Life

January 2008 | Posted in • Life | (0) Comments |

It was a humid August morning.  My heart was heavy with dread.  It was not yet 7:00 in the morning, but I was already hurting, sweaty, tired, and more than ready to retreat back to civilization.  The mosquitoes seemed bigger than I remembered from before, and I longed to quit.  The enemy was waiting for me, I knew. I could hear their buzzing and zinging. It was just a matter of time.  It would be a painful skirmish.

Alone and armed with only a five-gallon bucket, I faced the scene of the coming battle.  It would be me against the wasps.  I knew that even if I surrendered, I would not leave the pea patch unscarred.  I had been given my orders.  The peas had to be picked.

As a child, I truly believed my family’s mission each summer was to feed every man, woman, and child in Sampson county, all from our garden.  I knew this was so because my job was to pull every blade of nut grass and water every single plant.  Later in the season, I was also privileged to pick, dig, pull, and cut the produce that grew.  I was never consulted about the length or number of rows in our garden; had my family asked, they would have been much shorter and far fewer.  I knew before I was a ‘double-digit” that I intensely disliked – dare I say “hated” – gardening.

I also felt I was treated unfairly.  Because my brother was allergic to bee stings, he received amnesty from most of the work in the ‘battle zone.’  He was also pardoned from shelling and snapping because he bruised the produce.  The only thing that kept me going back day after day was respect for and fear of my mother, although hunger probably had something to do with it, too.

Today I view gardening differently.  I begin looking at seed catalogues during the winter, anticipating that morning when I’ll wake up and just know it’s time to plant.  I enjoy the feel of cold dirt between my bare toes, and I feel a great deal of satisfaction now when I pull a weed off a row.  I’ve learned to use bug spray, and I no longer fear wasps.  My mother is so proud of me … and my children are concerned for my sanity!

What happened between childhood and adulthood to change my attitude towards gardening from dread to anticipation?  My middle child says that I got too many bee stings, but I think that maybe I started seeing some of the principles of gardening at work in my life.
 
For example:

If I till my soil (build my faith) and get rid of the rocks (bad habits) and tree roots (false beliefs) in my garden (life), it will be easier for my seeds (gifts, talents) to germinate and grow (bless others).

I’ve learned that both mulching (reading the Word) and regular watering (praying) greatly reduce the number of weeds (temptations) I have to deal with.

Fertilizing (fellowshipping with like-minded believers) at regular intervals strengthens my plants (sharpens my walk with God).

Pruning (repenting of sins immediately) keeps my crop healthy (helps set the right example for my family/circle of influence).

Rotating crops (change promotes growth) and allowing areas to remain fallow at times (keeping the Sabbath) help provide an increased harvest (more fruitful life).

I’m still pulling weeds, squashing offensive bugs, and scaring away the occasional predator, which is usually the neighborhood dog. But I spend most of my gardening time enjoying the simple pleasures of anticipating the next planting, sharing God’s bounty, counting my blessings, and praying that my children will one day choose to plant gardens of their own.

“While the earth remaineth, seed time and harvest shall not cease … ” Genesis 8:22

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Every single one of us has asked this question at some point in our lives. In the natural, this world is not an easy place to be.  As we go through the monotony of life: work, the commute, school activities, homework…we can lose sight of the simple things we are called to do. Have you done something for Him today? Is your life worthy of the gospel?  Philippians 1:27 (Amplified) says, “Only be sure as citizens so to conduct yourselves [that] your manner of life [will be] worthy of the good news (the Gospel) of Christ…”

I am very sad to say that I haven’t always lived a life pleasing to God.  I grew up in a denomination that taught the cross. I have always believed that Jesus was the Son of God, and that He died for my sins. I prayed daily, yet I didn’t know how to live for God. I just walked around conducting myself like the rest of the world.  Yet deep inside I had a knowing that something was wrong. 

As I look back, I am so thankful for the mercy and long-suffering of a God who loves me and sees the end from the beginning.  I rededicated my life to God in 1995. As He daily teaches me His love, I am more challenged today than ever before to live my life in a manner pleasing to Him.

I recall a day when my mind was racing, and I was trying to think through twenty different things and cook dinner at the same time; all the while, my children were relentlessly calling, “Mom, I need this….Mom, Tyler did that…Mom I need a drink…”  In frustration I hollered out, “Get up and get it yourselves – I am not your servant!”

