God's Grace

God has once again used His Word to hit me over the head with the Truth that I really needed to hear! I have been doing some study on the life of Paul (aka Saul of Tarsus.) I have fully accepted the call that God had placed on me to speak and disciple other believers. I still cannot fathom exactly why God has called me or understand what He expects to accomplish with me. However, I know that is His Will and I am smart enough to know that He knows best!
Beth Moore has become such an inspiration to me. As I use her commentary to study God’s Word His message to me becomes apparent. I am in a stage that I know Ms. Moore understands; perhaps you do too. I want to serve God I believe Philippians 1:6 when it says, “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” That means that I (and you) must yield to the Holy Spirit’s guidance on my life. Especially, when I feel the tug to change or improve any area of my walk.
You know God is working when He reveals something you to when you are not even looking for it. I just began Beth Moore’s book To Live is Christ. Just the title sounded like exactly what I needed. After all, that is what I long for. To live in such a way that my very waking in the morning is to serve and honor the One who died to set me free! The book and study is about the life and ministry of Paul. There are already many highlighted portions in my book but one part was so profound to me that I must share it with you.
First, you need to turn to Acts. You need to read chapter 7 and verse 1 of chapter 8. This describes the death of Stephen the first Christian martyr. Go ahead, do it now!
First, no one will argue the fervor and devotion that Stephen gave to the cause of Christ. He fulfilled what Saul would later write in Romans 14:8 “For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.”
Now, notice Acts 8:1 “Now Saul was consenting to his death against the church which was at Jerusalem…” Saul was there cheering on the crowd as they stoned Stephen. Here, God paints us a picture of two men on opposite ends of the spectrum in THEIR love for Jesus. If you are like me, you are quick to praise Stephen and condemn Saul. Read here what Beth Moore writes. I hope if hits you like it did me!
“As Jesus watched. He didn’t miss a single not of Saul’s phylacteried head. Remember, Christ was up on His feet at the time. Can you image the alloy of emotions He must have experienced as He looked on the two key players in the kingdom for that day? One for Him. One against Him. One covered in the blood. The other covered by prayer shawls. One who could not save himself from men. The other who could not save himself from sin. One dead in body but alive in spirit. The other alive in body but dead in spirit. One loved by God. And the other loved by God. Grace, grace, God’s grace.” Beth More-To Live is Christ pg29
WOW! Did I need to see that the Easter season! I am way too quick to judge those living in open sin. What I need to remember is that Jesus GAVE himself for them as much so for me! In fact, the only thing that separates “them” from “me” is the precious blood of Jesus!
“Father, You are mighty and holy. I thank you for the gifts of this and every day! Thank You for Carys’ health, healing Justin and me, and providing a great support for Sawyer at home. I ask you to be with my church family tonight as they partake in the Lord’s Supper. Oh how I wish I could be there with them. As always, I will trust Your plan even if I do not understand.
Thank You for Your Word! Its truths touch me and keep me.
Thank You for Jesus. Words are not enough to describe all that I owe Him!
Please use Your word to teach and correct the areas of my life that need it! I want to serve and please You so teach me more each day to walk in Your Way!
Amen”

How do I do this?

Have you ever had a task before you to complete? You had been asking for this task, and here it was but you had no idea how to do it!

I have been asking God since October (when Carys was diagnosed) to put people in my pathway that I could witness to and make a difference in their spritual lives. He has answered my prayer in a mighty way. A lot of the people that I meet have a mutual love and relationship with Christ as I do. It is these people that I can encourage and help along their journey and often, they do the same for me.

But sometimes, He puts situations in front of me that I do not know how to approach. In our Beth Moore study we are learning (a lesson we all aready know we just need to put into practice) how to BELIEVE God for what He says. I believe that God has called me to speak to people along the way and form relationships that can be meaningful and help to grow the Kingdom.

Recently, two situations have come before me that baffled me. (I will not give specifics on either becuase that would defeat the purpose). Both of them challanged me as a witness for Christ. First, both sitautions displayed behavior I know to be spiritually wrong. No gray area; just wrong. I knew two things. First, God wanted me to be an infulence to these people. Secondly, I was not supposed to throw the Bible in their face and say "See Here!" But, I did not know how to correctly approach them either.

Then, as always, the answer came in Bible Study. I read this verse "In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation;" Ephesians 1:13a. I had read this verse many times before but placing the emphesis on the end of the verse (in light of eternal security).

