Start and Stop

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. John 3:18 NIV

I'm at a training conference for work this week. Although I've worked in this industry before it's been a while so things are new. I have some preconceived notions that are getting challenged. I'm also learning new ways to do my work. But if I don't believe that that this new info can help or is necessary, I've done myself a disservice, and to the people I try to help.

This is a very simplified human explanation of this verse. If we don't believe we are done already. We are stopped before we even get started. God only requires us to believe in his son. When we do, our future is secure. Let your soul be set free to live.

Rafiki's Lesson

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 NIV

Been here. Done this. Both as a receiver and a giver. It hurts both ways. It is so unpleasant even I want to hide from difficult conversatikns. It's human nature. In class the other day I had a student call some of his classmates jerks. I had to correct him and have him apologize. It didn't matter why. We don't talk to people that way,  especially in a martial arts atmosphere. We teach respect above all else. It upset him and me but it had to be done. He apologized and we went on with class.

Life happens and we mess up. That's a given. What's important is that we own it and then learn from it. The worst thing we can do is to make the same mistake again. It means we didn't learn. And oh we do that too. It's ok. It will one day give us peace that we know the right thing to do and to help those coming behind.

So take a lesson from Rafiki in the Lion King: yes the past can hurt, but we can either run from it or learn from it.

Young and Old

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV

I will admit it: I'm guilty. I tend to have a low opinion of Millenials and feel they don't have the values or experience to do the job. And it's true that some dont. But it's not because of their age. It's how they were raised. Well, maybe a little bit because of their age. But I was young and silly once too. Some days now I'm just silly because I can't claim to be young anymore.

Someone posted to FB today that us older gals should embrace the younger generation. They come with a spark and zest for life and we can pair that with our experience and wisdom. What a combination that can be! And this verse tells us that young people can be the life and pulse of the church, leading others to Christ by their example. But they need mentors, so that's us older generations.

Let the young people breathe life into your soul while you breathe wisdom into theirs.

Work Hard for the Money

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. John 5:24 NIV

I work hard at my job. I work hard at my hobbies. I work hard raising my children and maintaining relationships. I bet you do too. Life is hard work. There's not many who can sail through life never working for what they want. Yes there are exceptions, but for the most part people work hard at daily living.  And even though we know an honest day's work is good for the soul, it's all that more refreshing and surprising when we get a reward with very little effort.

Which is why I love this verse. God only requires us to believe in his son and we will be saved. We must simply have faith. We don't have to work our way into heaven. God is not concerned about what we can do but what we are willing to allow him to do through us.

Having faith doesn't require sweat equity. Let God do the work through you.

Making it Count

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NIV

The world needs more of this right now. What if we all lived as though we were eternal beings whose existence here is a prelude to our eternity with our creator? Well it is. And we should live each day to the fullest. Make each day count for the one who created us so that others will want what we have.

Eternal life is ours if we just believe the one who sent his only son. His only son. I have three daughters and can't imagine not having them around. I have 1.5 sons in law and would be horrified if they weren't in my life anymore. I have 3 beautiful grandkids and i wouldn't trade them for nothing, especially not to redeem someone else. So I can't imagine God sending his son for me, and you and every other person that has been and will ever be.

So let's live like the redeemed eternal souls that we are. Make each day count.

Lights and More Lights

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105 NIV

As part of our Halloween yard setup, we needed to purchase a spotlight to illuminate our pirate skeleton. So this morning we went to Home Depot for a spotlight. We walked into a Christmas wonderland. Most of the Halloween stuff was gone and Christmas items had been stocked. They had lots of different lights, projection shows, yard electrical stakes and more, all for lighting up our yards at Christmas. They even had a Star Wars projection light kit...oh yes they did. It almost made its way into my shopping basket. But I digress.

Lights. Lots of lights. Every creature you can think of lit and animated to provide a show for passersby. There's just something about walking among Christmas lights. There's something magical that happens. There's warmth and safety, even if the light is illuminating a pirate skeleton. Our eyes are drawn to the lights. That's why resorts and restaurants have photos of their businesses taken at night when the lights are all on. Pools lit at night are a big draw.

So if we find these types of light appealing, God's light is so much more. His light is never dimmed. The bulb never has to be changed. Rain or shine or dark of night his light is forever, driving away the darkness. In it there is warmth and safety. Stay in his light. Let it lead you, let it keep you safe.

Sin and Cancer

“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 NIV

Many people quote this verse for physical healing, which I do believe it can and does reference. But I also believe in reading this verse and thinking about it today that it's referencing our healing from sin and death. And look at how it refers to our healing: we HAVE been healed. Not we will be if we pray enough. Or we will be if we do enough good. No. By Jesus' death on the cross he bore our sins for all eternity. We have been healed. We are no longer slaves to sin and death.

Think about what this means! No matter what we might mess up, no matter how much we sin, the price has already been paid. We are free. We are healed.

Sin is like cancer, taking over the good cells, eating away at you little by little till there's no good cells left. Sin feeds on more sin and the deep despair we find ourselves in. This is what Jesus came to heal. This is what he did for us. We are forgiven. We are forever free.

Praise him today for this gift we can never repay. 

Post Production

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. James 1:21 NIV

Most of you know that I am a breast cancer survivor. My story is not unique; I know many women who have battled the disease. Some have won; others have lost. But we know the battle goes on ensuring research continues to increase those on the winning side. So I don't mind sharing my story. I was honored to represent our taekwondo academy as they host this year's Relay for Life kickoff. The local tv station sent a newscaster to run a story on me and two other students. Tonight he came to film me taking class, sparring and breaking boards. He also interviewed my husband and I'm sure he's interviewed others at our academy.

Now he will go back to the studio and weed out the bad shots, adjust some of the footage, rearrange the segments and put together the final product. He can't get to a nice shiny news story ready for primetime without getting rid of the footage that doesn't work or is inferior in any way. A movie director goes through the same process in post production. All the scenes have been shot, lines have been said. Now he has to go to the studio and spend countless hours putting together the final product. And to get a return on the investment, it better be good enough to make audiences want to see it.

Post production is what we need to do in our lives. Get rid of the nasty pieces that don't work well. Get rid of the inferior parts that keep us from being whole. Abide by the teachings we've learned through the years and with humility set out to do God's work. Do what he's put us here to do. We're not much good in the rough. God works his post production magic in us to get to the finished product.

So let God take you to his studio. Once he's done with you, the part you'll play will outshine any academy award.

If I Can, You Can

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 1 Timothy 1:15 NIV

I love the conversational tone of this verse. It's like, come over here and let me tell you something. It's also an acknowledgement of the writer's own shortcomings over the course of his life. He's learned a thing or two since then and wants to pass it on. He's saying that if Jesus can save him, Jesus can save you too.

We say these types of things to encourage people to not give up. If I can lose weight, you can too. If I can do this exercise, you can too. If I can learn this job, you can too. It's a word of encouragement that no one is so far gone to sin that Jesus can't reach us. God's love can find us anywhere.

So I'll echo what he said: if God can save me, he can save you too. He'll meet you right where you are.  

WWJD

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 NIV

This is a call for excellence. If we were to stop and review what we say and do through the lens of Christ, I have a feeling the world might actually become a better place. If we worked at our jobs the way Jesus would. If we raised our children the way Jesus would. If we treated our spouses the way Jesus would. If we spoke to others the way Jesus would. What a world we'd have!

Not too long ago there was a campaign of sorts: WWJD. What would Jesus do? It was a call to ask yourself that question in every situation. Would Jesus go to work and browse the internet all day long? Would Jesus break traffic laws and then berate the cop who stopped him? Would Jesus come home from work and yell at his wife because dinner isn't ready? Or not play with his children because he's tired? Would Jesus treat people differently if they looked or talked differently than he did?

If you were to ask yourself WWJD in every day situations I bet you would act and speak differently. We are only humam so I'm sure at times when we get stressed or hurt or angry or worried that we might not act very Christ like. But we should always strive to be even if we fail. It's better to have tried and failed then to not try at all.

So let's bring back WWJD. This verse gives us the perfect starting point.

Good and Bad

For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. Deuteronomy 30:16 NIV

Bad things happen to good people. Good things happen to bad people. Life gives and takes with no quarter given regardless of your station in life. Rich, poor, law abiding, law breaking, man, woman...none of us are immune to pain or blessings. A lot of people might read this verse and think all they have to do is love God and be obedient and all will be good. That's not always how it works. If it did, all pastors and missionaries would be rich and famous. But many struggle to pay their bills just like lay people.

So why do it? Why be a Christian and follow Christ? Because God has promised us possession of the land we will enter....in eternity. We will have eternal life through him. It doesn't matter how long we stay in this earth. At some point we will join our Lord for forever. That's what he's promised. Not beds of roses here, but streets of gold in heaven.

I'd say that's a wonderful inheritance.

Give What You Get

Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 1 Thessalonians 5:15 NIV

This was the daily verse on Friday but since I didn't write an entry Friday night I looked back tonight to see the verses for today and yesterday. This one rings true for me today. Our TKD academy is hosting the Relay for Life kickoff and I was interviewed today as a breast cancer survivor. I was asked about my fighting style in TKD. I said I was aggressive but predictable because I'm not quick enough to adapt on the fly. I have to think it through first before I act. But I can also give as good as I get, protect myself and stand my ground. This gives a person a certain level of confidence. I could easily retaliate against someone who sets out to do me harm.

But this verse is stronger than any amount of fight I've got in me and more important to me than any number of bars on my belt. I may have to one day defend myself or someone I love but I would not escalate it or go after them. It makes no sense to sue just because you think you can. Or treat someone else in the same bad manner they treated you. It's ok to know your limits. It's ok to walk away. It's not ok to lower yourself to their level. Be above it. Be better. Pray for them.

I can give as good as I get. Self control is choosing not to.

Stress Test

When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, Lord , supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:18‭-‬19 NIV

I sent this verse to my daughter this morning. She had a test today and it was really stressing her out. I knew this verse was perfect. She had studied. She had done what she could. I knew she needed God to take away the stress and free her mind so she could do well.

We all get anxious, stressed, worried. These are natural human emotions. And God understands we will feel them. He did not make us void of emotion. What he wants is for us to know we don't have to bear the burden ourselves. He is there to help. We do not need to entertain negative thoughts. God's light can drive them out and sustain us when we need it most.

So the next time worry or stress tries to take hold, ask God to lift the burden.

Thanksgiving

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15 NIV

We can all use more peace in our life. But my favorite part about this verse is the last sentence: be thankful. We don't see a lot of that these days. Someone gives a compliment, they get called out for  harrassment. Someone gives a gift, it gets thrown back at them for various reasons. Someone gives to a charity and they get sued for more. It's a very unthankful society we face. It's also hard to teach our children to be thankful in a throw away world where excess is the word of the day.

Be thankful. It seems like such a small thing but it can be difficult. Be thankful for your job, even if you don't like it. Be thankful for your home, even if it's not the newest or biggest on the block. Be thankful for the family you have around you, even if you don't always get along. Life is precious and precarious. We just don't know what the next day holds. We are not always in control.

As we move towards our American holiday of Thanksgiving, we should actively think of something we are thankful for every day. Let it remind us to understand just how blessed we really are. Today I tweeted that I was thankful for my team of doctors who care more about their patients than the insurance. That is something to be grateful for. That's huge.

So what are you thankful for today? Let God know and tell him thank you.

To Life

I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. Psalm 119:93 NIV

I didn't read my daily verse until after my doctors appointment this morning. If I had read it before I may have saved myself additional worry, but we puny humans are just so good at outright ignoring the signs God sends us. Now that I'm all clear I can tell you I had a little health scare. After going through cancer twice, you tend to be hyper sensitive to changes in your health and body. I thought I felt a lump under my arm. I went to my primary care who referred me to my plastic surgeon  (who did my reconstruction) who then after talking with me about what I've felt thought I should talk to an oncologist about getting a PET scan. Enter me officially freaking out. So I ventured to my original surgeon today to see about next steps.

For the past week I have entertained every scenario in my head. Any type of cancer is bad news but if it was in my bones it was very bad news. I could not fathom what life would be like, what effect it would have on my family. I was distraught to say the least. But everywhere I turned God was letting me know not to worry. Did I listen? Yeah....nah, at least not very well. Did I pray? Yes I did.

Enter today and the verse. God's laws have preserved my life. Walking in his ways, abiding by his word, he has kept me safe. For what reason I don't know. It may be to simply let others know what he's done for me and to help give hope to others.

All I know is I have the all clear from the doctor. I keep up with my health. It's important to do so. It's  also important to listen to what God is saying. I spent so much time worrying with no result. I am a survivor and to thrive I must keep vigilant, keep healthy for life.

And to thrive in spirit I must pray and study God's word for life. So here's to life.

Force for Good

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:24 NIV

This is a verse often taken out of context. People believe that if they ask for a Corvette or a mansion or dame, and ask it in Jesus' name that they'll have it. The disciples were asking about the meaning behind Jesus' teachings. Up until this point they had been asking Jesus, but he was leaving them to ascend to heaven. They wondered how they were going to get answers to their questions,  not how they were gonna get wealth or fame or fortune.

After having now seen the second trailer for the next Star Wars movie, the force is seen as something to use. It can be used for good or bad. We've seen it used for bad and not end well. The force is not something you use to get what you want for yourself. It is to be used to help guide you and to help others.

So it is in your relationship to God. He's not to be used to get what you want. He's not a genie in a bottle. He's the almighty, the alpha, the omega, the creator, worthy of our praise and thirsty for our company. He wants to help us so that we may help others.

So ask your questions, ask it in Jesus' name so the father might hear you and answer. You only need to listen.

Fast and Furious

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8 NIV

We just watched Fast and Furious 8. We didn't see it in theatres so I didn't know what to expect. It was fast and furious alright. Without giving away the plot, one woman thinks she can control everything, to 'play God' as it were. I'm now watching Jurassic World (again). I love the franchise. Again it's one person trying to control nature... play God. We see this same plot over and over again in movies, and unfortunately in life.

People, us puny humans, think we can control everything. There's much we can because we have free will, but God is the maker of all, our creator, the true alpha and omega. It's time to give him all praise and honor..he is worthy to be praised.

Be Healed

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16 NIV

I got nothing. I mean do we really do this, with honesty and full faith? I bet not. In fact I can guarantee you we dont. Why not? Because we are afraid people will judge us or dislike us or be angry with us if we confess our sins to them. We think then they won't pray for us, especially of we've hurt someone. And we do have to face consequences.

But those who love us will forgive us, and they'll pray earnestly for us. Then we can be healed from the foothold that sin has taken in our lives. Healing isn't always physical. It's spiritual as well.

So let those who love you pray over you. Don't be embarrassed. Let your story be told so others may learn.

Trust and Obey

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5‭-‬6 NIV

Weddings can be a big deal. They are a big deal. Even small, intimate ceremonies can get contentious. Everyone comes out of the woodwork with opinions. This is not to say that's a bad thing, but for the bride and groom...it is after all their affair...it can be a bit overwhelming. Add in the pricetag of even a courthouse ceremony with backyard BBQ, and you've got yourself a little bit of stress. This is no way to start a life together,  nor is it something you want to burden your relatives with. Add in daily life and it's no wonder we can get so easily stressed.

Lately God has provided me with numerous reminders to not worry and take everything to him in prayer. From my daily verse, to postings by friends on social mefia, to the sign at the church. Good vibes only...as a song says. If I were to lean on my own understanding of all the things on my life I probably would mess it up somewhere along the way. God sends us people, verses, sayings, postings, etc to speak to us. We need to listen and obey.

So I'm obeying. I'm praying over my daughter's upcoming wedding, not just to bless their marriage, but to seek God's help in the decisions to be made prior to. I know he cares and I know he listens when we ask.

Do Good and Share

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:16 NIV

I am in tears. God still answers prayers. My proof? I thought I had my devotional for this verse already thought out. A friend messaged me a story about listening to and obeying God. I almost didn't watch the video prior to writing this, but I clicked over to watch. It's a beautiful story about a man obeying God's call to buy milk and give it to a complete stranger for reasons unknown at the time. At the end of the video it asks you to share it with others. Now I'm not usually the one to share it. I read it and like it and move on. So I clicked over to write my devotional, and low and behold I'm reminded of God's word for today: do good and share with others!

God is listening! He's working in us even if we don't want to acknowledge it all the time. He just wants our obedience. There are so many things that cause us daily strife and worry. God knows! And he's ready to help if we but listen.

I'm ready. If I wasn't before, I'm ready now. I may not even like what he's going to ask me to do, but I must be obedient. I only ask he gives me the strength I need.

Hear my prayer. Answer my plea. Amen.

Eatin, Workin or Sleepin

Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. Proverbs 17:28 NIV

I think it would be wise for most of us to put this into literal use, like today, right now. It reminds me of a scene in Pure Country, starring George Strait. He's eating breakfast with a family, and the old man just sits silently, eating his food. George's character keeps trying to engage him in conversation but he says nothing. Then, when the rest of the group leaves the old man says, "that's what's wrong with this whole country. People yappin about this or that when they oughta be eatin,  workin,  or sleepin."

In a world where everything you say is on display, splashed across newsfeeds, social media sites and blogs, it's important to keep in mind that your audience is the world. What you say reflects you as a person. As a Christian, what you say reflects God. If what people see and hear turns them off, how can you show them God's love?

So maybe we should practice that old adage: if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all. There is enough negative energy to power a hundred death stars; we don't need to add to the noise.

So the next time you feel something coming on, get back to eatin, workin or sleepin.

In Time of Sorrow

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. Psalm 22:14 NIV

This isn't the daily verse that came up for today. With the news coming out of Las Vegas, I searched for a verse that described how I was feeling and how I thought others must be feeling.

Love one another. Lift each other up. Leave nothing left unsaid or undone. There may not always be tomorrow.

I love you all.

#prayforvegas

Heart and Mind

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 NIV

I love the simplicity of this verse. God doesn't require fancy offerings or lavish ceremonies for us to be saved and be one of his forever. But we humans have a way of mucking things up.

We can say we are saved and believe that Jesus is Lord all day long. People might actually believe us. We can fool lots of people with what we say. We can say we know what our job is, know how we need to help people, or know what someone needs. But the truth may be far from it. What we know may be tested and then we are found out. We need to ask what people need, ask questions about what we need to do, so that when we are tested, we can do what must be done.

When our time here is done we sure don't want to be found not to have believed in our heart that Jesus is the risen son of God. Don't be like those that worship with their mouth but their heart is far from God. We must do what is right and honest and true.

So asking Jesus to be your savior is easy. And he will give you the strength to face whatever co.es next. Just make sure your head and heart are on board.