A Scar Named Grace

Passage: Psalm 84:10-12

Key Verse:

“For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.” V.11 (NLT)

I was gently pressing Vitamin E oil over the bright-red scar on my abdomen. It extended for about 5 inches and it was painful. It hurt to move, to sit down and stand up, to turn around in bed and to take a deep breath. My surgery had only been ten days before and this was the first time I saw the incision. Vanity chimed in and I frowned at the sight.

My daughters sneaked in behind me as I bathed the scar in oil. Their eyes got big when they saw the surgery site. “Wow, mom. It’s sooooo big!” said the oldest in awe. “Does it hurt?” asked the baby. I looked at them and nodded. “Yes, sweetie, it’s big and it hurts.” “I’m sorry, mom” were the next words from my sympathizing daughters. And that’s when I heard the Spirit whisper within my soul. I turned around and signaled them to get closer. “You don’t have to be sorry, dear. I actually like my scar. I even gave it a name.” “A name?,” little one said. “What is it, what is it?”, she urged with growing curiosity. “Its name is Grace,” I said. “For if I did not have this scar, it would mean that the cancer would still be inside me. It was God’s Grace that allowed the doctors to find it while it was still small. So now we have Grace to remind us of how good God is to our family.” They both smiled as they looked up at me. Big sister was the first one to say: “Hi, Grace!” Little one echoed big sister’s greeting. They turned around, skipping out of the room, happy to go back to whatever fun game they were playing.   

Grace. Charis.

The word is found 206 times in the King James translation of the Bible; 150 of which are in the New Testament. It has become one of the most popular subjects among Christian writers worldwide. In the New Testament, grace is the Greek term charis, and like our English word, it may mean “graciousness” “attractiveness” or even “charm.” But as  we consider the theological meaning of the word in the New Testament, it refers to the free, unmerited favor of God; to the favor or kindness given to those who can never deserve it or earn it by anything they do or refrain from doing. As Charles Swindoll puts it in his book The Grace Awakening, “Every time the thought of grace appears, there is the idea of its being undeserved. In no way is the recipient getting what he or she deserves. Favor is being extended simply out of the goodness of the heart of the giver.”

Grace is in the center of the gospel of salvation. The unmerited gift that was poured down at the cross to mankind is the greatest demonstration of grace ever given: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8 (emphasis mine.) But grace does not end with salvation. The “graciousness” of God is renewed every day towards His children. Truth being said, we live on grace. We may not always see it, but we know that God is in perfect control over our destiny and orchestrates all affairs to work together for our good and His glory. His grace accomplishes that.

Grace Does not Always Look Good

As I look into my past, I realize that God’s grace has often been hidden in situations that did not necessarily look or feel good. The pain and suffering of a betrayal that crushed my heart hid the wonderful grace of God, which spared me from marrying someone who was not His best for me. Because of His grace, albeit disguised in suffering, I married the man He had chosen for me from the beginning of time. He gave me grace and at that time, I did not know it.

The day I found out I had kidney cancer was a painful one to me. I hurt terribly and ended up in the emergency room. Before I resigned to the fact that I needed to go, I remember praying: “Lord, please take this pain away!” and again “Lord, please heal me. I don’t want to have to go to the emergency room.” I cried out to Him, curled up on my bed and waiting for His healing to take place. I quoted scripture. I prayed. And as I waited, in faith, for the pain to go away, it only got worse. As I gave in and asked my husband to take me to the hospital, I remember getting really upset. “I don’t need another medical bill,” I cried. “I can’t miss work!” And all along, I envision God looking down from Heaven and pouring down buckets of grace over my increasingly upset self. I arrived at the hospital and found out through the scan that I had an ovarian cyst that had burst. And… a…. tumor. An asymptomatic cancerous tumor, which would not have been found, had the Lord heard my cry and relieved the pain I had. He was giving me Grace and at that time, I did not know it.

So What is your Grace Scar?   

I know you have one. Or two. Or twenty. If you are a child of God, He has called you to be perfected into the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). In order to do that, we will need to be polished. And sanded. And there are some things that just absolutely need to come off. Completely. He envisions what He has created us to be and will do whatever it takes to perfect us. That is, if we let Him, because we do have the option to throw in the towel and quit. But if we don’t, and I pray that we never will, we must tell our souls that often our trials are God's grace disguised. In the process of sanding, molding and perfecting us, He is lavishly pouring it over our lives. It may not always look or feel like Grace, but we must trust that it is. For we KNOW that it is (Romans 8:28).  

