Freedom in Identity

Our post today comes to you from the lovely and talented Jimmie Lee Dilanni!  Jimmie Lee is a member of the Kingdom Life Team.  She shares with us what she has learned over the last few years, on her journey seeking freedom from insecurity and depression (because even Christians struggle too). Along that journey, God revealed to her that there is freedom in knowing who you are, whose you are and who he is. He showed her that freedom flows from knowing in your heart who your identity comes from. Her prayer and ours is that God will use her story to encourage you!

"And may I ever remember that no one gets to tell me who I am except my Father. Any commentaries about identity, either out there or in here, may I let them gently go." -Emily Freeman from Chatting at the Sky 

I have spent a large part of my life placing my identity in the hands of others. Looking to other's opinions of me and allowing my perception of their beliefs to shape my identity. I let myself believe the lies and in turn took on those labels as my identity. 

Shall we start at the beginning? I was quiet as a child, one might say unusually quiet and so I was quickly labeled as shy at a very young age. Because of this, I believed for a very long time that I was shy. Maybe there were moments of shyness or circumstances where I was shy, but overall I was not shy. That's identity lie #1: Too Shy.

Fast forward several years and you would find a very scared 15 year old girl pregnant with her first child. And you would see a depleted and aching soul due to an unhealthy relationship filled with mental and emotional abuse. As you can imagine, I lost my true identity pretty quickly after being immersed in that trying time. I spent the next 4 years seeking the courage to get myself out of that terrible relationship and move forward. I didn't escape unscathed. Identity lie #2: Not Good Enough.

I spent my college years and the beginning of my married years trying to combat all the lies I had let shape me, fighting to find out who I was. I was living the 'try hard' life, always striving. Trying to do all and be all for everyone. All the while, feeling like I was 'this close' to drowning, barely keeping my head above water. Searching for myself but always coming up empty handed, no matter what I tried to find my identity in. I wasn't a good enough mom, or a good enough wife. Not a good enough social worker, Christian or friend. I wasn't good enough because I was leaning on my own understanding, my perception of what the world thought my life should look like. I didn't measure up.

Friends, I was looking to the wrong source. I was barking up the wrong tree, the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. What I needed was the Tree of Life!  I started seeking and asking God to show me who I was. He is so patient and so faithful! As I look back I can pin point moments in my life, people that He used to break my chains. 

You know it wasn't until I was pregnant with my second son, that I got free from identity lie # 1, shyness. To make a long story short, a friend of mine I trust as a spiritual mentor looked at me and said, "Jimmie Lee, you are not shy." 

I rebutted "Oh, but yes I am." 

And she said, "No, I don't think you are shy." 

I argued back again, "but you didn't know me in the past, I was so shy I couldn't even say hello to people..." 

She politely interrupted and lovingly said "No, you aren't understanding. I don't think you are shy because that is just a label. When people say that my daughter is shy, I correct them and explain she is just scoping things out." 

I started balling right there in the middle of the cafe. Because for the first time, I was seeing myself in a new way, the way God wanted me to myself. I had never fathomed that it was possible for me not be shy.I knew God had used my friend to break that chain and set me forward in my journey to freedom.  

For the last 3 years I have been on this journey and God has been walking with me along the way providing just what I need in each moment. With each new step I walk deeper and deeper into the freedom that only Jesus Christ can provide.  

So sisters I want you to know that YOU are loved and known by your Father in Heaven!!! You don't have to look to others for validation anymore. You don't have to believe the lies! What Jesus has for you is so much better. So I want you to know right where you are, right now, you are... 

a good enough mom 

a good enough wife 

a good enough sister 

a good enough friend 

and a good enough Christian!  

God created you just the way you are. Those things that you think are flaws, maybe they are really strengths? God gave you those things because He has a purpose and a plan. Just ask Him… Ask Him to show you how he sees you, I dare you ;)  

I leave you with a challenge! In your quiet time this week read Psalm 139 and just let that truth penetrate your Soul and Spirit. 

If you are interested in learning more about freedom in identity, the Kingdom Life Foundations weekend is coming up this November 14-15! During the Kingdom Life Foundations Weekend, we will be exploring foundational principles of living life with the King. We will gain a deeper understanding of God as our source of life, love and identity, learn to see things from His perspective, and look at how we can live a victorious life now by operating in God's authority and power!  For more information or to sign up email kingdomlife@westridge.cc.

What God Has Joined Together...

At the Women’s “Captivating” book study this past June, I heard the testimony of the sweetest girl from Louisiana you would ever want to meet, Jennifer Miller.  She bravely got up in front of all the ladies in our group and tearfully gave her testimony of how God saved her marriage.  As I listened to her amazing story, I knew it was a story that needed to be shared with all of you as well!  So settle in with a cup of coffee (or your favorite beverage!), a box of tissues and get ready to hear a great love story.  But this love story is different.  It’s not just about how a guy and girl meet, fall in love, and get married. It is the grander story of God’s rescuing and transforming love!

Jennifer grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana. Back when Jen was growing up, it was a small town.  She attended a private Christian school and spent most of her time involved in school or church activities throughout the week.  Growing up, Jen knew she wanted more of an adventurous life and wanted to break out of her small town bubble. Right after graduating high school, Jen moved to California.  While working in California, she became engaged to a man twelve years her senior from her hometown.

Jennifer gave up her California lifestyle and moved back to Shreveport.  Her engagement however, did not last.  She broke it off and swore off of dating for awhile.  Jen wanted to start college but by now she was a bit older than most freshmen.  None of the colleges she applied to were calling her.  Desperate to leave Shreveport again, Jen quickly accepted an invite from an old friend to visit the University of Lafayette three hours away.

While on her visit, Jennifer attended a cookout.  As she was mingling amongst friends she saw sitting on the couch, the man who would be her future husband, Josh.  Before you know it, the cute shy guy on the couch got up the courage to talk to her.  She and Josh clicked right away and Jen was convinced that the University of Lafayette was the place for her.  Two weeks after she applied, she was accepted.

As Jennifer and Josh got to know each other more and began dating, Jennifer came to the realization that they were unequally yoked.  Despite her Christian upbringing, Jen drifted away from the morals and values she had once held dear.  She knew that even in dating, she needed to be equally yoked, yet she accepted that Josh just wasn’t where she was spiritually. There was something about him that just seemed to stick with her.

After a year and a half of dating, Josh proposed to Jennifer.  Josh’s mom was not very supportive of the engagement and appeared to Jen to be unaccepting of their relationship.  This ended up causing some of issues in their marriage later on.  As they moved through the wedding planning process other issues would come up along the way that they pushed through.  Jen began to recognize that Josh avoided conflict and when disagreements arose with his mom, he would not defend Jen.

Despite all the drama during their engagement, Jennifer and Josh were married in January of 2008.  (Although, Jen refers to it as, “having had a wedding.” Looking back on her story now, she feels it was not the day they were truly married.)  Two months later, the couple bought their first home and settled in to married life.

However, problems were beginning to rise to the surface.  While working and going to school, Jennifer was struggling with the stresses of life.  She had gained some weight and Josh became critical of that.  Both of their expectations of what a husband and wife were to be weren’t being met.  Josh expected Jen to be more of a homemaker and was taking his frustrations out verbally.  Meanwhile, Jen was not being obedient or submissive to her husband.  All the while, they were looking for a church home.  As they visited different churches Josh became more unsupportive of Jen.  It was becoming clear that he was not interested having a relationship with Jesus.

As time went on, the couple continued to grow farther and farther apart.  Things were not going well in the marriage.  Jen had the opportunity to study abroad in Paris and she jumped at the chance to escape.  Josh told Jen that he didn’t want her to go.  He felt like he couldn’t be without her.  Despite Josh’s disapproval, Jen booked her airline tickets and headed to France. Jen had a wonderful time in Paris and Josh did come to visit her.   In the end though, the entire situation seemed to tear down their marriage further.