The Lord addressed this comment almost as quickly as I let the words slip out of my mouth. “Oh yes, you are,” He said, “I gave you those children, and you will serve them.”  I did not hear an audible voice, yet every bone in my body heard it. My entire body shuttered as I sat down in a chair to repent and replay what had just happened.

Daily life and the little things are very important to God.  He does not want me in bondage to my children’s pleas for every little thing. Yet in this situation, my attitude was not right, and I was not walking in His love.

Ah, yes, the little things. Small, but so very important to a Father who loves us!  A smile to someone in need … a hug to a hurting friend … finally taking the time to make that call to someone who keeps coming to mind …  He can use us as vessels on a daily basis if we’ll just be open enough to listen.  Take time everyday to be used by Him.

I remember being in a store one day; a lady who looked like she carried the burden of the world on her shoulders was in line in front of me. I smiled and tried to make small talk with her.  She ended up telling me that she had a son who had had a child out of wedlock; this had upset her tremendously, because he was raised in church, and she didn’t bring him up that way. I shared with her that I, too, had been a rebellious teenager, and that she should trust that she had planted the seed of God inside her son, and that he would eventually come back. I told her, “Never give up on him; just love him and pray for him.”

She smiled for the first time in probably a long time, as she said to me, “Thank you so much! You have been an angel for me today.” I left the store in tears because God loved her enough to reach out to her in her time of need. I went into that store to purchase something, not to minister to someone.  But as I took the time to be kind to someone, God blessed her.

How many opportunities have we missed to bring a word of encouragement to others?  Let’s not become so overburdened with everyday stuff that we forget why we are on earth. Life is about HIM. Find something you can do for Him today. Jesus said if we give food or water to someone in need, we have indeed given it to Him. Give of yourself today. It doesn’t cost very much.  Give a smile or a hug …  volunteer at church … let’s be open, willing vessels to be used on a daily basis.

I leave you with a few lyrics from one of my favorite praise and worship songs, Lifesong by Casting Crowns, “Lord I give my life, a living sacrifice, to reach a world in need, to be Your hands and feet, so may the words I say, and the things I do, make my life song sing, bring a smile to You.”

Does your life song sing to Him today?

November 2007 | Posted in • Life | (0) Comments |

If asked, “What are you thankful for?“ many people might express thankfulness for food, a home, health, a job, a car, family members, or clothes, without really giving it much thought. If we stop and think about it,

What is thankfulness?

Thankfulness is one of the first social graces that we teach our children.  As we hand a toy to a tot, we say, “Thank you,“ soliciting a repeat of the same.  We continue to prompt and train verbalizations of gratefulness into our self-centered children so that they will learn some semblance of giving thanks. And aren’t we pleased when they finally display unexpected gratitude!

Thankfulness is an attitude of the heart that acknowledges the charity, the undeserved goodness, graciously extended towards it. True thankfulness never feels that the benevolence is owed. It is a humble recognition that we have received something outside of ourselves into our lives.  From the very beginning of creation, our loving God extended Himself into creation. From the foundation of the world, He made and He gave.

From the Old Testament through the Book of Revelation, the Bible is full of thanksgiving or ‘giving of thanks.‘ There was the sacrifice of thanksgiving in Leviticus 7:12-16, and a peace offering and thanksgiving to the Lord God in 2 Chronicles 30:22.  There were prayers of thanksgiving (Nehemiah 11:17), songs of thanksgiving (12:8), hymns of thanksgiving with accompaniment (12:27), and proclamations of thanksgiving with the voice (Psalm 26:7).

Thanksgiving was expressed to God to “make His deeds known among the peoples” (1 Chronicles 16:8), to declare His salvation (vs. 35: “gather us and deliver us from the nations to give thanks to Your Holy name”), to tell of all His wonders (Psalm 9:1), and to declare that “He is good for His loving kindness is everlasting” (1 Chronicles 16:34).  Jesus Himself gave thanks to the Father when He broke bread to feed His disciples (John 6:11), and He thanked the Father for hearing Him when He prayed (11:41).

Unthankfulness is evident when our attitudes are flippant or unappreciative. We can actually tout an air of ingratitude by entertaining thoughts such as “I deserve…“ or “I am owed…“ or by whining, “It’s not fair!“ Complaining expressions like “I don’t have…“ or “If I had…“ or even “I wish…“ are full of self-pity, comparison, and lack.  Each of these focuses on self rather than on the giver.  Romans 1:21 reveals the outcome of the ungrateful: “For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish heart was darkened.“

Sometimes we have to bring our thoughts “captive to the obedience of Christ Jesus” (2 Corinthians 10:5) in order to dwell on those things that are “worthy of praise” (Philippians 4:8) and to take stock of what we really have been given; then we can properly respond to the Giver with gratefulness. This is what makes it a “sacrifice of thanksgiving” at times. Giving thanks opens up our hearts and can purge away bitterness and self-pity.

