiment and it’s pretty good!

Other times, after lengthy “creative sessions” , I will take a bite only to discover it tastes nothing like I thought it would. All that time and shopping only to be disappointed! Ugh!

The other thing is that I have come to thoroughly enjoy a certain show where a certain “Guy” visits restaurants all around the country and tastes their unique specialties. 

Now this is coming from a girl who NEVER liked to watch cooking shows before. In fact, they bugged me! 

But after analyzing my strange attraction, I realized it is twofold.

First it gives me ideas for my “explosion cooking.” 

Secondly, when the host of the show describes the food, I feel like I am trying to connect to what those words mean. To somehow jolt a memory of what those things taste like!

I like the way he uses adjectives that describe the different flavors and textures he is partaking of.

Now when I cook, I ask my family members to do the same thing. They have gotten really good at it , using such descriptive words and phrases as “this has layers of flavor “ or ” first you get a kick of spice, then you are hit with the mellowness of the avocado”

Even, “great crunch!” is a helpful and appreciated review.

(They really are sooo tolerant of me! haha!)

Anyway, this whole thing got me thinking...

There is a passage in Psalm 34:8  that says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good”
Interesting use of words. Obviously we don’t physically partake of Jesus.

I believe what the psalmist is saying here is, that we must have a personal experience with God, before we can join the club of those that can truly proclaim His goodness.

No matter how many shows I watch of “The Guy” eating and describing food. It will never replace my own tastebuds savoring those flavors, firsthand.

When I hear of someone that has no peace in their life, I want to tell them that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. That He gives peace that passes understanding. And the peace that He offers, is not the sort of temporary peace the experiences of the world provide , but rather a lasting, settled, abiding calm. A stick to your ribs....peace.

 But, no matter how many words I use to describe Him and this supernatural peace, unless one experiences it for themselves, they will never be able to understand what I am saying to be true.

For those that are constantly looking for a new “taste” to fill their empty hearts. Running here and there taking a bite out of this experience and that one, all in an attempt to satisfy an never ending craving. To you, I want to say, Jesus alone fills that emptiness and void, For truly, in His presence is FULLNESS of joy. ( Psalm 16:11)

But again, until one receives Him, these truths are just like the pictures and words on a diner menu. Colorful, illustrative..but meaningless until they are brought to the table in and savored in real life.

If you have been one who has heard about God. Believe in His existence and have even seen His hand perform undeniable and amazing things; yet, you realize that you lack a personal knowledge of Him, receive His invitation to dinner i

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Rev 3:20

May your hungry heart find full satisfaction in encountering the One who truly satisfies.

Jesus said, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent”

For those of you who are ready to open the door to God, below are some materials on beginning that life-changing relationship with Him today, by Pastor Greg Laurie:

How do you start a relationship with God?

1. Realize that you are a sinner. No matter how good a life we try to live, we still fall miserably short of being a good person. That is because we are all sinners. We all fall short of God's desire for us to be holy. The Bible says, "No one is good—not even one" (Romans 3:10 NLT). This is because we can not become who we are supposed to be without Jesus Christ.
2. Recognize that Jesus Christ died on the cross for you. The Bible tells us, "But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while were still sinners" (Romans 5:8 NLT). This is the Good News, that God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die in our place when we least deserved it.
3. Repent of your sin. The Bible tells us, "Repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away" (Acts 3:19 NLT). The word repent means to change our direction in life. Instead of running from God, we can run toward Him.
4. Receive Jesus Christ into your life. Becoming a Christian is not merely believing some creed or going to church on Sunday. It is having Christ Himself take residence in your life and heart. Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door [of your life] and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in. . ." (Revelation 3:20 NKJV).

If you would like to have a relationship with Christ, simply pray this prayer and mean it in your heart.

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You for saving me. Amen.

If you just prayed that prayer and meant it, Jesus Christ has now taken residence in your heart! Your decision to follow Christ means God has forgiven you and that you will spend eternity in heaven. The Bible tells us, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9 NKJV).

Register your decision to follow Jesus Christ and receive free materials to help you grow.

To put your faith in action, and grow in your relationship with God, here are some important first steps:

• Read the Bible
• Pray to God
• Go to church
• Tell others about Christ   

Unseen

Hebrews 11:1 says:

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Today, God showed me some “unseens” that I’ve been hoping for.

