April 2009

Lauren Fletcher

April 2009

Week 1 How are you handling your bailout?

Week 2 Can Faith actually put food on the table?

Week 3 Are we there yet?

Week 1 How are you handling your bailout?

Many are outraged right now over reports that bailout money is being squandered. Taxpayers are demanding that it be used responsibly and for its intended prupose of getting the economy back on its feet, because the actions of its recipients will affect us collectively as a nation.

Those of us who are Christians have, whether we realize it or not, been on the receiving end of the “Greatest Bailout Ever!”

^“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,” (Colossians 1:13 NKJV).

So, if someone were analyzing whether you were carelessly handling the incredibly generous “bailout” you have been given, would the following be reported?

… Ann Isabelle Green (fictitious name) had every sin debt covered for her.

She was also the recipient of supernatural resources that would enable her to rise above the unfortunate circumstances and powerful temptations that could, otherwise, result in her demise. With the Holy Spirit and the Word of God available, her future looked hopeful.

However, we are outraged to report that, though she was initially overjoyed at this once in a lifetime blessing, she has recklessly squandered the unbelievably generous resources given to her. The fact that she seems callously oblivious, ungrateful, and unaccountable to the One who paid a tremendous price for this gift, makes this story almost unbelievable.

Ann’s selfish desires alone, determine what she does, says, and thinks. She has no time for spiritual things in her schedule and has not yet figured out how prayer and Bible reading are actually connected to the wisdom, guidance, and continued success she so desperately needs.

Her management style has not changed and the same things that got her in this mess she was in, still control her life.

Ann does not seem to be considering the impact of her actions upon the body of Christ or those who are not yet in it. Her sole guiding principal is what she currently wants and needs … It’s simply all about her.

Sound familiar?

You and I may not have had our story told on prime time news yet, but don’t get lax.

We will yet be called upon to give an account of what we have done with the “Greatest Bailout Ever!”

“For it is written: "As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God” (Romans 14:11 NKJV).
“Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God” (Romans 14:12 NLT).

This national story is not only about debt, but desensitization as well. It should challenge us all to recognize, appreciate, and responsibly embrace the incredibly costly gift of the "Second Chance" that only God can truly give through His Son, Jesus Christ.

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Week 2: Can Faith Actually Put Food on the Table?

Last Thursday evening, I sat down with notepad and paper, prepared to take notes on the Oprah program which featured Suze Orman’s Recession Rescue. Suze is calling it the “save yourself” plan, offering 5 steps you can take to survive this recession. I was glued to the television for the better part of the program, listening to financial wisdom interspersed with personal experiences shared by people who say they have done everything right financially and are still one step from moving to “tent city.” The producers saved the clincher for the second half of the show, featuring a minister who has lost his retirement.

Chills went all over me when the camera moved in on this retired minister and he said to millions watching, “All I have left now is my faith, and it is not putting food on the table.” In the moment he was provided an opportunity to minister to millions, his words made me shudder.

I have heard and read similar statements before.

“They even spoke against God himself, saying, ‘God can't give us food in the wilderness.

Yes, he can strike a rock so water gushes out, but he can't give his people bread and meat.’

When the LORD heard them, he was furious. … Yes, his anger rose against Israel, for they did not believe God or trust him to care for them” (Psalm 78:19-22 NLT).

Oddly enough, though I knew this minister had spoken something that totally contradicts the character, promises, and Word of God, unbelief is contagious, and I found myself also experiencing extreme fear.

I have learned that feelings and emotions must be controlled, not reasoned with.

Therefore, before discovering the fifth and final step of Suze’s save yourself plan, I turned the program off. Intermingled with the seeds of unbelief that were being sown were some real gems of financial information, but fear is too costly and I can’t afford to embrace it right now. I did not call a friend and seek reassurance about my fear. I also chose not to verbalize my fear to anyone. I immediately walked into my office, picked up a list of verses from the Bible that I have written about God’s faithfulness and provision and began to speak them aloud.

I said, God, I know that …

Your blessing is upon us (Psalm 3:8), Your mercy surrounds us (Psalm 32:10), You surround us with favor (Psalm 5:12), I will not be ashamed because I am waiting for You (Isaiah 49:23), You have made me and will carry and deliver us even to my old age (Isaiah 46:4), You will never break Your promises (Psalm 89:34), …

We, like many of you, have been touched by this recession. That night, however, I went to sleep with peace and confidence in my heart that God would always provide for us - even to our old age (Isaiah 46:4).

The next day I had a previously scheduled appointment for a haircut. We have become extremely frugal in our lifestyle, but I just haven’t been able to let go of my regularly scheduled haircut - yet. Remembering Suze Orman’s words from the night before that we should cut our expenses in half, I wondered if I should simply go to a barber shop. I have naturally curly hair and the last time I went to a barber shop for an inexpensive cut, it was not good … I will spare you the details. That experience is a possible source of material for a future devotion! I’m sure there is a spiritual lesson in it somewhere.

Somewhat reluctantly, I kept my scheduled appointment. After the cut and before I could even reach for my purse, my stylist smiled, and said, “There will be no charge for your cut today. Someone who asked to remain anonymous came in and paid for your cut earlier."

I was stunned. I went home and cried tears of joy. What a timely and powerful reminder, coming on the heels of the previous night’s experience. What a tender, moving confirmation from a loving Father who wanted to provide His daughter with a trip to the salon. Yes, faith in God not only puts food on the table, but He had provided a haircut as well. Isn’t that just like God to go one step further. It was a visual reminder of Psalm 35:27 which explains that the Lord …”has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant."

You may not realize it, but this week’s encouragement is actually connected to the resurrection of our Lord.

According to Ephesians 1:18 -20, the same mighty power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in the circumstances of life in those who believe right now. Because of that power at work, He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (See Ephesians 3:20-21).

We certainly need to walk in wisdom where finances are involved, but that involves also walking in faith, so I am providing a free printable resource for you to use.

Go to Fight Fear with Faith by Speaking Truth to print off your own copy.

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Week 3: Are we there yet?

Perez Hilton’s question, "Vermont recently became the fourth state to legalize same sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit? Why or why not?,” led to Miss California’s answer.

"Well I think it's great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. Um, we live in a land that you can choose same sex marriage or opposite marriage and, you know what, in my country and in, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman," Carrie said to a mix of boos and applause. "No offense to anybody out there. But that's how I was raised and that's how I think that it should be between a man and a woman."

Perez Hilton responded that he believed Carrie’s opinion cost her the crown.

Whether it did or it didn’t and regardless of where you stand on this issue, one question needs to be answered.

Have we come to a place in America where we are cautioned that the cost of an opinion can be a crown?

If we have, all is not lost. There are other crowns which can be gained, not lost, by taking a stand. Hilton will not be a judge in determining the recipients of those crowns to which I am referring.

"Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown”

(Revelation 3:11 NKJV).

“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12 NLT).

There was a day in America when the Bible and prayer were welcomed by our country as a whole. When those were seen as unnecessary, and increasingly ignored, the nation began to experience subtle changes. Now, almost forty years later, Christians are regularly reminded that taking a stand may be very expensive. It may “cost” something. It could be a promotion, a friend, a raise, a job, a grade …

Luke, Chapter 21, talks about a time when wars, earthquakes, famines, and plagues will occur. ”But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. … And everyone will hate you because you are my followers” (Luke 21:12, 17 NLT).

Are we there yet?

We often took long trips in the car to visit grandparents when our three sons were young. A question frequently heard during the 12 hour trips was, “Are we there yet?” I sometimes took small brown paper bags filled with treats and surprises to be handed out at certain intervals of the lengthy trip. They knew that when they were given the last bag, we weren’t far from our destination, unless of course, they had worn me down to the point that I had handed them out prematurely. As they grew older, they learned to look for landmarks along the way that provided clues we were getting close. Their greatest indication that we were near was that we began waking them and telling them to put on their shoes.

Christians, it’s time to wake up and put on your spiritual shoes. If you are slumbering in complacency, not bothering to wear any spiritual armor, it’s time to wake up, suit up, and stand firm.

^“Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm” (Ephesians 6:13 NLT).

©2009 Lauren Fletcher all rights reserved