Mender of the Broken

“He heals the brokenhearted, And binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow].” Psalm 147:3 AMP

We used to live in an old house that required a lot of maintenance. It was a rental, but the owners lived far away. At first glance, the house looked charming, but something was always broken and needed fixing. Since it was difficult to reach the owners, we would have to get things fixed on our own and get reimbursed for it later. We didn’t know any reputable plumbers, electricians, painters, or contractors. This meant that a lot of things remained in disrepair. I would look around the house in despair at all that needed to be done.

We moved out of that old rental house decades ago. Now we live in a newer home that we own. If something breaks in the house, we know reliable professionals who have the expertise to fix it. We call them, and they take care of it.

Do you ever feel like you are sitting among a pile of broken things? Maybe you spend your days observing all that needs fixing, yet feel ill-equipped to do so. God seems far away, so you try to do everything yourself--to darn the holes in your character, hem the frayed ends of relationships, replace the rotted support beams of the nation, and reinforce the broken staircases of faith. But....you can’t.

Only the Lord can heal this world. He who created this world also has expertise in mending what is broken. We can assist. Call on God as soon as something needs fixing; let Him in when He knocks at the door. Show Him where the problem is. Remain available for anything He might ask of you. Wait patiently while He is working.

Primetime Prayer

“Very early the next morning before daylight, Jesus got up and went to a place where he could be alone and pray.” (Mark 1:35 CEV)

I am a morning person. Most days, I wake up naturally before sunrise. I tend to be most energetic and alert during the early part of the day. This is prime time for my body and mind. Knowing this, I try to use this time carefully. I have to choose between all the things I want to do: stay in bed or get up, read, study, pray, contemplate, write, run, respond to messages online, check the news, eat, or get started with the work of the day. Whatever I choose will set the tone for the rest of my day.

Jesus chose to get up early and spend time alone in prayer. He had much to do--teaching, healing, casting out demons, feeding the multitude, listening, guiding by example; yet, He found it imperative to commune with God before anything else.

Perhaps your prime time--the hours when you are most alert and energetic--is some other part of the day. Whenever it is, use it wisely. Be careful not to fritter it away. Offer this time up to God. Lift up your heart in praise and thanksgiving. Lay everything out before the Lord. Tune your ears to listen. Focus your mind. Ask for guidance. Wait in expectation. Then, follow directions--living every moment magnifying the Lord and His purpose.

Spiritual Gifts

“A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said.” (1 Corinthians 12:7-10 NLT)

We are each given different spiritual gifts to help each other. These are often temporary blessings that occasionally match our natural talents, but not always. God works supernaturally through us to advance His purpose and enlighten those who are receptive.  

These  gifts of the Spirit are usually divided into three subgroups:

The mental gifts of wisdom, knowledge, and discernment allow recipients to gain supernatural perspective, insights, and understanding. Those who are given these gifts can sniff out evil quickly. They are given the ability to perceive things beyond normal human experience and explain God’s intentions in a convincing way to others. When misused, these gifts can cause people to be judgmental and overbearing.

The Spirit grants the visible gifts of great faith, miracles, and healing to some others. He uses these individuals as channels to manifest His power. These gifts can produce very noticeable results, garnering much attention. If abused, these gifts can lead to self-promotion rather than the glorification of God.  

The audible gifts of prophecy, speaking, and interpreting divine languages can be used to commune with and express God. They can enable individuals to pray, encourage, and direct others. When used wrongly, these gifts can be distracting and confusing.

Holy Spirit, help us to yield completely when You are working through us. Help us to recognize your influence, and teach us how to use Your gifts properly. Protect us from the temptation to take credit for Your work.

Praise

“We don't deserve praise! The LORD alone deserves all of the praise, because of his love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 115:1 CEV)

Recently, I saw a post on Facebook in which a person expressed sadness over a designer’s suicide. She went on to mention how many of the designer’s purses and shoes she had bought over the years.  Instead of promoting awareness of the prevalence of mental illness, her message seemed self-promoting.

The same day, a friend called and mentioned a conversation with her young children. Her words conveyed how God was working in her home. As I listened, my heart was filled with joy and hope. This was the antithesis of bragging; this was PRAISE! Every word pointed to God and glorified Him.

