July 4, 2008

One Country, One Community, One Church

Is it really the 4th of July? Could it be? For our family, this holiday is quite different than years past….

We are residents of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. You may have watched our plight on national (or international) news. We experienced the worst flood in the history of Iowa, and possibly the United States. It has been called a “catastrophic event.” The Cedar River crested at almost twelve feet higher than ever in recorded history, 20 feet higher then flood stage. More than 4,000 homes were flooded as 1,300 city blocks were inundated with water. Many of these people can not go back home. They have been “displaced”- living with friends, relatives, in apartments, two shelters set up in area schools, and now possibly FEMA trailers. These people have lost everything. Clothing, material possessions, pictures, keepsakes…..everything. My friend has lost eight homes in her family- it has affected her mother, brothers, sisters, and cousins. A piece of history was lost as two of the neighborhoods hit were the oldest in Cedar Rapids- historic Czech neighborhoods- Czech Village and the Time Check neighborhood. Czech Village was home to family residences and their businesses- shops and restaurants handed down for generations from Eastern European immigrants. The African-American museum lost precious exhibits, as did the Science Station, the Art Museum, and the downtown Public Library.Between 6,000 and 7,000 jobs were lost as hundreds of local and national businesses were flooded. The debris and trash of the cleanup will be enough to fill two football fields 60 feet deep. Early damage estimates are already in the billions. In the state, hundreds of acres of farm land were ruined, and the effects will be felt across the country in the months to come. President Bush declared many counties a federal disaster area and 99 out of 100 counties were declared state disaster areas. To get a better idea of what we have experienced the past 3 weeks, google Cedar Rapids or check out the many youtube videos of the flooding. This has changed our lives forever….

Yet…..there is hope.

People helping people. Volunteers coming out in the hundreds to help neighbors. The Body of Christ having the opportunity to hug, to listen, to help, to serve our neighbor- to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Suddenly, the “normal” summer activities of baseball games, swimming, and bike rides seem to pale in comparison to pulling out dry wall and carpet, handing out water and cleaning supplies, and providing hope to the hurting with hands and prayers.

“…Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to one hope when you
were called- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is
over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:3-6

One thing that has struck me is that we are working together as ONE Body, as Christ intended. No one asks “What denomination are you from?” Churches are banding together, sharing “opportunities” and needs. We work under one organization called “Serve the City” and it is made up of several area churches of various denominations. We work as ONE to help the community and bring the hope of Christ. There is unity as we love the community with our actions.

As I ponder Independence Day, and the sacrifice of our forefathers and patriots, it reminds me that they, too, put aside denominational differences to come together as ONE. I remember that when I visited Charleston, SC, it was interesting to tour the old churches and to see which of the many churches each founding father was a member of. It didn’t matter that they attended different Houses of Worship. In fact, it was one of the freedoms that the country was built upon- the freedom to worship in different ways. They came together as ONE body to fight for freedom.

As I ponder the importance of being an American, I realize that I, too, have a responsibility to my country and to my community….
a responsibility to be a part of something bigger than ME…
a responsibility to make a difference…..
to work together with my fellow Americans to make this the best country possible…
to work with my fellow citizens to make my community the best possible.

But, my greatest responsibility is the one I have to the Church of Jesus Christ...
to be the hands and feet of Jesus…to be “salt and light” to a dark world where “bad” things happen…to live in a spirit of unity with the Body of Believers.

Jesus told me to “love my neighbor as myself.” He said that the world would know the Church by our love for one another and for our neighbors. Jesus called us to love one another. He calls us to DO things for the “least of these.” The world yearns for us as Believers to step up and step out, with open hands of hope and healing, loving our communities and our country through acts of service and love. There is a great reminder for us in the book of James that I will leave with you to ponder...

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?
Can such a faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and
daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well
fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?” –James
2:14-16

Father God, I praise You! Thank You for Your constant care, especially through the trials of life. Thank You that I was born in the USA and enjoy the freedoms that this wonderful country ensures. Lord, help me to be the light of Christ in a dark and needing world. Help my faith to take action and like the good Samaritan, to DO what You call me to do. Father, thank You for the opportunities You provide to spread hope and healing through the love of Christ. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.


Questions and thoughts for meditation:

1.This July 4th, take some time to ponder how you can help your country, city, community and church. How can you be the “hands and feet” of Jesus?

2. Ask God to show you the people He has put in your life to help. We may not all live in area where a natural disaster has hit, but we all have opportunities to help needy people. Make a point to help a neighbor in need- send a note to a friend, make a phone call to a sick relative, volunteer in your community….

Please visit me at my personal blog:

July 3, 2008

High Faith ~ No Worries


It's easier said than done with the rise in both gas prices, groceries and just about everything else to not panic....yet.

However, we have found that by cutting back on errands and even just "luxuries" that we were use to such as, eating out once a week and just where we traveled too, what was really important and what was just wants that fill up empty time slots and empty souls.

One of the blessings and yes there are blessings in the midst of all this, is that Our Heavenly Father had us really looking at ways that we can invest spending time at home and as a family.

T.V. time was really cut back (which actually and secretly made me happy since I'm more into reading books than watching t.v. but don't tell that to my husband) and we had invested in a Wii sometime back.

With the Wii internet connection, we could still play with my mother in law (and I didn't have to hear her try to talk smack to me or try to psych me out and get me to lose, p.s. I love you mom, but I still bowl better than you nyah nyah), but more than anything, we actually have gone out and bought board games that require us to actually sit down and *gasp* interact as a family.

We trust in our Heavenly Father, even in the midst of tightening our belts and watching each cent and despite how gas prices are rising higher, He is and I deeply believe, He is and will,l provide us with our needs.

The importance is remembering though what is a need and what is just a want...I don't believe we will go hungry.

He will find a way to help us keep a roof over our heads and like God provides for the flowers and the birds, He will bless us in ways that we may not have many material things, He will see that we are provided spiritually.

Tomorrow has enough worries on it's own, not knowing what is going to come about with rising gas prices, but today,tomorrow and always, we have our Heavenly Father.

So though we may trade an arm and a leg to make that short drive to the grocery store, I trust in our Heavenly Father to help us see through this as He sees us through every trial in our lives.

It may not be as comfortable as we want, but I think about how He didn't let the Israelites go hungry while they were out in the desert.

It was a fitting reminder that our manna comes in many forms of just bare staples to make it through each week, a blessing of a sale ,a pantry that we keep stock with what we need and not just wants, or in the blessing of the garden we are going to grow in our backyard.

As we struggle,like we all are across this nation, to deal with the rising costs of gas and groceries, no matter what, don't worry. Really. Don't worry. God will provide. It may not be as we plan it out, but He will find a way.

Okay. So I may have to check out two weeks worth of library books (you don't want to know), but despite the cost of gas that seems to keep rising, we have homeschooling to occupy our days, a garden that needs our attention, church each week to bring us to praise and worship our Heavenly Father, and each night, we have the company of each other.

That can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending how you want to see it and if you are open to bowling competitions and talking smack (in a good way) with your mother in law even if it is over the phone; at least she can't see you sticking your tongue out at her when you bowl that perfect strike...oh yeah!

Heavenly Father, I thank you, that despite these trouble times, You prove in the midst of trials and tribulations, You can and do, use all things for good. I kneel in awe how no matter how trouble things may seem, You find ways to turn things for good and to Your Glory and I humbly bow before You as Your servant.

Lord, I praise Your name for humbling me and teaching me what is important and not important in life and I continue to pray that You guide me and teach me to have trust and faith in You like the Israelites did as they wander in the desert.

I don't know what tomorrow may bring and I leave that in Your hands Lord, for I know You have conquer tomorrow and it's in Your control not mine. Thank You Heavenly Father.

Questions for Reflection:

• How has God touched your heart and reminded you that He is in control?
• Many of us are having to find ways to cut back in different areas of our lives to help ease the strain of rising gas costs, how can this be used as a blessing to help bring you and your family closer to God.

Romans 8:28 (KJV), "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

• Reading Matthew 6:26-34, what meaning does this passage give to you and reassurance that despite concerns about the economy, what God promises to deliver you through?

