When It's Time to Leave the Snake-life Behind

I know. It's a harmless snake. 

A black racer eats mice and other little creatures that are, generally speaking, a nuisance. A big ole snake like this is a helpful creature on the farm and, usually, I have enough sense to be grateful for their presence. 

With that said, I stepped out my back door yesterday to see my biting cat peering down at the snake, who had been sunning himself. Biting Cat had leaned over far enough that he was in danger of toppling off the steps. His neck was stretched out as if he thought the snake was another opportunity for biting. 

The snake wasn't happy. He was curled up, head raised up like a cobra, hissing and striking at the cat like a rattlesnake. 

I know. He's not a cobra or a rattlesnake. He's harmless. I kinda forgot that in the heat of the moment, though.

In retrospect, hissing and striking at the cat might not have been a bad idea, because Biting Cat is his name for a good reason. 

I spoke firm words of exhortation to the snake. 

He ignored me and kept striking at the cat. I suggested again, in my "you better mind me" voice, that he should go to the barn, where big snakes belong. 

He turned his attention from the cat to me. 

When he struck at me, I grabbed the shovel to defend myself. Lest you think the snake was in any real danger, the shovel was propped against the wall of the house because it was too dull to dig a hole. 

He struck at me one more time, and I swung the shovel at him. That enraged him and he jumped up a step and charged me. 

I screamed and offered a few more words of exhortation. They came straight from Scriptures and I have nothing to apologize about for any of the words I spoke to the snake. In case you wondered. 

I offered a paraphrase of the snake-curse from Genesis 2, and explained that it was no wonder he had lost his legs after all the trouble his ancestor had helped usher in by letting the devil use him. I suggested he should quit following in the ways of the generational curse and choose a better path.

He didn't. 

I don't know if shovel-swinging or dredging up his past made him madder, but he lunged at me with serious intent. 

When his forked tongue shot out like an arrow from a bow, I was sure he meant to bite me, so I did the only sensible thing. I abandoned the steps to the striking snake and went inside.

The Striking Snake finally chose to slither off to a safer place. I hoped he ate a few mice and left my cat alone. He hasn't come back. 

Once my heart stopped try to pound its way out of my chest and my heart rate returned to normal, I realized something important. 

That snake was just acting like a snake.

I don't know if he can change his ways or not, but he didn't. 

We may not believe it,  but we're a lot like that snake. We act like our ancestors, too. Adam and Eve had a great life, but the evil one offered an opportunity to do something wrong, and they didn't hesitate. 

They jumped in to trouble as fast as they could. 

We are't a bit better. Temptation comes our way and what do we do? Embrace it. What happens? The same thing that happened in the garden of Eden. We get consequences, and we don't like them.

Striking Snakes are destined to act like snakes, but Jesus came to give us a different destiny. We have a choice: continue in our temptation-yielding ways or embrace the path of Christ. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can overcome all the temptations that come our way. 

We don't have to live like our ancestors any more. We can resist. We can be freed and leave the snake-life behind. And we should. 

Today, let's stop acting like a bunch of hissing serpents. Flee temptation. Resist the attack of the enemy. Choose the path of Christ. Do good, not evil. 

Love God. Love your neighbor. 

"I have discovered this principle of life - that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God's law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord." Romas 7:21-25 nlt

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Please like and share if this blog post has touched your heart. It extends our digital reach in significant ways. Thank you.

In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: When We Had a Little Taste of Heaven and Wanted More 

If you feel led to partner with this ministry (US, Jordan, the digital world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 

Or you can mail your check or money order to: Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.

When We Had a Little Taste of Heaven and Wanted More

I'm still savoring yesterday, so bear with me as I get to the point. There's a lesson in here somewhere.

The memory of last night will be with me for a long, long time. Tears sting my eyes as I think of it. 

I know, you're probably thinking, "She was just putting toothbrushes and shampoo in ziplock bags..." but it was more than that.

During the days leading up to the packing party, donations poured in from every denomination in our area, from people with giving hearts who wanted to be a part of what God was doing. Hotel-sized soap, shampoo, lotion, conditioner. Boxes of individually-wrapped toothpaste, tiny tubes of toothpaste, combs, snacks, hand warmers, socks, gloves, deodorant, insect repellent wipes. It was an amazing array.

Finally, the day came. Tablecloths and flowers on the tables, buffet spread, supplies arranged. 

Before the appointed time, workers started arriving. It was a beautiful group of people I love dearly. We started packing bags while we waited for the last few volunteers. By the time everyone had arrived, people were so excited about the work that they hated to stop to eat.

