Welcoming vs. Condeming

Someone very near and dear to my heart/life is hurting beyond words, and, in so much pain that ending their life seemed the only option.  This person was unsuccesful in their recent suicide attempt (this time).  In researching some resident centers that, hopefully, this person will be able to go to, I came across this quote:

 

"We in the church have as much to learn from people in the recovery movement as we have to offer them. I was struck by one observation from an alcoholic friend of mine. "When I'm late to church, people turn around and stare at me with frowns of disapproval. I get the clear message that I'm not as responsible as they are. When I'm late to AA, the meeting comes to a halt and everyone jumps up to hug and welcome me. They realize that my lateness may be a sign that I almost didn't make it. When I show up, it proves that my desperate need for them won out over my desperate need for alcohol."

This quote brings to mind so many word pictures!

 

It reminds me of the account of Jonathan Edwards sermon, "Sinners in the hands of an angry God."  I have heard it said that those listening to this sermon were literally holding on to the pews & pillars in the church afraid they were, at any moment, going to slide in to hell.

 

It also reminds me of last summer when a group of us were at the Harvest Crusade.  Tyler & Jenni were coming to join us and were late.  That particular night, the crowd was over capacity for Angel Stadium.  So, they locked the gates and would allow not more to enter into the Stadium.  My heart raced and I was struck with the very real thought that there will be a time when it is too late to say, "Yes!" to Jesus.  I will never forget that night.

 

This quote today reminds me just how much we in the church need to show the love of Christ, His grace and mercy to all around us.  We can no longer assume we know why someone comes to church, nor why they do not.  We can no longer pass judgment on why someone is late.  The fact that people come should be enough for rejoicing.

 

I recall when Jenna or Megan used to come to Youth Group late.  Whenever the other showed up, they would jump up and greet each other with an all consuming hug.  It definitely was a distraction, especially if Youth Group had already started.  However, they were genuinely excited to see each other.  Eager in fact.

 

Are we genuinely excited to see each other whenever we meet?  Are we eager to seek each other out?

 

Much to ponder over.

 

There is a bronze sculpture on the grounds of the Crystal Cathedral called "The smiling Jesus."  It shows this man smiling and embracing a child.  It is a beautiful reminder, to me, of Jesus' readiness to take us in His arms, forgiven, and love on us.  If we have full forgiveness, grace and mercy showered on us...how much more, then, should we also shower forgiveness, grace and mercy upon each other?

 

Perhaps people are not drawn to us and the good news of the Gospel because we stand condeming them, rather than welcoming them.

 

Love on each other.  God is the One who changes hearts.

 

Ouch!  Let it begin with me...

--
Mary E.Hickcox
www.CalvaryBaptistSM.org
http://mary-neotes.blogspot.com/

Fascinating People

Jesus was always getting critized by the religious leaders because He associated with the "sinners."  Check out this account in Matthew:

Matthew 9:9-13 As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting in the tax collector's booth; and He *said to him, "Follow Me!" And he got up and followed Him. (10) Then it happened that as Jesus was reclining at the table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with Jesus and His disciples. (11) When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, "Why is your Teacher eating with the tax collectors and sinners?" (12) But when Jesus heard this, He said, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. (13) "But go and learn what this means: 'I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,' for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Who do you hang out with?  Often times, Frank and I hear you tell us, "all my friends are Christians."  And, we are happy you are choosing to fellowship with Christians; however, what about the non-Christians in the area of your influence?

 

On Saturday, I had the joy of spending time with a gal who was my best friend in college.  I am so thankful God has brought us back together at just this time in both of our lives!  We are both excited and thankful for a renewed friendship (praise God!).

 

As it turns out, her name happens to be Debbie.  This is the 3rd Debbie in my life right now!  So I have my San Diego Debbie friend, my co-worker Debbie, and my best friend Debbie.

 

I was instantly reminded of one of the really awesome qualities I always admired in San Diego Debbie: her love, fasicnation of and empathy for people.  Genuine empathy.  And, her compassion.  Not only was I the recipient of this beautiful quality, but so were the restaurant employees, customers around us and others walking into the restaurant.  No one was beneath her ready smile, friendly banter...twinkling, earnest gaze.  There is no question Debbie sincerely enjoys and cares for people: friends and acquaintances and strangers alike.