Read this verse again for yourself and emphasise the word AFTER. Did you get an Ohhhhhh or AH-HY feeling. Well, I did! God was telling me these people have to come to know Christ before they can believe His word, understand His guidelines, or accept His blessings. The New Living translation puts it like this, "And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago."

I think because I was so young when I recieved Christ I took for granted that I could have made more decisions that were not guided by the Holy Spirit than I have in my years. That is what is happening to these people. They are making choices not guided my the Holy Spirit beacuse the DO NOT HAVE HIM! I should not judge them now. They do not realize they are playing by the same rule book as me! In reality they are; God holds them to the same standard, but they do not realize it. And they will not if I do not show them the Truth of God's word in my life. Instead of hitting them over the head with the Bible, I need to live in out in front of them and let the Holy Spirit slap them in the face. After all, it is His job!

Oh God, that Your Word be so alive and active in my life that people will be convicted of their sin and want what I have! Love that surpasses ALL understanding, Peace like a river, and an eternity safely secured by the precious blood of Jesus!

I hope this can help you look at witnessing to people in a new light. God commands us not to condemn people. This can be difficult for our human flesh to do. However, just remember that this verse is just one of many that assures us we have the Holy Spirit to help us we just MUST rely on Him!

Remembering

This is Carys at the hotel on 1/26/08 the Sunday night before our hospital admission. She can be a real 'ham' in front of the camera. She is sporting her new Hannah Montana nightgown. As you can see she has been feeling great!

This is Carys eating her Fruit Loops in our room before getting "hooked-up". When 4Tower hears we are comming they stock up on Fruit Loops! Seeing Carys like this make it so hard for me to remember that she is sick. This morning (1/30) when she woke up sick it hit me really hard. I want to prevent her from having to go though this; we all do. But, God has a purpose and a plan. We have to just hang on for the ride and keep putting our trust in HIM!

As the sun rose this morning I was feeling a little down. The way the light came through the IV line was a reminder to me that God will shine HIS light through us even in the most difficult of times. I pray that my life can be like this clear bottle; allowig God's glory, mercy, and love to shine through me and reach the world.

"You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word...Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live; and do not let me be ashamed of my hope [JESUS]." Psalms 119:114&116

Jars of Clay

Similes are used throughout the Bible. Most often, things are likened to normal, everyday items or examples that the most common of people can relate to. I guess this is one reason I am drawn to the study of history. Without historical context, much of the Bible seems like meaningless examples.

In 2 Corinthians chapter 4, Paul describes the ministry of the Gospel and our relationship to this. I began studying this passage of scripture a few weeks ago. I could never quite nail down what God wanted me to understand. Then, I listened to Rick Burgess’ speech on the internet. Although he never went to these specific passages, I understood then what the Holy Spirit was laying on my heart.

We humans are here for one very specific purpose; to serve God. And He has one very specific goal for us; to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the lost and dying world around us. Not every believer is called into vocational or full time ministry like being a pastor, teacher or missionary. However, each and every believer has a call to share the Gospel and live out the truths of the Bible in their lives.

So, what are you doing to further the Gospel and expand the Kindgom of Christ? Are you searching the Bible for verses that draw you closer to Him and that will help you help others realize that the Holy Spirit is calling them to salvation? Are you teaching you children that the ONLY thing that matters in this life is what they accomplish for Christ? How much time have you spent in prayer for your neighbor or co-worker because you know they need Christ and His love to make it in eternity?

These questions are not meant to condemn or judge. I had to ask them to myself. I had to examine how important the work of God was to me. I know that God is calling me to serve Him in some new and different way. Although I do not fully understand what ways He wants to use me, I am willing to give of myself and time to read His Word, pray, and seek out that path. Right now, I will continue to write what He tells me to write.

Read 2 Corinthians chapter 4 yourself and decide if your faith is veiled. Are you letting His light shine through you? Verse seven describes the gift of the Gospel as a treasure. We are simply the “earthen vessels” or “jars of clay” that God chose to use to share the way of salvation to the world.

In Bible times jars of clay were plain, ordinary vessels used to store all types of things. Usually, nothing of great value would be kept inside. Sometimes, a family might hide some valuables in these containers as no thief would look in these worthless pots. I would say this is similar to when people stuff money in their mattress or coffee can.

What we must understand is God chose to use just plain ordinary vessels to hide His most valuable gift; JESUS. Not only did Jesus come to earth as a human, but He lives today in the hearts and lives of all believers. We must understand this and take on the awesome responsibility of tending to our Father’s work here on earth. What would Jesus find you busy doing if He returned today?!?

