University of Adversity

Mom’s 81st birthday!

One December morning a blizzard was brewing in northern Iowa. I would miss a day of fifth grade because school had been cancelled.

“Brrrrrr.” The blast of frigid temperatures made my mother’s teeth chatter. “It’s freezing out there.”

When I spoke, my warm breath fogged over the cold pane of glass on our window. “Glad I’m inside where it’s warm.”

As Mom admired the white landscape, a dark shadow loomed in the distance. “Who on earth would be traipsing around in this weather?”

I squinted, trying to catch a glimpse of the mysterious person. “It’s Keith—the homeless man!”

Mom shot out the door and frantically waved her arms. “Keith! Woo hoo! Come on in and have some breakfast.”

A thin, shabbily dressed man who resembled some character from a Dickens’ novel entered our home and eyed the bacon sizzling in the pan. “That sure smells good.”

“We’re glad you could join us for breakfast today, Keith.” Mom poured a steaming cup of coffee for our guest of honor.

“Me too.”

Even though school was cancelled that day, I learned a valuable life lesson about caring for those who have seen a tough life. My mother taught me that God always makes room for those special souls who have graduated from the University of Adversity—and I should too.

Fight On

When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he exploded in anger, vilifying the Jews. In the company of his Samaritan cronies and military he let loose: “What are these miserable Jews doing? Do they think they can get everything back to normal overnight? Make building stones out of make-believe?”

At his side, Tobiah the Ammonite jumped in and said, “That’s right! What do they think they’re building? Why, if a fox climbed that wall, it would fall to pieces under his weight.”                   Nehemiah 4:1-3 MSG

If we have a personal relationship with Jesus, we are called to kingdom building. We should not be surprised by Satan’s attacks when we begin to build eternal castles. Nehemiah certainly faced insurmountable challenges when he tried to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

We’ve all heard someone chant, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.”

We also know words have power—power to hurt. Nehemiah and his construction crew had to endure the taunting ridicule of Sanballat and Tobiah.

My husband and I have been in full-time ministry for nearly 32 years. The Lord has been very faithful to our family and flock, but the mind is an area where we see the enemy sometimes has a stronghold. They don’t usually need a Sanballat or Tobiah to mock them. They have their own negative thoughts assaulting them. Maybe you will recognize some of these common ridiculing statements the accuser of the brethren uses to discourage God’s saints.

I can’t.

I don’t have a degree.

I’m not smart enough.

I don’t have any experience.

I’m just a mother.

Who do I think I am?

I’ve made too many mistakes for God to use me.

Satan and his cohorts are determined to sabotage God’s will for your life. Our world is filled with broken souls, littered along the highways of life because the devil has convinced them they are useless and unfruitful for the kingdom of God.

We must press through these dark thoughts and fulfill the divine destiny God has for our lives. That’s what the Israelites did. They stayed with God’s building program until their mission was completed. Fight on, saints! We’re a day closer to Home. It’s going to be worth it all one day.

Fight On

God’s soldiers have scars and His warriors bleed.
They face fierce attacks from the enemy.
But God’s army has all they’ll ever need.
Every time they fight on their knees.

Fight on, weary warrior,
Raise your shield of faith.
Fight on, weary warrior.
It’s going to be worth it all one day.
Yes, it’s going to be worth every trial.

God’s champions have wounds. His troops face pain.
Most days they fight in the midst of the flame.
But heroes of faith press on in His name.
Leaving His mark and the world changed.

Door of Hope

I will give her her vineyards from there, and the Valley of Achor as a door of hope; She shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, as in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt. (Hosea 2:15 NKJV)

We’ve all had our struggles and trials in life. As long as we live, we will face storms, but isn’t it wonderful to know we will also experience blessings straight from heaven. In this scripture God even promises to exchange our heartaches for a “door of hope.”

To understand this verse we must grasp what the Valley of Achor represents. The depressing place was where Achan was stoned because of his disobedience. It represents troubles and heartaches.

Sometimes the Lord asks us to close the door of our painful past so we can walk through a new door of hope. We must leave behind past mistakes, hurt feelings, misunderstandings, and any dark thing hindering us from walking through the door of hope.

See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. Revelation 3:8 NIV

The enemy of our souls never sleeps. He is constantly scheming, trying to destroy our lives, but for those of us who know Jesus, the One who opens doors of hope for us, we can walk in victory. Nobody, not even Satan himself, can shut the door our Lord opens. He will restore and heal. We shall become what we lacked.

• If we lacked a precious childhood, He will make us wise parents and enable us to give our children a precious childhood.
• If we are plagued by painful memories, He will help us make beautiful memories.
• If we have experienced devastating financial loss, He will supply all our needs according to His riches in heaven.

Whatever you are struggling with today, the Lord is offering to exchange your Valley of Achor, whatever that may be in your life, for a door of hope. What an awesome exchange!

Merry Hearts

A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. Proverbs 17:22 NKJV

People often ask me, “How can I get paid for writing?”

I always tell them to not overlook the smaller markets. One of my first paid magazine pieces was a humorous true story about our son, John.

One evening during family devotions my husband, Paul, was teaching our small children about being honest and not having secrets. He spoke about confessing our sins and how faithful the Lord is to forgive us. At the end of his talk, he asked if there was anything our children needed to confess. John’s hand shot up in the air. “Daddy, I need to tell you something.”

Paul peered over his classed and asked, “Yes, John, what is it?”

Tears filled John’s eyes. “A few days ago, I accidentally dropped your toothbrush in the toilet.” Before my husband could say a word, John continued, “But don’t worry, Daddy. I ran it under hot water before I put it back in the toothbrush holder.”

Our family still erupts with laughter and my husband winces when we get together and John shares this humorous story.

If you are hoping to get paid for your writing, don’t overlook humorous pieces. Children provide a plethora of silly material. Don’t just focus on becoming a bestselling author. Write about your own experiences. Submit to the smaller markets and watch your writing portfolio grow as God opens doors for you. Write now.

Cast the Net

They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. John 21:6

My grandfather was a great fisherman. When nobody else was catching fish, Grandpa never failed to catch his limit. His popularity spread throughout our little community and a pond was named after him.

Some of Jesus’ disciples were fishermen. One night they fished all night and caught nothing. Jesus called out to them, “Cast your net on the other side of the boat.” They obeyed and could hardly lift the net up out of the water because of the all the fish.

Sometimes I cast my net of life on the wrong side. I dream of a lofty catch to brag about, but, like the disciples, I usually come up empty-handed. After toiling and struggling, I am exhausted and spent. In desperation I finally cry out to the Lord. He so sweetly whispers in the depths of my soul, “Cast your net on the other side—cast it at the foot of the Cross.”

I argue. “But, Master, I’ve already tried with all my might . . .”

He waits patiently until I come to the end of my self-efforts. I can almost hear Him cheering me on as I cast my net at the foot of the Cross. Peace of mind calms my restless soul as it sinks into streams of abundance. As Mercy’s waters rise in the sea of His grace, He supplies my every need and I receive more blessings than a heart can hold.

I don’t know where you are casting your net today, but if you find you’re not getting anywhere and are getting discouraged, cast your net on the other side. Every need will be met if you take the time to cast your net at the foot of the Cross.

Sweet Waters

The LORD showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. Exodus 15:24 NKJV

The story of Moses and the bitter water of Marah found in Exodus has always intrigued me. The children of Israel were thirsty. They marched through a desert and hadn’t had any fresh water to drink for three days. Parched, they came to Marah and spotted the waters there, but they were too bitter to drink. They complained to Moses and he cried out to the Lord. God showed Moses a tree and instructed him to cast it into the water. When Moses obeyed the simple command, the waters were made sweet and the Israelites were able to drink the water and have their thirst quenched.

Many times we face bitter waters in life. They are difficult to swallow. We find ourselves spewing and sputtering, not wanting to “drink” the bitter circumstances we find ourselves in. Life seems too difficult and we nearly faint from spiritual dehydration. Living on fumes, we stumble to the Cross and cry out to the Lord like Moses of old. “Help me! Show me what to do.”

Quietly, the Holy Spirit comes and strengthens us. And in that instant, He places another tree, the Cross of Calvary, in our bitter waters of life. Nothing less than this anointed “tree” could turn life’s bitter waters into sweet waters.

I don’t know what you are facing, my friend, but I do believe in Kingdom connections. God has His ways to get an encouraging word to His suffering servants at just the right time—a tidbit of spiritual nourishment—enabling his children to not give up but to keep pressing on. It is not a coincidence you are reading this blog. The Lord has allowed this simple teaching of the power of the Cross to come to you today. As you reach out to Him, may Calvary’s tree make your bitter waters of life sweet.

But to a hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet. Proverbs 27:7 NKJV

P.U.S.H.

But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously. Micah 6:8 MSG

Four years ago my husband and I became grandparents for the first time. This year we will have seven grandchildren in our 2013 Christmas picture. If you think our hands are full, you should see our hearts.

As I cradle our grandbabies in my arms, I am overcome with a deep love for each of them, but I have to admit I am very concerned for their future. We are living in a day when many believe there are no absolutes. Each person must decide what is right. Many adhere to the philosophy—Different strokes for different folks.

I understand our country is made up of various cultures and ethnicities. I enjoy making new friends and learning about different traditions. Cultures may vary, but there is still a standard in every culture of right and wrong. If there isn’t, we are in serious trouble. As Christians, we should have deep convictions not just personal preferences about what God’s Word teaches is right or wrong.

In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Judges 17:6 ESV

What can we do as parents or grandparents for the next generation? P.U.S.H.—Pray Until Something Happens! We must never underestimate the power of prayer.

My rocking chair has become my altar. When my grandchildren are sitting on my lap, I am praying about their futures. I ask the Lord to give them a tender heart for the things of God, a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, a love for righteousness, and a hatred for evil.

I believe the Church’s greatest evangelistic tool in these last days will be the family. Those who love one another and the Lord live by their convictions and enjoy healthy relationships.

Here are some tools to help you grow kids God’s way.

1. Pray with your children every day.
2. Sing hymns and praise chorus with your children. Acclimate them to the Lord’s presence.
3. Attend a vibrant Spirit-filled church.
4. Love on your children often.
5. Praise them.
6. Spend quality time with them.
7. Laugh often with them.
8. Plan special trips with them. (picnics, fishing, camping, roller-skating, ice-skating, etc.)
9. Hone a thankful heart in every member of your family. Start with yourself. Make a list of all the things you are grateful for.

My Aunt Lois was the head-bookkeeper at a local bank for many years. When they trained her, they let her count thousands of dollars by hand. After she became so familiar with the “authentic” paper bills, they introduced counterfeit bills. She had no trouble identifying them because she had become accustomed to the real paper money.

Kingdom principles are the same. If your children are enjoying their relationship with you, they are getting a positive taste of healthy relationships. When the enemy pulls out one of his many tricks, they will be able to discern right from wrong.

Press on, weary warriors. The Lord is on your side. Remember if you are facing a difficult mountain today, you were born to climb.

 

 

Recovering Pharisee

“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.  Matthew 7:1-5 MSG

One of the most powerful lessons I have learned is that not everyone starts out in life at the same place. This simple truth is freeing me from my strong judgmental opinions. You see . . .  I am a recovering Pharisee. Judgmental tendencies came naturally for me. That is, until the Holy Spirit gave me a good glimpse of this enemy of the Cross lurking in my own soul.

Everyone we meet has a story. Sometimes they appear to have their life all together, but inside they carry wounds from a painful past. They can wear expensive clothes and live in a gated community, but all their material success doesn’t fill the holes in their soul. Or they can come from the other side of the tracks and be financially bankrupt. Some are homeless and struggle with addictions. I have met some of these precious people and after hearing the trauma they have endured, my harsh judgments melt away and I understand their plight.

Recently, I have felt the Lord dealing with me to walk in His love toward everyone I meet. I don’t believe this Call is just for me, but for the Body of Christ. The time has come for His Bride to arise and be His heart, His hands and His feet. He is asking His Church to love people more than our opinions. This sounds so simple, but for those of us who are fixers and think we have a better idea, loving like our Lord loves does not come naturally.

I am a discerning by nature—the kind of person who can size up a situation and see through most people’s ulterior motives. Can you relate?  One day as I was pointing out the faults of someone, I sensed the Holy Spirit convict me and whisper in my soul, “I don’t want you to see through people. I want you to see them through whatever they are facing.”

I was speechless.  You’ve got to be kidding. You mean God doesn’t need my help in pointing out sins, weaknesses, and failures?

Nope. He doesn’t. He’s commanded us to love one another as He has loved us and let Him do the judging. He knows all the facts and judges righteously.

Makes me think I need to invest in some duct tape.  How about you?

New Name

The man said, “But no longer. Your name is no longer Jacob. From now on it’s Israel (God-Wrestler); you’ve wrestled with God and you’ve come through.” Genesis 32:26-38 MSG

My grandmother used say, “Times are always changing. You better get used to it,\ because change is here to stay.”

Through 35 years of marriage, my husband Paul and I have walked through many seasons of marriage. In 2008, when Paul was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Failure and needed a kidney transplant to survive, I wrestled with God like Jacob of old. I wasn’t sure I liked the new place the Lord was allowing our family to be transitioned to. So the wrestling match continued until I realized this new place required a new identity.  

Humbly and honestly I prayed, “Lord, I won’t make it unless you help me.”

As the “what ifs” terrorized my soul, old names from my past kept surfacing: Unloved. Abandoned. Anxious. Fearful. Insecure. Neglected. Hopeless.

But when I turned away from the dark, negative thoughts and looked unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith, He whispered new names for this new season into my soul: Loved! Treasured! Peaceful! Faithful! Confident! Cared for! Hope!

The wrestling match was over and I was forever changed.  His love lifted me to higher ground and enabled me to walk bravely and confidently through the storm.

Maybe you are facing a difficult season in your life and the enemy is whispering old names in your ear. Take time to sit in His presence. As you bask in His love, He will whisper your new name in your soul. You are: Beloved. Whole. Cherished. Lacking Nothing.  Strong. Provided for.

Live out your new identity in Christ.

Extreme Makeover

We moved into our present home in 1989. My husband and I were excited to have more room and a big back yard for the children to play in. Over the years we have painted, papered, and made some slight improvements on our humble abode, but this winter my husband and I decided our home was in need of an extreme makeover.

Plumbers, electricians, and carpenters worked tirelessly to renovate our garage into a small apartment for my 80-year-old-mother. When her apartment was finished, the carpenters began remodeling the kitchen. Last week they tore out two walls, the old kitchen cabinets, and the floor. Today new underlayment was nailed down. As I stared at the gutted-out shell of a room, the word restoration resonated in my soul.

Remodeling a room always begins with vision. My husband and I have flipped through home improvement magazines, studied floor coverings, kitchen cabinets, countertops, and color schemes. We have definite plans for our new kitchen’s design.

As the construction crew replaced some of the outdated electrical wiring, I was reminded of the day the Master-builder came into my life and began “tearing out” some of my shoddy ways and painful past. With one touch of this Jewish Carpenter’s hands, old things were passed away and all things became new.
The Bible teaches our heavenly Father is in the restoring business. He promises to “restore” the years the locust have eaten. What a comfort for those who have experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment! God will restore! Now that’s an extreme makeover we don’t want to miss.

“I will restore to you the years
which the swarming locust has eaten,
the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter,
my great army, which I sent among you.

“You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied,
and praise the name of the LORD your God,
who has dealt wondrously with you.
And my people shall never again be put to shame.

“You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel,
and that I, the LORD, am your God and there is none else.
And my people shall never again
be put to shame.”
Joel 2:25-27 RSV