Happy Independence Day

[Judy Harder]

A Daddy Vacuum

A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God . . . - Psalm 68:5

I grew up in a family where my father was always there for me. He was a good man. A funny man. A bedrock of faith with a compassionate heart. I was truly blessed to be born into his family. Some of you weren't so fortunate. Your father wasn't a positive role model for you. Or, your father deserted your family or died young. You grew up without a father, and just hearing someone refer to "dad" or "daddy" is painful for you. The void of that all important person in your life left an insatiable void within you.

The role of your father is so important that it can effect how you perceive God as your heavenly father. I hope that no matter how bad your experience was with your father, that you won't be afraid to see God as your father. Consider and take solace in the words of Psalm 68 promising that God will be a father to the fatherless.

A friend of mine who grew up without a dad says that she has a daddy vacuum. Is that where you are today? Do you have a vacuum of your dad, or your mom, or maybe your entire family? If so, cling to God's promise that he'll be a father to the fatherless. How that looks will be different in each situation. Some of you will take solace directly in and with your heavenly father. To others, God will bring a father-figure into your life to begin to fill that void.

If you have a daddy vacuum, pray for God to fill that void within you, however He chooses. If you don't have that vacuum, and you're a man who was blessed like I was to have a dad that loved me and was there for me, look to see if God might be calling you to be a father to the fatherless on His behalf.   

"It is much easier to become a father than to be one." - Kent Nerburn (1946-    )

[Judy Harder]

A Lesson From Jonah

But Jonah ran away from the Lord . . . - Jonah 1:3

I'm sure you're familiar with the story of Jonah and the whale (big fish!). The book of Jonah in the Old Testament is a short book with just four chapters. If you have ten or fifteen minutes, stop and read it through. It's a great story with a lot of lessons for us.

The thing that stood out to me about this story was that Jonah was bold enough, after hearing exactly from God what he was supposed to do, to intentionally do just the opposite. He got up and went in the opposite direction to get away from the Lord.

That stood out at first because I thought to myself, "What a fool!  Who would do such a thing?" Then I realized that is what I've done time and time again in my own life. Haven't you? 

Look back at the choices you've made to try to do things your way. Think about the nights you've laid awake with a knot in your stomach, full of fear and anxiety about things that most likely weren't going to happen anyway. Think about the times you've chosen to numb yourself with food, alcohol, drugs, sex, shopping, or something else that wasn't really the answer you were looking for or needed. When you "sobered up" you felt a little more empty than the day before.

What Jonah needed to do; what you and I need to do, is to humble yourself and surrender our wills to God. It's a daily task that will grow a little easier the more you do it. Start today. Don't go through what Jonah went through. Learn from him.

"Humility is a strange thing. The minute you think you've got it, you've lost it." - E. D. Hulse

[Judy Harder]

A Small, Brown Spot

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. - Luke 12:34

I was sitting in a meeting one morning last week when I glanced down and something captured my eye. It was a small brown coffee spot on my clean, white shirt. I couldn't believe it. I was bothered by it but really couldn't do anything about it. But my ADD mind was racing. "What if someone sees this?" "Will the stain come out?" "Do I have another shirt somewhere around here I could change into?" "Why didn't I wear a brown shirt?" 

It was ridiculous to be consumed with such thoughts. Looking back I laugh at it, but at the time, I wasn't. It's kind of sad the way my mind can obsess over things like this, and a rather sad example of what can be so important to us at times. Why do we focus on the negative aspects of life?  How many of us compare ourselves to others and worry we don't measure up?  How many times do we walk into a group setting and worry about what we are wearing and how we look, so concerned that it's the way others think it should be?   

What is more important? That my desk is organized and neat, or that I set aside time to be with the Lord? To make a purchase to fill a void inside, or to support the kingdom of God with that money? Would God rather I memorize Scripture, or apply it to my life?

What is your focus on today? Are you working to do a better job than the person in the next cubicle because you want to look better to the boss, or are you working to show them God's love in some way for their benefit? Is it on kingdom living, or on a small, brown spot?

"Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow." - Aesop

[Judy Harder]

David

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth - Psalm 145:18

We know more about the spiritual life of David than probably any other person in the Bible. The extensive record of his life and the Psalms he wrote show us that he studied and meditated on God's word, he fasted, and that his entire life was yielded to God's service. Two things he did stand out to me:  he worshiped and he prayed. These spiritual exercises renewed his spirit over and over again.

For example, David's first role in the king's court was as a musi¬cian. His ministry of worship touched Saul's heart, as it has untold millions of others since David lived. His worship is so powerful because it's a natural, unforced mixture of David's heart (when he is up and when he's down) with an unwavering faith in a gracious, almighty God. 

His prayers often begin with an honest confession of anger, despair, or frustration. He didn't hide his feelings from God and  he didn't pretend that he was "super-spiritual." Spiritual renewal flows from the freedom to be totally honest with God. Read Psalm 145 and you will see David's progression from anxiety and distress to faith filled assurance and confidence.

When you consider the worship and prayer in David's life, you soon recognize that being someone after God's own heart doesn't mean you never fall . . . it means when you fall, you look to God to restore your spirit, and you fall to your knees in worship and prayer. 

"The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in God which made David dance." - C. S. Lewis (1898-1963)

[Judy Harder]

Wise Counsel

But Jehoshaphat also said to the king of Israel, "First seek the counsel of the Lord" - 1 Kings 22:5

If you desire spiritual growth, then you'll need wise counselors in your life. Even Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, recognized the need for wise and godly counsel. Turning to trustworthy counselors in times of confusion or uncertainty can help you preserve your spiritual strength. 

In the book of Proverbs, Solomon gave this advice, "Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many counselors, bring success." (15:22)  He also said, ". . . with many counselors there is safety."(Proverbs 11:14)

Where else can you look for wise counsel? Solomon's father David looked to God's Word, saying, "Your decrees please me; they give me wise advice." (Psalm 119:24) And the prophet Isaiah made it clear that the Messiah himself would be our great counselor when he came. He said, "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us.  And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6) 

Jesus is the one who grants wisdom, hope, and purpose to life, even and especially in times of confusion or trouble. Good counsel comes from God's word and from godly people. It can come from professionally trained pastors, counselors, or from people who understand your specific issues and care for you. Whatever the case, don't isolate. You'll do yourself a great service if you seek wise counsel.

"Counsel woven into the fabric of real life is wisdom." – Walter Benjamin (1892-1940)

[Judy Harder]

Be a Joshua

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9

All through the Old Testament book of Joshua, the Lord says, "Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid." What a message for us!

As I read through the book I was amazed at how when the Lord spoke to Joshua, Joshua never stood before the Lord with excuses.  He didn't attempt to refute why he couldn't capture the territory the Lord had already given him. He never grumbled and complained about his childhood or his feelings of inadequacy or his anxiety or anything else you can think of. He simply moved forward in faith. As a consequence he led the entire nation of Israel to conquer and settle in the Promised Land.

If you would arise each day with the same simple faith of Joshua, a faith that simply trusted the Lord as shown by your actions and behavior, just think about what area of your life you could capture. You could turn the tables on the enemies of your past . . . on the abuse and neglect and fear and hurt. You can capture that enemy territory. 

The Lord has already captured that area of your life for you. He wants to hand it over to you so you can obtain victory! 

In what area of your life do you need to see the walls come tum¬bling down?

"Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway." - John Wayne (1907-1979)

[Judy Harder]

Choices

This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live. - Deuteronomy 30:19

A friend of mine recently shared that something triggered a very painful memory from her childhood. She tried to pretend it didn't hurt anymore, but the tears welled up within her. The more she attempted to suppress the reality of what she was feeling, the more it began to devour her from her previous state of serenity.

She began to journal about her feelings and realized that it was time to grieve that part of her life and the loss of what never was and never will be. She realized it was time to grieve it, accept it and move on.

She was left with two choices: Remain stuck in the pain and allow it to begin to suck her back down into a pit of darkness, or allow God to heal and comfort her; to draw close to him for what she needed. She experienced a wonderful realization . . . the choice was hers! Not her husband's, not her kid's, not her parents', not her neighbor's, not her friend's, not her pastor's . . . it was her choice.

She put it this way, "I don't know about any one else, but I am tired of hurting and allowing my past hurts and disappointments to be my focus and to consume me. I desire to walk in wholeness, to get well and to be free from the chains that have held me captive and prisoner all my life." 

