Eagles

Our Heavenly Father:

Takes You

Breaks You

Blesses You

Rebuilds You 

Uses You

This is a cyclical Process And, it is a never ending process for faithful believers.

The ironic thing is, we cannot even begin to control the prompt beginning of this cyle or its immediate end in our lives. We must function and rely on God's time, which is so far different than any human construct of time.

When we commit our lives to God we have been "taken", and we have been told back to our Creator. We have given our lives to an authority. We are no longer our own. We have free will, yet we understand that our freedom of decision pales in comparison to the life that our God has already planned for us. And this makes sense, as the God of all things would construct a more meaningful life for His children than our own simple and sheltered plans, wouldn't He?

But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. Luke 22:26

God then proceeds to break us. He breaks us from bondage to sin. And, He breaks us down to nothingness-but our soul.  It is beautiful. Pride has no room in the Kingdom. Arrogance does not coincide with His will. Anger cannot live next to Prince of Peace. We are broken from earthly emotion and taken away by our Redeemer. Yet, we will still live surrounded by sin and temptation. We are human beings created by the Eternal God but through the flesh of the Earth. We will face sin each and every day, yet the "pre-existing condition" we come to the cross with will be broken away so that you can be more fully and wonderfully redeemed. You will be broken. You may face physical ailments, emotional heartbreak, or bewilderment. But, we would never understand the inherent failing of the flesh if it was never broken. Through brokenness we stand in blatant contrast to the glory of God. We become weaker, and he shall be lifted higher. We are made less, so that He can be praised more.

 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.  Psalm 34:18

Brokenness allows us to empathize. Brokenness allows us to proclaim the goodness of God which only becomes greater when we are in the lowest points in our lives. "Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of God." To be used by God you must submit to God. When you submit to God you will be broken by God. After you are broken by God you will be blessed by God. In a world of uncertainty, that is a great and steadfast promise. 

My favorite verse in the Bible is Is Isaiah 40:31. It reveals something fascinating about the Christian walk...

"..but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength. 
They will soar on wings like eagles; 
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint." 

I heard an eye-opening sermon on this verse a few months ago. This verse does not state that we will slowly walk proclaiming the Gospel, become empowered enough to run, and then soar on wings like Eagles as saints closer to Heaven. Maybe, we will find our God and be filled with the Holy Spirit to the point of joyous exaltation, rising on wings like eagles, longing for every opportunity to spread the Good News. As we grow and mature in our faith though, God will break us. We will face trials and temptation. We will be persecuted. We will have times of running, and we will certainly have times of walking. We may even have times where we feel that we are crawling, just trying to make it to the "finish line". We are not all Billy Grahams. And thank God for that. We will be used once we have been broken..over and over again. God desires humble leaders. We will not all become momentous leaders in our faith as we grow older resulting in increasing endurance and vigor. We may become confused, torn apart, and lost. But we must always remember that whether we are walking, running, or rising on wings like eagles, we are being utilized by a great and mighty God to bring peace, and proclaim the Gospel. 


We are rebuilt in the Word. We are restored in the Word. We are taken by our Father, broken for His purposes, rebuilt for Kingdom use, and used for walking, running and rising. Let us not lose hope! 

Spark

2 Corinthians 4:1

"Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart". 

Did you catch it? So often we forget about the fact that the perfection, revelation, and spreading of the Gospel is our Lord's ministry-not ours. We have been called through grace to partake in the ministry that our Heavenly Father has already paved for us on this Earth. He has paid the price on the cross. He created the ground on which we walk. He IS the Word. He does not need us, yet He desires us. His creation was formed for praise. This is why we serve-to bring Him glory. I pray I never let myself feel "empowered to spread the Gospel" instead of feeling humbled by the centrality of the Cross in my life. 

Recently, I had the opportunity to serve on a mission to Cambodia.  One evening, a fellow missioner prayed that we never lose sight of "God's mission for this country". He reminded us that it was the Lord's ministry in Cambodia. It was not our "duty" or "responsibility" to bring the Gospel to Cambodia. Instead, we have been called into the work that Christ is already performing in the lives of His children and regions all over the world. Our spiritual gifts, given by God, are what we must utilize. We are called to bring Light the world. You see, the spark is already engrained in our being. The spark of our Heavenly Father is in every single one of us. Our Spiritual Gifts are tools our God can use to help light the spark in others. This is why we must never waste the Spiritual Gifts He so graciously gave us. They are not for us. They are for Him. They are used to light the ministry that is already in action. And, they were given to us intentionally. They were placed in our souls to be utilized in His grand plan that has already been masterfully designed. 

So what is our responsibility if God's plan will be performed regardless of our contribution? We are asked to be aware of His plan, available for His call, and acknowledge the Holiness of our Savior. Let God be God, and let us be His servants. 

Something has been pressing on my heart so much recently. I wrote a blog called "The Call" a year ago, and much has changed since that time. 

I am beginning to see that the Call or the desire God has for our lives is a combination of multiple factors: 

The call of your life may not simply be spoken onto your lips by God. It may be a blend of innate passions, your divinely given spiritual gifts, the circumstances in which you have been creatively placed, the hopes you have always entertained, and the place where you see the most fruit being produced. 

God will use you just where you are and exactly how He created you. Of course He will, That is WHY He created you anyway! Our God is a God of consistency and omnipotence, yet He is also a God of action. We must be aware of, available for, and stand in acknowledgement of His work. 

I don't know about you, but I have wasted too much time searching and looking toward the future for where God wants me. I will tell you where He wants you. He wants you right now. Right Now. As you are reading this He wants you to praise Him and revere Him.  By searching for a place to bring our own ministry, we overlook God's ministry that is happening at this instant. We are missing the ministry that has began before time itself was created, and the ministry that will never end. 

Any ministry we create will crumble. It is not built on the plan that has literally shaped EVERYTHING.

Instead of searching, let us partake. Let us make ourselves available. Let us make ourselves aware of His plan and ministry. And let us acknowledge our Holy God in all aspects of our life. 

Hebrews 8:6 "But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old, as the covenant he meditates is better, since it is enacted on better promises."  

Koinonia

1 John 1:7  "But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all our sin."

It is easy to list the important components of Christian Growth. First you have the Text. We must learn, rehearse, pray over, use, and remember the Text. Then you have prayer, the eternal conversation with your Savior.  What should follow in line after core personal development?
The Bible speaks of one term 19 times in the New Testament. Translated to mean "fellowship", "service", or "sharing, the Greek word Koinonia encompasses the act of true ministry within the Christian Faith.
In addition, Koinonia is frequently mentioned alongside the Father, Son or Holy Spirit. Koinonia can only exist in the presence of the the Trinity.
Two weeks ago I had the incredible opportunity of Koinonia in the beautiful country of Honduras. My two previous years in Honduras were centered about Vacation Bible School, teaching, and constructions efforts and progress. This year was much different. I saw the incredible bond of my fellow team members and the relationship they had built over the years with one another. They had been members to a home church for many years and understood the importance of having Christian brothers and sisters. I desire this so much. With the moving and transitional life I have had my entire life, I so long for a home church where I grow in the joy and love of many generations and many years. The week in Honduras also taught me that true fellowship must be centered in truth.
There is nothing as devastating as wasted time.  We have SUCH a short time on this earth to build relationships with a foundation in and of the Spirit.
Maybe, the Holy Spirit IS fellowship. It's peaceful presence in our life, and it's fulfilling presence in times of loneliness is our Koinonia. When we have no one, the Holy Spirit is our fellowship. The Holy Spirit is our authority and our guide. And, the Holy Spirit is our comforter in times of distress. The words of God advise us to never feel lonely, as fellowship and Koinonia with the Holy Spirit satisfies our human desire for relationship, and our eternal longing for a Savior.
Paul encourages the church and people of Corinth with these words, "the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all".  (2 Corinthians 13:14)
I never thought of fellowship as an internal relationship and an external ministry. But then again, how would we have ever known how to serve others in Christ if Christ had not first served us through the Spirit? The Holy Spirit is the perfect demonstration of fellowship. The Bible says that the Holy Spirit is grieved for us. The Holy Spirit teaches us. The qualities of empathy and learned doctrine are important not only in our internal growth but external service.
Finally we must look at Koinonia as a noun to fully understand the verb. Koinonia fils our hearts so we understand how to serve the Kingdom. Something I have found so mind-blowing is the fact that no matter the language, no matter the background, and no matter the future, Koinonia overshadows things of the Earth. Here is what I mean, As a Christian, how easy is it to identify fruit of the Spirit in your brothers and Sisters in Christ? When God is present, He does not hide Himself. It is easy to identify goodness. Koinonia does not stay silent or hidden either. When we allow the Holy Spirit to fill our lives, we can easily fellowship with others who partake in Koinonia.
Just as the Holy Spirit crosses Earthly barriers, so does fellowship, and so does ministry. There is a reason why the bible has translated Koinonia to mean both fellowship and sharing. Fellowship is meant to be understood through self experience with the Spirit, and then shared with all.
Let us listen to the Spirit, and take the qualities of the Spirit and bring them to the table. Let us bring them to our friends, to our family, and to those who refuse to believe in Jesus Christ's healing power. Let us never underestimate the power of fellowship rooted in the giver of life and the founder of all that we can comprehend.

Koinonia is Fellowship. Koinonia is Sharing. Koinonia is Service. Let us remember this order, this progression, and this call from our God.

"God is FAITHFUL, by whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord"
1 Corinthians 1:9.

Cross Roads

She is wearing a Belmont tee shirt, fun hipster glasses, has her iphone right beside her, and is intently staring at her computer screen. She has a biology text book sitting across the table that she occasionally glances at after refreshing her Facebook pages and Twitter news feed. She looks like a typical college aged woman checking the social media and academic tasks off of her agenda for the day. 

By now the girl probably thinks I am the creepiest human being that has ever walked into her local Starbucks. First, I do not look I am a permanent resident of Louisiana like she is. Second, I continue to notice the intensity at which she has tuned out the world around her. She has so masterfully done this due to the fact that she is wearing earplugs. Not headphones, but full on earplugs. Now that is taking studious computer work to a whole new level. But I cannot help but wonder why she is here. If she wanted peace and quiet, she would have stayed at home to study biology and pine away on Facebook. If she wanted her daily dose of caffeine, she would go through the handy drive through. 

She wants to be in the presence of people but does not want to really listen to them. Or, maybe she doesn't want to hear them. The thing is, we are here for a reason. Often we do not want to hear people's chatter, people's sob story, or people's viewpoints that differentiate from ours. Maybe, we are these "people" to someone else. Maybe, Ani (she looks like an Ani to me), was dreading my approach from the second I got out of my car. 

Let us Position Ourselves at the Crossroads

As Christians we must always position ourselves at the crossroads. We must position ourselves on the road frequently traveled. Sometimes the road most frequently traveled is not the right one. And that is exactly why we must be roadblocks and speed bumps on that road. We must be the direction givers when one becomes lost. 

Israel is miraculously positioned on the crossroads. The central location between three of the world's most influential religions was not by accident. God desired for Israel to be as much a destination religious mecca as it is a pitstop of learning within the journey. The crossroads is where we learn more than the destination anyway, isn't it?

 Christian brothers and sisters, we cannot wear ear plugs at the crossroads. We need to hear the dirt of the world to be able to empathize with the broken. We cannot "tune out". We cannot flock to one singular school to escape the reality of the world. We cannot plant our home in the middle of the countryside to escape "sinful city life". We must bring the gospel on the subways. We must bring the gospel to the homeless. We must bring the gospel to the gated neighborhoods within our region. 

I am not worried about our technological generation from the sense of losing communication skills. I am worried that we might miss something. That we might miss an opportunity to meet people at the crossroads of their spiritual journey. 

Earth is the Crossroad

Yesterday I received a message that changed everything for me and prompted me to write this blog. A dear friend of mine was diagnosed with Lymphoma. This disease has halted her life. She is scared and she is looking for answers. In our lives, we will frequently face the brokenness of earth. The brokenness of earth only becomes clearer when contrasted with the perfect nature of God.  As people at the crossroads we are not expected to answer the question of "why" circumstances arise in people's lives. But, we are called to declare the truth that this world is not forever. This world is not a death sentence. This world is the crossroad between a life of existing and living.  It is under our free will to accept the road Christ made for us, or choose to live of and for the world. 

