Because of Ezra

Many months ago I received a prayer request for a little boy (Ezra Matthews) who was battling a deadly cancer. I followed the posts, hoping to see that he was improving, that he had been healed. I prayed for this boy. I prayed for his family. Their story deeply touched my heart. In November, he passed away. It was sad.
As I was reading the blog about Ezra's passing these were the last words of that particular post...


Please, be changed because of this. Recognize the flawed world we live in, and work to help the ones you can. Really work. Recognize the hurt in the world, and recognize the grace that gives us a chance to still be beautiful.
2 Timothy 4:6-8 “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”


I sat there thinking, "How can anyone who has read these blogs not be changed by this?" This is a story of faith, determination and courage in seemingly impossible situations. My heart ached when I read Ezra had passed, and yet, I didn't even know him. But what I do know is that a child suffered. And that hurts. And now his parents suffer. And that hurts. If there were anything I could do to ease their pain, surely I would do it. But you know, the only thing we can do is move forward and be changed as a result...changed enough to take action. Changed enough to seek a cure for a cancer that has taken this child's life. We strive so hard to end Breast Cancer (and that is good...it's another passion of mine), but there are so many other things out there that we have no idea about. I had never even heard of neuroblastoma before reading this blog (www.thematthewsstory.com). Any time a child suffers, I suffer with them, whether it's from illness, abuse, lack of food, etc. I can't end all of the world's problems, but I can do some little something to help. And I can spread the word. Maybe I don't have millions to give to the cause, but if I give $10 and you give $10 and someone else gives $10 and so on, then that will add up. Okay, so maybe you have no money to give. How about some time? Can you volunteer? Can you spread the word via internet? Can you blog about it? Maybe arrange a fundraiser? Sew a craft to give to a child? There are many ways we can participate in helping a cause. Be creative and find a way that you can help.

This family has created an organization called Because of Ezra (http://becauseofezra.com/).  Their tragedy has spurred them on to help other families like theirs, to help other children. This amazes me. Please take time to visit both sites. Read the older posts and you will see what this family went through.

Called to be A Watchman

In Ezekiel 2-3 God is calling Ezekiel to go and speak to a the Israelites. They have rebelled against God. More than once God says, "And whether they listen or fail to listen." He doesn't want Ezekiel to be swayed by whether they receive it or not. And notice, in 3:8 where God says He will make Ezekiel as unyielding and hardened as they are. Not in a bad way though. He will unyieldingly speak what God has told him to speak. This got me thinking about America. This nation was founded on Godly principles. More and more we see people turn from God and go out to do their own thing. Sin abounds, and the sad thing is, people think it's okay. It used to be when a person sinned their conscience would bother them. But after allowing one thing after another, their conscience has been dulled. What they once thought was wrong has become right in their eyes. They try to justify by saying things like, "well, I haven't murdered anyone." But you know, the Word says that if you have hatred in your heart you have murdered. They say, "I didn't have sex with that woman! (or man)" But God says if you lusted in your heart, you've committed adultery. Constant exposure to sin makes the lines between right and wrong blurry. The Word however, makes it clear. The thing is, most people who are sinning aren't reading the Word. So it's safe to say that many don't know what God has to say on the subject. So whose responsibility is it to tell them? Ezekiel was called as a watchman. His job was to warn the wicked. And you know what would happen if he failed to warn them? Their blood would be on his hands. Scary thought to know that you will be held accountable for not warning people.

The New Testament tells us to preach the Gospel. But before a person can receive Jesus as Savior, they need to see their need of a Savior. That means they have to realize that they are in sin. It's kind of a touchy situation when we witness. Not everyone is willing to hear that they are a sinner. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that most people don't want to hear that. They get defensive. But you know, whether they receive it or not, we should be not only sharing that there is hope in Jesus, we need to let them know the reason they need what He offers. I was thinking about Kirk Cameron and his approach to witnessing. He lets people know that they have lied, they have stolen, they have committed adultery in their heart....and then he proceeds to tell them the remedy for sin. I think we can learn from him. Maybe you're uncomfortable with that type of witnessing. We don't have to do it exactly as he does. Sometimes we build relationships with people and just by hanging out with us (Christians) they should see a difference. Our light should be a beacon that shines bright in the midst of darkness. Our actions should reflect Christ in us.

 

So what about the believer who is caught in sin? Ezekiel is speaking about God's chosen people, those who have rebelled. That's another issue entirely. They know God. They know of His goodness. But they have veered from the course, so to speak. In today's times you may call it backsliding. Galatians 6:1 says, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." And over in Matthew 18:15-17 we're told, "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan and a tax collector." So basically we're to go to the sinning brother and let him know he is in sin. We shouldn't do it boastfully, as if it could never happen to us. That's pride and as a Christian, we should all know what the Bible says about pride. Our primary goal should always be to lovingly lead our brothers back to Christ, to repentance. James 5:19 says, "My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins."

No Caving In

I am seeking to draw closer to God this year. I want to be that woman that He would have me be. Sometimes becoming that woman may require me to go through things that aren't entirely pleasant. But hey, like the song says, bring the rain. Whatever is required to make me into the woman that God desires is ultimately what is best for me, even if I don't think so at the time. I was thinking about people like Joseph, Moses, Esther, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego, Paul, etc...all of them went through things that weren't pleasant. In the natural, those things surely were stress inducers. But you know, they all stood the test, trusting God and they didn't cave to the pressure. And I can't cave to the pressures I'm facing. Jesus is with me in the fire. He will never leave me or forsake me. I can count on that.

Trusting God for the Impossible

This year has already started off bad for me and my family. I have questions. My son has questions. Why would God allow greedy people to steal from my son when he has done nothing but be good to people (even to those who are attempting to sue him for $400,000)? What about reaping what you sow? I just don't understand it. But you know, I trust God has a plan in all of this mayhem. I do pray that it won't cost my son his home...and I pray that those who are trying to hoodwink him out of money because of their greed will be exposed and that justice and truth will prevail. Where fraud is, let it be revealed. Where slander is, let it be silenced. If abuse plays a role in this (as some believe), give the one suing the courage to put a stop to it (the abuse and the lawsuit). I have to believe that God won't allow this to proceed. So my prayers today and in the days ahead will revolve around this situation. God can do the impossible. And right now, this looks to be an impossible situation; one that my family might never recover from.

Oh Lord, hear my prayer..

God's Ways Are Not Our Ways

Look at the nations , and watch-and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. Habakkuk 1:5

What I love about Habakkuk is the humanness we see when Habakkuk questions God in chapter 1, verses 2-4, saying:

"How long O Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to You, Violence! but you do not save? Why do You make me look at injustice? Why do You tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted."

Does this express how you feel when you watch violence and wickedness all around you? Do you wonder why God doesn't intervene? Do you ask why he doesn't come rescue us? Well, if you have never felt that way, good for you...but in all honesty, I can say that I have asked similar questions. Don't get me wrong...I trust God knows best. And yes, He can offer peace even in the most tumultuous of times. Still, I see the wicked harming people and getting away with it...and it angers me. And many times they don't get the punishment that they deserve. Or should I say the punishment I think they deserve? But then....well, I have to stop for a moment and think that I didn't get the punishment I deserved either. Hmm...not a pleasant thought, comparing myself to the crazy criminals out there. As humans, we expect some kind of justice here on earth, and unfortunately, that doesn't always pan out. There are always loopholes and tricky scheming lawyers who know how to manipulate the system. And many victims walk away feeling that justice has not been served. Ahh...but God is the final judge. We must remember that.

Okay, so I got sidetracked from the original verse I posted at the beginning. If I were to put this separate from the events surrounding it many would take it as a word for today. This was a word to Habakkuk about a specific event. But you know, it may also apply to today. God was going to use an unconventional method for dealing with the situation at hand. And Habakkuk didn't seem too pleased about it. Funny how God is always using things we would never expect, and doing things in uncommon ways. We pray for one thing, expecting it to work out a particular way and He does something entirely different. And guess what. It always amazes us when we look back on how it was accomplished. God's ways are not our ways. So why does this surprise us? And sometimes what we think we want or need isn't always the case. But God knows all that. He sees the bigger picture. We just need to trust that no matter how things look, He's got it under control. Not always an easy thing to do when you're in the midst of a battle, is it?

Years ago a friend of mine used to sing a song "He'll Do It Again" and it spoke about how God had worked in times past, and how we could trust that He would do it again. As I said, it may not happen in our timing or in our way of thinking, but God will get us through anything we encounter when we learn to fully rely on Him. He can offer us peace when our world is filled with turmoil. He can give us strength when we feel weak. He can encourage when we feel discouraged. He can offer hope when we have no hope. God is good like that.

In closing, let me remind you that God loves you. And He is the giver of good things. Does this mean that our life will be one big bed of roses? Well, maybe...if we consider that roses have thorns as well as that beautiful flower. We will face trials and tribulations in this life. Those things can grow us and mature us into the man or woman God desires us to be. And that my friends, is what it's all about...becoming a vessel that God can use for His glory.

