The Last “First Day”

Today is my daughter’s last first day of school.   Bittersweet is the only word I can think of that describes how I feel.  I realized on my way to work that it was the first time in her life that I had not dropped her off on her first day.  Actually, I think it was a little easier not having to drive away and leave her behind.  Today she drove away and left me behind. 

 

 

I guess that is something that I will have to get used to now; her driving away and leaving me behind.  Part of me can’t breathe when I think about her leaving one day soon.  The other part of me is jumping for joy that she has the opportunity to live her dreams and reach her goals.  I would never, ever hold her back from that.  Loving means letting go.

 

 

So today, I begin the process of letting go.  One “last” at a time.   Last first day, last football game, last mum, last time to cheer, last day of high school…

 

I will cherish each and every minute.    

And I will look forward to all of the “firsts” yet to come! 

Happy First Day of Sr. Year my angel. 

 

 

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

A couple of weeks ago we took 39 teenagers to church camp.  It was a glorious time! We saw lives changed and hearts set on fire. Our camp theme this year was “Called Out.”  We focused on being called out of darkness into light (salvation), called out to be different (holiness), and called out onto the waves (faith). Today I want to share the message with you that God gave me to show our teenagers when we returned from camp.  I reminded them that the first few days is always the hardest time for anyone returning from a spiritual get-away.   The enemy attacks with full force because he knows that you are on fire for the Lord.  We have to remember to keep our eyes on Jesus. 

In Matthew 14, Jesus’ disciples had just witnessed a great miracle.  Jesus had fed over 5,000 people with just 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish.  I can imagine that their faith was strengthened and their hearts were set on fire!  In verse 22, immediately after this great miracle, Jesus sent all of the people home and sent his disciples out in the boat while he stayed back to pray.  While Jesus was praying, the disciples were experiencing high winds and heavy waves.  In the wee hours of the morning, Jesus decided to go check on them.  He walked out to them on the water.  When the disciples saw Him coming toward them on the water, they though He was a ghost. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” vs 27

"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" Matthew 14:28-31    

 

 

What I want you to see in this story is of great importance.  Jesus didn’t just stop the wind and calm the waves immediately.  He wanted to use that moment to increase the disciples’ faith even more.  When Peter stepped out of the boat onto the water he looked to Jesus to keep him from sinking.  He put his complete trust in Him.  But the moment he took his eyes off of Jesus and began to focus on the storm around him, Peter began to sink.  The key is to keep our eyes on Jesus.  In the middle of the storms that are guaranteed to come, that is the only way we will not sink.  The wind is going to howl.  The waves are going to toss us back and forth.  We have to learn not to turn our eyes away toward these things.

But just like Peter, sometimes we will look away.  We will hear the thunder in the distance and turn our eyes toward the storm.  But the beautiful thing is, all we have to do is cry out, “Lord, save me!”  Immediately He will reach out His hand and pull us back up.

Already these past couple of weeks I have had to refocus my eyes several times.  Harsh winds have come.  Lightening has been striking all around me.  I have been tempted every day to look at the storms.  Each time I have practiced consciously keeping my focus on Jesus.  I have prayed. I have read His word.  I have listened to praise music.  I have remembered all that He has done for me. It is sometimes difficult, but I know that as I continue to practice these things, it will get easier and easier. 

Today, I encourage you to keep your eyes on Jesus.  The storms will come, but I promise you will not sink if you focus on Him!!

                                                                                                          

Are All Sins Equal?

Sin is sin is sin…or is it?  One Sunday during our adult Sunday School class, we had a visitor ask this question, “Do you really believe that all sin is equal?”  Several people spoke out and gave an answer based on what they believed to be true.  The general consensus was that, yes, all sin is equal in God’s eyes.  I didn’t have an answer.  I had to take some time to ponder that.  So ponder I have!

First and foremost I must establish that we are all sinners and without the righteousness of Jesus covering us, we would all be doomed to hell. That is the meaning of GRACE. 

 “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”  Romans 3:22-23 

 As children of God we are going to continue to sin, but does God see all sin as equal? 

