Tag: love jesus

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

God the Recycler

krisshetter

So here we are — Day 30 of 30 Days of Praise! And although my daily prayer praise of the Almighty doesn’t end with today, my challenge to find different ways to write about God’s amazing characteristics is complete. When I started this more than 30 days ago I was on a journey to help me learn a new way of praying. I felt comfortable with thanking God, asking God for help, and asking Him for forgiveness. But praising God seemed so strange and uncomfortable to me. True to His character He placed a challenge on my heart and mind to help me grow.

I heard a great comment about God’s character yesterday. “God never allows us to fail a test, he just gives us the test over and over until we pass.” It goes right along with Charles Stanley’s Life Principle #7:

The dark moments of our life will last only so long as necessary for God to accomplish His purpose in us.

Charles Stanley, 30 Life Principles

God Allows Us to Be Reduced to Brokenness

You see, I didn’t start my journey of learning how to praise God 30 days ago. I started the day God spoke to me in my bedroom a few years ago. While I sat enjoying my little pity party God said, “Enough is enough.” He shook me with the simple statement: “What have you really done?” You see I was whining about being such a “good Christian” and yet my life felt like a mess. He spoke those words loudly again, “Yes, what have you really done?” He had been letting me do things my own way for a long time. But He loves us too much to let us continue down destructive paths for too long. That day started my training. And it was intense. He taught me that the secret to a peace-filled life was a lot simpler than what I imagined. I didn’t need to be “doing” so much. I just needed to obey Him — no matter the consequences, no matter how outlandish the request sounded. 1 John 2:25 says:

But if anyone obeys His word, love for God is truly made complete in them.

1 John 2:25

Not only was I reduced to brokenness but God was right there to put me back together as a much more simple, faithful Christian with one goal: Obey.

God Re-Uses Lessons To Get Us to Listen

Throughout my continuing journey I have experienced many times when the same lesson pops up over and over. It’s when I give in and say, “ok, ok, I get it!” that He finally moves on. From podcasts, to daily devotionals, and songs on the radio to a Bible study, His Word weaves its way seamlessly throughout our lives. On August 1, I started with my devotional, “New Day, New You” by Joyce Meyer. The day’s lesson? “Simple, Believing Prayer” based on Matthew 6:7. “And when you pray, do not heap phrases as the gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their much speaking.” Good start as I then turn to my “30 Life Principles” Bible study lesson for the day: “Listening to God is essential to walking with God.” In it the question was asked, “What does Jesus say about the use of many words?” Based on, guess….. Matthew 6:7. I saw a message forming here. I then decided to read a bit of my “Spurgeon on Prayer & Spiritual Warfare.” I don’t read it everyday but I felt led to that day. And lo and behold, the topic was approaching God with reverence, joy, submission, confidence and sincerity. Not babbling on with useless words intended to make myself sound “christian-like.” Point taken.

What if through this odd little coincidence, or answered prayer, He’s sending you–you… out of all of those billions of people–a direct personal message of reassurance? To stop worrying? To keep the faith? That everything will be all right? 

Squire Rushnell, Godwink stories

God Takes Trash and Makes It Into Something Beautiful

Each Sunday we would see him. A man in about his 40s dressed to the 9s. Not just full suits but “zoot” suits. Big shoulder pads, double breasted suits. But what was most impressive was his hair. I dated a guy back in the 80s who played in a 60s throwback band with that same hair — pumped up, rockabilly pompadour. He stood out among the mostly white, upper class 60-80 year olds. It came to pass we ended up in the same membership class. I told him how I enjoyed seeing what cool and interesting outfits he was going to show up in each week. And, I was definitely impressed with his hair. Both being named Chris/Kris we of course, hit it off. When it came time to tell our testimony I realized what a blessing it was that God put me in the same group as Chris. He told us how his family growing up were Christians. But he rebelled. He wanted long hair, hard rock and a free spirited life. One day when he was 15 his father came to him and said, “We are going to Africa to be missionaries. You have two choices, you can cut your hair and come with us or you stay here in California and find your own way.” He chose to keep his hair. He also decided that Los Angeles was the place to become a rock star. He played bass and guitar. He ended up on the streets, homeless. And he turned to drugs which eventually led to heroin. He told us he should’ve died at least 10 times. But God was not done with him. He pulled him from the fire after yet another devastating drug-fueled, car accident. And led him on the path to recovery. He now goes all over the country speaking on the perils of heroin and his faith in God. He jumped in to help mentor middle school and high school kids at our church. He’s one cool cat. Chris was like the trash that rolls along our city streets, finding its way into doorways. Crumpled up and seemingly useless. God transformed him into a true follower of Christ — a thing of beauty. His transformation story gives me hope for my, much smaller problems.

I praise God today for all the work He has done and will do in our lives. He whispers to us. He shouts at us. He shakes us and he nudges us. He will never force us to follow Him. And He will never fully let us go. Click on the photo below to enjoy the song, “Raise a Hallelujah” by Bethel Music — but here’s a hint, play it loud and raise your hands high!! I look forward to having you join me on my next challenge — “His Works Project”– coming soon!

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

The Strong, Silent Type

krisshetter

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

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

God Woos Us

krisshetter

During my years of attending church and going to bible studies I have heard many scripture verses surrounding love:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son.” John 3:16

“Love is patient, love is kind.” 1 Corinthians 13:4

“And now these three remain; faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13

There are scriptures about how God loves us, how we are to love God and love our friends, neighbors and enemies.  We don’t, however, always equate this “love” with romantic love.  And yet, by all descriptions, the love the Holy Spirit has for us and wants in return is just that.  Intimacy, thoughtfulness, honesty – an embrace, a tight hug, and sweet kiss – isn’t that what we long for in our “romantic” relationships?  And the Holy Spirit is all about that kind of love.

A pastor at one of my previous churches wrote, what some considered a controversial book about the Holy Spirit, called, I’m In ❤.  Controversial because he is part of a corporate-style faith where we worship, but not too exuberantly.  We pray but not too boldly.  We love but out of reverence.  In the first chapter of his book he writes:

“Spirit wants to woo you into her arms in order to embrace you and whisper intimate truths.  Spirit offers to tutor you in vulnerability and joy.  Spirit welcomes you to trust her.  Spirit kisses you.  But this kind of love takes time to grow.  Will you let Her court you?”

Rev. Dr. Bruce Humphrey

So many of my conversations with my Christian friends focus on creating a personal relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  Let’s face it, when you are intimate with someone you know exactly what they expect of you and if it’s a mutually respectful relationship you want to meet those expectations.  The Holy Spirit is who whispers to us.  Who winks so that we both are “in on the joke.”  She holds my hand when I am afraid to take the steps Jesus laid out for me. This “controversial” pastor goes on to write:

“Here is the truth: romance requires slowing down, listening, and spending time.  As mysterious as it is, there are some basic ingredients for love to flourish.  Romance requires intentionality.  Love is a choice.  You can decide to accept the Spirit’s love, or you can reject her embrace.  She will not force or compel you.  In other words, love takes commitment.

Rev. Dr. Bruce Humphrey

God is fully committed to loving you. Through the words of His son Jesus and the great counselor, the Holy Spirit, love abounds from the heavens.  Are you ready to embrace Him just as intimately? Share how God shows His love for you 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!

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

God the Comforter

krisshetter

There is a great storm rising.  Can you feel it?  It’s a battle for God’s modern Jerusalem.   A spiritual battle rages in God’s created land – America.  The home of the free and land of the brave.  Since its inception, the United States of America has rested all its actions on a firm belief in the Almighty.  Every US State Constitution mentions God.  And although there have been those that want to erase this truth, believers have held strong.  Like all battles this one will destroy, it will maim, it will leave scars.  But God stands as our great comforter.  He is, as Paul writes in 2 Cor 1: 3-11. “The Father of Compassion and the God of all Comfort.”  This “God of all Comfort” is waiting for us to turn completely to Him when we face the slings and arrows of those who would destroy us

I started following Sean Feucht on Instagram when he ran for office in California.  He is a worship leader and strong family man.  He loves God.  And his loss for a chance to hold a government seat did not stop him for what has turned into his greatest mission – to fight for those of us who want to openly worship in what has become a modern Babylon.  Through the ministry, Hold The Line, he and other pastors hold outdoor worship services up and down the west coast of the United States.  This weekend they went straight into the heart of beast – Seattle, Washington’s CHOP – an area that ANTIFA declared independent from the country.  They set up their microphones and instruments.  And hundreds of worshippers came to sing praises to the Lord.  And Satan showed up.  Satan worshippers marched around them.  People attacked the stage wielding knives.  Pregnant worshippers were cussed at and spat on.  The more the “opposition” screamed, the louder the singing became.  Because God the Comforter was surrounding the believers.  Their wall of bronze enveloped them and they sang.  And they were baptized and they surrendered to the one and only Higher Authority.  

Lest we think this battle is solely between believers and unbelievers the comments this organization gets from supposed believers is so disheartening.  Many seem to think that Caesar has been placed as head of the church.  The dictates about not being able to sing in California churches or how many people are allowed at church are deemed “worthy” by these church goers.  Their fear has taken over their minds as they’ve forgotten the only fear we need to have is that of God.  As for Sean and company, his trials are purposeful.  God is using him and his family and friends to show how complete reliance on God to protect and comfort us is our utmost goal.  His trials lead him to comfort others. We can learn of patience and endurance when we watch as he is attacked over and over and gets up each day to praise God.

This modern Jerusalem – a place on the hill for freedom of speech, religion, assembly – is worth fighting for.  In the history of the world there has never been a country created to give all citizens so much freedom and so much responsibility, and called it God-given.  As a devout Christian, I am commissioned to fight this good fight.  And I will be comforted by our Great Father during my times of need. May I learn endurance and surrender so that I can comfort others.

Are you experiencing trials related to your faith? Tell us how you’ve turned to God in the comments. I’ve posted one of the videos an anti-Christian took of the Seattle worship service. There is some foul language on this.

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

Always Faithful

krisshetter

Have you ever “waited for the other shoe to drop?”  I used to live my life out that way all the time.  If something was good, I was just waiting for it to go bad.  If something was bad, I was waiting for it to get worse.  I truly don’t understand how my husband has put up with me for 31 years.  If we got a nice tax return and decided to go on a trip, I just knew some extraordinary expense was going to come up.  My “buyer’s remorse” was legendary amongst my family.  It’s not surprising that my faith in God was at best lukewarm and at worst non-existent.

As I’ve learned and studied more about the character of God one thing stands out above all else – he is ever faithful and never changing.  Throughout the Bible He reminds us that He will keep His covenant with us.  He is the rock to stand on, the bronze wall to withstand attacks, and the fireproof blanket that keeps us from the flames.  Malachi 3:6 says, “I, the Lord do not change; So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.”  But notice who does change: “Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them.”  All God asks of us, “Return to me, and I will return to you.”

Is there anything in your life that is so stalwart? No.  I can say that without even knowing you.  Our friends will disappoint us.  Our spouses will fail us.  Our families might even turn from us.  Our houses will crumble and our bodies will decay.  But God is always faithful, always present, always waiting for our return – with open arms.

I found this beautiful version of Take Me to The Rock that I hope you enjoy! When was there a time you felt God had left you only to realize the opposite had occurred? Share your praise in the comments below!

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement

Let Us Lead the Strain

krisshetter

Each morning I take my sweet dog Tucker out for a nice long walk.  We typically walk in the canyon near our house.  Some days I listen to worship music, some days I listen to podcasts.  While other days I make it a point to just listen.  Yesterday I decided to walk the first mile in praise and the second in prayers for others. Thanks to this 30 Days of Praise project that mile of praise has gotten easier.  I reflected on the last 12 days of posts and began reciting different phrases – “God you are my King!  God you are omnipotent!  God you are ever present in my life!  God, you love me even when I am being unlovable.  God, you have taught me so much.  You are the only one worthy of this praise. You are a flawless shield.”  My love pouring out to Him filled me with such joy and peace like a mirror reflects back the sunlight.  It felt bold and it felt oh so right. 

I found this short essay on praising God which spurs me on toward my next 12 days.  Encouraging me to praise; pressing me to dig deeper; showing me that praising God is simply what all nature does every minute of the day. 

“Come you children of God, and bless his dear name; for doesn’t all nature around you sing?  If you were silent, you would be an exception to the universe.  Doesn’t the thunder praise him as it rolls like drums in the march of the God of armies?  Doesn’t the ocean praise him as it claps its thousand hands?  Doesn’t the sea roar, and the fullness thereof?  Do not the mountains praise him when the shaggy woods upon their summits wave in adoration?  Do not the lightnings write his name in letters of fire upon the midnight darkness?  Doesn’t this world, in its unceasing revolutions, perpetually roll forth his praise?  The whole earth has a voice, and shall we be silent?  Shall man, for whom the world was made, and suns and stars were created – shall he be silent?  No, let him lead the strain.”

Charles Spurgeon
Tucker taking in God’s glory — or maybe he’s looking for rabbits to chase…

How will you lead the strain in praising God today?  Shout it as loud as the sea roars and as bold as the lightning claps! Join the conversation below!

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

Praise At The Ready

krisshetter

Day 12

You never know when you will have the opportunity to share your faith.  God will place people in your lives that He wants you to share your love for Him.  We must always be ready.  And although you are not responsible for the path they eventually take, God calls us to take even the smallest part in that path. When my youngest was in college she became best friends with a beautiful, smart, funny young lady from Belgium.  They were field hockey teammates, roommates, and now lifelong friends.  We sent my daughter’s car out to her their sophomore year.  It gave them so much freedom to explore the St. Louis area and beyond.  

As my daughter grew closer to Christ through the Christian athlete organization Athletes In Action, she also began discipling other athletes.  But her best friend didn’t seem interested.  However, one of the many things they did have in common was their love of music.  I saw many a video of them driving along singing at the top of their lungs to a popular song while they cruised the streets of St. Charles, Missouri.  Their favorite was “Africa” by Toto which had experienced a renewal at that time. And while they played upbeat, fun, pop and country songs my daughter also played songs about her faith.  Beautiful Christian songs.  Songs that spoke of her love for Jesus.

One day her friend hopped in the car and said to her, “Play some of those good, sad songs.”  My daughter was confused.  Her Belgium friend, while fluent in English, had a funny way of using the English language with her French/Dutch accent.  She said, “You know, those Jesus songs.”  And my daughter was ready to serve in God’s name.

My daughter Madie (L) and her friend Rou (R) taking “Sandy”, her car, out for another favorite activity — milkshakes

I suppose many Christian songs may sound “sad” to some but so many of the lyrics speak to our deepest needs.  We express our longing and our hope through these “sad Christian songs.”  Most of my favorite songs fall into this category.  Music gives us a beautiful channel to lift up our voices to our Father to say, “I love you” or “I need you.”  We might also say we are hurting or we have been healed.  I have plenty of shout out loud “praise the Lord” songs in my “Inspirational” playlist.  But I frequently play the ones that tug at my heart.  

I have a friend that doesn’t want to go back to her church right now because they have decided not to play music and sing songs.  She has said, “I can listen to a sermon anywhere.  I miss the voices being lifted up to God.  I miss the worship.”  

Sometimes we need a good “sad” Christian song.  That beautiful expression of our love for God can bring so much love and peace to live in us.  I’d like to share with you one of those songs.  “You” by Fellowship Creative, shows the need for God our Father, God our Counselor.  It praises God for His ability to mend all brokenness.  I hope you enjoy listening to it.

What’s your favorite “sad Christian song” and who can you share it with today?  Let’s praise God with our beautiful (and not so beautiful ) voices.

30daysofpraise, christian encouragement, Uncategorized

Love for The King

krisshetter

Day 9

When we say we love God or love Jesus what does that really mean to us? For some, those words may have been only spoken in a song or recitation at church. For others those love statements are added each day to every prayer. For me, I’m really good about making sure those around me know my love for them. But I have to admit that I don’t tell the Almighty how much I love Him. I say my thanks for His power and authority over this world but, love? It’s something this 30 Days has put on my heart.

Our relationship with God is not only the most important one we will ever have, it is also the most interesting. God is King yet He is also our friend. There aren’t too many people out there that can say they are friends with an earthly king. This relationship brings to mind something you may find silly. I’ve always wondered how someone can sit across from Brad Pitt, casually eating breakfast in your pjs, hair messy, bad breath and not stare at him in awe. Would you expect him to do the dishes and take out the trash? Sorry, I’ve always had a soft spot for Brad. What does a relationship with a mega star, on an everyday basis look like? It’s no wonder people like that tend to date and marry others in their same circle. The same goes for kings, queens, princes and princesses. We have a relationship with the most powerful being in the universe. We bring Him our broken and messy selves. But we also come to Him with our joy and love.

Most likely you’ve been asked something like, “What would you say to Jesus if He came to your door right now and joined you for dinner?”  Well, first if I realized it was Jesus, I don’t think I would even be able to speak for a while.  Then, knowing me, I’d probably say something completely inappropriate and goofy.  If Jesus became a regular, physical guest at my house I’d have to figure out how to be a friend yet also remain in reverence of Him.  A King is a regular guest in my spiritual life.  Making sure I pay Him the respect due while also being friends has become a key to my prayers.

Charles Spurgeon has six great tips on coming to God, the King in prayer:

  1. Approach Him in reverence: familiarity there may be but let it not be impertinent.
  2. Come with joy: you have the privilege of being in front of the Throne of Grace!
  3. Be in submission: we don’t pray to tell Him what to do.
  4. Have enlarged expectations: ask for great things!
  5. Expect with staggering confidence: who would doubt the King?
  6. Maintain sincerity: prayer is an elevated act and no light thing

I love God and I honor Him as King.  He is my friend and my Ruler.  He is the vine and I am one of his beautiful branches.  And I praise Him for all that He has done in my life.  

Do you have a favorite statement or prayer of love and reverence for our Lord?