Who's your daddy; knowing God as Abba Father: 2011

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Your story......

Ben Breedlove became the face of “life” for millions of people around the world when his poignant You Tube video was broadcast posthumously, following his death at 18 years of age on December 25, 2011. Ben shared his simple yet profound message, entitled “This is my story” with all of us presenting a mixture of unforgettable resolve and dignity that will not soon be forgotten. Although a heart disease claimed his life physically, it never touched his passion for him to live his life fully with dignity and grace. The legacy Ben left behind should be a reminder to each of us that we’re not just cheating death but living life to whatever level we willing choose, every single day.

Three times Ben cheated death of its power to stop him, all the while never allowing his physical condition to dampen his spiritual resolve: To live his life to the fullest. Think about that for a moment; what if you knew that your physical health condition stood the chance to take your life in an instant would you live your life any differently? Ben did. Even at the tender age of 18 years old, Ben understood the precious priceless value of his life and dared not to let it be taken without sharing his message with the world one day. Ben’s story didn’t focus on the tragic future he faced, but on his joy of embracing his life in this world for whatever time he had here. Ben’s Christian faith reassured him there was something more beyond the illness that would one day claim his life. Between embracing and believing, Ben learned one valuable lesson we should each take a hold of: We all have a “story” to write. Ben wrote and shared his so that we would each write ours.

I would venture to guess that if Ben could he would ask each of us just one question, “What’s your story?”

Thought to live by: What you do with your life today will speak volumes about you tomorrow.

Thank you God for sharing Ben with all of us…..we appreciate the lesson.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=35O3E3T3GKQ

Friday, December 23, 2011

Like-mindedness

Can you only imagine getting the news from your fiancé that they’re pregnant and know that you are not the father? “So as not to disgrace her” was how Joseph (initially) decided to handle his break-up with Mary; quietly and without consequences that would have cost Mary (at the very least) to be disgraced. Back in the day, Mary’s out of wedlock pregnancy made her a prime candidate for stoning, much less gossip followed by a lifetime of shame. But Joseph was more than just her fiancé; He was her husband-to-be, chosen by God. His actions were more than just “chivalrous”; they were divine.

^“18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement^[a] quietly.²⁰ As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. ²¹ And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus,^[b] for he will save his people from their sins.” ²² All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:

²³“Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,^[c]
which means ‘God is with us.’”

²⁴ When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. ²⁵ But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

God had to take a man’s human frailties and vulnerabilities and use them to fulfill His purpose: Bring forgiveness and salvation into a lost and dying world. But in order to do that, He used a “divine moment” during Joseph’s sleep to communicate His will; to “save his people from their sins”. Had Joseph not been like minded with God, then the news of Mary’s pregnancy would not have been anything less than a nightmarish moment.

Thought to live by: God requires us to be like-minded with Him (not the world, our circumstances or our own human will….but with Him), so that when our time comes to do what He has called us to do, we will do so, without fear or doubt.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Pay-backs.....the beauty of giving

With the holidays getting ready to swing into full gear, are you thinking about what you can/will do for those in your “inner circle” of family and friends? What types of parties you’ll attend or host? Is the menu starting to swell in your mind as you take mental notes about all the details that await your special day of celebration? If you’re like most of us, you’ll spend the next several weeks planning, preparing and spending on what will amount to a few hours of pure pleasure as you soak in the moments spent with those you love. But what about those who have no one to love, spend or even share a meal with this Thanksgiving and Christmas? What about them……

“Then he turned to his host. “When you put on a luncheon or a dinner,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives and rich neighbors. For they will repay you by inviting you back. Instead invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the godly, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.” (Luke 14: 12-14)

The world around us has not been hurting as much as it is right now. Wouldn’t we make a greater impact on the lives of those whom we could touch, reach and love with the greatest example of Christ-like living by doing what Christ told us to do: Pay it forward.

Thought to live by: Nothing pays-us-back more than following Christ’s example: Selfless love.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

A healthy heartache

It's hard to imagine that "heartache" could actually be good for our heart. Nothing seems quite so unimaginable. If you've ever suffered from disappointment, disarming news, brokenness, or any form of loss the physical, emotional and spiritual pain you feel can do one of two things: Make you better or keep you bitter. It's not just a personal choice but a personal decision as to which one you will allow it to do.

The "Forgiveness Project" tells story after story of how devastation in a person's life can turn from bitterness to betterment simply through their decision about what they do with what they've experienced. Almost every single story has the same experience at the center of it: Heartache. Regardless of race, ethnicity or religion, no one is free from the experience of heartache. For most of us, heartache can be a very physical pain that seemingly never ends. A scent, a sound, or a place can call up our "heartache" without notice, sending our emotional wheel spinning out of control. For those who "live with the pain" of heartache, the danger becomes even more physically real as they attempt to navigate through each day.

"Health may fail, my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever." (Psalm 73: 26)

Finding the strength to move past heartache is nothing short of a miracle for many. Allowing the remnant of your past to take root in your spirit does nothing less than wreak havoc upon your future. Finding the "strength" to move forward doesn't require super human strength but trust in the One who gives us strength through His Spirit in us. Many of the victims of the Forgiveness Project turned their years of sorrow and heartache into their greatest strength by not just forgiving another person's trespasses against them but by allowing God to be what filled their heart in the place of their heartache.

Thought to live by: A healthy heart is filled with God.

