But There You Are, Esther...

When Mordecai learned all that had been done, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes and went int to the midst of the city...Mordecai told all that had happened and the exact sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the King's treasuries for the destruction of the Jews. Esther 4:1, 7

Haman, the enemy of the Jews, put a contract on the head's of God's people. His plan - to exterminate them all. And His primary target...Mordecai. Queen Esther's uncle.

Mordecai pleads of the Queen, Do not think to yourself that in the King's palace you will escape anymore than all the other Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14

Up to this point, I assume Esther was unclear why she, an unassuming, simple, virgin, Jewish girl, was chosen to as the Queen of Persia. But now, upon hearing the news if Haman's plot, she knows. God's providence has placed her perfectly as Queen. Giving her a voice and platform to save her people.

Mordecai has faith that God will ultimately save the Jews. But it is also very clear to him that Esther has a role to play. How will she respond?

Who knows, is she there for such a time as this?

Absolutely.

What if we viewed life through Esther's lens?

Simple and unassuming people, providentially placed right where we are.

Becky, look around you...Look at your home, your neighborhood, your city, your social network, your Facebook friends, the people you see everyday.

Who know, am I here for such a time as this?

Absolutely.

But here's the catch.

The people I encounter in my world, Haman does not have a contract on their head.

No, it is much worse.

The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. John 10:10

ONLY.

Our enemy makes Haman look like a pretty nice guy. He is much more ruthless than Haman could dream.

And his chief end? To destroy.

Kill (thyō): 1) to sacrifice, immolate. 2) to slay, kill. 3) slaughter

There are people around us who need you to go to the King on their behalf. Plead for their lives. There are people who you will see TODAY that need to be saved from death.

This may not be the kind of thought we want to ponder first thing in the morning, coffee in hand. But let it be known...people around you have contracts on their heads....

...for the eternal-forever-kind-of-death.

But there you are, Esther. Providentially placed in their day. In their office building. As their friend on Facebook. On the elliptical to their right. You see them in class. Parked in front of them at carpool....Who knows, for such a time as this? To tell them about Jesus? To share your faith?

We could be a part of the picture. As a part of their salvation story.

What do we have to lose? Nothing.

What do they have to lose?

Everything.

Today, let us respond...Yes. Send me. I'll tell them. I will be their Esther, standing before the King on their behalf. I will plead their case. I will go, Lord...

And not be afraid.

As you reflect on your Divine, providential place, who comes to mind today? How will you respond?

One Necessary Thing for the Holidays {II}

Imagine yourself standing in a long checkout line at Target. To pass the time you begin to browse the magazines. You have no children with you, the nanny has them all at home practicing violin (hey – this is fiction…let’s make it good) so you grab a “grown-up” candy bar to share with absolutely no one.

You notice that headlining the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine reads this tagline, “The One Thing Necessary For Everything You’ll Ever Need.”

Hmmm. What in the world would that be? Quite a lofty statement, isn’t it? Who has the authority to say such a thing?

Well, unfortunately for Cosmo, that one thing has already been determined. The Word is already out – about 2000 years ago actually.

So instead of thumbing the magazine to page 103 to read more, simply flip to Luke 10:41, 42 with me this morning.

Martha, Martha you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:41a, 42

Last post we asked of Mary, “Tell us Mary. What is this one thing that will never be taken from you? What drove you to the floor that evening at dinner. What had you figured out that Martha had not?”

Today, we get our answer. Stick with me as we break this down.

One Thing (heis) : that one which is required to be singled out from a certain number

The “one thing that is necessary” must become uncommon from the number of other things buying for our attention. The One Thing is to be “singled out.” Given special attention. Set apart as other.

Necessary (chreia) : to supply what is absolutely necessary for life; for the edification of the soul, of which this is special need. (read that again)

Friend, if we take it all away - Every possession we own, every dollar we make, every relationship we have, every success we achieve, every plan on your calendar, the upcoming holiday preparation...take it all away and we are left with our longing souls and a satisfying Savior. He is the One. Nothing else will do. Mary understood that Jesus was absolutely necessary for her life. He edified her soul. He met all of the special needs within her.

Mary has chosen the good portion. V 42

Our life is simply a conglomeration of the choices we make. Little bitty “what’s for dinner” choices up to the big “who will we marry” choices. We are given the freedom of choice all of the time.

This story of Mary and Martha is not just a story about busy Martha in the kitchen. This story is about the contrast of choice.

