A picture came in the mail yesterday of our Compassion International sponsor girl from El Salvador, whom we met in September. I put it by my desk to be reminded of her often. I wonder what Christmas is like for those kids. Will they have a nicely decorated tree, stockings full of treats and sweets? Will they get to eat a nice meal with their family and open presents on Christmas morning?
The commercials on TV tell me that the joys of the season are found in this or that purchase. But have you ever thought it is ironic that next Christmas all those advertised items will be old and probably seldom used?
Silent night. Holy night. All is calm. All is bright.
Silence and calm aren't found in shopping malls and parking lots. It's the opposite. People are in a hurry, so you better not stop them! They want their shopping done fast and dinner ready faster. But why am I saying "they"? I'm often that way too, I'm sad to say...
What Matters to God?
I just got back from El Salvador, a colorful and beautiful country. We had the chance to visit the work of Compassion International in several different student centers they run. But I never expected to be greeted with such love and enthusiasm. As our bus pulled up and our team stepped out, we found a crowd of smiling kids lining the dirt path that led to their project. They waved balloons and flags, and ran to give us hugs. With every squeeze, my heart melted more and more. We were their first international visitors, so they cancelled normal daily class and activities to greet us!
Now that I’m home I hold these images from 5 days in El Salvador deep in my heart. Because of the poverty I saw, I have had to stop and really think of how to respond. The first emotion is frustration – at the way people suffer because of situations outside their control. Another emotion I felt was gratitude – that my eyes could be opened and God would show me more of who He is through the experience. But the emotion that I felt overwhelmingly was love.
Now that I’m home I hold these images from 5 days in El Salvador deep in my heart. Because of the poverty I saw, I have had to stop and really think of how to respond. The first emotion is frustration – at the way people suffer because of situations outside their control. Another emotion I felt was gratitude – that my eyes could be opened and God would show me more of who He is through the experience. But the emotion that I felt overwhelmingly was love.
For the Girlz
Recently I was listening to a podcast from my college pastor. He spoke to the women in the audience of our Friday night service saying, “Your value as a woman is not in the roles you have.” How many of us search for significance in our roles? I have to be intentional about believing that I am first and foremost a daughter of God. My value was established in me from birth. He made us in His image (Gen. 1:26-27) and knows us by name. Careers may change, friends may change, the roles we have may change, but His imprint on us as His daughters is unchanging.
Some of us have been told that our value is in outward appearance. Beauty is defined by our culture in all the wrong ways. From fashion magazines to diet programs, it’s portrayed as someone who is well-dressed with a slim waist and a successful career. There must be more than this! Our society’s image of beauty looks at only the surface.
Here’s the truth: Your value is in Being the woman God has made you! It is not in your outer appearance. No matter how much we do to gain acceptance, God already has put His stamp of approval on us.
Some of us have been told that our value is in outward appearance. Beauty is defined by our culture in all the wrong ways. From fashion magazines to diet programs, it’s portrayed as someone who is well-dressed with a slim waist and a successful career. There must be more than this! Our society’s image of beauty looks at only the surface.
Here’s the truth: Your value is in Being the woman God has made you! It is not in your outer appearance. No matter how much we do to gain acceptance, God already has put His stamp of approval on us.
Spilling Over Now?
We hear from many of you that our song, My Adoration, has become a favorite of yours. I know it is because God has met you as you have worshipped Him along with us. In surrendering all that we are to God, we find our hearts spilling over with adoration of all that He is. Still, these days there are a lot of difficult things to leave at the feet of Christ. I take a look at the state of our nation, all the jobs lost and so many people struggling. Is this still a time when we can spill over in our adoration of Jesus? I believe it is the offerings we give in times that are dry and barren, in the places of brokenness that God is most pleased with. And even here, in our deepest pain, in our greatest need, he is worthy of our worship.
Finding Peace
Its winter in Colorado, and some days our winter weather looks more like a battle than a wonderland, as the wind mixed with snow blows everything around, including my patio furniture. These days I try to stay home and keep warm. Highways come to a standstill, and it's a traffic nightmare. This winter is hard for many, as the economy threatens the peace and joy on earth we hope for this time of year. So where do we go for peace? Is it found in the shopping malls, the parties, the relatives coming into town (I guess some don't look for peace there anyway)? I haven’t found it there among the busyness. To take hold of true peace we have to make room in our hearts. Is your heart full of peace, or do these difficult times bring confusion within? Perhaps it’s the daily pressures, the to-do lists, and the struggle to overcome discouragement....
Redefining Success
“What is success in your eyes?” The answer you give reveals the things you treasure in your heart. Is reaching your life-long dreams the success you aim for? If so, then what are your dreams? God is always looking for people to share His dreams with, His thoughts and ambitions. He is looking for people that He can use to pour His love through. It’s amazing that we can partner with God to change the world through His outstanding love!
What Is Worship Meant To Be?
Beneath the surface; beyond everything that we see, rests the reality of an omniscient God. We are living in a world that began. He sustains everything, as it says in Hebrews 1:3 “The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word…” Colossians 1:17 reads, “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
New Year's Resolutions?
Now that another year has gone by, everyone is talking about New Years Resolutions.
The Mark of Jesus
Have you ever picked up a new book that immediately pulls you in with a captivating story, and you can’t put it down?
Authentic Worship
The world is crying out for authenticity. They are eager to see someone live out authentic Christianity. We are closest to His heart when we live it out. Worship becomes an action of rescuing. Devotion to Him is devotion to others.
