Who’s Up For Some Discussion?

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Laurie Coombs

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how I can serve my readers better.

On my blog (and throughout life), I strive to be transparent because I know that transparency is the only way to help others.

Truly, if we are to be an encouragement to one another, we need to be real. We need to draw alongside one another knowing that none of us have it all together, recognizing that God has given each of us beautiful nuggets of truths that we can collectively benefit from, all of which spurs us on toward Christ-likeness.

Following Jesus can be difficult at times (and anyone who tells you otherwise is either greatly deceived or hasn’t been walking with Jesus long).

The truth is, we need each other.

I am called to share my heart with you. I know this much. Yet, I’m still trying to figure out what that looks like and how to serve you well.

So, here’s the thing. We all need community. We all need a place to be heard and an opportunity to hear and help others.

And I thought a forum (added to this blog) might be the place to start.

The forum would be a place to ask those tough questions and get godly council. Yet, I wouldn’t be the only one responding to posts. (I think I’ve already established the fact that I don’t have it all together nor do I have all the answers.) But instead, it would be my desire for the forum to become a community of believers who encourage one another.

It would be a place where my readers could interact with one anther and provide loving support and encouragement through prayer and godly council.

Truly, we’re all in this thing together.

So, what do you all think?

Should I open a forum on my blog? Would you participate? Your participation doesn’t have to be consistent, of course.

At this point, I’m trying to discern whether or not a forum would benefit each of us, which I will gage by the comments (or lack of comments) received. If there’s quite a bit of interest, I will move forward. If not, I won’t bother, and we’ll leave things just as they are. So, be sure to give me your opinion one way or another!

Question: What do you think? Consider leaving a comment. How might I serve my readers better? Would you like to participate in an open dialogue forum on my blog?

To read more about my journey toward forgiveness, read Freedom Through Grace or {Redemption} Your Testimony May Have Saved a Life.

{Lessons Learned} Watch Yourself or Can a Christian Commit Murder?

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Laurie Coombs

Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children. – Deuteronomy 4:9

Anthony claimed he was a Christian at the time of the murder, and I had a real problem with this. As a non-Christian and even after coming to Christ, I didn’t understand how someone who professed faith in Jesus could do something like this. Doesn’t a sin of this magnitude disqualify you from being a Christian?

You can’t claim to be a Christian and commit murder, I thought.

Recently, however, when telling me about a book he was reading by Kyle Idleman called Not a Fan, Anthony said,

“I wonder, had I not come to prison would I have stayed a fan of Jesus or become a follower? I knew Him. I went to Bible studies. I read my Bible daily, but I didn’t let him into every dark corner of my heart. I was not a follower. Now, I truly follow Him. But this book is an eye-opener.”

Anthony went to church faithfully before he committed the murder. As he said, he went to Bible studies. He read his Bible daily. He knew Jesus.

When I began to correspond with Anthony, I met with my pastor and asked him, “Is it possible for a Christian to commit murder?”

My pastor’s response? Absolutely. It is possible.

I wrestled with this issue for quite some time, but ultimately I saw that my pastor was right. One profound example of this can be found in the story of David. David was chosen, used mightily, and was called a man after God’s own heart both before and after he had Bathsheba’s husband killed. David was in a covenantal relationship with God––the equivalent of being a Christ follower today––yet he sinned greatly.

Now, I don’t know whether or not Anthony’s relationship with Jesus was authentic when he killed my dad, but it could have been. And honestly, this truth scares me, as it should all of us.

We must guard our hearts.

You see, we’re all prone to folly. We’re all prone to sin. And sin can creep in before we know it.

In one of my letters to Anthony, I said, “…you still cultivated the emotions and feeling that lead you astray. You still allowed your soul to be poisoned with hatred which ultimately lead to your actions.”