You can find Vida daily serving up inspriattion at her blogspot Sunflower Faith

July 2, 2008

The Internet Cafe is blessed to have Jenifer from "By His Grace" joining us for coffee today.

Boast in the Lord

"Some boast in chariots, and some in horses; but we will boast in the name of the LORD our God."
Psalm 20:7

The word boast means to have confidence in, to trust in. To boast in God's name means to have confidence in His name. In biblical times a name represented a person's character. God's name represents His character, His attributes, His nature. To know His name is to know Him. To boast in His name is to have confidence in who He is!

There is something interesting I glean from this verse. In times of battle a soldier would enter onto the battle field with his horse and chariot. The horse would go before him, leading him into the battle. The chariot encompassed his body, protecting him from the enemy. This is what I find interesting and so like God. We are daily in a battle; not a physical battle on battle field (although sometimes we fill like it); but, a daily battle with the rulers of darkness, the enemy, Satan (Ephesians 6:12).

Who goes before us? God. Who is preparing the way? God. What did God do for the children of Israel? He went before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). I was reading this morning from Exodus 33 where Moses said to God (I'm paraphrasing here), "I'm not goin' anywhere, unless You go with me." I don't know about you, but I want God going before me; I want Him leading the way.

Another thing about being in this daily battle, somehow, someway we've got to be protected from the enemy. Soldiers used chariots, but I'm afraid I don't have one; do you? So what do we do? We absolutely put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:14-20). But, we can also be confident in the fact that the Angel of the LORD, Jesus Christ Himself, encamps around us (Psalm 34:7). He hedges us in and builds up a fence around us to protect us from the enemy and to keep us from from evil (Job 1:10; Job 3:23; Job 19:8; Lamentations 3:7)

Knowing that God had has gone before me preparing the way and that He's surrounding me, keeping me protected from the enemy gives me reason to boast in my God. Boast in the Lord today for being your protector (Psalm 121:15) and for preparing the way for you (Jeremiah 29:11)

July 1, 2008

A New Name

I've just returned from an anniversary vacation in the Black Hills of South Dakota. My husband and I set up our camp in the shadow of the cliffs where the movie "Dances with Wolves" was filmed. The red and white limestone rose high above our heads reminding us of that defining moment in the movie: when Wind in his hair shouts from the top of the cliff that he is a true friend to Dances with wolves (Kevin Costner's character). So, of course, we had watch the movie again to enjoy the scenery and the poignant story set in a tumultuous time in history.

In the movie, John Dunbar was assigned to a post in the middle of Dakota territory all alone. Over the course of time, he meets the Sioux people and becomes friends with them. He eventually becomes a part of their community, taking on a Sioux name and living among them.

Because of his friendship with the Native people, he was considered a traitor and hunted down by the army. As he smoked his pipe in the buffalo tent of the tribe's chief, he expressed his concern for all of the people and for his own life. The Sioux chief replied, "The white man the soldiers are looking for no longer exists. Now there is only a Sioux named Dances With Wolves." He himself admitted that he never really knew who John Dunbar was, but after hearing his Sioux name called out over and over, he understood who he really was.

Revelation 2:17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says
to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I
will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to
him who receives it.

I wonder if it will be like that when we get to heaven. We are promised a new name and we belong to a new people (a unique kingdom). One day we will hear our names called out and we will recognize them because they will define us. I don't know what those names will sound like but here are a few ideas:

daughter of the king, beloved, child of God, pure, innocent, lovely...

You are no longer that person who used to live in sin. You are no longer that woman of guilt and shame. You are no longer named by your failures or past mistakes. You have a new name and God is hiding it on His heart until He meets with you face to face.

Just like John Dunbar, we have undergone a transformation and changed not only our names, but also our allegiance from one nation to another. We no longer belong to this world, but instead look forward to our eternal home while realizing we are just traveling through. We look forward to resting one day in our TRUE home.

I think God shouts out from the top of the cliffs, "Daughter of mine, I am your friend. I will always be your friend. Do you hear me?"


Questions for Reflection:

*What are some names that God gave to people in the Bible? If you have a study Bible, you can find out that names almost always have a meaning in Scripture.

*Does your name have any personal meaning? Use a search engine to find out the history of your name. It might surprise you.

*What do you think God might name you now that you have joined His people? Would He call you, "Sings My Praises," or "Shares My Joy" or perhaps "Shines my Light"?

Come visit me...

June 30, 2008

Filtered



I’m addicted to water. Nothing makes me happier than a tall glass of ice water. I will admit, however, that I’m a bit of a water snob. Tap water just doesn’t cut it for me. Although it looks just like other water, with its clear look, one sip reveals the chemicals and who knows what else that lurks in it.

Before children arrived in our home, I only drank bottled water. See, I told you I was a water snob! If the day came that we ran out, I would refuse to drink tap water. A trip to the store quickly fed my “bottled water only” addiction.

Now that children grace the floors of our home and money is much tighter than it once was, I have lowered my standards…a little. I now drink filtered water. The house we moved into last year has one of the greatest inventions next to the Internet and blogging…filtered water that magically comes from the refrigerator door!!

Once in a while, however, a terrible thing happens to that water. The filter that takes all the terrible chemical tastes out of my beloved water stops working. The result is a less than appetizing liquid that tastes like…gasp....tap water!!

Thankfully we have a spare filter that, if quickly changed, restores order to our otherwise tranquil, water-loving home.

That filter has an incredible ability to remove the impurities that pollute the water. It restores it to its original pure, clean state. As a result, my taste buds are eternally grateful.

It’s easy to settle into life as a “tap water” Christian. It can even be accidental. You look the same on the outside but deep inside there are impurities that linger, only to leave a bitter taste to your spirit.

Things like unconfessed sins and impure motives pollute our hearts. They seem innocent enough in the beginning, but eventually they actually rob Jesus of the intimacy that He craves with us.

Throughout my walk with Jesus, when those little things crept in, I viewed them from a perspective of how they affected me. While they do have a dire effect on my spiritual health, I’ve also come to realize they rob my Savior of something He wants more than anything. A clean heart. A close relationship with me.

Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.

1 John 3:3

When we allow things that don’t honor Him to creep in and take up residence in our hearts, He tries to come in for a visit with us but can’t even find a spot to put His sandals!

Just like that water filter that I compulsively run my water through each day, we need to go to His feet and throw out all of the things that are floating around in our hearts that deprive us of the connection we both long for.

So often we make our walk with Him so complicated. We’re too tired for church on Sunday. Prayer and Bible study can’t be worked into our hectic schedules. Our choice of TV programs is questionable. Putting His priorities first in our lives seems impossible. Little by little those impurities creep in and we are left with nothing but a “tap water” walk.

He grieves, longing to clean us like no other filter can.

How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! Hebrews 9:14

Question for Reflection:

What things are “floating around” in your heart, robbing Jesus of the intimacy with you that He so deeply craves?




Daily you can find Robyn and her water at her personal blogspot, Overflowing Grace.

June 29, 2008

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Psalm 51:10-15, The Message Bible

"God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. Don't throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me. Bring me back from gray exile; put a fresh wind in my sails! Give me a job teaching rebels your ways so the lost can find their way home. Commute my death sentence, God, my salvation God, and I'll sing anthems to your life-giving ways. Unbutton my lips, dear God; I'll let loose with your praise. "

I remember standing in a Macy’s department store, trying on jewelry and out of the corner of my eye catching a glimpse of a young woman across the aisle. I instantly loved her outfit and thought, “I would totally wear that!”

Turns out, I literally would wear that. The glimpse I caught of the woman was actually a reflection of myself in a mirror across the way. Can you imagine? There I was trying on gorgeous bracelets, locking eyes with some girl and for a split second the girl staring back at me seemed like a stranger in a cute outfit!

My reaction when reality dawned was priceless. I laughed for the next two days over that ‘blonde’ moment and blamed it on low caffeine counts in my blood. (Although, you should know, I am not blonde and am rarely without caffeine!)

I wonder if you have ever come face to face with yourself and not recognized who you saw. Perhaps not quite as ridiculously as I that day, but have you ever just sat back after doing something regretful and thought, “What was that? Who am I becoming?” or “How could I have just made that decision?”

