Lavish Devotion

My husband recently came across a sweet deal on some furniture for our deck.  It was one of those cool grouping of pieces that you could configure how you wanted for plenty of comfortable seating.  The price was ideal… and we chose to pass.  Currently I'm not working, so no extra income is flowing in.  We had the money in our account, money set aside for "whatever."  It has been sitting there for some time.  As we discussed, we realized our son is supposed to return to the states from deployment sometime toward the end of the year.  Both of us would love to be there to hug him tight.  My husband graduates next spring with his doctorate.  We want our kids to be there, and for us to take a vacation near where he's been going to school since it's on the other side of the United States.  Both of those future plans are like flashing neon signs screaming, "Save! Save! Save!"  We made a financially practical decision.  I was grateful when I recently checked our local Craigslist that the furniture was no longer listed.

There's a story in the Bible where a lady makes a financially extravagant decision.  In Mark 14 is the story where a woman pours very (we're taking Very VERY) expensive perfume over Jesus' head.  The scripture says the perfume was worth a year's wages! I can't even imagine owning something, besides my house, that is worth a year's wages, that I would just have lying around.  The spectators to this astounding event were critical of the woman and the expense that they perceived she had wasted.  They made comments suggesting a more practical use of the "money" she was giving away.  Jesus disagreed with them.  Jesus said, "She has done all that she could to honor me.  I promise you that as this wonderful gospel spreads all over the world, the story of her lavish devotion to me will be mentioned  in memory of her." (Mark 14:8,9 The Passion Translation)

When I read the story this morning as Jesus and I had morning coffee together, the Holy Spirit reminded me of truths He had taught me before.  Evidently I was in need of a refresher course.  God's Spirit reminded me of 4 truths.  The first truth: Don't let others' criticism stop me (or make me feel bad) for doing what I believe God has called me to do.  The woman could've easily been intimidated by the men gathered around the table.  She could've easily burst into tears and run from the room when they criticized her behavior.  I wonder if she even really heard them.  I wonder if she was so enthralled with Jesus that nothing else was even on her radar.  Sometimes I let others influence me, causing me to question what I was so excited to do just moments before they raised questions or doubts.  God reminded my heart that I need to see Him and Him alone; I need to focus on honoring Him.  Considering others' concerns is not a bad thing… when I am focused on the One I am worshiping and only following the leading of His Spirit.

The second truth God reminded me: Honoring Jesus is always worth the cost.  My current non-employment status has opened the door for other opportunities.  I blog more.  We've opened our home for someone in need of temporary housing.  I am able to participate in some counseling sessions with my husband, so that we can minister together.  I'm hosting a book discussion in my home every week.  My husband's schedule has been hectic and I've been able to pick up some of the chores around home that he has normally done. I have had time to create a bio so that my name will be considered for speaking engagements.  I wasn't able to purchase new-to-me furniture for my deck, and I'm more available to entertain people on my deck, living life with them, building the  body of Christ.  I'm not offering Jesus an item worth a year's wages; I am choosing to do without some extras so I can be of service to what He wants.

The third truth in my refresher course: Grab a hold of the opportunities in front of me.  Live life in this moment, on this day.  A couple  of years ago God really impressed this truth to me.  For some time I would look at the activities of my day and identify possible opportunities that I might encounter.  On days I went to the grocery store, I made note to be conscious of the person who scanned my purchases.  I wanted to be  purposeful in engaging with him, seeking to validate him as a person, and be distinctly grateful for his service to me.  On days that I met someone for coffee, I made note that I needed to be prayerfully prepared; I made note to be aware of someone I might meet at our local coffee hangout that I hadn't planned on meeting.  On days that I had chores to do around the house, I made note that my heart be available to set my to-do list aside if someone needed me to be Jesus with skin on.  On days that I worked, I noted that I needed to view each customer as beautiful and valuable, and I thought through ways I could let her know that very significant truth.   I have gotten out of the habit of making notations of the  possible opportunities that could cross my path on any given day.  God reminded my heart this morning that each moment holds possibilities; each day is filled with opportunities to serve Him, honor Him, and worship Him.  

