Rejoice!

“Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:18 KJV link to Scripture) 

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”  (Philippians 4:4 KJV link to Scripture) 

To those who do not have a growing and abiding relationship with Jesus, seeing joyful Christians is confusing.  It is difficult for people to understand joy in the midst of the most difficult times of life.  Amazingly, those enduring persecution because of their faith in Jesus are joyful.  It’s clear that persecution causes growth of the Christian faith, rather than death.   

Being rightly related to Jesus gives us the strength to keep on keeping on, when we’d rather curl up and hide.  It keeps our attitude positive and our hearts soft.  Paul had this type of presence in his letter to the Philippians, which he wrote from prison. 

There are many examples in the persecuted church of individuals finding strength and joy in the Lord no matter what the circumstances.  Likewise, there are scores of examples throughout history of men, women, boys, and girls who have rejoiced in the most ominous of circumstances. 

It’s because of my relationship with the Lord that I was able to assist with Confirmation class the evening of my mom’s Celebration of Life service.  My relationship with the Lord, in addition, to the caring presence of many brothers and sisters in the Lord gave me the strength to walk through many difficult days and long nights of my mom’s illness.  It’s also what helped me to keep moving and to get all the things done that need to be done following her home-going. 

Moreover, I continue to live my daily life in that relationship.  There are times—more than I’d like to admit that I fail miserably, yet each day I discover the Lord’s mercies are new.  Great is His faithfulness (link to text)!

Like Paul, we can find reason to rejoice even in the most traumatic circumstances.  If we can keep our eyes focused on Jesus we won’t get off course attitudinally, and if we do, we’ll realize it and make the necessary corrections.         

Please join with me in prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of Yourself that brought us back into a right relationship with our Heavenly Father.  Empower us to rejoice in all things because of You—both in the good and in the bad.  Grant us the courage and strength to be joyful even in the most difficult of times.  In Your precious name, we pray, Amen.

From my heart to yours,

Kim

Enjoy this link to the worship/praise chorus Rejoice in the Lord Always click here for worship video

Growing with the Flow

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  To him be glory both now and for ever.  Amen.” (2Peter 3:18)see here

During the spring and summer of 2006, I worked my way through a book, The Ministry Inquiry Process (one of many components of the candidacy process in the United Methodist Church for those interested in exploring their call to professional ministry). 

One session had a question about handling the (joys and) surprises of ministry.  “Growing with the flow” was one of my responses—it was an error—originally I meant “go with the flow”.  However, my mentor liked my response.    

What does “growing with the flow,” mean?  Isn’t that the whole point of being a Christian?  Many times, it’s the most difficult and/or the most heart-breaking of incidents that produce the most growth.  “Growing with the flow,” is so empowering—keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus—will allow us to handle all that comes our way, both positive and negative, in what we’ve been called to do.  This isn’t always easy, in fact, it can be quite difficult; however, the results are worth it. 

In what area(s) of your life do you need to learn to “grow with the flow”? 

  

Please join me in prayer:

God of grace, help us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus.  It is only through keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus that we’ll be able to “grow with the flow.”  Remind us, Lord, of the growth we can experience in and through You.  In Jesus’ precious, Name.  Amen.

From my heart to yours,

Kim

Christian Persecution

This coming Sunday, November 10, 2013, is International Day for the Persecuted Church.  Will you remember in prayer those who worship the Lord in the face of great loss, great persecution?  For more information on this day and general information on the persecuted church see: http://www.idop.org/; http://www.persecution.com/idop; http://www.persecution.com/

“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory…”  (1 Peter 1:8 KJV)

Peter’s words must have brought some comfort and encouragement to the early Gentile Christians.  These Christians were facing extreme persecution under the Roman government led by Emperor Nero.  This persecution hasn’t ended, it continues on today.

The following passages from Hebrews should be encouraging to every Christian, but especially encouraging to those enduring unimaginable hardship due to the name of Jesus.  

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out , they might have had opportunity to have returned . 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.  (Hebrews 11: 13-16 KJV)

1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.  (Hebrews 12:1-4 KJV)

Currently throughout the world there are many countries where to be a Christian is a death sentence or a guarantee to lose home, employment, family, and so much more.  In the face of all this—men, women, and children demonstrate great faith in their Savior—Jesus Christ.    

At this point, in America we have it fairly easy—we can worship freely and without fear.  How has that affected our faith?  Do we have the faith that would sustain us, even if that freedom was taken away?  Some day, we may find ourselves in a very similar situation to our brothers and sisters in Christ in places like North Korea and China to name two.

