Ordinary Men

August 24, 2016August 24, 2016 / Jodie / Leave a comment

(dedicated to my husband & “Dr. P”)

Acts 4:8-22

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, 9 are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? 10 Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene,[a] the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. 11 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says,

‘The stone that you builders rejected  has now become the cornerstone.’[b]

12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”

13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the council could say. 15 So they ordered Peter and John out of the council chamber[c] and conferred among themselves.

16 “What should we do with these men?” they asked each other. “We can’t deny that they have performed a miraculous sign, and everybody in Jerusalem knows about it. 17 But to keep them from spreading their propaganda any further, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus’ name again.” 18 So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”

21 The council then threatened them further, but they finally let them go because they didn’t know how to punish them without starting a riot. For everyone was praising God 22 for this miraculous sign—the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years.

Peter; a fisherman, a disciple of Jesus, who sank when walking on water, who denied the Savior three times and preached at Pentecost, was an ordinary man. John; also a fisherman, a disciple of Jesus, who boasted of being the one that Jesus loved, and who had an extremely bold mother that asked the Lord to place him and his brother at either side of Him in His Kingdom, was an ordinary man.

Peter and John weren’t popular among their people. They weren’t rulers and elders. They weren’t scholars. In fact, they had NO special training.

And yet.

Yet.

They were the men who had been with Jesus.

Not only did they observe the Messiah, who was fully God, fully man, perform miracle after miracle, the Father revealed to them that He was Christ, the Savior of the world. Peter and John spent years traveling with Jesus, eating breakfast, lunch and dinners with Him, listening to Him teach, watching Him raise people from the dead, cast out demons, and hearing Him rebuke the evil that was hidden in their own hearts. And when Jesus died and was resurrected, He appeared to them beside the Sea of Galilee, ate breakfast with them- again, and told them to go….make more disciples. But first, they had to wait. They could not do what Jesus told them to do until the Father sent His gift; the Holy Spirit. Obeying His commands, these ordinary men received power when the Spirit baptized them at Pentecost and immediately, they went out with boldness to do exactly what God destined them to do.

Through these ordinary men, who accepted Jesus as their Savior, who chose to leave everything and follow Him, who were filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, God birthed His church and the gates of hell could not prevail against it.

Ordinary men.

With no special training.

Who had been with Jesus.

Jesus is still calling ordinary men to follow Him.

He’s beckoning them to surrender everything- everything and spend their time asking, seeking, and knocking to receive, find and have an open door to their Savior.

He’s ready to be their friend, their teacher, their encourager, and their strength.

Because He loves them, He also wants to shine a light on the areas of their hearts where evil is hidden.

He’s desperate to tell them the great plans He has for them!

But, to make sure they’re ready, He’ll ask them to wait.

When they obey, the Spirit will baptize them with His power so they can boldly go…make more disciples of all nations (and the gates of hell will not prevail against them—-for they will have authority to preach the gospel in the way that they live and by using the gifts they have been given to heal the sick, bind up the broken hearted and set the captives free!!!)

Ordinary men become extraordinary men when they humble themselves before the Creator of the Universe and willingly pick up their cross and follow Him.

Are you an ordinary man?

IF your gift is…

April 27, 2016 / Jodie / 1 Comment

Romans 12:3-9

3 Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.[b] 4 Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, 5 so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.

A dozen years ago, I was fired from serving— at church. Technically, I was told to take a mandatory sabbatical from my volunteer position in children’s ministry, but it felt like I was fired.

In the weeks and months that followed I became an offended, angry and bitter woman who acted more like a child than a leader of children. I began gossiping about the staff members who dismissed me. I pointed out every weakness in them in order to convince myself (& others) of my superiority and subsequent righteousness over them. And when I prayed (ranted) to God, I believed that the blame rested entirely on their shoulders- and that they should be punished.

But, as the months turned into a year, my heart began to soften and I was finally able to listen to God.

