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Posts Tagged ‘Christian’

by Cindie York

Philippians 4:6-7

Prayer is the communication with God through Christ and the Holy Spirit. Just as any physical relationship requires communication, the spiritual relationship between the Christian and God requires communication. Communication is the fundamental part of any healthy relationship. This is how we understand one another’s thoughts, feelings, needs, desires, etc.

We must have prayer to stay in fellowship with God. The Bible reminds us in Matthew 6:6, but when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father secretly. Then your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you.

It is important to pray the scriptures. This is the powerful written word of God. These scriptures are promises of God that we can claim victory, declare healings, or even rebuke the enemy. Praying the scriptures allow the Christian to pray with faith, hope, boldness, and truth.

There is power in prayer. Prayer can change any circumstance or situation. Prayer lifts burdens, strengthens our spirit, provides comfort, gives opportunity to voice needs, allows us to ask forgiveness, to seek directions, to intercede for others in need, and is a wonderful weapon against Satan and his demonic forces.

Prayer is a wonderful outlet to relieve stress, anxiety, worry, and fear. Why? Because we are encouraged knowing that God hears our prayers and knows our thoughts. He can wipe away every tear from our eyes, turn sorrow into joy, fear into courage, and anxiety into peace. Nothing is too big, and nothing is too small for the God with unlimited ability and resources. The same God who merely spoke the world into existence, who knows where every blade of grass has sprouted from the ground, who knows every star by name, who knows every hair upon our heads, cares about what we care about, who loves us unconditionally and eternally and will not withhold blessings from His children.

Don’t take prayer lightly. It is every Christian’s responsibility to maintain a strong, healthy, and powerful prayer life. And always with any prayer, be sincere and reverent. Always give honor, glory, thanks and praise to our remarkable Savior. Take time to talk to the Lord, let Him know that you love Him enough to spend time in fellowship with Him. If you are not in the routine of praying, you will lose touch with God from the lack of communication, simple as that.

~ ~ ~

I have been a Christian for 18 years. I am one of the Sunday School teachers at our local church. I enjoy Bible study and growing in the knowledge of God’s word. My Christian friends and I enjoy writing Bible studies for one another and I would like to share them with others.

Father God, here I am. I’m resting in the pasture that you’ve provided for me. Yet, I’m still restless. I feel underutilized. You know me, better than I know myself. You know that my ability to be patient requires that you have patience with me.

Lord, there are so many things I can do…or not do. I can sit and “be still” and know you are God while I focus on what you’ve given me for right now, such as learning how to be a better father, a better husband, a better son, and a more disciplined disciple. Or, I can attempt to do much more, beyond my daily responsibilities. Lord, won’t you please help me. Show me, dear Father, what you will have me to do. I give you all that I am and all that I hope to become. Mold me into who I need to be so that you can work through me to accomplish Your will.

And, along those lines, convict my heart to understand the difference between trying to be successful as opposed to being faithful. Whether my purpose is to accomplish something small or great, I know I can’t do anything without you. I’ve been there, tried to move ahead of your loving hand, and made others suffer the consequences. I’m sorry. Forgive me.

What is your plan for my life? Guide me. Teach me. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

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Romans 10:9-10 (NLT)

Having just started listening to the Book of John, I am moved by the Spirit to once again acknowledge and proclaim that it’s ALL about Jesus! Nothing in this life matters above our call to know, love, and accept the grace and mercy of Him, our Savior.

I recall in my early and first experience in the Adventist faith, I was taught primarily about the laws and proper code of conduct for disciples through the teaching of Ellen G. White. Many, who have come to know me today, believe me to be anti-law, and anti-Ellen White. While I would disagree with that connotation on so many levels, I would agree that I am first and foremost all about Jesus.

And what’s wrong with that?

Nothing. Even Ms. White herself wrote: “This hypocrisy [of the Pharisees] Christ declared would bring them the greater damnation. The same rebuke falls upon many in our day who make a high profession of piety. Their lives are stained by selfishness and avarice, yet they throw over it all a garment of seeming purity, and thus for a time deceive their fellow men. But they cannot deceive God.”— Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 614.

Jesus warned his disciples to be on guard against the yeast, or deceptive teaching of the religious leaders of the day. I believe the same can be said or us in this time. I recall a bible study lesson that I gave recently where one of the discussion questions was as follows:

Whatever we might have to say about the Pharisees, one point we shouldn’t forget. They were members of God’s remnant church, the elite of the only faith in the world that had present truth. What’s the message, and warning, for us in that fact?

