Impressive Living!

 

Today we are not easily impressed.  People can sing until glass breaks, but there is someone else who can do the same.  If someone comes up with a witty idea, we are not moved because in may cases, we thought about something similar, or have our own thing we are working on.   People are not driven as much by what others think, so being impressive is hard, but that does not stop us from trying.  

Impressive is defined as:  

'Having the power to excite attention, 

awe or admiration through size, quality or skill.'

BEING IMPRESSIVE

I have found that sometimes the people we are least interested in are the ones we try to impress the most.   We have family and close friends that we really don't worry or often even care about what they think of us, or if they are impressed; but we put a lot of thought and  effort into impressing people who are basically, not impressed!  Why is that?  

"The ones I am least interested in, I try to impress the most.  

The ones who love me the most, and know me the most, I don't even try to impress because they already love me."        ~JHG

I have found that this applies with our relationships with with God as well.  He absolutely LOVES US!  Regardless to how we live, what we do, where we go and how we try to avoid Him, He loves us.   He is the only one who really knows how we are and continues to accepts us, help us and works to change us into a better version, or more so - the original version of ourselves.  He walks us through our struggles and forgives our every sin, yet we don't really live to impress Him. Now granted, the question is 'can we really impress Him when He knows everything'?  Not really.  But how we live, how we trust Him, lean on Him and allow Him to govern our lives, no matter how messed up we are, can be impressive... not to Him, but to others.  

LEAVING AN IMPRESSION 

Instead of trying to impress people with who we are and how what we acheive, we should instead seek to leave an impression on them.  Since being impressive points to being able to excite attention, we have to remember who the attention is for.   It feels good to get compliments and praise for things we do and work on in this life.  It is rewarding for someone to tell you how impressed they are at what you have done or accomplished, but truthfully as believers... that is not why we are here.  We are here to manifest His works in our lives, we are here to leave an IMPRESSION. 

An IMPRESSION is defined as:

'An idea, feeling or opinion about something or someone, especially one 

formed without conscious thought, or on the basis of little evidence.'

Many times we may encounter people who have no real idea who our God is.  They have heard one thing, seen something else and none of it may be good.  But when we deal well with people in a time that they are not accustomed to it, it leaves an impression.  When we ignore ignorance and love people in spite of how they treat us, it can leave an impression.  It can form an idea or opinion about God in during a time of their lives when they have seen little evidence of Him. 

We are told to 

"Let your lights shine so bright that others will see OUR good works and glorify HIM."  

That is impressive living.  

So as you go through life, instead of trying to please people and get them to notice us or our works, live your life so they will notice Him, and see His  great works through you!   Impress them, with an impression of HIM!

Philippians 2:3-13

Camp Immigration: "For Kids!"

CAMP

I remember so well the time we spent in summer camps in Ruidoso, New Mexico.   Living in a children's home in El Paso, Texas, afforded us some opportunities that others may not have had; and camp was one of them.  We slept in beds that lined  the walls in large areas in the sleeping area, we shared bath areas and ate together.  Main restrooms were outside and open t all based on their gender.  We played tether ball, and built  forts in the dirt by digging around large tree roots. Our creations were shaded  by large trees that hung over the grounds.   Some days we got to  ride horses and other days we went on a nature walk around a river bed.  We had vesper, sang songs, baked bread, took naps and we sent and got mail from home.  

Of course before going we had time to prepare, and our parents knew we were going so they had time to pack our things and give us instruction on brushing our teeth, taking care of each other as well as the "You better behave yourself or else." kind of talk.  Camp was scary at first, but the preparation and environment along with the attitudes of those trained to work with young minds made for a summer camp that was memorable, rewarding, challenging and fun...a good camp does that.  What is happening with  immigrant children in our country today, is not a camp.

IMMIGRATION

As children raised in El Paso, Texas, we didn't realize there was a war to hold and secure our borders.  We knew about constant movement from Juarez to El Paso,  and were aware that as high school students, if we went there to party, we were subject to run into difficulty getting back.  That is about all I knew as a kid.  I never understood what all the chatter was about.  I understand more now.  I understand enforcing law and what is legal and illegal.  I also understand people and how our life experiences form who we are and it dictates who our children are.  I am not going to try to convince anyone that breaking the law seems right when you are trying to protect your kids, I will not talk about trying to get a better life for your family, something every parent wants to do, or how difficult it must be to run from danger and find it. I won't mention the many jobs that are made or lost due to illegal immigration, but I will talk a moment about people, about children and how we treat each other.  

