Clearing Space

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT)

My husband’s smartphone has very little internal storage left. He has too much stuff stored on his phone. I have the same phone, but mine has plenty of available storage. Unlike him, I regularly transfer my pictures and other files from my phone to my computer and then delete them from my phone.

Writing clears up space in my head. It helps me transfer my thoughts, freeing up limited, mental space. I routinely send out emails and texts to people as soon as I remember something that I need to share or ask. I enter reminders about every task and event into my calendar. I jot down lists about everything. Once I write something down, I feel less pressured to keep thinking about it.

I also write notes to God. Writing out my thoughts, my concerns, and my emotions feels therapeutic. It frees up my mind. As long as I am  cluttered with worry, I cannot receive the Spirit. When I upload all my cares to God, I am restored.

Lord, I feel burdened and weary. I come to you for rest. I give all my worries and cares to You, for I know you care about me.

Gratitude for the Middle

“The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him.” (Nahum 1:7 NLT)

It was my friend, JW, who taught me to thank God for the middle. Let me back up and start from the beginning...

I was raised to pray before starting anything--before meals, before school, before tests, before trips, before living in a new home, before driving a new car, etc. I also knew to thank God after finishing any venture.  But I had trouble trusting God in between. I would try to power through with sheer determination and hard work. When things got tough, I would resort to self-pity and complaining. Until one day, my friend JW shared her method of praying through these troubling middle portions of life.

Express gratitude to God for working on your concerns.  

I was used to writing out things for which I am thankful, but I always waited for my prayers to be answered, for projects to be completed, and for problems to be resolved. This prevented me from recognizing God in the midst of my troubles. I acted as if He were not always near! I started writing out my prayers of gratitude in the middle of the trenches. I did this every morning, often writing down the same sentences day after day. It helped me to hand over my concerns to God, to trust Him to take care of them.

Lord, thank you for working on ________ (issue, concern, person). Grant me patience, wisdom, and strength while I wait for You to take care of this.

Come Back

“For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.” (1 Peter 1:18-19 NLT)

I used to go to a locally owned grocery store. Everything was always fresh, and the employees were friendly. The prices were a bit high, though. A few years ago, there was some road repair on my way to that grocery store. The drive became inconvenient, so I switched my shopping to a Wal-Mart supercenter. This allowed me to buy everything in one location--groceries, clothing, electronics, hardware, you name it! The service was less than ideal, but the prices were low. The road to my old grocery store was completely restored in a few months. Even after the construction barriers were removed, I continued to shop at the superstore because it was cheaper and more convenient.

Sin is anything that distracts us from God. Our ancestors were focused on survival and success at all costs. We inherited these priorities and continue to pursue worldly pleasure and progress apart from God. Jesus sacrificed Himself to remove the barriers between us and the Father. He paid a premium to save us from a frivolous life. Yet, we continue living as if the roadblocks are still there, opting for expediency over infinite satisfaction.

Jesus, we want to come back to You. Help us to leave behind our sinful habits and travel on Your reconstructed pathways. You are the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Have mercy on us. Grant us peace.

Reaching Across Barriers

“This is God's Message: Attend to matters of justice. Set things right between people. Rescue victims from their exploiters. Don't take advantage of the homeless, the orphans, the widows.” (Jeremiah 22:3 MSG)

For the past several decades, I have been trying to reach out across cultural barriers. I have learned much from these relational explorations. Yet, there have also been unexpected consequences. It has alienated me from my own group, many of whom label me as disloyal. Unfamiliar groups regard me with suspicion. I often feel stranded with no sense of belonging.

Pioneers on any front have to expect a certain amount of disorientation and ostracism. Those who step away from their native group and immigrate to a wider culture are bound to feel like aliens. Do not be discouraged. Jesus faced much worse; He was rejected, humiliated, and crucified. Yet, He continued to follow the Father’s will.  

What are we to do in a world full of injustice, oppression, and profiteering? God’s message hasn’t changed since the time of the prophet Jeremiah: Recognize inherent prejudices and move past cultural barriers. Venture past your native circles so that you may have a wider vantage point. Attend to matters of social justice, set things right between people, and reach out to victims of exploitation and persecution.

