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Make A Joyful Noise!

August 17, 2022 by pattiburris

Psalm 100

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. 5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Praise and thanksgiving are important principles of a Christians life. Throughout the old and new testaments we are told to give thanks and to praise God. When I first read Psalm 100, I fell in love with the simplicity of it. It is a short and simple chapter on how, who and why, we should have joy and give thanks.

MAKE a joyful noise unto the Lord!

Who? All ye lands

SERVE the Lord with gladness!

COME before His presence with singing!

KNOW that the Lord is God!

Why? HE made us! We did NOT make ourselves! We are HIS people and the sheep of HIS pasture!

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving AND into His courts with praise!

BE thankful unto Him AND

BLESS His name!

Why should we do these things?

BECAUSE the Lord IS good! His mercy IS everlasting! AND His truth endureth to ALL generations!

I am the first to admit that there are a lot of commands in this text. How can we DO all of these things that are asked of us? Our motivation is because we trust that the Lord is good. If you pay attention, His goodness can be found all around us. God’s mercy will never end! When we fall into sin, we just need to repent and God forgives and restores our relationship with Him. NO QUESTIONS ASKED!!! The most important motivation for following the commands in this text is the truth of CHRIST. Jesus died for our sins 2,000 years ago and generation after generation, we are still learning about Him. The truth of Jesus’s sacrifice for us will NEVER die out. It is God’s will that NONE should perish and be sent to hell (2 Peter 3:9). God’s word will continue to be preached until the end of the age. He will continue to bless those that accept Jesus into their hearts and lives. He will continue to love us all. I know His love for me and I will praise Him, thank Him and worship Him forever. Won’t you?

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Do What Is Right

July 27, 2022 by pattiburris

Genesis 4:7

If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

In this verse God is speaking to Cain about the offering Cain had brought before the Lord. The text does not tell us specifically what was wrong with the offering, but it does say that God accepted Abel’s offering, but not Cain’s.

While there are many aspects of “doing right,” I am going to address doing right by following the ten commandments for this blog post.

Exodus 20:1-17

The Ten Commandments

20 And God spoke all these words: 2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3 “You shall have no other gods before me. 4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. 7 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name. 8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. 12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. 13 “You shall not murder. 14 “You shall not commit adultery. 15 “You shall not steal. 16 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. 17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

Matthew 22:37-39

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

I have heard people say that God expects too much. I have heard people say that serving God is too restrictive. God doesn’t expect any more from us than our own states of residence expect of us. With or without God, we still have to obey laws in order for society to be somewhat peaceful and to keep the chaos to a minimum. Can you imagine what would happen if we didn’t have any laws to live by? We would have total chaos and violence everywhere. You think things are bad today? Imagine what society would be like without laws or law enforcement to enforce those laws. Complete mayhem and evil would reign.

Below, I have listed a few laws that I found that are a bit off the wall:

Spray string and confetti are illegal in Alabama.

In the town of Goodyear, Arizona, it is unlawful to spit “in or on” any public building, park, sidewalk, or road. Offenders may be charged a fine of up to $2,500 and six months in prison. 

In Arkansas, it is strictly prohibited to pronounce the name of the state incorrectly.

In Gainesville, Georgia it is illegal to eat chicken with utensils. Outdated? A tourist was arrested in 2009 for violating this law.

In Rockville, Maryland it is illegal to swear or curse upon any street or highway.

And last but not least:

In South Carolina, it is illegal to work or dance on Sundays (Both of these laws are in the process of being repealed).

My point is that each state has some weird and restrictive laws. We live our lives by laws on everything from driving and shopping to property laws and how we treat others. What happens when we break a law?

WE END UP IN JAIL!

I can only assume from movies and the testimony of those who have been there that jail/prison is pretty much hell on earth. Obviously, Hell is 1,000 times worse, but for comparison sake, we will assume that jail is hell. I am also assuming that it is not anywhere that the majority of us want to spend any time. How do you stay out of jail/prison? You obey the law. Do you want peace and freedom in your life? You obey the laws of the land. It’s as simple as that.

It really is just as simple to serve God. We obey a ton of laws every day of our lives and yet we gripe that God “expects so much from us!” Really? What it comes down to though, is we want an excuse to be selfish and greedy. We want to be able to justify living life the way we want to and not have anyone to answer too.

When we break the law someone gets hurt: a parent, child, spouse, businesses, co-workers, etc. We may think that our offenses only affect us, but in reality other people do pay a price for our actions. God cares about ALL of us! His laws keep ALL OF US safe and out of HELL! I would rather live by the laws of the land and stay out of jail. I understand that these laws are put into place to keep us ALL safe and when we obey them we can live in relative peace and freedom (heaven on earth). I would rather obey God’s commands and stay out of Hell. I would rather obey God’s commands and live in the peace and freedom of knowing that upon my death, I will find my eternal reward in heaven.

It really isn’t complicated. The devil lives to confuse us and make us think that a relationship with God is all about rules and regulations. In truth, a relationship with God is about friendship, peace, love, compassion and joy. The devil doesn’t offer us that. He offers anger, hate, chaos, anxiety, violence and destruction. I don’t mind following God’s commands when I think about the reward. I will gladly follow God’s commands all the days of my life! What about you? 

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The Prayer Of A Canaanite Woman

May 25, 2022 by pattiburris

Matthew 15:21-28

21 Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” 23 Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” 24 He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” 25 The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. 26 He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” 27 “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” 28 Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.

As a mom, I have cried out in desperation on behalf of my kids. I am pretty sure I am not the only mom who has. I’m pretty sure that I am not the only mom who can feel this woman’s heartache as she calls out to Jesus on behalf of her daughter. She knows that Jesus is the only one that can help her. She doesn’t care that people may whisper about her or laugh at her. She only cares that her daughter be made whole.

I wrote the above section before the elementary school shooting yesterday in Uvalde, Texas. 19 children and 2 teachers were killed. I weep with these mothers. These mothers who sent their children off to school trusting that they would return home at the end of the day. I have 2 daughters who are teachers in elementary and high school. I have grandchildren who attend public schools. Are they safe? Is our school corporation doing enough to protect our teachers and children? All we can do is pray. As the evil one works in the hearts of those who will listen, those of us who love and trust in Jesus are called to pray. We MUST pray! We MUST pray for our nations, our governments, our neighborhoods, our schools, and our churches. We MUST pray for our children!

We can learn from the Canaanite woman in how she approached Jesus. We need to follow her example as we approach God in prayer.

  1. She focused on Jesus– She knew exactly who she needed help from and she made a beeline to Him…Jesus. Romans 8:34 tells us that Jesus intercedes for us. We need to focus on Jesus! We need to make sure that we are praying to the only one who can answer those prayers and perform a needed miracle. Are the prayers of my heart focused only on Jesus, knowing that He is the only one that can perform the miracle or am I depending on the doctors, therapists, etc. to give me what I want? Are you focused on Jesus?
  2. She was persistent– I’m sure that she could hear the disciples telling Jesus to send her away. She didn’t allow that to affect her. When Jesus did not immediately answer her, she did not give up in discouragement. Jesus finally answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” She stood her ground. I believe that she would have begged and pleaded with Him as long as she needed to. She was not going to give up! There are times when I feel like I give up too easily. Maybe I need to dig my heels in when I think something is worth the effort. Do I quit praying just before the miracle? Do you?
  3. She was humble– She knew that she was a lowly Canaanite woman. In the eyes of society at that time, she had absolutely no business approaching Jesus. In her desperation for her daughter to be healed, she broke with custom and humbly threw herself at the feet of Jesus. She knelt before Him! He was sent to the Israelites, the holy children of God. She argued her point, pleading from her spot at His feet. Am I humble? Do I realize that I do not deserve God’s mercy and grace? Do I realize that I don’t deserve God’s miracles or answered prayers? I realize that sometimes. Other times I can be a bratty, petulant child demanding my way because it’s my right. I, honestly, don’t have a right to any of God’s goodness. Are you praying from a place of humility or are you demanding a miracle?

Jesus saw her heart. He saw her faith and her daughter was healed at that moment. This woman had the right attitude. She approached Jesus from pure motives and she was rewarded for that.

Challenge:

If it seems like God is silent and you have been praying for a miracle for some time now, I challenge you to ask yourself:

Am I focused on Jesus or am I putting my hope in the doctors, mechanics, etc. to perform the miracle?

Am I persistent in prayer or am I giving up before the miracle happens?

Am I approaching Jesus with a humble heart or am I demanding that Jesus act on my behalf?

Learn from the Canaanite woman and approach Jesus with a pure heart and pure motives and I promise you that He will answer your prayer and perform a miracle just as He did for her.

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Rooted

September 9, 2021 by pattiburris

Colossians 2:6-7

6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

I love the bright yellow of my Moon Cactus. The only issue that I have had with it is that it leans over. Why? After some research, I found that the Moon Cactus has a short life span because it’s roots are shallow. The roots of the Moon Cactus will never grow deep enough to allow the cactus to stand up straight. I have tried to bury it deeper in the soil, but it still leans pathetically. In my research I found that the only way for the Moon Cactus to grow deeper roots is for it to be grafted into another plant with deep roots (the example given was a dragon fruit). If it shares the roots of another stronger plant, it will flourish and stand strong.

It reminds me of us as Christians. We are the Moon Cactus. Our roots will be shallow and we will lean over if we are not grafted into something with a deeper, stronger root.

John 15: 1-8

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

John 15:1-8 tells us that Jesus is the true vine. In order for us to stand strong, in order for our roots to grow deep enough to withstand the storms of life, we need to be grafted into the one true vine, Jesus. If we want deep roots, we must remain in Jesus.

How do we remain in Jesus?

  1. Study God’s Word- We need to know the Bible. Even the Devil knows the Bible and he will use it against us any chance he gets. In order to remain grafted into the Vine, we need to study and meditate on the Word of God, so that we can defeat the Devil before he defeats us.
  2. Pray- We need to be in continual prayer as we go about our day in order to withstand the spears that will come against us in the course of the day. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray continually. Prayer is a conversation with God. When we enter into prayer on a continual basis, we become as one with God. Praying continually brings intimacy with God (Jesus) and we find that it is easier to remain in Him as we live our lives in this world of chaos.
  3. Give Thanks- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to give thanks in ALL circumstances. We are not to just give thanks when our lives are going great and we are on top of the world. We are also to give thanks when we have hit rock bottom and our lives are falling apart. If we want to remain in Jesus, we must find the good in the bad. We must thank God for the trials that work to make our faith stronger and our roots deeper.
  4. Build Community- We need the fellowship of other Christians to keep us strong and standing tall. We need to be active in a local body of believers in order to be fed the Word of God and to be watered by the support and community of the Church. When we serve others and allow others to serve us we will find ourselves growing a deeper relationship with Jesus and the end result will be deeper roots.

I don’t want to be like the Moon Cactus with it’s shallow roots and short life span. I want my roots to be deep enough that I can withstand the storms of life that threaten to take me down. I want to stand tall in my faith, knowing that because I am grafted into the Vine I can withstand anything. I want to remain in Jesus, so that Jesus will remain in me.

Challenge: As you go about your life this week, I want you to dig into God’s Word. I want you to pray as you go about your daily activities. I want you to give thanks in the good and the bad. I want you to find a local church that you can build community with. You will find that as you intentionally make the effort to remain in Jesus your roots (and your faith) will grow deep enough and strong enough to withstand any storm.

