Love

The Blessings of the Locusts

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Joel 2:12-14, 25-26

12 That is why the Lord says,
“Turn to me now, while there is time.
Give me your hearts.
Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. 13 Don’t tear your clothing in your grief,
but tear your hearts instead.”
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
He is eager to relent and not punish. 14 Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve,
sending you a blessing instead of this curse.

25 The Lord says, “I will give you back what you lost
to the swarming locusts, the hopping locusts,
the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts. It was I who sent this great destroying army against you. 26 Once again you will have all the food you want, and you will praise the Lord your God,
who does these miracles for you.

I have encountered multiple armies of locusts in the field of my life, my marriage and my parenting. Some of them destroyed only a portion of the crops and some have stripped every sprig of growth, leaving nothing but bare soil. Some of the locusts swarmed me, leaving me feeling completely overwhelmed and helpless. Some of them hopped all over me, becoming a pesky nuisance that distracted me and caused me to live in constant fear, not knowing what direction they would come to pounce on me again. Some stripped away everything of value to me, leaving me feeling absolutely hopeless about my future. And some cut my soul so deeply that death seemed to be the only possible relief. Some of those locusts invaded my field as result of my sin….and some trespassed on my land because of someone else’s.

At times I have yelled violently, shaking my fists at the enemy for sending these vicious attacks, but only recently have I realized that the enemy can do nothing without God allowing him to. Every army of locusts that are dispatched to my field MUST be given permission to destroy by the Creator of the universe. Nothing, absolutely nothing in this life happens to me without passing through the hand of God Almighty first.

It’s an earth shaking revelation to know that God has allowed, or even sent destroying armies of locusts to obliterate almost every living thing in my field. But, I am slowly beginning to understand that every trial, every heartbreak, every loss, every triumph, every devastation, every abundant harvest is from Him and FOR Him. And, every locust sent is for my ultimate good because it draws me closer to Himself and causes another area of my flesh to die so that I can grow to be more like His Son. He endured every swarming, hopping, stripping and cutting locust on my behalf, so that I may have life to the full……. and if that weren’t enough, He promises to restore what was lost to the locusts, as I return to Him and repent.

Lord, I praise you for the blessings of the locusts in my life. You are loving, you are righteous, you are healer, you are deliverer, you are redeemer, you are restorer …and you work ALL things for my good.

Many Parts

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1 Corinthians 12:12-31

12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. 13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles,[a] some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.[b]

14 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 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! 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”

22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 23 And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, 24 while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. 25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. 26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 28 Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church:

first are apostles,
second are prophets,
third are teachers,
then those who do miracles,
those who have the gift of healing,
those who can help others,
those who have the gift of leadership,
those who speak in unknown languages.

29 Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? 30 Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! 31 So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts.

But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.

I have had the privilege of being a part of several local bodies of Christ since I became a follower. Some bodies functioned very effectively Advancing His Kingdom. Some, unfortunately, decapitated the head and as a result, every other part began to die due to the lack of blood flow.

With these experiences in mind, when Doug and I started a ministry that was designed to support many local churches, I hoped to remain humbly submitted to the head and never say to an eye or a foot “I don’t need you.” Years later, I wish I could emphatically state that that’s always been the case, but I can’t. I am still a sinner, saved by grace…and I am still learning what it means to be a loving part of the body of Christ.

In my very short journey of being a disciple and “ministry leader”, I’ve realized that one of the most difficult aspects of being seen and heard is that hidden parts sometimes mistakenly think that I am more important. Given enough praise and acknowledgement for my function, I may be tempted to think that I can operate the entire body on my own. As that pride seeps further down into my soul, I might even begin to believe (albeit subconsciously) that I am the head and that my gifts, skills and leadership abilities are the sole reason for any advancement. Eventually, though, the less honorable parts will grow tired of my pompous attitude and of being ignored and they will cut themselves off from me- and perhaps even the entire body. As a result of my unexamined sin, serious injuries can occur, and if not dealt with quickly, the body will bleed out…

Fortunately, I’ve also realized that when those self-gratifying thoughts begin to rummage through my mind I can call 911 and the Holy Spirit will rush me to the ER. There, as I lay myself out on a gurney before the Great Physician He is able to show me an x-ray of my heart….and I am moved to repent. Then, as He submerges me in His healing antiseptic grace, I am once again able to know that His Son is the only rightful head of the church and ALL His children are crucial parts of His body.

Princess

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Psalm 44:4-8

4 You are my King and my God…..

5 Only by your power can we push back our enemies;
    only in your name can we trample our foes. 6 I do not trust in my bow;
I do not count on my sword to save me.