Only God knows the motives and intentions of individuals. Every day brings forth opportunities to shine the spotlight on God’s work in our lives or on ourselves. Perhaps the Lord took the broken pieces of your life and restored you. You can choose to present your renewed self to the public and take credit for your restoration, OR, you can admit that you were a mess and give God all the praise.

“Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found;

Was blind, but now I see.” (John Newton)

Full-Time Christians

“Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” (Colossians 3:17 NLT)

Sunday morning baseball tournaments are common in our area. Several Christian parents have asked that games be postponed until afternoon. They don’t want to choose between church services and their children’s games.

Squeezing in time with God can be inconvenient when we have SO MUCH to do! Unlike pastors, priests, nuns, and missionaries, we didn’t sign up to do full-time ministry. We have jobs, families, social lives, and hobbies. Surely God can’t expect more than an hour every Sunday with us! (Yes, I’m being facetious!)  How did we decide that one hour a week or one day a week is adequate time with the Lord? Why wouldn’t we want to be with the Lord as much as possible? When did ‘church’ become the only place to be with Jesus?

“Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV)

God lives with us. Our relationship with Him is our primary occupation. We cannot allow other preoccupations to take over. This doesn’t mean that we have to be at every church service, Bible study, and prayer meeting. We all connect with God in different ways. The key is to make sure that our lives are immersed in the Lord--that everything we say and do reflects our full commitment to Him. God must remain in the center. Representing God is our vocation; everything else is merely an avocation.

Who Is In Charge?

“God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM.” (Exodus 3:14 NIV)

My friend and I were walking around our neighborhood and talking about our worries. We both had plenty of material. After a few circles, we noticed we were getting nowhere. We tried replacing our negative thoughts with positive ones. Although this approach gave us temporary relief, it still felt insufficient.

"Who is in charge of your life? If it is you, then you have good reason to worry. But since I am in charge, worry is both unnecessary and counterproductive. When you start to feel anxious about something, relinquish the situation to Me. Back off a bit, redirecting your focus to Me. I will either take care of the problem Myself or show you how to handle it."  (June 7th, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young)

Replacing negative thoughts with positive ones is still a worldly solution. God did not say He was positive or negative. He said: “I AM.”  It is human nature to want to do something when faced with problems. We do not have to remain passive; there are several actions that we can take: Accept that God is in charge. Redirect thoughts and concerns to Him. Relinquish the situation. Observe and Learn. While positive thinking can be a placebo for anxiety, the effects do not last. Trust in God is the antidote to worry.

Spirit Powered

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere...” (Acts 1:8 NLT)

On a breezy day, I can feel the wind on my face, I can see it moving the branches of trees, and I can hear it whistling near my ears. One of my neighbors has a decorative windmill in her yard. It isn’t hooked up to a power grid. It’s just meant to display the intensity and direction of the wind. There is a windmill farm a few hours’ drive from my home.  Giant turbines are placed at strategic elevations to capture wind energy and transform it into power. They are hooked up to generators and underground cables that channel this renewable energy into homes. These functional windmills harness the energy of the wind to provide almost 40% of our state’s generated electricity.

The Spirit of God comes upon us like the wind. Some of us feel the presence of the Holy Spirit, but it remains private, fleeting, and unproductive. Others display the Spirit’s impact on them. Like decorative windmills, their movements may attract attention, but not much more. The influence of the Holy Spirit is most effective when we are  hooked up to unseen channels that magnify and distribute this power.

Lord, may your Spirit come upon us and influence our thoughts, words, and actions. Renew us with your energy. Show us how to be conduits for Your power. Enable us to live in ways that glorify you.

Opening Doors

“Samuel lay down until morning and then opened the doors of the house of the LORD.” (1 Samuel 3:15 NIV)

I like opening doors for other people. I think it’s a privilege. When I am with my husband or son, I usually let them do this task, but when I am with anyone else, I am eager to step up. It’s such a small gesture, requiring no physical strength or special skill. You just have to get to the door a few steps ahead of those around you.

There is such symbolism in opening doors. I have the privilege of opening up the doors to our detached studio where our Bible Study group meets. I get there before everyone else. There are two doors to open; both have locks that require codes that only I know. I would gladly share the codes, but no one has asked me for them. After I unlock the doors, I leave them partially open for the rest of our group. I turn on all the overhead lights, light a candle, and pray until everyone arrives. I find this ritual deeply satisfying.

