NEWS FLASH: GOVERNMENT CANNOT SAVE

I wish November 4th would come and go.

I wish November 4th would come and go. Millions of dollars are being spent daily on advertising. Take a drive down the road and view the hundreds of political lawn signs. Often neighbors have their signs positioned to show off their candidates. Tempers flash at a moment’s notice. This has not been a pleasant season.

ANOTHER TIME OF UPHEAVAL

Serious conflict is nothing new. Historically, people can be extremely nasty. “A man’s enemies are the men (members) of his own household.” (Micah 7:6) The prophet Micah made this observation over 700 years before the birth of Christ. They did not have lawn signs advertising politicians in Micah’s time, but it was a period of extreme upheaval and political unrest.

WHO ARE YOU GOING TO TRUST?

What does God want us to do with all the nasty media posts, the advertisements, or neighbors fighting neighbors? He asks us to make a decision: “Who are you going to trust during this season?”

GOVERNMENT IS NOT THE SAVIOR

I realize that government is not the savior of the world. Hopefully it is not a shock to you, but trusting the mortal powers that be, no matter where you lean politically, is futile. Leadership is made up of both wise and unwise people. It runs the spectrum. Some individuals are kind; some are nasty. Many people in government have a moral compass; many people in government lack a moral compass. It is a fallen world, and we are brilliant at displaying how fallen we are.

I WILL WAIT WITH CONFIDENT EXPECTATION

The prophet Micah writes from a time of disarray in both his country and government (there is nothing new under the sun). What did he do? He made a conscious decision: “But as for me, I will look expectantly for the Lord and with confidence in Him I will keep watch; I will wait [with confident expectation] for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.” (Micah 7:7)

NO GOVERNMENT CAN MAKE A NEW HEART

No matter where you reside in the world; whether under the most oppressive corrupt regime or someplace that presently does not seem so bad, don’t put your faith in government to change the hearts of people. Rules and regulations made by government cannot change what is going on inside of individuals.  Only Jesus can make a new heart which is both forgiven and changed.

WHO IS THE SAVIOR?

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” (Micah 7:7) Who is the Savior? Definitely not government.

Recently remote mountainous areas of North Carolina were destroyed by Hurricane Helene. Who appeared first with boots on the ground? It was neighbor taking care of neighbor. It was non-profit organizations like Samaritan’s Purse. The neighbors and the volunteers from Samaritan’s Purse served freely and with compassion. “But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” Governments can’t save. Neither can any political candidate. Only Christ can.

Listen to: “Don’t settle for a small worldview with Michael Craven”.

THE DAY THEY BOUNCED MY MOM

Then he added the catch to the job offer:  I would have to tell my mom she could no longer be in the church choir.

I was 16 years old and had been a regular in playing the pipe organ at our local church.  I distinctly remember the phone call I received from the head of the Elder Board.  He dangled before me the carrot of becoming the paid church organist and then he added the catch:  I would have to tell my mom she could no longer be in the church choir. 

NOT A DEAL GENERATED IN HEAVEN

This was definitely not a deal generated in heaven.  My mom was fairly scary and there was large conflict in the choir, so the predicament they placed me in was born of the fears of adult men in leadership.  These were professing believers who thought that by their own wits they could solve their dilemma.  They did what came naturally and it definitely was not from the heart of the Holy Spirit.

A TEMPORARY FIX, BUT NOT A HOLY SOLUTION

That’s exactly what James 4 talks about; professing believers resorting to ungodly means to achieve their desires.  Schemes and behaviors cooked up by people who are not bringing their problem before the Throne of God.  They didn’t realize that natural means aren’t effective weapons in spiritual warfare; they may give a temporary fix, but are not a holy solution.

THE MEANS DOESN’T JUSTIFY THE ENDS

James 4:1-12 uses some sharp words to describe the behaviors of his reading audience.  If you read the Amplified Version, he uses terms such as: “hedonistic desires, jealousy, coveting, lust, murder, envy, unanswered prayer, selfishness, flirting with the world, pride, slander, and judging each other”.  It sounds like a bad soap opera where individuals are doing whatever they want in order to get whatever they want.  That’s what happens when God followers resort to their own devices.

LET GOD WORK HIS WILL IN YOU

Maybe you have your own church conflict story?  If you do, then what is the solution so that you don’t resort to the identical behavior that sent you into a tailspin?  I love the paraphrase from The Message for James 4:7-10 “So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him make himself scarce. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.”

HIGH FIVES IN HEAVEN

How would your world change if the next time you wanted something, you laid it all out before the feet of God and examined it through God’s eyes?  What would happen if you prayed, “God, no matter how hard it is, I want to obey You.  Please give me the courage and strength to behave in an honorable way before You so that the angels are giving high fives in heaven.” 

I don’t think you would be pressuring a 16-year-old girl with a scheme to bounce her mom off the church choir.  “The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.” No bouncing allowed!

Listen to the story of Toni McFadden

WHO’S THAT KNOCKING AT THE DOOR?

Who is knocking at your door? Is it that trickster, the one who has deeply hurt you?

Post WWII, Corrie ten Boom decided to go on a speaking tour of Germany, to win to Christ the hearts of her former enemies. She remembered, “It was at a church service in Munich that I saw him, the former S.S. man who had stood guard at the shower door in the processing center at Ravensbruck Concentration Camp. He was the first of our actual jailers that I had seen since that time. And suddenly it was all there – the roomful of mocking men, the heaps of clothing, My sister Betsie’s pain-blanched face.… My sister’s death.”

