Darkness

2020 has seemed to be the year of darkness for many. There seems to be a loss of hope and with that loss there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel as we see the numbers of this virus surge for a second time this year causing many to fall further into depression, lose jobs, and wonder if this is the beginning of the end. While this world seems to be spinning out of control and chaos seems to reign we can look to the Bible to find our hope, to be the light, and reflect on another time many years ago when the world was dark and there seemed to be no hope.

Travel back with me to a time where there was no technology, no boats, no cars, no planes. When people talked to each other face to face and the only means of transportation was by foot or by a hooved animal. It took months or even years to receive the latest news on world events. The last prophecy before Jesus came during the time of Malachi. Then the word of the Lord stopped, the world seemed to be a dark place to live and just like the time we seem to be living in, all hope seemed to be lost. Then just like the prophecy of old, after living in darkness for 400 hundred years a light in the sky, a star led the way to the one who was born. The light of the world, the Messiah, the hope for all who were lost, hurt and struggling to find a way in the dark. 

     Now here we are over 2,000 years later with the latest news for the entire world at our fingertips, and boats, cars, and planes to get us wherever we desire to go. People no longer have to talk to each other face to face and choose to stare at a phone to see the fake lives of their family and friends. People no longer take the time to get to know others because they are so caught up in worldly things and being successful. We see our world being filled with hate yet don’t take the time to spread the love of Jesus. Jesus is the light the darkness of today needs just as he was the light needed during the time between Malachi and Matthew in the Bible. How can I be so sure about Jesus being our answer when no amount of logic seems to be helping? I know this because Jesus himself says, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

In the Old Testament, King David said, “Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path. He went on to say, “the revelation of your words brings light and gives understanding to the inexperienced.” Psalm 119:105,130 Much like the time of darkness I mentioned earlier it seems that the word of the Lord is not prevailing, but for those of us who are Christians we know otherwise. God’s word is true and the things that are unfolding are part of his plan. The important thing for those of us who believe is to be the light. Once we believe, we have the light in us and we are to let the light shine. Dare I ask, when are you more likely to see a light? The answer of course is when it is dark. You were born during this season of darkness, for a reason and that reason is to shine your light for all to see. Not for all to see what worldly things you have, but for all to see Jesus and the hope he brings to all who believe in him. We may never see life go back to “normal”, and it’s imperative that we live a life that points others to Christ. 

     As this year draws to an end, we get to witness an astronomical phenomenon that was last observed 800 years ago and very similar to the star of Bethlehem. In a year of so much loss, so much sadness, the loss of hope, and darkness that seems to only be getting darker; we get to experience what they are calling the Christmas star. Is it a coincidence that the first night it can be seen is on the winter solstice, the longest/darkest night of the year? I don’t think so, God is giving us a light, a sign to bring us hope, a reminder that we must shine in the darkest of times as that is when the light is best visible. How can you let your light shine this holiday season and during this time of darkness?

Follow Through

      As I sat staring at my Bible this morning knowing I needed to open and read it I didn't know what chapter to read or what to focus on. I picked up my Bible and prayed, God show me where to turn and I'll read it. I opened my study Bible and began to flip the pages and stopped at 2 Chronicles 20. That is where I found a little nugget of goodness that spoke to me on this cold Sunday morning that has me feeling blah and wishing my back pain would go away. If you have a few minutes, please read and see what I learned.

     Jehoshaphat was a king of Judah. We can learn many things from him but the one lesson that I picked up on today was his obedience to God and the importance of following through. Like many kings, Jehoshaphat was faced with going to war and he was afraid and wasn't sure what he should do so he sought the Lord. "Jehoshaphat was afraid and he resolved to seek the Lord." 2 Chronicles 20:3 He sought the Lord in prayer, waited on God's answer, believed in God and what God said, obeyed God, and praised God. Let's look at each step of Jehoshaphat's follow through.

