Good Guys and Bad Guys

Yesterday in Sunday school the kids watched a video about Easter. Jesus is with his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane as a mob from the chief priests and elders come to arrest him. Peter, trying to defend Jesus and stop the mob, draws his sword and cuts off the ear of Malchus, a servant of the High Priest Caiaphas. Jesus quickly rebukes Peter, telling him this must happen in order for Scripture to be fulfilled. Luke's Gospel records that Jesus heals Malchus's ear before the mob takes him captive.
One of the teachers spoke to Dustin and me after church. She said Peter cutting off Malchus's ear bothered Ridley. He brought it up several times and she wanted us to be aware of it.

On the way home from church Ridley soon mentioned it. In his simple, sweet words he explained what upset him. It wasn't the fact that some one's ear was cut off by a sword, but something much deeper...

Ridley didn't understand if Peter was a good guy or bad guy. "If he was a good guy, why would he cut off that guy's ear?" he asked. We attempted to explain that Peter was a good guy and that he was defending Jesus. 

"But then why did he cut off ears?"

As I prepared to say the same thing again in different words, Dustin said something profound....

"Sometimes good guys make mistakes, buddy."

And as easy as that, Ridley understood. And I sat in awe by the depth, yet simplicity of that statement. I realized it sums up what Easter is all about.

I have heard it said that Christians can be "holier than thou" and judge others' sins while ignoring their own. When Christians make bad choices or mistakes some proclaim, "See, you're no better than me." Often, the public sins of professed Christians cause people to declare the whole group hypocrites.

There are two reasons these beliefs exist. First, sadly some Christians act like that. They seem to think they are holier than others. They judge people harshly, while ignoring their own shortcomings. Obviously, this is not how God wants us to behave.

But the second reason people hold these beliefs is that they fundamentally do not understand the message of the Bible. The Bible tells us that the wages for sin is death (Romans 6:23).  Because we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God, we must pay the penalty (Romans 3:23). God knew we would be unable to keep his law perfectly, so he set in motion a plan to buy us back (Revelation 13:8). He sent Jesus to live the perfect life that we could not. And then let him die in our place, bridging the gap between God's perfection and our sinful lives (2 Corinthians 5:21). Now God has transferred Jesus' righteousness to our spiritual bank account, forgiving our sins and enabling us to have a relationship with him (John 3:16-18).

So the fact of the matter is...the critics are right! We are no better than they are...we are all vile sinners...we are all hypocrites...we are helplessly, hopelessly lost...

...unless you accept Jesus' payment for your sins...and ask God to forgive you...and begin the lifelong journey of growing closer to him and trying harder to make choices that please him.

And when you do that something amazing happens!

You begin to feel uncomfortable in sin, because you want to please this precious God who suffered to pay the price for you. You want to make him happy, because he has done so much for you.
      

When I look at my sin, be it choices in my past that many know about, or the hidden ugliness that runs through my thoughts, words, and actions, I realize how far short I fall. I realize the only way I have any hope and future is by God's grace and mercy. I need help paying for all of the bad things I've done and will do in the future. I will fail, no matter how hard I try. I will fight temptation and that is pleasing to God, but each day I will fail. Even the good things I do are so full of sin...be it pride or wanting credit...they are but "filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6).

That is why Jesus died on the cross. And as if that wasn't enough...he rose from the dead...proving that he was who he said he was...the one and only Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the only way to the Father (John 14:6).

He is my only hope.

Salvation is a gift none of us deserve, but all of us can accept. And once we do, God will show us even more how much we do not deserve it. And that will make us love him and thank him more each day.

Dustin's simple message to Ridley says it all. We all fall short...even good guys...even Peter, the one Jesus chose to start his church. We all need forgiveness. We all need The Savior!

   

Jesus, Take the Handlebars

Ridley often arrives at his grandma's to find his older cousins have brought him toys and books they do not want anymore.  A few weeks ago he found a toddler-sized two wheel bike with training wheels.  He was so excited, especially because it had a picture of Lightening McQueen on it.  He hopped on right away and started riding around the patio.
Dustin tossed the bike in the back of our car, and on the way home stopped to pick up a helmet, "a cool one with flames on it," according to Ridley.  Later that week we decided to go for a walk and let Ridley ride his bike.  Dustin walked right next to the bike ready to grab the handlebars if need be.  As we turned out of our driveway onto the road, Ridley was grinning ear to ear.  He was so proud of himself and was enjoying the ride.  But as soon as he saw a hill in the distance he said, "Daddy, there is a big hill.  Help me Daddy!"  Dustin assured him that when we got to the hill, he would help.  "You're fine right now.  I'm here.  I'll help when you need it."  A few seconds later, Ridley looked at the distant hill again.  "Help me, Daddy!  There's a hill!"
"I know, Buddy.  When we get there, I'll be right here to help.  You're ok.  You can do it.  Just keep peddling."  This same conversation continued throughout the entire bike ride.  Ridley would cry out, concerned about something he saw in the distant future, and Dustin would gently reassure him, all along having complete control over the situation.
As I watched and listened to my boys from a few yards behind, I thought...isn't that just like our relationship with Jesus?  Many of us walk through this life looking around at all of the dangers we may encounter.  We worry about loss of loved ones, sickness, financial problems, war, difficult relationships.  And all along Jesus is walking beside us, assuring us he will be there to take over and steer us through when we need it.  He reminds us that he is in control and we are safe in his care, no matter what we may encounter.
In Luke 12:6-7 Jesus says, "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?  Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.  Indeed the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."   Can you imagine the love of a God who knows the number of hairs on our head on any given day?  He loves us so much, and longs for us to trust him with our future.  What a wonderful Heavenly Father we have!
Perhaps like me, you want to cry out to Ridley, "Your daddy will protect you and help you up the hill!  Just enjoy the ride!"  With that same reassurance Jesus is crying out to you, "I will help you when you need it.  I have your life under control.  All you need to do is just sit back and enjoy the ride!"

