WEDNESDAY WEEKLY WORD...the mystery

In last week's YOUR OPINION MATTERS POLL, I asked the readers the following question, "What real-life mystery could you solve?" The top 3 answers were:

1. 43% of those voting said they could solve the mystery of what women want.

2. 31% voted and said they could solve the mystery of why men are so clueless.

3. 18% of those polled, said they could solve the mystery of the missing sock in the laundry.

I doubt that anybody will EVER be able to solve the mystery of men and women, however, everybody loves a mystery! Look at the popularity of mystery books and movies with cliff hangers.

DO YOU EVER LOOK AT LIFE BEING A MYSTERY?

Just like many people today, those in ancient times also seemed to love a mystery. In fact, many citizens of Rome and Greece practiced secretive religions know as "mystery religions". The teaching behind this practice was that the great truths of life, including the nature of God and how to approach God, were mysteries revealed only to a few. This religious philosophy had apparently gained a strong foothold in Colossae, even in the church. To fight this perspective, Paul used some of the language of the mystery religions while putting a much different christian slant on it. Paul presented the "Christian mystery" which is that the God of the universe could be within all of us, through Jesus Christ.

At some point in life, a follower of any religion or philosophy comes to the question, "Where do I fit in?" Even when we feel like we have a sense of "the big picture" - it means very little if we do not feel like we have a role in it.

WHAT WAS PAUL'S ROLE?

Paul saw himself as being called to fill three roles:

1. a suffering servant
2. a proclaimer of the gospel
3. an encourager of believers

ROMANS 8:16,17 "The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, (17) and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him."

The role of a suffering servant is important because we are testifying to the suffering love of Christ. Non-believers would not know of that kind of suffering love if they do not see it in us. Paul's suffering made it known to others the suffering of Jesus Christ.

COLOSSIANS 1:28 " and we proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man complete in Christ."

Paul accepted the role of proclaiming the gospel. This was an important role to all who would call themselves disciples of Christ. Before His ascension, Christ told His followers, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19,20) Paul filled this commission perhaps better than anyone else, starting churches throughout Europe and Asia Minor.

Encouraging the believers was one of Paul's mission: "I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love." (Colossians 2:2) Not only does all of Paul's letters start out with an encouragement, but Paul often went back to churches that he had started for the sole purpose of encouraging them in their faith. (found in Acts 14:21,22; 15:41; 18:23)

We all need encouragement for challenges that we face, but looking at the account of the disciples, we know that they were going thru some really tough times.

• They were under heavy pressure from friends and family.
• They were rejected.
• They experienced physical persecution.

Paul knew that believers would need encouragement to know that the reward they would receive in the kingdom of God would make it worth it all.

WHAT IS OUR ROLE? We are no different than Paul, we have all been called to fulfill the same role as he was....

WE ARE CALLED TO SUFFER FOR CHRIST. Most of us won't be martyred like Paul was, but we will face persecution for standing up for our faith. We might lose our job, lose our friends, be laughed at, ridiculed. This is all part of testifying of the suffering love of Jesus Christ.

WE ARE CALLED TO PROCLAIM CHRIST. Not all of us are called to be preachers. But we all have a responsibility to tell others about Christ. Especially those closest to us. Our family members, our co-workers, our neighbors. We must proclaim Christ to those around us.

WE ARE CALLED TO ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER. All of us hit "rock bottom" sometimes, it is those times that we need someone to come alongside of us and tell us we can make it! This is why Alcoholics Anonymous is so effective, because they strengthen one another and hold each other up. The church should be renamed as "Sinners Anonymous", because we are all sinners saved by grace, strengthened by Gods love and strengthened by each other.

"God wanted to make known to those among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." -Paul, the Apostle

Luke Skywalker, of the famous movie STAR WARS, repeatedly advised others to "rely on the force." The force that we are to rely upon is the presence of Jesus Christ within us, it is what will give us strength in our faith. Such a strengthening power is not always rational or logical - sometimes it is a mystery. But that does not make it any less real. We have access to this power thru the presence of Christ that lives within us.

MATTHEW 28:20 " I am with you always, to the end of the age."

