OUR DAUGHTERS, Part Three: A Return to God's Glory

Imageo Dei (Image of God)

That which distinguishes man from the rest of God's creatures (Genesis 1:26)

- Concise Dictionary of  Christian Theology,  Millard J. Erickson

The second step in the goal of bringing our daughters back to wisdom and moral fortitude stems from last week's admonition to speak truth into their lives!  Our daughters are growing up in a world unlike the one we matured in and it is still changing rapidly.  Their minds are constantly bombarded with pictures and voices of the hip and cool, wealthy and successful all gained supposedly with ease and no consequences.  They are willing to do whatever it takes to ride this thrilling but temporary wave of excitement just to feel valued and significant!  That's why we must guide them back to their True Identity- Who They Are In Christ!  

It begins with understanding that they are made in His image. No matter the circumstances of their birth, they are no accident!  (Psalms 139:13-16; Jeremiah 1:5).  They bear the stamp of our Creator and should celebrate His goodness in spite of any limitations and flaws!  A Return to God's Glory Begins with Accepting WHO THEY ARE:

GOD'S SPECIAL DESIGN - custom made by God to His liking.  Their shape, height, coloring, ethnicity, personality, talents, disabilities, and flaws are exactly the way He wants them.  It is what makes them unique and unlike anyone else.  In the Old Testament when Moses questioned his speaking and leadership ability God asked him: Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf  or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? is it not I, the Lord? (Ex. 4:11; I Cor. 4:7)  How dare we critique God's Masterpiece when we look in the mirror and don't see what He sees! We must teach our daughters that they are designed to be different!  That if they are in Christ,  their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, holy vessels in which only the righteous may come into and worship! (I Cor. 6:19)  Let's teach our daughters to value their bodies physically and their minds and emotions spiritually.

A RECIPIENT OF GOD'S UNIQUE PLAN - In God our daughters have a Divine Life Coach who specializes in devising strategies that will bring them into the fullness of their potential and His ordained plan for success.  Every event, circumstance, and experience develops skills needed to be exactly what He designed her to be! (Rom. 8:28-30). No need to be hating what others have achieved vocationally or economically--work on your own  I.G.P. (Individual God Plan)! Teach your daughter to accept God's plan for their lives.  They are ordained for greatness not in the eyes of the world perhaps but in God's eyes.  If what they do brings Him glory they are doing what He planned for them even before they were born! (Ephes. 2:10; Coloss. 3:23)!

ENDOWED WITH INDOMITABLE STRENGTH - The word empowerment is bantered about so loosely as if one can drink, join, or subscribe to some new age concoction for instant results!  Not so, the truth is that in Christ we have all the Power we will ever need to do what God wants you to do. (I John 4:4).  Teach your daughters not to give this Power away by allowing the emotions of anger, lust and other fleshly desires to override God's Word and common sense!  Teach them to exert this power in their voices, when NO MEANS NO and sticking to that decision! Teach them the Power to walk away from things that look good and sound right but the Spirit has already told them that it is wrong for them . (I Cor. 10:13).  THIS IS HOW WE RETURN THEM TO GOD'S GLORY, TO THEIR FIRST LOVE.  THE ONE THAT WILL NEVER LEAVE OR FORSAKE THEM!

Next Week:  OUR DAUGHTERS, Part Four: Respecting Yourself!

OUR DAUGHTERS, Part Two: Truth Telling in a Culture of Lies

Standing Room Only- What the World is Selling!

Last week I summarized my post (#Bring Back Our Girls) with four lessons learned  from the wisdom of mothers, grandmothers, and godly mentors of young girls I've known.  As we discussed the delicate relationship between mothers and daughters, I found that paramount to keeping the dialogue open and forthcoming was this idea of transparency. Mothers simply telling their daughters the truth about life and living that truth in front of them. I use the word simply, tongue-in cheek because I know that for  mothers with spotty pasts this is hardly a simple thing to do.

How do you tell your daughters not to have sex before marriage if you've failed in this area? When is it appropriate to share information and exactly how much of your past do you reveal? These are very uncomfortable and embarrassing questions but the answer to them and others that may arise is to tell the truth!  Own up to your mistakes, share what you've learned and above all don't allow your daughters to manipulate you into condoning a practice that you know is wrong!  If it was wrong for you and you paid the painful consequences, then it's also wrong for them.