To learn more about The Forgiveness Project, visit their website at http://theforgivenessproject.com/

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Jail-house conversion

"They got religion" is an often coined phrase when someone turns to God out of desperation. It's a good thing but is it sustainable? What we do with what happens past our darkest hour determines the depth of our long term relationship with God. Once we realize we've become incarcerated to our sin (unable to break free on our own) we reach a turning point where we turn to God out of shear desperation. For some, it literally happens in jail/prison through mandatory incarceration, limiting their freedom to continue in their self-destruction. The question most of us ask when we witness a "jail-house" conversion is simple: Is the person turning to God because they have no other choice or because it's an authentic decision?

"Set me free from my prison, so that I may praise your name." (Psalm 142:7, NIV)

The better question to ask is this: If I could see the bars, chains and locks that sin has put upon my life, incarcerating me to it (whatever "it" is) wouldn't I choose God, as well? To some degree, each of us has experienced a "jail-house" conversion with God (we all sin and fall short of God's standard, every single day). However, there's hope. God isn't requiring us to be perfect (flawless, sinless) but to be humble (placing our lives in His hands and living each day with God's purpose/plan and desire for our lives, first). There's nothing more powerful than what God can do through our lives when we realize we hold the key that unlocks the door to change in our lives. And nothing is better than walking with Him every day as we see our lives change.

Thought to live by: God isn't concerned how you came but that you came to Him.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Hand-to-mouth faith

When Elijah was called by God to face down God’s enemies and walk in his ministry, the first lesson he had to learn was more about faith than about provision. Living only on water from a stream and food from a bird’s mouth, God’s provision was all Elijah could rely upon and that had to be enough.

“And it shall be that you shall drink of the brook and I have commanded the ravens to provide for you there.” (1 Kings 17:3, Open Bible)

In an odd sort of way, that sounds like heaven on earth: God will take care of me and I don’t have to worry. But try feasting on what comes out of a bird’s mouth (ridiculously small portions) and sipping on what trickles through a drought fatigued stream (maybe a handful of water at best) and you’ll see “faith” from a whole new perspective. It’s not that God is trying to “test” your faith, but that He’s trying to strengthen it. When you walk with Him you will have to learn that what you’re about to do looks nothing like what you see on TV, read about in the media or dream about in your heart. Those are merely the “things of this world”. Hand-to-mouth faith teaches one priceless lesson to all who obey their calling: Obedience to God. What comes out of it will always bless others more than it blesses you. Learning to never give up on what God is doing is the first lesson of faith.

Thought to live by: Obedience is greater than sacrifice because it increases our faith.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

The jailer of unforgiveness

In 2002, a drunk driver forever changed my life and taught me a lesson about unforgiveness. Hit from behind at 65 miles an hour, I became a “victor” of this woman’s disease (notice I didn’t say “victim”). At the time, I didn’t know how profoundly this one moment in my life would change me, in a positive way, forever. The year following the accident I was asked to give a victim’s witness testimony for the prosecuting attorney. The morning of her hearing, I sat at my computer and began to write. The anguish I felt spilled over the page, allowing me to unload much more than just my unforgiveness toward this woman. Cathartically, it felt good. Spiritually, it felt out of place. I remember the torn emotional struggle I felt between the two extremes; should I be honest about the damage she caused or forgiving and let it go? The latter didn’t even seem like a choice, but it was. As I sat there in front of my keyboard, the Holy Spirit spoke very clearly into my heart, “Why don’t you let me write the letter”, He said. Through the blinding stream of tears I began to write as if I was taking dictation. What poured out on the page was not from me but from Him so that we both could be set free. Simply put: He loved her and wanted her to love Him and trust Him with her life.

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14 NIV)

It took many, many years for me to understand fully that “teachable moment”: When we fail to forgive someone we become their “jailer”. Not only do we spiritually join in on the stronghold that keeps them jailed in their past, we feed the spiritual stronghold trying to stop our future. Our lives become consumed with our unforgiveness each time we pay any attention to our perpetrators affliction upon our lives. Instead of (truly) giving God the keys to their cell through our decision and willingness to forgive, we become the jailer who has to maintain a vigil outside their prison gate (continuously recalling our past encounter with them by holding onto our pain) mistakenly thinking we’re the ones who are “free”. Unforgiveness keeps an eye on the past offense, refusing to let it go when we think we can somehow gain control of our emotional pain by holding onto the keys of their prison cell (their sin against us). The moment I read what God wrote to this woman was the moment I (too) was set free.

Thought to live by: Unforgiveness locks us in our own prison. Give God the keys and let Him be the “jailer” who sets you free.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Blindfolded faith

The most vulnerable anyone can ever feel is when they are completely subjected to the care, guidance and dependency upon another person. Add a “blindfold” to that equation and you have complete faith. In reality, no one ever (really) wants to trust anyone that much; it just seems ridiculous and unnecessary. However…..faith requires it.

“Because He loved me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high. Because he has known My name.” Psalm 91:14 (NAS)

While it is important to know why we believe what we believe, the dissecting of it can become our “faith”. How sad to think that the only reason I trust someone is because I’ve fully examined them to my satisfaction. My personal faith has never been based upon my ability to fully understand/comprehend God but to trust Him with what I know and accept what I cannot comprehend. Maybe that’s why my personal relationship with Him has never wavered.

Thought to live by: Do you know God because you can comprehend Him or because you trust Him?

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Shield-proof; the power of protection

When our son Bradley was two years old, he ran away from home. Not very far, just down the street. I’ll never forget the helpless feeling that came over me as I ran up and down the street looking for him, along with a steady stream of neighbors, shouting his name and praying aloud. My first thought was to ask God for His protection over Bradley and for his safe return. The scene of the latter is one I’ll never forget; a neighbor carrying Bradley in her arms with our Labrador Retriever, Suzy, walking by her side. The woman shared how she discovered Bradley in her back yard, just a few houses down from our home, only after noticing the black dog watching over him, not allowing him out of her sight.

