PSalm 6 - WHo God Is

Why should God do something for me? What can I do to earn God's actions? The answer is nothing. There is nothing I can do to earn or deserve God's goodness, blessings, love, saving, etc. Nothing. The only reason God does for me is because of who God is.

Many times in the psalms you will see the phrase, "...because of your unfailing love." (verse 4). In this case David is asking God to save him because of God's unfailing love. It is who God is that makes the difference, Not who we are.

When I think about this, I can also see it in terms of how God treats those around me. i can't judge some one unworthy of blessing, because the blessings God gives is about who God is, not the person. I am reminded of the question, why do good things happen to bad people. Again, blessings from God are about God's character, not a persons. Here on earth, we react to other people based on their character, power, charisma...whatever influences us. Our acts towards them are a mix of who they are and who we are, but we need to remember that God does not act that way. In fact, we wouldn't want God to act that way...or I should say, I certainly don't. Currently God acts out of perfect love and goodness. If we were to throw my character into the mix and have what I receive be based on that, what I would receive would certainly be less. My character could only damage the equation.

So why then, do we feel we can complain when we see others receive blessing? Particularly those we see as bad or evil or unfaithful. Do we think that God should deal with others differently than God deals with us? I think God laughs at that attitude, Either that or God would be somewhat annoyed at our inability to love and have compassion.

Yes, I think God is not always pleased with the actions and choices of people...but that is mine as well as the next persons. We may feel like we can point to some people and say that person is truly evil, but isn't sin, sin. Doesn't the Bible tell us the wages of sin is death. It doesn't specify certain sins or a level of sinning. All of us deserve death for our sin, so how can I not allow God (without any judgement from me) to deal with each person in the way God sees fit?


Today, I will chew on this a little bit, as seek forgiveness for my judgement of others. Have you ever questioned what someone else received? Maybe this is a good thought for you to meditate on as well. Join me.

Psalm 5 - Finding God's Path

This morning, I am feeling verse 8, "Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow."

It is actually the second part that catches me...make your way plain for me to follow. As I am meditating on that, I keep thinking, we yes, God does, but it is everything I let pile into my life that gets in the way and hides where God is telling me to go. The Bible is so clear about how we should act and the purpose of our life. We sometimes want God to fill in details about which activity, job, friends, to connect to, but often, the different options can all lead to God's path. The real issue is that we let other things cloud our vision. We can get caught up in fears and worries, worldly distractions, having fun, busyness, and...you name it.

I think it is rare that God hasn't given us just the information we need. The problem is that we block it with all these other things, or sometimes it doesn't look like what we are expecting or wanting it to look like and we just can't see it.

That becomes most apparent to me when I am sharing struggles with a friend and they so quickly point out what is probably very obvious to them and it resonates with my spirit. I am left wondering how I couldn't see it, but knowing it is truth. Of course I can then see how my fears were blocking my vision, or busyness had prevented me from wading in.

Maybe this is a message for me to slow down, because currently, I think busyness is what stops me from seeing God's path fully. I have moments of clarity, but then, they can be so easily lost in the day to day activities.

This sounds silly, but I am realizing that I need to schedule a little time with nothing....a time to listen and follow where God is directing. As I write this, I know that I have been neglecting some friendships that God clearly led me to. This weekend, I need to make that reconnect phone call. God wants us to have a full, abundant life, but not a reckless race to accomplish more...more...more....

Take a little time today (or this weekend) to see God's path and follow it!

P.S. I would ask my readers to pray for my mother and the group she is leading down to Honduras this week on a short term mission trip. If you are interested in trip updates (and you aren't getting them directly from her, let me know and I will gladly pass them on to you.

Psalm 4 - Using the Times of Joy in Times of Discouragement

This particular Psalm is one that I clung to six/seven years ago when I was in a situation where someone was speaking out against me. I kept questioning how long was God going to allow this. For most of the following five years or so, I was left wondering when God would turn the situation around. So this psalm has had a great deal of meaning for me, but today I noticed verse 7, "You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine."