Cross-Road

The roads we travel must be OF the cross. The roads we travel and situate ourselves on must bleed the blood of Christ. Isolating ourselves from the "noise" would have never allowed us to see Jesus carrying the cross for us. Jesus drew a crowd. Let us draw a crowd. Let us stand at the Crossroads, waiting for the lost, confused and hurt to walk down the road and into our lives. They will come..they are already searching. 

We must remove earplugs and truly listen to the hurts of our community, and become mission minded individuals willing to aid the pain of this world. Earth is a short, yet crucial crossroad. There is something better awaiting us. Now, let us commit to being the best givers of directions. We cannot sacrifice clarity for temporal comfort. We cannot "tune out" the lost. We must direct them past their crossroads to roads of the cross. 

"I will seek the lost and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak..."

Ezekiel 34:16

The Slide

Usually I try and write blogs in the middle of bustling coffee shops, or at least in the presence of "the ordinary life". I love seeing people in their natural habitat, and people watching has always been my favorite hobby. So much so, that one of my greatest friends bought me a poster to hang in my room stating, "the world fascinates me".
So, I decided to do this same thing today. Enter into the most "normal" of environments. A place where human beings have no front or illusion as to who they are.  I find myself at the home of the supersize...Mickey D's. I walked in the door and immediately smelled Egg McMuffins and the sound of hash browns grilling in the background. Yep, I had arrived.
I searched for a table, and there were none to be found. I guess this really is the most happening place in all of Monroe, Louisiana. I decided to go into the play place section of the restaurant as no kids were playing at 8 am this morning.
Before the lunch time rush that I now hear all around me,  I  heard a woman speak some of the wisest words ever spoken. This mother patiently said to her son, "Honey be careful...that slide is so steep.  I want to make sure I can see you as you slide down.  I want to keep you safe."
She did not even know I was in the room, as I was purposely situated behind the play pen to avoid distraction. This woman anticipated danger, sought a solution, informed her son, and kept her eyes on him the entire way down the slide.
Isn't our heavenly father just like this? The instinctual emotions we have as humans for our children or siblings to keep them safe comes from our Father in heaven. And, if we believe we were made in the image of God, our Lord has these emotions when He looks at His children..you and me.
The moment we decide to become reckless, engage in activities that do not please Him, or endanger our bodies, He promises to watch us as we slide down. He promises to be standing at the bottom of the slide to pick us up. And, He promises to always keep us safe.
We enter on to steep slides all the time.
We cannot abuse the love of our Father. Just as we hope to not worry our mother and father with our well being, let us always remember that our actions on earth worry our Eternal Father in the same way.
The mother and son just came down and sat right next to me at the aluminum looking McDonald's table. They are bringing me warmth and peace in such a stark environment. Real, authentic love seems to have a way of warming a cold soul, a cold environment, and a cold world. I just heard her remark to her sister (the boy's aunt) "He will tire himself out..don't worry...He will come down and rest soon".
God is a serious God. Yet once again, if we believe we were made in His own image, our God is also a God of pure humor and comedy. I can imagine our God looking down on our actions, shaking His head and remarking, "Ahhh Alexa, she will tire herself out eventually. Sometime soon she will find rest in me." The pace of our lives on Earth only bring us to collapse at the feet of our Savior.

Let us learn to avoid slides as to not worry our Father in heaven. Yet, we must always remember that at the bottom of the slide our God has His arms open wide to catch all of us. He watches us knowing that at some point soon...we wil get tired of the play pen. We will mature...But we will always need his consistent authority, and compassionate eye.

"Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children ² and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." 

Ephesians 5:1-3

Selah

<sup>Luke 1:19-23


19</sup> And the angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.²⁰ And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” ²¹ And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. ²² And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. ²³ And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home.




Wouldn't it be amazing if we learned how to be silent after hearing from a messenger of the Lord? Often, our earthly bodies cannot encompass the fullness and richness of heaven-sent words. By silence, we intrigue others to search for the root of the news instead of spewing our own interpretations on and "feelings" of God's words. We eliminate our filter on God's will and let it not only marinate in our own souls, but also touch those in our community. 
This muteness was such a change in character for Zechariah, that others knew that God had touched him, simply by his new demeanor. Will we let God's will penetrate our souls so deeply that our friends notice an outward change in our appearance? Will we stand with "unveiled faces beholding the glory of the Lord", or allow the earth to form its own facade? (2 Corinthians 3:18)   
The bible speaks of this "waiting period". The moments between the Holy Spirit's declaration of truth and fulfillment of God's promises can wear us down and allow regression into things of the world. Let us look at what the Lord says in regards to this time that requires endurance.


a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;  Ecclesiastes 3:7 


Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise;
    when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.  Proverbs 17:28


Sometimes, we just need to learn how to shut our mouths and let God be God. Maybe, the Holy Spirit can work without human intervention...maybe..just maybe. Silence speaks louder than words, especially in a culture where noise is the norm and silence can be scary. 


There is a reason men and women in monasteries have chosen to be silent during times of fellowship.  They have allowed the Holy Spirit to become so engrained in their daily thoughts and tasks, there is no room for discussion of the temporal. 

Zechariah continued to make signs to His friends-He used action.  He did not need words. Fellowship with believers is encouraged, but the Lord will fulfill His promises no matter what. Instead of filling the waiting period with discussion of the "here and now", silence keeps us focused on the intangible promise God has promised us. Intangible action on our part allows for the Holy Spirit's intangible actions to become tangible. 


Let us allow the Lord to direct us. And, let us allow the Holy Spirit to take over our words so that we can simply meditate upon the Gospel. 


Let us be an intelligent generation of Christ Followers. The ones that speak less, listen more, use signs instead of useless noise, and await the fulfillment of His promises. 

Empty Nester

College is such a weird time. For many, it includes moving away from your parents and away from the comfortable.  It means moving away from the normal and into the unknown. And, for our parents, the consistent routine of making breakfast, packing lunches, and waiting up for us late into the evening for curfew. 

