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! 

 

 

 

 

                                          

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Shoes!

"Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15)

Do you have a favorite Christmas gift? It may have been given to you years ago, but you still remember it with great fondness. Perhaps you cannot isolate one particular gift but instead have a "Top Ten" list of memorable gifts. I am a member of the second group - those with a list.

In spite of this, I decided to highlight just one of the gifts on my list. It is the gift shown in the above picture. Just an Alpha-Bits box? Hardly. The gift pictured above was made by my oldest son and youngest daughter. At the time they were about five and three years old respectively. Today they are 25 and 22 years of age.About 20 years ago, the two worked together to make Christmas gifts for everyone. My son thought of an idea and they made the idea a reality. The picture above is one of their creations. It was made to hold my paintbrushes. Much to the bemusement of my son, I still use the "paintbrush holder" today.

Some may wonder why I bother to keep such a thing. Others might say,"What kind of gift is that?" The very best kind! This is why I still have the gift. I keep it because it reminds me of the tender giving hearts of two of my children. They had no money but wanted to give something to me. They found a box and put it to good use. The top opening was covered and two holes were punched into the covering. The gift was wrapped and given with great excitement, including an enthusiastic explanation of how it was to be used. It was a thoughtful, humble, precious gift. I treasure it.

As followers of Jesus we all know about the gift that we celebrate at Christmas. When given, this gift did not appear very luxurious. There was no opulence, no grand announcement. A baby? A stable? What kind of gift is that? The very best kind! Jesus, God in the flesh, came to earth. He did not come because we asked him to come. He came while we were still sinners. He came because He loved us. By giving Himself, Jesus made it possible for us to receive the gift of eternal life. Have you received this gift? If you have, remember how precious the gift is. Remember by remaining close to the gift through the study of His Word. Remember by seeking to live as He lived - in obedience to the Father. Most of all, treasure the gift. You will never receive a better one!

Thanksgiving Shoes

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done." (2 Chronicles 16:8)

This year I put on my "Thanksgiving Shoes" with greater gusto and joy than in some years. The simple reason is illustrated in the above photograph. All five of my wonderful children as well as my two bonus children (in-laws) were in our home from Wednesday through Sunday afternoon! Our house was as stuffed as the turkey I roasted on Thanksgiving Day. For a glorious five days there were more dishes in the sink, extra shoes by the door, more food to prepare, games to play, family movies to watch, lots of laughter and extra hugs. Simply put, it was heaven on earth!

As on previous Thanksgivings, our family took the time after dinner to share what we were especially thankful for as we reflected on the past year. Several themes began to emerge as we shared around the table. The first included expressions of thanks for various relationships: family, husband-wife, friends. The second featured testimonials to God's provision and faithfulness. Among these were employment,  places to live, scholarships, internships, and new church families. Together our family rejoiced and thanked God from whom ALL blessings flow.

In the NIV Bible there are 150 references using some form of the word "thank". We are instructed to thank God with our offerings, for others, using a harp, with choirs, in song, with shouts, for God's goodness, to Jesus Christ our Lord, and in all circumstances. Once we start down the road of Thanksgiving we will find that the road has no end! There is always one more thing to add to the list. Along the road, another discovery will be made as well. As we give thanks, our attitude about everything begins to change. Giving thanks recognizes God's continual work in our lives, reminding us that he is always there, always knowing, always loving, always faithful. Thank you God.

" Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness endures through all generations. (Psalm 100: 4-5)

Friendship Shoes

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." (Proverbs 17:17)

There is a common axiom frequently expressed in gatherings of pastors and their wives : "One cannot have true friends within one's own congregation." As a young PW I refused to agree. "Our experience will be different," I thought. The years of ministry passed and I began to understand the reason for the axiom. My heart did not want to agree, but my mind had to face the facts.

And what were the facts? During our time of ministry we experienced abandonment and betrayal. Friends chose to leave the church. At an especially difficult time I confided with one I considered a friend only to learn that my confidence had been shared with another. The result of this betrayed confidence was a biting email written to my already beleaguered husband and the closing of my heart to any intimate friendship. Too much pain. Finally, my husband was wrongly treated by one who had described him to be "like a brother". Result? Twenty-five years of ministry at the same church ended. The common axiom rang true.

Thankfully, the story does not end here. A ray of light pierces through the pain. I have a friend - a sister who was born for adversity and understands the job. As my husband and I endured the tragedy of being  ripped away from a church where we had given of our hearts, our time, and our energy, there was a friend in whom I could confide. I'm not talking about our blessed friend Jesus - I'm talking about an earthly friend. This earthly friend provided a sounding board for me. She prayed with me, called me to see how I was, and encouraged me. She kept her word to not share with others what I had shared with her. More than a year later, she continues in the work of a true friend.

Dear sisters, if you are a PW please be careful before you wear friendship shoes. Be aware that you may be hurt. Observe the character of those around you and choose carefully. Once you have found a friend, wear your shoes proudly and with gratitude. Be the friend you desire her to be. Such a friend is rare. Enjoy the blessing! If you are not a PW, consider being a friend to one. Be willing to persevere and not demand. Listen and keep your tongue from gossip. Be ready to pray at a moment's notice. When adversity comes, stay on the job.

In closing I want to thank my dear sister in Christ. You know who you are, and I want you to know of my gratitude. You are a gift from God and I am greatly blessed.

Museum Shoes

"Then Moses said to the Israelites, 'See, the Lord has chosen Bezalel son of Uri,the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill and knowledge in all kinds of crafts - to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood and to engage in all kinds of artistic craftsmanship. And he has given both him and Oholiab son of Ahismach, of the tribe of Dan, the ability to teach others. He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as craftsmen, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers - all of them master craftsman and designers....' (Exodus 35: 30-35)

Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to view some of the work of the seventeenth century Dutch master Rembrandt van Rijn. The exhibit was entitled: "Rembrandt and the Face of Jesus" and was the first exhibit of the artist since 1932. The museum had never before displayed the series of paintings depicting the face of Christ. Etchings and drawings by the artist were also on display - all with the focus upon one subject: Jesus.

I purchased my ticket and eagerly took my place at the end of a long line. The entrance and exit of visitors was carefully controlled and monitored. While in line I received a set of headphones to enable me to hear commentary about the exhibit. Finally, it was my turn to enter the exhibit area. I turned on the headphones.

As I looked and listened, tears came to my eyes. The commentator spoke of the life of Christ, quoting directly from the Bible. Passages discussing sin, Christ's miraculous healing work, and His resurrection were not ignored. They were stated as factual information.

I slowly walked through the exhibit, taking time to move within inches of the various etchings and paintings. The details and energy of the lines was beautiful. The use of light and the portrayal of Christ? Glorious! My heart was encouraged with the mastery on display.

Driving home later that day I continued to marvel at the exhibit. Lines of visitors came and stood patiently to see Rembrandt's work. Why? Rembrandt was "filled with skill and knowledge of all kinds of crafts" given to him by the greatest of all creators - God. Rembrandt used his artistic skills to the fullest and as a result God was glorified. Hundreds of years later, God continues to be honored and glorified by Rembrandt's artistic genius.

Dear sisters if you are skilled with "knowledge of all crafts", do not minimize those gifts! Use them. Develop them. Work at them. Enjoy them. They have been given to you by God. Glorify Him by using the skills given to you. May others see your work and glorify our Father - even hundreds of years from now!