set your hope on grace

Set – to direct or settle resolutely, to determine or fix definitely, to place or plant firmly*

Your – belonging to oneself*

Hope – to believe, desire, or trust*

On – so as to be attached to or unified with, in the direction of

Grace – the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God.*

Direct yourself to believe in the free love of God.

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at His coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.”

1 Peter 1:13-25 NIV

Set your hope on grace!

be.the.church

*dictionary.com app

living hope

What Easter is all about – living hope!

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” I Peter 1.3-9

Living hope – believing in what we can not see yet knowing it exists.

Living hope – looking forward with desire and confidence.

Living hope – why Jesus came and what Easter is all about!

Because of the cross and Christ’s resurrection power, we now have living hope to meet our Savior face to face one day for all eternity.

That is something to celebrate!

That is something to contemplate!

That is what this Easter season is all about!

If you have yet to make Jesus Lord, simply invite Him into your heart and ask to be forgiven. I promise you won’t regret that decision and the living hope within will rise up and help you too…

be.the.church

LIVING…

_______________________________

“Lord, make me see Your glory in every place”*

That should be our constant prayer. For if it was, there would be less to complain about, less to worry about, and more compassion for our fellow man.

“Do all things without complaining.” Philippians 2.14

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.“ Matthew 6.34

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4.32

Yes, complain less, worry less, all the while being kind, forgiving, and having compassionate.

I am not sure if Michelangelo was all those things but he was considered ‘divine’ or righteous among his contemporaries and they admired his terribilità or his ability to instill a sense of awe.

How can we be considered righteous and instill awe in others?

I think we can by using Michelangelo’s words as a prayer: “Lord, make me see Your glory in every place.”

In the homeless man on the corner, can you see God’s glory?

In the runaway trying to find food, can you see His glory?

In the women of the night trying to sell her own self to keep afloat, surely she beholds God’s beauty.

In a sunset, ocean breeze, or snow capped mountain, can you feel and see and sense the Lord’s glory?

When we do, we can recognize His peace in everyplace. I feel that is what others saw in Michelangelo’s art – an overwhelming sense of peace.

It is what others will see when we

complain less;

worry less;

and are kind, forgiving, and compassionate towards our fellow man.

In doing so, we will…

be.the.church

*Michelangelo may not be the best role model but that quote surely can prompt us to see God in the world around us.

He also wrote this in a poem that can inspire us to remember Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf: “Neither painting nor sculpture will be able any longer to calm my soul, now turned toward that divine love that opened His arms on the cross to take us in.”

So grateful for the cross and debt paid on my behalf. Yes, “Lord, make me see Your glory in every place” especially Calvary.

Check out this previous post and some other thoughts of mine on Michelangelo (and DaVinci):

https://bethechurch.home.blog/2019/01/29/why-is-it/

If you have been inspired or changed your perspective by something you read, do tell in the comments below. I thank you in advance and look forward to connecting with you, for after all if you call Christ Lord we will be spending all eternity together so we may as well connect this side of heaven too!

it is the 100 day of 2019

Today marks the 100th day of this year and my one 100th blog entry in 2019.

However, I must admit that I wrote this quite awhile ago. You see, God gave me the idea of having 100 entries prepared before 2019 even began. And the more I thought about it and wondered why, I realized that if I had 100 entries prepared, I would not have to do any entry preparation on the weekends.

I love how God’s plans are there even when we don’t fully understand them.

This also made me think about the importance of needing a Sabbath. We have a weekend because it is the week’s end so what do we do on the end of the week?

Usually, run around like chickens with our heads cut off.

One thing I loved about living in Europe was quiet hours and all the blue laws like we used to have when I was growing up.

When I was young, there was not only a curfew but stores were not open on Sundays EVER as it was assumed people would be at church. Businesses that sold alcohol as package stores selling liquor were never open Sundays either. Now in Europe, not many people go to church. So I thought if we could get these two cultural ideas back in sync together what a better Sabbath we would have combining quiet hours on Sunday and the norm being church attendance. I so enjoyed the ease in the quiet of the day there.

Actually, when we moved home, I was quite annoyed when we were trying to eat outside on our deck and neighbors would be mowing the lawn. Mowing the lawn was a definite no-no on a Sunday. Also, hanging out laundry was not allowed, having loud parties, or doing any activity that would interrupt someone else’s desired quietness.

Some may think this is crazy but I think the Europeans have it right that we do indeed need a day of quiet. It availed us to do things out of the norm like biking or hiking. It allowed us to truly embrace the Sabbath.

So here we are 100 days into this year of 2019 and I’m so glad God gave me the idea to have entries prepared so I can truly enjoy the weekend writing free but rather just posting what’s already been prepared and really having a weekend of rest. Well, that was the plan anyways and worked for quite sometime. It got me in the habit though of being able to have days off when needed as we all need to break from routine and rest.

What do you plan to do this weekend and how can you incorporate a quiet sabbath in the midst of a noisy sometimes chaotic busy world?

Please give us your ideas to help us be better at showing the world how taking a sabbath is so important and needed. In doing so, we will…

be.the.church

Here’s some ideas in pictures:

Which idea resonated with you the most? Please leave a comment. Have a blessed day and start thinking about how this sabbath will be different as you plan to incorporate some quiet and rest.

what does God look like

I was in Sunday school and reprimanded by the teacher.

We were to draw a picture of what we thought God looked like. Most kids drew a long-haired Mediterranean looking dude. Some drew a picture of a man sitting on a throne with a crown and angels all around.

I imagined God must be like nothing the human eye has every seen so I made Him different.

He had four eyes – two on His face and two on the back of His head. I gave Him three or maybe it was four arms. I colored Him mostly purple with other rainbow colors for His hair and clothes.

We were to hand them into the teacher and she was to pick them in random order and display for the class to see.

When she got to mine, she crumpled it up, threw it in the bin, and had me stand with my face to the wall until I was picked up from class. I was embarrassed, but not sure why and I remember trying to hold the hot tears back. I also remember hearing sneers from some of the other boys and whispers as well as giggles from the girls. I was so angry at the injustice and the fact that I was not given an opportunity to share what I thought was a brilliant interpretation of what God may look like. Why wasn’t I even given the chance? I was so confused to why I was stuck in the corner. And my other thought at that young tender age of single digits was this lady should not be a teacher especially in church!

My father came to pick me up which was a rarity as he worked most Sundays. He saw me in the corner and the teacher tried to explain away my disrespect, but instead he firmly called my name and said: “Let’s go.” On the way out of the room, I gently reached into that garbage bin and gingerly took my drawing out. I tried my best to rid it of the wrinkles caused by that insensitive ‘teacher’. She thought she was teaching me a lesson. If only she would have let me explain, she would have been the one learning. So instead I explained it to my dad as he lovingly responded with oos and ahs saying how creative and contemplative I was.

The eyes on the back of the head were there because I had heard moms say they had eyes on back of theirs. If moms knew all then surely God knew more so He needed to see in every direction. Moms also complained they didn’t have enough hands for everything so that is why in that picture I gave God more. I colored His skin purple because surely He did not have the same skin tones as humans. Thus, the rainbow colors for clothes and hair was my choice. I so wish I still had that innocent and insightful drawing.

Such meaning.

Such depth.

Such understanding that God is more than meets the human eye.

So here I sit four plus decades later with that day forever engrained in my mind’s eye. I did not ever go back to that Sunday school class and from that day on rarely was creative but conformed to teachers’ wishes. What a waste of childhood innocence and squelching creativity.

We can’t put God in a box and others should not try to put us in one either.

I bet that teacher never thought about that day again or if she did, it was thought of smuggly thinking she did the right thing.

I often gauge ministry by this little saying I coined: “Feelings saved are always better than being right.”

I wonder if she ever knew how hurt my feelings really were because of the creativity God put within in me to try to describe He who is indescribable. Ironic that I was hurt in a class supposedly teaching about a loving God. Where was her love, patience, even tolerance or understanding for a child who thought different? God desires us to love and embrace our differences. He created each of us uniquely so we should see that especially in drawings of young children. Ask the meaning before assuming you know what it is!

But, God!