As we grow up we often hear the saying, “Life moves so quickly..enjoy every moment..” For the Christian Faith there are two distinct “moments” that we must embrace, understand, and cherish. First, we have our time on this side of heaven. Second, we have our eternal time with our Father in Heaven.   
But did you catch what was just said? God has never stopped being our father, and our authority. I am beginning to see that as Christians, we often forget that our Father is our father now, will be our father forever in Heaven, and has long been our father for eternity. If time is not attached to the Lord, and He really is the omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent God that we fear and love, we have always been His children and always will be His. He is our father before we were conceived. He is our father while we fall into sin on this earth, and He is our father when we meet him face to face and become “like Him for we shall see Him as He is”.  (1 John 3:2) We will never be perfect in the flesh as Jesus Christ lived and breathed. But we will be “like” our father again one day, without weakness or imperfection. And for once, we can see our Father as He really is for everlasting life. These glorified bodies will be without sin and error: we will never grow sick or die. 

Let us keep in mind that as Christians, we know the end of the story. Let us also keep in mind that God knows the end of the beautiful story He has created. This being said, God has allowed his created children to step into a world with uncertainty. Just as our parents let us step into a new college environment, or move to a new state, Jesus allowed his perfect children to enter into a world of sin.
I do not believe that the earthly sadness of parting ways with my parents at my college orientation can compare to the strength it takes for our God to witness His creation facing temptation daily on Earth. God did not have to do this though...God does not have to do anything. Instead, we are placed on this earth with one great decision: with our free will, will we choose to return to our father in Heaven and listen to his commandments for his children. 

The family unit we have been blessed with on Earth is just as much for our growth and enjoyment as it is a clear analogy of our Father’s love for us.  The love of our earthly mother and father is something we can appreciate and comprehend. Our eternal father though has even more interest in our well being and our pursuance of Himself than our mother and father. For me that is often hard to imagine, but it certainly adds gravity to the concept of “free will”.
Just as God allowed his sons and daughters to walk on an earth that would later be tainted by sin, we are allowed to choose if we return to the place He has created for us. God has a lot on the line for us, doesn’t He? 

God has taken on the role of “empty nesting” so that we can grow, learn, trust, and grow in FAITH. Without leaving the Lord, we would never be able to learn about what it means to have a family, grow in a marriage that is the representation of Christ’s love for the church, or have our own children and let us feel parental responsibility. 

In fact, God gave us the right to become children of God. The Lord let us be lights in a dark world, even though we face and fall to things of darkness. “He gave the right to become children of God, who were born not of blood nor the will of the flesh nor the will of man, but of God”. (John 1:12-13. We were born of God, and love in a world that is now not of God. Yet, he allows it.  He allows it for our learning and for our free will. He blesses us with an option to return to Him once more. And, he blessed us with Fatherly wisdom through faith. And, he blesses us with a safe home where we can return: and he is always waiting up long into the evening for us.

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him”.  (Psalm 103:13)

The Sailing Relationship

I am currently sitting at a Panera Bread Restaurant refreshing my web browser to check my current grades in all of my classes. Finals are completed, and my sophomore of college has come to a close. I cannot believe how fast time goes, and it blows my mind to even begin reminiscing on the incredible moments of this last semester.

January 2012- A month of change:  New classes, new major, and new friends. The college group at my local church grew in exponential ways, and I met lifetime friends through my roommate's connections in North Carolina.

February 2012- A month of affirmation: Experiences that forced me to remember what I believe and why I believe it strengthened my faith in remarkable ways. Nobody seemed to notice or really question my faith during this time period, and that is what me seek the Lord like never before. By far the toughest month I have had since being in college.

March 2012- A month of relationships: Spent precious time with my grandmother and her friends. I had time to slow down, and met an incredible man of God. Incomprehensible blessings.

April 2012- A month of "cleaning": I opened my bible each day with a refreshed look at the scriptures. Besides the consistent presence of the Holy Spirit, the Bible is really all we have in discovering the truths of the Lord. And, literal cleaning of my dorm and my belongings occurred.

And now, I am here; Reflecting on God's goodness and His fascinating plan. It was not how I saw this semester going-at all. I expected a month of personal spiritual growth and self-maturation. Instead, I found the gift of genuine relationships. I had never experienced friendships and mentoring ever in my life. These were people that cared and were present. They were the ones that texted me immediately when they saw me upset and carved out time in their busy schedules to just "be". It was a foreign concept to me. It shocked me that there were individuals who loved like Christ and were generous like his teachings ask of us.

They told me what I wanted to hear, and what I did not want to hear. I do believe that our Christian brothers and sisters may have wisdom for our lives that we do not have. God blesses and reveals to our friends truths of one another so we can give sound, and righteous advice.  Let us continue to seek the Lord when dealing with our friends. We are aiding His sons and daughters to make important decisions. And, we are encouraging them to continue glorifying the kingdom.

Proverbs 12:26The godly give good advice to their friends; the wicked lead them astray.

I am nervous to leave North Carolina. I am nervous to leave this "safe" home where continual friends are surrounding me at every corner and my church is down the road.  But, I cannot wait to enter into the place I grew up and be the type of friend I have described. The men and women I have met here build me up and encourage me to stay on the road the Lord has paved for me. They have taught me this difficult and beautiful truth:
Proverbs 27:5-6An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.

I thank God for relationships. I thought God that the greatest commandment is love. I pray to God that I learn to emulate the actions of my incredible friends.

Friendship is marked by sacrifice. Friendship is marked by action and prayer. Let us pray for our friends today, so we can advise, counsel and love in the ways of Christ.

John 15:13–15 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.

Empty Hands

I walked into my dorm room and nearly collapsed from exhaustion. Thirteen brown Home Depot boxes filled to the brim with picture collages, winter coats, shoes, textbooks, and my book collection, were now safely locked up in my storage unit. A huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders (no pun intended), as I locked the unit and jumped into my car. I drove away and sensed that aching feeling one gets on their forearm after he or she has carried a few too many grocery bags on their arm to save precious time. I was feeling the effects, and knew that I would crash later in the evening. I turned on the radio and the song “Wholly Yours” was cheerfully playing on K-Love. My spirits rose as I sang my heart out driving down the country roads of North Carolina. It brings joy to us as believers when we hear the words “Holy is our God” and we are “Wholly His”. I listened intently as a lyric was sung that I had never noticed in the past.