I believe we can learn much from our Christian brothers and sisters in the persecuted church.  They know what it means to rejoice in the face of things that are not joyful.  Learn about them and from them.  Remember to pray for those who are suffering all because they refuse to turn from Jesus.    

What about us…  What would Peter say to us, to encourage us in our Christian walk?  Do we love and believe in Jesus?  Do we rejoice with joy unspeakable?  May we be found faithful!   

Dear Father, we love You and believe in You, even though we don’t see You.  Open our eyes and hearts to Your presence among us.  It is because of You that we can rejoice—rejoice in all things and glory in Your name.  We lift up to You our brothers and sisters in Christ, who can’t worship freely but worship knowing that it may cost them their lives; grant them Your peace and love and protection.  Lord, prepare us who currently worship in safety and freedom to one day lose that freedom—strengthen us to stand strong in our faith, counting the cost worth it.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

50 Spiritual Adventure Scripture: Week of October 20, 2013

October 20, 2013:

Galatians 4-6; Psalms 98 & 103

Today ends the 50 Day Adventure Scripture readings.  I hope you enjoyed reading from God’s Word each day; if you got behind—don’t give up keep reading from where you are currently.  I encourage you to keep reading God’s Word each day.  The Bible is God’s love letter to you!

From my heart to yours, Kim

The Power of Story

“At that time Jesus full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, ‘I praise you Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.  Yes Father, for this was your good pleasure.’”  (Luke 10:21 KJV)

What do you most strongly remember from your childhood?   What stories did you find particularly fascinating and wanted read over and over?  For me, I’ve been told that I loved Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss.  We learn so much from stories—those written, as well as the stories of lives of others told to us orally.  Even our personal stories can instruct.  Learning to listen—with rapt attention (like small children listening to a book being read)—to the stories of faithful believers can aid our own walk.  It’s humbling to realize that our own testimony can inspire others.

Growing up in the church I listened to many Bible stories.  Through those stories I learned about Bible heroes and the faith that I’d return to in a more complete and powerful way as an adult. 

For those who grew up in church, what stories were the most fascinating to you?  My favorite was when Jesus healed the man who was paralyzed (Matt. 9:2-7 see here; Mark 2:3-12 [a different type of healing] see here; Luke 5:18-25 see here).  Today, as an adult, I still find the stories where Jesus (and His apostles) healed others to be fascinating.  There is such amazing power in God’s Word!      

Romans 10:17 (KJV) states: “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Listening seems to imply that a response of some sort is needed.  The response is up to each individual listening.  In this case, it’s responding to Jesus and His desire to be our Savior and Lord.  The question is:  Will we say “yes” to Jesus and eternal life that is truly worth living or will we say “no” and spend an eternity separated from the One who loves more deeply than we can begin to understand?  This is one question that can only be answered by each person for himself/herself.  What will your answer be? 

Heart-warming is a good way to describe what many of us feel when children or adults make the decision to invite Jesus into their heart—becoming born again.  Their lives are completely different.  Salvation changes us from inside out.    

The effect of stories on our lives is powerful—it is through stories that learning takes place on a more personal level.  Stories bring life and color to issues that could otherwise remain dull and lifeless.  Who can you share the stories of Jesus with in the coming days?   

Dear Father, I lift up to You each person who reads this blog—reveal Yourself to them in the way they need to experience You.  Draw them to You.  Lift any condemnation they may be under that is hindering them from hearing You, may they surrender their life to You.  Thank you for the openness and receptiveness of little children—may we be more childlike in how we respond to You and Your Word.  .  Help us to teach them the Truth about Jesus and His love.  Instill in us a childlike faith and openness to You.  Open our hearts to truly hear what children say to us about You.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

From my heart to yours,

Kim

50 Day Spiritual Adventure Scripture: Week of October 13, 2013

Week of October 13, 2013:

Sunday: Ephesians 3-4; Psalms 77

Monday: Ephesians 5-6; Psalms 78

Tuesday: Philippians 1-2; Psalms 90

Wednesday: Philippians 3-4; Psalms 91

Thursday: Colossians 1-2; Psalms 92

Friday: Colossians 3-4; Psalms 95

Saturday: Galatians 1-3; Psalms 96

Wait Upon the LORD

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.”  (Isaiah 40:31 KJV)

Wait.  Wait.  Wait.  I take much comfort in the verse from Isaiah (see above).  It seems to me that if we wait and are still, God is able to work in us much better than if we try to “help” Him.  After all, we know that when we’re physically tired we must rest—be still—to regain our strength.  The same can be said for our spiritual strength.  By being still both physically and spiritually, God can work within us; bring the healing that we most need.  It is when we get our strength from God that we can find that energy and strength to fly like an eagle and run the race to completion without wearing out. 

