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Posted on June 18, 2021 by beverlyeash

4“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

Luke `15:4-7

Have you ever been celebrated? Twice in my life, someone managed to surprise me on my birthday. The first was on my 18th birthday. Mom made a cake in advance (I know this because it was still partially frozen – it is still my favorite cake to this day!), decorated it and brought it to the place I worked. I was in a different office at the time and I couldn’t have been more surprised when I walked in to see my mom there with the cake.

The second was during a time when I lived far away from home. The office staff where I worked always celebrated birthdays but I was pretty sure they had forgotten mine. During a short trip to the restroom, the staff all came into the main office area and when I returned, they broke into shouts of “Happy Birthday,” singing and celebrating just for me.

Some people don’t like to be the center of attention and I certainly understand that. But there is something about being celebrated, noticed, affirmed that is really special.

There are very few events celebrated in scripture, but a lost soul coming home makes the news! All the angels and inhabitants of heaven throw off the fetters and celebrate wildly when one person comes to Jesus. They don’t do it for the 99 that haven’t wandered away; just for the one who comes back home.

I think if heaven does, we ought to as well. So, get out the dancing shoes, hang up some streamers and get ready to celebrate the ones he is drawing to himself! Be ready ’cause it’s going to happen!

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Posted on June 17, 2021 by beverlyeash

On Tuesday, I shared a song from way back in the archives entitled, “Father, I Place into your Hands.” There is one verse of that song that particularly hit home with me.

Father, I want to be with you
And do the things you do.
Father, I want to speak the words
That you are speaking too.
Father, I want to love the ones
That you will draw to you,
For I know that I am one with you.

There is a parable in Luke 15 that Jesus tells to the Pharisees and religious people because they are upset with him for hanging out with “sinners.” He even ATE with them!

3So Jesus told them this story: 4“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

Luke 15:4-7

People are not projects. I don’t want to be a project. No one wants to be a project. At times it’s been hard to know how to reach out to those who don’t know Jesus without it feeling like a task to check off the list.

If I follow Jesus example, and I believe that is what he invites, I’m going to go to dinner with them and hang out playing cards. Even if someone criticizes me for it. That’s what I love about the last verse of the song. It isn’t about accomplishing a to do list or earning some kind of good Christian merit badge. It’s about loving people.

It is really as simple as that. Love those whom Jesus is drawing to himself. If I’m not quite there yet – that’s okay. He’ll get me there.

Because I am one with him!

How about you? Are you concerned about the one that wandered off? Or is your concern mostly for the 99 who are in the fold who might point and criticize if you go after the one?

Go ahead! Be like Jesus and take someone to dinner!

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Posted on June 16, 2021 by beverlyeash

1The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

Isaiah 61:1-3

It seems this is a “Throw Back Thursday” week for me. The old songs keep coming to mind and speak deeply to my heart.

As I think on the things in my life that hold me back – the chains, if you will – I keep hearing the lyrics from a song by the Imperials. It goes like this: “the chains that seem to bind you serve only to remind you they fall powerless behind you when you praise the Lord!”

Recently I was in a strategic planning meeting and a couple of the participants shared their stories. It was powerful to hear how the Lord brought deliverance into their lives, setting them free from the chains of addiction. Both testimonies highlighted the importance of praise to combat the pull of the enemy to unhealthy habits.

Today if your past, the lies of the enemy, doubt, discouragement, fear or hopelessness are trying to find a foothold in your life, start praising. Use the truth of scripture as a weapon against the enemy. Sing out at the top of your lungs — new songs, old songs, any songs!

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Posted on June 15, 2021 by beverlyeash

Today I was reminded of an old song that was a part of my childhood. The tune is one borrowed from another song, a simple melody easy to pick up on. But the thing that really knocked me over is the words.

Father, I place into your hands
The things I cannot do,
Father, I place into your hands
The things that I’ve been through.
Father, I place into your hands
The way that I should go,
For I know I always can trust you. 

Father, I place into your hands
My friends and family.
Father, I place into your hands
The things that trouble me.
Father, I place into your hands
The person I would be,
For I know I always can trust you. 

Father, we love to see your face,
We love to hear your voice.
Father, we love to sing your praise
And in your name rejoice.
Father, we love to walk with you
And in your presence rest,
For we know we always can trust you. 

Father, I want to be with you
And do the things you do.
Father, I want to speak the words
That you are speaking too.
Father, I want to love the ones
That you will draw to you,
For I know that I am one with you.

This is a beautiful, powerful and simple, reminder that I don’t have to do anything on my own. There is nothing this song leaves out, nothing for me to do but trust deeply.

1O Lord, I give my life to you. . . . 4Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. 5Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.

