Count it all Joy

Today’s Devotional - March 28, 2020 

This is a series of messages from the time of isolation during the COVID19 Response in Oregon, United States. 

Yesterday, Nic pointed at James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

You’ll need to listen to the recording at pedeechurch.podbean.com to hear why this passage is important to Nic. Here, I’ll point at the progression that ties trials to something good. 

Trials, struggles, reaching the end of ourselves… is the place where our faith is tested. Remember, faith is not just what we believe. Faith is substance of what we hope for and the evidence of what we can’t see right now (Hebrews 11:1). Struggles lead us to the place where we discover what ground is actually solid. We put our feet on that solid ground and we learn to stand in confidence because we know we can trust our footing. You’ll find solid footing in Christ. Trust His word. Know His voice. 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:6-7  

Today’s Song: Church (Take Me Back)

By Cochran & Co.

There was a time that I swore I would never go back

I was blind to the truth didn't know what I had

I was running I was searching

But ev'ry place I turned for healing

Left me more broken than the last

Take me back

To the place that feels like home

To the people I can depend on

To the faith that's in my bones

Take me back to a preacher and a verse

Where they've seen me at my worst

To the love I had at first

Oh I want to go to church

Tried to walk on my own but I wound up lost

Now I'm making my way to the foot of the cross

It's not a trophy for the winners

It's a shelter for the sinners

And it's right where I belong

Oh more than an obligation it's our foundation

The fam'ly of God

I know it's hard but we need each other

We're sisters and brothers oh

Yeah I want to go to church

Oh I want to go want to go I want to go

Oh I want to go to church

Oh I want to go to church

Form and Function

Today’s Devotional - March 27, 2020

This is a series of messages from the time of isolation during the COVID19 Response in Oregon, United States. 

{Form} and {Function}.

The shape, or form, of your day has been changed as efforts are made to slow the spread of the COVID19 virus. Quite a few folks are working from home at this point. For others who are still traveling to work, protocols, priorities, and tasks have been altered as a result of this effort. You are - to greater or lesser effect - still fulfilling your function, but the experience (form) looks and feels different. For some, even function has been changed quite a lot. Some people aren’t going to work. They have jobs that can only be done effectively while interacting with other people. The lack of function can be really tough when it impacts a paycheck that pays rent and buys food. 

Another example of form versus function can be found by looking at how animals fly. The buzzards have returned (LaVerne notices this every year, so now I watch for them!) and you can see them soaring. Hummingbirds also have wings, but they don’t soar very well. Bugs fly with four wings. Did you know that bacteria can fly too? They don’t have any of the parts that a bird or even a bug has, but they fly anyway. A bacterium will change the static charge on the outside of their membrane and levitate right off a surface to ride the breeze. 

Here’s the point: most of us don’t separate form from function. Eating means sitting and having a meal. Work means driving to a place and being paid for our labor. Flying means wings. In this season, we can’t go too long without the effective functions of our lives, but sometimes circumstances require that the form changes so we can continue to have our personal and collective needs met (function). 

My need for Jesus is every bit as great as yesterday and today as it will be tomorrow. We can let the today’s changes interrupt some of our functions…. but for the critical functions, we must find forms that will work right now. 

Forms can be familiar or new, but the function is what matters.

{Function of} Fellowship: Reach out to two people today - One person that you know will encourage you and someone else that, perhaps, you can encourage. Remind them of Romans 8:28 - “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”

{Function of} Worship: “Through Him [Holy Spirit] then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name.” - Hebrews 13:15. Speak, sing, pray aloud. God has been faithful and will be faithful to you. 

A song for today: How Great Thou Art  as sung by Home Free

O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder 

Consider all the works Thy Hands have made 

I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder

Thy power throughout the universe displayed 

Then sings my soul

My Saviour God, to Thee How great Thou art

How great Thou art

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander 

And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees

When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur 

And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze

And when I think, that God, 

His Son not sparing Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in

That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing 

He bled and died to take away my sin

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation 

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart 

Then I shall bow, in humble adoration

And then proclaim: My God, how great Thou art

Alabaster & Awkwardness

Today’s Devotional - March 25, 2020

This is a series of messages from the time of isolation during the COVID19 Response in Oregon, United States. 

I’ve been recently captured by a story that you can find in your Bible beginning in Luke 7:36. In this story, Jesus is invited to dinner with a wealthy religious leader named Simon. During the meal, a woman came in uninvited. - This meal would not have been as private of a gathering as you might have when you invite guests over - The woman is known as a sinful woman. Simon and everyone chooses to shun her. They present a wall of silence to convey to her that she doesn’t exist. But she didn’t come there for them. She came there for Jesus. 

