July 2015 Archives
Rest in Him
I’ve not slept well the last few nights, and today I’m not feeling well. This, coupled with having a friend in the hospital, lots of work I can’t afford to get behind in, etc. can quickly turn into stress and anxiety, which then makes it harder to sleep and makes me feel worse. Thankfully, I have learned to rest in the Lord. At times when my body is weak, this is a much better way to handle life. Most of the time, I can’t change a situation but He can. Therefore, I have a choice: I can get frustrated and whine and cry (which I do at times) or I can stop what I’m doing and begin praising and acknowledging Him, thanking Him for His presence. I tell Him the things that are weighing on me, let Him know I need Him to take care of it for me, and, sometimes, I will even take a nap.
Nothing is too hard for God. We know that and, yet, many times we still act as if we have to do everything on our own. Many don’t have peaceful homes because they are too busy and stressed out to enjoy the many blessings God has given them.
Don’t fall into that trap. Make your home a haven. Place God’s Word around your home with key verses which are a reminder to you of what a great God you serve. When you find yourself yelling or crying, turn those things to prayer. He is there. He is simply waiting on your invitation to come in and fill you with peace. Won’t you allow Him to do that today?
Don’t Quit
Sometimes I wonder why God still bears with me when I still struggle so much. After so many years of serving Him and seeing His hand at work, there should never be a time that I doubt Him. But then I don’t think I doubt Him as much as I doubt myself. Even in that, I am constantly learning and hopefully growing. I expect this will be the case until He takes me Home.
God said that He would not strive with man forever (Genesis 6:3), but the Psalmist noted that God will not despise a broken and a humble heart (Psalm 51:17). We will never be perfect this side of Heaven (although we need to continually strive to be so); yet, when we fall, we must be quick to humble ourselves, admit our failure, get up, and try again. The Bible is full of imperfect people that God used but He knew their hearts were turned toward Him. If we never struggled, we may become full of pride, at which point we would be totally useless.
If you are struggling today and feel like a failure, ask God’s forgiveness. Realize that the enemy is trying to bring you down in order to render you totally ineffective for the Kingdom. I wish I knew who said that “God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.” That is definitely true in my life, and I expect it is in yours too.
So today, I just want to encourage you: Don’t quit. Keeping running the race. Do the best you can to faithfully do what God has called you to do. If He wanted it done perfectly, He could do it without you. All you need to do is do your best and let Him take care of the rest. Thank Him that He still has a work for you to do. After all, if He didn’t, you would not be here.
CD Review: Welcome Home (Joseph Habedank)
Two years ago, Joseph Habedank left his ten-year position as a singer for The Perrys due to an addition to prescription drugs. Shortly after that, he acknowledged his need for help and checked into a drug and alcohol center. After what must have been a very difficult, humbling time in his life, he emerged victoriously and, last year, released a CD of 10 very encouraging songs, all co-written by him.
Welcome Home is an uplifting song of welcome for the family of God.
“Jesus loves beggars Begging For Change.” I love that! When Jesus comes into your life, He will change your life. You simply need to surrender.
“When it seems it can’t be done, I know God is Big Enough.” A song of great encouragement for those who are down and beginning to feel that things are hopeless.
Life can be hard, even for Christians. Sometimes it’s very hard. “But I have Never No Never seen the righteous forsaken.”
The enemy is working hard to discourage God’s children; however, it is so important to realize that his words are Empty. We serve a God who has a great plan for your life in spite of what satan says.
The Beauty of the Blood was the #8 song on Singing News’ chart for last week. A beautiful song about the Cross and God’s love for us.
God can do Wonders With Water, including working through your tears.
Now I Know Him reminds us that, although we may know a lot about God and know Him to some degree, it is through the pain and tears that we come to know Him better than ever before.
A Little Bit of Thunder is another song of hope. No matter what is going on in the world, there is nothing to be afraid of. Our God is still in control.