Differential Treatment

“There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28 NLT)

When my son was little, he used to like to sort Legos by size, shape, and color before he started building his project. The instinct to lump things into groups seems built into our nature. It helps us make sense of things. We classify animals, plants, minerals, diseases, countries, etc. We even like to differentiate fellow human beings by religion, ethnicity, race, nationality, education, ability, wealth, gender, and sexual orientation. This inclination to segregate can lead to discrimination.

We are all one in Christ Jesus.  

As followers of Jesus, we are called to be inclusive, compassionate, and welcoming--to reach out to those who may seem different at first glance. Once we get to know each other, we recognize how similar we are; we all want safe and stable lives for our families, fairness, dignity, and freedom to express our own values. Let us remove the man-made barriers between us, and live in unity as God intended.

Mental Fuel

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 NLT)

Many long distance runners rely on mid-run fuel--sports drinks, gels, energy bars, etc.--to get through the inevitable fatigue that sets in after hours of running. I recently heard a runner say that she also arranges for ‘mental fuel’ during marathon races. She knows that she has a tendency to feel discouraged about two-thirds of the way through her race; so, she asks one of her non-running friends to drive out and wait for her around the 17-mile marker, just to give her a hug. This emotional boost fuels her for the last part of the run.

We all have dark phases in life when we just want to quit. Exhausted and fearful, we limp along with a heavy heart. We need physical and mental fuel.

Even when we walk through the darkest valley, we need not be discouraged. God is always near. Look for Him. He is waiting with open arms.

Introducing God

“John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light.” (John1:8 NLT)

I was recently at a conference where the keynote speaker was introduced by a local businessman. The introductory speech was much longer than necessary. The businessman seemed determined to use this opportunity to promote himself and his ideas. The audience grew restless. We all wondered when he would step back from the podium and make space for the main speaker.

John the Baptist introduced Jesus and then, stepped back.

Many of us fail to step back from the podium after we have introduced Jesus into a situation or to a person. Then we wonder why God has not answered our questions, resolved our problems, or given us divine insights about certain issues. Our refusal to shut up and take a seat prevents things from moving forward.

Lord, You are the light, and we are here to show the way to the light. You are far greater than we are, for You existed long before us. Help us to step back and make space for You to speak.

Mighty God

“For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." (Zephaniah 3:17 NLT)

I keep a journal of things for which I am thankful. Having a visible list helps me to remember how blessed I am. I also have an invisible list in my head;  it’s my “Yucky List”. It is a tally of all the things I would rather not think about--apprehensions, disappointments, annoyances, and resentments. I wish I could just take an eraser and wipe this list off my mind.

“Abandon outcomes to God.” (Dallas Willard)

Scripture tells us that God is a mighty warrior who will stay with us and fight for us. He is our dependable and powerful Father. We are precious to Him. He will calm our fears with lullabies of comfort. As we grow to trust in the Lord, we are able to abandon all outcomes to Him.

“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10)

Spirit Care

“Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.” (3 John 1:2 NLT)

Self-care is difficult for many women, including me. Even the most basic acts of caring for our bodies and minds seem selfish and indulgent when there are so many other people who need our attention. Perhaps we need to reframe our thinking.

The following are some notes I jotted during a discussion with some friends:

-Self-care feeds your spirit.

-Self-neglect drains your spirit and fuels fear.

Many of us mistake being useful for significance. This fallacy drives us to neglect the longings of our heart in order to meet the expectations of others. We squash our feelings, ashamed to express them for fear of seeming needy. Yet, our emotions are pregnant with insights. If we pay attention, they will lead us to our authentic core. When we take care of ourselves, when we stand up for truth, our spirit thrives.

Real-ationships

“Love must be sincere.” (Romans 12:9 NIV)

I got a call from an old friend this morning. We talk a few times a year. Our conversations usually follow a pattern--news about our families, work, hobbies, trips, etc. The phone calls allow us to ‘catch up’ with each other, nothing more. It’s not much different than the conversation that I have with my hairstylist.

A wise friend recently said the following: True fellowship involves being real. It enables us to process and grow together.

Real-ationships require vulnerability, honesty, and awareness. We must have compassion for ourselves and others. There is no place for one-upmanship or self-centeredness. We climb up the mountain of adversity, emotions, and confusion, making sense of it together, sharing experiences, helping each other to understand and accept each other. Sincerity is essential.  Mutual growth is the fundamental objective.

