Inconvenience or Opportunity?

 

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those 

who belong to the family of believers."

Galatians 6:10 (NIV)

 

I learned an important lesson while sitting in my car at railroad tracks, waiting for a train to go by. And no, it wasn’t a lesson about looking both ways before crossing. It was more important than that. Let me explain.

 

A student at the school where I worked as health services director had become ill and needed to go home. However, his mother could not come get him because their car battery was dead so I decided to take him. As we drove toward his home, he thanked me several times for the ride. “Any time,” I told him. But my actions said something entirely different than my words.

 

As we waited on the train – and waited and waited – I mentally began to picture everything I needed to get done that day. Waiting on a train was not on my list. As my impatience increased, my irritation tagged right along. I began to tap on the steering wheel of my car, faster and faster. I had not even realized I was doing it until I glanced at the student and found him gazing at the frustrated beating of my fingers.

 

Before I could say a thing, he quietly responded “I’m really sorry that you have to take me home. I’m sure you have a lot more important things to do.” Ouch. And before I could answer him, my Spirit whispered “Nothing is more important than a great opportunity to listen to this child of mine and to share Truth.” “I’m sorry,” I said. “I think the Lord is trying to teach me patience with this long train!” I smiled and he smiled back.

 

Paul could not have known that I would be sitting at train tracks and almost missing an opportunity to share Jesus when he wrote Galatians 6:10. My actions had spoken loudly to this young man. I had sent him the message that he was of little or no importance to me in comparison with everything that I thought I needed to get done that day. In other words, I was letting him know that his value to me was, well, of no value.

 

Would you believe I began to wish that the long train would be longer? I did. Because when I switched my focus from me to my student, I found out his college preference and why; what choices his friends were making and his opinion; how things were at home, and – most importantly – that he had several questions about the Bible.

 

There are always going to be long lines at grocery stores and yes, long trains at railroad crossings. But rather than sigh and tap my fingers impatiently, I need to look at each and every “inconvenience” as an opportunity to listen, to encourage and to share the love of Jesus.

 

Father, please help me to see every “long train” as an opportunity to stop and focus on those around me who need to know you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 

 

R.A.P. it up . . .

 

 

Reflect

• Can you remember a time when you had an opportunity to share Jesus but were more focused on the inconvenience of your schedule being interrupted?

 

• Is there anything on your schedule that is more important than taking the time to share the Lord?

 

Apply

• When your day is interrupted by a long line or long train, look around you at those in line with you.

 

• Take your focus off the immediate situation and turn it to those around you as you encourage and listen.

 

Power

• Galatians 6:10 (NIV) “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

 

• Philippians 2:4 (NIV) “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

 

• Colossians 3:12 (NIV) “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience . . .”

When a “Mean Girl” Attacks Your Daughter

 

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

Philippians 1:27a (NIV)

                My mother always had an answer when a friend was mean in elementary school. I would ride the bus home, wait for her on the front step, and share my heartbreak before she could get out of the car. I would announce through tears that a friend whispered I was so skinny I looked like Popeye’s girlfriend Olive Oil or another declared at lunch that my dress looked like a really old wrinkled sack. And possibly the worst betrayal for a 6^th grade girl? Confidentially telling my best friend the name of the boy I secretly liked only to have her tell him. “She will never be my friend ever again!” I would tell my mother.

               But she would reply “There will always be mean girls who say or do something unkind. When a girl is mean, picture her naked with a wart on her nose. Then smile and forgive her. Tomorrow will be better.  Just remember how this feels so you never treat anyone like you have been treated.” That was great advice – well, maybe except for the “picture her” part. But it did cause me to smile, forgive and move on. And yes, apologies were given, friendships healed and tomorrows were once again hopeful and happy.

               However, in today’s world, the definition of “mean girl” has taken on a whole new dimension. A “mean girl” is a bully focused on randomly attacking a girl verbally, emotionally, mentally or even physically with the goal of humiliating her. It’s not because of something bad that the target has done, which would still not make it okay. No one deserves to be bullied by a “mean girl.” Simply put, the attack is done “just because.” Need examples?

“I can’t believe anybody who sees you would actually vote for YOU for homecoming queen!” (spoken to a queen candidate) “Your teeth are so big; you look like a horse when you smile.” (spoken to a girl with beautiful straight teeth) “You dress like a ----- every day at school.” (shouted by a group to a girl wearing a new pair of jeans) Those are the least offensive comments that can be shared and are almost always followed up with a smile and “just kidding.”   But they are not.

              Today’s “mean girl” longs to be popular and has a following either frightened of her or wanting to emulate her. She is not afraid to attack face to face but feels empowered with a group backing her, whispering and glancing at a girl to give the impression they are talking about her. They may play jokes on her in front of peers to make her look – and feel – belittled and embarrassed. And they never apologize for their behavior.

Perhaps the opposite occurs. A girl is totally ignored by her friends, like she is invisible. And this does not even address bullying on Facebook or Snapchat, where a person can remain anonymous and say whatever they want with no way to be held accountable.

Now before you say “but there has always been bullying in some form so girls just need to toughen up,” there is a difference in todays “mean girl” bullying: she fully intends to inflict pain and cause heartache on her target. And she is not content until she feels she has accomplished just that. And one more fact: mean girls are everywhere. In your daughter’s classes at school, at her favorite place to eat, even in her church youth group.

So what can your daughter do when a “mean girl” decides to focus on her? She basically has two choices: she can focus on what the world says (Get even no matter what it takes.) or she can focus on the Word. (Jesus never retaliated against anyone attacking Him.) Is there a solution that will cause the bullying to stop completely? Sadly, no. But there ARE some things that your daughter can do to create a perspective of mercy toward the “mean girl” and hopefully, in the process, affect the attitude of the bully. Consider the following:

First, pray with your daughter: for courage and strength and wisdom to address the girl who is mean; for a change of heart for whoever is bullying her. What the mean girl says and does reflects her heart, not your daughter’s.

Second, encourage your daughter to step away from the friendship, either temporarily or permanently. Talk to the bully gently but firmly:   “I would never talk to you or treat you like you are treating me. Friends don’t do that to each other. So for now I am going to step away from our friendship, and if we can’t fix it, then it needs to end.”

Third, if the person is not a friend, have your daughter consider having a teacher or principal present as she talks with her: “I do not know why you are treating me like you are but I would never treat you that way. My parents know about it and I want my teacher/principal to know that it is going on and it needs to stop.”

Fourth, remind your daughter to forgive the “mean girl.” That does not mean that she has to hang around with her again. But Jesus commands (not suggests) that we forgive those who have harmed us.

We will never be able to keep our daughters from encountering a “mean girl” from time to time in their lives. But choosing to respond with forgiveness and compassion will guard their hearts and help them to be an example of Jesus to those being mean.

Father, please help me to teach my daughter to be an example of the love Jesus had toward those who are mean. Please give her strength, courage and wisdom. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 

R.A.P. it up . . .

Reflect

·         Has your daughter ever been the target of a “mean girl”?

·         If so, what was your first response when she told you?

Apply

·         Pray for the heart of the one who has been a “mean girl” to your daughter.

·         Follow the suggestions given on handling a “mean girl.”

Power

·         Philippians 1:27a (NIV) “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”

·         Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV) “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

·         I Corinthians 16:14 (NIV) “Do everything in love.”

 

 

Early in the Morning

 

“In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”

Psalm 5:3 (NIV)

 

When my children were small, I had absolutely no time to myself. From the moment they woke up until they fell asleep at night I heard “Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom” from three kids ages 5, 3 and almost 1. There is an old saying that having children is like being pecked to death by a chicken. How true.

 

I could not even take a soaking bubble bath without three little ones watching me and asking for a sandwich, a puppy, a drink of water or another brother.

 

My prayers consisted of “Lord give me strength – and patience – and more of both!” as I made sandwiches and fed the puppy and got each one a drink and explained why they were not getting another brother. There did not seem to be one minute, much less 30, that I could spend reading my Bible and in prayer.

 

Until one day when I was whining to the Lord that I just couldn’t fit time with Him into my “busy” schedule and He suggested to my heart the unthinkable: get up at 5 a.m. every morning for quiet time with Him. What?! Are you kidding me?

 

At first my mind and body refused to consider such a radical idea, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized He was right. If I was going to have any time alone with the Lord, it would have to be early in the morning, before anyone was awake.

 

Can I be honest with you? The first week I got up with an attitude. “This had better be good,” I would mumble to the Lord. Then I would make a cup of hot tea, grab my Bible, an ink pen and paper and curl up in our big oversized rocker in the living room. And wait on the Lord. And wait. And wait. Then something happened.

 

I began to sense that the Lord was waiting on me. I was physically up early each morning to be with Him but spiritually I was still asleep. So I flipped my Bible open to Psalms and it fell on chapter 5, verse 3: “In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”

 

Not only was the Lord waiting to hear my voice but He wanted to hear what my day was all about! Just as David had done countless times, I too should have been starting my day by sharing with God everything going on in my life and then quietly waiting on His answers. I was too busy grouching about getting up early to meet the Creator of the Universe! Shame on me.

 

Now I truly know that we can’t all get up at 5 a.m. to spend time with the Lord. Different jobs and hours can make that almost impossible. But I would encourage each of you to begin your day – whether it’s at 11 p.m. or 3 a.m. or 5 a.m. – by talking with the King of Kings. Share what is on your mind, lay your requests before Him, and allow Him to speak to your heart. Quietly listen for His nudging. He will never disappoint.

 

The problems you face before your prayer time may still be there after you talk with the Lord. But you will strength and courage to face each one just by knowing He listens and answers – even early in the morning.

 

Father, forgive me for making excuses for not seeking your face before my day begins. I know how much more smoothly everything goes when I begin my day with you. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 

R.A.P. it up . . .

 

 

Reflect

• What are some of the excuses you have made for not spending time with the Lord before your day begins?
• Are any of those excuses more important than a few minutes of prayer?

 

Apply

• For one week, set your alarm and get up 30 minutes early to meet with the Lord. Make a list of activities and possible problems for each day and lay them down at the Cross.
• Ask God to speak to your heart. Journal His answers and thank Him for His faithfulness.
• Consider setting aside time for the Lord as your #1 priority.

 

Power

• Psalm 5:3 (NIV) “In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation.”

 

• Mark 1:35 (NIV) “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”

 

• Psalm 63:1 (NIV) “O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”

 

 

The Bidding War

 

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

 

My husband and I looked down row after row of items placed on tables at the auction. The elderly owner had moved to a nursing home and her prized possessions were on display for all to see and hopefully buy.

 

I don’t think I have ever witnessed a more complete collection of extremely old dishes and glassware and I am certain that I have never even seen a picture of the stunning porcelain doll reclining on white tissue in its original box. The delicate features were hand painted and beautiful blonde hair was woven into a bun at the nape of her neck. The empire style cotton gown she wore had at one time been snowy white but was now yellowed with age. Two faded silky pink ribbons tied the dress together in the back.

 

“Can we bid on it?” I whispered to my husband. He smiled and replied that because of the perfect condition of the extremely old doll, it was a collectible and was completely out of our price range. He was right. The bidding began $100.00 higher than what we could afford.

 

Very quickly a bidding war began for the antique doll and just as quickly it narrowed to two very different people: an older gentleman with a ponytail and black beret and a woman in her 30’s wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt and jeans. But they were alike in one important way: their determination to own the doll.

 

At first the auctioneer jumped the bid in $20.00 increments but he immediately saw the battle ensuing so he increased each bid by $50.00 as he looked from the woman to the man. Neither would back down as each was determined to outbid the other.

 

As I watched in astonishment at the increasing price of the doll, it occurred to me that the gentleman and the woman had not one but two goals in common. First, both obviously wanted the doll. But secondly, each one was determined to win the bidding war no matter the cost.

 

We too are in a bidding war every single day of our lives but unlike the battle between two people for a doll, our fight “is not against flesh and blood” as we are told in Ephesians 6:12. Our fight is against Satan.

 

Let me be very clear. Satan hates us as believers. And he will try everything that he can to “outbid” the Lord for our souls. The cost is irrelevant to him as he tempts, deceives, lies and accuses. What he fails to understand is that the bidding war is over because the price has already been paid on a Cross.

 

By the way, the winner of the bidding war for the doll? Well, that depends on how you look at it. The woman in the sweatshirt bid the most and got the doll but she paid $550.00 more than its value. She won the bidding war but was it worth it?  I encourage you today to hold fast to the One who paid and won the highest price of the bidding war for our souls with His life.

 

 

 

Father, may I always be on guard against the war raging against me. Thank you for the power of Jesus who has paid the price and won that war. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 

 

R.A.P it up . . .

 

Reflect

• Have you ever bid on an item at an auction and paid more than it was worth?

 

• How does that compare when you think of how much the Lord gave in exchange for your soul?

 

Apply

• Draw a vertical line on a page in your journal and put Jesus in one column and Satan in the other and “war” at the top of the page.

 

•  Look up Scripture that describes our value to Jesus and to Satan in the bidding war for our souls and write it in each column.

 

Power

• Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

 

• John 16:33 (NIV) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

 

• John 10:10 (NIV) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

 

 

Explaining Away My Sin

 

“Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”

James 4:17 (NIV)

 

 “I need to send a note of encouragement to Sadie” I thought as I read her husband’s obituary in the local newspaper. I even bought a card. But I got busy and didn’t send it. “I’ll do it tomorrow when I have more time,” I rationalized. I forgot.

 

The woman in line in front of me at the supermarket had asked for prayer at church for a situation in her family. “I should give her a hug and tell her I am praying,” I thought. But there were people around us who might wonder what I was doing so I decided to wait for another time with less people. That time never happened.

 

Ever been there? I have many times, unfortunately. But then I read James 4:17 that says “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” Say what? I’m surely not sinning. I’m a bit lazy. I admit I have a bad habit of procrastinating and putting off what needs to be done. But sin?

 

In a word, yes. Once and for all, I need to recognize that when those thoughts come to mind to do or say what is good for another person, they are the Holy Spirit nudging me to show His love and encouragement.

 

And when I ignore them, I am ignoring the Spirit in me and His promptings to be Jesus to those around me. And I sin. I don’t always know the reason why I don’t obey. Maybe I’m afraid I will offend or embarrass. Maybe I am more focused on me than on those who are hurting.

 

The reason is irrelevant. James is telling us, clearly, that when we know the good we need to do and we don’t do it – for whatever reason – that is sin.

 

Today, no matter where you are or what you are doing, be open to the Holy Spirit directing your life. When He speaks, listen and obey. Immediately. That’s my plan from this moment on. I pray that it will be yours as well.

 

Father, forgive me for not listening when you nudge me to be your hands and feet to those around me. Help me to listen and obey. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

 

 

R.A.P. it up . . .

 

Reflect

• Have you ever felt led by the Lord to do something specifically for someone but you ignored that leading? If so, why?

 

 

Apply

• Carry two stamped envelopes and cards in your purse. When the Lord puts someone on your heart to send encouragement to, write their name on the envelope. Make a point to write the note that day, pray for that person and mail the card immediately.

 

Power

• James 4:17 (NIV) “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”

 

• Romans 7:15-18 (NIV) “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.”

 

• Proverbs 15:19 (NIV) “The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway.”