A HEART OF SACRIFICE

At Solomon’s dedication of the 1st Temple in Jerusalem, they sacrificed “so many sheep and cattle that they could not be recorded.” Can you imagine the sounds, the smells, and the confusion getting that many animals in one place?

There is a much more substantial sacrifice in Scripture. We have the Cross. Can you imagine the taunts, curses and screams coming from the crowd and also from the depths of hell? Displayed before all is the spectacle of our Savior nailed, naked & bloody, between two thieves.

SACRIFICE CAN BE OUT OF ONE’S COMFORT LEVEL

Offering oneself as living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God is not viewed by the world as a glorious thing. It can seem chaotic, exhausting, embarrassing, confusing, and out of one’s comfort level.

Once I taught a class at a church and it was the first time I ever taught this particular subject. I felt awkward; well out of my comfort level. I kept asking God why He laid it on my heart for two years to teach on this subject. You can tell by the 2-year remark that I am sometimes not the fastest one to obey God’s voice.

TAKING THE SACRIFICIAL PLUNGE

However, I took the plunge. I researched, came up with a class description, advertised, consulted with others, and did everything I knew to prepare. The rest was entirely up to God’s doing. The first session was a little rocky. I was nervous. The second session went a little better. However, God had yet to answer one main prayer. Every time I teach, I ask that God to begin drawing friendship connections between the students. I could not see this happening in this particular group.

SHOWING UP IS SACRIFICE

The third session almost didn’t happen. I received quite a few texts from people who could not attend. As I was driving to GCC I conversed with God: “I’m going to show up and it might be a really short time I’m out of the house because I don’t think anyone is coming.” I obeyed and showed up. The miracle is that this session, the floodgates opened. People who I had not even thought of showed up for class. The answered prayer was that afterwards a few of the individuals stayed over an hour getting to not only know each other better, but also to encourage each other.

HIS GOOD AND PERFECT WILL

If I had gone along with my parameters of what the class would look like, who would be attending, how they would interact with each other, that class never would have arrived at that glorious session. God had to renew my mind regarding the class. I had to let Him run it according to His good and perfect will. That’s the point of Romans 12:1-2.

ALLOWING GOD TO DO HIS BEST

So, what is holding you back? Are you afraid of being embarrassed? Confused? Getting out of your comfort zone? Are you arguing with God about offering “your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God”? Remember, this sacrifice is what makes God happiest, for this is your true and proper worship. Not until we offer God everything do we allow Him to do His best.

Click to hear the testimony of Virginia Prodan

LIFE IN THE CELL

For years I have traveled the route of multiple eye surgeries and double vision. Surely my newest eye challenge was an easy fix. Needless to say, I was shaken when my eye specialist said, “I think you have the beginnings of glaucoma in your right eye.” Doesn’t God know that I need my vision?

Doesn’t God Know Joseph Deserves a Good Life?

Then I remembered the saga of Joseph in Genesis 40. Ten years of tragedy, hope, betrayal, and pain. Sold into slavery and eventually given an important job over the house of Potiphar. Despite an excellent work history, Joseph lands in prison, wrongfully imprisoned for the attempted rape of Mrs. Potiphar. What does Joseph do? Does he become obsessed with the unjustness of what has happened to him and plot to overthrow the Egyptian government (or at least draw graffiti on the prison wall)? Does he spend day and night, groaning and moaning, cursing his fate? Or does he choose to give up and resign to fatalism, assuming that God only has plans to harm him. Doesn’t God know Joseph deserves a good life?

Joseph’s Choice In The Pain

Surprisingly, Joseph keeps his heart and trust in God. Does prison hurt? Of course. Every day he clearly remembers, “ I was taken (stolen) from the land of the Hebrews by [unlawful] force, and even here I have done nothing for which they should put me in the dungeon.”The pain is still there, but Joseph chooses not to let his heart reside in self-pity, even in the cell.

