Loss into Life

Here it is in a nutshell: Just as one person did it wrong and got us in all this trouble with sin and death, another person did it right and got us out of it. But more than just getting us out of trouble, he got us into life! Romans 5:18 (MSG)

I saw the invitation on my Facebook page. "You are invited to hear Dave Barker and Josh Starner share about 'Dealing with Divorce'.." The announcement went on to include details of time and place. I knew Dave and without hesitation, I texted him. I'm not usually that forward but helping others with the effects of divorce is something that is near and dear to my heart as I was a child of divorce. I offered to help if they ever needed a women's perspective, especially to the girls and ladies who would be there.

Dave was excited and invited me to join them. It was later he told me that my text should have never reached him. He was in a region where there was no cell service. God had a plan.

Everyone has a story. If we are human, we have endured difficult days. We live in a fallen world because of "one person". Whether it has been trauma, tragedy, divorce, walking in the consequences of poor choices, financial devastation, or ongoing battles with our thoughts, we know what it is to hurt and what it is to feel hopeless. However, because of "another person", and One far more powerful, we have been saved from being conquered by all these things! Jesus Christ has not only rescued us from being overcome and destroyed, but by His conquering of death, sin and Satan's hell, He has brought us to His side and turns evil on its head. When we give ourselves and our painful trials to Him, He will use them for His glory-perhaps we will see it tomorrow, next year, or not until we see Him face to face. But we can be sure that in submission to Him, He is able to weave together something beautiful. There is redemption!

In the meantime, we have an incredible opportunity to be available for others who are experiencing hardship. To be available doesn't mean we have all the answers, or that we have finished the journey of our experience. To be available means to walk with someone else-to listen, to share where we have been and what God has shown us, to simply be present. When others can see that we have walked the valley and have emerged with a renewed faith in a good God, that there is a hope and a future, then God has already begun to redeem our adversity. God has a plan to use our pain to encourage others, to show others His heart of faithfulness, goodness and redemption, to grow us, and to emphatically declare that He is God and He will prevail. Will we give Him our pain and let Him use it for His glory? Let's pray for opportunities to share with others what God is doing. Lord, thank You that You are victorious and that the wake of my hardship will not destroy me. Lord, take my pain and use it to bring life and encouragement to others. You are an amazing God that You, and only You, can turn loss into life. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Created for Him

For by Him all things were created: things in Heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16

My friend Missy just called to tell me she has a new baby granddaughter. She told me her name and how beautiful she is, how much she weighs, how long she is, and how she is doing. This precious little one is a priceless gift from God.

God created all things - things big and beautiful and things delicate and intricate. He has designed things we see and things we don't. Powers and authorities on earth and in the heavenly realm have all been crafted by Him. And they are all for Him.

We often look at creation and marvel at God's handiwork - the majestic mountains or the beauty of a sunrise. But what about you? Have you ever thought about the day God was planning you out in His mind? How He enjoyed fashioning your facial features or how the thought of your personality warmed His heart? Have you ever considered how He delighted to give your parents a smile as they saw their green eyes or dark hair when they laid eyes on you? Have you ever realized that He poured out on you the spiritual gifts and talents He wanted you to have so you could bless Him and His people? You are created by Him and for Him. You have been made to be His.

Heavenly Father, thank You for making us to be Yours. You have created such beautiful and amazing things. How humbled we are that You would consider us Your most glorious creation. Continue to use us how You will be glorified most. We want to bless You. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

A Burning Heart

See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For my own sake, for my own sake, I do this… Isaiah 48:10-11 (NIV)

I remember when I faced my first major trial as a Christ-follower. I have to admit that I was confused, and even ashamed. My experience with Christ had been so bright, joyful and romantic leading up to that point. I subconsciously assumed that everything gets easier when you have God on your side, so I felt bad about myself for finding Him to be insufficient. "Why do I hurt?" I thought, "God is still enough."

Since then, I can honestly say that God has repeatedly tested my heart in immensely painful ways. Even as I type this, God is carefully and masterfully breaking and rebuilding my heart in a way I have never experienced. Recently I have held tight to these two verses in Isaiah, as they have reminded me of the true reason I undergo these afflictions: His own glory.

If you are facing affliction, that does not mean that God is not there for you. In fact, He is probably the one who put you there. He compares this spiritual warfare to a blazing furnace, so do not be ashamed that you feel burned. Also note how God repeats Himself when He says that He tests us for His own glory. This is perhaps the most important thing to remember. You suffer for a cause greater than your own! Is it not the greatest honor to sacrifice your comfort for the glory of your God in heaven as His son did for you? I encourage you to trust that our God is an intentional God; let that be your only hope. He does not subject us to pain without plans to rescue us. He cannot let you fall, lest He proves Himself to be unfaithful to His promises. On that day when He snatches you from the furnace, you will rejoice, and so will the ones around you. We must remember on that day to give Him the credit for our hearts' relief, for that is the very reason we suffer!

