Crosswalk.com--The Devotional

[Judy Harder]

August 17, 2009

Never Late
by Fred Alberti, Crosswalk.com Director of Social Media

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:8-9


The scene opens with a young man sitting by a tree reading a book while waiting expectantly for a special visit.

In the far distant a wagon creaks and groans down the lane as its rider sings a cheery tune.

Upon hearing the clatter the young man stands with a big grin and without further hesitation runs to intercept the wagon.

Upon reaching the road and rider he proclaims, "You're late."

The singing stops and the old bearded man looks up and states, "A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins... Nor is he early... He arrives precisely when he means to."

I love that scene as old Gandalf is greeted by young Frodo, and am often reminded of how perfect of a portrayal it is of our own lives.

We sit and wonder, "How much longer Lord?"

Will He come in our lifetime?

Sometimes we face situations when we are ready to just throw in the towel. We think we know the best time and we boldly proclaim, "Lord, you're late!"

Ah, but then there is the rest of that verse: "He is patient with you."

He is patient with you when you lose your self-control and yell at your kids because they didn't finish their school-work.

He is patient with you when you are critical and judgmental of others.

He is patient with you when you refuse to spend quiet time with Him.

He is patient.

And finally the last part says, "... not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

Is your impatience so important that it is worth the cost in lost lives?

How terrible a balance!

We must, therefore, trust the Lord's judgment. He will return precisely when He means to.

But what does that leave us to do in the meantime?

The end of the chapter gives the answer, "So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him." (Vs. 14)

How are you waiting for His return?

Intersecting Faith & Life: Write down three spiritual lessons you can learn from a book you are currently reading.

Further Reading

2 Peter 3:15
Bible Pathways Devotional
`

[Judy Harder]

August 28, 2009

Let Joy Invigorate You!
by Laura MacCorkle, Crosswalk.com Senior Entertainment Editor

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Philippians 4:4, NIV


Have you ever used JOY? You know, it's that old-school dishwashing liquid that smells kind of fresh and fruity.

You don't soak your hands it in like "Madge" said to do with Palmolive (remember those commercials from the '70s?). And it's not marketed as the soap that "takes grease out of your way" (that would be Dawn ... say, do I know my detergents or what?). No, JOY is billed as the liquid that will "juice up your dishwashing routine and invigorate your senses."

It's odd, but I really did think about think about this kind of JOY and its claim recently when I was studying the book of Philippians. My commentary notes informed me Paul's letter to the church at Philippi is known as the "Joy Book" and is the most-quoted New Testament epistle. In fact, the word joy (or rejoice) is used 16 times throughout!

Most scholars believe that Paul wrote to the Philippians while under house arrest in Rome. He was chained to a Praetorium guard, the crème de la crème of the police force. They were some of the most influential personnel in the government (several Roman emperors were former members of this group).

In a situation like this, Paul could have focused on the negatives, clammed up and worried about his own welfare. But guess what happened? He was invigorated by the joy of the Lord. The Praetorium guards and those in Caesar's household heard Paul teach about the kingdom of God and many became Christians (Phil. 4:22). Because of Paul's example, other believers were encouraged and boldly proclaimed the Good News, too.

"I always pray with joy." "I will continue to rejoice." "I rejoice greatly in the Lord!" Joy... joy... and more joy. Okay, Paul. I get it. I need to have joy, no matter what.

And here's where my JOY thought comes in. How handy would it be to have a $1.79 bottle at the ready any time we needed to wash away the gunk in our lives? We could squirt a little here and there to "invigorate" and rid our lives of whatever is bringing us down and taking away our joy.

But that's not how life as a Christ follower works. We can't make our own joy. Or buy it on the household cleaning products aisle. Or find it in any person, place or thing here on earth.

Real, everlasting joy comes only from the Lord. He cancels out the sorrow in our lives and helps us to see what He has done for us and is still doing in and through our lives. That's when we experience great joy!

And that's what our Heavenly Father wants for you and me. His joy is our strength (Neh. 8;10), and he invigorates our lives and helps us to find our meaning in Him.

Intersecting Faith & Life: Are you weary? Is your focus diverted by uncomfortable life circumstances? Don't know how you could ever find the joy in whatever bleak situation is facing you today? Ask God to help you see your life as he sees it and discover him as the source of true joy.


