blog

The Gift Of Self

Sun, 26 Dec 2010 13:05:43 +0100

Written by Kami Scott

Monday, 01 December 2008

I’m encouraged by what I have been hearing regarding changes in people’s attitudes toward Christmas gifts. We even ran several articles last month about ways to keep Jesus Christ at the center of His birthday.

I’ve been pondering the whole gift-giving idea and mediating on the reason for Christmas. We can always look to God to see how He demonstrates gift giving. He sent His one and only Son as a baby into this world to give His life to redeem us.

That’s what I call the ultimate gift. God gave Himself. I have to ask myself, “How should I respond to that during Jesus’ birthday — Christmas?”

I’ve thought of gifts I could give to Jesus for His birthday. Sad to say, they don’t measure up in my mind, and the reality is that they are all pretty self centered. Even doing more to get healthy has some very self-centered benefits.

The secret to gift giving is to not expect compensation in return!

Can I give the ultimate gift to Jesus — myself? Would I be willing to sell everything I have and follow Him? (Matthew 19:21) Would I be willing to deny myself? (Matthew 16:24) Deny myself?

So, I reflected on a single day. How much time do I spend meeting my needs? This little exercise has been very revealing. I have little discipline and deny myself very little.

I looked around my house and realized just how much money I spend on me, for my comfort alone and a little pride as well. My shoe collection again has grown out of control. This is quite a bit of waste: things, time and money!

I have thought, “Can I give this gift, not expect anything in return, and not want to take it back? I prayerfully and reverently give to You, Jesus, me.”

Even as I typed that prayer, I thought, “Well, that’s not much of a gift.” But to Jesus, it’s everything!

What gift can you give Jesus? You may not think that you’re worth giving to Him as a gift, but Jesus died for you because you are so valuable to Him.

Get Into Your Discomfort Zone

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 22:19:22 +0100

I love my home! First, because it was a gift from God and second, it is where I am most at peace and rest. If asked to leave my home for an extended period of time, my response might not be an immediate affirmative.

Jesus was asked to do just that — leave His home to come to earth to be born, to live, to die and to be raised from the dead for our redemption. What an example of being willing to face discomfort in ministry, even unto death. This past couple of months, God has been stretching me into discomfort, especially with my time. I’m a firm believer in being balanced in my schedule and making sure that everything that is on my schedule is what God would have me do.

Often we do things out of guilt or a false sense of obligation.

However, I believe that I go to the other extreme at times. I guard my time and energy because I may need it for something important or just for the rest or maybe even from laziness or weariness.

Then I hear God say, “Am I not the giver of energy and doesn’t the Bible say I will supply ALL your needs, including energy?” I, of course, have to answer, “Yes.”

So God challenged me with my day-to-day work, ministry, counseling, Sole2Soul (used shoe sale for dump site kids) and worship to trust Him to supply every need. There were days I felt on the edge of exhaustion, but I prayed — or had someone pray — and I would make it through the day. I have heard many stories recently about God pushing people’s discomfort zones. It might be getting out of your house and visiting a neighbor, making a commitment to a ministry, giving a little more of your time, spending time with someone God has called you to, going abroad to the mission field or giving financially to someone.

When Jesus was born, discomfort was immediate. He dealt with all the discomforts we face as well as leaving His home and the ultimate gift of being in the presence of God. He faced it all, continually in prayer to His Heavenly Father, who indeed supplied every need.

Jesus’ departing gift was the Holy Spirit, who dwells within those who call upon the name of God. We have access to that endless power source to overcome any discomfort we might have or encounter.

Jesus was willing to temporarily endure discomfort. After all, He knew He got to return home. We have that same promise!

The Lord Jesus said in John 14:2-3, “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

I can’t wait! Let’s give Jesus the gift of our willingness to walk in discomfort until His return.

Let It Be Done With Diligence!

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:38:19 +0100

You would have to use all of your fingers and toes to be able to count how many times my father has received this kind of call:
“Daddy, something has happened to my car.”

His response was always, “Where are you? I’m on my way.”

Of course, most of those calls were never on the warmest, sunniest days. It seems car trouble always happens on the coldest or rainiest days. I can remember a day when my monster Chevy station wagon decided to quit, it was at least 20 below zero. And, of course, I was working out of town, so my car was on the highway.

