Friday, March 25, 2011

A Good Slow-Down

"If you treat every situation as a life-and-death matter, you will die a lot of times."  Hmmm,  I’m curious how many times I died yesterday?  Of course, I'm not talking about physical death rather a moment's urgency and the anxiety & stress that result.  It’s just way too much whiz-bang living!

This is a push-button, drive-through, hurry-up world.  That's why Proverbs 3:5-6 is so refreshing: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."  I like that -- trust, lean not, acknowledge Him. He certainly knows our speed-of-life!  I wonder how many times I've buzzed by God, maybe even plowed Him over speeding through the day.  Maybe because we ignore Him, we experience God’s speeding tickets -- broken dreams, waylaid plans, sickness, failed relationships, and such.  Perhaps He chooses to use these circumstances to apply life-brakes to slow us down and remind us we don’t do life well separate from God.  We all need time to unwind and rest, be refreshed and renewed, and lovingly be led back to walking hand-in-hand with The Father.  Yes, what we need is truly …  a good slow-down!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Fool-Hearty

You ever seen a turnip truck?  Me neither!  Even though my Daddy loves turnips, I just don’t remember a truck delivering turnips.  That’s how I also know I’ve never seen anyone “fall off the turnip truck!”

Oh, how foolish man can be!  Country music singer Don Williams sang, “Fool, fool heart, guess you’ll never learn; Taking chances like you do isn’t smart; My fool, fool heart.” (Psalm 12:1) The psalmist wrote about man’s folly, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”  Isn’t it amazing God loves and puts up with us?  David continues in Verse 2, “The LORD has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.” God doesn’t relate to naïve; He is not inexperienced or immature.  The Creator knows and even tests the heart of men to reveal man’s foolishness apart from God (Ecclesiastes 3:18).  Probably none of us would be so foolish to say “there is no God,” but what do our lives say?  Do we live and breathe AS IF God is dead or at the very least not watching us?  Ecclesiastes 10:2 says the wise man chooses the right way, but the fool chooses the wrong.  Being wise really has nothing to do with the turnip truck, but it has EVERYTHING to do with seeking after God and being obedient to Him.  Do not be fool-hearty!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

One For All

In his novel, The Three Musketeers, Alexandre Dumas  introduces us to a young man named d’Artagnan who leaves home to become a guard of the musketeers. Oh, goodness, the adventures of d’Artagnan and his friends – Athos, Portos, and Artemis.  Perhaps we remember best their motto: “tous pour un, un pour tous” (all for one, one for all).
This culture doesn’t promote one much.  We tend to think in terms of pairs, couples, groups, dozens, and such.  The band, “Three Dog Night,” even sang “one is the loneliest number.”  This is just not so for Christians!  “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and father of all who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:5-6)  Isn’t it awesome The One God and Father Who created and sustains heaven, earth, and man is all-sufficient … all by Himself!  His Oneness provides the above-all, through-all, and in-all of … all!  How else dare we live “a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” as commanded in Verses 1-3?  We do this by grace abiding in One God – One Father - One Spirit.  The One Who walked among men set the example and established The Oneness for Believers.  “They are one in His choice, one in His purpose, one in His covenant, one in His heart.”  (Winslow)  This is how we are one with Him!  The musketeers’ motto is better said: All for The One and The One for all.  What a precious and blessed truth!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Good Thoughts

Now, everyone, here’s an exercise in positive thinking:  I WILL think happy thoughts.  I WILL think happy thoughts.  I WILL think happy thoughts.  How are we doing so far?

This may be somewhat of a radical idea to many but God is actually the first and foremost Author in positive thinking.  Repeating something over and over to ourselves no sooner produces positive thinking than planting squash and expecting tomatoes!  We don’t need to read much of David’s writings to see his own struggles with having good thoughts in bad times.  “Help, Lord, for the godly man ceases to be, for the faithful disappear from among the sons of men. They speak falsehood to one another; with flattering lips and with a double heart they speak.” (Psalm 12:1-2)  Wow, I’m sure glad David doesn’t stop there but rather reminds us of the Sovereign God Who sees sin’s devastation, hears the grievances of the oppressed, delivers and preserves the righteous in complete safety. “’Because of the devastation of the afflicted, because of the groaning of the needy, now I will arise,’ says the LORD; ‘I will set him in the safety for which he longs.’ The words of the LORD are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times. You, O LORD, will keep them; You will preserve him from this generation forever.” (Psalm 12:5-7)  When men are untrue, God is true.  When men can’t be trusted, God is trustworthy.  God’s Word is faithful, as silver tested to the ultimate degree. Jesus confirms we’re safe, secure, out-of-reach to the ungodly: “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.” (John 10:29).  Here’s where good thoughts originate – in the ever faithful, ever present and eternal Truth and Nature of Almighty God.  Therein is REAL positive thinking!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Good Return

