Phone Calls from the Enemy

I am not a fan of my dreams (the ones that impose themselves on me in the middle of the night). They are usually quite strange. But once in a while I'll have one that seems to come with a lesson and this one I thought I'd share. Maybe you will feel like God is using it to speak to you, or maybe not. Maybe you'll laugh and chalk it up to the sugar habit I can't seem to kick (still love my sweets). That's all fine with me.... :-)

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I dreamed that someone had murdered a person close to me.  No one talked about who was murdered or when, but I just understood it happened and it affected my family and friends.

The person who murdered them was still out there. And he was planning to come back for the rest of us.

We decided to all stay together in one house for the time being. The house that I grew up in. My family was there and many friends. We even invited the neighbors, and any stranger who seemed to be hanging around the neighborhood, to come stay with us. We told them about the murderer, and that he was coming for us. He was watching the house and everyone in it, but we would be safer in numbers. So hunkered down to keep watch, while blanketed by fear and uncertainty.

For some reason I had a leadership role in this operation. I organized who stayed in what room, who kept watch and on what shifts. I knew what the police were doing and where they were at with the investigation.

I also spoke to the murderer.

Everyday.

He would call the house and we'd talk on the phone. I knew it was him and he knew we were looking for him. 

Most of the others in the house didn't know I spoke to him. Those who were aware, didn't know what we talked about. I thought that by taking his calls we could track him down easier. Figure out where he was, his next moves. Except none of that happened. In fact, I hadn't even told the police I had contact with him.

When the murderer called, we spoke quietly to one another. It didn't seem as if he had any ill intent toward me or anyone else. His voice was gentle and, at times, a little melancholy. It was like he was a lonely friend with a pain that only I could understand...and possibly heal. I began to feel sympathy and the desire to soothe him. I had become frighteningly comfortable with him.

And everyone in the house became increasingly apathetic to the whole situation. Passing the hours with mindless entertainment, punctuated with bouts of complacent worry that kept us in hiding. We would invite more people in to the "safehouse", but do nothing to guard ourselves from our enemy.

One day, as I hung up the phone, I finally realized how many missed opportunities I had to beat this guy.
 
Why did I let him convince me that I enjoyed his "friendship"?
Why didn't I tell the police...let them trace the call?
What are we all doing here anyways?

I finally made a plan with my grandma. I told her everything that was going on. We decided the next time he called, I would answer and she would call the police. Hopefully they could track his location and this would all be over.
 
Next time.
If there was a next time...
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Then I woke up. 

My first conscious thought was, "Why are my dreams so ridiculous?!" and then, "Why am I so stupid in my dreams?!" HA! I hope I'm not the only one....

Before I could push it out of my mind, I realized, there is a lesson in this dream. It's a reminder for me, for sure. Possibly for you too. And it's not so far from reality.

The truth is, we all have an enemy.
 
And he is a murderer. (1 Peter 5:8)(John 10:10)

He is also a master counterfeiter (John 8:44), posing as good and godly (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). He manipulates and woos our hearts in those secret moments, blurring the lines between truth and lies. Unless we decide to turn and run, (or stand and fight), we will befriend him, nurturing the relationship until we seep with apathy or are ultimately destroyed.

Can you relate? Have you ever befriended (or felt tempted to befriend) the enemy?

He is subtle and reassuring...like during the phone calls in my dream. I can honestly say I've answered a few of his calls and felt the pull of his charisma; the desire that builds when he twists the Truth. "You will not surely die..." (Genesis 3:1-7)

But that is his whole purpose! To steal, kill and destroy. He will steal our joy and destroy our self-worth. He will wound and even massacre our relationships.... if we let him.

Have you been answering his calls?

Thankfully, there is another One who calls. And He does not woo us with empty promises. God fulfills His promises; promises that bring us LIFE. And He fights with us, for us, providing a way to escape the pursuit of our enemy. His Word says:

• God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able (1 Corinthians 10:13)
• If we resist the devil, he will flee from us (James 4:6-8)
• Sometimes our first move should be to flee (2 Timothy 2:22)
• God gives us armor so we can overcome the devil (Ephesians 6:10-19)
• God also promises to protect those who love Him (Psalm 91)

I'm glad I woke up before seeing the outcome of my dream. There's still hope in dreamland. I made the right move confiding in someone older and wiser than myself, someone to hold me accountable. Someone to call upon the authorities with me. If I'm wise, I will spring into action and awaken the others from their stupor as well.

That's why God gives us one another. Not to grow apathetic and ignore what is done in secret. Or to pass the time with mindless entertainment. But spur each other on and battle the enemy together. To confide in one another, to pray to together, to point each other to the Truth in God's Word (James 5:16)(Hebrews 10:24).

I'm thankful for those I can confide in and trust to hold me accountable. And I am especially thankful that God has empowered me with His Spirit to overcome the enemy! It is not too difficult for us (Deut. 30:11-16). Because He is our strength and He is in us.

So what do you think....too much sugar? ;-) 

Actually, I'm rather glad I had this crazy dream. Next time he calls, I'll remember that behind the soothing voice is the heart of a murderer.

On Time, Energy, and Who We Are // Honoring God with my Gifts

Image by Valerie Lynn Jones

God created us each as individuals. Each with a purpose. Each with individual gifts and talents. Each with a unique personality. And all of that shapes how we ought to spend our lives, not only for our benefit, but for others, and especially to honor God. Yes, God delights in YOU and wants to use YOU for His purposes!

I starting sharing last week about how God has shown me to use my time wisely in light of who I am (as an introvert) and in light of His relationship with me. It's a personal journey so I'm sharing it in the context of "me" - but I hope you can adapt it for your own personal discovery.

These are the first two things that keep my schedule in check:

1. Personal Time in Prayer & God's Word
2. Keeping the Sabbath

Today is a look at shaping my schedule by...

3. Honoring God with my Gifts

I believe everyone has "a calling", so to speak. But it's not so much about that one big thing that we'll do one day that will make a huge impact in the world. (However, if God gives you a great vision - do it!) It's mostly about day to day living. Listening to God's voice, obeying His Word, every day. Out of that emerges an understanding of what we are called to today.

Today I am a wife, and I am called to bless and honor my husband in a way that best meets his needs.

Today I am an office manager for my church, and I am called to keep people/information organized and on task.

Today I am a homemaker, and I am called to complete my errands under budget and restock our closet with freshly laundered clothes for the week.

...the list could go on, but it's all about using whatever God has equipped me with to make the best of today. Because one day might come. And if I honor God with today, I'll be that much more prepared.

I learned that day-to-day living can get sticky, especially we try to fulfill the wrong calling. I remember a time I would get so overwhelmed with things I was "supposed to do" because I thought: If I'm good at it, I should do it...all the time...and maybe for the rest of my life.

And it doesn't help when others jump on board with the thought (although to be fair, they had no idea that's the association I made in my brain). Throughout my life, I've often heard variations of:

"You should do that more often!"
"You should make more of those and sell them - you'd make a lot of money."
"You should write a book!"
"You are really good at that...you should do this..."

I very much appreciate the compliments. Maybe I will do one of those one day. It's really up to God though. I've learned not to do it just because I'm good at it. There is no peace in that.

I have to do it because God told me to. That is when He blesses it - when He uses it for His glory. His glory, not mine, should be my sole desire in life.

So I've made of point of doing these three things:

1. Finding out my gifts - both spiritual gifts and talents/skills I excel at. I also pay attention to my limitations - there's a difference between development (or growth) and striving to make it in an area I just shouldn't be. Both can be challenging, but growth produces fruit while striving tears down or causes emptiness.

2. Submitting those gifts (and limitations) to God. He is trustworthy and faithful, pouring into my life everything I need to grow and carry out my tasks with purpose. It's a process that honors Him and blesses me. Can you think of a time you accomplished something by God's grace when you entrusted your whole being to Him? It's rewarding -- and empowering! I'm always energized to do more. And He delights in that.

3. Embracing Life's Seasons. Life changes! At one point I was student, now I am wife/homemaker/office manager/mentor, one day I'll add mother to the list... and each season requires new skills, a growth in giftings. Sometimes seasons end and sometimes God assigns our gifts to a new area. But only God knows the changing of seasons, and I have to trust and wait on Him.

Our time on this earth is precious. I want to invest it in things that have eternal value. Not just things I might be good at.

How about you?

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If you have not figured out what your gifts are, I encourage you to do it...soon! There are many resources available to help you assess your gifts and limitations (I've listed some below). Prayerfully go through the process with God. He knows how He made you - and He will show you!

God's Word on Purpose & Gifts
Jeremiah 29:11
Ephesians 2:8-10
Philippians 1:6
Psalm 139
1 Corinthians 12
Romans 12:1-8

Spiritual Gifts Resources
SpiritualGiftsTest.com - A place where you can learn about spiritual gifts, their purpose, how to use them and take a test to discover yours.
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality - A blog by Pete & Geri Scazzero, pastors who developed resources on Emotional Health in ministry.

On Time, Energy, and Who We Are // Sabbath Keeping

photo by Valerie Lynn Jones

I started this series talking about my introverted need for alone time. Sometimes I feel like I am missing out on precious time spent with other people, or getting projects done, but I've learned how to balance my schedule in light of who I am and God's purpose for me. I simply cannot thrive on consistent social interaction and doings. BUT I am called to be a wife, a daughter, a friend...I am called to minister, to give and to love.

So by meeting with God daily, spending time in His word and prayer, I find I am able to establish boundaries for my schedule - ones that keep me from being either selfish or overzealous - ones that keep me in His will.

Today I'll talk about a weekly rhythm that God uses to guard my schedule and my heart:


2. Keeping the Sabbath
Honoring the Sabbath is one of God's commands for us, but it has very little to do with legalism. Christ himself observed the Sabbath but would heal (Mark 3:1-6), gather grain, and preach on that day. He reminded the Pharisees that, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:23-28). In other words, it is a gift to us, not a form of bondage.

