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

Alone Together

“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31).

Ever notice when your body is tired your spiritual zeal soon wanes? We make our plans to faithfully serve God when opportunities arise, but human limitations stifle our loftiest ambitions. The daily demands of life press in on all sides squeezing energy from us. Everywhere is a need so great beyond our capacity to satisfy. Fear grips us; we want to refuse when we sense we should help. Secretly we question “Lord, how can you ask more of me when I’ve exhausted my body, my finances, my time, etc…?” In the midst of depravity Jesus calls us to a place of serenity, alone together with Him, just as He did with His disciples long ago.

Life on the mission field with Jesus was always busy, but this season was exceptionally challenging for His disciples. Twelve were recently chosen as His Apostles. Christ granted them authority to heal the sick, drive out demons, and preach the gospel of repentance. Enthusiasm was high as they stepped out in faith eager to obey their Lord. Then mourning struck. John the Baptist was beheaded. Scattered, they regrouped to bury the body and to comfort each other. They had witnessed many miracles for those whose faith in Jesus was strong, but never a death until now. Following Christ was serious and costly.

Drained and hungry they huddled around Jesus, relaying stories of what they had done on their mission trips. Perhaps they were seeking encouragement for their weary souls; craving their Master’s delightful response. Bodily needs soon took precedence. Now all they wanted was a good meal and a nap! But as they looked around a crowd of five thousand was gathering, and they were hungry too. Sensing the disciple’s need for refreshment before they could serve, Jesus pulled them away alone with Him.

Have you expanded so much of yourself you need a break? God understands! Slip away for some quiet rest alone together with Jesus. Devour the savory morsels of Scripture whether in big or small bits. Let Him nourish your spirit as He did His disciples. Who knows how many hungry souls you will feed when Christ invigorates and equips you? “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

Because She Said Yes: Legacy of a Mentor

“One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:4).

Like tiny fireflies lighting a dark forest path so, too, are the women who have been Christ’s lanterns in my life. In the eyes of others their seemingly small and insignificant expressions of faith were not unnoticed by Jesus. God spoke to me through these Christian women He placed in my circle as mentors and spiritual big sisters. Long before our lives were intertwined, they said yes to Jesus when He called them to be His daughter. They committed to sharing the Gospel with others. One day their legacy of blessing touched me; inviting me to pass the torch too.

For forty-two years I lived in the shadows drawn at times to God’s saving light, yet choosing to run away from grace. Mine was a faith of works—always seeking to perfect myself so God would love me. One-by-one these women of faith shared their struggles and the love and forgiveness Jesus offered. If I surrendered my heart and life to Him His Holy Spirit would live inside me. He would help change my ways—making me holy as He is holy. My flesh will always struggle against God’s standard of holiness, but forgiveness and mercy cover my confession and repentance.

They were living examples of what Christ could do in an obedient heart. Unlike me, their faces were not covered with shame when they stood in the light of His word. They willingly shared the peace inside their hearts that was available to me. Covering me in prayer and Scriptures, they interceded on my behalf. Their words and deeds were a twinkling light penetrating the darkness of my soul. One’s influence led me to my Savior; others help keep me near Him today.

Because they said yes to follow Christ and yes to being a servant, I have eternal life. What a mystery how God uses imperfect people to drawn us to His perfect Son. He doesn’t need us, yet He grants us this incredible honor of kingdom work. The legacy of blessing continues to grow, all for God’s glory. Because I said yes a book was written bearing the imprint of God’s life-changing love when all hope is gone; reaching people I do not know.

The magnitude of this used to terrify me. I never felt qualified to write such a story. But that’s the beauty of saying yes to God. He’s the author who speaks through our lives when we rely on His power to accomplish the task. My mentors didn’t save me. I cannot save anyone. Only the Holy Spirit can convince a sinful and contrite heart that Jesus is the Messiah. As believers of this truth, we are called to demonstrate to this generation the beauty of a life forever changed by Christ’s magnificent love.

God knows we need living examples of this love. The incarnate Christ Jesus was the exact representation of the Father. Although we are flawed, God’s light can eliminate a dark world through the cracked windows of our lives. What is your legacy? What are you saying yes to? Is it your own dreams, wants, needs and desires? Are you living for the excitement this life can bring but falling off an emotional cliff when the momentary euphoria has passed? It’s a lonely and unfulfilling life you’ve chosen, and one I used to live.

Change your course and follow Jesus! Say yes to His invitation today by confessing to Him that you know you are a sinner, there is nothing you can do to be “good enough” to enter heaven, and that you believe Jesus died for your sins and rose from the dead. He has gone to heaven to prepare a place for you if only you will accept Him into your heart as your Redeemer. Then stand back in praise and adoration as He creates your legacy of blessing; His legacy of blessing. “One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:4).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary

One at a Time

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance” (Psalm 33:12).

Meandering around our front yard, I am still collecting remnants of fireworks from last week’s cul-de-sac celebration. The fourth of July was extra special this year not because of the festivities we shared with our neighbors, but because I realized how incredibly blessed we are in America beyond anything we deserve. God’s touch is everywhere.

In our household there are many things to be thankful for: my nephew’s safe return from his service in Iraq, our family’s good health, and the gift of employment to name a few. But it was more than these things. As I scanned the faces of the children dancing with sparklers as their fathers sent fireworks towards heaven while mothers snapped photos, I was touched by the diversity on our street. This is what so many have fought for, the freedom to be who we are even if it is very different from the folks beside us.

Most of us gathered that warm July night were not from Raleigh. We came from different states and countries with varying creeds and contrasting races. Yet we seek many common things like a better life for ourselves and our families. With all the social and economic challenges we are facing in America today we can still be grateful the Lord has allowed freedom to reign, even though so many have ignored God completely. Jesus has been merciful in our sinfulness as our nation fights this ever raging war to drown the voice of Christianity forever.

Sitting in the back of our pickup truck beside my husband that night, I felt a sense of urgency to pray for our country to turn our hearts and lives to Jesus. As a nation begins to fear and honor the Lord and submit to His authority, the people will be healed in their spirit. After all, what is a nation but a collection of individuals? God has revealed His love to America time and time again through His only Son Jesus Christ. While some have accepted this gift of salvation and restored fellowship with God, so many more are blinded.

My prayer for salvation is broad sweeping for our country, but God has convicted to me to stay on my knees and intercede for individuals. One-by-one a revolution can take place as spirits are cleansed and renewed by Jesus. We won’t desire to take up arms aimed at our enemies when that day comes. Instead, we’ll lift our hands to heaven with shouts of joy and praises for our long suffering King who prompted others to pray we’d become His child! Then we can declare with gladness, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance” (Psalm 33:12).

Your fellow sojourner,

Mary