Posted on Saturday, April 23, 2016

The God of a Con-Artist

God is not just the God of good people. He is a God over all the failures and mess ups in humanity and He’s asking you to be something you think you cannot be and He wants you to do something you think you cannot do.

In Exodus 3, Moses was tending sheep when an angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. Moses looked up and saw the bush burning, yet the brush was not consumed.

God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” God instructed Moses to take off his sandals on the holy ground. And then God shared this, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”

Wait, Wait, Wait… the God of Jacob?

Abraham was a friend of God. Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him as righteousness.

Isaac was the promised miracle child. Isaac was a holy birth to a dead womb and the consequences of his father’s faith. Isaac was the culmination of Abraham’s faith.

But Jacob? Jacob’s name means trickster. Jacob was a con-artist and the black sheep of the family. Jacob was a disgrace to the holy dynasty.

It is shocking that God would be the God of Jacob. It is the anti-thesis of religion and an embarrassment to the church. Jacob was a mess. Jacob had a chaotic past and lived some questionable situations. Jacob didn’t always tell the truth. He was a result of a long line of con-artists.

Why would God associate himself with the character of Jacob? Maybe because there is a little Jacob in all of us.

In this place in the bible, God was trying to convince Moses that he could be used. Moses had murdered a man in Egypt and had been living as an outlaw for 40 years. Moses was stuck on his stutter. Moses didn’t think he could be used by God to speak to kings because he couldn’t talk right.

God is not just the God of those who live righteous all the days of their life and are virgins on their wedding day. He’s not just the God of the people who don’t smoke or get drunk.

There may be something you think disqualifies you from being used by God, but God is reminding you that He is the God of the Jacob too. He is the God of anyone who has made mistakes, been to jail, had an abortion, gone through bankruptcy, went through divorce, or was addicted to drugs and drinking. God is a God of rejected people, not just the pure and prestigious.

God called you and equipped you. God is going to use you with your deficiencies, your vulnerabilities and those insecurities. If you’ve been wounded, hurt, ostracized, and rejected, none of this will keep you from being used by God. You don’t need to try to fit in with people. God can use you right where you’re at. This is the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.

This is your time to step up, and take back what the enemy stole from you. Take back your joy, your peace, your spirit, and your confidence. Your eyes have not seen nor have your ears heard how the Lord is going to use you. God is getting ready to take you into another dimension of your destination.

If you have a story stocked with years of mistakes, mishaps, setbacks, rejection, and pain, I want you to know the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is your God too. You are a recipient of God’s mercy and saving grace. Things in your life may have been delayed, but I want you to know that you haven’t been denied!

This post, The God of Jacob by Trisha Keehn, appeared first on LiftUpYourDay.com

Posted on Friday, April 22, 2016

Don’t Let This Day Get Away

In the rush of things spinning in your mind, my hope is that you have a chance to ‘live’ today. To be inspired to stop and look around with fresh eyes. To break out of the routine. To reconnect with all the things that are truly important to you. And to savor the joy and beauty around you.

My prayer is that you have an opportunity to reawaken your dreams, and rediscover your passion. God has exciting things for you in the future; don’t miss out on the wonderful gifts He has for you today.

Posted on Thursday, April 21, 2016

Slowing Down Saves Time

What I’m learning is how to live for longer stretches in the sweet seasons. Some hard choices have cleared a path for this space, like the bittersweet disconnect with a temptation to get twisted up in the minute by minute updates.

It’s easy for me to get busy with my desires, someone else’s needs and the rest of the world’s suggestions. The fallout of that is a stressed out mind and a painfully stretched heart. My relationships work better when there’s carved out space to listen and laugh unbridled for hours.

We can save everyone some time by slowing down. When we live out of this sanctuary in our soul, we are more careful with conversations. We pause in places that a hurried life rushes past. We yield when there are question marks.

Mostly though, it’s the inner dialogue that consumes me the most. The endless chatter of my own thoughts. Which is why I must pump the brakes from time to time.

