a great discipline for 2009

One of the greatest disciplines you can develop is that of reading through the Bible every year.  My grandfather introduced me to this discipline many, many years ago.  Every morning he would spend at least an hour, sometimes longer, studying God’s Word.  I can still picture him, sitting in his recliner, searching through the pages as if he were scouring for gold.

Years later, my mentor, Dr. Harry Lucenay, challenged me to read through my Bible every year of my ministry.  The first year I accepted his challenge was 1987.  This morning, I completed my 22nd circuit through the Word of God.

Perhaps this email I received on Monday will help you understand what a difference reading your Bible makes in your life as a Christ-follower:

Ryan -
We did it!  We did it!! We did it!!!
I wanted to say Thank-you for challenging us to Read Through the Bible in 2008.
I knew that Mom would do it.   I doubted that Dad would get far.   I knew that there was no way I would complete it.    But I am thrilled (and a bit amazed) to say, we have all completed our reading.   And yes, it was a “GOD thing”.  For each of us, this was our first time to read the Bible.    Based on our schedules, life events, CPU reading which distracted me, etc … sometimes we would get behind / other times we would read ahead.   This summer when Jason & I escaped town for a few days, I didn’t take my Bible… but at some point during the stay, I pulled out the trusty Gideon version and read random chapters.
We have all received our One Year Bibles for 2009 reading.  We do not look at this years reading as a challenge – but as an addition to our daily time with God.
Again – thank you for all you have done in our lives.
Peace Always,
Vickie

Well done, Vickie, well done.  Now I challenge you to do this every year of your life for the remainder of your life.

Tomorrow is a great day to pick up the Word of God and start reading.  For those of you who purchased a One Year Bible, I look forward to beginning our reading from God’s Word tomorrow.  It is going to be a refreshing journey, just ask Vickie.

For those interested in a Bible reading plan, you may find one in the links on the right hand side of the page.

search me, try me, lead me

We are discussing true introspection.

For those who are interested, David provides a key into biblical introspection through one of his psalms.

At the end of Psalm 139, David records this prayer of self-examination:

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!  24    And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Psalm 139:23-24

Something prompted David to make these requests.  What was it that so convicted David?  What provoked him to seek for full disclosure before God?

When you read the entire psalm you learn David realized there was NO ESCAPE FROM GOD.  No matter where David fled or what he thought or did, David could not escape from God.

First, David could not escape from GOD’S KNOWLEDGE:

1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me! 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. 5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.  6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.

Psalm 139:1-6

Next, David could not escape from GOD’S PRESENCE:

7 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! 9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” 12 even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.

Psalm 139:7-12

Also, David could not escape from GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY AND POWER.

13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them. 17 How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you. 19 Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God! O men of blood, depart from me! 20 They speak against you with malicious intent; your enemies take your name in vain!  21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? 22 I hate them with complete hatred; I count them my enemies.

Psalm 139:13-22

Thus, David comes to this inescapable conclusion:

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!  24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Psalm 139:23-24

David makes three requests.

Request #1: SEARCH ME

Search me, O God, and know my heart…

Ask God to closely examine your heart, everything about you – your motives, your desires, your plans, your ideas, your dreams, your hopes, your passions.  Put it all on the line.  The Lord already knows what is in your heart.  Ask Him to reveal the deepest parts of your heart to you.

True introspection begins when we ask God to examine our hearts.  Our hearts can fool us, they can lead us astray.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?

Jeremiah 17:9

Request #2: TRY ME

Try me and know my thoughts…

What you think about, dwell on, spend time contemplating most defines who you are and what you do.  Ask the Lord to help you think on those things that really matter.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Philippians 4:8

Request #3: LEAD ME

And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

The Lord wants to lead me in His ways.  Every day, every moment, I have a choice.  I can go my way or I can go His way.  When I go my way I grieve Him.  When I go His way I please Him.  True evaluations lead to a deeper determination to going to God’s way.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Proverbs 14:12

As you evaluate who and where you are, take time today to make the same request, as David did:

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!  24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Psalm 139:23-24

test and examine your ways

I have never been a big fan of resolutions.  The adage is trite, but true – resolutions are made to be broken.

