M.C. Kelly's Blog, page 2

Afraid

Flying recently for the first time in 27 years had me in a panic. It’s not that I’ve never flown, I have, even across the Atlantic and the Pacific! But the fear threatened to cripple me. My sweet friend mentioned this “obstacle” I was experiencing in front of her four year old granddaughter, who asked the question, “What is she scared of?” That’s a good question to ask every now and then, isn’t it?

When the shepherds saw the extraordinary star the night of our Lord’s birth, and the angels in great number singing praise in chorus, of course they felt fear! But the angels told them not to be afraid. It’s a natural inclination to fear, especially something as grand as that must have been! But we tend to worry and fret over the small stuff, too.

Jesus taught His disciples to prioritize Kingdom things over earthly matters. “Do not worry then, saying, ‘What are we to eat?’ or ‘What are we to drink?’ or ‘What are we to wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.” Matthew 6:31-33

In the gospel of John, Jesus tells His disciples that the Holy Spirit would be with them, to lead and guide them in their ministry of the Gospel. We are not alone! “Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.” John 14:27

The prophet Daniel told King Belshazzar that his very life-breath and all his ways, were in the Hand of God. (Daniel 5:23) God is sovereign. We are not. But when our eyes are fixed on Him, we can rest in that very truth. When our mantle clock’s batteries died, it was hard to keep the time of day straight! I didn’t realize how much I glanced at it during the day. But it’s easy to become worrisome and troubled when our eyes are not on our Saviour, but on the shifting and unstable world around us.

What are you afraid of? Maybe an important relationship is on the brink. Bills are piling up and your back account is going down. Aging parents, corrupt world systems, and uncertain days to come. Believer, join me in learning from this precious four year old! Let’s walk into the New Year trusting in the wonderful assurance of His presence and His provision. It’s all we need. Don’t be afraid.

God is For Us

A neighbor brought by a misdelivered package the other day. We had never met, but clicked right away, and I invivted her inside to chat. My catboys go into hiding when they hear a stranger’s voice, and being downstairs (and certainly safe from the “stranger”) Caleb decided to wedge himself under the recliner. He almost got himself stuck! And I’m wondering…why in the world are you afraid, little one? All your life, I’ve protected you, cared for you, provided for you…you are safe and you don’t even know it. I bet you know where I’m going…

Fear happens. Anxiety has a way of creeping into our lives. Struggles are inevitable, but they are useful. Pain and grief will come, but these things can grow our faith. God is greater than all our fears and doubts. The valleys in life make us stronger and fit us for the Kingdom to come.

Romans 8:31-32: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” Sinclair Ferguson helps me understand it this way: “[God] opens His arms to us and says, ‘I have given you my Son. Do you think it’s even credible that if I have done that, I would not take care of you and look after you?’”

Isaiah 40:26 says,
“Raise your eyes on high
And see who has created these stars,
The One who brings out their multitude by number,
He calls them all by name;
Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power,
Not one of them is missing.”

Believer, you can’t see those stars from under the recliner. Come on out. Jesus is King! God is with you in your trial, unexpected health issue, heartache and disappointment. He’s got all of this, and He’s got you.

Mustard

I know a little girl who fell in love with a mustard colored arcade horse. The joy and excitement on her face as she runs to greet “Mustard” and take him for a ride makes my heart smile. And it got me thinking…What brings you joy every day? Of all your daily activities, what is the highest on your list of priorities?

Believer, do you run to Jesus with joy in your heart to have fellowship with Him? Does the thought of spending time in His word put a smile on your face? Do you look forward to spending time in His presence? Do you choose Him above all others?

Luke 18:15-17
Now they were bringing even their babies to Him so that He would touch them; but when the disciples saw it, they began rebuking them. But Jesus called for the little ones, saying, “Allow the children to come to Me, and do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.”

While watching this little one joyfully run to Mustard, forsaking all the other amusement choices in front of her, I realized our busy lives are full of distractions. Other “gods” that could consume our time, energy and even love. Believer, fall in love with Jesus. Run to Him and find your joy in His presence. You will never be disappointed.

What Just Happened

Yesterday I had an amazing thing happen. I spent the better part of the day with my jaw slack, intermittent tears of joy running down my face, and bursts of unexpected laughter. Someone showed me such compassion, generosity and love that I didn’t understand it. I had done nothing that would make someone want to be so kind to me. And it completely caught me off guard and caused me to ask repeatedly throughout the day…What. Just. Happened.

Friends, this is the love of Christ, that while we were sinners (unworthy, unrepentant, undeserving) He died for us. He made a Way for us when there was no way. He did what we could not do for ourselves. He laid down His life so that we may live.

Are you understanding the lengths He went through to bring you to Him? There is nothing better in this life, than to know Life Himself. And you don’t have to be perfect, or cleaned up beforehand because on our own, we could never be worthy enough. He’s already done the work for us. He’s already completed the task we couldn’t complete. And He stands ready to receive.

I know a few of my friends will read this. Most probably won’t. But if you got this far, I have to tell you, believer, stand firm in your faith, stay in the Holy Scripture and shine the Light to lead others to Christ. Be salt and light in this world that we are in, but not part of.

If you don’t believe, I ask you to consider Him. This world isn’t going to last forever, and rightly so. And where you spend eternity matters. If you believe I have placed my faith and hope in lies, that I have lived my life in devotion to something made up, that’s okay. I know Who I trust and see evidence of Him everywhere. I live my life in sweet surrender to Christ and my hope and faith in Him is what makes this life bearable. I live in expectant joy at His soon coming and the indescribable promise of life eternal with Him. But what if you’re wrong? Would that thought be enough that you might search the Scripture, seek out a Bible believing friend or pastor to ask questions, or slip into a church service and hear “what saith the Lord?” Be aware, many churches simply don’t preach the Truth. But there are those that do, mine does and messages can be found online.

If you seek Him, you will find. Reader, I’m praying your faith is strengthened, or that doubt is raised in your unbelief. I’m praying for you to find this incredible Truth that will leave you breathless, slack jawed, and wondering what just happened.

For one will hardly die for a righteous person; though perhaps for the good person someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.
Romans 5:7-9

For this reason I also suffer these things; but I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to protect what I have entrusted to Him until that day. Hold on to the example of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Protect, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.
2 Timothy 1:12-14

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him. The one who believes in Him is not judged; the one who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”
John 3:16-18

Prayer

My little prayer plant has been around since 1994. We’ve been through thick and thin together. It’s moved with me about 4 times. There’s been a couple of times I thought it was a goner. It had lost all but two leaves over the winter. But it has rallied and has gifted me with a bloom that I haven’t seen in a while.

How’s your prayer life? Does it ebb and flow? Do you feel strongly connected to God in your prayer life? Or are you just going through the motions and checking the proverbial box?

Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. Jesus prayed for them, and He prayed for us. Scripture admonishes us to pray without ceasing. Prayer is like breathing, it should be just as important as oxygen to us to have that line of communication open with the One who made us.

Oh don’t get me wrong, He knows everything about you. Even the smallest of details that no one else knows. He knows your hurts, your struggles, your concerns. But just like in your relationship with your spouse, or close friend, communication is key to a vital, healthy bond. He wants to hear from you!

Is your prayer life weak? Pray. Is your prayer life on life support? Pray! Continue regular communication with your Father in heaven, and seek the blooms that come from daily nourishment in His presence.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:11-12

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
Colossians 4:2

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
1 Peter 3:12

I call to you, Lord, come quickly to me;
hear me when I call to you.
May my prayer be set before you like incense;
may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.
Psalm 141:1-2

Make it Right

Been thinking about Daddy today. Actually, I think of him often. There's probably not a day that goes by that he, my Mom or my brother don't cross my mind. And I'm thinking about his transition to heaven. Tomorrow will be two years since he changed his address.

Y'all might know we recently had a water leak while out of town. Lots of upheaval here in the Kelly house! But progress is being made. Soon we expect everything to be back in place. Soon we expect things to be made right.

I know, without a doubt, when my Daddy left this world that he was immediately in the presence of the One in whom he had placed his faith and trust. In an instant, all that was wrong...pain, confusion, inability to get around as he wanted...was made right. In an instant. The next breath. When believers leave this world, no matter how peacefully or tragically, in an instant all is made right.

My Daddy gave me a necklace at a time when I believe he knew his memory was slipping. It says, "my little girl yesterday, my friend today, my daughter forever". It's rarely not around neck. I think he bought it realizing what he was facing. It now serves to remind me the family I was born to is with the Lord. I'll be the next to join. I honestly think we'll meet up on Edisto one glorious day.

Consider carefully what the Lord has said. His word is contained in scripture. Many disclaim it, but study for yourself to ascertain it's worth, value and truth.

Is your faith strong? Is your belief solid and are your feet firmly on the Rock? Join me in praying for those who do not know the God we do. Pray for those in harms way because of their faith. Pray for your family in Christ. Pray for those who have been tasked with teaching dumb sheep and shepherding a difficult flock. Pray for a hurting world. And pray those without faith might be granted that precious gift before it's all made right.

Tending Your Roots

I like to refer to myself as an “accidental’ gardener. If a plant survives in my yard or care, it’s probably an accident. I have a tendency to make mistakes. Too much water, not enough sun, etc. But I’m learning and look forward to this time of year. Getting some fresh plants in the ground, seeing what survived the winter (and me) springing back up to life.

While potting my new plants today, I noticed a few roots too close to the edge of the pot. They were dangling down into nothing. So I tucked them in and was reminded of admonition from scripture. Tend your roots.

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

“Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?” 2 Corinthians 13:5

“Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.” Colossians 2:6-7

Go to a church where God’s word is clearly taught. Check your Bible as reference. If they are teaching things that don’t line up with the Word, find another church. Tuck your roots into good soil.

Drink from the spring of Living Water. Dwell in and nurture your relationship with Christ. Gardening is hard work. There are many distractions. But when the fullness of the season comes, you will be blessed with the beauty of His smiling face.

