Washed Clean

My daughter ventured out in new, bright pink, beautiful pants one day.  She walked in confidence and pride while sporting these new pants.  The moment she stepped out the door the fabric experienced the typical beating received from any five year old.  The use of markers alters the design from plain bright pink to random stripes of various colors.  Hitting the ground numerous times during recess weakens the threading; at times, leaving dinged marking.  During lunch, the pants transform into a napkin and potential stains appear down the sides of each leg.  To top off the day, after school play leads to grass and mud colored knees.  At first encounter, I think someone stole her pants and replaced them with used, dingy, stained yet still comfy ones.  First thought of this incompetent mother. . . “How in the world will I ever clean this up?”

With the first step in the door, I ask that she change pants and hand me the damaged ones.  I reach for any pretreatment product found, drench the pants and leave it to work miracles.  Leaving to soak for hours, I think to myself, “no way is this one coming clean”.  Well, at least we now have a pair of ‘play’ pants, right?  I throw in the pants with corresponding colors, add detergent and with the push of the start button hope for the best. . .

The mixture of pretreatment, detergent and water begin to work vigorously to clean the blue marker, green grass, brown mud and ketchup streaks down the sides.  These pants are at their worst but I cling to hope that the products will do as promised in the description. . .one wash = cleaner, brighter clothes!

Pulling out of the dryer confirmed the promise.  No signs of stain whatsoever.  I could not tell you what she had for lunch, where she played after school or what projects she completed during art class.  The pants washed cleaned, folded nicely and ready to go the next day she wears them.  The assurance given from a washer, detergent and pretreatment brings peace to this mother as I approach my child covered in dirty clothes.

Another assurance I possess each day creating overwhelming peace is that my God promises cleansing of my dirty, stained and tainted soul.  We begin life as a child, innocent, new, beautiful inside and out and filled with peace in the care of parents meeting all needs.  In growing, confidence appears along with self-satisfaction.  Nothing alters our thoughts, cleanliness remains. 

Then, the five year mark comes around and we venture outside of the protection known thus far.  The moment entering into society without constant supervision, love, encouragement and care finds us within society’s beating.  Words spoken, opinions given or glaring looks place indelible marks on our hearts.  The shine inside lessens. . .dingy appearance begins.  During the years, we may become a stomping ground in relationships.  With each encounter our soul feels the blow, receiving potential stains.  Job loss, addiction, depression, death of loved one and more knock us to the ground.  Spirits weaken diminishing any motivation to continue.  To top all this off, we then come home to a place without peace, joy, love or comfort.  Years pass, each feeling worse than the prior one. . .eventually finding us lower than ever before.  My friends, at our lowest, Satan moves in to attack.  He has us exactly where he desires. . .backed against a wall without a way out.  Or is there?

After 40 days of fasting, Jesus experienced weakness and hunger. . .guess who came in to attack?  The attack did not occur only once. . .three times Satan attacked.  My friends open your Bibles to Matthew 4:1-11 to read for yourselves how Jesus answered.  Weak, tired and probably more than over this fasting period; Jesus responded, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”  You want to know what happened next. . . ‘Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.’

We have a God bigger than anything in this world.  Our faith may be shaken daily, but it CANNOT be taken.  We may feel like dingy, stained, damaged and useless due to the past and the opinions placed upon us by society.  Guess what, my friend, Hope exists.  The promise remains throughout each generation. . .one death = clean, brighter, everlasting life!  Serving only God will protect from the damage of Satan’s attacks.  Though trials and tribulations surround our lives, joy can remain inside our soul.  No matter the past, His promise holds true for every one of His children.  That includes YOU!  The past is washed away. . .God cannot see the mistakes, wrong turns, failures or years of damage.  He washes you clean and paves the way for each day to follow.  Will you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, be washed clean and walk confidently with Him?

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

Spiritual Stretching

Recently, my daughter came to me in pain.  It was before bed and the suggestion for relief included lying beside me while I rub the pain away.  Immediately I question the severity of such a pain.  Was this a ploy to lay with mommy?  A compromise arose with her lying in her bed; I rub her leg for 5 minutes and provide an ice pack.  The moment passed. . .

The same scenario repeated itself sporadically for months.  Then, increased in frequency and eventually the pain struck my daughter throughout the daytime as well.  She struggled in gym class, begging not to go with tears running down her cheeks.  Walking for long distance increased the pains and cramps.  We pushed it aside for a while as “growing pains”.  Come to find out, “growing pains” do not have to interfere with activities.  We sought help from a local chiropractic practice and began the path to healing. 

My daughter apparently suffers from the same structural concern I found in myself years ago.  Her hips do not align properly, causing one leg to extend past the other.  The muscles in the shorter leg remain tight, restricting growth.  With each step, she pulls those muscles beyond what they can handle and over the course of the day; they wear out and cause pain.  The pain acts as a stop sign, warning that they cannot go on anymore.

Since going to the chiropractor, we stretch daily and increase activity slowly.  Gradual stretching and exercise increase allow these muscles to grow in length at a pace they can handle.  If we jerked on them, forcing growth, tears and permanent damage would occur.  DAILY commitment, GENTLE care and FAITH in the unseen progress will lead to a day when my daughter can walk around the zoo without ending in pain. 

Muscular tissue consumes 35-40% of our body weight.  Muscles provide strength to function, movement and vitality.  Can you name one of the most important muscles needed to sustain life?  In my opinion, our spiritual muscle ranks right next to the heart!  Think of having a tight spiritual muscle. . .the tightness would lead to misalignment, effecting every aspect in life.  Growth restriction, stagnant living and pain will occur.  This leaves us to suffer and miss out on the plan laid for our life.  Often times, we will push it aside as a phase; it will all be better when. . .I will relax and enjoy life after. . .or I have no control over my pain.  Oh, my friend, you are correct in saying you don’t have control, that relaxation and enjoyment is still to come and there is better than the here and now.  BUT, when looking to this world for control, blaming others for the trials surrounding us and striving to find contentment here IN this world; our spiritual muscle tightens and shrinks all the more. 

Our Physician knows just how to handle such a problem.  Take the first step into the unknown.  Seek out the door waiting wide open revealing fleshly discomfort.  Others may not stand next to you when entering such a door, but reaching out and moving in the right direction stretches your spirit.  With each stretch, faith grows.  God hears your prayers for relief, comfort, joy and a way out; but, if He simply removed you from the situation and pulled you where you wish to be, permanent damage to the spiritual muscle occurs.  We must gradually step, stretching a bit farther with each decision advancing down the path God intended.  The spiritual muscle will grow at a pace which it can handle.  The strength and endurance gained will allow for you to become a personal trainer, teaching others by example just how to grow their spiritual muscle. 

Once stretched, it takes DAILY commitment to His Word and living His example.  It takes GENTLE care to protect our hearts from this world and the evil which prowls waiting to steal our spirit.  And most of all it takes FAITH in the unseen to progress down the path laid for our lives. 

You may be sore for a while, but press forward, keep your eyes on the prize.  Before you know it, you will be boldly walking upon this Earth with full confidence in God.  Anything coming in your path will be handled with Truth, Protection and Trust in the One True God!

Start today, my friend, it is never too late to stretch the spiritual muscle.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig        

Coincidence. . .I Think NOT!

Coincidence. . . a situation in which events happen at the same time in a way that is not planned or expected; the occurrence of events that happen at the same time by accident but seem to have some connection.

Believe in coincidence?  I don’t!  This life, moment in time, season faced and decisions for this day hold enormous meaning.  Think about it. . .

I could sit here and provide example after example to disprove coincidence.  The events appearing in our lives may feel way out of character or impossible, so we claim it coincidence.  Guess what my friends; these moments in time are bigger than us. . . 

Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”  Luke 18:27

God can take any situation and work it out for the good of those who love Him.  I hold various roles in life.  Many days, my ‘to do’ list informs that no hour will be left for rest.  Come to find out, all of it gets done, peace overwhelms the day and I even have time to play a game or two with the kids.  You see, putting God as your guide each day reveals what our fleshly minds deem as impossible.  Man chalks the days up to coincidence, God says, “Nope, had that day planned all along for you.” 

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.  Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  Jeremiah 29:11-12

How great it is to know our Coach strategically planned the game of life for each of His children.  No day exist without purpose.  Every moment in time packs meaning and when looked at closely, offers strength and growth.  We may not prosper by the world’s definition, but trusting in His plans will bring greater riches in life.  He will provide joy, peace and safety in storms.  Man chalks it up as fate, God says, “Nope, I analyzed and protected the path laid for your life before guiding each step.” 