I asked Him this question and as He normally does, God showed me an answer that I could relate to.  As a parent, I set rules for my children. Some rules ensure that they will learn to be respectful, productive members of society.  Other rules are for their safety and protection…even protection from potential death. When they break the rules (sin) there are different degrees of punishment.  For example, if my child lies to me about a bad grade at school he/she may get grounded or have something taken away for a day or so.  Lies are not acceptable and must have consequences. But if my child gets drunk and gets behind the wheel of a car and ends up wrecking and hurting someone…not only would that hurt me, it would hurt my child and the other person.  So not only would he/she be punished more severely by me (take away car, grounded for a long, long time etc.) but he/she would also have to face many other consequences that were more severe, more far reaching and could last a lifetime.     

Both of those instances of breaking my rules would cause a problem in our relationship.  But as soon as my child asked for forgiveness with a repentant heart, I would forgive them.  But I would be doing a huge disservice to them if they did not have consequences for their actions.  And I believe the punishment should fit the crime. 

So in comparison, I feel that God is the same with us.  He has rules for a reason.  When we break those rules (sin) it causes our relationship with Him to be affected.  So in that sense, all sin is equal as far as hurting our relationship with our Father.  Sin separates us from Him.

The bible has many rules for us to go by like the 10 Commandments.  And yes, they do still apply to us!  He gave us rules for a reason.  Breaking those rules will result in consequences. Being a child of God does not exempt us from the consequences of sin any more than being my child exempts Cody or Maddie from the consequences of breaking my rules.  And the punishment will fit the crime…the bible tells us that He will repay us according to what we each have done.

Jeremiah 25:14

“They themselves will be enslaved by many nations and great kings; I will repay them according to their deeds and the work of their hands."

Ezekiel 18:30

“Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall.”

Revelation 20:13

“The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done.”

 So what is my answer? Are all sins equal? 

All sin is equal in its effect on our relationship to God, but the

 consequences of our sins are very different.  

The Sword of the Spirit

Ephesians 6:17 “…and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” 

 

 In the armor that we have been looking at, you will notice that all of the other pieces have been defensive tools.  They are for protection.  The final piece is the only offensive tool we are given…God’s word. 

 Hebrews 4:12  says “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”  

 It is so important to know God’s word and be able to apply it to any temptation the enemy puts before us.  In Luke 4, that is exactly what Jesus did.  When in the desert with satan, Jesus used the word of God to dispel all of the temptations that were thrown at him.  Speaking the word of God is very powerful…we don’t even understand how much power it has over the enemy.  Try speaking it out loud when you are in a situation and you know that the devil is there trying to trip you up.  Sing songs that contain scripture.  (Most praise songs are just scripture.)  I am reminded of a song that we used to sing in choir “I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised.  So shall I be saved from my enemies…I will call upon the Lord”.  And guess what Psalm 18:3 says? “I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” (Several of the songs that I have written are just scripture put to music.)

  Sing God's word out loud to dispel the enemy's attacks!   You already know tons of scripture…you just don’t realize it!   

  Use your weapon to fight with, don’t just retreat and hide behind your shield.  Come out fighting and have victory over the enemy!

The Helmet of Salvation

Ephesians 6:17 “Take the helmet of salvation…” 

What is the purpose of a helmet?  To protect your brain, which contains your thoughts!  Satan attacks us through our thoughts.  The only way to protect your mind is to first make sure that you have SALVATION.  Only the Holy Spirit within us can help us have thought control.   I wrote a devotion several years ago about our thought life.  That is what I’m going to share today.  

"But He knew their thoughts…" 

"Did your boss make you mad or upset today?  Did you think of all kinds of horrible things to say to him (or her)? Or maybe you imagined some terrible thing that could happen to them?  What if the rude sales associate at the store knew what you were “saying” to her in your mind?   What about your wife or husband?  What if they knew what you were REALLY thinking?  How embarrassing and destructive it would be if people knew our true thoughts.  Fortunately for us, there’s no one with super powers that can hear your thoughts, right?  

Wrong.  The psalmist wrote in Psalm 139 “O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.”   Oops!  Someone does hear our thoughts. 

In the New Testament, there are many scriptures showing that Jesus could read the thoughts of those around him… 

*Matthew  9:4 - Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why do you
entertain evil thoughts in your hearts?

*Matthew 12:25 - Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.

*Luke 9:47 - Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little child and had him stand beside him.

*Luke 6:8 - But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.

These words should most definitely help us understand the power Jesus had when he was here on this Earth…but what about now?  God is omniscient. This means He has complete and unlimited knowledge, awareness, and understanding and He perceives ALL things. Omniscience is not restricted to any one person in the Godhead  - Father, Son or Holy Spirit – they are ALL by nature omniscient.  Therefore, Jesus is still hearing our thoughts as He sits at the right hand of God interceding for us. (Romans 8:34) 

Just ponder on this a moment…We have no problem believing that Jesus hears us when we pray in our minds (not using audible words)…so why would we not realize that He knows EVERY thought, not just those directed at Him?  This was an “Aha” moment for me.  I was reading Luke chapter 6 and verse 8 hit me like a ton of bricks!  “But he knew their thoughts…” 

I work so very hard to control what comes out of my mouth.  The things I speak can be heard, not only by the people around me, but by the demons that are stalking me trying to trip me up!  But my thoughts, I wanted to believe they were mine alone. This just isn’t true.  God knows my every thought. Hebrews 4:13 says “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” And those thoughts are in my heart and in my mind.  Proverbs 4:23 says “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”  Out of our hearts come the thoughts, from the thoughts come the words and deeds. 

The only way to control my sinful self is to hide God’s word in my heart so that I might not sin against Him.  Controlling our thoughts is a very difficult, but not impossible thing to do.  Hebrews 4:12 tells us “the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

God’s word is the ONLY thing that can control our thought life.  Never forget, someone does hear your thoughts!  But, PRAISE GOD, He also hears our prayers!  Ask Jesus to help you control your thoughts so that every part of your being will be pleasing to Him today!" 

The Shield of Faith

Ephesians 6:16 “In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” 

 In order to understand what the Shield of Faith does, we have to understand faith.  Hebrews 11 explains all about it.  The very first verse says “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”  I’m a big fan of Crime shows, a closet CSI (Crime Scene Investigator).  In these shows, the most important thing is the evidence.  They cannot solve crimes without evidence. Evidence is something that furnishes proof.  Our faith in God is based on the evidence around us. When you think about the Earth and the entire Universe and how everything works together perfectly, you see the evidence of God.  When you look at the formation of the human body from an egg and sperm to what you see before you in the mirror every day, you see the evidence of God.  When you witness the miracles of healing and the transformations in lives that were once ravaged by sin, you see the evidence of God. 

  We may not see Him face to face, but we definitely see the evidence.  

 We have the proof that He is here. 

 So how does that faith extinguish the flaming darts of satan?  Think of those flaming darts as the lies that satan shoots at us. 

 Satan says “No one loves you, you are worthless.” 

 God says “I love you so much that I gave my son to die for you.”(John 3:16)

 Satan says “God created your sexual desires, there’s nothing wrong with fulfilling those desires.  There’s no way you can stay a virgin until you get married.” 

God says “There is no temptation too great that I will not provide a way out.” 

(1Corinthians 10:13)    

  Satan says “You can’t trust God to provide you with food or money, you have to work all that you can, even Sunday, and keep all your money for your pleasure.”

God says “I know what you desire, and if you seek Me first, I will give you everything you need.” (Luke 12:22-31) 

  Use your faith and the word of God as a shield.  As those flaming arrows come at you, you WILL be able to extinguish them all.

The Gospel of Peace (Peace Shoes)

 The third piece of armor...you ladies will love this one...shoes!!  

Ephesians 6:15 “with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the 

gospel of peace.”  

For me, the focus of this passage is not on the word “gospel” but on the word “peace”. One definition of the word peace is “the absence of conflict”.   Just think about how many times satan causes us to be in conflict with one another! In our homes, in our churches, at our work place, at school, in politics; everywhere we turn, there is conflict. 

 When we are in conflict with someone, it is very hard for us to minister or witness to anyone. Acts 10:36 tells us “You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.” 

 Peace through Jesus Christ. 

 Peace that passes all understanding. 

 That is what we should have and what we should be ready to take to a lost and troubled world. Sometimes that peace that we have in the middle of a storm (or conflict) is a bigger witness than any word that we can say.  People want to know “how can you be calm when this is happening?”  Then you tell them what Jesus said:

 “Peace I leave with you; MY peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 

So put your "peace shoes" on.  Jesus gives a peace that overcomes all of the troubles and conflicts of this life.  Be ready to tell everyone where your peace comes from!  This world is not our home, we are only passing through…on our way to ultimate peace with our

 Lord and Savior!