Holy Week is over. Another Easter Sunday has come and gone. Good Friday was the most amazing day for me this year. Yet, it is now apart of history. Resurrection Sunday brought an overwhelming and quite unexpected amount of emotions. Alas, it is in the past just like all the other Easter Sundays of my short life.
As I enter another ordinary week, I can't help but to be sad at how ordinary everything feels. So many spent last week observing Holy Week and what it meant, both individually and historically. And while Resurrection Sunday gave us so much to celebrate, it unnerves me at how fast we get back to our ordinary lives. We give little to almost no thought of the significance of the Cross as we pack our kids' lunches, send them off to school, put another load of laundry in the machine, make our grocery list, and wash the dog. It seems like such an odd match. To go from celebrating our Risen Lord to washing dishes. To go from acknowledging that He is, in fact, ALIVE to mopping the sticky kitchen floor. Only once a year do we take time (and not even all of us do this) to thank God for the sacrifice, to mourn Christ's death on the Cross, and to celebrate His glorious resurrection.
What's worse than only spending one day a year acknowledging this historical event? That we spend weeks leading up to Easter shopping for outfits so that each family member will look his/her best. Finding the perfect outfit with the perfect spring color combination is key. And we buy eggs filled with candy for our childrens' class Easter Egg Hunts. We ask the Easter Bunny to come visit our homes. We even stuff ourselves with food made especially for our families at Easter family celebrations. Lord KNOWS, I do all of this "stuff," too! NOTHING is wrong with any of it. It's just that, for most of us, that's where it stops. That's usually where our celebration of this miraculous holiday stops. Through all of the hustle and bustle of the holiday, just like at Christmas, we pour our energy, money and time into the things that have ZERO eternal significance. All the while, we let this time of year pass us by giving no thought to the true, miraculous, earth shattering, and eternity altering event that took place close to 2000 years ago.
And here's what we often forget - had it not taken place, the Cross I mean, the term hopeless would take on another entire dimension. Those who choose to "not believe" in God - they, too, have NO idea of what it feels like to live outside the goodness of God. Even the non-believers are shown God's grace everyday just by being allowed to wake up and breathe another breath of air. Those of us who choose to believe and those of us who choose NOT to believe, we are ALL shown the love and grace of God everyday of our lives. It is simply because everything that happens to us that is good is from above. Everything, all of it. Can you breathe? It's because of God. Do you have a job? It's because of God. Are you healthy? It's because of God. Can you put your two feet on the ground and walk? It's because of God. Do you have clean underwear to put on your freshly showered body? It's because of God.
And everything good that happens to us is not only because of God, but it is because of what God allowed to happen on the Cross some 2000 years ago. Without it, everything we know about our lives and about this world would change. I don't know where you found yourself this Easter. I don't know where you are finding yourself today now that another Resurrection Sunday has come and gone. What I do hope is that you realize that what was done on the Cross was FIRST, for God, and SECOND, for you. What will ultimately matter is what you decide to do with that realization. Don't waste your life not knowing. Ignorance is not bliss, my friend. Ignorance, for some, means only one thing - hell.
If you...
1. Just aren't sure what all this Cross hype is about, watch the following.
2. Know what all this Cross hype is about, but you are struggling with making it have a real impact in your life, watch the following.
3. Are certain and unnerved by what the Cross hype is about - if you are moved and grateful and thankful, watch the following anyway. You'll need the reminder.
Kingdom: A Journey Through Matthew by David Platt
Linds
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
What Being A Vegetarian & Following Christ Have In Common
Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's founder and CEO, announced on his very own Facebook page his choice to become a vegetarian for an entire year. He stated that he likes to eat meat and in fact, eats it almost everyday. He went on to say that he would only eat meat from an animal that he, himself, killed. He announced this decision by indicating his desire to honor the lives of the millions of animals who give their lives everyday so that others can eat.
Now, as you take a moment to chew on this nugget of information (no pun intended), let me say that I can relate to Mark's rationale behind his new lifestyle choice.
