One of the great pleasures of working with children is that I often find myself learning from them. I believe that studying and interacting with children has had a huge influence in my development as a believer. Jesus instructs us, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3).”
Recently, I have been intrigued by the way children handle conflict. I have been noticing that children can be easily upset. When things are taken away or when they do not get their way, they are so quick to verbalize their feelings. Some of my favorites are: “You're not my best friend anymore, I'm telling on you, and by far my favorite one is...”You're not coming to my birthday party!” These phrases are harsh and normally leave the child in tears. However, I have also noticed that children are quick to forgive. After a fight, a short period of time will pass, and suddenly it is as if the argument never happened. By some means it is resolved and children can go back to being best friends and be invited over to each other's houses all in the same day. Now we are left wondering...how do they do that?
Jesus encourages us to love our enemies. Matthew 8:44 tells us, “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” It is easy to love those who love us. Jesus emphasizes that even tax collectors and pagans do that (v. 46). Thus, the challenge is to go beyond that and show love to those who have persecuted us.
By no means should we refrain from standing up for ourselves. It is written that “All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness
(2 Timothy 3:16).” Although, if we prevent ourselves from pouring out all forgiveness for those in our lives, we are missing out on the challenge. Understanding forgiveness is apart of our completion as a believer (Matthew 8:48). “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins (Matthew 6:14-15).”
Two of the boys that I work with have been given labels by their peers. One is known as the “bad kid” and the other is known as the “slow kid.” The “bad kid” has used so many hurtful words to the “slow kid;” phrases that have damaged his self-esteem and has made it difficult for him to learn. However, one day, I witnessed the “slow kid” come up to the “bad kid” and help him with an assignment. He offered up his forgiveness and helped him complete his work. There were no negative words or reminders about the past. The two children played together for the rest of the day. This is freedom. A freedom from enemies. The freedom to forgive.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
"Hear the Silence"
During a prayer meeting, our group decided to explore the practice of training ourselves to be silent. We all failed in the past on our own, but we decided to use our time as a group to experiment with using an opportunity to be still before the LORD. We wanted to see how this would strengthen our prayers and our connection as a group. Silence is important, because there is so much that can be revealed in that time. “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in all the earth (Psalm 46:10).”
We dimmed the lights, closed our eyes and became silent. Few words were spoken in prayer. I became very aware of my senses. I listened to the cars outside, which made me think of all the people we come in contact with on a daily basis. People who could hear the Word. I also saw a lot of imagery. It is very appropriate to visualize verses in the Bible. When I was silent, I was able to see an image with Psalm 61:1-4, “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.” I could visualize being cradled by my Creator. I often try to feel this, and when we were silent, this image became more apparent to me.
As we were silent, my mind surprisingly did not wander. In the past when I have tried this, my mind would jump to things I had to do that day or fixate on pointless worries. This time was different, and I feel very strongly that power lies in numbers. Being united in a group, created a support to help us individually seek the silence. This allowed our group to find a more personal meaning to the verse, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them (Matthew 18:20).”
As I drove home that night, I felt renewed. I reached for the radio to turn up the volume in the car, but instead I ended up turning it off. I decided to drive home in silence, because I wanted to carry on that beautiful feeling that we had just experienced. Practicing silence can be a challenge, but using the support from others can make it attainable and easier to accomplish on our own. “Let all the earth be silent before him (Habakkuk 2:20).”
We dimmed the lights, closed our eyes and became silent. Few words were spoken in prayer. I became very aware of my senses. I listened to the cars outside, which made me think of all the people we come in contact with on a daily basis. People who could hear the Word. I also saw a lot of imagery. It is very appropriate to visualize verses in the Bible. When I was silent, I was able to see an image with Psalm 61:1-4, “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.” I could visualize being cradled by my Creator. I often try to feel this, and when we were silent, this image became more apparent to me.
As we were silent, my mind surprisingly did not wander. In the past when I have tried this, my mind would jump to things I had to do that day or fixate on pointless worries. This time was different, and I feel very strongly that power lies in numbers. Being united in a group, created a support to help us individually seek the silence. This allowed our group to find a more personal meaning to the verse, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them (Matthew 18:20).”
