Why is it we have no problem giving our opinions on politics? When asked, or even when not asked, we share our thoughts on what we believe is right or wrong. We don't hesitate to share what is on our mind. But when it is really important we hide our faces and hope that no one sees that we are not speaking. Recently at our church we hosted a domestic violence community discussion night. I learned that for too long silence has been allowing the tragedy of domestic violence to go on.
Many times there are warning signs right in front of us. There are women, children, and men in trouble and sadly we only make time when something has happened. We often times end up offering condolences for a life taken before it should have been. We raise money to help the children left behind. What if we could do something before tragedy strikes?
We can. You and I can do what we are called to do and be the voice for those who cannot speak. We can invest our time in getting to know our neighbors. If we see something that looks suspicious, instead of making judgments or looking the other way because we feel it doesn't involve us, we can offer our ears to listen. We can be the shoulder to cry on. We can be the friend that offers to go with someone to get counseling.
It is not our job to fix the person or their problem. You aren't called to solve the issue, or even to give your opinion. You are called to love. You are called to be there for your family, friend, neighbor, or whoever God has put in your life. And I believe God has given us many talented, and knowledgeable people to help in these situations. There are people who have devoted their studies and lives to knowing how to help. One of the biggest ways you and I can help is to get to know the people at our local shelters.
Technology today gives us no excuse for saying, “I don't know how to help.” Just a few minutes of research can lead you to pages of information on the internet that you can share. Donate your time, money, and resources to a local shelter that assists families affected by domestic violence. There are so many jobs we can do. Help sort donations, file paperwork, use the talents we have been given to teach a class. The ways you and I can help are endless.
I urge you today, to look into your hearts and find the love for others. Be the voice for those who cannot speak. Help the scared and frightened find the empowerment they need. Be the hope for the hopeless. Love the unloved. Together you and I can help to win the fight against domestic violence.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Friday, July 27, 2012
Women, Be Bold!
So, this blog may not appeal to you if you are not a woman, but I hope that you will share it with a special lady who needs encouragement to get out there and be BOLD! I am often saddened and frustrated to hear that a woman does not feel she can do what God is calling her to do because of her gender. It is surprising that even today there are people trying to stifle the call of God in a woman’s life.
Nothing frustrates me more than when I hear someone quote the one verse in the Bible (in Timothy) that says a woman is not suppose to be in leadership. People don’t take time to read the entire chapter of Timothy or even the entire Bible. They choose verses that fit their belief system and use it out of context.
Ladies listen up. There are so many powerful women in the Bible. You can find a prophetess in Judges 4 named Deborah. She was appointed a judge because of her strong faith and love for the Lord. People went to her because they trusted her. Priscilla in the New Testament was a hard worker for our Lord. She taught and ministered to people all around her on daily basis.
When God calls you to a ministry, nothing should get in your way. When He touches your heart and gives you the go ahead, do not let anyone stop you. Do not believe the lies thrown at you anymore.
I have a question for those of you who say women can’t be in leadership. Why do you not also say women have to cover their heads and be silent in church as is says in Corinthians? Why do you get to decide which verse is for today and which is history? What are you so afraid of?
God uses who He wants to use, we have no authority to dictate otherwise. Do you want to be responsible for stopping God? Do you want to face Him on Judgment day and try and explain why you thought you knew better than He? I don't. I choose to follow His leading and be obedient to who He has called.
We need to be more concerned with what is being taught. Our first question should be “does it come from the Word of God?” We should not be worried if it is spoken by a man or woman. We need to study our entire Bible and understand the history behind what Paul was saying. We need to learn what behaviors were occurring that needed to be corrected at the time.
A woman can be submissive and obedient to her calling at the same time. And God will use and empower her when He wants to. Just read the Word for yourself and see it in action. Now, women I encourage and implore you, to get out there and BE BOLD!
Nothing frustrates me more than when I hear someone quote the one verse in the Bible (in Timothy) that says a woman is not suppose to be in leadership. People don’t take time to read the entire chapter of Timothy or even the entire Bible. They choose verses that fit their belief system and use it out of context.
Ladies listen up. There are so many powerful women in the Bible. You can find a prophetess in Judges 4 named Deborah. She was appointed a judge because of her strong faith and love for the Lord. People went to her because they trusted her. Priscilla in the New Testament was a hard worker for our Lord. She taught and ministered to people all around her on daily basis.
When God calls you to a ministry, nothing should get in your way. When He touches your heart and gives you the go ahead, do not let anyone stop you. Do not believe the lies thrown at you anymore.
