Time to Renew Your Subscription

If you have ever subscribed to a magazine, book club, or something similar, at some point you would receive a notice about renewing your subscription.  The notice would draw your attention to the original commitment you made and force you to make a decision about whether or not you wanted to continue. You might have even been given a choice to extend your commitment even further.

But, what does it actually mean to subscribe to something?  A few synonyms for "subscribe" are:  pledge, promise, and contribute.

When we first accepted God's gift of salvation and commited our lives to Jesus Christ, we, in essence, made a pledge, or promise, to contribute our heart, mind, soul and strength to God.  Most of us understood that our minimum pledge included attending worship and bible study regularly so we could learn and grow spiritually.

So,why is it that, after initially subscribing to worship and study regularly-- and enjoying the fruits of those activities--some of us simply let our subscription, our pledge expire?  Instead of letting it expire, we should be signing up for more! 

We should be adding daily prayer, quiet time with the Lord, outreach and missions, serving in a local church, learning about our spiritual gifts...whatever our hands find to do in the name of the Lord.

Instead of coming up with New Year's resolutions, some of us just need to blow the dust off of our old resolutions that we made when we first came to Jesus.  We need to return to our first love--to that moment we felt God's Holy Spirit nudging us to walk down that aisle or prompting us to give up something or someone standing in the way of our relationship with God.  We need to relive the moment that we truly said "Yes, Lord!" from the depths of our soul.

As we review our initial subscription and prepare to renew it, let's ask God to show us all of what our initial "yes" entailed.  There may be things in store for us that we were not ready to understand or receive in the beginning.  There may be more required of us than we were mature enough to perceive. 

The exciting thing is that, "He who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus."  That means our subscription never really comes to an end, until the end.  None of us have "arrived" at all of who we are in Christ.  As long as we are living on this side of glory, we are all still in route and, as Maurette Brown Clark sings, "it ain't over until God says it's done."

So, if you are willing to continue pledging, promising and contributing to your relationship with God, consider this a friendly reminder that it's Time to Renew Your Subscription.

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

We're in the Presence of Royalty

"We're in the presence of royalty
It's our sovereign God and King
Here before Your throne
We bow at Your feet
We worship You, Holy King...."
(lyrics to "The Presence of Royalty" by Byron Cage)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkCDtfed2fE

How would you behave if you were in the presence of royalty?  Would you smile to acknowledge the presence of his or her majesty? Would you try to demonstrate respect by making sure you greet him or her properly?  If the royal custom required bowing or kneeling, would you do it?

When I think of the Christmas story of the three wise men worshiping the Christ, it makes me mindful of the fact that we, like the wise men, are in the presence of royalty.

Sometimes, in our quest to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ we get a little too familiar with Him and forget that He is our sovereign God and King.  We get real comfortable and start speaking and behaving in ways that show we have forgotten that God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are omnipresent and always with us.  We are always in the presence of royalty.

Ignoring the Holy presence, we often seek joy and peace in people or things, oblivious to the fact that:

"It's in Your presence that I find joy
It's in Your presence that I find peace
I find rest for my soul and strength for my life
Lying here at your feet...."

Let's not allow stress or sorrow, tradition or other trappings to cause us to miss out on our audience with the King. Just think about it, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords desired so much to fellowship with us that He left His throne in glory to meet us on our turf!

"In Your presence there is fullness of joy
And in Your right hand are pleasures forever more...."

All the joy, peace and pleasure we could ever imagine--and beyond--are all within reach if we have enough faith to look past our circumstances and remember that we're in the presence of royalty.

Have a Merry Christmas and...

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

Who's Birthday Is It Anyway?

Please enjoy this re-posting of my blog from 2010....

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Sometimes, in all the flood of gift-giving at Christmas, we lose sight of whose birth we are actually celebrating.

Many years ago, one of the children's Bible study groups at my church held a Christmas celebration.  Everyone sang, "Happy Birthday, Jesus!" and began eating a specially decorated cake.  As the children eagerly grabbed their servings, we heard a small voice shout, "Save a piece for Jesus! Where is Jesus' piece?!"  This little girl could barely eat her piece of cake because she was so upset at the thought that we would celebrate Jesus' birthday, and then greedily consume all of His birthday cake. 

How many of us are consumed with Christmas, but fail to live our lives in such a way that shows we honor not only Jesus' birth, but His life, the new life He gave us and the eternal life He will escort us into when He returns? Perhaps we find it easier to leave Jesus in the manger--as a humble little baby who represents hope, joy and promise, instead of the one who declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but by me." 

Some of us love hearing the biblical accounts in scripture, but we don't enjoy being accountable to what is in the scripture. We memorize all the heroes and heroines of the Bible, but fail to heed the admonitions of the Bible, such as those concerning Jesus' return. 

It saddens me to no end that countless people throughout the world continue to fall for false Christs.  I saw a program on the History Channel that showed three different men--one in the Phillippines, one in England and one in Russia--all claiming to be Jesus Christ.

Why are we so easily led astray when scripture clearly states in Matthew 24 beginning at verse 23:
 "Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There!' do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect....the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory....He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."

When Christ returns, He will NOT be born of a woman as He was the first time.  Anyone who is alive on this earth today and claiming to be Jesus Christ was born of a woman.  And, regardless of when any of the false Christs were born, we do not and will not ever be celebrating their birthdays as marking the salvation of the world. 

While scholars continue to dispute the exact date of Jesus' birth, there is no disputing that he was born some 2000 years ago, boldly declared that as the Son of God He would defeat death by resurrecting from the dead, and promised to return on the clouds to reclaim His own.  Jesus is the only one to ever make AND keep such promises. THAT is the joy of Christmas for me and THAT is a birthday and life worth honoring.

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

Christmas Presence

In a capitalistic society such as ours, sacred observances are often clouded with commercialism.  Christmas, for example, was originally a celebration of giving--the giving of God's gift to us through the birth of Jesus Christ.  Yet, somehow, it has become focused on getting instead of giving.

Even when we give, we sometimes do so out of obligation more than the desire to be a blessing.  We keep tabs on who gave or didn't give something to us last Christmas so we can return the favor.

We often ask one another, "Are you ready for Christmas?" when what we really want to know is whether you have finished (or started!) your Christmas shopping and if you have put up your Christmas decorations yet.  These questions are not necessarily based on commercialism, but stem from another "c" word--competition.

The pressure is on to deck the halls and fill the malls.  Instead of love, joy and peace we fill our homes with gadgets, gizmos and noise.  We try to outdo our neighbors, and if they won't compete with us, we simply try to outdo ourselves.  A friend of mine recently shared a story of how one man bought the iPhone, iPad, iPod classic, iPod touch, iPod nano and the iPod shuffle before finally exclaiming, "iBroke!" 

For some of us, Christmas day becomes a day to recover from all of the frantic shopping for and shipping of Christmas presents because it is the only day the stores are closed. 

After Christmas day comes the quentessential query, "What did you get (see, there's that key word, "GET" ) for Christmas?"  Instead of listing all of the things you did or did not get for Christmas, try sharing about the Christmas presence.  Tell of how you experienced the power and presence of Jesus Christ in your life over the past year.  Talk about how you helped make it possible for others to experience the presence of Christ.

If you find that you don't have much to talk about, perhaps now is the time to put the right presence on your Christmas list.  The good thing is that you won't have to worry about fighting the crowds at the mall or having it sell out or placed on back order, because the Lord's presence is "not available in stores."  You don't even have to open up your wallet.  All you have to do is open up your heart.

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

Go Ahead...Keep Provoking Me!

Sometimes in our daily interactions we unwittingly provoke one another.  We might say a word that seems ordinary to us yet turns out to be a major trigger for someone else.  Other times, we know exactly what we are doing when we provoke someone.  We know which buttons to push and what response to expect.  This is especially true among families. 

Even the youngest siblings know just what to say or do to provoke each other.  It doesn't take long at all for married couples to find one another's buttons.  And, of course, everyone has that one family member who always manages to say or do something that makes everyone want to "throw their hands in the air and wave them like they just don't care!"

The Bible is full of provocative characters, but not all of them were provocative in the negative sense.  Some of them learned the power of positive provoking. Jacob, for example, wrestled with an angel who represented God.  He wrestled with the angel all through the night and boldly declared, "I will not let you go until you bless me!" (Genesis 32:24-29)  Jacob's tenacity and faith provoked a response from God, and he (Jacob) was blessed, indeed.

When I was single and wrestling with whether I should settle for being a girlfriend or wait on God to make me a wife, I decided to stop dating until God sent my husband.  Year one went by.  Year two.  Years three, four and five.  I thought surely I had waited long enough, yet I boldly declared like Jacob, "I will not stop waiting until you bless me!"