As I drove home that night, I felt renewed. I reached for the radio to turn up the volume in the car, but instead I ended up turning it off. I decided to drive home in silence, because I wanted to carry on that beautiful feeling that we had just experienced. Practicing silence can be a challenge, but using the support from others can make it attainable and easier to accomplish on our own. “Let all the earth be silent before him (Habakkuk 2:20).”
Monday, April 27, 2009
"Beat the Self-Defeat"
I have the pleasure of working with a boy who is labeled as anxious and socially withdrawn. He gets angered easily and usually has no desire to socialize with his peers. The boy would rather kick a ball alone than play a game with other children. Sometimes one can say something to him that is taken the wrong way, resulting with an inability to regulate his emotions. However, one day, I witnessed him conquer those labels that often hold him back. He asked if he could read a story aloud. He did not panic or give up. The boy stood in front of all his peers and confidently read an entire book.
This inspires me to focus on the passage from Romans 8, “In all these things we are more than conquerers through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus (v. 37-39).”
What are the labels that hold us back? As imperfect people, we tend to focus on our flaws and play the sympathy game. People call themselves awful names and cut themselves down until they loose all confidence. We have a way of listening to thoughts in the back of our mind that tell us we are not good enough. God knows that we will fall into this trap and wants us to be protected from the negative cycle that we get ourselves into. Romans 8:28 states, “ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. What then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us (v. 31)?” We are not meant to be ruled by our emotions, but be able to conquer and overcome them because God is on our side.
You may be wondering if I believe that God's spirit was working through this little boy. I don't know that for certain. However, I do believe that witnessing this interaction allowed me to be reminded of the power of God's love, and the confidence that He has in us. The confidence that encourages us to conquer any challenge that we are given in this lifetime. I am reminded of the promise of God's unconditional love and support that is freely given to His children.
This inspires me to focus on the passage from Romans 8, “In all these things we are more than conquerers through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus (v. 37-39).”
What are the labels that hold us back? As imperfect people, we tend to focus on our flaws and play the sympathy game. People call themselves awful names and cut themselves down until they loose all confidence. We have a way of listening to thoughts in the back of our mind that tell us we are not good enough. God knows that we will fall into this trap and wants us to be protected from the negative cycle that we get ourselves into. Romans 8:28 states, “ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. What then shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us (v. 31)?” We are not meant to be ruled by our emotions, but be able to conquer and overcome them because God is on our side.
You may be wondering if I believe that God's spirit was working through this little boy. I don't know that for certain. However, I do believe that witnessing this interaction allowed me to be reminded of the power of God's love, and the confidence that He has in us. The confidence that encourages us to conquer any challenge that we are given in this lifetime. I am reminded of the promise of God's unconditional love and support that is freely given to His children.
Monday, April 20, 2009
"The Secret"
A prisoner ministered to a proselyte of Judaism which brought her to conversion along with the rest of her household. He also helped out a slave girl. His ministry caused him time with the magistrates where he was beaten with rods and taken to prison. This prisoner was known as the Apostle Paul. Everything was at stake for him. Paul was preaching a religion that was considered illegal to the Romans, and he was sent to jail because of it. However, Paul is the ideal example of finding contentment regardless of the situation.
There is a psychological principle known as cognitive behavioral thinking. It states that one can change the way they behave if they change their thinking pattern. This is seen in biblical context, especially when Paul instructs us to accept our circumstances.
Philippians 4 states, “ I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (v. 12-13).” When Paul was sent to prison, it would be easy to think that his ministry would be over. However, Paul uses his mind and behavior to continue to glorify God.
Many of us have been placed in situations where it is hard to minister to others. Some of us have family members that do not want to hear the gospel. Others have work environments that are not conducive to sharing the message. Despite these circumstances, Paul has urged us that we can still minister to others through our mind and actions.
