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Love is Patient

June 15, 2013 by thompsons5

*Patience : to  Calmly tolerate; syn.: endurance, long suffering, forbearance

1 Corinthians 13:4 starts with, “love is patient”.  Growing up teachers taught me that the first item in a list is usually the most important.  Maybe the reason patience was listed first was because it’s the hardest virtue to exhibit. You can ask my family, patience is not a strength, but I have gotten better.

I looked up patience in a Bible Dictionary.  The entry said there are two types of patience, one for relationships and another for situations. I’m just going to deal with the relationship aspect.

While reading scripture verses, the underlining factor of God’s patience, was love and mercy.  I don’t know about you but I wonder why He puts up with me.  I make the same stupid mistakes, open mouth insert foot, doubt, become fearful and…well you get the idea.  His patience with me must wear thin sometimes.  However, the Bible states that He is the God of endurance and encouragement.

“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus.”

Romans 15:5

Because He loves me He will not give up on me no matter what.  I want to be careful here.  It doesn’t mean He will not discipline me.  He will in order to grow me.

The question that came to my mind was, did He ever lose His patience?

In Exodus chapter thirty-two, He told Moses on the mountain “These people are so stubborn what am I going to with them. I know, wipe them out and start over with you.” (Christine’s paraphrase) But Moses who was considered God’s friend, seemed to talk Him out of it.

I decided to ask one of my pastors what he thought about this. I loved what he had to say.

 

“God is holy and just, and when His people rebelled as they did, God reacted to this.  He did not lose His patience but, reacted justly because of His holiness. Since He is sovereign and omniscient, He knew beforehand how the people would react to Moses’ absence – it did not take God by surprise.  He also knew how Moses would respond to God’s threat to destroy His people. Therefore, knowing this, we can see that God used this situation to cause Moses to intercede on behalf of the people and to impress both Moses and the people with the seriousness of rebelling against God. Due to Moses’ intercession, God “relented” (i.e., He did not change His mind but chose a course of action that was consistent with His divine will).”

When Moses went down from the mountain he told the people God’s reaction.  Most repented but 3,000 didn’t and were killed.  I believe He did this because they were unrepentant and He didn’t want them to bring down the whole nation. He loved His people enough to keep His promise but also loved them enough to hand out a punishment.

One of my daughters had sticky fingers as a child.  She wanted some books at the school book fair.  I said, no.  However, she sneeked into my purse, took a check and wrote it out for the amount due. She almost got away with it except, she wrote in pencil.

We were definitely angry. My husband decided to take drastic measures to make sure it wouldn’t happen again.  He drove her down to the local sheriffs department and talked to a deputy.  Fortunately, she got the message.  A few times after that the sticky fingers went to work again, thankfully nothing felony worthy. We handed out discipline and forgiveness and finally the behavior ended. Patience was rewarded.

Praise God, this is the same patience He has with us but on a grander scale.

How about you?  Do you fear God has lost patience with you?  Take heart, His loving patience for you means He will never give up on you.  Be honest with Him and repent of the sin and turn away from it.

If you are not part of God’s family, know He loves you, for He created you.  I would encourage you to read the  “An Invitation” and become one of His.

“But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”

Psalm 86:15 (ESV)

 

*Webster’s student Dictionary and Thesaurus

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God’s Love

June 1, 2013 by thompsons5

When it comes to the love of God I have found myself overwhelmed. The other day I was struggling to decide what to do for my quiet time so I prayed about it.  The passage that came to mind, was 1 Corinthians 13, also known as the “Love Chapter”.  I’ve studied it before as it applied to my marriage or parenting, but not in relation to God’s love.  However, the parallel between this chapter and God, made perfect sense.   What better scripture to learn about His love than the Love chapter.

As a Christian I am to be a reflection of Him and if that is true, there is a need for me to see God’s character.  That brought up some serious questions right out of the gate such as if God is patient didn’t He lose His patience with Israel?  Or If love isn’t boastful, doesn’t God boast about Himself?  Of course God is God and He has the right to do both.  But then how does that relate to me?