One definition of the word wait states this: “To rest in expectation and patience” (see here).  This definition seems to fit how “wait” is used in the verse from Isaiah—waiting on the LORD renews our strength.  Therefore, during seasons of waiting, we can rest with expectation and patience that God is working things out in places and realms that we can’t see.  God’s plans are far greater than ours.    

What things are you waiting for or to happen?

  A new ministry opportunity

·         Salvation of a loved one

·         A new job

·         A house to buy or sell?

·         A husband/wife? 

  Being accepted into the college/university or a specialized program of your dreams?  

                 

    

As difficult as periods of waiting can be (I’m in an extended season of waiting), in the end we’ll find the wait worth it.  It’s when you or I get ahead of the Lord that we get in trouble and find that rest really doesn't happen.  Learning to wait doesn't happen overnight—it’s a slow process.  Thankfully our Lord is patient with us and gives us many chances to get things correct.        

Dear Heavenly Father, how we long for meaningful rest; how we long to be renewed.  Our spirits cry out for this—to be able to get through this life without fainting.  Help us to rest in you while we wait—particularly when we find ourselves in extended periods of waiting.  We know that without you, Father, none of this is possible. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

From my heart to yours,

Kim

50 Day Spiritual Adventure Scripture: Week of October 6, 2013

Week of October 6, 2013:

Sunday: Acts 17-18; Psalms 51

Monday: Acts 19-20; Psalms 55

Tuesday: Acts 21-22; Psalms 61

Wednesday: Acts 23-24; Psalms 62

Thursday: Acts 25-26; Psalms 63

Friday: Acts 27-28; Psalms 67

Saturday: Ephesians 1-2; Psalms 73

50 Day Spiritual Adventure Scripture: Week of September 29, 2013

Week of September 29, 2013:

Sunday: Acts 3-4; Psalms 40

Monday: Acts 5-6; Psalms 41

Tuesday: Acts 7-8; Psalms 42

Wednesday: Acts 9-10; Psalms 43

Thursday: Acts 11-12; Psalms 44

Friday: Acts 13-14; Psalms 46

Saturday: Acts 15-16; Psalms 49

50 Day Spiritual Adventure Scripture: Week of September 22, 2013

Week of September 22, 2013:

Sunday: Luke 13-14; Psalms 31

Monday: Luke 15-16; Psalms 32

Tuesday: Luke 17-18; Psalms 33

Wednesday: Luke 19-20; Psalms 34

Thursday: Luke 21-22; Psalms 35

Friday: Luke 23-24; Psalms 37

Saturday: Acts 1-2; Psalms 39

Awesomeness of God and Worry

“28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is ,and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek :) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”  (Matthew 6:28-34 KJV)

Throughout Scripture—Genesis to Revelation—we see how big our God is.  His many attributes are emphasized.  We can learn so much about our Father in heaven by learning about, meditating upon His names and His character.      

With all that has been going on in the economy and in the world in general during the past few years and even more so in the past few weeks and months, it’s easy to fall into the trap of worry.  We fret about the future and how we’re going to make it.  What will happen if…?  How will we make through another week, another month, another year?   

However, for those of us who have a relationship with God through Jesus, we don’t have to worry!  We can be assured that God will take care of us and provide for us.  When all is said and done, God is the one Person who will never let us down or forsake us.  He alone is fully trustworthy and will fulfill each one of His promises to us.

God is bigger than all that frightens us.  We can fully trust Him with the whole of our lives.  He will be with us every step of the way, even when we can’t sense His presence.  We’re to live by faith and not by sight or by feelings.  God will see us through each and every storm of life.     

“Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?  Who hath directed the spirit of the LORD, or being his counselor hath taught him?” (Isaiah 40:12-13 KJV)

Awesome God, Thank You for being bigger than all of our problems.  Father, sometimes we struggle to remember and acknowledge that You will provide for us.  Instead we worry and fret about how we’ll manage to care for ourselves.  Remind us of Your steadfast love and care for us and how You provide for us.  May we trust You to provide what we need each day.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

From my heart to yours,

Kim