Get out of the way!

Twelve years ago I was privileged to be a preschool teacher in Poulsbo, Washington.  I loved my students!  I remember one day when a new fellow joined our class.  The poor little man had major first day jitters and insecurities.  Not even music and story time could cheer him up.  He continued in distress until . . . I got up and moved.  Behind me on the wall was a picture of Jesus (similar to the image above).   After Kevin saw the picture of Jesus, his entire demeanor changed!  As I watched him smile, I could picture a party going on inside his brain - "This is a Jesus place!  I'm going to be okay!"  From then on, he seemed to feel at home.



While studying John 3:27-33 (*context below) today, I was challenged to remember that I am privileged to point people to Jesus.  Like John the Baptist, I have the opportunity to tell others, "It's all about Him!"

"He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30  

This passage of Scripture reminds me:

I must diminish!

The good things you see in my life are only because of Jesus.  I am only special because God made me in His image, God in the flesh died to pay my sin debt, and I am chosen by Him to know and serve Him.  Why should my screen time only point people to Him?  Because . . .

1.  I have nothing except for what has been given to me by God (27). No room to brag!

2.  I am not God (28).  It seems obvious, but I find myself idiotically trying to play God in my life.

3.  I have been sent by God (28).  On His mission, not mine.  He uses the weak things of this world! (I Corinthians 1:27)

4.  I am His bride (29).  Do I act like a bride in love, preparing for our day?  Do I glow and tell everyone about the One I love (Who first loved me - I John 4:19)?

5.  The sound of his voice gives great joy - in Him my joy is fulfilled (29).  So, why do I go elsewhere for my joy?  Rejoice in the joy Giver!  And find my fulfillment in Him alone.  Not in my accomplishments!  Not in my list of souls won!  Not in my one-upping a sister with whom I feel a pull of competition in church leadership.  No!!!

He must become greater!

Jesus IS the greatest - this verse is saying that He must take center stage and be given complete dominion in our lives.  Why?  Because (again, taken from John 3) . . .



1.  He is the Giver (27).  All gifts are from God!  Isn't His signature verse John 3:16?  And, don't forget Romans 8:32!  With His strength, I can appreciate His gifts and become a selfless giver.

2.  He is the Sender (28).  Matthew 28:18-20.  I am on a mission!  I should be grateful - I get to serve the King of Kings!

3.  He is the Christ (28).  Anointed One, appointed by God.  Jesus is God in the flesh, no matter what other people say.

4.  Jesus and I have extremely different roles.  He is transforming me into His image while I am but a speck in the shadow of the Almighty.  That means I must continue to reverence and obey Him.  Humble myself.

5.  He is the bridegroom (29).  He loves me.  He chose me.  I am His precious bride.  He is worthy of my adoration!

6.  He is above all (27-28, 29-31). So, doesn't He deserve my complete allegiance?!  I cannot even imagine the ridiculous spectacle of a termite bragging about his strength next to a tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur.  God and me?  The difference is even greater!



HE is above all!

He IS above all!

He is ABOVE all!

He is above ALL!



7.  Jesus is evidence that God, and what He says in the Bible, is true (33).  Divine and sent by God, Jesus gives a living, breathing view of God.

8.  He has something to say that is worth hearing (32).  Am I listening?



We have the privilege of pointing people to Jesus.  Let's get out of the way so people can see the source of hope and true joy!



Practically Speaking: How To Point Others to Jesus



Family:

• Above all, your family needs for you to be godly.  When you are right with God, God is able to shine through you!


• Talk about God to your children, every day of the week. 


• Begin the day with a verse and prayer. 


• In a moment of frustration, let them hear you pray to God for help and strength. 


• Put a little love note on their pillow that includes a Bible verse telling about Jesus' love for them. 


• If unsaved family mock or accuse you, be like Jesus to them, keeping silent and taking it graciously. 


• Let them hear you pray for them out loud.


• Be excited about God!


• Teach them about good manners - the purpose of which is not to make people think they great, but it is an opportunity to show people the love of Jesus.


• Talk about how great God is and show your children how you can together enjoy praising God in song and service. 


• Praise them for their accomplishments, then add, "God is so good to have given you such a special talent to use for His glory!"

