TWO LEGS AND A PIECE OF EAR

It had been a long, fun-filled week at Niswonger Grandkid’s Camp 2014 and I was totally exhausted.  The grandkids had gone home, my house was a cluttered mess and after a week of sleep deprivation all I wanted was a steaming cup of coffee, as I stumbled out of bed on Sunday morning.  To properly function, a body requires uninterrupted rest during each 24 hour period to heal, replenish the spent energy and store up a surplus of energy to be used the next day.  If your body goes without this restorative process for too many days, you will tire more easily, your immune system will break down, leaving you vulnerable to illness and disease and eventually complete collapse.  As the caffeine coursed through my veins, bringing me back to life I counted the hours of sleep over the last week and realized 4 to 5 hours per night was not enough to replenish the energy expended every day trying to keep up with 6 kids all under 10 years old.  I was physically exhausted.

It was Sunday and my teaching and tradition told me I should be getting ready for church but on this specific morning, getting dressed, driving an hour for 3 songs, an offering, sermon and prayer was something my mind couldn’t wrap around.  Pouring another cup of coffee, I turned on one of my favorite streaming church services in Louisiana.  I sang along with the awesome worship and prepared myself to hear a good sermon.  But today, it would be more than a sermon; God had a message prepared for me.  I cannot tell you the title or the text but there was one verse that grabbed hold of me and began to do its work. Amos 3:12 Thus says the Lord: “As the shepherd rescues from the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear, so shall the people of Israel who dwell in Samaria be rescued, with the corner of a couch and part of a bed.”  Suddenly God wasn’t speaking to Israel, He was speaking directly to me and it hit me I was SPIRITUALLY EXHAUSTED and in danger of being completely devoured.

I honestly felt that about all I had left was two legs and not even a whole ear, just a piece.  Oh, I knew God still loved me and I rested in His salvation but spiritually, I was completely spent.  For too long I had been taking in just enough to pour out something to others but not enough to build up my own reserves.  Having been raised in church and filled with the Spirit as a child, I was an expert at going through the motions, saying “Amen” at just the right time, smiling and giving just the right word of encouragement, praying just the right prayer, then making my way home totally drained.  My Spiritual Immune System was breaking down, I was becoming vulnerable to the attacks of Satan and I didn’t even have the strength to pull my two legs and ear out of the mouth of the lion; I was exhausted.

The beautiful thing about God is He doesn’t leave us in our exhausted state to rescue ourselves.  No, Amos 3:12 says “As the Shepherd rescues..”  Healing tears began to flow down my face, a glimmer of hope shone faintly in my spirit as I snuggled comfortably in His everlasting arms. “But God is it enough?”  “What can you do with two legs and a piece of ear?”  And God softly whispered, “I created the two legs and the ear; they belong to me.”  If you will listen closely with even one ear, you will hear My voice which bids you come to me on your two legs and I will give you rest.”

Perhaps, you feel pulled apart and devoured until there is only two legs and piece of ear remaining.  You have given of yourself for too long without replenishing the reserve; you are Spiritually Exhausted.  Allow the Shepherd to rescue the parts of you that remain and remake you as only the Creator can.  Rest in His Presence, listen to His voice, allow His Spirit to rejuvenate and reenergize you.  Prepare to be amazed at what God will do with “TWO LEGS AND A PIECE OF EAR.”

 

GRACE SPEECH

I was about 12 or 13 when I first heard the phrase, “No offense, but.”  I still remember the exact place and who said it and the event we were discussing…Isn’t it strange that the phrase would still ring in my head 40+ years later? I was having a teenage-girl conversation with my friend Brenda Carol about, of course, BOYS!!!  She was telling me about her new boyfriend and that a church friend had said, “No offense, but your boyfriend is ugly.”  Why would someone say that?  It didn’t make sense; of course it was offensive and I’m sure it was said as an insult so why would it be compounded by lying and saying “No Offense?”

I was raised by a Dad who “Said what he meant and meant what he said.”  There was not a lot of “flowery” talk or drama and definitely no politically correct speech to soften the blow of word meanings.  My Dad was not a mean person and didn’t go around insulting people but if you ever felt offended or insulted by him, believe me it was INTENTIONAL and was not prefaced by “No Offense, but.”  So, although I didn’t always follow his lead, I learned that if you didn’t want to “own” your words, keep them to yourself and if you were going to speak be prepared for the consequence that would follow.

I began to think of the different ways we have learned to preface statements so that the insult or put down is softened and the risk of personal consequence is lessened.  There is, of course, “No offense, but" which translates, “I’m about to say something you will find offensive but you do not have permission to be offended.” Sometimes we use, “Don’t take this the wrong way, but.”  Obviously, we are about to say something ambiguous.  It might hurt the other person’s feelings but “I’m really saying this to help you,” so YOU need to listen with a “right” spirit.  My all time favorite “insult preface” is “With all due respect.”  The correct interpretation of this phrase is, “I really have NO respect for anything you just said and I am about to issue a correction.”  Other popular response prefaces include, “I probably shouldn’t say this, but,” “You may not like this, but,” or “I wouldn’t do that, but if you want to.” Now with social media, instead of prefacing our derogatory comments we add “LOL” at the end.  As if adding LOL takes the sting out of the insult or insulates you, the poster, from any fallout from the putdown you just issued.

Colossians 4:6 admonishes us to, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”  You may argue that the prefaces you use are the “salt” spoken of in Colossians but you are forgetting the first part of the verse, “Let your speech always be with grace.”  GRACE SPEECH is always kind, is never rude, does not promote its importance over another, doesn’t hint at evil or provoke another.  GRACE SPEECH is always spoken in love and intended to encourage and lift up the other person.  GRACE SPEECH is GOD SPEECH.

OK, I’m repenting because I have been guilty of using some of these “Prefaces” with full knowledge that the statements following would tear down instead of build up, would discourage rather than encourage and would offend although I told them they had no right to be offended. GRACE SPEECH may not be your “native” language but it can be learned and with practice you can begin to speak it fluently.  It starts by training your mind;  Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. When all of things spoken of in Philippians sink deeply into your heart, your mouth will begin to speak things that are noble, just, pure, lovely and of a good report.

GRACE SPEECH, you can begin speaking it today!!!

FREEDOM FOR THE FISH OF EGYPT

It didn't take long for the Children of Israel to forget the bondage of Egypt and the purpose of their freedom.  They had not been delivered from Egypt just to escape the evil taskmasters.  Oh no, God had delivered them because He had a covenant with their Grandfather Abraham.  They were a people, set apart to worship Him.  A few days out of Egypt, we find them willing to embrace the bondage of Egypt to alleviate their growling stomachs.  Numbers 11:5 We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. 6 But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.”  Look at the first part of verse 5, “Remember the fish which COST NOTHING!”  OH NO, ISRAEL!   The “Fish of Egypt” cost you EVERYTHING!!! The “Fish of Egypt” cost you your children, your health, your ability to make your own decisions; it was the COST OF FREEDOM.

It didn't take long, after the Birth of the Church for some Believers to forget the bondage of sin and the purpose for their freedom.  We have been delivered from sin not just to escape Hell but because we are a “chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a people for His own possession, that we may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9, paraphrased)  But just a few short years from Pentecost, we find Paul and Peter warning the young Church to not ABUSE their freedom, trading it for the “Fish of Egypt;” reminding them the reasons for their freedom. 

Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

1 Peter 2:16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.

Today, we celebrate Independence Day; the day we declared our independence from a tyrannical king; but America has forgotten the true reason for freedom.  We did not fight an empire as a country just so we could make our own laws, then use those laws to mean anything we could twist them to mean.  Oh America, how far you have come from the day of declaring “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed;”  The founders of this great nation fought because of a deeply held belief in God; a God that had given all people the right to LIFE, LIBERTY AND A PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS!

America, 238 years after declaring these words is trying to remove God from the equation.  In doing so, we are perverting the rights endowed by this same God.  The right to LIFE; our “Free” nation has passed laws allowing its “Free” citizens the liberty to deprive our unborn of the right to LIFE and many would desire prosecution for those who dare to guarantee that right to the millions of babies who cannot speak for themselves.  The right to LIBERTY;  our “Free” citizens willing hand our blood-bought liberty back to a government who has forgotten that rights are not bestowed upon us by government but by our Creator, in which they no longer believe.  The right to THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS; the greed of “free” people has traded their right to pursue happiness for the “Fish of Egypt.”  We no longer understand the satisfaction of the reward of labor.  Instead we ask and expect our government to provide our reward.  If we work, we allow those in power to confiscate our harvest, distribute it as they wish, and then thank them for their largesse in allowing us a small portion.  These are the COST OF FREEDOM and as Americans we have forgotten the true purpose of our freedom.  