I continued waiting through year six and into year seven.  At the end of the seventh year, I met Kendrick Curry the man who would become my husband and partner in ministry.  Evidently, my faith and determination to be blessed provoked such a response from God that he blessed me exceedingly, abundantly above all I could have asked or imagined in a husband and family!

Years ago, an organization I worked for was in a dire financial situation.  Several of my colleagues and I had been told that we would have to be let go.  Without discussing it, we all immediately declared that regardless of pay we would not abandon our positions and would at least see all of our projects through to completion.  Within hours of that declaration, we received a major financial contribution that was more than enough to fund our positions.  We had been laid off and rehired before we could even consider packing our things! A friend of mine characterized this as provoking a response from God--the second time in recent months that someone accused me of provoking God.

Faith pushes God's buttons.  God's Word tells us that "without faith, it is impossible to please God; for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." (Hebrews 11:6)  The opposite, therefore, also holds true -- with faith it is possible to please God.  When we please God and diligently seek Him, we provoke a response in which He expresses His pleasure.

The fact that God is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him says to me that God likes us to keep pushing His buttons.  It's as if God is saying to us, "Go ahead...keep provoking me!" Not as a threat, but as a promise.

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

I Won't Complain

"I've had some good days. I've had some hills to climb. I've had some weary days and some sleepless nights. But when I look around and I think things over, all of my good days outweigh my bad days. I won't complain."  (Excerpt from "I Won't Complain," by Rev. Paul Jones)

Sometimes when we're climbing steep hills, growing weary and losing sleep, it seems natural to complain.  In fact, it IS natural. 

The Israelites complained when they had to eat "chicken and biscuits" every single day in the wilderness.  They forgot all about the true function of food as fuel for the body, and the fact that even though they were in the wilderness, they didn't have to do anything to obtain the food. 

There they were, bellies full of food and mouths full of complaint about their poor deprived palates.  It seems to me that hungry folks would not necessarily care if the food was good, but would realize that simply having food was in and of itself, good. Some folks are just never satisfied!

While it is natural to complain, those of us who are followers of Christ have a helper to enable us to do the supernatural.  That helper is God's Holy Spirit who leads us and guides us into all truth.  And, the truth is, regardless of how bad things are, we really have no room to complain if we truly walk by faith and not by sight.  If we really believe that ALL things work together for the good, we can begin to see the steep hills and even the low valleys as tools of preparation: 

Sometimes the clouds are low.  I can hardly see the road.  I ask a question, Lord, "Why so much pain?"  But he knows what's best for me, although my weary eyes, they can't see.  So I'll just say, "Thank you Lord."  I won't complain....

God's Word in 1Thessalonians 5:18 says, "In everything give thanks..."  The key word here is in.  Honestly, there are some things that we simply cannot be thankful for.  But, in the midst of hard times, we can still give a sacrifice of praise to God, whose praiseworthiness is not based upon our lives, but His.

This Thanksgiving, ask the Lord to give you supernatural strength not to complain.  If your Thanksgiving meal is not picture perfect, don't complain.  If a certain family member predictably behaves more like a turkey than the meat on the table, don't complain.  If you are asked to lead the grace at dinner, don't complain.  If none of your plans seem to fall in place, don't complain.  Complaining won't change anything for the better, and giving thanks can help prevent you from becoming bitter.   Remember, the song is not titled, "I can't complain," it's "I won't complain...."

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

Keep the Change

Sometimes, when we find ourselves in a comfortable financial position, we might decide to allow a waiter or cashier to "keep the change" that we are supposed to receive following our transaction.

Spiritually, when some of us get too comfortable, we might find ourselves saying, "keep the change" in reference to the change, transformation or growth that we are supposed to undergo regularly as a result of our interaction with the Lord.

When we truly give our lives to the Lord, something is bound to change.  Every time someone in the Bible had an encounter with Christ, they were different afterward. 

Some of us want to have a relationship with the Lord, but only on our terms.  We don't want to give up anything, or we want to at least hold on to a thing or two as lovely parting gifts and mementos from our time away from God.

We might think holding on to old ways of thinking and living are harmless, but unless we completely empty ourselves and allow ourselves to be completely refilled with God's Spirit, we are stepping into dangerous territory.

Luke 11:24-26 tells of a man who had been freed of an unclean spirit, but having failed to fill himself with God's Holy Spirit, he was vulnerable to the refilling of evil, for the demon, "....taketh [to him] seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last [state] of that man is worse than the first."

If we want to eliminate some of the trauma and drama we experience in our lives, we have to be very conscious and deliberate about making sure we do whatever it takes to "keep the change" that we experienced when we were first saved or delivered.

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

A Touchy Situation

Most of us can recall at least one time in our lives when we found ourselves in a touchy situation.  Things may have been very tense and we may have been anxious about how the situation would turn out.  In fact, it may have seemed that there was no way out.

In Luke 8:43-48, the Bible tells of a woman who had an issue of blood that no doctor could heal.  She suffered for 12 years and it seemed there was no way out of her condition.

In Bible times, people with medical issues were often required to be separated from the main population, essentially forced to live as outcasts, but, she heard that Jesus was passing by....

If she had taken time to consult with others about whether she should approach Jesus to ask Him for healing, she might have been told, "Well...I don't know...that's a touchy situation.  It's not acceptable for a woman to just walk up to a man she doesn't know.  And, you know, with your medical issue, you are considered unclean, so you shouldn't even be walking through the crowd to try to get to Jesus...."

Perhaps she had all of this in mind when she humbly crouched down and stretched her hand to touch the hem of Jesus' garment instead of walking up to Him for a face-to-face request.  Her situation was, indeed, touchy, but, somewhere within her a mustard seed of faith wouldn't let her suffer on the sidelines another day. 

How long will we allow our conditions to keep us sidelined?  Some of us may have several strikes against us according to society's standards, but no matter how touchy our situation is, we have a God who specializes in touchy situations!  In fact, all it takes is a touch and we will never be the same!  That's what the woman with the issue of blood found out.  She was not rebuked for touching Jesus, she was rewarded. Jesus told her, "...be of good comfort: thy faith has made thee whole...."

Decide today to press your way for at least a touch of Jesus.  Whether that means finding a Bible study, prayer meeting, worship service, a phone call to a friend for prayer, a search on the internet for a transforming message from the Lord or just opening your Bible and meditating on a favorite verse.  It doesn't matter how long you've known the Lord or have been studying His Word, His mercies are new every morning.  That means today's touch might not be the same as yesterday's, so keep pressing.

Even those of us who minister sometimes need to press through the overwhelming "business" of ministry and get a fresh touch from the Lord to help us withstand the touchy situations we face in our work for the Lord. We also have to be mindful of not becoming so "holy" and pious that we no longer allow ourselves to be touched or moved by God's presence, relegating such experiences to a fond but distant memory.

Maintaining a touch point with the Lord on a regular basis is critical for our own growth and relationship.  When we are not regularly in touch with the Lord we are "out of touch" with the reality that the only wisdom and power we have comes from the Lord, not us.  Whenever we think it's o.k. to live, love, or lead without the Lord's touch, we have definitely placed ourselves in a touchy situation.

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

Pardon My Dust....

Have you ever noticed the signage at a construction site?  One of the signs that always stands out to me is the one that says, "Pardon Our Dust...." Usually the phrase is accompanied by additional words explaining how the construction is necessary for improvement.

The sign, "Pardon Our Dust...." is meant to make us feel good about the construction instead of annoyed by it--to see it as a sign of progress rather than a frustrating impediment.

Perhaps if we all wore such signs on our bodies we might better appreciate the incredible transformation we are all undergoing on our journey through sanctification.

The very moment we confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead we receive the gift of salvation.  However, working out our soul's salvation, or applying that gift on this side of glory is a daily process.  Being saved on Sunday doesn't make us perfect on Monday.  It just sets us on course to press toward the mark.

When we remember that we are all under construction, hopefully we will begin to be a little more patient with one another--and ourselves!  Being mindful of our construction zones also reminds us that we must be more careful with one another--after all, construction workers don't wear hard hats as a fashion statement!

Construction zones are dangerous places.  There is always the possibility of flying debris hurtling from above, or gaping holes and large obstacles lurking below. That's why, when we are at the most intense phase of our construction, it may not the best time to initiate new relationships.  We may feel vulnerable during this time and desirous of companionship, but someone could get seriously injured by some of the junk that flies off of us as God chips away at the crusty barnacles we have accumulated through life. 

Perhaps the best thing to say when someone wants to get close to us during a dangerous time is, "Pardon my dust" and tell them to stay clear until the construction is complete.  Of course, most of us don't do that.  We do just the opposite.  We pull people into our construction zones with no warning, no signage, and worst of all, no hard hat!  Those poor souls often have no clue that they've even entered into a construction zone until they come to the end of a road and realize...there IS no end to the road because the construction hasn't been completed!

Whoever and whatever is meant for us will be there for us at the end of construction.  So, we shouldn't try to deny or hide the fact that we are a work in progress.  We only complicate or hinder the process by having people on the site who don't belong there.  If we've already committed to a marriage, a ministry or a business with someone, it's still not too late to ask them to "pardon our dust."

Those closest to us might actually find it refreshing and encouraging to hear us finally acknowledge what they've been dealing with all along.  In fact, with everything in the open, those closest to us can then become our allies instead of scapegoats.  And, they might be a lot more willing to don a hard hat--maybe even safety goggles--when we lovingly and honestly implore them to "Pardon Our Dust...."

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

But Wait...There's More!!!

No matter how much or how little we watch television, almost all of us are familiar with the commercials that feature a voice blaring from the television screen telling us about some "amazing TV offer" that we simply do not want to miss.  After the announcer has thoroughly explained why we simply cannot live without their product, just when we think he or she is about to close the deal, we hear the advertising phrase of the century, "But wait....There's more!!!"

God tells us in Philippians 1:6 that "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus."  That's good news for all of us--those of us who think we've got it going on so well that we can't get any better, and those of us who are still just trying to get something (anything!) going on in the first place!

This passage reminds us that no matter what stage or season of life we find ourselves in, God is not through with us yet and will not be through until the day of Christ Jesus, that is, the day Jesus returns.

So, even if you've read the bible all the way through several times, wait...there's more!  Since God's Word is alive and operative and sharper than any two-edged sword, we can read the same passage many times, yet get a different or deeper illumination that will allow that Word to speak directly to us in ways we never thought possible.

If you've been pastoring or leading for many years and you feel you've done all you can do, wait...there's more!  After you've done all you can do and you're ready to give up, that's when God can finally have room to do all that He can do, which is exceedingly, abundantly above all we could ask or imagine--and some of us have incredible imaginations!

If you've finally decided to start attending church regularly, but you still don't see a major change in yourself or your situation, wait...there's more!  Sitting in a church pew does not constitute a relationship with God.  It's a major first step.  Visiting someone in their home is a major step toward spending time with them, but you could be sitting in someone's home everyday and not really relate to them.  Build on your church attendance with daily prayer and scripture reading.  Attend a bible study or Sunday school class.  If we were trying to get to know someone we were attracted to and interested in, some of us would be borderline stalkers, showing up at every place we knew they would be.  It's no different if we are really interested in having a relationship with God.

If you're in the middle of a storm or a difficult time in your life, just wait...there's more!  There's more to the story of your life than the difficult chapter you're currently in.  We have to remember not to place a period where God has placed a comma.  All difficulties are followed by a comma, which means that everything that precedes the comma is only a prelude, not the grand finale.

God is the author and finisher of our faith.  Whatever He begins, He finishes--and finishes well.  Whatever God started in you, don't fight it, let Him finish it.  And, remember, just because we think or want God to be finished with a chapter in our life doesn't mean that it is finished.  So, just when we think things can't get any better or any worse, look for God to step in and say, "But wait....There's More!!!"

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

What's the Problem?

Whenever we visit a doctor or counselor, we often go through the perfunctory greetings and chit chats, but pretty soon the real question emerges, "What's the problem?"  Even when we get a massage, the massage therapist will ask us about any "problem" areas that might need special attention.

We understand that no matter how healthy we eat, how much we exercise, or how much we try to care for ourselves, at some point, we will run into a problem that requires professional assistance.  When we allow Jesus Christ to be Lord of our lives, for some reason, some of us think that all of our problems will automatically disappear.  Our knowledge and application of God's Word in our lives will give us renewed minds and strength to help us to have less problems or perhaps different problems, but in no way are we guaranteed a problem-free life on this side of glory. 

In fact, Jesus said, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

A recent devotional reading from The Word for You Today included a quote from Dr. Theodore Rubin that explained, "The problem is not that there are problems, it's expecting otherwise; it's thinking that having problems is the problem!" 

When we measure our Christianity by the wrong standard, we think that saved folk aren't supposed to have or encounter any problems.  We especially think that preachers and pastors are not supposed to have any problems.  But, we forget that God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called. 

For example, I had hoped that my idiosyncracies and my impulsive responses to others' idiosyncracies would disappear once I accepted the call to ministry.  Both have greatly improved and are steadily improving, but not gone.  So, I continue to "press toward the mark" as I allow the Holy Spirit to transform me daily for the Kingdom's sake.

Whether the problems we encounter in life are those that we created or those that come our way, we cannot use them as an excuse for not "studying to show ourselves approved" by God who has charged us as followers of Christ to the work of "confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:22)

Also, we can't allow problems to shake our faith in God or in ourselves as Christians, for God challenges us to "...glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience..."(Romans 5:3)  God may not cause problems to occur in our lives, but if He allows them to occur, it must be for the good.

So, the next time we encounter a problem, let's remember that having problems is not the problem.  The issue is our response to problems.  When we allow our problems to draw us closer to God, the author and finisher of our faith, we learn to trust Him through our problems.  When we recognize that God still loves and uses us in spite of our problems we'll stop holding on to our problems and turn them over to God, the only one who can solve them. 

Once we've turned our problems over to God, in a sense, we don't have them anymore, God does.  So... if everytime we look at our problems we see God at work in them...what's the problem?

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

Out on a Limb

Have you ever taken time just observe the beauty and wonder of nature?  When we take time to really look intently at creation, God is truly evident all around us.  When we take time to truly listen intently to creation, God speaks to us in subtle ways.

Earlier this week, I was gazing at the beauty of a large tree when I noticed a strong rustling of the leaves way on the top of the tree.  As the branches began bouncing and swaying, I looked and saw a squirrel scurrying around on the outer limbs of the tree.  I had never seen a squirrel that high up or that far out on a tree limb.
The branches of the tree appeared to be solid and strong, but the limbs, however, were quite...limber.  They flexed and bowed with every move of the squirrel.

I wondered why the squirrel would forego the safety of strong, rigid branches and run about on a tightrope of slender, bending limbs.  I got my answer when I saw it scurry to the very end of a limb, spin around and begin chomping gleefully on an acorn.  Gnawing at the acorn with the speed and intensity of a chainsaw, the squirrel appeared completely oblivious or unconcerned about the danger of being perched up so high and out so far.  In fact, it promptly proceeded to run out on another limb, though that time its search was unsuccessful.

Unfazed, the squirrel continuing going out limb after limb until it struck gold.  I don't know much about acorns, but based on the actions of that squirrel, I assume that the acorns still dangling on the limbs were far tastier than the ones that had fallen on the ground.  That squirrel had apparently calculated the cost and decided that in order to get what he loved best, he had to go out on a limb.

God loves us so much that He sent Jesus Christ to go "out on a limb" to reach us.  He calculated the cost and decided to go out on a limb by leaving His throne to walk upon this guilty sod.  He went out on a limb for us when "for the joy that was set before Him [He] endured the cross...." (Hebrews 12:2)

WE are that joy that was set before Him, a joy that could only be redeemed by going out on a limb.  Jesus actually went out out on two limbs, one vertical, representing His descent from Heaven to earth.  The other limb, placed horizontally across the vertical limb, is symbolic of Him stretching His arms wide to give up His life for us and to receive us into His arms. 

Are we willing to follow Jesus' example and go out on a limb for Him?  What about our lesson from "Mr. Squirrel" to stop scrounging for scraps here on the ground and recognize that the greater things in life are high above?

Today, let's move past the fright and into the delight of going out on a limb for the Lord.

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

Riding Through the Storm

Not long ago, I shared with you how God has helped me to learn the power and joy of "singing in the rain." Well, little did I know that it was a lesson designed to prepare me for "riding through the storm."

If we think about it, most of our lessons in life are not an end unto themselves.  They are building blocks.  One lesson provides the foundation to support the next lesson, and so on. Think about it this way, God's system of education provides vital information for practical application to strengthen our preparation for supernatural elevation into our God-given destination!

Last week, God used a powerful storm that soaked almost the entire East Coast to vividly illustrate and demonstrate incredible lessons for me and several other women.  We had gathered at a beautiful beach house right on the water in the Outer Banks area of North Carolina expecting to have fun in the sun and lounge along the sandy shores.  But God...had other plans.

It rained heavily almost the entire trip, starting with my five-hour drive through blinding rain.  It rained the heaviest right when I started crossing the last bridge to my destination.  The rain was so blinding that I experienced a "white out," something I thought only occurred in snow.  The car in front of me "disappeared" into a white mist and the only thing I could see were the dotted lines on the pavement marking my lane.  I wanted so badly to stop, but there was no stopping, especially with a huge tractor trailer not far behind me.

All I could do is stay focused on the guide lines (!) that had been laid out to keep me in my lane.  I could only see a few at a time, but it was all I needed to make it to the other side!

