The God of Hope

"The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in Him" (Romans 15:12)

Praising God this Christmas season that my hope does not rest in world events or my perceived ability to control anything. It comes from the Holy Spirit who by God's merciful grace resides in my redeemed soul. This amazing gift from the Father not only carries me through life's hardships but enables me to rejoice in trials because God is with me. He is forever working all things together for His glory. Pain on earth will be replaced by joy in heaven for branches attached to the Root of Jesse.

Jesus, the Root of Jesse, is the vine that connects us to the Father. We may be the richest most talented person in the world but if we are not grafted into Christ through His death, burial and resurrection our souls and our accomplishments will perish. Jesus said, "Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit: apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned" (John 5:4-6).

As we celebrate our Messiah's birth this December what are you worshiping? Is it Jesus the King of Kings or how much money can buy? Are you caught up in the competition the prevailing culture highlights at Christmas beckoning you to have the most presents under your tree? Would you be able to thank God for His gift of eternal life through faith and submission to His Son if you had no presents to open? Who can out give God?! None of us!

Praying your heart, mind and soul is filled with the abundance of Christ our Redeemer's love. God incarnate who made His temporary home in a stable in Bethlehem over 2000 years ago wants to take up permanent residency in your heart. Have you invited Jesus in and made Him Lord of your life or rejected Him because there's no room if your life for God? "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).

Your fellow herald for Jesus,

Mary

What We Celebrate

"In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it" (Isaiah 30:15).

Asked what top three things America values most was all too easy for me to answer--food, fame and fortune. Sadly, this pompous display of overeating, overspending and overindulgence has become the national symbol of holidays in our country.While I'm a huge fan of gathering with family and friends to share God's bounty and love I, too, struggle against the spirit that is attempting to hijack the season from it's rightful place. It's not a "thing" or a "day" that we are to celebrate, but a Person--Jesus our Redeemer.

How did we stray so far as a nation that many no longer realize Thanksgiving is a day to give God thanks for all He has blessed us with? It probably started slowly like any sinful rebellion that builds over time. It's Satan's oldest tactic. If he can get your mind off of God and onto yourself you are fair game for the spirit of this age to deceive you. When your belly is full, your houses overflowing with possessions, and your career is profitable and successful you're tempted to elevate yourself above God. Pride in yourself replaces praise offered to God. 

Why is this time of year so stressful for our country? Because we have sought after earthly things that deplete us believing their attainment will complete us. You cannot buy peace with God through your good deeds. Heaven doesn't hold holiday sales. The free gift of eternal life is available everyday. This is good news, something to be truly thankful for! Have you accepted this incredible priceless gift through faith and trust in Jesus who died to set you free from hell? If not, how long will you persist in your obstinate ways? What will you be celebrating this Thanksgiving? Your achievements or His greatness? "In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it" (Isaiah 30:15).

Your fellow herald for Jesus,

Mary

To It and Through It

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3).

Hiking through the lush forest covered in dew I'm lost to all that is around. Lost in thoughts that entangle my spirit and smother my soul with distress. Lost to the beauty in my midst because I'm blinded by trials I'm mulling over in my head. Lost to the reality of God's presence on this crisp early morning as my feet hustle through the rustling leaves beneath me. The sound of a twig snapping breaks my concentration forcing my gaze to the left. In a small meadow my eyes behold a previously invisible wonder that captivates me and stops me right in my tracks.

As the mist clears and the sunbeams appear, I'm treated to a field of silk saucers suspended in air between the brush. Beckoning my husband near to view this pretty scene our curiosity moves us closer to these objects. They are hundreds of spider webs in the shape of cups about the size of our hands! They sparkled like tiny angels for a few minutes before disappearing behind the cloudy light. What a beautiful reminder of all the things God sees that escape our sight each day!

That memory revisits me every time I walk in the woods. It's a reminder to me that we who walk with Jesus are never alone. If He brings us to a wilderness life experience He not only brings us through it, but He'll give us glimpses of beauty along the rough path. We just have to call out to Him and be on the watch for His reply. Miracles and the splendor of God's glory become visible when we humbly seek His face daily. "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3).

Your fellow herald for Jesus,

Mary

Up to the Top

"Go up to the top of Pisgah and look west and north and south and east" (Deuteronomy 3:27).

Taking time with my precious husband to recharge during a stressful season we hiked Mt. Pisgah off the Blue Ridge highway in North Carolina. As we began our ascent 1.5 miles to the summit, I was captivated by the sign posted at the trail head with its biblical references. Rarely does a park make mention of Scripture and name a mountain in the United States after a monumental event in Jewish history. I wondered if other hikers thought of Moses, as I did, along that strenuous trail. I love how God provides reflection opportunities in ordinary activities that bring us closer to Him.

God is always calling us up to Him not that we would ever be equal with Him, but that we would know Him more intimately. It was at the top of Mt. Pisgah God showed Moses the Promised Land before He gave him the Ten Commandments. At the pinnacle on our local Mt. Pisgah the Lord revealed His majesty again. All creation reflects God's glory, but only humans can have a personal relationship with their Maker. How blessed we are!

Where is your Mt. Pisgah that God reveals His glory to you and asks you to obey His commandments? All God's Word in Scripture is Holy and calls us up to the top spiritually where He meets us in our souls. You don't have to do a physical climb to commune with Jesus. Just bow your knee in your heart and walk with Him daily in His Word. He will show you how great His love and mercy is. You will be changed in His presence just as Moses was when you come down from the mountain of God. "Go up to the top of Pisgah and look west and north and south and east" (Deuteronomy 3:27).

Your fellow herald for Jesus,

Mary

The Fruitful Laborer

"Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor" (John 4:37-38).

It's hard to be the sower when the reaper gets all the glory if you're viewing your life through human eyes. Our earthly world magnifies reapers while ignoring the sowers hidden in the limelight shadows. Who values the unseen planter that brings forth the prosperous harvest another person gathers? Jesus does and His extravagant plans for your heavenly rewards far exceed any earthly bonus!

This Labor Day weekend I'm reminded that God's work never ceases, nor should we His workers. Do you dread working for the King of Kings or realize it is a privilege that God helps you with? As the Holy Spirit tames our wrong motives and anoints our work we become useful vessels and fruitful laborers. He enables us to be holy as He is holy to an increasingly decadent and depraved world. Sharing the gospel requires daily seed scattering of words and deeds, and praying that God would bring forth new life in dead souls.

This is no time to slumber! Scriptures warns us, "Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you" Revelation 3:2-3.

Which Jesus are you sharing with the world? The one who makes life easy and condones their sinfulness, or the One who died for their sins and beckons them to turn from evil and walk with Him? Pray for a sweet boldness from Christ to share the truth, not a watered down gospel that has no power to change anything. Then you will be fruitful laborers that honor His holy name with a bountiful harvest of souls that He gathers in. "Thus the saying 'One sows and another reaps' is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor" (John 4:37-38).

Your fellow herald for Jesus,

Mary

Set for Life

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment" (I Timothy 6:17)

A recent windfall and change of fortune gave way to their proud announcement, "We and our kids are set for life". In one household it was the sale of their family business to a wealthy investor that propelled them into millionaire status. The other was their child's new high paying job in a coveted corporation. Joyous news though it was it rang hollow in my ears because of the falsehood it was built upon. When our security is not in Jesus but in ourselves and what this world offers we are definitely not set for life.

The Bible teaches us to use our heavenly gifts for God's glory versus our own. The Father delights in our work when we do this with enthusiasm (Ephesians 6:7). But if striving for more cash in your bank account is what makes your soul complacent your spiritual depravity will one day impoverish you. Money is not evil, it's our view of what it represents and how we use it that can become corrupted.

The Lord knows we need money in this modern economy. But money can make us feel indestructible to hardship, proud, and if we are not careful we'll find ourselves indifferent to our need for God. We may become judgmental and less compassionate toward those less fortunate. Money does not make us set for eternal life. All the philanthropic works of our flesh will not gain us favor with God. We can never be good enough to earn our way into heaven! Only by grace through faith in Christ's sacrifice for our sins are we saved from hell. We are all born spiritually bankrupt sinners.

Do you want to be set for life? Pray to Jesus for forgiveness of your sins and thank Him for dying on the cross in your place. Invite His Holy Spirit to live in your heart and surrender your desires to Him. Praise God for the free gift of salvation that you now enjoy as His follower, and ask Him to equip you for serving Him with your talents and treasure (Hebrews 13:21). When your faith and hope is in Christ you are truly set for life! "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment" (I Timothy 6:17)

Your fellow herald for Jesus,

Mary

God's Hostess

"Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality" (Romans 12:14).