God's final reminder was the phrase "She has done what she could."  Christ gently pointed out to me the truth that I am not called to be anyone but who He designed me to be.  I may not do what others do, and others may not do what I do.  I am called to serve Jesus and honor Him in the ways He directs my heart.  Today, God directed me to prepare my home for my discussion group tonight.  He distinctly told me to write about the truth in today's refresher course.  There's no doubt in my heart and mind that He is directing me even now as I type.  He gave me names of friends who need a bit of encouragement.  I will make some homemade cards and get those in the mail later today.  My activities of the day aren't earth-shattering; they are distinctly within my wheelhouse. I'm called to do what I can do and be grateful for the opportunity to honor my Lord.

There is a Dallas Willard quote I've written on  a chalkboard in my office. "This is an occasion when God is present. This is a time to pray, to praise."  Every moment.  This moment, right now.  The next, and the next, and the next.  I'm thankful for this morning's refresher course.  I don't want to miss any opportunity of being with Jesus, of knowing Him better, serving Him willingly, expressing His love and grace to someone, honoring Him with what I have to offer.  I want my devotion to be described as lavish by the One who loves me best. All to the glory of God, my Savior.

I'm not a Maid

I woke this morning tired.  I had a good night's sleep, but I felt "draggy" as I sat down to begin my day with Jesus. Jesus and I have been spending some time recently in the book of Romans.  Our church is being challenged to read through Romans as our pastor preaches a summer sermon series on the book. I read a passage in Romans 6: I made notes; I read cross-reference verses; I read the passage in different versions.  Then I began my daily process of reflecting and processing to decipher what God was saying to me for the day. This is what I wrote down:  "It all seems like just theology today."

I wasn't connecting to the Word like I do most mornings.  I could chalk it up to just feeling tired.  I could've poured another cup of coffee and let it go.  Instead I began to journal all those random thoughts that were rambling through my head. As I scribbled ideas down, I began to realize some issues I had with the word "servant."  I've heard the concept that we are to be servants of God for a quite a while now; it's not a new concept.  I've been taught that it's more than just being a servant, it's being a "bond slave."  My life is not my own, I am purchased by the blood of Jesus and I am commanded to follow His decrees.  (hmmm… there's that theology popping up again.)  This morning, the whole concept of being a servant just seemed so lowly, like someone was using and possibly abusing me.

I admit, I've been binging on Downton Abby, perhaps that's where some of my issues were coming.  Every time I read the word "servant," I saw the scullery maid slaving in the kitchen, or a maid cleaning out the fireplace (Cinderella came to mind as well I must admit…). My inner diva stepped forward and stated she wanted to be one of the daughters in their fancy clothes, eating the fancy meal at the fancy table.  I saw my selfishness, and realized a part of me wanted to be the "master of my own fate."  Even as I wrote that exact phrase in my journal I felt I needed to run to the altar at church and begin confessing my sin!  I tried to rationalize my feelings by clarifying my thoughts with the idea that I at least wanted some control over my day-to-day doings.  I felt I should give even more safe  parameters to my rebellious contemplations so I journaled: "I love Jesus. I want to honor Him and I don't want to be a scullery maid -- stuck doing menial tasks while it seems others are living a larger life." 

God is so faithful.  He began to speak as I continued to process on paper through all those defiant ruminations.  I sensed God asking me: When have you ever just been relegated to the kitchen; when have you ever not been allowed run of my house, my presence?  When have you even not been welcomed and treated as my precious daughter?  When have you ever not been allowed to express to me what you want to do?  When have I ever forced you to live in such a way that you have not felt my acceptance and my love-- that I value you and what you do to honor me completely?

As God spoke, I recognized that I had fallen into the trap of comparing myself to others.  I viewed someone else's life as "more than," even though I didn't have a clear picture of what her life is truly like.  I looked back over the passage in Romans 6 and the notes I had made.  I knew that my heart desperately didn't want to live a life where I am ashamed of what I've done.  I most assuredly want to live "deeper into the experience of true holiness." (Romans 6:22 TPT) My heart humbled before Almighty God and I journaled my inner cry: "I want to know Jesus better and live in such a way that He is pleased and delighted with me.  I want my 'mindset to be one of life and peace.' (Romans 8:6)"

Truth: being a servant to a Holy God is not a job or a social level title.  It is a commitment, a covenant, made in the humble awareness that God and I are not equal, and He treats me as if I am worthy to be so.  Being a servant is an attitude where I am focused on enhancing the name and honor of my Master, the Lord of the House. As a servant, I work to achieve the promotion of and effective running of the Sovereign's kingdom.  Everything is about the Honor of the Master, Jesus.

The Lord I serve is so generous.  He allows me full run of the house, His kingdom.  I'm welcomed to always dine with Him.  He treats me to outings with Him where I enjoy His presence and His conversation.  He intertwines His daily life with mine so that I'm not just left with a list of tasks to be done.  He joins me in everything He asks me to do! As I serve Him, I experience more completely, with greater depth and intimacy, the wonder of who He really is and all that He is about. Now that is some amazing theology.

New Life

I recently spent some time with a young couple preparing for their wedding.  It was fun to talk to them and be reminded of how clueless I was before I got married. From the very beginning, my husband has been into figuring out things like "the five year plan" and "the ten year plan."  I, on the other hand, have always been more into: what are we going to do today that's fun? For our entire married life, my sweet man has asked me "planning questions" or has tried to have discussions with me about planning for the future.  Poor guy.  Those moments have never gone as he has hoped.  I look at him with one of those glazed, "what are you talking about?" expressions on my face.  When push comes to shove, I can plan.  Just please don't ask me to look too far into the future, because, seriously, you may just never know what grand opportunity will come around the corner before then (hope truly springs eternal).

The delightful young couple also reminded me of how rosy and blissful those early days were.  Everything was so exciting.  We got to pick out a place to live.  We got to furnish and decorate with items that really were quite ugly (cheap and free doesn't necessarily come stylish).  We had our first house guests, our first Christmas tree, our first attempt at painting a room (that's a colorful story…), our first pet, and our first fight.  We were both going to school and working part time jobs.  We created memories that we still laugh about today, and that make for great sermon illustrations.  Life together was so much better, so much MORE than life apart. Life was fresh, invigorating, fun and filled with wonder and delight because it was all so NEW.

Those blissful, newlywed images and memories recently came to the forefront of my mind during my time with Jesus as we read Romans 5 and 6.  Paul is discussing how Christ's death on the cross restores what God had planned from the beginning.  He talks about how Adam's sin brought sin into the life of everyone, and Jesus' death provides justification for everyone.  Romans 5:18 says, "Yes, Adam's one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ's one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone." (NLT) Romans 6:4 says, "For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism.  And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives." (NLT) Romans 6:13 says, "Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin.  Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life…" (NLT) When we accept what Jesus has done to justify our sinfulness and grant us the freedom to have a relationship with God Himself, God graciously blesses us with new life. 

I've been a Christ follower for many years, and remembering the wonder and bliss of my newly married days gave me a fresh picture of what my life with Christ is to be like. Just like I was chosen by my husband and asked to be a part of his life, every day, till death do us part, God chooses me. Just like my husband assured me of his love, friendship and acceptance, God assures me even more.  Just like my husband committed to honor and provide for all my needs, God commits even more fully. 