Today as we celebrate with picnics, fireworks, parades and wave the “Red, White and Blue,” take a few moments to remember.  Remember those who have sacrificed their lives and families to guarantee the right to live as a free people.  Remember the Rights that were declared 238 years ago.  Remember the God who has endowed all people, not just America with those rights.  Remember the cost of the “Fish of Egypt” may be the loss of that precious freedom.  Finally, remember WHY we have been set free; free from a tyrannical government, free from sin, free to live, free to breathe in the winds of liberty, free to pursue happiness and determine that you will live in that freedom today and every day.  LET FREEDOM RING!!!

THE PROMISE WAS NOT MEANT TO END WITH YOU

In Acts 1:4, just before Jesus ascends into Heaven, He gathers His followers and tells them to stay in Jerusalem and wait for THE PROMISE.  He told them they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit and receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them.  They obeyed the command of Jesus, gathered together and began to pray and wait for THE PROMISE.  In Acts 2, we read, “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. ² And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. ³ Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. ⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”  THE PROMISE had come!  THE CHURCH had been born!  This Sunday, which is Pentecost Sunday, we will celebrate this glorious birthday of the Church and most wonderful of all, THE PROMISE WAS NOT MEANT TO END WITH THE DISCIPLES!

Read through the Book of Acts, there are thousands that testify of having received the Holy Spirit; The Promise.  In Acts 2:39, Peter proclaimed, “For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”  Around the world, people are still experiencing the outpouring of The Promise in their own lives.  But THE PROMISE IS NOT MEANT TO END WITH THEM!

As a child, I heard sermons preaching about The Promise, witnessed people receiving the Holy Spirit, responded to the invitation to come and receive it and at the age of 9, I received The Promise; the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in my own life.  But THE PROMISE WAS NOT MEANT TO END WITH ME!

One of my greatest joys as a parent, was witnessing Steve baptize our boys in the Name of Jesus and rejoicing with them as they received THE PROMISE.  Now there is a new generation, my grandchildren.  They must be told about this wonderful Promise from God and how they can experience it for themselves, that it will give them POWER and GUIDE them their entire life.  Steven and Philip, THE PROMISE WAS NOT MEANT TO END WITH YOU!

This week, my sister, Valerie, posted some pictures of her grandbabies, praying and worshiping at Youth Camp.  One of the sweetest pictures is of 7 year-old Levi and his Mom, Sarah, rejoicing after he had just received the Holy Spirit.  There were others of 6 year-old Emma Grace and 8 year-old Charlie, repenting and asking God to fill them with The Promise.  What joy fills my heart to know that THE PROMISE didn’t end with Val and me, nor did it end with our children but now a third generation is experiencing the same Promise that the 120 experienced on the Day of Pentecost.

I hope that many will celebrate the Birth of the Church, this Sunday.  I pray that the Message of Pentecost will continue to be preached around the world.  My greatest desire is that millions will hear The Message, respond and receive their personal experience of The Promise.  Share it with your Family, your Neighbor, the Waitress at the Restaurant, and even the person giving you a pedi, because THE PROMISE WAS NOT MEANT TO END WITH YOU!

FANCY PURSES SIT ON A SHELF

I find the excitement of shopping for a new purse rivaled only by shopping for new shoes.  My dressing room has shelves dedicated to purses and the only good reason to thin out my collection is because it is time to replace an outdated or worn out bag with a new one. 

As I removed, rearranged and made room for new arrivals, the many adventures attached to each purse came flooding back.  The lovely wedding, a relaxing vacation, a coveted new Spring ensemble, a color I just could not do without and the flower-splashed bag that is always sure to garner compliments.  

The only one not found in the jumbled array is my favorite, serviceable black leather purse.  It sits on a chair, ready to be of service at a moment’s notice.  It is a bit scuffed, the shoulder strap has a few threads needing to be clipped and there is even a smudge of dirt on the side.  If you look inside, you will find the usual wallet, glasses, and lip gloss; but you will also find a toy soldier and a fruit snack from the grandkids, a few used tissues and crumpled receipts, breath mints and scraps of paper containing “blog” notes from observations during my adventures.  All the purses on the shelf are empty, waiting for a special occasion but not this purse; it is standing, always ready for any errand, appointment or whim.

It is so tempting to look longingly at the beautiful, cherished collectibles proudly displayed on the shelf of life.  They are always perfectly dusted, fresh and clean, just waiting for the special occasions that comprise their destiny.  No matter how much I pretend or polish and buff, I was never created to be the “fancy purse on the shelf.”  If you look really close you will see a few scuff marks and smudges remaining from the last battle, a crumpled tissue used to wipe away the tears and a ready "bottle of water" for the soul who needs to be refreshed.  An old “receipt” listing time spent sitting with a sick friend or some notes sent to encourage a weary sister. 

Yes, sometimes my life gets cluttered and I need to do a little housekeeping to make room for the next assignment, but you’ll never find me sitting all prim and proper on the shelf….that’s for “Fancy Purses” still waiting for a special occasion.

THE ROAD I HAD NEVER TAKEN

It was one of those beautiful sunny days with a brilliant blue sky that makes you want to just go somewhere or do something special.  On my way home from the mall, I approached the light at an intersection I have stopped at many times, intending to go straight down the road, once the light changed to green.  But this time was different.  The colorful signs on the corner invited me to turn; the unknown road beckoned me to discover its secrets and so I did.  What wonderful sights would I see?  What hidden treasures would I find?  What great adventure lay ahead?  The few interesting shops were soon left behind for a few medical offices and then only empty fields.  HOW DISAPPOINTING!!!!  There was no adventure to be found.  Finally I turned into the one lone gas station, pulled out and headed home, straight down the old familiar road.

As we journey down life’s long road, we will come to many intersections. Some will offer bright lights and promise unknown adventures. You may feel as if you are in a rut; life has become mundane and going “straight” down the road on your journey home seems SO BORING! Before you take a detour, STOP, THINK and LISTEN.  STOP…do you really have time to be distracted by a few flashing neon signs?  THINK…what if there is nothing waiting but empty fields?  LISTEN…what is the Holy Spirit whispering to your heart? 

So many dear ones have turned down the irresistible “Road Never Taken” only to find it is just a road of false hope and empty fields.  Sadly, they never find the right place to turn around as they travel further and further from home.  They hope that around the next curve or over the next hill they will find the excitement they crave, but mile after mile, there are only empty, desolate fields.  Some have finally “run out of gas” and stopped to rest among the barrenness, lost and alone.  But that doesn’t have to be the “End of the Story.”

Although the “Mystery of the Unknown” is overwhelmingly inviting, don’t lose your focus; keep driving straight ahead.  If you have already turned, only to find the beckoning road is bleak and lonely, TURN AROUND NOW!  This road was NEVER meant to be taken.  There is still time to make it home before the darkness closes in.  The “Lights of Home” are shining brightly and there you will find everything for which your heart has been longing.

WHEN TOMORROW BECOMES YESTERDAY

Ephesians 5:15-17 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶ making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. ¹⁷ Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Thirty-eight years ago, I walked down the aisle to join Steve and begin our life journey together.  There were so few yesterdays and so many tomorrows.  Oh the plans we made, the places we would go, the things we would accomplish together; and we have!  Walking down the path with my beloved has been a dream journey but we have reached the road marker where we must face the realization that there are more yesterdays full of memories than tomorrows full of dreams.

For a few moments I pull back the curtain and peek through the window of memories; our first home, at 20 years old, holding our first son and 17 months later, our second son.  I remember the laughter, the tears, the joy, the anger…why was I angry?  I’m not sure I recall; it really wasn’t that important.  Family vacations; I wish we had taken more.  Fun at the park; why did I not stop and play longer?  My sons standing strong and handsome awaiting their own brides at the altar; holding my first grandchild, who will soon be 10 years old; holding the other 6 as they came along over the next few years and feeling that I must enjoy every minute of this “mini do over.”  I think of our moves and our houses; leaving family and friends to follow God; the triumphs and the disappointments of all the TOMORROWS THAT HAVE BECOME YESTERDAYS.

Border Agent Terry was just 42 minutes from being relieved of duty when he was shot and killed. Just 42 minutes from leaving to spend Christmas with his family. 42 minutes from holiday festivities and exciting plans when his “tomorrow became yesterday.” There would be no more tomorrows to anticipate or take care of all the things he had not gotten “around to;” only yesterdays full of memories, unfulfilled dreams and regrets.

We can count our YESTERDAYS but only God knows how many TOMORROWS remain.  YESTERDAY may be full of regrets but you have THIS DAY; THIS MOMENT and it is full of promise.  You can choose to spend RIGHT NOW doing and being whatever you desire.  You may have made exciting plans for tomorrow or this weekend, but God has a plan for you TODAY. Don’t waste TODAY looking forward to TOMORROW or yearning for YESTERDAY.  The decisions you make TODAY will determine the memories you leave when your TOMORROWS become YESTERDAYS…choose wisely!