Charisa Stories

Tag: philippians 4

  • A Sneak Preview of My Final Message to Friends and Family

    When I was a little boy I remember the standard prayer at bedtime. I know it was meant to comfort but one line always freaked me out.

    Now I lay me down to sleep.
    I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
    If I should die before I wake,

    Wait? What? If I should die before I wake? I think I will just stay awake for awhile thank you very much.

    Six decades later that prayer makes a lot more sense. If I should die before I wake I believe I will be in the presence of Jesus. I am not anxious to leave this life but I am not afraid.

    I have many loved ones who have gone home to heaven. I wondered what message I would like to communicate as my final word? I have been blessed with some wonderful friends and colleagues who would likely say some nice things about me along with some funny and embarrassing stories.
    I would like all of them to understand a very important truth. I learned some great lessons from my Dad and others as I was growing up. But I can tell you with complete assurance that my life would have gone off the rails without my relationship with Jesus. His love both restrained and sustained me. I believe my insecure and selfish heart would have taken me down a different path without my faith. Any quality that you find positive in my life has been given or enhanced through my relationship with Jesus. Anytime I have disappointed or did not show love it was because I took my eyes off of Him.

    Paul writes these words in Philippians.

    8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4, NLT)

    I would like to paraphrase Paul’s words for my final message.

    “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. I hope you saw in my life some things that were true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Whatever you might have received from me grew out of the sustaining love, grace, and peace of God.”

    I know my heart. I know the crossroads I came to in different seasons of my life and how God gracefully and lovingly rescued me over and over. So my final message to my believing friends would be one of encouragement and hope.

    Trust God and trust who He says you are because of the finished work of Jesus. Believe you are forgiven of all sins past, present, and future. Wholly accept that you are a brand new creation and live in grateful freedom. Drink in the inexhaustible grace of God every day. Allow God to love you as His beloved and then pay that love forward for His glory. Look through the lens of grace and you will find sacred moments in every single day. Recognize that everything about your walk with Jesus is a gift of grace. It is all about the finished work of Jesus on the Cross. At the moment you believe that Jesus is the way to salvation you are gifted with everything you need to live for Him. 

    Forgiveness.
    Security.
    The Spirit of God dwelling in your heart.
    A new identity.
    The hope of eternity with Jesus.
    Grace and love that is completely unrelated to your performance. 

    Those gifts make me want to serve God out of gratitude and not out of begrudging compliance to avoid judgment.

    For my friends who don’t share my faith I would ask one favor. Don’t focus on Christians who fail. Focus on Christ who succeeded. 

    Jesus conquered death. He paid for your sins. I would ask you to examine the impact of Jesus on His culture. It was the message of Christ that gave value to women, children, the poor, and the ignored. When you study His words and life you will see that many of His followers have fallen short, including me. Jesus also taught that some would claim to be His followers who were not in any way known to Him. Those counterfeiters get lumped in with true followers. 

    So my final request would come out of deep love for you. Examine the claims of Jesus with an open heart and mind. Don’t reject Christ because of Christians. That is an easy thing to do. Read the Gospel of John and ask for the Spirit to reveal truth to you. If you choose to reject the claims of Jesus I would sadly accept that decision. If I am wrong about my eternal destiny I would still have no regrets about the way the teachings of Jesus influenced my life. I would do it all over again. 

    I can’t force you to follow Jesus. I hope I have been a small influence for you to thoughtfully and honestly examine the life and claims of Jesus. Following Jesus changed everything in my journey. I would not be a good and loving family member or friend if I did not share that with you.

  • Life Is Too Short To…

    Life Is Too Short To…

    A couple of weeks ago I wrote about quitting negativity. It’s hard to stop griping cold turkey but I am doing better. Recently I have had some honest conversations that showed me the debilitating impact of a negative spirit.

    One person shared his deep hatred for people of one political persuasion. Another felt totally hopeless about the divisions in our culture.

    I shared with both that my hope was in Christ and not in Washington. I pray that I planted a seed of hope in their hearts. Those conversations generated two strong emotions. I was deeply saddened that my friends did not share my hope in Christ. And I was more convinced than ever that I want to be a positive light in this increasingly dark world.

    Last year I became aware of a very talented songwriter/singer from my hometown of Chillicothe, Ohio. Jerry Salley writes songs that inspire and give hope. One of my favorites is titled “Add More Life to My Days” and you can hear it on Jerry’s CD Bridges and Backroads. The lyric starts with a unrealistic wish for life.

    I wish we all could live at least until we’re 90
    Without any aches, or pains, or a cloudy mind
    I wish everyone could taste the kind of love they dream of finding
    And get to see their ship come sailin’ in at least one time

    Wouldn’t that be wonderful? But Jerry knows the truth of life on this fallen planet.