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.  Ephesians 3:20-21

Too often the world receives glory for things only God could provide.  He exceeds our prayers, leaves us standing in awe and not a day goes by that He does not hear our hearts desires.  Man cannot come close to providing what God provides.  The works of man remain temporary, unpredictable, disappointing and leaves us just short of happy.  The works of God provide stability, endurance each day, satisfy any need and leave us overflowing with blessing.  Man chalks any joy up to being in the right place at the right time, God says, “Nope, I decided that one a long time ago and take joy in seeing my child smile.”

Now, I know times get tough and these Scriptures may seem so far away from thought.  But, my dear friends; He remains at your side waiting to hold your hand and guide you through any storm in life.  He cannot stop the evil in this world.  The Bible warns of trials and tribulations faced while in the flesh.  BUT, He promises to bring us through, increasing our strength!  Healing is possible with Him.  Plans in the future hold huge meaning for His Kingdom and prosperity cannot happen without Him.  He holds power to go beyond what our fleshly minds can concoct.  His plan prevails. . .nothing is coincidence.  To Him be the glory for this day and the adventure which lay ahead.  His Hands are all over this day.  Should a storm hit, He will bring or carry us through.  Should blessing overflow, He desires to accompany and enjoy each one with you.  Take Him with you today and stand in confidence that He planned this day, connected each event and is not surprised by the outcome. 

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.  Sheree Craig

Vital Organ

What organ maintains life?  Its size compares to a fist.  Weakness of such an organ presents with difficulty in breathing, less endurance, pain, dizziness, nausea, profuse sweating, swelling and struggle to continue in daily activities.  In order to keep in shape, the doctor may suggest some lifestyle changes: low sodium diet, decrease cholesterol intake, increase activity, throw away the cigarettes, take medications as prescribed and maintain hydration daily.  All these habits may be difficult to begin if already set in your ways.  But, change must come to protect this vital organ and sustain life. 

Know the organ yet?  THE HEART!  Without a functioning heart, no blood can travel through the body to keep other organs oxygenated and working as they should.  Any weakness of the heart affects the rest of the body systems.  You must protect it!  Substances ingested or inhaled play a major role in health of your heart.  Be aware of such knowledge and stay in tune with your body’s needs.  A healthy heart provides a healthy life. . .

My son, pay attention to what I say;
    turn your ear to my words.

 Do not let them out of your sight,
    keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
    and health to one’s whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.  (Proverbs 4:20-23)

Just so, we must protect our hearts from spiritual disease or infection.  Weakness presents with difficulty in coping, less joy, pain, destruction, unclear thoughts, swelling of pride and profuse stress.  Continuing in daily activities seems nearly impossible at times.  In order to keep in shape our Physician must be visited daily.  He provides Truth, guidance, love, support, joy and peace.  His plan on our lives requires a few lifestyle adjustments: replace negative thoughts with Truth, alter habits to coincide with Truth, remove destructive situations/environments, increase the study of His Word, throw away pride, begin weekly regimen of attendance to Bible believing church and maintain a life filled with discipleship.  All these may feel awkward or difficult to begin due to the habits/lifestyle we currently lead.  But, I am witness that changes made to protect your heart provide indescribable joy, peace and love.  All the elements your heart requires to sustain life!

Will you take at least one of the steps toward a healthy heart today?  Pick up His Word, begin reading it and listening to the teaching He desires for you during this season of life.  Don’t let His Truth escape your thoughts, place them in your heart and begin revival of your heart.  Any weakness of spirit affects everyone around you and places risk for the enemy to bring you down.  Stand firm on His Word today, guard your heart from this world and the enemy.  Stay in tune with the plan and purpose God holds for you!  Make an appointment with your Physician today. . .He always has an open slot in His schedule.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

In Need of a Physician? I Know a Great One!

THAT time of year has rolled around again.  Sickness lurks outside everyone’s door.  Buy the tissues, stock up on the cough drops, begin the Ester-C regimen and try to avoid the swarming pathogens.  Hand washing becomes top priority, followed by covering any coughs or sneezes.  We hope for immunity.  Our immune system needs to buckle down and get ready for the storm. 

Often, regardless of our efforts, the pathogen enters without acknowledgement.  Once inside a host, a pathogen seeks a susceptible cell, one for it to overpower and weaken.  After searching throughout, it finds that one little entrance.  Upon entering, the work begins.  Often the process goes slowly, wreaking havoc one symptom at a time.  The pathogen sets up shop and you may not feel any different at first.  Then, as it replicates, invades more and more cells and goes to town. . .an achy body dominates the day.  Progress reveals a slight fever, cough, sneeze, etc.  Denial sets in:  “I don’t have time for this,” “I am fine,” “This soon shall pass.”

It will not go away until you surrender and call the doc!  The invasion of such a pathogen requires the proper antibiotic to kill it and then create a slight immunity to the same pathogen next time it should try to take over you.  Let it go, face the facts and get the medicine, take it until completed and begin to feel better.  Don’t quit mid-prescription or some bacteria remains, only to return with a vengeance.  Go all in and get the pathogen out of your life. 

Enough medical jargon. . .every feel spiritual sickness lurks outside your door?  We buy the self-help books, stock up on a comforting vice, begin searching the internet for prevention tips to avoid this emotional pathogen waiting to overtake your life.  Looking the other way becomes top priority, followed by building walls around your heart.  We hope for it to go away.  Avoidance is key, right?  Suck it up, ignore the feelings and move on, right?

Speaking from experience, I can confidently tell you that avoidance and ignoring do not work.  Actually, both do the exact opposite of healing or protecting.  The sickness remains, the walls grow in strength and emotions take over.  So, why avoid facing our struggles head on, going to the root and begin healing?

My friends, when we buckle down and take one brick at a time from the walls around our heart, that little pathogen releases and searches for a susceptible moment, a weakness in our thoughts.  The pathogen works diligently to overpower our lives.  In our weakness, it takes hold of any possible avenue to bring us down, tear us to pieces so we will quit.  The pathogen desires for us to place those bricks back around our heart one at a time and give it that quiet little place it lived in our hearts.  It was comfortable in our lives, let it go back and remain infecting our spirit. 

The pathogen reveals itself as our worst enemy.  Once released, he goes to town, working diligently to tear you down.  Any weakness, he takes advantage of and grabs tight to the slightest entrance into your thoughts.  So, let’s medicate ourselves with worldly things to get by.  Let’s numb these thoughts and emotions until maybe they will just go away or the season will pass, right?

It will not go away or truly heal until you surrender and call the Great Physician!  He writes one prescription: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  (Matthew 11:28-30)  Truth by Truth, healing takes place.  And though, it does not go away overnight, completing His prescription for your life will bring peace, joy and love.  The past will remain there, the present will bring pleasant times and you will be confident that your future is fixed.  Healing comes: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”  The strength gained from releasing such a pathogen is indescribable.  God will use this moment in time to build your ministry which then builds His Kingdom.  Stand strong, times will be rough as the past is released and medicated with Truth, but know full well that the battle has already been won!  You can do this with His medication.  Call the Physician today!

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig    

Removing the Plank

Our church sends a weekly email on Wednesday to provide information concerning Sunday’s message and a few other announcements.  The subject for the message jumps off the screen.  Oh, I cannot wait for my husband to hear this one.  God I pray You speak loud and clear to him through this message, guide him in the right direction and provide strength needed to change.  I keep the prayer to myself, but chime in a few hints throughout the week to set the tone for my husband in preparation to hear the message. 

Sunday comes and the chaotic morning reveals itself once again.  Finally out the door, I remember the subject soon to be taught.  Again, God I pray You speak loud and clear to my husband through this message.  I sit down, knowing this week does not really apply to me, but I want to hear all the ways to help my husband change.  I move closer to my husband, elbow ready to nudge him should he begin to drift away in thought.  I just don’t want him to miss a thing.  I am looking out for him, right?  I am concerned about his well-being and only want the best for him, right?

As we leave the church, my husband rubs his arm to ease the pain of countless elbow jabbing received during the past hour.  Despite the bruise forming, I am thrilled he heard today’s sermon.  It came in just the right timing.  He needed this. 

I will say it for you. . .WOW, REALLY?

C’mon, I think we all have experienced these thoughts a time or two.  We sit in church listening intently to the message and think, “I wish so-and-so were here for this”, or our eyes continually look to the person next to us while nudging a bit, insinuating to tune in, this pertains to them.

Well, my friend, one Scripture provides the eye opening experience we ALL need. . .“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3-4)

God provides messages daily. . .not for us to rebuke others, judge His children based on opinions and attitudes or nudge the one sitting next to us.  These messages are for US!  All Scripture pertains to each of His children and applies specifically to the current season.  Too often (I am guilty as well) we want to apply the Scripture to someone else’s life.  We use Scripture as a weapon to change our spouse or loved one.  Scripture is useful to teach US in our own lives, correcting our walk and providing the strength needed to take the next step the path laid for US.  Cool thing about our God. . .once we learn from the Scriptures, He uses us as a vessel.  Not to go and condemn others and make them change to conform to our ideas and thoughts.  But, He uses us as an example.  We when grow closer to God by removing every plank from our eye, we exemplify a true Christian, a follower of Christ and therefore love others towards growth.  No condemnation, no nudging, no prayers wishing a person to change and no judgment.  As children of God, we love, provide grace, encourage others to seek Scripture for themselves and listen to what God wants for their lives.  We are not interpreters for God, we are merely vessels which to shine His light.

Love others each step of the way.  Encourage them to look to God for guidance.  Listen for the lessons He desires in your own life.  Give each plank to Him, one at a time, and He will build a life beyond your imagination.  Dive into His Word today and see how to remove each plank.    

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig    

There is Power in His Name!

The day begins with one of the most annoying sounds created.  The tempting option to hit snooze tempts exists as I lean over to stop the noise.  Events, appointments, work and life outnumber the hours of this day.  Then, I realize without hitting feet to the floor, nothing will get done.  I lose precious time while debating to rise.  Can I just call in sick for the day?

~JUST SAY JESUS

Okay, up and at it, the coffee pot quits working, the kids refuse to move the morning along and the van sits on E!  Time becomes my enemy, refusing to cooperate during such a time as this.  Chores need be completed before this family steps foot out the door:  dishes in the dishwasher, laundry folded, beds made and lunches packed.  Yet, one child remains in pajamas snuggled tightly in a blanket and the other sits nose in gaming system.  Somehow in the middle of the night both children lost the ability to hear because my voice directs without any action following.  Can I just gain some control here?

~JUST SAY JESUS

Somehow kids arrived at their destination on time.  All is well, for a moment.  News comes via a phone call that illness struck a loved one.  Another call informs of tragedy affecting a loved one.  As I drive along, I notice a homeless, struggling mother.  The radio announces another shooting, drug bust and robbery of an innocent family.  In all this, I recall the suffering of a dear friend.  Each event weighs heavily on my heart.  Can I just take all the pain away?

~JUST SAY JESUS

The day continues in continuous prayer.  My momentary troubles pale in comparison to the sufferings unveiled this morning.  While driving home, I recall the day’s events and count each blessing one by one.  Then, I enter my home and clock in for the evening shift.  Homework awaits, dinner hasn’t even began, showers need taken, laundry accumulated AGAIN, dishes reappeared by the sink and the coffee pot still in need of repair.  Bedtime cannot come quick enough.  Can I retire yet?

~JUST SAY JESUS

Head hits the pillow a few hours later than desired.  Thoughts race and relaxation feels so distant.  My mouth opens, but no words come.  I cannot find the words to pray.  Be it exhaustion or escalating emotions; the heaviness of my heart cannot be expressed.  The minor struggles of the day matter nothing; yet, while in the moment, I allowed them to overtake and cause anxiety.  If only my eyes could remain open all day long to see every single blessing – they would outnumber any trial faced. . .

Continuous prayer keeps eyes open.  The weight of this world can be heavy; thankfully, we have a Savior that carried it ALL to His grave.  He rose from the dead and made a trip here to share the goodness awaiting us in Heaven.  Through our lives, He desires to complete a good work within you to further His Kingdom.  Then, once all is complete, trust remained throughout, faith strengthened each day and a relationship matured to desired level. . .He brings you Home.  Call to Him Who protects, saves, loves, guides and heals.  Just one Name is strong enough. . .

~JUST SAY JESUS!

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig