Tag Archives: devotions for moms

Afraid to Tell

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afraid to tellSo they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Mark 16:8 (NKJV)

It happens every spring when I read the Easter story from the book of Mark.  I’m taken back to a time when I said nothing to anyone, because I was afraid.  Perhaps you have a similar story.

We were at a church camp conference in Georgia with the theme, “This is My Story.”  Whenever there was a lull between events, the crowd would launch into a lively rendition of the old hymn.  “This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long…”  The song still rings in my heart almost two decades later.

Between singing and game workshops, maintenance manuals, recipe exchanges and all the other information you need to run a church camp, there was a delightful morning Bible study.  I wish I could remember the name of the speaker who led this, an energetic, Asian-American dynamo.  She ran us through the life of Jesus in the book of Mark, because that is Mark’s pace.  She explained to us how most scholars believe the last twelve verses were tacked on later, so Mark 16:8 is really the final verse.  And what does this verse tell us?

So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Mark 16:8 (NKJV)

Who were these people?  Mark 16:1 tells us they were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome who brought spices to anoint Jesus’ body.  They didn’t know how they would move the big stone that blocked the tomb.  So when they arrived, they were so surprised to see the stone already rolled away.  An angel in the tomb told them, “He is risen!”

Isn’t that the best news of all!  Would you run tell all your friends?  Well, according to Mark, these women were afraid and didn’t tell anyone at first.  I wonder how many of us are like that.  Do we know the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection, but are too scared to tell others?

The Bible study speaker challenged me to not be afraid to tell my story.  That very day I wrote my story in my journal.  The next Christmas I sent it out with our Christmas cards.  Today I continue to look for ways to tell others about the love of Jesus, how He saved me by dying on the cross, and that He is risen.  Many days, I’m still afraid, but the Holy Spirit nudges me to share more and more. Are you being nudged, too?

Today’s TEA CUPP: Read Mark 16 today.  Celebrate the Good News that Jesus is Risen!  Then find someone to tell the Good News of how Jesus has helped you.

But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.”  Mark 16:6 (NKJV)

Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

Who Cares???

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question-questions_answers_5A pastor who is often a special speaker at our church, travels with a business card that asks, “Who Cares? If you die and go to hell, who cares?”

Right on his business card he answers this tough question with 7 answers:

# 1 – God cares: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

# 2 – Jesus cares:  For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost. Matthew 18:11 (NKJV)

# 3 – All people in heaven care: I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.  Luke 15:7 (NKJV)

# 4 – All saved people care: And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!”  Revelation 22:17 (NKJV)

# 5 – All people in hell care: That he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment. Luke 16:28 (NKJV)

# 6 – I care: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. Romans 1:16 (NKJV)

# 7 – Do you care?  If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 (NKJV)

Today’s TEA CUPP:  My friend, after reading the answers to #1-6, I hope you will answer a big “YES” to #7! God, Jesus, the saints, the sinners, including me, all want you to follow Jesus. Please join me in confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Dear Jesus, I believe in You!  Please be Lord of my life. I believe You died for my sins and God raised You from the dead. I ask for your forgiveness. I look forward to eternal life with You in heaven.  Please help me to live each day for You from this day forward.  Thank you, Jesus.  I love you! Amen.

A very happy and blessed Easter to you, dear friend!

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

Special thank you to Rev. Dr. Samuel G. Karunanithi from Living Word Church in Bridge City, Texas!

Most Women Said “Prayer”

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Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray…” Luke 11:1

At a weekly Bible study I attended, the question was posed, “In what area is God calling you to a deeper level of obedience?”  As we went around the table of 20 plus women, the majority mentioned prayer.  The women had hearts for obediently following Jesus’ example to pray, but some wondered how to proceed.  If you are reading this book, perhaps God is calling you in this area, too?  How should you press on?

Let’s review: The place to begin is the Bible.  God’s Word has all we need.   When we don’t know what to say, God does.  There are fantastic verses from Genesis to Revelations, but a great place to explore are the Psalms.  Here we read the heart cries of other believers that we may also pray to the Lord.

