Time Out!

Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:4-5 (NKJV)

We all experience seasons in our lives, and I have just labeled the last twelve weeks as my busy season! High school basketball games, family illness, office work, cooking, cleaning, teaching a weekly Bible study, vacation, planning after-prom events, etc... I just want to yell "Time out!"

Last week I admitted to a friend I wished for just one lazy week with nothing to do. She quickly said she would never wish for that and explained being busy always brings opportunities to serve God. By stopping, we may miss out on a chance to make a difference in someone's life. Hmm... She made a difference in my life that day, and I decided to change my attitude based on her good advice.

The first thing I did was to think of a verse I could meditate on. Immediately, the words "delight yourself in the Lord" came to my mind. I did not take the time to look up the scripture; I just kept repeating those words every time I began to feel overwhelmed. I cannot explain the peace I felt just by having those words on my mind.

After a week, I decided it was time to find that verse. I looked up the passage and read the two verses together. I will always be amazed and thankful at how God meets my needs even when I don't know exactly what they are. God took my anxieties and turned them into delights. The desire of my heart was to feel some relief, and He accomplished that in me. I committed my way to Him, and I do trust Him. He made it all happen!

God didn't remove me from my commitments, but He gave me His Word, along with strength and grace to finish my tasks. He reminded me life is a delight when I include Him. As I look back, I know God used a one of those busy moments to encourage a younger mom.

I know there are times in life when we need to be still. But when we find ourselves in a busy season, remember to delight in the Lord. Commit your tasks to Him and trust Him. He will make good things happen and the desires of your hearts will be met.

Lord, forgive us for neglecting to see opportunities to serve You when we get busy in our lives. Thank you for telling us to delight in You.

Janet Stutzman

IT'S NEW EVERY MORNING

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5 (KJV)

This is a promise of deliverance, despite the sorrow of the present. When I began remembering and re-hashing some of my painful childhood memories, I felt so afraid that I would not be able to stop weeping or be held bondage to despair and hopelessness forever. But, the Lord reminded me that His mercies are new every morning and God would give me what I needed to be able to face tomorrow. He also took me to the book of Lamentations where we see the author hope in the Love and Mercy of God:

I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have Hope: Because of the Lord's great Love we are not consumed, for His compassion's never fail. They are new every morning: great is your faithfulness I say to myself, "the Lord is my portion: therefore I will wait for Him". Lamentations 3:19-24

Lord, we wait on you and thank-you that weeping will only last for a time, but we have the great promise and hope from you that Joy comes in the morning. Thank-you Lord that your Mercies and Love will not fail us; that whenever I feel like giving up at the end of a hard day, that my portion will be new tomorrow and I will go on.

Tammy Koser

Fail To See

If you want to give it all you've got, Jesus replied, go sell your possessions; give everything to the poor. All your wealth will then be in heaven. Then come follow me. That was the last thing the young man expected to hear. And so, crest-fallen, he walked away. He was holding on tight to a lot of things, and he couldn't bear to let go. Matthew 19:21,22 (The Message)

Like so many, I have family and close friends who are unsaved. For whatever reason, they have so far failed to see the hope in Jesus. To some, I have talked openly about my faith, and how it has profoundly changed my life. With others, I have taken a less direct approach (okay, I am scared to share), but that doesn't mean they don't know what I believe. Mostly, I tend to blame myself for their refusal to accept Christ. While I know I could witness more aggressively or share a bit more openly with them, I cannot in my power make them believe. I always think of this passage when I pray for those around me who are non-believers. The man in this story (which starts in verse 16) talked to Christ! He got the truth straight from the horse's mouth, and still didn't see the hope. Some people just won't look past their possessions (in this young man's case) or their pride or their hurts to see what hope, what freedom, they could experience in Christ. Some have seen Jesus personally and still can't see the Light!

Acts 17:16-34 shares a similar situation when Paul visits Athens. A city known today for free-thinking, I think Paul thought the open-mindedness of the people there would be an advantage. Even though he was given opportunity to speak, many laughed at him and only a few converted to Christianity. We can count those successes, but Paul walked in and out of the city almost uneventfully. This starkly contrasts with other experiences Paul had, when he would be brutally beaten (among other things) and had to be snuck in and out of cities, leaving behind converts and also disciples to care for the new Christians (Acts 14:21-22)

My point is this: for whatever reason, some people cannot wake up to Jesus. They have no desire to travel on that path. It doesn't make you or me a failure. It also doesn't mean we give up, quit praying or quit talking to the person. We are responsible for presenting the gospel to all people, but it is not up to us to make them accept it. We only fail when we don't share it, not when it is rejected. Jesus understood that. Paul understood that. Now we know, too. As frustrating as it can be, as heartbreaking as it sometimes is, we are not in control of others' salvation, we are the tool that is sometimes, and sometimes not, used.

God, be with our friends and family that have not accepted Your gift of salvation. Use us as You will. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher

To shred or not to shred

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Psalm 23:5

I don't have the best home filing system in the world, but it works for me. Part of my system includes a 'to be shredded' bag. You know- just doing my part to prevent identity theft, and all. So last spring at income tax time, I thought it might be a good idea to go through the 'to be shredded' bag, just in case something important had inadvertently found its way there. I dug into the distasteful chore of sorting through old trash.

"Are you sure you feel like going through that garbage?" my husband asked.

