Tag: evangelical

bible study, Christian, Christian Church, christian encouragement, Jesus Follower, Uncategorized

His Last Amazing Words

krisshetter

If you were to Google “Jesus’ last words” what you would get is a long list of references to Jesus’ last words on the cross and their meaning.  And while those last words are very important, if we think those were His actual last words recorded in the Bible we miss the amazing glory of who Jesus really is.  

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”

REvelation 22:16-17

Jesus wasn’t just about the physical man here on earth.  He is so much more.  The book of Revelation, written by John, reveals God’s plans and purposes for His church.  It’s is the revelation of Jesus.  According to Dr. Merrill Tenney, Jesus is the chief subject of Revelations.  Christ is the exalted priest.  And three times in the last chapter of Revelations Jesus interrupts John with His words.

These last amazing words of Jesus in the Bible are also the last of my commentary on Living Amazed through Jesus.  And appropriately so.  Looking back over all the topics they can all coalesce into two words – follow Him.  We can thank God, Jesus and His Holy Spirit every single day that the prophesy of Jesus’ return has yet to be fulfilled.  Why?  Because we still have a lot of His work to accomplished.  God is giving us an opportunity to not only get our own lives in line with Jesus’ amazing ways but to also share with as many people as possible about the savior.  

These last few words of Jesus should be at the front of every church.  Let anyone who is thirsty come and take the free gift of living water that only He can provide.  He has designed us to be His hands and feet to bring sinners into this amazing grace. 

“Indeed, when the church lives in expectancy of Christ’s return, such an attitude provokes ministry and evangelism as well as purity of heart.”

Warren Wiersbe

As I have grown in my faith, I find it odd that there are “traditional” churches and “evangelical” churches.  It’s clear in Jesus’ last (and many other teachings) Bible words we are all to take up the mantel of “evangelical.”   I was discussing this topic in one of my Bible studies the other night about sharing the gospel with others.  One friend said she doesn’t feel comfortable “opening that door” with people.  I shared how I am praying every single day for just one believer to “open that door” to my eldest daughter.  I know God is asking me to be a good example for her but I also know He is seeking someone else to bring her to Christ. 

Aren’t there numerous people in your life that you hope would accept Jesus as their savior?  It’s hypocritical of us to pray for a miracle in someone’s life if we aren’t willing to be that miracle.  

Of all the amazing things Jesus said and did throughout the Bible He was always clear on our role in God’s Kingdom.  We are to help gather up as many as possible and place them solidly in His hands.  Our job has never been to sit nicely in church, enjoy a few songs and hear a good speech.  It’s to be compelled to share His amazing love with the world.

Thank you for joining Madison and me on this journey through Living Amazed.  Please join me starting December 7 for my next series, “Hold the Line: 25 Promises of God.”

bible study, Christian, Christian Church, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

Though My Feet May Stumble

krisshetter

About 10 years ago my husband and I were asked to lead a church Bible study.  As these things go it wasn’t because we were so knowledgeable, it was because we were warm bodies.  They said we weren’t to be teachers of the study, just facilitators.  They always say that.  But you and I both know a good Bible study group has a leader that can dig deeper, draw people out into discussions, and glean insight in topics.  True to my character, I jumped in with both feet attempting to educate myself better on each topic that arose.  I found the key, however, when in these situations was to 1) identify the people in the group who were more knowledgeable and 2) know when to say “I have no idea.”  Fast forward to today.  Even right now, as I write this, I fear saying the wrong thing because I realize I’m no “esteemed theologian.”  But I do know I have the mind of Christ (2Cor 2:16).

As usual for my morning routine I got up that morning the first of July, did a couple devotionals, and took my dog for a walk.  We were about four months into the Covid lockdown. I was leading a small Bible study with friends, and in the midst of a Boldness Challenge in which I had invited about 20 people to participate.  The challenge was coming to an end in a few weeks.  As I listened to my Christian music on my walk and doing some silent praying, I heard Him speak.  “Go home right now and start a blog.”  Seriously.  Starting a blog hadn’t been on my radar.  I enjoyed just conversing with folks in my small sphere.  But, feeling challenged by God, I walked in the door, sat down at my computer and typed, “best platforms to start a blog.”  Within the hour I had created Emboldened.  I invited all my Bold Challenge buddies and a few more to follow the blog.  I started praying to the Almighty about what He wanted me to say.  In these situations, I typically find myself praying, “Whelp, this was your idea.  Now what?”