  “And the truest sign of grace was this… From wounded hands redemption fell down liberating man.”

Our Savior was wounded, wasn’t He? Jesus Christ was wounded. We wounded our Savior. Our sins caused and cause Him pain. It cost Him physical pain. Soldiers are wounded. Professional Athletes may even be wounded. Our Savior cannot be wounded, can He? And finally, why His hands? Why do we recognize, remember, reminisce, and recall his hands when we contemplate the crucifixion?

Suddenly the nagging pain in my hands from moving became miniscule. My bodily aching was relieved.

Jesus was wounded for me. His hands were pierced for me. His perfect and beautiful hands were torn for us.

Have you ever thought about the incredible gift our hands are? Our hands allow us to move the brown boxes where we keep our belongings. Our hands allow us to write exam papers and type on keyboards. Our hands allow us to drive our cars and wave hello. Our hands allow us to pick someone up if they have fallen down. And, our hands allow us to hold newborn babies, console our loved ones, and give to those in need.

“She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy”- Proverbs 31:20

My father was born with only three fingers and one leg. He takes every second to use his hands for good; Whether that is energizing audiences to see the joy in life, or to motivate them to look UP. He realized the importance of his hands from an early age as chopsticks and piano playing would never be is forte. He decided to use his hands to write books, and hold a microphone so many could hear GOOD NEWS.

What will we use our hands for? What did Jesus use his hands for? Something I find very interesting about Jesus, is you do not hear of Him “carrying heavy loads”, or “having His hands full”. Instead, the Jesus revealed in the scriptures is a Healing Jesus. Jesus’ hands broke bread and fed multitudes. Jesus’ hands healed a man born blind. Jesus’ hands washed the disciples feet. Jesus’ hands raised Lazarus from the dead. Jesus' hands were full-but never physically. Jesus kept His hands open, and empty. Jesus kept himself free of the material and was concerned with the eternal.

Maybe, empty hands are the blessed hands. Empty hands that are not only willing to serve but ready to serve will be utilized.

“But now, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.”- Isaiah 64:8

We haul our life around in pretty brown boxes. We forget how our hands could be used. Jesus must be our example. Jesus did not let himself stay “weighed down” and never kept his hands” full. Instead, He gave much. We love to think that full hands have something tangible to give. Isn’t it true though, that empty hands are the ones used for the caring hug and wiping away tears. We literally cannot be of service if we keep our hands full.

  Jesus’ hands were wounded… Jesus Christ’s hands were perfect, and from them came the fullness of life. Blood poured from the hands of the One who formed us in our mother’s womb. Blood poured from the hands that shaped our being. Blood poured from the hands that raised the dead and healed the sick.

Why are we not using our hands for the building up of His people. We must abstain from sin and use our literal hands to bring the Good News to his children. The resurrection of Jesus is living proof of His masterful, yet still scarred hands. The wounds are there and will always be there. Yet, He still gave. He gave us the Great Commission with wounded hands to bring peace and His teachings to nations. We cannot let a physical limitation, or an emotional setback keep us from utilizing the bodies with which we were blessed.

  “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.”- John 10:28

Amen.

The Strength of the Lord

Weather is a funny thing. It is often the topic of conversation or a determining factor in a days' plans. I often think about the might of the Lord...how strong really is He? If he can direct the sun, moon, wind, rain and lightning from our skies, what can he NOT do? Today I was walking about High Point, NC and felt a sharp gust of wind that nearly knocked me over. What causes that? What causes the intense change in our weather? Many attribute it to science, but as I grow older I see glimpses of our Lord and Savior in our weather.

Each year we face four different and diverse seasons...and they are so beautiful. Each one is characterized by something unique. Our lives are like that, aren't they? As we grow and evolve into the person God desires for us to become we will go through hot spells of pressure and intense heat. We will lose hope, and question our faith. The "leaves" of our life may drop away and leave us feeling barren. Cold weather sweeps in and makes us question our place in the world. All is covered in snow, we cannot see where we are going. Finally though, new life is promised. New life is guaranteed. New life is fulfilled. We must remember that seasons serve a purpose that fuels our environment. The seasons in our life fuel our faith in the Living and True God.

When I felt that wind gust today it knocked me off balance. It was powerful. Our Lord and Savior is SO powerful. And he is constant. But, the effects His powerful "weather" has on our life will create different seasons. The effects we see from his powerful intervention may result in the falling away of old habits, or the sprouting of new flowers after showers. In His word we find literal weather to be the intervention-to wake His people up!

1 Samuel Ch. 12:18-20

So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel.

19 And all the people said unto Samuel, Pray for thy servants unto the LORD thy God, that we die not: for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask us a king.

20 And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart;

Are we not so often like this? We are stubborn. We do not want rough weather. Often rough weather can scare us enough to serve and trust though. And, that is why rough weather...weather that knocks you a little off balance..is necessary. Let us be grateful for the storm. Let us be joyful in all weather.

Open

This is a simple and short post...

Let us join together as Christians to show that we CARE. That we really do care. That we care about anothers' salvation. That we care about their soul. That a persons' life can be used to the glory of God...right NOW! We cannot be apathetic. We must open our arms wide to all and show the grace and mercy of our savior. Jesus is the model as His arms stretched wide for us on the cross. He defined compassion. He defined sacrifice. Instead of crossing our arms...let us open up. Let us realize that time is SO short and our kingdom is SO great.

Check this out...Amazing Organization!! :)

Morning

From the book of Lamentations...


22 "Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”

Every single morning we can trust in the Lord's compassion when feel none from the world. Every morning we are covered in grace to avoid the consuming world. Every morning we can proclaim that God is good, and Great is His faithfulness. Each morning we can declare that the Lord is our portion, and the things of earth can grow dimmer and dimmer until we no longer see them. Every morning we can wake up with a clean slate. Every morning we can trust in his mercies and His voice. Every morning we can stretch our bodies for the long day ahead, knowing He will provide. Every morning we can thank our God for our sleeping, and the clearing of our minds. Each morning we can remember that God chose to have the sun rise for His children. Every morning we can look forward to hearing the waking of His creation.