We live in a culture that is spoon feeding our children the concept of personal rights and freedom.  Although you are the one footing the bills, they tell them that they have the right to do what they please!  This is the lie of current generations and it is this lie that is enslaving the minds and hearts of our children, both sons and daughters. John 8:31-32 says that if we hold on to the teachings of Christ, we are His disciples (followers, students of His word) "then we will know the truth and the truth will set you free."  Our daughters cannot without our "truth telling" discern the difference between a lie and reality!  They are familiar with the word reality, but they confuse real life with Satan's slick perversion played out in so-called reality shows.  Even when the evidence is clearly put before them they remain oblivious to the truth! They are blinded by the Father of Lies who is now reigning in this present evil world. (2 Corin. 4:4; John 8:44; 
Ephesians 2:2).

That's why we must be honest in our conversations even when it involves our past. Let's face it, they're going to find out any way and if you've truly changed your ways...no one can condemn you not even them (Romans 8:1).  As to how much to reveal...as much as necessary to help them get the point you're trying to make.  This is not True Confession time, no need to burden them with every lurid detail.  But if you're worried about losing their respect, don't! Their present experience with you is more important than your past experiences!  If you've been consistent in your love, devotion, and lifestyle before the disclosure this won't destroy their confidence in you.

Listen...do you hear that?  Another lie is being whispered in the ear of our daughters!  You're not pretty enough, so do what it takes to be popular says one liar.  Don't appear too smart or you won't have any friends, says another.  Go ahead, send that picture to him, nobody will see it? You've already messed up,  so you might as well give them what they want!  When will the lies stop?  Not until we earn the right to be heard first and show all the liars up for who they really are!  We can't do that being a hypocrite or setting standards for our daughters higher than we are willing to set for ourselves.  Forget about that "do what I say and not what I do" logic!

Tell your daughters the truth about life!  Tell them the truth about yourself! But most important, tell them the truth about THEMSELVES!   Check out next week's blog: Our Daughters, Part Three: Return to God's Glory

#BRING BACK OUR GIRLS: Every Christian Woman's Duty!

The Cry Heard Around the World

A familiar cry, plea, and now growing global mantra screams from my television, Bring back our Girls!  You've heard it too!  The global outrage regarding the kidnapping of 276 girls from a school in Nigeria nearly a month ago by Islamic terrorists.  Little was done until the women of this country protested and forced their government under the eyes of international scrutiny. My heart aches for those parents but especially the mothers who know too well  the million ways a woman can suffer and be exploited at the hands of the unmerciful.

Having just celebrated Mother's Day in this country, this tragedy has me thinking about the complicated relationship that exist between mothers and daughters and how important it is that we bring back our own daughters! Bring them back to practical wisdom, godly instruction, and moral fortitude. It's not really that big of a stretch actually and perhaps these women are giving us the boost we need!

Something happens to our precious girls as they begin to mature and try to find their own identity. An incredible bond still remains between mother and daughter but it is tested by emotional fire at every turn.  Sacrifices are made to give our daughters the very best; to educate them and prepare them for worldly prosperity.  But we forget how vulnerable they are even in an assumed protected environment.  It wasn't intentional but only when we witnessed the increasing devaluing of women that exist in Nigeria, and other countries including our own do we heed this wake up call!

I've seen this in my own life and in the lives of women close to me. The emotional cycle goes from emulation (admiring and wanting to be just like their mother) to distancing themselves from everything that remotely reminds you of her. From a daughter's perspective it feels like suffocation when a mother fiercely tries to protect her child from all the upheavals of life even resulting to alienation when the fights over what to wear and who she is allowed to see causes a daughter to shut her mother completely out of her life.  But  Moms you can't give up!   The last stage is appreciation and it's worth waiting for.

Our daughters need us!  They don't know it, can't believe it and will constantly reject our constant efforts to lead them, but like those Nigerian women we've got to do everything we can to bring them back to God's glory. How so? You may ask of a woman who has only sons.  Let  me tell you what I've learned from God's word and the wisdom of many Christian sisters, some who've never birthed a child but have poured seeds of righteousness in other women's daughters:

1.  Tell them the truth. Avoid sugar coating or glossing over the facts of life.  This world is dangerous and will only continue to become so.  They don't need to be blindsided.  (2 Tim. 3:1-9)

2.  Help them find their identity in Christ.  They are a Masterpiece (Ephes. 2:10; Romans 12:1-2)

3. Show mutual respect.  Our daughters are not our possessions.  They are gifts from the Lord and like any gift they won't always suit our taste or preference. (Coloss. 3:21; Psalms 127:3)

4.  Practice unconditional love ALWAYS. They WILL disappoint us some time but let's not burn our spiritual bridges. It may be their only way back from a dark past.  (Rom. 5:8, I John 4:16)  

PRAY FOR THE DAUGHTERS OF NIGERIA BUT DON'T FORGET TO PRAY FOR OUR OWN AS WELL!