THE CRY OF A CHILD

With what we are seeing in the media, I am not quite sure what place America has arrived at, and I'm not sure how low we will go to make a point.  We have always paid attention to the cry of a child, not matter who their parents area.  Even with our CPS system, bad parenting is met with a temporary removal of the child for safety reasons, but our plan is always to reunite them with their parents because we understand that is what is best for the child. Removing these children and forcing them into our "Camps" is cruel and traumatic for the children first, and I am sure we will not gain any brownie points with their relatives either.   I don't have all the answers and I am sure our government does not either, but this is a short term, long term wrong.  Children who experience trauma  or injustices at young ages,  carry that pain for years.  They can become adults driven to retaliate against wrongs done to their families.  I know we can do better than this.  Every parent teaches their child about stranger danger, this has got to be a nightmare for them. We are AMERICA, this is not what we do.  We have laws that protect condemned criminals, but we find ourselves here.  This is politics at it's worst.

The sound of a crying child is universal, it hurts no matter what their gender or  race; no matter how they got here, or who their parents are.  A crying child hurts the heart of  every woman and grabs the attention of every man.  If we ever ignore the cry of a child, we ignore the humanity in us, we ignore God in us.  Regardless to your stance on immigration, we all know, we are better than this. 

Healing and Miracles! #2

We talked last week about healing- and that is what most of us need in this world. Knowing that God designed our bodies to heal themselves, we have to allow for the process and cooperate with it.  On occasion we find people who actually need not just healing, but they need a miracle.  Miracles can happen at any time, to any one, but it happens because God does it.  People do not perform miracles, though we may be used to usher them in, but it is a work that God does.   

A miracle is defined as: A surprising and welcomed event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws, it is considered to be divine workings.   Basically miracles don't happen because of science although we view breakthroughs and some scientific accomplishments as miraculous.  For the most part, miracles come from God. 

I love the ministry of Smith Wigglesworth!  If you have not ever read his books or about his life and ministry, I recommend it.  He had the strangest way of ushering in the move of God. He was used to facilitate many miracles in his lifetime.  People with cancer who were instantly healed, lame walked and even his wife was brought back from death's grip.  He had an intimate connection with God that  simpy gave room for miracles to happen through him.  Interestingly his heart was not consumed with the miracles, it was consumed with God and His word.   Before he died, he said he recognized that people were starting to look at him and the miracles more than focusing on  God, and he knew that God would not give His glory to anyone.  One day after he preaching a sermon, he simply went into his office and died, nothing wrong with him physically, just an awareness that he was in the way of people seeing God.  Those same people once again had to rely on God and not man.   Miracles are not for us to gloat in, they are not even really for people to have needs met, they are to bring glory to God and draw people to Him.   God is always moving- we just have to appreciate all the ways that He does.  

THE GREATEST MIRACLE 

Miracles happen to show God's power, His love for us and it evidences His work in this earth. Mircles are  not meant to be a stream of income for people to get rich, or an opportunity to make people think we are so spiritual.  Some  want to see miracles to draw people so our services can be full, or so we can be known as a place where God moves. Miracles draw people, but the purpose of drawing them in not even just for them to receive a natural miracle but so they can recognize the greatest miracle.   

I recall as a young christian,  I had a friend who's unsaved grandmother was sick.  He was not a believer at the time and I thought if God healed her, that would create the perfect storm for him to accept Christ.  So I asked a woman at the church to go to the hospital and pray for her, she agreed.  The next Sunday I inquired about the vist and she said she went, she prayed  and the woman accepted Jesus.  I expected her to tell me the woman got up and went home, but  I was excited anyway, especially since many people have received healing when this church mother prayers.   I just knew that healing was hers now, and my friend was as good as saved!  I commpletely missed thie greatest miracle, the one that said she received Jesus.  She was translated from darkness to light, from death to life, from sin to righteousness. That was not my focus, I only wanted the healing. 

