A WANTED CHILD

I don’t remember a time when I felt unloved, because there has never been one. There have been times when I was unlovable and undeserving of love but I still felt completely loved. Long before I knew there was a God who loved me unconditionally, I felt that love through my Dad and Mom. Like all infants, there was nothing I could do to earn the love of my parents. I was demanding and self-serving with no thought of anyone or anything but my needs, yet they loved me. My Mother made sure that a day did not pass without me hearing her say, “I love you.” Even today, every phone call ends with her assuring me that I am loved. Every card tells me I am special and that I was loved from the moment of my first breath. I was definitely a “wanted” child.


Perhaps, this is why it is so easy for me to believe that God loves me beyond imagination and I am His “wanted” child. The Bible, God’s love letter, tells me in 1 John 4:10, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us.” It is not such a miracle that I love God because He is worthy of such love. The miracle is that He loves me, not because I love Him, not because I perform acts of kindness, not because I am a good person but because I am His creation. His heart longs for me; I am a “wanted” child.

Can you imagine what would happen if we could ever really understand and accept God’s perfect love for us? We would follow Him without question, knowing that wherever he leads us there is a rainbow with a pot of gold. We would be bold to tell everyone we meet about this amazing circle of love that surrounds them too. Every hardship and trial would be endured with gladness of heart, confident that it is just part of the shaping process in our life. All fear and doubt would disappear because His perfect love casts out all fear. Just as a baby rests in total peace, so would we, knowing that all our needs would be supplied according to His riches in Glory. We would walk with our head held high confident that we are a “wanted “child.

On this Valentine’s Day, I want to grab hold and never let go of the fact that “He loves me with an everlasting love” and I am a “wanted” child.

CHECK YOUR WINDOW SILLS

The windows were shining, the furniture dusted and the carpet vacuumed. Ahhh, the feeling of accomplishment was sweet; time to let the fresh breezes blow out the lingering staleness created by the hot, humid days of summer; time to settle back with a well-deserved cup of coffee and admire the results of my fruitful morning. Tying back the curtains and raising the window, I suddenly recoiled in horror!!! My feeling of satisfaction and my beautiful room was suddenly marred by filthy window sills. The sills were grimy with dirt, dead bugs were strategically lining the wells and cobwebs filled the corners. Where had all the filth come from and how had I allowed it to accumulate to that extent? Paper towels and window cleaner work wonders and a half hour later I was sitting back enjoying my cup of coffee, secure in the knowledge that my rooms were spotless.

Pondering the situation, I realized how thankful I am for windows. The sills reflected what a great job the window had done in trapping the dirt and bugs before they took up residence in my house. God created our bodies with some pre-emptive devices to protect important sensitive areas from ingesting the filth and germs that swirl around us every day. If you are the mother of daughters or are extra sensitive, you may want to stop reading now or write your own ending to the story. I am the mother of two boys and believe me when you raise boys; all sensitivity quickly flies out the window. With boys, bodily fluids and noises were not subjects to sweep under the rug or discreetly discuss in hushed tones. OH NO!!! They were loudly proclaimed, a subject of masculine rivalry and at times actually celebrated. Now that you understand how my mind works, blow your nose, clean out your ears and wash the sleep out of your eyes. These are all systems that must be cleaned from time to time; systems that protect the body from ingesting foreign objects that would harm delicate tissue. If you never blew your nose, you would finally be unable to breath. Ears can become so plugged, that it seems you are hearing everything from inside a barrel and of course who would want their eyes glued shut with the goop that accumulates every night while you sleep? We make sure to take care of our bodily hygiene every day but what about our spiritual hygiene?

We have repented and turned toward Christ, our sins have been washed away through baptism and He has filled our emptied soul with the Holy Ghost. The inside is all clean!!! We live by the motto, WWJD. Our homes have been set up as a testimony, there are certain places and situations we shun, and we are careful to let our speech glorify God. The outside is all clean!!!! Before we settle back and rest in what God has accomplished in our life, CHECK THE WINDOW SILL. What is lurking in the corners, down in the wells and under the layer of dust we have allowed to accumulate. We still live in a world that doesn’t follow WWJD. We are bombarded with filthy words, images and evil imaginations every day. Although we may guard our heart and refuse to embrace the world’s view of life, we have to daily cleanse the accumulation from our mind. The Apostle Paul says it in such an eloquent fashion in Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Spending a little time with the Lord, listening to Godly music, reading a passage of scripture, and just allowing His love to gently wipe away all the outside crud will keep all the pre-emptive devices in good working order. If you haven’t checked the window sills of your heart in a while, take a few minutes, you’ll be reaching for the paper towels and Windex, with lightening speed.

