Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 86

Several years ago I was bitten by a Brown Recluse spider. The toxic venom of this small spider contains enzymes that break down cells and tissue. The bite itself often goes unnoticed but the effects begin to show up within a few hours.

It started as just a tiny red pinpoint topped by a blister. By the next morning the red area was about the size of a quarter and slightly inflamed. Twelve hours later, it had grown to the size of a silver dollar. The redness, inflammation, and heat confirmed I needed to get to a doctor.

The nurse worked me into the doctor’s schedule that day. The doctor took the wound seriously and treated it aggressively. During that first visit, they gave me a tetanus shot, a powerful antibiotic shot, and opened the bite to drain the infection. (My apologies to those of you with a squeamish tummy!) The doctor also prescribed oral antibiotics and I returned to his office four days in a row for treatment.

The bite, subsequent infection, and treatment affected my entire body. Because the bite was high on my thigh, in addition to pain and fever, I also had trouble walking for a week or so. That tiny little wound had far-reaching consequences.

Sin is like that spider bite. Even one small little compromise with the ways of the world can work its way through the layers of our lives, destroying everything in its path. Unlike the spider bite, sin’s destruction will reach beyond our own life, affecting the church and everyone around us.

What’s the cure for sinful compromise? Cut it out. Get rid of it completely. The longer we wait, the more radical the action must be.

God shows us a four-step process for radically dealing with sin in the book of Ezra. When Ezra the priest learns that many of the people – including the leaders – had disobeyed God by marrying pagan women, he called them to obedience and boldly led the process for treating the sin condition.

The entire story is found in Ezra 9 and 10, but the heart of dealing with the sin is in Ezra 10:1-17. Ezra guided the people through a four-step course of action to deal with their sin and restore their relationship with God and the rest of the community.

Recognition: The sin in our lives must be identified and acknowledged.
Repentance: Not only must be agree with God that our behavior is indeed sin, but we must also be grieved over it to the point of turning from it in disgust.
Removal: True repentance always leads us to rid our lives of the sin God has revealed to us without delay.
Restoration: The presence of sin strains our relationships with God and other people. The removal of sin brings restoration and renewal of those same relationships.

Believers must deal with sin – no matter how “small” – radically and aggressively before it spreads its poison. Let’s all ask God to show us any “pinpoints” of sin so we can cut it out and commit to lives without compromise.

In what ways have you seen far-reaching effects of even “small” sinful compromise?Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

Today’s post can transform your quiet time while you help provide the Vidunda people with a Bible in their own language. Welcome my guest Lara Williams. She and my friend Katie Orr have written an encouraging and practical quiet time guide titled “Savoring Living Water: How to Have an Effective Quiet Time.” It is more than worth the price and your time. (Here’s my 2011 review.) If you buy the e-book today, you also have the extra blessing of helping people around the world have the Bible translated into their language! Read on!

 

Really looking at what’s going on in the world at large can make me…uncomfortable. It’s much easier to just sit in my cozy house with my iTechnology while eating all my favorite foods that I picked up at the choice-satiated grocery store rather than really looking at the world.

But I’m glad that’s not what Jesus did.

I’m so thankful our God didn’t leave us in our selfish mess, but rather bent down and clothed Himself with humanity to make a way for us to truly live. It’s radical grace.

But if I’m not purposeful, I can get comfortable in plentiful. I can forget what it’s like to be separated from God — in the dark.

So today I’m going to remind us. Well, not just remind us and leave us in a pit of guilt, I have something we can tangibly *do* in an effort to help bring light and life to those who have never read of their Maker.

Katie Orr and I wrote a little book called Savoring Living Water: How to Have an Effective Quiet Time. In the process of writing that book, God reminded us of the hundreds of thousands of people around the world who do not have a single verse of Scripture in their language. The realization floored us. So we asked Him what we could do to help. And He led us to OneVerse.

To make a long story short, He led us to give $2 from the sale of every copy of Savoring Living Water to OneVerse, specifically for the translation of the Bible in the Vidunda language. Every $26 funded another verse for the Vidunda people.