Chosen (eklegomai) to pick out for one’s self.

Martha and Mary both had a choice to make. Jesus was with them both. He did not come more in favor of Mary. He didn’t come to see only her. Mary had to make a conscious choice to sit at his feet. Martha could have chosen the same.

Does this mean that Mary is better that Martha? No. Martha could have still worked in the kitchen and her choice could still have been to rest in Jesus. The picture portrayed of Martha and Mary is a representation of the heart choices we all make. Martha’s service to Jesus was not a bad thing. We are called to serve others. And we are also called to sit at the feet of Jesus.

This passage is not about Martha getting “caught up in the preparations of a meal. It is about choosing between what is good and what is better.” –Bible Gateway.

Jesus words to Martha are not condemning or unkind. He is compassionate to our sweet Martha, Martha.

He didn’t condemn Martha. He commended Mary.

Mary has chosen the good portion. V. 42

Good: Insures salvation to him who choses it.

The definition of good is significantly more poignant that our flippant use of the word. Good, as used here is to define the good choice of salvation. Do you see the word “choice” again?

Portion: an assigned part or provision.

Don't miss this...Jesus Himself is our assigned provision. The God Head provided us a Savior from the throne of Heaven. He came and assigned himself, meeting the demands and longings of our souls. He is the One Thing. Jesus. Our cup and portion forever. Psalm 16:5
Yes, he is our assigned good portion. He will never be taken away from us. But we must choose Him. Initially as our Savior. And every moment after that.

Like Mary, we must learn to rest at the feet of Jesus. Even if we are scurrying in the kitchen, filing papers at work, loading a dishwasher, sitting in carpool, wrapping Chritmas gifts, carving a turkey…our heart can still rest at the feet of Jesus. We can still enjoy his presence. We can still offer praise to His name - giving thanks to the fulfillment of our soul. We can still choose the good portion – every second of the day.

Will you choose Him today?

He is the One. The One Thing Necessary.

31 Days of Prayer: One

Salvation

Children:
"Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory."

Others or Myself:
"Let salvation spring up within __________. Let the salvation that is in Christ Jesus be obtained, with eternal glory."

You heavens above, rain down righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up, let righteousness grow with it; I, the LORD, have created it. Isaiah 45:8





So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. 2 Timothy 2:10

So What If It Is Today?

I lay in bed last night, Brent slowly making his way from the couch downstairs. I could hear him piddling, checking in on the boys, adjusting the air conditioner setting.

I knew I had an extra couple of minutes with the Lord. Just us.

"So Lord, what if it is tomorrow? With all of this talk about the rapture being May 21st (note BTW: I am a firm believer that no one knows the year, day or hour), I can't help but have it on the forefront of my mind. What if we could know the rapture is tomorrow?"

And my mind, as finite and limited as it is, imagined myself standing before the Father. Standing before the Most High, Holy God.

And I was overwhelmed, I mean o v e r w h e l m e d, by my sin.



I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah. Psalm 32:5

Confess (yadah): to profess, perhaps properly, to show or point out with the hand extended

It is hard to get really honest with yourself and "properly point out" sin.

Even more difficult? Getting really honest with a perfect and undefiled, Living God.

But we must.

I thought of Jesus' teaching, "You have heard it said, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgement.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council." Matthew 5:21-22

I remembered Jesus saying, "You shall not commit adultery. But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman [or man] with lustful intent has already committed adultery in his heart." Matthew 5:27,28

Jesus goes on to say, "You have heard it said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, 'Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:43,44

I couldn't help but think about how greedy I can be, how unthankful I am, how self-centered and worldly-minded I can be.

These scriptures, the Holy standards of God, make me realize how easily I fall into sin. And how little I confess.

I want to be a woman who practices confession before my God.

Unconfessed sin causes a lot of trouble.

Not only in this life, but on judgement day!?...oh, woe is me.

I want to hear clearly from my Lord. To stand right before Him. I need His forgiveness. And He will always forgive me.

But I must first confess.

Head on my pillow, I confessed, out loud, everything He brought to my attention. Some things were difficult to say out loud, but I did it. "Lord, forgive me for...."

If he did arrive today at 6pm, SCORE.

Finally, we meet.

But if not, I am so thankful for the heightened awareness that the day will come. I will, undeniably stand before my King, and be held accountable for my life.

Not my husband's life, not my children...MINE.

Lord, thank you for grace that abounds, all the more, over my sin. (Romans 5:20).