The comfort of seeing my dad’s headlights was always welcome. That particular day it wasn’t going to be an easy or quick fix. Although I hesitantly offered to share my “vast knowledge” with him, he insisted I stay in the car to keep from freezing to death. He, however, weathered the cold for hours.

Like all the other times, the sound of the engine purring eventually always came. He always was satisfied with a heartfelt thank you.

My father has the award for the most diligent person I know when it comes to mechanical thingamajigs. God has given him the ability to see how stuff works and then the God-given patience to see the job through.

Sometimes the work we are asked to do isn’t in the best of climates or under ideal circumstances. Following my dad’s example of being diligent, even in adverse circumstances, can reap rewards if we don’t give up.

Many times I would tell dad, “Let me call a tow truck.” He’d just roll his eyes and keep working. How many times do we try to take an easier road away from the work God has called us to do? We must be steadfast and work with due diligence until the work is complete.

“Whatever the God of Heaven has prescribed, let it be done with diligence for the temple of the God of Heaven.” — Ezra 7:23

It Only Takes A Moment To Surrender

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 21:53:08 +0100

Our perception of time is interesting. Time seems to go by much faster as we age. As I prepared to give my testimony, I reflected about how my mom must have felt waiting for me to come back to the Lord. For years she prayed; for years I drank and ran from God.

The hope of answered prayer is inevitable, however, the waiting is seemingly unending. I have thought about the many prayers I have said on behalf of friends, loved ones and clients, waiting until the day the breakthrough comes. In some cases I cry out, “When, God? When!??”

Then, it happens in a moment: surrender. Answered prayer comes in a heartbeat. The prodigal returns home, broken, asking for forgiveness; a family is restored when a husband or wife comes home; a sinner repents, eternity granted; a stronghold is broken and someone walks in freedom; prophecy is fulfilled, and a child is born to save the world.

Those precious, sacred moments are what make our lives worth living!

“Dear Lord, You are great and mighty, loving and holy. You care about the moments that make up our lives. I come into agreement with every prayer said on behalf of a prodigal, a marriage, a family member who hasn’t met You, an addiction that hasn’t been broken and ask, Jesus, for this year to be filled with moments of surrender.

“Grant us the humility and grace to surrender all areas of our lives to you. Help us to come alongside those who are hurting. Allow us the privilege to be Your answers to a parent’s prayer or a child’s prayer, a wife’s or husband’s prayer. Help us to speak truth in love to those who struggle. Give us the grace to be Your hands and feet.

“Thank you, God, for the moments that are well worth the seemingly unending waiting. Help us to trust You fully. In Jesus precious name, Amen.”

If you are fighting God, give in. It takes but a moment to surrender.

Encouragement Breathes Hope Into Hopelessness

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 03:13:52 +0100

Recently we had a storm. As I looked out my bedroom window, I could see my three giant pine trees bowing to one another like three confused sumo wrestlers. I wondered if my old windows would withstand the onslaught of the pounding rain.

I’ve felt a bit like my old windows lately, wondering if I could withstand the onslaught of another challenging phone call.

My dad had a stroke in early July 2009. (He’s doing great now!) Since his stroke, I have been dreading the telephone ringing because each call added to a long list of serious prayer requests. Among family, friends, church members and clients, there was little news to get excited about.

Then one morning, Pastor Paul Anderson sent an e-mail with an encouraging word referencing Psalm 112:7, “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.” Immediately, my spirit was calmed with the reminder of who is in charge and to the trust the Lord.

I have received several encouraging words along the way since then and have felt God reminding me, “I’m here. I haven’t forgotten you.” Each encouragement breathed hope into the hopelessness.

Hebrews 3:13 says, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

And Hebrews 10:25 reads, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another -- and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

I love the last part of the above verse: “and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” I believe that we are seeing the Day approaching. We need to be encouraging one another more today than ever before.

There is a woman who attends Lakeside Baptist Church in Duluth, Minn., who has honed her gift of encouragement. She sends out cards with specific words to help lift the spirits of our congregation. She wouldn’t want her name mentioned, but she does write a column for Living Stones News.

Isn’t it exciting to think that simply encouraging each other can help keep us from being “hardened by sin’s deceitfulness”?

Being critical and condemning brings about hopelessness. Encouragement helps sustain life.

I want to be someone who ministers hope.