I am studying the book of Colossians, this weekly devotion reflects some thoughts that Paul has been teaching me. I pray that you will study along with me and together we will accept this mystery as the real deal. As we pursue the role like Paul did, may the mystery of Jesus Christ be revealed to others.

PLEASE TAKE TIME TO VOTE IN THIS WEEK'S POLL: it's located on the side bar of this blog. Your opinion really does matter!!!

A PIECE OF MY HEART...hot dog anyone?

Ketchup

Mustard

Relish

That is what I like to put on a hot dog. And when I'm feeling really crazy - I might put alittle chili or a slice of cheese on that good 'ole Oscar Mayer!

Recently, I read a story about a man who lived by the side of the road and made a living by selling hot dogs.

• This man was hard of hearing, so he had no radio.
• He had impaired vision as well, so he did not read the newspaper.

Despite all of that though, this man sold really good hot dogs!!

He put up signs on the highway advertising his hot dogs and he stood by the side of the road and hollered out - "Do you want to buy a hot dog?". People, lots of people stopped to buy his hot dogs. He had to increase his order of meat and buns and eventually he had to buy a bigger stove to prepare his entree. He was so successful with his hot dog business that he was able to put his son thru college.

College changed his son though. One day his son came home as an educated pessimist. He said to his father, "Dad, haven't you been listening to the radio? Haven't you been reading the newspaper? There is a big recession on right now."

The father thought his son must know what he is talking about. After all, he's been to college and he reads the paper and he listens to the radio; he ought to know. So the father cut down his meat and bun order and he took down his signs on the highway and stopped standing by the road to sell his hot dogs.

Immediately, his hot dog sales fell. He said to his son, "You are right son, we are certainly in the middle of a recession!"

DO YOU KNOW A CONFIDENCE SHAKER??
They see the negative side of everything! When they get you to buy into it, the very thing that was helping you be successful now becomes your downfall. Our confidence has a great reward. We must keep it and build upon it. Confidence in oneself is the cornerstone to success.

HEBREWS 10:35 "Do not throw away your confidence; it will be greatly rewarded."

HOT DOG - ANYONE?

And that's a piece of my heart today;

AT THE WELL... getting to know you

Welcome back to AT THE WELL. Each Monday we gather around the well and discuss life changing topics. This week, CHELSEY, is our discussion leader and she has given each of us "name tags" and asked us to go around the well and introduce ourselves and give some feedback on "who we are".

Before I get into telling a thing or two about who I am, I was thinking about those silly personality tests. I don't mean one of those technical psychological tests ~ but the dime-a-dozen types that are constantly advertised on the covers of the magazines in the check out lines or those personality tests that seem to circulate time and time again on the Internet in our email messages. You know ... the ones that ask:

• "Are you a couch potato or a Daredevil?"
• "Cat person or a Dog person - which are you?"
• "Which famous leader are you - Gandhi or Hitler?"

The most recent one I saw (and the far most corniest...):
"Are you a Charlie Brown?"

Following a slew of questions such as "what is your favorite color" and "What type of movies do you prefer?" - you can determine if you are a Charlie, a Snoopy, Dexter or maybe Sponge Bob Square Pants!

WHY DO PEOPLE TAKE THESE SILLY TESTS?
~ Some people think they are fun.
~ While others find it interesting and it gives them a glimpse of who they are.

These type of tests don't really show you who you are...only through Jesus Christ can you know who you are....

• You are a new creature in Him.
• You are the apple of His eye!
• You were bought with a price.
• You are redeemed by His blood!
• You are a beloved child of the King!!

NOW ISN'T THAT BETTER THAN BEING A SPONGE BOB OR CHARLIE??

2 CORINTHIANS 5:17 " If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things passed away. behold, new things have come."

WHO AM I?

IDENTITY: defined as "set of characteristics by which an individual is recognizable or known" You can recognize me as the following...

DAUGHTER

(yeah...that's me with dark hair - a very long time ago! )

At my Grandma's funeral with Mom, and brothers Don and Larry

I was raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin - living with my Mother and 2 brothers. I was the baby of the family. I grew up father-less until I was reunited with my birth father just a few years ago. (you can read my restoration story HERE!)

No doubt - I am a daughter of a King!

WIFE

(married to the love of my life!)