The room was filled with laughter and conversation and love. Baptists and Methodists and Presbyterians and non-denominational church members worked alongside each other. No one wanted to claim credit for their group. It was all about serving our Lord. 

I stood at the back of the room and watched with amazement. In heaven, no one will care what the sign said in front of the church we attended. We'll all belong to Jesus and we'll all work together, just like we did last night. 

It was a little taste of heaven, and it was beautiful.

We  didn't just stuff bags, we prayed over them, too. We circled the bags and prayed for the ones who will hand out the bags and the ones who will receive them. We prayed that God would use the bags to provide an opportunity to introduce people who are in the most desperate circumstances to our God of Hope. We prayed that people would choose to follow our Lord and become disciple-makers themselves.

If God does even a portion of what we prayed, amazing things will happen. 

Before we were done, the volunteers did one more sweet thing. They prayer-walked our building. More big prayers. More hopes and dreams and anticipation.

We prepared 502 bags. Some of the last bags will receive a few extra items, but there was a good start, even on those. When we finished counting, someone said, "Let's do 1000 next time!" I hope we will.  

24 bags have already gone to Eight Days of Hope for use in their shower trailer during their next deployment. Over the next few weeks, more will be distributed to homeless ministries in our area and churches on mission across the United States. 

After everyone was gone, I sat at my desk for a few minutes and savored the sweet spirit that was still present in the building. It was a little taste of heaven and I, for one, wanted more.

I saw the body of Christ at work last night. We did more together than any of us could do separately. It's the way Jesus intended us to serve and I hope we'll do more of it going forward. 

Global Outreach International isn't a church. It's a place where all people who love Jesus can work together to serve Him, side-by-side. Last night, that's exactly what we did. I hope you'll join us next time. 

"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" Matthew 25:40 niv
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If your church or organization can use these personal care blessing bags in serving Jesus in our area, message me or comment below. We'd love to supply your need.
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Please like and share if this blog post has touched your heart. It extends our digital reach in significant ways. Thank you.

In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: When We Finally Decide to Become a House of Prayer

If you feel led to partner with this ministry (US, Jordan, the digital world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 

Or you can mail your check or money order to: Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.

When We Finally Decide to Become a House of Prayer

Prayer ministry is a hard job and there are days when I'd rather go home and let someone else try to pray for the work of missions. I struggle. It's tough work. It requires sacrifice and humility and repentance, none of which are my strong suits. 

I've agonized for months about what it means to have a culture of prayer. What does it look like? How do you accomplish it? I've read the passage in Isaiah 56, from which Jesus quoted when he drove out the money changers, many times. Today, I've seen it in a new way. 

Here's the Leanna paraphrase:

Now about the foreigners who join themselves with the Lord and follow His way: I'm going to bring them to My holy mountain, where My presence dwells, and give them great joy in prayer. My house will be a house of prayer for all the peoples. (from Isaiah 56:6-7) 

"For My house will be a house of prayer for all the peoples." Isaiah 56:7

I read those verses with the temple in mind and asked again, what does it mean to be a house of prayer? How do you get that? As clear as a bell, a verse from 1 Corinthians came to mind. 

"Do you not know the you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" 1 Corinthians 3:16 nasb

The house of prayer Jesus intended is me. You. Us.

We are the temple of God. 

What Christ intended is that we, the temple of God, would become a house of prayer. Not a house of busyness. Not a house of acting just like the world. Not a house of pride, selfishness, or commerce. 

We, individually, are to be a temple (or house) of prayer.

How do we become a house of prayer? We do what Jesus did when He cleansed the temple. He removed the moneychangers, the commerce, the focus on the letter of the law instead of the Spirit of the law. We, too, must fervently remove those things in our lives that prevent a focus on prayer.

Removing our sin is not enough to transform us into houses of prayer. 

We must also turn our focus to prayer. Seek God's will in everything. Pray without ceasing. Offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise. Bathe every decision, every action, every act of ministry in prayer. 

God's will must be our first thought, not our last. 

If we need help in starting this culture of prayer within ourselves, the best guide is the Bible. Pray Scripture. Meditate on a verse and pray that God makes it a reality in our lives, in the lives of those we love.

Here's a little tutorial on how to start:

1) Read Psalm 51 aloud and pray each verse. 

2) Focus on verse 10: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Psalm 51:10 nasb

3) Consider what things (attitudes, desires, priorities) in your heart prevent a clean heart and a steadfast spirit. Repent, and ask God to remove them. 

4) Read the Psalm aloud as a prayer every day for a week and meditate on (spend time thinking about) the words of the Psalmist's prayer. During the day, go back to the Psalm at least three times and pray through the verses.

