I ended up making an unexpected road trip this past Monday. When I woke up and called my mother, it was decided that I would go and pick her up in Kentucky to stay with us for a few days. I quickly got ready, threw the kids in the van, and headed up there. It should have taken us about 9 hours round trip with breaks included: Long, but not too bad. However, we pulled into our driveway again a little over 12 hours later. (But at least our air conditioning worked the whole way!) Here's why...
Heading north on I-65 that morning we passed a very bad wreck on the southbound lane. It involved multiple semi trucks and cars. The people behind them had been there for so long that they were out of their vehicles and sitting in the shade off to the side of the road. No traffic was moving yet, but it looked like it would within the hour. When I arrived at my aunt's house about two hours later I called AAA and asked if they knew if the wreck has been cleared. They said it was and the traffic was moving, and since I had a little over an hour to get to that spot, I thought we would be fine.
Luckily, as we arrived at the section were we saw the traffic stopped, there was an exit. We had a map so I decided to get off and try a side road. Bad idea. All the side roads were bumper to bumper with semi's on little country two lane roads. Turning around to try a different direction, we saw that the interstate was clear as we headed over it. Thinking it had just opened, we got back on and headed south. Hills can be so deceptive... Just over the hill, there was the traffic. We were then committed to Interstate travel, so on we putted.
After about 45 minutes and 8 miles, Elijah was bouncing in his seat. He had to pee. We were moving just enough with construction around, so that pulling over to the side was not really an option. I told him to please just pee in an empty bottle and promised we wouldn't look. I knew that after the next exit, it cleared within a mile or two, and we were almost there. But he is very, how shall I say it... ornery and precise. Peeing in a bottle is just not what people do, so forget it.
With the end nearly in sight we pulled off the next exit only to see the police were not letting anyone back on. After taking a quick potty break with everyone else who refused to pee in a bottle on the Interstate, we merged into the two lane bumper to bumper detoured masses: For an extra 20 miles. I thought I would scream.
Instead God started talking to me. “Tiffany, when you get on the road I want for you, don't get off. No matter how badly you want a break, and how much traffic there may seem to be- stick to it. And if for some reason child, you do take an early exit, don't worry too much. I'll get you back on. But be prepared for a lengthy detour.”
Thanks God. You really can use anything to teach me.
Are you on the Interstate, on a detour, or taking a potty break from God's purpose for your life?
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
As Hot As... Well, You Know
I don't think I have ever been that hot for that long in my life.
As I was helping move my mother from Florida to Kentucky, on the two longest days of the year I might add, the transmission overheated. We were pulling a U-Haul and, I admit, going 70 mph in 100 degree weather. We made it to the Georgia boarder on I-75, when we finally found a mechanic at a truck stop. He was a true answer to prayer at that point. He took the time to come out to the vehicle with me, look things over, and decide what to do about it - for free. Basically, we could either try to rent a larger vehicle or try going 60 mph max, windows down, and heat on. He said a lot a folks don't believe it really helps, but it does.
Now this dear angel was a skinny little white man who was permanently stained black from grease. Believe me, I know the kind: I grew up with some. So when he told me it was worth a try, I took him at his word. Besides, I had been praying to God for us to find the right mechanic who could tell us the right thing to do, so I had to trust that God had done that and follow through with belief.
The mechanic also told me to be careful. The temperature was bouncing between 99 and 101 degrees with a very high humidity level. The heat index, they told me, was near 115 to 120. So off we drove. I went to take a drink of the water we had, and it was as hot as a cup of coffee. At one point Elijah fell asleep in the back and I had my mother check on him to make sure he hadn't passed out. I seriously thought he might have because he and I were on the side where we were sitting in the sun as well. We paused to eat an early dinner because we just couldn't drive any more without cooling down, and then drove for a little over an hour more. It was around 7 pm by this time and we decided to stop at a hotel and get a few hours sleep and then leave again around 1 am in order to drive in the cool of the morning. After we checked in, all cooled down in the shower, and got in bed I had four hours to sleep. I prayed for God to get me as much deep sleep as possible so that I could continue easily the next day.
