Killer Garage Sale...

Mark 10:17-27 – The Rich Young Ruler

We’ve all heard the story of the Rich Young Ruler a million times right? And normally the moral of the story is: if you’re not willing to give up everything to follow Jesus, then you’re not getting into the Kingdom of Heaven. I mean, it sure seems like that is the main point of the story, right. I can accept this difficult truth knowing that God’s kindness is what leads us to repentance (Ro 2:4). That said, since the Bible never tells us what happens to that rich young man, I am holding out hope that eventually he held a killer garage sale and there were some pretty sic looking poor people back in the day. Yes, I’m optimistic that I just might see him in heaven…can you wear Prada in Heaven? Ah…I digress…

Let's journey together through the narrative from a different vantage point. I want us to focus on something that I bet most of us overlook. We miss it because we tend to look at this Scripture with sad faces…with the doom and gloom eyes of….poor guy…he’s going to burn! 

I want us to see two really important things and focus on them for just a moment. Look at verse 21… “Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him.” I really paused and thought; how cool is that? Picture the scene…a very well dressed man kneeling before the Lord asking one of the most important questions a person could possible ask; “how can I obtain eternal life?” It’s obvious he knows he’s missing something. I think Jesus looks intently into his eyes and lets this young ruler see this genuine love inviting him to draw close. Who knows, this rich young ruler possibly came expecting Jesus to pat him on the back and say, "well done, that’s it!" However, we do know this, Jesus’ look of love comes BEFORE this young ruler has the opportunity to respond correctly to Jesus. Did you catch that…Jesus doesn’t look at him with genuine love AFTER he gives Him the right answer to the all-important question. This young man was still in the middle of questioning and searching! Jesus loves him in the middle of the search, and He doesn’t stop loving him when he walks away…when he doesn’t make the best decision. Wow…can you see that? Jesus’ love is solid and unmovable!

Why is it so important that we really understand this kind of unmovable and solid love? Jesus made it pretty clear that doing the right thing (making the right choice) isn’t possible for man, but it is possible for God (vs. 27). God knows we can’t live this life on our own. He knows we need Him. So, if God created us to need Him, and making good decisions apart from Him is impossible, then why would He stop loving us when we walk away…when we don’t make the right choice? We are totally dependant on His love! Seriously, this young ruler made a real “dude…no way!” choice. He looked like he was saying “no thanks” to the offer of a pretty sweet life with Jesus. For us it is no different. We walk away from the sweet life all the time, don’t we? And I know for me, I need to see those genuine eyes of love looking at me while I search, when I walk away, when I’m struggling or when doing the right thing isn’t even on my list of options for the moment. I’m thankful he didn’t shame the rich young ruler or make him feel like donkey dung…even though He knew he would walk away. He looked at him with genuine love…let that soak in…genuine love!

So today, I’m reminding us to focus on His love. He loves you no matter what. He loves you while you search, through your bad choices, when you turn your back, when you question, or when you feel like giving up. He knows that life without Him is impossible. He knows that making wise choices without His power is impossible. So, bask in His love for you today…and let Him fill you up to overflowing. He loves you…and He will live the impossible life through you every day!

Remember, you are His masterpiece…and nothing you do will ever change that! (Eph 2:10)

Giving Gifts That Liberate - A New Perspective on Christmas...

Hearing a story of injustice from a far away place can lead to reactions of awe, astonishment and curiosity. Yet, when this wonderment does not carry over into action, we have neglected to comprehend the reason why God implanted those emotions deep within us.

Tears and anger are gifts from God…gifts to be shared through advocacy.

On Saturday morning, October 24, I attended a Global Trade Event that Fuller hosted at Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters. I was excited about taking a study break that included hearing music, drinking coffee, mingling with other students, and looking at what I thought were simply a few Fair Trade items. When I arrived at the coffee shop the atmosphere was serene and inviting. I stood with some friends and listened to a friend play his guitar and sing. After soaking in the music I decided to go outside and wander through the tables. What I encountered was completely unexpected.

I can only explain it as raw emotion….the pictures, the stories, the knowledgeable and caring students behind each table. Photographs could not have adequately captured the scene. One table after the other described a story…a story of injustice perpetrated on “the least of these”…the poor, uneducated women and children living in the 3rd world. As I looked at the jewelry, scarves, purses, and t-shirts for sale, they were no longer “items” to purchase, but “people” to liberate. With tears streaming down my face, I pulled out my wallet and began the investment in the one’s that Jesus longs for our hearts to remember (Matt 25:31-46).

