Thanks to those of you stopping by from The Point Ministries after reading my faith story, and if you'd like to read it you can find it HERE. This post ties in with that story quite well and if your faith story has yet to begin, I pray God will use these words to draw you closer to Himself.
The title of this post is not a question you hear everyday, but it's one we'd better have answered come the day.
With the recent passing of my grandma and my children's countless questions, this is something we've talked about - heaven, how we get there, what it will be like...with 5 little people, we've covered about every angle possible!
Awhile back I was visiting with a friend and she shared a conversation she'd had with a loved one. For the sake of this post, I'll call my friend Denise and her loved one, Carol.
Carol was sick and it had been on Denise's heart to talk with her friend, she felt the need to know that Carol was going to heaven. So finally Denise made the trip to Carol's house; they enjoyed a great visit and she finally shared, "I know we're not supposed to get into other people's business, but I have a question for you - Are you going to heaven?"
Carol simply responded, "I hope so."
Denise then replied, "Carol, did you know you can KNOW you are going to heaven? You don't have to wait and wonder. There's no need to worry about what lies ahead. It's simple really...you have to admit you're a sinner."
Carol was listening, shook her head and quietly whispered, "Oh yes, I am a sinner. We all do wrong."
Denise continued, "Carol, you have to believe that God sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for you on the cross and then He rose from the dead."
Carol again shook her head and said, "I believe that, I learned about it years ago in Sunday School."
Denise continued, "Great! Finally you must confess that Jesus is your Lord and Savior! He is the Way!"
Carol bowed her head and did just that.
Denise said it was a precious, precious time.
Friend, I share this story with you because if I was to be bold like Denise and ask you this question, I would love to hear you say, "YES!" But more importantly, someday God will ask you a similar question and friends our good works, church attendance or abilities are not going to get us to heaven.
Like my friend Denise shared, we must -
A - Admit we are a sinner - Romans 3:22-24 - This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
B - Believe - John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
C - Confess our sins and faith in Christ - Romans 10:9-10 - If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
If this is something you want to do, there's no formal process to complete or paperwork to fill out, simply share your heart with Jesus. It may sound something like this -
Lord God, I admit that I'm a sinner and I ask you to forgive me. I believe You sent your Son, Jesus, to die for me and I believe you raised Him from the dead. I accept Him now as my personal Savior and confess that He is Lord of my life. In Jesus name, Amen
Friend if this leaves you with questions, I am praying you will ask them! I encourage you to talk with your pastor, a Christian friend or send me a message at jillberan@yahoo.com. If Jesus is knocking on the door of your heart let Him in! (Revelations 3:20)
And if this post is a reminder of the eternal home you are looking forward to I encourage you to thank God for the relationship you have with Jesus and future you have with Him!!
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
In Honor of Grandma B
Last week I did something I never thought I could...I spoke at my grandma's funeral. I was the one standing, but God was the One who strengthened me. Philippians 4:13 is true...God strengthens us to do all things! Anyway, a few people have asked for a copy of the message I shared, so I thought I'd share my words here. If you knew my grandma I pray they bring back some wonderful memories and if not, I hope they remind you of someone you loved. But most of all, I'm asking God to use them to speak to your heart and encourage you to be someone like Grandma B who made a difference with the life she lived.
Family and friends today we’re gathered together to celebrate G’ma B. Obviously she was a woman loved by many and I’m grateful there is much we can remember. There were sleepovers from our childhood that included picking eggs, bubble baths, trips to town and fun on the farm, butchering chickens, late night bowls of ice cream, 4-H projects, the Dukes car, Christmas was always a time of celebration. And with G'ma around you could count on some teasing, always some laughs and plenty of fun.
She was known for her apple pies and revel bars, baby blankets and ice cream cake roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, for her smile and her stories. She was proud of her Norwegian ancestry and loved to her the grandkids say, “Uffda!” She was a woman who always put others before herself. She enjoyed reading the newspaper and taking trips to Branson.
