Wanted: Love and Grace
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person ~Colossians 4:6.
Have you ever met someone who prides herself on speaking her mind? I think that phrase alone says a lot: The person who speaks what’s on his mind regardless of how it makes others feel is a proud person. I expect that she doesn’t realize that she sometimes does things that irritates others and yet they show grace to her. Why is it so difficult to bear with “stupid” people?
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ ~Ephesians 4:15.
A lack of love is another reason some are quick to cut down others. Especially on social media, it is easy to subtly address faceless beings who can’t have feelings and so something they do or say is picked apart by another individual who has no patience with them.
I would like to submit that this kind of behavior is not boldness; many times, it is simply arrogance. By pointing out someone else’s fault (whether you name him or her or not), you are deflecting away from your own faults.
Facebook is the only social media that I am a part of, and I too see things that others say and do that I wouldn’t, but it is their page. They can do what they like on their page. I can participate or not. If I were truly burdened about it, I would send them a private message. If it’s not a burden, why not let it go?
We live in a world where many do not like confrontation. But passive aggressiveness? That’s a different story. Let’s make sure that the things we say and type are encouraging and helpful. There are times when people or situations need to be addressed, but it needs to be done in humility … with love and grace.
CD Review: Shine (The Bobby Bowen Family)
If you have followed Southern Gospel Music as long as I have, you might remember a Christian country group called The Mid South Boys or, as they were later known, Mid South. Bobby Bowen was one of the lead singers of that group, and I am happy to tell you that he is still singing praise to our Savior. The only difference is that his family now joins him on stage to play and sing.
As I was writing the above paragraph, I wasn’t paying much attention to the songs that were playing, but when the song To Go To Heaven came on, I stopped to listen. The music itself caused me to pause but then I heard the line, “It’s worth every valley if my Jesus I will meet.” Amen!
I love the hymn Jesus, Use Me. Very glad they included it on here. “Though the cost be great, I’ll work for you.”
I Know I’m Loved is a heartwarming song about daddies and daughters.
I Have a Hope is a great song of encouragement.
Other songs on this CD are: Never Walk Alone, Heart Collector, One Lost Sheep, Shine Like the Star You Are, It’s Your Love, and I Know He Will.
Support Your Fellow Christians
But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).
The above verse is one that is familiar to most Christians, but I wonder how many think about exactly what it means to “seek first the kingdom of God.” I think the most obvious interpretation of this is that we should be seeking, first and foremost, to be more like Jesus. This involves surrendering our will to His and learning what He desires of us. One area that I think is hard for a lot of people to surrender is that of finances.
With the ever-rising popularity of places like Walmart and Amazon, many “mom and pop” companies have gone by the wayside. We see fewer cottage industries because everyone knows that they can’t compete with companies that have a large enough bank account to buy products for next to nothing and then sell to the consumer for less than you or I could sell them for.
I am not saying that it is wrong to shop at big stores and save money. I like to bargain shop myself. And, if we are talking twice the price or more to order from a Christian company, my budget would probably not allow me to spend that much. However, I have found instances where the savings is only a few dollars, and this is where I would much rather support my fellow Christians or local businesses.
One reason this is weighing heavy on my heart, besides the fact that I just started my own online bookstore, is that I travel the country setting up booths to sell books for Family Renewal and Master Books. These companies spend a lot of time and money to go to conventions where people can look through the books to decide what they would like to purchase. Then many times they go home and order from Amazon or another discount seller, leaving us to pack up the inventory and take it back home. No wonder conferences are dying left and right as exhibitors are no longer covering their expenses.
What many don’t realize is that, when you purchase that really cheap product from a discounter, the creator of the product gets very little from that sale. If you buy a book on Amazon, for example, the author probably makes less than $2/book. Less than $1 in some cases. Most authors are happy to get books into people’s hands so they would rather folks buy from Amazon than not buy, but if you want to support your favorite author and help him or her to be able to continue to write and, in some cases, support their families, then it is much better to purchase directly from the author or another Christian distributor that doesn’t discount very much.
As Christians, we are to be good stewards of the funds God has given us, but we also need to pray about where to use those funds and who He desires to bless through our purchases. It is really His money after all.
Reminiscing
Yesterday, I was sorting through cards and books and paperwork which brought back so many memories. Memories of people who have gone to Heaven. Memories of some whom I haven’t heard from in a while but I wonder what they are up to these days. Memories of how life used to be and how I miss aspects of those days. But I think the most fascinating thought, as I look back at my life, is that every joy, every trial, every person I have known has probably contributed to some degree to the person I am today.
As I look back over even the last five years, a lot has changed. I changed jobs and added a couple (editing and my bookstore). Some of the people I felt close to back then, I hardly hear from any more, but I have new friends who stay in touch and encourage me. A couple of my sisters are married. My nieces and nephews are growing up. And they all seem to love me. So as much as it could be tempting to cry over all the things that I no longer have, I am reminded that, in reality, I am still very blessed.
“To everything there is a season.” I do not like change. If it were up to me, I would still be living the life I lived 20 years ago. But if I got what I thought I wanted, I would have become stale and never would have branched out and grown. I therefore would have missed the thrill of having God stretch me and expand my ministry (in spite of the fact that I would have said that’s what I wanted; just on my terms).
Thankfully, God does not always listen to me. He sees the real desire of my heart, and He accomplishes that as only He can do. Some seasons of life are hard but the pain and heartache do not last forever. We simply need to stay close to Him, to trust Him, to stay out of His way while allowing Him to perform His perfect work. Then, one day, we will hear Him say, “Well done, my child. Enter into your rest.”
CD Review: Finest Hour (The Talleys)
In an era where some southern gospel artists are in a rut, songs sound the same, etc. the Talleys are still being creative with their arrangements while singing strong lyrics. I had a time of worship while writing this review. This is a CD I won’t get tired of for a while.
Look Up is a song of encouragement to those who are weary and downtrodden. You won’t find hope on this earth but only by looking up.
Lauren Talley sings Jeremiah 29:11 (You Have Plans). When things don’t make sense, you can still hold on to the truth that God has plans for you, and His plans are always good.
Debra is featured on When the Answer is No. “Every storm you have to face will be covered by His grace. Mercy still flows when the answer is no.” Amen!
A peppy song is next: Joy. No matter what you are going through, this song is bound to put a smile on your face.
“We Are Witnesses, the ones who testify to the resurrection power of the Lord of life. Our glorious Savior–we have seen Him with our eyes. We are witnesses of Jesus Christ.”
That’s What the Teacher Taught provokes a lot of thought. I think many overlook the things that Jesus taught, perhaps thinking he didn’t really mean what He said.
He Restoreth My Soul is basically Psalm 23 set to music.
Other songs include: Grab Your Umbrella, Death Was Arrested, Get Me There, Home at Last, and Begin Again God.
Introducing Sony Elise Christian Books!
Happy fourth of July! I hope you are all having a safe, enjoyable holiday.
I debated on whether I should post this today but I wasn’t able to do it sooner due to my internet being out, and I cannot wait another day to let you know about yet another new business venture that I have started. I wonder if I am becoming a “jack of all trades, master of none.” But I am learning and growing and excited about the doors God continues to open for me.
As of July 1, I now have an online bookstore: Sony Elise Christian Books! I won’t rehash a lot here since I explain on my website my reason for starting a bookstore in an era where books seem to be a thing of the past. I hope you will check out my site and see what I’m up to. Also, if you’re on Facebook, please join my group. There, I will highlight the books that I sell, let you know about some new books that are coming out, and other things that might be of interest to readers.
I am so grateful for your prayers and support through the years. Please continue to keep me in your prayers as God brings me to mind. Lord willing, I will have another encouraging blog post for you soon.
Thankful for the Father
Today has been a rough day, but in spite of that, God has been reminding me of my blessings. It’s also been a test to see whether or not I will practice what I preach–to rejoice in all things. I don’t do it perfectly, but I am trying to incorporate that practice into the trying days.
There are a lot of things in life that I don’t see how any good will come out of them, and some things I expect there won’t be a positive outcome, but God has a way of giving grace beyond what you or I could ever imagine. If nothing else, trials cause us to run to the Father like we often fail to do when things are going well. And I am thankful for the fact that He will be by my side through every moment while I sleep, and He will still be here when I rise, ready to greet me and welcome me to a brand new morning. That alone is worth smiling about.
Clarifying Some Things
After my last post, I was accused of being judgmental toward those who suffer depression, and I apparently gave the impression that I view it as a spiritual problem. Lest anyone else walked away from my blog believing that, I decided it’s time to clarify some things. I’m sure I have done so before but it’s been a while.
First of all, with this particular issue, I do not believe that depression is necessarily a spiritual problem. It definitely can be, but it can also be physical or circumstantial. A while back, I went through a couple years of depression that I thought I would never break out of. I would have had a much harder time getting through that if I didn’t have a friend who checked on me daily and was available any time I needed to talk. That meant the world to me, and I hope to be there for my friends as well. Even with that, though, it was God who eventually brought me to the other side and helped me to once again see the light of day.
I also want to point out that there is a difference between discouragement and depression. One can be discouraged while still believing by faith that God is in control and will work everything out even though we can’t see it. Being a Christian does not negate us from hardship, and I hope I never imply that I believe it does.
The purpose of my last post, and the purpose of this blog, is to encourage the Church while challenging them to Biblical, Godly living and thinking. Maybe it sounds trite when you are going through the deepest trial of your life and I post about praying without ceasing or rejoicing in everything, but that is what we are commanded to do. No, it isn’t easy, but you cannot experience the joy of the Lord if you don’t obey His Word.
I am not claiming to live the perfect, Spirit-led life–much of what I write, I am writing to myself as much as to you–but I am praying as I study to know how He desires me to walk. Then I ask for strength to do so. Obedience is not always easy, but it is vital to a closer walk with Him, and I, for one, want that! I want to receive the oil of joy in exchange for my mourning, peace where there has been turmoil, faith that replaces fears. And I want my Brothers and Sisters to experience these things as well.
So forgive me if I come across as judgmental. That is not my intent. But I am burdened for a lot of what I see in the Church, and I will not stop sharing what God’s Word says in the hope that someone will find freedom and joy and a closer walk with God that will forever change their lives.
Put Off Negative Character Traits
This week, my Bible study is focusing on traits that should not be part of a Christian’s life: Anger, Fear, Worry, Depression, Laziness, and Apathy. I’m sure some of you are exclaiming, “Wait a minute! Those things don’t make a person any less a Christian! I struggle with ______ all the time!” I struggle in some of those areas as well, but that doesn’t mean that it is OK to do so.
As humans, our tendencies may be to worry and fret, become angry or depressed, but those are not Godly attributes. As we draw closer to Him and learn to love and trust Him more, these things should disappear. We need to be constantly examining ourselves in the light of God’s Word instead of comparing ourselves with others. The Christian life should be one of constantly growing and changing and becoming more like Christ. If you are not doing that, then you need to evaluate whether or not you are really “in the faith.”
These words should not bring discouragement, but they should build faith. Through Christ, we can overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil.
Rejoice!
Sometimes it’s good to look back down
We’ve come so far; we’ve gained such ground
But joy is not in where we’ve been
Joy is who’s waiting at the end
As I sat down to write this afternoon, these lyrics came to mind (taken from the song “Run After God With All Your Heart”). In my case, I am looking back to where my health was from January to April of this year, and I am thanking God for how far He has brought me. It’s easy to still be discouraged when I think that I’m not where I want to be yet, but why would I complain when God is continuing to do a work in my life?
Nobody likes to be around someone who is always down, and I imagine that is true for God as well. As long as everything is going well, we are full of praise and adoration for Him, but when something happens that we don’t like, we grumble and complain and fret. How that must make Him sad! After all, He is still as powerful as He was last week, but we very quickly lose sight of that.
I confess that I do this too often, but I pray to lift up my eyes of faith to see what God is doing instead of focusing on the negative that can cause discouragement and depression. I want to “rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16).
I would like to see every Believer share more praise reports than prayer requests. We have both, and I love to pray for my Brothers and Sisters, but often the needs overshadow God’s goodness. In the midst of our trials, let’s not forget to rejoice because He is good!