As I purchased each item, a beautiful thought crossed my mind; although I may never get to meet these women and children, when I see them in the Kingdom, I will remember that I played a part in their story. I had the privilege of helping them stay off the streets by supporting their cottage industry. To choose action meant that I became part of the solution, providing them the opportunity to live in a safe place and make items to support themselves.

So often it feels overwhelming when we hear stories of injustice. We quickly seek to bring homeostasis to our emotions by walking away and trying to forget. We know that the task of helping seems too large to do alone. So for me, simply purchasing some of these beautiful hand made items allowed me to turn my anger at injustice and tears of anguish, into something beautiful and productive…the liberation and freedom of a soul in captivity.

The Christmas season is an optimal time to reflect on how, without Christ, we would all be souls held in captivity. My heart overflows with thankfulness because He willingly purchased my freedom. I know like me, that if you think about what you need this Christmas, your list will not include: a place to live, basic food, or the assurance of safety and respect. Simply buying from organizations that minister to the oppressed ensures that women and children around the world receive these basic gifts. Please use your resources and join me in being an advocate for the “least of these”. Imagine the joy in Heaven when Christmas day is filled with packages unwrapping justice for the glory of God.

Proverbs 31:8-9

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.

Consider purchasing items from one of these ministries or give yourself the gift of Compassion.

nightlightinternational.com

stopthetraffik.org

timbalicrafts.org

corridorofhope.org
discoverthejourney.org
amaniafrica.org

Compassion International…

There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children – Nelson Mandela

Consider sponsoring a child as your gift to your family this year or give a one-time gift toward an unsponsored child, or the leadership project or AIDS ministry.

A New Thanksgiving Tradition...

My pastor recently gave a sermon on being thankful. He talked about people with a critical and negative spirit who didn’t give thanks unless circumstances were going in their favor. I could have crawled under my chair. I thought for sure he’d been peeking in my window for the past several weeks. I knew that God had some important things He wanted to teach me about thankfulness, so I pulled up a chair next to His throne and listened intently.

After what seemed like an eternity of silence, he spoke something so profound, 1 Thes 5:18, “give thanks in everything”. Really? I actually did say that to God. I mean, really? Obviously I had not yet grasped His profound words of wisdom, because all I could think about was how Elijah got to watch winds whipping through mountains and earthquakes rumbling under his feet before God passed by in a gentle wind with ultimate words of wisdom.

After refocusing on the word God graciously spoke to me, I decided to give this thankful lifestyle a shot. How hard could it be to follow one verse every day? Armed with my phone and twitter as my medium, I forged ahead to broadcast my thankfulness in everything!

Sometimes I twitter things because I know that eventually I’ll find them funny and be thankful I survived. This is especially true when I’m getting aggravated with my surroundings or circumstances. For instance, if I’m in a hurry and get stuck behind a slow driver and hit every red light, I twitter how thankful I am for slow drivers and red lights. Although I may not be thankful at that very moment, I know that eventually I will laugh over my ludicrous behavior (i.e. talking to drivers who can’t hear me) and laughter is something I can be thankful for right? And honestly…I am thankful that I have a car, that there are traffic signals that protect me from crazy drivers, and that there are those people in the world who actually enjoy being Sunday drivers during the other 6 days of the week.

So my new thanksgiving tradition has nothing to do with turkey or stuffing or mashed potatoes or even pumpkin pie…although I would rather not give any of that up! My new thanksgiving tradition is to be thankful in everything. I want to see if I can actually live out the real reason for one of my favorite holidays every day of the year! I think if I invited God to that kind of holiday banquet, He’d come! 

Cruise Ship "Chaos"

 Remember the story in Mark 4: where Jesus and the disciples are in the boat and it starts raining...okay...it starts outrageously storming...killer winds...waves so high they are nearly capsizing the boat? I know...kind of makes you want to got on a cruise for your next vacation! I love how afraid the disciples get! Personally, I’m thinking...normal, sane response! And then one of my favorite words appears... “rebuke”. How often do you get to use that word...okay not counting when you’re joking around with a friend who needs to stop acting like an idiot? Seriously, is that not a great word? I looked it up in the dictionary. Check out what it said... to express sharp, stern disapproval of; reprove; reprimand. Those waves and that wind got a serious verbal whooping! Why does this matter?