Further Reading

Isaiah 35: 10, NIV
A Measure of Joy
`

[Judy Harder]

August 29, 2009

You Never Do Anything You Don't Want to Do
by Shawn McEvoy, Crosswalk.com Senior Editor

Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.
Galatians 6:5, The Message


If I try, I can remember my friends from 10th-grade Sunday School. In fact, I'm still tight with two of them. I remember our church, our youth group, and our youth minister. What I don't remember so well are the individual lessons we learned from the Bible each week. As I realize that, I give myself another kick for not having gotten into note-taking and journaling. I'd like to have those things to review now.

What I do recall from one particular class session, however, has always stuck with me. And it wasn't even a quote from the Bible. To show how much I've forgotten, I don't even remember the name of the teacher who said it! He was tall, well-accomplished, but still wanting to give of his time to young men. And one day he looked at us and said the following:

"Today's lesson is going to be very short. Look at me, because whatever you remember from today, remember this. Whatever you remember from your time in this youth group, remember this: You never do anything you don't want to do."

That was it. Obviously I still remember it. Why?

I remember challenging the teacher on that day, most of us scoffing and saying things like, "Yeah, right... I can honestly tell you I do not want to do my homework tonight."

"Yes you do."

"No, I really don't."

"What will happen if you don't?"

"Well, I guess I'd be embarrassed when it was time to turn it in, I'd probably have to lie to my parents when they asked if I'd done it yet, and I wouldn't be prepared for the upcoming quiz."

"So I guess the reason you're going to do your homework is because for the motives you just stated, you DO want to do it."

Snap.

Seven or eight high school boys just got handed a logic lesson in responsibility and motivation. All around the room you could see eyes and minds opening to new possibilities.

This is what we'd been hearing about free will. But now contextualized and personalized.

This is what our parents and teachers had been getting at as they spoke to us about becoming responsible young men.

This put my actions all squarely back on me. And oddly enough, that was something I could tangibly handle.

The applications were endless.

I'm still not even sure his statement was absolutely true, or biblical. But to be honest, it doesn't matter anymore, because it informed and continues to inform many things in my life that are true and biblical.

Do I want to lay in bed or do I want to get to work? Why or why not?

Why am I overweight? Well, my bad. Guess I wanted that, too, when you get down to the nub of it. Certainly didn't do the things I knew would prevent it.

One of the doors that opened to me was in realizing that once I got past "my will be done," I could begin to pray as Jesus did, "Your will be done."

Another was in being able to recognize motivation. Why am I going to conquer this lust or pursue this knowledge or accomplish this hard task for God's Kingdom? Because ultimately, what I want to do is to have my heart's desires be the same as Yours, Lord. That's where You tell us delight is, and that's the only place where we know what we want is right.

Intersecting Faith & Life: What action or reaction in your own life have you been blaming on other people or circumstances? Write down all the ways you yourself can own up to it.

Further Reading

1 Thessalonians 5:12
Philippians 1:23
We Are Responsible for Others
`

[Judy Harder]

August 31, 2009

Stain on the Brain
by Fred Alberti, Crosswalk.com Director of Social Media

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11


I watched Caleb as he sat there in deep concentration just staring at the book. Finally, I asked him what he was doing. His response was one I had never heard before. He said, "I'm staining it into my brain."

He was memorizing Scripture verses for AWANA Club.

The thing is he knew what he was doing. He knew that he was trying to burn the words into his memory so he could pass on to the next challenge.

I like how today's verse applies to Caleb's staining power. The psalmist gives the reason why he is hiding God's Word. What is it? So that he will not sin against God.

The reason for Bible memorization is to help us to abstain from sinning.

Oftentimes we resist Bible memorization. Instead we choose to stain our brain with TV shows depicting adultery, murder, and obscenity. Then we get ourselves into a moral bind and we wonder how we got into that place. We shouldn't wonder. We should realize that what we choose to watch and/or memorize is what is going to stain into our brain.

"Oh, that sex scene isn't so bad, at least they muted the sounds."

"Why yes, the whole point of the show was that the husband didn't get along with his wife and had an affair. But at least he was able to get a divorce and the mom was able to keep the kids."