"I'm pretty sure I don't," I told him, "but maybe I should."

Sure enough, something that looked like it might fall under the category of health expenses "Explanation of Benefits" seemed suspect. I may need those, I thought. To be honest, I hadn't opened most of them. With the large, bold type reading,"not a bill" across the top, why bother? I opened the first EOB statement, only to discover something a tad out of the ordinary. A reimbursement check for something like $12 was attached. I opened another -- $6 this time. And another for $20. When all was said and done, I had rescued $122.61 from the shredder. Thankfully, none of them had expired.

This journey called life can lead us down some difficult paths. Let's be real; we all go through "garbage" every once in awhile. Garbage that, if given the choice, we would really rather not go through. But maybe we should. Some days we cry out to God, asking Him why He would ever allow us to go through it. Maybe you're even going through some today. But look again. Perhaps that garbage you're going through is really $122.61.

Is God trying to bless you in the midst of 'garbage' today?

Lord, please help me to be able to know if what I think is garbage in my life is actually something of value that You've put there. Give me wisdom to see things clearly for what they truly are. Amen

Suzie Thomas

Leaping For Joy

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure." Luke 10:21

My car was in the long line of cars behind the stopped school bus. All of us who were in a hurry to get to work waited impatiently as we fixated on the red blinking lights of the bus. Out of my periphery I saw a small boy, who was probably five or six years old, running as fast as he could from his house down the long lane toward the waiting school bus. Instantly, my impatience melted and my eyes welled up with tears. Maybe it was the mother in me, or perhaps even more significantly, the Father in me as my heart just went out to him as I saw how hard he was running, how little he was, and the fact that he needed to catch that bus! I could tell he was getting tired as his pace slowed and yet, he still had a ways to go. I was tempted to get out of my van and begin cheering for that little guy, to encourage him to keep going and to reassure him of his progress. I refrained, but it was at that moment as if the Lord spoke to me, "That is my heart for you all the time."

In Luke 10, Jesus had sent out His disciples to minister in His name and upon their return, they were so excited of all that they had seen and experienced. Jesus gently turned their focus on what He deemed more important- salvation. However, full of joy He then thanked His Father for what He had revealed to them. The word 'joy' in the original language the scripture was written in, is the word 'agalliao'. 'Agalliao' means "to exalt, leap for joy, to show one's joy by leaping and skipping, denoting excessive or ecstatic joy and delight." Jesus was so excited that His Father had revealed Himself to the disciples, He actually skipped and jumped for joy! He loves to see His children 'get it', to grow in Him more and more, to seek Him and experience what God has for them.

Just like the little boy, we are running this race called life. Our Father is watching and He is cheering us on as we run toward Him. We may get really tired and our pace may slow. We may even fall down quite a bit and scrape our knees. But He keeps on cheering- crying with us as we experience hurts, correcting and forgiving us in our mistakes, rejoicing with us in our victories, loving us unfailingly. He is so gracious with us as we continue to 'grow up' to look more like Him. Be encouraged as you run the race He has marked out for you.

Lord, thank you for your gracious and loving heart towards me. Continue to teach me on this journey and keep me running towards you. Thank you that you rejoice over me and have a heart that is continuously rooting me on. I am yours- use me for your glory. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Ouch...Ouch...Ouch!

For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake. Philippians 1:29 (NKJV)

There are two kinds of pain: emotional and physical. I hate both, but I have come to view pain as something we need to embrace.

I grew up on Lake Huron and one spring we had a great Nor'easter that sucked the tide out more than a half mile of its normal shoreline. The wind was so strong you could literally lean into it at a forty-five degree angle and it would hold you upright. It was awesome and powerful. However, when you turned your back on it, it would literally pile-drive you to the ground.

Pain is like that. Turn into it, embrace it, accept it, and you allow God to work through it and in you. But pretend it doesn't exist and it will beat you down every time. If you've ever had a 'Charlie Horse' (a muscle cramp) you know exactly what I'm talking about. I get them in the calf of my leg, particularly when I wake up in the morning. That contracted muscle burns like fire and the last thing I want to do is get out of bed. I'd rather lay there and clutch my leg and cry, but the one thing that will release it is getting up and walking on it. Ouch! I have to force myself to face the pain and put weight on it, but when I do, the muscle relaxes, the pain recedes and I discover I might live after all!

"For to you it has been granted" read that "have been given the privilege of." God's word tells us we will suffer. In fact those who want to live godly, it says, will suffer persecution. We can try to run from it, or hide it, or even ignore it but that won't make it go away. Jesus told us that in this world we would have trouble, but that He had overcome it for us. He faced it in the Garden, and on the cross at Calvary. He more than understands; He has the power to help us through it, and wonder of wonders - glorify Him in it if we allow Him to work in our lives.

Heavenly Father, help us to face the difficulties in our lives, to embrace the pain, and allow You to mold and change us through it that we might be conformed to the image of Your Son. Amen.

Missy Horsfall

I'm Thinking

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

"Becki, what are you doing?" My mother asked as I stood at the back screen door with my eyes crossed. "I'm thinking" I replied. Wondering what a six-year-old could possibly be thinking about with that kind of an expression on her face was puzzling. I can't remember if she asked me what I was thinking about or not, but I do remember thinking about the screen of all things. I was looking at the tiny little squares in the screen and I was studying them so intensely that my eyes were crossed because I was standing only inches away.

Have you ever been thinking about something so intently that your eyes were crossed as though trying to look inward? Maybe that is something we should do, or do more often. Have we looked inward lately? What is God drawing our attention to?

I have a critical spirit when looking at myself. I can find so many things wrong, and criticize every detail of my life. Who needs a critic when I am so good at it? I have a low self esteem, as do so many other people.

How does God look at us? Does He see all of the flaws that we see? Do we 'measure' ourselves by the same rule of measure that God does? How do I measure up? What am I using to govern my life? What am I thinking about? Do I make sure that I have a pure heart and clean hands?

Lord, help me to remember that you look at my heart and I am measured by that, not by what I look like, or how others look at me.

Becki Reiser

Fair

I long for your salvation, O Lord, and your law is my delight. Psalm 119:174 (NIV)

"It's not fair!" How many times have you heard or said that phrase? My daughter says it all the time. I catch myself thinking it a lot. I try not to go so far as to say it, as much as possible, because reality does not permit it. When I think it, I cringe, as I know that even in my own head I sound like a whiny five-year-old. I tend to think it the most when the green-eyed monster of jealousy pops up. Why do people who aren't saved prosper? Why do devout Christians suffer? Why can't I have that? See, my questions go from pseudo-theological to outright bellyaching within a matter of seconds. Griping about the state of someone else's soul (as opposed to concern for it) or things like beautiful houses, fancy cars or enough money to fill a swimming pool (which would be nice to have, too!) gets me a first class ticket to Unhappy-land. This kind of jealousy is an act of my sinful nature (Galatians 5:20). If I let my selfish nature come through, this is usually the first sign. I begin to question why I don't have what 'everyone else' has. That kind of comparison only hurts one person: me. It also diminishes my reliance on Christ. I start to think in terms of "I": that I only need to do this to attain it all, or I can change that and suddenly I will have all the desires of my flesh. In reality, I only need to change my attitude at this point. Refocusing on Christ is what must be done.

This scripture usually brings me back to center quickly. Delight in the law, the psalmist writes. How against my sin-nature is that? But at the same time, when my attitude has been righted and I am focused on Christ, His law of grace is the only thing I need. It pulls me back to where I need to be. God's law reminds me that the things of this world aren't really what I am looking for and that 'fair' is my sinful nature dying, so that my redeemed soul can live. Fair has nothing to do with what I really need, or even what my soul really wants. Fair doesn't matter. It is not rooted or tolerable in reality. Fair is what a child says when they've been denied the desires of flesh or childish will. Since I have put childish things away (1 Corinthians 13:11), 'fair' doesn't have any more place in my life. God's just and perfect ways do, however, and I ought to be more concerned with His justice and mercy than my own definition of fairness.

God, teach me justice not fairness. Enable me to take my eyes off desires of the flesh, and fix my eyes upon You. Amen

Nikki Hamsher

Don't Blend In

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing, and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV)

The world we live in today makes it so easy for Christians to blend in. What really scares me is all of the unsaved that blend into those who are saved. So many unsaved have been brought up conforming to this world and yet taught manors in the mean time. These people truly believe if they are 'good people' they are in good shape for eternity. We as Christians sometimes overlook them as possible Christians. It is our responsibility to boldly speak the truth about God to everyone. Blending in is dangerous, saved or unsaved.

When I see headlines on magazines at the store I notice the main focus is 'yourself.' This seems harmless right? When I was in high school I was always reading those kinds of magazines, I started believing I needed to have fun and simply enjoy life. You are only young once enjoy your youth while it lasts. Even while being involved in church my main goal in high school was to make it fun and memorable. I made sure to not cross any lines that would have been 'wrong' but my motives were nothing short of wrong, I was not living God's will I was living the world's. When I look back now and I realize how many lost opportunities to share Christ with others, its awful. I also think of how many people I hurt by putting myself first, conforming to the patterns of this world, it is a deadly pit of lies. Ephesians 5:15,16 says, Be very careful, then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (NIV)

We all need to be on our guard. Evil is lurking around every corner, waiting for us to believe the lies in sheep's clothing. We must eat up every part of God's word, allowing it to soak into our innermost parts. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. Ephesians 6:11 (NIV) He will give us the strength and wisdom to speak the truth to all the unsaved 'good people' in our lives. Whatever you look at, or read will saturate into your mind, even though something seems harmless, if God is not all over it why waste your time?

Father, Transform me. Help me to renew my mind with your truth. Give us all the wisdom we need to spread your good news and to guard our hearts from evil. Thank you for your truth and love.

Sarah Hostetler

Choosing Life

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. Deuteronomy 30:19-20

I received a phone call the other day from a close relative of someone I visit periodically in the nursing home. Due to health complications, her loved one was no longer able to communicate with her or the rest of the family. One of her first questions to me was, "Is she saved?"

As a chaplain I do a lot of listening and I have the privilege of spending very meaningful times with people. Conversations include topics of special past memories, struggles in the present and most importantly, the person's relationship with Christ. When I inquire if they have surrendered their hearts to Him and received Him as their Savior, some will know exactly what I am talking about. Their faces will light up and they will begin to share what Christ has done in their lives. Others will look at me a little strangely and still others will tell me what they accomplished while at their church- teaching Sunday school or serving on a committee. Sometimes, I find myself mentally asking the question- have we openly discussed the most important thing this life is about- Jesus Christ? Have we shared truth from the Word and genuinely from our hearts in our churches, in our families, in our circles of influence? Do we talk about salvation, surrender, and commitment to Christ? Do we care enough to ask others how they are doing spiritually? Are we transparent and not afraid of asking for help when it comes to our Christian walk? It is imperative as Christians that we walk together for encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25), perseverance, and learning.

