The Widow's Mite and $20

I haven't written a blog post in almost a year. It's high time I get back to it. So here goes...
 
Today I think I know how Jesus must have felt when he was in the temple and had the privilege of witnessing the widow giving her mite. To most seeing it, it was of no consequence. Such a small amount, what difference could that possibly make?

Jesus saw past the amount given and focused on the heart that gave it. This woman who didn't have much, gave out of her lack with a joyful spirit, desiring nothing in return.  

           Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box. ² He also
          saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. ³ He said, “I tell you the truth, this
          poor widow has put in more than all of them. ⁴ For they all offered their gifts out of
          their wealth. But she, out of her poverty, put in everything she had to live on.”
          Luke 21:1-4

Pure.

Generous.

Love.

I think Jesus must have had another one of those moments today as He looked down from heaven and saw the events unfold that have touched me so deeply.

My daughter, Kira and I have the privilege of going to Peru for the second year in a row on a mission trip with our church. Since Kira was in 6th grade she has been going on mission trips, sometimes more than one per year. She has my work ethic for sure. She has never once sent out support letters, but instead had a deep seeded conviction that she needs to work for her trip money. So, we bake cupcakes.

Over the last 6 years, I have lost count how many cupcakes we have made. LOTS. But we enjoyed the time together baking (and tasting). We always trust that God will take care of the money piece and just ask for trip donations instead of charging a specific amount. And every year, she has been fully funded. God is faithful to provide! This year is no different. We have baked and the Lord is providing. 

Kira decided to change things up a bit and add a t-shirt fundraiser this year as well. They are super cute (sorry - ruggedly handsome for the guys that have purchased one) and will be a good conversation piece.

Today I got a text from a friend saying she was dropping off a gift for Kira and I at church. It was from her daughter. I love surprises! I wasn't sure what to expect, but when I retrieved it, I was blown away.

Inside the bag were two beautiful notebooks, pretty flower pens and a note, hand decorated. Inside the envelope were 2 "Frozen" stickers (which I am sure were treasured possessions and will likely go on Kira's guitar case) and $20. 


Enter the widow's mite moment...

See, what I found out later is that when asked by her mommy if she wanted one of Kira's shirts, this sweet little girl asked how much they were. Ran to her piggy bank and retrieved $20 and proceeded to say she didn't need a shirt, she just wanted to give to our trip.

I don't know if you can remember when you were in elementary school or not, but $20 was a LOT of money. And she gave it freely.

Pure.

Generous.

Love.

As I thought about this sweet gift, it made me think about my own generosity. You see, I know that this little girl sees the example set by her parents in their generosity. And they point the way to Jesus every chance they get.

I know that children tend to model what they see their parents doing. Both the good and the bad. So I had to ask myself through tears, what example of generosity have I given my own children?

I have shown them what it looks like to give your time to the work of the Lord. And what it looks like to do that with excellence so we are giving our best to him. I am glad they have seen that from me.

But did they see me giving more than just my time? Was I enough of a visible example of generosity with my money that they picked that up and adopted that as their own now that they are grown? Do they know that we should give out of love for Christ and not out of obligation?

Thankfully it's never to late to be a good example to those around us. And while it is not important to be noticed by others when we give, if we live a life of generosity in all areas - people won't be able to help but notice. Every part of you will ooze it. And it will be contagious.

Today, this precious gift was contagious. So thank you Abigail, for your beautiful example of what it looks like to give like Jesus did. Today I know you made Him smile!

How are YOU doing in this area? If you're at all like me, I bet there is room for growth! Join me in the journey. Won't you?

Who Do You Think You Are?

Some of my favorite chapters in the entire Bible come from the book of Job. Yes, Job. I know - depressing book, God let's Satan take everything away from Job, including his kids, makes him sick with boils all over his entire body, and leaves him with a nagging wife and 3 friends who tell him just to curse God and die. I can see why most people choose to gloss over this book, it's not very uplifting (at first glance). But if you haven't read it, I encourage you to. But don't quit before the end, that's my favorite part.


Synopsis:


So after all these horrible things have happened to Job and he has a grand pity party(chapters 1-31), a young friend of his decides to speak up and begin to put things in perspective for him a but (chapter 32-37.) Then it happens - after many long chapters of silence, God speaks. It actually says "God speaks to Job out of a storm". For those of you who don't live in Texas, you may not be able to conjure up in your mind what that might look like, but I have lived through one of the worst Texas storms Ever - in a tent (and then the cab of my truck), so I have a pretty good grasp on what Job must have experienced that day. All I can say is WHOA!!!


