Where are you, God?

Where are you, God?

Christmas Joy

When I woke up, I remembered the snow and ice storm coming across the Midwest heading east, with rain on its way to my part of the country. My son was traveling home from Kentucky that day, prompting me to look at the weather in his location. Sure enough, a snowstorm hovered over that entire part of the country. And he was driving in it.

I immediately thought of the dangers and reached out to a handful of people, asking for prayer for my son and those traveling with him.

Less than an hour later, he called me. They had been in a three-car wreck on the interstate. Everyone was shaky but okay. 

As I thought about the events of the day, I wondered about all those prayers lifted on their behalf. Did God not hear us? Why didn’t he protect them?

In my spirit, these words pricked my heart. “Maybe He did.” Even though they wrecked, God protected them from injury. Things certainly could have been a lot worse.

Have you experienced a similar situation where God spoke to your heart about something you prayed over?

Joseph must have thought God had abandoned or forgotten him when his brothers sold him into slavery. Later, after being wrongly accused and sent to prison, did he question God? Did he wonder if that was the end of his story? (See Genesis 37, 39.)

Hardships can serve a greater purpose

The Bible tells us God wasn’t done with Joseph. He used those experiences to protect Joseph and his family for many years.

Do hardships sometimes come when we are trying to do the Lord’s work? I believe so. We see this often in Scripture as well through our own experiences.

My son and his friends had just left a Christian conference focusing on sharing the good news of Jesus with others. That wreck had to be disheartening after the spiritual encouragement and inspiration they had just experienced.

But God wasn’t done with them and their mission to share Christ.

Now, my car . . . that’s another story.

 

“Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things” (Ecclesiastes 11:5 NLT).

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Christmas Joy

Christmas Joy

Christmas Joy

A sense of contentment overcame me as my son and I walked around an outdoor Christmas event. I had work to do – a deadline to meet — but said ok when he wanted to go. The thought of him wanting to spend time with me warmed my heart. We took our time, met some people and talked with friends we happened upon. Having him near blessed me.

Time is precious. Priceless.

At Christmas, we want time with our loved ones near. We want our family home for Christmas and feel a loss when they are away or have passed on from this world.

Almighty God

The Old Testament books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles tell us that King Solomon built a temple for the Lord. He hired the most skilled craftsmen to create a beautiful and glorious temple that would house the presence of God.

However, it was never meant to be a permanent place for the presence of God, for it cannot be contained.

Prince of Peace

God came near to His creation. The Savior of the world came down wrapped as a baby to live among mankind. His presence stirred hearts and drew people to Him.

Did they realize they were in the very presence of God?

Do we?

The temple built by King Solomon was later destroyed. But God doesn’t dwell in a building. He dwells in His people.

Satan also tried to wipe out God’s presence by destroying Jesus and His influence. But nothing could stop His plan of salvation.

The gift of joy

As we celebrate the season — Jesus’ entrance into the world — let’s remember His nearness. He’s closer than your next breath.

You may have had a challenging year. Or even experienced great loss. Draw near to God. Nothing is better than His nearness. Let His presence wrap you with comfort and peace. 

Aren’t you glad God cannot be contained and we can experience His presence right where we are? In sadness, in sickness, in moments of joy. Through disappointments, trials and moments of encouragement, He is near.

Don’t miss that nearness this Christmas. Reach out to God, who loves you! He settled His love right there on the cross. Jesus came down to live among us, His gift to the world. Let’s give him the gift of our whole heart.

As you celebrate the birth of the King, I pray that His presence will be as near as the air you breathe. I pray He will refresh your soul and you will experience His presence and peace this Christmas.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

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Chasing the Wind: When wants distract from God’s ways

Chasing the Wind: When wants distract from God’s ways

Knowing God

I watched our two-year-old dog chase bees buzzing in and around my ginger blooms. Each day he jumps trying to catch one, hyper and excited about the chase.

Little does he know a sting comes with catching that little guy.

Sometimes our wishes come with setbacks too.

When our boys were young, we visited a local park for a family outing. We took our two large dogs with us. The two younger boys begged to hold the dogs’ leashes and walk them. We finally gave in and gave each son a leash. A few moments in, the dogs saw a squirrel and bolted, hauling both boys haphazardly through the woods.

The moment still replays in my mind at times, often in slow motion with a humorous twist — like a scene from an old western of someone being dragged behind a startled horse.

Their obsession with control took them much faster than they wanted to go and down a path they never intended to take.

Slow down

Don’t we do that in life? We get excited about all the worldly things buzzing around us – earthly pleasures, riches, affluence or material possessions. When we achieve them or obtain them, many times a sting or backlash accompanies them.

Could we slow down for a moment and test to see if these wants or desires are from the Lord?