5) What if you don't want what David wanted? Ask God to give you the desire for a clean heart and a steadfast spirit. 

We can be a house of prayer, if we will... so let's make a start. Take our focus off the things of this world and place it where it belongs - on Christ alone. 

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Please like and share if this blog post has touched your heart. It extends our digital reach in significant ways. Thank you.

In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: When We Need a Little Extra Calling

If you feel led to partner with this ministry (US, Jordan, the digital world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 

Or you can mail your check or money order to: Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.

#becomingahouseofprayer 

When We Need a Little Extra Calling

Maggie, my eight-year-old Shih Tzu, is a slow mover in the mornings. Today was no different. She was asleep at the foot of my bed, but, early this morning, she pounced on my back and gave me a quick lick. She wanted to go out.

She has a routine that never varies. After a single bite of food, Maggie goes outside to do her business. When she comes back inside, she has another bite or two or food, then hops on "my" chair. She either sleeps or stares straight ahead. 

Mamie, on the other hand, follows me every step of the way. When I have a cup of coffee in hand, I head back upstairs for Bible study time. A simple, "Let's go back upstairs," is enough to get Mamie moving. 

Not Maggie. She might open one eye and gaze woefully at me, but she usually stays in place. For Maggie, I walk over, pat her head or rub her back a moment, and encourage her to come.

This morning, I rubbed her head a brief moment and said, "Come on, Maggie. You can go listen to the birds on the screened porch." She was out of the chair in a flash, just like always.

As I turned toward the stairs, I thought, "She just takes a little extra calling," and wondered if some people aren't like that, too. 

I know people who've responded to the call of Christ after the simplest presentation with the most complete response possible. When they heard the good news of Jesus for the first time, they recognized how wonderful it is, and immediately embraced life as a disciple. They were all-in from the start.

Others take a little extra calling. I think I was one of those. I grew up in a Christian home, attended church every time the door was open. I had a lot of "calling." It was only when I was an adult and had my first child that I finally understood and embraced the call to discipleship. 

This morning, I've pondered the many names on my prayer list and realized they're still in the "need Jesus" category because they, too, "take a little extra calling." I've been praying for some of those people for years, some for decades.  I don't doubt that our Lord has called to them, but not everyone gets quiet enough to hear that still, small voice right away. One day, though, I believe they'll hear and respond. 

What's needed is "endurance prayer." It's the pray-every-day-for-fifty-years kind of prayer that never gives up, never stops. It's hard prayer and it requires commitment and faith. It's a tough job, but it's essential if we are truly concerned for those who need a little more time.

Today, let's thank God for His ever-seeking, ever-calling, prevenient grace and keep praying. Maybe that person for whom we're concerned just needs a little extra calling. God's not wiling for any to perish, and we shouldn't be, either.

Don't give up. 

Keep praying.

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." 2 Peter 3:9 esv

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Please like and share if this blog post has touched your heart. It extends our digital reach in significant ways. Thank you.

In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: When We Stop Being Selfish About Jesus and Start Working Together

If you feel led to partner with this ministry (US, Jordan, the digital world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 

Or you can mail your check or money order to: Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.

When We Stop Being Selfish About Jesus and Start Working Together

"What is all this stuff?" someone asked as they attempted to walk into my office. (The photo above was taken before even more supplies arrived...)

"Supplies for personal care packs. We're having a packing party Thursday night," I explained as I looked around the room. The path from the door to the desk was nearly obliterated from the piles of bags and boxes. 

It was a beautiful sight. 

I tripped over a box of soap, stopped long enough to rejoice over the generosity of the body of Christ, and started moving the supplies to the conference room so I could get into my office without breaking a leg. It took one 6 foot table to hold all the bags people at Harrisburg Baptist Church have already assembled. Two more eight foot tables are now covered with supplies, as people continue to bring gifts for Jesus.

Thursday night is the first "personal care pack" packing party. We're gathering supplies and putting them together in plastic storage bags. They'll be distributed to homeless people, to those who've experienced a natural disaster and are temporarily out of their homes, and to people in less developed countries who are in need. The gift bags "buy" an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus with the recipients. 

If your church is doing an outreach and needs personal care bags to distribute, let me know. If you're going on a mission trip and want bags to share, let me know. This isn't just a "Leanna project." It's a body of Christ project. We're all working together to get the job done.

So far, people from churches in Tupelo, Nettleton, Belmont, Starkville, Saltillo and more towns that I can't remember at this moment, have brought supplies. 

Thursday night, we, the body of Christ, will have a light supper and assemble bags. (6/29/17 6:00 pm Global Outreach offices at 74 Kings Highway, Pontotoc - just off Highway 6)

People from all over are coming. Men. Women. Children. Families. If you want to see the body of Christ in action, come and be a part. 

There was a time, not too long ago, when I worked as a "lone ranger" Christian. I had a private ministry that no one really knew about but me and Jesus. I loved it and, in many ways, I miss those sweet days. 

The problem, however, was that Jesus never intended us to be lone rangers. He intended us to work together to get the job done.

Truly, it's not good to be selfish about Jesus, but I was. I wanted people to know Jesus, but I kinda wanted to do all the work myself, because I wanted all the blessings. I know. It's not a very godly mindset. I've repented. 

God's done a major work in me, and I've learned to share the fun. I've embraced the idea of the body of Christ. It's more beautiful than I ever imagined it could be, more love than I thought possible.

It's really hard for me to believe, but, now, I have an "out loud" ministry that invites people to join in, and they do. It's infinitely better. When the body of Christ works together, in the way Christ intended, we demonstrate to ourselves and the world the kind of love Jesus intended. It's the kind of love that draws people to the Christ in us, and it's beautiful.

I hope you'll join us Thursday evening as we work together to accomplish more than any of us could do individually. We'll eat, laugh, pack, and pray. When we're done, we'll have another set of tools with which to share Jesus. What could be better than that?

I hope to see you all Thursday evening. It's not too late to join in the fun. Here's the link for the list of needed supplies: When the Body of Christ Works Together and Has Fun Doing It

(Amazon has supplies in bulk at greatly reduced prices)

Thanks for being a part, body of Christ! 

"I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one... May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love Me...." John 17:20, 21, 23 nlt
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Please like and share if this blog post has touched your heart. It extends our digital reach in significant ways. Thank you.

In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: When the Blood of Jesus is Too Precious to be Treating Casually 

If you feel led to partner with this ministry (US, Jordan, the digital world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 

Or you can mail your check or money order to: Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.
#bodyofChrist 

When the Blood Gift is Too Precious to Be Treated Casually

When I saw the photo of blood donation tubing connected to my son's arm, his blood racing into the bag, I was shocked. 

His life blood was flowing out, and every single drop of it was valuable to me. 

I remember thinking, "Who's getting my baby's blood?" I'll be honest here. I couldn't imagine anyone I'd want to have his precious blood, for fear they'd squander the gift. 

Several days ago, a friend on FB posted that he was "dropping off a few red blood cells..." He has O negative blood type, which is particularly precious because it's the least common. 

As a former ER doctor, I was reminded that, over the July 4th holiday, there would likely be someone whose life depended on the unit of blood he had given. 

I could see it in my mind's eye. Hospital staff will process, type, and hang the blood. Family members will watch the life-saving flow drip into their loved one's arm. Rarely will anyone remember that someone took the time to donate, in advance, so that a life could be preserved. 

"We're far too casual about blood gifts..." I told my friend. Suddenly, my mind's eye was riveted on the image of Jesus on the cross, His precious blood spilling from hands, feet, and side. 

We're far too casual about Jesus' blood gift, too.

I wonder how God felt when He saw that holy blood being spilled for us. Did He fear we'd squander the gift? No. He knew we'd squander it. God knew we'd grow callous about the blood, casual about the blood gift. He gave it anyway.

One unit of human blood can "save" three lives. The blood of Jesus can save all lives. Every single one. His blood does more than improve our oxygen-carrying capacity and transport desperately needed nutrients to the brain and other vital organs. The blood of Jesus cleanses us, washes away our sin, satisfies our sin-debt. 

His blood sets us free, yet we treat it casually, as if we were somehow entitled to it. We, who sin as if we can't get enough, deserve nothing but death and hell. Still, the blood gift stands ready to wash it all away. 

You have to sign a consent to get a unit of blood. It outlines the risks and benefits of the transfusion. I've often wondered if we should sign a consent form  for the blood of Jesus so we'd understand, in clear terms, how precious it is and how much is required.

Transfusion consent: Benefits: Sin payment completed. Risks: Discipleship required.

The blood of Jesus is the most precious gift of all. It wasn't given lightly, and it shouldn't be accepted lightly, either. It should inform every decision, color every action, influence every thought. We should be different because of His blood. 

Instead of treating it casually, let's live up to the gift of Christ's blood. Live as if it matters, because it does. 

"He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins. Ephesians 1:7 nlt
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photo courtesy of freeimages.com

Please like and share if this blog post has touched your heart. It extends our digital reach in significant ways. Thank you.