Although I'm not sure of Mark's spiritual journey nor do I have any idea of his belief in God or not, I was struck at how his choice to practice a healthier way of eating looked a lot like the reason why I choose to live my life the way I do. When I made the choice to become a Christian, all I had to do was one simple thing - believe. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life," says John 3:16 (NIV). Believing this verse to be true made me just that - a believer. But the Bible goes on to say that even the demons believe in Jesus. They even know of His true existence. Surely there is more to this Christian thing than just believing, right?
After reading Mark Zuckerberg's post, it hit me. Just like he made the very extreme choice to only eat meat from an animal he killed, himself. Just like he made this very extreme choice as a way to honor animals who give their lives everyday so that others can eat. So have I...except that my decision doesn't involve my diet. I, too, have chosen to live my life in honor of someone who has given His life, as well. Jesus. His name is Jesus. And years ago, He gave His life for me. He suffered because of my sins. It was something He had to do so that I could be forgiven, so that I could live with Him, so that I could know Him.
John 3:16 emphasizes the importance of believing. But it doesn't stop there. I mentioned already that the inhabitants of hell believe. There's more. Jesus said in Luke 9:23 (NIV), "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." In order for John 3:16 to have true meaning in my life, then I must be willing to do Luke 9:23. Believe, realize life is not about me, realize that everything is about Jesus, and follow. John 3:16 is about believing. Luke 9:23 is about following. Jesus was made to carry His cross to His death. The cross isn't just about His death. It's not even JUST about the physical suffering He had to endure. It's about the entire process. It's about His miraculous birth. It's about His life leading to His death. It's about how He was betrayed. It's about how He was hated and mocked and beaten. It's about the crown of thorns pushed down into His skull. It's about Him being made to carry that cross with bleeding stripes on His back up the hill to His place of death. It's about the nails hammered into His hands and feet. It's about the pain He suffered while hanging on the cross. But mostly, it's about the hours He had to endure while His Father turned His back so that His only Son could carry the weight of the world's sin as He hung on the cross.
"After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life, and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." -Isaiah 53:11,12b (NIV)
Being a Christian is more than believing. It involves commitment. It requires sacrifice. It's about following. Thank you, Mark Zuckerberg for this beautiful anecdote. It couldn't have been more perfect. Just like Mark chooses to honor others with his healthy eating. I choose to honor the ONE who gave His life for me. It's not easy. It doesn't come without obstacles or resistance. But it's worth it. He's worth it. He's worth it because I was worth Him dying. But praise God! His plan didn't stop there. Jesus is alive! The love He had for me, for this world, helped Him conquer the grave. "What kind of love says that I'm the reason He can't stay inside the grave," Natalie Grant sings in her song Alive.
What kind of love? Only the kind that matters. Love that comes from the blood of Christ shed on the cross for you and for me. Love that conquered His death. Love that sits at the right hand of God. Love that commands that we share it with the world. This Love has a name and His name is Jesus.
Jesus.
Jesus.
Jesus.
Don't just believe. Follow. Follow Jesus.
Now, as you take a moment to chew on this nugget of information (no pun intended), let me say that I can relate to Mark's rationale behind his new lifestyle choice.
Although I'm not sure of Mark's spiritual journey nor do I have any idea of his belief in God or not, I was struck at how his choice to practice a healthier way of eating looked a lot like the reason why I choose to live my life the way I do. When I made the choice to become a Christian, all I had to do was one simple thing - believe. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life," says John 3:16 (NIV). Believing this verse to be true made me just that - a believer. But the Bible goes on to say that even the demons believe in Jesus. They even know of His true existence. Surely there is more to this Christian thing than just believing, right?
After reading Mark Zuckerberg's post, it hit me. Just like he made the very extreme choice to only eat meat from an animal he killed, himself. Just like he made this very extreme choice as a way to honor animals who give their lives everyday so that others can eat. So have I...except that my decision doesn't involve my diet. I, too, have chosen to live my life in honor of someone who has given His life, as well. Jesus. His name is Jesus. And years ago, He gave His life for me. He suffered because of my sins. It was something He had to do so that I could be forgiven, so that I could live with Him, so that I could know Him.
John 3:16 emphasizes the importance of believing. But it doesn't stop there. I mentioned already that the inhabitants of hell believe. There's more. Jesus said in Luke 9:23 (NIV), "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." In order for John 3:16 to have true meaning in my life, then I must be willing to do Luke 9:23. Believe, realize life is not about me, realize that everything is about Jesus, and follow. John 3:16 is about believing. Luke 9:23 is about following. Jesus was made to carry His cross to His death. The cross isn't just about His death. It's not even JUST about the physical suffering He had to endure. It's about the entire process. It's about His miraculous birth. It's about His life leading to His death. It's about how He was betrayed. It's about how He was hated and mocked and beaten. It's about the crown of thorns pushed down into His skull. It's about Him being made to carry that cross with bleeding stripes on His back up the hill to His place of death. It's about the nails hammered into His hands and feet. It's about the pain He suffered while hanging on the cross. But mostly, it's about the hours He had to endure while His Father turned His back so that His only Son could carry the weight of the world's sin as He hung on the cross.
"After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life, and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." -Isaiah 53:11,12b (NIV)
Being a Christian is more than believing. It involves commitment. It requires sacrifice. It's about following. Thank you, Mark Zuckerberg for this beautiful anecdote. It couldn't have been more perfect. Just like Mark chooses to honor others with his healthy eating. I choose to honor the ONE who gave His life for me. It's not easy. It doesn't come without obstacles or resistance. But it's worth it. He's worth it. He's worth it because I was worth Him dying. But praise God! His plan didn't stop there. Jesus is alive! The love He had for me, for this world, helped Him conquer the grave. "What kind of love says that I'm the reason He can't stay inside the grave," Natalie Grant sings in her song Alive.
What kind of love? Only the kind that matters. Love that comes from the blood of Christ shed on the cross for you and for me. Love that conquered His death. Love that sits at the right hand of God. Love that commands that we share it with the world. This Love has a name and His name is Jesus.
Jesus.
Jesus.
Jesus.
Don't just believe. Follow. Follow Jesus.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
A Remedy
It's no wonder many of us travel through life feeling overwhelmed by our circumstances. We move from one crisis to the next hanging on by a thread. Our emotions shift from sadness to exhaustion to depression to fear. We'll cling to a friend's advice. We'll grab the self-help book off of the shelf. We may even venture to church on the occasional Sunday desperate to hear a hopeful message. We're always surprised when we forget the advice of our friend, disappointed when the methods in our self-help book do all but deliver. And that warm fuzzy feeling that came over us in Sunday morning church quickly fades sometimes before we even make it to the car in the parking lot as we exit the church building.
What if I told you I had a remedy? What if I told you I had the answer to overcoming sadness, conquering fear, finding true joy and peace? Would you listen? Better yet, would you do what I suggest? What if I told you that if you would only do what I recommend, then it is quite possible that you will find purpose in life? That you might even make some new friends along the way? That what I suggest you do might even change who you are for the better? Are you convinced? Have I peaked your interest enough?
Here is my recommendation. In order to have purpose, to experience true joy, to overcome obstacles such as sadness, fear and depression, simply...
Serve others.
That's it. Figure out a way to forget about yourself and put the needs of others ahead of your own. Love people especially the ones who are hard to love. They need it the most. Look around you. What needs to be done? Who needs help? What about those who try to act like they have it all together but you suspect they need love and friendship more than they know? Who is going through a hard time around you? Is someone ill? Has someone lost a loved one? Do you have a lonely neighbor, co-worker or family member? Is there someone in your life with whom you haven't spoken? Would you consider reconciliation?
Jesus didn't spend very many years walking among humans. On His resurrection day, he was merely 33-years-old. Most every minute of His time on planet Earth was taken up with serving others. And in the very few moments we read about in the Bible where He does experience real human emotions - fear (Gethsemane), pain (Calvary), betrayal (Passover) - He always went to the Father in prayer. Always. Every time.
Let me ask you. Have you prayed about it as much as you've talked about it? As much as you've cried about it? As much as you've raged about it?
Let me also ask you. When was the last time you did something for someone other than yourself? And while I have your attention let me offer you a piece of reality. If you wait to serve others until you actually feel like it, you will never do it. Ministry is not about feelings. It's messy. It's rocky. It's scary. It's risky. But it's what was modeled for us through Jesus Christ. Jesus didn't just show up for ministry on Sunday mornings wearing His finest suit with a box of donuts in hand. He didn't stand at the coffee maker with a smile on His face asking everyone how their work week went. He didn't attend a Sunday School class or pass an offering plate or play the organ or count the offering.
NO! His feet were dirty from all His travels. His legs were weary as He walked from one town to the next healing, preaching, and serving. His friends were few but they were dear. His enemies were many only because Truth hurts. He was hated. He was loved. He was mocked. He was embraced. He was betrayed. He was beaten. He was even murdered. But, He is risen!
Don't make His time on this planet and the lessons He taught humankind and the sacrifice He made on the cross all be for nothing. As you celebrate Easter this week, be reminded of what Christ did for you. Why? Because He loves you. And He needs others to know of His love, as well. Which brings me back to the original purpose of this post. How will others know? How will you come to experience it for yourself?
Serve.
That's all,
Linds
What if I told you I had a remedy? What if I told you I had the answer to overcoming sadness, conquering fear, finding true joy and peace? Would you listen? Better yet, would you do what I suggest? What if I told you that if you would only do what I recommend, then it is quite possible that you will find purpose in life? That you might even make some new friends along the way? That what I suggest you do might even change who you are for the better? Are you convinced? Have I peaked your interest enough?
Here is my recommendation. In order to have purpose, to experience true joy, to overcome obstacles such as sadness, fear and depression, simply...
Serve others.
That's it. Figure out a way to forget about yourself and put the needs of others ahead of your own. Love people especially the ones who are hard to love. They need it the most. Look around you. What needs to be done? Who needs help? What about those who try to act like they have it all together but you suspect they need love and friendship more than they know? Who is going through a hard time around you? Is someone ill? Has someone lost a loved one? Do you have a lonely neighbor, co-worker or family member? Is there someone in your life with whom you haven't spoken? Would you consider reconciliation?
Jesus didn't spend very many years walking among humans. On His resurrection day, he was merely 33-years-old. Most every minute of His time on planet Earth was taken up with serving others. And in the very few moments we read about in the Bible where He does experience real human emotions - fear (Gethsemane), pain (Calvary), betrayal (Passover) - He always went to the Father in prayer. Always. Every time.
Let me ask you. Have you prayed about it as much as you've talked about it? As much as you've cried about it? As much as you've raged about it?
Let me also ask you. When was the last time you did something for someone other than yourself? And while I have your attention let me offer you a piece of reality. If you wait to serve others until you actually feel like it, you will never do it. Ministry is not about feelings. It's messy. It's rocky. It's scary. It's risky. But it's what was modeled for us through Jesus Christ. Jesus didn't just show up for ministry on Sunday mornings wearing His finest suit with a box of donuts in hand. He didn't stand at the coffee maker with a smile on His face asking everyone how their work week went. He didn't attend a Sunday School class or pass an offering plate or play the organ or count the offering.
NO! His feet were dirty from all His travels. His legs were weary as He walked from one town to the next healing, preaching, and serving. His friends were few but they were dear. His enemies were many only because Truth hurts. He was hated. He was loved. He was mocked. He was embraced. He was betrayed. He was beaten. He was even murdered. But, He is risen!
Don't make His time on this planet and the lessons He taught humankind and the sacrifice He made on the cross all be for nothing. As you celebrate Easter this week, be reminded of what Christ did for you. Why? Because He loves you. And He needs others to know of His love, as well. Which brings me back to the original purpose of this post. How will others know? How will you come to experience it for yourself?
Serve.
That's all,
Linds
Scripture Memory Verse 7
Well, it's that time again. What are you memorizing this month? It's April 1st and I am continuing on in Psalm 139. Here is my verse...
"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" -Psalm 139:7 (NIV)
Looking forward to hearing from you. Remember to tell us your verse, the address and translation. Have a great Easter. He is RISEN!
Linds
"Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" -Psalm 139:7 (NIV)
Looking forward to hearing from you. Remember to tell us your verse, the address and translation. Have a great Easter. He is RISEN!
Linds
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Scripture Memory Verse 6
Today is Verse Day! I look forward to these two days every month; I really do. I pray the Lord is strategically using your verses to speak to you, to encourage you, to challenge you, and to strengthen you. Here is mine for March 15...
"Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain." -Psalm 139:6 (NIV)
Another passage the Lord brought me to this month was from Numbers. I wanted to share it with you in case any of you would like to memorize it. It is perfect to pray over yourself, your family, anybody!! It is...
"May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace." -Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT)
I can't wait to hear from you. Let me know how the Lord is using these verses in your life. Somebody testify, amen?!
Love y'all,
Linds
"Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain." -Psalm 139:6 (NIV)
Another passage the Lord brought me to this month was from Numbers. I wanted to share it with you in case any of you would like to memorize it. It is perfect to pray over yourself, your family, anybody!! It is...
"May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace." -Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT)
I can't wait to hear from you. Let me know how the Lord is using these verses in your life. Somebody testify, amen?!
Love y'all,
Linds
Monday, March 12, 2012
When Enough Becomes Enough
In the morning she wakes up, pours the first anticipated cup of coffee, showers, puts her make-up on, fixes her hair, dresses, and takes one quick glance in the mirror before heading off to start her day. Before she steps away, she takes a few extra seconds to stare at the image in the mirror. In less than a second, she hates what she sees - the wrinkles, the extra weight, the pale skin. She wonders how her husband would have any interest left in his heart for her. He tells her everyday how beautiful she is. She's thankful for that and wants to believe it for herself, but it's much easier to self-loathe. She takes a few more moments as she stares in the mirror to offer up a few more critical words in her mind. "If only you'd lose a few more pounds," she thinks. "If only you didn't have those stretch marks," she tells herself. "If only your skin was clear," she tortures herself.
As she walks out the door and begins her day, her Father lets out a heavy sigh. He watches her go about her day. He hears her thoughts of self-hatred and wonders how it came to this. As she completes each task of the day, she goes between hating what she sees in the mirror and hating what she perceives to be true of her inner being, as well. The place where she once asked her Father to take up residence is the place she is most critical. She ridicules her personality. She over-analyzes every word she has said. She thinks, "No wonder you have no friends." She convincingly says, "You'll never be liked." She believes, "You are replaceable."
And THAT becomes the last straw. Her Father speaks up. He no longer can just sit back and watch. He takes His place of glory in her heart and with force says, "That is enough." She folds in defeat. She looks up at Him and He motions her over. She climbs in His lap and as she lays back against His chest, He speaks. Gently He says, "For I created your inmost being. I knit you together in your mother's womb. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. I love you." As the tears roll down her cheek, she is grateful for the reminder. In the silence, she is comforted by her Father's presence. She breathes a sigh of relief. In her heart, she waves her white flag and asks her Father to fight for her. He comes to her aid just like all the times before. But this time is different.
She realizes something. She IS fearfully and wonderfully made because she was made in His image. What took place in the spiritual realm as her Father so cleverly wove her together in the depths of the earth was no mistake, no coincidence. Her eyes are opened and she begins to see. She trusts what He promises - that all of the days ordained for her were written in His book before one of them came to be. She begins to live again believing that her future is filled with promise and purpose because THAT is what her Father has promised. She decides enough IS enough. She creates a plan and develops a defense mechanism holy in nature. When the waves of defeat threaten to take her under she remembers her Father's promise. And with that, she lives. With that, her purpose is revealed. With that, her destiny becomes a reality. With her, her Father is pleased.
"If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139:9-10
As she walks out the door and begins her day, her Father lets out a heavy sigh. He watches her go about her day. He hears her thoughts of self-hatred and wonders how it came to this. As she completes each task of the day, she goes between hating what she sees in the mirror and hating what she perceives to be true of her inner being, as well. The place where she once asked her Father to take up residence is the place she is most critical. She ridicules her personality. She over-analyzes every word she has said. She thinks, "No wonder you have no friends." She convincingly says, "You'll never be liked." She believes, "You are replaceable."
And THAT becomes the last straw. Her Father speaks up. He no longer can just sit back and watch. He takes His place of glory in her heart and with force says, "That is enough." She folds in defeat. She looks up at Him and He motions her over. She climbs in His lap and as she lays back against His chest, He speaks. Gently He says, "For I created your inmost being. I knit you together in your mother's womb. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. I love you." As the tears roll down her cheek, she is grateful for the reminder. In the silence, she is comforted by her Father's presence. She breathes a sigh of relief. In her heart, she waves her white flag and asks her Father to fight for her. He comes to her aid just like all the times before. But this time is different.
She realizes something. She IS fearfully and wonderfully made because she was made in His image. What took place in the spiritual realm as her Father so cleverly wove her together in the depths of the earth was no mistake, no coincidence. Her eyes are opened and she begins to see. She trusts what He promises - that all of the days ordained for her were written in His book before one of them came to be. She begins to live again believing that her future is filled with promise and purpose because THAT is what her Father has promised. She decides enough IS enough. She creates a plan and develops a defense mechanism holy in nature. When the waves of defeat threaten to take her under she remembers her Father's promise. And with that, she lives. With that, her purpose is revealed. With that, her destiny becomes a reality. With her, her Father is pleased.
"If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Psalm 139:9-10
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Scripture Memory Verse 5
If this is the first time you are reading a post on this blog about Scripture memory, I pray you will consider joining us. Several of us have committed to memorizing two verses a month for 2012. Each month, on the 1st and 15th, I have posted/will post the verse I have/am going to memorize(d) for that time frame.
This year, I've decided to memorize the entire Psalm 139. It has 24 verses which makes learning two a month quite easy. Please consider memorizing with us. I know it's already March, but it's never too late to jump in. My suggestion would be to choose a verse that is not too long. If you choose a lengthy verse, you may feel overwhelmed and give up before you've given yourself a fair shot. If you're not sure where to start, I suggest the book of Psalms. Psalms is always encouraging and hits on almost every issue in life.
When you've made your selection, simply comment on this blog post and let me know your name, your verse, its address, and the translation in which your learning your verse. (The point of this is to first, hold each other accountable, and second, I just like reading your verse in case I want to learn it sometime in the future.) Here is mine for March 1st...
"You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me." -Psalm 139:5 (NIV)
By the way, feel free to join me in memorizing Psalm 139. This passage is speaking directly to my heart these days. God is simply brilliant and so is His Word. I can't wait to hear from you.
Love y'all!
Linds
This year, I've decided to memorize the entire Psalm 139. It has 24 verses which makes learning two a month quite easy. Please consider memorizing with us. I know it's already March, but it's never too late to jump in. My suggestion would be to choose a verse that is not too long. If you choose a lengthy verse, you may feel overwhelmed and give up before you've given yourself a fair shot. If you're not sure where to start, I suggest the book of Psalms. Psalms is always encouraging and hits on almost every issue in life.
When you've made your selection, simply comment on this blog post and let me know your name, your verse, its address, and the translation in which your learning your verse. (The point of this is to first, hold each other accountable, and second, I just like reading your verse in case I want to learn it sometime in the future.) Here is mine for March 1st...
"You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me." -Psalm 139:5 (NIV)
By the way, feel free to join me in memorizing Psalm 139. This passage is speaking directly to my heart these days. God is simply brilliant and so is His Word. I can't wait to hear from you.
Love y'all!
Linds
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)