Magnificent, Unfailing Love

May 13, 2016 / Jodie / Leave a comment

Numbers 14:17-20

17 “Please, Lord, prove that your power is as great as you have claimed. For you said, 18 ‘The Lord is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion. But he does not excuse the guilty. He lays the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations.’ 19 In keeping with your magnificent, unfailing love, please pardon the sins of this people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt.”

20 Then the Lord said, “I will pardon them as you have requested.

Perhaps you have perfect kids.

Yay for you!

Perhaps you have been the perfect parent.

Kudos!

My children are imperfect….and so am I.

Romans 3:23

23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

I’ve been training our children for over 16 years. Some days my heart is overflowing with love for them. Some days I wanna deliver a knock out punch to all four! And some days I hang lifelessly against the ropes, bruised and bloody from the fight.

Ephesians 6:12

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Besides the relationship with my groom, there has been no greater opportunity for me to know the power of the Lord than in my role as mother.

Sadly, I must confess:

I haven’t always been slow to anger.

I haven’t always been filled with unfailing love.

I haven’t always forgiven our children’s sin and rebellion against me.

And sometimes, I’ve excused their guilt:

“Oh, that’s just ‘typical’ growing pains.”

“At least our kids aren’t as bad as so-and-so’s.”

“I did the same stupid thing when I was that age.”

“Ya know what? I’m sick and tired. I don’t wanna deal with them right now!”

The truth is: God knows our children are imperfect. That’s why He sent His Son. God also knows that I am imperfect. That’s why His Son died for me too. And in His magnificent, unfailing love, He has graciously given me the power of His Spirit to draw me into repentance so that I can love Him… and love our children.

This year we’ll have 3 teenager girls residing in our home. I’ve heard it said that these can be “tumultuous” years. Perhaps that’s because its evident that children between the ages of 13-18 seem to be wandering in the desert. Perhaps that’s because their rebellious behavior is more expressive than it was during their primary years. Perhaps that’s because the sins of their parents is greatly affecting their lives. Perhaps that’s because they’re tired of following the leader (Moses) and they’d prefer to grumble and go their own way (Miriam & Aaron). Perhaps that’s because they want to worship the golden calves of the world instead of submitting to the One who beckons them to surrender all to Him.

Whatever the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, or the pride of life, their Heavenly Father will pardon them when they repent. And He will lead them into a land flowing with milk and honey if they trust and follow Him. For He knew them before He created them in my womb. He knows the plans He has for them. After all, they are His children and He loves them far greater than I do.

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.

“Don’t be Afraid, Mary”

December 24, 2015November 9, 2017 / Jodie / Leave a comment

Luke 1:30-31, 34-35

30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.

34 Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”

35 The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.

Matthew 1:18-21

18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly.

20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

An angel did not appear to me while I was engaged, but I have heard the Holy Spirit speak a few promises about our lives together since our marriage took place. Unfortunately, I haven’t always exercised patience and self-control in waiting for that information to be communicated to my husband!

I wonder if Mary had a conversation with Joseph after she heard God’s promise from Gabriel:

“Joseph, I’m pregnant!”

(silence)

“The Holy Spirit did it.”

“What the what?!?”

“I’m going to give birth to the Son of God.”

“Um…what?!?”

“Joseph- its true! An angel told me…don’t you believe me?”

“Mary, that’s impossible.”

I wonder if Mary felt abandoned and afraid for her future. I wonder if Joseph felt angry and afraid of the scandal. Regardless, being a good man, Joseph broke the engagement quickly and went home. Then, an angel appeared to him in a dream and confirmed the same promise Mary heard – with a few more details. He was to take her as his wife, and name the child she carried, Jesus.

Mary heard from God.
Joseph heard from God.
They obeyed.
God fulfilled His promise.

Why don’t I realize that God will do the same for me?

I am afraid.

I don’t trust God, I trust in my current circumstances.