In Deuteronomy 30, God speaks through Moses and tells the Israelites He has given them a choice- life or death. God's heart is revealed as He pleads with them to choose life- to choose Him. He reminds us that our choice affects our journey and destination, but also those precious ones who come after us. Scripture says that to choose life means to love Him, to obey Him and commit firmly to Him. To commit firmly to Him in the Hebrew means 'to cling or adhere to, to follow close or hard after, to be joined together.' Choosing life is receiving salvation through faith in Christ and then living for Him. Salvation is not an automatic just because we go to church or serve on a committee. We must surrender our hearts and lives to Him. Once we have declared Him as Lord of our lives, we must obey Him and actually put His Word into practice. It is one thing to know the Word, it is another thing to live it. As we walk this journey we are bound to fall on our faces. We need to cling to Him and His Word to get back up and persevere. We must diligently choose to follow hard after Him, to seek Him with all of our hearts. This is choosing life. Life or death- what choice will you make? Is it time to openly talk to someone close to you about their choice?

Dear Lord, I choose You. Fill my heart up with an unquenchable love for you, the desire to obey Your voice and the strength and tenacity to cling to you always. May I live this life in such a way that I don't leave people guessing about my devotion to You.

Jocelyn Hamsher

A Daily Fill

But I trust in your unfailing love, my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:5,6 (NIV)

I tend to worry. I worry about everything including the past, the present, and most definitely the future. So far my future has not been terrifying. In fact as each day gets here, it's pretty much like the one before with a few extreme ups and downs thrown in every now and then. And so far, God has always, always given me the grace, patience, and strength to get through those extreme days, one by one. But you know, my mind says, "it could get really bad." In fact, the Bible assures us that it eventually will. And so I continue to worry. Last fall in the midst of a disastrous financial downturn and unresolved political conditions on both the local and national levels, it all came to a head.

My worry turned to out-and-out fear. Paralyzing fear. The kind you can't talk yourself out of. As I groped my way through each day, I actually considered professional counseling, but knew I couldn't fit anything else into my busy schedule. So, like I should have done in the first place, I began to meet with God about it. And not just for my usual ten-minute devotions. This daily meeting had some meat. Every morning, the absolute first thing I would do is sink myself into my comfy chair, pull my Bible out of its special spot, and dive in. And I soon found that in order to actually make it through each day, I had to have that morning time, because God would meet me there and give me enough strength and courage to get through that one day. By the next morning, I needed a refill and I met Him again and He would fill me for the next day. Not only did I learn some great devotional skills, I got a good lesson in how important that daily filling is.

I began by instituting a study on trust. I didn't have a special Bible study book or anything; I just looked up the word 'trust' in my concordance and then proceeded to read, meditate on, and journal about every single verse listed that had the word trust in it (and there were several columns worth!). It pretty much took me all fall and I found that I was not the only person to struggle through fear. David dealt with it again and again. In fact, check out these awesome verses he wrote from Psalm 62: Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. (vs. 5, 6 NIV) I get a visual of a huge rock, with me pretty much clinging to it and the winds and waves and battering rams of the world crashing against it, and I see that He IS my Rock. When I cling to Him I will not be shaken, no matter what circumstances surround me. I remain firm in my faith because my faith is in Him. And in Psalm 9:10 (NIV) it says, Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Hey, I have done some seeking! This verse would apply to me. And I really like that word never. He will never forsake me. What an incredible promise.

This past week I was talking to a friend, Kathy, who was dealing with a family member with something to really worry about. The family member is going to have brain surgery in the next week or so. The motto that Kathy and her family are going by really struck me: If you worry, don't pray. If you pray, don't worry. I think I'll put that one on my bulletin board.

Precious Lord, You are so worthy of our trust. Thank you for the daily filling of Your presence and for Your promise to never forsake us. Keep our minds focused not on the circumstances that surround us, but only on You.

Janine Miller

Tax Day

Jesus said to them , pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's. And they stood marveling and amazed at him. Mark 12:17 (Amplified)

Why do the words 'April 15' and 'tax day' send thoughts of fear through your entire being? It certainly does for me. My husband and I own a small business, even though I am the 'silent partner' tax time makes me nervous. We have a very unhealthy attitude toward that, just as many people do, yet when it comes to something that we should have a 'healthy fear' about we do not. I am talking about having a healthy fear about God and our relationship with Him. Not that we are supposed to be afraid of God, but the Bible says in Exodus 41:31 And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did against the Egyptians, and the people [reverently] feared the Lord and trusted in (relied on and remained steadfast to) the Lord and to His servant Moses. (Amp)

We need to 'reverently' fear God, not run from Him. Not be afraid that He'll send a swarm of grasshoppers to destroy us if we do something that is not pleasing to Him. However, 'Uncle Sam' is a bit different. He is supposedly a relative (God is our Father, Sam is our uncle) but this relative is always expecting something from us. It never seems to be enough, so they continually change how much he wants. We feel confused and fearful that if we miss something we are in big trouble. If we look at our relationship with God we can see that He get's jealous when we don't spend time with Him, and He tells us that we need to give Him 10% of what we earn as a tithe to Him. It already belongs to Him as does everything, but God is kind enough to allow us to live on 90% of our earnings. The amount we are to give God is 10%, the amount we must give to Uncle Sam is never the same.