Father's Day

Today is Father's Day.  It is a day filled with joy, celebration and thanksgiving.  A time to celebrate dads who are loving and supportive...who raised and guided their children through childhood and into adulthood...who protected them from hurt when possible, and who helped them through trails when necessary.  Dads who disciplined and taught their kids the right way to live...who gave special gifts and made sacrifices, so their children could enjoy all the wonderful things life has to offer.
Many of us, myself included, will have a celebration like this today.  Sadly however, many of us will have a day filled with sorrow, grief, or even anger.  Maybe you are celebrating Father's Day without your dad.  Maybe he lives far away or maybe, like my husband's, he is in heaven.  Maybe you never had a father, or worse your father abused and mistreated you.  Whatever the case, you may not feel like celebrating today.  Maybe just the thought of Father's Day brings tears to your eyes and pain to your heart.
If this describes you, I have wonderful news!  No matter what your relationship is to your earthly father, you have a heavenly father who longs to comfort you through, not just the pain of today, but though all of life's trials.  He longs to be all that we hope our earthly fathers will be, and so much more.  He is all of the things listed above, and so much more.  He is the Alpha and Omega...The Beginning and End...Unchanging...And he loves you...And he longs for a personal relationship with you.
If you feel sorrowful today, lay your sadness at the feet of Jesus.  He is able and willing to fulfill all of your needs today, if you only ask and believe.

2 Corinthians 6:18

And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

Patiently Waiting...

As many of your know, my father-in-law passed away this Christmas Eve after a yearlong battle with cancer.  The way he and my mother-in-law chose to worship and glorify God through their pain was truly an inspiration and lesson for all of us.  

One of the challenges my husband and I faced was explaining to Ridley why Grandpa wasn't here anymore.  They were buddies and spent a lot of time together.  We debated about how much he could understand and how much we should say.  In the end we decided to tell him that Grandpa went to heaven with Jesus where he won't feel sick anymore.  We also told him we would see Grandpa again someday when we were all in heaven together.  This seemed to satisfy him.  

At first, when we were on our way to Grandma and Grandpa's house he would say, "Will Grandpa be there?"  We would remind him that Grandpa is with Jesus in heaven.  Then he would say, "Grandpa went to heaven AGAIN?"  It seemed that he was waiting for Grandpa to get back, as if he was just on a short vacation.  After several weeks, he stopped saying that.  In fact he started saying, "We are just going to Grandma's because Grandpa is in heaven."   

In the car this week, Ridley said, "We are just going to Grandma's because Grandpa isn't back yet."  My initial reaction was pity, because I realized Ridley didn't understand that Grandpa wasn't coming back.  Then I almost felt that I should correct him, so he didn't have his hopes dashed when too much time went by and Grandpa was still in heaven.  

But then as quickly as these thoughts entered, a third thought flooded my mind...Ridley is right!

When we have Jesus Christ as our Savior, one who paid the price for our sins so we can enter into eternity with him, we have a promise to hold on to.  The promise is that we will see Jesus face to face and we will be reunited with our loved ones who also knew him.  If we believe that, truly believe that, we should all say, "Grandpa isn't back yet."  It is just a matter of time before we go on to heaven ourselves or Jesus returns for his church in the rapture.  Either way, we will see our loved ones again soon.  

Life is so very short.  James 4:14 says, "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."  We spend our short time on so many things that won't last into eternity.  We rush around stressed out, working hard to make money, using entertainment to clear our minds and stuff to fill our emptiness.  And none of it will last.  In fact we will leave it all behind to rot.  But what will live on will be our relationship with Jesus and the things we do to show him we love him.  Our obedience to him will last.  Spreading his good news will last.  The ways we love and serve our neighbors will last.

The Bible says, "For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay." (Habakkuk 2:3)  When you are grieving the loss of a loved one or going through a storm in this life, it may feel that time drags on.  It may feel like God's timing is wrong.  But keep your eyes on Jesus and his promises.  Keep Ridley's outlook on life, even if it seems naive.  Rest and say, "Grandpa isn't here yet."           

3 AM Urgency

It’s 3 am.  I woke up with a little toothache, and being alone with my thoughts has left me feeling a deep sadness and burden for people all around the world.  First, I think about ISIS and all of the people in their wake who are being terrorized and murdered as whole cities fall into their hands.  I wonder where this will lead for America.  I wonder what is in store for our nation as this evil spreads.  I think about Ebola, and the people fighting this disease.  I imagine a world where there is a constant threat of coming in contact with someone who has it.  I think about the desire to protect Ridley and all of the people I love.  I think about Dustin’s mom and dad who are faithfully and courageously facing my father-in-law’s cancer.  I think about the innocent children who go to my school who have been born with disabilities leaving them in wheelchairs or with constant anxiety.  And those all around the world who are growing up without enough to eat, without adequate shelter, without protections from loving parents.  

