By This Everyone Will Know

The other day I watched as two male hummingbirds flew around our feeder. As one approached, the other swooped in to drive him away. And likewise when that one would dive in for a drink, the other hummingbird came back to force him away. This battle went on for more than 30 minutes. And the result? Neither bird got any sugar water. Not a drop. They were so busy shooing each other away from what they coveted, neither got a chance to enjoy the sweet nectar.

I had a little aha moment while watching this battle. I thought about people within the walls of the church who are fighting: people who are slandering and ignoring one another. While they spend so much time manipulating the circumstances to try to avoid so-and-so or be outright vengeful, neither party gets to enjoy the sweet beauty of worship. With two people focused on the hurt and bitterness, their disagreement, the paranoia of what others are thinking and the unforgiveness, what is done the way of worship, love, compassion, discipleship and grace? You have two people (or more) shooing each other away from the peace that is worship of the Holy One, whose heart is probably broken that His children are on the attack against one another. You can obviously see Satan at work in this because he thoroughly enjoys splitting congregations of churches. How can a church focus on growing the kingdom and bringing people into a loving relationship with the Lord and with others if the people within are fighting? The sad part is, many will not notice they are patsies for Satan's destruction. Their guard is up, their walls are built, their anger is at DEFCON 5 and ain't nothin' gonna bridge this chasm.

When watching the hummingbirds I wanted to do one of two things: 1) take the feeder inside. If they couldn't share (I mean there are six flowers for feeding locations on this feeder - the two of them and four hummingbird friends could all eat at the same time), then no one got it. Or 2) wish that I could speak hummingbird to say to them, "Are you guys kidding me really? I have made this for you to enjoy and you'd rather pick at each other? Seriously?"

Now imagine God watching us in our disagreeable best within the church walls. What if He wonders the same? "You can't love and share with one another? I will take the whole church from you. You can't get along? I have made this church for your enjoyment and abundant life and you're going to squander that time? Be loving towards one another!"

We are going to have disagreements within the church. You will lose respect for the many sinners that sit in the pews next to you. But never forget you are one, too. And remember our Father expects us to strive for peace. "If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." Romans 12:18 and "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Matthew 5:9. 

I have been on the receiving end and the dishing end of these kinds of pathetic arguments. And I can tell you there have been many times where no matter what efforts were made to reconcile or mend relationships, some people just do not want to forgive 70x7. Some would rather stay in their corner whispering than reach out in the love our Father demands. And it's completely against everything we are taught as Christians to do. 

I don't think God expects all of us to be friends. I don't think He expects us to always get along or agree with one another. But He absolutely expects us to love. "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:34-35. He expects us to value others above ourselves (Philippians 2:3). 

If Christians could step outside of their situation to watch the hummingbird battle and realize the damage they are doing and how pathetic they look, perhaps they might reconsider their actions. Perhaps they would realize they are pawns in Satan's great attempt to discredit Christians and destroy the church. Perhaps they would love. We have something worth sharing with the world, but will the world want what we have if we're not sharing it well with each other in the church? There is so much of God to enjoy. If you are engaged in a conflict right now, ask yourself if the struggle is worth the damage. The answer is most certainly a resounding no. God is love. Let people see that in us.

Scripture Prayer Beads

When I went on the Walk to Emmaus years ago, one of the pieces of agape love I received was prayer beads. Similar in look and function to Rosary beads, this piece was to encourage prayer and confession. I thought it was beautiful ... then immediately took it apart. I wanted to take this concept and make something different.

It has been my heart's desire for a long time that people know the Bible and understand the Word. I believe it holds within its pages the secret to life ... both earthy and eternally. Commonly referred to as God's Love Letter, this book tells the story of His passion for His creaction, His unconditional love for us ... a love so deep, that seeing our sorrowful state, He knew the only solution was to die in our place. I am overwhelmed by that love. And who wouldn't want everyone to know about that? So how to learn? After being introduced to the Lord through the love of another, get a Bible and dig in. Whatever it takes to learn about our Father ... reading the Word every single day, over and over again, memorization, recitation. Learning it and living it.

I am always looking for new ways to teach Bible learning. So my new creation from these stripped beads would be an aid in teaching and praying the Word. I decided to create Scripture Prayer Beads. My first attempt at it is above. Incorporating verses that honestly should be memorized, each bead represents a piece or concept of Scripture. Holding this in your hands, it will remind you of the road to salvation, the Beatitudes, Ten Commandments, spiritual armor, the Gospels, promises and what God requires of us, among others. I started making them as gifts for friends and family over the years as going-away, confirmation and baptism gifts. Over the years it's been tweaked a bit. I have it down to a science now so that typically directly across from the empty cross is the butterfly which represents us as a new creation in Him.

Recently I gave six of these as gifts to the precious women who hosted a bridal shower for my daughter, Ayla, Each of these women means so much to me, so I tailored each SPB to their likes. One, a geologist, has beads that are mostly stone. One, who loves brown and is named Krystal, had more brown and crystal beads than the others. One, who loves the beach as much as I do, had seashells, seablue beads and dangling yellow butterfly in memory of her father. I wanted each lady to know theirs was special and theirs alone. I've made manly ones of darker stone beads for guys and ones all in white for baptisms. It's a fun hobby all the while making sure people know what is in the Bible.

And I want you to know also. You want me to make you one, let me know. I will get right on it. You want to learn how to make one yourself and could use some tips, again, let me know and I'll clue you in. My friend Debbie, has already started making some for her family and friends as gifts.

Below is the script that goes with the beads. So have it.

Learn the Word. It will truly save your life in every way possible. And if a handful of strung beads helps you in that ... praise His name!

Scripture Prayer Beads

Two Large Beads: The two greatest commandments: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.” Deut. 6:5; and “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Lev. 19:18

Six Gold Beads: Salvation texts including the Roman Road. If you plan to evangelize to someone about salvation in Jesus Christ, these Scriptures are the backbone.

1) Romans 3:23: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

2) Romans 6:23: “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

3) John 14:6: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except by me.”

4) Romans 5:8: “But God proves His love for us in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us.”

5) John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.”

6) Romans 10:9: “If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe with your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Large Round Separation Beads: Nine total, one for each of the Beatitudes in Matt. 5:1-12

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

9 Coral Beads: Fruits of the Spirit as found in Gal. 5:22

          Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, generosity and self-control.

10 Gray Stone Beads: The Ten Commandments as found in Ex. 20:1-17

1) You shall have no other God’s before me.

2) You shall not make any idols or images of God.

3) Do not use the Lord’s name in vain.

4) Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.

5) Honor your father and mother.

6) Do not kill.

7) Do not commit adultery.

8) Do not steal.

9) Do not lie.

10) Do not covet.

Four Seablue Beads: Four things Scripture is good for according to 2 Tim 3:16-17: “All Scripture is God-inspired and is useful for teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness, so that man may be equipped for every good work.”

Two Gold Crystal Beads with Butterfly between: The two beads are for the Old Testament promise and the New Testament promise. The butterfly is for 2 Cor. 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone. The new has come.”

O.T. promise: Gen. 12:2-3 “I will make you a great nation. I will bless you. I will make your name great and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you and I will curse those who curse you. And all people on earth will be blessed through you.

N.T. promise: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.

Three Pink Beads: For the Love Chapter in 1 Cor. 13, specifically verse 13: “Faith, hope and love, abide these three, but the greatest of these is love.”

Four Blue Beads: for the four Gospels and key verses in each:

Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the end of time.”

Mark 9:23: “If I am able?!  Everything is possible for the one who believes.”

Luke 9:23: “If anyone should become my disciple, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily and follow me.”

John 1:1-14 “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God … The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We have seen His glory and glory of the One and Only who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Three Purple Beads: For the three things the Lord requires of you according to Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy and walk humbly with your God.” 

Six Silver Beads: For the six pieces of armor we need to put on daily as described in Eph. 6:10-17: Belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, Good News evangelism shoes to spread the Gospel of Peace, shield of faith to extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one, helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.

Six Green Beads: For the six verses of Psalm 23

1. The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2. He makes me lie down in green pastures.

He leads me beside still waters.

3. He restores me soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.

4. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and thy staff, they comfort me.

5. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows.

6. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

The Empty Cross is for the resurrected Christ who makes it possible for us to live with our Father forever.

Whoa! Or Woe.

You've heard the statement before: "The church is full of hypocrites." And you've probably heard the clever congregant's retort: "It sure is, and there is room for more. Come join us."

Yes, the church is full of hypocrites. Repenting hypocrites, but hypocrites nonetheless. But it doesn't mean we should act like one. I think that is my biggest frustration with Christians within and outside of the church ... their inability to act like Christians.

Recently I heard the story about a young married couple who found out before their nuptials that they were expecting a baby. When this couple, post wedding, went to worship at their church, they were told they were no longer welcome there. Say what?! Why? Because they fornicated? Since when is that sin any greater than the one committed by the folks within the church walls? Yes, they sinned, but they got married, repented and were coming to worship the One who died for them. And church members tell them to leave? Good heavens.

Then I heard the story of a teenage girl who recently moved to a new area with her family. The family tried out a new church near their new home and sent their daughter to the youth group. The teen was welcomed to youth and had a great time. However, when she went to school the next day, she was snubbed by the very youth who welcomed her the day before. As a result, the family chose not to attend there, informing the youth pastor of the reason. The youth were hypocrites. Proclaiming the love and acceptance of Christ, but not living it.

Jesus Christ, while loving us in our various states of sin, has choice words to say to hypocrites. He called them vipers, snakes and blind guides. He says repeatedly, "Woe to you," and at one point even says, "How will you escape being condemned to hell?" (Matt. 23:33). Christ tells his followers about these hypocrites in Matthew 23:3 "Therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach." How sad and pathetic is that? Christ knew our lives would be a sad example of what he wanted us to be. Gandhi spoke of it when he said, "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

What did Christ call us to do? His greatest commands were to love: first God, then our neighbor as ourself. He also asked us to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey. All well and good, but that means we need to obey as well.

I cannot tell you how many people have treated me poorly in churches. Christians. They have lied to me, betrayed me, excluded me and made fun of me. Within the church walls. And sadly, I must include myself in this, because I know I have done the same at various times. We are a church of hypocrites, this we know, but good heavens, we should be working diligently, continuously, enthusiastically to make sure we don't. What example are we setting?

Are you excluding a soul at church? Are you treating someone poorly? Are you cussing? Are you lying? Are you stealing? Are you committing adultery? Are you not forgiving? Are you gossiping? Are you slandering? Are you making fun of someone? Well, for heaven's sake, for Christ's sake, for our sake and that of the soul you are hindering in their faith journey - stop it.

I expect I'll see non-Christians behaving in a non-loving manner, breaking moral laws and ignoring Scripture, but to see Christians doing it is so disheartening. Who would want to worship with those people? People who call themselves Christian and behave as if they are not should be the rarity, not the norm, and I'm seeing more and more examples of the latter than the former. Christians, hear your Savior! "For you cross sea and land to make a single convert, and you make the new convert twice as much a child of hell as yourselves" (Matt. 23:15); "For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful, but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and of all kinds of filth. So you also on the outside look righteous to others, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness" (Matt. 23:27-28). 

Do you remember the old Gatorade commercial with Michael Jordan where the choir sang, "Like Mike, if I could be like Mike?" As the children of God we need to be singing, "Like Christ, if I could be like Christ." Let our lives reflect those of the One True King. Stop yourself before you treat another of God's children - created in His image - as lesser than you. Be obedient to the teachings of our Lord. When we become selective and wishy washy in that obedience, our example is like that which Christ referred to when He said, "If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea." (Matt. 18:6) Christ demands much of us, and expects us to do it.

Do you know what hypocrite means? It means a liar, a contradiction, a pretender. I proclaim I am a Christian ... a little Christ. It's about time those who proclaim that label act like it.

Leftover Beads

Last week after my accountability group met, we ran into some women of the church getting together for a women's meeting. One of the ladies, Ruth, was wearing a beautiful multicolored beaded necklace with a cross in the middle. My friend, Debbie, commented, "Oh, I love this! Jill, make me one!" Debbie knows I do some beading. I took a good look at it and said, "Yeah, I think I could make one of those." This particular day, my mom was not doing very well in the hospital, 16 hours away from me, so my mind was preoccupied with her healing and with prayer. Not knowing what quite to do with myself, I pulled the bead case out of the closet and began stringing. Before I knew it, I had four of these multicolored necklaces strung and ready to be given away as gifts. It was very cathartic for me to focus on something else.

When I was thanking Debbie at today's accountability group meeting for asking me to make one I shared with her, "You know I buy a few beads for this or that project and inevitably have one or two of those beads always left over and never had anything I could do with them. This gave me something to do with those leftover beads." Debbie said, "I think there is a message there, isn't there?" Indeed, there is. What I thought I would not be able to use was combined with a bunch of other different beads to make something beautiful. It reminded me of the accountability group I was a part of and the very church building we were sitting in. The church is made up of many different people, all sinners, all with a story, some in the autumn or winter of their lives and others in the spring and summer. These are people searching for love and purpose. Everyone one has a different personality, talent and gift. They all come from different backgrounds, environments and socio-economic levels. We all look different, dress different and even worship differently. But bring us all together and you have the most beautiful thing. You have the body of Christ, uniquely designed, working exquisitely together for His glory.

These necklaces I made ... you can wear them with anything. They have so many colors, they would work with whatever you wear. I think the church is like that as well. It works for everyone. No matter where you came from and where you are going, your church family fits perfectly. It's a blessing in this country of ours that we have the option to worship our Creator wherever we want in whatever way is most comfortable for us.

I am grateful for my peace of mind, that my friend asked me to make her a necklace and even more grateful that she brought to my attention the message in it. I don't think it was her intention to help keep my mind occupied while worrying about my Mom, but in her sweet request, that's exactly what happened. I was able to gift her as she had indirectly gifted me. Church family works that way.

If you don't have one, find one. Find a place where you can worship unique to who you are. Make connections through a small group as soon as you possibly can. Serve in whatever way God has gifted you in the church itself and in the community at large out of love for the Father. Watch as your family grows by the many the Father puts in your path with brothers and sisters in Christ. As they bless you, you will bless them and kingdom itself. That's what the body of Christ - in it's unique, lovely way - does together. You are not alone. You are not left over. You are part of something exquisite, so work on getting strung together. And watch what beauty happens.

By The Grace Of God Go I

The other day Brad and I had lunch with a friend of his whom he met at Kairos. A former inmate, he lived near a location we were traveling by and we decided we'd stop by to visit with him and his new fiance. We enjoyed our visit with them. His fiance shared some about her life and some of the challenges she'd been through. A father who died young of kidney disease. A mother who kicked her out of the house. A grandmother who took her in who was an alcoholic. Her drug use to take away the pain of the loss of her father. Story after story of heartbreak and restarts. Praise God through it all, she had a church connection. At this same time, I was reading the beginning of the book Wild by Cheryl Strayed. She had similar stories of loss, drug abuse and promiscuity. I remember saying to Brad, "By the grace of God go I."

Two days later, I was watching a celebrity reality show about a guy who plans parties for the rich and famous. I watched as opulent plans went into place for the baby shower of a singer. Shiny gold, furniture, twinkle light trees, dancing, an elaborate menu, rental of a million dollars in jewels, a stylist to dress the star ... for a baby shower. A baby shower! I was in shock. What a waste of money. And to top it off, the diva shows up four hours late to her own party. Again I whispered, "By the grace of God go I."

I was not born into poverty or wealth. I have had a good childhood. I haven't lost a parent. I have never done drugs, nor found any reason to do so. I was taught to be frugal. My parents did not believe is wasting money or time. It is by God's grace I was born into the family and situation He placed me, praise His name. It is by His grace I have the blessings, challenges and strength to handle what comes my way. Not every day is a good day, but neither have they been horrific.

There are souls struggling every single day for food, health, shelter and peace. Others have been given the challenge of learning to live with excess and success and what that does to reliance on God. God warned the Israelites of that very thing in Deuteronomy 8:11-18, "Take care that you do not forget the Lord your God, by failing to keep his commandments, his ordinances, and his statutes, which I am commanding you today. When you have eaten your fill and have built fine houses and live in them, and when your herds and flocks have multiplied, and your silver and gold is multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied, then do not exalt yourself, forgetting the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, who led you through the great and terrible wilderness, an arid wasteland with poisonous snakes and scorpions. He made water flow for you from flint rock, and fed you in the wilderness with manna that your ancestors did not know, to humble you and to test you, and in the end to do you good. Do not say to yourself, “My power and the might of my own hand have gotten me this wealth.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, as he is doing today."

There are all kinds of people in this world and we cannot possibly understand the path they've taken through this life unless we've walked it ourselves. We can empathize, sympathize and pray without ceasing for folks around us who are struggling, as they will for us when we are in challenging circumstances, because we never know what a day may bring. We need to be careful not to judge others for where they are, because we haven't walked in their shoes. But I also think we need to fall on our knees to thank our Lord for any blessed moments in our lives. It is by His grace we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). And through Him that we love the lost, hurting, confused, sick and depressed. Love, love, love and love some more. May we remember His grace in both our good times and bad, remember our value in Him, how much we are loved by Him ... and reflect it.