For all of their willing her not to exist, she continues to exist and shift the focus of the whole room. She wasn’t trying to do it. She just didn’t care any longer what they thought of her. Now she’s on her knees at Jesus’ feet. 

She breaks an alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume and a glorious smell overwhelms and replaces the smell of the roast and vegetables they had been enjoying. She sobs. Not the gut-wrenching wail of someone that has been torn, but the deep, shaking, wet sobs that come when a long, dry, season has suddenly come to an end. It’s the grief that comes when pain has at last subsided and one is well-enough to feel… hope. 

Simon feels awkward and can only see the woman. The woman feels peace and can only see Jesus. 

Tomorrow, which of these two will speak about Jesus in a way that draws others to love the Messiah when they tell about the dinner? 

One will tell how dinner was interrupted and then puzzle over the theology of forgiveness. The other will speak of Jesus who loved, and a describe how her heart that doesn’t hurt anymore. 

May the Lord free us of our respectability so we can give and receive His love. 

A song for today: Safe Place by Karla Adolphe

This song carried me through a season of deep uncertainty a few years ago. Later, we had Karla sing this at Pedee. Perhaps we will again someday. 

Lyrics for Safe Place 

You whisper a song over me 

I’m slow to answer, slow to speak

I’ve found a safe place 

Remember the day You called my name 

I was a stranger in Your house but just the same

I’ve found a safe place

How wide is Your love How high, how deep - it’s untouched 

And I’m not enough I’ve found a safe place in You

You are the One my heart is longing for You are my treasure, You are the key, You are the door  You hold me tight, You hold me quiet, You hold me safe 

Walking in Faith

Today’s Devotional - March 24, 2020

This is a series of messages from the time of isolation during the COVID19 Response in Oregon, United States. 

The other day Cassandra shared some of what God has been teaching her about faith. Today’s devotional is based on her words and that conversation.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” - Hebrews 11:1

The world may be shouting one thing, but the Lord calls us to something different. God calls us to stand in faith… that is the substance of what is hoped for and the evidence of what is not seen. What were you hoping for before the world started shouting? Our faith is the substance of that hope. What the Lord was doing before the coronavirus He is still doing today. He has not changed. His plans and character have not changed. God is still working all things for our good. God is still faithful and full of love for us. God still makes a way were there is no way.

The Lord also says that “by our faith the elders obtain a good testimony.” Hebrews 11:2 and   James 2:17 “… faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” Ask yourself, what testimony will I have at the end if this? What am I doing today that is in agreement with the faith I have in the Lord. Are there parts of my life where I have aligned with the shouting of the world instead of the truth of Christ?

A song for today: Great Rejoicing by David Crowder

Lyrics for Great Rejoicing 

There's gonna be, a great rejoicing

There's gonna be, a great rejoicing

There's gonna be, a great rejoicing

Troubles of this world, will wither up and die

That river of tears made by the lonely, someday will be dry

There's gonna be, a great rejoicing

There's gonna be, a great rejoicing

Questions of this world, someday will be known

Who's robbing you of peace, and who's the giver

There's gonna be, a great joy river

There's gonna be, a great joy river

Someday you'll find me, guarded in His fortress

Open-hearted wings that, never touch the ground

Someday we will gather, in the grand reunion

Debts of this old world, are nowhere to be found

Nowhere to be found, are nowhere to be found

(There's gonna be, a great rejoicing)

There's gonna be, a great rejoicing

There's gonna be, a great rejoicing

Abandon and Abide

Today’s Devotional - March 23, 2020

This is a series of messages from the time of isolation during the COVID19 Response in Oregon, United States. 

“Abiding in Christ comes with abandoning all other things.” This was said in conversation by my friend Jaelyn a couple of days ago. Her comment reminds me of the challenging words that Jesus speaks in Matthew 10:37-39. (I”ll let you look them up)

Imagine if you lost your keys, your wallet, and your cell phone on the same morning. If you and I are similar it would be easy to slip into panic. My keys are my ability to travel freely. My wallet is my ability to go to a store an get what I want. My cell phone is my freedom to call anyone I want, right now. I’ve got plans, projects, and priorities that require all three of those!

When we allow ourselves to become frantic about (or maybe just totally focused on) these, we deepen our roots in temporary things and tie ourselves tightly to a world that is not our home. 

We do have important things to do. Yet, if we serve God Who has the path forward, sees what we don’t see (including our keys), and enables us to do what is impossible on our own, then we would do well to pause and talk to Him. Maybe Like this:

Jesus, I’m really frustrated right now and I confess that I’ve taken my eyes off of You. I don’t like feeling that I’ve lost control. Please forgive me. Jesus, I’ve got plans today. Are they the same as Your plans? If my plans are not Your plans, help me to see what I should do. I trust that You can make it all happen. Thank You. 