Thank you that you give forgiveness freely to all who confess. Thank you for the reminder that no one is right before you. Oh how desperately we need the blood of Jesus. No matter how good I am, how many blogs I write, how many mouths I feed, how much money I give, nothing can make me right before you, Lord. I need forgiveness and grace more than I even know. One day we will all stand before you, let us stand before you as confessed people. I am so thankful this morning for our new covenant. Thank you, Jesus, for your death, burial and resurrection.

Thank you for your Blood that covers and atones. Bless your perfect name. Amen.

May This Story...

...never become too familiar. Be amazed this Easter morning.

Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been removed from (lifted out of the groove across the entrance of) the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciples, whom Jesus [tenderly] loved, and said to them, "They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have laid Him!"

And they came running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and arrived at the tomb first. And stooping down, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but He did not enter.

Then Simon Peter came up and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there; But the burial napkin which had been around Jesus' head, was not lying with the other linen cloths, but was still rolled up [wrapped round and round] in a place by itself.

Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, went in too; and he saw ans was convinced. And believed.

Then the disciples went back again to their homes.

Mary Magdalene remained standing outside the tomb sobbing. As she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb.



And she saw two angels in white sitting there one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

And they said to her, "Woman, why are you sobbing?" She told them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I don't know where they have laid Him."

On saying this she turned around and saw Jesus standing there but she did not know [recognize] that it was Jesus.

Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you crying so? For Whom are you looking?"

Supposing that it was a gardener, she replied, "Sir, if you carried Him away from here, tell me where you have put Him and I will take Him away."

Jesus said to her, "Mary."

Turing to Him she said to Him in Hebrew, "Rabboni!"

John 20:1-16, AMP

Praise our Resurrected Lord. This story has changed my life.

I pray it has changed yours.

He is Risen, indeed.

Easter Week: A Palm Sunday Activity

Save us, we pray, O LORD! O LORD, we pray, give us success!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! Psalm 118:25-26

This expression when translated into Greek becomes Hosanna.

"Hosanna! O Save us, Lord!"

This afternoon the boys and I made palm leaves. (Ahem, don't knock my craft abilities.)



As we sat together cutting and clipping, the boys and I discussed the symbolism of this common Easter tradition.



In Jewish culture, a palm branch was a national symbol. By waving this leaf, the people were hailing Jesus as the Davidic king. They quoted the long awaited promise of Psalm 118: 25-26 "O save us, we pray! Give us success!"



"Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord."



Tonight at dinner, I chose one little Crenshaw to be in a seat of honor. His path, similar to Jesus', was marked by the Jewish symbol of palm leaves.

We read John 12:12,13...

The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD, even the King of Israel!"

We discussed the importance of this honorable gesture and dreamed: How awesome to have been there that day! Can you imagine how powerful to see this promised King entering into town!

I posed the question:

"If you were there, what would you have cried out to Jesus?"

Grant said, "I would have yelled, 'Hey Jesus! I'm glad your here!'"



Yes. Aren't you glad, too?

Because of Christ's coming, His death and blessed resurrection, we all sit at a place of honor. At the King's table. As His sons. And daughters.

Enjoy your family this Palm Sunday.

Let me know if you do a fun activity!

(The above activity was inspired by Thriving Family magazine.)

"Mom, Is God Really Real?" II

As Grant and I sat at the kitchen table, more and more questions came. Great questions. (Ahem, hard questions):

Grant: "How do we know that God is real? I've never seen Him."

"You know, God is so glorious, so holy and perfect that the Bible says we can not look at him with these eyes and live. His Glory is too bright! But, when Jesus came to earth he told the people..."Whoever has seen me has seen the Father." (John 14:9) He also says that He and the Father are One (John 10:30). Jesus was all man. But he was all God, too. Is that confusing?"

"Not really. But not everybody got to see Jesus. I didn't get to see him. What about that?"

"Well look here..." We lean in towards my Bible, Grant running his little finger along the words, "Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me." (John 14:11) We must believe. Faith is believing in what we can't see (2 Corinthians 5:7). Faith is what pleases God so much. (Hebrews 11:6)."

I continue, "We can look all around us and see God, as well. You know mommy's favorite tree in the front yard?"

"Yeah."



"Look at those big, beautiful, white cherry blossoms. Think about all of the tiny, little details of each pedal. We can look at God's creation and see Him. His beauty. His majesty. His power."



I turn to look at our back yard. A perfect Spring day.

"Look Grant. This didn't just happen! God did all of this. For his Glory. So we can know Him. The Bible says that no one is without excuse. Let me show you..."

We turned to Romans 1 and read:

For the truth about God is known to [men] instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God. Romans 1:19-20

"God wants everyone to know Him. And even if people say "Well, I can't see God so I can't believe in Him," then that isn't true. The Bible says we instinctively know him. Deep down in our hearts, everyone must know that God exists. Even if they don't admit it."

I then ask, "Can you see the wind?"

"No."

"Well, the wind is like the Spirit of God...."

"Oh, waaaiiiittt! I get it. We can't see the wind. But we can see what it does. It moves things and blows things around. We know it's there, even though we can't see where it is."

"Bingo. The wind is kind of like God's Holy Spirit. He lives in us. He moves in us. He is here with us. We just can't see Him with our physical eyes. But we know He is here, don't we! We know - by faith."

"So if someone, like at school, says, I can't see God. I can tell him the wind story, right?"

"You sure can."

(Sweet boy.)

*****************************************************************
Have a fabulous weekend...

Love Dare #5: Popping the Question

I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. John 13:34

From both of us...Brent and Becky:
Marriage is a promise to love unconditionally. For better or for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live...

These are big promises. Weighty words that, in our own efforts, are very difficult to fulfill.

Warm and fuzzies wear off, husbands snore, wives nag, children scream. Love is much easier when life is easy. But when jobs are lost, illness strikes, bills are running over, then what? Where do we pull from to still love our spouse?

"You cannot give what you do not have. You must have the love of Christ before you can truly give unconditional love to anyone else." - Dare to Love

In Christ, a never-ending, over-flowing spring of love can rise up in us. I know this to be true. His love lives in a believer. It is rather amazing.

God is love. 1 John 4:16

He is not just a part love. Love is not just something He does. It is who He is.

And God offers this love to us - His love to cover us and to live in us.

"Jesus is calling on you to accept that He loves you and to love Him back. When He becomes your source, then you will have the love it takes to value your marriage and to serve your spouse as a gift from God." - Dare to Love

God offers His unconditional love freely - as a gift. An undeserved gift, at that.

Receiving His gift begins a relationship with Him. Notice, I didn't say, "begins a religion with Him."

No.

Accepting His love begins a relationship.

A relationship with the ultimate Source of love.

Imagine.

Even more, God not only wants to love you and enter into a relationship with you. He wants to love on your spouse...through you. He wants to restore your marriage. Restore your joy and give deep fulfillment, meaning and purpose in your life.

LOVE DARE #5

Love is a choice, not a feeling. Love is an initiated action, not a knee jerk reaction. Choose today to be committed to love even if your spouse has lost interest in receiving it. Try saying in words similar to these, "I love you. Period. I choose to love you even if you don't love me in return."

Love Note: This kind of love is impossible without the love of Christ beating in your heart. His presence within you will enable you to love, even when your marriage seems very one-sided.

- Dare to Love

*********************************************
How do we enter into a relationship with God?

1) God wired us for relationship: God loves us and created us to know Him personally. (John 3:16, John 17:3)

But what prevents us from knowing Him?

2) Relationship is broken: We are sinful and separated from God. Because of our sin we cannot know Him personally or experience His love and plan. (Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23)





3) Jesus restores: To fix this broken relationship God sent Jesus Christ as His only provision for our sin. Through Him alone we can know God personally and experience His love and plan. We can not earn this. It is offered. (Romans 5:8, John 14:6)


4) God is popping the question...and waiting on our response. Just knowing this isn't enough. We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know God personally and experience His love and plan. (John 1:12, Ephesians 2:8,9)

Once we have entered into this relationship with God, we now can begin to understand the essence of Romans 5:8. While we were sinners Christ died for us.

And in turn when your spouse sins, you understand can forgive them and love them unconditionally.

Have you ever made this decision? Have you said "yes" to God's offer?

For more on this visit here.

Feel free to contact me (Becky) if you'd like to talk more about this. It would be such an honor.

In Spite of Cussing and Southern Comfort

There was a time in my life when I stood outside, looking in on the Christian way of life.

I was an onlooker.



Through the window I could see joy, deep joy, peace, freedom, authentic laughter and meaningful friendships. Christians were fascinating to watch.

But I was just that...a watcher. An outsider.

By choice.

I thought that the Christian life was reserved for those who were good. People who made clean choices. People who didn't cuss. Or drink Southern Comfort.

But as fascinated as I was with the Christian life, I was equally convinced that it was restrictive, dull, condemning and judgemental. And who wants to enter a room full of people looking down their noses?

These people will see right through me. They would have my number. There is no room for people like me. They wouldn't understand me. No, it's too risky. I'll stay out here. Alcohol, sex, body image, envy, money -much safer. Out here, I don't have to change. I am familiar with this side of the window.

Whoever loves his life loses it. - Jesus

Irony: By trying to gain acceptance from my peers, I was losing. By trying to gain affection from the opposite sex, I was losing. By trying to gain attention with my sexuality, I was losing.

Losing (apollymi)- to destroy. Render useless. Be lost.

I was destroying my own life. One day after useless day, I was loving a lost life.

Whoever hates his life in this world will keep it. - Jesus

Hate my life (miseō) meaning to love less. Postpone in love.

Love my life less and I will love it more.

Quite the paradox.

Overtime, I kept coming back to that window. Standing outside. Looking in.

And the more I stood there, the more clearly I could see my reflection. My tired face. My weary spirit. My emptiness.

My side of the glass was looking less and less appealing.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. - Jesus

I needed rest. My lifestyle wore me out. People pleasing is exhausting.

OK. On a trial basis, I will walk in. Just to see what is really going on in there. At this point what do I have to lose?

Except everything?

So I stood amongst them. The Christians. Waiting, with clinched fists and squinted eyes, for the stones to hit. Waiting on my lecture of why I don't belong.

But instead, they opened my hands, and handed me stones. Stones of their own. One story after another of their struggles with money, sex, body image, lying, cheating, stealing, hatred, bitterness, envy, cussing and Southern Comfort.

Struggles. Present tense.

So. They aren't perfect?

No. But they have hope. And rest.

They have Jesus.

Whoever loves his life loses it and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. John 12:25

Its seemed like a risk. Giving up all I knew, for this Jesus. This God who asks me to hate my life, so I can love Him more.

To love myself less, so I can love myself more.

For something that doesn't make sense, that sure does make sense.

My trial run of Jesus, became a lifetime pursuit.

A pursuit of this God who died for sex, drugs and rockin' roll.

A pursuit of this God who loved me, in spite of cussing and Southern Comfort.

A pursuit of this God who gives my weary soul rest. Who makes my tired eyes light.

A pursuit of this God who called me to hate my life - to love it less. So I may keep it.

Eternally.

Whatever we give up, He will replenish.

Whatever we lose, He will restore.

He is worth the risk.

Tale of the Thrift Store Bunny

I have hinted every Mother's day, birthday and Valentine's Day, for the past four years, that I want a stuffed animal from Build-A-Bear. I love the thought of my little boys picking out a soft shell, kissing three little hearts, stuffing a puppy, bear or bunny with lots of white fluff. I can just see their little hands giving it a pretend bath, brushing its fur and giving it a name.

I have even walked into Build-A-Bear with my family, pointed to a few bears and said,”I really like these!”

To no avail.

It's not that Brent is negligent; he just has other holiday gift ideas.

But one evening this past spring, the family and I went shopping at the Knox Area Rescue Mission. I love this place. Thrift store heaven.

While looking through the discount Easter decor, I spotted him. Rugged and tattered. Covered up by broken egg holders and straw baskets. A bunny. A Build-A-Bear bunny. Sweet. A bit sad.

And only 75 cents.

Sold.

"Is that for me, Mom?"

No comment.

"Who are you getting that for, Mommy?"

"I'm not sure, yet."

Liar. I did know. He was for me. And, yes, I was a little embarrassed to admit this to my four-year-old.

A 75 cent bunny. All mine.

And I had big plans for this little guy.

When I got him home, I threw him in the wash. Added lots of Gain. And extra fabric softener. I fluffed him in the dryer....straightened his ears.

And placed him in the center of my bed. His new home.


I think about Bunny (that's his name....very unoriginal), and wonder ...what is his story?

Who made him? Who picked out his heart and stuffed him with white fluff? Who gave him a pretend bath? What was his name?

Who, overtime, found him undesirable? Who cleaned out the closet one day and thought it appropriate to place him in a black garbage bag? Who sent him to the mission?

Such rejection.

Poor Bunny :)

I understand his story. I understand rejection. I understand feeling undesirable. I understand suffocation in a world of "better thans." Being tossed out by this world. I understand feeling inadequate and unworthy. I understand feeling thrown out.

I also understand Rescue.

I understand being pulled from the muck. Being found under piles of brokenness and debris. I understand adoption. I understand being washed in water, Living Water. Being placed in a seat of honor....and given a new name.

No matter how sad or rejected you feel, there is a place of honor for you. A second chance. A new home. A new name.

A warm place to lay your head.

An embrace.

A new family.

If you have any uncertainty of the Father's love for you, know this....He is crazy about you.

He desires you. He sees your beauty. He created you.

He placed in you a heart to beat for Him.

He gave you breath.

He chose you before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined you to be adopted through Jesus Christ. - Ephesians 1:4

He set out on a Rescue Mission all His own. Looking for you.

Will you be found in Him today?

I'd love to talk to you more … becky.crenshaw@uscm.org

Rejoicing with Angels

"You know how God made us, Mommy?"

"How Ethan?"

"He just said our name and then we poofed!"

Ethan .... My little theologian.

I could sit here and think of one-liner after on-liner of Ethanisms. He is quite the ham. Like the time he told me he wanted to be a "snowball fighter" when he grows up. That's my boy.

Second born. Middle son. He keeps us in stitches. And keeps me on my knees. He tries to push every boundary.

I joke that Ethan will be the one to make my hair gray.

There's a little truth to every joke.

It is difficult to discipline cute kids. Is it not? One sweet flash of that little gap between his two front teeth and I melt. I have to be very intentional with this kid.

Ethan is a lover, but gets embarrassed if doted on too much. He is very different from my warm and fuzzy Grant. Ethan likes to hold people at arms length. That sometimes includes me. And sometimes includes God.

He loves to read Bible stories and will fight Grant to the death to pray at meals, but Ethan has kept God at arms length. It seems as if he gets a little shy.

But the past six months, I sat back and watched as Jesus stirred the pot. I saw Ethan's attitude towards God start to warm. He asked more and more questions. His understanding of sin was starting to grow. His need for a Savior was beginning to take root.

Four and a half years of seeds were starting to sprout.

So the other night we were in the playroom. Just me and the boys. Brent was in the garage. Ethan looked me square in the eyes and said, "I want to ask Jesus in to my heart."

"Grant, go get Daddy."

Now we had gone through this a couple of times. The idea of asking Jesus into his heart would come up, he'd be extremely interested, but then come prayer time he'd decline. "Not today."

"O.K."

Salvation is a Spirit-led thing. Not Mommy led.

So Brent came upstairs and snuggled Ethan on the couch. "Grant says you want to ask Jesus into your heart?"

"Yeah."

"Do you know what that means, Ethan?"

"Yeah."

Now this is the part that some would argue that a four-year-old could not possibly understand the Gospel. Well, all I have to say to them is "baloney." He not only understands it, he believes it.

We talked for a while about sin and our need for a Savior. We talked about forgiveness and God's great BIG love for him. We talked and prayed. He closed those hazel eyes and locked his little fingers. Grant, Brent and I laid hands on his Thomas the Tank Engine PJ's and right there, surrounded by Hot Wheels and Lego's, welcomed Ethan Crenshaw into the Kingdom of God. Hallelujah.

At that time, Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure."
Luke 10:21

"Jesus is thanking God that spiritual truth was for everyone, and not just for the elite. Many of life's rewards seems to go to the intelligent, the rich, the good-looking, or the powerful, but the kingdom of God is available to all, regardless of position or abilities [or age]. We come to Jesus not through strength or brains, but through childlike trust." - Zondervan

Like Christ, our family rejoiced with joy through the Holy Spirit. I mean JOY. Grant and Ethan were hugging and jumping. Now not only earthly brothers, but brother's in Christ. It was a precious moment. Even Luke, who had no idea what just happened, rejoiced in the excitement. Even he knew it was big.

I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Luke 15:10

This night, we rejoiced with angels.

Lord, thank you for Ethan. Thank you for entrusting him to us. Thank you for his desire to follow you. I pray you will help us to nurture his growth. To point him towards the Cross. I pray, by the power of your Holy Spirit, that you would grow him and give him understanding. Give him a deepening love and desire for your Word. I pray he would store up your commands within him and turn his ear to wisdom. I pray he would apply his heart to understanding and call out for insight. I pray he would look for you like silver and hidden treasure. I pray you would give him wisdom and from him would come knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 2:2-6) Give us grace to raise him into the Godly man you have created him to be. Help us to bring him in up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4). What a gift, God. What a gift. In Jesus Name...Amen.