Living the New Life

"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person.

The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" 

2 Corinthians 5:17

When Scott and I first got married, we didn't have a lot of money.  (We still don't! LOL!)  We were both college students and were relying on the generousity of family and friends to help us get started in life.  So when it came to furnishing our first apartment, we had to come up with some creative solutions.  Thankfully, family chipped in to help with most of the main furniture, however, we still needed furniture for our bedroom.  It was then that my Mother recalled an antique bedroom set that had been mine in middle school.  It was stored in my Grandfather's old appliance shop.  I was excited.  Though forgotten, I remembered how beautifully elegant it looked.  The wonderfully ornate four poster bed with matching dresser and mirror were equisite!  But years of storage in the back of a musty old shop had taken it's toll on the once elegant pieces.  My heart sank.  My dreams of a beautifully decorated bedroom were dashed as I beheld the dirtiest, ugliest furniture I'd ever seen!  Noticing my obvious disappointment, my Mother offered encouragement.  "We can clean this all up and repaint it.  It'll look just like new.  You'll see!"  So, that's what we did.  We set to work, stripping off years of layered old paint.  The top coat, the ivory white from my childhood, was easy to stip.  However, underneath it's soft layer we encountered a thick layer of BLACK paint, then GREEN paint, an ugly tan, and finally the original brown wood stain.  My Mother and I worked for DAYS in the summer heat out in Granddaddy's shop just stripping away that old paint.  You see, just painting over the old paint would have led to less than desirable results - new paint over old can be easily scratched or chipped.  This would have revealed the old, ugly layers beneath.  As we tirelessly labored, I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Then finally, with the last of the old paint stripped away, we were able to paint.  After a couple of layers of beautiful white paint, the old had once again became new.  Each of the pieces had been restored to a state of elegance and honor.  Our first bedroom was just beautiful!

As the years went by, Scott and I settled down, started a family, and eventually purchased a home.  After buying our home, we decided it was time to replace our antique furniture with a more modern set.  Even so, we hung on to the old, placing it once again in storage.  There it sat, for years.  Dirt and dust settling on it, marring its white complexion and beautifully adorned features.  But the day came when it was finally called into service.  It was perfect for Brittany's elegant new room design.  So we set out to paint it once more, bringing the old new life!

How appropriate that my devotion today would point me to 2 Corinthians 5:17.  I was reminded that years ago, the very moment I accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, an old life ended and a new life began.  Christ didn't just paint over the old life.  He completely sanded me down and stripped away the old before applying the new.  He knew a superficial change would be ineffective, revealing the ugly layers that lay below the surface at the first bump or scratch. Instead, He gave a fresh, NEW LIFE! 

Now, years later, God is still working that new nature within me. I'm being challenged to grow further than when I first began. So, what does it mean to put on your new nature?  How can we lay claim to this new nature?  We can find the answers in Colossians 3:1-10.

1.  Recognize here and now the realities of Heaven and Christ's authority.  "Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God's right hand."  Colossians 3:1

2.  Get our priorities straight by focusing on the things of Heaven.  We must strive to make Heaven's priorities a part of our daily life - filling our thoughts and concentrating on that which is good, pure, and holy.  "Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth."  Colossians 3:2

3.  As a Christian, your real life isn't in what is seen, but in the unseen!  We are SAFELY hidden in Christ!  We have assurance of eternity!  THAT is our reality! Christ gives us the power to live for Him NOW and He promises to return. "For you died to this life, and your reali life is hidden with Christ in God.  And when Christ who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in ALL HIS GLORY!"   Colossians 3:3-4

4.  We must consider ourselves DEAD to SIN!  Sure, we will mess up from time to time, but we can always seek His forgiveness.  With Christ's help, we can commit our hearts to living a life of purity not immorality. We must make a concious effort to walk away from tempation, making a CHOICE to resist and not sin.  "So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you.  Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires.  Don't be gredy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshipping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming."  Colossians 3:5-6 

5.  In putting on our new nature, we must rid ourselves of evil practices and immorality-  Paul says this is OUR responsibility.  Jesus gave us new life, but we must take hold of it!    "You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world.  But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.  Don't lie to each other, for you have stripped off you all old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds."  Colossians 3:5-9 

6.  Our conduct should match our faith.  Our life change must be more than superficial and temporal.  It must permeate us to our very core.  It's up to us to live it through and through, to be renewed by KNOWING our Creator and BECOMING like Him!  "Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him."  Colossians 3:10

In Christ we have new life!  He has stripped away the old and restored us with the new!  Learning to live in the new is a lifelong process - it takes practice, patience, concentration, and ongoing evaluation.  Even when we mess up, we can quickly repent and get back on track!  We must rid ourselves of all that is immoral and commit ourselves to living what Christ teaches.  If you have made such a commitment to live in your new nature, are you remaining true to it?  What are some changes you need to make to renew yourself in Christ today?

