Losing, yet winning

Losing, yet winning

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” ~Romans 8:28

I was lost in the moment. Sitting on top of Mt. Arbel while on a trip to Israel, I was incredibly aware of as how close we were to Jesus. There have been times before where I’ve been caught up in a moment of worship, or touched by something I heard or read… but nothing like this. We were overlooking a rugged terrain and had just learned that this place may have been the actual site of the feeding of the 5000. A herd of wild goats meandered up the side of the mountain and my camera was calling. Setting my Bible, notebook and water on the rocks I headed down the path… all the while wondering if Jesus had walked this path, sat on these rocks, felt the warm sun on His back. It was a beautiful place that that seemed frozen in time, untouched by the human hand.

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When God’s Plan Surpasses Yours

When God’s Plan Surpasses Yours

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Ephesians 3:20-21

     Exactly six months ago this week, Kevin and I were sitting in the Charlotte International Airport discussing a decision that was going to alter the course of our lives.  We had been invited go to the Women of Faith conference with other Proverbs 31 Donors, and staff.  I had been to NC many times for events with Proverbs 31, but this was the first time Kevin was able to go with me.  He knew that Charlotte had already claimed a special place in my heart, but this time- it snagged his as well. We’ve known for over 3 years that God was doing something big in our life… we just couldn’t narrow down what it was until that weekend.  Sitting in the airport that night we both knew that God was asking us to leave our life as we knew it and to trust Him with our future.  

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Life Without Dr. McDreamy…

Life Without Dr. McDreamy…

Thursday night I sat, along with millions of other fans and my heart broke as one of my favorites said goodbye. It’s been all over the web the past few days… CNN’s headlines: “Death, A Nightmare for ‘Greys Anatomy’ fans.”  Perez Hilton: “Mourn the Loss of Derek Shepherd, AKA Dr. McDreamy.”  Facebook has been bombarded with fans sharing their feelings….and I totally get it! You get wrapped up in a show and the characters feel real. It took me a long time to ever watch ER again without George Clooney, who knows how long it will be before I can handle ‘Greys Anatomy’ again? Think about all of the people mourning the loss of a TV character- He was a major part of the show! Can Grey’s continue without Patrick Dempsey? Yes, but it wont be the same.

Greys-Anatomy

This morning, while taking a walk, I was assaulted with a thought. All of these people (including me), feeling sad about this fictitious death…How many give a thought to what Jesus did for us all those years ago on the cross? A character dies on TV and we are wracked with grief. Do we take time other than Easter or maybe communion at church, to consider what Jesus did for you and for me? Matthew 20:28 says “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Even in death, Jesus continues to save us. I’m certain that no TV character can ever claim that.

What about you? What happens when your “show” ends? Do you know where you are going after you breathe your last breath on this earth? Jesus died a horrible death on the cross for you and I, to give us the opportunity of eternal life. “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 4: 6-8

no greater love

Do you know with absolute certainty if you are going to heaven? Many in the world feel that by doing good works, they can punch their ticket. It’s wonderful to do good deeds, to serve others, to pray for others – we all need to do more of that. Unfortunately good works won’t guarantee an eternity with Jesus.  Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us “it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast.”  Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior? If not I would pray that you would seek to learn more about Him.  Reach out to a pastor, find a church, go to a youth group where you can meet others who can help lead you to a relationship with the Lord.  Above all- get a Bible- open it up and ask the Lord to speak to you. He’s got all the answers in there – It’s our own personal instruction manual.   It’s simple, really… “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. “ John 3:16

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ will never be the same. What about the end of your story? You have the opportunity to make it a wonderful ending. What will you choose for your last scene? All it takes is a simple heartfelt prayer. It’s your choice.

Lord Jesus,

I know I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead. I trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior. Guide my life and help me to do your will.

In your name, Amen.