What if someone asked YOU about being a Christian??

It's' Saturday...I'm still in my pajamas as I write, but I had an intriguing morning. My husband is out for the day and my little one and I are having a lazy day at home. It always makes me nervous when we get visitors at the door, trying to sell us something, etc. (stemming from a group of vaccum "salesmen" who refused to leave my doorstep once and I had to call the police). Today, a young teen and older man in suits knocked at the door and I was in clear view of the window. I had to answer. They were making the rounds and asking people about their faith. They were sharing their faith as Jehovah's Witnesses. They asked me what I thought was the biggest difference between my religion and theirs. I honestly didn't know what to say. After they left, I did some research and filled myself with ways we are different.

The biggest thing I wanted to share is that the Bible says,

"For sin shall have no dominion over you: for you are not under the law, but under grace." Romans 6:14

I am so excited to share that Christ died for ALL sinners!, not just the ones who "attain Christ-likeness". We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, but the good news is that we are not "ruled" by the old law of the Old Testiment...Christ is our new "law" His grace is sufficient and he forgives over and over.

I've messed up so many times, haven't you? God loves us anyway! He gave his son, so that we can be free from the burdens of sin and one day have life eternal with him in heaven! Not just the "special ranking" Christians, ANY and ALL who love him and make Christ the center of their life. THAT is good news!!! Would you like to read specific scriptures about this topic? HERE is a site I looked at today with some good points and scripture to back it. I believe there are also links to other tough topics.

Please note that I am not at all upset or angry with my visitors today, nor do I view them as lesser because of our differences. Like Christ, we were not sent here to judge, but to love and to speak the truth. Be filled with grace today!

Living Humble in a Joyful Way

I'm going to go ahead and plead your forgiveness for being such a slacker when it comes to keeping up with posts. There's obviously no excuse, because I update my other blog almost everyday...and God is way more worth it ;) It feels good to get to spend some time here tonight.

We've been doing a series at church called "unshakable". It's all about living joyfully even though our world and our economy is upside down right now. My husband is literally losing co-workers to his left and right, and we keep praying for his job to be secure.

I learned a big lesson this past week about living humbly, and I wanted to share it with you. It seems that overlooking injustice is really difficult for me...in a way that's good...I never let the sun set on something that isn't set "right". However, I've risked some temper flares in a few of those "fights for injustice". I might have been a good lawyer, but I digress...

Someone bullied me this past week and ripped my self-esteem right from under me. My first instinct was to "rip" them something new, but it occurred to me that our sermon this Sunday was about esteeming others as better than ourselves. We can live joyfully in a humble manner. Now, I certainly don't mean that it's okay to let our self-esteem plumit and allow people to walk all over us, it is good to remember that we aren't #1. It's good to remember that God loves the other person just as much. It's also good to keep a clear conscience when it comes to things we say to one another.

So,...I bit my tongue. I responded kindly.....and just as momma always said, you only attract bees with honey. The other person responded back in a kinder manner. It had the potential to be really ugly, but it's better to have peace in knowing God will set it straight later.

Psalms 37:11 "But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace"

Proverbs 11:2 "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom."

Proverbs 28:25-26 "A greedy man stirs up dissension, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper. He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe."

Pray for Someone

Our pastor said something today that stuck with me...he said that when someone isn't on our hearts, they're probably on our nerves. He meant that if we aren't focused on loving people through God's eyes, we'll get in a rut of being annoyed by them.

Have you ever people-watched in public? We went to the zoo this weekend and I found myself asking my husband if he thought the animals watched us just as much as we watch them... People do some of the strangest things. And sometimes, we even act like animals! It's easy to let people get on our nerves because they're human and so are we. There isn't one of us who is perfect, no matter how much our mothers told us we were when we were kiddos.

Try picking a person who really gets under your skin. Think of that person right now. Those are "sandpaper people". They "rub you the wrong way", big time. Our pastor also likes to say that if you find yourself constantly having imaginary conversations with that person; telling them off and saying everything you've ever wanted to say without remorse, that's your sandpaper person. So now that you've got that person in your head, try praying for them. It doesn't mean having to LIKE them...pray that God would watch them and that they would make good decisions. Pray that God would love them through you and give you a sense of peace around this person. And, finally pray that God would speak to their heart. You might be completely amazed at what God can do when you ask.

Have a great week!

"Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Colossians 3:12

A Little Peace

I've been watching as the seasons are changing...winter is over and spring is creeping in. I say, creeping, because it's always back and forth in Indiana weather! Looking out the window, I noticed yesterday that we have a dove nesting in our deck flower box. I peeked in and she has two lovely, ivory eggs. I knew there would be a nest nearby because she and her mate have been sitting on our deck since February...looking like they were surveying the area.

We had a strong storm come through last night and all I could think about was that little dove, sitting out in the flower box, holding fast against the strong winds and rain to peacefully watch over her little eggs. God does that for us, you know. In the midst of turmoil, he holds fast against the storm, protecting us from chaos all around. It doesn't mean we are oblivious to the chaos, just peacefully cared for during the storm.

It may feel like life is chaos all around right now. You may be suffering hurt and wondering where God is. He isn't far. He's holding you and offering peace if you'll trust him.

"I give you peace, the kind of peace that only I can give. It isn't like the peace that this world can give. So don't be worried or afraid." John 14:27 (CEV)

"He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our sins; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

"Don't worry over anything whatever; whenever you pray, tell God every detail of your needs in thankful prayer, and the peace of God, which surpasses human understanding, will keep constant guard over your hearts and minds as they rest in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:6-7 (Phillips version)

MMmmm...Now THAT's some GOOD NEWS!

As I type at the computer this evening, I can smell the aroma of my hubby's famous homemade pizza as it nears time to take it out of the oven. I'm STARVING right now, which led me to think about how much craving food can be related to how we crave God's presence.

He is the one who fills us up when we long for something more. Many try to fill their "holes" with wealth, hobbies, addictions... If you're hunting for a good meal, then there is good news for you today. Give your life to Christ and let Him be your portion. Let his love be enough for you...it is perfect and will never fail. Even in times of heartache and worry, He sees your hurt and is waiting for you to trust what He has planned for you if you'll only ask him for it.

"God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. God blesses you who weep now, for the time will come when you will laugh with joy." Luke 6:21

"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat." Matthew 5:6 (The Message)

And, if you're still hungry (cause even Christians have to eat...) go to www.whatwereeating.com and find a recipe for the fantastic looking homemade pizza pictured above.

Why Can't "Good" Be Good?

This devotion is based on an awesome Christian author and speaker, Beth Moore of Living Proof Ministries. This past weekend, I had the experience of participating in a simulcast at our church based on marriage. It was a conference broadcast across the United States and into Canada. I think they had around 500 churches participating. It was a really neat experience.

One of the most impactful speakers was Beth Moore. She spoke directly to the ladies on why "good" can't be good enough for women. This totally hit home because I've caught myself on many occasions asking myself or saying aloud, "why can't my husband do this, or why can't my husband be more like that..." WHOA! Stop for a minute, gals....why can't "GOOD" be GOOD ENOUGH??

As women, we all have probably been guilty of not being satisfied with what we have. We need to remind ourselves that what we have is good. My man is good....he's good enough. He's good enough for God, so he's definitely good enough for me.

Here are some "good" verses to ponder today:

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

"Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live." I Thessalonians 5:18 (the Message)

Rock Star

I wanna be a Rock Star........no, not really. But I know someone who does. Have you ever known someone who wanted so badly to be rich and famous...to make it "BIG"? Some people spend their whole lives striving to become "it". They spend the big bucks on a super model wardrobe or the best sound equipment for the band....yet they don't see that what is truly "BIG" in life is right in front of them, and it's FREE.

Living a life for God is infinitely better than striving for fame and fortune. While some people are blessed to achieve both, success is sweeter when it's from the Lord.

Here are a couple verses about success:

"With me are riches and honor, enduring weath and prosperity. My fruit is better than fine gold; what I yield surpasses choice silver." Proverbs 8:18-19 NIV

"My prayer for you, my very dear friend, is that you may be as healthy and prosperous in every way as you are in your soul." 3 John 2 (Phillips version)