PEACE is my calling

I Corinthians 7:15b God has called you to peace.

I am beginning to see peace in a new way.  Earlier this year I had been struck by the realization that I never have to ask God for peace ... it is a part of my “package” of benefits from salvation.  Peace is also a fruit of the Spirit of God Who lives in me as a child of God.  In this verse I see that it is part of God’s calling on my life.  The context of this verse shows me that His calling comes in spite of any circumstances, good or bad.  There is no question about God’s intention that every child of God have peace!  He gifts us with it, He grows it in us as a fruit, and He calls us to it.  It is there for my benefit and for my … peace.

Christ is all

I Corinthians 1:30 … you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness, sanctification and redemption …

I think it is easy for me to forget that all I am as a Christian woman is centered in Jesus.  I would not be what I am, who I am, today were it not for what He has done in my life.  When we accept Christ as our Savior and make Him Lord of our lives, all we are centers on Him.  He is, as this verse says, our wisdom.  He enables us to determine how to use the knowledge we have.  He becomes our righteousness.  He forgives our sin and views us as spiritually clean.  He is our sanctification.  We are made holy in His sight, and set apart from the sinful world, dedicated to Him.  He is our redemption.  Through Him we are no longer enslaved to sin or its eternal punishment.  It is all wrapped up in Christ Jesus.

Christ is all I need, 

Christ is all I need,

All that I need.

Elements of godly living

I Thessalonians 4:11-12 But we urge you … to do this  [love one another] more and more, and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, … so that you may walk properly before outsiders …

When I think about it, the things that impress me most about other people I know, or who I watch, are the very same things mentioned in these verses.  They tell us what will help us to walk properly before outsiders, to be a good testimony to God’s love and God’s will.  They are simple things to do, easily done if one put his mind to it, and yet they are the very things we see go lacking so easily in the lives of so many around us.  It is not hard to find examples of lack of love around us, and we certainly see the results of failure to live quiet lives or to have a proper work ethic.  And without people minding their own affairs we see how well the social journalists thrive, the success of all the social media.  If I live my life by these principles, there is no question that my life will be a good testimony to the people around me.  They are not going to see it otherwise in our current society.

People pleaser?

Galatians 1:10b If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Paul the Apostle learned “the hard way”, to so speak, that his salvation from sin did not come by merely obeying a set of rules.  It took a special revelation from God to get him to see and understand that salvation is a matter of the heart and spirit rather than one of physical and mental effort.  He could not truly serve God until he understood that principle.  For a people-pleaser such as me, this is an important lesson to learn.  As someone whose personality makes me want to be and do things to make the people around me approve of me and like me, I need a constant reminder that my first and foremost responsibility is to please God.  In a society that is growing further and further from godly principles, it becomes more and more challenging to stand for the Truth of the gospel and be a strong servant of Christ as Paul became, so this verse is a powerful message to me personally.

It never fails

Acts 16:6-7, 10 …forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia … the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them … And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

The way God directs the life of the person who trusts in Him remains somewhat of a mystery to me even after having had Him leading me for almost 70 years now (ever since I was six years old).  I call it a mystery because there is no way for me to understand how God knows what is best for me, no way except my faith in God Himself.  There are times when circumstances make it clear that God is saying “no” to something even though there is no clear indication of the “why.”  Even when God is clearly saying “yes, this is the way” we do not always know why.  We merely step out in faith, in obedience, trusting God’s omniscience.  He has never misguided me in all the years I have allowed His Holy Spirit to “forbid me,” to “not allow” me, or to “call” me into a path of service and obedience.  I am grateful for His faithfulness.

Be steadfast

Steadfast:

1. fixed in direction; steadily directed;

2. firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment, etc.;

3. unwavering;

4. firmly established;

5. firmly fixed in place or position.

 

I've been noticing that God is giving me messages about persevering, or steadfastness, multiple times as this year draws to a close.  I am convinced this is His special message to me for the new year!  Today is another example of how the Spirit of God is reminding me of this important characteristic. 

James 5:11 Consider those blessed who remained steadfast.

I have noticed how much is said in the book of James about being steadfast, or perseverant.  It seems to be a key element of a “successful” Christian life.  In James 1:3 we are reminded that perseverance, or steadfastness, comes from testing and trials, so we need testing to obtain strong steadfastness … staying the course, so to speak.  Then in 1:12 we are told that the crown of life, a choice heavenly reward, is reserved for those who remain steadfast in trials.  Steadfastness is a quality high on God’s list of admirable qualities to have.  Finally, in 5:11 we see that those who remain steadfast will be blessed.  Steadfastness is not easily come by, nor easily kept, but the reward of doing so is a great heavenly reward to look forward to.  In these last days of my life, I want to become stronger, more firmly established, more unwavering, in my steadfast faith even though the way to get that way may not be an easy route.

