Mold Me More Like You, By Karen Finn

Mold Me More Like You 

By Karen Finn

Last week, as I was preparing to grill burgers for dinner, I reached for the package of buns which had been placed on top of the refrigerator. Before I even untied the wire twist-tie, my eyes caught a glimpse of something amiss. Ugh. Spots of a fuzzy, greenish-white mold were peppered on the doughy surfaces of two of the six rolls!

What do you think I did: 1.) discarded the two moldy buns and used the others for our meal; or 2.) tossed the entire bag into the garbage? If you chose the second option, you are correct! I was not taking a chance on eating something that had been stored with damaged goods. Yuck!

God’s prophet Haggai uses an illustration which displays how influential these (clean vs. unclean) conditions can be. “If one bear holy flesh in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy? And the priests answered and said, No. Then said Haggai ,’If one that is unclean by a dead body touch any of these, shall it be unclean?’ And the priests answered and said, ‘It shall be unclean.’ Then answered Haggai, and said, ‘So is this people, and so is this nation before me, saith the LORD; and so is every work of their hands; and that which they offer there is unclean.’”- Haggai 2:12-14

Is it possible for something clean (holy flesh), to rub off on what it comes into contact with (skirt of his garment)? Or, is it more likely that the unclean item –like my moldy bread—contaminates what was once spotless? In this Old Testament reference, Haggai was addressing the Israelite nation concerning the sincerity of their sacrificial offering/worship. Their outward observances of sacred rites appeared holy and well-intended, yet inwardly their hearts and lives were a contradiction. This type of approach could fool others, but certainly not the Lord!

As I meditated upon this passage, I began to see how this example has application concerning various aspects of our lives, especially when it comes to influences. Friendships have the potential to “rub off” on us, as do the activities, instruction and opinions we adhere to. Do we allow this pressure to alter our beliefs and actions? If so, we’ve become as ineffective as a spoiled piece of food.

A commitment to Christ requires sacrifice-we give up our own desires and choose to follow His Will for us. Our heart’s desire is to be holy just like Him; in other words, we want to remain clean and mold-free, useable for service—like a hamburger bun! Every day is a means whereby we reflect on the outside, what has taken place on the outside. If we can prioritize that as our goal each day, we will be allowing the garment of holiness to massage our spirits and affect others in the most beneficial way ever!

How Missions-Minded are you? By Karen Finn

How Missions-Minded are you? 

 By Karen Finn

Caitlyn looked forward to camp every summer. She’d been going ever since she was in junior high. There was always so much to do, and it was fun making new friends. The preaching was good too, causing Caitlyn to re-evaluate some of her attitudes and actions. However, this year was different. Seven of her nine cabin-mates had been on a mission’s trip, which got her thinking. I’d like to do that, she thought. I’m going to pray about doing that next summer. 

Do you think that the Holy Spirit was speaking to Caitlyn’s heart? I think so. Her exposure to God’s Word in a camp-setting was stirring up not only conviction, but a challenge to look outward at the need of others. Being “missions-minded” is having a greater awareness of the spiritual need that exists all around you. Our minds automatically envision a foreign culture or an impoverished country. Yet, there may be multiple, local opportunities God is placing right under your nose! If you are in a public school setting, that is a mission field, for sure! What about the older residents at the local nursing home, who enjoy visitors? Reaching out to a lonely neighbor, an introverted teenager, or an unsaved relative—all of these are occasions to minister and put into action what God commands us to do.

Traveling to a far-off place has a distinctive, glamorous sense to it, doesn’t it? However, we never stop to think about the obstacles that are dealt with, day in and day out. I know of one missionary couple, which set out with eagerness and excitement to share God’s Word, only to realize that they had to spend three years in language study before they were able to communicate with the inhabitants. It was frustrating to not be able to jump right into the work they had planned on doing. During those three years, the husband and his wife cultivated an attitude of patience, resting in the knowledge that God would ultimately use them as He wished. What a humbling experience!

Whether or not Caitlyn gets to go on that desired mission’s trip, she can play a vital part now, in supporting those who are already on the mission-field.  James 5:16b proclaims, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Our prayers have the power to direct the hand of God, and should not be taken lightly. Paul gives us a pattern for prayer in Colossians 1:9-12: “For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light (KJV).”

Here is an outline of specific requests you can bring to God concerning those who are serving in the field as a missionary:

 

1.) Pray for them to be in God’s Will.

2.) Pray for them to be filled with wisdom and discernment.

3.) Pray that their actions will please God.

4.) Pray that they will treat others well.

5.) Pray that their work on the field is productive.

6.) Pray that their relationship with God remains close, always growing.

7.) Pray that they will remain strengthened and continue to be steadfast.   

8.) Pray that they would have a thankful spirit in all things.

Paul’s prayer pattern can actually be applied to our own, everyday lives. The spiritual needs listed for missionaries, are quite similar to what we should personally strive for—discernment, strengthening, thankfulness, etc. Use this list as a reminder to support those who are making a sacrifice to leave the comforts of home, and are willing to take the Gospel (“Good News”) to those who need it. And, apply it for your own personal use, realizing that God is preparing you to serve on the mission field he has planned for you!

Smile! God loves you! By Karen Finn

Smile! God loves you!

By Karen Finn

Theme: God is Always with us
A Smiley … makes me recall a story I once read. An elderly couple had a custom of drawing the happy-face icon on small note cards with the letters “SHMILY” printed underneath. They would tuck their cards in various places (i.e. a sock drawer, a closet shelf, etc.), expecting the other to eventually discover it. The acrostic “See How Much I Love You” was an encouraging reminder of the warmth and happiness that still existed—after sixty years of marriage!
I like to think that God has placed SHMILY signs all around us too! His presence is manifested in the answers to prayer, the beauty of creation, and the fellowship we have with other believers—just to name a few!
I have a lot of favorite passages of Scripture, but whenever I begin to doubt God’s presence or power in my life, I turn to Psalm 139, which is full of promises I can claim. In fact, many times, after re-reading it, I feel overwhelmed. Not overwhelmed in a bad way; overwhelmed by the compassion and care that is infinitely mine!
Let me show you what I mean:
* Overwhelmed by His Intimate Knowledge
Psalm 139:1-4 states: “O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.” (KJV)
In such a highly technical world of social media and internet access, we are able to keep in touch 24/7 with friends and family from all over the world; however, our Heavenly Father has that beat! God knows our thoughts, and actions and even the very words we are about to speak! When I begin to dwell on this truth, it stirs up in my heart the need to be much more accountable to Him with what I say and do….all the time!
* Overwhelmed by His Intimate Care
Psalm 139:5-10 says: “Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” (KJV)
This part of the passage mentions God’s hand several times. God’s protective, loving care knows no boundaries because, as His children, His Hand is always upon us. The choices we
make may take us places where God really would rather not have us be, but He doesn’t ever abandon us. I am reminded of God’s prophet, Jonah, who, in disobedience, tried to run from God. He was unable to escape from God’s presence, even after being swallowed by a “great fish”! God’s Hand was evident in Jonah’s life—it just took some time for Jonah to recognize it!
* Overwhelmed by His Intimate Creation
Psalm 139:11-18 proclaims “If I say, surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knowest right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.” (KJV)
Don’t ever be discouraged or disappointed with your physical appearance. I saw this once on a bumper sticker: “God made me, and God doesn’t make no junk!” Although, this statement is improperly written (grammatically-speaking), it confirms that whatever God has fashioned, it is His workmanship, which is not trash, but treasure. Life is a miracle, and it is very valuable to God. Because you are His handiwork, He thinks of you constantly. And His thoughts about you are precious and plentiful. Wow.
It is my hope that this nugget from God’s Word sparkles today in your heart! You are not alone—ever. God’s presence is always with you. Perhaps you have grown somewhat indifferent in your attitude towards God’s knowledge, care and creation of you. Ask Him for forgiveness of that behavior, and praise Him today!

The Purpose of Perseverance, By Karen Finn

The Purpose of Perseverance

By Karen Finn

Hebrews 12:2-3, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."

On a recent road trip, we experienced a variety of weather systems which made the drive to our destination more treacherous and time-consuming. It was wearisome to face a continual onslaught of sleet, snow, fog and thunderstorms, but nothing prepared me for the natural (or should I say unnatural?) disaster that delayed us more than four hours on the return trip home.

A road blockage caused by a landslide had stopped the flow of traffic, causing it to come to a standstill. We were on a major interstate highway, which limited our options for an alternative route. More than ten miles of traffic had accumulated and was painstakingly being directed through a makeshift detour, down to one lane! Ugh! There wasn't much I could do about it but suffer through it....and persevere.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is a role model for us of one who remained steadfast and focused on His Father's Will. The ultra-poignant display of perseverance is exemplified on a road as well--the road to Calvary. God's Word doesn't give us little snippets of Bible scenes which show this remarkable characteristic trait. He takes us right to the heart of the matter. He takes us to the place where a humble, obedient spirit has completely yielded itself over.

The word endured is only used twice in the New Testament Scriptures, and it is used in Hebrews 12:2-3. Jesus is the one who endured, committed to fulfilling His Father's Will, willing to suffer and die for all of mankind. That's a powerful portrayal of unconditional love, surrender and determination.

God gives us a perfect portrait of the purpose behind perseverance in the power of the Cross. Jesus, being God in the flesh, knew where He had come from (heaven) and knew where He was going (heaven). That joy awaited Him, but he knew what was first required of Him - and that was to persevere.The Greek word for endured is hupomeno, which translates into English as "to stay under (behind) or remain." Jesus was willing to remain and do His Father's Will for us, and pave the way-the only way-to everlasting joy.

Are there circumstances in your life, causing you anxiety and impatience? Do you spend each day soaking in the presence of the one who "endured" so that you could have the hope of an eternal home in heaven? How trivial our issues become when they are matched up to the magnitude of what Christ did on our behalf. We can have victory over sin because the author (originator) and finisher (completer) of our faith has paid the ultimate sacrifice and died and rose again.

As you reflect upon the Easter holy day, pray for the strength you need to persevere. May God bless you and provide you with the courage and persistence to face what's ahead... even the landslides that cause monstrous delays!