Calling Out the Spirit

“So I prophesied, just as he commanded me. The breath entered them and they came alive!” (Ezekiel 37:10 MSG)

My son tends to sleep late, especially on weekends. I usually have to wake him up to get ready for church on Sundays. I knock on his door, waiting for a response indicating that he is awake and aware of the time before I walk away.

The Spirit of God, who dwells in each of us, calls out to the Spirit in others. She knocks, nudges, and shakes those who are spiritually unconscious. She speaks truth in words that they can understand. She remains steadfast, dependable, and constantly watchful until every dormant Spirit is revived, and able to stand firm against evil.

Holy Spirit, you live within each of us. Express yourself. Call out to those in whom Your Spirit remains dormant. Commune, breath to breath, reviving those who are unresponsive. Help us to stand on our own feet and begin to live.

Micro-validation

“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT)

A few years ago, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security came up with a new campaign: “If you see something, say something.” It encouraged citizens to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. This opened up a floodgate of complaints against anyone who looked Middle-Eastern or spoke languages that sounded like Arabic. This is a form of macroaggression--overt aggression toward those of a different race or culture.

Microaggression, on the other hand, is the casual degradation of marginalized groups through subtle insults or indirect discrimination. Microinvalidation is a form of microaggression that dismisses the feelings or experiences of a person as invalid.

What if we reversed this behavior? Every day, we have opportunities to affirm people who are marginalized, to validate the experiences of others. If you see something positive in someone, say something to them. Be sincere. Disingenuous flattery doesn’t do anyone any good. Intentionally go out of your way to make people feel included and accepted. Allow everyone to have a voice, to express their individual perspective. Listen and learn. Let us use every chance we get to encourage each other and build each other up with macro-affirmations and micro-validations.

Dead Worms

“Evil people self-destruct; those who hate the godly are punished. The Lord rescues his servants; all who take shelter in him escape punishment.” (Psalm 34:21-22 NET)

As I let my dog out this morning, I noticed my back porch was covered in dead earthworms. This is a common occurrence in the spring after a heavy rain. Earthworms thrive in moist soil since they breathe through their skin. When it rains, the wet conditions allow them to migrate overland. As long as the air around them is damp, they can survive, but if they are stuck on concrete when the air dries out, they shrivel up and die.

The dead worms reminded me of myself. I need to be saturated by God’s presence to thrive. When I’m burrowed in Scripture and prayer, when my thoughts are focused on God’s purpose, when I am operating under the influence of the Spirit--I do well. However, I don’t always stay under God’s protective covering. When conditions seem favorable, I creep to the surface where I can move about according to my own will. At first, all seems fine--I’m surrounded by other worms, and we are all squirming around without restrictions. Yet, it’s only a matter of time before we all self-destruct.

Lord, may we constantly seek you. Do not let us stray away from Your presence. Saturate us in Your Spirit. For we live and move and have our being in You.

Fighting Against Evil

“They walk all over your people, GOD,

Exploit and abuse your precious people.” (Psalm 94:5 MSG)

I’ve been hearing about human trafficking for years, but I always assumed it was something that happened in faraway countries; then, I read a report about a few local cases. It was hard to imagine that this sort of exploitation could be happening so close to me, and that I might have inadvertently supported businesses that engage in abuse. I have been researching this subject lately and would like to share some of the information I found:

“While the victims may sometimes be kept behind locked doors, they are often hidden right in front of us at, for example, construction sites, restaurants, elder care centers, nail salons, agricultural fields, and hotels.” (U.S. Department of State)

Here are a few red flags that could indicate that a victim is being coerced into working for someone:

• Living with employer
• Poor living conditions
• Multiple people in cramped space
• Inability to speak to individual alone
• Answers appear to be scripted and rehearsed
• Employer is holding identity documents
• Signs of physical abuse
• Submissive or fearful
• Unpaid or paid very little
• Under 18 and in prostitution

All human beings are precious in God’s eyes. There is no denying that exploitation and abuse are evil. Fighting evil requires us to be informed and alert--to advocate for those who are powerless to seek help for themselves.

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My Light

“Jesus once again addressed them: ‘I am the world's Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.’" (John 8:12 MSG)

Every year, a nearby farmer sets up a ‘haunted’ corn maze for Halloween.  As you attempt to find your way out of this dark and disorienting maze, scary things keep popping up. Even after you have gone through several sections, it is still creepy. You’re never sure how long it will take before you get through. I’m sure the whole experience would be much less intimidating if the guy who designed the maze went ahead carrying a bright flashlight.