Romans 12:2 explains, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good and pleasing and perfect will.” If we learn to put our mind over the matter, we will grasp “the secret.” Just because we may be in a difficult circumstance or a situation where we are not allowed to share our faith, our behavior can still show our belief. I can't help but hear the words to the chorus, “They'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes they'll know we are Christians by our love.”When we place our mind over the obstacle, our behavior becomes our voice. The voice that shows others the love of Christ.
There is a psychological principle known as cognitive behavioral thinking. It states that one can change the way they behave if they change their thinking pattern. This is seen in biblical context, especially when Paul instructs us to accept our circumstances.
Philippians 4 states, “ I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (v. 12-13).” When Paul was sent to prison, it would be easy to think that his ministry would be over. However, Paul uses his mind and behavior to continue to glorify God.
Many of us have been placed in situations where it is hard to minister to others. Some of us have family members that do not want to hear the gospel. Others have work environments that are not conducive to sharing the message. Despite these circumstances, Paul has urged us that we can still minister to others through our mind and actions.
Romans 12:2 explains, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- his good and pleasing and perfect will.” If we learn to put our mind over the matter, we will grasp “the secret.” Just because we may be in a difficult circumstance or a situation where we are not allowed to share our faith, our behavior can still show our belief. I can't help but hear the words to the chorus, “They'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes they'll know we are Christians by our love.”When we place our mind over the obstacle, our behavior becomes our voice. The voice that shows others the love of Christ.
Friday, April 10, 2009
"Empty Your Tomb"
We entered the chapel behind the sanctuary which was transformed into the empty tomb. Walls resembling stone surrounded us and white linens remained with a bright light cascading upon them. I approached the communion table that was placed inside, and shed a tear as I took the emblems. Our congregation had the privilege of experiencing a visual reenactment after Jesus rose from the dead.
“But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side and they were alarmed. Don't be alarmed, he said. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen (Mark 16:4-6)!”
When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, he had his life on earth taken away. When I looked at the white linens that were used in the tomb, it made me think of what he left. Jesus, the Messiah, had many things taken away from him. He left his friends (the disciples), the people he had healed, and those who he ministered. However, Christ emptied himself to follow his father's plan. This places even more significance on his teaching: “If anyone come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it (Mark 8:34-35).”
As I reminisce about this Easter service, I realize that three years have past. Things seem to be worse than they were then. I have never experienced a time in my life where I have heard so much about families struggling, having fear for our jobs, and worried about peace among nations. It forces me to think about how my life changes from year to year and to recognize the things that are taken away. It also allows me to realize how God has worked in those situations. What have you lost in your lifetime? What has been taken away from you that has left you confused or heartbroken? Remember that Jesus had his life taken from him, but received the ultimate blessing in return. As believers we are urged to remain encouraged. “ And we know that God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).”
“But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side and they were alarmed. Don't be alarmed, he said. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen (Mark 16:4-6)!”
When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, he had his life on earth taken away. When I looked at the white linens that were used in the tomb, it made me think of what he left. Jesus, the Messiah, had many things taken away from him. He left his friends (the disciples), the people he had healed, and those who he ministered. However, Christ emptied himself to follow his father's plan. This places even more significance on his teaching: “If anyone come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it (Mark 8:34-35).”
As I reminisce about this Easter service, I realize that three years have past. Things seem to be worse than they were then. I have never experienced a time in my life where I have heard so much about families struggling, having fear for our jobs, and worried about peace among nations. It forces me to think about how my life changes from year to year and to recognize the things that are taken away. It also allows me to realize how God has worked in those situations. What have you lost in your lifetime? What has been taken away from you that has left you confused or heartbroken? Remember that Jesus had his life taken from him, but received the ultimate blessing in return. As believers we are urged to remain encouraged. “ And we know that God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).”
Monday, March 23, 2009
"Call Me a Friend"
“What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer (What a Friend We Have in Jesus Hymn #279).”
Our oldest and closest friends are the sweet treasures of life. Mine goes back to eight years of age. We did what all friends should do: had sleepovers, dressed alike, played games, and talked on the phone until our parents told us to hang up.
Peer relationships are said to have as much, or in some stages of life, more influence than family or any other type of relationship. Jesus serves many roles to us as believers. An important and intimate role he plays, is a close friend. He proclaims, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends (John 15:15).”
