Summer Fun

 summer fun with our friends at the orphanage. Crafts, bubbles, ice cream, games, and an evening of worship at church.

Please pray as Cosmina is estimated to leave for the state run care facility soon, and "A" is being adopted by her aunt and uncle (in another country).

Prayers for love and healing for the kids (several older kids are scheduled to leave soon), and for us when we minister there.

Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath

 My Jej came home tonight with a bouquet of wheat

He shared what God spoke to his heart as he was looking out at a wheat field.

The book of Matthew, Chapter 12 records Jesus and his disciples walking through the wheat fields and eating from it because they were hungry. They would take the heads of grain into their hands and rub them until the chaff (outer shell) fell off, and eat them. This angered the Pharisees ….they were just looking for a reason to accuse Jesus…

Jej said, can you imagine getting upset at hungry people for eating these little heads of grain ??? Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 8:12)

Matthew 12: 1-13

“At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath, and His disciples became hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat. Now when the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on a Sabbath!” But He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he became hungry, he and his companions— how he entered the house of God, and they ate the consecrated bread, which was not lawful for him to eat nor for those with him, but for the priests alone? Or have you not read in the Law that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple violate the Sabbath, and yet are innocent? But I say to you that something greater than the temple is here. But if you had known what this means: ‘I desire compassion, rather than sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.

For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”

Departing from there, He went into their synagogue. And a man was there whose hand was withered. And they questioned Jesus, asking, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might bring charges against Him. But He said to them, “What man is there among you who has a sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable then is a person than a sheep! So then, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Then He *said to the man, “Stretch out your hand!” He stretched it out, and it was restored to normal, like the other.”

As We Step Into Church This SONday

 As we step into church this Sunday…May we be the heart of Jesus to those around us who may be hurting and in need of His special touch. (me first, Lord).

A survey of church attendees revealed that at least 75% of those attending, shared that they couldn’t remember much of the message. They walked in with burdens and hurts; they were so focused on their pain, guilt, depression, or concerns that they couldn’t focus on anything else.

In another survey, those attending church were asked how they felt when someone greeted them and sincerely asked how they were. They said that they felt more than 50% better just because someone took the time to care.

For those who have experienced rejection and hurt, being in new environments can be overwhelming (esp. crowds of any size). It’s terrifying for them to open themselves up to the possibility of being ignored or unaccepted. Many people are in church because they know they want/need to be there deep inside, but we also hear many stories of people who don’t like church because of the way they were treated or not even noticed.

Many who step into church are experiencing great pain and heartache (if you are, don’t tell someone you are “fine” if you are not ;o). Some are going through what are the consequences of poor life choices and sins they are stuck in; they need help (non-judgmental) getting out. They have stepped into the right place for help because we can lead them to the One Who can heal, forgive, help, and bring new life. We can help them know His Truth (speak Scripture), and be set free. “So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” John 8:31-32

Recently JeJe continued a long time conversation with a man our family knows. The man has tried going to church (more than once), but because of his tattoos on his neck and arms ladies in a local church moved away from sitting by him, others shunned him. He shares that He believes in God, loves God, and watches every video JeJe makes (anticipating the next). But he does not want to attend church and open himself up for rejection again. Truly heart breaking.

I often forget how powerful kind words can be to a hurting soul….Yet from my own experiences know how precious and soothing they are. “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24

Just to stop and let someone know “I see you,” “I care about you,” “Is there something I can help you with today,” or “I am so glad you are here today.”

Often, us regular attendees get caught up in our special groups – and that’s okay to fellowship and have a great time in the Lord – but we must purpose in our hearts to pull those on the fringes in. That’s the heart of Jesus. That’s the Jesus that went to Zacheus’ house, that went out of His way to reach the Samaritan Woman at the Well, that stood in the street defending the woman caught in adultery without judgment or prejudice (“who is able to throw the first stone?”).

The enemy can take a person’s hurt and build spiritual strongholds. He is the master deceiver, liar, and manipulator. And his greatest work can be done in our hurts and fears (minds and emotions). The only successful way to battle a lie, is with the Truth – Jesus. When we share the Truths of God’s Word with someone, it is a counter attack to the lies of the enemy. As victims of hurts and pains and makers of grave mistakes, we need to memorize key Scripture to battle the lies. We need to hold every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5), asking Jesus to speak His truth to our hearts and minds. And the result will be nothing other than a victorious life.