Just like we instill “Thank you” into our toddlers, gratefulness is nurtured.  Possibly this is why Holy Spirit exhorts us in the ‘giving of thanks’ 147 times in the Bible (Amplified). Note the emphasis here on the verb give. Just like Father God gave His only begotten Son Jesus to us because He loved us (John 3:16), we are to give thanks to Him because we love Him, and He is worthy of our thanksgiving. “Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.“ (Hebrews 13:15) 

Let us be full of thanks, “always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father.“ (Ephesians 5:20)  Let us also: “in everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.“ (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

And as a finale, when we proclaim with our mouths the gratefulness that is in our hearts, we are in unison with those who are declaring the Kingdom of God coming on earth as it is in Heaven. “We give Thee thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who art and who wast, because Thou hast taken Thy great power and hast begun to reign.“ (Rev.11:17)

What more need we be thankful for!?

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It begins with one.  Then there is a trickle.  And finally - the flood. The constant river screams, “I want that, I want that, I want!“ 

As the Christmas season quickly approaches, so seemingly do the ‘needs’ of our children.  Every TV commercial and Sunday newspaper is filled with items that your children decide they “must” have.  Suddenly, the toys that they played with yesterday are no longer any good; abruptly they’ve become broken, worn down, and old.  Our kids ‘need’ the latest upgrade and the hottest new items to hit the retail shelves.  And businesses know it!

Corporations know that to make a profit, they must instill a perception of an overpowering need for their products and services.  Their advertisements are designed to compel consumers, like you and me, into their stores, as we attempt to satisfy that need.  It is no accident that toy manufacturers, clothing retailers, and technology-based companies aim their advertising at children and youth, especially during the holiday seasons.  Companies know that children are likely to have a list of wants for Christmas, and that we, as good parents, will go out of our way to provide them the goods . . . But should we? 

There is nothing wrong with blessing our children.  The Bible tells us that God wants us to be blessed.  Psalm 115:13-14 (NKJV): “He will bless those who fear the LORD, both small and great.  May the LORD give you increase more and more, you and your children.“  However, when we are never satisfied with what we have, always craving more and more, there is definitely a problem.  We are allowing material possessions to hold our esteem, in the place of God.  This is an idol called Greed, or Covetousness. 

Greed has become a common and acceptable philosophy in our nation.  Slogans read: “He who dies with the most toys, WINS,“ “No prohibiting allowed!“ and “Hit Me…I need the $$$.“ The Bible calls that a wicked and sinful way of life. 

God addressed greed in the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20:17 (NIV), “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.“  Your neighbors may not have servants, oxen or donkeys, but they may make more money, own a more expensive car, a bigger house, and have a nicer yard.  This verse commands us not to desire or lust after those things that do not belong to us.  We should rejoice with our neighbors that they are blessed, but not be jealous because they have something that we don’t.

We need to train our children to be satisfied.  First, however, we must also allow God to train us in being satisfied.  Psalm 145:15-16 (NKJV), “The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season.  You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.“  God knows the needs of our families, and His provision is sufficient for us. 

We must let go of seeking after material possessions to make ourselves happy, and stop teaching that wrong attitude to our children as well.  We must put God first in everything, absolutely everything.  When we put God first, His Word says that He “will satisfy the desires of our heart.“

So how do we deal with “I want that”?  We must teach our children about giving.  Train them to know and understand that it is truly better to give than to receive.  Read scriptures on giving to them.  (There are several listed below to help you get started.)  Maybe in lieu of spending so much money on your own family this year, you could adopt a less fortunate family, and bless them with gifts for their children.  Perhaps take your children to a homeless shelter, and work for a day, serving others.  I believe we should train our children away from the “Give me…“ attitude and toward the “Giver” attitude.

