The Ordinary Stone

6/9/13

The Ordinary Stone

My morning walk was peaceful.  I love the quiet weekend mornings with our dog.  I am free to think things through in ways that I cannot when I am inside.

The Lord speaks to me anytime, anywhere, but I feel more open and undistracted when I am able to see the sky and hear the birds.   Well, not really undistracted, I find my thought meander from thing to thing, but at an easier pace than at other times.  Perhaps this is why I hear better when I am outside.

And not just with my physical ears, but maybe because I am awe of my surroundings, I am able to be inspired with answers to questions that I really had not thought to ask yet.

This time, while thinking about a conversation with a friend, I was trying to find a way to define how the dark and painful things from our past actually make us uniquely qualified to step into the huge thing that He intended for us to do before creation. 

And there it was, just sitting on the ground in the dirt, like an ordinary stone.  In fact it was an ordinary stone.  But it was also so much more.

 

I’d seen it out of the corner of my eye as I passed it.  Then, for some reason, I was pulled back, compelled to pick it up and carry it home in my pocket.  What caused me to do this?  Whose voice was I hearing?  My own – telling me that there would be at least one good story there; or did the stone cry out to the Lord, so He would cause me to turn around and bring it home with me?

In any case, I have it now.  I rinsed off most of the dirt and placed it on my dresser, so I must choose to look at it or not.

 There is a home truth for me right there.  How many things do I see as I pass them, or let them pass me, without stopping to acknowledge them?  Words unsaid, a needed touch or hug not given.  That moment with God that I postpone may be the call to pray for someone I cannot see, but desperately needs me to pray intentionally for them right now.  This may explain some of the emptiness that comes over me at times.  My unsaid prayers may explain the loss of the joy I could have felt in that lost conversation with the Lord.

This particular stone is about the size of a regular marshmallow.  One side is fairly smooth and the other is rough and uneven, obviously broken sometime in the past.  But the edges are not sharp, so perhaps the break was not too painful; or was so long ago that the jagged edges have been softened over time.

The thing that caught my eye was the size.  It was a bit larger than most of the others and was white, with black marbling.  Not absolute black, but clearly defined in the moment my eyes turned the object into a thought.  We had just gone through a series of teachings about, “One Shade of Black”, so this may have been a continuation or expansion of that lesson.

The truth is the truth.  And sin is sin.  Yet, I was given a picture of myself in that stone.  Mostly “good”, or at least heading in that direction; but still the sum of the things in myself that need to submit and surrender to the Lord.  A statement that I have made countless times, and still falling short, reaching back, slipping and sliding along that downard slope whenever I try to take charge of myself.

Then, I heard the Sweet, Soothing Voice Within.  The Voice that reminds me that He has already forgiven my past every time I asked Him.  The marbling is my testimony, not my shame.  My rough and bumpy parts are the lessons that I can share with those He places in my path.  I do not need to bury, hide or deny things I have done, or what has been done to me.

I do not need to memorize fighting words from scripture to corner folks and wrestle them into submission. I can speak boldly with kindness and generosity as I share the reasons for my joy and the work that the Lord has done and is still doing in me.   Logic is the world’s way of thinking.  Faith can grow when the world sees me forgiving, loving and trusting the Lord – every day.

We are all living “between a rock and a hard place”.  But that ordinary stone is showing me that the hard place is here and now.  The hard place is life.

 

The ordinary stone is me.  And the Rock is salvation.   

“When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord;  He brought me into a spacious place.  The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Psalm 118:4-6

Written by

Lynda Kinnard

ONE NATION UNDER GOD...June, 2015 Writing by Cathy Friberg

06/2015

The national Day of Prayer, held on the first Thursday of May, has come and gone. I am so grateful that we continue to set aside this day to fast and pray for the United States of America. Even though the official Day of Prayer for 2015 has passed, the call to pray for our country still burns bright in my heart. I feel that we need to persevere in prayer daily for the destiny of America. The forces of darkness are strong and relentless seeking to further destroy the moral fabric and faith in our land. However, we serve a merciful God who does heed the cries of His people. 

2 Chronicles 7:14 states, 

"If my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves

 and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, 

then will I hear from heaven and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

We, the Body of Christ, are the Living Church. As such, we have power and authority to pray and declare righteousness, holiness, purity, and reverence for God over our nation. Our prayers do make a difference and the Lord will honor any time we can set aside each day to call out to Him for our land. 

I have included a prayer given by Jack Graham to help as a guide in our prayer times for this nation:

"Heavenly Father,
We come to You in the Name that is above every name—Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Our hearts cry out to You. Knowing that You are a prayer-answering, faithful God—the One we trust in times like these—we ask that You renew our spirits, revive our churches, and heal our land. We repent of our sins and ask for Your grace and power to save us. Hear our cry, oh God, and pour out Your Spirit upon us that we may walk in obedience to Your Word.

We are desperate for Your tender mercies. We are broken and humbled before You. Forgive us, and in the power of Your great love, lift us up to live in Your righteousness. We pray for our beloved nation. May we repent and return to You and be a light to the nations. And we pray for our leaders and ask that You give them wisdom and faith to follow You. Preserve and protect us, for You are our refuge and only hope.Deliver us from all fears except to fear You, and may we courageously stand in the Truth that sets us free.

We pray with expectant faith and grateful hearts.

In Jesus’ name, our Savior." 
My earnest hope is that we will all be inspired to take time to pray for the United States of America and to encourage other believers to do the same.

Written and Shared by

Cathy Friberg
                                                                         

REFLECTIONS ON MOTHER'S DAY

REFLECTIONS ON MOTHER'S DAY

Mother's Day is a perfect opportunity to express our love and appreciation for our precious moms. The Bible tells us that honoring our parents is a top priority in God's eyes. 

"Honor your father and mother.
Then you will live a long, full life
in the land the Lord your God
is giving you."
              Exodus 20:1220:12 

"Honor your father and mother" 

(this is the first commandment with a promise),
"that it may go well with you
and that you may live long in the land." 
Ephesians 6:2-3  

Although we always want to be altruistic in our motives, God's  promises do contain rewards. It is clear from scripture that our attitudes and behavior toward our parents directly affect our longevity and well being. 

For some of us loving and respecting our mothers will come easily and naturally. Our Moms have earned that honor. They have sacrificed greatly for us and have worked hard to establish loving bonds with us.  However, for many in this day, affection and regard for our mothers may not come so readily. In fact, it may be down right painful. Abuse, willful neglect, abandonment, betrayal, and or an ungodly lifestyle on the part of our mothers may have wounded our spirits, arrested our development, or directed us into sin and destruction in our own lives. 

However, in such scenarios there is still much hope. Godly counsel, therapy, prayer, and meditating on the Word of God can help to release our personal baggage and heal our emotional devastation. God is in the restoration business and He can grant us the grace to forgive even the most abhorrent offenses.  

"... God's love has been poured out into our hearts 

through the Holy spirit, who has been given to us."  

Romans 5:5   

As we bring our past hurts to the Lord and pray for our mothers who have fallen short in their calling, God can reconstruct our relationships. There are times when the other person is not willing to change for the better. At those times we can seek God for wisdom. We can ask our Heavenly Father for creative ways to  show love and respect for our mothers without violating own own boundaries. 

As we approach Mother's Day, let us bless our moms in prayer for their health and happiness. Flowers, brunches, cards, visits, phone calls or personal service to our moms can all say, "I love and appreciate You." 

Let's also pray for ourselves that we will be mothers whom our own children can easily and willingly cherish and  honor. 

By Cathy Friberg

 

COMMUNION...

Communion
Message written and presented by 

Lynda Kinnard

at the Twain Harte Retreat. 2015

I think one key element to a truly blessed communion is in our gathering together.

*Come – Union. We come together and exchange our burdens for the blessing of remembering the pain and suffering in the most glorious sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  Our sharing these symbols of the body and blood of Christ; this sacrament calls for us to praise beyond our individual gifts and talents.  We share this simple, miraculous meal in remembrance of the greatest gift we will ever receive.  Our unearned salvation and the miraculous promise of eternity in heaven with the Lord, because we have chosen to accept His sacrifice.

Psalm 128-1-2 says, “Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him.  You will eat the fruit of your labor, blessing and prosperity will be yours.”

*Our individual walks brought each of us here.  Some of us took a longer route, circling a mountain many, many times.  But our testimony comes from the number of times we have recognized and acknowledged the things in us that needed our repentance and received God’s grace.  How we have been changed by the Lord’s forgiveness and mercy.  Salvation in itself is the gift we receive when we simply accept the Lord into our hearts.  Our labor is in the task of surrendering of self to God’s will – every day.

