Pass It On

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3‭-‬4 NIV

Here it is. The reason we should seek and receive comfort from God in times of need: we are to pass it on! We can't pass it on if we haven't received it. We can only pay bills with the money we have, right? So until it's banked, nothing is going out.

It's come up in recent says about what good prayer can do for the grieving and hurt. Well here it is. Prayer is our connection to God. God gives us comfort. We share that comfort with others.

Open your heart to receive from God so that you may help others. For one day someone will pass it back to you.

Send Prayers and Get Busy

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18 NIV

After the tragic school shooting earlier this month, many people took to social media to offer prayers and thoughts of sympathies, including notables like actors and politicians. Then the backlash started. People responded that they didn't need prayers and thoughts but action to make things better.

I agree and disagree. Jesus and the apostles told us that faith without works is dead. But they also said that with works without faith will fall short. We need balance. That balance comes when those that are called to do the work get busy doing it. Those called to pray get busy praying. Those called to finance the works get busy sending funds. This is how God's work gets done.

We need both words and actions, prayer and faith, hope and love to accomplish all that God needs us to do.

Heavens Gate

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4 NIV

When I see this verse I hear the actor in the movie Titanic quoting this verse as the ship goes down. That must have been a horrendous experience. In that hopeless situation the hope of heaven coming quickly is all you have. Death is an inevitable part of life, as is sorrow and pain. In some cultures, the people mourn when a baby is born knowing the sorrow they will experience in life. And they rejoice in death knowing they are free from pain.

We have the hope of heaven. It is a wondrous hope that we should share with others. When pain and sorrow afflict us in this life, we know it will all be over some day. God is not as concerned with our physical comfort as he is with our spiritual fitness for eternity.

So sorrow and pain will follow us. When it does, we must pray for each other. Prayer is action. Prayer is faith. Prayer is our connection to God and how we reach the heavens. So until we reach heavens gate, may we be a help to each other.

Visitors

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. Revelation 3:20 NIV

In church this morning, the pastor was talking about defeating the symptoms of loneliness. My thoughts went to this verse. Our lives are so busy and so full of sports and parties and work and school and other activities.  But in spite of all the people we are around we may still feel lonely because we are not developing close relationships.

But Jesus is knocking on your door! He wants to come in and visit with you, sit down, chat, have tea. He wants to get to know you and have a close relationship. He loves you and he wants to spend time with you!

Make sure you don't leave Jesus standing on your doorstep.

Healthy, Wealthy and Wise

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 1 Timothy 4:8 NIV

I actually laughed at this verse this morning, not because it's a joke, but because just this week I've been feeling the affects of my increased workouts getting ready for a testing and tournament. My body is not 20 anymore, so it's been rebelling a bit. I'm more sore than usual, trying to up my protein intake, and attempting to stay in motion so as not to get stiff. But it's worth it! It's all worth it - the soreness, the strained muscles, the fatigue - it's all good! I like to see how far I can push myself without actual injury. I feel good and I have energy for days.

But two things stand out to me with this verse. One is that I myself tend to put my physical training before my spiritual training, foregoing church for the past several years with the excuse that I need Sunday mornings to work on my exercise plans. That's what that is - an excuse. What I should do is manage my time more wisely to complete my exercise plans at another time, thus freeing up Sunday mornings for fellowship (not that I believe going to church will make me more spiritual, but it is a fellowship that is important to my development as a Christian).

The second thing is our current society's obsession with physical fitness, body image and health status as it pertains to a person's overall worth in society. We are slammed every day with articles about fitness, eat this not that, do this to lose weight, do this to sleep better, don't do that to have more energy. It's crazy the amount of information that is out there. Then there's the internet age's superstars, those who post blogs and pics of their fitness journeys. You have probably seen them and the amount of both haters and supporters they have. Americans in particular have an obsession with it all.

Both of these take our focus away from our spiritual fitness and spending time with God. He doesn't require us to be in a prayer closet 24 hours a day, but I think he'd like more than a passing nod. I can't have an intimate relationship with him like he wants if I don't spend time with him. Just like with physical training, I can't have a good relationship to it if I don't spend time training. I can't talk about taking a class and expect to see results. I have to engage. That's what God wants - he wants us to engage him. And he's not expecting you to be a couch potato either, so God knows there is value in staying healthy which does require a modest level of exercise.

Here's to staying healthy both physically and spiritually and to understand the importance and place for each in our lives.

Reverse Psychology

neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39 NIV

You've probably heard that the Rev. Billy Graham passed away yesterday. He was quoted as saying, right after he was saved, that he was saved for life, and no matter what he did from then on, he was going to heaven. He claimed this verse right out of the gate. He knew it was true but lived his life as though it wasn't. A little reverse psychology? Let me explain why I say this.

Yes it is true that nothing can separate you from God's love. Yes it is true that once you're saved you are saved for life. But how can you fulfill God's mandate to show his love while violating the ten commandments? How can you lead others to a God of love while spewing hate and vitriol? You cant. Which is why you should live your life as though this verse isn't true. But praise God it is!

Because we are puny humans we will fail him. But oh! he will be there when we fall, for nothing can separate us!

You Got This

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV

We tend to think that God will only be with us, and we are only to be fearless when we are 'doing God's work.' This probably comes from those years of sitting the pews listening to fiery sermons and what would happen if we give in to the flesh. What they didn't tell us was that God fully understands our human existence. He put us here! He gets that we live in a physical world, bound by physical laws, human laws, and we must work in this world. We raise our children in this world. We find joy in this world. We find sorrow in this world. And God's intent is not for us to sit around all day twiddling our thumbs until we are 'called' to do his work. Our everyday lives are full of opportunities to share his strength, his love, and his compassion. And not all of us are called into ministry either. Our ministry is raising our children, being dependable employees and compassionate friends, and putting our faith to work in helping others.

So if this is where we live, this is where this verse will help. No matter where life takes us, God will go with us - that's what the 'wherever' means. Right now I'm training for a martial arts testing. It's brutal. My body is telling me it's had enough. My mind is telling me it's scared of pushing too far and questioning whether or not I should keep going. But my soul is strong and tells me I can. Why? Because I have nothing to fear. God is my strength when I am weak. God is my courage when I am afraid. He is where I am, and if that's at the academy, then that's where he's at helping me train and keep my body strong and fit. If I am at work, that's where he's at, helping me provide the work product my employers hired me to do. If I'm at home, that's where he's at, helping me be a godly wife and mother and homemaker.

No matter where we are, God is there so we have nothing to be afraid of or be discouraged. It will happen, but we can turn to him when it does. He's got this, so you got this.

The Faithful Ones

for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Proverbs 2:8 NIV

Are we just and are we faithful? Can we answer this question honestly, humbling ourselves for an answer we may not like? Can we say we are more just or more faithful than others? Should we even ask that question and would the answer matter to God?

I admit that I struggle with this, not because I'm a poor Christian but because I'm human. What makes me think I'm even remotely worthy of protection and love from the Almighty? Because I'm his child. I'm not going to be perfect every day. I'm going to fail sometimes. But he is faithful to us because he loves us. He calls us his faithful ones. We are not judged against one another but by the condition of our hearts.

Have you been faithful? If not, what can you do today to get you back on track?

Vindication

Commit your way to the Lord ; trust in him and he will do this: Psalm 37:5 NIV

Vindication. Karma. Justification. Vengeance. These are emotions and actions that in this realm give us some sort of celebratory vibe. We revel in joy when we feel justified and vindicated for a wrong done to us. It's easy to give in to these emotions and excuse the behavior that follows.

But to understand what God says about this, you have to read the verse that follows this one. If we trust in god and commit to him, He will be our vindication. Not us. Not karma. Not human laws. God will be the one to make the wrongs right. It's better to let God speak through your actions so people can see what's true and right. Shouting from the rooftops can seem like the right thing to do but it can backfire. Commit to God and let him go before you.

Face your Fears

Even I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 NIV

The KJV version of this verse goes, "Yeah though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death." That's not a valley I want to walk through. I may be a black belt and can defend myself in a dark alley, but no thanks on the valley of death. But we are experiencing this human existence and along with it comes sorrow and want and evil. And let's be honest, although this verse offers promise of safekeeping, it's not a verse I really want to invoke because it means I'm going through (or will be going through) a dark time.

But this verse can actually help one at anytime, even when it's not the dark valley that we are going through. People experience a wide range of fears - some are so bad that they are classified as phobias. I have fears. I'd be lying if I said I didn't. But having courage is not the absence of fear. It's the recognition that something is more important than your fear. I may fear sparring at my upcoming testing. But I know that my next belt level is more important than that fear. So I put courage to practice and prepare to face that fear.

God provides us the tools to face our fear. He prepares us so that we are ready. He's not looking for us to be without fear - that would be asking a lot of a human. He's simply asking us to trust him and trust that he will give us the tools to face our fear or our darkest hour. I pray that day never comes. I also pray he'll give me the strength when it does.

