I WANT!

Posted on November 24, 2013 by randscallawayffm

THE TEN – TENTH COMMANDMENT

Have you ever thought WHY the grass seems to be greener on the other side of the fence? Or why your neighbor’s flowers bloom brighter? As I get older, I realize that is is because they put more work into it and spent more money to get it to look that way…more than I wanted to work or spend my time doing. To admire and appreciate all the work that goes into a project of success is different, much different, than wanting what someone else has, so much so, that we would lie or steal to get it. We can do this, according to Jesus, in our minds, which is as bad as taking what is not ours physically. DO NOT COVET. That’s one definition.

“Do not covet your neighbor’s house. Do not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else your neighbor owns.” Exodus 20, NLT

Does this apply to us today? We do not have servants or donkeys! The whole advertising business relies on our minds willing to want what we do not have and will do anything to get it. The ads force us to think that we “deserve” it, must have it to live life, and “have it our way”. Yikes! Have you really stopped to listen to commercials and hear what the words are saying to you? What would Jesus say about commercials today? They appeal to every part of our human nature that we are trying put under control, “not conforming to this world, but renewing our minds” by the power of God’s Holy Spirit. (See Romans 12)

Jesus teaches from the mountain, the right way to think and behave that pleases Him and is helpful to us to live the “abundant life” He talks about. “You have heard it said….but I say…” Jesus tells us over and over, throughout His sermon, that the world will lie to us, but He is Truth and tells only the Truth. The “better life”, according to Jesus is not to want but to give. AND give in secret so you aren’t tempted to “blow your own horn”. (See Matthew 5 and 6). He tell us to LOVE our enemies. Do good to those who hurt you. Go the extra mile and give him the shirt off your back if necessary. This is all the OPPOSITE of coveting or badly wanting what others have and/or the life they lead. (Even in the Christian world of leadership!)

You can spend a lifetime wanting and working long hours to get or take it and end up with nothing you can present at Jesus feet when this journey is over. Name one thing that you “want” now that will be of any use in your next home. There is no earthly thing that travels with us to Heaven, is there. Mmm, I am convicted. How about you? Yes, we are thankful…but is it for things or people and time spent with them? 

As we approach the season of Christmas, we must keep these thoughts in mind, for giving to our children can even overpower our human nature to want to give more to them from the sin of coveting what others give to their children. Or grandchildren. When maybe what they will remember most is the TIME you spent, not on what you bought for them.

Whew, “do not covet” is much deeper than we thought when we began, but I understand why God wrapped up his commandments with this one. Be careful what we want…that is what God is telling us through His Story today. Oh, be very careful.

Dear Heavenly Father, The world bombards us with opposite thinking and behaving. YOU, TRUTH are indeed counter to this culture. Help us to stay focused on You, wanting what YOU want for us. The best.
In Jesus Name, AmenImage

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LITTLE SINS?

Posted on November 23, 2013 by randscallawayffm

THE TEN – Ninth Commandment

“Do not steal” Exodus 20, NLT

This is another one of those commandments that the everyday person thinks, “Well, I’m covered. I don’t steal cars, take from stores, or hold up liquor stores..so I’m good.” Mm. What about taking supplies from the office, or extra condiments from the restaurant, or everything and more from the hotel your staying in has to offer? As I write this, we are staying in a lovely hotel. 

When I worked in retail a couple of years ago, I learned a very important statistic. Did you know that there is more employee stealing in retail than we would like to know? “Loss prevention” employees are hired to watch over not only the customers who may steal, but from the employees! There is a cost for “the watch” and that cost is passed on the us, we consumers AND to the wages of the employees! So that t-shirt you’re buying costs more because of the “cost for loss” figured into the price.

Yes, sometimes it’s the “little sins” that trip us up. And by the way, there are no little sins…a sin is a sin in God’s eyes. If the Holy Spirit bothers you with it, then take care of it. Sin is sin. There are no “levels” of sin. Guard your integrity. (Integrity = Doing what’s right even when no one is looking!)

