nbc

Yes, it is a tv station call letters, but I have seen it used for a non threatening outreach to neighbors as an invite to the:

N – eighborhood

B – reakfast

C – lub

Get creative and create opportunities to share your faith. A neighbourhood breakfast or a progressive dinner may be something neighbours would attend so use these type ideas to build relationship. Try a cook out or block party. What other ideas do you have or have tried? Do tell in the comments below or if you try your own N.B.C., let us know how it goes.

Here’s the thing: our neighbours might not darken the door of a church, but they may come through the door of our homes where we can shine bright for the Lord.

Then, as you build relationship, you can invite them to special services at your church or maybe even a small group study. Better yet is if you host that at your home they may be more apt to come when they just have to walk across the street and have already been over for something fun like the above mentioned.

Get creative.

Be all things to all people.

Be a good neighbour.*

That is how to…

be.the.church

“Love your neighbour as yourself.” Mark 12.31

“Each of us should please our neighbours for their good, to build them up.” Romans 15.2

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people…” Galatians 6.10a

*For more tips on being a good neighbour, check out these previous posts:

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/03/09/am-i-my-neighbours-keeper/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/03/10/am-i-my-neighbours-keeper-day-2/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/03/11/how-to-be-a-good-neighbour/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/03/12/a-good-neighbour-ministers/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/03/13/who-is-my-neighbour/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/03/14/be-a-samaritan/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/03/15/lend-a-helping-hand/

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/03/16/hi-neighbour/

“the naked truth is better than the best dressed lie”*

This quote is too good to pass up so I must pass it along.

There is a small quick read that I believe maybe out of print but worth a look if you can find it or scoop it up if ever see it at a second hand bookstore. It is called Beauty Tips for the Tongue and there are great lessons on truthfulness.

This quote goes so well with thinking about truthfulness, right? “The naked truth is always better than the best-dressed lie.”

There are many other great reads and good study material about the tongue (two of my go-tos are: 30 days to Taming – what you say (and don’t say) will improve your relationships or how about this title: Keep it Shut what to say, when to say it, and when to say nothing at all).

There is even a book titled The Naked Truth. https://www.amazon.com/Naked-Truth-Behind-Every-Woman/dp/154560696X/ref=nodl_

But, the best resource and all we ever need to improve our speech is applying the scriptures.

Don’t know where to start? My go-to is James. So much wisdom packed in those 5 chapters! This is a good book to read over and over and over again. Here is a couple suggestions. Read it every Monday – Friday by reading chapter 1 on Monday, 2 on Tuesday, etc or in any order of your choosing.

When our children were small, we worked on memorizing whole chapters at a time over the school years. For example, if one of them was in the 3rd grade, we would work on memorizing chapter 3 that year with the desire that by the time they all moved out of the house, a whole book of the Bible was hidden well in their hearts with hopes they would apply its wisdom. It is so easy to use the tongue in nonconstructive ways.

Ever have one of those moments where you think: “I can’t believe I just said that!” A slip of the tongue can reap all kinds of havoc – havoc in all kinds of relationships from family to personal to business. Learn to bridle your tongue and always tell the truth. If an untruth slips out, immediately correct it. This is so much easier than if any amount of time passes.

I was so impressed once when someone had lied to us about a restaurant we recommended. They were initially embarrassed to tell us they got lost and ended up at McDonald’s. That phone call to share the truth has so impacted me even now almost 2 decades later.

How many of you out there is cyberspace would be so bold to call up and correct the wrong of a lie that where the other would might not ever even know happened?

It was for them to come clean and clear their conscience, but that brief phone call has reminded me all these years later of what we need to do when untruth comes out – simply CORRECT IT! And do it quickly!

Remember: “The naked truth is always better than the best-dressed lie.”

be.the.church

by speaking truth.

“The Lord detests lying lips, but He delights in people who are trustworthy.” Proverbs 12.22

“…let us not just love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” I John 3.18

“Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” Proverbs 18.21

*Ann Landers

hear the bell *

Ruth was born on June 10, 1920 in China and she was the second of five children to medical missionary parents. She saw much suffering at a young age and came to understand the world’s greatest need is to know Jesus.

When she was 13, she was sent to “foreign” school in Korea which is now modern day North Korea. She finished high school in North Carolina while her parents were on furlough. She then went on to graduate from Wheaton College in Illinois. I believe being away from loved ones all those schooling years prepared her for what was to come in her life.

She always intended to become a missionary herself.

She assumed that meant she would end up an ‘old maid’ ministering to the people of Tibet. She did, however, give some thought to the kind of husband she might consider. Here’s what she prayed for: “Lord, he must be so tall that when he’s on his knees he reaches all the way to heaven. His shoulders must be broad enough to bear the burden of a family. His lips must be strong enough to smile, firm enough to say no, and tender enough to kiss. His love must be so deep that it takes its stand in Christ and so wide that it takes in a whole lost world. He must be active enough to win souls, big enough to be gentle, great enough to be thoughtful and his arms must be strong enough to carry a little child.”

That’s a pretty tall order and her missionary plans did in fact change when Ruth found a man worth marrying named Billy Graham. She wrestled with her growing love for the ‘preacher’ as was his nickname or following her own missionary call. She may not have lived a life of being a missionary herself but her role was to raise her children who are now all in ministry and to support the world’s evangelist and America’s ‘pastor’ in his missionary endeavors to save the lost.

Her life was not always easy as Billy could be on the road for months at a time. She, however, was a behind the scenes individual and was okay keeping the homestead’s fires burning while he was away. She was a prolific author and poet herself but also helped research for Billy’s books and sermons.

The take away from Ruth’s life is that God can redefine what you think your calling is and still align it with His purpose for your life.

Also, it is never to late to live that purpose out.

He does have a plan to use each and everyone of us to help each and every one in the world come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

We all can’t be Ruth’s or Billy’s but we can be who God created us to be knowing we all have our part to do to help this generation be challenged with the gospel truth. That is how to…

be.the.church

when you hear your own bell and follow God’s leading.

Ruth would have been 99 today and on the 14, it will be 12 years since her passing. Take the lessons her life taught and hear the bell in your life.

*hear the bell is a little play on words – first referring to Ruth’s maiden name and the 2nd represents choosing to follow your calling and purpose. Just as Ruth struggled to align her life mission of full time missions versus getting married, we can learn so much by her life and example. Go learn more and let us know what you learn as you look up more on her life or read books she left behind as a legacy. Hear the bell or should I say rather heed to the bell.

boastful prayers*

Why do some want acknowledgement for the things they do?

Loud, boastful prayers in public grate on me.

May we be people that spend more time in private with our Lord then some who only want recognition when heard by others who hear their prayers instead of The One who answers them!

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Matthew 6:6 NIV

God desires us to have a personal relationship with Him daily. I would even say He would be delighted if hourly we connected with Him. Every time you look at the clock to see the time say a breath prayer.

We do not need to be on our knees for hours on end, although that is a great place to be. But, we should be connecting with God all through our waking hours.

Instead of engaging in boastful prayers, try applying these verses each and every day, each and every hour:

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

When you do, I promise others will see you…

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*I realized I already posted a similar entry but decided to post this anyway as I believe God may have someone in mind that needs to read this or hear it again (me included!). The earlier post includes some video links to scenes from the movie War Room – check it out and create a personal prayer space for yourself in your home.

Then post a picture in the comments below for us all to be inspired.

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/04/25/boastful-prayers/

goodbye car

I have loved my car. It is the first brand new car I have ever owned and will be my last.

A) too much pressure trying to keep it nice and

B) value lost as you drive it off the lot day one does not sit well with me.

My spouse thought we should get new cars and mine would go to our son who lives a 24 plus hour drive from us.

So, I took it in for its last service. I got new brakes, belts, filters, fluids, anything I could anticipate it needing for the next while. Then I took it to get detailed at my spouse’s request. The car has not looked as good giving it away since day one of ownership!

It has had its share of fender benders and each dent tells a story including the first which was when the car wasn’t even a month old. You see, the last car we owned had reverse beepers to let you know if you were close to something. Since there was no beep and I had become accustom to stopping when hearing it, I backed right into a low to the ground utility box. Oops! I drove around for an hour not wanting to spill the beans about living out A from above.

Oh the memories, the stories, the fun I had in that car.

I don’t want to get a new car. I don’t want to give mine away even if something better is waiting for me on the horizon. Mostly, it is not so much about the car as it is the fact I don’t always adjust to change well.

Yet, God in His infinite wisdom tells us to keep growing and changing and striving to be better than the day before.

Just like that car getting the tools it needed for a long haul drive, we too should be equipping our souls with tools to be prepared for the unexpected.

We need to know when to put on the brakes or change belts or add more fluid.

What do I mean by that?

Well, the longer you walk the road of faith, the more patient you should become. You should exude self control when things don’t go exactly as planned or someone is pushing you beyond what you think you can bare.

Step back.

Put on the brakes.

Then, change ‘belts’ (aka direction) if need be.

By spending time in the Word (daily) and talking to God you will have all the ‘fluids’ needed to gracefully walk through any situation. And on the rare occasion you blow it (this should be the exception not the rule), go back and start the process over again. Put on the brakes, change the belts, and add more fluid.

Just like a car can’t run without oil or gas, we can’t either if our tanks are running low. Fill up on the Word, soak in His presence by having some be still time, listen to worship music, or just go and sit at His feet seeking His wisdom and mercy. The best way to be ready to fight battle or love the unloveable is to have your love tank full. What will you do today to insure it is?

I heard today of a soldier who had not physically seen his daughter except through FaceTime for ten years! That is how long I have had my car and how long I hope it lasts for its new owner.

But, for a moment; can you imagine the sacrifice that soldier made for those he may never meet and for those of us whom we can never give our thanks? Pause for a moment and really take that in – ten years!

Puts my pity party over the loss of a car in a different light, right?

It is always good to get out of self and try to understand the walk of another.

When we have perspective, it changes how we think and react.

Thank you, Sir, and all those who have stood up for freedom and democracy. We are certainly blessed.

The act of surrendering is the lesson here for me. Do it as often as you can and you too will have stories of blessings to share.

Then, tell them to others as a way to…

be.the.church

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6.33

Thanks, God, for revealing so many lessons I could learn through the process.

devoted, watchful, thankful *

What does it mean to be devoted, watchful, and thankful?

Let’s look at each of these words individually and enrich our lives so we can be better prayer warriors.

DEVOTED: zealous, loyal, dedicated, faithful, ardent, fervent

WATCHFUL: alert, vigilant, observant, wakeful, attentive, wide-eyed, all ears

THANKFUL: grateful, appreciative, contented, pleased, overwhelmed, relieved, indebted

Now pick one word from each definition or focus on original words and live them out especially as you pray being devoted, watchful, and thankful. Please tell us what word/s spoke to you in the comments below.

FYI: Ramadan is officially over. Were you faithfully praying for your Muslim friends, co-workers, neighbors? Don’t stop just because their holy month has ended. Keep praying till the whole world hears of Jesus. To know Jesus and to make Him know is our mission this side of heaven. Do it and you will thrive.

What will you do different today so others will see you…

be.the.church

For more insight on how to pray for Muslims or about Ramadan, check out this post:

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/05/21/ramadan/

By the way, it is the 7th of the month. 7 in the Bible often represents completion. Is there something in your life needing attention to complete? Go be devoted and get ‘er done. Then, tell us about it so we can celebrate with you. That is another way to…

be.the.church

*definitions from dictionary.com

naloxone – to the last one

Overdose is on my mind (see yesterday’s post https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/06/05/fentanyl/ and a few days back https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/05/31/funeral-clothes/)

Here’s some friendly info that you might not know that might help save a life.

Naloxone is the generic name of the drug narcan. Naloxone is the active ingredient in narcan. Its purpose is to reverse the effects of opioid intake and usually does so within 5 minutes. However, several doses may be required in the case of overdoses. It is something I have in my bathroom at home and often carry with me when meeting clients.

A good idea is to have it available for people to take a five-finger discount. Hey, if it can save a life; it is worth it.

We are to be our brothers’ keepers.

“Let brotherly love continue.” Hebrews 13.1

It can continue when you help a brother (or sister) needing support or help them to get into a program if need be. And if you suspect an overdose is in the making, please please please:

See something; say something.

That is how to…

be.the.church

Pray with me that addicts go to a faith based program for help and from the moment that they walk through the doors they feel, find, and receive God’s love and free gift of salvation.

Help all you know come to the understanding of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. May all accept His free gift and know that:

“God so loved the world that He sent His one and only son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3.16

That is how to save a life!

Today is a day of remembrance. When I think of servicemen’s sacrifice for freedom, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Wouldn’t it be great if those recovering from an overdose or addiction could find their greater purpose in defending freedom? To the last man might be a good slogan. That was one unit’s motto that stormed Normandy 75 years ago today. They were just boys. They didn’t die in vain as there is no such thing as free freedom. It has a cost. Those young soldiers gave the ultimate sacrifice for us to have freedom. Just like Christ gave His life to pay the debt of our sins and earn us the right to eternal life. We have much to be grateful for.

fentanyl

I was waiting for May to end and June to begin. I wanted to move on from the raw emotions from the 4 overdoses in less than month; 3 resulting in funerals I attended 2 of which I spoke at. Then, I heard the news that 5 fatal overdoses from fentanyl happened overnight. This drug is no joke and literally killing thousands. Why? Well, it is cheap for one and it also produces a ‘better’ high per dose than heroin making it an extremely potent opioid albeit deadly. Stay away!

Do you even know what fentanyl is? To be honest, I didn’t exactly until recently. All I knew was it is killing people by overdose.

