Take Root and Write

What Does a Christian Look Like? Part ll

Beautiful One, ask anyone what a Christian looks like, and the majority of the responses will be about outward signs and behaviors. But, no matter the response to this question, the fact remains that not one single answer can rightly define what a Christian looks like.

Being a Christian isn't about outward appearances, although outward changes are visible. But if being a Christian is about outward appearances, our Christian status is up to the interpretation of observers. What if someone misinterprets behavior? Or, what if someone who does good has an off day? Should their behavior disprove their Christianity?

Let's take a closer look.

Jesus said that they (the world) will know us as Christians by the love we have, one for another (John 13:34-35 NIV). The world will know, by love, not behavior modification. Do we realize that "right living" does not mean we are Christians? There are many people who do not believe in Jesus as Lord, but live and act more better than some Christians. I guess you could say, the proof is not always in the pudding; its in the love. It's in the heart. Being a Christian is not about our good works, it's about faith. Christianity is not about cleaning up your act, it is about a God who came down and already cleaned it up for you.

Now, don't let this confuse you, but faith without works is dead faith, so I am not saying don't try to live a life of integrity. We reach for the prize, we strive for excellence, it is our aim to grow, and being a Christian will produce a motivation within us to do right. It will also inspire us to work on changing things within ourselves. It's a life long process, and one that needs close connectivity to the outlet of the Father.

So many people, believers and non-believers have the idea that a Christian is one who is so good that they never fail, cheat, lie, steal, or have a bad day. The fact is, our position as a Christian is secure, but we will constantly wrestle with our condition, behaviors, and issues of life! Have you ever noticed when a Christian fails, people are right there during the lynching? They are judging, and even more angry at a Christian who falls, over any other person because they have a skewed imagination of what a Christian is supposed to look like.

Maybe Christ didn't get into the do's and don't s because he knew that being a Christian isn't defined by behaviors. Christianity is defined by love. We can see this with the Ten Commandments. I haven't met a person yet who has followed every one of them, have you?

The truth is, the whole Gospel is summed up with one word not a list: LOVE.

Love GOD. Love your neighbor and love yourself. That is it! Just think if everyone in the world would do this for just a day, how different our world would be. What if it was done for just an hour, do we realize the impact this would have and how many people would be changed, and helped if this were so?

Not everyone needs a prolific dissertation on the Scriptures, but everyone responds to love no matter who they are. God is love, and we are created in His image. The Bible says that love never fails. It may have its moments of pause, but genuine love is a sacrifice that never returns void.

Have you ever heard, "Love the sinner, and hate their sin?" I like to rephrase it, "Love the sinner, and hate our own sin!"

Beautiful One, it is possible to sit on the deck of Christianity, while below us is another who is tangled up in chains. It is possible to act unlovely while serving a lovely God. Aren't we all just a bunch of misfits working out our own salvation with fear and trembling? Even if some are good at not trembling in front of us, they still do it all the same.

Maybe we as Christians could better help the world understand us if we were real about some things. The one thing I continuously hear from non-believers is how phony and fake we are. Unfortunately, sometimes we can agree with them. The world will judge us more harshly because we get out there in front of them and tell them to come to Jesus and their life will be alright, while ours if you looked in the mirror has the same resemblance. 

Our marriages aren't any better and we have wayward, unruly children. Our debt and mismanagement suffocates our strength.  We lose jobs due to addictions, and our families suffer for our shortcomings. We have  the same relational problems just like the guy down the street and our tempers can flare sometimes more than our faith. The sun rises and sets on the just and the unjust, and at the end of the day can't we all just agree the only difference between us and the world is as Captain John Newton said;

"I am a great sinner, and Christ is an even Greater Savior!"

Beautiful One, just believe, and if you can say that, then you've answered the question; what does a Christian look like!

What Does A Christian Look Like?

Beautiful One, what does a Christian look like? I suppose the answer is not as simple as the question itself.

This last week I watched the drama unfold in the life of Mel Gibson. Like many others, I was somewhat dismayed and discouraged at the events surrounding him. The one thing I can safely say about Mr. Gibson's present circumstances, is, as awful as they may be, I despise the cycle he has gotten himself into more than his actions.

Beautiful One, many good people do bad things. The old line,"hurting people, hurt people," may sound like a cliche, but it is very true.

How can a Christian man who had been married for almost three decades, raised seven children, and produced a movie glorifying God (The Passion of the Christ), be sitting before us in the court of public opinion battling the woman who had a part (along with him) in destroying his first marriage?

How did this man get to where he is? Has the body of Christ yet endured another black eye?

If he were really a Christian, would he be in this mess? Is it possible to belong to the Lord while living a life that is a chaotic mess? Would a real Christian do and say hurtful things? The answer is yes.

An Empty Urn, or Fresh Cream?

Beautiful One, have you ever heard the saying, Perception is everything? Many of us have said it ourselves. But how often when we say things do we really take time to listen to ourselves? When was the last time you actually saw how you perceived things?

How we see ourselves, God, and others, will determine the level of victory we will attain in our daily lives. If we think less of ourselves than we should, we tend to attract others who see and treat us in that manner. If we don't think we deserve the best in life, there's a good chance it will elude us. And, if we get it anyway,  we will somehow push it away, because we don't see that we are worthy of it.

Recently the Lord used a habit of mine to teach me about my own perception. I am an avid Star Bucks iced coffee drinker. I confess that I make a minimum of three visits each day. I love the the drink and the whole experience of going into my neighborhood coffee shop, talking with the baristas and getting my iced cup of joe.  

Believe it or not, it never fails that when they hand me my iced coffee and I go over to the sugar and cream counter, the half and half urn is always empty. I kid you not! Without fail, it has become a long standing joke that when they see me coming, the baristas have to run to replenish the empty urn. 

The Poem

"It matters not how strait the gate, how charged with punishment the scroll. I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul" English Poet, W. E. Henley

Beautiful One, recently the movie, Invictus, came out. This movie is about Nelson Mandela, the President of South Africa, who was imprisoned for almost thirty years. Thirty years! He hadn't committed a crime; he was not violent, nor unjust. He simply believed in what he said, and was willing to take a stand. But, that stand cost him dearly. That stand landed him locked up behind bars for the better part of his life. Or, did it?

What could have destroyed this great man, actually made a good man, an even better man, and an even greater leader.

How is this possible? 

Early on, Mandela made the decision that although his body was locked up, there was something he possessed that no one could touch. It had no chains, not one single bar encased his most powerful ally--his mind.

Today, as well as in times past, two kinds of people are imprisoned. Those who deserve to be, and those who don't. Plain and simple.

Beautiful One, there are so many people who are paying heavy, because they carried life too lightly. For whatever reason they forgot life was beautiful, and meant to have meaning. Maybe no one bothered to love, teach, and guide them. They grew up embittered and calloused, and sought payback on the streets. Which among those in chains now,  valued the truth that actions do have consequences then? How many wasted their youth, fooled around, played by the fire and eventually got burned?

It is Possible.....

When the angel of the LORD appeared to Gideon, he said, "The LORD is with you, mighty warrior." "But sir," Gideon replied, "if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not the LORD bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the LORD has abandoned us and put us into the hand of the Midians." The LORD turned to him and said, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midians hand. Am I not sending you?"(Judges 6:12-14 NIV)

Beautiful One, in an unstable world full of uncertainty, how do we keep our head above the waters of life? The answer for Christians is an easy one: Jesus Christ! But, did you know you can be rooted in the Lord, and still feel like you are drowning? Did you know that head knowledge is completely different than heart knowledge? And, it is possible to have wounds within our minds that go deeper than the faith within our hearts.

It is possible, to believe pain more than to believe God!

What makes this statement true is that sometimes we feel God evades us. But, there never seems to be a shortage of pain, adversity, and hardship; they like to surprise us from around every corner of life. After turning enough corners, you realize that in order to get passed them, you must first go through them.

It hardly seems fair, especially if you have encountered many hardships in life. Sometimes, you can look around and think things could be worse; other times you realize things could be a whole lot better!

As you look back over the pages of life, it's easier to identify the defining moments in your life; places where choices were made, offenses occurred, and successes had their moments! But, why is it that we are so easily derailed and stalled by the wounds of life? Is that what we really want? Personally, I don't believe any sane person wants to be tormented and plagued by their pain. But sometimes when the pain is great, it's easier to not take that risk and believe for something better.

