All posts by Pastor Curry

Unlocking Peace and Productivity as Busy Parents

(Image: Freepik)

In the whirlwind of parenting, maintaining an organized and serene household can seem like a daunting task. However, with the right strategies and tools, it is possible to create a harmonious living space without breaking the bank. This article shared by Janice Russell is a treasure trove of practical, cost-efficient tips designed specifically for busy parents who aspire to balance the chaos of daily life. Discover how prioritizing, embracing technology, and simple organization hacks can revolutionize your home dynamics, offering peace of mind and a well-ordered environment for your family.

Chart Your Family Priorities Clearly

Begin your organizational journey by clearly delineating your family’s priorities. Having a visible, well-articulated set of goals helps in aligning your daily actions with your long-term aspirations. This clarity not only fosters a sense of purpose within the family but also streamlines decision-making, ensuring that your energy is invested in activities that truly matter. Regular family meetings to revisit these priorities can also reinforce commitment and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Harness the Power of Technology

Technology can be a busy parent’s best ally in staying organized. From budgeting apps that keep your finances in check to calendar apps that synchronize the entire family’s schedule, the digital world offers a plethora of tools. Embrace these resources to automate mundane tasks, set reminders for important events, and manage your time more effectively. With the right apps at your fingertips, managing household tasks becomes less of a chore and more of a breeze.

Contact with Home Repair Professionals

Using a helpful app to connect with home repair and maintenance professionals directly from your smartphone can greatly simplify the process of maintaining your home. These apps not only allow you to find and hire trusted professionals quickly but also let you track the progress of your projects in real-time. You can also get valuable advice and tips on home repair directly through the app, ensuring your home is well-maintained and any issues are addressed promptly. This convenience makes managing home repairs and maintenance more efficient and less stressful.

Empower Kids with Chore Charts

Chore charts are a fantastic way to teach children responsibility and contribute to household maintenance. Tailor chores to be age-appropriate and rotate them to keep tasks interesting. By involving children in the upkeep of the home, not only do you lighten your own load, but you also instill a sense of ownership and teamwork in your kids. This practice fosters independence and organizational skills that will serve them well beyond the home.

Collaborate in Pet Care

If you have pets, involve older children in their care. Sharing pet responsibilities not only eases your workload but also teaches children empathy, discipline, and the importance of routine. Establishing a pet care schedule can ensure that these tasks are carried out consistently, preventing any last-minute scrambles.

Optimize Space with Smart Storage Solutions

Utilize cost-effective storage solutions like over-the-door clear organizers and affordable shelving units to maximize space. By having a designated place for everything, you reduce clutter and make daily routines smoother. Investing time in organizing your space can have a transformative effect on the ambiance of your home, making it more inviting and functional.

Strategically Allocate Time for Organization

Dedicate specific time slots each week for organizing tasks. Whether it’s sorting mail, planning meals, or reviewing the family calendar, having a set time for these activities can prevent them from becoming overwhelming. Consistency in these efforts ensures that your home remains a well-oiled machine, with each family member playing their part in maintaining order and harmony. 

As the last toy is put away and the final document is digitally stored, the true essence of a well-organized home shines through. It’s not merely about the absence of clutter or the seamless management of schedules; it’s about the peace of mind that comes from knowing everything is in its place. It’s the collective sigh of relief when family life flows smoothly, and the joy in moments shared without the looming shadow of disarray. The journey to this serene state is paved with commitment, creativity, and collaboration, a testament to the power of unity and purpose in transforming a house into a harmonious home.

 

Keep Your Family Healthy

         Keep Your Family Healthy With This Resource Guide                                                                      by  Amanda Henderson

Photo via Pexels

In the post-pandemic era, instilling healthy habits in children has become increasingly vital. Fortunately, there are several actionable strategies you can use to establish a sturdy foundation for both physical and emotional well-being. By adopting these guidelines, you can better prepare your children for a future of balance and health. This in-depth guide offers parents a range of effective methods that they can use to help foster lifelong wellness in their kids.

