Lyli Dunbar's Blog, page 27
January 17, 2017
The Trust Fall
We called it the Faith Course. Every summer, I’d hop on a bus to chaperone another group of girls from our youth group at summer camp. They played big ball volleyball on the sand court and wrestled over a greased watermelon in the lake. Those adventurous girls got bruised, but they never gave up. The last event of the weekend was the Faith Course. Each team would run together to overcome a series of perilous obstacles including scaling a ginormous wall and crawling through a dark, dirty tunnel.
The last obstacle was the Trust Fall.
The girls would take turns climbing up the ladder of the tall playground slide, and then they’d cross their hands over their chest as a youth worker placed a blindfold securely over their eyes. The rest of the girls stood at the foot of the ladder with arms locked forming a net to catch the brave girl at the top.
The object of the challenge was to fully trust your teammates. You had to fall back into their safe arms. Some girls required a little coaxing to participate. So, I would stand on the sidelines and cheer them on with a big smile on my face. “Go ahead, you can do this! We’ve got you.”
I must confess in all those years, I never climbed the ladder myself though.
I always stood on the sidelines and watched.
The thought of falling backward blindly terrified me.
When I started studying these two verses in Proverbs 3, I discovered that in the original Hebrew the word “trust” here is a picture of a servant lying helpless and facedown waiting for direction from the master….
I’m sharing “The Trust Fall” at LoveGodGreatly.com.
To read the rest of this post, join me here.
Save
Save
Save
The post The Trust Fall appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
January 11, 2017
365 Opportunities
I was trolling Facebook when I came across a simple white graphic with 4 words that captured my immediate attention:
1 Year. 365 Opportunities
I smiled and sat up just a little bit taller. My perspective shifted, and I felt like a huge burden was lifted off my shoulders and flung into the pit of despair where it had originated.
You see, I’d canvased the year ahead, but all I’d noticed was urgent demands and unsolvable problems.
4 simple words flipped my mental switch.
Each day is a gift. Each day holds promise. Each day provides a new platform for God to show up in spectacular fashion.
Tomorrow, the sun will kiss my face with God’s favor. The warmth of His love will envelop me in a blanket of grace.
Every day is a fresh page for God and I to write something beautiful.
5 Opportunities to Pursue in the New Year:
Live with Contentment: We can choose to rise above doubt and discouragement and reach forward in God’s strength.
“ I have great joy in the Lord because now at last you have again expressed your concern for me. (Now I know you were concerned before but had no opportunity to do anything.) I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content in any circumstance. I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing. I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you did well to share with me in my trouble” (Philippians 4:10-14, NIV).
Love our neighbor: We can say no to selfish living and serve each other with love.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law can be summed up in a single commandment, namely, “You must love your neighbor as yourself” (Galatians 5:13-14, NET).
Encourage the weary: We can swim against the current of mediocrity and support like-minded friends who rise above the tide.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:9-10, NIV).
Seek His Face: We can press in close to Christ and confess that we desperately need Him.
“Then I confessed my sin; I no longer covered up my wrongdoing. I said, ‘I will confess my rebellious acts to the Lord.’ And then you forgave my sins. Selah. For this reason every one of your faithful followers should pray to you while there is a window of opportunity. Certainly when the surging water rises, it will not reach them. You are my hiding place; You protect me from distress. You surround me with shouts of joy from those celebrating deliverance. Selah” (Psalm 32:5-7 NET)
Share God’s message: We can speak the truth in love and pray for hard hearts to receive salvation.
“Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude. Don’t forget to pray for us, that God will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ, even while I’m locked up in this jail. Pray that every time I open my mouth I’ll be able to make Christ plain as day to them.Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out” (Colossians 4:2-6, MSG).
In Ephesians 5, Paul tells us to “make the most of every opportunity” in the last days. I love how the JB Phillips translation communicates the urgency of this challenge: “Live life, then, with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning and purpose of life but as those who do. Make the best use of your time, despite all the difficulties of these days. Don’t be vague but firmly grasp what you know to be the will of God.”
I don’t know what tomorrow may bring, but I know who holds the future. I know the Author and Finisher of my Faith has promised to finish the work that He has started in me. I can press forward into 2017 seizing every moment for His glory because God’s plot lines always wrap up with spectacular endings. I am only looking at one page of my story right now, but the next page just might be my turning point.
