Building Forts

“Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 NLT)

When my son was younger, he loved building indoor forts. These elaborate structures were usually made under tables, with couch cushions for walls and blankets to cover any cracks. He would stay in this small space for hours with only a flashlight, a few snacks, and his favorite toys. The privilege of entering these forts was reserved for a very few friends. However, since these forts often stayed up in the middle of the family room for days, sometimes I would sneak inside them after my son went to bed. Once inside, I could see the appeal. It felt like a cocoon--separate, private, safe, peaceful.

We no longer have forts in the family room, but the concept has stayed with me. On hectic days, I find myself building mental shelters that shield me from the surrounding chaos. I carve out time for solitude and silence. I take my Bible and writing supplies. I invite Jesus to join me. These protected spaces enable me to experience God’s transcending peace as my heart and mind are cocooned in Christ Jesus.

Run with Endurance

“Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” (Hebrews 1:2 NLT)

During a race last year, I was running close to a lady who was attempting to finish her first half marathon. Her coach was running alongside her, encouraging her the whole way. He wore a backpack containing all her supplies, so she wouldn’t be weighed down by anything extra. Yet, even with all this extra assistance, she was still struggling to finish.

God has mapped out a path for each of us. We must run this race with endurance and perseverance. Jesus is our coach. He runs alongside us, carrying our sins, so that we are not weighed down by any spiritual burdens. Our job is to focus on Jesus, who initiates and perfects our faith. Watch how He does it. Listen and follow His instructions. He never loses sight of the ultimate goal, the joyful finish line in and with God.

Gift Baskets

“A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” (1 Corinthians 12:7 NLT)

I am not a fan of gift baskets. They usually have a few things I want and several things I don’t. For example, most Easter baskets come with an assortment of candy and plastic toys. In our family, the chocolates are a big hit, but no one wants the toys, the sweet tarts, or the marshmallow candy.

Lately I have been wondering if spiritual gifts come in packages. For example, when the Holy Spirit gives one the gift of healing, does He include humility and forgiveness as part of the bundle? Many of us attempt to pick and choose what we like and ignore the rest. This not only diminishes the spiritual gifts, but is also wasteful.  God’s gift baskets are always perfect. He never adds fillers or anything useless. Thus, it is wise to reverently accept all of His teachings, even the ones we find onerous or distasteful, and incorporate them into our lives.

Delusional Pride

“Then they brought the donkey to Jesus and threw their robes on it, and He sat on it.” (Mark 11:7 HCSB)

Jesus rode on a donkey to Jerusalem. The crowds waved palm branches, praised him, and bowed down to honor him.

Mother Teresa often referred to this passage in the Bible when asked about dealing with spiritual pride. She would compare herself to the little donkey that carried Jesus. “What if that little donkey thought the crowd was giving him the praise and glory instead of Jesus?”

Many of us forget that we are merely asses. Some of us have the privilege of carrying Jesus to others. We may be given certain talents to do this job. Some of us are enabled by the Spirit to minister to others through singing, speaking, teaching, leading, guiding, healing, fundraising, serving, etc. These roles are like the robes that were laid on the donkeys back. They are meant as a seat for Jesus, not to pad our own egos. Spiritual pride is always stupid; it is based on the delusion that we are more than mere carriers of Christ. Spiritual pride can also be dangerous. If we think we are the main attraction, we can become a distraction and lead others astray. Thus, it is imperative that those who are called to minister in the name of Jesus cultivate humility, reverence, and grace.

Immersed in the Spirit

“For in him we live and move and exist.”  (Acts 17:28 NLT)

Like many students, I took Spanish classes during high school. Yet, I am not able to communicate in Spanish. A friend of mine told me about Spanish immersion programs in Mexico. Here, you live with a host family where you have no choice but to listen and speak Spanish. You work, play, eat, sleep, and socialize around native speakers. You are immersed in the culture and language 24/7. This helps you to get beyond the theoretical knowledge in your head to actually practicing your language skills.

What if we were part of a Spiritual immersion program that was designed in a similar manner? Surrounded by a culture of faith, our thoughts and words would align with God’s purpose. Our days would be soaked in scripture and  permeated in prayer. Our work and social interactions would continue, but everything would be infused with the Holy Spirit. We would be aware  of our absolute need for God--how we couldn’t live, breathe, speak, move, or exist without Him.

This is the air I breathe
Your holy presence living in me
This is my daily bread
Your very word spoken to me
And I... I'm desperate for you
And I... I'm lost without you
(Lyrics by Michael W. Smith)

Consecrated to the Lord

"Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord." (Luke 2:23 NIV)

Moses’ mother put him in a basket and entrusted him to God. Hannah dedicated her son Samuel to the service of the the Lord. Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple and consecrated him to the Father. These parents were not merely following the religious customs of their day. Their actions reveal a great deal of trust, commitment, and devotion.

When children are little, many Christian parents take them to church for some sort of dedication ceremony. However, I think it’s a good idea to consecrate your children to the Lord on a daily basis.
Perhaps, like me, you have concerns about your children. Maybe you are desperate and don’t know what to do. Put them in a basket and let the river of the Holy Spirit carry them to the Father.

Lord, I consecrate my son to you today. Thank you for giving him to me. Now, I give him back to You. Let me know what you need from me. Show me when to step in and when to step back. Holy Spirit take over. I trust You. 

King

“Deep honor and bright glory to the King of All Time—One God, Immortal, Invisible, ever and always. Oh, yes!” (1 Timothy 1:17 MSG)

It’s hard to imagine God as King, when I’ve never lived under the rule of a king. It’s even more unfathomable to compare God to any president or world leader. Thus, I find the sovereignty of God difficult to comprehend. Yet, God is not limited by my narrow experience and finite imagination. He deserves deep honor and bright glory. He is our immortal, invisible, and eternal King.

Even though it appears  
that despots rule the earth,
God is in control.
He deposes tyrants.
To a world full of injustice, 
He has promised justice. 
He is sovereign Lord, 
not just over our nation, 
but over the entire universe.
He is King of Kings,
Lord of Lords.

Witnessing Suffering

“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.” (John 19:25 NIV)

Jackie’s son is dying from cancer. Her private agony seems just as bad as her son’s pain. Clare’s husband has a drinking problem. Their entire family is wounded by his addiction and deterioration. Muna’s son was handcuffed and taken to a juvenile detention center, because his science project included parts of a digital clock. She had to wait helplessly while her son was questioned for hours. It’s difficult to watch loved ones suffer, whether it is the result of natural causes or their own poor choices. It’s even harder to stand by passively while they are victimized unjustly by other humans.

Jesus was misunderstood by many of his contemporaries. He was persecuted by the religious leaders. The authorities falsely accused him of blasphemy and charged him with treason. In the end, He was imprisoned, tortured, and executed as a terrorist. He suffered and died on the cross. How it must have hurt those who loved Him to stand by powerlessly!

Lord, I pray for all those who are suffering alongside their loved ones. Grant them comfort and strength. Jesus, show us how to defend the powerless, care for the needy, and heal those who hurt. 

Trusting God with the Little Things

"But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.” (Jeremiah 17:7 NIV)

Before starting on major trips and projects, I usually pray. I ask God for guidance, protection, and blessing. However, I rarely bother Him with minor things. I am confident that I can manage these on my own. I mostly rely on God in areas where I don’t feel competent.

My husband and I usually talk to each other about all the things that happen each day. I enjoy hearing what he had for lunch and the interactions he had with others at work. I am eager to tell him about my day, too. I don’t just discuss what happened or what I want in the future; I also express my emotions, ask questions, and listen to his opinions.  Intimacy is built on sharing everything--major concerns, minor incidents, and everything in between.

I want an intimate relationship with Jesus. This means sharing everything, even if I think it’s minutia. Before I speak, it would be beneficial to ask God to shape my words. Before I make small decisions about my daily life--what to prepare for dinner, if I should make a purchase, and what chores to do--I could consult Jesus. Even things that I think I can manage on my own can be made better by involving the Lord. However, the motivation is not merely to seek God’s input, but to express my love. As I share the little details of my life, I grow closer to Him; I acknowledge my dependence on Him; I honor Him.

Gift

“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.” (John 3:16 MSG)

For about $200, a local coffee shop is offering unlimited coffee for a year. This seems like a good gift, especially for college students who hang out there for free Wi-Fi. However, we know businesses don’t ‘give away’ anything that is not profitable for them in the long run. They are hoping that these customers will bring their friends, order something to eat with their coffee, and keep coming back daily. My son is a college student. He knows that in our home, he can have unlimited coffee, food, Wi-Fi, and a place to bring his friends. This offer is motivated by love and has no expiration date.