During Bible study, I have the opportunity to open more doors. I get to share insights that God has revealed to me. All that is required of me is a little extra time, patience, and contemplation. God gives me the code to unlock the doors to His Word. I get there a few minutes ahead of others and turn on the lights. I take this responsibility seriously. It is a privilege to get a sneak peak at God’s treasures and then share them with others. I am deeply honored to be a doorman and tour guide at the Lord’s mansion.  

“I'm asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I'll contemplate his beauty; I'll study at his feet.” (Psalm 27:4 MSG)

Shared Pain

“This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do.” (Hebrews 4:15 NIV)

The last part of a marathon can be brutal. One would think that each runner would just look out for himself and try to get to the finish as quickly as possible.  However, I have noticed most runners are selfless and generous to each other in the midst of this period of suffering. Why? Pain makes us pay attention and be empathetic to others in similar circumstances. This creates bonds of solidarity and loyalty.

Jesus is always near--during good times and bad. However, comfort lulls us into complacency while adversity gives us a heightened sense of awareness. Jesus has gone through the human experience. He was humiliated, tortured, and crucified. When we are in agony, He suffers alongside us. As we share in His pain and He in ours, we become one with Jesus. We sense His empathy and love. This forges deeper bonds of commitment and understanding.

Fear of Punishment

“Perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.” (1 John 4:18 NIV)

I believe in a God who loves us unconditionally. I can’t imagine Him as a harsh, punishing figure.  Yet, I am fearful. How can this be? If fear has to do with punishment, and perfect love drives out fear--how can I be so full of fear?

I decided I needed to unpack this incongruency in my thinking. Why am I afraid? Do I think that Jesus, who loves me enough to sacrifice Himself for me, would not take care of me?  Well, I notice that Christ was not opposed to pain and suffering. Unfortunately, I am. I believe that God is capable of solving my problems, but I wonder if He will allow me to be tested like Job in the Old Testament.  Most of the disciples of Jesus also suffered greatly; so did many of the saints who came after. I want to follow Jesus, but I don’t want to go through pain. I want to imitate a God who gave of himself completely; yet, I’m not willing to let go of safety and comfort.

When I look at life through a worldly perspective, my distaste for suffering seems quite normal. Thus, I have a hard time recognizing the hypocrisy in this viewpoint. The spirit of deception, which is what the world offers, enslaves me in anxiety--in fear of failure, loss, pain, shame, and abandonment. The Spirit of Truth, who lives in me, whispers: Do not be afraid. I am with you...especially in the suffering. Draw close to Me. Get to know me. Trust me. You will have many tribulations in this world, but you shall overcome them all by relying on Me.

“The Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” (1 John 4:4 NLT)

Lean In and Listen

“Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:9 NIV)

I like to observe people’s nonverbal interactions, especially at restaurants. When I see couples or friends that lean in and maintain eye contact during conversation, I know they are interested in what the other person is saying. On the other hand, when I see groups where some are looking around, checking their phones, drumming their fingers to the background music, fidgeting with their food, then I figure they are only partially checked-in to the conversation, and they are distracted.

I have trouble listening when there is any sort of distraction. Visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or emotional noise can break my focus. Here are a few examples. If I am driving, walking, or eating while someone is talking, it takes me longer to process what they are saying, because my mind is partially occupied by what I am doing. If something catches my eye while I’m trying to listen, my attention gets easily diverted. If there is any background music, sound, or conversation--my brain gets pulled in multiple directions. If I am feeling unwell or emotional, my mind pulls all the shutters down to take care of itself. Thus, I try to be conscious of external stimuli. I put on earplugs to block out noise, including music, TV, chatter, etc. I also lean in and maintain eye contact when I’m listening to someone talking.

I use similar techniques with spiritual stimuli. When I am bombarded with feelings of fear, doubt, and despair, I recognize them as lies from the Enemy. These thoughts are meant to distract, so I block them with the shield of trust. I reach for the Word of God. My soul whispers: speak, Lord.  I fix my eyes on God. I lean in. I listen.

Landing Place

“But the dove could find no place to land because the water still covered the ground.” (Genesis 8:9 NLT)

There are many references to doves in the Bible. Noah sent out a dove to see if the flood waters had receded. However, the bird could not find a suitable resting place, so it returned to the ark. The Gospels describe the Holy Spirit descending like a dove and resting upon Jesus.