Tomorrow holds 86,400 seconds. You might just blink and see God transform your obstacles into opportunities.
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Something to think about…
I’m sharing “365 Opportunities” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.
Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box. 
January 4, 2017
Turn the Page
It’s been said that January 1st is the first blank page of a brand new 365-page book.
Welcome to page 5. How is it going so far for you?
I must confess that I am still lingering on the finer details on page 326 of my 2016 publication.
I feel like I am a little behind on my editorial deadlines. I am not done with 2016 yet, and I’ve received a new assignment.
I keep looking back and trying to apply white out to certain lines that I’d like to revise. I wish I could elaborate a bit more here and there.
Is it just me, or does 2016 need a little bit more work?
Sigh.
Today, I decided to set down my red pen and highlighter. I surrendered to the inevitable. I cannot continue to re-work 2016. It’s a closed chapter.
Time to turn the page.
I am already on page 5 of 2017, and precious moments are slipping by. If I keep trying to fix 2016 (or 2015 or 1999), I am never going to write a bestseller today.
I can’t revise what has passed. I must put all my creative energy into writing a beautiful story today.
How to Turn the Page:
Reflect with wisdom: Take time to consider how well you fleshed out the character of Christ last year. Even if 2016 was a bit of a horror story, did you learn more about who Jesus is? Are you growing in wisdom? That’s progress, my friend.
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown (Proverbs 4:6-9, NIV).
Respond with grace: Don’t beat yourself up over the unfinished narratives or muddled plot lines. You can lament the tragedy, but you shouldn’t turn your focus backward permanently. Remember your story is not finished yet. Greater things are yet to come, and God loves to re-write epitaphs into glorious epics.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose…What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:28 & 31).
Reconstruct with purpose: Adopt a new perspective. Freshen up what is tired and not working in your portfolio. Allow yourself to dream big again. Put on your creative lenses and write with new passion. Envision your happy ending and dip into a new inkwell.
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:12-14).
Today is a fresh page. Make your life a story worth telling.
Save
Save
Save
Something to think about…
I’m sharing “Turn the Page” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.
Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
December 31, 2016
Rewind: The Year in Review 2016
Taking a look back is good for the soul. We are so forward focused that we’re prone to forget how far we’ve traveled. But, if we slow down and look in the rear-view mirror, we just might see evidence of God’s fingerprints on every page.
Let’s rewind 2016:
January: Let’s Choose Rest
I choose rest.
I will linger long and be fully present for my loved ones.
I will treat my body with tender care.
I will set aside time to remember God’s goodness.
I will cultivate a heart of gratitude.
May I purpose to choose His rest, rather than feeling frazzled and fatigued.
Rather than live a weary life, I want to worship.
Rather than being overworked, I want to be overwhelmed by His presence.
I choose rest.
February: Avoid Blind Spots
If you neglect to pay attention to your blind spot, a total wreck is inevitable.
I don’t want to miss out on the journey that God has laid out for me. I pray for God to teach me to exercise wise judgment, rather than running roughshod over others on the road.
A wise traveler follows the rules of the road to avoid a washout:
Focus on the road ahead and turn off distractions: On the road of life, we need to create a quiet space and turn off the noise.
Drive defensively with a watchful eye: Pray for protection as you move forward. Ask God to help you heed His signposts.
Look in the mirror: God’s Word will point out obstacles in your path.
Glance over your shoulder: Look back at the terrain behind you and avoid colliding with someone who is not traveling in the same lane as you.
Leave space between yourself and careless drivers: A little distance creates space for you to respond wisely, rather than react out of fear.
The best way to avoid a crash is to stay in your lane and move forward on the path that God has lovingly laid out for you.
March: He Holds My Hand
One day, the rain poured down hard and heavy. Nothing on the horizon had prepared her for this onslaught. The wind blew so fiercely that she could not stand.
On the ground in the midst of the mud and mire, she looked up and cried out for help.
Quietly, she felt a Presence beside her. He reached for her hand, and she surrendered her will to His. Her Champion picked her up and carried her through an overwhelming wall of opposition.
Hand in hand, they pierced through the darkness and despair to the other side.