 

Frank has this quality too.  I've always remarked that I love to see the world through his eyes.  He, like Debbie, finds people fascinating, interesting and of intrinsic value.  My best friend Debbie has this ability as well.  She loves people and is selfless in her warmth, love and care for others.  Her compassion towards others has no limits.

 

What about you?

 

People who trust Jesus, who want to follow Him, obey His commandments...they don't care about their reputation.  They care about Jesus' reputation.  They see though His eyes and look beyond the exterior of a person.  Jesus followers are ready to show His love, His compassion and say to a lost person, "you have value, you are loved, so much so, Jesus died for you."  Read on to see what today's PW Devo has to say further on this topic.
 

PlanetWisdom.com Devotionals

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Walk This Way: Harmonize Posted: 23 Mar 2010 02:19 PM PDT "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited." (Romans 12:16) Is it just me, or is this verse repeating itself? Is it just me, or is this very saying the same thing more than once? It's like Paul thought we needed to hear it twice in order for this simple idea to penetrate our me-centric hearts. Here's one approach to life: Live to win. Protect what's yours at all costs. Don't let anyone get the better of you. You'll never belong in the best crowd if you hang out with the lamest one. If no one is beneath you, then you're on the bottom. And here's the Jesus way to walk: Live to help others win. Take yourself out of competition for most popular. Be good to everyone and too good for no one. Imagine how the least popular people will look in eternity when glorified, sinless, and living up to their full design specifications. Think: How often would you say you have an actual goal of living in harmony with other people? How many people of low position on the world's scale would say you're their friend? Pray: Ask God to help you to live in harmony with others. Ask Him to help you not to be proud or conceited, but to be willing to hang out with people who rank low on the world's scale. Do: Make a quick list of three Christians you know who really seem to make a point to hang out with low-positioned people.

--
Mary E.Hickcox
www.CalvaryBaptistSM.org
http://mary-neotes.blogspot.com/

Infants vs. Intellectuals

Matthew 11:25-30 At that time Jesus said, "I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants. (26) "Yes, Father, for this way was well-pleasing in Your sight. (27) "All things have been handed over to Me by My Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father; nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. (28) "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. (29) "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. (30) "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

A few weeks ago, I had a serious conversation with a dear friend and the last verse in this passage was discussed.  Since then, I've done a lot of researching, praying and reading on this passage.  In fact, at my request, Pastor PJ Lewis recently sent me his sermon on this particular passage.

 

Wow.

 

I used to think the passage was ONLY about salvation.  It is, but it is so much more!

 

How does Jesus want us to come to Him?

Like infants.

How many infants do you know who are living independent of their parents?  How many babies do you see driving SUVs, purchasing the food they want to eat and changing their own diapers?  Zilch. Nada. Zero.

 

If infants weren't helpless, fragile and so needy...it wouldn't matter if young mothers, who didn't want them, dumped their babies into a trashcan or dumpster.  They'd be able to climb out on their own and save themselves.  But we all know this is way wrong.  We all know that if that baby is left there too long, unfound, it will starve to death.  It will die.

 

Infants are 100% dependent on their parent(s) to give them every thing they need.  Not to be gross or anything, but they cannot even control when they soil their diapers!  Much less, they cannot control when they sleep or wake up...though you do see them struggle to stay awake, etc.

 

That's how God wants us to come to Him.  To Jesus.  Totally dependent on Him to provide everything we need.  He works through us for His glory and our good.

 

Are you an infant or are you an intellectual?  Are you proud, thinking you've got all of this Christian life figured out?  Or are you humble, realizing you cannot do anything for Jesus on your own?

 

When we are totally dependent upon Jesus, today's PW Devo seems like a no brainer. 

 

More later...

PlanetWisdom.com Devotionals

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Walk This Way: Share Posted: 20 Mar 2010 02:01 PM PDT "Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." (Romans 12:13) What's amazing about this list from Romans 12 that describes how Christians live, how we follow after Jesus in all kind of practical ways, is that it doesn't explain anything. It's just one short, punchy command after another. What does it mean for someone to be "in need"? What about needy people who are not Christians? How much of my money or food or stuff should I share? What if I'm not good at hospitality? What if I don't feel comfortable with people in my house or car or heart? What if I don't have a house or a car? No answers; just do it. It's a human trait to make things more complicated than they have to be. If you know of a Christian in need, share with them. Find a way to use your life and possessions to make other people feel at home. Thats' what Christians do. Period. Think: Do you know any of God's people who are in need? What do you have that you could share with them? How soon could you make that happen? Pray: Ask God to help you to share with God's people who are in need and to practice hospitality. Do: Notice some Christians in your life who use practice hospitality really well and what difference it makes for those who receive it.

--
Mary E.Hickcox
www.CalvaryBaptistSM.org
http://mary-neotes.blogspot.com/

Focus on the "Do" not the "Don't"

This PW Devo today is a great reminder of the fact we should be focused on what we can do in our relationship with Jesus.

 

Too many times...we dance so close to that line of what we can do and what we shouldn't do.  Legalism works that way.  In fact, the Jewish Religious leaders felt they had to add to the commandments God handed down to them to keep the Nation of Israel from breaking any of the commandments.  Did it work? Not one bit.  Only Jesus could keep all of the commandments.

We're just like Eve back in the Garden of Eden.  We twist what God really said and get ourselves into trouble EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.

 

Spend your week focused on what Jesus calls us, commands us to do.  And, if you aren't sure, take time this week to read the book of John.  Take a journal and write down every time Jesus asks us to do something.  Also, check out what Paul had to say in Colossians 3:

Colossians 3:1-25

(1) Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

(2)

Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.

(3)

For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

(4)

When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

(5)

Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.

(6)

For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience,

(7)

and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them.

(8)

But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth.

(9)

Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices,

(10)

and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him--

(11)

a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.

(12)

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;

(13)

bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

(14)

Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

(15)

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

(16)

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

(17)

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

(18)

Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

(19)

Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.

(20)

Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.

(21)

Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.

(22)

Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.

(23)

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,

(24)

knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

(25)

For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.

 

I also like the fact that this PW Devo talks about Christians having pain: "Real Christians hurt. Okay, everyone hurts. But Jesus-followers imitate Him by being patient when they hurt, not surprised, not feeling betrayed, not angry -- patient as we wait for God to help."

 

Are you waiting on God today?

Are you hurting?

Are your hoping in Christ?

Are you praying and giving thanks in all things?

 

I'm pretty sure that if we Christians focused on what Jesus commands us to do....hope in Christ...wait on God to do what He's going to do....we'd be less concerned about the temporary things of this corrupted world and more concerned about making the most of every moment to count for Jesus...for eternity...for God's glory.

 

It's kinda interesting.

I've found it to be true, for me, the more I love Jesus, the more I realize how unimportant the petty details of this life are.

I want to be more like Mary, than Martha....and drink in deeply at the feet of Jesus.

 

I love you all and pray for you daily.

 

PlanetWisdom.com Devotionals

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Walk This Way: Hope Pain Prayer Posted: 19 Mar 2010 08:23 AM PDT "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." (Romans 12:12) It's easy -- and pointless -- to define being a Christian by what we don't do. Lots of religions say we should save sex for marriage and skip the drugs, porn, alcohol, and being mean. That doesn't make you a Christian. To walk like Jesus, to live as a follower of Christ, has way more to do with what we actually do than with what we don't do. We're looking at specific examples of that this week. Today: Real Christians hope! That means we keep expecting God to come through, we expect to be with Him in eternity forever. And it matters enough to us to make us joyful. Real Christians hurt. Okay, everyone hurts. But Jesus-followers imitate Him by being patient when they hurt, not surprised, not feeling betrayed, not angry -- patient as we wait for God to help. Real Christians pray. And then pray again tomorrow. Following Jesus is harder -- and way better -- than just not having sex or not getting drunk. Think: Which are you most consistent at -- being joyful in hope, patient in affliction, or faithful in prayer? What can you do this week to do more of that? Pray: Ask God to help you to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Do: Keep an eye on the Christians in your life. Look for example of joyfulness in hope, patience in affliction, and faithfulness in prayer.

--
Mary E.Hickcox
www.CalvaryBaptistSM.org
http://mary-neotes.blogspot.com/

Foolish Children

This PW Devotional specifically talks about dads...but I think you could insert "parents" into the mix as well.

 

Ultimately, our desire should be to please the Lord God. Our heavenly Father.

 

My heart is always stirred by the account of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32.  Read how the father responded upon seeing his son return, vs.20 "So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him."

 

If you read earlier, the son had lost everything and was working with the pigs, eating what they ate.  The son was dirty, probably smelly and had lost everything.  In my mind, I envision a homeless person who has been living on the streets for quite some time.   The father didn't verbally reprimand the son upon his return, he "felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him."

 

Our heavenly Father is ready, eager, and willing to forgive.  It took the prodigal son coming to the end of all he had to remember his father's house and return.  That's the hard way.  Many have had to learn the hard way in foolish pursuits and willful, sinful rebellion against God.

 

Read on.
 

PlanetWisdom.com Devotionals

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Fool Week: Sad Dads Posted: 14 Mar 2010 10:00 AM PDT "To have a fool for a son brings grief; there is no joy for the father of a fool." (Proverbs 17:21) We're wrapping up Fool Week with a moment of silence for the dads of fools everywhere. They're out there right now grieving and joyless. Everybody wants their dad to be proud of them. Of course we do. It's built into us to want our dads to respect us and be glad to call us their kids. Sometimes, dads aren't great at showing that. Dads can be fools, too. But here's something students don't always ponder: Dads want to be proud of their kids, too. And it's hard to be genuinely proud of what the Bible calls a fool -- someone who has rejected God's way for his or her own path through life. That makes wise dads sad, because they know every path but God's leads to pain, heartache, and disappointment. You can't make your dad be proud of you -- that's up to him -- but you can give him (or anyone whose opinion matters to you) good reason to be proud of you by growing in wisdom, looking for it and figuring out how to live by it. Most dads want exactly that for their kids. Think: Do you tend to think of your dad as a wise person? Do you think he wants you to be wise in how you live your life? Does that matter to him? Pray: Ask God to help you to continue to grow in wisdom in a way that would give your dad -- or anyone you respect -- good reason to be proud of you. Do: Read how urgently one dad begs his kids to go out and get wisdom in Proverbs 4:1-8.

--
Mary E.Hickcox
www.CalvaryBaptistSM.org
http://mary-neotes.blogspot.com/

Emotional Outbursts

I'd like to tell you that I have this reigning in my emotions thing worked out.  But I don't.  Frank will attest to that, if you prod and nag at him long enough. And even then, he won't paint me as an emotional rollercoaster. Frank's not a dirt thrower.  He'll never rat me out to you, or you, or you, or even you. 

On Friday, I did a really good job of hearing someone out.  I REALLY practiced the following verse, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."  Proverbs 15:1

Oh goody for me!

 

Aren't I wonderful!?

 

Let's pat me on the back.  Woo hoo!

 

Sheesh....

 

Well, not more than 30 minutes later, I blew it with Frank.  I was VERY annoyed and everyone in the car was the receipient of my annoyance!!!  Frank and I talked about it later and he kindly, patiently, and lovingly said, "I understand."  This really took the wind out of my annoyance sails and we were able to have a civil, open discussion on what had happened earlier in the day.

 

The following PW Devotional talks about this very thing: letting our emotions rule our actions, responses.

 

When you are insulted, do you do the internal stall before responding, reacting?

 

Read on.

 

PlanetWisdom.com Devotionals

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Fool Week: Hey, I'm Annoyed! Posted: 12 Mar 2010 01:39 PM PST "A fool shows his annoyance at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult." (Proverbs 12:16) Fool Week marches on. It's a kind of madness, really. A marching madness. There may be a bracket to fill out. Anyway, today's fool believes that he has a biological need -- a human right, even -- to express whatever he's feeling whenever he's feeling it. So if you bother me, offend me -- and especially if you insult me -- I'm not going to wait around to let you know I am not okay with that. This fool really likes saying, "I am NOT okay with that." Sometimes really loud. The prudent guy, on the other hand, has developed the life skill of telling his emotions when they can come out and when they have to stay home. He decides, "Making a deal out of this insult isn't going to help anyone; it's only going to lead to less interesting trouble." That doesn't mean he's a chump; he doesn't let every insult pass. He talks about how he feels sometimes -- just not every time. He's a cool cat, that prudent guy. Think: How often do you keep from showing those around you that you are annoyed? How often do you let an insult pass without responding to it? Pray: Ask God to help you not to show your annoyance at once, but to be able to overlook an insult when it's the wisest choice. Do: Notice this week who in your life can't seem to keep from showing everything they're feeling -- and who chooses to let an insult slide without responding to it. If you're curious, ask them how they do that.

--
Mary E.Hickcox
www.CalvaryBaptistSM.org
http://mary-neotes.blogspot.com/

A Fool's Quick Words

Jesus is the only One Who ever lived Who spoke words of wisdom, truth and love.

The rest of us, at one time or another, have spoken foolishly (too quickly, sharply, sarcastically, etc.).

Think about this:  If someone has hurt you AND asks you to forgive them, do you say you do, and yet, try to still make them feel the pain you felt with sharp, angry, or critical words?  Even better...when someone hurts you, do you forgive them without their asking you to?  As believers, we are called to: Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:29-32)

Measuring our words to one another, considering if what I'm about to say offers encouragement, edification, instruction, etc., to those who hear it...is obeying what God tells us to do:

Colossians 3:1-17 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (2) Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. (3) For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (4) When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. (5) Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. (6) For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, (7) and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. (8) But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and

abusive speech from your mouth. (9) Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, (10) and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him-- (11) a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. (12) So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; (13) bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. (14) Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. (15) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. (16) Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (17) Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

 

Read on.

 

Listen first, consider what the Lord would have you say, then respond.  And, for us gals...it is NOT our job to be the Holy Spirit.  It is our job to wait, submit to the Lord and wait for the Holy Spirit to move in the lives around us.  We should be devoted to prayer.

 

May you all come ready to worship and prepared to encourage each other in our walks with Christ Jesus this Sunday!

PlanetWisdom.com Devotionals

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Fool Week: Quick Words Posted: 11 Mar 2010 02:29 PM PST "He who answers before listening -- that is his folly and his shame." (Proverbs 18:13) Welcome back to Fool Week on the PW. You were wise to come. Here's another fool we can all relate to. This one has no obstacles in his head between his mind and his mouth. If he thinks it, it just comes roaring out. Apparently, those obstacles have been moved over between his ears and his brain, because whatever you're saying to him isn't getting through. This person -- and we've likely all been him once or twice or more -- is entertaining to watch sometimes, but humiliating to be. His biggest problem is that in the heat of the moment, he loses his fear of revealing his ignorance. He's convinced what he has to say is vastly more important than whatever it was you just told him. Jesus said, "Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks." And the heart of the foolish is full of only themselves. Think: Do you ever catch your mouth getting ahead of your ears? What could you do to make sure your ears win that race more often? Pray: Ask God to help you to have the wisdom to listen before answering. Do: Think about memorizing this wisdom verse: "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." (James 1:19)

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--
Mary E.Hickcox
www.CalvaryBaptistSM.org
http://mary-neotes.blogspot.com/

Understanding vs. Being Heard

My mom used to come back from her hairdresser with this comment, "that woman can talk the horns off a billy goat."  My mom was always coming up with these hilarious "southern sayings."  This one, however, was something I literally used to try and visualize.  Okay mom, so there's this billy goat standing there and this lady is yaking and yaking and yaking...as the minutes slip by...the horns are getting smaller and smaller and smaller.

 

Some people can really talk.  And, they talk because they like the sound of their own voice...their own opinion...their own counsel.  God reminds us in Proverbs 3:1-7:

 

(1) My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; (2) for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. (3) Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. (4) So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. (5) Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. (6) In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (7) Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

 "..and lean not on your own understanding."

Read on to see what PW Devos has to say today.

Do you care more about listening or talking?

 

PlanetWisdom.com Devotionals

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Fool Week: Hear Me Speak! Posted: 09 Mar 2010 07:30 PM PST "A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions." (Proverbs 18:2) Are you ready to meet some fools this week? (Say "yes" or I'll call you a fool.) Great! This proverb is about pleasure, about what feels good. Which is more fun for you -- understanding or being heard? Do you have a better time trying to figure out what's what -- or telling everyone else what it is even if you're not really clear on the details. This verse says the fool is more motivated by expressing himself than knowing what he's talking about. Have you met him? I have. He makes regular visits to my mirror, the jerk. But you don't have to just accept yourself as someone who loves to hear yourself yak. You can get wisdom. You (and me) can ask God to help us to find more fun in learning than knowing, more joy in asking than in answering. Think: Be honest with yourself. How important is it to you to have people respect you for your opinions? Is it so important that you sometimes forget to care about other people's ideas? Pray: Ask God to help you to find pleasure in understanding and not to delight too much in airing your own opinions. Do: Ask a friend you really trust to be honest with you about how often they think you care more about talking then listening.

--
Mary E.Hickcox
www.CalvaryBaptistSM.org
http://mary-neotes.blogspot.com/

Friends: Wise vs. Foolish

Planet Wisdom is embarking upon "Fool Week" for devotional topics.  And, it is very relevant to wherever you are today in your friendships.  