There are the lessons she taught and skills she passed on - she taught me to sew, make apple sauce and rhubarb jam, to can tomato juice, she showed me how to care for a new baby, she did the same for others too - one granddaughter even said, “I think she saved my child’s life!”, she taught some of you to make mints, garden, and do embroidery, she helped teach us right from wrong and showed us how to love… She has left a legacy!
We also remember the woman she was…a farmer at heart, during her last hospital stay the Chaplin asked for prayer requests and her words - “pray for the poor farmers as they struggle to plant with all the rain.” She had the gift of hospitality…even in her final days she made sure there were cookies for all and treats for the kids. Grandma was supportive…basketball was not her hobby, but since her grandchildren played she often found herself at games. The same is true for wrestling, football and softball. She was one who loved to serve…her family, her church, the community, her God. She loved to give of her time, talents and treasure. She had a heart of compassion and full of love. Grandma was a hard worker…milking cows, raising a family…cleaning, cooking, doing yard work, painting her house - if there was a job to do; she did it well. I recall Linda telling her, “Mom, don’t you know OSHA has laws - breaks are mandatory, they’re not an option!” She was strong…she pressed on after G’pa passed, she came back from her knee replacements and fought cancer to the end. G’ma is a woman who was always prepared…she wrote birthday cards at the start of each month, did her Christmas shopping in July, if not before and holiday meals were always prepared with perfection! She set an example I pray I can follow!
This past week I was reminded of the most important preparations she had made…in my final conversation with her she shared the details of her night, exchanged smiles with my little boy and assured me she was glad it was her and not one of the little ones. Then she told me “we’re all born and we’re all going to die, we have to take it as it comes” and I responded, “I’m thankful we have a heavenly Father who has everything in control.” She nodded and said, “I’m ready, I’m ready.” I then asked if I could pray, she said, “Sure.” I spoke the words and God provided the peace.
In her final days, we all saw who G’ma was - a woman who loved family and lived her faith. In the end, her stuff was just that and the things she’d always done, she could no longer do, but her family they were there caring for her, doing what she’d always done. Though she was dying, I believe she was treasuring those moments.
I’ve been told some of her final words were in response to the Lord’s prayer, a sign of her faith and a reminder of what and Who was carrying her through. Grandma knew the Bible stories she’d read to us and more importantly knew Jesus, the One God sent to save us. She had the hope of heaven and the same God that’s carried her home is the One carrying us through. Because of my relationship with Him, I look forward to seeing Grandma again!
Our memories are good and stories are fun, but there are words that are more powerful, so I want to take a minute and read a few verses from a book that G’ma held dear, her Bible-
First from Romans 10:9-10, the reason we have HOPE in a time like this, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved."
Next from 2 Timothy 4:7 - Words that remind me of what G’ma did and what she'd want us to do, ""I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful."
To close, words from 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, ones that talk about what we need and what God wants to provide - "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ."
Finally, words from a poem titled, "It’s Time” -
It’s time –
for us to grieve and cry and
for you to smile and rejoice.
We miss a woman we love,
but for you the pain is gone.
It’s time –
for us to mourn the life that was lost and
for you to see the ones you’ve missed.
You’re no longer with us,
but you’ll forever be with ones you love.
It’s time –
for us to say, “Good-bye” and
for you to say, “Hello.”
We will tell our grandma farewell,
but you’ll see Jesus face to face.
It’s time –
for us to wait and wonder and
for you to know what is to come.
I look forward to heaven
knowing you will meet me there.
Grandma, I love you; I miss you and I thank God for you!
Family and friends today we’re gathered together to celebrate G’ma B. Obviously she was a woman loved by many and I’m grateful there is much we can remember. There were sleepovers from our childhood that included picking eggs, bubble baths, trips to town and fun on the farm, butchering chickens, late night bowls of ice cream, 4-H projects, the Dukes car, Christmas was always a time of celebration. And with G'ma around you could count on some teasing, always some laughs and plenty of fun.