The Cupbearer and The Baker

How do we know? While in prison, “the captain of the guard put Joseph in charge of them, (the Cupbearer and Baker) and he served them; and they continued to be in custody for some time.” Instead of obsessing over his own situation, Joseph engages the two in conversation. Joseph chooses not to ignore the suffering of others.

The Cupbearer and Baker experience deeply disturbing dreams. Joseph takes the time to not only listen to them, but also to listen to God. To the Cupbearer, Joseph gives good news: he will be released by Pharoah. Sadly, for the Baker, there is tragic news: he will be executed.

The Cupbearer ecstatically accepts Joseph’s interpretation of his dream. He swears to Joseph that when he comes to freedom, he will help Joseph. All goes according to plan, except the Cupbearer, for whatever reason, never mentions Joseph to Pharoah. Joseph does the right thing, the honorable thing and what does it get him? From his vantage point = nothing. Nada….

Where Do We Get The Idea The Christian Life Is A Bargain?

There is an unpopular truth about God. God always plays the long game. He sees into eternity and plans accordingly. Alistar Begg writes: “Think of the life of Jesus. John chapter 19, Jesus in Pilate’s Hall and the painful interrogation with Pilate. Where do we get this idea that service for Christ is an insurance policy against trial and pain and persecution? Do we find that we have the right to go to bed angry because we lost our job or because our health is failing or because everything has not worked out? Where do we get this idea that the Christian life is a bargain—you know, “I do something good for you, God, and then you do a couple of good things for me, and I don’t expect You to let your side of the bargain down”?

God Is With You In The Prison Cell

“I don’t want you to be surprised at the fiery trial that is coming upon you.” (I Peter 4:12). Whatever your trial, whether it is floundering eyesight or something as grave as Joseph’s plight, if you are God’s, He is with you, every moment, whether you feel it or not. God plays the long game.  God is there, even in your prison cell.

Click to hear Hannah Overton’s prison experience

CREATED FOR HIS PLEASURE

Read: Psalm 148

My husband has said that my siblings and I have our own language. One of us is able to say a word, make a face, tilt a head, and the group knows the meaning. It comes from a place of intimately knowing one another. Over the 30+ years I have walked with the Lord, I’ve come to know the personal way He speaks to me, using language and pictures that I understand. God and I had one of those conversations a few weeks ago.

STRUGGLING TO FOCUS ON GOD

It was early morning, when the sky was still dark and the day still covered with a blanket of hushed promise. I was sitting with my coffee and prayer journal, as is my habit. I was struggling to focus on the Lord. My body looked calm but my brain was already performing its daily gymnastic routine of prioritizing the tasks of the day.

HE WANTED TO SIT WITH ME

I was pulled from my thoughts when I felt someone staring at me. Looking down, I saw my cat, Lewis, looking back at me. I knew his eyes were asking for a space on my lap. He wanted to sit with me and snuggle in. His cute face made me chuckle, and his overt desire to be close to me melted my heart. After a few circles and kneading of biscuits, Lewis settled into a cozy place and rested.

CREATED FOR HIS PLEASURE

Suddenly, God spoke to my heart through this little creature who brought me so much enjoyment. I was created for His pleasure. (Revelation 4:11) He too, loves when I seek Him out and want to be close. It doesn’t matter that I don’t have some magnificent offering. He knows I am completely dependent on Him to survive. My love, affection, and devotion to Him is a delight to His heart. (Psalm 22:8) I can settle in close to Him and find the rest my soul needs. (Psalm 62:5-8)

LONGING FOR REST

Apply: Have you ever thought about how God speaks to you, how He is able to pierce through all the clutter of life and land the message on the bullseye of your heart? Maybe your soul is longing for rest. You don’t need a glittering contribution to be worthy of resting with Jesus. You were created for His pleasure. Your love, affection, and devotion to Him is a lavish offering that brings Him pleasure and melts His heart.