The PET scan that I had last Thursday reveals that of the three lymph nodes that I had that were cancerous, all three are today:

unseen 

The primary solid mass tumor in my right lung that originally measured 3.2 by 5.7 centimeters is today referred to as a “minimal hazy opacity”. 

Virtually unseen.

The metabolic “glow” that cancer tumors emit, has reduced from a level of 16.5 to 1.6 today. 1 is considered normal.

Unsure of what this all meant, the nurse at the Cancer Center told me to get on my dancin’ shoes..

So if you want to.,.please join me in a “Thank you Jesus happy dance” right where you are! 

Can I just say....

 “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21

Faith is not power. God Almighty is THE Powerful One. 

Faith simply allows weak pilgrims who are passing through this imperfect world in imperfect bodies, easier passage, as we stretch our feeble hands up to His. As He firmly grasps hold, we are lifted above what we can see and inspired to trust in Him and all that He has promised.

God’s ways are not our ways.

He has different paths and promises for all HIs children

But He has promised all of those who are HIs own, that He would never leave. That He would love each unfailingly and complete the work He began in every one of us, until the day we meet HIm face to face. On the days we think are good and the days we days we think are bad, He is always good. You can trust in that.

Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservations. --Elton Trueblood

There are so many of you that have encouraged my faith during this time. You have dared to boldly ask God to heal me and you have assured me time and again of His unfailing perfect love that casts out fear. Thank you for leading the way in shining the light of faith that brightens the path to the Radiant One.

He is altogether LOVE-LY!

An unseen Hand now guides my days 

His touch is never far away .

Though trials may mock and tempt to fear .

This unseen Hand is always near

I’ve felt His touch and known His care

His love protects me everywhere.

Trust not my soul in what you see

But in pierced hands, who set you free.

Enjoy....How much ” HE loves us!”-( David Crowder)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzfPHnoT0-0

Who Am I?

A few years ago, a group of friends gave me a card and all signed it. One of them began her sentiment with, “Lisa, you are......

Well, that’s how it ended because she never completed her thought or that sentence.

I’m not sure what she intended to write there, (:-/ ) but it has become classic laugh line among us to say each other’s names and then say: ”you are...”  leaving it at that.

(We are obviously easily amused.)

It seems like we humans are constantly defining ourselves to others and ourselves doesn’t it?

If you’re like most people, you probably find yourself responding either inwardly with a thought, or verbally with a word or two, to the variety of stimuli that comes your way daily.

“I like candy, but I don’t like licorice. I am pretty good at parallel parking ( thats for the 1% of you) I stink at scrabble. I like my hair. I hate my hair. I can dance. I can’t sing. I am ugly. I feel pretty. I understand algebra. I’m not very smart.”

I think for many, much of this self-defining process takes the form of what we perceive we are not.

But, I like my friend’s approach....She was at least going to attempt to focus on what I was.

And that is good advice for all of us.

However, the definition of who we are is left up to ourselves or others, discouragement can quickly set in. We are flawed in even our best estimations, simply because neither of us have the right perspective or all the information. 

Nope. If we are gonna play this word game and win, we need to use Master’s dictionary. Only it provides the whole meaning of our identity.

Let’s listen to a few definitions of who He says we are in His Word:

1.Feeling like you just don’t belong? Reject that notion and join a club who only acceptance policy is knowing Jesus. It’s doors and His arms are always open to you, His child.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.”  Ephesians 1:3-6

2.Are nagging thoughts that say, “you just don’t measure up”, leaving you lacking and puzzled? Find the missing piece to contentment by placing your life squarely in Jesus’ mighty hands. 

For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. Colossians 2:9-10

3. Think you are never going to amount to anything? That your life just isn’t worth that much to anyone? Decline that worthless idea and value this priceless truth:

“....you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,  but with the precious blood of Christ, “ 1 Peter 1:18

Today, continue to let God complete the sentences of who you are in Christ.

Which above all things is greatly loved!

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10

Here’s some audio inspiration to go with these thoughts!

I really think you will be encouraged..:-)

Jason Gray “Remind Me Who I Am”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSIVjjY8Ou8