Claim This Verse!!!

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 15:57
Another great "Verse of the Day" just happened to show up on my Facebook. Through Christ we can have victory over sin. Apart from Him we really can do nothing. Oh we can try and succeed to a certain extent but He has paid the price for us to have true victory. It is a day by day, moment by moment process. We get weak and fall back into that fallen nature.
The sinful way seems to be the easy way sometimes. When we are tired, we may snap back at our family when they ask a favor of us. We use the fatigue as an "excuse.” Matthew 4:1-4 says:
"Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread. But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”
Did Christ fall into sin when he was tired, hungry and totally spent when He was in the desert? Satan tempted Him but He used Scripture as His defense against the enemy. He could have given in but He stood firm and remained faithful to the Father.
Of course He was without sin, but He certainly was tempted in the same way that you and I are tempted. Hebrews 4:15 says:
" For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin."
Then Hebrews 2:18 goes on to say that:
" For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted."
He knows the struggles that we go through because He has been there. I know I have a sense of peace when I share my struggles with someone who has gone through a similar experience. They understand because they have been in the same place I have. That is how we can relate to Christ. He is our confidante who has experienced the feelings of hunger, pain, helplessness, and loneliness. Let's look to Him for our example when we feel at our weakest. He will give us the strength we need to carry on.

Verse of the Day Picked Just for Me!!

"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."
James 4:1-3

I always find it "funny" how a verse seems to be picked for you just at the right time and at the right place in your life. This one from James describes my day today. In my previous note I wrote earlier, I spoke of the Lord's revelation to me. It was an incident that happened today at work that brought me to a place of humility to receive what the Lord had to say to me.
There have been battles within me lately as James says, because I can't have what I seem to want. My motives have not been pure so the Lord will not allow me to receive based on those selfish motives. My soul has been in turmoil from the battles within me.
As always, God's timing is perfect. Another day, another time, I wouldn't have been able to receive from Him. My fallen nature placed me in a place where I could only look up.

Roller Coaster

Today I realized something, or should I say the Lord revealed something to me. For about the last six months I have been on a bit of an emotional roller coaster. It may not seem that obvious to those around me but for those who live with me, it will be no surprise. It goes beyond moodiness. It is more about dealing with the core being of my soul. I can almost pinpoint the moment it began and while the incident itself is not all that significant, the results certainly are. I allowed that serpent to speak to me and I listened. Remember in the Garden when the serpent appealed to Eve's pride saying that if she ate from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, she would be like God. Satan appealed to my personal pride.
Several months ago someone made a comment concerning something I had said. I perceived this comment to be an attack on me personally. Normally my feeling of offense would not be longstanding and would have forgiven the person quite easily and quickly. I would not have made an issue of it. However, when the comment was played over by another person, I became prideful and defensive. That dirty rotten pride that's in all of us was birthed into a monster that day. I needed to defend myself. So this began a "series of unfortunate events" in the journey of my self defense.
I can see now that I became more suspicious of other people in my life. What was the real reason behind actions and comments. I became more negative and didn't seek the positive elements in a situation. I began to retreat into myself, spending more time alone in my own company. I see now that I didn't want to be around people for fear they would make me accountable and for my "perceived" protection. My church attendance has been more sporadic but because we have two services, minor absence is not as noticed.
I spoke my mind without hesitation and offended people. I felt righteous because I was defending myself. After all I am right and they are wrong.
I allowed pride to be my guide. I reacted to people and situations when previously, I would have assessed the situation and "acted" instead of “reacting” based on my emotions. Action opposed to reaction is the difference between being like Jesus and reacting out of my flesh. My example as an ambassador of Christ has been pathetic. How could my non Christians friends and family see Christ in me when I was self serving and prideful?
Since this was revealed to me today, I need to act on it. I need to confess (which is what this note is) and repent of this pride. I pray that I can get off this six-month roller coaster and stand

I Love This Verse!

December 20, 2007
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ... I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35,38-39

This is my "Today's Verse" on my Facebook and it was a timely reminder for me. My last note reflected my feelings of uncertainty. Today I feel more certain. My circumstances haven't actually changed but I am more certain about the love my Savior has for me. Nothing that I can do or not do can change that love. The circumstances in my present or my future can't change that love either. He stays the same and His love is the same no matter what. It is often said that there are no guarantees in life but this is one guarantee that I would stake my life on.
I don't know what the next few days, weeks, months or years hold for my family, but I do know that my relationship with Christ is the glue that will hold us together no matter what the storm is.

Uncertainty

I will admit. I am feeling uncertain about the future. Usually I am quite happy to rely upon the Lord and be at peace with what is ahead in life. I have lived that belief and felt quite confident in that faith.
Lately, that faith and belief are being tested. There are people and things in my life that may be here today and gone tomorrow. That is a reality I see so much in my work. I see it in the lives of others but haven't thought much of my own life and family being affected.
Roles seem to be shifting and I'm not comfortable with it. There are certain things that I feel responsible for and others that seem to be assumed by other members in the family. What if they aren't there anymore or are unable to assume those roles? That is where the role shift comes in. There is more responsibility and that's not something that was in the contract of life I signed up for, was it?
I know this note is vague and I guess it is intended to be. I need to rely on the Lord's strength in this and every area of my life but I am finding there are moments in my day that I get thinking about things and realize I'm afraid of what may be ahead.
I need peace.

The Gift of Giving

My husband told me a heart warming story today. There is a man in town whose wife has terminal cancer. This woman is in her forties with young children so it is especially tragic. A man my husband knows, works with this gentleman. He is working a day and a half each week for the man whose wife is dying so he can take more time off without worry about finances. He is trying to convince others at the workplace to do the same. I'm not sure how successful he will be.
How many of us would do that?
I don't even know if this man is a Christian, but he certainly has a giving heart. If he isn't, I think it would put alot of Christians to shame. How often do we get so attached to the material things in our lives and we don't surrender them to the Lord?
I was truly blessed by that story and it has made me think about how I can reflect the heart of Christ more often.

Cry Me A River!