Without excuse

Acts 14:16-17 In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways.  Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good …

God does not force Himself on anyone.  This verse reminds us that fact.  God allows people to act however they wish, to live their lives in the way they choose, but there are signs all around us to remind us of His existence.  Weather and seasons, nature itself, speaks to the existence and actions of a Creator God.  The satisfaction we gain from the results of naturally occurring phenomena is further proof of God.  As the book of Romans further explains, God’s power and authority are shown via nature itself, so people are without excuse for their unbelief (see Romans 1:17ff).

Christmas card time!

Been working on Christmas cards, finally!  And although I do not like to do the same thing over and over, I have found that I'm OK with that as long as I can use different papers for each one, so That is what I've been doing.  I've been making two different designs and it is working well for me.  AND I've been able to use up numerous scraps that were "too big to throw away and too small to keep" in the process.
Here is the first design, using my new three wise men stamp set from Stampin' Up, which I really like:

The other design uses three panels of decorated paper on top of a background of shiny or glittery paper.  Once I figured out the dimensions I needed to use, it goes quickly and I think the effect is maximum.

Remain faithful with steadfast purpose

Acts 11:23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, …

This is part of the account of the new Christians from Cyprus and Cyrene who preached to the people (non-Jews) in the city of Antioch.  When Barnabas was sent by the Jewish believers in Jerusalem to investigate, this was his concussion.  It stuck me when I read what Barnabas said to those new non-Jewish believers.  What did he see as the most important message to give them as they started their new spiritual journey?  To “remain faithful” to what they had learned so recently; that was to be their main goal.  I think the phrase “with steadfast purpose” is an especially powerful phrase.  This is how they were to remain faithful, not lacking in diligence, but clearly focused on the goal.  I see this as the target of my own faith-filled life as well, to be steady and diligent and focused, to have a “steadfast purpose” for what I do and how I live as a child of God.  This will have an impact on my surroundings.

Great grace

>Acts 4:33b … and great grace was upon them all.

In those earliest days of the church there were many new believers I Christ and all were facing strong opposition from the religious leaders, especially the apostles.  That opposition, coupled with the unity of faith in Jesus, did create a unique sense of unity with the group of believers.  It was empowering the apostles as the leaders, and the “great grace” that was upon them resulted in some powerful effect:

            1. those who believed were unified (“one heart and soul”, v.32), and “they had everything in common”, v.32b);

            2. they were empowered (“with great power the apostles were giving their testimony,” v. 33a);

            3. they were generous (“not a needy person among them,” v.34).

Grace was the key to the growth of that early church, and if I allow God’s grace to work in me I will see those same elements at work in my life: unity with other believers, empowerment to be a good testimony to others, and generosity.  Lord, may it be so.  I want great grace.

The key

Acts 3:19-20 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you …

When a person repents, they feel sorry for something, but to actually have that repentance mean anything further, there also must be a turning back, away from whatever is regretted.  The result of that repentance and turning back is astounding, when you think about it.  Your sins are blotted out, i.e., they are no longer in existence.  The presence of the Lord is in your live, i.e., your spirit is refreshed.  And the Christ, Jesus, is with you, i.e., you have encouragement and strength for daily living.  With these three things we can face any circumstances that come our way without fear or worry.  If we want a life like this, repentance and turning back is the key.

Opened minds

Luke 24:45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures.

The disciples had spent almost all their time with Jesus for three years, watching Him and being exposed to His teaching but thy still had not grasped much of the essence of who He was or what He had been teaching.  In a sense, their minds were still caught up in the teaching and training they had carried from their childhood as Jewish children, taught in the Jewish traditions.  But here, in a room after Jesus’ death and resurrection, Jesus opened their minds and they were ready to not only know but to understand what they knew.  Now they were empowered for future ministry. There is a difference between knowing something and understanding it.  The disciples are certainly not alone in that experience.  Only God can give me the ability to understand what I know.  My prayer is that as I continue to learn, He will continue to give me understanding.  That is the key to any continued spiritual growth or ministry to others that I may have.

With love

I have been behind on my card-making and there are so many people right now who need a little pick-me-up in the middle of the day by getting a card that reminds them of others' love and prayer and concern for them, so I've been working hard to find more time this week to make and mail some cards.  This one is going to a recent widow...