It is so much easier to not have any expectation, than to have one, and have it elude you.

It's so much easier to not do anything, than to do something and have it all fall apart, again.

Beautiful One, it's easier, but it's a lie!

When times of turmoil hit our homes and pierce our very hearts, we face a defining moment! We may despise the trial, shed buckets of tears, and act foolish in the process. But it's OK so long as we keep going, never give up hope, and believe for something greater than we could imagine!

When Gideon was in a cave hiding from the Mideanites, God came to him. God told him to get up and out of the cave, and go! He had a job for Gideon. But, Gideon, by his own admission was afraid, alone, and worn out. All he could see was his pain. He loved the Lord and knew all about God's strength and might. But, Gideon also knew the pain of oppression and injustice, because they stood on the corner in his life and daily called his name.

Facing Enemies

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel. (Genesis 3:18 NIV)

Have you ever been attacked by enemies? It is hard to understand unprovoked attacks and even harder to reconcile why they sometimes continue without end. No matter how much good you try to do, the enemies simply won't be satisfied until they see you destroyed. This may seem harsh, but the truth is this happens to many good people. It happens in families, on the jobs and yes, even in our churches. No one is immune to the disease of evil, and I believe that Christians face more enemies than most.

The Bible tells us that "all things work together for good" (Romans 8:28 NIV). But, we often think that in order for something to turn out for our good, it will all be good in the process. My friend, this is where the lines get blurred. God says, "all things work together for the good of those who are the called according to God for his purpose." It doesn't say, all things will be good to work out for good. 

Today, I am reminded of the Chief Priest Caiaphas. This man was largely responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus. If you are acquainted with Christ's betrayal, you know that Scripture clearly tell us  "that no man took Jesus life, He himself laid it down" (John 10:18). But, a process was in place in order for the "cross' to become a reality. The night Jesus was handed over, an evil plot was dispatched against him. He was falsely accused, no one wanted to hear the truth, even if they knew it themselves! Anyone who didn't stay silent and went to defend him, was quickly hushed up and hurried away.

HE Went Outside....

And so Jesus also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood. Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore. (Hebrews 13:13 NIV)

Beautiful One, have you ever noticed that most of Jesus' ministry was done out-of-doors? He traveled to many places teaching and bringing good news, but most of his ministry was done outside of the temple.

The House Of The Lord or Church as we call it today, is a wonderful place. If you have ever been active in a specific church you have probably discovered how special it is to belong and to connect with the Lord and His children. However, for many people the church has brought many sorrows. The place where many seek refuge has, instead, repelled others! Some will never recover from the wounds inflicted within those walls, and, may I say, this should never be.

Not on our watch! 

I currently work at a resort and encounter hundreds of people. Before this job I was in full-time ministry. It's safe to say that I'm a people person, and I encounter many from different backgrounds, religions, and varied social classes along the way.

Conflict-The God Kind!

"My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine." (Isaiah 55:8 NLT)

Beautiful One, there is something wondrous about life; something beautiful and worth having. However, life is sometimes painful and hard to figure out. It can leave us scratching our heads.

If you're reading this, you have life. Maybe you have lived long enough to realize that this simple four letter word, L-I-F-E, is not so simple. I sat down today and happened to skim through the pages of my son's world history book and realized that mans history has a common thread running throughout the annals of time . . . conflict!

Conflict handled inappropriately has caused dissension and strife in the lives of people throughout the ages. Conflict is not necessarily a bad thing and can even be healthy if handled properly and with respect.

Be Real

You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted. You encourage them, and you listen to their cry. (Psalm 10:17 NIV)

Beautiful One, did you know that the Bible is relevant and full of real LIFE? Skim through it's pages and you will find, comedy, drama, suspense, crime, and action. From one chapter to the next, you never know what a character will do or say.

What gives me great hope is that I find the Bible to be real. The issues that people dealt with throughout the pages of history are not so different from what we face today. Take a good look and you will find betrayal, adultery, murder, rape, lies, and addiction, just to name a few.

What I find so interesting is that some of those issues came straight from the Holy people that we revere and respect today. Look at Abraham; he took another woman into his bedroom because his wife was too impatient to wait on God's promise for a child.

Noah, was a man of integrity and uprightness who God told to build a ship and even gave him the blueprints. Yet after this great work, we find him passed out in drunkenness and in a precarious situation with a family member.

Whatever Is!

Beautiful One, many of us have heard the words made famous by Doris Day, "Whatever will be, will be." Maybe you've spoken them yourself as if to tell yourself to accept things that are out of our control. However, may I suggest that we don't settle in life for such a fate and, instead, focus on what truly determines our outcome? . .  that whatever God says IS, will be.

How many times have we encountered hardship and, because we did not deal with it effectively, found ourselves silently succumbing to the lie that we have not control and things won't change? That is very easy to do and, when the battle is long and hard, it takes a toll. One day we find that our faith has been seared, our trust is gone, and we cannot imagine things being any different then our circumstances dictate.

Beautiful One, may I encourage you with this: Hard times, long battles and, yes, even doubt and fear have a purpose. When we are spiritually and emotionally empty and have nothing left inside, that is when God does some of his best work. Sometimes in order for us to truly live, we have to die to everything we have known or experienced up to that point.

In Case You Didnt Know

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8 NIV)

Beautiful One, how many times have you heard that God loves you?  And, out of all those times, have you thought, Really? Then, why am I going through this?  When that question arises it is often because we are experiencing a difficult season. Troubling times can make us question God, Do you really love me? 

But, did you know you can love God and still question His love for you? You can have an innate desire to follow him, yet struggle in your efforts to follow Him. This can cause ripples in your spiritual life that, in your mind, create conflict in your relationship with God.

For most of us, it's part of the process: Trouble, doubt, and shortcomings all play a part in the production of us!  And, if we can be real and not put on a facade to impress others, God will use all of us no matter who we are. He will turn what we've been through around and use it for something good. In fact, the bigger the mess He has to work with, the greater the message of how awesome He is will be!

When Loving God Hurts, Is When Loving God Matters the Most....

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18 NIV)

Beautiful One, what happens to us when we've been through a crisis and we weren't completely healed  from it and tried to move on? But, while moving on we end up making huge mistakes along the way due to our lack of healing. 

Have you ever done something you never thought possible? Have you ever denied and violated your own principles and beliefs? Maybe no one knows about it; only you and God. But, because you've done it, you feel like you don't deserve God's grace and love even though you basked in it previously. Maybe a voice continually whispers, "You knew better, now you've done it!" So you allow the pain to fester. You silently suffering while going about life still trying to do the best you can.

Beautiful One, your forgetting something. Your best will never be good enough, just like your worst will never be so bad, that you can't recover. Sometimes being a Christian hurts. We have unspoken expectations of ourselves, God, and others. When met with any challenges that questions these expectations, it causes us to fear that it's all not as good as we thought. Our hope and confidence fades while pain takes its toll and we become weary.

Detours, Determination and Destiny

Beautiful One, have you been cruising along the freeway of life and suddenly found yourself on an unexpected detour? When detours arise without warning, it is hard to react quick enough to get back on track; we just hold and hope for the best.

Detours, bumps in the road, and even road blocks happen to everyone. Some are foreseeable and we can sometimes avoid them. However, there are obstacles that come out of nowhere like the loss of a job, physical or mental abuse, an affair, or even illness. Maybe a loved one dies. Maybe you woke up one day and realized you're addicted. These are just a few of the unexpected detours that insert themselves into our lives.

These sudden back roads can be painful and difficult to recover from. It doesn't help that we alienate ourselves from others. Systematically we push others away as the pain festers within because we feel afraid and misunderstood. Slowly but surely we become the product of complacency, tolerance and indecision. As time passes, we become so familiar on our detoured route that even if we wanted to make a turn for the better, the fear is so great within us, that we opt to stay in our misery.

According To God

Beautiful One, yesterday is gone, tomorrow has yet to arrive, here we are in today! Today, let's diminish the lies, cast off the regret, and determine in our hearts to be all we were created to be. Whether we win or lose in life does not matter; it's how we play the game that defines who we are . . . according to God!

I am amazed at the many goals and expectations the New Year tempts us to set. We are more inclined to make new goals and set fresh standards in January more than at any other time. What fascinates me is that even though this can be a good thing, it can also be an easy recipe for failure. What often happens is that if we lacked discipline in the previous year, we will probably struggle with it in a new year. Our goals and resolutions sound great and invigorate our hearts and minds, but just because it is January 1 of a new year, doesn't mean discipline automatically enters the picture.