Neighbors:

• Take baked goodies to them, just because.  Put a little note on the treat, including a simple Bible verse, that says you are thankful God allowed you to be neighbors. 


• Be the first one to take a meal to a new mom, a newcomer to the neighborhood, or a grieving family.  Include a winsome tract telling about God's love and hope. 


• Don't flaunt your beliefs - have an attitude of kindness and humility. 


• Don't be afraid to show them you can have fun. 


• Take care of your yard.  This one is hard to keep up with (we know)!  But it is important to respect our neighborhood by taking responsibility - this will help people to view Christ in a positive light. Think of your house as God's embassy in your neighborhood!


• If you borrow something, return it as soon as possible. 


• Don't keep a perfect home - let people see that you are real - someone they can relate to.  People feel more comfortable in a home that isn't spotless.


• How you dress matters.  Incorporating Biblical principles of modesty, be approachable in the way you dress - neither slovenly, goody-two-shoes, nor Hollywoodish.  They are more apt to listen if your appearance doesn't distract from your message.

Friends:

• Don't gossip. 


• Don't control the conversation, but try to guide it toward godly ideas.


• Offer to pray for and with your friend.


• Share what God is teaching you and ask her what God is teaching her.


• Ask how you can help her in her Christian walk.


• Ask for accountability - when she is holding you accountable, she will more likely seek to be right with God herself.


• Give gifts that will remind her of God: perpetual calendar with verses in it, a Bible verse magnet or picture, a favorite music or speaker on CD.


• After she sings or plays the piano, don't say, "You're awesome!"  Instead say something like, "Your song blessed my heart today.  I am so thankful you are using your talents for God's glory!"


• Send an e-mail saying you are praying for her today.


• Share what God is doing in your life on Facebook.  Don't be afraid to admit your struggles, but try not to complain.  Verbalizing what is true, even online, can help you and your friends focus on the One Who holds all the answers.

Strangers:

• Smile and say hello. 


• When waiting in line or while your kids are playing together at the park, try to find common ground by asking about their interests. 


• Pray for an opportunity to share Christ, but be sensitive to His leading.  Being too bold can give people a negative stereotypical view of your Christianity. 


• Invite them over for a play date or for supper. 


• Always carry a quality tract with you to give them some reading material later on. Have your e-mail address or phone number on the back in case they have questions.

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." John 15:5

*27 -John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven.   

28 - You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before Him.'  

29 - He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.  

30 - He must increase, but I must decrease.  

31 - He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all.  

32 - And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony.  

33 - He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true." 

- John 3:27-33

Image courtesy of: http://clipart.christiansunite.com

I Can't Believe It's Over!

We have one day left with our daughter Ama.  She leaves us on Tuesday . . . I can't believe the year is over!



Ama isn't a blood relative, but she has has lived with us for over ten months.  She's seen us at our best and our worst!  Awhile back, when Josh asked if she was ever a baby in my tummy, I replied, "No, she is the daughter of my heart."  Both she and Amira, who lived with us last school year, are so dear to me.  I am blessed to be their American mom! 



[Ama, my fellow woman on God's mission just came into the kitchen looking for her camera. "The writing juices are flowing," she observed, as she breezed past me.  After she explained her mission and we both said a prayer, she left to continue searching in her room.  I'm really going to miss praying with her.]



There were moments this past year when Ama and I felt like giving up.  But, God didn't let us.  He faithfully gave us the strength we needed to grow through the challenges, produce fruit for His glory, and to end the year well.  He has given us the victory!



Ama will adjust quickly to her culture, but she will always be part of our family.  And I know that if I ever have the opportunity to visit Ghana (and I'm fully planning to go, if God and Tim will allow me!), I will find that I have a home and family there as well.



As we finish this two year journey of hosting exchange students, I am filled to overflowing with ...