You can’t lead the world around you if you can’t harness your own soul. The core of your life incorporates your mind, your capacity to think, your emotions, your capacity to feel and even your capacity to choose. This is what makes our life so unique. The soul is the distinctness God gave us.

We work hard to take care of the framework on our house; the parts people can see. What are we doing for the gears that keep the lights on?

And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? (Matthew 16:26)

Often we equate slowing down as missing out. But truthfully, when we merge into a slower lane, there is margin to savor the simple moments, like the sun throwing back the clouds at dawn and the crackle of a good campfire. This is grace. Grace with ourselves and grace with all those around us.

Posted on Saturday, April 9, 2016

Finish The Race

It was a bitter 38 degrees and though this was a 5k run we were about to tackle, runners were bundled up like we were about to build a snowman. With the wind and moisture, thermometers told us the ‘real feel’ was 29.

We were here to celebrate physical wellness and mental wellness and I brought 167 of my friends to run with me; there was no way I could back out.

Some didn’t show up to brave the chilly temps and others wrestled with their decision to even be at the start line. As the vicious air took a bite at my cheeks, I felt their pain. We were dressed in layers, including gloves, and the wind wasn’t letting up. Cold blasts clawed at the back of my throat and deflated the lungs more than anything. Tennessee’s pollen had noses all stuffed up. The odds were not favorable for a finish.

In the midst of the suffering pain, there was an unending persistence in my mind to get out of the ‘giving up’ head space and refocus on how my legs run without the resistance.

When that didn’t work… I started a conversation with Jesus about strength and encouragement to press through. He played back the words I told my teammates at the start line, “just focus on finishing. Walk it. Jog it. Run it. Whatever you need to do to finish. Not for a medal, but for you.”

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Friend, you came to finish this race. That’s the goal. Don’t think about who’s way out in front or focus on the pain too long. This is between you today and you yesterday.

Fix your eyes on Jesus.

Be kind to your soul. We can be our greatest enemy or our most encouraging friend.

When you catch your breath after digging into that finish line, you’ll probably be surprised by the stats at how well you actually did in this race. ‪#‎lifelesson‬

You’re doing better than you think. This physical endurance is building a mental perseverance. Keep going.

With each steady step, the end is one day closer. You’re almost there, Friend. Keep your head up, chest out and your shoulders pulled back.

In your faith. And fitness. With your family. As well as friends. At your job. And in the places that keep you leaning on Jesus.

You are strong to show up. You are fearless to finish.

Posted on Friday, April 8, 2016

Even When…

Jesus is still there

In the story of those two men heading to Emmaus (Luke 24), Jesus walks up behind them on that dusty road and asks what the two are discussing.

“Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” one of them says.

“What things?” Jesus asks.

The men didn’t recognize this guest and go on to tell him about Jesus of Nazareth; his teaching and the powerful miracles he performed, the crucifixion three days ago and the wild stories about an empty tomb, though no one has seen Jesus.

Even when you walk away to wherever Emmaus is for you, a nightclub, the bar, another city, or in the middle of ‘nowhere’, Jesus isn’t far from you. He will meet you on that dusty road in the midst of your troubled heart and ask questions to help you sort out what doesn’t make sense.

We might look for Jesus in a moment of tragedy, an existential experience or at the crossroads in life but often don’t recognize His presence in the midst of our struggles. So you take a walk along a dusty road or have dinner with friends. Maybe you go back to work. When Jesus showed up after His resurrection, it was in these very common places for people.

We spend most of our lives escaping. We throw our hands up at our jobs, hurtful friends, and even our families. We run or keep it stuffed inside.

Eventually there will be questions. Jesus will ask you about where this road is leading and whether it’s enough to keep you satisfied.

Consider it all joy when you go through trials of many kinds. (James 1:4)

Disappointment and defeat are the tools God uses to show you the way. Your difficulties are designed to produce perseverance and build up your faith.

Often we let the trials tear us down, though God means them for our good. Your trials grow you by developing character. We need to have enough courage to live in the struggles.

We’re not going to get to our destination any quicker by worrying, complaining or being frustrated.

When you place your joy in the source of your strength, Jesus, and not in the circumstance. you will survive and even thrive in the struggle. Even in the pain, these conflicts will be counted as your joy for what it is increasing in you, not decreasing.

Don’t let the defeat tear you down. God created you to go from strength to strength in these situations, not a mindset of struggle to struggle.

Lastly, pay attention to your life, to the people, to the things that happen to you. This is how to experience Jesus. Don’t force it by reading into situations too much. Maybe just lean in with your ears when your thoughts want to speak. Or linger a little longer in a place of rest when reminders of the undone pull at your attention.

Here in the hard parts of life, beautiful and terrible things will happen. It’s easier to escape it, but don’t be afraid. Jesus is right there in your midst.

Posted on Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Give Me Faith

To see the incredible

Posted on Wednesday, April 6, 2016

When Life Is Disappointing

Where do you go?

The greatest difficulties you will face are not tragic endings, but rather how to move forward when the days are quite disappointing.

It happens just after a life-altering event; the honeymoon or once a newborn is home from the hospital. It can occur after the diploma, a new job or promotion. Even after you place all your hopes in Jesus, you can still be left feeling disappointed with the result.

When Jesus died on that cross, sudden darkness fell on the whole land during the brightest part of the day. The sound of thick linen tearing probably sent shock waves through the city, as a curtain that once separated man from God was torn. The voice of Jesus split rocks. The earth groaned in violent agony. The ground trembled.

It was an epic power outage.

Then Saturday came and things were quiet. Sunday arrived and it was as if life went back to normal for Jerusalem. There were rumors that Jesus’ tomb was empty, yet, no one had seen him around.

Two men who were followers of Jesus hit the road. They were depressed after His death and just needed to get out of town. So they walked to Emmaus, some seven miles away from the situation.

There was nothing special about this place they were heading. It was just the furthest thing away from something that seemed unbearable to stay in.

Can you relate?

When things are disappointing, do you pack a bag and break away too? You might head to another city or maybe to the movies. You blow your budget to numb the pain. Or perhaps, you call a friend and head to the mall or a restaurant. You grab a drink at the bar, check in at the gym, search for a concert or something with stadium seating just to forget about how life let you down.

Some of you go to church just to forget about the failures ‘out there’.

There’s nothing wrong with you. We all do this from time to time. Emmaus is where we go to try to forget about Jesus and the painful parts in life.

When you have doubts or feel disappointed and defeated, remember the victory Jesus told us about. These two men took off because they forgot the Truth. They were living with their eyes instead of their belief.

God’s Word says He handpicked you. He trusted you to carry out His will right here. He equipped and empowered you with everything you need to live a story full of His glory. He has armed you with strength for the battles. There is patience and perseverance to endure.

You will never face something that’s too big for you to handle because God is your strong arm. You have the most powerful force breathing in your direction.

That’s what God’s Word says. Turn off the recording of doubts and defeat and start playing back all His Truths.

Posted on Sunday, April 3, 2016

The Invisible War

The invisible war is real.

You can’t touch it yet the resistance holds you back.

It’s rejection. It’s anger. It is depression and anxiety and shame.

It doesn’t have a face, though it can stare you down and stir up great fear.

The world around you is only a background as the voices inside you shout louder.

The battle may have you fighting to hold onto hope, or quite possibly, you’re already on the run.

When you hear the footsteps chasing you down again, I want you to look back and see goodness and mercy following you all the days of your life. (Psalm 23:6)

When the words hurt or the pain of staying one more day in this place is too much to bear, these are the Truths…

“Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.” (Psalm 54:4)

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

The battlefield is in your mind. When you rest in His assurances, you put the power back on God. Your thoughts and words reflect the transformation inside.

Rescue is coming. This darkness will be gone soon. There will be a break in the clouds. Don’t give up now. Soak up the Truth to strengthen your soul. Speak life back into your heart. Deliverance is on its way.

Posted on Sunday, March 27, 2016

The Simplicity in Resurrection Sunday

Resurrection Sunday! He is Risen!

Though, when reality reminds you of your situation, the grave just looks empty. There’s still no money in the bank. Your marriage is without intimacy. The house needs more work than it’s worth and your job isn’t satisfying anymore.

What did you expect the resurrection to look like?

On that Sunday morning, there were no angels in the sky singing choruses, and no kings from afar bearing gifts.

Jesus showed up in the most ordinary of circumstances; a private dinner, two men walking along the road to Emmaus, a woman weeping in a garden and some fishermen working a lake.

Jesus shows up in very simple ways. I wonder if you’ve been looking for Jesus to appear in a grandiose gesture, like winning the lottery or living a problem-free life when He’s been standing there every day in some of your simple situations this whole time?

The disciples who had been hiding in fear behind a locked door over dinner saw the scars on His hands. Jesus showed these men the wound on His side from the spear.

The resurrected Christ who stood among them changed everything. There were no questions. No more fear. No more doubt.

Chances are you haven’t seen Jesus show up like this. Me either. This is where faith comes in. Jesus follows up, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (John 20:29)

You may not have seen a change in your circumstances yet; may I encourage you to believe anyway. Things seem pretty ordinary in your life; expect a revival in your situation.

In the simplicity of your comings and goings, expect Jesus to show up. With painful circumstances, believe in restoration before you have to see it.

The resurrection is a way of life. It’s an attitude we live in. Do you see your situation resurrected?

Whatever grave place you have found yourself in, Resurrection Sunday is a reminder that Jesus has gone before you and raised that dead thing to life. Victory is yours!

He is risen. Forever.

Posted on Saturday, March 26, 2016

Hope In The Hard Middle

It’s Saturday. The disciples were frightened and hiding. They had forgotten what Jesus had said.

Have you ever been lost to the point of panic? Confusion can fade details in the most crucial times. Fear sets in.

The disciples had walked away from their work and for three years placed all their hope in this leader, Jesus. They watched Him heal the sick, calm the sea and stand against those filled with legalism.

Jesus took care of the immediate needs around the disciples and now it appeared He was gone. There was a mixture of confusion and disappointment. There was no more talk of a Kingdom and reigning with Jesus. Even one of their own betrayed Him at that last meal.

Every one of the disciples that had remained fled. And you would have too.

It had all gone up in smoke. Nothing made sense. Jesus dies in the darkness of noonday. It was all over.

Disappointment had turned to despair and as a disciple, you would feel foolish and probably afraid. How can you go back home and not be mocked by those who told you it was a stupid idea to follow Jesus in the first place?

If you flip through the pages leading up to Jesus’ death, you find Jesus shared His promise three times in the last week before He died; Matthew 16:21, 17:22, 20:17. A promise that after His death, Jesus would rise again

When you’re scared, you forget these kinds of details. When you’re confused, you forget east from west and where the shoreline is. And the longer you are in this state of confusion, the greater the panic.

You can’t remember the promise of resurrection behind red, swollen eyes. Resurrection in your relationships. Resurrection of your dreams. Resurrection of your situation. These are faint memories now. The stories of His faithfulness in the past become foggy as the darkness sets in.

What is interesting is that those who put Jesus to death hadn’t forgotten. The day after Jesus died, while the disciples were hiding, the Pharisees approached authority, “Sir, we remember how that impostor said, while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise.’ (Matthew 27:63)

So the tomb was secured with a stone and guard, in case the disciples tried to steal the body and fabricate a story about how Jesus had been raised from the dead.

The enemy remembered Jesus’ words.

Where are you feeling lost right now? Are you disappointed, scared, in panic or despair? This is the hard middle. This is Saturday. You might be ready to give up on a friend, a spouse, or a plan. Maybe you’re ready to throw in the towel on Jesus. It’s not the life you thought it would be.

The pain may have clouded His promise but even the enemy hasn’t forgotten; Jesus will rise. The promise of this resurrection must remain the mental glue that holds our scared and shattered thoughts together. It’s impossible to know the details of how Jesus will pull it off but this shouldn’t cause us to hide from the hope; ‘He will rise again’.

Your situation will turn around. The death of your dream will resurrect. Cling to this promise as your hope during these moments of long suffering. This is Easter Saturday; Sunday is coming.