Acres of Diamonds

I heard Jentezen Franklin share a true story from the 1800s when diamonds were discovered all over Africa. An African farmer heard those tales about other farmers making millions by discovering diamonds. He was so excited that he sold his farm to go prospecting for diamonds himself. He spent the rest of his life wandering through Africa searching but not finding the diamonds that brought such high prices on the markets of the world. Finally, in total despondency and disappointment, he threw himself into a river and drowned.

Meanwhile, the man who bought his farm was crossing a small stream on the property, when suddenly there was a bright flash of blue and red light from the stream bottom. He bent down and picked up the good-sized stone. He brought it home and placed it on his fireplace mantel to admire it. Several weeks later, a visitor stopped by and saw the stone. He asked the farmer if he knew what he’d found, but the farmer simply thought it was a piece of crystal. The visitor told him he had found one of the largest diamonds ever discovered. The farmer told the man that his creek was full of such stones.

The first farmer sold his farm so that he might find a diamond mine. It turned out to be one of the most productive diamond mines on the entire African continent. He had owned acres of diamonds, but he sold them for practically nothing, in order to look for them elsewhere. The moral is clear: If the first farmer had only taken the time to study and prepare himself to learn what diamonds looked like in their rough state, and to thoroughly explore the property he had before looking elsewhere, all of his wildest dreams would have come true.

My eyes opened when I heard that story. At this very moment, we could be standing in the middle of our very own acres of diamonds in creative ideas, innovations -- the eye-openers to the treasures that might be inside us or around us.

Wherever you are or whatever you're doing right now -- in a world of worry, concern and anxiety -- just may be where the diamonds are. Yes, times have been tough and your hope seems to have vanished with the weight of your concerns that have become two-ton weights. I just don't believe we are in an isolated incident in the midst of this isolation we are living through. I believe God is up to something so grandiose and is on our side. It starts with HOPE. Our "hope" glasses will open our eyes to see the diamonds!

My husband's favorite motivational topic was hope. He would say: "Hope is the great expectation that something good is about to happen!" I'm so glad I caught hold of that hope. It has served me well. I know the alternative. When there is no hope -- life is over. That's why we hear about so many people who are living in depression, hopelessness and even taking their lives. "Hope deferred does make the heart sick." Proverbs 13:12. I cringe when I hear someone say "Don't get your hope up!" Why don't we get our hope up and believe that this day can be a day of ahas, wonders, miracles and surprises?

I'm telling you not hoping is not believing in our God with Whom all things are impossible “May God, the source of hope, fill you with joy and peace through your faith in Him. Then you will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13) Whoohoo! Bring on that overflowing hope! Could you be sitting on a diamond mine? Could your mind be the diamond mine of innovation, creativity, ideas, and witty inventions? Let's get our HOPE up!

Enough is Enough

Ever said those words? We've prayed for changes to the point of exhaustion, but it seems our prayers are only hitting the ceiling. We feel hopeless and disappointed. The sheer monotony of it all is tiring! Maybe your "enough" is one more day of isolation or home-schooling or face-mask wearing. I noticed that the quarantine is far more stringent in Austin than has been in Frisco where I live. Any stores opened, required face masks. I had never worn a mask until I saw this "must wear a mask" sign. I wore the "eye" mask in my car that I keep on hand in case I need to pull off the road for a little R&R! And what about the quarantine frontliners? I saw the marks on their faces. They might be saying "enough is enough"!

Then there's the enemy of our souls who taunts us with "You’re not good enough, young enough, smart enough”. You’re NOT enough”. I get that. Praying, giving and caring for others just doesn't seem enough. Doing the right thing doesn’t seem to be enough. We take it as long as we can then we declare: "ENOUGH already!"

Truthfully, those thoughts are likely right on. We aren’t enough and we don’t have to feel guilty for the frustration. Even Jesus admitted in the Garden that He would rather have the cup pass from Him. He understands us and, mercifully, we don’t have to be enough because He IS enough! His love for us is inexhaustible. No matter how much of God’s generous love we experience, there is always more available for the asking. St. Paul, instead of declaring "enough", gave us the key to survival: "He (God) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:8-10

I was a co-narrator for a Jewish Seder Passover Meal at my church. A beautiful prayer recited during the meal, included the refrain “Dayenu” which translates to “It would have been ENOUGH for us.” Here is an excerpt from that prayer:

“God, if You had only created us, it would have been enough for us. If You had only freed us from slavery in Egypt, it would have been enough for us. If You had only given us your wise Law, it would have been enough for us. If You had only fed us with manna, it would have been enough for us. If You had only brought us into the Promise Land, it would have been enough."