Later when I asked my friend how his 'Big Momma" was, he said she died. I was soo messed up! I couldn't understand what happened!  I was in tears as I questioned God about this lack of performance on His part.  I thought it was supposed to happen that way so he would give his life to God, but it didn't. I didn't even think about her giving her life to Him.   As I wallowed in despair,  this was the only time I recall God audibly speaking to me.  He said "Never underestimate my grace." I was so shocked that my tears dried up as I began to understand what God was saying to me.  He let me know that  just because someone is healed does not mean that they will run and serve God.  They could be healed and still miss heaven, that healing was not His ultimate goal.  These bodies are not the most important thing we have, our souls hold much more value to God.  To us, we want people here with us, but that is still only for a short time.  God however wants them for eternity.   So God let me know, when she wanted Him the most, He took her.  Now the enemy will never have her again.  See, the greatest miracle does not happen when sickness disappears, it happen when sin does.

LOOK FOR THE MIRACLE!

When it comes to healing and miracles in our bodies, I have heard over the years all these reasons why they do not happen. when we pray.   Some say it is due to a lack of faith, and that sounds about right since we can't receive anything without faith.  But who are we to try determine whether or not someone has enough?  According to God, it only takes faith the size of a mustard seed and if we lack it we can go to His word to get it.   I have also heard that people are walking in disobedience, so they will not merit a miracle.  Maybe the atmosphere is not condusive to receiving a miracle?  We try so hard to find something that explains why a miracle does NOT happen, why not look at how it DOES?

Because God's ways are not ours, we don't really know what He is doing most of the time.  We should trust that He has things in His control.  Continue praying and seeking God for all His promises to manifest, and when they don't look like you think, allow for what you do not know.  Not everyone receives a miracle that we can see, some receive healing, and still others have to to trust God through a proccess that is difficult.  But if we take the time to really look, we will still see His hand in it all, because God is always working miracles. 

Healing and Miracles #1

Many of us have known people in the midst of physical challenges that needed intervention to survive or get better.  We have promises in the word of God that allows for healing in our bodies through the brokenness of Jesus' body.  So we pray, we call for the elders of the church and trust God to do what only He can do.  Sometimes we pray for healing and other times we are at wits end and pray diligently for a miracle.  We need wisdom to know the difference so when we pray, we are not discouraged and broken. 

WISDOM IN HEALING

Healing:  The process of making or becoming sound or healthy again.

The first thing we need to recognize if we are in need of healing, is that healing is not instantaneous, it's a process.  God can initiate the process, but we need to cooperate with it.   If we are praying to God for healing, it is in our best interest to do the things required to finish the process and maintain it.  Many think healing is a miracle, so they believe that God is going to do it all.  They may believe He is going to initiate it and maintain it for them.  But that is not so, healing is a process, a miracle is a surprising event that can't be explained; healing can often be explained, even if the prompting of it is seen as miraculous.

PRACTICING MEDICINE

I appreciate our doctors.  The time they take to learn, the investment they make in our lives every day is to be commended.  Of course like every profession, there are some who are there for their own benefit and not yours, but many are there on purpose.  Their heart hurts with you and they want to be part of the healing process in the lives of their patients.  Their hearts will rejoice when everything works out according to plan and there is pride when they feel they have had a part in it.  Finding a good doctor may not be easy but when you find one, cherish them.  As a believer, if you can get one that trusts God and  knows how to pray, that is a huge plus.  Of course a non believer can be just as skilled and when God does something they do not understand, it leaves room for an introduction.

I have heard believers who have received a negative report from their doctor and they discount and ridicule what the doctors have said in the attempt to walk in faith.  But if what the doctors said is 'a lie' then there is no need for healing or miracles in the first place.   I often tell people that "Doctors practice medicine, God perfects it."  Meaning our doctors have learned what they can  do to treat what they understand, and many times it is good, but when it is beyond them, it is good to know God.   In fact, it is always good to know God! 

FEAR v/s FAITH

Many times we get into fear-  thinking that it is faith.  We get kind of scared that God is not going to touch us, so we begin doing things to PROVE to Him that we trust Him.  That may include running to every church event and standing in every prayer line, going on 60 day fasts when we are supposed to be eating meals with our medications.  We even begin tossing medication or other things that we have been using to show God that we have faith.  This is not wise for many reasons, remember healing is a..... PROCESS!  If you are dealing with something in your body and are trusting God for healing, this is not the time to get overly religious and cast out all your medications.  In the case of a miracle, meds may not be needed or even effective anymore.  Your doctor should tell you that, just like your body will.  Some medications require tapering off of, so if you just stop, you can cause a problem in your natural body that has nothing to do with your original issue.  

When dealing with healing, remember it is a process, we have to work with the process.  No dumping medications, no pulling out ports in the name of Jesus and no tossing your glasses outside the car on the highway!  Healing is a process and we cooperate with it.   That means how we eat, what medications we take, exercise, lifestyle changes, laying aside habits that contribute to the ailments or disease.  Most of us want a MIRACLE, because then we don't have to discipline ourselves in the process, and healing is a process.  Remember faith without works is dead, let your actions cooperate with your faith.

PRAYER FOR YOU

I encourage you today, if there is something going on in your body, it is okay to check with the doctors.  It is okay to take some medication. (I still pray about what I take due to side effects) and it is definitely appropriate to talk to God about the healing He provided for our bodies.  Always remember that God is the Creator, He knows how these bodies are designed and He can bring back what has been lost as we cooperate with Him.

Father God, I thank You for the person reading this and for those they are praying for.  Thank You that You have provided the right to have our bodies healed, regardless to what we have done in the past.  We are not moved by our actions, but we are moved by Your word.  You said by Your stripes we are healed, so we thank You for the process that is taking place in  our bodies today.  Thank You for wisdom to know what to do and how to respond during this time.  Touch our bodies and bring healing speedily in Jesus name. Connect us with good doctors who will value our lives like You do. We lay aside every thing that is contributing to the problem and thank You for touching us today, In Jesus Name!

Need a miracle?  Join us on next week's blog as we talk about Miracles! 

Apology or Damage Control?

This is not the first time a tweet has caused someone to lose so much. Nowadays we have to watch what we say, what we tweet, or what we post; especially if we have something in our hearts to hide.  The bible tells us that: 

"Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." Luke 6:45

THE ABUNDANT MOUTH

If you have genuinely good thoughts towards people, your mouth shows it by the good things you say. If you genuinely have hate or negative thoughts towards folks, that too will show. Even if we say things that sound creative, intelligent or comical, the source of it - the heart in it will show up, because it shows what is in our hearts.   

I have never been drunk, but I have known a few folks who have been.  It is interesting to me that when they are 'out of control' their mouths tend to be more honest about what they think than ever before.  If you want to hear genuine words, catch someone when they are not thinking.  See, when you have a bit of control, you can be politically correct.  When you are not thinking or feel free in the environment you are in, or your guards are down, you are liable to say anything!   I have found this to be true not just when someone is drunk, but also when they get comfortable around family or with their crowd,  or even comfortable with themselves.  That is why a drunkard can preach to you in the midst of their stupor.  If their heart was ever connected to God, they can blurt out scripture and make sense when they can't make sense any other time!  "The mouth holds keys to what the heart holds dear." ~jg

This is okay when you have good thoughts in your heart towards people, but when you harbor negative thoughts and open your mouth, or post on social media, you are subject to get your show cancelled. 

APOLOGY OR DAMAGE CONTROL?

Time and time again, whenever someone who is well known tweets, or is caught saying something that offends many, we get the apologies.  Sometimes they seem heart felt, other times we may roll our eyes knowing they are required to say it.  The problem with today is that most people are not interested in apologies if they are genuinely offended, or if they are on a bandwagon of sorts.  When we realize we have said or done something that can affect our plans, all of a sudden, we can line up our lips to say what needs to be said to take the heat off.   That is not a true apology, that is called 'damage control'. 

REPENT OR DAMAGE CONTROL?

Many times we may approach God in the same way.  We do something we know is wrong because our heart is not quite right, and when we realize there are consequences to our behavior or words, we quickly repent hoping to avoid the drama we have caused.   But the thing about God is that He really KNOWS our hearts!  He knows if we are just trying to buy time, or if we are trying to avoid consequences, or if we really are sorry for what we have done.  We all make mistakes, He knows that too. Our nature leans towards sin and daily we have to choose to ignore it and take on the nature of God.  So when we mess up, it really does make a difference in how we approach Him, and whether we believe He forgives us.  I always recall David who was called a man after God's heart, because his heart was wanting to please God even though sometimes his actions didn't.   See God is not as concerned about our actions as He is our heart.  Ultimately our hearts will determine our words, and our words will determine our actions. 

"These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."

Matthew 15:8 

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR US

If you are in a situation and you realize God is not pleased with it, the door is always open to apologize... rather repent. (repenting means to turn from- or change your mind.)  We are always able to go to Him and let Him know that we are sorry.   I am so glad that God is not like man,  He actually forgives us!  We may still have to deal with some consequences of things done in this world, but our future is not in jeopardy because He holds it.    Go to God honestly, not trying to hide your error, but admit your error and trust Him to make things good. He still has plans for you, and is faithful and just to forgive us.  Your future is not cancelled, if fact it is renewed! 

"For I know the plans I have for you, "Declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

Conflict Resolution- "A Lost Art."

CONFLICT:  We can't get away from it. It happens with family, friends, acquaintances, strangers and can even happen within ourselves; but how we handle  it speaks to who we are.

In Acts 15:36-41  Paul and Barnabas had a conflict that could not be settled.  They were traveling together preaching the word of God when they decided to visit previous areas where they ministered before.  Barnabas  wanted to take John Mark, but Paul didn't think it was wise because he had abandoned them before.  There was such a sharp disagreement that these two men of God parted ways.  Barnabas took John with him, and Paul chose Silas to travel with him, and left.  

A LOST ART

In our society today, Conflict Resolution is a lost art.  I am not really sure if we ever had it down, but it really seems out of control now.   Children born to parents who didn't know how to resolve conflict are now unarmed to understand how to do it either.  We don't have to site the divorce rates, because that is just the tip of the iceberg.  There are couples who remain together but don't know how to resolve issues, they just fight, argue and complain. Family members who don't speak to each other because of an old issue that neither one is open to dealing with because if feels like admitting defeat. Coworkers that avoid each other, talk about each other instead, and make the workplace is hell for them every day.  We have lost the art of Conflict Resolution. 

CAN IT BE RESOLVED?

Maybe we should first be honest about whether or not our issues can be resolved.  See we were not made to agree on everything.  Some conflict allows us to grow and to continue to advance.  If everyone thought like you do, where would this world be?  It takes all of us being who we are and dealing with friction to grow.  Sometimes you have to admit when it really "is what it is".  I have been in conflict with someone and I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was NEVER going to be resolved by talking, praying or confronting them again.  When you get to that place, it is time to release folks!  If you don't live in the same house, or have to interact with them daily, let them go!  It is not worth the energy or time trying to get someone to change their mind. I heard years ago:

"A person persuaded against their will, is of the same opinion still."  

So all that drama to get someone to agree with you is useless, especially if you can still fulfill your purpose and they can fulfill theirs without agreement.  It becomes more difficult when it is in a marriage.  That is why it is important to know who you marry, to talk and hear their heart.  The bible says "How can two walk together unless they agree."  Walking down that aisle is too important to forget to connect and communicate honestly. 

CARE ENOUGH TO TRY

We have heard in studies involving conflict resolution, that the person who runs from confronting the conflict, is the person who has the least investment or hope in the relationship.  I believe that, but also realize that today many just don't know HOW to talk and resolve things.  If you are someone who is uncomfortable with confronting others, you may need to get someone to assist you.  I used to ask the question- "When is a good time to talk to you about something you don't want to talk about?"  That gave opportunity for the other person to  pick at time, know it was coming, and prepare their minds.  Confronting people you love and who love you is easier, but when you are dealing with people who can care less about you, or your thoughts and feelings, you can still confront it; carefully. Do not expect a huge hug and apology, probably won't happen; it is just to free you and make the problem known. 

As people we don't like anyone ruling over us, we don't like admitting we are wrong, and we sure don't like having to apologize.  That mindset makes resolving issues harder.  The bible tells us that if we have issues with our brother, we should go to them and try to win our brother.  Since we are accustomed to watching people go to a lawyer, social media, their posse of friends, and even turn to violence, the art of resolving problems has been lost.  We need to resurrect it!