I cry, I laugh, I get angry and I get depressed I'm an emotional person. I have always been that way and until today I never really gave it a second thought. I don't just cry when I'm sad, I also cry when I am happy or when I am listening or singing a worship song that the Lord uses to touch my heart.
It wasn't until today that I realized what an odd ball I am in my family. My parents and my brother are wonderful people, but they don't cry. Why do I cry? Crying was something that I did long before I gave my life to Christ, but certainly the Christian environment makes tears more acceptable than most communities. I'm not walking around blubbering all the time by any means but when I am hurt or sad I will sometimes express that emotion through tears. Yes, I have had pain in my life but so have my family from time to time, so that's not the reason I cry.
My family never used to hug either. We were never brought up to be demonstrative regarding emotions, but one day I decided that I was going to start hugging my parents when we would part company. I know that they were probably not comfortable with it in the beginning, but I think they are okay with me doing it now.
“Jesus wept.” John 11:35 is the shortest verse in the Bible. When Jesus arrived at the tomb where Lazarus had been for three days, He wept. Did He cry because His friend was dead? I don't really think that was the entire reason. He knew that He was going to raise Lazarus. I think He also cried because of Mary and Martha. In those days women depended on their fathers, brothers or husbands to support them. Since Mary and Martha only had their brother, his death would mean certain hardship for them. Jesus wept for that. Jesus wept for his friends.
I think if Jesus was comfortable to show His emotion by tears, it should be quite "okay" for us to express that emotion. I know not everyone is is comfortable showing their tears in front of others, and I respect that. I am comfortable with my emotional personality most of the time. It is the unique way that God has made me as it's obviously not a product of genetics

What A Day!

I need to remember this verse today. I need to claim it and remember that I am under a microscope every day by the world. The world is watching us. They are examining our conduct in every situation. They may accuse us of wrong doing but they must never find any basis for the charges.
May I live a life worthy of the Lord I love.
Amen


November 20, 2007
Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, "We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God."
Daniel 6:3-5

How Do We Repay Evil

The natural man wants to repay evil for evil. When we are wronged, we want the other person to feel the same pain they have made us feel. I remember when my first marriage ended many years ago my world felt as if it was over. The pain that I had was beyond comprehension. It was as if a knife was stabbed in my heart. The pain was that real. Many nights I didn't sleep. I would wake up sobbing. Here I was a 27 year old single mother of a two year old. How would I survive? Who would want me now? As I wandered around at 2:00 am I rationalized in my victimized mind that I was feeling this pain because of him and I was awake because of him, so why should he be having a good nights sleep? I would then call my husband's number and hang up when he answered!!! There! I admit it! Thank goodness those were the days before call display. I'm sure he figured it out after I did it half a dozen times through those first few months. I wanted him to suffer in some way. I laugh about it now but isn't that how the world operates?
In our Sunday School today part of our lesson was on overcoming evil. The number one principle for overcoming evil is "Take the Offensive". Romans 12:21 says, "Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good". That's sometimes a tough thing to do. But like the lesson said, we can't defeat evil by focusing on the evil forces. Did my phone calling at 2:00 am do anything to my ex-husband in adultery? Not really. It probably just made him happier that he left me!
Evil is a real and powerful force. but it can be defeated by focusing on good. We don't have to fear evil. We don't have to fear Satan if we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He has the victory over Satan by His death on the cross. Satan may seem powerful at times, but God's power is far greater.
If we are faced with a confrontation, the lesson states that we are to picture ourselves as "Rescued". 2 Timothy 4:18 says, "The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen." and Galatians 1:4 says, "who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father"
The Lord wants us to have victory in our lives. If we stew and worry about the attacks of the enemy, we will be stuck in fear and victory will seem impossible. When I am tired and depressed, it is easy for me to listen to the lies of Satan. He will tell me I'm worthless and unworthy and I will start to believe him. Proclaiming the power of Christ is the way to overcome evil. Satan is a liar and a deceiver. He has lost this one and he knows it!!

My Prayer

He's Not On His Knees Yet Lyrics
Artist(Band):Cece Winans


He doesn't know his worth
Wears the saddest smile on earth
But he denies it
Love is reaching out to him
But he won't let it in
He defies it
He defies it


He's not ready
He's not on his knees yet
He's too strong to be weak
Show him mercy
He's not on his knees yet
Let him break please
Make him better
Put the pieces back together

He thinks that he's alone
I have walked the road the he's on
And I know he's searching
Looking everywhere but up
He can't fill his empty cup
So he keeps hurting
He keeps hurting


He's not ready
He's not on his knees yet
He's too strong to be weak
Show him mercy
He's not on his knees yet
Let him break please
Make him better
Put the pieces back together
Help him please
He's not on his knees...
Yet

The Real Truth!

One of the courses I'm taking this semester is called "Mental Health Challenges in Later Life". The following is from some of my reading. It is from the World Health Organization and I am not surprised by the numbers but many I know would be. Mental health issues and related illnesses are not to be ignored. They are real and real treatment is available.


World Health Organization
Mental Health

The bare facts:
Mental, neurological and behavioural disorders are common to all countries and cause immense suffering. People with these disorders are often subjected to social isolation, poor quality of life and increased mortality. These disorders are the cause of staggering economic and social costs.

Hundreds of millions of people worldwide are affected by mental, behavioural, neurological and substance use disorders. For example, estimates made by WHO in 2002 showed that 154 million people globally suffer from depression and 25 million people from schizophrenia; 91 million people are affected by alcohol use disorders and 15 million by drug use disorders. A recently published WHO report shows that 50 million people suffer from epilepsy and 24 million from Alzheimer and other dementias.

In addition to the above figures, many other disorders affect the nervous system or produce neurological sequelae. Projections based on a WHO study show that worldwide in 2005, 326 million people suffer from migraine; 61 million from cerebrovascular diseases; 18 million from neuroinfections or neurological sequelae of infections. Number of people with neurological sequelae of nutritional disorders and neuropathies (352 million) and neurological sequelae secondary to injuries (170 million) also add substantially to the above burden.

About 877,000 people die by suicide every year.

One in four patients visiting a health service has at least one mental, neurological or behavioural disorder but most of these disorders are neither diagnosed nor treated.

Mental illnesses affect and are affected by chronic conditions such as cancer, heart and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and HIV/AIDS. Untreated, they bring about unhealthy behaviour, non-compliance with prescribed medical regimens, diminished immune functioning, and poor prognosis.

Cost-effective treatments exist for most disorders and, if correctly applied, could enable most of those affected to become functioning members of society.

Barriers to effective treatment of mental illness include lack of recognition of the seriousness of mental illness and lack of understanding about the benefits of services. Policy makers, insurance companies, health and labour policies, and the public at large – all discriminate between physical and mental problems.
Most middle and low-income countries devote less than 1% of their health expenditure to mental health. Consequently mental health policies, legislation, community care facilities, and treatments for people with mental illness are not given the priority they deserve.


Objectives
The Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse provides leadership and guidance for the achievement of two broad objectives: (a) closing the gap between what is needed and what is currently available to reduce the burden of mental disorders worldwide, and (b) promoting mental health. The recently launched mental health Global Action Programme (mhGAP) focuses on forging strategic partnerships to enhance countries’ capacity to combat stigma, reduce the burden of mental disorders and promote mental health.

The objectives are pursued through strong linkages within WHO, collaboration with regional and country offices and more than 100 collaborating centres around the world and through combined action in education, social welfare, justice, rural development, women’s affairs. We ensure that our policies and interventions are evidence-based and reflect our commitment to equity, ethics, human rights and gender equality.


When I think about the one in four figure, that means that several of my facebook "friends" have at least one mental health issue. It is time to reduce the stigma and if you haven't sought help, do it now. Your life and your family depend on it.

Computers Are Dangerous To Your Health!

I have noticed something since I began a relationship with the computer world. My body has broken down!!!!
I guess it was about the time that Michael was born and I was at home more in the three years following. Believe it or not I had a 386 and surfed (or should I say dog paddled) the net. Since that time until now I have had to change my lens prescription to include bifocals!!! Some may say it is age....I think NOT!!!!
There has been a steady weight gain noticed too!!! There must be rays emitting from the computer that add on weight in areas that seem to be in range. Some say it's over eating and lack of exercise.....I think NOT!!!
I have had to have surgery on both of my wrists for carpal tunnel syndrome and this is the only repetitive task that I engage in. Thanks to my friend Gary Soenen my carpal tunnels are unsyndromed and I can type as fast as I talk again.......I think NOT!!! A new stumbling block has hit my relationship with my computer!!!!
The latest ailment to attack me from my computer is targeted to my right arm. The computer always attacks the most valued area of the body involved in its life.....the dominant extremity!!! From what I can gather, it is either tennis elbow or golfer's elbow but again is due to a repetitive task. There has been no tennis or golf played here!!! Why don't they call it Computer Elbow or Cyber Arm Syndrome??????
Perhaps a law suit to Bill Gates is in order to compensate for this continual breakdown.....after all he does have the monopoly on the business. Someone should have to pay for this!!!??? I think NOT!

I think I will just stay away from the knife this time try ice and motrin

The Dog Rescuer!

Anyone who really knows me knows how much I love dogs. Animals, in general have always held a soft spot for me. Ever since I was a kid, I have had a special love for pets. I actually aspired to be a vet for many years, but found that I didn't have the grades to even get me close to the door. I do love being a nurse and it is where God has called me, but I still have the connection to animals. If any of those "traits" are passed down or learned, it has been from my Mom. She has a "connection" to animals that is even deeper than my own. I believe that the Lord has given us pets to demonstrate the unconditional love that He has for us. There isn't a human alive that has "unconditional" love. All human love has conditions attached to it. Dog's especially are so capable of that kind of love. I can have the worst day in the world and come home to a family that may not even acknowledge that I have come through the door. My trusty companions, my dogs, run to me like they haven't seen me in a year. They jump up and cover me with love and kisses. Some of you would say "yuck" but trust me, it's a good feeling.
Yesterday I found someone else's beloved pet. This beautiful black lab was wandering in a busy back streek intersection in town. While someone else stood with her, I drove home and got a leash. Down the street I went with this pet to find where her owners might be. No one seemed to recognize this dog so I brought her home to spend the night. She fit in to our home quite nicely like she had been there for years. I made some calls and posted an internet notice, but had to call the humane society. They were to come this morning but thankfully the owners found us. "Woody" (or as I named her Molly) has just moved to Simcoe from the Mississauga area this month and had wandered away. She is 11 years old and her "boy" had cried himself to sleep last night in fear that she may never return. He is a happy little guy now!! Praise God!
People ask why I do this. I have picked up a few wandering dogs or ones that appear to be in imminent danger to return them home. This is the reason why, for the little boys that cry at night over their lost dog. It is for the reason I hope that if my dogs went missing, another animal lover would find and take care of them and not just keep driving figuring someone else will look after it. Some think I'm crazy.......but I am .......The Dog Rescuer!!!!!!!

The Fantastic Four and the Rise of the Silver Surfer

When we were in Toronto recently we decided one evening to watch an in house movie. Paying $12.99 for a movie is more than I would like to spend but this was vacation time and that was part of the fun. The Fantastic Four was agreed upon because my 10 year old wanted to see it. Since it is a movie based on a comic book series I thought it was safe.
For the most part the movie was fine. I was not impressed with the adult inuendos that were fired from time to time by the characters. Fortunately the were over my son's head but nonetheless, this is a movie that I'm sure most parents would feel is safe for a child. The basic "good vs evil" was well covered and had a good message in that regard. I was even able to point out some Biblical parallels to my son which was easy for him to apply.
The story surrounds how the Silver Surfer seeking out new planets with energy for Galactus feed off of in order to survive. It brought tears to my eyes when the force of Galactus comes to earth. It is much like how Satan himself feeds off of the energy of our earth and those who live and breathe here. He can suck the life force out of people for his own survival. Galactus roams like a lion to seek and destroy, much like the Adversary.
Like Satan, Galactus is destroyed in the movie (sorry for the spoiler). Silver Surfer gave his life in a sacrificical way, so the earth and it's people could survive.
Christ gave His life so that we could have life forever. Satan is defeated and he knows it. We have the advantage as believers to stand against his schemes that can steal the energy from us. We need to proclaim that more often. We need to live that so others can see the life saving Force that lives in each of us.

