Author Archives: Shereen Lashua

Do the Simple Things

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I recently posted a quote by Pastor Rick Warren on my Facebook page. This was the quote. “The last thing many believers need today is to go to another Bible study. They already know far more than they are putting into practice. What they need are serving experiences in which they can exercise their spiritual muscles.” Rick Warren
I also added, “I agree”.

For a long time, I have been convicted about this very thing. It is one of the reasons I wrote my book, Naked, Embarrassed, and Exposed? Then Put Something On. I took simple truths from the Bible and gave practical ways to live them out. I needed to learn how to put on the character of Jesus, not just know about it. I thought that others might need that too. So I wrote down the lessons I was learning.

I am glad I wrote it because I need to reread my own book! During the past few days, I have again been reminded that I often fail to obey in the simple things. I have also thought about how important those little things can be. If we feel that only the big, important projects of life are worthy of our attention and neglect the simple stuff, life can become disastrous. Let me give an illustration.

I own a home. I could skip the simple and seemingly mundane and invest all my time and effort on major renovations and projects. I could plant a great garden. I could paint the exterior a great new color. I might even choose to remodel the kitchen. But if I do all of that and neglect the simple things my work will be in vain. I must take out the trash, wash the dirty dishes, and scrub toilets. If I neglect the simple, I will have problems with the smell, pests, and eventually it will drive me from my home.

Have you spiritually neglected the simple and focused only on the big projects? Are things starting to smell? Do you have pests bugging you? Are you feeling driven from the calm, comfort and peace of your earlier Christian life? I know when I see these things in my life, I need to get back to taking care of the simple things.

I have been working on some bigger projects lately. I have been working on a couple of new books. I have been keeping up with my responsibilities in SISTER ministries. The problem is that I have been neglecting the simple stuff and it is starting to stink.

So I once again I come back to this verse, “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17, ESV).

I Have to Do What I Know Is Right

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“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” (James 4:17, NKJV)

I have been negligent in my writing lately. I haven’t felt particularly creative. I have been extremely busy, and it seems that when I sit down to write, my mind isn’t brimming with new ideas. I was praying about this and the Lord brought to mind the day he called me to write.

This reminder came at a good time. I was doubting whether writing was truly a ministry that I should continue pursuing. It is getting harder to find the time to commit to it. Another difficulty is that I’m not quite sure of the impact since I never see or meet most of my audience. Feeling uncertain about the future of my ministry, I prayed. The Lord brought to my mind the words from James 4.

I know that I was called to speak, teach and write. The Lord has worked in and through me for many years using my giftedness. But still I question it at times. I get distracted from the goal, which is to do good solely because God told me to. And then, I end up in sin because I am not obeying.

I’m not writing today because something profound and amazing caught my imagination and I had to write about it. I am writing because I know it is good, and I am choosing to be obedient. I do not want to sin against God; therefore, I will do what I am called to do. The results, the impact, the responses are in God’s hand. I am just writing because it is right.

If this blog is only for an audience of One it matters! It matters because I am stepping out in obedience and serving God. That always matters. I am joining with God in his work. This work is then available for God to use in the way he sees fit. Whether it makes a large or small impact doesn’t matter. It is a gift for him, and he can use it as he will.

My prayer today, O Lord, is that you will be honored and glorified in my obedience. I know what is right. Give me strength to do it. Even when I’m not excited about the work I still want to walk in obedience. It may not be my best work, but my work is a gift for you. Use it as you see fit.

Peter Preaches About the Resurrection

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“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know—Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.” (Acts 2:22–24, NKJV)

This sermon astounds me. In the light of the upcoming celebration of Christ’s resurrection, I would like to share the things that excite me the most when I look at this passage.

Peter preached these words to the people of Jerusalem. The public forum where Peter preached wasn’t hundreds of miles from the incident where it would be hard to verify the facts. It was right in the city where Jesus’ resurrection happened. Anyone could ask around to find out the truth. In Luke 24:18, it is implied that everyone in Jerusalem knew what had happened. Peter spoke of the miraculous events and appealed to eyewitnesses of the facts. When he finished speaking, 3000 people believed and were baptized. If this was a hoax, legend, or fairy tale, how did Peter convince 3000 people in Jerusalem to believe him?

He preached these words just 50 days after Jesus death. The people Peter spoke to were witnesses of the power of God. They had also experienced the power of God through Jesus’ ministry. He reminded them that they had seen Jesus do miracles. He talked about the crucifixion of Christ. He also presents the resurrection as a fact. Peter is preaching to people who knew the truth because they had been there. They confirmed the truth when they believed that day.

Peter is preaching this sermon. Something convinced Peter (and the other disciples) that Jesus was alive. Later in the same sermon, Peter says, “This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses”. This is an astonishing testimony of the truth of the resurrection. Less than 2 months after Jesus rose from the dead, Peter is in a public forum discussing the resurrection as a verified and witnessed event. If it had not happened, I think Peter, along with the other disciples, still would have been hiding.

Peter wasn’t brave. Remember, he denied Jesus because he was afraid. Peter and the rest knew the torture that would come from associating with Jesus, and yet something emboldened them. It filled them with enough courage to change the world. They no longer coward from the threats of mere men, but were compelled to speak out by the power of God.

This passage excites me. It excited Peter too! Here is something he wrote later on the same subject. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:3–9, NKJV)

For more information on the resurrection read Josh McDowell’s book, The Resurrection Factor and The Bible

An Unfinished Blog

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Sometimes I have a hard time writing my blog. It is not because I do not have a lot of ideas, but because I don’t have a lot of answers. I have a difficult time formulating a complete blog if I am not sure how it ends. Today I’m not sure how this blog ends, so this may only be a partial blog, but please keep reading.

I’m writing the ideas I’ve been having. I am hoping that you will have some conclusions for me. Maybe you, the reader may offer answers that will bring some conclusions to my scattered thoughts. Please add your comments or email me with your ideas. I would love to hear from you.

Lately, my mind has been mulling over ideas about community in the Body of Christ. These mental wanderings started because I have been uncomfortable about the lack of community I have felt. I’m not saying that there isn’t community; I’m just saying my experience is vastly different from the ideal I envision. Maybe my ideal is wrong.
What is God’s idea of the Body of Christ? How do we support and love one another today, right now, with all of the distractions and busyness we encounter? We are commanded to love the others in the Body of Christ. I think it is hard to love others when we don’t spend enough time together to know each other. I also think it is difficult to love when we don’t make efforts to communicate with each other. When we don’t share our lives or selves how does love grow?

I guess I should start at the beginning. Sin separated us from God. Jesus died to restore this relationship. Jesus has enabled us to commune with and enjoy God. Sin also separated us from one another. Jesus sacrifice also offers substantial healing to our relationships with others, so we can have real communion and enjoy one another. So why don’t we?

I was once in a church that provided insulation and paneling for an elderly lady because her house was unfinished and extremely cold in the winter. The church members didn’t only give money, they gave their time. Many people gathered to do the labor. It was a time of work but also a time of fellowship and communion. We spent time together, getting to know each other. We also served someone we loved, and we served God. We also ate together that day.

That was a time of fellowship and community. I felt as if I were a part of something more important and bigger than myself. I wonder where I can get involved in Christian community that serves, fellowships, works, and openly shares with one another. It is my heart’s desire to do life with others. It is too hard doing so much of it alone.

It feels to me like the Body of Christ often works as separate limbs and organs rather than a unified body. I think we would be seeing a greater impact on our families, communities, and countries if we could figure out how to cooperate and serve together as an integrated whole. I think we need more cohesiveness than the very loose bond that listening to the same sermon on Sunday provides. I think we need to do life together. But how?

He Cares For You and Me

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“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV)

When my kids were little, we listened to Psalty, the singing songbook. Psalty taught kids to praise God with their songs and their lives. I loved hearing my children sing praises to Jesus and the Kids Praise series featuring Psalty, certainly encouraged it. I’m not only thankful for the impact this music had on my children’s lives, but I’m also thankful for how it has encouraged me.

This morning I found myself singing “The Cares Chorus” from Kids Praise 5. This song is a prayer calling the petitioner to release burdens and cares, leaving them to God. It is a song of humility, admitting ignorance and finiteness. It is a cry from the heart that begs God to carry whatever is weighing us down.

