365 Days of Praise
Beyond Pillow Talk … YOU’RE INVITED
A Crowd is Cheering You On
What were you doing Sunday night, February 5? Whether you’re a big football fan or not, chances are you watched at least a portion of Super Bowl XLVI, in which the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots 21-17. It was said to be the most watched program in the history of United States television, with 111.3 million US viewers; in addition to the 69,000 fans who gathered at Lucas Oil Stadium, plus the 2.1 million viewers who watched online.
The week prior to the game, my thoughts raced to the great crowd of spectators who would congregate and fill the stadium. The image prompted Hebrews 12:1 to come to mind. “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
What does it mean that there is a “great cloud of witnesses surrounding us”? Does it mean that there is a crowd of deceased loved ones and saints sitting in a heavenly stadium watching our every move, praying we make good decisions?
In my younger years and before in-depth study of the Scriptures, I believed that to be the case. However, after study, I have come to understand that there are two kinds of witnesses: the kind that watch and the kind that speak. Hebrews 12:1 describes a crowd who speaks to us through the Scriptures, not watches every fumble we make. I like how Christian scholar Ray Stedman explains Hebrews 12:1.
The word “witness” can have either meaning: the act of seeing something, or the act of telling something. Which is it here? I think it is the act of telling. The verb form of this word “witness” (martureo) is used five times in Hebrews 11 ( Heb 11:2, 4) [twice], Heb 11:5, 39) and always refers to the giving of a (confirming) testimony rather than the mere watching of an event. So I take the witnesses of Hebrews 12:1 to be the saints who have run the race before us, and have gathered, as it were, along the marathon route to say, through the testimony of their lives, “By faith I finished, you can too!… This is the way all the witnesses of Hebrews 11 are helping us. They have gathered along the sidelines of our race and they hold out their wounds and their joys and give us the best high-fives we ever got: “Go for it! You can do it. By faith you can finish. You can lay the weights down and the sins. By faith, by the assurance of better things hoped for, you can do it. I did it. And I know it can be done. Run. RUN!”…There are dozens and hundreds and thousands of those who have gone before and who have finished the race by faith and surround us like a great cloud of witnesses who say: “It can be done! By faith it can be done.” *
What does that mean for us on a daily basis?If we’re consumed with guilt over something we’ve done or said, we can look to David in the crowd and hear him cheering us on, “I know how you feel. I’ve ‘been there. Done that.’ Here’s what I discovered.” (See Psalm 32) If we’re in a situation and see no way out, we can hear Joseph calling, “Don’t give up. God works on your behalf in ways that you can’t imagine. Stay faithful.” See his story in Genesis 37-42. If you feel alone, pay attention to the myriad of saints surrounding you and calling loudly through the Scriptures, “You’re NOT alone. You may not see Him, but God is with you.” See Jacob’s story in Genesis 28:10-15. Listen to Jesus’ voice in John 14:16-17, and Peter affirming, “God has ways of delivering you!” (Acts 12:1-19) Paul’s voice can assuredly be heard in the crowd of those cheering for us, “It doesn’t matter what you’ve done, Jesus forgives. Repent and call on Him for salvation and to walk in His ways.” (Acts 9:1-20, Ephesians 2:8-10).
The Giants and Patriots had a great cloud of witnesses calling out to them as they played, cheering them on. We do, too, through the Scriptures. I pray this week as you are “on the field” in your home, at work, in the throes of challenging relationships, and going for the goal, that you’ll consider the great crowd of saints cheering you on – that you can do it; that you can finish well.
Heavenly Father, thank You that You that in Your grand design You designated scribes to record the history of Your people. They, like a crowded stadium, surround and cheer us on in our daily lives. Help us study their lives and learn from them. And may we, like they, “lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us” so that as they did, we can run the race before us with endurance; with our eyes fixed on Jesus. In His Name we pray, Amen.
It’s not too late to join me at the KROC Center for the study, The Plan A Christian in a Plan B World. No prior Bible study necessary. Call 830.3315.5762. Tuesdays,12:10-12:50.
