Sanctuary of Tranquility: He Leaves the Ninety Nine

Sanctuary of Tranquility: He Leaves the Ninety Nine: As this year draws to a close, I can't help reflect on my current situation and the circumstances of countless of others in this world...

He Leaves the Ninety Nine

As this year draws to a close, I can't help reflect on my current situation and the circumstances of countless of others in this world who are struggling, yet have something in common... a tremendous faith and love for God. 

I have traveled a rough and ragged road in the past year, as have so many others that I know. There have been days when I have been angry with God for putting me through such a season; a season that has been trying, and some days has even felt like a punishment, even  though we know better. 
Our difficulties may not be evident from the outside in all cases. For some can hide it well, yet others show signs of wear and tare,  eithe way, Jesus knows my truth, for He has been with us through all of it.  
One thing I know for sure is this; although the road has been difficult, but I am here, alive and writing this. There are blessings in every season of our lives. Always things to be thankful for. Those blessings can be something as simple as the fact that God woke us up this morning, he gave us a breath, a drink of water, a roof over our head, and a comfortable place to sleep. It doesn't matter what we have or don't have...the Bible says when we have God, we have all we need. That being said; I believe that Our Father God is one tough customer. His expectations of some us can be very difficult, almost too difficult sometimes. 
He expects us to get through situations we are certain we haven't the strength to accomplish; hard things that make us want to give up, quit and move on. I can't tell you how many times I have felt like my giving up day is drawing very near and I have even told him so. I have given him deadlines, making pretend alternative plans so in case things don't change soon, or his promises don't pan out, I will have something to fall back on. Something, quicker and easier so that I can pretend I never heard his voice. I bet He thinks I am quite amusing, perhaps even funny, especially when I joke with Him about His version of the word ‘soon’ being nothing like mine. But the Bible says that God is not a liar and he always comes through! He has a keen sense of humor and loves to be praised. He knows us each very well, and he is always one jump ahead of any foolish, or stubborn plans we make on our own.
I can not lie and say that I have never doubted God. I must be honest and say that I have foolishly doubted Him and He has shown me time and time again that He is not like a human who will lie and use and abuse us for his own gain and then walk away. 
So if I l were to be the one to up and walk away; call it quits (which I could never really do because that would mean I would be failing him), it would be about me, not Him. And that right there is what keeps me going. You see, although I am no saint,  I do want to be a tough customer just like him. 

It's true what they say, there  is no turning back. Once you love him and feel his mighty love for you, turning back is not an option, and there is only one way... 
His way. So the best thing to do is rest in that, and be as patient as you possibly can be. 

I am blessed to wake up many mornings with some truly great music playing in my head. I know it is Jesus who provides that very music, for the songs I am hearing reflect not only his knowledge of me  but also his great love for me. He knows my go to’s, so sometimes when I am sad, mad, frightened or frustrated and cry out to him, I wake up knowing He has been right there by me all night and I feel blessed and very content. “Good Good Father" from Chris Tomlin is one of his favorites, he plays for me it frequently. Other mornings I hear Steffany Gretzinger telling me that Jesus is and should be The King of my Heart. When  a song pops into my head during the day, I know he is reassuring me, especially when I am having a rough day and I am exhausted or frightened. It is his way of telling me to keep going, and not to give up. He whispers, "I know I'm making you fight a tough fight, walk a tough walk but you can do it. You have this, this is cake." or “Greater things are yet to come” And I know then that I have it. I can do it. I can deal with any and all personal or financial struggles, get up before dawn and drive through any storm, deal with the most difficult of situations and be kind to the most difficult of people. I know I can overcome whatever I have to... because He Loves me. He loves music and is aware of the music we like. One of his favorite songs  is Reckless Love. Its such an amazing song that explains his mighty love for us in a way our tired, worn out brains can understand.  When I hear the song and feel his great love, I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!  Read these words to him, (or better yet sing it, he loves to be sung to). 

Before I spoke a word, you were singing over me. You have been so, so good to me. 
Before I took a breath, you breathed your life in me. You have been so, so kind to me. Oh, the overwhelming, never ending, reckless love of God.
Oh, it chases me down, fights 'til  I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine. I couldn’t earn it, I don’t deserve it, still you give yourself away. Oh, the overwhelming, never ending, reckless love of God. 

When I was your foe, still Your love fought for me, You have been so, so Good to me.
When  I felt no worth, you paid it all for me. You have been so, so kind to me. 

Oh the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God. Oh, it chases me down, 
fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine. I  couldn't earn it, I don’t deserve it, still you 

give yourself away. Oh, the overwhelming, never ending, reckless love of God. 

There's no shadow You won't light up, Mountain You won't climb up, Coming after me.

There's no wall You won't kick down, No lie You won't tear down, Coming after me.

Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God. Oh, it chases me down,
 fights 'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine. I couldn't earn it, I don't deserve it, still you 

give yourself away. Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God

The lyrics to this song reference the Parable of the Lost Sheep as told by Jesus, and recorded twice in Scripture, first in Matthew 18:12-14 and again in Luke 15:1-7

Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to him. 2 And the Pharisees and the scribes were grumbling and saying, “This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 So he told them this parable: 

4 “Which one of you, having a hundred sheep and losing one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders and rejoices. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
Source: Bible Gateway

That says it all right there... 
it doesn't matter who you are, what you've been through, or what you've done. You are one of those 100 sheep and if you get lost, even for a minute, He is coming after you. He is only a call away; "Jesus, please help me. I need you!" 
Boom! Done! 
I have been like Peter on the lake;  I looked away for a split second and lost sight of him and found myself calling, "Please help me! I can't make it without you my dear, sweet, Father." He always knows where we are and what we're enduring and he always has his eyes on us. So please, keep your focus on Him and try not to take your eyes off of Him, but if and when you do; and it does happen just like it happened to Peter, Jesus will find you and he will rejoice and never let you go.
So remember...

There's no shadow You won't light up, Mountain You won't climb up coming after me.  There's no wall You won't kick down, No lie You won't tear down coming after me  Oh, the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God, Oh, it chases me down, fights  'til I'm found, leaves the ninety-nine. I couldn't earn it . I don't deserve it. 

Still You give yourself away...

We might not be able to see the end of our current situation, or understand why he is allowing it, but he can and does. Remember always that His ways are nothing like our ways, and His thoughts are nothing like ours...we tend to forget that, and it's a good thing to remember. Don't try to put him in a box, because first of all, there are none like him and secondly, there aren't any boxes that can hold him. No matter what your circumstance or situation is...know this, if you keep your eyes on him and make him your number one priority...you will see the blessings, even if they are invisible to those around you. 

Blessings for a Joy filled New Year...

    Keep your eyes on Him, His are on you! 

Jeremiah 23:3-4 
"But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where 
I have driven them and bring them back to their folds and they shall be fruitful and increase. I will set up shepherds over them who will feed them; and they will fear no more, nor be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking." says the LORD

Paul to the Corinthians

About a month ago I picked up a counted cross stitch kit while out shopping and began working on it. I thought it would be something fun to revisit as the weather cools off, plus as it is a great passtime. The kit I selected is based upon 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13 to be specific; It is based on the message from the Apostle Paul to the people of Corin. It has provided me with a wonderful opportunity to truly focus on Paul’s words. Although these verses are most frequently associated with wedding vows, Pauls thoughts were far from weddings or ceremonial vows, It was Paul’s intent, to teach the people of Corin how to treat one another...with charity or love.                                                                

Charity is defined as goodwill, compassion, consideration, concern, kindness, kindheartedness, tenderness, tenderheartedness, sympathy, indulgence, tolerance, leniency, and caritas which is Latin for Christian love of human kind, ‘charity’


In todays world when we hear the word charity, many people clutch their wallets tightly as their brains immediately go to those whom request, ask for or beg for money. This includes the poor, broken, unfortunate, helpless, diseased, aborted, beaten, abused and on and on.
The true meaning as well as the joy that comes in the giving is eluded, the very last thing on many peoples minds.                                                                                                                                                              Charity is in fact, the voluntary giving of help, and isn’t that what we all deeply desire from the people in our lives?                                     Not only from our families, significant others, children and friends, but a generous flow of kindness from people in general. 

Although I am uncertain which Bible version my cross stich used, I have chosen to use the King James; where the Apostle Paul refered to love as ‘charity’ in his original writings and the Message, which is quite contemporary and has a lovely and interesting view and flow.

The Way of Love.     

Though I speak with human eloquence; the tongue of men and angelic ecstasy, but have not ‘charity, I am as sounding brass or a tingling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy (I speak Gods words with power, revealing his mysteries and knowledge) and though I have faith that I can say to a mountain, “move” and it moves, without charity (love), I am nothing. If I give everything I own to help the poor, and even give my body to be burned at the stake like a martyr, if I don’t love, it has been of no profit to me.                                                                             So no matter what I say, what I believe and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. Charity suffereth long (never gives up), is always kind (never me first) nor does it want what it does not have (never jealous)                                                                                                                       Charity never behaves irritably (flys off the handle)  It doesn’t ever keep score, it puts up with everything, (endures all things). Is always honest (speaks truth in all things) and fair, (never rejoicing in wrong but always rejoicing in right) Love Trusts God Always and Always looks for the best and never looks back but keeps on going to the end (love never ends)

A good excercise that only takes a few minutes is to read this again and replace the words love or charity with “I” See how that feels. God will test your heart, (he’s really good at that) and it will serve as a good starting place for all of us when we ask God to help us be more like him.

    Keep Paul’s words close to your heart, not only as we enter the season of holidays and gift giving, but throughout the year. 


                   Blessings for a truly wonderful Holiday Season.

What you allow, defines you.

We've all heard this expression; "Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car". Most of us pretty much just giggle at it and decide it applies to someone else, right?
The truth is harsh.
It has everything to do with us, especially when we tell people, including ourselves, that we belong to Christ thus making us Christians.
What does that mean, anyway?


If we believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that he rose from the dead and is seated in heaven at the right hand of his father that should be enough, right?
The only way to the Father is through the son, right?
 There is a little more to it than that.

Titus 1:16 tells us that if we profess to know God, but deny him by our works (actions), we are detestable, disobedient and unfit for any good work.

There's that harshness again.
So what can we do that will show our good works?
We can start with our behavior. God is watching us, he misses nothing.

1 Peter 2:9 says we are to be a peculiar people. That means we’re different, we don’t behave like pagans. We  behave differently, we are no longer attracted to heathen thinking. We are new in Christ, we are also described as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood. We are to show forth the praises of him who called us out of darkness. into the marvelous light. We are to be representatives of Jesus and conduct ourselves accordingly. God will be there for us, and that is a promise.

A few months ago, I was working part time processing clothing at a department store. I really enjoyed the work, although I needed more hours. My community was preparing for the annual motorcycle rally when I came across a job for a part time cook for one of the vendors at the local Harley Davidson Store. I applied, was hired and given a schedule. The next day, the person who interviewed me called me and asked me if I would be interested in something more permanent.
It seemed her daughter was the GM at a local hotel which was in need of a breakfast cook.
It all happened so fast I felt like I just fell into the job. It was kind of odd. I accepted the position,  and began questioning my decision to do so almost immediately. My immediate supervisor was a hothead, prone to temper tantrums; during which he would say some very unkind and insulting things to others. The hotel brought on yet another chef, this time with a very impressive degree from the Cordon Blue. She had no intention of putting up with the hot head, it only took him insulting her twice before she threw down her apron and walked out the door.
In the meantime, the Holy Spirit told me that I would not be there much  longer myself. His words provided me with much food for thought and I began to wonder what was going to happen that would bring on my demise. .
Silly me. We can never, ever out think God!
Soon yet another Food and Beverage Manager was hired, the third in less than six months. This guy hailed from New York. His self adoration left very little room for the need for anyone else to grow fond of him. He was prone to angry outbursts complete with some of the most foul language I have ever endured. He claimed that foul language, fits of rage and occasional flying objects were all par for the course in restaurant land. Once foul language came out of his mouth, it was as if the staff took it as license to go crazy with him at the lead. I knew then why my papa God didn't want me there to deal with it.

The next morning I was pushing a char grill out of the way so I could roll in my flattop, something I did every day. On this particular occasion, for some crazy reason, the grill tipped over.
I was shocked and beyond flabbergasted! How in the world?

