Bearing One Another's Burdens

...they forced him to carry the cross....(Mark 15:21)

I often wonder what it must have been like to be Simon, the Cyrene. He was forced by the Roman officials to carry the cross from outside the city gates to Golgotha, because Jesus was physically too weak to carry it any longer. 

I wonder if he understood what he was doing as he journeyed with the Savior of the world to the crucifixion. Although Jesus was too physically weak to carry the nearly 100 pound cross bar He still walked right beside Simon. I wonder if they linked arms, or if Simon helped hold Jesus up as they journeyed together to Golgotha. I bet he was afraid. I would be too. I wonder if he knew Jesus as his own Messiah or if he knew him only as a religious figure. I wonder if on their journey he looked Jesus in the eyes and saw the fierce compassion of a loving Savior who was "led like a lamb to the slaughter." (Is. 53:7) 

I've asked myself, why is this in the biblical narrative? What is God trying to show us? As I've asked Him to show me why I believe there is one point of application, to me, that stands out. 

This account is meant to be a picture of the church in action. There will be many times in my life when my burdens seem to great to bear. That's when my brothers and sisters in Christ within the church are meant to walk with me, helping me bear my burdens. Maybe they will pray for me, make a meal, clean my home, help financially, watch the kids, or sit and listen during the greatest storms and tragedies of my life. 

In those moments we practice "bearing one another's burdens." (Gal 6:2) We walk with our beloved friends, shoulder to shoulder, helping them bear their burdens when they are too weak and beaten down to do it themselves. 

There's an old Bebo Norman song I have always loved, called "Borrow Mine" some of the the lyrics say, 

Take my hand and walk with me a while
'Cause it seems your smile has left you
And don't give in, when you fall apart
And your broken heart has failed you

I'll set a light up on a hilltop
To show you my love for this world to see

You can borrow mine when your hope is gone
Borrow mine when you can't go on
'Cause the world will not defeat you when we're side by side
When your faith is hard to find, you can borrow mine, borrow mine

And take my love when all that you can see
Is the raging sea all around us
And don't give up 'cause I'm not letting go
And the God we know will not fail us

Side by side, the church in action, bearing one another's burdens. Now that, is something beautiful. Let us live like that today! For God's glory!

Fearing Rest

I think people fear rest. 

Although many people, myself included, need it desperately, we fear what it might reveal. We fear if we slow down we might actually have to deal with the hurt and pain that lingers deep within. We fear we won't measure up or be able to keep up with everyone else. We fear we won't make enough money or are children won't be the starting player, so we stay busy, really busy. We run 1,000 miles per hour thinking that we're doing what's best. Yet, if we took just a moment to sit and rest we'd find that our souls are actually worn to the bone, our hearts are not full, but empty and our minds are not at peace, but filled with anxiety. 

Instead of creating time for rest we add more and more to our plate and before we know it we have quickly become our child's chauffeur; instead of their wise counsel. We don't know who are spouse is anymore, because we only see them in passing. Sure we sit next to them from one sporting even to the next, but there's no real intimacy there. Now one is really sure when the last time the family actually sat down to a meal together was because, everyone is-busy. 

I think in order for families to be healed someone's going to have to say, enough is enough. I'm choosing to rest, because that's what is best for my own health, my children's well-being and my relationship with my spouse. 

Otherwise we'll continue to run ourselves into the ground reaching for depression medication, the divorce papers and blowing up at our kids, because we're not taking time to rest. 

I think God wants us to rest. 

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."- Matthew 11:28 

Even Jesus rested (Mark 6:31). We should too.

I think when we rest, a death happens. A death to fear, anxiety, worry, anxiousness and anger. A new life begins when we rest with God. It's there where He refreshes our hearts, gives us new hope and places His joy in our hearts. 

When we choose to make a commitment towards rest, true transformation happens as we hide ourselves in God's word. That is where we spring forth to new life in our minds. The lies come crawling up to the surface, the pain becomes un-earthed and Jesus, our healer comes in to make us new. 

I want that kind of rest. Go ahead, you can have that kind of rest too. Don't worry about what others might think, just go and be with Jesus.

Quiet, Be Still!

True, abiding faith is far from passive; it is fiercely active. 

When the wind and the waves began to overtake the boat Christ and His disciples were traveling on as they crossed Sea of Galilee Jesus lay sleeping on a pillow, in the stern of the boat.  In a panic the disciples came to Him, crying out, “Lord, don’t you care if we drown!?” (Mark 4:38)

Jesus got up, rebuked the wind and the waves and with a loud shout said, “QUIET, BE STILL!” (Mark 4:39)  The wind and the waves immediately died down. 

I wonder, if in that moment the disciples heard the same truth in their hearts, “quiet, and be still”, as they frantically scrambled around on the boat trying to save themselves, all the while, Jesus, in the midst of a great storm had everything under control even when it seemed as though they would drown. 

Abiding faith teaching us to rest in the middle of what seems like an overwhelming storm.  As our hearts run, unguarded, filled with fear, worry, and anxiousness we seek to take over control, forgetting all the while that our Lord is resting at the helm, asking us to join Him there. 

The rebuke of “quiet, be still” was not just for the storm, but for the disciples as well.  In their panic they forgot that their Lord was in total control.  They allowed worry and fear to overtake them.  They become controlled by it and quickly forgot the faithfulness of their God. 

I can totally relate with the disciples.  Far too often, I forget the faithfulness of my God.  I focus on the storm and allow myself to be held captive by fear and worry, quickly finding myself reaching towards the helm to take over control.  Yet, there my Lord sleeps, resting, asking me to join Him there.  If I desire to truly take over control I’ll find myself stepping over him, maybe even, in my panic, kicking him out of the way to grab hold of the reigns of control.

What a stubborn fool I’ve been.  Thankfully, the gospel can make new the most stubborn of hearts.  With humility and prayer I can learn a new way of doing life.  I can let go of the helm and rightfully, give it back to Jesus.  It is hard work to get to this point, but with active faith, working with God for our renewal, we can be made new. 

Father, forgive us, we forget so quickly, that in you, is rest.  You promise to stand with us, to never leave us.  You are a good Father.  May we remember to quiet our hearts and be still in your presence no matter what life throws us.  May stillness be our default and trusting you be where we land.  In Jesus name, amen. 

Following at a Distance....

I'm a lot like Peter.

I talk too much.  I think I know it all.  I don't listen well.

Not to mention, I'll think to myself, "I would never do (fill in the blank)."

Yet, in my sinful nature, I would.

I think the demise of Peter can be found in Matthew 26:58

"But Peter followed him at a distance".....

As Jesus was on His way to appear before the Sanhedrin Peter followed Jesus, but at a distance.  He allowed His pride to say He would never deny Christ and now he lets his fear keep him from following Jesus closely.

Peter got away from following Jesus closely and before you know it, he denies Christ three times.  Three times!  Within minutes of each other.  The rooster crows immediately and Peter weeps bitterly, because he had done the unthinkable.  He denied knowing Christ three times.

In Jewish culture to deny your Rabbi three times was to cut yourself off completely from him.  It was as if Peter was flipping Jesus the bird and saying, "I'm done with you!  Get out of my life!"

We should be careful to say, "I would never."  God just might put certain circumstances in our lives to humble us, showing us that without staying close to Him, without abiding in Him, we are capable of grievous sin.

Thankfully, Jesus restores Peter back into fellowship with him in John 21:15-17.  Jesus is full of grace and mercy towards Peter, even though Peter does not deserve it.  Jesus offers that same grace and mercy for us.  That is good news indeed!

Father, hold me close, for I, Heather, am capable of grievous sin without you.  May I walk in humility, daily, coming as a beggar at the door of your mercy.  In Jesus name, Amen.

It's Good to Be a Woman

You know, it's good to be a woman.

"A woman came to him"....Matthew 26:7


There are a few women in the bible who were able to see something others were not.  They are always the kind of woman who had eyes and ears to hear and see great and mighty things.  They were women who were convinced, convinced God was true and that Jesus was the Messiah.  They did not waver in unbelief or question it.  They simply believed and acted upon their faith. 

Their faith allowed them to have experiences far better than those around them, because they were able to see, with eyes full of faith, and hear, with ears full of trust, the greatness of God before them in the person of Jesus Christ. 

When Anna, a Prophetess was praying, daily, in the temple courts, she knew when Jesus showed up that the child was the Messiah. I imagine her prayer life was so deep and intimate that it was no question for her when the baby Jesus came onto the scene. 

What about when the Angel told Mary she would have a son and He would be the Savior of the world?  She did not question or doubt.  She simply embraced what was true.  To us she showed great faith, yet I wonder if for her it was really quite simple.  Could be it that her heart and mind were so conditioned to trust God that her act of faith came without much debate in her own mind? 
Could it be when this woman, who came with her alabaster jar of perfume was so convinced Jesus was the Messiah, a years worth of wages was but a small offering to her, because her treasure was in Heaven and sitting right there, before her? 

I imagine Anna, transformed as she was through her constant state of prayer, was able to see the Christ there in the temple, because she was so close to the Father, when He showed up it was no question.  She already knew His heart, now she saw His face and I'm sure, without question, something leapt inside of her with great joy when she saw Jesus. 

It's good to be a woman.  It really is.  I want to be that kind of woman.  One who sees what others do not.  The kind who hears with spiritual ears and sees with spiritual eyes.  I want to see Jesus in such a fresh way it causes me to see a greater glimpse of His glory.  I want the kind of prayer life Anna had.  I long for the kind of trust Mary displayed and I seek the same attitude of sacrifice this woman who poured perfume on the feet of Christ displayed.

Father, I want to be that kind of woman.  In Jesus name, make me that kind of woman.  One who trusts you, who is a woman of prayer and who sacrifices much for your glory.  I am often distracted and doubt far too much.  I long for a transformed mind.  To see with spiritual eyes and hear with spiritual ears.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

Stretch Out Your Hand....

Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand".....(Matt 12:13)

Jesus came upon a man with a withered hand. Imagine a man whose hand was paralyzed with no ability to move. It had no life in it. Yet, Jesus, the great healer comes upon this man on the Sabbath and has compassion for him. 

However, Jesus doesn't just come upon this man and instantly heal his paralyzed limb, no, if that's all we see as we read we're missing a great point of application. 

Before Jesus heals this man, He asks him, "stretch out your hand." 

To you and I this seems like a simple request, but to this man, I'm sure it seemed like a great impossibility. His hand is withered. He has been unable to move it for who knows how many years. It would be as if you were mute and Jesus came up to you and said, "say a few words to me." Yet, this man does not doubt. The scripture tells us that he stretches out his hand it is restored completely. Had this man not exercised great faith in believing that Jesus would heal him by stretching out his hand would he have experienced the healing power of Jesus?

Jesus wants to do the same for you and me. He wants to bring healing into our lives, but we must not forget that Jesus often times wants us to exercise the faith that shows we believe that He can do that which is impossible a part from His power. 

I don't know what it is for you. I'm not sure what you're praying for in your life. Many people pray to be more patient or for more self-control. Yet, when Jesus offers them the opportunity to put their faith into practice when someone annoys them and test their patience they back down and give into their annoyance. Then, turn around and ask the Lord to just please "give me more patience."

No, this is wrong thinking that we must do away with if we're truly going to grow as Christians. Growth comes about when we put our faith into practice. as we actively apply scriptural truth to our lives. If Christ lives inside of you the power of the Holy Spirit dwells with in you. God has given you all the patience, grace and self-control that you need in Christ. It is available for you in Christ in the moment of temptation when you are tempted lack grace or patience. In order to overcome, we must CLAIM patience, grace and self-control IN THE MOMENT as OURS in Christ. Then, put it into practice. If we do, we will grow. 

Praying that God will give us more patience, grace or self-control is like beating a dead horse. Only one of you is doing the work and quite honestly, its meaningless work. When I choose to exercise the faith that I have received through Jesus Christ and claim that for my life, then I am working together with the Lord for my own personal healing. 

Stop asking God to "heal your hand." Stretch our your hand and claim the power over sin in your life available for you in Jesus Christ.

When I Gave Up on Ministry

...a smoldering wick he will not snuff out...(Matt 12:20)

It wasn't long ago when I decided I was done with ministry. It had become too burdensome, too tiring and I had convinced myself I was going to fail, so before I did, it was time to get out. I had no joy in serving. I was hanging on until the end of the ministry year so I could go on vacation, thinking a week away would be the re-charge that I needed. 

Little did I know the real problem was I had fallen away from my first love. I had become so busy doing ministry and other activities, filling my plate and time with numerous things that I had no time to rest in the Lord. I had no time to truly sit at the feet of Christ, studying the scriptures, seeking Him in prayer and solitude. 

Thankfully, Jesus, in His kindness did not snuff me out. By all accounts, He should have and just moved on to the next ready and willing soul to be used of Him. Yet, in His loving-kindness and mercy He showed me the real remedy for my defeat was not a week vacation, but the need to rest in Him. 

I remember reading a book for my masters degree on the need for quietness and solitude during this time in my life a couple of years ago. It was so convicting to me, because I recognized that I had made doing ministry for Jesus above my relationship with Him.

Soon after I made the commitment to make time for rest, to get into the word daily and set aside time for extended prayer and worship. As time went on Jesus took my smoldering wick and poured on it the life-giving oil of the Holy Spirit and soon I became a fire burning with hope, security and confidence in the Lord Jesus. 

A life set on fire for Jesus is no secret. The formula is really quite simple. 

Rest in Christ + Prayer + Time in the word of God = the power of the Holy Spirit being poured out on your life. 

I am more convinced than ever that those who are most hungry for God and most passionate for Jesus are the ones who have continually, with unwavering commitment, sat at His feet. They long to hear what the healer as to say to them. They cannot imagine life without Him. They love His word and they are devoted to prayer. 

I am no fool to think I could never become a smoldering wick again, if I were to neglect setting aside time to rest in the presence of God. 

I'm not sure where you are today. If you are a fire blazing or a smoldering wick. Know this, Jesus has the life-giving oil of the Holy Spirit that He wants to pour out into your life. If life meets you in a smoldering spot remove those obstacles that keep you from sitting at His feet. He will meet you there and in His presence you will be made new. 

Lord Jesus, I know that I am capable of deep sin. If I stray, call me back. If I neglect time with you, burn within me. Remind me of your love. If I become a smoldering wick once again Father, lead me back, by your grace to a deeper walk with you. Jesus, burn brightly in your daughter to the praise of your glorious grace and for the proclamation of your gospel. In Jesus name. Amen.