When I hit 200 visitors from about 10 different countries, I had a revelation.  “Oh crud. I have just opened myself up to judgement on a whole new scale.”   I told my Bible study girls that while it was cool it was also terrifying.    Cool because I’m using a number of my God-given gifts to reach people around the world.  Terrifying because I might slip up in my theology and harsh words will rain down. 

“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”

James 3:1

I wonder if that’s why so many of us are fearful about speaking up when talking about our faith?  Maybe we will be questioned and won’t know the answer.  Or worse yet, we might get something wrong and be harshly judged?  But God.  That’s what a fellow blogger wrote in one of my comments last week.  But God.  That statement works so well in so many situations.  We were talking about God’s mercy.  But if I truly trust God and the direction He has set in front of me, He will guide my words to be His Words.  He will take my failings and trials and make them good.  I don’t believe James is discouraging us to be teachers.  He’s letting us know we need to be prepared to speak the truth of God’s Word and in doing so we will face opposition, sometimes very cruel opposition.

“We all stumble in many ways.  Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.”

James 3:2

There’s only one person that was perfect – Jesus.  I find comfort in knowing that every single person from C.S Lewis to Charles Spurgeon and Peter to Paul and Joyce Meyer to Rick Warren stumble.  We all stumble.  But think of stumbling this way – it is a result of walking forward and not watching where we are going.  James 3 is about stumbling and refocusing our eyes on God.  When we don’t watch our tongue, when we envy others we stumble.  But when we re-focus on God we find ourselves making peace with the most unlikely people and submitting ourselves fully.

I’m glad you are on this journey with me.  When I stumble help me up and I will help you too.  No judgement, just a loving hand.

bible study, Christian, Christian Church, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

Jericho Walls Are Shaking

krisshetter

She remembered that night when she laid in her bed waiting and expecting.  Waiting and expecting her father to enter the room and sexually assault her, again.  But as she lay there she thought, “One day I will do something great.”  And great she did.  In 2005, Time magazine’s “25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America” ranked her as 17th.  She is known all over the world by her ministry and volunteer work.  Joyce Meyer overcame constant sexual abuse as a child because of hope and faith in God.

This week we looked at just one chapter in the Book of James.  Chapter one brought us front and center in how to deal with trials.  He spoke of spiritual wisdom and the wise act of listening and controlling our anger.   In just 26 sentences He stands in front of us in admonition to wake us Christians up. And show the world what trust in Jesus Christ, our savior really means.

Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves.  DO WHAT IT SAYS.

James 1:22

He goes on to say that when we leave church, after we pray each morning, or read our devotional each day we ought not to then turn out into the world and forget who we are.  We are not like everyone else.  Isn’t that what our parents told us when we wanted to go hang out with the “cool kids?”  There are expectations and responsibilities to accepting Christ.

When I was a “baby Christian” I had a conversation about church with my mom.  She is the daughter of a Baptist minister.  She hasn’t regularly attended church since she was a child.  She doesn’t pray.   She says she believes in God but anyone that knows her couldn’t tell that to be true.  She told me that when she was a child at church, she would watch all the ladies attend church dutifully.  And then, they would gossip, hate each other, complain endlessly to her father, lie, cheat, and all other manner of sin.  My mother had and still has a dim view of “Christians.”   

When we leave the doors of church or our home we mustn’t forget who we are.

How many of us live our lives fully realizing that not only is God watching how we handle trials and temptations, but our non-Christian friends and neighbors?  Do they see you getting angry and yelling and gossiping?  Do they get a sense of peace from you during difficult times?  Are you easy to talk to because they know you will listen without judgement?  And are the words you speak back coming from a Godly place?  Do you turn down offers of socializing with friends and tell them it’s because you have a Bible Study you are committed to?  Have they heard you speak about your quiet time you spend with God, praying for others?  Do you tell others you will pray for them and do it immediately, with them?  What was the last book or movie or tv show you settled into?  Was it something where you could gain wisdom of God’s ways?

While sitting and listening to God to speak through me before I sat down to write this, the song “My Father’s House” started playing over and over in my head.  

The Jericho Walls are quaking

Strongholds are shaking

Love is breaking through

When the Father’s in the room

Cory Asbury, The FAther’s House

When we invite God into our lives during hardship, when we seek His wisdom, when we listen for His voice, and act as He wants us to, we experience His strength and love.  The shackles of sin and anger, the ugliness of self-degradation and self-centeredness give way to freedom.   Freedom to see His beauty in resolving problems.  Freedom to experience joy in even the most difficult of times. 

James pulls no punches.  But he always reminds us, in the midst of admonishment, of the “why.”  

  1. We will develop maturity and perseverance
  2. We receive the “crown of life” that the Lord has promised
  3. We are given the Word of Truth so we can be “firstfruits” of all God has created
  4. We live in the righteousness that God desires for us
  5. When we rid ourselves of immorality and accept the Word planted in us, we are saved
  6. We are given freedom
  7. We will be blessed in all we do

James is not asking us to do anything more than what we ask of our employees, our children or our friends.  If we make a commitment, promise, accept a job, want a friendship, then we must work on it and act in such a way as to say we are all “in.”

My challenge for this weekend it to be fully aware of our actions and words, especially while around non-Christians.  Good luck, my prayers are with you.

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

Dirty Knees, Bountiful Harvest

krisshetter

Is there someone in your life you are praying for – praying they will know God and surrender to Jesus?  I have a few friends and family members on my prayer list that I lift up continuously to the Lord.  He is our great Harvester but as He says in Luke 10:2,

“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.”

Luke 10:2

 We don’t know who is on God’s list of the “elect” so it’s our job as His field workers to get on our knees and pray for those around us.  For when we pray, we are then opening ourselves up to direction from the Almighty.  It’s one thing to pray for ourselves – our sins, our hurts, and our needs – but those of us who have offered up ourselves to God are already saved.  Our eternal place in heaven’s field of flowers is set. So, when we plead with God for those we love, it brings about something new.

When you Google the words “Harvest Celebration” you get to the Wikipedia page, “Harvest Festival.”  It says, “Ample food and freedom from the necessity to work in the fields are two central features of harvest festivals: eating, merriment, games, music and romance are common features around the world.”  Just think how much grander the harvest festival is in the spiritual world!  God celebrates each time a new seed is planted, nurtured and brought into His ample basket.  And, as His field workers we are called to play small parts in each of those steps.

I chose this topic today to send up praise of thanksgiving to our God who loves us bountifully.  He answers our prayers fully that reflect His will.   Here’s how I know this.  This answered prayer starts with a reflection on my family.  My mother is the daughter of a Baptist minister.  She has a tenuous relationship with God, at best. Unfortunately, there weren’t field workers willing to nurture her through questions and feelings of mistrust.  She saw Christians show up to church each week and act devout then leave the church doors and sin.  My father is an atheist.  He had no upbringing in the church and no friends who shared their faith.  What little exposure they’ve had to God was through my mother’s sister who had many mental and family issues.  In spite of this, I always believed in God.  I had a friend that I occasionally attended church with but the majority of the people around me never spoke of their faith – if they had any.  I married into a devout Presbyterian family.  Boy, were they worried about me!  Funny enough, my own parents were concerned when I told them I was going to church.  Fast forward to the last few years.  My parents and I never talk about my beliefs.  I don’t hide them.  But we just have not had another conversation centered around faith since I announced I was attending church.  I asked a pastor once when I should just give up on some people – like my parents.  He said, “Oh, you never give up!  Just like God never gives up on you!”  And so, as I have surrendered my life over to Christ, I’ve started praying more for others.

After watching the amazing movie, War Room, I set up a prayer area.  On my wall I have cards filled with prayers for other people.  One of those is for my parents:

“Lord, you are the only one who can break the bonds holding my parents down.  With all your heavenly might break the tall and strong walls they have built around their hearts and minds.  Lord, grab a hold of them and pull them from the fire!”

I’ve been praying this prayer now for about a month.  The other day I added to the prayer, “Show me what part, even the smallest part, I need to do to help you accomplish this.”  That very afternoon I stopped by their house to check in on them.  My dad started talking about a book series he’s reading called, “The Saxon Series.”  It’s an historical drama set in England.  He shared that he had never understood what the “Holy Ghost” was or how the trinity worked until he read these books.  Apparently, there’s a character in the book who refers to Jesus as “the nailed God” and priest who refers to the trinity as, “Father, Son and the other guy.”  What ensued was a conversation about the role of the divine in each part of the trinity.  I shared how when Jesus was crucified, he let the disciples know that another would come in his place to be with us always – the Holy Spirit.  We talked about how much of the New Testament is written to churches who were either going astray or who needed support due to persecution.  We also talked about the roles in the Old Testament of pagan gods versus The Almighty God.  It. Was. Amazing.

Here’s the thing, I had written off my father as someone who would never come to know Jesus because he is an atheist.  I thought my mom would possibly come around because of her faith background.  But it was my father with whom I was having this conversation!

When I left the house I was stunned.  I praised God for answered prayers.  And, I thanked God for this: I was prepared.  If this conversation had come up five or ten years ago, I would not have been able to speak so confidently and easily about these topics.  God was preparing me for that day, that moment.  I know the salvation of my parents is not my responsibility.  I was just the field hand, who had been on my knees praying and pleading for God to help them.  And if I needed to play some small role, I was ready to do the work.  I will keep praying for them until either the day of their passing or the day of their surrender.

We can never know the hour God will gift us with answered prayers.  Just like I really have no idea when my green tomatoes will finally turn red and be ready for harvest.  Until then I get my knees dirty working in His name.

christian encouragement

Gather As Many As Possible

krisshetter

In a world that seems so divided do you know the one experience we will all have?  We will all die.  Sounds uplifting doesn’t it?  And although God doesn’t want us to dwell on our impending death, He does want us to know the truth of our life – that one day it will end.  We won’t know the day, the time or even the how, but it will assuredly happen.  It will happen to the ones we love and the ones we hate. The ones we’ve forgiven and the ones we just can’t seem to.  It’ll happen to the rich, the poor, the Christian and the non-Christian.  And yet, so many of us live our life as though this is not inevitable.

The statement, “Fear the Lord” is frequently misunderstood.  The Bible constantly clarifies this with meaning to obey and believe the Word of God.  Like a parent setting down the rules of the house and expecting compliance, a child fears the correction or lack of freedoms disobeying their parents may bring. The child also knows that obeying and respecting his parents brings a more peaceful and joy-filled household. Knowing that our hour of death will come we should have this same reverence for what God expects of us during our brief time on His earth.  We share a common destiny here on earth but not in eternity.

I had an interesting interaction on social media recently.  A Los Angeles ministry, Saturate OC, posted an amazing picture featuring thousands of people attending their new outdoor beach ministry.  Hundreds were baptized.  And yet, I knew in the comments what was to come.  “People are dying from Covid! This is irresponsible!” and “Shame on these people! What about Covid!” But one person kept answering: “Focus on the eternal.”  No argument, just that statement.  Focus on the eternal.

You may be reading this thinking how irresponsible that is.  Let’s put this in perspective.  I have lived 54 of my 55 years in California.  It’s a pretty tough place to be a full-blooded Christian.  Talk about living “not of this world!”  Unlike the Missouri environment my youngest daughter lives in which sees it as normal to pray in restaurants, California and many Californian’s don’t see God as a necessary and integral part of life.  In fact, there’s a lot of disdain for people who “need God.” So, when I saw this picture, I saw hope.  I saw God’s work.  I saw love.  I saw people being saved – for the preparation of their unknown hour of their death.  

Right now, on our California freeways a plea is posted about DUIs.  It states that almost 3,500 Californians died in DUI related traffic accidents last year.  That’s almost the same number of people who have died from the Covid virus in California.  When you look at who is dying from Covid you’ll see that about 75% of those are aged 70 and up.  Looking at who dies more frequently from DUI related deaths the population most effected are 21-34 year olds.  The picture I saw on that beach was exactly that demographic.  So, my question to the grandmother who posted her comment that these people were being so irresponsible was this – you say you have “your ticket to heaven already” but you would deny it to these young people?  These young people who have more of a chance of dying on their way home from the beach from a drunk driver than from the virus?  We would deny them the opportunity to be baptized.  Deny them the Word of God and the community of Christians that will support them through viruses, lost jobs, deaths of loved ones, broken hearts, and more?  You could argue these people might go to see their grandmothers and infect them and kill them.  Isn’t that where the true choices must come in to play?  

Saturate OC founders Parker and Jessi Green heard God call them to bring the collective body of believers together to share the gospel at the beach.  They were told, “There’s a 50,000 person harvest in Huntington Beach during Summer 2020.  Pray for workers.”  Who are we, especially as Christians, to question and distrust the work of God?  Think of the amazing work we, as a Christian body, could have been doing these last few months had we had the same faith.  The same “faith over fear?”  The same desire to share the gospel with hundreds of people – ALL of whom will face death at some point.

Yes, God asks us to be discerning.  But He also asks us to trust Him.  I will never be disdainful and pass judgement on God’s work of bringing people to their knees in prayer and worship.  I will always say “hallelujah” when He works in places that have refused Him.  I will trust that this work is good and He will take care of the outcomes.  One other person commented, “But many Christians who trusted God have died.”  We all will die.  Thank God they died loving God and having accepted Christ as their savior.  One day I hope to meet them all in Heaven.