“Keep your heart pure, says Paul to young Timothy. This is one of those “keep your heart pure, full of integrity” kind of commandments. “Do not steal.” In any way, shape or form.

Dear Heavenly Father, Convict our hearts of all sin. Help us, by the power of Your Holy Spirit within us, to know immediately the right thing to do. May the world know You more by the way we behave because of our love for You.
In Jesus Name, Amen

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HOLY MARRIAGES!

Posted on November 22, 2013 by randscallawayffm
THE TEN – Eight Commandment

God’s timing amazes us all the time! Randy and I are traveling to a meeting with a hotel owner about partnering with him to provide intimate, helpful retreats for couples seeking a more Godly marriage. And what is the commandment, the passage in God’s Story, where we “land” today to think about?

Exodus 20…God’s Law from God Himself, “Do not commit adultery.”

Like we did yesterday, we are going to turn this one over to Jesus to explain and teach us today…for HE is God come down from Heaven to clarify God’s Law to us, so that we “get it” and live it!

“You have heard that the law of Moses says, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart. So if your eye–even if it is your good eye–causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your hand–even if it is your stronger hand–causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” –Jesus, Matthew 5, NLT

Jesus explains the seriousness of protecting the marriage relationship at ALL costs. When we sin, we sin against God for God is IN the three -in-one marriage relationship. You, your spouse and God. The HOLY three-in-one relationship.

Jesus goes on to say…

“You have heard that the law of Moses says, ‘A man can divorce his wife by merely giving her a letter of divorce.’ BUT I SAY that a man who divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her to commit adultery. And anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” –Jesus, Matthew 5, NLT

These are strong clear words that Jesus has given to the people then, who thought they could easily leave a marriage by signing a paper…and for us now! Divorce should NOT be an option unless one of you has left the relationship physically, emotionally, Spiritually, and is not coming back. Many go into a marriage with this option in mind. If it is in your mind, “Well, if this doesn’t work out, I’ll just leave”, then it probably won’t survive. Both of you began with God. Finish with God, in the center of your marriage!

Randy and I married over 42 years ago. We can unequivocally say, divorce was never an option to be considered. We’re not saying our marriage is perfect, for we are very imperfect people. But we have a Perfect God in the middle of our relationship that continually sustains and keeps us tightly woven together in Him. Divorce does not have to be an option to be considered by you. I know this seems “black and white” to some of you who have struggled. But hear what Jesus is saying…it shouldn’t be so easy to leave this holy relationship! 

Leaving this holy relationship because you have eyes for someone else who you feel loves you more, or because he/she annoys you at the moment, or because of the way you “feel”, or by the way he brushes his teeth, or shakes the glass of ice so loudly that you just can’t stand it, or by the way he/she drives, or just simply drives you crazy…see what I mean? The world then and now is too frivolous as many, in and out of the “church” seek to destroy, themselves, what “God has joined together”. Our heart aches for couples who call it quits for frivolous reasons and live to regret it. A scary cycle of divorce then continues through the generations of the family!

Focus on a Forever Marriage! It can happen. We will let you know when our couples retreat comes together after this meeting today. Until then we are praying for many ministry couples, couples in and out of the church to reconsider their “options” and bring God back into focus and in the Center of your holy relationships. With God all things are possible…especially in our marriages! Strong marriages build strong missional churches and vice versa. 

PRAY for your spouse. It’s hard to stay mad or disappointed in your spouse if you are specifically praying God’s best for them. 

Dear Heavenly Father, WOW, Your Story, Your Law, has alerted us to the seriousness in which You think about our marriages! We repent of those times when our feelings took over our wisdom. May we look to You, focus our Your purpose for us, individually, AND then, as a couple. May we trust and obey with Your Power living in us to make our marriage holy and acceptable to You.
In Jesus Name, Amen!

 

 
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Murderous Relationships? It’s Personal.

Posted on November 21, 2013 by randscallawayffm

Murderous Relationships? It’s Personal..

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Murderous Relationships? It’s Personal.

