Walk of Purpose: Consumed!
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Friday, June 24, 2011
Consumed!
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Pitch darkness. Pounding waves. Whipping winds. Mayday! Mayday! Suddenly across the water appears a ghost-like image. Panic and fear race through their veins. The adrenaline surges through their shivering bodies as the flight or fight reflex consumes them. They see Him walking on the sea. Terrified, they cry out in fear, “It is a ghost!” Immediately Jesus speaks to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
After discussing this passage with a friend, I realized all too often I am like the rest of the disciples in the boat and not like Peter. I praise God for coming to my rescue. I thank Him for calming the storms in my life. What made Peter willing to walk on water, to step out of a perfectly good boat into the storm?
Could it be that he wasn’t satisfied with staying in the boat? He wanted more than a calming of the sea in his life. He answered Jesus’ command, “Do not be afraid” with a command of his own, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Crazy! In essence, Peter acknowledged Jesus as Lord and then asked Jesus to help him do the impossible—walk on water.
Jesus didn’t explain Walk on Water 101 to Peter. He didn’t give him any safety tips or swimming suggestions for that matter. Jesus simply replied, “Come.”
Peter made the decision to take action. He stepped out of the boat and onto the water. He eagerly participated in an illogical stunt. He was a fisherman so we can assume he had full understanding of the physics behind “sink or swim” logic. He had an all consuming desire to be in the presence of Jesus. This desire consumed him so deeply he dismissed every logical thought as he stepped out of the boat.
I bet if a modern-day news anchor asked Peter why he committed such an insane act he would simply state with calm satisfaction, “Just to be close to my Jesus!” When the reporter asked how the rest of us could experience this miracle, Peter would answer, “Validate your visions and dreams and live daily to be consumed by the presence of Jesus.”
Jesus said, “Come.”
PRAYER: Father, today, show me how to be like Peter. Show me how to step out in faith and draw nearer to You so I can do the impossible in my life and bring Your name glory.
Pitch darkness. Pounding waves. Whipping winds. Mayday! Mayday! Suddenly across the water appears a ghost-like image. Panic and fear race through their veins. The adrenaline surges through their shivering bodies as the flight or fight reflex consumes them. They see Him walking on the sea. Terrified, they cry out in fear, “It is a ghost!” Immediately Jesus speaks to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
After discussing this passage with a friend, I realized all too often I am like the rest of the disciples in the boat and not like Peter. I praise God for coming to my rescue. I thank Him for calming the storms in my life. What made Peter willing to walk on water, to step out of a perfectly good boat into the storm?
Could it be that he wasn’t satisfied with staying in the boat? He wanted more than a calming of the sea in his life. He answered Jesus’ command, “Do not be afraid” with a command of his own, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Crazy! In essence, Peter acknowledged Jesus as Lord and then asked Jesus to help him do the impossible—walk on water.
Jesus didn’t explain Walk on Water 101 to Peter. He didn’t give him any safety tips or swimming suggestions for that matter. Jesus simply replied, “Come.”
Peter made the decision to take action. He stepped out of the boat and onto the water. He eagerly participated in an illogical stunt. He was a fisherman so we can assume he had full understanding of the physics behind “sink or swim” logic. He had an all consuming desire to be in the presence of Jesus. This desire consumed him so deeply he dismissed every logical thought as he stepped out of the boat.
I bet if a modern-day news anchor asked Peter why he committed such an insane act he would simply state with calm satisfaction, “Just to be close to my Jesus!” When the reporter asked how the rest of us could experience this miracle, Peter would answer, “Validate your visions and dreams and live daily to be consumed by the presence of Jesus.”
Jesus said, “Come.”
PRAYER: Father, today, show me how to be like Peter. Show me how to step out in faith and draw nearer to You so I can do the impossible in my life and bring Your name glory.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Miracle Grow or Horse Manure - Your Call
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“Miracle grow that is a fabulous name for it… we just called it horse manure!"
Edna was one of my favorite patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. During our horticulture therapy session, we were diligently planting spring flowers in the open courtyard. I was reminiscing with Edna about her childhood growing up on a farm. We were chatting about chickens, planting corn, growing green beans, and squash. Edna was deep in conversation describing silly stories of her childhood days. Not all the stories made logical sense because her concept of time was distorted by the disease. But on that day, time was of little concern to Edna. Her excitement beamed from her face as she mindlessly fumbled with the soil in the oversized container. She ooohh’d and ahh’d at each colorful flower as if experiencing it for the first time.
