Self Care

But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.

Luke 5:16

 What happens when your forget to recharge your cellphone?  What happens when you let the car run out of gas and don't fill it up?  What happens when you go and go and go and go, from project to project, activity to activity, eating "bad for you" stuff?  Answer....you know.

Yet we do these kind of things more than we want to admit.  We will, quite literally, keep going until we drop and then wonder why we are so exhausted all the time.  We drink more and stronger coffee.  We'll pound down gallons of energy drinks.  Why? Because, well let's face it, we're not the brightest critters.

I am fully convinced that Abba put animals on this earth, (BEFORE He brought us into the picture) to teach us!  For example, when our pup, Woody Bear, gets tired he will simply lay down and take a nap.  Guess what? No alarm is set. When he's rested, he wakes up.  Well....unless there's a snack to be had.

So why do we drive ourselves so hard?  Do we REALLY think we can fulfill Abba's plan for us in record time, thus changing His plan for us?  Let me come clean here: I like helping people usually through listening and offering counsel.  However, I am also very bad about not taking time to rest, relax and recharge. This usually leads to feeling burned out, resentful, irritable (ask my bride), sleepless nights...but I'm trying to help people which is good, right?  At what cost?

Look at the life of Jesus.  He would go away frequently to pray, relax and recharge.  He would spend time appreciating the creation. He encouraged His Disciples to do the same.  So, if Jesus needed to take time away for self-care, who are we to believe we don't need to?

Our Advocate

 If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

Romans 8:30-34

When I was much younger, one of my favorite programs was "Perry Mason" (yes I'm THAT old).  The thing that struck me about that show was the fact that no matter what case he had and no matter how badly it was going for his client, somehow by the end of the show he had managed to find some way to win his case much to the chagrin of the Prosecutor.

Now...imagine this scene: You are called into a courtroom to face the judge. Our enemy, the deceiver, presents his evidence by way of a book in which every sin we ever committed has been written.  How do you feel right about now?  

The book is presented to the judge. He opens the book and then closes it again.  He calls on your advocate to present your defense.  He steps up to the judge and says, "Abba, this is one of Your children."  The judge opens the book again and every page is blank, because your advocate is Christ.  The Deceiver is unspeakably angry but has nothing left with which to condemn you...he is defeated.

Read this again and thank Abba: Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

 

The case against you has been dismissed by the blood of Christ!

Hiding In Plain Sight

"Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light."

2 Corinthians 11:14

As a kid, I used to enjoy watching Superman.  "Faster than a single bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. Able to leap buildings in a single bound."  The images of such immense power amazed me.  However....I also remember the day I realized that the people who couldn't tell that Clark Kent and Superman were the same person...weren't very observant.  Let's face it, you come to work in a suit and tie, a crime is committed (on every show), Clark Kent excuses himself, dashes into the nearest phone both to change clothes...(side note: when he tore off his suit in the phone booth, did he just leave it there or did he have a "super backpack"?)... the off he'd dash to save the day.  All the while, no one caught on that Clark Kent was just a disguise.

Every spy movie I ever saw had one thing in common, the spy used disguises (camouflage) so they would blend in and not alarm anyone.  Think about it, soldiers use camouflage. So do hunters. So do actors. And so...does....the deceiver!

How did the wicked queen get Snow White to bite the apple? By appearing as a kindly old lady. What happened when Snow White bit the apple, the wicked queen's true self was revealed.

The deceiver, according to Scripture, was an Angel.  Not just any angel, but the most beautiful.  Yet he wanted more and plotted to take Abba's place.  Abba threw him down from Heaven to the earth along with all of his minions and they would be forever condemned.  So what did the deceiver do?  He deceived Eve and Adam in an attempt to thwart Abba's plans.  

What does he do with us?  He seeks to deceive us into sin by making it sound like it isn't sin.  Even the Apostle Paul tells us: "I see another law working in my body, which makes war against the law that my mind accepts. That other law working in my body is the law of sin, and it makes me its prisoner. What a miserable man I am! Who will save me from this body that brings me death? I thank God for saving me through Jesus Christ our Lord!" - Romans 7:23-25.