As I laid there tossing and turning for the next two hours I began to get a little worried. I was concerned enough about this must-have-seven-hours body getting only four. Especially after the previous week's lack from traveling and packing. But now I was down to only two!
The next morning, or actually, in a few of hours, as I was driving again in the 79 degree cool of the day, I began asking God what was up with that. Didn't He know I needed more? Hadn't He been the One who previously told me to start getting more for my own health? I just didn't understand. I wasn't mad- just confused.
That's when it hit me. He was once again stretching me and teaching me to live on faith. Yes, He had answered my prayer about the mechanic, but He wanted me to know that even when I knew something should happen, and it didn't, He was still in control and would take care of me through it. Those were the times I had to rely solely on His strength.
Lesson learned.
So, on I drove. Over 20 hours in unbelievable heat, with two small children, on 2 hours sleep. I began thinking how grateful I was this was the only heat of hell I would ever have to know!
As I was helping move my mother from Florida to Kentucky, on the two longest days of the year I might add, the transmission overheated. We were pulling a U-Haul and, I admit, going 70 mph in 100 degree weather. We made it to the Georgia boarder on I-75, when we finally found a mechanic at a truck stop. He was a true answer to prayer at that point. He took the time to come out to the vehicle with me, look things over, and decide what to do about it - for free. Basically, we could either try to rent a larger vehicle or try going 60 mph max, windows down, and heat on. He said a lot a folks don't believe it really helps, but it does.
Now this dear angel was a skinny little white man who was permanently stained black from grease. Believe me, I know the kind: I grew up with some. So when he told me it was worth a try, I took him at his word. Besides, I had been praying to God for us to find the right mechanic who could tell us the right thing to do, so I had to trust that God had done that and follow through with belief.
The mechanic also told me to be careful. The temperature was bouncing between 99 and 101 degrees with a very high humidity level. The heat index, they told me, was near 115 to 120. So off we drove. I went to take a drink of the water we had, and it was as hot as a cup of coffee. At one point Elijah fell asleep in the back and I had my mother check on him to make sure he hadn't passed out. I seriously thought he might have because he and I were on the side where we were sitting in the sun as well. We paused to eat an early dinner because we just couldn't drive any more without cooling down, and then drove for a little over an hour more. It was around 7 pm by this time and we decided to stop at a hotel and get a few hours sleep and then leave again around 1 am in order to drive in the cool of the morning. After we checked in, all cooled down in the shower, and got in bed I had four hours to sleep. I prayed for God to get me as much deep sleep as possible so that I could continue easily the next day.
As I laid there tossing and turning for the next two hours I began to get a little worried. I was concerned enough about this must-have-seven-hours body getting only four. Especially after the previous week's lack from traveling and packing. But now I was down to only two!
The next morning, or actually, in a few of hours, as I was driving again in the 79 degree cool of the day, I began asking God what was up with that. Didn't He know I needed more? Hadn't He been the One who previously told me to start getting more for my own health? I just didn't understand. I wasn't mad- just confused.
That's when it hit me. He was once again stretching me and teaching me to live on faith. Yes, He had answered my prayer about the mechanic, but He wanted me to know that even when I knew something should happen, and it didn't, He was still in control and would take care of me through it. Those were the times I had to rely solely on His strength.
Lesson learned.
So, on I drove. Over 20 hours in unbelievable heat, with two small children, on 2 hours sleep. I began thinking how grateful I was this was the only heat of hell I would ever have to know!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Fun, Fun, Fun!
Every year for Vacation Bible School at our church, the pastoral staff does a skit everyday during the worship rally. The kids always look forward to seeing what the new twist on The Adventures of Pastor Mike will be, and how bad guy Duane's evil plots will be foiled by Missions Man. It's just plain silly.
This year as I was showing one of the skits on Youtube to someone, I noticed them frowing. Later they said that it was unnecessary for the pastors to do that. The kids don't need to be entertained like that because the point is to learn about the Bible. I totally agree with their opinion.
However, it gave me an extra sense of gratitude towards the pastors at our church. Right, we don't need to do that. True, the point is for the kids to be learning about the Bible. But they were willing to do it anyway, and I am so thankful.
