Monday Morning Memo: Hope in Jesus

The seventh and final truth that Louie Giglio shared in his book, Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table, states:

 

7. My God turns evil into good.

 

Life doesn’t always work out as you hope.  You’re living on a broken planet.  But no circumstance can hinder the seeds we’ve just discussed from being cultivated in your mind.  No hardship or disappointment or disease or divorce or darkness or desert can stunt the growth of godly thoughts from becoming mighty trees in your way of thinking.

 

So plant this in your mind: “We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

 

I think we can all relate to this last truth.  Life isn’t always easy.  Our carefully made plans sometimes seem to blow up in our face and we are left stunned, frustrated and discouraged.  We think we know where life is going to take us…only for it to take a drastic detour which we never saw coming.  

 

So, what can we do when living on a broken planet is what we are destined to do?  Until we walk the streets of gold, we are imperfect people living in a far from perfect world…so it is imperative that we figure out what will make a difference.  Because if we as Christians don’t have a clue what can make a difference in our daily life…why would those who don’t know our Jesus want what we have?

 

As our truth today states, it really comes down to our mind and what we fill it with.   I had something happen recently that helped me understand this concept in a practical way.

 

Here in the Midwest, we had a very rainy, cold, windy spring. It was miserable.  We sat out at our grandsons’ baseball games with 3 layers on, including a winter coat, gloves, earmuffs and a hood.  And we were still cold!  We weren’t sure warm, sunny days would ever return, and I found myself becoming more and more discouraged.

 

Finally, a beautiful day arrived.  I was so anxious to feel the sun on my face, I went outside to walk around our property.  As I perused our landscaping…I was overwhelmed.  Our flowers were gorgeous…even though I had been unable to do anything with them yet this year.  The rose bushes were flowering, the bushes were blooming and the grass was a deep shade of green.  That’s when I felt a quiet whisper from my Jesus.  He said, “LuAnn, see what can happen when times have been difficult?  See what can take place during those times in your life when you think the sun won’t shine again?  If these beautiful flowers can bloom as a result of cold, dreary days…what more can I do in and through you when you go through a dark valley.  I care much more about you LuAnn than I do those flowers…keep your eyes on me and you will see beauty again.”  I then thought about the verses in Luke 12:27-28, “Look at the lilies and how they grow.  They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.  And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown in the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.  Why do you have so little faith?”

 

As Giglio said, “So plant this in your mind: “We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).  Even in the storms…God is working.  Even in the darkest valley…God is planting seeds.  We need to remember that nothing we will face can stunt the growth of godly thoughts from becoming mighty trees in our way of thinking.  Nothing can stop Him from making everything work together for our good and His glory. 

 

I don’t know what you are facing today…but you may feel like all hope is lost.  I’m here to remind you that there IS hope in Jesus.  No matter how dark things look right now…your Savior is working behind the scenes, and He is going to make something beautiful out of these days of discouragement.  Remember, He is able to do far more than we can even imagine so hold on…because I believe brighter, warmer, sunnier days are on the way 

Monday Morning Memo: Firmly Planted

The sixth truth that Louie Giglio shared in his book, Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table, states:

 

6. Jesus is Lord, and Jesus is my Lord.

 

Your God is stronger than anything, higher than anything, and worthy of all praise.  Your God is the Great King.  His kingdom is forever; His plans are unassailable and sure.

 

Plant this thought by memorizing these verses:  “God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

 

When I first read this sixth truth…I sort of skimmed through it and thought yeah, yeah, yeah…I know all that.  Then…I took a few moments to slowly read it again to absorb the truth into my mind and soul.

 

Two things spoke to me.  The first was the beginning, “Your God is stronger than anything…”.  After all I have been through the past three years, I had to ask myself if I truly believed this statement.  If I don’t believe it…I have reason to fret…wring my hands…and give up in despair. If I don’t believe it…then no one would blame me if I said, “My God is stronger than most things…but throw in two torn Achilles tendons, double pneumonia, MRSA double pneumonia, months and months of severe coughing, severe pain, pansinusitis, more MRSA and then throw in some back and neck issues…and well…He isn’t THAT strong.”

 

We can laugh at that…but I know there have been times in the past three years when I have conveyed this message by the way I acted and reacted.  I know my witness has not always been that He IS stronger than anything…my actions showed I thought He was stronger than just most things.

 

The second part of this truth that jumped out at me was, “His plans are unassailable and sure.”  Hmmmm.  Do I believe that?  I looked up the word “unassailable” and I found, “Unassailable refers to something that cannot be doubted, attacked or questioned.  It describes a state of being so strong or certain that it is impervious to criticism or challenge.  It leaves no room for skepticism.”

 

WOW.  Am I so firmly planted in the soul of my Savior, that I can trust His plans…His ways…without doubting?  Do I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that He knows what is best for me?  Do I believe that whatever happens in my life is ordained by Him for my good and for His glory?

 

Oh, I have so much to learn and I am so thankful that my Savior loves me…with all my doubts, faults and failures.  He doesn’t scold me when I fall into discouragement, nor does He tire of my many questions.  He patiently leads, encourages and answers in ways I may never understand this side of heaven. But again…if I am firmly planted in His soul…then I should be able to wait until the day when I see Him face to face.  In the meantime…I need to hold onto the fact that He IS stronger than anything…and His plans ARE unassailable and sure.  There is NO reason to fret, wring my hands or give up in despair.  Because Jesus IS Lord…He is MY Lord…and worthy of my praise! 

Monday Morning Memo: Being Dispatched

There is a saying I’ve heard many times over the years, and I think there is a lot of truth to it.  It is, “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”  Of course, the premise is that if you enjoy what you do at your profession…going to work won’t be something you do with drudgery.  

 

The problem is that many people don’t love what they do to earn their paycheck.  In fact, as I talk with people, it is obvious many hate their job.  Every morning their alarm goes off, and they say it is pure torture to make themselves get up and go to work.  Throughout the day they are continually looking at the clock…counting the minutes until they can escape…until the next morning when they do it all over again.

 

I’ll be honest, this breaks my heart.  Life is so short…and to spend every day wishing it to end…is a tragedy.  Life is hard enough as it is and to throw in the fact that where you spend most of your day isn’t where you want to be…is so sad.  Whether it is the actual work you do which you dislike…the people who you work with…or maybe even both…it makes for some very hard, long days.

 

The fifth truth that Louie Giglio shared in his book, Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table, states:

 

5. I serve at the pleasure of the King.

 

The work of Jesus transforms your work.  You don’t merely work at a job.  You serve Jesus Christ, the King of kings.

 

In light of this truth, here is a new personal vision statement, one you can remind yourself of each day:  I am dispatched by the Holy Spirit, on kingdom assignments, to be light in a darkened world, so others can see Jesus.

 

Plant this thought by memorizing this verse: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9).  

 

I have a friend, Lisa, who really wishes she had a different job.  Honestly, I don’t think she dislikes her job as much as the fact that she has to drive close to 40 miles one way five days a week in all kinds of weather (trust me, the Midwest weather can be brutal!).  She pursues any leads she gets for a different job that would be closer to home…but at this point…no doors have been opened for her.

 

While Lisa has a right to complain because her circumstances aren’t ideal…she has chosen to live out the fifth truth I listed.  She believes she serves at the pleasure of her King.  She believes that the work of Jesus transforms her work and she doesn’t merely work at a job.  She serves Jesus Christ, the King of kings.  And above all, she believes she is dispatched by the Holy Spirit, on kingdom assignments, to be light in a darkened world, so others can see Jesus.

 

So you see, while Lisa doesn’t love her current circumstances…she loves her Savior…so she is using this journey she is on to be a light to those she meets every single day.  She cares about her co-workers and where they will spend eternity…so she makes the choice every day to be a light for her Jesus.  

 

What about you?  Are you currently working at a job or in a profession which you loathe?  Are you struggling to get out of bed each morning, because you know you will hate every minute until you come back home?  I wonder what would happen if this month, you started every day with this prayer:

 

“Father, help me to remember that where I clock-in today, is not just a job…

but an opportunity to serve you, the King of kings.  Bring to my mind, throughout the day, that I am being dispatched by the Holy Spirit, on a kingdom assignment, and I need to be a light in a dark world, so others can see You.  I know I have been chosen by You to impact eternity.  May I make you proud today, Jesus.  Amen.”