This new life that God provides 

• is a place of "undeserved privilege" (Romans 5:2);
• it allows me to share in God's glory -"the manifestation of His excellence and power" (Romans 5:2, Amplified version); 
• it is filled with the assurance of how much I am loved (Romans 5:5,8); 
• allows me to be "a friend of God" (Romans 5:11);   
• offers me forgiveness and acceptance (Romans 5:15); 
• enables me to live in triumph over sin and death (Romans 5:17); 
• defines me as righteous and in right standing with God (Romans 5:19, 21); 
• frees me from sin's power (Romans 6:7); 
• crowns me as one who conquers death (Romans 6:9-11); 
• gifts me with the opportunity to "do what is right for the glory of God" (Romans 6:13); 
• sets me up to "live under the freedom of God's grace" (Romans 6:14).  

I have a wonderful husband and a marvelous marriage.  I am blessed abundantly.  AND God loves and cherishes me even more than my husband does.  The life that God provides is so far beyond comparison to what I can offer my spouse, and what he can offer me.  God allows me to be "out in the wide open spaces of [His] grace and glory." (Romans 5:2, The Message).  That's my "new life," my real life, my Jesus life.  "Even more than that, [I] overflow with triumphant joy in [my] new relationship of living reconciled to God…" (Romans 5:11, The Passion Translation). This new life in Christ is what my heart has always longed for, what fulfills my deepest needs. This Jesus life encourages, equips and empowers me to be the best me I could ever imagine.  My relationship with God Almighty is no longer brand spanking new, and because of Jesus, my life is always new in Christ.  Glory to God!

Privileged Indeed

Last night was a clicking night.  That blasted clicking.  When I first fell asleep, my beloved ceiling fan was circling at a lovely high speed.  The power had gone off earlier, but when it popped back on, I was blessed with cool air as I fluffed my pillow and snuggled down.  I was content.  Then, it happened.  Sometime, while I was sleeping in the cool, my husband was not.  The fan was clicking.  He said he adjusted it 2-3 times, laying down, getting back up, trying to set the fan so that I would be cool and it would be silent enough for him to sleep.  The setting it ended on was the lowest setting.   Bless my sweet hubby's heart he didn't turn it off, but he just couldn't sleep with that annoying click… click… click.  I woke earlier than normal, feeling warm.  I wasn't HOT, just too warm to go back to sleep and that's when I noticed the fan, slowly revolving in an easy relaxed manner.  I glanced over at my spouse, sleeping soundly, and I knew he had experienced the dreaded fan controversy.

I got up and proceeded to the kitchen to make coffee.  I was only up about 30 minutes earlier than normal, but I felt a bit denied of those precious 30 minutes.  Coffee always cheers me up, so I proceeded to get comfortable in my morning chair and visit with Jesus.  I read a passage from Romans 5. God has a subtle sense of humor some mornings and I encountered it as I read, "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation." (Romans 5:3,4 NLT) I admit a part of me wanted to roll my eyes at God and say, "seriously?"  And a part of me chuckled at the circumstance that brought me reading God's Word earlier than normal.  Being toasty while I sleep is not an earth-shattering problem.  More likely than not, the fan will circulate on a delightfully higher speed tonight without clicking.  (it doesn't seem to click for any recognizable reason…) Still, I realized God wanted to speak to my heart. 

I have a friend whose life is currently falling apart.  She's faced with circumstances that are hard to handle.  I watch and listen to her and my heart aches for the excruciating pain her soul is having to journey through.   I realized how easy it would be for me to be grumpy over not getting my chilled sleep, but she came to mind and there was no comparison.  My heart asked God how these words of  scriptural  promise would be of any hope to her because I feared they would just frustrate her.  I wondered if I would find them to be mindless platitudes if I were in her shoes.  God led me to the verse previous to the ones that had me contemplating rolling my eyes.  "Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we  confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory."  (Romans 5:2 NLT)  The Holy Spirit asked me: do you see your relationship with me as an undeserved privilege? 

