His W.I.P.

…the One who began this glorious work in you will faithfully continue the process of maturing you and will put His finishing touches to it until the unveiling of our Lord Jesus Christ!   (Philippians 1.6. TPT)



Philippians is one of my favorite books so I’ve read this scripture many times. But recently, God shared some new insights. Don’t you love it when that happens?

As I mulled over the verse, I got a little nudge, which always makes me sit up and take notice. Then I heard a little whisper: “You’re my W.I.P.”

Me: “Really?”

Him: “Uh huh.”

Me: “Wow.”

If you’re unfamiliar with the acronym, W.I.P, in the world of a writer, it refers to a current manuscript or project.

A ‘Work In Progress.’

So God wanted me to know I was His work in progress? Time to dig a little deeper…

The one who began this glorious work in you…

Some days it’s hard to see the glorious work He’s begun in me. Life clouds my vision. Distractions, drudgery, crisis, and the mundane vie for my attention.

Then there's the worry and fret factor. What if my actions (or inaction) sabotage His work? What if I get in the way or worse, mess up something important? I’d never want to disappoint Him or miss the mark. Ever feel like you’re your own worst enemy?

We need to remember: God started the work and He…

…will faithfully continue… 

He’s committed to see it through, this work He’s begun in me. He won’t throw in the towel and neither should I. When I’m discouraged, want to take the easy route, or struggle to keep going, He will faithfully continue. Can I do any less?

…the process of maturing you…

Oh, this doesn’t sound good. What does it take to be matured? Think back to when you were a teen. You thought you knew everything and your parents were idiots. They just ‘didn’t understand’. Or you stubbornly rebelled against their authority.

It may have taken tough love and lots of discipline for them to get through to you.

At least God is kind and gentle as He grows us up--even when it doesn't always feel like it.

 …and will put his finishing touches to it…

He continues to mature us and we continue to progress. Step by step. Little by little. Despite failures, setbacks, lack of cooperation, and bad attitudes, all so we can get His ‘finishing touches’.

…until the unveiling of our Lord Jesus Christ!

Someday there will be the wonderful unveiling, the result of His perfect craftsmanship. It’s a day we long for. But until then...

He thinks so highly of us, His treasured W.I.P., that He never gives up. Even when we kick, scream and need a little ‘extra attention.’

We have His promises: He begins. He continues. He matures. And He will reveal the finished product.

It’s a process.
A work in progress.
Because He loves us.

I have a manuscript that languishes in the cobwebby recesses of my computer hard drive. I started it in 2010, did the second half in 2012, walked away, then came back to it several years later. I’ve slogged through edits, gotten distracted, and lost interest, yet I fully plan on returning to it one day. I won’t give up on it. It is my perpetual W.I.P.

And I am His.

Chosen

I love it when God teaches me things through others, in daily life (good and bad), and even through Facebook. Who’d a thought that God was into social media?

It started when Kip (Gordon) posted about his son being injured while bull riding. First of all, I’m enamored at the fact that I even know someone who rides bulls (it IS Michigan, after all) and that anyone would be brave enough to willingly do such a thing. Guess it falls under the guise of being young and fearless.
 

Kip poured out his heart after his son’s accident. It struck such a chord with me, he has graciously given me permission to share (in part).

Photo Credit: Jeff Wilson, Marshall Event Photography

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. (John 15.13  NIV)

That's my son, Cayden, knocked out on the floor of a rodeo arena after being thrown from a bull and landing on his head. That man standing guard and the other laying his body over my son is to protect him while the 2000 plus pound bull roams around looking for his next victim. They are my heroes.

There were no private discussions to see if my son was worthy of getting their help. Not once did they check to see if my son's parents voted Republican or Democrat, not once did they ask, before laying over the top of my son and standing guard over his body if his mother and father were pro-abortion, or pro-life, wanted secure or open borders, or which news channel we watched.

No, they saw a human who needed immediate help and they set everything else aside to come to his rescue and to protect him, even if it meant the possibility of losing their lives. America could take a lesson from these gentlemen.

Photo Credit: Carol Tucker

I know they believed that they were just doing their job but it's bigger than that. Running from a bull is one thing, laying your perfectly alert and fully functioning body over someone who is helpless, just to do all you can to ensure that person lives is far beyond just doing your job. I was able to take my son home that next morning and I will be eternally grateful for it. Thanks gentlemen for your selfless dedication to keeping a stranger safe without counting the possible cost to yourselves. You guys rock.

