Monthly Archives: September 2017

Anointed

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YOU are anointed. It’s true! God wants to use you. His Spirit is upon you to continue the ministry of Jesus, one person at a time. IMG_1405

We live in a very “me” centered culture. Jesus didn’t come to be served, but to serve others. Your salvation isn’t just about you. It’s also about the lives God wants to touch through you.

Everyone isn’t called to a full-time “career” in ministry, but we are all called to minister. When I was younger I thought this meant going out and preaching to anyone who would listen. Don’t get me wrong, there is a need for evangelism, but people are more likely to listen when you are serving them. Before you try to feed them spiritually, feed their need. Today’s verse gives us four areas of service: 

  1. Proclaim good news to the poor: If you are poor, the good news of salvation is a wonderful message, but it doesn’t fill your belly or put clothes on your kids. People need to know that God isn’t just concerned with the hereafter, He cares about the situation you are in right now! He knew you before you were born, and will know you long after your life on earth is over. We can’t feed/clothe everyone but we can feed/clothe someone. God wants to bless you by allowing you to be a blessing to others. Jesus said whatever we do for others, we do for him. (Matthew 25:40) If you look into the eyes of a hurting man/woman and see Jesus it will change how you view them. His anointing will overwhelm you with compassion and love. 
  2. Proclaim liberty to the captives: I have been blessed to be part of a jail ministry for a couple of years now. While I love the work we are doing, we are very limited. We are not allowed to give the inmates any handouts, books, etc. We are not allowed to have one on one ministry with them, or develop personal relationships with them. This is for our protection, but heartbreaking none the less. We get one hour a month to speak life and truth into them. They are hungry for so much more! They desperately need discipleship, to prepare them for life outside of prison. If God lays it on your heart, contact a local prison chaplain and ask if there is a way for you to write or have one on one visits with an inmate. However, I STRONGLY encourage you to stay away from any misperceptions of a romantic interest. Also, remember, there are many people who are held captive without the constraints of four walls. People can be held prisoner to addiction, abuse, etc. Pray for God to open doors for you mentor those needing intervention. 
  3. Recovery of sight to the blind: Jesus still heals. I believe this with all my heart. He heals physically, emotionally, financially and most important spiritually. Everywhere Jesus went He healed people. Are you sharing this good news with others? There are two kinds of blindness. There is physically blindness, and there is spiritual blindness. My prayer is that God will use us in the recovery of sight for both. 
  4. Liberty to the oppressed: Oppression can be physical or emotional. For example, human trafficking is a real issue that few people want to see or acknowledge. People are still enslaved, even in America. Educate yourself on the civil issues in your area, and get involved in relief efforts. From an emotional standpoint, mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders are rampant in our culture. People often neglect to seek help due to the stigma attached to mental illness or the cost of care. When you see someone struggling emotionally, step in. Do some research and become familiar with the resources available to them. Minister to them on a spiritual level. LOVE them where they are and be an encouragement to them. 

““Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25:34-36‬ ‭NLT‬‬

YOU are anointed. It’s true!

 

 

Never Empty

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IMG_1408I needed this scripture today. It’s been a rough week. Unfortunately, I tend to worry, which I KNOW is pointless, sinful and completely unnecessary, because God ALWAYS comes through for me.

God gave me a huge blessing last week; which Satan immediately tried to snatch. Without going into detail I’ll just say, my income shrunk by 25% this week.

My typical response would be panic. BUT GOD … keeps reminding me, He is my provider. Take a deep breath and relax! Then this verse just “happened” to show up in my devotion yesterday. Right.on.time.

The great thing about the story behind this verse is the prophet gave this promise to a widow who shared what she believed to be her last meal with him. She was so poor she expected her and her son to starve to death! Yet, she gave. You can’t outgive God. 

I’ve heard that one of the worst things people can do in a recession is to stop spending. Why? It grinds the economic wheels to a halt. I’m not advocating that you go out and blow your savings here, but don’t let fear keep you from being a blessing to others. Many times our blessing comes through blessing others.

Do you feel like you are running on empty today? Do you wonder how you are going to pay your bills this month? If so, I pray today’s verse will bless and encourage you. May your flour and oil never run out.

As you enjoy a warm meal this week, remember those in your city who have nothing. Perhaps your leftovers could be the blessing someone else is praying for.  There is always someone who has it worse. Sometimes it takes seeing the lack others face to help us realize how truly blessed we are. 

 

 

Love is a Decision

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IMG_1397“If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:17-18

I used to think love was a feeling. One day the Lord gently corrected me, and said:

No, love is a decision.

Today’s verse is a great illustration of that point. We can say we love others, but do our actions prove otherwise? Our nation is being battered right now by hurricanes, fires, mudslides and earthquakes. As horrible as these situations are, I have been so impressed with the way people pull together in times of disaster. Total strangers are coming to the aid of others. For a brief moment people lay aside their prejudice and selfishness to serve one another as Christ intended.

When life gets back to normal, remember these times. Remember how good it felt to “BE” the hands and feet of Jesus to others. Find a way EVERYDAY to be a blessing.

Loving well doesn’t always mean providing financial support. Sometimes it means cooking a hot meal for someone or visiting them in the hospital. Sometimes it means cleaning someone’s house when they are unable to do so themselves. Sometimes it means being a shoulder to cry on when someone is grieving. Maybe it means babysitting for a young couple who can’t afford a sitter, so they can have a date night. Maybe it means going next door to that neighbor you’ve never met and becoming a friend. The opportunities are endless.

PRAY: Father, thank You for loving me … even when I am unlovable. Help me to show that same love to others. Lord, remind me each day to look for opportunities to be a blessing to others, so they can see YOU through me. When I need it, remind me that actions speak louder than words. Help me to see others as You see them and to love them as You love them.  

📝 Please share your creative ideas in the comments for putting love in action. 

 

 

 

The War Within

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IMG_1394Have you seen the cartoon that shows a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other? While these characters are fictional, there are very real forces warring within us. In Galatians 5 Paul teaches about walking in the Spirit instead of the flesh.

As long as we live in an earthly body we will have to choose to serve self or to serve God. When we serve self we allow our flesh to rule our lives. In verses 19-21 Paul gives a list of practices that are evident in the life of someone allowing their sin nature to control them. He also gives a stern warning that those who practice these things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

How then are we, as believers, to win this war within us and produce the fruit of the Spirit, which Paul describes in verses 22-23?

First, we must recognize that we are not justified by the law. We are justified by faith, through God’s unmerited favor in our lives (grace). Instead of relying on our strength we rely on the strength and power of the Holy Spirit to overcome the flesh. The two are in constant opposition to each other.

Secondly, we must walk habitually in the Spirit. Seek Him and be responsive to His guidance. This is key to defeating the impulsive desires that seek to snare us into acting without regard for God and others.

Allow the Holy Spirit to become your accountability buddy. We CAN overcome our temptation(s) IF we will guard our heart and our mind. Impulse is your enemy. Pray, and the Lord will show you the way of escape. Most of the time the temptation will pass quickly if you do not continue to entertain the thought. Change your focus.

You will win this war, one battle at a time. If you blow it, repent with sincerity and God will forgive and restore you. The fruit of the Spirit is the result of His presence within you. Press in and press on! Victory has already been won for you. 

 

 

 

 

 

Transformed

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IMG_1391The life I live today is very different than the life I lived when I was younger. While I often focus on how far I have to go, occasionally God reminds me just how far I’ve come. There are many people in my life who know “the old me”, the BC ‘before Christ’ me. They are a witness to the transforming power of God in my life.

One of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received was while sharing my story with someone who only knew the ‘after Christ’ me. After hearing some of the details of my past, she said, “I just can’t see you doing that.” 

God’s Word tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that we become a NEW creation in Christ. Many times I struggle with the dead man of my past as I fight through the process of transformation. Some people are blessed with instantaneous deliverance. Most, I believe become a new creation through the renewing of the mind.

What does that mean? Paul,tells us in Romans 12:2, “don’t conform to the patterns of this world.” Patterns represent the values and customs of society. We cannot rely on culture to determine our standard of living. Unfortunately, we cannot rely on religion either. Even within the Christian faith there are many denominations. Sometimes your acceptance there is dependent on conforming to ‘their’ particular belief system or doctrine.

Don’t misunderstand, I am not advocating abandoning the church. The church is not a denomination. It is a body, made up of those who follow Christ. As a body, we cannot function alone, we need each other. Our goal should be to be transformed into the image of Christ. He alone is our example. His Word sets the standard. We renew our mind by digging into God’s Word for ourselves and allowing His Word to transform us. Hebrews 4:12 tells us:

For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Pray: Father, thank You for transforming me through the power of Your Word. Thank You for renewing my mind and molding me into the image of Your son, Jesus Christ, my Lord and savior. When I am confused by the values and customs of the world around me, remind me that Your Word is my standard. 

 

 

 

It’s Better There

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I lost a dear friend this week. When I saw this verse, it gave me such comfort. The pain and hardship of this life are behind her now. She had a childlike awe of God. When we talked about Him, she would soak it up like a sponge, always hungry for more. I can imagine her running into the arms of Jesus squealing with delight. It’s better here! 

 My friend Steph was a giver. We were neighbors for twelve years, and friends for almost twenty. When I was still working Steph came over everyday and took my dogs out. She loved animals and they loved her. When I had a problem she was always there trying to step in and offer a solution. She often scolded me for being too independent to accept help. 

But, Steph lived a troubled life. She suffered from mental illness and a history of drug abuse. I’m not sure which contributed to which, but she was tortured by both.

Knowing Steph changed my perception of people struggling with these issues. It’s easy to judge someone for their shortcomings, but I promise you, no one wants that life. Steph felt deep sorrow over the pain her addiction caused those she loved the most, especially her daughter Natera and her grandchildren. She wanted so much to make them proud of her. But too often, her demons were stronger than her desire to change.

I’m thankful Jesus knows our hearts. He came to set us free and give us an abundant life. Unfortunately, Steph didn’t understand how to fight spiritually for what He had already given her. Her fight is over now. Rest In Peace sweet friend. Thank you for the difference you made in my life.