The way I see it, God knows how much we need Him and His presence, so He made it simple for us. He set an example, then told us what to do to receive what we need. After six days of creation, God stopped His work, rested and delighted in what He did (Genesis 2:3). Then He told us to, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy" (Exodus20:8).

This is so we too would stop our work, rest and delight in Him. It is for our benefit as well as for God's glory.

I don't believe that "stop work" means sit on the couch all day. The focus should be on the restorative nature of God, refraining from things that drain us and partaking in things that refresh us, as well as our relationship with Him.


Some of my best Sabbaths include doing something - but just me and God - and something that helps me delight in Him: writing, studying His word, reflecting, worship, photography, relaxing outdoors. I become more energized when I am doing things alone with God.

Sometimes my Sabbaths are not spent completely alone, or they do involve some amount of "work". But the focus is on meeting one of my God-given needs that may not have been filled throughout the week, like a date night with my husband. Or if I haven't been able to attend to certain household projects, I'll do one. Sometimes the relief of completing a project is refreshing! As long as I am able to "refill my tank" and delight in my Lord while doing it, I will allow it.

When determining the best way to observe a Sabbath, it is important to seek the Lord and have a good amount of self-awareness. Know what He desires out of your relationship with Him. Know what you need to really be able to rest.

I ask myself these questions to make sure I'm honoring the Sabbath:

• Am I doing something that draws me closer to God? (prayer, Bible study, worship)
• Am I saying NO to things that keep me busy? (to-do lists, errands, social engagements)
• Am I saying NO to things that might make me anxious, agitated, distracted...?
• Will doing this thing allow me to delight in God and the life He gave me?
• Will doing this thing allow me to experience peace, joy, love...?
• Will my time spent today be spiritually, emotionally and physically refreshing...so I can start my week "full"?

I believe that when we keep the weekly rhythm of resting in the Lord, then we are better able to serve Him throughout our week. When we are drained and empty, our ability to carry out our purpose suffers (we've all been there).

I need both the intentional daily interactions with God and the weekly restorative moments. And the best part is, He desires that for us too.

On Time, Energy, and Who We Are

photo by Valerie Lynn Jones

It's become easy to tell how much little time I've had to myself lately by how many few blog posts I've written... or how slow I am to respond to emails/texts/phone calls... or how much I just want to sit outside and read a book. Alone.

These "symptoms" used to bother me. Like I was failing to keep up with my life as others know it. But I know the result of that type of thinking.

Guilt. And a confused perception of who I am and what my purpose really is.

(Why do so many of us fall into the trap of being ashamed of who we are?)

And while I generally do not like labels - I've fought this one hard - I'm learning to fully embrace my natural inclination to be an introvert.

I'm also learning not to feel guilty about it.

We all go through seasons of life and we have varying needs for each season. The past couple months for me have been a season of blessed change and growth within our household. I've been doing my best to be a student of God-given life lessons, embracing the moment, and delighting in the joys set before me...

My husband's schedule changed (again) so he is now home every evening. We eat dinner together, work out together, do chores together, play games together, and watch TV together. I'm really blessed by the time I get to spend with him and the simple fact that he wants to spend time with me!

And then friendships ebb and flow. There are causes for celebrating new life milestones. There are heartbreaks that need comfort. There are new activities to attend, events to plan, and moments to just play catch up. I'm thankful for every minute of those experiences.

But I have to confess: as an introvert, seasons like this are energy-suckers. And that's hard to admit when I love the people in my life.

However, the real truth is that whether you are an introvert or extrovert, there is no life-giving energy that can be obtained from any person or experience like there is from God.

And I know that "my" time is best spent when I realize it is "His" time. My time may not be spent the way others spend theirs, or the way they may prefer I spend mine, but when it's God's time and His will I'm living...it's time well spent.

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There are several ways I've learned how to manage my time in light of who He made me. I'll hash them out one post at a time...

1. Personal Time in Prayer & God's Word
A daily must. It is during this time, no matter what season of life, that God reinforces our relationship with Him. My identity, my worth, and understanding who God is all starts here. It is important to know what God's Word says about our purpose and His desire for us. We must guard that Truth within us in every way possible.

My son, pay attention to what I say;
    turn your ear to my words.
Do not let them out of your sight,
    keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
    and health to one’s whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.
Proverbs 4:20-23

Everything else is affected by what we hold true in our hearts. 

If I believe I am failing to keep up my part of a relationship, I will try to overcompensate and either run myself dry or smother the other person. If I believe I am worthless, I won't view my time spent with others as worthwhile. If I believe I'm incompetent, I most likely won't even try.

But if I believe how intimately God knows me, I can trust Him to show me my heart when I ask Him if there are offenses in me (Psalm 139). If I believe that I am forgiven, a child of God, a heir in His kingdom, then I will be certain of my worth in Him and to others (Romans 8:16-17). If I believe in the power of God that raised Christ from the dead, then I will also trust God to empower me to do His will (Ephesians 1:15-21).