*http://www.preceptaustin.org/hebrews_121.htm
Take the Road of Faith, Not Fear
“I’m afraid my business isn’t going to succeed. I’m afraid I’m going to be lonely the rest of my life. I’m afraid my spouse is never going to change. I’m afraid things are never going to get better. I’m afraid I won’t make enough money to support us. I’m afraid my health isn’t going to hold up. I’m afraid my loved one is going to die. I’m afraid I won’t complete the job in time. I’m afraid they’re going to stay mad at me. I’m afraid we’ll never get back together. I’m afraid this person can’t forgive me. I’m afraid I’ll never get control of my bad habit. I’m afraid my child is going to going to be swept away in today’s temptations. I’m afraid I can’t get pregnant. I’m afraid I’m going to disappoint them. I’m afraid I’ll get Alzheimer’s. I’m afraid of failing. I’m afraid I’ll never get married.”
What is your fear? How would you fill in the blank, “I’m afraid….” ?
Recently I heard a sermon during which the minister emphasized that sometimes our fear of a problem is the problem. He then went on to encourage us that when our God is great, our problems seem small. But when our God is small, our problems seem great. The minister to whom I’m referring is Max Lucado. I’m not sure I’m quoting him exactly, but that’s what I took away on my scribbled notes.
Since hearing the sermon, my ears have been alert to the many times fear is expressed. It’s prompted me to ponder, “Is fear always bad?” Looking to God’s Word, we find the answer. Fear is a great motivator. It either motivates us to worry or to pray and have faith. Consider the following:
To What is Your Fear Leading You?
In Matthew 6:25, Jesus addressed a very real fear: what if we don’t have enough? Enough money for groceries. Enough money for clothing and basic needs. Jesus didn’t say that those things weren’t legitimate concerns. He did emphasize that we not let our fear lead to worry but rather to our Heavenly Father, our provider.
In Matthew 10:26-31 Jesus addressed other causes of fear: what others can do to us, the power others can wield over us, the fear of not knowing what to say, the fear of truth not being revealed, fear for our bodies, the fear of being of little value. Again, He directs us to His Heavenly Father.
In Matthew 6:34 Jesus addressed the fear of TOMORROW; the fear that leads us to say, “What if I don’t get pregnant tomorrow. What if I can’t beat this addiction tomorrow. What if I can’t make ends meet tomorrow. What if the relationship, health, or business isn’t okay tomorrow.” As before, He points us to His Father. Jesus instructs us to prioritize our thoughts not around our fear, but rather around seeking His Father’s kingdom and His righteousness.
Fear Can Lead to Faith and Prayer
Jesus doesn’t downplay the issues in life with which we deal. Rather, He directs us to take the emphasis off our fear and to look to God.
Are you worried about food and clothing? Look at your great big God who provides for the birds and flowers.
Are you worried about tomorrow? God will be there.
Are you worried about what to say? God will direct you.
Do you fear that your life is of no significance or that no one cares about you? Look up. You’re of great value to God. He sent Jesus to secure the forgiveness of your sins so that you can live with Him eternally in heaven. Your Heavenly Father knows the number of hairs on your head!
Are you worried about your body? God’s on it. He’s concerned, too; and has provided every food that is good for your body. He wants you to be in good health and has provided healthy choices for you to eat and drink. Are you worried about what happens to your body when you die? Your Heavenly Father will resurrect it a new body in heaven.
The apostle Paul provides guidance on how we can look to God when fears and anxiousness pervade our minds and spirits. He tells us to pray: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God,” Philippians 4:6. There it is again. The same message Jesus gave. See our problems as small in light of God’s greatness. Turn our fears and worries into faith and prayer.
What’s Ahead for You
What’s ahead for you? Will problems and trials lead you to be a person of fear or to be a person of faith? I pray you will take the road of faith to your great God.