The name of the show is “Hogs Gone Wild,” and get this – I watched it!  Mr. Bill hunts wild hogs so [naturally] he enjoys watching the show.  Maybe it was too late and I was just too tired to move from my comfy chair but I actually found the instinctive behavior of these wild animals pretty interesting, and the hour passed fairly quickly.  I’m scaring myself!

Perhaps it’s true “the world’s smiles are more dangerous than its frowns.”  Mortal men are such foolish creatures, evermore looking for approval from one another!  Second Samuel 16 gives an interesting contrast of two characters who challenged King David in exile.  David came face-to-face with the pretentious (false) flattery of Ziba (servant to Mephibosheth, Saul’s son) and the cursing & rock-throwing tantrum of Shimei (cousin to Saul).  David’s gracious and patient reply is noteworthy, “Perhaps the Lord will look on my affliction and return good to me instead of his cursing this day.” (16:12)  Are we not reminded of The Savior who prayed for those who reviled and crucified Him!  Oh, how we ache for God to strike against those who do evil against us – right here, right now, the right way!  We long for some illusionary reward of exoneration!  It’s well for us, however, that men are not our judges but rather He Who judges in truth and righteousness.  As David found comfort in his time of affliction, so must we die to self [those wild & instinctive behaviors] to know Sovereign God judges and rightly repays all service and sufferings unto Him.  It’s the best return we can know!

Friday, March 18, 2011

Early Hearts

What do you think about leftovers? Now, I can go to my Nanny's house and her leftovers are wonderful! But leftovers at my house -- well, they're just not too exciting. Most leftovers here end up with a two-week growth, and feed local possums & raccoons.

God doesn't deal in leftovers. We read in Lamentations 3:21-23: "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It because is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." New every morning! Consider it: each morning while we sleep, God is present with New Mercy prepared to engulf us. Yet!  Often with little [or no] thought of His fresh mercies, we dress, eat, hurriedly do our morning things ... then, we do our afternoon things ... then, we do our evening things. Tired and exhausted, we dutifully give God what we can muster before we crash into our beds at night ... our leftovers. Psalm 63:1 says, "O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee;" at the "dawn of day," at "first light, as soon as "day breaks." Mark records Jesus' quiet time, "Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed." (1:35) I like Adam Clarke's words, "What first lays hold of the heart in the morning is likely to occupy the place all the day." God deserves our freshness, our "early hearts," certainly more than what is left at day's end. Early today, embrace Him and know His fresh and tender mercies!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Favored One

Parents are sometimes accused of having a favorite child, and I just know I must be my parents’ favorite of four girls!  Why would I say such a thing?  Well, I was the only child given the privilege of mopping the kitchen floor every Saturday morning and the only one allowed to mow the steep hill beside the house.  Surely my parents would only have given their favorite child such wonderful opportunities!  J

God has favorites!  Imagine that!  The Father of all fathers favors some of His creation more than others, and He isn’t ashamed to say it!.  David wrote “the Lord has set apart the godly man for Himself.” (Psalm 4:3)  There we have it – God reserves for Himself the godly  – those who seek after and practice righteousness, those who are convicted of sin & confess it & repent of it, those seek to be forgiven and to forgive others, those who pursue God’s Truth then walk in it.  These are the favored ones of The Father.  “But let all who take refuge in You be glad, let them ever sing for joy; and may You shelter them, that those who love Your name may exult in You. For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O Lord, You surround him with favor as a shield.”   You know I’m just joking about being the favorite child – my parents love me and my sisters the same just as I love my own children equally.  Truth is, God loves person deeply but, just like our own children, it’s those who are obedient who bring Him the greatest joy and delight.  Oh, how I long to be His favored one!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Perfect and Practical

Where we put things is awfully important, that is, if we want to retrieve them!   I’ve developed an incredible talent over the years, perhaps an art, at finding the perfect and practical place for things.  The only trouble is I forget where those “perfect and practical” places are! 

Christians are notorious for misplacements!  The news of recent days show a world in disarray where uncertainty is very real.  People lack food, water, shelter, safety and our hearts are heavy for their suffering.  There is worse perishing, however.  In Psalm 2, David wrote of God’s laughter and anger at men’s foolish schemes, wicked counsel,  and lack of wisdom: “Kiss the Son [pay homage to Him in purity], lest He be angry and you perish in the way, for soon shall His wrath be kindled.” (V.12a)  Matthew Henry wrote, “Whatever we rejoice in, in this world, it must always be with trembling, because of the uncertainty of all things in it.”  God doesn’t expect evil men to welcome and submit to His authority, but it just makes good sense when His children “seek refuge and put their trust in Him!” (Psalm 2:12b)  There, in Christ alone, our trust is never misplaced.  It’s ever perfect and practical!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Sure

My Papa & Granny were simple people, and they loved their grandchildren.  As the school bus approached our house, how exciting it was to see their green Plymouth parked in our driveway.  I’d run to the house for kisses and hugs then to the cabinet for a pack of M&Ms.  They never forgot to bring me and my sisters this special treat – it was a sure thing!

A sure thing!  God used this word “sure” in Isaiah 55 when He spoke of His sure mercies to David (V.3).  The Hebrew word “sure” translates as established, verified, confirmed and it refers to The One Who is surety.  Nothing in this life is really sure: that’s why surety bonds are sold – a legal promise to pay someone if someone else fails to meet some obligation. It’s not just what God says but rather who God is and what He does that makes Him sure.  He and His Word are certain, beyond all doubt. We know this because many testified – names too numerous to list or count, that “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1-2).  They verified and confirmed the faithfulness of Almighty God to His many promises.  Winslow wrote, “These promises are exceedingly great and precious in their nature – they are personal and particular in their application – they are absolute and infallible in their fulfillment.”  As sure as I was there were M&Ms were in the cabinet, God is most sure!  We can be sure!

Monday, March 14, 2011

Clean

A fun childhood memory for me is when Dad let my sister and I make mud pies while Mom was gone shopping.  We had big fun and got horribly nasty.  Oh, what squealin' went on when Dad turned the water hose on us to rinse off the mud.  That water was sooooo cold, but we were all cleaned up before Mom got home!

Where God is concerned, "clean" is a relative term.  In Luke's Gospel, a Pharisee asked Jesus to dinner and was surprised when Jesus skipped the ceremonial Jewish custom of washing before He ate.  Jesus said to His host, "You Pharisees wash the outside, but inside you are still dirty -- full of greed and wickedness! Fools! Didn't God make the inside as well as the outside?" (11:37-40)  We give so much effort to the newest spring fashions, pedicures, seasonal hair styles, and even meticulously manicured lawns to array outward appearances while we allow inner man to rot and decay from sinfulness.  The Greek word for "fools" Jesus used here is translated mindless, ignorant, egotistical, unbelieving, unwise.  I fear there is little difference between the practice of the Pharisees in Jesus' day and our own ways -- that what deserves our real attention is not what is openly seen.  Truth is the heart matters most to The Father, and it’s our hearts for which Christ died.  Next time you're in the shower, consider God's idea of "clean."

Friday, March 11, 2011

Well-Dressed

A tour group passed through a particular room in a factory. They saw a bar of steel weighing five hundred pounds, vertically suspended by a chain. Near it, an average-size cork was suspended by a silk thread. The tour guide said, "You're about to see something seemingly impossible. This cork is going to set this steel bar in motion!" She took the cork in her hand, pulled it only slightly to the side of its original position, and released it. The cork swung gently against the steel bar, which remained motionless. For ten minutes the cork, with pendulum-like regularity, struck the iron bar. Finally, the bar vibrated slightly. By the time the tour group passed through the room an hour later, the great bar was swinging like the pendulum of a clock!