Sin has a way of staring us down. It wants us to know just what we have done and how ‘bad’ we are. The enemy has a real knack for tempting us into something wrongfully appealing at the time and then turning it around into a blame game the moment we have given in. He is titled the Accuser for a reason. Day and night he not only accuses God before us, he accuses us before God!

Psalm 51 is my go-to Psalm when I am feeling a bit unfamiliar to myself. The words are painful to pray because I feel they break the heart of my Maker…but there is beauty in redemption, this I know. There is healing in forgiveness.

The most humbling of moments in my life have been when I am sprawled out face down on the floor speaking to my Savior, “Make a fresh start in me. Shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life… breathe your holiness into me…bring me back…I will praise you.”

There is something to be said about raw honesty before the Lord. Take David for example, Psalm 51 is his prayer plea after having murdered a man because he had impregnated his wife! Come on now – talk about poor decisions!

The powerful reality of the Cross of Christ is that we are never too far-gone for forgiveness. It is still just as accessible this day as it was on the very first day Christ arose. What was offered to the disciples is offered today to you. The sinful cords that once entangled us are still broken! Death has been defied. Christ is alive. And there is nothing that can separate us from the redeeming work of Christ Jesus, overflow to the many.

I encourage you to be honest before the Lord. Open up and tell Him your struggles, where you feel you are missing the mark and ask for a fresh breath of His holiness.

These days I am finding I don’t want to recognize myself in the mirror. Every day I am praying I look more and more like my Savior and less and less like a woman of this world. Let us find our identity in Christ. It is my very heart’s desire to see us whole and holy before Him.

Father God,

So many times I miss the mark and fall into sin. Breathe your holiness into me! Create a new beginning in {this area} of my life. Help me to embrace your forgiveness and live out the promise of redemption you have given me in Your Son, Jesus.

Before You alone my lips let loose praise. Lord, I thank you for your life-giving ways.
Amen.

Questions for reflection:
~What “identity crisis” moments have you had lately? What lies would the enemy have you believe about yourself?

~According to Scripture, who does Christ say you are?

~In what ways today can you focus your mind on the redeeming power of the Cross and the forgiveness Christ’s blood has made available to you?

The Internet Cafe is serving up a GIVE~AWAY!!

IT'S YOUR LAST CHANCE AT A CUP OF BLESSING!!
If you haven't already entered....please do!
The contest ends tonight (Sunday at 9pm CST, that's 8 for gals like me!!)

A Basket Filled to the BRIM, you might say overflowing,
with all you need for your own "Quiet Time" with the Lord.

The "Time with the Lord" basket includes:

• Women of the Bible Devotional by Ann Spangler
• Mocha with Max by Max Lucado
• Fruit of the Spirit pamphlet by Rose Publishing
• Handmade Journal for your quiet time thoughts
• Beaded Silver Cross Bookmark
• Pomegranate candle to help set a 'quiet mood'
• assorted Scripture Cards and 9 "Forever Postage Stamps"
  (to send to those you pray for during quiet time)
• 3 handmade silhouette cards for sending or framing
• 4 colored pencils for highlighting
• Clear Tumbler with single packets of lemonade and raspberry lemonade mixes for a quiet time refreshment and 2 Caribou Coffee bars
• Jumbo Sticky Notes, a Believe Magnet for inspiration and a silk flower to bring serenity to your space.
  
  

Regardless of whether your space is a closet, a corner or a castle, in this basket you'll find everything you need to create "YOUR" space for Quiet Time with the Lord...
We ALL could use a little more 'Quiet Time,' right??

There are three ways you can enter:
1. Sign up for our daily devotions email then leave a note in the comments letting us know that you did.
2. Post about this giveaway on your blog then leave us a comment with the link to the post.
3. Leave a comment telling us which Woman in the Bible you'd like to sit and have coffee with.

You will most certainly be included in the drawing three times if you complete all three ways to enter! The contest will close on Sunday, June 29th at 9 PM CST. The winner will be announced before Wednesday, July 2nd.

Thanks Ladies
Amy B and Lori M