A song of praise now fills her frame.
April: Head Home
Sabbath is a returning home. God is my dwelling place — a refuge from the war that threatens to swallow me whole. Rather than rushing on in the wrong direction, I must choose rest and allow Him to renew me.
Sabbath is a surrender. I don’t know which way to go without Him. To avoid the road to nowhere, I must head home and allow Him to help me relocate my True North.
Have you lost your way? Get off the road for a bit.
Head home. A cozy spot close to His heart has your name on it.
May: Break Every Chain
How are things going with [insert name of my tough cookie here]? she asked.
“The same,” I responded. Nothing has changed. Her spiritual eyes are still darkened. She is seemingly deaf to the voice of the Lord. Her pace is steadily progressing on the road to destruction with no U-turn in view.
So, I sit in my office and cry out to the One who came to set captives free.
And He tenderly reminds me:
My love breaks every chain.
June: Take it Easy
As I gathered up my belongings to head back home, my dad leaned in to give me the traditional Cuban kiss on the cheek and smiled.
“Cojelo suave,” he said. Take it easy, kid.
Suave is not my style. My style is harried and hurried. I want to stuff more into my day, and I stretch out the week by staying up way too late. I am the proverbial 5-year-old in pig tails refusing to rest when her eyes are obviously heavy with sleep.
I drove home with my dad’s words on my heart. Cojelo suave
My spirit hears the tender voice of my Savior inviting me to lay down my load, sit down at His feet, and take it easy for a spell.
What would happen if I did?
July: Be Blessing Counter
I know I need to surrender my expectations. I know I need to walk in grace.
My unhappiness is not someone else’s problem. I can adopt a different perspective.
Rather than complain about what is not, I can choose to be thankful for what is.
I can determine to count my many blessings, and by naming them one by one, I will fight the ugly.
August: How to Fight the Worry Monster
“I have the worry gene,” I confessed. Left alone with my thoughts for more than 90 seconds, I will construct an imaginary apocalypse.
The Worry Monster is lurking around in the corners of my mind seeking to squelch my joy and steal my serenity.
Have you met the Worry Monster? His ability to magnify your fears knows no bounds if you give him free rein.
Just a few days ago, I received a series of frantic texts from a friend who was facing the bully head on. My response was simple:
Stop, Breathe, and Pray.
It’s like stop, drop and roll when your mind is on fire. You must turn your worries into prayers.
September: How to Host a Pity Party
Pobrecita literally means “poor little thing.” When Barby says it, it’s a term of endearment and deep understanding.
Pobrecita is quite similar to the Southern girl’s “Bless her heart.” And, because I speak Spanglish and had a close friend from Macon, Georgia in college, sometimes I will use these two phrases in conjunction for double the emphasis.
Pobrecita. Pray for her. Bless her heart.
The problem is that unlike Barby, I do not always have the gift of mercy. Sometimes, I think I have the spiritual gift of complaining (Yes, I know that this is not actually a fruit of the Spirit. I am working on that.)
So, I like to think: “Pobrecita Me!”
…My Pobrecita Persona can really rob me of my joy if I let it sit in the driver’s seat of my heart.
Pobrecita Me loves to throw a good pity party.
October: Just Breathe for 31 Days
I’m tired of running ragged. I want to be still and know that He is God.
I want to press in to know Him and spend my time investing in moments that have eternal significance.
I’ve forgotten how to “just breathe” and be.
Are you tried of the endless, crazy hamster wheel of life? We’ve raced along on an adrenaline-infused rhythm for so long that taking a break seems boring, barren, and baseless.
The enemy loves to get us busy.
When was the last time you “just breathed,” friend?
Let’s slow down together and remember that inhaling is a gift of His mercy.
November: Being Politically Right is Not About Me
Why can’t we just learn to listen to one another and realize that no one in the White House is going to make things right?
We live in a broken world, and only God can redeem and restore us. He alone can uproot the seeds of sin and death that our willful, disobedient choices have planted. Only God can unite and heal what seems completely broken and divided.
As we look toward the next four years, what exactly is my role as a Daughter of the King in the midst of a disruptive, captive land? My job is not to prove how right I am. I am not here to be the Holy Spirit and convict the hearts of men….
