I have the pleasure of working with a boy who is labeled as anxious and socially withdrawn.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.
Monday, April 27, 2009
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?
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.
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