It is a simple song based on 1 Peter 5:7, simple and yet profound. We can take any bother, worry, stress, care, anxiety, or burden and throw it God’s way. He will gladly receive it and deal with it because he “cares for” us. The Creator of the Universe, the Great and Mighty, the Self Existent One, cares for me.

This astounds me. With more than 7 billion people currently living in the world, God cares for me. He cares so much he is willing to ease my anxiety levels by caring for my burdens. It reminds me of another Psalty song, and Bible verse, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God” (1 John 3:1, KJV).

God has poured out his love on me, and I am blessed. I am so thankful for God’s Word and how it draws me into a deeper relationship with my Heavenly Father. I am also thankful for the faithful ministers that have been a blessing in my life. I have never met Kelly Willard, but she has encouraged me by writing the “Cares Chorus”. Debby Kerner and Ernie Rettino have encouraged and blessed many through the Psalty recordings. I have never met them either and yet they have had a lasting impact on my life and my Christian walk.

I pray that today as I write, choosing to be faithful to the calling God has given me, I will bless someone’s life. I pray that someone will read these words and find peace. I pray that someone out there whether I know them or not will be blessed by the lessons that were handed down to me by his faithful servants. God cares for us and desires to relieve us of our stresses. He cares because he loves us so much. Have a blessed and stress free day!

Very Near in Times of Trouble

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“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah” (Psalm 46:1–3, ESV)

““Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”” (Psalm 46:10, ESV)

I have often found comfort in Psalm 46. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” I love that God is near when there is trouble. When the whole world around me is crumbling, God is near. But he isn’t just close by watching, wringing his hands, dismayed at the disaster that has fallen. He is near and helping.

God is our refuge. He is our place to hide and rest when the world is falling apart. He is our safety and our protection. We are eternally secure in him no matter what befalls. Even if the very ground we walk on should fall out from under us, we will be safe in him.

I was in Louisiana after a hurricane with a disaster relief team. Trees had been uprooted, buildings were growing mold, power outages were rampant, and people were without food. Our team set up, and we cooked for hundreds of people every night. It was an incredible time.

God was near, and he was working in miraculous ways. We did not need to fear even though the earth had moved under the weight of the ancient trees toppling and falling buildings crashing down. The water had roared and foamed, and yet God was near. God was a very present help. Resources were coming from far and wide, volunteers came flooding in, and the Gospel of Truth was being preached. It was a busy, hard and fruitful time.

The best part was at night. After an exhausting day, we would get still. Our site would get quiet. We would focus on God’s presence and kindness. In those moments of calm, we would exalt God. We would praise him for his marvellous works. When we would get still, we had time to recognize God in his power and majesty.

God was exalted far and wide throughout nations as we texted, emailed, and asked for prayer from friends and loved ones far and wide. The stories of salvation and God’s goodness were shared all over the world through our witness and by the media. The Lord God Almighty was exalted among the nations.

I reflected on this time as I read Psalm 46. The trouble was devastating and yet God was there in our midst. He was very near during this time of trouble. And as we found stillness and quiet in him, he was exalted.

Today in my struggles and problems, Lord, let me be still and know that you are God. Let your name be exalted among the nations.

Speak the Word of God

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The Word of God

The Word of God

“For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”” (Romans 10:13–15, ESV)
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17, ESV)

I listened to one of my favorite Christian speakers the other day. I had an opportunity to hear her speak, and I was so excited. She has a gift. She is captivating and moving. She is funny and profound. Her style is unique, and she honors God in her life and work.

She is also an author. Her works have led me into a deeper relationship with Jesus. She is a student of God’s Word and a passionate teacher of God’s Word. I have enjoyed her written material immensely. I keep many of her books on my shelf as handy resources.

I have to say, the latest talk I heard was disappointing. I didn’t get a lot out of it. The information was true and right, but I wasn’t being moved, convicted, or encouraged. It seemed that I was learning but not growing spiritually. It did impact my intellect, but not my soul. Something was wrong. Was it the teaching or was it me?

I prayed about it and later analyzed the situation. The Lord gave me a clear understanding of the problem. The lesson I received was a motivational lesson by a Christian. It was true and right. There was nothing wrong or heretical in the teaching. But there was a problem. This speaker was not using God’s Word in her lecture.

She talked about hymns, anecdotal experiences, and her personal life. She taught practical skills. But the Word of God was absent. This startled me. Not because I question this speaker’s motives or heart for God, but because I realized how easy it is to depend on our knowledge and how shallow that is.

How often have I shared stories or experiences in hopes of encouraging people in Lord, but failed to include God’s truth in the account? How many times have I taught a Bible study that was mostly my experience or thought? How often have I skipped reading the Bible to read a book about the Bible instead?

The Word of God needs to be the center of my life, teaching, encouragement, witnessing, and discussion if it is going to change lives and build faith. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

My prayer today Lord is from the Book of Acts. “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:29–31, ESV) Fill us with the Spirit in power and boldness so that we can proclaim your truth to the praise of the Lord Jesus and for the salvation of many.

Standing at the Door

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Greta and Emma

Greta and Emma

I was hanging around with my family a few nights ago. My granddaughters were playing with each other. Emma is 3, and Greta is almost 2. Greta loves Emma so much. She gets so excited when they get to play together. I went to Greta’s room to see what they were doing, and see if I could play too! I enjoy being a part of their lives.

They were busy cooking in Greta’s play kitchen. They were serving each other pretend tea. I knocked and asked if I could play too. Greta came over and pushed me out the door and said “home”. She then closed the door on me. I laughed hysterically at this small person having such a strong opinion. She wanted to play with Emma, and I was in the way.

In reality, I didn’t even care if I played. I had things to do and other family members to interact with. I enjoy them so much I just wanted to be there. I wanted to participate in the fun even if only by observation, but Greta had other plans.
She loves me, and I know it. I just wasn’t fitting into the fun she had planned with her cousin. She had her sights on one love, and it wasn’t me at the moment.

Of course, this has not discouraged me or caused damage to my relationship with my granddaughter. I understand she is young and immature. It was not out of malice or meanness. She made her choice based on a quick and childish thought.

As I reflected on the situation, (mostly laughing at this small person pushing me out the door and closing it), I realized this little girl is so much like me. I see how immature and childish my response is to Jesus wanting to hang out with me. He doesn’t want anything from me but to spend time with me. He enjoys me enjoying life. The Creator of the universe wants to hang out while I make tea.

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20, ESV). I realized that my immaturity and one track mind keep Jesus out at times. I can act just like a stubborn toddler.

But Jesus laughs. Jesus is happy with or without me. He laughs and enjoys whether I let Him in or not. He is not furious or angry at me. He knows I love him. He knows that I get sidetracked. I could open the door at any moment and run into his waiting arms. He still loves me.

He knows that sometimes I make choices quickly without thinking and they can be childish. I am still a beloved child, and he still desires to come in. It doesn’t damage my relationship with him.

He waits outside the door knocking and asking to be allowed in. He could burst through the door and force his presence on me. He doesn’t. He loves me too much. He wants me to grow in my relationship with him so that I desire to have him involved in my moments and days.

Keep knocking Lord, reminding me that you are there and soften my heart so I willingly open to you. And thank you for Greta and Emma and the lessons I am learning from them.

Seek First the Kingdom of God

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“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33, ESV)

“Seek first the kingdom of God.” I have known this verse since I was a small child. I learned at an early age that I need to seek God and trust that he will provide for me. Lately, I have been reconsidering some familiar verses and passages. This was one that I looked at with fresh eyes.
I started with “Seek first”. This was enough for me to realize that I had not seriously thought about this verse in years. The word first stood out. First is one small word in this passage but it has great significance. When I started to ponder the idea of seeking God’s kingdom first, I realized I had my priorities wrong.
To seek first means to seek before other things. It is not saying to make God’s kingdom a priority in your life. It is saying that it is to be the priority before all else. Seeking God’s kingdom should be done first before pursuing anything else. It is giving God the firstfruits of our life.
The Jews understood the term seeking first. They were taught to bring God the best of their crops, the firstfruits. They were also taught to give this gift before they enjoyed the harvest. “The best of the firstfruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of the LORD your God.” (Exodus 23:19, ESV). They gave God the best, and they gave it first. This was a choice based on faith. They demonstrated their faith by offering this gift. They trusted that God would continue to provide and bless them.
Jesus is calling us to a life of faith and trust in him. Kingdom citizens know that the King will always have their best interest at heart. Knowing that Jesus is in charge, it is easy to step out in faith and give God our best. We give our time, energy, resources, whatever is necessary, to promote and support the kingdom, and we give it first. It is the priority over and above all.
I have been challenged today. I pray that this encourages you to seek “first” the kingdom of God.