We need to get our minds wrapped around Who God is. Although He should be our all in all, and we should look to Him for guidance in everything we do in our lives. We tend not to do that. We need to change our perspective, and our thoughts about God. He is not a money hungry authority that seems to never have enough. Uncle Sam seems to be the opposite. God is a loving Father, trying to guide us through this life. He gives us a 'how to' manual which is His Bible. He tells us like it is and doesn't try to make us confused. Uncle Sam is always changing his rules, and the how to manual is totally confusing. We need to reverently fear and worship God, read His word and live.

Taxes, yes we must pay them or have no place to live.Yes, we must give to Caesar (Uncle Sam) what is Caesar's. We don't get much to show for it either. But when we give God what He asks for (our hearts) He has prepared a future for us that is unbelievable. Heaven!

Lord, show us how our obedience will benefit us. In this world and in the one to come. Help us to understand the laws You give and obey them with joy as we look to our future. Amen

Becki Reiser

Gumby

Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists the defeated, the demoralized-whoever. 1 Corinthians 9:19-21 (The Message)

Even at the ripe old age of thirty, I can still touch my toes. Not just that, I can put my palms flat on the ground in front of me and I don't even have to bend my legs, which is about three feet farther to the floor than my husband can claim. I am no gymnast, but I stretch daily to keep my muscles limber. It's not like that kind of training has saved my life or anything, but when I need to show my five-year-old daughter how to walk like a spider going over backwards, it comes in handy.

A more important skill I am (still) learning is how to be flexible with people. I am not talking about being a doormat while others walk all over me, but being genuinely accommodating. The person who is inflexible can be unbearable, even oppressive, to those around them. Inflexibility is not my natural bent, so I cannot always comprehend those who are uncooperative. I tend toward the doormat side of the spectrum, complete with a big 'Welcome' or some pithy statement printed on my forehead, so I recognize that that can be just as precarious as being rigid. We have in 1 Corinthians the example of Paul, willing to become whatever he needed to be to reach those in need. The NIV says that Paul became a slave, which is a bit different than a servant, which is quoted above. He voluntarily gave up rights, privileges and other liberties to relate to people. He, like Jesus, hung out with sinners, associated with high-minded people, spent time with serious people and consorted with 'scum' simply to give them the benefit of Christ. Paul became like "Gumby," the old stretchy clay-animation cartoon character, with the ability to stretch into what he needed to be to connect with those around him. He did this without sacrificing his own personality, he did this without forfeiting his own morals and he did this without surrendering to anyone but Christ. He did it without having 'welcome' printed across his forehead.

How can I do that, too? First, I must know what my values are and be able to stand firmly in my beliefs, so that when I am with people of lesser moral integrity, I know where to draw the line. I will only drag myself into sin if I don't know where I stand on issues. This gives me backbone and helps me not to be indecisive or wishy-washy. Being flexible means knowing how far to bend, not just simply bowing to whatever. Then, I need to get around others. I cannot reach anyone by refusing to go to places that may have 'sinners.' I also have to step outside my comfort zone and go to places that might stretch my social status a bit upward, which can be just as daunting as going 'down' the social scale. Either way, stretching is important. If I don't watch out, I might surprise myself and make a friend or two. I may even win some to Christ.

God, allow me to stretch for people, to become a servant to all so that I might spread Your love. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher

Is It Fair?

So as one sin of Adam brought the punishment of death to all people, one good act that Christ did makes all people right with God. Romans 5:19 (NCV)

It's not fair! The word fair is still one of those four-letter words I do not allow spoken in our house. When that word popped up in a plea for my attention, my response to my kids was something like, "Fair? Well, you better know, in life, nothing is fair!" I would then remove the attitude from my voice and go on to explain that somehow they got themselves into a situation and came up on the short end. Since it didn't feel good, they should find a way out for themselves and learn from their experience.

How fair is it that because of one sin Adam committed so long ago, we are all guilty and condemned? Is it fair for God to judge us because of Adam's sin? Adam represents the human race. He typifies the physical family. We have inherited his guilt because we belong to the human race, and we can all admit to sin. We are made up of the same stuff as Adam. So when we consider we were created by a holy God, created to glorify Him, One who does not associate with sin, we must realize it is not fairness we need, it is His mercy.

Now ask yourself this question. How fair is it that one man, Jesus, took upon Himself every sin of the entire universe, from Adam up to this very moment. He never sinned. He didn't deserve the punishment of death for sin. Yet, He committed Himself to obedience and consumed Himself with the guilt of the world so we could have forgiveness and the promise of eternal life with the very God who created us and wants to have a relationship with us. When we accept this one act of love, God no longer sees our sin, because it was paid for by the shed blood of Jesus; His death. Our sins have been forgiven!