The prayer lists many more of God's blessings that were poured out on His people. It concludes: “How much more do we have to be thankful for the manifold and unbounded blessings of our All-Present God!” That is a prayer for us today! No matter how much we realize the goodness and mercy of our God, there is always more. I'm sure we have been blessed in ways that we haven’t even noticed. There is never a reason to doubt that God wants to give us more, and in fact, is likely orchestrating the presentation of that MORE right now!

Maybe we should come up with our own "Dayenu" list. We should think of the ways our Heavenly Father has provided for us, blessed us, and revealed His love to us.

“Lord, if you had only forgiven my sins and removed my guilt, it would have been enough. But You have done so much more. All praise to You, my God of MORE THAN ENOUGH!”

No More Overloading the Circuits!

The doorbell rings. It’s my thick-German-accent electrician and his partner -- here to take care of that blasted circuit breaker that keeps tripping. They come in with tools in hand. In my books, they are my mighty men of valor! I take them to my master bathroom from whence the issues started. I tell him: “This circuit breaker never tripped like this before.“ Der Obermann (the head man – I know a little German) starts to school me like a first grader. “That hairdryer –1875 watts. That heater – 1500 watts. Too much at one time. It’s not your circuit breaker. If you must use the heater at the same time, get an extension cord and run it from your bedroom. I’m 57-years-old. I’m in good shape but if I run too much or worry too much or eat too much, my body breaks down because it’s overloaded. That’s what you do with overloading your electric in here.” He pulls out the old receptacle and replaces it with a shiny “green light” one. He assures me my life will be better IF I use that extension cord for the heater. In a flash, they’re gone. And, whoa-la, this blog is on its way!

I have a friend who is going through a challenging time right now. One of those end-of-their-rope times that when all-else-fails, pray and ask others to pray because this is more than one person can handle. As soon as I began to read their text message to me, the song, “Who You Say I Am” comes to mind. I sent the YouTube video of it to them. I share it here with you just in case you could use a strong hand to hold onto you because your rope has become just a thread, too!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgBB863p2vw

Perhaps you’re at the end of your rope because you are overloaded like my circuit breaker was. The hopelessness has come and you start to wonder “Am I the problem here? Did I cause this mess? Have I taken on more than I should have? Did I spend more than I should have? Did I overlook my family and friends too much? Did I neglect my time with God? Am I even worthy of God answering my prayers?”

In the midst of our struggles, we start to listen to the lies of the enemy that we’re worthless, hopeless, and powerless. But, don't go there. Not even for a minute. "Hold on, my child. Joy comes in the morning!" (Psalm 30:5) We must not let ourselves go there. We are children of Almighty God and we reflect His image. We have hearts full of hopes and desires. And when we give ourselves to Jesus, He empowers us with all the tools we need to be overcomers and everything we need to win. We were built for this life and with everything we need to be effective.

It’s sort of like what I was saying about that “blasted” circuit breaker. It was doing its best to BE what it was supposed to be, but I kept overdoing it and it couldn’t perform to its abilities. And, for us, along the way – life happens and one thing after another wears us down and we’re not as effective – physically, mentally and spiritually -- to press on. Here’s good news. We are not a factory-assembled product. “We are God’s masterpiece” (Ephesians 2:10) and der oberste Mann, Gott (the head Man, God) is not going to let us let go of the thread of the rope. He is with us. Let’s unplug all the weights that are draining us and let’s find that sweet peace in He Who can handle it all.

An Opportunity to Choose Great Joy!

Choose joy? When challenges and disappointments come? How can we count all this stuff as joy? You young’uns may not remember the old Hee Haw Show where the cast members sang this “miserable” song that went like this: "Gloom, despair, and agony on me; Deep, dark depression, excessive misery; If it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all; Gloom, despair, and agony on me." Those poor old guys lived way below these words from the Apostle James: “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” James 1:2

I'm writing this blog from my precious grandson's experience last weekend. He had reasons to sing that Hee Haw song. I'm sure considering his troubles as “an opportunity for great joy.” was a stretch. You see, on Sunday, all dressed and ready to head to church, he went to his car….and his sweet-ride wasn’t there. My daughter gives these details: “Our son, Payton, had his car stolen this morning but I am so proud of his response to what could have been a very difficult morning. His response was: "Mom, I could be all upset and angry, but I choose JOY. I refuse to let this bring me down." His trunk was full of some VERY special possessions and our family fishing equipment, which...if you know my family, is PRECIOUS cargo. But instead of being "normal"...our boy chose JOY.

She goes on to share: “I don't know what you are going through, but today's brief, but powerful sermon comes to you from my son's own life experience today: "CHOOSE JOY!" "All things work together for good to them that LOVE GOD and are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28. And God, we pray for the people who stole his car and we ask you to forgive them and draw them into repentance. May they come to know you and the power of your resurrection!” Staci Wallace

So, there you go, Satan. Body-slam to you and all your little imps. Instead of Payton losing his joy, he sensed God speaking to him to take a deep breath and receive the encouragement of joy when he needed it the most. If we read this verse “Count it all joy” (James 1:2) as a stand-alone suggestion, it seems impossible to put it into practice. Yet, if we read the context behind it in Scripture, it takes on an entirely new perspective and begins to seem — with God’s help — doable.

James wrote that verse during a time when the Christians were facing insurmountable problems that had stolen their joy. But in their defense, these believers had justifiable reasons to have a bad attitude. They faced great persecution, unrelenting trials and sufferings — from murder to imprisonment — at the hands of Saul, who was zealous to destroy the church and anyone associated with Jesus. As a result, these Christians were in fear, mourning, confusion, and hopelessness.

Some fled their homes in fear for their lives. They lived in poverty, forced to scrounge for food to survive. Some were sick, and everyone was exhausted. They had every right to be negative and pessimistic. James acknowledged their suffering but also wanted to give them hope and encouragement. He told them inner joy could still be theirs, if they deliberately chose to take control of their thinking and change their attitude. He encouraged them to pause and refocus on their faith.

When life gets hard, it’s difficult to avoid letting a bad attitude take over our minds and rule our lives. We might not experience religious persecution as those first believers did, but let’s face it: people hurt us, the past haunts us, coworkers mistreat us, friends forsake us, spouses dishonor us, children don’t appreciate us, finances don’t support us, and our health doesn’t sustain us. James’ words can help us, too.

Our attitude is our choice and knowing whatever circumstances we face don’t have the power to dictate that “loser” attitude unless we let them. Although enduring problems with a smile and pure joy in our hearts can be difficult, doing so not only helps us become stronger believers, it opens the door for an attitude transformation. Our attitudes are an outward display of what’s taking place in our hearts. When our hearts focus in the right place, our attitudes will, too. The only thing we have to lose by choosing a positive attitude is a negative one.

Lord, fill us with a joy that can only come from You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

When We’ve Run Out of Hope……

This is my second day in a row to blog about hope. Maybe it has to do with some of the assignments God has given me in the last few months to encourage others to hold onto hope.

So many are sick. Sick and tired. Sick of hearing so much negativity and hate. Sick of trying so hard to make changes in their lives. Sick of being sick. A scripture that answers that SICK-ness is this one: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” (Proverbs 13:12)

When we lose hope, we lose our health, our ability to dream, our determination to keep trying and our desire to face another day. No wonder so many are sick, hopeless and even die from heart illnesses or suicide. It’s truly a matter of the heart. The question, “Is there hope?” is asked every day:

~ When someone is sitting in the doctor’s office awaiting test results.
~ When a couple gets nowhere despite months and months in counseling.
~ When talking to an accountant before walking into a bankruptcy court.
~ When waiting for the results of a passing grade.
~ When waiting for a callback from a job interview.
~ When wondering if we can come together as a nation

Hope is a necessary source of life. Because hope is in such short supply today, people easily fall for all kinds of scams. They trust in false hopes, like get-rich-quick schemes, psychic hotlines, palm readings, and quack cures. Nothing disappoints worse than false hope. So where do we turn to find real hope? In Romans 15:13, the Apostle Paul gives us the answer – the answer is in God: “May God, the source of hope, fill you with joy and peace through your faith in Him. Then you will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”. Now that’s what I call a HOPE boat riding on a HOPE river – overflowing in hope. God is the only source of hope that will never disappoint. When we place our faith in Him, He provides joy, peace, and hope that overflows. Oh, how our world needs that hope.