Lord, enable me to be an encouragement to Your children today and every day.

Steps To Overcoming Wounds Of Rejection

Sat, 16 Oct 2010 12:28:02 +0100

Steps To Overcoming Wounds of Rejection

1. Get to know your identity: Who You Are In Christ (read out loud every day for 2 weeks) (renounce means to verbally reject)

Recommended reading, “Victory Over The Darkness” by Neil T. Anderson

2. Pray and ask God to reveal all the people you need to forgive and then make a list.

3. Forgiveness: making a list and then choosing to forgive. If God commands it, He will enable you to forgive. Make sure you say something like:

Lord, I choose to forgive,_______________________, for (be specific in the nature of the offense), because it made me feel________________________________. (allowing God to heal those emotional wounds, will only come once we choose to forgive and acknowledge how we felt about it)

4. Make a list of all the incidents of rejection He brings to your mind. Then go to prayer, submitting them to Him and Ask Him to heal you of the wounds that have come from those rejections..

These may seem like simple steps, but renewing your mind with who you are in Christ and continueing to walk in forgiveness can take time. God will be faithful in His healing.

Beth Moore "A vacant part of the soul is a stronghold waiting to happen." Only Jesus can fill the vacancy in your soul. Trust Him to lead you through this process.

Blessings as you find healing in Him,
Kami

Selfishness is a joy stealer

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 17:08:07 +0100

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in
my love. When you obey me, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father and remain in His love. I have told you this so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. And here is how to measure it – the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends. You are my friend if you obey me. I no longer call you servants, because a master doesn’t confide in his servants. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.”
– John 15:9-15

Selfishness is a joy stealer. Have you ever spent time with someone who is self-focused? Constant criticism of others, blame and bitterness seem to spew from their mouths?

In reading that Scripture verse, it is clear that the “laying down”
of life doesn’t only pertain to death. It pertains to life. The Greek meaning for “lay” is to put down, or bend down.

Ah, the posture of humility, the laying down or bending of one’s life for another. Setting aside self.

Christ demonstrated this all the way through His ministry here on earth, not just at the Cross. It was His selfless giving to others in life and love that made His death and Resurrection even more valuable.

Yes, through His death and Resurrection He saves us, and through His loving in life He taught how us to live!

A fellow counselor and I have recently been discussing the deterrent of victim mentality. Not that there aren’t true victims of crime, abuse, etc. However, when everyone else is to blame for our lot in life, then there is no personal responsibility to be obedient to the Word of God. Vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord.

We are to walk in forgiveness and love toward those who have hurt or offended us.

That doesn’t mean we continue to put up with the sin of others; God doesn’t tolerate sin and neither should we. However, we are still called to walk in love, exercising grace to all, while taking a stand against the sin.

I challenge myself and all of you to ask God to reveal to you, where am I being selfish? Where am I not being obedient in love? Let’s pray for real love, not just in word, but also in heart attitude. Let’s walk out patience, kindness, forgiveness, keeping no record of wrongs. (1 Corinthians 13) (Hebrew 12:15)

Jesus said, “Yes, your joy will overflow!” when we are obedient to loving.

Get Dirty For Jesus!

Sat, 09 Oct 2010 22:42:52 +0100

With two garbage bags in hand, the Word of God in our pockets and the love for the people of our neighborhood in our hearts, we began to pray as we walked. Our mission was to clean up the park and along the sidewalks. It was time to get dirty.

I often have wondered about this counseling thing I do. From the world’s perspective, I’m probably not a good counselor. I take calls from my home when people are in crisis and are trying to do things differently. I have prayed through many homes and have helped the husbands establish Christ’s authority in those homes. I have taken people to the emergency room as they struggled with withdrawals from prescription medications. I’ve gone out in the middle of the night to do interventions for families in alcoholic crisis.

Some people would say I give too much. I don’t.

I believe in the power of love and sacrifice. We, the church, must be willing to give when it’s not convenient -- to be willing to walk into the garbage of people’s lives and to help them walk out into the hope of Jesus Christ’s life-changing sacrifice.

The last day I drank, I made a call at midnight to a preacher. He took my call, and my life changed forever. When do we stop doing things the world’s way and become willing to do things God’s way?

When Jesus was here on earth, He went where others would not. He crossed the lines of discrimination with a Samaritan woman, and it changed her life forever.

“When a Samaritan came to draw water, Jesus said to her, ‘Will you give me a drink?’ (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’ (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)” John 4:7-9

This woman then went to her town and told them what Jesus had done for her.

“Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I ever did.’ So, when the Samaritans came to Him, they urged Him to stay with them, and He stayed two days. And because of His words, many more became believers.” John 4:39-41

Jesus also saw past what was on the outside and saw into the hearts of people. He must have known this Samaritan woman would bring many people to Him through the power of her testimony. He took time to love her and speak truth to her.

Cleaning up the park was a small act of love for our community. We seized the opportunity to meet several people from our neighborhood as we worked.

Church, it’s time to come out from behind the sanctuary doors and get dirty for Jesus. People’s lives depend on it.

Own Your Words

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 22:32:10 +0100

I don’t know about you, but in studying the Bible I can get off on a rabbit trail. I actually enjoy these little adventures, because God is in every part of those searches.

Recently I started off in Mark 2, and then somehow ended up at Colossians 4:6: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

I believe God led me to break down this Scripture bit by bit. The first words that struck me between the eyes were “your conversation.”

We need to take ownership of what we say. I have several issues — being disrespected being the biggest — that will trigger reactions that most certainly are not pleasing to God, nor would they invite people to look at the changes Jesus has made in my life.

Then, as I read the words “always full of grace,” God urged me to look deeply and chew on those words.

I’m still chewing. Always?

The Greek transliterated is “pantote: at all times, always, ever.”

Can my conversations at all times be full of grace? I had to understand and re-examine grace. The Greek word for grace is “charis: grace of speech, goodwill, loving-kindness.” When I started to doubt if this was actually possible, the Holy Spirit brought Philippians

4:13 to mind: “I can do all things, through Christ who strengthens me.”

The last part of Colossians 4:6, “so that you may know how to answer everyone,” was the closer for me. I asked myself, and then God, “Why is this so important?” Through the course of discussions with my Mom and other friends, here is my conclusion: Our speech must be grace-filled at all times, because people who don’t know Jesus are watching all the time. What draws people into asking questions about what’s different in our lives? If our speech isn’t any different from anyone else’s, there’s no attraction. If they continue to witness marriages falling apart, bickering among brothers and sisters, bitterness, unforgiveness and gossip, why would they want what we have?

People’s eternal destinies are at stake. That’s why we must at all times be aware of grace. God has extended grace to you and me. We must, therefore, extend it to everyone, especially those who don’t deserve it — like me!

Grace leads people to ask the question, “What’s different?”

Get Into The Word

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 02:30:25 +0100

As news reports come in of a priest and protestors being arrested for taking a stand against the murder of our unborn children, of bickering and finger-pointing by our country’s leaders, of the clear line of good and evil seemingly blurred by deceitful men and women and of the looming threat of not being able to preach the Word of God, I shudder internally and ask my God, “What can I do?”

The Scripture that comes to mind is Romans 12:2: “And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

The word that jumps out in big, bold print is “prove.” The Greek word for prove is “dokimavzw” and it means “to test, examine, prove, scrutinize (to see whether a thing is genuine or not), as metals and to recognize as genuine after examination, to approve, deem worthy.”

After participating in the National Day of Prayer, attending a Christian school fundraiser -- and also through some of the things that I have been reading -- I notice a theme is emerging: “waking up the sleeping lion, the Church of Christ.” So, we ask, how?

I believe part of the answer is found in Romans 12:2. Learn how to prove and recognize the good and acceptable and perfect will of God -- that is, understanding the Word of God and seeking His direction through prayer and study.

Edmund Burke, an Irish statesman, author, orator, political theorist and philosopher from the 1700s, said, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.”

If we are unable to recognize the will of God according to His Word, how can we stand against evil? How can we know if we’re being deceived if we don’t have the Word of God hidden in our hearts and can communicate with Him through prayer?

It would be great to have an army of committed Christ followers to defeat the evil that is invading this country. However, historically, that is not what is required. It only takes a few people who are committed to the truth to change the direction of a nation, a country, a city or, perhaps, the local church.

I’m challenging you and myself to dig in, to no longer be simply hearers of the Word, but doers.

Seek God to find out what He wants you to do. The answer will never be “nothing.”