That’s Jesus?!?!
My eight-year-old son beamed to show off his class picture. We were equally excited—the new parents that we are.
He pointed to a fair-skinned boy with a floppy hair-cut and cute ears.
“This is so-and-so.”
Then he pointed to a dark-skinned boy with a mini-afro.
“This is such and such.”
And then he pointed to a Hispanic boy with a Mohawk.
“This is Jesus.”
“That’s Jesus?!?!” asked my six-year old daughter in disbelief.
“Not Jesus, Jesus,” I replied—trying to keep my composure. “His name is Jesus, just like in the Bible.”
“Oh.”
They carried on as if nothing happened, but I laughed about it on and off throughout the day. It still makes me laugh.
But it also makes me think.
- Do I know Jesus?
- Do I know His love?
- Do I know His voice?
- Do I tell others what Jesus means to me?
- Do I show them what He’s done in me?
- Do I dare say, “This is my Jesus!”
Do I know Him?
Well-known Pastor, S.M. Lockridge, of Calvary Baptist Church in California, knew Jesus. And he wasn’t afraid to say that his Jesus—my Jesus, the one and only Jesus—was—and is—King.
Enjoy this brief message, “That’s my King,” by S.M. Lockridge.
Do you know Him?
Two Years Full of Assumptions
At a Christmas gathering over the weekend, we read the Christmas story–a children’s picture-book version.
Kids and adults alike gathered in the living room to listen to the reason for this joyous season.
As the story progressed, some children–and adults–listened intently, while others half-listened, buzzed from an evening full of treats and sweets.
It was an interactive story–with questions and answers–mostly from the children.
In the middle of the story, a child asked, “What’s a manger?”
Minutes later, an adult–the mother of the child who had asked about the manger–interrupted the story with another question, “What are shepherds?” My head slowly turned to them, realizing that this precious single mom and her child whom we’ve known now for almost two years had never heard the Christmas story–the true Christmas story, the story of Jesus’ birth.
In two years, we have increasingly spent time with them–they have become part our extended family.
But in those two years, I’ve mistakenly assumed they’ve known about Jesus all along.
Two years full of assumptions.
Two years empty of intentionally talking to them about Jesus–the blessed hope for all the world.
I felt a strong pressing on my chest as I listened to the rest of the story.
Father, forgive me for assuming they knew. Forgive me for not asking them straight out.
I could say that I hope my actions and words have been a good example to them of what it means to be a true Christian, but I know that my example could not possibly be good–or distinctive–enough if it hadn’t yet pointed them to Christ.
Father, forgive me.
Are they the only ones?
- How many people, I wonder, surround me on a routine basis who I assume know Jesus?
- How many do I walk by without telling them of the Man who forever changed my life?
- How many are hurting and looking for hope that I have not yet offered?
- How many?
Two years full of assumptions.
Two years empty of intentionally telling them about Jesus.
For me, those two years end now.
When will they end for you?
Father, help me not only to live a life that resembles Christ but also to speak more of Christ in my life. Help me to be ready to speak the Good News of Jesus–anytime, anyplace (2 Timothy 4:2).
Give me the wisdom and opportunities to speak up and tell anyone who asks why I’m living the way I am (1 Peter 3:15). Help me not to assume but to share Jesus freely.
Thank you, Father, for your love and your patience with me. Amen.
Come alongside…Who have you assumed knows Jesus? Are you sure they do? Will you set some time to talk with that person? How will you go about it? How can you share this story with others?
New Article Published… “Ketchup and Mustard, Please”
Awhile back, I mentioned that Mentoring Moments for Christian Women has become one of my favorite sites for women.
Today, I am honored that Mentoring Moments has published my recent blog post, “Ketchup and Mustard, Please” in their Thanksgiving edition. I hope you will read “Ketchup and Mustard, Please” and comment. Share it with your friends this Thanksgiving season!
Here is a little more about Mentoring Moments–from their website:
Mentoring Moments for Christian Women was founded in 2005 as an email newsletter and recorded conference calls service to mentor and inspire women. Now, almost five years later, MMCW has established an online presence of providing quality articles and podcasts to encourage women free of charge.
Growing from just 486 subscribers our first month in 2005 to reaching thousands world-wide in 2009, MMCW’s goal is to bring glory to God through our service.
MMCW is comprised of an all volunteer staff of women from every walk of life, age, and background. Giving of their time and talent, these women work tirelessly to encourage women to experience a life of freedom in Christ.
Mission Statement
Mentoring Moments for Christian Women is an evangelical Christian site providing encouragement, mentoring, and practical tips for women in their everyday walk with the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Come alongside…What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? How can you share it with others?
Big hugs,
Daphne
Ketchup and Mustard, Please
I stretched my hair net over my curls, washed my hands, and put on gloves. As I walked to the serving station, my eyes scanned the room. Raining and storming outside. A couple hundred people inside. People.
- Young.
- Old.
- Black.
- White.
- Down on their luck.
- Homeless.
A booming voice emerged out of the crowd, “Let us pray.” I bowed my head and listened. In my heart, I prayed, “Lord, please multiply this food.”
And so it began.
- Burgers.
- Fries.
- Bread.
- Lettuce.
- Tea.
- And ice cream.
I had the lettuce. It’s the last on the food line, so I get to hand the plate to each person. I love it! It gives me an opportunity to ask how each person is doing, smile, look them in the eyes, and joke with them about getting their veggies.
Someone on my team set out the condiments. Ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and all the burger fixings.
A middle-aged woman–not more than 5-feet tall–picked up her plate, turned around toward the tables, and stopped.
“Ketchup and mustard?!? That’s rich people stuff.”
She rushed over and piled the condiments onto her plate like a child unattended in a candy store.
I may not be where I want to be in life. I may be facing many hardships.
- Addictions.
- Hurts.
- Illness.
- Financial troubles.
But God has promised never to leave me or to forsake me–whatever my circumstance (Hebrews 13:5). I can take comfort not in the riches of this world, but in the riches of faith, family, friends, food, and yes, ketchup and mustard.
Come alongside…What can you thank God for today? What little things have you overlooked that show how much God has blessed you?
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News: Article accepted for publication in Mentoring Moments for Christian Women
Yesterday, I had my article, “Mission: Hospitality,” accepted for publication in Mentoring Moments for Christian Women.
This has become one of my favorite sites for women. I hope you will visit and sign up for their email updates. Here is a little more about the publication–from their website:
Mentoring Moments for Christian Women was founded in 2005 as an email newsletter and recorded conference calls service to mentor and inspire women. Now, almost five years later, MMCW has established an online presence of providing quality articles and podcasts to encourage women free of charge.
Growing from just 486 subscribers our first month in 2005 to reaching thousands world-wide in 2009, MMCW’s goal is to bring glory to God through our service.
MMCW is comprised of an all volunteer staff of women from every walk of life, age, and background. Giving of their time and talent, these women work tirelessly to encourage women to experience a life of freedom in Christ.
Mission Statement
Mentoring Moments for Christian Women is an evangelical Christian site providing encouragement, mentoring, and practical tips for women in their everyday walk with the Lord, Jesus Christ.
My article will be published on August 26th. I will link to it when it’s available.
Big hugs,
Daphne
