365 Days of Praise
Who Is Driving Your Tractor in 2012?
Looking at the table where my nativity set was beautifully displayed, I paused. My grandson, Logan, was quietly and gently playing with the wise men, camels, sheep, and donkey; as I had told him he could. He had moved the hay from the “barn” and back into the “barn” with his green John Deere tractor several times. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that at first. The mess and all. But then, I realized, what else would a three year old think you were supposed to do with hay. However, then I noticed baby Jesus wasn’t in His manger. Before I could say, “Where is baby Jesus,” I spied Him…perched behind the yellow steering wheel of the John Deere. My first reaction was to blurt, “That is sacrilegious! Get Jesus off the tractor and back into the manger!” Instead, I held my tongue and watched Logan gently guide the tractor across the table, carefully holding baby Jesus upright. It was then that I realized that Logan was giving Jesus great honor. He was letting Jesus drive his John Deere. Instead of correcting Logan, I found myself saying, “You are so sweet to share your tractor with baby Jesus.” In Logan’s mind, he no doubt had thought, “Why would Jesus want to lay on hay when He could drive a tractor?”
I learned two lessons from Logan that day.
The first lesson is that I’m too narrow minded about the ways that I think to honor Jesus. Watching Logan play, I realized I should invite Jesus into more of my daily activities. Why should I “shelf” Him when He wants to be a part of all the aspects of my life?
Second, I began wondering if I truly let Jesus “drive my tractor;” my day. Logan placed Jesus in a premiere position: behind the wheel of his favorite toy. “Do I place Jesus in a premiere place, or do I just take Him along for the ride?” I asked myself.
As we close 2011 and look forward to 2012, I think it’s good for us to take an assessment of our lives in relation to Jesus. Has Jesus been pleased with all we’ve done in 2011? Are there areas from which we excluded Him or didn’t invite Him to be a part? Have our wishes and wants been the driving force behind our days? Or, have we placed Jesus in the seat of honor and asked Him to steer us through our days?
It’s never too late for us to change; to do things better and to be better people in 2012 than we were in 2011. God is the God of “overs” as my sister, Linda McConnico, writes in the following poem.
“OVERS”
When I was a child, there was a thing called “Overs”
When I wanted to change my mind.
But as I grew older and tried to have “Overs” Life was no longer kind.
When the choices I’d made, I later saw
Had hurt those whom I loved best
I couldn’t do anything to change the results
And my heart ached with distress.
As I pondered the reasons I’d made such a mess
Of the life God had given to me
He spoke oh so softly, “I love you, My child;
Look to Me and I’ll set you free.
Free from feeling alone and not understood
Free from all the burdens you bear
I want you to trust Me with those whom you love
Commit them to MY loving care.”
Well, I did as God asked and faithful He was
To overcome all of my wrongs.
And all through my life when I’m weak and have strife
He reminds me that it’s He who is strong.
My children love Jesus with all of their hearts
They’ve given their lives to His care.
And I thank Him and praise Him each day that I live
That no matter what comes He is there.
What a God we have! He can use bad choices
To help others not stumble and fall
How I thank You, sweet Jesus, for giving me “Overs”
“Overs” to give YOU my life….my all.”
Are you in need of “overs” in some area of your life in 2012? Why not invite Jesus to sit behind the wheel of your heart? Ask Him to steer you in the right direction.
“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world,” John 16:33.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus. Thank You that He is available and eager to be an integral part of our lives. Thank You for giving us “Overs” in 2012 and for Jesus, who has overcome the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Please join me for a 10 week Conference series, The Plan A Christian in a Plan B World, that I’m teaching at The Kerrville, TX KROC beginning Tuesday, January 24 at noon. You can bring a lunch or buy lunch at The KROC if you would like. This is a study of how we can better live out our faith in 2012…even when everything doesn’t go according to our plans. Everyone is invited! Call The KROC: 830.315.5762. Let us know you’re coming!
Keys to Being SO HAPPY, (part 2) Join Jesus in His Work
Have you found your sweet spot with Jesus: that moment when everything comes together, you know you’re in the center of His will, and feel His joy?