*This communion is a way for us to give thanks for our individual salvation and our corporate transformation into the body that will one day be the Bride of Christ.  The fact that we have been drawn together is miraculous.  Our widespread places of birth, early life circumstances, choices and natural demographics say that we have little reason to connect.  And yet, here we are, sharing communion and acknowledging that we have chosen to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Redeemer.

*This ceremony today, while casual, is sacred.  We eat and drink together in remembrance of the simple meal that was shared by a small group of friends long ago, and is still transforming lives today.

But Holy Communion will never be more than a break in the regular Sunday Service if we do not approach it with the expectation of becoming more of a true disciple each time.  The changes in each of us may be too small to feel in the moment, but we can see when we look back at who we were and how we used to feel before each commemoration of Christ as our Lord and Savior; we can find reason to celebrate.  Our times of communion can serve as markers along the path we walk from this exact moment, to judgment day.  Communion is an act of grace.  Let us ask to be changed by this grace.

*Judas Iscariot sat at the table with his friends and shared that sacred bread and wine with Christ, but left the table just as he approached it.   Prepared to betray the one he’d freely chosen to follow, unchanged by his communion; he suffered the loss of his sanity, his life and his place in heaven.

Even Peter, the passionate, strong-minded leader who proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah and had declared that he would never disown Him, would fall back on self-preservation instead of truth when fear overwhelmed his faith.  Thankfully, Peter was redeemed and grew in a mighty way; taking his place in a long line of leaders who would stand against the world by kneeling to The King.

*I think we should expect to be changed each time we share any form of communion.  Each gathering for worship, work, entertainment or just being around other people – believers or not – should change us somehow.  Each ocean wave adds to, or shifts the world’s geography by altering the shore just a little each time. Every encounter with others can add to or define who we really are in Christ. 

*Several of us have done a Bible study on the Book of James.  I find myself drawn to read James at different times, just to reinforce his straight to the point way of telling me what I need to work on. 

James 2:12 says, “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.  Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

*Let us ask the Holy Spirit to remind us of the mercy and grace that has been given to each of us.  Especially when we encounter anyone who may not show signs that they know our Lord.  For our hearts to be hearts that offer mercy before we judge.

*“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess his name.  And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”   Hebrews 13:15-16

God has offered us Jesus Christ.  Our relationship with Him will be as full and as intimate as we allow it to be.  The deeper we choose to go inside of the Christ Spirit within us; the greater our commitment, the more we are changed by His grace and the sweeter the sound of God’s judgment will be when our time to stand before Him comes.

Jesus, please give us Your perfect peace in our encounters with all, most especially with non-believers.  Help us to seek opportunities to share what You have freely given to us with anyone who asks – especially when they are crying out for help without words.  Help us to love beyond our human capacity or understanding.

*May we each seek a holy transformation today; through this time of communion.  As each sunrise brings new things into the light; may we recognize Your glory as it rises up within us.  Let us not just be amazed by the Lord, let us truly be changed by our communion with His Love.

2 Timothy 4:5 says, “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”

*“Grace be with you all.” Hebrews 13:25

Sing – “Lord, I’m amazed by You.

I pray that I’m changed by You. 

Lord, I’m amazed by You.

 How You Love Me.”

THE CROSS...April Writing

Cathy Friberg sends me a new writing every month, and I usually post it shortly after the beginning of the month. I am posting this early because I think it is an excellent writing to ponder on during Holy Week as we prepare for Resurrection Sunday or should I say Sonday. May you be blessed during this week and be able to revel in what our God has done for His children.

Love and God bless.....Corinne Mustafa 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Having been raised in the church, as a child, I knew intellectually that Jesus died on the cross and was raised from the dead. However, as an adult, I truly became a “born again Christian.” It was then that I began to comprehend the tremendous sacrifice which the Heavenly Father and His Son made for us. I was pondering the scriptures one day. After reading an account of the mocking, scourging and crucifixion of the Lord in the New Testament, I found myself saying with amazement, ........ “And they did that to God?”....... Immediately I heard the words, “And I did it for you.” The Holy Spirit had spoken to me, touching me with a glimpse of the the passion, intensity, and intimacy of Christ's work on the cross. That word ministered to me deep within my soul. It happened over thirty years ago but I remember it as if it were yesterday.