Does Grace Abounding give license to backsliding?

I'm a fan of grace. If it wasn't for that amazing grace I would still be caught in a life of downward spiraling that had me out of control. I'm thankful for that amazing grace that made me realize that my life wasn't as "fun" as I thought it was. That my life wasn't not in my control as I thought it was. That I couldn't rely on "me" as I was broken and fallen and very far from perfect or ideal. I am still broken, fallen and far from perfect or ideal but I am forgiven. I realize that I am created by One that knows me far better than anyone has ever known me. This One that created me knows every secret sin I have ever commited and every temptation that I have encounterd. Some temptations I have given in to and others have been overcome only by the strength that He gives me.
I don't want to have that life I lived before. The uncertainty and darkness that I can now see I was in, is a far deeper pit than I ever want to be in again. It is not about depression so much as it was a lack of hope for the future. I could not see past my circumstances that were created out of my own selfish nature. I wanted to be number one. I had never felt that I was number one to anyone. I wanted to have my needs met first and formost. I was independent and the world celebrates a woman's indeprendence. So if I was celebrated and fufilling my own needs and desires, why was I so miserable inside? Serving self will never end. Serving self will continue, prevail and will never be enough. The hole will never be filled. It is like an empty abyss in a search for better, bigger and faster!
I still make some poor choices and I still give in to my selfish desires from time to time. These moments are fleeting and the Lord always reminds me in some way either subtle or direct that I need to keep Him first in my life. I hope never to choose to go back to that old life. I know others have. My heart breaks for them. My heart breaks for Him as He watches us turn our back on Him. The tears that flow from Him from our disobedience must flood the heavens above.
Do we turn our backs on the backsliden Christian? Do we steer clear or we might "catch" what they have? I think we all see an element of what we could be in that person. We sit back and judge them but we know not what has gone on in their life. We need to walk a mile in another man's shoes to truly see. We are not the judge and jury. Only the One who created us and died to save us is alble to make that judgement. I am a nurse and I can tell the smoker that his smoking is not good for him but he already knows that. However it is my job to be sure that he understands that. I guess that is the same as a Christian. The Christian choosing a lifestyle of disobedience knows they are making a poor choice. They often steer clear of other Christians in order not to be confronted or be accountable. Is it our "job" to point out, in love, that their current choice is unhealthy for them. I think it probably is. Alienation will not bring them back to a life of obedience but the concern of others might enable the Holy Spirit to begin to do a work in their heart.
I think I'm rambling........

So Long Self

I have this song on my Ipod but the words just came alive to me yesterday. It is called So Long Self by the band Mercy Me. The words say it all for me.


"So Long Self"

Well if I come across a little bit distant
It's just because I am
Things just seem to feel a little bit different
You understand
Believe it or not but life is not apparently
About me anyways
But I have met the One who really is worthy
So let me say

So long, self
Well, it's been fun, but I have found somebody else
So long, self
There's just no room for two
So you are gonna have to move
So long, self
Don't take this wrong but you are wrong for me, farewell
Oh well, goodbye, don't cry
So long, self

Stop right there because I know what you're thinking
But no we can't be friends
And even though I know your heart is breaking
This has to end
And come to think of it the blame for all of this
Simply falls on me
For wanting something more in life than all of this
Can't you see

Don't feel so bad (don't feel so bad)
There'll be better days (there'll be better days)
Don't go away mad (but by all means)
Just go away, go away

Reacting!

Reacting!
By Mike Rule

Most of us in our flesh carry a habit of performing for others – always rising to what we think or feel is expected of us in any given situation. Internally, we know how we feel about ourselves: substandard, a failure, we don’t measure up, or there is something wrong with us. Externally, people unknowingly expect so much of us. The disparity between what we feel on the inside and what we expect on the outside causes our inner pressure to escalate.

For example, someone may say that he or she is disappointed with the way we handled a situation and we immediately react to them. There are several ways we can react, depending upon life experience and our unique personality. We may implode and become depressed, self-condemning, and maybe even suicidal. We might explode and get angry, yell at others, be rude or viscous toward others. Or, we may rise to the challenge and perform to what others expect just to prove that they are wrong. In any case, other people are knowingly or unknowingly controlling us. In reality, it is not other people that control us; it is our own emotions that take control. The moment emotions begin to control us, we have begun to walk in the flesh and not according to the Spirit. I did not say we are walking in the flesh when we begin to experience emotion. We are walking in the flesh when emotions begin to control us and make our choices for us.

When someone criticizes or questions us, we are not hearing the words; we are reacting to how the words make us feel. But Jesus calls us to take up our cross, deny ourselves, and not walk according to the flesh. Flesh is nothing more than the human soul (made up of mind, will, and emotion) under the influence or control of something other than Jesus Christ. When we cannot handle feeling particular things and therefore work to avoid those feelings, we are reacting to our feelings instead of responding to the Spirit.

Jesus calls us to let our emotions push us to Him (see 1 Peter 5:7). He calls us to respond to Him in all and through all. The reality is, when we react to what another person says or does all we are saying is that we already know how we feel about ourselves and we don’t want someone else reminding us about it. If we seek to avoid any situation where someone will be disappointed with us or criticize us, we are allowing ourselves to be controlled by someone other than Christ. Both reveling in and rejecting our feelings are reactions outside of Christ. We are free to feel what we feel…and respond to Him alone.

Verses for Reflection

“God lives fully in Christ. And you are fully grown because you belong to Christ, who is over every power and authority. Christ has also taken away your selfish desires, just as circumcision removes flesh from the body. And when you were baptized, it was the same as being buried with Christ. Then you were raised to life because you had faith in the power of God, who raised Christ from death. You were dead, because you were sinful and were not God’s people. But God let Christ make you alive, when He forgave all our sins. God wiped out the charges that were against us for disobeying the Law of Moses. He took them away and nailed them to the cross. There Christ defeated all powers and forces. He let the whole world see them being led away as prisoners when He celebrated His victory. Don’t let anyone tell you what you must eat or drink. Don’t let them say that you must celebrate the New Moon festival, the Sabbath, or any other festival. These things are only a shadow of what was to come. But Christ is real…” Colossians 2:9-17



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Freedom for the Frustrated!

...Jehovah has anointed (us) to preach the Gospel to the poor; He has sent (us) to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to preach the acceptable year of Jehovah and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to appoint to those who mourn in Zion, to give to them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the mantle of praise for the spirit of heaviness; so that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Jehovah, that He might be glorified. (Isa 61:1-3

Harry Potter? Here we go again

With the new Harry Potter movie and the last in the book series coming out this month, my mind has turned to this phenomenon again. I have not nor will I read the books. They do not interest me in the least. My son isn't interested in them either. Some may think that is strange for a 10 year old, but he is already a veracious reader. I might also add that I feel the Lord has given him a gift of discernment for such things too. I tend not to feel the books are "harmless". I always found it strange that young people who never read much more than a comic book would devour these books in a matter of hours or days. What is the draw? I have read enough about JK Rowling to have a high index of suspicion. Are these the only books out there that kids perhaps shouldn't be reading? No not at all. But I do think that the Bible is pretty clear about being involved in witchcraft and divination. I think participating in the phenomenon is glorifying the very practice that the Lord calls ABOMINABLE That's a pretty strong sentiment that God only reserves for the most disgusting practices. Of course, that is Old Testament, but I don't think Christ died so we could be free to learn about white magic. That's taking "Grace" to the tenth degree isn't it?

This is an excerpt from an article on Christiananswers.net which is a site I trust with alot of movie reviews, etc.


But in the Potter series, the line is not so clear. The "good" guys practice "white magic", while the bad guys practice the "Dark Arts". Readers become fascinated with the magic used (explained in remarkable detail). Yet God is clear in Scripture that any practice of magic is an "abomination" to him. God doesn't distinguish between "white" and "dark" magic since they both originate from the same source.

"There shall not be found among you anyone who …practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you. You shall be blameless before the LORD your God. For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the LORD your God has not appointed such for you."


Deut. 18:10-14
Furthermore, if one were to use the reasoning that such objectionable material can be included in fantasy literature, then "that line of reasoning would tell you that you could include in fantasy any violence, pornography, whatever you wanted, and still defend those books by that very same statement." [11]

The problem is, witchcraft is not fantasy; it is a sinful reality in our world.

"J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, has gone through an awful lot of research. She is very accurate (otherwise we would have witches all over the country and the world saying 'this is not a true representation of our religion'.) This is a true representation of witchcraft, and the black arts, and black magic. And yet we have people that say this is merely fantasy and harmless reading for our children. Actually, what makes this more dangerous is that it is couched in fantasy language, and children's literature, and made to be humorous, and beautifully written and extremely provocative reading. and it just opens up children to want to have the next one. This is what is so harmful." [12]
Harry Potter: Witchcraft Repackaged studies elements of Rowlings's imagery and writings, including the use of the "Potter" name in Pagan religion [13], shapechanging [14], meditation [15], human sacrifice [16], feminine power, Wicca (the religion of witchcraft) [17], the tools, spells and curses used in witchcraft [18], Christian youth and their involvement [19], communicating with the spirit world, reincarnation, situational ethics in witchcraft, the lightning bolt as a power symbol, broomsticks and witches' hats as phallic symbols, dabbling in divination and sorcery, recruitment, teaching children dark arts, Scholastic Inc.'s involvement, and more.

We can be sure that this video by Jeremiah Films, while probably the first of its kind to deal with Harry Potter from a biblical cautionary perspective, will not be the last. The Christian Booksellers Association's 13,000 member annual meeting in 2000 had a noticeable lack of anything Potter.

"Clara Sessoms, who manages Living Water Christian Books in Marion, Ind. [says] 'I don't think people fully realize what they're dealing with, and I think anyone who knows anything about spiritual warfare knows those books can open the door to spiritual bondage.' 'And I think it's worse that children are the target,' said Jessica Ruemler, a buyer for Living Water. 'It opens the doors for young minds. You put sorcery in, what do you expect to get out?'" [20]
Many concerned parents agree. According to the American Library Association, the best-selling Harry Potter series has topped the list of the nation's most frequently challenged books for two years in a row. Complaints rose 37 percent in the past year. [21] Author John Andrew Murray believes that…

"With the growing popularity of youth-oriented TV shows on witchcraft -- 'Sabrina, the Teenage Witch;' 'Charmed;' 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' -- a generation of children is becoming desensitized to the occult. But with Hollywood's help, Harry Potter will likely surpass all these influences, potentially reaping some grave spiritual consequences." [22]
Potter has caused quite a stir in many nations, with several Australian Christian schools supporting a banning of the books. "Dr. Chas. Gullo of the Christian Outreach College, a private school in Queensland state, said he read one chapter from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and was exposed to four murders. 'It was pretty gory,' Gullo said in Brisbane's Courier-Mail newspaper." [23] Rev. Robert Frisken of Christian Community Schools Ltd in Australia says: "The ordinary person is typified as being bad because they have no (magic) powers, and heroes are the people who are using the occult. Good finds itself in the occult, which is an inversion of morality for many Christian people" [24] Even many non-Christian parents have been concerned due to the greatly heightened fear that their younger children have after reading Potter's books. [25]



While some practicing Wiccans flatly deny any link between Potter's world and theirs [26], the evidence is undeniably clear that Potter promotes an interest in magic and the occult. Parents, whether Christian or not, must take an active role in what their children are being exposed to and determine what is appropriate. Christians especially should be guided by God's Word, the Bible.

Author Richard Abanes has written a book called Harry Potter and the Bible. He says that the movie and books not only teach anti-Christian lessons on the occult, but also moral relativism, and desensitize children to profanity and off-color humor.

So, what is a Christian to do? Ask, seek, and knock. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you lead your family in taking a biblical worldview of morality, seeking to please God (and not conform to man). Seek out what the Bible says about the occult (be sure to read our other articles) and how Christians are to react to it. And knock on the doors of your friends who may also be unsure what to do with Harry Potter. We highly recommend obtaining a copy of Harry Potter: Witchcraft Repackaged to share with your family, your church, and others.

http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/harrypotter.html

It's Not Fair!!!