Then… Breathe. Listen. Pause. …. “Oh! there they are…. Thank You, Lord.”

“The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” - Proverbs 16:9  

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” - Colossians 3:2 

“For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” - Hebrews 13:14-16

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” - Psalm 46:10 

A song for today: New Wine by Brooke Ligertwood 

Lyrics for New Wine

In the crushing, In the pressing, You are making new wine

In the soil I now surrender, You are breaking new ground

So I yield to You and to Your careful hand

When I trust You I don’t need to understand

Make me Your vessel, Make me an offering

Make me whatever You want me to be

I came here with nothing, But all You have given me

Jesus bring new wine out of me

In the crushing, In the pressing, You are making new wine

In the soil I now surrender, You are breaking new ground

Bridge:

Where there is new wine, There is new power

There is new freedom, The Kingdom is here

I lay down my old flames, To carry Your new fire today

Words and Music by Brooke Ligertwood

© 2017 Hillsong Music Publishing

CCLI: 7102397

Rock of Safety

Devotional March 21, 2020 

This is a series of messages from the time of isolation during the COVID19 Response in Oregon, United States. 

Imagine Christ as our foundation. He is the Rock that is our place of safety, our refuge in times of trouble. Today, I invite you to imagine yourself tied to the Rock of Christ as if vines have come from the Rock and wrapped tightly around you to hold you safe. The vines are the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

It’s worth noting, there can be no law against these. 

My prayer for each of you today is that you would allow the Holy Spirit to bring that fruit in your life. Let’s prayer together, out loud; “Father God, thank You for this day that You have made. I choose to rejoice and be glad today because of Your goodness. I choose to remain grounded in Christ today. Please, Father, fill me with Your Holy Spirit and the fruit of Your Spirit today - love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Help me to walk moment by moment with You and that You would be revealed in me today. Thank You for rest today. Amen. 

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” - John 15:5 (ESV)

A Song for today

Click to Listen: Shepherd - David Crowder

This song is from David Crowder’s Album, “American Prodigal”

Shepherd: 

The Lord my portion; I shall not want; The Lord my comfort; I shall not fear

Yea, though I walk through the valley low; Yeah, though the path gets steep

Surely goodness will follow me; Every promise will be light to my feet

When my heart is prone to wandering; Jesus You shepherd me

The Lord my keeper; I stand secure; The Lord my healer; Your love endures; Yea, though I walk through the valley low; Yeah though the path gets steep; Surely goodness will follow me; Every promise will be light to my feet; When my heart is prone to wandering; Jesus You shepherd me

And I will dwell for all my days; In the shadow of Your relentless grace

And I will dwell for all my days; In Your presence; Your presence!

Surely goodness will follow me; Every promise will be light to my feet; When my heart is prone to wandering; Jesus You shepherd me

Surely goodness will follow me; Every promise will be light to my feet; When my heart is prone to wandering; Surely goodness will follow me; Every promise will be light to my feet; When my heart is prone to wandering; Jesus You shepherd me; Oh my Jesus, You shepherd me

Abiding - Four Tools

Devotional - March 20, 2020

This is a series of messages from the time of isolation during the COVID19 Response in Oregon, United States. 

I believe that our victory in this season is tied to how we choose to abide. Will we abide (or live) in anxiety? No, we will not. Instead, we will abide in Christ and His provision for us. 

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” - Matthew 6:33

Below are four elements of abiding based on a conversation I had with Anita. 

1. Word of God (Foundation) 
2. Prayer with God (Relationship) 
3. Presence of God (Awareness) 
4. People of God (Fellowship) 

1) The written Word of God is a powerful foundation, and today is a great day to learn about God by reading His words. Scripture teaches about WHO God is. Knowing about God is important to coming to know Him. Besides reminding us of the importance of faith, Hebrews 11:6 also shows that it matters quite a lot what we believe about God. “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” - Hebrews 11:6 

2) Prayer with God is central to our relationship with Him just as conversation with our spouse is critical to a healthy marriage. Time spent equals relationship growth. Yesterday, you may have found “The Lord’s Prayer” in Matthew 6. However the Psalms are also full of model prayers. From the raw - Psalm 60 - to the precious and familiar - Psalm 23 - to the thoughtful and profound - Psalm 4. 