I expected the storm to lift the next day, but God...had other plans.  Not only did the storm continue, it grew worse!  I checked the news and saw dreadful reports about the record-breaking storm and ensuing floods that wreaked havoc up and down the East Coast.  In spite of the reports, and in spite of our location right on the water, we experienced no flooding at all.

In fact, one by one, the Lord led me and each of my "beach buddies" to venture out in spite of the weather. We came face to face with waters that roared and foamed, yet we did not fear.  God only allowed the waters to reach a certain point on the beach, and then they were forced to return.  We saw God's incredible power and saving grace all at once.  At times God had us to stand firm in the face of the storm, other times, we were inspired to keep moving forward through the storm. Either way, we learned not to run from storms.  And, we also learned to appreciate the beauty in storm clouds and foamy waters, which all have their place in the majesty of God's creation. 

When it was time for me to drive home, guess what?  The storm had passed over!  God blessed me with a sun-filled, peaceful journey back, in contrast to the stressful, rain-soaked struggle I endured on the way down.  Instead of getting angry at the irony of seeing the sun only as I left the beach, I rejoiced in knowing that I learned to see and feel God's presence while riding through the storm.  A classic Yolanda Adams song says it best:

"While riding through the storm, Jesus holds me in His arms.  No, I'm not afraid of the stormy winds and the waves.  Though the tide becomes high, He holds me while I rise.  I found safety in the Master's arms, while riding through the storm...."

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

Mind Your Own Business

When we hear the phrase, "Mind your own business," we sometimes take offense, especially if we believe we are being accused of being nosey or meddlesome in someone else's affairs. Even in those instances when we really are being nosey, we don't like to be called out on it!

Sometimes the phrase is used as a smart-alecky response from someone who doesn't want to be questioned. No matter how and when the phrased is used, most of us do not like being told to "mind our own business."

Regardless of how we feel about the phrase, God tells us quite plainly in 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 to "mind our own business...." Is God trying to offend or distance us?  Of course not.  On the contrary.  God is actually speaking profound truth to us through that statement--truth about our purpose and His awesome plan for us:

"Mind"-- the noun form of the word implies intent, intellect, ingenuity.  God wants us to be very intentional, intelligent and resourceful/creative in what we do.  After all, we are created in the image of God, the one who embodies, employs and endows all of those characteristics, as evidenced in creation and in how God moves in our everyday lives.  The verb form of the word, "mind," involves watching or caring for something or someone.  We are taught to "mind our manners," we "mind the store," if someone asks us to "mind the children" we might respond by saying that "we don't mind" helping.  God wants us to "mind," or be good stewards over what He gives us and to genuinely care about what we do.

"Your Own" -- God has designed gifts and tasks that are exclusively and specifically placed in our hands. We can't compare what we have been given with what others have or with what others have been called to do.  A refrain from a popular Gospel song says it best, "What God has for me, it is for ME." Some of us are waiting for someone else to develop or lead a ministry that God told us to lead.  If you've ever found yourself in a church or community that is lacking something that seems like a glaring omission to you, it could be that you have been sent there to birth it. If you find yourself thinking about what's necessary, drawing on your intellect and ingenuity as you plan it all out in your head, it might be yours to own up to.

"Business" -- As Christians, our "business" includes our calling as well as our everyday affairs.  When we place the words, "mind your own" in front of the word, "business" we hear God telling us to be intentional, creative, intelligent, careful and watchful over that which we have been sent and equipped to do for the Kingdom (our calling), and in the way we conduct our everyday interactions with others, recognizing that wherever we are and whatever we do we are ambassadors for Christ.  We are always on display, like it or not.

When people looked at Jesus, they saw a man who was always about His Father's business.  Through Jesus Christ we have inherited the family business, and all of us have a job to do. If you don't know what your "business" is yet, make it your business to find out! None of us are here by accident-- we are here on purpose.  And, if we are here on purpose, then we are here for a purpose.

By the time we put all that is required into "minding our own business" we won't have the time or interest to  mind anyone else's business!  If you find someone meddling too much into your business, just lovingly refer them to God's word in 1 Thessalonians 4 so they, too will understand the importance of each of us learning to "mind our own business."

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

Happy Birthday "Think On These Things" !!!

Beloved Family and Friends,

Join with me in celebrating the one-year Birthday/Anniversary of my "Think On These Things" blog!

The Lord has brought me a long way in one year's time. This time last year I was still recovering from major surgery and I started blogging at the urging/encouraging of my beloved husband, Kendrick E. Curry. He knew I needed something to help lift my spirits and pull me through my recovery, and what better tool could I use than what I already had in my hand!

I cannot begin to express what a joy it has been for me to serve as a vessel of blessing for the Lord. The prayers of the righteous truly availeth much, for I never know from one week to the next what I will write, yet it seems I always end up writing something in line with what some of you have been praying about.

This week, I'd love to hear from you. I understand that "Think On These Things" has been shared all throughout the U.S. and abroad, and I'd love to get a "roll call" of those of you who receive the blog.

Use the "Comment" feature on the blogsite to send me the name of your city/country. Feel free to add any additional comments about your favorite blogs, etc. if you'd like. You don't have to include your name, it will be a blessing to just to see what cities are represented.

Thanks in advance for helping me to celebrate!  And, let's continue to....

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

Witness Protection

The words "Witness Protection" are most commonly associated with situations where people have risked their lives to serve as informants for law enforcement in exchange for life-long protection.

Persons participating in the witness protection program have either witnessed or been connected to something so intense, so serious, so critical, so life-changing that their lives are forever altered. Their names are also usually altered so that they begin an entirely new life, leaving all that they were and all that they knew far behind. Once they share what they know, or are simply exposed to certain situations and people, there is no turning back. Even if they are apprehensive about moving forward into a new life, they are forced to move in a new direction, because if they return to their old life, there is certain danger.

So it is with us as Christians. If we have truly encountered the risen Christ, we have witnessed someting so intense, so serious, so critical, so life-changing that our lives are forever altered. In the Old and the New Testaments, there are stories of those who had divine encounters and their names were changed as a result of those encounters. Unlike our legal "Witness Protection" program, those who witnessed the incredible power of God, love of Christ and presence of the Holy Spirit did not go into hiding. They, like we are charged to do, went "into all the world" telling everyone about what they knew.

When will we stop being afraid to share what we know about the Lord? People will readily share vivid details about all sorts of sordid experiences they have had, but too many Christians are silent or too embarrassed to talk about truly divine experiences or the joy of salvation.

The good thing about God's "Witness Protection" program is that we can talk all we want to whomever we want without fear, because God's got our back. Indeed, "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind." Whenever we speak and witness to others about what we know about God, the Holy Spirit will give us the power we need to speak up, the love we need to approach people the right way, and sound judgement as to the best time to share. We just need to have the desire and willingness to be a witness.

Keep in mind, we have to be willing. God doesn't need reluctant witnesses--those who have to be threatened into testifying about what they know. A reluctant witness for God isn't really a witness at all. When we allow God's Word to move beyond our heads and into our hearts, it will be "like fire shut up in our bones" and we will not be able to hold back from speaking and sharing what we know. We will be ready to serve as an expert witness for God and embrace the new identity He has for us. We can keep moving forward because, like those in the legal witness protection program, we know that going back to our old lives would bring certain death--spiritual and maybe even physical.

I don't know about you, but I'd much rather walk by faith into a future with God than to walk in circles in a past with no path to the future. Can I get a witness?

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

No Deposit No Return

Some of us go through life expecting--sometimes even demanding--something for nothing. There are those of us who have somehow convinced ourselves that we are entitled to receive things like paychecks or privileges even if we never show up for work--or only show up physically and not mentally.

Some of us complain that we don't feel God's presence or can't hear God speaking to us, but perhaps it is because we don't "seek the Lord while He may be found." Perhaps we haven't fully accepted His gift of salvation and eternal life because we're afraid we'll miss out on something in this life. If we are honest, some of us don't even want to read God's Word and pray daily; we don't want to settle down and commit to being discipled at a church and be fed consistently; we have no desire to serve others; we don't strive to feed our spirit with Spirit-filled music; we are more excited about football and will spend countless hours watching it on Sundays, but start watching the clock on God if service gets too close to two hours (I won't even mention the fact that the players on the field don't even know most of us and didn't/wouldn't shed their blood for us) ....yet, we get angry at God when our requests are not granted instantly.

Sometimes, when we go through hard times we expect the church to bail us out without batting an eye. Since the church tries to model the unconditional love that Christ demonstrated, it often will reach out a helping hand even to those who rarely participate in the life of the church. Sadly, even after receiving help from the body of Christ, some will immediately return to their "regularly scheduled program already in progress" -- at least until the next crisis.