  In the 1st century, when this story was taking place, the Jews believed that “chaos” (think high winds and crashing waves) was evil. So, every time a major thunderstorm happened, fear arose because the thought was that it was an evil manifestation. Think about it; whenever you’ve heard this story taught, hasn’t the “life lesson” been “and Jesus shows His power over nature, thus proving He is God”? Now that is an amazing application, but what if we looked at that story in light of the context and the history we know now? If the disciples were sitting in that boat feeling like the “chaos” (of evil) was overtaking them, doesn’t their fear make a whole lot more sense? I mean, it’s not just about dying in a storm anymore, it’s about living through chaotic evil until death eventually happens! I’m thinking...pick me, pick me...not! Right?

  The text does not tell us how long the “chaos” lasted. It only tells us that Jesus eventually rebuked the “chaos” (evil). For me...that’s comforting. Sometimes we forget that Jesus gave us a heads up... “in this world you will have many troubles” (Jn 16:33) and we get overwhelmed with feeling that life is unbearable unfair, and stinks (to put it nicely). How easily we forget about the last part of that verse, “but take heart I have overcome the world.” Yes, while we are here we will endure many hurtful and difficult things. Sin is alive and well and it effects our lives. Sometimes people do and say things that make us feel incredibly devalued, disrespected, unsafe, and downright abandoned! It can be lonely and frustrating! 

  This is especially real to me right now b/c I recently received a FB note from a high school student living in the middle of a serious thunderstorm. The “chaos” (evil) is clearly evident. And, as many of us can understand, she just wants to quit. It all feels too overwhelming. I want her to stay in the boat and believe. I want her to know that Jesus has power over evil...that one day all things will be made right. But none of us knows how long we have to live in the “chaos”. So if your parents are fighting or divorcing, your friends are being cruel, or that guy who said he “loved” you just thoughtlessly walked away, hold on to the truth that Jesus has the power to “rebuke” that “chaos”...and He will. He brought calm to the lives of those fearful grown men, and He will do the same for us if we wait and hope in Him.

Journey through it:

• Is there something going on right now that feels like “chaos” in your life? Do you feel like you are in the middle of a thunderstorm w/out an umbrella? : ( Hold on to this truth...

• Psalm 34:19 - The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.

• If yes, then find a time to pour out your heart to God. Let Him know how bad it hurts. Give yourself the gift of tears! And be honest...if you want to give up, if you’re mad at Him...let Him know! His love is unconditional and He can take it (read the Psalms...David is pretty expressive)! Try praying some of these...

• Psalm 10:17 - Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their (my) cries and comfort them (me).
• Psalm 13:3 - Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.
• Psalm 23:4 - 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.

• Then, write down some truth. This is so important b/c when we are in the middle of tough stuff it is so easy to lose perspective and focus. I’ll give you some “perspective” verses, you can search the Scriptures for some warm and fuzzy verses about God. : ) If you want specific ones for your situation let me know!

• 1 Peter 5:8-10
• James 1:2-4
• James 5:13
• Romans 8:28-29

Hippo + Zebra = Luv?

Genesis 2: 19-20

The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the air. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name. So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds of the air and all the beasts of the field.

But for Adam no suitable helper was found. : ( (sad face my emphasis)

As I listened to the radio preacher talk about Adam and the animals, it made me pause and think. Can you even imagine what this would be like...God, who is right there with Adam, tells him that He is going to give him someone to share his life with, and then parades a bunch of animals in front of him. Okay, so maybe that does make more sense than we actually want to admit! Maybe it seems sometimes like the guys out there are a bunch of circus animals...and none of them fit well into our lives. Or maybe, we are trying to fit an "animal" into our life, who is just not of our species!! Can you imagine what we'd get if we put a hippopotamus with a zebra? Just the thought of it makes me cringe?