As our gardening session ended, I casually reminded my assistant to add the Miracle Grow fertilizer to each pot. Edna overheard this simple request and in an instant her face lit up with the most astonishing expression. She grabbed my arm and exclaimed in childlike amazement, “Miracle Grow! Ohh, Miracle Grow! That is the best name ever! We just called it horse manure when I was growing up!” Laughter exploded from our group as Edna proudly wheeled herself back inside, amazed at this new found revelation. Miracle Grow or horse manure - it was the same to Edna!
Edna was a precious soul. She struggled daily to remember her name. She would often be found wandering the halls searching for her “home”. More than once, I was a long lost sister playing outside in the garden with her. But on this particular day, Edna, in her weakest mind, had a very wise and profound revelation. Sometimes what we see as stinky horse manure God uses to make miracles grow!
It is the stinky messes that refine us into the image of Christ. It is the stinky messes that God uses to fertilize our relationship with Him. It is the stinky messes that bring us to our knees in utter desperation. It is the stinky messes that cultivate in us a beautiful image of Christ! My challenge to you today is to chuckle like Edna, at this new and most amazing name for all your stinky “horse manure” messes – miracle grow!
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:7 NIV)
“Miracle grow that is a fabulous name for it… we just called it horse manure!"
Edna was one of my favorite patients diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. During our horticulture therapy session, we were diligently planting spring flowers in the open courtyard. I was reminiscing with Edna about her childhood growing up on a farm. We were chatting about chickens, planting corn, growing green beans, and squash. Edna was deep in conversation describing silly stories of her childhood days. Not all the stories made logical sense because her concept of time was distorted by the disease. But on that day, time was of little concern to Edna. Her excitement beamed from her face as she mindlessly fumbled with the soil in the oversized container. She ooohh’d and ahh’d at each colorful flower as if experiencing it for the first time.
As our gardening session ended, I casually reminded my assistant to add the Miracle Grow fertilizer to each pot. Edna overheard this simple request and in an instant her face lit up with the most astonishing expression. She grabbed my arm and exclaimed in childlike amazement, “Miracle Grow! Ohh, Miracle Grow! That is the best name ever! We just called it horse manure when I was growing up!” Laughter exploded from our group as Edna proudly wheeled herself back inside, amazed at this new found revelation. Miracle Grow or horse manure - it was the same to Edna!
Edna was a precious soul. She struggled daily to remember her name. She would often be found wandering the halls searching for her “home”. More than once, I was a long lost sister playing outside in the garden with her. But on this particular day, Edna, in her weakest mind, had a very wise and profound revelation. Sometimes what we see as stinky horse manure God uses to make miracles grow!
It is the stinky messes that refine us into the image of Christ. It is the stinky messes that God uses to fertilize our relationship with Him. It is the stinky messes that bring us to our knees in utter desperation. It is the stinky messes that cultivate in us a beautiful image of Christ! My challenge to you today is to chuckle like Edna, at this new and most amazing name for all your stinky “horse manure” messes – miracle grow!
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire- may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:7 NIV)
Monday, February 7, 2011
The Cry of Every Woman's Heart
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Look closely men because you may not be hearing the real cry of your woman’s heart. As women, we are much more independent than our mothers and grandmothers. We are more educated. We take care of the kids and their overwhelmingly busy schedules. We are more than confident in our choices. We have this whole wife, mother, career woman thing figured out and we don’t need anyone telling us otherwise.
Men, open your eyes and see past our facade. It is a mask we wear! It is the defense we hold on to! That is what society expects of us as independent women and we can’t let “them” down.
The real cry is the lyrics from Sanctus Real’s song Lead Me, “lead me with strong hands, stand up when I can’t, show me you are willing to fight, that I am the love of your life, I don’t want to feel alone.” Deep down we want and need you to be our leader. We were created by God to be your helpmate not independent (alone).
We need you to lead us in the ways of God’s Word, remind us of His promises, teach us His great love and show us His grace and forgiveness.
We need you to stand up and fight! We need you to confront us on our values and our priorities. We need you to challenge us to put aside the ways of this world and to focus on the eternal. We need you to protect us and help us take off the mask that we hold on to so tightly.
You are the only one that can truly love us unconditionally here on this earth and we need that love… oh, how we long for that love.
Let us make this clear and give you a warning. We will not give up our independence easily. It is our comfort, our defense. This is our cry but we have to believe you are willing to go the distance in this fight. We will try to stop you because it makes us vulnerable but we need you to fight for us! We need you to be strong!
Men, hear our cry! Make Sanctus Real’s lyrics your battle song, “Father, give me the strength to be everything I’m called to be. Oh, Father show me the way to lead them.”
