Tag: Bible Verses

THE WAY †

Jesus & Charlie

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I’ve written and rewritten this.

I’ve written from a place of horror: I saw the video of him being shot. It’s something I wish I’d never seen.

I’ve written from a place of reaction: A friend didn’t have the empathy I needed him to have, and it dumbfounded me.

I’ve written from a place of explanation: Why Charlie? Why, out of all the murders and horrors, was he getting the attention? (Because that viral, horrible, gruesome video where millions of us watched it)… And maybe something else. But that’s for another time.

But now I write to you as someone who, up until just over two weeks ago, didn’t really know about Charlie Kirk. I’ve seen bits and pieces on the news and social media, but I wasn’t too familiar.

I’m an American. Safe to say, no matter one’s political registration, we all have friends and family who have strong opinions on one side or the other. I dance down the line of people pleasing, (because I hate drama).

But my values?

My values.

The news gives me anxiety. I’m not obsessed with it. I follow Jesus. That’s the lead of my values. I love Jesus with all of my heart, and the Bible says to pray for your leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2), so I adhere to that. Maybe not as often as I should.

But Charlie.

Charlie Kirk. A virtual stranger two weeks ago. Someone I have wept and prayed for (his family), nearly every day since September 10th.

This feels different. This feels spiritual.

I should know better than to look at comments. Some in the same boat I am, utterly horrified and grieved over someone they’ve never met – because they saw it.

Some celebrating it, justifying it. Which is utterly beyond me. What kind of world are we in that so many people can be happy about the assassination of man who never harmed anyone, but only wanted to create dialogue?

For me, my counselor explained that seeing the video of his assassination is indeed trauma and does alter your brain chemistry. Even though I didn’t know him.

I’m familiar with having your brain chemistry altered due to loss. My mom and grandparents are in Heaven.

But this… still feels different.

A man was brutally murdered in front of hundreds of college campuses. I’ve heard that his little daughter tried to run to him because she was scared of the sound of the shot (that gutted me). A young man, close in age to me by a matter of months. A man with a beautiful, strong wife, and two little ones.

A man who tried to create open dialogue. Who was willing to peacefully hear and work with the other side. Even those (with consciences) on the political opposing side admire how he was respectful.

Don’t get me wrong. I’ve seen the clips. The ones that are criticized. The cropped clips. Because, I have a degree in journalism. I dig. The clips that one side of the news media shows you are – more than likely – always cropped and out of context to get their audience to be outraged. It worked. It worked so well that an innocent man died because of it. Because those claims? They’re taken so far out of context that it would be almost funny if it wasn’t terrifying.

And I hear you. Both sides of the spectrum do it to different people. Do your research. Look for the context. Never take the biased news at its word. Definitely don’t take Tik Tok snippets at their word. If there’s a clip of someone saying something that sets you off – deliberately try to prove the truth of it. Look for the context. And maybe be surprised at how much the media twists things by cropping a fragment, and then sways you with their biased commentary. For some, you just get angry. For the demons, they bring out a bullet or rejoice over it.

Because this, this out of everything, isn’t political. It’s not right vs. left, though it feels like it should be. He leaned one way, right?

No.

It’s a battle of good vs. evil.

If you’re scoffing and saying it had to be political: Look at the response, the demons rejoice (because only evil rejoices when innocent is slain). Then look at his memorial, viewed by tens of millions. His memorial where, social media dubbed Avengers of worship (Phil Wickham, Brandon Lake, Cody Carnes, Kari Job, Tiffany Hudson, and Chris Tomlin). Where every speaker essentially pointed to one thing: Jesus.

Charlie Kirk. If your legacy is such that it leads to dozens and dozens of people sharing the Gospel at your memorial, then what a legacy to have. If your legacy is such that your life and death were the catalyst for revival, then what a legacy to have. If your memorial causes millions of people around the world to hear the Gospel repeated over and over, then, my goodness, I know you heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23) As your beloved wife said, you blinked, and you saw Jesus.

It was an honor to watch the memorial. I watched the hours of worship by some of my favorite Christian artists. I watched stranger after stranger, person after person, politician after politician, a grieving, yet unbelievably strong widow, the leader of the free world… I watched every single one of them stand on a stage and give one message: Charlie wanted the world to know Jesus. Charlie lived his life for Jesus. Charlie wanted people saved… even the kid who ended his life.

But that kid didn’t end Charlie’s life. He just sent him to the beginning of eternity. He wanted to silence him, but instead, there’s revival.

And then I think of the one I do follow. The one who was loved by many but hated by so many – to the point where they crucified Him. To the point where they rejoiced over His death and tried to hide the fact of His resurrection. They were deeply, unfortunately, confused in their pride, thinking they had it right. Thinking that they followed God’s law to a T, because they were the experts – and here was this…man. Claiming He knew more about their God – even going so much as to call Him His Father! How dare He, right? This man who was causing disturbances, inconvenient crowds, daring to welcome (and heal) lepers, the blind and lame. He flipped over tables and called the self-righteous hypocrites. They tried to trap Him. They finally got someone to lie about Him. Then they sentenced Him to death. Yet on the bloody cross, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:24, NIV) Because while they thought they knew it all, they were blind. But Jesus saw, and He saw them. And it wasn’t the Pharisees, Sadducees, or Pontius Pilate, who ultimately killed Him. It was our sins that were the reason He came, and His amazing love that held Him there. Jesus laid His life down…for them. For us.

But Jesus.

He is risen, indeed. He came here for the whole world, because He loved it so much. He came here, knowing our pride, knowing our sorrows, bearing our grief, and sins, and sicknesses. He came here knowing how confused we are. He came here for us. He died for us. And He conquered death and the grave, for all eternity. Because half of us might be grieving now, half of us might be in turmoil now, but to all who “confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9, ESV)

In the words of Dr. Frank Turek, “Charlie, right now, is in Heaven. Not because he was a great husband & father. Not because he sacrificed for his Savior. Charlie Kirk is in Heaven, because his Savior sacrificed Himself for Charlie Kirk.”

This battle is good vs. evil. The enemy gloated when he thought the bullet succeeded. But Charlie lived his life in such a way that pointed to Christ, that people are returning to church, picking up their Bibles, seeking God. Revival is happening. Heaven is rejoicing!

Jesus has won the ultimate war. And everyone who accepts and follows Him gets to live for eternity. That message – the Gospel – was the ultimate priority of Charlie Kirk’s life.

“If the world hates you keep in mind that it hated me first.” – John 15:18, NIV

“But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!” – Acts 5:39, NLT

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms.” – Ephesians 6:12, NIV

“These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them because He is the Lord of lords and the King of kings; and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.” – Revelation 17:14

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” – Revelation 21:4, NLT

THE WAY †

Tomorrow

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I was walking my pup this evening, looking at a beautiful sunset, and murmuring a prayer. One about tomorrow. That no matter who wins, that they’ll come to know Jesus. That God will protect this country, because, no matter the outcome, He’s still good.

Because He is good.

Four years ago, I remember staying up until after 3 am, agonizing over who might be the winner of the election. Praying. Hoping the person I had voted for would win, because apparently the country might implode if they didn’t. I remember watching the news so closely, hearing all of the conspiracy theories and panic-inducing reports.

I trusted in the news, and in the candidate. I believe I murmured something like, “no matter the outcome, God is in control.” Did I believe it? I don’t think I acted like it. It was the year after my grandpa (my last remaining immediate family member had passed), and I was a mess. I depended on my grandparents so much for their wisdom… they were preppers. And I simply didn’t know how to prepare.

So saying that I knew God was in control then… maybe I somewhat believed it, and half-heartedly wondered if He needed me to reason with Him on some things. Pray a little harder.

But now?

Now, I do. No matter the outcome, God is in control. No matter the outcome, we are one day closer to Christ’s return. No matter the outcome, my citizenship is in Heaven, and I’m not of this world.

No matter the outcome, Jesus has the final say.

No matter the outcome, victory – eternal victory – is because of the bloody cross, the empty tomb, and the risen Savior.

Whoever wins tomorrow, I pray that they come to know Jesus. That they fall madly in love with Him. Because He is, quite literally, the only hope this country has. America is so beautiful. I was blessed to go on road trips and see dozens of our national parks. That’s God’s handiwork! He’s blessed this country. He’s saved it so many times through so many things.

But this country is far from perfect. No country is perfect. No earthly leader is.

Only God.

And God, The Almighty, The Great I Am… The only being to whom all glory, honor, power, and praise is due – He is in control.

Not through pride, though He has every reason to be proud. Not through power, though every bit of it belongs to Him.

The Lamb of God, born in a manger. The carpenter’s son who walked our steps, probably having blisters on His feet and no place to lay His head. The preacher and prophet who was mocked by the religious many, scoffed at by those who claimed they knew what His Father wanted. They used the law He’d written to condemn Him.

The friend who wiped away tears. The healer of the broken.

The slain Lamb on a bloody cross, placed in a tomb.

The risen Lion who is alive today.

The more imperfect our earthly leader; may we be reminded of how perfect our Father in Heaven is. May we realize how desperately we need Him, and cling to Jesus with all of our hearts. May there be revivals, and abundant joy.

Because no matter the outcome, the prez-elect will not be perfect. But Jesus? He’s the essence of it. And oh, how He loves us.

““Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,

Because He lives, all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living, Just because He lives!”

– Bill & Gloria Gaither, Because He Lives

THE WAY †

On That Sunday

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On That Sunday (A Palm Sunday musing) by ASD 03/24/24

On that Sunday they didn’t know

They didn’t understand where You would go

On that Sunday the sky was bright,

 the leaves and branches paving the path for Your light

On that Sunday, there was a great procession

A celebration for the One who came down from Heaven

On that Sunday when You spoke,

Your words were careful and deliberate to ensure they would have eternal hope

On that Sunday they wanted to make You their King

They couldn’t see the true offering You would bring

But on that Sunday, You already knew

You already saw everything that You were going to do

On that Sunday You could already taste the bread and wine

Your body that Your children would take, for all time

On that Sunday You could taste the blood of Your sweat,

 as the tears would run down Your face

You already saw what would happen in the garden,

the prayer You would pray, instead of a fight, You demonstrated Your grace

On that Sunday, You already knew the betrayer betraying, the denier denying

The mocks and jeers in celebration of You dying

On that Sunday, You could see the Friday

The thorns and the nails, the tears on their faces

Their misunderstanding, the grief and the fear

On that Sunday, You could taste the sponge they offered as mocking

The taste of our filth on Your lips as You would give up Your spirit,

The guards with the spear, not having to break a bone, would find the way you died shocking

On that Sunday, You could see Saturday, all that You would do

But the despair of the ones who had to be silent, devastated You were in the tomb

But on that Sunday with palms in Your path,

 You could see the next Sunday and their shock and joy

For on that Palm Sunday You could see the next Sunday

You already knew You would rise again

You would conquer death, and have forgiven all sin

On that Sunday, You would triumph

Because though the enemy had schemed and tried

You had and will always have eternal victory

On that Sunday, You rose from the grave

And for all who accept You, we can know we are saved

For on that Sunday, You already knew, everything that You came here to do

THE WAY †

What is Life?

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What is Life

How do you handle the words that slice through you?

The words that imply that your life doesn’t have meaning. That you don’t matter. That if you were gone, you might be missed. But the world would be indifferent. It might even be better, in fact, because your immediate family is already in Heaven.

Those are the types of words, the type of implications that can break. And golly, do they hurt. If you let them get to you. If you let them push you over the edge, and seep into your soul.

I had casually asked someone their opinion on my travel to another location (a travel warning part of the world) – they’d been before, when the place wasn’t at war. They said I should go, because the tour I’m set to go on was proceeding. Then they reasoned – if something happened – what difference would it make? What would it matter? I could get into an accident outside of my house, or an effect of war could get to me there. At least I’d see the place. But my family was already in Heaven. So what’s the worst that could happen?

I brushed it off then.

Hours later, it sunk in. And it stung.

I had been expecting either an, “It felt safe, the tour company is cautious, it’s worth it.” Or a: “It’s too dangerous, I would advise against it for now.”

Not implying that because I’d already lost my family, this might be a quick way to see them again; but at least see the place I wanted to travel while on my way.

Maybe I misinterpreted it. Or maybe it was just a malicious attack of the enemy. The enemy who comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). The enemy who wants all followers of Jesus to think they’re life is without purpose, they don’t matter.

The same person, earlier in the day, already compared my life to Job. And God had a thing or two to say to Job’s friends that gave him advice.

Because I have something that Job didn’t have. I have the book of Job. And I know how it ends. A family restored. A life restored. Health restored. Hope restored. Because God restores.

God could’ve allowed the enemy to take Job’s life, but God restored. Job was Job. Job’s story was chosen, a faithful servant, engrained in the best-selling book of all time, a redemption story, an example.

How dare I think my little-old-purposeless story could ever have the redemption arc that Job’s does?

Here’s the thing. I don’t. I deserve death. I deserve the worst.

But “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16, NIV

God’s Word says, “Oh that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!” – Deuteronomy 30:19, NLT

Paul says, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” -Philippians 1:21, NIV

Paul, in chains. Us, in the chains of this world. To die is gain. And I know that. I fully realize that. This earth isn’t home. But as long as Jesus gives breath in these lungs, to live is Christ. To live is Christ. To give glory to Him. To worship Him. To point to Him.

I might not have immediate family anymore, but I do pray one day for a marriage, for children. I have hope. But even if that doesn’t happen, to live is Christ.

Like Anna, who was well and truly alone in this world, a widow after 7 years of marriage, she spent the remaining decades and decades worshipping God, day and night, never leaving the temple (Luke 2:37).

If Christ is all that we have, He is enough. If our gift is evangelism, we evangelize. If it’s healing, heal. If it’s giving, give. If it’s showing kindness, be kind. Teaching, teach.  If it’s writing, write. If all our hearts can manage and our weary bones can handle is worshipping and praying and weeping, that is enough. That is purpose. With this breath that God gives us, may every day be for Him. Praying, being still, listening, is purpose. Prayers and petitions to God can change the world.

Choose life.

Because, my purpose isn’t a family. My purpose, the biggest thing in this life, my life itself – is Jesus. And if I can show kindness to one person, if I can give to someone in need, if I can write something that might help someone choose life, then that’s a blessing. Every breath is.

And yes, we are so small. But Jesus knows the numbers of hairs on our head.

If we don’t matter to Him, then why does He say, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” – Jeremiah 1:5, NIV

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”  – Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

“For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were recorded in Your book before one of them came to be. How precious are Your thoughts, God! How vast the sum of them!” – Psalm 139:13-17, NIV (if you ever want to know how much you matter, how intentional God is with you, read this WHOLE Psalm)

“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, ‘Abba, Father.’ For His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are His children, we are His heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering.” – Romans 8:14-17, NLT

To live is Christ.

Christ suffered. He was persecuted. He was cast out from His homeland, looked down on upon, spit upon. The people who claimed to uphold the law He wrote made it their goal to persecute Him. He was sold out for pieces of silver. When He was arrested, being condemned, even His closest followers and friends turned their backs on Him. He was nailed to a cross, the sharp thorns of their mocking crown digging into the head of the King of kings who spoke life. He gave His life for us that Friday. And three days later, the Resurrection and the Life conquered death, so we can have eternity.

All because He knit us in the womb. He chose us. He adopted us. He created us for a purpose. He has a plan for us. For good. He restores. He redeems. He heals. He loves us. And He tells us to choose life.

We don’t have to listen to the lie of Satan that tells us our lives don’t matter; because the one who is Life itself died and conquered death to give us life.

You might reason to examine the context. You might reason that the people writing it were prophets chosen by God. Special. With meaning.

But guess what? For God so loved the world.

If you are here, He chose you. He knit you in the womb. You might be an orphan. You might be without friends. You might have lost your career, your finances. You might think you’re unworthy, a burden on society.

But the King of Kings who spoke life over this world, came here to take Your place, bear your scars, die your death, to give you life. Choose life. Your life matters. You are so dearly loved by your Creator!

I don’t think the person knew they wounded me, or even gave it a second though. I do think it was an attack of Satan. I forgive the person.

Though it really is a place I’d love to see in the world, I will wait until the land heals.

And I won’t live thinking that my life doesn’t matter.

If living for Christ is all you have, that is absolutely enough.

THE WAY †, Uncategorized

What Joy Means

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What is the meaning of joy? What does it mean to you?

Is it happiness, elation, excitement? Is it something that happens when everything is going perfectly? You receive good news, and that triggers your joy?

Or does it run deeper, in a way that’s indescribable. Almost raw and bittersweet. Almost overwhelming. It’s every extreme, all rolled into one. You shouldn’t feel happy in the situation you’re in, and you don’t. Nothing is right in your world. But still, joy pursues you. It’s this innermost tug, that in the midst of your situation, you can still have hope. Maybe joy isn’t based on circumstance. Maybe it’s based on something else. Something far greater.

We like to bring up how “fear not” is mentioned hundreds of times in the Bible; one statement for every day of the year.

Did you realize that various versions of the word “joy” (“rejoice” or “joyful”) is mentioned in the Bible about 430 times? Happiness, the emotion based on circumstance, is only in the Bible roughly ten times (openthebible.org).

If telling us to “fear not” is so important to God that He’d give us that phrase for each day, how much more joy.

