Chatty Kelly...Sometimes Teaching, Always Learning

Finding the Lost

2012-05-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

Last October, in my community, a young boy was lost for 5 days in an 80 acre park. It was constantly on the news, as thousands of volunteers came out to canvas the area where he was lost. With no food or water, and nightly temperatures in the 40s, the young boy, Robert, survived! Experts believe that because he was autistic, and had little self awareness, he didn't know he was lost. This may have helped him. Robert didn't have the fear or anxiety that most lost children or adults would have.

Robert was found by a man who said God told him where to look. The man refused to be identified in the media, because he wanted God to get the glory. Our local Sheriff commented at the press conference after Robert was found,"Whether it's appropriate or not for everyone, there is a God. He listens to prayers and prayers were answered." The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children gave an award to Sheriff's Office for their efforts this week. It was one of only two agencies in the country receiving the award.

There are so many people in our world who are lost today and, like Robert, they do not even know it! They are lost from God, and do not believe Jesus is their savior. Sadly, their not knowing they are lost will not save their life, but actually cause them to lose it. It is our job to be like the man who found Robert.

We need to be listening for God's voice to tell us where to go find the lost. We need to obey Jesus command to "Go, and make disciples of all." And we need to give God the glory for everyone who comes to him through our efforts, because it is God and the Holy Spirit who draw people to him.

Thousands of people came out to find one lost boy. How many Christians will help find one lost soul?

But-Free Living

2012-05-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

But-free living isn't a diet plan, though it is a before and after story. In my life, I am always waiting for the "but." You know, "Kelly, you did a great job, BUT ...." I am a master at deflecting the positive comments, and living in the critique. (I just couldn't say living in the "but, " however you get the idea.)

Saturday I had the opportunity to speak at a church with an amazing pastor. Pastor Jeff is gifted in encouragement, among other gifts. He wrote an ad in the local paper inviting people to hear me speak at his church. I felt like the write-up was so good that I would have a hard time living up to the "hype." I told him of my tendency to wait for the "but" comment. Yet, Pastor Jeff encouraged me to believe it was truth, not hype. I gave my talk, and pray that the ladies was moved and encouraged by what I shared. Then after I was done, Pastor Jeff had the ladies share some of their favorite parts about me and my talk, and he wrote them on a white board.

He then wrote BUT on the board, and I honestly thought for a moment he was going to write some ways I could have done better. I didn't know what would happen next. But he took a marker and put a big X on the but. There was no "but." He encouraged us to live a life of "But-free living." A life where we encourage one another without the "but."

God knows all about us, everything on both sides of the "but." However, he loves us anyway, and because of Jesus, he only sees the good side, forgiving everything else. In him we can realize our value. In him, we have great worth.

Jesus loves you....no BUTS about it!

What differences can you make in your life, and in the lives of others, by implementing "but-free" living?

Special thanks to Dr. Jeff Scott for speaking wisdom and encouragement in my life. And I thought I was the one who was supposed to be doing the speaking and encouraging that day!

Platform: Book Review

2012-05-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

Platform is the new book by Michael Hyatt. It is a smartly written, beneficial, and encouraging for every person who is trying to "Get Noticed in a Noisy World."

Whether you have a product, a service, or even a ministry, Platform will give you the edge to stand out. Each chapter is packed with a wealth of information, usually written in list form.

I quickly realized I could put the highlighter down, because every word was valuable. There was no filler, like so many other books include. I could go right to the chapter I wanted to review, and get a list of tips, each one useful, without having to search for them.

Hyatt is Chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishing, and one of the top bloggers in the world. This gives his book real credibility. He knows what he is talking about. Platform offers a step-by-step guide with proven strategies, practical tips and easy-to-replicate formulas. Whether you are an author, pastor, public speaker, entrepreneur, musician, or small business owner…developing your platform is critical for your success.

*But wait - there's more!* (I've always wanted to say that.) To celebrate the launch of the book this week, Hyatt is giving away $375.98 worth of free bonus content for those who purchase the book between May 21 and May 25. Complete details are available at http://michaelhyatt.com/platform

Bonuses include: Platform Video Jumpstart Program (six sessions), How to Write a Winning Book Proposal (two e-books and two audio sessions), Why NOW is the Best Time Ever to Be an Author (hour-long video), Digital Versions of Platform (audio and eBook), and more!

Obviously I'm a Michael Hyatt fan, but I think you will be too. If you are trying to "get noticed in a noisy world," then get this book today, so you may take advantage of Hyatt’s bonus content and start building or expanding your platform right away!