In response, Anthony said:

I may have cultivated the emotions that led me to be poisoned. But not hate, anger yes but I didn’t hate your dad. I did not go over to your dads house to kill him, to threaten and scare, yes. But having that anger in my heart opened me up to the possibility of something bad and as we know bad happened. – Anthony, November 2010

All throughout the book of Deuteronomy, God tells us to watch ourselves. Over and over again He says, “Take care, lest your heart be deceived” (Deuteronomy 11:16), “Take care lest you forget the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 8:11), “Take care, lest you forget the covenant of the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 4:23).

1 Peter 5:8 tells us to “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Paul exhorts Timothy to “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16).

Considering Anthony’s testimony and reading through each of these scriptures, this much is clear: we must guard our hearts to assure we don’t cultivate an environment for sin to grow. For, we can be led astray quickly.

{Guard your heart. Don’t allow sin to creep in.} [tweet that]

Question: What are your thoughts? How do you guard your heart or keep watch on yourself? Share in the comments.

To read more about my journey toward forgiveness, read Freedom Through Grace or {Redemption} Your Testimony May Have Saved a Life.

{Lessons Learned} God is Bigger

Posted on January 17, 2013 by Laurie Coombs

As I began writing this, a song came to mind. I have two little girls, and for a long time, they loved Veggie Tales, and they loved the song “God is Bigger Than the Boogie Man.”

It’s a catchy tune.

But in all seriousness, this truth was pivotal in my walk with God, and even now, I have to remind myself that God is bigger than whatever is going on in my life, and that I can trust Him with all that I have and all that I am.

He’s bigger than my fears. He’s bigger than whatever situation I find myself in. He’s bigger than my past and my past hurts, as well as my past successes or failures. He’s bigger than my future and what trials or achievements may come.

He’s bigger than my enemies. He’s bigger than Satan and evil. God is bigger than my sin and my fleshly desires.

But what’s most comforting to me is that God is even bigger than my resistance. He’s bigger than my will and my rebellious nature.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

- Romans 8:37-39

Indeed, God is bigger.

{We are safe in His loving arms.}

Are you ever tempted to allow your situation or anything else loom larger than the God, who is in control of all things?

Join in the discussion. Leave a comment.

To read more about my journey toward forgiveness, read Freedom Through Grace or {Redemption} Your Testimony May Have Saved a Life.

Merry Christmas!

Posted on December 24, 2012 by Laurie Coombs

I’ll be taking a little time off to be with my family during the holidays, but I wanted to wish each of you a merry Christmas! Praying your holidays are full of God’s grace and love!!!

See you in the New Year!

Blessings,

Laurie

To read more about my journey toward forgiveness, read Freedom Through Grace or {Redemption} Your Testimony May Have Saved a Life.

Knowing God is the End Goal

Posted on November 27, 2012 by Laurie Coombs

A few weeks ago, the Holy Spirit challenged me with this: Have I been seeking God for what He can do for me or do I simply want Him? Ouch.

Well, I think you can imagine what my answer was at the time. But it wasn’t always this way. When I was first saved (and for quite a while after) I was on fire for Jesus. I was seeking Him to know Him better. I was learning much about the character of God. I would pick up my Bible and simply devour every word, much like a novel you just can’t seem to put down. I couldn’t get enough of Him. I was thirsty. Thirsty for His Word. Thirsty for Him.

He took me through some rough seasons. Taught me things beyond me. Things that blew my mind. He poured His grace upon my life. Allowed me to forgive the unforgivable and witness His power and glory like I never thought possible.

Then, He called me to write, to share, and to declare His mighty works to the world. And I think I got all wrapped up in what He was calling me to that I somehow lost my way.

So quickly, we can go from seeing the glory of God and seeking Him out of a heart of adoration and a child-like love to seeking Him and worshiping Him because of what He does and can do for us.

It’s usually, but not always, a subtle distinction but honestly, my prayer life began looking more like this, empower me, help me, heal me, change me, sanctify me… Now these aren’t bad prayers in and of themselves, but it was my self-centered heart that shifted my focus away from where it should have been.

The difficult question I began to ask myself was this: Who is at the center of my life. To which I had to face the ugly reality that the answer was me. Not Jesus.

Today, I stand corrected. I refuse to be the center of my own existence. I refuse to allow my to-do list to be at the center of my relationship with God and treat God like an assistant instead of the only source of my existence.

But most importantly, I choose to seek God for Him. He is the end goal. Knowing and loving Him more and more each day. Spending time in silence and solitude to cultivate the intimate relationship we were all created for. This is where I want to be, and it is my prayer that you will join me there today.

{Knowing God is the end goal.}

I’ll ask you the same question that was posed to me: Have you been seeking God for what He can do for you or do you simply want Him?

Leave a comment!

To read more about my journey toward forgiveness, read Freedom Through Grace or {Redemption} Your Testimony May Have Saved a Life.

Simply Be a Child of God

Posted on November 20, 2012 by Laurie Coombs

And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. – 1 Samuel 12:21

Have you ever gotten so caught up in doing that you forget to simply be in the presence of God?

Over the last 10 months, I have been going… and going… and going. I have been doing. All good things. All with good intentions (or at least as good each of our intentions can be, in this fallen flesh). But still, I have been doing. Writing. Sharing the Word. Caring for those around me.

But then I hear God’s gentle whisper. What about Me? Where do I fit in all of this? Don’t forget. You are My child before anything else.

And so, I take a step back. Take a deep breath. And let out a heavy sigh.

I am a Child of God.

How could I have forgotten?

I have been praying. Praying for the Lord to draw me near as I look toward Him. Praying for intimacy with the only One who can satisfy. Praying for grace.

Today, this is where I am, but I know I won’t stay here. For, the Lord is faithful. I don’t think He’s calling me to quit. But instead, He’s calling me into deeper relationship. So, this is where I choose to go first. To the throne of my Heavenly Father to simply be His daughter.

Won’t you join me there?

Let your mercy come to me, that I may live. – Psalm 119:77

{Don’t forget. You are a child of God before anything else.}

Have you ever been in this place?

Memories

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Laurie Coombs

I was a daddy’s girl at heart. When I was a little girl, I thought my family was perfect and my dad hung the moon, himself. There are so many memories.

I remember when I was little, my brother, sister, and I would each vie for our turn to be lifted into the air by Dad. “My turn! My turn!” we’d yell.

Dad would lay on his back, arms bent and hands flat on the ground. “Hop on!” He’d say with a smile. When it was my turn, there was always a feeling of nervous excitement as I stepped on his hands. “Strong belly,” he’d say, “balance!” as he slowly hoisted me up in the air. He’d take me as high as he could, before I’d lose my balance and fall the short distance to the ground.

I remember learning to snow ski in the Sierra Nevadas. My skies in the shape of a triangle between those of Dad’s as we slid down the mountain. My dad wasn’t one to go slow, yet I always felt safe, in his loving arms.

I remember hiking, stopping along the way to pick some of the most beautiful wild flowers you have ever seen. Dad, wielding his camera, snapping photos of the beauty that surrounded us. When my sister or I tired, we would be hoisted upon my dad’s shoulders and would be gladly taken to the end of the trail which would always be one of the most beautiful secluded mountain lakes you could imagine.

I remember deer hunting, our family camping for a week each year in the sage, building forts, coloring in my strawberry shortcake coloring book, hiking, and scouting out deer. Standing next to Dad, I would watch him skin the deer, as it hung from a tree in camp. When I got old enough, I finally asked, “Can I try?” and Dad smiled, handed me his buck knife and showed me where to cut as he pulled back the skin.