She was known for her apple pies and revel bars, baby blankets and ice cream cake roll, mashed potatoes and gravy, for her smile and her stories. She was proud of her Norwegian ancestry and loved to her the grandkids say, “Uffda!” She was a woman who always put others before herself. She enjoyed reading the newspaper and taking trips to Branson.
There are the lessons she taught and skills she passed on - she taught me to sew, make apple sauce and rhubarb jam, to can tomato juice, she showed me how to care for a new baby, she did the same for others too - one granddaughter even said, “I think she saved my child’s life!”, she taught some of you to make mints, garden, and do embroidery, she helped teach us right from wrong and showed us how to love… She has left a legacy!
We also remember the woman she was…a farmer at heart, during her last hospital stay the Chaplin asked for prayer requests and her words - “pray for the poor farmers as they struggle to plant with all the rain.” She had the gift of hospitality…even in her final days she made sure there were cookies for all and treats for the kids. Grandma was supportive…basketball was not her hobby, but since her grandchildren played she often found herself at games. The same is true for wrestling, football and softball. She was one who loved to serve…her family, her church, the community, her God. She loved to give of her time, talents and treasure. She had a heart of compassion and full of love. Grandma was a hard worker…milking cows, raising a family…cleaning, cooking, doing yard work, painting her house - if there was a job to do; she did it well. I recall Linda telling her, “Mom, don’t you know OSHA has laws - breaks are mandatory, they’re not an option!” She was strong…she pressed on after G’pa passed, she came back from her knee replacements and fought cancer to the end. G’ma is a woman who was always prepared…she wrote birthday cards at the start of each month, did her Christmas shopping in July, if not before and holiday meals were always prepared with perfection! She set an example I pray I can follow!
This past week I was reminded of the most important preparations she had made…in my final conversation with her she shared the details of her night, exchanged smiles with my little boy and assured me she was glad it was her and not one of the little ones. Then she told me “we’re all born and we’re all going to die, we have to take it as it comes” and I responded, “I’m thankful we have a heavenly Father who has everything in control.” She nodded and said, “I’m ready, I’m ready.” I then asked if I could pray, she said, “Sure.” I spoke the words and God provided the peace.
In her final days, we all saw who G’ma was - a woman who loved family and lived her faith. In the end, her stuff was just that and the things she’d always done, she could no longer do, but her family they were there caring for her, doing what she’d always done. Though she was dying, I believe she was treasuring those moments.
I’ve been told some of her final words were in response to the Lord’s prayer, a sign of her faith and a reminder of what and Who was carrying her through. Grandma knew the Bible stories she’d read to us and more importantly knew Jesus, the One God sent to save us. She had the hope of heaven and the same God that’s carried her home is the One carrying us through. Because of my relationship with Him, I look forward to seeing Grandma again!
Our memories are good and stories are fun, but there are words that are more powerful, so I want to take a minute and read a few verses from a book that G’ma held dear, her Bible-
First from Romans 10:9-10, the reason we have HOPE in a time like this, "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved."
Next from 2 Timothy 4:7 - Words that remind me of what G’ma did and what she'd want us to do, ""I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful."
To close, words from 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, ones that talk about what we need and what God wants to provide - "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ."
Finally, words from a poem titled, "It’s Time” -
It’s time –
for us to grieve and cry and
for you to smile and rejoice.
We miss a woman we love,
but for you the pain is gone.
It’s time –
for us to mourn the life that was lost and
for you to see the ones you’ve missed.
You’re no longer with us,
but you’ll forever be with ones you love.
It’s time –
for us to say, “Good-bye” and
for you to say, “Hello.”
We will tell our grandma farewell,
but you’ll see Jesus face to face.
It’s time –
for us to wait and wonder and
for you to know what is to come.
I look forward to heaven
knowing you will meet me there.
Grandma, I love you; I miss you and I thank God for you!
 |
| Letting go of her hand, but holding onto the memories! |
Thursday, June 20, 2013
When the tears fall...
 |
| July 2001 - Tears of Joy - June 2013 - Tears of Pain |
Tuesday was the funeral and honestly I did something I NEVER thought I would -
I spoke, shared from my heart and cried in front of a church that was full.
It was something God had put on my heart when I finally accepted she wasn't going to get better like she always had. It was something I shared with my husband minutes before receiving the call. I know that was God's timing...had I not told Job, I'm not sure I would have obeyed, but instead early Saturday morning I told my mom, "If they ask if anyone wants to share, I think I do."
I hung up the phone, thinking - What did I just say? I began to pray that God would give me the message, the time to prepare and most importantly the strength to share. And He did. I truly believe He was at work planting seeds...in my heart and in the listener's as well.
Numerous people told me, "I could never do that!" My words, "I couldn't do it either...God did that."
I'm grateful I was obedient, God taught me much, drew me close and proved Himself faithful yet again.
But yesterday after receiving another message about making Grandma B proud, I lost it. My thoughts were no longer on God's goodness, faithfulness and power; no, they were on my loss. I thought, "She's not even here. What difference did they make? She's still gone."
I sat and cried, missing the woman I'd shared so much about. Like my little Jaylyn said, "It's going to be different without Grandma B." All day I was a bit numb to the world around me, finding myself consumed with grief.
I put the kids to bed and as my husband planted beans, I decided to call it a day. My head hit the pillow, a blanket my grandma had made covered me and again the tears began to fall.
Then God reminded me of words I'd shared, "Grandma knew the Bible stories she’d read to us and more importantly she knew Jesus, the One God sent to save us. She had the hope of heaven and the same God that’s carried her home is the One carrying us through. Because of my relationship with Him, I look forward to seeing her again!"
With that, He also brought to mind the only powerful words I'd spoken, ones that come from HIS Word -
Romans 10:9-10 - "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved."
My grandma had done this...she knew she was going to heaven. I can rest knowing she is there. (Doesn't make the tears stop, but does provide peace!)
2 Timothy 4:7 - "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful."
These words describe my grandma well and it's what she would want me to do. Lord, help me do it!
Finally, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 - "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ."
With this I was reminded that God can comfort me because He knows what it's like to lose someone He loves. During these hard days and in the sadness, He wants me to draw close, not push away. Grandma is safe with Him, and really I am too.
As my tears fell, He answered the question I'd asked earlier in the day, "What difference did they (my words) make?" In my pain, they provided TRUTH. They served as a reminder of WHO was my strength - God had helped me do something I never thought I could do the day before and now He was reminding me He could do the same in the days to come. He'd strengthened me to share words I never imagined I could speak and He was assuring me He'd do the same as I faced the future without someone I love.
Now another day is coming to an end and the tears are falling again. Though my vision is blurred, my eyes are on Him. I trust Him. I choose to believe Him. He says He will comfort me, so I'm praying I will receive what He wants to offer.
Friends, would you join me in praying for the same? Grandma B left behind 6 children, 15 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great children and many others who loved her dearly who may just be crying themselves to sleep tonight...they need His comfort too! Thank you!
Sunday, June 16, 2013
"It's Time"
Yesterday my grandma passed away...I can't describe all the emotions that I feel, and my kids do too. But even in the pain, I'm grateful for the whispers from God and the reminders of His love and presence.
This is a time that's hard and full of tears. But as my grandma told me a week ago, "We're all born and we're all going to die...we have to take it as it comes." We hear something similar in Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, "For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest."
That reality brings these words to mind -
“It’s Time”
It’s time –
for us to grieve and cry and
for you to smile and rejoice.
We miss a woman we love,
but for you the pain is gone.
It’s time –
for us to mourn the life that was lost and
for you to see the ones you’ve missed.
You’re no longer with us,
but you’ll forever be with ones you love.
It’s time –
for us to say, “Good-bye” and
for you to say, “Hello.”
We will tell our grandma farewell,
but you’ll see Jesus face to face.
It’s time –
for us to wait and wonder and
for you to know what is to come.
We look forward to heaven
It’s time –
for us to grieve and cry and
for you to smile and rejoice.
We miss a woman we love,
but for you the pain is gone.
It’s time –
for us to mourn the life that was lost and
for you to see the ones you’ve missed.
You’re no longer with us,
but you’ll forever be with ones you love.
It’s time –
for us to say, “Good-bye” and
for you to say, “Hello.”
We will tell our grandma farewell,
but you’ll see Jesus face to face.
It’s time –
for us to wait and wonder and
for you to know what is to come.
We look forward to heaven
knowing you will meet us there.
Friends, thank you for the prayers you prayed for my grandma as she fought the fight with cancer. Now, I ask for your prayers for the family as we walk through our battle with grief. Thank you and God bless.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
I kind of feel like David...
I've been struggling...my grandma, a woman I love and one who's impacted me greatly, is in a battle with cancer. Over the past two weeks things have changed quickly and now her body is slowly shutting down. Doctors and nurses have predicted she has X amount of time left, but we are being reminded only God really knows the number of her days.
During this time of waiting and wondering, I grieve, I cry, I pray and I remember. I remember so many things - sleepovers, ice cream before bed, shopping trips, picking eggs, teaching her about basketball, her teaching me to sew, her apple pies, her stays when we brought a new baby home, the way she teased and made me laugh, lessons on making tomato juice and rhubarb jam, her baby blankets, holiday meals, Christmas at her house... I'm thankful for the memories, the lessons and the love.
I also remember who my grandma was - a woman with a heart to serve, a gift of hospitality and ability to love. She has touched many lives and blessed many people, I'm grateful to be one. She's a woman who was strong, diligent and willing to help. She set an example, I pray I can follow.
I think about the things I will miss - stopping by for a visit and always having lunch, calling her with a question when I'm in the kitchen, her stories from the past, her apple pie and strawberry jam, birthday cards, watching her love on my kids and I'm sure the list will grow in the weeks to come.
These thoughts, they make me sad, but I know they are part of life. In the last conversation I had with my grandma she said, "We're all born and we're all going to die. We have to take it as it comes." I agree with her statement, but the fact that it's a reality doesn't make it any easier.
As I feel myself getting hit by waves of grief and emotion, I've thought of David. In 2 Samuel 12, David's son is dying and he pleads with God to spare the boy's life. For a week, David fasts, grieves and pleads with God. While the boy is dying, he's aware God could still perform a miracle. He has hope that what seems inevitable could change.
Friend, I feel the same way...the medical world assures us my grandma doesn't have much time left on this earth, but I believe God, my heavenly Father, could use His resurrecting power and heal her. Just because I believe that and my kids continue to pray for it doesn't mean He will. Regardless of the outcome, I trust Him and His plan.
If He chooses to call her home, I hope and pray I will continue to feel like David....After the baby died, his attendants were concerned David would do something desperate, but instead read what happens, "Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes,he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.
During this time of waiting and wondering, I grieve, I cry, I pray and I remember. I remember so many things - sleepovers, ice cream before bed, shopping trips, picking eggs, teaching her about basketball, her teaching me to sew, her apple pies, her stays when we brought a new baby home, the way she teased and made me laugh, lessons on making tomato juice and rhubarb jam, her baby blankets, holiday meals, Christmas at her house... I'm thankful for the memories, the lessons and the love.
I also remember who my grandma was - a woman with a heart to serve, a gift of hospitality and ability to love. She has touched many lives and blessed many people, I'm grateful to be one. She's a woman who was strong, diligent and willing to help. She set an example, I pray I can follow.
I think about the things I will miss - stopping by for a visit and always having lunch, calling her with a question when I'm in the kitchen, her stories from the past, her apple pie and strawberry jam, birthday cards, watching her love on my kids and I'm sure the list will grow in the weeks to come.
These thoughts, they make me sad, but I know they are part of life. In the last conversation I had with my grandma she said, "We're all born and we're all going to die. We have to take it as it comes." I agree with her statement, but the fact that it's a reality doesn't make it any easier.
As I feel myself getting hit by waves of grief and emotion, I've thought of David. In 2 Samuel 12, David's son is dying and he pleads with God to spare the boy's life. For a week, David fasts, grieves and pleads with God. While the boy is dying, he's aware God could still perform a miracle. He has hope that what seems inevitable could change.
Friend, I feel the same way...the medical world assures us my grandma doesn't have much time left on this earth, but I believe God, my heavenly Father, could use His resurrecting power and heal her. Just because I believe that and my kids continue to pray for it doesn't mean He will. Regardless of the outcome, I trust Him and His plan.
If He chooses to call her home, I hope and pray I will continue to feel like David....After the baby died, his attendants were concerned David would do something desperate, but instead read what happens, "Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes,he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house, and at his request they served him food, and he ate.
His attendants asked him, “Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!”
He answered, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, ‘Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.’ But now that he is dead, why should I go on fasting? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.” (2 Samuel 12:20-23)
Friend, once my grandma breathes her last the same will be true for me...I can't bring her back, but the other day she assured me she was ready and because of a relationship with Jesus myself, I am too. So even though the tears fall now and the immediate future will probably include more sadness, I know I too will go to her in heaven.
I'm thankful for the hope I have in Christ, but I also appreciate the prayers from my brothers and sisters in Christ. So if God puts it on your heart to pray for my grandma, her 6 children, 15 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and even a few great-greats I would be forever grateful!
 |
| Grandma B and all the Biwer great grands! |
Me, A Gifted Girl?
Growing up I was never in the Talented and Gift program. And I was never the natural athlete on the team. Did that mean I didn't have success in the classroom or on the court? No, I worked hard and was even able to earn some awards. Because of this, I developed a bit of a mentality that effort is more important than my ability.
This philosophy was being developed in the days before I knew Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior, but these thoughts were not erased when I accepted Christ. Though God has done some work in this area, yesterday I was reminded He is not yet finished.
During a conversation with a friend, one whom I respect and look up to, words I didn't expect were spoken. She said, "Jill, you have a giftedness..." and then she went on to suggest a way for me to use that gift.
I didn't know what to say...she was verbalizing what God has been whispering, but that insecure girl in me, the one who always thought she was never quite good enough and became a Christian who's struggled with thoughts of not being worthy of all God wants to offer, she came back and wanted to doubt.
That doubt led to thoughts...
I couldn't do that. Friend, you're the one with the gift...you'd do so much better. Who am I to step out and do what does not come natural? Even if I do, others may think I'm prideful, the humble thing is to step back and stay behind the scenes.
Friend, I had to remind myself these thoughts, they really have a better name...they are lies. Lies that Satan wants us to believe to keep us from doing what God created us to do.
Over the last month, I've been researching and studying what it means to believe and God's been challenging me to live out my beliefs. I've learned that faith (belief) does something with Truth (God's Word).
So as I struggled with the idea of me having a gift, I opened my Bible. Here are a few of the verses I found -
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 4:10-11a
"Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you." 1 Timothy 4:14
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
I've claimed the Bible is true and have confessed to believe it, perhaps you have to, but we must remember there is more...we must live it. James 2:17 tells us, "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
God's Word tells us He's given us gifts and it instructs us to use the gifts. God, the Creator of life, even tells us why we must be who He created us to be...to bring Him glory. This motivates me, how about you?
The question is, "Does it motivate me (and you) enough to not just accept the gift He's given, but use it too?"
I'd love to hear your thoughts! And in closing, I'd like to encourage you to do what my friend did...today share with someone the gift you see in them. I believe God can use your words to speak life in the same powerful way He used my friend's.
This philosophy was being developed in the days before I knew Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior, but these thoughts were not erased when I accepted Christ. Though God has done some work in this area, yesterday I was reminded He is not yet finished.
During a conversation with a friend, one whom I respect and look up to, words I didn't expect were spoken. She said, "Jill, you have a giftedness..." and then she went on to suggest a way for me to use that gift.
I didn't know what to say...she was verbalizing what God has been whispering, but that insecure girl in me, the one who always thought she was never quite good enough and became a Christian who's struggled with thoughts of not being worthy of all God wants to offer, she came back and wanted to doubt.
That doubt led to thoughts...