Today, I encourage you to read through Psalm 4. I recall one of the most beautiful and powerful sermons I’ve ever heard was preached by an old woman who, on her death bed, recited this psalm from memory and spoke of her strong confidence in the Lord. “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” - Psalm 4:8 

3) You can experience the Presence of God, but you must choose to be aware. God can overwhelm you with His powerful presence. But most of the time, He, like a close friend, comes gently alongside. He makes Himself available, but isn’t pushy. If we insist that we are too busy to spend time with Him, He will honor your choice. However, I suggest that all of us lay all the pressing demands aside and make a sacrifice of some of our freedom and time to seek the Lord. Then, as the Lord directs your day choose to maintain your prayer through the day.
“And He (Jesus) went up on the mountain and called to Himself those whom He desired, and they came to Him.” - Mark 3:13 

Jesus called His people to be apart from the world with Him before and after He invited them into the fray to serve alongside Him. 

4) People of God need fellowship together in order to remain encouraged, strong, and growing. The writer in Hebrews challenges believers, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” - Hebrews 10:24-25

During this time, I encourage you to be deliberate about remaining in fellowship with fellow believers. Be assertive. Don’t wait to be called. Call someone. If it is appropriate, visit a believer in person. When you are in that conversation whether in person or on the phone, share a verse that God is highlighting for you. Pray with this other believer. Don’t allow unspoken social pressure to drive your faith into silence. We need the Prince of Peace today. 

A Song for today

Click to Listen: Come On - Brooke Poindexter & Believers

Brooke Poindexter is part of Believers Church in Tulsa Oklahoma.

Come On: 

I can feel the eyes of heaven, the angels and the saints

All who've gone before us, surround us here today

Throw off every burden, lift up our gaze

Get caught in this story, lost in his face

Author of my faith, finisher of my story

I can run this race cause Jesus ran it before me

He is on my side, I have everything that I need

If you listen close, you'll hear heaven cheering for me

"Come On

Come On

Children of God

Be Who You Are"

No fear can shake us, no lie can break us

Only you can make us be who we are

We're the sons and daughters, we're the water walkers

Come and help us Father, be who we are.

Let the Thunder Roll

Jesus appointed twelve disciples. (Mark 3:14) Among them were John and James whom He called "Boanerges"... Or "Sons of Thunder." Jesus also gave a new name to His friend Simon. He's now known as Peter...  "The Rock."

These sound like the stage names of professional wrestlers! These names convey power, significance, influence, and possibly intimidation. Definitely not meek and mild, but not tongue-in-cheek either.

Jesus didn't hold back from calling forth greatness... even when (in Peter's life) there was plenty of evidence to make a case for Peter's un-rocklikeness.

Jesus didn't bother addressing where they were in their growth at that point... He identifies them by what He created them to be and where He was taking them. Even before Peter betrayed Jesus and while he was busy denying that he ever would... Jesus is already calmly giving Peter instructions on what to do after he's completed the denying... of which Peter was still denying that he would ever do!!! (Luke 22:32)

We are easily tempted to defend our own credibility in finding fault in situations, people, groups, or anything. But the world-changing position is to call out the value. What in a situation points at beauty? What quality does this person carry that reminds you of Jesus? Even if the image of Christ is pretty blurry.

Peter, The Rock, was trying to assert his stalwart support for His friend and Rabbi, Jesus. Jesus didn't ignore that Peter wasn't there yet. It was with compassion that He warned Peter about his coming failure. However, Jesus focused on where Peter was going, not his failure. It turns out that under Jesus' leadership and the ongoing move of the Holy Spirit within him, Peter did end up being The Rock after all. Now, every Christ follower in history has benefited from Peter's leadership.

Looking for value in an imperfect situation (or person) is not an invitation to compromise on truth, or failure to seek growth. Instead, it will bring exactly the opposite by focusing on what is desirable instead of gazing at all that needs to be left behind. We focus on truth and cultivate growth... then point it out, and celebrate it! In the right way and the right time, error will be corrected, maturity will displace immaturity, wisdom will overcome foolishness.

In the mean time, don't bother trying to please the people that are greatly skilled in finding fault. If you do, you may find yourself partnering to dismantle the very thing that God is doing... simply because it's new, immature, and incomplete. It's easy to identify what's wrong with something or someone. Anyone can do that. Excel at looking for and finding the precious treasures hidden in the gravel... and then calling out what God shows you.

Not one should be lost...

Membership has Privileges

I am a Church Member

Perhaps it's different for you, but that phrase doesn't immediately stir a flood of happiness in me. I believe my visceral flatline is a consequence of the mixed meanings and messages wrapped in that phrase. 

Know as you start this quick read, it will end well. I'll take it backwards. 