 

I can’t help but think your day might go just a little better if you start with this prayer before you even get out of bed.  Trust Him to lead you every step of the way today as you serve the King of kings!

Monday Morning Memo: Our Heart's Desire

Memorial Day.  This is the day when we remember the people who died while serving in our country's armed forces.  I so admire those who have been willing to serve our country so sacrificially.  They not only chose to start a life journey where they would have to leave friends and family, often placed in situations which were far from being comfortable, but then gave the ultimate sacrifice of their life so that you and I can have freedom.  We are free because of those who have been brave.

 

What deeply saddens me is that so many have given their lives for our freedom…but we are now losing many of our freedoms, not because of those outside our country, but because of those inside our country.  Bit by bit…day by day…some decisions are being forced on us that are jeopardizing our freedom to follow the Biblical truths which we hold so dear.  Our country, which was started on Christian principles, is now so far from where it began, that it is, at times, unrecognizable.  The mantra that is now being shoved down our throats is that “everything goes”…as long as Christianity is not included.

 

The day is here my friends where it isn’t only the soldiers that serve our country who need to be brave, but we also, as Christians, need to be brave.  Our religious freedoms are being taken away, and we need to be willing to stand up for what we know to be the truths given to us by our Lord and Savior.  It will not be easy, and it won’t be the popular thing to do, but it is what we have been called to do.  

 

I Chronicles 29 in the version The Message, tells us these words from David:

 

“O God, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, keep this generous spirit alive forever in these people always, keep their hearts set firmly in you. And give my son Solomon an uncluttered and focused heart so that he can obey what you command, live by your directions and counsel, and carry through with building The Temple for which I have provided.”

 

David asked that God would give Solomon an uncluttered and focused heart so he would have the strength, wisdom and courage to do what God would call him to do.  David recognized that it wouldn’t be an easy road but knew that as long as Solomon kept his eyes on His God and his heart pure, God would be with him every step of the way.

 

We serve the same God that Abraham, Isaac, Israel, David and Solomon served and what He did for them…He can and will do for us.  Our job is to make sure that our hearts are where they should be and that our eyes are focused on Him.  He will then give us the strength, wisdom and courage to do what God is now calling us to do. 

 

Today I want to remember those who were brave and gave their all for me.  I do not want their ultimate sacrifice to be wasted by not giving my all to make sure our nation returns to its Godly heritage.  Let’s make sure that those who are coming behind us will have their Christian freedoms…because we were brave.

 

As our graphic says today…just like our flag flies with the last breath of the soldiers who died protecting it…I want it said that the gospel has been spread with my last breath. Will you join me in making this our heart’s desire?

Monday Morning Memo: That Gut Feeling

Guilt.  The dictionary says that this word means, “the state of one who has committed an offense especially consciously; feelings of deserving blame especially for imagined offenses or from a sense of inadequacy.”  It’s a word which can conjure up so many different feelings.  There are times when it is good that we feel guilt…when we realize we have done something wrong and we need to make things right.  But, unfortunately, there are times when, even though we have confessed our wrongdoing…guilt continues to plague our thoughts and actions.

 

The fourth truth that Louie Giglio shared in his book, Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table, states:

 

4. The cross has the final word.

 

The work Jesus did on the cross defines your life.  It gives you victory over death.  You are identified with Christ.  You are a brand-new creation.  You are not unwanted, unlovely, or worthless.  You are wanted by God, made in the image of God, and worthy of Christ’s love because He has chosen to place worth upon you.  Your identity was born in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

 

Don’t let anyone try to convince you of anything that wasn’t demonstrated to you when Christ gave His life for you.  You are forgiven.  Made right.  You are holy in Christ.  You are born into a new family.  Woven into divine plans and purposes.  Your guilt is gone.  You are free.