I forgave.

I repented.

And I realized that I needed to be fired.

The truth is, my motivation for serving was completely wrong. Sure, I was doing what church leaders told me to do:

“Don’t be a consumer Christian- SERVE”

“Find a ministry that has a need and fill it!”

“Its not about you, its about doing for others.”

I was using the talents God gave me to lead children’s worship. I was faithful to show up for meetings and practices. I trained other volunteers. I served almost every weekend…. during all 4 services. I enthusiastically sang and danced right up to my 40^th week of pregnancy- and I only took a few weeks off after giving birth!

But I wasn’t worshipping God.

I was worshipping service.

I was offering “sacrifices” on the altar of ministry, but I didn’t love the One who sacrificed everything for me.

I read the bible occasionally.

I prayed even less.

I was neglecting areas of my relationships with my husband and our children.

I wasn’t submitted to other parts of the body of Christ.

So God allowed me to be fired to re-order my life:

Love God.
Love others (as I love myself).
Make disciples.

My fellow disciple, let this be a warning to you: don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourself.

Are you loving God?

(If not, take a mandatory sabbatical and begin worshipping Him alone)

Are you really loving others?

Then use the gifts He has graciously given you:

(out of your fear of God– not man)

IF your gift is serving others- do it!

IF it’s prophesying, deliver it!

IF it’s teaching – preach it!

IF it’s encouraging, speak it!

IF it’s finances – give it!

IF it’s leading – do it!

IF it’s kindness – release it!

Only Fools Insist

April 25, 2016 / Jodie / 1 Comment

Last night, as our 9 year old son was preparing for bed, he nonchalantly asked “is it ok that I told my teacher at church that there was….a… “situation” this weekend…ya know…that you and dad had a fight….about the mulch?”

Proverbs 20:3

3 Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor;  only fools insist on quarreling.

Shock. Embarrassment. Realization that a room full of kids and their teachers now know with certainty that my husband and I acted like fools!

Then I chuckled and promptly relayed the story to my groom.

This morning, during another “situation” with our son (ya know…when you tell him to practice his spelling words on Friday and the test on Monday proves that he didn’t study….at all?!?) God gave me the opportunity to turn my foolishness into a blessing.

As I talked (ok- lectured) about his rebellion; not completing the assigned work, even though it wasn’t fun and he didn’t want to, I compared his lack of integrity to my lack of integrity that he witnessed two days before. A few moments later, as I looked into our son’s weepy blue eyes, I realized he only knew and “shared” (gossiped) half the story. What he didn’t see was his father and I taking a “time out” from each other to confess and repent to our Father for the stubborn pride that compelled us to insist on quarreling over mulch. Yes, mulch. Completely stupid, I know. But, stay with me!!! He didn’t know that a little while later, we came back together to apologize and forgive each other. He didn’t realize that each day both of us need God’s mercy so that we will make the choice to submit to Him- and one another. He didn’t understand that submission isn’t fun and we don’t always want to (even in our 40’s).

But submission is always the right thing to do. It’s right because we say we love God and each other. It’s right because actually loving God means obeying His commands- all of them, whether it’s fun or we feel like it. It’s right because our marriage is designed to reflect the love Jesus (the Bridegroom) gave for the church (His Bride). And when we choose to do what is right, an amazing thing happens; the Holy Spirit enables us to walk with integrity in our lives- and in our marriage…. and our children are blessed as they follow.

Proverbs 20:7

7 The godly walk with integrity;  blessed are their children who follow them.

Master Yoda?

December 18, 2015November 9, 2017 / Jodie / 1 Comment

Deuteronomy 13:4, 6-8

4 Serve only the Lord your God and fear him alone. Obey his commands, listen to his voice, and cling to him.

6 “Suppose someone secretly entices you—even your brother, your son or daughter, your beloved wife, or your closest friend—and says, ‘Let us go worship other gods’—gods that neither you nor your ancestors have known. 7 They might suggest that you worship the gods of peoples who live nearby or who come from the ends of the earth. 8 But do not give in or listen. Have no pity, and do not spare or protect them.

In Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, Anakin Skywalker, having had prophetic dreams about his wife, Padme’s death, vows NOT to let the visions come true. Arguing with a Jedi Master, he eventually asks (begrudgingly):

“What must I do, Master Yoda?”

In which the tiny green warrior replies: “Train yourself to let go……of everything you fear to lose.”

Ironically, its Anakin’s pride, which leads to his wife’s death in childbirth, just as the prophecy foretold.

What relationships do you fear to lose?

Your brother or sister, son or daughter, beloved wife or husband, or your closest friend?

Hopefully, none of these people would intentionally try to entice you to “go worship other gods,” but don’t underestimate the power of the dark side which strives to convince your soul to love people more than you love God.

I’ve been guilty of fearing man, not God. I’ve “worshipped” my desire for peace and security and love from my husband instead of trusting God to fulfill my every need. I’ve “worshipped” my children, wanting desperately for them not to be mad at me, instead of enforcing discipline when they’ve disobeyed. I’ve “worshipped” the acceptance and approval of friends and brothers and sisters in the Lord instead of boldly saying “No. I’m going to obey what God has told me to do, not what you think is best for me.”

During this season of life, I’ve experienced times of intense loneliness and feelings of isolation. Each and every time I’ve come to my secret place to grieve, the Holy Spirit has reminded me that I’m holding on to people, more than I’m clinging to God. Through this process of continual revelation & repentance, I have come to see that my Master is training me to let go of everything I fear to lose……

May the force (who sent His only Son to die for your sins) be with you (as you seek to love Him, fear Him, obeying His commands, listen to His voice, and cling to Him).

In Our Group

June 17, 2015 / Jodie / Leave a comment

Luke 9:49-50

49 John said, “Teacher, we saw someone putting out demons in Your name. We told him to stop because he was not following us.” 50 Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him. He who is not against us is for us.”

I’ve been like John; quick to judge someone who isn’t “in our group” of disciples. Quick to criticize the way they are ministering to others in Jesus name. I’ve even condemned other families of believers (churches) who aren’t in our group of denomination! In my pride and ignorance, I’ve assumed that they aren’t loving & obeying God because their worship services, small groups or outreaches aren’t the same as mine.

Uggggh.

The truth is, as Jesus clearly states when He rebukes his disciple, anyone who is a disciple of Jesus is for God. And as His children, we all have a part to play in the advancement of His kingdom on this earth.

Matthew 7:1

7 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.

“Jesus says regarding judging- don’t. The average Christian is the most penetratingly critical individual. Criticism is a part of the ordinary faculty of man; but in the spiritual domain nothing is accomplished by criticism. The effect of criticism is a dividing up of the powers of the one criticized; the Holy Ghost is the only One in the true position to criticize, He alone is able to show what is wrong without hurting and wounding. It is impossible to enter into communion with God when you are in a critical temper; it makes you hard and vindictive and cruel, and leaves you with the flattering unction that you are a superior person. Jesus says, as a disciple cultivate the uncritical temper. It is not done once and for all. Beware of anything that puts you in the superior person’s place.” –Oswald Chambers

By design, our Creator has given each of us unique abilities and specific gifts to edify the body of Christ so that we can do what God has called us to do. As we love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and love others as we love ourselves, those who are against us will see Jesus manifested in our loves and perhaps, want to follow Him too.

It is not our responsibility to judge the hearts of men. We are simply to be conformed to the image of Christ… and to go make disciples of all nations-, which may include casting out a few demons along the way!

Father, I repent for judging Your people. Please forgive me for hurting and wounding my brothers & sisters because of my sin. Help me to love every person, every part of the body of Christ so that we, together in complete unity, can fulfill Your great commission in our communities, our nation and our world. Amen

Who is my Mother?

May 10, 2015May 6, 2015 / Jodie / Leave a comment

Matthew 12:46-50

46 As Jesus was speaking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. 47 Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and they want to speak to you.”[a]

48 Jesus asked, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” 49 Then he pointed to his disciples and said, “Look, these are my mother and brothers. 50 Anyone who does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother!”

Mother’s Day: A National Holiday reminding us to celebrate the woman who carried us in her womb, labored to bring us into the world, and sacrificed 18+ years to teach us the way that we should go.

Exodus 20:12 tells us to honor our mother (& father), not just one day a year, but at all times. To honor is “to highly esteem or respect.” It is required when we are children and when we become adults. Even when we leave and cleave and are no longer under our parent’s authority (commanded by God to obey them), we must value them, as the Lord does.

Jesus honored His mother unto death. His sacrifice gave her, and everyone who believed in Him, eternal life with the Father, Son & Holy Spirit. But I wonder…. how did Mary feel when Jesus grew up and left her to minister to the world? Was she offended that He didn’t spend more time with her? Was she angry that she had to wait to speak with him? Was she feeling jilted because she had to share Him with others?

As children of God we are blessed with LOTS of parents and siblings! Not only do we have the benefit of being born or adopted into our family, we get to be born again into God’s family of believers. As a part of His church, we have the privilege of having a multitude of “mothers and brothers” to teach, encourage, exhort and rebuke us so that our hearts will become like His; fully surrendered to our Heavenly Father.

If we are wise, we will listen to what Jesus said to the crowd in order to ensure that all our family relationships are rightly ordered. Above all others, we are to seek and obey the Father’s will. When we place our mother or brothers (or sisters, children, spouse, friends….) above our relationship with the Creator of the universe we are guilty of worshipping other gods. This was never Gods intention when He created the family.

Fortunately for us, freedom from sin against the Father is always found through His Son. When we confess, repent and receive His forgiveness the Holy Spirit enables us to love God and love all our family members with genuine affection.

Romans 12:10

10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

A Special Utensil

March 31, 2015 / Jodie / Leave a comment

2 Timothy 2:20-26

20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.

22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

Paul’s wisdom to Timothy gives us an excellent framework on how to be put to honorable use by the Father. If I want to live righteously, I must pursue purity. Rather, I must pursue Jesus by surrendering daily to the leading of His Spirit, to develop the fruit of faithfulness, love and peace in my life. I must also run from anything that stimulates lust (those things that make my 5 senses feel good, but that are not surrendered to Christ).

Paul also mentions the importance of companionship with other believers who have pure hearts. Why does that matter? Do we really need others to be used by God?

Absolutely.

As a little girl, I preferred to play alone. Not that alone isn’t good- it is, Jesus modeled the importance of aloneness when He continually went off by Himself to pray. But my aloneness was because I wanted to be in control of how the Barbie’s were played with, and which album spun on my Fisher Price record player! In short, I was prideful and I didn’t trust other people.

As I grew into an adult and a devoted follower of Jesus, it took quite a bit of effort to bend my will to the Father in regards to my aloneness. Honestly, I thought I was doing pretty good at the discipleship thing, so, I concluded, I didn’t really need others to pursue God.

I was wrong.

What I’ve since discovered is: my willingness to engage with those in the body of Christ has a direct impact on my ability to be a true servant of the Lord. When I choose to share my life with other “parts” and allow them to instruct, encourage, and rebuke me I am then able to teach, be patient with difficult people, speak Gods truth in love and help others escape the devils trap!

1 Corinthians 12:15-19

15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?

18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part!

Have there been a few “parts” that have proven themselves untrustworthy? Yep. And sadly, I’m sure there will be more. Still, I know that GOD can be trusted and as long as I pursue Him, He will help me enjoy the companionship of others so that we all may become special utensils together.