Thinking-about-Jesus Shoes

"The believer can say, 'I have a Brother in heaven; I may be poor, but I have a Brother who is rich, and is a King, and will He suffer me to want while He is on His throne? Oh no! He loves me; He is my brother.' Believer, wear this blessed thought, like a necklace of diamonds, around the neck of thy memory; put it, as a golden ring, on the finger of recollection, and use it as the King's own seal, stamping the petitions of thy faith with the confidence of success. He is a brother born for adversity, treat him as such." (Charles Spurgeon in Morning & Evening)

In recent weeks I noticed a very clear trend in my devotional and personal readings. Over and over the readings pointed me clearly to Jesus - not in subtle ways but with bell-tone clarity. First, there were the eloquent words of Charles Spurgeon. The quote above is one of many  jewels that I have gathered from reading Spurgeon's daily devotional book entitled Morning and Evening   . Spurgeon consistently encourages and challenges the believer to understand the magnitude of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on our behalf. As we understand, we can begin to grasp how deep is the love of Christ for us.

A second book that I have been reading for the third time (yes, it's that good) is entitled Stepping Heavenward  by Mrs. Elizabeth Prentiss, herself a PK and a PW. The book is a fictional journal of a young woman's journey to maturity in Christ. Mrs. Prentiss teaches profound spiritual truths in an easy to read style. In the passage below, the fictional journal writer Katy initially is struck with the truth of God's love for her. She writes of what she was told by an older preacher:

" ' You may be sure of it,' he said solemnly. 'I, His minister, bring the gospel to you today. Go home and say over and over to yourself, 'I am a wayward, foolish child. But He loves me! I have disobeyed and grieved Him ten thousand times. But He loves me! I have lost faith in some of my friends and am very desolate. But He loves me! I do not love Him; I am even angry with Him! But He loves me!' " (Stepping Heavenward by Mrs. E. Prentiss)

Katy's understanding of Christ's love and how she should live in response to that love grows and develops as she grows and matures as a woman.

Dear Sisters, have you taken time recently to think about Jesus? Have you given time to meditate on the great love poured out to you? You may be hurting, perhaps even by a situation within your church. Never forget: Jesus loves YOU! Grasp onto that truth and never let go.

"...And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:17b - 19) 

Storytime Shoes

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up..." (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Once upon a time there was a beautiful young princess who was part of a large community of faith. Her father was a leader in that community. As the princess grew, she also grew to love this community, just as her father did. Eventually she became of age and went to a school in a faraway land. While at the school, the beautiful princess further developed her God-given musical abilities. She received thorough training in the use of her voice, how to play the piano, how to direct a choral group, as well as how to study the Bible. As a part of a select choral group from the school, the princess traveled throughout her country and in faraway lands. In her last year of schooling, she worked at a very large community of faith, assisting those in leadership with her musical gifts.

During her years at school, the princess dreamed of returning to her home community to share all that she had learned. Finally, the day arrived for her to graduate. She was ready to begin a new chapter in her life. What excitement

The beautiful princess had a love for children and for teaching them a love of music. She decided to begin a children's choir so that the little princes and princesses could learn about music while also learning how to bring musical praise to the Creator. Imagine her surprise when there appeared to be one roadblock after another to starting a choir. The suggested meeting time was not right. The music was too difficult. Limitations were placed on when and how many times the children could sing in a given year. Eventually, after much hard work, the princess began the children's choir. The children were enraptured! They loved the princess and worked very hard to sing up to her expectations.

The day of the first performance came and a sound check was required before the worship service began. The one in charge of the sound asked that the children be there at a specific time, which they were. Unfortunately, the children were made to wait while others went before them. The one in charge of the sound also spoke to the princess with unkindness and disdain, including the familiar "rolling of the eyes". Nevertheless, the princess persevered and the children performed. The community loved the  singing....especially the children's parents! Thus began almost three years of a children's choir.
During these years, the children grew to love music and learned much about how to sing. Even though the community agreed to purchase music, there was always an undertone of disapproval by some of the leadership. This disapproval brought a heavy weariness to the princess.

One day, the princess received a letter from a handsome prince. The two began to write letters to each other. Before long, they were married and moved to a faraway land. In their new land, the handsome prince and beautiful princess found a new community of faith. The community eagerly embraced the two and encouraged the princess to use her musical gifts to encourage the community. The weight of weariness was removed. She was free to use all that God had given her to use. (1 Peter 4:10)

Dear sisters, this is a fairy tale that is too often replayed in churches everywhere. A young person leaves for school and returns with enthusiasm and a desire to share but instead is met with road blocks. How wrong! Where is the encouragement? Where is the building up of our sisters and brothers? As a PW, I encourage you to be on the lookout for young people who desire to share their gifts. Find a place for them to serve, and encourage them in their service. It does not have to be a large task at first, but give them an opportunity. Do not despise their youth.

3 John 4 Shoes

"Nothing can separate, even if I run away. Your love never fails. I know I still make mistakes. You have new mercy for me everyday, Cause your love never fails.

You stay the same through the ages. Your love never changes. There may be pain in the night, but joy comes in the morning. And when the oceans rage, I don't have to be afraid. Because I know that You love me. Your love never fails.

The wind is strong and the water's deep,

But I'm not alone here in these open seas. Cause Your love never fails. The chasm is far too wide. I'd never thought I'd reach the other side. But your love never fails.

You make all things work together for my good. You make all things work together for my good."

("Your Love Never Fails" lyrics by Newsboys/ from the album God's Not Dead )

 

 Picture a late model, sporty little car, heading to Sunday morning church. Inside are a mom and her son, mouths wide open, apparently singing........what? The song is the one posted above: "Your Love Never Fails". The ones inside the car? My twelve year old son and me! He introduced this song to me and we both agreed that we liked it... a lot. The words resonated with both of us. We had experienced the truth expressed in the song. So, more than once, my son plugs in the ipod, selects the song, and away we go. The last time we were loudly singing, I thought, "I love this!"

Dear sisters, what a wonderful thing to be able to wear 3 John 4 shoes. With a heart of gratitude I will shout, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." (3 John 4) Once we are blessed with children, one of our top priorities needs to be bringing them into the kingdom of God. Is it by our will? NO! Salvation is ever and only by the will of Almighty God so there can be no boasting. Nevertheless, as moms, we are to be His instruments, impressing God's truths to our children at home, along the way, when they lie down, when they awake.(Deuteronomy 6:6)   

However, somewhere along the path of a PW, a dangerous trap awaits. There are so many things to be done within your church family...such worthwhile good deeds! STOP. Before you say yes to any ministry opportunity within the church, be certain that it does not bring harm to your ministry at home. Do not allow the opinions of some to determine what you do. Be concerned only with God's plan for your family. You have your children at home for a season. Live in that season. Your committed parenting can be one of the best ministries you can provide to your church family. Be involved, of course. But do not allow your involvement to be a way to escape your duties at home.

Sisters, remember Galatians 6:9 - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Persevere and enjoy the harvest!