Heavenly Father, thank You are bigger than any problem, worry, or fear we have. Help us respond to fear with faith and prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
EXCITING NEWS! P.R.A.Y. with Passion Across the Nation, the Hill Country Ministries conference that’s been held in 25 states, is going to be in Kerrville, TX at the KROC Center on MAY 5. Put the date on your calendar and call 830.315.5762 to secure your reservation! MAY 5 (5/5). 8:30-12:00. Child Watch available.
Get Back on Board!
Shock riveted the world as newscasters flashed photographs of the sinking Italian cruise ship, Costa Concordia on January 13, 2012. Images reminiscent of scenes from the Titanic appeared before our eyes, but this time it wasn’t the Titanic. It was friends and neighbors throughout the world who were running, screaming, and searching for loved ones after the ship hit a reef and ran aground at Isola del Giglio, Tuscany. The captain of the ship, Francesco Schettino, is under house arrest for abandoning his ship and not assisting in the evacuation of the ship’s passengers, as well as for other charges. Why did this tragedy occur in which at least 16 people died, 64 others were injured, and at least 16 are missing?
>The captain deviated from the ship’s computer-programmed route.
>He turned off the alarm system for the ship’s computer navigation system.
>He admitted “navigating by sight” because he wanted to treat people on Giglio Island to the spectacle of a close sail-past. Yet, in the end he claims, “I don’t know what happened.” As I’ve pondered the Captain’s negligence and have listened to recordings of the Coast Guard ordering Schettino back on the ship to assist in the passenger evacuation, I’ve thought of God and the believer’s relationship. I’ve wondered if we ever act like the Captain in the following ways.
The Captain Deviated from the Ship’s Computer-Programmed Route
God has given believers a “route” by which we are to live. We are not free to do what we want at whim as we travel the waters of life. Rather, as captain of our vessels: our bodies, minds, and spirits, we are to follow the route given us by the One who has set the navigation paths. When and if we deviate from the God’s ways, we put not only ourselves in harm’s way, but also others. The Bible tells us the route to take. We are not to deviate from it. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death,” Proverbs 14:9.
He Turned off the Alarm System for the Computer’s Navigation System
Have you ever decided to ignore what you know is right and you’ve done what you felt like instead? You said the harsh words. You had the affair. You lashed out. You took what wasn’t yours. You “paid back” someone for something they did to you. You chose to not forgive. You acted in pride. You ignored the warning of the Holy Spirit to exercise self control and do the right thing. That’s what Captain Schettino did. He turned off the alarm to the computer’s navigation system so that he could do what he wanted to do and on top of that, no one would be alerted. He could proceed without his course of action being stopped. The Holy Spirit is our alarm. God’s Spirit will assuredly “sound” in our minds, hearts, and spirits if we’re studying God’s Word, if we’re surrounded by mature believers, and are hearing the Bible preached. He will alert us, “Don’t say that!” “Don’t go there.” “Don’t do that.” But if we purpose in our hearts to do a behavior or speak a word or even think a thought that we know God won’t like, and we close our Bibles and ears to the truth; we in effect, turn off the alarm as Schettino did. We may even go so far as to think as he pridefully assumed, “I’ve gotten away with this before, I can do it again.” We fail to consider that we may hit a reef of sin and many will be hurt. “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption,” Ephesians 4:30.
He Navigated by Sight
Schettino admitted that he was “navigating by sight” because he wanted to treat people on Giglio Island to the spectacle of a close sail-past. Both pride and arrogance are reflected in his statement. He presumed he could navigate by himself, without the navigation system. In like manner, when you and I choose to walk by our natural abilities, mind, spirit, and flesh, we are at the height of presumption. Jesus made it clear that when He returned to heaven that He was going to send a helper: the Holy Spirit; in effect, His very presence. (John 1416-17) Paul further explains that we are to “walk” and “live” by the Helper, the Holy Spirit. “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit, Galatians 5:25. Rather than “turn Him off” and pridefully navigate through life on our own and by our sight, we’re to take advantage of this wonderful gift of having the eyes of the Lord guiding us through our day, week, and year. If we walk by sight, by just what our fleshly eyes can see, we may be considered in God’s eyes as we think of Schettino for turning off his navigation system. Christians have another set of eyes and power by which to navigate: God. We’re to learn what it means to walk by faith; to walk by the Spirit; to live by the Spirit.
He Jumped Ship Disregarding those Still Onboard
There’s a final act of Schettino worthy of our consideration. His ship had been entrusted to him. He was the captain of it and responsible for it. In like manner, our bodies, minds, emotions, and spirits are an entrustment from God. 2 Timothy 2:21 tells us, “If anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” We are captains of our vessels on a daily, moment by moment basis. We are responsible for what we think, say, and do. Our bodies can be vessels of honor, set apart, and prepared for good works God has for us to do. Or, we can wreck our bodies through poor lifestyle choices. We can poison our minds with impure thoughts. We can damage our emotions. We can drive our spirits into reefs of sin where we end up not being of further use to God. Of course, our vessels will wear with age and slowly go out of commission. But shouldn’t we be mindful of how well we are acting as Captain of our vessel God’s given us?
Get Back on Board!
The Coast Guard ordered Schettino to get back on board; to do the right thing. Could it be that God is calling us to do the same; to “get back on board” with our minds being conformed to Christ’s mind, our bodies being vessels of honor, our spirits being filled with God’s Spirit, and our emotions reflecting the fruit of God’s Spiritl? Gal 5:22-23
I don’t know about you, but I think I’ll pull my vessel into harbor and let God do a thorough inspection on me. I think I’ll make a point each morning to open my Bible and turn on the navigation computers and alarms. What about you?
Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Navigation System, Computer, Alarm, and Coast Guard all wrapped into one. Help us pay attention to Your routes and Your orders so that we might be vessels of honor, guided through this life by you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
What’s Your Life Verse?
“Tebow’s effect hard to ignore” led the sport’s column after the Denver Broncos’ victory over the Steelers in the NFL national playoffs this week. “He kneels in prayer at times when many players would be pounding their chest,” Eddie Pelts of the Associated Press reports. Pelts’ question, “Does God really care about football? is answered by Joe Price, a professor in the religious studies department a Whittier College. “Not one whit. But does God care about people who play football? You betcha.”Whether you’re a huge follower of sports or agree with Price, no one can ignore Tim Tebow. School students emulate him and kneel in school halls. He’s the subject of talk shows and sermons. This bold witness for Christ, who used to stencil 3:16 into his eyeblack when he played in Florida, lives his passion for Christ. He has carried before millions John 3:16, “For God so loved the world He gave HIs only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.”
While other players have knelt in prayer and given credit to God for their success, something especially unusual happened to this remarkable Christian football player. While some are calling it “coincidence”, others are asking Pelts’ question, “Does God care about football?”
I choose to agree with Price that God cares about people and is doing all He can to reach us. What’s your take on the fact that the John 3:16 Tebow threw for 316 yards and set an NFL playoff record by averaging 31.6 yards per pass? Is it a “coincidence” or is God showing favor? Could it be that God is using a willing Christian to impact those in his sphere of influence? “You betcha!” I say. The most widely searched item on Google for much of Sunday night into Monday was John 3:16.
What Does This Mean for Us
It’s great for us to be armchair sport’s enthusiasts and cheer for a fine Christian player. But could it be that God has a message for those of us who are already Christians? Could it be that God is saying that we’re to be living out our “life verse” as well for our spouses, children, friends, and co-workers to see? John 3:16 is Tim Tebow’s life verse. What’s yours? When others look at you, do they say, “Oh, Mom loves….and then quotes a verse? Do your employees or employer know that you live by the verse …..? Is it a predictable fact that when your friends or family call with a need that you direct them to find encouragement and hope in the verse …..?