Christians can have fun, and I hope the world around us sees that. I have heard many say that they would never become a Christian because they just couldn't have fun anymore. I'd like to take that excuse away. We can have lots of fun! I know that it is just a poor excuse and that the real point is they don't want to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ and have a personal relationship with Him. I just don't want them to see Jesus as a fun-sucker.
Thank you to all of you out there who show the world around you that you can have good, clean, Biblical fun. If you don't feel you could have that kind of fun in a church, then perhaps it's the wrong kind of fun for you, or the wrong kind period. But, if you can't find a Scripural reason against it, then by all means, have a blast!
This year as I was showing one of the skits on Youtube to someone, I noticed them frowing. Later they said that it was unnecessary for the pastors to do that. The kids don't need to be entertained like that because the point is to learn about the Bible. I totally agree with their opinion.
However, it gave me an extra sense of gratitude towards the pastors at our church. Right, we don't need to do that. True, the point is for the kids to be learning about the Bible. But they were willing to do it anyway, and I am so thankful.
Christians can have fun, and I hope the world around us sees that. I have heard many say that they would never become a Christian because they just couldn't have fun anymore. I'd like to take that excuse away. We can have lots of fun! I know that it is just a poor excuse and that the real point is they don't want to surrender their lives to Jesus Christ and have a personal relationship with Him. I just don't want them to see Jesus as a fun-sucker.
Thank you to all of you out there who show the world around you that you can have good, clean, Biblical fun. If you don't feel you could have that kind of fun in a church, then perhaps it's the wrong kind of fun for you, or the wrong kind period. But, if you can't find a Scripural reason against it, then by all means, have a blast!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Moving
This has been the theme for my summer so far. We are not moving, but there are many around us who have been or will be. I have recently spoken with two people who have felt the Lord's call to move to another state sometime soon. Why? It's not for a job, or for family, but for the Lord. I am so proud of them and they are in my prayers.
When there is a “logical” reason for moving, it is so much easier- Even when explaining it to other Christians. Really, I think there's not a much scarier feeling than the pull of the Lord to just pick up and move somewhere. We begin questioning: Why? How? Are You sure? Am I sure? Unfortunately, there is no book in the Bible written only for you telling you specifically when and were to move.
There are two Biblical examples that I lean towards though. First and foremost is Abraham. Genesis 12:1 says, “The Lord said to Abram: Go out from your land, your relatives, and your father's house to the land that I will show you.” Notice He didn't say, “...to the land I told you about,” or, “to that piece of land you heard of in 'X'.” God just told Abram to leave what he knew and go, because He would show him on the way. Now that's faith. In today's fast pace society, we don't usually get that kind of calling, thank goodness! God places a certain state, city, or community in our hearts to draw us to. It still takes an immense measure of faith to go though with it. We KNOW that God will take care of and provide for us, but it is still difficult to do.
The others I think of are the disciples in the New Testament. Jesus said, “Follow Me” and they did, leaving everything behind. Read Matthew 4:18-22 for a good example of four of them. They left their jobs, and often families to follow Jesus for three years. We don't often think about this, but they had to look these same people in the face on a somewhat regular basis. They didn't go to another land, so they might have had to endure the ridicule of the people they knew. They point is, they did it. And so can you when God calls.
Perhaps you are contemplating a move right now. It might be to another state, another job, another church, or even another country. I would encourage you to fast and pray to the Lord. Ask Him to swing wide open all the doors He wants you to take and for Him firmly seal shut those He doesn't: No matter how hard you may try to pry them open or slam them shut. We are stubborn creatures and He knows this. Remember, He is our Creator – the Creator of all things. Tell Him how ornery you can be and to not allow you to stray from following Him with a whole heart, no matter what He needs to do. Now, be prepared to let Him do it and just trust Him. NO.... MATTER.... WHAT.
When there is a “logical” reason for moving, it is so much easier- Even when explaining it to other Christians. Really, I think there's not a much scarier feeling than the pull of the Lord to just pick up and move somewhere. We begin questioning: Why? How? Are You sure? Am I sure? Unfortunately, there is no book in the Bible written only for you telling you specifically when and were to move.
There are two Biblical examples that I lean towards though. First and foremost is Abraham. Genesis 12:1 says, “The Lord said to Abram: Go out from your land, your relatives, and your father's house to the land that I will show you.” Notice He didn't say, “...to the land I told you about,” or, “to that piece of land you heard of in 'X'.” God just told Abram to leave what he knew and go, because He would show him on the way. Now that's faith. In today's fast pace society, we don't usually get that kind of calling, thank goodness! God places a certain state, city, or community in our hearts to draw us to. It still takes an immense measure of faith to go though with it. We KNOW that God will take care of and provide for us, but it is still difficult to do.
The others I think of are the disciples in the New Testament. Jesus said, “Follow Me” and they did, leaving everything behind. Read Matthew 4:18-22 for a good example of four of them. They left their jobs, and often families to follow Jesus for three years. We don't often think about this, but they had to look these same people in the face on a somewhat regular basis. They didn't go to another land, so they might have had to endure the ridicule of the people they knew. They point is, they did it. And so can you when God calls.
Perhaps you are contemplating a move right now. It might be to another state, another job, another church, or even another country. I would encourage you to fast and pray to the Lord. Ask Him to swing wide open all the doors He wants you to take and for Him firmly seal shut those He doesn't: No matter how hard you may try to pry them open or slam them shut. We are stubborn creatures and He knows this. Remember, He is our Creator – the Creator of all things. Tell Him how ornery you can be and to not allow you to stray from following Him with a whole heart, no matter what He needs to do. Now, be prepared to let Him do it and just trust Him. NO.... MATTER.... WHAT.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Let It Rain
It has been exceptionally hot and dry here in Tennessee lately, with a heat index up to 110 degrees. Today a thunderstorm came by, and I was so excited we might get a little rain. After an hour or more watching lightning, listening to thunder, and feeling the hot winds blow, I was getting frustrated. All the rain was passing east of us! That's when I heard the Spirit whisper to me, “Be careful you don't become like this.”
Yikes. That would be awful. What if I became nothing more than a flashy bit of loud noise and hot wind that disappoints? What both Christians and non-Christians need most is the refreshing rain of the Spirit, not a bunch of fluff that doesn't deliver. It's even more important in the case of a non believer. They may then associate all Christianity with it after that.
There is a worship song I love that goes beautifully with this illustration. I'm not sure who the author is, but the chorus repeats over and over. This is my prayer today...
Let it rain, let it rain.
Open the floodgates of heaven...
Yikes. That would be awful. What if I became nothing more than a flashy bit of loud noise and hot wind that disappoints? What both Christians and non-Christians need most is the refreshing rain of the Spirit, not a bunch of fluff that doesn't deliver. It's even more important in the case of a non believer. They may then associate all Christianity with it after that.
There is a worship song I love that goes beautifully with this illustration. I'm not sure who the author is, but the chorus repeats over and over. This is my prayer today...
Let it rain, let it rain.
Open the floodgates of heaven...
Monday, June 29, 2009
No Fear
1 John 4:18-19 “There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because He first loved us.”
I believe that the only kind of love this can be referring to is the love we have for our God. When we have learned to love Him in that way, then that love filters through us, from Him, to all other kinds of love. I know it sounds confusing, but let's think of it through an example:
We love our children deeply. However, we experience fear when they become hurt, or are in danger. It's natural that we feel this way! Yet, as we grow in our relationship with God we begin to trust Him completely. The love we have for Him enables us to understand within our very essence that He is Creator of everything. Not just what was, but what is, and what will be. If we trust “...that all things work together for the good of those who love God...”, like it says in Romans 8:28, and we love Him enough to show that complete trust in Him, then that love casts out all fear. What is there to be afraid of? The Creator of ALL loves us and knows what is best for us. He wants what is best for us. He will not give us bad when we ask for what is good. (Luke 11:11-13)
When we begin to love Him like this, it filters down into every aspect of our lives. This is not to say we will never experience fear. We just don't allow it to hold any sway over us. There is no long lasting fear of a situation. We trust Him, and know that even if it doesn't work out the way we want, it is still for the best. We trust Him completely.
This is the kind of love we are able to experience and have because, as it says, He first loved us in this way.
I'm going to end my study of 1 John here. There is yet another chapter, but a lot of it is what we have already talked about. When you get a chance, please read it though. In fact, reading the entire book of 1 John shouldn't take that long, and it is a real treasure. I pray you've been blessed through this. I may try going through another book sometime because I know I've enjoyed it. Thanks to all of you!
I believe that the only kind of love this can be referring to is the love we have for our God. When we have learned to love Him in that way, then that love filters through us, from Him, to all other kinds of love. I know it sounds confusing, but let's think of it through an example:
We love our children deeply. However, we experience fear when they become hurt, or are in danger. It's natural that we feel this way! Yet, as we grow in our relationship with God we begin to trust Him completely. The love we have for Him enables us to understand within our very essence that He is Creator of everything. Not just what was, but what is, and what will be. If we trust “...that all things work together for the good of those who love God...”, like it says in Romans 8:28, and we love Him enough to show that complete trust in Him, then that love casts out all fear. What is there to be afraid of? The Creator of ALL loves us and knows what is best for us. He wants what is best for us. He will not give us bad when we ask for what is good. (Luke 11:11-13)
When we begin to love Him like this, it filters down into every aspect of our lives. This is not to say we will never experience fear. We just don't allow it to hold any sway over us. There is no long lasting fear of a situation. We trust Him, and know that even if it doesn't work out the way we want, it is still for the best. We trust Him completely.
This is the kind of love we are able to experience and have because, as it says, He first loved us in this way.
I'm going to end my study of 1 John here. There is yet another chapter, but a lot of it is what we have already talked about. When you get a chance, please read it though. In fact, reading the entire book of 1 John shouldn't take that long, and it is a real treasure. I pray you've been blessed through this. I may try going through another book sometime because I know I've enjoyed it. Thanks to all of you!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Presenting the Gospel
We often try so hard to sum up the Gospel for people in a few concise verses, but it is somewhat difficult. Most people think of John 3:16, and I agree it is a great one, but I also like 1 John 3:23-24.
“Now this is His command; that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another as He commanded us. The one who keeps His commands remains in Him, and He in him. And the way we know that He remains in us is from the Spirit He has given us.”
One of the reasons I like these two verses is because it not only puts an emphasis on believing in Jesus, but in following His commands. In order to follow them, you have to read the rest of the Bible. It also addresses the problem of how we are sure we are His. I know it is not a complete presentation of the Gospel, but when you combine it with some others, it comes pretty close.
What are some of your favorite “Gospel Presentation” verses? Don't have any or want some more? Here is a list of some. Look them up and write a grouping which speaks to you on a piece of paper you can get to at any time. They will be your very own witnessing outline!
Luke 13:5
John 1:1, 14
John 14:6
Acts 2:37
Romans 3:23
Romans 5:8
Romans 6:23
Romans 8: 8, 13
Romans 8:28
Romans 10:9-10
Hebrews 7:25
1 John 2:4
1 John 4:9
“Now this is His command; that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another as He commanded us. The one who keeps His commands remains in Him, and He in him. And the way we know that He remains in us is from the Spirit He has given us.”
One of the reasons I like these two verses is because it not only puts an emphasis on believing in Jesus, but in following His commands. In order to follow them, you have to read the rest of the Bible. It also addresses the problem of how we are sure we are His. I know it is not a complete presentation of the Gospel, but when you combine it with some others, it comes pretty close.
What are some of your favorite “Gospel Presentation” verses? Don't have any or want some more? Here is a list of some. Look them up and write a grouping which speaks to you on a piece of paper you can get to at any time. They will be your very own witnessing outline!
Luke 13:5
John 1:1, 14
John 14:6
Acts 2:37
Romans 3:23
Romans 5:8
Romans 6:23
Romans 8: 8, 13
Romans 8:28
Romans 10:9-10
Hebrews 7:25
1 John 2:4
1 John 4:9
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