This faith only comes from time spent with God, in prayer and in His word. He affirms what is true and reveals the lies so we can guard ourselves - both who we are and what we do.


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So today, I chose not call up friends (whom I absolutely love being with), or go out in public (which is more a of chore anyways)...instead I doubled up my Bible study time, just because I enjoyed it so much. Now I'm sitting on my balcony alone. Writing. Watching the trees dance in the wind and listening to birds sing their songs. Wondering if I should go back in to switch out the laundry (nope!).

I realize time spent like this is a luxury many feel they cannot afford. But I've learned the hard way, that for me, I cannot afford to not make it a priority. We all need time to allow God to reaffirm His truth in us...daily and in larger weekly doses too (read: Sabbath - coming up next!). 

...for everything you do flows from it.

The Face of Hope

You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 26:3

photo by Valerie Lynn Jones

So many moments of devastation this past week. My heart has throbbed several times for both strangers and loved ones. And as the last waves of sympathy and empathy surged through me, all I could breathe was:

"God, draw us closer to You".

Out there - where there is pain, confusion, heartache - there are also many blessings from God to behold. A helping hand. A kind word. Thoughtful prayers. An angel, with us unaware. Yet we know even all these things, though good, are fleeting.

But not Him. There is nothing like beholding the presence of God, coming face to face with the Eternal. He calls each of us to turn to Him.

When we do, the healing begins. The will shatters and pride falls and we realize we are small and broken. But for the Redeemed Child of God there is no guilt or shame or fear...just a knowing that recognizes that He IS.

As the heart bows, He lifts the chin to meet us face to face. Then there it is - the overwhelming nature of God saturating the soul. Goodness. Love. Peace.

And we think, it doesn't make sense. It shouldn't make sense. The world is falling to pieces - our world crumbling before us. How can there peace?

But it's the peace of God that passes all understanding. He said it right there in His Word: it doesn't make sense.

It doesn't have to. Because He is the God who sees - all things that all of us are going through - He sees. And He cares.

He cares FOR us.

Thousands of years ago He carried the weight of the world's sin and shame as He died on that tree for us. He took our sin and He asks for our cares to be cast on Him, because He cares FOR us.

Instead of us...so we don't have to carry our cares.

It doesn't make sense to give up our cares, our imperfect lives, to a perfect God who seems too big or too far from us. The Truth is He became small, so He could be close, so He could take our burdens - because He loves us so deeply that we really don't understand it until we do give them up.

Then we look in His face and there is relief. Release. Freedom. He embraces us with loving arms and saturates us with His peace that guards our hearts and minds.

And the old hymn sings of what's true:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Everything else dims. It is fleeting as well. In the light of the Eternal our burdens become light. Our hearts begin to rest, then we see it, in His face.

Hope.

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Seeking the face of God in times of trouble - Psalm 27

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Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
(Helen H. Lemmel, 1992)

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s a light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace....

As Close as Breath Itself

photo by Valerie Lynn Jones

As Passion Week comes to an end, I found myself wondering how Jesus' disciples felt in the days after His death.

Many of them fled as He was arrested then questioned and beaten. One of His closest denied that he knew Him - not once, but three times. After His body was laid in the tomb, the disciples hid together in fear. They did not yet understand what was taking place.

Did they realize they were waiting for Him to rise again? Did they wait with eagerness and hope, or worry and despair? Were they confessing to one another everything they should have done differently? Were they asking each other why?

I wonder if they felt abandoned. Or if they simply felt broken and empty. After spending so much precious time in His presence, listening to His teaching, being filled by His love, and amazed by His powerful works - He was gone. Violently and tragically ripped from their presence. Did they seek God for comfort?

I wondered all this as I pondered my own struggles during Passion Week. The needling temptations, the latent discontent, my feeble attempts to keep leaven out of my spirit and my stomach. And at the end of Lent, in the middle of Passover, after experiencing such a precious closeness...why this uncertain struggle? Is this how the disciples felt?

Then I read how He rises from the dead and He appears to those He loves, saying:

“Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit."
John 20:21-22

It was as if the Creation was taking place all over again - and maybe it was.

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.
Genesis 2:7

Jesus fulfilled the most perfect and complete act of drawing us close to Him through His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection. And then He returned to His disciples and He breathed on them. He pulled them up out of despair and grief, out of the haze of confusion, and the ashes of the mourning. And He breathed His breath of life on them.

Receive the Holy Spirit, He said.

The first time since Creation that mankind was so intimately close to God that human breath and God's breath were one. Man's spirit and God's Spirit entwined.

It would have been enough for Jesus to die as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins, so that we could stand righteous before God.

But He drew closer.

It would have been enough for Him to die, then rise from the dead on the third day - conquering Satan and the grave - so we could live in victory over spiritual death.

But He drew closer.