We often feel we aren't having much of an influence on the lives of our children, neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family.  Not so!  We just don't realize how powerful the overall influence of God's Goodness on others when we walk in His Light.  Romans 13:13-14 says, "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime ... clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ."  As you go about your day, remember just a smile can warm a heart and draw someone to Jesus.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Lovely

The word “lovely” is often used as an expletive: “Mom, we’re out of tea” … Lovely;  “Dear, the washing machine isn’t draining” … Lovely;  “Property taxes are due soon” … Lovely.  Really, now, tell me what’s lovely about any of this!

Does the word “lovely” come to mind when you consider Christ?  Solomon writes, “His mouth is most sweet, and he is altogether desirable.” (Song of Solomon 5:16) The Hebrew word “desirable” translates precious, valuable, treasure, a delight, and yes – lovely.  Oh, how we have failed to grasp the exceeding beauty of our Savior.  We comprehend loveliness because we travel thousands of miles to admire nature’s beauty, create beautiful homes and yards, go to great efforts to improve our own beauty.  Whiles there’s nothing wrong with that, we easily look past and over the supreme loveliness of our Beloved One.  Perhaps this intense desire for beauty is [in reality] the deep yearning of the soul for The Beautiful One, placed there by God Himself.  This might explain the psalmist’s longing for God’s presence all the days of his life “to behold the beauty of the Lord.” (27:4)  Spurgeon suggests, “Surely the people of God can fully justify the use of this golden word, for He is the object of their warmest love, a love founded on the intrinsic excellence of His person, the complete perfection of His charms.”  What lovely thoughts are you having?  Oh, that lovely isn’t a picture or a thing or a place but rather a Person: the Person of Jesus Christ.  Now, that’s Lovely!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

What's Inside?

When squeezed, what comes out of an orange?  When pressed, what comes from a grape?  When sliced, what oozes from a lemon?  Is that your final answer?

When pressured, what comes from the heart of a Believer?  This question, too, should be easily answered yet we hesitate.  The certainty the answers lies complete in what is INSIDE of each.  If black ink were injected into the orange, expect black ink to emerge.  This illustrates what happens when Believers feed on things other than God’s Word; we become what we … eat.  The Prophet Jeremiah wrote, “Your words were found and I ate them, and Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I have been called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.” (15:16)  We can boast of a Bible in every room but unless Its words get inside us, they will never become who we are.  Sin taints our hearts then when “squeezed, what emerges is not pleasing to The Lord nor do our lives testify of His holy nature.   His Spirit within us will apply The Father’s words but it is our willful and deliberate choice to put them inside.  The next time you hold an orange in your hand, consider what’s inside as well as what’s in your heart – God’s dwelling place.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Shiner

I've never had a shiner (black eye) -- never gave anyone one either!  Do you remember when Opie got a shiner?  My favorite part was when he was admiring his shiner in the mirror then asked, "Pa, how long do you think it'll last if I take reeeeal good care of it?"

The longer I live and the more struggles I know, the more and more I long for my eternal home.  Of course, I know there is much to be done while I remain, but I'm looking forward to that time when My Father says to His angels, "It's time!"  The boys once had a t-shirt with the words, "This world is not my home ...," and that is so true.  I really don't anticipate this world ever seeming much like home -- secure, safe, peaceful, joyful -- because it's not the home My Father has prepared for me.  Truth is, we’re not on the preparation committee but on the welcoming committee for Jesus' return!  Here, in this temporary place, many need the good news of Hope (Jesus Christ) and the joy that comes from Him.   For blessed shall be "the glad-hearted servants who shine with the Master's joy!"  Yes, we are all called to be Shiners while we're here.  With the eyes of Christ, we must reflect the Light that drives away surrounding darkness and echoes sweet sounds of Peace.  Be a Shiner for Jesus!

Monday, March 7, 2011

Sing It Out

“I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing [in Perfect Harmony]” began as a Coca-Cola jingle in 1971.  It originally included the line, “I’d like to buy the world a Coke” and repeated “It’s the real thing,” Coca-Cola’s [then] marketing theme.  The jingle became so popular it was re-recorded by The New Seekers as a full-length song, without the Coca-Cola references, to become a huge hit around the world.

