What's Your Five Year Plan?

In a job interview, have you ever been asked the question "Where do you expect to be in five years?" This used to be a popular question - one which I've asked employment candidates, and one which I've fielded as a candidate myself.

In my 20s and early 30s, I had a "Five Year Plan." Today, as I quickly approach 50, I realize that my plan was not God's plan. Here are just a few of my valiant plans:

• Attorney by age 40
• General Counsel at a corporation
• Mother of two
• Be the first in our family to not get divorced

I am not an attorney, although I did get the opportunity to work in the legal arena for a number of years. I have only one son (who is incredible), however, I did get care for over 500 children a weekend as a Children's Pastor. I was married for 16 years, but was released from that marriage for a number of reasons, which caused me to be a stronger mother and better witness.

What I have learned is that God's plans are far better than anything I could imagine. Each unmet earthly goal meant a much larger, more satisfying Heavenly goal achieved.  

One of my favorite verses is:

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. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Facing obstacles and an unknown future, I know one thing for sure. God has a SIGNIFICANT plan for me, because I am a Princess Warrior for Christ. When I daily seek His plan, then how can I ever fail?

Tested and Approved

Are you tested and approved? Paul writes in his letter:

"Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has withstood the test." Romans 16:10

The letter represented in Romans 16 includes many personal greetings referencing men and women who have been faithful to Paul and his quest to share the truth of Christ. When I read this scripture and some related commentaries, one rendition stuck out:

"Greet Apelles, tested and approved in Christ."

Tested and approved...putting it in 21st Century terms - he received the "seal of approval."

Consider this - products on the market today sometimes have a "seal of approval," even sometimes advertised as "kid tested, mother approved." These products receive vigorous testing to show consumers that the claims to be a good product are true. Magazines, websites, and commercials all boast of awards received for quality standing against such testing.

Similarly, Christians are subjected to vigorous, sometimes brutal testing. Our tester is the enemy himself, and he has an extensive resume. He employs proven tactics, and has access to the latest equipment. His desire is to break us so that he can prove that we aren't worth the "market price" of Christ's death on the cross. He often pushes us to the brink, hoping to tear us apart, keeping us from receiving a seal of approval - the crown of life.

God's Word gives us encouragement to withstand the testing of this world:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:2-4, 12 NIV

For humans and earthly products alike, sometimes it's necessary to make modifications to pass the test. Maybe we get out of alignment or some integral part becomes loose. We work with our Creator who pulls out the original blueprint of our life and shows us how to make the required changes, all with the ultimate goal of receiving a seal of approval...for God to say "Well done, good and faithful servant." Tested, and approved.

So what about you - are you tested and approved in Christ? Submit yourself to the Father and ask Him to make any changes so that you will receive the "seal of approval."

If Mary Can Do It...

Christians and most non-Christians have heard the story of Mary, mother of Jesus. An angel appeared to Mary, told her she (a virgin) was going to give birth to a son and that son was going to be the Savior of the world.  Christian churches are filled at Christmas and Easter to celebrate and relive this story. Scenes of Christ's birth, and of his death are common around these holidays, at least in the United States. But, through nativity scenes and crucifixion symbols, we often fail to acknowledge the uncertainty Mary faced, and her faithfulness to God.

In Luke 1:26-55, an angel appears to Mary, informing her that she would be with child, and that he would be the Messiah. Mary's reply?

"I am the Lord's servant...May your word to me be fulfilled." Luke 1:38.

Imagine this - an angel appears out of thin air. The angel says, even though you're a virgin, you are going to be pregnant with the Son of God.  What would be running through your head? If it were me, in today's society, I imagine it would be something like this:

Wait a cotton-pickin' minute. First off, Angel, where did you come from? And why me? How do you propose that I explain this to my boyfriend and my parents? There's no way my boyfriend is going to stick around. Everyone will think I'm a hussy! What do you expect me to put as my Facebook status? And raise the Son of God? Really?

In short, I would panic. Pregnancy and being a mom is a difficult gig, but to face Joseph and the rest of the world and then to raise the Son of the Most High?

But Mary responded in a regal manner befitting of her status:

"My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.  From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name." Luke 1:46-49

Mary is facing total uncertainty.  Her young life has been altered in a way that will affect eternity, and she glorifies the Lord.

Mary made herself available, she recognized and embraced her calling and God fulfilled His promise.

I have not personally been visited by an Angel of the Lord, but I have heard from God. He speaks to me through his Word, through my prayer time and throughout each day. Uncertainty in life is inevitable, but, because of Mary's faithfulness, I already know the end of the story. While waiting for God in uncertain times, I return to read of the Savior's birth and tell myself - If Mary can do it, so can I!

What about you - are you facing uncertainty? Find comfort in the divine birth of our Savior, Christ Jesus. Turn your focus towards glorifying God, as Mary did. He is mindful of the humble state of you, his servant.

Don't know the end of the story? Have faith - God is victorious, and by believing in His son, Jesus Christ, we will join Him in Heaven. If you want to know more, send me a comment and we will chat.

Mouth Guard

As a kid, we signified a secret to be kept between friends by the motion of a key turning at our closed lips, "locking" the secret inside.  We would then throw the invisible key far away, representing that the secret would never be released from the vault behind our lips. All too often, however, the lock mechanism failed and the secret that was previously safe spilled out, betraying the trust that came with the secret.

Psalm 141:3 reminded me of this childhood ritual:

"Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips." Psalm 141:3 NIV

In our sinful nature, it is extremely difficult to keep our mouths shut.  Some of us may be good at keeping secrets, but instead we speak words that are unkind, hurtful or just plain ugly.  Jesus said this:

“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." Luke 6:43-45 NIV

My heart intends to be good, but sometimes the damaged human sinful part of my heart sends a signal to my lip "door" to open wide and spill out evil.

God knows my heart, and while He works to replace the sinful portions with His perfection, He is willing to stand guard over my mouth. What about you? Have you asked the Lord to change your heart and place a heavenly guard over your mouth while change is underway?