After a year and a half of marriage, Jennifer and Josh’s relationship was crumbling.  She had moved to the guest room in their house.  She had reached the point where she felt like she despised him.  Spiritually, she was feeling weak.  The couple tried counseling but it only seemed to make things worse. Jen felt like Satan was just pouring things into her life to keep her distracted and keep her from working on the things she needed to work on.  It was at this time too, that Jennifer preoccupied herself by developing a friendship with another guy. 

By now, Jennifer felt like she wanted a divorce.  She felt like she needed time away from her and Josh’s situation and that she needed to heal.  So Jen decided to move out.  She told Josh that they needed to separate and Josh was stunned. 

Meanwhile, the friendship that Jennifer had developed with another guy had turned into an affair.  Also around this time, the man that Jennifer had been engaged to years before had passed away unexpectedly.  Not only was she struggling with her own declining marriage but now she was grieving the loss of a man that she had at one time, promised to spend the rest of her life with. Jen was hurting but Josh was unable to understand or empathize with her.

Jennifer felt like she just needed to get away from her situation.  She moved out of her home and in with a good girlfriend who let her stay in a room in her house.  She found a job that involved extensive travel.   She felt like it was a perfect situation because she could escape all of her problems at home.  But, when you are running from yourself there really is no escape.

Jennifer was hurting and trying to end the affair she had started.  Working out of state turned out to be a blessing for her.  She was able to get plugged in to a local church, she got involved in a women’s Bible study, and received therapy from the local college.  All the while, Josh was still trying to persuade Jennifer to come home.  He would send her flowers each week despite her protests.  Jen told Josh that all he was doing was pushing her away.

Unknown to Jennifer, while she was out of state, a transformation was taking place in Josh.  He was earnestly seeking God. He was attending their old church and receiving counsel from the pastor.  The desperation over his situation with Jen had driven him to Jesus.

One weekend when Jennifer was in town for a visit, she confronted Josh.  She told him to stop sending her flowers, to stop pursuing her, and to stop fighting for her.  But Josh would not be dissuaded.  Incensed, Jen said to Josh, “Fine.  If you aren’t going to stop fighting for me then you better know what you are fighting for.” And with that she admitted her affair to Josh. To Jen’s utter shock, Josh replied, “I’m still going to fight for you.”  At that moment, Jennifer had for the first time, really experienced God’s love through someone else.

The couple was still on the verge of divorce.  But you never should put a period where God has placed a comma.  Little by little, God was working on Jen and Josh.  Josh was becoming more involved in church and was steadily developing his own relationship with Jesus.  He had gotten to the point where he had taken off his wedding ring, placed it in a box with all the couple’s wedding pictures and told God, “I’m giving this over to You now.” 

In light of all that though, Josh had made an appointment with an attorney to move forward in the divorce process.  He told Jen one Friday that everything was set for a meeting the following Monday morning.

However, Josh called Jennifer that Monday and informed her he cancelled the appointment.  Jen was angry.  She wanted closure and just wanted the whole ordeal to be over.  Little did she know that over that weekend, Josh had run in to an old friend who had been in his same situation years before.  The friend advised Josh, “Don’t give up!”

Meanwhile, that same Monday, on a flight heading back to work, Jen was seated next to an older gentleman who just so happened to be a chaplain.  The two began a conversation that would turn into a wonderful friendship to this day.  G.A., as Jennifer calls him, (short for guardian angel) would text or call her daily, encouraging her, reminding her to trust in what God had for her.  He continually took the focus off of her marriage and had her reflect upon herself.  He would call her to let her know he was praying for her, even calling her one night at 4 a.m. giving her a word that he had received for her.  It turns out it was confirmation the exact same word that Jennifer was given at her Bible study only hours before! God was continually placing people in both Jennifer and Josh’s lives that would encourage them not to give up on their marriage. 

A few weeks later, Jennifer and Josh met up for coffee and the tide began to turn.  They began talking more and getting to know each other again.  They started courting and Jennifer realized that Josh was a changed man.  There was something wonderfully different about him.  And that wonderfully different thing was that he was now a man transformed by the love of Christ!

Jennifer and Josh were slowly growing closer together again.  The couple came to the realization that they truly wanted to start over.  Two months later, Josh re-proposed with a new engagement ring and the couple decided to renew their vows.  They agreed that since they were starting over, they wanted a new beginning.  So the day before their renewal ceremony, they were baptized together.

Jennifer and Josh’s marriage is drastically different these days.  They made God the center of their marriage. They agreed that their free will had put them into their original situation but it was also their free will that allowed them to choose to be obedient to God.  God transformed both of them and healed their marriage.

Today, Jennifer and Josh live with their adorable daughter, Audrey and are joyfully awaiting the arrival of Baby Nora this February. They still have their ups and downs like any married couple does but after having experienced the true eternal love of Jesus and the power of forgiveness, they have vowed to never revert back to their past.  They don’t dwell on their past but willingly share their testimony with others. Their biggest message for couples today is that no matter where you were when you met your spouse, the reason why God put you in each other’s lives is to show your spouse how much God loves them through YOU!

Now dry those happy tears, clear away the Kleenex!  It’s time for Jennifer to answer the Super Six questions!

1. Are you a morning person or night owl? Night owl!!!
2. What was the last book you read? “Captivating” by John & Stasi Eldredge
3. What is your favorite way to relax? Getting a massage or maybe a mani/pedi!
4. What would you have for the perfect meal? That’s a hard question for a pregnant woman! A good rib eye steak, crawfish etteoufe, some veggies and sweet tea.
5. What is your favorite Scripture to meditate on in times of stress? There’s so many…  Philippians 4:13, the verses about the armor of God and the fruits of the Spirit.
6. What is your favorite thing about West Ridge? The people!  Jesus shines through everyone there!

I Heart You

It is not very often that I am in the car all alone.  Usually I am cruising in my minivan, hauling kiddos to and fro. (Don’t be hating on the minivan – automatic sliding doors and stowaway seating, you gotta love it.) Car rides with my girls are a bit like being questioned by the KGB.  I get questions like, “What do groundhogs like to eat?” to “Why does daddy love you?” to “Do prisoners need to eat their fruit in jail?”

One evening though, I had to make a late night run to the store.  The prospect of some quiet alone time in the car was exciting me.  I could listen to whatever I wanted on the radio and not be peppered with questions or try to break up fights from the driver’s seat.  I climbed in and began my drive.  It was a beautiful night and it seemed like I was the only one on the road.

We make it a habit in our household to pray before we go on car trips.  I’m not sure how it started but it is just something we do.  We usually thank God for the day, ask for safety in our travels, and then the kids will throw in their requests.  Sometimes it is for a good day, to see a friend, or thanking God for new shoes.  You never know what is weighing on the heart of a three year old until you tell her it is her turn to pray.

On this night though, I had some things that were resting like a ton of bricks on my mind.  As is our habit, I began to pray while I turned the key in the ignition.  I pulled out of the drive and headed down the street. “Father God, I thank you for this day.  Please keep me safe as I travel this evening.” I whispered out loud.

As I drove to the store, my prayers grew more intense.   I was praying out loud and I was praying feverishly.  I was pouring out my heart to God right there in the front seat of my minivan.  Tears began streaming down my cheeks.  I was releasing every stress, every concern, and every problem from my tight grasp.  I laid them down at the feet of Jesus as I pulled into my parking spot at the store. 

Feeling like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders; I searched for a tissue to wipe my tears.  Then out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of something dark.  “Oh please don’t be stink bug!” I thought as I cringed and focused in on it.  However, to my surprise and great delight, I realized it was a heart!

Something on my windshield was making a heart shadow on my doorframe!  I must say, it was the best shadow I have ever seen.  It was like an “I heart you” message from my Savior!  In that moment, I was reassured that my prayers were heard, that Jesus cried with me, and I didn’t have to wrestle with those things anymore.  I left them in the hands of my Lord. 

In the course of your day, have you taken a moment to get alone with Jesus?  I believe the most powerful and moving times of prayer are when you really quiet yourself and share your entire heart with the Lord.  Cry out to Him.  Let loose and reveal everything.  Nothing you say will surprise Him.  He already knows what is on your mind and is longing to be alone with you.  He wants to comfort you and give you peace. He wants you at your real and raw self.  He wants you to know “I heart you!”

“The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you with His love; He will rejoice over you with loud singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 NKJV

 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV 

My special heart shadow!

West Ridge Women Spotlight #4 - Shannon Harsh

Recently I had the pleasure of sitting down with Shannon Harsh.  Shannon joined the West Ridge Women’s Ministry Team a few months ago and has had the excitement of giving “birth” to a latest “addition” to the Women’s Ministry, Encourage!

Shannon and her husband, Doug, live in North Fayette Township.  They are the parents of Haley (9), Gracie (4), and Jacob (2).  They are joyfully expecting the arrival of baby #4, Rebekah, in January.

Due to Doug’s job in the military, their family moves quite often.  They are experts at packing and unpacking, even managing to have pictures up on walls within a couple days of a move.  However, Shannon and her family have lived here for a year and a half so far and she’s hoping they can stay in Pittsburgh a few more years.

Shannon’s story is one a lot of women can relate to.  About ten years ago, before she became a Christian, Shannon was in a very bad and dangerous relationship.  She endured various kinds of abuse from her boyfriend at the time.  It wasn’t until she was seven months pregnant with her daughter, Haley, that she hit rock bottom.  She knew she needed to change her life and the only one who could help her out of her desperate situation was Jesus. 

Once Shannon accepted Jesus as her Savior, her life turned around 180 degrees.  Everything in her life changed.  She left her abusive relationship and bravely began life as a single mother.  With the guidance of her grandparents, she started attending church.  She moved to a different home, got a different car, changed jobs, and began her life all over again.

Two years pass by and at Shannon’s new job, she just so happened to meet the man who would be her future husband, Doug!  Shannon says of the day they met, “God told me as soon as I saw him that I was going to marry him.  When I heard that, I just laughed.” But before you know it, the two began going to church together, started dating, followed by an engagement, and were married soon after that.

Fast forward a few years.  After moving to the Pittsburgh area, Shannon and Doug began the search for a church home.  One weekend, while Shannon was away, Doug gave West Ridge a try.  Doug told her he felt like West Ridge was going to be the right place for them.  After Shannon’s visit the following week, she agreed, “It felt like home.”

As the one year anniversary of her first visit to West Ridge approaches, Shannon is very excited to put all of her education, training and life experiences to work in to leading the Encourage ministry. Shannon said, “This is something that I have had on my heart for years.” She actually is hoping that God will grow it into something even bigger down the road, “I’d love to open a house for single, abused moms.”

Encourage will be lead by Shannon and she has three coaches on hand right now to assign to pregnant moms as they enroll in the program.  Each mom will be assigned a coach to walk with them all the way through their pregnancy and delivery.  The moms-to-be will be receiving regular encouragement from their coaches as well as being covered in prayer by them.  All through the pregnancy, coaches will be available to their assigned mom-to be to answer any questions or offer advice.  After their new baby arrives, the new mommas can anticipate being showered with even more blessings such as having meals be delivered to them or baby essentials, like diapers and wipes.

The Encourage team is also equipped for any type of pregnancy as well.  The ministry is prepared and trained to handle such issues as: unplanned pregnancies, single motherhood, miscarriages, and premature births.  Also, Encourage is not limited only to ladies who are members of West Ridge.  “We want to reach out to the community too.” Shannon explains. 

If you are expecting and would like to sign up for the Encourage ministry or if you would like to serve in the ministry alongside Shannon, please email her at: encourage@westridge.cc.

No one escapes a West Ridge Women’s Spotlight interview without answering the Super Six questions…  Here’s what Shannon shared with us:

1. Are you a morning person or night owl?  I’m a morning person, but only because I have to be. I’m in bed by 9:00.  As soon as the kids go down, I’m going down too!
2. What was the last book you read? “Angels Walking” by Karen Kingsbury
3. What is your favorite way to relax? Reading.  I love to read!
4. What would you have for the perfect meal? Jeremiah Fountain’s lasagna. He makes his own noodles. It’s the best I’ve ever had! Oh, and some chocolate!
5. What is your favorite Scripture to meditate on in times of stress? My favorite has always been Jeremiah 29:11. (“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”)
6. What is your favorite thing about West Ridge? It’s family.  I don’t come out of my shell easily and I’ve been able to do that here.  It’s really awesome.

Expect Success

My highschool yearbook

My 20 year high school reunion took place last month. Pause with me for a moment and allow that number sink in.  Two decades.  TWENTY years since I graduated high school!  Now, for some of you reading this, you may think twenty years? Try thirty, forty, or even fifty! And there may be some of you who just have tossed your graduation cap in the air a few months ago.  This milestone, well, for me, it required some time to really take it in and think about.

I did not attend the reunion.  The people that meant the most to me in 1994 were not going to be attending.  I felt that since I still kept in touch with them through Facebook, plunking down a chunk of cash for the reunion to be around a bunch of people I hardly knew 20 years ago wasn’t worth it. Of course that didn’t stop me from checking out the reunion pictures from the “official reunion” Facebook page.  Oh come on, you know you would too!

As I looked at the group picture of everyone in attendance at the reunion, I hardly recognized anyone.  The names sounded familiar but the faces… not so much.  So naturally it was time to dig out the old yearbook! Thankfully it was tucked away in my old bedroom.  When I pulled it out, all those high school memories came flooding back. I scanned the title on the front, “Expect Success”. “Hmm... Really? That’s quite a statement.” I thought.  Twenty years ago, I didn’t expect success.  I just wanted to get out of high school.  I was ready to take my diploma and run out the door.

You guys, I will be the first to admit, 1994 was not the height of fashion either.  The hair.  The BIG hair. And pegged jeans.  My word. But I digress… Anyhow, I flipped through the first few pages.  I read all the little notes and comments from friends. (Remember "K.I.T."? Keep in touch! Do teenagers even write that kind of stuff anymore? I’m pretty sure they don’t.)  Most the references and little jokes totally escaped me here in 2014.  I had no idea what some of these people were writing about or who they even were! Oh, but there were some precious notes from best friends way back then.  They made me smile and remember some of the fun, fun times we had.

After reading all the notes and comments, I headed to the index to find all the places my picture was.  Let me tell you, my pictures were very few and very far between. My quotes in the yearbook were even sparser.  I began to regret not participating more, not joining clubs or activities. The quotes I did have all pointed to one thing – graduation.  I simply could not wait to exit high school.  The end of my senior year could not come fast enough for me.

For the next few days after reading my yearbook, it haunted me.  I kept going over in my mind all the things I should have done or could have done.  I thought about all the things I missed out on.  I thought about how I had always felt like an outsider.  I remembered the teasing, harassing, and bullying.  I know I am not the only one who took a far staircase to avoid someone in the hall who could ruin your whole day with a few choice words.

Then, once I was really starting to feel bad about “1994 Marcy”, I recalled all the awful choices, mistakes, and dumb stuff I did. I think we can all agree that sometimes teenagers are not the wisest people in the world.  In 1994, I just wanted my life to hurry up and start.  I wasn’t motivated at all and so tired of school that I had no desire to go to college.  I made bad decisions about my future, my time, my friends, and I made especially bad choices about guys.

After about 3 days of high school reminiscing, I actually really disliked “1994 Marcy”.  And then a funny thing happened.  Pastor Mark Simpson visited West Ridge and gave a sermon about regret.  He went through a list of life’s “6 biggest regrets”.  I believe I checked all 6 off. Each one he went through, I would think to myself, “Yep, did that one.  Oh yes, that applies to me.  Oh, there’s another one!”

It’s been my experience though, that God will always find a way to speak to your heart, especially when you are hurting.  Sometimes He speaks right to you, or through His Word, or through another person.  That Sunday morning, God chose to speak to me through the message Mark was delivering. 

After Mark got done talking about the regrets that we may have in our past, he talked about how the only true antidote for regret is repentance.  God reminded me that all those mistakes and bad choices were washed away.  My burden lifted and eyes opened.  All that dislike for “1994 Marcy” melted away. 

When I accepted Jesus as my Savior, my sins were forgiven.  My slate wiped clean.  I repented of my old ways and turned away from them.  Once that happened, my friend, my life was radically different.

Because Jesus is my Savior, I do expect success. 

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 (NIV)

“He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.” Proverbs 2:7 (NIV)

Ladies, we are always here for you! If you are struggling with something today, be it past regrets or anything at all, please email women@westridge.cc with questions or prayers.  We love you!

Unchained

“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.” 2 Timothy 2:8-9 (NIV) 

When I read that verse a few days ago, the very end of it struck me.  God’s word is not chained.  What a powerful statement.  I immediately thought of my Bible.  My mind drifted to how I love to pick it up and read it.  Whether I’m directed to a verse at church, or from a devotional, or even just randomly, I love to read God’s word!

We are so blessed in this country to have the freedom to own a Bible.  We can read it whenever we want.  Plus we have access to so many different versions and translations. Of course, you can always download an app for your phone or tablet and have super quick access to scripture.  The word of God is not chained.  You can read it out loud or silently to yourself, “share it” on Facebook, teach it to your family, encourage others with it, and even write it on a piece of poster board and hold it up at a sporting event for all to see (John 3:16!).  Well, you get the idea.  The possibilities are endless.

There are so many though, who don’t have that luxury.  Around the globe, there are people who are so hungry for Christ that a suitcase full of Bibles is the most precious thing in the world to them.  I recall watching a video not too long ago of a group of Christians all the way across the world receiving Bibles.  At first the scene is loud and a bit chaotic as each person vies for a Bible from the suitcase.  They are not rude or pushing each other but so excited to even touch a Bible that they simply cannot contain themselves.   The camera pans to a man as he gently kisses his copy while on the verge of tears.  Others are also kissing their copies and carefully peeling off the protective plastic.  Then it is very quiet.  Complete silence.  You know why? Because all these people are reading their Bibles.  Remembering that scene, I realized…  Yes, God’s word cannot be chained!

God’s word is living and active.  The Bible says in Isaiah 55:11, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” God’s word is not chained.  How can it be? God tells us that his word will not return void.  It will accomplish whatever God wants it to!

The word of God comforts us during times of stress (Ps. 55:22, Matt. 11:28).  It consoles us as we grieve a loss (Matt. 5:4, Rev. 21:3-4).  It lifts us up when we are feeling defeated (James 4:10).  Scripture can guide us when we don’t know where to go or what to do (Ps. 119:105).  It fills us with peace (John 16:33), joy (Romans 15:13), and hope (Jeremiah 29:11).  Scripture reveals God’s everlasting love and His greatest gift, Jesus (John 3:16).  God’s word is not just a book.  It has survived centuries.  God’s voice, his power, his will for you is throughout scripture.  How could any of that be chained? God cannot be stopped.

So, have you read the Bible today?  I promise you that when you read it, and really sink in to it, God will open your eyes and you will take it all in differently than ever before.  The Holy Spirit will open your heart and God’s word will be written there. When that happens my friends, then God’s word cannot be chained!

A Grand Adventure

I know a bunch of sweet ladies who are expecting babies right now.  In fact, I know so many women who are pregnant, I’m afraid to drink the water around here. I am kidding! 

You know, when you first find out you are expecting a baby you are filled with so much joy and excitement that you almost feel like you are going to burst. Some women see those two pink lines on the pregnancy test and immediately start calling every person they know to share the news with.  Others, are more reserved, savoring this time, holding on to that special secret till they are comfortable sharing the news with family and friends.

Whether you shout your pregnancy news from the mountain tops or calmly spill the beans at the 12 week mark, there is still so much excitement and anticipation early on in pregnancy.  You ponder such questions as: Will the baby be a boy or girl? Wonder if it will have my eyes or hair? Will it love Elvis music as much as I do – oh wait, maybe I’m the only one who pondered that, ha!

While you may be suffering from morning sickness or the need to constantly go to the ladies room, you still look like yourself.  No one would know you were pregnant unless you told them. (Unless you are expecting baby number two, three, four, etc. then your baby bump just pops out immediately!) Being pregnant, especially with your first baby, is new and fresh.  A grand adventure you have only just begun.

Isn’t that similar to how we are when we are new Christians? We accept Christ as our Savior and our lives are instantly different.  You cannot go back to who you were.  After all, you are a new creation (“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Cor. 5:17). Some of us, so on fire for God, we tell anyone and everyone who will listen about Jesus.  While others hold on to this news, this Good News, not quite sure who to share it with or how they will go about this new life, but joyful and excited about this new journey.

By your seventh or eighth month of pregnancy, you feel a bit weary.  You are tired from getting up a bunch of times all through the night for various reasons.  Your back hurts, or your feet are swollen, or a food you once loved and craved is now the grossest thing in the world to you (I’m talking about you potato soup!)  You are excited about the baby’s arrival but you are really hoping these weeks would hurry up and pass already.  You are still you, but not the “you” that you used to be.  Your belly is letting the world know either you are expecting a baby or just swallowed a giant watermelon. Your feet may have gone up a shoe size. Or maybe your once straight hair is now wavy.

That time in pregnancy reminds me so much of valleys we sometimes face in our daily Christian walk.  We are still excited about Christ but some of that “newness” has worn off.  We love the Lord but sometimes we allow the trials of daily life to take our focus off of Jesus.  We make some changes in our life that will more align us with our faith but there may be some unpleasant, even painful consequences to that. 

While those nine months of pregnancy (ok, really more like ten months, about 80 percent of women deliver their babies sometime between 37 and 42 weeks) pass by, you are busy preparing.  You set up the baby’s room, get advice from other moms, read child rearing books, and pack the all important hospital bag (your own slippers, don’t leave home without them).

Isn’t that true of how we go about living our lives as Christian women? We are preparing for eternity in heaven:  Attending a church and making it your home, reading your Bible consistently, maintaining communication with God through a vibrant prayer life, and enjoying the fellowship of other Christian women.

I have to tell you that I have learned so much about the Lord and grown in my faith by having strong, Christian ladies around me.  They have taught me and encouraged me in so many ways.  If you are missing this in your life right now, please pray for God to open this door for you and bring it to you.  You weren’t meant to live life on your own.

Then, just when you think you really can’t handle being pregnant one more day, when you feel you have truly had enough.  You feel like your belly just can’t stretch anymore and you wonder if you will ever fit in to your favorite jeans again.  When you reach that point when you just want this baby to come out, you go another week and blow past your due date. 

But…  Finally the big day arrives! You deliver your baby! And then!  Then my friend, everything you thought you knew about being a mother, all flies out the window. 

It’s different and awesome and wonderfully better than you ever could have imagined!

That’s what I believe it will be like when we go and meet Jesus face to face.  You have waited and waited.  You have pondered, thought, daydreamed about what this would be like.  You’ve endured trials, troubles, and tribulations.  You have finished the race as Paul says. (“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7). You see the nail scarred hands of Jesus, and then…  Then my friend, everything you thought you knew about being a Christian, all flies out the window.

 It’s different and awesome and wonderfully better than you ever could have imagined!