For me, "membership", especially placed next to the word "church" draws up images of stodgy meetings, dusty buildings, religiosity, irrelevance (at best), and legalistic judgmentalism (at worst). Incidentally, if that word is paired to another word, it can draw out much different feelings.... BiMart Membership (I like BiMart, my heart doesn't exactly skip a beat.. but it's good. Lucky Number Tuesday?) What comes to your mind with the word "membership?"

To be a member of something can be really powerful, but our experience of "membership" is directly tied to our perception of that which we are a member of. 

Moving on.

Church. This can be confusing at times, because in the christian vernacular we tend to us the word "church" interchangeably to refer to a building, or an organization, or a group of people, or an activity, or a culture, or a global population of people with similar beliefs. I can see where confusion could emerge.

Folks have lots of different experiences of each of these. A church maintenance worker may love (or detest) the building she is helping to maintain. Another person may have deeply nostalgic feelings when they remember going to church as a child with their family. 

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul compares a Church (a local body of people who have entrusted their earthly and eternal lives to Jesus Christ) to the human body. Paul writes, "the body is not one member, but many. If the foot says, 'Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,' it is not for this reason any the less a part of the body." 

The Church, better understood, is a group of people bound together in Christ. You can also call them a family. The family of God. Like any family, the Church family is filled with lots of different types of people. The building.... well... it's a building. Church buildings are often purpose-built for a local Church family to gather and worship. They are a building, a tool used by the Church.  Most local churches have an organization, but the organization is also a tool. It's also a tool used by the Church.

The Church is a diverse group of people, bound together in common relationship together and with Jesus. There is nothing stodgy or dusty about the people I know to be part of the local Church I am part of. Religiosity, legalism, and judgementalism are not values of our Church culture. We are blessed to have a building (at tool, or even a "home" for this family to share) and we have an organization that serves us. 

I'm a church family member. I have a role in my family. I give and receive love. I learn from many and help to teach also. We eat together. We pray for each other and worship together. I know God on my own, but I know Him better because the family of believers He has placed me among. 

By that definition, I am a Church Member... and it is an enormous blessing in my life. 

It turns out that because I'm a part of a local church body that I also serve as an active member in the organization. A healthy, local, church will be best served by an organization that reflects the family. I help with tasks around the building - because the building is a tool used by the family. 

God gathers His people, locally, into diverse families where we become more together than we will be alone. 

Thank You, Jesus, for Your Church. It is Your kind grace that allows us to serve together, know and be known. 

Not one should be lost.

Battle for Your Soul

Powerful warriors have lost the battle for their mind even after winning great victories. Here are 9 strategies to win when the battle is in your head.

In 1 Kings 18 & 19 we find an account of a powerful victory... and a brutal spiritual battle that takes place afterward for the prophet Elijah.

Elijah (walking in the spirit in surrender to God) saw a great victory on Mount Carmel. The Lord poured fire from heaven that consumed the sacrifice, stones, and water Elijah had prepared opposite of the altar that had been prepared by Queen Jezebel's priests of Baal and Asherah. The altar to Baal remained untouched as a testament of Baal's impotence before the One True God.

A lightning-struck tree

Jezebel was not happy. Unfazed by the glaring failure of her god to do anything at all, she was angry that after this supernatural event, the people destroyed her group of priests and turned their hearts back to the One True God. "Not happy" is an understatement. Her already deep hatred of Elijah reached a new depth. She sent him an email saying, "I'll have you dead in 24 hours... I guarantee it with my life. Ta ta Mr Prophet of God!, Sincerely, Queen Jezebel"

When Elijah receives her message, scripture says, "Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life..." 1 Kings 19:3a (ESV). The clues in this passage are in the original language. The words for "afraid" and "life" literally mean "see" and "soul." - In other words, Elijah SAW what Jezebel said, and because of what he saw, he got up and ran for his SOUL.

Elijah allowed Jezebel's threat to capture his mind. He was seeing her people capture him and imagining all the horrible things she would do to him as she made good on her promise. Elijah was no longer operating in his spirit in surrender to God. Instead he was living from his soul. Your soul is your mind, your will, and your emotions. Elijah's mind, will, and emotions had been captured and Elijah had surrendered to his soul to Jezebel's control instead of remaining focused in his spirit on the One True God.

This happens pretty often. It's happened to me. It's happened to you... perhaps even right now. Something you fear captures your thought to such a degree that it becomes difficult to see anything else. Fear like this often has the facts in its favor. For Elijah, Jezebel had an army and a track record of killing prophets of the One True God. For you, the enemy will also be reminding you of facts.

.... But God.

I encourage you to read the story for yourself. Find it in your Bible in 1 Kings chapters 18 and 19.

Here are 9 strategies for dealing with this type of spiritual attack. The first two strategies are the two that Elijah doesn't use. If Elijah had started here, the story would have read differently. The other 7 strategies are listed in the order they appear in Elijah's story.

Repent - Ask the Lord to identify sin in your life... and get rid of it. Sin gives the enemy influence over you. (Romans 6:16 - you are slaves of the one you obey; Acts 3:19 - repent so times of refreshing can come; Psalm 24:3-4 Ascend the mountain of God... with clean hands and a pure heart.)

Worship - Choose to worship God anyway. True, God focused, worship is warfare against the enemy. You won't feel like expressing thanksgiving and worship. Do it anyway. (Psalm 23:5 - You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies)

Take a Nap - and eat something. When you're under stress be deliberate to take care of your body. (1 Cor. 6:19-20 - your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit) If the Lord leads you to fast, then do it... but don't disregard the body the Lord has gifted to you as inconsequential to your spiritual life.

Stay Connected - Talk to people that speak truth and encouragement to you. Resist the strong temptation to isolate yourself. Spend time with your mentor, your pastor, and your encouraging friend. (Prov. 15:22 - with many advisers, they succeed.)

Go Meet with God - Elijah went to the mountain of God (1 Kings 19:8). Where do you meet with God? Go there. Often.

Take Every Thought Captive - Align yourself with truth. What does the Bible tell you is true? Stand on it. (2 Cor. 10:4-5 - Our weapons aren't carnal, take captive every thought to Christ)

Resist the Devil - Contend for your own freedom and freedom for others. Spiritual warfare is real, so take it seriously. Scripture says that if you resist the devil that he will flee. (Eph. 6:10-12 - Be strong in the Lord. Put on the full armor of God)

Keep Obeying God - If you're going through hell, for heaven's sake... don't quit! Many times, freedom, healing, and victory come as we continue to press on. (Gal. 6:9 - Continue doing good, you will reap a good harvest) The voices of fear will drive you to sit down under the mirage of futility. Don't quit! The fog you are in may end only a few yards further on... but you won't see that until you are back in the sunshine. Keep moving forward.

Walk in the Spirit - Surrender your soul (mind, will, emotions) to your spirit.. and your spirit to the Lord. (Gal. 5:16 - Walk in the Spirit so you don't fulfill the lust of the flesh.)

Jesus has authority and victory... in Christ, you have it too. Don't quit. Don't quit. Don't quit.

Your victory isn't just about you.

...Not one should be lost. (John 6:39)

Not another Buzzard

My family is blessed to live about 20 minutes from the nearest "real" town. In this setting, I've learned from those that have spent their lives among the trees to pay more attention to what's happening. To watch the birds. Pay attention to the flowers. Feel changes in the air.

I've noticed a flock of ravens that passed over my house morning and evening for quite a while. The calls of birds have become familiar... and I've even discovered that Steller's Jays will make the call of a hawk or other bird of prey to intimidate nearby birds (or perhaps warn them of a threat). A friend pointed out how you can feel sudden changes in the barometric pressure... and that can forewarn of a sudden shower or sun break. 

A couple of years ago, in late Spring, I was in my front lawn. I enjoyed the chattering of the little birds. The morning ravens had passed by and a crow was shouting from the top of a tall tree. Suddenly, I saw an enormous dark bird emerge in a low lazy circle over that same tree. It was a buzzard. And it brought friends. There were five large buzzards circling very low over my home... riding a thermal slowly to the Southwest. 

Suddenly the crow made a racket, jumped out of his tree and started swooping down at one the large birds. A Steller's Jay began making it's telltale mocking call of a bird of prey from the old apple tree in front of my house. All the little birds went silent. Then I saw it. 

One of the buzzards was not a buzzard. It was an eagle with it's pure white head and matching tail feathers. 

It was a beautiful moment. There was an eagle soaring just over my head making slow circles over my house. Then I started to notice things. 

The crow ignored the buzzards and dove vengefully at the eagle. The jay wasn't making a buzzard call (whatever that would be), but the cry of an eagle. The smaller birds may have simply gone silent because of the large passing shadows.... but they knew something important was happening... and they should be nervous. 

Everyone knew that an eagle was flying over... everyone knew what that bird was. Everyone was in awe (except, perhaps, for the oblivious buzzards).... and the eagle herself. 

The eagle was just riding the wind. No different than the buzzards around her.... but it seemed the whole world was against her. The stupid crow swooping and pecking; "You don't belong here! Get outa here!". The mocking jay bird down in that tree; "Ooooohh... I see you up there! Hey, listen, I can sound JUST LIKE YOU! You think you're hot stuff don't you!"

I imagine the eagle suddenly coming unglued, "COME ON! I'M JUST TRYING TO FLY HERE!!  LEAVE ME ALONE!!! WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM!?"

It was a problem of understanding. Everyone knew exactly what the eagle was... except the eagle herself. Maybe no one ever told her. Perhaps she just hadn't taken any real risks yet. Or sadly, was settling to be an above-average buzzard.  

When you're just trying to make it through life, but everything is against you. You might want to ask the question, "Who am I again?" You are the eagle. The little birds see you a mile away and are instinctively terrified. The big, lazy, birds ignore you as long as you don't do anything sudden.... happy to see you picked on as they glide along in peace. 

The enemy knows who you are, even if you've forgotten. If you belong to Jesus, then you are the righteous redeemed. You overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony. You are a saint. Purified and empowered by the Creator of everything.... to take back what the devil has stolen. 

.... Not one should be lost. 

Revelation 12:11 

1 Corinthians 1:2 

Acts 1:8 

John 10:10ff 

John 6:39 

To My Daughters

For my daughters,

Sweet girl, You are one. One whole person. You have a whole life and every bit of potential to benefit the world as powerfully as any other person. You are inferior to no one.

You are also unique. There is no other "one" who is just like you. This means that you are the only one that can fulfill the plan that God has for you. God created only one of you. No one else has the same set of gifts, qualities, that you have. There is only one of you.

As you grow, you will discover different types of friendships. However, besides your momma and me, there are two key relationships that will guide your life in ways too deep and lasting to even measure. Precious girl, I want you to get these two relationships right. If you do, your heart will be blessed with joy, fruitfulness, and you will be saved from immeasurable heartache.

The first is your relationship with Jesus Christ. Little lamb, you (and all of us) need a good shepherd. Jesus is not only the Good Shepherd, but He is also the One who created you. You belonged to Him before you belonged to momma and I. You will belong to Him for all time. We have had you memorize Psalm 23 at home... this is so you will have a reminder for the rest of your life that Jesus is your shepherd. You may walk through the valley of the shadow of death, but if Jesus is your shepherd you don't need to fear... even when the journey is difficult and you have enemies that are fierce. Precious one, trust Jesus. Don't run from the good shepherd. He will treat you kindly. In the end, Jesus will lead you to a new home... an eternal home.

Second, one day you will also discover a longing in your heart for "the one" human friendship with a young man that will become a life-long partnership. This is a good desire. I'm talking about your future husband. However, unlike Jesus, people are not perfect and - if you are not careful - your heart could be lead astray.

When you enter this stage in life, please be patient. Even years of waiting, wondering, and trusting God to bring the right man are immeasurably better than any season that turns the path of your life away from the best that God has in His heart for you. Ask Jesus to guide you in all of your decisions and relationships. Trust the wise people who have loved you for a long time. Look to those that have succeeded at what you want for your life. Don't lightly disregard a warning from someone that has demonstrated faithfulness to you, they may see something that you cannot see.

Here are some things to think about when you consider a young man who has expressed interest in you. He must be willing (and able) to give you 100% of himself to match your 100%. If he offers less, then you will be unequally yoked... (when one is partnered to less-than-one.) My heart for you is that you would never experience a partial partnership. You are one who is worth ALL of another person to share life with. If he doesn't bring 100% to a 100% partnership... don't be part of it. In fact.... sweet girl... run quickly away. Your future joy and possibly your very life depends on it.

Also, If you are not willing to offer him 100% of yourself, guard yourself and do not dishonor him by allowing him to believe you might give him more.

If you find a young man that is drawn to you... and also drawn to another young woman... and another... and another... don't give away anything at all to him. He is divided... and you don't want division in your life. Division begins in a divided heart, and divides wherever it goes... offering less and less and less. 50% of a person multiplied by 100% of another person, gives back only 50%. If you only offer 50% of yourself to a person offering only 50% back to you; 50% and 50% multiplied only gives back 25%... when you multiply divided people, you get less, not more. You're way too smart to be doing that. The world will tell you it's ok. The world will say it's actually more. The world is telling you a lie. The world has a divided heart, so living by the world's values will only lead to division. Division always results in less.

You are too valuable to settle for less.

A 100% commitment is expressed, first, in the form of a wedding that takes place before God, your husband, and in the presence of your family and friends before it is expressed as a marriage. The public nature of a wedding brings a community of people around you to support both of you in an important commitment. A wedding demands a very public statement that must be honored. If he (or you) are unwilling to make such a public commitment before God and your community, then don't commit anything at all to that relationship. You will lose whatever you leave there.

Marriage is a one-way trip. Even in the sad cases that a marriage ends, there is no way to un-do the life that was shared by all who are touched by a marriage... marriage always involves more than just two people. It is never just about you.