I believe that occasionally, some Adventists adopt an attitude and behavior that can only be described as “holier than thou.” Because of their claim to the fullness of truth that the Adventist faith offers, some fall into the trap of hypocrisy. Their outward demeanor and interactions, or lack thereof, with others screams out load with their disdain for anything that is inconsistent with their understanding of the truth. And, they wear their disdain with honor, like the Pharisees wore their long robes with the extra long tassels.

They pay their tithes to the penny, but neglect to volunteer for community service, or social outreach. They claim enlightenment of healthful living and a vegan lifestyle as a manifestation of their faith. Yet, they’ll eat a cow when no one is looking. Or, they lie in waiting for a newcomer to visit, telling them to do this, or do that, but not this, or not that, in order to make disciples of ideals rather than Jesus. And the newcomers listen because these hypocrites appear righteous. But, on the inside they are full of selfish ambition and greed for attention.

The message, the warning for all of us is to remember that regardless of our station in life, or our current understanding of the truth we’ve been allowed to have, we are all the same; sinful, and unworthy of the gift we have in Jesus.

And, in the end, that’s why it’s all about Jesus.

In Mark 4, I listen again to the Parable of the Sower. And, I am moved.

While the parable clearly refers to the Gospel and our response to it, I’m struck by how true the parable is for any truth that is shared in our lives. Truth, as I’ve mentioned before, is available for all. There is no shade under the sun where Truth can be hidden. We can shield our ears and eyes from it. But, that doesn’t change the fact that the Truth is for all.

Over the course of our lives, when we allow God to direct our paths, He leads us through the valley. And along the way, He shares knowledge, wisdom, and understanding to implement into our daily lives. While this knowledge, wisdom, and understanding are not the Gospel, it nonetheless is still truth, and blessings that come from Him. How do we respond to these lesser seeds of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding?

I was moved by the Holy Spirit to reconsider how I have responded to recent truth. I’ve been “hesitant” to move down that path. I’ve grown comfortable in the valley that the Lord made available to me. So, when the idea of moving on was presented to me, I resisted. I was a big fish in this small pond. And, I liked it. But recently, I’ve been allowed to see the ocean, and the blue whales that make it their home. The Lord has provided His grace and blessing to show me the way that I too may swim with the whales.

Something has been holding me back though. Too much mud. Or, as in the parable, too many weeds. Some might call it fear of the unknown. But, I don’t know if it’s fair to call it fear, ‘cause I don’t “feel” fear. What I do feel, however, is a lack of faith; a lack of trust.

Forgive me, Father.

In this regard, the knowledge, wisdom, and understanding that He’s offered to share with me have, thus far, fallen on hard soil. Fortunately, His appointed farmer is still able and willing to tend to my fields. And prayerfully, the hearing of His word during my daily commute will be the life giving rain that is needed for the seeds to germinate. And, to that end, every seed must die before it can germinate. Plainly stated, I must die to my selfish desires on a daily basis, pick up my cross, trust in Him who loves me, and follow.

Dear Jesus, into thy hands, I give to thee. I want to believe!

Matthew 9:10-13 (NLT)

Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?”

When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”

As I drove along and listened to the Bible Experience, I listened to the passage above and thought to myself, “Am I a victim of my own protectionist walls.” Not long ago, I was persecuted by some members of my own local church family regarding my plans to invite the community to join us for a series of picnics in our yard. I responded to these critics by informing them that Jesus desires for us to share His word with the world. And the world, as I continued, is beyond our walls.

If Jesus was willing to sit, visit, and eat with those who were “cast aside” by the “enlightened” ones, shouldn’t we model our outward ministry to others in the same manner.

Something to think about…

Matthew 7:6 – - Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.

Ellen G. White writes that we are “wonderfully and fearfully” made. My appreciation of that statement is heightened by my study of the bujyutsu of Japan, i.e. martial arts.

During this morning’s commute, my Bible Experience brought to mind a book that I’ve been introduced through my training. The information therein originated in Japan and is thousands of years old. More specifically, the book discusses and describes the abilities we all have as humans when we are first and foremost connected to Him, who made us. The book was compiled by an individual who rightfully and respectfully gives homage to God as the actual author. In fact, he says of himself that he is merely the recipient of God’s truth and a willing vessel to share for future generations.

This book is available to anyone. It can be purchased on the internet. Or, it can be borrowed from any library in Japan. And still, although the information is in plain sight, the truth that is available within is fully hidden. In fact, only a handful of individuals throughout history can honestly claim to have achieved the teachings.

Why?

Jesus used parables to teach many truths. He would say, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” (Matt 13:9, NLT)

When His disciples wondered and asked why He didn’t just make it plain, He told them, “You are permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.” (Matt 13:11-12, NLT)

For those without an ear to hear, or an eye to see, or a heart to feel as given by the blessing of God Himself, can not contemplate and/or imagine the manifestation that comes from the truth that is given to us.

Initially, after receiving the insight of the contents of the book mentioned above, I wanted to tell all who were interested in the bujyutsu of my good fortune. I wanted them to know that they too could have the same opportunity. When they showed their skepticism or their lack of belief, I engaged them in debate. I sought out every objection they held dear in order to overcome them. I wanted to enable those individuals to see the truth as it has been shared with me, and seek the opportunity to capture it.

My efforts were in vain and disdained. Moreover, I found myself doing to them what I find to be reprehensible amongst some of us as Adventists; citing a higher sense of truth and enlightenment while making others feel less about what truth they have themselves. Moreover, I found myself struggling with discouragement. The enemy, through the “inner me,” spoke to me often. I began to question and vacillate. If this is the truth, why then is there so much resistance to accepting it,” I wondered.

I forgot. The Gospel is for all. But not all will accept it. Truth is for all. But not all will be able to attain the fullness of it.

No matter how on fire we can be to evangelize and share the truth and the way, many will turn their backs to it. Still, we must not allow ourselves to become discouraged. We can’t lose sight of the fact that as they first rejected Him, most will reject us, because of Him.

Believe!

A few weeks ago, I started a new job. I’m very thankful of the opportunity to work and support my family. It is a blessing that arrived right on time and not a minute too soon. God is good…all the time.

However, my commute is upwards of an hour to an hour and a half, each way. Initially, I dreaded the commute. But, for the past couple of days, I’ve had the pleasure of listening to the Bible Experience.

I began my journey in the New Testament, listening to the Book of Matthew. And although I’ve read through the Gospels many times over, I’m in awe of how the Holy Spirit moves me through certain passages. I will endeavor to bring these ‘movings’ of the Spirit to you as I continue this journey Along the Way.

When I lead a discussion during Sabbath School, I find a sense of ‘encouragement,’ for lack of a better word, when the sermon that follows continues upon the same theme. One might assume that this would be a frequent occurrence. But, on the contrary, it is not always the case.

The pastor prepares his sermons well in advance. Due to the fact that he has three church congregations, sits on no less than six New Jersey Conference level committees, and holds a departmental position, he is in a word, busy! Thus, he trusts his congregation leaders to fulfill their missions. As such, he is not aware from one week to the next what we are studying in Sabbath School. So, when the occasion arises where his sermon and the Sabbath School lesson are “in synch,” it is a very strong blessing to all of us in attendance that can only be considered from God.

Recently, I submitted a post entitled, “They Just Don’t Get It.” There within, I attempted to acknowledge that our salvation has nothing to do with our ability to behave in a certain manner. Rather, our salvation is a gift, which is everything we base our hopes upon. That said, even though we accept the gift of salvation, we are called to live a changed life; a life that reflects our love for Jesus and accepting the truth that He shares with us.

This past weekend, once again, my pastor’s sermon and I were “in synch.” Specifically, consider the words of Paul in Philippians 3:12-14:

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Paul emphasizes that he doesn’t consider himself to have been “saved.” Rather, he considers himself called to a responsibility to “press toward the goal” of the prize. The prize is of course the crown of heaven. He is NOT saying that he has to work for his prize. Rather, he is saying that he is always striving to be like Christ and thus completely live his life fully for Him. In short, it’s a mindset that we, as Christians, should adapt: to model our lives to be like Christ.

In Corinthians 11:1 Paul says, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

My pastor, Mike Gill, said this past Sabbath, “We can’t think of ourselves of having made it yet. Oh, we can have confidence that God will finish the work he has begun in us. Because we are saved by grace, through faith and not of ourselves but through a gift of God, we can trust in the gift giver…Paul has no trust that he has reached a level of perfection that is worthy of Heaven’s approval. [Rather, he] trusts that those justified in the Father’s sight are seen as perfect solely based on the merits of Christ.

“There is always room for growth in all of us.”

By spending time in His presence, one way God reveals His will to us is through the passions of our heart. By setting a torch to our soul, God shows us His plans for us. For Jeremiah, He gave a fire for hard hearts. For Nehemiah, He gave a fire for Jerusalem. And for Isaiah, He gave fire for a vision he couldn’t resist. Everyone that was called by God received a fire in their heart…a driving passion that revealed God’s will.

It works the same today. What is the fire in your heart?

And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will. [Romans 8:27 NLT]

As for me, I’ve had many passions in my life. But, to be honest, many came from the enemy as thorns to choke out the seeds of God’s truth.

I recall one such passion that I had as a young man was to have my own jet. I didn’t want to fly commercial. Not even first-class. I wanted my own Gulfstream jet. I wanted to be able to call my pilot, tell him/her that I wanted to have dinner in some exotic location, and have them fly me and a guest there and back on my command. This passion was so strong that I patterned many decisions in my life from this foolishness.

While in my junior year of college, and after having “washed out” from my first experience with the church, I saw the movie, “Wall Street” with Michael Douglas. In fact, I’m one of the folks that got mad with Bud Fox for ratting out Gordon Gekko. From that point forward, I was on a mission. Throughout college, my grades were average. I did okay. I didn’t make an effort to do well. I just wanted to do just enough to be “in the mix.” But, after seeing the movie, I settled for nothing less than being the best. My grades went from average to almost perfect in my senior year.

Coupled with watching the movie, I read the autobiography of Reginald F. Lewis. After that, I knew what I had to do. My first job out of college was within the accounting department of a very large, international law firm. I salivated as I watched these lawyers get six-figure bonus checks and drive their sexy cars. I wanted that, and more! As far as I could see, it looked like the land of milk and honey.

Thou shalt not covet. [Exodus 20:17 KJV]

Instead of going to law school like Mr. Lewis, I decided to get my MBA. I figured I wouldn’t waste time being a lawyer when what I really wanted was to be a force on Wall Street. Around this time, I think God must have said to Himself about me, “enough already. This little sheep is about to go a bit too far off the green pasture that I’ve laid out for him.”

The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. [Psalm 23:1 KJV]

Slowly, but most assuredly, He began to refine me in His furnace. I rebelled. I fought tooth and nail to pursue “my” passion. I wore myself out. The demon of my selfish ambition was defeated. All that was left of me was a weak shell of a man. All I could do at that point was say to Him, “here I am. Do with me as you will.”

Years passed. He allowed me to have some success. But, once again, I started to feel that yearn for a abundant success that I could pass on to my children, and my children’s children. Sometimes I think God looks at me and just shakes His head while He giggles at my folly.

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth,…” [Matthew 6:19]

Today, after the various stages of my development and walk with Him, I’ve tried to not just hear, but act upon the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit. One of the things that I’ve learned is that God doesn’t negotiate. We’re not going to be able to convince Him that our plan(s) is better. I whined and moaned to Him that the gifts He has given me gifts to use don’t make enough money. I can make a ‘cagolazillion’ dollars a year, give all of it back to charity, do something good for Him, and still be outside of His will for me. How do I know? Because the walk, the process of doing anything outside of His will, for those who are called, makes one miserable. It’s that simple.

I should have never pursued an MBA. I look back on that decision today and I wonder, what was I thinking. I can’t stand the administration of business. And, although ‘hate’ is a strong word, I can use it here safely and not be concerned about overstating my feelings, or lack thereof about it. God may indeed want someone else to make a ‘cagolazillion’ dollars per year. But, as far as I can tell, that’s not for me, at least, not in a manner that I’m currently familiar.

To that end, find His will for your life by following the passions of your heart that have been submitted to Him.

Do you have a passion to sing? Then sing.

Do you have a passion for the ill? Then learn to treat them.

Do you have a passion for the lost? Then learn to teach and impart wisdom to them.

Do you have a passion to write a blog and share your personal testimony of the lessons you’ve learned, and those that you continue to learn, each day…along the way? Then write.

As my current pastor says, “the fire of your heart is the light of your path. Disregard it at your own expense.”

On the road to Emmaus, two disciples had disregarded the word of God. Rather than consult the scriptures, they listened to their fears. Fortunately, the greatest Teacher of all joined them and proceeded to conduct a bible study.

I liken reading the word of God to receiving a personal letter from Him to us. God uses scripture to reveal His will to us. More specifically, I believe that for every situation ‘under the sun’ there is a solution to be found in the bible. It is up to us to prayerfully seek the answer to our questions. The answers don’t always jump out and say, “Here I am.” Sometimes, the journeys to find the answers we seek take us down a path to answers to questions we didn’t know we had.

In Matthew 13, where after sharing the parable of the farmer sowing seeds, the disciples asked Jesus why he didn’t just make His explanations plain. He answered by telling them that those who sincerely seek understanding shall find it, while others will lose what little understanding they had. Today, it works the same way. We read the bible. Those of us who sincerely desire to have the truth planted in our hearts will gain understanding. The rest of us will become frustrated and allow the bible to collect dust, or worse.

Parable: Farmer Sowing Seed (Matthew 13:3-9 NLT)

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seeds. As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them. Other seeds fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seeds sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plants soon wilted under the hot sun, and since they didn’t have deep roots, they died. Other seeds fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants. Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

The word of God is the seed of the farmer. Some of us read the bible. But, Satan fills our minds with doubt, uncertainty, fear, or a constant badgering of our past sins to make us feel unworthy. Although we hear and feel the word in our hearts, Satan snatches it away. In this manner, the seed falls on the footpath, withers and dies.

Some of us read the bible and become giddy with joy and excitement. We’re elated to find that God understands our situation and has given us an answer. But, that giddiness doesn’t last. The reality of placing the answers we receive in to practice taxes our emotions. Frustration sets in. The seed of wisdom is lost in the rocky soil.

For others, reading the bible is a staple in their lives. Yet, far too often, the moment the bible is closed, the concerns of the day take precedence. Although these individuals know the value of His word, they have not yielded to it, or Him. Thus, they are overly concerned with their own capacity to manage their lives and the pursuit of prosperity. The seed was lost amongst the thorns.

Finding His will for our lives is a matter of allowing the seeds to be planted in a fertile heart. Even so, to yield fruit and live the quality of life in which we are called, requires more than mere reading and hearing Him speak to us. James 1:22-24 (NLT) says it best:

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.

To find His will, we must read His word, and do what it says. Be prepared, and remember what I said earlier, sometimes we receive answers to questions we either didn’t know we had, or we weren’t prepared to discuss with Him. In that case, yield to Him. He desires to teach you something more than what you seek. He is preparing you for something you have not considered. He won’t force you. Rather, you must yield. Allow your heart to be receptive so that the seeds He plants will find fertile soil.

Earlier this year, I found myself having some challenges and difficulty reconciling my walk with God and the manifestation of certain events in my life. One Sabbath morning, in my attempt to more closely communicate with Him, I didn’t go to bible study, or to church. My family went without me. I, on the other hand, went to the park. My ambition was to “walk and talk” in solitude with my Father. I needed some direction and I thought the best way for me to get the answers that I needed was to isolate myself with Him.

Later in the day, I spoke with a friend and a senior leader of the church who asked me where I was, and if I was alright.

“I needed to speak with my Daddy,” I told him.

“Hmmm…,” was the sound of his reply. Knowing him as I do, I could tell that he had a difference of opinion as to my Sabbath morning methodology for speaking with God.

Later that same week, I had the opportunity to visit with my friend and listen to him speak to me, and a few others about a completely different subject. Yet, within those words, I found guidance for my dilemma.

Ephesians 4 speaks about unity in the body of Christ. More specifically, in verses 15-16 we read:

15 – - Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

16 – - From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

In other words, God gives each part of His body an assignment. On the day of His resurrection, Christ used a few disciples to carry His message to the others. Today, I believe that Christ still speaks to believers through other believers. Whether it is in prayer meeting, bible study, during a sermon, or even a conversation in the foyer, or while sharing a meal after the service, God can speak to us through others.

There have been plenty of times where after teaching a bible study lesson, one or many individuals will approach me to say, “thank you; that lesson spoke to my heart.” Similarly, during my home church’s monthly fellowship lunch after service, I’ve seen many instances of people encouraging one another, lifting them up, and giving them a word from God.