Make your choice. Chose life today!

"Hanging onto resentment is letting someone you despise live rent-free in your head." - Ann Landers (1918-2002)

[Judy Harder]

Accepting Yourself

Oh Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. - Psalm 130:8

Many people seem to go about life with a kind of bravado . . . bold confidence and self-assurance. The truth, however, is that most of us wish we were different somehow. If only you were as outgoing as Jack . . . if you were as physically fit as Mary . . . if you had the financial sense of Tom . . . a full head of hair like John . . . or the quick wit of Connie. While it's okay to admire good traits in others, often this desire to be like someone else is actually a form of covetousness, or envy. So, how about learning to accept yourself as God has made you.

Before you can truly accept yourself, however, you need to see the truth about yourself, recognizing both the gifts and the limitations that God's given you. If you don't, you will constantly struggle to be someone you're not. 

One way to appreciate how God has made you is to read Psalm 139. The psalmist rejoices, "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—and how well I know it."  (139:14) 

Each of us is unique and special . . . embraced and accepted by God himself . . . even though not one of us is perfect. Spiritual renewal cannot begin until you're willing to accept yourself as God made you. Once you accept the truth about yourself your focus can change . . . and you can bring great glory to God himself. He, after all, is the one who made you, and He is the reason we live.

"I am somebody. I am me. I like being me. And I need nobody to make me somebody."  - Louis L'Amour (1908-1988)

[Judy Harder]

When Tragedy Strikes

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.  - Psalm 46:1, 11

Knowing how to respond to tragedy is never easy. Maybe it's the terrible sense of loss you feel. Perhaps it's the desire to know why the tragic event happened that leaves you feeling alienated and alone. Was it something you did? Was it someone else's fault? Why did God allow it to happen? These questions usually go unanswered because "Why?" is almost always the wrong question. 

Remember Job? The Bible tells us Job was a godly man. Yet, he lost everything . . . his wealth, family, and his health. Why did all of this happen, especially to such a good man? When you read the story of Job, you'll discover his suffering was the result of spiritual warfare. Yet, Job didn't know this. His friends accused him of secret sin.  And as time passed Job grew increasingly upset and confused. He even began to question God's sense of justice.

In the end, however, Job's arguments were silenced before God.  While God never explained fully to Job why the disasters had befallen him, he did bring Job to a place of humble surrender. This increased Job's understanding of God and gave him the proper perspective to continue life. Neither Job nor any other man who has suffered a serious loss can ever fully understand why a catastrophe has happened. But if you're willing to seek God and surrender your life and your situation into his powerful hands, he'll do a work in you and through you that will restore your spirit and bring Him honor and glory.

"Tears are often the telescope by which men see far into heaven." - Henry Ward Beecher (1830-1887)

[Judy Harder]

Equipping the Called

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. - Ephesians 3:20

When God called Moses to go before Pharaoh, Moses basically told God that He was making a mistake choosing him. God became angry, but Moses made an impact. God understood the fear Moses was experiencing and provided him with an assistant. 

You often think that God can't or wouldn't use you because of your past mistakes, or because you're not worthy. Do you think you're going to limit God and His power to use the most unlikely people in the most unlikely situations? I don't think so. I heard a pastor say, "God doesn't call the equipped, he equips the called!" I love that, because it means that God works through people like me who are the underdogs . . . the outcasts . . . the defeated. 

Remember the story of Balaam . . . how God spoke through his donkey? If he can use a donkey, he can use you, or even me! The Bible shows example after example of God using the least likely people to accomplish His will. David to slay Goliath. Moses to speak to Pharaoh. Gideon and a band of three hundred men to defeat the Midianites. A ragtag team of fishermen to turn the world on its heels with the good news of Jesus. 

They all had in common a willingness to be used by God. He just wants you to make yourself available to Him. You don't have to have it all together. If you wait for that, you'll never be ready. And don't get caught in the paralysis of analysis. Just express your will¬ingness to be used by God for His purpose, and take the first step to do something today. Don't limit yourself. God doesn't!

"It's kind of fun to do the impossible." - Walt Disney (1901-1966)