The Secret

Growing up poor, it was natural to have a chronic case of the I wants!  There never seemed to be enough of the essentials of life, let alone luxury items.  Every magazine, television program, and newspaper ad I saw reminded me of what I didn't have.  Yet, God taught me over the years through life experiences--good and bad--that contentment is not in what you have but in Who you have!  That's what Christ was saying in Luke 12:15-21 in the Parable  of The Rich Fool.  It was what the Apostle Paul meant when he wrote from his jail cell, I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances (Philippians 4:11).

Your possessions do not define who you are!  Neither can your job, credentials nor popularity among peers give you true contentment.  This comes only from the realization that within every child of God a tremendous Power is constantly at work.  A Power that brings great gains of spiritual value (I Timothy 6:6-8).  One has to look no further than the trendy reality shows aired weekly to see the error of this worldly thinking.   You can be a rich housewife in Atlanta, New York, or Orange County, it really makes no difference; wealth and status does not make those palatial homes places of harmony or happiness!

The secret of a life of contentment is the unleashing of the Holy Spirit, the power of Christ living inside of you.  With this power you can take the disappointments in life, the losses that tend to devastate even those who appear so strong, because your strength comes from a supernatural Source, the Lord (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). You have a spiritual reserve tank ready to be tapped into when everyone else thinks you're all tapped out!

Let me challenge you to re-think your current situation.  Have you been complaining, scheming, and struggling with that gnawing feeling of discontentment?  Ask God to take it away right now! Trust Him not only for today's needs but for all your tomorrows!  Instead of grumbling, praise Him for Who He is and what He is already doing in your life. He is waiting not only to meet every need but even some of your desires (Psalms 37:4). Learn the secret of contentment, a Spirit-filled life grounded in Christ!

TAKING A BIBLICAL SELFIE!!!

Selfies are dangerous to your health!  No lie!  I just heard that this crazy photo-taking trend may have profound repercussions.  Mental health experts say that selfies are creating psychological narcissism (compulsive behavior focusing on oneself, looks, activities, etc.).  Health care professionals are seeing an increase in the spread of head lice!  There is even a case of a teen addicted to selfies (up to ten times a day) attempting to commit suicide frustrated in getting the right pose! 

Well, how about taking a selfie that will benefit both yourself and others. It's a look in the mirror called the bible!  No cell phones needed.  It can be done anywhere instantly, and any pose will do!  And get this, people will see results immediately without you posting on Facebook or Instagram.  The writer James shows us how to start.  It reads:

“²³ Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do (James 1:23-25 NIV).

Few scriptures mention the word mirror, only eight that I could find, but the one in James gives the greatest insight for Christians.  Vanity is nothing new to this culture or any previous generation.  However, when selfies become more than occasional fun, it is rooted in what the bible calls idolatry.  That’s anything we replace or set our affection (devotion) on above the glory of God (Ex. 20:3; Coloss 3:2-5, Rom. 6:16; I Cor. 6:19-20). Our bodies are not for gloating over but to be used as tools of righteousness.  Seductive poses (exposing butts, breasts or private parts) fall way off the chart of God’s standard of holiness!

As a woman of a certain age, I’ve spent a lot of time looking into the mirror of the bible and asking God to rid me of some Harmful Selfies:  Selfishness; Self pity; Self sufficiency and Self absorption with my looks, needs and desires!  Instead, I do routine Self examinations of my motives when serving God. I Self-check my lips before criticizing or speaking in judgment of another’s’ character and most of all when I get carried away with all the newest and coolest fads coming my way I take my Self to 2 Corinthians 13:5-6: “Examine yourself to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.  Do you not realize that Christ is in you—unless of course, you fail the test?” 

Sometimes as a Christian you need to stop and ask: Is this what I should be doing with my time and energy?  For what does it profit a woman if she gains a thousand instagram followers but loses touch with reality. (My translation of Ecclesiastes 1)  It's just plain pride!   In the end everything stretches out, sags, and falls down!!  So go ahead take a Selfie but NOT before you take a few biblical ones first!   

No ORDINARY Sunday!