I got older, graduated from high school, and began college. I’d call Dad periodically and say, “Hey, wanna come take me out to dinner?” And he would. One night, however, I asked if he would be interested in coming over to dinner at my house. It was a college house, and I wasn’t much of a cook, but that didn’t deter me. He agreed, and we had dinner––just the two of us. I can’t remember what I made for the main course, but I do remember the salad. Dad loved salad, and I wanted to make it just right. I tried, really, I did, but it turned out to be a soppy watery mess of a dressing. But still, Dad looked me in the eye and told me he loved it.

I miss my dad. I miss him more than I can even begin to express. But I know one thing––he’s in paradise. He’s before the throne worshipping Jesus. He’s free from sin and the trials this life holds, and for that I am thankful.

{There are blessings even in our losses.}

To read more about my journey toward forgiveness, read Freedom Through Grace or {Redemption} Your Testimony May Have Saved a Life.

{Fear} Blessed is the Man Whose Trusts is the Lord

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Laurie Coombs

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. – Psalm 3:5-6

I trust Jesus. Most of the time.

But if I’m going to be honest, there are times when I’m doing everything else but trusting Jesus. Every once in a while I lay awake at night for hours, wondering why I can’t go back to sleep, when a thought hits me. Maybe Jesus woke me. Maybe He has something to say.

When this happens, there are the times I simply pray and willingly say, “Speak, my Lord, I’m listening.” Yet, other times, I’m stuck with fear. What if Jesus is going to ask me to do something I don’t want to do? I anxiously ponder. I know I will do whatever He asks of me, yet at times, I fear what that might be.

I know Jesus is worthy of my trust. I know that His plan is always the best plan. I know He is for me, not against me. So, I pray, and I invite you to do the same, Lord, give me grace to trust you completely with all things. I give you my life to do with as you please….

Let us more and more hear ourselves willingly say, “Speak, my Lord, for your servant is listening!”

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.
He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

- Jeremiah 17:7-8

{Blessed is the man whose trust is the Lord.}

Can you identify? What struggles do you have in trusting Jesus?

There Will Be Murderers in Heaven

Posted on September 28, 2012 by Laurie Coombs

And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Jesus speaking to the criminal being crucified with Him.) – Luke 23:42-43

“In this life we will never be perfect,” wrote Anthony, the man who murdered my dad, “but in the one to come, you and I will be brother and sister, as much as you may hate that now.”

It was a difficult truth to swallow. But I knew Anthony was right.

In God’s economy, murderers and rapists will stand worshipping before the throne of Jesus alongside every other Christ follower. Indeed, God’s ways are not our own.

Christ died for all who place their faith in Him––murderers and homeschooling moms alike. This is why the doctrine of grace offends many. In church a couple weeks ago, my pastor said something like this. “The reason you’re having a difficult time with this concept is because you are still struggling with works righteousness. You still believe we earn our way to heaven.” He may have said it a bit more eloquently than I just did, but the fact remains. Our salvation is not based upon our successes or our failures in this life, but upon the grace of God.

So what is grace?

Grace, in short, is “unmerited or undeserved favor.” By definition, it is favor that we cannot earn. From a young age, almost everything we’re taught (from a worldly perspective) tells us we must perform. We must be good. If we are good, we will be rewarded. If we are bad, we will be punished. This is how the economy of the world is structured, yet it doesn’t translate to the realm of God.

No, in God’s economy, we can never earn our way. We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). Our debt against God (when considering all the sins we’ve stacked up against ourselves) can never be reconciled by us. He doesn’t see “big” sins or “little” sins. In the eyes of God, sin is sin, and the penalty of sin is death––or eternal separation from God after death, just as Romans 6:23 says: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Contrary to popular cultural opinion, your good will NEVER outweigh your bad. This is why Jesus had to come. Why He had to live a perfect life. And why He had to die the death we deserved––in our place, for our sins––so that we don’t have to. He paid the penalty for our sin.