Many are working on their resolutions for the coming year.  Most resolutions usually look something like this:

• Do something new
• Get a better job
• Lose weight
• Get in shape
• Get out of debt
• Make a difference
• Help others
• Quit smoking
• Quit drinking
• Be positive
• Save money
• Focus on what is important
• Get organized

Even though I reject the concept of resolutions, I am a huge fan of studying areas of improvement.  Most people grow and make gradual changes throughout the year.  There is something invigorating about making new changes in the coming year, however.

The week between Christmas and New Years, I typically spend time evaluating my life and ministry.  For those who are interested, I will use our week to offer some areas of evaluation.

Let’s begin the process with a sentence nestled deeply in the Old Testament.  The Word of God says,

“Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord!”

Lamentations 3:40

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God is calling Israel to a time of self-evaluation.  Introspection ordained by the Lord is the only worthy kind of self-study.  Otherwise we become preoccupied with self.

The word “ways” suggests habits or character traits, rather than short episodes or moments.  Thus, the goal to “test and examine our ways” is to consider our character; who we are, and our habits.

The goal of this self-examination – ordained by God – is to return to the Lord.  Self-examination is not to become a better you or a healthier you or a prosperous you or a happier you or a kinder you or a satisfied you.  The goal of God-given examination is to retrace your footsteps in order to return to God again.  Thus, we learn the purpose of our self-evaluation this week.  We want to use our contemplation to identify what caused us to veer away from the Lord in order to return to Him.

Take time today to ask the Holy Spirit to “test and examine” your ways as you return to the Lord.

Tomorrow we pick up with another Old Testament passage.  More than a command, it is a prayer of introspection.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from justonemore.info

Blogs will resume on Dec. 29 as we prepare to kick off the new year.

Soli Deo Gloria

gather ’round, ye children, come

Christmas 2005 was memorable for CrossPoint.  It was our first year as a church.  To celebrate we invited Andrew Peterson to be our guest.  His tour was called “Behold the Lamb of God: The True Tale of the Coming Christ.”  It was very worshipful.  I will let Andrew lead us in the celebration of Christmas today.

isn’t there anyone who knows what christmas is all about?

Some people just don’t get it.

I felt like Charlie Brown this weekend when a reporter interviewed shoppers.  Knowing that many were making cut backs, the reporter asked people how Christmas would be different this year.

One mother said, “This year I want my children to learn the real meaning of Christmas.”

That is a perfect setup.  That is a great opening line, isn’t it?  The woman sounds like she is going to describe the true meaning of Christmas.  Great starts, however, do not always guarantee a strong finish.  If only the mother had a clue.

The young woman continued, “I want them to know there is more to it than getting presents.  I want them to enjoy being with family, and having a good time, while they take a break from school.”

What?  Enjoying family?  Having a good time?  Being out of school?  What kind of answer is that – talking about clueless?

How could someone miss the big picture that much?  Perhaps the television station edited out the best part.  Since that particular channel usually treats Christianity with respect, I doubt they cut out any references to Christ.

The message of Christmas is so simple even Linus of Charlie Brown gets it.

Surely, you remember the story.  Charlie Brown finds himself depressed at Christmas time, searching for the true meaning of the holiday amidst the glitz and commercialism of the modern age.  Charlie asks Linus, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”  And Linus nails it.

My Plan vs. God’s Plan – Part 2

When I began to write this blog, I had just read Ryan’s Christmas humor blogs during my prep time at school.  I was laughing so much because I had read Ryan’s Week Before Christmas blog.  To put it into context, I teach at the alternative school in Tarrant.  So the lines “The state they were in could lead to a riot; The teacher was sure, if allowed, they would try it.” have never been so true!  It has truly been an interesting, eventful week.  So thank you for allowing me to share again because it puts me into the right frame of mind.

Last week, I wrote a letter to Ryan because I wanted to share how amazing our God and our church are.  He knows this, I’m sure.  However, I think it’s nice to be reminded sometimes. He asked me to share this story with you.

Forgive me while I give you a bit of background information.  As I mentioned yesterday, I divorced about three years ago.  When I realized what was happening, I determined to put myself into a financial position in which I had no credit cards or monetary concerns.   Not only was I now going to be a single mom, but I was a teacher.  Have you seen our paychecks?

To help with this, I signed up for the financial class taught during CPU on Wednesday nights at CrossPoint.  I began to get things together.  My giving to CrossPoint had been quite sporadic, and I knew better.  As the Lord worked on my heart, he also worked on my finances.  There have been bumps along the way, but the Lord has always been faithful to provide every need. It is truly incredible to see what the Lord has taught me through giving to Him and His church.

When we started the Devoted series, Savannah, my nine-year-old daughter, and I both put back money for our Devoted fund.  When Ryan told us what to do with it, we were excited for what the Lord might do.  We began to pray that the Lord would show us where to give it.  Let me interject here…if you pray for things, you better be prepared for the answer.  You just might get what you wanted!

The beginning of the next week rolled around, and I realized that the money I receive each year for being a Nationally Board Certified teacher had not come in and most likely would not.  This chunk of money provides Christmas and any home repairs I might have at this time of the year.  Remember, I have no credit cards and pay cash for most everything.  Apparently, making the change to the alternative school caused a mix up somewhere along the way, and I was told I would most likely not get paid until after Christmas.  Needless to say, I began to panic.

At the end of that same week, I got a call about a friend with whom I taught at Trussville.  Her home had been badly burned, and it seemed they were going to lose everything.  Savannah and I talked about it, and we decided to give them the first installment from our foundation.  I reached my car after dropping off the money, and I cried because I knew I had just given away what may have been the money I would need for Christmas.  That money could be pretty important in our lives.  Then I remembered the scripture I have at the end of my emails (Rom. 15:13), and I thought that I should know better than that by now. The Lord brought Prov. 19:21 to mind (Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.), and I just began to pray.

Sunday morning I asked my Sunday school class to pray for my friend, and I asked for them to pray that the situation at the board be resolved.  The next two and a half weeks were phenomenal.  I had people in my life who tried to give me advice to take out a loan or get a credit card.  I just didn’t feel good about that solution.  I had MANY people go to bat for me with the county.  My principal and secretary were wonderful, as well as other principals for whom I had worked.  Although I appreciated each person for that, what happened with the people at our church really got to me.

Four different people offered to help us.  Nobody flaunted it.  Nobody made a big deal about it.  They just shared their heart, and they offered to make things better for us.  What makes it even better is the fact that it wasn’t any easier for some of these people to help me than for me to help my friend whose house had just burned.

These friends that I have…these brothers and sisters of mine…these people who love and support me…they all reminded me of what it’s about.  It goes back a little bit to that redeeming love I mentioned yesterday.  Real love isn’t always easy.

I have found that the closer I grow to the Lord and the more I understand His love for me, the more I feel the need to share it.  That’s what our church did for me.  They were struggling too…with their business, losing a job, just life in general.  I oozed with joy, and I let them know how much I appreciated every one of them.  I told them if nothing changed, I would let them know.  I went home and cried a little more, not out of sadness or worry, but because I realized how much I am loved-by God and this church.

How incredible is God and His timing?  Two weeks after it all started and a day after God allowed me to have this experience, I got my check.

I hope you all realize how precious our church family is.  They are so important to my life.  It is connection at its best.

I cannot imagine how my life would be different without my friends from choir, Sunday school, or the mission trips.  It was a nice reminder for me of what faith really is…that it’s not just faith in the good times.  I walked away Sunday saying, “No Fear!” a LOT.

My Plan vs. God’s Plan – Part 1

This weekend’s guest blogger is CrossPointer and school teacher extraordinaire Lara Walls.

My story is like most of yours, yet my story is unlike any of yours.

When I start thinking, “Why did I say yes to this weekend blogger thing?”  The Lord gently reminds me that it is not about me.

My story is like yours in terms of difficulty.  I have found that how difficult life seems is completely relative to what is going on around you and what you have experienced.

I have listened as many of you have spoken during the Devoted series, in Sunday school, and on mission trips.  I continue to be amazed at your strength and willingness to share your heart.  It has been inspirational to me.  When I listen to you talk about the illness you are facing or the job you don’t have, I am amazed at your faith.

At the same time, I have shared some things with people who have told me how much faith I must have in order to have dealt with some issues in my own life.  It doesn’t feel that way to me.  But His grace is sufficient.

I am no superwoman.  I am hard-headed like the Israelites, and God had to continue to bring me back to him.  Thank God that there is no limit to His grace.

Although we all have difficulties, our lives are very different.

Nothing happens by chance.  Nothing!  Our lives are an intricately woven plan, designed by the Master.  He wants us to have an abundant life not one without trials.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

I grew up repeating this verse; memorizing it.  Yet I never truly understood it.

I am the daughter of two amazingly strong, Christian parents.  They took me to church every time the doors opened.  Every possible time I could be exposed to the Word, I was.

For those of you who know me, you will not be shocked to know that as I grew up I had already decided what my life would become, and my plan was always the best.

My stubbornness and need to do things my way were completely out of control.  I did not even realize my need to know God until I was 17 years old.  Even then, I accepted Him as my Savior, but not as my Lord.  That happened much more recently.

When you mixed the events that would soon follow with my attitude at that point in my life, things tend not to work out well. That’s exactly what happened.

Let me give you the rundown of the next segment of my life.

• My older brother had a terrible car accident that caused him to be burned, and have a closed head trauma injury.
• My mother fought a disease incurred from transfusions years before.
• My beloved grandmother was diagnosed with and eventually passed away due to Alzheimer’s, and I helped take care of her throughout.
• My aunt, who was practically my second mother, went through a battle with breast cancer while I was living with her and my uncle.
• My grandfather died.
• I had a miscarriage.
• I went through a rough divorce.

The list could go on for a really long time.  This is NOT what I planned.  None of it was what I wanted.

There was a common thread in al of this, though.  Every single event I mentioned was all about me.  I never really thought about what it meant to everyone around me.  I knew that God was making me angry.  How dare he change the plans!?  I just ran and  cried.  I was a walking pity party.

But I don’t want to dwell there.  I want to focus on the grace and the mercy part.  The more that my plan fell apart, the more I ran from God.  The more I ran, the more He pursued me.

I remember sitting in service at Crosspoint one Sunday and hearing Ryan say:

There are two kinds of people in this room: Those that are broken, and those that are being broken.

I walked away that Sunday amazed by God’s ability to meet us right where we are.  I came home and wept, and I gave it all to Him.  I didn’t do it because of wisdom but because of brokenness.

He is NOT through with me yet.  There are a couple of things I have learned in the last year.  I had to quit looking for the lessons in the events that were taking place and just find God.

He wasn’t teaching me about myself as much as He was teaching me who HE is.  He was just doing it in a way that was different than I had planned.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

Isaiah 55:8

This wasn’t my plan.  I never wanted to feel angry or like a failure.  I didn’t want to lose the people I loved, nor did I want to see my family suffer.  But so great is His steadfast love for me that He walked me out of the fire and into His arms. He had a better way.

Next, I learned to forgive.  He forgave me over and over.  So why should I not forgive those who have wronged me?
Not only have I learned to forgive, but I have also learned to love with a redeeming love.  These are often connected for me.

According to Webster’s, to redeem means to “set free, rescue, or ransom: to restore the reputation or honor of oneself or something”.  God loved me with a redeeming love.  It rescued me from myself.  He restored me, and there is freedom in that.  As I have let go of the pain and frustration, He has allowed me to experience a new kind of love that comes only from knowing Him more.  When you get that kind of love, you begin to realize that you need to share it.

Finally, I am reminded that NOTHING happens by chance.  God created us.  He knows us inside out. Often times God uses our pain to bring our rescue.  What we think will destroy us brings us out of the fire and strengthens and refines us.  God will use what was intended for evil for good…all to His glory.

As a Christian, this gives me great hope.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 15:13

Peace does not mean perfection.

Ray Pritchard speaking on the first Sunday of December was not an accident.

He asked us to think about whether or not we would want to know what would occur in our lives over the next ten years.  That forced me to think about the last ten years of my life.

I am so thankful that He doesn’t tell us, and that His grace for each day is sufficient.

Forever branded in my mind is Ray’s reminding us that as Christians with the Lord in control, there is no fear.  God is good all the time, in every circumstance, no matter what.

God is good.

is there a santa claus?

Perhaps there are a few of you who struggle with the concept of Santa Claus, and whether or not he actually exists.  Perhaps a tale from my son’s childhood will convince you.

Years ago, one weekend prior to Christmas, Taylor invited several of his friends to spend the night.  Upon arriving, I asked the parents if it was okay to take the boys Christmas “looking” at the mall.  Of course, they agreed.

You have no idea what it was like driving that crew of anxious shippers around the town.  We had a ball.

I still don’t think those parents appreciate the guidance I gave their young boys as they shopped for the “perfect” Christmas gift for their parents.

One lad was convinced he needed to purchase his mother some pajamas from Victoria’s Secret.  Not that I am opposed to gifts from Victoria’s—but something tells me I would have had a lot of explaining to do that day if we ventured there.

Another of Taylor’s pals wanted to buy his mother an Atlanta Braves baseball cap.  He tried to convince me his mother was a huge Braves fan.  I’m sure she was, but I was not brave enough to let him spend money on the cap.  I suggested a Braves coffee mug.  I do not know if he ever took my advice.

The day took a decided twist when one of the little fellows contested there was no such thing as Santa Claus.  Once the comment was made, the debate ensued.

I tried to remain above the fray.  My job was to deliver the boys to each destination safely.  Yet, before long, I was forcefully dragged into the debate.

“So what do you think, pastor, is Santa real or not” asked the ring leader?

I dabbled with diversion.

“Where do you guys want to eat lunch?” I asked.

They persisted.

“Yeah, what do you think Mr. Ryan?  Is there such a thing as Santa Claus?”

I experimented with delay.

“Let me make a phone call, boys.”

I called Vonda for guidance.  She laughed and reminded me this was my idea, and that I was on my own.  A lot of help she is.

Finally, the time of decision was upon me.  All eyes were on their pastor.  What would he say?  Then I responded to their question with a question.  Responding to an inquiry with an inquiry is a great tool to use when you do not know what to say or when you do not know what you are talking about.  Responding to a question with a question makes you sound smart.

I said, “Guys, I am not sure if there is a Santa or not.  What do you think?”

By now, two of the four remaining boys were leaning toward the fifth child’s argument that Santa did not exist.  Only Taylor and his closet pal were uncertain.

Then Taylor summoned the courage to speak up.

“Guys,” my little tyke commented, “there has to be a Santa.  Surely you don’t think our parents would spend that kind of money or stay up all night putting together those toys.”

There was a pause, a long pause.  Minds were spinning.  Brains were ticking.

Taylor’s comment rang with clarity.  What he said made sense to most of the group.  Apparently it made sense to two of the boys who had earlier waffled on the idea.  Now the argument was back to four against one.  Santa had to exist.

“Sure, that’s right.  Our parents wouldn’t spend that kind of money.  There has to be a Santa,” said another pal.

For that day, at least, the debate was settled.  Santa was real, or why else would our parents spend that kind of money or stay up that late piecing together toys?

Thanks to Taylor, I rest my case.  I believe there really is a Santa.

holiday diet tips

I reconnected with someone the other day that I did not recognize because they had lost so much weight.  Several months ago they decided enough was enough.  It was a time for a change, and they were determined to drop the excess weight.  They have 20 pounds to go before they reach their target weight.

When I asked how they were handling the holidays, they gave me a quick list of things they were doing to win the battle:

1. Drink a bottle of water before arriving at the party.
2. No snacking; before, during or after the party.
3. Use a small dessert plate for their meal instead of the large party plate.
4. Pick one small, sweet treat and then split it with their spouse.
5. Spend more time focusing on the people than on the food.

Later that day I remembered some helpful holiday tips my crazy mother once gave me:

1. If no one sees you eat it, it has no calories.
2. If you drink a diet soda with a candy bar, they cancel each other out.
3. If you eat standing up, it doesn’t count!
4. STRESSED is just DESSERTS spelled backwards.
5. If you eat the food off someone else’s plate, it doesn’t count.
6. Cookie pieces contain no calories because the process of breakage cause calorie leakage
7. Food used for medicinal purposes have no calories.  This includes: any chocolate used for energy, cheesecake, and Haagen-Daz Ice Cream.
8. When eating with someone else, calories don’t count if you both eat the same amount.
9. Movie-related foods are much lower in calories simply because they are a part of the entertainment experience and not part of one’s personal fuel. This includes: Milk Duds, popcorn with butter, Junior Mints, Snickers, and Gummi Bears.

I will let you decide which list best fits your needs.