God & Guitars

If you are really, really fortunate then once in your life you'll have someone cross your path who makes a lasting impact.  Like most parents, I pray for my kids to get good teachers and coaches in school, etc.  We've been blessed with some precious teachers over the years but tonight was a once in a lifetime experience.

Our son Jack has been taking guitar lessons for three years.  We've been with his current teacher, JRod, for about a year.  Jack has been working towards youth worship band auditions at church.  JRod is the former youth worship band pastor so he's got great insight.  Not only is he an extraordinary musician, he understands the heart of worship.  God has gifted him with a passion and ability to lead the next generation in worship and musical excellence.  That's a little bit about him, now let me tell you about Jack.

He made the worship band and absolutely loves it.  It's his thing and we're so excited he's found 'his thing'.  Since making the band Jack has been eyeing new electric guitars.  The one he has is a starter.  He's been earning money mowing lawns, pulling weeds, etc. for our neighbors.  He's saved up enough to pay for half of a pretty nice instrument.  JRod builds guitars and sells them to professional musicians.  There is one guitar in particular that Jack has admired in JRod's studio. It is a replica of his instructors vintage Stratocaster...the kind of guitar that even makes this novice's jaw drop. 

Jack has really no hope of getting this superior piece of craftsmanship because it's way out of his price range.  So he just admires it from afar.  To put it into my terms...this is a Louis Vuitton purse to one you buy off the rack at Target.  There's nothing wrong with the Target variety, but oh to have Louis.  But I digress....

A few months back Jack decided just for fun to make an imitation electric guitar (actual size) for his teacher.  He made it from sheet metal with a plywood base for stability.  He measured it out.  He used some sort of jig-saw (did you know they make different kinds of saws???) and metal cutters to shape the instrument.  Then he collected various parts from the hardware store and our garage to create the pegs, control knobs and pick-ups found on electric guitars. It was really quite impressive. 

All this time that Jack's been working hard to earn money and working hard on this gift, Chris has been talking with JRod about what kind of guitar Jack should get.  Chris even asked about this custom guitar in his shop but, not surprisingly, it was four times Jack's budget.  However, after thinking on it and praying about it, the teacher texted Chris and said he felt God wanted him to give this guitar to Jack at the price Jack could afford.  What?! 

Chris and I were completely overwhelmed.  Why would he do this?  This custom guitar had cost the teacher hours upon hours of time not to mention financial expense and emotional investment.  How could he part with it for such a low price?  This is the answer he gave. "I've had several people express interest in buying this guitar but I haven't been ready to give it up.  I've seen Jack's heart and I think he deserves this guitar.  I know he will invest himself in it for God's glory.  Jack's the man I'm supposed to give this to." 

So Chris came up with a plan to surprise Jack.  Jack's work of art was ready to be presented to JRod.  We drove over last night to give it to him.  JRod didn't know about Jack's gift...and Jack didn't know about the surprise that awaited him.  You should have seen JRod's reaction upon receiving this imitation guitar.  He treated it like priceless art.  He spent time looking at how Jack made it, the shape, the strings, etc.  His beautiful wife was there and she expressed great appreciation for the time it must have taken Jack to make it.  They talked about where they would hang it in the teacher's studio.  You could say their reaction was worth more than the guitar Jack had built but they saw it for what it was - an expression of thanks for an admired mentor.

After this JRod said, "Hey Jack, did I tell you I sold my Sunburst?  Yeah, I sold it to a kid I teach.  He loves the guitar and I decided I would only part with it if I knew it were going to someone who would use it for God's glory.  That's why the kid I sold it to...is you."  (I'm crying again now just thinking about it.)

Are you trying to guess Jack's reaction?  Did he jump up and down?  Did he say, "Get out of here!"  Did he burst into tears?  How do you respond to such a great gift?  Jack had spent a few hours working on an imitation.  It was cool but it wasn't the real thing.  The teacher had spent countless hours, sweat, energy, and love on this authentic guitar.  Jack was speechless.  Tears welled in his eyes.  He was amazed.  The once admired piece of work in the master's studio now belonged to him.  He didn't have to look at it hanging on a wall and wonder what it would feel like to play.  He held it.  He played it.  Now it would hang on his own wall and he could play it any time he wanted.

There are so many beautiful illustrations in this story but it boils down to this.  When we bring our offering of worship and admiration (the imitation guitar) to the Master, He loves it.  He knows our limitations and weaknesses but he knows our heart too.  He knows our motive is love and admiration. 

What happens when we give all we have to God?  He meets us right there with His overwhelming greatness.  He pours out healing and blessing and meets the deepest need of our heart. God's gift of Himself is the real deal.  He's poured His energy, sweat, and blood out for us.  We don't have to admire this gift from afar. Draw near to the Master today and experience Him for all He's worth.

The Challenge of a Chocolate Pie

Last week I stood before a large, intimidating mountain and dared to climb.  Here's my story.  Before I married my wonderful husband, my last name was Smith.  Being raised a Smith means certain things.  Smith's love Jesus.  Smith's support the Dallas Cowboys.  We laugh a lot and food is at the center of it all.  Our family gatherings revolve around a menu of traditional Smith favorites.  Who is cooking what, when will we eat it and how soon can we plan the next meal are central questions to be addressed.

Among our food traditions and addictions, there is one special dish that rises to the top.  My mother's chocolate pie.  Everyone who knows my mother knows she is a great cook.  People love my mama's cooking.  The woman can prepare anything she sets her whisk to.  In our family there are several recipes we always want mom to fix but none can compare to...The Chocolate Pie.

That's why no one else in our family ever dares to make it.  Until one day last week I decided to climb that mountain. We had special guests staying at our house.  As an expression of my love for these friends, I wanted to make a special dessert.  It doesn't get any more special than The Chocolate Pie.  I'd had my mom's recipe for years but never dared to actually attempt it.  How could it possibly compare?! No way!!  My mom laughs at my trepidation, but my apprehension was justified.  I was scared to follow in my mom's footsteps.  Has anyone ever heard of Picasso, Jr. the great painter or Einstein the second, the great thinker?  I didn't think so.

In the Old Testament, a guy named Joshua had his own mountain to climb.  He'd been trained up under Moses to succeed him but when the time came...well, holy cow, how do you follow freaking Moses?!  In Joshua 1:1-9 God boosts Joshua's confidence with these words, "(v.3) I will give you every place where you set your foot..(v.5) No one will be able to stand up against you; I will never leave you nor forsake you...(v.6) Be strong and courageous...(v.7) Be strong and very courageous...(v.8) Be careful to obey everything I tell you...(v.9) Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Does God know how to give a pep talk or what?! Yes, Joshua had big shoes to fill.  Who could blame him for feeling a little intimidated?  God said Joshua could do it.  Joshua believed God.  Joshua obeyed God.  Joshua saw God come through. 

Well, it doesn't quite compare to entering the Promised Land, but I made that pie.  After several calls to my mom for support it was finished.  By listening to her encouragement and following her recipe the pie turned out great. 

What mountain stands in front of you?  What is God asking you to do that scares you?  If God says you can do it, then you can!  Believe Him.  Obey Him.  See God come through then we can celebrate.  I'll bring pie!

Who, Me?

Last week, on a hot and humid day, I met some girlfriends for coffee - just the beverage everyone wants to drink on a hot and humid day, right?  We South Texans may be hot and sweaty but by golly, we love our specialty coffees just like those folks in the chilly Northwest.

But, I digress.  As I was saying, I met some quality girlfriends for some quality chat time.  I had just received my favorite sugar and espresso infused beverage when I promptly spilled the blasted thing.  Coffee went everywhere: the table, the chair, the floor, my shirt and even my shoes (the real trauma).  Now, spilling any coffee is bad enough but, this was 'designer' coffee (meaning I purchased it at a well-known coffee establishment at a designer price).  Here I had spilled designer coffee on my designer shoes - POO!  Not the way to start girl-time. 

So, what do you think I did next? Everyone could see that I'd spilled it.  It would be ridiculous to deny it.  I could feel the burn through my clothes.  The sweet scent of salted caramel drifted in the air as a sad reminder of what could have been. What if I decided to ignore it?  What if, when my friends were staring at the mess in front of them, I just said, "What are you staring at?  I didn't spill any coffee.  Who, me?"  They'd think all those latte's had burned my brain cells.   

I'm not so sure we don't act just like this when we brush over our disobedience and rebellion against God.  The effects of our disobedience, like a spilled drink, can be seen and felt - broken relationship with God, ineffective ministry, broken communication and relationship with our spouse or children.  We've made a mess but instead of owning it and asking God for help in cleaning it up, our pride steps in and we quickly put up a wall of denial.  "Who, me?"

King David was a rock star.  He had it all going on until he stole something that didn't belong to him. (See 2 Samuel 11.)  Rather than owning up to it he kept sinning to cover his tracks.  He took that spilled coffee and spread it around, but good.  His mess affected a lot of people and left a trail of carnage in it's wake.  Instead of being the spiritual leader for his people, he became an ineffective leader.  Eventually, a friend helped him see what he was doing and when David finally acknowledged his sin he was broken of his pride.  This was a turning point for David.  He got free of his sin by acknowledging it.

Look at David's prayer in Psalm 51 - 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; 9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you.

You want to be a great wife and mom?  Acknowledge your sin.  Want to be a faithful friend or have an effective ministry?  Acknowledge your sin.  It's easy to point to someone else's mess but what about yours?  God wants to do radically, life-giving things in our families and in our country but we are a prideful people (I'm afraid I'm first in that line).  Let us own up to our mess and run back into the arms of a loving and forgiving God. 

With the help of my friends, I cleaned up the coffee mess. 
With the help of some strong chemicals I cleaned up the stains on my shirt and shoes. 
With the help of the Holy Spirit, I am convicted of my sin. 
By the love and sacrifice of Jesus, I am led to repentance and forgiveness. 

Friends, we don't have to live with the stain of sin.  We don't have to deny it's existence.  It is by his kindness that we are led to repentance and back into sweet fellowship with our loving Father. 

Who vs. Why

For the past five months I've been teaching freshman girls discipleship class at a Christian school.  Some of the girls come from healthy families while others come from homes so dysfunctional I wonder how they make it to school each day.  The children who attend the Christian school are no different from the children who attend public school.  The difference is in the environment.  We, as teachers, are trying to make Christianity contagious.  We have lesson plans, yes, but more than that we hope our own relationship with Jesus is evident and desireable.  It is often said that Christianity is caught more than taught.  This teaching job has rekindled a fire in me to see the next generation put their trust in God and see Him do amazing things in their lives.

While I love my job, I have to admit it can be painful.  At times my girls make choices I know will lead to trouble but I feel powerless to prevent it.  Like a mother, I want to wrap them in my arms and protect them from the dangers of this world.  Having lived longer, I know what's out there and I want to shield them from the darkness.  It's about this time the Lord reminds me He is in control.  It's not my place to keep them locked up in some sort of Christian vault but rather to prepare them for His service to a hurting world.

Pain was not part of God's plan when He created man.  We are responsible for that.  However, God is so amazing He can take pain and turn it into something beautiful.   In the story of Job, when he lost everything - his belongings plus all ten of his children in one day - his friends tried everything they could to explain the 'why' of what happened.  In the end the 'why' didn't matter.  It was the 'who' - or should I say 'Who'. 

Out of the approximately 31,000 verses in the Bible, Job 42:5 is one of my top favorites.  After all of the discussion on why bad things happen, God came to Job and allowed Job to see Him in a powerful way.  Job had never experienced God like he did after his terrible tragedy.  God spoke to Job like He had never done before.  God didn't explain the 'why' but He revealed the 'Who' so well that Job didn't ask any more questions.  He just marveled.  Job's response to God's revelation of Himself was, "My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you." (Job 42:5)

We've experienced so much sadness and pain over the past week.  It seems like everyday there is more bad news.  My natural tendency is to ask 'why?'  But what I need to seek is the 'Who'.  My prayer for us in the wake of tragedy is to see God in such a way that the 'why' is no longer the issue.  May God stand before you as He did for Job.  May God's love overshadow our pain. 

It's not coincidence that the book of Psalms follows the story of Job.  "Weeping may last for a night but joy comes in the morning", Psalm 30:5. 

Don't Hand a Blind Man a Map

By Chris Archinal

It must have been 1991.  I was the Assoc Youth Minister at FBC Lubbock while attending Texas Tech University.  FBC was 3 blocks from the campus so it was easy for me to park my Jeep CJ-5 at the church and simply ride my bike to class.  One afternoon, my twin brother, Jason, was running late for class.  Instead of fighting to find a parking place he parked at the church and borrowed my bike.  A few hours later he returned.  He came to my office and when I saw his face I could tell something was wrong.  I asked him what was bothering him and he told me this story.  

After class Jason was unlocking my bike from the rack and I guess the noise he made as he loosened the lock caught the attention of a blind man who was standing nearby with his dog.  The man, looking like a stereotypical blind person, complete with the stick, dark glasses and dog, looked Jason's direction.  He said, "Excuse me, could you help me?  I seemed to have lost my way." As it turns out the man was headed to the library and through a series of wrong turns he was totally lost.  Of course, Jason stopped what he was doing and immediately helped him.  Jason took him by the arm and walked him towards the library until he looked at Jason and said, "Ah, now I know where I am.  Thank you for the help, and have a great day."  Jason double-checked, maybe even triple-checked to make sure he was certain to continue on alone and watched the man as he navigated across the street and down the sidewalk that led to the library.  Jason watched as the man made his way up the library steps and only when he had safely entered in did he go back to the bike rack.  

I'll never forget the expression on Jason's face as he told me this story.  His eyes filled with tears, choking back the frog that seemed to have nestled in his throat.  Then he asked me, "What do you think I am supposed to learn from that?"  We sat and talked about the obvious lesson, which is to be grateful everyday for something we so take for granted...our sight.  But digging deeper God revealed something more.  You see, we encounter spiritually blind people everyday...people that don't know Jesus.  And whether they ask us outright, or just with their actions, many are saying, "Excuse me, could you help me?  I seemed to have lost my way."  So what do we do when we see someone who is lost...someone who has lost their way?  

Draw a map: Jason, knowing the campus layout very well, could have drawn the man a very nice map.  He could have handed the man the map and said, "Here are step by step directions...good luck!"

Point: Jason could have put his hand on the guys shoulder and pointed saying, "Yup...you wanna go that way."

Verbal instructions:  "No, no, you're waaaay off.  If you want to go to the library you need to...." and then proceed to describe to the man exactly what he needed to do.  

 The bottom line (and ridiculously obvious) truth about those options is....they AREN'T options.  You would never do those things for a blind man.  A map is no good to someone who can't see.  Pointing is just as worthless.  And verbal instructions only make him feel more embarrassed.  The ONLY option Jason had was to do what he did.  To take the man by the arm and "lead him" to the library.  

You want to help those who are blind to Christ?  Assist those who have lost their way?  Lead them.  Don't write down a bunch of scripture and tell them to "follow this Roman road to salvation."  Don't just point them to church, telling them that's where they can "find their way," and don't preach at them using churchy terms they won't understand.  Instead, lead them.  Is it wrong to share scripture, point them to church or verbally share your faith?  Of course not.  In fact, those are definitely supplements to sharing your faith.  But the very best thing you can do is walk through life with them, helping them find their way...God's way.  

Oh, and by the way, you won't be so lucky to have someone walk up and say, "I'm a sinner, what must I do to be saved?"  Your blind person will come to you with life questions, real pain, a financial or marital crisis, or the like.  Each hurt, each issue, each cry out is their way of looking to someone they think can help saying, "Excuse me, could you help me?  I seemed to have lost my way." 

 

Pick on Someone Your Own Size

As a child there was a boy on our street who was just a year or two older than me.  He was at least a foot taller but very lanky and didn't weigh much more than I did.  He loved to pick on me and my friends.  He would annoy us when we were playing house.  He threw pebbles at us when we rode our bikes.  He made fun of us at the bus stop.  My friends and I didn't see that there was anything we could do about it.  We felt pretty powerless.

That is until one day when my much older brother saw what was going on.  Now, you need to understand that my brother, Andy, wanted nothing to do with me.  My brother was much meaner to me than this kid.  However, when he was coming home from high school one day, my big brother witnessed this neighbor kid messing with us.

Before I knew what was happening, Andy grabbed this kid by the shirt collar and told him he'd better pick on someone his own size.  Something to the effect of: "There's a new sherriff in town so scram!"  My friends and I just looked at each other, jaws dropped, and let it sink in.  Here was Andy, who had no use for us, coming to our rescue!  We were liberated!  We were free from the tyranny of the neighborhood bully!  Victory!

Now that I am an adult I struggle with other bullies in my life.  Unfortunately, they are not as easy to control as the street bully.  Ephesians 6:12 explains, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."  Friends, we are fighting bullies we cannot see.

Yesterday, a bully tried to pick on me.  My husband, Chris, had something very stressful happen at work that felt threatening to his future and hence, our family.  At first we felt fearful, powerless and defeated.  We were angry with the people who seemed to be causing this problem until we remembered Ephesians 6. 

We immidiately stopped and prayed.  There's only one person more formidable than a big brother - Big Daddy!  Matthew 7:11 explains it best, "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"  We cried out to our Heavenly Father to come to our rescue.  Only the Lord can set evil in it's proper place.  As soon as we prayed and confessed our trust in God, we experienced peace.

Later the same day, Chris got a call from someone with knowledge and influence in this situation and gave us some very reassuring words.  The man's encouragement was appreciated and reinforced our faith that God is at work on our behalf. 

What bullies are you facing today? It may look like a person or a circumstance that is threatening you but look a little deeper. We don't have to sit back and let physical or spiritual bullies paralyze us. Call on Big Daddy. Put your hope in God. Keep your focus on Him and watch Him stand up for you. 

Which Way Are You Going?

"This has been a crazy week."  How many times have you heard that line?  How many times have you said it?  I should have it tattooed on my forehead.  Seriously, it seemed everything that could be possibly fall on my calendar for the month of April, fell on last week.  To top it off, as fate would have it, my husband was out of town.  Of course!  Then, just to make things interesting, I had two kids get sick.  So let's just go ahead and throw a few doctors appointments in the mix.  Why not?

My usual mornings with the Lord got pushed out and replaced with meetings, appointments and commitments - none of which were more important but all of which I let take over.  I don't know why we are called "stay-at-home moms."  We're never home! 

I substituted a person for a planner; a relationship for a rat race; a sense of calm for significant chaos.  Ever done that?  Too often we are pre-occupied with doing rather than being.  We've got a serious case of ADD when it comes to sitting before God.  We're not content to focus on Him in worship and prayer.  It's much easier to go and "do" in His name than it is to get to know the One we claim to serve.

Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."  He IS the way.  He is THE way.  He is the WAY.  Don't miss the impact of this simple statement.  Want to know God's will?  He is the way.  Want to know His plan for your life?  He is the way.  Need wisdom or guidance?  He is the way. 

Walking closely with God each day guarantees you'll be exactly where He wants you.  This is not to say we can't keep busy schedules but the busyness can't take the place of our relationship with Him.  That's when you know you're too busy and that's when we get out of His will.

The disciples didn't need a map of where to go as long as they had Jesus.  They just watched Him and followed!  Are you substituting a road map for a relationship with The Way?  Then you're missing out.

If we want to know God's will, we must carve out time to cultivate our relationship and learn to recognize His voice.  God is anxious to show us the way....are we ready to follow?

Lost in Translation

Recently I had to make a return at a local discount store. I hate making returns. I always feel guilty for some reason, like it's a personal insult to the cashier. I'm afraid they are going to be mad at me. Crazy, I know, and just one of my many hang-ups. The lucky cashier, who got my dysfunctional self as their customer, was friendly enough but apparently had just moved here from 'Couldn't-pronounce-it-if-I-wanted-to-stan' where English is clearly not their primary language.

While I was quite impressed with her ability to understand most of what I was saying and even speak to me in broken English, I had a difficult time understanding everything she said.  I tried hard to listen, not wanting to embarrass her by asking her to repeat herself.  She was trying so hard to communicate but my ears were not catching on.  My uneasiness excalated tenfold as we tried to mime our messages to each other. Awkward!

There is a truth in scripture that is often lost on us.  God is saying something important but we don't always have ears to hear it.  I think we read it in passing without giving pause to it's overwhelming message.  This being the day before Easter Sunday, I want us to stop and really listen to what God is saying. 

2 Corinthians 5:21 is crazy Truth - "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." Read that a couple of times and let it sink in.  It ought to give us chills.

A line in Chris Tomlin's song, "Here I Am to Worship", says, "I'll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that Cross."  He's right.  We could never comprehend what it cost the Creator of the universe or His only son to bear the consequences of our sin.  Isaiah said it best, (Is. 64:6), "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags."  Yep, that pretty much sums us up. 

From the Pope to the hooker on Bourbon Street, we're all destitute!  From Mother Teresa to Lady GaGa, we are all depraved and in desperate need of a Savior.  Even the Apostle Paul, who labored tirelessly and suffered greatly for the gospel, realized his greatest efforts to please God were no more than rubbish compared to the righteousness of Christ.

See Philippians 3:7-8, "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith."

We've got to stop and really think about this.  The impact of the resurrection has got to go beyond our head and sink deeply into our heart.  Jesus experienced the wrath of God, which is more painful to endure than anything we will ever experience EVER.  Oh that we would walk not in guilt of this glorious gift but in life.  May we live in the freedom of Christ! May we show our gratitude through obedience, humility and service for this righeousness that we have recieved so undeservingly.

Do you have ears to hear God's message to you this weekend? It's a foreign concept for an innocent man to give his life for a guilty one but that's exactly what He did. No matter what country you are from, no matter what language you speak, ask God to help you truly hear and receive the crazy truth of His limitless love. Happy Easter.

He Goes Before You

There are those we are familiar with in history who have faced great obstacles.  They overcame fear.  They marched forward with courage and left a legacy of bravery and hope.  Moses crossing the Red Sea with the Egyptians on his tail.  Abraham Lincoln abolishing slavery and facing a nation at war with itself.  John Glenn flying into space attempting to be the first man to walk on the moon.  Moms with daughters trying out for cheerleader. 

Okay, if you've ever had a child tryout for something then you agree that last sentence deserves to be included.  I'm not sure facing cheer tryouts is any less stressful than leading a nation to freedom or flying into outer space.  I'll bet there are some of you moms out there that could argue the week of cheer clinics and tryouts has a lot of similarities to a civil war.

This morning I sit on my back patio, relaxed and enjoying praise music and hot coffee, while some of my dearest friends are popping TUMS and praying their guts out while their daughters are at tryouts.  Mary Cate and I were in that boat this time last year and I've got the scars to prove it. 

As the Lord would have it, my devotional this morning was on Mark 14:28, Jesus said, "But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee."  Jesus was trying to prepare his disciples for his crucifixion and resurrection.  He knew they would be scattered, terrified and confused upon his arrest and death.  He was telling them not to let their eyes fool them.  While they would see him die, that wasn't the end.  They would also see him live again.

Even though Jesus faced terrible torture and death, he was still concerned about his boys.  To comfort and encourage them, he said, "I'll meet you on the other side.  You are going to face fear and uncertainty but I'm going ahead of you.  I'll be there."  Is Jesus cool or what?!

God never sends you into a situation alone.  Just like He went before the Israelites with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, so He goes before you.  God is never caught off guard by a situation that you face.  He's already there preparing the way.  He knows exactly what you need. 

Psalm 139:7-10 speaks the truth, "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths,a you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast."

Whatever you face today, know that Jesus is already there, in that moment.  He is present with you.  He is fully aware of what you are facing and what you need.  Whether you are facing angry Egyptians or a panel of cheer judges, rest assured God is with you.  He will never leave you.  (Just remember to point your toes and smile!)

Lent: It's more than giving up chocolate

Growing up Baptist, I never knew what Lent was. I had always associated Lent with the stuff you cleaned out of the dryer filter or the fuzzy stuff found in a belly button.  My friends at school who were Catholic seemed to talk about eating fish more often around Lent but I could never see what fish and dryer filters had to do with one another.

As an adult I learned that Lent was the forty days leading up to Easter and people gave up something they really liked during this time.  Since joining Facebook a few years ago I see lots of people sharing that they have given up chocolate or wine but the meaning and origin of Lent remained a mystery to me until recently.

Fun Fact: Did you know that Lent comes from an Old English word that means lengthen, signifying that the days are getting longer because Spring is here?  In her book, Treasuring God in Our Traditions, Noel Piper says, "Traditionally Lent is a season of sober, realistic reflection on our own lives and our need for a Savior.  It is a time for turning away from anything that has kept us from God and for turning or returning to him.  It is a time to pray that God renew our love for him and our dependence on him."

In light of this explanation, I've got to tell you, I don't think chocolate keeps me from God.  I think it's a little less to do with cocoa beans and more to do with my sinful and lazy nature.  When we joined a Methodist church a few years ago, Ellie came home from Sunday School and announced that for Lent, she was going to give up asking for a puppy.  Very admirable but still not sure we understood the deeper point.

This year at our Ash Wednesday service, which has become one of my favorite nights of the year, our pastor, Jim Leggett, explained Lent to us this way. What do you want to trust God for over the next 40 days?  What will be different 40 days from now?  What is in our lives that needs to die to Christ (sinful habits, sickness, injustice)?  What is dead in our lives that Christ would want to resurrect (our marriage, intimacy with God, hope)? 

Hear me say that giving something up for Lent can be useful and beautiful but only if we are truly using this fast to intentionally draw closer to God.  Lent is not meant to be a cultural ritual but a conduit to a Holy God.  Too many Easter Sunday's have crept up on me and I find myself in a new dress and shoes but a heart that is utterly unprepared for the greatest holiday of the year.

This time of year is about setting ourselves apart from our everyday routines in order to experience the brevity of what Christ's death and resurrection mean for us personally.

Friends, let us give ourselves truly to God this Lenten season.  Let us ask God to examine our hearts and give him permission to crucify or resurrect those areas of our lives as he sees fit.  Then on Easter Sunday we will come worshipping together in a glorious celebration of all that God has done for us through the Cross.

Small Bites

I've been stressed about a big decision recently. Wanting desperately to hear from God, I followed the 'recipe': 1)Soaked myself in God's Word. 2)Sought wise counsel. 3)Prayed my guts out.

I wasn't asking for much. Just needed a yes or no on what I saw as a nine year plan for my kids education. I felt God leading us in a certain direction for next year. The problem is, I wanted a guarantee on the next nine, not just one.

Not getting the answers I sought, I felt frustrated, aggrivated, and spiritually wasted. If the good Lord created the heavens and earth in just seven days, how hard could it be to give me a simple yes or no on our long-term plans?

Have you ever been in this place? Have you ever tried to get God to commit to a long-term plan? Ever tried coaxing Him to sign the dotted line? If you have then you probably experienced what I am going through.

Allow me to illustrate. For Ellie's second birthday I had baked a delicious layer cake covered in thick chocolate icing. Sprinkles decorated the top as it sat on our traditional birthday platter. I was a regular Willy Wonka, luring children with my sugary treats. Jack, age four at the time, was in the kitchen eyeing the cake and struggling with one of his first major temptations. I left the room for a few minutes and came back to see a bite taken smack out of the top of that cake! Jack was nowhere to be found. When I finally located him I asked him about the cake. He looked up at me with big blue eyes, chocolate icing outlining his little mouth, and said, "What cake?"

Now moms, you know if I hadn't come back into the kitchen when I did that little critter would've tried to eat the whole thing. Who can blame him, really? What one of us has not, at some point in time, tried to eat an entire cake in one sitting? I came close once and made myself entirely sick. (That's what we in the parenting world call a "natural consequence.")

The point is, we can't digest in one sitting all that God has planned. We're not meant to know all that God is up to all the time. He's got something cookin' and we're supposed to take it in one bite at a time. When God called Abraham to get up and move to a place God would show him. Abraham didn't ask for the nine year plan. Abraham (a brighter guy than me) simply packed a bag and followed - one day at a time.

Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Notice God says, "I know the plans." I keep trying to rewrite that so it reads, "LISA knows the plans." God won't have it. He wants me to trust Him.

We can find peace in Psalm 34:8, "Taste and see that the Lord is good, blessed is the chic who takes refuge in Him." If we want more of God and more of His plans without the tummy ache, we've got to remember to take it one small bite at a time.

Go Ahead and Blink

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It's been a LONG time since I wrote on my blog. Perhaps it's an indication of my current stage of life. I love speaking and writing but where is the time to do it??? I am baffled by these Christian women authors who have written five books (even one book) and still have children living at home. Clearly, I need a class in time management. But there again, where do I find the time to take it?! ha!

So here it is, December 31st, again. Weren't we just here?! Is it my imagination or does each succeeding Christmas season go by faster than the one before? As my children get older (and hence, I get older) time is speeding up. Better not blink!

As Ellie and I were taking down decorations this morning, we saw our advent calendar sitting there, a long standing Archinal tradition. We got through December 15 and the remainder of those little doors stayed shut. A sign of our busy schedules.

Not only did some of our long-standing traditions get lost in the busyness but we had several friends experience tragedy and loss this season. Our hearts have been with them. At times, it seemed the joy of the season was a little harder to come by. So, did we miss Christmas? If we didn't get to all the things we've done before, does it mean we experienced Christmas less?

This mother's heart was feeling a little low at the reality of older children, busier schedules, and hurting friends. Then, once again, God was there to share a word of encouragement. He speaks to me in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." He comforts my heart.

He reminds me that even though time is fleeting, children grow up, and family schedules shift, He is ever constant. He is outside of time and holds all things together. He holds our family together. He holds my grieving friends in a way that I cannot. He holds me together when the inertia of demands and responsibilities tries to pull me apart.


Christmas 2011 has come and gone. Some of our traditions shifted a little but we were all together. We made some new and wonderful memories that we'll cherish forever. We had the privilege of praying for and comforting hurting friends.

Yes, I blink and another year is passed. But, no matter how many times I blink, each time I open my eyes there is my loving family and there is my loving God. So as you are packing up another year, go ahead and blink. Years come and go but joy remains.

The Pep Rally

Tis the season for pep rallies! Don't you just love a good pep rally? I do. As a junior high cheerleader, Mary Cate, is preparing for her first pep rally in a couple of weeks. I can't wait! All the elements of a pep rally are intended to fire up the team for a victory. It's kind of a tribal feel. The loud drums, the roaring crowd, the motivational speeches. It's all designed to prepare the warriors for battle.

That's the thing with pep rallies...you only have them because a big game is coming up. You can't just stay at the pep rally forever. You've got to go play the game. In Deuteronomy 1:6 God tells the Israelites to leave the pep rally and get to the game. "The Lord our God spoke to us in Horeb, saying: 'You have dwelt long enough at this mountain.'" You see, the people had gathered at the foot of Mount Horeb while God spoke to them. It was a radical experience with fire, smoke, a lightening show and trumpets. They didn't want it to end but God said, "It's over, people. Leave!"

While God planned this experience to inspire the Israelites, He did not mean for them to stay there forever. God rescued them from Egypt so they could go conquer the Promised Land. God will speak to you in powerful ways at times in order to build your trust in Him. He will allow you to have amazing experiences of worship, teaching and fellowship. The purpose of these awesome encounters with God is to prepare you for His calling in your life.

It's great to get fired up but what will you do with that energy? The only way to get a victory is to face your opponent. What is God calling you to do once the cheering dies down? It's tempting to stay at the pep rally. Who wants it to end? But at some point we've got to leave and get to the game. The battle awaits!

The Balcony

We recently took a family trip to San Diego for spring break. What a great city! There was so much to see and do. There was no way we were going to get around to it all. I don't know how it works in your family but in the Archie house, when we take a family vaca, mom plays cruise director.

This means I...
* Research desired destination
* Purchase tour books and study, study, study
* Develop daily vacation schedule
* Pack three kids and myself (which means laundry)
* Print directions, make hotel concierge my new best friend, and so on

Whew! Are we there yet?! For the most part, family vacations are more like business trips for me (as Claire from Modern Family would say) but I'm kind of a freak and I like it.

When we arrived in San Diego at 9am (very early flight!), we went to the hotel to drop off our bags before heading out to Coronado Beach. Upon arrival at the Sheraton, the manager said he was so sorry our rooms weren't ready but he had a VIP suite available that he'd like to put us in. WHAT?! We thought this guy was off his geezer, but who are we to argue?

The bell boy takes us to the top floor where we have two adjoining rooms. We walk into the room that sits on the corner of the hotel to find a set of double glass doors leading to a balcony. The bell boy opens the doors and waves us over to see our enormous patio. This thing was HUGE. It had to be at least 50 x 60 feet. Did I mention it overlooked the marina?

When we first saw this massive party area we were stunned. How could all of this be ours alone? Didn't we have to share it? It was too big of a space for just our family. What gives?

The funny thing was, we ended up hardly using our beautiful balcony at all. We were busy keeping our schedule. There was so much to see and do. We didn't take the time to sit on the balcony and take it all in.

There's a little book, in the very back of the Old Testament, called Haggai. In chapter 1, verses 5-6 it says, "Consider your ways! You have sown much, but harvest little; you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but no one is warm enough; and he who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes."

God is saying His people are chasing hard after things that don't satisfy. What a waste! Only God can fill our deepest desires and needs. Does this sound like anyone you know? God has made every spiritual blessing available. His free gifts of grace are like the VIP suite with the massive balcony. It's all right here but are we seeing it or are we too busy keeping our schedules, building our houses, shopping for clothes, and worrying about work and money?

Psalm 46:10 is the salve for our weary souls, "Cease striving and know that I am God." Will you stop today and rest in God's promises for provision instead of chasing temporal things? Will you consider the eternal things God has to offer?

Next time somebody sticks me in the VIP suite and I have the chance to sit on a beautiful balcony, you can bet I'll be tossing the schedule, kickin' back and enjoying the view.

Indian Giver

When I was in the third grade, a girl in my class gave me a special ring that belonged to her. She said I could have this treasure as a token of our friendship. I was overwhelmed with joy! The ring was beautiful. It had an adjustable gold band with a pink rhinestone. Although the ring was from the local dime store, it might just as well have come from Tiffany's for the value it held to me.

The next day, I wore the ring to school with my favorite outfit (which matched perfectly with my ring). After receiving many compliments, I was shocked, when my friend said she wanted it back. I told her there were no backsies. The conversation soon escalated into an all out war with classmates taking sides on the playground and, if I remember right, a teacher getting involved after some blows were thrown. (I'm pleading the Fifth)

It's no good when someone gives you something special and then asks for it back. It's not fair. It's not right. It's a breach of etiquette!

This week, I was wrestling with a problem. I was stressed, worried and consumed. Because I am such a mature Christian (wink, wink), I decided the wise thing to do was to give the problem to Jesus. He can handle anything. He tells us to lay our burdens at His feet. He wants us to trust Him. He's certainly proven Himself plenty of times. This should be no problem.

So, I tossed it on over to God. I decided He was Chief in Charge of everything and whatever He decided to do about this problem was okay by me. Yep, that's what I did all right. I just handed that worry right over to my wonderful heavenly Father. It was great. I was free from worry! I was walking in the light. Satan had no hold on me. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart" (Prov. 3:5) is my motto.

This lasted all of about a day, give or take. Then I turned into that awful Indian Giver. I took it back! I snatched my worry right back from God. Without saying a word, I took that burden and started worrying all over again. My faith flew right out the window. What happened???

Do you ever struggle with being an Indian Giver? Am I the only one? Why do I insist on holding to my problems like Linus holding onto his blanket? What does God think of this?

Hebrews 11:6 says, "Without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." God takes our faith very seriously. So should we. I realized that my fear to relenquish control gets stronger the farther I get from His Word. Instead of dwelling on the problem, I need to use that energy to dwell on His promises.

Next time you're tempted to be an Indian Giver, think on these:
"Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the PEACE of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ." Phil. 4:6-7

"My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ." Phil 4:19

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deut. 31:6

God can be trusted. Let's give Him our worries, our stress, out fears, our cares...and remember, no backsies.

The Un-Snow Day

Living in Houston means there are two things you can always count on, unreasonably long summers and constant humidity. For some of us who have lived in Houston long enough, we have developed thin skin which means, while we get sick of the heat lasting through October, we also dread temperatures below about 60 degrees. That is, unless there is snow involved.

This week there was much hype about the possibility of snow. As the weathermen upped the chance of snow each day, my children's hopes and dreams of white fluff inflated like a large balloon. Soon, the surety of snowfall was all anyone could talk about. The excitement was building as we all anticipated the arrival of a winter wonderland. Dads covered pipes and plants. Moms cleaned out the grocery stores and turned on crock pots. School districts cancelled classes. Then we waited. And waited. And waited.

If your house was like mine, you had children waking at all hours of the night (maybe I woke up a time or two also) to peek out the window as if it were Christmas Eve. But then, when morning came there was no snow. That inflated balloon of white winter hope popped right in our faces. We turned on the TV for some type of reassurance from the weathermen. Maybe the snow was just running late. Come on, weatherman, what happened to your forecast? You promised us snow!

The snow never came. The covered pipes and plants were safe, the food in the crock pot was still delicious and we did get out of school, but we would have traded all of that for the fulfillment of the promised snowfall. Our heads hung low, we tried to rally but let's be honest, our hearts were broken just like the weatherman's promise.

While it was easy for me to blame the weatherman, in reality there's only so much a weatherman can do. Weathermen read radars not crystal balls. They can only give their best guess at a forecast. Weather changes constantly. You can't really know for sure what the weather will be until it happens.

Fortunately, not everything works like that. There are precious few things that are certain. My favorite bankable promise is the assurance of Christ's return. Jesus warns us to 'stay awake' spiritually in anticipation of His coming. Unfortunately, we live in a very busy culture with lots of distractions. It's easy to forget all about eternity. I barely have time to think about what I should fix for dinner tonight, much less consider the life hereafter.

But consider these words of Jesus in Matthew 24, “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other."

It's amazing how often I miss this 'forecast' in my daily life. I plan and prepare like crazy for the slightest chance of snow. I want to be sure my family is ready. The snow may or may not come but Jesus is a sure thing. He IS coming back. Am I preparing my family? Am I living in anticipation of His return? I want us to be found ready.

Our un-snow day turned out fine. We were prepared for the winter blast of 2011. Maybe it will snow next year, maybe not. Maybe Jesus will come back and we won't have to worry about it. Weathermen report on shifting changes in the atmosphere. Jesus reported on the firm plans of His Father. Are you ready?

Fine China or Paper Plate?

I don't know if you are like us, but around our house we use paper plates for just about every meal. Dinner time I usually bring out the "everyday china" but it's very rare for me to go to the trouble of pulling out the "good stuff".

In 2009 I had the privilege of speaking at a Pine Cove Mother/Daughter Conference. The theme scripture for the weekend was 2 Timothy 2:20-21, "Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things (sin), he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work."

I love these verses because they compare us to items of gold and silver (like fine china); they tell us we were made for a special purpose; and in order to be used for that purpose we must be pure.

I have 'vessels' in my house of fine china, handed down to me from my grandmother. I have other 'vessels' in my house of generic brand paper plates. Can you imagine me serving my 10-year-old son and his friends snacks on my grandmother's fine china? No way! I keep the china in a safe place so it cannot get broken. That doesn't mean I can't use it often. It just means I use it for specific and special purposes.

Sometimes in life we make choices to do things or say things that are not part of God's special purpose for us. Kind of like using fine china to serve chile cheese dogs to a pack of boys. The words we say, the attitude in our heart, and our actions determine what type of vessel we are...fine china or a cheap paper plate.

God didn't create me in His image to be harsh or judgemental any more than a toilet brush was made to double as a toothbrush. Nevertheless, sometimes I find myself being 'used' for something I know God never intended. Do you know what I mean? Can you relate? How I long to get rid of the things in my life that would make it difficult for God to fulfill his special purpose for me.

What are some noble purposes God might have for you? Are you in a place where God can use you for His glory? If you've been living more like the paper plate, ask God to cleanse you and restore you to the fine china vessel He created you to be and get on with the noble plans He has in store.

The Great Pizza Crisis

It was a rainy Sunday night. My sister was over and we were watching the Golden Globes on TV. There are two sacred nights at my house each year. One is Golden Globes night; the other is The Oscars. On these two nights, my husband and children know how it works:

* My sister comes over early to watch the pre-show, red carpet events.
* We then settle in for the actual awards ceremony.
* We are not to be disturbed with questions about anything outside of the awards show (ie. statements like, "Where are my shoes?" or "Mom, blood is gushing from my head." are not allowed. Only questions pertaining to dresses, shoes or jewelry are permitted.)
* We order pizza.

This is pretty simple and straightforward. Everyone is on the same page and understands the proper protocol for awards show night. There was no indication that this particular night would be any different. Husbands and children were all in line. Everyone was following policy until...

It was time to order the pizza. Pizza orders at my house are placed with Papa Johns. The same Papa Johns that we have ordered from for six years. When ordering online, I simply type a "p" in the web address bar and my computer automatically pulls up the Papa Johns website. My user name and password come up (I am a valued customer, after all) and with a simple "click", "click" of the mouse, I'm done! So easy. So peaceful. Pizza on the way. Awards show in progress. Beautiful dresses. Life is good. Until...

On this particular night, a night that would later become known as The Great Pizza Crisis, I went to the website to order our delicious, succulent, thin crust pizza with sausage, mushrooms and black olives. There I was on the website, like I'd been a thousand times before, when all of a sudden I'm told they do not deliver to my address! What's this?! What are you saying?! Somewhat confused and taken aback, I retyped the information (there must be a mistake). The same message reappeared.

We now went to Def con 4. I picked up the phone and dialed the memorized number of our particular P.J.'s location. On the other end of the line, I hear the dreaded, "I'm sorry, you have reached a number that is no longer in service." My breath cut short. We were now at Def con 5.

I called some other location only to be told the store that had once delivered our wonderful thin crust pizza, was now closed. What?! How could this be?! Why was I not called? What was I to do now? It's Golden Globes night! Didn't they know this? It's breaking with protocol!

Always good in a crisis, my sister reminded me of a Palio's just outside our neighborhood. I nervously called the unfamiliar phone number. The attendant on the other end took our order, assured us it would be delivered shortly and there was no need to worry. Just as he said, roughly 30 minutes later, the blessed doorbell rang. There he was, the strapping young pizza delivery boy with our treasured feast.

With the crisis resolved, we now went back to Def con 1. The rest of the rainy awards night went without a hitch. Whew! That was a close call.

What's the point of this ridiculous story?

Sometimes in life we face crisis. Whether it's pizza or near plane crashes (that's another story). We go to Def con 5 and put out the all-points bulletin. How do we address the turmoil? Philippians 4:19 is a good place to start, "My God shall supply ALL your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

I love when scripture is practical. We all face times in our lives where circumstances are beyond our control. Don't panic! Don't give up hope! This is when God wants to demonstrate His unlimited resources to meet our need as only He can. Is God able to take care of your finances? Your health? Your children? Your aging parents? Friend, you'll never face any trial in which God cannot provide.

God never shrugs His shoulders and says, "Don't look at me!" God wants you to look exactly to Him. Where are you looking during the crisis? Do you believe Him? Would the people around you affirm that God is where you turn first? Are you demonstrating an unwavering faith that God will do what He said?

I was in a panic about my awards show pizza. Personally, I think God had a laugh over that one. But the truth is, when I'm in a pinch, I know He's there. He's waiting for me to get off the computer, hang up the phone, and call on the One who can truly give me peace (and in some cases, pizza).

Ten Commandments of a Blameless Life

Remember the story of the Tortoise and the Hare? I love that story because it's easy to see who to root for. The Turtle is slow but he's humble, he's a hard worker, he's an all-around good guy. The Rabbit, on the other hand, is so arrogant! He thinks he can sick back and nap while the Turtle makes his way, slow step by slow step, around the course of the race. Immediately, you cheer for that slow but true Turtle. You just hope to get a chance, when the race is over, to point a finger at the Hare, and say, "Told you so! That's what you get for thinking you didn't need to work at it"!

The moral of that simple children's story is clear: Pride and laziness lead to ruin. That's a pretty good life lesson, no matter how old you are.

In the wake of moral failure on the part of a pastoral staff member, our wonderful Head Pastor gave a list of Ten Commandments to live by which will help us cross life's finish line in victory. Whether you are a vocational minister or new to Christian faith, wisdom and accountability are essential. We have to work at this Christian faith. We have to humble ourselves and realize we're all capable of screwing up.

It's a steep and slippery slope to complete annihilation of our Christian witness, should we "fall asleep" and think it could never happen to us.

Are you living by the List?
1. Thou shalt never be alone with the opposive gender (except your spouse). Thou shalt never ride in the car alone with the opposite gender.
2. Thou shalt not develop an emotional relationship or friendship with a person of the opposite gender (except spouse). Thou shalt not engage in non-business related email/texting/facebook with a person of the opposite gender.
3. Thou shalt not counsel the opposite gender. Men minister to men, women minister to women. Though shalt not discuss your marriage or sexual problems with a person of the opposite gender.
4. Thou shalt have regular, transparent accountability in your life. Thou shalt have an acct. partner that you disclose all of your weaknesses to, ask prayer from and, give regular reports to. Thou shalt use www.covenanteyes.com.
5. Thou shalt live a life characterized by "glass everywhere." Thou shalt have nothing hidden in your life. No secrets.
6. Thou shalt not go to the "liquor store." Thou shalt remove yourself from temptations and remove temptations from you. (If you struggle with internet - GET RID OF THE COMPUTER!)
7. Thou shalt seek healing for unresolved issues in your life. Thou shalt invest in Christian counseling in order to get whole.
8. Thou shalt attend to the care of your soul. Thou shalt spend daily time with the Lord. Thou shalt allow the Lord to fill you more than the world drains you.
9. Thou shalt watch each other's backs. Pray for one another. Confront one another in love when you see warning signs and questionable behavior. Rescue one another from potentially dangerous people.
10. Thou shalt walk with the Lord, surrender to Him, and be filled with His Spirit through a yielded life. Invite Christ's Spirit to sit in the driver's seat of your life. Love God first, family second, everything else third.

If we think we can live our lives free from these Ten Commandments, we're much like the Hare. If we think we can make it without boundaries and accountability, we're prideful and lazy. 2 Timothy 2:22, "Flee the evil desires of youth, pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." Is that clear enough? If not, try 1 Tim. 3:2, "Be above reproach."

God wants to use us to be a witness of His love and grace. We can only be a part of His plan if we're willing to use wisdom to help us stay pure. Let's be like the Tortoise - slow but steady. That's the way to make it all the way to the end of life's race and have victory. God is rooting for us. Are you ready? On your mark, get set, GO!

Guard the Goal

This week Chris and I received some heartbreaking news about someone we love and respected. A man who was anointed by God succumbed to the lies of the enemy. He is a fallen soldier and the repercussions of his actions are far reaching.

While processing this scandal, I've felt many different emotions - shock, disappointment, sympathy, anger, discouragement, sorrow. Anytime one of our own falls it's hard to accept. Sadly, this happens more often than I care to think.

When a 'hero of the faith' fails, two things immediately come to mind:
First, it reminds me to pray diligently for our spiritual leaders. They are under constant attack by the devil. While satan wants to see all Christians destroyed, I believe spiritual leaders, in particular, walk around with a target on their back. They need our fervent prayers of protection and blessing.

Second, we must keep our guard up against the enemy in our own lives. My son, Jack, is playing basketball. He's a great defensive player. He sticks to his man like flies on butter. He guards that basketball goal with his whole being. Nothing's getting in that basket on his watch!

We should be intentionally focused on guarding our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 is red flag warning for us. "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Our hearts are everything! We must choose carefully what goes in if we want good things to come out. We must protect and defend the health of our hearts as a good soldier protects his post!

Vicki Courtney once told the story of a young girl who failed to guard her heart. Several years ago, Vicki received a CD of a young female worship leader. The accompanying note introduced this girl as a gifted, up and coming, worship leader and would Vicki consider using her for an event. As you can imagine, Vicki gets many requests like this. She agreed the girl was talented but never had the chance to use her. A few years later, she heard this young lady on the radio, singing, "I kissed a girl, and I liked it". The young worship leader was Katy Perry.

Somewhere along the way, one decision at a time, this young worship leader let her guard down. She stopped protecting her most important asset. The repercussions of her choices are far reaching. (When I start to hear one of her songs, I pray for her and imagine the amazing testimony she can have when she comes back to Jesus.)

Friends, hear me clearly, God's grace is so far reaching. I pray earnestly for my friend to fall back into the arms of the Savior to receive forgiveness and healing. We're all in need of His mercy.

How much better it is though if we can heed the warning, guard our hearts with great determination, and stay out of satan's lair! Oh Lord, grant us grace to guard the goal.