In Romans, Adam is the portrayal of physical life, and we were born into this family. Jesus is the portrayal of spiritual life. Jesus Christ offers us the opportunity to be born into His spiritual family. Have you chosen to come into that relationship by faith; by believing in the work of Jesus Christ? If not, you will be eternally separated from God. You can pray this prayer: Dear God, I know that my sin has separated me from you. Thank you that Jesus Christ died in my place. I ask Jesus to forgive my sin and come into my life. Please begin to direct my life. Thank you for giving me eternal life. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The answer is "Yes!" It is fair! God has a plan for us and we can trust Him to work that plan out in our lives as we are obedient to Him. Talk to Him, read His Word and share this gospel message freely.

God in heaven, thank you for the one act of love that brings to us eternal life. May we all accept it and never question your sovereign will for our lives.

Janet Stutzman

His Transcending Power

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

She sat in her chair, the lady I once knew now gone. Years earlier, I had visited her but in her home when she knew who I was. Every time I visit, I share with her my favorite memory of a time we once talked and she smiles. At that time, she realized her dementia was progressing but she told me that there was one thing she would never forget-that Jesus had always been with her.

Today, I read familiar scriptures to her and she listens, we sing songs, and she joins in. They are words I can't understand but God hears every one distinctly. As I begin to pray, tears roll down my cheeks as I am touched by God's spirit and the realization that she feels Him too. His Word from Romans comes to mind as I pray, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither height nor depth...".And as I pray, I include, "neither sickness nor health can separate us from the love of God". In those moments, the power and intimacy, the worship and communion with the Lord and each other was absolutely precious. As I reach over to give her a hug, she kisses my cheek. This day there was no church building, no sermon, but a party of only two had just experienced God in true worship. As her Alzheimer's disease has taken over and disabled her more and more, I too know I have 'disabilities' that seemingly could and should keep me from experiencing God and His power at times. God in His graciousness, generosity, abundance and love "shows up" and allows me to see and experience Him. As we abide in Him, He is faithful. He transcends our weakest state, our most helpless condition and lavishes His love on us. Nothing can separate us from His boundless love-absolutely nothing.

What are some of your disabilities? Where are those areas of your life where you need His touch? Let's surrender those areas to Him today and ask for His touch, Presence and power.

Lord, please come and reveal Yourself to us where we are. We are so weak and need You desperately.Thank you that nothing can separate us from Your unconditional and unfailing love. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

God where were You?

In My Father's house there are many dwelling places(homes.)If it were not so, I would have told you; for I am going away to prepare a place for you. John 14:2 (Amplified)

As I stood in the shower pouring out my heart to God asking Him "God where were You when Liz needed You, You could have stopped this from happening!" In the quietness of the moment, I heard with more my heart than with my ears, "I was the same place I was when My Son died".

I felt so humbled, embarrassed even. How could I possibly forget that God lost a child just like I did? Then, last night as I sat through one of the GriefShare groups that I facilitate I once again heard those words come from the mouth of someone else. It wrenched my heart. As Easter is almost here it reminded me of the sacrifice God made in sending His Son to earth to die for our sins.

I am still in awe of just what Jesus did for us, for you, and for me. I know me and in my opinion I'm not at all worth dying for. I am so glad that God did not leave that particular decision to me. However; the decision that He did leave for me is whether I choose to accept the forgiveness offered because of Jesus death and resurrection! Salvation is very real, and very necessary. In Acts 4:12 it says And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved. (Amp.)

How could a God that is so loving, so wise, freely give a Son to die for us? I personally cannot imagine having to give up another child for someone's salvation. Matter of fact I have told God as much. When Liz died I saw so many lives change. There were people at Liz's funeral that heard a salvation message given and responded to it. People were seeing their need for a savior, and making decisions for Christ. That is all except for some people in my family. It did nothing for them. They are not one step closer to heaven now, than they were before Liz died. How is it even possible? I truly do not want to give up another child before they see their need for salvation. Yet, God in His infinite wisdom sent His only son to earth for that exact purpose!

So where was God when my daughter needed Him most? God was in heaven, preparing a place for us to live when our life ends here on this earth. Yet He was also at her side comforting her as no one else could.

Lord, help me to trust that You are right where I need for You to be, and always there for me. Thank You for sending Your Son to this world to die for our sins. Amen

Becki Reiser

Humility is the Key

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

How often do we have to deal with conflict of personalities? If we are honest, at least everyday, I hope I am not the only one. Usually when a conflict arises it is because we are sure we are correct in the situation and the other party is wrong. I know I often need to take a step back and try to look at the circumstances from a different angle. No matter what the situation it can only be truly solved when humility is involved.

Nothing is more comforting, and at times more irritating to me than a room full of woman. It all depends on the amount of humility in the room. How refreshing it is when someone is just honest, not trying to put up a front. We all know the other type, pretending to always have everything in order. All they care to talk about is the wonderful things going on in their lives, conveniently leaving out the daily struggles every human being faces.

I know when I come in contact with this type I can't help but want to hide all my struggles, so I don't look so bad and just in case they think they are better than me, I'll prove them wrong. This is nothing short of my selfish ambition and prideful heart; Paul says here that we are to consider others better than ourselves, to understand we both need God's grace and to look to them in love with a servant's heart. If I could get off my high horse and humble myself, it could possibly be contagious, they may have struggles building up so thick inside of them and maybe all they need is a true friend to listen. I know when I am around someone who is able to be vulnerable instead of prideful, it makes me step down and spill out all my imperfections and struggles. There lies love and encouragement rather than envy and arrogance.

Our great God, our savior, Jesus Christ, who has not one imperfection, humbled himself more than any of us ever could. He came to earth as a lowly human and died a horrible death for us. He is the ultimate example of a humble servant.