"Well, sure there was a lot of swearing but the story was great and the murder scenes were so realistic. Cinematography has really advanced these last few years."

Folks, these are stains. They will stain your conscious and your heart and those of your family.

What are you staining your brain with these days?

Intersecting Faith & Life: Spend some time this week with your family memorizing key scriptures about salvation, like Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Acts 16:31, and 1 Corinthians 15:3-4.

Further Reading

Why Memorize Scripture?
Teaching Memorization and Speaking Skills to Your Children
2 Timothy 3:16-17
`

[Judy Harder]

September 1, 2009

No Longer Stumbling in the Darkness
by Meghan Kleppinger

For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light.
Ephesians 5:8


The electricity went out for less than five minutes last week, but the brief outage, caused by severe winds, was very frightening. Thankfully, in less than five minutes, before I could even make my way to the cabinet with the stowed flashlight, it came back on.

Oh, the things that go through a girl's mind when it's pitch black and she is all alone!

I'm sure you know what I mean. Whether electric outages scare you or not, one thing is for sure, we all go into survival mode. For me, I start running down an invisible checklist: find dog, find flashlight, find cell phone, look down the street to see if it's just me, check alarm system, light candles, etc. 

Of course, the entire time I'm going working through this process, my heart is sitting in my stomach, and I'm hunched over with arms held out in front of me to block any potential harm-causing items. I'm clumsy in broad daylight, so you can imagine the bruises that pop up after a power outage!

When the lights came back on the other night everything changed. Immediately I abandoned the survival mode I was operating in, straightened up, and released a sigh of relief. Why? Because, I could see! 

The power outage and the contrasting emotions that I experienced reminded me of Ephesians 5:8.

Life without Christ is a lot like what I experienced during the power outage - survival mode in pitch darkness. Without Christ, there are no absolutes. Hope, truth, and even morality, is relative. Whether we admit it or not, when Christ is not the foundation, one's existence is simply a life spent stumbling around in the dark hoping not to bump into anything. How many times do we hear friends say, "Well, I guess I'll just wait and see and find out in the end whether I was good enough."

Thankfully, there is an alternative to a life of uncertainty an darkness.

Of course, I'm referring to a life with Christ, who offers assurance and a grace that sheds light in the darkness. When we become Christ followers, truth becomes absolute, and we don't have to wonder whether or not we're "good enough." It's not hit or miss.

This power outage reminded me that being a Christian doesn't mean that life will suddenly become easy, mistakes won't be made, or that periods of darkness won't be encountered; however, when times do get tough, I'm reminded that I no longer need to crouch over into self preservation survival mode. all I need to do is reach for the Light.

Intersecting Faith & Life: "It is not darkness you are going to, for God is Light. It is not lonely, for Christ is with you. It is not unknown country, for Christ is there"  (English novelist, Charles Kingsley).

Further Reading

Ephesians 5:8 calls us to walk as children of light. I encourage you to study the rest of Ephesians 5, because it tells us exactly how to do it.
Who Knows What Evil Lurks
`

[Judy Harder]

September 2, 2009

It's Good for Your Character
by Laura MacCorkle, Crosswalk.com Senior Entertainment Editor

Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
Romans 5:3-5, NIV


I grew up in a very special church back in the '70s and '80s. It was nondenominational, had tremendous traditional worship and congregational singing, and was attended by many seminary professors and students. 

Seeds that were sown in my life in those early years of my spiritual growth are now sprouting, and I'm drawing upon what I have learned as I make my way through adulthood. 

From time to time, I flip through a bound collection of meditations or sayings that my pastor put together. He would regularly refer to these life principles from the pulpit, and today, whenever I hear them (or similar concepts) being said by others, I remember what he preached on them many years ago.

"It's good for your character," he would often say. And here's how he explained that further:

"God uses the routine, the difficult, even the painful to develop in us qualities of Christlike character that can be learned in no other way."

When we begin to see our lives from this perspective, that's when we've turned a corner. But in order to keep thinking in this way, we have to make daily readjustments, as we don't always want to see the routine, the difficult and even the painful in this way.