To THANK the Lord, we may pray,

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
    For His mercy endures forever. Psalm 136:1 (NKJV)

To EXALT (praise) our God, we may pray,

I will praise You, O Lord, among the peoples;
I will sing to You among the nations.
For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens,
And Your truth unto the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.  Psalm 57:9-11 (NKJV)

To ADMIT our sins and ask for forgiveness, we may pray,

Have mercy upon me, O God,
According to Your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
Blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin. Psalm 51:1-2 (NKJV)

To seek God’s CALLING for our lives, we may pray,

Teach me Your way, O Lord;
I will walk in Your truth;
Unite my heart to fear Your name.  Psalm 86:11 (NKJV)

To UNDERSTAND and talk with Jesus about our story, we may pray,

O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off. Psalm 139:1-2 (NKJV)

To claim one of God’s PROMISES for our lives, we may pray,

You are my hiding place;
You shall preserve me from trouble;
You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7 (NKJV)

To pour out our hearts and PETITION the Lord, we may pray,

Do not forsake me, O Lord;
O my God, be not far from me!
Make haste to help me,
O Lord, my salvation!  Psalm 38:21-22 (NKJV)

And when we come to our final request, we will have had an intimate time of prayer with Jesus. My friend, encounter the Lord today in prayer.  He is most certainly calling us all.

Today’s TEA CUPP:  Continue to meet with Jesus for prayer and a cup of tea each day.  Bring your Bible, open to the book of Psalms, and let God’s Word begin your conversation.

Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us,
Just as we hope in You. Psalm 33:22 (NKJV)

Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah Psalm 62:8 (NKJV)

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18 (NKJV)

Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

A Preschool Day

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Joel's day3So teach us to number our days,
That we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (NKJV)

“What are we going to do today?”
“What’s next?”
“I have nothing to do.”
“Can I watch TV now?”
“When will you play a game with me?”

Do you have these same questions at your house?  Are you going bonkers, getting through a long day with your preschooler? How do you stop the questions, and keep the day moving in a smooth fashion, while getting all the chores done, too? Please let me share what works in our family.

More than 20 years ago, we had a 3-year old girl who was always hoping for play time and art time and watching Barney on TV.  Mommy wanted to do all those things, but I also had chores and errands and meals to fit into the day.  So, I came up with a way for our daughter to see her day at a glance, knowing that her favorite activities would be coming soon.

We had a stack of Family Fun magazines at the time, so I cut out photos and cartoons of kids doing various activities, such as reading books, going to the park, eating lunch, etc.  I glued these clippings onto note cards and strung them up with clothespins, so our daughter could check the next activity.  Using clothespins made it easy to rearrange the note cards with each new day.Joel's day

A few years later, we also had a little boy who wanted to know the daily plan, but first I needed the chores to be completed.  So I took photos of the kids doing jobs around the house, from feeding the cat to sweeping the kitchen.  I cut the photos into star shapes, put magnets on the back, and arranged them on the refrigerator.  When each chore was completed, it was put into a special envelope.  When all the jobs were finished, it was play time.

I used the star chores again with our third child. When he completed all the stars for the day, he received a “star-buck” good for buying a prize at the “Mom Buck” store once a week.  Now he is almost 16 and would prefer Starbucks over one of mom’s star-bucks :-).

With our fourth child, we have made the stars a combination of chores and activities, so he can see the whole day at a glance.  Each morning I rearrange and exchange the stars to show our plan.  Joel’s day usually starts with feeding the cat, eating breakfast, getting dressed, brushing his teeth, making his bed, and doing an extra chore.  Then it is school time where he plays with Mommy, has stories, does a craft, and eats lunch.

After lunch, Joel heads outside for swings or sandbox, then comes in for a PBS Kids show.  The late afternoon brings Legos or a project with Daddy.  Dinner is followed by bath time, stories, and a bedtime prayer.  Joel is so used to his schedule that he will remind me, “Mommy, you have to do my schedule!”  He will even get sneaky and switch “pick-up toys” with “reading stories” so he can skip clean-up time. But Mommy is wise to this!

Joel's day2Over the years I’ve found our star chores and schedules can be used even into the early elementary years.  When the kids have outgrown the photos, it is time to start a regular lesson book (about third or fourth grade).  By then the kids have such a good routine, they know just what to do.  I hope this will help answer the preschool questions at your house!

Apply your heart to instruction,
And your ears to words of knowledge.  Proverbs 23:12 (NKJV)

This article is part of my Home School Tea Time series, sharing a few things God has taught me in our 20 years-and-counting home school journey.  Today’s message helps you plan your preschooler’s or early elementary student’s day. Be blessed and be a blessing!

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

My Home School Story

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home school

Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

The other day I realized, we’ve been home-schooling for 20 years!  This is 2016, and in 1996, when our daughter was in first grade, we began to home school.  There have been many ups and downs these 20 years, but I wouldn’t trade them for anything.  This story is how God called us to home school our children.  Perhaps He is calling you, too, and you are wondering how to get started.  I hope my home school story helps you…

We have four children on earth and three in heaven.  When our oldest two kids were ages three years and four months, we moved to a new state.  We were blessed to meet other families with young children who all had the same question for us, “Are you going to home school?”

I hadn’t even considered home school! But when the third person asked me, I thought perhaps God wanted me to look into it.  Our daughter attended preschool at our church when she was four. That whole year we prayed about whether she should go to kindergarten the next fall, or not.  When August rolled around, we still didn’t have an answer.

A friend was hoping to build a new house and told me the story of seeing a double rainbow right over their property; she took that as a “go” sign from God.  I prayed for God to give us a sign about school for our daughter. The next Sunday at church, the pastor announced that the new principal at our daughter’s school was a church member.  We took that as the sign, and sent our daughter off to kindergarten.  It was very hard to put our sweet, curly-haired girl on the school bus, just two weeks after her fifth birthday.

Our daughter attended a large rural school, where students came from all walks of life.  The teachers did their best to help the kids succeed, but they only had so much time for each one.  It seemed we were doing more with our daughter on the afternoons and weekends than she was doing during her school hours.  We would read stories, paint pictures, go for nature hikes, visit the zoo, write our own stories…I wasn’t sure why I needed to send her off on the bus each morning.  So, at the end of her kindergarten year, we decided to home school.

I remember my dad asking how long we would be home schooling.  I didn’t know at the time, but I thought a few years, at least. I often wondered why God wanted us to have that one year in public school, and perhaps it was to solidify our decision. Now, 20 years later, we’re still home schooling and about to start our four-year old on the journey, as well.  What have I learned in these 20 years?  Let me share a bit with you…

I’ve learned I’m not cut out for this!  Seriously, that’s what so many moms tell me, “I could never do that.  I don’t have the patience.”  My family will tell you I run out of patience, too.  But I keep on going because this is God’s calling.  If you’re going to home school, you really have to jump in and do it and never quit.  There will be good days and bad days, good years and bad years.  But in the end, you will be so glad you stuck with it.

I’ve learned that kids grow up way to fast, and home school is the best way to spend time together.  Yes, it’s true.  Our daughter is now 25 years old, a college graduate, working on a masters degree and expecting her first baby.  Our oldest son is now 22 and finishing a degree in mechanical engineering.  We are so thankful to still have our 15-year old son and our four-year old son at home!  The times I cherish the most are when we sit on the sofa together and read stories.  There is nothing cozier and more special than that!

I’ve learned that Daddy is a great help with home school.  Yes, moms, be sure to get dads involved.  Many times I was sure the kids learned more from doing a wood-working project or science experiment with Daddy, than all the months of book work they did with me.  It is so good to have Daddy on board and supporting the whole home school.  We like having Daddy help us start each day with prayer and devotion at breakfast before he heads off to work.  Often he’ll come home early to do a project, giving me a break, too.

I’ve learned to use the library.  When we first started home school, we had a very small income with no room for extras.  I took my two little ones to the library every week, where we checked out a huge stack of books.  We would spend the week reading them together.  Sometimes we would have a theme such as Africa or the circus, but other times it was just a random collection of stories.  You don’t need “real” curriculum until the kids are in fourth grade.

I’ve learned there is math all around.  Our most favorite thing to do for math is to bake cookies.  We double the recipe or use the wrong size measuring cup, just to do a little more math in our heads.  All my kids know how to make cookies!  There is also math on the calendar, the clock, the thermometer, the speedometer, the ruler, the calculator, the grocery store, in counting objects, and the list goes on!  I start my kids on Saxon Math in 4th grade, but before that we just work on facts, telling time, making up word problems, and an occasional work book from Walmart :-).

I’ve learned 4H has great lessons for kids.  From animals to sewing to cooking to wood-working to mechanics to photography to robotics to electricity…you name it!  If your kids join a local 4H club, they can sign up for any of these activities and receive detailed activity books.  Youth in 4H also learn great life lessons such as record-keeping, organization, goal-setting, community service and leadership.

I’ve learned what works for one might not work for all. But I still might use it, because I like it! There are certain books I love that I use for all our kids.  Pathway Readers and The Millers books have some of the best family stories and lessons. Other curriculum, such as Jensen Grammar for high school, I gave up on the third child.  Sorry, Mr. Jensen, we just couldn’t do grammar any more!

I’ve learned to ask friends for ideas.  Our town has a loose-knit home school group.  There is probably a group in your area, too.  In bigger towns, families get together to share lessons in a co-op fashion.  Our group passes around used books and shares tips on Facebook.  One friend and I used the same high school curriculum, and cried on each others’ shoulders every quarter when it was time to send in the school work.  It’s good to have a home school friend!

I’ve learned to make Jesus first and last.   Our days begin with prayer and an Our Daily Bread devotion at breakfast.  Our days end with the kids being tucked into bed with a prayer, too.  We know we aren’t perfect, but we ask Jesus to guide us in our lessons and activities throughout the day. Start and end your days with Jesus, and let Him fill your moments in between, too.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

Seven-Three-One

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aLuke2.1.7“Seven verses that changed history.
Seven verses that changed the world forever.
Seven verses that change us forever,” my pastor preached the Sunday before Christmas. What were those seven verses? Luke 2:1-7, the announcement of Jesus’ birth.

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:1-7 (NKJV)

Can you imagine history without these verses? No Joseph, no Mary, no census, no birth of our Savior, no hope for mankind. Even the counting of our years (we’re on 2016 now), is based on the birth of Christ. Thank the Lord that Luke 2:1-7 really happened!

I went home with my pastor’s message on my heart, pondering what other verses change history? 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 came to mind.  These three verses describe Jesus’ return to take all believers home to heaven.

For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 (NKJV)

Can you picture the headlines after that great day, when all believers are taken to heaven?  Hopefully, none will be here to write the news, for we will be in heaven with Jesus. However, those who don’t believe will be left to discover the Truth.  History will yet again be changed!

Still wondering about significant verses, I considered what one verse changes history and the future for us all. Perhaps that verse is John 3:16.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

God loves us so much that He willingly sent His only Son as a baby to our sinful world. That baby grew to be a perfect man, Jesus, who taught us about God, healed the sick, comforted the brokenhearted and forgave the sinners.  Then in accordance with the law which required a spotless lamb to die, Jesus died for my sins, your sins, and the sins of all the world.  But He didn’t stay dead. On the third day, Jesus rose again, conquering death forever.  That is good news!

Today’s TEA CUPP: 7-3-1, so many Bible verses today! My friend, what we do with these verses determines our eternity.  John 3:16 says “whoever believes in Him” will have everlasting life.  This is my prayer for you…believe in the the Lord Jesus, the Savior of your soul.  He is coming again to take all believers to heaven.  Instead of coming as a baby in a manger, He will come mightily.  History will be changed forever in the blink of an eye.

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 1 Corinthians 15:52 (NKJV)

 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.  Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND
LORD OF LORDS.  Revelation 19:11-16 (NKJV)

 

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

Rock of Ages

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…The stone which the builders rejected
Has become the chief cornerstone. 1 Peter 2:7 (NKJV)

Rock of Ages A Stone lay in a manger,
More than just a Pebble,
For this Stone grew to be
The Rock of Ages.

Precious Pebble,
Salvation Stone,
Redeeming Rock.

More priceless than silver,
More costly than gold.
The greatest Gift ever given
From the greatest Giver ever.

As you celebrate this Christmas,
Remember
The Precious Pebble born for you,
Praise God for
His Stone of Salvation,
And build your new year on
The Redeeming Rock of Jesus Christ!

Merry Christmas from My TEA CUPP Prayers!

The Lord lives!
Blessed be my Rock!
Let the God of my salvation be exalted.  Psalm 18:45 (NKJV)

…there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel.  Genesis 49:24 (NKJV)

Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious.  1 Peter 2:4 (NKJV)

New King James Version (NKJV)The Holy Bible, New King James Version Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

My Heart Inn

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coffee_mugAnd she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7  (NKJV)

“NO ROOM in the INN” the sign proclaims on the make-shift inn created by the Sunday schoolers for their Christmas pageant.  The beautiful story of our Savior’s birth will soon be portrayed by the youngest members of our church family.  As the students and teachers make the final preparations for this year’s production, my mind contemplates the words on the sign — “NO ROOM in the INN.”

The sign is taken right from the book of Luke, And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Why do these words from the Christmas story strike such a chord with me?  Is it because God allowed me to share in Mary’s experience?  Is it because He showed me “NO ROOM in the INN?”

Not once, not twice, but three times God let me be pregnant and then moved us to a new place! In each instance, during a span of 18 years, a home, a job, and our future were uncertain.  Oh, how I wrestled with God each time!  And just as He provided a stable for Mary and baby Jesus, God provided homes for us, from a rustic cabin in the mountains to a spacious home near town. But best of all, He gave us the babies.

The Sunday schoolers suspend my thoughts for the moment,  now parading onto the stage  in their costumes.  Instead of the usual bathrobes and shepherds’ staffs, they are dressed in modern outfits.  One holds a sign that reads, “Super 8, No Vacancy.”  Another says, “Holiday Inn Express, No Vacancy.” Another proclaims, “Comfort Inn, No Vacancy.”  I look down the line at all the children, each with another hotel sign, all claiming, “No Vacancy.”

The last little girl comes in a red velvet dress.  She has a different sign.  It reads, “My Heart Inn.”

“Oh, what can this be?” I wonder.  We sing “Oh, Little Town of Bethlehem” before the children commence with the play.

Mary and Joseph wander onto the modern Bethlehem stage, looking for a place to stay.  First the Super 8 manager explains how he has no vacancy because of a cattlemen’s convention. He turns his sign so we can read, “No Vacancy, Welcome Cattlemen!”  Next the Holiday Inn Express manager tells about the craft show people filling her motel. She turns her sign to read, “No Vacancy, Welcome Craft Fair!”  The Comfort Inn manager is excited about the basketball tournaments in town and turns his sign to read, “No Vacancy, Welcome Basketball Players!”  And on down the line it goes, with each motel manager giving reasons for no vacancy.

Finally we come to the little girl in the red velvet dress.  This sweet little girl explains why her “My Heart Inn” has no vacancy.  She turns her sign so we can read, “No Vacancy.  Welcome American Girl dolls, video games, cell phones, ballet, new clothes, earrings…”

The congregation lets out a gasp.  We are all so shocked, just sure the little girl was the one to welcome baby Jesus.  We can’t believe it!  How is it possible?!  Such a sweet little girl with no room for Jesus.  It causes us to think, “Are we making room in our hearts for Jesus? Is there room in ‘My Heart Inn?'”

And so Mary and Joseph continue outside into the cold.  We see them standing outside the church window, shivering in the snow. There is an uncomfortable pause as we await whatever is next.

The little girl in the red velvet dress stands trembling in front of the congregation.  Tears form in her eyes because she also sees Mary and Joseph outside.  A sob escapes her as she cries, “Yes, baby Jesus, Yes!  I do have room in my heart for You!”