Prayer: “God, we ask for Your mighty hand to give us the strength to take a stand for our marriages today.”
“So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate” (Matthew 19:6 NIV).
Look closely men because you may not be hearing the real cry of your woman’s heart. As women, we are much more independent than our mothers and grandmothers. We are more educated. We take care of the kids and their overwhelmingly busy schedules. We are more than confident in our choices. We have this whole wife, mother, career woman thing figured out and we don’t need anyone telling us otherwise.
Men, open your eyes and see past our facade. It is a mask we wear! It is the defense we hold on to! That is what society expects of us as independent women and we can’t let “them” down.
The real cry is the lyrics from Sanctus Real’s song Lead Me, “lead me with strong hands, stand up when I can’t, show me you are willing to fight, that I am the love of your life, I don’t want to feel alone.” Deep down we want and need you to be our leader. We were created by God to be your helpmate not independent (alone).
We need you to lead us in the ways of God’s Word, remind us of His promises, teach us His great love and show us His grace and forgiveness.
We need you to stand up and fight! We need you to confront us on our values and our priorities. We need you to challenge us to put aside the ways of this world and to focus on the eternal. We need you to protect us and help us take off the mask that we hold on to so tightly.
You are the only one that can truly love us unconditionally here on this earth and we need that love… oh, how we long for that love.
Let us make this clear and give you a warning. We will not give up our independence easily. It is our comfort, our defense. This is our cry but we have to believe you are willing to go the distance in this fight. We will try to stop you because it makes us vulnerable but we need you to fight for us! We need you to be strong!
Men, hear our cry! Make Sanctus Real’s lyrics your battle song, “Father, give me the strength to be everything I’m called to be. Oh, Father show me the way to lead them.”
Prayer: “God, we ask for Your mighty hand to give us the strength to take a stand for our marriages today.”
“So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate” (Matthew 19:6 NIV).
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Spiritual Vitamin B
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Spiritual Vitamin B’s are guaranteed to boost your energy to supernatural highs, give you better mental focus on what is important and create an overwhelming sense of peace that cannot be explained! Directions: Take one dose of the following Vitamin B’s each morning. Vitamins can be taken all at once without regard to meals. (However, a healthy diet of scripture and prayer will maximize the long term benefits.) Extreme caution must be taken while consuming these vitamins. The overall effect is so powerful you will be bombarded by others who will want to know the secret to the “new you”.
Vitamin B1 – Be thankful (Colossians 3:15). This vitamin is known for its ability to increase positive mental thoughts and foster an attitude of humility towards others.
Vitamin B2 – Be purposeful (Proverbs 3:5-6). This one vitamin has scientist’s mind boggled by the staggering stress reduction properties. Remarkable evidence supports this vitamin’s ability to clarify decisions and redirect energy to an eternal purpose.
Vitamin B3 – Be teachable (Colossians 3:10, 16). This vitamin paired with scripture must be consumed on a regular basis for best results. Accepting weakness and learning from failures is the key ingredient to an overall sense of wellbeing.
Vitamin B4 – Be you (Ephesians 2:10). B4 is simply the most fascinating antidote to improved health and mental clarity. Even though scientists haven’t cracked the exact way it works they all agree, it is by far one of the most amazing spiritual vitamins known to man. You are unique and created with a divine purpose.
Vitamin B5 – Be your best (Colossians 3:17-24). Be the best you can in all things simply because it brings glory to God. This vitamin is essential to establishing increased focus on one’s personal perspective. It is widely regarded as the number one way to find satisfaction even in the most mundane tasks.
Vitamin B6 – Be love (Corinthians 13:1-3). This vitamin is absolutely essential for every person. Studies prove with overwhelming statistics the magnitude of this one vitamin – love. Its value to the human body and soul is so necessary scientist can only speculate the damage that is caused when this vitamin is not consumed. The most amazing aspect of this vitamin is the “give away” phenomenon it produces in people. The more B6 love vitamins you consume from the Heavenly Father the more unconditional love you are able to share. Simply indescribable!
Scripture:
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:14-17).
Spiritual Vitamin B’s are guaranteed to boost your energy to supernatural highs, give you better mental focus on what is important and create an overwhelming sense of peace that cannot be explained! Directions: Take one dose of the following Vitamin B’s each morning. Vitamins can be taken all at once without regard to meals. (However, a healthy diet of scripture and prayer will maximize the long term benefits.) Extreme caution must be taken while consuming these vitamins. The overall effect is so powerful you will be bombarded by others who will want to know the secret to the “new you”.