He breathes on us and He pours out His Spirit to dwell within us.

I am constantly amazed at how much God desires to be with us.

I am not sure how close to God the disciples felt during those three days without Jesus. But He made it clear that the events of that week were not about what we can do to be close to God. It was about what He did to be close to us - as close as breath itself.

Even Peter, the one who denied knowing Him, received the breath of new life as Jesus lovingly reinstituted Peter's purpose and the Holy Spirit filled Him.

And so as I wonder and ponder my closeness to Him and He reminds me: My Spirit is in you.

This week is not about what I have done or not done, it is about what He has already done and where He now dwells. I have a purpose and everything I need already within me to do His good work and be close to Him.

So breathe. Breathe deeply. Let Me be close to you and rejoice in what I have done! 

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I went running this morning, for the first time in 40 days. I made my 3.1 miles without stopping and without falling over in pain, praise God! And my time was comparable to what normally run when training: 10min/mile. I certainly did not lose out on much.

But it was a little harder since it had been so long since my lungs filled so deeply with air and my blood became saturated with oxygen. Just feeling fullness of life surging through my veins again...just learning how to breathe again.

Thank you, Lord, for your blood and your breath that permeates every part of who I am - for fullness of life. He is risen indeed!

Lent and How God Knows Exactly What We Need

It might be strange to post about Lent after it has concluded, but for me, lent this year was an unexpected time of discovery.

It is beautiful how God works in many facets of our lives to draw together a season of growth, of change...of becoming. Since the arrival of the new year, my heart has been yearning for more of the Holy Spirit. More awareness of His presence; more understanding of His work; more listening, more obeying, more of Him and less of me.

God led me to start a Bible study on my blog, to re-establish my security in Him. He led me to attend a Bible study at church, to strengthen my faith and consistency in prayer. He spoke to me about listening to His voice and trusting His leading.

Then on the day before lent, I "happened" upon my favorite blog where she explained the emptying of oneself to know the filling of God.

And oh how I needed lent this year.

It's not something I do religiously or even every year. It is neither expected nor looked down upon by those in my faith community.

But God knows exactly what we need, when we need it.

So I knew I needed to pray about doing lent and what I would give up, or what discipline I would add. I can be easily distracted by things to do or not do and so I asked God which things I needed to address. I had a noble list of choices for God to choose: less time on Facebook; less TV time; no sugary foods; no processed foods...

Then He told me.
And it wasn't one of my choices.
It would never be one of my choices.

Running.

Running?

Surely that wasn't Your voice I heard, Lord. (But I knew it was.)

I recounted the story to my husband and explained, I only argued for a little while! Within 30 minutes I submitted...as opposed to spending days in prayer (you know, just to be sure) as I have in the past. Well good, he said, but shouldn't we submit as soon as He speaks? Yes, I'm learning the sooner I submit, the less likely I am to doubt, the more likely I am to obey, and He gets greater glory.

Thankfully, God is patient, full of love and grace. I could feel His loving gaze as I waded through the questions in my mind.

Why running? It didn't make sense. Running is so good for me. I love it. Because I run, I stay healthy, I sleep better, I eat better, I'm happier.. During my run, I think through things, I pray, I worship...running is all things good.

But it is not God.

Lent. The time of emptying of oneself to know the filling of God.

photo by Valerie Lynn Jones

The fact I wanted to fight to keep it was my confirmation that I needed to give it up. And for goodness sake, how long is lent? A mere 40 days? Just a breath in the span of eternity. Whatever benefits I get from running, God can surely sustain for 40 days. Did not His own Son go without food for 40 days? Or what about the other faithful servants of the Lord: Moses and Elijah?

Is my God that small to me?

No, I refused to allow that to be true. So I decided to set my running shoes aside for this season.

One problem. That weekend I committed to a 5K obstacle race with my friends. Should I keep that commitment? God is gracious and He said yes.

What about training? I reasoned that I needed to get in at least one more run to reduce risk of injury. So after my prayer and struggle with Lent, I dressed for one more run.

On my way out the door, rain fell heavy from the sky. And tears fell lightly onto my cheeks. Lord, You will sustain me.

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Some days later I shared my Lenten struggle with a friend, and God gave her a story from the Bible to encourage me that God knows exactly what we need...even when it doesn't make sense.

In the book of Genesis, God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many generations, blessed beyond measure. To fulfill this promise, God gave Him a son, Isaac. But then, God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac to Him.

What?

But Abraham obeyed God, step by step, all the while believing that in the end God would provide the sacrifice. He proved His faithfulness to God; and God provided, sparing Isaac. (Genesis 22)

It is amazing, almost incomprehensible, how Abraham could be willing to sacrifice that which God promised to Him.

But even though Isaac was the fulfillment of God's promise, he wasn't God.

God knows where are hearts are, but He knows that sometimes we need to know it too. Sometimes we need that extra push, that momentous opportunity, to demonstrate (or develop?) our faith in Only God.