    I’ve been here long enough to know
    That ain’t the way it always goes

    Jesus never promised all smooth sailing as we waited for our ship to come in.

    “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” (Matthew 6:34, NLT)

    Tomorrow will bring worries and troubles? Where is our hope in that? Jesus has the answer.

    “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NLT)

    Jesus tells me to not worry about future troubles. He promises peace and victory over the world. One more promise from Jesus is found in Matthew 6:33.

    Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously,
    and he will give you everything you need.

    That doesn’t mean live perfectly. It simply means to be humble, trust God, love one another, and He will provide your needs. We misunderstand that promise if we think that means getting everything you want. What a promise to hang on to in these difficult times that the God of creation will provide my daily needs.

    The chorus of Jerry Salley’s song talks about the uncertainty of our lifespan. But he does have a wonderful suggestion for the days we are given.

    So if I’m one of those travelers whose journeys gets cut short
    And leave the ones I leave behind wishin’ I had more time
    All I can say is I can’t add more days to my life
    So I’ll add more life to my days

    I love that. I can’t personally add a single minute to my life but I can choose to add more life to the time I am granted. I can definitely choose to be present and joyful each day. Every day is a gift of grace. I believe everyday has sacred moments so I can pray the Holy Spirit will give me eyes to see and savor those moments. Paul was sitting in a Roman prison as he finished his letter to the Church at Philippi. Could there be a more unlikely circumstance to coin these words to his fellow sojourners?

    Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! (Philippians 4:4, NLT)

    So if you want to add more life to your days here is a little checklist.

    • Quit worrying about tomorrow.
    • Be joyful in the Lord. Rejoice!
    • Look for sacred moments everyday.
    • Love God and one another.

    And for today’s conclusion I give Paul the final word.

    And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)

  • Where Is God in Your Darkest Moments?

    Where Is God in Your Darkest Moments?

    Occasionally I receive a message that I HAVE TO WATCH this video. I tend to push back on all-caps requests and the results when I do bite are usually mixed. Rarely do I click on one of those recommendations and have my world rocked by what I see and hear. That happened recently when I listened to the America’s God Talent audition of a young singer who goes by the stage name Nightbirde. Her real name is Jane Marczewski and she grew up in Zanesville, Ohio about 90 miles from my hometown of Chillicothe.

    Regular readers of my humble musings know I rarely give homework but this week is the exception.

    I am going to ask (make that beg) you to click here and watch the video of her appearance on the show.

    Her original song “It’s Ok” and melodic voice would have given her a great chance to advance. Add her story and attitude and you have something truly special.

    Nightbirde on America’s Got Talent, NBC

    At the age of 26 Marczewski was diagnosed with breast cancer. After battling that foe she received more bad news on the last day of 2019. This is from her must read blog site.

    On New Years Eve, I was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Innumerable tumors were found throughout my lungs, liver, lymph nodes, ribs, and spine. I was on the living room floor leaning over the report, head in my hands. Six months to live. Two percent chance of survival.

    Bald Girl in the Dark – Nightbirde.co

    Two weeks later her husband said he was leaving her. Jane’s life spiraled into darkness that overwhelmed and consumed her for months. Her personal lamentations delivered from a mat on the bathroom floor were a form of worship that we often overlook. God isn’t shaken by our questions, doubt, anger, fear, or cynicism. God is especially present in those moments. Marczewski learned that lesson in a course that was incredibly painful and one that no one signs up for voluntarily.

    Even on days when I’m not so sick, sometimes I go lay on the mat in the afternoon light to listen for Him. I know it sounds crazy, and I can’t really explain it, but God is in there—even now. I have heard it said that some people can’t see God because they won’t look low enough, and it’s true. Look lower. God is on the bathroom floor.

    From God is on the Bathroom Floor – Nightbride.co

    Indeed He is. God is wherever our broken hearts and souls reside. Jane experienced on that bathroom mat the truth of Paul’s words to the Church at Philippae.

    Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7, NLT)

    Joni and I have experienced that peace during sickness and loss that we cannot attribute to anything other that God’s comforting Spirit.

    Nightbirde’s performance stunned the panel with her powerful lyrics and spirit. Judge and noted curmudgeon Simon Cowell noted with amazement how casually she had disclosed her cancer battle. I have been marinating in her response for weeks.

    “You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy.“

    Wow.
    Wow.
    Wow.

    I know that is a not a particularly articulate response but is that not an incredible philosophy of life?

    How does a 30 year old divorced cancer patient achieve the insight and wisdom of a weathered saint? She learned that lesson through pain, adversity, and trust that God was still there in the darkest moments. More insight from Jane.

    God doesn’t take away my darkness, he adds light. He doesn’t spare me of thirst, he brings water. He doesn’t cure my loneliness, he comes near. So why do we believe that when we are in pain, it must mean God is far?