I don’t believe God, I believe the lie of the enemy that says; “it’s impossible.”

I don’t fear God, I fear my husband not hearing and obeying (how self-righteous am I?)

But….. I don’t have to be afraid!

I can choose to surrender my soul (mind, will & emotions) to my Father in Heaven.
I can choose to trust Him.
I can choose to fear Him alone.
I can choose to believe in Him.
I can choose to declare; “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.”

And that obedience will give birth to the miraculous:

I will know that HE loves me.
I will know that HE is trustworthy.
I will know that HE is faithful.
I will know that HE will cause all things to work together for good.
I will know that HE will fulfill His promises for our marriage.

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

Cleared of Guilt

May 21, 2015May 21, 2015 / Jodie / Leave a comment

Psalm 32

1 Oh, what joy for those  whose disobedience is forgiven,  whose sin is put out of sight!

2 Yes, what joy for those  whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!

3 When I refused to confess my sin,  my body wasted away,  and I groaned all day long.

4 Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me.  My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.

5 Finally, I confessed all my sins to you  and stopped trying to hide my guilt.  I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.”  And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.

6 Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time,  that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment.

7 For you are my hiding place;  you protect me from trouble.  You surround me with songs of victory.

8 The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.  I will advise you and watch over you.

9 Do not be like a senseless horse or mule  that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”

10 Many sorrows come to the wicked,  but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord.

11 So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him!  Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!

During a recent road trip adventure, our family checked into a hotel, unloaded the luggage & left our precious pooch, Maggie in the room while we went to dinner. On the previous nights hotel stay, she had been content to take a nap while we were gone….but not this time.

Upon our return, we were unable to fully open the door to the suite. After our youngest daughter squeezed in to find out why she gasped, “oh, Maggie…what have you done?!”

We all stood there stunned- as we gazed upon the carpet and padding that had been ripped to shreds at the threshold.

Anger welled up in my heart as I considered the additional cost we’d be charged for the destruction.

Regret for not kenneling her flooded my mind.

And then compassion crept in as I realized she must have been suffering from severe separation anxiety.

One look from Doug and Maggie knew she was in trouble. One loud “bad” from me, followed by a pop on the nose sent her crawling under the table to hide.

She was guilty.

Some time later, after the general manager assessed the damage, Doug and I took a moment to process the event. Immediately after I went back over to our adopted dog and stood, staring into her beautiful brown eyes. She looked at me, and then looked away. This exchanged happened a handful of times before she eventually laid down and rolled over, begging me to love her, which I willingly did.

I sat there on my knees, stroking & kissing her furry head, overwhelmed by emotion as I realized our interaction mirrored my relationship with my Savior. The Holy Spirit confirmed my thoughts as Doug whispered, “what a picture of the Father’s love for us….”

The two of us then decided to take her for a walk around the surrounding area, so we laced up our tennis shoes and clipped her leash to the harness.

Her tail wagged.

No more hiding.

She was forgiven.

She was cleared of guilt.

She was free to trot along the pathway with us, enjoying our company.

As we walked, I wondered…

How many times have I suffered from separation anxiety when I’ve walked away from the Father?

How many times have I felt heavy from His hand of discipline?

How many times have I destroyed the carpet instead of submitting my fear to Him?

How many times have I looked away from His gaze, choosing instead to hide my shame under the table?

How many times have I refused to be honest with Him (& others) by confessing and repenting for my sin?

How many times have I been that senseless horse or mule (or dog) who sometimes needs a bit and bridle (or kennel) to keep me under control?

Way too many to count.

But oh, what joy this adopted daughter has when I finally sit down before my Master, roll over and beg Him to forgive me! What love floods my soul as I am cleared of my guilt. What gratefulness I express when I know that my sins are put out of sight! What freedom I experience in walking with Him along the best pathway, knowing that He will advise and watch over me- always. For I believe that He is my hiding place and He will protect me from trouble, when I come to Him.

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.