Faith Makes All Things Possible!

When was the last time you heard someone say, “I can’t?” Or perhaps you recently heard someone remark, “That’s impossible!” Many times in life, we find ourselves faced with challenges that truly seem insurmountable. Our family may have unreasonable expectations of our abilities, our boss may ask too much of us, and our friends may become disappointed if we cannot be there for them every single time they need us. God may often give us a task that seems impossible. But it is in these moments when we feel so unqualified, so insignificant, that God reminds us that He makes all things possible. In our own strength, we can do nothing, but with God’s strength, we can do anything! By putting our faith in God, all things become possible!

One of the prime examples of the impossible becoming possible comes from the book of I Samuel. A young man by the name of David finds himself in the midst of a battle. Completely unprepared for the encounter, he is pitted against the largest man on the opposing side: Goliath. Now Goliath is a giant, both literally and figuratively. The Bible calls him a “champion” and says that he stood at a height of 9’9” or 3 meters (I Samuel 17:4). Compare Goliath to David, the youngest son of Jesse, one of Saul’s servants. David does not spend time on the battlefield, but spends most of his time tending his father’s sheep. When David says that he will fight the Philistine, even King Saul himself is doubtful of David’s ability to conquer the giant. Saul said, “‘You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth’” (I Samuel 17:33). Even so, David has something that Goliath does not have: faith in God.

David knows that God will protect him from all harm, just as He promises in His Word. He said, “‘The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine’” (I Samuel 17:37). David is offered Saul’s very own tunic, as well as a bronze helmet, coat of armor, and sword. But he wasn’t used to all of that heavy equipment. Instead, he goes down to the stream and collects five smooth stones. He didn’t use special armor. He wasn’t carrying any high-tech weapons. He did not even wear a helmet. He had a slingshot, some small stones, and faith that could move mountains. Most importantly, he knew that the true and living God would be his shield in battle.

David wasn’t acting out of naivety or inexperience. He was acting on faith. Goliath approaches him with his shield bearer going before him, taunting David as he sees this inexperienced warrior bringing “sticks” into the battle (I Samuel 17:43). But David was not deterred by Goliath’s unfavorable commentary. David simply states, “‘You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied’” (I Samuel 17:45). David had faith that God would carry out His plan. Although he may have been scared or worried, he remained faithful, confidently relying on God’s power to bring him to victory.

What if we had such great faith? How would our lives be different if we had faith that a few small stones would slay a giant standing in our way? David did not have any superpowers. He was just an ordinary human being whom God used to accomplish something truly extraordinary. Through faith, David became a high ranking officer in Saul’s army. But his greatest accomplishment was that he obeyed God and God honored him because of his faithfulness.

God will do the same for you. Whatever you are going through, God is looking out for you. He wants to be your shield in battle, your rock that you can stand on, your shelter from the storm. Have faith that God will make all things possible. Matthew 17:20 says, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Have faith that God will be with you, every step of the way. With faith in God, the impossible becomes possible!

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer

Breaking the Box

When was the last time you thought “outside the box?”  The idea of thinking outside of the box is thought to have originated in the 1970’s or 1980’s when corporations challenged employees to complete the infamous “nine dots” puzzle as an exercise in lateral thinking.  Today, the phrase is widely used to refer to anyone showing an ability to see the big picture or be extraordinarily creative.  While thinking “outside the box” is definitely a sign of individuality, there is one action that goes beyond simply being outside the box.  Sometimes, you have to give all that you have to give, holding nothing back, and boldly break open the box.

In the books of Mark and Matthew, we read of a woman whom Jesus’ disciples rebuke.  Why?  All because she breaks open a box of perfume.  Mark 14:3 (NIV) says, “A woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard.  She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.”  She didn’t just think outside the box.  She broke open the alabaster jar (or box), pouring out the contents on Jesus’ head.  While it was customary back then to anoint someone with a drop or two of essential oil when they entered your home, no one would have thought to literally pour this potent liquid on someone’s head.  This perfume was made from the Nard plant found in the Himalayas that grows at an altitude of 3000-5000 meters.  Imported from India, the perfume is created by crushing and distilling the roots of this plant to create an amber-colored essential oil.  In other words, this was not your average perfume found at the local drug store.  It was quite expensive and is not something that would have typically been poured out so freely.  Jesus’ disciples knew this all too well.

The disciples said, “‘Why this waste?’ they asked.  ‘This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor’” (Matthew 26:8-9 NIV).  Besides the monetary cost, the scent of this perfume was very strong, and likely lasted for up to ten days.  One or two drops would have been adequate.  Because of the customs in place at the time, the disciples did not see the need for such drastic measures.  I’m sure they thought, yes, this is Jesus our Lord, but one or two extra drops would be just fine!  He will understand.  There is no need for extravagance here!  But this woman did not just want to give a little.  She wanted to give a lot.  She wanted to be extravagant because God showed extravagance in His love for her.  This woman knew that the One she anointed was worth it all.  He was a priceless treasure, unlike the perfume she used to pour on Jesus’ head.

The perfume she used was estimated to have cost more than 300 denarii, which would have been equal to the average person’s yearly wages.  What would your husband, your wife, your family, or your friends say if you spent a year’s wages all at once?  Just imagine.  One decision and every penny you worked so hard for over the course of the entire year is gone.  Yet, she did not have any hesitation.  The Bible says she “came,” “she broke the jar,” and “poured the perfume on his head.”  It doesn’t say that she stopped to think about what she was doing, or that she poured a little bit first and then slowly drained out the rest of the container.  She knew what she must do.  She came there on a mission.  She had no doubts, no fears, and no concern for what others thought of her.  She knew that she was in the presence of the Lord God Almighty and that was enough for her to break open the box and give her all.

Although this woman is unnamed, she will always be remembered as someone who did not just give a little to Jesus; instead, she gave everything she had.  Jesus recognized the greatness of her kind gesture.  Jesus said, “‘Why are you bothering her?  She has done a beautiful thing to me” (Mark 14:6 NIV).  Jesus does not tell her that she should have sold the perfume to give to the poor.  Instead, He tells them that they will always have the poor with them, but that He will not always be there (Mark 14:7 NIV).  The woman’s action was in preparation for His burial.  Soon He would be crucified.  The woman gave a year’s salary to prepare Him for the difficult task ahead of Him.  Yet Judas Iscariot agrees to hand over Jesus to the chief priests for only thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15 NIV).  By comparison, this would be about $15 worth of silver today.  The woman spent a year’s salary to anoint Jesus.  Judas received fifteen dollars to betray Jesus.  He sold Jesus out for the price of a pizza.  But the woman essentially empties her pockets in an effort to show her love toward the Savior.  In doing so, she finds favor in the sight of the Lord.

Jesus says, “'She did what she could'” (Mark 14:8 NIV).  Jesus doesn’t say that she did a little bit.  It doesn’t say that she should have done more.  No.  It says she did what she could.  She gave all that she had to give.  There was nothing left.  She held nothing back, she didn’t show any restraint.  She put herself out there and boldly broke open the box and poured all of the perfume on Jesus’ head.  Jesus recognized the magnitude of her generous deed.  Jesus said, “‘Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her’” (Matthew 26:13 NIV).  This woman’s boldness and compassion for Jesus is still being remembered more than 2,000 years later.  All because she disregarded the opinions of others, ignored the rebukes from Jesus’ disciples, and broke open the box for Jesus.

Often times, we worry about what other people think.  We worry about what they’ll say about us, or whether they will even like us.  We may even alter our conversations just to be more in tune with what they want to hear.  Telling others about what Jesus Christ has done in our lives often becomes a cumbersome task, even if we are among other Christians.  People squirm in their seats when the name of Jesus is mentioned or when the Holy Spirit is talked about.  But the Bible declares that we are to boldly go into the whole world and preach the Gospel (Mark 16:15 NIV).  We are called to tell other people about the saving grace of knowing the one true God.  We can’t just sprinkle in a few words here or there like the disciples thought the woman should have just used a small amount of perfume.  We need to pour it all out.  We have to break open the box, laying all of the cards out on the table, and share the plan of salvation with others before it is too late.

There is no cost too great.  There is not one thing in this world that is more valuable than a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.  There is nothing on this planet that should come between us and witnessing to someone in need.  We need to get outside of the box, pick up that box, and break it open for Jesus.  We need to be a bright light in this sea of darkness we find ourselves living in.  We need to disregard the opinions of others and focus on the One who truly matters: Jesus Christ.  By living our lives fully dedicated to the cause of Christ, we will be blessed abundantly.  By giving all we can, holding nothing back, we can live a life according to the will of God.  I challenge you to tell someone about Jesus Christ today!  Be bold, stand firm, and break open the box!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Pray Now!

When was the last time you told someone that you would keep them in your prayers? If you’re like me, you may do this very often. But when was the last time you actually stopped for a moment, amid your busy schedule, and prayed for them right then and there? Recently I spoke to someone on the telephone who asked to pray for me and I also prayed for them. We both stopped, took the time to pray that God would bless each other’s families and ministries. It only took a moment of our time, but what a blessing it was to join together in prayer to our Heavenly Father. The Bible says where two or three gather together in His name, there He will be in the midst. I know for certain that He was in our midst as we prayed that day. We didn’t just make a promise to pray later. We determined in our hearts to pray now.

Have you heard of Epaphras? While he is only mentioned three times in the Bible, he is truly what we would deem a prayer warrior. For his ministry was one of truly gigantic proportions because he knew the secret to touching God with his prayers. We don’t know much about him, other than the fact that we know he traveled with Paul as a fellow servant of Christ. Paul wrote concerning Epaphras, “He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured” (Colossians 4:12 NIV). Epaphras didn’t just tell someone he would pray for them. And he didn’t just pray once in a while. He prayed always. He was “always wrestling in prayer” (Colossians 4:12 NIV). Paul compares Epaphras’ prayer time to that of a wrestling match. Epaphras struggled and fought, making sure that every word uttered to Heaven counted. He knew the power of prayer and he knew that it required concentration, stamina, and strength, just as a wrestler would need inside the ring.

Sadly, it’s hard to find any Epaphras’ in the world today. For there are not many people who will set aside time every day for uninterrupted prayer time. While I certainly pray every day, I am also guilty of not setting aside enough time to pray each and every day. There are work and school schedules, church functions, meal times, and so many other things that must be attended to in our daily lives. But even in the midst of the hectic rat race we find ourselves in, one thing is clear: there is always time to pray. Through prayer, we can see our lives change for the better. Through prayer, our grief turns to joy, our tears turn to smiles, and our wayward loved ones can find their way home. You may have seen it on a bumper sticker, a bookmark, or a t-shirt, but I know firsthand that this motto rings true: Prayer truly does change things.

My parents prayed for me when I was born. The doctors gave up on me. My parents did not utter some complicated prayer out of a prayer book. They prayed, “Jesus help.” Jesus used these two words to change my life. He answered their prayer when they heard what sounded like a small kitten coughing. While it was a long road in the neonatal center, baby Jennifer finally got to come home. The doctors may have given up on me, but my mom and dad joined together in prayer. Two people were praying on my behalf, with Jesus Christ in their midst. And He heard their cries. I thank Him every day for giving me the opportunity to live. I know that I have a purpose on this earth and I take every chance I get to tell others about the saving grace and love and mercy of Jesus Christ. He is the reason I am alive today. And I am living proof that He answers prayers!

But even though we know that He answers prayer, it seems it’s hard to find time to follow the advice given in the book of Hebrews that tells us to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16 NIV). We may spend hours at ball games, watch numerous television shows, and ride in our cars for long periods of time, yet the majority of us cannot give even 15 minutes, half an hour, or an hour to Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Even Jesus had a difficult time convincing His disciples to pray for an hour with Him shortly before He was to be crucified. The Bible says, Jesus “returned to His disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?’” (Matthew 26:40 NIV). He went away to pray two more times and each time, came back to find that their eyes were heavy and that they had fallen asleep. Jesus tells His disciples, “‘“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.’” (Matthew 26:41 NIV).

When I read this passage, I am reminded of the exercise bike that I purchased a while back. I thought it would motivate me to exercise, having it sit in my living room. I always plan to ride it in the evening while watching television. I have “good” intentions. While I plan to ride it, I always find an excuse: I’m too tired; I’ll ride it tomorrow, and many others. My spirit is willing, but my flesh is weak. In the meantime, I am gaining no benefit from the exercise bike other than the effort it takes to dust it off, since it rarely gets used. In a similar way, Jesus is telling us that we may have good intentions to pray, but “life” gets in the way. Our earthly bodies become tired, too stressed, or complacent. Yet a life without prayer is one that can lead to temptation, as Jesus warns us. Prayer is the key that keeps us closer to Jesus and further away from evil.

No matter where you are in your life right now, Jesus loves you. He wants you to talk to Him, just like you talk to your family and friends. There is no need for an eloquent prayer. Just share your heart with Him today. Don’t be afraid to ask Him for help. Whether you are driving down the road, standing in the shower, running on the treadmill, cooking dinner for your family, going to work, or an infinite number of other things you may be doing, you can always pray. Maybe you’re sitting there, thinking, “I’m not good enough to pray. Jennifer just doesn’t understand. I’m a sinner and I know that Jesus would never want to hear from me.” Let me assure you, friends, Jesus Christ loves you and me unconditionally. It doesn’t matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done. Jesus Christ died on a cross so that we could have our sins forgiven and receive eternal life through Him. We are all sinners, but through the grace of God, our sins have been washed away. Don’t wait to pray to Jesus tomorrow or the next day, for it may be too late. Stop what you’re doing, call on Jesus Christ and pray now!

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer

From Impossible To Possible!

Have you ever wanted to tell God no? Has there ever been a time when He was leading you to do something, but you simply had no confidence in your ability to pull it off? Perhaps He wanted you to face your fears and speak in front of a large crowd. Or it could be that He asked you to volunteer your time to help those in need, time you didn’t have to spare. And He may have asked you to minister to someone while you were simultaneously going through a trial of your own. Although it may not always be easy, we need to follow God’s guidance in every aspect of our lives. We need to be willing vessels. As the song sung by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir says, “If you can use anything Lord, you can use me.” God can use us, right where we are, if we are willing to give our lives to Him. By trusting Him fully, we will experience the abundant life that He has promised us, assertively living our lives with the knowledge that all things are possible with God.

If you have ever had the desire to tell God no, don’t be downhearted. You’re in good company. We read in God’s Word of how Moses essentially told God no. God came to him one day and told him to speak to a large group of Egyptians. Moses immediately responded by telling God to “‘send someone else’” (Exodus 4:13 NIV). He makes a lot of excuses, saying that he has never been an eloquent speaker and that he is “‘slow of speech and tongue’” (Exodus 4:10 NIV). In the end, Moses’ brother Aaron traveled with him and did most of his talking for him. While things went okay at first, Aaron caused Moses quite a bit of trouble, even fashioning a golden idol in the image of a calf when Moses was up on the mountain (see Exodus 32:1-6 NIV). Surely this was not good publicity for Moses’ ministry, having his brother put up an idol that the people began to worship, instead of worshiping the one true God whom Moses and Aaron were there to preach to them about. But many of the problems associated with the partnership of Aaron and Moses could possibly have been avoided if Moses had not said no to God.

Think about it. What if Moses had said yes to God? What if he had put aside his fears concerning public speaking and being in front of a large group of people? What if he had fully trusted the God who created him? Moses was afraid and felt ill-prepared and inadequate. But God said, “‘I will help you speak and will teach you what to say’” (Exodus 4:12 NIV). God was on his side, but Moses let his fears get in the way. While we will never know what might have happened if Moses had said yes, it is a good opportunity for us to examine our own lives.

Let’s take a look at Newton’s third law of motion: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. While we are not talking about forces emitted on particular objects, the same theory applies. Everything we do impacts our future. Every decision we make can have a negative or a positive outcome. Saying no to God or saying yes to God can have a negative or positive impact on our lives. He knows the outcome no matter our decision, but He gives us the freedom to choose the direction our lives will go.

What about you? Has God called you to do something, yet you have repeatedly told him no? Has He placed a burden on your heart to minister to others who are sick, help collect food for the less fortunate, or travel to a foreign mission field? Maybe He has simply called you to help out in your local church, visit the home-bound and hospitalized members of your church, or call someone to encourage them during a difficult time in their life. Or has He called you to fervently pray every day for your family, your friends, your church, your community, your nation, or even the world? Whatever your calling is, don’t tell God no. He knows that you can handle the task. Just as He helped Moses, God will give you the tools you need to be successful. He is more than enough! As the Bible clearly states, “‘with God all things are possible’” (Matthew 19:26 NIV). So the next time God asks you to do something, go forth boldly and say, “Yes, Lord!” Then reap the blessings you encounter as God makes the impossible possible!

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer

Treasures

When you were a small child, did you ever dream of being a treasure hunter?  Of being that lucky individual who would find the elusive treasure map, follow the trail, and claim a chest full of gold coins, jewelry, or other valuables.  I’m sure many of us would like to strike it rich, whether it is through the good fortune of finding a lost treasure, winning a cash prize, or receiving a large sum from a lucrative donor.  But for the vast majority, the odds of our finances skyrocketing to new heights are quite slim.  Nevertheless, there are treasures awaiting us if we just take the time to look for them.  God’s Creation is full of awesome wonders that reveal His love for us in the most unlikely ways.

Think about the sand dollar.  Have you ever swum down to the bottom of the ocean and pulled one of these unique sea urchins up to the surface?  Or maybe you found the dried skeleton of one of these creatures on the shore.  Have you ever looked inside one of these magnificent works of art?  God, in His infinite wisdom, designed this creature so that it could breathe through pores that are arranged in a petal-like pattern.  He also gave it spines, so it could move about the seabed.  Perhaps the greatest feature of an sand dollar is the Aristotle’s lantern inside that functions as the sand dollar’s teeth.  For these amazing objects are shaped like tiny little doves.  Imagine...inside one of God’s intricate sea creatures, He placed miniature replicas of one of His beautiful birds of the air.  Surely this was not an accident, but instead, it was part of His divine plan.

Did you know that doves mate for life?  A female or male dove will not search for a second mate until the first one is no longer living.  They also cooperate and work together to build the nest for their young.  They are the true epitome of loyalty and devotion to one another.  Jesus told His disciples to emulate their behavior when he told them to be “innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16 NIV).  Even God trusted a dove to bring the olive branch back to Noah to let him and his family know that the waters had receded and that it was safe to return to the land.  Without doubt, this special species is a symbol of peace and is a treasure in the sky.  God trusted a dove with an important task, but I have a question for you and me.  Can He trust us?  Do we follow His guidance as the dove did after the flood?  Or do we whine and complain when He tells us what we should do?  Sometimes, it is easier to follow a treasure map than to blaze an uncharted trail as we follow the Holy Spirit’s leading.  Inevitably, though, it is through devotion to God that we will find genuine and enduring treasure.

Some people spend their whole entire lives looking for treasure, or searching for fame and fortune.  In the end, what truly matters is what we have done for the cause of Christ.  The things we accumulate in this world will not last.  Although many people have tried through the centuries, you cannot take anything with you when you leave this world and enter into Heaven or Hell.  Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV) says, “‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’”  You see, friends, you and I need to focus on the important things in life that will have eternal value.  These are the things that will last.  Instead of worrying about the kind of car we drive, the clothes we wear, or the food we eat, we need to focus on what we can do to share the love of Jesus Christ with everyone we meet.  The Bible says that our Heavenly Father knows our basic needs and that He will supply them (Matthew 6:32).  He knows our needs before we even ask.

What about you?  Are you tired of searching for a treasure that you cannot seem to find?  I don’t know what you may be going through in your life at this very moment, but I can tell you that I am 100% certain that Jesus Christ knows exactly what struggles you face.  He knows if you are dealing with financial burdens, physical or emotional battles, or something so difficult that you cannot even put it into words.  Just like He will provide for the sand dollars of the sea and the doves of the air, He will provide for you.  He knows your heart.  He knows if you are hurting.  Jesus Christ loves you so much that He gave His life for you (see John 3:16).  Call on the name of Jesus Christ today.  For the greatest treasure that any man can ever hold on this earth is not a chest full of gold, but the priceless knowledge that they have a personal relationship with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

My 100th Blog: With God, All Things Are Possible!

As I sit here watching the cursor blink on my screen, I am reflecting back on the past 99 blogs that I have written.  I’ve written about personal struggles, joyous occasions, and many of my favorite scriptures.  When I wrote my first blog, I had just watched the movie Julie & Julia.  In the movie, Julie writes a cooking blog.  So I decided I should have my own blog too.  I wondered if anyone would even read the words I wrote.  Inevitably, I have come to realize that God used an unlikely source, this particular movie, to lead me to write this inspirational blog.  As for my concerns that no one would read my blog, I have had over 44,000 readers so far.  You see, God can take something that seems quite insignificant and transform it into something extraordinarily monumental.

I am reminded of the stories we read in the Bible of the loaves and fishes.  The disciples told Jesus that the people needed to go to the nearby villages and get something to eat.  Jesus said there was no need to send them away.  He simply told the disciples to give them something to eat.  Jesus’ disciples nearly panicked when Jesus told them to feed the thousands of people.  What good would a few pieces of bread and a handful of fish do when there was literally a multitude to feed?  I can only imagine how stressed they were at that very moment.  I mean, they couldn’t run to the nearby Sam’s Club or Costco and load up a flatbed cart full of the necessary items to prepare a delightful meal of the highest quality fish and artisan bread.  Who knows how close the nearest market even was?  But they didn’t want to disappoint Jesus, the Lord of Lords and King of Kings.  I’m sure they held the loaves and fish in their hands, trying to come up with a plan in what seemed like an impossible situation.  Soon they found out once more that nothing is impossible with God.

When Jesus saw their concern, He said, “‘Bring them here to me’” (Matthew 14:18 NIV).  Before He had the disciples pass out the food, He gave thanks to God.  An act so small, saying a blessing over the five loaves and two fish, resulted in a miracle.  Matthew 14: 20-21 (NIV) says, “They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.  The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.”  God did not just provide the minimal amount to feed everyone there, but there were leftovers!  Imagine the disciples’ faces as they picked up the pieces that were not eaten because the crowd had had their fill.

Our lives are a lot like the miracle of the loaves and fishes.  Many times, we are given blessings or responsibilities that may seem small at first, but inevitably, every little thing we do for the Kingdom of God is epic in proportion.  I am reminded of the beloved song written by Kittie L. Suffield in 1924 titled, “Little Is Much When God Is In It.”  The chorus states:

Little is much when God is in it!
Labor not for wealth or fame.
There’s a crown—and you can win it,
If you go in Jesus’ Name.

Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord.  Whether your calling is to teach Sunday School, clean houses, collect donations for the food pantry, serve as a Wal-Mart greeter, care for the sick and elderly, or any other responsibility the Lord has entrusted to you, I want you to know that what you do matters.  Why?  Everything you do unto the Lord is noticed by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  He knows when you give someone a meal, when you smile at someone, and even when you whisper a silent prayer for someone on your mind.  One glorious day, we will lay down our cares and worries of this life.  Those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ will hear the words, “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”

While I pray that God uses this blog to encourage someone in their journey through life, it matters not whether it is read by 10 or 10,000.  What matters most is that I write it for the cause of Christ.  For only Jesus Christ has the power to use it to uplift someone who is downtrodden, bring hope to someone lost in a sea of despair, or encourage someone who is crying out to God for a much-needed miracle in their life.  I am just the messenger.  It is my prayer that God can use me as a willing vessel.  With Him in my corner, I know that this blog will make the next hundred and even hundreds more after that.  Why?  Because with God, all things are possible!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Get a Grip!

Have you ever become frustrated while trying to unscrew the lid of a pickle jar or some other container?  No matter how hard you try, you just can’t get a grip on the lid.  Yesterday one of my friends was trying to remove the lid from a travel mug and finally decided to wait until she got home.  We both agreed that one of those nifty rubber grippers we have in our home kitchens would likely do the trick.  And of course, if all else fails, we can always rely on the assistance of the man of the house!  In reality, life bears a striking resemblance to our attempts to get a grip on these various types of containers.  In the same way we experience frustration while trying to unscrew a lid, there are times in life when we become frustrated due to the circumstances surrounding us, to the point of almost giving up.  No matter what we do, there are moments when we simply cannot get a grip.

Whether it is a traffic jam on the way to work, a power outage right in the middle of dinner preparation, or a call from a telemarketer when you’ve just sat down to relax after a long day, there are always unforeseen things that happen to interrupt our otherwise routine schedule.  Sometimes these interruptions, though often miniscule and unimportant, become blown out of proportion when we are dealt one on top of the other.  It’s the same way with the pickle jar analogy.  Even though unscrewing the lid off of a jar should not be a big ordeal, it can cause severe frustration if multiple attempts do not produce success.  And while these daily interruptions like an unexpected phone call or an extra stop at a traffic light should not ruffle our feathers, there are times when all of the frustrations of the day and of life in general surmount to the point where we find it hard to keep things in perspective.  Although it is often hard to keep our perspective, we need to focus on Jesus Christ.  He is the Solid Rock on which we can stand, even in a world of uncertainty.

From the eleven o’clock news to the local newspaper, it becomes more difficult every day to come to terms with the troubling stories as they unfold right before our eyes.  A father takes his own life and the life of his children.  A prominent individual slanders the name of Jesus Christ.  A drunk driver causes a tragic accident that kills innocent bystanders.  Seeing all of the sorrow and pain in the world, it makes us wonder how this world can last even another day.  Jesus said, “‘You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed.  Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.  Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.  There will be famines and earthquakes in various places’” (Matthew 24:6-7 NIV).  But do not be discouraged!  You see, He also said, “‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world’” (John 16:33 NIV).  No matter what happens, there is hope in Jesus Christ.

What about you?  Perhaps you are fighting a battle of your own.  Maybe you are dealing with depression, feeling as if you cannot get a grip no matter how hard you try.  Every day, you try to focus on the positive only to drift back to those negative thoughts of disappointment and despair.  Or you may be struggling with an addiction, whether it is drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or even an addiction with food that is the cause of your obesity.  There may be moments when you feel that there is no point to trying to wean off of the habit, with the firm belief that you could never make a change.  You could be sitting in the waiting room, wondering when your family member will finally get well enough to come home, having been in the hospital for days or weeks or months.  It may seem like there has been no improvement and you wonder if they will make it through.  Whatever you’re facing today, don’t lose hope.  Jesus will help you cope with your circumstances.  He will help you get a grip on your emotions, your health, and your life.

Friend, I want you to know that everything is going to be okay.  I realize that life may seem hopeless.  Your mind is likely filled with doubt, having struggled with something in your life to the point of complete and utter frustration.  But even in the darkest of midnight, there is sunshine awaiting you.  Jesus Christ is the Light in a world of darkness.  Just like the times you’ve tried to grip the lid on a pickle jar, you might need some assistance.  Don’t rely on your own strength to unscrew the lid.  Rely on God, the One who created you in His image.  Isaiah 40:29 (NIV) says, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”  Depend on Jesus Christ who loves you unconditionally.  Whenever you’re frustrated to the point of wanting to throw the jar on the ground, or throw your life by the wayside, allow Him to be your strength when you are weary.  Allow Him to help you handle life’s problems as they come your way.  Allow Him to help you get a grip!  Even when you feel like you’ll slip and fall, Jesus will always be there.  Grip His hand tightly because He will never, ever let you go.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Be a Mountain Mover!

 

 

As a little girl, people always asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up.  While I considered being a veterinarian, lawyer, or nurse, I always wanted to be a teacher.  And I especially wanted to be a writer, singer, and musician.  Now that I am older, there is one additional occupation that I’ve determined to strive toward.  I want to be a mountain mover!!!

Now, before you start jumping to conclusions, please allow me to explain.  I don’t really picture myself sitting atop a gigantic piece of machinery, maneuvering dirt, rocks, and gravel from one place to another.  And I realize that no matter how hard I try, I cannot physically pick up a mountain.  Nor can I bring a mountain home from North Carolina, Switzerland, or any other gorgeous mountainous region that I have had the opportunity to explore.  A mountain is just a little too large to set in the back of my SUV and drive home to Florida.  Even though I would absolutely LOVE to have a mountain in my backyard!  I am not even talking about a literal mountain that may be standing in my way.  I’m talking about those mountains that I encounter every day.

In life, there are many mountains that we must climb over, dig through, or go around.  They do not have trees, streams, and waterfalls covering them.  Instead, they have sicknesses, financial crises, and other difficult situations that arise to create obstacles for us to traverse.  But even in the face of adversity, when the sun is going down, our alternate light source is burned out, and we still haven’t even made it to the top of the mountain yet, God is right ahead of us.  He is walking each step ahead of us to ensure that no danger ensnares us.  He will always be our guide, over mountains and through valleys.  And sometimes, we can just tell the mountains to move!

You may be wondering, “How could I tell a mountain to move?”  It’s very simple.  Matthew 17:20 (NIV) says, “‘I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you.’”  God’s Word is telling us that we can do anything!  Nothing is impossible for us, if – yes, it’s that little word “if” that seems quite big at times – if, we have faith.  Now, the good news is that God can take a little bit of faith and make it go a long way.

The scripture says we need “faith as small as a mustard seed.”  Did you know that the average mustard seed weighs only 0.002 grams?  That translates to 2 milligrams or 0.000070548 ounces!  By comparison, a U.S. dollar bill weighs 1 whole gram.  One single plain M&M candy weighs 2.2 grams.  But in order to move a mountain, we only need faith the size of a mustard seed!  Think about it.  God doesn’t require us to have the faith of a giant in order to move mountains.  We only need a small amount of faith to move seemingly insurmountable objects!

Recently, I wrote a song titled, “Pray and Believe.”  I pray that God will use the lyrics from the chorus will minister to you in a special way.

Pray and Believe

Words and Music by Jennifer Campbell/BMI

Chorus

Anything is possible,

When you pray and believe.

God still works miracles,

If you have faith to receive.

Don’t give up on broken dreams,

There’s still dreams left to dream.

For anything is possible,

When you pray and believe.

Whatever you may be facing in life, remember this one thing: God wants you to be a mountain mover!  Nothing shall be impossible for you if you have faith to receive the miracle that God has in store for you!  I know firsthand that many things in life are difficult to handle.  There will be times when you feel like giving up.  I want to encourage you today.  God will never give you more than you can bear.  God is greater than anything that may come against us – divorce, war, cancer, anything!  Have faith.  Pray.  Believe.  God will work a miracle in your life.  With a mustard seed of faith, you can move mountains!

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

The Starfish

I will never forget the story of the starfish.  Two people are walking along the beach.  As they are walking, they encounter a large number of starfish that have washed upon the shore.  One of them bends down, picks up a starfish, and tosses it back into the ocean.  The other person asks, “What good did that do?  Look at all of them.  That didn’t make a difference.”  The first person replies, “It made a difference to that one.”

What about you?  Would you pick up a starfish?  Maybe your starfish is not a starfish at all, but maybe God is calling you to telephone a friend who needs a word of encouragement or purchase a bag of groceries for the family next door.  Perhaps God has laid it on your heart to provide a meal for the homeless person you see on the corner each morning you drive to work, or to smile at someone who looks like they are having a bad day.  I’m sure many of us would jump at the chance to go on a mission trip to the other side of the world, or to provide clothes, household items, and food for a family whose house burned down.  While these things are certainly worthwhile, we need to make sure we do not lose sight of the daily blessing we can be to others.

When Jesus returns to this earth, the Bible says that He will say to those blessed by His Father, “‘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 needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me’” (Matthew 25:35-36 NIV).  The righteous will ask, “‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’” (Matthew 25:37-39 NIV).  Jesus will reply, “‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’” (Matthew 25:40 NIV).

When we help someone in need, we may not even know their name.  But God knows exactly who they are.  He knows whether or not we will help them.  And if we do help them, we are helping Jesus.  For whatever we do for someone in need, we are doing for Him.  So the next time you make a phone call to check on someone, visit the local nursing home, pay for someone’s meal, or simply share a smile to brighten someone’s day, remember, you are doing it for Jesus.  It may seem insignificant to you, but it is significant to God.  Even the smallest action, like tossing a starfish back into the water, can make a huge difference in someone’s life.  In the case of the starfish, it not only changed its life, but saved it.

In Christ’s Love,

Jennifer

Get Off the Horse

All of my life, I have heard how important it is to get back on the horse.   If a person is riding a horse and falls off, the possibility exists that they may develop a lifelong fear of horses if they do not climb back into the saddle right away.  When they are first learning to ride, or if they are training a horse, they may even have the unfortunate experience of falling repeatedly.  Yet, for all of the bumps and bruises, broken bones and concussions, they are encouraged to dust themselves off and ride again.

In reality, life is a lot like riding a horse.  If we get knocked down, we have to stand back up again.  If we find ourselves with our face in the dirt, we must find the courage to get up, wash the dirt off, and move on.  And if we fall into a situation that we cannot get out of on our own, we need to call on Jesus to help us.  Sometimes, we need to simply avoid the horse altogether.  When you look at the parallel between riding a horse and living life, there are times when it is not always in our best interest to get back on the horse.  For there will likely be a pivotal moment in all of our lives when all we really need to do is get off the horse.

Let’s look at the world of equines.  Would you choose to ride a bucking bronco, or would you prefer a trail ride on a well-trained thoroughbred?  Unless you are a member of the rodeo circuit, you would probably prefer a nice, relaxing ride on a gentle horse.  Surely, there would be less chance of you falling off the horse if you chose the latter.  Even if you wear a helmet, boots, and all of the appropriate safety gear, there still exists the possibility of sustaining an injury.  Either option comes with some risk involved.  Yet, by choosing the tamer horse, you can greatly decrease the likelihood of suffering a serious injury.  One wise choice could essentially be the difference between life and death.

We are faced with similar choices in life.  We may see the bucking bronco as the glamorous or adventurous option, failing to see the danger that awaits.  This “bucking bronco” could represent any decision we make in life.  It could be a decision to drink and drive, take drugs, or abuse a child or spouse.  Or it could represent a choice to consistently slander someone, ignore a relative or long-time friend, or hold a grudge against a friend or family member.  Because of our inability to see the consequences of our choice, we may encounter unexpected hurdles.  Each time we jump over a hurdle, we may fall off the horse.  Still, get back on the horse and persevere, hoping things get better.  We repeatedly get back on the horse, only to find that things get worse instead.

There are many temptations in this world.  Satan wants to ensure that you have every opportunity to take advantage of them, and he will stop at nothing to make sure you focus on the bucking broncos of life.  He does not want you to choose the straight and narrow path, but instead, he wants you to choose to travel down the wide road of destruction (Matthew 7:13).  Much like the bucking bronco, this path may seem alluring.  You may fantasize about what it would like to experience the thrill, but once you are on that horse, you may get bucked off and find yourself crumpled on the ground.  That thrill may cause you to get back on the horse.  But if you want to live your life, you need to get off the horse.

In reality, there are times when we shouldn’t get on the horse in the first place.  But if you find yourself on a bucking bronco, hold on tight until you find a safe place to dismount the horse.  And if you fall off, God will be there to pick you up and carry you along.  Psalm 145:13-14 (NIV) says, “The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.  The LORD upholds all who fall.”  Trust in the Lord today.  He will never disappoint you.  He has your best interest at heart.  He knows how to avoid the dangers of bucking broncos on the path of destruction, and He can show you how to enjoy a smooth ride on the straight and narrow path. 

God wants us to make wise decisions.  He gives us the freedom to choose our own paths, but He hopes that we will always have our best interest at heart.  When we find ourselves sitting atop a wild horse, getting bucked off consistently, we need to ask God to guide us to a place of safety.  Inevitably, the first thing we need to do is to get off of the horse and then stay off the horse.  Getting back on will only result in further disappointments in life.  Don’t be disappointed with life.  Look to God, the One who will never disappoint you.  No matter how many times you have fallen off the horse, God will take your brokenness and make you whole.

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer

Searching

Not too long ago, I spent quite a bit of time searching for one particular item.  I thought I knew where I had left it, but surely enough, it was not there.  Nearly an hour had passed, yet I had not located the item in question.  Finally, I gave up and decided to end my search.  It seems quite odd now, when I think about it, since I cannot even recall what the item was.  Something so insignificant now, but at the time, it seemed to be the answer to all of my problems.  Still, I could not find it, whatever it was.  And now, it doesn’t really matter at all.  Nonetheless, there are things in life that do matter.  Often, these things we search for are the keys to pivotal moments in our life.  Sometimes, finding these things is an easy task.  And other times, much like my experience with the unidentified object, the item we need seems unattainable, out of reach, and possibly lost forever.

What about you?  Are you searching for something?  Perhaps you are looking for something far beyond a missing sock, earring, or newspaper clipping.  You may be longing for your future husband, wife, or children.  Maybe you wish you had a home of your own.  Or it could be that all you really want to find is rest for your weary soul.  You may be holding on to the end of your rope, not even able to search for the things you need.  The disappointment and fear you have encountered in life could have you trapped, unable to find safety from your precarious position.  I am here to tell you that there is a way out.  As someone once said, when you’re at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hold on.  Hold on and call out to Jesus.  He is the One who can find exactly what you need.

No matter what you are searching for, Jesus Christ can find it for you.  There is nothing in all Creation that is beyond the reach of our Heavenly Father.  He knows when you will marry and who you will marry.  He knows if and when you will have children.  In fact, He even knows their names.  He knows when you will close the deal on a home of your own, or if it is better for you to remain where you are for now.  And without doubt, He can restore your weary soul.  Nothing is beyond His mercy and grace.  He can breathe new life into you, motivating you to enjoy the life you have been given.  He wants you to experience a renewal of joy, a blossoming of hope, and a bounty of peace.  Don’t suffer any longer, searching in vain for the things you desire.  Present your requests to God.  He will give you what you need and so much more.  All you have to do is ask.

God’s Word says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7 NIV)  Notice that this scripture does not say that we should wait for God to come to us and give us what we need.  Instead, it says that we should ask.  He wants to give us our heart’s desires, but we must go to Him and present our requests.  All He asks is that we talk to Him.  He wants to hear our voice.  He longs to listen to our problems, whether big or small.  He wants to help us find the things that are missing from our life.  It does not say that we should get into a frenzy, upset over something that is lost.  Rather, it says that we should seek the things that are lost so that they may be found.  Jesus will help us find the missing pieces in the puzzle of our life.  He knows where every piece is and He knows exactly where each piece belongs.

Finally, it does not say that we should wait for someone to open the door for us, meekly standing on the doorstep, never announcing our arrival.  When you go to a friend’s house, do you simply stand on their doorstep, wearing a hole in their welcome mat, hoping that someone will eventually notice your presence?  Certainly not.  Instead, we either knock or ring the doorbell, letting our friends know that we have arrived.  Likewise, Jesus does not want us to stand still, but instead, He wants us to knock.  If the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is on the other side of the door, wouldn’t you want to knock loudly, letting Him know that you desire His attention?  Jesus doesn’t want us to tiptoe and whisper in His presence, so as not to disturb Him.  It is His desire that all of His children should talk to Him daily, coming to the throne to tell Him our sorrows and joys.  Jesus loves us, and He welcomes our company.  As such, when we step up to His doorstep, so to speak, we should knock loudly.  When we knock, we can be assured that the door will be opened for us.

You see, God does not call us to be passive Christians.  God calls us to be active Christians.  He wants us to be proactive, always involved in the life He has so graciously given to us.  He doesn’t want us to sit on the back row, so to speak, watching our life flash before our eyes.  We cannot simply sit stagnant in one place, never claiming the promises that He has given.  We must reach out and claim them.  We need to be bold Christians.  God wants us to present our requests to Him.  If we need something, we are to ask!  If we lose something, we need to seek the Lord and then we will find what we are searching for.  If we are standing at the door, unsure of whether we should knock, we need to knock loudly.  Do not hang at the end of your rope; instead, go inside the safety of His arms.  Jesus Christ is waiting for you to ask, seek, and knock.  He loves you, whether you are emotionally drained and hanging by a thread, or if you are confidently standing at the throne of grace.  Don’t spend your life searching.  Seek His face, and the things you are searching for will be found.

In Christ’s Love,
Jennifer