Quiet Moments With God - Tapestry of Life

A friend of ours died yesterday. Each time there is a death I think of life. Memories of good times and bad fill my mind. But inevitably my thoughts wander to my own life. Am I wasting the days I've been given or have I  made the most of them? 

The day we draw our first breath a clock begins ticking and continues until we draw our last.  Each day is designed and given by God. They are His gift to us. Gifts are meant to be cherished and used, not set high on a shelf where they are forgotten. 

Days slip by - weeks - months - years. When we look back what do we see? Have we reached out to others? Have we loved well? Have we enjoyed the gifts given and shared them with others? What about the time we've spent with friends and loved ones? Did we sing songs together - tell stories or play games? Have we enjoyed a good book or a good meal with someone we care about? Did we hold someone's hand during a hard time or when we prayed together or rejoiced together? Have we cherished this precious place called earth? Have we prepared for heaven and told others that heaven waits for them too? Did we tell people about Jesus? 

What have we done with our days?

There are only so many to live. They are numbered, a number known only by God. They may seem endless, but that is a deception. For one day we are here and then, like a mist, we are gone. When our day comes to say farewell will we be at rest, knowing we've cherished the moments? Or will we anguish over a life squandered? 

Each day is filled with promise. Treasure them. 

God walks alongside us. He knows the beginning and the end. And in the Master's hands our lives become a tapestry woven with brilliant reds, deep blues and vibrant greens that shimmer with the beauty of life.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie 

Quiet Moments With God -- Dare To Be A Disciple

Easter weekend has come and gone, but so many images of Jesus life and death remain with me. I watched the Passion of the Christ, as I always do this time of year, as well as the mini series on the history channel, The Bible. There were many thoughtful posts on Facebook. And images from Easter Sunday church are still with me.

It is Monday, but I haven't left Easter behind. And my mind is captivated by Jesus' disciples.  

Last night after watching the final episode of The Bible I was glad to see that they didn't exclude what followed the resurrection of Christ. The disciples who were closest to Christ suffered greatly. Many were killed for their faith.

When speaking to the disciples in John chapter fifteen, verses18-21 this is what Jesus said. If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? A slave is not greater than the master. Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And me, for they have rejected the One who sent me.

The disciples didn't fully understand what was in their future or their Lord's future, but they followed. When the Holy Spirit came to them after Jesus' death, they knew what they were meant to do and they did it, understanding that they would be persecuted and that some of them would die.

I don't know what is ahead for Christians here in the United States. It seems persecution toward Christians is on the rise. In places around the globe Christians are dying because of their faith. Even so, we are called to share God's truth with the world, with our neighbors, and even with those we know only via the internet. In that case, what a beautiful gift technology is.

Sadly, too many believers have decided that their own salvation is enough. They are wrong--it is not. Oh, heaven is waiting for all believers, but God has asked us to be His disciples.

It's scary to step out. We ask -- What can I do? Who am I, to tell others? I'm no one special. I'm not a great speaker. I'm not a theologian or a teacher.

And so I ask, who did Jesus choose? A tax collector, fishermen, everyday fellows, not learned scholars. As a brand new believer I was filled with the joy of my new life and I was compelled to tell everyone about Jesus and what He had done for me. I didn't know much, except that my heart was filled with joy and hope instead of despair. And I knew God loved me. And so armed with very little knowledge but much zeal I told anyone who would listen, about Jesus. Not everyone appreciated my fervor.  :-)

I never imagined that one day I would teach Bible studies, speak to women's groups or write books. All that mattered then was that I wanted others to know Jesus and how beautiful it felt to belong to Him. And that they could know joy and be assured that one day they would live with God in heaven. All they had to do was believe.

Discipleship is a risk. But if we begin first with our love of God and if we believe and then step out, God will do the rest. He will open the doors, and then we must step through them. Like newborn colts, we may stand on wobbly legs but the Lord will help us walk and the Holy Spirit will guide and teach.

I do not know what the future holds. Life is uncertain and the world is a scary place. But this world is not our home. We are only passing through. How wonderful would it be if while we are here we help others know the One True God so they may also spend eternity in His Heavenly Kingdom.

I will be forever grateful for the first band of disciples. Without their faith and courage I would never have known my Savior. And I am grateful for the men and women who have come alongside me to help me along on my journey. Thank you, Kathy, Alice, Lois, Ed and . . . well there is too long a list, but I am not the same because of those who were willing to step out of their comfort zones and reach out to me.

Do you have someone you'd like to thank or tell us about? I'd love to hear!

Go, therefore, and tell the world!

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Today's Thoughts -- Which Prisoner Are You?

This is a somber day, for Christians. It is a day that we remember and grieve the death of our Lord, Jesus Christ. And always on this day, I read the account of His death.

Today, I'd like to take a closer look at the two prisoners who were crucified with Jesus. One was cast into hades that day and the other knew paradise..

Luke 23: 32-43

Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with Him. When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed Him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified--one on his right and one on his left.

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.

The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. "He saved others," they said. "let him save himself if he is really God's Messiah, the Chosen One." The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. They called out to Him, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself! A sign was fastened to the cross above him with these words, "This is the King of the Jews."

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed. "So you're the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself--and us, too, while you're at it!"

But the other criminal protested, "Don't you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn't done anything wrong. Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom."

And Jesus replied, "I assure you today you will be with me in paradise."


So, which are you? The sinner who sees his sin or the one who refuses to look?

It's not easy to see ourselves as we truly are. We'd like to imagine that we always have others best interests at heart. And that even the "small" sins we engage in aren't really that bad. We want to believe that we are "good enough" and that when the day arrives when we step out of this world and into the next that God will recognize our goodness and welcome us into heaven. But there is no one who is good enough. We all need a Savior.

Be brave--look into a mirror with a clear reflection--one that reveals your heart. I wince at what I see, especially when I consider what Jesus did for me. "Thank you, Jesus."

God loves us so much that He provided a Savior so that even a sinner like me will see heaven and be part of His eternal Kingdom. And Jesus, in obedience to His Father, went to the cross and sacrificed Himself for all mankind. We need only to believe.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for setting me free.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Heaven Waits

Heaven waits for us. God's Word tells us that His children will spend eternity with Him there. And God doesn't lie. These days I cling to this promise more and more.

My mother had open heart surgery four weeks ago. At age eighty-six we were uncertain that she'd survive the surgery, but she did. We were grateful, but the weeks that have followed have been harrowing and full of physical suffering.

I spent a week with my Mom when she had the surgery. When I felt that she was stable I returned home. Last weekend I made the trip north again to see her. She's been staying at a rehab center for three weeks and will remain there until she is strong enough and healthy enough to return home. It's been grueling for her.

While I was visiting last week, Mom's health declined and she developed an infection in the wound where her chest had been opened. Uncertain what was causing the pain and swelling in her chest she was rushed to a nearby hospital emergency room where doctors proceeded to poke and prod in search of an answer. It was torture for my mother and for those of us who love her. To make matters worse, we were told that she might have to face another surgery.

We waited, prayed and took turns sitting with her. When I sat with her I watched the monitors and her uneven breathing. She's so thin I could see the undulating rhythm of her heart through her chest wall.

When she stirred, I stood to check on her. She gazed up at me and a smile touched her lips. Her hazel eyes were alight with love and she said, "I'm so thankful you're here. I love you so much." I rested a hand on her cheek, then smoothed her forehead and told her what a wonderful mother she was and how much I loved her. It felt as if we were saying good-bye.

Even now when I think of that moment my eyes fill with tears. But they aren't tears of sorrow, though I feel that, they are tears of gratitude. How blessed I am to be loved so deeply and to love someone the way I do my mother. She blesses me and makes my life richer. To see her in the midst of suffering and yet be filled with gratitude and love is an amazing thing. Death was close, but Mom was not afraid for she believed God's promise of heaven.

Mom is still with us. She's better, but far from well. I don't know what the days ahead will bring. I do know that we each have a certain number of days on this earth, and then we will die. It is my prayer that my mother will have more good years here with us, but one day she will go home to God where many loved ones wait for her.

God's gift of His Son soothes me with peace in these difficult days. I think of heaven and imagine what it will be like to have all of eternity to share with those I love.


Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Remember Your Destination

My brother, Bruce, wrote to me this morning to tell me that a dear friend of his had died. This man had valiantly fought brain cancer for several years. Bruce told me he was at peace because of his assurance that his friend now resides in heaven.

We're all bound for heaven... or hell. There is no eternity here on earth. In the midst of living out our lives do we give much thought to where we'll one day spend our eternity? If you don't know, then I'd like to introduce you to Jesus Christ, the Son of God and our Savior. He allowed Himself to be ridiculed, beaten and then hung from a cross where He took on the sins of the world. His sacrifice assures every person who believes in Him a place in heaven. God's plan is not complicated. All we need to do is believe.

Those of us who know we're bound for heaven one day need to keep a couple of things in mind. Nothing here can be carried into heaven with us. Have you ever seen a U-haul trailer being towed behind a hearse? There's good reason why not--nothing goes with us.

Since we know that's true, why do you think we live as if possessions hold some sort of eternal value? I don't believe we live with this mind set intentionally. We just forget our final destination. None of the "stuff" we value in this world will matter. What does matter are people. Wouldn't it be better to open our hands, release our possessions and instead use our hands to embrace others?

I Corinthians 13:12-13 says, "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain; faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

It's all about love. Hug someone today.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Flowers for Crystal

Today my daughter and I took orange roses to the cemetery. Orange roses were my nineteen-year-old niece's favorite flower and orange was her favorite color. Today is the four year anniversary of her death. It feels like Crystal left us only yesterday. There is still a hole where she belongs. We miss her and long for her one of a kind smile and the great "Crystal Hugs" she used to give.

Yet, even with the pain of her absence my family and I are assured that the separation is only for a time. Crystal is in heaven. And God has promised that we will be reunited. I'm looking forward to a "Crystal Hug".

On my way to the cemetery I was thinking how different my perspective would be if I had no assurance of heaven. The tearing away of a loved one would be unendurable. I was overwhelmed with gratitude. God has made a way. He has given me hope and a future. I will see Crystal again and so many others who have already gone ahead.

John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Christ gave His life for me and because of His sacrifice I am assured of heaven--there is no guessing and wondering whether or not I get the gift of eternal life. It is mine, just because I believe.

Even the prisoner who hung beside Christ on our Lord's last day on earth was promised a place in heaven. He believed and the gift was his.

To know our farewells are temporary is the greatest comfort. But I think of those who have no hope. I remember. As a young woman I met each day with the terrifying thought that one day I would die. And then a friend introduced me to Christ. And I didn't have to be afraid any longer.

There are many who live in terror. Tell them about Jesus. God opens doors and provides opportunities. Don't be afraid. Love enough to take a risk. I'm grateful my dear friend, Kathy, took a chance and told me. Now I live with hope and when I take flowers to my loved one's graves I know it is only a place for them to be remembered--they aren't there--they wait, with The King, for a grand reunion.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie