Do You Hold a Grudge?

 On October 2, 2006, a gunman entered a schoolhouse in Nickel Mines, PA, and shot 10 young Amish girls. Charles Roberts, 32, a non-Amish milkman known to the children, shot the girls and then killed himself. Five of the girls died; the other five were seriously injured.

This shocking violence caused great anguish to the Amish Community. But, they did the unimaginable and chose to forgive their children’s killer within hours of the tragedy. While their hearts were broken, they expressed tangible acts of love and kindness for the gunman’s family. They didn’t just talk the talk; they walked the walk of forgiveness. They let go of nursing grudges and seized the opportunity to make their faith real.

Consider Becoming a "Drive-by" Jesus

A homeless man stands at a busy intersection holding a cardboard sign. The large printed letters unashamedly display his cry for help.  “I’m hungry.” Or, “Out of work.” I hear Jesus whisper, “He’s one of the least of these.” Compassion rises and begs a question. “How can I help him?”

Called to be Jesus’ hands, feet, and mouthpiece in this situation requires God’s wisdom. I think, if I hand him a few dollars, he’ll probably waste it on alcohol. Giving him a gospel tract might appease my conscience, but what if he can’t read? Words don’t fill an empty stomach, anyway. I have 30 seconds, at best, to make a positive difference in this lost soul’s life. I usually pray for him.

My friend, Julie, shared with me how she makes a difference. It’s practical, personal and simple. Put a few non-perishable items in a plastic bag. Include food in cans with flip tops and a plastic utensil, plus bottled water.  As the food is given, bless them in the name of Jesus.

This mercy act idea has taken hold in David’s heart. He recently shared his excitement:

Yesterday evening, I dropped off Leah at soccer practice, and then I went to Wal-Mart over on K-7 and Santa Fe in Olathe. As I turned into the parking lot, I saw a man standing at the corner holding a sign that asks for food. Psalm 37:7 says, “be still and wait for God to work.” As I did, the Lord snapped me awake and told me to pull over to get one of my "drive-by Jesus" bags out of the trunk.

 I drove around, pulled up next to the guy, and put the window down. I handed him a bag that included a 7-pack of white t-shirts and a box of Fiber One bars. He was so excited about getting these items! This is what he said. ‘I was just thinking I needed to head in and get some t-shirts!  All I have is this shirt [the shirt he was wearing]. This is just what I needed. This is totally unexpected! Thank you, man!’”

Steve Sjogren, an author and expert on servant evangelism, reminds us that it’s the kindness of God that leads people to repentance. (Romans 2:4) God’s kindness can be expressed through us by offering a word of encouragement, a prayer, or a "drive-by" Jesus bag. Steve notes that it takes 15-20 significant kindness nudges to help people come from where they are into relationship with Jesus. We could be the first nudge or the fifteenth nudge. It doesn’t matter if we’re the one who sows or the one who reaps (John 4:37). It matters that the Kingdom of God is brought to someone else through a practical means, through an action of love.

*Another forgotten, shunned people group, the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community, is having their Olympic games Aug. 9-16, in Akron, Ohio. Nine thousand participants are expected. Many believers are there to bring them the light and love of Jesus. Pray for the believers’ boldness, for the Lord to come in power, for healing and deliverances. Pray the Lord enlighten the LGBT community to God’s love for them. May His love lead many to repentance. 

Sally Deserves Better!

Sally’s news shocked me. Cancer cells have invaded her body. She’ll receive six rounds of chemo treatments causing severe nausea, baldness, and for Sally’s family, financial strain. I heard myself thinking, Sally deserves better.

I admire Sally. She and her husband love God and serve Him in the hard places. They have lived in Kabul, Afghanistan, and Amsterdam, Holland for more than 20 years. Currently, in South Africa, they tell people about Jesus, make disciples, and train leaders. I've always thought Sally deserves nothing but God’s best.