We’re excited to report that we are SO close to reaching our original goal of funding 104 verses. In fact since the launch of the book last Fall we’ve raised almost $2300 towards the Vidunda project — that’s over 88 verses!

With the goal being within arm’s reach, we want to have a final push TODAY. So for today only, $5 from the sale of every e-copy will go directly to this Vidunda project. That means if we can sell 82 e-copies of the book today, we will reach our goal!

You or I may not be able to leave our homes or families to go study languages and translate the Bible for a people that’s never read the name “Jesus.” But we can buy a book. And we can pray that God would bring His Word to the nations.

(If you’ve already purchased a book but would like to donate more towards our goal, visit our OneVerse giving page to find out how.)Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

Years ago, our young neighbor Steven, desperately needed a new heart. A childhood illness had damaged his heart muscle and left it unable to adequately do its job. He watched life happen around him. His body did not get enough blood supply or oxygen to allow him to play outside or keep up with the other middle-school kids.

Finally, after years of waiting, Steven received a new heart and everything changed. His small body began to grow. His bluish-toned skin now looks healthy. He roams the outdoors with his father and camps and skis. He does things that before the heart transplant he could only dream of. All because of a new heart.

Each of us needs a heart transplant. Sin hardens our hearts against God. Our rebellious hearts of stone cannot obey Him, worship Him, or love Him. And they don’t want to. But God has a solution – a heart transplant!

And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations. Ezekiel 36:26-27, NLT

Our salvation is like a heart transplant. It will completely change our life because it completely changes us. Steven’s entire life drastically changed because the new heart changed everything about his physical body.

When the Holy Spirit saves us, He transplants our spiritual heart. He changes us. He completely remakes our will, desires, emotions. He transforms the core of who we are. The new heart not only wants to follow God, the indwelling Spirit enables us. As we yield to the Spirit and respond to God in love we will begin to live a life that imitates Christ – a life of love from the inside-out.

Do we live like we have new hearts? Are we soft and responsive to God every day?

 

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I’ve been waiting and now it’s here! I’m reading “The Deliverer” by Kathi Macias, is the third and final book in her Freedom Series. Kathi writes fiction with a message. Her stories both engage and inspire to action. Today we get to talk to Kathi about “The Deliverer,” her writing, and the topic of human trafficking.

Kathi, what is The Deliverer about?

The Deliverer picks up just months after Special Delivery leaves off, continuing with the stories of Mara, freed from slavery but still struggling with scars and memories from the past; Jonathan, attending Bible college but strongly drawn to Mara, despite her past; and Lawan, having escaped the brothel in Thailand and miraculously reunited with her younger sister in the US and adopted by the same family. Will Mara be able to move past the pain and hatred that bind her, even if it means traveling back to the place where her parents betrayed her and sold her into sexual slavery? Will she allow The Deliverer to set her free—once and for all?

Your books – which you call “parables with a purpose” – are on topics such as human trafficking, the persecuted church, illegal immigration, and homelessness. Some might call you an advocate. Why is it important for Christians, and the church as a whole, to discuss these issues?

I believe Jesus is our example and that’s what He told to His followers—parables with purpose. He didn’t just tell them “nice stories” to entertain them. He told stories that would grab them right where they lived, and then challenge them to change their hearts, their minds, and their lives. The Church has always been at the forefront of serious social change, leading the charge to abolish slavery for instance, and leading the charge on these other issues is right where the Church needs to be now. The first step is to discuss the issues, to make people aware of them, and then to call them to action. I believe gripping fiction is one of the most effective ways to do that.

You always include a character in your books who is an intercessor. Why is that so important to you?

There were intercessors in my own life who prayed me through some incredibly dangerous and difficult times, and I appreciate those heroes of the faith more than I can express. Highlighting their importance in my books accomplishes two things: it enables me to honor those faithful intercessors who often get no recognition in this world, and it also calls others to get involved in intercession as well.

What was your original objective in writing the Freedom Series trilogy? And, how are your readers taking action?

Originally, I wanted to alert readers to the horrific crime of human trafficking and challenge them to get involved in fighting it some way. That seems to be happening, but on such a larger scope than I had imagined. The response from readers is overwhelming! Pastors have written to say they are challenging their entire church to get involved on some level, and I’m being invited to speak all over the country on this topic. Readers tell me they are posting about my books all over the net to help snag people’s attention. I’m getting invitations to speak on radio and TV as well. I’ve also been contacted by readers who are getting involved in setting up safe houses for rescued victims, which is a huge need. I was even contacted by the Department of Homeland Security and invited to participate in group conference calls on the topic. Overall, I’m thrilled at the way God is using these books to help sound the alarm and to “rescue the perishing.”

For more information about Kathi, her writing, and her speaking ministry visit her website.  Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

Have you ever owed a debt someone else paid for you? My friend, Sue, is a loving person who is always looking for ways to help others. Sue once loaned her car to friends while she was out of town. Several weeks later Sue received a surprise in the mail. It was a speeding ticket, given electronically by a camera snapping a photo of the license plate. It listed the location and date of the speeding incident.

Sue racked her brain trying to remember driving down that particular street. Then the date jumped out at her. She hadn’t even been in town on that date. Someone else, the borrowing friends, had been driving her car. Sue knew her friends could not afford the ticket as easily as she could. Sue paid the debt and never even told them about the ticket.

Like the borrowing friends, our own actions have incurred a debt. Our sin has earned the death penalty. We deserve eternal, spiritual death and separation from God. (See Romans 6:23.) We cannot pay this debt and live. We can’t do anything to save ourselves. No amount of religious activity or good works can ever mend the broken relationship with God.

God’s justice demands the penalty be paid. Out of love, God supplied the payment Himself.

God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8, NIV

But because He loves us, God came into the world to pay our debt Himself. Jesus Christ paid the debt we owe through His willing death on the cross.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16, NIV

Whoever believes in Jesus and trusts in His sacrificial death as payment for her sins will be saved. Anyone who does not believe remains condemned (John 3:18).

It is our choice. Life or death. I have chosen life in Christ. What will you do with Jesus?

(Follow this link to know more about a relationship with Jesus.)Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

The tag on the jeans read, “The Perfect Fit!” So I tried them on. Ha! They might be the perfect fit for America’s Next Top Model, but certainly not for me.

Here’s my question for the fashion industry:

If every body is uniquely shaped, how can one cut of jeans be “The Perfect Fit?”

Okay, I admit they would be perfect for at least one person. But even the general public acknowledges that different body types exist. Some types are named after fruit. I would classify myself as a “pear.” (By the way, would any fruit actually be a good thing to look like?)

Most people would agree that “one-size-fits-all” simply makes no sense when it comes to denim. The jeans need to fit the size, shape, and curve of our bodies. Yet Christians often try to fill a place of service in the church that does not fit them.

Like that perfect pair of jeans, God has a perfect, designed-for-you spot in His body. There is a place of service and ministry in your church with your name on it. The length is just right. It won’t fall down, ride up, bind, or chafe.  How do we find it? These three steps will help!

1. Design – Consider how God designed you – you have certain physical characteristics, life experiences, education, personality, natural talents, and abilities God gave you to equip you. Some things are obvious based on how God designed us.

2. Spiritual Gifts – When God saves us, the Holy Spirit takes up residence inside us. The Spirit gives each of us gifts to use to serve God and His church (Eph 4:7,11; 1 Cor 12:7,11). These gifts will match the place of service God has for you. Recognizing your gifts will help you find that place.

How do you determine your gift or gifts? You probably already have a good idea from past service. I’m not a big fan of spiritual gifts tests, but they can be part of the process but please do not view them as the final word. Here are a few suggestions to help you discover your gifts:

Become familiar with the gifts name in Scripture (Rom 12:6-8; 1 Cor 12; Eph 4)
Reflect on your past service. What areas have felt natural and exciting? When did you feel empowered by God’s Spirit?
Ask fellow believers for their input & confirmation

3. Passion – God gives us passion for the our areas of service. What do you love to do? What do you care deeply about? One word of caution. Personal passion tends to make us think everyone should jump on our bandwagon! Keep in mind that God has given them their own passion.