This is just one example illustrating how we tend to think and operate in our daily lives; we start out committed and excited, then life happens. Work, kids, bills, you know . . .  life! Slowly and unintentionally our resolve starts wane and all our good intentions fly out the window. It's as if we think that just by setting goals, we will automatically attain them without any effort.

Beautiful One, I'm not saying we should not try new things or attempt to better ourselves; absolutely! try it, but start small and build from there. We need goals; we need fresh perspective in our lives.

However, what we need more than anything is a renewed mind; free of worry and doubt, but refueled with the Spirit. A mind that is at peace with God, so in return we will have peace within ourselves. In order for us to embrace a new beginning, we need to free our hearts and our minds from all the old things. Today is a new day, and the things that worked against you are old. God has something new to lay hold of and we simply cannot embrace it if our minds are already full of old stuff that needs renewal.

Celebrate!

But now, this is what the LORD says—  he who created you, O Jacob, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;  and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." (Isaiah 43: 1-7 NIV)

Beautiful One, here we are in the middle of the holiday season; its arrival may have surprised some of us. Christmas is a beloved time of year. We celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior as we gather together with family and friends. It is a season of giving to others and celebrating the culmination of every good thing in our lives. But, truly . . . how are you feeling?

For many, Christmas is a time filled with deep sadness. For those who are disconnected and displaced from friends and loved ones, this time of year can actually be depressing. Maybe painful memories fill the air instead of holiday cheer.

Beautiful One, we tend to be more sensitive to the reality of mishaps and misfortunes in our lives this time of year. Maybe it's because it is appropriate to spend time with our loved ones, or the individual expectations that everyone seems to have. But, what if your family is at odds? Pride and bitterness fill the punch bowl, and all who partake of the misery are tainted in some way. It can be stressful, if not explosive!

Eve, A Crowned Jewel

Now Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out to the field." And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. (Genesis 4:8 NIV)

Beautiful One, what happens when someone's actions are hurtful, and their consequences affect you directly? What happens when a child, spouse, parent, or sibling does the unthinkable? How do we move forward when the pain holds us back?

I have spent a lot of time thinking about Eve, the first woman. In my opinion she is the crown God placed upon creation. God formed and fashioned her according to his own image using a rib from the Adam, the first man. God didn't just call her out, He carefully and skillfully took his time with her. (I like to think that God saved the best for last.)

Eve was beautifully formed and chosen, given by God himself in the Garden Of Eden to be a companion and helper to her husband. Eve was fully equipped to provide Adam with love, companionship and the help he needed. I think we sometimes forget what an incredible treasure woman is.

Eve was created and existed in a beautiful place, but heartache and hardship were just around the corner.  Adam and Eve were banished from the lush garden when they disobeyed God said turned their ears to the voice of another.

Here Comes That Dreamer

"Here comes that dreamer!" they said to each other. (Genesis 37:19 NIV)

Beautiful One, did you know that without a dream, your dream can't come true? And while were on the subject, since when do dreams know boundaries anyway?

We are rapidly approaching the end of another year. Maybe we started this year with great expectations. As we moved through the months maybe our expectations or goals encountered troubles that seemed to push us back and down. Whether we were setback or moved forward doesn't really matter. In the end, everything we encountered is all part of God's plan. Everything will work together and for our good. Imagine that! Think about it this way: setbacks are actually setups. Setbacks can be the very blueprints for our amazing comebacks. If we allow it, they can be the catalyst that ushers us into the very thing God had in store for us all along.

Beautiful One, we need to remember that God is in control at all times. The Bible clearly tells us that the steps of a man are directed by the Lord (Proverbs 20:24 NIV). So, if you have stepped into trouble somewhere along the way, be of good cheer! There has never been a step you have taken that God himself didn't already foresee and make provision for.

Water In The Pipe

Beautiful One, did you know that when enough pressure is applied to your life, you can break?
Even the most anointed, faith-filled, powerful people will break in extreme situations. The fact is: we all have a breaking point, and none of us knows where it is until we reach it.

The Bible is filled with stories of men and women just like us; they had desires and dreams, as well as weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and pain. What made these men and women notable in the history of Gods Word? What made these people catch the attention of God and stand out? Could it be that they just took him at his Word and believed Him? Is it really that simple?

Beautiful One, why is it when we encounter trying times that we so easily forget that there is nothing new under the sun? Our trials may be new to us, but the truth is that someone somewhere has walked through the same thing before us. We need to remember that our trials are our teachers and they are meant to define our faith, not destroy it.

When we examine the lives of great men and women, often times the things that made them great were not their successes. It was the perseverance they displayed against the enormous odds that they faced. They never gave up!

Beautiful One, let me remind you that there will be seasons in life where you will feel insurmountable pressure. There will be times when nothing makes sense, including God. Everything we thought we understood inexplicably escapes our grasp.

What's Stopping You?

When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"

"Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."

 Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk. (John 5:5-8 NIV) 

Beautiful One, do you know that in one day, something that has hurt you for years can turn around? In one hour, you can rise out of the ashes of adversity. The question is: do you believe it? Or has adversity tainted your faith and polluted your mind? Does blindness prevent you from seeing things the way they really are?

Beautiful One, do you want to be well?

Countless books have been written about Jesus. Who exactly was He? Scholars and theologians alike have given their insight about the most notable and famous man that ever lived. Even 2000 years later, when you mention the name of Jesus it can incite love and adoration, or disbelief and disregard. Many will fall somewhere in between the two scenarios. But, no matter what one believes about Jesus, there is no denying his influence upon this earth.

The Bible records Jesus three and half years of ministry. During those years, we can see a common thread. He came to help people, to change and make their lives better. He loved people no matter what they had done. In fact, the more things people had done to incur pain and chaos, the more attention and care Jesus showed them.

The Edge....

"I have had enough, LORD, take my life; I am no better than my ancestors"(1 Kings 19:4-5 NIV).

Beautiful One, did you know that you can be in love with God, following him, and still, have a broken heart?

Did you know it's possible to have friends and family that love you and yet be alone? Do you know what it is to experience without a doubt, God moving mountains and parting waters on your behalf, and still feel like giving up? Do you know what it is to be wandering around and not knowing which way to go? You just stay on the path and hope a turn is coming up somewhere.

Beautiful One, you are not alone. 

The edge is a place that many speak about. Many have said, "I am on the edge of a breakthrough!" However, others know the edge of no return. Life as we knew it, is gone. To go backwards would set us back. To just stop would paralyze us. And, to keep going would send us into the abyss of the unknown.

When you've reached the edge, you have experienced so many losses that you don't even care about winning. You just accept that is your portion in life and you eat spoonfuls of misery. And while something deep inside your soul groans, your heart is screaming don't give up!

Almost There....

When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."  (John 11:32 NIV)

Beautiful One, have you ever questioned God's sovereignty and been disappointed? Does God get any glory from things that don't happen? This may seem obvious but, when we walk through certain trials and tribulations, we sometimes question the Lord. Why did you let this happen, God? You could have prevented this or changed it.

Many Christians struggle with these questions. It's as if they are afraid to admit it, fearing they may appear to have a weak faith or no faith at all. In case no one told you, we all question God and He does not mind our questions. He created us to think and to problem solve. When an answer seems to escape us and, we turn to the One who knows it all. It is not a sign of struggling faith, but rather a genuine heart longing for a reason. If you didn't have faith you wouldn't even ask such things of God.

The Bible tells us that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, we can move mountains. That means when we apply the soothing balm of faith to our problems, we can remove them. We know those words about faith are true, but what happens when the only thing your mountain does, is grow larger while still standing in your way?

Beautiful One, sometimes things happen that make absolutely no sense. Sometimes in the midst of turmoil, we think we've done something wrong; we think an attack came as a result of some failure on our part. This is not always the case; trouble sometimes shows up to divert your attention, and throw you off course. Why? Because you are so close to receiving God's promise of glory and honor in your life.

Don't give up, you're almost there!

In Our Town

If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother.  Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs. (Deuteronomy 15:7-8 NIV)

Beautiful One, how open handed are you?

No matter where we go or what town we are in, we will encounter the poor. Whether we drive past them on a street corner, while vacationing, or walking to work, at some point we will encounter them.