Father, Help me to be a humble servant today, please take my pride away and help me to follow your amazing example of love and sacrifice.

Sarah Hostetler

Twisted

God didn't set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 (Message)

Think seriously for a minute: What is your mental picture of God? Do you have some bearded old man in mind, like a Santa Claus in a cloak? Is your God-picture smiling and happy? Or is your picture that of someone angry, pointing a finger? My picture is like an older version of the brown-haired blue-eyed anglicized Jesus artists of long ago (and not so long ago) portray. God, being the Father, looks like His son in my mind, but an older version. Accurate? Probably not. Entrenched in my brain? You bet.

Looking at this verse, I suddenly realized this is how I, and probably others, view God. This is why I doubt, this is why I have trouble believing. I, the cynical world-weary human being, accustomed to being rejected, misunderstood and beaten down in the everyday, am just waiting for this whole God-thing to turn bad. I don't want that to happen, but that is what my sin-nature brain is expecting to happen. I can't speak any more plainly than that. Am I a Christian? Of course. I can say with utmost confidence and assurance that yes, Jesus is my Savior, my King. Does that mean I never doubt, take matters into my own hands, plan without eternity in mind, act without thinking of the consequences, ...sin? No! I am human and I will do these as long as I have to breathe oxygen. But when I do these things, I can come back to this verse and be reassured that I am not being fooled by God. He is not setting me up for a gigantic cosmic joke. He can be trusted. He is not looking for a way to criticize, to condemn or to punish me. He is not setting up an ambush or waiting to ensnare me. That's not God, that is Satan! How did my view of Him, the Holy One, spotless, blameless, the embodiment of love, get so twisted? When did my Creator change to my condemner? This verse quickly corrected my view of Him.

In this Easter season, remember that the plan of Christ dying on the cross was one of love and sacrifice, and God is not waiting to reject you. He rejected Christ, so that Their plan of salvation could come to fruition, that we would not have to experience separation from Him, but could forever live in the light of His love.

God, thank you for sacrificing Your Son for me. Remind me that You are love fulfilled and perfected. Untwist my view that I may see You clearly and correctly. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher

Hope Deferred

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12 (NKJV)

I am a procrastinator. Occasionally I will surprise myself and work ahead on a project, but usually don't finish until the last minute. We (my fellow procrastinators) know the sick feeling when time is running out and we find ourselves in a crisis to complete our task. I have overcome in some instances; I have learned there are some things that must be finished ahead of time, such as Bible study lessons, formal dress alterations, packing for vacation...I can only name a few.

'Hope deferred' what does this mean? Deferred was my first word to tackle. Procrastinate, as well as delay, held up, and postponed were some synonyms. To suspend or withhold for a certain time or event, and to decide to do something later with intent to resume in the future, were two definitions.

Hope has so many facets of meaning. From a physical perspective, hope can be expectant, cheerful, trusting, and eager. Spiritually, it is knowing the promises of God, growing as we learn God's will, and anticipation of seeing Him face to face for eternity!

When we combine and apply the synonyms and definitions of those two words, the results are clear when we defer hope. Our passionate desires are delayed. Good intentions turn into lost opportunities. Postponing our quiet time with God, delaying a conversation with a lost friend, quenching the Spirit of God, or avoiding accountability will cause our hearts to become weak. We spend less time with God, discontentment settles in, life becomes more difficult and joy and peace are gone, leaving us with a sick heart.

'But when desire comes' is the beginning of hope. We have to choose every day what we will desire. The excitement of discovering a new promise in God's Word, the blessing in helping someone in need, obeying God at all times, sharing our struggles with a friend, or praising God for every breath to serve Him more, are lasting experiences and meaningful passions.

The ultimate fulfillment of our desires is a tree of life. In Genesis the tree of life depicts victory over death. We can conquer sin through obedience to Christ! Proverbs 11:30 says "The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life." When we accomplish our goals, a foundation for growth is established and we will produce good fruit.

It is amazing how such a little verse can hold so much meaning and promise. May God find us faithful to His calling and help us to avoid hope deferred!

Lord, help us to live for You every moment and to never defer our hope. Thank you for Your instruction and for providing a tree of life to uphold us.

Janet Stutzman

Emerging from winter

To everything there is a season and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1

I am not a fan of winter. Matter of fact, it almost feels as though as winter approaches I want to curl up and crawl into my cocoon. I love the holidays, but other than that I have no use for winter. I get depressed and feel like doing nothing. I don't like the bland landscape, bare trees and most assuredly I do not like the snow. It represents death, nothingness in my mind, just bleak skies and dull colors along with cold temperatures. It leaves me with chills and the thought to hide.

SPRING! Aaaaahhhh, now you're beginning to speak in a manner that I enjoy. I love spring. I love all that spring brings with it and the fact that it is a forerunner to summer. I don't much care for the spring rains which leave the landscape muddy, and still somewhat brown, but the wonderful smells that come with those spring rains are something I almost crave. I know that under all that mud there are green shoots anxious to pop through the dirt. Simply knowing what will happen makes me happy.

I like summer the best of all. I appreciate the times when I can throw open the windows and feel the warm almost tropical breezes coming through the windows, but with summer comes those horrible summer storms, tornadoes and so on, but I am willing to put up with those just to have those wonderful warm summer days. Full bloom beautiful flower... life!