Abba has provided rescue for us in Jesus!  He has provided forgiveness through Jesus!  He has provided for us through Jesus!  The deceiver may hide in plain sight, but he cannot hide from Abba!

 

Hiding Is NOT Wisdom or Strength

"Jesus wept"

John 11:35

I remember as a child being told, "What do you have to cry about? BE A MAN!  Real men don't cry."  What a lie that was and is!   Because of that statement, I began to hide my feelings and put on a stoic expression.  I took to heart the lyrics of a Simon and Garfunkel song "I am a rock":

"I've built walls,

A fortress deep and mighty,

That none may penetrate.

I have no need of friendship,

friendship causes pain,

It's laughter and it's loving I disdain.

I am a rock,

I am an island."

I quite honestly believed that wearing the mask of stoicism would protect me from the pain of having to let people see....me.

At one point, I was drawn into a discussion about the humanity of Christ.  I was skeptical of the idea that Christ had emotions as do we.  I followed the discussion with interest as both sides of the issue were discussed.  On the one hand, how could Christ effectively minister to so many hurting people if His emotions were expressed. On the other hand, how could Christ minister to so many hurting people if He had no emotions to express.  Good points!  Both sounded plausible and valid on the surface.  Then came the truth of the matter, found in John 11:35, "Jesus wept."

You see, how could Christ ever truly know what it's like being human if He locked away His emotions and became so stoic?  Over and over in scripture we read the phrase, "and He was moved with compassion." Does that sound like someone you'd want to know?  You bet your boots I want to know Him!  Why would ANYONE want a cold, calculating, unemotional being to rely on for their eternal life?

Compassion is Empathy in Action!  Because Christ knows exactly what we must endure, He can empathize with us and walk with us through that Valley of the Shadow of Death. I can love because He first loved me. 

Consider that!

 

AAUGH!!

"It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge .I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different." Romans 7:21-25

Have you ever decided that you're going to do the right thing every time?  What happened?  I foolishly believed that I could, somehow, make up my mind that I would always do what is right and pleasing to Abba. When I failed, the frustration set in and I would beat myself up because, once again, I had failed.  Once again, I had proven how weak I am. In my mind, I could hear the laughter of the whisperer and feel his rancid words to my soul "See? I TOLD you that you were a worthless waste!"

Sadly, for many years, I believed the whisperer because I simply couldn't seem to get it right.  I finally reached the place in my life where I just decided to give up.  After all, why bother if I can never do what's right consistently?  It was then I found a book entitled, "When Being 'Good Enough' Isn't Good Enough."  The title alone sparked my interest.  So I purchased the book, a cup of coffee and began to read.  I finished reading that entire book that afternoon.  I couldn't put it down.  It was as if Abba was talking directly to my very need.  

You see, if it were possible for me, in my own strength, to do what's right all the time, then the whole reason for Jesus coming to pay my debt was simply a wasted effort!  However, because Jesus came, walked among us, taught us, loved us enough to die for us, my debt is paid. I owe Abba EVERYTHING!

Did the whisperer go away?  Nope.  He still hangs around telling me how worthless I am and how I'll never amount to anything.  But we both know he is wrong!  Praise be to Abba for adopting me as HIS child and, thus, securing my eternity!

 

Let's Talk About Freedom

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom 

as an excuse to do evil. Live as children of God.

1 Peter 2:16

As we prepare to celebrate Freedom this weekend, let's take a minute to consider...Freedom.  Freedom means many things.  For some, freedom from an addiction is true freedom.  For others, having the freedom to choose where they wish to live/work/relax is true freedom.  Still others consider the freedom to do whatever they want to be the true meaning of freedom.

Think hard...what does Freedom mean to you?  If I may, let me share my thoughts of Freedom.  We live in a time and place where we have the freedom to choose.  THAT is the basis for all freedom....being able to choose.  Now, the flip side of that is the simple fact that every choice will have consequences.  If I choose to save money, the consequence might be that I will be able to afford a nice car at some point.  However, if I choose instead to eat pizza for every meal, the consequence will most definitely be a health crisis.