God has a perfect place of service for you that fits your design, your gifts, and your passion! When you find it it will feel even better than the perfect pair of jeans.You will find joy and contentment as you slip into His tailor-made design!

Are you struggling to find God’s place of service for you? What do you think is holding you back?

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Many friends and family from the southern United States visited us when we lived in Alberta. It probably had more to do with the beautiful Canadian Rockies and the great city of Calgary than spending time with the Howards, but we enjoyed every minute.

These visits often required me to do a little “interpreting” and even “interceding.” I helped Americans figure out their Canadian currency. I converted from metric measure to US measurement and back again. I explained that toboggans are sleds and toques are hats. I played interpreter for a Canadian dry cleaner and one of my very southern speaking visitors. And I even defended a Canadian’s right to use the French term “serviette” for a napkin to a very egocentric American teenager.

I had a unique perspective. As an American who had lived in Canada for a number of years, I understood and appreciated both sides of things. I had been north of the border long enough to teach the Americans what they didn’t know. And since I am an American I could also gently put one in their place when necessary.

Because Jesus Christ became man, He has a unique perspective. Although fully God, Jesus knows exactly what it’s like to be man, because He was also fully man. He alone is qualified to be our intercessor.

 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 4:14-16, NLT

An intercessor acts on the behalf of someone else. They plead another’s case and attempt to reconcile differences. Jesus Christ stands before God the Father on our behalf, as our advocate. He not only reconciled our differences He made a way for us to be completely and fully restored into right relationship with God.

Jesus gave His life to pay the penalty our sin had earned. Therefore, we are able to enter God’s presence with confidence and receive His grace and mercy to help us in our need.

How does reflecting on Jesus’ role as your intercessor encourage your faith today?

 

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Kathy with her parents, Christmas 1961

We are only one generation away from godlessness. Christians today must fight the battle for the souls and eternal destinies of our children and grandchildren.

Sound a bit dramatic? Just take a look around. The wind has shifted. God has been removed from our schools and our politics. The only religion that has no rights is Christianity.

We’re told we can believe whatever we want, but we have to keep it to ourselves. Do you know what happens if we succumb to that pressure? History has already shown us.

After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel. Judges 2:10, NLT

Only one generation after God miraculously brought the Israelites into the Promised Land, His people had forgotten Him. The children and grandchildren of those who experienced God’s power and provision first-hand did not follow Him.

Why not? Their parents and grandparents stopped telling the stories. They failed to share God’s Word.

We can make the difference between a generation who does not know the Lord and one that embraces Christ. God gave us the plan for passing down a legacy of faith. All we have to do is follow it.

Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deut 6:4-9, NLT

Start with ourselves – We must first internalize the faith we long to share. Only when we fully commit ourselves to God and submit our will to His can we pass it down. A legacy of faith must flow from an individual who loves the Lord with all their heart, soul, and strength.
Accept the responsibility – God made us stewards of these young lives. Too often we Christians want to completely pass this God-given task to the church. We must be the primary faith teachers.
Teach the Word – Be purposeful in teaching the Bible to your children and grandchildren. Use formal teaching times, but also take advantage of every opportunity throughout the day to share a nugget of God’s truth.
Share your personal journey – Talk about your personal faith journey. Show your children that your faith is real and active. Share your successes and your struggles.
Tell the “remember when” stories – Tell them what God has done in your family, church, and community. Don’t let these experiences die with you! Let your family know how God has been an active presence in your life.

There is something precious about faith handed down from generation to generation. Like a cherished family heirloom, it will not be easily tossed aside. Let’s accept the responsibility God has given us and claim the next generation for Christ.

What do you do in your family to purposefully pass along your faith?Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

My husband and I were sitting at our kitchen table in Houston when we heard the news. Levees in New Orleans had failed allowing water to rush in and cover 80% of the city.

