Monthly Archives: September 2017

All Embracing Love… Really?

Posted on by
4

Tolerance… it’s what our society is calling for…

Tolerance is the willingness to tolerate or allow the existence of someone else’s beliefs or opinions. That means we tolerate other opinions about sexuality, politics, parenting, finances, and even the best pick-up truck. It’s reading someone’s political post or raging social commentary and allowing their thoughts to stand.

If society is calling for tolerance… what are believers called to do?

Well… is God tolerant? Did He allow Adam to do what he believed was right in the Garden of Eden? Did the Lord entertain Moses’ opinion on saving Sodom & Gomorrah? Did He permit the Israelites to have a king that He never wanted them to have? The answer to these questions is “Yes.” Then the implication is that God is tolerant of our opinions and beliefs. Why? Because He outfitted us with the ability to decide for ourselves and He is faithful to His word in allowing us to choose, even when we choose wrongly! Believe it or not… He wouldn’t even block us on Facebook!

There’s a boatload of difference between tolerance and approval. We can tolerate the beliefs and opinions of others without extending our approval. That works out fairly well as most people have no interest in gaining our approval anyway. But somehow, we still find ourselves in the place of trying to decide if we do or don’t approve of someone.

Please, stop… don’t bother with that internal conversation any longer!

Instead, ask yourself, what does Jesus see in this person?
I believe that He would not only tolerate them, but He would embrace them! He DOES embrace them! He embraces us! He steps into our mess and wraps His arms around us… warts and all… our laziness, bad choices, addictions, unfaithfulness, complaining, cussing, sensuality, political rhetoric, prejudices, sports-obsessions, and self-righteousness. Jesus is not standing back deciding whether or not to offer His approval. He purposefully steps towards you and I, opens His arms, tells us He loves us, and asks us to follow Him!

Jesus came as Light and Life so that He could pour into us and send us forth as light and life to a lost world… even a social media world. (John 1:4-5) The precious people in our realm of influence experience His embrace through us!

Skip Morgenson, right, says a prayer while embracing other congregation members during a prayer vigil for the Charlottesville victims at Cornerstone …

We are called to love! Don’t get me wrong, there’s a time for correction, teaching, and wisdom… but most often those opportunities come AFTER relationship is established (and not via social media!) If we cannot embrace others in their mess, we will never get to the point of relationship when we have earned the authority to speak into their lives. Without love, our well-meaning rhetoric grates the ears like clanging symbols! (I Corinthians 13:1-8a)

This embracing love is effectively demonstrated when we don’t see eye to eye with someone we encounter… when their beliefs or opinions don’t line up with ours. Yet, we can still look them in the eye and value who they are simply because they are made in the image of our Heavenly Dad.

Social media is a tool that can drive wedges in relationships or a tool to build bridges of relationships.

Don’t waste your time with foolish arguments; redeem the time for His Kingdom! Be passionate about people, because our Daddy is!

Dig Deeper: II Timothy 2:20-26, I Corinthians 13, Colossians 1:9-14

Please share your thoughts by clicking on the bubble beside the title!

Live Loved,

Want to read more? Mercy Triumphs Over Judgement, Unoffendable

Want to hear more?  Listen here: Designed to Impress

Standing in the Storm

Posted on by
1

“Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to [successfully] resist and stand your ground in the evil day [of danger], and having done everything [that the crisis demands], to stand firm [in your place, fully prepared, immovable, victorious.]” Ephesians 6:13 AMP

As the crisis of Hurricane Irma bears down on us, the manic news reports flash everywhere and the panicked purchasers wipe the shelves clean of storm necessities.  Before long, even the calmest person can feel the rise of stress and worry choking out the confidence that God truly is in control.

As I struggled with this rising fear of calamity, I felt the Lord whisper in my ear, “Having done all else, stand firm.”  Just minutes ago, my family and I walked around our property, declaring trees will stay put, commanding angels to stand guard over board-less windows, speaking a shield over our vehicles, and praying a hedge of safety around our chickens.   Now, I sit here, truly having done all I can think of and can manage to do with what limited supplies are available.

Breathing deeply, I choose to embrace peace that passes all understanding.  My confidence is not in my preparations or the piles of supplies.  My confidence is in my Faithful Father.  He has promised me that no matter what comes my way, He will cause all my life’s circumstances~the good, the bad, and the ugly~ to flow together for my good because I love Him and He loves me!

Standing firm is not a passive stance that bears the lackadaisical attitude of an amusement park attendee.  Rather, it is a purposeful stand.  When we stand firm, we stand in expectancy.  We stand ready.

There is purpose and power in our stand.  We stand on truth, we stand in hope, and we stand believing that God’s Kingdom will come and His will be done in our current situation.  This faith stand declares emphatically that we trust our Dad… No.Matter.What!

In our lives, storms will come!   Isaiah 43 reminds us:

“But now, this is what the Lord says—
He who created you, Jacob,
He who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are Mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze”

Note this: When you pass through the waters… when you walk through the fire… it’s not a question of if, but when.