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Why Have A Relationship With God

August 23, 2021 by pattiburris

I remember growing up watching those movies and T.V. shows where there is a definite theme of good vs. evil. I would pretend I was Wonder Woman or one of Charlie’s Angels chasing the bad guys. I cheered on Daniel LaRusso in the original Karate Kid and rooted for the girl being bullied by the mean girls. Unfortunately, this theme of good vs. evil isn’t just a topic picked to make movies more interesting. It is an issue that we live with on a daily basis in real life. We choose on a daily basis good vs. evil, heaven vs. hell, purity vs. sin, or God vs. Satan. It’s a choice that we all have to make. Will we serve God or will we serve the world (Satan)? Will we have a relationship with God or will we have a relationship with the world (Satan)? There is no escaping this decision, because when we die we will either go to heaven or we will go to hell. 

I was raised in church and even when I was young I never really considered a life separate from God. I was baptized when I was nine and although I didn’t always live according to God’s will, I always knew that I wanted (I needed) a relationship with God. When I compare the characteristics of God to the characteristics of Satan, the decision is easy. 

The characteristics of God:

God is love (1 John 4:8)

God is peace (Ephesians 2:14)

God is joy (Nehemiah 8:10)

God is compassionate (Psalm 116:5)

God is forgiving (Daniel 9:9)

God is a God of justice (Isaiah 30:18)

God is our refuge (Psalm 46:1)

The characteristics of Satan:

Satan is the evil one (1 John 2:13)

Satan is the deceiver (2 Corinthians 11:14, Genesis 3:13)

Satan is a schemer (Ephesians 6:11)

Satan is a murderer (John 8:44)

Satan is a liar (John 8:44)

Satan is wicked, violent and proud (Ezekiel 28:14-18)

Satan tempts us to sin (1 Corinthians 7:5)

In this life, we have to choose God or Satan. We have to choose to have a relationship with the God of the universe who loves us or the deceiver of the world who causes chaos and violence. John 3:16 tells us that God loved us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die for our sins so that we can have eternal life in heaven with Him. 1 Peter 5:8-9 tells us that our enemy (Satan) prowls around looking for someone to devour. 

Even though I was raised in the Church, I came to a point where I had to make the decision for myself, who I would serve. It was never a question for me who I would serve. I knew enough of God’s goodness to choose to serve Him always. God has blessed me in so many ways over the last 21 years as a single mom. Is life always perfect? Absolutely not. There have been dark days when I thought that God had left me. He had not. When I focus on Him and not on my situation I feel His presence and His peace. God loves me. Satan wants to destroy me. Why serve someone who wants to destroy me? I believe in what the Bible tells me. I have felt the love of God in my life. I have seen God answer my prayers and I have the faith to believe in what I can’t see. I also see the hatred, the anger and the violence caused by the Devil. I see the fighting in the streets, the division of God’s people, and the killing of innocent lives. This is all at the hands of Satan. Why would I serve or be in a relationship with someone like that? Why would you? I choose to serve God. I choose to be in a relationship with God. 

Who are you currently serving (God or the world (Satan))? Why?

Reflect on the characteristics of God and Satan. 

Does knowing the characteristics of both change your mind in either direction? Why?

Now that you have a different perspective on serving God or Satan, what are your thoughts?

If you have been in a relationship with the world, I want you to reflect on how that has been for you. 

Are you struggling with sin? 

Are you trying to fill a void that nothing on this earth can fill?

Are you willing to give God a chance?

If you do not have a relationship with God or do not believe in God, I challenge you to give Him a chance. Pray and start a conversation with Him. Open the Bible and let His word breathe His LIFE into you. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. 

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God’s Miracles

July 25, 2021 by pattiburris

Genesis 1:1

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Psalm 139:13-14

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Romans 1:20

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

Psalm 33:6

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.

Psalm 90:2

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

Revelation 5:13

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”

Ecclesiastes 3:11

He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Psalm 95:6

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.

John 1:3

Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

1 Corinthians 8:6

Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.

When I took the picture shown above, I started to reflect on creation and how AWESOME God truly is. The perfection of the flower and the bee left me in awe of God’s goodness and power. Read the scripture verses above and let the goodness and AWESOME power of God sink into your spirit.

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7 Lessons From The Road

June 28, 2021 by pattiburris

My best friend and I took an 8.5 hour road trip to North Carolina last weekend and the Holy Spirit used the experience to remind me how some common events on the road can be lessons in our relationship with God:

Wrong Turns– I remember in the early days of the GPS when a wrong turn was taken and I would hear the GPS say, “re-calculating.” There are times in life when we take a wrong turn and need to re-calculate. Those wrong turns take us away from where God wants us to be and we need to pause in prayer and figure out how to get back to where God wants us. The lesson: Wrong turns are inevitable. We need to know how to re-calculate and get back on God’s path.

Speeding– I have to admit that out on the open road, I will speed. I realized though, that when I go speeding past everything, I miss seeing the beauty that is around me. It is the same way in life. When we speed through life, we miss the beauty of building relationships, seeing the goodness of God in the world, and growing roots right where God has placed us. The person who speeds through life will not grow roots. They will not have strong, intimate relationships. They will not build that community with other believers. They will end up alone. The lesson: We need to learn how to slow down and enjoy the blessings and the beauty that surrounds us. There is so much goodness in this world, but in order to see what God wants us to see, we need to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life.

Roadblocks– Roadblocks are part of a road trip. We will come across accidents, speed traps, construction work and other inconveniences that will slow us down or make us stop altogether. There are times in life when we will come to a roadblock or obstacle that may slow us down or stop us altogether. Sometimes that roadblock may be from God for our own good or they could be from the enemy to keep us from fulfilling God’s will for our lives. Roadblocks can be physical or they can be feelings, such as, fear. Prayer is the only way to handle a roadblock. Praying boldly and trusting God to help us in our time of need. The lesson: Instead of whining or complaining when we encounter a roadblock, we need to use the time to kneel in prayer and stand strong in faith, trusting that God will work all things out for those who love Him.

Road Signs– Road signs tell us important information. They tell us the speed limit. They tell us where gas stations and restaurants are located. They tell us where tourist attractions are located. They tell us when construction workers are present. They tell us when our turn or highway is coming up and they give direction. Road signs are important on a road trip and they are equally important in our life. Our body tells us when we are getting sick. We may see road signs when our job is coming to an end or we are in need of a change. The Bible can be considered God’s road sign to us. When we read it, we read God’s warnings of living in sin and we can read of His promises when we live according to His will. The lesson: We need to pay attention to the signs around us that give us information. We need to read and meditate on the Bible in order for us to understand God’s road signs that guide us in our lives.

Exhaustion– Exhaustion on the road can lead to accidents and even death. We should not drive if we are too tired to function properly. God wants us to rest. We will not be able to function properly in our lives if we are exhausted. If we keep going we will make ourselves physically, emotionally and mentally sick. Any of those can lead to death. We need to rest in order to continue to stay healthy and serve others according to God’s will. We can not effectively do God’s will if we are too tired. The lesson: Rest! God rested on the seventh day after He created the earth and everything in it. Schedule time every day to rest in some fashion. Schedule time away every couple of months to recharge your batteries.

Sharing The Road– Sharing the road is part of going on a road trip. More than likely there will be other drivers on the road with you. How will you act towards them? If another driver cuts you off, will you graciously give them space or will you angrily flip them the bird? Do you give semi’s room to get in front of you or do you speed up so that they don’t have the room to get over? How you share the road is an indication of how you share your life. God wants us to be gracious, to show mercy and love. We are to be compassionate and make sacrifices if needed. The lesson: We will always have other people in our lives. God wants us to treat others with love. Jesus said to love our neighbors as ourselves. Love each other. this is the #1 commandment!

The Big Picture– I sometimes get frustrated with the GPS because it only gives one step at a time. It won’t show the big picture. I often like to see the big picture when I am going somewhere to make sure that I am on the right road. It’s that way in life too. God will often only give me one step at a time, knowing that seeing the big picture would most likely overwhelm me and send me running. I am learning to trust in only getting one step at a time. When God puts a task in front of me, I obediently do it and then He gives me another task and soon I see where He is taking me. The lesson: Be content with taking one step at a time. Seeing the big picture can be overwhelming and may cause you to stop in your tracks.

I love how God can use every experience to teach us important life lessons. Even a road trip can be used to teach us how to live a more fulfilled Christian life. If we open our hearts and our eyes, we will see the lessons of God at every turn. I will call it living discipleship. I will call it the Holy Spirit. 

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Trusting God’s Promises

June 11, 2021 by pattiburris

I have shared a little about my financial situation as I step out in obedience to God and start LIFE Single Mom Ministry. I had a full-time job for 8 years and I was miserable. I knew that I was called to do more, but I lived in fear of failing. I had more fear than I had faith. In May of 2019, I left my job and moved to Georgia to live with my daughter, Kiowa, for 10 months. Although, God brought me back to Terre Haute, Indiana the move was necessary. It was a time of discomfort and pruning, but it was also a time of a deepening of my relationship with God and a growing of my faith. It has been just over two years since I left my job and I have not run out of money as I have worked on establishing LIFE Single Mom Ministry. I have lived frugally and I have/am living on the kindness of others. I give and I contribute as God leads. I also pay for all of my own personal needs. In two years I have not been under $1,200.00. God provides as I step out in faith.

I do NOT have an income as I step into the role of full-time ministry leader. I have at times allowed the negative comments of the naysayers to plant a seed of doubt in my mind. Words like, “You can’t live like this” or “It isn’t Biblical” or “You are just lazy” and “You need to get a job and contribute”. In those times, I have to trust in what God tells me and NOT in what those around me say.

In my study of 2 Corinthians chapter 9 this morning, God blessed me with this promise:

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

If we give generously, remembering that ALL THINGS belong to God, then the promise is that God is able to bless us abundantly, so that in ALL things at ALL times, having ALL that we need, we will abound in every good work. This is the promise that I hang onto.

The other promise that I hang onto is Philippians 4:19

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

And Malachi 3:10

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

And Matthew 6:25-34

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

And 1 Peter 5:6-7

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

And Philippians 4:6-7

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

And John 15:7

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

I obey God, not man.

I live for God, not man.

I seek God, not the approval of man.

I trust in the promises of God, not in the words of man.

This is my testimony. I will step out in faith and obedience to the one and only God, trusting Him alone.

We can ALWAYS put our trust in the promises of God. Seek God’s Word and know that He will never lie to you!

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Are You Married?

April 28, 2021 by pattiburris

As a single mom, the one thing that has always bothered me about the Church as a whole is the focus on marriage. You can walk into any church and know that couples will be accepted more readily than a single person. This makes sense I guess. Through the ages, marriage has been the normal progression of life for the majority of people. But, times have changed. People are NOT getting married as quickly as they once did, marriages are dissolving at an alarming rate and parents raising children alone are now the norm. Society is changing. The Church, however, is not.

There is one church that is trying to change the perspective of it’s congregation and I am blessed to be a member there. This past weekend at Terre Haute First Baptist Church, we met the candidate for our Associate Pastor of Discipleship position. He has experience in working with different age groups and I was very impressed by him. He was giving us some practical advice to carry with us in the week ahead and I was struck by the wisdom of his words.

He said (paraphrased):

“When you meet someone new this week, instead of asking, ‘Are you married?’ say, ‘Tell me about your family’.

Something so simple can break down those barriers to building a relationship that God can work through. When I approached our pastor about starting a single mom ministry, I mentioned the apathy of the Church towards the single mom. I mentioned that the majority of single moms do not feel welcome in the Church. He answered that (again I am paraphrasing here) the Church has held tight to the tradition of marriage and has a difficult time accepting anything different.

When a single mom walks into a church with kids in tow, the assumption is that she is married. If you ask, “Are you married?” you will push her away. If you say, “tell me about your family” you will open the door to a conversation. I can tell you this because of my own experiences with the dreaded “are you married?” question. My typical answer now is, “I’m married to God.” This answer is my truth.

