The Red Slide

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Watching children play is a reminder of the freedom that comes from simply being who they are.

A while back, we took our four-year-old God-niece, Annabelle (AB), to McDonald’s Playland for supper. Like most children her age, she was far more interested in exploring the tunnels and slides than in eating her chicken nuggets. Still, she mostly stood watching instead of joining in. Then I remembered something she had said earlier in the car. Someone had warned her not to be afraid of the red slide.

Wanting to help her feel more comfortable, I asked a nearby mom if I could introduce AB to her daughter and if she might help her navigate the play area. Introductions were made, and the two girls happily disappeared into the maze of tubes and tunnels together.

A little while later, AB came back looking concerned. She couldn’t find her new friend, who had apparently gone into one of the bubble windows. When AB finally found her, she discovered the little girl no longer wanted to play because AB wouldn’t go down the read slide.

Not long after that, AB met another little girl named Emma. As the two of them played, I noticed something important. AB still stayed on the green slide, carefully avoiding the red one altogether. But Emma didn’t seem to mind. She wasn’t worried about which slide AB chose. She was simply happy to have a friend.

That small moment became a beautiful reminder of the love of Jesus. He does not wait for us to conquer every fear before He draws near to us. He, very simply, invites us to build a relationship with Him. He meets us where we are and loves us unconditionally, even while we are still learning to trust Him with our own “red slides”. Actually, His love is what encourages us to face them in the first place. Jesus loved us before we conquered our fears.

Abba Father, help me recognize the “red slides” in my life and trust You to help me through them. Give me the courage to follow where You lead, even when I am afraid. Thank You for loving me before my fears were conquered. Amen and yes!

I first wrote this post on October 7, 2011. Today I revisited and made a few updates.

More Ways Than Ever To Go And Tell

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I’ve been spending some time exploring a few Christian blogs lately, and I have to say—it’s been a joy.

There are hundreds, even thousands, of believers openly sharing their faith, their stories, and what God is doing in their lives. And honestly? It’s encouraging.

We hear so many statistics claiming that the Christian faith is fading. But when I see people boldly writing, sharing, and testifying online, I don’t see a faith that’s dying—I see a faith that’s being lived out.

God has given us the ability to create and use technology, and I love seeing it used to spread His Word across the world. In many ways, this is a modern expression of what Paul said in Romans 1:16—we are not ashamed of the gospel.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 28:18–20 to go and make disciples. That command isn’t limited to standing behind a pulpit or writing a book. It includes every tool and opportunity we’ve been given.

Today, that includes blogs, posts, and digital spaces where truth can be shared and lives can be touched.

I’m grateful for those who faithfully write, share, and point others to Christ. Their obedience is making a difference.

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the joy of reading and learning from so many faithful writers. Give us strength and courage to say what needs to be said in the days ahead. Let the Fruit of the Spirit grow and mature in us as we share You with the world around us. Give us integrity in what we write–that we would handle Your Word faithfully and teach it as You intend. We offer this prayer to You, our Mighty and Awesome God, in the precious name of Jesus– Make it so.

I first wrote this post on October 13, 2011. Today, I’ve revisited it and made a few updates.

The Call We Don’t Want To Answer

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Where—or what—is your Nineveh?
Where is God calling you?
Are you deliberately saying no?
Is your allegiance tied to something—or someone—else?

Jonah was a true believer. Up to the moment God called him to go to Nineveh, he had followed faithfully—in his life, his work, and his actions. But this? This was too much.

Jonah was deeply loyal to his country. He was willing to do and say whatever God asked…as long as it aligned with his own thinking.

But God said, Go to Nineveh.

In Jonah’s mind, there were already others—like Amos and Hosea—doing God’s work. Why send him somewhere so far outside his comfort zone? Surely someone else could go.

And we know how the rest of Jonah’s story unfolds…But what about our story?

What is God asking of us that we’re resisting? Where are we saying, “Lord, surely someone else would be better for this”?

Here’s the truth: God will accomplish His purposes. The question is—will we be part of it?

Will we miss the blessing of obedience because the calling feels too big, too uncomfortable, or too far outside our plans?

Look at Proverbs 3:5–6. When we trust in the Lord and honor Him in all our ways, He directs our paths. He never calls us to something beyond His ability to sustain—but He does call us to know Him, trust Him, and follow through.

Abba, Father, Creator of all this is, was, and is to come, give me an all-consuming desire to know Your Word so well that in every situation I recognize the path You’ve set before me. Lord, give me the courage to walk the path You’ve laid before me, even when it feels uncomfortable, unfamiliar, or too great for me. Help me to trust You fully, to lay aside my own plans. Give me the courage to say YES—no matter where my Ninevah is. Hear my prayer in Jesus’ holy name.

This blog was first published on 9,21,2011 as Ninevah or Bust.

Decisions

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It is of great importance that we memorize His Word. When we do that, we are imprinting the things we need for life into our brains. It brings us closer to God. It protects us from sin. It helps us encourage others.

There’s more to memorizing the Word than repeating it over and over until it is firmly branded on our minds. We need to be meditating on it, discovering it’s meaning, and becoming aware of how it applies to our lives. (Psalm 119:11, Joshua 1:8, Colossians 3:16)

This morning, I was doing that with Psalm 119:133. God had put it in my mind while I was falling asleep last night, and I woke up thinking about it. (Has he done that with you, too?) I think He wanted me to discover this truth: If His word is not part of our decisions, then the choice we’re making is not in line with what He has purposed for our lives.

Let me tell you, I was ‘blown away’ with that thought. How many times have I simply made a decision instead of letting His Words guide me? How many times have you done that? Many times the consequences have been good, but sometimes…

That’s why we must have His Word planted deeply in our hearts, minds, and souls. Making decisions based on His Word keeps us on solid ground.

Abba, Father, open our hearts to Your Word. Give us a great desire to know it so well that each time we face a decision, we can call a verse to mind that applies to it.

The Haiku above and this post are being shared with other bloggers at Five Minute Friday.