Cut Off the "Dead Stuff"

This past weekend my family and I took some time to clean up our yard. Boy, did it need it! My husband pruned some ginger and hibiscus plants that had grossly overgrown due to neglect on our part. Ginger and hibiscus plants are usually beautiful, but mine weren't. They had dead parts hanging everywhere! It was not a pretty site. I'm sure our neighbors were GLAD that we finally cleaned it up.

My sweet boys helped me clean up the dead stuff that had been cut off. Aren't they adorable? I just love 'em!



Well, as you can see, not everything that my husband cut off was brown dead stuff, but unfortunately, it had to go, too. This pruning process reminded me how God needs to prune us sometimes due to our neglect of letting things get out of hand.

"I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me." John 15:1-4 (NLT)

I admit that I sometimes let things get out of hand in my life as I allow too many things on my plate and God reminds me that it's okay for me to say "no." What about you? Is there something you need to cut off or cut out? God's goal is that we bear much fruit. This pruning process can sometimes be a little painful as we sometimes get attached to things we have to let go of, but it is vital to us being fruitful. The "dead stuff" (a/k/a dead works) are the things that keep us busy, but don't keep us fruitful and often lead to us neglecting those things that are important.

We must keep our priorities in line and pursue those things which God wants us to pursue because it is in those things that we find peace and fulfillment. A balanced life is essential to a fruitful life.

I didn't think to take a picture of the before, but here's a pic of how my yard looks now. So much better! It was worth the process. May we allow God, our gentle gardener, to cut off the dead stuff so we can bear MORE fruit for Him. Even if there's an "ouch!" at first, soon there will be an "aww...better!"

No Lone Rangers Here!

I just got back from a "Walk to Emmaus" weekend retreat Sunday night. It was an amazing experience that I will cherish the rest of my life. Emmaus is international so if you ever get the opportunity to go, you really should! I plan on paying it forward and sponsoring a "Pilgrim" myself.

In addition to feeling refreshed, this weekend reminded me how important it is to BE in a community of believers and to SERVE in loving and reaching others with a greater understanding of Christ. The two greatest commandments Jesus gave us are:

“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Matthew 22:37-39 (NLT)

Life is truly about relationships.
We begin with the vertical relationship with God and learn how to better love horizontally as well. We can only love others to the extent we love ourselves. This love flows from God to us and it should flow from us to others. Here are a few questions to ponder:

~Are you connected to a community of believers (a/k/a a church)?
If not, don't wait any longer to find a church family. You can only flourish when you are planted.

~Are you involved in serving others whether at your church or other ministry?
If not, think about what gifts you have that you could contribute and get involved!

~Do you have friends that support you and hold you accountable?
If not, pray that God will show you who these trusting and godly individuals are.

True growth happens in community. God does not call lone rangers. Remember, not even Jesus went at it alone. He had a group of men that no, weren't perfect, but they were walking and growing with Christ. These disciples were there for Him as He was there for them. We need one another.

We were created to be in relationship and we NEED to have healthy relationships that will challenge us to grow in our faith. If you have unhealthy relationships in your life that are hindering your relationship with God, pray about how God would have you deal with them and be obedient. Then, seek to be a healthy connector yourself so others can grow from being in relationship with YOU.

What a blessing it is to be actively connected to the community of God. To all my Emmaus brothers and sisters, "De Colores!"

Playing Catch Up

So I started this year really excited and ready to write down my goals and commit them to the Lord. Can I be honest with you and say that I have yet to do that! Yes, I have prayed about them and feel God's direction, but I haven't written them down and prayed over them. It seems that it takes a week to recover from the holiday craziness, especially since we went out of town on New Year's Day. Then we had things going on the following weekend and guess what? Another full weekend coming up. In addition to all that, my whole family has been sharing symptoms of the cold, sinus or cough. I don't like seeing my babies sick. I'm not feeling well right now, but wanted to write because I was wondering if anyone out there is going through this, too?

We all have periods where we wish we could stop time and stop the world and its craziness so we can "catch up". I'm there right now. There are so many things I want to get done at home and ministry wise, but somehow I have to slow down and be content to "do what I can."

Yesterday, my sister called me as she was looking for certain scriptures in the bible and was wondering if I knew where they were. As we talked, she shared with me how she had been seeking God lately and how refreshed she felt despite of having to deal with some issues herself (she had a horrible fall last week not to mention some other things going on). I was so blessed by our conversation and felt the Lord reminding me of how precious our time with Him really is.