I have a question for those of you who say women can’t be in leadership. Why do you not also say women have to cover their heads and be silent in church as is says in Corinthians? Why do you get to decide which verse is for today and which is history? What are you so afraid of?
God uses who He wants to use, we have no authority to dictate otherwise. Do you want to be responsible for stopping God? Do you want to face Him on Judgment day and try and explain why you thought you knew better than He? I don't. I choose to follow His leading and be obedient to who He has called.
We need to be more concerned with what is being taught. Our first question should be “does it come from the Word of God?” We should not be worried if it is spoken by a man or woman. We need to study our entire Bible and understand the history behind what Paul was saying. We need to learn what behaviors were occurring that needed to be corrected at the time.
A woman can be submissive and obedient to her calling at the same time. And God will use and empower her when He wants to. Just read the Word for yourself and see it in action. Now, women I encourage and implore you, to get out there and BE BOLD!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
God Doesn't Need Us, He Wants Us.
Sometimes I believe we get so caught up in believing that God needs us to do something for Him, that we fail to recognize who God is. We can get into real danger of feeling bigger than we are, and believing that we are more important than we are. We need to stop and make sure that God is in His proper place before we begin anything He has called us to.
God is all powerful, omnipotent, creator of the heavens and earth. He is everywhere and no building can contain Him. (Psalm 104, Psalm 96, Isaiah 66:1-2) He spoke through a burning bush to Moses, He flooded the earth, He gave up His own Son to save us. That is who He is.
We tend to tell ourselves that God needs us to do His work. I’m not sure that “need” is the word God would use. He desires us to do His work. He wants us to receive the blessings from serving Him. He desires to reward us. But, no He doesn’t need us.
When we start believing God needs us, we also begin to elevate ourselves higher than we ought. We make ourselves feel self-important. We start to feel worthy to be recognized. “See what God had me do.” “Oh, I must be important to Him.” WRONG! He used a donkey to talk in Numbers 22:28. He doesn’t need you or me.
If we want to work for God, we need to humble ourselves and put ourselves in the right place. We are sinners, prone to make mistakes on a daily basis. If it wasn’t for His grace and mercy we would be nothing.
We are weak. Some of us have fears that consume us. If I see a mouse, it sends to me running to the highest point and screaming at the top of my lungs. Recently a grasshopper jumped at me outside and you would have thought I was being attacked by a bear. I am a lot bigger than these things, yet I am reduced to a shrieking woman. Why? I am human. Simple but true.
Fears are in all of us, but not God. He reduces cities to dust. He has killed people for lying to His Holy Spirit. He has no fear. He can use us and give us strength when we submit to Him. When we admit who we truly are, we can become powerful in Him.
So examine your heart. Realistically face who you are. Recognize who God is. You will be able to do so much more for Him, when you partner with Him. God doesn’t need us, He wants us.
God is all powerful, omnipotent, creator of the heavens and earth. He is everywhere and no building can contain Him. (Psalm 104, Psalm 96, Isaiah 66:1-2) He spoke through a burning bush to Moses, He flooded the earth, He gave up His own Son to save us. That is who He is.
We tend to tell ourselves that God needs us to do His work. I’m not sure that “need” is the word God would use. He desires us to do His work. He wants us to receive the blessings from serving Him. He desires to reward us. But, no He doesn’t need us.
When we start believing God needs us, we also begin to elevate ourselves higher than we ought. We make ourselves feel self-important. We start to feel worthy to be recognized. “See what God had me do.” “Oh, I must be important to Him.” WRONG! He used a donkey to talk in Numbers 22:28. He doesn’t need you or me.
If we want to work for God, we need to humble ourselves and put ourselves in the right place. We are sinners, prone to make mistakes on a daily basis. If it wasn’t for His grace and mercy we would be nothing.
We are weak. Some of us have fears that consume us. If I see a mouse, it sends to me running to the highest point and screaming at the top of my lungs. Recently a grasshopper jumped at me outside and you would have thought I was being attacked by a bear. I am a lot bigger than these things, yet I am reduced to a shrieking woman. Why? I am human. Simple but true.
Fears are in all of us, but not God. He reduces cities to dust. He has killed people for lying to His Holy Spirit. He has no fear. He can use us and give us strength when we submit to Him. When we admit who we truly are, we can become powerful in Him.
So examine your heart. Realistically face who you are. Recognize who God is. You will be able to do so much more for Him, when you partner with Him. God doesn’t need us, He wants us.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Consistency Counts
When things go bad for us, who is the first person we blame? When our world falls apart where do we turn for help? Honestly, if I answered these questions a few months ago I would have to say I blamed God for the bad things in my life and I turned to friends for help. Now some of the friends I turned to were God fearing women and so they had some wise advice; but my point here is that I should have gone to God first. I have many Bibles in my house filled with the answers to life’s questions. I had access to the best Counselor 24/7. And I didn’t’ utilize Him.