December 22nd...The Countdown

Here it is December 22nd...a mere 3 days (well, not even 3 considering this day is nearly over) till Christmas. And guess what. I am not through shopping. Every year I say I am going to start shopping early, but finances always prevent that from happening. And this year was no different. In fact, it's been the worst year financially for us. Being that our next check would normally be payable on December 24th, the chances are slim that I will get all that I had hoped to get. I really need to be finished by tomorrow since our family gathering is Friday and Christmas is Saturday. My children and grandchildren will be here, along with my mom and my sister. But if this holiday is anything like Thanksgiving was, we won't get our check until "after" the holiday. We're on direct deposit and the bank will be closed Friday. Yippee! You know I'm being sarcastic, right?

This year has also been the worst one as far as unity in the family. The tension between the family members makes it hard to celebrate.It depresses my mother. For the first time I heard her say that she had nothing to be thankful for. I know that's an exaggeration....but family gatherings are what make the holidays so special for her. She loves to see us all together. But what do you do? If I invite this one, that one won't come...
Years ago I prided myself on having a family that didn't hold grudges, that didn't harm one another, and if you did have any issues, you were willing to lay them aside for the holidays...those days are no more.

Okay...so not only is it the countdown to Christmas, it's the countdown to the New Year. I'm not sure what the future holds, but I do know that no matter what comes my way, I am gonna love the Lord, serve Him, and seek to do His will. I am not one to make a lot of resolutions, since I usually fail to keep them. But I do want to discipline myself to spend more time in the Word, and in prayer. I have to draw closer and closer to my Lord...it's all that sustains me.

Memories & Giving

I was thinking about my Grandma today. She's been dead for many years now, but as I was longing for a simpler Christmas, my mind wandered back in time. My Grandma was a godly woman; a woman whose primary goal in life was to share Jesus with anyone and everyone who would listen. Sometimes even to those who didn't want to listen. Grandma never met a stranger so she'd talk to anyone. Each year as Christmas rolled around our family would have their yearly get together at Grandma's house. I can still picture her sitting there in her rocking chair listening as each of us children read our assigned story or scipture. Every aspect of the celebration revolved around the real reason we were celebrating. It wasn't about Santa Claus and the gifts. It wasn't about holiday food and hanging out with family and friends. It was about JESUS. Grandma had passion. And she wasn't afraid to say what was on her mind. Yes, we got gifts, but let me assure you, those were always low on the totem pole as to why we were there. Grandma was leaving a legacy. That legacy had to do with giving....God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.

This year has been a really difficult year for me. Financially, we're worse off than we've been in years. So that translates to less giving. Being a giver, this is hard for me to handle. I want to give. But then I have to question if perhaps part of it isn't a pride thing....I mean, it felt good to give. It made me seem like I was some sort of savior or something...well, not really a savior, but someone who swooped in and helped the less fortunate and walked away with a smile on my face and a gooey feeling in my heart. And now for me to feel less fortunate, it puts a wrinkle in things. Okay...so I'm really not less fortunate in comparison to those around the world or even in my own country. I am blessed beyond measure. I have what I need. I have food, shelter, clean water. And even though I may have some health issues, I also have access to medical care. Lots of people don't have that luxury. And I have the freedom to worship God. Wow! So I question, "Is it wrong for me to feel good about giving?" No, it's not wrong. But I can't allow my giving to be contingent on some feeling. Sometimes people aren't so appreciative when you give. They may not give you that nice cozy feeling. And then what? Are you sorry you gave? I am reminded of a story....it's a true story and it happened to me....

Years ago I was working in a church office when a man came to the door wanting money. In my gut I knew beyond any shadow of a doubt that this man was a con. Call  it instinct or discernment or whatever you like. All I know is I knew he was trying to pull the wool over my eyes. As he stood there talking his talk, I was thinking, "he's a con...there ain't no way I'm giving him money." But then I heard this still small voice tell me to give him money. I'm thinking, "Huh? What you talking 'bout God? You know he's a con." And then the voice spoke again and said, "It's not about whether he's a con or not. It's about whether you'll obey or not." Ouch. That stung just a little. My whole life I had been prideful about not letting people fool me. And here I was in the midst of a dilemma...would I give the money and let the man think he had fooled me? Or would I obey God? I chose the latter. I gave the man the money. As I handed it to him he looked at me and said, "I know you think I'm a con." I told him, "It doesn't matter what I think about you...I am giving you this money out of obedience to God."

Okay, so I got sidetracked there. This is kind of two stories, isn't it? One about sharing Jesus and remembering the whole reason we celebrate Christmas. The other about giving with pure motives and in obedience when God tells us to give. And you know, the greatest give we can give is the gift of hope that we've been given...His name is Jesus.