Do it afraid

Matthew 28:8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

How can a person be afraid and filled with joy at the same time?  How can you actually do something if you are fearful?  Those women at Jesus’ tomb did these things and I have often wondered at this seemingly impossible thing.  Then I think about two specific times in my life when I was fearful yet filled with joy and I realize this is not really an oxymoron at tall.  The day I boarded my first flight to Lebanon is vivid in my mind.  I felt “scared to death” at my first trip overseas, alone, to live in another country.  But I was filled with joy because I was fulfilling God’ will for me.  And the day I got married was similar … afraid but also excited and happy at the prospect of my marriage.  Both times I was ready to tell anyone who was listening about what I was doing, and that is how the women felt, I am sure.  The fear and joy did not deter them from running to their next responsibility, to tell the disciples, and it may have even motivated them.  So it can be for me as well.  My fear or my joy can both be my motivation to do whatever it is God is directing me to do.  Do it afraid, as they say!

Batik-style card

I watched a video the other day of creating a card using a style that created an effect that looks like batik cloth, and when I tried it out, it really did work!

It was quite a simple process although a bit time-consuming.  I stamped the flower images on a piece of white card stock with Versamark and embossed them using white embossing powder.  Then I crumbled the paper up into a ball and pressed it together to create the lines and crack the embossing a little.  Apply distress ink with a sponge and it came out darker on the crinkled parts of the paper, creating the batik look.  I am definitely going to try this again using other stamps and other colors.

Essential pruning

John 15:2, 6 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, wile every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. … If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers, such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

As soon as a branch has blossomed/born fruit and it has wither died (like a flower) or been picked, it is not going to reproduce any further unless it is pruned.  It is going to be necessary to cut off the dead flower or the spot where the fruit had been in order to make the branch reproduce again.  In the same way, God has to prune us after we have had a spurt of growth before we can grow again.  We will grow “stale” if we don not remove the residue of our previous growth experience.  That is, we cannot stay right where we are spiritually or we will not be growing.  And the pruning is the sign of growth and fruitfulness … no growth means eventually being cut off completely and tossed away.  We will become totally useless to “God if we do not get pruned as we grow.

Be careful

Luke 21:34 Be careful or your heart will be weighed down with the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.

It is so easy to get caught up in the cares and concerns of the present.  This verse reminds me that there Is more than just my current life that must be kept in perspective.  When I expend all my energy and interest on my present life, two things happen to me.  First, I become self-centered, which never brings about a good of wholesome outcome.  Even more importantly, second, I forget to live “with eternity’s values in view,” as the old song goes.  The result of this second effect is that the coming of Christ will surprise me and I will not be living ready for meeting Him.

Piano card

I keep a look-out for unusual cards I can make for family members or special friends... cards that take some extra time or effort or materials, and this time I found a piano card I thought I would make for Anna Marie for her upcoming birthday.  I loved the idea and the YouTube video I watched made it look oh, so easy.  So I got out my black paper, white paper, and cream paper.  I did get it completed but there were a few times in the process that I almost gave up.  So many little details that I could not seem to get "just right!"  BUT in the end it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be.  It is good enough to mail to her in the next week or so.  It is an easel card, as can be seen from this view:

It lays flat, but when opened up it has a small music book of four "pages" sitting on a music stand above the piano keys.  It stands up by propping the front panel of the card behind the yellow flower.

Sharing

Matthew 26:18 Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, “The Teacher says, “My appointed time is near.  I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’”

My mind is filled with questions and responses to this event as I read it.  Who was that “certain man?”  One of the most well-known events leading up to the crucifixion took place in the home of a totally unknown person who obviously was a friend of Jesus.  But his name is not mentioned.  What is immortalized in this story is not who he was, but rather what he made available for Jesus’ use.  What a good lesson for me as I grow older as an “unknown” person wondering what I have to offer the Lord.  The older I get, the more I see myself getting caught in a cycle of routine and am finding it more and more difficult to let go of that in order to make the extra effort to share myself, my time, or my belongings.  I need to remember that this sharing is an important part of my ministry in Jesus’ name.  It is not important who I am but rather what I have made available of myself and/or my belongings that matters.  Another question I ask is: was this a pre-arranged use, arranged between Jesus and the “certain man” ahead of time, or was a “spur of the moment?”  Whichever the case, I see the bottom line as the same principle: that man opened his home.  I can do the same, even without previous planning.  God will use what I make available for His glory.

100-day Celebration

We felt so honored when Daniel and Tracy invited us to have dinner with them on Chiaoyi's 100-day birthday.  We had never heard of this celebration so I did a little research and discovered that this is quite an important day for new babies in China, with lots of celebration, so we felt especially honored.  We wanted to do something that would be reflective of the kind of gifts she would have received were they in China, and this is what we came up with:

I used a little basket we had that is gold and white striped and covered with red on the interior, so we put the gifts in that.

One traditional gift in China is to give money in a fancy red envelope, so I decorated a red envelope I had in my stash, using some gold Chinese stickers I had gotten a while back from Paper Wishes.  We put a crisp new bill in the envelope along with a special message:

The Scripture is the blessing from Numbers 6:24-26: "The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace."

We also gave her a card with a cute little Oriental girl dress in red, with the envelope decorated with a companion button.  Turned out really cute:

Daniel and Tracy really liked the gift and we hope it will be meaningful to them and to Qiaoyi (Chiaoyi) in the years to come.

My inheritance

Matthew 25:34 … your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

I do not think I will ever (in this life) understand why or how God had our salvation and our eternal future all planned before man even existed.  But my faith tells me it is true even if I don not understand.  My inheritance as a child of God is the heavenly eternal kingdom of glory and bliss and majesty.  It has been mine since the creation of the world and it was settled for me when I gave my life to Jesus at the age of six.  It is mine now for the claiming and Christ is preparing my corner of the kingdom for my arrival.

Some will mourn

Matthew 24:30 … then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

I was struck by the description of how people will respond to Jesus’ second coming.  I always think of that event with great anticipation and had never considered it in any other way.  After all, this is the culmination of my faith and I look forward to the inexpressible joy it will bring as I see my Savior and Lord face-to-face.  But as I thought about this verse, I realized in a new way that for those who do not know Jesus as their loving Savior, this event will be bringing sadness and suffering.  They will mourn at His appearance.  For some, it will even represent a hug bite of humility as they are forced to acknowledge His power and glory that they have ignored in their lifetime.  As Philippians says, every knee will bow, it is just some will bow with joy and delight, while others will bow in mourning.  It is sobering to realize once again that not all of those I love and enjoy being with will have the same pleasure when Jesus appears.

Come quickly!

Mark 13:27 And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

Jesus’ second coming is going to be quite the display of majestic power and authority.  This verse is just a final touch, so to speak, on a couple of verses in Mark 13 that give a summary of the events to come.  The universe as we know it will literally be falling apart, and that is when Jesus will make His appearance “with great power and glory.”  There will be no mistaking who He is or the power He has, and at that moment, He will have the angels call all of us believers to come meet Him.  I look forward to that event!  But if I do, I cannot imagine how great it will be for those who have suffered far more than I ever have for the sake of the gospel.  Can you imagine how it will be for them to see Jesus come with such a gloriously authoritative showing?  Come quickly, Lord Jesus!

God's voice

John 12:28b-30a Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.”  The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; … Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine.”

Jesus had just prayed in public that the Father would glorify His name through Jesus’ obedience to His calling (vv.27-28a) and I can just imagine the thrilled heart of the Father God responding in more than His still small voice to Jesus’ active obedience and submission.  God just could not stay silent as He saw the act of salvation that He had planned from the beginning continuing to move forward.  Although the people around Him heard nothing but a sound of thunder, Jesus heard the message, and gained strength from it.  The crowd was moved by just the might and awesomeness of the sound enough to recognize that something special had just happened.  I want to be able to hear God’s voice to my spirit and recognize it as more than just a sound, and as I grow closer to God, this is exactly what is happening!

Impossible?

Luke 18:26-27 Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?”  Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

I am reminded once again of the magnitude of our salvation through Jesus when I read this statement of His.  We often think of the “impossibles” as physical or material things: it is “impossible” to manage natural disasters or even weather, it is “impossible” to heal an incurable disease, it is “impossible” to keep evil people from conjuring up ways to do their evil deeds, and the list can go on and on.  Yet the impossibility being spoken of here is far bigger, far more intimidating, than any other.  It is a spiritual impossibility.  No matter what methodology any religion has ever come up with, only God Himself can ever guarantee a person’s eternal salvation.  All other methods only offer a “hope for the best” style of salvation if any at all.  But with God it is possible.

Be quiet!

Matthew 20:31 the crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David have mercy on us!”

I am almost embarrassed to admit that I cannot remember a time when I felt so strongly about something that being told to “be quiet” did not at least tone down my actions or words.  Although I have strong feelings and opinions about certain things, it is not in my normal personality to respond the way these two blind men did to those trying to quiet them.  But these two knew without any doubt that their only hope for sight was Jesus, and they were willing to do whatever was necessary to get His attention and get help.  Jesus understood their desperation and He did not disappoint their faith.  In the Old Testament, I am reminded of Jacob, who did the same thing – not as noisily, but just as persistently when he would not stop wrestling until God blessed him.  It is that persistent quality that I do not want to miss out on and miss a blessing God intends for me to have.  God, help me to be persistent in my pursuit of godliness.