The Spirit of God hovers over us, looking for a space to land. If our minds are flooded with fear, anger, frustration, anxiety, disappointment, and despair--it becomes difficult for the Holy Spirit to find a resting place in the midst of all this turmoil. Thus, we cannot allow ourselves to get so worked up that our emotions take over. Once we calm our minds and clear space for God, His Spirit descends upon us.  Our restless souls become tranquil. When we allow the Holy Spirit to take over, we experience a peace that is independent of our circumstances and surpasses our logical understanding.

Internal Dialogue

“Inside the Tent of Meeting, the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. ” (Exodus 33:11 NLT)

Moses made space for God, and the Lord showed up! They met together regularly in a tent. Here Moses  talked to God face to face, just like he would speak to a close friend. Moses shared every thought openly and listened as God spoke to him directly. Their relationship was intimate, honest, and consistent.

Most of us have an internal dialogue going on at all times. Our mind has conversations going on with itself. This merely creates a whirlwind of thoughts that go nowhere. What if we made space in the center for God and  channeled this internal dialogue to God? What if we talked everything over with the Lord, face to face? His thoughts would be our thoughts; His ways would be our ways; His joy would be our joy. This would lead us to having continual fellowship with the Lord--allowing us to pray, to communicate with Him, constantly.

“When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing.” (John 15:5 MSG)

Shrinking Worries

“Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.” (Psalm 147:5 NIV)

I’ve developed a new habit. I shrink my worries. I look at my concerns and tell myself: it could be worse.  When I look around at others, I notice how much smaller my problems seem compared to theirs. This is how I soothe myself when I feel stressed out. At first, this coping method seems like a good idea, but it is flawed. It’s no better to compare my problems to those of others than it is to measure my success against that of others. I’m still focusing on the wrong things.

“I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.” (Psalm 69:30 ESV)

I need to shift my focus. God is bigger than any problem. He is mighty in power and limitless in wisdom. If I pay attention, I will recognize Him working, right now. When I thank Him for all that He does, I acknowledge His power. Instead of minimizing my issues, I shall magnify the Lord. I shall look at Him closely and allow Him to occupy a larger space in my field of vision. I will praise God. Greater is He than anything I face in this world.

“My soul doth magnify the Lord.” (Luke 1:46 KJV)

Power and Benefit of the Words

“For you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God.” (1 Peter 1:23 NLT)

The oxygen that we breathe in is carried by our blood cells to all the regions of our body. If the heart stops pumping, our blood stops circulating. Then it’s only a matter of time before our cells and tissue die from lack of oxygen. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) provides a way to revive a person whose heart has stopped temporarily.

“Revive me by your word.” (Psalm 119:25 NLT)

The Word of God has the power to resuscitate a languid soul. It transforms us by changing the way we think. The expressions of God convey truth, strengthening and encouraging us. We learn God’s will for us--which is good, pleasing, and perfect.  

The Bible is an excellent prayer manual. God enlightens us through Scripture. We can use these same words to communicate with Him. This Divine dialect has power. God’s voice comes through Scripture, stirring our conscience. It reawakens life in us, quickening our pulse, inspiring us with the Spirit. It revives every soul.

Repentance vs. Regret

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV)

What is the difference between worldly sorrow and godly sorrow?

In order to process this, let me give you an illustration:  

What if your neighbor trespassed against you in some way that you found upsetting. Then you sent an email complaint against him to the Homeowners Association. Your neighbor no longer speaks to you. You feel badly, because you used to be able to ask your him for favors, but now you can’t. Plus the other neighbors think you are mean for reporting your neighbor. You regret your reaction. You wish you could go back and undo it, because the consequences of your actions are causing you more grief than you imagined. This is worldly sorrow. Repentance involves returning to God. It produces a clarity of conscience. We see how we have strayed away from God’s intentions. Our thoughts and behavior have dishonored God. This produces a grief and a desire to make things right. This is godly sorrow.

Worldly sorrow is self-focused, leading to self-pity, concern for the consequences that we may have to face, and anxiety about our own reputations. Godly sorrow is focused on God. We are distressed over our separation from God. We are more concerned about God’s reputation and restoration of relationship with Him.

“Isn't it wonderful all the ways in which this distress has goaded you closer to God? You're more alive, more concerned, more sensitive, more reverent, more human, more passionate, more responsible.” (2 Corinthians 7:11 MSG)

Be Quiet and Trust

“Turn back to me and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me.” (Isaiah 30:15 MSG)

Some days, my life feels like a sinking boat. I frantically try to bail the water out, but it is beyond my control. I want to protect my loved ones and my way of life; yet, I can’t. I get anxious; I feel like a failure; I despair.

