When your best doesn't seem enough

He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” He said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All those people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” – Luke 21:2-4

I like candles. They sure have come a long way over the years. All sizes, colors and scents! From the big and wide three wick candle to the small slender one on a birthday cake, they all add warmth and light in their own special way.

I know we are called as Christians to be candles in the darkness. We come in all sorts of sizes too. There are people I know who live so full of energy and life – and light – they warm up any room with their glowing countenance. They know how to inspire!

But there are others, waking up every morning to pain, real pain. Whether physical or emotional, with the approaching holiday season, maybe they’re thinking they have no glow at all. It’s not true. For anyone suffering the blues: it’s not the amount of light you shed, it’s that you shed some light. Remember the single little candle on the birthday cake of a one-year-old, and all the happiness and joy surrounding it. You too, can be that kind of light. Any kind of thankfulness shared aloud brings glory to God. It’s not about how big. Maybe your thanks today is for the pain medication the doctor prescribed. Others around you would understand completely. Or maybe you’re only able to say grace before a meal. Praise God!  The believers around you will be edified and the unbelievers will be given a spark to stir their interest. Giving any thanks and praise honors God and shows you as faithful to Him. Amen?

Amen. It means “it is true” or “so be it”. Amen is the believer’s confession of agreement with the word spoken. So, be as faithful as you can. Do the best you can in whatever circumstance you find yourself in. And know that even the tiniest of thanks is a glowing flame in God’s hands.

It's pie time!

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you (Romans 12:1-2 THE MSG).

What’s your favorite? Which ones have to a part of your holiday feast?

But there’s another pie I want to talk about. With year-end fast approaching, many are looking at how they finished out this year and what adjustments need to be made for the future. I know the church is. They are all campaigning now with stewardship drives – wondering just how much (or how little) they will have to work with this next year and how they will need to divide up the pie chart. The same may be said for you as well. Looking at your expenses and time involvement in all areas of life; determining what is really important; looking for areas of improvement and correction to the total pie you have to work with.

Certainly paying attention to your finances is important. But there is more to life than money. Your time. Your loves. Your abilities and talents. So I ask you: what does your daily life pie chart look like? How is that getting divided up? Does it really match up with what you believe is most important? Or are you overcommitting to things that are out of guilt and duty? Neglecting other important areas? Maybe a visual would bring you back into balance.

Relationships. Spiritual. Physical health. Emotional well-being. Work. Play. Giving. Sharing.  And yes, money. Just some of the areas we should be concerned about if we are seeking a balanced life. And being true to yourself.

In the busyness of the season, I pray you find time to sit by yourself and discover anew your priorities – what is truly important and necessary. And imagine, even draw out, a pie chart and consider how many hours will you invest in these priorities of yours. And above all, place it all before the Lord. He will be your faithful Counsel and Guide.

A happy ending

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him … (Romans 8:28).

I’ll be teaching about being thankful this morning in Sunday School. Thankful for the good and the not so good. The lesson I found on the internet says to share about when a bad time in my life turned into a blessing. Hmm. My first thought is something nice and light, like: I paid the price for trying to finish off a whole bag of chocolate candies. I didn’t feel so good after that. But God offers good choices, like fruit, and I can be thankful for that. Thankful that He has made me aware of good and bad choices and thankful He will be with me next time.

That’s sounds all well and good. But then I thought of another instance in my life where bad news turned into the joy of my life. Maybe one more memorable and impactful.

Many years ago, I found out I couldn’t bear children. Such sadness and disappointment for a young married couple. But after of time of grieving, it wasn’t long after that when we went through the process of adoption and my son, Brent, was brought into my life. Oh, the joy he has brought me over the years! I would not ever change a thing about my life. God surely blessed me with a fine young boy, whose smiles still melt my heart.

Going through a rough time yourself? I’ll be telling my class about sadness in this world. And then about how God can turn anything into something good. Just you wait and see!

Do you have memories of when God turned a bad situation into something good after some time? Take some time this Thanksgiving to celebrate those as well.

Beyond all that food

For instance, take the matter of eating. God has given us an appetite for food and stomachs to digest it. But that doesn’t mean we should eat more than we need. Don’t think of eating as important because someday God will do away with both stomachs and food (1 Corinthians 6:13).

I know … poor timing for this message as we close in on Thanksgiving. But hear me out.

After all my time spent studying various dieting plans, and trying everything from fasting to calorie counting to expensive online counseling programs, I’m here to tell you that none of these work – if you don’t have a mental grasp on the goal.

I thought I had the right goal. At one time I wanted to just look good in a pair of jeans with the shirt tucked in. Later on I just wanted to get physically healthy and not have to worry about cholesterol or other potential problems. Sound reasonable. But can you believe I still can’t stick to a diet? It’s a mind game, but why aren’t these motivations working?

I am now convinced that my mind and my attitude are absolutely in control of how a diet is going to play out. And I am learning that what goes in affects how my mind functions. I believe that too much candy, cookie, chips, ice cream affects my mood and my spirit. Too much junk food and I somehow start believing that I am weak and I become doubtful. Insecure. I believe “I can’t.” And that attitude stretches beyond just dieting to actual participating in life. It can border depression.

But if I fill my day with fruits and vegetables and whole healthy grains, with an occasional sweet, my brain functions quite differently. I tend to be more positive and hopeful and able. Believe it or not, it comes more natural to be joyful and have thoughts of goodness. And that is the stepping stone I need to stick to a healthy diet. More good food, God-originated food empowers me to live more happily. Who doesn’t want that?

Maybe you’re not looking to be on a diet. But if you or someone you know is prone to wintertime blues, this might be something you will want to check into.

(I’m not a doctor or nutritionist. I’m sharing my own experience. You know you should consult your doctor …)

Enjoy the goodness of the holiday feasting. But keep in mind how miserable you will feel after overindulging. Do you really want to go there? Food is only one aspect of the celebration. Make memories in other ways as well.

Your turn for free stuff

They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor (Psalm 112:9).

Influence. That’s what I’ve been thinking about lately. We Christians need to start behaving in such a way that all the negativity in the news and in our neighborhoods, even though it may seem like a majority, is taken down in power a notch – because of our commitment to influence in a more positive way. If I make a real effort to be more kind, more gentle, compassionate and understanding – and you do the same … the good will rise up and out and the love of God will be magnified (amplified, more easily seen). Isn’t that why we are all here? To magnify the Lord? To bear witness and living testimony to the kind of love we have already received?

When it is in your power to act (Proverbs 3:27)

We all know that Jesus lives within us, so let’s not be stingy with that Jesus. Let’s not hoard reserves of love for ourselves when there are many around us in need of some very simple, minor acts of kindness and generosity. He promises to keep us continually filled no matter how much love we give away (Luke 6:38).

Realize the importance of blessing others. Consider how others have blessed you and your life. Slow down and really think about that … beyond just three or four quick mentions. Think about every season of your life: friends, teachers, authors, musicians, God Himself. All givers for your benefit. Do you have memories of good deeds (that are being remembered forever?) Can you not do likewise?

This is written to motivate and inspire you into action. More godly action is needed around here. Our loving actions, His love through us, needs to become center stage. Start today. Make a difference, especially in areas where you see great need. It’s your turn to give freely. In this season of Thanksgiving, with so much focus on giving thanks, let's be become more determined in our Giving. And let the Lord be your guide.

Respite from the pain

Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes (Revelations 21:3-4).

I know several people who are really suffering right now. Pain above and beyond what we think we can bear. Maybe you know some too. Maybe you are one.

Lord, have mercy. We don’t understand such pain and deep suffering. For people of faith, even though we are told to expect it in this world, we seek rescue from it. But there are times when there seems to be none. We run out of words to pray; to describe this unending trauma. There seems to be no comfort that works except to fall into Your arms Jesus, and cry gallons of tears.

I remember my mom rocking me in her favorite chair when I was a child with a toothache. The wordless lull-a-bye tunes, the forward and back rhythm of the rocker, her arms around me holding me in her lap, my head on her chest nuzzled into her neck, listening to her heartbeat. Truly a place of comfort and rest for a child. I remember too, her sitting on the edge of the couch and rubbing my back for seemingly hours while I was down with the flu or some other bug. She rubbed my back while I watched TV. Another place of comfort and respite in the midst of pain

So I say to all of you suffering great pain: curl up on the couch (God’s lap), wrap yourself up in a cozy quilt (God’s arms), let your thoughts drift to the gentle sound of waves lapping on the lakeshore (Gods lull-a-bye), and rest in the rhythm of His heartbeat. May your cries turn to whimpers, turn to sighs, turn to steady breathing. Experience the living Father … granting you respite in your time of need.

You move me

I lift up my eyes to the hills – from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth (Psalm 12:1-2).

I have been on the internet lately, researching motivational pieces. Any quotes, posters, slogans, blogs that would aid me in sticking to changes I want to make in my life. And I have to tell you that so far, they are working. I do it every morning and it truly gives me the boost I need to choose rightly.

Motivation is different than inspiration.

Motivation – gives you a reason to act; a force that directs behavior

Inspiration – stimulates you to being more open, more accepting to abstract, creative thoughts

Now isn’t that interesting? When I think of motivation, my first thoughts are about doing something physical, for a good cause. Inspirational, on the hand, makes me think of artwork, music,  holy scripture or devotional pieces that lead me to deeper thinking.

I need motivational reminders to keep me on track with the changes I want. I need inspirational pieces to keep my focus on the One Who is my all in all. With inspiration, my mind is opened up to the awesomeness of God. My true Help.

God is not magic

 Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown You and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God (Proverbs 30:8-9).

I confess. I’ve been thinking God is magic through prayer. Because I have wanted to eat right and exercise in a healthy way for a long time now. And I have prayed earnestly. But God has not waved His magic wand and made it “presto, change-o” instantaneously true.

We would all like to think that living the Christian life should somehow be easier. Where everything is beautiful and problems disappear like – well, like magic.

The true Christian walk is a daily, constant walk with God. It goes through trials and fears and challenges as well as the good times - staying together forever. Come what may. It is the world that seeks comfort and ease all the day long. And as much as I too love comfort and ease, I don’t want it at the expense of forgetting my Lord. I don’t want to be the kind of “child” who only calls out when I want something. I want to stand my ground about my relationship with Him and love Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. And if I have to do it like Paul says at the end of 1 Corinthians 9, I will beat my body to do what I should do. For everyone who runs the race, receives an (eternal) prize. Bottom line: I must choose.

The true Christian walk is a lot of confession and a lot of repentance. But it keeps us aware and in tune with God. What breaks God’s heart more than a sin and a confession? Not coming to Him at all. Maybe this struggle with diet and exercise keeps me running to Him. Maybe the trials you are facing keep you running to Him. Yes, there are victories - on the other side of the trial. The glories of a wonderful life are being reserved in heaven for those who walk with Him while here – and they far exceed anything the world has to offer. "Run” (live) in such a way as to win His prize for you …

God's preferences vs. my preferences

Most of all, let love guide your life, for then the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony. Let the peace of heart that comes from Christ be always present in your hearts and lives, for this is your responsibility and privilege as members of His body. And always be thankful (Colossians 3:14-15).

I’m up way too early this morning. I don’t think it was worries this time. But I’ve been thinking about all the judgment and anger inside of people (myself included). And how so many of us want to tell others what to do and how to do it. And sometimes we aren’t very friendly or gentle in our speech about it either. It just saddens me that we can’t take the time to consider our words and the impact they might have on another. Why such urgency to be right? Why are we so convinced there is only one way – and it is my way? Why do we set the bar “just so” that it leaves others feeling “out” and not willing to participate for fear of not living up to someone’s standards? I ask you – what is really important and really necessary? And what is just your own personal preference? Dare we ask ourselves these questions before we demand “perfection” from someone else? It doesn’t mean we are lowering our standards; it’s about accepting more than one right way. How many molehills do you turn into mountains? Isn’t that an exhausting way to live? Isn’t it the motive and the heart attitude of the other most important? And who knows another’s true intentions? How can we demand certain behaviors of others if we don’t practice them, or if we do, we appear to be crabby, demanding, arrogant people in the process. Who needs that? We need to live with the peace of Christ within us. We need to practice kind and gentle ways. We need to believe God is growing us all up into Christlikeness. And God doesn’t need your help in “straightening” people out. God has His own ideas on what is acceptable. Might surprise you what He would allow. Remember he ate with sinners and tax collectors, touched lepers, and “worked” on Sundays.