“For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They will bear you up in their hands, that you do not strike your foot against a stone.” Psalm 91: 11-12

Because of God’s great love for us, He will use anything He chooses to protect us; even a black lab. However, we must have a personal relationship with God to benefit from that protection. I shudder to think of what the possibilities might have been had I not been a praying mom. Even though bad things happen to Godly people, I thank God for the provision He makes through His “shield of protection” and I accept His ways above my own.

Thought to live by: God provides the shield; we provide the response.

Monday, October 3, 2011

GIANT promises

When put to the test, what you believe will rise to the surface. Take for example David, who was a mere shepherd boy in the eyes of his brother Eliab, had the boldness of faith to believe that he could actually do something out of everyone else’s reach. With boldness, David had the nerve to ask what the “promises” were should the Israelites slay Goliath. Eliab’s response to David was not only condescending, it attempted to besmirch David’s character. However, David knew that God was with him and instead of being defeated by his brother’s mere words, David had the boldness to trust God’s anointing on his life as he prepared for the battle.

“The LORD who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37 NIV)

David’s faith was founded in his relationship with God, who always kept his promises. Can you only imagine the first time David experienced “fear” when he faced his first bear? How about the first time a lion approached him, don’t you think he had ample reason to be concerned? But God…..who kept His faithful hand upon David’s youthful shoulder…..kept him safe. When our faith is GIANT so are God’s promises to us.

Thought to live by: The greater the test the greater the testimony.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Windshields

I’ve always wanted to say “thanks” to the person who invented the “windshield”. Can we only imagine what driving down the highway would feel like, less the windshield? Before the windshield was introduced as a must have in 1904, goggles were used to protect the driver from the oncoming elements. Think about that for a minute…..goggles are your only defense against whatever may be coming at you?

“His faithfulness is a shield and a bulwark”. (Psalm 91:4 NIV)

When we stand against our “foes” in life, God doesn’t hand us a pair of goggles and wish us luck; He covers our lives like a “shield and a bulwark”. A “bulwark” is a solid exterior wall built as fortification, placed around us for our defense. Not only does God shield us, deflecting what comes directly at us, but He puts a protective wall around us, deflecting the enemy from every angle in our lives. Who would want to drive down the street with just a windshield (no car body, just a shield)? No one. Who would want to walk through this life without the protection of God, found through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, shielding their lives from every angle? I can’t imagine that anyone would, but some do, facing the storms in their lives wondering why they feel so vulnerable and under attack. If you have found yourself needing a “shield and a bulwark” turn to Christ, in whom you will find both peace and protection in your life, today.

Thought to live by: A personal relationship with Christ places God’s protection around my life.

Friday, September 30, 2011

Favor

When my three sons were very young they often fought for my attention. Without realizing what they were doing, they would easily tease one another in an effort to show themselves to be superior in my eyes. Little did they know that what they were doing could never change or influence my undeniable love for each of them, regardless of how “superior” they made themselves feel against the other.

Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right.” Acts 10:34-5

God’s love for mankind is much the same; immeasurable. But access to God’s throne is a two way decision, which requires us to not only receive His love but demonstrate our love for Him, as well. When we accept Christ as God’s pathway to his throne, we not only live in the grace of God, we do what is “right” in God’s eyes.

Thought to live by: If I want to live in God’s “favor”, I must live according to God’s standard.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Right on!

Growing up throughout the late 70’s, I remember when the expression, “Right, on” came about in my generation. Not only did this idiom get used for ending almost every statement spoken, it seemed to be universally understood to mean, “You are exactly right” (but with a “groovier” sound)! Even though my generation thought we’d invented this phrase, we probably just revived it (the slang’s origin dates back to 1925 when first recorded in an Odum and Johnson song, “The Negro and his songs”).

“And I, the Son of Man, feast and drink, and you say, “He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of the worst sort of sinners!”. But wisdom is shown to be right by what results from it.” Matthew 11:19 NLT

Jesus was accused of many things (like hanging out with the wrong crowd) and often misunderstood (his entourage of followers included fishermen, a questionable women and even a tax collector). Jesus was ridiculed for befriending those who needed him, for not being pious and judgmental, and for not following a religious standard (i.e. Pharisees). But look at what Jesus’ example did for mankind: Saved them. When a religious standard condemns more than it saves it’s just that; a religious standard. Because Jesus (a man, yet fully God) knew the heart and mind of God, He understood what it would take to reach those of us who were lost. Instead of turning his back on the “un-churched” folks around Him, He stood in the gap for them and reached them where they were.

Thought to live by: Does what you believe lead you to those who need your message the most or does it separate you from them?

Right on!

Growing up throughout the late 70’s, I remember when the expression, “Right, on” came about in my generation. Not only did this idiom get used for ending of almost every statement spoken, it seemed to be universally understood to mean, “You are exactly right” (but with a “groovier” sound)! Even though my generation thought we’d invented this phrase, we probably just revived it (the slang’s origin dates back to 1925 when first recorded in an Odum and Johnson song, “The Negro and his songs”).

Jesus was accused of many things (like hanging out with the wrong crowd) and often misunderstood (his entourage of followers included fishermen, a questionable women and even a tax collector). Jesus was ridiculed for befriending those who needed him, for not being pious and judgmental, for not following a religious standard (i.e. Pharisees). But look at what Jesus’ example did for mankind: Saved them. When a religious standard condemns more than it saves it’s just that; a religious standard. Because Jesus (a man, yet fully God) knew the heart and mind of God, He understood what it would take to reach those of us who were lost. Instead of turning his back on the “un-churched” folks around Him, He stood in the gap for them and reached them where they were.