What are we to do when we are overwhelmed by our circumstances?

“Keep still, and stop your own restless working until He begins to work. Do nothing that He does not Himself command you to do. Give Him a chance to work, and He will surely do so; and the very trials that threatened to overcome you with discouragement and disaster, will become God’s opportunity for the revelation of His grace and glory in your life.” —A. B. Simpson

Submit every concern to God. Cease striving to solve things on your own. Stop deluding yourself; you are not in control. Turn back to the Lord in quietness and trust. Our strength comes from settling down in complete dependence on Him. Wait for God’s directions. Stay alert and remain obedient. Give God a chance to reveal His grace and glory through every circumstance.

“God will fight the battle for you. And you? You keep your mouths shut!" (Exodus 14:14 MSG)

Praying Psalm 46

God, You are safe and strong

Always ready to help in times of trouble.

When our hopes crumble,

And everything seems to be falling apart,

We will remain fearless.

For YOU will fight for us and protect us

Your sacred presence exudes joy.

As long as we dwell with you

We cannot be destroyed

You bring calm amid chaos.

No weapon will harm us

For YOU will fight for us and protect us.

Lord, help me to cease striving

And acknowledge that You are in charge

To honor You in everything I say and do

To remain still

To be quiet

And wait..

For YOU will fight for us and protect us.

For-Profit Relationships

“All my life I've been charmed by his speech, never dreaming he'd turn on me. His words, which were music to my ears, turned to daggers in my heart.” (Psalm 55:21 MSG)

We all tend to choose to be with people who make us feel good--who are fun, fair, and bring out the best in us. Many of us also cultivate relationships where we hope to get more than we give--even though we would never admit this to be  the case. This is so common, that we have accepted it as normal. However, there is a small segment of people whose motives are more sinister. For them, the primary goal of every relationship is personal gain. They will manipulate almost all of the people they encounter to advance themselves.  Even the people who are closest to them--their spouses, their children, their relatives, and their best friends will all be seen as tools to serve their own agenda. In order to get ahead, they will step on the backs of anyone who will allow it. Even their generosity is not free. They rarely give of themselves without expecting exorbitant interest in return. All their relationships are for-profit. Watch Out! Steer Clear!

These slick-tongued hypocrites can be quite charming. They know what to say and how to influence people. They set their traps early and wait patiently for their prey. They lure their victims with flattery, gifts, and attention. They hide daggers of deception under their smooth exterior cloaks. They pretend to be concerned for your welfare, but they only care about themselves. They do not wish for your success, but for you to aid them in their success. Watch Out! Steer Clear!

Morally Bankrupt

“Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.” (Proverbs 13:20 MSG)

How can we differentiate between a wise person and a fool?

“The fool is not one who is mentally deficient, but is morally bankrupt. It is not that he cannot learn wisdom, but that he won’t.” (The MacArthur Study Bible)

Fools are not mentally deficient, just morally bankrupt. They have ample opportunities to learn from their mistakes and change their ways. However, they choose to continue their degenerate behavior, poisoning everyone who gets close. A wise person would have the opposite traits. They are rich in understanding, learning from every opportunity, morally upright, a blessing to everyone who crosses their path. Stay away from those who are morally bankrupt, or else your life will also fall apart. Instead, choose to surround yourselves with wise people

Good Judgment vs Judgmentalism

“You think you are so wise, but you enjoy putting up with fools! You put up with it when someone enslaves you, takes everything you have, takes advantage of you, takes control of everything, and slaps you in the face.” (2 Corinthians 11:19-20 NLT)

How can we differentiate between using good judgment and judgmental criticism?  

If you see a snake that you know to be poisonous, it would be wise to stay away from it. You may even warn those around you to give that snake a wide berth. In this case, you would be using your good judgment, not merely being critical of the snake. Yes, God made the snake poisonous, and we don’t have to beat it with a stick or persecute it in anyway. Neither do we have to bring it into our homes.

Why do we suffer fools gladly? Why do we tolerate imposters who have a history of taking advantage of others for their own gain? Why do we make space for them in our lives? We do not need to make excuses for why they are the way they are. Staying away from these sorts of people is a matter of discernment, not judgmentalism.