Here's the fact: Abba sent His Son to pay the ransom for our sins, thus setting us free from the eternal consequence of being separated from Abba.  Yet some of us take that freedom to mean we can do what we want, to whom we want, whenever we want, without consequence.  This is the lie our enemy likes to whisper to us.  When Abba set us free, we are truly free to be His child!  We are free to enjoy His love.  We are free to talk with Him. We are free to enjoy His provisions for us. We are free to treat others in the same way we want to be treated.  We are truly free in Him.  And because of that, should we not seek to embrace and bask in His love and mercy?  Would we not want to share that gift with others?  Should we not love each other as Abba loves us?  We have been set free from the sin that destroys, let's take time to thank Abba for that freedom!

 

Talking to Myself?

Have you ever found yourself having a conversation with yourself?  Perhaps even an argument with yourself?  It might sound ridiculous to think about arguing with yourself, but have you even engaged in negative self talk?  A memory comes to mind and you suddenly find yourself berating yourself...and where does that lead?

Imagine being King David, beloved of God.  One would think he would have only good things to say to himself. After all, he was God's chosen King of Israel.  He was the one God appointed to face Goliath and win.  God had guided David's life and yet, if you read through the Psalms, you will find that David had some pretty negative conversations with himself.

"My heart pounds in my chest.

 The terror of death assaults me.
Fear and trembling overwhelm me,
    and I can’t stop shaking."  - Psalm 55:4-5

Does that sound like a man with his life all together? 

"Why am I discouraged?
    Why is my heart so sad?" - Psalm 42:11a

In just these two verses, and the Psalms are full of such verses, we can almost feel David's palpable dread, fear and uncertainty.  However, as happens so often in the Psalms, if we continue reading, the answer pops out like the sunshine after a storm. 

"Be gracious to me, O Lord,

    for to you do I cry all the day.
Gladden the soul of your servant,
    for to you, O Lord, do I lift up my soul." - Psalm 86:3-4

Many times we will hear the voice of our enemy whispering into our minds that we are old, worthless, and no longer have value.  We will hear the whispers of all the wrongs we have done, all the times we have tried and failed, all the relationships that have ended badly...because that's what the enemy does, he twists everything to cause us to look at ourselves instead at Abba!

You see, when we focus on Abba and His love for us without limit we take the whispers and negative self-talk and lay them all at His feet.  Guess what He will do?  Shine His love on them and us, and those whispers will burn away like our already defeated enemy. And then, like David wrote in Psalm 103:1 - "Praise the Lord, O my soul. With all that is within me, praise His Holy Name."  

Honest?

May I ask you a question? How truly honest are you when you pray?  In your prayer time, do you tell Abba "nice things" that we think He wants to hear?  Do you tell Him exactly what's on your heart, hiding nothing?  

My turn to make a confession...my prayer time used to be very structured. I would, set a timer, read a devotion (which may or may not have actually been relevant with my life or struggles), then I would "assume the proper pose" and I read a prayer say "amen" and go about my day.  I didn't really get anything out my prayer time, but I knew I was expected to have that ritual every day. But why would Abba be interested in hearing anything I had to say? After all, He has more important things to do, such as running the universe.

It wasn't until years later that I learned the truth. It wasn't that I was taking prayer seriously, because I was. The truth of the matter was that I was taking it TOO seriously.  I thought I had to have a proper position (head bowed, eyes closed, hands folded), and that I had to "sound holy" and use the proper words without my mind wandering to whatever struggles I was enduring.  I had been to prayer retreats, conferences, seminars, filling notebook after notebook on the "Proper Methods of Prayer."  

The truth is found in Hebrews 4:14-16: "Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help." Did you catch that? Jesus already understands everything we have, are, and will go through.  He knows!

I realize this is rather lengthy, and I do apologize, but Abba has impressed on my heart that someone needs to hear this, including me.  READ THE PSALMS!  It is a book of human emotions! In the Psalms, there is anger, hatred, doubt, fear, complaint, and worship! And in all this, there is the awareness that Abba is in charge of everything.  Remember when the Disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray?  What did Jesus do? Did He pull out His notes from a prayer conference or seminar? NO.  He simply talked to Abba.

As a matter of fact, Jesus went so far as to tell them (and us): "When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask Him!" What was Jesus' example?  Be honest, Hide nothing, Be genuine.

Here's my challenge for all of us: Talk with Abba! No formulas, no "right way" to pose, just talk! Tell Him everything that's on your mind, the good, the bad, the scary, to happy...everything!

 

Pick Your Crop!

When was the last time you planted flowers and got a herd of cattle instead? Okay, perhaps that might be a little far-fetched. Try this one: Have you ever planted herbs and what actually grew were peanuts?

 I know, you are thinking that I've lost my mind. But I assure you my questions are based on my own mistakes and some pretty astute observations. Have you ever been crabby and wondered why people avoided you? Ever slacked off at work and then wonder why the boss was none too happy? Ever not listen and then wonder why you don't understand the instructions?

 We do this type of thinking all the time. We gossip and wonder why no one trusts us. We are false friends and wonder why we end up getting stabbed in the back. Some will call it "karma" because, after all, Karma is a.....well not very nice. We can fool other people for a time, but God isn't fooled. 

 1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us, "God does not view things the way men do. People look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" 

 If you want to reap a different future, change the crops you are sowing now!

 

Think About It

"One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them."

Matthew 5:1-2

Have you ever thought about the method Jesus used to teach and preach?  I have.  Quite a bit of His teaching was done as He and the Disciples were walking from one place to another.  His sermons were spoken so everyone could understand them and learn.  You see, Jesus didn't use "Seminary Words" or cliches.  He spoke to those who needed to hear His message.

Several years ago I visited a church that I had heard a lot of good things about.  I was ready to learn...until the service began.  The music was so loud that I could, quite literally, feel it pounding inside me.  It was as if I had returned to my college years going to concerts.  This church had lots of "satellites" where one could watch the service on a theater screen.  When it was time for the sermon, I was rather taken aback that the pastor never used Scripture, instead it was a "feel good" talk.  By the time the service was over, the persistent ringing in my ears were driving me nuts, I felt as though I had just wasted my time.  

Think about this: 

When did Jesus ever have a rock concert when He preached?  

When did He "entertain" the people who came to listen and learn?

How did Jesus get His message across to people?  He talked to them! He didn't browbeat them. He didn't yell and holler and condemn them.  He talked to them and loved them. He was genuine. He was simply engaging.  Shouldn't we do the same? 

Each person has a testimony to share.  Let me share something I am still learning, when you talk with people...talk to them like a normal human being.  No need to be all Pius and 'Holy' because until you are actually in Heaven, we are just a beggar who needs to tell others where to find bread.  Be open and honest about your struggles and your failures and what you have learned from them.  He genuine!  

How Well Do We Wait?

Let me ask you a question: How well do you wait?  I openly admit that I am impatient and don't like waiting (ask my Bride).  I'm that guy who gets behind the one person in line who has a million questions or simply wants to chat.  If I have an appointment, I will show up early simply because that's how I was brought up ("better early than late, especially for dinner").  Having said all that, I will say that I am still learning.  

We don't like to wait, do we?  There's something about the whole process of waiting that grates on our nerves.  And guess what? Our impatience is a trick of the enemy into focusing on us and our time, instead of making good use of that time.  One of the things I am learning to do when waiting is reading.  Everyone has a cellphone and if you have the Kindle app on your phone you can read books that will increase your knowledge.  One of the books I am re-reading is called "Three Free Sins" by Steve Brown.

Speaking of waiting, did you know that Jesus spent "40 days and 40 nights" before He began the ministry assigned Him by Abba.  Now the actual phrase "40 days and 40 nights" quite literally means "as long as it takes." Jesus stayed in the wilderness for as long as it took for Him to be truly prepared for His ministry.

The Apostle Paul spent three years in the Arabian desert preparing for the ministry Abba has given him. That's quite a long time!

In Acts 1:4-5, after Jesus was crucified, He appeared to the Disciples and told them:

[Jesus] commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” They had to wait until Abba sent His Holy Spirit to them.  Why? Because Jesus knew if their ministry was not led by Abba's Holy Spirit it would be a powerless effort and would fail because it would be of the flesh instead of the Holy Spirit.

Here's a lesson I got out of reading and contemplating on the passage...We need to meet with Jesus and we need to be quiet and we need to wait!  We need to be still to see where the Spirit is leading.  The best way I am learning to be still and quiet is by studying, reading, writing, learning.  As we wait, we need to talk with Abba.  Tell Him exactly what's on our heart. Be frank and blunt with Him.  Waiting shouldn't be a boring waste of time, it should be time where we are actively preparing our minds and hearts before Abba.

 

Loved Beyond Measure

Ever been told you're not good enough? Me too.

Ever been told you don't fit in? Me too.

Ever been told you are worthless? Me too.

Ever been told you'll never amount to anything? Yep, me too.

And the people who tell us this stuff are LYING!!

Why do we do this to each other?  Believe it or not, every person every to take a breath has a purpose that Abba has designed specifically for them.  No one is worthless. No one!  There are those with whom we'd rather not associate, for whatever reason, but they still have purpose in the plans of Abba.  They are stilled loved by Abba.

Think about this, John 3:16 say "God loved the world (no exceptions) SO much that He sent His only Son." 

Did you catch that? Abba loves us NO EXCEPTIONS! Which means YOU are loved, worthwhile and good enough because you are loved by the very being of love in Abba.  Therefore, take heart, my friend. Talk with Abba about your purpose and let Him love you!

 

Good Deeds...Why Do We Do Them?

"In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light" (1 Timothy 5:25). 

Why do we do good deeds?  Because they need to be done to help others, of course. But what is our true intent?  Giving to the church is a good deed, but bringing attention to the gift defeats that good deed because it, then, becomes a show!  Remember when Jesus and the Disciples were in the temple watching the people bring their offerings?  The wealthy dropped in huge amounts, which made a LOT of noise, so everyone would know their contribution was sizable. But who did Jesus say gave the most?

When we do good things for others, we are specifically instructed NOT to bring attention to it.  When we do a good job, we are specifically instructed NOT to bring attention to it.  Why? because that turns the good into a dramatic show of "LOOK AT ME! SEE HOW AMAZING AND AWESOME I AM?"  In fact, Jesus made it a point to tell us, "When you do good for others, do not even let your left hand know what your right hand is doing" (Matthew 6:3).  

Don't get discouraged when you do good things and no one seems to notice. You see, Abba is the one who sees and knows.  And guess what? He's the ONLY one who truly matters and will reward accordingly.  When we draw attention to our good deeds, the accolades we garner will be our only reward. 

 

Time is an Illusion

"Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?"

Matthew 6:27

 How many of us are worried about the events currently being presented by the news?  How many are worried about health concerns?  How many are worried about the economy?  How many are worried about finances?  How many are just worried?

Let me ask you this, how has all that worrying helped you?  Or has it?

I'm going to be completely and openly honest, I was a worrier.  I worried about everything!  I worried about worrying because of today's verse.  And you know what? I was miserable and my health began to decline. Not only that, my mood turned dark and I began to snap at people and generally just be an irritable porcupine.

That began to change when I heard a sermon on "Time" where the pastor referenced two verses: "You have decided the length of our lives.  You know how many months we will live,    and we are not given a minute longer." - Job 14:3.  It was at that moment that I began to realize that Abba has already decided how long I will dwell on His Earth before being called home. AND there is nothing I can do to add or subtract a single breath.  Each one of us, like it or not, have been allotted our time and purpose on this Earth by Abba.  Therefore, we are to ask Abba: "So teach us to consider how brief our lives are, teach us to count minutes instead of hours or days, so that we might live wisely." - Psalm 90:12

Worry solves nothing, instead it causes damage. Worry is a weapon of the devil to take our eyes and trust off of Abba.  When we learn that He already has ever part of His plan for us working, we can let go of worry and learn to celebrate each moment and share His love with others.

"OH...Yeah, He Knows!"

