Stand Up for Jesus

All day I have had the song "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus" running through my mind. And of all things, it is this verse...

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,
stand in his strength alone;
the arm of flesh will fail you,
ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the gospel armor,
each piece put on with prayer;
where duty calls or danger,
be never wanting there.

For those wondering, that is the 3rd verse. I am Baptist, how did I even know the 3rd verse of a song??? Okay, that was a poor joke... Sorry. Now, back to the purpose of this blog.

As I have thought through this verse today, I realized that as Christians, too many of us have spent too many years not standing up for Jesus. For a long time, we probably didn't realize that we would need to. However, for the last several years, many of us have remained quiet because we didn't want to offend others. Now we feel like we have to remain quiet or else we will be attacked for our beliefs.

The time for being quiet is over! If we don't stand up for Jesus now, we may never be able to again. As I said in my last post, it is time we Christians put on our rally caps. It is time we get in the game and make a difference for Christ. We, of all people, should know that we have already won! We have the play book. God wins... Satan loses! The question is, are we willing to get in the game?

Look again at the verse above. The writer calls us to Stand up, but not in our own strength because that will fail. No, we are to stand up in the strength of Christ. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13.

Next, the writer tells us to put on the gospel armor. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; Ephesians 6:14-17

Finally, the writer tells us to stand up where duty calls or danger. We don't get a free pass on this one. We can't pick and choose the safe times to stand up. When we see something that goes against God's word, we are to stand up. The time will come when we will kneel before our God. I don't know about you, but I want to hear the words, "Well done my good and faithful servant."

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord ... that means we will suit up with the Armor of God, and Stand up, Stand up for Jesus!

Time to Put on Our Rally Caps

Jason and I met while playing church league volley ball. One of the first things I learned about Jason, was that when it is time to get serious about playing, he will turn his hat around backwards. We jokingly call it his rally cap.

This habit has not changed through the years. Whether he is a player or a spectator, if the game gets close, the hat gets turned around. (Let me add here, that in all sports except golf... rally caps and the gentlemen's sport don't mesh. Although, I am sure he has been tempted more than once.)

So why am I telling you this? No, it is not because of my beloved Razorbacks... sadly, I don't think there are enough rally caps in the world to help this season. No, I tell you this because the other night I glanced over at Jason as he was on Facebook, and noticed that he had turned his hat around. He was in a serious debate, and he meant business as he responded to a post.

I often tease Jason about Facebook being his pulpit. I tease, but in truth, I am very proud of him. Jason has a few Facebook friends that are atheists, agnostics, and people who claim to be Christian, but do not adhere to the moral codes as laid out in God's word. When Jason notices a post that is anti-God, he will comment on it. He has been in many debates over the last few years. He has been cursed at, and attacked personally for his Christian, conservative stance. He doesn't back down. He stands his ground, and backs his comments with scripture.

Not only does he debate these people... both his fb friends, and their fb friends ... he prays for these people. He realizes that he may never change the mind of some of the hardcore debaters he faces, but he is planting seeds. Not only is he planting seeds in the hearts and minds of those he is debating with, he is planting seeds in anyone who reads his comments.

I have shared with him before, that I don't know how he does it. It makes me sick at my stomach just thinking about some of the debates he has. The fear of being verbally attacked will often keep me a bay. Instead of studying and being prepared to back up what I believe, I back off. That is not right!

Jason shared something with me the other night that really impacted my way of thinking. He said to imagine what Paul, Peter, John, and the other disciples must have faced. You know they faced opposition to the gospel... yet they stood firm. God has not changed his instructions for us just because we are in the modern world. No, we are to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." (Mark 16:15) With the internet, this command is easier than ever... if we are willing to obey. We are also called to "always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you."(1 Peter 3:15) To do this, we need to know what we are talking about. We can't rely on feelings or hearsay. We must study, study, study. We must know what the world is saying, and we MUST know what God says. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

We are living in a society where it is not politically correct to speak out about Christian beliefs. Instead of quietly sitting by and letting it continue to happen, we all need to "put on our rally caps," and take a stand for God.

A Godly Man

My son, Ethan, gave an inspirational speech today about his cousin Daniel. With his permission, I am sharing it with you today. (Please note, this is my typed version based on his outline and comments)

Today I want to tell you about my cousin Daniel Eppinette. 6 years ago, I was the ring bearer at his wedding. Here is a picture of Daniel and his bride on that day. [He shared a wedding picture with his audience] The wedding took place in Fayetteville at a beautiful garden. It rained that morning, and Daniel agreed to pay extra for a tent to be placed over the guest seating. This was a big deal for Daniel, because he was VERY budget oriented. However, by the time of the wedding, the sun was shining, and it was a beautiful day. The tent was not wasted, it offered shade for the guests while they watched the ceremony.

Just over a year ago, I sat on the second row at his funeral. You see, just 6 months after his wedding, Daniel was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer.

Daniel fought for over four long years. He went through several surgeries, and numerous treatments. He did have one summer of remission, before the cancer returned stronger than ever. At the age of 30, my cousin went home to Jesus.

Throughout the 4 years of cancer, I am sure that Daniel must have asked God why? Yet through the pain ... through the surgeries ... through the radiation ... through the chemo ... through the loss of strength ... through the loss of weight ... through the loss of dignity ... Daniel never, NEVER lost his trust in God.

In the Bible, we know of another Daniel. This Daniel did not choose to be taken captive in a foreign land. He did not choose to be removed from his family and all that was familiar to him. He did however choose to trust God, and continue to serve Him no matter the circumstances. Just like Daniel of the Bible, my cousin Daniel, did not choose his circumstances, but he did choose to trust God and continue to serve Him in the midst of his circumstances.

Daniel was a witness to all those around him. Through his sickness, and through his death, Daniel was a testament to his Lord and Savior. Even in his weakest moments, Daniel put others ahead of himself. Each Sunday that Daniel was able to go to church, he could be found at the altar praying. Not for himself, but for his wife, parents, brother, grandparents, and others that were so faithful to help and pray for him. He prayed for his country, and its leadership.

Daniel spent time daily digging into God’s word. He kept a journal not only of his own struggles and emotions, but also of revelations revealed to him through the word of God. He openly shared the gospel with everyone he came in contact with. When Daniel became too weak to read and study himself, he requested that his wife and parents read the Bible to him. There was nothing more dear to him than the word of God. Though Daniel was only 30 when he died, he left a legacy of being a godly man.

Daniel left a great impact on my life ... Not because he was my cousin ... and not because he died of cancer ... Daniel left an impact on my life because of the way that he lived... even when he knew he was dying.

Face to Face or At His Feet

Through the years, I have studied the stories of Mary and Martha. There are three events recorded in the Bible that discuss these sisters. You can read them in Luke 10:38-42, John 11:17-44, and John 12:1-3. As I have studied each of these, I have noticed the way each sister approached Jesus each time.

I am going to start with Martha. She always approached Jesus head on. At her house, she was in the kitchen fretting over the meal, and upset with her sister for not helping. She went to Jesus, and told Him what He should do. She said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." Notice, she did not ask Jesus, she told Jesus. The next event is when Lazarus has died. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him. She met Him face to face to tell Him that her brother was dead. The final event, does not record Martha speaking with Jesus. It only says that she was there and she was serving. It is very important to note that Martha believed that Jesus was the Christ(John 11:27), and that Jesus loved her (John 11:5).

Now let's look at Mary. At the house, Mary was at the feet of Jesus worshiping and learning. At this Jesus said that "Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her." At the death of her brother, she did not approach Jesus until He called for her, and then she fell at His feet. Seeing her weep caused Jesus to "groan in the spirit and be troubled." Finally, in John 12 we see that it was Mary that annoited Jesus' feet with fragrant oil. You see, Mary always approached Jesus at His feet.

Face to Face or At His feet ... How do you approach Jesus? Are you like Martha? Do you meet Jesus head on with the solutions you have already decided are best? Or are you like Mary? Do you worship at His feet and know that what He has is best?

(This blog was originally posted in April of 2010 as "How Do You Approach God?")

Practicing Self Control Around Annoying People

Everyone knows someone who annoys them. Does your reaction reflect that you are a Christian? If you are practicing self-control, it does. You cannot always change someone else, but you can change the way you react to someone.

Galatians 5:22-23 The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentileness, and self-control. Against such there is no law.

If you are a Christian, you have the Spirit of God inside you. When someone is annoying you, the Spirit inside you still loves that person. No matter what our flesh is feeling, the Spirit is still kind and patient toward that person. If we allow our spirit to direct us, we can have self-control. Then our reactions will be in line with what God expects from us.

How do you practice self control?
In John 2, noticed what Jesus did before he drove out the money changers.

John 2:13-16 Now the Passover of the Jew was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers' money and overturned tables. And He said to those who sold doves, "Take these things away! Do not make My Father's house a house of merchandise!"

Before he cleaned out the temple, He made a whip. He removed himself from the situation first, and took time to make a whip out of cords. When you find yourself around someone who annoys you, excuse yourself and evaluate the situation.

While you are away, ask yourself and God these questions...

1. Is it really them, or is it me?
Have you done something to them that you need to get right with them? or Are they reminding you of something that you need to get right with God?

2. Is is something that needs to be addressed?
If so, what is the best way, time, and place to address it?

3. Is it something that you need to overlook?
Somethings just aren't worth the hurt it may cause. You need to ignore it and move on.

As you spend time "making your whip," God will help you better understand both yourself and the person who is annoying you.

Tip/Gratuities = Thankfulness for service

Ok, I am going to try to write this without the venting I feel like doing... please forgive me if I do not accomplish this completely.

Let me begin by sharing that my family enjoys tipping at restaurants. We are regular 15%+ tippers. On the occasions that the service is poor, we still tip. We figure that we don't know what the waiter/waitress is going through, and tip anyway. I honestly cannot remember when we have not tipped... that is until this Monday night.