I was very moved by Kip’s story of people that laid down their lives for a friend just as Jesus taught us. Without thought or care for their own safety, these brave men protected Cayden until he could be removed from the ring and taken for medical treatment. Fortunately, he is going to be okay.

I looked up the passage in John—it’s a familiar one—but God always has something new to say. . .

So this is my command: Love each other deeply, as much as I have loved you. For the greatest love of all is a love that sacrifices all. And this great love is demonstrated when a person sacrifices his life for his friends. (John 15.12-13  TPT)

Jesus commands us to ‘love each other deeply, as much as I have loved you.’  Sacrificially. Demonstrated by laying down our life for a friend.

As the brave men did for Cayden. As Jesus chose to do for us.

Shortly after reading Kip’s post, I “stumbled” on this from my friend Tara Moore, who graciously allowed me to share (in part):

You didn’t choose me, but I’ve chosen. . . .you. (John 15.16 TPT)

God—chose—me!

Yes, you! He didn’t decide to adopt you because of your family history, your impeccable past, or your abilities. He didn’t reject you because of a lack of those things, either.

He saw all the good, the bad, and the ugly of your life, yet He still desired for you to be a part of His family. What’s more, He sent His Son, Jesus, to suffer the excruciating pain of the cross to ensure that you could come into His family.

God chose me! I am not an accident; I am not a mistake. Regardless of where I am from or what I have done, because of Jesus, I am a child of God!

Because He chooses to love us deeply, we can do the same for others. Laying down our lives for our friends. Sacrificially.

Oh, I hope it won’t involve a bull chasing me.

But if it does?

I guess He’ll make sure I can outrun it.

God's Teachable Moments

We've been talking about training for quite some time. As Christians, God teaches and trains us so we can grow in our faith, mature, and be prepared to pursue the assignments He has for us.

Training looks different for each person. For me, He often uses teachable moments. Times when He wants to address areas I struggle with, attitudes, or my behavior.

Teachable moments come in the mundane, daily events of my life and when I least expect them. I'm often surprised when it happens although I'm not sure why since it seems I give Him plenty of material to work with. Like this one that happened the other morning.

The heat had finally broken but extended amounts of rain were headed our way and my already-too-long grass was turning into a hay field. Fortunately, the lawn service deals with the yard and all I have to do is hand mow the dog area. It’s a simple task that takes all of ten minutes. Maybe even seven.

As I eyeballed the clock (didn't want to alienate the neighbors by mowing at the crack of dawn) and the darkening sky, I figured I could get it done before the clouds cut loose so off I went.

I’d just bought a new gas can since the old one was almost more than I could lift. The smaller can would be easier to handle and I was pleased with my new purchase.

Until I tried to open it.

I read the directions fifty times. How hard could it be to twist this and snap that to unlock it, get the spout out, and fill the tank?

Maybe I needed to be smarter than the can. . . .

I kept glancing at the sky and re-reading the directions as my temper rose as high as the humidity. I’d walk away, come back, try again, and berate myself for my inadequacy. Was I seriously going to be outwitted by an inanimate object?

Finally I'd had enough, removed the mechanism, and used a funnel. I'd solve the puzzle later.

I snickered, fairly certain that the few minutes I needed to get the job done were safely within my reach. I stabbed at the choke, fist pumped, pulled the starter cord and. . . .

Nothing.

I’ve been having trouble with the mower and had delayed calling the service guy. Hey, there's always tomorrow, right?

*Sheesh*

I had come up with an intricate process of pushing the choke many times then letting the mower sit for a while then repeating the steps. It usually works--as long as I'm patient. This day it it wasn’t happening.

The waiting time in between pulls lessened as my fuse shortened. Sweat rolled, and I stomped and grumbled at my predicament.

I stormed inside and flopped into a chair, ready to pout, when I noticed my Bible, right where I'd left it before this whole fiasco started.

So you’ve got some time on your hands. . . .

Uh oh. Teachable moment.

God’s been showing me how to be fully attached to Him. Every day. All day. Learning to live a life fastened to Him, with my heart connected to His, leaning into Him.

And the one thing I hadn't done this day.

Instead, I’d let the enemy swoop in with his flaming arrows and throw me off my square. My flesh was bossing me around. I threw a fit like a two-year-old.

