Idol Dreams

Posted on July 20, 2010 by Amy

Like most everyone, I have dreams that are yet unfulfilled in my life. Some I pursue more intentionally than others. You might say some are active and some are idle.

The active dreams - like buying a hobby farm – are on my mind a lot. I’ve wanted to own a hobby farm for years. Periodically, I put my toe in the water and quickly squeal that it was too cold and retreat to my safe and predictable life.

Now the dream is one step closer, however, still a million miles away. The search for a house for Ernie and me takes my attention and my time. I daydream about what that home will look like and wonder how long until that dream comes true.

The other day, I heard a radio DJ ask, “What idols are keeping you from God? Your work? Your kids? Your dreams?” Wait, dreams? Our dreams can be idols in our lives? That got me asking if my dreams are idols in my life.

An idol is anything other than God that receives highest degree of importance in our lives. That which takes the place of God in our hearts. That which receives our undue time and devotion in our lives.

So, is my dream of a hobby farm an idol in my life? It may be – particularly when I take my eyes off from God, the Dream Giver. I need to stay focused on Him and his desire to fulfill my dreams since he’s the one who planted that dream within me. By faith, I continue to believe He will fulfill that dream.

Hebrews 11:1 (NLT): Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

Romans 8:24b-25 (NLT): (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.)

When I try to fulfill my dreams in my own way and in my time, and allow the pursuit of that dream to interfere with my love and devotion to God, then it has become an idol. I need to keep it in check.

How do you keep your dreams and pursuits from becoming an idol in your life? How do you keep God first in your life?

Posted in random thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Do Unto Others

Posted on July 19, 2010 by Amy

Can you imagine wearing a layer of dark brown hair all over your body when it’s 85 degrees and 80 percent humidity? Add to that a bevy of flies buzzing your head and biting you incessantly, and you can empathize a bit with my horse.

Yesterday, Ernie and his pasture mates took refuge from the scorching sun underneath the lean-to but that subjected them to more flies. They huddled close together to minimize the amount of exposed skin. Their tails flung ferosiously to brush away the biting demons. When I took Ernie from the other two, I really upset their established defense system.

Fly in the rain by Burning Image

I quickly brushed Ernie down and doused him in lots and lots of fly spray. I could sense his irritation subside as the misted of fly spray floated onto his body. He knows that stuff is magical against flies even if it temporarily makes his hair and skin attract the sun.

As I was grooming him in the beating sun, I was sweating. I hadn’t even put the saddle on and I was uncomfortably warm. I got to thinking, “what is the last thing I would want to do right now”? Exercise. I would not want to exert myself in any way in the heat and humidity, with the sun blaring. So, I left the barn without riding. It felt like a loving thing to do.

I wish I were able to put myself in others’ shoes more often, especially when conflict arises. That perspective would be so valuable in shaping my responses or my actions towards others. Unfortunately, all too often I’m caught up in defending myself, making my case, reaching the outcome best for me that I sometimes lose sight of the people with whom I interact.

In Matthew 7:12 (NLT), Jesus instructed, “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.”

How often we lose sight of this direction. And these: “Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39)

And this from Paul, “[Love] does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.” 1 Corinthians 13:5

What do I really want others to do to me? Treat me with respect. Love me. Don’t judge me. Speak kindly of me. Don’t second-guess my decisions. Don’t put demands on my time that I’m not willing or able to meet. Read my blog (thank you). Be patient with me.

How do you want others to treat you? How can we remind ourselves to treat others as we want to be treated?

Posted in devotion | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Attached to the Vine

Posted on July 17, 2010 by Amy

I was in denial. I saw the signs but subconsciously chose to ignore them. And then, one after another, people voiced that which I denied.

“You don’t seem to have that peace you’ve had in the past.”

“I sense frustration surrounding you.”

“You’re not trusting God.”

Losing Sight
In the past several months, I’ve been consumed by to-do lists and planning for and then moving. Ever so gradually, the activity caused me to take my eyes off from the Source of strength and peace.