How many of us think it would be reasonable to get angry at a bank for refusing to give us money out of someone else's account? If we don't have an account of our own in which we have been depositing resources, why should we expect the bank to give us something just because we want it?

While we can never earn God's blessings and favor, when we sincerely strive to "love the Lord our God with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength....and love our neighbor as ourselves" we are depositing energy into an account that yields incredible returns. Yet, sadly, some of us are willing to take more risks on the stock market than we are on God--but only God gives guaranteed returns!

The more faith, time and energy we deposit into our relationship with God the more we experience and enjoy the fruit of God's Spirit--love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Again, not because we can actually earn these things, but because they are a naturally occuring result of a genuine relationship with God.

Some of us have been depositing for a long time and still have yet to see a return. Just hold on. Your labor is not in vain. A divine delay is not a denial, for indeed you will "reap if you faint not." Remember, "God is not a man that He should lie" and He has promised that "no good thing will He uphold from them that walk upright" plus He will do "exceedingly, abundantly above all we could ask or imagine."

There's a certain peace and blessed assurance in knowing that, with God, every deposit yields a return no matter how long the delay. So, don't forfeit your deposit just because of a delay. Remember, no deposit, no return.

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

Back to School

Ahhh! It's that time of year...time when the smell of magic markers, crayons and scented ink fills the air....the time when--if you sit still and listen very carefully--you can hear the crack of new book binders being unhinged...the time of year when a symphony of alarm clocks reaches a crescendo, accentuated by the pitter patter of tiny (and not so tiny) feet scurrying about in a dance of early morning preparations....

Yes, it's...Back to School time!

Saying goodbye to summer vacation and returning to the discipline of the classroom was considered a childhood ritual for most of us. It was almost always met with mixed emotions, but eventually we resigned ourselves to accepting the cycle of discipline and vacation as the rhythm of life.

Our Christian education requires a similar rhythm, for we learn and grow best when we have a balance between rest and work. We grow from the disciplines of reading, praying and fasting. But, just like the physical growth spurts children experience during summer vacation, our times of resting in God and delighting in His creation yield significant spiritual growth, growth that is later guided and strengthened through the spiritual disciplines.

This fall, take some time to gaze at the changing colors of the leaves, observe the struggle between summer and fall as one season fights to hang on while the other fights to take over. Look and listen for God everywhere. Take what you experience and then get ready to go "Back to School." Revisit some of the fundamentals of the faith, like The 10 Commandments (and the two!) and John 3:16. Begin to appreciate them with new eyes.

Commit to attending a Bible Study on a regular basis--and don't be afraid to be the teacher's pet! Sit up front, ask questions, soak up everything you can. Do all of the homework assignments-- when the Pastor tells you to read a chapter of the Bible in its entirety following a sermon or lesson, actually do it! Take your Bible with you and study it like you're preparing for an exam--because you are!

Even if you've been out of school for many years and have been a Christian for many more years, let this time of year be an annual call to "study to show yourself approved." When it comes to learning the things of God, none of us--from the Pastor to the pew warmer--are ever to old to go Back to School.

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

Watch Your Back

Sometimes as we travel along the road of life, we not only have to keep our eyes on the path ahead of us, we also have to be extra alert to who or what is behind us.

Criminals count on us to not watch our back so they can catch us off guard and do us harm. Once, when I was in college, I was being followed down the street by a strange man who locked in on me as if he had me on radar. I took a circuitous route through a nearby mall and kept watching my back until I was finally able to elude him.

Automobile manufacturers understand the critical importance of being able to "watch your back", which is why they install rear view mirrors. In fact, a car will not even pass a safety inspection if it does not have a rear view mirror.

Most of the time, when we think of watching our back, we think of looking out for danger. Thankfully, God's ways are not our ways and He has given us two positive, comforting things to look for when we watch our backs: Goodness and Mercy.

The 23rd Psalm declares, "surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life...." When we allow the Lord to be our shepherd, not only does He order our steps toward a glorious future, He gurantees that goodness and mercy will track us down and stay with us, watching our back all the days of our life. That's good news!

When I'm going through a tough time or facing a situation that seems hopeless, I can look back and see God's goodness shining all throughout my history, reminding me that God causes all things to work together for my good.

When I'm caught up in trouble from my own doing, God's mercy keeps me from receiving the consequence I deserve, as He provides me with a way out of no way.

Regardless of what this world sends to frighten me off the path God has for me, with God on my side I don't have to walk a circuitous path like I did to shake off that stranger. I can walk the straight and narrow and keep looking up because God is watching my back.

And, as God watches my back, I don't have to watch it so closely. All I have to do is keep watching God.

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

Blessed Assurance...

...Jesus is mine. Oh! What a foretaste of glory divine. Heir of salvation, purchased of God. Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood....

I am so glad that I belong to God! It's not enough to simply believe in God, for scripture tells us that even the demons believe and tremble (at least some of them have enough sense to tremble at the awesomeness of God. Sometimes we claim to believe, yet never tremble!).

When I say that I belong to God, I say it out of recognition that I have been bought with a price --Jesus' shed blood; that I do not belong to this world--I am a peculiar person; and that I am a child of the King--Jesus is my Savior and Lord.

Recognizing who I am and whose I am gives me blessed assurance that the blessings I have seen in this life are but a foretaste of glory divine. I can press on through my bad days because I know that there are better days ahead in this life and beyond.

...Perfect submission, perfect delight. Visions of rapture now burst on my sight!

Recognizing who I am and whose I am allows me to submit to God's will and to delight in doing so, as I look forward to being raptured away from the cares of this world. I am learning not to dwell on my struggles but to dwell and delight in the promises of God--for those will far outlast any troubles I experience.

...Watching and waiting, looking above. Filled with His goodness, lost in His love!

Recognizing who I am and whose I am keeps me looking above, from whence cometh my help! When I allow God's Holy Spirit to fill me and have full reign in me, I am able to see and feel His love for me everywhere I look.

Regardless of the story the world tries to tell me about life and and how to find joy in it, THIS is my story, THIS is my song....Praising my Savior all the day long!

Try praising God today. If you can't praise Him because of your circumstances, try praising Him in spite of your circumstances. Your sacrifice of praise will enable you to hear God's echoes of mercy and whispers of love. In times like these, that's just the type of Blessed Assurance we need.

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

What's Your Angle?

That phrase is often used when someone is trying to determine someone else's motive--where he or she is "coming from" and what he or she is actually "getting at." Also, the question implies that there may be more going on beneath what one sees on the surface. When the word, "angle" is used as a synonym for "perspective," what you see depends on where you stand.

Sometimes angles are quite useful. An angled broom, for instance, allows one to get at crumbs and other debris that can't be reached with an even-shaped broom. Sports and recreational activities like skiing, sledding or snow tubing require an angle or the participants will never get enough momentum to move beyond the starting position.

When it comes to Christian service, what's your angle? What's behind your reason for serving? Is it the need to feel important or powerful? Is it an inability to say "no"? Is "people pleasing" at work behind the scenes?

If we are not serving from the right motive, then what we deem to be honorable service may be viewed and received entirely differently by others. When Christian service comes from a place of love within us--a deep, abiding love of Jesus Christ--then love is what will come out of us.

True unconditional love will make us serve without regard for reward or comfort. A "not my will but THY will be done" attitude toward service empowers us to see and respond to needs in ways that are "exceedingly, abundantly above all we could ask or imagine."

When our motivation comes from the right place, then no matter which angle it is viewed from, all that is seen is love. Love from the right. Love from the left. Love from the front. Love from the back. Love from above and love underneath. When love is underneath and all around what we do, all that is seen is God, for God is love. When all that is seen is God, the right one gets the glory!

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

Be Still!

These are two words you will hear quite often from a parent with an active, energetic child. Regardless of how often these words are said, there will still be countless more times it will have to be said again--to the same child!

How many times has our Heavenly Father told us to, "Be Still!" yet we continue to wriggle, writhe and wrestle our way through life as if we were not children of the King and had no divine help available to us? How quickly we forget that we have a God who never sleeps nor slumbers, who cares for us and watches over us, and who will never leave us or forsake us. Even when we have no one around who seems to care for us, God's Word tells us that even if our mother and father forsake us, the Lord will take us up.

"Be Still!" is a polite way of saying "Stop!"or "Cut it out!" When a parent tells a child to be still, it's because at that moment, the child is being everything but still. Sometimes, when we are simply too busy for our own good, God will let us know that it is time to Stop. When we are too busy, we are subject to stress and burnout, which leave us vulnerable to sin. When we are too busy, we forget who is really in charge, leaving another portal for sin to enter. When we are too busy, we stray further and further away from the center--we veer too much too the right or too much to the left.

God tells us in Psalm 46:10 to "Be Still and know that I am God." The conjunction "and" lets us know that stillness leads to knowing. Stillness leads to deep listening, which leads to clearer discernment, which leads to a peace that passes understanding, which leads to a blessed assurance, which enables us to stay on the path and see what the end will be.