“When the stage is bare and there’s nobody there, will it still be my prayer to live the life they all think I lead? And will I be like who I sing about When the Lights Go Down?” A powerful song of reflection. Are you the person everyone thinks you are, or are you living a double life? God is calling you to come Home. Allow Him to change you from the inside out. Receive the peace and joy that He gives to those who are willing to surrender to Him … even after the lights go down.
Jeremy Peace Joins The LeFevre Quartet
It’s been a while since I’ve been excited about a group membership change, but I am thrilled with the addition of Jeremy Peace to The LeFevre Quartet. I first met Jeremy several years ago, and I’ve been blessed by his focus and desire to serve the Lord. I’ve paid more attention to The LeFevre Quartet in recent years, and I am even more excited to hear them now. May God continue to bless this group as they serve Him.
Is Your Life in Line With God’s Will?
A friend sent me some Scripture verses this weekend. I have been reflecting on all of them but one she sent was Proverbs 16:2: “All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.” I especially noticed the first part of this verse: “All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes.” That is scary, Folks! The “if it feels good, do it” mentality is not Biblical. It brings to mind another equally scary verse: “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and cast out demons in Your name, and do many mighty works in Your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of iniquity'” (Matthew 7:22-23).
It is sobering to me to think about how many people think they are serving the Lord when in reality they are simply serving self. They are living a life where all men think well of them. They shrink at the slightest sign of persecution. They are too busy serving God that they no longer have time for the God they claim to serve.
In Luke 19:13, Jesus told a parable about a nobleman who told his servants, “Occupy till I come.” I believe this is God’s word to us today. It goes along with His call to His disciples: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Just because you are doing good things does not mean those are the things that God has called you to do. It is so vital that we draw near to God, hear His voice, and obey Him. This week, I am praying over the things I am doing and trusting God to show me those things that are fulfilling my calling and those things that aren’t. This may entail a job, a relationship, people I hang out with, etc. If there is anything that is right in my eyes but not in God’s, I pray He shows me those things so that I can switch gears. It is never too late to do this.
Thoughts On Unspoken Prayer Requests
A Facebook friend asked the following question:
How in the world do you pray for “special unspoken” prayer requests? If we don’t know what we are praying for, how can we effectively pray? I just don’t see unspoken requests as something that is Biblical. Is it? Are there any examples of this in the Bible?
This question caught my eye because I have struggled for a long time with unspoken prayer requests.
Growing up, we attended a church that would ask for prayer requests before the Wednesday evening prayer meeting. Every week, there would be a number of “unspoken” requests, many times from the same people week after week. Whether they always had the same need or just never felt like they could share their needs publicly, I don’t know but I confess that I was never able to bear their burdens because I did not know what their burden was.
I will not go so far as to say there is never a need to ask for prayer when you’re unable to disclose the reason you’re asking, and there are times that I do pray for unspoken requests if made by someone I know, but I will say that it is much better, when possible, to find someone that you know will pray and explain to them exactly what you’re going through. Make sure it is a legitimate prayer need and not just an excuse to gossip about your spouse or your children but, if you truly have a burden or something in your life you’re struggling with, it’s good to open up and know that someone is standing with you and sharing your load. They may also be able to give you some Biblical counsel that God will use to help you or your situation.
It is not a sin to ask prayer for an unspoken request or a private matter, and I do realize that God knows your need whether you tell another soul or not, but, as someone who is a strong believer in prayer, I am more likely to pray for a person who has shared a specific request. I will not pass that request on to another person without permission but I will pray.
If you are one who asks prayer for unspoken requests, I am not condemning you. I can’t say that I would never post a vague prayer request but, if you’re able, it is helpful if you can give some description of the nature of the prayer. Sometimes, for me, it may be as simple as I’m struggling with something, I’m discouraged, I need wisdom on a decision, etc. If I can give any information without airing dirty laundry about me or someone else, I will. If I have friends who are going through marriage trouble, I may be really burdened for them but I won’t ask others to pray if I can’t share the situation. Instead, I will intercede for them. Many ask for prayer and never pray themselves. That is not the point of prayer at all. If you are not willing to pray for this need yourself, don’t use “prayer requests” as a way to get sympathy. If you have a relationship with God, your prayer is as effective as anyone’s. Don’t underestimate that but, if you have even one friend standing with you in prayer, it is even more powerful (Matthew 18:20). It does not need to be a room full of people praying for a need they don’t know and may not care about.
I think sometimes people just want to know people love them and feel some support. These are times to maybe admit “I’m struggling or going through a difficult valley. Would you pray for me?” This is similar to asking prayer for an unspoken request but it still gives the intercessor an idea of what to pray for.
Scripture talks a lot about prayer, the importance of bearing each other’s burdens, lifting up those who are weak, etc. I do not take these things lightly. Interceding for others is a tremendous privilege. But the Church needs to be the Church. We need to let others know that we care. We need to stop gossiping about our Brothers and Sisters who are down and out. Maybe then more people will feel like they can share their needs and believe that God will intervene in their situation or at least give them strength to go through it.
These are my thoughts on the subject, but I am happy to hear yours. Regardless of ones who have unspoken requests or ones you can freely share, don’t stop praying. God loves you and will answer in His time.
Questions Jesus Asks E-book Is On Sale!
I don’t post a lot of commercials on here but I wanted to take a minute to give a shout-out for my brother’s newest book, Questions Jesus Asks. The E-book is currently on sale from Amazon for $3.99, and it’s ranked at #2 under the category, “Jesus, the Gospel, and Acts.” It’s #15 under “Personal Growth” in their Kindle Store. I would love to see him reach #1. If you are looking for a good Bible study or if you need a gift for your friend or pastor, this could be the ticket. More information may be found here. I would love to hear from anyone who purchases it. Thank you so much for your help in this endeavor! Feel free to share this with your friends too.
If you do not have a Kindle but would like to buy the print version, you may order it from our website.
CD Review: Stay (The Old Paths)
It’s with mixed emotions that I write this review. The Old Paths announced that they will disband at year’s end. I can’t say this is my favorite CD of the year but I am grateful to have it and wish Jeremy Peace, Doug Roark, Daniel Ashmore, Tim Rackley, and Josh Townsend well in their future endeavors.
The CD begins with Have You Ever, a song with a bit of an old sound.
My favorite song on this CD is You Never Cease to Amaze Me. That’s how I feel about God’s grace. Jeremy Peace delivers this song well.
The theme of What Did They Call Him has been overdone but it’s an uptempo song that is probably good in concert.
“I Just Can’t Get Over my sins being over since I have been under the blood.” That pretty much sums it up.
Bass Daniel Ashmore sings Washed in the Blood, which concludes with a tenor ending.
How Great the Debt is one of three songs written by Rebecca Peck and Dianne Wilkinson. This is another song I really like.
Ordinary People has a good message and is harmonized well.
Stay is a reminder that Jesus is not gone forever. He will return.
Larry Petree wrote the toe-tapping Oh What a Happy Morning.
Out of the Grave rejoices in Christ’s resurrection.
How To Show Someone You Care
Most people who know me now don’t realize that, by nature, I am pretty insecure. I’ve never been “popular,” so I still have times of wondering if anyone loves me and why. Since coming to know the Lord, I fight to not let that rise to the surface. Instead, when the battle of the mind begins, I pray and ask God to help me to show His love to others. The Bible says that “a man that has friends must show himself friendly” (Proverbs 18:24) and, although I don’t claim to do this perfectly, God has blessed me with wonderful friends who really do seem to care and whom I am pretty sure really pray for me.
I think sometimes people care more than one might realize so I wanted to give some tips that, at least for me, helps to show me that my friends are not just putting up with me but that they do indeed care.
1) Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Sometimes I think people don’t want to pry into a person’s life because they don’t want to appear nosy, or maybe they think it’s none of their business. The fact is, many times a hurting person really wants someone to talk to but they don’t want to burden others. Lines such as, “I’m having a really rough day today” or “Please pray for me today” are often doorways for you to stop what you are doing and ask if they would like to talk about it. If your response is merely, “I’m sorry to hear that. I’ll be praying for you,” that will be taken as you don’t want to hear about it or don’t really care. I am not discrediting prayer at all and, if you really don’t want to hear about it or don’t have time to do so, then that at least is a sympathetic response but, if this is a person you really care about, take time to ask them what’s going on. If they don’t want to say, they will tell you but at least they know you are available.
2) Listen. Sometimes when I’m going through a difficult time, I want advice but many times I just need to talk. Don’t feel like you need to have “answers.” Obviously, if God brings something to your mind which will help the person, share that but do it with a posture of humility, realizing that it is the person’s choice whether they take your advice or not. Mostly let them talk it out, pray with them, ask God to give you a burden for this person. It’s easy to get caught up in our own lives that we don’t really invest in the lives of others but, if God has put a person into your life, it’s for a reason. Make sure you are being the friend they need.
3) Pray. It’s one thing to say “I’ll pray for you” and another thing to actually do so. If you commit to pray for a person, write it down, put it on your calendar, do whatever you need to do to remember to pray for this person. Then take the time periodically to let the person know you are praying. This will encourage them immensely. I have over 1,000 Facebook friends and I see many prayer requests every day. Because of this, I have learned not to promise every person that I will pray but, if it is an urgent need, I will pray right away and sometimes post a comment stating that. I also have friends who text or email me requests. These I take more seriously and ask for God’s help to remember them. I have had people that I don’t know real well message me because they know I pray. I don’t know how they know that but I consider it quite a compliment and, again, if they have taken the time to ask me personally, I want to take it seriously.
4) Initiate interaction. If God brings someone to your mind, take time to call, text, or email that person. Many times, that is what it’s taken for me to realize a person really loves and cares for me. If I am always the one who initiates interaction, I begin to wonder, but getting a message out of the blue that says someone was thinking of me, praying for me, etc. makes my day. It lets me know I really am loved and that even God loves me enough to lay me on someone’s heart periodically. You don’t know what kind of day that person may be having, and it could be your simple act of loving kindness that lifts their spirits and brings a smile to their face. That is not a small thing.
5) Be thankful. I think this is usually the most neglected of all. Not that we aren’t thankful for our friends but I think we don’t often let them know. Take time periodically to do just that. Thank them for their love and their friendship. If someone gives you a gift, don’t just thank them at the moment (that’s common courtesy and is expected); go above and beyond the call of duty and also thank them a month, a year, five years down the road … especially if it’s something you still use. Several years ago, a friend came to visit and, as a “hostess gift,” she gave me a couple CDs. (This was a special blessing, as it showed how well she knows me.) I’ve not done it for a while but, periodically, when I would listen to the CDs, I would write to her to let her know I was listening to them and thinking of her. I just wanted to make sure she knew that she did not waste her money on those. They are still used and appreciated.
I’m sure this is far from being an exhaustive list but hopefully it will help you in reaching out to those special people in your life and making them feel truly loved. If there are other things that you have found to be meaningful in showing love to others, feel free to post it in the comments. If you are one who feels like no one really cares about you, I assure you that is probably not the case. We live in a hectic, fast-paced society. Many are struggling just to keep up and they don’t have time to think beyond their own day-to-day trials. Then there are others who just don’t know how to show that they care. It doesn’t mean they don’t. Purpose to be a friend, to show God’s love, and to think of others instead of yourself. Even if it doesn’t come back to you from people, you will receive your reward in Heaven, and I believe you will feel God even nearer while on earth, which is really the most important One to be close to anyway.
