Tag: Jesus

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

The Arresting Officer

krisshetter

As I sit here in my comfortable, middle-class, suburban home it’s hard for me to imagine living where rioting and violence have taken over cities in America.  Now mind you, my neighborhood is very diverse. On my block alone live people from India, China, Philippines, Samoa, Puerto Rico, and Mexico — and there’s only 18 houses. What connects the tumultuous cities are a number of characteristics but what shocks me the most is the concept of “defunding the police.”  There’s a lot of counterintuitive-ness going on in the world the last 10 years.  What seems good and right, now is apparently bad and evil and vice versa.  Loving your country and standing for its national anthem is evil but wanting to turn to Marxism, which only has ever brought about human suffering is good.  A white woman screaming in a black police officer’s face about racism is good but a statue commemorating President Lincoln signing the emancipation proclamation is bad. Thank God I live under God’s plan which is steady and true.

Praise God that he takes the most unlikely people – ones who have created chaos and violence – and changes them.  He is the “Super Cop.”  He ferrets out those who hide in shadows doing evil.  And he has no fear in standing in front of the powerful and saying, “you’re coming with me.”

I have a lot of respect for the police.  Even though I once told my two police officer friends, “Sometimes cops are real jerks!” (and they agreed with me) I still value the difficult and varied roles they are asked to play in our society.  For many years I was a security substitute in our local high schools.  The role of high school security staff is many fold.  We would ensure the morning drop off went smoothy in the parking lot as crazed parents cut each other off and cursed at one another.  We then closed up the campus making sure the only people on campus were authorized to be there.  We patrolled the campus – keeping kids in class and strangers out of the school.  But we also counseled students.  There’s the “always late” students who typically come from difficult homes.  The student who you find weeping in the bathroom because of a romance failure or a parent who has left the family were not unusual circumstances.  We were involved in altercations between students and staff which created opportunities to delve deeper into a student’s anger.  I imagine a city police officer experiences these and much, much more.  There are many difficult and dangerous situations they face and there are some uplifting moments in which it makes it all worthwhile.  When I see a college educated, privileged person screaming in the face of a police officer who is doing their duty to protect our cities it makes me want to weep for both.

A black officer listens while a white protester calls him a racist.

Saul was a violent and angry man.  His terror and violence against followers of Jesus was legendary.  He took comfort in the Law of God.  He thought of Jesus as being from satan, the false prophet.  So, he intended to eliminate this “dangerous sect” before it destroyed the Jewish faith.  But God met him on the road to Damascus and arrested him.  One of the definitions of “arrest” is “to bring to a stop.”  When God’s holy light flashed on him, he fell to the ground.  The men with him were speechless.  Saul knew immediately it was from the holy realm and asked, “Who are you, Lord?”  Jesus replied, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”  Wow, the authority in that statement!  Instead of handcuffs placed on Saul he was blinded.  He had to be led into the city.  For three days he sat in the jail of darkness and did not eat or drink anything (Acts 9:9).

But God sent another of his officers to release Saul from jail.  The disciple Ananias was told by Jesus to go to Saul and anoint him.  He hesitated at first, knowing Saul’s reputation.  When he entered the house, he placed his hands on Saul and called on the name of Jesus to fill him with the Holy Spirit.  Immediately Saul could see and was freed.  

How many times do we need to be “arrested by God” to finally see what life He wants for us?  Some of us have seen the inside of life’s jail for far too many years.  We justify our actions because it’s what the world wants from us.  Or we twist the meanings of God’s Word to suit our actions.  Like the city cop who knows the neighborhood junkie by name, God knows our names too.  That cop has given so much help and advice to the junkie but he keeps going back to what hurts him or may even kill him.  Jesus keeps putting His hand out to you and me.  When He shines that light on us as we stumble in the dark alleys let’s grasp Him and let Him pull us free.

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

The Man With A Plan

krisshetter

I don’t know if you’re like me but when I go into any situation, I’m always asking, “what’s the plan?”  There’s that Martha popping up in me again!  I’m an action-oriented, goal-centered, outcome-driven creature.  That’s not bad.  Through numerous human resources training sessions I’ve come to realize the different characters in a well-oiled team.  And, as a person comfortable with leading, I’ve needed to see all the beautiful ways people contribute toward accomplishing a goal.  You have the worker bees, idea creators, empathizers, suspicious minds, change resistors, change lovers, and number crunchers.  But there always needs to be a “man with a plan.”  Of course, not necessarily a man.  But a person who has a vision – an overarching goal or purpose to why we all have gathered.  Apple founder Steve Jobs was one such leader.  On leadership he said,

“Technology is nothing.  What’s important is that you have faith in people, that they’re basically good and smart, and if you give them tools, they’ll do wonderful things with them.”

Steve Jobs

At the end of Mr. Jobs’ life I don’t know how he felt about God but he was channeling God’s leadership ideas.  God is the Man with the Ultimate Plan.  Praise God that He is our fearless leader.   In Romans 8:28, the disciple Paul writes: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  Notice God calls meetings and has a purpose in mind?  As believers we are working in concert with God’s purposes.  He pulls together teams to accomplish His visions for His world.  So, when we are called into the office, we bring our various talents and characteristics. 

It’s a dangerous mistake for us to look at other Christians working for God’s purpose and compare ourselves to them.  Yes, we can all learn from each other about how to better trust and obey God.  But being a believer doesn’t erase our basic tendencies or talents or abilities.  At my most recent church I volunteered for the Come Build Hope team.  This program facilitated building an average of 10 houses in Mexico each year.  In the bulletin was posted the need for a registrar.  That was right up my alley.  I’m very organized, computer savvy, and communicate well with volunteers.  The other two key members of the team were grateful because those aren’t their talents.  One was a building specialist.  One was the vision and money person.  We made a great team.  Mostly because we were also God-centered.  Our big and many small decisions were based on Jesus’ teachings.  He was always on our minds and hearts.  It’s not that everything went smoothly, it’s that we were able to work out all problems great and small as a team.   

I’ve found when I place God as my team leader and look to Him for guidance, comfort, encouragement and peace my life seems to go in a much clearer direction.  It’s when I try to wrestle back control that it jumps the tracks.  I also know that when circumstances around me start to go awry I can look to Him to take me through the storm.  There are many major companies that have failed to weather financial, political or other storms due to lack of good leadership.  Trials and tests will come to everyone. When I put my faith firmly in the capable hands of God I know He will work all things for my good.

I love this new song by King & Country. I was fortunate to hear this song in concert before it was released. The idea of working together, for His purpose, is so important right now. As Christians we need to band together as God’s team to bring light and hope to our world. Click on the photo to watch the video of Together.

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

Shaloha

krisshetter

Life is like a stormy sea 
That tosses to and fro, 
But God’s Word will ever be 
A ballast for my soul; 
By its truth I’ll be held fast 
Till I reach heaven’s shore 
Where I will be home at last 
And sail life’s sea no more!

—Perry Boardman

How often do you feel like a sailing ship being tossed to and fro?  Or a tiny dinghy out on a stormy lake?  I certainly felt that way more times than I can count.  My “peace-filled” days were the ones I could count on a couple hands.  But Jesus is the Prince of Peace!  It’s so fascinating to study the days of Jesus and His interactions with the leaders of the Jewish faith.  We have the benefit of thousands of years of scholarly study to correctly interpret Jesus’ words.  We also have the truth of the resurrection to back up Jesus’ position with God.

But think of those leaders who knew the prophesy in Isaiah 9:6 which states: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  They certainly weren’t anxiously waiting for this Nazarene.  A child born to a lowly woman.  Someone not officially holding a title of Prince or even Rabbi.  And yet there he stood.  

“Shalom – peace – is a precious word to the Jewish people.  It means more than just the absence of war or distress.  Shalom means wholeness, completeness, health, security, even prosperity in the best sense.  When you are enjoying God’s peace, there is joy and contentment,” says Warren Wiersbe on his commentary of John 14:25-31.  The Pharisees, and other lay people, were looking for someone to just give them the absence of war and the gift of prosperity.  They were missing out on the eternal peace that God gifts us through both war and prosperity.  When I think of God’s peace the eye of a hurricane always comes to mind.  This eye is an area of mostly calm weather inside a terrifying hurricane.  

According to the website, A Catholic Gentleman, which promotes faith in men, “over 40 million Americans suffer from an anxiety disorder of some kind, and there are no doubt countless others that live with severe anxiety but are undiagnosed. “ But how do we obtain this elusive peace?  The Catholic Gentleman gives some great insight:

First, it means living in the present moment. A great deal of anxiety comes from worrying about the past or the future, neither of which can be changed. Even though we know it is useless, we often expend untold emotional energy worrying. 

Second, it means accepting the circumstances of life without impatient resistance, realizing that everything is either positively willed or at least allowed by God. 

Finally, it means trust in the goodness of God. Many of us are afraid to completely abandon ourselves to the will of God because we are afraid of what it might mean. 

These three pieces of advice are so clear and helpful.  But they are not easy.  I once told a good friend that some days just working on staying in the present moment took every ounce of energy I had.  There are no quick fixes to this amazing gift God wants for us.  Unlike grace and salvation which, once we accept Jesus as the son of God who removes our stains, is given fully and freely to us, the gift of peace can seem more like trying to open a clamshell style package.  You think it looks simple and you try poking your fingernail between the two pieces of plastic.  When that doesn’t work you look for a helpful tab somewhere the manufacturer must have added in order to tear that puppy open.  But alas, none exists.  Then you start trying to use brute strength or maybe your teeth.  You feel a bit silly.  I mean it’s you against a piece of plastic!  You finally give in and get out a knife or scissors.  And even that may lead to a bloody finger.  When all is said and done you have in front of you a mangled piece of plastic and the object of your desire, freed from the bonds of the clamshell.  You look at your freed item and somehow it feels more valuable from the work you just put in.  And you exclaim, “finally!”

I love the teachings of Joyce Meyer primarily because this taming of our minds is her primary teaching focus when it comes to following God’s Word.  One of her devotional days says,

“Nobody is successful with any venture just by wishing they would be.  Successful people make a plan and talk to themselves about that plan constantly.”

Joyce Meyer, Trusting God Day by Day

This is based on 2 Cor 10:5: “We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey God.”  When we keep our mind in the present and decide what goes on up in our thick skull we are miles ahead toward achieving that gift of peace. 

I know a lot people who spend most of their time on the wall of the hurricane instead of the eye.  They’re the “Chicken Littles” and the “Debbie Downers” and the “Joy Suckers.”  I’m familiar with all of them as I perfected each of them at one time or another.  Until I accepted Jesus.  I surrendered to trusting the goodness of God.  When I am facing tough situations I FIRST turn to God to pump a little extra peace into me.  For a long time, I assumed that long-time Christians all had this peace.  One friend I spoke to at the beginning of the COVID 19 scare, who has been a Christian much longer than I, was distraught.  He said he just couldn’t see God at work anywhere.  I told him he sounded like the ship being tossed to and fro.  And that without trust in God he wouldn’t find peace.  He stopped talking.  He realized he had stepped out of God’s eye and into the storm.

I read this story as part of a sermon by Max Lucado on “Peace that defies pain.”

“I have everything I need for joy!” Robert Reed said. “Amazing!” I thought.

His hands are twisted and his feet are useless. He can’t bathe himself. He can’t feed himself. He can’t brush his teeth, comb his hair, or put on his underwear. His shirts are held together by strips of Velcro®. His speech drags like a worn-out audio cassette.

Robert has cerebral palsy.

The disease keeps him from driving a car, riding a bike, and going for a walk. But it didn’t keep him from graduating from high school or attending Abilene Christian University, from which he graduated with a degree in Latin. Having cerebral palsy didn’t keep him from teaching at a St. Louis junior college or from venturing overseas on five mission trips.

And Robert’s disease didn’t prevent him from becoming a missionary in Portugal. He moved to Lisbon, alone, in 1972. There he rented a hotel room and began studying Portuguese. He found a restaurant owner who would feed him after the rush hour and a tutor who would instruct him in the language.