Go with me on a mental journey...fantasy...okay, sci fi adventure for you fans out there (and you KNOW who you are!). 

 

Long ago, in a galaxy far, far, away...(um, no, wait...wrong story).

Queue in the rewind music scramble.

 

It was a dark and stormy night...(no, that's not it)!

Queue in the screeching sound cartoon brakes make.

 

Once upon a time (ah, here we go), at school, your cell phone dropped into the toilet (HOW do you people do this?) and you didn't have cell phone insurance...dunh dunh DUNH!!  You stayed longer than usual in the restroom, hoping the handsfree dryer would evaporate the moisture permeating your cell phone device. Subsequently your friends took off, leaving you alone.  So much time had passed, while you were desperately trying to dry out your cell phone, dusk had fallen when you emerged from the restroom.  Or, twilight, if you will (nod to our Team Jacob fans).

 

(Hit pause please - I need to go and perform the elaborate preparations for my perfect cup of Earl Grey tea.   Ahhh...NOW we can continue.)

Spying a landline (gasp!) telephone, you shuffle forlornly (or plod dejectedly, or walk deliberately, or run frantically...you get the idea...you traversed from point A:restroom exit to point b:pay phone) to the pay phone. (Is it normal for one to have so many parenthetical comments while writing one's own story? Hmm...I can hear Simon Cowell calling me "self indulgent." Or a "funny, quirky thing," not sure which.)

 

Fortunately for you, you recall the alarming story of your mom NOT having a cell phone in her teen years and having to resort to landlines or payphones. You remember the vivid details she meandered on about on how to actually make and pay for a phone call.

 

With real, live money.

 

Actual coinage.

 

Digging through the bottom of your backpack, or pocket, or purse, or murse (whomever you are, dear reader, consider the appropriate reference), you find loose change.  Because all of your friends' cell numbers are stored on your mobile device, and you didn't memorize them, you have to call your mom.

 

No answer. Shocking, your mom always answers your calls!

 

It is now getting dark.  You are still at school!!!  Isn't someone worried about me?  As you slowly walk down the hallway you consider your friends.  You wonder who would actually come looking for you if they couldn't get in touch with you?  You begin to wonder why at least this person or that person didn't come back in to the restroom and find out what was taking you so long?  And then, you turn the corner and there they are! Your gaggle of friends!  Every single one of your friends is waiting by your locker (do you even have lockers anymore?).  They are talking among themselves and one spots you.

 

"Hey! What took you so long?" He/she/it yells out to you in greeting.

 

You're safe!

They waited.

You are not alone!

Phew!

 

You join up with your friends and are whole once again. All your friends commiserate with your cell phone destruction story. One of your friends even offers to give you their cool phone when it is time to upgrade their phone.

 

Which will happen tomorrow!

 

Mobile device angels rejoice!

 

The cell phone umbilical cord is soon to be reconnected!

All is well with your world again.

The end.

OKAY, so this silly story doesn't have much of a point (again, Simon's voice scornfully saying, "self indulgent").  I know most of you can relate to catching up with your group of friends and feeling connected.  Friends are really important to all of us.  Even you - you lone wolf, I am an island, person.

 

Who are your friends?  Are they REALLY friends or just acquaintances?  I liked what this young man had to say in the following article:

 

What is a True Friend?

By Jeff Yourison

 

"What is a friend? A single soul in two bodies."—Aristotle

 

You can have a lot of acquaintances, but only a few people will become your best friends. These are kindred spirits, much like David and Jonathan mentioned in the main article, whose souls were "knit together." Friendships like this will endure, even though the intensity of the friendship will ebb and flow over time.

 

One of the dangers in this kind of friendship is co-dependency. The sheer delight of having such a friend can also create weighty expectations in the relationship. A good question for friends to ask regularly is, "Are we truly seeking the other person's highest good?"

 

"A true friend stabs you in the front."—Oscar Wilde

 

Leave it to Oscar Wilde to lay out an important truth with such wry humor. A true friend is one who helps you see the truth, even if it hurts. This doesn't mean we can go around stabbing our friends with hurtful words. Rather, it means being up front with friends about important issues, raising gentle questions with tact and love, never gossiping or putting them down to others behind their backs.

 

"I do not wish to treat friendships daintily, but with the roughest courage. When they are real, they are not glass threads or frost-work, but the solidest thing we know."—Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Real friendships don't just happen, and they aren't maintenance free. Ask questions both in conversation with your friend and when you're alone: "How would you describe our friendship?" "What is God doing in each of us, separately and together?" "How can we help each other become all God wants us to be?"

 

Frank likes to quote, "Show me your friends and it will show me who you are."

 

What type of friends are you comfortable with: Friends who tell you the truth or friends who tell you what you want to hear?

 

Here's the hard one: do your friends push you toward God or pull you away from God?

 

Are you the kind of friend who pushes or pulls people to/from God?

 

Read on to see what PW has to say on this subject.

 

I pray you will be a wise friend and seek out wise friends.

 

PlanetWisdom.com Devotionals

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Fool Week: Get Wise Friends Posted: 08 Mar 2010 04:29 PM PST "He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm." (Proverbs 13:20) Welcome to Fool Week on the PW. We're dissecting fools this week in search of what it takes to be the opposite of wise. Hint: It's not that hard. Why does it matter if we know what a fool looks like? For one, hanging out with fools will get you hurt. Today's proverb says that your friends rub off on you. Wise friends make you wiser. Foolish friends make foolish choices which leads to painful consequences that they share with their friends. Looking to join a posse or add some friends to your network. Here's a tip from proverbs: Always look for friends that are wiser than you -- at least a few of them. Be humble enough to be the least wise person you hang out with, and you're bound to get wiser. Think: Would you say most of your friends are wise or foolish? Which ones are the best influence on you? Who do you influence to be wiser? Pray: Ask God to help you to walk with the wise and to avoid being a companion of fools. Do: Make a quick list of your three wisest friends and then find a way to spend some time with them in the next few weeks.

Praising God Today and Every Day!

On the way in to work today, I was listening to the Fish 95.9 (local Christian radio station).  I could do without all the talking and do more with the music!

 

I heard the song, "Revelation Song" by Phillips, Craig & Dean.

Here are the words for your edification:
 

Worthy is the,
Lamb who was slain
Holy, Holy, is He
Sing a new song, to Him who sits on
Heaven's Mercy Seat
[Repeat 2x]

(Chorus)
Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And I will adore You…!
Yeah!

Clothed in rainbows, of living color
Flashes of lightning, rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor, strength and
Glory and power be
To You the Only Wise King,
Yeah

(Chorus)
Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come, yeah
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And – I - will - adore You!
Yeah!

Filled with wonder,
Awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your Name
Jesus, Your Name is Power
Breath, and Living Water
Such a marvelous mystery
Yeah...

(Chorus)
Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come, yeah
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And – I - will - adore You!

Holy, Holy, Holy
Is the Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come,
With all creation I sing:
Praise to the King of Kings!
You are my everything,
And – I - will - adore YOU…

(Chorus) (Repeat at a cappella)

Come up lift up His Name
To the King of Kings…
We will adore YOU Lord…
King of heaven and earth
King Jesus, King Jesus
Aleluya, aleluya, aleluya!
Majesty, awestruck Honor
And Power and Strength and Dominion
To You Lord,
To the King, to King
To the King of Glory

 

I caught the song halfway through, but it sent a thrill of excitement through my body and spirit!  So I started praising God and thanking Him for all He has done.  It is kind of hard to praise God without thanking Him!  Try it!

 

As wonderful as this song is, the thought struck me it is nothing compared to when we are in eternity praising God as a heavenly choir!  However, today's PW devotional reminds me God enjoys the praises from His children.

 

Praise God throughout your day today!  Look for things, people and events to be thankful for!  Dwell upon the fact that everything you have is by the hand of God. 

Even your next breath,

and the next one,

and the one after that.

 

Let's join an earthly choir of praise to our God and King of kings!
 

PlanetWisdom.com Devotionals

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All About Him: Everyday and Forever Posted: 01 Mar 2010 02:58 PM PST "I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever." (Psalm 145:1-2) Human beings are praise machines. We're built to cheer. It's in our DNA. That doesn't mean we always want to do it, but we've got the code for it. Put 20 or so of us in a room where someone is performing or competing or even just telling good jokes, and we're very like to hoot and clap and holler and buy the poster. Our God is the perfect praise-receiving machine. Okay, He's not a machine, but there is no more natural target for praise in the universe than Him. And we're told He actually responds when His kids praise Him with real hearts. It only makes sense that we should get together, especially since that's what He built us to do and because something in us wakes up and feels truthful when we are in the act of praising Him. Everybody wins. We're going to praise Him right along with the songwriter king of Israel this whole week to find out more about why He deserves our praise -- and why we're missing out if we don't make our lives all about Him. Think: Does praising God feel to you like a duty or something you look forward to? How hard is it to think of real reasons to praise Him? How often do you praise Him to someone else without singing? Pray: Ask God to help you to praise Him as He deserves. Thank Him that as a Christian, you will praise His name for ever and ever. Do: If you want to get a jump start on the week, read all the way through Psalm 145.