Our God is a constant, unchanging, unwavering Deity we can depend on. Praise Him for this! And maybe just maybe when we get to Heaven, we might see Him a little different and better than we could ever imagine or attempt to portray. Who knows, purple skin or rainbow hair may just dazzle us!

In the meantime, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and, love your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10.27) and the world will see you…

be.the.church

the Lord is watching

I used to be terrified by the fact that God sees all. How about you?

It is good to have a healthy dose of the fear of the Lord, but our desire should be to live lives pleasing to Him not just in fear of Him.

And when we seek His plan, good things will come to us.

It might not be in the form of something that has monetary value, but there is so much more we often overlook and are not grateful for. The blessing of food, shelter, and clothing are often forgotten and slipped by.

How about health?

Never take being free from sickness for granted.

Talk to God daily and thank Him for all the blessings in your life.

Thank Him for His care, protection, and guidance.

Give Him all the glory for all you have.

And yes, He is watching so live righteous in His sight.

“The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right and His ears are open to their prayers.” I Peter 3.12

It is a new day, a new week, so put some gratitude in your heart and let the whole world see you…

be.the.church

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. So let us worship, let us bow down, let us fear our God. Life, hope, blessing, and joy…to Him belongs eternal praise; to Him belongs all reverent praise. Faithful and just are His works, His ways…With our whole hearts we will thank You, we will praise You, O God…in the congregation with Your people we remember Your worth…glorious and righteous are His worth, His ways to Him belongs all reverent praise. Faithful and just are His works, His ways. So let us worship, let us bow down, let us fear our God.*

“The fear of the Lord is the Tbeginning of wisdom…” Proverbs 9.10

*lyrics to the Fear of the Lord

the days of the weak*

Time rolls in and out of our lives. We look back and can’t believe our college days or parenting time are over. Days turn into weeks that turn into months. Then, soon years have turned into decades and we wonder where has all the time flown.

We need to consider the present and make sure we don’t waste the time we have.

So often, we look back and realize we could have done so much more with the time we have been given. I heard it said once that no one on their death bed wished they had spent more time at the office. Instead, thoughts of time missed with family and friends is regretted.

Let’s not live in regret and pursue our purpose with passion.

Find the drive in you to do what God has wired you to do so you can be all you can before the sands of time run out on your allotted time here on earth.

Consider this:

That is so true so make time each and every day to spend with the Lord.

And another thought to consider is the names of our present days of the week came from pagan deities, planets, or names in mythology. We should probably change their names. A quick google search and you will learn that Thor, the god of thunder, is where we get the name of the day of the week called Thursday or Tuesday is named after Tui, the god of war. And although it is obvious once you hear, perhaps you hadn’t considered that Sunday and Monday were named for the sun and the moon.

The point is we need to look to the God who created those planets. He desires us to be about His business no matter how the days were named or what they represent. He is The One true God worthy of our praise and time. And I do believe, without Him daily by our side the days of the week will definitely feel weak.

“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” I John 2.17

“…now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6.2

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3.11

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16.9

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29.1

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” Proverbs 27.1

“As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.” John 9.4

“My times are in your hands…”. Psalm 31.15

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90.12

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Ephesians 5.15-17

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.” Ecclesiastes 3.1-8

Live out your time wisely and others will see you…

be.the.church

*intentional spelling error for seven days without God will make one weak

unplanned

It was not on our radar to go see this movie so you could say it was ‘unplanned’. So, I say if it is not in your plans, please go.

*** And if you know or have a child 10/12 and up, both boys and girls need to see this movie so they can understand that it’s not pro-choice it is life versus death. If seeing is believing, this film may just be the deterrent young people may need to not have abortions.

We were asked to join some friends from church and I am so glad we went to see what is taking the box office by storm for its surprising success. Yet, main stream media would not want you to know this or for you to go see it, but do! With its graphic details of abortions with some disturbing and bloody scenes (that certainly did not render a ‘R’ rating in my book), it is a must see. Although it is viewed as propaganda from those on the left, the reality that they can’t take is it is based on a true story. Abby Johnson went from planned parenthood clinic director to switching sides and becoming the director of a pro-life organization. It is a powerful story.

I won’t deny it; it is not an easy watch but it is not a lie either. Having that true story appeal makes it so much more convincing as you can’t deny its plot when it is based on truth. We should of course grieve over the loss of innocents and the deception over those who have convinced themselves they are really helping humanity. Abby was one who thought just that until one day she was asked to assist in an abortion and came face to face with the truth of what really is happening. That changed everything.

It was inspiring to see her transformation and to realize how many more people in the industries eyes have been opened. To date her organization has helped over 500 leave the abortion industry. And that is what it sadly is – a multi-billion dollar business.

If you have suffered the loss of an abortion, know you can be forgiven.

If you work in the abortion industry, know you can change your path.

If you know someone considering abortion, this may just be the film to deter them.

And the biggest take away I pray all see from this film is that prayer changes things.

Trust God hears everyone especially on behalf of all those unborn lives.

Abby talked thousands into having abortions, she had abortions her self, but changed her perspective when she saw that tiny baby fighting for its life just before being sucked up in a tube as a non existent P.O.C. (product of conception aka parts of children). How crazy to think in that labeled room someone’s job is to reassemble a baby’s body parts to make sure nothing was left behind.

In Abby’s 8 years at planned parenthood, 22,000 abortions took place. In her words: “What I have told people for years, what I’ve believed and taught and defended, is a lie.
What if I’d known the truth,
and what if I’d told all those women?”

Let’s be truth tellers. Love people through their hurt and give of our time to hear or help others through their histories. That is how we can…

be.the.church

Post-Abortive Resources:
There are many good organizations offering confidential counseling and post-abortion assistance.
• PROLIFE Across AMERICA: 1-800-366-773
• Project Rachel: 1-888-456-HOPE| www.hopeafterabortion.com
• National Life Center: 1-800-848-LOVE (5683) | www.nationallifecenter.com

Here’s a website for help/support if you want to get out of the abortion industry:
https://abortionworker.com/

There is always a choice – it is not a choice for a woman’s right to do with her body as she chooses, but rather the choice to choose life.

Get rid of shame and guilt knowing you are just “one step away from surrender, one step away from coming home…”*

““The Lord answered: …Could she (a mother) fail to love an infant who came from her own body? Even if a mother could forget, I will never forget you.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭49:15‬ ‭CEVDC‬‬

Every hurt has a healing. There won’t be a rainbow without the rain.

Whatever you have gone through know God can use it for good and for His purpose to draw all to Him. Amen

Now go see this excellent pro-life film that completely exposes planned parenthood and the horrid abortion industry.

And I still think it is so crazy that it was slapped with an R rating to dissuade people from going or prevent those under 18 going without supervision. I say R stands for recommended! Ken Rather of PureFlix says this: “A 15-year old girl can get an abortion without her parent’s permission, but she can’t see this movie without adult supervision? That’s sad.“

Take your kids and anyone willing to go support this film and give your heart more to pray about.

Let’s stand in the gap on behalf of the innocents whose lives are taken before they even take their first breaths.

be.the.church

*lyrics from Casting Crowns song One Step Away

love does

Have you read Bob Goff’s book titled Love Does yet?

No! Well, what are you waiting for? It is witty, fun, funny, but best of all God-honoring. It is also a New York Times best seller and the stories of him just sharing life should inspire you. For after all, that is what love does.

It is also a great read-a-loud. We did this on a road trip and had so much fun laughing and learning together taking turns reading a chapter or two to each other. It is a great conversation starter too. Not sure if it is available as an audio book, but that might be an entertaining option as well.

RELEVANT* (a bimonthly Christian perspective magazine exploring pop culture intersecting with faith) gave the book a positive review, writing that it “is an easy, challenging and inspiring read. If you’ve been looking for a breath of fresh air in your spirituality, this is it.”

Here’s some quotes from the book that I hope wet your appetite to go get a copy of the book for yourself and your family to enjoy reading together:

“I used to think you had to be special for God to use you, but now I know you simply need to say yes.”

“I used to be afraid of failing at something that really mattered to me, but now I’m more afraid of succeeding at things that don’t matter.”

“I used to want to fix people, but now I just want to be with them.”

“Most people need love and acceptance a lot more than they need advice.”

“Failure is just part of the process, and it’s not just okay; it’s better than okay. God doesn’t want failure to shut us down. God didn’t make it a three-strikes-and-you’re-out sort of thing. It’s more about how God helps us dust ourselves off so we can swing for the fences again. And all of this without keeping a meticulous record of our screw-ups.”

“You don’t need a plan; you just need to be present.”

“Every day God invites us on the same kind of adventure. It’s not a trip where He sends us a rigid itinerary, He simply invites us. God asks what it is He’s made us to love, what it is that captures our attention, what feeds that deep indescribable need of our souls to experience the richness of the world He made. And then, leaning over us, He whispers, “Let’s go do that together.”

Yes, that is what love does and when we do what love does too, we will…

be.the.church

because… “Simply put: love does.” and…”For me, it’s Jesus plus nothing-…” it is for Bob and it is for me. I pray it is for you too!

*Relevant also has an online counterpart to the magazine at https://relevantmagazine.com/ as well as a biweekly podcast every Wednesday and Friday available through iTunes.

what if the assassination never happened today

Martin Luther – the name conjures up thoughts of church reform and modern day equality.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) was named after Martin Luther of the reformation. He was born Michael King Jr. but, his father changed both their names legally when he was five after being inspired by a trip to Germany visiting reformation sites of THE Martin Luther.

I, too, have visited those sites. I, too, was inspired to want to do more to help end discrimination.

For Nazi Germany, it was anti-Semitism and for the Jim Crow South, racism. Both had white supremacy at their roots. Whether a fight for the Aryan Race (which in Nazi language was a non-Jew Caucasian) or the white supremacy desire of the KKK (American hate group eliciting crimes against blacks or any others they chose to hate), both groups (the Nazis and KKK) desired ethnic cleansing believing purification of the races was needed for proper survival. Yet, God said for us to love all people. After all, “…God does not show favoritism” (Romans 5.8) so we should not either. We can hate the sin, but let’s strive to love the sinner even those who hate others.

Both Martin Luther and Martin Luther King Jr. wanted the world to be a better place.

I often wonder what other differences and advances against racism may have been found in the world had MLK not been assassinated.

Many conspiracy theories have developed over who was to blame for his death. If you ever find yourself in Memphis, take some time to visit the National Civil Rights Museum built around the former Lorraine Motel where MLK was assassinated and you can read up on several of the theories that exist. The museum is very moving especially since everything is just like it would have been the day MLK died. Including entering the building across the street and looking out at the hotel just as the shooter would have all those years ago. All the other exhibits are top notch, too, including stepping on the bus that Rosa Parks was on for the Montgomery bus boycott, listening in on oral histories, or watching one of the 40 plus films. Make sure you plan for enough time to leisurely take it all in. The whole place is absolutely amazing but walking into Dr. King’s ‘I have a dream’ speech on the mall in DC feels like you are actually one of the 250,000 plus bystanders in attendance that day. This is a well done museum with excellent exhibits worthy of a visit. It is in my top 5 in all of the world.

MLK’s nonviolent protests surely would have done so much more good had he still been here to continue his peaceful ways.

On this day that commemorates his death, let’s pause and contemplate what if that assassination never happened on this date way back in 1968.

I think the world might be a little more kinder.

The racial tensions a little more tolerable.

And the love of God would have been proclaiming continually from MLK lips if he still were here these 51 years later.

A life cut short, yet still impactful a half a century later.

I know another life that ended young. It was that of our Savior at just 33. Yet, here we are 2 plus centuries later still introducing others to His name and the freedom we can have from sin because of His sacrifice.

Martin’s life because of Christ means so much more especially knowing we will meet him one day if we too have named Christ as Lord in our own lives.

If you are unsure, don’t delay; accept Christ today so you won’t be left to the fires of Hell one day.*

Live in peace and

be.the.church

*if you by faith just asked Jesus to forgive you of your sin and accepted His free gift of salvation, do tell us about it in the comments below.

If you need some tools or help on what to do next, please e-mail me and I would love to help you further on your faith journey.

We are all in this together.

That is how we will…

be.the.church

in this sin-sick world.