The most common lie that satan uses to instill fear into us is to make us feel our desires, dreams and goals are hopeless. If you've felt that way -- welcome to the club! We've all had that uneasy feeling of hopelessness, but the sooner we squelch that lie and trust in God Who is the source of our hope, the sooner we will begin to be filled with joy and peace.....and even start to see positive results to all those hopes and dreams.

God is always with us. He’s in our past, in our present, and in our future. He’s with us in the good and bad places. He is everywhere. And we are never, ever alone. Where God is, hope is. So for a good physical, mental and spiritual report? Bring on the hope!

Stranded or Rescuer

SPOILER ALERT! At our Life Group meeting, last night, we talked about the difference in being someone who feels or is “stranded” – all alone, hopeless and they may have already determined that they wouldn’t make it through their crisis. They’ve quit on pushing on. They've given up on life. We also discussed those who are “rescuers” – those who go in to encourage, support and help rescue someone from being “stranded”.

That discussion was based on the excerpts/clips from the movie “Martian” which were brilliantly used by Pastor Craig Groeschel to make the point about the choices we make. We are either “stranded” or we are a "rescuer". That was the story of Astronaut Mark Watney (played by Matt Damon) when he was left for dead during their mission to Mars. With Watney believed dead, the mission commander ordered the remaining crew to return to their orbiting vessel without him. Mark had a choice to make: he either gives up and accepts that he is going to die or to use his intellect, drive and determination to live.

Eventually, because of Mark's abilities, mental resources and determination, he was able to communicate back to earth that he was alive, and then it was up to the mission commander and her crew to return to save him. The “stranded” and the “rescuers”.

Yesterday, I posted a photo of a man slumped-in-his-chair with drink in hand. The tagline said, “Many people die at 25 and aren’t buried until they’re 75." I think that speaks to those who are “stranded”. They are stuck in mediocrity, have given up pursuing their dreams and visions, and serve no one else. They serve themselves with defeat, lack of motivation, and have essentially “died” to a life of potential and possibilities. On the other hand, there are those relentless, selfless, inspiring, and undaunted people who are the “rescuers” – not only are they their personal rescuer, but they rescue others by building them up, encouraging them, loving them through this season of their lives.

Mark Watney said, “I’m not going to die here” and he didn’t. Just maybe it’s time we get the fortitude and attitude that says “I’m not giving up….until I’m taken up! And, while I'm still here, I'll be a RESCUER!"

Finding the WAY OUT

Day 222 of Photo Inspirations -- Finding the WAY OUT
Last week I heard a message directed to those who feel like they are at a dead end -- hopeless -- unable to find their way out of a situation or circumstance. It may be an addiction, a bad habit, an illegal or immoral activity, a bad attitude, or another destructive behavior. It may be something as severe as facing an arrest, a failed marriage, a bankruptcy, or a terminal illness. No matter what it is......there IS a WAY out!

That WAY out is spelled G-O-D. "And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide A WAY OUT so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

Over the years, we encountered what seemed to be insurmountable circumstances -- financially, relationally, physically. In the middle of those circumstances, we looked in so many places and to so many people to help us figure out OUR WAY OUT. But not until we made an appointment with THE WAY MAKER and totally gave Him the cares of it all -- the frustrations, the worries, the hopelessness, the absolute relinguishing of OUR plans, OUR failures, OUR WAY of doing it and figuring it out.......did HE show us THE WAY OUT.

How often do we go to the phone before we go to THE THRONE?  How many times do we complain AND REMAIN? How careless can when be when we insist on CARRYING the CARES and doing it OUR WAY instead of HIS WAY?

The WAY-MAKER, Almighty God, is on our side and He is everything -- our Guide, Confidant, Counselor, Healer, Peace & Strength Provider, and Source of Supply. Wouldn't it be a good idea to make an appointment with Him today for a one-on-one consult?  I'm sure He will work you in between His other appointments. That's just the way He rolls and the way He loves you and me so much.

"The Lord is My Shepherd......I shall NOT WANT." Psalms 23:1