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina showed its power by breaching levees and flood walls in more than 50 locations. Property damage soared into the tens of billions and more than 400,000 people fled. But the loss of life was the most heartbreaking result. More than 1,200 people died in this massive storm.

Although the storm was indeed large and powerful, it was the failure of the protection system that opened the door on the historic devastation.

“The catastrophic failure of New Orlean’s hurricane protection system represents one of the nation’s worst disasters ever… A large proportion of the destruction from Hurricane Katrina was caused not only by the storm itself, however, but also by the storm’s exposure of engineering and engineering-related policy failures” (ASCE Review Panel 2007, p. v).

Yes, the storm itself caused damage. Yes, property still would have been lost. But August 30, 2005 would have looked dramatically different in New Orleans if the protection system had done its job.

What storm looms in your life today? Maybe there’s a stack of unpaid bills on the counter. Perhaps a medical diagnosis has knocked you off your feet or a rebellious child is wreaking havoc in your home.

Is your protection system in place? Have you placed your hope and trust firmly on the Rock of your salvation? Our Almighty God is able to bring you through any and every storm of life.

But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.

O Israel, the one who formed you says,

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.

I have called you by name; you are mine.

2 When you go through deep waters,

I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty,

you will not drown.

When you walk through the fire of oppression,

you will not be burned up;

the flames will not consume you.

3 For I am the Lord, your God,

the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Isaiah 43:1-3a, NLT

The God who made you, promises to go with you through deep waters of difficulty and fiery trials of pain. He knows your name. You belong to Him. Hold tight to Him and give Him your fear. He will save you from drowning and will not allow you to be burned.

If your faith is shaky, commit to learn more about the unshakeable, rock-solid object of your faith. He is solid and immovable! I invite you to take advantage of an opportunity starting today at Do Not Depart. Our team there will be leading an online study of “Unshakeable Faith.” Join us and start today on a journey to a rock-solid faith that will weather every storm of life.

What deep water, river of difficulty, or fire of oppression threatens you? What characteristic of our Almighty God can you trust in that will help you stand firm today?Share and Enjoy:[image error][image error][image error]

Wende and Ethan

Two years and counting. My friend Wende continues to grieve the loss of her son Ethan. In the spring of 2010, an aneurysm in Ethan’s brain – caused by Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) – ruptured and Ethan woke up in Jesus’ presence. (Wende and Ethan’s story is featured in “Unshakeable Faith” but you can also read it here.)

Recently, Wende sent me a poem she wrote on the first anniversary of Ethan’s death. It’s emotional, honest, and hopeful. Although grief sometimes seems to take on a life of its own, God is faithful to work through it to shape and strengthen us. Wended graciously shares her poem of grief with us today.

“Grief” by Wende Parsley

It is always there

This thick, grey ball of feeling just behind my face.

It travels down through me and connects with my soul,

There are traces in every cell

Daring to seep out.

Impossible to hold in.

Everything is colored by it

Forever changed.

Some days, even one small, negative word pulls it forth.

At other times, it bubbles out freely, slowly

Always replenished by a seemingly never-ending pool.

This is a gift from God.

Eventually, as it lightens and loosens,

Small burrows are left behind.

Places for new.

It is a way to forever keep what has been so lost

Inside of me forever.

Replacing parts of my being with tiny pieces of joy,

Spiritual remnants left on earth by my son.

This is a gift from God.

Tragedy and suffering become glory.

The worst in me will be transformed

Into something worthy.

Gifts passed on are more purposeful now.

The legacies of others flourish in me,

As if my struggle has made them stronger, greater,

More permanent.

This sorrow will matter.

It will bring a new brightness to the world.

This is a gift from God.

Wende sees God’s hand in her grief. She sees Him working in it to transform her worst into something worthy. She recognizes God’s work to be a gift to her in the midst of her grief. Thank you Wende for sharing your grief with us.

How have you seen God work in the midst of your grief? What did He teach you that you can share with us?

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