Basically God says (this is the Jan Paraphrase), "Job, you sure seem to think you know it all. Now stand up and take it like a man while I tell you a few things and give you a little fresh perspective."


God proceeds to describe some of the things He has done like:

• telling the waves how far they can come
• telling the sun rise and sun set when to happen
• creating the storehouses for snow and hail
• telling each lightning bolt where to land
• creating all the star constellations and telling them when to appear
• creating great beasts of the land and sea who are subservient to no one but Him (including a dragon that I am pretty sure Disney ripped off for all his movies.)
• and walking on the bottom of the Ocean just because He can (one of my personal favorites. Sorry I just have this picture in my head of God talking a little stroll on the bottom of the Sea and hanging out with creatures we don't even know exists yet because they live so deep)

I mean it goes on for 5 chapters so you get the gist. But I really encourage you to read it yourself.

I think I just need to print out these chapters and tape them to my wall so that every time I find myself wanting to have a little pity party (which I was last night), I can gain a little perspective on my life and Who it is that is in control of it. I certainly don't want to get so far gone that I have to hear God speak to me out of a storm.

All that to say - He is God and I am not and I need to trust that as long as I lean on Him, He has my life in the palm of His hand and can take care of anything that would threaten to harm me. He'll do that for you to if you know Him. 

If you don't know Him and want to, send me a message and we'll talk. I'd love to introduce you to Him. He will change your life!

P.S. The story does have a happy ending. But you'll have to read It yourself to find to what happens. I wouldn't want to spoil it for you.

I, the Doorkeeper

I am just about to finish up a 21 day  journey with the Lord. It has been challenging at times, but mostly I have really enjoyed it. The reading plan that is taking me through this journey is incredibly well done. I am seeing things in scripture that I have not seen before or am seeing them in a new light. I find myself anting to know more about what these passages mean and why they were written. With only 3 days left, today was no exception.


Here is what I read today:


Psalm 84



1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!2 My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.


3  Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God.4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah


5  Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.6 As they go through the Valley of Baca they make it a place of springs; the early rain also covers it with pools.7 They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.


8  O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer; give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah9 Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed!


10  For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.12 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!


This Psalm is so rich and full of great nuggets, but the one God spoke right in to my heart is in vs. 10. For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.


I had heard this verse many times and I always thought the doorkeeper reference was to someone who held a "lesser than "post" of some kind. Something that they were forced to do and maybe were looked down upon. Boy was I wrong. The doorkeeper was actually (in my opinion) one of the best positions in the whole temple. They were tasked with ushering people in to the temple to meet with God. They also sang and ministered to the Lord with music day and night. The only bad part of the job is that they were on a rotation and only got to do it 2 weeks out of the year (thus the reference to "a day in your courts is better than a thousand years elsewhere". He never wants his turn to end.)


As I was reading this passage, I realized that worship leaders really are the equivalent to the doorkeepers in the Old Testament. We usher people in to experience the presence of God (when we do our job right) and we have the privilege of ministering to the Lord in song.


The writer of this Psalm is reminding the readers how much more desirable it is to be in the presence of the Almighty God than to take part in the things of this world that so often seem to give pleasure but that are only fleeting and often times sinful.


So today, as I continue on my journey with God, I embrace the call to be a doorkeeper for His people. I believe that whether you call yourself a "worship leader" or not, you can still join me as a door keeper. You can daily, in your own world, let people experience the Almighty by your actions and you can minister to the Lord in praise and worship whether it is sung from the mountain tops or quietly in your heart. He just longs to be with you.


Be a doorkeeper today. It really is the best job around!

95.3%

If you follow my blog, you know that over the last months, I have been embarking on a journey that I have never been able to complete successfully in the past. I am reading through the bible in a year. Well, with about a week left in the year - I am happy to report that I am 95.3% complete (right on track according to my reading plan in YouVersion.) 

I can tell you that the ONLY reason I have bee able to complete this task (which at times was daunting) was that I had a accountability partner. Someone who was not only on this journey with me, but got an email once a week telling her how I did. Together we are finishing this race and together we will do it again next year. So, here is my challenge - if any of you want to get in on it with us, make a comment of send me a message via Facebook or email and I will put you on a list and send out instructions. It's gonna be great!

Today, my reading took me to 2 Timothy. A letter from Paul to Timothy that was written while Paul was in prison in Asia for preaching the gospel. Timothy was a young man and Paul continually encouraged and taught him in the faith of Jesus Christ. A true "mentor-mentee" relationship. In many ways that mentor legacy still lives on, many centuries after his death, as I learn and grow from reading his words in the bible. Here is what I learned from Paul today.

In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 2 Timothy 2:20-21

When I read these verses I thought I knew what they meant, but just to make sure - I looked them up in some commentaries.  Here is the gist of them: In the church there are some people who are set apart to so special things, have special impact and special purposes (gold & silver). They are set apart from the crowd of people who call themselves Christians but have little to no impact for Christ in the world around them (wood & clay.) In my mind, I picture all those who look one way at church and totally different at work or at a restaurant or at home or where ever, the rest of the week. This passage says they are common.

I guess I always knew this principle, but it is the last past that really stuck out to me - "Those who cleanse themselves from the latter (being common, being like everyone else in their day to day lives) will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master (Christ) and prepared to do any good work."

I am not sure why this struck me so powerfully today. I think maybe it is because I am becoming more aware of the people around me that are quite possibly in the wood & clay category. It makes me so sad to see and yet it makes me examine myself all the more to make sure there are no places in my life that would put me into that category. I want to totally cleanse myself of those things so that when I am looked at by God, he sees me as gold & silver, set apart for a special purpose, made holy and useful to Him.

I hope that you too want to be gold & silver in the house of the Lord. I know that each and everyone of us has things in our lives that are wood & clay. Things that hold us back from being useful for Him.

My prayer is that as we close out 2010, enter 2011 and take that backward look at our lives, as we so often do this time of year - that God would show us all those things we need to "cleanse ourselves" of to be wholly useful to Him as we go forward in our faith. I pray that He would reveal to us the special purposes He has set us apart to do and that we would jump in with both feet, no matter how daunting the challenge. 

Refuse to be normal and common in 2011. If we are joining the likes of Paul and Timothy, being different is not all that bad!

Son of...

Being adopted, genealogy has always been important to me. I have 2 - the adopted side and the biological side. Someday I will post that whole story here for you to read, but today I have other things on my mind. In my chronological Bible reading I am in 1 Chronicles at the moment and most of what I have been reading for the last week or so are lists of people. So and so the son of so and so then son of so and so, on and on it goes. You get it. One of the most interesting things about "the lists" is when it breaks off from the normal pattern and tells what this particular family of people were given to do. A lot of them were warriors, it tells whether some were archers or swordsmen. THEN you come to the Levites. They were in charge of the temple (or at that time - the tent of meeting) where the ark of the Lord was kept. In my simple mind - they were put in charge of the church building. Their sole job was to keep things functioning properly, provide assistance to the millions of Israelites who needed to come and give their various offerings and to minister to the Lord. No small task for sure!

For a long time I have been convinced that if you traced back my genealogy you would find that I am a Levite, though I am not completely sure which of my 2 lines you would find it in. 1 Chronicles seems to say quite a bit about the Levites and their duties compared to other people. I guess that is particularly interesting to me given my job at the church. Today in my reading I noted that it listed singers, priests and gatekeepers. If you want to see what their duties entailed you can read it in 1 Chron. 9. I find a lot of similarities between what they were called to do and our modern day worship, hospitality and facilities teams. Sufficed to say - they had a lot on their plates! Just like we do today. The running joke is that Sunday happens every 7 days, so when one is done - you move on to the next one.

Of course, to me (because I am one), the stand out was the singers. It says in verse 33 : Now these, the singers, the heads of fathers' houses of the Levites, were in the chambers of the temple free from other service, for they were on duty day and night. Contrary to what you may be thinking right now, I am NOT trying to use this as an excuse for all the singers reading this to get out of serving in other areas of ministry. LOL I just find it interesting that it says they were on duty 24/7. The music never stopped. They were constantly singing before the Lord (which is funny to me considering so many do not put that level of importance on music in the church today.) In my mind - that just put a whole different level of importance on what I have been called to do as a modern day Levite. Do I really consider myself "on duty" 24/7? Do I keep in the fore front of my mind the thing God created me for? I am giving Him all that He deserves when I come before Him? Am I doing it with the right heart motivation?

Lots of questions to be pondered as I prepare to lead others into His presence on a weekly basis (whether on the stage or off it!)

Everything thing the Lord has given someone to do is of importance. We all play a part. So, today, what ever YOU have been called to do to serve the Lord, and rest assured He has called you to something - think about how you are going about doing that and see if it might deserve to go to another level. He deserves nothing less than your very best. It is all for His glory!!

Therefore I exhort you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a sacrifice – alive, holy, and pleasing to God – which is your reasonable service.

Romans 12:1