     Jehoshaphat prayed, his prayer wasn't long and elaborate like you might assume a king's prayer would be, instead his prayer was short and to the point. He ended his prayer by saying, "For we are powerless before this vast number that comes to fight against us. We do not know what to do but we look to you." 2 Chronicles 20:12b How many times have you felt helpless? How many times have you looked to others to help you instead of turning to the One who is powerful and can help you? That has been me many times in the past and a lot here recently too. I am finally at the point where I am saying, "God I do not know what to do-help me." I wish I would've said that from the beginning but I'm a bit stubborn.

     After Jehoshaphat prayed, he waited on an answer from God. In the story it seems that the answer came immediately, but we don't know how long it really took. All we know for sure is Jehoshaphat didn't go into battle before getting an answer from God. Many times we get tired of waiting on the answer or we don't like the answer we're given so we do what we think is right. More times than not in my own life this has not been the best thing to do, but I do it because I want it fixed right now on my timeline not God's. Jehoshaphat waited and once he received his answer he listened to God and believed what he was told. His answer came from Jehaziel, a priest, and in short here is what God told him: "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast number, for the battle is not yours, but God's...Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow go out to face them, for the Lord is with you." 2 Chronicles 20:15b and 17d. Notice in God's answer he acknowledged Jehoshaphat's fear and told him to not be afraid or discouraged not once but twice. God knows we fear what we can't control or see or even understand so he told him twice to reassure him. God let Jehoshaphat know that this battle was God's battle and he was with Jehoshaphat. The same goes for you and me, whatever we're facing, it's God's battle, so we need to give it to him and remember he is with us. Upon getting his answer Jehoshaphat put his face to the ground and worshipped God. When was the last time you fell to the ground and worshipped God? I can tell you it's been far too long for me.

     Jehoshaphat then believed God's answer and obeyed him. While obeying God, Jehoshaphat faced his fear and praised God. Verse 20:22 says, "The moment they began their shouts and praises, the Lord set an ambush" against his enemies. God started working immediately and this was before Jehoshaphat and his army arrived to the location that he was told to go to. Did you catch that? God started working immediately when Jehoshaphat and his men obeyed God. God will do the same for us! When they arrived to the appointed location they saw corpses on the ground, not a single person survived. They returned to Jerusalem rejoicing. Often when God answers our prayers we acknowledge him in the moment but we don't rejoice with others but we should. When we share what God has done in our lives it strengthens our faith and the faith of others. This is the follow through! Jehoshaphat and his men returned rejoicing, they followed through.

   It's important in sports to follow through with your shot or swing, it's important in your life to follow through with what you say, and it's important in our prayer life to follow through. In all things following through allows you to be better or do a better job than if you didn't follow through. In sports when you follow through you're more likely to make the shot or hit the ball further. In life when you follow through you are showing people you mean what you say and say what you mean. How do you follow through in prayer? You follow through in prayer by giving God praise and sharing with others what he has done. By following through you will grow in your faith and your relationship with God. No matter the answer- be like Jehoshaphat and follow through. 

Aches and Pains

 There are many jokes about growing older but there is nothing like experiencing the aches and pains of growing older. If you keep up with me you know that the past two years have rough. Life hasn't been full unicorns and rainbows or even a walk in the park, its been more like trying to ride a bicycle blind folded in the dark. Nothing has made sense and I'm pretty sure most of it never will. So, why am I writing today? Is it to complain about what obstacles I've been facing? There will probably be a little of that. Is it to enlighten  you on something God has taught me during this trying time? Nope! I am writing to share what is on my mind or I should say what has crossed my mind today and the last couple of days.

I'm a school teacher so I'm blessed to have this week off, but it's been hard to enjoy because I've not been able to do much. Most of you might say that's wonderful, but it's not enjoyable when that's all you've been able to do for three months. Let me set the stage...

In September I hurt my back. I'm not sure how but many people will say that I over did it with my CG workouts, but I disagree. I hurt so bad that I wasn't able to walk for a week, then slowly and surely I've been able to tolerate a little walking and standing, but still not much and certainly no workouts. This has been hard not just because I'm not working out but because I can't help around my house. I know that how I handle the hard times reflects my beliefs but in this case it doesn't. This struggle has brought up many doubts, old issues that I thought I had dealt with, and lots of whys. 

The whys are too many to list here. The doubts are some that I've written about and some new ones as I made a decision this past year to not coach..good laugh here cause I wouldn't be able to coach at this point in time. God's timing? I don't know, but I do know that I miss coaching. So, aches and pains...they happen when we get older and our bodies decide to not work like they did when we were younger. Aches and pains also happen when we grow in every aspect of our lives.

We grow when we face obstacles and learn how to get around them. We grow when we accept change no matter how different the change may be. We grow when we step outside of our comfort zones and allow God to work in our lives. So maybe, just maybe this particular ache and pain is happening to show me things about myself that need to change so I can continue to grow into the person God created me to be.

I'll finish up with my rambling. This year has been hard on everyone and seems to be teaching us to reflect on what matters the most and to be thankful for what we have. The aches and pains of this life can at times be unbearable but if we believe in God, we always have the hope of a better tomorrow and if tomorrow isn't better we have a promise of eternity with no more pain, no more sorrow and no more tears. I'm doing the best I can to stay focused on God and know this is only a moment, a season in life, and this too shall pass. May you all have a blessed Thanksgiving! 

OUT OF ORDER

      

                    OUT OF ORDER! 

                    I sure get frustrated when I see that sign hanging on a vending machine when I need a snack or when I finally find a restroom only to see that I will have to keep searching for one that is in order. Has your life ever felt out of order? Mine has, especially here lately; it seems nothing is in order. My house, out of order...my job, out of order...the greatest country in this world, out of order. The scale just keeps expanding to the world. The earth needs a sign on it that says OUT OF ORDER.

                    Let's back up to a little over a year ago, I became one of the high school coaches and though I was hesitant I was excited. Just as the season was starting my brother passed away, and life was not the same. Fast forward to March, spring break came and our lives came to a halt. We weren't allowed to go back to school and my mom moved in. Then we started a kitchen remodel, which is still not completed and so my house became out of order along with my job and life as we knew it. I could go on but as I have talked to friends, coworkers and a few strangers (as I'm not much of a conversation starter) everyone's life seems to be in some way or another out of order. I have tried to stay positive, but it's not been easy especially for someone with anxiety/depression.

                    I guess the question is, what should we do when our life is out of order? I have the answer, although it has taken me months to realize this answer. I have been doing this, but sometimes you just have to be hit over the head to see it. First, we need to try to stop complaining and find joy in the little things, after all, the little things is what matters the most. Second, and I'd say the most important is we need to keep searching for the One who can put our lives back in order. Psalm 119:133-134 says, "Order my steps in thy word; and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Deliver me from the oppression of man; so will I keep thy precepts." What does that mean, you ask. If we search for God, and we can find him anywhere, but especially if we search for him in His word, the Bible, we will know what to do. He tells us how to live our lives. By reading his word, we will be able to understand Him better, walk with Him, and keep His commands. When we do this, the oppression of man can't hold us down. God is for us and we just need to trust Him. 

                    When you do this, your life may not go back to the exact same way you think or even want it to, but when you seek God and His word your life will start changing. You will notice things are being put in order. Sometimes it's the big things in your life and we notice immediately, and sometimes it's the little things, and it takes a bit longer to see. I challenge you to write your prayers out for a month, spend time with God daily for a month, and see how your thoughts change. This world may be OUT OF ORDER but it doesn't mean your life has to be. Keep your eyes on Jesus. There you will find order, peace, love and acceptance. I'll leave you with these two verses:

"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." 2 Thessalonians 3:16. 

"Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth." Colossians 3:2 

         

CHAOS

Choose
Him
Above
Other
Sources


     Wow! How quickly the world seems to have been turned upside and down and come to a complete stop. The recent turn of events has left me and my family wondering what's next. As I stayed home today from church more for my mental health than for any other reason I reflected on my personal life in comparison to the world. Honestly, they match up at this moment yet deep down I have peace, somewhere within my soul "it is well".  This verse could be why, "For God is not a God of disorder but of peace." 1 Corinthians 14:33
     I can honestly sit here and say with all the fear that seems to be running rampant in this world today and for good reason, I am not afraid. This isn't because I'm not concerned about the virus outbreak, but because I know who is in control. You see, my God has this. It is a time of confusion, doubt, fear, and unknown, but do you know that God can and will give you His peace. When you're confused go to him. When you have doubt about your future; go to him. When you are full of fear, no matter the type of fear; go to him. When you are faced with the unknown; go to him. Peter tells us to do that in 1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you."
     There is so much uncertainty in the world right now, and even in my personal life, not just because of the virus but because of personal things. We can choose to live in that uncertainty and get worked up over it, which I have done or we can choose to trust God and give Him control. Sadly, I did the first choice before realizing I'm not making the situation any better and have now decided that God knows best and I'm trusting in Him. I knew this but got caught up in the what ifs instead of just going with the flow and trusting God.
     I sit here and think about my kids and my students and wonder how they will handle all the uncertainties that we are being faced with and I remember the innocence of my childish thoughts. For some strange reason, as a kid, I thought life as an adult would be easier, but that was completely wrong. Our kids know more than we knew at their age, because they have access to the same information we do. We have to help them not overreact to the unknowns of today and tomorrow, but to teach them in these times we must rely on the ONE who created us. He can and will see us through the unknowns, he will strengthen our faith, he is our hope and our peace.
     As we all face the world in this chaotic state, may we remember to choose Him above other sources for our hope, peace, and strength. "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you." 2 Thessalonians 3:16.

What are you doing to make a difference?

"Be a bush if you can’t be a tree. If you can’t be a highway, just be a trail. If you can’t be a sun, be a star. For it isn’t by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are." – Martin Luther King Jr.

     I've been rather busy today, but the whole day my mind hasn't wandered too far from the work of Martin Luther King, Jr. In many ways his "I have a dream" speech has come to fruition but in many ways we are still a long ways from being where he dreamed we would be today. I can only speak from my perspective and my white culture, so you may or may not agree with me and that's okay. I see the injustice of many races and it saddens my heart. The media today wants us to hate each other, they promote hate, and drive home the racial differences and injustices to which many respond with violence. 
     Can I challenge you to set aside your culture, political beliefs, and race and instead look at the truth? What truth, you ask? I'm not talking about the truth that I see through my eyes, because my reality is different from the next person, whether that person lives in the same house as me, is my neighbor, works with me, or is a stranger on the street. The truth I'm talking about is found in the Bible. There is no favoritism from God. "Then Peter began to speak: 'Now I really understand that God doesn't show favoritism, but in every nation the person who fears Him and does righteousness is acceptable to Him." Acts 10:34-35  What is righteousness? According to the web and oxford dictionaries righteousness means: the quality of being morally right or justifiable. The person who fears God and does what is morally right is acceptable to God and this is what we should strive for daily. 
     I'm not sitting here saying that I'm perfect but I am saying that I do try my best to what is right. How much different would this world be if we tried daily to fear God and do what was morally right? Not fear God in a sense of being scared, although we should fear his wrath, but fear him in a respectful manner; like you would fear getting in trouble from your parents for not doing what was right. If we all did what was right, not by man's standards but by God's standards we would be so much closer to the dream Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had all those years ago. 
     I'm going to issue you another challenge. As we continue through this week, month, and year think about ways you can make a difference. Then actually do those things. But, I don't have the money to do what I want to do. I don't have the time to do what I'd like to do. People might think I'm weird if I start doing things for others. STOP with the excuses! You don't need money to make a difference, you really don't even need a lot of time to change a life, and who cares what others might think of you. (Tough one I know) All it takes is a smile, a kind word, a helping hand to make a difference, but by all means, if you can afford to do something big....do it! Listen to God and He will guide you. Go out and make a difference! "Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth." Colossians 3:2 

Word for 2020

"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2

     Before I could settle on a word or allow myself to accept my word for 2020 I needed to reflect on my word for 2019. As I sat back in my chair and allowed myself to think of the entire year I laughed at the word/phrase God gave me. Giggling, I told God, you told me to be still and you showed me how to be still and rely on you at the beginning of the year with buying a new home. As the year progressed I began to realize what be still meant, or at least I thought. Then August hit, and a whole new meaning of be still came to play when my brother passed away. In my grieving, I was still, sometimes too still, but I never lost hope or my faith. I kept telling myself that God's ways are not my ways and that by being still I would get through this dark valley in my life. I'm thankful that God put that phrase on my heart this time last year, and for the lessons He taught me. I'm looking forward to the new year and what God has in store for me and my family.
     My word for 2020 is FOCUS. Focus seems like such a cliche, but as I accepted the word God put on my heart and knowing the lessons I learned from this past year I had some questions about focusing and being successful with incorporating such a word in my life. I mean after all I seem to be a pretty focused person, well, until four months ago. So, me being the writer that I am, and a teacher I sat down and asked God to show me the answers to the following six questions.

     Who should I FOCUS on?
Of course, I know that I should focus on God first and in all things and all ways, but what next? I am going to focus on Christ by seeking the Kingdom of God first, then I will focus on Nick by supporting and praying for him. Next in line of course are my kids, I will guide, support, and pray for them. Last, but certainly no least, I am going to focus on myself by doing things to help my health holistically. I will do things to ensure that my mental, physical, and spiritual health are being taken care of to the best of my ability.

     What should I FOCUS on?
There's three answers to this question. 1) I should focus on my thoughts. "Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable-if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise-dwell on these things." (Philippians 4:8) 2) I should focus on my actions. "Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be achieved." (Proverbs 16:3) 3) I should focus on my words. "No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear." ( Ephesians 4:29)

     When should I FOCUS?
The answer to this question seems to be simple...I should focus at all times. This will keep me busy..right.

     Where should I FOCUS?
The first place I should focus is at HOME! "Teach a youth about the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6) I need to set a routine that shows my family that I am putting Christ first, then Nick and the kids and by taking care of myself. Our kids learn by our actions more than they learn by our words. Then I should focus at work and make sure Christ stays first. This should carry into wherever I go. I should be so focused on Christ no matter where I am others will notice His light or at least that something is different.

     Why should I FOCUS?
God revealed to me three verses to help me answer this question. I am a worrier, born and bred and I get it quite honestly from my grandmother. I should focus on God to remember that He will always take care of me. God pointed me to Matthew 6:33, and though it is not the do not worry verse from Matthew, God showed me this verse to help me see that if I focus on Him all the above mentioned things will be provided for me. Another reason why I should focus on God is to stay close to Him because the devil is looking for ways to make me stumble. "Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour." (1 Peter 5:8) The last answer that God gave me was because I am made to bring God glory, and if I don't focus on Him then I will not be the person I was created to be nor will I bring Him glory. People are watching and so I should be so focused on God that I don't notice they are watching, but they notice Christ in me. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

     How should I FOCUS?
The best way to stay focused is to be in God's word daily. There is nothing that the Bible can't help me handle. "All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

     As the new year starts and all  the excitement fades into the mundane of life I pray that I am able to stay focused on God. No matter what happens in 2020 I will do my best to remain focused on God. When I stay focused on God I will at times have to be still just so I can focus and hear what He is telling  me. May God bless you throughout this year! "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2