Then he stationed himself daily in a park, where he distributed brochures about Christ. Within six years he led seventy people to the Lord, one of whom became his wife, Rosa.

I heard Robert speak recently. I watched other men carry him in his wheelchair onto the platform. I watched them lay a Bible in his lap. I watched his stiff fingers force open the pages. And I watched people in the audience wipe away tears of admiration from their faces. Robert could have asked for sympathy or pity, but he did just the opposite. He held his bent hand up in the air and boasted, “I have everything I need for joy.”

His shirts are held together by Velcro®, but his life is held together by joy.”

I praise God, the Prince of Peace, the Giver of Joy, the Giver of Shaloha, as many on the beautifully peaceful island of Kauai like to say. I thank Him for helping me be steadfast in surrendering to Him so that I might live each moment in the eye rather than the walls of the storm.

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

The Great Interpreter

krisshetter

Have you ever watched a speech where a sign language professional was interpreting for the hard of hearing community?  I always wonder if they are truly interpreting the speech correctly.  In fact, in 2013 at a world televised memorial to Nelson Mandela, advocates for the deaf called out an interpreter as fake.  “The man, who stood about a yard from (President) Obama and other leaders was moving his hands around, but there was no meaning in what he used his hands for,” said Bruno Druchen, national director of the Deaf Federation of South Africa.  At times, as a Christian I have felt what those watching this man wave around his hands in meaningless gestures must have felt – confused.    

I’ve heard a few “fake” interpreters of God’s Word. From hate-filled pastors such Fred Phelps of Westboro Baptist Church and Bishop Talbert Swan of the Church of God in Christ to more subtle false “prosperity” teachers like Joel Olsteen and T.D. Jakes, the Word of God has been twisted, edited, and completely ignored. And yet there are hundreds if not thousands of people who follow these “pastors'” preaching. Why? Because we all are looking for answers — for someone to interpret God’s plan for us. Some of us want quick and easy answers. Some of us just want answers that fit our sinful needs and desires.

In the Old Testament, God communicated through people like Moses, Samuel, Jeremiah and others to relay His commands to the people of Israel.  There were also false prophets who claimed to interpret for the gods. The people turned to both kinds of prophets for guidance.  God swiftly punished those who disobeyed His Word. The great shift came when God sent himself, in the form of Jesus, to speak directly with His creations.  Jesus became our great interpreter – explaining the Father’s purpose for His chosen ones.  He didn’t speak to nations like so many of the prophets of old did– He spoke with us as individuals and groups.  He gathered up people at wells, in gardens, in homes, at lakes and even at graves. He warned us about false prophets and teachers. But His Word cannot be denied. It is written in the oldest book. And although there are various translations of the Bible, His Words stay pretty much the same. It amazes me to hear people, especially angry hate-filled Christians, espouse rights or wrongs that don’t exist in the Bible. I just say, show me the scripture.

When I find myself wondering what God wants from me or a direction I should take, I go directly to Jesus’ words. He was not one to speak meaninglessly.  He didn’t speak out of hatred. He rarely showed anger. And when He did speak it was as though He was allotted a certain number of words to use while here on Earth.  And He used them wisely.

Praying for Help

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

Who to Trust

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 22: 37

On Kindness

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39

How to Attain Peace

“Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.  Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day.” 

Salvation

“I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  No one comes to the Father except for me.” John 14:6

Grace

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor 12:9

Sinful Behavior

“Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.” John 8:34

Jesus not only was the son of God, he was us.  He lived among us to experience the temptations, the persecution, the love, betrayal, and loyalties in everyday life.  I praise Jesus today for coming to us to interpret the mind of God for us frail, limited humans.  Our eyes and ears and minds have a glimpse into heaven through His actions and words.  And God wasn’t done when His son when up to heaven.  His Holy Spirit continues the work as our individual, tailored guide.  She whispers to us and laughs with us and cries with us.