After the Israelites disobeyed God when He told them to go in and conquer the promised land, God issued their punishment: 40 years back in the desert. They quickly retracted and launched into battle to take the land, ignoring God’s direction. They attempted to claim God’s promise without His power or presence and lost the battle because God was not with them (see Deuteronomy 1).

Samson, a warrior and the last of the judges in Israel, lost his eyesight and his strength because he gave in to earthly pressures and pleasures. When Delilah had his hair cut, he didn’t know that the Lord had left him (see Judges 16).

Saul, the chosen leader of God’s people, failed to seek God. He sought after power and prestige, and the counsel of people who were enemies of God. He lost his kingship and his life (see 1 Samuel 15, 1 Samuel 31).

Judas sought wealth and greed. He died remorseful and without hope (see Matthew 26-17).

King David held mostly godly desires. Many times, he inquired of the Lord before going into battle. Or he would ask which direction to take and not move forward until he had received confirmation from the Lord. In a moment of weakness, though, he gave in to human desires. A man died, a woman became a widow, and a child died as a result.

Find hope

These stories prompt me to reflect on how I’ve also given in to my wants and desires and the consequences that resulted.

However, God has been with me through mistakes and shortcomings, through a battle or the fire, through big decisions or daily direction for the next step.

When worldly pursuits leave us feeling empty or unfulfilled, much like King Solomon’s description of “chasing the wind,” Jesus offers redemption. He provides hope. He heals our hearts and invites us into His presence.

We can come to God empty-handed, deeply in need. He meets us with instant and complete forgiveness. His sacrifice makes us worthy. Whether in battle, the test of a lifetime, prideful or power hungry, He is present and He owns the victory.

 

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The God We Serve

The God We Serve

wooden walkway above grassy field

I found a scribbled note from a church service in my luggage. A 20-year-old note. Wow.

I don’t know how it got in the bag. The note just appeared.

Apparently at the right time.

Everyone has an Egypt – a place where God is moving and directing. It’s not an issue of who you are; it is who God is. God cannot use anything we’ve got until we let go of it. God will not ask for what you don’t have, but what you do have.

After the burning bush experience with the Living God, Moses must have left that spot with renewed respect and adoration. Although a hunted man in Egypt, he gathered his family, left his safe and familiar environment, and returned to Egypt. It wasn’t about him but about God.

God had already equipped Moses with what he needed.

I’ve had this thought on my mind a lot lately. It seems God has been reinforcing the same message to me like a persistent drumbeat in my ears. Sunday’s sermon supported that message. Even a movie I watched recently touched on the same theme.

Letting go

I have a friend who waited on God for a decision. As she waited, no answer came. Nothing happened . . .  until she took a step of faith. After that, the other needs were met and other decisions fell into place. God had already provided the answers. She only had to let go of her fears, and trust.

Do you need to let go of something today? Are you waiting to act on a decision until you have it all together or the means to accomplish the task?

We serve a God Who is powerful. A God Who moves and directs our lives. He supplies exactly what we need.

It’s not about us when we’re staring at that decision or that mountain before us.

Two-decade-old reminder

I have prayed for clarity many times in my life. Maybe that’s the wrong approach. As my 20-year-old note reminded me, it’s about the God we serve. We don’t need all the answers but to trust the One who does.

After some back and forth with God, Moses let go of his fear and headed back to Egypt.

Will you let go of the thing that’s standing in your way? Can you accept that God has equipped you with the means to do what He’s asking you to do?

Let’s learn from Moses. Let’s learn from my friend. If God has called us to do something, let’s do it.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will counsel you with my loving eye on you,” (Psalm 32:8 NIV).

 

 

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Pride Goes Before a Fall

Pride Goes Before a Fall

Squeal with delight

I tumbled down the stairs of a small plane.

I had traveled to New Orleans to speak to a group of communications professionals. The opportunity had me nervous but also energized. Although young, I tried to appear confident and poised.

That backfired. My heel caught on a step and took me down, my composure with it.

Embarrassment gushed in like a flash flood. At least it was a small plane so few people witnessed my calamity. I picked myself up, looked at my bleeding knee and greeted the person designated to drive me to the meeting.

Impressive, I know. I’m still puzzled about how my slacks didn’t tear, but my knee did.

Pride leads to downfall and destruction

The dictionary shares a proverb describing pride. If you’re too conceited or self-important, something will happen to make you look foolish.

I imagine you can think of one foolish act driven by pride. It can sneak up on us and lead us down a road we never thought we’d travel.

The Bible says, “Where there is strife, there is pride,” (Prov. 13:10 NIV).

Pride can also destroy a person. “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall,” (Proverbs 16:18 NIV).

Even leadership expert John Maxwell has something to say about pride.

“Leaders who fail to prune their pride will meet demise. That’s not a guess, it’s a guarantee. With pride, it’s not a matter of ‘if’ we will fall, but ‘when.’ There are no exceptions.” – John C. Maxwell, #1 Leadership Expert and Best-Selling Author

Pride opposes God

At its core, pride is opposing God.

The Bible describes others who struggled with pride. Haman, who tried to abolish the Jewish race, found his story didn’t end well. (See Esther 3-7.)

King Saul disobeyed God out of pride and self-importance. He lost his kingdom . . . and his life. (See 1 Samuel 15.)

Satan’s pride led to his downfall, falling like lightning from heaven when he attempted to overthrow God and steal His glory. (See Luke 10:18 ESV.)

The giant Goliath, arrogant and rude, was defeated by a teenager with a sling and a stone. (See 1 Samuel 17.)

Put pride in its rightful place

Pride is dangerous. We need to put it in its rightful place.

Choose humility over pride. Humility brings wisdom. Pride generally leads to negative outcomes. Jesus said, “Pride is one of the many ‘evil things that come from within and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 ESV)

Recognize limitations. Acknowledging our limitations allows others to lead or excel in a particular area.

Resolve conflict. Putting pride aside opens the door for restoration. Admitting you’ve made a mistake can go a long way toward handling conflicts and strengthening relationships.

Be teachable. Maintain an open mind. Listen and learn from others and embrace an attitude of lifelong learning.

Pride tells us to measure ourselves based on our accomplishments. Instead, let’s ditch pride and live in our God-given identity. Grab hold of the confidence we have in Jesus. Know that He works in and through our lives. Day in. Day out.

Anyone can slip up. We never know what’s coming. The key is to stay grounded in the One who gives us all things – including the ability to accomplish whatever task is required.

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Keep Going

Keep Going

Squeal with delight

I thought my life was about to be over.

The excursion was my idea. After all, I’d craved adventure most of my life. But I had no idea the predicament I’d gotten myself into. My goal to see the sunset from the top of the massive granite mountain (Enchanted Rock, in the middle of the Texas Hill Country) seemed impossible after only a third of the way up.

My heart raced and fear took hold when I realized the difficulty of the climb. I reasoned with myself, uncertainty setting in. I don’t know how I’m going to get down.

My 16-year-old son ran and jumped from one boulder to another, loving the climb in this rock paradise. He heard the distress in my voice and stopped long enough to encourage me to keep going. Holding out his hand, he gave me a pull up a time or two.

I continued taking one step after another, over one rock pass to the next until only a smooth rock slope lay ahead. Looking up was the only option. Looking down caused queasiness, so I forced my eyes straight ahead and up.

Alone with God

The task seemed insurmountable. As soon as I hiked far enough to see the horizon, I sat down, frozen in place. My son hiked up the last incline and out of my view. I couldn’t know if he was safe because I remained rooted in my spot.

I watched the sunset but mostly prayed because I doubted my ability to survive the hike down. You probably think I’m being dramatic. My son did. But my fear was as tangible as the rock dome in front of me.

The sun dropped below the horizon. I sat completely alone with my God as I watched the sun’s decline throw pinks and purples against the sky. I half-heartedly thanked Him for the view.

Eventually, I found the courage to stand. (I certainly didn’t want to walk down in the dark.) Taking one step, then another, I weaved my way down inch by inch.

When my feet hit level ground, I looked back at the mountain with a sense of awe and accomplishment. As sure as the shadows deepened from the setting sun, I knew I couldn’t have made it on my own.

Lessons learned

God taught me some things from that experience.

  • Keep going. Do you have an insurmountable task in your life? As my son shouted to me from a distance, I speak those same words to you. “You can do it. Keep going.”
  • God walks or runs and even climbs with you. Take His hand and let Him lead you one step at a time. One rock at a time.
  • Be sure to look forward to the reward at the end and enjoy the adventure. Looking back, I wish I had enjoyed more moments at the top instead of worrying about the journey ahead of me.

This experience reminds me of other challenges in my life. Can I apply these lessons learned to other areas? Absolutely.

I find it interesting and reassuring that God uses distressing situations to inspire us to work on other areas in our lives.

Often, I convince myself I can’t accomplish something because of a lack of discipline. I question God’s calling to this ministry. Will I trust Him and put in the effort to climb to the place He wants me to be? Can I release my worry to Him and enjoy the journey? Do my children see my joy throughout the day, or do they only hear my correction?

You might have similar questions or challenges, or a mountain to conquer. These words speak to us all. Keep going, take God with you and enjoy the adventure.

I thought my life was about over that day. But I found God had so much more in mind.

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Don’t know Jesus? You can.

It would be my greatest honor to take your hand, introduce you and walk you through how to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and how to have a personal relationship with Him.

Find out more here.

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