There is no denying that the poor are among us.

No matter how secure we are in our comfortable lives (whether we live high up on a hill, or low in a valley) the truth remains that there is always a brother or sister in great need within our own backyards. What thought crosses your mind when you read their sign asking for help? How do they make us feel? . . . annoyed? angry? charitable? Maybe we judge them and find justifications as to why they are there.

As if we know.

Maybe we pretend not to see them. Do we dare make eye contact?

Beautiful One, suffering is so prevalent in our world and it can be overwhelming. We do our best as Christians to love people, serve in our churches, and give to ministries, and overall, many of us do try to make a difference.

Sometimes though, the places God directs us are not to the farthest regions of the earth, but right here, in our own town. I can support missionaries who go to Africa, but what am I doing to support the family that just lost everything down the street? What about that single mother I know who is raising her children by herself? Who is helping her children who are fatherless, and without their working mother fifteen hours a day? What about that homeless man who loiters the same street corner day after day? What am I doing to help ease his suffering? Oh that's right, I gave him a few bucks once. I felt really good about it  and then continued on my way.

Recently I went out of town for my birthday. I went to dinner and enjoyed walking the streets of the city I was visiting. As I walked a small, frail-looking man scurried past me; he headed straight towards a garbage can.

When God Walks In

"Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea or walked in the recesses of the deep?"(Job 38:16 NIV).

Beautiful one, think of all places your feet have taken you. Looking back from where you now stand, it's easy to see how far you've come. Now, ponder a moment the steps ahead. We cannot change our past, but we can take it step-by-step from this day forward. We can begin making the necessary changes and adjustments in our daily walk. To do so is to journey to a place much better than where many of us have been in our lives

Life. It is a strange four letter word.

Life can mean many things to many people, but we each have one. 

Skim through the pages of time, all of man's history has a common thread; a connection that binds human souls together. I may not have personally known the Apostle Paul, Moses, or Jacob, but I can connect to them through their pain and weakness.

Pain has a funny way of making friends. We will each encounter personal triumph, but it is mans weakness that brings us closer together. Pain and weakness if not dealt with properly, can alter the course of your life; stealing your hope, paralyzing your dreams, and rendering you ineffective.

Sometimes I read articles from the many talented and beautiful women I write with at Take Root and Write. I enjoy reading the fun things like cooking and beauty. Then I come back to my life and as I write, I realize that it is always to the broken, the bruised, and bleeding.

Get Rid Of It!

Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. (Mark 11:22 NLT)

Beautiful One, have you ever put your socks on, and slipped your feet into your shoes only to discover, you have a small pebble like object stuck in there too? Somehow, instead of just bending over and taking off your socks and shoe, which seems tedious at the time,  you think with some fancy footwork and skilled maneuvering you can somehow shift the pebble around to the side so you wont have to feel it anymore... Sounds good, but rarely does it work!

You manage to shift the small annoyance and go about your business. But, somewhere along the way the stone finds its way back to the bottom of your foot; it's not going to go away quietly. At this point you are totally inconvenienced and 'have to' bend over, take off both your shoe and sock, and remove the stone!

You could have done it sooner, but you chose not to.

Life can be like that. Sometimes issues start out like small stones; irritating. However, when left unattended they can easily turn into much bigger problems. In fact, just because we don't deal with them doesn't mean they aren't there. It just means that we ignore and avoid. But that doesn't stop the big white elephant from growing in the room. And, despite the blanket we throw over it, he is not going to go away. And that immovable stone becomes a boulder that eventually breaks everything it comes into contact with.

Beneath the Surface

Beautiful One, do you realize that no matter what's going on around you, it's what is going on within you that matters? Our external circumstances and the external picture that we portray to the world is not who we are. Who we are is who we are when we're alone; when no one is watching, applauding, or  disapproving.

Who we are is what is hidden deep within us, beneath the surface.

People, no matter their shape, color, sex, geographic location and, yes, even their religion, are what matters to God. We are His very heartbeat. We are what matters. We are what he uses. We are important and valuable.  We are hugely mistaken if we fail to recognize that people are what matters to God.

 The truth remains; Christ left His heavenly throne to die on a cross to redeem people. People matter to God. People is what He formed the earth for. God made the earth to be inhabited with His creation.

We work, we play, we go, go, go, yet, our relationships suffer. People that we work with receive the best of us while the people that we love, get leftovers. We go to church on Sunday, yet by Monday, we have already forgotten the great message about doing unto to others.

Do we understand that we all are in this life together? After this we are going to die. Yes, we will be with the Lord, but there is a reason that He destined and created us to be here on this earth.

Take A Hike

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:10 NIV)

Sir Edmund Hillary was the first man to climb Mount Everest. On May 29, 1953 he scaled the highest mountain then known to man-29,000 feet straight up. He was knighted for his efforts. 

He even made American Express card commercials because of it! However, until we read his book, High Adventure, we don't understand that Hillary had to grow into this success. You see, in 1952 he attempted to climb Mount Everest, but failed. A few weeks later a group in England asked him to address its members.

Hillary walked on stage to a thunderous applause. The audience was recognizing an attempt at greatness, but Edmund Hillary saw himself as a failure. He moved away from the microphone and walked to the edge of the platform.

He made a fist and pointed at a picture of the mountain. He said in a loud voice, "Mount Everest, you beat me the first time, but I'll beat you the next time because you've grown all you are going to grow... but I'm still growing!"

Not This Time!

I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all. (Ecclesiastes 9:11 NIV)

Beautiful One, does it ever seem like the same people and events surround your life? You've walked through certain things at various times in your life, and even though you overcame, they still pop up from time to time? It's almost as if they are there to make you go backwards; to derail you from your destination.

As we look back on these places, a sense of pride swells in us. Not for anything we have done, for if God didn't lend us a hand, we never would have made it. Nevertheless, there is always a choice involved on our part. God provides the help, but we have to determine in our hearts that where we started is not where we are going to stay.

Beautiful One, life happens. We plan and prepare the best we can. Our values are molded and formed early on by our families. Some of us were misguided, but life happens anyway. Life has a way of interrupting and wreaking havoc in unexpected places.

Who among us hasn't been disappointed and let down? Who among us hasn't encountered heartache along the way? We all have! Some more than others, but in the end we each are responsible for learning and growing through our adversities. If we don't, we risk becoming stagnant, stale, and bitter as a result of them. This is no easy task. Especially when hardship and heartache have hit your house and you had nothing to do with it.

There's No Place Like Home!

Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head" (Luke 9:58 NIV).

Beautiful One, have you seen her?  She's the one with the disheveled appearance and the gaunt look on her face. She hasn't showered in days. She's the one who, when we go home at night, stands on a street corner holding her sign made from a box.

It reads: HOMELESS.

Beautiful One, have you seen her?

When I was a young girl I wanted to be Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. I absolutely loved her. I thought Dorothy was so beautiful with her brown hair and her blue and white dress. Not to mention those ruby red slippers! They were the most fabulous pair of slippers my eyes ever beheld. I had a pair, and I wore those shoes everywhere I went. In my imagination, I felt like a beautiful princess waiting for something magical to happen whenever I slipped my feet into them. I remember clicking my heels three times and saying, "There's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like home."

Nothing magical ever happened. But I really did believe that there was"no place like home." But, what happens when you don't actually have a home? What happens when the only home someone has ever known is ripped away? What if home is such an  unhappy place and the pain is so great that one actually takes flight to escape? What happens when a home is nothing more than something that belongs to someone else?

Paid In Full

He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.
(Proverbs 19:17 NIV)

One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school. He had only a dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water.

She thought he looked hungry so she brought him a large glass of milk.  He drank it slowly, and then asked, "How much do I owe you?"

"You don't owe me anything," she replied. "Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness."

He said, "Then I thank you from my heart." As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was also stronger. He had been ready to give up and quit.

Years later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, he immediately rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room.

That's Just the Way It Is.....

Two are better than one. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! (Ecclesiastes 4:10 NIV) word 953

Beautiful One, did you know that we were created for relationship? Relationships are designed to bring fulfillment, love, nurturing and strength to our lives. 

Sometimes our relationships are strong and thriving. And then, sometimes they are weak and unhealthy. Because of events, circumstances, character issues, and how well the people in the relationships are doing in their own personal life. These things are a huge consideration as to whether a particular relationship will grow and endure or wither and die.

What happens when a relationship has wounded you and left a gaping hole in your heart? Generally, these wounds aren't inflicted by strangers.True anyone can wound us, but I am talking about those closest to you.

Those that cheer for you in the stands as you run your race. You know whether your friends are cheering for you and chances are that you know how good it feels to have a captive audience encouraging you along your way.

You might also know what it is to not have had this; maybe your audience holds you captive! Maybe the ones who were supposed to protect and love you were the very ones who walked off and left you. Being affected by the "gift" of abandonment, you now approach every relationship through the lens of pain and mistrust. And because you weren't shown consideration, you don't believe you have any worth and therefore won't receive it.

YES, You Can....

 

Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." (Numbers 13:20 NIV)

Beautiful One, did you know that it’s not who you are, but, who you think you are not that will alter the course of your life?

Let's face it. We all have issues. Some of us have a lot more issues than others. Because of the pain and pressure issues can bring, it can be so overwhelming and seem impossible to gain a victory.  

 

My friend, it is one thing to have an issue and it is another to let it have you.

 

Have you ever been identified by your issues? You don’t have a name anymore. You're a label. In this life we are going to face certain oppositions.  May I suggest to you that even though we may be hard pressed today, we don't have to stay that way.

The battle is fought and won in our minds. Perception is everything. It's not the problem that keeps us down; it's how we see ourselves in it. The Bible says; "as a man thinks in his heart, so is he"(Proverbs 23:7 NIV).

Protecting Against Satan

Then the Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. (Genesis 2:15 NLT)

Beautiful One, did you know that to offend means to cause difficulty, discomfort, or injury? To cause pain to. Offend means to cause one to sin or fall and  offend also means to violate a divine or moral law.

So, what do you do when you realize that you are being repeatedly and consistently offended and wounded? What do you do when you realize that a plot has been hatched against you? Ultimately the plot is to render you ineffective and separate you from your Father; to paralyze and to destroy you.

The plot is run by the CEO of Hell; a guy by the name of Satan. He is relentless in his pursuits and he doesn't play fair. He breaks all the rules, and he is cunning and crafty. He lies to and about you. He steals anything he can from you. And because of his nature, he will appear as something good and even wants to befriend you for a time. 

Beautiful One, this isn't new news. Evil has been in the world since the Garden of Eden. In fact, when God formed man and breathed the breath of life into him, evil was there.

I know it is not a popular subject to talk about and there are many opinions and beliefs about this subject. Even Christian' views differ. But the truth is, God has an enemy and so do we. The Bible speaks of Satan and calls him a roaring lion, accuser, adversary, and father of lies. Painting a descriptive portrait of the one we are dealing with, whether you believe in Satan or not, is not the issue. The truth remains that he is real and he is formidable. If you and I don't know who we are and what power we have in Jesus Christ, we will have a hard time escaping the devil's schemes.

Jumping Ship

But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. ( Matthew 14:27-29 NIV)

Beautiful One, did you know that there is a space called "doubt" when we move from our past to our future? Moving from what "was", to what "is" can be a difficult transition. That five-letter word, doubt, can creep in and cause a lot of turmoil in our lives.

In Hebrews 11:1, it is written that "...faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." But how is it that when we try to walk by faith, the things that we see are the things we think have all the substance?

Beautiful One, faith is not faith until it is challenged. If nothing ever challenges you or brings a question mark to mind, then it is nothing more than blind faith. How will we know what our faith is made of unless doubt shows up and shakes it to the core?

Life has a way of just happening. Things that you never imagine, happen! 

These unwanted issues are a fact of life. None of us is spared. As sure as we draw breath, we will experience a double-edged sword of faith and fear operating as one and piercing our lives.

The good news is, even if fear is present, our faith can be bigger than our fear. The not so good news is, in order for our faith to rise to the occasion, we are going to have to exercise it. Exercise is not fun at first, especially if were not used to it. It takes time and practice before we see the desired result burst forth. Just as exercise takes perseverance and action, so does our faith. There is hard work and sweat involved. The question is: Are we going to stick with it, even when we don't feel like it? At some point,  we're going to have to look fear square in the eye and say, "I may see, feel, and hear you, but I'm going to do whatever it takes to do whatever it takes to stare you down . . .regardless of how feels.

Get Up and Get Going!

Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (Isaiah 30:20-21 NIV)

Beautiful One, there will be times when life will drop us. There are moments that seem like an eternity and we will find ourselves face down, struggling to get up. And then, when we manage to finally get up, something else may come along and knock us down again.

It's not what puts us down that is the issue, but rather the fact that we must overcome; are we going to be like the many and stay down?.... or will we be the few that rise like the mythical phoenix?

Did you know that a baby giraffe when it's born, falls ten feet from its mother's womb and lands on its back? It rolls over and tucks its legs under its body. From this position it considers the world for the first time. Then the mother giraffe rudely introduces its offspring to the reality of life.

The mother giraffe lowers her head, takes a quick look, then she positions herself directly over her calf and does the most unreasonable thing. She swings her long, pendulous leg outward and kicks her baby. Sending it sprawling head over heels. When it doesn't get up, the violent process is repeated over and over again.

The struggle to rise is momentous.

As the baby calf grows tired, the mother kicks it again to stimulate its efforts. Finally, the calf stands for the first time. Then the mother giraffe kicks it off its feet again. Why? She wants it to remember how it got up. What seems like a cruelty and rejection is only done out of love. To teach the baby giraffe to be quick, and alert and, to never forget how to get up. So when a predator comes, it will be able to survive.

Purpose: Who Knew?

All things work together for the good of the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)

Beautiful One, do you realize that your life and everything you have experienced has a purpose? Not just any purpose, but a very specific one? A purpose was assigned to you before the foundation of the world, and before you were formed in your mother's womb. Think for a moment: if you had not lived through what you did, it would not have caused this or that to have happened. Our circumstances, trials, and even our successes are all part of a divine plan that is larger than we can imagine.

Do you realize that even though you have a freewill, an active thinking mind, and feet that help you carry out your plans, "that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord?" (Proverbs 37:23 NIV)

The truth is, nothing just happens; especially, for those of us who have lived through and survived the unthinkable. When pondering things that don't make sense such as abuse and the bondage of self destructive ways of living, we need to be reminded that nothing just happens; that all things work together for the good of those who are the Lords.(Romans 8:28 NIV)

Do you look back over the pages of your story and feel the desire to rip out a few chapters? Maybe trash the whole book? If so, remember that what happened to you is not the greatest tragedy of your life. The greatest tragedy would be failing to arise from the ashes, ascend the hill, and fulfill your God given purpose on this earth.

Beautiful One, God knows how old you are and what you've been through. He knows who left you, who mistreated you, and who loved you. He knows why you do what you do, and He knows exactly how and when to bring you out. The question we must ask ourselves is, who else knew?

Who knew....

when Joseph's brothers despised him and threw him into a pit that it was the first step of many towards positioning him to help rule Egypt?

who knew that a prostitute, with one act of faith, would save her whole house?

Where Amazing Happens

 

All things are possible for those who believe. (Mark 9:23 NIV)

Sooner or later, you start taking yourself seriously. You know when you need a break. You know when you need a rest. You know what to get worked up about and what to get rid of. And you know when it's time to take care of yourself, for yourself. To do something that makes you stronger, faster, more complete. Because you know it's never too late to have a life. And never too late to change one.  Just Do It!
Nike

Beautiful One, do you know where "Amazing Happens?"

It's where;

Truth happens. Adversity and misfortunes happen. Where destinies happen. Where struggles and challenges happen. Amazing happens when trials and tears happen. Amazing happens, when nothing makes sense, when the lines get blurred. Amazing happens when all hope is gone, for only then, can new beginnings happen.

Amazing happens when everyone walks out, and the only One who can help, stays. Amazing happens when failures and regret are only reminders of the dream that awaits you in a different way. Amazing happens when the eyes of the heart are awakened. Amazing happens when you know what's impossible for man shall be possible with God.

Great Savior

 

"Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold" (Mathew 24:12 NASB).

Beautiful One, there is so much going on in the world around us. From east to west, from north to south, adversity and hardship have reared their ugly heads. How are you doing in the midst of these? 

How has your heart been lately? 

There is no doubt about it, we are living in troubled times. The earth is in turmoil; hurricanes, earthquakes, wars, and recessions just to name a few. Yes, troubled might be an understatement.

But, even though there is trouble and even though there is pressure on every side, there is a way of escape. Maybe you are not directly affected by what is going on in Iraq or Israel, but what about within your own home or your own heart?

Beautiful One, we are constantly inundated with what’s going on in the world from celebrities to CNN. In some way, we are influenced by what we see, hear, and feel.

Everyday many of our children leave us and go to school. Our realm of influence is limited to after school, nights, weekends and vacations (if even that). Then, cut that time short because of video games, friends and, outings. Where is the main realm of influence to our kids coming from? Everyday someone else is pouring into them. Are we able to stand in full confidence that what we have taught them will override anything that is contrary?

What about marriage? Many homes have both couples working these days. Usually, the higher the income, the more time spent away from a spouse. The job with those long hours that got you to where you are with the earnings high, now has to be maintained because spending is even higher. Are marriages and the people in them grounded and committed enough to sustain the pressures and temptations that are awaiting them each day as they walk out the door?

The world we live in screams a message to each one of us that- life is short, live like there's no tomorrow and no consequences. No matter who you trample on in the process. Enjoy all the pleasures you can because you only live once.

And the screaming is getting louder.

When you really think about it, you find out it's true. And, if you really think about it, that message is terrible and fiercely misleading.

Beautiful One, when troubled times come, how do you handle it? Do you confront it head on? Do you cower? Do you avoid it hoping it will go to someone else's door? What do you do when your marriage is in trouble? The mishap you thought you could work through, just won't allow you to; especially when you find out there is more.  Respect, love, and communication is gone. The deafening silence is even more painful because you know it holds the truth. Or, what about when your child is in trouble?. . .drugs, alcohol, or the wrong crowd. They quit school, run off, and leave your heart in such anguish, torn in pieces.

Maybe you have a friend or family member who has an addiction, and their only cure is to sink deeper into it? What do you do when you are unjustly mistreated or provoked? To make it even worse, no one believes you. No one else is there to stand beside you.

Maybe you’ve lost a job and it has caused you to lose everything you have. Maybe a tornado or a Katrina ripped through your life and destroyed everything you hold dear. Maybe, you live across the seas in a distant land, and the injustice and pain you incur daily has you on the threshold of losing all hope to even live.

When trouble comes at an all time high in our lives, we need to be careful to guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. For if we don’t vigilantly guard them, our love could grow cold.

Beautiful One, pain is pain and trouble is trouble. Whether we sit high up on a hill, or low in the dirt on a mat. Each one of us will know troubled times. We run the risk every time trouble hits our doorstep, of it piercing our hearts and leaving a gaping wound.

Because there is great trouble, we need something greater than our adversity to be able to overcome and be the last man standing. 

We need a Great Savior!

Now, I don’t know about you but in my 37 years on this earth, I don’t have all the answers. I’m not even close to having it all figured out. What I do have, is the understanding that there is a God who loves me and has promised to keep careful watch over me. No matter what I walk through. He has given me his Word that He will walk through every trial, test and storm. He will be with me every step of the way.

Even when I’m afraid. Even when I falter. Even when I fall down. Even when I don’t feel, see or hear him.

God is there.

He is there with you as well...

Beautiful One, the grass withers, the flower fades but His Word shall stand forever.(Isaiah 40:8 NASB)

Jesus the Word that was made flesh. He is our hope and strength during troubled times. Jesus knew many troubles. He was a man of many sorrows, many.... but He endured. Never wavering in unbelief or his commitment. He overcame every obstacle, test, and trial. He overcame the cross, despising it’s shame.

And He did it, so that you and I can too. All because……He’s a Great Savior!

Beautiful one, just believe and guard your heart so that your love will increase and never grow cold...

All Roads Lead to Somewhere...

This is what the LORD says: "In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances, to say to the captives, 'Come out,' and to those in darkness, 'Be free!'  "They will feed beside the roads and find pasture on every barren hill. (Isaiah 49:8-9 NIV)

Beautiful One, what do you do when the direction you've been heading takes an unexpected turn? How do you navigate your way through life when you feel like your lost and in unfamiliar territory?

Have you ever had one of those days where you just wish you never got out of bed? You wake up and nothing seems to go right. To top it off, your late. Really late. You grab your keys. Spill your coffee. You manage to make it out the door but you know you forgot something. Just don't know what. Yet.....

You're driving and encounter every red light possible. You miraculously manage to get behind every slow driver on the road. You're in a hurry, impatient, and completely stressed out.

Then, as if it can't get any worse, you notice that the road you're on has a detour. You cannot go the way you had planned. Instead, you are led in a different direction. Ultimately the detour will get you to where you're supposed to go.  Just not the way you had thought, or in the time you allowed.

Life can be that way. Our life's journey sometimes looks like the above scenario. It is said that "all roads lead to somewhere." But, what happens when your road leads to nowhere; a dead end? Or, the road is so bumpy that it gives you a flat tire and leaves you stranded by the roadside. What happens when you unknowingly take a wrong turn and you end up in a place that looks nothing like what you expected?

What do you do?

Imperfection: Perfect for God!

What you decide on will be done and light will shine on your ways. (Job 22:28 NIV)

Beautiful One, when the lights go out and the curtain comes down, will you be found wanting, or will you proudly take your last bow?

Have you ever pondered what the men and women in the Bible were really like? I mean really like, in their day. What were some of the issues that they had to deal with? Work, family, finances, relationships, and life issues in general. Were they really any different than you and me?

I recently had a conversation with a dear friend of mine who isn't saved, although he is very curious about the Lord. Especially since I entered the picture of his life. We were talking and I asked him exactly what he thought about church and Christians. He responded, "Only real good Christians can go to church and make it into heaven." At least that is what he had been led to believe during the course of his life. You see, my friend was raised in a Christian home, his parents are believers. Somewhere along his way, he hit a few roadblocks and hasn't recovered.  He has a heart of gold but it is suffering from alcoholism that is perpetuated by his guilt and regret over his sister’s untimely death from anorexia and bulimia.

Beautiful One, we all have issues. The only thing that separates a believer from an unbeliever is that our hope is in the living God and we have access to Him. Each of us have things come our way that we must deal with. Some of us fare better only because we have walked through the challenges of life and God has been faithful during these times. If we pay close attention to what my friend was telling me, we have an opportunity to peek into the minds and hearts of many that are out there: that one has to be downright near perfect to get in good with God.

That's simply not true.

It Ain't Fair....

Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. Proverbs 2:9

Beautiful One, how many times have you heard the saying:

"Life isn't fair?"

Maybe you've said it yourself. Even though we all know this to be true, things, people, and circumstances come our way that are seemingly so beyond unfair, that if we are not careful as to how we recover, it could leave us worse off than when they found us.

Fair, it is a word that resonates deep within us. As children most of us were taught to play fair and be nice. And as children always like to do, we fought it for a few moments because we were staunch in our stand of having our way. We really didn't care about being fair.

Fast forward.

By the time we reach adulthood, we have experienced enough successes and setbacks. It took no time in the game of life to realize that not all the players, play nice let alone fair.

Sometimes we find ourselves in circumstances beyond our control. That's just a fact of life. There are a lot of things we will never have a say in. But then, there are things we will encounter that we are very much a part of.  Whether or not we created or established ourselves within the vicissitudes of life, isn't the issue. The issue is; we have a choice as to how we will react and respond.

The Road to Beautiful......

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. Psalm 23:4 NIV

Beautiful One, what will you encounter on the road to beautiful?

We all are on a road leading somewhere. We each started life taking stumbling baby steps and falling down until we gathered our strength and were able to walk.

For some of us, we walked straight into beauty. It's as if we were just destined to be successful and with little effort we walked into love, support, and security. It shaped and molded our confidence so that nothing would seem impossible to us.

Then, there are those of us who took time (lots of time) to find our way into something beautiful. Sometimes we were like infants,stumbling and falling often. But just as a caterpillar struggles and squirms his way out of a cocoon after a long arduous battle, we finally emerged with beauty and were ready to take on the world with brand new wings.

But whether we started out strong or barely started isn't the issue. In the end it really doesn't what your beginning looked like. The Bible tells us that 'the end of a matter is greater than it's beginning' (Ecclesiastes 7:8 NIV). It's not how well you started but how well you finish. . .or finishing at all.

Sometimes we encounter people who just seem to have it all it together. These people inspired you and leave you scratching your head wondering how it is that exactly everything seems to just go their way. But I have come to realize that, although everything might appear outwardly great, these people are no different than you and me. None of us will ever escape the enemies within and alongside us.

Dead and Gone.....

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
(2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)

Beautiful One, did you know that the old you, is dead and gone?

I don't usually listen to rap music, but having four teenage sons, I have been exposed to it more and more in recent months. One song in particular has caught my attention The rapper T I and Justin Timberlake have a song out called "Dead and Gone." I have to admit, I love this song.
This song brings the message of redeemed life. A life that has taken a few wrong turns, but makes it to the other side!

Isn't that what the Christian life is all about?  We've all taken a wrong turn, some more than others, but in the end a loving Savior walked in, took us by the hand, and led us safely out. Otherwise, where would we be?

Sometimes it is easy to think that because one doesn't have a shady past or some terribly, terrific testimony that they can't relate to someone who was delivered from drugs, violence, or abuse. One of the hardest things for Christians to do in particular, is acknowledging that we compare ourselves, even if we won't admit it. We might hear of someone who was fast on the their way to hell thinking it's great that God delivered them, but somewhere in the recesses of our hearts, we somehow think we are superior because we never walked that road.

How many times have we witnessed a troubled soul walk into our churches with problems and addictions? How many times have we secretly looked down on them because they don't seem to get it right within our time? What about the ones who come in with their marriage or family life in shambles? They are always in the prayer lines, crying and needing to be ministered to. On Sunday, they are great, by Wednesday night, their a wreck again.....

A Little Farther.....

Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this bitter cup from me. Yet not my will, but yours be done." (Mark 14:35) NIV

Beautiful One, what do you do when you know that with God, everything is possible, but that it just might not be for you? What do you do when you believe and hope with all your heart, and still, that bitter cup, does not pass?

What do you do when your afraid, to keep going, a little farther?

The Garden of Gethsemane, is it a place of resounding victory, where the battle between good and evil had already been won?...... Or is it a place that we easily gloss over to read the next chapter and celebrate the cross? May I suggest that before there was a cross, there was the garden. That place where Christ wrestled with his will and flesh. The place where prophecy met with time and separation from the Father was inevitable. Something Jesus never had experienced in all of eternity.

The darling of heaven visited this earth to bridge the gap between us and God. To infuse life where the thief of death had stolen it's place. To cover our nakedness and array us in robes of righteousness.To allow us to once again, walk with the LORD in the cool of the day. But before Jesus went to the cross, He had an appointment in the garden.

Beautiful One, the garden is a place that we will visit as well. It is not like the wilderness where we are tempted and tested. It is not the cross, where we will lay down our old lives and take up his new one. The garden is a place where we will confront the ugly and bitter cups of leaving our will, our ways and our agendas in the dirt.

An Exceptional Love.......

"You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written: 'I will strike the shepherd,
 and the sheep will be scattered.' But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."

Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not."

"I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times."

But Peter insisted emphatically, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the others said the same. Mark 14:27-31 NIV

Beautiful One, have you ever made a promise and had every intention of fulfilling it, but as pressures and problems set you back? Have you ever shocked yourself and experienced the confusion and pain of violating your own principles?

Out of all the wonderful people in the Bible, my absolute favorite is the Apostle Peter. I can really relate  to Peter's life. He was a man who immediately fell head over heels in love with the Lord. Peter left everything he had ever known to follow Jesus. Peter was tenacious and he never had a problem speaking up when others remained silent. Peter walked closely with Jesus and he was not just one of his disciples; he was one of Jesus' confidants. Peter was a risk taker and a fighter. He got out of the boat and walked on water. He was the first one to see Jesus for who he really was, the Christ, the Son of the living God. Peter stood a head and foot taller than most, yes, it is easy to see that Peter's love for the Lord was an exceptional thing.

Lucky Charms.....

When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, "Come, make us gods  who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him." Aaron answered them, "Take off the gold earrings that you are wearing, and bring them to me."  So all the people took off their earrings and brought them.  He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, "These are your gods,  O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt." (Exodus 32:1-2 NIV)

Beautiful One, has God been so long in coming down the mountain to meet with you? Have you become bored in your endeavors and with each passing day you grow more impatient and discontent? What have you been doing to ease your confusion? What charms have you fashioned with the hope they will bring you comfort and fulfillment?

The cereal Lucky Charms was created in 1963. An advertising company employed by General Mills suggested marketing the new cereal around the idea of charm bracelets. The famous saying we associate the cereal with is:

"They're magically delicious."

Great concept, good advertising. But the truth is, there is nothing magical about them. Lucky Charms, is nothing more than wheat and oats that share the bowl with pretty colors of fun-shaped sugar.

When Israel was delivered out of Egypt by God, they were immediately led into a desert. God had prepared a promised land for them, but before He would allow them entry, He took careful steps to route them through a desert.

There's Just Something About That One......

A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. (Proverbs 15:13) NIV

Beautiful One,  how is your attitude?

Have you ever met someone who had an uncanny ability to be positive about everything? I think for the most part these people are few and far between. However, once in a while, someone enters your life who inspires and encourages you and you find yourself drawn to them just because they simply see everything in the world as a beautiful thing.

I recently bought a book in which to record my dreams and goals for the next five years. I've decided to actually put them down on paper, instead of just thinking about them.  I bought  a little book from Starbucks called "Where do you want to be in Five years?" This book is not only inspirational, but challenging as well. There are quite a few questions that are asked to provoke thought in the mind of the reader. One of the questions that I found myself stumped on asked, "Who are two of the happiest people you know who have a positive outlook on life and how have they inspired you?" OK, I guess that's two questions, but they really stopped me in my tracks when I read them.

My mind quickly went through all the people in my life, and I really was stumped as to who it is that is truly happy, positive and inspires me. I didn't want to just pick a personality that I respect from my teaching tapes or TV, because I don't really know them, I only know what they present to the world, but I cannot say that they are like that often, I have to tell you, I didn't have an honest answer, and it bothered me a great deal. It made me wonder who I really was surrounding myself with and I'm a little embarrassed to admit, I know I'm not one of them. I have  a measure of joy and happiness in my life. Don't get me wrong, I live an incredibly blessed life and have many wonderful people in my life and half of the time, I'm very aware of this.  But, the other half can be filled with a lot of other things that drain me. (I'm just being honest.)

Don't 'Stop' Believing...

Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord delivered his people out of Egypt.  (Jude 1:5 NIV)

Beautiful One, did you know that; a mile is a series of small steps taken, a journey is a lifetime. So don't stop believing, never give up, and keep on keeping on, until you've done what you've determined in your heart to do. The prize doesn't go to the fastest, best looking, the most talented or even the smartest. The prize is attained, by the one who never stops believing that all things are possible. (Mark 9:23 NIV)

When Colonel Sanders was 65 years old, he received his first social security check of US $99. He was broke. In fact, he was homeless, living inside the back of his truck. His only asset was a secret chicken recipe.

He left his home in Kentucky and traveled to the many states in the US to sell this recipe. All he wanted in return was a small percentage of the sales. However, he was shown the door by many restaurants.
”Get out of here. Who wants a recipe from a white Santa Claus?” the restaurant owners shouted, Over 1,000 restaurants rejected his offer. On his 1,009th sales visit, one restaurant finally accepted his offer. Today, Kentucky Fried Chicken outlets and fatherly Colonel Sanders’ statures are found all over the world.

All because he never gave up.

Beautiful One, how many times in life have you encountered rejection? Have all of the "no's" in your life propelled you into becoming paralyzed? ...or are you viewing them as another opportunity to realize that you are now, one step closer to receiving your "yes?"

We all have dreams. Maybe you have a dream of getting married or having children. Owning a new house, writing a book, or running your own business? On a different scale, maybe your dreaming of a reconciliation with a friend or family member? Maybe you've been dreaming of quitting an addiction, improving your quality of life, growing closer to the Lord? It really doesn't matter what kind of dream you have, how big or small it is. What brings significance to our dreams is the simple fact that no matter who sees them or even approves, if you and I don't believe in them, they will never become a reality.

Beautiful One, have you ever wondered how others are living out their dreams? Have you ever thought that others had more of an advantage than you?  Maybe that's true, there's no denying that good solid relationships that provide love and support aid us in our development and the way we view ourselves.

The Song of The Redeemed......

 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:1)

Beautiful One, when we are faced with certain difficulties or our faith is on trial, it is hard to remain focused on the victory. Especially when we are surrounded with defeat. It is not necessarily that we aren't keeping our focus on God. Sometimes we are totally focused on him, but in a fearful way. Thus we are propelled into an arduous battle where we no longer trust our situation nor the outcome to God, but we begin to trust others or ourselves.

What situation has caused your voice to be silent? What lie formed against you have you accepted as truth? And, what truth do you need to hear to help you break free?  

Sometimes we need to be reminded that there is nothing new under the sun. We might feel like our troubles are unique, but oftentimes they are not, they are just unique to us. Let us take a moment and listen to the witnesses that have been right where we are at, let us listen to the songs of the redeemed......

Father let this bitter cup pass from me nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done. (Jesus)

If you had been here Lord, my brother would not have perished, yet his death will be for the Glory of God. (Mary)

The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, yet HE knows the way that I take, (Job)

While my brother's were plotting and despising, I laid in a pit crying. (Joseph)

Lord not me, NO, I will never thee, yet when the hour came, I wouldn't even mention his name. (Peter)

Here is the One in whose shoes I'm not worthy to carry, but..... then again, is He the One, or should I look for another? (John the Baptist)

Trouble surrounds me on every side, But you Lord are my shield, my fortress in times of trouble. (David)

By divine might I gave the prophets of Baal a deadly swipe, yet upon hearing Jezebel's hype, I hid myself clean out of sight...(Elijah)

Deemed a man after Gods own heart, my uncontrolled lusts gave Samuel's heart a disgust. (David)

Let my people go was the order of the day, yet smashing my rod against the stone, made the Promised Land look the other way. (Moses)*

Believing God before seeing his promise cloaked me in righteousness, yet taking another woman as my wife, added numerous years filled with pain and unnecessary strife. (Abraham)

Beautiful One, can you relate? What lyrics are playing in your song? Sometimes we need to be reminded of what others before us have endured. They were no different than you and me. The only differences may be that they were in a different time and place. Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us be mindful that none of them had access to the multitude of modern conveniences we enjoy.

But...they all made it to the other side of their hardship. They all endured and pressed on. They didn't handle everything perfectly. They had their moments of  fears, tears, and doubts, but they all shared one thing in common;  they believed in the impossible.

They believed GOD.

Beautiful One, the song of the redeemed is victorious at all times, but that just doesn't make sense.

Victory comes not just with the breakthrough. Victory comes when we can praise God for the problems during the battle. Yes, with tear-stained faces, on our knees, crying out in fear, doubt, and unbelief even.

The song of the redeemed is filled with laughter and shouts of joy, and with pain, sorrow, and grief. We are the redeemed and our lives sing everyday. Everyday we are strong and weak, faithful and fearful, kind and ungrateful, loving and gentle, yet harsh and unforgiving. Everyday we sing, and the victory comes, when no matter what we have succeeded at or failed in, we get back up and try again.

No matter what you are going through, no matter what you feel like or how it looks...remember the Lord your God. He shall make a way where there appears to be no path.

He will part your waters, He will defend you, He will provide for you, He will fight your battles, He will forgive your sin, He will heal your land and He will repay what the enemy has stolen. God will redeem every tear you have cried, for He has kept careful record and holds them in his vile.

God will shine light on your tomorrow and now that you know this, go ahead and smile.....

Beautiful One, just believe. You are the redeemed.

*These are meant to be paraphrases of what these people said, not actual Scripture.

When Darkness Lingers

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8-9)

Beautiful One, when was the last time you took a deep breath and realized that no matter what your life looks like today, it is only temporary and where you are at right now, is not where you will end up?

Hard times, they seem to fall on anyone of us without a moments notice. Here you are skipping through the tulips, then wham, out of nowhere comes a conversation, a phone call, a letter, an email or a pink slip. Yesterday you were victorious, today you are broken. Yesterday you were praising, today you are sobbing.

What happened?

Did you do something wrong? Did you treat someone badly and feel good about it? Did you commit a sin that has now come back to bite you? Maybe you haven't kept up on your prayer life or haven't felt much like digging deep into the Word. Maybe, your tired, and maybe your not.

Does it really make a difference why the hard times have come knocking on your door? I suppose in a generic sense it does all of us good to analyze and assess any involvement on our part, but may I suggest that we live in a world where life, even as beautiful as we know it to be, can also be filled with those times when it leaves us scratching our heads and wondering why?...how?...and what are we going to do?

How come this happened? Why did this happen and what am I going to do now? These are all thoughts that invade our heads during hard times. I am not speaking of your occasional off day when you are tired or don't feel your usual self.

I am speaking of dark seasons, when dawn does not break for months, a year, maybe longer!

The truth remains that as long as you live you will encounter hard times. Your faith is shaken during difficult times and you will discover what you really believe or don't.

When hard times fall on Christians, the very fact that we are Christians can sometimes work against us if we allow it to. Let me explain.

When we come to God, we develop an understanding (through the knowledge of his Word) that we have power and abilities in Christ. We  also have our Christian circles, Bible classes, prayer meetings and all those amazing conferences.

But sometimes when hard times come calling and stay for extended periods of time, sometimes a simple prayer doesn't help all that much. Our friends who do not our pain can't offer much help either, even though they want to.
We are misunderstood in hard times. We are moody and hard to be around. In fact, we aren't as positive and outgoing because, even though we are with people we love, deep inside our hearts are breaking. We feel alone and worry that the daylight may not break forth anytime soon.

How being a Christian can work against us is that we start to feel defeated and withdraw, because we feel misunderstood and think that no one cares. If we are not careful, we may begin to think that our Father doesn't care either. In reality none of this is true, but when hard times fall and darkness lingers, we begin to look for the light anywhere we can find it. When it shines dimly, our hope wains and we grow weary; we can't discern the voices anymore.

Beautiful One, you need to know that you are not alone. God has not left you, He never will. He is right beside you, and better yet, within you. You will come out of this season, We will never know all the reasons we endure these dark seasons but we do know this, what is impossible with man, shall be possible with God. He is not a man that He should lie. God has his eye on you at all times in every situation. The very hairs on your head are numbered, and if He has taken the time to know your hair count, do you really think that He will leave you this way?

Sometimes when our friends, family members, co-workers, and confidants don't know how to help us, we need to remember that we have a Great High Priest who does. Sometimes we need to seek the voice from the throne, not the phone!

There is nothing wrong with leaning on friends and family (God does place people in our lives), but we need to remember that these people are just icing on the cake, God is the main course!

Hard times come and go, just listen to the Apostle Paul: "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 any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." (Philippians 4:12)

We need to put on the spectacles of heaven and assess where we are. When hard times fall and darkness lingers, we need to view it as an opportunity for our mighty God to show off His power, His strength, His abundant love for us.

Christ hung on an old rugged cross, despising it's shame. Christ endured while His creation mocked Him and told him to come down from that cross if He really was God. Maybe you've heard the jeering remarks that if you were really a strong christian then how could you let this happen to you? Or if you knew the Lord like you say you do, then why did this happen? What have you done and maybe you should just repent. Maybe you have heard the jeers of well meaning people who have no idea what your going through, forgive them, for they truly don't know what they are talking about,

But your Father does. He knows every detail of every minute of your life and Beautiful One, He has your answer, He will deliver you, He will help you and He does love you. 

Remember that it took more power for Christ to stay on that cross than it would have if He'd come down from it...when darkness lingered.

Beautiful One, just believe. Light is coming, the day is dawning and darkness has to flee.

A Whole Lotta Shaking Going On......

A parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer's well. The farmer heard the mule 'braying'  (or whatever mules do when they fall into wells.) After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.

Initially, the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back, a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back: he should shake it off and step up! This he did, blow after blow.

"Shake it off and step up... shake it off and step up... shake it off and step up!" he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows or distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought "panic" and just kept right on shaking it off and stepping up!

You're right! It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well! What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him. All because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.

 
Beautiful One, how well do you handle the issues of life?

It is said that these are troubled times. It is said that it is going to get worse before it gets better, it is said that it is going to take a long time for things to start to turn around.

Everywhere you go, you hear the voices of fear, worry, and anxiety. People are losing their homes and their jobs. Families are being torn apart because of all the stress and pressure.  If you read the newspaper, watch the news, or even listen to the radio, you are inundated with all the reports of how bad things are.