7 You are the one who gives us victory over our enemies;
 you disgrace those who hate us.

8 O God, we give glory to you all day long
and constantly praise your name.

Revelation 19:16

16 On his robe at his thigh was written this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.

I’ve been a fan of animated Disney movies all my life. I am especially fond of those that tell a story about a princess and her prince that rescues her from the wicked queen. As a little girl, I lived in a perpetual fantasy land of fairy tales and make believe….but when I grew up and married my prince, my story didn’t turn out exactly as I had dreamed.

I’ve since discovered that many princesses in the Kingdom live in a similar state of mind that was never written, produced or directed for them by their King. Instead, the evil queen (Satan) has conjured up unrealistic expectations for them- and their prince- and although they may be hidden, they believe and live by them. And when those expectations aren’t met, he whispers more little lies into their ears until they feel as if all hope is lost.

Fortunately, I received revelation not so long ago, in a land far, far away about who I am and who my young prince is. I am the daughter of the One True King. My husband is the son of the One True King. Along with all the inheritance that Our King has bestowed on us, we are also given His power to push back the evil queen and live out this abundant life- and marriage that our King has promised.

Through the power of prayer and the life giving truth of His Word my prince and I were rescued and brought back to the castle in which we were destined to inherit. Still, occasionally that wicked queen taunts us to eat the apple or become “human” by surrendering our voice, but we are always given a choice to choose; life or death, faith or fiction.

So whether you’re locked away in the tower, in a deep sleep, or surrounded by little people that drive you crazy all day…..believe me when I tell you that you can cry out to the King of kings and He will come riding up on His white horse to save you! (AND….. if you ask Him, He’ll also help you see your husband for the prince he really is, instead of a slimy, wart covered frog)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuJWQzjfU3o

Obey

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Ephesians 6

Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. 2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”

When I was a child, my parents had verse 1 of Ephesians 6 framed and hung in a place where my sister and I were FORCED to read it regularly. It infuriated me! I was what some might call; a “strong willed child” and I didn’t want to obey ANYONE- including my parents.

Earlier this week, as I erased the same verse off our school dry erase board, I chuckled as now, decades later, I am the one trying to teach our children why this Truth is so important- and why they should learn to submit to it while they are still young…..

During a recent conversation with another mommy, we discussed the same passage of scripture. As we talked about specific circumstances with our children the revelation of why came out of my mouth before my brain even had time to comprehend its impact: If we love God, we are to obey Him.

John 14:15

“If you love me, obey my commandments….”

In training our children to obey (which often times requires repeated discipline in order to help them submit), we are not only teaching them to love and respect their parents, we are showing them how to love and submit to their Heavenly Father- even when they don’t feel like it.

As an adult, when I finally repented and submitted my strong will to the Father, He lavished His unfailing love on this prodigal daughter and gave me a childlike faith to pursue Him- and obey His commands. Now, as I fight the battle of obedience with several strong willed children of my own, (thanks dad, for praying I’d have those!) I am able to enforce “the laws” of our home, and when necessary, administer discipline, in love (well, most of the time….sometimes I still lose it). For I know that God did not send the law to punish us, but to teach us how to live a long life… in FREEDOM!

Romans 7:21-25

21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.

PS. Thanks Mom & Dad for continuing to sew the Word into my heart- even though it took a looooong time to take root.

Fog

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Mark 16:5-6

5 When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked, 6 but the angel said, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid his body.

Sometimes there are seasons in our lives when our soul becomes empty and our relationship with the Lord no longer feels “life giving.”

Although we may know that Jesus was crucified and died for our sins, when the circumstances of life become unbearable with feelings of grief, anger, jealousy, injustice, unforgiveness….and our prayers seem one sided, we begin to believe that “He isn’t here.” If we continue to give way to these emotions instead of seeking the One who is always present, the more dense the fog becomes and the more hopeless we feel.

Fortunately, for us, our Father is not intimidated by the low lying clouds in our mind, will and emotions. He patiently waits, showing His love for us in subtle ways (which we often fail to see because we are blinded in the fog by the enemy). Until, in desperation we come crawling back to Him, begging for the clouds to evaporate into life giving water.

When we are able to push past our emotions and allow the Holy Spirit to dig down into the depths of our soul, we find that the emptiness isn’t a result of Him, but of us. In that moment, as we re- encounter our risen Lord, we are consumed by His love and in His presence we are compelled to pour out all our sins at His feet. As He whispers “you are forgiven” a mighty surge of living water consumes our soul and we are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, which once again compels us to, “go into all the world and preach the good news to everyone.”  Mark 16:15

And at last I see the light

And it’s like the fog has lifted

And at last I see the light

And it’s like the sky is new

And it’s warm and real and bright

And the world has somehow shifted

All at once everything looks different

Now that I see you

-I See the Light, from Disney’s “Tangled”

Mama Jean

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Psalm 9:1-2

1 I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;
 I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. 2 I will be filled with joy because of you.
 I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.

During breakfast the first morning of our vacation, Doug and I smiled in amazement as we watched a spunky, tiny little woman sing and dance through the restaurant. She greeted guests as if they were long lost friends- and some she gave great big bear hugs to after pouring them their first cup of hot coffee. A few days into our trip we realized that she was the “Mama” of the staff and her job was to make all the guests of the resort and spa feel like they were right at home.

While flipping through one of the many magazines in our room, I stumbled upon an article about Jean Kelly that put all the missing pieces of this exuberant woman together….except one.

Jean and her husband have worked on Peter Island for more than 25 years. Every morning they catch the 5:30 am ferry boat from Tortolla to begin their duties for the day. Jean’s husband serves in landscaping and Jean has become the spokeswoman/figurehead/mascot of Tradewind’s Restaurant and their famous french toast. Management has even made t-shirts in her honor!

After days of watching Mama Jean serve dish after dish of the fabulous looking entrée, & having read raving reviews about the breakfast item online before our trip- Doug decided he’d skip the buffet and order the coconut encrusted french toast. Just like every other morning, Mama Jean came dancing out of the kitchen with the dish- but this time she sat the golden brown fried bread in front of my husband.  She then spent the next few minutes getting to know this happy couple from a distant land….

A few days later, we were chatting with her again when she rather casually mentioned Jesus Christ. We winked at one another and then smiled back at her- realizing that we had discovered the missing piece of the puzzle; the joy of the Lord. Later that day, while eating lunch at Deadman’s Grill, Mama Jean came floating through the restaurant and stopped to give us a quick hug. Doug reminded her of our conversation earlier in the day and said “hey- Mrs. Jean…I just wanted you to know that I really appreciate your boldness in saying the name of Jesus Christ….we’re believers too!” Mama Jean squealed with excitement, did a little jig right there in the middle of everyone and proclaimed “I love you even more now—you are my brutha and sista! (in her Brittish/Jamaiccan/Caribbean accent)” More hugs were exchanged and then we all began sharing about the goodness of God.

Jeans joy was a direct reflection of a heart filled with love for her Creator- and His created. Each day, her soul overflowed with gratefulness towards her Master who chose to wake her up and allow her to sing, dance and serve His children from all over the world on a tiny piece of land in the middle of the British Virgin Islands. Mama Jean wasn’t just serving delicious french toast, she was dishing out plates and plates of life!

Thank you Mrs. Jean for reminding me that no matter how small the task, no matter how insignificant my service may seem, I can use it to tell of the marvelous things God has done in my life!

Who’s my neighbor?

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(Originally posted to The Bullard Pack blog on 7/14/09)

Jesus stated that we are to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength…..and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:29-31)
Who are our neighbors? Are they just the people that live next door to us? I believe our neighbors are everyone around us.
My closest neighbors are my husband and 4 children. They give me a LOT of opportunities to love and serve them every minute of the day!!! Hugs, kisses, laundry, cooking, cleaning, teaching…..
Then I have my neighbors that live next door. On one side we have a single mother with 2 children. I have an opportunity to love her daughter almost every day when she comes over to play, and share meals, and talk about…whatever.
Then we have our friend neighbors. For the past 6 months or so, I have spent countless hours talking to, praying with, and encouraging a friend who is in the midst of a painful separation from her husband. Ironically, it has been a blessing to me to witness her relationship w/ God grow to a much deeper level.
We also have extended family neighbors. Periodically this summer we are hosting our niece who is living a life of bitterness and hopelessness. We hope to show her an extraordinary kind of love while she’s here. The only kind of love that is full of hope; the love of Jesus.
I also walk past neighbors every time I go to the grocery store. These are my stranger neighbors. I don’t know these people, but I can still show them love by little acts of kindness. All it takes is a smile, or opening a door for them, or letting them go ahead of me in line b/c they look like they are in a hurry.
We have neighbors all around us. The question is…do we look for opportunities to love them, or are we just too busy in our lives to notice them, or even care?
Love your neighbor. It’s a simple command. But we must be intentional to DO it!
–Jodie