Wishing you great peace and joy as you look beyond the tinsel and trimmings and behold the good news that Jesus, our Messiah, reigns! We have nothing to fear and everything to celebrate this holy season.
Spread the word!
Mary
Friday, December 21, 2012
Joy to the World
"But the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid! he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior--yes, the Messiah, the Lord--has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!"
Wishing you great peace and joy as you look beyond the tinsel and trimmings and behold the good news that Jesus, our Messiah, reigns! We have nothing to fear and everything to celebrate this holy season.
Spread the word!
Your fellow herald for Jesus,
Mary
Wishing you great peace and joy as you look beyond the tinsel and trimmings and behold the good news that Jesus, our Messiah, reigns! We have nothing to fear and everything to celebrate this holy season.
Spread the word!
Mary
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Sisterhood of the Traveling Plants
"Forget the former things: do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland" (Isaiah 43:18-19).
"How could plants that thrived for a decade deteriorate to near death in eight weeks?", I asked my husband in astonishment. Unable to take them into our hotel room while we searched for a new home we entrusted them to a close friend. She informed me they were struggling a "little", as she followed my instructions regarding their care. She meant well. But somehow they were slowly neglected and arrived at my doorstep parched and shriveled; a mere shadow of their former beauty and a lot like me.
The dragon plant took the worst hit shrinking from over four feet tall to half its size. With tape and sticks my sweet friend attempted to repair the damage she'd done on the plant's drooping trunk. It looked like it was on life support! Thankfully, my precious husband hid the plants in the garage until after my friend's visit. When my eyes first beheld them I gasped in shocked then burst out laughing. As tears rolled down my laughing face I exclaimed, "These plants are a metaphor of me!"
Watering my plants I realized my sisterhood with them. We'd both traveled a rough journey during this relocation. Uprooted from all that was familiar to me, all that made my life comfortable and easy, I wasn't thriving spiritually, physically or emotionally in our new city. I miss our friends, our church; our neighborhood. Now life is foreign and lonely like a dry wasteland. It's pretty here but I feel displaced.
Some days I chastise myself, angry that I'm acting as if I've been exiled to an awful place. But it's not an attitude of ungratefulness that's stunting my growth. I lack nourishment because I've rushed through my quiet time with Jesus. My plants are a reflection of the way I feel inside, but all is not lost! Just as there are tiny green leaves of new growth pushing through my plant's withered stalks, so there is life in me. This desert season has increased my compassion for those who struggle far worse transplanting, such as our brave military and their families.
As I read my Bible and God's Word washes over my parched soul, I am reminded of His purpose for the uprooting. He is more concerned with character development than comfort; there is something new He's birthing in me. If I let Him plow and plant something beautiful will bloom for His glory. "Father, help me remember the goodness of the past without hanging on so tightly that I miss the new thing you are doing" (Isaiah 43:18-19). Thank you!
Your sister and herald for Jesus,
Mary
Sunday, October 7, 2012
The Great Cover-up
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“Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are
covered” (Psalm 32:1).
It’s Halloween and the season of disguises. Some are scary
others funny, but all carry the same theme of covering up our identities. As I prepare
to greet the revelry of trick or treaters that will parade by our doorstep
tonight I’m wearing a mask of my own. It’s not visible to the human eye, but my
Heavenly Father sees it because it’s written on my heart—I’m a pretender, a
fixer and a cover-up artist.
This morning a close friend shared a message that hit home
for me. She used the analogy of trying to hang a cross on her wall without
measuring the space it should fit. Inevitably she wound up with several holes
in her wall because she mixed her mark. As she placed the cross on the wall and
centered it to cover the holes she’d created an epiphany struck. Only Jesus can
cover our holes, our sins, with His cross of sacrifice and love. We can’t, but
oh how we try!
All October I attempted to fill the voids in my life with
things that didn’t alleviate the pain. I'd rush ahead of Jesus, anxious to check
off another item on my massive “to do” list. All this activity has rendered me
useless; left me depleted and disappointed. As a new homeowner I am patching up
physical holes on the walls of a previously owned house, a convenient
distraction for spiritual reflection. Those are not the holes I should be
concerned about. It’s my bad attitude, my unforgiving heart and whole litany of
sins that no amount of make-up or home decorating can remove. I
need help!