 

So plant this thought by memorizing this verse, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away.  Behold, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

 

It is so easy to be consumed with guilt.   All of us have things in our past which we wish we could do over.  Misspoken, hurtful words.  Actions which we knew at the time were not what we should be doing…but we did them anyway.  Decisions which we knew would have negative effects on others and wouldn’t be pleasing to God…but we made the choice to go ahead, regardless of the consequences.   As a result, in the quiet of the night, guilt is the underlying feeling in our gut.

 

Fortunately, there is an answer to our guilt.  There is someone who took that guilt upon Him and died on a cross for you and for me.  As a result, when we ask Christ to forgive us of our past transgressions…we can be free from that guilt.  Believe it or not…He forgives and forgets!  Our slate is washed clean.  We can be freed from that guilt that eats away at our gut.  On our own it isn’t possible…but God!  HE makes all the difference.

 

Satan wants you to dwell on your guilt.  He wants you to lie awake at night…playing your past over and over in your mind.  He wants to wreck your sleep.  He wants to wreck your health.  He wants to wreck your relationships.  And above all, he wants to destroy your relationship with your Heavenly Father because he knows if he can keep you dwelling on your past transgressions…you won’t have freedom and victory. 

 

Is guilt overtaking your thoughts today?  If so, I want to urge you to picture your Savior…allowing himself to be nailed to a cross…so that you can be freed from that guilt.  Do you think He would have done that and then thought you weren’t worthy to be forgiven?  I don’t think so.  Give it all to Him today…asking Him to forgive you of any past transgressions…and then live in the freedom for which He gave His all.  Remember, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away.  Behold, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

 

AMEN!

Monday Morning Memo: Living for What Matters

Last week we looked at the truth that we are each fearfully and wonderfully made.  We were reminded that we are not a mistake and that God loves us and deems that we are precious and valued. 

 

I think once we can believe that…it makes the third truth that Louie Giglio shared in his book, Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table, easier to accept.  He wrote:

3. My life has purpose.

 

You were born for a noble reason.  God has good things for you to do.  He has called you to live for what matters.

 

So plant this thought by memorizing this verse. “We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

 

Random things are random.  Evolved things are void of specific meaning.  But created things have purpose.  There is just one you.  You have a unique calling, a reason for being.  Something to do in God’s great story that is important and needed.

 

Don’t buy into the lie that you are expendable.  You’re not.  God put you on earth for a purpose. Your life matters, to Him and to those He is positioning you to serve.          

 

If God created us to be unique…doesn’t it make sense then that He has a purpose for each of us to live out?  Why would He have gone to all the trouble to make sure we were created in His image…to then just “roll the dice” as to what we should be doing and who we should serve?  What a waste that would be.

 

No, He made you and me with exactly what we need to fulfill His plan.  What He has called you to do is more than likely, entirely different from what He has called me to do and that is all part of His design.  How boring it would be if we were all created to do the same thing.  

 

You’ve probably heard the old saying, “Variety is the spice of life”.  This phrase was first recorded in 1785 in William Cowper’s poem, “The Task,” where he expressed that having diverse experiences adds flavor to life.  It emphasizes the importance of encouraging individuals to explore new interests and interactions.  This reminds us that because of our differences, we each play an integral part in God’s plan and purpose and life is much more fun when we are all doing our part.  As Mr. Giglio said, “There is just one you.  You have a unique calling, a reason for being.  Something to do in God’s great story that is important and needed.”

 

I realize that you may not have a clue as to what God’s purpose is for your life.  You may feel like you are floundering and believe it really isn’t important whether you are a part of His plan or not.  You couldn’t be more wrong!  Because you are uniquely designed…if you aren’t fulfilling your purpose…something will be lacking.  Can God accomplish His plan without you?  Yep, He sure can.  But because He loves you so much…He would much rather fulfill His plan with you by His side. 

 

If you aren’t sure of your purpose, I want to urge you to begin praying for God to show you the next step to take.  He will gladly direct you and give you what you need…exactly when you need it.  In doing that, you will begin to feel fulfilled as He unfolds His perfect plan for your life.  Remember, YOU were born for a noble reason.  God has good things for YOU to do, and He has called YOU to live for what matters!

Monday Morning Memo: But God

As I shared at the end of my blog post last week, the 2nd truth that Louie Giglio shared in his book, Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table, was, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made”.  UGH.  To a person whose body is wired backwards, this is a very hard truth to accept.

 

From a person who has fought with serious health issues for many years, it is very hard for me to think of my body as being wonderfully made.  I’ve always said that God must have used leftover parts to assemble my body…because it sure doesn’t act or react like a “normal” body.  

 

This is what Mr. Giglio wrote concerning this truth:

 

You weren’t born by a random act of the cosmos.  God made you with intention, and God made you wonderfully.  God has redeemed you and knows your name (Isaiah 43:1)

 

So plant this thought by memorizing these verses: “You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful.  I know that full well” (Psalm 139:13-14).

 

You are not the maker.  You are made.  God is not created in your image, how you might think He should be.  You are created in His.  He decided that He wanted you in His universe.  He imagined and fashioned you.  You are not accidental.  Nor incidental.  You are divinely crafted.  

 

Plant this seed every day.  In time, you’ll have an oak providing shade for you and those around you.  You’ll begin to believe that you are who God says you are.  Unique.  Special. Valuable.

 

As I read this truth over and over again…God began to speak.  I was reminded that my body is not an accident.  God didn’t create me and then say, “Oops…I sure messed that one up!”  No, I was created perfectly, but if God has allowed things to develop in my body that are far from perfect, He must have a reason and a purpose.

 

The phrase “fearfully and wonderfully made” kept going through my mind, so I googled it and a YouTube cartoon came up with Jesus talking to a child (https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jVgdnq-5fKE)  Their conversation went like this:

 

CHILD:  Jesus, what does Psalm 139:14 mean?

 

JESUS:  It is my reminder to you that you are not a mistake.  I formed you with intention, with care and with a plan only you can fulfill.  Fearfully and wonderfully made means every part of you…your heart, mind and spirit reflects my creativity and love.

 

CHILD:  But Jesus, sometimes I feel weak, small or not enough.   How do I believe this is true and how do I think I am fearfully and wonderfully made when I feel insecure?

 

JESUS:  Step by Step:

1.     See yourself through my eyes.  I know every thought, every struggle, every fear.  To me you are precious and valued.

 

2.     Remember, I made you intentionally…your strengths, your challenges, your unique design…all show my wisdom.

 

3.    Trust my purpose for you.  You are created to reflect glory in ways no one else can. Your life matters even when you feel invisible.

 

4.    Speak truth over yourself – declare my Word over your life…I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  God’s love is in me and I am enough in Him.  When you live from this truth insecurity loses power and my spirit fills your heart with courage and joy.

 

As I watched this video, I heard that I am not a mistake.  I am precious and valued.  I was created to reflect glory in ways no one else can…which means God has a plan for me, even with all my health issues.  His plan is for me to reflect Him in ways that are impossible for anyone else to do…because they have not been given what I have been given.  

 

I’m sure some of you are probably thinking, “Well duh, LuAnn.  You should have already known that”.  Knowing it and accepting it…are two different things.  Yes, I’ve heard this before, but when a person is in the trenches…it is so easy to forget the truth.  It’s easy to become consumed with just putting one foot in front of another…just getting through one health issue after another.  As a result, God periodically must remind us of our worth.  Remind us of our purpose.  Remind us that His plan and timing are perfect.

 

I don’t know where you are today.  You, like me, may feel like you were a mistake.  You may feel like you are a burden to others.  You may feel that there is no way God can use you…with all your health issues, faults and failures.  I’m here to tell you today, that I understand.  I know how hard and intense life can be sometimes and it is so easy to feel like we have no purpose.  

 

All that would be true…BUT GOD.  God makes all the difference.  God loves you so much and He says you are precious and valued.  He has a plan for your life that no one else on this earth can live out…but He knows that you can do it, because He will give you what you need, when you need it.  He believes in you.  Your life matters even when you feel invisible, because you my friend, were fearfully and wonderfully made!