I have days (more than I care to admit) that I am feeling particulary emotionally immature and feel things in my life aren't fair.
It's not fair that I have had an unsaved husband for the full 11 years of my life in Christ, when other unsaved spouses have come to know the Lord much sooner than 11 years of praying!
It's not fair that our social life is practically non existent because of that unequal yoke!
It's not fair that my child is no longer walking with the Lord when there are other young people not raised with a Christian parent that are on fire for Christ!
Periodically I invite myself to my own little pity party and cry in my milk (since I don't drink beer anymore!!) The only thing about my pity party is that I am the only one there!! It's a lonely world to get so self absorbed and feel sorry for myself. At the time I feel entirely justified in feeling that way. I get this self righteous feeling that I am the only one dealing with these challenges. Of course that is so far from the truth. Many godly Christians I know deal with a family member who is not walking with the Lord. There are other women out there that have unsaved husbands who are just as lonely as I am. God knows our pain, but He doesn't want us to wallow in it.
He is my sufficiency. He keeps that unsaved loved one close to his breast like the lost sheep that has been found. When I get into my pity party moods, I feel like Peter walking on the water towards Christ. When I take my eyes of the Lord and on to my circumstances, I sink badly! I need to hand over and give over permanently my burdens to Him. He sees the big picture. He is fair and just. He will not give me anything that I can't handle. When I cast my eyes onto Him those truths in Scripture all make sense to me both in my head and in my heart. In those days where the depths of despair and lonlieness seem more than I can handle, He cries those tears I cry along with me.
We have a Savior that has experienced the human emotions we deal with so He can identify with us and be that reassurance to our soul.
Amen

Do We "Play the Field" or "Make a Committment"?Share

My parents taught me about committment. They married back in January of 1962 and are still married today. There were times I wondered if they should be but their relationship has grown out of challenges and good times. Imagine how I felt when my first marriage ended in divorce. I was devastated. Not so much about losing my husband, but about not living up to the standards that I had set for myself. I couldn't work on a marriage when my partner wanted nothing to do with reconciliation. The results would have been futile. My second marriage has been different in that way. There are many challenges but my husband doesn't walk away when things don't go as planned.
I'm thankful that my relationship with Christ isn't like that. He never leaves me even though there are times I don't listen to Him. He is in it for the long haul. My church family reflects that sense of committment I have to Christ and to my marriage. I pray that my children see that modelling of committment in all of my relationships. I have been with Evergreen for over 11 years now. God led me to that church and I am glad He did. There have been times where I have not been happy. Where things didn't always go my way. But it isn't all about me. There is a family to consider and to leave that family would fracture the Body. It is about what I can give to that Body and what I can learn from it as I submit to it's leadership.
Too often the 21st Century church reflects the 21st Century relationship committment trend. When things don't make us happy in a relationship, we can leave. It's that easy in a marriage and it seems to be that easy in our church affiliations. At least in evangelical circles. A Barna report suggests that evangelical church growth is less about reaching the unchurched and more about receiving church hoppers. Fatigued leadership is ready with open arms to receive "mature Christians" as a life saver of sorts. Unless these people are "new in town" perhaps these leaders need to discern whether or not there may be some unresolved conflict with these travellers.
I have an aunt who has been with four churches in the last 10 years. There always seems to be something "wrong" with the fellowship after a couple of years for her. It is coming up about 2 years for her current church, so time will tell.
When conflict has not been resolved in one church family, it will follow us wherever we go. We can't expect people to give us only what Christ can. Christ uses people to reflect His love but people are not perfect. Soon the experiene of dating a church gets old very fast and reality hits. Unless we are committed for the long haul, we will get bored and disssatisfied. Then it's time to move again.
I'm so glad that I have had a few godly friends that have kept me humble. I also thank God the one time I did seek to leave Evergreen. He was very direct at telling me I was to stay. The growth and healing that I have experienced would never have happened had I listened to my flesh.

http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_6320678

When Will The World See?

I love that old song by Petra.

We Need Jesus

When will the world
See that we need Jesus?
If we open our eyes
We will all realize
That He loves us
When will the world
See that we need Jesus?
When our hearts are as one
And believe that He’s the Son of our God.

That’s just the first verse but it says it all to me. I was thinking of it today when visiting a client and his wife. Their world is so uncertain now and she wept over fear of the future. Will she be alone soon or will there be a miracle? I asked them if they had a faith background they could draw from, but that door was closed. They never felt the need and not even now.
My heart aches for them as they need some kind of hope but are not finding it in this world or the people in it. Their need for Divine intervention is so obvious to me but is foreign to them. They are such wonderful people with a good sense of family, commitment and love, but apart from Him who created them. I prayed as I left them. There was no quest in their heart for Christ, but I know they have sensed His presence. They spoke of their connection to nature and their home that they claim as their sanctuary. When troubles have surfaced in the past that connection to nature in a star lit night has given answers to the days problems. Is that the Lord trying to connect on a level they can identify? I'm not sure. Creation cries out with God's workmanship. But there are so many people wandering in His creation with no direction.
Being a Christian is not about perfection or the ideal solution, but I still remember the days of feeling so uncertain about the future. It wasn't about the possibility of death but more about the uncertainty of the steps I would take and the fear that accompanied that. Fear of the future can be paralyzing and can cause anxiety that swallows your entire being. Now my steps are set by the Lord. My purpose in life is to follow Him in those steps. The future is still uncertain in so many ways, but trusting Him has taken the fear and anxiety away. I know that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose. Each moment can be a Divine appointment and how we use that time can make a difference for eternity.
I am not perfect by any means, but I have a hope that cannot be shaken no matter how hard Satan tries to shake my world apart. We all need that hope. We all need to be able to give those burdens in our heart over to Him.
I pray that for my family, my friends and my clients facing loss and tragedy.

Hard To Believe It

It's hard to believe that my little girl will be 20 years old on Friday. It seems like "yesterday" she was bouncing around the kitchen with her blonde hair waving as she moved. Hey! That was yesterday!!! All kidding aside, the years have gone by so quickly. I know that sounds like a cliche that you hear every parent say but it is so true.
It hasn't always been easy though. When I gave birth to her on that blistering hot July morning, my dreams for her were so different than how things turned out. I never thought that after two years, we would be facing the world alone. My dreams for a complete family including her father were changed beyond my control. The difficult relationships that sometimes come with split and blended families caused my daughter not to remember much of her young life. When I speak now of memories in her early years, she has to rely on my rendition and a few pictures available, as she has no recollection of the events. It saddens me that even though there were difficult times in those years, there were also times of rejoicing.
I have to believe that the Lord has blurred some of those memories as a protective mechanism. There are many decisions I wish I had made differently as I reflect on them now. Seeing the past with the eyes Christ has given me, enables me to re-evaluate and change my parenting now. In my own pain and insecurities back then I made some selfish decisions. I know I was a good parent to Jessica as I did and still love her dearly. I did the best I could with what I had back then.
The absence of her father from time to time, for weeks and months at a time was not healthy for her emotionally. It has only been recently that Mike has realized his role as a father in her life holds great value. I praise God that has changed in the last year and redemption of their relationship has been realized.
God has His hands on her. He has kept her safe in situations that should have been devastating. He is not giving up on her and will complete the good work that He began many years ago. I love my girl more than she will maybe ever comprehend. We have a bond that goes back 20 years and 9 months! That bond between a mother and child cannot be broken no matter how hard that relationship is tested.
Thank you Lord for Jessica and may you continue to hold her close to You.

Exposed!!

Facebook, can be much like a blog. I have a blog that I don't write on anymore but I used to share some thoughts that I had swirling around in my head. I have had that opportunity with Facebook too. I have also been able to talk and comment to others in a semi-anonymous way. I say, "Semi-anonymous" because much of the discourse that I have shared with others is often things I would find difficult to formulate and discuss in person. Cyberspace seems to have a little "safety net" of sorts. You can be the person perhaps you have not had to courage to be with someone face to face. That can be a good thing in many ways. You can share your inner most thoughts online that give you the avenue to vent feelings and frustrations without feeling totally exposed. This can be healthy, but it can also be confrontational. Once you press "send" in an email or "enter" in a submission, it is done. Tone of voice or explanation of points is only assumed and it can be taken in a negative way depending on the reader's present state of mind or emotion.
There are sometimes things that a person would love to share with the world but don't want to feel that exposed. It is like presenting yourself emotionally naked to the world. I can come to church meeting people on a Sunday with my smile intact and I could be screaming in severe emotional pain on the inside. Feeling lonely and so alone in a room crowded with people. We never know the pain people feel on the inside by looking at the outside (unless you are Judy Heidt!!..she knows by your eyes!) What may appear as physical and emotional perfection could effectively be well constructed walls developed over years of pain and rejection. I'm not saying that we have to open ourselves up for the world to peer in at our wounds, but perhaps if we allow some people into our lives and see the real person inside, the loneliness would be less intense.
This is a journey I am on personally. People may think I am a pretty open book, which may be true to a certain extent, but I know I have walls. I hesitate to share the "real me" with others because of my own fear of rejection. It is safe to have walls, I have felt protected, but I believe the Lord wants us to bear one another's burdens. To develop trust we need to begin to share. It's not about airing your dirty laundry but it is about developing relationships in the family of God. A family is about relationships and they only happen when we learn to bear those burdens for our brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Can We Forgive Without Love?

We as Christians are constantly taught that we are to forgive. When people have hurt us, we need to forgive them. This doesn't absolve them of the hurt they have caused us, but it frees us from bondage to bitterness and resentment. Sometimes this is easier said than done. We have all been hurt by someone at one time or another. That hurt can lie deep in our heart when we have been stripped naked of our outer wall that we thought would protect our feelings. It can be like a knife through our soul. So how can we really forgive someone. It can't be done on our own. We need to see the other person as Christ does. He loves them with infinite worth, no matter what their sin. Again, we are "commanded" to love. We see this in Leviticus 19:18

"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD."

It is echoed in the New Testament. Christ knows how difficult it is for us to love and forgive those who have wronged us. In Matthew 18:21-22 it says:
"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."

When the teachers of the law were trying to trip Jesus up, again our Lord knew the greatest command involved love in Matthew 22:35-40:

"One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

There are consequences of unforgiveness in our lives. When Christ taught us to pray in Matthew 6:14-1514 he included the price of unforgiveness:

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

If you have unforgiveness in your heart for someone who has hurt you, ask the Lord to give you love for them so that you can be free from bitterness and resentment.

I don't personally believe that true forgiveness is possible apart from Jesus Christ. He is the only one that can supply you with love for others and the ability to see them with the eternal eyes of heaven. Only then will you realize how much the other person means to the Lord and forgiveness is no longer a choice.

Love?

I have been pondering the word "love". Is it a feeling, a mood, a seduction? Can we love on command? Does love belong to us or does it only come alive when we give it away? What does the Lord say about love? Since God is love is all love of God? Well no, not in the world's eyes.
Is unconditional love possible by people in a fallen world or does it only come from God?
I referenced the word "love" in the New Testament and it is cited 198 times. Some of these references are about how God's love but many of them are commands for "us" to love one another. It is what defines us as Christians and separates us from the world, it makes us holy. I guess that means we are to love on command. I guess that means it is a non negotiable command to love through Christ? I'm going to be on a journey with this one as it has been my new challenge.

Matthew 22:34-40
Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question:
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?"

Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
This is the first and greatest commandment.

And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Love

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels,
but have not love,
I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge,
and if I have a faith that can move mountains,
but have not love,
I am nothing.
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,
but have not love,
I gain nothing.

Love is patient,
love is kind.
It does not envy,
it does not boast,
it is not proud.
It is not rude,
it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects,
always trusts,
always hopes,
always perseveres.
Love never fails.
But where there are prophecies,
they will cease;
where there are tongues,
they will be stilled;
where there is knowledge,
it will pass away.
For we know in part and we prophesy in part,
but when perfection comes,
the imperfect disappears.
When I was a child,
I talked like a child,
I thought like a child,
I reasoned like a child.
When I became a man,
I put childish ways behind me.
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror;
then we shall see face to face.
Now I know in part;
then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love.

Scripture is the most beautiful poetry. 1Corinthians 13 is a chapter often quoted at weddings. It means so much more than a wedding promise to me. As a Christian I need to emulate the qualities of this chapter.
I remember many years ago in a care group, we were required to substitute our own name where ever the word "love" or "it" (reference to love) appeared in verses 4 to 6. Try it. It is a very humbling experience.

Cynicism is not a spiritual gift? by David Burchett

Cynicism is not a spiritual gift?
David Burchett
Cynicism is not missing from the Bible texts. For example, Job’s response to his buddy Zophar smacks of cynicism.

“You people really know everything, don’t you?
And when you die, wisdom will die with you! NLT Job 12

Job throws down a “you people” to Zophar and his two compadres. I don’t think that Job really thought wisdom would die with the passing of his three friends. I would classify that as a cynical remark. What I struggle with is that cynicism is never listed (even in the apocryphal books) as a spiritual gift. My one chance to move to the head of the class! Denied.

Recently I spotted a T-Shirt that conveys a sad truth.

I’m not cynical. I’m just experienced.

I receive a pretty steady stream of correspondence from “experienced” Christians who are fighting cynicism. This recent email is typical.


I'm a cynic by nature. I recognize human failings (especially the stupidity in myself) and I am amazed by the concept of grace and mercy - the idea that the Almighty would humble Himself to reach out to faulty, fallen beings is an awesome one. However, I noticed that with each passing year, as I see more and more of those failings I am getting more hardened with each passing experience.

It was my prayer years ago that as even as I see the reality of what is around us, I will still do good anyway, still love people anyway, and still believe in them anyway. I'm still trying hard, but I find it hard to keep myself "tender". (please excuse the churchianty jargon. I have a rabid dislike for religious jargon in everyday communications, but it seemed appropriate for this occasion)

How do you keep yourself from becoming hardened or from being overwhelmed by cynicism?

(Name withheld to protect cynical identity)

First of all, it is okay to use churchianity jargon with me. I am bilingual – I speak Christian as a second language. So I know that being “tender” means keeping your attitude toward others loving and kind even when they behave like the south end of a north bound horse. Writer P.J.O’Rourke once said that “"making fun of born-again Christians is like hunting dairy cows with a high powered rifle and scope." And it can be just as easy to get angry at Christians who don’t seem to have read any of the things that Jesus said (conveniently in red letters) in the Bible.

So how do I keep myself from becoming hardened? I tried a cynics support group (Mott Like I need YOUR support). That didn’t work. The truth is I don’t always keep myself from becoming hardened to people who are acting like Bad Christians. That is an ongoing process and I suspect I will be busy working on this till Jesus comes.

Here are a few things that I have learned so far in my journey.

I am the wretch that the song is talking about. When I finally put aside my pride long enough to do some honest self-examination I realized how far I was missing the mark and how amazing His grace is to accept me in my “as-is” condition. Realization of your spiritual weakness is not weakness. In the mystic dichotomy of God’s grace and justice acknowledging weakness is an act of incredible strength. I told a buddy this week that the day I finally admitted I was just an idiot saved by grace was the day I began to actually grow in Christ.

I need to focus on Jesus. I get my undergarments misaligned when somebody says or writes a negative thing about me. But I have learned (with varying degrees of success) to focus on Jesus. Imagine if you had poured every ounce of your strength for three years into a person. And then that friend, at the moment of truth, turns his back on you, denies that you are a friend, and runs away. Not one denial of your friendship. Three times. And that person you had given everything to cursed as he threw you under the bus. How would I respond to that kind of friend? It is possible I would need a seven second delay to edit my comments for family viewing. That is what Peter did to Jesus. But what did Jesus do? He forgave Peter and He restored him.

I don’t have any idea what other people are going through. There is a powerful song by the country group Sawyer Brown about how infrequently we stop to consider that other people might be enduring real trials. Here is a sample of the lyrics from the song “They Don’t Understand”.
Everybody's busy with their own situation
Everybody's lost in their own little world
Bottled up, hurried up trying to make a dream come true
They don't understand
Everybody's living like there ain't no tomorrow
Maybe we should stop and take a little time
'Cause you never really know what your neighbors going through
They don't understand

I remember driving away from one of Joni’s early doctor appointments after her breast cancer diagnosis. Joni was driving her car as I followed her. She was distracted (imagine that) and missed her turn. She drove forward to the next opportunity to turn left and double back. Because she temporarily blocked the left lane a guy laid on his horn and started gesturing. I remembering thinking that this guy was not a quality human being (rough translation). I wondered if it would make a difference in the attitude of this, uhhh, not really nice homosapian if he knew what was going through my wife’s mind. He was busy worrying about his 20 second delay as she was thinking about her health, her family, her job, and maybe her life. So I try to step back, breathe, and ask for patience.

Finally, I look in the mirror. What I see there is a man who is capable of nearly everything I get angry about with others. And I am humbled again that somehow God is patient with me as I work this out. Regular readers know of my admiration for the group Casting Crowns. The song “Who Am I” comes to mind in this context.

Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt.

Take a moment to meditate on that. Then take a moment to meditate on a later verse.

Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again.

That God sees my sin and looks on me with love is mind boggling. How can I accept that love and not at least attempt to offer it to others? Because there is not a (Christian cussing warning) dang thing that I have done to deserve mercy like that. From a human perspective that person who incites cynicism probably doesn’t “deserve” grace. But did you? Did I?

Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.

So I guess that is the game-plan of how I try to not get hardened and cynical. Realizing who I am (a sinner) and what He has done. Focus on the One who understands rejection and suffering. Realize that others may be enduring real trials of their own. And understand that the God who sees my sin still looks on me with love.

On some days I execute the game-plan better than others. But that doesn’t mean it is not a good plan. It just means I have to spend more time in the playbook and with my Coach.

Dave Burchett is an Emmy Award winning television sports director, author, and Christian speaker. He is the author of When Bad Christians Happen to Good People and Bring'em Back Alive: A Healing Plan for those Wounded by the Church. You can reply by linking through daveburchett.com.

Find this article at: http://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/dburchett/11541039