Monday Morning Memo: Reporting for Duty (Again!)

As many of you know, the season we are currently experiencing…is not my favorite.  I live in Indiana, so I know that more than likely winter will be long, cold and snowy and I like none of those things.  So, while I try really hard to not complain…I often fail and I find myself whining and complaining not just to anyone that will listen…but even griping to my Jesus.

I mean, for pete’s sake…He was the one that turned the water into wine.  He is the one who raised Lazarus from the dead.  He is the one who separated the Red Sea so that the Israelites could cross on dry ground.  Surely, if He could do all those things and more…He could make the weather be more to my liking this time of year.  They are calling for our highs for this week to be in the negative numbers…surely this is an oversight on the Lord’s part!

We can laugh at that…but if I’m honest…I expect my Jesus to do all kinds of things to make my life more comfortable.  I don’t know about you, but I don’t like being uncomfortable.  I don’t like any form of suffering.  I don’t like it when I have to do things that push me way out of my comfort zone and so it is easy for me to find myself telling Jesus what He needs to do to make me feel better.

This past week, during one of my grumbling sessions, I came across a devotional I wrote four years ago.  Obviously, Jesus was dealing with me on this issue then too and what a wakeup call to realize that all this time later, I’m still in the learning process.  This is what I wrote then:

Do you know that moment when you read something and you feel like God put the words there just for you? It’s not so bad when what you are reading gives you a warm fuzzy feeling; but it isn’t near as much fun when the words slap you right between the eyes.

This is what happened to me this past week.  The words? A quote from Corrie Ten Boom: “Don’t bother to give God instructions; just report for duty.”  Oh man…did I have to read that?  Why couldn’t I have read the verse, “Thou shalt not steal”?  I don’t ever struggle with wanting to steal. Or why couldn’t God have impressed on me the saying, “Stressed spelled backwards is desserts”?  Now THERE is something to make me feel good and celebrate!

No, He led me to read something that made me squirm, because if I reflect on some of my recent prayers, they have sounded more like a to-do list for God, instead of seeking His direction. Why do I do that?  Why is it so easy to fall into the trap of telling Him what I think He should do?

I know He wants me to pour out my heart to Him.  I know He loves to hear my desires and my dreams; but the problem arises when I am more concerned with what I want than what He wants.  When my today and my tomorrow is spent instructing Him to do what would make me happy…there is a problem.  The reason is that what I think will make me happy, may not be good for me at all.  What I think should happen in the lives of my loved ones, may not be beneficial to them in the long run.  He can see my tomorrows and the tomorrows of my family and friends and so it is in Him that I need to put my faith and trust.

As I have reflected on some of my recent conversations with God, I have realized that many of my sentences began with, “Lord, please do…..”, or “Lord, I need you to…” or “Father, they need you to…”  I’m beginning to think that maybe my prayer time might be more productive if more of my sentences consisted of, “Lord, open my mind to what you have to say”, and “Father, work your way and Your will in my life and in the lives of my family”. In doing this, I am giving Him free reign to do with me what He sees best.

Scary?  You bet it is; especially for a control freak like me. But I can’t think of anyone in this world that I would rather trust with my today and my tomorrow than the One who created me.  So my plan this week is to enter into His presence, bow down at His throne and just say the words, “Father, I’m reporting for duty.  Lead me where you want me to go.”

So here I am…four years later…still needing to be reminded that I should be willing to report for duty no matter where I am or regardless of the temperatures outside.   “Lord help me…chattering teeth and all…to trust you enough to go and do whatever you ask of me, instead of sharing my to-do list with you today.” 

“Lead me by your truth and teach me,
  

 for you are the God who saves me.
    

All day long I put my hope in you.”

                                                  Psalm 25:5 (NLT)

Monday Morning Memo: Praise God!

Well, this past week has brought on a range of emotions.  A week ago yesterday, my 91 year old father took his last breath on earth…and his first breath in Heaven.  I am so thankful that I was able to be with him in his final moments.  

So many things ran through my mind after he passed away.  I felt relief…because he wasn’t suffering anymore.  I felt joy…because I knew he was receiving his eternal reward.  I felt sadness…because I would no longer see him here on this earth.  I felt jealous…because I knew he was probably hugging my mom…and oh how I miss her.

So many feelings to digest and deal with throughout the week as arrangements were made for his viewing and funeral.  My parents had made it much easier on us since they had prearranged their funerals and my dad had even listed exactly what he wanted for his service.  He was always a man who did his work with excellence and that was even apparent as he made known his final wishes.

As we greeted those who were so kind to come and offer their condolences, the theme was the same.  Over and over again we heard that as a result of Dad’s ministry…many had accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior.  Because of Dad’s ministry…marriages were saved.  Because of Dad’s ministry…some had become pastors and missionaries. Because of Dad’s ministry…many were serving their Jesus in their daily walk.  Dad had probably one of the greatest ministries that I have ever known. The churches he ministered in grew in number and in converts and many lives were changed.

At this point in this post, you may be thinking that my dad was perfect.  He was not.  He had issues and quirks that sometimes drove me crazy.  He and I butted heads different times because we didn’t see eye-to-eye on things and of course, I was usually right J  But, he would have probably disagreed with that!

But do you know what?  Even though my dad wasn’t perfect…God used him in a mighty way for His Kingdom.  He was able to take an imperfect child of His to reach so many.  My dad didn’t have to become perfect to be a vessel that God could use to bring Him glory…he just had to be willing.

That, my friend, gives me hope.  It is so easy for me to get bogged down with all of my issues and quirks and when Satan tells me that I’m not worthy to be God’s vessel…I believe him.  I take my eyes off of my Savior and put them on myself and that’s when all my imperfections just seem insurmountable and I want to give up.

Praise God…He doesn’t require perfection.  Praise God…He has a plan to use my short-comings for His glory.  Praise God…He loves me just the way I am…with all my faults and failures.  Praise God…He is able to do far more with and through me than I can even imagine. Praise God…that I was raised in a Christian home by imperfect parents who were willing to allow God to use them. 

Dad and Mom…until we meet again someday on the streets of gold…may I follow in your footsteps, allowing God to work in a mighty way in and through me for His Kingdom.  

Praise God!

“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.  If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

1 Peter 4:11

Monday Morning Memo: Excuses Part 2

I shared with you last week that the Lord has been working in me.  He’s been trying to get me to completely trust and obey Him without giving Him a list of excuses as to why I can’t do what He wants me to do. 

As I wrote last Monday, I had been asked to fill the pulpit for a pastor on December 30^th, and I immediately had a list of excuses why I couldn’t do this.  But the Lord gently let me know that my excuses were lame and that He had the power to help me accept this invitation.

I felt really good about this opportunity…until 24 hours before I was to preach. Saturday morning, I woke up and started sneezing before I ever even got out of bed.  As the day went on, I felt worse and worse.  By evening…I really didn’t feel good at all.  I was sneezing, coughing, had a sore throat and my chest was hurting.  I just felt lousy overall.

I went to bed early and all I could think about was the fact that to preach, I was going to need my voice.  On top of that, I not only needed my voice, but I needed to be able to speak without coughing my head off.  I just had no idea how in the world I was going to be able to share with this congregation the next day.

“Coincidently”, I was reading a book that day that I had asked for at Christmas called, Faith Like Potatoes.  If you haven’t read this book, I highly recommend it.  It is the true story of Angus Buchan who was just an ordinary farmer in Africa who needed the Lord.  After he realized that and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, his life made a radical change.  His book tells story after story where he had faith that the Lord would provide and work in a mighty way…and He did. 

As I read that day, I was so challenged to do more “stepping out in faith”.  Angus has learned that God has the power to do anything and we just need to put our trust in Him and let Him work!

So as I laid in bed on that Saturday night…I felt the Lord asking me if I had enough faith to trust Him for Sunday morning.  I really sensed that He wanted me to remember that He already knew all the details for Sunday and I needed to claim HIS power to be able to preach.  He had led me to accept this invitation and so He would make sure and see me through.

I woke up Sunday morning still congested and didn’t feel well at all.   As I drove to the church, I just kept telling the Lord that the day was for His glory…not mine…and that I was going to claim His power. I asked Him to give me the strength needed and I didn’t want people to know that I wasn’t feeling well.  I even decided to step out and ask Him to please allow me to get through my sermon without coughing at all.  I was laying it all out…and expecting Him to work.

As I entered the church, I could feel His Spirit at work.  My voice cleared and I had the privilege of meeting many members of the congregation.  I continued to pray and claim His power during the service leading up to my time to speak.

When it was time, I began to share and my voice was strong.  Twice during the sermon, I could feel a little tickle start in my throat, and each time I claimed His power to take the tickle away.  The Lord came through in a mighty way and the first thing my husband said to me when we got in our car was, “You didn’t cough at all!” I felt humbled…blessed…and had a new understanding of God’s power!

I realized after that day, that my word for this year needed to be “POWER”and I needed to claim the verse in I Samuel 12:16, “Now stand here and see the great thing the Lord is about to do!”  I’m guessing that many times I don’t see His power at work because I am in the way. I look at too many trials from my human point of view, instead of claiming His power.

I shared last week that I have been going through a time where my spirit has felt unsettled…not sure what the Lord wants me to do next in my ministry.  I’ve come to the point now where I realize that I just need to keep walking through the open doors that He puts in front of me. I don’t have to worry about anything long-term…just keep following Him and trusting that HE has the power and strength to see me through.

What about you? Are you ready to claim God’s power in your life and instead of making up excuses…put your faith and trust in the One who can move mountains?  I hope so…because I’m excited to see what He has on the horizon for you and for me!

Monday Morning Memo: Excuses

For several months, I have felt unsettled.  This isn’t unusual for me, especially following a surgery; and since I had two surgeries in a ten-month period, it really hasn’t surprised me.  It usually takes so much out of me during recoveries, that I often end up feeling depleted in many ways.

As my strength has started to return these past months, the unsettledness started as I began to seek where the Lord is leading me in my ministry.  Is He going to open up doors for a different area to serve Him…or am I to continue doing what I am doing?  I even asked our small group from church to pray that I would sense His leading and that I would be willing to serve Him in whatever opportunities came my way. 

But when I was sent a message the end of November asking if I would fill the pulpit for a pastor on December 30^th, my first thought was to answer “No”.  I immediately had all kinds of excuses go through my mind:

1.     Our daughter would still be visiting from NC, so I wanted to worship with her at our own church.

2.   We were to have several family activities that week prior to that Sunday and I knew I would be tired and wouldn’t have a lot of prep time.

3.    I had not preached since my last surgery, and I just wasn’t sure my mind was in the right place yet to share the Word from the pulpit.

I’m sure you get the idea.  The Lord was opening a door…and I was immediately ready to slam it shut.  

I then thought about how those excuses would sound if I was standing face to face with Jesus.  I’m guessing He might just roll His eyes, maybe shake His head and say, “LuAnn, you’ve been praying for open doors…so I give you one…and you immediately have every excuse why you can’t walk through it.  Don’t you think I can give you the power and strength needed for that day?”

I asked the Lord to forgive me for my excuses and for my lack of trust for His power…and then I answered that “YES” I would be able to help this pastor out.  I immediately began praying for direction as to what I should share with this congregation and I don’t know when I have felt so led by the Holy Spirit.  He guided me every step of the way and I thoroughly enjoyed my time of preparation.

Why am I often so quick to rattle off excuses when the Lord opens a door for me?  Why do I pray for direction, but then when He gives it to me, I don’t trust Him to walk through the door with me?  You know, I often wonder why the Israelites were always second guessing what they were told to do…I’m not sure I’m much better!

There is a second part to this story…and I’ll share that with you next week.  For now, I’m wondering if maybe the Lord is opening a door for you to walk through, but you’re listing every reason you can think of as to why you should slam the door shut.  Believe me, I know where you are, and I just want to urge you to maybe rethink your excuses.  Would you want to list them if you were face to face with your Jesus?  If not, then why not start by telling Him “YES” and then let Him walk with you every step of the way.  I guarantee you that He will never let go of your hand…and who knows…you just might end up enjoying the journey! 

^“So, let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.”

James 4:7-10 The Message

Monday Morning Memo: Dancing Dots

Several months ago, I was sitting with my four-year-old grandson and we were texting his aunt, my oldest daughter.  After we sent her a text, Elias got all excited and said, “Grandma!  Dancing dots…dancing dots!”  At first, I had no idea what in the world he was talking about, but then I looked at my phone’s screen and I suddenly realized what was causing his excitement.  While Erica was answering our text, there were three dots on my screen that were moving. That told us that she was currently in the process of writing her answer to our text.  

Elias was so thrilled because he knew that those dancing dots meant Aunt Erica was writing us back and he could hardly contain himself.  He knew something good was coming…he knew that his beloved aunt wanted to “talk” to him.

As we face the start of a new year, I’m guessing that some of you are excited because you can hardly wait to see what Jesus has in store for you in 2019.  At this point, you are just watching the “dancing dots”...knowing He has each 24 hours planned and will be in conversation with you each and every day.  You know He loves you and wants to have constant dialogue with you and you are just waiting with anticipation as to what Jesus will accomplish through you in the year ahead.

Then, I am also fairly confident that there are some of you who aren’t a bit excited about the coming year.  You aren’t even looking for the “dancing dots”…because you are convinced that Jesus wants nothing to do with you.  You’ve listened to Satan’s bullying as he’s told you that you aren’t worth conversing with our Heavenly Father.   He’s told you that your past is filled with actions and behaviors that Jesus would never forgive.  You are facing 2019 with no hope…no peace…no excitement…and definitely no dancing dots.

I want you to know that what Satan is filling your ears with, couldn’t be further from the truth.  Jesus loves you so much and wants to spend time with you every day.  He wants 2019 to be the best year of your life…filled with moments and events that will make you look more and more like Him.  He created you in His image and there isn’t anything you can do to stop Him from loving you.  You don’t have to clean up your act before He will love you…He loves you just the way you are…but loves you too much to allow you to wallow in your sin.  He is just waiting for you to realize your need for Him and ask Him to take control of your life.

Jesus wants us to wait with excitement as He unfolds His plans for us this coming year.  The question then becomes…are we anxiously watching and waiting for his “dancing dots”?  I am and I sure hope you are too!

Happy New Year! 

“Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG)

Monday Morning Memo: It's Not About Me

“It’s not about you.”  If that statement sounds familiar, it probably means you have read Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life.  It is the very first sentence in chapter 1. He goes on to say, “The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness.  It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions.  If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by his purpose and for his purpose.”

Warren’s words have been coming to mind often this past week as I’ve been trying to prepare my heart and mind for Christmas.  Unfortunately, of all the holidays that we celebrate, I’m guessing that Christmas is probably one of the hardest for many to realize that it’s not about us.  All we have to do is turn on the television, the radio, open up one of the zillions of ads that we are bombarded with and we are told over and over again what WE need. We need to buy this…we have to have that…we need to make sure and include this on our Christmas list.  We won’t be happy, and our life just won’t be complete unless the gifts under the tree are exactly what we want.

I can’t believe that this is what God had in mind when He sent his Son into the world on that night so long ago.  I can’t imagine that His plan was to have his Son born, so that once a year I can be selfish and hope I am showered with gifts.  If that is what His desire was, He wouldn’t have even had to have a baby be born.  He could have just started a tradition of a day that we celebrate called, “ME-DAY”. 

What would it be like if, several weeks before my birthday, my family would come to me and give me lists of what they want me to buy for them to celebrate the day I was born?   What if when my day arrives, they all run in and say, “What did you get me?  Where are my gifts?  What are we going to do to celebrate me?”  I’m guessing I just might be a little hurt.  I’m guessing I might feel somewhat neglected…somewhat disappointed in those who I thought loved me.

I wonder then how Jesus feels when we hand Him our lists of what we want.  When we hound him over and over again, telling Him what He needs to do for us and how He needs to bless us.  I wonder if He feels a little hurt.  I wonder if He feels a little neglected…maybe disappointed in us for saying that He means the world to us but showing something different with our actions.

I’ve come to the realization that Christmas is not about me.  Unfortunately, it’s not about you either.  It is all about Him.  The precious, tiny baby Jesus entered this world because of His great love for us. He entered this world so that He would grow up to become a very important part of history.  His story is one of truth, hope and love for you and for me. His life entered this world so that one day He could pay the price for the things we have done wrong.  His life brought us salvation and He was willing to sacrifice everything He had for you and for me.

Doesn’t it make sense then that Christmas, His birthday, should be all about Him?  I happen to think it does.  

As we celebrate Jesus’ birthday tomorrow, let’s make a point to ask Him what He wants from us. Let’s do everything we can to show Him, not just with our words but also with our actions, just how much we love Him. He should be the guest of honor of our celebration so let’s make sure He knows that it IS all about Him! 

“There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God’s angel stood among them and God’s glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you’re to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger.”

                                                      Luke 2:8-12 The Message

O come let us adore Him

O come let us adore Him

O come let us adore Him

Christ the Lord!

For He alone is worthy

For He alone is worthy

For He alone is worthy

Christ the Lord!

Monday Morning Memo: Ewwwwww

I’m sure you will be thrilled to know that I have a pet peeve to disclose with you today. You may share this irritation with me…but never thought it was something to write about.  Well, maybe it isn’t, but I’m going to do it anyway!

It seems like many hotels have something that looks like this photo.  I actually took this picture a couple weeks ago in one of the hotels we stayed in and I’ve seen this same thing many times before.  If I asked you what this was, I’m sure most of you would immediately say that it is a hook which is often seen in hotels on the back of the bathroom door.  I believe that the idea is that you can put your robe or towel on this hook so that they are in arm’s reach after your shower.

The idea is great…but the problem is that it doesn’t work.  This particular hook doesn’t hook!  The two “arms” that protrude aren’t shaped like a hook…they just basically stick straight out and don’t even do that very far.  So, when a person attempts to use this like it was meant to be used…whatever is hung usually ends up on the floor.  

Oh, it looks nice and it is recognizable as being a hook, but the bottom line is that it really isn’t what it appears to be.  You can clean it…shine it…put it at any height on the door or wall, but unless what you are hanging is rather sticky…it just can’t come through with doing the job it was designed to do.  As a result, I’m usually irritated when I go to reach for my towel and it is on the hotel bathroom floor…ewwwwww.

Don’t you just hate it when what you see isn’t what it appears to be?  Maybe a hook doesn’t upset you…but what about something that is a little more important.  What about that person you met that sure appeared to be a Christian? They cleaned up well, knew all the right words to say…but when their faith was put to the test…they pretty much fell to the floor.  You thought for sure they had a close relationship with Jesus, but you were grossed out when their walk didn’t match up with their talk.

First of all, none of us are perfect.  There isn’t a Christian alive that never messes up…never fails in their faith…never sins.  We are all human and unfortunately, we all have weaknesses that can disappoint others. So, does that mean we can just use that as our excuse and not care whether our walk matches our talk?

I don’t think so.  Even though we aren’t perfect, I still believe that our goal should be to make sure that when others get to know us, they see someone who is always striving to be a devoted follower of Christ.  If others see us living in a way that doesn’t line up with our Christian values, what good is our testimony?  Regrettably, if we aren’t what we appear to be, we will probably turn more people away from our Jesus than towards Him.  

Maybe this Christmas, the best gift we can give to those we meet is our “real” self…with all of our faults and failures…but with a sincere, genuine love for our Savior. Others really don’t need to see another phony representative of someone who just appears to be a Christian, but lives in such a way that is against His teachings.  Time is of the essence and eternity is on the horizon, so our walk needs to match our talk.  If it doesn’t, I’m guessing all others will say is…ewwwwww.  

 

“Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. 

Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ 

is among you; if not, you have failed 

the test of genuine faith”.

2 Corinthians 13:5