In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: When You're Craving Rest and There's None in Sight

If you feel led to partner with this ministry (US, Jordan, the digital world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 

Or you can mail your check or money order to: Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.
#disciple 

When You're Craving Rest but There's None In Sight

I kinda hate to write this today, but it's my reality. My grandmother used to say, "There's no rest for the weary," and I believe her. 

Being a long-term caregiver is hard. It's exhausting. It's a struggle, and I don't know how to find the balance between taking care of someone else and taking care of me. 

I need to find that balance, though, or I'm likely to collapse. 

A few days ago, the study I'm doing now asked, "What are you truly craving?"

I wrote one word. "REST." I meant it, but I didn't know how to get it and I wondered if, in this busy world, anyone else does, either.

"Rest today," my friend messaged me yesterday. As if that was possible. Rest for me involves quiet and solitude. I don't have to be still to rest, but I need to be alone for a while. 

Yesterday, I intended to rest. Really, I did. 

I had planned the day out perfectly. I thought. I had errands to run and a lunch meeting, then home to rest. I prayed it through. All my errands were completed with three minutes to spare before the lunch meeting. 

The two-hour lunch meeting was a sweet time of sharing and learning. I left refreshed. I'm gonna make it, I thought. Rest is just ahead. 

As I drove home, I made my plan. Long walk with the dogs. Read a book on the porch. Listen to the ceiling fan. Watch the geese on the lake. Be still.

When I returned home, I unloaded my shopping and put everything away. Cut stalks of greenery for vases and arranged them. Changed into shorts. Made a glass of tea. I estimated that I had a full 90 minutes before an interruption was likely. 

I was wrong. 

I had just settled in on the screened porch and was almost through the first chapter of my book when someone stopped by. 

After they left, I went back to my book. I was nearly to chapter two when the dogs started barking. There was another car in the driveway. It was Sam.

I met him at the door. "You working?"

"No. I'm reading a book and resting."

"Oh, good. If you was working, I wouldn't bother you, but since you're just reading... I'm bored and need some company." He took his place in a rocker and I took mine. Thirty minutes later, he headed home again.

I went back to my book and rest. This time, I made it through a full chapter before Sam was back. "I thought I'd feed the horses now." We had another visit in the rockers. 

Time with Sam is short. I don't want to waste what we have left, but I'm tired...

This morning, I awakened and, probably for the first time in years, thought, "Oh, God, I'm too tired to get out of this bed. You'll have to help me." 

You need to rest...

The words were loud in my heart. Tears welled up in my eyes and threatened to spill over. The world won't let me rest, I thought.

Maggie was at the bedside, making her, "Hurry up, Mama," sound. My attention turned to the dogs, and I rolled out of bed. 

When the dogs need to go out to potty, they leave no doubt that's what they need. When they need to rest, they lie down and sleep. When they need to play, they do it. 

Maggie loves to be outside. At least twice a day, she has porch time. If I don't open the door for her at the appointed moment, she doesn't stop pestering me until I do. She takes porch time, without fail.

If dogs know how to rest, surely I can figure it out.

This morning, I read about the Feast of Booths in Leviticus 23. After the fall harvest, the Israelites took a full week off to thank God and celebrate. No work was done during that week. None. 

I have a note in the margin of my Bible. "God has attended to every detail, including the rest needed after harvest." I read those words and was struck again by the truth that rest is part of God's plan, and it's not optional.

Rest is not optional. Consider those words for a bit. Resting is an act of obedience. When I think of rest as obedience, it becomes a little more imperative. A little less optional. 

I need to be more intentional, despite all there is to do, despite my to-do list, despite my responsibilities. I can't go the distance if I don't figure out how to be still. 

Do you struggle with a busy schedule, too? Are you having trouble finding time to rest? Today, let's simply obey God's mandate for rest. STOP the busyness and be still. Know He is God. Rest. 

Today, I'm going to do more than "try" to rest. Today, I'm doing it. I don't know how I'm going to balance my need to rest with Sam's need for company, but, somehow, I will. 

"Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work..." Exodus 20:8-10 nasb

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PS - I'd love to hear what you do to rest. Comment below. Thanks!

Please like and share if this blog post has touched your heart. It extends our digital reach in significant ways. Thank you.

In case you missed it, here's the link to yesterday's post: When What You Need Most Has Been Prepared and Waiting for Fifty Years

If you feel led to partner with this ministry (US, Jordan, the digital world), here's the link to give your tax-deductible donations: Global Outreach Acct 4841 

Or you can mail your check or money order to: Global Outreach/ PO Box 1, Tupelo MS 38802. Be sure to put Account 4841 in the "for" line.
#rest #sabbath