by Sharon O | Apr 20, 2010 | Uncategorized
Until something is in its rightful place it can’t be what it is.
Our relationship with God is life changing.
When we encountered the presence of the real living God almighty we were forever changed. Isn’t that worth writing about, sharing and remembering?
What was your story? I have shared mine.
How God met me in the moment where I needed Him to come through for me to believe.
I believe He does that for all of us.
Our pastor has been doing a series about encounters…when we encounter something in person we have a total different view of it. It becomes real to us.
Our pastor taught that we encounter God in the dark sacred spaces of our lives.
The places of discomfort.
It is where the sacred meet the spirit.
He talked about the story of Jonah. Remember how he ran from what the Lord wanted him to do? He ran literally for miles and miles thinking that God could not find him.
Jonah discovered that God knew his heart and was determined to make him listen.
Our true character emerges through the storms of our lives. Who we really are-not who we show for others to see. In the dark deep belly of the whale within the process of becoming obedient, Jonah prayed a prayer of thanksgiving. “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry.” Jonah 2:1 “But I, with a song of thanksgiving, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord.” vs. 9
Can you imagine? Let us think about this for a minute.
Jonah is deep in to the belly of a whale. It couldn’t be quiet the breathing and thrashing of the massive fish overwhelming. I wonder as Jonah sat or lay down surrounded by the rotting fish and seaweed and the overpowering smells in the darkness of the deep. Was that when he encountered God?
Jonah was rescued by God because God knew Jonah would become obedient after the lesson he learned. God knows our heart conditions. Pastor calls it the basement of our souls where our hearts decisions lie. Jonah did not want to obey God so he ran fast and far. Yet God found him. Pastor said the dark spaces of our lives deepened our character. It is where God can whisper and touch each layer of our broken lives; layer upon layer till all become healed places.
From the moment we were being formed Psalm 139 tells us we were known. God knew us. Isn’t that awesome? He is faithful from the beginning. We are the ones who move.
So in the process of running or avoiding or disobeying or hiding like Jonah we lose the opportunity to serve. I hope we always remember it is in the dark creepy spaces where our heart can truly meet the savior. His love is deep and wide and intense and I believe He will pursue us till we believe.
Pastor said what we choose to do shape us and also shapes others who watch us.
God is calling us to proper motivation.
When Jonah encountered God and heard him say, “I am going to rescue you because your heart condition has been obedient.” He wanted to serve Him for he knew He had saved his life.
Pastor challenged us to read the book of Jonah and ask ourselves what is our Nineveh?
What are we running from or hiding?
The lesson learned… until our heart condition is in its rightful place, it can’t be what it is.
by Sharon O | Apr 14, 2010 | Uncategorized
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his names sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, [a] or through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (NIV)
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God, my shepherd! I don’t need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through death valley, I’m not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd’s crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back home in the house of God for the rest of my life. (MSG)
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The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley (a)or the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect me and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.(NLT)
How awesome it is to see how our loving God gives us provision, protection, peace, promise and praise. I hope you find encouragement in this combination of readings.
by Sharon O | Apr 13, 2010 | Uncategorized
My heart is heavy.
Yesterday I found out my dad is starting chemo this week for his leukemia. Those who have read my blog understand my relationship with my dad.
It has been distant, weak, and full of pain and questions. I suppose his emotional walls have been as high as mine so the relationship could not be real. When I first met him in my 30’s I told him, “you have to earn the right to be called my dad”… and he never really pursued the relationship.
When we see each other it is a nice chat but not a reconnection of dad and daughter. It is always a hole and a great void for me. God has healed a lot of the ‘pain’ surrounding the father/daughter relationship.
I have learned to lean on ‘God the Father’.
I have a few memento’s of my dad and I did get a beautiful iron gate from him when Mary was here dying on hospice.
It was my thank you from him for all the difficult work we had to deal with.
It is with great sadness and heavy heart that now we not only deal with the pending death of mom O. At the same time we may be facing the illness and possible death of my dad in the months to come.
I know God will not give us more than we can bear so I am praying for strength, stamina and courage. To move forward in the new directions of life’s journey.
(The above picture is part of my gate with dad’s signature on it)
by Sharon O | Apr 12, 2010 | Uncategorized
Our family is going through a really difficult time these days.
The process of watching a loved one die is a heavy weight on ones heart.
Mom wanted some Chinese food the other evening for dinner.
A brother in law said,”We can go get it and bring it to you”, her reply, “No I want to go to the restaurant.” So with great effort she got herself up and moved with her walker and went out to the car then to the restaurant.
How does one say no when Hope is still present in the heart of the one who is ill.
She wanted to go out. She wanted to be normal and sit in a restaurant chair without oxygen and eat her food just as she did many months ago. Only this time she ate a small amount of food and drank her tea and just enjoyed a little bit of normal life into her heart. Dad was cute as I heard him say, “Well ma we have lots of leftovers for us to eat later”. She agreed with him. I really thought it a sweet moment. The two of them sitting side by side sharing a meal together just like the old times.
The process of death is a heart wrenching one.
I called it the dance of death when my sister was dying. For one never knows the moves that are necessary for adapting and change as the progression of illness moves forward. It tugs at ones heart and occasionally grief rises to the surface and tears fall. Deep grief is layered between things to do and things to take care of and must wait till later.
For now tasks take away the full impact of a loved one leaving.
The moments of talking heart to heart are precious and worth taking notes recorded in journals to keep for a later time.
