ALL FOR JESUS!

All for Jesus! All for Jesus! All my being’s ransomed powers; All my thoughts and words and doings; All my days and all my hours."

The words of this beautiful old hymn popped into my mind one morning as I sat at the kitchen table for my daily time of Bible reading and reflection with the Lord. I had not been thinking about songs or hymns or commitments—I was just reading and thinking and praying, the same as every other day. But the song was suddenly there—full-blown, with all the words and melody in place.

It was not the first time (or the last time) this has happened. Very often when I’m struggling with a challenge or worried about something, I’ll find myself randomly humming a song. Usually as I follow the words through in my mind, they will surprise me with a thought or an answer that is exactly what I needed to hear at the moment. Isn’t God good?!! I’ve learned to welcome the songs that just appear in my mind, because I know it means God has something to remind me of or to teach me.

But this particular morning I was intrigued, because the words seemed unusual. “All my being’s ransomed powers?” What is that? I even went to find an old hymn book to make sure those were the right words. Yes. That’s what they said.

Well, since it seemed so obvious that this was a God thing, I spent some time thinking about the hymn, and the commitment it promised. Was this what Jesus was asking of me? I decided it must be.

Quite glibly, not really thinking through what it meant, I agreed. After all, isn’t this what being a Christian is about? And so this is the promise I made: “I am all for Jesus! All of me—for now and for all eternity I belong to Jesus. I live, always and only, all for Him!”

The Father must have smiled tolerantly at my enthusiasm. In His lavish grace He did not show me at that moment exactly what it would look like or the changes He wanted to make in me. I still don’t know all of what’s in store for me, and I won’t until I get to Heaven. But here’s a promise:

Philippians 1:6 (NLT) “And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.”

I freely agreed that morning to what Jesus was asking of me. The compliance, however, is taking much longer and is so much more difficult that I imagined it could be. But Jesus is working on me—teaching and molding me, grinding off the sharp edges, gradually shaping me into the person He created me to be. I am so grateful for His patience and forgiveness, His compassion and unfailing love!

Months have passed since then (without a blog post), and God is bringing about monumental changes in my life, relationships, career and ministry. Some of the lessons have been extremely painful, and others very satisfying. But I’ve been reluctant (or afraid) to share the process because . . . well . . . um . . .

You might remember that old saying, “Please be patient. God’s not finished with me yet.” Years ago—probably in my college days—I wore a big bright button on my shirt for awhile with the letters “PBPGNFWMY”. It was cute, and people asked me what it meant. At that time it was easy to say, and possibly insincere.

But there’s the truth of it. God is not finished with me yet. He’s still working on me daily. I do need your patience.

Here’s the reason I decided to write about the process now: maybe God is also working in your life. And maybe you need someone to share the journey with. Or it could be you’re looking for something more in your Christian walk—a renewed faith, or deeper commitment, or more joy. Whatever it looks like, I would be so honored to have you join me! We can move forward together.

Leave a comment. Send me an email. Let’s talk!

All for Him!
Deborah

DO YOU EVER FEEL LIKE MOSES?

Not like Moses when he was a mighty leader of the Israelite nation, or when he was privileged to see God's glory, but way back when he was a lonely shepherd on a deserted mountain. Do you ever feel like Moses when he said, "I can't, Lord." Do you ever have the audacity, like Moses did, to actually argue with Almighty God when He gives you a job to do?

I do, I'm sad to say. God tells me to do something, either through the instructions in His word, or by the prompting of the Holy Spirit in my heart, or by arranging circumstances so I couldn't really miss His intention unless I was trying to. Sometimes I have the insolence to simply ignore what I know God wants me to do. Other times, worse yet, I actually argue with God. "I can't, Lord." Or, "I would do this if I really believed it was what You wanted for me, but surely You wouldn't ask ME to do this." Or, like Moses, "I'm not good enough, Lord. You really need to find someone who is better qualified than I am."

I am so grateful for the kindness God showed to Moses that day on the mountain. God did get angry with Moses.

"Who makes mouths?" the Lord asked him. "who makes people so they can speak or not speak, hear or not hear, see or not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go, and do as I have told you. I will help you speak well, and I will tell you what to say." Exodus 4:11-12

But even in His anger, God did not give up on Moses. God patiently and kindly worked with Moses' insecurities, even providing a spokesman for him. God blessed Moses with His power and presence, and Moses eventually became a great leader for God. Moses could not see his own potential, and he was having a hard time trusting God to be in control, but when he finally was obedient God accomplished great things through him.

God most likely will not require us to become leaders of a great nation, but the principle is the same. It works no matter how big or small the job is that God entrusts to us. With God's hand upon us, we really can accomplish the work He gives us to do--not in our own strength but in His.

May God bless you with the courage today to answer His call and do His bidding, no matter the size of the task in front of you. He, after all, is God. He is able, especially when we are not.

Deborah

LIFE IS STRANGE

"Life is strange with its twists and turns, as everyone of us sometimes learns . . ." The words of the old poem ran through my mind this week, and with them a rush of memories of my father. In an orator's voice, looking over his glasses, he would quote those old words dramatically, bringing a smile to my face. The words and the sentiment were true then. They're still true today--even in difficult situations it's always too soon to quit. Not quite able to remember all of the words, I searched the internet and discovered this poem is often quoted. It's called "Don't Quit", written by C.W. Longenecker. Here's just a piece of it--

"When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low and the debts are high, And you want to smile but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don't you quit. Life is strange with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns, And many a failure turns about, When he might have won had he stuck it out . . ."

The Apostle Paul said nearly the same thing, in Philippians 3:12-14. He called it pressing on.

". . . but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers (and Sisters), I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

What is it that has you "down a bit" today? First, would you take a step back and consider whether this challenge really matters in light of our ultimate goal--becoming more like Jesus and joining Him in Heaven? If it does, then I encourage you to press on. "Rest if you must, but don't you quit."

On the other hand, if you hold the difficulty up to the light of Jesus, you may discover that it's not as important as you thought it was. In any case, looking to Jesus is always the right answer. I believe that's what Paul was talking about in the very next chapter of Philippians when he told us to think about things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Nothing and nobody fits that description like Jesus does! (See Philippians 4:8)

God bless you today as you press on---

Deborah

EMMALISE CHRISTIAN

It took a few days for Mommy and Daddy to decide on the perfect name for their precious new bundle of joy. They needed to cuddle with her, and look into her eyes as she struggled to focus on her new world. They wanted to get to know her a little, listen to her voice, and watch her face responding to their words and touch. After much deliberation the name was decided: Emmalise Christian. A beautiful first name along with her daddy's middle name--a forever reminder of her heritage.

Watching this process of connection, I was reminded that, though she was new to us, God knew all about her. He had been faithfully and patiently knitting her together in the darkness of the womb. Even before her birth He knew all the days He had ordained for her. She will never be out of His thoughts or beyond the reach of His unending, never-failing love.


I was privileged to spend two weeks with Emmalise, big sister Rebekah, and their Mommy and Daddy. What a joy it was to welcome Emmalise on her first day in the big, bright world. And it was so much fun to read to two-year-old Rebekah, play with her in the dollhouse, and sing with her. At the end of every song she would urge, "Nana, sing more." Sometimes she just listened, but often she would sing along with me, her words a jumble but her voice raised with enthusiasm. The time was so precious, and flew by way too fast. Being with Rebekah and Emmalise took me back to the days when my own children were small. We sang together and read stories then, too. It seems like such a short time ago.


As I go about my days back home, my two granddaughters and my children are never far from my thoughts and prayers. Sometimes God even wakes me up in the night to pray for one of them. I don't usually know at the time why I need to pray for that child, although I may find out the next day. But God knows. He is faithfully watching over each one of them. He never sleeps or slumbers. He never forgets. His love never fails. I'm so grateful that He is in control!

Psalm 136:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever."

Psalm 139:9-10, 17 "If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there Your hand will guide me, and Your strength will support me. How precious are Your thoughts about me, O God! They are innumerable!"

What a wonderful privilege it is to be part of God's forever family!


God bless you with the knowledge of His presence,
Deborah

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

January 3, 2011, the beginning of another new year. Hopefully you have your new year off to a great start, with plans to make it a wonderful year.

For some reason this week, in and around thinking about what I want to accomplish in 2011, my mind wandered back to December of 1999. Do you remember the dire predictions and worries floating around during that fall and winter just before the calendars turned over to 2000? I remember very distinctly having dinner in October of 1999 with friends who had filled their basement with every kind of provision they might possibly need. They were prepared for the disaster they knew was coming. Then when New Year’s Eve came and went without a hitch, they good-naturedly invited all of their friends to come to a party and share the bounty.

The memory was probably triggered by an article I read last week predicting disastrous times still ahead for America—again recommending people stockpile food and supplies because we could encounter very difficult circumstances in the upcoming months and years. The article was disturbing because it was very logical and made sense, drawing events from history to prove the point. If these predictions do come true, those who are prepared will be in a much better position than those who are not.

So will I do anything different as a result of reading the article? I don’t know. This I’m sure of, however. If I really believed the predictions I read, my belief would cause me to take action. Just like my friends did in 1999. They were absolutely convinced of the need to prepare for a disaster, and so they did.

Here’s another prediction that requires action and preparation: Jesus is coming back to take us home with Him. (John 14:4) He talked about it with His disciples the night He was betrayed and taken away to be crucified. He was offering His promised return as a comfort and encouragement for them because He knew they would miss Him.