Last night I was out to dinner and shared a wonderful meal with drinks with friends. It was a wonderful experience and we  really enjoyed ourselves. This morning, I am reminded how much more joy I receive from the Lord. God is so good and has brought me such life impactful joy. The flavors of the good food and drink from last night will live in my memory for a short while. I will of course remember that I like the restaurant, but the specifics will be more short-lived. Now, on the other hand, the blessings that God has given me in the last few months with a new move and job, and new friends...that has changed me life and has lasting joy. Each day, I am reminded of God's goodness as I enjoy all of these things.

 It is this joy and these blessings that I can cling to in difficult times. I always file away those times of blessing so that I can remind myself and use them as a sword against Satan's lies when life is in a valley and Satan wants me to become discouraged.

Do you have blessings that you can cling to in the difficult times. Those experiences with God or blessings that you can point to when life is tough and say, I know God loves me, I know God is real, I know God is working on my behalf...

If you have never clung to those, today I urge you to make a list that you can use when life wants to tear you apart. Most of us have seasons when we cry out, how long, o Lord? So let us also have those things we can cling to that help us cry out, I trust you God.

Psalm 3 - A Shield

Can you picture yourself surrounded by a shield? I am sure David had something different than I picture when he wrote this, but I picture a force field that stops everything coming at it. Nothing can get in from any side, above or below. Only, this shield isn't one that the enemy can breach with a strong enough weapon or it is weakens. This is the kind of shield that the enemy just tires itself attacking and has to give up. That is what I picture when I read, "But you, O Lord, are a shield around me;" (verse 3)

David certainly knew times when he was surrounded by enemies and he would fear to sleep because there was no one to protect him from them while he slept. But he had God as his shield and knew God would take care of him. David had a great amount of trust and faith. Regardless of the circumstances, David always turned to God and trusted. He might have spent moments in fear and worry, but turned to God. He is an amazing role model for this and I strive to have a heart like his each day. I would guess that there were days that David failed his faith and trust...and none of those psalms are in the Bible... so, when I have a day when my faith fails, I don't beat myself up. When I am smart, I turn back to the Bible to find my faith and trust and see verses like three that remind me where God is and who God is. God is more powerful and bigger than my enemies and God loves my deeply and compassionately.

Do you know that God is your shield? Do you know that God loves you and protects you? Maybe you have a different phrase that gives you a picture of God that helps you when your faith and trust are failing you. I would love to have you share it.

God bless you today!

Psalm 2 - When the World is Against You

Have you ever felt like the world is against you? Like no matter what way you turn, someone will be after you, whether it is with their actions or their words? It can be very discouraging and we know David experienced this many times. In this Psalm, David cries out because everyone is plotting against them. But David knows that he is loved and chosen by God. He recognizes that God is bigger and more powerful than the those plotting against him. In fact David uses the phrase, "But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them." (verse 4) David knows that the difference in power between man and God is extreme and the idea that mankind can change the plans of God and that they would have that arrogance is laughable.

Life can be discouraging at times and we can feel like people are out to get us, but we need to always go back to God. If we are following God's will and plan for us, than we can completely trust that God will take care of us. God has our back and the plans that people may have to destroy us are laughable to God.

We know from David's life that God may allow thinks to be difficult and life will not be all roses and sunshine. David spent many years on the run from his enemies. But God's plans come win. And along the way, David grew in faith and trust and character.

We need to allow that in our life too. There will be seasons of discouragement and difficulty and we must take those as times to grow in character and faith and trust. We must wait patiently on the Lord, knowing that God has a good plan for us. The darkness may last for the night, but God's joy comes with the morning! Trade your sorrows, sickness, and pain for the joy of the Lord!

Psalm 1 - A Focus on God

With all the situations going on with friends around me, I know I need to be in the Psalms, but I have to admit, I am scared of the commitment of  150 days, so I might not complete the book before choosing another one, but i need to be here for a little while, and here I will be.

So as I read Psalm 1, this passage speaks to me,
"But they delight in the law of the Lord,
      meditating on it day and night.
 They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
      bearing fruit each season.
   Their leaves never wither,
      and they prosper in all they do."

This past Sunday I was reminded that my focus needed to stay on God, I have wandered my focus and allowed me, and my social life to walk to take the front seat.I have been away from activities of ministry and service for  a while and needed to seek God's forgiveness. God is so awesome that my apology was quickly accepted and God returned grace abundantly to me, reminding me of God's love and acceptance. God reminded me that having my social life wasn't bad, it just can't replace God in my thoughts.

