the cost
(ads placed here by WordPress) Jesus said, “Take up your cross and follow me.” (Matt 16:24)
Let me be perfectly clear — Salvation is not something we earn. We can’t possibly be good enough. It is a free gift from God. Jesus paid the price. That said, we are changed in the presence of a Holy God. When we accept this free gift, we become a new creation. Our priorities shift. Denying ourselves and taking up our cross is costly to our old way of doing things.
Being a Cristian comes with a financial cost. It isn’t all about me. We are to help others. Does God have control of your finances? Where are you storing up your treasures? (Matt 6:19-21)
Sometimes the cost is physical. As one who deals with chronic pain, there can be a cost to doing what God is asking. I remind myself often that in my weakness, He is strong. (2 Cor 12:9) I don’t get a pass because I’m in pain. What I do get is the real life examples of Jesus doing through me what I could not do on my own.
There’s a cost that comes with choices we make. Over commitment or laziness both cost us – just in different ways.
“I have found the pace at which I can survive, but it is not the pace at which I will thrive.”
I don’t remember who said this, but it is powerful. Maybe you should read it again. God will give us the grace we need to do what He is calling us to do. Living in survival mode is not what is meant by ”walking in the Spirit – living the abundant life.” (Gal 5:16, John 10:10)
There’s a cost. Why would we think that there isn’t a cost in following Christ? Jesus set the example for us to follow. “Not my will but Thine be done.” (Matthew 26) Jesus didn’t just give part of himself. He didn’t die for 70% of our sin. He didn’t put limits on the amount of sacrifice He was willing to give. He surrendered to the will of His Father. Jesus made the way for mankind to be set free from the bondage of sin. He paid the ultimate price and in doing so He conquered death and the grave.
As a Christian, Jesus dwells in our heart by faith. (Ephesians 3:16-18) We are called to love Him with our whole heart. (Deut 6:4-5, Matt 22:37) If we love Him, we will keep His commandments. (John 14:15) Love God, love people!
Salvation is free. We are then called to follow Christ. Following Christ is giving Him our lives, allowing Him to work in us and through us.
There was a time in my life where I wanted Jesus to be my Savior but I still wanted to be Lord (ruler) of my life. Truth be told, that was the most miserable time in my Christian walk.
When I exchanged my will, my plans for His will and His plan – my life changed. It was as if I had been sleep walking up to that point. When I stopped trying to make God fit my understanding and instead let Him amaze me – Amaze me He did and does. (Job 9:10) He is the God of wonder! He is the God of the impossible! He is the God of miracles! He is always the God of Hope!
Salvation is free. We can’t earn it. We can’t do anything to make God love us more. He loves us. Yet, following Jesus will cost as we say ‘not my will, but Yours be done.’ We are called to: *Love our enemies. (Matt 5:44, Luke 6:35) *Do good to those who spitefully use us. ((Luke 6:27-28) *Help the poor and needy. (Prov 19:17, Matt 25:31-46) *Treat others the way we want to be treated. (Luke 6:31) All of these go against the self-centered world around us. There is a cost.
The price we pay is nothing compared to what we receive: peace, grace, joy, hope, love and the list goes on. In addition, Jesus wants to work through us to change our world. What an incredible journey we are on when we say “Yes, Lord. I am Yours. (Sol 2:16) Here am I. Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8).
Not my will, but Yours!
til next time
God of all comfort
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My sister introduced me to Five Guys hamburger joint years ago. I was a fan from the beginning. First off, they give you peanuts to munch on while you wait for your made to order burger. (Mine has grilled onions, mushrooms, green peppers, mayo, bbq sauce, cheese, lettuce, and pickles. It is one messy burger.) The burgers are great and then you add to it Cajun fries and oh my, so much yes!
Often we would find ourselves at Five Guys when we would go up to visit my sister and family. Even when I could no longer munch on peanuts, it was still a hit. We often celebrated our birthday together and also celebrated ordinary days there. I would post on facebook anytime hubs and I would find a Five Guys just to let her know it made me think of her.
When she passed away, I didn’t think I would ever go back.
Four years ago I believed with everything in me that she would keep breathing when they unhooked the life support. I wasn’t ready for her to leave. It was all so unbelievable. Anyone who lost someone to covid, knows how unbelievable it all was. She was the healthy one. I was the one immunocompromised and yet I walked out of the hospital from my bout with covid.
Grief is a tricky thing. It can sneak up on you. A reminder can seem to pull the rug out from under you. The anniversary of her death (Christmas Eve Eve) and our birthday (yes I was born on her birthday) are difficult days. The loss of a loved one runs deep.
Contrary to the slogan that time heals all wounds – time does not heal all wounds. Time can infact cause the heartache to fester and possibly even become septic. However, time can help you learn how to go on.
I believe this is where God comes in. God is the God of all comfort. He will comfort and give peace. He will help you learn how to go on. Relying on Him will stop the heartache from becoming septic.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Cor 1:3-4
God comforts us so we can in turn comfort others. Am I letting Him work through me to comfort others? That is my desire.
So today on this 4th anniversary of her death, I tell hubs that I am ready and want to go to Five Guys. I want to soak up all the memories.
Things have changed a bit. I now bring my own bun because I can’t have the seeds. They gave me jalapeno peppers instead of green peppers. Oops! My sister would have found that funny.
Holidays can be difficult for people who have lost someone dear to them. If you are dealing with grief and heartache, please turn to God and ask Him to help. Send me a message – I will listen. I will also lift you in prayer as well.
til next time
apologize? but i did nothing wrong
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It’s been years now since that day when I was praying about an upcoming event, where I knew the potential for fleshly responses would be great, when this little prayer dropped into my lap.
I have prayed it many times since that day. It has tremendously helped me to be aware of my words and actions. Having a clean conscious is a wonderful thing. (Side note, when God reveals an action or words that warrant an apology — own it and do it. That also helps with future actions and words.)
There is this section of verses in Mathew that says “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.” (5:23-24)
Recently I found out that an individual has an issue with me that impacts not only us but other people as well. My first response was – I can’t think of anything I have done that warrants this behavior. Then my flesh had a few thoughts – like – Really? She can’t be serious? What’s wrong with her? We aren’t children…. (I share these because it’s important that we recognize when the flesh is trying to control our responses and decisions.) I then thought of our last encounter. I clearly came away from that knowing I had handled myself in a way that required no apology.
Then it happened. One morning God woke me up with the section of scripture from Matthew. You see it doesn’t matter that I can’t think of anything I’ve done. It doesn’t matter that the last time we were together was one of those times where I was very much aware of my behavior and my desire to not do or say anything that later I would need to apologize for. What matters is that she has a problem and I now know about it.
I am not responsible for her actions. I am responsible for what I do. I am not responsible for the outcome but I am responsible to reach out. (Matthew 5)
This individual lives hundreds of miles from me so going to her in person is not feasible. I could call but I didn’t want to put her on the defense. So that morning I wrote her an old fashioned letter.
Often times situations like these are a product of miscommunication or a misunderstanding. However, when you add years of holding on to frustration, bitterness can build up quickly in someone’s heart. What was likely an irritation to her has now morphed into it’s own storyline.
What is my next step? Going forward I will do what I can do to love this person. 1 Cor 13 gives us a list of things that love is or isn’t. In this case, love is not rude and keeps no record of wrongs. That’s a tall order for my flesh. However, my flesh no longer controls me. ( Gal 5:25 “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”) Thankfully, God is right there to help us walk and grow in love.
How’s your love walk?
til next time
God is writing my story
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I came across this writing from June of 2020. It was in the midst of covid. Remember those days?
A month before, my son had been in a bad motorcycle accident that could have taken his life. Thank You God for watching over him. In addition to that, I had just had a rod put in my arm – repairing my humerus bone that was broken in two places. I was limited in what I could do. Life as I knew it had drastically changed. (Little did I know then that I would end up in the hospital with covid 4 1/2 months later.)
This verse became one of many life-line verses.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His Mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning, new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness, oh Lord. Great is thy faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
Here’s my writing from that time period.
Life just doesn’t make sense
How can this be?
Surely this isn’t
what You wanted for me??
I know not what tomorrow brings.
I struggle with today.
I know that You are with me
whatever comes my way.
The pain comes and goes.
The road ahead is long.
Yet each and every night,
You give me a song.
You are my way maker.
You are able!
On the Solid Rock I stand.
My footing is stable.
I hear You in the quiet and
In the rustling of the trees.
When the pain is intense,
I hear You whispering in the breeze
“Trust Me, My child
And all will see
My goodness and My glory
As you cling to Me”
I hear You in the noise
declaring “Peace be still.”
Chatter replaced with calm –
According to Your will,
To You be the praise.
To You be the glory.
From now until the end
You are writing my story!
It is good to look back and remember. God used that time in my life to do a work in me that only better prepared me for what was ahead. He does turn ashes into beauty. He is the 4th man in the fire. He is greater than whatever I face. God is still writing my story. He is my steadfast song of strength.
God is still writing your story. If things are challenging and you are feeling the heat, remember this is only a chapter. Your story isn’t over. Better days are ahead. Through it all, God promises to be with you and He is a present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
til next time
generous?
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Hubs and I live our lives looking to be generous where we can. It is important to us. It is part of our budget. (On a side note, if you aren’t budgeting – do it. Even if all you do is track your spending. It will likely be eye opening. We budget everything. We do not buy now and pay later with interest. We tithe. We also have a column for missionaries and for benevolence. Both of those are as important to me as my grocery column.)
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Cor 9:7 ESV
Cheerful giver — no strings attached.
Recently my giving came under scrutiny. Here’s what happened.
It’s the little things. Walking up and finding a cart free at Aldi feels like I won a prize. I almost always leave my cart free when I am done. It is a good feeling to think I have given someone else a good feeling.
A couple weeks ago I saw this older man hustle to grab a free cart at Aldi. I smiled and thought good for you. However, as I got closer, something wasn’t quite right. He didn’t go inside. He went around the corner and stopped. Then he came back around and put the cart away – pocketing the quarter. Odd, but – ok. You do you.
When I came out, there he was lurking, yes lurking – ready to grab the next free cart. My first thought was don’t you know you are taking away little joys for others? I connected my cart that day.
A week later, I’m back and so is he. Where once there seemed to always be a free cart or two. Now there isn’t any. It’s the little things. Again, I connect my cart.
When talking with my husband, his first thought was -maybe he needs that money Gloria. Ugh! Yes, maybe he does. How quickly I can forget. I told Curtis that if he needed money, I would gladly give him some but this way he is taking away the fun of finding a free cart and passing on a free cart.
I am not responsible for his actions. Yet his actions changed mine. That is not right. My generosity took a hit.
I am determined that next week, if he is there, I will go up to him with a $5 bill in my pocket and talk with him. Maybe I’ll even take him to Chick-fil-A. I am also determined that I will pass my cart on if possible or leave my cart unattached as in the past. It’s the little things.
“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25
This is one very small example of where I let judgment produce stinginess. It’s the little things.
Take a moment and look at your own life. Are you a generous person? There are lots of ways to be generous — money, time, going above and beyond what’s expected, listening ear, even likes on facebook can be a way to be generous.
Many people are only generous when it benefits them in some way. I’ll type that again cuz it is worth repeating. Many people are only generous when it benefits them in some way. This is not a definition of a generous person.
“And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of Mine, you did it for Me.’” Matt 25:40 NASB
Should I see the elderly gentlemen next week, I’ll be sure to let you know what happens.
til next time
worry
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Do you worry?
I watched my mom struggle with worry. I decided early on that it was not going to rule my life. Yet it isn’t a one time decision. Each time a situation that comes along could produce worry – I decide again that I am not going to let worry run my life. I choose to trust God.
God is greater! Over and over again He has proven this in my life.
Worry will ruin a good day every time.
I am sure that if we wanted to, we could find something to worry about every single moment of every single day. I think there are people who do just that. It might not be because they necessarily want to but because they haven’t decided to do anything different.
It really doesn’t take any effort to worry. It doesn’t take discipline to fret and stew over something. It sure does rob you of energy though. It does negatively affect your health.
Trusting God, no matter how things appear, removes worry from dominating your life. Trusting God does require discipline on your part. You have to make the choice and then stick with the choice.
Trusting God brings peace.
Is there an area in your life that tends to cause worry? Take a moment right now and give it to God. Ask for His help in leaving it in His care. Decide now that when worry starts to creep in, you will take it to God. Decide that you will truly trust God.
“But I am trusting you, O Lord,
saying, “You are my God!”
My future is in your hands.” Psalm 31:14-15a NLT
“The Lord is my strength and shield.
I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” Psalm 28:7 NLT
Go ahead – burst into song — Sing! All to Jesus I surrender. All to Him I freely give……….. So let go my soul and trust in Him. The waves and wind still know His name……”
trusting,
til next time
afflictions eclipsed by glory
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Today I find myself outside at one of my favorite places. The wind is strong. As I watch the trees bending beneath that breeze, I’m reminded that bending with the winds helps the trees not to snap.
I’m also reminded of the song “Oh How He Loves Us.”
“Love’s like a hurricane, I am a tree. Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy. When all of a sudden I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory. And I realize just how beautiful You are And how great Your affections are for me….”
Afflictions eclipsed by glory – what a beautiful word picture. Yet, it is more than a word picture. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, His glory will block out the neon light that those aflictions want us to focus on.
Afflictions can be big things like a plumbing issue, vehicle problems, a health issue that drags on and on, a conflict that breaks your heart, a death, job strife…. Often, however, it is a bunch of little things – one on top of the other until you snap.
The enemy will use whatever means he can to get our eyes off Jesus and onto the afflictions.
Bend with the wind. I can’t even count the number of times this week that I have said or have thought “nothing- NOTHING can get to me without going through my Savior. If He allows it, there’s got to be a purpose. Even if…. I will praise Him. (Daniel 3)
We learn a lot about ourselves when we are in the heat of afflictions. We so easily miss out on what God is doing when we spend our time and energy frustrated about the affliction.
Psalms 31:14-15″LORD, I trust you. I have said, “You are my God.” My life is in your hands”
Jeremiah 26:14″My life is in your hands. Do with me whatever you think is good and right”
“When all of a sudden I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory.And I realize just how beautiful You are And how great Your affections are for me….”
God is good. Life is good. Life can be hard. God is still good!
Till next time
the space between
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Taking a few moments to pause and reflect on today. Yesterday was Good Friday. Tomorrow is Resurrection Sunday. Today is the day of waiting. What must it have been like for those who were there when Jesus died?
Jesus in now in the tomb. Between — that space of between. They didn’t understand what was about to happen. They only knew things were not what they had hoped for, what they had expected. Sunday was coming.
Maybe you are in that place of between. You got a call from the Doctor. Then comes the waiting – the between. The not knowing. A time when your hope may even come into question. Or you may have lost your job. Now what? The between. Maybe you are dealing with a strained relationship. It isn’t what it was. It isn’t what you hoped. The between.
I encourage you to be present in the waiting. Reaffirm your surrender to Jesus. Pause in the stillness of that surrender. There is peace that is found when you don’t rush through the space called ‘between.’
If you have time, click on the video and sing with us. Most importantly, spend some uninterrupted time with Jesus.
Sunday is coming!
til next time
over thinking
Over-thinking — it is a trap – one many people find themselves stuck in. (fyi – ads are placed here by WordPress not me)
There was a time in my life where I would look at a sticky situation and I could come up with 5 or 6 different scenarios of how that was going to play out. I would try to have a plan for each possible outcome. I would try to do damage control before things got worse. It was a heavy weight. I didn’t realize how heavy until I began to stop the overthinking process.
Even when I had a plan for each possible solution, it never turned out that way. There were always things that I didn’t plan for, things going on that I didn’t realize or people just didn’t do what I thought they would.
To this day, when I know of a sticky situation some of these thoughts try to ensnare me. “What if? What am I going to do so this doesn’t escalate? What am I…. , what do I …., how am I … I…. I … I — there is the real problem. me It is also one reason why we are told to take every thought captive. (2 Cor 10:5)
There is a better way.
Luke 12: 11-12 NLT “And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”
In Luke 12 we are told to not worry about what how we are going to defend ourselves when brought to trial. The Holy Spirit will teach us. Earlier in 12 we are told that even the hairs on our head are numbered and we are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Over and over and over again we are told to not worry, to not fear. One way that we can overcome worry and fear is to trust God with all the what ifs. What ifs can paralyze you from moving forward. You can become too afraid of making the wrong decision. Yes, overthinking can actually hinder you from making decisions. Certainly it can cause anxiety.
God has a better way.
I believe in the same way the Holy Spirit can give us the words to say (Luke 12:12) He can also help us in the moment we find ourselves in. Walking with Jesus is a day by day, minute by minute thing. We yoke up with Jesus. That makes the difference.
Matthew 11:28-30 NLT “Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Over thinking is a heavy burden. Jesus offers us a better way. We are not responsible for the outcome. We are responsible for our relationship with Him. I’ve said it before and I’ll keep saying it. You are as close to Jesus as you choose to be!
You and I will still find ourselves in some difficult situations. Problems will arise. (In the world you will have trials and sorrows John 16:33) I encourage you to start today by letting go of your need to over analyze things. Give it to God. Ask Him to help you let go of your need to try to control outcomes.
Father God, here is the mess. Help me to walk in Your peace, in gratitude and trust. Whatever happens I know that Your Spirit will guide me and help me. You are an ever present help in whatever trouble I find myself in. (Psalm 46:1) I trust You. You will see me through. You are working all things out for good. You bring beauty out of ashes. Your love sustains me. I trust You.
til next time
ordinary into extraordinary
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Today is just another ordinary day. I am so thankful that God uses ordinary days for His glory.
‘So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.’ 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
Whatever you do………….. most of that will involve ordinary things.
God can use ordinary everyday things for a greater purpose.
Driving to work is a wonderful opportunity for me to talk with God about the day, the issues I am facing, the people I will come in contact with today and the prayer needs that my friends and family are facing.
My kitchen used to wear me out. Then I discovered the difference popping in a teaching makes. (I listen to Joyce Meyer) The kitchen is no longer an issue. Taking an ordinary thing but making it extraordinary. Win win!!
Another ordinary task that has become a moment of solitude in my day is when the stoplight turns red. (Many complain about a particular stoplight in our town that takes too long.) When I find myself stopped, I think of red, yellow, green. Red – Stop. Yellow – Breathe – actually take a deep breath. Green – Believe – redirect my thoughts to a promise from God. It is a wonderful way to refocus on God.
Going for walks is another ordinary task that can easily become a prayer walk. It is amazing how your neighborhood changes when you begin to pray for your neighbors.
Shopping or running to the grocery store can also be an opportunity to reach into the life of a stranger. Ask God to open your eyes to those He has placed in your path.
What ordinary things are you doing that God turns into extraordinary?
Whatever you do………….. most of that will involve ordinary things
learning to cultivate an awareness of His presence as I go through my day,
til next time,
About
Welcome to my fish bowl!
Things that matter to me are: God, family, friends, helping people, taking time to really live in the moment, and trying to slow down in a fast paced world.
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Living Life in a Fish Bowl! 