Thought to live by: Does what you believe lead you to those who need your message the most or does it separate you from them?

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Soul desire

On October 8, 1871, Horatio Spafford, a successful attorney and real estate investor, began to experience what would become his life’s purpose; to overcome tragedy with triumph through Christ. The journey began after the loss of one of his five children and only son. Only a few short months later the Great Chicago Fires would consume his real estate investments lending a devastating blow to his financial security, wiping out his entire life savings. Just as the Spafford family attempted to rebuild their lives, life dealt Horatio and his wife, Anna, the final blow; the loss of their four daughters to the sinking of the S.S. Ville De Havre on November 22, 1873. Can you only imagine what helpless hopelessness threatened to take whatever joy, purpose and strength both Horatio and Anna, had left? But God……

^“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

The result of such tragedy spurred Horatio to write one of the beloved hymns the Christian faith has ever known; “It is well with my soul”. Spafford was a man of many, many sorrows. From the world’s perspective, Horatio surely had reason to be bitter, angry and confused toward God. The list of reasons why someone could have confusion and issues over the way their life turned out or why God didn’t protect them could barely ever be trumped by what Spafford's faced during their lives here on earth. How much more can a person take than that, you might ask? Any how could any one of us turn those tragedies into triumphant purpose for Christ? Where does that kind of faith come from? Only from a deep and abiding faith in God through Christ will our true faith rise up. It was during the long ride across the Ocean to retrieve Anna, that Horatio penned the famous hymn, “It is well with my soul” as he neared his four daughter’s final resting place. Following their final tragedy, the Spafford’s turned their sorrow into service for Christ, becoming missionaries in 1881 for Christ through their outreach to spread the gospel in Jerusalem to both the Jews and Muslims

Remember this if you remember nothing else when tragedy strikes: God took it upon Himself to experience human tragedy when He allowed Christ to be beaten and nailed to a cross, taking our place here on earth so that one day we’d taste eternity in heaven. God demonstrated the understanding of even our greatest loss, sorrow and pain when He watched His only son suffering in our place. What the Spafford’s did with that kind of understanding leads us to not only repent of our own lack of understanding but turns us toward the One who completely understands: Christ.

Thought to live by: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu42EN42zEQ

“Who’s your daddy; knowing God as Abba Father” is a devotional written by Pat Ferguson, 2011

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Cookie-cutter Christianity

In the drawer of my kitchen rest three familiar shapes: A reindeer, Christmas tree and Santa Claus. Only once a year do I ever pull these cookie cutters out and use them (unless I want my family to think I’m stark raving mad and commit me to the “funny farm”). A cookie is a cookie, right? Not really. The shape, decoration and timing of a cookie make a cookie a cookie. Somehow Christmas cookies seem odd to make or eat during the summer, just as it would if I lit Fourth of July fireworks during a Thanksgiving celebration. While my family would laugh at my quirkiness, my neighbors might think I’m insane……

^“1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ² then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:1-4 TNIV)

Nobody (really) wants to be just like everyone else. There’s nothing wrong with being “yourself”, uniquely and definitively who you were made to be (fireworks and all). The more important thing to be as a Christian is not to be a “cookie-cutter” (being like everyone else) in order to be accepted, but to be a “one-minded Christian” (being uniquely “you” while respecting others with humility and sincerity). Timing is everything and sometimes it does make a difference in how effective you’ll be if you just focus on yourself (your opinion, beliefs and attitude), too much. Unity creates “one mindedness” with its focus upon the greater interest for betterment of the body of Christ. Fitting into a mold only does one thing; stops God’s purpose from living and breathing through your life in the unique way for which He has purposed. So……are you a “cookie-cutter versus one-minded Christian”? There’s a big difference between the two; the former makes you think you’re accepted and the latter lets you know you are.

Thought to live by: Being of one mind in Christ takes the focus off of me and puts it where it should be: on Him.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

The birthing process reborn

Only a mother can know the pain that comes with childbearing. The agonizing discomfort and the joy-filled exhilaration rarely compare to anything else she might experience in this life. For some women, childbearing seemingly occurs without complication or extreme discomfort. But for most, childbearing is the most painful process they personally experience followed quickly by the most joyous moment in their life. Shortly after the birth of our first son, Doug II, my thoughts raced to the idea of having another baby. Why? Because I had just experienced for the first time (ever) the greatest moment of my life; giving new life to another human being. Even though the previous twelve hours of labor had been the most excruciating hours of my life, the joy of holding someone that I had helped to create left me speechless. The mere thought that I had been the only human being in the universe to bring forth this new life filled my heart with undeniable joy and love, making it easy (for me) to want to experience that moment again.

“Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spiritgives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:5-8 (NIV)

When a “believer” in Christ is “born again” they become filled with the greatest gift God has to offer; Himself. At that moment in time when we accept God’s greatest sacrifice – Jesus Christ – not only do we experience the presence of God into our lives in a profound way, God experiences the “giving birth” process as well, just in a different way. Because I am a mother, I can only imagine the joy-filled moment God must experience when we accept the new life He has to offer us. God, who watches over us from the moment we’re in our mother’s womb to the moment we accept Him as our Savior, experiences the same emotions as a new mother; complete joy and exhilaration. No wonder God wants so badly for us to accept His gift, Jesus, so that He can fill our lives with the only gift He has to offer: His love. The joy God must feel when He gives us a new life through re-birth in Christ must (somehow) compare to that of a mother giving birth to a child; complete immeasurable joy.