Because God is the only thing we really need.
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Giving up running wasn't easy. I know that sounds strange to many of you, but I thoroughly enjoy everything about a good run.

Every so often I'd feel the absence of my favorite hobby: A status post from a friend that just made a new personal record. Another friend sharing that she has now learned to love running. Strangers jogging and sprinting alongside the road. My Nike sport watch that has been asking me (since day 4) "Are we running today?"

photo by Valerie Lynn Jones

And my cravings have been more intense for junk food and sugar. And my sleep has been off schedule, less fulfilling. And all I wanted to do at the end of the day was watch TV.

But I knew that when you pour yourself out, there is an empty space. One only meant for God.

So God has filled me in new ways, in precious ways...sometimes small, sometimes mighty ways:
Through an answer to a prayer.
Through confirmation on His word spoken to me.
Through greater challenges in ministry and the grace to walk through them.
Through a stronger and more secure perspective of who I am.
Through change and the promise of change and a peace I wouldn't have felt a year ago.

He has filled me with more of Him and less of me.
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This last week was Holy Week and I am more engaged in and enthralled by the story of Redemption than ever before. As I observed Passover, meditated on Jesus' crucifixion, and rejoiced in His resurrection - His sacrifice for me has become more dear, more personal.

 [Jesus], being in very nature God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:6-11

photo by Valerie Lynn Jones

 He made Himself nothing. Or as translated from the original Greek, He emptied Himself. And He did it so that God could be God. So that we would know LOVE and His Name would be known. So that He, above all else, would be exalted.

The greatest sacrifice of all was an example, and the only way, for us to truly know God's presence: through the emptying of oneself - first of Christ, then of us.

How precious a gift.

A gift that begins with death, and can only be given by death, but then is filled with life everlasting and to the full. 

...because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5

Today I celebrate that by grace I can know Him, be loved by Him and do His will in a way that brings Him the most glory. Because as I pour myself out, He pours Himself in.

(Read the blog that inspired this journey: A Holy Experience)

The Beauty of Passover

At sundown this evening, families around the world will gather to honor God in a feast, commemorating the night He spared His people and rescued them from slavery. It is a celebration most often recognized by Jews. However, as one who believes in Jesus as Messiah and has a love for my Hebraic roots, I find this feast has special meaning for me as well.

What is Passover?

Passover is the feast that commemorates the Lord bringing His people out of Egypt (Exodus 6:2-8). The children of Israel were in bondage, working as slaves in Pharaoh's kingdom. God commanded Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, but Pharoah’s hardened heart prevented them. To demonstrate that He is God and the Israelites His people, the Lord released a series of plagues on Egypt. The tenth plague was the death of the firstborn.

In preparation, the Lord told the children of Israel to partake in a dinner of lamb, bitter herbs and unleavened bread, ready themselves to leave, and cover their doorways with the lamb’s blood.

"Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt."      

Exodus 12:13

At midnight, all the firstborn in Egypt were struck dead, except for those of the children of Israel. The Lord delivered His people from slavery that night and set an ordinance for Passover to be recognized among all future generations. 

 (Read the entire Passover account in Exodus 12.)

What Passover Means to Me

The demonstration of God’s power and might on that first Passover is enough to behold and honor. What miracles God has done for His people! But it is even more amazing to me that this instance in history was one of many that foretold of our Messiah.

I believe that Jesus, God’s Son, fulfilled the prophecy of the Passover Lamb (John 1:29). He was perfect in every way (a lamb without blemish) and given as a sacrifice for the sins of all people. Each one of us has sin and is separated from God because of sin. But it is because of His blood that we are able to be set apart as His children, free from the bondage of sin, able to live eternally in God's presence!

Jesus referred to his role as the Passover Lamb as He and His disciples ate the Passover feast together. It is also the feast that many of us refer to as “the Lord’s Supper”.

And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.”’”
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”
Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Matthew 26:18, 26-28

In this passage, we see Jesus naming the symbolism in the elements of the Passover feast. The unleavened bread as His body - striped, bruised, and pierced for our iniquities. The wine, the cup of redemption, as His blood - the only way we are cleansed and removed from our sins.

Praise God for supplying freedom through His sacrifice! He not only covers us so the curse of sin passes over us, but He completely redeems us out of sin’s bondage!

BUT God does more as He paints this beautiful picture of Redemption....

Symbolism of Passover and the Seder (Feast)

The entire Passover feast is beautifully symbolic of God's plan of redemption through His Son. While the original Passover did not include all these elements, they all still play an important role in telling God's story. Messianic and non-Messianic Jews all use these basic Seder elements, however, interpretations of their spiritual application vary depending on their belief in Jesus as Messiah.

These are just some of the spiritual applications I find fascinating about Passover and the traditional Seder.

(Note: This is not an exhaustive list! Check out the resource links at the end to find out more.)

Egypt & Slavery  

God’s people were enslaved by the Egyptians (Exodus 2:23-34). Egypt represents the world’s system of sin, in which we are held in bondage (John 8:34).

The Karpas – Parsley or celery greens dipped in salt water. Represents:

• The growth of the Israelites in Egypt (Exodus1:7)
• The hyssop used to paint the blood on the doorposts (Exodus 12:22)
• The salty tears shed for bondage in Egypt and the joy of redemption. 
• Right before Jesus’ died, He was offered a drink of wine and hyssop (John 19:28-30). 
• The Spring time greens dipped in water mimics baptism and spiritual rebirth, and points to Jesus as the resurrection and the life (John 11:25).

The Charoset – A mixture of apples, nuts, cinnamon and wine.

• A reminder of the bricks the children of Israel made while in bondage (Exodus 1:13-14).
• It also represents the community of believers united by faith and works.

The Maror & Chazeret - Bitter herbs such as horseradish

• A reminder of the bitter suffering of the children of Israel while in bondage.
• They also represent the bitter suffering of Jesus at His crucifixion and the trials we endure while living in this world (spiritual Egypt).

Zero’a – Roasted lamb shank bone

By sprinkling the lamb’s blood over the doorposts of their home, the children of Israel were delivered from slavery (Exodus12:2,6,13). Jesus is our Passover Lamb, who delivers us from the bondage of sin (1 Corinthians 5:7; Ephesians 1:7). Here are some other ways Jesus fulfills the role as our Passover Lamb:

• The lamb was without blemish (Exodus 12:5), as was Jesus (1 Peter 1:18-20)
• The lamb was killed by the whole assembly (Exodus 12:6). Jesus died for all our sins (Romans 3:10,23; John 10:17-18).
• Blood was applied to the doorposts (Exodus 12:7). Believers in Jesus are the house of God (1 Corinthians 6:19; Hebrews3:6), Jesus is the door (John 10:7-9).
• No bones could be broken (Exodus 12:46). Even though it was custom for all crucified people to have their legs broken, the soldiers did not break Jesus’ bones but pierced His side instead (John 19:33-36; Psalm 34:20).
• The shank bone represents the “outstretched arm of the Lord” and His mighty deliverance of His people (Exodus 6:6). Jesus as the Lamb of God saves us with His outstretched arms (crucifixion).

Beitzah – Roasted egg

• A reminder of the voluntary peace offering given on the second day of Passover.
• The egg replaces the meat given as the peace offering since sacrifices are no longer made in the temple. For some, it represents the mourning of the loss of the two Temples.
• Represents Jesus' voluntary offering of himself as a sacrifice and His resurrection. It is a symbol of new birth, being born again (redemption). (John 3:1-10).

The Matzah - Unleavened Bread

• God commanded that the bread be unleavened (Exodus 12:8,15).
• The leaven represents sin (1 Corinthians 5:6-8).
• Matzah was also made quickly over fire (because they were to be leaving soon). As a result, the bread appears striped, bruised and pierced, as was Jesus at His death (Isaiah 53:5).
• At the Passover table there are three pieces of matzah wrapped in white linen, each in a separate pocket, representing the Trinity.

The Yachatz 
At the beginning of the Seder, the middle piece of matzah is broken, wrapped in a separate cloth and hidden (this is called the afikomen). At the end of the meal, the children go and find it. This represents Jesus’ broken body, His burial and ability for anyone to find Him if they seek Him with the heart of a child (Luke 18:17; Jeremiah 29:13).

The Wine  Four cups of wine are served as a reminder of God’s four promises in Exodus 6:6-7. The third cup is the cup of redemption which Jesus drank and declared the New Covenant by His blood (Luke 22:20).

What Passover Can Mean for You

I know the act of celebrating Passover may not be feasible or even desirable for many of you. But it is my prayer that you are beginning to see the intricate workings of our mighty God over thousands of years, weaving together the greatest story of His LOVE.

It is His redemptive love that we celebrate today. To receive the gift of God's love through Jesus is simple to do and a decision that will revolutionize your life (for eternity)!

That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9-10

It is a decision to believe and follow. Simply talk to God, admit your need for His forgiveness, tell Him you desire to follow Him, and then ask Him to lead you. 

Wherever you are in your walk with God, I encourage you to take a few moments to thank Him for sending His Son as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Thank Him for the opportunity you have to dwell in His presence for eternity. And in whatever way He leads you, celebrate the Passover Lamb!

Resources:

Feasts of the Lord 

Hebrew for Christians

HistoryCarper.com
Teaching Hearts

Jews for Jesus

Judaism.About.com

One Thousand Gifts // Thanksgiving Edition

Every day I'm thankful -- I just wish I'd remember to write my thanks down more often! I started back up with my One Thousand Gifts journal this week. Here are some recent ones in honor of the Thanksgiving Holiday (which should be everyday...)

247. A new adventure as husband and wife - moving!

250. Many repairs, assembling furniture and learning to love orange walls.

253. Little red flowers growing by the creek.

256. Sports decor in the spare room.

257. Running with a friend and her little one.

260. A child reading a book to me.

262. The gift of six chairs and a table.

263. Beautiful inmates dancing in appreciation and worshipping God.

264. Bonding with a friend during a car ride.

265. Snuggling in the cold.

267. An 8 mile run and wanting more.

269. Sweet family time over the holiday - both sides!

271. A church family that gives and loves as family should.

Remembering, Thanksgiving and the Miraculous

Photo by Valerie Lynn Jones

Remember.

It is a prerequisite to thanksgiving. Remembering things that have been done, calling them to mind, naming them...but more importantly, identifying God's role in what is being remembered.

For if we only remember the apparent absence of good (or God), we are forgetting what is True.

Truth may not be what is apparent; Truth supersedes it. The Truth about what has been done often surpasses our understanding and our experiences. But when we remember what it is True, we find joy and peace, and more promise of what good is to come.

The experience for God's chosen people was wandering in the desolate wilderness for years without the comforts of home. The Truth was God's provision and miraculous works every step of their journey, even after they sinned against Him.

And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm. Deuteronomy 5:15

The tangible pain of His followers was a world in turmoil and the loss of their Rabbi to a violent sinner's death for which He had done nothing wrong. The Truth was a redeeming Promise of life everlasting and oneness with Him forevermore.

And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you." Luke 22:19-20

Truth rises through what appears as lack, pain, confusion, brokenness, deceit...to restore hope, peace, comfort, joy, love...Truth. If only we remember to remember Truth. In remembering the truth of the goodness of God, we can find and give thanks.

There is so much good to remember, so much thanks to give. He IS GOD and is worthy of the honor given through humble gratitude. And that alone should be sufficient.

But then the miraculous happens.

"Thanksgiving always precedes the miracle." - Ann Voskamp

Giving thanks is a way of remembering the good, the miraculous, the greatness of God, and the remembering opens our hearts and minds to faith in Him with hope for more. Remembering incites us to do His good and believe for His good. He responds to our faith, not because He must, but because He can and He is good. He is loving and merciful to those who believe, who remember, who give thanks.

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

  

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

And so we thank Him and He responds by building our faith with more of His presence. We find ourselves full of joy and peace when it doesn't make sense. We find ourselves protected and strengthened when we are at our weakest. We find more of Him, and less of us and this broken world. We find ourselves with Him. 

Isn't that why throughout the centuries He calls upon His people to remember? So they will never be far from Him? He is God whose heart's desire is to be with us.

This is the one true God who is worthy of thanksgiving every breath of every day. He is Creator, Provider, Healer, Comforter, Father, Friend, Savior. May remembering be the way we think and thankfulness the way we speak so all deserved glory goes to Him who gave everything for us!

He IS the miraculous.

Remember.

Photo Friday // Operation Christmas Child

National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child has finally arrived! At our church we had a packing party earlier in the week to get boxes ready for shipment. Since September, we've collected donations of shoe boxes and gifts, preparing for the church-wide packing party.

Setting up an assembly line for the packing party.

We also had a kids-only packing party in our Kidz church one Sunday. The children loved hearing about boys and girls in other countries, and they had so much fun filling out coloring sheets to put in boxes with gifts they picked out. The kids put together a little more than 20 boxes themselves!

So Tuesday we finished the children's boxes, sealed up the donated boxes and filled a bunch more with remaining toys, hygiene items, clothes and school supplies. By the end of the night we had 60 boxes ready to ship! Praise God!

60 boxes ready to go!

The best part of this experience is knowing that 60 little boys and girls around the world will be able to hear the Gospel, perhaps for the very first time. The gift box they receive will let them know that we love them, but also that God loves them. And they will have the opportunity to complete a discipleship program to learn about a life of faith in Jesus.

We are praying that every child that receives a box will fall in love with their Savior. Will you pray with us?

As coordinator of this event, I did encounter one "thought" that almost caused me to pull back some: What if we pack more boxes than we have donations to ship them? Because for every box there is a $7 shipping cost. The last thing I wanted was to have boxes we couldn't ship.

But God told me to trust Him. He is Jehovah Jireh, our Provider. And every box we packed is paid for. God bless all those who were faithful to His call to give!

The Simplicity of Faith

Just a reflection on a simple truth He's been calling me back to recently…

Sometimes we make things too complicated. We busy ourselves with Bible studies, prayers, ministry, memorizing Scripture, going to church, doing the right things, saying the right things…

And yet we still lack whatever it was we thought we were going after.

Sometimes.

Of course we should do all those things – out of love for God and with honor toward Him. But sometimes I find myself doing those things without even thinking about my relationship with Him. Or I rush ahead in ministry doings without even waiting for Him to say, “Go.”

That’s when our faith walk becomes more complicated than it should. When our own selves get jumbled in with the loving, serving and worshiping God.

Acting in faith, loving people, doing God’s will, being blessed – it’s really not that complicated. We just have to remember there is only One thing. And when He is our focus, He shows us everything else we need to know…

You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Isaiah 26:3

Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. 

Psalm 37:4

  
Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:38-42