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Chaplain’s Corner – Jesus’ Promise of Eternal Life

Apr5

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die’” (John 11:25-26).

“They” say nothing is certain but death and taxes. But perhaps “they” are not totally correct. No one can argue that between birth and death we experience life. But what does Jesus mean when he says that we will live even though we die, and that we will never die if we believe in Him? What is this life he is promising?

First, let us get the context. The verse begins with “Jesus said to her.” To whom is he speaking? He is speaking to his dear friend Martha who is grieving the death of her brother Lazarus. And what happens next? He raises Lazarus from the dead. This miraculous event happened shortly before the week we call Holy Week (the week we are currently celebrating). This miraculous event happened shortly before Jesus himself would be crucified and then resurrected from the dead–the event we continue to celebrate on Easter and every Sunday.

So, one definition of this “life” would be the resurrected life, that is, life after our physical death. Jesus told the thief on the cross, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). But Jesus really means more than that. As of the moment we believe in Jesus as our savior, we become new creations. “And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:15-17)

When we choose Jesus, we die to sin. “The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:10-11). When we die to sin, in Christ we become alive to God. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full” (John 10:10). That sounds great, but for many of us, nothing seems to change. We accept Jesus as our Savior, and then we go back home.  We go back home to the same house, the same job, the same family and friends, the same debts, the same health issues. But we really are different in so many ways.

How do we claim these benefits of the resurrected life? It is like this. True story: I received a gift card for Christmas. I put it in my wallet and forgot all about it. Honestly, I didn’t even look at it until this past weekend. Now, some three months later, I came across it, and was so pleasantly surprised and immediately used it. The gift card has been in my possession for three months, but only now have I benefitted from it because I claimed its benefits. In the same way, the Holy Spirit is in our possession, but until we make use of it, we are not enjoying the benefits. We must lay hold of the prize. “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2)

Jesus promises us a life far better than we could ever imagine, a concept reminiscent of 1 Corinthians 2:9: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.” The apostle Paul tells us that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, and He does it by His power, a power that is at work within us if we belong to Him (Ephesians 3:20).

What is the abundant life? First, abundance is spiritual abundance, not material. In fact, God is not overly concerned with the physical circumstances of our lives. If that were the case, Jesus would have been the wealthiest of men. But just the opposite is true. He did not even have a place to lay his head (Matthew 8:20). He assures us that we need not worry about what we will eat or wear (Matthew 6:25-32; Philippians 4:19). True abundant life consists of an abundance of love, joy, peace, and the rest of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), not an abundance of “stuff.” Physical blessings may or may not be part of a God-centered life; neither our wealth nor our poverty is a sure indication of our standing with God. Solomon had all the material blessings available to a man yet found it all to be meaningless (Ecclesiastes 5:10-15). Paul, on the other hand, was content in whatever physical circumstances he found himself (Philippians 4:11-12).

Second, abundant life is eternal life, a life that begins the moment we come to Christ and receive Him as Savior and goes on throughout all eternity. The biblical definition of life — specifically eternal life — is provided by Jesus Himself: “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3). This definition makes no mention of length of days, health, prosperity, family, or occupation. As a matter of fact, the only thing it does mention is knowledge of God, which is the key to a truly abundant life. A Christian’s life revolves around “grow[ing] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). This teaches us that the abundant life is a continual process of learning, practicing, and maturing, as well as failing, recovering, adjusting, enduring, and overcoming. One day we will see God face to face, and we will know Him completely as we will be known completely (1 Corinthians 13:12). We will no longer struggle with sin and doubt. This will be the ultimately fulfilled abundant life.

Eternal life, the life a Christian is truly concerned with, is not determined by duration but by a relationship with God. This is why, once we are converted and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are said to have eternal life already (1 John 5:11-13), though not, of course, in its fullness. Length of life on earth is not synonymous with abundant life. Paul admonishes us, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:2-3).

“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:18-19).

In Christ,

Judy

Reference: https://www.gotquestions.org/abundant-life.html

Chaplain’s Corner – Dirty Jobs

Jan12

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Did you ever watch the series, Dirty Jobs, hosted by Mike Rowe? I was first made aware of it back when I worked for Caterpillar (immediately before coming to the Mission). Rowe thought Cat was ideal for partnership with his business, so he became our spokesperson because our construction equipment was used in the most basic and, let’s face it, dirty, endeavors. As he put it, Caterpillar was there, first on the scene, ensuring that the dirt was moved and the basic infrastructure was put into place for many of America’s buildings, bridges, dams, and highways. When a project is completed, you rarely see the part that Caterpillar played, but the work was essential all the same.

If you were to ask an equipment operator what he was doing while at work, he might say “I’m digging a hole, or just moving dirt.” But he could say, “I’m participating in a project (hydroelectric dam) to ensure that millions of people will have affordable electricity to heat their homes and cook their food.” The latter statement recognizes the big picture, and that vision should keep him going, even when the bulldozer gets stuck in the muck.

From my vantage point, I can’t think of a literally dirtier job than what many of you here at the Mission are faced with daily. And I know it is discouraging because for all your efforts, it seems we never make the progress we would like; we don’t see the life change that needs to be made, it seems like the complaints exceed the gratitude, and it seems like the more we serve, the more helpless and hurting people continue to walk through our doors.

Daily, you are a witness and obedient to the Scripture from Deuteronomy 15:11a “There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore, I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.”

It can be so disheartening and discouraging. What can we do? How can we go on, working these “dirty jobs?” Here are some reminders that should help:

  1. Remember that God sees everything that you do.

He sees the work of your hands, and he knows the desires of your heart. He sees your circumstances, and the reactions to all your efforts. “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:17-18).

2. Remember that God cares for you, even if it seems like no one else does.

1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

3. Remember that God will protect you.

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you” (Isaiah 43:2).

4. Remember that God will strengthen you.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

5. Remember that our God is Sovereign.

We may not know His immediate plans, but we know His character and we know the outcome. God says in Isaiah 43:19, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.”

The reference to dirty jobs above reminds me of the story about the stonecutter, who when asked what he was doing, said he was building a cathedral. All anyone could see were the big rocks he was chipping away on, but he knew his higher purpose. That cathedral probably wouldn’t be finished in the stonecutter’s lifetime, but he was fulfilling his purpose.

It’s the same with us here at Nashville Rescue Mission. The work that you perform daily, mostly unseen and unrecognized, is fulfilling a higher purpose. You are doing God’s work. Like the bulldozer digging the foundation hole, the results of your labors may go unseen; however, know that when you are obedient to His will, He will bless you in His loving way and in His timing. God is Good, All the Time. All the Time, God is Good.“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!” (John 16:33).  

In Christ

Judy

Chaplain’s Corner – Passion: What Is Your Kingdom Purpose?

Oct6

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10).

The devotion last week focused on passion, and I said we would continue in the next few weeks to learn how to remember our first love or rediscover our passion. In his book, S.H.A.P.E., by Erik Rees, the author says, “God created you as a unique masterpiece because he has a specific purpose for your life—a specific and unique ‘contribution’ that only you can make…. It is what I like to call your unique Kingdom Purpose. I define Kingdom Purpose as your specific contribution to the body of Christ, within your generation, that causes you to totally depend on God and authentically display his love toward others…. Your Kingdom Purpose is way more than a career. It is a special commissioning from God to make a significant difference on this earth. It’s the banner of your life that you carry and wave for God’s glory. “

Rick Warren, in Purpose Driven Life, says “…God has given each of us a unique emotional ‘heartbeat’ that races when we think about the subjects, activities, or circumstances that interest us. We instinctively care about some things and not about others. These reveal the nature of your heart…(and) are clues to where you should be serving.”

Stop and think for a moment: What is your passion, your Kingdom Purpose? God has wired each of us differently. We each have a different set of spiritual gifts, talents and skills, personality traits, and experiences. And when you combine all that with something that really tugs at your hearts, then you can identify your passion. Maybe it’s children, maybe it’s families, maybe it’s justice, maybe it’s serving the least and the lost. My passion is education. I want to teach the truths of the Bible and how they can be applied to our daily lives so that we can walk more closely with God.  Your passion can evolve over time based on your circumstances, or it could be the constant theme of your life because of a single powerful experience. Your passion may be very focused, or it may be global. Your career may be your passion, or it may be that your current job is a means to accomplishing your passion. Whatever it is, you can be sure that God intends for you to have a Kingdom Purpose, and he will reveal it to you if you ask him.