Your storm may seem overwhelming right now… turn to Him.  Grab ahold of His beard and look deep into His eyes!  He loves you.  When you climb into His arms, you will find that deep inner peace your heart desires!  In fact, you will find yourself planted right smack in the center of where God wanted you to be!  His plans are never to harm us; rather, His plans our purposefully and intricately woven to give us an incredible future!

Let the storm rage around you!  But stand firm in the knowledge that God, your God, is in control.  Wait in expectancy and hope for Him to give you strength and direction.  Stand declaring His goodness and faithfulness.  Watch Him come through for you with His mighty right hand!  He loves you SO MUCH that He will work on your behalf when you submit your life to Him.

Dig deeper:  Jeremiah 29:11-13, Ephesians 6:10-20

Please share your thoughts by clicking on the bubble beside the title!

Live Loved,                    

The Power of Perspective

Posted on by
Reply

But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. Psalm 34:10

It’s developing a habit, really…  Choosing to look at circumstances from all sides as if you were inspecting a possible purchase.  What looks awful from one side may look beautiful from another.  I’ve been accused of looking at life through rose-colored glasses.  I’m not offended by that… in fact, I think everyone should have a pair!

You and I can view life through the lens of trials or through the lens of opportunities.  It’s all in our perspective, really…  consider Mary and Martha.  I’d venture to say that both women loved Jesus and both were most likely hard workers.  Yet in the scenario in Luke 10:38-42, we find them at odds with one another.  Why?  They had differing perspectives of Jesus’ visit!  Martha saw the problem; Mary saw the Provider.  Martha saw the duties; Mary saw the Deliverer.  Martha saw the situation; Mary saw the Savior!  Martha wanted Jesus to feel comfortable; Mary took comfort in the presence of Jesus.  Jesus knew what Mary and Martha needed… Himself!  Martha just hadn’t figured it out yet (I’d like to think she caught on soon!).

Consider the scenarios in your life.  How easy it is to focus on the problems and needs!  But, oh!  When we lift our vision higher, we focus on the Provider, the Comforter, the Divine Orchestrator whose very presence fills our lives!  We can sit at His feet, leave our burdens there, and find the comfort that only He can offer.  Yes, there is still work to be done! No, we cannot abdicate our responsibilities.  But, we can keep our eyes on the One who knows what we need, opens the door of access to the Throne room, and whispers His perspective into our spirits!

Sure, sometimes circumstances drain the pep from my step, but if I am purposeful to readjust my focus, I get a peek of the Son shining through life’s clouds! Slip on those rose-colored glasses and lift your vision higher!  There’s life to be found in every situation!

Dig deeper: James 1:2-6, Psalm 34:8-18, Philippians 4:6-8

Please share your thoughts by clicking on the bubble by the title.

Live Loved,

What is Steampunk Again??

Posted on by
2

Steampunk-stēmˌpəNGk

Hi!  My name is Joy… and I’m a Steampunk Junkie!  I can’t find a support group because… well, I can’t seem to find many other SP Junkies like me!  In fact, most people ask me to define Steampunk, and I mumble a few adjectives such as industrial, futuristic, Victorian, eclectic…  and then promptly show them an image or two on my phone!

So, why do I enjoy this creative style?  I’m glad you asked! I’ve asked myself that same question!  What is it about the rusty, copper-colored menagerie of gadgets and gizmos that make my pulse stir?

When I look at a Steampunk piece of art, my creative juices begin to bubble!  My imagination flourishes and my desire to create an original work of art goes into overdrive!  Before long, I have a pile of odds and ends, glue, paper, and trinkets just begging to be set into place.

Steampunk art… Unique… colorful… intricate… and NOT perfect!  It’s an art filled with discarded tools, torn edges, crumpled papers, broken chains, and stained pieces.  Yet, when a designer puts those components together, they become a beautiful, one-of-a-kind display of art.

Steampunk art is a reflection of me!  It’s an outward display of the intricately woven ribbons of my life.  Torn moments, wounded memories, delightful snapshots, discarded choices, bursts of color and dreams, all threaded together by the Master Designer into a masterpiece!  I confess, sometimes it’s hard to see the beauty when the work is in process.  The chaos and brokenness just don’t seem usable.  However, that’s all the more reason to trust the Master Designer!

Your life is also a work of art in progress!  The Master Designer began that work the day you were conceived. He has not forgotten you! He promises to take all the torn and broken pieces and merge them with the beautiful, glittery ones in creating a complete and precious work… if you allow Him to!  “…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”  Phil. 1:6 NKJV

This Master Designer, the Creator of the Universe, the Lover of your soul, Jesus…  go to Him, lay it all at His feet in surrender and watch Him begin to piece the threads of your life together into the work of art that is you.  You won’t be disappointed!

Dig Deeper! Genesis 45:3-7, 50:19-20, Romans 8:18-28

Make a Declaration:

Lord, You are a faithful God and the Master Creator! You are also my Father.  Help me to trust You and Your plan for my life.  Take all my broken pieces, my hurts, my mistakes, and weave them together into the good You promised for my life.  I love You, Lord!  Thank You that You’ve called me according to Your purposes.

Please share your thoughts by clicking on the bubble next to the title!

Live loved,