"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and I will bring you back from captivity." -- Jeremiah 29:11-14a (NIV1984)
I finished my Christmas gigs last Saturday night. I always love playing the corporate parties and seeing how different people celebrate this time of year. My friend that I play with is a wonderful Christian woman. She has prayed for me in many situations, and I have prayed for her. I was telling her of how God had answered a specific prayer. When she dropped me off at my house, she said, "Emily, I've been praying specifically for that. But I think I'm a pessimistic prayer. I didn't think God would answer that prayer need so quickly."
Her comment caused me to examine my prayer life. I found her sentiment reflected what often times happens in my own prayer life. I pray out of obedience, but not always with expectation. I've decided that I need to re-frame the WAY that I pray. When I bring things to God, I need to bring them EXPECTING Him to answer them. I need to pray boldly.
One of my grandfather's favorite hymns was Sweet Hour Of Prayer. Listen to what the hymn writer, William Walford, pens in his second stanza:
Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer,
Thy wings shall my petition bear
To Him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless:
And since He bids me seek His face,
Believe His word and trust His grace,
I'll cast on Him my ev'ry care,
And wait for Thee, sweet hour of prayer.
My prayer for all of us in 2011 is that we will pray boldy, with expectation.
Ephesians 6:18 (TLB)
Pray all the time. Ask God for anything in line with the Holy Spirit's wishes. Plead with him, reminding him of your needs, and keep praying earnestly for all Christians everywhere.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
My Story
This Advent season, we have had several people won to Christ in our worship services. It has been incredible to hear the stories and to see the transformation in people's lives. One girl even wrote out her testimony and sent it to me last week. It touched my life as I read it, and read about the power of Christ in her life. As I've thought about it, I have been reminded of the grace that God has bestowed upon me. I have reflected on the day that I accepted Jesus. I would like to share my story with you.
I grew up here at First Baptist Church Arlington. When I was three, I sang the song, "I Am A Promise." I still remember the words, "I am a promise. I am a possibility. I am a promise with a capital P. I am a great big bundle of potentiality. And if you listen, you can hear God's voice. And if you're trying, He'll help you make the right choice. 'Cause I'm a promise to be anything God wants me to be." What great lyrics to write on a little girl's heart. I've probably forgotten more than I can remember, but I have never forgotten those words and the TRUTH behind them.
At eight years old, I was sitting in Vacation Bible School. Dr. Wade was talking to us about Jesus. He told us how each of us were sinners and about how that sin resulted in brokenness and separation from God. He told us about Jesus. Jesus was God's Son and lived a perfect (sinless) life. Jesus died on the cross because He claimed to be the Messiah. He bore the penalty of death (the weight of our sin), and conquered death when He arose on the third day. He remained on the earth a short time, and then took His seat at the right-hand of God the Father until He will one day return. Jesus died for EVERY ONE of us. And Scripture tells us that if we confess with our mouths that 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God has raised from the dead, YOU will be saved. (Romans 10:9 NIV 1984)
I remember Dr. Wade gave an invitation for us to ask Jesus to come into our lives. I was so incredibly shy. I don't know what happened to the little girl who could stand on the steps and sing in front of everyone because this little eight year old was scared of her own shadow. But Dr. Wade extended the invitation. We sang, "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus." I remember every verse. I felt God tugging at my heart, and I stood frozen listening to the text of the song. Then, the song ended. I thought I had missed my chance. But Dr. Wade, sensitive to the Spirit as he was, said he felt like there was someone out there to whom Jesus was speaking. He said that he would pray a final prayer, and whoever that person was could just slip out the side door and meet him. I was that person! While he prayed, I quietly tiptoed past Mrs. Sondra Adair, and to the side door of the Sanctuary. I met Dr. Wade and Mrs. Waldrop and prayed to receive Christ that day. Jesus came to live in my heart, and my life will forever be changed.
My life has taken many twists and turns since then. I'd love to say that I've acted right every day since then. That would be a lie. But no matter what, I have NEVER DOUBTED the decision to FOLLOW JESUS. My faith has been tested, but never broken. I love the truth of the verse:
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (NIV1984) Christ is unbreakable.
As a matter of fact, looking at that 2 Corinthians passage just a few verses earlier, we have the reminder: v.6 For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Since eight years old, that light has never extinguished in my heart. I praise God today for the prayer I prayed almost thirty years ago. I praise God today for the hope that is found in Him. I praise God today for reconciliation. I praise God today for redemption. I praise God today for renewal.
My testimony is simple. But it is true. God made me His own, and I have been running the race ever since. I may have been lapped by others. I may have made a couple of wrong turns. I may have even fallen down a couple of times. But God, through His Son Jesus, lifted me up and even carried me when needed. He corrects my course daily as I seek Him. He surrounds me with people to lift me up, to hold me accountable and to love me.