The little girl tears up her  “No Vacancy” sign and throws it into a nearby manger, sobbing uncontrollably on the alter steps.  Tears spring from all eyes as we watch the little girl helplessly, not sure if we should go and comfort her. From out of the shadows appears an angel who reaches down and touches her, giving her a new sign.

Looking surprised, the girl in the red velvet dress stops crying to read, “My Heart Inn. Welcome Jesus.”  She smiles, wiping away her tears, delighted with her new sign.

The pastor stops the production to point us to our church bulletins.  Inside we find hearts like the “My Heart Inn – No Vacancy” sign.   Pastor asks us what is filling our hearts, creating no room for Jesus?  Is it money, things, toys, activities, computers, cars?  He asks us to write it on the No Vacancy heart.

I consider my heart and the Christmas story.  I didn’t really share in Mary’s ordeal.  I don’t know what it is like to have a baby in a stable.  I haven’t really shared in Jesus’ sufferings, from His humble birth to His sacrificial death.  I ponder what to write on my heart, and then I know.  I write down all my worries that keep me from trusting Jesus. I write down my busy projects I think I have to do for Him, when all He really wants is my heart.

Pastor invites us to come forward and leave our  torn hearts in the manger, just like the little girl.  There is not a dry eye as we file to the front of the sanctuary. Wise men and shepherds appear on the scene. They give each person who places a “No vacancy” heart in the manger a new heart that reads, “My Heart Inn.  Welcome Jesus.”

The children’s choir softly sings, “Jesus is knocking at the door of my heart.” Then the congregation sings “The First Noel” and other Christmas hymns until the manger is overflowing with our torn hearts, and everyone in the congregation holds a new one.  As the piano music ends, the girl in the red velvet dress runs to open the door for Mary and Joseph.  The couple walks in holding baby Jesus, Who Mary carefully places in His manger bed (we wonder if He was born in the snow, but we don’t ask).

Pastor leads us in a prayer, asking God to help us truly give up these things that have cluttered our hearts, and for Jesus to fill our hearts instead.  The prayer ends and we look up to see…

The little girl in the red velvet dress, standing behind the manger.  She begins to sing, “Joy to the World, the Lord is come.  Let earth receive her King.  Let every heart.  Prepare Him room…” The children’s choir and the congregation all join her in singing this beautiful hymn.

Suddenly, with great joy, it is every holiday all mixed in one.  There are red heart balloons with John 3:16 falling from the ceiling like Valentine’s Day.  The Sunday School teachers bring in a cake for baby Jesus and we all sing “Happy Birthday to You!”  The cross on the alter reminds us of Easter and Jesus’ reason for being born – to die. And outside the head elder sets off fireworks like the Fourth of July to celebrate our freedom from sin.

We gather our children in our arms and sing “We wish you a Merry Christmas” as we all share a piece of Jesus’ cake.  And you know, I think it really will be a Merry Christmas this year. For this is the year Jesus found room at My Heart Inn.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20  (NKJV)

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 (NKJV)

New King James Version (NKJV)Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Your Ticket to Heaven

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Cover artBut may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 5:10-11 (NKJV) 

God gave me this Bible verse the morning after I finished Don Piper’s book 90 Minutes in Heaven.  Somehow I missed reading this book in the decade since it was published, but I’m thankful to finally have been immersed in Pastor Piper’s story.

1 Peter 5:10-11 describes Piper’s experience well…

First, he was called to eternal glory in heaven, following a terrible car accident.

Second, he was sent back to earth to suffer quite a while!

Third, through all his healing and continuing in ministry, God has perfected, established, strengthened and settled Don Piper. To God be the glory forever and ever!

This is a true story you won’t want to miss reading.  It has also recently been made into a movie, but I vote for the book to avoid the gruesome scenes from the accident and medical world.