The classic song, “How Great Thou Art” contains a verse which reads,

  “And when I think,That God, His Son not sparing; Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; That on that cross, My burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin.” Yes, as I contemplate the magnitude of Christ's atonement I too, “can scarcely take it in.”

How great is our God who would humble Himself to such an extent for His creation.

My prayer is that God would grant me the grace to forgive others as Christ has forgiven me. I ask our Father that I might show even a portion of the compassion and self sacrifice which the Lord has demonstrated to all of humanity. As this season celebrating the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ comes to a close may we all, filled with the Holy Spirit, seek to emulate the example of unconditional love which our Savior has shown to us.

By Cathy Friberg

NO REGRETS

2/1/15

I am involved in a nursing home ministry with our church. As part of this ministry, a small group of us meet at a local convalescent home once a month on an afternoon. The clients we interact with are mostly elderly, infirm and confined to wheelchairs. We conduct a short Bible Lesson, lead a praise and worship session, and then spend time passing out handshakes, hugs, and a few gentle words with each patient. About 16 seniors are wheeled in to the meeting room by kindly and patient attendants. Some are more verbal, alert, and responsive than others, but they all love the Lord and have sweet tender spirits.

I often wonder as I gaze into their eyes what experiences these precious souls have been through in their lives. Many are difficult to understand as they mumble, speak so softly, and or have foreign accents. One thing is for certain. As they are nearing the end of their long life journey, they have, as the old hymn says, “decided to follow Jesus”. And what better more important decision could they have chosen to make. When all is said and done, a covenant with Christ is the be all and end all of everything. This world and all it has to offer is nothing in comparison to knowing Jesus as Saviour and looking forward to spending eternity with Him and with our loved ones.

Last Sunday as we were singing praises to the Lord, the presence of the Holy Spirit filled the room. The atmosphere was sweet and the seniors gratefully drank in the warmth of the Master's love. I looked about at the feeble weakened frames, many of them helplessly dependent on the supervision and protection of their caretakers. I thought, what a contrast between the love in this place and the strife, division, and hostility exhibited in the much of the world outside. Many people are materially wealthy, intellectually distinguished, and politically powerful, yet spiritually bankrupt. How fortunate our little band of elders, to be treasured jewels in the palm of Jesus' hand.

Matthew 16:26

“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?”

With all this in mind, let's seek after the Father and his Kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy. Let's keep a firm commitment to Christ so that our lives will be spent laboring for that which is genuine, pure, and everlasting.

Written by Cathy Friberg

FAITH

OOPS!!! I have to apologize to Cathy Friberg that this is posted a month late. I was in Bangladesh at the time, and I became extremely ill. It was daunting, and all my brain cells must have shut down. This writing is about Girl Scouts Cookies. The girls are are still out...I saw some to day. So, this is still a current subject. Again sorry, Cathy. I guess God is not done with me yet. You are such a wonderful member of WFM, and I appreciate you immensely. Cathy's March writing will go on hold until next Sunday, the 8th.

Corinne Mustafa
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

FAITH

3/1/15

I have a confession to make. I am not really crazy about girl scout cookies. I prefer a large moist chocolate chip cookie straight out of the oven.That being said, I do have three children and when they were young they were all members of a scout troop. We pounded the pavement selling cookies and cajoled friends and relatives into helping out our cause. Admittedly then, I should have a better attitude toward the whole situation. Nevertheless, each spring I find my self dashing in and out of the grocery store, sheepishly avoiding those ambitious little uniformed youngsters peddling their dainty confections.

Today, however, as I was leaving Safeway, I spotted an adorable little girl in front of the store manning a table stacked with cookies. Our eyes met as I was walking through the door. Her countenance lit up, a glorious smile spread across her face, and she literally jumped up and down clapping her hands with glee. She just knew that I would be her next customer. There was no way on earth that I was going to turn down that precious girl. It was her faith, her joyful expectation, that captured my heart. 

As I walked back to my car carrying the cookies I had bought, it dawned on me. It is that kind of intense faith, joyful anticipation, and unwavering confidence which touches the heart of our Heavenly Father. As we truly trust in the Lord, believing that He is good and that He loves us passionately, we will receive those things which we ask for. May we cultivate that childlike implicit faith in an ever present, profoundly devoted Abba Father.

Then He said, "I tell all of you with certainty, unless you change and become like little children, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven."  Matthew 18:3  (ISV)

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."  Hebrews 11:1

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."  Mark 11:24  (NIV)

By Cathy Friberg