God gave us His only Son. This was motivated by unconditional love, not  profit. Jesus lived and died sacrificially for the sake of humanity. Because of Him, we have eternal life. The cost has already been paid. Those who trust in Him, have unlimited access to God’s resources. There is no expiration date on His offer of forgiveness, wholeness, and healing. Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving, forever.

A Double-Edged Sword

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 NIV)

Years ago, I bought a set of knives for my kitchen. One of the knives is double-sided. I’m not sure how to use it properly, so I just put it away in the back of a drawer. I recently saw a similar knife online; supposedly, it is used to cut frozen foods. 

For years, I never read the Bible. I always had one in the house, somewhere on a bookshelf. I wasn’t sure what to do with it. I heard the Bible being read at church before sermons. I was familiar with a lot of the stories and parables. I figured that was enough for a layperson such as myself. Plus, there were so many other new books to read. Things changed as I grew older. For the last few decades, I’ve spent more time studying the Bible than any other book. At first, the Bible seemed like an archaic, history book--dry and irrelevant. However, after twenty years of study, I still find fresh nuggets of insight from it every day. 

The Word of God is always alive and active, full of supernatural wisdom, encouragement, and comfort. It gives us new perspectives and transforms our attitudes. It enables us to communicate with God. We can hear God’s Spirit speaking through the Bible; we can use the verses to shape our prayers and meditations. However, Scripture can also be a double-edged sword. It can bring discernment as well as conviction. As it penetrates deep into our conscience, it separates truth from delusion. There are no dull sides to the Word. It cuts through the tough, superficial exterior we present to the world, laying bare our inner spirit to the healing power of God.

Hands Full

“Don’t let me be so rich that I don’t need you or so poor that I have to resort to dishonesty just to make ends meet. Then life will never detract from bringing glory to your name.” (Proverbs 30:8 TPT)

I always appreciate it when someone opens a door for me, especially if my hands are full. It doesn’t make a difference whether my hands are overloaded with groceries or I’m carrying a sick child. In either case, I can use some help. 

Similarly, I’m grateful to those who pray for me when I can’t pray for myself. Prayer gives access to God’s presence, but it’s more difficult to seek God when we feel overwhelmed. Both abundance and pain can detract us from pursuing God’s glory. It is neither on mountain peaks nor in deep canyons, but in the plateaus of life that we have the serenity to commune with God. Whenever there is a lull in our lives, we have the opportunity to lend a hand, to lift others up. This is the ideal time to pray--to open the door for others so they,  too, can access God.

The Vulnerability of Christ

“We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7 MSG)

God became human. He made Himself vulnerable. He chose to be born into poverty and instability. Mary and Joseph were displaced refugees with very few resources. They lived under an oppressive government with a tyrant king at the helm. Jesus never had an easy life on this earth. He lived selflessly, humbly, obediently. He died sacrificially.

The Christmas season emphasizes joy, wonder, peace, and abundance; it  should remind us of Christ’s vulnerability. When we feel powerless, defenseless, weak, and exposed--it is reassuring to know that Jesus has experienced the same emotions. When our loved ones are in need of healing, when they are lost, when they are susceptible to evil--we know our Lord understands and responds with compassion. Jesus embraced vulnerability; he accepted it as part of the human condition.  As followers of Christ, we are called to embody His Spirit. Thus, let us remember that we are like clay jars that have to be broken in order to reveal the treasure of God’s power within us. 

Praying Jonah 2

Lord, I cry out to You in my great trouble

Answer me!

I have been swallowed by darkness

Help!

My head is tangled in emotion

Suffocating, sinking, stagnant

I’m engulfed by despair

Everything is closing in on  me

O Lord, my God

Pull me up!

Do not abandon me

Are my prayers getting through to you?

I worship You

And sing songs of praise

I thank You

And remain committed

I’m counting on You

Rescue me!

Steering the Raft

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.” (Isaiah 43:2 NLT)

The one and only time I went white-water rafting was in Colorado. A group of us got on an inflatable raft with a trained guide. Our job was to hold on while the guide did all the steering. He maneuvered us through the rocks, waves, and drops, while I kept my eyes closed and screamed in terror. I was relieved when we finally reached the end.