The key reminder is, as this psalm expresses is to be focused on God's direction. It is that focus that keeps me centered and keeps me in a life that God and I both feel good about. But also, I think about the word picture in this psalm of what it is like for those who focus on God's direction...trees along the banks of a river - trees that have their thirst quenched. They never want for a drink and moisture. And because of this they are able to bear fruit every season and prosper. This is so true for those who stay connected to God and the Word. There is always a reserve to draw from and if God is your focus that God's works will come naturally and you will prosper. Just remember that prosper means in God's design, not human design. Connection to God means blessings, not necessarily financial wealth.

Do you spend time with God each day? Are you focused on God's Word and direction for you? If like me, you need to refocus in that area, there is no better time than today to ask God for forgiveness and help to make the change. Join me in recommitting to God's service and making God the center of your life!

2 Corinthians 13 - Words of Correction

As Paul closes this letter, he continues to prepare the Corinthian church for his visit. As I read this, one phrase steps forward..."I want to use the authority the Lord has given me to strengthen you, not to tear you down" verse 10b. I see where Paul is going and he wants to find that the church is acting righteously so that he can encourage them with teaching as opposed to use the word to correct them and point out their sin, but I must admit that I don't care for his phrasing...(although it probably plays out differently in the Greek). I don't think of criticizing someone with the Christian truth as tearing them down, because you are removing what is nothing and adding what is Christ, so I also see it as a way of building them up. The difference between what I am envisioning and what Paul is speaking about may be in the level of gentleness. From Paul words, I get the impression that he will be riding into town wielding the word of God, striking down all sin. I believe that we should always speak in truth and love. The truth must be spoken and correction given, but down in a gentle, loving way.

Maybe Paul would claim that there are times when gentle, loving correction would be ineffectual...maybe you would agree. But I am thinking more from the perspective of myself...in the end, I have to live with the words I spoke and if I choose a brash, tear 'em down approach with the truth, I think I would feel guilt over the choice of words (not the message). I actually was talking to a freind about this very thing over the weekend. He had been in a situation where he was having to point out some character flaws in one of his friends, He happened to end up doing it with harsh words. Now, I believe that he was speaking truth about the character flaws, but I completely understood his guilt and the words and tone he used. I had to acknowledge that hios words were harsh and could have been shared with greater gentleness and love, but that the message was true and ultimately, he had to forgive himself.

Consider your words today...when you have to speak words of correction, are they gentle and loving, or are they boldly cutting? Which words will you want to take ownership of tomorrow?

2 Corinthians 12 - Unconditional Love

As I was reading, verse 15 caught my eye. It reads "I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you, even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me." Have you ever felt this love toward someone? You probably have if you are a parent...at some stage in your child's life because all children seem to have a rebellious stage at some point. The bigger question is whether you have felt someone has had this level of love for you. Have you? Has someone ever loved you and your return on that love leaves them feeling like you are not returning that love and in fact that you are growing more distant?

Sadly, I think that could be said of me. I am certainly not proud of it but I hope I am not still making anyone feel that way. Love is a tricky thing though and love has many forms. Sometimes the form of love you feel for a person is a different form than they desire you to feel for them. This can be a difficult situation and you may never be able to help them see your love for them because it doesn't look like that person wants it to. There is no simple solution but to speak the truth of your love to that person in a gentle way, trying to respect the place they are at.

But on the more positive side, we should be trying to show God's love to everyone we meet and therefore help each person to feel loved. Give the love of God freely for it has an unlimited supply and is the greatest love we have to give!

2 Corinthians 11 - Suffering For the Truth

Have you ever been in the situation of having to bring someone a message and have it ignored because someone else with greater charisma said something different? When I was in boy scouts one of the kids in my patrol was cooking and spilled bacon grease on his arm. I (who was his leader) was telling him to put his arm in the bucket of water by the fire, but another, younger boy, who was more popular and had more charisma, was telling him not to....and he didn't.

It is not easy to be telling the truth and have it ignored because someone else with more flash gives a false message. This is what Paul was having to contend with. But Paul decided to demonstrate his commitment by pointing out how much he had suffered to bring his message to people. Basically Paul is drawing on the idea of why would someone suffer for a lie. If the message Paul was bringing wasn't true, why would he be willing to be beaten and jailed for it? People only show this much commitment to the truth. Paul wants the church in Corinth to be able to discern between the teaching of those with silver tongues who preach one message and the message he brings. He knows that the others are better speakers and have charisma, so he points out his level of commitment to the message he brings.