Vitamin B1 – Be thankful (Colossians 3:15). This vitamin is known for its ability to increase positive mental thoughts and foster an attitude of humility towards others.
Vitamin B2 – Be purposeful (Proverbs 3:5-6). This one vitamin has scientist’s mind boggled by the staggering stress reduction properties. Remarkable evidence supports this vitamin’s ability to clarify decisions and redirect energy to an eternal purpose.
Vitamin B3 – Be teachable (Colossians 3:10, 16). This vitamin paired with scripture must be consumed on a regular basis for best results. Accepting weakness and learning from failures is the key ingredient to an overall sense of wellbeing.
Vitamin B4 – Be you (Ephesians 2:10). B4 is simply the most fascinating antidote to improved health and mental clarity. Even though scientists haven’t cracked the exact way it works they all agree, it is by far one of the most amazing spiritual vitamins known to man. You are unique and created with a divine purpose.
Vitamin B5 – Be your best (Colossians 3:17-24). Be the best you can in all things simply because it brings glory to God. This vitamin is essential to establishing increased focus on one’s personal perspective. It is widely regarded as the number one way to find satisfaction even in the most mundane tasks.
Vitamin B6 – Be love (Corinthians 13:1-3). This vitamin is absolutely essential for every person. Studies prove with overwhelming statistics the magnitude of this one vitamin – love. Its value to the human body and soul is so necessary scientist can only speculate the damage that is caused when this vitamin is not consumed. The most amazing aspect of this vitamin is the “give away” phenomenon it produces in people. The more B6 love vitamins you consume from the Heavenly Father the more unconditional love you are able to share. Simply indescribable!
Scripture:
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:14-17).
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Scared Stiff is My 2011 Goal!
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This year we are seeing a drastic change in the familiar and most popular New Year’s Resolution. For the past few decades the number one “I will lose weight” resolution has been dramatically replaced with a new not so popular statement - “I want to be scared, shocked, and amazed each day”. I know it is hard to believe such a radical resolution is the desire of so many people.
OK, not really! But, what if every Christ Follower made this their goal in the upcoming year? In the gospels, there are numerous times when the words scared, shocked, and amazed were used to describe what the disciples were experiencing. Remember when the disciples experienced a horrific storm on the boat while Jesus was sleeping? They frantically woke him up. Jesus responded to them, “Why are you fearful” (Matthew 8:26). Throughout the gospels, it states when a miracle was performed by Jesus the crowds “marveled”. They were astonished! They could not believe what they were seeing. Again, they were scared when Jesus took Peter, James, and John, up high on the mountain. He then transfigured before them. They had the privilege of seeing Jesus transformed into a brilliant beautiful being whose “face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light” (Matthew 17:2). The excitement didn’t stop there! Then they saw Elijah and Moses appear and speak with Jesus. Scared! I believe I would be shaking in my shoes by this point. To top off the experience a bright cloud came over them and a voice spoke out of the cloud. Scripture says they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid – my modern translation would say they were “scared stiff”. I know I would be.
Step back and put this in perspective. The disciples who walked, talked, ate, slept and lived with Jesus were at times “scared stiff”, astonished and marveled. So, if we are truly walking with Christ today in our life, meaning we talk with Him, follow Him and truly experience Him each day we should have the same experiences. Is this really our goal? Are we willing to put ourselves in the position to be “scared stiff” in order to be in the presence of Jesus? Do we want our days to be filled with absolute amazement? Will we make this our goal in 2011?
PRAYER: “Father, in this upcoming year give me the courage and strength to walk with You each day. Help me to overcome my fears and increase my faith so I can truly experience You and be amazed!”
SCRIPTURE: “Then Jesus said to the disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:24-25).
This year we are seeing a drastic change in the familiar and most popular New Year’s Resolution. For the past few decades the number one “I will lose weight” resolution has been dramatically replaced with a new not so popular statement - “I want to be scared, shocked, and amazed each day”. I know it is hard to believe such a radical resolution is the desire of so many people.
OK, not really! But, what if every Christ Follower made this their goal in the upcoming year? In the gospels, there are numerous times when the words scared, shocked, and amazed were used to describe what the disciples were experiencing. Remember when the disciples experienced a horrific storm on the boat while Jesus was sleeping? They frantically woke him up. Jesus responded to them, “Why are you fearful” (Matthew 8:26). Throughout the gospels, it states when a miracle was performed by Jesus the crowds “marveled”. They were astonished! They could not believe what they were seeing. Again, they were scared when Jesus took Peter, James, and John, up high on the mountain. He then transfigured before them. They had the privilege of seeing Jesus transformed into a brilliant beautiful being whose “face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light” (Matthew 17:2). The excitement didn’t stop there! Then they saw Elijah and Moses appear and speak with Jesus. Scared! I believe I would be shaking in my shoes by this point. To top off the experience a bright cloud came over them and a voice spoke out of the cloud. Scripture says they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid – my modern translation would say they were “scared stiff”. I know I would be.