Psalm 25:1, 4-5

If the chains seem to bind you, remember you aren’t doing this life alone. Make this song the cry of your heart!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbLjp4-8NdY

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Posted on June 14, 2021 by beverlyeash

Saturday, Dave and I worked in our landscaping trimming shrubs. Our dog loves to be outside with us but he gets bored with what we are doing. If we don’t keep a careful eye on him, he runs over the river and through the woods to someone else’s house! We don’t like that so I have taken to putting him on a long leash so he can wander within reason. It’s safer for him and it allows me to work without wondering if he is on the road.

Throughout the day, I moved Oliver around the yard so he could be close to where we were working. The final time I moved him, I didn’t attach the leash to anything. He was free to roam but he didn’t know it because the leash was still attached to his collar. As we were doing a final clean up and putting tools away, he stood up by the house, where he thought he was tied, and barked at us. He didn’t like to be so far away.

I laughed as I thought about how often I act just like my dog. He assumed that since the leash was still attached to his collar, the other end must be attached to something immovable. He didn’t even try to come to us; he stayed where he was.

I thought about behaviors or lifestyle choices that have chained me up. Even after I confess my wandering, am forgiven and set free, I act like I am chained to that “thing” whatever it is — like this old habit has the power to define the parameters of my life. I don’t embrace the freedom I have in Jesus and stay tied to old ways of thinking or doing.

 6We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. 7For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.

Romans 6:6-7

12Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. 

Romans 8:12

Paul is clear in his letter to the Romans, sin has lost it’s power over us when we say yes to Jesus. There might still be remnants (leash on Oliver’s collar), but we are no longer chained to that behavior.

What is keeping you from cavorting in the freedom Jesus gives? You are not obligated to stay chained there; you have no obligation to do the things from your old life! Run free!!

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Posted on June 11, 2021 by beverlyeash

Drawing dark, thick lines in the sand are, most of the time, invitations to disaster. Too often, the one who speaks vehemently, without regard for their own fallibiity, find themselves on the wrong side of that line.

As I studied this week, I found this helpful prayer. I recommend adopting it!

3Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.

Psalm 141:3

Have a blessed weekend in whatever you find to do. Try not to draw thick lines you can’t honor!

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Posted on June 10, 2021 by beverlyeash

I’ve been pondering Jesus’ words to Peter from Luke 22. Before Peter ever drew the thick line in the sand — “even if I have to die, I will never leave you!” — Jesus planned to restore him. He gave Peter the courage to repent before he erred! Are you getting that? Before we mess up, he has already restored us! That’s phenomenal!

The only gospel writer to record Jesus’ interaction with Peter after his resurrection is John. One morning, the disciples met Jesus on the lake shore for a fish fry and Jesus singles out Peter for the following interaction.

15After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him. 16Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said. 17A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”

John 21:15-17

One quickly sees the correspondence of Peter’s three denials with Jesus’ three questions “Peter, do you love me?” But what is the significance of the repetition?

Imagine for a moment how Peter must have rehearsed his denials over and over and over again! He relived the moments around the fires, in the courtyard waiting for news of Jesus’ trial, his vehement denunciation of the One who chose him to be his disciple.

It is said that we form grooves in our brains when we rehearse what we believe to be true — even if it is not actually true. In order to reprogram our brains, we need to change what we think about, what we say to ourselves.

It is the kindness of Jesus that he begins that process with Peter. Three times he denied that he even knew Jesus. Three times Jesus gives him the opportunity to reprogram his belief system. Jesus didn’t need to know if Peter loved him; he already knew. Peter needed to know he still loved Jesus.

Your restoration is already planned, even before you err or repent. If you are willing, Jesus wants to walk you through that process.

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Posted on June 9, 2021 by beverlyeash

When confronted by my own failures, my first instinct is to lash out. Blaming others, pointing out how others fail or defending myself, I refuse to take responsibility. I am hesitant to repent, missing the blessing of restoration.

Jesus has a better plan for me and knows my faith wavers. He is praying for me and has a plan for my future.

31“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 32But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”

Luke 22:31-32

Recall the account of Hanani the seer confronting King Asa. He says this to him:

“Because you have put your trust in the king of Aram instead of in the Lord your God, you missed your chance to destroy the army of the king of Aram.  9The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 

2 Chronicles 16:7-9

Staying in tune with the place my faith wavers is essential. In my wavering, I miss great opportunities; places I would experience his greatest blessing. If I am feeling weak, he has a plan for me. His eyes search for those whose hearts need to be strengthened.

Just as Jesus anticipated Peter’s repentance and planned meaningful ministry for him after that, he has a plan for you. He sees your heart. He knows your weaknessess. He invites you to repent and come back to him.

Turn to him. Open your heart to the strength he gives. Receive the blessing of restoration.

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Posted on June 8, 2021 by beverlyeash

33Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.”34Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.”35“No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” 

Matthew 26:33-35

A dark line was drawn in the sand!

69Meanwhile, Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard. A servant girl came over and said to him, “You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.”70But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. 71Later, out by the gate, another servant girl noticed him and said to those standing around, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72Again Peter denied it, this time with an oath. “I don’t even know the man,” he said. 73A little later some of the other bystanders came over to Peter and said, “You must be one of them; we can tell by your Galilean accent.” 74Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed. 75Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly.

Matthew 26:69-75

The dark line was crossed. Guilt and remorse make us do funny things!

What could have happened differently? Of course, Peter could have owned that he knew Jesus. Is there anything else that might have helped him?

I recall a time many years ago when my children were babies. It often happened during church that my husband or I ended up in the lobby with whoever was the youngest. The children were pretty normal, they didn’t do well for the long service and we didn’t have childcare during the service.

There were always others in the lobby too. In particular, the ushers doing their official usher duties — whatever that was. I often ended up in conversation with one of them.

About this same time, gossip circulated about a young mother and an usher in another church who had an affair. Upon hearing this news, a friend of mine vowed that would never happen to her — she was disgusted by it. I was also disappointed in this news, but I found in my spirit a soft spot for this mother. I saw how easily it could happen. Little snippets of conversation here and there, attraction develops and grows and soon something happens you didn’t set out to experience.

I decided my best defense was to admit that it could happen to me. I wasn’t unhappy in my marriage and I didn’t desire for feelings to develop for anyone else, but I knew I had to actively safeguard my relationship. I saw my own weakness and started sending Dave into the lobby with the baby. I took myself out of a potentially troublesome scenario.

Perhaps if Peter had given himself the room to be honest with himself. Maybe just maybe, the night would have turned out differently. I don’t know.

Are you making bold declarations about something that you will or will not do? Do you have difficulty seeing your own vulnerability? Perhaps seeing it as a weakness to hide or ignore?

I invite you to step into a place of deep honesty. It’s scary but it will make all the difference!

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Posted on June 7, 2021 by beverlyeash

Sunday, May 30, I was privileged to speak in both of our morning services. If you missed it, you can access the sermon on the Maple City Chapel website under the media tab or by clicking the link.

I spoke from 2 Chronicles 14-16 which features Asa, the third king of Judah after the split of Israel into the northern and southern kingdoms. He was a force for good, with a heart completely devoted to Yahweh his entire life. He made radical religious reforms, declaring allegiance to God for the entire kingdom. He and all the people agreed together they would seek the Lord and those who didn’t would be put to death. He drew a really thick line in the sand.

9Then Asa called together all the people of Judah and Benjamin, along with the people of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who had settled among them. 12Then they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and soul. 13They agreed that anyone who refused to seek the Lord, the God of Israel, would be put to death—whether young or old, man or woman. 14They shouted out their oath of loyalty to the Lord with trumpets blaring and rams’ horns sounding. 15All in Judah were happy about this covenant, for they had entered into it with all their heart. They earnestly sought after God, and they found him.

2 Chronicles 15:9-15

Toward the end of Asa’s reign, he faced invaders from the north. Rather than crying out to God for help, he paid off the king of Aram to help him. This brought swift denunciation from Hanani the seer. He says it like this:

“Because you have put your trust in the king of Aram instead of in the Lord your God, you missed your chance to destroy the army of the king of Aram. 8Don’t you remember what happened to the Ethiopians and Libyans and their vast army, with all of their chariots and charioteers? At that time you relied on the Lord, and he handed them over to you. 9The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. What a fool you have been!

2 Chronicles 16:7-9

In the last week, I have pondered King Asa and his decision to trust the king of Aram. But more than that, I pondered why he didn’t humble himself and repent, surrendering to the One who had been with him all those years. Instead, he was angry and oppressed his people.

10Asa became so angry with Hanani for saying this that he threw him into prison and put him in stocks. At that time Asa also began to oppress some of his people.

2 Chronicles 16:10

Asa drew a really thick line in the sand regarding worship of the Lord. Anyone who didn’t would be put to death. Perhaps when Hanani came to Asa, he realized he had crossed that really dark line and deserved to die. Perhaps he realized the dark line didn’t take grace into account. Perhaps he realized it was a hasty edict.

I understand his angst. I understand because I have been there. I have made really strong statements about an issue and later regretted it. I have drawn dark lines in the sand and then later realized I had crossed it. Now what?

Guilt and embarrassment make us do funny things, like oppress those closest to us.

Have you drawn a line in the sand and now regret it? Was the stand or vow you took made hastily and without regard for grace for yourself or others?

It’s not too late to humble yourself and surrender your will to the One who loves you completely. Even now! Perhaps especially now!

Photo by Héctor J. Rivas on Unsplash

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