My sweet spot is when I’m teaching the Bible. It’s what I love to do. When I’m teaching, I experience God’s joy.
If you’re attempting to better learn what it means to experience Christ’s joy, you may want to consider whether you’ve found your sweet spot with Him.
Sweet Spots in Unusual Places
Jesus’ disciples surely must have been surprised when they discovered their sweet spots. When Jesus appointed and sent them out, their assignment sounded ominous. “Go,…I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.” Now, that doesn’t sound fun, does it? But, it gets worse. “Carry no money belt, no bag, no shoes, and greet no one on the way.” I’m confused. I thought we were talking about having a fun time with Jesus. Maybe singing Kumbaya and roasting marshmellows around a campfire.
What’s all this talk of being a lamb around wolves and not even having enough money to call home? And, I can’t imagine not taking my carry on and an extra pair of shoes. “NOT FUN” is written all over this assignment.
However, perhaps if you and I were with Jesus on the day He was handing out this assignment, our ears might have perked as He continued, “Whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat what is set before you; and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” At this point, we might be thinking, “Well, healing people sounds fun; but then again, being around sick people doesn’t.”
With mixed emotions and quite a bit of trepidation, we head out. You and me – in two’s; just like Jesus said. We entered a city. We greeted people, “Peace be to this house.” We healed the sick. Then, it hit. Joy struck our innermost being. We felt it. No, better, we experienced something deep within us that was better than “fun” or “happy.” It could best be described as joy.
The Seventy Returned with JOY
Luke 10:17 tells us, “The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.”
The seventy went on their assignments. Dusty roads, insects, no airplane snacks or drinks. They went to work; to do what Jesus told them to do. The word “fun” was not apparent in the assignment. If you read Luke 10:1-16, you’ll find Jesus’s additional warnings about their mission venture. So what happened that caused them to return with joy?
I think the only explanation is they experienced something beyond their natural selves and capabilities and it was exhilarating. Note again what they said and Jesus’s response. “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” In other words, they experienced miraculous power to heal. But they also experienced miraculous power over demons. Bottom line, the disciples experienced God’s power and it was a rush. It was invigorating and thrilled them.
Asleep at the Wheel or Spiritually Charged?
Did you know that many times we’re probably “asleep at the wheel” spiritually? We may sludge through our day, perhaps look about us and thank God for His blessings and offer prayers for others to get well and travel safely. But we’re not in the sweet spot of service. We’re not actively joining Jesus in His work. If we were, we would be around wolves, but we’d also be experiencing His joy.
Join Jesus in His Work
Christ’s Spirit is power, love, joy, and more! When we do as Galatians 5:25 advises, and “walk by the Spirit,” there is a dynamic working within us that is beyond our natural self and ability that causes us to experience joy. Recall what the disciples experienced: power beyond themselves…and joy.
Why not consider if you are living in your sweet spot with Jesus. Or, if you are going through your day in your own energy and strength. What we consider “down” emotionally may be a simple case of boredom. God created us to be in communion with Him. That is a pretty amazing reality: that we can to talk to the Maker of the Universe and Him talk back. That we can be on assignment for God.
No, being squished between two people on an airplane enroute to lead my P.R.A.Y. with Passion Conferences isn’t fun. No, layovers aren’t fun. No, being away from my husband isn’t fun. But, standing to serve Christ, to open His Word, and pour out His heart is a joy. So for me, it’s back on an airplane, or maybe a drive across town to teach. What is it for you? In what arena of serving God do you experience your spiritual sweet spot and joy?
Find Your Sweet Spot
If you’ve lost your sweet spot or maybe never found it, it’s not too late. Jesus has a gazillion assignments. Here are a few suggestions to help you find your sweet spot in serving Christ.
First, kneel if you can. If not, bow your head and tell God you want to join Him in His work.
Second, look around for a need. Are volunteers needed in your church nursery? What about delivering food? Or, collecting canned goods for the hungry. Does your church have a prayer ministry? Is there a clothing collection with which you could help? Are you involved in a Bible study? Would it help if you arrived early and set up the chairs? Can you sing in the choir? Do you have faith? Then actively encourage those around you. Put your computer to good use and email Scriptures. Ask your pastor and others what you could do to help. As you see or hear of pleas for help, respond rather than assume someone else will do it.
