End of Year

"Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” (Philippians 4:6 NLT)

Lord, I ask for:

--the tenacity to keep wrestling with things I don’t yet understand

--the courage to pursue truth, no matter what the cost

--the clarity of godly perspective

--the honesty to live authentically. 

Lord, I thank You for:

--the time, space, quiet, and opportunity to write

--the ability to articulate my thoughts and fluency in a global language

--technology

--over 1900 daily posts on this blog since 2012

--my editor, who goes through each and every post before it is published

--all the people who continually support and inspire me

--the Spirit of God, the Author and Finisher of everything.

A Better Life

“Trust in the LORD and do what is right! Settle in the land and maintain your integrity!” (Psalm 37:3 NET)

There are many decent human beings who do not practice any kind of faith, just as there are many folks who are immoral, yet religious. Belief in a higher power does not always correlate with integrity. However, an intimate relationship with Christ can increase the quality of our lives.

When we commit our way to Christ, we gain a good friend with whom we can do life. It’s like having a soulmate who is understanding, faithful, dependable, and wise. Whenever you are unsure about a situation or interaction, you have access to a divine perspective. Knowing you have someone to support you leads to security and stability. This allows you to settle down, be yourself, and live with integrity. It’s wonderful to have such a companion on your journey.

Taking Every Opportunity

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” (Colossians 4:5 NIV)

On a recent vacation, my husband and I had made arrangements through a local company for a ride from the airport to our resort. During the twenty minute ride, the driver told us a few things about the area and how the company he works for could provide us with tours and activities. If we asked any questions, he would answer in a way that redirected our attention to the company he represented. It quickly became apparent to us that he used the time he had with us to pitch his business. He mentioned that we would be approached by others offering similar excursions, but to only book with agents who wore uniforms similar to his. I admired his single-mindedness.

“Pray that every time I open my mouth I'll be able to make Christ plain as day to them.” (Colossians 4:4 MSG)

As Christians, we are called to represent Christ and make Him known. However, the world encourages us to promote ourselves and our self-interests at every turn. Not to mention that humans have a natural instinct to seek admiration and prominence. Thus, it feels counter-cultural and counterintuitive to serve Christ rather than to do what feels good and makes others think well of us. Every encounter can be an opportunity to make the Message plain. There are a variety of ways to do this. Let your words and actions reflect Christ. Seek to bring out the best in others instead of aggrandizing yourself. Nurture faith. Build each other up in love. Magnify God.

Following Hard

“My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.” (Psalm 63:8 KJV)

Once a week, I run with my coach. At the beginning of these runs, I am energetic and motivated, bounding forward, matching his pace. About two-thirds of the way, I start getting tired. My stride shortens, my shoulders slump, and my gait changes to a shuffle. I wish the coach would slow down for me, but he maintains the pace that he has set in advance. He knows it’s hard for me to follow, but he keeps moving forward. His goal is to make me stronger.

Similarly, I started my faith journey with passion and purpose. I stayed as close as I could as my Lord led me forward. Eventually, my energy waned, and the gap between us got wider. I became less enthusiastic and felt like doing my own thing. This is when I had to remind myself of a few core truths: God is trustworthy. He knows what is best. His intentions are always good. I can count on the Lord to uphold me as I follow hard behind Him.

“So faith bounds forward to its goal in God

And love can trust her Lord to lead her there;

Upheld by Him, my soul is following hard

Till God hath full fulfilled my deepest prayer.” (Frances Brook)

Mary Did You Know?

To celebrate the birthday of Christ, here are the lyrics to one of my favorite modern Christmas Songs:

Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water?

Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?

When you kiss your little baby, you kiss the face of God

Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?

Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect lamb?

That sleeping child you're holding is the great I am

Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?

(Written by Mark Lowry and Buddy Greene)

Oldest Christmas Hymn

St. Hilary is credited with the oldest Christmas Hymn: Jesus Refulsit Omnium (Jesus Illuminates All). This Latin Hymn was written in the 4th Century. Below are a few verses from the English translation of this song:

Jesus hath shined benignly forth

Redeemer of the tribes of earth.

Let all the faithful far and near

The praises of his deeds declare.

The Father’s mandate from the skies

His noble Sonship testifies

The Spirit’s power upon his head

In plenitude of grace is shed

Due Praise, Great Trinity, to thee

Honor, and power, and glory be

By all creation evermore

Until eternity be o’er.

May Jesus Illuminate all. Merry Christmas!

Knowing Your Goal

“I don't run without a goal.” (1 Corinthians 9:26 CEV)

Until a few years ago, running was just a form of exercise to me.  A few days a week, I would run a few miles, do a few calisthenics, and check exercise off my to-do list.  Then, my husband decided he wanted to run an official race. Although I didn’t see any point in paying a fee to run with a crowd of people, I decided to sign up with him. Having a goal race changed the way we trained. We started being more intentional and disciplined. We ran even when we didn’t feel like it--in the cold, heat, snow, and rain. We chose paths that were hilly to increase our endurance. We made time to run on busy days and even on vacation. We measured our distance and our times. We did speedwork, intervals, and tempo runs. We ran with purpose in every step.

Most of us spend our energy aimlessly, pursuing the latest diversion and trend. We wander haphazardly, just going along with the crowd, uncertain about our destination. God created every individual with a purpose in mind. He uses each of us, in different ways, to display His glory. Our mission, if we choose to accept it, is to allow God to reveal Himself through us. Once we know and embrace our goal, everything changes. We become intentional, attentive, and disciplined. Everything is measured. We no longer have time or energy to waste. We live with purpose in every thought, every word, every step.

“My goal is God Himself, not joy, nor peace,

Nor even blessing, but Himself, my God;” (Frances Brook)