What impresses this reader most is Pastor Piper’s emphasis on prayer.  The book’s dedication to his prayer warriors says, “You prayed.  I’m here,” the same four words he spoke his first day back at church.  It was the prayers of a passing minister who climbed into his crushed automobile to pray for a dead man that brought him back to earth.  It was the prayers of his family, friends, congregation and complete strangers who pulled him through the worst pain and healing of his life. And it is prayer today that helps him continue in ministry, reaching out to others who are hurting.  Certainly, this is an inspiration for all to keep praying!

Another blessing from 90 Minutes in Heaven are the beautiful descriptions of heaven. These word illustrations cause us to understand why Piper wanted to go back, and burn in us a desire to be there, as well. The first people who greeted him in heaven were his grandfather and a childhood friend who had led him to Jesus.  The people kept coming; Piper describes it as “the greatest family reunion of all.” Then there was the music, the singing of thousands and millions of angels, harmonizing both old and new hymns.  And just as Piper was enjoying this amazing chorus, he was called back to earth, singing “What a Friend we have in Jesus” with the praying pastor in his mangled vehicle.  That’s when they realized he was still alive.

I especially value how each chapter of 90 Minutes from Heaven begins with a Bible verse, making God’s Word the focus. God’s Word is where we find our story and healing and hope for the future.  The Bible is also where we find the truth about heaven and how to get there.  If I could add one chapter to Piper’s book, it would be entitled, “Your ticket to heaven,” describing for readers how to make sure they also will be in heaven.  And so, dear friend,  I offer you a ticket to heaven today:

Today’s TEA CUPP:  If you want a glimpse of heaven and the power of prayer, I highly recommend Don Piper’s book, 90 Minutes in Heaven.  If you desire more than a glimpse and want to spend eternity in heaven (Yes, you do! You don’t want the alternative!),  please read these Bible verses and pray to Jesus today.  Welcome to heaven, my friend!

Jesus is the Ticket:

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.  John 14:6 (NKJV)

So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”  Acts 16:31 (NKJV)

Acknowledge your sin:

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23 (NKJV)

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (NKJV)

If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 (NKJV)

  For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Romans 10:13 (NKJV)

Keep reading your Bible and seeking Jesus each day:

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18 (NKJV)

Celebrate the promise of heaven!:

In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3 (NKJV)

…rejoice because your names are written in heaven. Luke 20:20 (NKJV)

And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me,“Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:3-5 (NKJV)

Scripture from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.

The Great Delete

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a great deleteAt the end of August, our bank updated its website to a new server.  In the process, our business records for the year disappeared.  Yes, the bank sent letters and emails in advance to announce their new website, but we didn’t realize they were discontinuing their bookkeeping program.

Alas, eight months of business income and expense reports were washed away.  Slowly, week by week, we are recreating those records with new software, hoping we can have it completed error-free by the end of the year for tax purposes. What a lot of extra work the computer age brings us!

A similar delete happened to the prophet Jeremiah, millenniums before modern technology.  In Jeremiah 36 we read how at God’s command, a scribe named Baruch recorded on a scroll all the words God had given to Jeremiah.  This included words back to when Josiah was king.  Now Josiah’s son Jehoiakim reigned.

Jeremiah and Baruch were called to the palace to read the scroll to the king.  As it was winter, a fire was burning nearby. So, the king threw every piece of the scroll into the fire as it was read.  He did not wish to heed the Word of the Lord! Jeremiah and Baruch had to write a new scroll with even more words than the first!  (Jeremiah 36)

Our bank headaches and Jeremiah’s scroll troubles remind me of the greatest delete of all.  There is a joke that says, “Why does Jesus always beat Satan at computer games?” The answer…”Jesus saves.”

That, my friend, is the truth.  The greatest delete in history happened the day Jesus died on the cross.  On that day, my sins, your sins, and the sins of all believers were washed away, never to be rewritten.  Jesus deleted our sins for all time. He saved us.

Today’s TEA CUPP:  How will you respond to such a loving gift? Will you invite Jesus to save you?  My friend, confess your sins to Jesus today, and join with those of us who rejoice over the greatest delete of all!

But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before,“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”  Hebrews 10:12-17 (NKJV)

New King James Version (NKJV)

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.