Grapes by by Zest-pk

Staying Attached to the Vine
Writing this blog has become a challenge in the past few weeks. I thought because I was busy. The truth is, it’s been hard because I’ve lost my focus. I’ve not stayed attached to the vine as John 15 instructs us:

“I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:1-5 (NLT)

It’s true that the closer I am to Jesus, the more fruitful my life is in every regard. My relationships are more enjoyable and peace-filled. My work seems less laborious and more fun. I’m more productive. And writing is a breeze because my heart and mind are fixed on Jesus and where he’s leading me. He gives me ideas and illustrations, and I long to write because it’s when I’m closest to him (except when I’m out with Ernie). It seems I have an endless stream of topics to share. I love it.

Pruning
This season in my life has truly been one of pruning. And, naturally, it doesn’t feel good. We tend to turn from the painful or the uncomfortable and I’m no different. Rather than causing me to bear more fruit, I feel like the pruning is bringing out the worst in me. Perhaps because I’m just in the midst of it? I hope and pray that this season of pruning will cause me to be a better person in the long run. I trust that God that it will.

So, if you’ve missed my more frequent posts, now you know why. If you’ve sensed uneasiness in my spirit, your assessment is accurate. But I’m on my way back. I’ve recognized that my separation from the vine is causing me heartache and stressing everything and every relationship in my life.

Draw Near
I’m off to spend the afternoon wandering with God, wandering wherever He leads. I trust His word that says, “Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” (James 4:8-9)

I’ve been humbled, now’s the time to draw near. I’m curious, how do you draw near to God? When you’re feeling far from God, what draws you back toward Him?

If you would, please pray that my faith would be renewed and that I would stay attached to the vine consistently. And because I don’t say it enough, thank you for spending some time with me, whether this is your first time or your 100th time here. I appreciate you and thank God for you.

Posted in random thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Going Where We Don’t Want To Go

Posted on July 14, 2010 by Amy

(C) Amy S. Lewis, 2010

Frequently when I ride Ernie alone, he fights me. It takes a lot of effort on my part to get him to leave the barn by himself. Spurring, spinning and frustrated words are not uncommon. I know I can’t let him turn back. I must persist in taking him where he doesn’t want to go or his negative behavior will continue.

God often asks us to go places we don’t want to go as well. To face an illness. To apologize to someone we’ve hurt. To forgive a friend who’s hurt us. To tell others about His Son. To pray blessings over people we don’t like.

Submission Ultimately Brings Blessings
Just like Ernie eventually submits to my authority, we need to obey God’s leading. When we do, he blesses us and uses us in powerful ways. We hear his voice more frequently and clearly. We feel a sense of victory and empowerment.

In God’s Strength
When God asks us to do things that are difficult for us, He always provides the strength, words and wisdom for us to do what may seem impossible in our humanly effort.

Anything is Possible
Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”

Consequences
The more we ignore God’s promptings, the less we’ll hear Him. Our lack of response is as if I let Ernie “win” by turning back to the barn. It’s letting Satan get the glory rather than God. Lean into God for the strength and will to honor His requests. You’ll be awed by the Spirit’s power working through you.

Zech. 4:6 – “It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.

Questions for Reflection:
1. What has God asked you to do that may be uncomfortable? Why is it uncomfortable? What feelings surface as you think about the situation?
2. What uncomfortable situations have you been trying to resolve in your own power? What has been the result?
3. What or who may He have brought into your life to stretch you and draw you closer to Him? What have you been turning away from that God continues to bring to your mind?
4. How might that situation work out differently by asking God for the power to go where you may not want to go?

Posted in devotion | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

I’m Broken

Posted on July 12, 2010 by Amy

You’ve probably heard someone say, “She claims to be a Christian and then she does [FILL IN THE BLANK].”

It’s as if people who are Christians are supposed to be above human thoughts and emotions. We’re to be perfect and loving at all times.

Well, I (or we) aren’t perfect. We’re all human. We all make mistakes. We all hurt people. Even Christians. As much as I try, I can’t help it.

I’m broken.

The world seems to hold Christians to higher standards, thinking that we’re infallible and above human feelings and motivations. I wish that were the case. Christians are just like non-Christians except we’ve acknowledged our inability to save ourselves. We know we’re flawed. And only the strength that comes from Christ gives us the ability to change, to give up addictions or overcome temptations. We’d like that strength to always save us from our own stupidity and evil tendencies but sometimes, as humans, we just don’t yield to Christ and the Holy Spirit in our lives. Sometimes our human instinct (sinful nature) takes over and runs rough shot through our lives.

The result ain’t pretty.

We look a lot like the non-Christians around us. We mow over people and their feelings. We look for scapegoats and targets. We succumb to selfish motivations and worldly goals. We become prideful.

And then, the wake-up call comes.

If we’re true followers of Christ, we find our way back. We try to apologize or make peace as much as it’s up to us. But the memories linger. Even when forgiveness is offered, the pain caused by our actions doesn’t go away.

(Please! If you forgive someone, give up the right to hold a grudge!)

The closer we grow to Christ, the better we become at staying in step with him. We realize that his way is the best way to contentment and peaceful relationships. It is the only way to overcome sin and human weakness. The more we live in him, the less we look and act like the world. We’ll never be fully free from sin and mistakes and above hurting others, however, until we depart from this life. Until then, we’re dependent upon God’s grace and the grace and forgiveness of those we hurt.

My questions are these:
1. Why does the world seem to hold Christians to higher standards?
2. How do you explain Christians’ behavior when it doesn’t align with the Bible or people’s perceptions of a Christian?

Luke 17:3-4 (NLT)(Jesus speaking): If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive. Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.

Posted in random thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Perfect Peace

Posted on July 11, 2010 by Amy

There’s a verse that I often repeat to myself:

Isaiah 26:3 (NLT):
You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

Perfect peace.

It seems like an out-of-reach place/thing/state sometimes. On our own, in our society, perfect peace is incomprehensible to most. On your own accord, are you able to attain perfect and lasting peace?

The key to lasting, perfect peace is the second part of the verse – we need to trust God and fix our thoughts on Him. If we’re stressed and anxious, we are not trusting God. If we can train our brains to turn our attention and focus toward God when we are unsettled, he will calm us and help us focus, rationalize and survive. The Holy Spirit cannot move amidst our anxiety and fear. It is inconsistent with who he is.

Recently, I was caught in a flurry of negative emotions towards myself and others. Then the Christian radio station came on and almost instantaneously my edginess and defensiveness began to melt away. The music turned my thoughts towards God. He entered into my thinking and diffused my emotions, bringing a measure of peace. It was a marked difference.

As much as we are able, in the power of the Spirit, we need to change our thinking from worry to trust – fixing our thoughts on God, not our circumstances. Then and only then will we have perfect peace.

Posted in random thoughts | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

An Inside Look at Haiti

Posted on July 7, 2010 by Amy

Recently a small mission team from my chuch went to Haiti on a medical mission. My friend Randy sent the letter below summarizing the team’s amazing experience and God’s providence. It gives us all an inside look at life in Haiti today.

Hi Everyone,

We’re home safe, sound, and in many ways changed. After my experience in Haiti, there is no possibility that a person could go there and experience what we did and not come home changed in a dramatic way. I have had the opportunity to travel to several places in the world, but nothing prepared me for what we were to experience once we arrived. As we all know, the news media tends to embellish and sensationalize things to make the news more gripping and to fit their agenda. What I saw in Haiti was the opposite; the media had not done justice on how truly impoverished they were. For the first time, I saw worse than what had been reported. We arrived in Haiti on Friday and it wasn’t until Wednesday that I was finally able to accept what I was witnessing. Yes, it took five days for it to fully sink into my heart. It wasn’t the damages from the earth quake that was so tough to get a grip on it, but instead it was the normal, daily conditions of the Haitians. We as Americans take our lives for granted. We truly have no idea how well we have it until we step out of our comfort zone, just a short 700 miles south of Florida and there we find the worst living conditions on earth.

Photo courtesy of Randy Beadle

One story I heard that really touched my heart was this. Many people are forced to live in tent cities. These tents are even set up in the median between the streets. As we speak, it is the rainy season as it can sometimes rain all night. During these long nights, mothers must stand the entire time, holding their precious, sleeping children protecting them from the wet, muddy ground. It breaks my heart seeing people walk through debris and garbage covered streets and not think twice about it as this is their normal, daily life. On a positive side, I have never been anywhere in the world that I have felt as welcomed as I did in Haiti. It was great to be able to talk with some of the people in the tent cities and the clinic and to be able to feel a real sense of genuine love from deep inside of their being. All in all, this has to be one of the greatest trips I have been on with all that was accomplished and all that was experienced.

Haitian hospital

Many of you have already heard but for those who haven’t, our first full day in Haiti was blessed with nothing short of a miracle from God. We went to the field hospital south of Port au Prince. A baby had been brought there gravely ill with pneumonia. The Dr’s prognosis was that the baby would not survive the night. Baby Edyson’s lungs were totally filled with fluid and all the oxygen that was being pumped into him was going into his abdomen instead of his lungs. Sharon, one of our team nurses, prayed for Edyson as she listened to his chest, concerned for his life. Our team continued the rest of our activities that day and as we were leaving, the Dr again was expressing his fears for Edyson’s ability to make it through the night. We asked if we could go and pray as a team for him and so we did. As we were praying, Edyson opened his eyes big and bright and his oxygen level went to 100%. This is better than normal we found out. By the next morning, the Dr had called the people in charge at World Wide Village and wanted to let them know that our prayers for Edyson had worked and that he was breathing on his own and that it was nothing short of a miracle. How’s that for the start of a week?

“Dr.” Amy diagnosing a patient

Another very big highlight was when we arrived in Luly to offer a “free clinic” for the community. It was decided that the nurses, including my daughter Amy (a nursing student) would be seeing patients, diagnosing ailments, and prescribing medications….essentially they were going to be Drs. Not feeling ready for this type of responsibility, this freaked Amy out a bit (that is stating it mildly). She assumed she would be assisting the doctor taking temps and blood pressures (which ended up being Adam’s job and he too was taken out of his comfort level by being asked to do something he had never done before.) Amy’s fear needed to be put to rest, so there was some time spent in prayer and fears were calmed a bit. As the day progressed, I was able to watch her grow from fear to ability to handle the patients’ ailments and issues with complete knowledge and understanding, but was even more blessed as I watched knowledge go from her head to her heart where she was able to not only treat the ailments, but also share the love and compassion of Jesus with them. It was a moment that would be great for every father to witness in his child’s life. Talk about a proud papa! Now I have a greater understanding of how God feels about each of us as he watches us grow and develop.

Our last full day in Haiti we visited a school that was damaged during the earthquake and because of this, the kids were attending a school made of woven banana leaves for walls and tarps for the roof. It was a blessing to be here as we were able to provide the kids with free examinations, worm medications, and register them for potential sponsorships to help with the expenses for education and one meal a day. I’ve seen these programs, but to be part of one in action was quite an honor

I am sending along some pictures that show a bit of what we were up to as a team and what your prayers and support helped accomplish. Thanks to you we were able to supply the clinic in Luly with hundreds of dollars worth of medications that in the US would have cost thousands. All of us were asked to do something that pushed us a bit out of our comfort zone as we helped the people in Luly. Doug was a pharmacist, Adam was a triage nurse, Amy was a doctor, Sharon was a doctor, and Randy….Well they all just said Randy is being Randy. I think that was a good thing.

May God bless you all as richly as you helped not only bless us, but the way in which you also blessed the people of Haiti with your kindness and generosity.

Thanks again,
Randy and Amy

Posted in Other people's stuff | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Getting By

Posted on July 6, 2010 by Amy

A theme has emerged in scriptures I’ve studied or heard lately that has really hit me:

God hates indifference. Apathy. Complacency.

Call it what you will but it’s clear that God wants us to sink our entire selves into life. He wants all of us – all our hearts, all our minds, all our emotions, all our time and efforts.

Consider these scriptures as I have lately:
Revelation 3:15: I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other!
Revelation 3:19b: So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
Luke 12:47: And a servant who knows what the master wants, but isn’t prepared and doesn’t carry out those instructions, will be severely punished.
James 4:17: Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
Colossians 3:23: Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Ephesians 6:6-7: [Slaves] Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Just Getting By
Do you ever get in the mode of just “getting by” or running on auto-pilot? Do you sometimes think “good enough” on a project? Do you ever grow dull toward life or God? How has thinking or saying “it doesn’t matter” or “whatever” truly mattered in your life?

No Excuses
I admittedly have been somewhat lackidaisical lately. With the emotions wrapped up in moving and the planning and physical work involved, I haven’t focused much on my work or my spiritual needs, or the spiritual yearnings of people around me. These scripture verses opened my eyes. No matter what is going on in life, I need to be engaged, present and firing on all cylinders. A life short of that doesn’t honor God. He blesses those who honor him.

God gives us all things to do that he wants and expects us to complete with enthusiasm and heart. We’re all to share the Gospel and speak truth and hope into people’s lives. When was the last time we did that? If Christ came back tomorrow, will we have finished the work he gave us to do? Would we have done our work with enthusiasm, in a manner that honors God?

I’ve been awakened to life again. I’m excited about work once again. The newness of my routine is fun. The possibilities that lie ahead are intriguing. Life is good. God is great.

A related post: Indifference

Posted in random thoughts | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Influencing Others

Posted on July 1, 2010 by Amy

(c) 2010, Amy S. Lewis

There are times when Ernie and I get along, communicate well and don’t have power struggles. He’s cooperative. Calm. Responsive. He’s settled, leaving behind his nervousness and prancing. It’s wonderful thing.

Positive Force
Reflecting on this blissful connection, I realize Ernie’s nervousness is subdued when mine is – when I am personally more peace-filled because of submission to the Holy Spirit. I am more self assured, less fearful and less concerned about outward appearance. My peace has influenced Ernie.

Responsibility
Just like my demeanor can influence Ernie, so too can our behaviors impact others. There’s responsibility that goes along with the ability to influence. Who may be looking to you as an example? Who looks up to you or seeks your advice? These are the people you influence, and your opinion and approval matter to them.

As Christians, we have the responsibility to honor and respect the people we influence. We have the responsibility to represent Christ. That means keeping conversations confidential, and loving people as Christ loves us. It means directing people’s attention and thoughts to Christ. In some situations, we may be the only person to speak godly truths to someone.

Romans 14:13: So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.

U de Chile - riot from buda de la kalle

Inciting Others
Keep in mind that we can also get people worked up by our example. In the book of Acts (chapters 13 and 16) those who opposed Paul stirred up the crowds against him – once leading to Paul’s stoning and another causing him to leave town. It only takes one person to start a riot and lead others into sin. That’s why Paul tells us in Philippians 2:14 to live lives pure and blameless.

God Honoring
Take a minute to reflect on your behavior and how it may rub off on others. Would God be honored by your actions and influence? If not, what will you do to change your behavior and be a positive influence? You may be a critical piece in someone else’s journey of faith. Is it time for you to step forward and be used?

Matthew 18:6: But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.

Questions for reflection:
1. In general, how do your actions influence others? Negatively or positively? To act or to stand back? Would God be honored by the way you influence others? What conscious changes can you make today to be a more positive influence on others?
2. How might God want to use you to positively influence those around you?
3. How can you step forward and influence others for Christ today?

Posted in devotion | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

What’s Sacred in Your Life?

Posted on June 29, 2010 by Amy

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 40 years, it’s that nothing is set in stone. The best laid plans are never 100% flawless. What you thought was the plan for your life, may not be where God wants you. So many times I have said “I will never…” only to do that very thing.

When I was younger, I planned to get married when I was 28. Well, that hasn’t exactly played out the way I thought.

I’ve always “prided” myself on never having rented a home/apartment/room in my life. I moved from my mom’s house into a condo I bought shortly after college. From the condo, I bought my house, which I recently sold. Today, I find myself renting a room from a friend. I never planned to be here.

God’s Plan Prevails
I’m learning that we can make our plans but God’s plans trump ours. Nothing in life is sacred but God. Clinging tightly to my agenda, my possessions, my dreams and the people in my life, turns them into idols – and prime targets for being stripped from my life. God may take them to discipline me or simply to teach me that He is all I need. My work. My home. My relationships. Nothing is off limits for God. They’re all substitutes for what truly matters in life – faith in Christ. I may not have a home right now but my relationship with Christ transcends all circumstances.

Offer ‘It’ Up
When was the last time you offered God something you see as a part of you? If God asked you to leave your job, would you? If God told you to change careers, would you? If he told you to move to the inner city, would you go? What if he wanted you move across the country? If he asked you to live forever single, would you give up looking for a spouse? What is sacred in your life? Will you offer it up to God?

Proverbs 16:9 (NLT): We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.

James 4:13-16 (NLT): Look here, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.” How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.” Otherwise you are boasting about your own plans, and all such boasting is evil.

Posted in random thoughts | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment