It was a bright and sunny June day. I stood in front of the congregation along with the other graduates. The elders gave us two roses. One was yellow and one was white. They told us to keep the yellow one and give the white rose to someone who has helped us throughout our lives. The elders instructed us to do this, because they wanted us to acknowledge the power of an influence.
1 Timothy 4:11 creates an ideal example. The Apostle Paul mentored Timothy in order to further his ministry. Paul felt led to instruct Timothy with meaningful exhortation. “Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” Paul did not want age or other obstacles to impede Timothy's progress. He believed in him, and knew that Timothy could be successful in his ministry.
Paul passed on his wisdom to Timothy, because he wanted it to benefit the body of Christ. “I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people should conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth (1 Timothy 3:14-16).” Paul encouraged Timothy to use his gifts, because his teaching would benefit himself and those who would come after him.
I held my white rose and walked down the aisle. I approached my elementary Sunday school teacher who is also the mother of my best friend. I gave her my rose. Tearing up she asked, “You're giving me your rose?” I said, “Of course. You helped raise me.” A teacher, mentor, supporter and encourager.
Who is your Timothy? Have someone in mind that you can share your wisdom and encourage to carry on your legacy. I want to cherish the knowledge I have been given, and pass it on to the next generation.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
"The Soda Effect"
A fellow social worker introduced the phrase, “The Soda Effect.” All of us are like a bottle of soda. Pick any kind you would like to be. We all have times that we are shaken up and tossed around, which can ruin our attitude. If our fizz overwhelms us, we can create a mess which is difficult to recover.
We come in contact with circumstances, which create a challenge to regulate our emotions. Someone says the wrong thing to us at the wrong time, stress piles up, and there is never enough time in one day. Everyone is bound to get shaken at some point, but how do we stand firm without letting our stress overcome us?
Jesus overcame the greatest circumstance imaginable; death on a cross. Matthew 27 depicts the mockery of Jesus as he approached the crucifixion. “They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. Hail king of the Jews! They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again (v. 28-30).”
Notice that Jesus did not fight back to the hatred that he received. Rather, he withstood the mockery. He took control of his emotions by keeping the bigger picture in mind. Jesus knew that he would be taken to die, and that it was part of a greater plan for him to be raised on the third day (Matthew 20:19). He held onto his hope.
Despite the circumstances of our lives, we will always have a reason to press on. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1).” Stress overcomes us. We start to fizz and feel we are going to explode. It is easy to miss what lies ahead. However, when we keep our eyes focused on our hope, we will be reminded of what is in store for us. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him
(1 Corinthians 2:9).”
We come in contact with circumstances, which create a challenge to regulate our emotions. Someone says the wrong thing to us at the wrong time, stress piles up, and there is never enough time in one day. Everyone is bound to get shaken at some point, but how do we stand firm without letting our stress overcome us?
Jesus overcame the greatest circumstance imaginable; death on a cross. Matthew 27 depicts the mockery of Jesus as he approached the crucifixion. “They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. Hail king of the Jews! They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again (v. 28-30).”
Notice that Jesus did not fight back to the hatred that he received. Rather, he withstood the mockery. He took control of his emotions by keeping the bigger picture in mind. Jesus knew that he would be taken to die, and that it was part of a greater plan for him to be raised on the third day (Matthew 20:19). He held onto his hope.
Despite the circumstances of our lives, we will always have a reason to press on. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1).” Stress overcomes us. We start to fizz and feel we are going to explode. It is easy to miss what lies ahead. However, when we keep our eyes focused on our hope, we will be reminded of what is in store for us. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him
(1 Corinthians 2:9).”
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
"To Serve and be Served" by: Kara Taylor and Keith Huffer
After Christmas this year, my husband and I traveled to California to visit family members. Little did we know that we would meet a homeless man who would teach us a valuable lesson. The man sought shelter off a busy street in Los Angeles after dark in an unlit alcove which could deflect the cold wind. He was lying on his side crunched up from the chill, covered by a thin blanket that barely disguised his body from passing cars. He was willing to sleep there, exposed to strangers who might happen to walk by at all hours of the night, and then leave at sunrise before the business owner would arrive.
We felt bad for the man, but walked into the warm house. Our family sat down to a homemade turkey soup dinner, which hit the spot on a cold winter day. However, we could not stop thinking about the man that was outside. My husband asked, “Should we take him something?” My dad, taking initiative, found a plastic bowl and filled it with a generous portion of soup. We were hesitant, but went outside to offer it to the man along with a warm blanket. The man was embarrassed. He hid his face and kept shaking his head. We insisted upon our gesture and left the bowl by his side, and covered him with the blanket. He appeared to be grateful, revealing only his eyes.
As we walked back to the house, I realized that it is difficult to accept someone's service. We have always been encouraged to “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men (Ephesians 6:7).” This is true, but it is also important to receive someone else's service. Often times, I find myself telling others, “Oh you don't have to do that for me...I will do it....I don't want you to go to the trouble.” Sound familiar?
When we turn down someone's service, we are not respecting ourselves or others. Allowing someone to serve you, encourages them to experience the work of Jesus. Moreover, accepting someone's service enables you to care for yourself.
Take note of the frequently quoted verse, “Love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18).” When it's broken apart, you can see “love yourself.” This means that it is important to be attentive to ourselves, so we can better serve and love others.
When I approached the homeless man, I thought I would be scared and have nothing in common with him. I was wrong. I identified with him. It is easy to feel uncomfortable with someone serving us. However, we should confidently accept someone's offer with gratitude. All of us are working toward a common goal.“It is the Lord Christ you are serving (Colossians 3:24).”
We felt bad for the man, but walked into the warm house. Our family sat down to a homemade turkey soup dinner, which hit the spot on a cold winter day. However, we could not stop thinking about the man that was outside. My husband asked, “Should we take him something?” My dad, taking initiative, found a plastic bowl and filled it with a generous portion of soup. We were hesitant, but went outside to offer it to the man along with a warm blanket. The man was embarrassed. He hid his face and kept shaking his head. We insisted upon our gesture and left the bowl by his side, and covered him with the blanket. He appeared to be grateful, revealing only his eyes.
As we walked back to the house, I realized that it is difficult to accept someone's service. We have always been encouraged to “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men (Ephesians 6:7).” This is true, but it is also important to receive someone else's service. Often times, I find myself telling others, “Oh you don't have to do that for me...I will do it....I don't want you to go to the trouble.” Sound familiar?
When we turn down someone's service, we are not respecting ourselves or others. Allowing someone to serve you, encourages them to experience the work of Jesus. Moreover, accepting someone's service enables you to care for yourself.
Take note of the frequently quoted verse, “Love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19:18).” When it's broken apart, you can see “love yourself.” This means that it is important to be attentive to ourselves, so we can better serve and love others.
When I approached the homeless man, I thought I would be scared and have nothing in common with him. I was wrong. I identified with him. It is easy to feel uncomfortable with someone serving us. However, we should confidently accept someone's offer with gratitude. All of us are working toward a common goal.“It is the Lord Christ you are serving (Colossians 3:24).”
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
"What's in Your Kitchen Sink?"
One of the many things that I admire about my husband is that he is a very clean person. He stays on top of cleaning the house, and especially the kitchen. Looking at the bottom of a clean, shiny sink is always a good feeling. This encourages me to clean the dishes right away rather than putting them off. Discussing this makes me think of the term, “kitchen sink communication.” Individuals will store up all their emotions (just like dirty dishes in a sink) and pile it on someone all at once. I'm sure we have all caught ourselves doing this at one time or another. People could wait days, months or even years to disclose information. However, it is better to refrain from this, and release our emotions in the moment to express how we are feeling. Just as it is better to do the dishes, instead of waiting for them to clean themselves.
I find that it is easy to “kitchen sink communicate” with God. Often times, we wait and wait until we are ashamed of our behavior or sin to come and confess to Him.“ I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin (Psalm 38:18).” We release it all at once, and find ourselves feeling somewhat better. Although, what does this do to our relationship with God?
When we procrastinate with expressing our emotions to God, we miss out on the spiritual healing that He wants us to experience in that point in time. James 5 instructs us to “confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” It is inevitable that we will sin. I John 1:8-10 states, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and the word has no place in our lives.”
Our Father knows we will sin, but how we handle it is our choice. Confession should not evoke feelings of guilt, obligation or routine. Rather, it can be seen as a positive way to communicate with God and maintain a healthy relationship.
I find that it is easy to “kitchen sink communicate” with God. Often times, we wait and wait until we are ashamed of our behavior or sin to come and confess to Him.“ I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin (Psalm 38:18).” We release it all at once, and find ourselves feeling somewhat better. Although, what does this do to our relationship with God?
When we procrastinate with expressing our emotions to God, we miss out on the spiritual healing that He wants us to experience in that point in time. James 5 instructs us to “confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” It is inevitable that we will sin. I John 1:8-10 states, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and the word has no place in our lives.”
Our Father knows we will sin, but how we handle it is our choice. Confession should not evoke feelings of guilt, obligation or routine. Rather, it can be seen as a positive way to communicate with God and maintain a healthy relationship.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Waiting Room
It was a Sunday morning in November, and my husband and I were on our way to pick up my grandmother for church. I knocked on her door and heard her say that she was unable to answer it. I called for one of the nurses at the residential facility, and asked them to open her door. I found my grandma lying up against the wall. She looked injured, and evidently, I had arrived just in time.
Grandma explained that she suddenly fell as she was getting ready to meet me. The nurse indicated that someone needed to take her to the emergency room. Without hesitating, I told her that I would insist on getting her there. She remarked, “The LORD sent you at the right time to come and help me.” This was yet another instance in my life when God chose to reveal his impeccable timing that cannot be mistaken.“He has made everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).”
My husband and I helped her into our car, and we headed off to the hospital. When we arrived, we sat in the waiting room as we listened for her name to be called. I was amazed at how courageous she was at that moment. My grandma is a small woman; petite in height and stature. However, that has nothing to do with the size of her faith. As she sat in that waiting room, she displayed the meaning of the “mustard seed.” Like a small mustard seed, her faith was able to move mountains (Matthew 17:20). A mustard tree can grow anywhere and not be affected or altered by its surroundings. That is why Jesus proclaims, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you (Matthew 17:20-21).” This was the attitude that my grandma displayed that day. She was in an emergency room, but she still grounded herself in faith. She was not altered by fear or anxiety.
My grandma's name was called, and she was instructed to go through a series of tests to see if there was any damage from the fall. After she went through a CAT scan and X-ray, she came back to her room and talked with me. She explained, “We never know what will happen to us throughout the day, but we do know that God will always be there with a way to help us.” I still admired that she was not upset about falling or having to spend the day in the hospital. Rather, she was grateful that the LORD had planned for me to find her at that given moment when she needed assistance.
Three days passed and she was able to return home. The doctors found no concerns from the fall, so she must have lost her balance. It was difficult to see her in pain, but I was so grateful to be apart of the day when I witnessed my grandma's extraordinary faith. After that day, I can say that the occurrence transformed me into a stronger believer. I am not as easily triggered by anxious or troubled emotions. I am not concerned about tragic events happening in my life, because I realize that God will have someone or something planned to assist me in time of need.
Our time in that waiting room strengthened my relationship with my grandma. More than ever, I see her as a powerful follower of Christ who will follow him all the days of her life. I make an extra effort to visit and spend time with her. I am touched that the LORD uses our time together as a way for me to become closer to Him and grow into the woman He continues to create me to be.
Grandma explained that she suddenly fell as she was getting ready to meet me. The nurse indicated that someone needed to take her to the emergency room. Without hesitating, I told her that I would insist on getting her there. She remarked, “The LORD sent you at the right time to come and help me.” This was yet another instance in my life when God chose to reveal his impeccable timing that cannot be mistaken.“He has made everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).”
My husband and I helped her into our car, and we headed off to the hospital. When we arrived, we sat in the waiting room as we listened for her name to be called. I was amazed at how courageous she was at that moment. My grandma is a small woman; petite in height and stature. However, that has nothing to do with the size of her faith. As she sat in that waiting room, she displayed the meaning of the “mustard seed.” Like a small mustard seed, her faith was able to move mountains (Matthew 17:20). A mustard tree can grow anywhere and not be affected or altered by its surroundings. That is why Jesus proclaims, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you (Matthew 17:20-21).” This was the attitude that my grandma displayed that day. She was in an emergency room, but she still grounded herself in faith. She was not altered by fear or anxiety.
My grandma's name was called, and she was instructed to go through a series of tests to see if there was any damage from the fall. After she went through a CAT scan and X-ray, she came back to her room and talked with me. She explained, “We never know what will happen to us throughout the day, but we do know that God will always be there with a way to help us.” I still admired that she was not upset about falling or having to spend the day in the hospital. Rather, she was grateful that the LORD had planned for me to find her at that given moment when she needed assistance.
Three days passed and she was able to return home. The doctors found no concerns from the fall, so she must have lost her balance. It was difficult to see her in pain, but I was so grateful to be apart of the day when I witnessed my grandma's extraordinary faith. After that day, I can say that the occurrence transformed me into a stronger believer. I am not as easily triggered by anxious or troubled emotions. I am not concerned about tragic events happening in my life, because I realize that God will have someone or something planned to assist me in time of need.
Our time in that waiting room strengthened my relationship with my grandma. More than ever, I see her as a powerful follower of Christ who will follow him all the days of her life. I make an extra effort to visit and spend time with her. I am touched that the LORD uses our time together as a way for me to become closer to Him and grow into the woman He continues to create me to be.
Wash Me Clean
My grandfather, better known as Grandy, saved a little glass jar filled with water from the Jordan river. He had high hopes that one day he would be able to use it to baptize me. On July 6th, 1995, his intention became a reality. He poured the water from the Jordan river into the baptistery and gave me a blessing that will never be forgotten.
Baptism symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus and ourselves along with our growth in the likeness of Christ. “ I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this (John 11: 5)?” Baptism means that we will be able to die to ourselves in this life, and be resurrected from the dead. Jesus proclaims, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it (Luke 9:23-24).” We are given the invitation to rid ourselves of the identity of this world and clothe ourselves in Christ.
Jesus chose to be baptized because he believed “it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15).” Furthermore, Jesus wanted to fulfill his father's commands. “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from the heaven said, this is my son whom I love, with him I am well pleased (Matthew 3:16-17).”
My Grandy was overjoyed when he was able to baptize me. However, how much more was my Heavenly Father pleased with me? When we choose to give our lives to Christ, we are accepting the plan that our Father laid out for us. Baptism is a choice that you are able to accept. The offer is always open. Are you willingly to accept the invitation?
Baptism symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus and ourselves along with our growth in the likeness of Christ. “ I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this (John 11: 5)?” Baptism means that we will be able to die to ourselves in this life, and be resurrected from the dead. Jesus proclaims, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it (Luke 9:23-24).” We are given the invitation to rid ourselves of the identity of this world and clothe ourselves in Christ.
Jesus chose to be baptized because he believed “it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15).” Furthermore, Jesus wanted to fulfill his father's commands. “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from the heaven said, this is my son whom I love, with him I am well pleased (Matthew 3:16-17).”
My Grandy was overjoyed when he was able to baptize me. However, how much more was my Heavenly Father pleased with me? When we choose to give our lives to Christ, we are accepting the plan that our Father laid out for us. Baptism is a choice that you are able to accept. The offer is always open. Are you willingly to accept the invitation?
Monday, December 8, 2008
Young, Obedient Mary
A young teenage girl was greeted by the angel Gabriel, and was told she was favored by the LORD. She was informed that she would be with child. In shock, the girl was confused and in disbelief. An unexpected greeting resulted in a life altering event. This is the story of Mary.
The young girl was baffled because she had not known a man. The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you, so the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35).” Still speechless, Gabriel reassured Mary and mentioned that her cousin Elizabeth was able to have a child in her old age, when she thought it was not possible. Thus, he encouraged Mary that she would be able to give birth at a young age despite her confusion (v.36). “Nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).”
What thoughts and fears were running through this young girl's mind? Understandably, she could have been swayed by people's opinions. However, there is no mention of Mary battling over this decision. Instead, she displayed loyalty. “I am the LORD's servant, may it be to me as you have said (Luke 1:38).”
Simultaneously, Mary was presented with a challenge and a blessing. How often do we question a trial when we are in favor with the LORD? It is easy to wonder why we must go through a challenge when we yearn for blessings. However, Mary was certain that the LORD had good things in store for her.
“My soul glorifies the LORD and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior (Luke 1:47).” Mary did not allow the obscurity of the situation to inhibit her as a servant. How many times are we discouraged by our age, circumstance or other people's remarks when we are serving the LORD? I would say I am a fairly compassionate person, but with that comes sensitivity. However, I strive to listen to what God wants from me rather than pleasing people. How can you demonstrate your loyalty toward God? Mary is the epitome of obedience. “For He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me- holy is His name (Luke 1:48-49).”
The young girl was baffled because she had not known a man. The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you, so the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God (Luke 1:35).” Still speechless, Gabriel reassured Mary and mentioned that her cousin Elizabeth was able to have a child in her old age, when she thought it was not possible. Thus, he encouraged Mary that she would be able to give birth at a young age despite her confusion (v.36). “Nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37).”
What thoughts and fears were running through this young girl's mind? Understandably, she could have been swayed by people's opinions. However, there is no mention of Mary battling over this decision. Instead, she displayed loyalty. “I am the LORD's servant, may it be to me as you have said (Luke 1:38).”
Simultaneously, Mary was presented with a challenge and a blessing. How often do we question a trial when we are in favor with the LORD? It is easy to wonder why we must go through a challenge when we yearn for blessings. However, Mary was certain that the LORD had good things in store for her.
“My soul glorifies the LORD and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior (Luke 1:47).” Mary did not allow the obscurity of the situation to inhibit her as a servant. How many times are we discouraged by our age, circumstance or other people's remarks when we are serving the LORD? I would say I am a fairly compassionate person, but with that comes sensitivity. However, I strive to listen to what God wants from me rather than pleasing people. How can you demonstrate your loyalty toward God? Mary is the epitome of obedience. “For He has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me- holy is His name (Luke 1:48-49).”
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