December: Christmas Heart
I don’t want Christmas to be about the perfectly decorated tree or the number of beautifully wrapped presents.
If I don’t have Christmas in my heart, I will never find it under the tree.
This year, I want my heart to be the only present under the tree. I want to offer my weary, ready for nap heart to Jesus.
It’s a good thing He loves broken and needy people. Because I really need Him.
Instead of running ragged on the Christmas treadmill this year, I am going to jump off the crazy train and plop down at His feet in my jammies.
There will be no stockings hung by the chimney with care, but I will be hanging on to Jesus.
I’m going to wrap up my heart in the wonder of Him this Christmas.
Q4U: If you were to rewind your 2016, where would you note God’s fingerprints of grace all over your story?
“Rewind: The Year in Review 2016.”
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
The post Rewind: The Year in Review 2016 appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
December 21, 2016
Messy Miracles
“Then Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I do not know a man?’ And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.” –Luke 1:34-35 (NKJV)
“Don’t let them see you cry,” my professor stated sternly as he scribbled his signature on my student teaching form. My well-laid plans to work with a small middle school class had disintegrated due to a scheduling conflict. Instead, I’d stand in front of a large class of rambunctious twelfth graders. I felt like I’d just been asked to swallow an elephant. Why did God allow me to be placed in a role that was beyond my capability?
This was the first of many “bigger than me” assignments. I quickly learned that God wasn’t really concerned with my capabilities. All He required was a willing vessel. His glory was best displayed in impossible situations.
When I read the Gospel accounts of Gabriel appearing to Mary, I like to imagine how I would have responded. By all standards, this young virgin girl is an unlikely candidate to help save the world. I am not sure I would have been overjoyed to accept the role of unmarried pregnant girl who will be shamed and possibility stoned by her community. Instead of celebrating her betrothal surrounded by the affirmation of her family, Mary’s life becomes a complicated mess.
God’s ways are so often beyond our limited understanding. Mary moved forward in the direction God was leading with unquestioning surrender. Her acceptance of this painful assignment birthed hope for the entire world.
The Almighty loves to transform messes into miracles. This Christmas, rather than worry about circumstances that are out of our control, we can choose to trust that God is working in unexpected ways. We can purpose to worship and look forward with expectation.
Like Mary, your willingness to partner with God through the messy just might change the world.
Save
Something to think about…
I’m sharing “Messy Miracles” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.
“Messy Miracles” was originally published at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale’s Daily Devo.
Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
5 Ways to Make Jesus Known This Christmas
Christmas is almost here! The tree is up. The carols are playing. I am making a list of presents and checking my list twice to make sure I don’t forget anyone.
In all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, I don’t want to forget the most important thing on my to-do list. My job is to share the story of Jesus with those who have yet to receive Him. Every day, I rub shoulders with friends and family who desperately need salvation. How am I going to invite them to come to Bethlehem and see the One who is Savior of the world?
I’m sharing “5 Ways to Make Jesus Known” over at Missional Women.
To read the rest of this post, join me here.
Save
Save
Save
The post 5 Ways to Make Jesus Known This Christmas appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
December 15, 2016
Gloria in Excelsis Deo
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ, the Lord, the new-born King.
Gloria in excelsis Deo.
This morning, I got a text message from a friend announcing the birth of her son, Milo. He arrived unexpectedly early during the wee hours of the morning in spectacular fashion shocking both his parents. God loves to surprise us.
The birth announcement of Jesus Christ was also unpredictably wonderful. A blaze of light and glory broke through the dark night as a choir of angels declared the Messiah’s arrival to an astonished group of shepherds.
When we see the glory of God first hand, the response is always awe and wonder. Our hearts are filled with praise.
Warren Wiersbe calls this our “theology” transforming into “doxology.” Doxology comes from two Greek words: “doxa,” which means “glory,” and “logos,” which means “word, say, saying.”
When you know who God is, the natural result is an outpouring of speaking His praises. Paul exemplifies this in Romans 11:36 when He declares: “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen.”
This Advent, we can join the praise party with Paul and the shepherds by shouting out God’s glory to the watching world…
I am sharing “Gloria in Excelsis Deo”
at LoveGodGreatly.com today
as part of their Advent Study God With Us.