God never sleeps. God is continual love. God never ceases to pour His blessings upon us. I am beginning to fall in love with the morning; it is the origination of the day of proclaiming the Gospel. Let us fall in love with mornings- our God spends each moment as we sleep, pouring His grace upon us in preparation for our waking and doing. In fact, every second of the day he begins preparation for the following morning-when we make the decision to sacrifice our days to bring HIM glory and bring HIM praise.

Sustaining through Steadfastness

Have you ever felt lied to? Betrayed? Trampled over? Just plain tired? I have. In fact I am right now. The Lord is my sustainer, giver of Life, and Savior-but are words really enough? We always hear the phrase growing up, “Actions speak louder than words.” Why is that? Why is our given word not always binding us to the Truth and the words of our mouth prove us to be far from a Good God? As Christians, our actions must speak LOUDLY. How can we do this?
I believe in God’s divine providence. In fact, I am one of those radical Christians that believes in the Lord overseeing all moves that we make each day. So, I love just flipping my Bible’s pages through my fingers and opening up to a random section, whenever I feel like it. And, it always seems like there is pertinent information and Good News for that specific day (even when you open up to a book like Habakkuk or Exodus!). Tonight, at 12:15 am, I did this. Now, I am wide awake basking in the Glory of our Lord and Savior.

If we have sat in a few church services, we have most likely heard the verse Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” When flipping through the pages of my bible though I opened to this passage and read the preceding verses. “For thus says the Lord: When Seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place.”
God promises to fulfill. The covenant He made with the people must be made to retroact and diminish the teachings made by false prophets in the region. While many were “deceiving” and prophesying to the people in the name of the Lord, Our Father held His covenant. To abolish the false teachings of false prophets our omnipotent and omnipresent God knew He must intervene to uphold His promise to Babylon. He knew the plans He had for Babylon. Plans to give it a future and a hope. Often we think the Lord is just speaking to us when we read Jer. 29:11, don’t we? Instead, the Lord is speaking to nations, to the world, and to each and every one of His children. He is not speaking simply of an intervention when false prophets arise, or glimpses of hope in times of darkness. No, God is talking about entire redemption and fulfillment. Our God is not a God who makes and breaks promises. Our God is not a God who declares His might to scare, threaten, or frighten. I am beginning to see that the Lord’s voice is one of Steadfast presence. God’s entire mission-even when he was here as “God in the bod” (Jesus), was to substitute the lack, and be the consubstantiation for the sins of the world. It was a fulfillment and it was a continuance. Then why was it “finished” when Christ was crucified? The ultimate covenant was fulfilled. Snapshots of the intensity of God’s promises are revealed through His covenants from Genesis 1 until Revelation 22. Once again, God wants to make it VERY clear that He is our sustainer through steadfastness. Through steadfastness alone, God is different and God is Holy. Our Earth and none of the people are steadfast and unconditional…relationships are broken, lies are spread and promises certainly are not fulfilled. While things of this earth wither and die, God’s glory, grace, and mercy are unchanging. Our Heavenly Father’s actions on the Cross fulfilled his Glorious words from Day One. Let us give this method a test run. Let us try to not only bring someone hope today…but really follow through with that friendship and foster its maturity. Let us prioritize a task and truly complete the work dutifully and with integrity. We will fail as we are living in a conditional world. But, when we do come through, and when we do fulfill all that we speak we become different. As Christians let’s become people of our word. Let us become people who aim to sustain. Let us transform into the likeness of God by fulfilling all of the callings and desires that the Lord places in our heart and soul.


“When the Lord pours out an especial spirit of prayer, it is a good sign that he is coming toward us in mercy. Promises are given to quicken and encourage prayer”- Matthew Henry

Lukewarm

Recently, many have asked me my views on anything from Gay Marriage, to abortion, to divorce, or even tattoos. I wanted to write a quick excerpt on how I answer these questions. I am no expert, but riding the line between Legalism, Timid Faith, and not standing up for your faith at all, is quite tricky as believers. We want people to appreciate our presence so that in the end, they may hear the gospel from our lips. Yet, we cannot sacrifice our beliefs, views, the Word, or His calling in front of worldly temptations just to be “well-liked”.

Here are some interesting definitions of which I am glad I now have clarity:

Legalism: Excessive adherence to law or formula, Or b) Dependence on moral law rather than on personal religious faith.

Faith: Belief that is not based on truth.

Testimony: a solemn attestation as to the truth of a matter.

These three Webster definitions seem pretty dark, don’t they? When we are confronted with a thought process that questions or shakes our faith, how do we respond? Do we hold fast to what has been taught from the pulpit in hopes that strong conservative mindsets will hold out? Do we simply have blind faith knowing that the Lord is alive in our lives but claiming there is no “proof”. Or, do we just speak our testimony hoping it “wins” the questioning person over without stepping on anyone’s toes? I seem to stick to number three…and is the fruit around me proving that this recent method has been effective? No. Instead, we must let the word speak for itself. Truth, is everlasting and Truth will stand. BUT, Truth is attached to grace and mercy-both of which are fulfilled in love and compassion. When we speak the truth in love and compassion, we must not worry about hurting a brother or sister in Christ, or a nonbeliever. Instead, we must cling to Child Like Faith-not blind faith-seeking the questions and answers from our Heavenly Father with fervent passion. That is what we were created for! To seek and know our Father! In addition, we must keep in mind that questions or pokes from seekers may move or shake our faith-this is not a negative consequence. This is where many people disagree with me. As believers are we supposed to be people that do not allow our faith to be vulnerable? Our faith should be open and expressed which allows it to be vulnerable, and allows it to evolve, mature and grow. This is far different than a question “jeapordizing” our faith. The only thing out faith should not be is fleeting in times of turmoil or subject to world or human emotions-FAITH is of the Most High.

