Below you will find the blog posts that were made to my website before I began this blog:
October 10, 2007
Thanks to those who have asked where I am (since I have not blogged lately). I am here, just busy rushing full speed toward the finish line with my doctoral dissertation. Sorry to say, the blogging will be sparse until December when, Lord willing, the dissertation will be done and defended, and I will become a human being again. Any prayers on my behalf are greatly appreciated!_______________________________________________________
September 27, 2007
Are you listening?
Unexpectedly, it came in the mail. My eye immediately caught the pink on the front of the envelope and my heart began to beat a bit faster. A gift of encouragement - at just the right moment.
Later in the week, it lept from the pages of my Bible. "...Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:8, NIV). "...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20b).
Today, it came in an IM (Instant Message). Words of joy pouring forth from the heart and hands of a friend who received a good report from the doctor. We praised God together.
I am amazed at the ways God speaks to my mind and heart through his creation. Sometimes the beauty of a tree stops me in my tracks. Other times the words of a friend bring joy. Often God's words in the Bible sink deep into my heart. He is here and he is not silent.How does God speak to you during the week? Are you aware of his love and care on a daily basis? Have you trained your heart to hear the sound of his voice?He is here...are you listening?_______________________________________________________
September 19, 2007
Does Jesus matter?
I sat under the teaching of a man last week who, despite identifying himself as a Christian, believes that the name of Jesus Christ does not matter. He says a person does not need to know the name of Jesus in order to spend eternity with God and that there will be many people from other religions in heaven. While sincere, this man is seriously misguided (and, to my sorrow, is misguiding others).
I politely objected to his view and shared a variety of Scriptures, all of which he dismissed in favor of his personal view. There are several issues about which the Bible is not entirely clear. This is not one of them. In reality, the Bible is very clear on this issue. For your consideration:
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12 - NIV).
"Jesus answered, 'I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'" (John 14:6 - NIV).
"Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son" (John 3:18 - NIV).
"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11 - NIV).
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life" (1 John 5:13 - NIV).
For further study see: Acts 2:38, 5:40-41, 15:25-26, 21:13; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Colossians 3:17; James 5:14; 1 Peter 4:14; 1 John 3:23; 1 John 4:1-3; and 3 John 1:7.
While I agree that God works in mysterious ways, that I am not God, nor will I sit in the judgement seat, nevertheless, the information given by God in the Bible clearly indicates that the name of Jesus is not superfluous. It is the name on which humans are to believe for salvation. It is the name at which everything in the universe will bow. It is the name for which believers, since the first century, have died.
This is a truth that has been around for thousands of years. It will stand the test of eternity.
Jesus matters...
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September 12, 2007
After listening to the new Casting Crowns CD (specifically, the song about God's will), my friend prayed and told God that she REALLY wanted his best in her life. She said she REALLY wanted his will to be done. A half-an-hour later, she was in the emergency room at the hospital.
When I spoke to her the next day, the questions were swirling around in her mind. "Why me Lord?" "Why now?" "How did this happen?" "What am I supposed to get out of this?" "How is this the best for me?" "How is this good?"
"Who said it was good?" I asked.
"Well," she replied, "doesn't Romans 8:28 say that all the things that happen to us are for our good?"
"No, it says that 'in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.' It does not say that all the things that happen to us are good. It says that God can work good in the midst of all things."
Be careful to distinguish between what God does to us and what he allows to happen to us. They are not the same thing. Be wise also when trying to determine why something happens. When God allows trouble into our lives, it does not necessarily mean that God does it on purpose so we will learn a lesson.
Dear ones, sickness and death are not good. They are the result of the Fall, which is the handiwork of the enemy. Jesus even calls death "the last enemy to be destroyed" (1 Corinthians 15:26). Despite this, our God is so powerfull and wonderfull that he can work some good in the midst of what is not good. And he will work some good in my friend's life in the midst of her trouble. She does not see it yet - and that is OK. First we must grieve together over the calamity. We will walk with her as her faith is tested. We will lift her up to the Lord. We will surround her and be the physical arms of the Lord, providing the support she needs. As her body mends, so too will her soul find solace in her God. And when the time is right, she will look back and say, "See what the Lord has done!"
"Lord, please heal my friend. Hold her close, give her courage, strength, and perseverance. Let her sense your presence and comfort her heart as only you can. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen."