If you don’t have a Bible verse “associated” with God’s mission for your life and His message through you consider the following. Might any one of them fit? If not, why not ask God to show you the verse He desires you most live out before others. Begin reading through the Bible with the quest to discover that most important life verse for you. My personal one is found in Philippians 3:7-10 – to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. Hill Country Ministries’ mission statement, “to spread God’s Word and love,” is based on Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’”
Friends’ Life Verses
Following are some of my friends’ life verses. How do I know? They live them out.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made know to God,” Philippians 4:6.
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me,” Philippians 4:13.
“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be empted beyound what youare able, but with the temptation will provide the way o fescape also, so that will be able to endure it,” 1 Corinthians 10:13.
“God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose,” Romans 8:28.
“‘I know the plans I have for you,‘ declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a futre and a hope,’” Jeremiah 29:11.
I wonder if God is using Tim Tebow to awaken the rest of us to the fact that He does notice and care what we’re living out before others. I wonder if God is encouraging us that by living out our life verse we can make a difference.
I’d love to know your life verse. Here are two easy ways to share it with me: Send me a note at www.debbietaylorwilliams.com or post it below.
Heavenly Father, thank You for bold witnesses like Tim Tebow. Protect him and use him for Your glory. Use us, too. Awaken us to the fact that You see and care how we are influencing others. Carve within our hearts the verse by which we are to live and witness to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
YOU’RE INVITED!
If you live in the TX hill country, please join me at the KROC Center for a 10 week community Bible study on “The Plan A Christian in a Plan B World.” We’ll meet at noon beginning January 24. You can sit and listen; or after I teach, stay and enjoy round table discussion. Call 830-315-5762 and register.
From My Family to Yours
How do you celebrate the New Year?Our family does with gatherings, sharing meals, and “down time” with each other. However, the “down time” isn’t always calm. 🙂 This year we were blessed with a busy three year old, seven month old, and two month old grandchildren. Even in the midst of joy and love, there were poopy diapers, spilled milk, sick babies, and midnight wakings. Those are minor in relation to tragedies occurring in our neigborhoods and world: drunkenness, drug overdoses, car wrecks, hospitalizations, job loss, suicides, marital tension, child run aways, spouse and child abuse, threat of war, economic woes, weather disasters, kidnappings, persecution, and hunger.
What do you do and how do you feel in relation to all that lies before you in 2012? We might do as some and say, “I don’t watch the news on TV or read the newspaper any more.” Or, we might keep up with the news, but also hold our Bibles tightly to our chests. We might become more purposefully prayer warriors. Rather than sticking our heads in the sand, we might stick our heads in the heavenlies and stand against Satan’s ploys with spiritual power and energy.
If you’re looking for a way to pray more purposefully and live more passionately for Christ, I hope you’ll consider reading my book, Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion. I believe it can provide spiritual insight that can kickstart your year. Even better, consider doing “Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion” for your weekly Bible study at your church or life group. My teaching DVDs are available so you can have small group discussion (questions provided in the book) and then watch the DVDs.
The material is also available in my conference, P.R.A.Y. with Passion Across the Nation. We’ve held this conference in 25 states and are praying to take it every state in the nation. You can see where we’ve been, and we’ve not been to your state, contact us. We can talk and discuss optional dates and schedules.
Most importantly, take action to “gird yourself” for 2012. I don’t mean to sound doom and gloom, but I do believe it is going to be a challenging year. Other studies to consider are “If God is In Control, Why Do I Have a Headache?” to help you with your personal life and grasping what it means that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and that you are not your own.
The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World is for all of us! I address 9 land mines that we need to be continually diffusing. Some are those the enemy plants in our minds. Some are those we have as a result of how we’ve been raised.
The Plan A MOM in a Plan B World is for ALL moms. If you’re still communicating with your children, you need to be aware of how you’re influencing. This is a MUST for Moms!
Gird yourself, my friend!
“Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,” Ephesians 6:14.
Father, thank You that we can gird ourselves with YOUR Word and YOUR truths rather than live in despair or fall prey to the enemy. I pray each person reading this will discover new and effective ways to gird themselves as they study and practice Your teachings. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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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