 "Enjoy your night of peaceful solitude" my husband stated as he left for work. With no friends closer than an hour's drive there hasn't been much socializing in our new home. I miss the ministry I had in Raleigh entertaining loved ones, international students at holidays, and hosting Bible studies. Even though we had only moved three hours away I felt lost, unused by God, and perpetually lonely. "What's the point of having this nice house if we can't share it?", I often bemoaned. Then a tearful phone call from a traumatized friend broke my rambling thoughts and offered me a chance to serve.

She was hours from her home and exhausted from stress. Her painful sobs broke my heart as I offered her safety in our house that night. It was out of her way to drive here, but if she was willing the door was open to her. What a privilege it is to offer what the Lord has entrusted us with to bless one of His children! Her voice grew calmer as she agreed to spend the night giving me a few hours to prepare for her arrival.

As I cleaned the guest room and prayed for her safe journey here, I thanked God for allowing me the chance to practice hospitality. I thought of all the people who welcomed Jesus into their homes when He traveled the earth in human flesh. Sometimes I long for the day when I'm cook for Jesus in my heavenly mansion and listen to the stories He'll share. Until then I'm God's girl on earth, His hostess, beseeching His Holy Spirit to grace our home.

My friend in need is also God's girl, but I would have welcomed her with the same enthusiasm even if she wasn't. Jesus put so many faithful Christians in my path that showed me His love through their kindness. I want to be a light that lead's the lost to Christ in repentance. A good meal and a peaceful night's sleep could be what He uses to reach a weary soul, and I want my house to be on His preferred list of destinations.

She left in the morning feeling rested and comforted even though her circumstances remain unaltered. Her grateful spirit thanked me endlessly, but it was I who thanked her for this gift of service. God answered both our prayers--mine for ministry and hers for refuge. What a loving and caring Father we have!

What has God given you that you can share with others? Above all our talents and possessions the greatest treasure we can share is the Gospel. Let us pray that our charity leads people to the Giver of life, the One who paid it all for our sins so we could live in the most hospitable house of all--heaven! "Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality" (Romans 12:14).

Your fellow herald for Christ,

Mary 

Signage

"Whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way; walk in it" (Isaiah 30:21).

Frustration set in on a recent road-trip with my husband.  "Why can't the signs be clearer?", I blurted out after carefully following the route that led us in the opposite direction. This is a common dilemma for us. We venture out on our carefully planned excursion only to be derailed by bad information. Without warning the signs disappear or street names change leaving us wandering aimlessly. If anything gets us off track its poor signage.

The same is true of our spiritual lives if we are not following the Holy Spirit. God is not confusing, man is. There are thousands of voicing clamoring for our attention; fighting for our souls, but many are false prophets. It was never meant to be so hard. God wants to have a personal relationship with us and He has made a way through faith in His Son, Jesus. You cannot get to heaven by any other route.

What signs and voices are you listening to? Who is giving you directions for your life? Are you arrogantly turning from God believing you or any other human being knows more than God? People are either pointing you closer to Jesus or leading you astray. There is no middle ground. How can you discern what is truth? Read your Bible and ask Jesus to forgive your sins. Offer your life to Him and pray for Him to speak to you through the Scriptures. Follow where Christ leads you.

Don't you want to go to heaven? The Father has provided the right signage for you if only you follow His path. "Whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way; walk in it" (Isaiah 30:21).

Your fellow herald for Christ,

Mary 

Healing Thorns

"To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassing great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me" (2 Corinthians 12:7).

It was 4:00 AM when a searing pain in my foot roused me from my restless slumber. Six days post surgery things were worsening instead of improving. The pain medication did little to dull what felt like a stake driven through my foot. Exhausted and scared that something was seriously misaligned I poured out my fears and begged God for relief. Three years I struggled on and off with foot pain praying God would heal me without surgery, but He didn't. Now that I had succumbed to the surgeon's hand I wanted no part of suffering. But the Lord had allowed this thorn to show me a great revelation that humbled my proud heart.

As tears streamed down my face I felt a stirring in my soul as the Holy Spirit brought to mind this profound truth--Jesus Christ understands. My prayers for a pain-free life suddenly turned to praises that Jesus knows what horrific pain feels like. I thanked my Savior that He endured much worse when a nail was driven through His perfect feet on the cross. I blessed Jesus for His willingness to suffer and that He comforts me in my pain whether it is physical or emotional. He gets it because He experienced it too!   

The Bible records the prophecy given to Isaiah about the Messiah hundreds of years before Jesus was born. "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5). Still think God doesn't care or relate to your pain? No other earthly king ever suffered out of love for his people as our heavenly King Jesus did. Knowing that Jesus cares and understands comforted me while my foot continued to throb.

Most days I live under the illusion that I can control events in my life until God allows suffering to remove conceit from my heart. My thorns have taken many forms over the years: financial hardship, devastating loss of a loved one, a barren womb and empty arms that longed for my own children. Even Jesus had His own thorns to bear as He prepared to be crucified for us sinners. "The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on His head" (John 19:2). As the Father weaves together thorns for our lives they can be transformed from a crown of shame to one of glory as we humbly submit to His will in thanksgiving.

The Apostle Paul also beckoned the Lord three times for relief from his thorn only to be told that God's grace was sufficient for him (2 Corinthians 12:9). The power of Almighty God was more visible in the sustaining of Paul under torment than if He had removed what tortured Paul. God's grace and strength enabled Paul to praise God while he was in pain. Recalling those Scriptures in my hour of need carried me through my own suffering as I praised God for His mercy and love.

Life is messy and it hurts. For some it's more painful than it is for others, but the challenge is always the same. When we reach a crossroad will we look to the cross and follow Jesus who heals the brokenhearted, or will we let the thorns that pierce our hearts drive a bitter wedge between us and God? I was fortunate. A doctor visit revealed my foot pain was caused by friction between the bandage and my wound. It had rubbed the skin raw. Applying balm and getting rest healed me within a few days. While I'm still recovering from surgery I am no longer experiencing intense pain.

What about you? Are you making regular appointments with the Great Physician, Jesus Christ, who can help you find relief and insight regarding the thorns in your life? Suffering hasn't been fun or easy but it led to my salvation and gave me compassion toward others in pain. Will you trust God to use your thorns to heal you spiritually if not physically? "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassing great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me" (2 Corinthians 12:7).

Your fellow herald for Christ,

Mary

 

Getting to Paradise

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

It's popular to talk only about God's unconditional love for humanity but not of His hatred of our sins. We can even gaze upon paintings or statues of Jesus nailed to the cross without being repentant. The horror of His crucifixion may stir up emotions of sorrow for all that Christ suffered, but do we put ourselves there among those scoffers on Good Friday demanding His torturous death? Most people are hopeful they will enter heaven because they believe they have lived a pretty good life; never seeing themselves as God's enemy who is separated from Him because of their sinful nature. It's easier to put other people into the category of criminals as we falsely believe we have earned our entrance into paradise.

Not long ago I was one of those people; desperately striving to pay my own way and judging other sinners more harshly than myself. In my eyes my good deeds far outweighed the bad and my sacrifices and rituals erased my shortcomings. Praise God for saving me from myself--what a hypocrite I was! It is only by His grace and His Holy Spirit that I was able to understand what Scripture tells us in John 14:6-7 when Jesus says, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.”  

One of my favorite stories is the conversation Jesus has with the criminal beside Him on the cross in Luke Chapter 23.When Jesus was crucified He hung on His cross between two criminals. In verse 39 one criminal hurled insults at Him saying: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” This thief wasn’t sorry for his sins. He just wanted Jesus to rescue him from the agony of crucifixion. The other thief acknowledged he was a sinner and deserved punishment, but proclaimed Jesus was perfect and did not. This criminal feared God and in verse 42 he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”  In verse 43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Why do I like that story? Because of the message of hope that Christ has paid the price for our entrance into paradise (heaven) with Him if we place our trust in His finished work on the cross. There was no time left for that repentant dying criminal to do anything (no good works) that would make him worthy of being in paradise (entering into heaven immediately upon his death) with Jesus. The only thing he did was to believe that Jesus died for his sins. This is the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ! It’s all grace. 

On this Easter weekend if you died today would Almighty God welcome you into His heavenly kingdom? There's only one way to be sure--acknowledge your sinfulness and that Christ is your Savior. Until you bow before Jesus in adoration and repentance at the foot of the cross you will never walk beside Him in paradise. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).

Your fellow herald for Christ,

Mary

Royal Gems

"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on your hearts. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man" (Proverbs 3:3-4)

"What are you doing for Valentine's Day?" she asked while coloring the locks of my hair. A visit to the hair salon often leads to questions of holiday celebrations and ministry opportunities. "Nothing formal", I tell her with a smile, "every day is Valentine's Day in our house". As humbly as I could, I told her that my husband and I are so thankful God brought us together that we express our love daily in word and deed. She was intrigued and wanted to know more.

As she wrapped my head in foil to give me a sun-kissed glow I shared how he first saw me in church. Unbeknown to me (until Jon told me months later) it was my hair that first caught his eye. As we spent time together the character of each other was what we fell in love with. The outside package may have been the initial attractor, but if there was no inner beauty we wouldn't have lasted. There aren't enough jewels, clothing or cosmetics to cover up a deceitful or selfish heart.

She told me she wished her boyfriend would do more to express his love, like send her flowers on special occasions. I felt her pain. Every woman wants to feel adored by the man she loves. Sensing her sorrow I could have succumbed to male bashing or listing my husband's short-comings. But along with our marriage vows Jon and I promised to never speak ill of each other in public or to a friend. We edify and honor as we focus on the strengths the other person brings to our relationship. Our challenges are worked out between us with God's help, not in moments of idle chit chat with outsiders.

Honestly, the only person who will ever love any of us to the fullest is God. No other human being can replace Him. We all fail each other. If you want to know the greatest love there is, it's a personal intimate relationship with Jesus. If you want to be a bejeweled beauty, one whose gems will never fade, you must admit you are a sinner who can only be washed clean by Christ's blood on the cross. He will make you shine brightly with a heavenly glow and show you how to give and receive love as He intended.

Be faithful to study God's Word and let Him change you. The Bible is the Lord Almighty's love letter to us! It is not enough to memorize verses. The head and the heart must be one in love with God.  We must bury Scripture like rare diamonds in our heart for the King of Kings has shared Himself with us.

What adorns your neck and chest this Valentine's Day? Are they words of love, grace and forgiveness? We can only display on the outside what the Holy Spirit has implanted on the inside. Are you wearing God's royal gems? "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on your hearts. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man" (Proverbs 3:3-4)

Your fellow herald for Christ,

 Mary

Kisses from Heaven

"Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants" (Deuteronomy 32:2).

Deuteronomy 32:2 is my prayer, my travel verse for 2013 on this misty New Years day in North Carolina. As I linger through the pages of God's Word my eyes feasted on these succulent words from the Song of Moses. Oh to be a blessing, a vessel used by Almighty God to nourish parched souls in this complicated world, that is my desire. But I can only share what His Spirit imparts in me (John 3:27) by drinking in His kisses from heaven.

What is a heavenly kiss?  It's an intimate touch from Jesus that satisfies our deepest cravings--to be loved, valued, and in communion with our Creator. A kiss is personal, involves close contact and is shared only by the two people participating in the encounter at that moment. It conveys love, worth and status. A kiss tells us we belong to the giver of the kiss; that we matter very much. Only people we hold close in our heart we kiss.

God sends us dew drops of His love in more ways than we can count. We see His passion displayed in creation (Romans 1:20) and that God's love is pure. Sadly, humans polluted and distorted God's design for love (Romans 1:21-27) and spawned a depraved generation still growing today. But there is still hope! Jesus, God in flesh, came to earth to show us the Father's love (John 1:14) for sinners. Want to know who the One true living God is? Look to His Son, Jesus (John 14:6-7). See and know how close God holds you in His heart!

In Christ you will find forgiveness, healing, love, salvation, meaning and more. God's Word, God Himself-- these are kisses from heaven that fall down like rain on thirsty souls, quenching the one who sits at the feet of His throne (Psalm 56:10-11).

"Father, I pray you will draw me near so I may know you in a deeper way. Kiss my soul with your love. Anoint my words to be a blessing to others for your glory." Amen. "Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants" (Deuteronomy 32:2).

Happy 2013!

Your fellow herald for Christ,

Mary