When we are confronted with questions from believers, seekers, questioners, mockers, friends, family, or strangers, let us remember to stray away from legalism and harsh tones. Let us give more than our own testimony. Let us give the TRUTH-and not be afraid of its power! The earth may not agree with it, but its Power will stand. And, its Power will stand in Grace, Mercy, Love, and Compassion. This is something we can have child-like faith in, and leave up to God.

A beautiful depiction of faith: (Mark 5)
When Jesus had again crossed over by boat to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him while he was by the lake. 22 Then one of the synagogue leaders, named Jairus, came, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. 23 He pleaded earnestly with him, “My little daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so that she will be healed and live.” 24 So Jesus went with him.
A large crowd followed and pressed around him. 25 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. 26 She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, 28 because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” 29 Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.
30 At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”
31 “You see the people crowding against you,” his disciples answered, “and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”

32 But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

Testimony...through the most unlikely of places!

This was an application I just completed for the opportunity to Study, learn, worship, and have a time of discernment with the Lord in Scotland this summer. I learned so much about myself while typing it, so I thought I would share it. It got me thinking about what a testimony really is.

1. Why do you wish to participate?
I wish to participate for two key reasons. One, I don’t think it is myself who is wishing to participate. The timing of this mission and retreat comes at a time in my life that only His divine plan and Hands could form. Secondly, I am excited to have another spiritual adventure with LAVIM. After Honduras for going on three years each summer, I know the professional aspect and friendly grace that comes with this organization. I have been feeling drawn towards the mission field each season of my life-now it is a time of discernment with just me and the Lord, and fellow believers (my peers).
2. Describe your personal experience of God.
I grew up in a mega-church until the age of 16, full of electric guitars, blinking lights, and programs, stages, and flat screen plasma televisions everywhere one could look. The cross, or signs of the empty tomb were nowhere to be seen: something BIG was missing. My freshman year of highschool at the age of 15, I remember praying a prayer in the middle of Mexicali, Mexico following a nightly time of worship. I was on a mission for the Lord there, doing construction and leading Vacation Bible School. I remember a heart-wrenching message that came from the Lord Himself, through the mouth of our mission leader. He said, “Ask the Lord to make you UNCOMFORTABLE. Break away numbness. Await a challenge from the Lord to grow and challenge your faith in a radical way. So then I did the dumbest thing I could have ever done: I prayed that prayer. You see, it was not actually “dumb”, but to a world of consumerism, materialism and complacency, it was. Fast forward one year to the exact week of March 28th, 2008, and I was diagnosed with stage two Ovarian Cancer in both ovaries with fear of spreading to my entire body. Frightened? Yes. Troubling my faith? Most definitely. God works in radical ways with ordinary individuals to achieve extraordinary results though, doesn’t he? I can now say I understand that. Through my bought with cancer, I met one of my greatest lifelong friends, Daniel Walbert, who brought me to a church home in Granite Bay, CA where I called home. I not only invested myself in this thing they called the “Word”, but I meditated on it. I began to realize that blind faith does not include an uneducated faith. Seek your answers with only childlike faith, and seek the Lord continually! I worshipped and grew in insurmountable ways as I grew closer to my creator until I graduated highschool two years ago. Currently I attend High Point University in North Carolina studying both Business and Religious Studies as my two majors there. I love learning, and I love seeking. I am a curious person when it comes to religious Experience, and I fiercely pursue all that God brings into my life. I do attend two churched in North Carolina right now. I have always attended Grace UMC in Ruston, when visiting Mary Shankles (my grandmother and true Spiritual mentor in all senses of the word). While in High Point though, the two churches that are near to the church that foster a great program for young adults is St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in High Point, and The Journey Church of High Point. To be honest with you Mr. Norman and Ms. Coppit, finding a home church to not only attend but grow in, has been the greatest challenge of my years at HPU. I still attend regularly, yet long for a deeper connect to a church family and the Church as a whole. That is why coming back to California for breaks, or spending long months of the summer with my Grandma in Louisiana, allows for times of intense spiritual growth. I await the Lord’s timing with this…He has me in His hands!
3. Please indicate your state of physical and emotional health (the mission will include opportunity for some rigorous activity and travel hours will be long). Is there anything the team leader(s) should know regarding your health (allergies, diet, etc.)?
Now I threw out the “C” word to you, didn’t I?! J I am in great health now, by the grace of God. I am completely in remission and have had zero health scares since. I take medication regularly, but it does not affect anything in regard to my physical condition whatsoever. I am fit, enjoy traveling, and zero allergies or diet restraints.
4. Team members may be given the opportunity to participate in Iona worship services. Would you be comfortable doing this?I would be honored.
5. Please list your skills, your gifts for ministry in the church. What skills and talents do you bring to this mission that you perceive might be used at Iona?My heart has always been on the mission field. I remember my first mission trip with LAVIM to Honduras in 2010. I recall sitting in the hot sun mixing mortar and cement allowing my emotions of the earth get to my spirit. I glanced up at Carolina, the most precious depicition of innocence and God’s love that I have ever experienced. She just smiled at me. And later came up and gave me papayas from her garden. She said that she loved me and wanted me to “smile”. This story reveals some pretty fantastic aspects of our Lord and Jesus. First, the Lord notices us, and knows how to speak to us. I have always felt close to the Lord through SMILES. I was born with a cleft lip, and used to be self conscious about my smile. I love seeing people smile: to witness joy in the midst of a depraved world is rare and beautiful! That is why at High Point University I started a chapter of Operation Smile, an increibble nonprofit raising money for cleft lips and palattes. Now, many asked me why I didn’t do something in the line of ministry if it is my greatest passion? I believe that a smile, a comforting grin, is often enough of a witness to His grace, than anything at all. His mercy and grace allow us to smile each day-nothing of this world. We have created 10 smiles so far with Op. Smile at HPU. Very time we send an email to our 200 person team we leave with this: ”Keep smiling, and Keep looking up!!” Keep looking to the heavens for your Hope and Your smile. It will be perfected in Him. So, between my incredible run-ins with Jesus incarnate in the beautiful children of each mission I participate, and seeing God’s love and grace in SMILES, I also love the Hebrew language. I am studying my second year next semester, and am fascinate by it. We may not know all the answers of the mysteries of the bible, but It is important knowing why we believe what we believe-reading in the OT’s original language is part of that.
6. How do you perceive yourself, your gifts, your motives and your present and future role in the church and the world?It is pretty crazy, how after my short 19 years on this earth, God’s plan for my life is beginning to take shape. I called my Grandmother about a month ago....I said, “Grandma..the Lord has been speaking to me.” I expected her to say…ok..??? Instead she asserted, “Awesome, so what’s He been saying?!” My Grandmother saw this Lord working in my life even before I did. All I know now, is that I am in a waiting period in my life. I know my heart is on the mission field, and my strengths, from Spanish to Hebrew to ministry, are there. Yet, I have not felt his calling in any specific way at any specified time. So, now I am trying my hardest in school, and waiting for the next revelation from God. Something interesting from the Lord is that I always hear Him when I am walking somewhere. When I hear my feet stomp across the ground, I can almost hear His will being shown for my life. Maybe, God is awaiting on a plan for me to pursue something where I am moving for him-or serving for him in a physical manner, not just with my words. Talking, typing, public speaking, and debating comes easily to me-it is all I did for my entire highschool and Junior High. But physical service transcends words. Jesus WASHED His disciple’s feet…He didn’t say it would be a cool thing if He did. Let us all cleanse, let us all have the beautiful feel of the Lord walking…running…to serve.
7. Iona and its community is an ancient place in a modern world. How do you imagine an experience in a medieval abbey will influence your actions in the 21st century?
I just completed my course on Ancienct Christian Theology and Monastacism. I am not only excited for Scotland (a country of my heritage!), but also a true religious experience inside the walls of the great thinkers. I think it will just, leave my speechless and allow me time to breathe. It will keep me without words-without technology, so I can hear Him, and hear Him BOLDLY.