Are you attracted to the good speaker who has a way with words and is easy to get along with, or do you look at the message and the commitment of the one who brings it?

I, and I guess you, too, at times, have been taking in by the smooth words of a person. Maybe they were selling me some product and I bought it because they were likable and spoke well, only to later discover that the product didn't work or really do what was advertised.

God wants us to take the time to being discerning with what we hear and believe. God wants us not to go back and forth in the wind, believing the message of the moment. We need to look beyond the messenger to the message and judge the message based on its merits and truth. Today, take the time to think about what you are hearing about faith and God. Weigh that message against the truths that God has already spoken to you and judge the message independently of the messenger. You might be surprised by what you discover...

2 Corinthians 10 - Seeing Beyong Human Description

Paul makes a couple of good points in this chapter that I really like:

• Verse 12 reads, "Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant!" In this verse Paul speaks to a standard of measurement and points out those who use themselves as the standard of measurement. While we see it all the time, it seems so silly to set yourself up as the standard. We are fallible humans. How can we possible be a standard. If we measure ourselves against an imperfect standard, then our goals are to be imperfect. Why shouldn't we push ourselves to perfection. It may be an unreachable goal, but it will push us to be the greatest we can be. Those who measure against themselves are really trying to feed their own ego, not achieve the most they can. The thing that makes it really silly is that there is always someone out there better at something than us.
• The other verse that stood out for me was 18, which reads, "When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them." Consider what it means to be commending yourself. It means that you have gauged yourself against the standard and find yourself to be good. This is fine, but then, to brag about it...If you are so good compared to the standard, than why isn't someone else commenting? It is better to let your goodness show and say nothing. If you are to be recognized, let God take care of it. God can use any number of people and ways to point out your goodness at something. The recommendation of another is far stronger than self recommendation. 

In both of these ideas, we see something that is prevalent, people trying to create the image of their own greatness. Think about the people you have known like that. Do they really impress you? They might for a time because we awe at some skill or level of knowledge, but that fades quickly. Ultimately, the person that we honor is the one that others commend or whose skill/knowledge moves us to comment to others about because we ourselves notice, not because they put it in our face.

In this letter, Paul is reminding the Corinthian church to look past what someone is saying of themselves and to make their own judgement. This is important on both sides of the coin, both where someone is bragging, and where a negative reputation proceeds someone. God wants us to examine the heart of a person, and see God's presence inside of that person and honor it. Don't honor what is imperfect and human, but what is glimpses of God. Don't see someone as the great things that person has said about themselves or as the past errors that person has made. See them as God has formed them and is molding them. See God shining through! Is there someone in your life that you have let the words of other humans paint your picture of them without examining their heart? Maybe today is the day to stop, examine that person, and see what God shows you.

2 Corinthians 9 - PLant More Seeds

Well, here we are again, with Paul and his phrasing, but today I want to focus on the idea in verse 6, "Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop."

As I read this, I started to consider, this idea carefully. When you are working in your garden, you have to expect a certain percentage of the seeds you sow not not germinate, this is why it is better to over plant with seeds and then remove the excess if necessary. I had never really thought about applying that to our ministries for God. But let's consider that for a moment, becasue we actually do it in many areas of our life...

• If you were applying for jobs....don't you apply for more than one?
• If you are cooking for a party...don't you prepare a little extra?
• If you are going on a trip...don't you pack a few extras items of clothing?

We often over _______ (fill in the blank), so shouldn't we also do that in our Christian walk? Christian action plants seeds for those around us. Should we restrict our Christian action? Of course not. We should be considering the righteous way to do each and every action, conversation, and interaction. Whther you are interacting with believers or unbelievers, plant many seeds. Make each and every thought, deed, and word one that would be pleasing to God and can be used by God.

Let your faith be integrated into your life. Unlike the garden, you will not have to remove excess seedlings that sprout because all are good and all will be cared for and nurtured by God. In the Christian harvest, the one who sows is not always the one who nurtures, or the one who harvests.

Spread God today in every situation and see how the Son shines into your life!