Step back and put this in perspective. The disciples who walked, talked, ate, slept and lived with Jesus were at times “scared stiff”, astonished and marveled. So, if we are truly walking with Christ today in our life, meaning we talk with Him, follow Him and truly experience Him each day we should have the same experiences. Is this really our goal? Are we willing to put ourselves in the position to be “scared stiff” in order to be in the presence of Jesus? Do we want our days to be filled with absolute amazement? Will we make this our goal in 2011?
PRAYER: “Father, in this upcoming year give me the courage and strength to walk with You each day. Help me to overcome my fears and increase my faith so I can truly experience You and be amazed!”
SCRIPTURE: “Then Jesus said to the disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matthew 16:24-25).
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
A Trip To Sin City
I have a confession to make. I went to “sin city”! Yes, the infamous Las Vegas. There, I admitted it. For this small town girl, a typical drive around town does not consist of skyscraper buildings. I rarely look around and see hotels higher than four stories. So you can imagine the excitement I felt when my husband and I had the opportunity to go to Las Vegas. Not only was the thought of these amazing buildings exciting, I have always been a sucker for city lights. When I was younger, one of my favorite pastimes was driving to the top of a mountain peak and seeing life from this vantage point. It seemed to make my problems seem insignificant and my God very significant.
As we began to share with others about our upcoming trip we were met with some unexpected reactions. “Sin city, why would you ever go to such a place?” “What is a good girl like you going to do in a city like that?” “Oh, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! Wink. Wink.” By the time our trip arrived I was almost feeling guilty about going. After all, how could I explain such excitement and anticipation for a trip to “sin city”?
Beautiful! Simply breathtaking! Words cannot describe the multi-colored sky we viewed as we watched the sun set on top of the Strastosphere. The skyline was in constant motion as swirls of amber, periwinkle and soft yellow chased the sun behind the distant mountain peaks. The beauty didn’t end with sunset. As the sky turned to black, “sin city” became a beautiful sight of twinkling lights. Once again my problems all seemed so insignificant. I felt the calm assurance and the overwhelming peace of my very significant God.
On the plane ride home that guilty feeling started to stir inside of me again. How could I share with people back home all the wonderful and amazing sites we saw in “sin city”? What would people think of me? Then the Holy Spirit reminded me “sin city” is not a place on a map; it is a place in your heart. In Matthew, Jesus explains that sin begins within our own heart and mind. Our sinful thoughts turn into sinful actions. What a powerful reminder that we need to take our thoughts captive to the Word of God. We must purify our hearts every day or we will be “sin city.”
PRAYER: Father, may your Word show me where I need to “clean up” my heart. May my actions be a reflection of Your love, mercy and grace to the lost souls around me.
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make man ‘unclean,’” Matthew 15:19-20 (NIV).
As we began to share with others about our upcoming trip we were met with some unexpected reactions. “Sin city, why would you ever go to such a place?” “What is a good girl like you going to do in a city like that?” “Oh, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! Wink. Wink.” By the time our trip arrived I was almost feeling guilty about going. After all, how could I explain such excitement and anticipation for a trip to “sin city”?
Beautiful! Simply breathtaking! Words cannot describe the multi-colored sky we viewed as we watched the sun set on top of the Strastosphere. The skyline was in constant motion as swirls of amber, periwinkle and soft yellow chased the sun behind the distant mountain peaks. The beauty didn’t end with sunset. As the sky turned to black, “sin city” became a beautiful sight of twinkling lights. Once again my problems all seemed so insignificant. I felt the calm assurance and the overwhelming peace of my very significant God.
On the plane ride home that guilty feeling started to stir inside of me again. How could I share with people back home all the wonderful and amazing sites we saw in “sin city”? What would people think of me? Then the Holy Spirit reminded me “sin city” is not a place on a map; it is a place in your heart. In Matthew, Jesus explains that sin begins within our own heart and mind. Our sinful thoughts turn into sinful actions. What a powerful reminder that we need to take our thoughts captive to the Word of God. We must purify our hearts every day or we will be “sin city.”
PRAYER: Father, may your Word show me where I need to “clean up” my heart. May my actions be a reflection of Your love, mercy and grace to the lost souls around me.
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make man ‘unclean,’” Matthew 15:19-20 (NIV).
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