That same thought was expressed, shortly after, by someone pleading others to pray for her co-worker. “He’s an amazing guy and brilliant and was in a bad car accident. He’s having brain surgery. He doesn't deserve this.”

The Best Dad Ever!

Father’s day evokes a variety of memories and emotions. Some of us have been wounded by a father due to a distant, absent, harsh, or abusive relationship. Others are blessed and deeply grateful to have had a loving, faithful, involved dad.

God is unlike any Father we have ever known! The apostle Paul boasts about the “Father of Compassion” (1 Corinthians 1:3) Webster defines compassion: “sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it.” Paul knew more about distress than probably anyone of us! (2 Corinthians 6:5)

The following true story by Mel, a missionary in Guatemala, resonates with compassion. She reminds us how our heavenly Father treats us. Without limitations, His compassions are new every morning! (Lamentations 3:23-24)

IT Used to be Fearful...Now It's Fun!

Jesus’ heart has always been “To seek and save the lost.” (Luke 19:10) He longs for us to have His heart. I used to justify why I shouldn't or couldn't intentionally share Jesus’ love. My top 4 good excuses: 
      Excuse # 1 Only ministers and designated missionaries assigned to foreign countries share their faith. I had forgotten about the caring insurance salesman in a small Wisconsin farming community who shared Jesus’ love with my husband                                                             and me.

Excuse # 2 I’m on the quiet side.

Excuse # 3 I don’t have the “gift” of evangelism.

Excuse # 4 My plate was already full caring for my five children and my husband.

Then unexpectedly my excuses began to unravel. My friend asked me to pray for Kari, her pregnant future daughter-in-law, and a high school senior. Committing to pray, compassion grew in my heart for her.  

 Six months later, I met Kari at a picnic. Prayer had prepared our hearts to want to build a friendship regardless of our age gap.  

A few nights later, God’s familiar nudge awakened me from a deep sleep. “I’m so tired.” I mumbled.  Did I have to get up? Of course not, but I've learned over the years that when I obey God’s early morning invitations, we enjoy sweet intimacy.

 I stumbled to my living room rocker recliner and closed my eyes to pray. I pictured Kari and me sitting in a booth at my favorite Italian restaurant, talking about God.

 I opened my eyes. Hmm … could God possibly want me to share my faith journey with Kari? Immediately, fear gripping thoughts consumed me. I hardly know her! I don’t want to turn her off!

The accuser seconded my fear. You’ll make a fool of yourself.

God’s Guidance Doesn’t Have to Be a Guessing Game

One of the most challenging aspects in growing a vital, intimate relationship with God is discerning His guidance. Other messages, streaming from social media, television, movies, and books, always attempt to pull us this way or that. Lack of sleep and unsettled emotions block clear thinking, too! The discernment of God’s guidance usually feels like a steep uphill climb.

Speaking of guidance, I’m referring to daily choices. God’s Word doesn't specify how to number our daily “to do” list. It doesn't tell me where to vacation, which movie to watch, how much money should I donate, or when to... On a weekly basis, there are dozens of decisions I’d like God’s guidance for. But, they don’t have biblical clear cut answers. God's guidance doesn't have to be a guessing game.  

Giving Thanks is Powerful!

The enormous Sheraton ballroom, downtown Kansas City, filled with Salvation Army leaders and patrons. I and my husband were graciously invited to their elegant luncheon with guest speaker, Laura Bush. An attractive 20ish year-old woman sat beside me at the round table covered with a white crisp table cloth and a sparkle of fresh flowers.

She and I chatted before a Salvation Army officer gave thanks for the food. Then we dived into our fresh lettuce salad. I couldn’t help notice Mindy’s unusual behavior. Between bites she was writing feverously in a small journal.

Since I’m curious, OK… nosy, I leaned toward her and boldly asked, “What are you writing?” Mindy obliged with a stimulating answer.

“I’m writing what I’m thankful for. About a year ago I was challenged to think more positively, to write 5 things each day I’m thankful for. Each one has to be different.”