A Mother's Heart

I've been a mother now for nearly 32 years and it never fails to overwhelm me when I see something cross my path in life that exposes to me a need to pray unceasingly for my children. As a matter of fact, such reality - even when it comes at the expense of someone else's child - causes me to stop and consider, yet again, the pain and helplessness that Christ's mother Mary must have endured.

Yes, the degree to which her soul was to be pierced was foretold even when Jesus was no more than eight days old but living out that pain . . . seeing that pain in your child's face, seeing his spirit beaten and broken . . . nothing can prepare a mother's heart for that.

As her Son's experience unfolded, could Mary have had even a glimmer of hope? Could she have seen His pain as a journey to freedom and Oneness with God? Do you? As your child stands before you - broken in spirit, in need of Oneness with God - are you able to experience the glimmer of hope that IS Jesus?

God gives each mother a special love for their children. A love that can't even be described. Our hearts break when our children are broken and in pain - when we realize their despair and their need for Oneness with God. Our helplessness is beyond words . . . and yet, there is great reason to give all praise to God, for even on the darkest of days, Hope truly does spring eternal. Even in the broken heart of a mother . . . Christ is able to put hope back into our hearts for our children. He did that for His own mother and His tender mercies declare that He will do the very same for all of us.

Thank You, Jesus. I praise the day that You released me from the desire to be in control of the lives of my children. Thank You for carrying the heart of this mother, and all mothers, right along with You as You carry our children in their times of need. Thank You for the hope that emerges in this journey to Oneness with You.
In Jesus' name and by His grace I pray.
Amen and amen.
bo

You're Invited

Please consider this posting an invitation to a blowout celebration. Who are we gathering to celebrate, you ask? What could be so glorious that we have reason to celebrate? Well, I'll tell you . . . this celebration is for God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit! And although the Guests of Honor are among us now, let me stop for a moment before the party begins and help you get caught up with where I'm coming from . . .

Recently I've been listening to a teaching that speaks of 'Hupomone'. It's a little Greek word that basically means to bear up under pressure. Like a donkey that carries a load on its back and yet presses on just the same, we too are drawn into times of our lives in which there is a load for us to carry. Be it momentary or lengthy in nature, this time of pressure is used by God to stretch us, to teach us, to strengthen us, and to show us, without a doubt, that God's Grace truly is sufficient to meet our every need.

How easy it is to sit back and listen to teachings or read books or even consume God's Word and think . . . "yep, I'm ready Lord, use me. I'm here and my hearts desire is for You to use me so I'm ready whenever you are - just put me into motion." Well, it must be then that the Lord smiles - and although He is, no doubt, thankful for your naive willingness - He must chuckle just a bit as He takes you up on your offer and sets out to unveil His perfect plan in your little corner of the world. It is then that you'd better hope to come face to face with two things . . . hupomone and the reality of God's immeasurable power and everlasting love. The sweet fragrance of His strength in your moment of need. Strength given to you to speak up and say what must me heard . . . patience to allow Him to work out events that are otherwise overwhelming . . . endurance to hang on for dear life.

Hupomone. In faith you remain persistent against a pressing trouble. In faith you believe in God's faithfulness. Surely He is faithful to be with us as routine situations unfold in our day . . . surely He can be trusted to be faithful in any overwhelming event that comes our way.

And what is the outcome of this hupomone? This endurance under pressure? Well, for me it was pure, unspeakable joy - the same kind of joy that is described in Ephesians 3:20 . . . "exceedingly, abundantly, more than I can ask or imagine" and God is to get ALL the glory for it. HE was my hope when the pressure was on - when I was facing overwhelming odds. Without Him, hupomone is nothing more than a silly word but with Him there is unspeakable Glory and Honor and Praises to lay at His feet.

Father God, Jesus, Holy Spirit . . . welcome to the celebration that honors Your love for me. You are worthy of all my praise. Oh, that I could fully fathom the reality of You in my life. I give You now, Lord God Almighty, all the honor that You are worthy to receive.

Blessed be Your name.
Love from Your devoted child . . .
Amen and amen.
bo

Are You Ready???

As I write this I'm being stretched by the Lord. A self-professed home body I have declared on countless occasions that I am not a traveler. But this week the Lord used a friend of mine who was in need to help me take a major leap of faith as I traveled with her from New York State down to Virginia.

The purpose of the trip was to attend the memorial service of a College roommate. What I saw was typical of a grieving family and the difficulties that ensue as their lives continue. But most notably I was 'introduced' to a woman who was ready to be in the arms of her Savior. The morning of her death she sang songs of praise to Him, she savored the time of worship with Him and then, before the sun went down, she found herself in His arms.

Of all the countless promises that you'll find embedded in the Bible you won't find one that guarantees that you will be around tomorrow. Right now is all that you have so the urgency is on . . . tell people that you love them - leave a legacy that they will ensure God's glory will be seen in the life you've lived.

Live and learn and be ready for the greatest Love ever to be yours.
bo