Month: November 2021

AboutDebbie, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Enough

In Bible study last Sunday, the pastor recalled a student who wanted to know more than the Scriptures revealed. This student constantly asked questions, seeking to comprehend the mind of God. Our pastor said he finally shouted, “Enough!” I remember listening to my kids argue as they were growing up. They would call it discussion… Sometimes, if the conversation got a little too heated, I’d step in and say, “Enough!” Jesus said, “Enough” to His disciples when He returned (for the third time) in the Garden of Gethsemane to find them sleeping on the night He was betrayed. Maybe He was frustrated with their lack of understanding.

I’m a lot like that student. I want to understand the mind of God. I’m quite sure God tells me “enough” in many ways. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10). Sometimes, when I recall this Bible passage, I think of it as a reprimand. Probably, because I know in my heart I need forgiveness for whatever has been interfering with my priorities. But most of the time, this verse gives me such peace, because I know the Lord is providing assurance that He is Lord of all. I may think I need to know the mind of God, but what I need is to trust and understand God’s will. This is exactly what He gives me through Scripture. Through the incredible gift of His Word, the Lord shares with me — with us — everything necessary for our salvation.

Enough with doubting and worry. Enough with coveting and envy. Jesus has many reasons to shout, “Enough!” Yet, even in my sinfulness and my zeal to know the unknown, my Savior reminds me He IS enough. This Son of God revealed His Father to sinners. He preached, taught, and gathered disciples to share His message after He ascended to heaven. Jesus willingly gave His life, and suffered temporary separation from His Father, to atone for my sins so I may have the assurance of eternal life in heaven. Then, with unwavering love and grace, He sent the Holy Spirit and gave me the ability to trust and believe.

His grace is sufficient for me. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, (Ephesians 2: 8). The next time I shout “enough” I will recall writing this and think of this word as it pertains to Jesus. This is a perspective worth sharing. My Savior is more than enough!

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,

Debbie

AboutDebbie, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

The Weight of Sadness — Lifted by Jesus

Have you ever been melancholy for no particular reason? I woke this morning looking back at those that have gone to heaven and missing them, thinking of all that is happening in the world and wondering why even Christians don’t act like they belong to the family of God. 

I look forward to what God is trying to tell me each day, as I come into His presence with a cup of coffee in my hand. Especially on those days when I’m a little sad, I’ve taught myself to put away thoughts of what I need to accomplish and ask Him to fill my heart with a peace that only comes from knowing how much I am loved. I block out the laundry, the emails waiting, and the phone calls I need to make — not because I’m so reverent — but because I’m not!

My sister always said I wake up like a piece of popcorn, exploding onto the scene. I used to think she was a “Mary” and I was a “Martha.” She had her priorities right and I seemed to be distracted with too many details. To combat my active “focus disorder,” I begin each morning with Jesus, and He doesn’t seem to mind if I get my coffee first! 

Before I bring my worries and petitions to the Lord, I take time to acknowledge who He is, not for His benefit but for mine. I need to remind myself He is the Lord of all, and nothing happens in my life, or in this world, that He has not ordained. He is worthy of praise, honor, and glory. I like to begin there, praising and glorifying my Lord. Then, I take my cares to Him, knowing who He is and what He has done for me. I ask for His will in my life because I am HIS, bought with the blood of His Son, and I am precious in His sight.

Praising my Savior and Lord takes the sadness right out of me! 

Is it OK to be melancholy? Yes. Is it OK to run to Jesus and ask for help before praising His name? Yes. Is it OK to cry out in anger and ask Him to heal me? Yes. When I realize He can see into my heart, I have no reason to hide my frustrations, or my sadness, or my fears. Because He already knows them, He just wants me to know He knows. He knows! He cares! He’s waiting to listen and talk to me! He’s waiting to listen and talk to you also. Join me each morning (and throughout the day!) as we bring our troubles to the One who cares beyond our comprehension. Today, and every day, I am lifted by Jesus — into HIS arms. And there is room for you there, too!

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,

Debbie

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Growing up Rich

While visiting with old friends, the conversation turned to memories of our younger years. None of us grew up in families that were well-off financially. Our mothers sewed our clothes and hand-me-down winter coats and boots were the norm. As we talked, my first thought was that we grew up quite poor. Then I realized it was just the opposite. We all grew up rich! We were rich in our faith, in love and family, and even in material blessings.

I grew up knowing that Jesus loves me. I was asked once when it was that I realized I was precious in His sight, and I listened to others share how they became Christians. I was baptized as an infant. I have always known I am a child of God. Yes — definitely, rich in faith!

I am so thankful for the gift of my parents, siblings, and extended family. I realize so many were not blessed with a home filled with love and laughter. Oh, we had squabbles. I’m quite sure I was a little monster at times. I’m also quite sure that Mom and Dad didn’t always agree — but my memories of my childhood are filled with love, forgiveness, and joy. I truly grew up rich in love and family.

There wasn’t a week that went by that didn’t bring extra people to our dinner table. Neighbors or relatives would stop by, and even complete strangers who drove into the yard to ask for directions — all were asked to stay for dinner. There was always enough food for us and our guests. We slept in a cozy house, had shoes on our feet, and joy in our hearts. Material blessings overflowed and I am thankful.

I look back and realize I grew up rich — rich in all that the Lord has provided. As His children, we are given what we need. I will choose one passage from Scripture to illustrate this point, but I know you can also share many others. I love these words and know they will give you comfort and joy, too.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In lovehe predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christas a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.  In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guaranteeof our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory (Ephesians 1:3–14).

As Lutheran Women in Mission, join me in thanking God for the riches He has showered upon us!

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,

Debbie

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