Dear Lord, I come before you today realizing that I have not always sought you and your kingdom first. Other things in life have become the priority. I confess I do not always make your kingdom my priority. I ask that you cleanse me and change my habits and patterns by the power of your Spirit. Let me seek you first.

Introspection

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“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)

Examine yourself. These are words often used in the church today. As believers, we have a desire to do what is right and honorable. But complications arise when we become overly introspective. We comprehend a need to examine our hearts and minds. We earnestly search for sin that needs to be confessed and cleansed by God. We know, “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Because we are aware of our sinful condition, we know we should examine ourselves. But introspection can become a problem.

But Jesus never talked about searching our hearts. He never said, examine yourselves. If Jesus didn’t put a strong emphasis on self-examination, why do we? Soul searching for the purposes of exposing sin or shortcomings is spoken of only infrequently in the New Testament. Why do so many of us engage incessantly in this practice? I think our motives may be wrong. Just like the Pharisees who tested and examined everyone and everything, I think we may have some issues that need to be addressed.

First, we like to think we are in control. If we find something wrong, we can change it. This gives us the idea that we can manage and change the outcome the next time. The truth is, we are not in control. God is in charge. We will have trouble in this world. No amount of self discovery or sinlessness will prevent it. But we can have victory by trusting and depending on Jesus (John 16:33).

Next, we like to think we are knowledgeable. If we study the Bible enough, we think we can know enough to win the game of life. But we cannot use Bible study and unhealthy examination as a works orientated means to gain control over sinful situations. Jesus made this clear to the Pharisees. He said that life does not come from the scripture, but they point to the One who gives life (John 5:39-40). It isn’t what we know. It is who we know. Who’s your daddy?

One more reason we tend to reflect on ourselves in an unhealthy way is our tendency toward self-sufficiency. Jesus said abide in Him (John 15:5). Without the life of God flowing through us, we are dead sticks that need to be pruned and thrown into the fire. We need to look to Jesus for the power and strength to stand firm in the face of the enemy. We need to let his strength empower us when our energy and stamina dwindle. We need his love to pour forth when we are pushed to the brink of hatred and destruction. Jesus living in us is the key. We are not self-sufficient.

The verse above directs us to examine our hearts. Examine to see if you are walking in faith. It does not teach us to examine for imperfections, but rather to see if we are living by faith. We will not defeat the enemy by distressing over every shortcoming, imperfection, and sin that plagues our hearts and minds. To stand firm against the power of evil in the world, we need to depend solely on Jesus.

We need to let go of perfectionism, control and self-sufficiency and hold on to Jesus alone. We want to do more than just follow the rules of Jesus or just gain knowledge about Him. We want to know Him. We want to enjoy Him. We want to live with Him. We need to grab our Lord, the Lover of our soul and hold on to Him for dear life. For that is what’s at stake. It is a life and death struggle.

Remember, no amount of self-introspection can provide life, strength, and power. Life, strength, and power are gifts from our Friend and King, Jesus. When you examine yourself do it to see that you are walking in faith, trusting completely on the Lord.

Thank you Jesus. I am glad that it is not my job to figure out everything that is right or wrong about me and try to fix it. I know that by faith, I can trust you to change me and conform me to your likeness. I also trust that you will reveal issues to me as they need to be addressed. Let me rest in you by faith. Forgive me for thinking that I can conform to your standards well enough to fix or control my life. My life is yours. You are in control and you will do a good work in me (Phil 1:6).