Lean on Me vs. Lean on Jesus...I Choose Jesus

Lean on Me vs. Lean on Jesus...I Choose Jesus

 For conversations you might never have

with people you might never talk to

…go catch a plane.

I had an interesting conversation with a man on a plane last week. Sadly, his mother had died and he was headed across the country for her funeral and to be with his 12 siblings. He shared with me that he was speaking at a conference at a church when he received the news. I thought we probably had much the same story. But, our philosophies, though tiny similarities showed up at times, were not the same at all.

Still we had a great discussion. I learned more about his view of meditation and yoga, and I shared why I can’t possibly be good enough, no matter how deep I go into myself. I am a sinner. His perspective was that through grace (which I totally believe God has given us grace through Jesus Christ, Eph. 2:8-10) and working for a state of consciousness (I totally disagree…Jesus paid it all. I don’t have anything to add that could save me more than what Jesus has already done, Galatians 2:20-21) that one can find the “christ” in you.

In Texas we say, “You are the spitting image of your momma!” I’m not sure why it’s spitting, but it just means, you look like your mom. Though I might look like my mom, everyone would agree I am not her. It’s the same with God; though we are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26), it doesn’t mean we are God. We have similar qualities: ability to love, forgive, mourn, show anger, but that doesn’t make us “God.”

About Jesus my new friend said, “He was a good man, but there have been lots of good men. We don’t feel that God requires a sacrifice to make us right with Him.”  I wanted to cry.

The gentleman (whose meditation name I can’t remember…I wish I had asked what his mother named him) was very nice. Neither one of us changed the other’s mind. But in my heart, I was grieving for him, not just the loss of his mother, but for the years meditating inwardly rather than meditating on his Maker. In his type of meditation, one loses all faculties to open the mind – which I believe opens the mind up to deception (see link below)

            “…for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” 2 Cor. 11:14.

What might seem to be enlightenment is, according to the bible, a path to darkness. Isn’t that the same lie Satan has presented from the beginning saying “God isn’t enough…here’s more”?

I woke up this morning with Philippians 4:13 on my mind. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” It occurred to me that we often stop with “I can do all things…” That’s what mystical religions teach. And, it’s what I often attempt on a daily basis even though I have the strength of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit available to me. But, I CAN’T do anything on my own; beat my own heart, make myself breathe. Those are things God sets and keeps in motion. So, why do I try to run through my day without Him?  Or we could ask, “How do I walk with Him through the day letting Him be my strength?”

Here are some thoughts – ways to lean on Jesus for strength as you live your day:

1.     Before you get out of bed, even if a baby is already crying, sigh a prayer to Him, “I need You, Lord. I surrender the day to You.”

2.     Place scripture in front of you…dry erase on your mirror, a notecard in the car, a screen shot on your phone. (I’ll include some of my favorite verses below.) Say the verse aloud and you’ll memorize it (and maybe your kids will, too.)

3.     P.R.A.Y. (this is biblical, conscious meditation or talking between you and God. Phil. 4:8)

A.     Praise Him for things He has done (all the things He created, loving me enough to send Jesus to die for me…)

B.     Repent: I ask God to bring to mind anything that I’ve done that would hinder my relationship with Him (i.e. Sins…how I’ve spoken to my husband, jealous thoughts toward a friend who “has it all,” etc.)

C.     Ask specifically for the needs in my life (“Please provide a friend for my daughter”, “Help me know how to manage my day”, or even “I want to make something creative for dinner…help me see what that would be.” Your details don’t wear Him out.) 

D.    Yield to Him: meaning you believe Him to be trustworthy so you trust Him with the outcome of the day. He sees, knows, and uses everything. He is too good to waste anything, especially the hard things we’ve been through.  (“Lord, I trust you with all that I’ve asked, to do as you see best.”)

4.     Tune into music that turns your heart toward Him.

5.     One Place (an app) offers radio programs from people and organizations like Chip Ingram, FamilyLife Today, Focus on the Family, etc. I LOVE having this as I drive.

Hebrews 12:1-3 sums this up best. “…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer (author) and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Leaning on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith, I won’t grow weary, but will have strength for all things.

Blessings…

Sharon

For more on this:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/november/10.78.html

“This only have I found; God created mankind upright, but they have gone in search of many schemes.” Ecc. 7:29

Some favorite chapters and verses:

Jeremiah 17:7-8, Proverbs 3:5-6, Ps. 139, James 1

Ps. 146, I Peter 5:7, Ps. 34:4-5

Can a Mom Forget?

Can a mom forget? Ha! Yes, she can and usually it's a part of everyday! I forget my phone, appointments, the time, and oh wait…I forgot to pick up one of the kids! Well as funny (but not) as that is, I'm not talking just about forgetting.

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!" Isaiah 49:15

When we are nursing, our body kicks in and reminds us every three to four hours that we have a baby. Or they cry and remind us they need something. But, as our kids get older, those cries don't come so often. They need us less and less.  And when they hit teen years, their "cries" (also known as whines, complaints and mumblings) can be annoying - more easily ignored than answered.

I caught myself in that annoyed state this morning, not listening, but frustrated with all the requests and just general disgruntlement. The verse I mentioned earlier came to my mind and I realized how thankful I am that God is helping parent this child, too. I think we could read this verse: "Can a mother forget to listen to the teen by her side in the car and have no compassion on this kid she bore? (implied "YES.") Though she is annoyed, I will not give up on her children." He never forgets. He never gives up. He is always faithful.

What good news for our kids. I pray my kids embrace this constant care of God…it is ground that won't shake in a world that is unstable-a place that even mom can get fed up.

And, what great news for us as moms…as humans. When we feel alone, "forgotten," we can cry out to Him, knowing He isn’t annoyed. He never forgets you. He never gives up. He is always faithful.

"The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Ps. 121:8

Lord, Thank you for your ability to care – always. Thank you for never giving up; for listening every time we call out to You. Amazing – that’s what You are. In Jesus Name we come to You…Amen.