Our faith cannot be based on how things are going in our life. We cannot only praise God when things are going our way. Psalms 34:1 says “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
We cannot place the blame on Him when things start to fall apart. We need to look to ourselves first. We are humans and our human nature is to gratify ourselves. We do things to make ourselves happy. Sometimes we don’t always make the best choices. Now, sometimes it is others that cause us pain. Still it is that person that hurt us, not God. We live in an imperfect world with imperfect people. We cannot expect to go through life and not get hurt.
If we want a consistent faith we need to lead a life consistently in Jesus. We cannot follow only the rules we like. Yes, following Jesus has rules. Have you taken a look at Exodus lately? There are ten very important rules in Exodus 20. We have a code to live by. Have you heard this before; love others as yourself? That didn’t’ come from some self-help author. It is straight out of the Bible, too. Mark 12:30-31, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
If we only take the time to read it we can save ourselves a lot of pain. Being a true believer is so much more than saying the sinner’s prayer. You have to live your life day after day for Jesus and follow His perfect model. Consistency counts!
Our faith cannot be based on how things are going in our life. We cannot only praise God when things are going our way. Psalms 34:1 says “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
We cannot place the blame on Him when things start to fall apart. We need to look to ourselves first. We are humans and our human nature is to gratify ourselves. We do things to make ourselves happy. Sometimes we don’t always make the best choices. Now, sometimes it is others that cause us pain. Still it is that person that hurt us, not God. We live in an imperfect world with imperfect people. We cannot expect to go through life and not get hurt.
If we want a consistent faith we need to lead a life consistently in Jesus. We cannot follow only the rules we like. Yes, following Jesus has rules. Have you taken a look at Exodus lately? There are ten very important rules in Exodus 20. We have a code to live by. Have you heard this before; love others as yourself? That didn’t’ come from some self-help author. It is straight out of the Bible, too. Mark 12:30-31, “And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. And the second like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
If we only take the time to read it we can save ourselves a lot of pain. Being a true believer is so much more than saying the sinner’s prayer. You have to live your life day after day for Jesus and follow His perfect model. Consistency counts!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
No more excuses, GO!
Often times as a believer we can wrestle with the never-ending question of “what am I called to do?” We read books written by famous authors; attend seminars hoping to glean the answer. We wait with our breaths held for the words to come. And you know what? They never do. At least they don’t come from these sources. Why is it when we have questions for God that He is the last person we go to? Why do we wait and wait for someone to tell us what to do? I cannot answer for you, but I know that for myself I have felt inadequate to search the Bible myself and find the answers. Or let’s be honest, we get a little lazy and want someone else to do the work and then just tell us what to do.
I have been taking a course on Evangelism and it has been so eye-opening. In it I am realizing the answer has been right in front of me all along. Take a look at Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. And again in Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Many other times Jesus tells us to go, preach the good news to all creation. It is repeated over and over so it must be important. Why did I never see it before? Why did I not see that as my calling? Partly I think its nerves, lack of confidence, and fear.
There is one more key piece of information that He tells us in these verses. We need to wait to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49) and then He will go before us, and He will give us the words to say. He will do the convicting and convincing. Our part is much simpler. We just need to open our mouths and share what God has done for us. Amazing isn’t it? We try to make it so much more than what it really is. If we would just go to our Father, read His word, then all these truths will be revealed to us. Study the gospels, study Acts, and commit today to seek the filling of the Holy Spirit and then GO!
I have been taking a course on Evangelism and it has been so eye-opening. In it I am realizing the answer has been right in front of me all along. Take a look at Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. And again in Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Many other times Jesus tells us to go, preach the good news to all creation. It is repeated over and over so it must be important. Why did I never see it before? Why did I not see that as my calling? Partly I think its nerves, lack of confidence, and fear.
There is one more key piece of information that He tells us in these verses. We need to wait to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49) and then He will go before us, and He will give us the words to say. He will do the convicting and convincing. Our part is much simpler. We just need to open our mouths and share what God has done for us. Amazing isn’t it? We try to make it so much more than what it really is. If we would just go to our Father, read His word, then all these truths will be revealed to us. Study the gospels, study Acts, and commit today to seek the filling of the Holy Spirit and then GO!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Be Careful Little Eyes
Most of us recognize these lyrics from the children’s song Oh, be careful little eyes what you see. It’s a catchy little tune sung for generations in Sunday school classes everywhere. We may know the words but do we really understand the meaning?
How do I look at people? How do I see them? Not just their silhouettes, but how do I really see them. Seeing people goes beyond their physical appearance. We see a mom struggling with her kids at the grocery store and more than likely the first thought we have is “why can’t she control her kids?” Maybe she is just having a really bad day. Maybe her husband just left her and now she is struggling with raising these kids on their own. We don’t know her story, yet we feel we can judge her by just a moment’s glimpse of her life.
Recently I learned about the child prostitution industry. For much of my life I had no idea it was going on right in the neighborhoods where I lived, shopped, and went out. Now that I know what is going on, I notice things. I see the ads for missing teens at my local Walmart or on the billboard signs and wonder if they are being enslaved in this industry.
I am ashamed to admit but for many years I looked at the prostitutes standing on the corner and thought badly of them. I judged them. I researched the topic as I learned about the child sex slavery industry and found that many of these teens who were trapped in this field are now the women we see on the street corners. I see these women now and I feel for them. I wonder what horrors of their life drove them to where they are now. There are so many heart wrenching stories of women who left home at a young age and needed money to survive. Then, they got addicted to drugs and life just spiraled downward. These women do not need looks of scorn from us. They need our love. They need our understanding. Some of these women are waiting for someone to rescue them. To show them they can have a better life. Instead of seeing these women as criminals, I beg you to see them as victims. Let you heart see them the way Jesus does. See them through His eyes. These women are His daughters. He loves all His children and His heart breaks for those who are mistreated. Shouldn’t our reaction be the same?
So I want to warn you to be careful how you look at people. You don’t know their story. You don’t know what is going on in their lives. Instead of looking with disdain at those around us, give everyone you meet a big smile and shine your love.
How do I look at people? How do I see them? Not just their silhouettes, but how do I really see them. Seeing people goes beyond their physical appearance. We see a mom struggling with her kids at the grocery store and more than likely the first thought we have is “why can’t she control her kids?” Maybe she is just having a really bad day. Maybe her husband just left her and now she is struggling with raising these kids on their own. We don’t know her story, yet we feel we can judge her by just a moment’s glimpse of her life.
Recently I learned about the child prostitution industry. For much of my life I had no idea it was going on right in the neighborhoods where I lived, shopped, and went out. Now that I know what is going on, I notice things. I see the ads for missing teens at my local Walmart or on the billboard signs and wonder if they are being enslaved in this industry.
I am ashamed to admit but for many years I looked at the prostitutes standing on the corner and thought badly of them. I judged them. I researched the topic as I learned about the child sex slavery industry and found that many of these teens who were trapped in this field are now the women we see on the street corners. I see these women now and I feel for them. I wonder what horrors of their life drove them to where they are now. There are so many heart wrenching stories of women who left home at a young age and needed money to survive. Then, they got addicted to drugs and life just spiraled downward. These women do not need looks of scorn from us. They need our love. They need our understanding. Some of these women are waiting for someone to rescue them. To show them they can have a better life. Instead of seeing these women as criminals, I beg you to see them as victims. Let you heart see them the way Jesus does. See them through His eyes. These women are His daughters. He loves all His children and His heart breaks for those who are mistreated. Shouldn’t our reaction be the same?
So I want to warn you to be careful how you look at people. You don’t know their story. You don’t know what is going on in their lives. Instead of looking with disdain at those around us, give everyone you meet a big smile and shine your love.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Life Lessons from Veggie Tales
I love watching Veggie Tales. My boys are older now, so I haven’t seen some of the newest ones, but I remember the ones I have seen. The catchy songs and good moral lessons are taught to us through talking vegetables that have no arms or legs. One song on my mind lately is from “Rack, Shack, and Benny.” A movie based on the story of the three men who were thrown into the furnace because they refused to participate in idol worship.
The song is called “Stand”. In this catchy tune they sing about standing up for what you believe in, and God will stand with you. What a great lesson for all of us. In the world today, we are tempted to just fit in. We have to be careful not to upset or offend anyone. But at what cost? When do we draw the line, and say enough is enough? When do we take a stand and not be afraid to share what we believe?
I am not asking us to judge others, so please don’t take it that away. We are called to love everyone, to help our neighbors regardless of what their beliefs are. Jesus didn’t ask someone what they believed or for a list of their sins before He talked with them. In fact He knew that He came to spend time with the lost, the broken, the hurting. He came to teach others about His Father.
So when do we take a stand? I believe we can do this every day in subtle ways . How do we take that stand? We start by not being afraid to bow our heads in public and pray before eating. We can be honest with people when they ask us our beliefs. Christmas is just around the corner. We shouldn’t be afraid to say “Merry Christmas”. We can wear a cross necklace or Christian shirt and not be afraid that others will judge us. I have been guilty in the past of hiding who I am for the fear of being judged and not accepted. The Bible warns of this. We should not deny God or He will deny us.
The media likes to portray “Christians” as crazy people who are hurtful and judgemental . How many times have you turned on the news to see them showing the angry mobs of “Christians” holding up signs hating and condemning homosexuals or girls seeking an abortion ? When a shooting occurs and they find out that the person claimed to be a “Christian”, they focus on that. How many times do we here about this one church in the Mid-west protesting funerals of soldiers and holding signs up about homosexuals? Do we ever see the people who have risked their lives to help a neighbor? I have to literally search for good stories. Nowhere in the Bible does Jesus ever tell believers to go out and kill those who are not following His ways. Nowhere in the Bible does Jesus spread the message of hate. Instead He encourages us to love one another. We are to show the world we are Christians by our love. We need to write letters to our local papers and let people know that the crazy people that the media portrays on television as “Christians” would not act that way if they were true followers of Christ. Over 10 years ago I wrote into a local paper after a “Christian” had bombed a local abortion clinic. I knew in my heart that a man following Jesus could never take the lives of so many people. They printed my letter to the editor and I was able to get the word out. I wanted people to know the truth. I was tired of letting the media walk all over the Christian faith. I took a stand.
You can, too. And you can be assured that when you do; God will be with you. There are people today in other countries dying for their faith. They refuse to deny their Lord and Savior. Yes, they may lose their life on this earth, but they know they are entering a new life when they die. They will be joining their Savior and no longer be persecuted. I pray that none of you ever have to face this kind of persecution. But let us learn from this example. Let us, not be afraid anymore.
In the famous words of a cute little asparagus, “stand for what you believe in and God will stand with you.”
The song is called “Stand”. In this catchy tune they sing about standing up for what you believe in, and God will stand with you. What a great lesson for all of us. In the world today, we are tempted to just fit in. We have to be careful not to upset or offend anyone. But at what cost? When do we draw the line, and say enough is enough? When do we take a stand and not be afraid to share what we believe?
I am not asking us to judge others, so please don’t take it that away. We are called to love everyone, to help our neighbors regardless of what their beliefs are. Jesus didn’t ask someone what they believed or for a list of their sins before He talked with them. In fact He knew that He came to spend time with the lost, the broken, the hurting. He came to teach others about His Father.
So when do we take a stand? I believe we can do this every day in subtle ways . How do we take that stand? We start by not being afraid to bow our heads in public and pray before eating. We can be honest with people when they ask us our beliefs. Christmas is just around the corner. We shouldn’t be afraid to say “Merry Christmas”. We can wear a cross necklace or Christian shirt and not be afraid that others will judge us. I have been guilty in the past of hiding who I am for the fear of being judged and not accepted. The Bible warns of this. We should not deny God or He will deny us.
The media likes to portray “Christians” as crazy people who are hurtful and judgemental . How many times have you turned on the news to see them showing the angry mobs of “Christians” holding up signs hating and condemning homosexuals or girls seeking an abortion ? When a shooting occurs and they find out that the person claimed to be a “Christian”, they focus on that. How many times do we here about this one church in the Mid-west protesting funerals of soldiers and holding signs up about homosexuals? Do we ever see the people who have risked their lives to help a neighbor? I have to literally search for good stories. Nowhere in the Bible does Jesus ever tell believers to go out and kill those who are not following His ways. Nowhere in the Bible does Jesus spread the message of hate. Instead He encourages us to love one another. We are to show the world we are Christians by our love. We need to write letters to our local papers and let people know that the crazy people that the media portrays on television as “Christians” would not act that way if they were true followers of Christ. Over 10 years ago I wrote into a local paper after a “Christian” had bombed a local abortion clinic. I knew in my heart that a man following Jesus could never take the lives of so many people. They printed my letter to the editor and I was able to get the word out. I wanted people to know the truth. I was tired of letting the media walk all over the Christian faith. I took a stand.
You can, too. And you can be assured that when you do; God will be with you. There are people today in other countries dying for their faith. They refuse to deny their Lord and Savior. Yes, they may lose their life on this earth, but they know they are entering a new life when they die. They will be joining their Savior and no longer be persecuted. I pray that none of you ever have to face this kind of persecution. But let us learn from this example. Let us, not be afraid anymore.
In the famous words of a cute little asparagus, “stand for what you believe in and God will stand with you.”
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