I don’t walk in the wilderness so much anymore. And with Jesus’ Words I am very discerning about my spiritual leaders.  My guide, my interpreter, is always by my side.  He will show me the way home. Praise God.

Did you figure out what the sign language word is in the picture?  “Grace.” Enjoy this ASL interpreted song, “In Christ Alone” by clicking on the video below.

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.

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

Code Blue: God Needed In Room 1

krisshetter

Have you ever felt like your entire world is falling apart?  Sometimes everything just feels broken.  Marriages, children, health, finances – all the pieces of our life that can take turns for the worse. At times we might just need a little physical therapy on one part of our life.  Or some psychotherapy.  During smaller crises an aspirin will do the trick.  During any of these large or small life emergencies one doctor is always on call – God.

Charles Stanley’s Life Principle # 8 advises, “Fight all your battles on your knees and you win every time.”  It’s based on 2 Samuel 15:31. King David’s family was a mess.  His one son, Ammon, rapes David’s daughter, Tamar.  His other son, Absalom kills Ammon.  Had it stopped there they might have been able to work out their issues.  But David forgot the one action that managed to resolve so many issues – turning to God.  What ensued was brewing hatreds, deceit, more murder, and kingdoms in peril.   David needed to call the doctor, on his knees.  In fact, after so many hurts and misunderstandings that’s what he finally did.  And God began working out David’s trials for his good.

Praise God that he is the ultimate diagnostician.  When we get on our knees first when facing life’s problems, it puts Him in charge of helping us fix them.  We have such a limited view of solutions at times — our emotions and fears direct us rather than say, grace, mercy and forgiveness.  God sees the whole body and what we really need.  That doesn’t mean there’s always a quick fix.  In fact, God frequently uses our brokenness to gain greater peace in our lives.  I love what Joyce Meyer, who was physically abused by her father for many years, once said about God’s healing spirit:

“God has done so much in my life, and my desire is to help others who are hurting to receive his love and get the healing they need – mentally, emotionally and spiritually.  I know the Word works and total restoration is possible in Christ because I’ve experienced it myself.”

Joyce Meyer

Jesus, God’s earthly partner in His medical practice, came to heal all our deep wounds.  Yes, he physically took away some afflictions but he came primarily to heal our souls and hearts.  When he sat and ate at Levi’s house, along with a large crowd of the famed, evil tax collectors, the Pharisees chastised him: “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”  Jesus’ poignant response was: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.  I have come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”  When we come to him with our sins about money, unforgiveness, lack of humility, anger, infidelity, and so much more he brings out the ambulance to rescue us.  But if we never call 911 we are left to our own meager and, at times, more destructive treatments.

What if, in the midst of your trial, your life emergency, you drop to your knees and call up the ultimate doctor?  He might give you an answer you would’ve never expected.  And just like our worldly antibiotics routines, we need to take all His medicine faithfully.  

Enjoy this great song by Matthias Worship called “Every Bone.” Please share with us today how God has rescued and healed you.

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

The Strong, Silent Type

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When I think of shepherds, the farmer in the movie “Babe” comes to mind.  He had complete control over his flock with simple grunts, murmurs, or hand motions.  The farm animals look at him like a god.  But then there was Babe, the pig.  He wanted more.  As a pig he was supposed to simply eat and get fat.  His future was the dinner table.  But he wanted to be a shepherd.  Why? Because shepherds protect.  They lead.  They have a love for their flock.  At first, Farmer Hoggett resisted.  And Babe persisted.  What followed was a beautiful story of the Shepherd teaching and guiding another to become a shepherd as well.  I love the little song Farmer Hoggett sings to Babe:

Can’t you just imagine Jesus quietly singing these words as he walked with the disciples along the Sea of Galilee?  Or around the campfire in the Garden of Gethsemane before the soldiers came?  Yes, Jesus was quite a force when it came to speaking to Pharisees and Sadducees but throughout His ministry, I sense a quiet force.  With just a nod, a whisper, a few well-placed words He touched thousands. 