“Fentanyl is, traditionally, a synthetic opioid used medically to relieve pain. It was first made in the 1960s, and since then it’s been adopted as a spray, patch, lollipop, and other mediums for pain relief.” * Carfentanil (sedative used as a tranquilizer for large animals like elephants) is also on the rise in the illegal markets. Both are more easily produced in lab settings rather than growing poppy that then becomes morphine followed by being turned into heroin.

Last night I was asked to lead in prayer at a prayer night specifically praying for this opioid crisis and the lives lost to its clutches.

I prayed the families that lost loved ones would be comforted. I prayed the addicts would be given a way out before the drugs take their lives for…

“…God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” I Corinthians 10.13

I prayed we would have a heart that is sensitive and filled with compassion.

Yes, Lord, continue to break our hearts with what breaks Yours.

What I am finding more and more is the addiction to drugs are affecting more and more families not just in the intercity or some back alleys or selling by gangs alone but they are found in and out of the church as well. I bet we all can think of someone we personally know with an addiction problem.

Stop and pray they find the Lord as it is so dangerous out there. I, for one, do not want to see anymore lives cut short from overdoses. It is such a tragedy!

Lift all the broken hearted up and remember, you can…

be.the.church

by being a listening ear or shoulder for someone to cry on.

Be available, be understanding, and love on those who have lost a loved one from overdose.

If you or someone you know has an addiction problem, seek help!

“Addicts don’t deny they are using. They deny that it is hurting others.”

Help them help themselves even when they might deny or not realize they need help.

Don’t be an enabler, get them the help they need and deserve. It may mean showing some tough love, but worth it to save a life.

Don’t be the ‘get away’ car.

Help all you know come to know Jesus!

Jesus said: I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father without first accepting me. John 14.6 paraphrase

And if an addiction problem is found in you, turn to Jesus and seek help so your life will not be cut short.

Yesterday Ramadan ended. Like I have said before the dedication and devotion of a Muslim is commendable and I would say often outshine most Christians as they fasted for the month and pray 5x a days.

Pray all those that do everything for religion desire something more and develop a hunger that will grow until they find satisfaction in Jesus.

Pray that they have encounters with The Man in white. Look back on this post to learn more: https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/05/21/ramadan/

*resource: https://reachmd.com/news/how-fentanyl-became-americas-leading-cause-of-overdose-deaths/1597283

the lost coin

I didn’t lose a coin but I have been known to loose lots of other things – the most annoying is loosing car keys especially when I am running late and need to head out the door.

I am grateful I can send a signal out to my phone even when it is on silent to retrieve it. I need to have something for those keys too! But here is the thing, as Francesca Botticelli songs says: this is the stuff that drives us crazy, but it is exactly the stuff God uses to refine us, help us grow in patience, and to remind us how much we are blessed. Take the 3 minutes to hear this fun song and heed to its message.

Jesus spoke in parables, but this one’s meaning about the lost coin is pretty obvious.

“…imagine a woman who has ten coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and scour the house, looking in every nook and cranny until she finds it? And when she finds it you can be sure she’ll call her friends and neighbors: ‘Celebrate with me! I found my lost coin!’ Count on it – that’s the kind of party God’s angels throw every time one lost soul turns to God.” Luke 15:8-10 MSG

Don’t fret when you lose something, but do thank God when you find it. And every day think of a way to share your faith so another lost soul can find Jesus. That is how to…

be.the.church

what are the odds?

What are the odds?

What are the odds that my daughter would be behind me at the arrival of a concert more than an hour away? We even left at different timing from completely different locations. Then on the way home after we each did separate things I end up right behind her as I exit the highway towards home.

What are the odds?

I think God delights in having fun with us and this night He sure did. He reminded me He is in the details of our lives and His timing is always perfect. Times like this build trust and remind me of His intimate presence in my life.

God’s perfect timing.

Look for it.

Seek it.

Find it in all you do.

It is there even if a little hidden at times, but God’s timing is always perfect.

It had been a full month. I might even define it as overflowing. I attended 3 weddings and 3 funerals. Sometimes it might be a whole year or more to attend another of either. Yet, in May, there were 3 of each.

I love the number 3. It reminds me of our God’s triune presence* and that His timing is always perfect.

We don’t have to worry about the odds as He is always there to pick up the pieces in His perfect time.

Trust in that. Help others see it is He who is in the details. And look for God’s perfect timing.

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“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs‬ ‭16:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What times have you seen His divine presence prevalent? Pray do tell in the comments. Please and thank you.

*A few posts back I shared a recipe of a cake that has to rest 3 days before consuming which reminds me of Christ’s 3 days in the tomb.

Here’s a link to look back on that entry and do let me know if you make the cake and have the patience to wait the 3 days before trying it:

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/05/29/dont-leave-before-the-cake-is-cut/