Posted on November 21, 2013 by randscallawayffm

THE TEN – Seventh Commandment

I think I can say that most of us reading this have never committed murder. So we think we are safe and can quickly read over this commandment. We would not commit murder, would we?

“Do not murder.” Exodus 20:13, NLT

We may not physically commit murder, but are we capable of committing murder to some of our challenging relationships? Mm. Now, I have to rethink this for my own heart. What relationships came to an abrupt end because of my thoughts and actions. What does Jesus say to this? 

“You have heard that the law of Moses (THE TEN) says, ‘Do not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment. BUT I SAY, if you are angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you say to your friend, ‘You idiot,’ you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.” Matthew 5, NLT (Emphasis mine.)

Jesus, who came down from the throne of Heaven, who is God in human form, is teaching THE TEN with explanations and clarification, so that we know what God said in the beginning to His people is fully understood. Yes, we can murder relationships with others! With serious consequences!

Jesus goes on to say…

“So if you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there beside the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. Come to terms quickly with your enemy before it is too late and you are dragged into court, handed over to an officer, and thrown in jail. I assure you that you won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.” Matthew 5, NLT 

Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, explaining and fulfilling God’s Law, not dismissing it. To those who have ears, let us listen…and obey. We are also told by God, that to obey is BETTER than sacrifice. Personal sacrifice does not cover up our lack of obedience on our part.

“But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” 1 Samuel 15:22, NLT

This really speak to me today. I want to encourage you to join me in meditating on the seriousness of what we have read and then act upon it. I plan to. God is speaking to me about some “unfinished business” I have with a close family member that must be resolved..at least as far as it is possible with to “make peace”. 

Dear Heavenly Father, THANK YOU for Your Story that convicts as well as explains Your Truth to us. By Your Power living in us, help us to now act on what You have give us. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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HONOR MOM AND DAD…

Posted on November 20, 2013 by randscallawayffm

THE TEN – Sixth Commandment

God speaks to his people with COMMANDS, not “it would really be nice if”, but “musts” about how our relationship with Him is supposed to be. With the sixth commandment from God, Himself, He turns our attention from how we treat and honor HIM to how our relationships with each other should be and what we should do…or shouldn’t do. God begins with our parents. I wonder why? Is it because He is OUR Heavenly Father? Is it because this relationship is of “next to God” importance? I ask myself these questions because I am now in a phase of life where this is a very PERSONAL commandment that God has called me to live out every day.

“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the LORD you God will give you.” Exodus 20:12, NLT

In 2008, I felt compelled, “called if you will” to take this commandment to a far deeper commitment. My parents were aging and in poor health. Dad was trying to care for mom in the best ways he could. But I saw with each visit, from a thousand miles away from them, that this wasn’t going to be best for long. I suggested that they sell their home and move closer to us. That suggestion was not acceptable, at first. Then they realized it would be better for them. Mom, surprisingly enough, began to think about it as “an adventure”.
No, I’m not that good a “salesperson”, with prayer, God put that in her heart. My parents are not positive thinking people so I knew this was in God’s hands.

When the decision was made to say yes to moving, we sold their home for a great price (another God-thing), reduced the amount of stuff they had collected in a “life-time”, and moved them to a brand new apartment, close to us. They were also close to our three kids and grandkids. They could now take joy in seeing them more often.

One year later, I completing understood God’s urgency for me to “honor my parents” and help them make this move. Mom grew steadily worse and passed away, leaving dad devastated. He became so distraught, that he could no longer live alone. Mom was the “business person”, taking care of all financial and other decisions of that nature. Dad had trouble even writing checks. Now, it’s me who must take care of “business.”

He moved in with us. We gave him half our house as a place to live in privacy or to be with us. His choice. He contributes to the household income for that exchange. We cook, clean and take care of doctor visits and the like, but most of all…he is not alone.

