Gettysburg - Part I

My husband and I recently had the opportunity to visit Gettysburg National Military Park. Before touring the battlefield, we watched the movie in the Visitor's Center to get a brief reminder of this time in U.S. history. The country was embroiled in civil war. One of the main issues dealt with freedom of the slaves. The unity of the country hung in the balance. The film was narrated by Morgan Freeman, and near the end he said, "Freedom, like power, will always be contested."

This was a reminder to me that this is true for the spiritual life as well. We see in Isaiah 14:13-14 where Satan challenges God. "But you said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, and I will sit on the mount of assembly in the recesses of the north, I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the most High." God's response to this brazen statement is to cast him out of heaven. From the very beginning of time we see Satan asserting and inserting himself in situations where he can create confusion, cause doubt, grasp for power, and try to bind us up in the grip of sin. In the Garden of Eden, he creates doubt in Eve's mind about God's instructions and the consequences of eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. She chooses to disobey God's instructions, sin enters the world, and humanity becomes enslaved to sin.

We must remember that we have freedom in Christ. Galatians 5:1 says, "It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." Christ died and rose again so that we could be forgiven of our sins and live a life of freedom in Him. In verses 7-9, Paul says, "You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion did not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough." Satan wants nothing more than to hinder and bind up the believer as we run the race for Christ. Sin, if left unchecked, can permeate throughout our lives spreading destruction and binding us up with pain and guilt. Sin is a hindrance to a life of freedom. In verse 13 Paul says, "For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."

We should not be surprised by Satan's constant attacks on our freedom in Christ. Jesus tells us in John 10:10 that this is the enemy's very nature, and has been since the beginning of time. In this same verse, Jesus also tells us why He came, and what His desire is for His children...

"The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy. I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly." (John 10:10)

"Walk by the Spirit..." (Galatians 5:16)
"Press on toward the goal..." (Philippians 3:14)
"Walk in the newness of life." (Romans 6:4)

Be free
Run well
Live abundantly!

One Thousand Gifts

(I started this list earlier this year, but haven't gotten around to posting these until now. It is my intention to post my list every Monday, so these first few weeks will be somewhat dated...)

1. My son's eyes pausing to look up and gaze at the night sky.

2. The smell of damp soil in the breeze.

3. Sunlit birch branches scratching a charcoal sky.

4. Pink cheeks flush with excitement.

5. Husband and daughter skating hand in hand.

6. Family game nights full of laughter.

7. Eyes twinkling with mischief...

8. A flock of swans resting on rippling waters.

9. Husband and son playing duets on the piano.

10. Quiet time with You.

11. A quiet meal alone.

12. Delicate pansies clothed in regal purple and vibrant yellow.

13. Bread fresh from the oven -- warm, soft, crusty.

14. Tastebuds.

15. Distant blue mountains, covered in patchwork snow blankets.

Something Good!

We recently visited some friends this summer, and as we were sitting down to dinner one night, I overheard this conversation between my children and one of their daughters:

My son: “What’s for dinner?”
Their daughter: “Something good!”
My daughter: “What is it?”
Their daughter: “I don’t know.”

This struck me as a beautiful example of contentment and gratitude. Here was a child’s expression of thankfulness for the food that would be placed before her, before she even knew what it was. Her comments represent security in knowing that her parents faithfully provide for her needs, and she doesn’t even need all of the details to know that what they provide for her will be good.

As the world continues to careen out of control, I notice an increasing level of fear, even among believers. This sweet conversation between children reminded me of the need to have childlike faith. The apostle Paul mentions in Philippians 4:11 that he has learned to be content in whatever circumstances he finds himself. Paul knew who his Father was, and lived in complete reliance on His faithfulness and goodness. Later in that same chapter (v.19), he writes, “And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” We can trust in the faithfulness and goodness of God and live in contentment and security, knowing that He will supply all of our needs.

I recently read an excellent book on heaven, and my thoughts have been occupied with what it will be like. I can easily imagine having a similar exchange when we are seated at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Fellow believer: “What’s for dinner?”
Me: “Something good!”

Without Hesitation

During the last week of December, my mom forwarded an email to me from my uncle inviting all those in the family who were interested to join him in reading through the Bible this year. While I do not make new year's resolutions, this was something that I decided to add to my personal list of goals for 2011.

As I was reading along in Genesis 19, which is the story about two angels meeting with Lot in Sodom and encouraging him to leave the city prior to its imminent destruction, I read verse 16 which begins, "But he hesitated."

...and my eyes stopped their forward progress.

What an incredible statement. I believe that every word included in Scripture is there for a purpose (2 Tim. 3:16). Lot's hesitant response to the angels was significant enough to where it warranted a place in Scripture to be read for generations to follow.

I began to consider this statement. What makes me hesitate? For every reason that I came up with, the Holy Spirit instantly brought a verse to my mind to show me that there is never a need to hesitate when you place your faith in the Lord.

I hesitate when:

I am unsure of myself or have low self-confidence
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)

"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)

I am afraid or perceive danger
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; They rod and Thy staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)

"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Luke 12:7)

I'm not sure which way to go (in terms of decision-making)
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105)

"Lead me in Thy truth and teach me, For Thou art the God of my salvation; For Thee I wait all the day." (Psalm 25:5)

I want to cling to the "known" or what is comfortable
"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)

"Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:2)

The rest of Genesis 19:16 reads, "So the men seized his hand and the hand of his wife and the hands of his daughters, for the compassion of the Lord was upon him; and they brought him out, and put him outside the city."

Again...what an amazing and encouraging verse that shows the absolute mercy of our Lord! It shows me that the Lord does understand that we are frail human beings who struggle with our emotions and living a life of faith. "The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

I was reminded again this week that I am forever safe in the arms of my gracious and compassionate Father. I am inspired anew to live my life "all out" for the Lord...

...without hesitation.

Heartfelt Gifts

Each year as I enter the Christmas season, I ask the Lord to show me something new about the story of His birth. This year, He revealed to me a new light on the gifts from the wise men. The wise men presented gold, frankincense and myrrh to Jesus. These gifts were precious and of great value, certainly fit for a king, but I have always wondered why these particular items were chosen. In pondering this, I found a correlation between each gift and the heart of a believer.

Gold represents a purified heart. Scripture says that our hearts are desperately wicked (Jer. 17:9), but by accepting Jesus as our Savior, He cleanses us from all unrighteousness. We are washed clean by the blood of the Lamb. As a new creation in Christ, we begin to walk a life of faith. We begin to learn more about the attributes and characteristics of our God, and our hearts are transformed in the process. We learn that:

His wisdom is more valuable than gold (Job 28:12-28; Prov. 16:16)
His judgments are more desirable than gold (Psalm 19:9-11)
His commandments are more precious than gold (Psalm 119:127)
His knowledge is more precious than gold (Prov. 8:10)
His fruit is more valuable than gold (Prov 8:19)

The Lord takes our worthless hearts of clay and refines them. By the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, our hearts and lives are transformed into something very precious in His sight.

Frankincense represents a heart afflicted by trials. In order for frankincense to release its sweet aroma, it must be burned. James 1:2-5 says, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him as of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Later in that same chapter, it says “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12) When we go to Him in the midst of trials, not only does he impart His wisdom and knowledge, but we begin to see the fruit of the Spirit borne in our lives. There was an altar of incense placed before the mercy seat in the tabernacle where God dwelt (Heb. 9:3-5) and there is an altar of incense before His throne in heaven (Rev. 8:3). Revelation 5:8 says, “And when He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, having each one a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” Often, it is in the midst of trials that our prayer life intensifies. Scripture tells us that our prayers go before the very throne of God and are sweet to Him. They are mingled with the scent of the incense (Rev 8:4) Psalm 34:17-19 says, “The righteous cry and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” What an incredible promise, blessing, and gift from our Lord!

Myrrh represents a heart that has died to self. There are many references to myrrh in the Bible, but the two most common areas where we read of it are at Christ’s birth and at His death, when Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea prepare Jesus’ body for burial. Myrrh isn’t a common spice that we encounter, so I looked it up on Wikipedia. It was interesting to learn that like frankincense, myrrh is produced as a reaction to a purposeful wound through the bark and into the sapwood in certain species of Commiphora trees . Isaiah 53:5 says, “He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed.” 2 Corinthians 5:15 says, “and He died for all, that they who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.” Verse 17 says, “Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” Myrrh has been used throughout history as a perfume, incense and medicine. Psalm 147:3 says that “He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.” By humbling our hearts and allowing Him to be Lord of our lives, we receive restoration and healing. Our lives begin to exude the sweet fragrance of the fruit of the Spirit.

Viewing these three gifts in this light has been a blessing to me. By giving our hearts to Him, He blesses us with gifts more valuable than the symbolic gifts that were presented to Him in the manger. Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Salvation and eternal life are gifts from God! Like the wise men so long ago, won’t you bend your knee and offer Him your heart?