God created us for fellowship with Him and others. He doesn’t want us to go it alone (see Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). He knows that we need to help one another, and we need to ask for help too.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Maybe you feel ill equipped? Jesus doesn’t call the perfect. He calls the willing/available. Just look at the Sons of Thunder (James and John) and Peter – the guy who cut the ear off of the centurion. We lean into the Holy Spirit for strength and wisdom. The more we allow the experiences and pressures of life to force us to press into Him, the more we become like Him.

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.” 2 Corinthians 4:7-12

In closing, I share this fun story with you: The Jejeran’s are often “strangers,” stepping into many new church environments to serve, share, speak, etc. People don’t know us, but it’s important for us to minister to them, to be open/ready to be humbly used by Jesus in these environments, to be the aroma of Christ wherever we go (Ephesians 5:2). It can be a challenge for me at times, as the enemy whispers lies of rejection and I often want to “retreat” or hide in a corner. But, I have to be prepared with God’s Truths to counter those lies; memorize Scripture about how I am “beloved,” “accepted,” and of value to Jesus (He left Heaven and died for me). God brings victory every time I walk in His Truth.

My husband, however, is different. He is especially sensitive to individuals in crowds who are maybe alone or hanging out on the fringe. He has a HUGE heart for the lost and the hurting because he wants them to experience fullness of life in Christ Jesus. He is patient and without prejudice (that’s probably why we are still married ;o).

On one occasion, he was asked to teach at the men’s breakfast at our home church. People there don’t see us regularly and many don’t know us if they saw us (we are nobody’s for Jesus) – totally normal and understandable. The leaders at the event were busy serving and ministering to others. My husband grabbed his breakfast plate, walked into the church café, and found where he wanted to sit – by the guy eating alone in the far, back corner of the room. He asked permission to join the man, who readily complied. They enjoyed nice fellowship as they ate together, and it was nearing time for JeJe to teach so he excused himself. The man was surprised to find that JeJe was the main speaker that morning, yet had taken the time to sit and visit with him. Before JeJe left the table, the man asked JeJe, “Do you like hockey?” To which JeJe smiled and replied, “Not really, but my wife sure does.” The man blessed us with 4 tickets to the Playoff game for the Anaheim Ducks (I’m a Kings fan but was happy to cheer for Nashville :0). The next day, we drive to the Honda Center and discover we have parking next to the entrance door because our seats are center of the Executive Club level, AND we each have cash value towards the purchase of food and snacks. What ?!?!?! I love how God gives us these great “God stories” – we have many, many, many amazing ones over the past 25+ years.

“We love, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 Not because He might bless us with hockey tickets (although they were pretty cool), but because we want to honor Him with our good works by living in obedience to Him. Matthew 5:14-16 tells us, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

***If you are struggling with hurts, pains, strongholds, bad memories of a wrong done to you, addiction or any other immorality, there are many in church who love you and want to help you. Jesus is the Healer and the Forgiver. But He does also give us others who have walked similar paths to help us on ours. Reach out to me and I can help (always free), or I can put you in touch with someone else who can.

Sunday is Coming...and we need to be in church!

People often talk to me about the reasons why they don’t go to church; the main reason I hear repeated is that they have been hurt by people in the church.

People are killed in car accidents every day, yet every day, we still get in our cars and drive.

I get your hurt. I understand and sympathize with you. I grew up in church and was hurt by many people there, especially family members. The people who I have been counseled by, who have heard my life story, are astonished that I go to church and am involved in full time ministry because I had so much emotional and spiritual abuse from church people (I will explain in a later article). But I don’t get any of the credit. It is completely by the grace and mercy of God in my life, and through His healing of my wounds, that I can walk in victory today. What was meant for evil, God turned for good – Genesis 50:20.

The one, most important thing about going to church: we go for Jesus. Not for anybody else. Not even ourselves. Because if we go to church with looking for what we are going to get out of it, we will be disappointed every time. Church is full of people, like you and me. Most of whom are carrying their own hurts, wounds, and un-repentant sins. You can’t live in a broken and fallen world and not be affected by it; some more than others, some less than others. It also has people who have been healed by Jesus, people who have found forgiveness and redemption in Jesus, and people who want to love, help, and serve others. We all need love, patience, and to continually be directed to THEY WAY HIMSELF (JESUS). I am so thankful for the people God has put in my life that love and are patient, merciful, and kind. The Beatitudes (Jesus giving the one, perfect life sermon on the mount) lays it all out so beautifully for our lives:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

“Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Matthew 5:3-12

Our first (again most important) reason for going to church is because God Himself wants us there, and we must be obedient to Him because we love Him more than anything/anyone. He does not want us to forsake gathering together: “Let’s hold firmly to the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:23-25

Jesus promised in Matthew 18:20, “Where 2 or more are gathered in His Name, there He will be.” Are you looking to hear from God? To have Him speak to your heart? Yes, He can do it anywhere He pleases. But He specifically promises to be in our midst (by His Holy Spirit) when we gather in His Name.

Another reason to be in church: We need one another. 1 Corinthians 12 talks about the body, it’s uses, and us being united in one Spirit. Then Paul closes it with “yet I am going to show you a much better way.” He then proceeds to give us 1 Corinthians 13 – where in 12 verses, we are given the perfect picture of what our love for one another should look like. We can do a whole lot of things in church, and have all kinds of gifts, but if we aren’t first loving the Giver of the Gifts in personal relationship with Him, we won’t be able to love others around us.

God never intended for any of us to go it “alone” (Ecclesiastes 4 – two are better than one). You and I should have the heart and mind of Jesus and walk into church looking to serve and be a blessing.

There is no perfect church. We won’t have that until we are all perfected in eternity, in Christ’s Kingdom. (Revelation 21). There is no perfect pastor. Only Jesus is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for us (John 10). There are plenty of people throughout the history of the church who have given it shame (that is what satan is in the business of doing, ruining and destroying anything having to do with Christ-dom). But you cannot let anyone or anything come between you and your relationship with Jesus. Trust Him to deal with those things. Your job is to obey and please Him. He took care of all of Israel’s enemies throughout history, battle after battle, so He can certainly handle the people that come against us.

Find a church where the pastor is preaching from the Word of God (straight from the Bible), with the power of the Holy Spirit (trust me, you will know), and where you see that pastor loves and is submitted in obedience to Jesus. I don’t agree with everything that I see or that goes on in church, but guess what? I am not always right, and my pastor and the elders need my prayers. It is not easy being in the pastoral position, but I see God working in and through my pastor’s life because he has displayed his commitment and love for Jesus Christ in very real ways. He is not perfect; the first time we met him, he humbly confessed that he wasn’t. But I have seen the results of my prayers for him. God works in his life and heart. As I pray for my pastor, God works in my heart as well, speaking His Truth about situations that I don’t know all the details about, but He does. He gives me His perspective and heart.

If you ask God to lead you to the right church for you, He will. Warning: satan doesn’t want you in church. He is going to do everything he can to discourage and lie to you about it. He knows how powerful it will be for your life. Make a plan, make some friends in church you can be accountable to, go with someone else and be an encouragement to one another in going. There will be many days you won’t feel like going. But, I can tell you some of my greatest life break throughs came on those days—I went anyway and God blew me away! Going to church is much more important than any of the other activities we have come up. I promise you will see the blessings and benefits of obeying God in this area.

Going to church must be a priority because God Himself is our priority. It is not about the building, but the people. You may find a home fellowship, you may go to a large church body or a small or a medium one. Just ask God where He wants you to be. He will not turn away a sincere heart. He will lead you to where He wants you to be. Get to church and walk in the peace and blessedness of the Lord Jesus.

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so must you do also. In addition to all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ, to which you were indeed called in one body, rule in your hearts; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:12-17

**if you have a physical disability or are without transportation, call local churches until you find one that has someone who can give you a ride or help you get there. I know our home church always has individuals ready to help those who need transportation, and I know of several churches that offer free transport to elderly and handicapped.