The Last Hour

Kolleen Lucariello is one of my friends who always sees a spiritual application in the simplest of life's situations. In this Spiritual Life UPGRADE, she reminds us of a Bible story about "watchfulness," and how it might encourage us to be more alert to opportunities to help others.

“How’d you like the ending, hun?”—my husband teased as I awoke from my slumber.

"I’d done it again," Kolleen says. "I'd waited weeks to see who would win the finale of our favorite voice competition, only to sleep through the final hour."

HA! I (Dawn) have done that too! So frustrating! But Kolleen couldn't just leave it there, and I'm glad she didn't.

Kolleen continues . . .

Sleep—necessary for the wellness of our bodies, and yet, it seems it can also carry quite a cost when missed opportunities are its aftermath.

Some a bit more significant than others. I mean, seriously, missing the finale of a television show due to a snooze on the couch won’t destroy a life. However, falling asleep on the job, might.

Sometimes, we can be robbed of sleep and then there are also occasions, unfortunately, when sleep can rob us.

My heart was hit with this thought as I read through the account of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. I saw with fresh eyes how Peter, James, and John may have felt after they realized the last hour they’d spent with Jesus—before His arrest—had been spent sleeping.

Can you imagine?

When I find myself in disbelief, my mind ruminates, so: perhaps they mulled over and over again, “My last hour with Jesus and I fell asleep.” He asked me to “Stay here and keep watch with me” and I fell asleep (Mark 14:34b). Not once or twice, but three times.

I could have watched with Him.

I could have done what He asked of me.

Instead, I fell asleep and missed the last hour I had to spend with Him.

What did Jesus ask Peter when He found him sleeping? “Simon, are you asleep? Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour?”

A question that feels like it holds the disappointment of unmet expectations.

When His heart was “overwhelmed with anguish and crushed with grief” and “It felt as though He was dying” (TPT), Jesus needed His friends to keep watch and wait with Him—the same friends that had boasted of their willingness to suffer and die alongside Him.

• Wait with Him as He wept in the Garden.
• Watch with Him in His distress and anxiety.
• Pray for the battle He was about to endure.

Now, I don’t presume to believe I would have done anything different; my flesh isn’t any stronger than Peter's, James', or John’s.

In fact, as I contemplate the events of that night in the garden, I question my own ability to remain steadfast and alert when someone needs me like Jesus needed them.

Perhaps I, like Peter, James and John, have good intentions to remain alert and watch, but instead gave into the temptation to drift off in sleep—sidetracked by my own schedule or crisis while allowing my own comfort to dictate my level of commitment.

Quite possibly, if I were to lean in and listen closely, I might hear Jesus whisper, “Could you not watch and pray for them even one hour?”

OUCH!

Quite possibly, because Jesus knew His need in the garden that night, God is asking us to be watchful of others in their own hour of need.

Watch now before the hour passes.

Remain AWAKE for:

Someone whose soul is crushed by the weight of grief?  

“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” (2 Corinthians 1:4, NLT).

Someone whose anxious thoughts are trying to overtake them?

“For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance” (Philippians 1:19 NLT).

Someone paralyzed by fear and begging God for the strength to endure the battle?

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere” (Ephesians 6:18 NLT).

Friends, it’s time to review the last hour. Did sleep rob you of an opportunity to be present with someone in their time of need?

Remain watchful that your own exhaustion isn’t used against you as a temptation to lull you to sleep.

Remember, it’s your flesh that is weak, not your spirit.

Let your spirit lead the way!

“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results” (James 5:16 NLT).  

Let’s produce some wonderful results.

Kolleen Lucariello, #TheABCGirl, is the author of #beYOU: Change Your Identity One Letter at a Time and is the Co-Director of Activ8Her, Inc. She is passionate to every woman realize her identity in Christ and live accordingly. Kolleen and her hubby, Pat, make their home in Central New York. She’s the mom of three grown children and Mimi to six incredible grands. For more information about Kolleen, visit www.speakkolleen.com

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Victoria Borodinova at Pixabay.

Gratitude without Attitude

Kolleen Lucariello's creative thinking is amazing, and when it overlaps with biblical truth, her creativity is a positive, motivating force. Such is this Gratitude UPGRADE.

"Relationships are like tractor-trailers," Kolleen says.

I (Dawn) think that's such an intriguing thought! Whatever could Kolleen mean by that? I think you'll be surprised. (This is so good!)

Kolleen continues . . .

The words breezed through my mind and touched down in my heart as I stared mindlessly at the back-end of the tractor-trailer. 

This had been going on for what felt like a gazillion miles as my husband and I shared Interstate 40 with the truckers while in the midst of a cross-country adventure. 

“Odd thought,” I mused.

But the thought wouldn’t leave me. As I reflected on it, a comparison began to form.

You see, I’d lost appreciation for tractor-trailer drivers after losing a friend in an accident years ago. Now, fear caused an accumulation of attitude toward the big trucks.

It’s rather amazing how one experience taints—causing overgeneralization—don’t you think?

But now, after thousands of miles, I grew to have a new appreciation for those driving professionally. They spend so much time on the road driving from one destination to another, entrusted with cargo to be delivered to a distribution center.

• The cargo they carry has worth.
• It has a purpose.
• It has the potential to fulfill desires and meet needs.

Once the cargo arrives at the distribution center, it is placed in a new truck to be delivered to the destination it was intended.

So how are relationships like tractor-trailers?

In the same way the driver has a responsibility to deliver the cargo entrusted to them to the distribution center—fully intact and unharmed—perhaps we’ve been given a similar responsibility for one another by God.

We are, after all, all precious cargo to Him. 

Unfortunately, I find my eyesight fails me from that perspective when, similar to my view of tractor-trailers, a wounded heart clouds my perception, creating little gratitude FOR one another, but oh-so-much attitude WITH one another.

Can you relate? 

Hurt is very persuasive. Left unchecked, hurt upon hurt builds greater attitudes and less gratitude for those around us.

When we allow our attitudes to sour towards others it becomes less appealing to travel beside one another.  

Would that change if we had a different perspective of God’s purpose for relationship?

Could relationship upgrades be possible if we:

• Acknowledged every person, as God’s creation, has worth (Genesis 1:27).
• Accepted God’s call to motivate one another to fulfill their intended purpose (Hebrews 10:24).
• Relished in the opportunity God has given us to meet a need for such a time as this (Esther 4:14).

I often fail to see people the way God does. Sometimes, rather than allow God to choose the cargo of His choice for my life, I’ve predetermined differences are too great, personalities will collide, or we lack commonality.

But, Phillip Barry wrote, “The time to make your mind up about people, is never.”

When we make up our mind about people, taking on attitudes rather than gratitude, we risk devaluing them. 

I can become a bit attitude-ish when I forget that God gives purpose to everyone.

He instructs me to use my words to build others up, according to their needs (Ephesians 4:29, emphasis mine). Their needs, not mine.

If I am always focused on me, how can I build others up to fulfill the purpose God has for them?  

Similar to a tractor trailer, I can’t carry people to the destination I’ve determined is best for them; nor can I give up halfway through the trip.

It sure can be tempting to disregard and dismiss someone due to the conflicts and differences of opinions when they arise. And, while relationships ebb and flow, we’ve become pretty quick at canceling deliveries.

But, have we taken the time to ask God what His plan was for our journey together? 

I’ve never been grateful for the injuries incurred through broken relationships. In fact, I gain more attitude than gratitude when a relationship sours and ends abruptly.

I know how tempting it can be to find an early exit off the ramp. “Just drop me here!” we beg when challenged by differences.

Yet, I wonder if—rather than me determining the distance I’m willing to go with someone who challenges my character—that is a decision God has already determined.

Did we make it to the distribution center He intended for us to go?

Or did we call it quits because we were mad? 

I think God’s design was for us to take turns picking up passengers at the distribution centers. Then, follow the example of Paul when he said:

I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow” (1 Corinthians 3:6).

See? When the seed is planted, the watering begins, and God can produce the proper growth.

However, rotten attitudes wreak havoc on growth. 

We aren’t always going to be pleasant passengers on this journey.

John Maxwell says,

"Attitude isn’t everything, but it is one thing that can make a big difference in your life.”

Who’s the precious cargo God has entrusted you with to help deliver to a new destination? Are you full of attitude or gratitude for the opportunity? 

Kolleen Lucariello, #TheABCGirl, is the author of #beYOU: Change Your Identity One Letter at a Time and is the Co-Director of Activ8Her, Inc. She is passionate to every woman realize her identity in Christ and live accordingly. Kolleen and her hubby, Pat, make their home in Central New York. She’s the mom of three grown children and Mimi to six incredible grands. For more information about Kolleen, visit www.speakkolleen.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Rene Rauschenberger at Pixabay.

The Shelf Life: How Long 'til I Expire?

Kolleen Lucariello always surprises me with her fresh approach to pracitcal Christian living. In this Spiritual Life UPGRADE, she points us to three biblical examples to help us meditate on the length of our lives and how we might upgrade what is left of them."When life came to a standstill in March of 2020, I decided there was no better time to rip apart a closet," Kolleen says. "That's when it hit me—expiraton dates are sneaky."

Normally, I (Dawn) think of an "expiration date" as painful—or at the least, unpleasant; but there is a certain wisdom to thinking about it when it comes to life, as Kolleen explains.

Kolleen continues . . .

I’d always wanted a pantry, and the closet in the mudroom had become a catchall for any and every item. It was packed full of food, serving platters, and anything out-of-season; or anything without a proper home.

 Based upon the expiration date stamped upon the bottom of many spices, jello packages, and canned fruit, once an item entered through the bi-fold door, chances were good they might never find their way out again. They had become SHELF-SITTERS, just waiting to be used. 

Waiting on a shelf.

I can relate.

I recall seasons in my life when I found myself sitting upon the shelf of God’s time—waiting for Him to reveal the expiration date indicating my time was done. 

Waiting is difficult.

• I grow restless.
• I question God.
• I repent.
• Sometimes, I even beg.

Waiting is not my favorite thing to do. Is it yours? Probably not.

Yet, it is often a non-negotiable participant somewhere in our story, isn’t it?

Why does God allow us time on the shelf?

Of course, God alone knows His reasons for all that He does; but I think shelf life leads to upgrades.

Here’s how.

1. TRUST

Sometimes, God finds it necessary to place us on the shelf when our disobedience gets in the way of His plan.

Jonah became a shelf-sitter in the belly of a whale when he decided to run from what God asked him to do—go and share His plan of judgment with the people of Nineveh.

Sure, Jonah’s disobedience to God gave him peace—for a moment; but, it had a great impact on the sailors whose boat Jonah boarded. They feared for their lives, lost wages, and finally were put in the miserable position of needing to toss him overboard with the rest of what they’d already lost.

(Have you ever wondered why Jonah didn’t just jump when he realized He was indeed the reason for the storm?)

It’s just awful when a disobedient Jonah enters our boat. I costs us peace, finances, and may even lead to extremely difficult decisions.

No matter how hard you row, God may move people to the shelf when they can’t be trusted to follow His instruction, or don’t have the courage to remove "Jonah" from the boat.

2. TIMING

Shelf-sitting befalls us when we find ourselves waiting upon God’s timing.

While we may be more than ready for our dream or plan to come to fruition, God has His own agenda and time-table in mind.

It’s always been far different than mine. 

Hannah was a woman who endured the pain and frustration of waiting on God’s time.

She lived through a long, out-of-reach wait, while suffering intense longing over her barrenness. Barrenness is a heartache that, unless you have walked through it, is difficult to understand.

Hannah’s husband, Elkanah couldn’t; he thought she should be happy she had HIM!

“‘Why are you crying, Hannah?’ Elkanah would ask. ‘Why aren’t you eating? Why be downhearted just because you have no children? You have me—isn’t that better than having ten sons?’” (1 Samuel 1:8 NLT).

Ummm… no. Just no.

It’s difficult enough to remain patient and trust God hasn’t forgotten us sitting on the shelf, but when those closest to us question our emotional moments—

• “Why are you…?"
• "Just because you don’t have …. Be grateful for what you do have.”

Ouch!

There’s a time to just sit beside someone as they wait and wrestle it out with God.

3. TESTING

Remember the Israelites and their time in the wilderness? Scripture says the Lord led them through the wilderness for forty years to humble and test them—in order to prove their character and to find out whether or not they would obey his commands (Deuteronomy 8:2).

They grumbled. They complained.

I doubt they were thinking about character development as they set up camp year after year.

During my own wilderness wanderings—those dry seasons when God feels distant—I’ve grumbled. I’ve complained. I’ve hoped God would lift me up and notice the expiration date was soon approaching.

How often I fail to recognize God might have a bit of character development in store for me.

Paul reminds us,

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment” (Romans 5:3-4, NLT).

Our time on the shelf of waiting might not be so exasperating to us if we remember, God is rarely early, never late, and always shows up right on time. He’s going to add us to the mix at just the right time.

As we wait, we might ask:

• Can I be trusted?
• Can I trust His timing? 
• What can I learn during the test? 

Have you thought much lately about your "expiration date"? What life upgrades can you make to create a better Shelf Life?

Kolleen Lucariello is a writer, speaker, and the author of the book, #beYOU: Change Your Identity One Letter at a Time. Kolleen also co-directs Activ8Her, Inc., a woman’s ministry endeavoring to Activ8Her potential to influence, affect and unite the world for God’s glory. Kolleen advocates for others to live the abundant life Christ died for them to have by understanding their true identity is found in Christ. Kolleen lives in Central New York with her husband, Pat. She is mom to three married children, and Mimi to her six grandchildren. Learn more about Kolleen at her website.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Samantha Gades at Unsplash.

There's a Frog on the Table

Kolleen Lucariello is one of the people in my life that I wish lived nearer, because I'd love to spend time with her—to laugh and learn. In this Spiritual Life UPGRADE, she shares a humorous story with a profound application. "Mimi, why is there a frog on the table?"

Not wanting to disappoint my grandson’s prank, I replied, "A frog on the table, huh? I don’t know, Mason. Why is there a frog on the table?" 

I (Dawn) think this is such a cute story—and leave it to Kolleen to create a powerful application.

Kolleen continues . . .

"No, really, Mimi! There’s a frog on your table," Mason said.

I chuckled and made my way to the table. "Okay, let’s see this 'frog.'" 

"Oh! There IS a frog on the table." 

'See Mimi! I told you!" Mason exclaimed. "How did he get there?"

With a bit of confusion, I replied, "I’m really not sure." 

After Mason assured me that he did not bring the frog in and put him on the table, I began to consider all possibilities of how he did get there.

Glancing around the room it hit me—the hibiscus tree.

I'd taken my small tree outside to enjoy the warm sun and brought it back inside with the cooler temperatures predicted that night. It never occurred to me that a sneaky little frog would become attached to it; much less find its way to the kitchen table—but there it was.

In a place it did not belong.  

I can't say I blame the poor little critter. The tree was pretty, and the night was going to be chilly. However, the house was not where the frog belonged, so back outside he went.

We placed him by another pretty tree, said our goodbyes, and hoped he'd live a spectacular life free from any harm.

"A frog on the table"—I laughed for days over that.  

Every now and then I think about that little frog that found himself on our kitchen table, because he attached himself to a tree. 

I can relate. I've found myself attached to a few 'trees' of my own. I've hidden myself within devotions to friends and opinions; dreams and expectations—even a few attitudes and beliefs.  Yet, each one, at times, has left me clinging to a place I didn't really belong.

I'm sure we’ve all experienced bonds that have taken us away from where God intended for us to be.   

Mary Magdalene seems like someone who understood attachments. I envision her as a woman just barely holding on when she encountered Jesus.

What a defining moment that must have been for the woman whose life had been interrupted by tormenting demons—seven of them to be exact (Luke 8:2).

The Bible mentions some symptoms of demon possession: 

• speechlessness (Luke 11:14),
• blindness (Matthew 12:22), and
  
• convulsions and foaming at the mouth (Mark 9:17-27).

We don’t know the full extent of Mary's suffering; it certainly isn't difficult to imagine her life was unstable and hellacious.  

Mary was out of her natural element; that place God intended. Until one day she encountered Jesus, and He put her back in the place where life was enjoyable again.

Can you imagine it?  

One day she was attached to a tree of torment; and then, thanks to Jesus, she wasn't.  

What an upgrade Mary experienced when she attached herself to Jesus for the remainder of His days. She traveled with Him, financially supported Him, and she was watching as He suffered on the Cross.

She was the first to see the resurrected King and announce the news to the disciples.

Just as the frog had enough guts to let go of the tree he’d attached himself to and check out his new surroundings, Mary's relationship with Christ brought her the courage to let go of the life she'd been tormented by.

Her gratitude to Jesus is evident by her devotion to Him.  

Often, when we find ourselves attached to something outside of God's will, He sends help to lead us back to the place He intends for us to be.

For the frog, we were the help.

For Mary, it was Jesus.

When she connected with Jesus, she found the courage to jump right into a new identity. He will do the same for us.  

Mary Magdalene’s story instills hope within my own.

She helps me upgrade my thinking by showing me:  

• One encounter with Jesus has the possibility to change everything.  
• He brings power and authority to our relationship. If we allow Him, He will reveal and confront any unhealthy attachments. 
  
• When Jesus delivered her, Mary never looked back. Regardless of circumstance, she walked closely by His side.  

Mary was one of the many women who "went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God" (Luke 8:1, NKJV).

Perhaps she related well to David’s words,

"No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises! My body rests in hope" (Acts 2:26, NLT).

I imagine the women were held captive by her testimony as she shared her story.

Where are your attachments?

If you haven’t fully attached yourself to Jesus, I encourage you to stop hiding where you don't belong. Your heart will be glad; your tongue will shout His praise, and your body will rest in hope! It’s time.

How have "attachments" where God doesn't want you hurt your walk with Him? What can you do to "detach" from those hindrances today?

Kolleen Lucariello, #TheABCGirl, is the author of the devotional book The ABC’s of Who God Says I Am. Kolleen and her high school sweetheart, Pat, reside in Central New York. She’s a mother of three married children and Mimi to four incredible grandkids. She desires to help others find their identity in Christ, one letter at a time. Visit Koleen's website at www.speakkolleen.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Pexels at Pixabay.

Consider 'IT' All Joy!

When I think of Kolleen Lucariello, I think of the word "joy," so I'm delighted she wrote about it in this Joy UPGRADE, a fresh approach to a verse many Christians need to examine more closely.“Count it all Joy. The words came as a whisper and dropped straight into my heart early one morning as I sat conversing with the Lord,” Kolleen says.

“Well, to be fair, the conversation was more like a complaint session; asking for His intervention for many I know in difficult circumstances.”

I (Dawn) experienced such relief in my spirit as I read Kolleen's article. It gave me a new appreciation for what God is doing in my circumstances.

Kolleen continues . . . 

As I pressed on in prayer, the words whispered again … count it all joy.

I paused to ponder and then noticed there seemed to be an emphasis on the word "it"—almost as if the word had been highlighted and appeared to me as: count IT all joy.

Okay, Lord. You have my attention. It? What exactly are you trying to tell me?

You want me to count the “it” as joy?

I began to review my list:

• COVID-19,
• Cancer,
• Hospitalizations,
• Despair,
• Disruption, and
• Political division and unrest.

I prayed for those suffering from chronic illness, depression, a marriage crisis, financial struggles and great loneliness. The list was long and intense.

“Lord, what if there are too many 'its' to count? It feels insensitive, not to mention nearly impossible to ask for a painful circumstance to be counted as joy.” 

Impossible?

Instantly, that thought flipped right around in my thinking with a reminder that there was a time when:

Jesus looked at them intently and said, "Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible" (Matthew 19:26, NLT).

If God says it is possible, then HOW?

James wrote, Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace] (James 1:2-3 AMP).

In other words:

• “It” is the [name of your trial].
• “It” has a purpose.
• "It" is a test—a test TO our faith that produces endurance IN our faith.
  

The word "testing" comes from the Greek dokimion and is “that by which something is tried or proved” (Strongs Concordance).

Think genuine. Without anything artificial or false.

“The aim of testing is not to destroy or afflict, but to purge and refine.” (Nelson’s NKJV Study Bible)

Could we possibly view our “it” differently simply by changing our perception from, “Why are you doing this to me God?” to “Thank you, God, for this 'it' in my life. Use this trial to purge me of impurities so that my faith can grow and I may become more like Jesus.”

Allowing the testing of our faith to produce patience is what enables us to stand firm under the pressure of “it.” 

Years ago, my sister’s family called Hawaii home while her husband served in the military. We recognized this was a perfect opportunity for our family to experience Hawaii, so we went to visit.

The day we went to Nuuanu Pali State Park, the winds were so intense. They pushed against us in such a fierce way it took effort to take steps forward. We walked pressing forward in such a way that if the wind had suddenly stopped we’d surely have fallen flat on our faces!

I imagine this reflects how we must brace ourselves when we encounter intense testing of our faith.

If we are to remain standing under the pressure of “it,” then we must view the test as a tool God will use to draw us closer to Him and mature our faith.

When we recognize that out of our “it” a deeper, stronger faith was produced, we consider the “it” a joy.  

Upgrades in life happen when we determine to believe the purpose of every trial is AN OPPORTUNITY to press us closer and closer to the heart of our loving Father. 

Unpack the Opportunity

1. Consider—This word means "regard, take into account, reflect on, or suppose."
2. IT—Did you know“it” can be defined as a lifeless thing? How often do we allow trials to overtake us as if they had a life of their own? 
3. Joy—"Joy" is from the Greek chara meaning "the cause or occasion of joy."
   

Suppose you regarded the lifeless trial in your life as an occasion for joy because God used “it” to do what Peter wrote:

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:6-7, NKJV).

In my own strength, I will never believe there is joy to be found in any hardship or test.

However, my reliance on God, my trust in His care, and the overwhelming evidence that He is Sovereign and good, begs me to come to a place of gratitude for every trial that produced a greater faith. 

What is your "IT" today? Can you thank God for it, believing He is working in your life in ways you may not see right now? Can you reframe your "IT" as an opportunity to trust Him?

Kolleen Lucariello, #TheABCGirl, is the author of #beYOU: Change Your Identity One Letter at a Time and is the Co-Director of Activ8Her, Inc. She is passionate to every woman realize her identity in Christ and live accordingly. Kolleen and her hubby, Pat, make their home in Central New York. She’s the mom of three grown children and Mimi to six incredible grands. For more information about Kolleen, visit www.speakkolleen.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Timo Volz at Pixabay.