I couldn't do that. Friend, you're the one with the gift...you'd do so much better. Who am I to step out and do what does not come natural? Even if I do, others may think I'm prideful, the humble thing is to step back and stay behind the scenes.
Friend, I had to remind myself these thoughts, they really have a better name...they are lies. Lies that Satan wants us to believe to keep us from doing what God created us to do.
Over the last month, I've been researching and studying what it means to believe and God's been challenging me to live out my beliefs. I've learned that faith (belief) does something with Truth (God's Word).
So as I struggled with the idea of me having a gift, I opened my Bible. Here are a few of the verses I found -
"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 4:10-11a
"Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you." 1 Timothy 4:14
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
I've claimed the Bible is true and have confessed to believe it, perhaps you have to, but we must remember there is more...we must live it. James 2:17 tells us, "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
God's Word tells us He's given us gifts and it instructs us to use the gifts. God, the Creator of life, even tells us why we must be who He created us to be...to bring Him glory. This motivates me, how about you?
The question is, "Does it motivate me (and you) enough to not just accept the gift He's given, but use it too?"
I'd love to hear your thoughts! And in closing, I'd like to encourage you to do what my friend did...today share with someone the gift you see in them. I believe God can use your words to speak life in the same powerful way He used my friend's.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
There will be a day...
"There will be a day" is a phrase that has run through my mind lately, put there by circumstances in my life and two powerful songs. Jeremy Camp has one titled the same as this post and Cheri Keaggy has one titled, "There Will Be One Day." Each of these songs speak to the fact that one day there won't be anymore death, suffering, pain, fear, trials... All the things we try to avoid will be no more; that is a day we can look forward to!
But friend, as I've listened to these songs and looked forward to what heaven holds, I've had a new thought. When this day arrives, there will be opportunities that are gone as well. Opportunities to share my faith and confess my sins. A chance to witness to ones I love and ask for forgiveness from the ones I've hurt.
It's true, these days which bring stress to a farmer, ones full of rain and worry about when to plant will be gone. That's a reason to rejoice, but there's also a lesson here as well...one day the opportunity to plant seeds of faith, ones we know God will grow, will be extinct also. That's a reason to use our time wisely and do what God asks us to do!
When that one day comes, we'll be grateful the suffering is done and the trials are over. News of cancer won't bring us to our knees and tragedy will not take the ones we love, oh what a day that will be! But friend, if the ones we love don't KNOW the One who loves us that day will separate us forever. So yet another lesson...though illness and accidents can hurt the ones we love, don't forget they can open a door for us to talk about what, no Who, really matters.
I believe it's good to be excited about and look forward to that day, but at the same time we must remember to make the most of this day. Rather than longing for what lies ahead or waiting for the pain to end what can you do to prepare yourself, or someone else, for the day we know is coming?
But friend, as I've listened to these songs and looked forward to what heaven holds, I've had a new thought. When this day arrives, there will be opportunities that are gone as well. Opportunities to share my faith and confess my sins. A chance to witness to ones I love and ask for forgiveness from the ones I've hurt.
It's true, these days which bring stress to a farmer, ones full of rain and worry about when to plant will be gone. That's a reason to rejoice, but there's also a lesson here as well...one day the opportunity to plant seeds of faith, ones we know God will grow, will be extinct also. That's a reason to use our time wisely and do what God asks us to do!
When that one day comes, we'll be grateful the suffering is done and the trials are over. News of cancer won't bring us to our knees and tragedy will not take the ones we love, oh what a day that will be! But friend, if the ones we love don't KNOW the One who loves us that day will separate us forever. So yet another lesson...though illness and accidents can hurt the ones we love, don't forget they can open a door for us to talk about what, no Who, really matters.
I believe it's good to be excited about and look forward to that day, but at the same time we must remember to make the most of this day. Rather than longing for what lies ahead or waiting for the pain to end what can you do to prepare yourself, or someone else, for the day we know is coming?
"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day
your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house
had known at what time of night the thief was coming,
he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.
So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man
will come at an hour when you do not expect Him."
Matthew 24:42-44
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)