Rees defines five passion principles that can inspire us to “dream big and think beyond our fears, in the process of discovering our own unique, emotional heartbeats for God:”

  1. Know what drives you.
  2. Know what you care about.
  3. Know the needs you will meet.
  4. Know the cause you will help conquer.
  5. Know your ultimate dream for God’s kingdom.

All this may sound overwhelming and impossible but remember: “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37). “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).

I challenge you to pray about your Kingdom Purpose. If you have questions about this, I encourage you to contact me. I would love to help you in your journey to discovering your passion.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24).

In Christ,

Judy

Chaplain’s Corner – Love Always Protects

Mar13

“4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

Other translations of this word “protect” include “love bears all things” and “love covers all things.” Regardless of the translation, notice that the word “all” is used. Not some of the time, but ALL OF THE TIME, in every situation, love never fails to protect, bear, or cover.

Many of you doubtless know what it feels like to be unprotected—on the battlefield, on the street, in an abusive relationship, in an unsafe environment. I can’t imagine the fear and hopelessness you may have experienced. That is not God’s plan for you. However, we know that in this present time, “that the whole world is under the control of the evil one” (1 John 5:19b). But then, we have the amazing promise of Christ, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

So what does it mean, then to protect? One way is to not allow ourselves to be used by the evil one to inflict harm on others, whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional. And of course, we are to be on the lookout for others who might be in harm’s way so that we can offer protection. We can best do this by putting on the armor of God, which is what God has provided for us for protection against the evil one.

I also like the idea that love means “having your back.” Don’t you love it when someone “has your back?” That means that they are looking out for you, they want the best for you, they are defending you, perhaps even instructing or redirecting you, all because they have your best interest at heart. What if this motivation was behind everything all of us did all of the time? Can you imagine what a glorious place this would be? It brings to mind the scripture from 1 Peter 4:8 “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.” One of the ways we can have fervent love for one another is to always “have their back.”

Christ has overcome the world. Now, all of the time, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).

In Christ,

Judy

Change

Jan31

Change is good.  Change is….change.

What has changed?

Jim is home now, seven nights a week.  That is good.

He is being productive (that’s not really a change, but worth noting considering his circumstances and the ambiguity of his immediate future).

As of January 17, we don’t have to worry anymore about the police coming to the house to arrest Jim.  That is good.

As of January 18, we have some new experiences and knowledge about the legal system that we didn’t know before.  That can’t hurt.   Bonding out.  Posting bail (same as bonding out).  Arraignment.  Simple assault.  Aggravated assault.

Even in the knowing, our friends have been nothing but supportive, although I have learned something valuable.  When friends tell us something traumatic, I listen, but I’ll also share a similar event, thinking that it would be a comfort for them to know we have a shared experience.  Now this is what is happening to me.   It’s okay, and even sweet in a way, but what I really want is for someone to hear how traumatic this was for ME.  I’m not sure if it’s what I need, because it’s pretty self-serving, but it is sure a lesson for me for when I am listening to someone else.  I need to listen with a truly loving and caring heart for them, regardless of what memories is brings up of my own.

Most of all I am learning to abide in the knowledge that God will deliver us.  I don’t know how, but I am thanking Him already.  1 Thess. 5:18.  My prayer is that God be glorified in whatever happens and that Jim and I are willing to be obedient and trusting, no matter what.

Cheers!

Jan12

Church today, and then an information session about the upcoming missions trip to South Africa to be led by Pastor Tim and Angela Mills.  I attended.  I’ve been on several mission trips and trying to decide about God’s will in this one for me.  I’m still not sure.  One concern is money, of course, but isn’t it with most everyone.  God calls us to sacrifice, and if there were no sacrifice, would it really accomplish all that it should?  I would love it if Jim and I could both go, and I think I could take a personal leave without pay.  Oh, wow.  Just thought about the implications of that!  I didn’t offer to anyone to day that Jimmy lost his job this week.  I thought about it during prayer requests, and thought about characterizing it as a praise–because he will now be home.  However, we do still have some concerns, and aside from those, I really and truly do want this to be all good.  1 Thess. 5:18–in all things give thanks for this is the will for God for you.

Lunch with Mom and Dad.  We go to a local meat and three, Jay’s on Dickerson Road.  Mom and Dad go every Sunday, my brother Dennis every Sunday that he isn’t working, and me only occasionally.  However, they still know that I’m Judy, their daughter.  They scurry to find  a table (I got there first), ask me what I want to drink and then bring all the others as well.  Big glass of ice water for Dad, a small glass of ice water for Mom, and a big glass of sweet tea for Dennis.  They hug and smile, and hug and smile.  Mom couldn’t remember what she usually gets, so Cathy told her and Mom said yes that would be fine.  I imagine that happens every week.  Then as we left, Mom said she compares Jay’s to Cheers, because everyone is so friendly, and yes, they know your name!  Mom is so gracious and so cute in her helplessness.

Horse Cookies

Jan11

Whew, glad I got that out of my system.  Once of my favorite desserts is chocolate oatmeal cookies.  They are not Jimmy’s favorite, so I rarely make them now that the kids are on their own.  But I’ve been thinking about them–their fudginess, peanuttiness, just the right crunch with the oats–heaven with a big glass of milk.  And how bad could they be–oats and milk, with just a coating of fudge.  Yes, I’ve been thinking of them and decided that I would treat myself Friday night.  I made a half recipe, and yes, I ate half last night while watching Chariots of Fire, and finished them off today.  I think I am done with chocolate oatmeal cookies for awhile.

All day today I kept thinking about leaving the house.  I could visit Mom and Dad, go to the bank, grocery, for a walk, Starbucks.  But then I thought:  I can meet Mom and Dad for lunch after church on Sunday, don’t need to go to the grocery just yet, don’t need to spend gas money just to go to the bank and Starbucks.  And I could walk here.  So I stayed at home.  Thoroughly cleaned the kitchen including the oven, piddled, read, watched five Duck Dynasty’sand about that many Jeopardy’s, and in between everything on the Food Network–every kind of “chop” imaginable.  I am over halfway done with my 1000-piece puzzle, and then after all that stayed up until the wee hours working on our budget.  I track all of our expenses for tax purposes, so I have a handy analysis, which is especially handy since we have had such a change in income.  Now I have to remind myself that this financial setback is just that, a financial setback.  God will provide, but we need to do our part.  We need to be very intentional not to waste any money, and I mean any money!  We have it to spend on what we really want, but we should be sure we really want it.  This will take some real effort on my part to have the right attitude.  I don’t want to constantly be thinking about what I can’t do, but more about how blessed we are and how God provides.

Teacher’s Pet

Jan10

Good day at work.  Our “Choice” teams met in Franklin at Scarlett Leadership Center for some goal setting.  Then Norman, Glenn, and I met with the Board HR Committee Chair to review a full slate of Benefits Recommendations, in preparation for a full HR Committee Meeting on Monday.  Both events went well.  In earlier similar meetings, Glenn would brag on me and Carolyn to the rest of the assembly, kind of the halo effect–newest kids on the block, about how lucky the Mission is to have us, etc.  It’s been over a year now, and he continues to do this.  I’m so pleased that he feels this way, but it reminds me of high school when my teachers would commend me to the class and it made me wonder if the rest of the class would resent me.  In truth, I do a good job there, and I have a lot of great experience and knowledge and wisdom to offer.  However, I am indeed the lucky one to be working around so many selfless saints.  I am only being obedient and taking advantage of a God-sent opportunity.  Perhaps they are as well, but they have devoted their lives to this work to the detriment of their own physical and financial well-being, and I am just a relative new-comer.  I can’t brag on my co-workers enough.  Thank you Jesus for making the way.

Bowling Birthday

Jan9

Celebrated my birthday at the bowling alley with Jim, my sons, Molly (who made me a death by chocolate cake!), Annie (who gave me one of her precious quarters), Judah, and Lincoln and Audrey who each drew me a beautiful picture.  We had fun bowling and just being together.  So sad that Sara Beth and Ella had to miss because Ella has a fever.

After Jesus, my family is everything.

Oh, and I actually bowled four strikes in 1 1/2 games–a career high!!!

Coming Home

Jan8

Jim’s last day in Paris.  Not planned, but it is past time for him to come home.

Give thanks in all things, for that is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 thess. 5:18.  This was what I prayed all the way to Paris to pick Jim up.