Even today, as I write these words, the Lord has been working in my life in ways that are bringing change and pain. Again, this is not what  I had planned.  I am still in “God's waiting room,” as a sweet friend once put it. But because I can look back and see His love and grace upon my life, even when it did not feel that way, I am teaching my soul to look back, remember and trust. I don't like the pain and I won't lie to you: because I have a tendency to “make it happen” and “do something about it”, I have my moments when I get restless in God's waiting room. But as our key verse reminds me, my only job is to rest upon Him and not fight His ways. His face is upon me. He is holding my hand. He is molding me and changing me.  For “my God is my sun and my shield. He gives me grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.”

 “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10 (NASB)

Amen to that.

The War Against the Name of Jesus

Passage: Acts 4:13-31

Key Verses:

“But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.” vs. 19-20 (NLT)

Pastor Terry Sartain of Charlotte, North Carolina has ministered to police officers and their families for the past seven years.  During this time, he has always closed his prayers “in the Name of Jesus”. He can't do that anymore. The police department said that he can still pray, just not in the Name of Jesus. A Christian chaplain asked to pray is now prohibited to use the Name of the One who he prays to. This is just one in a growing list of  news articles describing situations where people cannot mention or pray in Jesus' Name. Christian students across the nation are constantly harassed for expressing their faith in the Name of Jesus. I myself have recently lost an opportunity to be featured on a public media outlet because my message was too Jesus-centered. And as we watch our society warmly welcome followers of Buddha, Al-ah, Joseph Smith or whatever other false prophet  this world has ever produced, I am troubled with the fact that other beliefs are free to express their choices, acclaimed and accepted by all facets of society, but Judeo-Christian values are ostracized and expressions of faith in Christ are even prohibited. From our national leaders to school administrators, everyone is open, accepting and understanding regarding various religions and cults. But, oh, the Name of Jesus! That Name shuts the doors of society's tolerance and entices hate and bigotry.

Although this not-so-veiled persecution is becoming increasingly popular in America these days, we should not be surprised. As we study our background passage, we realize that the apostles themselves were asked not to use or preach in Jesus' Name. The early church suffered intense persecution because of the Name. Many early church leaders and followers were killed because of the Name, including most of the Apostles. Throughout history and even today, many Christians have lost their lives because of the Name.

Really... What is it about the Name?

So if Jesus was just another prophet as many claim, why does the simple mention of His Name stirs up the seemingly peaceful surface of our “tolerant” society?

Behind the intolerance and hatred against Christianity, there is much more than what meets the eye. A while ago, I started to purposefully use His Name as I talked to people in secular settings. Instead of saying: "Thank God for this or that." I'd say “Thank you, Jesus!”. Or I would mention something very specific about my faith and deliberately use Jesus' Name. Each time I did that in a conversation with someone who I knew was not a believer, I would watch the person flinch and even become uncomfortable. The conversation would usually not last long after that. What started as lively chit-chat about trivial things would quickly end. I have no doubt in my mind that there is a reason for that. It's no problem if you talk about a higher being, "the man upstairs" and even mention God in your conversations. But the Name of Jesus is simply not welcome among those who reject Him.

Beyond the Meaning

Jesus' name means “the Christ, the Savior.” He who offered Himself as a ransom for our sins. The mere meaning of His Name is filled with power. For those of us who have accepted God's gift of salvation through Christ, His Name is the sweetest; for it opened Heaven's door and filled the huge gap that separated us from our Maker. But for those who deny God's gift of salvation, the meaning of Jesus' Name seems to be pointless. But still, when they hear His Name, they cringe. Why is it so?

His Name Represents the Presence and the Righteousness of God

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1 (NIT)

In this first chapter of John, the apostle refers to Jesus as the Word (Greek – Logos). He was present with God in the genesis of the world (Genesis 1:26.) The same verse in John 1 shows that Jesus and God are the same. Therefore any time we evoke or speak His Name, we are evoking the presence of God Himself. Moreover, His Name is full of the righteousness of God and as such, it exposes the wickedness of the world around us.

“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome.” John 1:4-5. (NIT)

Jesus' Name shines so brightly, that it drives away or exposes the work of darkness around us. The spiritual power of His Name makes the unrighteous uncomfortable, uneasy. Moreover, at His Name, demons flee. At His Name, the sick are healed and the lost find forgiveness and redemption. His Name is above any other Name that ever was or ever will be.

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.” Hebrews 1:3a (NASB)


It's WAR!

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.” Ephesians 6:11-13 (NASB)

Behind every person or regime that has ever persecuted the church and every judge or politician who intentionally misinterprets Thomas Jefferson's “separation of church and State.” Behind everyone who welcomes cults and rejects Christ; behind the surface of each one of these conflicts there lays a much larger plan than any of us can grasp. From Jesus' birth in Bethlehem and until today, the devil has used evil men to attempt to destroy the work of God. A demon-possessed Herod wanted to lay hands on baby Jesus and end God's redemptive plan before it started. And in our background passage, the Jewish leaders, undoubtedly influenced by Satan, sought to extinguish the fire of the early church.

Our fight is not merely against those who rise against Christ and His church, but nevertheless we must realize that we are at war and remember that we are soldiers in this war. It is not by chance that Ephesians 6:12 is preceded by the verses describing the armor of God. We are at war and the Lord reminds us in these verses that we must put on the armor, stand up for what we believe and fight. Boldly fight. Just like Peter and John did. Not leaning on swords or spears, but on the protection that Almighty God gives His children as we stand up for what we believe.

Are you a Mighty or Wimpy Soldier?

Can you imagine where we would be had Peter and John succumbed to the Pharisees' prohibition of mentioning the Name of Jesus?

Jesus died, resurrected, sent the Holy Spirit to fill the church with power from Heaven, then there comes a handful of Pharisees prohibiting the use of Jesus' Name. Imagine if Peter had said: “No problem. Let's just be politically correct and not mention His Name.” He would have been a wimpy soldier instead of a mighty one. The fire that had come down from heaven at Pentecost would have been contained. You and I may not ever have heard of our Savior.

That is exactly what you and I do if we passively allow our society and leaders to take a stand against our Christ and God's laws and silence our voices. When we watch people curse in front of us using our Lord's Name and say nothing, we become wimpy soldiers. When we vote for leaders who call our worship short-sighted and narrow-minded and at the same time support things that our God hates, such as abortion and homosexuality, to name a few, we become wimpy soldiers.  When we are afraid to be rejected by people because we don't participate in their lifestyle choices, we become wimpy soldiers. When we succumb to this world's pressures and pleasures and live unworthy of His Name, we become weak, ineffective, wimpy soldiers.

 
Peter and John Stood Tall

“I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Matthew 16:18 (NASB)

Peter and John stand as powerful examples of how each one of us should respond to criticism against our Lord. Their position was bold and courageous. I am sure Peter remembered Jesus’ words, as He promised him that the gates of hell would not overpower His church. And so Peter and John took a stand:

“Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge;  for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” vs.19-20

Just like you and me, Peter and John had experienced the power of God. They would not be silenced. They knew that God would be their protection against the powers of darkness. Therefore, filled with the Holy Spirit, they pledged to honor God regardless of what men might do. They knew that their God was above any ruler. “He it is who reduces rulers to nothing, Who makes the judges of the earth meaningless.” Isaiah 40:23 (NASB).

As we read the remainder of the passage, Peter continued his speech by reminding the church of their predestined purpose (v. 28) and asked for courage to speak with confidence (v. 29). Finally, as he spoke, the Holy Spirit shook the place, empowering them to continue their mission in spite of the opposition (v.31.)

As the world closes in on us Christians, despising what we stand for and exalting their idols and lustful choices, where will you stand? Will you become a mighty soldier of the Lord, putting on the full armor and standing boldly for His kingdom, even if you stand alone? Or will you shrink into a weak, fruitless, double-minded and contaminated soldier?

Stand, my friend! Don't let your heart and mind be divided. Commit to your principles, even if everyone else is against you. Allow no compromise in your life. And above all, stand, stand, STAND by the Name above all Names. Live to honor Him. Do not support anyone or anything that stands against Him and His principles. Stand in righteousness before Him, that He may fill you with His power, protection and more importantly, use you in a mighty way to bring glory to His Name and further His kingdom.

A little sparkle of light ends the complete darkness of a room. I pray you and I will choose to be a beacon of light wherever we go.

Miracle Babies (From the Archives)

Note from the Author:

This was one of the first devotionals I wrote back in 2010 in the beginning of my ministry. The Lord spoke to my heart this morning as I reflected on the fact that since I wrote this devotional, I have witnessed His faithfulness over and over again in the lives of three of my friends who have been praying and waiting for their miracle babies for over a decade. They have had their prayers answered by our wonderful, faithful God. In a sequence of miraculous events, one couple adopted their beautiful daughter over a year ago. Another couple is holding their beautiful new born daughter after waiting for many years to conceive. And another friend is delivering her miracle baby in early October. To God be the glory!

God is still doing the impossible, just as He did for Hannah in our Bible passage today. I hope you share this devotional with women around the world who have been praying for their miracle babies. As a matter of fact, I encourage you to share it with all mothers you know. Motherhood can be hard sometimes, and so it is good to remember that each of our children are indeed a miracle from God. Enjoy and have a blessed week!


Biblical Passage:
1 Samuel 1

Memory Verse:
"For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” Jeremiah 29:11 (Amplified Bible) 

Babies are miracles from God.

While all babies are indeed a miracle, some mothers understand this truth in a deeper level. I’m talking to women who have faced or are facing infertility, miscarriages, difficult pregnancies and medically impossible conceptions.

I don’t pretend to understand the longings of a woman who cannot conceive. My story is different. I was told by numerous doctors that I would not be able to get pregnant due to the existence of an infertility “perfect storm” inside my body. Between high levels of a certain hormone and serious endometriosis, my womb was allegedly“not able to hold an embryo”. That’s what the highly educated told me. My husband and I were told that before we even got married. So, my doctor could not explain it when I found myself pregnant soon after my husband and I decided we were going to try to conceive anyway. For reasons I will never know, I did not have to walk through the valley that some of my friends have faced or are currently facing. Although both my conceptions were “medically impossible”, the God of the universe knew better and had a different plan. My babies are miracle babies.

Then I ponder my older sister’s story. She was abandoned as a nine-month old baby in my mom’s aunt’s house. My mom was only fifteen years-old when she fell in love with Ana. A love story unfolded as mom promised my sister that whenever she got married, she would adopt her. So, dad proposed, knowing that when they came back from their honeymoon, they would have a nine year-old daughter waiting for them. My sister is a miracle baby.

I'm also reminded of the struggle a friend went through with infertility, painful treatments and miscarriages. She and her husband did not know that God's plan was for them to adopt a beautiful little girl from the other side of the country and change her life and their lives forever. In my friend’s own words, their daughter "could not be any more perfect". She’s everything they have ever wished for. My friend’s comment on the lesson she learned through her valley is sobering: “it’s not about pregnancy, it’s about motherhood”. My friend’s daughter is a miracle baby.

Then there is the story of another dear friend, who had a horrible pregnancy. During those long nine moths, she could not eat anything without getting very sick. She lost weight instead of gaining. We prayed for her and her baby for nine long months. She wasn’t sure they would make it. And now I see this handsome nine year-old All Star baseball player, running around our house playing with our girls. That boy is a miracle baby.

Through the valleys that so many women face with similar issues and watching the outcome in every situation, Isaiah 55 becomes personal to each one of us: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts”. We must remember to trust God for the outcome of our lives. We must trust God for our miracle babies in His time. Mostly, we must trust with all our hearts that God is working all things together for our ultimate good. All things. (Romans 8:28)

As you wait for your miracle,

Remember Sarah – and BELIEVE against all odds. God is able!

Remember Hannah – and PRAY without ceasing. God is listening!

Remember Mary – TRUST that nothing is too big for God. God is faithful!

And if God so leads you… remember Pharaoh’s daughter, who adopted Moses. EXTEND your hand to change someone’s destiny.  

Reflections for today:

For Mothers to be: Regardless of the valley that each of you are going through regarding motherhood, regardless of how and when God gives you your miracle baby, regardless of how long you have to wait or how much it hurts, you must remember that He is molding your character and increasing your faith through your pain and as you wait. I promise you will look back and thank God for the wait. Because you will fall in love with the little person God will give you in His time, whether he or she comes out of your womb or someone else’s.

Prayer:

Lord, help me learn how to trust you with all my heart. Help me to see through my pain and through your eyes as I wait upon you. I thank you God for the child you will give me. I trust you will direct my thoughts as you show me the way I should go. Mold me to be more like Jesus as I prepare and wait for my miracle baby. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For Mothers: Whenever our children disappoint us or irritate us, I challenge each one of us to go back to the day they were born and remember the love, the acceptance and the realization of the miracle that was given to us. Remember the grace and love that was poured into our lives. Extend grace, love and acceptance.

Prayer:

Lord, help me be the mother you have called me to be. Help me remember today that my children are a gift from you and help me be forgiving, gracious, patient, joyful. Help me be a mother who will reflect Jesus’ sacrificial love to my children. In Jesus’ name, Amen.