God spoke to Jeremiah about the coming of Jesus and His trained shepherds: “Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. Jer 3:15.  He also warned of shepherds that would come against the people of God.  Shepherds who “set traps to catch people.”  Ones whose evil deeds have no limit.  Shepherds who do not have the spiritual health of their flock in mind.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, stands as the touchstone for our spiritual shepherds.  As his sheep, we listen only to His voice, his murmurs.  When he gestures for us to come and follow we turn from the distractions and place our eyes only on him.

 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. 

John 10:14-16

Jesus leads us out of danger.  He leads us to pastures that will sustain us.  He brings us safely home to our Father.  He loves us with His own life.  He is the gatekeeper for our eternal salvation.  Thank you, great Shepherd.

Do you have a favorite movie that has hidden meanings about God and His Kingdom?  Share it in the comments below along with your praise for our Good Shepherd!

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

Our 24/7 Tutor

krisshetter

At a time when attending school is so wrapped up in politics and fear I am struck with the idea of Jesus being the greatest Life Tutor of all.  He is available 24/7 – both through remote learning and face-to-face.  It’s no wonder the Bible was used as a teaching tool throughout history.  Horace Mann, considered the “father of public schools” once wrote:

Our system earnestly inculcates all Christian morals and welcomes the religion of the Bible.  The Bible is used in almost all the schools, either as a devotional or as a reading book.”

Horace Mann

It wasn’t until 1962, following a Supreme Court decision, that the Bible was removed as a regular textbook from the daily teachings of our school children.  It’s interesting to note that a lot of “Christian ideals” were attacked following that decision.

Note the first lesson at the top right page

And yet Jesus continues to teach us.  The beauty of His teaching is how tailored it is for each recipient.  In one speech or story Jesus weaves many layers – and depending upon your relationship with Him, determines the layer meant for you.  Even the apostles found themselves at different layers when listening to Jesus.  Peter, the loyal bold one, missed so much of the subtleties of Jesus’ messages as he plowed through each situation.  It wouldn’t be until Jesus’ death that Peter would sit in reflection and capture the entirety of their meanings.  In John 13:36 Peter demands to know where Jesus is going and states he will follow him and lay down his life for Jesus in his defense.  He wasn’t basking in the words of our Lord and learning the gentle messages of the coming resurrection.  What he did learn, however, was so valuable.  The gift of loyalty and love and reverence is woven throughout Peter’s life.

It heartens me when reading the multitude of times the disciples scratched their heads when Jesus spoke to them.  They are like you and me – wanting a quick, simple answer to life’s problems.  And Jesus does provide them.  In the book of Luke, Jesus tells us to “Love our enemies, do not judge, do not condemn.”   In Matthew, Jesus tells us to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.”  And if we were to learn and accept those few simple lessons God would be pleased.

Today I praise Jesus, the teacher, who pushes those yearning to learn to a higher layer.  The beauty of a parable is that it requires the reader/listener to arrive at their own “ah ha” moment.  And Jesus loved parables.  Entire sermons and books have been written on these simple parables.  We would all be so exalted if a four-sentence blog we were to write lasted as a teaching moment for thousands of years.

I once did a study on the Beatitudes – the eight blessings Jesus spoke of and documented at the beginning of Matthew.  The non-Christian world has misinterpreted many of these, just like the Pharisees misunderstood Jesus time after time.  I love picturing Jesus running circles around the Pharisees and Sadducees.  He was confident in what He spoke because it was directly of God.  If only we could have the same confidence when speaking of our faith!  But back to the Beatitudes.  If you have never read them, take a moment to go through each.  Write down what you think they mean.  Then research them.  Here’s one on-line source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-stories/beatitudes-bible-verses-and-meaning.html. You may find yourself rolling up and tossing out your initial notes.  You will find yourself in the midst of an “Ah ha” moment.  It’s like the many times I studied the works of Shakespeare.  With the help of a good teacher I finally got the jokes, the political commentary or the messages of love.

Jesus, as the 24/7 tutor (and he’s free!), waits patiently for us to delve deeper into the Word of God.  Your “ah ha” moments bring a smile to His face.  He might even clap loudly with you and exclaim, “YES! You got it!”  That’s why everyday should be “Jesus Appreciation Day.”  But, learning like that takes desire.  It takes commitment.  It takes daily showing up to class.  Will you be present when he calls roll today?

