Ah, Christmas! Even after all of these years, there is still something special about tearing the wrapping off of a present. It's not that I am so much into getting gifts - I would much rather give than receive - but there is still something exciting about surprises (good surprises) that makes opening presents a joyful experience.
This year I had seen a car magazine that had some interesting articles in it and was about to purchase it when my wife said that she would get it for me for Christmas. I nearly forgot about it until weeks later I found it under the tree - wrapped in the brightly colored Christmas wrapping. When I tore off the paper I remembered why I wanted the magazine, and have read pretty much all of the articles by now. It was one of my favorite presents (picking it out for myself didn't hurt the surprise at all!).
What I like about the magazine is that it is all about restoring a car and making it better than it was originally. Some purists might say that the modifications go against the "restoration" of the car, but I appreciate how the changes make the car more contemporary while retaining the original lines of the car.
And believe it or not, it made me think of what God is doing to us.
I'm like one of those old cars. They didn't get the greatest gas mileage originally, nor did they have the most comfortable ride. That was when they were brand new. My life is pretty similar. Just like those old cars, when I came into this world I had my own flaws - a sinful nature that was passed on from generation to generation. Even at my best I was no good.
Then through the years I thought I was improving, but "life" seemed to be hitting me pretty hard. I got dinged here and there, and even with some paint to cover the problems, I knew that under it all I had body filling and even some rust. There were times when my spiritual life was barely managing on a few cylinders, and I didn't have a generator to keep the charge up on my battery. Sure, there were times that I got a jump start, but it never seemed to last very long.
Then Jesus came into my life. He said that He was going to make all things new - and even better than the original. So He started working on me. And I tried to help, but I messed things up more than ever. But He never gave up - He just picked up the pieces that I gave Him and started straightening them out again.
He's still working on me. Sometimes, like at the beginning of a year, I am more focused on letting Him make the necessary changes, and I hand over the keys to my life. That's when I see more progress. Then sometimes I take the keys back, and even pick up the hammer and try to straighten a fender here or there - and nearly destroy everything. But He is always willing to pick up the tools and start again - if I let Him.
This new year, as we enter 2009, I pray that we all will be willing to allow God to perform a transformation in our lives, that the changes will be seen by all around us, and that they might "glorify our Father in heaven."
Just like with those old cars in the magazine, that's the restoration that I am looking forward to seeing in my own life.
God bless you abundantly!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Immanuel
I can't seem to go anywhere these days without seeing something that reminds me of Christmas. Whether it's the stores with all their decorations or the sales that confront me with the fact that I really need this or that item for that "special" person, the season is full of reminders of a significant celebration.
While the businesses are careful to wish me a "Happy Holidays" greeting (in their attempts to avoid anything that could be construed as religious), I discover that it's getting harder and harder to find anything religious in the Christmas season. Even those organizations that seem religious in nature are jumping on the bandwagon when it comes to reaping the benefits of a commercialized Christmas.
I have to be honest - I enjoy the decorations of lights and holly in our house. While the tree still is devoid of ornaments and tinsel (that's a task for later tonight!), it now has a few packages scattered around its base. All the stockings are hung by the chimney with care, even though only one child will be coming home for Christmas - some traditions are hard to break! And I must admit that this year I have enjoyed the Christmas music on our local Christian radio station more than in previous years, and the recent Christmas story at church brought a tear to my eye.
But I have still felt an emptiness when it came to celebrating this year. So I went back to the source - back to my Bible. It was there, in Matthew 1:23 (quoted from Isaiah 7:14), that it all came together for me. "Behold, a virgin shall be with Child and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, 'God with us.'"
That's when it hit me! It wasn't about a Baby born in a barn. It wasn't about the three wise guys giving their expensive gifts. It wasn't even about a group of angels singing to some quaking shepherds. It was about a God who loves us so much that He could not stand being away from us! It was about a God who wanted to be know by the name Immanuel!
I love the words of the song by Michael Card, Immanuel:
Immanuel, Our God is with us
And if God is with us, Who could stand against us?
Our God is with us - Immanuel!
And that is the beauty of it all - It wasn't about then, it is about forever! Not a God who came then and went away, but a God who is still with us, and has every intention of being with us throughout eternity.
That I can celebrate! I can rejoice in a God who came as a Child only to stay as my Savior and Friend! That is something that I can rejoice in throughout the year!
God bless you abundantly - and Merry Christmas!
While the businesses are careful to wish me a "Happy Holidays" greeting (in their attempts to avoid anything that could be construed as religious), I discover that it's getting harder and harder to find anything religious in the Christmas season. Even those organizations that seem religious in nature are jumping on the bandwagon when it comes to reaping the benefits of a commercialized Christmas.
I have to be honest - I enjoy the decorations of lights and holly in our house. While the tree still is devoid of ornaments and tinsel (that's a task for later tonight!), it now has a few packages scattered around its base. All the stockings are hung by the chimney with care, even though only one child will be coming home for Christmas - some traditions are hard to break! And I must admit that this year I have enjoyed the Christmas music on our local Christian radio station more than in previous years, and the recent Christmas story at church brought a tear to my eye.
But I have still felt an emptiness when it came to celebrating this year. So I went back to the source - back to my Bible. It was there, in Matthew 1:23 (quoted from Isaiah 7:14), that it all came together for me. "Behold, a virgin shall be with Child and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which is translated, 'God with us.'"
That's when it hit me! It wasn't about a Baby born in a barn. It wasn't about the three wise guys giving their expensive gifts. It wasn't even about a group of angels singing to some quaking shepherds. It was about a God who loves us so much that He could not stand being away from us! It was about a God who wanted to be know by the name Immanuel!
I love the words of the song by Michael Card, Immanuel:
Immanuel, Our God is with us
And if God is with us, Who could stand against us?
Our God is with us - Immanuel!
And that is the beauty of it all - It wasn't about then, it is about forever! Not a God who came then and went away, but a God who is still with us, and has every intention of being with us throughout eternity.
That I can celebrate! I can rejoice in a God who came as a Child only to stay as my Savior and Friend! That is something that I can rejoice in throughout the year!
God bless you abundantly - and Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Early Morning Reflections
It's six o'something in the morning, and my mind wouldn't allow me to sleep even though this is one of those mornings when I could have stayed in bed for a few hours. Since last week I was not able to send out my weekly blog, I thought I would get this one started a little early.
We have a new covering over our world this morning - only a few inches of snow, but enough to change the view as I look out my window. It's dark, but there is just enough light from the nearly full moon, partially hidden by the clouds, to reveal the wonderland beyond the warm confines of my home. I'm sure we will get more today (at least that is what is predicted), but for now it is stopped.
Christmas is almost here. My wife has been busy wrapping presents and getting them sent off to friends and family. More lie of the floor waiting to be tackled in the next few days. The tree is finally upright, but bare. It also leans to the northwest, since I broke the stand in an attempt to get it "straightened." Maybe we'll have to fix that....
I have spent some interesting moments thinking about the Christmas holiday. While we say we celebrate the birth of our Lord, we know that He was not born on this day (most scholars agree that His birth was probably sometime in the fall or maybe in the spring - not much data available to support the December 25th date). There is nothing in the Bible that supports the celebration of the day of His birth (the only thing new that Jesus did ask us to remember was the foot washing service in the upper room and the meal that followed - "Do this in remembrance of Me"), but many Christians today are almost militant in their defense of this day.
What amazes me is how the non-Christians are so intent on not making Christmas a religious holiday - yet if Christmas completely went away, so would the gift-giving and the commercialism that fuels the economy at this time of year. So many businesses that rely on their sales during this season would probably go under, and the economy would be even more bleak than it is right now. If the gift-giving tradition really did come from the example of the Wise Men presenting their gifts to the Christ Child, then without that standard to follow we would have to just keep our money in our wallets and our toys to ourselves....
So how do we make this time of year significant to us and our families and not get sucked into the world's interpretation of this celebration? How can we not get wrapped up in the gifts (pun intended) and find something that is meaningful to extract from the bustle of the season?
I'm not a scholar, nor definitely not one of the "Wise Men," but I would propose this for your consideration: Look to Christ for your example. Christ used the celebration of a wedding to do His first miracle - and he provided for a need that, at that time, they were not able to fill on their own. Do you see someone that has a need during this time of year - a need that they do not have the means to address? It might be something small or large - but do it as Christ would have done. Christ also gave to those who did not deserve. According to the law, the woman who was caught in adultery should have been stoned - but He said "Neither do I condemn you." So give to that person who doesn't deserve it. Maybe it's like filling the stocking with goodies instead of the lump of coal that they deserve.
Finally, give without expecting to get something in return, or make sure that you give something anonymously. As you do that, maybe you could include something that says "I received a gift that I didn't deserve from my Friend Jesus, and He invites me to 'freely give' to others. This gift has no strings attached - it's only given to let you know that Jesus offers you the gift of His love every season of the year - not just at Christmas time. I encourage you to consider accepting that gift into your life today."
Maybe Christmas can have true meaning after all!
God bless you abundantly!
We have a new covering over our world this morning - only a few inches of snow, but enough to change the view as I look out my window. It's dark, but there is just enough light from the nearly full moon, partially hidden by the clouds, to reveal the wonderland beyond the warm confines of my home. I'm sure we will get more today (at least that is what is predicted), but for now it is stopped.
Christmas is almost here. My wife has been busy wrapping presents and getting them sent off to friends and family. More lie of the floor waiting to be tackled in the next few days. The tree is finally upright, but bare. It also leans to the northwest, since I broke the stand in an attempt to get it "straightened." Maybe we'll have to fix that....
I have spent some interesting moments thinking about the Christmas holiday. While we say we celebrate the birth of our Lord, we know that He was not born on this day (most scholars agree that His birth was probably sometime in the fall or maybe in the spring - not much data available to support the December 25th date). There is nothing in the Bible that supports the celebration of the day of His birth (the only thing new that Jesus did ask us to remember was the foot washing service in the upper room and the meal that followed - "Do this in remembrance of Me"), but many Christians today are almost militant in their defense of this day.
What amazes me is how the non-Christians are so intent on not making Christmas a religious holiday - yet if Christmas completely went away, so would the gift-giving and the commercialism that fuels the economy at this time of year. So many businesses that rely on their sales during this season would probably go under, and the economy would be even more bleak than it is right now. If the gift-giving tradition really did come from the example of the Wise Men presenting their gifts to the Christ Child, then without that standard to follow we would have to just keep our money in our wallets and our toys to ourselves....
So how do we make this time of year significant to us and our families and not get sucked into the world's interpretation of this celebration? How can we not get wrapped up in the gifts (pun intended) and find something that is meaningful to extract from the bustle of the season?
I'm not a scholar, nor definitely not one of the "Wise Men," but I would propose this for your consideration: Look to Christ for your example. Christ used the celebration of a wedding to do His first miracle - and he provided for a need that, at that time, they were not able to fill on their own. Do you see someone that has a need during this time of year - a need that they do not have the means to address? It might be something small or large - but do it as Christ would have done. Christ also gave to those who did not deserve. According to the law, the woman who was caught in adultery should have been stoned - but He said "Neither do I condemn you." So give to that person who doesn't deserve it. Maybe it's like filling the stocking with goodies instead of the lump of coal that they deserve.
Finally, give without expecting to get something in return, or make sure that you give something anonymously. As you do that, maybe you could include something that says "I received a gift that I didn't deserve from my Friend Jesus, and He invites me to 'freely give' to others. This gift has no strings attached - it's only given to let you know that Jesus offers you the gift of His love every season of the year - not just at Christmas time. I encourage you to consider accepting that gift into your life today."
Maybe Christmas can have true meaning after all!
God bless you abundantly!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Songs...
What is it about music that can reach places in my mind that nothing else can touch? Is it the combination of sounds with the words that grasp my very soul and take my emotions to heights that I never imagined could exist? Why am I created to experience these feelings more acutely than others around me, and to feel like I am transported by the very melodies that I hear?
Those who know me are not surprised when they see tears falling from my eyes when I hear a song. It seems that most inspirational songs were written to express what I have witnessed - what has happened in my life - and I am again amazed at what God has done for me in spite of my sinful ways. Whether it is Fernando Ortega singing the old hymn, "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent" or Big Daddy Weave bringing glory to God's name with "Audience of One," music has always touched my life.
It's no surprise then to have this song find me at a time when it seemed that my world had fallen apart. Written by Bart Millard, Barry Graul, and Peter Kipley of "Mercy Me," the words made me realize that in spite of what I was going through, I needed to keep singing and let God and the music heal me.
Another rainy day
I can't recall having sunshine on my face
All I feel is pain
All I want to do is walk out of this place
But when I am stuck, I can't move
When I don't know what I should do
When I wonder if I'll ever make it through
But I gotta keep singing
I gotta keep praising Your name
You're the One that's keeping my heart beating
I gotta keep singing
I gotta keep praising Your name
That's the only way that I'll find healing
Can I climb up in Your lap?
I don't wanna leave
Jesus sing over me
I gotta keep singing!
I don't know where you are in your life right now, but I would imagine that there is something that is unsettling, something that keeps you awake for a few more moments than you wish when you lay your head on your pillow. Some memory from the past or a worry over the future. Some fear for your family, or a desire for a friend to find a saving relationship with Christ. Whatever it is, we all have something. As Jesus said, in this world we will have tribulations.
But He also said to be of good cheer, because He has overcome the world. And for me, one of the best ways to celebrate that victory is through music. In spite of what is bothering us, we need to focus on the joy that is found in praising God for the victory, even if we have not yet experienced it!
So here's your assignment: First, read Psalm 150. It's a short little chapter, but it will get you started in the right direction. Second, find a song that speaks to you - a positive song that expresses what you want to facilitate in your life, even if you don't feel it right now. A song that touches your heart and lifts your spirit in praise to God. Third, keep that song in your heart. Use it to remind you of the God who loves you so much that He can't wait to be with you for eternity!
And keep on singing!
God bless you abundantly!
Those who know me are not surprised when they see tears falling from my eyes when I hear a song. It seems that most inspirational songs were written to express what I have witnessed - what has happened in my life - and I am again amazed at what God has done for me in spite of my sinful ways. Whether it is Fernando Ortega singing the old hymn, "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent" or Big Daddy Weave bringing glory to God's name with "Audience of One," music has always touched my life.
It's no surprise then to have this song find me at a time when it seemed that my world had fallen apart. Written by Bart Millard, Barry Graul, and Peter Kipley of "Mercy Me," the words made me realize that in spite of what I was going through, I needed to keep singing and let God and the music heal me.
Another rainy day
I can't recall having sunshine on my face
All I feel is pain
All I want to do is walk out of this place
But when I am stuck, I can't move
When I don't know what I should do
When I wonder if I'll ever make it through
But I gotta keep singing
I gotta keep praising Your name
You're the One that's keeping my heart beating
I gotta keep singing
I gotta keep praising Your name
That's the only way that I'll find healing
Can I climb up in Your lap?
I don't wanna leave
Jesus sing over me
I gotta keep singing!
I don't know where you are in your life right now, but I would imagine that there is something that is unsettling, something that keeps you awake for a few more moments than you wish when you lay your head on your pillow. Some memory from the past or a worry over the future. Some fear for your family, or a desire for a friend to find a saving relationship with Christ. Whatever it is, we all have something. As Jesus said, in this world we will have tribulations.
But He also said to be of good cheer, because He has overcome the world. And for me, one of the best ways to celebrate that victory is through music. In spite of what is bothering us, we need to focus on the joy that is found in praising God for the victory, even if we have not yet experienced it!
So here's your assignment: First, read Psalm 150. It's a short little chapter, but it will get you started in the right direction. Second, find a song that speaks to you - a positive song that expresses what you want to facilitate in your life, even if you don't feel it right now. A song that touches your heart and lifts your spirit in praise to God. Third, keep that song in your heart. Use it to remind you of the God who loves you so much that He can't wait to be with you for eternity!
And keep on singing!
God bless you abundantly!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Giving Thanks
It's almost Thanksgiving Day....
This week many people in the United States will be focusing on food, stuffing themselves with turkey and all the trimmings, watching football games, and trying to figure out what fills their hearts with thankfulness. We call it "Thanksgiving," and like many good ideas it has become a commercialized event that has lost much of its initial meaning. It started out as a harvest celebration after a hard year for the Pilgrims - a chance to show their thankfulness for surviving through some tough times. Over the years it has morphed into a time of family get-togethers and a day away from work - and excessive eating with a hedonistic twist.
I'm sure that around many tables there will be attempts to share what makes families and friends thankful. However, after the recent weeks of financial collapse and fear for the future, it might not be as easy to find something that fills the hearts with thanks. In fact, some people will probably skip that traditional part and just jump into chewing on a turkey leg.
I am reminded of Paul's admonition in his first letter to the members of the infant church at Thessalonica. In chapter 5, verses 16 through 18, he says: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
And I can hear some people saying, "How can I 'rejoice' when the drop in the stock market - down nearly 50 percent from it's highest point - destroyed my retirement fund? How can I give thanks when my family is struggling, when people are losing jobs all around me, when I might be the next one on the chopping block, and when I have nothing to be sure of in my future? I'm probably going to lose my house - and you want me to be thankful?"
I'm not the one who said it - and I probably wouldn't be the one who would suggest it - but Paul had the audacity to tell this church that they needed to learn to rejoice and be thankful no matter what the circumstances. He must have had a reason to say that or there must have been some core belief that he wanted to instill in their minds about the act of thankfulness. And it was important enough to tack it on to the end of his letter.
Here's what I think: Giving thanks does something to us, something for us, and doesn't require something to first happen to us to make us thankful. Thankfulness is not based on good things happening to us, because we can never know at the time if something that happens is a good thing or a bad thing. Thankfulness is a decision based on the fact that God is still in control, and a willingness to say, as Job said, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him."
And on a day like Thanksgiving we are given the opportunity to publicly express that in spite of everything falling apart, even when our future is scary, we can fill the air with praise to God and shouts of thankfulness for all that He has done in our lives. We can let the world know that we believe that God is in control and we gladly place our lives into to His keeping.
So, what will your Thanksgiving Day be like?
God bless you abundantly!
This week many people in the United States will be focusing on food, stuffing themselves with turkey and all the trimmings, watching football games, and trying to figure out what fills their hearts with thankfulness. We call it "Thanksgiving," and like many good ideas it has become a commercialized event that has lost much of its initial meaning. It started out as a harvest celebration after a hard year for the Pilgrims - a chance to show their thankfulness for surviving through some tough times. Over the years it has morphed into a time of family get-togethers and a day away from work - and excessive eating with a hedonistic twist.
I'm sure that around many tables there will be attempts to share what makes families and friends thankful. However, after the recent weeks of financial collapse and fear for the future, it might not be as easy to find something that fills the hearts with thanks. In fact, some people will probably skip that traditional part and just jump into chewing on a turkey leg.
I am reminded of Paul's admonition in his first letter to the members of the infant church at Thessalonica. In chapter 5, verses 16 through 18, he says: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
And I can hear some people saying, "How can I 'rejoice' when the drop in the stock market - down nearly 50 percent from it's highest point - destroyed my retirement fund? How can I give thanks when my family is struggling, when people are losing jobs all around me, when I might be the next one on the chopping block, and when I have nothing to be sure of in my future? I'm probably going to lose my house - and you want me to be thankful?"
I'm not the one who said it - and I probably wouldn't be the one who would suggest it - but Paul had the audacity to tell this church that they needed to learn to rejoice and be thankful no matter what the circumstances. He must have had a reason to say that or there must have been some core belief that he wanted to instill in their minds about the act of thankfulness. And it was important enough to tack it on to the end of his letter.
Here's what I think: Giving thanks does something to us, something for us, and doesn't require something to first happen to us to make us thankful. Thankfulness is not based on good things happening to us, because we can never know at the time if something that happens is a good thing or a bad thing. Thankfulness is a decision based on the fact that God is still in control, and a willingness to say, as Job said, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him."
And on a day like Thanksgiving we are given the opportunity to publicly express that in spite of everything falling apart, even when our future is scary, we can fill the air with praise to God and shouts of thankfulness for all that He has done in our lives. We can let the world know that we believe that God is in control and we gladly place our lives into to His keeping.
So, what will your Thanksgiving Day be like?
God bless you abundantly!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
The Enemy's Revenge
As I sat there, I couldn't believe how small the casket was. I've been to services at that funeral home before, and usually the casket fills the front of the room of the little chapel. But the simple casket, not much more than a little wooden box, seemed so small - so insignificant - sitting alone on the stand.
But the life of a two-month-old child can never be insignificant. Not to the mother. Not to the grandparents. Not to anyone. Especially when the death is sudden and unexpected and not related to natural causes.
The young mother did her best to keep her composure, even when the tears were streaming down her face. She had written a message to her baby, which she read while the rest of us cried. When she said, "I had such plans for you - celebrating Christmas and birthdays and hearing you call me Mommy," there was not a dry eye in the place.
I came home and sat in the silence of an empty house. What kind of a world do we have, I thought, where an innocent baby girl's life is taken before it ever began? Tonight, while other parents are playing with their children, how can a mother stare at an empty crib and not feel the unfairness of life?
How could this have happened?
I was reminded of a parable that Jesus told His disciples. In Matthew 13 it is recorded that while men slept, someone came and planted weeds among the wheat. When the wheat sprouted, it became obvious that there were weeds intertwined with the young stocks of wheat. The servants told the owner about the weeds, and his response was, "An enemy has done this." And apparently that enemy is still at work today.
While we can see good things happening in people's lives, there are also destructive events that we encounter every day. And those evil occurrences have the fingerprint of the enemy on every one of them.
You see, I believe that Satan realizes that he lost the war at Calvary - that he no longer has a chance to convince the universe that God is unloving and unjust. But while he might be defeated, he is not inactive. He wants to destroy as many human lives as he can - just to hurt God's children. And I know that the quickest way to hurt a parent is to attack the children.
I reached over to pick up my trusted Bible and turned to I Thessalonians 4. The familiar words jumped off the page, and they seemed to bring peace to my heart.
"But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord."
I believe that someday we will look up and see our Savior coming in the clouds to take us home. I believe that there will be a young mother who will watch as an angel brings her a beautiful baby girl, and she will again hold her darling child in her arms. I believe that in spite of the enemy's revenge against God's people, we will experience a fullness of joy that will be worth all of the trials and pain we have had to endure here.
I just pray that it will be soon....
God bless you abundantly!
But the life of a two-month-old child can never be insignificant. Not to the mother. Not to the grandparents. Not to anyone. Especially when the death is sudden and unexpected and not related to natural causes.
The young mother did her best to keep her composure, even when the tears were streaming down her face. She had written a message to her baby, which she read while the rest of us cried. When she said, "I had such plans for you - celebrating Christmas and birthdays and hearing you call me Mommy," there was not a dry eye in the place.
I came home and sat in the silence of an empty house. What kind of a world do we have, I thought, where an innocent baby girl's life is taken before it ever began? Tonight, while other parents are playing with their children, how can a mother stare at an empty crib and not feel the unfairness of life?
How could this have happened?
I was reminded of a parable that Jesus told His disciples. In Matthew 13 it is recorded that while men slept, someone came and planted weeds among the wheat. When the wheat sprouted, it became obvious that there were weeds intertwined with the young stocks of wheat. The servants told the owner about the weeds, and his response was, "An enemy has done this." And apparently that enemy is still at work today.
While we can see good things happening in people's lives, there are also destructive events that we encounter every day. And those evil occurrences have the fingerprint of the enemy on every one of them.
You see, I believe that Satan realizes that he lost the war at Calvary - that he no longer has a chance to convince the universe that God is unloving and unjust. But while he might be defeated, he is not inactive. He wants to destroy as many human lives as he can - just to hurt God's children. And I know that the quickest way to hurt a parent is to attack the children.
I reached over to pick up my trusted Bible and turned to I Thessalonians 4. The familiar words jumped off the page, and they seemed to bring peace to my heart.
"But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord."
I believe that someday we will look up and see our Savior coming in the clouds to take us home. I believe that there will be a young mother who will watch as an angel brings her a beautiful baby girl, and she will again hold her darling child in her arms. I believe that in spite of the enemy's revenge against God's people, we will experience a fullness of joy that will be worth all of the trials and pain we have had to endure here.
I just pray that it will be soon....
God bless you abundantly!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
In A Little While...
I don't know how He does it....
Yes, I know that He is God, and I shouldn't try to "humanize" Him and think that His ability to deal with our world is equal to how we deal with situations. But some things are truly beyond my comprehension.
Take this week for instance. Just in my own circle of acquaintances I have seen a baby die from non-natural causes and another person tell me of the pain she has experienced in the past several years since her son killed her husband. Move to the next circle of relationships (things that happened to a friend of a friend) and there were suicides and sudden deaths from unknown causes. All in the past week.
We shake our heads and wonder what is going on in the world. Yet statistically people die all the time. Events occur that negatively affect lives every day. That's what happens. That's what our existence is all about.
Look at your own life. What has happened to you or to your family or close friend in the last several weeks? Have you been blindsided by something that has tried to destroy you? Have you seen the pain that cuts so deep that people are left wounded and in agony - with no relief in sight? And have you asked yourself, "How can this life go on and on like this?"
Which brings me to my initial question - "How can God tolerate all of this pain?" I know the pain that I have felt this week, and my pain was limited to a few isolated incidents. God, on the other hand, watches everything that goes on, and sees all of the pain that we as humans experience. It's enough to cause me to start thinking like some of the critics who have been so vocal and critical of God. "Doesn't He care," they ask, "about all that we are going through? Why doesn't He step in and stop this? Doesn't He love us?"
And then I am reminded of Isaiah 53:4,5. "Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows...He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." My friends, He knows what we are going through because He was there. He experienced all of this pain, and He sympathizes with us as we go through it all. His love for us now is no less than it was then. In fact, it was because of His love that He stood up and said, "Let Me pay the ultimate price for these people. Let Me die in their place."
Even though the price for our salvation was paid, the pain didn't stop. Not yet. The results of sin still have to run the full course. God wanted to make sure that when sin is gone, there will never again be a question of whether it might just be a better way than what God offers. When it is gone, it's done. Finished.
And I believe that day is not far away. Because while God can face the attacks from the devil, He doesn't plan to take it forever. Listen to the words that Jesus shared with us in John 14:1-3 (The Message Bible): "Don't let this throw you. You trust God, don't you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father's home. If that weren't so, would I have told you that I'm on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I'm on my way to get your room ready, I'll come back and get you so you can live where I live."
And I believe that is what keeps God going. It's the promise of His soon return that helps Him through these times when He, as our heavenly Father, watches His children suffer. It's the knowledge that, like the song that Amy Grant sang some years ago says, "In a little while we'll be with the Father - can't you see Him smile? In a little time we'll home forever..."
I can't speak for God, but I know that is what keeps me going!
God bless you abundantly!
Yes, I know that He is God, and I shouldn't try to "humanize" Him and think that His ability to deal with our world is equal to how we deal with situations. But some things are truly beyond my comprehension.
Take this week for instance. Just in my own circle of acquaintances I have seen a baby die from non-natural causes and another person tell me of the pain she has experienced in the past several years since her son killed her husband. Move to the next circle of relationships (things that happened to a friend of a friend) and there were suicides and sudden deaths from unknown causes. All in the past week.
We shake our heads and wonder what is going on in the world. Yet statistically people die all the time. Events occur that negatively affect lives every day. That's what happens. That's what our existence is all about.
Look at your own life. What has happened to you or to your family or close friend in the last several weeks? Have you been blindsided by something that has tried to destroy you? Have you seen the pain that cuts so deep that people are left wounded and in agony - with no relief in sight? And have you asked yourself, "How can this life go on and on like this?"
Which brings me to my initial question - "How can God tolerate all of this pain?" I know the pain that I have felt this week, and my pain was limited to a few isolated incidents. God, on the other hand, watches everything that goes on, and sees all of the pain that we as humans experience. It's enough to cause me to start thinking like some of the critics who have been so vocal and critical of God. "Doesn't He care," they ask, "about all that we are going through? Why doesn't He step in and stop this? Doesn't He love us?"
And then I am reminded of Isaiah 53:4,5. "Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows...He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." My friends, He knows what we are going through because He was there. He experienced all of this pain, and He sympathizes with us as we go through it all. His love for us now is no less than it was then. In fact, it was because of His love that He stood up and said, "Let Me pay the ultimate price for these people. Let Me die in their place."
Even though the price for our salvation was paid, the pain didn't stop. Not yet. The results of sin still have to run the full course. God wanted to make sure that when sin is gone, there will never again be a question of whether it might just be a better way than what God offers. When it is gone, it's done. Finished.
And I believe that day is not far away. Because while God can face the attacks from the devil, He doesn't plan to take it forever. Listen to the words that Jesus shared with us in John 14:1-3 (The Message Bible): "Don't let this throw you. You trust God, don't you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father's home. If that weren't so, would I have told you that I'm on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I'm on my way to get your room ready, I'll come back and get you so you can live where I live."
And I believe that is what keeps God going. It's the promise of His soon return that helps Him through these times when He, as our heavenly Father, watches His children suffer. It's the knowledge that, like the song that Amy Grant sang some years ago says, "In a little while we'll be with the Father - can't you see Him smile? In a little time we'll home forever..."
I can't speak for God, but I know that is what keeps me going!
God bless you abundantly!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
A Little More Tape in My Bible
My Bible is getting old...
It used to have a nice bonded leather cover, but that was replaced with a thick piece of brown leather from a local boot maker years ago. Amazingly, it has weathered fairly well, with only some of the pages in the front threatening to abandon ship. It's due for another round of tape in a few strategic places - perhaps this time it will hold better.
Some of my favorite texts are underlined. Next to many of those you can find references to related verses - written at one time or another when I was developing Bible studies for some friends. It's funny, but even when I don't remember exactly where the texts are, my mind remembers where they are on the page, and it is relatively easy to find them when I look for them.
In the front of the Bible my wife recorded that she gave this Book to me on our wedding day, nearly 25 years ago. I truly believe that I have used this gift more than any other gift that I have received. I also believe that I have never been given a more valuable gift in my entire lifetime.
Even now as I leaf through the pages I am taken away by the words I read. A passage here, a verse there - each one fills my mind with a time when those very words comforted me or challenged me at just the right moment. I am reminded of how just the act of reading a message again - as it were, for the first time - a new thought would dawn upon my mind like a flash of lightning, and I somehow understood the nature of God's love for me even more clearly than before.
And tonight my Bible challenged me again. A text, read superficially while looking for something else, caught my eye. Since this Bible is a red-letter edition, I knew that these were words spoken by Christ. What grabbed my attention was that I knew I had read these words - or words close enough to seem like an exact match - in another place in the gospels. And they weren't associated with the same story I was reading here in Mark 4.
I remembered the parable of the talents that Jesus told in Matthew 25. I also recalled the warning that is in verse 29: "For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away." It had always hit me that in this parable the man who had so little even had that taken away from him. But as I re-read the verse, I saw that what the verse says is slightly different than what I had initially thought. It says that the person who has nothing, even that will be taken from him. Nothing to hold on to - nothing to rely on - even the scent of what used to be there is gone.
So when I was reading Jesus' interpretation of the parable of the sower in Mark 4, I was surprised to see verse 25: "For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him." Only a verse before this Jesus had admonished His disciples to learn from what they heard. Just like the man with the single talent, if they didn't use what they had, they would lose what they had.
The message, coming from two different directions, hit me hard. I, who have so much, also have so much responsibility. If God has revealed Himself to us, and has demonstrated His love to us, should we not be actively sharing the light He gave us? Just like the man who returned from his trip to see what his servants had done with their talents, God is looking for results, not excuses. And that hit me hard.
God asked Moses, "What is in your hand?" God is asking that same question of us all today. Whether it is the ability to show His love to those around you or just to open His Word to a friend, we are here for a reason. We may think that we don't have anything to offer. We may feel that we are tired and torn, but just like my old Bible, there is so much more that we can do when we are placed in God's hands. Or, more accurately, when we place our lives in His hands. And He has promised that if we come to Him, He will give us the rest we need so we can be revitalized and ready to serve again.
Just like a little more tape in my Bible.
God bless you abundantly!
It used to have a nice bonded leather cover, but that was replaced with a thick piece of brown leather from a local boot maker years ago. Amazingly, it has weathered fairly well, with only some of the pages in the front threatening to abandon ship. It's due for another round of tape in a few strategic places - perhaps this time it will hold better.
Some of my favorite texts are underlined. Next to many of those you can find references to related verses - written at one time or another when I was developing Bible studies for some friends. It's funny, but even when I don't remember exactly where the texts are, my mind remembers where they are on the page, and it is relatively easy to find them when I look for them.
In the front of the Bible my wife recorded that she gave this Book to me on our wedding day, nearly 25 years ago. I truly believe that I have used this gift more than any other gift that I have received. I also believe that I have never been given a more valuable gift in my entire lifetime.
Even now as I leaf through the pages I am taken away by the words I read. A passage here, a verse there - each one fills my mind with a time when those very words comforted me or challenged me at just the right moment. I am reminded of how just the act of reading a message again - as it were, for the first time - a new thought would dawn upon my mind like a flash of lightning, and I somehow understood the nature of God's love for me even more clearly than before.
And tonight my Bible challenged me again. A text, read superficially while looking for something else, caught my eye. Since this Bible is a red-letter edition, I knew that these were words spoken by Christ. What grabbed my attention was that I knew I had read these words - or words close enough to seem like an exact match - in another place in the gospels. And they weren't associated with the same story I was reading here in Mark 4.
I remembered the parable of the talents that Jesus told in Matthew 25. I also recalled the warning that is in verse 29: "For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away." It had always hit me that in this parable the man who had so little even had that taken away from him. But as I re-read the verse, I saw that what the verse says is slightly different than what I had initially thought. It says that the person who has nothing, even that will be taken from him. Nothing to hold on to - nothing to rely on - even the scent of what used to be there is gone.
So when I was reading Jesus' interpretation of the parable of the sower in Mark 4, I was surprised to see verse 25: "For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him." Only a verse before this Jesus had admonished His disciples to learn from what they heard. Just like the man with the single talent, if they didn't use what they had, they would lose what they had.
The message, coming from two different directions, hit me hard. I, who have so much, also have so much responsibility. If God has revealed Himself to us, and has demonstrated His love to us, should we not be actively sharing the light He gave us? Just like the man who returned from his trip to see what his servants had done with their talents, God is looking for results, not excuses. And that hit me hard.
God asked Moses, "What is in your hand?" God is asking that same question of us all today. Whether it is the ability to show His love to those around you or just to open His Word to a friend, we are here for a reason. We may think that we don't have anything to offer. We may feel that we are tired and torn, but just like my old Bible, there is so much more that we can do when we are placed in God's hands. Or, more accurately, when we place our lives in His hands. And He has promised that if we come to Him, He will give us the rest we need so we can be revitalized and ready to serve again.
Just like a little more tape in my Bible.
God bless you abundantly!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
When the Foundation Crumbles...
It's so quiet I can hear the clock ticking from across the room.
My fingers seem reluctant to transfer my thoughts onto the computer screen, pausing as if to say, "This week has taken a lot out of us as well." The cat, who usually is outside, jumps up on the couch to rub her head against my hand, then wanders through the house to investigate what is usually off limits to her.
I'm by myself because my wife has driven hundreds of miles to be with her mother who was admitted to the intensive care unit in a hospital near her home. The call tonight let me know that her mom is doing a little better, but still on the ventilator. Still needing our prayers.
Sitting here, I try to count the negative things that have happened this week, but I soon run out of fingers. Some things that happened were easier to shrug off - other things unexpectedly destroyed me. Even thought I tried to keep a smile on my face, the nights have been hard, and sleep has been rare.
I actually caught myself feeling like Elijah must have felt when he was running from Jezebel. I Kings 19:10, last part says, "I alone am left, and they seek to take my life." Maybe it wasn't my physical life, but some were out to destroy what I felt I had built up over the past 22 years, and I was powerless to stop them. People close to me - ones I had relied on for support - announced that they were leaving. Friends I had trusted failed me, and my own failures rushed in to take a prominent place in my thoughts.
I pick up my Bible and somehow find my way to I Peter. My eyes wander over the verses, picking out phrases here and there that give me such courage: "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps...." (I Peter 2:21) "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice...." (I Peter 4:12,13) "Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (I Peter 5:7)
My thoughts go back to Elijah and what happened to him after he was sure he was going to die. He experienced a great and mighty wind that "tore into the mountain," but God was not in the wind. The earth shook, throwing Elijah onto the ground, but the Lord was not in the earthquake either. Then the mountain was on fire, and Elijah sought shelter from the heat, but God could not be found in the fire.
And then it was quiet. The contrast between what was before and what Elijah was now experiencing was as different as night is from day. I imagine that Elijah eased himself down onto the ground, leaned his back against a tree, and felt the pent-up stress slowly leave his body. And only then did he hear the still small voice.
The voice said, "What are you doing here?"
"What am I doing here? Why, my life is destroyed - my foundation crumbled. Everything that I have worked for is gone. I am the only one left who even cares about You and Your covenant!"
I have to stop reading, because I realize that God is speaking to me. This week may have felt like a lashing wind, an earthquake, and a devouring flame, but dwelling on those things - hanging around those events and allowing them to control me - does not fit into God's plan for me. While I am wallowing in the midst of my troubles, God is asking, "What are you doing here?"
I take a deep breath and slowly let it out. I pick up the Word of God and again let my eyes scan the words that have blessed me so many times: "...be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
The healing has begun. The quietness of the evening embraces me. I can hear the clock ticking again.
God bless you abundantly!
My fingers seem reluctant to transfer my thoughts onto the computer screen, pausing as if to say, "This week has taken a lot out of us as well." The cat, who usually is outside, jumps up on the couch to rub her head against my hand, then wanders through the house to investigate what is usually off limits to her.
I'm by myself because my wife has driven hundreds of miles to be with her mother who was admitted to the intensive care unit in a hospital near her home. The call tonight let me know that her mom is doing a little better, but still on the ventilator. Still needing our prayers.
Sitting here, I try to count the negative things that have happened this week, but I soon run out of fingers. Some things that happened were easier to shrug off - other things unexpectedly destroyed me. Even thought I tried to keep a smile on my face, the nights have been hard, and sleep has been rare.
I actually caught myself feeling like Elijah must have felt when he was running from Jezebel. I Kings 19:10, last part says, "I alone am left, and they seek to take my life." Maybe it wasn't my physical life, but some were out to destroy what I felt I had built up over the past 22 years, and I was powerless to stop them. People close to me - ones I had relied on for support - announced that they were leaving. Friends I had trusted failed me, and my own failures rushed in to take a prominent place in my thoughts.
I pick up my Bible and somehow find my way to I Peter. My eyes wander over the verses, picking out phrases here and there that give me such courage: "For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps...." (I Peter 2:21) "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice...." (I Peter 4:12,13) "Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (I Peter 5:7)
My thoughts go back to Elijah and what happened to him after he was sure he was going to die. He experienced a great and mighty wind that "tore into the mountain," but God was not in the wind. The earth shook, throwing Elijah onto the ground, but the Lord was not in the earthquake either. Then the mountain was on fire, and Elijah sought shelter from the heat, but God could not be found in the fire.
And then it was quiet. The contrast between what was before and what Elijah was now experiencing was as different as night is from day. I imagine that Elijah eased himself down onto the ground, leaned his back against a tree, and felt the pent-up stress slowly leave his body. And only then did he hear the still small voice.
The voice said, "What are you doing here?"
"What am I doing here? Why, my life is destroyed - my foundation crumbled. Everything that I have worked for is gone. I am the only one left who even cares about You and Your covenant!"
I have to stop reading, because I realize that God is speaking to me. This week may have felt like a lashing wind, an earthquake, and a devouring flame, but dwelling on those things - hanging around those events and allowing them to control me - does not fit into God's plan for me. While I am wallowing in the midst of my troubles, God is asking, "What are you doing here?"
I take a deep breath and slowly let it out. I pick up the Word of God and again let my eyes scan the words that have blessed me so many times: "...be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
The healing has begun. The quietness of the evening embraces me. I can hear the clock ticking again.
God bless you abundantly!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Remembering Joseph
I was thinking today of Joseph...
You know, the Joseph in the Bible - the spoiled kid who got everything he wanted. The one who had no problem tattling on his older brothers when he heard they were doing things that they shouldn't do.
His brothers weren't too pleased with his behaviors, and because he was the favored little kid that was always hanging around, they had no problems treating him poorly. That was before he started having dreams that showcased his superiority. His stories always seemed to feature him as the center of attention, with his brother and even his parents bowing down to him. He was arrogant enough to share the dreams - not smart enough to realize that they would only antagonize his siblings.
So now we have this know-it-all who thinks he is the cream of the family crop, whose brothers can't wait to have him knocked down a few rungs on the ladder. And that's pretty much what happened. His brothers jumped at the opportunity to make a few shekels by selling him to some traveling traders and put an end to his story. "We can drag the multicolored tunic through some goat's blood, tell Dad a story about finding the coat in the desert, and wash our hands of the whole situation," they thought. No more little brother with a superiority complex.
Tough break for little Joseph. Most of us wouldn't hold out much hope for him making it in the real world. We can imagine what would happen the first time he tried to show his superiority to his new masters - I don't believe they would look too kindly on a slave with "airs," especially in Egypt. But apparently that never happened. Something transpired on that trip from Dothan to Egypt.
What happened to that 17-year-old boy who had alienated himself from his brothers. to the young man who became a slave in Egypt who, as it says in Genesis 39:2, had the LORD with him? What transpired on that dusty trip, while he was probably tied to the animals and forced to walk the entire way, that changed that egotistical boy into a man of God?
I would guess that he had the opportunity to do a lot of thinking on that trip. And a lot of praying. Instead of blaming God, I believe that he developed a relationship with God - a willingness to accept whatever God had for him, whether it was good or bad. And while his trials were far from over, that ongoing relationship was able to carry him throughout the rest of his long life.
The reason that I was thinking of Joseph was because it hit me that the life-long relationship that he had with God was solidified during the tough times, not in the times of comfort and abundance. Yet so many times I hear of people who let their grip on God go when the difficult times hit their lives. And I wonder - what makes the difference? Why is it that trials can bring us to Christ or cause us to throw the relationship into the trash?
I can't answer for others, but the story of Joseph makes it clear to me that God will do whatever it takes to help us make a decision for Him. And, unfortunately, most of the time we don't chose Him when all is well, when the stock market is making us tons of money, or when the silver spoon we are born with is continually filled with the "fat of the land." He is willing to risk all in the hopes that we will see that our entire lives are dependent on our relationship with Him. And sooner or later, we all will have that moment of truth - that point in our lives that forces us to make a decision - where we will chose God or turn away from Him.
Imagine what would have happened if Joseph had not been sold into slavery. How different would the history of the nation of Israel been if Joseph had ended up being a selfish old man who had an ongoing feud with his brothers? Where will our story be if we do not meet Christ through the crisis?
Have you had some tough times this week? Remember the story of Joseph....
You know, the Joseph in the Bible - the spoiled kid who got everything he wanted. The one who had no problem tattling on his older brothers when he heard they were doing things that they shouldn't do.
His brothers weren't too pleased with his behaviors, and because he was the favored little kid that was always hanging around, they had no problems treating him poorly. That was before he started having dreams that showcased his superiority. His stories always seemed to feature him as the center of attention, with his brother and even his parents bowing down to him. He was arrogant enough to share the dreams - not smart enough to realize that they would only antagonize his siblings.
So now we have this know-it-all who thinks he is the cream of the family crop, whose brothers can't wait to have him knocked down a few rungs on the ladder. And that's pretty much what happened. His brothers jumped at the opportunity to make a few shekels by selling him to some traveling traders and put an end to his story. "We can drag the multicolored tunic through some goat's blood, tell Dad a story about finding the coat in the desert, and wash our hands of the whole situation," they thought. No more little brother with a superiority complex.
Tough break for little Joseph. Most of us wouldn't hold out much hope for him making it in the real world. We can imagine what would happen the first time he tried to show his superiority to his new masters - I don't believe they would look too kindly on a slave with "airs," especially in Egypt. But apparently that never happened. Something transpired on that trip from Dothan to Egypt.
What happened to that 17-year-old boy who had alienated himself from his brothers. to the young man who became a slave in Egypt who, as it says in Genesis 39:2, had the LORD with him? What transpired on that dusty trip, while he was probably tied to the animals and forced to walk the entire way, that changed that egotistical boy into a man of God?
I would guess that he had the opportunity to do a lot of thinking on that trip. And a lot of praying. Instead of blaming God, I believe that he developed a relationship with God - a willingness to accept whatever God had for him, whether it was good or bad. And while his trials were far from over, that ongoing relationship was able to carry him throughout the rest of his long life.
The reason that I was thinking of Joseph was because it hit me that the life-long relationship that he had with God was solidified during the tough times, not in the times of comfort and abundance. Yet so many times I hear of people who let their grip on God go when the difficult times hit their lives. And I wonder - what makes the difference? Why is it that trials can bring us to Christ or cause us to throw the relationship into the trash?
I can't answer for others, but the story of Joseph makes it clear to me that God will do whatever it takes to help us make a decision for Him. And, unfortunately, most of the time we don't chose Him when all is well, when the stock market is making us tons of money, or when the silver spoon we are born with is continually filled with the "fat of the land." He is willing to risk all in the hopes that we will see that our entire lives are dependent on our relationship with Him. And sooner or later, we all will have that moment of truth - that point in our lives that forces us to make a decision - where we will chose God or turn away from Him.
Imagine what would have happened if Joseph had not been sold into slavery. How different would the history of the nation of Israel been if Joseph had ended up being a selfish old man who had an ongoing feud with his brothers? Where will our story be if we do not meet Christ through the crisis?
Have you had some tough times this week? Remember the story of Joseph....
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Where the Wind Blows
Officially the wind is blowing today at 32 to 40 miles an hour. When the gusts hit the side of the house and you literally feel it shaking, it reminds you that 40 miles per hour is no small amount. The drop in temperature (with the wind chill factor) makes me glad that I am comfortably resting at home this afternoon. Inside where there is no wind....
Occasionally I see leaves and branches tumble past the house, torn from nearby trees by the power of the wind. A plastic bag, seemingly freed from gravity's clutches, soars skyward, bouncing off the electric lines on its way to who knows where. Dust, kicked up by a passing car, clouds the view momentarily, then is scattered by another gust of the never-ending wind.
Where I live, winds like this are rare. Light breezes usually send the trees into a rhythmic dance, creating a pleasing atmosphere and ambiance that soothes the mind. The wind we experience tends to caress the flowers and massage the beasts in the field. It can best be described as "gentle."
But it is the same wind. One day it can bring a peaceful breeze, the next a tornado. At one time it creates a calm, while another time it blows uneasiness into our hearts.
Jesus told His disciples, "Let's go to the other side of the lake." So they boarded several little boats and headed across Galilee. These experienced fishermen knew what they were doing; they had spent many days on this lake, and were familiar with the nature of the wind. But they weren't prepared for a storm like the one that hit them. Mark 4:37 says "...a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling."
The disciples - men used to struggling against the elements - were terrified at the certainty of their destruction. They found Jesus asleep in the stern of the boat and shook Him awake. "Don't You care," they yelled, "that we are perishing?"
We all remember the story, how Jesus rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And we remember how the disciples marveled that this Man could speak and the winds would obey Him.
But Jesus had something else to say to His disciples, something that has significance for us living in the times that we live. Mark 4:40 records that Jesus turned to them and asked, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?"
This past week we have felt the winds blow around the world. The very things that we have relied on, the foundations of our daily lives, have been shaken to their very cores. Lives have been radically changed, and the fear that comes with imminent destruction has gripped many hearts. Some have cried out to God, saying, "Don't You care that we are perishing?"
Jesus' message to us is the same one that He spoke to those frightened fishermen. We know, from reading His Word, that the last days will be tumultuous ones. But these are not times that we will endure alone. There is Someone who is riding along with us, Someone encouraging us to have faith - to hold on just a little longer. Someone who has the ability to bring this ship safely to the other shore.
It looks like the wind has already calmed down a little....
Occasionally I see leaves and branches tumble past the house, torn from nearby trees by the power of the wind. A plastic bag, seemingly freed from gravity's clutches, soars skyward, bouncing off the electric lines on its way to who knows where. Dust, kicked up by a passing car, clouds the view momentarily, then is scattered by another gust of the never-ending wind.
Where I live, winds like this are rare. Light breezes usually send the trees into a rhythmic dance, creating a pleasing atmosphere and ambiance that soothes the mind. The wind we experience tends to caress the flowers and massage the beasts in the field. It can best be described as "gentle."
But it is the same wind. One day it can bring a peaceful breeze, the next a tornado. At one time it creates a calm, while another time it blows uneasiness into our hearts.
Jesus told His disciples, "Let's go to the other side of the lake." So they boarded several little boats and headed across Galilee. These experienced fishermen knew what they were doing; they had spent many days on this lake, and were familiar with the nature of the wind. But they weren't prepared for a storm like the one that hit them. Mark 4:37 says "...a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling."
The disciples - men used to struggling against the elements - were terrified at the certainty of their destruction. They found Jesus asleep in the stern of the boat and shook Him awake. "Don't You care," they yelled, "that we are perishing?"
We all remember the story, how Jesus rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" And we remember how the disciples marveled that this Man could speak and the winds would obey Him.
But Jesus had something else to say to His disciples, something that has significance for us living in the times that we live. Mark 4:40 records that Jesus turned to them and asked, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?"
This past week we have felt the winds blow around the world. The very things that we have relied on, the foundations of our daily lives, have been shaken to their very cores. Lives have been radically changed, and the fear that comes with imminent destruction has gripped many hearts. Some have cried out to God, saying, "Don't You care that we are perishing?"
Jesus' message to us is the same one that He spoke to those frightened fishermen. We know, from reading His Word, that the last days will be tumultuous ones. But these are not times that we will endure alone. There is Someone who is riding along with us, Someone encouraging us to have faith - to hold on just a little longer. Someone who has the ability to bring this ship safely to the other shore.
It looks like the wind has already calmed down a little....
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Tears of Joy in a Time of Pain
I cried this week...
Sure, for those of you who know me personally, that declaration comes as no surprise. I tend to have my emotions only slightly hidden under a veneer of perceived composure, and anything (sometime without warning!) can bring them to the top. But in this case you might have cried as well.
How many years I have known her, I really can't tell. And to say that I "know" her is probably stretching it a bit. She works in the same facility that I work in, but her hours are opposite of mine, so it is rare that I see her. But this week she made a special effort to arrange to meet with me after she got off from work, following a long, busy night.
Here first words were, "I need to take some Family Medical time off." I had heard that her husband was having some health problems, and my initial thought was that he needed her help while he got over his illness. It wasn't that, although her husband had worsened and was currently on hospice. She didn't know how long it would be before he would die. But that isn't why she needed time off.
She had gone to visit her mother and step father last week, getting there just as they were bringing him home following a gall bladder surgery. As soon as she saw him, she said, "What else is going on?" She knew, from working in a hospital, that he shouldn't have a catheter or be on oxygen from a simple gall bladder surgery. Her mom, who is legally blind, didn't know anything, but said that he had an appointment with the doctor on the next Monday.
It was on that day that she discovered her step father, who was more like a father to her than her real father, had stage 4 cancer. It had progressed so much that they would not even start treatments, but immediately arranged for hospice. All she could do was get her cousin, who has multiple sclerosis, to come in to care for him while she rushed back home to request time off, then take her husband with her to spend those last days with Dad.
When she finished telling me this story, she turned to me with her eyes brimming with tears and said, "How can people go through this life without Jesus?"
We arranged for her time off, and I had a prayer with her - and I cried. As she walked away, I was reminded of Job. Job didn't know why he was going through all of the trials that he experienced, but he never let go of God! It is amazing that no matter what happened, he still trusted God. Job 13:15 says, "Though He kills me, yet I will still trust Him."
But what is even more notable is that God trusted him. You see, Satan's accusation was against God, not against Job. Yet God knew Job well enough - the relationship was strong enough - that He was willing to put it all on the line, and know that Job would come out shining as gold - a true witness of what happens when humanity is united in partnership with the Almighty.
So I cried. Not because the story I heard was so sad, which it was, but because here was a woman of God who was trusted to bear the burden and still represent God in a positive light. I cried because I was in the presence of someone who was actively being used by God.
James 1:2 says, "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials." Are you experiencing trials in your life? Do you realize that God is trusting you to be His witness through the fire? Can that fill you with joy in spite of the pain?
Can I shed a tear of joy for you too?
Sure, for those of you who know me personally, that declaration comes as no surprise. I tend to have my emotions only slightly hidden under a veneer of perceived composure, and anything (sometime without warning!) can bring them to the top. But in this case you might have cried as well.
How many years I have known her, I really can't tell. And to say that I "know" her is probably stretching it a bit. She works in the same facility that I work in, but her hours are opposite of mine, so it is rare that I see her. But this week she made a special effort to arrange to meet with me after she got off from work, following a long, busy night.
Here first words were, "I need to take some Family Medical time off." I had heard that her husband was having some health problems, and my initial thought was that he needed her help while he got over his illness. It wasn't that, although her husband had worsened and was currently on hospice. She didn't know how long it would be before he would die. But that isn't why she needed time off.
She had gone to visit her mother and step father last week, getting there just as they were bringing him home following a gall bladder surgery. As soon as she saw him, she said, "What else is going on?" She knew, from working in a hospital, that he shouldn't have a catheter or be on oxygen from a simple gall bladder surgery. Her mom, who is legally blind, didn't know anything, but said that he had an appointment with the doctor on the next Monday.
It was on that day that she discovered her step father, who was more like a father to her than her real father, had stage 4 cancer. It had progressed so much that they would not even start treatments, but immediately arranged for hospice. All she could do was get her cousin, who has multiple sclerosis, to come in to care for him while she rushed back home to request time off, then take her husband with her to spend those last days with Dad.
When she finished telling me this story, she turned to me with her eyes brimming with tears and said, "How can people go through this life without Jesus?"
We arranged for her time off, and I had a prayer with her - and I cried. As she walked away, I was reminded of Job. Job didn't know why he was going through all of the trials that he experienced, but he never let go of God! It is amazing that no matter what happened, he still trusted God. Job 13:15 says, "Though He kills me, yet I will still trust Him."
But what is even more notable is that God trusted him. You see, Satan's accusation was against God, not against Job. Yet God knew Job well enough - the relationship was strong enough - that He was willing to put it all on the line, and know that Job would come out shining as gold - a true witness of what happens when humanity is united in partnership with the Almighty.
So I cried. Not because the story I heard was so sad, which it was, but because here was a woman of God who was trusted to bear the burden and still represent God in a positive light. I cried because I was in the presence of someone who was actively being used by God.
James 1:2 says, "Count it all joy when you fall into various trials." Are you experiencing trials in your life? Do you realize that God is trusting you to be His witness through the fire? Can that fill you with joy in spite of the pain?
Can I shed a tear of joy for you too?
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Making the Connection
Today I walked in God's beautiful nature.
It wasn't my plan to do that - I wanted to get on line and write my weekly blog. I had an idea that I wanted to develop, and even though friends tried to get me to go outside and enjoy this beautiful fall day, I was sure my job was to send my message out and reach the millions for Christ. So I sent them out of the house, encouraging my wife to join them, because I needed the solitude to "wax eloquent" and do my spiritual "thing."
As soon as they were gone I fired up the computer and, surrounded by heavy books of spiritual knowledge and inspiration, I clicked the button that would send me into Internet space. But nothing happened. All I got was a message that said the computer couldn't find the server, or some lame excuse like that. I shut the computer off and restarted it. No change - still the same message.
By this time I was getting frustrated. I got my laptop computer out and clicked it on. It searched and searched, but finally it came back with the same message - no connection to the Internet.
The irony of it all suddenly hit me, and I started laughing (no one was in the house, so that reduced my chances of someone thinking I had lost it mentally!). Here I was, so "gung ho" about doing the Lord's work, and yet I had no connection to the very medium that I needed to get my message out! I could have typed the best sermon, created the most memorable quotes, but they would have stayed on my computer, and no one else would have seen them or received any benefit from them.
I thought a lot about this as I rode my old Honda up the road to the trail head, and even more while I walked through the woods, listening to the squirrels and chipmunks and birds, watching the ducks in the lake, and seeing the beauty around me. I settled on two things that impressed me from this experience.
First, we can want to do great things for God, but it's not us nor our power that is ever going to make anything happen. God can use us, but only when we have a direct connection with Him. Just like my computer was not able to send any messages outside of my home without that connection, we are not able to do anything without an active connection - a continual connection - with God. That connection is through our prayers and spending time with Him in His Word.
Second, God wants us to recharge our own batteries. He knew I had experienced a hard week, with trials at work, going to the funeral of the husband of a friend, and wondering what was going to happen next in the world. He knew that nothing would refresh me like a brisk walk in His second Book - the Book of Nature. And He was right.
Let's see - what was I going to write about? You know, it doesn't seem to be that important right now. It can wait until another day. I think I'm going to go on the back deck and listen to the river and watch the sun go down. I've got some connecting to do with my Heavenly Father.
Oh, by the way - the Internet connection just needed to be reset. No big deal....
God bless you abundantly!
It wasn't my plan to do that - I wanted to get on line and write my weekly blog. I had an idea that I wanted to develop, and even though friends tried to get me to go outside and enjoy this beautiful fall day, I was sure my job was to send my message out and reach the millions for Christ. So I sent them out of the house, encouraging my wife to join them, because I needed the solitude to "wax eloquent" and do my spiritual "thing."
As soon as they were gone I fired up the computer and, surrounded by heavy books of spiritual knowledge and inspiration, I clicked the button that would send me into Internet space. But nothing happened. All I got was a message that said the computer couldn't find the server, or some lame excuse like that. I shut the computer off and restarted it. No change - still the same message.
By this time I was getting frustrated. I got my laptop computer out and clicked it on. It searched and searched, but finally it came back with the same message - no connection to the Internet.
The irony of it all suddenly hit me, and I started laughing (no one was in the house, so that reduced my chances of someone thinking I had lost it mentally!). Here I was, so "gung ho" about doing the Lord's work, and yet I had no connection to the very medium that I needed to get my message out! I could have typed the best sermon, created the most memorable quotes, but they would have stayed on my computer, and no one else would have seen them or received any benefit from them.
I thought a lot about this as I rode my old Honda up the road to the trail head, and even more while I walked through the woods, listening to the squirrels and chipmunks and birds, watching the ducks in the lake, and seeing the beauty around me. I settled on two things that impressed me from this experience.
First, we can want to do great things for God, but it's not us nor our power that is ever going to make anything happen. God can use us, but only when we have a direct connection with Him. Just like my computer was not able to send any messages outside of my home without that connection, we are not able to do anything without an active connection - a continual connection - with God. That connection is through our prayers and spending time with Him in His Word.
Second, God wants us to recharge our own batteries. He knew I had experienced a hard week, with trials at work, going to the funeral of the husband of a friend, and wondering what was going to happen next in the world. He knew that nothing would refresh me like a brisk walk in His second Book - the Book of Nature. And He was right.
Let's see - what was I going to write about? You know, it doesn't seem to be that important right now. It can wait until another day. I think I'm going to go on the back deck and listen to the river and watch the sun go down. I've got some connecting to do with my Heavenly Father.
Oh, by the way - the Internet connection just needed to be reset. No big deal....
God bless you abundantly!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Welcome to Prayers of Faith!
It's raining, and I can see the water splashing off the deck railing in front of the house. The ground hasn't seen moisture like this for some time, so most of the rain quickly disappears, yet there are still some spots where puddles are formed in the low areas of the dirt driveway. The birds seem to enjoy the showers, and sit motionless on the telephone wires. I'm content to just sit in silence as I contemplate this new ministry.
Actually, I've been sending out Prayers of Faith messages for over a year, so it's not really a new ministry. Maybe it's just a new facet of what I want to share - driven by the opportunities that technology offers, and hopefully by the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
A lot has been troubling my mind this week. It' s not just what is happening in the world that troubles me - it's what has been happening in my heart. I believe that the Holy Spirit has been challenging me to do something more than just sending out inspirational thoughts and prayer requests - those only take a little of my time and energy. But what have I been giving of myself? I am reminded of the story of the woman with the two mites (you can find it in Luke 21:1-4), who gave more because she put in all while the others gave of their excess. It wasn't just the fact that she gave all her financial resources, but rather that she gave all of herself!
That's what has been troubling me. I am convinced that God does not want me to say, "that's enough." Because when I look at what He did for me, it is never going to be "enough." I can't "pay" for what I am getting (salvation), and I will never be able to do enough to deserve it. Thank God He doesn't expect me to pay - He's already paid the price. He freely offers me salvation, and I have whole-heartedly accepted it. It's because I have accepted it that I am troubled.
Let me put it this way: When Christmas comes around I want to give my wife something that will make her eyes light up and exclaim, "That's just what I wanted - how did you know?!" I'm not trying to buy her love - it's because of her love for me and my love for her that I would spend hours trying to find just the right thing. I want to give her something special because of the relationship we have.
It's the same way with God. He has done so much for me and my family - put us in situations that could have destroyed us (a risk that He was willing to take), but, like the refiner's fire, only drew us closer into His arms. It takes an amazing God to be willing to risk that - the same God who risked His life on a cross so that I could have salvation. That is love - more love than I could ever imagine! And all the power of that love is directed towards me!
I now can understand what Paul was saying in 2 Corinthians 5:14, "For the love of Christ constrains us...." It's that same love that is compelling me, driving me, empowering me to step out and do more. It's knowing and experiencing that love that motivates me to step out of my comfort zone and into the unknown.
The world is not unlike the ground outside of my house. It's dry, and it's been a while since it has felt a rain of God's love. But the rain is starting to fall. And if there is any way that I can be a simple cup to hold that rain and offer it to a thirsty soul, then that is my life-long mission. And if there is anything that I can say that will direct a soul to Christ, then anything that I have experienced, any pain and heartache that I have suffered, will be more than worth it all.
Is God calling you to do the same?
God bless you abundantly!
Actually, I've been sending out Prayers of Faith messages for over a year, so it's not really a new ministry. Maybe it's just a new facet of what I want to share - driven by the opportunities that technology offers, and hopefully by the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
A lot has been troubling my mind this week. It' s not just what is happening in the world that troubles me - it's what has been happening in my heart. I believe that the Holy Spirit has been challenging me to do something more than just sending out inspirational thoughts and prayer requests - those only take a little of my time and energy. But what have I been giving of myself? I am reminded of the story of the woman with the two mites (you can find it in Luke 21:1-4), who gave more because she put in all while the others gave of their excess. It wasn't just the fact that she gave all her financial resources, but rather that she gave all of herself!
That's what has been troubling me. I am convinced that God does not want me to say, "that's enough." Because when I look at what He did for me, it is never going to be "enough." I can't "pay" for what I am getting (salvation), and I will never be able to do enough to deserve it. Thank God He doesn't expect me to pay - He's already paid the price. He freely offers me salvation, and I have whole-heartedly accepted it. It's because I have accepted it that I am troubled.
Let me put it this way: When Christmas comes around I want to give my wife something that will make her eyes light up and exclaim, "That's just what I wanted - how did you know?!" I'm not trying to buy her love - it's because of her love for me and my love for her that I would spend hours trying to find just the right thing. I want to give her something special because of the relationship we have.
It's the same way with God. He has done so much for me and my family - put us in situations that could have destroyed us (a risk that He was willing to take), but, like the refiner's fire, only drew us closer into His arms. It takes an amazing God to be willing to risk that - the same God who risked His life on a cross so that I could have salvation. That is love - more love than I could ever imagine! And all the power of that love is directed towards me!
I now can understand what Paul was saying in 2 Corinthians 5:14, "For the love of Christ constrains us...." It's that same love that is compelling me, driving me, empowering me to step out and do more. It's knowing and experiencing that love that motivates me to step out of my comfort zone and into the unknown.
The world is not unlike the ground outside of my house. It's dry, and it's been a while since it has felt a rain of God's love. But the rain is starting to fall. And if there is any way that I can be a simple cup to hold that rain and offer it to a thirsty soul, then that is my life-long mission. And if there is anything that I can say that will direct a soul to Christ, then anything that I have experienced, any pain and heartache that I have suffered, will be more than worth it all.
Is God calling you to do the same?
God bless you abundantly!
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