Prioritize Physicality During Recreation

Active play is more than just a source of amusement; it’s a critical component of a child’s physical development. Activities like cycling, swimming, and simple games like tag are excellent ways to promote better physical health. These types of engagement also serve as a teaching ground for important social skills like teamwork and communication. Moreover, outdoor activities create opportunities for children to forge a meaningful connection with nature. Balancing these dynamic outdoor experiences with more sedentary indoor activities is essential for comprehensive child development.

Nurture Lifelong Learning

Encouraging children to follow their dreams not only builds confidence but also fuels intellectual curiosity. For instance, if your child shows a desire to help others, consider a potential solution with a degree in nursing and show them how to map out the steps they’ll have to take to get there. With a master’s degree in nursing, for example, you can pursue advanced clinical roles, specialize in areas like nurse education or administration, engage in research, or take leadership positions in healthcare settings.

You can even lead by example by earning an online degree yourself! Such actions not only inspire children but also help them realize the importance of higher education and professional growth. When children see their parents investing in learning, they’re more likely to value it, as well.

Address Mental Wellness Openly

Regular discussions about mental health should be as commonplace as conversations about physical well-being in a household. Creating a safe space where children can openly share their feelings and concerns fosters meaningful dialogue and encourages effective problem-solving. This approach ingrains emotional intelligence in children from a young age. As a result, the American Psychological Association notes that they acquire the tools needed to navigate stress anxiety, and other emotional challenges as they mature.

Strengthen Attentive Communication

Effective communication is more than just speaking; OurFamilyWizard points out that it hinges on the ability to listen actively. Validating your children’s emotions and viewpoints, even when they diverge from your own, strengthens the emotional connection between parent and child. This fortified bond promotes greater openness and transparency in your kids. Feeling genuinely heard boosts children’s self-esteem, laying the groundwork for their future mental well-being.

Opt for Wellness-Focused Products

Each home purchase presents a chance to prioritize health-conscious options. From the groceries in the pantry to the cleaning products in the cupboard, every item can either support or undermine family well-being. For instance, selecting ergonomic furniture can encourage proper posture, while choosing organic foods can minimize exposure to harmful pesticides. These mindful choices contribute to creating a living space that is conducive to both physical and mental health. In this way, the home becomes a sanctuary that actively supports the family’s overall well-being. Just be sure to read reviews from trusted sources before purchasing.

Empower Through Health Knowledge

Knowledge is power, and when children understand the importance of proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, they are more likely make informed choices. Parents should take the time to educate their children on these subjects, creating awareness that will benefit them in the long run. This step is particularly vital as children transition to adolescence and adulthood, where they’ll need to make independent decisions regarding their health.

Building healthy habits in children is not just a responsibility but an investment in their long-term happiness and success. Parents are the primary mentors in a child’s life; therefore, implementing these essential strategies and demonstrating an appreciation for knowledge and self-improvement will create a robust framework for their holistic development. Ensuring that children grow up with a balanced approach to physical and emotional health sets them on a path toward a fulfilling, balanced life.

Amanda Henderson is both a mom to two rambunctious boys and preschool teacher, so she knows from experience how quickly a situation can become unsafe. She created and writes for Safe Children to educate parents on how to keep their children safe while also having fun.

Nurturing Balance: A Parent’s Guide to Self-Care While Raising a Child with Special Needs        

Nurturing Balance: A Parent’s Guide to Self-Care While Raising a                                             Child with Special Need                                                                                                     by Amanda Henderson

(Image: Freepik)

Caring for a child with special needs brings unique challenges that demand extraordinary resilience and strength. However, parents in this situation must prioritize their own well-being. In doing so, they not only ensure their own health and happiness but also enhance their ability to care for their child. This article from Pastor Curry aims to provide practical advice and strategies to help parents create a balanced self-care plan.

A Tidy Space for Peace of Mind

A well-organized and clean home environment can significantly reduce stress levels. For parents managing the demands of a special needs child, maintaining a tidy space is even more crucial. Practical cleaning strategies, especially for challenging areas like children’s playrooms, can foster a sense of calm and order. The psychological benefits of a decluttered and orderly space are immense, helping parents to navigate their daily challenges with more ease.

Prioritizing Personal Ambitions

Engaging in such personal goals not only fosters a sense of self but also demonstrates resilience and independence, essential qualities in the journey of parenting a child with special needs. Pursuing personal ambitions, such as starting a business, can be incredibly empowering for parents. If you’re starting a business, forming an LLC offers benefits like limited liability and tax advantages. However, it’s important to understand that regulations vary by state. Instead of completing the paperwork on your own, you can hire a formation service like ZenBusiness.

Self-Care Strategies for Resilience

Incorporating self-care practices into daily life is vital for maintaining physical and mental health. Strategies can range from simple activities like reading and meditation to more structured practices like exercise and healthy eating. Regular self-care is not a luxury but a necessity, providing the strength and resilience needed to meet the demands of parenting.

Seeking Professional Support

There is immense value in seeking professional help, be it therapy or support groups. These resources offer guidance and emotional support, helping parents navigate their unique challenges. Professional support can be a lifeline, offering fresh perspectives and coping strategies that are crucial in this journey. If you’d prefer to work with a therapist virtually, check out platforms like Talkspace and BetterHelp.

Understanding Fatigue Triggers

Identifying and managing what triggers fatigue and stress is essential. Parents should be aware of the specific factors that lead to their stress and develop strategies to manage them effectively. Recognizing these triggers is the first step toward mitigating their impact, thereby preserving energy and maintaining mental health.

Setting Achievable Goals

Setting realistic personal goals is another key strategy. Achieving these goals can lead to a sense of accomplishment and positive mental health. Whether these goals are small daily objectives or longer-term ambitions, they provide a sense of progress and personal achievement that is critical for maintaining well-being.

Work-Life Adaptability

Adapting work life to better suit the needs of a family with a special needs child is another strategy. This might mean seeking a job change or negotiating more flexible working hours. Such adaptability can greatly alleviate the pressures of balancing work and family responsibilities, ensuring that both are managed effectively.

In conclusion, self-care is not just beneficial but essential for parents of children with special needs. It’s about finding balance in the chaos, harnessing strength from within, and creating a nurturing environment for both themselves and their child. Remember, taking care of oneself is a fundamental part of taking care of others. Through implementing these strategies, parents can maintain their well-being and continue to provide the best care for their children.

Amanda Henderson is both a mom to two rambunctious boys and preschool teacher, so she knows from experience how quickly a situation can become unsafe. She created and writes for Safe Children to educate parents on how to keep their children safe while also having fun.

 

Guess Who’s Coming to Town

 

“The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.” (John 1:14 The Message)

What does one say at the end of a year like 2020? As I began to ponder this Curry I had the opportunity to preach on the first Sunday of Advent. I chose Luke 21:25-28 as my passage: “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” The sermon was entitled “When Will God Come?” It centered on the sure and certain hope we have that God always comes when the time is right.

On my way home my wife and I were listening to Christmas music. As “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” began she got theological and, reflecting on the sermon, said “You should turn this into a religious song.” I chuckled – until I couldn’t get it out of my head. So several days later, I made an attempt. I hope it will brighten your day and energize your preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth.

“Jesus Christ is Coming on Down
(There’s Grace for You to Take)”

You better watch out, You better not cry
You better not pout I’m telling you why
Jesus Christ is coming on down

He’s making a list, Not checking it twice,
Already knows who’s naughty or nice.
Jesus Christ is coming on down

He’s with you when you’re sleeping
And when you’re awake –
Whether you’ve been bad or good
There is grace for you to take
You better watch out, You better not cry
You better not pout, I’m telling you why
Jesus Christ is coming on down

He’s come once before, and He’ll come again
With hope for today and also for then,
Jesus Christ is coming on down

He’ll bring peace to those who are of good will
Promising that their hearts He will fill
Jesus Christ is coming on down

Then those who will receive Him will have a jubilee
He’s gonna’ fill their hearts with love
And with joy for all to see.

So! You better watch out, you better not cry
You better not pout, I’m telling you why
Jesus Christ is coming on down

Curry Pikkaart, © 2020

Lessons from the Tower

As I recalled 9/11 this past week, I went back to see what I preached the following Sunday. What I found was that at least some lessons of that message are important for our current time as well. So I’m sharing them, slightly edited, with you today.

LESSON 1: GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY. Our world is filled with evil and tragedy but God still rules the world. He is sovereign. Psalm 46 states,  “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging…(and I would add though the towers fall, though COVID strikes )… Nations are in an uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.” Revelation pictures Jesus Christ, who said “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”, sitting on the throne ruling the world. Martin Luther penned, “Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing, were not the right man on our side, the man of God’s own choosing. Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he; Lord Sabaoth his name, from age to age the same, and he must win the battle.” Remember, God is sovereign.

LESSON 2: OUR SECURITY. Our American sense of safety and security has been shattered. We are experiencing fear – a fear that has previously been unknown to most of us. We wonder, “If this could happen, what’s next?” When the tower fell, when COVID hit, our smugness and invincibility fell as well.

But, thank God, we are safe. “The LORD is my light and my salvation– whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life– of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident… For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock… Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Psalm 27). “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10). This invincible tower is not one we run from in fear but towards in faith. Its name is Jesus. America’s tower may have fallen but at the resurrection and ascension of Jesus another, greater one rose up. “No one can snatch them from my hand.” Or as Paul put it, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:35-39, underlining mine). We are safe in Christ.

LESSON 3: OUR STRENGTH. In times like this we feel powerless. After all, the USA is THE power of the world. We are invincible. No one would dare come after us. Nothing can destroy us. We have raised a generation that believes it can do anything and will always succeed. And we love to feel the strength this feeling of power brings. But then the tower fell (COVID struck).  And we realize just how impotent we are. We are not in control. We do not call all the shots.

But we can pray. “…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 will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.” Surely we have been humbled; now it’s time to pray – for victims, leaders, rescue workers, families, friends, co-workers, other nations, for Christ’s Church. James wrote (4:6-7): “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.” Jesus said, “My Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” There is no greater power. Our strength derives from prayer.

May the words of my mouth and the meditations of all our hearts be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer (Psalm 19:14).

I’m Out

Shark Tank is an interesting TV show. When investors are interested in a business they offer a deal. But if there is something about the business they do not like or makes them wary, or it won’t – in their opinion – be profitable or worth their time, they say “I’m out” and ‘walk away’ from offering a deal. They don’t want to take a risk with their money.

One night it hit me – I, too, have said “I’m out.” Not in relation to making a huge monetary investment, but in my commitment to follow Jesus. I began to think of all the times I’ve hesitated to speak up for Jesus, refused to get involved in something because it was controversial, felt unqualified to go where He was leading me, or didn’t want to risk my reputation. It wasn’t a good feeling.

brown and white bread on white table

But then I remembered I’m not alone. Jesus spoke eloquently about being the Bread of Life and how He was from ‘the Father.’ It was a lot to take in and sounded strange. In fact it sounded downright scary. John tells us, “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him” (John 6:66). They said “I’m out.” How about you? Have you ever told Jesus “I out?”

It’s so easy to do today. The political and cultural climates have, in many ways, put Christians on the defensive. To speak up, get involved and truly follow Jesus will lead to opposition. Criticism – and sometimes even punishment – will result. We may lose our popularity or reputation. We’re not used to that and not sure we can withstand the pressure. So we quietly say “I’m out” and walk away. We don’t want to take the risk.

Jesus knew it would be this way. “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me. They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now they have no excuse for their sin. Anyone who hates me also hates my Father. If I hadn’t done such miraculous signs among them that no one else could do, they would not be guilty. But as it is, they have seen everything I did, yet they still hate me and my Father. This fulfills what is written in their Scriptures: ‘They hated me without cause’” (John 15:18-25 NLT). And here’s Jesus’ reason for sharing this: “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. This is because they have never known the Father or me. Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning” (John 16:1-4 NLT).

Thousands of Christians around the world have been experiencing this persecution and hardship far beyond what we can imagine. They have experienced the harsh reality of Jesus’ words. But they have stood fast even while paying a great price. They are our inspiration as they have also experienced this reality: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

When have you said “I’m out?” How or where do you need to take a risk and get back to following Jesus? How will you do so? And how can you support and encourage our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world?** Are you out – or in?

**Four organizations that provide information and opportunities:

Family Research Council:                  https://www.frc.org/international-religious-freedom
Open Doors: https://www.opendoorsusa.org/
I Pray: https://www.ipray.me/
Voice of the Martyrs: https://www.persecution.com/

Remember the Ant

Female climbing mountain

A young woman named Brenda shared an amazing story (1). She was invited to go rock climbing. Although very scared, she went with her group to a tremendous granite cliff. In spite of her fear, she put on the gear, took a hold on the rope, and started up the face of that rock. She finally got to a ledge where she could catch her breath. As she was hanging there, the safety rope snapped against Brenda’s eye and knocked out her contact lens. Now she’s on a rock ledge with hundreds of feet below her and hundreds of feet above her. She looked as best she could, hoping it had landed on the ledge, but it wasn’t there. She was desperate and started to become upset, so she prayed for help to the Lord to help her find it.

She resumed her climb, blurry eyes and all. When she got to the top a friend examined here eye and her clothing for the lens, but there was no lens to be found. She sat down despondent, with the rest of the party, waiting for some others to complete the climb. She looked out across range after range of mountains, thinking of the Bible verse, “The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth.” She thought, “Lord, You can see all these mountains. You know every stone and leaf, and You know exactly where my contact lens is. Please help me.”

Finally they walked down the trail to the bottom. At the bottom there was a new party of climbers just starting up the face of the cliff. One of them shouted out, “Hey, you guys! Anybody lose a contact lens?” That’s amazing enough.

But you know how the climber saw it? An ant was moving slowly across the face of the rock carrying the lens on its back.

micro photography of two black ants on white panel

Brenda’s father is a cartoonist so he drew a cartoon with an ant lugging that contact lens – underneath he put the words: “Lord, I don’t know why You want me to carry this thing. I can’t eat it, and it’s awfully heavy. But if this is what You want me to do, I’ll carry it for you.”

The conclusion: “I think it would probably do some of us good to occasionally say, ‘God, I don’t know why you want me to carry this load. I can see no good in it and it’s awfully heavy. But if You want me to carry it, I will.” God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. ”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.””

Perhaps you feel you’ve been asked to carry quite a load lately. It’s been heavy. But just perhaps, if you continue to carry it in faith, others will soon be able to see life clearly once again. So, when your vision gets blurry, remember the ant!

And in the meantime, reach out to Jesus.:

Is your burden heavy as you bear it all alone?
Does the road you travel, harbor dangers yet unknown?
Are you growin’ weary in the struggle of it all?
Jesus will help you with all his name you call.

Is the life you’re living filled with sorrow and despair?
Does the future press you with its worry and its scare?
Are you tired and jealous, have you almost your way?
Jesus will help you, just talk to him today

He’s always there hearing every prayer, faithful and true
Walking by our side, in his love we hide all the day through
When you get discouraged just remember what to do
Reach out to Jesus, he’s reaching out to you. (2)

(1) Elliott, Elisabeth. Keep a Quiet Heart. Vine Books, 1995. ISBN 0-892-83906-6 (p. 119).
Ms. Elliot attributed the story to a first-person account sent to her by Brenda Foltz of Princeton, Minnesota, who maintained she wrote it based upon an event that occurred during her first rock-climbing experience.
(2) Ralph Carmichael

 

Heart Check

The post on Facebook read, “We don’t need religion to be moral – in our hearts we know what’s right.’ It’s a popular sentiment. “Just follow your heart.” It sounds so good, so logical, so easy. But is it wise?

What if your heart and my heart disagree? And what if our disagreement means we’re at polar opposites on an issue that demands conflicting actions? Let’s assume we both, at the same time, come upon a man ready to jump off a bridge and commit suicide. I want to let him jump and you want to stop him. I believe he has a right to do it, and should be allowed to do it – after all, it’s what his heart is telling him to do. So I will do whatever is necessary to be sure he jumps. But you believe it’s wrong and that he should be stopped, and will do whatever is necessary to stop him. How do we resolve our differences – after all, we can’t both do what our heart tells us to do without major conflict. How do we know what’s ‘right?’

In Bunyan’s classic “Pilgrim’s Progress” Christian and Ignorance have a conversation.
Christian: “What leads you to believe that you have given up all for God and Heaven?”
Ignorance: “My heart tells me that I have.”
“But is your heart reliable? The Bible says, ‘He that trusts in his own heart is a fool.’”
”That is spoken of a fool. I’m no fool. My heart is wise and good.”
“But how do you know that? What means have you of testing your heart?”
“My heart comforts me in the hope of Heaven.”
“That may be through its deceitfulness. Jeremiah the prophet said, ‘The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?’ A man’s heart may give him hope when there are no grounds for his hope.”
“But my heart and my life agree, so my hope is well grounded.”
“What proof have you that your heart and life agree?”
“My heart tells me so.”
“Your heart tells you so! Except the Word of God bears witness, other testimony is of no value.” [i]

We may not agree on what the standard should be, but the fact is we need an unchanging standard – a holy, righteous guide. The Bible qualifies.

“For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Heb. 4:12) The ‘one to whom we must give account’ is Jesus, the holy righteous one who knows our hearts. “… God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God’s sight.” (Luke 16:15) “I am He who searches hearts… (Revelation 2:23). “For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come…” (Mark 7:21) So before you follow your heart, check it. Jesus exposes our hearts so we can open them to His Spirit.

Ezekiel prophesied, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” (36:26-27). Is your heart filled with God’s Spirit? If so, follow it. If not, ask Jesus to fill your heart today. It’s the right thing to do.

[i] John Bunyan, Pilgrim’s Progress in Today’s English, Moody Publishers, Chicago, © 1992 The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, p. 139

It’s All About the Dirt!

A man with his hands covered with mud

I had the joy and challenge of preaching today from John 8:2-11. The religious leaders set a trap to catch a woman in adultery. They then victimized her by using her to trick Jesus. Portraying her as the dirty one they ask Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?”

I’m impacted by Jesus’ response. “Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” And their response? “At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.”

Jesus turned the scene of accusation into a time of self-examination. And the religious leaders were snared in their own trap. They, too, were dirty. There was plenty of dirt to go around. Here’s what really struck me. We are bombarded daily with finger pointing and dirt throwing. The fault always lies with someone else and that someone else has dirt in their lives. So call them names, besmirch their reputation, and push the attention away from yourself. After all, you’re certainly more righteous and cleaner than they are. We hear it in politics, government, media, the workplace, our communities, our homes and even our churches. And in the process of doing so we all get dirtier.

But we also see it in ourselves. Have you ever pointed an accusing finger?

man pointing at camera

Have you ever condemned someone else? Have you ever done so even when you knew it wasn’t kosher? Have you ever been quick to throw the dirt on someone while ignoring your dirt? We, too, are guilty.

But what if we lived by Jesus’ qualification that only those who are without sin can judge, point the finger and throw the dirt? Would you qualify to judge? Perhaps before pointing the finger and throwing the dirt, we should take time for self-examination. Jesus wants to remind us that we too often demand standards from others that we do not fulfill in ourselves and condemn in others what is glaring in ourselves. There’s plenty of dirt to go around.

So I wonder. What if we followed Jesus’ words and example? What if we lived in the Spirit of Jesus? “Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ. Do as God does. After all, you are his dear children. Let love be your guide. Christ loved us and offered his life for us as a sacrifice that pleases God” (Ephesians 4:32-5:2 CEV). I wonder – would it begin to change our world? I have a hunch it just might. But if not, at least it will change us! And I, for one, need changing.