The boss came out of his office to see what the crash was and began yelling and screaming obscenities at me. He then grabbed his phone and began to "document the incident".
It all seemed so surreal. I knew exactly what was going to happen next and it did. I got fired
God is so good. The word that he gave me not only prepared me mentally for something to happen that would end my job, but also provided me with a peace that surpassed all understanding and the knowledge that I have a father in heaven who loves me so much that he doesn't want me to be subjected to the heathen behavior and language that was going on at that workplace.

We are a peculiar people. In this world of filthy language, lies and trickery He defends us and allows us to show that we are different, we are indeed peculiar. We don't take part in pagan behavior. We are His. So do not be afraid to be different! Don't be afraid to be Godly and worthy of the seat in Heaven next to Ashua. We ARE different and our works show it, or at least they should. We are a cut above because we belong to Him.

In a side note, when I went in to pick up my final paycheck, the front desk associate informed me that the new executive chef had been fired.
Gods a busy man!

Sanctuary of Tranquility: As Christians, Are We Allowing Fear of the Truth t...

Sanctuary of Tranquility: As Christians, Are We Allowing Fear of the Truth t...: For I want you to know  how great a  struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face,  2  t...

As Christians, Are We Allowing Fear of the Truth to Divide Us?

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:1-3

Because I was on a small vacation, I attended church this past Sunday with a friend in her hometown. The church we attended was one I had previously attended for several years. It has become one of many churches that are struggling to capture and keep a steady congregation.
It started small and then moved into a huge venue with all the bells and whistles; coffee in the lobby, trendy flooring, a very cool paint job and steampunk decor. Sadly, all of those things weren't enough to keep people coming and they have now gone back to a small venue.
What are people seeking?
Whatever it is, it was obviously not found there.
During the sermon, an associate pastor was teaching that Jesus should always be first and foremost in our minds, hearts, and lips, except in places like our jobs, as we don't want to mention his name, annoy someone, and run the risk of losing said job, right?
That offended me.
My mind went immediately to John the Baptist and I felt as though this pastor was advising people to deny Christ. No! As Christians, we can't ever do that! There's no turning back, remember?
O.K., so granted, our jobs are important. No one is asking you to jump up on a break room table and deliver a sermon; (unless it's in your heart and Holy Spirit led), and then if you want to do that, it would be great! Living in fear of annoying someone because of your adoration of Jesus Christ is no way to live, no one to show that adoration.

Matthew 10:30-31  But even the hairs on your head are numbered. 31. Fear not, therefore: you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also acknowledge before my Father who is in Heaven. 

Fairtrade is it not? 

Remember, God always has contingencies. 

If you value and honor Him, 

He will never forsake you...not ever.
  

4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. 6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:4-7

I understood what that young pastor was saying. ...honoring Jesus before others can present a risk. However, sugar coating the Bible is lying...it's misinforming and that presents an even bigger risk.
When we are reluctant to be a teacher of the truth we are misinforming the flock.
Advising people that it is ok to deny Christ to keep your job is first and foremost a lie.
Put God first and he will see that and you will always be taken care of.

Don't let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high sounding nonsense that comes from the spiritual powers of this world rather than from Christ. Colossians 2:8

Before I left for vacation I had coffee with a friend who has a twenty-seven-year-old son who is a homosexual, in an active relationship. This scenario was making his mom a tad bit uncomfortable so she set up an appointment with one of the pastors from their church; which is a huge, very popular church in my home town, and discussed her son with him. The pastor gave her a book to read which defends homosexual behavior, stating that as long as both parties have good relationships with Jesus not to worry about them. 
Whoa!. 
The look on my face when she said that made her quite defensive. I am sorry if that is the case, but read your Bibles, my friends. Don't seek the truth from some paper back book that someone gives you that will support your version of that truth. 
Don't read books about the book, read the book!!
Discover what it says for yourself and then believe it. Don't run from the truth, you are only fooling yourself. Face the truth, even if it makes you squirm in your seat. Even if it causes you to deal with your family and friends differently and harder yet, even if some of them walk away. 
Choose Christ. Choose the truth. 

 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. Colossians 2:9