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Giving Thanks

November 22, 2012 by thompsons5

Giving Thanks

Every year for Thanksgiving I usually sit down and write out a list of the things I’m thankful for. This year I want to share with you my list containing promises from His word.

He has adopted me as one of His children

Romans 8:15-16 “For I did not receive a spirit that makes me a slave again to fear, but I received the Spirit of daughtership. And by him I cry, “Abba, Father”. The Spirit himself testifies with my spirit that I am God’s child.”

He is always ready to forgive me

I John 1:9 “If I confess my sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive me of my sins and purify me from all unrighteousness”

He created me, and I am special to Him

Psalms 139:13, 14 “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful I know that full well.”

He loves me with a love like no other

Jeremiah 31:3 “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness.”

His love for me is so deep that he gave up His own Son Jesus to pay a debt I couldn’t pay

John 3:16 “For God so loved Christine that he sent his only Son, that if Christine believes in him Christine shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Because His is my Father and loves me deeply He will discipline me so I may be more like His Son

Psalm 94:12 “Blessed am I whom you discipline, O Lord, the one you teach from your law.”

He sends blessings because He can

James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does, not change like shifting shadows.”

When temptation comes, He will not allow it to be more than I am capable of handling in His strength

1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has seized me except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. But when I’m tempted, he will also provide a way out so that I can stand up under it.

That even in the hard times, I will become more mature and complete if I allow Him to work

James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, Christine whenever, you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of you faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

I am competent to do what He has called me to, because He gives me the competence

2 Corinthians 3:5, 6 “Not that I am competent in myself to claim anything for myself, but my competence comes from God. He had made me competent as a minister of a new covenant – not of the letter but of the Spirit, for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”

He makes the path clear to accomplish what He wants me to

Revelation 3:7 “These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.”

I am His and nothing can take that from me

Romans 8:37-39 “No, in all these things I am more than a conqueror through him who love me. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate me from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

The best promise, after my salvation, is that one day I will be with Him

Matthew 14:1-3 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many room; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Thank you Father, for the promises you give to us in your Word. They give us hope, peace and comfort. As we sit around our tables and give thanks for that we are that we have and what we do, may we give thanks for sacrifice your Son made so that we may live with you some day. May we be lights to the world that is in the dark?

In Your Son’s precious name

Amen

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

*All verses are from the NIV 1984

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Forgiveness – Not an Option

November 5, 2012 by thompsons5

My stomach turned. I hadn’t seen the couple in three years and I certainly didn’t want to see them now. I was going only because my daughter was playing in the game. By the time I arrived at church, dropped my daughter off, and parked I was crying almost to the point of hyperventilating.

You see this couple was going to adopt my niece. My family thought it was great. They changed her name in the school she was attending and allowed her to call them mom and dad. However, without any warning, two years later, they called and said we can’t do this and we are sending her back to you.

We were shocked and angry. This little one had been through enough, her father died of an overdose and her mother (my sister) was in prison. My parents adopted her instead. For months my niece would say “I want to go home, mommy and daddy did this or that, or listen to the funny things my brothers did.” I would clench with anger. It took everything in me to say absolutely nothing.

Over the past three years when I heard their name anger flared. They come down twice a year and see her and I  stay as far away as possible. In Matthew West’s song “Forgiveness“ he points out even when people tell me that I have a right to be angry and not forgive, it’s not what God asks of me.

As I sat in the car I realized that my overwhelming emotion, was not just the fact that I had to see them, but that God wanted me to forgive, not just right there and then but to their faces.

“If this is what you want God, I can’t do it. There is no way,” I said out loud trying to take a breath, “But if it’s what you want, I will, but You will have to give me the strength to do it.”

After the game, with my parents by my side I said, “Over the past three years I have been so resentful towards you, not for myself or my parents but for my niece. I know this is where God wants her. But as a Christian forgiveness is not an option. So I want to tell you I forgive you. This is a hard thing for me to do but there it is.”

When I walked to my other daughter’s game the tears flowed. This time it came from the shock of what transpired and the sense of freedom I had.