Experience can increase understanding, but not always. For example, two people can go through similar circumstances and come out with different levels of growth and insights. Thrill seekers prefer to figure out their own way, even if it involves stumbling through the dark. God designed every aspect of our lives. He knows every turn. Jesus is the light that guides us down the right path. His revelations uncover mysteries that are beyond normal human capacity to comprehend. Those who follow Him are imbued with divine intuition and wisdom.

Jesus, You provide plenty of light to live in. Grant us insight and understanding as we walk with You through the intricacies of life.

Hollow Philosophies

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:8 NIV)

I got a new coffee cup that was hand-painted in cheerful colors. It’s very pretty, but it has a hollow handle. I microwaved some water in it recently. When I reached for the handle, I burned my fingers. Unfortunately, this is not the first time that I have been burned by attractive, yet hollow, things.

Religious communities often promote conformity to shallow interpretations that are appealing to the masses. Congregations of like-minded people get together to reinforce current societal values and human traditions. They  get mesmerized by these hollow philosophies which prevent them from truly seeking Christ. Although these social clubs can be comforting and enriching during normal times, the superficial faith that they peddle can become a liability in times of great crises.

For years, I followed the teachings of the church without question. It was my primary social group, and I enjoyed the sense of belonging it provided. It provided quick answers to my moral dilemmas and gave order to my thoughts. However, when my questions got intricate and passionate, I was left with feelings of emptiness, pain, and confusion. I realized I needed more. These days, I seek out time alone with Christ. I reach out to Him in good days and bad. Sometimes I talk to Him; other times I just sit silently and listen. I express my thoughts and ask questions. His answers are never hollow, yet they require devotion, discipline, and discernment.

Jesus, I belong to you

Help me not to be lured by assurances of inclusion

Nor get caught up in hollow philosophies

Instead, let me come close to You

And experience Your fullness.

Praying Psalm 25

The following is a paraphrase of Psalm 25. I wrote it out as a prayer for a loved one:

Lord, I am trusting You to take care of _____

I lift up his spirit to You.

Show him Your ways

Guide him to truth

Point out every instance of Your mercy and love

Redirect him when he is lost

Hold his hand and lead him step-by-step

Show him how to settle down in Your presence

Keep watch over him

Mold his life with Your skilled hands

Preserve him with integrity and honesty

I am relying on You, God; I know You won’t let me down.

National Pride

“I will cut you down to size among the nations; you will be greatly despised. You have been deceived by your own pride because you live in a rock fortress and make your home high in the mountains.‘Who can ever reach us way up here?’ you ask boastfully. But even if you soar as high as eagles and build your nest among the stars, I will bring you crashing down,” says the LORD.” (Obadiah 1:1-4 NLT)

Like every other nation, America is filled with patriotic citizens who believe that our own country is the best. Even though things may not be perfect right now, we feel that it’s just a matter of time; a change in leadership, a few tweaks in policy, and the country will be great again. National pride can deceive us into imagining that our country’s flaws are inconsequential, especially in comparison to other places. We look down from our high and lofty seat at those who are less privileged and powerful. How dare they criticize us when we have the biggest economy, the mightiest military, and the most beautiful land?

Pride, in any form, can be pernicious--even when we call it by other names such as self-confidence, superiority, or nationalism. Self-absorbed people cannot know God intimately. Those who look condescendingly at the powerless are unable to notice Christ in their midst. Jesus modeled servant-leadership. We are called to love our neighbors, regardless of their ethnicity or nationality.

My Hope

“And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.” (Psalm 39:7 NLT)

I hope ________

Take a few minutes to fill in the blank with whatever your heart desires.

I hope...for a good marriage, for my son to have a bright future, for all of my loved ones to be healthy and safe. I hope that we may all know and love God. I hope our life has meaning and purpose.

What is the basis for our hopes? Are our expectations dependent on a set of circumstances, or are they centered on God?

Pessimism can be like a disease that causes hope to wilt; despair can spread like a fungus. Faith gives roots to hope--grounding, strengthening, and nourishing it--enabling it to flourish and grow. When our hope stems from full confidence in God, it is no longer wishful thinking; we wait expectantly, knowing God is trustworthy and dependable.

Lord, my hope is based on Your reputation. I shall wait in joyful anticipation to see how you are going to work things out.