I Believe

“But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.” ~ John 20: 31

As a child, my favorite months of the year were October, November, and December for the following reasons: October brought my birthday, which meant that Mom cooked my favorite meal and made a special cake with birthday candles. Halloween slid in on the last day of the month for a chance to dress up and trick or treat in my neighborhood. November brought Thanksgiving, which meant family gatherings that included lots of good food and playing with multiple cousins. December brought Christmas, which included church programs, driving around to look at Christmas lights, and Santa.

As an adult, these three months are still my favorite time of year. However, the reasons that I enjoy them have changed a bit. October is still my birthday month, but now my parents have passed on and I prefer to observe my birthday quietly. November kicks off family gatherings, although they look a little different now. One of my daughters has taken over the hosting of Thanksgiving, so my contribution is a side dish or dessert. I then enjoy all the grandchildren. December no longer brings a rush of excitement about gifts, decorations, and party celebrations. It has become a month of reflection. I still love to decorate my home and listen to Christmas music, although I confess, I would enjoy that all year long.

Perhaps the main reason I take pleasure in the last quarter of the year is the happiness and contentment the season brings. The focus is more on giving and receiving love. This includes family and friends, but most importantly, it centers on God. Without His love for us, we would be without hope for eternity. All He requires of us is to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.

The definition of "believe" is “accept (something) as true; feel sure of the truth of.” In other words, to accept something as true, real, or genuine. I believe. My belief stirs a strong desire to know more about Christ. In order to learn more about Jesus, I study God’s Word, fellowship with other believers by attending church, and set aside daily prayer time.

I admit that there have been periods through the years when my worship experience has been less than stellar. The pressures of everyday life would overwhelm me and time would be consumed with the pursuit of immaterial things.

Many believers are experiencing a similar period during this holiday season. I would like to urge you to take a deep breath and remember the real reason we celebrate. Begin or end your day by reading a chapter from the book of John. Renew your heart by bringing the attention back to Jesus. All else will fade into the background as we kneel before our Lord and profess, “I believe.”

Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your gift of salvation.

Missed Opportunity

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.” ~ 2 Corinthians 5: 20

A recent experience weighs heavily on my heart. The Lord has impressed upon me to share this occurrence. Too often Christians will find themselves in similar situations. May the Lord forgive our weakness in failing to act promptly when given the chance to share Christ’s love. Please read the following with a receptive attitude.

He entered through the side door close to the front of the church sanctuary. The worship music had already begun, so he quickly sat on the first empty pew. Not looking around, he bowed his head and wrapped his arms around his body. By outward appearance, he was an aged man who had not bathed for some time. His clothing was well-worn and stained. He sat motionless through the music service. When the Pastor approached the pulpit and asked everyone to stand and open their Bibles to read God’s word, the man stood and quietly exited through the same door he had entered several minutes before. He did not return. The worship service continued without him.

I noticed this man slip quietly through the doorway of the sanctuary. I watched as he sat down within the reach of a handshake from my seat. I observed his posture and recognized how uncomfortable he appeared. In my mind, I resolved to speak to him, extend my hand in fellowship, and welcome him to church. I would do so directly after the worship service.

But he left.

Before I could follow through with my good intentions, he left and I missed the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with him. Because I didn’t want to disturb others sitting close to me, I delayed reaching out. My hesitation caused me to stumble when I felt God’s direction. The moment for action was gone.

May the Lord open the door for another chance for this man to learn more of Christ.

Dear Lord, Thank You for the opportunities to share Your love. When You call on me to act in faith, please give me the courage to step forward immediately.

Friendship

“And David saw that Saul was come out to seek his life: and David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a wood.
"And Jonathan Saul’s son arose and went to David into the wood, and strengthened his hand in God.” 1 Samuel 23:15-16

Many wise and intelligent scholars, doctors, and scientists have studied the subject of relationships for years. A chemical in the brain is said to trigger the level of response and the type of love for those who share a bond. The interesting thing about this is that it’s not unique to humans. Animals feel love too.

They can have relationships with other animals and with humans. Our Lord has instilled that emotion in all creatures.

Friendship is probably the best word to describe how the seed of love grows to become a relationship. As it grows, it will branch out into different paths. Some friendships last for a season during a time of transition, such as school or a job. Others will last a lifetime through many seasons of good times and hard times. We need all levels of relationships in our lives, but the truest reflection of God’s love is biblical friendship.

The story of the bond between Jonathan and David is an excellent example of such friendship. Love, stronger than a blood kinship, knit these two men together. They shared a love for God and recognized the role each of them would play in the Lord’s plan for the Israelites.

Biblical friendship isn’t limited to the Old and New Testaments, however. Here are three defining characteristics of a biblical friend:

Be present. Provide an arm to lean on, an ear to listen, and a heart to care. Just as Jonathan was there to support David, present in his time of trouble, we can give that presence too.

Pray every day for your friend. Talk to God on your friend’s behalf. God already knows the needs, but this keeps you aware of it, too. The more you share the burden, the lighter the load will become.

Protect through reassurance. Encourage your friend with the knowledge that all is possible with our Lord. Many times, the stress of life will cause one to retreat into a world of isolation.

Jonathan was there to help David through one of the darkest times of his young life. He was present. He prayed and protected his friend. The love of God was reflected in his actions. We can follow this biblical friend’s example in our own lives.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for the biblical friends in my life. Help me to follow the example of Jonathan and David with all my friends.

Such a Time as This

“Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.
“For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” ~ Esther 4: 13-14

One of the truly beautiful things about the Bible is that no matter how often I read a scripture passage, it continually reveals new insights about God’s love.

My recent Bible studies have taken me to the Book of Esther. It is an encouraging story of faith and valor in a time when the Lord
may have seemed very far away. Much like today, God’s people were living in an antagonistic world that did not acknowledge the Lord or welcome His followers.

By God’s design, Esther finds herself in a position to take action to prevent the annihilation of the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire. This action, however, could bring about her immediate death. Her reluctance to step forward brought an affirmation of faith from her cousin, Mordecai, to let God use her . . . or be set aside.

The Lord is still orchestrating Christian lives. All of us have experienced what I call a “God moment.” A time when we must step out on faith to take action on someone else’s behalf or face being set aside. The Lord will always accomplish His purpose. If we waver in our faith, then He will use someone else.

The story of Esther is so encouraging for us when faced with our “God moment.” I would recommend that we follow the example of both Mordecai and Esther in our approach to answering the Lord’s call to action. Always begin with prayer, seeking God’s guidance. Surrender to the Lord’s will and have confidence in Him. Regardless of what happens, our trust should be in God. Only He knows why He chose us for such a time as this.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for reminding me that I will face challenges that require faith to step forward on someone else’s behalf. Give me the strength to surrender to Your will and trust in You.

Carry On

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” ~ 1 Corinthians 15: 58

When we think of disciples in the Bible, seldom do women come to mind. However, in Acts 9:36-42, we find the story of Dorcas, of Joppa: “Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.”

Verse 39 tells us that she used her sewing skills to minister to the city’s widows and children, making garments for those in urgent need. This generous woman gives us an example of a true heart for the Lord.

Dorcas used the gifts she had been given to help others. The Lord has given each of us a talent or a skill. No ability is too small to be utilized in personal and practical ways, whether it be cooking a meal for someone who’s lost a loved one, giving someone a ride to an appointment, listening to someone’s story, visiting someone in the hospital, taking care of children so the parents can have a night out, and so on. If we are consistent in reaching out, God will increase the influence of our efforts.

Dorcas also built relationships that had a lasting impact on other people’s lives. She shared her faith with those that she ministered to and considered them a priority as deeds of kindness presented the opportunity to follow the teachings of Jesus. He called people to provide what they could, where they could, whenever they could.

The Lord makes disciples of everyone He calls to follow Him. All are given talents and gifts to be used to glorify Him. Dorcas shows us an example of what it means to submit our talents to the Lord and bring positive change to our surroundings.

How often does a woman offer the most meaningful service to God by doing the seemingly least important thing? God will always multiply the blessings that come from selfless giving.

Let us all strive to approach each opportunity to serve others as a labor of love for Christ.

Dear Lord, Thank You for the gifts You have given me. Help me use them to glorify You by ministering to other people in love.

Raised in Church

“But Jesus called them unto Him, and said, 'Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
"Verily I say to you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.'” ~ Luke 18: 16-17

A few years ago, there was a popular saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” This is a statement that can be considered true on several levels. The expanded family, the educational community, and a network of friends are invaluable resources for growing a well-rounded child into an intelligent, well-adjusted adult. However, too often in today’s busy world, an important area in a child’s well-being can be overlooked. Raising a child to know the gospel is the greatest responsibility of parents.

Why is church attendance important? In Hebrews 10: 24-25, we see that God commands it. The Lord wants us to have personal contact with other believers. Coming together in worship and fellowship strengthens our relationship with God and with each other.

Church teaches the Word of God. Ephesians 6:4 instructs parents to teach their children about the Lord. Bringing children to church will supplement that teaching. Sunday School shares the love of God through Bible stories and activities that expand the opportunity to learn more about Jesus.

Bringing children to church offers them an extra layer of security. Proverbs 13:20 reminds us that who we choose to spend time with is of the utmost importance. At church, we have confidence in knowing that we are not alone in our faith and that others share our values.

There are many aspects to consider when raising a child. Parents are blessed to be entrusted with the task. But we are not alone. The Lord not only provides a community to help but also a book of instruction, the Bible. He never asks His followers to do anything without giving them the necessary tools. Let us teach our children to love Jesus by proclaiming the gospel. Let us show them how His kindness and grace impact everything we do. Let us not forsake the gathering together in worship and raise our children while attending church together.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the opportunity to teach my children, my grandchildren, and now my great-grandchildren about You. Help me continue to lead them as we worship together.

Overcoming Spiritual Burnout

“28. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
“29. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
“30. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” ~ Matthew 11:28-30

Burnout by definition is “a form of exhaustion caused by constantly feeling swamped. It’s the result of excessive and prolonged emotional, physical, and mental stress.”

Most of us have felt it to some degree at least once in our lives. Whether brought on by outside forces or our own, it can affect not only our physical and mental health but also our spiritual well-being. Christians are not immune. Unfortunately, it can particularly be experienced by those in vocational Christian ministry and those who are highly involved in their churches.

Although God calls us to work on His behalf, our work is not the basis for His acceptance of us. Hosea 6:6 says “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” The Lord loves each of us as a whole person—mind, body, and soul. As our Creator, He knows our needs better than we do and provides a place to rest and recover when we are overwhelmed. In Mark 6:31, we see how Jesus was concerned about His disciples and called them to get away and rest.

To persevere in our calling without burnout, we must abide in Christ. We need to stay connected to the vine, as shown in John 15:1-17. The closer we remain to Jesus, the more we will find refreshment in Him.

We have all been guilty of accepting more work responsibilities than we can complete adequately. The result is catastrophic to our wellness. Becoming aware of God’s specific direction for our lives will help us stay in tune with Him. We can do the work He has called us to do and do it with all our hearts, within the limits He has set for us.

Let us not grow weary in well doing, but recognize when we are getting overwhelmed. When it is necessary to receive help from others to complete a task, accept it willingly. When God offers His rest, the gracious gift of a wise and loving Father, accept it gratefully.

Remember that the Lord is interested in a relationship more than our work. There is nothing spiritual about burnout for Jesus.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for the rest that I can find only in You.