Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Trust For the Journey

Do you remember the game in which a person is asked to blindly trust a group of people to catch him as he falls backwards? I’ve watched it done, but never actually been the … sucker! J

Genuine trust is found in a deeply dug well! As children, many of us jumped into an adult’s open arms – perhaps without hesitation. We trusted those arms were the destination. Is our trust in God genuine enough to move ahead with no knowledge of where that trust will lead? Oswald Chambers suggests when God calls us to do something and we are obedient (as we should be), we often [foolishly] “assume” He’s leading us to some perceived success. Saying “yes” to God doesn’t mean He’s calling us to a specific finish but rather to a particular process. Think about it, it’s during the journey where we struggle most – not the end! Chambers writes, “What He desires for me is that I see Him walking on the sea with no shore, no success, nor goal in sight, but simply having the absolute certainty that everything is all right because I see ‘Him walking on the sea’ (Mark 6:49).” We can count on God to reveal Himself as we obey Him, in the right-now times of life. He wants to empower us to walk on the storms right now, not at some future date. There are no spiritual “suckers” who rest assuredly in the deep and certain well-of-trust of Almighty God. As you walk in obedience, trust Him in the journey – He Who is trustworthy!

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Interruptions

Mr. Bill rarely gets frustrated, but he and Danny’s weed eater almost came to blows today. Now, I’m not sure how you handle troublesome-ness and I wasn’t outside to witness the “prayer meeting” between the two, but what I do know is soon we were on our way to get a milkshake. Okay!

Claire Cloninger writes, “Henri Nouwen, in his book, Out of Solitude, tells of an old Notre Dame professor who had always complained his work was constantly being interrupted. Like so many of us, he longed for the freedom to concentrate fully on what he considered important. Late in his life, however, the professor came to realize what he wished he had known all along: that the interruptions were his work ... The interruptions are the work. The pieces are the whole. We cannot wait for a total, personal revelation of all that God has for us to be handed down in one lump sum. God reveals Himself to us bit by spiritual bit. Even our broadest visions and our highest goals, once we know them, must be broken down and lived out in the small particulars of our everyday lives if they are to have meaning.”

Monday, July 29, 2013

Handful of Quiet

An avid slow-pitch softball player [in my younger, thinner years], there was one primary goal: at game-end, have more runs on the scoreboard than the opponent. As a team, we accomplished this with tight defense and forceful offense. Hit the ball hard, run the bases aggressively, and pursue home plate. Doing this over-and-over didn’t always guarantee a win but it sure made for a good game!

Have you ever chased the wind? Did you catch it? What a silly question, but not such a silly thought. Much of our lives are spent “running the bases.” In one seven-inning softball game, a player may bat 3-4 times, and every time she hopes to make 1st base – then 2nd base – then 3rd base – then cross the plate. And, guess what, she hopes to do the same thing the next at-bat. Solomon observed this of man’s toil and skill, “This also is vanity and a striving after wind.” (Ecclesiastes 4:4). From sunup to sundown, we strive for the ultimate good rather than genuinely desire to serve the LORD of heaven and earth. The Preacher continues in Verse 5, “The fool folds his hands,” – refuses to work and ruins himself. But “Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.” (V.7). The toil of our hands, our striving, brings only more and more striving -- an endless plowing of water. Contentedness, however, settles in the soul and soothes the otherwise restless spirit of man; in Solomon’s words, it renders a handful of quietness. And what is such a handful like – real peace, serious solitude, deep and abiding joy! Paul wrote, “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” (Philippians 4:11). It’s not what of this life that produces contentment; no, it is Who – it is Christ alone. We need not wait until we reach our promised eternal home of the Redeemed. Let us joy and delight now in Him, our Hope of Glory, and experience the … handful of quiet!

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Refuse to Wither

Mom gave me a tabletop fountain several years ago, and how I have enjoyed it! The sound of the water is soothing and peaceful. It has brought quiet resolve many times -- that is, those times when primary sounds were four male voices in the house!

Consequences can be positive. Verses 1 and 2 of Psalm 1 describe wonderful things which occur when we follow Godly advice, avoid unholy influences, and focus on God's Word. "He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper." (Psalm 1:3) We all have seen how the heat and lack of rain kill vegetation, but this passage describes how beautifully a tree can flourish. The appearance of well-fed plants is obvious, but we also see evidence of a healthy plant by its fruit. What a lovely illustration of how our spirits also remain fresh when we stay close to God -- The Source of Living Water. Sadly, every day brings things that threaten our spiritual and emotional well-being yet the refreshment from The Eternal Spring is abundant and accessible. How wonderful, too, that God places us at this place of refreshment in His perfect timing. The truth is we do not have to "dry up." We can confidently claim His promise to prosper. So, don't be shy -- refuse to wither!

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Layin' Down - Pickin' Up

Lately, I spend so much time looking for things. The biggest frustration comes from misplaced glasses. I take them off so I can see close-up stuff, then forget where I laid them down. Before long, I'm needing my specs in a bad way. I can't pick 'em up 'cause I don't remember where I laid 'em down!

Christians should not be anxious people. Philippians 4:6 says, "Be anxious for nothing ... " It's the "nothing" part that usually gets me! Things rock along fairly well and in God's grace, anxiety is under control, then along comes the-whopper-of-something and God is left in a dust of my anxiety! The rest of that verse is, ". . . but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Why can't I just lay down that whopper-issue with God then forget it like a pair of glasses ... I can't keep up with! God truly cares about every anxious moment. He is so gracious -- He doesn't leave us empty-handed. He replaces all anxiety (big and small) with His perfect peace. How's that for layin' something down and pickin' something up!

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Life with Purpose

Have you ever been stuck? If you grew up in the country, dirt roads were a common part of travel – so was getting stuck on muddy roads after a rain!

Life can be like a muddy road – sounds like a good book title! It’s not a guarantee, but the general rule for travel on a muddy road is to stay in the tracks. Those tracks become the rut that guides you. Life’s ruts, however, tend to rule us! King Solomon’s quest for the meaning of life dominates the Book of Ecclesiastes. Our own pursuits are worth consideration: more efficient – more modern – more fulfilling … stuff to fill our time and hearts. Solomon put pleasure, laughter, food & drink, wisdom, and even folly to the test. Ultimately, He finds, “all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:1). So what is our life-goal? Why are we here? What is the meaning of life? Life’s simple gifts are “from the Hand of God,” as is our capacity to enjoy them. As we do this, we are foolish to focus on creation rather than The Creator! Wisely, however, we live with full acknowledgement of blessings from Almighty God and strive to “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). This is not some mere scattering of faith but a deep - true – genuine – abiding – constant pursuit to know well and fellowship with The Creator – Giver – Sustainer of all things. There is no need to spin-the-wheels of life, as if on a muddy road, and become stuck in the rut-of-life. No! Live a life of worship and thanksgiving, seeing purpose in every breath. Yes, live life with purpose!

Monday, July 22, 2013

Watchful

Do you remember watching for the school bus? Oh, I do! A late bus was always okay, but oh my goodness, if the bus arrived one minute early! It was usually me doing the most scrambling!

Living on the edge is pretty common! I confess that I am notorious for working most faithfully moments before the deadline. Mr. Bill’s description would not be quite so … kind. On Sunday, my pastor spoke from Jesus’ parable of the bridegroom and the ten virgins – five of whom had lamps with wicks trimmed and full of oil. The bridegroom came while the other five were away, buying oil for their lamps, “and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.” (Matthew 25:10b). My morning routine as a young girl most likely included getting that last five minutes of sleep and wasting precious time looking for something to wear. It’s true we can procrastinate about many things in life, but preparing for eternity is more urgent than we will ever suspect. Jesus concluded this parable, “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” (V.13). The Bridegroom (Jesus Christ) will return for His Bride (His Church – those redeemed by His blood). Many have foolishly tried to predict His return “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mark 13:32). What we know is: He will return and we must be ready -- “… the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Matthew 24:44). Consider -- Are you ready? Are you watchful? We’re not talking about missing the school bus here – The King is coming and eternity waits!

Friday, July 19, 2013

Humbled Servants

Have you ever seen a pufferfish, also called a blowfish? The first time I saw one was on the end of a fishing line; Bill’s Mom caught one and as soon as she reeled it in, the fish inflated itself into a round ball. One of the strangest things I’ve ever seen!

Boasting may not come easy for us, but Christians have great cause to boast about God’s Grace! Pufferfish are slow and somewhat clumsy swimmers, and biologists think their famous “inflatability” is a defense against predators. In lieu of escape, pufferfish use their highly elastic stomachs to quickly ingest huge amounts of water and air to make themselves virtually inedible. I suspect many of us suffer from “inflatability.” How quickly and easily we forget the cost of our salvation: Paul writes, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:10a). Oh, sure, God gave us gifts for which we are grateful and should use for Him but WE don’t produce His glory – our redeemed state is a product of His love, His mercy, His grace. It is His grace invested and upon us from whence His glory is revealed. We are simply vessels to His glorious revelation! Casting Crowns sings, “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.” Nothing – not one thing – accomplished through us can we claim but rather, “it was not I but the grace of God that is with me.” (V.10b). Hooray for pufferfish but to God be the glory for His glory ever revealed in His humbled servants!

Thursday, July 18, 2013

God's Churn

Homemade ice cream is a summer delight! Before churns, freezers, and store bought cartons, my grandfather made ice cream in a metal ice tray: milk, sugar, vanilla. What fun it was at "picnic time" (every night at 9:00) to eat his homemade delicacy!

God is churning us day-by-day into His Work of Art. It's the mix and churn of blessings, trials, joys, and disappointments that develop His Character in us. We often scream, kick, pout, and whine during the process; nonetheless, He steadily does His work. Do you know all He really wants? "My son, give me thine heart ... " (Psalm 23:26) Why all the drama? His work is always fruitful, designing us into a reflection of Himself. The hardest part of homemade ice cream is the wait – waiting until the churning is done. Be encouraged, friend, to persevere and patiently wait as God churns us into His design and delight!

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Back to Basics

My sweet granddaughter, Ella, is putting words together – “MomC’s car” and “okay, mommy.” It is precious! No frills to what she’s saying – just sweet, simple sentences.

It’s good for Believers to find rest on some rock solid truths about Almighty God. (1) God is above and beyond us; He is God and we are not. “Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed Him as His counselor?” (Isaiah 40:13). His ways are not subject to our approval. He does not seek counsel from us. (2) God’s ways are holy and right even when we do not understand them. “Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?” (Psalm 77:13). At the end of Moses’ life he said, “I will proclaim the Name of the LORD, Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, His words are perfect, and all His ways are just. A faithful God Who does no wrong, upright and just is He.” (Deuteronomy 32:3-4). And, (3) God is trustworthy, even when we can’t see the path before us. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11). The training field for living with sense of purpose begins with acknowledging Who God is. Apart from a humbled and surrendered heart to Him, we can expect soaring lessons to be rougher-than-need-be. In your daily walk with Christ, remember these sweet and simple truths – back to the basics!

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Soaring Lessons

Oh, how I wanted to learn to play the piano! But, oh, how I hated to practice! Thirty minutes a day, said every piano teacher I had. There was no disguising whether you had really practiced or not – she always knew!

Let me ask: how’s the soaring lessons? When we are born-again, we’re given a new nature in Christ. Much like the life of the baby eagle, soaring takes some practice. Even (and especially) in this new life it’s common to feel we’re being pushed over the edge, wondering what God is up to. Many Believers become discouraged, angry, and disillusioned at the struggles to persevere. The Father reassures us He does not forget us: “But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear Him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love.” (Psalm 33:18). We are never – not for one fraction of a moment – out of His care and keeping: “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their cry.” (Psalm 34:15). Soaring lessons are tough – I’m in the middle of physical therapy for my new knee right now – yes, I know, soaring lessons generally extend pain. With mercy, God hears every cry – feels every ache – sees every tear. On the battlefield of training, the sweetness of His Presence gives wings to our soaring. And, we never soar alone!

Monday, July 15, 2013

Unfeathered

Few of us remember being potty-trained, but I’m sure all of us are glad we are! From a toddler’s point of view, the experience must truly be puzzling. Perhaps it’s a grace not being able to recall these memories!

Part of every Believer’s life is a harvest of righteousness. Really, imagine your life if your parents had “skipped” the potty-training time! In her book Soaring on High, Mary Whelchel describes how Mama eagle pulls downy fur from her own breast to prepare a soft, warm and cozy nest for her baby eaglets. Then … “When a baby eagle is about three months old, and about 80 percent of its full-grown size, Mama and Papa start behaving very strangely. Mama stomps into the nest, squawking and throwing all the soft fur and feathers out and sweeping the nest with her great wings. With all the softness gone, the nest becomes uncomfortable, with scratchy sticks and branches coming from every direction. No longer is it a cushiony place for baby eagle to lie around and relax.” Paul wrote to the Galatians, “Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?” (Galatians 3:4). In contrast to the culture in which we live where we are programmed for instant gratification, there are God-ordained benefits when we accept suffering as part of life. We endure difficult circumstances, looking ahead, wasting none of the hardship. The baby eagle has no capacity to look forward to the good as Mama eagle takes away the comforts – neither does a toddler-in-training. Believers, however, have the power and presence of the Holy Spirit to trust The Father and live in the mind of Christ, seeing beyond present troubles. Life may seem “unfeathered” at times, but trust that God never wastes an opportunity for your good and His glory.

Friday, July 12, 2013

See the Good

Roller skating, water nor snow skiing came easily for me. Many tough landings and rough tumbles later, I realized being athletic never seems to trump training!

Real Christianity isn’t for the ill-equipped. I was well-equipped for my first snow-ski adventure: ski pants, jacket, gloves, skis -- I even had money for hot chocolate! Lacking, however, was the necessary training! Did you know God is more concerned with our spiritual maturity than with our comfort? Spiritual growth comes at a cost, and usually by way of the “no-comfort zone!” James wrote, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4). At the ski slope, I saw proficient skiers moving gracefully and thought “Yes! I can do this” then quickly learned [out-of-the-gate] I could not! God doesn’t expect us to throw a party when times are tough [and uncomfortable], but we must “think forward” and consider the good God is working in our lives, bringing us to the potential we are designed. He calls us to think about the future good rather than the present difficulties. “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11). However difficult your present struggle or dark the storm, don’t be discouraged by the training ground. Instead, look ahead, and what is being accomplished in you for Christ. See the good!

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Return

Hot tea isn’t a new thing but for me, it’s part of a new routine. Several months ago, Mr. Bill and I began having hot tea at bedtime. And who said old dogs can’t learn new tricks!

Have you given any real thought to who’s in your corner – cheering you on – promoting you? Well, you should! The psalmist wrote, “This I know, that God is for me.” (56:9). How many times have we begun something then failed to finish it. Perhaps we became discouraged, distracted, or just lost interest. It happens to all of us! Spending time in the Middle East as a boy, Mr. Bill fondly remembers hot tea and cookies. Our new habit is like a return for him; for me, it’s a new and refreshing part of our bedtime ritual. When did you last sit with an open Bible in your lap, Its words on your lips, Its power stirring your heart? Oh, the temptation to watch a movie or pick up a good novel but do you not hear Scripture’s Author calling you to something better? A better choice that echoes God’s deep and abiding love, promoting the best of Him in you? Does your mind go back to a place when time in His Word was part of your daily routine? If so, I encourage you to return – return to that discipline, that practice to know Christ deeper, fuller, and experience the riches of Who He is. Yes, right now’s a great time to … return.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Fixed

This is all-star season in baseball. Local little league teams and major league teams made up of some of baseball’s best are taking the field. Fans have their favorite player(s), and expect all-star performances! Parents of past baseball players, Mr. Bill and I did the all-star scene. Of course, they play as a team but I know two sets of eyes that were fixed on particular all-star players!

Make no mistake – God’s eyes are on His faithful. An all-star coach looks for the bravest, brightest, and best to fill the positions on his team – so does God. What greater way can we honor The King than [in His grace] walking righteously. He said, “I will look with favor on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with Me; he who walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to Me.” (Psalm 101:6). Mr. Bill came to watch me play basketball and softball, and oh how I loved knowing my guy was in the stands. He may have been watching the game, but I knew his eyes were on me. What joy – What delight – What comfort to know the eyes of The King are on His own as they walk according to His Word and ways. We are ambassadors (representatives) of Christ Jesus – His all-star best. Let us evermore fix our eyes on Him – His eyes are fixed on us!

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Nothing Sudden

Some things we see coming; others come upon us suddenly -- like losing power.  My children, like Mr. Bill, have always been weather-watchers.  I suspect Mr. Bill checks the weather more often than the time!  “What’s the weather report?” is as common a question here as “what’s for dinner?”  Just so you know, weather-watchers pride themselves in being prepared for weather-related matters – they just don’t do … sudden!

For the record, nothing happens “suddenly” with God!  Psalm 34:7 says, “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them.”  I am not a camper – no tents, sleeping bags, or bath houses for me.  I’m evermore grateful to know and trust, however, God and His hosts of angels camp around all who love and fear Him!  It isn’t necessary that we see them; it is enough that they see us!  We can rest in His promise, “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11).  Make no mistake – this doesn’t mean life here will be free of pain and struggles; no, but “we shall not be surprised by sudden assaults nor swallowed up by overwhelming forces.” (Charles H. Spurgeon).  Although my weather-watchers make many predictions and I’m so grateful for the warnings, they’ve not yet mastered full and precise predictions.  None of us know what tomorrow [even the next minute] holds, but we hold to One Who holds us and knows … nothing sudden!

Many things about tomorrow, I don’t seem to understand.
But I know Who holds tomorrow. And I know Who holds my hand.

Monday, July 8, 2013

New

A new knee – that’s my latest acquisition. When all’s said and done, it’s pretty expensive. More importantly to me, however, are the feelings of newness. Although the old one no longer worked so good, this one has a ways to go yet. I’m looking forward to when it feels fully-functional!

How easily Believers forget that “new” is really … new. At salvation, as promised, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17). That Greek word for “new” is kainos, which means recently made, unused, unprecedented. Without even looking, I know which one is my new knee because it still feels new – there are many sensations reminding me of its newness. As the psalmist prayed, the sinful heart of man needs constant continual renewal: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10). Because it’s our [sinful] nature, we must be encouraged to “forget the former things,” and not “dwell on the past.” (Isaiah 43:18). There is a way unbecoming of Christians – ways filled with greed, pride, and impurity. Paul admonished the born-again, those in-Christ: “But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about Him and were taught in Him, as the Truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:20-24). I have high expectations of this new knee – as should those who know Christ and live in the power of His resurrection. We can expect and experience the joy of His great salvation here and now. Yes, in Him, we have … new life!