Luke 12:33 “Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where neither thief approaches nor moth destroys.“

2 Corinthians 9:7 “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.“

Romans 12:10-13 “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.“

Deuteronomy 15:11 “For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and needy, in your land.‘“

Galatians 6:10 “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.“

September 2007 | Posted in • Life | (0) Comments |

His light shines and warms the earth
Seeds of hope awaiting new birth
Conquering power planted deep within
Protected from harm, prey and sin
Darkness and death attempt to abide
Until the blood and sacrifice are applied
Life springs forth, dancing in the sun
A new creation growing has begun

Weeds of sorrow and doubt
Deceitfully enticed to sprout
Until the Master Gardener takes hold
All evil invasion is pulled and controlled
Now, mature and bearing many fruits
A blessed harvest found in His statutes
Supported by God’s rich soil of love
A faithful Provider from above

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We all know the story.  Your four-year-old repeatedly whines that he is not tired, even as you see him repeatedly yawning.  It is a fight to get him to lie down and go to sleep, but you know that as soon as his head hits the pillow, he will be down for the count.  You tell him that his body needs rest in order to grow and be healthy, but he argues that he just can’t sleep. 

“Why can’t you sleep?“ you ask.  “I don’t want to miss something,“ he answers.  “What do you mean, miss something?“  He is completely serious when he replies, “Something might happen while I’m sleeping, and I would miss it.“

At this point, you smile to yourself.  Your child has convinced himself that being overtired is worth waiting for something to happen.  You give him a lecture on sleep and its values to the body, hoping that he will grasp the awesomeness of how God created his body to function and why sleep is so vital to his health.  The sheer boredom of listening to you causes his eyes to close into peaceful oblivion. 

Hhmm.  Sounds silly when a child thinks that way, but adults are also guilty of staying up waiting for the elusive something. Most adults could say that their day consists of getting up, getting the kids ready and out the door, working, coming home, doing homework, fixing dinner, going to ball practice, going through the kids’ bedtime routines, doing dishes and a load of laundry, watching the news, and then sliding into bed wondering if tomorrow will be any different.  Wow!  Doesn’t that sound like fun? 

So, we cut corners trying to get to the something fun in life.  We stay up longer night after night, attempting to get more done, so that the next day will be easier and we will have time to do the things that we always want to do but never have time for.  We rationalize our lack of sleep as a way to end the cycle of monotony in our daily schedules. 

Missing a couple hours of sleep a night may not seem like a big deal, but when added together over time, a noticeable sleep deficit is created.  Just think, one missed hour of sleep per night is equivalent to missing a full night of sleep by the end of the week!  It is a lack of sleep that drives you to hit the snooze button on the alarm, drink too much coffee, and crave a catnap every day.  But this is not the life that we are intended to live. 

God created our bodies to function correctly with a period of work and a period of rest.  Genesis 2:2 says, “And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done.“  God created us in His image.  God worked for six days, and then God rested.  Our bodies are created to both work and rest. 

Proper sleep helps our bodies recover from the daily wear and tear of work and stress.  Sleep allows our muscles to relax, rejuvenates our skin, allows our hearts and lungs to enter “rested” states, and helps to boost our immune system.  Yet we disregard the Word in Genesis, “Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work…“ When we do that, we miss the blessing of living in abundance. 

When we neglect to get enough sleep, our body faces a number of challenges that adversely affect our health.  Neglecting sleep diminishes productivity, leads to a tendency to make mistakes, and causes irritability, headaches, fatigue, memory loss, inability to focus, drowsiness, and moodiness.  With sleep neglect, we no longer operate to the best of our God-given abilities. 

We must realize that the world will continue to push us to work-work-work.  We live in a 24 hour-a-day busy lifestyle.  Stores are now open on Sundays, and some are open all night long.  Society tells us to climb the corporate ladder and to keep up with the Joneses.  But what do we sacrifice for the world’s way? 

We sacrifice living in abundance and the blessings of God.  Our sacrifice is the health of our kids and of ourselves.  Our bodies cannot maintain good health without proper care.  The world’s route to good health has been focused on the aspects of diet and exercise, so much so that we have missed a fundamental part of our health. 

Have you ever noticed how much harder it is to read your Bible when you are tired?  Isn’t it also harder to pray?  This is a tactic of the enemy to keep us worn down and spiritually numb.  When not properly rested, it takes so much energy simply to get things done, that when the Lord calls us to serve, we are too tired to obey. 

God commanded us to rest.  “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, or your son, or your daughter, or your male servant, or your female servant, or your cattle, or your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.“ (Exodus 20:8-11)

You may not be able to have Sundays off due to your work schedule, but you need to take the time for a “Sabbath rest,“ a period when you focus on the Lord and your own wellbeing.  Let’s not throw out the good diet and exercise routines, but also remember to get a healthy dose of sleep on a nightly basis. 

Recommended Daily Sleep Amounts