To read the rest of this post, join me here.
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
The post Gloria in Excelsis Deo appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
December 14, 2016
Christmas Heart
What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.
Christmas is less than two weeks away, and I do not have a single present placed under the tree. I’m exhausted from Thanksgiving and have decided that Christmas just came too early this year. I’d like a do-over please.
I’m not doing cards (except for one to Joanne. Got your beautiful card yesterday. Thank you!). And, I am thinking about paying someone to bake the Christmas cookies so that I can take a nap instead.
We are on day 8 of the Advent readings, and I forgot to light the candles on Sunday so I just set them on fire them yesterday so that they would look less unused when the relatives arrive this weekend.
Oh, yeah, did I mention that we are starting Christmas early this year? Dinner is apparently at my house on Saturday. (I decided to have it mostly catered. I will cook the easy peasy corn casserole myself.)
I am feeling decidedly un-ready for Christmas.
How about you?
Now, I know why Scrooge was all “Bah Humbug.” He just couldn’t handle all the hoopla.
So, this year, I’ve decided to be rebellious and just spend Christmas day in my PJ’s. I refuse to put on a pretty dress or makeup. I am going to eat leftovers on paper plates and have a Holly Jolly time resting.
My heart just can’t handle all the hullabalo.
I don’t want Christmas to be about the perfectly decorated tree or the number of beautifully wrapped presents.
If I don’t have Christmas in my heart, I will never find it under the tree.
This year, I want my heart to be the only present under the tree. I want to offer my weary, ready for nap heart to Jesus.
It’s a good thing He loves broken and needy people. Because I really need Him.
Instead of running ragged on the Christmas treadmill this year, I am going to jump off the crazy train and plop down at His feet in my jammies.
There will be no stockings hung by the chimney with care, but I will be hanging on to Jesus.
I’m going to wrap up my heart in the wonder of Him this Christmas.
Save
Something to think about…
I’m sharing “Christmas Heart” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.
Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
December 7, 2016
Miracles at Midnight
All you, beneath your heavy load,
By care and guilt bent low,
Who toil along a dreary way
With painful steps and slow:
Look up, for golden is the hour,
Come swiftly on the wing,
The Prince was born to bring your peace;
Of Him the angels sing.
If you are feeling weighed down by darkness right now? Stand and look up for your salvation is near.
He came upon a midnight clear.
Your midnight hour is the ripest time for a miracle to transpire.
Christ will defeat your enemy and pass over you with grace because of the blood of Christ (Exodus 12:21-29)
Your Kingsman Redeemer will acknowledge your need and cover you with His protection (Ruth 3:8-11)
Your Friend will provide abundantly for your request and open up doors to good gifts for you when you are shamelessly persistent in asking (Luke 11:5-12)
So on the blackest of nights, take your cue from Paul and Silas who sang His praises until their shackles fell off.
Remember the dead of night is broad daylight to our Savior. Rise up to praise Him at midnight like the Psalmist. He’s still in the business of birthing peace on earth and good will toward men.
At midnight a cry will shatter the gloom: “Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet Him.” Keep your lamp burning. Stay awake.
Your mess is the perfect birthplace for a midnight miracle.
Something to think about…
Friends: #ThoughtProvokingThursday was miraculously born three Decembers ago. Thank you for joining me here each week to shout out His praises. To God be the glory!
I’m sharing “Miracles at Midnight” with like-minded friends at Faith-Filled Friday.
Have you written something thought-provoking, challenging, encouraging, or inspiring lately? Link it up here! For best results, write the title of your post in the name box.
December 6, 2016
No Crib for His Bed
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head,
The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
The circumstances of Jesus’ birth were less than ideal. He took his first breath in a smelly stable, an inglorious entrance for the Savior of the world.
God rarely does what worldly wisdom would suggest as the best course of action, and the nativity story certainly is no exception.
Christ set aside His sovereign position and divine privileges and clothed Himself in humanity because of love. He chose to enter the world empty and submit to poverty, reproach, and suffering all because He loves you and me….
I’m sharing “No Crib for His Bed” over at LoveGodGreatly.com today as part of the Advent study God with Us.
To read the rest of this post, join me here.
Save
The post No Crib for His Bed appeared first on 3-D Lessons for Life.
