Blindsided? 1-30-12

“Destined for trials” 1Th. 3:3

1 Th. 3:3 tells us that we are “destined for trials”.

Jn. 16:33 tells us that here on earth we will have many trials and sorrows.

Rom. 8:28 promises us that God “works all things for good”.

Question: How do we appropriate Rom. 8:28 when the bottom drops out of our life?

How do we put this promise into practice when stuff happens or circumstances blindside us that we never imagined could occur?

Appropriation depends on

our relational intimacy with Jesus and the definition of good.

If we define “good” to refer to things turning out enjoyable, comfortable or fun, we’re revealing 1) that we don’t know Jesus very well and 2) we will be hard-pressed to apply His definition of “good” to our circumstances.

But if we learn to avail ourselves wholeheartedly to God, when He divinely permits a trial to assail our life, He:  

•  conforms and transforms us from within,
• makes something beautiful of our muddle, 
• and our life becomes a glorious romance novel power-packed with adventure.

We’re signing up for His way, will you join us?

Much love,

Shaun and Betsy

Do I Really Want to Get Well? 1-23-12

"What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked. "My rabbi," the blind man said, "I want to see!" Mk. 10:51

“‘If you are willing, You can heal me and make me clean.’ Jesus reached out and touched him. ‘I am willing,’ He said. ‘Be healed!” Matt. 8:2-3

Perhaps you are standing in the way of your own healing. Have you ever asked yourself, "Do I really want to get well?"

Facts are, there are people who really don't want to get well. Sometimes people actually get addicted to their troubles. They’ve grown accustomed to mayhem (past or present) and it’s become part of their identity, their makeup.

At the end of the day, deep down, some people simply don't want to move past their pasts. ~~And of course, there are others who have been hurt so many times, they don't think they can face the pain of another letdown…so they reject the Author of Hope and the freedom He brings so that they won't be disappointed.

Therapy and constructive thinking can only go so far, the key to true and lasting healing and freedom is ONLY found in Christ.

There is POWER in His Word. And to be an overcomer in this life of obstacles, fears and doubts, we must daily choose to be in God’s Word, then take a stand and act on His words of truth, instead of allowing our minds and emotions direct us.

(Remember though, that renewing and aligning our minds in Christ is a process, so let’s not get discouraged and quit when we experience bad moments or brief setbacks.)

This week, let’s determine not to waste any more of our valuable time wallowing in self-pity over things we cannot change. Let’s promise ourselves that we'll stop using our difficulty as a crutch in our lives, and instead, choose to draw close to Jesus moment by moment. “Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” Phil. 3:13

May God bless us!

Shaun and Betsy

What To Do With Slander 1-17-12

“A troublemaker plants seeds of strife.” Prv. 16:28

A troublemaker plants seeds of strife and goes around telling secrets, which in reality, often reveals more about this person’s poor character than the person they are cutting on. Think on this a moment…It’s true, huh?

Politics aside, if someone has spread a “partial-truth-mostly-lie” about us in an attempt to discredit our character, what are we to do?

If we immediately run to our own defense, our defensive posturing generally validates their smear campaign.

The best thing to do is to draw near to God and in love, apologize when prompted (and perhaps distance our self from the chatterer; no enabling). Then humbly and joyfully walk step by step as He leads, recognizing that this life is a daily process of being remade by the operative grace of Jesus.

Over time, those who come into contact with us will see truth from lie for themselves.

Let’s remember Jesus’ words: "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” Jn. 15:18-19

Pro 20:19

A gossip goes around telling secrets; so don't hang around with chatterers.

Pro 17:4

Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander.

Walking with Him this week,

Shaun and Betsy

Good stuff at the end! 1-9-12

"But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared

in all the earth.” Ex. 9:16

When God calls us to do something difficult, it’s not without intention or purpose. And it’s not just because He’s being bossy or is bored, in need of entertainment. No, when God calls us to do something difficult, there is always something GOOD at the end waiting for us, and there is divine purpose at the root.

Referring to Ex. 9:16 above, God exclaims that He has great purpose in what He was asking Moses to do. (Remember, Moses wasn’t all that excited at the assignment God had him doing!) Yet he sensed God’s call, and was obedient (well, on most occasions) to this divine mission … even though it did NOT feel all that “divine” much of the time.

Our particular assignment from God may not be of “Moses magnitude”, but let us not be fooled into thinking that it is any less significant to our Lord.

God tells each one of us, “Indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, your name, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.”

God is in the business of transforming and conforming us into His own image as His Spirit lives through us, bringing others to Himself and bringing His divine purposes to fruition through our unique lives.

May we live to Him and choose not be fooled by the worlds enticements this year!

Much love,

Shaun and Betsy

Give Love Wings 12-19-11

“He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.”

 Ps. 107:9

Prayer gives love wings, and direction to the perplexed soul.

But a word of caution: when pleading with God, let us not merely ask Him to agree with what we have already decided.

God bless us this week!

Shaun and Betsy

Predicaments 12-12-11

“The LORD will perfect that which concerns me.” 
Ps. 138:8

Feeling overwhelmed or exhausted amidst a confusing circumstance or pickled relationship?

This frenzied season sometimes lends itself to heightened relational misgivings. Different passions, experiences, perspectives, gift sets, expectations, values and longings often collide during this time of year. And although love and understanding go a long way, they don’t necessarily heal the heart or fix the predicament.

God wants to heal and fix in a different realm first.

Ps. 138:8 tells us that God will perfect all things that concern us.

This week, let’s consciously choose to give our life back to the God who created it. Let’s allow Him to do some nurturing, healing and tweaking deep within, as we trust Him to help us navigate life’s tricky arenas.

And one glorious day, everything will come to full completion…every loose end will be tied up, circumstantially and relationally. Until then, God is at work wooing us to Himself, as He aligns our heart, mind, and soul with His own.

Love and hugs,

Shaun and Betsy

Honor Another's Preference 12-5-11

“The wise in heart will be called prudent, and sweetness of the lips increases learning.” Prv. 16:21

Learning is seldom convenient.

Interpersonal relational learning is rarely convenient …or easy.

Amidst this season of heightened stress, we are wise to know that nothing is so terrible in a relationship that some level of love and understanding cannot be gained in the name of God…Who is LOVE. 

May we learn this week what it means to bless another by abandoning our own natural tendencies in order to honor another’s preference.

And as we do, we will come to know the fullness of what it means to be forgiven ourselves as we forgive those who have hurt us.

Much love,

Shaun and Betsy