Drat.

He took me to Psalm 32.8: “I will stay close to you, instructing and guiding you along the pathway for your life. I will advise you along the way and lead you forth with my eyes as your guide. So don’t make it difficult; don’t be stubborn when I take you where you’ve not been before. Don’t make me tug you and pull you along. Just come with me.” (TBT)

An “ah-ha” moment.

I’d been struggling in my own strength and stubbornly tried to fix all this myself. My temper and frustration had gotten the best of me. I'd been making this way harder than necessary, wanting my own way. Now.

God also reminded me about Philippians 4.6 where I’m to tell Him every detail of my life. He cares about my lawn mower? Yup.

I calmed, and we talked it through. And of course, when I tried to start the mower again, it took right off. The lawn got done, the rain delayed, and  when I called the repair guy, he offered to come have a look at my cantankerous machine. And I'll put my pride aside and get someone to show me how to use the gas can.

It's all good. And I got a teachable moment out of the deal.

Guess that makes it a good day.

(FYI- The rain didn't arrive until almost eight hours later....*eye roll*)

It's A Jungle Out There

For I am about to do something new. See? I have already begun. Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness.   (Isaiah 43.19 NLT)

I love this verse. It gives me hope and excitement as I look toward the future. It’s a promise that God is up to something. And I’ll see it if I pay attention. While the specifics may not be clear, I know I'm on his radar. And He’s already begun. It’s exciting. New. And it's for now.

Yet the last sentence brings me up short.

Wilderness? Can’t we go from Point A to Point B and get to the good stuff?

Must be not.

At least He we are assured that whatever wilderness comes our way, He will help. Provide a path. Rescue us when trouble comes. . .often despite ourselves.

The Israelites had a wilderness experience. Literally. But most of their issues were consequences of their own making.

How often do we do the same thing?

God had done something new, and it was a biggie. He directed Moses to lead them out of captivity after years of slavery and lengthy negotiations with Pharaoh. He provided yummy food (quail and manna) and water, made sure their clothes didn’t wear out. He even gave them GPS (a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.)
I imagine they were very excited. After decades of bondage, they were on their way to freedom.

Yet they whined and complained. They were disobedient, naughty and caused all kinds of trouble. No wonder they're called the “children” of Israel.

When they arrived at the Promised Land, God told Moses to send out spies to assess the situation. They returned with ten scary reports and two hope-filled messages that the people latched on to.

Why is it human nature to default to the negative?

Because of the fear-mongering, the people rebelled against Moses. They gave into anxiety, ignored their leaders, and doubted God. Maybe they figured that returning to slavery in Egypt was better than their current state of affairs. Their orneriness took over, their hearts hardened, and God had enough.

It must’ve broken His heart. He doesn’t enjoy disciplining us when we display bad behavior. Or run ahead of Him because we think we know more than He does. But like a good parent, He had to teach them to trust Him even when they didn’t understand. And face the consequences for their actions.

Are we so very different?

I like being ‘large and in charge’. Having my own way. I’m the kind that “makes” things happen after deep thinking, careful research, and intricate preparation. Spontaneity and snap decisions aren’t part of my equation. I often justify my actions by presuming that as long as I’ve carefully investigated and have a plan, it’s no problem to move ahead.

Until it is.

Or I don’t want to bother God with the mundane. Surely there are some things I can handle without consulting Him. He must have better things to do. So with a glib, "Hey, God, I know you’re busy. I got this," off I go. Is it any wonder I end up lost, blind, and deceived, the good stuff delayed because of my lack of cooperation?

Sometimes we end up in the wilderness from bad choices. Or we take the wrong fork in the road because we didn’t listen. Maybe, like those other bad kids, we whine, complain, and decide that our way is better than His.

Jungle times can also result from circumstances beyond our control. We may even be trying to do the right thing but it all goes sideways. Or we are legitimately victimized and become collateral damage.

Whatever the reason, wilderness wandering almost always has a common denominator: The enemy.

But look at these who want me dead, shouting their vicious threats at me! The moment they discover my weakness they all begin plotting to take me down. (Psalms 62.3  TPT)

Satan must love it when we end up in a jungle mess because of our antics. Cunning and sly, he’ll pounce while we’re distracted and drag us into his lair.

It may not seem so bad at the time. Maybe even pretty or pleasant. But appearances can be deceptive.

Danger lurks in the unknown as we stumble about. Out of our element, alone and confused, panic sets in, with fear on its heels. (I’m directionally challenged and can’t find my way out of a paper bag. The thought being lost in a jungle makes me want to curl into the fetal position.)

Dense foliage surrounds us and rustling in the underbrush has us quaking in our hiking boots. Whining wouldn’t be far behind, followed by a screech of “I want a do-over!”.

We desperately need someone to help us. And it’s not Indiana Jones.

I stand silently to listen for the one I love, waiting as long as it takes for the Lord to rescue me. For God alone has become my Savior. (Psalms 62.1 TPT)

Listen as long as it takes? For real?

Yup.

He promises to rescue us. He has a plan. But He doesn’t always share the when, where, and how. The only option we have is to trust Him.

What a novel idea.

In the still of the silence, He’ll download instructions. Small, incremental steps as we focus on Him instead of our panic. Gentle guidance to bring us back to safety.

Out of the jungle. . .on a pathway through the wilderness.

He alone is my safe place; his wrap-around presence always protects me. For he is my champion defender; there’s no risk of failure with God. So why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me? (Psalms 62.6  TPT)

Do YOU Have a Plan?

I look forward to 2018 with great excitement.

2017 was awesome despite the challenges of being newly retired. It was a time of adjustment as I got my footing in the land of “New Normal.”

I have such a blessed life!

I learned to swim and discovered that simple pleasures bring me great joy. I’ve come to a relaxing place of serenity where I smile more and stress less. And I look forward to what's next.

 So what does 2018 hold for you?

 An overdue vacation or a grandbaby on the way? Perhaps marriage, a different car, or exploring a new hobby. So much anticipation and excitement. The sky’s the limit (cliche, but true.)

But what if your outlook is . . .different?
  
For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows. . .
(John 16.33 TPT)

You may dread the future, paralyzed by fear. Financial difficulties. Debilitating illness. Loss of a loved one, aging parents, or the immanent threat of divorce. So many unknowns that wreak havoc on our hearts and lives.

A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy.(John 10.10 TPT)

Whether it’s good or the not-so-good, satan swoops in, ready to cause trouble by attacking our joyful anticipation or ramping up fear-fueled dread. It’s not a matter of IF but WHEN: Trouble will come and he’s right in the middle of it.

So when the wheels come off the bus, what can we do?

Often my first response is to cower in fear. Anxiety and panic overtake me as I get overwhelmed, wallow, and ruminate myself into a frenzy. I expend a lot of energy on things that often never even happen, allowing terror to drown me like a tsunami.

Thank goodness the Bible shows us another option as opposed to letting the enemy take us down.

It starts with a plan.

In every battle, take faith as your wrap-around shield, for it is able to extinguish the blazing arrows coming at you from the Evil One! (Ephesians 6.16  TPT)

Dawn’s been teaching about Jesus as our shield of faith. He’s the “how to” of disarming and deflecting the enemy.

Shields in Biblical times were made of rectangular layers of wood glued together. They were as large as a door and often covered in hide then drenched in water to extinguish the arrows lobbed by the enemy.

They were a defensive weapon of protection as well as an offensive tool to push against the enemy or in a group, to form an impenetrable wall.

Our faith is the wrap-around shield and Jesus will come between us and enemy. The flaming arrows that violate God’s will will no longer trouble us as we remain safe in His care.

But we must do our part by being prepared, shield at the ready.

We have a call to action: To raise the shield of faith as a first line of defense instead of a last resort, confidant that Jesus will come alongside in our time of need. Or when things go sideways. Or the enemy tires to wreak havoc on the good things.

Thank goodness we don’t have to do it alone.

This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's. (2nd Chronicles 20.15 NLT)

He’ll give us strategies and love us through the crisis.
He’ll comfort and heal our broken hearts.
He’ll provide protection so that the fiery darts will sizzle and die.

It won’t be easy. War never is.

We will get weary, tired arms quivering with fatigue as we hold up our shield. And we wonder if we can keep going.

So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. (Hebrews 12.12. NLT)

Time to regroup, remembering that victory is not from the success of our own efforts but comes by running to Him, raising the shield of faith. . .

. . .and it starts with a plan.

Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life. (Eph. 3.17  TPT)