What’s more, Jesus came to bring us life, and life to the full (John 10:10). To set us free from sin, and its hold on us. And to impart the Holy Spirit to us that we may live life victoriously (though not perfectly). Jesus’ death brings life to those who believe and secures our position as sons and daughters of the Father.

This is grace. Undeserved favor. Oh how grateful I am for the grace that has been poured out over my life!

Still, some might ask, Why would God extend grace?

Romans 5:6-8says, “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (emphasis mine). God shows us grace because He loves us––each one of us––with an unfathomable love. And He didn’t die only for those considered “good” by worldly standards, but instead, He died for all who would place their faith in Him, including those who have committed the most heinous crimes.

I think we must all wrestle with this doctrine and take an honest moment to ask ourselves whether or not we understand this truth and whether or not we’re truly living in light of grace.

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

- Romans 12:3

{Salvation is for ALL who profess Jesus as Lord and Savior, by the grace of God.}

Do you still struggle with the doctrine of grace?

{Love Your Enemy} When the Path is Unclear

Posted on September 21, 2012 by Laurie Coombs

I was freaking out. There’s simply no other way to describe it. I just received that first letter from Anthony, but I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know if I should respond. I didn’t know how to respond. Again, I knew God was leading me down this path, but I didn’t know what to do next.

I needed to know His will. I needed to know what He wanted me to do. I prayed. I spoke to my husband. I called one of my best friends, all of which helped, yet still, no clarity.

Then, I called one of my pastors. ”Bobby, I just got a letter from the man who murdered my dad. I don’t know what to do,” I said. I gave him some background as he listened on the other end. “I just want to do what God wants me to do, but I don’t know what that is,” I continued rambling, “I know Jesus is calling me to forgive and to love my enemy, but how do I do this? What does loving my enemy look like?”

“Laurie,” Pastor Bobby said, “loving your enemy looks like what you’re already doing. Now, simply walk in it. Keep doing what you’re doing.”

To be honest, that’s not what I wanted to hear. I wanted the ones, twos, and threes of loving your enemy. I wanted him to give me clarity on how this thing would play out and what I was supposed to do next.

But faith doesn’t work that way. At this point, I knew God promised me one thing––that following Him would lead to healing and forgiveness. Apart from that, I knew nothing. And this made me very uncomfortable. I’m the type of girl who likes predictability. I like to know where my life is headed. Yet, I was now being stretched in ways I did not want.

Rarely we are we given insight into where Jesus is taking us. As Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith is trusting Jesus to show you the way. Faith is taking that step of obedience toward what Jesus is calling you to, despite the many unknowns. Honestly, Faith is messy. It takes us to places that are unpredictable, painful, and downright scary. But oh how all this discomfort is worth it. For, we come out on the other side of these trials with a stronger, more resilient faith. Each time we choose to step out in faith, our faith grows.

I don’t know about you, but I want faith. Not just any faith. What I want is great faith. The kind of faith that allows you to step out of the boat and walk on water toward Jesus when He beacons, knowing that you can do all things through Him. The kind of faith that confidently says to Jesus, “only say a word, and I shall be healed,” knowing full well that all things are possible with God. The kind of faith to follow Jesus into the unknown––into my scary places––regardless of the cost, knowing that He would work all things for good.

I thank God for giving Pastor Bobby the wisdom to not answer my questions. Pastor Bobby saw my deeper need. He knew that I needed Jesus to be my director, not man, so instead of trying to solve my problems, he pointed me to the only One who could bring me the guidance and counsel I desperately needed.

Then, the Holy Spirit, in turn, pointed me to Psalm 23. I picked up my bible and read:

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
² He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
³ He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.

⁴Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

⁵You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
⁶Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.

“Amen,” I wrote at the bottom. These words captivated my attention and gave me the ability to follow, knowing with confident assurance that Jesus was with me, that He was holding me, that He was guiding me, and that He would show me the way.

Jesus is our good Shepherd, indeed.

{Walk by faith as Jesus shows you how to love your enemy.}