I am reminded of Daniel, who was thrown into a lions pit for His unabashed worship of the only true God. Later when they checked on him to their utter amazement he was alive and sitting with the lions.When he emerged, there was not a single scratch on his body, and he was freed. Could it be that God subjects us to these tests for our own freedom? Consider this: just like Daniel, we are less inhibited and tied down as servants for Christ after we have been tested than we were before we were tested. Rejoice! Christ did not suffer in vain, and neither do you.

Lord, thank you so much for allowing us to share in your heartbreak so that we may know you better. I pray that you would be glorified in my hardships. Do not relieve me of these struggles until I am ready to emerge from the furnace as the free and passionate Christ-follower you are making me to be! In Jesus' name, Amen.

Emily Jones

Press On

Now unto Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work in us. Ephesians 3:20 NIV

We had a little mouse problem this past fall, so I made a commitment to rid our home of the critters and invested in a variety of those sonar pest repellents. When the first one arrived, I read the instructions which amounted to two easy steps. First, plug the gadget into an electrical outlet. Next, press the "on" button.

That's right. The manufacturer had actually built in an "on-off" switch. Now, I'm no exterminator by trade, but could someone please tell me why - if I have found the answer to my problem - why I would ever want to turn it off? Ever? I'm still thinking and can't figure out why that would even be an option.

So I plugged it in and pressed "on." It worked like a dream and I'm happy to report that our problem was quickly resolved. But somehow I felt the Lord wanted to teach me something here -something beyond how to rid our home of mice.

And here it is: Even after committing ourselves to live as Christ followers, we all encounter problems from time to time. That's when I need to remember the sonar pest repellent instructions: Plug in. Press on.

As Christians, we are guaranteed an unending source of power, as long as we stay connected to that Source. Jesus described it as the working relationship between a vine and its branches. Apart from Him we can do nothing. The sonar pest repellent can do nothing if not plugged into the wall. Staying "plugged in" is vital if we are to allow God's power to work in and through us.
But, even then, there are days when we don't see the results we crave right away. The enemy appears to be throwing every kind of obstacle imaginable in our path. Our prayers seem to go unanswered. What then?

Press on.

Father, help me to stay plugged into You and Your Spirit so that I can press on and be able to face the problems knowing that You are my strength. Amen

Suzie Thomas

Point, Don't Shoot

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. Ephesians 5:1 (NKJV)

Blogs. I was introduced to them over three years ago When it was still new to me, I found a thought provoking article, printed it out on a pink paper, and on occasion I read it. I want to share it because until now, it didn't meet a purpose or need for me personally; it just had a great message.

Recently, someone dear to my extended family has chosen to leave the Christian faith to pursue the path of evolution and atheism. I have seen many walk away from God and not one has found joy or happiness in their decision, only heartache and separation. There are moments of tears, anger, frustration and sadness as I realize how this will have an effect on their families and friendships. Many thoughts flood my mind as to what I want to say to this loved one. I want everything to go back to the way it was, but I know there will be a struggle before that happens.

What can I do to change this swayed mind? What should I say?

The blog reads:

Last week I had a dialog with a fellow Christ-follower about sharing the Christian faith with those who don't believe. The dialog came about because she e-mailed me about praying for someone to come to know her Savior. Sometimes believers, because of the life-changing experience that resulted from their faith, can forget what it's like to be on the outside, looking in. We can forget that not everyone is receptive to the Gospel and some just aren't interested in hearing it. And if we forget those things, or worse, are insensitive to those things, and we try to pursue someone and convince them without regard to their receptiveness we can do more damage than good.

Our purpose is to point people to Christ, by our words, sure; but more importantly by our lives. It's the impact of seeing someone filled with joy and hope and stamina through life more than our theological arguments that is most effective in breaking the ice. Let them see Jesus being lived out in you.

Our purpose is to dialog, not to argue and slam them for their equally strong held beliefs, whether they be in another religion or no religion at all. When we don't respect them, (and respect doesn't equate agreement) and that lack of respect comes through in our words, we're not pointing. We're shooting. Shooting them in the heart with our perceived disrespect and shooting ourselves in our evangelistic feet. And trust me; shooting is always easier than pointing. I know. I've been a Gospel gunslinger.

Mohandas Gandhi is reputed to have said, I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ. Apparently he had seen enough of Christians shooting and not pointing.

I am so glad I hung on to that blog article, because God is using it to remind me how walk in the presence of this conflict. In any situation, we are to be imitators of God, walk in love (Christ as our example) and give ourselves as an offering and sacrifice to God, for a sweet-smelling aroma. He will do the work in the hearts of unbelievers!

Lord, thank you for this opportunity to draw wisdom and understanding, love and grace from the God who created us for His glory. I pray that my dear friend will return to you and rejoice in your creation once again.

Janet Stutzman

Footie Pajamas

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." Mark 6:30-31

I listened as she stared past me and set her eyes on a toddler clad in footie pajamas, resting on his mother's hip and secure in her embrace. With a longing gaze and soft smile she said, "I am jealous of him. How good it would feel to be where he is at, to be his age - to be taken care of." She is an accomplished woman, gifted and successful, but tired. And like all of us, wants to know there is a place where she can dwell that is safe and secure-a place where she can rest, a place where she is held.

The disciples had just returned from a trip Jesus had sent them on - healing the sick, delivering the demon-possessed and preaching the good news. As they enthusiastically recounted their experiences to Jesus, still others were approaching ready to be ministered to as well. Jesus took the disciples aside and said, "Let's get away a little bit so we can spend some time together, you can get a little rest and a bite to eat." (my paraphrase) They had been doing such important things that needed to be done! Despite the significance, Jesus encouraged them to do something equally important - take a break and enjoy sweet rest.

There will always be activity-an e-mail to send, a phone call to return, another day of work, another meal to make. There will always be people to serve and unending opportunities to pour out more of ourselves. Many things will vie for our attention driving us to the point of exhaustion physically, mentally and emotionally. However, in order to continue on, we must be filled up. Rest, which is often the first thing to go in our hectic schedules is the very thing we need to be effective. Rest ushers us into the posture of seeing, hearing and just being with our Father. There is One who is waiting to be our Resting Place, One who will hold us and take care of us. We just need, like a little child, to allow ourselves to be held.

Father, You are so strong and I can become so tired, not only physically but in my thoughts and emotions as well. Thank You for holding out Your arms so that I can run to You and be held. Not only do You allow me to rest, but You want to be the place where I rest. I love You. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Once a Savior, Always a Savior

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)

Last night I was in the bathroom, preparing to wash my face and brush my teeth before bed. I usually enjoy my "sink time," as I like to call it, because it gives me a chance to talk to some of the other girls in my dorm. Every morning and every evening there is someone there to talk to. While these conversations are typically short and topical, they can sometimes be very thought provoking. Last night's conversation was no different.

My residential assistant walked in and we began to briefly catch up. I noticed a mark on the inside of her arm, and I asked her if it was a new tattoo. As the conversation progressed, she eventually showed me a tattoo on her shoulder. It was a flower, and beneath it was the date of her grandpa's death. The conversation was soon over and I resumed my nightly routine. As I put the warm water on my face, I was reminded of a verse in Leviticus that reads, "Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19:28).

I then began to think about our conversation. How strange, that the current fad of getting tattoos in remembrance of deceased loved ones is not as "new" as I thought! The inclination to do such a thing existed even in the days before Christ. So then I asked myself, have humans changed at all? I think the answer is no. We might have advanced technologically and evolved culturally, but spiritually we are the same as we always were: sinful and dependant. We face the same sins and trials that our ancestors faced thousands of years before us.

But isn't it comforting to know that for our unwavering sin, there is a source of unwavering holiness? A frequently emphasized point all throughout the Bible is that God is not only perfect, but unchangingly perfect. When you need grace, it can always be found in Christ. When you need wisdom, guidance, love, patience, strength, or all of the above- they are available in Christ. Always. If He has ever provided for you, then He will continue to do so because He is God and God does not change. I encourage you- take refuge in this truth!

Dear Father, let me remember that You are Forever and Holy and Loving and Forgiving, and I can have a wonderful relationship with You! Amen.

Emily Jones

Goodness and Mercy

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life... Psalm 23:6 (NKJV)

When I was a preschooler, we attended a small church in my parent's hometown. My mom had a good friend there named Janet. A favorite memory I the have of that friend, with whom I share the same name, is listening to her and my mom sing together. Janet had a very strong soprano voice, and my mom sang alto and played the piano. There were many songs, but the only one I distinctly remember them singing is Surely Goodness and Mercy. When I read this verse I remembered sitting on the old hard pews at that church and I could still hear their voices.

The beginning of this Psalm starts with the familiar verse The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. David was s shepherd so it would be natural for him to write from his own experiences. Sheep are completely dependent on their shepherd for guidance, protection and provisions. They are prone to wander and are helpless on their own. As the Lord is our shepherd, we too are in need of His guidance and care for us. When we submit to follow Him, we can trust that He is leading us in the right places and right ways. We will not have to worry - we can be content.

David goes on to describe his walk through lush pastures, sorrowful valleys, fears of evil, and the presence of enemies. He then ends this Psalm with our verse. What a huge statement. Goodness and mercy follow the child of God each and every day! As thoughts of past and present flood your mind, what do you see? Are you hanging on to anger or bitterness from the past? God is waiting for you to let go of that and fill you with joy. Are you at home with toddlers, or caring for a sick or elderly family member? God is at your side. Do you have a difficult work environment? He will walk you through. Are you lonely? Your heavenly Father will take your hand. Are you rejoicing? He rejoices with you!

Do you trust the Good Shepherd? As you journey through life, remember God is the perfect shepherd and he promises to guide and protect you through every facet of your life.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me - not some, not most - but all the days of my life. The twin graces will pursue us - actively seek us when we follow the Good Shepherd.

Heavenly Father, help us to recognize your goodness and mercy in our lives. Thank you for Your promises and the graces you so freely give us.

Janet Stutzman

Friends

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24

Do you remember the song: Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold.

In recent months I have made contact with many old friends. I found so many that used to be "best friends" at some point in my life. You see I moved 21 times and went to 11 schools. So, I had MANY friends. And recently I have made many new friends see the post on my two Em's. click here.

Each person I have made contact with is so precious to me in different ways. It reminds me that we can sometimes move away from God. Not that we necessarily mean to. I mean we don't stop loving God or quit thinking about Him, we just move away. I never quit loving my friends or even decided that I didn't want them for friends anymore. I simply had no choice as I was growing up, when my father got a new job, we usually moved.

I have found that when I get new jobs, I tend to move away from my best friend, I mean God. I get so caught up in everyday things, going to work, taking care of my family, writing, speaking... I think you get the picture. I have tried so many times to remain on a constant walk with no detours, but I seriously do not think that is possible. I spend my time with the Lord, I read and pray. But, sometimes it is the 'quick' version, or the delayed version.

I know that the Lord does not walk away from me, He never quits caring. He never doesn't want to spend time with me because He is busy. It is all from my side in this relationship.

What about you? Do you struggle with relationships? Perhaps it is time to re-acquaint yourself with an "old friend" especially if that is God!

Lord, thank you for always being there even if I am too busy to notice. Thanks for being patient and waiting for me and always loving me. Amen.

Becki Reiser

Spiritual Resolutions

Grow in grace and understanding of our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18 (MSG)

Over New Years, my family got together and discussed this year's resolutions. Realizing how often resolutions fail for the majority of people, my sister shared how each year she makes a spiritual goal. Several years ago, one of her spiritual goals was to get to know the Holy Spirit better, to become more familiar with His voice. As she read through the Bible and came across verses pertaining to the Spirit, she would highlight them and know that verse was for her. If the end of the year came and she felt like there was more to learn, she would make that resolution again the next year. What a fantastic idea! What a way to intentionally place ourselves in a position to grow spiritually.

We often think of growth as not enjoyable and hard work, and it is. However, growth is amazingly freeing. Over this last while, my heart has been in a process of refining and trimming. I am so thankful. God is showing me the vital importance of living out my faith. As basic as that sounds, it is profound to me. Living out our faith comes down to loving and obeying. It comes down to not only professing but obediently doing - from the little to the big, from the inconvenient to the opportune, from the effortless to the gut-wrenching. And what joy and peace come from obeying! My spiritual goals for 2010- intentionally living out my faith, knowing His voice and growing in His grace. What are your spiritual goals for 2010?

Lord, grow us more and more that we gain strength, hear and obey Your voice, love deeply and reflect You. Amen.

Jocelyn Hamsher

Consider Their Faith

Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Hebrews 13:7 (NIV)

I was standing on a metal plank, at the top of a mountain, looking at the Costa Rican rainforest. Our guide grabbed the harness around my waist and snapped it to a wire traveling three hundred feet over a green valley. He yelled, "Listo!" which means "Ready" in Spanish. Sure, he was ready, but was I?

It was time for me to ride the zip line over the tropical forest, but what is my guarantee that the line would hold? I paused for a moment to imagine my body tumbling down the mountain. I've had a good life, I thought. And if I die on a mission trip to Costa Rica, that would sound nice at the funeral.