I think one reason God asks us to forgive is not for the benefit of the one forgiveness is extended to, but it’s for the one who is offering the forgiveness. It’s the hardest response we can give to some one who has hurt us, but there is no greater peace felt when we do.

How about you? Is there someone that has hurt you or someone you love? Have you been carrying resentment, bitterness and unforgiveness?

Take it to God today. He will give you the strength to forgive them whether it is face to face, over the phone or, just in acknowledgement to God. It maybe a moment by moment or situation by situation thing. Resentment will rear its ugly head again. Remember you have forgiven them and immediately take it to God. He’ll take care of it.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV 1984)

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Our Children’s Future

October 26, 2012 by thompsons5

The other morning I was moving a picture screen full of pictures from my dining room to the living room. As I looked over the pictures, I couldn’t help but wonder where the time had gone. My girls are 14, 13, and 8 now.

At times I struggle, with the  concern that my girls will just rely on the faith of their parents and not make it their own or flat out reject God.

When I took my fear to God, He impressed on my heart four things I could do as a parent.

1. I can set the example

Even though my girls may not sit with me while I do my quiet times with God, the time I spend in the Word influences the way I go through my day as well as how I react.  We also make it a point to have dinner together as a family every night and have devotions together afterwards.

2. Pray for them

I have a desire to see them want to have a quiet time and prayer time on their own, so I pray that they will have a hunger for God and His word.

It’s not only important to pray for the present but also for our children’s future (who they marry, schooling, career and their spiritual lives).

3. Pray with them

When one of my girls has an issue with a friend or has to make a difficult decision, I try to make a point of praying with her over the situation. By doing this she will see how important is to bring their requests to God – no matter how small or large they are. Then when the answer comes, they will experience God answering prayers.

4. I can pray for moments when I can bring God and His word to the forefront.

There have been times we were out at the store or riding in the car and within the conversation I have been able to say, “This is what God says in His word about the situation and a reason why it’s wrong to do this activity.”

To be honest though, these steps don’t guarantee that they will go the way of the Lord. As parents we can only do what we can and then leave everything to God. We must learn to lean on the promise “…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire…” (Isaiah 55:11)

This gives me hope for my children’s future. God’s in control. I need to let Him have His way.

“I have no greater joy, than to hear that my children are walking in the truth“

(3 John 1:4 NIV 1984).

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Focus, Focus, Focus

October 9, 2012 by thompsons5

Lately, my life has been a blur. Not because of going too fast but because there is no motivation just a desire to do mind numbing things. This is not a fulfilling way to live.

One day I was working on a writing project, when something popped out at me on the computer screen. I found a title of a piece I had no memory of writing. Even worse , I discovered that it was listed in a book proposal that was submitted almost two months ago. The problem? I never wrote it.

I panicked and called my prayer partner. Her response was not what I expected.

She said, “Christine, when I prayed for you this morning, I felt God was telling me, ‘Pray for her to focus on Me.’ So that’s what I did.”

I was going to argue that I did focus on God, until I stopped to think about it. That’s what He had been telling me for the past month and a half and I chose not to listen. My focus had not been on Him, and because of that there was no direction for my days. So I took her words to heart.

It’s been three weeks since that conversation and it’s been a struggle. However, as I have refocused and genuinely sought Him out for direction, I’m slowly getting back on track. It will take time to catch up to where I was, but that’s ok, because it will be worth it. My house will be in order, and all the accomplishments (big and small) will be celebrated and God will receive the glory.

Are you days lacking direction and in disarray? Have you lost motivation to get things done? Maybe you have just taken your focus off of God.

Ask God to show you the source of the problem. But before you do, check your heart and make sure you’re ready to hear what He has to say.

“Unless the LORD builds the house (the day*), its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain.”
Psalm 127:1 (NIV1984)

*added for emphasis

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Hate or Love – Choose

September 22, 2012 by thompsons5

Today’s blog is stepping out of the norm for me.  It’s  a challenge rather then encouragement.  But because it has been so heavy on my heart, I wanted to share it with you.

Anger is a powerful emotion. It causes us to move toward making good changes or toward bitterness. But for me recently, my anger led to heartbreak and compassion for my community and for the world.

Lately on the news there has been much anger expressed. I was angry when I first read about the murders of our Ambassador to Libya and three others. But then a feeling of sadness enveloped me.

Why would a god ask for hatred and violence of anyone who was offended by what another person said about their beliefs? I have heard people say Christians would never do that when some one wouldn’t agree with our principles. Really?

As there are extremists in the Muslim world, there are extremists in Christianity. Take a look at the Spanish Inquisition or the Crusades. Some will say “Yeah that was hundreds of years ago, not now.” I ask again, really?

I’m thinking of the extremists that hold hateful and condemning signs at gay pride parades and abortion clinics, or even burning religious books and making films that were meant to offend, all in the name of freedom of speech and God. It has even entered into the political arena. I can’t tell you how tired I am of politics, mud slinging and the angry Facebook pages from both sides. We should be praying for our leader’s hearts to change toward, God and vote our beliefs.

I read in Scripture of a God who came to earth to walk among men to show the love He had to offer. He chose to mingle with the unlovables, the social outcasts of His day. He didn’t agree with the lifestyle or the religious fanaticism but He loved them anyway. Because He loved them where they were at, many were drawn to Him.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t stand up for what we believe. But look at the response to Chick-fil-a and their president who endorsed traditional marriage. Who made the bigger statement, the critics of the president or those who took a stand with him? There was no anger voiced by those who went out to support. Even the responding protest was almost non-existent. I turned on the news to see the response. The reporter was the only one there.

Yes, we need to speak the truth of God’s Word, but with love. One daughter has been asked about her God at school. Someone said they didn’t believe in her God because He hates gays.

“That’s not true,” my daughter said, “He loves them but does not like the choices they make.”

It’s called loving the sinner and hating the sin.

The day after I read the article on the Middle East, I read on Facebook “Pray for the victims’ families.” I think that is a given. How about praying for the enemies?

God is the perfect judge. One day everyone will be called before Him. It won’t be about what we have done in His name but what we have done with His Son Jesus that will make or break us. He will have His day to judge the world. For today though, as the church, and as Christians our job is to show His love to the world around us not be condemning but to speak the truth with love, not hate.

Which do you choose? Hate and anger? Or love and compassion? Are there people in you life that just know how to push the buttons and give you reason to be sarcastic with them? Are your words full of anger or love?

Ask God today to change your heart not just towards the big issues but the everyday stuff as well. Let’s be the vessel He uses to bring others to Him through love.

 

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  IF I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserveres.”

I Corinthians 13:1-9 NIV 1984

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The Phantom of the Church

September 12, 2012 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. Instead he 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. I wonder if the reason people don’t ask for help for prayer is because others will think of them as Christians without faith, or 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 of cancer and I became a temporary single mother of three children ages 9, 8, and 3. He would leave the house at six 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 nights 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 of 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 risk the exposure of our flaws so that He may work in our lives through those around us.

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

Are you hiding behind the mask of fear, or pride so other’s can’t see the real you or  hurting you? Ask the Father to help you take the mask off so you can show the real person God created you to be, hurts and all.   Warning: also ask God which details to share (some information should remain private).

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”  Galatians 6:2 (NIV1984)

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The Juror

September 5, 2012 by thompsons5

It was my turn to be called up for jury duty. I thought it would be: go, be called, and serve.  That was until the introduction video was played. Over and over it was stressed, because of being an American it was a privilege to serve, and that we had been given great power, to hear the evidence, and rule a person to be innocent or guilty, even the power to condemn to death.  At that very moment I became panicked and humbled simultaniously. That is power. To be honest I didn’t want that power. “What if I make a mistake and convict an innocent person or set a guilty person free?”  I thought.

I had to pray over it. I didn’t want to do it but if it was God’s will, He needed to give me the ability to hear and understand the evidence presented and make a fair decision.

As I was typing this out it dawned on me, I do this everyday. Most of the time without all the evidence. In this “case” I’m not just the jury, but also the lawyer, and judge. The evidence presented – a person’s personality, appearance, choice of words and even actions.

In James chapter three he states:

“If you really keep the royal law found in scripture, ‘Love your neighbor,’ you are doing right. But if you show favoritism you are convicted by the law as law breakers.”

One day I was doing car line duty and a woman was dropping her child off in an non- designated area. When I told her she couldn’t, she proceeded to shove her son out the door, all the while telling me her excuses.

My first reaction was ‘Yeah right you just don’t want to go through the line.” Of course I didn’t say it to her. I Just mumbled and complained to myself.

The next day I saw her coming and I was ready with a come back. To my surprise she slowed, rolled down the window, and apologized saying she was on empty and had a bad morning. Over the next few weeks she waved at me as she went by.

Many times I judge without knowing the background. It makes me wonder if I would be less critical if I knew their story. God has called me to act toward others with love. What I need to tell myself is 1. There could be something deeper going on 2. how would God want me to handle this?

I don’t have the right to be the lawyer, juror or Judge. There is only one judge and He knows the heart of every person. My responsibility is to listen and depend on Him to move me in such a way that shows His love.  I felt such relief when I was passed over as a juror.  I pray that I will become more consistent in looking at others as God sees them.

Are you quick to judge or make assumptions?  Ask God for forgiveness and ask Him to change your heart.

“There is only one Lawgiver and judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you – who are you to judge your neighbor?” James 4:12 (NIV 1984)

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The Art of Pruning

August 27, 2012 by thompsons5

I am not much of a gardener. In fact I don’t like to garden. I have two rose bushes on our back patio. Roses are my favorite flower. When the coral bush first started, I was surprised by how many blossoms there were. The bush produced two clumps of three and four flowers. It was beautiful. I was so proud of it (the fact I hadn’t killed it yet).

Before

Then several weeks later it seemed to have suddenly died. I thought maybe if I pruned off the dead branches it would grow again. Two weeks later nothing wanted to grow. I gave up. My husband on the other hand, didn’t. He chopped more off to the point there were only bear stems.

One day I walked out and noticed green sprouts and today there are more blossoms then I had at first.
It reminds me of the passage in John fifteen which talks about the vine and branches. When I became one of God’s children I made a decision to be a part of Christ and His work. In order for me to grow in my walk and faith I must eat and drink (prayer and read the word) so that I can grow.

But there are times when life seems to be stale and growth is little or non-existent. Those are the times I must be vulnerable to the perfect Gardener.   He needs to prune me. He will show me the things in my life that are dead and non effective. Growth may be inhibited by a habit, doubt, fear or something I don’t even know exists. He wants to cut it off to allow new growth. He also uses hardships in my life to prune me as well so I can see myself and the area I require trust.

Other times He will prune “good” things out of my life in order for the best to occur. There were some branches of the rose bush I left because there was still some green leaves, but that didn’t help. It wasn’t until my husband cut the bush down to almost nothing did the new growth occur.

After Pruning

I have been involved in ministries or projects that were good but I had not listened to God’s prompting to stop. It wasn’t until I listened and allowed God to cut those activities off when my growth, and focus took off. Did it hurt? More than anyone can know. I wasn’t happy but I did have peace and I was able to bloom.

Are there areas of your life God is asking to cut off? Is there resistance on your part? Why?

Ask Him today to give you the strength to allow Him to prune you. If  He is allowed, it may hurt but the beauty that will come through the process is nothing compared to what you had.

“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes  so that it will be even more fruitful.”    (John 15:2  NIV 1984)

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God’s Hugs

August 19, 2012 by thompsons5

The fog is so thick; I can hardly see the hand in front of me. I know the spot I am in, yet I don’t know which way to go or what to do. I don’t want to take the wrong path so I stand confused, frustrated and frozen.

This is the feeling I get some days when I’m not feeling confident in who I am, what I’m doing, what God has called me to do, or overwhelmed with life in general.

When I started my second year as our church’s MOPS (Mother of preschoolers) Discussion Group Coordinator, I was given a DVD about my position. The longer I watched, the more my stomach turned into knots. I wasn’t doing anything they were saying to do. Did I mention I’m a rule-follower and love outlines?

As I walked to the mail box, I begged God’s forgiveness for being a lousy Coordinator; and for ill-equipping them to do their jobs. I also told Him I was overwhelmed with all the information and there was no way I would be able to implement all they said in two weeks.

Flipping through the mail I found a small card from one of the discussion group leaders. “I’m really not interested in going to a candle party, or a pampered chief party.”  I said to myself.

But it wasn’t an invitation. One of my leaders had written a “Thank You” note stating how much she appreciated the time I took to make sure that everyone was ready to serve.

Sobbing, I quickly went to email her to tell her what the note meant to me. Then she said the most amazing thing. “I kept forgetting to send it. I wanted to send it to you four days ago.”

God’s timing is everything. He knew I needed that note, that day. I learned a powerful. When I am in “fog” ask the ultimate encouragement-giver and He will send it.

I like to think of these as God’s hugs to me.

We all need encouragement from time to time. When I solicit encouragement from people, many times it leaves me emptier. I need to allow God to bring His encouragement, in His timing, in the means He chooses.

Warning: you may not receive it right away, but His timing is perfect.

But it goes both ways. As I listen to Him, many times I send a card or e-mail that another person needed just at that time it was received.

I have prayed that through writing — whether it be devotionals, blog posts or articles — all who read the words would feel as if God were giving them a hug of encouragement.

Are you in a “foggy”, overwhelming time?

Ask God to send you an encouraging hug. Then be patient. He may not send it right away but wait expectantly to feel His loving arms embrace you.

 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”  I Thessalonians 5:11

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God Walk

August 12, 2012 by thompsons5

Last year I attended the Experiencing God Bible Study at our church. I would highly recommend it to anyone. One of the exercises was to do a “God walk”.  We were to go to a park or beach and talk to Him and listen for His voice. By the way, listening is hard.

While I walked and prayed I met up with my niece and her third grade class. I had forgotten that they would be there. My niece had asked if I would go and I told her no. The leaders asked if I wanted to join them and again I said no, that I was there for a Bible Study assignment, a prayer walk. The leaders were gracious. One even said, “Tell Him I will talk to Him later.”

I didn’t get more than a few yards, and guilt overwhelmed me. I felt God prodding me back to the group. I didn’t want to. He reminded me that I had asked a few minutes prior why I was doing this. What did He want me to do or say? I gave in and turned back. In the end I apologized to my Father and the leaders for my prideful response. I also made my niece’s day.

I tried to do a “God Walk” every month. Needless to say it went by the way side.

Fast forward a year. A few months ago, I was struggling in every area of my life; my priorities, being  a mother, a wife and as a writer. I felt in my spirit I needed to take a “God Walk”. Strange how God works, the day I made the decision, I started a new Bible study entitled “The Circle Maker”. That night the assignment was to find a place, and time to pray every day for twenty-one days and pray for one situation or person (my personality won’t let me do that so there were several people/issues I chose).  Through this study we learned how to pray hard (persistence), bold (asking for the impossible) and pray for God’s sovereign will.

I chose seven in the morning and to walk around the block (less likely to be distracted). It reminded me of Genesis, and how God walked with Adam and Eve and the intimacy they had with the Father. The first time I poured my heart out. When I got back I felt renewed and excited to see how the Father would answer in unexpected ways.

The “God Walk” is becoming a new habit. When I don’t do it, I find that my day is miserable. It has provided me a new way of connecting with God. I am beginning to recognize His voice, praying scripture and trusting My Father will answer even if it is the impossible.

Do you spend time just praying and listening? He desires time with us to grow our relationship with Him.

Set up a time or place (it doesn’t have to be a walk) to just talk to the Father.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18

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