Circus

Okay, go with me hear as these photos are the the REVERSE order that I intended them to be in! Perhaps you can read this post backwards! Oh well, leave it to me to mess it up!

Carys says her favorite thing about the circus was the elephants. The one on top here was the "baby" elephant. It was at least half as big as the others.

As suspected, Sawyer's favorite part was the horses! This big white horse he really liked.


Here is Sawyer before the show began. He was on this rail ALL night. A big "sorry" goes out to the people who sat in front of us. I decided that if you did not like kids hanging all over you, then you should not be a the circus!

Sawyer picked out this four-wheeler man. Carys' flashlight is on the CB page. They saved up their money in peanut jar for a couple of weeks to buy souviners. The funny thing is that the two things they picked out cost EXACTLY the amount they had in their jar! A big thanks to all of you who gave them dollars and quarters (Thanks MawMaw Bea).

Here is Sawyer riding on Daddy's shoulders as we walked to the BJCC. This was the easiest way to keep up with the little buggar who is pretty heavy just to carry. Justin might need an adjustment after this!

The Cottinghams

Just before the climb up the big stairs in front of the BJCC we paused for a family photo. All of us had pink noses and cheeks from the chilly walk.

This is Carys in the car on the way to the circus. For a week she asked "What is today? Is today the day for the circus." Now it was finally here!

I am so thankful for the weeks of normal living we have had. I pray that the comming weeks will pass by quickly as the last 4 months have. It is time again to return to the days of staying home and getting blood counts and such. All I can ask is that God continue to keep us in His hand as we go along this journey~

Trials

Trials – Thoughts from James (Jan 22, 2008)

Sometimes as I think about our family through Carys’ sickness it is hard for me to call these times of trials. However, I know that is what they are; times for Satan to tempt us to waiver in our faith. With God’s grace, I pray we will continue to praise His name in the mist of these times.
I heard the words of James 1:2-4 on the radio tonight as I cleaned the kitchen after supper. Every time I hear the Bible I am amazed at how personal it is. Although it was written somewhere around 60-50s B.C. it is still applicable to our Christian walks today. The thoughts behind this blog began in James, touch on the writings of Paul and also led me to examine the story of Job. The Bible is a wonderful book that works together New and Old to help me focus on fulfilling God’s call on my life.
James wrote to early Christians who were scattered and impoverished. His words not only apply to them, but to our daily lives as we strive to serve God and prevent Satan from gaining ANY glory from our actions.
Verse 2-3 says that we should count it joy when we are in times of trial. This is the attitude I pray for daily. I want to look at Carys’ sickness as an opportunity. An opportunity to grow and allow Him to put me into a new position in His will.
I have never claimed to be a patient person! Verse three tells us that such times produce patience. Oh how I wish I could have learned my lessons about patience sooner before Carys had to suffer. But, I go on believing that God has great things for her as well.
I had to read verse 4 over and over and meditate in prayer about its meaning. Particularly, what was the meaning of the word perfect? Did this verse suggest that I could obtain any level of perfection in this life? Then, like a flash from the past, words to and old familiar song came to me. “He’s still working on me. To make me what I ought to be.” Paul described life as a race. We are always striving for the finish line (spiritual perfection). Although we will never reach this goal until God completes His work in us, the ONLY way we can please Him is in striving for that perfection, Christ-like perfection, in all that we do each day.
All of us face trials. Not everyone loses a loved one, faces financial difficulties, or has to fight a battle with cancer. For some reason, I have endured all three! James 1:13 says God does not “bring” these things into our lives, but He allows us to experience them. (This can be seen very clearly in the story of Job.) No matter what our trial, we MUST remember who is in control of the entire universe. How small we must be in the grand scheme of things but yet the Bible tells us to remember how He cares for the lilies and how much more He must care for our lives.

Heavenly Father,
Once again I come humbly before Your throne. Thank You for allowing me the privilege of coming to You and depending on You in my times of need. I want to thank You also for allowing me times of trial in my life. It seems strange to thank You that Carys has cancer. That is not it. I want to thank You for choosing me. I consider it an honor to be allowed to endure these times of trial. As I read Job and consider the conversation between You and satan, it makes me wonder. Did you also mention our family to him to endure these trials? If so, thank You. It is truly an honor to show him that You and Your grace are greater that ALL my sin!
I continue to grieve with the Burgess family tonight. I know that they are leaning on You but that does not make their human desires to hold their child any less. Please give them comfort in knowing that tonight the Creator of heaven and earth holds their child close in their place.
In this same way, I ask you to surround my children with your Holy Spirit and keep them safe. Provide not just physical safety, but safety from the spiritual threats that are present in this world. Help me to teach them to be in this world but not OF IT! Give us discernment as we make decisions for them.
I ask you to continue to help me find ways to praise You in the Storm of my life. I feel a great peace that Carys will be OK. Please never let me lose my fervor to serve You! I love You and praise You for Your MANY blessings!
Amen!

Why Ask Why

January 20, 2008
With the exception of Jesus, no human ever to live has fully understood the plans of God. Even the prophets of the Old Testament who warned God’s people and delivered details about His plans to the people were not aware of all of the “WHYS” behind God’s plan. In this same way, I must admit that I have not always understood WHY God works in the ways He does. WHY did a three-year-old have to fight the grown-up battle of cancer? WHY could I not take her pain and hurt away?
One of my favorite Bible stories is found in Genesis chapters 37-47. This is the life story of Joseph; the most loved of Jacob’s sons. God’s plan for this young man is full of twists and turns. When reading this story, you must remember that none of the parties mentioned (Joseph, his brothers, or Jacob) could look into the future and see the outcome God had planned all along. In this same way, I could not look past Carys’ diagnosis and see the wondrous ways God had planned to use my little girl and our family.
Joseph was young when his brothers sold him into slavery. I think it would be safe to say that he did not understand why all of these things were happening to him. In some ways it contradicted everything he knew about God’s character and the Scripture. God was the loving Sheppard of Israel. He promised to protect and keep those who honored His Law. Had Joseph (and Jacob) not done this? Had they not honored God with their lives and decisions? In retrospect, that is exactly WHY God moved the brothers to sell Joseph. Without this bold move, Jacob and his family would not have found refuge in Egypt during the famine (chapter 42). What seemed like a curse on Joseph/Jacob was actually God exercising His foreknowledge and making a way to preserve this family who had chosen to follow Him among many pagan peoples.
We are not at the end of Carys’ journey with cancer. However, I can already see some of God’s master plan coming to fruition in our lives. There are people we could not have reached or even known had we not been in all of the places God put us in over the past few months. Most importantly, I have had so many opportunities to show God’s love, mercy, and saving grace to others as a result of this illness.
I still do not “understand” WHY God does a lot of things. Why do His people who are serving Him have to experience the heart break of having a sick child or even losing their precious child? But, as I read this story in Genesis, I see no mention of Jacob or Joseph asking God “WHY”. I do not think it is wrong to ask WHY, I just think it is pointless. There is no way that we could possibly understand God’s WHYS because we cannot understand God in our present spiritual state.
I like to think God has more important things for me to worry about! This may sound strange. How could God have anything else for me to do other than take care of my daughter? Well, from my perspective, GOD is the one taking care of Carys. He does not want me to sit around asking WHY. He wants me out working for Him; showing others the fruits of my prayer. The love and grace that He has so richly blessed me with, he wants me to share with OTHERS. He wants me to have JOY. This comes when I put things into this perspective Jesus, Others, then You(me). Neither Joseph nor Jacob stopped serving or trusting God even though they both faced hardships along their journeys.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for lifting me up during this time. Thank you for the gifts of Your Word and the Holy Spirit who guides me as I study. It amazes me each time I open your Word how much I have to learn and how applicable it is to my life. Please help me help others by sharing what you put in my heart. I love the feeling I get when I feel Your arms around me.
I do not understand why the Burgees family is suffering tonight. I do KNOW that You are mighty and still on the throne. I wish that I could share with them the peace and comfort that You have given to me over the past few months. Prayer is all I have to offer them. PLEASE wrap your arms of love around them. Help them to Praise you In THEIR Storm!
Help me this week to seek more about You and Your will. The Bible says those who seek You will find You. I know You mean in salvation, but I also think You mean in spiritual growth also. I want to be MORE like You.
Keep me strong and serving. Give me opportunities to share and the discernment to see when You place those opportunities in my path.
I Love You! Thank You for Carys’ progress. I pray for a good week of “normal” activities. As we approach the beginning of the next round of treatment, I pray you will build up her counts and strength to endure the chemo/radiation. I pray as she receives treatment that You will guide the chemicals directly to the cells that need to die and spare the rest of her little body from the side effects! I KNOW that You can perform this Miracle so I call on You once again. May You gain all of the Praise, Honor, and Glory from our lives and her healing!
In Jesus Precious Name,
Amen