My only comfort rested in the group of sound-minded adults I witnessed traveling safely over the ravine. Twenty students and adults were coaxing me from the other side with smiles of true encouragement. So, I jumped off the plank and held on for dear life. I trusted the zip line because I observed others take a step of faith and they were celebrating on the other side.

Often, we experience fears and doubts in our Christian walk and we look for role models who have trusted Christ with their lives. We see someone take a step of faith by tithing and we are encouraged to do the same. We witness a Christian trust the Lord with a new job, so it is easier when we hear God's call to a new career. We read about the saints of the early church and we follow in their footsteps. After generations of people have made it to the other side, we know that we can trust the Guide and the way He has made for us.

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the saints who have gone before me, who have blazed a trail of obedience and joy. Make me a trailblazer for those behind me. Let my life encourage others to trust you, to jump off the ledge and experience the wonderful ride of abundance in you. Amen.

Emily Osburne

Dirty Dish Rags

Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Isaiah 1:18 (NIV)

I received some new sparkling white dish cloths for Christmas this year. After being used to my old navy blue ones, I was surprised at what colors transferred to the white rags as I was washing dishes. The bright white was quickly dulled as I washed even the least dirty dish. A quick rinse in clean water restored the cloth back to its former brilliance, but as soon as it was used it discolored again. Ketchup was the most dramatic, of course, turning the cloth red, but I was amazed at how quickly that rinsed back out.

As I performed the mundane task, the illustration struck me anew as I was reminded of how pure Jesus was before He took our sins on the cross. He was blameless, sinless; yet He absorbed all the transgressions, no matter how crimson the offense. Like the dirty rag, He became soiled with our sin, choosing to be polluted by wrongdoing that He had not committed. He willingly chose to be the sacrifice for us. He became a "dirty dish rag" so that we could become clean.

I now have an everyday reminder of the sacrifice of the cross. More than just a white dish cloth, my ordinary task has been transformed into a reminder of the gift I was given by my Savior. Such a simple little token, but packed with so much meaning. I can't say that I look forward to doing the dishes now, but I can tell you that looking at my clean rag turn into a dirty one, I at least have something to ponder while I wash.

Thank you for the reminder of Your Son's sacrifice. Thank You, God, for sending a spotless lamb, white as snow, that is capable of washing my sins away so that I may have a relationship with You. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher

My Hope Is In The Lord

And now Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You. Psalms 39:7 (NKJV)

A short time ago, my friend and I spoke of what the new year holds for us. As we compared and compiled the upcoming events, we suddenly found ourselves in the month of August. As I drove home I panicked when I asked myself what I was going to do when something unexpected presented itself. My first thoughts drifted to my 93-year old grandmother. She is so frail and her last breath could be at any moment. A trip to Wisconsin to bury her, a memorial service in Ohio. "Any time after August, Lord," I prayed. The entire trip home I played the mind game of what-ifs.

Once I was home, the reality of my life drowned out my thoughts and I busied myself with laundry, cleaning, cooking and conversation with my family. I didn't think of my new year events until I sat behind my friend at her mother's funeral service a couple days later. Psalms 39:6 was read. Surely every man walks about like a shadow; surely they busy themselves in vain.

My busy-ness is in vain, meaningless, and empty. A shadow.I walk about as a shadow. A shadow has no face or color. It is a distorted figure of an object that is blocking light rays. There is no heart or soul in a shadow, nor is there laughter or hope. It is mindless and lacks judgment. Backing up two verses in this chapter we read, Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am. Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing before You; Certainly every man at his best state is but a vapor.

Physically, in my best state I am but a vapor. Handbreadths.hold up your hand, fold in your thumb and close the four fingers. Basically, we are not anything significant in our human existence. We are all so frail, yet we wrap ourselves in accomplishing worldly tasks that make no difference in eternity. We all should say with David, "And now Lord, what do I wait for?" What am I doing, and why am I doing it?

The upcoming events in my life are important, and ones I have very little control over. The walnut and rice analogy my friend Beth talks about will be applicable as I approach each new day. Daily I need to remind myself that my hope is in God. He is the reason I have life, and He is the reason I renew my faith as I walk this journey, albeit short. As each week passes this year and I look back, I want to know that each event in my life was planned by God and I want to use each moment as an opportunity to prove my hope is in Him. My significance in life is found in my spiritual walk with God.

God has placed us here for a reason; to give Him worship and glory. Use the events in your life as an opportunity to represent God, and live each day as if it is your last. Tell someone that you love them, deal with areas of sin, and definitely, tell someone about Jesus.

Lord, instead of feeling overwhelmed with our circumstances, may we feel overwhelmed with your presence in our circumstances. We want to bring you worship and glory - our hope is in You.

Janet Stutzman