Messes Everywhere - But for One

When I think of messes, I think of toddlers learning to eat on their own. All the food goes everywhere except their mouths. I think of someone cooking in the kitchen who doesn’t “clean as they go” and the amount of pots, pans, utensils, bowls around when they are done their creation. I think of me when I am done painting a room. There is paint everywhere from my head to my toes.

 I think of people. People are messy. People say things, not nice things, which leave a lasting impact on others. Hearts are hurt and damage is done. People do things that make you shake your head and wonder “What were they thinking?” People are messy. 

 Hearts are messy. My heart is messy. One minute I am filled with anger at something and the next I am feeling compassion. Our hearts can be stubborn and want their own way and then in the next minute letting go of the stubborn and relinquishing control. If I dig down into the motives of why I do things, I see that my motives are not always Christ-like. Sometimes, they are genuinely filled with love. Other times, not so much. Hearts are messy.

 One thing that is never messy is God. Now, I know from experience that following God is often messy. This is because when we follow him it involves people and our hearts…which are messy. But God himself is not messy. We know who He is and what He is about.

 We know that God loves us. In spite of who I can be at times (not pretty), He loves me. Truly, give his own heart on a cross for me, loves me. He would move worlds if He thought it would be for my good. What he wants more than anything is to spend time with me and talk. 

 God also loves every single person on this planet. Every person. No matter how good or how bad they are. They are loved equally, unconditionally, giving his own heart on a cross for them. 

 What does God want from me? He wants me to love like that. When someone does something that makes me shake my head and want to put distance between us, I go to God and say “What do you want?” And He says “Love them.” My messy heart does not want to do this. I am comfortable with the distance. But if I want to be like Jesus, if I want to be like love, then I need to do it.

 The other cliché we hear all the time is “What would Jesus do?” I’d like to rephrase that and have us ask “What would love do?” In our world of hurt, and there is a lot of it, we need to take a step toward love by reacting and reaching with love. 

Sharing Your Shoes

“Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.” Hebrews 2:18 NLT

Recently, we went on a family vacation to the beach. Four generations of extended family came together to spend some time enjoying God’s creation and each other. My parents, our daughter and son and our two grandkids were there making it extra special. Each day we’d go to the beach, hang out together, play in the water and the sand and really enjoy family.

One day we arrived on the beach to find something that didn’t feel like such a blessing. Biting flies. These smallish flies were buzzing all around. Not a big deal right? Wrong. They would land on you and quickly bite you before you could shoo them away. It stung and was super annoying. And they were fast. It seemed like they were just coming up out of the sand.

A family members volunteered to walk back to the house and get the bug spray. They came back with the adult bug spray but not the bug spray for the kids. The adults started spraying themselves to get some relief from the biting. I asked my daughter if she wanted some of the bug spray and she said no. Then she followed with “I want to know what the kids are experiencing so I can know how to take care of them.”

This mama (and γιαγιά‘s) heart loved that response. Her concern for her kids was greater than her discomfort. As I pondered this, I realized I too have someone to take care of me like that. Jesus.

Jesus left heaven, the ultimate place of beauty, love and glorious unity, to come here to earth so he would understand what I walked through. He gave up comfort to experience discomfort. He gave up safety to make sure I was safe. He came to this world full of jealousy, hate, anger and temptations to understand the circumstances and temptations I would face. He did that for all of us.

Why? Because he loves us that much. He loves us so much he personally identified with us. He put himself in our shoes so as we walked our journeys, we would know that we mattered. We matter so much that he was willing to give it all for us. Jesus can and does comfort us in whatever we are dealing with. He experienced the same things when he was here. Maybe he knew. Maybe he knew that the realization that I am not alone as I live on this earth, that the One I turn to knows exactly what I am going through, maybe he knew that would help on this not always so easy journey.

I am so thankful Jesus put himself in my shoes. It matters to my heart. And as I write this I wonder, do I have the same love my daughter has for her kids and Jesus had for me for others? Am I willing to be uncomfortable to help someone else? Am I willing to sacrifice to come along side and help another person? 

Jesus, please make my heart like yours. Please break my heart for what breaks yours and help me to live like you did, to put myself in other’s shoes and come along side them in love. I love you, Amen.

Trusting When It's Weird

Remember the former things, those of long ago;
    I am God, and there is no other;
    I am God, and there is none like me.
10 I make known the end from the beginning,
    from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
    and I will do all that I please.’
11 From the east I summon a bird of prey;
    from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose.
What I have said, that I will bring about;
    what I have planned, that I will do. Isaiah 46:9-11 (NIV)

The other day my husband told me that the grocery store across from his work had a line outside to go in. They would only let a limited number of people in at a time and when you were in there, they monitored how close you were to other people. This just seemed so weird to me.

The next morning, I realized we needed some food for the house so I decided to go to a grocery store near our home. I decided to go early just in case they would only let so many in at a time. I got there before the store opened and there were 2 people in line ahead of me. We were spaced strategically apart. I started a conversation with the woman in front of me and we were talking about how bizarre this all seemed.

People continued to come and get in line. Everyone was more or less spaced out. Some more careful than others. Some joined in the conversation and some didn’t. Here’s what I’ve noticed most though during this time. People’s eyes.

As you walk around the store (or anywhere for that matter), people are afraid. No one trusts anyone. There are looks of fear as we glance at each other almost afraid to make eye contact. They wonder where you’ve been. They wonder if you are secretly carrying a virus. They wonder if you can make them sick. I wonder if I say anything or interact if it is against the rules. The warmth is gone. The humanness is missing.

As I pondered this on the way home, I realized it would be super easy to get depressed in this situation. I am a people person and I just want to go up to people and hug them and love on them. (I’d probably get arrested.) I want to let them know that God is in control.

And he is. I know during times like these that is hard to see. I know that it seems like he’s not if he is allowing this to happen. But he is. God is still God. He has not relinquished his authority over our world. He is still all-powerful and completely in control of everything.

I don’t know why he is allowing all this. I ask him to take it away. But, I do trust him. I trust his decisions and I trust what he allows. I know his plan is more complex than my understanding. Most importantly, I trust his love. How can I not? If I don’t, then I don’t trust Jesus either. And I think that would be more devastating than any virus.

An Example Of A Roof

So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20b (NLT)

Yesterday, we talked about love that bears all things. The love in 1 Corinthians 13:7 is translated as a covering and we equated it to being a roof of love and protection over people. And the example we live by is Christ. He was the ultimate covering, wasn’t he? The unconditional love he gave is our example.

He is our shelter in a storm.

But you are a tower of refuge to the poor, O Lord,
a tower of refuge to the needy in distress.
You are a refuge from the storm
and a shelter from the heat. Isaiah 25:4

His love for us covered a multitude of sins. He gave his life so our sins would be covered by his sacrifice.

Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. 1 Peter 3:18

He gave of himself so we would know our worth.

Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me. Isaiah 49:15-16

He is our safe place.

God is our safe place and our strength. He is always our help when we are in trouble. So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and the mountains fall into the center of the sea, and even if its waters go wild with storm and the mountains shake with its action. Psalm 46:1-3 (NLV)

He's Still King

John’s two disciples found Jesus and said to him, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?’” Luke 7:20 (NLT)

John was in prison. Can you imagine it? The prisons then were damp, dark cells in the bowels of some structure. While there, his disciples came to visit and told him of all the things Jesus was doing. Jesus was healing tons of people. He was casting out demons; he was raising people from the dead. Miraculous things.

John sent them to Jesus to ask him if he was really the Messiah. Wait. What?

John’s whole ministry was about declaring that Jesus was the Messiah. He said it over and over again. Early in his journey he saw Jesus coming and declared “Behold, the Lamb of God!” When he baptized him he saw the Holy Spirit descend on him. John knew Jesus was the Messiah.

So what happened? John knew his end was near. He knew he was going to be put to death. And I bet he was afraid. I wonder if as he sat in his cell and contemplated what was coming if he began to wonder why Jesus wasn’t helping him out of this. Do you think he reasoned that if Jesus was the Messiah, why didn’t he free him?. After all, John had served him faithfully all these years. Maybe the thought crossed his mind that Jesus was not the Messiah. After all, if he was, he could do something.

Ever happen to you? Have you ever been in the thick of it (whatever it is) and you have prayed and prayed and prayed. And no relief. No answer. It is so tempting to believe that if God were God he would fix the problem. Maybe he’s not. Satan loves to put that lie in our heads.

Jesus did answer John. He told John to look at everything that was happening; not just at his cell. Look broader. God is moving. Refocus and you will see it.

Jesus did not save John. There was a purpose and plan for John’s life. Jesus did not interfere with that. Even though John was beheaded, Jesus was still the Messiah. And he is still the Messiah today. No matter what your life looks like right now, Jesus is still King. He still died for you. He loves you. Even if you don’t get the answers to the prayers you are praying.

