Walk Through the Open Door

I have been praying for an open door in a specific area of my life. So when I read what Paul wrote in his letter to the church in Corinth it really stood out to me: “For a great and effective door has opened to me…” 1 Corinthians 16:9a

I like Paul’s description of his opened door: “great and effective.”

Effective, energes (en-er-gace);

Strong’s # 1756: Comparable in meaning to the English word “energetic,” which stems from this word. Energes…denotes something at work, active, and effective. It is the opposite of argos, “idle,” “inactive,” “ineffective.”₁

This sounds like a door we would want to run through. We often think when the door opens we will make an entrance and all will be well. However, along with this opened door Paul said “…And there are many adversaries.” 1 Corinthians 16:9b

Wait a minute! There are many adversaries?

His “great and effective door” opened in Ephesus and we can read his description of many adversaries in 2 Corinthians 1:8-10.

⁸For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. ⁹Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, ¹⁰who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us…

Is walking through your door worthy of being burdened beyond measure, above strength? Is it worthy of despair even of life?

Many of us have longed to walk through the door…

…of marriage…of parenthood…of a career…of ministry…home ownership…of a particular dream or aspiration.

Most doors will come with adversaries – the best things in life usually do.

Let’s take on Paul’s attitude presented in verse 10 and trust God to deliver us.

What door have you walked through that presents adversaries?

₁Spirit Filled Life Bible, page 1876

Who is GREATER?

I had a playful argument with my spouse over who was greater. I was (and still am) convinced he is the greater person in our marriage but he argues it to be true of me. Later in that same week he was offended by words I spoke. I did not wake up that morning intending to use my words to sin against my husband but before I even knew what had happened the deed was done.

In response to my words, he had a few words of his own which I found to be hurtful. Let me say it this way: I was hurt because he was offended by my sin! This is where you can easily start agreeing with me that he is the greater person in this marriage.

I was wounded and proceeded to emotionally pull away while trying to remain respectful. As we traveled to church the following day I felt the elephant in the car. We had both successfully carried this wound for an entire day.

In my Sunday school class the lesson was on the crucifixion of Christ. The teacher skillfully walked us through the horrific details leading up to the death of Christ on the cross. As Jesus hung on the cross He offered forgiveness to one of the robbers who hung next to Him. My heart immediately melted when I realized I was too prideful to offer forgiveness to my husband who loves me but Christ offered forgiveness in the midst of such pain.

I met my husband on the beach 26 summers ago and we married in the fall of that same year. We had our first child 6 months later. It was years into our marriage before we would both surrendered our lives to Christ and experience a transformed marriage.

As it turns out, neither of us is greatest. Christ continues to be the greatest One in our marriage!

Are You Using The Right Tools?

We recently celebrated my father’s 80^th birthday in Ohio and we found ourselves in the middle of a snow storm; the kind of snow that does not allow you to drive up the hilly curved driveway; the kind of icy snow that is perfect for falling flat on your back when walking back down the driveway to your car.

When my three sisters and I went out to shovel the driveway we only had two snow shovels. The plastic curved shovel was useless with the icy snow but the metal shovel would get the job done when used with much force.

It was frustrating not having enough tools for each of us. We discussed the importance of having the right tool for the job. After a few laughs (about things sisters talk about but I don’t blog about) I began to seriously think about how my life has been molded by one very specific resource – the Bible.

¹⁶All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The same God who spoke the world into existence speaks to me through the Bible. My life has been tremendously transformed (and continues to be transformed) by the God who has equipped me for every good work.

Are there other tools available? Yes! But they do not have the power to get to the heart of the matter.

Are you making use of this tremendous resource?

Teaching From a Blank Tablet

I was delighted over an opportunity to speak with a MOMS group. I love spending time with young women but as I prepared my lesson I started feeling out of touch with mothers with young children.

Both of my children are grown. My daughter is a mother of her own and my son is off to college. It’s been years since I woke to the cries of a little one demanding my attention.

What could I say to young moms that would have an impact?

In my morning quiet time I read chapter 34 in the book of Exodus. God instructed Moses to chisel out two stone tablets, be ready in the morning and present himself to the Lord on the top of the mountain. How exciting it would have been early the following morning, as Moses climbed the mountain carrying those blank stone tablets, anticipating what God was about to present.

These verses gave me great comfort in knowing that I too can present my blank tablet to the Lord. I can take the example of Moses and enter into God’s presence anticipating a message He will write on my heart.

Moses did not come off the mountain worried about how the people would receive his message; he came down glowing from having been in the presence of the Almighty.