Why does it take me so long to realize that unconfessed sin
is my problem, and that the Lord is waiting for me to seek His grace and
forgiveness? Can you relate? After I read my girlfriend’s email I thanked God
for using her to convict me of the spiritual holes I was trying to repair in my
own strength. Then I asked the Holy Spirit to hear my confession and cover me
with the precious blood of the Lamb of God.
Jesus is more than a cover-up for our transgressions. He’s
the complete Remover and Eraser of sin and the Redeemer of our souls! No customs,
no gimmicks, no tricks. Only peace and grace and a host of treats await those
who knock on God’s door. Will you? “Blessed
is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered” (Psalm
32:1).
Your fellow herald for Christ,
Mary
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
The Scary Place of Grace
"For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told" (Habakkuk 1:5).
This was the summer of change. Two years in the making, my husband's company merger was completed and our tenure in Raleigh ended. An offer on our house came from the first viewers hours after being listed. The sale closed on September 13 seventeen years to the day I came to Raleigh from Boston. It is God's plan that wisked us away from the home and friends that we loved. Change is scary and so is grace.
Why is grace a scary place to be? Because it means we're not in control. It was only an illusion that we ever were to begin with. We do our best to execute our plans, but it's the Lord that determines our path. God's grace is our hope and peace when the uncertain future frightens us as we mourn our comfortable past. Grace helps us to let go of our tightly clenched hands and reach for God's ever-loving hand.
With big dreams and big sunglasses to cover the big tears I cried, I drove behind my husband's overloaded pickup truck to Charlotte. It's been almost two weeks now. We are living in a hotel in Uptown Charlotte as we house hunt in the suburbs. Each morning God meets me in my prayer time and His Spirit comforts me. I feel Him as I walk the city streets breathing silent prayers for family and friends as well as strangers passing briskly by. Grace has helped us adjust to this change.
These days Jon and I feel God's presence in magnitude. He has steered us away from houses we thought were right for us, so we are confident He will confirm the exact place we should purchase. Change is unsettling and that is good! Christ needs to shake us up to wake us up. Grace is becoming less scary as our trust in Him is increasing.
Are you scared of major change in your life? It's natural to be hesitant but don't let your worries consume you. Take them to the Lord and watch His supernatural power work miracles in your life. This journey is where you will see His grace in abundance and your trust in God will increase if you release your fears. Don't be scared, be excited! "For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you wer told" Habakkuk 1:5.
Your fellow herald for Christ,
Monday, August 13, 2012
The God Who Sees and Hears
"You are the God who sees me" (Genesis 16:13).
Statistics reveal that moving is one of the most stressful events in a person's life, especially when it involves relocating to another city. I've done this before, but it was always my choice to go. This time it's driven by corporate decisions and God's providence. With tears in my eyes and a heavy heart I'm learning to embrace the transition. It's hard leaving the place my husband and I have loved more than any other, and the people who made it so special.
Still, there are blessings that arise if I silence my whimpering voice long enough to hear God's whispers of comfort. They come in the most ordinary and mundane moments of every day life, yet they are extraordinarily sweet like honey for my soul. Praying for favor with a buyer, while scrubbing the floor for our home showing, God assured me that somewhere in another kitchen another wife is doing the same thing. And He sees us both and hears our cries for answered prayers.
El Roi, "The God who sees me". That is how Hagar described the Lord who met her in the desert and spoke to her. Alone, abandoned and pregnant she was cast out from Abraham because of Sarah's jealous rage (Genesis Chapter 16). But God saw her anguish and came to her rescue. The same God sees me and He sees you. He hears our prayers and will provide for us.
Before a single word is uttered from our lips the Lord's ear is attuned to our needs (Isaiah 65:24). Like a loving parent He watches over us day and night, and delights in hearing our voice. Won't you take your cares to Jesus who brings them to the Father? While we may feel invisible and unnoticed by the world around us, praise God He is our everlasting and all powerful El Roi! "You are the God who sees me"
(Genesis 16:13).
Your fellow herald for Christ,
Mary
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
An Elizabeth and Mary Weekend
"He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25).
We were an unlikely pair, no one would have picked us to become close friends. She was outspoken and exuded confidence whenever she entered a room. Quieter and insecure, I was both intimidated and fascinated by her. She was my co-worker and I admired her accomplishments. She requested to be transferred out of state, I never gave it any consideration. But one day we were approached by our management and both of us accepted the offer to go. Young and single we had stars in our eyes and dreams in our hearts as we set off together for a new land. God was paving the way for a beautiful friendship.
