Interrupted by God

Last Friday, while delivering my son to a scouting event, my plans for the evening were thwarted. Seeking to capitalize on a childless evening, I wanted to go directly home for a short date with my husband. As I drove past the nearby Indonesian store I asked God, “Can I skip it this time?” You see, for the last year or so, every time I take my son to scouts, I’ve felt prompted to stop in to say hi to the store owner, Bob, an older Chinese man. Bob loves to discuss religion and we often get into interesting conversations. Despite my reluctance, I turned into the grimy parking lot. As soon as I walked in the door, Bob exclaimed, “I knew you were going to come in today, even though it isn’t Tuesday.” I thought to myself, ‘And I almost didn’t.’ We chatted for awhile and then I headed home.

Cruising down Snell avenue, my attention kept being drawn to this man in a bright red shirt sitting at the bus stop. I reminded God of my date with Jor, and how Mr. Red Shirt didn’t look like he was in need. But I couldn’t get this man out of my mind, so I turned around. I pulled up to the bus stop and apprehensively got out of the car. I introduced myself, saying,  “I was driving by and felt God wanted me to stop and tell you that He loves you. Is there anything you need?” He proceeded to tell me he was living at a shelter and had just finished his day of work from a commission-only job. I offered him a ride and as we drove I asked him how he wound up homeless. He said, “By making bad choices...Actually, I just started praying a few days ago and my mom told me that God would let me know He was there, and here you come stopping by.” I felt a shiver.

Since we were near my apartment, we picked up my husband and together we drove him to the shelter. The young man kept expressing his thankfulness to us. I replied, “And to think I almost didn’t obey God when He asked me to talk to you.” The young man said, “And I need to obey too.” As we drove away we felt grateful that we followed God’s plan for the night instead of our own.

Raising Adults

By next week I will officially have two kids in college. One of my parenting mottos has been, “We are raising adults.” And here we are.

When my children were young they took everything I had. The sleepless nights, the diaper changing, the crying, then the whining took their toll. It was a hostile take-over. But gradually I learned to enjoy and relish each developmental season.

Last year, when my daughter left for the first time, the hole in our family was palpable. Unexpectedly, the four remaining family members drew closer and fresh intimacies emerged. New beginnings all around.

“There is life after kids,” I’ve been told by happy empty-nesters in my church. This helps me to know that there is fulfillment, meaning and opportunity post-child rearing. The “hostile take-over” is coming to an end. Thankfully, I still have one more at home to raise. And I’ll never stop watching from afar as my offspring explore new horizons. My “adults” are almost raised and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Humility Precedes Honor

“Humility precedes honor.” Proverbs 18:12

Do you compete with others to be accomplished or admired? Do you strive to get into (or head up) the popular crowd, out-perform others at work or school, or boast of some other success? If so, I’d like to suggest that these attitudes conflict with Spirit-filled living.

Scripture teaches us to humble ourselves, be inclusive and look to God for our sense of value. Humility (not accomplishment) comes before honor. This means after we humble ourselves and live for God, at the proper time, we will be honored.

When Christians form exclusive cliques or clubs, look down their noses at seemingly unsuccessful people or put on airs of having it all together, this is incompatible with the humility Christ desires from us. The root of these behaviors is Pride.

Humility includes the withdrawn or needy person, values people even if they are different from us, and is honest about mistakes and shortcomings. 

If you struggle with pride, I suggest you take some time to repent and humble yourself before God. Then, invest in your relationship with Christ by letting God’s word “read” you. This will expose lies and set you free to humbly serve others, trusting God to fulfill any need for honor or acclaim.

Are You in the Faith?

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?” 2 Cor. 13:5

Are you really living “in the faith?” Have you honestly asked yourself this question lately? I did recently and felt convicted that I was trusting my personal comfort more than Christ. This stung my pride a bit. But it got me thinking. How does personal comfort take away from my devotion to Christ?

Seeking personal comfort is not wrong – we all need to eat, sleep and work in an adequate environment. It is when we seek these things above our relationship with Christ that it causes trouble. If I am eating ice cream to make myself feel better, rather than seeking Him for help with my problem, I am having faith in food. If I worry about my lack of sleep, I am trusting in a good night’s sleep, more than in Christ, who is more powerful than sleep. If my workload suddenly increases and I get angry and snappy, I’m putting faith in things going my way instead of believing in Christ to guide and sustain me.

Developing an intimate and secure relationship with Christ takes conscious effort. We often forget, or maybe haven’t learned, the overwhelming satisfaction that comes from trusting Christ. We set aside the only wise One who can give us guidance and peace and rely upon temporal things that do not ultimately satisfy. This dishonors Christ, who tells us that apart from Him we can do nothing. We were joyously created to depend upon Him.

What about you? I suggest you take a few minutes right now to examine your heart. Ask Him if you are trusting in Him or something else. Repent of anything He shows you. Keep moving forward in Christ by investing in Him through Bible reading, two way prayer, worship and fellowship. Remind yourself that Christ is in you and trust Him for your every need.

Set Straight by Love

May the Lord guide your hearts into the love of God.
2 Thess. 3: 5 WNT

The phrase, “God loves you” has become so over-familiar, that we easily dismiss and disregard it. The problem is, most of us don’t have a deep, heart revelation of God’s love. In the song, Break the Chains, by Misty Edwards, she sings, “Come break the chains, the chains that hinder love.” There are many barriers and chains to receiving God’s love and much to overcome before we reap its benefits.

The Greek word for ‘guide’, in this verse, is usually translated ‘direct’ but means to make straight. I wonder if Paul is saying, ‘may God straighten out your hearts by his love’. Our hearts carry lies and distortions which need God’s unconditional affection to align our hearts with His. This verse offers us both a prayer to pray and a sentiment from God, “I want you to know my love.”

A number of years ago, I spent a year focusing on God’s love. I listened to sermons and music and read books and scripture, solely on the topic of God’s love. As I did this, God guided my heart into his love and straightened me out. I experienced less criticism and judgment toward myself and others and demonstrated more grace and forgiveness. Freedom!

If you find yourself joyless and critical of yourself and others, I encourage you to take a year to meditate on God’s love. I pray this for you now, that God would direct your heart into his vast and providential love. Amen.

Why I Hate Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day has evoked a myriad of negative emotions over the years. When I was single it was, “Will anyone ever love me? Will I be alone for the rest of my life?” I would imagine all these happy women getting cards and candy and there was Helen, alone and unloved. I heard recently that Valentine’s Day is called SAD - Singleness Awareness Day. I think that sums it up pretty well.

The issues, however, did not end after I said, “I do.” Then it became, “I wonder if my husband will get me anything for Valentine’s Day?” Or, “Why can’t he be more original, flowers again?” So now we have MADD - Married and Discontent Day. Is anyone happy on Valentine’s day?

Years ago my husband and I decided not to exchange gifts on Valentine’s Day. My husband loves me, he’s just not big on gifts, so let’s just forget about it. Neither of us could stand the stress.

Now I’ve determined to stop focusing on what I don’t have on Valentine’s Day and be content with what I have. Now I try to bless someone instead. So on this day, choose to be content with your life and find someone to bless. Don’t let Valentine’s Day make you SAD or MADD.

Solitary Companionship

And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed. Luke 5:16 KJV

Do you long for more alone time or are you the type who wants to be with people constantly? Personally, I am the latter. I love to spend time with others and have loved being busy and active. In the past, I became addicted to busyness, striving to carry out everything on my to-do list while perfectly parenting my children. At times, the activity drove me to fantasize about living in a monastery, spending my life totally devoted to God and prayer.

My life took a radical shift when I received the diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue/Fibromyalgia, which forced me to rest for many hours a day. My new life brought not only physical pain, but the ache of being left behind while my family participated in social events. I wrestled with self-pity and depression. I didn’t understand how God could let this happen to me.

Thankfully, I met some godly women on the Internet who offered a listening ear and great encouragement. They too faced chronic illnesses, yet spoke of how they spent the time away from family in prayer, worship and bible reading.  They inspired me to deepen my relationship with God. Over many months, as I invested the time in prayer and worship, I found Him ready and willing to speak to me, to show me love, and to share mysteries from His word.

Now when my family leaves, I relish the opportunity to just be with God. No one needs me, no one interrupts or demands. It struck me this week that I have the best of both worlds. I get to experience the joy of marriage and family and find stretches of time to spend with God, like someone living in a monastery. Since the word monastic comes from the root word meaning alone, I think I’ll now call these occasions my monastery time. 
 
How about you? Do you use time alone to grow, spiritually? If solitude escapes you, can you re-frame your schedule to make more room?