Needing to be in need

Have you ever been in need? Perhaps you needed a helping hand to do a chore, or a word of instruction or wisdom from someone with experience, or a listening ear from someone who understands. Maybe you've experienced a material or financial need at some time in your life. At one time or another, we all experience the need for help from another person, but most of us find it much easier to offer help than to ask for it. Yet, being in need is a crucial part of our growth in our spiritual lives.

When Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, He was teaching them an important lesson in servanthood. The washing was not just a matter of dirty feet, but more a matter of prideful hearts. In order to minister with humility and sensitivity, we must understand what it means to be served... what it feels like to be in need.

Sometimes when we give or help, we become full of more than joy. We become proud or boastful or in awe of our own goodness! The disciples were a bit reluctant to have Jesus wash their feet, because they suddenly became aware of their own unworthiness. They were embarrassed. Uncomfortable. Humbled. They understood what it meant to be ministered to by the Lord.

As we give and help and minister and serve, let us examine our hearts and our attitudes. Are we meeting the needs of others or our own? Are we being sensitive to their feelings? Can we use the opportunity to meet a spiritual need as well? Are we serving as Jesus served?

"For I gave you an example, that you also should do as I did to you." John 13:15

To Him

To submit
to allow myself to be molded
without resisting
without directing
without complaining
To obey
to be used for a purpose
without doubting
without worrying
without asking why
To trust
to find peace in knowing
without fearing
without stopping
without hesitating

"Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." Phil. 2:5-8

Sing Unto Him

I hear songs on the radio, songs of loneliness, songs of woe,
songs of someone's lost, imperfect love;
Songs about the way they say to get high,
songs about the things that make people cry,
songs about what to do when push comes to shove.
I hear the countdown of favorite songs,
but it seems to me that the list is all wrong.
There doesn't seem to be any answers given.
It's more like a list of many complaints--
the "can'ts," the "won'ts," the the "didn'ts" and the "aints,"
all the sour notes of what some people call "livin'."
Well, I got out some paper, and I got out a pen,
and I made out a list of my Top Ten,
but I couldn't put them in order or list them there by rank,
For they each have a special place in my heart
at one time or other they've been an important part
of comforting me on Jordan's stormy banks.
They've each been sung in my joyful noise
(I'm short on talent, but blessed with many joys!)
Allowing me in my small way to give glory to God,
to carry me along the path I've trod.
They've all been there throughout the years,
to lift me up, to calm my fears.
I'm so thankful for each hymn's sweet notes.
I'm so thankful for the ones who wrote
the hymns that will always mean so much to me.
I'm thankful for the music played
and the difference that each note has made.
Without them how quiet so many hearts would be!

"Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him; talk ye of all His wonderous works. Glory ye in His holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord." Psalm 105:2 & 3

The Road Ahead

With every step that I take forward

I find fifteen more to go,
and when I'm confident in the goal I'm moving toward,
I discover so much more I need to know.
But I can't help getting excited
about the lengthy road I see;
I'm so much more than just delighted,
because God mapped it out just for me.
And even though distant mountains
are my horizon line,
the way passes by flowing fountains
and joys like dandelions.
The hills are steep and the pathway cluttered
with illusions that get in my way,
but God knows of each prayer I've uttered;
He hears me when I pray.
And I know He answers, and I feel Him guide me
as long as I'm staying on this path,
and when I've strayed, He has been beside me--
I have known God's wrath!
I've been guilty of looking back,
and at times I've stumbled and fallen,
but the Lord returns me to the right track
when on His name I'm calling.
You see, God knows my destination;
He knows the curves before me.
He understands my every frustration--
He promises never to ignore me.
I look forward to the travel--
I have no reason to dread,
For God is my companion
as I walk the road ahead.

Decisions

Decisions.
Big ones.
Small ones.
Might-change-it-all ones.
Decisions that take a little while.
Future.
Present.
Those that aren't so pleasant.
And those that bring about a smile.
Yes ones.
No ones.
Don't-really-know ones.
Decisions that are easy to make.
Think a lot.
Pray a lot.
What does the Bible say? A lot!
Decisions that are worth the time you take.

"Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision." Joel 3:14

We each make decisions every day and usually don't think much about them. However, sometimes even the smallest of decisions can change a large part of our lives, and we need to be aware of possible consequences. Our Lord is always eager to guide us and wants us to call on Him when making any decision.

When major decisions arise in our lives we often worry and wonder ourselves into a tizzy. Sometimes the unknown can scare us badly and cause decision-making to be a traumatic process. As Christians, we have an advantage that we should utilize BEFORE the situation gets out of hand! If we're seeking advice, who can be a better adviser than the One who holds everyone's future? God loves us and wants our lives to be filled with joy.

"And the Lord shall guide thee continually and satisfy thy soul in drought and make fat thy bones, and thou shalt be like a watered garden and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not." Isaiah 58:11.

What Should We Be and Do?

"Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and break every yoke?" Isaiah 58:6

This chapter in Isaiah has meant a lot to me for a long time. To me, the verses answer the question that every Christian might ask himself or herself today: Lord, what should I be and do?

The beginning of the chapter paints a picture of God's responding to His people who are confused about their condition. The messenger is told to "cry loudly" and "not hold back." It is a bold message, spoken passionately to people who are equally both sincere and fruitless. They seek God "day by day" and delight to know His ways. "They delight in the nearness of God." And yet they ask why they fast and God doesn't see, and they humble themselves and God doesn't notice. They ask what's wrong.

The Lord's response is extensive, and verse six, above, is a part of it.

I find myself asking what are the bonds, bands, yoke, and oppression of people around us today. Is it poverty? Some form of addiction? Is it depression? Guilt? Rejection? Illiteracy? Loneliness? What are we to loosen, free, and break?

The people God spoke to were faithful in going through the motions of worship, and they were sincere in their desire to please God, but these things had not led them into the ministry God desired for them. It is a common problem found throughout the family of God's people. James, too, tells us that "Faith, if it has no works, is dead." As we begin this new year, please join me in asking, "Lord, what would you have me be and do? He wants us to love Him, and THAT kind of love relationship leads to faith in action!

When the Lord says, "Come"

What do you do when the Lord says, "Come," and you don't know in what direction to go?
You hold tight to his hand and have faith that the Lord will undoubtedly be sure to let you know.
You believe in His Word; you believe in His promises. You believe in the strength that He gives,
finding peace in His assurance, joy in His love, and victory in knowing that Christ lives.
When the Lord says, "Come," you don't ask "Where?" before knowing in your heart "I will go."
Be it two steps to the right or a thousand miles ahead, it's the most rewarding journey you'll ever know.
When the Lord says, "Come," it's because He has a plan, the only plan that can bring you ultimate joy,
And to say, "No, I can't," or to make up an excuse is a sure way to eventually destroy
clear communication and solid foundations on which your relationship with your Heavenly Father is built.
Instead, you'll be weighted with fear and disappointment and your heart will be filled with guilt.
When the Lord says, "Come," be like Andrew and drop your nets, be like James and John and leave your other plans behind.
Don't ask "Why?" and don't ask "How far?" Just simply and quickly make up your mind
that you want to do His will, wherever He may lead, whatever He might require once you reach your destination.
Be sure to be sincere -- don't give in to any fears,
don't take time to develop any hesitation.
God will see to your needs and bless your heart, indeed,
if you'll follow Him upon His first request.
When the Lord says, "Come," answer with a nod and God will begin to better your very best!
When the Lord says, "Come," don't run and hide like Jonah did when the Lord called him.
Because you won't have peace, and you won't have joy, and you won't find a fish that you can out-swim!