I realized that I can stop time and stop the world and its craziness when I stop to spend quality time with my heavenly Father. As I catch up with Him, He then helps me to catch up with life. I'm sure you know this as do I, but sometimes it's nice to be reminded, especially when He uses those around us we love most to gently nudge us toward Him.

I don't know where you are spiritually, physically or emotionally. Maybe you're being worn down by other things besides sickness, but know that Jesus is asking:

"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Matthew 11:28-30 (Message)

Now, that's how I want to live...freely and lightly! I think it's time I stop trying to play "catch up" with life and simply catch up with God. Sounds like a plan.

Courage to Go!

Here we are in 2009! Do you sense it? Do you hear Him? I do. I feel that God is calling me to cross over into new territory this year. What about you?

For months God has been ministering to me through the book of Joshua and I'm continually encouraged at how God delivered His children from slavery into freedom, from poverty to prosperity and from homelessness to possessing THE land.

I want us to stop and think of God's dedication to His people. Here were the Israelites whom God had delivered from Egypt with a purpose and a dream to take them into the promise land. Then, the Israelites (not quite your most courageous bunch in the world) couldn't trust the dream God had for them. So for forty years God was patient and faithful to them. He provided everything they needed. Then, it was time. Time for God's dream for His children to come to pass (finally!) and Joshua was the man of the hour.

Joshua called the people together and began to give them instructions on what they needed to do. I like how some of the men responded to Joshua, "We will do whatever you command us and we will go wherever you send us." (Joshua 1:16) What a great attitude to have! God knew they were ready this time to do what needed to be done. Crossing the Jordan River would be the beginning of all that God had in store for them to possess their promise land. They were ready. Are you? Do you trust God's dream for yourself?

Sometimes it's hard to believe God for ourselves. We easily believe and pray for other people and see God work. But when it comes to our own lives or situations, it's more difficult. Even though no one feels your doubt or fear as much as you do, you must remember that this is not your dream, but His dream for you. Dare to believe Him to halt the Jordan River or crash the walls of Jericho that stand in the way. God never gave up on the Israelites nor on His dream for them. He was completely dedicated to them...as He is to you. He has been patient and He continues to be faithful. He has not given up on you nor on His dream for you.

Now do you sense it? Do you hear Him? It's time. No more excuses. He wants to bring His dream for you to pass. Or maybe, He has new territory for you to possess this year. Hear Him calling. Believe Him. Trust Him. May our response to God in 2009 be: "We will do whatever you command us and we will go wherever you send us!"

AMEN.

In the Midst of Tragedy

I just found out yesterday that one of my cousins was found dead yesterday morning. It seems like a homicide. It's so tragic. My heart broke. I felt an overwhelming sadness come over me that I had trouble sleeping last night. She was 29 years old and had suffered so much in her young life. She had three children (who are with her ex-husband) and struggled with drug addiction. A little over five years ago, I distinctly remember her crying at my parent's house (when my dad held worship services there) because she had given her life to Christ. She tried to stay away from the drugs, but her foundation wasn't strong enough to keep her from going back. Even so, she often told her mom that she would tell her friends about Jesus. My hope and prayer is that her tragic death will not be in vain, but that her friends and our family will turn to God even more.

My heart goes out to my aunt who has endured alot herself and now this. I can't imagine what she is feeling right now. The only thing that brings me comfort is the Holy Spirit...our Comforter. He not only rejoices when we rejoice, but He hurts when we hurt and He cries when we cry.

I am reminded by God's word that we serve a God who is able to relate to us no matter what situation we face. God knows exactly how my aunt feels and only He can truly comfort her. For God's own son was not spared. Jesus Himself came so that He could walk the path we walk and experience this life as we do...the good, the bad and the ugly. Scripture tells us in Hebrews 2:17-18: Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.

Jesus is our high priest. He understands. He is faithful and merciful. He is able to take away our sins. He is able to help. So in the midst of tragedy, I am thankful to our God that He is here for us and our loved ones and He is able to comfort as ONLY He can.

I appreciate your prayers for my family.

Praying in the Dark

The Christmas season is my favorite time of the year, but for some of us (including me at times!), it can be the most difficult time of the year. Whatever you're facing today, I pray this devotional will remind you that you are NOT alone and that He is your light and your salvation!

Do not rejoice over me, my enemy. When I fall, I will arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me. Micah 7:8 (NKJV)

One morning I headed to my usual “quiet place” to meet with God which happens to be a certain chair in my living room. It’s normally dark as it’s early in the morning before the sun or my family wakes up. As I turned on the lamp next to my chair, I noticed someone sleeping on the sofa. No, it was not my husband! It was our 5 year old son. At some point during the night he had brought his blankie, pillow and batman with him to the sofa and had even moved the cat’s bed next to him. I knew I couldn’t leave the light on so I proceeded to “pray in the dark.” I found that morning particularly special because I was able to see my adorable son sleeping before me during my time with God. I must admit that I probably prayed a little longer and stronger for my family that morning. It was hard not to! As I got up from my prayer time, I noticed the sun was shining.

Sometimes, even in the midst of us seeking God, we feel that we are “in the dark.” It’s not a matter of “if” but “when” we feel that way. We all do at times. Whether that darkness represents a certain situation brought upon choices made by you or others, a relationship that is difficult, or when facing the unknown or something new, we can feel lost in the dark. Know that God knows where you are and He hears EVERY word you pray. Keep seeking Him and be thankful for what is before you (even the not so good stuff!) that will cause you to pray a little longer and stronger. Seeing my son laying there before me caused more fervency in my prayer time. While in the darkness, Child of God, pray with fervency because the Son of God is fixing to shine upon you! Believe it. The darkness cannot prevail in your life. You are a child of the Light. God is faithful to pick you up, dust you off and let His glory shine upon you and your circumstances. Be encouraged and just keep on...praying in the dark!

Meditation for the Week: I am a child of the Light and darkness CANNOT prevail in my life!

Christmas Blog: 3 Point Memo on the Magi

Since this is December, I thought I would start my blog with a Christmas one entitled “3 Point Memo on the Magi.” In Matthew 2:1-12 we read the story of the Magi known as the “Wise Men” in the Nativity Story. These Magi were actually pagan astrologers from Persia. These were men of intellect and means and God used something they were familiar with to get their attention, a star. They were on a pilgrimage. They followed this star for several months until it took them to Jerusalem.

(Point 1) There are seekers of God all around us. These Magi, even though they were pagan astrologers, were in pursuit of the King of the Jews. We must realize that people all around us, like the Magi, are on a pilgrimage. They are seeking for purpose, truth, fulfillment, meaning. Many times they are NOT seeking after God, but look to the things of this world (astrology, money, sex, drugs, etc.) or other “spiritual” religions. Even so, we need to be sensitive to the fact that they ARE seeking and need to encourage them in their pursuit of truth. The very fact that they are seeking lets us know that God is at work in their lives and is working on drawing them closer to Him (whether it be by a star, death of a loved one, divorce, etc.). God sometimes allows the unfortunate or uncommon in hopes of getting their attention. Think back to what God used in your life. So don’t give up or lose heart for those loved ones that seem to be stumbling through other things in their pursuit. For God will reveal Himself to those who are sincere in their search. In 2nd Kings we see Naaman who was seeking healing from leprosy when his servant girl pointed him to God through the Prophet Elijah. Naaman found more than just his healing. In 2nd Kings 5:15 he told Elijah, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel….” So we need to continue to pray for those around us who are in need of what only God can give them. Live in a way that exalts and points to Christ and God is faithful to draw them to Himself. (John 12:32)

(Point 2) If seekers are to find TRUTH, they will find it only in scripture. The Magi had been following the star, but still did NOT know WHERE EXACTLY the new King was to be born. They needed more detailed direction. Only in the Word of God, did they find the answer they needed. The religions and philosophies of this world can only take one so far. They will eventually lead to a dead end. Even at our dead ends, God is there to give us truth that will lead us to Him, but ONLY in Christ, will one find God. (John 14:6) It is NOT our job to make people believe in Christ, but it is our job to give them the truth of God’s word so that they CAN find Him. I am not talking about sharing “Christianese”, but the truth of God’ word. There is a difference. Sharing a scripture and applying it in simple terms to one’s life can help someone in their way. God’s word is powerful and will not return to Him void. It is truth that helps to set us free from the lies of the enemy. Help bring clarity to someone around you by sharing the simple truth of God’s word in a meaningful way.

(Point 3) When one finds Jesus, worship is the only proper response. The Magi came prepared to worship the new King with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrhh – which were gifts given to a royal court. They had found him! What gift of worship do you bring to Jesus this Christmas? If pagan scholars can bring Jesus gifts, how much more should not we, who believe Jesus is not only the King of the Jews, but our Lord and Savior? Let us give Him our worship of trust and obedience. We are to live our lives as a fragrant offering to our King. As the Apostle Paul said, “For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life…..” (2nd Corinthians 2:15,16)

Perhaps God has appointed you to be a “star” in someone’s life. Shine bright and shine true. (Matt. 5:16) You never know when someone will ask you, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?”