Click here for the story of James Omondi

LIGHT SHINES BRIGHTEST IN THE DARK

God offers to help us to trust in our darkest times.

Psalm 23:4 reminds us that Jesus’ light shines the brightest in the darkest times.  Let me tell you of a time when Jesus’ brightness lit up a dreaded day in my life. 

THIS ISN’T MY HOME

It was a drive to East Stroudsburg University to empty the apartment bedroom of my son, Ryan, after his death of leukemia.  Pulling into the driveway, I was quickly caught off guard. I clearly heard Ryan’s voice say, “Mom, this isn’t my home.” I took a deep breath and walked inside. Dread filled the air like the smell of an old musty blanket taken out of storage.  Ry’s bedroom was untouched with accumulated dust commemorating Ry’s absence. 

My mind quickly switched from a grieving mom to a mom on a mission to box items as quickly as possible.  Ry’s voice again resonated in my heart, “This is not my home.” 

HOW ALONE I FELT

As the last boxes were placed in my pick-up truck, I went to turn the key in the ignition, but something made me stop. God was telling me to go back inside just in case I forgot one last piece of Ryan.  As I ascended the old creaky staircase, I thought how alone I felt.

Is this how Mary felt, knowing her son was going to die on a cross. What crossed her mind when she saw her son struggling to carry his own cross to his execution? 

THE SILVER GLIMMER SPARKLING

I opened the door to Ryan’s room.  It was empty.  But wait, wait…what was that?  A lone ray of sunlight peeked through the dusty blind. I saw a silver glimmer sparkling in what felt like Ry’s empty tomb.  A silver necklace hung from the closet doorknob.  “How could I have missed that?”  Yet here it was…a sign…a sign from God…a silver necklace with a cross engraved into it dangling from Ryan’s closet doorknob. 

HIS KINGDOM IS NOT HERE

In the book of John, John uses Jesus’ trial and crucifixion to teach about Jesus’ power.  Pilate asks Jesus, “Are you the king of the Jews?” (John 18:33) Jesus doesn’t give a direct answer to Pilate.  Jesus replies that his kingdom is “not from here.” (John 18:36).

NO MORE DEATH

What is His kingdom like? It is unimaginable. The world’s power and authority, money, or status have no standing in this kingdom.  Christ’s kingdom comes from heaven, not earth, and it is far more splendorous. Can you imagine a place where “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. And there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4)? This verse is a promise of restoration that the old world will pass, and the new world holds the promise that our eternal home will be free from pain, suffering, anxiety, and fear.

The silver glimmer of the cross necklace… a reminder that this world is not our home.  God offers to help us to trust in our darkest times.  May our eyes be opened to the mysterious ways God reveals His promises to us.  God, help us to see the silver glimmers shining brightly in this dark world.

Click to listen to the powerful story of Andy & Jamie Stewart    

FAITH THAT SHINES

It is possible to live consistently for God

In Genesis38:1-26 & 39:1-20 we read the stories of two brothers. Brother Judah is a spiritual train wreck. He hatches the plot to sell his despised younger brother Joseph into slavery. Afterward, he tells his father, “What a tragedy, Joseph was eaten by a wild animal.” It takes a lot of energy to keep up the brazen lie, so Judah decides to move for a change of scenery. He relocates into heathen territory, takes an unbelieving wife, has three evil sons and then betrays his own daughter-in-law. In other words, Judah has had all the opportunities and advantages, but never chooses God. His faith is non-existent.

JOSEPH’S NEW LIFE

Brother Joseph, the newly enslaved teen, makes quite different decisions. Existing as an Egyptian slave, he no longer has any contact with his family and must learn a new language, culture and the skills to make life work. This is beyond hard. Why didn’t Joseph, Jacob’s beloved son, just spit in the face of God and say, “If this is what you have planned for me, I want nothing to do with it.” Yet 17-year-old Joseph remains faithful to God even when his life appears to come apart. Joseph consistently trusts God.

THE SAME IN PRIVATE AS IN PUBLIC

James Montgomery Boice wrote about Joseph, “He was loved and hated, favored and abused, tempted and trusted, exalted and abased. Yet at no point in the one-hundred-and-ten-year life of Joseph did he ever seem to get his eyes off God or cease to trust him. Adversity did not harden his character. Prosperity did not ruin him. He was the same in private as in public. He was a truly great man.” Joseph shows the triumph of faith.

THE BROTHERS RAN IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

God equipped Joseph with talents way before the trip to Egypt. One of these was the gift of administration. Potiphar, the head of Pharaoh’s personal security force, owns Joseph and thoroughly trusts him. However, there is the infamous fly in the ointment. Potiphar’s wife begins a campaign of sexually harassing Joseph. After all, Joseph is noted in scripture for his good looks. And yet Joseph never takes advantage of the situation. When Potiphar’s wife plots to use Joseph for sex, Joseph literally runs the other way. His chosen path is quite different from brother Judah who consistently runs toward sin.

SHINE AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD

Joseph’s story is the triumph of faith, regardless of the cost. Obedience is expensive. Joseph begins the entire Egyptian experience with no rights and ends up in prison. If Joseph could have had a life verse (and if the New Testament had been written at that point) it would be, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without blemish though you live in a crooked and perverse society, in which you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15).

Which brother do you choose to pattern your life after? Are you Judah, who lives in freedom but carries a long history of ungodly choices? Or are you Joseph, who chooses to be a faithful servant to God, regardless of what position he has in society? Despite the price of obedience, faithful Joseph shines as a light to heathen Egypt. Are you also shining consistently as a light, regardless of the price of obedience to God?

Click to listen to the story of Virginia Prodan

THAT WEIGHTY WEEK

God continually points me to my Pink Notebook. That is my treasure house in which I write memory verses. It is my powerhouse.

It was a jam-packed week. God allowed me to participate in multiple conversations with women making milestone decisions. Caring for delightful individuals can feel weighty. I don’t want to get ahead of God and neither do I want to fall behind. As I pray about these conversations and seek God’s direction, God continually points me to my Pink Notebook. That is my treasure house in which I write memory verses. In about 1,000 years I may actually remember some of them (I definitely do not have a photographic memory).

From my recliner, I opened the treasure book and there it is, the portion I needed that hard week. I had handwritten: 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (I Peter 4:10-11)

I thought this through. God is not asking me if I feel comfortable in all those conversations from the marathon week. Also, He is not shooting off fireworks to celebrate what a lovely person I am (the angels laugh about that one!). What God commands is that I use whatever gifts He has given to serve others as a “faithful steward.”

What’s a faithful steward? “Once we’re called and placed into the body of Jesus Christ, the stewardship that is required of us is not a result of our own power or abilities. The strength, inspiration and growth in the management of our lives must come from God through the Holy Spirit in us; otherwise, our labor is in vain and the growth in stewardship is self-righteous, human growth.” Notice that? “Not a result of our own power or abilities.”

Hmm….so what God actually asks of me is to meditate on His Word, pray a great deal, and be open to challenging conversations. He provides, and He promises to continue to provide. It can be scary. I know my many limitations. But God is sufficient.

What challenging/uncomfortable ministry is God calling you into? Do you have your own Pink Notebook that is prompting you through the process? Go ahead. After all, the goal is, “so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”

Click to listen to an interview regarding a jump into the unknown with Heather Rice Minus

GOD AND CUSTOMER SERVICE

I distinctly remember that four-hour encounter with Comcast (my customer service nemesis!!!).

Everyone has triggers that can set them off.  For me, it is inept customer service. Of course, I immediately assume I am right. At the same time, I can be rude and forget that the person on the other end of the line is also an individual with their own life story. It is even more challenging to be sympathetic when the customer service person reads scripted answers over the phone that do not help the problem.

God help the poor person who is not adept at all at customer service, and they get me on the line.  I forget the other individual who also needs kindness.  I deserve a flunking grade for many conversations. Consider this, I am allowing a conversation with a stranger to set me off.

That’s when God brings me face to face with my pride.  I pray and ask forgiveness. God in His goodness then runs me through the course again. I distinctly remember that four-hour encounter with Comcast (my customer service nemesis!!!).

The good thing is that I sometimes learn from my previous disasters.  In the last Comcast experience, the first conversation went well.  The second was much more challenging.  The third one was better.  Did the situation with the mal-functioning equipment get readily resolved?  No!!!!  However, I didn’t lose any brain cells or my temper over the matter. Neither did I share with them venom from my mouth and heart. God can give victory, if I just shut my mouth.

Rule of thumb for me is to breathe!!!  Let God enter the encounter. Good verse to ponder:  It is a person’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel. (Proverbs 20:3). So, in these days of trigger finger tempers, are you behaving honorably? Am I? Only by letting God control the situation and being quick to obey Him (rather than myself) can we find victory. Who knows who will be on the phone next!

Read this excellent piece about the power of words  

THE MINIMALIST MIND

I had been wasting hours trying to gain points on a video game with nothing to show for it.

One night I was bored and resumed an activity I had done during COVID – a video game on my Kindle. I am a total idiot with math puzzle games but give me anything visual and I’m all in. One night I was so enthralled that I didn’t go to bed until 1AM. Time just raced by.

THE WAKEUP CALL

Shortly after that late night, I read Voice of the Martyrs “Global Prayer Guide”. Each day’s reading is devoted to a different country. It gives a brief snapshot of the persecution taking place in that country and how we can pray for it. I read about the #1 country in the world for persecution of Christians (and anyone else who doesn’t agree with the state). The state requires all citizens to function as informants – even young children are taught to spy on their parents from a young age. When a Christian is discovered, the government punishes the entire family. Those “lucky” enough to not be executed suffer in prison and labor camps.

THE GIFT OF MEMORIZATION

What caught my attention was that “few people ever have access to Scripture because of the regime’s unceasing efforts to restrict access. Most of the underground Christians find memorization the safest and most effective way to keep God’s Word.”

Wow – is that convicting! I had been wasting hours trying to gain points on a video game with nothing to show for it. I just got off the Minimalist Challenge with physical things. Could I do it with mental/spiritual items? What does it take to move to a minimalist mind?

CHANGING TO A MINIMALIST MIND

I deleted the game from my Kindle. In its place, I have a notebook I carry with me containing handwritten memory verses. If ever there is a time in my life I need to carry God’s Word in my mind and heart, it is now. Knowing the location of the candlestick in the videogame room on my Kindle is just not going to help me get it through my day.

So, the deal is, the notebook travels with me. On my commute to work the notebook on the passenger seat so that at red lights I can find hints for any Scripture I am saying out loud and am stymied. (Yes, I actually am a careful driver). Right now, I’m working on I Peter 4:7-11. It is an applicable passage considering it begins with “The end of all things is near.”

Do you also need to begin working on a Minimalist Brain and Spirit and to clean up the clutter? Delete those things that side-track your mind from Christ.

Take heart from the words good old Minimalist Apostle Paul: “You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you. (Ephesians 4:20-24)

JOSEPH’S ENTRY INTO GOD’S MASTER CLASS

What loss haunts your soul? Are you allowing it to be used by God?

Imagine the 17-year-old version of you. Not an adult, but not a child anymore; maybe not the “sharpest knife in the drawer”. This is the story of Joseph in Genesis 37:1-11. Add his family dynamics. He resides in a household with 4 moms (2 regular moms and 2 concubines) and 12 older brothers from the “unfavored” moms. Dad makes Joe the favorite son. Things arrive at a tipping point. Father Jacob gives Joseph a beautiful coat, a gift of the greatest honor. Talk about dysfunctional. Imagine the conversation around that Thanksgiving table.

THE TWO DREAMS

During this, God interjects Himself. God gives Joseph 2 dreams. (Please remember Joseph is only age 17.) Without thinking of the consequences, Joe blurts out both dreams to his bros. Right away the siblings recognize the significance of the dreams: at some point Joseph is going to reign over them. The bros ravenously feast on jealousy and hatred. Joe has a bullseye on his back.

WHAT GOD DOES NOT GIVE JOSEPH

Notice what insight God does not give Joseph: what the 2 dreams are going personally cost Joseph. God does not share the fact that the bros will sell Joe into slavery and fake his death. God only imparts to Joseph the prophecies. Faith in the eternal God is going to have to carry 17-year-old Joseph through years of tremendous isolation, suffering, and injustice. Are you disappointed with the conditions you are living under? Where are the “better” plans you imagined God having for you?

A PAINFUL EDUCATION

Joseph at age 17 enters God’s master class of leadership. This education involves a great deal of pain. Armed with the promises of God, and at the mercy of the machinations of his brothers, Joseph crosses the threshold into his nightmare years. Suffering is all part of God’s plan for Joe’s master class in leadership. These are part of God’s “better” plans. God maintains control despite the dark seasons.

MY MASTER CLASS IN PRAYER

I have been battling an inflammation of my sciatic nerve. The pain escalates in the middle of the night as I lay in bed. In the midst, I have discovered this is an opportunity to begin praying for others. I can’t sleep, so God has another agenda for me. It’s been a master class in prayer. God is in control when the pain shouts its loudest. God’s school often involves great pain.

GOD’S NIGHT SCHOOL

What loss haunts your soul? Are you allowing it to be used by God? Hope for Joseph was around the corner, but he had to learn to navigate through darkness while maintaining hope. Do you allow your pain to shape you into a more loving person? Are you holding on to hope during the darkness and maturing for the good? Are you attending God’s night school?

This is Joseph’s gift to the world = maintaining hope through darkness. Do you maintain a positive attitude amid our chaotic world? Who are you choosing to hope in during your “master class” from God?

Click to here for the amazing testimony of Päivi Räsänen – one who stands tall in the darkness

EVEN THE BEARS ARE HIS

I sprinted over the finish line for my month-long Minimalist Challenge.

I sprinted over the finish line for my month-long Minimalist Challenge. Miraculously, it seemed to get easier to let go of stuff, even when I got to day 31 (I let go of 31 things that day). I wished it had been more palatable for my husband when he realized that I was going to give away most of my Boyd’s Bear collection. That assortment of stuffed animals was the embodiment of our dream – that someday we would have grandchildren to share the bears with.

GRANDCHILDREN NOT ON THE HORIZON

Our plans for grandchildren do not appear to be part of God’s plan. However, I recently came across a family with two little girls who definitely needed something to brighten their summer. A box of assorted delightful bears was just what God ordered.

CHANGING DREAMS CAN BE PAINFUL

Yes, giving up or changing dreams can be painful, but giving into the dreams of my Heavenly Father is much more rewarding. It’s funny how I can squirrel away portions of my life safe-guarding segment which I think are mine alone. God does not view it the same way. He doesn’t want just a little piece of me. God wants all of me. He already owned all the bears, silverware, pens, and appliances even when they exited my home during August. Everything is His.

THINGS I THOUGHT WERE IMPORTANT

In Philippians 3, the Apostle Paul writes: “I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.” Paul probably was not writing specifically about bears or even dreams, but they all can go under the category of “Things I Once Thought Were Important”.

WHAT TO MAKE ROOM FOR

I’ve discovered a little life lesson: The more tightly I hold on to something, thinking that it is mine, the less room I have for Jesus in my life. The more I limit room for Jesus, the more room I provide for useless things in my life. Paul is correct. Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Live as a Christian Minimalist.

Listen to Susan Vinton’s story