“Ever So Beautiful”
Those were the last words Ms. Betty spoke to me just before leaving this earth. Ms. Betty was 84 years old and had been recently diagnosed with stage four lung cancer that had spread throughout her body. When one receives this kind of news, it is devastating and overwhelming. And although Ms. Betty had lived a full life of many years, eighty-four can seem too young to die.
I have the honor of working with the elderly. And often my job allows me to be with them just before their passing. When I was much younger in both my years and my faith, I used to fear being around someone who was dying. I first experienced this with my grandmother. I remember visiting her while passing through Dallas on a business trip. My mom asked me to check on her because my grandmother had become very ill. When I arrived, my grandmother was bed-ridden with a nurse by her side twenty-four hours a day. I remember being so fearful of sitting beside her. What if she died while I was there? As I quietly said my good-byes, I must confess feeling relieved as I walked out the door.
Looking back, I never knew how special that moment could have been had I only known God and His Word. A pastor once described his experience of being with the dying as standing on Holy ground. I will never forget the words from His sermon, “This is the closest you’ll ever get to the physical presence of Christ while here on earth.”
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me
so that you also may be where I am.”
John 14:1-3
Twenty years later with a deeper understanding of God, I can attest the words of that pastor were true. The Bible tells us Jesus goes before His children to prepare a place for them. And we also know Jesus comes back for each of us so that we can be where He is.
While I was praying with Ms. Betty, she listened contently and seemed at peace despite the circumstances surrounding her. For a moment it felt like we were in another world, separated from cancer and death. At one point, she looked over my shoulder and I will never forget the expression on her face. Ms. Betty’s face reflected the image of peace and tranquility. I knew at that moment God had revealed something, filling her with such comfort in the midst of her final moments.
I quietly asked, “What are looking at Ms. Betty?
She responded, “Jesus.”
I was so deeply moved by that one word, I could barely speak. I was afraid to turn around because I didn’t want His presence to leave her sight. So holding back my tears, I asked, “Is He as beautiful as we think He is?”
She looked at me with eyes filled with compassion and softly said, “Ever so beautiful.”
May those who profess their faith in Jesus Christ begin today by embracing both life and death as events that lead us to a place already prepared for our homecoming. And may we all be comforted knowing that we never leave this earth alone. Our “ever so beautiful” Savior comes for each one of us so that we can be where He is. Death doesn’t exist for the Christian believer. It’s simply the passageway God uses to bring us home to His Heavenly Kingdom.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Have You Ever Seen the Face of God?
The Bible tells us no one can see God and live. But I recently experienced a moment where God revealed Himself to me in the face of a woman with Alzheimer’s.
I have the privilege of working with the elderly. Once a week I do a Bible study at a facility where many of the residents have Alzheimer's. For the most part, the memories of their past have been lost. One day, I prayed that if God was going to allow this disease into my life, then He would make sure I would never forget Him. I may forget my husband and even my own children. But I asked God to promise me that I would never forget the name of Jesus Christ.
When I arrived at this facility, I was overwhelmed to see a room full of people waiting to participate in the Bible study. Every seat was filled ready to hear what God had to say. As I looked into the faces of each of the residents, I noticed one woman off to the side who gave me little or no eye contact. She appeared very tired and worn down from life.
Suddenly in the midst of my study, I heard a quiet soft voice speak out. “Excuse me.” I looked over and noticed it was this same woman. I asked if she had something to share, and she quietly said three words that were barely audible for me to hear.
“I love you.”
I was moved by her comment and thanked her for such kind words. I started the study again when shortly after, I heard the familiar voice speak out, “Excuse me.” I smiled as I looked over at her and asked if she had something to say. She replied,
“I love you.”
I thanked her and once again began teaching where I’d left off. Moments later, this same woman spoke out, “Excuse me.”However this time her comment struck me differently. This wasn’t just a complete stranger saying “I love you.” I believe this was God Himself.
I walked over to her wheel chair and knelt down beside her. When I looked into her eyes, I no longer saw a woman with Alzheimer's, but a beautiful child of the Most High God. I knew at that moment she held every memory of Jesus Christ close to her heart. This woman may have lost memories of her earthly life, but she was fully aware of the eternal life awaiting her. God had answered my prayer showing me it was impossible to forget Him. As I reached for her hand, my heart overflowed with love and compassion. Her eyes sparkled and I could clearly see God’s Spirit living within her. I wasn’t just looking at an old woman; I believe I was looking into the face of God. I was so moved by His presence in her. With tears in my eyes, I replied,
“I love you too.”
It is impossible for us to forget God. Alzheimer’s may impair our brains, but it cannot impair His Spirit that lives in each of us. Ironically, I found myself somewhat envious of this woman whose earthly past was a blur, but her eternal life was crystal clear. We may not be able to see God face to face, but we certainly can experience facets of His love and compassion throughout all of His creation.
“Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom
in the inmost place.”
Psalm 51:6
Praise God that His Wisdom resides in our inner most parts where no disease can ever deter our memories and relationship with Him. And for those of us who have loved ones living with Alzheimer’s, may you also be comforted knowing that God remains in each of them, revealing His light and love to those who Seek His presence.
I have the privilege of working with the elderly. Once a week I do a Bible study at a facility where many of the residents have Alzheimer's. For the most part, the memories of their past have been lost. One day, I prayed that if God was going to allow this disease into my life, then He would make sure I would never forget Him. I may forget my husband and even my own children. But I asked God to promise me that I would never forget the name of Jesus Christ.
When I arrived at this facility, I was overwhelmed to see a room full of people waiting to participate in the Bible study. Every seat was filled ready to hear what God had to say. As I looked into the faces of each of the residents, I noticed one woman off to the side who gave me little or no eye contact. She appeared very tired and worn down from life.
Suddenly in the midst of my study, I heard a quiet soft voice speak out. “Excuse me.” I looked over and noticed it was this same woman. I asked if she had something to share, and she quietly said three words that were barely audible for me to hear.
“I love you.”
I was moved by her comment and thanked her for such kind words. I started the study again when shortly after, I heard the familiar voice speak out, “Excuse me.” I smiled as I looked over at her and asked if she had something to say. She replied,
“I love you.”
I thanked her and once again began teaching where I’d left off. Moments later, this same woman spoke out, “Excuse me.”However this time her comment struck me differently. This wasn’t just a complete stranger saying “I love you.” I believe this was God Himself.
I walked over to her wheel chair and knelt down beside her. When I looked into her eyes, I no longer saw a woman with Alzheimer's, but a beautiful child of the Most High God. I knew at that moment she held every memory of Jesus Christ close to her heart. This woman may have lost memories of her earthly life, but she was fully aware of the eternal life awaiting her. God had answered my prayer showing me it was impossible to forget Him. As I reached for her hand, my heart overflowed with love and compassion. Her eyes sparkled and I could clearly see God’s Spirit living within her. I wasn’t just looking at an old woman; I believe I was looking into the face of God. I was so moved by His presence in her. With tears in my eyes, I replied,
“I love you too.”
It is impossible for us to forget God. Alzheimer’s may impair our brains, but it cannot impair His Spirit that lives in each of us. Ironically, I found myself somewhat envious of this woman whose earthly past was a blur, but her eternal life was crystal clear. We may not be able to see God face to face, but we certainly can experience facets of His love and compassion throughout all of His creation.
“Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom
in the inmost place.”
Psalm 51:6
Praise God that His Wisdom resides in our inner most parts where no disease can ever deter our memories and relationship with Him. And for those of us who have loved ones living with Alzheimer’s, may you also be comforted knowing that God remains in each of them, revealing His light and love to those who Seek His presence.
Friday, December 2, 2011
What Do You Want For Christmas?
The Christmas season is a wonderful time of year. We find ourselves busy with preparations in hopes that our celebration will be both memorable and joyful. Yesterday, I found myself wandering through stores trying to stir up ideas for gifts. However, I must confess as I submerge myself into this season, my wants tend to outweigh my needs. What do I really want for Christmas?
What if we were given the opportunity to have the ultimate Christmas gift? What if anything on our list could be ours for the asking? Would it be a new car? How about new shoes or a 40 inch flat screen TV? What if someone would just simply write us a check for any amount that we desire? Would you receive peace knowing all of your bills were paid with a little extra cash to enjoy on the side? Would your heart be filled with happiness knowing that whatever you wanted to buy could be yours? Would this kind of gift fill the desires of our hearts?
What if I told you there is a gift available that could fill every void in your life? What if all of your worries could be removed simply by receiving this gift? Would you believe me? The challenge is, this gift cannot be purchased or earned. It cannot be found in a store or obtained by cashing in a check.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives.”
