Start In The Backyard

The other day, my nine-year-old son was feeling under the weather so I kept him home from school.  We were sitting on the couch watching one of my favorite television evangelists and the message about Jesus was so inspiring that I turned to my young son and said, “I think it would be pretty cool to be an evangelist or even a Bible teacher.” 

He simply responded, “Well, why don’t you?”

I thought about it for a few seconds (truly pondering the question) and answered, “I just don’t know where to start.”

What I really meant was that I don’t have any formal theological education (and it would cost me in the tens of thousands to get one).  I’m not as knowledgeable about the Bible as I would expect from a Bible teacher.  I really don’t like speaking to crowds (although I've become much more comfortable).  I've always earned an income and where would it now come from?

The excuses just kept flowing through my mind when he responded with such an unassuming confidence.  “Why don’t you just start in the backyard?  You could invite a few people over and talk to them about Jesus.  It’s no big deal.”

Wow, how simple is that? What a novel idea!  I can just start here.  I don’t have to make any drastic life changes or wait for better timing.   I should begin right where I’m at with what I’ve got.  His suggestion reminds me of Jesus’ command to start now.  Now is the accepted time.  Not tomorrow.  Not when we get our lives in order.  Not when we feel better prepared.  Whatever that first step means to us, we need to take it now. 

“In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.  Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:2. 

God has created each and every one of us for a specific purpose.  And He doesn’t turn us loose in an aimless attempt to figure it all out on our own.  He intentionally places desires and interests in our hearts leading us to fulfill His perfect purpose.  As long as we look to Him for guidance, our paths will be divinely directed.  “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”  Psalm 37:4

We were not put here to muddle through life trapped in fruitless, unrewarding careers that provide little more than a paycheck.  Too many of us have big plans to follow our life dreams once we retire or once the kids get older.  Perhaps we’re weary from encountering too many obstacles.  Regardless of all the hurdles, we are created to live each day in our dreams and we can do that by fixing our eyes on Jesus. 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith.  For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”  Hebrews 12:1-3

Maybe your heart’s desire is to pursue a new career or devote more time to a favorite hobby (even getting your photography or baking skills to earn money for you).  Maybe there’s a tugging in your spirit to make minor adjustments to your life by being a more intentional parent or by stepping up your game as the nutritional gatekeeper for your family.  

Possibly, accomplishing items on your bucket list like running a marathon, learning a new language or going on a mission trip will give you the discipline and self-control you need to grow into your destiny.  Whatever your calling is, don’t delay.  Take one step at a time and let the Perfecter of your faith guide you.  Don’t make it more difficult than it really is and never underestimate the power of simplicity by starting right where you’re at with what you’ve got.  As my son so cleverly suggested, “Just start in the backyard.”

Vanessa

Be Still

Time and time again, the Bible commands us to place our trust in God.  But, too often, we are tempted to take matters into our own hands and blindly endeavor to solve problems to which we have no answers.  From life changing issues to simple daily decisions, our first step should always be to “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

Recently, my 11-year-old son was invited to a sleep-over birthday party.  He was so excited that I immediately said yes and became excited with him.  The invitation explained that they would spend the evening at a family entertainment center playing laser tag and bowling.  Afterward, they would head home to watch movies and spend the night. 

It wasn’t until later, during the evening of the party, that I decided to glance over the invitation and check out what my pre-teen might be doing just about now, when I noticed the time they planned to head home.  2 a.m.!

“What”, I gasped.  “That can’t be right.  They’re only 11!”  Hearing my outburst, my husband emerged to investigate.

I accused, “Did you know they are staying out until 2a.m.?” 

“Yeah,” he answered.  “I thought that was kind of strange, but you gave him permission so I assumed you had cleared the details.”

A warm flood of anger covered my face and I began, “What kind of parents allow their 11-year-old to stay out until 2a.m.? 

And then I targeted my husband, “I can’t believe you knew this and didn’t say anything.  What’s the matter with you?” 

But the final criticism was most crushing when I thought, “What kind of mother allows her young child to attend a party without knowing the details?”
 

My stomach began to ache and a persistent worry ensued with one question after another.  Should I just pick him up and truthfully explain that I am not comfortable with him being out so late? If so, I would not only humiliate him in front of his friends, I would, in no uncertain terms, let the mother know that I thought her parenting skills were void. 

Or should I do nothing, knowing I’d be up all night worried about my precious one?  What about the types of people wandering at that time?  Drunks, druggies, people up to no good…..

NO WAY!  I’m much more concerned about the safety of my child than what other people think about me!  It’s settled.  I’m calling to say I’ll be there to pick him up sooner and I’ll deal with the consequences later.

But before I could gallop on my merry way, my husband expressed his opposition.  “You can’t just pick him up.  You’ve already told him he could spend the night.”

Ugh!  The frustration began to settle deeper and the fear began to bind when an all-consuming impression directed me to “Be still.”  I know the commands well. They are some of the most comforting verses.

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 and again, “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14.

I had the directive.  Now, I needed the obedience.  So I began to pray, “Dear Lord, please help me make the right decision.  Give me guidance and direction.  Know the anxieties of my heart and give me peace and comfort.” 

An immediate calm came over me and I fully surrendered my dilemma to God.  Although the devil tried to instill doubt by reminding me that God doesn’t speak to people audibly (so I’d never get a real answer), I thought of it no more. 

Within a half hour, I received a text message from the birthday boy’s mother stating that she was just told they would have to leave the facility early due to the scheduling of a private party.  She was furious that she wasn’t notified earlier, but management had appeased her by giving each child a voucher to come back for FREE on the day of his choice. She was sorry that the boys were disappointed, but they would be going home at 11p.m. to watch movies until they fell asleep. 

Wow!  What an awesome God I serve.  I allowed Him to solve my problem and in true Character, He did more!  It is during times like these that I am humbled by His Greatness and inspired by His Truth!   

Nothing is too insignificant to command God’s full attention to work together for our good as long as we allow Him. 

Vanessa

Celebrating Life and Death

Last week, my beautiful son, Andrew, celebrated his 11th birthday. Though we had a big celebration with friends during the prior weekend, we quietly honored his actual birthday with a simple dinner and his favorite dessert because we were notified that his 84 year old paternal grandfather was succumbing to a long illness. Last night, my father-in-law went to be with our Lord. Many may call it a bitter-sweet time, but I try to count it all joy as I am reminded in Ecclesiastes 7:1 "A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death is better than the day of one's birth."

While we celebrate life with birthdays year after year, believers are promised that the day of death is even better. And, additional cause for celebration is the good name we are ascribed at our birth which distinguishes who we are and how we are identified in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

Revelation 21:27 explains “But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.”

I cannot do real justice to my father-in-law’s admirable name in just a few short paragraphs, but I can humbly offer a slice of who he was. Pablo Ximenez was first and foremost, a man of God. His love for Jesus was transparent in all he said and did. To begin with, he and his wife Christina were married for more than 63 years. That alone attests to his commitment and loyalty.

Together, they raised and supported nine children on one very modest income. And although his days were filled with a steady job and his evenings were occupied with issues arising from nine children, he still managed to attend church every Sunday, minister to troubled souls in jail and lead music ministry and Bible study for his church group. He was not a man of many words, but his faithful actions were the influence he bestowed on his children. In addition, there was always a glow of peace and joy about him. And still, I must not fail to mention the remarkable self-control and dignity he maintained during difficult times.

He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease more than 13 years ago and while his health deteriorated, the memories of a noble man never did. We can only speculate the reasons God allows hardships and sufferings to come over us. And I speculate his reason was a lesson to those of us around him. He was the perfect essence of how one can endure adversity with grace and beauty.

I write this, not just as a testament of who Pablo Ximenez was, but with high hopes of who my children can be through his legacy. I see my son, Andrew, with many of the same strengths his grandfather had and his father now has and I am confident that his young life is on the path to fulfilling the perfect purpose for which God created him.

Though we may be saddened by the physical loss of our loved one, we celebrate his rebirth into eternity with Jesus and the continuation of life through his children and their children and all to come. We rest assured that his name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and he has been called good and faithful servant.

Vanessa

Perfect Peace

The holidays are upon us and most people would scoff at the idea of finding peace, let alone finding perfect peace. Studies show that depression and suicide increase during this supposed joyous season. The bar has been set so high and demands are so extreme that the holidays have become just one more excuse for stress and anxiety to rule our lives. Celebrating the birth of Jesus is frequently overshadowed by shopping, finances and other holiday-related issues.

Ironically, the whole reason for the season is actually a peace offering. “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6.

Jesus warns us that we will face difficulties, but encourages us to remain peaceful in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

So how do we maintain peace in our lives when the world around us seems to be crumbling?

1. Pray – Although God already knows of your needs before you ask, share your concerns with Him and rest assured that He’s got your back. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7.

2. Give God thanks and praise – No matter how dismal our situation seems, thanking God for all the blessings in our lives and focusing on the positives will diminish our problems and allow Him to continue blessing us. Keep in mind that grumbling and complaining put a kink in the plumb line of blessings. “I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the LORD Most High.” Psalm 7:17

3. Keep the faith – Faith is having confidence or trust in something that we cannot prove, so when we cannot see a reasonable result, we must have faith that God is working on our behalf. ”You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3.

While we were not put on this earth to live perfect lives or to skirt every oncoming obstacle, we can maintain perfect peace because we know that God will use every situation we endure to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.” Psalm 119:165

Merry Christmas and “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:14.

Do Not Be Deceived

When we look at the condition of our world today, it’s apparent that we’ve all been deceived in some way or another. From overt deceptions inciting, the more the merrier, to subtle delusions that we’ll be just fine because everyone else is doing it, most of us are misled into following worldly ways. No doubt, there’s trouble hiding behind those fallacies as Romans 12:2 indicates, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Jesus also warns us in Matthew 24:4-5 “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.

To grasp a deeper understanding of the word deceit, I looked up its definition and the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as dishonest; behavior meant to fool or trick someone, concealment of the truth. Its antonyms are truth, honesty, and sincerity. Since Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and the opposite of truth is deception, we can conclude that deception comes from the enemy. And we’re all aware that the enemy comes only to steal, to kill, and to destroy so falling into worldly ways will surely lead us to destruction.

Satan began deceiving the world in the Garden of Eden when he tricked Eve into eating the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and he hasn’t stopped since. While we are clearly no longer in the Garden of Eden, we are still under his attacks (and more so today because he knows his time is very limited). He also knows that most of us aren’t willing to deliberately bow down and worship the devil, so he’s become very creative in concealing his identity to trick us into sin and evil. After all, he is the Master Deceiver and the Father of all Lies. Satan wants you to believe that:

1. God is holding out on you and He’s trying to keep good things from you, but God says, “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

2. Money is the key to happiness, but God says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10

3. You can trust and act upon your own thoughts and feelings, but God says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

4. Hell and the devil don’t really exist, but God says, “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8 and "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8

Although the devil is consciously fighting a lost battle, he will continue his deceptive schemes until the end of our earthly time. When in doubt, refer to the only source of absolute truth, the Holy Bible and fear not because we have an Advocate who is the atoning sacrifice for our sins. No matter how much adversity we encounter, we can rest assured that victory is ours because Jesus tells us in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”