WHAT CAN WE DO?

Because we are unable to fix the entire world, we have to start somewhere- how about fixing your world, the space you occupy.   There is no guarantee that people will love it when you confront issues or try to resolve problems, but we have to start somewhere.   Care enough to deal with issues.  You will be surprised at how many difficult conversations can turn around for good. If we have to live together down here, we need to learn to.  For the instances where resolution cannot happen, the world is big enough for all of us!  Part ways and continue to love people and walk in your purpose.

In the case of Paul and Barnabas, it may seem that this was a failure to resolve a conflict, but in fact it was resolved.  They disagreed and understood that they did not see eye to eye, so they parted ways and continued to fulfill their purpose. Don't let unresolved issues stop you from doing what you are called to do.  

What Did You Hear..."Yanny or Laurel?"

This discussion has gone viral and many are talking about the recording that says "Yanny", or does it say "Laurel"?  It seems that a room of people can hear the same recording and hear something COMPLETELY different.  I could understand if it said "Yanny or Lanny"  or if it was "Laurel or Pearl" even, but these words are completely different and yet people are hearing what they hear from the same recording.  Of course some are already trying to find scientific reasons for this phenomenon, whether through frequency or pitch etc...   But here is another twist to this conversation...

COMMUNICATION  WITH OTHERS

We have all heard and agree that communication in every relationship is important.  Whether with your significant other, your parent, kids, friends or on the job.  But we all know that there are times someone says something and we can hear something completely different!  I have sat in meetings and had to go back to get an understanding because what I heard  seemed off.  What often makes me go back and question, is understanding the heart of the person who is talking.  When we take time to know the people we communicate with, it can help us understand them when their 'Yanny' sounds like a 'Laurel'.   We have heard that communication is not just exchanging words, but it is exchanging meaning.   If we focus more on helping people understand what me MEAN, our communication will flow much better.

COMMUNICATION  WITH GOD

"God told me to ..."  As a person of faith- I have heard interesting things over the years; yet I never tell people that they have not heard from God, no matter how outrageous it sounds to me.  See I am not God, and I can't rule other people's lives with my mortal limitations.  But I will say that it still amazes me how many people will say that God told them to do something that is not good for them, not good for others and not a reflection of His word or good for God's kingdom.  They are sure that He spoke to them and told them to do what they are about to do anyway.   Before we blame God for our poor choices and are convinced that He is the one talking to us, remember 'Yanny' and 'Laurel'.  Maybe we are prone to hear certain things and if we don't talk to others to see what they heard, we may miss it all together.   That is why God gives us people for our lives, not because they are perfect and rule over us, they just bring a balance to what may be a frequency that we automatically lean towards.  Don't forget the scripture tells us that fools think their way is right, but the wise listen to others. Prov 12:15 and it also says  "In the multitude of counselors, there is safety."  It is worth asking questions and balancing what you believe you heard with God's word. 

COMMUNICATION WITH YOURSELF

It is easier to distinguish a breakdown in communication with others because they can explain themselves.  It is also not impossible to distinguish a mix-up in our communication with God, because He gives us people to help and His word to guide us.   But what about the talks you have with yourself?  The things you will hear and believe because the voice in your mind can sound just like YOU!  So when you tell yourself that you can't do something, or you will never connect with someone who loves you, you believe it!  You may think your business idea will not work even before doing the research to see that it actually could... if you do it.  But your frequency has already talked you out of trying.  Remember the same safety nets that you have when talking to others, or God, are the same ones for you when you chat with yourself.  Run your thoughts by others who are not going through what you are going through. If they are on the same frequency as you, or dealing with the same challenge, you both may come up with the same answer.  Test what you hear through people who are stronger or further along than you are. Research and test your thoughts by the word of God and the people He has given for your life, then you can close the mouth of your mind and have clearer direction.  

Communication is important but it is not just the exchange of words, but the exchange of meaning.  Knowing the one you are listening to will help you distinguish what they are saying, especially when it sounds different from who they are.  Keep the word of God hidden in your heart to filter what you hear from day to day, and remember, when in doubt.. just ask. 

SIDEBAR:  I heard "Yanny!"