When we learn to "Selah" (pause and reflect) we learn to cease from worry, anger, lust, frustration, envy and the need to feel we have to know it all and show it all--and all at once.

The next time you hear a parent or teacher tell a child to "Be Still!", or the next time you find yourself wanting to tell someone to "Be Still!" or "Go somewhere and sit down!" take it as a loving reminder from God for YOU to rest in Him.

When we take time to "Be Still" and reflect, it allows us time to see that, despite our trials and tribulations, God will "Still Be" all that we need and all that matters.

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

State of EMERGEncy

Whenever a State of Emergency is declared everyone understands that something of major proportions is taking place--something that demands everyone's immediate and full attention. During a State of Emergency all resources--physical, financial, emotional--are required and people instinctively put their differences aside to pool those resources for the sake of the common good.

This past Saturday, The Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church family joined the voices of those who have been crying in the wildnerness, "State of Emergency!" with regard to the enemy's attacks on the family. We decided that our first coordinated response would deal with one of the most virulent, invasive, yet least-discussed issues, Domestic Violence.

We had an incredible array of speakers and professionals who gave powerful presentations, insightful information, provocative perspectives and tear-jerking testimonies about the scourge of domestic violence. Some of their statistical sources were not all necessarily the same, but regardless of whether or not the data was in agreement, the presenters and participants were in 100% agreement that regardless of who perpetrates family violence it is an attack that must be countered by more than silence. We are in a State of Emergency!

Women are hurting men, men are hurting women, parents are hurting children and children are hurting parents. This is NOT God's will for us. We are in a State of Emergency!

Our keynote speaker, Jewel Diamond Taylor, reminded us that the very declaration of a State of Emergency contains within it the notion that something must "emerge" out of the crisis. When we look at the enemy's attacks on the family--which is THE unit that God established as a reflection of His divine, fruitful, life-giving love--if nothing else, the church must emerge as a voice for justice, a source of healing and a bearer of truth and light for our families.

I thank God for my husband/Pastor the Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry for his attentiveness and responsiveness to the voice of God in casting the vision for our Domestic Violence Summit. I pray that what we did here in the nation's capital will resonate in the hearts and spirits of those throughout our city limits and beyond.

Pray for us as we continue the charge of God to keep our families, "Moving Forward! Living and Loving Without Abuse!"

STOP! In the Name of Love

Diana Ross and the Supremes had many number one singles during their heydey in the 1960s. One of their most popular hits was, "Stop! In the Name of Love." The refrain of that song constantly reminded the one who was the object of affection to "think it over" before he broke her heart.

Some of us are in or have been in relationships where at least one party never really stopped to "think it over" when it came to handling conflict. Without a thought, harsh words would fly and in some cases, even fists or objects would fly, all aimed at hitting the intended target--the one whom we "loved."

Where do we get our images and notions about love? From the looks of things, not from God's Word. Somehow we have forgotten that not only is God the author and ultimate source of love, God IS love. His definition of love is THE definition of love--patient, kind, NOT jealous, does not brag, is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly, does not seek its own, is NOT easily provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

God knew we would be bombarded with distorted images of love, either from people we know or from the media. Why else would He give such a pinpoint description of what love is and is not?Without much effort, we often fall into doing the opposite of the things God described as love--we fly off the handle quickly, we are impatient, we think jealousy is a sign of love, we get self-absorbed and think love is all about someone making US feel good, we hold grudges.

When will we get it that we DON'T get it? When we step into the arena of love, we are walking into deep waters. We have no hope of keeping ourselves afloat without God's Word as a lifeline. Music, videos, movies, books, and TV shows cannot be our teachers with respect to love. They teach a warped version of love that is extremely sexualized, self-centered, overly-dramatic, centered on ownership and sometimes characterized by violence.

That version of "love" keeps people watching or buying whatever is being sold, but, "Kids, do not try this at home!"

When we want to know what love is, we need to be ready to allow the Holy Spirit to lead us and guide us into all truth, because God has already spelled it out for us. We might find out that what we've been calling love is really something else. In that case, we need to love God enough, and love ourselves and the object of our affection enough to "Stop! In the Name of Love" before we break God's heart any further by abnormally using, or ab-using something so integral to who God IS.

Don't worry, no matter how wrong we are or have been, God can still make us right -- if we are open. If you are in a relationship, check your love actions and characteristics against God's description in 1 Corinthians 13. Also, check your actions against the responses of the one you say you love. If you are responding to one another in fear, anger, sadness or anything that is not the fruit of the Spirit--Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness and self-control, then someone needs to Stop! In the Name of Love and let the one who's name IS love show you a more excellent way.

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

Note: The Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church is hosting a Domestic Violence Summit, "Moving Forward! Living and Loving Without Abuse" this Saturday, July 24, 2010. See my schedule for details. And yes, one of the sessions is entitled, "Stop! In the Name of Love"....

What Are You Looking For?

"Seek and ye shall find." "Knock and the door shall be opened unto you." Many of us are familiar with these scriptures in reference to searching for good things. But, how many of us ever stop and think about the fact that the door can swing open in both directions?

God's principles work, regardless of whether we use them for right or for wrong. If we seek good things, we find good things. Likewise, if we seek bad things, we will certainly find them. It is not wise to go knocking on every door, for indeed there are somethings best left behind the door--and securely locked away.

Despite our best intentions, our searches can sometimes have subjective endings, or endings that we set in motion based on where we set our sights. An extreme optimist, for example, can find the good in absolutely any situation. "Well, he's hard-working, faithful, and intelligent..." an extreme optimist might say--in describing Satan. "Hmmph! He comes around when He wants to, makes you wait a long time for what you want, and watches your every move!" an extreme pessimist might say about God.

We must be more mindful of what we search for and more honest about how open we are (or are not) to allowing God's Holy Spirit to truly lead us and guide us into all truth and help us to ask/pray for things that we don't even know to pray for. It all boils down to trust. Do we really trust that God will give us beyond what we seek and what we actually need?

Speaking of trust, some of us don't even need to be looking for anything or anyone at all. The question truly is, "What are we looking for," as in-- why are we even looking in the first place? What ever happened to "seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you"? Some of us give the Kingdom of God a passing glance while we send out a search party, SWAT team, FBI, CIA, Green Berets and the A-Team (old and new) to hunt down something (or someone) we think we really want. What does that say about who and what are really important to us?

When will we realize that only when we truly begin to hunger and thirst after righteousness will we finally get what we're truly yearning for --without even really having to look?

Today is a good day for us to stop looking, and start leaning on God's loving and everlasting arms. God will gently, yet firmly guide us in the right direction when we've been looking in the wrong direction, carry us onward when we can't carry on, and reward those who diligently seek Him.

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

PLEASE STANDBY....

Whenever the message, "PLEASE STANDBY" appears on a television screen, it indicates that something originally scheduled to happen has been delayed, usually due to a technical difficulty.

In life, sometimes our plans are abruptly interrupted and we are forced to "standby" while the ruler and maker of all carries out His plan. Sometimes, what we view as technical difficulties are actually sent or allowed to come our way to build and strengthen us. They may be sent to force us to take a Selah, or a pause, so that we can see more clearly and reflect more deeply about the gift of life and our divinely orchestrated roles in it.

Sometimes, God asks us to "PLEASE STANDBY" and watch Him move as He handles pressures and challenges He's been waiting for us to turn over to Him. Other times, we might be on "STANDBY" when we are waiting for an opportunity to obtain something important to us--something important enough to stand by in faith, expectantly waiting to receive that which we long for.

Either way, whatever "standby" mode we find ourselves in, we should be expecting a move of God, a supernatural moment in which we shift from chronos time-- like the ticking hands on a clock--and into chairos time, which is God's perfect, divine timing. Sometimes we need that shift to remind us who is ultimately in charge of every minute of every day. (Hint--it's not us)

When we remember that "our times are in His hands," we can take our hands off of the controls and simply, stand by and let God have His way....

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

Singin' In The Rain

Gene Kelly, one of the world's most extraordinary dancers appeared in the great classic movie musical, "Singin' in the Rain" decades ago. His flawless dance moves and smooth vocals set a standard of excellence that continues to inspire entertainers today. R&B sensation Usher, for example, performed a remake of Kelly's classic scene from the movie, putting his own touch on it, of course.

The scene that made the movie famous is the one where Kelly is literally singing, dancing, tapping, leaping, twirling, gliding and smiling in the rain. He has an umbrella, but he doesn't use it. He has an opportunity to take a ride in a cab to escape the rain, but he sends the cab away. It's as if he has decided that if he's going to get a little wet, he might as well go ahead and get soaked.

I know the feeling.

A rainy season started for me a few years ago when my grandmother passed away. Shortly afterward, my mom and cousin were fighting cancer simultaneously. My mom came out with victory on this side of glory, while my cousin--who is the same age as me--ended up moving on to the other side of glory, leaving three young children behind. The rain continued when I had a car accident two years ago, and the rain intensified over the last year and I've simply been getting soaked --two job losses, major surgery, the recent loss of my grandfather, followed only weeks later by the loss of my father on last Thursday, June 24, the day before my fifth wedding anniversary. His obituary will appear in the Washington Post tomorrow, July 1 -- my birthday.

Sometimes, when it rains it pours.

I know that God will not put on us more than we can bear and that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I also know that those of us who preach the gospel must live out the faith we preach about. So, how do I keep going in spite of the downpour? I follow Gene Kelly's advice,

Let the storm clouds chase,
Everyone from the place;
Come on with the rain,
I've a smile on my face!

How can I have a smile on my face? Because in between tears of sadness I cry tears of joy when I see God at work during my most challenging times. I start smiling when I think of how God took a fatal form of cancer that was supposed to take my dad's life 10 years ago and made it wait until God said it was time for dad to come home and I was able to hear him renew his confession of Jesus Christ as Lord.

I start singing when I reflect on how God took a difficult relationship with my stepfather that was so bad at one point that I would only refer to him as "step" -- leaving off "father" --to now moving beyond "father" and affectionately referring to him as "dad."

I can't help but dance when I think about how I had to undergo six months of physical therapy for my injuries from the car accident, followed by almost 6 months of recovery from major surgery last year, yet this past New Year's Eve I was able to use my entire body as an instrument of praise as the Shacah dance ministry and I danced powerfully to the glory of God.

I twirled and lept for joy just this morning when I went to settle a debt and was told that the balance would be forgiven and considered paid in full!

There are so many ways that God has been showing me that He has never left me nor forsaken me, even in the rain. I don't need to run from the rain. I don't even need to shield myself from it. I just need to keep singing and dancing between the teardrops and the raindrops knowing that I'm actually singing and dancing under the shadow of the Almighty, for as Psalm 63 says, "I think how much you have helped me; I sing for joy in the shadow of your protecting wings."

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

Who Are They?

"They" are very powerful people.

Almost daily I hear about something "They" said, or what "They" think, or what "They" might do, or what "They" might think. Some of us even make daily decisions in light of what "They" want or don't want. "They" are so powerful and so popular, yet somehow "They" and I have escaped a face-to-face meeting, even after all these years.

"They" have been around for a long time, stirring up doubt and fear, paralyzing countless lives, spreading gossip and innuendo, and just being troublesome, overall.

Exactly where did "They" get all of their knowledge and power? How did "They" become the experts on what people are able or not able to do? What happened to recognizing that "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me"? What about the fact that "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind"? What have "They" done to us?

Perhaps "They" are not to blame after all. "They" are able to survive and thrive only when "WE" forget who we are! When we understand that we are truly "fearfully and wonderfully made," it won't matter if "They" call us ugly. When we remember that our "God supplies all our needs, according to His riches in glory," it won't matter if we don't sport designer clothes for we will be more concerned about what THE designer has placed on the inside of us, not what we cover our outsides with.

Sometimes, however, "They" are our convenient excuse for not doing what we know we need to do with the lives God has given us. We imagine all of the things that "They" will do to frustrate our plans, when in fact "They" are not omniscient and have no prior knowledge of our plans and no real power to stop our plans once our plans are in motion. Furthermore, God says, "I know the plans I have for you....plans for a future and a hope." God also tells us, "No weapon formed against you shall prosper." On top of that, we know that if "God is for us, who can be against us?"

So, when "They" start whispering in your ear anything contrary to God's promises, just ask for a face-to-face meeting to settle the matter once and for all. Don't worry,"They" will never face you, for "They" have no face.

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

Call Waiting

Today, most people have phones equipped with Call Waiting, a feature that is considered a standard tool in modern communication. In fact, we sometimes wonder how we ever lived without Call Waiting. Some people would be shocked, disappointed, perhaps even offended to have a call greeted with a loud, glaring busy signal. We at least want our call to roll over to voicemail so we can have some semblance of a human response!

Sometimes, however, we take what has become a convenience and abuse it-- by either leaving others hanging on the other line for too long, or being the one who is far too impatient to hang on momentarily on the other line.

Spiritually, some of us have had a "call waiting" on us for quite some time, yet we refuse to "click over" and answer it. We are afraid of what's waiting for us on the other line--a call to a greater commitment to Christ; a call to leave some things or people behind; a call to take a leap of faith; a call to greater confidence; a call to a journey in which the only light we will have is God's Word as a lamp unto our feet.

Ephesians 1:18 tells us that God wants "the eyes of your understanding to be enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling." But, some of us continue to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to what God is calling us to do with our lives.

Do you love leading? You may have a call waiting. Do you love serving? You may have a call waiting. How about teaching, speaking, risk-taking? Perhaps these are all calls, waiting on you to allow God to take that which you are already inclined to do and already interested in and make it an instrument of service to Him and a blessing to others. This summer, whether or not you take a vacation, take some time to "vacate" your usual routine and deliberately seek God about what it is He needs you to be willing to do during these last days.

As the earth groans with relentless earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, torrential storms, flooding and man-made ecological disasters, recognize that we cannot continue to keep God holding on the line, for time is definitely filled with swift transition and the Master has need of us--now.

The next time you sense God is calling you while you're in the middle of something else (that's usually when the call comes!) go ahead and acknowledge the call, put your regularly scheduled program on hold, switch over, and ANSWER THE CALL!

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

Divine Intervention

The Bible is full of stories of divine intervention, situations in which God steps in right on time and redeems situations that seemed completely impossible--Daniel in the Lion's Den; Paul and Silas in prison; Jesus' resurrection on the cross....

As people of faith, we understand that God is the one behind such interventions, not luck, as some would believe. We also understand that there is really no such thing as luck, for luck implies that there is no one behind the wheel and that things just randomly occur. On the contrary, God is always in complete control and causes or allows everything that happens.

Many of us are in need of a divine intervention in our lives to restore our finances, health, marriages, homes, jobs, or family relationships, yet we continue to put our faith in "luck" instead of God, who is a "rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."

I'm certainly not expecting "luck" to know and provide me with exactly what I need in life. I'm looking for a deliberate, supernatural, personal move of God to transform some things in my life. I wouldn't dare insult God by giving away His glory to "Lady Luck."

Our lives are not random moments strung together. God says, "I know the plans I have for you. Plans for a future and a hope." Just because we don't know God's plans for us doesn't mean that no plans exist!

Let's stop expecting our miracle to come at the end of a chain letter prayer that we are instructed to e-mail to 10 people in order to "activate" our blessing. Let's get back to learning about God's covenants, commandments and care for all of creation. Perhaps we'll find that what we sometimes consider to be "luck running out" is simply God stepping in and reminding us who is in charge.

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

Family Ties

What is a family? Traditionally it is a group of people connected through marital and blood lines. Those lines, however, don't always flow in a straight line, making it difficult to limit the term "family" only to marital and biological ties. My extended family is no different.

As we celebrated the homegoing of my grandfather who lived 84 years on this side of glory, I looked around at my family and marveled at how God took so many long lines, loose ends and small fragments and weaved them into a beautiful tapestry called "family." Regardless of biology, we claim everyone fully in our family. You will seldom hear references to "half" or "step" relations.

Even with all of the unconditional love and full acceptance of family members, even the strongest of family ties can sometimes get tangled up into "nots" --this one is not getting along with that one; that one is not being treated fairly or; the other one is not living up to the family traditions/expectations.

These "nots" can threaten to destroy the fabric of a family, unless enough family members are part of the larger family of God. With faith and obedience to God, acceptance of Jesus' shed blood and the receiving of the Holy Spirit's power and fruit, families can weather any storm, whether or "not" they agree on every issue. When family members have "hidden God's Word in their heart that they might not sin against Him" that same word will help them to either not sin against one another, or recover better if they do.

God's Word admonishes us to "forsake not the assembling of ourselves together" and "what God has put together let no man put asunder." While scriptures like these are written in specific contexts, they are certainly food for thought when it comes to our family ties. It is important to come together in large gatherings, it is also important to come together emotionally and spiritually because God didn't allow us to be together in a family so we could be apart.

Our church families are no different. As people of faith, we are part of a larger family known as the body of Christ and, while our individual faith journey is our own to take, we must stay connected to the larger body because we are designed to commune and connect with others. Even God exists in a community of sorts--Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

When we assemble together at church, we strengthen one another and reinforce the bond of love that ties us together. When we pull away from the fellowship and live as "Lone Ranger" Christians, we miss a vibrant part of being in the family of God. We fail to realize that in God's family, "five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight" when it comes to handling the challenges that we face. There is truly strength in numbers--not perfection, just strength. The perfection comes through God as He causes all things to work together for our good.

Remember, whether at church or at home, misunderstandings, miscommunications and downright disagreements are nothing God can't handle. When we submit ourselves individually and collectively to God, we will truly be able to unconditionally and proudly proclaim about our church and home families, "blessed be the ties that bind..."

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

A Life Well-Lived

My grandfather passed away over the weekend. As I process my family's loss, I can't help but think of how much we actually gained over the years from this ever-flowing fountain of love, wisdom and service embodied in Luther C. Curtis, Sr.

He truly was a "grand" daddy--with his muscular physique, chiseled not by a personal trainer but by old-fashioned tough outdoor work; a broad, radiant ebony face accented with round cheeks and a warm smile that underscored a twinkle in his eyes; a strong mind full of wisdom gained through mistakes as well as successes, and a peace that came from keeping his mind "stayed on Jesus"; a compassionate heart, always thinking of ways to serve others; and big, strong hands that were reminiscent of bear paws, (especially to the mosquitos and flies that he would eliminate with one sweeping swat of his mighty hand!) but were used to lovingly embrace and encourage us with a hearty pat on the back.

This grand man has gone on to glory. It is the way of life. Like many of us, he had some rough moments in the beginning, but after more than 80 years of living, he had clearly won his crown of righteousness. I know that he is wearing it well!

One day we, too, will be finished with this life and we will either transition into beautiful scenes of glory, or into scenes that are horribly gory. The choice is ours.

Hopefully we will take advantage of the blessing of life God has given us--lives that were purchased with Jesus Christ's own blood--and view each moment as the precious, yet fragile gift that it truly is.

What will be said about us when we pass on? Will the pastor have to "look to the hills, from whence cometh his help...?" to try to scrounge up something to say about us? Or, are we expressing our gratitude to God for this life with attitudes and actions that will make it easy for people to give God the glory for a life well-lived instead of a life that was just...well...lived-- without ever being made fully alive through God's power and purpose?

If we are still alive on this side of glory, it means there is more that God requires of us, regardless of our age or stage of life. Today, as you read this message, take it as a message from the Lord calling you to seek His face so that while you yet live, you can rise above the stresses of life and press on, knowing that this life is only temporary and God is still in control. Let today's message prompt you be so steadfast and unmoveable in your faith, that even on your deathbed, you will be able to simply close your eyes and smile as my grandfather did, and ease on into glory! That's my definition of a life well-lived!

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

"Obey Your Thirst"--I Like the Spirit in You

"Obey Your Thirst!" is the tagline for a series of ads touting the lemon-lime refreshment of Sprite. The sub theme is, "I Like the Sprite in You!"

If we follow along with the line of reasoning touted by these ads, we will soon become believers--that Sprite's sweet, sparkling effervescence will permanently and pleasingly placate our parched palates.

At any given point, we can find ourselves thirsting for something, but contrary to the clever commercials, sometimes it's far beyond what anything made from lemon, lime, carbonated water or sugar could ever quench. In John 4:7 we read the story about a woman who went out to draw water from a well and experienced a life-changing encounter with Jesus, the living water.

Jesus said to her, "If you knew the gift of God...you would have asked of Him, and He would have given you living water." He then went on to explain in John 4:13-14,"Whoever drinks of this (well) water shall thirst again: But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."

Now, if you get a little Sprite in you, you may experience some bubbling in your throat and a tickling in your nose. But when you get the Spirit in you, as in Holy Spirit, that's when you experience the "springing up into everlasting life" that bubbles deep down in the essence of you where liquids can't even begin to touch!

Thirst is a powerful and demanding drive that can be delayed but never totally denied. At some point, we indeed must obey our thirst. The challenge is finding a way to quench our thirst without compromising critical functions. Too much sugary soda, for instance, will result in cavities, sugar imbalances, weight gain, and other problems.

We crave and thirst for love, attention and affirmation but seek physical outlets for what are actually internal/spiritual thirsts. We find out -- sometimes the hard way-- that there's not enough sex, drugs, and rock and roll (or shopping) to ever satisfy that deep down thirst within each of us to discover and walk in our purpose in life.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:6, "Blessed are those that hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled." What a notion! A thirst that can actually be filled! When we desire to know God's Word and His awesome plans for us as deeply as we desire food and water, we will experience a sense of satisfaction unmatched by anything physical.

Too many of us have overindulged the physical and malnourished the spirit, forgetting that we are mind, body and spirit--tripart beings created in the image of a triune God.

So, if you were willing to trust the Sprite commercials, why not give the Spirit a try? The next time you hit a dry patch in your life, go ahead, obey your thirst. And guess what? God's already written a great tagline for what He's offering, "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!" (Ps. 34:8)

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

Arch Rivals

Arch rivalries have always existed, from Cain and Abel, to the Hatfields and the McCoys, to Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote, to the Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys.

No matter who the arch rivals are, the core of the rivalry stems from a disagreement in approach or belief, or simply from an opposite stance in which one rival is clearly and firmly on one side of the line and the other rival is clearly and firmly on the other side.

Every day, we have two arch rivals positioning themselves to be THE one that guides our responses to life's challenges. Those two age-old rivals, diehard foes who couldn't be more opposite, are none other than Prayer and Worry.

An old saying goes, "If you're going to pray, don't worry. And, if you're going to worry, don't pray." We have to choose one. And, once we choose one, we negate the other.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 we are told to "pray without ceasing." If we really do that, there is no room or time for worry. 1 Peter 5:7 talks about "casting our cares on Him, for He cares for us." That means we cast our cares on the Lord, like a fisherman casts a line out into the water, except that, once we cast the line we let go of the pole.

Worry is like letting go of the line, but insisting on holding on to the pole--tightly. As long as we keep holding on, we are going to be preoccupied with how long it takes to see anything move, how well someone else appears to be doing, and what we expect to see on the other end of the line.

Prayer involves trust and faith--trust that God hears and is able to respond, and faith that God will always do what's best for us, even if it doesn't look or feel so good at the time.

I, like many of us, still struggle with completely letting go of something once I give it to God. I keep wanting to check in with God and ask, "Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" But, I know that when I think that way, I'm letting worry dominate. That's when I remind myself that whatever it is I have prayed about is no longer my issue--it's God's issue. If it was cast onto Him, that means I don't have it anymore!

When Worry tries to rear its ugly head, just call on its arch rival, Prayer. Remember, Prayer and Worry are rivals, not equals. Worry can only frustrate, not dominate. Prayer is the guaranteed winner every time, especially when you partner it with Patience. When Prayer and Patience team up, Worry doesn't stand a prayer! So, keep praying!

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen

The Spirit is Willing, But the Flesh....

My husband and I, along with another couple from our church, recently attended a conference on Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.

We were all fresh from completing an intense bible study based on the subject-- one which none of us had even heard of before this year--and were overjoyed to meet the powerfully humble authors/practitioners/presenters of this life-changing book/ministry/conference on what is affectionately referred to as EHS, or Emotionally Healthy Spirituality.

I've mentioned the title of the conference twice now, and I am sure that many of you are anxiously awaiting my explanation of EHS. Well, I will not hold you in suspense any longer.... EHS is....beyond simple explanation! It simply must be experienced!

With that being said, what I discovered is that we can be spiritually strong, but so emotionally wounded or immature that our spiritual strength is diluted at best, and at worst, downright dangerous.

We've seen examples of this all around us every time a noted pastor or minister is found to have had an "indescretion" or made some other egregious error that shocks us because we thought they appeared to be so spiritually grounded. Well, they might have been spiritually grounded-- with a head and heart that were buried underground by the weight of childhood traumas and crippling traditions.

A critical key to achieving EHS involves close examination of our families--our family of origin and the family of God. The more we know about both, the clearer the picture of our spiritual health (or lack of it) becomes. It also becomes clear that Emotional and Spiritual health are not multiple choice options--it's not "either...or", it's "both...and" if we are to truly be born-again.

When the Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak due to feeding one and ignoring the other, there is disunity within the individual. This disunity creates an internal restlessness that manifests and masquerades itself in a variety of ways, including arrogance, impatience, anger, lust, greed.... Just fill in the blank with the issue of your choice.

Achieving a spirituality that is emotionally healthy involves a lot of honesty and self-disclosure, things that may sound daunting, but are actually quite liberating, especially when experienced in a safe environment like the one provided at the conference.

As I continue to digest all that God is revealing to me through EHS I invite you to come along on the journey, not as a spectator but as a participator. Start with the book, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero. Attend the conference. And, then, begin the somewhat intimidating but exciting exercise of wrestling with yourself and God over the reality of who you have become vs. who you were meant to be. You may find what I and the conference attendees from around the world discovered, the Spirit is willing, but the flesh...is a work in progress!

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen