Tag: learning how to love

Committed Heart

This last Saturday I was blessed to attend an event called Equip with many other brothers and sisters in Christ. This event hosted and lead by Eastview Christian Church staff and members provided a chance for those involved in small groups to join in fellowship. It also provide meaningful spiritual wisdom to prayerfully lead well giving insights that allowed us to walk away more equipped to focus on God.  These insights encourage and support our small groups on their spiritual journeys and remind us of the influence we have day in and day out on others as part of the body of Christ. What an amazing day and I truly appreciate the wisdom, time, and love shared to grow the body of Christ.

One reminder I walked away with is that God is always in earshot of us.  That when we “lean in” and listen to what God has to say.  It will influence our lives.  This influence will then be the nudge we need to influence others. A reminder of this influence can be found in 1 Peter 2:9 that we are chosen by God, that we may proclaim the excellence of Him who called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light.

Today’s Reading is Joshua 14 and Proverbs 14. Digging into these chapters I selected a few verses that captured my heart and literally spoke about the heart. In Joshua 14 Caleb, son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite , shares how Moses had promised him land. Now, we have already seen through Joshua the division of land, but what I reflected on mainly is what Caleb says in verses 8-9.  Caleb says… but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt with fear. I, however, followed the Lord my God whole-heartedly. So on the day Moses swore, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly.

Breaking down wholeheartedly requires our school dictionary Merriam-Webster that defines wholeheartedly as; completely and sincerely devoted, marked by complete earnest commitment: free from all reserve or hesitation.

My heart check question to reflect on today was, “Where am I at with a wholehearted following of our Lord?” Can I be completely and sincerely devoted? Marked by complete earnest commitment? A realistic answer is that I fall short many times and influenced by my flesh instincts.  I will follow this realization with specific prayers for our continued growth, resilience, and obedience to Him and His living word. That we continue to journey each day with praise and submission to Him.   In verses 10-11 Caleb says that even from the age of 40, (which is an age I can reflect back to :), until his age of 85, Caleb was still as strong in the Lord, and vigorous to go out to battle.  He wholeheartedly continued to love and serve the Lord.

God, we ask that at whatever beautiful age we are at, give us the wisdom and endurance to exhibit an obedient spirit to consistently grow our faith in You that does not lose strength.

Proverbs 14 has many powerful verses,  this includes verse 30 that made a connection to our heart topic for the day. It says, A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.

Our heart makes a difference, not only on a physical and medical level, but mainly through our closeness with God.  This closeness is available to you today. He is waiting for us.  Just call out, listen, and trust. This peace provided by our Lord leads to a an earthly time of happiness, and an eternal time of love and fellowship.

Reach out to God today wholeheartedly.  Let Him provide you with the peace we all need!

Heathers

Have ever seen the cult classic movie “Heathers”? You might be surprised by what you are about to read.

Numbers 31; Psalms 75–76; Isaiah 23; 1 John 1

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin… -1John 1: 5-7

Eighteen years ago I met a person who changed my life. She’s different from me in ways that I continue to discover. Last April she went on a mission trip to Haiti, the same week I went to a convention in Las Vegas for my niche in commercial real estate — my mission trip.

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My wife isn’t perfect, no one but God can claim that; but if there was anyone more perfect for me, I couldn’t imagine. I often recall a Seinfeld episode that contrasts the bodies of women to men; as sleek sports cars compared to battered old jeeps. That’s not all, she is absolutely stunning, and what is truly remarkable is that her beauty emanates from the inside. It is there that her spirit of grace and gratitude is found, forged in her tireless efforts to bring peace and stability to my tumultuous life, and blessing to others in greater need. Her examples of discipline, self control, patience and tolerance have been a light in my life, one that has helped illuminate the path to the cross, through her gentle spirit and long suffering encouragement.

When I think of how God encourages us through His word, to walk in the light, I think of her. She embodies the fruit of the spirit in ways I’m still just trying to understand. She loves the light — not the spotlight. At this point I’m not even certain that she will allow me to share whatever it is I end up writing about this sweet, quiet, person of character, who serves others with dignity and respect. Her humility and hesitance to speak too loud, too long, or poorly about another person has been the perfect compliment to my rambling, “old school” stories, mostly about me or the great people I claim to have known.

Her trip to Haiti, along with friends from two different (Eastview Church) small groups (ones that we have been privileged to grow with over thirteen years) helped point me to Jesus, just like her many other demonstrations of faith. Despite physical challenges, fairly rugged conditions, and taking time away from our son whom she loves so so well, she served others in need. Being part of a wave of missionaries who have slowly and faithfully helped establish a church, a school, and adequate housing for numerous families, was in her words, “an honor and a privilege.” Upon her return she shared this; “These people who have so little, were so grateful, just for our presence, let alone the gifts of homes and goats and more. These were people filled with abundant joy in the simplicity of lives that would be considered marginal by American standards. They found sustenance in their fellowship with God and with others. It was so humbling how they offered us prayers and love, for the challenges we faced seeking God amidst the abundant, worldly pleasures, of our affluent western culture.”

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In Haiti, she experienced the needs of young children who just wanted to be held; and was shocked how “the Americans” who came to serve were treated with such honor. She received their gift of faith; as I did hers. Never have I had a better friend! When I grow up, I want to be more like Heather.