Through friendships, you have each other to experience similar joys and trials. We essentially have someone to walk through this scary world called life. Jesus yearns for us to seek his counsel. He has experienced hardship and temptation, like we do on a daily basis. “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way just as we are- yet without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16).” There is no better life to emulate. Friends often act the same and make similar choices. Jesus hopes that we will live by his example.
At the beginning of my adult life, my family was presented with a challenge. I remember talking to my best friend on the phone, and she offered to come and comfort me when it was very late into the night. I have never felt more love from a friend in my entire life. This is beyond friendship. This reminds me of the type of relationship that our Savior and friend has laid before us. Jesus has offered his love. He has offered his guidance. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).”
Our oldest and closest friends are the sweet treasures of life. Mine goes back to eight years of age. We did what all friends should do: had sleepovers, dressed alike, played games, and talked on the phone until our parents told us to hang up.
Peer relationships are said to have as much, or in some stages of life, more influence than family or any other type of relationship. Jesus serves many roles to us as believers. An important and intimate role he plays, is a close friend. He proclaims, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends (John 15:15).”
Through friendships, you have each other to experience similar joys and trials. We essentially have someone to walk through this scary world called life. Jesus yearns for us to seek his counsel. He has experienced hardship and temptation, like we do on a daily basis. “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way just as we are- yet without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16).” There is no better life to emulate. Friends often act the same and make similar choices. Jesus hopes that we will live by his example.
At the beginning of my adult life, my family was presented with a challenge. I remember talking to my best friend on the phone, and she offered to come and comfort me when it was very late into the night. I have never felt more love from a friend in my entire life. This is beyond friendship. This reminds me of the type of relationship that our Savior and friend has laid before us. Jesus has offered his love. He has offered his guidance. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).”
"Walk this Way"
When I was growing up, my mom used to walk me to school every morning and pick me up in the afternoon. I only lived a block away from my elementary school, but when I was young it was a scary thing to walk to class on my own. By myself I could have encountered “stranger danger.” Or, I could have been tempted to walk in the street or be tardy for class. My mom knew of all these things, so she faithfully walked me to school until she knew I was ready to walk alone.
We often hear people use the phrase, “God will not give us anything we can't handle.” This is referring to the encouraging passage in 1 Corinthians 10:13 which states, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” It is probably safe to say that many of us have faced trials in our lives that have seemed overwhelming. We have questioned God if this is something that we are supposed to be able to handle.
Jesus also struggled with temptation and he sought God's guidance as a way to stand up to it. Luke 22 depicts Jesus at the Mount of Olives with his disciples. He instructed them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation (Luke 22:40).” Jesus demonstrates the example of what we should do so we do not fall. He knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will but yours be done. An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground (Luke 22:43-44).”
When I think about the memory of my mother walking me to school, I see the illustration of God's protection. He holds our hand as we walk this scary world, but yearns to see the day when we are able to stand up to it on our own. When I walked alone to school, I was able to meet the challenge because my mother had guided me. Just as prayer is God's guidance. What trial can you earnestly pray about, so God can strengthen you and watch you stand up to it?
We often hear people use the phrase, “God will not give us anything we can't handle.” This is referring to the encouraging passage in 1 Corinthians 10:13 which states, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” It is probably safe to say that many of us have faced trials in our lives that have seemed overwhelming. We have questioned God if this is something that we are supposed to be able to handle.
Jesus also struggled with temptation and he sought God's guidance as a way to stand up to it. Luke 22 depicts Jesus at the Mount of Olives with his disciples. He instructed them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation (Luke 22:40).” Jesus demonstrates the example of what we should do so we do not fall. He knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will but yours be done. An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground (Luke 22:43-44).”
When I think about the memory of my mother walking me to school, I see the illustration of God's protection. He holds our hand as we walk this scary world, but yearns to see the day when we are able to stand up to it on our own. When I walked alone to school, I was able to meet the challenge because my mother had guided me. Just as prayer is God's guidance. What trial can you earnestly pray about, so God can strengthen you and watch you stand up to it?
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