I hope you enjoyed the book review, devotions return on Wednesday!

Feedburner Error

2012-05-19T14:05:00.003-04:00

For some reason, unknown to me, my feed burner email subscriber service decided to resend out a blog post from March on Saturday. I have no idea what happened, and I hope it won't happen again. I apologize to everyone who received a duplicate email. Thanks for your continued support!

Platform Launch Team

2012-05-15T08:37:00.000-04:00

If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you know I recently joined the Platform Launch Team. Several of you have asked what exactly is the Platform Launch Team, so I thought I would explain it here. Platform is a new book coming out on May 21, by Michael Hyatt. The Launch Team is a group of about 100 individuals selected to help create buzz about the book before the release. I was selected to be part of that group out of about 750 applications, so I'm pretty excited about it.

But why do I want to be part of the Team? Why would I want to help promote someone else's book? I'll share three reasons why:

1. The Community - It's so exciting to be a part of this community of 100 folks who share a common goal. We're not all "authors" but we are all people trying to build our own platform. We're reading the book together, and brainstorming together ways to both promote the book, and ourselves. Plus we're all fans of Michael Hyatt, who is an active member of the team. It's really neat to see a sense of community form from a group of virtual strangers who become "virtual friends."

2. The Contacts - This is different than community. Community is the sense of relationship, but a Contact takes that relationship to the next step, where that relationship gains you access to further information or benefit. When I was at the SCORRE conference earlier this month, my mentoring group was a community, but one member of that group was so moved by my testimony that he followed up afterward to offer me a writing contract to share my story in print. That relationship changed him from a member of my SCORRE community, to a contact. Who knows what contacts I may make on the Launch Team?

3. The Commodity - (that is, the book!) The truth is, it's a great book, and I am happy to add my support to it. Platform is teaching me all kinds of things about "getting noticed is a noisy world." If I ate at a great restaurant I would tell you about it. If I see a great movie I share it. This is no different. It's a good book, so I'm telling my friends.

But don't buy it yet! I'm writing my review of the book next week, and Hyatt is offering incentives that you don't want to miss by waiting and buying the book the week of the 21st. Sign up to receive those incentives here.

If you're not familiar with Hyatt, you may want to check out his blog at www.michaelhyatt.com. You may recall I guest posted for him in January, and will be again in June. As a matter of fact, you may have met me through his blog! If so, than you know why I am fan.

If you aren't familiar with Hyatt, and visit me for my online devotionals, thank you for your support! I hope you will excuse this departure from my normal post. You are a valued member of the "Chatty Kelly" community! Keep visiting, I appreciate you.

Who are You Working For?

2012-05-11T06:00:00.000-04:00

My 8 year old was working on her spelling homework. It was a simple assignment; write each word three times. Meanwhile I was getting ready for a church meeting. Honestly, I was mostly dreading a church meeting. There are lots of things I love doing in the church. Leading Bible study and speaking to women are two. But this meeting, ugh!

A very sweet older woman in the church asked me to serve on the committee to call people to remind them about our capital campaign. And while every fiber in my body screamed, "NO!" my voice meekly said, "Yes ma'am." *sigh!* I absolutely did not want to make those phone calls, and I absolutely did not want to go to that meeting.

I looked over my daughter's spelling, and noted her messy handwriting. "What's up with the messy handwriting?" "I hate this assignment, so I got mad, and when I get mad my handwriting gets messy." Immediately the PERFECT Bible verse sprang to mind. (Don't you love it when that happens?)

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord, not men. Col 3:23

But before I could quote it to my daughter, God whispered to me.
"No, it's for you." What?
"The verse, it's for you." What do you mean?
"The meeting tonight, the one you've been mentally complaining about since you remembered it. The one you've been thinking up cute and clever ways to complain about via facebook updates. Do it for me. As if working for me."

I'd like to state for the record here, that my first reaction was NOT "God thought the FB update I was mentally preparing was cute and clever!" I just thought that now as I am typing this. No, my first reaction was "Thank you, God, for the reality check."

It's so easy to look at someone else's life and find the "perfect verse" for them. It's harder to open our eyes to our own "sins," our own selfishness and grumpiness, and come up with a verse for ourselves.

I am thankful for that still small voice that whispered to my heart. We all can make changes in our behavior, like I did that night. First, we must fill our heart with God's word by memorizing scripture. Then we must listen for the Holy Spirit's prompting to recall it at the appropriate time.

We are not called to volunteer for every job at church. We should serve in the areas where we are gifted. However, some jobs, (like spelling homework,) have to be done no matter how much we don't like them. Let's do our best, even on the jobs we hate. Our Teacher will appreciate it.