The saints gathered early this Resurrection Sunday, anxious to get their praise on before the onslaught of C.M.E.s crowded the sanctuary later.  That’s what we humorously call folks who only come to church on Christmas, Mother’s Day and Easter!  But we had no idea what awaited us!  Sure we would get a powerful, thought-provoking, soul stirring sermon because our pastor is extraordinarily gifted and anointed in preaching.  We admittedly have become quite used to that!  But no one expected to become witnesses of such an astounding move of God on THIS day…a day we know from bible history was No Ordinary Sunday!

During Holy Week this year contemporary gospel songs were pushed aside to embrace the hymns.  Songs like, At the Cross, I know it was the Blood, What Can Wash Away My Sins.  We don’t hear or sing those much any more but this year we did.  I think it’s because spiritually attuned Christians realize that with all that is going on in our world and local communities, the Precious Blood of Christ and His work on the cross is the only thing keeping our hope alive.  Such was the thinking of our pastor as he took his text from John 20:9-17.  His sermon topic: Blessings of the Resurrection.

Methodically he gave his introduction encouraging us not to give up in the midst of trials but to think futuristically.  He drove hard a point in John 2:18-19 (the last thing I wrote before God’s manifested Himself in our service!)  After driving them out of the temple, money changers taunted Christ with these words: “What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” Jesus responded: Destroy this temple and I will raise it up again in three days.” He was talking about His human body.  About this time a beloved brother who had just led the congregation in hymns had a cardiac emergency right there in the choir stand!  Although he was rendered unconscious, service never stopped!  It was only enhanced by God's presence!

Pastor immediately called the saints to fervent prayer, church nurses flew into action; saints broke out in praise for the miracle we knew was coming, all this before the paramedics even arrived!  We got news that before he left the church grounds our brother was alert and responding to questions! What an illustration of God’s sovereignty and grace…dare any one challenge the Master as the money changers did...Prove Your Authority!  We saw it with our own eyes!  No this was No Ordinary Sunday..but then no Sunday for a Christian is ordinary..for each one is a celebration of the Resurrection Power of Christ…Do You Know this Power?  If not, don’t let another second go by.  New life is awaiting.  Jesus said:  “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matt. 28:18) and the Word assures “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31).  Do it now.. It's as easy as ABC!

A - Admit You Are A Sinner (Romans 3:23)

B - Believe Christ Rose From the Dead (I Cor. 15:3-4)

C- Confess your faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord (Romans 10:9)

THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY!

JESUS: Lily of the Valley

Holy Week began yesterday, Palm Sunday. Christians all over the world are remembering Christ's last days on earth.  I too am remembering.  That's why this morning I revisited the bible's account of our Lord's last week before His death: Monday, He cleansed the temple (John 2:12-22).  Tuesday, He preached on Mt. Olive (Matt. 25).  Wednesday, we have no accounting.  But on Thursday, He outed both Judas and Peter at the Last Supper (John 13:18-38) and then endured seven mock trials before dying on Friday!  Talking about a busy week!!

But there's a back story to these events. One that grabbed my heart much like the way it did our Savior.   Mary of Bethany, the quiet and unassuming sister of Lazarus and Martha with only a few simple gestures endeared herself forever to Christ (Matt. 26:13).  Hopefully, you will feel the same when you hear her story.

We first meet Mary on one of Jesus' visits to Jerusalem (Luke 10:38-42). While Martha was busy serving, Mary was sitting at Jesus' feet. You see Mary was hungry too, in fact starving for the Word!  Nothing else mattered.  Christ understood that and Martha was quickly rebuked when she complained.  Next we find her sitting quietly amid wailing women grieving over Lazarus' death while Martha confronts Jesus about His tardiness (John 11:1-20; 28-33; 45). It was Mary's quiet faith that sustained her and her tears that moved Him emotionally. She knew her Lord would not disappoint! But then during Holy week, probably Tuesday, again Martha served while Mary did what she knew how to do best--adore and adorn Christ. She took expensive perfume and anointed His feet and dried them with her hair, exchanging a woman's crowning glory for His divine (John 12:1-8).  Christ defends her once more as she is accused of wasting money.  A WASTE???  At least three times (13 times recorded in the gospels) Christ predicted His death and not ONE disciple got it, they were too busy!  Mary did!  She knew this was the last chance she'd get to show her love!  Let's not make the same mistake!

As you shop, cook, and prepare for Resurrection Sunday, remember the three things Mary taught us today:

1.  Christ is the BREAD OF LIFE, our spiritual food  (John 6:48)

2.  Christ is the GOOD SHEPHERD, He clothes us in righteousness (John 10:14)

3.  Christ is the RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE, life is eternal in Him (John 11:25)