• memories, LOTS of memories


• humble thankfulness for the lessons I've learned


• gratitude to God for His faithfulness 


• joy when I remember the consistent encouragement, love, and prayers of friends and family


• the fruit and growth God has cultivated in my life through amazing experiences


• the gift of love I've received from two beautiful young women who are now permanently part of my heart and life

After the dust settles, I will tell you more about hosting exchange students; I feel like I could write a book!  For now, please reflect with me with thanksgiving to God for all that He has done!  Ama and I pray that God will continue to work in and through us as we part ways.  Ama, my precious sister in Christ, has already enthusiastically agreed to be the Representative and Coordinator for the African Branch of Women On God's Mission! :) 

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen."  Ephesians 3:20-21

Calendar Comfort

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

We think we're going to remember, but usually we don't.  It's easy for me to remember December 3rd every year, the day my sister's oldest son was born and lived just one hour.  On that day I email or call my sweet sister to let her know I'm thinking about Ben, remembering his precious life and her loss. Every year on September 4th I get an email from a friend remembering the due date of our baby that died before his birth.  It means a lot to me to know that our Little Jewel is not forgotten.



This Saturday is the 10th anniversary of a dear friend's widowhood.  Ten years ago her husband died of cancer.  Months ago, while we were talking about Alberto, I asked Maria, "When did he die?"  I wrote down the date and added it to my calendar as soon as she left.  Unfortunately I don't always do this with everyone I know, but in this case I now have the privilege of loving my friend by remembering her husband.  She may need some extra encouragement, so I'm going to call her today and see if she would like a visit. 

  

One time when I was unsure whether I should say something to a friend about her loss, another friend recommended, "Always say something."  In most situations we are encouraging people by keeping the memory of their loved one alive.  Sharing God's comfort is always a good thing.



Sometimes it's hard to know what to say and our fear keeps us from reaching out in compassion. A book I found very helpful is When You Don't Know What to Say by Sandy Lynam Clough.  Here is what she suggests:



1.  Spend time.  The ministry of presence: sometimes the pain is too great for words, and someone may simply need us to be there with them.



2.  Say, "I'm so sorry."  Avoid statements like: "She lived a long life." (A life is never long enough for those who are grieving their loss.)  "God must have needed him in heaven."  "There was probably something wrong with your baby, so God just took him." "You can have another baby."  "At least you have your other children." A safe caring thing to say is a heartfelt, "I'm so sorry."



3.  Don't feel like you must try to solve their problem.  "Because we serve the One who is the Solution and the Answer, those of us who are Christians tend to feel that we are obligated to bring a solution or an answer to every problem and difficult situation."  We often feel helpless, but the person grieving understands this.  Just go to her and talk, send an email or spend time with her.  She just needs you.



4.  Listen. If it seems appropriate, you can ask a question such as:



Do you want to tell me what happened?

Are you afraid?

What are your days like?

What concerns you most about the situation?

Are you able to sleep?

How do you want me to pray for you?

Can I give you a hug?

.

5.  Offer help.  Ask if you can watch her children to give her a break.  Offer to bring a meal.  See if making some phone calls for her might meet a need.  Offer to pick up something at the store while you're out.



6.  Surrender.   When friends are in crisis it can bring fear into our own hearts.  Ask God to help you to surrender the future to His loving care, trusting He will take you through anything.  Only His love can make life peaceful.



7.  You're My Hero!   Tell her how her way of handling the situation is an inspiration to you.  When we went through our son's broken leg and false accusations leading to a DHS investigation, it comforted me when a friend said, "You are doing a good job, Sara.  Keep it up, this won't last forever." 



8.  Pray!  Most importantly, pray for your friend and offer to pray with them.  Some people feel uncomfortable with this, but most people like it when a friend offers to pray for and/or with them.  This can be done in person or over the phone.  You can even write a prayer on a card.  It is meaningful when a person who cannot even identify with your kind of loss takes time to cry and pray with you.  I know.



I hope some of these wonderful ideas help you comfort others.  Check out Sandy's book for more practical hints.  Not long ago I ran across an obituary of a girl I grew up with who died in a car accident several years ago. I am writing it down - the end of the summer I'm going to send her mom a note of remembrance. Although she knows she will see Sarah again someday, the grief of her loss never ends.



If you have a friend who has recently experienced loss or is approaching a painful anniversary, take a few moments to let them know you care.  Think back to when a friend comforted you and when God comforted you through a trial.  Now you have the opportunity to minister.