What is your story? I'd love to hear it. Every believer has a story. Every story is unique.
Write me at emily.klophaus@fbca.org and tell me your story.
I grew up here at First Baptist Church Arlington. When I was three, I sang the song, "I Am A Promise." I still remember the words, "I am a promise. I am a possibility. I am a promise with a capital P. I am a great big bundle of potentiality. And if you listen, you can hear God's voice. And if you're trying, He'll help you make the right choice. 'Cause I'm a promise to be anything God wants me to be." What great lyrics to write on a little girl's heart. I've probably forgotten more than I can remember, but I have never forgotten those words and the TRUTH behind them.
At eight years old, I was sitting in Vacation Bible School. Dr. Wade was talking to us about Jesus. He told us how each of us were sinners and about how that sin resulted in brokenness and separation from God. He told us about Jesus. Jesus was God's Son and lived a perfect (sinless) life. Jesus died on the cross because He claimed to be the Messiah. He bore the penalty of death (the weight of our sin), and conquered death when He arose on the third day. He remained on the earth a short time, and then took His seat at the right-hand of God the Father until He will one day return. Jesus died for EVERY ONE of us. And Scripture tells us that if we confess with our mouths that 'Jesus is Lord', and believe in your heart that God has raised from the dead, YOU will be saved. (Romans 10:9 NIV 1984)
I remember Dr. Wade gave an invitation for us to ask Jesus to come into our lives. I was so incredibly shy. I don't know what happened to the little girl who could stand on the steps and sing in front of everyone because this little eight year old was scared of her own shadow. But Dr. Wade extended the invitation. We sang, "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus." I remember every verse. I felt God tugging at my heart, and I stood frozen listening to the text of the song. Then, the song ended. I thought I had missed my chance. But Dr. Wade, sensitive to the Spirit as he was, said he felt like there was someone out there to whom Jesus was speaking. He said that he would pray a final prayer, and whoever that person was could just slip out the side door and meet him. I was that person! While he prayed, I quietly tiptoed past Mrs. Sondra Adair, and to the side door of the Sanctuary. I met Dr. Wade and Mrs. Waldrop and prayed to receive Christ that day. Jesus came to live in my heart, and my life will forever be changed.
My life has taken many twists and turns since then. I'd love to say that I've acted right every day since then. That would be a lie. But no matter what, I have NEVER DOUBTED the decision to FOLLOW JESUS. My faith has been tested, but never broken. I love the truth of the verse:
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (NIV1984) Christ is unbreakable.
As a matter of fact, looking at that 2 Corinthians passage just a few verses earlier, we have the reminder: v.6 For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Since eight years old, that light has never extinguished in my heart. I praise God today for the prayer I prayed almost thirty years ago. I praise God today for the hope that is found in Him. I praise God today for reconciliation. I praise God today for redemption. I praise God today for renewal.
My testimony is simple. But it is true. God made me His own, and I have been running the race ever since. I may have been lapped by others. I may have made a couple of wrong turns. I may have even fallen down a couple of times. But God, through His Son Jesus, lifted me up and even carried me when needed. He corrects my course daily as I seek Him. He surrounds me with people to lift me up, to hold me accountable and to love me.
What is your story? I'd love to hear it. Every believer has a story. Every story is unique.
Write me at emily.klophaus@fbca.org and tell me your story.
Monday, December 6, 2010
O Holy Night
John 1:9-11 (NIV) says, "The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him."
I love Christmas music. Well, let me back up...I like MOST Christmas music. There are some really BAD renditions of Christmas music out there (in my opinion). But there's something about hearing it, singing it, playing it. It's just different than any other type of music.
Last week, I bought the GLEE Christmas album. GLEE is not one of those shows that I would recommend--simply because I believe it has an agenda and its morals are not in line with what I'd want to promote. But, the talent of the cast is pretty incredible (if you like belting broadway singers, which I do). So, I buy a lot of their music.
As I listened, I was surprised by how much sacred Christmas music was on the cd. I even found it ironic that the Jewish girl in the cast was singing "O Holy Night." I wondered if they knew what that song was about when they had her sing it. I wondered if she knew she was singing about Jesus--the Jesus in the verses above. And, while I don't agree with the morals of the show, I was thrilled that the message of that song would be put out in the mainstream market. Millions of people will buy that album. Millions of people will hear that message. My prayer is that the text of that song will root itself in the hearts and minds of people who don't know Christ, and will cause them to seek Him.
"O Holy Night" is truly one of those unique songs. It grabs people's hearts. Two years ago, I was playing a job with a Muslim friend of mine. The choir on the job we were playing sang "O Holy Night". My Muslim friend thought it was the most beautiful piece he had ever heard. He had to leave the country shortly after that, but I've prayed often that he would hear that song again, and that the message would penetrate his heart.
Several years before that, I played in an orchestra where we played the most AWFUL arrangement of O Holy Night I'd ever heard. It was musically sub-standard in my opinion. But funny how God doesn't really care about my opinion on the quality of music. He used that evening, and that specific arrangement, to work on the heart of a neighboring violinist in the orchestra who broke down in tears before God after hearing that song. She hadn't been living right, and He convicted her and changed her heart through that song. It was a lesson to me that I need to be careful what I deem as "quality" and "sub-standard". The message is more important than the form, and God will use that message. He promises us that if we put His word out there, it will NOT come back void. (Isaiah 55:11)
Well, here's the abbreviated story of O Holy Night, and how it came about.
"Oh, Holy Night”, based on the poem “Cantique de Noel”, was written by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure in 1847 in France. The song died out in France, but was discovered and translated into English by an American, John Sullivan Dwight. Being an abolitionist, the following verse really spoke to Dwight: “Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His Gospel is peace. Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother And in His Name all oppression shall cease.” The song achieved worldwide fame when Reginald Fessenden made the first broadcast over the airwaves on Christmas Eve. He read the Christmas story and then played “Oh, Holy Night” on his violin, thus becoming the first song ever heard via radio waves.
Since then, it has become a favorite of many, and one of the most beautiful carols sung during this season. Pray that songs like this will fall into open hearts who need to know Jesus. Then, pray that we will be sensitive enough to follow up and lead people to the Christ.
"In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind." John 1:4 (NIV)
I love Christmas music. Well, let me back up...I like MOST Christmas music. There are some really BAD renditions of Christmas music out there (in my opinion). But there's something about hearing it, singing it, playing it. It's just different than any other type of music.
Last week, I bought the GLEE Christmas album. GLEE is not one of those shows that I would recommend--simply because I believe it has an agenda and its morals are not in line with what I'd want to promote. But, the talent of the cast is pretty incredible (if you like belting broadway singers, which I do). So, I buy a lot of their music.
As I listened, I was surprised by how much sacred Christmas music was on the cd. I even found it ironic that the Jewish girl in the cast was singing "O Holy Night." I wondered if they knew what that song was about when they had her sing it. I wondered if she knew she was singing about Jesus--the Jesus in the verses above. And, while I don't agree with the morals of the show, I was thrilled that the message of that song would be put out in the mainstream market. Millions of people will buy that album. Millions of people will hear that message. My prayer is that the text of that song will root itself in the hearts and minds of people who don't know Christ, and will cause them to seek Him.
"O Holy Night" is truly one of those unique songs. It grabs people's hearts. Two years ago, I was playing a job with a Muslim friend of mine. The choir on the job we were playing sang "O Holy Night". My Muslim friend thought it was the most beautiful piece he had ever heard. He had to leave the country shortly after that, but I've prayed often that he would hear that song again, and that the message would penetrate his heart.
Several years before that, I played in an orchestra where we played the most AWFUL arrangement of O Holy Night I'd ever heard. It was musically sub-standard in my opinion. But funny how God doesn't really care about my opinion on the quality of music. He used that evening, and that specific arrangement, to work on the heart of a neighboring violinist in the orchestra who broke down in tears before God after hearing that song. She hadn't been living right, and He convicted her and changed her heart through that song. It was a lesson to me that I need to be careful what I deem as "quality" and "sub-standard". The message is more important than the form, and God will use that message. He promises us that if we put His word out there, it will NOT come back void. (Isaiah 55:11)
Well, here's the abbreviated story of O Holy Night, and how it came about.
"Oh, Holy Night”, based on the poem “Cantique de Noel”, was written by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure in 1847 in France. The song died out in France, but was discovered and translated into English by an American, John Sullivan Dwight. Being an abolitionist, the following verse really spoke to Dwight: “Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His Gospel is peace. Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother And in His Name all oppression shall cease.” The song achieved worldwide fame when Reginald Fessenden made the first broadcast over the airwaves on Christmas Eve. He read the Christmas story and then played “Oh, Holy Night” on his violin, thus becoming the first song ever heard via radio waves.
Since then, it has become a favorite of many, and one of the most beautiful carols sung during this season. Pray that songs like this will fall into open hearts who need to know Jesus. Then, pray that we will be sensitive enough to follow up and lead people to the Christ.
"In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind." John 1:4 (NIV)
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Obedience: The Least of These
Last Friday, we began our drive home for Thanksgiving. It was a good Thanksgiving. We spent two days with my parents in their beautiful cabin in Glorieta. My Mom is one of the best cooks ever, so we had turkey and stuffing and cranberry sauce...and pumpkin pie and pecan pie... It was delicious.
The day after Thanksgiving, we had to come home because my husband was struggling with his back--so much so that he ate Thanksgiving dinner facedown in bed. So, Mom made my favorite leftovers for the road--turkey sandwiches--and we headed home.