Tough question.  I've believed in God, had a relationship with Him, nearly my entire life.  I grasp the concept that I'm a sinner, that I need grace, that it is only because of Jesus that I am allowed into the presence of God Almighty.  The question still hung in the air beyond what I understand to be true.  Do I see my relationship with God as an undeserved privilege, or have I become so accustomed to His grace that I take it for granted?  Have I reached the point that His grace is so common that I don’t recognize how remarkable it is?  I continued to read further into Romans 5. Verse 5 reminded me how dearly God loves me, and that His Holy Spirit fills my heart with His love.  I am loved "dearly," and my heart is "filled" with God's love.  God doesn't go half way, He is generous and abundant toward me. Verse 6 reminded me that without Jesus' saving work on the cross, I am utterly helpless. Verse 8 told me again that God stepped in on my behalf "while [I] was of no use whatever to him." (The Message)  Verse 9 declared the truth that as a believer I have been made right in God's sight.  God's question circled back around to me as my selfish instinct wanted to ask, "who said I was wrong?"  The tenth verse flat out stated I was once an enemy of God.  The self-centered voice in my head wanted to emphasize that was a long time ago.  And I began to grasp the problem that God was pointing out to me. 

I had become comfortable in my "maturity." I wasn't truly consciously and consistently aware of my desperation for God.  I knew I needed God.  I truly WANT God, and I saw myself as beyond that "sinner state."  I had somehow fallen into the trap of seeing myself as "better than" because I have grown in my faith.  Romans 3:23 came forcefully to mind: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." 

Romans 5:1-2 in the Message says, "By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us -- set us right with him, make us fit for him -- we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus.  And that's not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us.  We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand -- out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise."  I have it "all together with God" only because of the sacrifice, suffering and grace of my Savior Jesus Christ.  I can't keep it together on my own.  My heart needed to be reminded that I am who I am, where I am, only by the grace of God alone. 

I am grateful for God's question.  Even as I write, I am throwing open my door to Christ and discovering Him smiling at me with His door open even wider, inviting me back to the "wide open spaces" of His grace and glory.  Back where I am filled with exuberant, delighted wonder at who He is, what He has done for me, and the miracle that is my life. I am standing as tall as my 5'3" frame will allow and I'm praising the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings, Yahweh, God Almighty and Eternal.

I am privileged indeed.

Grace

Grace is one of those Christian words we toss about freely.  It's worthy to be tossed about, don't get me wrong;  And I wonder if we don't actually grasp the depth of the word.  I recently read the word grace in Romans 1:7: "I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace." (NLT)  Paul (the writer of Romans) often begins and ends his letters with the idea of God giving grace and peace.  It occurred to me that though I can define grace, perhaps I wasn't comprehending it's full measure of meaning.  I headed to my dictionary. 

Grace: Noun. 1. Seemingly effortless beauty or charm of movement, form or proportion.  2. A characteristic or quality pleasing for its charm or refinement.  3. Skill at avoiding the inept or clumsy course; a sense of fitness or propriety.  4. a. A disposition to be generous or helpful: good will.  b. Mercy; clemency.  5. A favor rendered by one who need not do so; indulgence.  6. Temporary immunity from penalties granted after a deadline has been passed: a period of grace before a new law is enforced. 7. Theology. a. Divine love and protection bestowed freely upon mankind. b. The state of being protected or sanctified by the favor of God.  c. An excellence or power granted by God; an unmerited gift from God.  8. A short prayer of blessing or thanksgiving said before or after a meal.  9. Used with his, her or your as a title of courtesy for a duke, duchess, or archbishop.  10. A musical embellishment, such as an appoggiatura.       Verb. 1. To honor or favor.  2. To give beauty, elegance or charm to.  3. Music. To embellish with grace notes.   [Middle English, from Old French, from Latin gratia, pleasure, favor, thanks.  from gratus, favorable, pleasing.]