I had forgotten that fact when I decided to take my “walk and talk” that Sabbath morning. Unwittingly, I gave Satan a victory. Satan doesn’t want us to go to church because He knows that although God visits with us collectively, He still speaks to us individually through other believers. It was a lesson I needed to learn. When we find ourselves in a “spiritual slump,” the solution is not isolation in order to feel free to moan, groan, and slump our shoulders and cry out to the Lord for answers. Rather, we belong in church. Conversely, when we are on a “spiritual roll,” we need to humble ourselves before God, go to church and allow Him to use us according to His will. He may send someone that needs to hear God’s message through us.

Without a hint of uncertainty, there have been plenty of times where I would have been able to avoid “stepping in it” if I had been able to clearly understand the will of God. Every Christian knows that God has a plan and that plan is good. But, the question that remains is how to make the plan real…how to know with full clarity what He wants every step of the way.

I recall giving a bible study and being asked, “if God could part the Red Sea, why can’t He figure out a way to send us a text message? I laughed. I mean, honestly, it would be most convenient if all we had to do was to check our Blackberry for a message from God that told us exactly what to do. All we’d have to do is stop and ask a question in prayer, and wait for our answer to vibrate in our hands. Or better yet, why not just send us an email each morning after we pray that outlines our day for us. Hmmm…imagine that.

Nevertheless, even though God doesn’t use email to the best of my knowledge, He has made it too easy to receive guidance. But, how?

On the Road to Emmaus

“We were hoping that he would free Israel,” Luke 24:21

I can recall many times where I thought the Lord was leading me in a certain direction only to find out the end result was not what I had thought it would be. On the road to Emmaus, during the day of the Savior’s resurrection, two disciples found themselves moaning, groaning, and slouching their way home because Jesus had done something different than they expected, at least in their perception of things. I often wonder how anyone who could have been so close to Jesus, close enough for Him to wash their stinking, muddied feet, could be so confused about what He wanted, and of His plan for all of us. By their behavior, one could believe that Jesus was still in the tomb.

Imagine, Jesus had just redeemed the world and they were disappointed and complaining about Rome. Jesus came to this earth to conquer sin and death. But, these guys wanted Jesus to deal with Caesar and soldiers. Sometimes, we just want what we want. We don’t stop to think or even consider the larger picture. Just like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we need to know how to understand God’s will.

God is not a God of confusion. Where ever He sees a sincere heart seeking His will, God will do whatever it takes to help that individual have an undeniable conviction so that they may know in their hearts and minds. On the road to Emmaus, the discouraged disciples saw the death of Jesus as the death of a movement. Frustrated, they packed their bags and headed home.

When a lamb takes a wrong turn and misses the pasture, the Good Shepherd is unwilling to let it wander too far. He will come for the lamb and guide it home. That’s what Jesus did for these disciples. And, that’s still what He does for us today in a very simple process.

I have come to accept that God doesn’t make mistakes. Nor does He do things by coincidence.

During bible study yesterday, we studied the life of Paul. More specifically, we talked and deliberated upon his place as a great missionary, regardless of his God-given handicaps. In fact, it is Paul that tells us in 2 Corinthians 12:9 what Jesus told him, “My grace is sufficient for thee. My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Later during church service, I witnessed through my very own eyes the manifestation of the words Jesus spoke to Paul.

Her name is Mary Grace. She has one hand and a stub at the elbow for the other. Moreover, she must wear special shoes since one leg is dramatically shorter than the other. Still, to my utter surprise, she played the piano with the grace of God shining through. She didn’t play with just one hand. Nope. She played with one hand and a stump. Her stump played the melody while her hand played the chords. The entire congregation seemed to say in unison, “wow.”

After playing for about 15 minutes, which was just long enough for everyone to pick up their jaw from the floor in astonishment, she stopped to offer her testimony. She told us that she wanted to be an inspiration to other differently-abled people. She thanked God for making her exactly the way that she is. From what I understand, the length of her stump is “just perfect” for playing. If it was an inch longer, or an inch shorter, she would not be able to play as she does.

She continued to play and to bless us all. And, at the end of the very special service, she showed us what it means to give God the glory for the things He has done.

Read more about Mary Grace and her ministry here.