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1.15.16 God’s Timing is Everything

Are you pursuing a goal that you believe God has called you to do, but it just isn’t happening? Do you encounter more struggles in the process to the point you’re questioning if God called you to do it?

I am working on a non-fiction book proposal for my Living Giving vision, a book entitled Only One Life to Give. I have been working on this for almost two years now. Though I have 15,000 words written out of a 50,000-word goal, it has been a significant expenditure of time with little outcome. Many of you know I have blogged on a variety of angles to this book. I have written on giving, the importance of tithing, and God’s call to be generous givers. I have shown you pie charts and strategies to change our family’s financial tree. I have plenty of content! I have solid resources to write an effective proposal for publishers. This is not a theoretical exercise. I have been executing this Living Giving vision since 2007, and I am seeing enormous results over the last eight years. I believe God has called me to share this vision with others.

However, there is a roadblock. For publishers to take a strong interest in my proposal, my book has to “solve a problem” for many. It has to scratch the proverbial itch. I have many ideas on why I think readers should pick up a book on Living Giving, but when I read it on paper, it just seems lifeless. Of course debt is a hindrance to giving. Of course you don’t know what you don’t know when it comes to what you can achieve for your family and God’s kingdom. The Bible teaches that without a vision the people perish. Money is tight for many people, so why do they even want to think about giving? If I’m not sold on the opening, why would I expect it to excite you enough to pick it up? Is this book supposed to be more inspirational or motivational? I can do that, but most people want to read something that meets a felt need for them. I don’t have my springboard in place for the rest of my content to fall into place.

Photo Courtesy @Flickr.com/Sybren Stüvel

Photo Courtesy @Flickr.com/Sybren Stüvel

When I look at the time and money invested in this process, I struggle with whether I have been a good steward of both. Ephesians 5:15-17 says, “Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” I wonder if I spent my time “wisely.” Did I waste it? Did God prefer that I redirect my zeal to write this book toward a different ministry that would have had greater impact? I don’t know. What I do know is that I don’t want to squander the gift of time if He hasn’t called me to do this.

I felt burdened by this, so I shared this scenario with a dear friend of mine. Why do I feel such a strong passion to share this vision, but can’t seem to get this off the ground? The book will flow once I have tagged the true felt need of my readers. But if God is not in this, I do not dare waste another minute on this project! I am at crossroads, and I need to discern if God supports this effort.

God must have prepared my friend’s heart in advance of my dilemma. She shared her wisdom based on similar life experiences. She said, “God has called you to write this book, but now is not the time. When it’s not in God’s timing, it’s like trying to make a square peg fit a round hole.”

No sooner did she say that, and Acts 16:6-10 came to mind. Paul knew he was called to share the gospel, but God kept redirecting him:

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phyrgia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Paul never questioned his calling to evangelize the world. He always obeyed God’s call, but didn’t always know the timing of when or where he was to go. His zeal first led him to share Jesus in the province of Asia, but the Holy Spirit was essentially saying not now. Then his passion led him to Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus basically communicated not now. Paul had no idea when God would allow him into those two areas, but he determined to keep moving. Paul never lost his passion for his call, but he was also accepting of God’s timing. The difference between me and Paul is that he accepted not now, and I did not!

My heart-to-heart with my friend helped me recognize that I was trying to push too hard instead of letting this happen in God’s time. The weight off of my shoulders melted away, and I have a complete peace about this process. I have a passion to share God’s vision, and I will continue to write in my journal until God’s voice becomes loud and clear. He may reveal what I need tomorrow, and it may be ten years from now. I will maintain a spirit of expectancy as I write. Meanwhile, I now accept that God’s timing is everything.

Have you ever passionately pursued a calling you believe God gave you, only to find it a continual struggle? How did you resolve it? Your thoughts and insights are welcomed below. 

 

Blessings,

Lee Ann

1.10.16 Daniel 9:20-27

Download Lesson: 1.10.16 Class Notes – Dan 9.20-27

Download New American Commentary (4 views on the 70 “sevens”): 1.10.16 New American Commentary on Four Views of Daniel’s Seventy Sevens Prophecy

 

LOOK:

God revealed the future of His chosen people in a vision to Daniel that is affirmed by Jesus in Matt 24:15. There will be an Antichrist who will appear during the Tribulation that will last seven years. All believers will be raptured by Christ so that we are protected from living during those seven years.

Do you have a saving relationship with Jesus? That’s what will matter if the Rapture occurs in our lifetime. In the meantime, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with as many people as possible.

12.30.15 Why Most of Us Don’t Achieve Our Goals

According to the Statistic Brain Research Institute, only 8% of people who make New Year’s Resolutions achieve them. Why do most of us quit before we barely get started?

Photo Courtesy@Flickr.com/nadap_usnavy

Photo Courtesy@Flickr.com/nadap_usnavy

I set goals every year, but like most of you, my zeal to do them starts to fade as the months go by. Never mind that I set SMART goals, i.e. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Forget that I calendar the sequential steps to accomplish them. I set myself up for success, but I lose my enthusiasm and don’t take action. Does that happen to you? Does it frustrate you? Let’s fix this.