Then there is fall. I love the colors of fall and the harvest. I have decorations out for every season but the fall decorations are by far the most vivid and colorful. But, with the fall comes the end of the growing season, and the leaves coming off the trees, and no more flowers. I think you get the picture.

Winter is soon here.

I have heard our spiritual lives compared to the seasons. For me, I must go through more seasons than we actually have. I have a 'spring', where I have a spring in my spiritual step, I am happy as the Lord speaks small things that are planted into my heart, and they begin to take root. I love watching them grow. Then I have summer. My summer consists of the time when I see my heart in full bloom. Living in the truths of what God has spoken into my life, bearing fruit. I feel so alive and like I am contributing to everything around me. Then fall. I enjoy the harvest, watching the things or people that God has been able to change, grow, and now come to fruition. Watching how people respond to the seasons in their lives. Winter. I still do not like winter. I feel as though I am doing nothing. I am not experiencing God; I am not budding, blooming or even ready for harvest. I am simply there. Perhaps God is speaking to me loud and clear that now is the time I need to rest. Rest in Him and trust that in that time of nothingness, He is preparing the soil of my spirit. It needs to be replenished, revitalized. But to receive that rest, and time to absorb I must sit and wait.

I feel as though I am emerging from a long winter. Do you? Have you gone through a time of nothingness? Where you do not feel particularly useful in the body of Christ? Seeing the buds on the trees outside my window right now gives me great hope. Seeing the buds of something wonderful in my heart, and knowing that soon those buds will bloom just as my spirit will, gives me assurance!

Lord, I thank you that even when it seems that there is nothing to see, when it feels like no life it visible, that You can take those times and prepare the soil of my soul for spring! Help me to trust You that spring will come again.

Becki Reiser

Farmers and Harvest

Brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord comes again. A farmer patiently waits for his valuable crop to grow from the earth and for it to receive the autumn and spring rains. You, too, must be patient. Do not give up hope, because the Lord is coming soon. James 5:7-8 (NCV)

What comes to your mind when you hear the word harvest?

Thoughts of harvest flood my mind with fond memories of my childhood when I visited the farms of my uncles and aunts in America's dairy land, Wisconsin. Several of my uncles and aunts lived on big farms and often during each year we would travel 'home' to visit. We spent days playing with our cousins in the hay mow, riding the tractors in the fields, cleaning out pig pens, milking the cows, and drinking fresh milk. My favorite memory is eating fresh peas out of the pods while sitting in the back of my uncle's pick-up truck surrounded by a huge mound of pea vines.

What I didn't realize as a child was the amount of work my uncles and aunts, as farmers, faced each day, as well as the anticipation of the yearly harvest. There was never an idle day, month or season. In the winter there was machinery and buildings to be repaired. The spring brought purchasing seed, preparing the ground and planting the fields. Summer months were spent cultivating and maintaining the hundreds of acres of land. Twice a day all year the cows were milked. There were newborn calves and hundreds of baby pigs to care for. The livelihood of their families, cattle, and farms was dependent upon the success of the harvest in the fall. They worked hard, carefully stored and sold their harvest, and hoped for another good year.

When I pondered this verse in James, I began to understand the amount of patience, perseverance and anticipation farming requires. Bad feed, or disease and death among the cattle could be devastating. Too much rain and there are rotted seeds in the ground. Not enough rain, the crops don't produce and the animals don't have water. Remember, a farmer has no control of the weather conditions, or of the spread of unknown disease. In spite of not knowing the outcome of their labor, they continued to work hard.

As Christians we have no control over the circumstances life brings our way.Through the good and bad times, we need to continue to work hard until the Lord returns. What does harvest mean to me? Without labor, there is no harvest. Each day we have to work; be patient and persevere, have faith that God has power to help us overcome, have the wisdom to do what is right, trust Him, and never lose hope. Our harvest can be lives that exemplify Jesus and His Gospel, a life that gently touches and changes others; with hearts that patiently wait for that blessed hope of knowing, one day, we will kneel at the feet of Jesus when He returns and we can hear the words "well done".

Lord, thank you for the example of the farmer. Help us to wait on You and not lose hope as we persevere each day, believing You are coming soon.

Janet Stutzman

It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. Galatians 2:20 (NASB)

What does it mean to be completely sold out to Christ that others see only Jesus in me? Can my relationship with Jesus be that close, that strong? Paul says it is possible, that he had obtained that strong of a relationship and closeness with Christ. For Paul, it was a relationship so close that he lost his own identity because he so identified with Christ. I believe this meant that others saw Jesus when they saw Paul. Did this mean that Paul was perfect? No, he admitted that himself. But he had such an experience with Jesus that his own ego or desires were not central, but his faith in God was. His soul/sole purpose became to spread the message of Jesus' redemptive love and sacrifice to advance the kingdom of God on earth.

Paul embraced the plan God had for him on earth. His relationship with God was based on faith-faith in what God did and could do for him, not what he could do for God. God transformed Paul. He can do that for you and me. It happens from the inside out as we live and grow in Christ. He becomes central and we become more and more like Him in living, in loving, and finally in dying-dying to self, and then physical death when we are perfected into His likeness eternally.

Oh, Jesus, draw me so close to you that my faith in you, my living daily in your love and grace enables others to see only You in me. Amen.

Faith Jones