Jesus is enough!

One of my goals for 2017 is to read books that will help me grow personally and in ministry. I started the year with Fresh Out of Amazing by Stacey Thacker. I determined that I'm not going to rush through it to check it off my list, but to allow God to use it to speak to me.

Here's the thought from chapter 5 that I'm contemplating tonight:

"Jesus is enough. Our life hidden with him in God is the enough we need. If we want streams of living water to flow in, we have to believe Jesus is enough. We don't need him AND something else. Nor do we need to know the how and the why. We simply need to receive and drink deeply of the grace-filled living water only Jesus offers."

In this season of Lent, leading up to Easter, I've been thinking about how many times I allow myself to be so filled with other things that I end up crowding out the One who is truly enough. I chafe when I have to be still, not wanting to be alone with my thoughts. I busy myself with action so I feel competent and productive . . . and worthy. As if my value is found in my busyness. As if somehow I can be enough.

But I'm not enough. Not for my husband or children. Not for those I'm privileged to serve in ministry. I'll never be enough as long as I'm trying to be enough. But when I realize that Jesus is enough, that His grace is sufficient for me because His power is at work in my weakness - in that moment, everything changes. In that moment, I can begin to receive what He has been longing to give: Himself.

Reflections on Lent

Growing up, I was one of the only kids in my class who did not attend the Catholic church across the street from our elementary school. Sometime after Valentine's Day each year, I would hear my classmates talking about Lent. They shared about having to eat fish on Fridays and giving up sugary treats "for Lent", but I had no understanding of what they meant - and honestly, I'm not convinced that THEY knew why they were making these sacrifices either. It was just the thing to do.

Fast forward a bunch of years . . . I'm married with young children, and I want to make holiday celebrations meaningful and significant for my young family. It was at that time that I began to see the beauty of the Lenten season and how it could help us as a family to grow in seeking God together.

I discovered that Lent is a season of preparation . . . an opportunity to remove distractions and prepare to celebrate the joy of the Resurrection. There are three practices of Lent - fasting, prayer, and service. Each one of these has a purpose in helping to prepare our hearts.

Fasting is all about growing in our reliance upon God. I don't know about you, but I can't fast anything - not television, not chocolate, not Facebook, nothing - without being reminded of how much I need Him! When I've tried fasting in my own strength (and yes, I've done that 😔), inevitably one of two things will happen: either I will absentmindedly engage in the thing I'm "fasting" - like snacking on sweets while fixing treats for my kids, or I will justify why it's okay for me to indulge in something that I'm supposed to be fasting - like having cake because it's someone's birthday and I don't want to hurt their feelings. 

I needed to learn to fast correctly, and the only way to do that is by asking God what to fast from - asking Him to show me what is hindering me from going deeper in intimacy with Him. And then, the most important part - leaning on Him and relying on His grace to fast correctly. When I've done that, the time of fasting has been virtually effortless because I'm not relying on my ability but upon His!

Fasting and prayer in the Bible are almost always mentioned together, so it makes sense that prayer is a practice of Lent as well. In Ezra 8:21, fasting and prayer are combined with humility . . . recognizing that I am NOT "all that and a bag of chips." It's my pride that drives me to present an image of having it all together, and sadly this can even happen in my relationship with God. But during Lent, the goal is to create space in my schedule to connect with God in the secret place - to hear His voice and allow myself to be vulnerably real with Him. When I do that, He begins to fill me up, restoring the broken places and healing to the wounds.

As I grow in intimacy with God through fasting and prayer, I am now prepared to give out to others in service - or "almsgiving" - the third practice of Lent. As a follower of Jesus, I'd like to think that I serve others regularly. But this season is a reminder to serve intentionally and purposefully. It's a call to think of ways to minister to others in a way that will point them to Jesus instead of me. Sometimes that means doing something anonymously so that the person being blessed doesn't know where the blessing is coming from. Other times, it's doing something for a person who isn't in a position to do anything in return. And as I serve, I'm following the example of Jesus . . . after all, "the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others" (Mark 10:45 NLT).

So now, I actually look forward to the Lenten season - to the richness of this time of quieting my heart before Him and listening to His voice. I know that as I enter this time of fasting, prayer, and service to others, I'll be forever changed!

Read this during my time with the Lord this morning . . . and I haven't been able to get it out of my mind!

 

There is no audience in the body of Christ.  There are only believers, only servants. We're the body.  We're the hands, the feet, the ears, and the toes . . . . We're the first and primary way that Jesus is going to love on others. We're His chosen vessels. He chooses to love them through us. That's His design for the Church. We are their clearest picture of Jesus. And how we respond is how they're going to see God.

 

It's pretty humbling to realize that I am the clearest picture of Jesus that some people will ever see.  I know I don't do this perfectly . . . in fact, if I'm honest, some days I don't do it very well at all.  How do I deal with the reality that the way I respond in different situations is how someone watching me is going to see God?

 

I need to run to God daily minute by minute, leaning on His grace and strength so that my life is a reflection of His work in me.

Why You Shouldn't Fit In

I read something the other day and I keep thinking about it.  Over and over and over.  So I'm going to share it here - praying that someone else will be blessed (and challenged) by it as well.  It's from the book And We Are Changed which is written by Priscilla Shirer (http://www.goingbeyond.com/)

When we meet Jesus, we should change.  We are not supposed to act the same anymore.  There should be a distinct difference in our coming face-to-face with the Almighty Savior. Our priorities, our mindset, and our lifestyle as a whole should be noticeably different now that we have a new Master.

• Your co-workers should notice the difference.
• Your neighbor's children should notice the difference.
• Your unsaved spouse should notice the difference.
• Your family members should notice the difference.
• Your students should notice.
• Your clients should notice.
• Strangers should notice!

All humankind should know that there is something different about you.  You shouldn't be just like everyone else.  You should no longer fit comfortably into the mold of this world. . . . You should be a little peculiar.  There should be some things that you have to let go of, with the hope and certainty that even though you can't see the end product, God's picture and His plan are bigger and greater than anything you could ever imagine. These changes will only come about if you and I get our minds off of what we want and fill them with what He wants for us.  That is not always easy, my friend, but it is worth it, because that is where we find true freedom.

Wow!  How many times am I more concerned about "fitting in" with those around me - doing what others expect from me and forgetting that I'm not supposed to fit?  It's uncomfortable and even discouraging to feel like you don't fit in.

But I'm realizing that anyone that is going to really allow Jesus to change and transform them will find themselves "at odds" with those around them at times.  If I want what God wants, then my life is not about me. Ministry is not about me. My priorities and choices cannot be about me or what I think is best.  I've got to get over myself - I'm not all that - and be okay with whatever Jesus might ask from me.  And that's only going to work as I continually spend face-to-face time with Him so I know Him and His heart.

MMK Rally!

This past Saturday our denomination hosted a kids' missions rally - I had taken Lael and Jaden a couple of years ago and decided to go again this year . . . and I'm so glad we went!

We took Janasia, one of Lael's friends from church, along with us - it was her first time attending an MMK (Mission-Minded Kids) rally.  And two of the children's ministry teachers went along as well.  (Noah did too, but he's not in this picture!)

 The day was a wonderful combination of teaching on missions and hands-on activities.

 The kids were also encouraged at almost every stop to think about the talents and abilities they have as well as the things they enjoy doing and consider how they can use those things to change the world for Jesus!

 Here they were given a piece of foil - their task: to make something that represents something they enjoy doing.  Then we talked about how they could use those talents for God.  Jaden made a building (representing his avid interest in LEGOs), while Lael made a musical note (for her passions in singing, playing the piano, worship and dance).

 Throughout the day, the leaders prayed over the children - that they would be the people God made them to be and use the gifts that He has given them to make a difference.

 Of course, lunchtime was a highlight as well - my kids don't often have a "bag lunch" - they loved reaching into their bags to see what else was in there ;)

 The kids also had an opportunity to experience a little bit of different cultures.

The tastes - like chai tea and muk tuk - a tasty treat made from whale blubber (or in this case, Cool Whip) and frozen fruit.  Lael thought that was quite tasty and has requested that I make it sometime soon - the Cool Whip version, not the whale blubber version!

 Jaden thought this hat was the best one he's ever worn . . . too bad we'd have to go to Alaska to get one!

 This game is from the Ukraine - when you move the paddle just right, the chickens peck at the ground in a rhythmic pattern.

 This club was also from the Ukraine . . . used by young men there.

 Jaden wanted me to take a second picture - he said he didn't look mean enough the first time!

 The girls loved the origami station - they learned how to make a puppy (and Lael has made a litter of them since we've been home)!

 We also visited a tribe in Papua New Guinea - complete with a snack of grubs (aka gummy worms) and heard why it's so important to translate the Bible into the languages of people that don't have it yet.

 They even learned a little Bindere in singing "Jesus Loves Me".

 The message of the day was clear . . . God has given each person unique gifts - and our responsibility is to use our gifts to change the world!

 We want to be "lightbulbs" and let the Lord's light shine on through . . . what about you? 

So, what are you doing for the next 90 days?

If you are like me, that is probably an overwhelming question!  I don't actually think I WANT to know everything that lies ahead for me over the next 90 days!  After all, doesn't the book of Matthew say something about not worrying about tomorrow because each day has enough troubles of its own???