But it is the right way to look at any uncomfortable situation in our lives. The classic passage regarding trials in James 1:2-4 is wonderfully helpful and instructive:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Let's break down this outlook:

Consider it pure joy. How do you do this when you're going through a divorce? Or in the aftermath of a departed loved one or the loss of a job? What will it take to see the joy despite the circumstances? Only God can give us this joy and change our perspective.

Testing develops perseverance. In order to learn how to persevere, we have to go through some trying times. Think back on the trials in your life. What were the results? Did you make changes in your life? Did God help you get through them? Remember that as you continue to serve him.

Perseverance must finish its work. We can't go from diapers to dungarees in the snap of a fingers.  Living takes time. And there are "pains" that go with it. Sure, it hurts sometimes, but know that the uncomfortable seasons mean that you're growing.

Be mature and complete. When you were a child, you didn't have a bulging file folder of life experiences to draw from. Now that you're older, hopefully you can see how you have grown closer to the Lord and how he has changed you. Draw from past lessons as you choose to live and think differently today.

Intersecting Faith & Life: Can you look back on "the routine, the difficult, even the painful" times of your life and see how God has developed your character? List some specific trials and the resulting changes that have been made in your character and praise your merciful Savior.

Further Reading

2 Corinthians 4:7-12, The Message
How God Develops Christian Character
`

[Judy Harder]

 
The Devotional

Thursday, September 3, 2009   
   
September 3, 2009

What are You Drunk On?
by Shawn McEvoy, Crosswalk.com Senior Editor

And they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" But others were mocking and saying, "They are full of sweet wine."
Acts 2:12-13


"These men are not drunk, as you suppose," Peter told the bewildered crowd at Pentecost. "This is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel." The Holy Spirit had been poured out, and I've always found it fascinating that its effects could be mistaken for the pouring out of, shall we say, less holier spirits.

To be sure, the Bible instructs Christ-followers to be "sober-minded" (1 Cor. 15:34, Titus 2:6). And there's honor and maturity in a steadfast, stoic reaction to life's trials. But then there's this fantastic scene in Acts that just fills me with tiny bubbles of delight. There's so much joy and power and overflowing involved with the Holy Spirit, that sometimes, well, we Christians just seem a little bit crazy. Flipped-out. Punch-drunk. Downright giddy.

And who wouldn't like to see more of that side of us these days?

Reflecting on this kind of Spirit-trusting, God-leaning fun reminds me of my three summers as a Christian youth camp counselor. The labor was hard but not in vain. The purpose was evident. The craziness was everywhere. "Go nutso-picasso," our Director would say, and show these kids that being a Christian isn't some droll, fun-killing existence, but something real, life-giving, sustaining, and joyous.

And indeed it was, and is. My closest friends and I had an odd high school experience, in that we had a hard time understanding why our peers found it so fun and/or necessary to involve alcohol - illegally, even - in their weekend plans. We were having more laughs and fun than we could imagine without any drugs. What were we filled with? Why didn't we need anything else?

Later, when I worked at camp, one of the things we would do is create a video of each week for the students to take home with them. One of the features on each week's video was a "blurb" from one of the counselors, an off-the-cuff, from-the-heart snippet of encouragement. I recently found the videotape of the week I was interviewed, and my response reminded me so much of what today's verse means to me, what real life under the guidance and excitement of the Holy Spirit is about. Here's what I said:

I think so many times in our youth groups back home we get tired of hearing the same things: don't drink, don't do drugs, don't have sex. And that's good advice to be sure, but why? So many kids here at camp and the ones I knew growing up weren't doing these things anyway; don't we have any more to offer them? Do we have any explanation for what is filling them, and what they can do with it? It just seems to me that those I've come across who are involved in these so-called "greater sins" are often engaging in them just to fill a void caused by, maybe, disobedience to parents, rebellion, lying, or a poor self-image. So what I like to do is show them that Jesus has given them everything they need to be content, secure, high on real life. And it takes a lot of energy to do that, but I find that the energy is there when I need it, and anyway, if it means leading a young person to the Lord or just reconciling someone to their parents, hey, that's worth it to me.

That's healing through a Holy infectiousness. Won't you take a sip and pass it on?

Intersecting Faith & Life: Are you in a prolonged stupor, or are you tipsy on the outpourings of the Holy Spirit in your life? What's holding this back? Is there a dam keeping the river from flowing forth out of you, keeping it fresh and alive? Take the first step to remove it by looking back to a time when you were first saved or relying entirely on God to do work in His Kingdom.

Further Reading

1 Corinthians 14:23
Acts 7:51
Expect the Holy Spirit to Work in Your Life
`

[Judy Harder]

September 4, 2009

How to Live Peacefully
by Laura MacCorkle, Crosswalk.com Senior Entertainment Editor

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:8-9

In college, I did my fair share of watching soap operas.

Now I'm not saying this was an uplifting way to spend my time or something ripe with great Truth.  But I will say this:  daytime soaps showed me how I didn't want to live.

There was always turmoil and unrest. Just when I thought one storyline was going to resolve, that's when the twist would happen. And it usually involved someone having a secret life, a secret past, a secret twin, a secret love child, a secret hideaway in the secret woods, etc. You get the idea. 

The "secret" would be exposed, and chaos ensued. Characters were angry or distraught. Trust was broken. What was "right" was now "wrong." And vice versa. We're talking major discord!

So suffice it to say, daytime soaps are a great place to start if you want a good idea of how not to live peacefully. 

Thankfully, as believers, we know how to live peacefully. In 1 Peter, chapter 3, Peter wrote to Christians who were experiencing persecution as aliens and strangers in the midst of a pagan society (can you relate?).  Verses 8 and 9 offer practical instructions for those living in such conflict with their culture. ...

Live in harmony... Serve others as Christ served. When the Word became flesh, how did Jesus interact with the world? Learn from his example of how to reach out to those who believe differently than you.

Be sympathetic... Are you interested in others? Are you concerned? Do you take time to listen? People gravitate and bond with those who are sensitive and kind-hearted. 

Love as brothers... Most people give their family members special treatment. That includes top priority when it comes to our time, our resources and our affection. What would the world look like if we treated everyone else in this manner? 

Be compassionate... Are you a softie?  Because of the way God has wired females, it's not hard for us to reach out, shed a tear or share a smile. If you're male, this may take a little bit of work. Start small (children and domesticated animals) and work your way up.

Be humble... Are you drawn to someone who is pretentious and overbearing? Probably not.  Humility doesn't come naturally to any of us. Have a sit-down with your pride today and see if you can work in more time for meekness.

Do not repay evil with evil... This is hard not to do. Especially when someone wrongs us. Really wrongs us. Turn the other cheek and "kill 'em with kindness." It won't be easy, but it will speak volumes to the offending party. 

Seek peace... If you wonder why you can't ever escape conflict (work, home, relationships), you might first consider yourself. Are you the common denominator in these equations? Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with you.

Intersecting Faith & Life: Kick-start your "living peacefully" crusade by starting with the outside first. Try eliminating an insignificant activity in your schedule or giving something away this week. See if taking an exterior baby step leaves you more at peace on the inside.

Further Reading

Matthew 5:9, The Message
Pursue Peace
`

[Judy Harder]

September 7, 2009

How Should You View Your Work?
by Laura MacCorkle, Crosswalk.com Senior Entertainment Editor

Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
Colossians 3:23, NIV


Do you remember what you were thinking when you started your very first job? 

Like me, you were probably excited about this new season in your life. The responsibilities. The business cards. The paycheck!!!

And then maybe several months later after toiling away in a dreary cubicle and getting your first "hand slap" from your boss, you might have felt differently. Reality set in. And you perhaps wondered if this was as good as it was going to get. For the next 40 or so years. Ugh. 

I've been there, too, and have gone back and forth between viewing my work as a blessing and as a curse throughout my career. Has it been dependent on the job? Not really. More so on which way the wind is blowing. Yes, it's that scientific!     

But seriously, as we observe Labor Day, it's good for us to pause and consider what is the proper way for us to view our work. 

We first hear of the work concept in Genesis 3:17-19, and it is not a pretty picture: 

Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.

Nice. It's going to be hard. We're going to perspire. And we might get stuck with sharp plants. But not all of the time. Ecclesiastes 5:19 paints work in a different light.

Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work-this is a gift of God.

So our job satisfaction and our prosperity comes from the Lord. That is a good thing! It's not wrapped up in how much we make or how many perks we are afforded. God is the one who gives us the ability to enjoy whatever he has purposed for us in our careers. From ditch digger to Fortune 500 Co. president. 

Backing up one book, let's don't forget about the original lady who could bring home the bacon and fry it up in the pan--the amazing Proverbs 31 woman. Multiple phrases in this chapter reference her work .

... And works with eager hands.

She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable.

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Let her work bring her praise at the city gate.

What a fantastic example! Whether male or female, we should all strive to set such a high standard for ourselves whether in the workplace or in managing our families and homes.

Then, Colossians 3:23-24 gives us the ultimate perspective:

Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Yes, we all have an earthly boss (in various forms or fashions). But our Heavenly Superior is who matters most. We must first do that which glorifies him. And that means giving your best, every time and in every endeavor. 

Whether you are working in an office or in the home, choose how you will view the work God has entrusted to you this day and for the days (even if it's 40 years!) to come. 

Intersecting Faith & Life: Is it time to rethink your current job? Or is God asking you to be content with where he has placed you? Spend some time writing out your thoughts. Ask him to give you a right attitude and perseverance as you serve him.

Further Reading:

Work Can Be Worship
How's Your Job Fit?
`

[Judy Harder]

September 8, 2009

Even Jesus Grieved
by Meghan Kleppinger

Jesus wept.
John 11:36


My seven-year-old cousin died when I was in the seventh grade. The viewing, funeral service, and wake, all of which were firsts for me, provided an introduction to bereavement that I wasn't quite old enough to comprehend.

Family members, I observed with confusion, were dealing with the grief they were feeling with anger, denial, depression, shock, and guilt.

I was confused and scared, and as the days after the funeral slowly passed, I felt an overwhelming sense of guilt when life returned to the way it was before.

Fortunately, my cousin's death was the first and last I encountered until I was well into my twenties. This last year or so, however, has been another story.

People I care about have been diagnosed with terminal illnesses and others have gone on to be with the Lord. Some friends were lost in tragic accidents and others passed away naturally. I've spent hours sitting in chairs next to loved ones in hospital beds, and I escaped, more than once from bedsides, to shed a few tears.

In my grief, I found myself as scared and confused as I was when I was a pre-teen grappling with the loss of my cousin. The difference this time was in the guilt I felt. I didn't feel guilty when things began to return to normal, I felt guilty because I didn't want anything to be "normal" again. I felt the stabbing pain of grief for those I loved and was frustrated with myself for feeling this way.

Christians often feel guilty about their response to loss. We think, as believers, we should handle death and sickness better than we typically do. Because we know Christ, and believe our lost loved ones did too, we should somehow be thrilled that they're in a better place. We feel guilty because we're not happy. We feel selfish because we want them back and guilty for missing them.

Dealing with the crises of this past year, prayer and study became essential. I began praying through my guilt and God began to show me a few things. Mostly, He brought the story of Lazarus to my attention. I read, 

"Where have you laid him?" He asked. "Come and see, Lord," they replied. Jesus wept. Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" (John 11: 34-36)

It burdened Jesus' heart to see Lazurus' sisters in pain. He wept when He saw the body of the friend He loved. He knew grief. He knew the pain of loss. It was a comforting reminder to me that He understands, from experience, our pain and grieves for us and with us.

The eye opener that really caught my attention was that Jesus cried even though He knew Lazarus was only temporarily dead! Have you ever thought about that? Wow! Even though Jesus knew there was a purpose for the death of his friend, and even though the plan was to raise Lazurus from the grave, Jesus mourned. Knowing that Jesus suffered through this loss, as I have suffered, made me think about things quite differently.

It's okay to be sad and miss our loved ones.  It's okay even though we know we'll see them again if they had a relationship with Christ. Of course, we need to cling to Christ and His promise that we will not only spend eternity with Him, but that we will see those we love again.

That being said, too often we hurry ourselves through mourning. I just think it's important to remember that it isn't a sin to grieve for our losses, but to remember that it is in fact an important part of the journey towards healing.

Intersecting Faith & Life: When thinking of our own lives and the lives of those we love, remember "When the time comes for you to die, you need not be afraid, because death cannot separate you from God's love." C.H. Spurgeon

Further Reading

When Death Comes Unexpectedly
Grief
`