The latest statistics say that 85% of the 15 million single moms (raising 22 million children) in the United States do NOT attend church. We need to do more to bring in the single mom without adding shame. Marriage is the ideal for many people, but not for everyone. Without knowing the single mom’s story, that one insensitive question can remind her of the pain of an abusive marriage, a failed marriage, the shame of a one night stand, etc. We need to have compassion from the moment a single mom walks thru the doors of our churches. We need to build a relationship with her. Yes, we may have to confront the sin, but from a place of compassion and love following the example of Jesus.

“Tell me about your family” Gives her the option of telling you what she wants you to know right now. Help her to feel safe in the conversation. The rest of the story will come when she feels comfortable enough to share it.

The Church should NOT treat the single mom as someone to ostracize. She should not be shamed and made to wear an invisible, but still flesh burning scarlet letter. Her children should not be treated as though they are “less than” because they are being raised by a single mom. The Church MUST do better if we are to change the heartbreaking statistics.

Traditions can be changed. Ideals can be changed. Sometimes they must be changed to keep up with an ever changing society. The Church can change, but we must be willing, as Christians, to change our perspectives. We must be willing, as Christians, to embrace other lifestyles that may challenge those long standing traditions of the Church. It can be done. If we are open to showing the love and compassion of Jesus. If we are open to letting go of our own preconceived ideals of what a family should look like.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FAMILY

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Holding On & Letting Go

March 29, 2021 by pattiburris

Our pastor recently shared a story that had a profound affect on me. Below is my paraphrased version:

A family was visiting a beach where the young son was happily finding shell fragments. Before long his small hands were full of the broken pieces. A little further down, the family came upon a beautiful starfish that that washed up on the shore. The dad told the little boy to pick up the star fish. The boy looked at both of his hands that were tightly grasping the shell fragments and then he looked at the beautiful star fish. His parents could see the dilemma their son was struggling with. Should he let go of the broken shell pieces in order to grasp the fully intact wonderful star fish? Or should he hold tightly to what he already had and let the bigger prize go?

This story immediately made me reflect on my own struggle to let go of my worry over my finances. This is not a new struggle for me. As a single mom working low paying jobs, I have always struggled with money and I have always been more inclined to keep my money clinched tightly in my fists rather than trust God to work through my obedience. Have I ever gone without? No, I haven’t. God provides as I continue to deepen my faith in Him.

It was easy to trust Him when I had a job and steady income. I knew where my money was coming from. I trusted my own ability to provide through my job. It isn’t as easy when you are working on starting a ministry that God placed on your heart many moons ago and you are no longer employed in the traditional way. God continues to provide for ALL of my needs (and even some of my wants), but I have a tendency to cling to my money. I try to call it being a good steward, but the fear I feel when spending/giving any amount of money says otherwise. I am tightly clinching my money because I am afraid that God will at some point either forget about me or decide to quit providing for me. The idea of either one terrifies me!

God is working on me. I have given to the church and other ministries/family as God has led. I help those in need as God leads. I will admit that there is still that inner struggle as my money passes through my fingers, but I know that if I am giving in obedience to God that I can look forward to seeing that blessing.

In the last several years God has stripped me of many material possessions. I struggled each time I had to let go of a piece of furniture, dishes, a car, and my money. These are the shell fragments that I clinched tightly in my hand. The beautiful star fish in my life is God and the blessings that God pours out on the lives of those who love and believe in Him. I still struggle to some degree with the money. I have yet to fully let go of my grip and trust God to provide. I am getting there. Every day there is progress. Every day I grow in faith. Every day I loosen my grip just a bit. I know that God is patient to wait for me. God loves me and His compassion is unfailing.

What are you holding onto today that you need to let go of?

What are the shell fragments in your life that you are tightly clinching in your fists?

What is God asking you to do to loosen the grasp you have on those fragments?

Will you obey Him?

Is the sight of the beautiful starfish (a relationship with the one and only God of the Universe) enough to get you to let go?

I challenge you to answer the above questions and to let go of the shell fragments tightly clinched in your hand. God is patiently waiting for you. He loves you and He is compassionate. Trust Him to bless your life as you obey Him. It will ALWAYS be worth it!

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