Earlier He had told a parable about it, comparing Himself to an eagerly anticipated bridegroom. In Matthew 25:13 He warned us, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” The context of this story implies a great celebration at His return—for those who are ready.

Paul mentioned it in his letter to the Thessalonians, telling them to “encourage each other with these words.” Again, for the prepared, Jesus’ return will be a time of incredible rejoicing.
But what about those who are not prepared? Now that would truly be a disaster. We see reminders all around us in everyday life of the difference between those who are prepared and those who are not. Like in the Christmas season we just celebrated—some people were prepared and could enjoy the peace and beauty of the season, taking time to worship the Savior as Christmas Eve approached. Some were not prepared at all, and were still frantically trying to get ready on the day before Christmas.

We read stories and watch movies and enjoy the drama of the last minute scramble or gift hunt, happy and relieved when the hero comes skidding in at the last possible moment.
But that’s not how it will be when Jesus comes. This one is too big, too important to miss. Too crucial to put off.

Have you made your preparations yet? I hope you have. I hope you’re ready to meet Jesus when He returns for you. But if by chance you’re not, would you make it a priority this year of 2011 to be ready to meet the King of Kings and Lord of Lords when He returns to claim His own?

Happy New Year--
Deborah

"CALL TO ME, AND I WILL ANSWER"

This week I finally fixed a problem on my business website--one that has been bugging me for over a month. I had tried everything I could think of, without success. Well, every thing but one. Finally I did what I should have done weeks ago.

I picked up the phone and called technical support. The young man who answered my call was helpful and pleasant, and the problem was fixed in about ten minutes. From there I went on to improve a few other things that needed work--on my own. It felt terrific! Like a major victory! Building on that satisfaction and the confidence it provided, I have been able to get more work done and move forward in ways I had not thought of before. It has been a great week!

Even so, this morning I sat down at my desk feeling overwhelmed, with the demands of two businesses and ministry weighing on me, as well as things I want to get done for Christmas and our upcoming trip. All of them (well, almost all of them) things I really want to do--things that are important to me, that I love doing.

Making a list of all the "to-do's" was even worse. Then I could really see in black and white that it was impossible to get it all done. As the frustration level began to climb, my eyes fell on the ceramic scroll that always sits right in front of me on my desk.

Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV)

I had been overlooking the words for weeks. And I definitely needed to be reminded of their truth. Although I had already spent time with my Bible and prayer earlier in the morning, at that moment I needed to specifically ask for God's direction and blessing on my schedule.

So I did just that--stopped everything and called out to the Lord for His help and guidance. He is so faithful! He already knows how to take whatever twists and turns are tripping us up and smooth out the path in front of us. He'll do it when we ask Him to, but often He waits to be asked. He wants us to call out to Him, and He will show us things we would never have thought of on our own--"great and mighty things, which you do not know."

I still won't be able to fit my entire list into this one day. But God showed me what was most important, and gave me His grace to cover the rest. I'm so glad I called!

Whatever it is you need in your life today, I hope you call out to Him, and look for the great and mighty things He has for you.

Blessings,

Deborah

THIS IS LIFE

What a wonderful, busy, satisfying summer this one has been--packed full with so many of the things that bring me joy. As I began to make a list of the things we have enjoyed this summer, the recurring themes that jumped out at me were PEOPLE and TIME.

Time with our daughters, son-in-law and granddaughter at our rustic family cabin in the Colorado Rockies--hiking, climbing, making homemade ice cream, relaxing.

Sharing laughter and memories with my extended family, gathered around a blazing bonfire on the beach.

Climbing rocks and walking along the beach with my sisters, sharing hilarious laughter one minute and deep things of the heart the next.

Exploring lighthouses and waterfalls on the Oregon coast with my husband and daughter.

Teaching Bible studies and sharing God's truth with Christian women, in group settings and one-on-one.

Accepting the gift of a perfectly toasted marshmallow from my husband during our weekend camping trip in the Arizona mountains, celebrating 35 years together.

Earnest prayer with friends and family in need.

Singing to our precious granddaughter, who quickly asks for "more" at the end of each song. Reveling in her heart-filling hugs.

Preparing meals with my sisters and daughters in Denver, where we gathered for our nephew's wedding. Posing for photos in our dress-up clothes, and then comparing and sharing the pictures.

Long phone conversations with far-away loved ones while I walked around the lake near our home.

Impromptu coffee and ice-cream with friends on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Morning talks with our visiting daughter, me pushed back from my home-office computer, she curled up in my antique rocker, resting against her grandmother's wedding-ring quilt.

These are the things life is made of--the time taken out of busy lives to connect, share, laugh, cry, pray and just be together.

I hope you are taking time in your busy life for the things that really matter--the things that fill you up and bring you joy.

And I pray that your days (and your life) are centered in the Source of life--our Savior Jesus. "I am the way, the truth and the life." Jesus, in John 14:6