2 Corinthians 8 - Let God Do It Through You

Well, I have to admit that I am struggling with this chapter, Generosity is a good thing but Paul's method rings of manipulation to me and that hits a difficult chord for me. I don't know about you, but when someone tries to manipulate me into doing something, I tend towards stubbornness and a desire not to do it. Not one of my prettier traits for sure,

So, I have to ask myself, why did Paul choose this method? It is not the only time he did something like this. We also see this in the letter to Philemon. And Paul is very clever about it, using flattery and saying things so the other person feels the importance of doing what Paul wants them too. He points out what the other churches are doing...reminds them how generous they have been in the past...points out their leadership in this project...and that others have given beyond what they can afford. I have to guess this method worked and Paul felt it was more appropriate that telling them what they needed to do. Also, (I haven't looked into it) I would guess there are some cultural resons for this choice of methods.

Aside from my aversion to being manipulated...looking at this situation, Paul is setting up the church to share in a way that takes care of people's needs. He reminds them of the need of the Jerusalem church and points out that when those people are in a better place and the church at Corinth is in need, the help will flow the other way. The idea was that the church would take care of itself and be one of God's instruments for caring for God's people. I think it would be interesting to try and coordinate that today. I don't want to imply that it isn't happening, because there are many church bodies that are caring for and sharing financially with church bodies in need, but to coordinate the church as a whole, across denominations) to this task.

In some ways, this reminds me of welfare...a redistribution of wealth. The question is how effective can it be. We certainly don't read in the Bible about instances of this being abused, so maybe it wasn't. I hope so, because I would like to believe that the church could accomplish what the government can't quite, Of course it can, when it is directed by God! One more reason to fully submit to God because under God's direction, we can accomplish things which are beyond out human tendencies. So that is the message I am going to choose to cling to from this chapter...submit to God and allow God to direct your paths so that you can accomplish God's work and let it have God's effectiveness.

Sorry for the somewhat ranting nature of this post.

2 Corinthians 7 - The Hard Conversation

Have you ever had to tell someone something you know they didn't want to hear? Maybe you feared that person would be so mad at you that it would ruin your relationship. When I run in to these situations, I am always looking for the easiest way to do it. Maybe I will hold off as long as possible hoping that they will realize the problem on their own or that someone else will say something first. And if I have to tell them, I look for a time when they are in a better mood...or I write to them instead of telling them face-to-face. Yes, I am a person who avoids conflict. God has a sense of humor about it though, because God has forced me into situations where I have to stand up for myself or point out a wrongness to a situation or pay strong personal consequences...and I have gotten much better.

Paul was in this situation with the Corinthians. He shares with them in this chapter that he had feared to write and confront them, but he had to do it. He is expressing joy that the rebuke caused repentance and that the church in Corinth was not upset with him. I can imagine his relief, because I too have felt that when I have had to confront someone and later found out they weren't upset with me.

Like Paul, my motive is often to help someone, not hurt them with the hard words I have to share with them, but to help them. And this is appropriate. As we read, in the Bible, the word is good for correction and reproof. In spite of our uncomfortableness, we need to have those hard conversations when they impact someone's spiritual life. Don't fear and trust that God will take care of it all!

2 Corinthians 6 - Standards

In this chapter Paul is talking about the circumstances of his life and how they prove him a Christian. He talks about what he has been through for the gospel but also lists some character attitudes in verse 6. "We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love." I was looking at these qualities:

• purity
• understanding
• patience
• kindness
• Holy Spirit within
• sincere love

Paul used these as standards of proof and I think it is a good list. A list which I can see areas where I am doing well, and areas where i need work. When I think of Paul meeting these standards and going through all he did for the gospel, I know he is someone I would like to meet, although I think I would feel intimidated by him and his faithfulness. I would someday like to be a person that fully fulfills all these traits he has listed. But as I said to a freind last night, if we were perfect, we would be dead, so I guess it is OK that I am not quite there yet. How are you doing on the list? Can you identify areas of strength and weakness?

I am going to set a goal for purity...purity of thought...purity of motives. How about you? What area of this standard do you need to move closer to?

2 Corinthians 5 - Giving Up Human Judgement

"So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view." v. 16a

This statement reached out to me today. There are definitely themes in this chapter that I have written about in the last couple of days, but this one, single phrase spoke louder to me. It made me ask myself, have I? In so many ways I think the circumstances in my life have guided and molded me not to judge others in the way that the world judges them, but I can also see times when I do. I meet someone and I see some trait that annoys me instead of seeing them as God's special creation. I hear something about their past and start seeing them through that lens. It is sad, because I, of all people, don't want others to look at me in those ways. I want others to see the heart of who I am. I think the problems lies in when we find things in ourselves that we don't love. That seems to prompt me and open me up to seeing things in others to judge. It is like, if there is something in me I don't like, if I find something unlikable in someone else, that makes me not so bad. It is really pathetic....the way many middle schoolers are. Tear someone down and you lift yourself up. The truth is, if you tear someone down, you don't lift yourself up, you just end up with two people down. The quality of judging others doesn't lift you in anyway, it makes you less of a righteous person.

So how do you stop judging others from a human perspective? For me, the way to start is to always try to see God in another. Search out those traits that God has placed in that person that God can use to affirm you and remind you of God. It may not always be easy. The second thing for me is to really focus on who the person is today and who they want to be. This isn't easy to do without getting to know the person a little better, but in getting to know them, you will see more of God. The key is to search out the best in each person and cling to it. The more you see and respond to the pieces of God in someone and as the person they are becoming, the more those traits will come out. This is one of the ways we can affirm God in others and help them to become the person God is molding them into.

Is there someone in your life that you are having trouble seeing through God's eyes? Pray for them, pray for you to see God in them, and take some time to get to know who they want to become. You may find a great treasure!

2 Corinthians 4 - Growing the Spirit

I was talking a a dear friend last night whose sister had a brain tumor removed yesterday and as he was sharing how well things went, he also shared that another friend's mother passed away. This woman had fought through cancer. My friend had gotten a text that she had broken her hip...then that the fall had been caused by a heart attack...and finally that she had gone to be with the Lord. I knew this woman only in my prayers as my friend had been asking me to pray for her in her struggles this past year.

As I read this chapter, it was verses 16-18 that spoke to me, "That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever."

I am reminded to focus on things eternal. Yes, bodies break down, but spirits go on. The Bible tells us that we will receive heavenly bodies. We know that this one, that we have here on earth is just for this place, but God is molding our character into perfection, working on us until the day we die, preparing us for work in the heavenly kingdom. Earth is not really our home. It is the place we live and in our temporal thoughts, it is home because we don't remember/know anything else, but the truth is our time in eternity with God, in God's Kingdom will be much greater and is our true home.

While we don't know too much about what it will look like and all that we will encounter there, just like we would for a trip, we can look up information to help us prepare. The Bible tells us a great deal about heaven (I can recommend Randy Alcorn's book, Heaven if you are looking for a book that walk you through what the Bible says about heaven) and we can use this to prepare. We will find that it is our spirits, not our bodies that we need to work on. Therefore, focus on eternal things, those things that will last and remain when life on this earth is finished.

2 Corinthians 3 - Would God get the job?

What kind of recommendation would you give for God if someone called and asked? Would you have wonderful things to say about God? Now, what if your life was God's recommendation, what would it say? Would people looking at your life be interested in God and wanting God around, or would they decide not to interview God further?

Verse 2 reads, "The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you." Paul was speaking to the fact that the lives the people in the Corinthian church were living was a letter of recommendation for Paul and how he had brought them to Christ. But how much more are we a letter of God's work. Just as verse 18b says, "...And the Lord - who is the Spirit - makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image." But this only happens when we open ourselves to God and allow God to mold us.

So today, I plan to look through my heart and see those areas where I am allowing God to have control and mold me...and see what areas I am holding back and reflect on what my life looks like to someone who might want to know Jesus. Will they be encouraged to get to know God, or are those areas where I reflect myself instead of God going to send them looking elsewhere?

I want to be a strong letter of recommendation for God. I would like to think that others' would look at the way I live my life and say they want to know the people that shaped me...my parents and God. What about you? What does you life say about God? What strengths of God's does it speak of? What weaknesses of your might people think God has based on your life? Take the time today to examine yourself and think about your life as a letter of recommendation...would God get the job?

2 Corinthains 2 - Grief and Joy

As I read this chapter I was looking for answers, which I didn't find but instead found these verses, "For if I cause you grief, who will make me glad? Certainly not someone I have grieved. That is why I wrote to you as I did, so that when I do come, I won’t be grieved by the very ones who ought to give me the greatest joy. Surely you all know that my joy comes from your being joyful."

Paul is trying to avoid a situation where he has to correct the Corinthian church in person, knowing that he will cause them grief, thereby breaking his heart and making his visit unpleasant. He would rather write to them and give them the corrections and feedback to correct the situation before his visit so that they can enjoy a time of joy when he comes.

But what really got me about these verses is somewhat outside of what exactly Paul was saying. For if I cause you grief, who will make me glad? Have you ever been in a situation where you must cause some one grief and it breaks your heart? How do you do that? I walked into today's reading knowing that I have to make a choice that is likely to cause grief to someone. I was looking for answers as to dealing with the situation and I received a reminder that the grief I cause, will also be my grief. It is always a difficult situation when you must cause another grief, especially when that person is someone you care about and you know that how they feel will have a great impact on how you feel. We struggle to see someone we care about in pain.

So how do you deal with that kind of a situation? Well, Paul wrote a letter in hopes that the Corinthians would solve the issue before he came for a visit. Unfortunately, that will not work in this situation and my question of what to for was not answered by these verses, but I received a valuable reminder that I need to be careful. Maybe the answers will come as I continue to meditate on this chapter and other verses God brings to mind.

My call to you is to do what you can to maximize the joy of a healthy relationship with Christ in those around you. knowing that in their joy, you will find joy and in their grief, you will find grief.

2 Corinthians 1 - Purpose in Suffering

I don;t think I could have ended up with a more fitting chapter for me. I needed this reminder for me, both as an encouragement and a reminder as to part of God's purpose for me. For those of you who have known me for awhile, you know that the last six years of my life have been filled will challenges, roadblocks and suffering, I can relate to Paul's comment, "We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it...But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead." verses 8 & 9. There were many times in the past six years that I thought that season wouldn't end or that I couldn't live through it, and neither could my faith. Fortunately, like Paul, the lesson I learned was to rely on God and not myself. Something which increased with time. (Oh, that I could have learned that fully right away). But, as I read some of the other verses in this chapter, I am encouraged and reminded that my suffering and circumstances help me to walk through others' suffering and struggles and offer them the comfort of Jesus Christ. I particularly like verse 4, "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others." I believe that God walked me down the road of the last six years. Along that road, God built my faith, God remolded my character to make me a more compassionate person, and come to love the person God created me as, and God put on my heart a passion for helping others who struggle in life and feel like they are outcasts from society.

All of us have suffered, all of us have received the comfort of God. The question is what do we do with that? Do we use that as a catalyst to see others' suffering and walk with them to offer them what we have received, or do we use that to crawl into ourselves and live in our challenges? I want to encourage you to let your suffering inspire you to to reach out to others.

Funny, as I write this, I am reminded of some of my friends (who may be reading this) and I realize you, too, have used your suffering to reach out to others and I hope this encourages you that you are of God's path. For those of you who are caught up in the suffering, know that if you allow it, God will use your suffering to help and inspire others. And in that service, you will find joy and purpose for your trials. For me, them became objects of growth for me and experiences that would help me to better understand and help others. God will walk you down that path too, if you are open to it. It will also bring you freedom for the discouragement and depression we can get into when we focus on our suffering.

Not only does this chapter encourage and affirm all that I have walked through, but it also it like a trumpet call, reminding me that is is my purpose to provide comfort to others. To remember that many are suffering and that we were not meant to walk through that alone. God walks through all of our suffering with us, but sometimes God uses us to be that human hand that embraces a friend near the end of their rope, God's voice to pray with a person so discouraged that they can't see past the darkness, or God's ear that listen's to all the woes, fears, and worries so that they can be released from a friend's heart and replaced with hope. Do you hear that trumpet sounding? Can you see someone around you who needs God's comfort? Do you see someone God is calling you to reveal those parts of God to? Don't ignore that call! Sometimes, one word, one gesture acted out in God's purpose makes all the difference to someone. As God has walked with you, walk with others!

The other piece of this...if you are walking the road of suffering, know that around the bend is blessing. I want to encourage you by saying that the six year season of great challenges and difficulties did come to an end for me and God brought me to my own "Promised Land", filled with milk and honey. God brought me to a new place and a new life that is the rainbow at the end of the flood of my life. Oh, I know I will still have challenges and walk in suffering, but I will always have the encouragement of what God has done for me as a reminder of God's faithfulness! Seasons of suffering do not last forever and God's blessings will fall to you in your faithfulness to God.

Esther 10 - Good Deeds

I want to start with an apology...I have had some computer issues and have been using my morning time to try and fix them...and hallelujah, yesterday I finally did.

As I read this chapter, I started to see similarities between Mordecai and Joseph. Both did things for a king which resulted in their elevation to a position of influence that allowed them to protect the Jewish people. As I thought about this, I also considered that neither of them seem to have done these things with the motivation of gaining power. They were motivated by doing the right thing and helping other people...being instruments of and for God.

What about the good deeds we do? If you are like me, I am sure their is a mix of those that are motivated by kindness and those that are motivated by hope of what you will get in return. It seems like an obvious answer if we pose the question about which God can use in a more powerful way...but the truth is that when we do things without selfish ambition of desire for a certain outcome, God has more room to operate. Also, when we have developed a habit of doing right and kindness, we will see those returned to us...in ways beyond what we could imagine. You never know what kindness you do will influence another. It may be what sparks them to do a kindness for some one else, or it may be that they come to respect you and allow you to have influence over other decisions and events.

Today, begin a habit of righteous kindness. Open yourself as an instrument to God and see how God uses you!

Esther 9 - Joy = Giving

So the Jews have victory and and declare a celebration, but I love the most about all of this is the way they choose to celebrate. Let's look at what verse 22 reads, "He told them to celebrate these days with feasting and gladness and by giving gifts to each other and to the poor. This would commemorate a time when the Jews gained relief from their enemies, when their sorrow was turned into gladness and their mourning into joy."(emphasis mine) 


I love that in recognition of their joy, the response is to give gifts. Not just to each other, but also to the poor. When I look around at society today, I see many people who also celebrate holidays in this way, focusing on others, but I also see those who focus on themselves. I often ask myself, how this world would be different if all people were more focused on themselves than others, even if it was just on holidays. Could we have times when no one went hungry and no one felt like they weren't cared for? And if we could do that a few days of the year, couldn't we do it for everyday?


Statistically, there is enough food grown on the earth for each person to eat and not go hungry. The problem is that we have many places where food sits on shelves and as it gets old, some of it is thrown out and there are other places where people walk miles to get a few mouthfuls of cooked grain...or find that there is nothing left for them.


I don't have the answers or the solutions, but I pray that God will provide them. But I do want to highlight a program that a bunch of people I know are doing, and could be done by people all over, if they could spare a little bit of time each week. These people have set up a deal with a local Big Y grocery story and once a week they pick up the leftover bakery products and deliver them to ministry that feeds the poor. I happen to know that the local Stop & Shop also has groups that pick up the older baked goods regularly and deliver them to a variety of places that need them. 


So I ask you, does your local grocery store do this? If they don't and would be willing, could you find four other friends, and each one of you pick up these baked good once a months and deliver them someplace where they could be used to feed those in need? How would this spread? Could your example spark a change much greater than yourself?


I challenge you to pray. Maybe God has a different plan for you, but look around and listen to God's call and see how you can celebrate the joy your have in the Lord by giving gifts to others and the poor!

Esther 8 - Restoration

This chapter continues the theme of restoration and God's care. The thing is that Mordecai and Esther could have given up many times. It was their persistence that allowed God to bring restoration. Funny that I read this before my morning run...I have just upped my distance and this morning I was trying to cut down my time/pace. I kept thinking that it would be easier to stop and give up, but I kept remembering the persistence that Esther and Mordecai showed in the face of what could be very discouraging circumstances. I kept convincing myself that I could run just a little farther. I set mini-goals and each time I got close to one, I decided I could run just a little farther. Eventually, I found myself at the end of my run, having gone the distance.

How often have you given up on something? Would you persistence have given God the chance to operate in the situation and demonstrate love and grace in that situation? Can you run just a little longer and see if you can make it a little bit farther? Take a few more steps and see what God has around the corner.