We were in McKinney, Texas for my son's final golf tournament of the summer. Most of our meals during tournaments are quick and cheap (well if there is such a thing for a family of 4). However, we decided on Monday night to go to a nicer restaurant and be waited on. We decided on a Tex-Mex restaurant that we have never tried before.

The restaurant was nice, and the hostess was very friendly as she seated us. Then we met our waiter. First of all, he looked put out that he had to wait on another table. (By the way, it was a little later in the evening, on a Monday night... it wasn't busy at all.) As we were ordering our drinks, my husband ordered a half and half sweet tea. (In case you don't know, that is half sweet/half unsweet) He orders those every where we go, and has never had a problem. The waiter looked at him as if he had ordered something illegal, or maybe even immoral. Erin and I ordered sweet teas, and then Ethan also ordered a half and half sweet tea. The waiter snorted... out loud! I couldn't believe it. When he brought our drinks, he set Jason's in front of him, and stated in a rather rude tone, "here is your special blend." After placing our order, we laughed about it, and then visited over our chips and salsa.

Then... we needed refills.... As he refilled the drinks, he refilled them all with sweet tea. We decided he didn't like the "special blend" of having to pour from two different pitchers... but we didn't complain. We didn't even complain as he kept leaning over Erin, who was coloring, to pour the tea. If she had raised up, she would have been looking at his arm pit... can you say gross!?!?

Next came the meal... Erin is a very picky eater. If she doesn't like something, she doesn't want it on her plate. So I had ordered her meal with no rice. When her meal arrived, not only did it have rice, it was in the middle of the plate so that it touched everything. This is another no-no with my picky eater. (and yes, we are working on it.) I told the waiter that we had ordered no rice. After checking the ticket in a very indignant manner, he responded, "yes, yes you did." He handed out the rest of the plates. Then he said, "Well, is she allergic to rice?" I bit back my first thought of, "No, are you allergic to tips?" Y'all just don't know how hard that was not to say. Instead, I said no she is not. I then asked Erin if she thought she could eat around the rice. She agreed thankfully, and we did not send the plate back. After the waiter left, Jason and I just looked at each other in amazement.

We didn't see the waiter again until he dropped the ticket at the table. My writing is just not doing justice to the arrogant and rude manner in which this man treated us. The kids know that we are tippers. They also know that we pay with a debit card, and usually include the tip on our card. Ethan noticed that Jason left the tip line blank, and asked about it. Jason explained that a tip is given in appreciation of services rendered. We did not appreciate the manner in which we were treated, and therefore were not going to leave a tip this time.

You would think the story had ended there... nope! This morning, as I was checking our bank account online, something I do daily, I noticed that the waiter had given himself a $10 tip on our card! (For those of you wondering, that would be a 25% tip!!!) So, not only is this man a poor waiter, but he is also a thief! Yes, I will be calling and speaking with a manager today!

As I have thought about this event, I have thought back to one of my first jobs as a waitress. I was taught that I had to earn my tip. Now I realize that wait staff are paid less because the tips are figured in with their salary. I do not believe this is fair... however, I still believe that a tip must be earned. Even with the most disagreeable customers, the motto used to be, "the customer is alway right." Now, you rarely see such a thing.

I feel like this lack of service, and not just in restaurants, is just a sign of the society we live in. We have become a self serving society. We no longer recognize the need to serve others. If it does not benefit us, we are not interested. This is clearly against Biblical teaching. We are to serve one another in love. This is a lesson we all need to remember... yes, including me.

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galatians 5:13

An Important part of Marriage: Laughter

A few years ago, our family was going through a tough time. We had moved to a new town for a job that turned out to be a lot less than what was promised. We were struggling financially, and living in a town with no family or close friends. This was causing a strain on our marriage.

Though we both were praying for direction, for guidance, for deliverance... we both were also miserable. Jason, who is prone to worry (although this area has improved greatly) was trying desperately to "fix" the situation we were in. I am just the opposite of Jason, the forever optimist. I was trying to encourage him. However, I was not encouraging in a way that helped him. I was trying to give him pep talks. But to him, it seemed more like I was reprimanding him for not letting his worry go. I should have been listening instead of talking. Giving counsel instead of telling what I thought he was doing wrong.

One night, Jason said or did something that made me laugh. Not just a little snicker, but a real laugh. The type that brought tears to my eyes and made me lose my breath. I don't remember what it was, and truthfully, it probably wasn't that funny. However, it made us both laugh hard and long. He was mostly laughing a me... but still laughing.

As the laughter finished, we both realized that we had not laughed together in months! We missed it. That little bit of laughter turned around our whole attitudes. We sat down and discussed our situation. Prayed together, and trusted God together. Our whole outlook changed... and our circumstances began to change as well.

I recently saw this picture on Facebook:

I am here to testify that yes, laughter does make marriage better.

Proverbs 17:22(NLT) A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.