I think about those who do not know Christ as their Savior.  Those who do not have him to turn to in times like these.  Those who do not have the hope of a perfect future in heaven, finally free of all of the suffering and ugliness of this world.  Of all the sorrow I feel tonight, I feel saddest for these, because Jesus is the only answer to all of the other insurmountable problems I’ve pondered.  

Lately I feel urgency in my heart to do something for Jesus.  I don’t even know what it is he wants me to do.  But I feel an urgency to spread the word that he is there for us, wanting so much to be our refuge in times of trouble.  Wanting to be our moral compass in a world that is telling us the opposite.  Wanting a personal relationship with each of us.  He wants us to talk to him...to be REAL with him...not reciting empty words, but laying it all out.  Telling him everything...our fears, our hopes and dreams, our joys...he wants to be a part of our lives.  He wants to be the first thing we think of when we wake up and the last person we talk to be fore we go to bed.  He wants to be the one we seek when we are so filled with joy that our hearts could burst, and when we are so filled with fear we want to cry.  He wants a real relationship....

If you are waiting for some magical feeling to take over before you become passionate about Jesus... please don’t.  

If you have been led to believe you will “hear his voice”, and you just keep waiting for that to happen, thinking maybe he didn’t choose you as one of his children...do not believe that lie! 

If you feel inadequate or incapable of living a life that will be pleasing to him...stop!

If you fear that letting God into your life means you will have to give up something you are holding onto...please don’t let that stop you.

I cannot stress this enough...ALL OF THIS WILL FALL INTO PLACE IF YOU JUST START LETTING JESUS INTO YOU LIFE IN A REAL WAY.  Go alone in your car or in your bedroom.  Close the door and get real with God.  Just talk to him.  Talk out loud as if he was sitting right next to you (he actually is by the way).  Tell him what’s been keeping you from letting him be a regular part of your life, be it fear, sins, business of life...whatever it is you think you have to let go of before you can let him in.  He totally understands.  He know the number of hairs on your head (Luke 12:7), he certainly knows the lies you have bought into.  Lay it out there, and let him begin a work in you that will change your life.  He promises, “you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” (Jeremiah 29:12-14).  What a promise!!!  God is telling us that if we make the choice to have the God of the Universe be a part of our life, he WILL be!  It is totally in our hands!  If we seek him, he promises to hear us.  And he promises to begin orchestrating all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).  He will guide and direct us (Psalm 32:8).  He will bring us though trials, stronger than before (1 Peter 1:6-7), and will shower immeasurable blessings over us (Ezekiel 34:26).  He will give us victory over those things that hold us in bondage (1 Corinthians 15:56-58).  He will rescue us and be our protector (Psalm 18:2).  All of these gifts are ours, if we just let him in, in a real way.

When I woke up tonight feeling overwhelmed with the troubling circumstances all around, my first thought was, “Pray about it Tenille”.  Then the thought, ever so subtly, entered my mind, “What will your little prayer do to solve such gigantic problems?”  And I almost believed that lie.  Then James 5:16 popped into my head (I didn’t know the book and verse at the time, I had to look it up), “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective”.  That changed my mind...I am righteous, not through my own works, but because God sees me through the righteous blood of Christ, and I have assurance my prayers are heard and are effective.  

My point is that we are constantly being bombarded by lies in our mind.  Be aware of them and combat them with Scripture.  Let God be the one to set the record straight.  Do not let the lies you tell yourself and the lies Satan sends your way stop you from a relationship with God. 

I know this isn’t the most eloquent piece of writing I’ve done, but it is from my heart.  It is what I feel God laid on my heart tonight.  I pray it will be read by someone who needs it.   

Love and blessings, friends.