Okay, but just for the record, I'm not planning for troubles over the next 90 days . . . I'm actually really excited!  I'm going to be reading through the Bible in 90 days, starting TOMORROW!  This won't be the first time I read through the Bible - I did it during Bible college - but this will be a slightly more intense reading schedule ;)

Why am I doing it?  After all, isn't there enough on my plate already?  Well, here it is in a nutshell (time for a little transparency and vulnerability) . . . I have struggled at times to find consistent times alone with God in His Word since Noah joined our family.  I can pray and worship throughout my day, but getting into the Word requires time to sit, read, meditate - and that hasn't been happening as consistently as I desire.

Part of it is that I just forgot how busy life is with a little one at home - not to mention two big kids and a husband to keep up with.  I love this season of life, but I can't wait for things to "settle down" before I get back into that rhythm of consistent time in the Word.

So when I heard about reading through the Bible in 90 days, the Holy Spirit immediately said, "This is for you, Lisa."  So I'm choosing to obey.  I'm not sure of all that the next 90 days will hold, but I believe that God is a God of His Word - and He says that when I draw near to Him, He will draw near to me (James 4:8).  If you think of it, I'd appreciate your prayers during these next 90 days . . . and I'll be sharing here from time to time just how the journey is going!

Thoughtful Thursday!

I read this quote today, and it really spoke to me . . . such a timely reminder of just how wonderful our God really is!

“Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is, and is to come.”

Space and time are irrelevant to God. Stop. Let that thought sink in . . . God is always a step ahead of you. This means He is already in the middle of your day and in the center of all your tomorrows. When you grasp this, it is easier to trust Him with our lives and situations; the ones here today, and the ones to come.

~Lorrie Flem~

Things I'm pondering . . .

"The pressure of hard places makes us value life. Every time our life is given back to us from such a trial, it is like a new beginning, and we learn better how much it is worth, and make more of it for God and man. The pressure helps us to understand the trials of others, and fits us to help and sympathize with them."

A. B. Simpson

We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it . . . . But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselved and learned how to rely only on God, who raises the dead.

(2 Corinthians 1:8-9)

Ten Predictions for 2010

I found these online somewhere . . . can't remember where at the moment . . . but they really encouraged me. I hope they do the same for you!

Ten Predictions for 2010

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on earth.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will honor the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out His blessing upon His people.
8. There is still room at the cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will continue to save the lost.

Isn't it great to remember that He is really in control! The Word of the Lord endures forever! (1 Peter 1:25)

Word for 2010

Happy New Year! I can't believe that it's 2010 already! It seems like only yesterday we were beginning 2000 . . . anyone remember Y2K??? I was a newlywed, celebrating our first New Year's as husband and wife. Ten years and two children later, our lives have definitely changed -- for the better!

Anyway, for the past couple of years, I have chosen a word to focus on throughout the year -- something to give me a direction as I seek to grow in my relationship with the Lord as well as in the relationships I have with other people.

This year, the word that God really impressed on my heart is ADORE. The week before Christmas, Brent preached a message about what it means to adore Christ. As He was preaching, God spoke that He wanted me to focus on adoring Him in the upcoming year. I know that when my focus on the Lord is where it should be, other things in my life will fall into place.

So, what does it mean to ADORE? According to the dictionary, to ADORE is to regard with the utmost esteem, love and respect. It can also mean to worship. One of the things Brent said in his message is that true adoration is a product of the heart; it's not just doing things out of obligation. It's so easy to find myself doing things . . . even good things . . . out of a sense of obligation. Whether it's spending time in the Word, serving at church, even caring for the needs of my family, I want to learn how to do all things flowing out of my adoration of the Lord.

Okay, enough rambling for now . . . but I will be revisiting this word again and again this year. I'm looking forward to all that God will teach me about adoring Him!

Monday musings . . .

Here's a quote to ponder . . .

When God shows up, things get expensive.

I must continually ask myself -- Am I willing to pay the price?

"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow Me is not worthy of Me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."

Matthew 10:37-39

Think on this!

I received this in an email today -- it's a good reminder:

Don't tell God how big the storm is;

tell the storm how big your God is!

I'm so thankful that we serve such a BIG God, aren't you?

What has God been speaking to you?

Here are a few excerpts from my journal of late . . . with some of the things that God has been speaking:

When we understand that we are in partnership with God

in all of His power, we will live differently --

we will walk in boldness, strength and authority.

Hell's foundations quiver

At the sound of praise!

(from the hymn "Onward Christian Soldiers")

God often uses pain to get us to change . . . .

We change our behavior when the pain of staying the same

becomes greater than the pain of changing.

(from The Emotionally Healthy Church)

God always prepares His people for the fresh move that He is bringing.

If you don't let go of your past, it will hinder your future.

You can't carry your yesterday into your tomorrow.

Transformation leads to reformation, which leads to a spiritual revolution

that spreads far beyond us!

So what is God speaking right now? Get ready . . . something is coming . . . God is going to do a new thing! I'm not sure what that new thing is, but I want to be ready for it when it comes!

Monday musings . . .

I was listening to a preview chat for the Ultimate Women's Expo with Cindy Rushton recently, and the speaker gave a new definition of trust that I've been pondering ever since:


Total
Reliance
Under
Stress and
Trial

She encouraged us to study and discover the richness of the names of God, reminding us that "you can't trust what you don't know!" This was an incredibly timely word for me, since we've been going through some "stress and trial" recently. Do I totally rely on God, despite what my circumstances are saying . . . because of what I KNOW of Him?

When I stop and consider what He has revealed to us about Himself through His names, I can draw so much strength and comfort from that knowledge. He is:

• Jehovah Jireh - my Provider
• Jehovah Shalom - my Peace
• Jehovah Rophe - my Healer
• Jehovah Nissi - my Banner
• El Shaddai - the Strong One who is tender with me
• El Roi - the One who sees

He is sovereign and in control -- nothing is outside of His notice. He's never caught off-guard by the things that try to "rock my world" . . . He knew everything about me before I ever existed. He is my Savior, Messiah, Redeemer and Friend. And He is the same yesterday, today and forever! If there was ever anyone worthy of my trust, it is Him!

Happy 2009!

Yes, I know I'm a bit late with these wishes . . . but nevertheless, I pray that God will bless you richly in this new year and that you will experience all that He has for you! I love these words from the book of Ephesians:

I pray that out of His glorious riches

He may strengthen you with power

through His Spirit in your inner being,

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,

may have power, together with all the saints,

to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge --

that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more

than all we ask or imagine,

according to His power that is at work within us,

to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus

throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.

(Ephesians 3:16-21)

Faith is . . .

Here's a quote I read today by Oswald Chambers:

Faith is deliberate confidence in the character of God

whose ways you may not understand at the time.

Praise God that we can have faith in Him, even when our circumstances don't make sense! We can be confident in His character -- His love, righteousness, strength, goodness, mercy, power . . . all of who He is! And that is a comfort in uncertain times!

The Invisible Woman

I ran across this video today and it really spoke to me . . . reminding me again why I do what I do and challenging me to be purposeful in all I do! Enjoy!

(Before you play it, make sure you pause the music playing on my blog -- scroll down until you see the finetune player located in the right-hand column)

Wednesday Worship!

I was visiting Cindy Rushton's website this evening and a particular post caught my eye . . . surprise, surprise, it was about worship! It seems like everywhere I am, God is speaking to me about the importance of having a worshipper's heart . . . that worship is not a "slow song" but a life surrendered to God and willing to be used of Him to touch those around us with His love.

Cindy's article talked about something that isn't always our first thought when we consider worship -- spiritual warfare! Just like Joshua and Jehosaphat discovered, the best way to come against the enemy's strategies is through praise and worship. Worship is about surrendering control of the situation to God, and praise magnifies Him instead of the battle we are facing.

If you want to read the article, here's a link:
What a Way To Battle! Worship! by Cindy Rushton

I was blessed by it!

What a week!

What an amazing week! I feel like I've been poured into so much this week!

First was the Ultimate Homeschool Expo --a week-long homeschool convention that's entirely online! Complete with seminars I could listen to "live" and ask questions, as well as door prizes and even a "mommy grab bag" with all sorts of freebies. It was so much fun! And so many of the speakers talked about keeping our priorities in order -- relationship with God, marriage, parenting, homeschooling, ministry. There was such a passion on the part of the organizer Cindy Rushton to minister to us as homeschooling parents. And the best part? I can go back and listen to the seminars again -- I just download them when I'm ready for them. (Now I want an iPod of my own so that I can fill it with these teachings to listen to when I work out!)

Then we had a busy, but fantastic, weekend -- hosting the senior pastor of the church we served as youth pastor. He came to do a leadership training seminar and then he ministered this morning at church.

It was such a refreshing time for Brent and me . . . Pastor Phil is like a spiritual father to us as he's the one who married us and has walked with us through the first eight years of ministry. He spoke so many words of encouragement to us, and I know that our congregation here was blessed and challenged by his ministry this weekend.

I'm so thankful for times of refreshing that come from God's hand . . . He loves us so much and meets the desires of our hearts. Thank You, God, for refreshing me this week!

National Day of Prayer, Part 2

I had the opportunity to listen to Ravi Zacharias speak on prayer (on TV, not in person) this afternoon as part of the National Day of Prayer observance in Washington, DC. He shared some wonderful things . . . one of the things that spoke to me was what prayer does. Here's what he said:

1. Prayer recognizes the sovereignty of God in my life.
2. Prayer recognizes that God is with me.
3. Prayer reveals my own heart to me.
4. As I pray, God fashions me into the person that He wants me to be.

God is calling His people to pray . . . am I listening? Are you?

More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.

- Alfred Lord Tennyson -