If you've ever driven with me on a trip, you know that all I care about are four little words: "We made good time." This was my mission on Friday. My children were cramped in the car because Dennis had to lie down in his seat. Dennis was in intense pain. And I was the only driver. So I was anxious to get home!
As we were stopping for gas in Amarillo, something caught my eye. It was a man on the side of the road. He was sitting on the corner of the underpass with a sign that said, "I'm just hungry." I drove past him and into the gas station. But, as I pulled in to fill my car up with gas, Matthew 25:40 would not leave my mind, "...whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
I paid for the gas and pulled out the lunches that Mom had made for everyone. I gave the kids and Dennis their lunches, but I couldn't eat mine. MY FAVORITE SANDWICH was in that bag and I couldn't even open it. I looked back at that underpass with the man and his sign. I wasn't hungry--I don't know hunger. Not many of us do. I pulled back around and pulled up to him and gave him the sandwich and a bottled water and dessert. He jumped up with a BIG smile on his face and ran over to the car and thanked us. This former statue on the side of the road came to life over the prospect of a leftover turkey sandwich.
As I drove away, I realized how desensitized I've become to people in need. I wondered how many people I drive by daily who are asking for help. I wondered how many times I could have helped someone, but was simply to self-centered to notice them or their need. I was ashamed that it this was just a sandwich, yet I had the spiritual battle of whether or not to be obedient rise up within me. My prayer quickly became, "God, please make me more sensitive to Your Spirit--to Your people."
I began to reflect on who Jesus was/is. Jesus is light. He came into a dark world, and he lit up this world! John 8:12 (NIV1984) says,
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
But following Jesus doesn't just mean paying lip service. It means following in His steps, imitating His actions, growing in relationship with the Father. It means denying our very nature--our self-centeredness, our greed, our comfort -- and taking up our cross and following Him.
This Advent season, our theme is Jesus Christ: Light of the World. We have the opportunity to share that light in this world. As you go through this season, ask God to make you more aware. Ask Him to help you be obedient to His leading. Ask Him to consider "the least of these".
There are so many in need. We have such an opportunity to make a difference in the darkness of this world. Ulitimately, this is my prayer for all of us this season:
"Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven." Matthew 5:16 (NIV1984)
The day after Thanksgiving, we had to come home because my husband was struggling with his back--so much so that he ate Thanksgiving dinner facedown in bed. So, Mom made my favorite leftovers for the road--turkey sandwiches--and we headed home.
If you've ever driven with me on a trip, you know that all I care about are four little words: "We made good time." This was my mission on Friday. My children were cramped in the car because Dennis had to lie down in his seat. Dennis was in intense pain. And I was the only driver. So I was anxious to get home!
As we were stopping for gas in Amarillo, something caught my eye. It was a man on the side of the road. He was sitting on the corner of the underpass with a sign that said, "I'm just hungry." I drove past him and into the gas station. But, as I pulled in to fill my car up with gas, Matthew 25:40 would not leave my mind, "...whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
I paid for the gas and pulled out the lunches that Mom had made for everyone. I gave the kids and Dennis their lunches, but I couldn't eat mine. MY FAVORITE SANDWICH was in that bag and I couldn't even open it. I looked back at that underpass with the man and his sign. I wasn't hungry--I don't know hunger. Not many of us do. I pulled back around and pulled up to him and gave him the sandwich and a bottled water and dessert. He jumped up with a BIG smile on his face and ran over to the car and thanked us. This former statue on the side of the road came to life over the prospect of a leftover turkey sandwich.
As I drove away, I realized how desensitized I've become to people in need. I wondered how many people I drive by daily who are asking for help. I wondered how many times I could have helped someone, but was simply to self-centered to notice them or their need. I was ashamed that it this was just a sandwich, yet I had the spiritual battle of whether or not to be obedient rise up within me. My prayer quickly became, "God, please make me more sensitive to Your Spirit--to Your people."
I began to reflect on who Jesus was/is. Jesus is light. He came into a dark world, and he lit up this world! John 8:12 (NIV1984) says,
"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
But following Jesus doesn't just mean paying lip service. It means following in His steps, imitating His actions, growing in relationship with the Father. It means denying our very nature--our self-centeredness, our greed, our comfort -- and taking up our cross and following Him.
This Advent season, our theme is Jesus Christ: Light of the World. We have the opportunity to share that light in this world. As you go through this season, ask God to make you more aware. Ask Him to help you be obedient to His leading. Ask Him to consider "the least of these".
There are so many in need. We have such an opportunity to make a difference in the darkness of this world. Ulitimately, this is my prayer for all of us this season:
"Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven." Matthew 5:16 (NIV1984)
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On Top of Pecos Baldy
...what a memory!