Thought to live by: At the heart of God is a mother’s love for us.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Birthday gift

After returning from the mall, my husband (who rarely goes shopping) expressed his concern over finding me a birthday present. "Everything I looked at wasn't good enough for you" he said, almost painstakingly. "What a great problem to have" I thought to myself, "knowing that nothing "materialistic" could ever express enough your love for someone."

"The one thing I ask of the Lord – the thing I seek most – is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord's perfections and meditating in His Temple." Psalm 27:4 NIV

Fifty years of living has taught me one thing on this day; everyday is a "birthday" present from God when you have Christ. The joy of knowing that one day I'll "live in the house of the Lord" for all the remaining days of my life makes me celebrate everyday I'm here as a "birthday" gift from God.

Thought to live by: Salvation through Christ gives new meaning to the word "birthday".

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Warning Signs

The Department of Highways usually posts a "Do Not Enter – Wrong Way" sign at an exit ramp just in case a driver misinterprets the ramp as an entrance onto the interstate or highway. Drivers who commit the mistake of entering in the wrong direction will usually only do that once, assuming they survive the mistake.

"My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins." James 5:20 NIV

Only God knows if our mistakes are immediately or potentially fatal. When we separate our lives from Him we lead ourselves to walking into our own demise, not knowing immediately the danger that lies ahead. Sometimes we see the signs, but ignore them. Other times we not only miss the warning but fail to equip ourselves with the knowledge of how to handle it. Sadly, many people – including those who proclaim to love us – allow us to walk in the wrong direction. If you find yourself in this position then ask yourself this question; do I love this person (yourself included) enough to help them live? If the answer is yes (and it should be), then do everything you can to bring them back to the truth.

Thought to live by: Going in the wrong direction leads to nowhere.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Forgiveness, first

Can you imagine walking into a "Doc in the Box" and the first thing the doctor says to you upon hearing about your impending condition is, "Your sins are forgiven"? We would (probably) think that the doctor was not all "there"! We came to get well and he's talking about forgiveness. What in the world do the two have in common, you might ask? Faith.

"Some men came bringing Him a paralytic…..When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven." Mark 2:3, 5 NIV

Jesus wasn't just the Great Physician of our physical needs; He was and is the reason we have a life in the first place. Jesus saw that many were following Him for what they could receive in the natural (healing) but He knew that what they really needed to "live" was more than what they could comprehend; forgiveness. Think about how many, many times you've been sick, depressed, in need, etc., and you've called out to God? Those times in our lives will come and go continuously….and God knows that. What we will only have a short window of time with is our moment we receive His forgiveness. If we miss that "moment" all the wellness in the world won't even matter.

Thought to live by: Forgiveness of sin heals everything else.

"Who's your Daddy; knowing God as Abba Father" is a devotional written by Pat Ferguson

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Where does “wisdom” begin?

"We thought, because we had power, we had wisdom" (Stephen Vincent Benet). "The beginning of wisdom is to desire it" (Gabriol). "The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their right names" (Adam Hammond)

Wisdom, from our human understanding, often equals hindsight. Wisdom rarely is the first thing we pray for but always the thing we need. Wisdom is priceless, timeless and unbiased. However, the beginning of wisdom is the turning point in our lives; without it we simply run in circles looking for answers that seemingly elude us and keep our dreams and desires at bay.

"But wisdom is shown to be right by what results from it." (Matthew 11:19)

Jesus' life was the ultimate example of living a life birthed in wisdom. Daily, Jesus sought God for direction, spent time in the word of God and obeyed God's calling upon His life. Even Jesus, who was both God and yet a simple man, knew that wisdom wasn't a given but a lifestyle of devotion and obedience, resulting in what was right.

Thought to live by: The beginning of wisdom comes from fearing that we haven't asked God for the answer.

Friday, June 3, 2011

The two sides of “entitlement”

"An Albuquerque man was sentenced to prison Wednesday after he asked to repay his investment scam victims through poker tournament winnings, but failed to find luck at the card table." (Albuquerque, AP, April 8, 2011). It's hard to imagine such stupidity exists along with the sense of entitlement that goes with it. Not only did this scam artist rob innocent people of their hard earned money, he attempted to take a short cut in returning it. Fortunately, the judge said "no" to his suggestions and sent him on his way to prison.

"Lord, you have poured out amazing blessings on your land! You have restored the fortunes of Israel. You have forgiven the guilt of your people; yes, you have covered all their sins." Psalm 85:1

What life hands us will never seem quite fair if we look at it from our point of view. The innocent victims of a scam artist not only lose their fortunes they lose their faith in mankind. But God, who is the only One we can ever fully trust, steps in on our behalf (much like a judge) and finds a way to restore us even if it doesn't appear to be what we expected or thought we would be "entitled" to.

Thought to live by: Entitlement isn't always something we deserve but what God bestows upon us even when we don't expect it.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

You've got mail!

There’s hundreds of email service providers on the internet but only one stick’s out in most of our minds when you hear the familiar words, “You’ve got mail!” Just the sound of these three words tells us that someone is trying to “speak” to us, hopefully, with a message we need to hear.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

When God speaks to us, audibly, internally or through supernatural occurrences, we have the option of listening or turning away. Whether or not we act upon God’s calling is always up to us. But the one thing we can rely upon is this; God will speak to us through whatever manner He chooses. It’s up to us to open the “mail” He sends our way and read it if we’re to walk with Him, today.

Thought to live by: God speaks to those who listen.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Restoration

"This old house" is a program that has become synonymous with making all things new again without disturbing the beauty or character of the original treasure. When my husband brought home a mantel to restore and install in our home, little did we realize that there were over 53 layers of woodwork in the design of this one hundred year old keepsake. Painstakingly, Doug raised the grain one layer at a time to not only "restore" the piece to its original condition but to "preserve" the character and quality of this priceless treasure. In many ways, God does the same thing in our lives.

"O Lord, by these things men live; And in all these things is the life of my spirit; So You will restore me and make me live." (Isaiah 38:16 NKJV)

When God allows us to be "stripped" it's not for our demise but for our renewal. If Doug had not painstakingly raised each grain by hand the beauty of the mantel would have been covered from the oxidization of the past. Our lives are much the same; it takes the steady continuous hand of God to raise the depth of our beauty and potential to the surface of our lives. Allowing God to raise the grain in us is always our choice. Should we resist, we will probably "miss" the greatest moment of our life and our purpose.

Thought to live by: What God restores, He redeems. What God redeems, He uses. What God uses, He blesses. Restored….redeemed…..blessed…..each connect to God's plan for our lives.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Mindfulness

President Obama made a declaration that he would "stay in touch" with the people when he entered into office in 2008. In doing so, he made a bold pledge; to read ten letters a day from American's. Why only "ten" a day, you might ask? Well…..if you received approximately 65,000 letters, 100,000 emails, 1,000 faxes and 2,500-3,500 phone calls a day, "ten a day" might sound more doable and focused.

"But there is a place where someone has testified: "What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him?" Hebrews 2:6

Can we only imagine how many prayers God receives, daily? I'm certain the number is too high of a count for our imagination. So how can God be truly mindful of us, our needs and our individual lives? Amazingly, He just can……because He's God. The intimacy God desires with us is nothing compared to a President's genuine concern for the people of his country. A president is just a man trying to understand us, from a small sampling of people. God is creator of the universe trying to help us understand Him and His genuine love and compassion for us.

Thought to live by: As inconceivable as it may seem…..God is mindful of me.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Forgetfulness

Well known talk show host, Larry King, recently produced a mini-documentary on Alzheimer's interviewing Ronald Regan, Jr., son of former President Regan who unwittingly became a victim of the disease. As part of the documentary, Larry voluntarily underwent preliminary testing to determine if he was a possible candidate for "Dementia" aka Alzheimer's in his later years. At his own request, he kept the results to himself. During his interview with a doctor specializing in Alzheimer's, Larry asked for a simple explanation of the disease and if "forgetfulness" was a concerning red flag. "No" responded the doctor. "A better way to look at it would be not forgetting where I left my keys but not remembering what my keys are for." Forgiveness has a very funny way of working the same way. It's not forgetting what we were forgiven of but not remembering that we were when it comes our turn to forgive others.

"…….his fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, "Be patient with me and I will pay you back. But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt." Matthew 18:29-30

Alzheimer's robs its victim of the ability to recall the purpose of something, a familiar face or parts of their past. However, amidst all the "painfulness" of this disease the one thing left in tack is the humanity of the victim's spirit. They still instinctively know how to forgive. And in a twist of fate, they actually are much better at "forgetting", as well. When God has forgiven us of so much, over and over again, it's up to us to take His forgiveness and extend it to those we encounter cancelling the same "debt" we ourselves could not pay.

Thought to live by: Forgetting may come with time; but forgiveness eventually comes full circle.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Befriended

Facebook has brought a whole new meaning to being "befriended". With just one stroke, you're either "accepted", "blocked" or "unfriended" as a friend. It kind of reminds me of my high school days when we just wanted to be accepted unconditionally and included in a circle of favorable friends. Who likes being shunned, rejected and not included? The mere thought just breaks my heart and makes me want to seek out that person who falls outside the "circle of acceptance", just to show them they're unconditionally loved.

"A friend loves at all times" Proverbs 17:17

Friendship is possibly the most valuable gift we can give someone. It's enduring, selfless and unconditional. But being a friend requires more than just hitting the button of acceptance; it requires an action from the heart and a loyalty that sustains.

Thought to live by: True friendship loves at all times.

Monday, May 16, 2011

“Daytimers”

The entry of the "daytimer" universally made those who used it change their way of thinking about their day, altogether. I recall my first encounter with mine and how it not only organized my plans it subliminally kept me moving forward all day long. Now my Blackberry has taken its place and a "ring" has become my instant reminder that something important requires my immediate attention.

"The Lord gave me a message. He said, "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my spokesman to the world." (Jeremiah 1: 4-5)

Back in the day, God's intimacy with us was thought to be much more audible, intentional and direct. However, it probably wasn't much different than it is today; we're just busier and poor on time. The same God who spoke to a young Jeremiah speaks to each one of us, audibly, distinctly and directly, today. The question isn't "does God still speak to us?" but "are we listening?" We simply can't listen if we're too busy, if our calendar has weighed us down with demands and if we haven't made time to stop, pray and listen to God, today. If we believe that God knew us before we were even born then we believe God's word entirely; that we were set apart and appointed to be spokesmen to the world for Him. However….we can't speak about what we don't know or haven't heard.

Thought to live by: Just spending a few minutes listening and praying to God and meditating on His word each morning will determine the rest of our day.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Breaking point; when enough is enough!

Everyone has a breaking point, a place they reach when finally they declare they've had "enough". For each person, reaching that place can happen through an unexpected moment; a letter in the mail, a phone call, a text, an email, a pink slip, a turn off notice…. No is immune and everyone is entitled to declare they've had enough.

"We are pressed on every side by troubles, we are crushed and broken. We are perplexed, but we don't give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going." Corinthians 4: 8-9

Getting back up and going again requires our faith to be greater than our circumstances, creating in us the will to want to press on and live. If today you are facing astronomical odds, uncertainty and loss, reach for the hand that is reaching out to help you along your journey.

Thought to live by: We're never waiting on God but He's always waiting on us to ask for His help. Ask Him today and witness the difference a simple prayer can make in your life.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

My three sons; the cost of sacrifice

I've often wondered, "How does a mother send her son off to war?" Really…..how does she do it? What does she tell herself in order that she may have the courage to face the possible truth; he's laying down his life for his fellow human man, someone who would (probably) never fully comprehend the value of a life sacrificed for theirs. Our three sons are the most precious gift that God has ever given to my husband, Doug, and me. Even with all the trials that come with raising "boys", there are the joyous moments that take their place. The eleventh hour ballgames, the musical learning curves (trumpets, drums and electric guitars vibrating throughout the house) and the annual rituals that are celebrated and part of enjoying family life. So how does a mom compartmentalize all of that stuff in exchange for his life? I must say, I don't ever want to know the answer to that question.

"For God so loved the world (those who would never fully comprehend the value of a life sacrificed for theirs) that He gave His only son (we have three….God had only one), so that everyone (the good, the bad and everyone in between) who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his son into the world to condemn it, but to save it (His love is unconditional and readily available)." John 3:16-17

The only hope a mother has is that her son will return from war or that the value of his life will not be in vain. No guarantee's; just hope. She understands that the "cost of sacrifice" compels her to let her son go while trusting that the lives saved will be worth the price paid. Perhaps at the core of God's love is a mother's heart, the same heart that compelled God to let Jesus "go" and become the sacrifice that was necessary for a lost and dying world.

Thought to live by: God loved me so much that He gave me all He possessed at the cross.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Nationwide is on your side

When you think "Nationwide" you think of the four little words that followed and became synonymous with its name; "is on your side." The two thoughts almost seem inseparable. Even if you can't carry a tune in a bucket you can sing that simple little jingle to a "tee".

"Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, who later became a leader among the Thirty, and he said, "We are yours, David! We are on your side, son of Jesse. Peace and prosperity be with you, and success to all who help you, for your God is the one who helps you. So David let them join him, and he made them officers over his troops." (1 Chronicles 12: 18, NLT)

David was way in over his head and he needed all the help he could get. Can we only imagine when David saw what could have potentially been his enemies coming to his aid, telling him they were there to help him via God? Even blessing him in advance and affirming they were on his side? David, out in the wilderness, surrounded by overwhelming odds, suddenly see's the hand of God coming to his side. Perhaps today you're out in the wilderness wondering "Where's God?" Don't worry….you're not alone…..God is just waiting for you to trust Him and allow Him to join you in your time of need. Had David attempted to fight his battles with his own might he would have lost. But David chose to follow God and to trust God in every situation. And God chose to take those who could have opposed David and turn them into his army.

Thought to live by: "Your God is the One who helps you" and He's on your side.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Winning shot

^{Described by most as a "normal" kid, Wes Leonard was anything but. Standing tall at 6' plus, Wes not only physically soared over his friends he mentally, spiritually and emotionally reached heights most adults have never even imagined reaching. Known as a talented athlete and a humble young man, Wes was someone who took all the recognition his young life would receive in stride while never realizing that his final "winning shot" would bring the world to their knees. Only seconds after Wes' last shot rung through the rim, his heart gave out on him. As a gasping audience cried and prayed Wes went to claim his heavenward prize; to be with Jesus.}

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:12-14/NIV)

How often is it that we take for granted the last thing we just did, said or engaged in, thinking that one more tomorrow is on the calendar of our short existence here on earth? I often have to remind myself that the last thing I just did could be the first thing God wants to talk to me about when I get to heaven – and that makes me stop and think, quite often. Living in fear is not of God and neither is living to die; but living in the moment while being fully present and embracing who Christ is in our lives is very much of God. Today, as you plan what your world will look like think about what you will say to God should today be the last chance you have to make a "winning shot". I'm almost certain Wes just thought he was playing basketball when in reality he was changing lives for eternity.

Thought to live by: I will make every moment of today count for Christ.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Crystal ball faith

Divination went into practice during the early medieval period, when "diviners" would attempt to gain insight into the future, using a systematic approach, while practicing the reading of "signs or omens" thought to be divinely from God. Often, this practice eventually led to a form of witchcraft. A format that is still sought by many who believe they can foretell the future, those who practice any form of divination are simply deceiving themselves.

"When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future." (Ecclesiastes 7:14/NIV)

The mysteries of God are just that; mysteries. If God could be figured out by mere man, than He would not be God. Our reliance to follow Christ is fully based upon our inability to be led by anything else. The "good" and "bad" in our life are both a gift from God, meant to build our faith in Him – not by what we see, feel, or even know, but by what we say we trust in. Dependency upon God keeps us humble and content, knowing that regardless of what this life hands us God is for us and see's our life with the "end in mind".

Thought to live by: Whether in good times or bad, I will trust in the One who loves me, has prepared a place for me and knows my future.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

The Adjustment Bureau; is free will part of faith?

After seeing the movie, "The Adjustment Bureau", and how free will versus pre-destination is portrayed the question as to which one you believe is clearly raised. The plot of the movie centers on the basic understanding that our lives are pre-destined to result in a certain way. But then comes along "free will". And everything, from future careers to relationships, is affected. Something as simple as the doors you open and walk through can change where your life is headed in the blink of an eye. The main characters meet at the beginning of the movie, fall hopelessly in love and spend the remaining time finding their lives intersecting which eventually leads them to their ultimate destiny; to stay their course or go their own way.