Whether you are preparing a message for a student, spouse, friend, co-worker, client, family member, the best thing we can do is to enter the presence of God and look to be filled with His fullness.

The most rewarding lessons come from the overflow of what God is doing in our own lives! He is a great teacher!

Are you willing to get up early to climb the mountain and present your blank tablet?

“Image courtesy of “Book And Tablet” by winnond/FreeDigitalPhotos.net”

The Power of Love

This story below by Eric Butterworth so beautifully illustrates the importance of love. It’s been around for a while and perhaps you have already read this but it serves as a great reminder of the power of love.

A college professor had his sociology class go into the Baltimore slums to get case histories of 200 young boys. They were asked to write an evaluation of each boy’s future. In every case the students wrote, “He hasn’t got a chance.” Twenty-five years later, another sociology professor came across the earlier study. He had his students follow up on the project to see what had happened to the 200 boys. With the exception of 20 who had moved away or died, the students learned that 176 of the remaining 180 had achieved more than ordinary success as lawyers, doctors, and businessmen.

The professor was astounded and decided to pursue the matter further. Fortunately, all the men were in the area and he was able to ask each one, “How do you account for your success?” In each case, the reply came with feeling, “There was a teacher.”

The teacher was still alive, so he sought her out and asked the old but still alert lady what magic formula she had used to pull the boys out of the slums into successful achievement.

The teacher’s eyes sparkled and her lips broke into a gentle smile. “It’s really very simple,” she said. “I loved those boys” (Butterworth, 1993).

After God led his people out of slavery in Egypt He set them up to succeed. Through Moses He gave them “Decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess” (Deut. 6:1)

It’s incredibly interesting to me that after He gave them the guidelines to succeed he told them to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Duet 6:5)

He didn’t say “Love My rules with all your heart…” Instead, He placed the importance on the relationship of love.

This teaches us that relationship comes before the rules. Love then motivates obedience.

Are you seeking after an all-out love relationship with Christ?

His love is powerful! His love transforms a life that doesn’t have a chance into more than ordinary.

“Image courtesy of [“Love Hand” by luigi diamanti] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net”.

Cute girl on bike almost ran me over!

While I went out for a run, I saw an ADORABLE little girl riding her bike. It was much larger than she needed. She was unstable and lacking skill so I guessed it was a new Christmas present. As she rode from across the street in my direction I was fully concerned she was about to hit me. I smiled and spoke to her because I wanted to encourage her on her journey but also to make sure she was aware of my presence.

Later, I crossed paths with a man running in the opposite direction. He looked like a very experienced runner. You know the kind that make running look so effortless and are dressed like someone off the cover of a magazine. He didn’t look my way or offer any sort of greeting. I was a little embarrassed since this was my first run after recovering from the flu and it proved to be a struggle.

I wondered if he was tempted to judge my running efforts the same way I had looked upon the little girl’s beginner biking skills.

I began to compare this to efforts in life. Do those who are further along in their accomplishments, goals and dreams get encouraged by those of us who are still aspiring to reach certain levels? Or are they tempted to look down upon our efforts?

A simple smile, friendly greeting or word of encouragement (“You look great on that bike”) goes a long way when the path before is long and the ride is a little shaky.

Whether you are developing a new skill, maintaining or mastering a new level let’s be intentional to encourage one another!

¹¹Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

“Image courtesy of “Cute Bicycle Rider” by imagerymajestic/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net”

Real Men Use Body Wash

We ran out of soap. (I know who runs out of soap? That’s right up there behind toilet paper as a must have household item.) To be sure the next person who jumped into the shower was not left hanging; I grabbed a bottle of body wash. I didn’t give much thought to what scent I chose. (Or flavor as my husband calls it.)

Later that evening my husband warned me he could not be held responsible for my reaction to his smell. He had just used an energizing, “INVIGORATING” body wash and he was sure the aroma would have a positive effect on me. He wasn’t sure he should even go into public around the female species with such a smell. He didn’t want to cause anyone to stumble. (That’s also why I tell him he shouldn’t work in the yard without his shirt.)

Ephesians 5: 1-2 says: “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”

When my husband’s behaviors imitate Christ’s sacrificial love I can’t help but be attracted to his sweet-smelling aroma. The same proves true for his attraction towards my sacrificial behaviors. A little “walking in love” goes a long way.

Can your actions be considered a sweet-smelling aroma to those around you? Some of us are leaving a stench – even causing those around us to stumble. We may need to exchange a few current behaviors with a few new ones. It could be like trying a new body wash scent and we may be surprised on how well it is received.