I married my high School sweetheart at the young age of 17. We have been married for 27 years now. I am thankful for the godly heritage that his parents raised my husband with and I am blessed that he has been a man of godly character not only in our marriage, but in his career, with his children and in our community.

It's been a wonderful life!!

MOTHER

(this is the last time all of my children were together!)

Since we married so young - we started our family young. Our first was born when I was just 19 years old and the last when I was 32 years old. 3 of our beautiful 4 children are grown and I could not be more proud to say that each of them are serving the Lord.

CHILDREN, they are truly a blessing from God!

FRIEND

(at my son's wedding with friend and Mother of the Bride - Barbara)

I have heard it said that sometimes in life a true friend comes around once in a lifetime. I have been blessed with many true friends over the years.

I love Proverbs 17:17 that says "A true friend loves at all times."

I cherish my friendships!

PASTOR'S WIFE

(missions trip to Ecuador - getting down and dirty for Jesus!)

WOW! What a honor for the past 8 years to stand at my husbands side as we pursued the call on our lives to enter ministry full time. It has been a whirlwind experience. First of all that God would have confidence in us is an awesome thought and secondly, that God would teach us and mold us into the vessels that He could use! Have I said Wow yet?? I remember asking God, when we were first called into ministry, "God how can I BE a successful Pastors wife?" and God spoke to me very clearly and whispered in my ear..."Love the people" and that has been what I have tried to do these past 8 years.

I just love the people!

ROYALTY

For those of you who may not know this .... I come from a royal family. I am a princess... a daughter of a King! My daddy has a crown, a mansion with so much gold and fine things, and He has even prepared a place for you to come. You are a child of the King too and the King is waiting at the gate for your arrival.

We are family!

1 CORINTHIANS 2:9 But as it is written: "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."

When it's all said and done...as I take my final breath...I do hope that someone will say that I have been a good daughter, a loving wife, a devoted mother, a trusting friend and a supportive pastors wife, but the most important thing I hope people will know about my identity is that I was a child of God. A daughter of the King who loved, served and honored her Heavenly Father.

??WHAT IS YOUR IDENTITY??

Join us over AT THE WELL and see what others are saying about their identities. CLICK HERE! Thank you CHELSEY for leading us today!

BLESSINGS, Laurie

THEN SINGS MY SOUL SATURDAY...God of wonder

I have read so many blogs this week about the outcome of the Presidential election. I have overheard conversations at the bank, at the grocery store about the future of our country.

I have listened.

I have prayed.

I have wondered.

I have come to the conclusion that we serve an awesome, mighty and HOLY God! All you have to do is look around and see the wonder of His hand. How can we doubt the plan of God who created the world (and in less than a week at that...)

God has the whole world in His hands...

He is a God of wonder!

"God of Wonder"

by Third Day

AMY of Signs, Miracles and Wonders hosts THEN SINGS MY SOUL SATURDAY. Click HERE to find more worshipful hearts.

FUN FRIDAY...why do I blog so often?

When asked why I blog so frequently,

I might offer the exclamation of

"I love to write"

But the following cartoon depicts

a really good reason to read my blog often....

HOPE YOU CHECK MY BLOG OFTEN...

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT I MIGHT HAVE TO REPORT!

Need a laugh today?

Check out more

FRIDAY FUNNIES

by clicking HERE!

Have a FUN-FILLED Friday,

THANKFUL THURSDAY...cracked pots

Today on THANKFUL THURSDAY, I am offering up thanks for cracked pots. I know what you are thinking ... that I have lost my mind and very possibly I AM a cracked pot. I am not speaking of that kind of a cracked pot.

If life was like a flower pot ... what would yours reveal? Would your contents be visible to others? Or would the light of Christ be hidden, like pots without cracks.

If a light is put within a flawless pot and then covered up - nobody would be able to see the light inside the pot. Perfect pots are not able to reveal the internal light for others to see.

God chooses to shine through imperfect, cracked pots. (now, that's a new way to look at being a Christian-huh?)People will be blessed when our cracked pots allow the light of Jesus shine through.

PSALM 69:6b "Let not those who seek You be confounded because of me, O God of Israel."

It is my desire to be a glory-filled, cracked pot rather than an empty, pretty vessel.

HOW ABOUT YOU?

ARE YOU A CRACKED POT?

Iris of GRACE ALONE is our host of THANKFUL THURSDAY. Click HERE to find more grateful hearts!

WEDNESDAYS WEEKLY WORD...the linking piece to the puzzle

A NEW DAY HAS BEGUN. So wipe those sleepy eyes, get on your feet, and embrace it. Embrace the change that this day brings. Yes, today is the day that we have a new political leader, a new President.

CHANGE. That is what we have all heard for the past several months, as the Presidential Campaign was hot and heavy before us. Candidates that both promised change but offered different approaches to make the change happen. Such powerful promises were offered in such a time of disharmony in our world.

All around us, we see evidence of a world that is in disharmony....

~ Environmentally… just look at the ozone problems.
~ Nations at war…including the Middle East, North and South Korea, Ireland, Liberia, India and Pakistan. The list changes from time to time but it never goes away!
~ Culturally…Racial division, gender differences, political differences.

With so much disharmony all around us -

• IS THERE ANY KIND OF HOPE FOR OUR FUTURE?
• CAN THE NEW PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES BRING HARMONY BACK INTO OUR LIVES?

The solution to disharmony would be one simple word…

R E C O N C I L A T I O N

In the book of Colossians, Paul gives us something positive to look forward to:

COLOSSIANS 1:20 “and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.”

Did you notice in this passage that it does not say all PEOPLE, but it says EVERYTHING! God is a God of reconciliation who desires the world that He created in perfection to return to harmony.

If God is a God of reconciliation, then His people should also have hearts of reconciling. Not only does God want us to reconcile with each other, but He wants us to reconcile people to Him.

HOW CAN WE DO THAT?

So many people are trying to figure out how we all fit together, and even those who have come to the conclusion that we can never fit together are compelled to see the “big” picture; they want to attempt to solve the puzzle.

Scientists have tried to solve the puzzle with their “theories”.

Hindu’s have tried to solve the puzzle with their faith of “unity”.

I love to work big puzzles. To be reconciled to me is like working a puzzle. Each of us is made differently, there are no two persons alike, but like a puzzle, we are all connected to one another. There is one linking piece that will complete our puzzle of life. It is not scientific theories. It is not cult-like faiths. The linking piece to our puzzle of life is Jesus Christ. He is the one who brings it all together.

COLOSSIANS 1:17 “And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.”

As the nucleus is to the atom, Christ is to all of creation. Without the hub of a wheel, the wheel would collapse. Without its nucleus, the electrons of an atom would fly off in all directions. Without Christ, the universe would be full of fury and signifying nothing. Christ is the one Who keeps the universe moving in the direction that God purposed it to.

Jesus Christ is the missing piece of the puzzle. Several years ago, a controversial incident involving violence by police against a black man was all over the news. The victim, Rodney King made this famous quote:

“Why can’t we all just get along?”

The answer to that million-dollar question is “SIN”. While God intended harmony and unity, sin has thrown everything into disarray.

1. People do not get along with God.
2. People do not get along with each other.

Only Christ, the One who perfectly reflects God Himself, can bring us back together. That is our hope. That is a promise that can be kept by the Ultimate leader of our World.

WHOM DO YOU NEED TO RECONCILE WITH TODAY?

God?
Family members?
Co-worker?
Friend?

In last week’s YOUR OPINION MATTERS POLL, I polled the readers the following question, “Whom do you feel most alienated with right now?” The top 3 answers are:

25% of those voting, said they are alienated with their parents.
16% of the readers voting said they are alienated with their children.

16% voted and said it was a sibling they were alienated with.

This weeks poll tells me that alienation is strong within our families. Our families need to be reconciled. Our City needs to be reconciled. Our Country needs to be reconciled. The first step of reconciliation is forgiveness. Go ahead, make the first step and put your pieces back together.

I have been studying the book of Colossians. This week's devotion reflects some of my thoughts on what Paul has taught me. I encourage you to study the book of Colossians with me, and together we will strive for harmony to be restored in our world.

YOUR OPINION MATTERS POLL: There is a new poll to vote in. "What real life mystery can you solve?" - Please take time to vote because your opinion really does matter! Find the poll on the side bar of this blog....