I pray this day finds you rejoicing and full of joy today! However, I know that often Christmas can be so difficult. I have been so burdened for so many folks who are suffering in one way or another this Christmas. it’s on every side. Pain, sickness, loss…so much hurting and suffering. It may seem an awful time of year to be dealing with hard things, but as I shared on this past Saturday’s broadcast, suffering can help us realize why Christ came. You can listen to the broadcast by clicking this link~
The funniest occurrence happened this week and I’ve lost track of how many times this scenario has happened in the past. I was out shopping and a couple walked past me and greeted me…warmly, with that recognition kind of “Hello!” I kept walking because I have never seen them before. Then they called a name ~
“Dianne!”
It was at that moment that I realized this person thought they were seeing my twin sister, Dianne! I turned and confessed that “Dianne” wasn’t being rude and ignoring them, but that I am her twin, Denise! They responded with,
Oh my! You look just like her!
These situations have happened out of the state in which she lives, which makes it even more crazy! Even as adults, I guess we must still look alike.! There’s something in me that makes them think they’re seeing Dianne.
The following day after this happened, I was thinking of a difficulty I’m facing and was praying about my responses. It’s so easy to turn cynical, sarcastic and even want to pull away, but then I was reminded that when others see me, they should see Christ in me. He should be so recognizable in my words, my actions, and even what my expression reveals. Is there…
Worry?
Anger?
Depression?
Disgust?
If so, others will walk right on by, seeing only Denise instead of Jesus. But what if I allow the Lord to help me be mindful of His responses towards me so that I can show those same traits to others by His power? They will see:
Joy!
Love!
Trust!
Forgiveness!
Could people walk past you and me and see Jesus? Oh no, we’ll never be perfect this side of heaven, but there should be something so familiar about our lives and responses, that they would be reminded of Christ! Let’s pray that we look more and more like Him as the years pass!
I’m thankful for a twin so the Lord could remind me today that I need to look like Him! Who are you showing to a watching world?
This weekend brings a day of recognition for worthy people – mothers. I am blessed to be a mom,
and I have the blessing of having a terrific mother, but the Lord’s brought to my mind that Mother’s Day, though special, is a day that also brings a sundry of emotions.
I remember the drive as I headed out early to purchase the last items I needed for my Easter dinner. I was filled with excitement as I anticipated Easter Sunday and the joy of worshiping and remembering the empty tomb! The sky was kind of gray and cloudy as I headed out, but I needed to get this done.
Leg bouncers amaze me. Do you know who I’m talking about? It’s those people who are totally oblivious to the fact that while they’re eating, watching a ballgame, or listening to music, their leg is bouncing 100 mph! It seems like such a waste of energy!
No criticism here, but I’m married to a leg-bouncer. Many times when sitting in a quiet setting like a service or at a table, I’ve gently put my hand on his leg. He knows it’s my request for him to bring his energy into control so the table or pew will stop its shaking!
I’m pretty blown away at leg bouncers’ ability to do this vigorous muscle sprint! I’ve tried it and it just isn’t possible. Oh, except in my heart…
Yes, when I’ve got a problem, my heart steps in and begins its flurry of mental activity at the speed of 100 mph! With each thought is
How this issue could be stopped
How I might help it stop
Who else might give me a hand!
Like busy leg-bouncers, I don’t even give real thought to what I’m doing until the Spirit of God puts His loving hand on my heart, making me aware of my useless activity. It happened just yesterday.
I’ve been in the midst of a hard trial for over a year. At times I’m sure I’ve had “both legs bouncing” while trying to make this situation stop. Then in my time in God’s Word, I came to Psalm 62 and read,
Verse 5 – Wait thou only upon God…
Beside that verse I had written,
While waiting be still and silently wait:
Patiently – Stop all your activity of trying to fix the problem. Sit still.
Trustingly – Stop any questions about why God would allow this. Don’t doubt His character or His promises.
Expectantly – Start looking for what He will do. Be on the edge of your seat watching for His answers and His solutions! It will be better that anything I could imagine!
O my soul, wait thou only upon God, for my expectation is from Him. Psalm 62:5
In short, stop your leg bouncing and use that energy to be on the lookout for what an awesome God is up to.
Are you “bouncing your leg” while you wait for God to care for your trial? Sit still and be patient, trusting and expectant. Then you can say as the psalmist said in verse 6 – I will not be moved. There will be no temptation to fix things when we realize that God is at work.
RefreshHer 