Monthly Archives: March 2009

Expressing Love

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While brushing Ernie on a sun-filled afternoon, my heart overflowed with love for my companion. A gentle soul, he seems to know how to soothe my nerves and teasingly nudge me in ways that remind me to lighten up.

I poured out my accolades as I brushed Ernie, praising him for his patience, gentleness, and for standing still. But my words probably are not what convinced Ernie to trust me and understand my love for him. He most likely sensed my love in the way I rested my hand on his hip or the nape of his neck as I brushed him. Or maybe it was the fact that I brushed his neck—his favorite itchy spot—twice. As we rode, I gently reached down and scratched his neck or patted his hip in an attempt to calm his nervousness. Actions, not words, demonstrated my love. I can tell Ernie that I love him, but he will never understand those words. My consistent, gentle touch over the years has done more to help him trust me than my words.

Many of us can be that way with God. From the pages of Scripture, we know intellectually that he loves us. Countless times we have heard and read the words of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world…” And yet that love is often mere head knowledge. We don’t always sense God’s love, and if we do, we may not know how to accept it.

Thankfully, God demonstrates his love for us in much the same way I demonstrate my love for Ernie. He gently nudges us in the direction of a new job or leads us to a new church or brings a call from a caring friend just when we need someone to lean on. Sometimes God reveals his love for us by giving us an overwhelming peace and contentment in an otherwise chaotic and materialistic society.

Look around you. Do you see how God has poured out his love on you? Has it been through a family? A job? Close friends? A home? A horse? Has he filled your heart with peace and contentment? What divine interruptions have come your way just when you needed them? Where can you see his guidance and protection in your life as you look back? He has been there all along, quietly loving you.

God is always with us, showing us how much he loves us. Will you listen and watch for him more intently today?

“You are precious to me. You are honored and I love you.” (Isaiah 43:4 NLT)

Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. (Ephesians 3:17–19 NLT)

Questions for Reflection
1. Romans 5:8 says, “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners” (NLT). He also shows his love for us through blessings in our lives. Who or what in your life reminds you of how much God loves you? Why? Have you ever experienced an interruption in your day or week that you later realized was brought by God? How does that make you feel? Watch for those divine interruptions throughout your week and note them in your journal.

2. Ephesians 3:18 says that when you experience the love of Christ, you will be filled with the fullness of life and the power that comes from God. What does fullness of life look like to you? What could you do if you were equipped by the power that comes from God? Dream big.

3. Often we can see God’s hand in our lives when we look back. What event or moment in your life do you recall now where you know God was at work?

(c) 2009, Amy S. Lewis

He Can Relate

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It is a bit ironic to me that we make our horses do things we wouldn’t want to do ourselves. Walk up and down steep hills, along narrow trails. Sprint through barrels or poles, or execute a pattern with complete precision. We demand a lot physically from our horses.

When I camp with Ernie, I often run the trails for exercise. I run the sandy spots, the rocky hills with loose stones and downed branches, and even through an occasional mud puddle. It makes me wonder, why in the world does Ernie endure it?

Our Christian walk can be equally as challenging – perhaps not physically but spiritually. We’re faced with many obstacles that can cause us to stumble. Outbursts of anger. Gossiping. Being judgmental. Idolizing power, work or money. Christ knows how challenging they can be – he faced these obstacles, too. Like I know how difficult Ernie’s work is, Christ knows how alluring our temptations are.

Hebrews 4:15 says, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin.”

Tempted to say unkind words to someone? Jesus was falsely accused by the Pharisees and yet did not sin in response. What would have been your response? How do you respond when someone judges or criticizes you? With the humility and grace of Christ?

Tempted to gossip? Jesus saw people’s inner most secrets – he knew the woman at the well in John 4 had five husbands and was living with a man who was not her husband. Can you imagine what other gossip he was privy to?

Are you lured by power, striving for the next promotion? In Matthew 4, Jesus was tempted by Satan, “Next the Devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him the nations of the world and all their glory. ‘I will give it all you,’ he said, ‘if you will only kneel down and worship me.’” Jesus was not seduced by power.

While few of us will walk the path we ask our horses to trod, Jesus is very familiar with our path. He never said it would be easy – only that we would never walk alone. Whatever temptations we face, we can turn to Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit to help us resist. Have you asked God to help overcome temptations? He promises he will show you a way out. We just have to be watching for it.

“…God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13

Hebrews 2:17-18 “Since he himself has gone through suffering and temptation, he is able to help us when we are being tempted.”

Questions for reflection:
1. What temptation do you feel incapable of overcoming? Why?
2. How have you seen God deliver you from temptations in the past? Will you watch for his exit strategy next time you’re tempted?
3. What visual reminder can you use when facing temptation to remind you to pray for help?

Wooley Mammoth Siting

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Yes, it’s true. I saw a Wooley Mammoth today. I thought they were extinct but not true! There he was at my barn, standing in for Ernie.

Thank God that Ernie is starting to shed out. One of these days perhaps he’ll look like a beautiful and sleek horse again.  In any regard, it was therapeutic brushing Ernie today — for both of us (I’m assuming it was for him anyway).

I always get anxious for spring when we have weekends like this past one. There’s so much anticipation. There’s a freshness in the air and hopefulness in my attitude.  Spring is coming. It will soon be here. Ernie shedding his winter coat tells me so.

The changing of the seasons is a reminder of God’s faithfulness — a faithfulness we need to remember during the dreary days of January and February. Just like the sun rises and sets daily (even when we don’t see it), the seasons will also change. The Lord has been changing the seasons for thousands of years. Consistently. We can count on it because he does not change. He could never be anything but faithful.  (“I the LORD do not change.” Malachi 3:6)

James 1:17: “Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”

And thank God that he will be faithful to bring spring again. It’s my favorite time of year. Everything comes back to life. The tulips push their vibrant colors through the dark and dirty, or still-snow-covered ground. The trees bud and sprout leaves. Green grass emerges from the dingy soil. All reminding me that God makes all things new – even me. He wiped away the dark despair that used to define me and gave me light, life and hope. That’s what spring is to me. Rebirth. A reminder that every one of us can be made new when we come to trust in Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:17 “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

Defending My Reputation

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Psalm 119:5: Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!

I had an interesting work situation arise on Monday that challenged me to keep a godly perspective. A client blamed me for the content of a media story I landed on their behalf. They accused me of not representing their best interests. For ethical reasons, I will not share too many details or the client’s name.

The situation made me angry. I was justified, after all, because they repeatedly declined my recommendations that would have changed the outcome. I wanted to defend myself for the sake of my reputation. I quickly typed up an email in my defense. Point by point I articulated how I was not to blame. I pulled excerpts from documents outlining the recommendations I had made. And then I didn’t send it.

An afternoon run gave me a fresh perspective and opened my eyes. I realized that it is not for me to defend myself. People will always find fault with who I am and what I do. My hostile email would have made the situation worse. They wanted someone to blame and didn’t care if it was accurately placed.

The best response to this situation is to honor my commitment to that client, do the best work I can do and let God hold them accountable for their words and accusations. My pride still wants me to defend myself, even three days later. But, I know that God is pleased with my actions. And as long as He is pleased with my actions and who I am, that’s all that matters.

Romans 12:17:  Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.

Favored to Win

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Going into a rodeo or horse show, there are always favorites to win. Contestants size each other up. They know each others’ capabilities, records, and horses. We can almost always find someone who throws a loop better or runs a barrel pattern faster. If you’re skilled and fortunate to be on top, you know that everyone is gunning for your spot. You need to stay sharp to maintain your position.

Does it sometimes seem like those on top possess a favored status? Do they get better draws? Do calls go their way? Do the judges give them an inflated score?

It also seems there are favorites in other areas of life, people who always seem to have the leg up—a privileged status in business, more money, or a bigger house.

In their society, the Pharisees appeared to have heaven sewn up. They enjoyed status and wealth and seemed religious. They were favored in society’s eyes for sure. And yet Jesus taught that they would not inherit the kingdom of heaven because their hearts were hardened against others, the Father, and him.

Jesus said to the Pharisees, “You like to look good in public, but God knows your evil hearts. What this world honors is detestable in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15 nlt).

The Pharisees’ favored status was temporary and deceptive, just as it is today for those who seemingly hold places of privilege. Jesus said, “But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.” (Matthew 19:30 nlt)

God is not concerned about status, winning records, material possessions, or even our comfort. But he is concerned about refining our character. Rather than questioning why someone else continues to win or get promoted or gain greater wealth, we need to consider what God might want to teach us as we observe and interact with these people.

When we face days that cause us to question the privileged status of others or struggle with supposed disadvantages, remember that the redeemed in Christ ultimately come out on top. This is the only “competition” that really matters. Today’s rodeos, shows, jobs, riches, and status will all disappear. Only our relationship to Christ matters. Through Him we are all victorious.

 

Evil people get rich for the moment, but the reward of the godly will last. (Proverbs 11:18)

 

Questions for Reflection

  1. How could God be using a situation or another person to refine your character? What might he be trying to teach you? Humility? Submission to authorities? How to love your “enemy?”
  2. How content are you with your life…with the horse, house, or vehicle with which you’ve been blessed? Ask God to fill you with gratitude for your life’s blessings.
  3. Who is it that you admire? What is it about this individual that you respect? Is it his or her wealth, status, or popularity? Or, is it this person’s character, depth, and dependence on the Lord?
Share your thoughts here, or keep them to yourself in a journal.