“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).”
Monday, March 23, 2009
"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?
Sunday, March 15, 2009
"Deserving Discipline"
Sitting in a corner, loosing our favorite toy, being grounded and having a curfew. These are familiar stages of the “dreaded discipline” that many of us experienced as a child. It is what we grew up with, and it is what we did not always seem to understand.
However, some children do not have the privilege of receiving discipline. Permissive parenting happens to many children, and the effects are damaging. Inconsistent rules, neglect, enabling behaviors and even abuse are taking place at this very moment. Unfortunately, these children typically grow up with no concept of authority and no appreciation for rules or boundaries.
When we receive discipline, it means that someone wants to invest their time into us for our own good. Our Heavenly Father, the Holy and Mighty One, has created an intimate parent-child relationship from the beginning of time. “My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son (Hebrews 12: 5-6).” The LORD wants to discipline His children, because He will not let us be neglected. He will not be disengaged. Our Father wants to shield us from the world and provide us with the love and knowledge to make good choices that will better our lives.
It is heart breaking to see children that are wrapped in confusion. They fend for themselves and do not know the difference between right and wrong. They have not grasped that correction can come from compassion. God does not want us to experience this inconsistency. He has said, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).”
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:11).” How does it make you feel to know that our great big God takes time each day to mold us into His precious creation? How does He correct you? How does He show His love to you on a daily basis? Believe in your heart that you deserve His discipline.
However, some children do not have the privilege of receiving discipline. Permissive parenting happens to many children, and the effects are damaging. Inconsistent rules, neglect, enabling behaviors and even abuse are taking place at this very moment. Unfortunately, these children typically grow up with no concept of authority and no appreciation for rules or boundaries.
When we receive discipline, it means that someone wants to invest their time into us for our own good. Our Heavenly Father, the Holy and Mighty One, has created an intimate parent-child relationship from the beginning of time. “My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son (Hebrews 12: 5-6).” The LORD wants to discipline His children, because He will not let us be neglected. He will not be disengaged. Our Father wants to shield us from the world and provide us with the love and knowledge to make good choices that will better our lives.
It is heart breaking to see children that are wrapped in confusion. They fend for themselves and do not know the difference between right and wrong. They have not grasped that correction can come from compassion. God does not want us to experience this inconsistency. He has said, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).”
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:11).” How does it make you feel to know that our great big God takes time each day to mold us into His precious creation? How does He correct you? How does He show His love to you on a daily basis? Believe in your heart that you deserve His discipline.
Monday, February 23, 2009
"Build it Up"
Numbers are big, scary and have always had the power to overtake me in a way that gives me the creeps! At least that was how I felt when I was eleven years old. I was in the fifth grade, and my teacher gave out an assignment that involved writing out all the multiples of the numbers one through twenty. She gave us a sheet of graph paper and told us to bring it in the next day.
I was confused with how I would possibly be able to finish this assignment on my own. Luckily, my older brother has always been advanced in math. He offered to help me finish it. My brother did not focus on my fear of numbers, but on the fun that we would have working together on a project. He encouraged me with my persistence, and told me that I could complete it. Ephesians 4:29 explains, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. My brother could have refused to help me. Or worse, criticized me for not understanding the assignment. However, he made me feel like a hard worker for sticking with the challenge.
When he guided me through the assignment, I did not become an expert in math. In fact, I have accepted that I will probably never become one. However, I gained valuable skills while I received his teaching. I understood patience as I dealt with a very scary thing for me. “We have different gifts according to the grace given us (Romans 12:6).” So, it is normal to have difficulty in the areas that we are not gifted. As believers, we will not possess every spiritual gift (Romans 12: 6-8). Although, we are called to understand the different facets of the Spirit, in which we live. Galatians 5:22 states, “ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
With my brother's help, I listed all the multiples up to the number twenty. He told me that he believed we could go further and write out all the multiples up to the number ninety-nine, which would fill up the entire sheet of graph paper. His encouragement, along with my persistence, allowed me to go beyond the expectation of the assignment. What is your struggle? Have you accepted your need in this area? Which fruit can be fulfilled? I realize now that it is okay if I am not an expert in math, but am thankful that I gained the fruit of patience through my challenge.
I was confused with how I would possibly be able to finish this assignment on my own. Luckily, my older brother has always been advanced in math. He offered to help me finish it. My brother did not focus on my fear of numbers, but on the fun that we would have working together on a project. He encouraged me with my persistence, and told me that I could complete it. Ephesians 4:29 explains, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. My brother could have refused to help me. Or worse, criticized me for not understanding the assignment. However, he made me feel like a hard worker for sticking with the challenge.
When he guided me through the assignment, I did not become an expert in math. In fact, I have accepted that I will probably never become one. However, I gained valuable skills while I received his teaching. I understood patience as I dealt with a very scary thing for me. “We have different gifts according to the grace given us (Romans 12:6).” So, it is normal to have difficulty in the areas that we are not gifted. As believers, we will not possess every spiritual gift (Romans 12: 6-8). Although, we are called to understand the different facets of the Spirit, in which we live. Galatians 5:22 states, “ But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
With my brother's help, I listed all the multiples up to the number twenty. He told me that he believed we could go further and write out all the multiples up to the number ninety-nine, which would fill up the entire sheet of graph paper. His encouragement, along with my persistence, allowed me to go beyond the expectation of the assignment. What is your struggle? Have you accepted your need in this area? Which fruit can be fulfilled? I realize now that it is okay if I am not an expert in math, but am thankful that I gained the fruit of patience through my challenge.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
"His First Love"
Every year on the Sunday before Valentine's Day, my Grammy Huffer would take out a little box from her purse that was filled with candy conversation hearts. The little ones that come in various colors, and have words written on them. I loved to read all the different phrases that were on the hearts. These were a special treat that she gave me, that grew into a tradition. It was a gesture that made me feel appreciated. This was a gift of love.
Likewise, God has a heart for us that overflows with unconditional love. He has chosen to give us the greatest expression of love that is absolutely immeasurable. “This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 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: 9-10).”
Even though we know this, it still seems inevitable to focus on the individuals who have difficulty accepting us. It is natural to feel rejected, persecuted, and struck down. However, the key to overcoming this is through love. “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us (1 John 4:12).” Loving others allows them to experience God's love and to better understand it ourselves.
I loved my Grammy very much, because she first loved me. This is how God loves us. He first loved us as His children. What words do you think God has written on your heart? Maybe it reads... accepted, chosen, creation, masterpiece, bold, forgiven. God will always have something to put on our heart. Remember this: “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him (1 John 4:16).” Go ahead and take a look. What does your heart say?
Likewise, God has a heart for us that overflows with unconditional love. He has chosen to give us the greatest expression of love that is absolutely immeasurable. “This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 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: 9-10).”
Even though we know this, it still seems inevitable to focus on the individuals who have difficulty accepting us. It is natural to feel rejected, persecuted, and struck down. However, the key to overcoming this is through love. “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us (1 John 4:12).” Loving others allows them to experience God's love and to better understand it ourselves.
I loved my Grammy very much, because she first loved me. This is how God loves us. He first loved us as His children. What words do you think God has written on your heart? Maybe it reads... accepted, chosen, creation, masterpiece, bold, forgiven. God will always have something to put on our heart. Remember this: “God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him (1 John 4:16).” Go ahead and take a look. What does your heart say?
Saturday, January 31, 2009
"The White Rose"
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.
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.
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).”
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