Although it can be hard to wait for God's best, it is always worth it. If Adam was able to survive a parade of animals in the midst of that great promise from God, surely we can let the "wild things" pass by that are not God's best for us. I know...we are all looking for that companion...but if you don't want to end up with a hippozebra relationship...wait for God's still small voice. I don't know how long Adam had to wait between the animals and Eve, but I'm sure if we asked him, he'd say he was glad he didn't settle for the hippo. The same promise God made to Adam, He makes to you...there is a suitable companion for you out there..and he is so worth waiting for!

Think about it? Start with these 2 questions, and be honest!

1) Is he a believer?

2 Co 6:13-15 - Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?

2) If he says "yes", then, go one step further, find out his commitment level to the Lord? Remember, he will lead you either closer to or further from God!

Mk 12:30 - Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

Those are 2 really important first questions to ask before even considering a relationship with a guy. Remember, you are priceless, beautiful, valuable, so worth respecting and being cherished. Do not settle for anyone that does not honor your belovedness before our Lord. You are someone's future wife...never lose site of that glorious truth.

*Please note: I am not saying that God is against interracial dating! God does not put us together in neat boxes according to skin color or ethnicity.

The Porn Star & the Mime

The headline read "Monrovia victim ID'd as porn actress". Naturally it caught my attention b/c I live right near Monrovia in Southern CA. As I read about her, I processed through the ache in my heart as I thought about her life. I wondered if she had any self respect, or if she understood her value. From the first line I was left emotional. However, nothing could have prepared for me for the final paragraph of the article.

Have you ever heard of Brian Randone? He gradated from Moody Bible Institute where my husband Sam went to school. He also went to a divinity school in TX. He is a preacher with a website that talks about hell. He is this amazing mime who travels all over teaching, through pantomime, about how the little sins left in our life become unmanageable, burdensome, big sins if we don't deal with them...oh wait...let me clarify...he used to preach and travel...now he's in jail for torturing and murdering his girlfriend...the porn star. Really?

The end of this story was very unsettling because it hit too close to home. Here was a guy who graduated from 2 very conservative, upstanding Bible schools. He was in ministry; ministry that highlighted the dangers of secret sin. He knew his Bible well, and he had given his life to serving Christ. So what went wrong?

When evil happens, when people of faith turn away, only God has the answer to the question, "why?" I will never be able to know Brian's heart. I don't believe I am capable of making sense of this tragedy. However, I can make a choice today that will help keep me from becoming another casualty. Let's wade deeply through the Scriptures and get some God insights! What is He teaching us?

Ro 8:31-39 - What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us. Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?...No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 John 1:9 - But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

John 13:34 - So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.

1 Co 10:13 - The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

Matt 6:33 - Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Ja 4:7 - So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Ro 12:1-2 - And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Ro 7:18-25 - And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.

Eph 6:10-18 - A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Heb 12:28-29 - Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring (consuming) fire.

Ja 5:16 - Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Ja 5:19-20 - My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.

Join me in asking the tough questions:

• His love - do you bask in His love for you? Seriously...do you spend time thinking about how much He loves you??
• Our sin - do you understand what it cost our God to bring forgiveness to us?
• Understanding forgiveness - do you really believe and relish the truth that your confession before the Lord brings forgiveness, freedom and healing from sin? Or, do you beat yourself up over your sin, lose heart, and give up?
• Our posture before Him - are you humble and dependent or prideful and independent? Are you overflowing with thankfulness or spilling over with complaining?
• Our choice: Self-centered or God-centered - do you live to please yourself, or the One who called you by name?
• Accountability/Confession - are you willing to tell others when you're struggling, confess your sins, and be held accountable?
  

As I laid down the newspaper I was reminded of my humanness and frailty...and my deep need for Jesus. Somewhere along Brian's journey he lost his first love...and it cost him his freedom...and his life. Please God...keep my feet from evil (Prov 4:27). Amen.

Love in the Moment...

Ephesians 5:16 - Make the most of every opportunity...

Acts 20:2 - While there, he (Paul) encouraged the believers
in all the towns he passed through...

When you’ve been someplace 12 years...and you are me...you take an oh so dramatic pause and reflect on the time spent with people. I wondered if I’d been a good friend and if I’d wisely used my time to love and build into others in a way that most honored the Lord?

It’s sad, but we often don’t realize what we have right in front of us until it is gone...or almost gone. As humans, we take so much for granted. We rush through life...passing by beautiful flowers and beautiful people. We are so busy that it’s easy to lose sight of what is really important...helping others know that they are “seen”, “heard”, important, valuable and cherished!

When is the last time you called a friend to say, “I’m so thankful for our friendship!” Have you ever sent a text to someone letting them know what you admire about them? Have you ever set aside an important thing you were doing b/c someone just needed you to listen to them? When is the last time you went out of your way to serve a person in need? Do you ever give out random hugs to people who need to know you care about them? When is the last time you picked up an inexpensive gift for someone just so they’d know you were thinking about them? And when is the last time you thought, “how can I be Jesus to someone today?”

As I journey through life, I want to stay aware of others. I want the lady at Wal-Mart, the server at the restaurant, the awesome masterpiece at camp, an older person at church, my next door neighbor, the little kids that feel lost and alone, or my long time friend, to know that I “see” them...“hear” them. I want them to know by my words and actions that I think they are important, valuable, and cherished.

As I seek to love others with my words and actions, I will be more like Jesus. He is amazing at “seeing” us, “hearing” us, and making us feel valuable and cherished. Let’s follow His example. Just imagine what the world would be like if we all took the time to enjoy the beautiful people God places in our life...before they are gone...

Be a difference maker. From this moment on resolve to let those around you know that they are valuable! Be creative! Share stories with me. I’d love to hear how God uses you to express the love of Jesus to someone today!

Think about it:

• Whom have I taken for granted lately?
• What creative thing can I do to tell someone or show someone that they are important to me?
• Am I so busy that I don’t have time to “see” or “hear” the people around me?
• Would others consider me a good friend? (ask some of your friends)
• What is one Bible passage that highlights Jesus or another person reaching out to someone who needed to feel valued and cherished?
• Am I willing to pray, “Father, help me to be Jesus to someone today” and then watch expectantly for Him to provide an opportunity?

The Heavenly Duet...

How thankful I have always been for the Scriptural mandate to make a “joyful noise” to the Lord. As someone not known for a melodious and beautiful voice, the thought that God would actually want to hear my “noises” is quite comforting. And joyful...it is always an attitude of the heart that I am capable of maintaining through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Zephaniah 3:17

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.

Psalm 42:8

But each day the Lord pours His unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing His songs, praying to God who gives me life.

When placed side by side, Zeph 3:17 and Ps 42:8 paint the picture of a glorious place where our hearts intersect and connect with God’s. Pausing to wonder on the beauty of a heavenly duet opens our eyes to yet another level of intimacy with God we often overlook. The Creator of the universe, the Savior of the world, our Father and our Friend, desires us to be on His worship team.

Imagine...as you sing your praises to the Lord Most High, He is singing over you! Can you envision the Heavenly beings, those glorious angelic hosts, dancing and laughing at the wonder of the Heavenly duet. For them, it is another mystery into which they long to look. Our intimacy and communion with our God is sacred and beautiful. Angels marvel, and so should we. Today, won’t you be a part of the celebration? God invites you, beckons you, to join the ultimate worship team!

As a Masterpiece you are called to make a joyful “noise”! In Heaven there are no tryouts...just open extended arms inviting us in to the Heavenly duet!

Reflection/Prayer:

Do I spend more time praising or complaining?

Do I see the importance of making a “joyful noise” to the Lord? What is a “joyful noise”?

How does knowing and understanding that God is “singing over me” change or improve my view of God?

Do I long to be a Masterpiece who is a part of the Heavenly duet?

Pause and thank the Lord for the truths He pours over us from His Word. Praise Him for His love and desire to connect with you. Commit today to be a part of the Heavenly Duet!

Hurt w/out Hopelessness

As Sam and I were traveling home the other day, I started crying. I was listening to some fabulous Christian music about the grace and forgiveness of Jesus and the healing power of God. I let my mind drift and began to realize again how my past is effecting me right now and how it really hurts that consequences don't just go away when you become Christian. But then, the Holy Spirit gave me the most soothing words...like a sunbeam landing on my soul....and I said out loud to Sam...

"It feels so good to hurt without feeling hopeless."

He looked at me with great compassion and amazement and said, "Evie, it is so good to hear you talk like that. You used to hurt so much more and not see that there was hope."

I paused...and took a moment to express my thanks to God for the growth in my life. How beautiful it is to live a life where I can believe the truth and not give in to the lies that want to discourage me and keep me from believing that God is such a loving and good God who cares deeply for me.

And so I place this before you..my fellow Masterpieces...do you allow yourself the gift of hurting, while believing that the amazing hope of our God covers and surrounds you?

Look up these verses and let God speak to your heart (if you can do it in the NLT version it would be best). Add verses that you find that might encourage someone else.

Precious and beloved young women of God, we need to know God's Word and share it with each other so that Jesus is lifted up in our lives!!

Psalm 55:16, 22

Psalm 34:17-19

1 Peter 5:7

Psalm 56:8

For further reflection, ask yourself these questions:

What do I learn about God from these verses?

What do these verses teach me about my relationship with God?

How will these verses impact how I view hurt in my life?

Why can I have hope even when I'm hurting?

Jesus in not a quick fix

How sad...and I wanted so much to have Jesus be a quick fix. After all....it makes Him more attractive. Yet, emotional wounds hurt, pain runs deep, and consequences don't go away just because I want them to go away.

I was listening to a radio speaker talk about addiction and it really hit me; I can either run to Jesus or turn to something else when I'm hurting. My choice determines what kind of journey I go on. I either allow my hurt to propel me toward anything that numbs the pain quickly (drugs, alcohol, sex, cutting, tv) or I choose to crumble to the floor before Jesus.

Jesus will pick me up, hold me close, wipe the tears from my eyes, and speak words of truth and comfort deep into my soul. Sitting on His lap I'll have to wait and rest. It will take time for the wounds to close up. Why? Because through the love of the Holy Spirit He will ask me to face my pain, to deal with why I'm hurting, to think about how things could be different, to question my choices. I have to want that...to be willing to submit to the soul searching that often goes with being at the feet of Jesus.

Yet how much easier it would be...oh so tempting...if I just ran to watch TV, or had a little something to drink, or popped one of those feel good pills, pulled out that razor, or found solace in the arms of some guy who would be more than willing to "physically" comfort me.

Why is it so hard to choose what is wisest when the foolish option so obviously leads down a road with a perilous destination. Oh but Jesus...to run to Him...the road will be difficult, but the final destination will be glorious!

Think about it...

1) What is going on in your life right now that you are not bringing to Jesus?

2) What is keeping you from trusting Him?

3) What are the things that you are using to bring you temporary relief from the pain?

Will you pray with me? Please do if you want to begin to run into His arms and let go of those things that will never bring ultimate healing...

Jesus...I am hurting so badly right now. Thank You that You know my heart like no one else can. I have been running to other things to help ease my pain. Forgive me for not trusting You with what hurts in my life. I want to begin to trust You and believe that You will hold me close and bring healing to my life. I know it will not be a quick fix, so I pray that I will wait on You as You draw me close and speak words of comfort and hope into my life. Thank You for sharing my pain and caring about me enough to walk this hard road with me. Amen

Here are a few Scriptures. Look them up in the NLT if possible (Prov 20:1, Prov 19:3, Ps 34:18, Ps 147:3)

Where do you fix your eyes?

Php 3:12-14, Gal 1:10, Php 1:6

Fix your eyes on Jesus...Keep your eyes on the prize....run the race and keep looking toward the finish line....don't be a people pleaser...

How many times have you heard, "Well so and so calls themselves a Christian and they....(put in whatever awful thing you think fits)"? It's the ever present excuse for not having to live for Christ. The hypocrisy of others is the answer for all sinful behaviors, our complacency and willingness to compromise. After all, how could we be expected to be any better than all those other people?

Let's turn the tables...how often do we hear Christians say, "Well so and so is totally sold out for Christ and so I'm  going to be sold out too!!" Yet the truth is, who are we encouraged to keep an eye on? Obviously Jesus, but who else?

 Those whose lives imitate Christ (look at Paul's words in 1 Cor 11:1...and you should imitate me as I imitate Christ).

Answer these questions:

1) In what areas am I compromising my walk with Christ? (not living according to His Word)

2)  Why do I use those who don't live for Christ as an excuse to live a life that does not honor Him?

3)  Who are the people that God has placed in my life that I can imitate as they imitate Him? and then What can I learn from them?

Today is a new day! We can decide to allow God to live in and through us so that our lives make a difference in this world! He promises He will give us all we need to live for Him (see Php 2:13).