Horizon

This past year I was blessed with the most wonderful monetary gift I could have ever been blessed with. It makes me at peace. It calms me down. It gives me a little sense of freedom from the busy life of a type-A personality college student. Any guesses?? Anyone?? Well, my wonderful Toyota Rav-4 has been quite the luxury for my sophomore year of school at High Point University. Whenever I desire to see the world, and get off of campus for a little while, I am so blessed to be able to just hop in my car and…drive. And, you see I drive a lot. I already have 5,000 miles on my car in a short 3 months. And, I have class over half of the day each day. I have a solution for why this is the case-I am quite an introvert. You see, many do not realize that I am about as introverted as they come: sometimes people just wear me out. And all I desire is some alone time with my God. Whenever we are still, and away from all of the distractions the world presents us, we can begin to hear the voice of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. As I talked about in the last blog, this voice is not audible (for me anyway) but it most certainly becomes louder and has lasting impact when we have enough quiet time to digest the calling from the Lord. There is one common denominator when I drive: I always seem to drive on the ever-so-exciting Eastchester Drive. Eastchester has two parts: Eastchester and Westchester, which connect two cities in the state of North Carolina. So, it is fitting that you will see me driving on this road quite often. When I drive, blasting Hillsong United at the loudest volume my car can muster, I always love looking up into the sky. The horizon is a place we very often forget to look, as we are so focused on the present-the dotted and dashed yellow lines separating us from other cars. We become entranced with the present: almost obsessed with it. Often in driver’s education they call this a sort of drunkenness or hypnotism. We become so spellbound with what is familiar we forget to look ahead! Isn’t this true in our own lives? We grow tired. We grow lazy. We grow complacent. And we most certainly grow sedentary. We forget the simple act of lifting our chins upward to witness the sun rising behind the hills, the snow on top of the mountains, or even the road work ahead of us. Our own lives are the fulfillment and compilation of what we do in these small, everyday actions. We are so fed up searching for the correct curtains to block the sun, that we so often forget to look at Christ’s majesty, and His creation. We focus more on burning the toast than the thought of there the wheat even came from in the first place. We are so obsessed on the daily duties, that the screaming “collision” or “road work” just yards ahead of us goes unnoticed. Many times there will be a large turning point in the road right ahead of us..but we cannot take our eyes off the yellow lines warning us of this bend soon ahead. Why is this? Simply, because it is EASY!



When driving on Eastchester, there is another thing I always notice. The birds! And, for many of you who read my blog, you are California natives and this word picture may not be as familiar. When I say birds…I mean BIRDS…EVERYWHERE. Eastchester seems to house the largest amount of small black birds on God’s great earth. They all love to perch up on the telephone wire right above the cars. And, they all sit so close together with no space in between them, creating a beautiful silhouette against the setting sun ahead of me. I love watching these birds. Nature is God’s depiction of who we are-right in front of us. Sometimes it is hard to see ourselves in others-but when it comes to nature, it seems to be a little easier to relate. I am fascinated by what these birds do. When it becomes too comfortable for the birds, one will take its wing, and push the bird sitting right beside of it off of the wire. It is not a kind little nudge, either. A full on force is required to get these persistent buggers off of their wire and fluttering into the abyss. Isn’t God kind of like this? We all love to flock together like birds of a feather. We often forget though that the comfort of our world, or the wire, is not to be taken for granted. We will always of times of challenges where we will have to find a new home. A new source of strength. And, this is when we search for God. As the birds leave the wire, they will often soar upwards towards the skyline, past where the human eye can see them. When we are nudged off of what makes us comfortable, we are forced to find a new wire, a new platform. And, often this is not what is “cool” or what is practical. We may not be warm sitting side by side with our friends. We may be in a foreign land, we may be living off of little, we may be losing a family member, we may be going through a sickness that world cannot heal. Where do we turn when we are knocked off center? Let us begin to turn to God’s Grace. To God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. God’s riches are never ending. God’s riches are not ceasing. And God’s riches will never fail you. They may “shock” you a little bit (as I have often witnessed with the bird’s on the telephone wire), but it is for the good of your whole person. The Lord is training you to be a disciple. To be an apostle. To be a missionary of the Word for the World. Let us find ourselves relying on His grace instead of a wire of the world. It is steadier, and more consistent. We may get shocked, but we will always know where to fly back to. We may be alone here on Earth, but we will always know we have a safe platform in the Lord.

“Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” Isaiah 30:18