John 14:27
This is a simple quote from Jesus found in the Bible that perhaps you’ve read or heard in a sermon. But have you really meditated on the impact God’s gift of peace could have on our lives? After my life was transformed by faith, God’s gift of peace brought me a new perspective. It’s not to say I don’t want nice things or that God doesn’t want to give them to us. But now, my eyes have been opened to what it means to have a Sovereign Lord. Anything I face in this life, no matter how difficult, I have a God who will get me through it. Do you believe me? Better yet, do you believe Him?
Perhaps you’re facing financial troubles, a struggling marriage or battling a terminal illness. Can one have peace in the midst of trials? If I told you yes, would you believe me? Better yet, do you believe God?
“Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27
We can call ourselves Christians, but if we don’t read the Bible and study His Word, how does one truly have faith? Every day we need a Savior. Not just at the moment of our death, but every minute of our remaining days on earth. The moment we wake up, we face new circumstances; some good and some bad. Temptation through the evil one is always crouching at our door. And yet despite what is in front of us, our Lord Jesus Christ is beside us. Do you have peace knowing God can deliver you from your circumstances? Do you believe His Word is the greatest gift you’ll ever receive?
Begin today reading His Word and meditating on His promises. The greatest gift we can give someone is a Bible. But if you don’t read it and become actively involved in studying it at some level, God’s peace is left sitting on a shelf. My prayer this Christmas season is for our desires not to be for things of this world, but for the gifts that come through faith in knowing Jesus Christ. God does not give as the world gives, but what He does give is life changing and everlasting. Merry Christmas!
What if we were given the opportunity to have the ultimate Christmas gift? What if anything on our list could be ours for the asking? Would it be a new car? How about new shoes or a 40 inch flat screen TV? What if someone would just simply write us a check for any amount that we desire? Would you receive peace knowing all of your bills were paid with a little extra cash to enjoy on the side? Would your heart be filled with happiness knowing that whatever you wanted to buy could be yours? Would this kind of gift fill the desires of our hearts?
What if I told you there is a gift available that could fill every void in your life? What if all of your worries could be removed simply by receiving this gift? Would you believe me? The challenge is, this gift cannot be purchased or earned. It cannot be found in a store or obtained by cashing in a check.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives.”
John 14:27
This is a simple quote from Jesus found in the Bible that perhaps you’ve read or heard in a sermon. But have you really meditated on the impact God’s gift of peace could have on our lives? After my life was transformed by faith, God’s gift of peace brought me a new perspective. It’s not to say I don’t want nice things or that God doesn’t want to give them to us. But now, my eyes have been opened to what it means to have a Sovereign Lord. Anything I face in this life, no matter how difficult, I have a God who will get me through it. Do you believe me? Better yet, do you believe Him?
Perhaps you’re facing financial troubles, a struggling marriage or battling a terminal illness. Can one have peace in the midst of trials? If I told you yes, would you believe me? Better yet, do you believe God?
“Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27
We can call ourselves Christians, but if we don’t read the Bible and study His Word, how does one truly have faith? Every day we need a Savior. Not just at the moment of our death, but every minute of our remaining days on earth. The moment we wake up, we face new circumstances; some good and some bad. Temptation through the evil one is always crouching at our door. And yet despite what is in front of us, our Lord Jesus Christ is beside us. Do you have peace knowing God can deliver you from your circumstances? Do you believe His Word is the greatest gift you’ll ever receive?
Begin today reading His Word and meditating on His promises. The greatest gift we can give someone is a Bible. But if you don’t read it and become actively involved in studying it at some level, God’s peace is left sitting on a shelf. My prayer this Christmas season is for our desires not to be for things of this world, but for the gifts that come through faith in knowing Jesus Christ. God does not give as the world gives, but what He does give is life changing and everlasting. Merry Christmas!
Monday, September 19, 2011
Abandoned and Forsaken
That’s what happened to a young dog over the weekend, tied to a handicap parking sign at our church. I can’t help but wonder what went through the mind of someone as they were tying this precious dog to a pole in the middle of a rain storm. To be honest, my first reaction was, “How could anyone be so cruel?” I was so quick to judge the character of another human being as I stared into the eyes of an innocent dog that had no idea how his life had come to this point.
But isn’t this character true of many Christians today? So often, we become so wrapped up into our own lives that we abandon what Christ calls us to do; take care of the poor, the needy and the sick. As I was judging that individual, God revealed to me the many years my heart had turned the other way from helping others simply because I felt I was too busy.
Thanks be to God that He doesn’t think like we do. For three years, Jesus walked mile after mile healing thousands and feeding even more along the way. He never said I’m too busy, or too tired to deal with you. No, in fact what Jesus did say was, “I will never abandon you nor forsaken you.”
Whatever the motive was inside the person who left this dog, God intervened by stirring the heart of this individual and prompting them to leave the dog at a church. That’s the beauty about God. Despite our fallen state, God’s love for His creation always prevails.
You should see the love inside this dog. Forty eight hours ago, he was abandoned. Yet this morning he was actively looking for his owner and studying each home to see if it might be his. I know if the owner had pulled up in a car, this dog would have run to him with complete joy. He had already forgiven his owner for abandoning him even if the owner hadn’t forgiven himself. This is the kind of love Christ has for us even if we choose to abandon Him. As I write this, I can see how much a small little dog has taught me about unconditional love and forgiveness, two areas in my life that are constantly seeking divine change.
This sweet small dog needs a permanent home where he can count on a family to always be there and never leave him out in the rain. I pray for God to bring a special family to me but in the meantime, we will continue to provide for his needs.
If you know of someone who would like a small sweet dog, this one is special. God placed it on the heart of the owner to give it back to His church, a place where he won’t ever again be abandoned or forsaken.
“I will never abandon you as orphans-I will come to you.”
John 14:18
Email me if you or someone you know is interested: jenniferj63@gmail.com
But isn’t this character true of many Christians today? So often, we become so wrapped up into our own lives that we abandon what Christ calls us to do; take care of the poor, the needy and the sick. As I was judging that individual, God revealed to me the many years my heart had turned the other way from helping others simply because I felt I was too busy.
Thanks be to God that He doesn’t think like we do. For three years, Jesus walked mile after mile healing thousands and feeding even more along the way. He never said I’m too busy, or too tired to deal with you. No, in fact what Jesus did say was, “I will never abandon you nor forsaken you.”
Whatever the motive was inside the person who left this dog, God intervened by stirring the heart of this individual and prompting them to leave the dog at a church. That’s the beauty about God. Despite our fallen state, God’s love for His creation always prevails.
You should see the love inside this dog. Forty eight hours ago, he was abandoned. Yet this morning he was actively looking for his owner and studying each home to see if it might be his. I know if the owner had pulled up in a car, this dog would have run to him with complete joy. He had already forgiven his owner for abandoning him even if the owner hadn’t forgiven himself. This is the kind of love Christ has for us even if we choose to abandon Him. As I write this, I can see how much a small little dog has taught me about unconditional love and forgiveness, two areas in my life that are constantly seeking divine change.
This sweet small dog needs a permanent home where he can count on a family to always be there and never leave him out in the rain. I pray for God to bring a special family to me but in the meantime, we will continue to provide for his needs.
If you know of someone who would like a small sweet dog, this one is special. God placed it on the heart of the owner to give it back to His church, a place where he won’t ever again be abandoned or forsaken.
“I will never abandon you as orphans-I will come to you.”
John 14:18
Email me if you or someone you know is interested: jenniferj63@gmail.com
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Finding Fullness in Christ
"People Helping People Find Fullness in Christ"
This is our mission statement at our church. We as Christians are supposed to help others find fullness in Christ. But what exactly does it mean to find fullness in Christ? Before Jesus was crucified, He told His disciples He would never leave them as orphans. He also said to His disciples that if they loved Him and obeyed His commands, Jesus would ask the Father to give another Counselor to be with them and in them. What this means is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the Almighty God will be with us and in us at all times.
When we experience fullness in Christ, we experience a power beyond our comprehension, a joy beyond our understanding and wisdom that takes us outside our limited human intellect. Our lives truly become transformed.
Has this happened to you? The Bible tells us that God has no favorites. Therefore, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can do all things through Christ. So what is preventing this transformation from happening in many Christian lives today? We attend church and read the Bible, yet nothing happens. Why is this? How does one experience the fullness of Christ through the power of God’s Holy Spirit?
Be a part of a new four week Bible study this fall beginning October 5th (Wednesday evenings). The study is free beginning at 7pm to 8pm at Christ United Methodist Church in Sugar Land, Texas. Over these four weeks, we will examine the workings of the Holy Spirit and learn to overcome obstacles that hinder God’s Spirit in our lives. God delights in having His children experience His Holy Spirit. The question is, are you ready, willing and able?
This is our mission statement at our church. We as Christians are supposed to help others find fullness in Christ. But what exactly does it mean to find fullness in Christ? Before Jesus was crucified, He told His disciples He would never leave them as orphans. He also said to His disciples that if they loved Him and obeyed His commands, Jesus would ask the Father to give another Counselor to be with them and in them. What this means is the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the Almighty God will be with us and in us at all times.
“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12)
When we experience fullness in Christ, we experience a power beyond our comprehension, a joy beyond our understanding and wisdom that takes us outside our limited human intellect. Our lives truly become transformed.
Has this happened to you? The Bible tells us that God has no favorites. Therefore, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can do all things through Christ. So what is preventing this transformation from happening in many Christian lives today? We attend church and read the Bible, yet nothing happens. Why is this? How does one experience the fullness of Christ through the power of God’s Holy Spirit?
Be a part of a new four week Bible study this fall beginning October 5th (Wednesday evenings). The study is free beginning at 7pm to 8pm at Christ United Methodist Church in Sugar Land, Texas. Over these four weeks, we will examine the workings of the Holy Spirit and learn to overcome obstacles that hinder God’s Spirit in our lives. God delights in having His children experience His Holy Spirit. The question is, are you ready, willing and able?
Friday, July 29, 2011
It's Time to Clean House
Two years ago, I did a Bible Study at the Catholic church. I thought God had led me there to learn more about the Catholic faith. However, God had a deeper purpose in mind. He wanted to show me what the light and hope of Christ looks like in the midst of suffering.
There were over 90 people participating in this study. It would entail thirty weeks of reading and studying the Bible. I didn’t know anyone except for a friend who invited me to be a part of her small discussion group. About three weeks into the study, our small group was reviewing questions when I noticed a woman enter the room. She headed our direction and by her physical appearance, I could tell she was going through difficulty. Everyone greeted her with hugs as she sat down next to me. We smiled and introduced ourselves. Her name was Kathy. She was asked to update everyone on her condition and that’s when I learned she was battling a rare form of cancer. MD Anderson had turned her away, claiming there was nothing more they could do. They said she only had a few months to live. I looked at the sad expressions of the people in our group as we quietly listened to her story. I could tell Kathy was looking for hope, but unfortunately our faces left her feeling more hopeless. My heart became stirred with emotion and I found myself boldly proclaiming her hope was not to be found in man but in Christ. I told her cancer didn’t have a claim on her life. Despite what MD Anderson believed, only God determines the day we’re born and only God determines the day we return to our heavenly home. From that moment, Kathy and I became dear friends. She graciously allowed me to be a part of her journey in her fight against this disease. Kathy was a wife and mother of young children and I could tell she was going to fight this disease as long as God would permit.
God’s plan was different from MD Anderson’s. They had given her months, however God gave her an additional three years. During that time, her faith became stronger. Never once did she ever become angry with God, wondering why this was happening to her. I’m afraid I would have fallen down that path of self pity and hopelessness but Kathy was a vision of strength. Her love for Christ grew and His love for her shined in her smile.
I will never forget when we were approaching the end of her journey how her body had become weakened and her liver was no longer able to function properly. I showed up at her house with her favorite flavored smoothie and we sat quietly on her bed, pondering what words if any would bring comfort?
That’s when she looked at me and said, “Well, I guess it’s time to clean house.” I’m sure my expression looked perplexed as I wondered why cleaning her house was so important at this moment. But “cleaning her house” wasn’t what she meant literally. She wanted to clean her heart of any remaining sin so that when Jesus came for her, she wouldn’t feel ashamed to be in His presence. I was so deeply moved by her words. Even a disease can be a blessing by allowing people time to make things right with God. From that moment on, gratefulness and thankfulness filled her prayers as she began experiencing the washing away of her sins and transgressions.I looked at my own life and realized that each and every moment should be about cleaning my own house. So many lives are taken in an instant and sadly many never repent of their sinful nature.
My last moment with Kathy was bathing her. As I washed her feet, tears of both joy and sadness fell onto my hands as she faintly said to me, “God loves you.”
Isn't it amazing how much God loves us despite the filthiness of our sins!
Thank you Lord for Kathy and all the other Saints you’ve placed in my life. May today be the beginning of cleaning out my old sinful heart and through You, receiving new life through Christ our Lord. Thank you for Your forgiveness, mercy and love. May every day be one of living righteously and holy in Your sight so that when we see You face to face, we will joyfully and confidently run to Your arms with a clean heart. Jesus provides the way, the truth and life! Let us all begin today cleaning our houses!
“What comes out of a man is what makes him unclean. For from within, out of men’s hearts come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man unclean.”
Mark 7:20-23
There were over 90 people participating in this study. It would entail thirty weeks of reading and studying the Bible. I didn’t know anyone except for a friend who invited me to be a part of her small discussion group. About three weeks into the study, our small group was reviewing questions when I noticed a woman enter the room. She headed our direction and by her physical appearance, I could tell she was going through difficulty. Everyone greeted her with hugs as she sat down next to me. We smiled and introduced ourselves. Her name was Kathy. She was asked to update everyone on her condition and that’s when I learned she was battling a rare form of cancer. MD Anderson had turned her away, claiming there was nothing more they could do. They said she only had a few months to live. I looked at the sad expressions of the people in our group as we quietly listened to her story. I could tell Kathy was looking for hope, but unfortunately our faces left her feeling more hopeless. My heart became stirred with emotion and I found myself boldly proclaiming her hope was not to be found in man but in Christ. I told her cancer didn’t have a claim on her life. Despite what MD Anderson believed, only God determines the day we’re born and only God determines the day we return to our heavenly home. From that moment, Kathy and I became dear friends. She graciously allowed me to be a part of her journey in her fight against this disease. Kathy was a wife and mother of young children and I could tell she was going to fight this disease as long as God would permit.
God’s plan was different from MD Anderson’s. They had given her months, however God gave her an additional three years. During that time, her faith became stronger. Never once did she ever become angry with God, wondering why this was happening to her. I’m afraid I would have fallen down that path of self pity and hopelessness but Kathy was a vision of strength. Her love for Christ grew and His love for her shined in her smile.
I will never forget when we were approaching the end of her journey how her body had become weakened and her liver was no longer able to function properly. I showed up at her house with her favorite flavored smoothie and we sat quietly on her bed, pondering what words if any would bring comfort?
That’s when she looked at me and said, “Well, I guess it’s time to clean house.” I’m sure my expression looked perplexed as I wondered why cleaning her house was so important at this moment. But “cleaning her house” wasn’t what she meant literally. She wanted to clean her heart of any remaining sin so that when Jesus came for her, she wouldn’t feel ashamed to be in His presence. I was so deeply moved by her words. Even a disease can be a blessing by allowing people time to make things right with God. From that moment on, gratefulness and thankfulness filled her prayers as she began experiencing the washing away of her sins and transgressions.I looked at my own life and realized that each and every moment should be about cleaning my own house. So many lives are taken in an instant and sadly many never repent of their sinful nature.
My last moment with Kathy was bathing her. As I washed her feet, tears of both joy and sadness fell onto my hands as she faintly said to me, “God loves you.”
Isn't it amazing how much God loves us despite the filthiness of our sins!
Thank you Lord for Kathy and all the other Saints you’ve placed in my life. May today be the beginning of cleaning out my old sinful heart and through You, receiving new life through Christ our Lord. Thank you for Your forgiveness, mercy and love. May every day be one of living righteously and holy in Your sight so that when we see You face to face, we will joyfully and confidently run to Your arms with a clean heart. Jesus provides the way, the truth and life! Let us all begin today cleaning our houses!
“What comes out of a man is what makes him unclean. For from within, out of men’s hearts come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man unclean.”
Mark 7:20-23
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Mustard Seed Faith
“I assure you, even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." (Matthew 17:20)
Seems simple right? All Jesus asks is for us to have faith as small as a mustard seed. Have you ever seen a mustard seed? It is the smallest seed of all plants, yet under proper conditions, it can grow into a ten foot tall tree. And if our faith was just that size, nothing would be impossible for us. But why can’t we move the mountains in our lives? Disappointedly it’s because we have so little faith.
I have had the honor and privilege of being close to a 13-year-old boy who battles every day with brain tumors. Nearly eight months ago, he was living a normal life. And then suddenly a chronic headache and severe dizziness led to a diagnosis of cancer.
His life has been turned upside down and I have watched by the sidelines how this disease has slowly impacted his speech and mobility. One day you’re playing basketball with your friends and in a blink of an eye, you have lost all ability to walk and speak. In fact, every life activity must now be done with the help of his parents and loved ones. This young boy has every reason to give up but his faith tells him to hold on. Although physically he has been impaired, spiritually he has been renewed. Although doctors claim he won’t live, God has given him a new life. Although there isn’t a cure for his cancer, God continues to work miraculously through his life. His faith is the size of a mustard seed and I have been deeply blessed by watching him take control over cancer instead of allowing cancer to take control over him.
I hate to think how quickly I would have given up. Even worse, I may have spent endless hours asking God, “Why me?” But this young boy looks at his suffering as a means of bringing others to Christ. The doctors are baffled by his perseverance and he so boldly states, “It’s God within me. It's my faith that perseveres." This young boy never asks God, “Why me?” Instead, he asks “Why not me?”
When we reach that point in life where humanly there is no place to turn, that’s when God does many of His greatest works in our lives. But it becomes a choice for us to make; do we try to overcome the mountains by ourselves or do we give our mountains fully to God? He graciously gives us the Spirit within Him that allows us to do the impossible. The question is, do we really believe we have the power and authority through Jesus Christ to do the impossible? How you answer that question determines the size of your faith. Unfortunately for me, it was that question that made me realize my faith was smaller than a speck of dust that rests on top of the mustard seed.
Today, let our prayers be for a deeper and more trusting faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for our faith to be the size of a mustard seed so that when mountains form in our paths, we can remove them through the power of God’s Holy Spirit. Pray each day to be filled with God’s divine Spirit. Perhaps when we begin to truly have the faith that Jesus so deeply desires of us, this is the moment when our faith grows to become a ten foot tall plant.
Seems simple right? All Jesus asks is for us to have faith as small as a mustard seed. Have you ever seen a mustard seed? It is the smallest seed of all plants, yet under proper conditions, it can grow into a ten foot tall tree. And if our faith was just that size, nothing would be impossible for us. But why can’t we move the mountains in our lives? Disappointedly it’s because we have so little faith.
I have had the honor and privilege of being close to a 13-year-old boy who battles every day with brain tumors. Nearly eight months ago, he was living a normal life. And then suddenly a chronic headache and severe dizziness led to a diagnosis of cancer.
His life has been turned upside down and I have watched by the sidelines how this disease has slowly impacted his speech and mobility. One day you’re playing basketball with your friends and in a blink of an eye, you have lost all ability to walk and speak. In fact, every life activity must now be done with the help of his parents and loved ones. This young boy has every reason to give up but his faith tells him to hold on. Although physically he has been impaired, spiritually he has been renewed. Although doctors claim he won’t live, God has given him a new life. Although there isn’t a cure for his cancer, God continues to work miraculously through his life. His faith is the size of a mustard seed and I have been deeply blessed by watching him take control over cancer instead of allowing cancer to take control over him.
I hate to think how quickly I would have given up. Even worse, I may have spent endless hours asking God, “Why me?” But this young boy looks at his suffering as a means of bringing others to Christ. The doctors are baffled by his perseverance and he so boldly states, “It’s God within me. It's my faith that perseveres." This young boy never asks God, “Why me?” Instead, he asks “Why not me?”
When we reach that point in life where humanly there is no place to turn, that’s when God does many of His greatest works in our lives. But it becomes a choice for us to make; do we try to overcome the mountains by ourselves or do we give our mountains fully to God? He graciously gives us the Spirit within Him that allows us to do the impossible. The question is, do we really believe we have the power and authority through Jesus Christ to do the impossible? How you answer that question determines the size of your faith. Unfortunately for me, it was that question that made me realize my faith was smaller than a speck of dust that rests on top of the mustard seed.
Today, let our prayers be for a deeper and more trusting faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for our faith to be the size of a mustard seed so that when mountains form in our paths, we can remove them through the power of God’s Holy Spirit. Pray each day to be filled with God’s divine Spirit. Perhaps when we begin to truly have the faith that Jesus so deeply desires of us, this is the moment when our faith grows to become a ten foot tall plant.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