Jesus has been steering me through the waves of my ever-changing life. He remains with me in every struggle. He guides me. He cares for me. When I go through rough waters without a paddle, He is still in control. When I am deeply troubled, I cling to Him tightly. Even though I am fearful of all the twists, turns, and drops, I trust Him to carry me through to the end. For the Lord continues to be my hope, my refuge, and my rescuer.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9 NIV)

Son of God

“These are written down so you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and in the act of believing, have real and eternal life in the way he personally revealed it.” (John 20:31 MSG)

What is DNA? Most of us have a vague idea that it is something in us that determines our genetics. Unless you work in the field of science or law enforcement, you rarely think about it. DNA codes genetic information for the transmission of inherited traits. Although we share much of the same DNA with other primates, each human being has a unique pattern of DNA. The closer we are related, the more similar we are.

Jesus is the Son of God. He inherited all of the Father’s DNA. He is God incarnate, the Divine embodied in human form. Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior. He is the source and outcome of our hope and expectations. Jesus is God with us, God in us, and God through us.

As children of God, this knowledge is already part of our spiritual DNA.  However, many of us remain unaware of this intricate code that determines the essence of who we are.  This ignorance doesn’t change the fact that every aspect of our lives is powered by God, operating within us and through us.

Soaring Eagles

“Those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 NLT)

A friend and I were running near a lake when we noticed three bald eagles on a tree. I had never been that close to eagles in the wild. These magnificent birds were perched on a tree right over our heads. Every so often, they would soar over the lake looking for fish. Unlike other birds, eagles do not fly in large flocks. They don’t fly hither and thither, but stay close to the source of water.

My friend and I later discussed how we could identify with those eagles in some ways. We do not enjoy being part of large groups. We prefer to hang around with one or two other people or be alone. There are also some characteristics of eagles that we would like to emulate:
--To know Who our Source is, and stay close to HIM
--To develop perceptive vision
--To use changes in air currents to soar higher
--To keep moving without growing weary
--To be strong and bold

Lord, may we find new strength as we grow to trust in You. Teach us to soar high on wings like eagles. Help us to run without growing weary.

Soul Cramp

“I will punish the men who are stagnant in spirit...” (Zephaniah 1:12 NASB)

Big cities can be congested with traffic jams, overcrowded sidewalks, cramped restaurants, and confined living spaces. When I visit these places, my spirit feels constricted. It reminds me of a muscle cramp--an involuntary contraction, a tenseness that persists. Living in places like this must require a certain amount of apathy. Permanent residents seem complacent about the disparity of resources, the homeless, the dirt, the noise,  and the pollution. 

Cows can be grazed in pastures or packed into dirty feedlots. Congested places have some things in common: there is no flow; neither people nor air can move freely. Conformity and stagnancy become the norm. Why would anyone voluntarily submit to this form of punishment? I wonder if, like cattle, we are unaware of the difference? 

Having lived in both crowded cities and wide open spaces, I now know the difference. These days, I can sense a cramp in my soul as soon as I approach a human corral. I won’t stay long, if I have a choice. My spirit is accustomed to flowing freely. I follow my cravings for nature, for quiet, for clean air. I seek out peaceful streams of living water.  I  drink deeply. 

“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” (Henry David Thoreau)

Rebuilt Marriages

“Afflicted city, storm-battered, unpitied: I'm about to rebuild you with stones of turquoise, Lay your foundations with sapphires, construct your towers with rubies, Your gates with jewels, and all your walls with precious stones. All your children will have God for their teacher - what a mentor for your children!” (Isaiah 54:11-14 MSG)

My husband and I have been married for twenty-seven years. Like most couples who have been together for a while, we have faced some storms. Looking back over the years, it still amazes me that we have come this far. I know this is not due to our own merit, but by the grace of God. 

I don’t have any ‘pro-tips’ for younger married couples. However, I would like to share a few insights. When a crisis hits, it is natural to feel a sense of panic, despair, and disillusionment. We feel the anguish of broken dreams. We see the pain in our children’s eyes. Whether it is deserved or not, we tend to project blame on our spouses for our emotions. As we survey the damage, it’s hard to imagine that life can ever be good again. Calling it quits seems like the sensible thing to do. This is because we haven’t factored God into the equation. We look at the debris of broken concrete, metal, glass, and bricks. Is restoration even possible? God promised to reconstruct us with precious jewels and stones, not with salvaged rubble. He assured us that he would guide our children and defend our honor.  All that is required from us is a commitment. We must humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, wait patiently, and live congruent to His will. Then, in His time, we will be restored gloriously, beyond anything we imagine. 

Sacramental Living

“A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand and the table with its consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place.” (Hebrews 9:2 NIV)

I have been trying to be more mindful in everything I do, inviting God into every task and decision. I have learned to talk to God as I go about my chores. Certain jobs are more conducive to contemplation than others. For example, it’s much easier to pray while baking bread than while doing taxes.

These days, I look for activities that enable my mind to focus on God with minimal distractions. If I am doing a silent activity such as cooking, I remember how Jesus blessed the bread and gave it to His disciples. Food is an integral part of communion, whether it happens in a church or in your home. If I am cleaning, I pray for cleansing, healing, and restoration for myself and others. If I am driving, I use that time to hand over control of the things I try to manage on my own. When I am having a conversation, I ask God to help me understand and speak truth. 

When my mind wanders, (which happens frequently), I pull it back. I use worship music, scripture verses, or audio sermons to keep my thoughts focused on the Lord. Visualization, talking or singing out loud, rhythmic movement, art, writing, crocheting, rosary beads, all aid me to stay attentive. Everything can be holy when it is consecrated to the Lord. God is present. It is up to us to acknowledge Him, to honor Him, and to live sacramentally. Wisdom, forgiveness, empathy, healing, and love flow freely when we collaborate with the Lord.

Intangible Confirmation

“Faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things (we) hope for, being the proof of things (we) do not see and the conviction of their reality (faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses).” (Hebrews 11:1 AMP)

These days, e-tickets are the norm for flights. After I purchase a ticket, I arrive at the airport with nothing more than a barcode on my smartphone expecting to get on my assigned flight. At first, I was nervous about not having a tangible paper ticket, boarding pass, or printout to confirm flight numbers, times, seats, etc. However, after several years without incident, I have learned I can count on this system. 

Faith is the assurance that our God is dependable. It is the confirmation that what we hope for is already in process, even though we can’t sense it. It enables us to feel secure while we wait. We don’t know the timing, nor are we certain that everything will work out exactly according to our desires. Yet, the more we experience God, the more we realize that He is trustworthy. Faith allows us to put our confidence in God, even before we have any tangible evidence to support our convictions. 

Clean Slate

“So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to - the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self, which is created in God's likeness and reveals itself in the true life that is upright and holy.” (Ephesians 4:22-23 GNT)

I’ve had the same whiteboard hanging in my kitchen for over a decade. This is where I write down daily to-do lists, seasonal chores, and reminders. For the last few years, I have not been able to get old markings wiped off. I tried many different cleaners, but the board remained stained by years of use. Then I found a cleaning tip online: use toothpaste on a paper towel to clean old marker stains. My whiteboard is now as good as new.

This reminds me of something my friend, Jen, said: Prayer is erasing our agenda and desires, so that we can wait for God to write out His plans for our lives.

My prayers are more like my unclean whiteboard--full of previous markings, personal agendas, and unanswered requests. It retains the stains of my sinful self. Jen’s insight on prayer has inspired me. I am trying to erase my expectations completely and wait for God’s directions. I want my life to be a clean slate.

Lord, help me to erase the sinful desires and deceptive thoughts from my mind. Renew Your Spirit within me. May everything I say and do reveal Your righteousness, truth, and holiness.

Different Chargers

“God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.” (1 Corinthians 12:6 NLT)

My old phone used a standard charging tip that was common to many devices. With multiple chargers available everywhere--next to my chair, next to my bed, next to the kitchen, in my car--it was easy to recharge my phone. My new phone has a different type of charger. I can no longer use the old cables. This has been frustrating. The source of electricity has always been the same. Why can’t manufacturers just make phones with the same kind of ports and chargers?

Every few years, I find myself in a similar quandary with the Lord. God remains the source of everything, but the way I connect with Him changes with each new phase of life. At different times--church and other forms of corporate worship, volunteer service, small groups, books, audio sermons, songs, private prayer, contemplation, Bible study, being in nature, talking to other followers of Christ, writing, etc. have all been ways that enable me to feel connected to God. However, as I age, I change. Thus, every few years, I have learned to try new things and adapt to new ways of recharging my relationship with God.  

“If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” (Jeremiah 29:13 NLT)