Add your praise below of what Jesus has taught you!

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

Merciful Judge

krisshetter

We are living in a time that the word “justice” seems to hold so many different meanings – at times almost opposite meanings.  “Justice” to some means punishing people for something they didn’t participate in and happened about 200 years ago.  To others it means being able to take what you want because you feel victimized.  In some cities, “justice” means releasing hundreds of people who are in jail for murder, rape, burglary and the like.  Some people judge in the blink of an eye based on a short video.  Others judge simply because they already didn’t like a person.   And yet others still believe in the idea of investigating a crime, bringing it to a court and evaluating all the facts before passing judgement.   I have a degree in Journalism and English.  I learned that passing judgement in the media was a no-no.  Somehow that lesson has disappeared from journalism school

We can’t seem to escape “un-just judgement” these days.  What you wear, what you drive, where you live, what your skin color is, if you have a college degree or if you are old or young, we are judged by our neighbors, our enemies and even our fellow Christians.  I recently posted on Instagram a picture of a surgical mask.  I stated, “This mask does not symbolize your: kindness, faith, politics, intelligence, wokeness or love.  It’s just a mask.”  The mask, as promoted by governmental officials, has become yet another way to be judged.  Our “Cancel Culture” is swift in its judgement and mercy is nowhere to be found.

Thank the Lord that His judgement is merciful.  I mean He has been trying for thousands and thousands of years to get the majority of humanity on board with His simple rule – Obey God.  He has yet to pass His mighty judgement over us.  It does feel as though that time is getting closer and closer, however.   

So often we want to take justice into our own hands.  But it’s important to understand the difference between daily justice that God calls us to and eternal justice.  At times we think we must step in for God – with acts of anger, revenge or spite.  God does not call us to scream a people in the streets. For one, I find most people screaming don’t actually know what “justice” they need or who should be held to account.  Rest assured that if it’s justice God wants you to accomplish you will have His peace.  Screaming in people’s faces and looting won’t be part of His plan for you.  As Jesus’ people, we are called to step in for the weak and downtrodden.  But we need not be the weak and downtrodden – because through Christ we are blessed and strengthened.  A Christian who obeys God is destined to experience hardship and suffering, but His love and mercy sustains us for greater work.  He asks us to judge others as we are judged by Him – with mercy and forgiveness.

Whether or not a person believes and accepts God and His Son, Jesus, he will still ultimately be judged in the eternal world.  We must believe that Truth.  

“I said to myself, ‘God will bring into judgement both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.’”  

Ecclesiastes 3:17

Until then, God gives us opportunity after opportunity through His mercy to change course.  I, for one, am thankful for the chance to continue my path of imperfect progress without the justice served I deserve each day.

How has God showed you His mercy? Share in praise of God today in the comments below!

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

The Sweetest Name…..

krisshetter

I’m a doer. I consider Martha from Luke 10:41 my Bible spirit. My “Love Language” is definitely acts of service. I’m working on being Martha’s sister Mary — loving Jesus in pure love and adoration. We frequently compare ourselves to others we admire and usually find ourselves wanting. I told a sweet friend of mine the other day that I realize I surround myself with a lot of “Marys” — women who I consider a lot nicer and kinder than myself. She responded with, “You are such a compassionate person.” That’s because she’s so nice.

So here I am in the midst of something that doesn’t come naturally to me — singing words of praise and love for God. He always manages to put our flaws front and center, doesn’t He? I’ve come to just look up and laugh along. The Martha in me kicked into high gear with this “project” He set on my heart. I started researching what famous pastors have said about praise. I gathered songs that spoke to loving God. I’ve discovered poetry and art which praises the Lord. I’ve also started following other blogs. One such blog is by Carol Congalton. I really don’t know much about her except she is a Mary. She has a great gift for words in expressing her love and joy and wonder for God. She’s also very funny. She posted this beautiful little essay on God’s sweetness that I had to share with you. Enjoy!