“Image courtesy of “Hand Pouring Water Splashing On Black Background”

by khunaspix/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net”

Remembering the Point of the Funny Story

When our pastor told a funny story to illustrate a sermon point it made me think of a loved one. So naturally, when I saw my loved one I told them the story. But for the life of me I could not remember the point which really bothered me. I continued to think about it throughout that day. Why could I not remember the point?

Without a point it’s just a funny story. Not that there’s anything wrong with a funny story but I don’t go to church to be entertained. I’m sure the pastor had not studied and diligently worked on his sermon intending to entertain me. I can imagine he was shooting more toward the target of teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

After much thought, not only did I remember the point but I remembered sitting in the sanctuary and thinking: “That is a brilliant way to present that point. Everything that has been spoken up to this point was leading to that very statement.”

If it was so brilliant, why did I have so much trouble remembering it?

Because I had done the very thing I had vowed not to do: I entered the sanctuary without preparing my mind and my heart. I showed up and parked myself in a pew. I went through the motions of worship but my mind and heart had not been deliberately prepared through prayer.

The weeks leading up to our pastor starting his new pastoral position I had been praying for him. After much prayer I sensed a message for myself: “He’s ready. Are you?”

I committed that I would not just show up but would be responsible in doing my part in preparation. My ongoing prayer is for God to create a hunger within my heart to learn and grow, and to create an atmosphere within my heart where deliberate learning can flourish.

If showing up is all you are capable of, then by all means, please SHOW UP. But why not let church be the extension of worship that already exists in our hearts through preparation in prayer?

“Image courtesy of “Thinking Man” by Chaiwat / FreeDigitalPhotos.net”.

Marriage is not always a walk in the park

Since I was in the mood to be outside enjoying nature, I asked Steve if we could go for a walk. He suggested I go with him to put up his deer stand. We did this together last year and it was fun (aside from the poison ivy part) so I agreed. It was time outside with my man so what’s not to like?

After parking the truck he informed me, since the ground was wet, we would carry the stand and equipment the rest of the way. This came as a shock to me since last year we just pulled the truck right up to the tree. We were at least ½ mile away from our destination and this tree stand was not light.

This may have been good information in the beginning when I was agreeing to this adventure in place of a walk in the park. What I had pictured as a leisurely stroll, enjoying nature with my husband, had turned into ½ mile of carrying heavy equipment. Each time we stopped to rest (did I mention the equipment was HEAVY) I felt more and more agitated. Although I did not speak a word out loud I assure you I was having an entire conversation in my mind. I mean, I was really letting him have it! Then it hit me. I was responsible for this because I had not clearly communicated my need to him. He made a suggestion and I agreed. Had I better communicated what I had in mind he would have known this was not going to meet my need. In that moment, I agreed to work on being a better communicator next time and I chose to move forward with this hike in the field enjoying it to the best of my ability.

I climbed into that deer stand high in the tree and looked over the beauty of the fields. This was every bit as beautiful as a walk in the park. It just took a little work getting there.

As we walked back to the truck he told me to keep an eye out for coyote droppings. I’m thinking: “Isn’t that nice. He doesn’t want me to step in coyote droppings.” Nope, once again I was wrong. It turns out he wanted to harvest the droppings to use as lure for future adventures in the fields. My female mind would have never gone there. Marriage is not always a walk in the park. Sometimes it’s a hike in the fields collecting coyote poop and allowing myself to enjoy the experience. Thankfully, there were no sightings on that day!

Does your teenager think you’re cool?

My teenage son who is off at college recently told me his friends think I’m cool! REALLY, me cool?!

Being cool to my son’s friends was not on the top of my list of desired achievements but what person doesn’t want to be liked by others?

The interesting part is that his friends have not yet met me in person which means they have arrived at their assessment based off my son’s representation of who I am. I admit, I like how he represents me. He has even convinced ME that I’m someone special.

This has caused me to question how I represent others. Do I choose to speak of their positive qualities or do I focus on the negative areas which may need some growth? We all have areas in our lives that could use growth and no one wants to be known by those areas alone.

Better yet, how do I represent Christ? Would others assess Him to be Faithful, All-powerful, Just, Righteous, Holy, Patient and Worthy based off my representation of who He is?

How about you, how do you represent other? How do you represent Christ? Do others think highly upon Him because of your representation?

⁸Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

“Man Showing Thumbs Up” Image courtesy of [artur84] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net