Then the devil led Jesus to the holy city of Jerusalem and put him on a high place of the Temple. The devil said, “If you are the Son of God, jump down, because it is written in the Scriptures:

‘He has put his angels in charge of you.
    They will catch you in their hands
so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.’” Psalm 91:11–12

Jesus answered him, “It also says in the Scriptures, ‘Do not test the Lord your God.’”

Did you know that Satan is very crafty and cunning?  He does come to us in the horribly disfigured red hideous creature that we have been led to believe.  If he did, would we be willing to talk with him?  Satan is cunning, clever and comes to us in ways we will willingly listen.  Sometimes pretending to be a close and caring friend ("I'm sorry your marriage isn't working out, but I have a friend who would love to meet you.  It's okay because you're SO miserable." Or "It's okay to take stuff. After all, this is a HUGE company with gazillions of dollars, so who's going to know?")

We must be diligent and we must always be prepared. He will come to us as an angel of light but that veneer will quickly fade when we can also remind him what Abba's Word says. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Corinthians 11:14, "Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light."  We MUST be strong, prepared and armed to the teeth with Scripture!  Not just the words of Scripture but with the strength of knowing it is Abba's words to us.

 

Wouldn't It Be Nice If....?

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

Matthew 7:24-27

I saw a news program several years ago about a developer who built some beautiful (and quite expensive) homes.  They sold very quickly.  All was well until about two years later when cracks began to develop in the walls and foundations.  All attempts to contact the developer and his contractor failed.  Another year went by and several of these once beautiful homes collapsed completely.  What the developer and the contractor did not disclose was the fact that the homes had been built on a swamp that had been filled in. As time passed, the swamp began to reclaim its place in the area and took most of the homes in the process.

What made me remember this story was a person I once loved turned on me.  When I asked why, I was told that I should have listened to the rumors about them because the rumors were true and this person was self serving.  

If we follow the teachings of Jesus, we will be genuine and loving people.  We will be so genuine that we will treat everyone else the same way we want to be treated.  We will be like the house built on the bedrock....we may get treated badly but we won't crumble.  True strength, I believe, comes from being genuine.  Jesus was SO genuine that the Pharisees and Scribes hated Him because THEY were hollow inside. Jesus referred to them as "white-washed graves."  

The more I contemplated this Scripture, I knew that it takes looking inside frequently to make sure that my own foundation had no leaks or cracks.  If any are found, it's time to take them to the Cross and ask for Abba's help to seal them in His love.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could know if the people we interact with are genuine or "white-washed graves"?

 

"What's In A Name?"

You remember Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet" where the question was posed, "What's in a name? That which we call a 'rose' by any other name would smell just as sweet"?  There was a time when a person's name actually had a specific meaning.  For example, the name "Johnson" quite literally meant John's son.  Goldsmith meant you were a Gold Smith (worker of gold into coins or jewelry).  

We don't think too much about names anymore, but they still have meaning because the name is attributed to a person's reputation, personality, and actions.  When you hear the name John Wilkes Booth, what comes to mind?  What about the name Mother Teresa?  Names get a reaction from us when we know to whom they belong.

When I hear the name Claire Barlow my heart is warmed.  That name may not mean a thing to you, but she was my 3rd grade teacher who encouraged me write and read.  Because of her, I began to learn and the more I learned the more I wrote.  I had notebooks filled with journal entries and observations, thoughts and dreams. Page after page and all because that teacher took the time to encourage me.

Let me get to the point of today: 

"Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor

    and gave him the name above all other names,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,

    to the glory of God the Father." 

Philippians 2:9-11

Did you catch the importance of this name?  Abba elevated Jesus to the place of HIGHEST HONOR.  Because of that, when the name of Jesus is named, all honor should be shown to include, but not be limited to, kneeling (a sign of submission and respect), and every tongue openly proclaim that Jesus IS Lord! And all of this brings glory to Abba!

What's in a name? Quite a lot when you think about it!

 

We Tend To Forget

 

Have you ever wondered why Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper?  Was it because He just wanted to hang out with the Disciples? Maybe.  Was it because He wanted to impress upon them how nasty their feet get? Well, there's that.  But permit me to share what I believe...Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper because He knows we have a habit of forgetting.  I have a confession to make, I tend to forget more than I remember.  I have a habit of looking for my glasses when I'm wearing them (the lenses just need a clean).  I can't remember, most days, what I had for breakfast.  Why? Because these things aren't overly important to me.  We tend to not remember the things we don't consider essential for our day.

1. We Need To Remember How Quickly We Forget.

Now, think about this, the world says "Have a drink and forget."  But Jesus reminds us to "Take, eat, drink...and remember."  

I was reading about Martin Luther who said he had to preach the Gospel to his congregation every single day otherwise they would forget every single day.  But also consider Martin Luther preached the Gospel every single day so Martin Luther would remember!

2. We Need To Remember Our True Condition

We have this insatiable need to be right.  We want everyone to see us as "good".  We want others to see us correct the sin of this troubled world.  Why? Because that is our sinful nature.  Remember when Jesus ate with the drunkards, tax collectors, and prostitutes?  Jesus didn't talk with them using hard words.  He reserved His hard words for the "religious" people who believed it was their goal in life to be "good" and be perceived as "good" when they were far from it and more judgmental than anything else.

Jesus used these words to them: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, HYPOCRITES! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look pure and clean outwardly, but inside is corruption and uncleanness. So you, too, outwardly look 'righteous and pious' to others, but you are really full of hypocrisy and chaos." - (Matthew 23:27-28).

3. We Need To Remember Where Jesus Found Us.

The Apostle Peter wrote: “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” (1 Peter 2:10).  When Jesus found us, we had no identity as a people.  Abba when to a LOT of trouble to teach us truth and love.  You see, sin isn't sin because it's ugly. Sin is sin because it stains your heart. When it stains your heart, Abba's heart breaks because He loves you.  I read a quote by Steve Brown: "The cross isn't a sign of God's judgement...it is the sign of His broken heart."

4. We Need To Remember How Loved We Are

"See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!" (1 John 3:1).  Because of Abba's love, I'm Abba's CHILD! I no longer have to consider myself to be without hope!  I am LOVED without conditions or hesitation!

Take time to remember!

Spoiled?

Where do you think all these appalling fights and arguments come from? Do you actually think they "just happen"? They come about because you want your own way and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don't have and are willing to do anything to get it. You want what isn't yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.  You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.

James 4:1-3

When I read this passage, the events in our nation came to mind.  What's happened to us?  Why are so many acting like spoiled children?  Because so many of us have stopped talking with Abba and stopped listening to Him. 

Sadly, this didn't just suddenly crop up out of thin air, did they?  When we look back through history, we will see this has been building for a long time.  Please understand, this is NOT a political statement.  This is simply and observation that began in the mirror.  When I look at my own life, I can see my own rebellion and refusal to listen to Abba.  But I'm learning...

Let's learn together.

 

Got A Minute?

 "If your fellow believer sins against you, go and tell him in private what he did wrong. If he listens to you, you have helped that person to be your brother or sister again."

Matthew 18:15

Have you ever had someone tell other people how you offended them?  How did that make you feel?  Instead of coming to you, the "offense" became exaggerated and spread. Then you wonder why people treat you differently or stop interacting with  you altogether.

I had offended one of my classmates without realizing it.  After school, he came up to me and asked " Can we talk for a bit?".  We walked and talked about what I had done and how he had been offended. I had no idea, but was grateful for our talk and the chance to apologize.  Think about it for a moment.  Do we go to the person who has offended or hurt us to talk it out?  Or do we get ticked off, yell, shout, or, worse yet, voice our case to the court of public opinion?

Look at the words of Christ, "got and tell him in private." Don't come at them with guns blazing seeking to demean them, belittle them, or crush them.  Go with gentleness with these words, "Got a minute?"  Permit me to provide a touch of insight...Attitude Is The Key To Discussion.  Let me explain, if my attitude is one of kindness, gentleness, and humility, the situation is more likely to get resolved quickly and the relationship built stronger for that honesty.  However, if my attitude is one of defensiveness, things will quickly become hostile and that relationship will be destroyed.

When we allow Abba to be our focus, we truly can be humble and restorative.

Chameleons At A Masquerade

I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God.

 If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

Galatians 1:10

Always being the smallest kid in school, I got bullied a LOT.  It wasn't, and isn't, a good feeling not being able to "fit in" yet I tried very hard to fit in by changing who I was depending on who I was around.  I became like a chameleon at a masquerade, switching masks like a magician.  Did it work? Not exactly.  I spent so much of my time changing masks to fit the expectations and standards of others, that I began to forget who I really was.

We make a HUGE mistake will do almost anything to gain acceptance from others.  Think about it...have you ever tried to impress someone by becoming who they wanted you to be?  Have you ever pretended?  I remember watching some of the guys in my classes trying to impress the girls by their "acting skills."  "Oh you're vegan? I only eat fruit myself."  "Wow, you like mushy movies too?"  "I LOVE animals! Especially the ones that provide us with bacon!"  Okay, that last one was a bad idea, but you get the point.

Think about how Abba loves and accepts us!  I can't earn His love and acceptance. I can't buy it. I can't join some secret society to get it. My clothes, car, bank account aren't enough to impress Him.  Hold onto your hats...I don't impress Him by even going to church!  You see, when all we are doing is going through the motions, how does that impress Him enough to love us? 

You want to know how you can stop being the chameleon at a masquerade and know Abba's true love for you?  Accept it!  Abba loves us warts, tattoos, piercings and all!  He loves us because of who we are...His Children!

There is nothing and no one who can love us like He does.  Not the job, not the romantic relationship, not friends, not pets...Only Abba loves us unconditionally!  Now, I will say this...my dog, Woody Bear, loves me far more than I deserve.  His is the closest thing to unconditional love I have known, and Abba teaches me through Woody Bear's patience and care.

Instead of looking for love...accept the free gift of Love Abba offers us!

 

A person plans his course,
but the Lord directs his steps.

Proverbs 16:9

We've all made plans.  I will get my degree, get a great job, get married, have kids and live happily ever after.  But what happens when our plan A doesn't turn out so well.  What happens when you finally get the degree you wanted, but can't find a job in the field?  Or you get that job and you end up working endless hours for someone who may not appreciate you? What happens when you come home from work only to find a note from your spouse saying "This isn't working! I'm leaving!"?  For many of us, we focus so much on plan A that we have no plan B, so when plan A doesn't work the way we envisioned, we get angry at Abba and sometimes just give up.

Think about this, Abba told Jonah to go to Nineveh and tell them unless they changed their ways Abba was going to destroy the city.  Well, this was NOT Jonah's plan A!  In fact, it was not Jonah's plan of any letter.  So what did he do?  He formulated his own Plan A and took a ship in the completely opposite direction.  Guess how well that worked out for him? The fact is, Abba's plans for us are so much better than ANYTHING we could possibly imagine. 

First, Psalm 57:2 says, "I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me."  When Plan A doesn't work out like we planned, take it to Abba and talk with Him about your frustrations, anxieties, disappointments, and ask Him to lead you to His plan for you. Understand that Abba has a purpose for your life and has numbered your days accordingly, and here's the best part, He WILL fulfill that purpose in your life!

Second, understand that Abba is not mad at you nor is He a bully, but He does have the best for you. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'"  If Abba was truly a big mean bully, why would He have plans for GOOD, why would He give us a FUTURE and HOPE?  The fact of the matter is we tend to view Him as being mad and even hating us when OUR plans fall through.  There have been many times in my life when I thought Abba was just some big creep who enjoyed tormenting me, but I'm learning He really does love me.

Third, understand that when Abba's purpose for us has been fulfilled, we WILL hear Him say, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ - Matthew 25:23. 

Here's my point: We CAN trust Abba to do what's best for us, even when we don't like it or agree with it.  Abba never promised us an easy care-free existence on this marble.  He DID promise that He would never leave us and that He would fulfill His plans for our life.  We can trust Him!  We can talk with Him!  Because He loves us more than words can express.

Think about it!