HOW DOES JOSEPH DEAL WITH HIS HATEFUL BROTHERS?

In Genesis 42:1-43:10, can you imagine the same type of shock when Joseph recognizes a group of men appearing at the palace door? He instantly remembered the brothers who despised teenaged Joseph with such a revulsion and enmity that they sold him into slavery. With crocodile tears told their father that a wild animal killed their brother. More than twenty years have passed. How does Joseph deal with the men he had known as brothers, now bowing before him, begging to buy food?

Joseph is the last person on earth the brothers expected to see, especially in Pharaoh’s Court. The aristocracy before them spoke with great authority and appeared Egyptian. This man is Pharoah’s right-hand man.

EVERYTHING HAS COME FULL CIRCLE

Did angry vengeful thoughts first swirl around in Joseph’s brain when he recognized them? “Joseph recognized his brothers; they did not recognize him. Then he (Joseph) remembered his dreams about them.” The God of the Universe reminds Joseph that everything has come full circle. The dreams he was given years ago in which God placed him over his brothers, are being fulfilled.

HAVE THE BROTHER’S CHANGED?

How does Joseph respond? Certainly, he is entitled to revenge. He wonders if the brothers have changed. Do they regret their murderous plot to get rid of Joseph? In their minds, Joseph “is no more”. Joseph uses an interpreter, so they assume he doesn’t speak their language. Then Joseph hears them say, “Surely, we are being punished because of our brother. We saw how distressed he was when he pleaded with us for his life, but we would not listen; that’s why this distress has come on us.”

Joseph knows his brothers as tricksters. After all their father’s name is often interpreted as “someone who seizes or circumvents”. Joseph gives his brothers a run for their money to reveal where their hearts stand. In the process, he makes possible his heart’s desire: to see his younger brother Benjamin and father, Jacob. Dad has never recovered from the loss of Joseph. Jacob laments, “You have deprived me of my children. Joseph is no more, and Simeon is no more and now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is against me!”

Joseph maneuvers the situation in a series of tests: the silver in their saddle bags and Simeon being held hostage in Egypt. God provides the answers regarding the former tricksters at the palace door.

FORGIVENESS IS POSSIBLE, EVEN WHEN COUNTERINTUITIVE

What lesson do we learn from this? Forgiveness is possible even when it is counterintuitive. Joseph responded in wise trusting obedience to God when confronted with the deepest hurts of his past. Corrie Ten Boom remembers, “Even as the angry, vengeful thoughts boiled through me, I saw the sin of them. Jesus Christ had died for this man; was I going to ask for more? Lord Jesus, I prayed, forgive me and help me to forgive him.” Who is knocking at your door? Is it that trickster, the one who has deeply hurt you? Or is it much worse, Corrie’s guard from Ravensbruck? How are you going to respond to God’s call for wisdom and forgiveness?

Click to hear the story of Dana St. John

DO NOT ISOLATE!

As an elementary school student, I remember the bane of impetigo, a contagious skin infection forming pustules and yellow crusty sores often appearing on the mouth.  When a classmate entered the room with the telltale sores, they were immediately sent home and couldn’t return until their skin had cleared up.  To be isolated isn’t a whole lot of fun when you are a little kid, especially when your mouth is a crusty mess.

LIVING IN COMMUNITY CAN BE CHALLENGING

Human beings of any age are social creatures, created to live and to participate in life together and not to live in isolation.  That’s why Medical News Today reports that “people who live in solitary confinement are more likely to develop anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and psychosis. It effects physical health, increasing a person’s risk for a range of conditions, including fractures, vision loss, and chronic pain.”  Yet many people insist on living in isolation because living in community, especially Christian community, can be challenging.  It means making oneself vulnerable to others and making sacrifices. 

GOD’S DESIGN FOR COMMUNITY

That is the underlying theme in James 5:13-20: God’s design for community living for His children. James mentions that communities contain suffering, rejoicing, illness, confession, and caring. This is costly. If the one strays from the ninety-nine, the individual is to be lovingly pursued for reconciliation. Remember those nature films where the lions pursue their next meal by separating that lone animal from the herd?  That’s what Satan wants for believers, to separate us from other believers so we are vulnerable to attack.

THE COST OF COMMUNITY

As a believer, I know it can take a great deal of effort to commit to community living.  “If we love each other, we will not stand in judgment on each other, or speak evil against each other. We will not bite or devour each other (as if we were wild beasts). And we will not provoke or envy or lie to each other. Positively, if we love each other, we will be kind and compassionate to each other, forbear and forgive each other, submit to each other and build each other up, practice hospitality to each other ungrudgingly, encourage each other, admonish and comfort each other, pray for each other and bear each other’s burdens.” (from “The Living Church”, by John Stott).  If more of us purposely lived this way, wouldn’t the local community of believers be wondrous?

THE OPPORTUNITY OF COMMUNITY

How about considering Christian community as an opportunity (I love that word: “OPPORTUNITY”), to live out life as God has designed?  In my own life I have found community in my life group called “The Tribe”.  The participants are women who I can weep with, laugh with, praise God with, pray with, be real with, and who will hold me accountable if I start “straying off the reservation”.  They care for me and I care for them.  They are James 5:13-20. 

DESIGNED FOR COMMUNITY

So, have you pushed back at the Christian ideal of community, maybe due to painful experiences from the past or you have considered isolation a way to protect yourself?  God designed us to rejoice with others, weep with others and sing with others. We walk with others through trials, pray for others and admit our sins to others. True believers aim to help draw that wandering sheep home.  This is what God has planned for you, not to live in isolation, but to live in COMMUNITY.

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