Walk the Talk

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13 NIV

Being a martial artist is something I never thought I would be. It is demanding physically and mentally - and I love every minute of it. I've worked hard, along with my classmates and fellow instructors to get to where I'm at. When I meet new people it's not something that I casually bring up in conversation, but it does come up sometimes. Upon finding out I'm a black belt, the first thing someone usually says is, "Well we don't want to make you mad." My reaction is one of feigned laughter, not because it's untrue but because if they really knew me and really knew what martial arts teaches you, they would have nothing to fear. But it could give me some serious bragging rights if I really wanted to use it that way. You know, talk the big game. And I could probably get a little street cred from it. But wisdom doesn't come from just talking. I would get found out if I was ever tested, not that I couldn't hold my own, but that I may not be as big and bad as all I made myself out to be.

Wisdom is a quiet confidence in my skills. Wisdom is keeping my cards known only to me. Wisdom is practicing humility in all things, even when I know I may have the upper hand. My actions speak for themselves as I carry myself with (hopefully) grace and humility, having confidence in what I know and the wisdom of knowing when I need to use what I know. This is true of all areas of my life - work, parenting, marriage, friendships - as well as my training.

I could talk all I want, but if I can't show my confidence through my life, then what good is all my talk? And if I talk big about God and his love, but can't show his love to others, than what good is all my words and pious prayers? Act out God's love with humility and wisdom.

Love

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV

Perfect verse for today. Valentine's Day. The day of love. For many they feel as if they can't celebrate if they dont have a significant other. But that is far from the truth. Our world needs love. Your neighbor needs love. Your postal service worker needs love. Your store clerk needs love. Today should not be the only day you demonstrate love towards others.

My heart is broken over the latest school shooting that's taken the lives of young ones. The gun used didn't take their life. A person, devoid of love, did. Love that was withheld from them. Love that was needed to heal their heart. Nothing now can fill the void those families are feeling.

God's love is very powerful. We should channel that agape love whenever we can. Show it to your family, your co-workers, fellow drivers, and cashiers, lineman, police, and garbage collectors. They all need you to show love. You may be the only example of God's love they ever encounter.

Nothing But Feelings

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV

I mentioned this verse just yesterday but today I'm not feeling it. Lucky for us God doesn't deal in feelings. We got hit with an expensive car repair today. My husband's phone died yesterday so we had to replace it. We're waiting to hear about a medical bill that we hope the insurance company will cover. And one of my grandbabies has the flu. Needless to say it's been a rough week. I share all this to let you know that being a Christian isn't all wine and roses. It's hard. We still live here on planet earth and experience this human existence that comes with sorrow.

But maybe God is speaking to me through my trouble. Maybe he's using our experience to show hope to others that there's always a way through. Or maybe it's just life and life really stinks some days. But this verse says that all things work for our good, all things, even car repairs.

What is God doing in your life that will be used for good? Is it a car repair? Is it an illness? Is it a job issue? Whatever it is he will use it for your good and for the good of his kingdom. That's his promise to us all.

Old Friends

Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25 NIV

Do you have one friend who no matter how much time passes you can pick right back up where you left off? I do. We've known each other since we were teenagers. Lots of changes and growing up, but we're still close even though time and distance fight to keep us apart. I text her this morning because I was missing her. I'd been thinking about her and just wanted to say hi. I was also feeling a little down which is another reason I text her. After a few pleasantries she put it all in perspective: Jesus will be coming soon.

How true! Her one statement was the spirit intereceding on my behalf to let me know that yes, we have sorrow here. Yes we have trouble. But God's peace helps soothe our soul to face those troubles with the hope we have in him that this world is not all there is. Everything works in his plan for us and we don't have to worry.

Sometimes God speaks to us directly from his word. Sometimes he uses old friends to remind us he's still got this.

Hope

I wait for the Lord , my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. Psalm 130:5 NIV

Hope. It is a powerful tool in any arsenal. Without it, our soul withers away. But with it, well let's just say it can be the only thing you have left and it's enough.

But some days we lose all hope. Our hearts are heavy, grieving. We don't feel worthy. We don't feel strong. We want to hide away and not face the day. We just don't understand why or how or what. It takes our whole being to do what we must.

King David was there too. He had lost everything, except hope. He put his hope in God who delivered him. It wasn't easy. It was probably messy and scary, but in the end it was spectacular. He had hope. Hope in God.

When all else fails, we always have hope.

Black Belts

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10 NIV

We had a belt ceremony tonight and recognized 6 new black belts. For most it was more than two years worth of hard work and perseverence. Life takes so much from you; martial arts is a way to take some of it back. It gives you strength and energy to power through your days. It gives you confidence to tackle whatever life throws at you. And it shows you that no matter what the obstacle you can overcome it.

God gives you more power than this. No matter your station or income bracket or marital status he wants you to love life to the fullesr. He's conquered death so you have nothing to fear. He's taken away your sins so you don't have to worry.

Let his power give you the strength to live your life in a powerful way.

Say it True

For the word of God is alive 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. Hebrews 4:12 NIV

One of my favorite movies, 'Pure Country' has a great line: "people talk to mich when they oughta be eatin, workin, or sleepin." Very true. Everyone has an opinion. People speak before they think. But what exactly are they saying? Are they hiding different thoughts behind their words? Likely. I know that as I read various posts and articles, I find myself silently judging the intentions of the writer or subject. Do I believe this person? Are they credible? Or do I not buy what they're saying because of some preconceived notion?

I can write and say anything, but it's these thoughts that God sees. He sees the intent of my heart. Am I willing to offer them forgiveness? Am I willing to pray for them or wish them happiness? Or am I judging them saying they can't possibly have that or do this because how can they afford that or, my nemesis...the stay at home mom. Of course she can work out 3 hours a day - the kids are at school and she doesn't work! I may not say it, but this is what God sees.

I know that assumption is not true. So I have to guard my heart and mind because it's not my words that God judges. It's my heart.

Yes You Can

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 NIV

One of the best lessons I've learned as a martial artist is the true meaning of the phrase, "I can't". When you say that, what you're really saying is "I won't". We like to say that I can't never did anything. And it's true. There may be drills or moves that are difficult for me to do, but if I work at it, I know I can master it. Now it is true that I won't ever be like Bruce Lee, but I can be the best version of me, as long as "I can't" isn't in my vocabulary. I just have to believe in myself.

This is the attitude we need with God. We may not feel ready to answer the call God has placed on our life, but if we believe in him he will make the way possible. God will work in our natural realm to make a way but there are times that we know the only answer is God.

So truly all things are possible.

Cavities

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 1 Peter 4:16 NIV

Pain at the hands of my dentist is not comparable to suffering as a Christian, I know, but hear me out. I had to get a cavity filled, one that's been brewing for a couple of years but I'd managed to keep it healthy for a while. It finally gave out. One can easily be ashamed of having a cavity because others assume you didn't take care of your teeth. But this is not the case, at least not always.

Many things affect the health of our teeth and it's important to keep them healthy, even if that means braving a filling or root canal. It's nothing to be ashamed of. Be proud you took the time to see to your health.

God works in us and sometimes it's painful. It's easy to feel shame for what we've done, not wanting to share the healing God has provided because the reason for the healing is also painful and we don't want others to know. They might assume the worst.

This verse tells us there is no shame in Christ and for those that bear his name. Nothing is so bad that God can't heal us and offer hope to others in need of healing.

So be proud of that cavity and let the world know how God provided the healing.

The Dentist

In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:4 NIV

Tomorrow I have to go to the dentist for a filling. Yuck. I'm happy we have insurance that helps with the pain to the wallet but it doesn't help the physical pain. I used to be terrified of the dentist, even cleanings. But not anymore. What can mere mortals do to me?

I trust in God. That didn't keep me from getting cancer that he cured but not without some pain. I've been through many surgeries over my lifetime that I've become less afraid or anxious about needles. I trust in God to help me as he's done before. What can mere mortals do to me?

God doesn't need you fully prepped for all he needs from you. He will provide the teaching, some painful. But they serve a purpose. Each trial brings us closer to him and strengthens us against this mortal world.

So bring on the dentist. Taking care of my teeth takes care of the rest of me which lets me be strong to go where he needs me to go.

Are You Sure

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? Romans 8:35 NIV

Today we had rank testing at our academy like we do about 6 times per year. We train during each 8 week cycle and learn the new material necessary to move to the next rank. We must master the material to the best of our ability. When a student flubs at testing or gives an answer we know is wrong, we ask them, "are you sure?" It's the kind of question to trigger them to think that their answer might be wrong and they need to change it.

This verse asks this kind of question. As humans we feel we might do something that would separate us from God. That he would hide his face from us. We need to reconsider our answer. No thing or no one (notice the personal use of the word 'who' in this verse, not what) can separate us once we are his.

So the next time you think you are away from God, ask yourself,  "are you sure?".

The Cabin

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

We are not very good at sitting still these days. In the age of technology we are constantly bombarded with input kind of like Johnny Five in the movie Short Circuit. He craved information. We have been rewired to think we need a steady stream of information in order to feel fulfilled. For most people it's hard to unplug and just relax.

There is a meme going around social media that asks if you would live in a cabin in the woods with all that you need to survive except modern conveniences. No phone, internet, tv, radio, or electricity. If you survive a month you get a large sum of money. I know I would. I would love the opportunity to phase out for a while. But most people can't.

With all the noise and input it's hard to hear God. He's not going to yell. He'll be patient and wait for your uninterrupted attention. When you do hear him, joy will replace everything and you will praise him. You will see him move in your life.

So unplug and listen a while. You'll be surprised at what you hear.