His Only Son

This past weekend we had the blessing of attending a ceremony that Aultman Hospital and Forest Hill Cemetery have each year for families who have lost a baby through miscarriage or stillbirth.  It was a simple ceremony.  They read the names of each child who passed this year, played music, prayed and released balloons with messages written to the little ones.  They also gave everyone bulbs to plant at home as little reminders that there are precious children waiting for us in heaven.  It was a wonderful way to honor our babies, and help healing continue for those who have experienced the pain of perinatal loss.
We are approaching the time when our baby boy would have been born.  He was due the end of October.  It is still hard to think about the life that was lost and to understand why things happened the way they did.  But I also feel so blessed, because I have the hope in what comes after this life.  As our pastor, Todd Shilling always says, "Eternity will be just a little bit longer than our time on earth." It is exciting to think that when Dustin and I get to heaven we will meet our son.  I have spent a lot of time thinking about and praying about that.  I wonder if he is a baby in heaven or if we all enter eternity around the same age.  I wonder if he knows who we are or if Jesus has told him about us.  I wonder if he knows my grandma and grandpa.  And if he knows how much we love him.
Thinking about him also adds a different dimension to my relationship with Ridley.  It makes me cherish him and give thanks for him even more (if that's possible), because I realize how fleeting life is.  We have two sons, but Ridley is our only one here.   It makes me want to be the best mommy I can, and to raise him to know the Lord, so he will spend eternity in heaven with his brother.
It has also made me think a lot about having an only child.  I am an only child and I never minded it.  I think it made me closer with my parents, because it was always just the three of us.  The hardest part is knowing that when my parents pass away, I will be all that's left of my family.  Thankfully, God has blessed me with Dustin's wonderful family, so I have brothers and sisters through him.
Dustin and I want to have another baby, but I honestly don't know if God has that in his plan for us.  Now, all we can do is pray for his will to be done, and for peace in whatever the answer may be.
But for now Ridley is our only son....those words bring to mind one person....Jesus.
I was reflecting this week on how much we cherish Ridley.  He is the light of our life.  He is the most important person in the world.  We love him so much, it almost hurts.  There are no words for that kind of love...it just is.  If we, as fallen humans know how to love that deeply, I wonder how much more perfect, pure, and deep the love of God is.  And not for me, but for his only son.
It is shocking when I really stop and think about what God allowed Jesus to do.  Jesus spent eternity in the glory of God's presence...he was his only son, yet he let him leave the perfection of heaven to come to this earth, live a life of suffering and die a cruel painful death.  I think about Jesus in the garden the night before his crucifixion, praying and begging God to find another way so he didn't have to endure the suffering, adding, "not my will, but yours".  And on that cross, God for the first and only time, turned his back on Jesus, as the punishment for my sins and the sins of all the world...I cannot comprehend it.  As a parent, can you imagine allowing that?  When we really spend time reflecting on this, and I suggest we all do, really stop and sit in silence and imagine it...allowing your only son to suffer and die that way.  All along you could stop it, but you don't.  Can you imagine the pain God endured watching that take place?  And it begs the question...why?
That my friends, is a tiny glimpse into how much God loves us.  He was willing to give that which was MOST precious to him, his son, to pay our price for sin so we could spend all eternity with them in heaven.  What a miracle!  What a gift!  It is beyond comprehension!  You are priceless in God's eyes.  Don't ever forget it.  Thank him everyday for that gift.  Don't let it just be a story from church.  Let's spend time really thinking about the sacrifice they both willingly endured for us.  And let's try to live in a way that shows them how much we cherish that priceless, unspeakable gift.

Whom Shall I Fear

Ridley woke up this morning grumpy, and once we told him he had to let go of his bink and baa (his pacifier and blanket we have been trying to make use of only at sleep time) he lost it.  I was in a rush getting ready for the day, and Dustin was attempting to dress Ridley, brush his teeth, and wash his face.  Ridley cried out, "Bink, baaa! Bink, baa!" with tears streaming down his face.  Once he caught a glimpse of me, it turned into, "Mommy...Mommy..."  My heart was breaking for my sweet boy who needed comfort from his mommy.  I stopped what I was doing, swooped him up into my arms.  He quickly nestled his tear-stained face into my neck and immediately stopped crying.  He was satisfied, and I soaked in the moment.
God wants so badly to be our comfort in times of trouble.  He is our Heavenly Father...our Daddy.  He wants us to pour our hearts out to him when we are feeling scared or defeated, tempted or depressed.  Psalm 91 speaks about the protection and comfort our Lord offers those who love him.

1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
    will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
    he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
    and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
    He will shelter you with his wings.
    His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies in the day.
6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
    nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
    though ten thousand are dying around you,
    these evils will not touch you.
8 Just open your eyes,
    and see how the wicked are punished.
9 If you make the Lord your refuge,
    if you make the Most High your shelter,
10 no evil will conquer you;
    no plague will come near your home.
11 For he will order his angels
    to protect you wherever you go.
12 They will hold you up with their hands
    so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.
13 You will trample upon lions and cobras;
    you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!
14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.
    I will protect those who trust in my name.
15 When they call on me, I will answer;
    I will be with them in trouble.
    I will rescue and honor them.
16 I will reward them with a long life
    and give them my salvation.”

There is so much here I love, but I especially love thinking about being covered by his feathers, sheltered by his wings.  Imagine being safely tucked into the powerful wings of our God, nestled deeply in the feathers.  It reminds me of a featherbed I have.  After a stressful day, I love to sink down in it all cozy and warm.
But the feathers of our Lord are more than cozy, they are shields of protection, where nothing can harm us.  Protection from enemies, sickness, wild beasts.  Imagine being able to let go of all fear, because you are literally wrapped up in the feathers of Almighty God who has promised, "I will protect you, my child."  Just like I want to protect Ridley from harm, God wants to protect us.
Many time throughout my life I have found myself in need of the comforting, protective wings of my God.  Right now is one of them.  I am waiting on the results from a couple medical tests, and I am afraid.  I have found myself time and time again running into the arms of my Savior for comfort and peace.  I feel so thankful I have him to turn to when I feel scared.  And I'm also thankful he made me a person who is susceptible to fear, because it has driven me to him many times. It has been in these times that I have found him to be faithful.  It has been in these times my faith has grown and I have learned the most about my weakness and his strength.
If you are battling fear or just have a nagging worry in the back of your mind, set up an emergency meeting with Jesus.  He is never too busy...no time is too late or too early...he will never turn you away.  Jump into his feathers and pour out your heart, and he will be faithful to give you "the peace that surpasses all understanding to guard your heart and your mind".  Thanks be to God!

Here is another song I love!  Whom Shall I Fear by Chris Tomlin

Treasures in Heaven

About a month ago Dustin and I rushed to bed one night, and didn't check that our car doors were locked.  Unfortunately, someone did check them...in the middle of the night...a thief...who helped himself to my wallet.  In the morning I called the police and cancelled all my credit cards.  It was a reminder to both Dustin and me that we need to be more careful in this world.  It also made me realize that nothing of this world is truly mine.  Of all the personal items I have, my wallet was one of the most important.  And now it was gone, at worst in the hands of a stranger, at best in the garbage dump.

The Bible says in Romans 14:10-12, "For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ"...."So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God".  In 2 Corinthians 5:10 it says, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."

Scripture assures us that Jesus will judge believers for what they did throughout their lives, both good and bad.  This judgment is known as the Judgment Seat of Christ or Bema Seat.  This is not the judgment that determines if we go to heaven, rather it is meant only for those who are saved through Jesus Christ.  It is an opportunity for Christ to reward his people for living for him on earth.  Believers will be given rewards based on their faithfulness during their lives.  These rewards will last for all eternity!   

It is important to remember that believers do not earn their entrance into heaven by doing good works.  Once we realize we are sinners and that we will never be good enough to spend eternity with a perfectly righteous and holy God, we understand that we have a problem.  Since we cannot earn our own salvation, we must depend on someone else to pay the price.  Jesus, God's only son, chose to leave heaven, live a sinless life on earth, die in our place, and rise again, conquering sin and death.  When God looks at those of us who understand this and accept it, he does not see our sinful lives.  He sees us through the lens of his son.  Our sins have been covered up by the sinless blood of Jesus.  Therefore, we do not have to spend our lives worried that we do enough good things to earn our way into heaven.  Rather, we do good things because we are so thankful for the free gift of salvation, that we want to please our father in heaven.

These good things will not go unnoticed.  We will receive our reward at the Bema Seat.  There Jesus will give us "crowns" based on our faithfulness to him.  Matthew 6:19-21 warns, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  Each day is a struggle to live for Christ.  I fail more often than I succeed.  It is so easy to get entangled in the things of this world.  It effortless to let my priorities shift or to fall into temptation.  

I am reminded of how fleeting the things of this world are every time Dustin and I get something new or spend time on home improvement.  It seems for every one weed we pull five grow in its place.  Our newly spread mulch looks nice, until the first rain litters the ground with leaves and twigs.  Our freshly painted walls are beautiful until they are nicked with Ridley's toy car.  My spotless kitchen sparkles until one meal is prepared.  Our new car was perfect until the windshield was cracked by a pebble before we could even dream of paying it off.  And so it goes...

All of the things we place such high value on are deteriorating at break-neck speed.  None of it will last.  The only thing that will last will be our relationship with Jesus and the things we do to show him we love him.  The sacrifices we make today will last throughout eternity.  1 John 2:17 says, "And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever."     

My wallet was a gentle reminder that none of the stuff here on earth matters.  It doesn't belong to me anyway...it's on loan for a short time.  It's not easy to keep this in the forefront of my mind, but it truly is a relief when I can let go of the things of this world.  No stressing over our imperfect lawn...no yelling when spilled juice stains the carpet...no jealousy when others have nicer things than I do.  There is freedom in letting go of the stuff.  And this freedom allows me to treat others with love and compassion.

In Revelation 4:10-11 it describes people in heaven casting their rewards at Jesus' feet, telling him he deserves all the praise and glory.  Many believe once we receive our rewards, we will lay them at the feet of Jesus, realizing we could have done nothing of value without his sacrifice.  

I have often imagined standing at the Bema Seat, knowing that I had many earthly treasures, but very few stored up in heaven.  I can't imagine the sorrow I would feel, wanting to worship Jesus with my crowns, but having very few based on my life on earth.  This is motivation for me to constantly evaluate my life.  Am I living for myself or am I living for others?  How am I spending my time, money, and talents?  Am I wasting my life on the things of this earth that will pass away or am I storing up treasures in heaven?  

 It's not easy to keep this perspective.  Sometimes I really struggle to do it, just ask Dustin.  But it actually makes life more peaceful and joyful when I can surrender my things to the Lord and use them as he leads me.  

All of our sacrifices will be worth it in the end when we hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" (Matthew 25:23).

I love the message of this song House of Their Dreams by Casting Crowns...even the band's name is a reminder!  

    

  

Plenty of Room at the Table

My mom, Ridley and I went to Amish Country today.  We had a lovely time shopping and having lunch.  We stopped at Walnut Creek Furniture, one of my mom's favorite stores.  The minute we walked in the store she smiled and said, "Look at that table."  I turned my head to see a breathtaking site.  The table is pictured above, but the photo doesn't do justice for how grand it is.  I don't know anyone with a room big enough for it, and red is far from my favorite color, but there was just something about that table.  I didn't tell my mom at the time, but it actually brought tears to my eyes.  At first I wasn't sure why I was drawn to it, but then I realized...it reminded me of heaven.

Some of my most precious memories include sitting at a table with those I love, sharing food.  Whether it was squeezing around my grandparents' tiny kitchen table eating Thanksgiving leftovers with my parents, aunt and uncle, or gathered around my husband's grandma's table for a Sunday night potluck, with extended family scattered throughout the house...these moments are like photos in an album, taking me to a simpler time, when those who are dear to me were still here.  These memories are bitter-sweet, because I know they are gone forever.  They are also filled with fear, because as time marches on, more people I love will make their way to heaven, leaving me behind with only memories and the hope of a future reunion...

Most earthly tables are flawed in one way or another.  It seems there is never enough room...legroom, elbowroom, room for food.  My in-laws added an addition onto their home several years ago.  They had enough room for all of the family to sit together at one table.  It is a beautiful room, but as the family has grown, the table and room have remained the same.  Inevitably, if the whole family is there for a meal a few of us sit at another table nearby. My husband and I have a beautiful table in our dining room that has large leaves that come out of each end.  When the table is fully extended it can seat up to fifteen people.  As nice as it is, the legs are strangely placed, always leaving a few guests uncomfortable.  The table only came with six chairs, so when we have had a large crew we have to use mismatched seats, robbing from the beauty of the table.

The Walnut Creek table has plenty of room and perfect leg placement.  There are twelve upholstered chairs that fit flawlessly.  I can just envision all of my family, even those who are gone, sitting at it sharing a meal.  I can picture it set with delicate china, silverware and crystal, an elegant floral centerpiece glowing in candlelight.  I can see it overflowing with a bounty of scrumptious food...a feast fit for a king...

I think that is why it reminded me of heaven.  I could just see Jesus sitting at the head.  I could envision all of my loved ones reunited, sharing a meal in a place where there are no more tears, no more pain, no more death.  A place where we will never have to wonder if this will be our last meal all together.  And best of all, it will be a feast fit for a king...Jesus the King of Kings (Revelation 19:16).  He will be there to fellowship with us, to comfort us, to wipe every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4).  We will be able to thank him for all he sacrificed so that we could be there (Romans 3:25).  It will be a place of unending joy, unending love, unending thanksgiving.  And when the meal is done, we will know another one will be just around the corner.  There will be no end to the celebration, and there will be plenty of room at the table for all who choose to be there (John 3:16  2 Peter 3:9).

For more information about eating in heaven see Randy Alcorn's answer to the question Will we eat good food in heaven? How will it taste?

Please Pray for Mariam Ibrahim

Mariam Ibrahim is a beautiful 27 year old Sudanese Christian.  She is married to a Christian man named Daniel Wani.  She is the mother of two small children, a 20 month old son (the same age as Ridley) and a 1 week old baby girl.  She is also on death row of a Sudanese prison, shackled to her children.  Her crime?  Being a Christian...

Mariam was raised by her Christian mother.  Her father, a Muslim, left the family when she was 6 years old.  Under Sharia law a woman is considered the religion of her father.  According to the law she has committed apostasy, a crime punishable by death.  Her marriage to a Christian man is not recognized and is considered adultery.  Because she will not renounce her Christian faith, she has been sentenced to death by hanging, after she receives 100 lashes for committing adultery. 
Mariam was actually turned in to authorities by family members, who believe she should be executed if she does not return to Islam.  She says, "How can I return when I never was a Muslim? Yes, my father was a Muslim, but I was brought up by my mother."  Her husband says he knows her well enough to know she will not change her mind.  
Daniel is afraid they will not be safe even if authorities do decide to release Mariam from prison.  "I am scared for all our lives -- me, my wife and my two children -- if we have to remain inside Sudan, even a day after her release."  If she is released, he feels the safest option for them is to come to the United States as soon as possible.  
Did I mention HE IS AN AMERICAN CITIZEN?!!  By law, this makes his children (who are both shackled in a prison in Sudan) Americans as well.  What has our government done to help this family?  Sadly, very little.  When asked, Jen Psaki state department spokesperson, said US regulations state that the department is allowed to ask for DNA testing to verify a biological relationship.  So apparently we want DNA testing of the children from a Sudanese prison, before we will help.  Daniel said he is upset by the demands of the US government and feels abandoned.  Other countries and EVEN the United Nations have called for her release.  David Cameron, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom called the sentence "barbaric".  
Close your eyes for a minute and picture yourself in this situation.  I can see myself in prison with Ridley (and all his energy) confined to a small space, scared to death.  I see him crying, not understanding what is happening.  I imagine Dustin desperately seeking help to get us out safely.  I imagine sleepless nights, many tears, fear and anxiety.  I imagine leaning heavily on God, praying for answers.  This is REAL for this family, and sadly many others throughout the world. 
This case should open our eyes to how special the United States of America is.  We live in a place where we have the freedom to marry who we want and to practice the religion we want.  What a blessing!  Let's not take it for granted, because it may not always be this way.  And let's be in prayer each day for those who are suffering for their faith around the world. 
There are many aspects of this situation that are heart wrenching.  Not the least of them, is how our government justifies allowing this situation to continue.  The United States of America should stand up for freedom of religion, especially for our own citizens.  As Americans and as Christians we must spread the word about this situation.  We must also be in prayer that God will open a way for this family to get to the United States where they can live with the freedom all human beings deserve.  Please visit http://aclj.org to get the most up-to-date information about this case, and to see how YOU can help save this family.  

Jesus wept...

John 11:35...It's famous for being the shortest verse in the Bible.  It is a peek into the man, Jesus.  It shows us his tender heart and how he felt 100% human emotions as he walked this earth, 100% God.  But many ask, why did he weep?
Jesus had been told that his good friend Lazarus was sick.  Although he could have gone to his bedside and healed him on the spot, Jesus chose to wait two days before heading to Judea.  By that time, Lazarus was dead and buried.  When Jesus arrived in the town, he was met by Lazarus' sisters Mary and Martha.  Jesus was very close with them as well.  The sisters were crying and asking Jesus why he waited.  They both knew if he would have come right away, Lazarus wouldn't have died.  Jesus tried to explain that Lazarus would rise again, but the sisters did not understand what he meant.  Jesus heard all the family wailing and grieving over the loss of Lazarus.  Jesus wept, and was was taken to his tomb.  There he called for Lazarus to come out of the grave, and he did!
But this still begs the question, why did Jesus weep.  He knew he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead, so why the tears?  Some say it was because he was sad that Mary and Martha did not have a strong enough faith to believe he could still bring Lazarus back.  Some say it was because he loved Lazarus, Mary and Martha and he was sad to see them going through this hard time.  Both of these may be true, but I love the thought Greg Laurie shared in his Devotional for March 29, 2010.
Pastor Laurie says Jesus may have wept because he knew this was not the way it was supposed to be.  Jesus knew that man was created to live forever, free of disease, sin, and death.  Pastor Laurie believes Jesus wept because he hated to see his creation, the people he loves so very much, suffering.  Jesus was not only sad, he was angry too.  Angry that this is what had to happened to his precious children.  He wept, not only for Lazarus and his family, but for you and me as well.
Jesus still weeps today.  He weeps for all of his children who are suffering because of this fallen world.  He knows we will be victorious in the end, but he weeps because this wasn't the way it was meant to be.  He weeps for victims of cancer and heart disease, for widows who miss their husbands so much it hurts, for children who practically raise themselves, and yes, for mommies and daddies who have lost children before they were born.
I have spent a lot of time weeping this week.  On the sixth of May I miscarried our precious baby boy at 15 weeks of pregnancy.  I have had many friends that have gone through this experience.  I have always felt sadness for them, but now I truly understand the loss they have experienced.
There are many thoughts that go through a mommy and daddy's head after a baby has died.  Feelings of guilt, self-doubt, fear of the future, and of course grief over the loss of a life that was so full of promise.  I have spent a lot of time crying out to God.  Not because I blame him or must know why.  I know he has a plan, and a reason for all he allows.  But, I have been begging him to heal the hurt and guilt I feel.  I need him to give me peace and rest.  I need relief from the heaviness in my heart.  Thankfully, as the days pass, I have found him to be lovingly comforting me though this journey and I know he weeps with me.
 Of course the story of Lazarus ends happily, well for everyone but Lazarus, who had been in heaven and had to come back to this rotten place.  Imagine his dismay when he awoke to find himself back on earth away from paradise.  But God received the glory, and Lazarus found his story in the most important book every written.  It is a story that brings comfort to all of us who weep over the sickness or death of a loved one.  It lets us know that Jesus weeps with us, and will make all things right when we are taken up to meet him in the rapture or when we meet him as we pass from this life into life eternal.  And in the mean time, it is a comfort to know that our loved ones...babies, elderly or somewhere in between...are seeing him face to face and are awaiting our arrival in heaven.

SEEK!!!

       Children adore playing Hide and Seek. Our 19 month old, Ridley has loved playing since he could first walk.  He hides behind my back or a chair, and I’ll say, “Where’s Rildey?  He was just here a minute ago.  Ridley?  Ridley?”  Soon he peeks his precious face out from his hiding spot with the sweetest smile and giggle, and then quickly returns to play the game all over again.  It melts my heart.

       Ridley also loves seeking out new adventures.  As a young child everything is brand new.  He is amazed by his grandpa’s lawn mower and searching the refrigerator to pull out all the treasures he can find.  His excitement for the world brings about a childlike view of the world for me.  Things are magical with Rildey around.

       There are many wonderful verses in the Bible that talk about the necessity of seeking after God.  In fact, there are over 83 of them!  When God mentions something one time in his Word we should listen, but the more he says it, the more we should realize its importance.  Check out this link to 83 verses about seeking God!   

       Webster defines the word seek as 1.  to search for (someone or something) 2.  to try to find (someone or something) 3.  to ask for (help, advice, etc.) 4.  to try to get or achieve (something).  According to Got Questions.org (one of my favorite web sites), the Bible was first translated from Hebrew into Greek in the third century B.C by 70 Jewish scholars. Here is a link to an article about the original transcripts of the Bible.  As you may know, one English word can have a variety of Greek translations.  It is interesting to look up specific verses with the word seek and find the meaning in each text.  This link gives Greek translations of the word seek in several verses.  Just a few Greek translations of seek are to strive after, desire, covet earnestly, to require, demand, or to reach out.  One translation that caught my eye was to “seek by thinking”.  This brought to mind two times I sought after answers from the Lord and he miraculously responded.

       Several years ago I was participating in a Bible study with a group of friends from work.  My grandpa had recently passed away, and I was thinking a lot about death and heaven.  In one of our discussions soul sleep was mentioned.  The man leading the study said he believed in soul sleep (the idea that upon death a person is in a state of sleep, and will not awaken until the Resurrection of the Dead mentioned in the Bible).  He gave several reasons he believed it to be true.  Honestly, I didn’t hear many of them, because I was so disturbed by the idea that my Grandpa may not be in heaven at that very moment. 