"Cheap, Cheap" Chicken

For all of you frugal-minded foodies out there, I just thought I'd share my latest discovery on saving money and time in the kitchen! If you cook a whole chicken in a crockpot and then shred the meat, it will yield approximately 3 quart-sized ziploc bags of shredded chicken. Each bag is the perfect amount of chicken to add to a casserole, soup, etc. The process is so simple, I can't believe I haven't been doing it for years! Here's what I do:

Purchase a whole young chicken. Note that this was a double pack for $9.03. That means that each chicken cost me $4.50. Knowing that each chicken will yield 3 quart-sized baggies of shredded meat, that means that a meal's worth of chicken for a family of four is only $1.50!!!

I remove the innards (the only part of this process that I hate!), rinse the chicken, and place it in the crockpot. I pour half of a 32 oz. container of organic, low-sodium chicken broth over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.

After the chicken is cooked, I lift it out onto a foil-lined cookie sheet and let it cool for at least a half hour until it is comfortable to handle. I shred the chicken into a big bowl. I usually do this while having a conversation with my hubby or watching tv. Depending on how old your children are, they can even be involved in the process!

Spoon shredded chicken into baggies, label, and freeze! Voila!

If you do this process four times a month, that gives you 12 meals' worth of pre-cooked, slow roasted chicken to add to whatever is on the menu for any given night! That averages out to three meals a week! It usually only takes me about 30 minutes to fully shred the chicken. Give it a try!

Weathering the Storm

I recently heard a sermon on Mark 4 which tells the story of Jesus calming the storm. Jesus said to His disciples in v. 35, "Let us go over to the other side." On the way over, a fierce storm arose...it was so bad that the waves were breaking over the bow and the boat was beginning to sink. Who did the disciples turn to? Jesus. Have you ever thought about the reason behind why they woke Him up? Even though the gospels indicate that the disciples didn't always fully understand His teaching and who He was, they knew enough to know that in a life-threatening situation where the circumstances are dire, He was the only one who could help. They could have tried to bail out the boat in their own strength or left Him sleeping, but they woke Him up because of their faith in Him. They knew that if anyone could help, it would be Jesus.

In verse 40, after Jesus calms the storm, He says to the disciples, "Why are you so timid? How is it that you have no faith?" I understand this to mean that He is questioning their lack of faith that He would get them to the other side. I think that anyone in that kind of a situation would panic. We react to what we can immediately perceive through our senses. When the waves are crashing over the bow, all we see is a sinking boat and we click into survival mode. It is a normal human response. While the disciples may have panicked in the midst of the situation and had a temporary lapse in faith regarding the final outcome, the fact that they woke Jesus up shows that they truly believed that He could help them.

Jesus told them that they would go to the other side....and in Chapter 5, verse 1 it says, "And they came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gerasenes." He kept His promise...He always does. He told them that they would go to the other side, but He didn't say what the trip would be like before they got there. It was a terrifying and life-threatening experience for them, I'm sure....BUT, Jesus was in the boat with them the whole time. The entire situation was under His complete control.

Are you currently in one of life’s storms? Are you experiencing crushing and relentless stress, pain or emotions akin to the waves of a stormy sea? Read this story and remember....

1. He is in the boat with you (4:38)

2. Go to Him as often as you need and let your heart’s cry be heard (Mark 4:38 -- if this isn't a brutally honest cry of real anguish and fear, I don't know what is.) By going to Him, you are practicing and strengthening your faith.

3. Everything is under His complete control (4:39)

4. God always keeps His promises. (5:1)

This passage of scripture has been on my heart and mind a lot lately. I have read it numerous times and always seen it as a lesson in faith and dealing with the individual trials of life. Several weeks ago, I realized that you can look at this story not only in the light of dealing with individual trials, but that it could be applied to the span of one's life as a whole. Jesus looks at each one of our lives in its entirety (He is outside of time, so He sees it all at once). He invites us into the boat (our spiritual birth) and says, "Come, let's go to the other side." The rest of our life is the trip in between shorelines, with "the other side" being eternity spent with Him. We spend our whole lives on Earth "in the boat." Some storms are worse and/or longer than others, but we must cling to Him and to His promises. He WANTS us to come to Him. It isn't a sign of weakness to cry out to Him, it is an admission that we can't do it on our own. It is believing in faith that we can do all things through Him who strengthens us.