Month: April 2023

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Take a breather

One of my favorite books, The Rest of God by Mark Buchanan, has sharpened my view on refreshment . For many of us , there is no full “Sabbath Day”. But, we can all take advantage of Sabbath Moments. In the midst of chaos, let’s ask Him to help us see. He surprises us by giving us peace in tiny, sweet moments -playing with a child , the sound of birds, stopping to enjoy the glory of sunshine, and just plain sitting still. It’s always wonderful to go somewhere lovely like the Colorado mountains, the Mexican beaches, or Israel’s historical sites.  But, how do we bring that sense of refreshment back home? It could be as simple as stopping & observing. Where do we see the hand of God in creation ? Psalm 19 is perfect for this . Where do we see the presence of God on our lives? Psalm 139 helps remind us . I’m grateful He helps me think on my new favorite word -BEHOLD. Beholding is always more than glancing. It’s intentional , focused and always gives us a gift . Ask Him and He will give you eyes to see these Sabbath Moments. (Pic below courtesy Jeanne Coyle GBC Israel Trip 2012!)

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Heavenly ANTI-Inflammatory

“May JESUS HIMSELF and GOD the FATHER, who reached out in LOVE and surprised you with GIFTS of unending help and confidence, put a FRESH heart in you, INVIGORATE your work, ENLIVEN your speech.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (The Message)

Ouch.  I am inflamed.  Or rather, my back is!  Once you pass the marker of 40 years of age, you realize that injuries take longer to heal.  You will hurt your back.  (The phrase “threw my back out” makes me laugh..where exactly did this come from?) 🙂

I have done this before and learned from experience that an “ANTI-inflammatory” and ice can be my best friends!

I want the opposite of inflammation and pain. This is true in my Physical AND Spiritual world.

This preceding Bible verse calms me and gives me strength. Take this as your spiritual “anti-inflammatory” with me—our focus is removed from our own pain and  focused on the only One who give peace.

Wanna see it again?

  1. Jesus “Himself Reached out. ” (How?) In LOVE.
  2. He “Surprised” me. (With what?) With “Gifts of Unending Help and Confidence.”
  3. He “Put a Fresh Heart in Me”.
  4. He “Invigorates My Work”.
  5. He “Enlivens my Speech”.

Feel better?  Now that hits the spot!  May JESUS give you Healing and Peace today!

Love to you in HIM,

Tristie

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Did Jesus really mean Matthew 5:43? (Practical ways to love your neighbor!)

I’m practically convinced that the Great Commission could have already been fulfilled IF the church had obeyed the second greatest commandment. “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 5:43) What can this look like in our lives?

Loving your neighbor as yourself means you share your faith.
Loving your neighbor as yourself means build others up with your words.
Loving others as yourself means you choose people over wealth.
Loving your neighbor as yourself means you pray for people.
Loving your neighbor as yourself means you forgive others.
Loving your neighbor as yourself means you sacrifice your rights.
Loving your neighbor as yourself means you take the lowest chair.

This list can be endless as we seek to integrate and “incarnate” the person of Christ into the world. We integrate the person of Christ into our everyday life by seeing every person as God sees them. Each person is made in the image of God. Jesus reminds me constantly to view each person important and worthy of Spirit-fillled kindness. We “incarnate” by walking in our identity as ambassadors for Christ and reminding ourselves that we represent Jesus to a broken world. If people won’t read the Bible or go to church, you may very well be the ONLY reflection of Jesus they ever see.
Jesus knew what He called us to was (and is!) impossible. “Nice” is not necessarily Christian. Anyone can be “nice”. But, only God’s people can love supernaturally. God desires each person to love people like He does. He initiates, He blesses, and He forgives over and over. He’s the catch-you can’t just decide to love people. You have to get on your knees (metaphorically and maybe literally) to ask God to put His love into you. Then and only then, can a God-empowered love for the world be activated. You need Him to reflect Him. God never gives commands without the promise of His Spirit. I’m praying this is the generation of Christians who not satisfied with nice. I’m praying this generation will allow God to have full access to our hearts so He can love His world through us.