When you (or someone else) gets something wrong... whether small or large, there is hope in Jesus. Jesus will redeem anyone who will repent, surrender to Him, and let Him lead them along the narrow path of life. Redemption is not something you can earn. Thankfully, you don't have to earn it. But you do need to trust and obey.

I want to see your life marked with wholeness. Wholeness is built around whole numbers. Those families start best with one whole person who is wholly committed to another whole person who is wholly committed back the first whole person. A partnership between two whole people who are following the Good Shepherd, results in ever increasing life for those two and everyone around them.

If you want to know how to live as one whole person, you must learn from the ONE whole person. That person is Jesus Christ. You can learn about Him in the Bible. The Bible tells us what living as one looks like for Jesus... and what it can look like for you. Learn from people that have walked with Jesus for a long time. They can help you quickly learn things that may have taken them many years to understand. It is a precious treasure to have wise, faithful, Christ followers to help you.

I want you to experience all possible joy in this life. I want you to pass wholeness on to your children (my grandchildren) and help others you know that have been divided to be made whole again.

True joy (and strength) is found in Jesus. Jesus is also the One that will establish wholeness in your life and restore it to people around you.

At the end of your earthly life, you will look back and see how every decision (large or small) and every experience directed your path in powerful and unexpected ways. Be patient. Look to the wise. Trust your Good Shepherd... and walk in confidence as the beautiful gift that you are.

Consider today what the God has put in your heart to gift to your children, your husband, the people whose lives you will touch. Don't let the world, or anything in it, cause you to settle for less. Leave a deposit of light, love, and joy wherever you go. Jesus will give you something good to share for every season.

In the mean time, I love you 100%. I am filled with joy to know that I can have a priceless treasure like you as my little girl. Each of you carry both beauty and power. I know the world will be blessed through you. Remember, you are loved.., today, tomorrow, and for always.

-Daddy

Reminders for a Rainy Day

After months of hot, dry, days the rain has returned. Maybe you aren't as short-sighted as I sometimes feel, but during those warm sunny days I know that Autumn is coming. Yet, in July, it feels so far away that it is hard to imagine driving that same road in the rain. Later in November, it seems equally like a dream to remember driving with the windows rolled down and bright sun at 7pm in the evening. I've spent 100% of my life in Oregon's annual cycle of wet, sloppy, winters and warm summers. You'd think I would have these natural, repeated, changes clearly set in my mind.... but I don't.

In a similar way, we find ourselves in different seasons of life. Some feel warm, dry, and bright. Especially at the start of those seasons, it is exciting to see new things sprouting up around us. Blossoms everywhere are not only beautiful but carry the promise of fruit later on. God is clearly good and doing big things! Yay God!

Then winter comes. Dark, cold, uncomfortable... windows rolled up against the driving rain... Winter. ... yay God?

There are two things I invite you to think on. First is an observation. The second one is a tool to use on dark and foggy nights... those times that you feel discouraged, worn, and sunshine feels so far away that it doesn't even seem real.

The observation.
Winter may not be comfortable, but it is a season of rest and hidden growth. It's the soaking winter rain (and snow) that builds up a store of water for the next growing season. Without the Lord's provision that comes from those dark clouds, there is not fruit in the next year. For deer, their gestation is through the winter months. There IS new life being carried deep, hidden, and safe during the dark season... soft spotted fawns will be birthed when the days are warm again. You can choose to be thankful for the season of rest, restoration, and hidden growth that is happening through the winter months. New, tender, life is all around you, but it is hidden, protected and safe.

The tool.
When your life feels like winter and warm days are a vague dream, speak simple truths. Speak them out loud. When you speak it out, it is easier to believe yourself, others may be encouraged and the enemy will be discouraged!

Here are a couple truths rooted in Scripture to get you going.

I am a child of God!
John 1:12 - "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:"

God will sustain me.
Psalm 3:2-6 Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him." But you, Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the Lord, and He answers me from His holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side.

I can come to God in confidence.
Ephesians 3:12 "in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him."

I have victory and hope because of Jesus. I have put my trust in Him.
Romans 8:31-34 "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us."

Finally, I'll suggest a short, simple, prayer that you can remember in your darkest moment.

Pray with me... out loud. "Jesus, I am loved. Help me to love."

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
John 13:34 - A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

Victory in Christ is experienced as we walk in His truth and His love. Speak the truth out loud... so you can hear it. The people around you can hear it. You'll find it encouraging on your darkest day.

Soon, you'll love the rhythm of the wipers on your windshield as they remind you how the Lord is providing for a bountiful harvest in the coming season.