Giving God Our Best

This adorable picture popped up in my newsfeed this past week and I couldn’t help but relate!  We were one of those families whose children had ‘church clothes’, school clothes and play clothes.  

It was a big deal for my children to get ready for church each Sunday.  My boys didn’t always wear ties, but they did when they wore their suits for special occasions. 

But they had their ‘best clothes’ for church, nice clothes for school and play clothes, which meant they could get them dirty by climbing a tree (which meant a tear every now and again), or a hole in the knee of a pair of pants, that’d I’d often patch.

 The girls also had their ‘extra nice’ dresses, and others they wore to school, and the play clothes they usually only wore at home!

What struck me as I thought about this and the accompanying caption to the picture was how we treat ‘the temple of God’ in today’s world.  The very idea of taking pride in our appearance and remembering to be respectful of where we are, and the event we are attending, seems to be indeed, ‘nostalgic’.  

When I consider that my body is the ‘temple of God’, is this correct thinking?  Sometimes, a person truly can't afford a lot of options to wear.  And if that is all a person has, then he should by all means attend a church service wearing what he has, because that is his best!  And I’m certainly not saying pricey clothes--or even fancy clothes and adornments are necessary—or even recommended.  It's not about impressing our peers.

What makes this even more interesting, in my perspective is knowing that not only is my body the ‘temple of God’, it’s knowing that the Holy Spirit lives within me—- God  lives there since I accepted Him as Savior!  Am I treating Him with respect?  Am I being my best when I don’t dress my best—- at least when I’m in a sanctuary to worship Him?

The Holy Spirit moved in to guide us when we were lost and in a dark place, to help us worship and live godly lives.  He's the giver of special gifts and more.  Shouldn’t we give Him our best, whether it’s how we live, how we eat (this can be tough too— given our culture of fast, processed and unhealthy foods)— how we talk, and yes, even how we dress!  Doesn’t this show the world that we care about the ‘temple’ of the Lord we are given….and expected to take care of?

Many will say if we 'dress up' for church, those who have less won’t attend.  That is a valid point.  There are those in our world who really do not have ‘church clothes.’ And wearing ‘nice clothes’ certainly isn’t required. But even those with less can look nice in their less than pricy clothes.  We’re a society of much; often too much.  

Does God care what we wear to church?  Probably not; certainly not when we are giving him the best we have--and our heart is in the right place.  But I’m of the opinion that He does care when ‘we aren’t the least bit inclined to be our ‘best’ for him.  

God expected the ‘best’ when sacrifices were given.  Is it too much to ask us to be our best in worship to Him? Being the best we can be, would be considered ‘reasonable service.’  We are presenting ourselves to the Lord.

I can’t help but think of attending a wedding, going to a grand concert, showing up in court for some reason or other important event and not wearing my best.  

In those venues, it’s about making sure our attire suits the event….  Is our place of worship so different? We are the ‘church’ and aren’t we saying something about ourselves when we choose to not care how we are ‘dressing for God’?  Are we giving Him our best, or is it even less than what we’d give a judge in a courtroom or other place where respect is required?

‘Dressing up’ may not be a requirement to come to church….  but I wonder….  Do we really want to ‘dress down’ for the Lord?  Is it really about a ‘come as you are attitude’ ---or do we really just not care anymore?

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/NostalgiaFilesNet

Additional note:  I rarely post a controversial subject.  This one may qualify. I do not oppose differing views.  What I must insist upon, however, is that all comments are kind and respectful—without any ‘attacks’ on me or anyone else!  And, that you share your thoughts and views without any ugliness.

The Power Within---Discovering The Holy Spirit

I have vivid memories of learning about the Holy Spirit as a child.  I recall the time a Dove-- the Holy Spirit --descended on Jesus, after being baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.  The ‘tongues of fire’ which were over the heads of the many on Pentecost who were ‘filled with the Spirit, was awesome, too.

Most Christians will say, ‘God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit,' but their mind’s eye don’t ‘see’ a live being for the Holy Spirit, like they see Jesus or God.  Visualizing Jesus for the most part, is quite easy.  He was a human who walked the earth, even while being fully God.  

TRYING TO PICTURE GOD

God is harder to picture because we know He is so vast and all encompassing.  Our minds struggle with a clear image.  Some may picture a very wise man, human form with pure white hair, perhaps a beard, and this ‘male image’ with strength and wisdom.  Others struggle with putting any human qualities in their picture of God, even though the Bible clearly tells us we are made in God’s image.  So realistically He is going to look human! 

PICTURING THE HOLY SPIRIT

But when we cross the line to visualizing the Holy Spirit, many people falter, myself included, although I know with certainty that He is absolutely not a ‘thing or an it’!  He has human qualities just as God the Father and God the Son.

I read a book years ago who described the Holy Spirit as a human, but in a way you couldn’t see his feet… and he sort of floated through the air.  I always liked that picture… It presented the image as being a ‘friendly kind of ghost’ who flits about here and there….  without ever settling.

But I wonder if even that is accurate.  I have absolutely no picture in my mind to describe it, but I know that the Holy Spirit lives within me!  Now that’s hard to describe---particularly when you think in 'human' terms, and especially to a non-believer!

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS FULLY GOD

But the Holy Spirit is way more than some ethereal wisp we can’t know.  He is fully God, fully present and deeply personal.  The Bible lists some of the ‘tasks’ set for the Him. Galatians 5:22-23 talks about the ‘fruits of the Spirit.’  Peace, joy, love, gentleness, kindness and more are available to us, if we let the Spirit transform us.

Many will say they have no spiritual gifts and shy away from serving in any capacity, because they feel inadequate.  Yet, that is another of the tasks of the Holy Spirit.  It is He who gives these gifts to each of us.  So, certainly if you’re a Believer, and have accepted Christ as Savior, the Holy Spirit indwells you, and offers gifts.  

DO WE REFUSE HIS GIFTS?

Sometimes we are reluctant to accept the gifts He offers because we don’t want the ‘challenge or the responsibility’ of any kind of service —or servanthood.  He empowers us to carry out whatever 'gift' we've been given.

Christ told his followers he would be sending a Counselor in his place.  This is the Holy Spirit.  This means He offers wisdom and guidance, knowledge and fear of the Lord, among more.

A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

Perhaps you’ve had the moment during a worship service when you felt ‘washed’ with something or had ‘Holy Ghost bumps’ and couldn’t define it.  I love when that happens because I am reminded that the Holy Spirit is totally within me and I’ve felt him!

In an odd way, I think about a woman carrying an unborn child.  The baby kicks, sucks his thump, gets the hiccups and shifts positions!  Momma can feel this and it brings immense joy, and the little being inside her reminds her he’s there, alive and well!  It’s certainly not the same, but similar. 

THE HOLY SPIRIT TRANSFORMS US

 The Holy Spirit within us has the capability of transforming us into the people God wants us to be.  He’s more than a Dove, more than a Tongue of Fire.  He is the embodiment of God!  He is God, just as Jesus is, only in a different form!

He wants a relationship.  He desires to hear us talk to/with Him and address Him, just as we would God, or Jesus!  They are three in one!

BE STILL AND KNOW THAT HE IS GOD

Take a moment and 'be still and know that He is God.'  Invite the Holy Spirit to become 'real' to you. Even if you can't 'sense' Him immediately, keep reaching out and I don't believe you will be disappointed!

Photo Credit: A Child Learning the Bible 

When Heaven Walked On Earth

My son made the decision to leave home just shy of his 18^th birthday.  I was devastated.  He wasn’t moving across town or even to the next state; he would be over 1800 miles away.  He chose to walk away from a secure financial college setting and go into a world of total unknowns.  

      There was just one thing he was absolutely certain of, he explained: “South Dakota is calling my name.”  As odd as that may seem I understood when he said those words.  They resonated with my own feelings of that area.  Understanding, however, didn’t lessen the pain of his leaving.  

Joseph’s early adult life had already been filled with surprises.  First he was told to take for his bride a woman who was already pregnant, which was unheard of in those days.  He also discovers the child she is carrying is God’s
son.   

As I consider the very idea that Jesus left his home in heaven to come to a world where many would hate and revile him, is hard to imagine. The Heavens must have grieved when Jesus left.  I picture angels and those who were already there, in awe that Jesus would willingly leave the heavenly realm.  Perhaps they wept because he stepped away; surely God must have.  He was sacrificing His only Son.

What compounds this is Jesus left fully knowing that as He removed himself from the realms of glory, the rightful place beside his Father, he would become the living sacrifice to the world’s sin. Jesus, God’s Son, would die a cruel death on the cross and his Father, even if only for a little while, would turn his back on him.  This is a love I can’t even comprehend!  Yet I know he did it….even for me!

We’re approaching Easter, one of my favorite times of the year.  I have exuberant joy as we sing ‘Up From The Grave He arose.’  Can you imagine the angels in heaven as Jesus walked out of that tomb? The angles must have leapt with excitement, singing and shouting with perfect harmony about the event. I’m not sure what angels do when they get excited, but there must have been a great deal of rejoicing!  Jesus was coming back!  That’s worth celebrating!

The other side of this picture is the loathing satan must have had when he realized that death doesn’t get the victory.  I get ‘Holy Ghost’ bumps just thinking about it!  I love the line in the same song mentioned earlier, ‘He arose the Victor of the dark domain.’  Think of it!  Satan didn’t win, because Jesus conquered death!

When I think of my son leaving home all those years ago, I can still recall my pain.  My very tall son, his hands on my shoulders, gently asked me, “Mom, what are you afraid of?”  My response, “That you’ll leave, and I’ll never see you again.”  Those words still make me cry….  Softly, he said, “Mom I would never do that to you.”  He meant it.  He’s been wonderful about staying in touch.

But sometimes we lose loved ones through death.  And our hope can only be that one day we will see them again in Heaven.  This is the promise of Jesus!  He rose again to make that possible!  But there is a condition…. We must choose to make Jesus our Savior.  If we don’t ask Him to be the Lord of our life, we’re going to miss out.

Just as satan loathed that Jesus rose again, those who choose to turn their back on Jesus and this promise, will one day loathe their decision.  It will be an eternal decision of misery and despair and all things horrible, including the separation of our loved ones. 

Jesus’ death and resurrection is such a wonderful gift, and it’s free!  Jesus paid the pice …with his life’s blood!  How can one possibly turn away from this truth?  

Photo Credit: Leaving For College

Photo Credit: When Jesus Left Heaven

Photo Credit: Jesus Arose

Photo Credit:  Empty Tomb

Trusting God In New Seasons

  My roles have always been well defined.  I was married to the same man for 51 years.  I was wife, mom to 5 children, then over time grandmother to 17.  Charles was sick for a long time, but he was a fighter and seemed to be able to push through with his faith, medication, his strong beliefs, and come out on the other side.

Only then …he didn’t.  God called him home and he no longer had to fight every day just to survive. 

OUR WORLDS CHANGED

Not only did his world change, but mine did also.  I was numb and walked in a fog for weeks… even several months.  I couldn’t ‘get started’ in my new normal.  I felt disoriented and had a terrible time focusing on anything.  

I did all the ‘regular things’ that my day required, but it was like I was someone else.  I’d lost my purpose.  Even my love of writing seemed so far down a dark pit, retrieving it seemed impossible on most days.

A GLIMMER OF HOPE

Finally….finally, I began to see a glimmer of hope, of light that motivated me enough to keep putting one foot in front of the other with the intention of being in that light again.  I was fortunate because eventually I did find ‘me’ again and even the gift God gave me long ago....to again put thoughts and words on paper.  

But my writing has changed too.  I’m not the same person I was before Charles died.  Oh, certainly, I am the same in many respects.  But perspective has changed.  Meaning and purpose have evolved in ways I wouldn’t have even imagined.  

       Still, I’m not trapped anymore.  I’m not lost in the mire of’ what ifs’ or ‘shoulda’, ‘coulda’ and ‘where did time go? or How am I going to get to where I need to be? or even regrets and wondering if I’d done better as Charles’ advocate with his doctors, might he still be here?

WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES

Mistakes make us feel small and insecure and yet, they are seemingly impossible to escape.  Add these to the negative thoughts we keep replaying in our minds, and it can be downright debilitating.  They can paralyze, create anxiety, anger, bitterness, and stress levels most of us can’t live with!

This is why an intentional mindset, demonstrates how important it is to let go of past regrets and failures.  God urges us to focus on future goals despite the obstacles which rear their ugly heads, in all kinds of ways, and threaten to dissolve our resolve!

GOD IS 'DOING A NEW THING'

God has this unique way of ‘doing a new thing’ in our lives when we are open to the opportunity.  He gives us a promise we can cling to when life has beaten, battered and broken our hearts.  Even before Paul, God said through Isaiah (Is 43:18-19)

       "Forget the former things… See, I am doing a new thing!”  This is powerful when we let go of the ‘former things’ and allow God to fill us with new life and hope.  He’s promising to make a way for us!