Third, be intentional about daily reading the Bible and listening for God to speak to your heart. As God prompts you and brings ideas to your mind, respond. For instance, I let the Hill Country Ministries prayer team know that we’re going to celebrate the completion of taking the P.R.A.Y. with Passion Conference to the 25th state by hosting a P.R.A.Y. with Passion Conference in Kerrville in 2012. Friends are already offering to help. Not only does their offer bring me joy, I know they will be filled with joy as they help.
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as unto the Lord. (Col 3:23 Find your sweet spot and experience God’s joy!
Father, thank You for allowing us to join Christ in the work He is doing on earth. Help us be sensitive to areas in which we can serve Your purposes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Keys to Being SO HAPPY, (part 1)
“Mimi, we go on Polaris?” big blue eyes asked. “Yes, put on your shoes.”
Quicker than a bolt of lightening, our almost three year old grandson was out the door and seated on our green utility vehicle. “Logan, do you want to feed the fish or go see our neighbor’s horses and cows?” “Feed fish!” he picked.
After buckling Logan into his seat, we headed toward the pond. After stopping, he crawled into the back and pried the lid off the orange bucket which held fish food. Taking an old coffee can, he scooped up the brown pellets, then reached for me to lift him to the ground. According to ritual, we walked the few steps to the water, Logan grabbed a fistful of pellets, then tossed them with all his might while we called, “Fish! Come here, fish!” As the nuggets sprinkled the pond, four, ten, then twenty huge black catfish gathered. Thrilled, he watched them gobble every bite.
After deciding the fish were full, I again presented Logan with a choice, “Do you want to throw rocks in the pond or go find the tractor that just went by?” “Tractor, Mimi!” he exclaimed, running back to the Polaris. After taking his seat close beside me, three little words flowed from his mouth and grabbed my heart: “I so happy.” Time froze.
I SO HAPPY
Looking at Logan’s innocent little face I longed, “If only he could always be so happy.” Later, as I thought about Logan’s words, I realized how it must bring our Heavenly Father pleasure when we’re happy.
Although Jesus warns us that in the world we have tribulation (Jn 16:33) and trials and problems aren’t fun, He also speaks of joy and happiness.
Over the next few e-devotionals, we’ll be exploring keys to joy and happiness.
In the meantime, ponder John 16:24, “Until now you have asked for nothing in My name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be made full.”
Yes, there are seasons when we mourn and grieve. But God also wants us to know His joy. Why not take Jesus up on His offer and ask Him to teach you how to experience the joy about which He speaks?
Father, thank You for creating us with the ability to laugh, smile, and experience joy and happiness. Teach us how to know true happiness and joy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Peace of Mind?
What’s Gnawing at You?
“Debbie, have you seen the trees out front?”, Keith asked. “It looks like they’re dying.” In the process of hand watering our trees, he’d noticed bark missing on the upper trunks. Concerned about what kind of pest might be attacking the trees, Keith began checking into it. A friend mentioned it might be a porcupine. Late that night after I was snug in bed, Keith got a spotlight and went to check on the trees. At midnight, the gnawer moved in for his nightly feast, climbed one of the trees, and began gnawing at the bark. After spotting him, Keith took action with a .22 rifle.
The next morning when I woke, Keith told me that it had been a porcupine. Following Keith to the front yard, I looked at the tree trunks where the night feaster had stripped the bark and noticed for the first time what Keith had observed days earlier, shredded bark at the base of the trees. Then Keith took me to see where he had laid the porcupine to “rest in peace.”
“That porcupine would have gnawed the tree to death if you hadn’t stopped him,” I told my husband, grateful that he had been observant. Then, God spoke to my heart about how things can “gnaw” at us and the importance of paying attention rather than ignoring what’s “eating” at us.
“It’s important to pay attention rather than ignore what is “eating at us”.” |
Night and Daytime Gnawers
Other People. Is there someone you don’t like? Are they “driving you up the wall”? As school begins, I’ve thought about how my children always wondered who their teacher would be and if their friends would be in their class. Seldom did we go through a whole school year that there wouldn’t be something I would notice was “gnawing” at me. It might be a teacher who gave what I considered to be too much homework or the “click” of students that looked down on those who weren’t like them.
Tapes in Our Minds Others Have Said. Sometimes the worst gnawers are “tapes” of what others have told us about ourselves. A parent may have repeatedly told you, “You’re no good.” Or, “You’ll never amount to anything.” A spouse may have nagged us, “You never make enough money.” Or he may have criticized us, “I don’t know why I married you.”
Tapes in Our Minds We Say About Ourselves. We can often be our worst daytime gnawer. We have perceptions about ourselves, lives, and families, and compare that with how we perceive others are. “Why can’t my spouse be like him/her?” “I’ll never be as good a Christian as I’m supposed to be.” “I’m a failure as a parent, spouse, friend.” “I’m fat, ugly, of no good.” Of course the worst night time gnawer is, “Everyone would be better off without me.”
Action Steps When Something is Gnawing at You
First, spotlight the gnawer. In other words, pay attention if you’re agitated in spirit, mind, or emotion. Don’t ignore it. Take the gnawing thought to God’s throne room where there’s plenty of Light and ask Him what you’re thinking is true, honorable, and right. Ask Him if it’s lovely and of good repute? Consider if there is any excellence in the thought or anything worthy of praise in what you’re thinking? If not, “lay it to rest.” Get rid of it once and for all. Release the negative thought or tape to Jesus who died and was buried for our sins and others. Leave the negative buried and walk in newness of life with Jesus. Philippians 4:7-9
Second, recognize that perceived enemies and thoughts that bring harm to relationships or bring you down are sometimes due to what the Bible calls “world forces of darkness; spiritual forces of wickedness.” (Ephesians 6:12) The Bible is clear when it tells us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places,” Ephesians 6:12. So when you can’t stand the drug culture, the gangs, the bullies, all the negative and harm that you see going on in our world, look beyond the damage on the “tree”. Turn your spotlight on the darkness that is bringing out the night creature that is doing the harm. It’s not that the child is a bad child. It’s that there are world forces of darkness that want to enslave our children to drugs, alcohol, sport sex, and ruin them. Our responsibility is to pray! We may not have children in school any more, but we can pray for the teachers, coaches, principles, and aids. We can pray for the children and teens. We can pray for the parents and day care workers. We can love others and stand with our spotlight.
I would never have noticed our trees until they were so severely damaged that they were beyond restoration. It took my husband’s watchful eye to see what I ignored in my very own front yard. What’s going on in your “front yard”? Are you letting it gnaw at you and others? Or, are you doing something about it?
Heavenly Father, there is so much evil in this world. In addition, I come up with my own wrong thoughts. Help me dispel the darkness in my heart, mind, and emotions in prayers as I shed your light on my thoughts. Help me be faithful to pray for others whom the enemy is gnawing at. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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Are You in a Dry Spot?
One, then two raindrops fell on my windshield last week. Excitedly, I looked up at the heavens and began praising God. Barely were the words, “Thank You, God,” out of my mouth before the rain stopped. Yet, I was grateful. A few drops meant more might come.
Yesterday, I glanced out the window and saw several raindrops. Running outside, I knelt, again looking heavenward, thanking God for the raindrops and praying He mercifully continue to pour down rain on our parched earth. It only sprinkled for a few minutes. But those few minutes were praise worthy. They were a reminder that God sees. God cares. God hears. He is sovereign. If God wanted to pour rain upon our land, He could and would. So we look heavenward and ask, “God, what is your purpose in withholding rain?” Although none of us can answer for God, I can’t help but wonder if it isn’t to cause us to humble ourselves before Him.
“Whether we’re in a dry spot physically or spiritually, humbly kneeling in prayer with praise on our lips never hurt anything and always helps everything.” |
Rather than doubting God’s goodness because He doesn’t immediately send rain in response to our prayers, might it be more appropriate for us to kneel and acknowledge that although we have intellect and some power and control on earth, we have no power to make it rain? We are humbly dependent on our Lord and God. Might we also, while asking for rain, thank God for the gifts He has rained on us? We might praise God for our health. If our health isn’t good, we can praise Him for equipping doctors to help us. We might praise God for family. If relationships aren’t good, we might thank Him for the opportunity to pray and seek His wisdom for how to restore harmed relationships. There is no end for what we can thank God.
I can’t help but wonder if we began praising God for the few drops He sends our way instead of complaining that it was “barely anything”, if He might send more. Or not. For it’s really up to God and His sovereign will, which is ultimately our good, whether we understand it now or not.
Whether we’re in a dry spot physically or spiritually, humbly kneeling in prayer with praise on our lips never hurt anything and always helps everything.
“If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
Father, thank You for Your perfect will and for being in control. Forgive us for arrogantly disregarding our behavior and thoughts that are an offense to You. May this be a time we humble ourselves before You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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# 4 from “75 Pointers for a Sane Family” The Plan A MOM in a Plan B World
# 4 Be in the moment with the person you’re with rather than thinking about something else.
When Keith and I were just starting our family, my sister, Vicki, gave me a framed quote that said, “When you work, work hard. When you play, play hard.” That advice made all the sense in the world to me. I immediately thought of the times that I had been with one of our children, but been thinking about my ministry. Or, I had been with Keith and thinking about chores I needed to do at home. Taking to heart the advice to be mentally and emotionally present made a huge difference. First, I relaxed and enjoyed the one I was with. Second, knowing that there was a time to work and a time to play, I gave myself the freedom to play when I was Keith and the kids. Then, when it was time to settle down and work, I was more efficient.
Jesus modeled the ability to “be in the moment” with the one He was with. He never came across as rushed or rude.
What difference might it make in your family if you took to heart the advice to be in the moment with the person you’re with rather than thinking about something else?
“There is an appointed time for evertying. And there is a time for every event under heaven, Ecclesiastes 3:1.
In Christ’s Love,
Debbie
Raising Faithful Kids in a Flawed World
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# 3 from “75 Pointers for a Sane Family” The Plan A MOM in a Plan B World
# 3 Attend church together.
In our home, church wasn’t an option. It was as normal a part of our weekly routine as going to work and school. Apparently, it was a normal part of Jesus’ routine. Our only account of Jesus as a boy is of Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. Later, as an adult, we find Jesus in the synagogue quoting and reading Scripture. We find Jesus teaching us that His Father’s House is as a place of prayer.
If we want to raise our children to be faithful to God in the midst of our flawed world, is it not reasonable that we would do everything possible to attend to our children’s spiritual lives?
Why not commit today to attend church with your children and raise them with them with God’s teachings and wisdom?
“After three days they found Him (Jesus) in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions,” Luke 2:46.
In Christ’s Love,
Debbie
Raising Faithful Kids in a Flawed World
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# 2 from “75 Pointers for a Sane Family” The Plan A MOM in a Plan B World
# 2 Apologize if you do something wrong.
We’re all going to mess up. The question is, when we do, are we going to be repentant and apologize for our bad behavior or words?
Just as it is important for moms and dads to model saying the three words, “I love you,” it’s important to model saying the two words, “I’m sorry.” Need we be reminded that it was the repentant man whom God heard praying and who went home to his house justified; and not the self-righteous one? (Luke 18:10-14)
“He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion,” Proverbs 28:13.
Blessings to you as you model before your children a humble, repentant heart. Your example will serve them well.
In Christ’s Love,
Debbie
Raising Faithful Kids in a Flawed World
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#1 from “75 Pointers for a Sane Family” The Plan A MOM in a Plan B World
# 1 Always say “I love you” when you part for the day.
Today, Keith and I are celebrating 36 years of marriage. It’s no wonder that when I began compiling a list of things that I consider important for a healthy family, this is the first point that came to mind.
If it isn’t a practice in your home to say the simple words, “I love you” when family members leave or you part for the day, why not begin? It will alter relationships for the better.
And, if Jesus felt it important to tell us that He loves us, certainly it must be important to follow His example and tell one another.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another,” John 13:34.
I’ll be anxious to hear how your relationships have changed for the better at the end of our 75 days!
In Christ’s Love,
Debbie
Raising Faithful Kids in a Flawed World
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