Believer, God’s word is rich in instruction and guidance. It teaches us how to truly live and produce an offering of fragrant blossoms to Him.

Dig down into the rich soil of God’s word. Drink deeply from the pure water of His grace and mercy. Bask in the Son’s light and grow. Let your heart be a garden where Jesus lives and reigns. The flowers will be beautiful wherever He walks.

Jumping the Waves

This cold weather has me thinking of warmer days…and the beach. I've loved the ocean since I was a little girl. One of my favorite memories is my Daddy helping me jump the waves. He would take me by my hand, and we would wade out into the surf. Then he would stand behind me, holding my hands in his, and he would pull me up while I jumped each foamy roll. As we went further the waves would get bigger. He would lift me up over the small waves as well as the big ones. But once, distracted by maybe what my brother was doing or talking to my Mom, a wave smacked me square in the face! Was I hurt, no. Was my life in danger, no. He had never let go of my hands. But I tell you, I was done with the ocean for that day! The tears came and I cried out in shock. I was ready to pack the car and head home! Done with the beach, why, the nerve of that ocean to do me that way! Do you see where I'm going?

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14:22-33

I can sympathize with Peter. My trust is in God, but I get distracted by the chaos around me. I find myself praying the same prayer, Lord save me! I remind myself often that God is Sovereign, God is good, and God is with us, because I definitely have the feeling of being in a storm. I can see the waves and they are mighty. I can't jump them on my own. But I know that God is with me, just as Jesus was with the disciples in the storm.

Believer, we can weather whatever we face because we know Jesus is with us. Let's keep our eyes fixed on the Master of the waves. We recently sang in church, “the same power that can calm the raging sea lives in us!” Let's not be of little faith, but let's be brave enough to step out on our convictions. Brave enough to defy our fear of the waves around us. Brave enough to be a beacon to others in the storm. My fellow boat travelers, the storm might smack us a good one, but take heart – Jesus has a firm grip on our hands.

Frost on the Windshield

This morning before we left for church, our car windshield was covered in frost. My husband got out to clear it, while I dug in my purse for lipstick. When he got in and put the car in drive, I looked up and noticed what he had done. His side was clear, but my side had a heart cleared out of the frost. I thought it was a sweet gesture, but I had a hard time seeing where we were going. And it got me to thinking…

All of us are generally unsure as to what the future holds. We aren't blind or ignoring the signs, it's just that it's a little cloudy. The Driver of this universe has perfect clarity on what tomorrow holds. In fact, He's already written it. As a passenger, I can trust that the Driver knows where He is taking me. He will get me safely there. And the journey is for my good and His glory. Gradually as the sun warmed the glass I could see more and more until my vision was clear.

Believer, let me encourage you today to walk closely with God and study His word. When we look at things we don't understand with a Biblical worldview, our fears are calmed and our concerns are minimized. God is truly in control. Don't take the wheel and don't drive from the backseat.

God’s heart was revealed in the sacrificial death of His Son, Jesus. When we focus on this – His great love and mercy – we see clearly. He gave His Son to make a way for us to have a relationship with Him.

That handbook, the Holy Bible, contains everything we need to know in order to live our lives for Him. Everything else will be revealed in due time. Trust the One who wrote it to get you through it all, and safely Home.

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully, just as I also have been fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12

“…behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matt 28:20b

Tune my Heart

Back in high school my favorite thing to do was sing out of tune in concert choir with my dear friend, Bev. The director would stop the song and ask the sopranos to sing. Of course they'd sing perfectly. Then he'd call on the altos. My friend and I would sing our parts correctly. He would ponder that a second, then begin the song again. And we'd be back to our shenanigans. We got separated in that class more times than I can count.

The world is in discord today, but it's not the world we need to be in tune with. Our hearts need to be in tune with God. The two are polar opposites. To be in tune with God means you won't fit it with this world's agenda or popular opinion. Faith in Christ will most often have you swimming against the current instead of going with the flow. Make sure the opinions of those you follow line up with God's word. If they don't, stop following. You won't like the direction they’re headed.

I am weary of hate and lies. I've lost my patience with people. I'm struggling to not respond in like-kind manner. But how am I supposed to live out my faith in a world that wants nothing to do with my faith? Fair warning, the following quote is lengthy…but important words for believers.

“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:9-21.

A checklist, if you will, of how Christians are to behave. Lord knows I need it tattooed on my heart. And on my brain. I need a constant reminder. So my only resolution this year is to remind myself that God is sovereign and nothing will ever change that. May our brains remind us of this often and spur us on to live godly lives, and may our hearts sing His praise daily!

I’m thankful for my brothers and sisters in Christ. They, like me, are not perfect, but I'm glad of the company the Lord has placed me with. From our fellowship in Christ to love of this nation. There are many that I wish were with us, and I pray God would regenerate their hearts. Believer, the road ahead might be bumpy, but God will still be our God, no matter the terrain we travel! Praying the Lord will strengthen our hearts with Truth, knit us together in Love, and tune our hearts to be in harmony with His.