       This thought troubled me for days.  I was lying awake one night pondering it, when it hit me, seek the truth from God!  I simply prayed, “God, if soul sleep is really what happens to us when we die, I know you set it up that way for a reason, but if it is not, Lord, I want to know the truth.  Please help me know the truth, somehow.”  And off to sleep I went. 

       The next thing I knew I was awakened out of a sound sleep.  It was morning and the sun was shining through my bedroom window.   I instantly had a picture in my mind of Jesus on the cross between the two thieves.  And the words that came into my mind were, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Jesus said, today, not someday…after the Resurrection of the Dead, but today.  I was instantly comforted and quickly whispered, “Thank you God for answering me so quickly.”

       Another similar situation happened about six months ago.  I have been learning all I can about end times prophecy.  I am so very interested in it as I look around at this scary world and ponder where we are headed.  I take great comfort in the Rapture and the idea that Jesus will rescue his people before things get too out of hand. 

       End times events are debated, because there are different interpretations of the mysterious passages that give us information about future events.  But they have been fervently studied and the evangelical schools of thought have many similarities and minor differences for the most part.  Save one group called preterists.  Rather than believing the book of Revelation includes events that will happen in the future, preterisits believe that most of the book of Revelation took place in 70 AD.  At first it didn’t bother me, because I know many people hold strange views, but then I heard that two people I respected as Bible teachers held the view, Hank Hanegraaff and RC Sproul.  I was devastated, mostly because I put so much hope into end times and the Rapture.  It is truly a comfort to me, and now I was faced with the idea that the Blessed Hope may not be true.

       I had grown in my walk since the situation with soul sleep, thanks to the Holy Spirit.  I knew if I sought after the truth, I would eventually get an answer from the Lord.  I told God the whole situation (he already knew, but that’s what prayer is all about).  I told him the comfort I get from the Rapture and the book of Revelation.  I told him that I do not want to believe something that is not Biblical, and that I wanted to know the truth.  “Help me, Lord!”  And then I let it go.

       A week later, I was scrolling through an app I love called One Place.  It includes recent sermons and radio shows from Christian teachers (Check it out!).  I just happened to scroll through a series by RC Sproul all about the book of Revelation!  This was the answer!  I would listen to his teaching and compare it to what I have learned in the past, and I would see where the Holy Spirit led me.  Within two days I had listened to all of the lessons, and I finished without a doubt still believing in the Rapture of the Church and the literal interpretation of the book of Revelation.   

       I want to make a few things clear…First, this didn’t happen without lots of study, thought and prayer.  It didn’t happen because of a “gut feeling” I had, but because of many pieces of evidence I could point to in the Bible.  It wasn’t in an instant, but after seeking the truth.  I have tested God’s promise in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” Thanks be to God!

       Second, God answered me really quickly in both of these situations, but I have had countless times where he still hasn’t answered.  But, because of my experiences in the past, I know he will someday, even if I have to wait until I see him face to face.

       In Matthew 7:7 Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”  This “seeking” he commands us to do, is for our own good.  He isn’t there to be a genie in a bottle giving us our every wish.  And the Bible says he knows the words of our mouths before we speak them (Psalm 139:4), so we know he doesn’t need us to talk to him.  We need it to continually grow in our relationship with him.  He wants us to know his love for us, and his power.  He wants to show us supernaturally how much he cares for us.  And he chooses to do this when we by faith believe and seek him!  Our spiritual growth is in our own hands!

       Finally, as I said God is not a genie in a bottle.  We are permitted to ask for everything we want and need. God wants to hear our requests, but we must understand he will answer no, if it is what is best for us.  He is our Heavenly Father, and just like I know Ridley shouldn’t play with glass bowls in the kitchen (even though he wants to) our Father knows what is best for us.  So please do not get discouraged if your seeking doesn’t open a door right away.   In time you will know why.  Just have faith!

       Last, but not least I have a challenge for all of you!  We all have doubts from time to time.  We all have things in the Bible that do not make sense to us, or we struggle to believe.  We all have prayers that were not answered or life tragedies we have failed to find a blessing in.  Today, take it to God.  Pour your heart out to him.  Ask him to give you eyes to see, and ears to hear, and a mind to understand the truth.  Really mean it, with all your heart.  And then seek!  Watch how God grows your faith and your relationship with him as he reveals truth.  It is such an exciting journey, with God in the lead. 

       Ridley never tires of seeking when there is something he really wants.  He will not give up, and sometimes throws a tantrum in the mean time.  When I’m at home with him and Dustin is at work, Ridley will run to the door and windows several times a day seeking after his daddy.  I’ll remind him Daddy is at work, and that will satisfy him for a time.  But in the end, he continues to seek until Daddy walks through the back door.  It makes Dustin feel good to know his son misses him throughout the day.  We must all be like Ridley, and continue to seek our Father. We must do it to grow in our spiritual walk, but more importantly because it pleases our Father in Heaven!

Note:  If you don’t know much about the Rapture or End Times prophecy, I can highly recommend many pod casts, books, and web sites.  Please e-mail me or post a comment and I will be happy to pass them along.