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September 6, 2007
The leaves on the trees are still green, but the signs of fall are all around. School busses. Snacks on sale at the market. Malls filled with moms and kids buying school clothes. I love this time of year. But then, I've always loved going to school (yes, I'm a school nerd).
Fall is a time of year filled with possibilities. New classes, new teachers, new books, new stuff to learn, new goals...endless possibilities for growth. One need only embrace the challenge.
As I prepare for the fall, I'm excited to think about what God will teach me in this season. Though the trees and flowers go dormant, my heart and soul need not follow suit. The possibilities for soul growth are endless. I've got my books (66 of them), I've got my teacher (the Holy Spirit), and I've got my new clothes (a white robe of righteousness provided by Jesus Christ). I need only embrace the challenges set before me in the school of life.
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August 21, 2007
It's two days after the concert and I'm still chilled to the bone. Yes, I was one of the crazy people sitting on the lawn, in the rain, listening to Michael W. Smith at Sunday's concert. I need something to warm me up on the inside, like a steaming cup of hot chocolate!
Ever notice how buffeting on the outside requires reinforcements on the inside? Take life for instance. When others are cold towards me, I need someone to warm my heart. When tragedy strikes, I need strength on the inside. When it seems the world is going crazy, I need a core of stability.
The solution? Run to God. Since Jesus already lives inside my heart, it's a short journey! Thinking about his love for me can warm my heart in a second. God is a wonderful comforter, able to bind a broken heart or heal a crushed spirit (Psalm 23:4, 34:18, 119:76). He is my rock, my tower of refuge, my source of strength (Psalm 18:1-2, 22:19, 28:7, 73:26, 118:14). He is an ever present help, no matter what the need (Psalm 46:1).
Hmmm...think I'll go make that cup of hot chocolate and spend some time with the Lord. Want to join me? There's plenty of warmth in his presence for both of us!_______________________________________________________
August 17, 2007
Is the world still spinning on its axis? Is the sun still shining? How are the space shuttle astronauts doing? I have no clue. I've been holed up, sitting in front of a computer, doing twelve hour days, writing the last few chapters of my doctoral dissertation.
If this does not sound exciting to you, let me assure you, it is not particularly all that exciting to me either. (The project was exciting. Writing about it, not so much...) Except for the fact that I think the end is in sight. Woo Hoo, now that is exciting!
Next week, if my brain is still functioning, I will attempt a more creative and interesting blog entry. In the mean time, pray for me that God continues to help me (as he has been) to stay the course and complete the project at hand.
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August 7, 2007
Have you checked your fluids lately? My husband and I neglected to do so before heading out on a road trip and had what he now calls an "auto maintenance event." Here is his description of said event:
“As I noticed the car’s engine struggling to go up one hill after another, I thought we might be having a transmission problem. Then I finally saw the engine temperature gage patiently telling its short story: ‘I am pegged past my red line.’ Engines are not happy past 280 F. Interestingly, no idiot light came on, so I, the idiot at hand, had remained clueless until then.
I pulled off, at a very conveniently located emergency pull-off area, and the engine stalled as I coasted to a stop. I let the engine cool as we looked for liquids. I added the little radiator fluid we had, and Lynn offered up 3 bottles of drinking water. No apparent leaks meant that I had been ignoring a slow leak. That allowed us to get to the nearest convenience store to give the thirsty car a bigger drink. Thus satisfied, the engine got us home with no apparent harm.
Moral of the story: Check your fluids and gages – while God keeps watch over you.”
For the record, my husband is not an idiot. He is a wonderful, intelligent human being who has a great sense of humor and, thus, feels comfortable poking fun at himself!
How thankful we are that we “just happened” to have water and antifreeze in the car. How wonderful of God to provide the roadside pull-off spot right when we needed it. How convenient it was to be only four miles from the next exit. How grateful we are that God watches over us and provides for us, all the time, wherever we are! It was a gentle lesson, one we will not likely forget. Nor will we forget to check the fluids the next time we head out on a road trip!
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July 31, 2007
I love a class act. Like the recent faculty meeting at one of the institutions for which I teach. The Dean in charge of the campus met us at the door as we arrived. The Dean’s assistant prepared a delicious, hot breakfast buffet. There was plenty of time for conversation and fellowship while we ate. Only after all of the above did the presentations begin. And after the meeting, the Academic Dean presented each of us with a mug bearing the seminary’s new logo.
The star of the meeting, in my opinion, was the egg dish served at the buffet. The Dean’s assistant said it was her mother’s recipe and gladly gave it to us. Just the thought of it makes my mouth water. Here is it for you to enjoy as well:
¾ cup mild salsa
1 can artichoke hearts, drained and cut up
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (without jalapeño)
¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
6 eggs
1 cup sour cream
Blend the eggs and sour cream and set aside
Grease a large pie plate
Layer the salsa, artichoke hearts and cheese, in the order given
Pour the eggs and sour cream over the other ingredients
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until puffy and brown on top
Enjoy! _______________________________________________________
July 24, 2007
I got a queasy feeling in my stomach as we pulled into the church parking lot Sunday morning. We saw few cars in the lot, a dark church, and the pastor and several of our faithful men standing in the drive to meet us as we pulled in. Thankfully, the problem was simply a lack of power due to a blown transformer. No power, no church service.
Upon arriving back home, I discovered several voice mail messages alerting me to the problem (note to self: listen to the voice mail messages before heading out the door...). The one that caught my attention came from an older saint who said "Just remember, the Holy Sprit still has power even if the church building does not!"
What a great reminder. When my health, energy, or spirit is flagging (or when the light bulb in my brain is burned out), I can ask for help from the most powerful Person in the whole creation. As Psalm 73:26 says: "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (NIV).
Also, just like the church, I need a Power source outside of myself to enable me to engage in effective ministry. I thank God for his gift of the Holy Spirit who has come, just as Jesus promised: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8, NIV). Praise the Lord! _______________________________________________________
July 18, 2007
I've been avoiding my blog. I think it's a result of the eight days of fasting from words (see July 3 entry) coupled with spending some quality time in the book of Proverbs. As Proverbs makes clear, trafficking in words is a dangerous occupation.
My heart's desire is to use words to evangelize, educate, and encourage others. But sometimes my tongue runs ahead of my brain and I end up with my foot in my mouth (ouch).
How to avoid such calamity? Remember to use words sparingly, listen before answering, give gentle answers, and avoid reckless words (Proberbs 19:10; 12:18; 15:1; 18:13). "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, My Rock and my Redeemer" (NIV).
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July 3, 2007
Just returned from an eight day silent retreat. Eight days of fasting from words, except for those used to talk to God and those spoken to my spiritual director (with whom I met 45 minutes per day and during which time I talked about God and his activity in my life).
Not your typical retreat. Lots of time to be with God, to rest, reflect, and listen to God. God graciously spoke to me through his Word (the Bible) and gently impressed upon my heart his deep care for me.
Back at work now, over my head in e-mails, phone calls, and other responsibilites, I find my heart reaching out to God, who is just as close to me in the midst of my workday as he was when we sat together by the stream. Sweet.
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June 18, 2007
The climber's body is fully extended, arms reaching way up gripping the wall, left leg securely bearing the weight, right knee to the chest with the foot searching for the next toehold. The caption on the motivational picture hanging in the breakroom says "You can't let go and still win."
After a weekend of listening to others' stories of brokenness, I'm reminded of the necessity of hanging on to Jesus. Just like the wise climber who is always securely attached to the wall, we must never let go of Jesus.
Psalm 18:29 says "With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall" (NIV). No matter how high the obstacle, how rough the terrain, how steep the wall, God is there to lift us up, if we will only hang on to him.
To what/whom are you hanging on? Grasp hold of Jesus and don't let go!_______________________________________________________
June 11, 2007
Are you ready?
Are you ready to see Jesus? How about tonight? It's possible. That's what happened to Rhonda Hart, co-host of the morning show on WMUZ, a Christian Radio station in the Metro-Detroit area.
Rhonda went to work last Monday morning, worked all day, went home, went to bed, and woke up in heaven with Jesus. That fast. No known cause. No serious medical history. No current illness. Totally unexpected.
Perhaps you don't know Jesus and wonder why anyone would want to spend eternity with Him. Maybe you're wondering about God. If so, CLICK HERE and read about others who have also wondered about God.
It could be that you already know Jesus. But have you seriously thought about what it would mean if you left earth and entered heaven today? Is there anyone to whom you need to say "I love you" before you leave the planet? Or how about "I'm sorry, will you forgive me?"
Don't wait...
Are you ready?
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