Good Friday

He was despised and rejected by men,

a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.

Like one from whom men hide their faces

he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely he took up our infirmities

and carried our sorrows,

yet we considered him stricken by God,

smitten by him, and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our transgressions,

he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was upon him,

and by his wounds we are healed.

We all, like sheep, have gone astray,

each of us has turned to his own way;

and the Lord has laid on him

the iniquity of us all. 

Isaiah 53:3-6 NIV

Girlfriends, we are in the holiest week of the year, and today is GOOD FRIDAY. In my heart, I ask myself what is so good about a man full of love, devotion, compassion, empathy, and caring being beaten, tortured, crucified, stabbed, killed, and thrown into a cave? I can think of a lot of words to use as a prefix for this day but "Good" would not have been one of them.

For me, this day begins as one of sorrow and sadness as I envision the sins of the world--past, present, and future--cast upon an innocent man hanging from a wooden cross by nails through His hands and feet. A guiltless man dying for me--for all of humanity. His blood purchased for me what I could not earn, an eternity in the presence of God. It saddens me to know that I contributed to Christ's suffering and pain. Who am I to deserve this priceless gift of grace?

But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Ephesians 4:7 ESV

This gift of grace puts the "good" back into Easter Friday. Only a good, loving, merciful God would make such a sacrifice for disobedient, selfish, and trespassing people of which I am one.

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 NLT

Only a God of understanding would submit to the hands of evil to suffer the atrocities of this broken world in order to be a living example to us of overcoming adversity, finding strength, and gaining everlasting peace. Only a good God would offer us a choice, knowing fully well that we may turn away from His provision and choose death.

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Matthew 7:13-14 ESV 

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 6:23 ESV

As Good Friday progresses, I begin to feel the "good" in the day--the goodness of my God, my Savior, my Jesus. The goodness of the hope His death offers to a beaten, battered, broken world and me living in it. By one man sin entered the human race and by one Man sin is forgiven for each human who comes to the foot of the cross humbly seeking restoration and salvation. That is the Good News of Good Friday!

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned—Romans 5:12

But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man’s sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification. For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:15-17

Girlfriends, I pray you will meditate upon the meaning of "Good" in this Friday for you. Weep if you feel like weeping; cleanse your heart with tears of sorrow and grief for the suffering of the Beloved One sent to save you. But ladies, let that water wash away the debris and walk toward the place where glory will be revealed by the Resurrection in three days! Soon, my dears, soon our mourning will turn to celebration, for the grave in which Christ was laid could not hold Him. Good is about to turn into Great...a great day for all of creation!

Love you all!

Make Music With The Heavens

The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.

Psalm 28:7 

"Sing, Sing, Sing, and make music with the heavens..."  (Sing, Sing, Sing. Chris Tomlin)

I LOVE music. I read somewhere* that the Bible contains over 1,150 references related to music, words such as melody, hymn, song, or specific instruments. Compare that number to the frequency of other biblical terms. Depending upon which translation is used, total occurrences vary. Here are a few:  Love (over 500), Fear Not (approximately 365), Honor (approximately 146), Forgiveness (approximately 110). The Bible tells us God is love, but I am guessing he is in love with music. I know the feeling. Sharing this passion with my Creator draws me even closer to Him.

Whether I am folding laundry, helping with homework, at the gym, working on a project, or even writing this blog, I am listening to music. I enjoy an array of musical genres, as long as the lyrics or the artists are not offensive. Classical. Alternative. Solo piano. Reggae. Jazz. Country.

For a variety of reasons, my absolute favorite is contemporary Christian. These songwriters often draw lyrics straight from God's Word, keeping me rooted in Christ all day long.

He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD. Psalm 40:3 (Psalm 40,NewSong)

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40: 28-31 (Everlasting God, Lincoln Brewster)

Sometimes I just want to praise the Lord and honor Him; my heart and soul are moved to glorify our Father. At those times, you can find me standing in the middle of the kitchen or out on a run in the neighborhood, hands lifted high, eyes closed, and heart deep in worship of the only One to love me for exactly who I am, for who He created me to be. I know God does not care if I look silly or crazy, so why worry about what the neighbors or my kids think? I am just loving my Father and belting it out. (And here I add that I cannot carry a tune in a bucket, so thank you Lord for not plugging your holy ears!)

"How great is our God, sing with me, How Great is our God, all will sing, How great, How great is our God." (How Great Is Our God, Passion Worship Band )

"I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene, and wonder how He could love me, a sinner, condemned, unclean? Singing, How Marvelous. How Wonderful. And my song shall ever be. How Marvelous. How Wonderful, is my Savior's love for me."  (I Stand Amazed, Chris Tomlin)

Another point that draws me to Christian music is the story...God's story set to music, reminding me of His faithfulness to real people from Adam and Eve down to the apostles and early church leaders. Because our God is alive, His Word is also living and active in me today. These songs give me hope for the future.

"Blessed are you, as you weep on your knees, with perfume and tears washing over My feet. Blessed are you, beggar, hopeless and blind calling for mercy when I’m passing by. Blessed are you, shaking your head at two tiny fish and some bread. Blessed are you as you tremble and wait for the first stone thrown at your sinful disgrace. Tell me your story, show me your wounds and I’ll show you what Love sees when Love looks at you." (When Love Sees You, Mac Powell)

"Oh what I would do to have the kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant with just a sling and a stone, surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors shaking in their armor, wishing they'd have had the strength to stand." (Voice of Truth, Casting Crowns)

Sometimes songs are just songs until you hear the story behind them, either live in concert or in writing (often by the artist himself.) Or perhaps you see a video or a movie that gives a new meaning or purpose to the lyrics. I have a few of those selections as well. Most recently, I saw Jeremy Camp perform live. After the show, I bought his book I Still Believe. I will never hear his music in the same way now that I have a visual picture of his testimony and inspiration for writing.

"Well in brokenness I can see this was Your will for me, to help me to know that You are near, yea.  Cause I still believe in Your faithfulness, I still believe in Your truth, Cause I still believe in Your Holy Word, Cause even when I don't see, I still believe." (I Still Believe, Jeremy Camp)

"We were made to be courageous, and it starts with us tonight. The only way we'll ever stand is on our knees with lifted hands. Make us courageous, Lord make us courageous." (Courageous, from movie Courageous, Casting Crowns)

In some of my darkest, most painful moments, I have turned to music to carry me through the valley. God speaks to me through His Spirit and His gift of musical talent to believers who choose to share with all of us. I praise Him, and them, for the beauty they produce together. 

"There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing, He will meet you wherever you are. Cry out to Jesus." (Cry Out To Jesus, Third Day)

"My Life, has led me down the road that’s so uncertain, and now I am left alone and I am broken, trying to find my way, trying to find the faith that is gone...Give me a Revelation, Show me what to do, Cause I've been trying to find my way, I haven't got a clue." (Revelation, Third Day)

A few songs deserve the title of "favorites." Anything sung by Mac Powell goes into that category! His voice captivates me, and his songs strike a note deep inside my heart. Others sit at the top of my chart because they remind me of my abiding love for my Savior. 

"I believe that He who suffered, was crucified, buried, and dead. He descended into hell and, on the third day, He rose again. He ascended into Heaven where He sits at God's mighty right hand. And I believe that He's returning to judge the quick and the dead and the sons of man. Well I believe what I believe, that what makes me who I am. No I did not make it, but it is making me. It is the very truth of God and not the invention of any man." (The Apostles Creed-Live, Tribute to Rich Mullens, by Third Day)

"This is the body, and this is the blood, broken and poured out, for all of us. And in this Communion, we share in His love." (Commmunion, Third Day/Mac Powell)

Finally, Girlfriends, my ultimate reason for loving Christian music....joy in Jesus! Music made in His honor causes me to smile, dance, sing loudly, and praise God for every blessing--the good and the bad, the beautiful and the ugly, the sad and the happy! So put on your dancing shoes, warm up your vocal cords, push back the furniture, and let's move! God rocks! and rolls! and harmonizes! And thankfully He directs all the choirs in heaven to which one day we will belong, singing eternal praises to Him, making beautiful music together!

"Whoa, whoa...Anytime you feel alone, put on your headphones. Love, love's coming through your headphones." (Headphones, Britt Nicole)

"Cause I'm a God girl, that's who I'll be, from the top of my head to the soles of my feet. No I can't deny it, wouldn't even try, I'm your girl, in a crazy world." (God Girl, Jamie Grace)

"They say it sounds insane, we say that we've been changed by the power of crazy love. This world, it looks at us like we're ridiculous, Baby, it's all because of crazy love." (Crazy Love, Hawk Nelson)

"I'm Awake, I'm Alive, Now I know what I believe inside, Now, it's my time, I'll do what I want, cause this is my life, Here, Right here. Now. Right now." (Awake and Alive, Skillet)

"I hear the birds singing, now my alarm's ringing, get up, get up. Hey. It's a good morning, wake up to a brand new day." (Good Morning, Mandisa)

I pray you will click on the many hyperlinks in this devotional and enjoy some amazing worship music. I also pray you will honor God and connect with Him through music, whether it is a choir of chirping birds or a jam session in your basement. Just sing, sing, sing, and make music with the heavens....

P.S. Comment below and tell me what are some of your favorite songs, of any genre. I’d love to hear.

*http://www.insearchoftruth.org/articles/music_references.html

The Story

 "I see your story, I see My name,
Written on every beautiful page.
You see the struggle, you see the shame,
I see the reason I came.

I came for your story, 

I came for your wounds,

To show you what love sees when Love looks at you."

 When Love Sees You 

Mac Powell /Nordeman/Herms

Stories

I love stories. I love listening to stories, writing stories, and telling stories. I especially love reading stories to my children. Our home has always been filled with books--on shelves, in baskets, hanging off nightstands, even tucked into seatpockets of the car. Cuddling up under a blanket and traveling on pages through time and space into another world cannot be matched by any Disney Pixar movie or an xbox game.

Unfortunately, I have not read books aloud to my kids in years. Two of my children no longer live with me, and the rest of us at home are in love with technology. My oral reading now consists of shouting across the kitchen into the family room: "Hey, Em, listen to this post on Facebook..." or "Jordan, turn down that tv. I found this funny quote on Pinterest..."

Our current idea of quality time together is truly new age: We compete against one another in Words with Friends. I am sitting on my laptop at the secretary's desk, Emily at the breakfast bar with her Mac, John on the chair with his iphone, and Jordan sprawled across the couch with the iPad, each of us intermittently calling out, "Will you please hurry up and go?' or "What? FIZ for 45 points. That's ridiculous!"

Little did I know the five letter word STORY would soon dominate my life. Everywhere I turn, I notice this word popping up. I should not be surprised, as God has a consistent habit of repetition in order to get my distracted mind to focus upon His will for me! In September, 2011, I purchased tickets for a December concert, The Story Tour. In perfect foreshadowing, this event prompted a resurgence in reading aloud to my children. Journeying through a new format to an eternal and true Story, the Bible is once again transporting us to promised lands through tumultuous times, engaging the enemy and sharing our heroes' dreams, battles, set-backs and eventually total victory. This Story is ultimately our story, and I am thrilled to share it with my family. Girlfriends, please consider that you are also a part of this story! I encourage you to read with us.

The Story Tour

On December 18th, my husband and I took Emily and Jordan to what we thought was going to be a Christmas. Some of our favorite popular Christian music artists performed. To our delight, The Story Tour encompassed abundantly more than just the Christmas story. Singer/songwriter Nichole Nordeman, composer Bernie Herms, and many others joined talented forces to write the songs and create coordinating videos based upon principle persons and major events in our biblical history.  

The musical Story project tells "how God's story of love and redemption intersects with our story of brokenness and failures resulting in a new story of hope and rescue. 'I think for me one of the goals was to be able to listen to these songs and feel more connected to these people that walked before us and learned lessons that we're still learning,' explains Nordeman. 'There's such a tendency to turn them into superheroes and have these big, takeaway, moral-of-the-story moments. For me it was all about the humanity. These were broken people who were desperate and needed God. They were just like us. I really believe that, and I think sometimes forget.'" (NEWS SOURCE: The M Collective, July 19, 2011)

That concert was momentous and amazing! The various artists who delivered the message and the live music inspired awe. Entertaining yet deeply reverent, the audience worshiped in unison with the performers. Our family continues daily to relive the stories since we now own both the dvd and the music cd of The Story project. We each have our favorite song or story, which warms my heart when I think how God touched each one of us in a unique way that night! (In addition, during intermission the kids and I chose a new child to sponsor (Hamil from Peru) through WorldVision. We are honored to partner with this program.)

The Story Bible

The Story is of course God's story, the Bible. But pastors/creators Randy Frazee and Max Lucado took God's story and developed a method for communicating it to God's people in a format tailored to today's standards of presentation and comprehension. Their work is receiving praise everywhere.

According to the website www.thestory.com, "The Story is helping people in churches everywhere experience Scripture like never before. Carefully selected verses from the Bible are organized chronologically. From Genesis to Revelation, (you) will come to understand God’s story and how (your) story intersects with it." The Story Bible, by Zondervan, is written in the form of a novel and accurately abridged. I have purchased the teen edition for my younger son. A children's edition is also available.

Frazee and Lucado developed a series of sermons, small group discussion videos and questions, and the concert tour all based upon the chapters in this Story Bible. My girlfriend's church in Columbia, Illinois, (Hope Christian Church) is in the middle of this series. She loves it! My church (Calvary of Lemont) will begin this Sunday, March 11th. I cannot tell you how excited I am for this journey, especially based upon last week's experience of reading it together with the kids. (And what an experience it is! But that is the subject of tomorrow's blog!!)

Our Story

I am guessing you have had an "aha" moment by this point in reference to my choice of subtitling at the top of this blog: My Story, Your Story, God's Story. I truly believe part of God's story is that inspiration He gives me to write to all of you. Included in my discourse, my Girlfriends, are your stories too! Visualize with me the beautiful fabric He is weaving as the vibrant, silken threads of our lives intersect, connect, and flow into one another. I just want to wrap myself in the comfort, laughter, peace, and security of that cloth!

Girlfriends, I thank you for reading my blog. I also thank you for sharing your lives and your stories with me and my family. I thank God that He created each one of you, uniquely and purposefully, to fit into His eternal story. I pray today that you will be inspired to know Him more, to understand His Story as it relates to your story. And if the Story Bible can help you in that process, I pray you will find a way to get one. Whether it is the old-fashioned, hardcover edition available at the bookstore or the modern method of an ebook for the Kindle or ipad, matters not. What is important is that you know the Story He just for you and about you! Ladies, God is good!

Now, if I could only maneuver in Words With Friends for a triple word play with CALVARY, I would be rocking the house!!!

Love To You All!

Thank God for Teenagers

"Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Thessalonians 5:18  (FCA Bible/Holman)

Teenager.

If you are one, possibly that word has no immediate effect upon you one way or another; however, if you are raising, or have raised one, the hair on the back of your neck is probably standing up and mentally you are preparing to find both the Tums and the Tylenol.

Teenager.

No amount of money in this world would entice me to be one again. While my memory is greatly faded, that gnawing feeling in my gut remains when I attempt to think back on those years. Struggling to find my identity and place in this life, I both suffered hurts and inflicted pain upon others in the process. Highs and lows, great joy and unbearable sorrow, the ebb and flow of yet-to-be-stabilized hormones--teenagers can be highly lovable or incredibly volatile. Loving them is rewarding yet challenging.

Teenager.

Personally, I am grateful for them! In my years as a substitute teacher, I have had the joy of meeting numerous respectful, industrious, and kind teens. Have I also worked with some cocky, crass and even cruel kids? Honestly, yes. But underneath even the toughest exterior, I believe every child has value. Each one I have met has presented me an opportunity to peel back the layers and extend unconditional love.

Today, a group of teenagers reminded me that God wants us to be thankful for everyone, and everything, in life: the easy, the hard, and the impossible. As our key verse states, "Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." At our morning meeting of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a leader-in-training led her first group devotional. This lovely girl stated that she chose the topic of thankfulness because we so often let gratefulness go unsaid, not only for the big things in life but especially the small ones. In addition, we are easily thankful when times are good or when we are succeeding with relatively little effort; the challenge is having a grateful heart when situations are bad, when circumstances have our world crumbling down around us. What a wise young woman!

Teenager.

They exist in the same world that we do, seeking answers and struggling to make sense of the absurd. I am extremely happy to know that God is alive and working in their lives. A few hours ago, I listened to stories of humbleness and gratitude ranging from a parent's loss of a job, a feud with a best friend, a family move, shortcomings on the court, and personal injury. Why were these kids thankful for such devastating incidents? Each student relayed the lesson he or she had learned through the process and how they were shaped as a person as a result.

 "...Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" Job 2:10 (NASB)

Teenager.

Thank God for them. Love them, support them, pray for them. Today's teenagers may one day be your nurse, accountant, senator, pastor, or even your best friend. Satan is on the prowl, looking for souls to devour, and our teens are at high risk. Won't you commit to sharing your faith with a young person this week? We can be a light into the darkness; a mentor; a model; an ear to listen and maybe even a shoulder to cry upon. Instead of cringing, let's embrace that word "teenager" and praise the Lord for the chance to show our thanks to them and to Him. After all, He knows what we are feeling; let us not forget, Jesus was once....

A Teenager!