If you’re like me and love starting in Genesis and reading through your Bible starting January 1, highlight every version of the word “joy.” Study those verses. See how they meld. See the situations they were in and the grief and the overwhelming places. See all that King David went through, every way in how he messed up and fell short – but He understood how important joy is to God. See Jesus praying for us, praying that we would have His joy.

Joy is Jesus’. He spoke so that we could have His joy. Joy runs deeper, because for those in Christ, it’s a spiritual birthright.

We’re good at hearing so many sermons under the sun, we’re good at saying how cool Jesus is. We’re good at condemnation. Yet maybe the key that we’re missing, the message that needs to be displayed to the world, is that Jesus is love. He is peace, and hope, and salvation. And Jesus is joy.

It doesn’t make sense, but His way seldom looks like the world’s. He transcends it. He’s God. And joy is so important to God.

“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” – John 15:10-11

THE WAY †

The Choice of Life

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IMG_0265

Before I was born, I was given life.

A woman did the most selfless act for me. She chose to carry me in her womb for nine months so I could live. She couldn’t afford to raise me, to keep me – but she chose to carry me. She gave me up for adoption; and from the second day of my life, I had my family. The family that I was made for. I am so immeasurably blessed because of it.

Yet sometimes I can’t help but wonder why. Why me? How did I get this blessed? Because I’ve seen the videos.

You know the ones. They’re all over the news now.

So many people want to ignore them and say that it’s not that big of a deal.

Oh, but it is. Life is a big deal. Choosing life is a big, wonderful deal.

Infanticide is also a big deal. Causing a little one harm and pain is a horrific thing. Just because they don’t yet have a voice doesn’t mean they don’t feel.

I’m a 20-something female “millennial” with a degree in journalism. I’m supposed to be feminist. I’m supposed to believe that because it’s a woman’s body, she can do whatever she pleases with it.

But I can’t. Because when someone who had every opportunity to say no to giving you life chooses life for you, you grow up wanting to fight for life. Wanting to defend precious babies – fetuses – because you know how precious life is. What a true blessing it is.

I just wish I could make it better. I wish I could tell every woman considering abortion that there is a better alternative. A choice where not only will she be greatly rewarded, but she will know that this little baby she chooses life for will have the opportunity to grow up and do great things. There won’t be any more opportunities for videos with people speaking about doing things that are so indescribably awful and utterly evil. There would be life and beautiful – amazing – adoptions.

Of course I can’t understand all circumstances. I can’t truly fathom how scary and uncertain it must be. But I know how precious life is and how grateful I am for it.

And for all of the precious little babies that were never born – I believe that they’re the most special. Because they’re the ones who go straight to the arms of Jesus. They get to dance along golden streets and play hide-and-seek with angels. They’re the ones who have truly seen grace fulfilled. These aborted babies are living in the reality of everything this world could be if only we would choose grace and life.

Some will think that I’m contradicting myself with that. Because how could life down here ever be better than what’s up in heaven? But Jesus is the one who gives us life. He’s the one who forms us in the womb. He’s the one who places us here for His own, special purpose that no one else can do.

“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born I set you apart.” –Jeremiah 1:5

“I Am your Creator. You were in My care before you were born.” –Isaiah 44:2

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” –Proverbs 30:8

“Choose life, that you and your descendants may live.” –Deuteronomy 30:19

“It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble.” – Luke 17:2

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’” –Jeremiah 29:11

 

**Originally posted on my former blog, Guide My Every Way.

THE WAY †, Wander

Wander & The Way

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Sometimes the best journeys in life happen when your plans get thwarted. A couple of years ago, I was so set in my ways. After graduating college, I planned on being a sports reporter (I dearly love sports!). After graduation, caring for a sick family member happened instead. Then a road trip to several National Parks happened, and I fell in love with traveling and capturing creation.

Prior to that, I thought beach destinations were the only worthy places to travel. Yet I’ve learned that I love wandering. I love discovering new lands, meeting people from different places, trying different food (I really love food). It’s amazing how similar yet how different places are around the country and around the world.

Most of all, I love seeing God’s hand everywhere I go. The more I wander, the more I see how amazing and vast His creation is. So here’s a little about wandering with wonder and a lot about pursuing The Way.

***

“Jesus said to him, ‘I Am The Way, and The Truth, and The Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” – John 14:6

“All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither, deep roots are not reached by the frost.” – J.R.R. Tolkien