The first three verses seem to be common sense.  When I took a deeper look I believe I  gained a fresh perspective of who He is.

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.  And if I have prophetic powers and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith so as to remove mountains, but have not love.  I am nothing.  If I give away all I have and if I deliver up my body to be burned but have not love, I gain nothing.” 

I Corinthians 13:1-3 (ESV)

 

  1. God speaks and understands all languages, for He created them.  Not only that, He listens to thousands of them all at once.  He doesn’t have to say, “You in Russia don’t talk until I hear those in England or Mexico.”  He loves me so much that He can intently listen to anyone, anywhere at anytime and all the while be listening to me as if I was the only talking to Him.
  1. He understands all mysteries and all knowledge, yet He allows us to glimpse a fraction of what He knows such as black holes, and gives us the ability to build ultrasounds to see His creation of an unborn baby.
  1. He gave up all the riches of Heaven to put on a human body and live among us as a member of a poor carpenter’s family.  Then He made the ultimate sacrifice of shedding His blood as the payment for our sins.  That is some kind of love.  Because of His love I can be free, be part of His family and live with Him forever.

I don’t know about you, but the above gives me chills.

How do you see His love? Are you awed by it?   Do you want to reflect the same kind of love?

I would encourage you to read 1 Corinthians 13 for yourself. Ask Him to show you something new about Himself and give you a new perspective of His love.

As I share what God is showing me, I would also love to hear what He is showing you about His love whether it be from your own Bible study or how He has been working in your life.

 

1 Corinthians 13, Psalm 139

 

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Mistake, Love and Forgiveness

May 13, 2013 by thompsons5

We all make mistakes. Sorry, but that’s the truth.

If you are anything like me, some mistakes wreak havoc with my emotions and my relationship with God. They can even zap my energy to get things done. I found myself in this exact situation recently.

My motives were great at first, however the choice led to guilt and questions like  “I am so unworthy to talk to Him, and read His word how can I call myself a Christian or even go to my local place of worship?” Let me say this before I continue, we are not worthy but have been made worthy when we have accepted Christ as our Savior.

I am a recovering “Perfectionist”.  By the way there is only One perfect and that is Christ. With that said, when the mess up is big in my eyes, perfectionism attacks with power. Instead of focusing on what can I learn from the mistake, I beat myself up sometimes until I’m sick.

Enter the two “safe” people in my life, my husband and my mentor/accountability/prayer partner.

Mike is a wonderful man who I am grateful God gave to me. As I confessed to him my mistake, he talked without condemnation and best of all, showed me the positives that could come out of it.

JoAnn is wonderful, godly woman. As I poured my heart out to her she also listened while I sobbed. She gave this input; “Christine, you must get back into the Word. The only way to find relief and release from the guilt, which by the way is not of God but Satan himself, is to allow God to battle for you through His Word. Read verses that talk about His love for you. It will be amazing what you will learn.”

So I did. I talked to Mike about what I had been learning through my Bible reading and a book I was reading. Surprise appeared on his face.

“You still feel guilt over this?”

“Yes.” I cried.

“Honey I’ve got just the verse for you that I have memorized. By the way, guilt is not of God.”

Hmmm, where did I here that before? Here is what he shared with me:

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on  to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet
to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.   I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 3:12-14 *

I realized how easily I forget His promises that He has given me. Promises like:

Romans 8:1  – There is no condemnation for those of us who have accepted Christ
Deuteronomy 7:7-9 –  He doesn’t love me because I’m important or perfect but because I am His
Psalm Psalms 66:20 –  He will not hold back His love from me
Psalm 17:8  – I am the apple of His eye
Psalm 94:12-19 –  He won’t reject me but uses the mistakes to teach me
Zephaniah 3:17  – He is with me, mighty to save me, delights in me, quiets me with His love and rejoices over me.

But one of the neatest things is His love is all encompassing:

Psalm 36:5  It reaches to the heavens (it’s above me)

Psalms 23:6 – His love follows me (It’s behind me)

Psalms 26:3 – His love is before me (it’s in front of me)

Psalms 139 –He knows me and hems me in

Ephesians 3:17b-19 His love is wide, long, deep and high

Now close your eyes and picture yourself.  Place a red heart where these verses say God’s love is.  We as His children are totally surrounded by His love.

I wish I could say that the guilt is totally gone. It’s not, but it has diminished, as I have called out to God. I’m better then I was 5 days ago and better than yesterday. The worse thing I can do is runaway from the Father. During these times I should be running toward Him.

I have been forgiven by God.

Let me say this, fear can come into play with some of our mistakes. This can be a good thing for it becomes a warning flag that we are heading in the wrong direction and change is needed. But take heart forgiveness is waiting with open arms. Brokeness admits the wrong , leaves it as God’s feet and allows  Him to restore  and help us move on.

How about you today? Do you have a hard time fighting the guilt or embarrassment over your mistakes ?

Don’t run from your Heavenly Father.  Read His Word, leave your mistakes with Him and allow Him to restore you.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”

Romans 8:1

*Please note all verses quoted and listed are from the NIV 1984 version of the Bible.

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The Phantom of the Church

April 20, 2013 by thompsons5

One of my favorite musicals is the Phantom of the Opera. A man wears a mask because of his disfigured face, and falls in love with a young singer that he tutors. His thinking is that since he “gave her” the voice to sing, she would love him all the more. By the end of it you feel sorry for him. Here is a man who will never experience love because he tries to intimidate someone into loving him instead of being honest about who he really is.

It made me think about us as Christians. Many times we wear masks so others will not see the real us. We wear them to cover pain, insecurities and flaws. We fear that if others see who we really are we won’t be accepted.

God created us for a relationship with Himself. But He also knew we would need others. It bothers me when people say to me they don’t want to tell others of their prayer needs. They fear people will think of them as Christians without faith, or they don’t want to ask for help because it is a sign of weakness.

I have learned that is exactly what the body of Christ is for. Verses like, “Where two or more are gathered in my name, I am with them.” Or “Bear one another’s burdens” come to mind.

At one time my family was going through a dark time. My husband’s mother was dying and I became a temporary single mother of three children ages 9, 8, and 3. This was because he would leave the house at 6 in the morning for work and not get home until 10 at night from the hospital. I was so tired I couldn’t even work the microwave. One Sunday in our Sunday school I broke down crying and asked for prayer that God would give me strength to make it through the day. What I received was four days of dinners. Those dinners gave relief from the stress and renewed energy for the days ahead. I had to remove the mask of the “good Christian” who could handle anything, and show my true struggles, which in turn released the burden emotionally as well as physically.

The church was meant to come together not only to worship God, but also to help each other. Of course there was a risk of being vulnerable. There always is. However, if I wasn’t transparent two things would have happened. First, people would not know the real me and the ways they could intercede on my behalf. Secondly, not only would I have cheated myself out seeing God’s provision, I would have hindered others from receiving the blessing that comes from serving.

The Phantom in the musical chose to hide and to become feared instead of loved. But I wonder, if he had taken the risk of removing his mask and being vulnerable, people would perhaps have become more compassionate and loving. He may have even been freed from his prison of loneliness.

As Christians God asks us to remove the masks and live in the freedom of allowing other to see who we are and to risking the exposure of our flaws so that He may work in our lives through those around us.

Do you risk coming out from behind your masks and show others who you really are and the struggles you face? When fellowshipping with other believers, do they feel comfortable sharing themselves with you?

Who knows by taking that risk we may help others take their masks off also.

 

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Galatians 6:2 (NIV 1984)

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Do Something – Live Sent

April 5, 2013 by thompsons5

Have you noticed the news lately? There seems to be no end to the troubled teens, high crime rates, teen pregnancy, school dropouts, poverty and a lack of morality in this country not to mention the world.

Over the past few years I have cried out to God much like the prophet Habakkuk, “Why aren’t you doing anything about this? Why are you allowing those of us who truly follow you suffer the consequences of those who don’t? (Not to say that we are perfect)

The pastor of my church just finished a series entitled “Live Sent”. He challenged us to prayer walk our neighborhoods asking God to show us how we could reach our neighbors. He had the audacity to tell me I needed to do more, by getting out of my house and meet new people and share God’s love.

He was nuts. He was right. I needed to come out of my hiding places (the walls of my home and out from the written word) and become “Jesus” to those around me. And dare I say it, move outward from my neighborhood into the community. I wasn’t to be a Bible thumper but show love and build relationships. One neighbor, ended up in the Bible Study group I had been in three weeks later.

A month and a half ago I was called by someone at my daughter’s middle school and asked if I would like to become a mentor. I went to the training session just to see what it was all about. I walked out saying “It’s not my thing.” Why should I give a half an hour a week to some one who probably was not there on their own accord and rebellious to the core?

God gently reminded me that even a middle school student needed His love. I felt ashamed especially when I looked at my own daughters. They aren’t perfect or have the perfect parents. What they do have are parents who try to live as an example of Christ. If I can give another middle school student a little hope and godly love, it would be worth it. That is what it’s all about, being available to what God has for me. I can’t wait to meet the middle school student I am going to mentor.

What about you? Will you live sent and do something with the pain, hurt or need you see around you? Maybe He is waiting for you to say “yes, I will go.” Maybe it will be the local pregnancy center as a counselor, or Big Brothers Big Sisters, or feed the homeless. It could simply be getting to know your neighbors next door.

WARNING: Don’t ask unless you are willing to get out of your comfort zone, because He will answer.

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you!
As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”
John 20:21 (NIV 1984)

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Worship – Part 2 – I Must Decrease

March 28, 2013 by thompsons5

I started reading a book recommended by our local Christian radio morning show that dealt with removing the excess from our lives.*  What caught my attention was a verse from the gospel of John:

 

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30 (KJV)

The author made the point of saying that when she decreased the “stuff” in her life, God was able to come in and increase His work in her.

 

Immediately, the word “worship” came to mind.  The second part of worship is possibly the most important, yet works hand in hand with the first (giving God our very best).  It’s the excess of self, meaning the attitudes and motives of why I do what I do.

 

It is hard to have a wrong motive in doing household chores but, a grumbling attitude can certainly crop up.  Even attending church can bring about a complacent attitude.  For crying out loud, I have been going to church for 43 years.

 

The Israelites lost their “awe” of God and the reason why they were to do things a certain way.  Even the tithe or lack thereof was selfishness.  They wanted to keep the best maybe out of fear of not having enough.

 

I find myself, at times, losing the same “awe” struck wonder in worshiping God. I go because  it’s what I do (habit), not because I have joy to go and worship God with fellow believers.

 

In the book of Acts, Ananias and Sapphira saw tons of people selling everything they had for the spread of the gospel.  They thought “Well let’s sell all we have, but they don’t need all of it. We will give most so we can look good but keep some for ourselves.  Besides no one will know.” (Christine’s edition)

 

Problem was God knew, and He wasn’t pleased.  He didn’t care if they kept some, but it was the deceit of their hearts.  They wanted to look like holy people but their hearts were full of pride and lies (the excess of self) that it killed them, literally.

 

As a writer or Bible study facilitator it’s easy for self to increase and become puffed up, if I’m not careful. Even as a parent, comparing myself to others can allow haughtiness to grow.  “I would never let me child to that!” or “My children don’t act that way.  It must be the way I raise them.”

 

There is another side of me that can turn to excess of self and that is affirmation. I have a great need to be affirmed.  Words of affirmation are my “love” language.* But it can also go to the extreme. What once was an outpouring of love from another can quickly turn into pride in my heart.

 

When I take self out of the equation– whether it be desires, or motives–my heart says, “Yes Lord, take control, do what You will.” He becomes more visible to those around me and I become invisible.  My lifestyle of worship will be acceptable to Him.

 

When I decrease (my attitudes, my motives, my desires), God will certainly increase and that is the way it should be.

 

How about you?  What motives and attitudes do you have when doing everyday activities? Work?  Ministry? Or going to a church service?

 

Ask God to show you any hidden motives that are hindering Him working in and through  you. Then ask Him for the strength to get rid of self so others can see Jesus.

 

 

“All a man’s ways seem innocent to him,

But motives are weighted by the LORD.”

Proverbs 16:2 (NIV 1984)

*Jen Hatmaker “7: An Experimetnal Mutiny Against Excess”  

*Gary Chapman “The Five Love Languages”

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Worship Part 1: Giving My Best

March 13, 2013 by thompsons5

When I started studying the book of Malachi at a women’s Bible study, my understanding of “worship” went to a whole new level.  Worship is based on who I am in Christ, what I do on a day to day basis, a lifestyle.

 

After one session, a precious lady asked to describe worship because they did not have a Spanish word for the description presented in the video.  I gave the pat answer, “It’s a lifestyle.  I hate laundry but worship is saying ‘Thank you Lord that I have laundry to do.’ instead of complaining.”

 

In the first chapter of Malachi, God confronted the Israelites with the fact that their sacrifices were defective and therefore unacceptable to Him.  They were also told two chapters later that they were robbing God by not bringing the tithe. Seeing this caused me to be unsatisfied with my response.

 

The next morning I prayed, “Father, what does a life of worship look like?  I don’t see how their sacrifices relate to me in the here and now.”  Immediately Romans chapter twelve came to mind.  It says:

 

“Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God’s mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.”  Romans 12:1 (NIV 1984)

 

When I compared my life to the Israelites sacrifices I cringed.  My life can be just as defective.  When I don’t give God my best whether in doing my household chores, parenting, in ministry and even with time management everything becomes unacceptable.  And if it’s not acceptable to Him, it should not be acceptable to me.

 

There is a need to be careful, it does not mean He won’t accept me.  He will always accept me for who I am because I am His child.  But it’s similar to a parent who loves their child.  The love is unconditional but if the child is not doing their best whether it be grades or chores it’s unacceptable to the parent and changes need to be made.

 

After I made this connection the question became,  what is to be done to make changes?  I believe the next verse gives the answer:

 

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”  Romans 12:2

 

It’s a matter of priorities.  Change comes “by the renewing of your mind.”  When I’m reading the Bible  my perspective changes.  The need to do everything God’s way becomes the priority.  I find activities are dropped in order to put God’s priorities and desires ahead of mine.  The chores and ministry duties are done with my whole heart.  I give it my all,because I am doing it for Him.  This is my spiritual act of worship.

 

How about you?  Do you find the temptation to do the everyday things with minimal whatever you do effort or to do them because you have to?  Have you lost the joy in ministry?

 

Perhaps you have lost some perspective on why you do them.  Start with renewing your mind by reading His word.  Ask Him to direct you on how He wants you to spend the day.

 

The way you live your life is your living sacrifice, your spiritual act of worship.

“And, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, Giving tanks to God The Father through him.” 

Colossians 3:17 (NIV 1984)

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What’s Your Identity?

January 14, 2013 by thompsons5

Each of us, if we are of driving age, has a driver’s license, to identify who we are, what our age is and where we live. Even our schools provide each student with a number and ID card so the schools (here in my county it starts from elementary school up) know whose grades belong to whom and which student belong to which school.

Many people today, if not most, carry other identities, such as lawyer, accountant, manager, or even bus driver. These identities become their success, what makes them important, in the eyes of the world.

I have always struggled with my identity from the time elementary school through middle and high school into college. It didn’t help that I had to overcome a learning disability in elementary school. I had to be and do something to be important. So I tried everything. I think I changed my degree four or five times in college and then only received a two year degree.

I use to tell God “I need to go back to school to get my degree.” The reason is, if something happened to Mike the only job I could get was a minimum wage one. There is no way I can do anything without a degree. I don’t know how many times I looked at friends, even my husband, and was jealous because they got a degree. I saw myself as a failure for most of my life.

This transferred to my relationship with God. The more I did for Him, the more important I was, and the more He loved me. So I thought. My life got to the point that I was involved in four ministries at once, not to mention the one at home to my family. That was okay, because I was doing God’s work and He was going to accept me and think I was important.

In reality, I burned out. I didn’t know who I was anymore than before, due to being pulled in so many directions. I lost sight of who I truly was. Looking back, there has always been desire to find my niche. The longing to find something I really enjoyed doing, was so strong, I couldn’t say no to anything. I needed to find it.

God is patient. It took me a long time to understand where my true identity and success comes from. He had to take me out of everything to learn one simple thing; I am important, and my identity is that I am His child. I show I belong to Him by obeying His word and being an example to those around me.

Incidentally, through one of those ministries, I did find something I loved to do. I put together newsletters for our church’s MOPS (Mother of Preschools) program, writing articles to encourage those who I ministered to. I love putting words together to encourage others in their spiritual walk as well as facilitating Bible studies. But I do still have to be cautious that writing or teaching doesn’t become my sole identity. I wouldn’t be able to do this if it weren’t for God. I have also learned to take breaks and say “no” and my number one priority is my family.

Do you struggle to know who you are? Do you find that your job, hobby or even your family have become your identity? If those were taken from you today, who would you be?

If you’re one of God’s children, that is who you are. There is nothing more important than that. If the activities and “things, you use to form your identity were taken away, you would still be His child and be important to Him.

Ask Him today to make Himself real to you and to see who you really are in Him. He longs for you to know exactly that.

Place your name in the blank.

For you                       did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you                  received the Spirit of sonship/daughtership*. And by him we cry “Abba Father.  The Spirit himself testisfies with our spirit that we are God’s children.  Now if                           is his child, then                       is an heir – an heir of God,  and co-heir with Christ…”  Romans 8: 15-17a (NIV)

*added for emphasis

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Resolutions

January 6, 2013 by thompsons5

It’s that time of year again.  If you’re anything like me I have good intentions to keep my resolutions only to find myself in December making the same ones because I didn’t follow through the year before.

 

In 2013 I want to be different.  Where have I heard that before?  But this year I have only two things on my list so it should be easy.  Right?

 

First, is the number one resolution most people make, lose weight.  As I get older I am realizing the importance of eating well, exercising and keeping my weight down.

 

The second is to love the Lord with all my heart, all my soul, with all my mind and with all my strength.  When I do this everything else in my life will line up.  It will affect me as a parent, wife, individual, ministry worker, and writer.  It will literally touch every aspect of life because I will be obedient to God and recognize His voice.

 

In the book of Deuteronomy chapter 6, Moses told the Israelites, that one loves the Lord completely by obeying the Law.  He told them to write it and place it on the foreheads, and arms.  Even today some sects of Judaism still tie little black boxes on their foreheads and arms that contained the law.  It was to go with them as a reminder of who they belonged to.

 

I heard Beth Moore address this very idea in her Bible study on “Deuteronomy”; I said to myself “We don’t tie little black boxes to our bodies today, so what do both of these have to do with me?”  And as if she read my mind, Beth mentioned those t-shirts or jewelry we wear with Biblical thoughts or verses.  You know the ones.  They sell in them on-line and in Christian bookstores.  They’re knock offs of the current movie, or social status pages.

 

But then she asked a pivotal question.  “Do we really believe what we wear?” Moses was telling them to take it deeper.    It wasn’t the letter of the law they were to follow (tying the boxes to the forehead or arm)  but it was the heart of the law, don’t just learn the Word but believe and live it out.   Do I really believe what one cross pendant I have says, “With God all things are possible”?  When my Father tells me to do something that seems impossible do I say “Sorry I can’t do that” or do I say, “Okay I will trust You and step out of my comfort zone.” Sadly it seems to be more of the first, than the second.

 

I’m tired of good intentions.  I want to follow through, not just to become like Christ, but to point others to Him.  Change comes by meeting with Him on a daily basis, memorizing His word, applying it and praying.  It won’t be easy, but it is doable with the Holy Spirit’s help.

 

How about you?  Do you love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength?  Are you tired of the way you life is going and want to live in a Christ like way in 2013?

 

Seek Him out.  Change starts with a relationship with Him.  Ask Him to show you what loving Him so completely looks like. Loving, trusting and being obedient to God is not a one size fits all deal. Each person is unique.

 

If you have never come into a relationship with Him, I encourage you to go to the page “An Invitation” (tap is at the top of the screen).  The page will walk you through what it means to do just that.

“Love the Lord your God, with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be written upon your heart.”

Deuteronomy 6:5-6 (NIV 1984)

 

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A Child for the Weary and Burdened

December 22, 2012 by thompsons5

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:22 (NIV1984)

Over the past few weeks I have been “weary” and “burdened”.  It started with a visit to the ER and over night stay in the hospital, finding out that the chest pains I was having were panic attacks.  But then depression set it.  Unfortunately this had been going off and on for a few months.  I couldn’t get moving on the things I needed to do nor the things I had a passion for (hence the lack of entries).  There was also the lack of desire to socialize, paranoia about what others thought about comments I made when forcing conversations, and crying at the drop of a hat.  Even though it hurt, I knew God was with me and had a purpose for what I was going through.

I finally sought medical help and now I am starting to feel a little better.  Even cleaned my house and got the laundry done in two days.  Whoo-hoo!

There are times however, I am burdened and weary from something quite different. Sin.  I find myself doing some of the same “stupid” mistakes over and over again, like losing my temper.  I wonder when I am ever going to change.  I even ask God, “When is Jesus coming again? I’m tired of fighting the sin”.  It does get me down, and my Heavenly Father has to pick me up, brush me off, and wrap His arms of forgiveness around me.  Then, only if I allow Him, does He remove the feelings of guilt and replace it with peace restoring my joy.

Christmas is more than gifts, and family.  I am much less stressed when I remember the true reason for this holiday.

One starry night, two thousand years ago, God left all the riches in Heaven and became a little baby born in a barn. He was perfect in every sense of the word. He had ten fingers, ten toes, two sparkling eyes and little button nose.  What the world saw was just another baby.  What the parents saw was the Son of God they were to raise.  The only visitors he had were smelly shepherds who were told of his birth by angels and a few magi from the east a few years later.

He would prove that He was God’s Son, by healing the sick, raising the dead, giving sight to the blind and hearing to the deaf.  But His ultimate goal was to bring peace, comfort, and redemption to a sinful world that could not save its self.

This little baby was God in the flesh.  It tickles me when I see a baby around this time of year.  My imagination goes wild.  It’s amazing to me that my Savior was once a little one, who grew up and accepted the world for who they were no matter how bad or good they were.

That child brought hope, love and carried our burden to the cross because He loved each and every one of us.  He extends a gift to each person.  That gift is a relationship with Him and freedom from the guilt of our sin, and unconditional love and forgiveness.

If you have not accepted this free gift He extends to you.  Would you consider it?  I can’t promise He will take your problems away, relieve the depression or loss you may feel.  But what I can promise you is that He will be with you every step of the way.  He will give you the peace you may be seeking.

Take a few minutes and go to the tap “An Invitation” (at the top of the page) It will help you understand what is involved with accepting this gift.

From my family to yours, have a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year.

“For unto us a child is born to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulder.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”   Isaiah 9:6 (NIV 1984)

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