Grace is a mouth-full of a word.  No wonder it often becomes a pleasurable, encouraging go-to word.   As I look at the single verse in Romans 1, I notice some parameters for this grace. This grace Paul is referring to is to be given to those who are loved by God, who "are called to be his own holy people." This grace comes from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. My first thought is I should just jump to the definitions under #7, Theology.  That would be sufficient if I didn't have any clue as to the meaning of the word.  I would gather an understanding so that I could comprehend what I was reading.  I wasn't looking for sufficiency; I was looking for depth, wonder, and the power found in the living Word of God.  I am acutely aware that the variety of ways words are defined hint to connotations that hide within the word regardless of how it is used.

When I look at the definitions of the word grace these are the connotations that come to my mind: lovely, attractiveness, enjoyable to behold, movement, holding one's head high, confidence, a feeling of being honored, chosen, within the top echelon, beyond the normal, creative, extra perhaps to the degree of extravagance, a gift, a realization of the "beyond-ness" of something, a bonus, delight.  Think about that… ALL that.  God: our creator; the One who longs for relationship with us to the degree that He sacrificed the very life of His only Son to provide a way so that we could have relationship with Him; the One who loves us with an unfailing love; the One who allows us to be called His Holy (seriously?) people; THAT God goes even further and bestows upon us that which is divinely lovely and enjoyable and enables us to hold our head high with confidence. He blesses us with bonuses that create forward holy movement in our hearts and lives.  He is extravagant toward us, delighting us with gifts to remind us that we are honored and chosen. He is creative in His giving and He delights in our delight. 

Ephesians 2:8 tells me His grace is a gift, a present.  I imagine it wrapped in an extravagant bow.  Second Corinthians 12:9 tells me God's grace is all I need.  His grace is so abundant, so beyond whatever there is that it provides complete and total sufficiency for whatever I face.  Hebrews 4:16 reminds me that God's grace helps me.  That seems like a no-brainer to me when I consider that God is going to extreme lengths to strengthen me, enable me to hold my head with confidence and remind me that I am honored and chosen. Romans 6:14 speaks to the truth that I have freedom in God's grace.  Oh what a wonder that is.  God so blesses me, that I can be assured of my place In the world and in His heart, that I am freed from the judgment, condemnation, and expectations of this world. He is my focus, my heart's cry and who I lean into for encouragement and hope, which God so graciously gives. John 1:16 tells me that God goes beyond the beyond because He gives grace upon grace.  He provides with abundance; He loves with abundance; He strengthens with abundance; he blesses with abundance.  Sufficiency has never looked so excessive. 

Simple warning: our culture tends to associate gifts and blessings with monetary items.  God is not our culture; God is so much wiser.  I have to remind my heart on some days that God's blessing, His grace to me, may come in the form of enabling and strengthening me to accomplish an extensive to-do list.  For this random, in-the-moment, 'are we having fun yet?' girl -- that's miraculous. Some days, God's grace to me is a window of sunshine when I head out to do errands on a rainy day.  Some days, God's grace to me is a song that reminds me of truth from His word, and I am reminded to humble myself before Him and submit in obedience to His commands.  Some days God's grace to me is tender words from my spouse, or one of my children, or a close friend.  Some days God's grace to me comes in unexpected surprises.  I remember one l-o-o-o-ng drive home from an event, when I was pleading with God over a want/need. I rounded a bend and displayed before me was the sun setting in one of the most spectacular views I have ever witnessed.  I was caught off guard and in complete awe of the majesty of the creator, God Almighty.  The Holy Spirit whispered His presence to my soul and I wept.  It still brings me to tears to remember the generosity and blessing of His grace in that moment.  Did he fix the circumstance, provide the want/need in that particular second?  No.  He gave me what my soul truly needed: His presence, His assurance, and a display of His glory.  That is grace.  

Today is just a day in the middle of a busy week.  There are dishes to be done, laundry to be folded, floors to be swept, furniture to be dusted, lessons and group discussions to prepare, cards to be created and notes to be written.  And I am loved by God.  He sees me and calls me Holy.  He is with me, offering me an abundance of grace and peace for the moments that this day holds.  That's just who He is.  And that too is grace.

                                                                                                                                                   

(Amazing grace image found at crosscards.com)