Grace and Peace, friends!
In His Love, Cathy

In a Spiritual Drought

I must confess, I feel as though I am in a season of spiritual drought.  Though I search and seek the Lord daily, I feel as though I am not as close to Him and do not desire Him as much as I have in the past.  There are times that I do feel so very close to Him, as though I can reach out and touch Him.  However, at other times, I feel as though He is so very far away.  Honestly, ever since I stepped down as children's pastor last summer, I have struggled with what God wanted of me next.  I am not lamenting stepping down, for God made it very clear that was His will.  And, as a result, God has abundantly blessed our church and our family in so many ways.  I am confident that my stepping down was the right choice.  I'm simply confused and feel so lost  - not knowing what I should do next and wondering why the silence.  In addition, it seems like this world is pressing down on us. 

To be completely transparent, I realize that I am the reason for the spiritual drought. I felt that God has been so near yet so far - that it has been so long that I witnessed His incredible works and seen Him in my circumstances. I know that there have been scales over my eyes, blinding me, misleading me, making me think that He has gone away. I know that it is my disobedience, rebellion, and spiritual doubt that are the source of His perceived absence. I used to be so on fire for Him! I used to be so close to Him! He would hear my prayers and answer them with the most awesome of deeds! I used to delight myself in Him! Rising each morning with praise on my lips! Laying down each night with worship in my heart! Where have those days gone? Why can't I seem to get back to this place, the place where I was with my Lord and He was with me always? In His arms are safety!  Yet, feel as though I am drowning in a sea of hopelessness! Though I lay my plans at His feet, though we try to do His will, we are being challenged every step of the way! Oppression lurks around every corner, chipping away at our hope and confidence. Whenever God leads us through a crisis, the enemy quickly throws up a road block, attempting to steal away the victory!


But then, just when all hope seems lost - in the stillness of the morning, He bends down,  close to my heart, and quietly whispers to my soul:

"I know all the things you do.  I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance.  I know you don't tolerate evil people.  You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not.  You have discovered they are liars.  You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.

But I have this complaint against you.  You don't love me or each other as you did at first!"

Revelation 2:2-4

My heart lay utterly exposed and broken at the feet of my Savior!  He sees all!  He saw that I didn't love Him as I once had!  How that must have hurt Him to know this!  The ugly truth that I had denied not only to my Savior, but also to myself!  Though on the outside, I was saying and doing all of the right things, on the inside my passion for Him had grown cold!  How could I have done such a thing after all He's done for me! In the busyness of life, I had lost my passionate love for Christ! 

Prolonged conflict and crisis can strengthen our faith, but can take its toll on our love for God and one another.  Even in the thick of battle, our efforts should be grounded in and remain in our love for Christ!  We must love God with the same ferver as we did when we first became a Christian - seeking Him in earnest every day!  Laying our hearts open before Him in great anticipation and expectation!  Seeking Him to fill us daily with His love!       

My Sweet Savior didn't leave me totally broken.  Instead, He performed open heart surgery.  With precision, He grafted the truth of Revelation 2:5-7 to my heart:

"  Look how far you have fallen!  Turn back and do the works you did at first.  If you don't repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches.  But this is in your favor:  You hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans, just as I do.  Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.  To everyone who is victorious I will give you fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God."

In my brokeness, I repented.  I turned back.  He forgave me, washed my wounded heart, healing it with His nail scared hands.

Are you in a season of spiritual drought?  If so, the only way to quench it is to turn back and do the works you did at first.  Think back on when you began your love affair with our Lord and Savior.  Remember how exciting that was?  Go back in time spiritually, ask God to help you reproduce that love and passion.  Repent and turn away from those things, even good things, that stand in the way of passionately loving Christ.  Pray.  Read His Word.  Worship and adore Him!  Ask Him to reveal Himself.  Listen with anticipation for the Holy Spirit.  Follow where He leads your heart!  Make HIM FIRST in your life!  For this is the remedy to spiritual drought!  Delight in Him once again!
 
In His Love, Cathy

When God Says 'No!'

God knows how often I pray for you.  Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son.

One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you.  For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord.  When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.

Romans 1:9-11

Paul desired more than anything to visit Rome.  Why?  So he could teach the Roman Christians and futher spread the Gospel.  Paul desired to do this with all his heart.  Yet, we see in this passage that God DENIED Paul's visit Rome at this time.  At first glance, it's hard to understand why God would deny such a request.  After all, Paul's intentions seem right.  His motivation is unselfish - he's not asking this for himself but for the building up of the faith and spreading the News of Salvation through Jesus Christ.  So why did God tell him "No?"

Consider this, had God granted Paul's visit to Rome at this point in time, Paul wouldn't have written the Book of Romans.  However, because God delayed Paul's visit to Rome, Paul wrote to the Roman Christians the things on his heart.  And this letter he wrote to Roman Christians had much further impact for the cause of Christ than a visit to Rome.  In fact, it had FUTURE impact which continues today!  Paul's writing to the Roman Church became a very important book of the New Testament, encouraging and helping millions of Christians throughout the centuries!  As a result of Paul's delay to visit Rome, countless souls have been given access to the powerful spiritual treasures and truths  contained within the pages of the Book of Romans!  God had a much bigger and better plan than Paul did!  

When we pray about the desires of our heart, we need to understand several things.  First, we need to ensure our prayer is couched in proper motivation.  God doesn't give in to our selfish desires or wants.  So we need to check that our motivation is unselfish.  Second, we need to be wholly surrendered to His will on the matter.  An unsurrendered heart can rise up in discontent, rebellion, and self-pity.  And third, we need not be surprised if God answers in a way we don't understand at the moment.  Our motives may be pure, our hearts may be in line with His will, and our desires may be seemingly good and righteous.  However, God isn't on our time table nor is He limited to our ideas on how to answer.  He is on HIS timing and often answers in ways we NEVER expected!   Has God ever blind-sided you in answering prayer?  He has me - and often!  And in retrospect, His answers have been far better than I ever dreamed possible - AND - His timing was ALWAYS PERFECT! 

God, like any good parent, will and does sometimes say "No!" to our prayer requests.  Perhaps He has recently told you "no" to something that you have greatly desired.  Perhaps, though you are wholly surrendered, you simply don't understand why.  Instead of focusing on why we didn't get our desired answer to prayer, let's step out of His way so that  He can show us the greater reason behind the "No!"  Focus on remaining faithful no matter His answer.  Trust that God has a better purpose and plan.  Let's show Him our trust by expectantly waiting for the greater "Yes"   - without complaint, without question, without doubt, and without acting like a spoiled child!  Challenge yourself to completely trust in HIM, even in the "no."  Remember, God has a much bigger plan than you do - a far better plan!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."  Jeremiah 29:11-12

In His Love, Cathy

My Baby's IN!!!

Well, it's official!  Mathew qualified and was sworn into the USAF this afternoon!!!  Not sure when he'll leave for basic but we are very proud of him!

Mama is still worried, but very proud!  He's excited and so are we!

In His Love, Cathy

God Is...

I'm so thankful that we have a God who isn't defined by mere humans.  He isn't a god limited by our finite ideas of what we think He should be like.  He is real.  He is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent.  That is He is ALL powerful, ALL knowing, and PRESENT EVERYWHERE.  HE is the ALPHA and OMEGA - the FIRST and the LAST.  The beginning and the end!  (Revelation 22:13)  He is our Creator God. He created the heavens and the earth.  He created life out of nothingness.  He created man in His glorious image.  All things were created BY Him and FOR Him - everything seen and unseen, powers, principalities, rulers, and authorities - He created all! (Colossians 1:16)

Our God is special.  He alone is God.  There are none like Him. (Isaiah 46:9)    None can claim to do what He has done nor can they prophecy the future for He alone holds the future in His hands!  There aren't enough words to describe His breathtaking power and greatness.  He is Jehovah God - "I am that I am" - The Eternal One, The Unchanging One, The Self-Existing One.  He is Jehovah-jireh, the Great Provider.  He is Jehovah-nissi, Our Banner who makes us victorious over the enemy.  He is Jehovah-shalom, the God of peace. 

No, our God isn't a man-made God whom we pull out of our pockets whenever we need a wish granted.  He isn't our lucky charm.  Instead HE is GLORIOUS and RIGHTEOUS.  He is our Savior, our Friend, and our Redeemer.  He is a God who can be trusted no matter what is going on in our lives.  He is a God whose ways are higher than our ways!  (Isaiah 55:8)  He is not a God to be controlled by mere mortals.  He is infinitely greater than what we could ever imagine. 


He is the Great Physician, the Lamb that was Slain, the Lord of Heaven's Armies.  He is compassionate, forgiving, merciful, and full of grace.  He loves us with a perfect love - a love so great that He sent His one and only Son to die for our sins.  He is patient and kind - offering us infinitely many chances to turn to Him.  He is willing that no one should be lost, but desires all to accept Christ.  If only all would respond.  He is full of goodness, perfect in every way. 

Yes, I am thankful that I have a God who is all of this - and so much more. 

In His Love, Cathy

USAF or BUST!

Our oldest son, Matt, has decided to join the Air Force instead of returning to college in the fall.  He's done well in college, but says he's ready to do something more with his life and serve his country.  He has promised his worried Mom that he will finish his college degree while in the Air Force - and the Air Force will pay for it as well as help pay off some of his student loans from his first two years of school.  A wise decision if you ask me:-) 

This morning he leaves for Montgomery for MEPS, which is where he will go through a rigorous medical examination, more evaluations, career counseling, and take his oath.  He's always been very interested in the military - I wonder why?  (He is is father's son!)  The military has been a huge part of both sides of our family - many grandparents, parents, uncles, and cousins have served our country.  These influences I know have made a huge impression on Matt. 

Please be in prayer for Matt today and tomorrow as he travels to Montgomery, AL for MEPS.  Please be in prayer that he passes with flying colors, is accepted into the Air Force, and that this is God's will for his life. 
Pray for his Mama who is having a hard time letting her baby go down this path and that Matt will always walk each day with Jesus Christ!

"The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."   Psalm 121:7-8

Thanks friends!

In His Love, Cathy

Doubt

Don't be an unbeliever, but a believer.

John 20:27

Doubt is ...disbelief, distrust, skepticism, to consider something unlikely.  Doubt can plague us in all aspects of our lives, causing us to question  others, ourselves, and even God.  From a spiritual standpoint, doubt can lead down one of two paths - A relationship with Jesus Christ and the path to deeper faith OR to unbelief.  Questioning what we believe can be healthy when handled appropriately. 

Many see doubt as a crisis of faith, a weakness that defiles the Believer- an undesireable trait for anyone who calls themselves a child of God.  To some, doubt is the Scarlet Letter of a Christian, taboo for the Believer!  However, doubt isn't necessarily bad.  Even Thomas doubted!  "So the other disciples kept telling him, "We have seen the Lord!"  But he said to them, "If I don't see the mark of the nails in His hands, put my finger into the mark of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will never believe!"  (John 20:25) 

Doubt can be good.  It may cause us to question our beliefs or cause our faith to waiver.  But, it is in the earnest persuit of answers that God can lead us into the undeniableTruth - affirmed by the Holy Spirit, imprinted upon our hearts, and accompanied by an even greater glimpse into His Holiness.  The new insights and growth we experience as the result of doubt can spur us further into the image of Christ!  But what about when doubt persists?  What do we do if we have earnestly sought the Truth yet still question?  If you are doubting God or His ability to help you, God has provided the resources to turn your doubt into a stronger faith - prayer (The Holy Spirit), the Word of God (The Bible), and the people of God.

Prayer should be our first response when facing doubt. Prayer activates our faith, becoming a barrier to unbelief.  Prayer demonstrates our utter dependence on God as we humbly invite Him to fill us with faith and power.  Faith is the attitude of trust and confidence in our Lord.  Faith is a gift from God.  (Ephesians 2:8,9)  Doubt can be a healthy reminder that we are not self sufficient - prompting our hearts to pray for more faith! God is the source of faith - and that faith can be renewed and strengthened daily at the foot of the cross!  Like the father of the demon possessed boy, we can pray, "I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!"  (See Mark 9:14-29)  Jesus said, "Have faith in God.  I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, "May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen.  But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart."  (Matthew 11:23-24)    So when in doubt, pray it out!  He can replace doubt with faith, for those who are willing!     

Another strategy in strengthening faith is through reading God's Word, the Bible.  Read with the purpose to CHANGE!  Speak the WORD out loud to yourself as you read.  There is power in the spoken Word!  Marinate over it's passages, take time to contemplate the truth encapsulated within.  Roll it over your tongue, savoring it's Truth.  Allow it to permeate into your very being. Meditate over it's pages.  Talk out any thoughts, questions, or ideas that come to mind as you read.  Whenever I encounter a question or doubt about a particular verse, I verbalize it.  Most often, the answer is revealed only moments later in another passage.  I love it when God does this!  Praying the Word aloud also sends doubt, worries, and anxiety scurrying far away.  Utilize the power of God's Word in turning doubt into faith!

Seeking the counsel of mature Christians can also be a tremendous help when we struggle with doubt.  When you share what is going on in your heart with other Believers, you might just be surprised.  Sometimes others have experienced the same doubts yet have found the answer.  So don't feel awkward in asking.  If you are sincerely searching for the Truth, mature Believer's will respect that and will help you - even if they don't know the answers themselves.  Seek out your pastor, a church leader, Bible teacher or other mature Believers for their insight.  It always helps to talk out nagging doubts with others.  Not only can they be a sounding board to help you sort out your thoughts and what you truly believe, but they may just have the answers you are looking for!

Doubt can be a major catalyst into a deeper walk with Christ. Consider doubt as an opportunity for increasing your faith.  And remember, anything is possible in Christ if you believe!

Are you doubting God today?  Are you doubting His ability to help you?  Do you even believe God can help you and wants to help you?  Do you really want His help?  If you know that Jesus Christ is the answer to your every need, then don't let doubt stop you from seeking Him today!     

 In His Love, Cathy

Honoring Our Heavenly Father Today

I am ascending to My Father and your Father -

to My God and your God.

John 20:17

Jesus spoke these words to Mary Magdeline the morning of His resurrection.  During His time on earth, Christ fulfilled so many roles - Savior, Redeemer, Deliverer, Shepherd, Prophet, Giver of Life.  But the bottom line of His purpose on this earth was to restore our relationship with the Father.  I wonder, however, if we sometimes become unbalanced in our faith, unconciously focusing more on One of the Persons of the Trinity - the Holy Spirit or the Son, to the negligence of honoring Our Father. 

So today, on Father's Day, I believe that not only should we honor our earthly Fathers, but to renew ourselves in honoring our Heavenly Father as well.  In order to gain an understanding of what it means to have the Lord God as our Father, let us examine a few passages.

• 
  
  He is the Creator, the Giver of Life!  "He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn't live in man-made temples, and human hands can't serve his needs - for he has no needs.  He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need."  Acts 17:22-25 
• He determined history!  "From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth.He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.  His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him - though he is not far away from any of us."  Acts 17:26-27
• We owe Him our very existence!  "For in him we live and move and exist.  As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'  Acts 22:28
• God isn't defined by man!  "And since this is true, we shouldn't think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone."  Acts 22:29
• God knows when we forget Him!  "If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread our hands in prayer to foreign gods,God would surely have known it, for he knows the secrets of every heart."  Psalm 44:20-21
• We cannot neglect Our Heavenly Father - He fathered us - we are alive because of Him!  "You neglected the Rock who had fathered you;  you forgot the God who had given you birth."  Deuteronomy 32:18
• We must remember and recognize His Holiness - He is to be revered and honored!  "Who will not fear you, Lord and glorify your Name?  For you alone are holy.  All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous deeds have been revealed."  Revelation 15:4
• Though He is Holy, We can call Him 'Abba,' - Daddy!  "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."  Galatians 4:6

Though I could go on and on about my wonderful Heavenly Father, let me instead leave you with some thoughts.  How is your relationship with Him today?  Are your feelings for Him merely sentimental or do they go much deeper?  Is your relationship with Him too casual, not properly recognizing His Holiness and Righteousness?  Or maybe you have too formal of a relationship, unable to call Him "Abba," Daddy?  Is He your Rock, the One you lean on daily?  Or is He merely a nicety but not a realistic option for you? 

God is the One and Only God.  He is our most wonderful Heavenly Father.  He is our Rock who birthed us and gave us life. He is real!  So today, let us honor Him!

A prayer for today:  "Lord, do not let me forget You!  Jesus came to point us to you, to restore us into a relationship with you!  You love us.  You desire and chase after us!  Please do not let me neglect YOU!  So today, Lord, on Father's Day, may I honor and worship You.  Lead me into a deeper understanding of You, Heavenly Father!  Help me to keep a healthy spiritual balance of the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit!  Grown me more and more into the image of Your Son so that I may do Your Will!  I love you, Abba!  I praise Your Holy Name!  Thank you for godly men in my life who have pointed to You, my Heavenly Father!  In Jesus Name!  Amen"

In His Love, Cathy

Overcoming Discouragement

Then I realized that my heart was bitter,

and I was all torn up inside.

I was so foolish and ignorant -

I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you

Yet, I still belong to you;

You hold my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,

leading me to a glorious destiny.

Whom have I in heaven but you?

I desire you more than anything on earth.

My health may fail and my spirit may grow weak,

but God remains the strength of my heart;

he is mine forever.

Those who desert him will perish,

for you destroy those who abandon you.

But as for me, how good it is to be near God!

I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter,

and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do!

Psalm 73:21-28 (NLT)

Lately, nothing seems to be going right.  At times, I feel so overwhelmed with the oppression around me that it's so difficult not to lose heart.  After a very challenging school year - both at work and in our personal lives, it seems the summer has started off with a continuation of trials.  It seems just as we get our heads above water, something else happens.  As I tossed and turned last night, anxious about the latest turn of events - our Ford Explorer dying on Highway 90 (How much will it cost for Explorer repairs? Just found out, $2600, ugh!!!), I felt that old familiar sense of dread come over me.  I begged for sleep to overtake me.  I prayed for Christ to lift from me the burdens and cares that kept replaying over and over in my head.  I even imagined they were recorded on an old VHS tape and tried to rewind and erase them.  Finally, sleep found me and I awoke this morning refreshed and much more hopeful about all of the circumstances. 

Asaph, the psalmist who wrote Psalm 73, could relate to these feelings of discouragement that I've encountered as of late.  His discouragement arose as he noted how the proud seemed to prosper and succeed - they didn't seem to experience the troubles and problems that those who followed God experienced.  He even questioned why he had kept his heart pure only to awake every morning to pain and troubles.  It seemed to him that life wasn't fair - the wicked prospered while the godly were oppressed.  He became so discouraged that his heart became bitter. 

Like Asaph, I've allowed troubles to embed themselves within me.  I've let down my guard, opening my heart up to attack, creating a spirit of discouragement and fear.  My reality became centered on the troubles and problems of life.  Thus, causing a temporary setback in my spirit.  I now realize just how foolish and ingnorant I must seem to God, to allow such temporal things to cause such disillusionment within me.  

Though bitter and discouraged, Aspah was given a spiritual realignment.  He realized that the proud and wealthy (who do not honor God) live in a dream world.  Their reality is actually not reality at all, but a false dream that leads them away from eternal life in Christ.  When we deviate our focus from God to the troubles in this life, we are also living in a dream - or more appropriately, a nightmare. Problems and troubles are a given, even for Christians.  However, we MUST TRUST God in all circumstances - good or bad!  To become obsessed and anxious over problems misdirects us from the realty of God's truth.  Discouragement blurs our vision, disrupting our line of sight to the Father.  Discouragement derails our faith.  Discouragement leads us along hazardous paths, tricking us into believing the life of faith is futile.  Discouragement wants us to yield our faith and just give up.  

To overcome discouragment, face reality.  Reality isn't this life.  Reality isn't problems or circumstances.  Reality is eternity.  Reality is God's Truth.  True joy, peace, and hope can be your reality instead of dicouragement.  They are not found in your circumstances.  They are not found in riches.  They are not found in the perfect husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend, clothes, home, car, etc....They are not found in anything this world has to offer.  Joy, peace, and hope can only be found in Christ Jesus!  God is reality.  Therefore, to overcome discouragement, we need to get as close to Him as we can.  Cling to Christ with all that you are!  He has already taken your right hand and wants to lead you to a glorious destiny.  He's got a grip on you and will never let you go! 

When faced with discouraging circumstances, you can stand in God's strength and righteousness!  You can do all things and face all things in Christ, who strengthens you!  Then, despite your circumstances, tell everyone of the wonderful things He has done!

Don't let discouragement control your reality.  Stand tall in Christ, friends! 

In His Love, Cathy

The Sin of Self-Interest

Self interest is defined as

• opportunism: taking advantage of opportunities without regard for the consequences for others  
• egoism: concern for your own interests and welfare     (courtesy of worldnet.princeton.edu)
• One's personal interest or advantage, especially when pursued without regard for others
  (en.wiktionary.org/wiki/self-interest)

I must confess, I have been guilty of looking out for my own self-interest.  And furthermore, it is a struggle for me not to.  I know that, try as I might, I will continue to struggle with self interest.  Why?  Because it's in my human DNA, it's instinctive, it's a self preservation mechanism.

Without a doubt, our fallen world creates a climate ripe for seeking after one's own best interest. We look out for our best interests, often justifying our actions.  Instead, we are admonished to do something quite contrary to the world, something quite revoluntionary,  something that could have only been brought about by Jesus Christ Himself:

"My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God's Spirit. Then you won't feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are antithetical, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on any given day. Why don't you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence?"  Galatians 5:16 

Paul says that we can starve our selfish nature by CHOOSING to be led by the Spirit!  Christ GAVE us the means to BREAK the sin of self-interest the minute we accepted Him as Lord and Savior - by sending His Own Holy Spirit to live within us!  Once indwelled by the Spirit, it is up to US to CHOOSE to live freely being led by the Spirit - OR not to.  Paul emphasizes here that living freely in the spirit is antitheical to living selfishly.  We can't live both ways.  Friends, we are NO LONGER to live based on how WE feel, flip flopping around from one day to the next!  To do so is counterproductive to the work of the Spirit in our lives AND defiles our testimony for Christ! 

In living a Spirit led life, we must be cautious not to confuse our personal feelings for the Spirit's prompting.  Here's what the study notes of my NLT Bible says about being led by the Spirit:

"Being led by the Holy Spirit involves the desire to hear, the readiness to obey God's Word, and the sensitivity to discern between your feelings and His promptings.  Live each day controlled and guided by the Holy Spirit.  Then the words of Christ will be in your mind, the love of Christ will be behind your actions, and the power of Christ will help you control your selfish desires."

The antidote to self-interest is to FREELY live a life led by the Holy Spirit!  In living freely, the Spirit gives us NEW LIFE (animation) and INCENTIVE (motivation).  Furthermore, those living freely in the Spirit are easily identified by the wonderful fruits produced:  "...love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control."  Galatians  5:22 

Does your life reflect the fruits of a Spirit led life or one wrought with self-interest?

Prayerfully seek Him today.  Only He can help you to live freely!

In His Love, Cathy

Confessions of a Children's Pastor: Mistakes & Lessons Learned (Part III)

As a children's pastor, I learned that next to God, people were a key ingredient to accomplishing Kingdom work.  Therefore, it is CRITICAL that ministry leaders don't take people for granted. 

1.  Value People People like to feel valued and validated.  As a leader, you are in the position to instill value in those who serve.  People who feel unvalued or invalidated will not stick, whether they are in a volunteer role or paid staff role. I'm not saying leaders should stroke egos or give undue praise.  What I'm saying is to show genuine concern for those who serve in your ministry area.  Value their opinions, listen to them, appreciate them, and have their back.  Call and check up on them when they are sick.  Visit them in the hospital.  Ask them how they are doing and help those you can.  Don't just dote on those who serve in more visible roles, show each and every person in your minitry you care.  I used to feel as though I didn't have adequate time to do this.  Even though I couldn't hang out with everyone, I at least tried to keep in touch with every volunteer in the ministry.  If I missed someone for a week or two, I would email, call, or seek them out at church to catch up with how they were doing.  Of all the things you can do in ministry, this is so critical in keeping healthy relationships among your team.  In other words, love people like Jesus loves them!   Otherwise, they'll move on to another ministry (or church) where they will feel valued and loved.

2.  Listen to Those Who Serve Even though you are a leader over a ministry area doesn't mean you know it all.  Therefore, another key ingredient to making a ministry successful in Kingdom work is to listen to those who serve in the ministry along with you.  Serving as children's pastor in a church plant had it's challenges.  We were writing the rules as we went.  I often received 'great suggestions' as to how to run the ministry.  However, I learned within the first two years that I couldn't please everyone.  Therefore, I learned to listen to those who had buy-in to the ministry - volunteers who served faithfully.  As a leader, you will be pulled in all different directions.  You may not be aware of the details for specific roles, responsibilities, processes, or functions.  Therefore it is critical to listen to those who ACTUALLY SERVE in these areas.  This doesn't mean you have to do what others think you should do.  However, it's wise to listen when staff or volunteers have an idea or note a way to prevent/improve/solve problems.  Do not discount what anyone says no matter how small their role is in the overall scheme of things.  God can and often does use those the world considers weak and foolish to accomplish great things for His Kingdom - afterall, look at me!  So LISTEN to what those who serve in your ministry say.  Even complaints may have an ounce of truth behind them.  Sometimes, what others say has merit.  Other times, there may not be any merit but simply negative criticism.  Whatever the case, truly listen.  Then prayerfully consider what others have to say and discern how God would have you to respond.  Value their opinion, but if God doesn't lead you to respond in their favor, explain to them why.  Ultimately, you aren't here to please people.  You are here to please God!   

3.  Who Can You Count On?  When I first got started in children's ministry at PCC, I was blown away by the number of volunteers God sent our way.  In the first months of the ministry under my leadership, we had about 40 volunteers!  I remember the first leadership conference I went to.  The other children's pastors were amazed at the number of volunteers who served in our church's children's ministry - though we were still meeting at the High School!  God certainly provided!  The original intention was that if enough people volunteered, volunteers would only have to teach once every 6 to 8 weeks.  This worked for the first month or two.  But not soon after, volunteers started not showing up on Sunday mornings.  Even though I wasn't scheduled to teach, I found myself teaching as a sub every single Sunday.  There were times that we had to combine two classes into one.  Often, people wouldn't even call ahead of time to let me know or they would send word through someone who passed it on to me 10 minutes before the start of children's church!  Irresponsible, yes!  As I became more experienced in children's ministry I realized a few things: 

• It is better to have a small, faithful, committed volunteer base that is manageable versus a large, inconsistent volunteer base.
• Requiring a higher level of commitment may reduce the number of volunteers, but it increases the stability and faithfulness of volunteers who sign on.  You know without a doubt you can count on them.
• People will commit to things they value - communicate the value of ministry in accomplishing Kingdom work, testifying to the works He has accomplished and IS accomplishing in the ministry!
• God is always faithful to send the right volunteers at the right time, even if it is at the last minute-which seemed to happen especially for key events such as Easter and VBS!

The bottom line is this, loving the people who serve and are served by your ministry is not only critical to carry out the ministry of Christ, it is mandated by Christ himself!

 "I give you a new commandment:  love one another. Just as I have loved you, you much also love one another." (John 13:34)

Praying that you love as you lead!

In His Love, Cathy

Beware of Malware!

I haven't been able to blog in about a week.  It's not that I didn't want to, it is because I couldn't.  Why?  Malware! 

Apparently, our youngest child accessed the internet on the laptop, without my permission.  He simply wanted to play some cheesey little 80's style video game that was flashing on our home page.  In order to play, he had to allow it access - thus allowing it to bypass our McAfee security software.  However, unbeknownst to him, he was about to open our computer up to a malware attack!

To make a looooonnnnggg story short, (who am I kidding, I never make a story short), apparently, this malware masked itself as Windows Security Updates - complete with little icons embedded in the task bar and balloons popping up to indicate updates and security risks.  It was a poser!  So, thinking he was doing the right thing, he clicked on it.  And oh, the fun that ensued after that!

Now, get this, our McAfee security didn't even catch it.  Why?  Because some of the files mimiced McAfee security files so the virus scan didn't even find them - even after I upgraded McAfee!  Some of the files also mimiced Windows Security files.  In fact, this malware actually prevented me from upgrading McAfee or downloading any anti-malware software.  However, I was finally able to download the McAfee upgrades.  After about a week, and my spending one whole day,  9 1/2 hours straight of searching for the malware on the laptop, I finally discovered these devious files...77 in all embedded so deeply in so many different folders and locations.

The bad part about this is that is kept installing fake p**n site icons on my desktop that were very graphic along with fake trojan and spam icons.  It also indicated that my laptop was under attack from the outside via the internet and that my identity was being stolen.  The funny thing is, these messages popped up even though I had totally disconnected from our wireless network! It would then prompt me to purchase this fake security software.  It was even so bad that would take control of the laptop after so many minutes, shut it down, and power it back on in an attempt to reconnect to the network.  Thankfully, I was able to quickly respond at each bootup and immediately disconnect from the network before the malware could connect and cause more harm.  But after much diligence, wailing, and gnashing of teeth, all traces of the malware has been eradicated from the laptop.

So, beware of malware!  Make sure you keep your security software up to date.  Keep your guard up - have your firewall turned on and ensure all security settings are set up and running at all times.  And, for heaven's sake, when prompted to update windows, don't assume that it is the real deal.  To be safest, get your software product updates straight from the horses mouth...go to the company's website!  Have your security software scan for viruses, especially after having updated or downloaded anything new. 

In His Love, Cathy

Confessions of a Children's Pastor: Leadership Mistakes (Part II)

Leadership in the church is an awesome responsibility.  In my 6 years as Children's Pastor, as well as 18 years of service in the church as either a volunteer or youth director, I've learned quite a bit about church leadership.  My prayer is to pass along what I've learned to those in leadership. 

1. Seeking God First  This should go without saying, however, sadly there are church leaders and pastors who do not seek God daily.  They don't pray, read the Bible, or incorporate Him into the fabric of their lives.  If you are to not only survive ministry, but succeed at it, God needs to be the #1 person in your life.  Your life should be centered on Him!  I read an article about a Presbyterian Senior Elder who, after 20 years of service, finally admitted that he had never believed in God.  In fact, he stated he had been an atheist all of his life!  Church and ministry leaders, first and foremost, should be men and women of God.  We must live what we preach and teach, otherwise we are liars and our efforts  will not be met with success!

2.  Whoa!  Not so fast!  Another issue that church and ministry leaders deal with is in determining when to plug in new people are eager to get involved with the church.  If they are talented in a particular area of ministry, we are quick to plug them in without hesitation - this is especially true if the church is hurting for people with a particular gift or calling.  Before plugging new people into ministry, we need to do what any employer would do.  First, we need to interview them.  Seek out what brought them to our church.  If their answer reflects that they had unresolved issues at another church, then we need to put on the brakes.  If they are wanting to become involved in a critical, sensitive, or highly visible area, we may need to take a formal application, call references, and even do background checks - especially if they are desiring to work with children.  The best rule of thumb is not to plug new people into a critical or visible role until they have attended church for at least 6 months to a year.  There needs to be a time of observation - a time for them to get to know the church and it's culture - and a time for you to get to know them and their character.  In children's ministry, I'd have new people always wanting to get involved.  In order to get to know them, I'd enlist their help on noncritical tasks first, such as decorating the classrooms or hallways.  I'd work along side of them to get to know them.  I'd interview them in these informal moments.  I'd seek out their level of interest and their commitment level by asking them to help in small ways.  If they agreed and showed faithful commitment, this indicated their willingness to serve.  If they called up time after time, with some excuse as to why they couldn't keep their commitment, they got struck off my list.  Three strikes, and they were out!  I have a saying, "If you want to test the commitment and character of a person seeking to lead in the church, send them to children's ministry!"  If you are faithful in the small things....

I recall one young mother, new to our church, who was so very eager to serve in the preschool ministry.  I could tell she had one of those dynamic personalities and was so energetic - she would be awesome in the classroom.  However, I didn't know her.  She was new and had just moved into our area.  I had learned, from prior mistakes, that plugging someone new into ministry too quickly, without a time of observation is a bad idea.   I needed to get to know her.  She needed to get to know me and our church culture.  Thankfully, she was patient with me and we were so blessed to have her as a preschool teacher.  And when I 'retired' from children's ministry, this wonderful young mother stepped right into the role without missing a beat!  In fact, I knew from the beginning that God had sent my replacement when I met her three years ago!

3.  Catering to the Few and the New  As ministry leaders, we need to be careful of catering to the few and the new.  When I became involved in our church, it was a fairly new church, a church plant only about 5 years old.  In the early days of my ministry, people came and people went.  New people were always showing up.  Often, they would ask us about our children's ministry programs - if we had this program or that program, if we would consider allowing their 3 year old to join the kindergarten class because they were smart for their age and bored in the PRK class, if I would start a children's choir because their son had such an angelic voice and they wanted him to perform in front of the church...and the list goes on and on.  I found myself trying to cater to these requests.  I felt that if I didn't, these new people would take their church business elsewhere.  There were also times where current members wanted to implement specific activities for their children.  So, I'd start a program or schedule the event they requested, and guess what?  Not only did those who made the request NOT help with the event, the children of those very people NEVER even showed up!  After a couple of years of this, I realized that I was chasing my tail trying to please people.  I determined at that point that I was going about it all wrong.  I needed to seek God's guidance.  With this new perspective, I saw that the top priority was to provide ROCK SOLID Bible teachings, teaching the Good News of Jesus Christ - reaching children with the news of Salvation -was first and foremost.  All other events and activities were secondary to this.

4.  Delegate!  Let me clarify this, delegate, but delegate to reliable, responsible people!  I learned that the key to leadership is not trying to do it all myself.  Although I knew I needed to delegate, there were times in ministry that I delegated to the WRONG people.  They were eager to help, but just didn't follow through.  Make sure the people you delegate to are go getters, people you can count on to get the job done.  Your side of the responsibility is to follow up in a timely manner, to ensure they are accomplishing the task.  If you see that nothing is being accomplished, take action.  Either give the responsibility to someone who will get the job done, or cancel it altogether - depending on what it is.  An aside to this is people who come up with great ideas for events or activities, they volunteer to lead it and take care of it from start to finish, but then back out the VERY DAY of the event! Beware of this type of situation - make sure there is a backup plan for EVERY event and activity with a back up person (who is in the know) as the point of contact - otherwise, you'll be that backup person every time!  Oh, how I know this too well!

Praying that God will grant you the wisdom to lead and lead well!  Grace and peace, friends!

In His Love, Cathy