^"Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matthew 19:21/NIV)

So which do you believe; free will or pre-destination? Is it easier to just say, "This was meant to be" while throwing your hands up in the air versus "Did I make the right decision?" The later leaves the responsibility of accountability on us while the former allows us to be absent of (possibly) both. In the above scripture Jesus (clearly) makes a distinction between what it takes to follow Him (absolute sacrifice) and what we receive in the end (ultimate blessing), while telling us what we must do to receive it ("follow me"). If pre-destination is the marker of your faith (which for many it is) then why would Jesus allow us to make the choice to follow Him? Perhaps for the same reason my husband can't make me love him unconditionally and sacrificially. How I met him certainly seems "pre-destined" but ultimately our love had to be of our own "free will".

Thought to live by: The opportunity to follow Christ was arranged (pre-destined) before I was ever conceived; the free will to obey was mine.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Soul food

From cornbread to chitlins, soul food has its origin dating back to the 1500's when slave traders fed the African slaves primarily what was left over. From the tops of turnips to the intestines of pigs, these slaves learned to make food to feed their souls.

"Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink – even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk – it's all free! Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? Why pay for food that does you no good? Listen and I will tell you where to get food that is good for the soul." Isaiah 55: 1 – 2

Can we only imagine what that experience was like for those who had no other choice but to live off of what they were (sparingly) given, while being enslaved against their will? To even comprehend that such a time in history existed is painful enough; to have lived through it must have been devastating. But for the grace of God! Slave or free man, God's word is plentiful and feeds the "soul" freely. In fact, His word sets the captive free! When we redirect our "thirst" for more of Him, we gain strength (wisdom) that is good for the soul through the study of God's word.

Thought to live by: What we drink, eat and spend our time on is what our life will produce.

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Soul encounter; refueling your body, mind and soul through worshipping God

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV)

Nothing seems to “stir” our soul more profoundly than love. The passion, the power and the strength that comes from true love not only compels our emotions to higher levels but propels our deepest desires and awakens our purpose. When we love someone greater than we love ourselves, we pour out all that we possess knowing the return will be greater than the initial investment. While we cannot give with the expectation of receiving, true love always returns to us more than we could ever imagine.

God’s love is such an amazing reciprocating love, beyond words and without limits. While we may think we loved God first (we must take a step of faith to receive the love God has for us) it’s actually God who loved us, first. As a mother, I know firsthand about the unconditional love you have for a life you nurtured from birth to adulthood. There is absolutely nothing I won’t do for the benefit of my children. However, I expect (in a healthy way) my love to be reciprocated back from my children to me. If I don’t raise my children to understand that unconditional love is not just what you receive but what you give, then I have taught them nothing of value.

God has given us a way to experience healthy balanced love with Him through living for Him. Loving God with everything we possess (heart, soul and strength) returns the investment of God’s love for us back to Him while also refueling our body, mind and soul by the power of His love in us. Absolutely nothing “fuels” me more than the love of God. The best way that I know how to experience God’s love is through worshipping Him. Even though I could worship Him in the privacy of my home, through the natural beauty of His creation (the world I live in) or through my relationship with those I love, I gain so much more when I corporately worship Him with the body of Christ. What my “soul encounters” through corporate worship refuels every fiber of my being for the week to come. Corporate worship enables me to pour out the love of Christ in me onto those around me, in a selfless way that benefits those who may need it more than I realize. The outpouring of unity through song and the reading of God’s word reaches past every indifference, division and human flaw while leaning on the everlasting truth; God is love.

Thought to live by: God’s love is fuel to my soul.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Living sacrifice; the purpose of prayer and fasting

Fasting simply means to abstain from something (food, drink, hobbies, attitudes, activities, etc.) in exchange for God's presence to take the place of that which you abstained from, as you seek His will for your life. There are many types of fasts for various reasons, but the fast that brings the presence of God is the one that focuses on Him (not us, our will, our desire). If our fast is for anything less than God's presence the outcome will reveal it.

Prayer during a fast is the catalyst between us and God. Fasting without prayer leads to nowhere. If you've ever been on a fast, simply for the practice of abstaining, then you know the outcome was pointless. When we pray and fast we not only experience a deeper and more intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit (God's presence) but we also begin to receive a more powerful intimacy with God (greater wisdom, understanding and knowledge) because we stepped out in our faith to follow God's will for our lives.

"And so, dear Christian friends, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice - the kind he will accept. When you think of what He has done for you, is this too much to ask?" Romans 12:1 NlT

The sacrifice that God desires from us isn't a religious mindset but a desire to be a "living and holy sacrifice" placing God's will above our will for our lives.

Thought to live by: Prayer connects our thoughts to God; fasting disciplines our body to follow.

"Who's your daddy; knowing God as Abba Father" is a daily devotional written by Pat Ferguson (c) 2011 All Rights Reserved.

Friday, February 11, 2011

And the winner is.....

When a recent email notice sent to me exclaimed "Winner" in the address bar I must say I was skeptical at first. Not (regularly) being a winner (of anything) I knew it was either a ploy or a reality. In this case, reality sunk in very quickly once I opened the notice recognizing the "prize" came from a known source. Because of my simple contribution to an activity I volunteerily performed, I had won a DVD of a movie I had wanted to see but never did. What a nice suprise to know that my mere obedience became my reward!

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 3:14

Can we only imagine the day when we meet God face to face the overwhelming joy we will experience as we are handed the "prize" He has promised us simply because we were faithful to follow Christ? I can assure it you it's value will be worth more than rubies, gold or any worldly object of our affection.

Thought to live by: My goal in this life is to live as Christ.
"Who's your daddy; knowing God as Abba Father" is a daily devotional written by Pat Ferguson Copyright (c) 2010, Pat Ferguson