My life is once again in a kind of rhythm…. It’s still very different than before Charles passed.  But I have a ‘new vision’, a new excitement in listening to His voice leading me in places I’d never dreamed!

LIFE HAPPENS

I didn’t want my Charles to leave me.   But life happens, —and death is part of life. Now God is going to use this painful event in ways that are still surfacing and totally blowing my mind!  That I could create something special for widows (or others who grieve) is an amazing way to help others while easing my own pain and allow healing.

God is actively creating a ‘new thing’ which continues to ‘spring up’!  It is no less than ‘divine intervention’ at a time when I wondered if I’d ever feel the warm sunshine not only warm my body, but also my soul—and my heart.  

TRUSTING GOD IN HARD TIMES

It’s a wonderful reminder to trust God during uncertain and hard times, even if it doesn’t make sense.  I’ve heard trust described as ‘actionable faith’…to look forward, accept the change, and climb out of the pit of old familiar patterns.  

    Perhaps you too, need to trust God to do 'a new thing' in your life. Be still, and 'know' that He is God!

Photo Credit: Family Roles & Responsibilities 

Photo Credit: A Glimmer Of Hope

Photo Credit: Forgetting the Past and Looking Forward

God Is Doing A New Thng

 

  Recently I went shopping for garden soil I plan to use in my new garden box.  I’ve never used a garden box before and look forward to utilizing less space for my garden, as well as, seeing less weeds!

WEEDS GROW QUICKLY

There was discussion between friends about how weeds will grow twice as fast as any seed you plant in the ground and even after being pulled out, seems to have enough gumption to come right back again!  

          I can attest to this, since my husband and I, before he passed, traveled.  We’d, with great 'delight’ plant our spring garden, be gone a few weeks, and by the time we got back we could barely find the row the seeds were planted in!  It looked like we had never planted.  Instead it left the image of neglect and misplaced energy!  Just finding the plants were challenging!  

SPIRITURAL WEEDS

When I consider our spiritual lives, it can actually be a bit similar.  As believers when we are focused on fellowshipping with other believers regularly we are reminded of the importance of studying God’s Word daily. Meeting with others regularly, and living a godly life, are more godly habits we tend to do a bit better.

But when we are absent for several weeks regardless of the reason, it's hard to 'get back into the rhythm.   Whether it’s traveling, not feeling well, making the decision to ‘get things done around the house’ on our day off, or a hundred other reasons to stay away from church, it’s super easy to ‘forget’ —or neglect -- the habits we’d been so careful about before.

GOD DOES A NEW THING

Sometimes we must be jolted back to reality.  God does a ‘new’ thing!  It may or may not be to our liking!  We may find we’ve lost the hope that God still works in our lives.   Or we may have need to let go of a past hurt or our focus is far off.  The weeds growing in our lives have crept in and taken over what was once a beautiful flower (or vegetable) garden!

When this happens, and we reflect on ‘our’ plan, we see we’ve gone down a completely different path.  While God wants to get us on track, sometimes he takes us down an unfamiliar ‘side street’ we’d never expected.  We are asked to wait while his timing comes to fruition, and it doesn’t look at all like what we expected!

GOD SEES THE WHOLE PICTURE

This can leave us frightened and even more confused!  How can we trust in a God who doesn’t seem to make sense?  We are told Biblically God’s ways are not our ways, nor are our thoughts’s like God. (Isaiah 55:8-9)  He can see the entire picture.  We are looking out through a very narrow lens.

FEAR CAN IMMOBILIZE US

Fear can keep us from recognizing new opportunities, we’d never noticed before in an uncertain future.  Sometimes we doubt our personal abilities and just want to wait until everything works out.  

      But it doesn’t "just" work out, and we still wait, not sure what's next while no longer trusting in the God who knows everything. Sometimes, we get impatient and we attempt to  take 'control' and make decisions which make the weeds even worse!

WEEDING OUR SPIRITUAL GARDEN

The weeds in our spiritual garden often need to be confronted and ‘dealt with’ and ultimately destroyed.  The fear we feel, doubt, and waiting for things to ‘look right’ are not from God.  Those are Satan’s attacks on our relationship with God.  Satan wants nothing more than to keep us confused and afraid to move forward.  He wants us to miss God’s nudging, so we miss the opportunities of seeing, ‘God is doing something new’ and the new ‘thing’ is often just what we needed!

Photo Credit: Garden Prep

Photo Credit: A Weedy Garden Photo

 Credit: Fear Can Immobilize Us