I, PRIDE, MYSELF

While listening to a sermon audio of a recent conference, I heard one of the speakers make the following statement, “I pride myself in usually knowing what to do.” What was it about this statement that just didn’t seem quite right? Three words, Pride sandwiched between I and Myself.

The dictionary defines pride as, “high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority.” Is God concerned with pride? Oh, yes! The word, “Pride,” is found 46 times in the KJ version of the Bible. We can all quote Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Romans 1 goes even further and lists pride as a sin worthy of death, right beside fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, envy, murder, backbiters, and haters of God. Whoa, pride the same as a hater of God? What’s wrong with having a little pride? Can’t I take pride in my appearance, my accomplishments, things I’ve worked hard for and earned? Look closely at your questions, pride cannot be mentioned without using the word I, my, me, myself or mine. Herein lies the problem with pride, one of the attributes God hates. Pride omits God from our accomplishments, who we are and with what we have been blessed. All glory belongs to God and He will NOT share it with anyone even you or me.

In the Bible we find an account of Saul, Israel’s first king. Saul’s humbleness was apparent when Samuel first spoke with him. Saul reminded Samuel that he was a Benjamite, from the smallest tribe of Israel and when the time came for him to be anointed king, he went and hid. Let’s jump ahead a few years; what a change. Saul began to believe his "own press;" power and position now defined him. Eventually pride totally consumed him and we read the sad conclusion in 1 Samuel 15:17, “And Samuel said, When thou was little in thine own sight, was thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the Lord anointed thee king over Israel?” Verse 23, “Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” Pride cost King Saul his favor with God, his peace of mind, his kingdom and finally his life. What a high price to pay for “myself,” “I will,” and “my way.”

Mankind has had a problem with pride since he listened to the serpent in the garden. I have never met a person who does not struggle daily with pride. My personal war with pride always ends with a fall; either I fall on my knees or I fall on my face. I have found it to be a softer landing when I fall on my knees and let God strip my pride away. As His face comes into view and I allow His will to replace my plans, my accomplishments and my desires, I realize that I am nothing without God. “Dear God, I need your grace to help me to never again “pride myself” in anything but in all my ways acknowledge You.”

GIVE ME JESUS AND STARBUCKS AND......

When I was in college, I had to take a 300 level management class. One of the few things I remember from this class is the importance of a mission statement to an organization. It defines who you are as an organization, your philosophy, your goals and your targeted market. By having a written definition of your organization, management is able to narrow its focus to those things that will fulfill the organization’s goals and ultimate success. Many organizations have failed not because of bad ideas or personnel but because in neglecting to define goals their focus became too broad. I worked for an investor who became wealthy by purchasing distressed rental properties at a low price. This worked for him for several years until he decided to branch out into the hospitality industry. His focus changed and the new ventures became a drain on his proven companies. He eventually divested himself of the losing properties and regained his focus after learning a painful lesson.

Having been raised in dynamic churches, I have had wonderful examples in all areas of ministry. God has placed beautiful, dedicated pastor’s wives, Sunday school teachers, worship leaders, counselors, prayer warriors and people with other callings in my life. I have learned valuable lessons from each and many I have tried to emulate in the callings that God placed in my heart. As a young person, I found myself longing to be used in a specific ministry because the people involved seemed to be so happy, so loved and so blessed. Other times I have gotten involved in certain ministries only to find myself discouraged and frustrated. After many years of “spinning my wheels,” I finally realized that God would lead me into the perfect ministry He had planned for my talents and personality. Once I developed a “Mission Statement” based on God’s plan for me, I found joy in serving and spiritual fulfillment. I was able to pray for others to be used in their call without longing or jealousy at their success.

A few years ago, a man came to start a church in the town in which we were living. He came full of zeal, with a plan and a time frame. To his dismay, his plan included a Starbucks and our town didn’t have a Starbucks. Then he found out it also didn’t have a specific donut or ice cream shop. He continued for a few years but was never able to focus his vision on a strategy that would fit the field he had chosen for his labor. After a time of frustration, he left to fulfill another dream as a manager of a Starbucks. It doesn’t matter whether you work at Starbucks, a Fortune 500 company or are in full-time ministry, let the call of God not your place of employment define your ministry.

If God has placed a burden on your heart ask God to show you where to start. If it is sharing the gospel with hungry hearts, don’t get hung up on the brand of coffee you want to serve, the style of music you envision playing or the fact that you don’t have the personnel for multiple programs. If God wants you to write, don’t worry about who will publish your book, God will open that door. If you have a desire to speak, find a volunteer opportunity that will get you few pats on the back and little applause. In due season, God will reward your efforts and provide the stage. If you will keep your focus on developing a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, all these “things” will fall into place. Remember, you and Jesus are a majority and He can accomplish His will through you without a Starbucks, a magnificent building or flashing lights. Just give me Jesus!

THE SWEETEST HOUR

As I walked into the kitchen, I could feel it; it would be “one of those days.” Actually, it had been “one of those weeks.” You know what I’m talking about, we’ve all had the experience. Nothing was going as planned. I had a pile of laundry to wash, Christmas shopping to finish, the cookies were over baked, music still to be selected for Sunday Service and the view outside the window proved that even the weather was refusing to cooperate. In addition, my opinion had burst out at the wrong time; I couldn’t believe that he actually thought…and that she was still…. I’m sure if I still had dogs, there would have been muddy footprints tracking through the house. I WAS AGGRAVATED!!!!

Finally, the first load of laundry was folded and the bed was made but the dark cloud hanging over my head just wouldn’t lift. The whole world was against me and I was just trying to serve the Lord. Suddenly, the words of an old hymn found their way through the fog into my thoughts. “Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! That calls me from a world of care.” Nice song, I definitely need something to “call me from a world of care.” I continued into the living room, and the words of the song continued in my mind, “In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief, and oft escaped the tempter's snare.” The fog lifted and everything suddenly became crystal clear, I had missed the sweetest hour of the day. Actually, it had been a couple of days.

The laundry could stay in the dryer, the dishes would still be waiting and the Christmas Cards could be mailed tomorrow, I had an appointment that was just too important to miss. I knelt down in my favorite spot and let the peace of God flood my spirit. “Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! Thy wings shall my petition bear. To him who’s truth and faithfulness engage the waiting soul to bless. And since he bids me seek his face, believe his word, and trust his grace.”

Our lives become so cluttered with so many ‘absolute have-tos”, some are even service to God. The demands on our time can become overwhelming and emotionally draining. The only antidote is to make the “sweetest hour of the day” a part of your routine. It is amazing how setting aside only one of your twenty four hours smoothes the way for the other twenty three. Oh, Sweet Hour of Prayer, my day became brighter, the tasks were accomplished in record time and I was able to view my friends with more love and compassion. “I'll cast on him my every care, and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!”

THE PEOPLE GOD WANTS!!!

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Rebecca Manley Pippert tells the story of Bill from Portland Oregon. Bill was a brilliant, eccentric student at the Oregon College who moved to his own drumbeat and refused political correctness or societal expectations. There was a well-dressed, middle-class church across the street from the college. They felt a burden to reach out to the students and welcome them into their service. It just so happens about that time, Bill found the Lord. One Sunday, Bill decided to worship at the church across the street. He walked into church wearing blue jeans, a t-shirt and of course no shoes. The church was quit crowded and Bill, finding no seat, simply walked down the aisle to the front pew and squatted down on the floor. Suddenly, an elderly man began walking down the aisle toward the boy. What was he going to say to the brash college student? He would probably “straighten out” this young man, such disrespect simply could not be allowed in the House of God. The congregation held its collective breath. When the elderly man reached Bill, he simply lowered himself to sit beside Bill on the carpet. He and Bill worshiped together on the carpet that Sunday morning. There was not a dry eye in the congregation.