I had an “aha” moment I want to share with you. I listen to podcasters like Michael Hyatt, Ray Edwards, and Aaron Walker. They are experts at goal-setting. They share their “secrets” on how to meet them. I read Start with Why by Simon Sinek two years ago to help me know my “why” behind every goal I set. But, Mr. Walker made a statement in a recent interview that grabbed my attention. He said, “Set goals that you WANT to achieve.” Aha! That may sound obvious, but it unlocks for me why most of my goals aren’t reached. The majority of my past goals were set because I thought I “should” pursue them.

Here’s the application for the lesson I learned. I trust it will be helpful to you as you set your 2016 goals. Set goals that are not driven by an underlying thought of “I should.” For example:

  1. Lose ten pounds by March 31, 2016 (because I should).
  2. Read the Bible in a year (because I should).
  3. Walk ten thousand steps a day (because I should).

Many experts add their own ideas for why most of us fail at achieving goals: no accountability, no tracking mechanism to measure the progress of goals, too many distractions in our environment, goals aren’t listed where you see them daily, etc. Those are all true. But if we WANT to complete our goals, the above reasons for failure are overcome by our strong desire to finish our goal. Nothing will stand in our way!

So, unless we WANT to lose ten pounds or WANT to read the Bible in a year, it’s not going to happen. Sinek’s suggestion to “start with why” is valuable, but to make it stick, our goals need a “why” driven by “I WANT to do this!” We can achieve the above three goals if they look something like this:

  1. Lose ten pounds by March 31, 2016 (because I WANT to look and feel good).
  2. Read the Bible in a year (because I WANT a deeper relationship with God).
  3. Walk ten thousand steps a day (because I WANT to enjoy the outdoors).

As we look toward 2016, let’s ask ourselves, “What goals do I WANT to fulfill that doesn’t have a hidden ‘should’ behind it?” Give yourself permission to pursue something you WANT to do. But if we create goals laced with “should,” then we have to muster up self-discipline and determination to keep us going.

Let’s make goal-setting fun for 2016. Let’s be honest with ourselves and make sure we know why we WANT to attain them. If you’ve already set your goals, I encourage you to restate them so that you have identified why you WANT to do them. If you set any goals grounded by “I should,” then toss them – unless you have an unlimited supply of willpower!

Are there lessons you’ve learned about goal-setting you’d like to share below? What is one goal you WANT to realize in 2016? I would love to hear one of your goals for 2016. I’ll start with a fun goal. I love jigsaw puzzles, but since my move to Austin, I haven’t put one together. I have a 6,000-piece puzzle portraying the Wedding at Cana that has been on my shelf for seven years. I need to buy a table to accommodate the dimensions of the puzzle and set it in a cat-free zone, but I WANT to do this!

May 2016 be your best year yet! 

 

Blessings,

Lee Ann

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.14.15 Would You Have Defended Two Muslim Women?

Two U.S. born Muslim women decided to have lunch at Austin’s popular Kerbey Lane Café last Sunday. Leilah dropped off her friend, Sirat. While Leilah was parking the car, Sirat stepped inside to get a table. An elderly white man inside the Café watched Leilah park the car and turned his attention to Sirat while he was waiting for his table.

“She should just go back to Saudi Arabia where she came from,” he said.

“Would you repeat what you just said?” asked Sirat.

“She should just go back to Saudi Arabia where she came from,” he repeated. “And the same goes for you,” he continued. “Do you have a gun on you? Just go ahead and shoot me,” he said.

By this time a Kerbey Lane employee seated him at a table. When Leilah and Sirat sought help from the employees about this man’s abusive words, they said there was nothing they could do. Leilah decided to approach the man, and he didn’t hold back. In front of the entire restaurant, he said the same things to her as he did to Sirat. And not one person stood up for them.

Sirat, in tears, turns to Leilah and says, “Just go. Everyone knows we were told very racist things, and this restaurant doesn’t feel the need to address it because who cares about us?” And somebody called out, ‘Nobody.’ And we left because it was true.”¹

Leilah, a Kerbey Lane Café Customer

Leilah, a Kerbey Lane Café Customer

These ladies went to Facebook to post their thoughts after being the victim of bigotry. They said, “We have never felt more dehumanized and humiliated than I did this morning.” They stated that the patrons silence was the most painful part of their experience.

Their story forced me to consider whether I would have defended them or not. Would I have been so stunned that I would have become one of the silent onlookers? What about you?

It’s obvious that tensions are rising in America. We take for granted the freedom and protection we enjoy in this country. But acts of terrorism are now too close to home, and we don’t feel the same safety in our own homeland as before. Muslim Americans, who have legally immigrated to America, are feeling increased hostility and persecution toward them. We read about radical Islamists who commit acts of terror, and we wonder if our Muslim neighbors share their ideology. It’s hard not to be prone to this kind of thinking. However, many of our Muslim American citizens are like us. They want to build a life for their families and enjoy peace and freedom. They want to make a meaningful contribution to our society through their work. They want their children to have the same opportunities to build their own future like we did.

How does our Christian faith inform us in this situation? These women experienced hostility and ill-treatment because of their race and perceived religious beliefs. Here are several passages to consider as possible applications:

Psalm 41:1 “Blessed is he who has regard for the weak.”

Psalm 72:13-14 “He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in His sight.

Psalm 82:3-4 “Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

 

I wouldn’t classify these women as “needy or oppressed,” but I do think they were the weaker in this situation. I believe God calls us to defend the weak, but how should that have looked at the café? If anyone had made a stand for these women, would that have provoked a man who was already antagonistic? Would a defense of these women escalate the situation? What if the man was carrying a gun? I bet there were patrons who wanted to help, but didn’t know what to do. Thus, they remained silent. Unfortunately, I think I would have been one of them. I wouldn’t want to endanger others by intruding in the situation.

But remaining silent is also problematic. As Simrat Jeet Singh, an assistant professor of religion at Trinity University rightly stated:

“Not speaking against prejudice when we witness it sends the message that we do not feel strongly enough about our values to stand for them. Remaining silent sends the destructive message to perpetrators that we agree with their actions, while also telling those who are targeted that we believe they should be victimized.”²

 

If a Christian response demands that we defend these Muslim women, as they deserved, how would it have looked? I am earnestly seeking an answer because this may not be the last time a situation like this could arise. There are multiple variables to sort through. I look forward to your thoughts. You may comment below.

 

Blessings,

Lee Ann

 

¹http://www.statesman.com/news/news/local/muslim-woman-recounts-bigotry-at-kerbey-lane-cafes/npddn/ 

²http://www.mystatesman.com/news/news/opinion/singh-silence-at-kerbey-lane-speaks-volumes/npfMz/

 

11.27.15 Would Jesus Welcome Syrian Refugees?

Our government leaders face a difficult decision on whether to allow Syrian refugees into our country or not. I appreciate the tension they face on our behalf. Do they turn refugees away to protect us as citizens, or do they allow them here to show compassion?

Photo Courtesy @ MilwaukeeJewish.org

Photo Courtesy @ MilwaukeeJewish.org

I wonder whether we would struggle with this question if terrorists had not bombed Paris. Suppose the Syrian refugees were fleeing their country because of oppression and lack of safety? If they came to us for help, would we be receptive? My hunch is yes. However, we do have the Paris bombings as our context. Now it appears we’re more resistant to allowing Syrian refugees into our country out of fear.

As Christ-followers how should we respond? I believe Jesus calls us to show compassion. Here are some key Scripture passages we can apply in this situation:

God expects us to show compassion.

Ps 82:3 – “Defend the cause of the weak and the fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and the oppressed.”

Ps 103:8 – “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”

Ps 146:7, 9 – “He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free. The Lord watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but He frustrates the ways of the wicked.”

2 Cor 1:3-4 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all of our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” 

Col 3:12 – “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility and patience.”

God made us in His image, so we should reflect Him by serving those in need. We glorify Him when we choose compassion toward others.

 

“Do Unto Others as You Would Have Them Do Unto You”

Matt 7:12 – “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Can you imagine having to flee your homeland to find peace and safety for your family? If you arrived on the borders of a foreign land, wouldn’t you want to receive compassion and mercy? These refugees are desperate for help. They must feel emotionally and physically exhausted. Let’s reach out to them and give them the help and care they need. All they have is the shirt on their backs.

Photo Courtesy @ Flickr.com Creative Commons in Bank Collection

Photo Courtesy @ Flickr.com Creative Commons in Bank Collection

“Whatever You Did for the Least of These Brothers, You Did for Me”

Matt 25:35-36, 40 – “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Matt 25:42-43, 45 – “For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in. I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”

The Lord is watching us. He knows who is taking care of the needy and those who have turned their backs on the hurting. He makes it clear that when we minister to the broken, it’s the same as ministering to Him.

 

“Love Your Enemies” 

Matt 5:43-44 – “You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: love your enemies.

The Syrian refugees are not our enemies. They are running from terror, not bringing it. They are not ISIS who pronounces us as their enemy when we aren’t looking for a fight. One way we can love the Syrians is to not label them as “potential terrorists.” They have enough stress without defending who they are not.

 

“Do Not Fear”

God is bigger than our real enemy, who is Satan. We are NOT up against “flesh and blood.” God is quite capable of protecting us as we serve those in need.

When God delivered the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, they were in unchartered territory. He gave them a set of rules to follow to foster community, one of which was “Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in Egypt.” (Ex 22:21) But here is what He promised to them as He led them to the Promised Land: “If you will listen carefully to what my angel says and do all that I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you.” (Ex 23:22)

Matt 10:26-28 – Jesus said, “So do not be afraid of them…Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

Satan is the author of evil and fear. When we Enemy ensnares us in fear, we are right where the wants us. Let’s remember that Christ who is in us is greater than he who is in the world! (I John 4:4)

 

Where do you stand? Do you think we should keep the Syrian refugees out to protect ourselves, or show compassion? If you have a minute, please share your welcomed thoughts below. 

 

Blessings,

Lee Ann