Family Focused

God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Ephesians 1:5 (NLT)

I am adopted. I was adopted very early on in my life and I’ve known about it since I was young enough to understand. Recently, I’ve found out more about my birth father and more siblings have been added into my family! I went from having 9 to having about 20 (maybe a little more.)

This whole experience made me think about Jesus and his lineage. It was super messy. In Matthew 1 there are some questionable characters mentioned. Maybe this is an example of why the Bible says he experienced the same things we do.

It also says we were adopted us into his family. God did this - before we even knew what was going on and it gave him great pleasure.

Jesus knew this because when he was asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!” (Matthew 12:48-50)

Imagine that! How many brothers and sisters and mothers and fathers do we have now? TONS! And think about all the potential family members you have. Anyone who could choose Jesus as their Savior is a potential family member.

Maybe today, we should treat everyone with the love Jesus showed us when he adopted us. Maybe, we should look around and see all the family members we have and lean in and embrace each other. Jesus did. So should we.

Keep Running

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NLT)

The story was told in Runners World magazine (8/91) of a woman named Beth Anne DeCiantis. You may have heard it but I am going to retell it here because it is so inspiring.

Beth was running to qualify for the Olympics in the marathon event. In order to qualify, a runner had to run the 26.2 miles in two hours and forty-five minutes. She started off well and ran without a problem until she hit mile 23. She had two minutes left to qualify as she headed into the last push. Her foot came down unevenly and she stumbled and fell. She knelt there dazed. She was down for 20 precious seconds. The bystanders yelled encouragement. She got up and began to walk. She had less than a minute left. She made it to five yards, ten seconds remaining and she fell again. The crowd yelled for her to get up! As the final seconds ticked away, it did not seem like she was going to make it. She started to crawl. Just as time was running out, she stretched and reached across the finish line on her hands and knees. She finished.

What inspires you? What causes you to keep running the race? Is it Jesus?

In 2 Corinthians 5:14 Paul says that the love of Christ’s love compels us. Not our love for him but his love for us. Paul’s life seems to always be a grueling race. He endured so much. Yes he was driven by one thing, Jesus love for him and sharing that with others.

Is that what motivates you today? Is that what inspires you? What drives you to keep going when the going gets tough? Jesus loves you. I hope that is what keeps you going.

For The Love Of.....

Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this? Esther 4:14 (NLT)

Our sermon series and Bible Study theme at church right now is “Fleshing Out Love.” Have you ever read the Bible with this in mind? Recently, I put on this lens and read Esther. What an eye-opening experience. And boy does the lesson apply to our world.

As you read the first chapter, you can see what King Xerxes is in love with. He is in love with his wealth, his things, his pleasure, his power, his self-importance. Pretty much he is in love with himself. All of his actions demonstrate this. Because of this, Esther ends up in the palace in his harem.

Chapter 2 and 3 moves through the story and Esther is chosen as Queen. All throughout, her cousin Mordecai comes to the palace to hear word of her. He adopted her when his Uncle and Aunt died. He loves Esther and his family. He also loves integrity. When he overheard a plot to kill the King, he didn’t harbor bitterness because of what the King did to Esther, he revealed the plot and saved the King’s life.

Chapter 4 introduces Haman. He is also in love with himself and his power, his money and his position. Oh, and he’s in love with his belief that anyone that doesn’t believe like he does is useless and needs to be done away with. He acts on this and goes to the King asking permission, offering to pay for it and unfortunately, the King says yes. They issue a decree saying all Jews will be slaughtered on a specific day.

In Chapter 5 Mordecai goes into mourning and sits outside the palace gates in sackcloth and ashes. Esther hears and a conversation ensues. Mordecai demonstrating love for his people and his family asks her to help. Here, Esther demonstrates love for her own life and says that she can’t. She will die. Mordecai says “You are going to die anyway. This is why you are here!” Esther agrees and she goes before the king loving her people and her calling more than her life.

As you read through this story, I bet you thought of people that may have fit in every single role. Right? Can I challenge you with a thought? We probably all fit in every role at some time in our week. None of us is above the self-love that is demonstrated that caused harm to others. We do it every time we judge. What we need to get to is the sacrificial love exhibited by Mordecai and Esther. The love that puts others first always. The love that sacrifices what we think for what is best for human beings.

This is the love that was lived out by Jesus. I know I have a long way to go but this is what I want my life to look like. How about you?