Jingles, those catchy or rhythmic words & tunes, get in our head and sometimes just stay there – yeah, like this one will be today.  The Bible is full of God’s words that should resonate from the heart.  Consider for a moment how much Believers need one another; how important we hear words seasoned with grace and compassion to comfort and encourage.  “Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father.”  (Ephesians 5:19-20)  Paul is speaking to Christians here and doesn’t refer to empty nor idle nor frivolous speech; he writes of overflowing hearts, melodious in gratitude to The Father.  That ‘71 jingle stirred hearts with a positive message of hope and love, and its resounded around the world.  Christ gave us a greater song, The Hope and Love of all hope and love.  It is not to be hoarded or oppressed by silent hearts.  Speak it and live it to the glory and honor of The Redeemer of Souls.  Sing it out!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Greatest Friend - Part 4

Gone are the days of hero dogs like Lassie and Rin-Tin-Tin.  They seemed the perfect pets: friend, companion, and savior – all rolled into one!   

Who are God’s enemies?  We don’t care to admit it but WE are natural enemies of God.  James writes “whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (4:4)  There’s no denying our instinctive choice of friends!  Paul writes, “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly … For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, now that we are reconciled to God by the death of his Son …”  (Romans 5:6, 10)   Why, even Lassie and Rin-Tin-Tin unleashed wrath on their enemies!  Not so, however, with Greatest Friend: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)  We know The One who willingly laid it all aside, enduring ghastly suffering to make His enemies … His friends.  Wow! He recognized His enemies and saw the potential for friendship!  Jesus Christ defined friendship: “God shows his love for us in that while were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)   Casting Crowns sings it like this: “Not because of who I am - But because of what you’ve done - Not because of what I’ve done -  But because of who you are.”  Hallelujah, O what a Friend! Greatest Friend!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Greatest Friend - Part 3

Some friends just get better with time.  One might say, “aged to perfection!”  They’re much like that well-worn dusty book on the shelf that we reach for and open up to find its words more precious and sweetened with time. We know, then, we’ll never part with it!

The psalmist tells us to “taste and see” that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8)!  Most definitely, we should take God’s word for it, but we don’t have to: He longs to prove Himself our Greatest Friend. Research tells us pets help people combat loneliness, depression and isolation.  This is good news, of course, but they only BEGIN to give us what we really need.  The Gospel writers of the New Testament record how Jesus delivered people from mental, emotional and physical illnesses.  This is only a smidge of what we can expect from the Hand of God when He returns. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4) He is certainly Greatest Friend right here and now but it’s gonna get better.  When Friend returns and eternity begins, we will see the full extent of what God can do for us.  Oh, the delight of an eternity with Greatest Friend!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Greatest Friend - Part 2

An estimated 43 million households own a pet.  I am sure there are various reasons – protection, hunting, service, and some inherit their pets.  I would guess, however, companionship ranks near the top reason people own pets.

Oh, to be a friend of God’s – even the sound of it is satisfying!  Pets have a way of getting into our hearts.  I don’t have any grandchildren yet but I think my grand-dogs are pretty grand!  I am convinced they love to see me coming through the gate!  Friendship is more than just close acquaintance: it’s being attached to another by affection.  Christ said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friend, You are my friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:13-14)   Abraham was known as a “friend of God” (Exodus 33:11) [perhaps] because he drew no boundaries on his heart.  When we, like Abraham, surrender our hearts to The Father, we [too] can know Him as Greatest Friend and Most Faithful Companion.  Perfect companionship!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Greatest Friend - Part 1

People love their pets!  Although we are pet-less right now, we’ve had our share of dogs that have wallowed out flower beds, barked all night, and turned over trash cans!  Come to think of it, I’m not really missing a pet right now.

Man’s very best friend is mighty piddly compared The Greatest Friend.  Our last dog was accustomed to being chased off the porch, yelled at to stop barking, and often ignored in the hurry of our lives but he always greeted us with wagging tail and doggy-smile!  Our pets may see our less-than-best behavior but sometimes it happens to be those we love so dearly.  The beginning of Gordon Kuryluk’s song, “Teach Me to Love,” stings of reality: “I hurt the ones I love the most or so it seems to be. I say the harshest words to those who mean the world to me.”  How wonderful to know our Greatest Friend sees not only our worst behavior but the deepest and darkest of our hearts YET He loves us still.  The Father says “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3)  Almighty God sees the worst of us and loves us mostBy the ultimate sacrifice, He offers complete forgiveness and full acceptance.  He is the Greatest Friend!