    Bald Girl in the Dark – Nightbirde.co

    Storms are a necessary part of the refining program. Too often we view the storms as something to endure instead of a sovereignly directed opportunity to grow in grace and become more like Jesus. God loves us too much to give us only smooth sailing. That sounds crazy, but it is really logical when you think about how we mature. God gives us both good and bad things to help us mature spiritually. We have to lean into a sovereign God who sees exactly what we need to grow.

    All followers of Christ wrestle with doubt when we are deep in the storm. Can we believe that trials are really tender mercies in disguise? That is exactly what David wrote in Psalm 119:71-77.

    My suffering was good for me,
    for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.
    Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.
    You made me; you created me.
    Now give me the sense to follow your commands.
    May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word.
    I know, O Lord, that your regulations are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it.
    Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant.
    Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight.

    Too many Christians have a theology more resembling karma than Christ. If I do this good thing, then good things should happen. If a bad thing happens, I must have done something bad in God’s eyes. That is not the gospel. Jane Marczewski noted in a podcast that she had made “peace with my life and my story looking differently than what I would’ve written.”

    Most of our stories have taken turns that we wouldn’t choose. But we can choose how we respond. Like Jane Marczewski I want to believe God is there in the darkness. That He will provide what I need as I trust Him. And that ultimately because of His grace I can believe with all of my heart that “it’s ok”.

    Update: Nightbirde announced today that she is withdrawing from the next round of America’s Got Talent to focus on her ongoing cancer battle after her health has taken a turn for the worse. Her statement exemplifies this amazing person who continues to inspire and challenge me. “Thank you for all your support, it means the world to me. Stay with me, I’ll be better soon. I’m planning my future, not my legacy. Pretty beat up, but I’ve still got dreams.” Let’s pray for healing, peace, courage, and an ongoing sense of God’s presence for her.

    My book Stay: Lessons My Dogs Taught Me about Life, Loss, and Grace addresses the principle that preparing for death is really preparing for life and living joyfully today. Click here for more info.

  • 21 Connect: Day 2 – Stinkin’ Thinkin’

    21 Connect: Day 2 – Stinkin’ Thinkin’

    Stinking thinking is “a bad way of thinking, that makes
    you believe you will fail, that bad things will happen to you,
    or that you are not a very good person.” Actually that pretty much
    describes my junior high experience.

    We all fall victim to stinkin’ thinkin’, but it is particularly
    distressing for a follower of Christ. Christians feel an even
    bigger sense of failure. They think, If I can muster up more
    faith, prayer, study, or general busyness for Jesus, I can overcome this malady, right?

    I have to admit that I am afflicted with some degree of
    stinkin’ thinkin’. There is a spiritual war happening
    with an enemy who delights in my doubt and shame. The
    culture contributes a tsunami of unbiblical images and words.

    How can I overcome this daunting challenge?

    Paul has the perfect antidote to stinkin’ thinkin’ in his letter
    to the church at Philippi. The letter is written to encourage
    believers living in a culture that was often hostile to faith,
    not unlike the times we live in now. Paul penned this uplifting missive of hope while he was suffering for his faith in a Roman prison. But Paul did not let his circumstances defeat him, and he did not want the Philippians to lose their joy because of opposition.

    Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—
    rejoice!
    Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do.
    Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about
    anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what
    you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you
    will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we
    can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and
    minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
    Philippians 4 : 4 – 7

    Those are wonderful words for sure, but then Paul gets to the kicker in the next verse, pinpointing what can stand up against (or take down?) stinkin’ thinkin’.

    Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and
    right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about
    things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
    Philippians 4 : 8


    That is holy positive thinking! Write that reminder on a card. Make it the wallpaper on your device. Write it on the palm of your hand. Stick it on a mirror or the refrigerator. Do whatever you need to do, in order to have these words handy when you find your mind drifting toward stinkin’ thinkin’.

    I love how The Message unpacks this even more:

    Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by
    filling your minds and meditating on things true,
    noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—
    the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly;
    things to praise, not things to curse.
    Philippians 4 : 8 , MSG (emphasis added)

    Today, consider how you will pivot from false accusations to truth. How you plan to switch your thoughts from negative to noble, from angry to gracious. How you can consider the best and not the worst.

    A DOSE OF GRACE

    Identify any negative thoughts, images, or ideas you have. Then replace them with your reflections on the encounters, feelings, relationships, and moments today that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Carry Philippians 4:8 with you and read it throughout the day. I think you might be surprised at the power of this word of grace as an antidote to stinkin’ thinkin’.

    Excerpts from Waking Up Slowly.
    

    I welcome your comments, thoughts, questions, concerns, and praises. Let’s talk!