Those first years of living away from family and friends bonded us. We learned to rely on each other for comfort and encouragement. She was the first among us to give her life to Jesus. In fear and awe I watched the Lord work in her wild spirit as He made her into a gentle mentor for me. My pride was strong. I believed I was right with God even when I was very lost. Yet she never ceased praying for me and witnessing to me, even when life took her far away and out of state. Mentors don't have to live next door to be used by the Father.
We have not lived in the same state for many years, but we continue to walk through life together. She has always appeared like a bright luminary in my life at the most critical seasons of change. We have shared the joy of becoming brides later in life along with the sorrows over the death of loved ones. She's trustworthy and true when I need to share a confidence. The Lord has blessed me greatly with her words of encouragement. She always points me back to my Savior. There is no truer friend!
With a relocation on the horizon as my husband's job transfers us, she made time out of her busy schedule to fly here and help me pack. Oh, what a gift it was to see my friend! I couldn't help but think that perhaps this is how Mary and Elizabeth felt when Mary went to stay with her cousin. God is so good to bless us with hugs and smiles from those we love just when we need them most! I know He reveals His love through the compassion of others who keep close to Him.
Just as Mary and Elizabeth were able to share their fears and joys in a time of great change, so it was with me and my friend. Sitting in my dining room we packed up my Christmas decorations. Tears flowed but so did the laughter as we rejoiced in what Jesus had done in our lives. Would not Mary and Elizabeth have done likewise? I praise God for using my dear friend to refresh my spirit! Is there someone you could be a blessing to? Don't miss the opportunity to be the Lord's hands and feet in a practical way. With God, the blessing always comes full circle. "He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25).
Your fellow herald for Christ,
Mary
Sunday, June 17, 2012
The Promise Commandment
"Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you" (Deuteronomy 5:16).
A quick glance at American culture paints a sad portrait when it comes to honoring parents, especially fathers. In an effort to elevate the status of women in society the male has been emasculated. The majority of commercials, movies and T.V. sitcoms portray women as the "smart mama" who is always having to manage the "dumb daddy". Even the children are encouraged to gang up on dear old dad with no display of respect or honor for his counsel.
The once strong leadership of the American male is slowing vanishing before our eyes as we have rebelled against God's design for relationships. ow interesting to note that God's commandment to "honor your father and your mother" is the first commandment that contains a stated promise.
When we show reference for our parents the Lord says we, too, will be blessed. Our lives "go well" because they are filled with harmony instead of strife. God delights in our sacrifice of obedience to them especially during challenging times. He understands human relationships ebb and flow and doing the right thing is sometimes hard.
But God places great emphasis on maintaining the relationship and showing deference to our parents. ur first priority is to a vibrant loving relationship with our heavenly Father through His Son Jesus Christ. Second in line is our parental and family relationships.
Perhaps your relationship with your parents is fraught with pain and in need of healing. Don't give up! Take your cares to the Lord and let Him heal your family. God can transform you into His compassionate advocate for positive change in the lives of others. Will you let Him work in you and through you? "Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you" (Deuteronomy 5:16). Your fellow sojourner and herald for Christ, Mary
A quick glance at American culture paints a sad portrait when it comes to honoring parents, especially fathers. In an effort to elevate the status of women in society the male has been emasculated. The majority of commercials, movies and T.V. sitcoms portray women as the "smart mama" who is always having to manage the "dumb daddy". Even the children are encouraged to gang up on dear old dad with no display of respect or honor for his counsel.
The once strong leadership of the American male is slowing vanishing before our eyes as we have rebelled against God's design for relationships. ow interesting to note that God's commandment to "honor your father and your mother" is the first commandment that contains a stated promise.
When we show reference for our parents the Lord says we, too, will be blessed. Our lives "go well" because they are filled with harmony instead of strife. God delights in our sacrifice of obedience to them especially during challenging times. He understands human relationships ebb and flow and doing the right thing is sometimes hard.
But God places great emphasis on maintaining the relationship and showing deference to our parents. ur first priority is to a vibrant loving relationship with our heavenly Father through His Son Jesus Christ. Second in line is our parental and family relationships.
Perhaps your relationship with your parents is fraught with pain and in need of healing. Don't give up! Take your cares to the Lord and let Him heal your family. God can transform you into His compassionate advocate for positive change in the lives of others. Will you let Him work in you and through you? "Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you" (Deuteronomy 5:16). Your fellow sojourner and herald for Christ, Mary
Monday, May 28, 2012
From Mad to Glad
“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul” (Mark 8:36)?
Not so many years ago my attitude was more mad than glad. Smiling and cheering for others on the outside, I was weeping and coveting on the inside. To be married with children represented completeness to me. Without them I was convinced I could not be happy with my life. So I prayed to have all my dreams come true so I could be satisfied. Yet the harder I pursued my desires the further the Lord removed the manifestation of my dreams until they became impossible to fulfill myself.
To medicate the pain I looked for comfort in many places—a new job, new clothes, or an exotic vacation. They were short term fixes that eventually left me financially and spiritually in debt. I thought things couldn’t get worse. Then my health began to deteriorate along with my love life, and so did my faith in God’s goodness. I thought He was mad at me and could not understand why the good things I did in life did not outweigh the bad things. Something had to change, but I did not know how to fix myself. Then Jesus broke through.
On a week-long hiking trip as I grumbled to God His divine finger reached from heaven and touched my heart. In an instant He changed me from mad to glad; melting my anger with His love. It wasn’t the time away that changed my attitude, but that I gave my life away to Christ on that vacation. My circumstances hadn’t changed. In fact, they worsened over the next several months. Yet my joy increased.
How can you explain that other than a work of God’s grace?! You may be discouraged by unanswered prayer and hanging your happiness on the fulfillment of your dreams. But what if God wants to give you a different vision for your life? Will you put your trust in Jesus for the salvation and satisfaction of your soul?
Your best days on earth will one day pale in comparison to the treasure that awaits you in heaven. Whether married, single, widowed or divorced, let Jesus walk beside you in this life so you can walk beside Him in eternity. “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul” (Mark 8:36)? Your fellow sojourner and herald for Christ, Mary
Not so many years ago my attitude was more mad than glad. Smiling and cheering for others on the outside, I was weeping and coveting on the inside. To be married with children represented completeness to me. Without them I was convinced I could not be happy with my life. So I prayed to have all my dreams come true so I could be satisfied. Yet the harder I pursued my desires the further the Lord removed the manifestation of my dreams until they became impossible to fulfill myself.
To medicate the pain I looked for comfort in many places—a new job, new clothes, or an exotic vacation. They were short term fixes that eventually left me financially and spiritually in debt. I thought things couldn’t get worse. Then my health began to deteriorate along with my love life, and so did my faith in God’s goodness. I thought He was mad at me and could not understand why the good things I did in life did not outweigh the bad things. Something had to change, but I did not know how to fix myself. Then Jesus broke through.
On a week-long hiking trip as I grumbled to God His divine finger reached from heaven and touched my heart. In an instant He changed me from mad to glad; melting my anger with His love. It wasn’t the time away that changed my attitude, but that I gave my life away to Christ on that vacation. My circumstances hadn’t changed. In fact, they worsened over the next several months. Yet my joy increased.
How can you explain that other than a work of God’s grace?! You may be discouraged by unanswered prayer and hanging your happiness on the fulfillment of your dreams. But what if God wants to give you a different vision for your life? Will you put your trust in Jesus for the salvation and satisfaction of your soul?
Your best days on earth will one day pale in comparison to the treasure that awaits you in heaven. Whether married, single, widowed or divorced, let Jesus walk beside you in this life so you can walk beside Him in eternity. “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul” (Mark 8:36)? Your fellow sojourner and herald for Christ, Mary
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Believe and Receive
“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
If ever a story gave evidence that you cannot “work” your way into heaven, the story of the thief to the right of Jesus on the cross does. Time for “doing” good works had run out as two criminals hung on either side of their Savior. Both were given the same opportunity to believe Jesus was the Messiah from whom they could receive forgiveness and eternal life. With his critical words the thief on the left condemned himself while the confession of the thief on the right freed him. How could that happen?
Pride can blind us from humbling ourselves. We think we can earn our way into heaven by acts of service or by saying all the right prayers. If there was anything more the repentant thief could have “done” besides believe Jesus was his Redeemer, than would not Jesus have told him what else was needed? Of course He would have! But He didn’t. Christ’s response when the thief asked to be remembered in the Lord’s kingdom is pure freedom for doers and legalistic people. Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
Our good deeds will not save our souls. They were never meant to. If they could then why would Jesus have to die for our sins? Jesus made full recompense on our behalf. When we believe this truth our future in heaven is secured. Our works then become an outpouring of love and gratitude that bless the Father’s name instead of drawing attention to our own. This Easter season will you thank Jesus for His victory over sin and death? Believe and receive!
Your fellow sojourner and herald for Christ,
Mary
If ever a story gave evidence that you cannot “work” your way into heaven, the story of the thief to the right of Jesus on the cross does. Time for “doing” good works had run out as two criminals hung on either side of their Savior. Both were given the same opportunity to believe Jesus was the Messiah from whom they could receive forgiveness and eternal life. With his critical words the thief on the left condemned himself while the confession of the thief on the right freed him. How could that happen?
Pride can blind us from humbling ourselves. We think we can earn our way into heaven by acts of service or by saying all the right prayers. If there was anything more the repentant thief could have “done” besides believe Jesus was his Redeemer, than would not Jesus have told him what else was needed? Of course He would have! But He didn’t. Christ’s response when the thief asked to be remembered in the Lord’s kingdom is pure freedom for doers and legalistic people. Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43).
Our good deeds will not save our souls. They were never meant to. If they could then why would Jesus have to die for our sins? Jesus made full recompense on our behalf. When we believe this truth our future in heaven is secured. Our works then become an outpouring of love and gratitude that bless the Father’s name instead of drawing attention to our own. This Easter season will you thank Jesus for His victory over sin and death? Believe and receive!
Your fellow sojourner and herald for Christ,
Mary
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Take This Away
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
There’s a common misconception that if you are “living right” with God life will be trouble-free. Sadly, many Christians inadvertently take God’s word out of context. They say, “If you had more faith your prayers would be answered.” Maybe you’ve agreed with that statement and falsely judged a fellow Christian who suffers perpetually despite ardent prayers. Perhaps you’ve questioned your own lack of faith as you’ve begged God, “Please take this away!” We know God “can” answer our petitions, but do we trust Him when our condition remains unaltered (or worsens)?
Walking intimately with God does not mean we’ll escape pain. Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul provide examples of suffering that God used for glorious purposes. In the Garden of Gethsemane Christ’s fervent request to His Father did not fall on deaf ears. How it must have grieved the Father to see His Son in anguish shortly before His arrest and crucifixion. Did God abandon Jesus because He lacked faith? No! The Father could not spare His Son; the salvation of mankind was at stake. Praise Jesus for His submission and obedience, and for unanswered prayer!
In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 we find Paul thanking God for refusing to remove a thorn in his flesh. Although he was tormented and repeatedly pleaded with God to take it away, he was given something else instead—spiritual discernment. In his spirit Paul understands his affliction has kept him from becoming conceited. The closer Paul drew to God the more God revealed to Paul. The thorn served to keep him humble and dependent on Christ. Because he was not healed, Paul could boast of Christ’s grace and sufficiency to strengthen him in his trials.
What unanswered prayers have discouraged your faith in God’s goodness? Are you tempted to believe you can control His response if your faith is stronger? Share your fears and doubts with the Lord. He cares and longs to comfort you. Ask Him for wisdom to see the spiritual lessons He’s teaching you. Then watch Him use your trust and obedience to His will to bless others who see Christ at work in your circumstances. One day you, too, will be grateful God did not let this suffering pass you by as you witness the glory it brought to His name. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
Your fellow sojourner and herald for Christ,
Mary
There’s a common misconception that if you are “living right” with God life will be trouble-free. Sadly, many Christians inadvertently take God’s word out of context. They say, “If you had more faith your prayers would be answered.” Maybe you’ve agreed with that statement and falsely judged a fellow Christian who suffers perpetually despite ardent prayers. Perhaps you’ve questioned your own lack of faith as you’ve begged God, “Please take this away!” We know God “can” answer our petitions, but do we trust Him when our condition remains unaltered (or worsens)?
Walking intimately with God does not mean we’ll escape pain. Our Lord Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul provide examples of suffering that God used for glorious purposes. In the Garden of Gethsemane Christ’s fervent request to His Father did not fall on deaf ears. How it must have grieved the Father to see His Son in anguish shortly before His arrest and crucifixion. Did God abandon Jesus because He lacked faith? No! The Father could not spare His Son; the salvation of mankind was at stake. Praise Jesus for His submission and obedience, and for unanswered prayer!
In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 we find Paul thanking God for refusing to remove a thorn in his flesh. Although he was tormented and repeatedly pleaded with God to take it away, he was given something else instead—spiritual discernment. In his spirit Paul understands his affliction has kept him from becoming conceited. The closer Paul drew to God the more God revealed to Paul. The thorn served to keep him humble and dependent on Christ. Because he was not healed, Paul could boast of Christ’s grace and sufficiency to strengthen him in his trials.
What unanswered prayers have discouraged your faith in God’s goodness? Are you tempted to believe you can control His response if your faith is stronger? Share your fears and doubts with the Lord. He cares and longs to comfort you. Ask Him for wisdom to see the spiritual lessons He’s teaching you. Then watch Him use your trust and obedience to His will to bless others who see Christ at work in your circumstances. One day you, too, will be grateful God did not let this suffering pass you by as you witness the glory it brought to His name. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
Your fellow sojourner and herald for Christ,
Mary
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
A Leap of Faith
“Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith” (Mark 4:40)?
Praying for others to know Jesus as their Savior is easier than talking about it with them. At least it is for me. I often feel crippled like Moses did when God asked him to speak to the Pharaoh. In his fear Moses replied, “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue…please send someone else to do it” (Exodus 4:10-13). The same problem that held Moses back also stifles my voice. Our faith is in our limited humanness instead of our Almighty and powerful God.
For over a year I’ve prayed about sharing the salvation message of Christ with a neighbor. God has given me such a love for her. She is a practicing Hindu yet her occasional comments suggest she is intrigued by my Christian faith. We don’t see each other often. Our busy lives keep us apart. But the Holy Spirit created an opportunity for us to meet for dinner recently. No husbands, no children, and no distractions. The time was right, but would I take the leap of faith?
Before dinner I asked God to anoint our time and help me lovingly speak the truth. I didn’t want to approach our conversation with a self-righteous attitude, or put her on the defense. At times I thought the moment had passed me by, and then it happened. As she shared her beliefs it became evident that she wasn’t sure if heaven or hell was her fate one day. In a calm voice I asked, “If you could be sure today you would enter heaven when you died, would you want to know that?” Enthusiastically she replied, “Sure, who wouldn’t want that!”
In that little restaurant I told my friend that Jesus loves her, died for her sins, and that if she believes in Him she will be saved. While I’d love to report that she placed her trust In Christ alone she did say that sometimes she prays to Jesus. He is one of many gods in her life, but a seed was planted in our sharing over dinner. We committed to gather again, and she is considering attending church with me soon. It’s a start and I praise God for giving me the courage to trust in His equipping.
What is holding you back from sharing your faith with others? Are you scared you’re delivery won’t be perfect? It’s okay to fumble through it. God is the One who saves souls, not us. He simply asks that we share the Gospel then watch the Holy Spirit work. Ask Him to help you take that leap of faith. “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith” (Mark 4:40)?
Your fellow sojourner and herald for Christ,
Mary
Praying for others to know Jesus as their Savior is easier than talking about it with them. At least it is for me. I often feel crippled like Moses did when God asked him to speak to the Pharaoh. In his fear Moses replied, “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue…please send someone else to do it” (Exodus 4:10-13). The same problem that held Moses back also stifles my voice. Our faith is in our limited humanness instead of our Almighty and powerful God.
For over a year I’ve prayed about sharing the salvation message of Christ with a neighbor. God has given me such a love for her. She is a practicing Hindu yet her occasional comments suggest she is intrigued by my Christian faith. We don’t see each other often. Our busy lives keep us apart. But the Holy Spirit created an opportunity for us to meet for dinner recently. No husbands, no children, and no distractions. The time was right, but would I take the leap of faith?
Before dinner I asked God to anoint our time and help me lovingly speak the truth. I didn’t want to approach our conversation with a self-righteous attitude, or put her on the defense. At times I thought the moment had passed me by, and then it happened. As she shared her beliefs it became evident that she wasn’t sure if heaven or hell was her fate one day. In a calm voice I asked, “If you could be sure today you would enter heaven when you died, would you want to know that?” Enthusiastically she replied, “Sure, who wouldn’t want that!”
In that little restaurant I told my friend that Jesus loves her, died for her sins, and that if she believes in Him she will be saved. While I’d love to report that she placed her trust In Christ alone she did say that sometimes she prays to Jesus. He is one of many gods in her life, but a seed was planted in our sharing over dinner. We committed to gather again, and she is considering attending church with me soon. It’s a start and I praise God for giving me the courage to trust in His equipping.
What is holding you back from sharing your faith with others? Are you scared you’re delivery won’t be perfect? It’s okay to fumble through it. God is the One who saves souls, not us. He simply asks that we share the Gospel then watch the Holy Spirit work. Ask Him to help you take that leap of faith. “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith” (Mark 4:40)?
Your fellow sojourner and herald for Christ,
Mary
Sunday, January 22, 2012
My Daughter by another Mother
“He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ in accordance with His pleasure and will--” (Ephesians 1:5).
Holding her arm he guided her through the crowd looking for his next victim. He delights in the reaction his clever words ignite as he introduces the beauty by his side, “This is my daughter by another mother.” Puzzled by this greeting the guests murmur to themselves; wondering what does this mean. Has he just shared a family secret—perhaps a scandal?! Who is this daughter he proudly owns before the unsuspecting guests?
Such was the scene at my reception as my father introduced my adopted sister to our wedding guests. Dad often enjoyed shocking people; causing them to laugh in bewilderment. There was truth coupled with brilliance in his words for she was born by another mother (and father). Although not legally ours she considered herself to be. She nicknamed herself “the seventh Singer” the last to join us six Singer kids.
She was the girl across the street who lived with her legal guardians—her aunt and uncle. She never called them mom and dad, but always referred to my parents as such. My brothers and sisters were claimed as hers. In a willing act of conscious choice an adoption of the heart took place; she became the fourth Singer daughter and my third sister. Our family had a new member to nurture and love.
Out of His great mercy and love, grafting children into His family has always been God’s plan. We are named as His bloodline only through belief in the blood sacrifice of His Son, not by our own merit. In an act of obedience and trust we surrender our will to God’s. Once born of physical parents we are now reborn by the Holy Spirit into a spiritually united family. He loves us and instructs us; setting our feet on the path of righteousness. We become citizens of His kingdom even while our bodies reside on Earth’s soil.
As Christ’s bride I picture Him smiling at the heavenly wedding feast we’ll share one day. What jubilation there will be when the Father introduces us sons and daughters by other mothers! His pride and joy will not be contained, just as my earthly father’s could not be when he spoke of my adopted sister. Until then, let us lovingly invite others to share in our magnificent inheritance by sharing the love of Jesus with them. “He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ in accordance with His pleasure and will--” (Ephesians 1:5).
Your fellow sojourner and herald for Christ,
Mary
Holding her arm he guided her through the crowd looking for his next victim. He delights in the reaction his clever words ignite as he introduces the beauty by his side, “This is my daughter by another mother.” Puzzled by this greeting the guests murmur to themselves; wondering what does this mean. Has he just shared a family secret—perhaps a scandal?! Who is this daughter he proudly owns before the unsuspecting guests?
Such was the scene at my reception as my father introduced my adopted sister to our wedding guests. Dad often enjoyed shocking people; causing them to laugh in bewilderment. There was truth coupled with brilliance in his words for she was born by another mother (and father). Although not legally ours she considered herself to be. She nicknamed herself “the seventh Singer” the last to join us six Singer kids.
She was the girl across the street who lived with her legal guardians—her aunt and uncle. She never called them mom and dad, but always referred to my parents as such. My brothers and sisters were claimed as hers. In a willing act of conscious choice an adoption of the heart took place; she became the fourth Singer daughter and my third sister. Our family had a new member to nurture and love.
Out of His great mercy and love, grafting children into His family has always been God’s plan. We are named as His bloodline only through belief in the blood sacrifice of His Son, not by our own merit. In an act of obedience and trust we surrender our will to God’s. Once born of physical parents we are now reborn by the Holy Spirit into a spiritually united family. He loves us and instructs us; setting our feet on the path of righteousness. We become citizens of His kingdom even while our bodies reside on Earth’s soil.
As Christ’s bride I picture Him smiling at the heavenly wedding feast we’ll share one day. What jubilation there will be when the Father introduces us sons and daughters by other mothers! His pride and joy will not be contained, just as my earthly father’s could not be when he spoke of my adopted sister. Until then, let us lovingly invite others to share in our magnificent inheritance by sharing the love of Jesus with them. “He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ in accordance with His pleasure and will--” (Ephesians 1:5).
Your fellow sojourner and herald for Christ,
Mary
Monday, January 2, 2012
Finishing Well
"Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share in your Master's happiness" (Matthew 25:23).
How did you do with your 2011 resolutions and goals? Did your enthusiasm carry you to a glorious celebration in December, or did you crash and burn by February after the exuberance died down? Mine was a mix of starts, stumbles and do overs. This was a hard year, the roughest I've had in awhile. Some resolutions were not kept except for one, the one that enabled me to finish stronger in December than I started in January.
A year ago I asked God to help me make His voice; His Word the first priority of my day. Instead of rushing out of bed and turning on the television to digest the local news, I met with Jesus quietly in an over-sized chair as I read my devotional and Bible. As I knelt and prayed before walking downstairs to begin my myriad of tasks, I asked the Holy Spirit to disciple and still my soul. Crowding out the demands of the world for precious time with my Savior gave me strength and courage for the day.
It's easy to say that God is good when life is smooth, but hard to remember God is faithful when testing comes. So I started to record my prayer requests and the Scriptures God revealed to me along the way. Some days He gave me a verse or two early in the morning. Other days it came from a friend, my husband, or our pastor's Sunday morning message. I wrote the verses in a journal and reviewed them on New Years Eve. What a blessing to see how much the Lord delivered me from and carried me through!
Like you, many of my prayer requests are still on going needs. Some have not been answered yet. But I am sticking with my 2011 resolution and taking it into 2012--making God's voice and His Word the first thing I hear each day. It's exciting to see Him change me and to watch my marriage grow. With each passing day I am increasingly thankful for God's mercy and grace that enables me to finish well.
As God's girl I know I am here for a bigger purpose than to see all of my goals and resolutions fulfilled. God wants to use me if only I will get out of the way and let Him work. How I want this to be my reality--a little light for Jesus in a dark and troubled world. Do you feel the same about your life? Let us pray for each other to take hold of all the power God provides. Remember, starting well is only great if you finish well! Here's to a fabulous 2012 in our service to our Almighty God and Father. Happy New Year! "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share in your Master's happiness" (Matthew 25:23).
Your fellow sojourner and herald,
Mary
How did you do with your 2011 resolutions and goals? Did your enthusiasm carry you to a glorious celebration in December, or did you crash and burn by February after the exuberance died down? Mine was a mix of starts, stumbles and do overs. This was a hard year, the roughest I've had in awhile. Some resolutions were not kept except for one, the one that enabled me to finish stronger in December than I started in January.
A year ago I asked God to help me make His voice; His Word the first priority of my day. Instead of rushing out of bed and turning on the television to digest the local news, I met with Jesus quietly in an over-sized chair as I read my devotional and Bible. As I knelt and prayed before walking downstairs to begin my myriad of tasks, I asked the Holy Spirit to disciple and still my soul. Crowding out the demands of the world for precious time with my Savior gave me strength and courage for the day.
It's easy to say that God is good when life is smooth, but hard to remember God is faithful when testing comes. So I started to record my prayer requests and the Scriptures God revealed to me along the way. Some days He gave me a verse or two early in the morning. Other days it came from a friend, my husband, or our pastor's Sunday morning message. I wrote the verses in a journal and reviewed them on New Years Eve. What a blessing to see how much the Lord delivered me from and carried me through!
Like you, many of my prayer requests are still on going needs. Some have not been answered yet. But I am sticking with my 2011 resolution and taking it into 2012--making God's voice and His Word the first thing I hear each day. It's exciting to see Him change me and to watch my marriage grow. With each passing day I am increasingly thankful for God's mercy and grace that enables me to finish well.
As God's girl I know I am here for a bigger purpose than to see all of my goals and resolutions fulfilled. God wants to use me if only I will get out of the way and let Him work. How I want this to be my reality--a little light for Jesus in a dark and troubled world. Do you feel the same about your life? Let us pray for each other to take hold of all the power God provides. Remember, starting well is only great if you finish well! Here's to a fabulous 2012 in our service to our Almighty God and Father. Happy New Year! "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share in your Master's happiness" (Matthew 25:23).
Your fellow sojourner and herald,
Mary
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