When a death is pending one can say goodbyes unlike a sudden death when the survivors are unprepared for the news. A pending death is month by month …week by week… hour by hour … eventually… minute by minute.
The process of care taking is exhausting at times yet in these unknown days ahead it is also a gift. The measure of giving and giving more and worrying and praying and trying not to worry. It is all apart of the dance. Steps altered and rearranged by a body deteriorating and movements jilted by life’s ending journey.
Only one who has gone through the process can relate to the soul that is trying to say goodbye in many ways throughout the day.
We have hope in God and know the result of a loved one passing who loves the Lord is peaceful. For our home is not here if we love Jesus.
Our home is found in another beautiful resting place.
The impact is still extremely difficult. Prayers are continually needed for those waiting and watching and wondering what is it going to be like for the loved one to be gone.
For now… we join in the times of sharing and we count our blessings that it is has been a gentle experience.
Our family is still intact with ma and pa sitting together not knowing how their love story will end.
There is a new dance to learn as we process the final journey home.
by Sharon O | Apr 8, 2010 | Uncategorized
Luke 22:32-62
“Simon, Simon, Satan asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, even to die with you.” But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
Then Jesus moves on into more instructions and teachings to the crowds.
I wondered what Simon felt like after he was told that.
Did he just stand there shocked after hearing that?
Did he question Jesus?
Did get mad… what was his reaction?
It doesn’t look like his thoughts are recorded.
We can only guess.
What would I think?
If Jesus said to me… You think you are faithful and you love me
with everything inside you…but I know your heart
and I know you will fail a powerful test very soon.
What would I feel? What would I say to him?
Then to hear Jesus say “I have pleaded for your faith to be strong.”It’s a concept that cannot be fully grasped. Jesus pleading for Simon’s faith and our faith so we can be strong enough to withstand the attacks of the enemy.
Intercessory prayer for us from Jesus to the Father.
Satan wanted to take them down and Jesus said he pleaded… that is more than just prayer… it is an earnest prayer an intense powerful presentation of hope.
It also seems to be a prophecy of what was to come for Simon after the denial.
As we read further into the chapter it gives us the full report of how he did indeed deny Jesus.
vs 61. At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter.
vs 62. And Peter left the courtyard weeping bitterly.
He realized that Jesus knew or heard or saw the denial.
Can you even imagine looking across the courtyard after saying, “NO I don’t know him” and then there is Jesus. Looking at you.
Simon was caught.
In the moment of denial when the pressure was on him. He rejected the one whom he passionately said he loved.
Your heart would hurt just as his did.
Simon wept bitterly because of a grief deep within him.
Lord, how could I do what I said I would not do?
I am sorry Lord. Forgive me… I don’t know my own heart.
I can’t believe I did what you said.
This was the repentance Jesus spoke of in the beginning.
Repenting and turning back to him so that Simon could be strength for the brothers later on.
When I read this it shows me how unstable we all are in our walk with God.
We may say…Lord I would die for you. But in reality would we?
One would hope so. But if the one who walked with him, talked with him, shared with him, ate with him, had a real friendship with him, could deny him not once but three times.
How can we be so confident in our own hearts?
I pray this to be a lesson for each of us.
That although we can fail the Lord miserably just as Simon did. He gives us a second chance. Later on he is given a powerful new name Peter and Jesus reinstates him into a position of leadership.
John 21:15-20
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him,”Follow me!”
I pray that this brings encouragement.
Jesus does not give up on us even when we commit the most evil sin.
For Simon to deny him and then for Jesus to return to him and say… “Please take care of those left behind. I am entrusting you with a responsibility. Take care of the ones whom I love.”
It shows me, Love, Acceptance and forgiveness.
How thankful are we as people to serve a God who doesn’t give up on us.
by Sharon O | Apr 8, 2010 | Uncategorized
Sometimes life’s moments come in and interrupts our day.
We get out the calendar and focus on our ‘to do’ lists for the week.
Planning menus and shopping trips, work days and play days, what we need to prepare to get it all done.
Then a child will get sick. Or we get sick. Or the dog gets sick.
Or the car won’t start.
Or …. you fill in the blank.
We all have had those times of frustrations and disrupting moments.
Interruptions can rearrange our agenda and goals.
My question for us is how flexible are we?
If I have a plan … and another need ‘is more pressing’.
Do I grasp it with enthusiasm and an earnest desire to do what needs to be done?
Or do I grumble and complain and gripe
and have a bad attitude?
I have to admit I am sure I have done both.
Jesus was interrupted.
Throughout the New Testament he always had others rearrange his day. People with needs would come to him for healing and for teaching.
He accepted the interruptions as a time for ministry.
He healed others when it was not convenient or acceptable in the laws of the people.
He performed miracles when others could not provide.
It was all for a purpose.
When he took the fish and bread and made so much that there were buckets of left overs. He was glorifying the Father.
Everything He did… gave glory to the Father.
So for us… how does that move into our lives?
Can we examine our hearts and ask how well we receive interruptions.
It is not about me. It is about who I serve.
It is not about my selfish need to get MY things done first.
It is about my friend who is hurting and needs time to talk.
It is not about my selfish need to have quiet time alone.
It is about the child who wants to come see grandma and have quality time together.
I pray this writing challenges us all to be more ready for interruptions.
For it might be ‘that’ phone call…that is life giving to a soul,
or that smile, or that note in the mail, or that email.
It is taking time for others.
It is taking time for God.
It is Praying without ceasing for the endless needs around us.
Lord may we be people who are willing to be rearranged for your purpose
so that we might be able to serve others with a cheerful heart.