--
Mary E.Hickcox
www.CalvaryBaptistSM.org
http://mary-neotes.blogspot.com/

He IS Coming Back!!!

I hope you all had a relaxing (and dry) weekend.  Frank and I basically moved through the weekend like zombies (NO! not biting and eating people...)...but, doing a lot of vegging out in front of the TV watching the Olympics, a movie, etc.  Frank had to work on Saturday and I went to Bill Eshelby's funeral celebration.  We both were in church on Sunday, fellowshipping & worshipping with our church family and missed many of you!!!  I know some of you were out of town, but we missed you nevertheless.

 

Miss Jenny Calderon's Villa Park Varsity Basketball Team won their CIF game on Saturday night (woot!) and are off to another CIF game which, if one, will lead them to the State Champsionships (way awesome!).  Congratulations to Jenny and her teammates...may you go all the way to State!

 

Did you watch the news about the 8.8 Earthquake in Chile?  Were you glued to the TV waiting (with the rest of the US) for a Tsunami to hit Hawaii?  What were you thinking?  What were you feeling?  Did the thought cross your mind that there's been a lot of earthquakes and natural disasters lately?

 

Today's PW Devotional recounts the moment when the disciples watched Jesus ascend into heaven.  Then, as they stood there gazing up into the clouds, two angels showed up and reminded them that Jesus went to heaven and will come back, some day, in the same way he departed.

 

The disciples were always questioning Jesus so I wouldn't be suprised if they had mused among themselves the question of "when?"  Just like you and I do today.  Even at a late lunch on Saturday, as we watched the "breaking" news of the Tsunami hitting Hawaii (and, eventually California)...Debbie and I discussed the imminent return of Jesus.   We aren't supposed to practice "Headline Eschatology," meaning, we don't use the current breaking news to support end times prophecy.  However, one thing we can be sure of:  Jesus' return is imminent - it could happen at any time!  Does that send a thrill of excitement through you or a sense of dread?

 

The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 4, the following:

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

(13) But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.

(14) For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.

(15) For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.

(16) For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

(17) Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.

(18) Therefore comfort one another with these words.

These verses are to comfort us on several points.  The Thessalonians were confused about what happens to those who died in Christ.  They were also confused about who gets resurrected first, etc.   Paul set the record straight.  Reading these verses should give us joy and an eagerness for Christ's return.

 

Jesus IS coming back.  It could happen at any moment.  Paul reminds us to comfort one another about this very fact.

 

How should I lives look on a daily basis reflecting the fact Jesus could come back at any moment?

Jesus' return should give us a sense of urgency in sharing the Gospel with those around us. 

 

Read on to see what PW has to say too.

PlanetWisdom.com Devotionals

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What Now?: He's Coming Back Posted: 28 Feb 2010 09:16 AM PST "They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 'Men of Galilee,' they said, 'why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.' " (Acts 1:10-11) You almost feel bad for the disciples. They're always playing catch-up to whatever Jesus is talking about or doing, right up to the very end. He tells them not to leave Jerusalem. He says the Holy Spirit will come on them and give them power. He says they will be His witnesses everywhere. Then He flies up into a cloud! Then some angels show up and say, "Why are you looking at that cloud?" Because Jesus just disappeared into it, that's why! But Jesus knew they needed more answers: So He sent these two angels to fill in the gaps. To let them know He was gone to heaven. And to let them know He's coming back in the same way someday. To let them know the story isn't over, yet. What now? Use the power of the Holy Spirit to be Jesus' witness in this world. And keep watching the sky, getting prepared, waiting for Him to come back and make everything right once and for all. Think: Do you have an expectation that Jesus could come back "in the same way" at any moment? If you did, how would that change the way you live today? Pray: Thank God that Jesus is coming back someday. Ask Him to help you to live like it could be today. Do: Read on in Acts for the wild, amazing story of the early days of the Christian church.

Mary E.Hickcox
www.CalvaryBaptistSM.org
http://mary-neotes.blogspot.com/