How many “Bills” have walked through our church doors, felt the chill of the condescending stares and walked out, never to return. How many “Bills” have we passed on the street and looked the other way because they didn’t fit our soul-winning vision. Matt Maddix, a popular soul-winning evangelist, has coined the phrase, “If you reach for the people nobody wants, God will give you the people everybody wants.” TRUE!!! Another speaker has said, “If you reach for the people nobody wants, God will MAKE them the people everybody wants.” TRUE!!! As I thought about these phrases, I thought about all the people I come in contact every day. Some are wealthy, educated, poor, illiterate, intellectual, mentally-challenged, athletic, handicapped, well-dressed, and others are homeless. They are all the people that make up my world. The people Jesus died for! The people God wants!!!

The Bible tells us that Jesus came to “seek and save those who are lost.” When Jesus came, he didn’t check out the demographics, take a poll or target a specific socio-economic group. Who did Jesus “hang” with? A rich, young ruler consulted with Jesus, there was a little widow who had a simple “mite” to put in the offering, a prostitute washed his feet, and he debated with the priests in the temple. His immediate circle consisted of fishermen, wealthy tax-collectors, a wild, wilderness-loving cousin; he had a humble young girl for a mother and the village carpenter for a father. Jesus reached out to the demon-possessed, the epileptics, paralytics and lepers, children, military commanders, the religious elite and sinners. There was no one too great or too unimportant for Jesus to reach for, can we say the same?

We are commanded to go into ALL the world; we don’t have the right to be selective. Take a look around the world in which you live, is there a “Bill” you passed over because he wasn’t in the place you were looking. Maybe he didn’t fit your vision of the ideal “Christian.” Perhaps his ideas didn’t fit your religious philosophy. “Bill” is one of the people God wants!!! I am praying that God removes all prejudice, preconceived ideas and clears my vision to see all the people that are hungry to experience what I have; all the people God wants.

YOU'VE REALLY BEEN GOOD TO ME

Today is the last day of what some call a “Month of Thanksgiving.” Many have used this occasion to post a different thing every day for which they are thankful. I have enjoyed reading the diverse assortment of important things in the lives of my friends. One of the striking characteristics of their thankfulness is that very few material things were listed. We put so much importance on jobs, houses, automobiles, clothing and, of course, the latest electronics but when we actually take the time to give thanks, it is about friends, family, relationships, life and health.

A couple of weeks ago, I decided to clean out the filing cabinet. Perched on a stool, with the shredder on the kitchen counter and a stack of file folders to sort, the purging began. It began as a methodical exercise; limiting the archives to this year’s statements, important contracts and year- end tax returns, shredding previous year’s paperwork and emptying the shredder, over and over. After the files were purged, shredded, renamed for new accounts and organized, I moved on to old check files. Ten years of old checks were just begging to be fed to the hungry shredder, when an attitude of gratitude inserted itself into the process.

I began to look at the canceled checks and realized they told the story of my life for the past 10 years. There were checks to mortgage companies paying for a house, a cottage and a church/office building. I had to take a praise break! Thank you Lord for a beautiful home, memories of summer fun at the cottage and for all the hearts that were touched and changed at the church. More checks, this time with the names of several friends and family members; birthdays, Christmas, weddings, anniversaries, new babies and other special occasions. Thank you Lord for each person you have allowed to share my life and thank you for allowing me to bless them as they have blessed me. I moved on to checks for utilities, insurance, home maintenance, car payments all of which I’m sure were complained about at the time but now represented a bounty of blessings from God. Another praise break! I’m thankful for warmth in the winter, cool air in the summer, the freedom to travel short and long distances and the finances to cover all the repairs. There were payments to doctors, dentists, and even the government. Thank you for good health, root canals and caps and enough wealth to pay taxes. (Not happy about the taxes but thankful for a good job.) Finally, there were checks to charities and tithes and offerings to church. Thank you, God that you provided all of our needs, many of our wants and enough to share with those less fortunate. You really cannot out give God.

As I returned to the task of shredding, my heart was overwhelmed by the goodness of God. He truly is Jehovah-Jireh, my provider. The “Month of Thanksgiving” may have come to an end but the gratefulness continues year round. Lord, you’ve really been good to me.