This transition was not easy. It still isn’t easy, but doable. It makes me cry a little inside when I need to remind him what he used to tell me as a child, “Shut the door, it’s cold outside.” “Put the lid back on or it will spoil.” “You, probably need a coat today.” “Did you take a bath?” “Have you eaten?” That last one is almost comical. He eats all day long, grazing on whatever is close by. That way if he forgets he has eaten or not, he is covered. Then there’s the daily doses of big heaping bowls of chocolate chunk ice cream that is consumed every three to four hours, as needed. That’s not me, he says it’s his “medicine”. Who am I to argue? I’m too busy “honoring my father” with the greater details of this relationship.

So what is this commandment and the top five really about? Love God, Love others. Simple. Hard at times in this world that tells you differently, but simple and doable. It is from God. It is a must do.

Dear Heavenly Father, YOUR timing in all we are and what we do is amazing to us. YOU are amazing! We love YOU back and we are trying love others in the same ways You love us. Help us to be more and more like You in the ways we help others and honor our mothers and fathers. In Jesus Name, Amen

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KEEPING IT HOLY

Posted on November 18, 2013 by randscallawayffm
THE TEN – Fifth Commandment – REST!

It was one of those late nights, cramming for a test, as I worked toward completing my Elementary teaching degree. I could only study after putting my three kids to bed and completing my household work. As I was “burning the midnight oil”, so to speak, a thought occurred to me, or better expressed, God spoke to my heart. What if I studied His Word as much as I studied this course of study? What if as much importance was placed on knowing God as studying for this course test? I put away the text book and picked up the Book of Life, my Bible, and began to read, to be encouraged and to begin becoming a more intentional “student” of God’s Word, His textbook for life.

I will never forget that Ah-ha moment in my life as a young wife and mother. It changed the course of why I do what I do. It’s all about God. Whatever you do and whoever you are becoming, it should be all about God.

The next commandment reminds us that we must rest from our labors, His work, and just think about HIM. How well are we doing with “keeping the Sabbath”? Not just going to church, but taking time to to rest in the Lord, taking “dedicated” time to be with Him, thinking solely about Him?

“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days a week are set apart for your daily duties and regular work, but the seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God.” Exodus 20, NLT 

God further explains what this means to Him…

“On that day no one in your household may do any kind of work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; then he rested on the seventh day. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.”

God is pretty clear here. Simply put, rest after 6 days. Make it holy before the LORD, your God. (Especially those in full time, paid ministry!) Yes, again, God’s Story is all about Him and our relationship to Him. We cannot say, we don’t know what to do. He makes it clear.

Dear Heavenly Father, We meditate on Your Word to us. You have made it clear that you created us to work for six days, then rest on the seventh. We repent of those times when we did not do this, but just kept working without thought of You. Change us. Transform us, by Your Power living in us, to be all that You created us to be. 
In Jesus Name, Amen

 

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Momma said…

Posted on November 17, 2013 by randscallawayffm

THE TEN – Fourth Commandment

As a child, on the way to somewhere in the family car, mom began a discussion about taking God’s name in vain. These “discussions” did not mean that my brother and I talked. We were to listen while mom talked. So I did. (My brother, not so much.)

Mom told her captive audience in the car that day that even saying “Jeeze”when frustrated or mad, was a short form of saying “Jesus” among other sayings that were offensive to the Name of God. She, with reason, would be coming unglued at the current, boldly overuse of OMG…meaning Oh, my God. Mom’s lesson? Don’t even come close to offending God this way.

So, there you go. A lesson, probably 50 years ago, given in the car, on the way to somewhere is still vivid in my memory. I never forgot it. 

Fourth Commandment
“Then God instructed the people as follows:

“….Do not miuse the name of the LORD your God. The LORD will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.” Exodus 20, NLT

Pretty simple. “Be wise in your speech”, says the apostle Paul. We are smart people. There are a lot of other words to express ourselves than using God name in the mix, even when we are excited. God and His Name are to praised, feared even, out of respect for Him. 

I was quickly picking up a few things from Stuffmart yesterday when in the next aisle, a couple of young kids were ripping off language that was so abusive it scared me, as well as offended me…for them. How much more so, it offends the God, our Father, we say we love. Yikes!

The world says, “free speech, let it rip”. God commands, not when it comes to My Name! Ever.

Dear Heavenly Father,
BLESSED BE YOUR NAME! Yes, blessed be the Name of the LORD!
In JESUS NAME, Amen.

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WHAT DO YOU WANT…MOST?

Posted on November 16, 2013 by randscallawayffm

THE TEN – Third Commandment
(Yes, this is a series, so you might to read backwards from here to catch up!) ; )

Are you jealous?
Jealousy is wanting what someone else has so much that it consumes and overwhelms us. Little kids want what the other person has simply because they don’t have it. We think about it day and night. We think of ways we can get it. It’s so inviting, the thought of having it, so addicting that we might even try to duplicate it with a copy. But the copy does not satisfy. 

So we continue to miserably long for that which we cannot seem to have. We “idolize” the thought of having it. What is IT for you? What idol stands in the way of you and God? I’m thinking…

Third Commandment:
“Do not make idols of any kind, whether in the shape of birds or animals or fish. You must never worship or bow down to them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not share your affection with any other god!” Exodus 20, NLT

God, jealous?? YES, seriously jealous of our love for Him! He adds the consequences of those who leave his love…

“I do not leave unpunished the sins of those who hate me, but I punish the children for the sins of their parents to the third and fourth generations.” Exodus 20, NLT

HOWEVER…IF we love Him back…

“I lavish my love on those who love me and obey my commands, even for a thousand generations.” Exodus 20, NLT

As we tell elementary kiddos every time we gather at church or school, “What is the wise choice here?”

As for me, (and my home), we choose the LAVISH LOVE OF OUR LORD!

Think about it…is that for which you are jealous worth losing the lavish love of our LORD and Savior?

Dear Heavenly Father, We repent of times when jealousy of others’ stuff, even in ministry (there I said it out loud), caused us to lose focus on You and Your lavish love for us. We do love you back…with all that is withing us, heart, mind, body and soul. We worship and adore YOU and YOU alone. In Jesus Name, Amen

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NO other gods…

Posted on November 15, 2013 by randscallawayffm

THE TEN – Second Commandment

There was a young woman, a pauper, who looked up to the prince who rode by on his beautiful white horse through her village one day. He looked at her with absolute love in his eyes for her. She fell in love with him immediately. When he asked her to join him, she said, YES, but I must take care of life here, first. As much as she said she loved the prince, she never told anyone of her relationship. She went on about her daily work. She even dated other men while completing her work in the village. No one but the prince knew about their love for each other. One day the prince came back for her. Are you ready to come with me and be with me forever? I will give you everything you need. My riches cannot be measured! 

WHAT?? Is she crazy? What a minute, are WE like that? With Jesus? 

Exodus 20
“Then God instructed the people as follows:

1. “I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from slavery in Egypt.”

2. “Do not worship any other gods besides me.” 

Yesterday we talked about WHO God is. (1st Commandment) God reminds the people who HE is and what HE has done. There is no other God but our God. No one can do what HE does. He has proven Himself over and over to His people.

Today we come to grips with our “first love” and repent, as we think of the “no other gods before Me” commandment. We think of all the times we went about our daily chores, life, family, business, careers, worry, anxieties, getting stuff, taking care of the stuff we got, crisis of others, our own problems, busy church work that took our focus away from why, our sin, our turning our backs on the King of all. God, Himself. Our worship, of the Love of our lives, blocked by “other gods”. Other gods are ANYTHING and ALL THINGS that block our view and total love, trust and obedience to God, Himself!

Yes, we repent. Today, we worship the One and Only God! Thank you, LORD for Your reminders through Your Story that draws us continually back to You. It is YOU we adore, love unconditionally, and give all the Glory! It is YOU we give praise with thanksgiving with all our heart, mind and souls! IT IS YOU! Now, help us LIVE our belief and declaration!

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you. We do love YOU back. We will spend the rest of our lives telling others of You and the relationship we have and that they can have. Yes, LORD, we have NO other gods before our Awesome God! In JESUS Name, Amen!

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