Why You Need a Plan, Not a List

2012-05-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

Home from the grocery store, I was busily shelving my items while contemplating what I'd make for dinner. My youngest had soccer practice that evening, so it would have to be something quick and easy to make, and if it was a family favorite, all the better. I settled on my homemade pizza. A quick inventory, however, told me I was missing several key ingredients. "Okay, tacos it is!" But, oh no, I didn't all have the ingredients for that either.

You did get the part that I'd just returned from the grocery store, right? And I even used a list! The problem was my list was simply covering the items we'd run out of, like cereal and lunch bags, and the items I knew I always used like bread and milk. I didn't have a plan. In this case, a meal plan to determine what I'd have for dinner that week, so my list was essentially useless.

How eye opening that was, because in my life I use a list instead of a plan as well. My list may have "Publish a book" on it, but without a plan that just isn't going to happen it. I have lots of hopes and dreams and even "to-dos" on my list, but without a real plan my list really doesn't do the job. A list just says what you want. A plan says how you will do it.

In their hearts, humans plan their course, bu the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9

I love Matthew Henry's commentary on the above verse. He says, "If men make God's glory their end, and his will their rule, he will direct their steps by his Spirit and grace." I want God to direct my steps, but I share a part in planning my course. God wants me to follow his will. But to follow I must move, with a planned course of action.

Do you have a plan for your life's goals, or do you just have a list of goals? What changes can you make to turn your list into a plan and start making things happen? And can you recommend something quick and easy for dinner that doesn't require a trip to the grocery store?

***

If you'd like a life plan, but have no idea where to start, why not read Michael Hyatt's FREE book, "Creating a Personal Life Plan." You may get a copy simply by subscribing to his blog.

Faith is Believing...In Yourself

2012-05-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

"You are a gifted speaker."
"Sometimes you come across like you're into your third can of Mountain Dew."
"You are a spokesperson for godly mothering."
"I'll bet when you're with a group of women, you're going to speak to them even when you're not asked to speak."

These are some of the statements made to me by my mentor at the SCORRE conference. I have to tell you, this conference was the best, most amazing conference I have ever been to. I was really challenged, I learned alot, and I met incredible new friends.

My mentoring group (6 men, 2 women, 1 mentor), were all passionate believers. We concluded our week by praying over one another. My mentor shared with me during the week that he could see me struggling over the method and prayed that I wouldn't give up. How many conferences have this type of leadership? And SCORRE isn't a "Christian" conference! Yes, it is a conference run by Christians, but it isn't for Christians. It is for anyone who wants to communicate better.

Back to the statements about me...as I heard them, it was easy for me to believe two of them. Actually I've never heard more accurate descriptions than the one about me speaking at meetings, and regarding the Mountain Dew. My mentor clearly had the gift of discernment, not just for me, but for every member of our group. But why is it hard for me to believe the other two, the two that are positive. I am so practiced at deflecting positive comments as "just being nice," after being stripped of my worth as a child.

Yet, by refusing to believe these things, I myself am stripping myself of the worth and value God has placed in me to do his work in ministry. So, remember that leap of faith I took by going to the SCORRE conference last week? I am going to continue to walk in faith that I am gifted, by God, to do the work he prepared for me to do.

Every believer should have faith...not just faith in God, but faith in their God-given gifts for his glory. Every believer should have faith, and by continuing to meet with God daily, in his word, in prayer and in the fellowship of believers, your faith will grow. Faith in God, and in his plans for you.

"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

What gifts has God given you? Do you trust in him to carry them to completion, to give you hope and a future?

SCORRE

2012-04-30T09:00:00.000-04:00

"I'm leaving on a jetplane, don't know when I'll be back again."

John Denver sang those lyrics, but it's me who is leaving today. I'm heading to Atlanta to the SCORRE Conference (formerly known as the Dynamic Communicators Conference). I'm excited to learn ways to better my speaking ministry to the glory of God.

At the same time, I'm nervous. Attending SCORRE will be published authors, publishing executives, professionals...and then there will be me. A housewife. A housewife who dabbles in writing and speaking for the Lord. I could feel out-classed. Yet, I am taking a step of faith. Because God says I am worthy, because of him.

What step of faith are you taking today? When the world says "You're not good enough," but God says "I am more than enough through you," - keep going! I am not an executive. But I am a daughter of the highest authority, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I'd say that is pretty impressive.

I can't wait to see what God has in store for me this week! In the meantime, I'll be taking the rest of the week off from blogging while I'm at the conference. You can keep up with me this week two ways. Either follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kellycombs

or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ChattyKelly.

So, what will you be doing this week?

Is Confession Enough?

2012-04-27T09:05:00.000-04:00

"Mom, I need to confess something."

Those words from my 8 year old got my full attention. I turned around giving her complete eye contact and asked what it was. "You said I could have 1 piece of candy, but I got tempted and I ate half of a second piece, here it the other half," she said, handing me half of a marshmallow pole.

"Thank you for confessing this. I am proud of you, and I forgive you," I told her, throwing away the half eaten candy. "Wait," she asked, "Can't I have the rest of it now?" I almost laughed, but explained that no, she could not have the rest. I had told her one piece of candy, and while I appreciated her honesty, I meant one piece. "But I thought if I told you I could have the rest...."

My precious child thought if she did the "right" thing, she would get the rest of the candy, guilt-free. But that isn't the way confession works. Proverbs 28:13 says, "Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy." Friends, confession alone is not enough. We must renounce our sin. Renounce means to formally abandon something. Another word we use is repent. Repent means to change direction, and to turn away from our sins.

The Apostle Paul asks, "Shall we go on sinning so that grace can increase? By no means!" We may not just confess our sins, but we must also turn away from them, and change our behavior. It has been said that "confession is good for the soul," and that may be. But it is repentance that saves it.

Dear friends, if we deliberately continue sinning after we have received knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice that will cover these sins.

Hebrews 10:26

Sinful Colors

2012-04-25T09:11:00.000-04:00

I saw an ad in Sunday's paper for this nail polish, "Sinful Colors." This bothered me for two reasons.

First, if there is a verse in the Bible that addresses what colors are sinful, I missed it! At a women's retreat I shared how I was once told a pair of shoes I owned were sinful. Oh, not in those exact words, but the implication was that they were not appropriate shoes for a Christian. Shoes?!? Yes, we should be modest in our dress (1 Tim 2:9), but if Jesus wore sandals (and he did according to John the Baptist who said, "I am not worthy to tie Jesus' sandals,") then it must be okay to show some toe. When we begin to judge what colors and shoes are biblically appropriate we are becoming like the pharisees in Jesus day. Jesus said, "What sorrow also awaits you experts in religious law! For you crush people with unbearable religious demands, and you never lift a finger to ease the burden." We need to stop crushing people with our religious demands.

But there is a second reason this ad bothers me. It says that someone is a marketing department somewhere said, "People want sin! Let's sell them sinful colors!" And the group of people in that room said, "Yes!" And the devil said, "YES!" How quickly we buy into sin. It's not enough that we buy into literal sin with our actions, but now we buy into it figuratively by purchasing "Sinful Colors" nail polish. We purchase perfumes with names like, "Guilty," (Gucci) and "Unforgivable Woman." (Sean John)

Don't get me wrong. I don't believe buying these items are sinful. Jesus said we focus too much on the outside when the inside is what is important. I just think it's terribly sad that sin sells. I'm not buying it. Are you?

The Carpenter's Son

2012-04-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

I saw this graphic on Facebook the other day. A friend posted it, I'm sure finding it wildly funny. And while it was not directed to me by any stretch of the imagination, I still took it to heart. I was never godless, nor the other, but I have sinned. Now, I am new creation in Christ. And while to me, "the old is gone! The new has come," the world may remember the old.

I can find great confidence, however, that like everything in my life, Jesus experienced the same thing. I love that Jesus walked the earth and lived life like we did, so that truly we know he can relate to our feelings.

When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And they took offense at him.

But Jesus said to them,“A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.”

And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

Matthew 13:53-58

Jesus went to his own hometown, and they were offended by him. They could only remember him as "the carpenter's son." They knew him before he was renown, and now they were offended at the changes in him, that he would have such wisdom.

Are you too a new creation in Christ? Don't let the world hold you back. The world says "I know who you used to be. I know what you used to do." But Jesus says, "You are a new creation in me." He forgives and takes our sins as far as the East is from the West. While my relationship with Christ may not erase to the world who I used to be, it does change who I am.

Remember who you are in Christ.
You are forgiven. You are a new creation.
You are holy and dearly loved.

Kelly Combs is a Christian wife, mom, writer and speaker. You can learn about Kelly by visiting her website at www.kellycombs.com

Choose Well

2012-04-20T06:30:00.000-04:00

I was chatting with a friend who had recently ended a relationship and as a result lost his health insurance which had been provided by his spouse. He said, "I can't afford insurance now," with the costs of renting an apartment, supplementing his furnishing and other new bills associated with moving.

As we continued to talk however, he told me about his weekend jaunt to Key West, flying down and staying in a hotel for 2 nights. He then shared about his planned trip to the Bahamas. He talked about all the new restaurants in town he was trying out. The more we talked the more it became apparent to me that he probably could afford health insurance. He was simply choosing to spend his money in more fun and entertaining places.

The decision of course is his. I, however, would not gamble that illness or injury would not strike. I am the type who would rather have the health insurance, and perhaps forgo an exciting trip or two. Does it make me boring? Perhaps. But I know my health needs will be cared for, without catastrophic costs, should an emergency occur.

I believe non-believers are taking the same type of gamble as my friend. They choose what they believe are the more "fun and entertaining" options of the world, gambling that either there is no God, or that God is a benevolent benefactor who will welcome all "good" people into heaven.

We make such choices every day. Families say "I can't attend church on Sunday, " choosing travel sports or summer trips over the fellowship of believers. They say "I can't afford to tithe," but have money for every thing else.They say "I can't find time for Bible study," but watch hours of television each week.

It's easy to say "I can't" when it comes to things we'd really rather not do. But it is a choice. Your choice. My choice. Choose well. Then you can know that your eternal needs will be cared for, without catastrophic costs. On the day when we stand before God in heaven, he won't say to us, "I can't let you in."

Then I (Jesus) will tell them plainly, "I never knew you.

Away from me, you evildoers!" Matthew 7:23

Thankful for "Nothing"

2012-04-18T09:07:00.001-04:00

"It's not fair. I have to go to school, and you get to do nothing."

I couldn't help but laugh at my 8 year old's thoughts on what I do all day. And while it seems like some days I don't do anything meaningful in the world's eyes, here is what some of the nothing I do looks like.

My family opens their dresser drawers to find clean, folded clothes to wear.

They open the refrigerator and pantry to find the food that was purchased.

They sit down to a prepared supper each night.

The house is cleaned.

Bedding is changed.

When the children grow, new clothes are purchased.

The dogs are well cared for, taken out during the day when the rest of the family is away.
There is help with homework, chauffeur services to events, appointments schedule, and more.

My children appreciate the big things I do, taking them to Busch Gardens or painting the playroom, but the every day things are often overlooked. I could have gotten angry or offended that all of my work was overlooked. But the fact is I do the exact same thing...to God.

Oh yes, when I get a big answer to prayer I am thankful. But I forget that every day I live is a gift from God. Every thing in my life is a provision. The rain that cleans the air. The flowers that decorate the earth. The trees that provide the air I breath. Every. Single. Little. Thing. Yet, even if God did "nothing" else, sending Jesus as our Savior should be more than enough. Yet, he continues to generously provide our everything... and our "nothing."

One day my precious 8 year old will mature and she will be thankful for all the "nothing" I did. May our faith mature to the point that we too may be thankful to God for "nothing."

Making the Old Things New

2012-04-16T08:25:00.000-04:00

The playroom was a mess! Spring break was the perfect time to get it into order. First we cleaned it out. We gave away kitchen sets, baby doll strollers, and Polly Pockets. We threw away broken toys. In the end, we had 1 load to give to a friend, 4 bags for Goodwill, and several bags of trash.

Once the room was cleaned, we gave it a fresh coat of paint. Then we rearranged the room, adding some book shelves and chairs to make a reading area. Now instead of a playroom, we had a real "tween scene." A great area for my 12 and 8 year old daughters. It was like a whole new room.

But it wasn't a new room, really. It was still the same structure, the same room over the garage in our home. It was just a new creation of the same space.

So it is, when we allow God to work in our lives. First, we have to realize our life is a mess! Any time is the perfect time to get it into order. After asking Jesus into our lives, with his help we begin to clean it up. Now, we give (away) compassion, love and forgiveness. We throw away our brokenness and bitterness.

We seem like a whole new person. And while we are really the same physical being, we are a new creation in Christ. Once you allow Jesus to come into your life, and really change you, people will notice the difference. Your life will look differently.

My kids love their new room. And now that the changes have been made, the desire to keep the room clean is there too. Once you have a new life in Christ, you will desire to stay in him too. It took a lot of motivation to tackle the playroom! And it takes motivation (and inspiration from the Holy Spirit) to tackle the issues in our lives. Unlike the playroom, this is no do-it-yourself project. God will be with you every step of the way.

What changes can you make, with the help of God? Are you ready for your makeover?

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone,
the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17

The winner of the book from Friday's drawing is Kathleen. Kathleen, please email me at chattykelly@comcast.net with your mailing address so I may send you the book. Please respond within 7 days to claim your prize. Thanks!

God is Always There

2012-04-13T10:01:00.000-04:00

Have you ever lost your glasses, only to find them on the top of your head? How about getting ready to exit the car, and can't find your cell phone...because you're talking on it? Maybe you've been searching the counter frantically for your keys, only to have someone point them out and say, "If it had been a snake, it would have bitten you." The items were never lost. They were always there, you just didn't see them.

So it is with God. He is always there, even when we feel alone, lonely or abandoned. Sometimes we just don't see Him.

My most recent publication released yesterday. Always There, Reflections for Moms on God's Presence is a devotional published in conjunction with MOPS International, and includes best selling authors Ann Voskamp, Renee Swoop, and Kathi Lipp; as well as my friends, Shannon Milholland, Michele Cushatt, and Sue Jeantheau. I'm honored to be included with these ladies.

I'd love to give away a copy to one of my readers, so leave me a comment telling me why you'd like a copy, a time God was there for you, or what you like about my blog. I'll use random integer to select a winner. Comments may be left through Sunday (4/15) at midnight, and the winner will be announced Monday on my blog. Must provide valid email address, so I may contact the winner and get their shipping address.

When Do You Celebrate Easter?

2012-04-09T14:45:00.003-04:00

If you are like me, you celebrated Easter this past Sunday (April 8). But did you know Eastern Orthodox Christians (the 2nd largest Christian denomination in the world) celebrate Easter next Sunday, April 15? I was surprised to learn this, and though their faith is similar to Western Christians, they have a different calendar. They use the Julian, while we use the Gregorian calendar.

When is the right day to celebrate Easter? Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ the third day after his Crucifixion. It is the day we celebrate our risen Lord. Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for our sins. But that is just the beginning of the story. As he promised, on the third day he rose from the dead, and his resurrection is still celebrated today by Christians over 2,000 years later on what we refer to as Easter.

Jesus literally separated time, from BC to AD. He is the one and only son of God, the living God, who reigns forever. Because of Jesus' resurrection, believers have eternal life! We can live with God forever!

So which day is the right day to celebrate our Risen Lord? Every day. Let us remember his love, his sacrifice and his resurrection every day. Amen.

The Terrible, Horrible, Very Bad, No Good Friday

2012-04-06T08:09:00.001-04:00

"Good Friday." I can't help but cringe at the name for this religious day. To call it "Holy Friday" is one thing. But Good Friday? Good? The day they crucified our Savior, good?

If you've read the account of Jesus crucifixion in the Bible, you know it was a bad day.

"Struck him on the head again and again." With a staff (that is a stick, pole or rod). Again and again. Good Friday?

They mocked him and forced him to carry his own cross. He was hung there. He experienced great pain, and he eventually died there. Good Friday?

He was put into a tomb.

However, soon came Sunday, and a great and marvelous thing happened. Jesus rose from the dead! Because of this we may have eternal life if we believe. See the cost (wages) of sin is death, eternity away from God. But Jesus lived a sin-free life. He didn't deserve death. But on that terrible Friday he died, paying the price for our sins. And when he rose again, he opened the doors to heaven so that all us sinners could have not death, but eternal life.

That was a very Good Sunday. Resurrection Sunday. Easter Sunday. That Friday was an important day, the day our Savior died for us. But to me, the GOOD day, the great day was Sunday.

John 11:25 -- Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies."

*This is a reprint of my Good Friday post last year.

The Look

2012-04-04T06:00:00.000-04:00

Chances are, if you are like me, you have mastered "the look." No, I'm not talking fashion here. I mean "the look" you give your kids as a warning.

Before my kids do something they aren't supposed to do, they glance over at me, to see if I'm watching. Then I flash them "the look." For me, the look is eyebrows up, mouth straight and tight, eyes bulge slightly. The look says "I see you, don't do it!" They quickly return to doing good and don't get into trouble.

I wonder if God has "the look." How many times before I get into trouble, does God flash me the look saying, "I see you, don't do it." Before I say something about someone I shouldn't...the look. Before I fly off the handle yelling at my kids for some minor offense...the look. Before I tell my husband what he did wrong in my oh, so superior tone of voice...the look.

How come the look works on my kids, but not on me? One key reason. Before my kids do wrong, they look to me. If, before I was about to mess up, I would simply look to my Father, to God, then I might see the look. I might hear the warning. I might not mess up. The answer is clear. I need to change my focus, and keep my eyes on God. I need to look.

Hebrews 12:2 -- Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Don't Be An Ass

2012-04-02T08:32:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was Palm Sunday. In Matthew 21, we see the story of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey colt. As he rode into town, the people threw down palm branches and shouted praises.

Imagine if the donkey had any level of intellect to understand what was going on. Here he is riding through town with people shouting praises. Would he have thought the praises were for him? After all, he was the one doing all the work. Jesus was simply riding. The donkey was the one walking and carrying Jesus. The palm branches were thrown on the ground. Would he have thought they were protecting his steps? Honoring him? It's crazy to even imagine it, isn't it?

Yet, how often do we do the same thing? Maybe we're volunteering at church; singing for the praise team or choir, going on a mission, donating to a food pantry, or writing a devotion. When people offer praise, do we think they're praising us? We're the ones that did the work, aren't we?

Or, isn't it more that we are just doing what Jesus asked us to do, like the donkey. Jesus is the one that should be receiving the honor and glory. Not us. The donkey simply had the honor of carrying the Messiah, and while it was an honor for the donkey to do so, the Messiah was the ONLY one who deserved the praises.

So the next time you do something at church or as a mission, and someone tells you "Great job," remember who is holding the reins. Don't be confused. It is an honor to do work for Jesus, but we aren't the ones who deserve the honor. Don't act like the donkey, don't be an ass.

All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, "Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass." Matthew 21:4,5 KJV

This post is an encore of last year's Palm Sunday post.

TGIF

2012-03-30T09:26:00.001-04:00

"Thank God it's Friday!" According to Wikipedia this is a common

U.S.

expression of relief at the end of the work week and anticipation of the weekend. It has come to have little meaning other than "I'm glad it's Friday!" or "It's the weekend, let's party."

Take a closer look. It says THANK GOD it's Friday. Have you ever literally thanked God for your Friday?Why not pray to God right now praising him for today...and then if someone says to you "Thank God it's Friday" you can say "I already did!"

Isn't it ironic how we take sayings such as this for granted? Our money is printed with the phrase "In God We Trust." Do we? Economic times are hard right now, when you are paying your bills are you saying "God I trust you" or just "Oh my god."

The Battle Hymn of the Republic is a popular military anthem. We sing, "His truth is marching on." That line is referring to God. It says HIS truth is marking on. Is it? Are we marching in the truth, passing it on? One of the verses says:

It is suggested that if you are not military you change the lyrics from "let us die to make men free" to "let us LIVE to make men free."

I hope I am living to make men and women free. Free to live a life for Jesus, to praise him and thank him in all things.

Thank you God, it's Friday!

God Picked You!

2012-03-28T11:03:00.002-04:00

I didn't get the job. And at the time to my 24 year old self, it seemed earth shattering. Another rejection. I did get a lovely rejection letter, but I was still rejected.

Then almost one year later I got another letter. The person hired for the job didn't work out, and would I consider interviewing again. I would, and I did, and I got the job! I worked at that job until the birth of my first child. I also learned a valuable lesson.

I didn't get that job, but I was in fact the best person for the job. The employer selected the older candidate, because she had more experience than 24 year old me. But she didn't last a year. I was the best person for the job. But I still wasn't initially picked. Because that employer wasn't God. He made mistakes.

We will get rejected in life. Sometimes even when we don't deserve it. Truly, we aren't always the best person for the job, but even if we are that is no guarantee. There is only one guarantee in life, and that is that God picked you! He picked you! He loves you and wants you to be His. In God's family you are never second best. You are never over looked. You are never left behind. God picked you.

I didn't have to take that job when I was offered it, but I did, and it was a good decision. You don't have to take God's offer either. But if you do, I can assure you it will be a good decision. God picked you. Now pick him back! It's not just a good decision. It is a match made in heaven.

Mices, Lices and Vices

2012-03-26T08:38:00.002-04:00

Mouse poop could only mean one thing. We had mice. And of course I didn’t want anyone to know. What would people think if they knew I had mice? Would they think I had a dirty house?

A visit from the exterminator helped the problem. We had an opening in the garage that allowed the mice to gain entrance into the house. Once we plugged up the opening, the problem was solved. No more mice.

Several months later I received a phone call that no mom wants to receive. “My daughter had such a fun play date at your house earlier this week. You know they played hairdresser? I found out my daughter has lice and probably gave it to your daughter. You better check her.” What? Sure enough, my daughter caught head lice.

And of course I didn’t want anyone to know. What would people think if they knew my child had head lice? Would they think my child was dirty?

A call to the pediatrician helped the problem. Lice actually prefer clean hair. And with the window of opportunity open (a shared hairbrush), they easily entered my daughter’s scalp. Once they were there they were not easy to get rid of. It took lots hard work.

After the lice incident, I forwarded a funny blog post I’d found on head lice to the mom of the other girl. The post was laced with profanity, and we were both Christians. But I found the post amusing, so I joked, “I think profanity is allowed in cases of head lice.”

The mom responded to my email. “It was cute but no swearing - that means Satan has a hold of my mouth/heart” Then, as if to soften the blow she added, “Trust me I have plenty of other vices.”

Vices? It’s embarrassing enough to have mice or lice. But now someone knows about my vice! Of course I don’t want anyone to know. What would people think if they knew about my vices? Would they think I had a dirty mind?

Like with the mice, an opening allowed sin in my heart. Like with lice, an opportunity (such as a bad attitude) allowed the vice to easily enter my heart. And as in both situations, vices are not easy to get rid of! It requires lots of hard work.

In this case, we need to focus on God. We need to pray for forgiveness for the vice. We need to find Bible verse to support us. Finally, we can enlist the help of an accountability partner. Like the exterminator or pediatrician, having another person involved can help keep us on the right track and encourage us.

Whether you have mices, lices or vices, I encourage you today not to feel overwhelmed, or concerned about what others might think. Instead focus on getting rid of your problem, and enlisting the help of a support system.

Kelly Combs is a Christian wife, mom, writer and speaker. You can learn about Kelly by visiting her website at www.kellycombs.com

The Prayer Chair

2012-03-21T09:02:00.004-04:00

One of the things I loved about our home when we moved in nearly 16 years ago, was the large size of the bedroom. There was plenty of room for me to make a little prayer corner for myself. First I needed the perfect chair. I quickly found the chair I liked. It was beautiful and went perfectly with the decor in the bedroom. I bought a matching footstool that could be used as a side table to hold my Bible and coffee mug when I wasn't using them, and I could prop my feet up when I was. It looked beautiful!

The problem was, I never actually used the prayer chair. Oh, it looked pretty in the room, but I really didn't go up to my bedroom often during the day. It seemed like an out of place location. Finally, one day I decided I would use my prayer chair. I sat in it and tried to make myself comfortable to pray. The problem was the chair wasn't comfortable. As a matter fact, when I settle back and laid my head back to pray the wood trim actually hurt. What looked pretty on the outside was actually uncomfortable and almost painful.

Our prayer life can be like that chair. It may look good on the outside. You know, when we pray in groups of Bible study, our flowery beautiful prayers sound great and look great in the setting. But when we're home, we sometimes don't really get around to pray. And when we do, our prayers can be uncomfortable or even painful at time. It can feel awkward to pray if we haven't worked on building that relationship with God.

God doesn't want flowery, public prayers. He wants us to be comfortable with him! He wants a relationship, where we can be our self and share our hearts. Now my prayer chair is in the family room. The recliner is overstuffed, and comfortable, and because it's in the family room, I'm there often, reminding me to pray. The more I pray the more comfortable I get in my prayer life as well. The old recliner may not be as pretty as the other chair, as a matter of fact, it's wearing out in some places. But that's okay.

Because chairs and prayers share something important. It's not how they look on the outside, it's how they feel on the inside that matter.

Is God your Sponsor or Crew Chief?

2012-03-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

"Lord, none of this would be possible without you," the man prayed during Sunday services. My 12 year old leaned over and whispered, "That sounds like a commercial, 'This wouldn't be possible without our sponsor.'" Her words got me thinking. How often do we treat God like our sponsor?

If you've ever watched NASCAR racing, at the end of every race the winning driver thanks his sponsor, "This wouldn't be possible without the support of XYZ." But believe me, they don't let their sponsor tell them how to race. For that they have their crew chief.

The crew chief is continuously available via radio contact with the driver and the driver follows all the directions from the chief. From his position the crew chief can see everything that is going on. He warns the driver of danger ahead, encourages him through hard turns in the track, and instructs him when to make pit stops. The sponsor simply gives money and let's the team do what they want, as long as they give the sponsor credit when they win.

In life, God wants to be our crew chief. He is always available through prayer contact to give us directions; warning us of dangers, encouraging us through hard times, and instructing us. He is our Crew Chief, not our sponsor. He doesn't want us to just thank him and give him credit when we do well. He wants to be involved in the decision making, to have an active part in the race of our life.

How are you running your race? Let God be your crew chief, not just your sponsor. A sponsor may be nice to have when life is going great. But it's the crew chief who is with you not only in the winner's circle, but also in the pits.