Walk Wisely

Walking is a popular and good-for-you pastime in America.  Some choose to walk local athletic tracks or neighborhood sidewalks, even shopping malls have become a great place to walk.  By far, I suspect, the most common venue for walking are streets and roads.  Where I live, the choice is often determined by the least scary dogs!

 

John wrote to a New Testament congregation, “I rejoice greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father.” (2 John 4).  What does it mean to walk in truth?  Commanded as we are and should do, it’s not always easy.  I’m not necessarily referring to just the walk but the knowing how to apply God’s Truth in our walk.  Deception comes in all shapes, forms, and fashions – even inside the Body of Christ.  Remaining true to Godly Truth can be (and is often) perceived as harsh, unloving, uncooperative, and unkind.  Nonetheless, when we give-a-little and begin to wiggle on what is fixed in Holy Scripture, Truth is compromised, diluted, and impure.  Remember, the best lie is 99% true!  By far, the best place to walk is on solid and level ground – so it is with walking in truth.  Of His Truth, God instructed Joshua, “Do not turn from It to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:7).  Wise words for serious walkers: walk wisely – walk in Truth!

Choose Your Flavor

Which do you choose – pleasure or misery?  On the surface, the choice is a no-brainer.  Our spirit, however, does not always reflect the better choice.  It amazes me how thoughtlessly I allow otherwise insignificant incidents to set the tone for the day or so quickly change joyful to joyless!  Addressing Believers, Peter wrote, “Finally, all [of you] should be of one and the same mind (united in spirit), sympathizing [with one another], loving [each other] as brethren [of one household], compassionate and courteous (tenderhearted and humble).”  (1 Peter 3:8)  It’s astounding how my own happiness often depends on the way other people bear themselves toward me. So much flavors my attitude: looks and tones of the morning rush, behavior of co-workers, whether people speak to or smile, mail-texts-calls I get. What about how I flavor the day for others?  Do I bring about pleasure or misery? George Merriam wrote, “Whether any particular day shall bring to you more of happiness or of suffering is largely beyond your power to determine. Whether each day of your life shall give happiness or suffering rests with yourself.”  To put it simply, choose your flavor of the day!

 

Make us of one heart and mind; courteous, pitiful, and kind;

Lowly, meek, in thought and word, altogether like our Lord. – Charles Wesley

Live Upon

It's been forty-one years but I remember the days of living with and on very little.  Rent was $50 a month for a small place with a washer but no dryer.  There was, however, a trusty clothes line where the backdoor neighbors got a good view of our laundry -- underwear and all!

 

"The Grace which delivers us from Hell also fits us for Heaven. That Grace which cancels our guilt also subdues our corruptions. That Grace which emancipates us from our bondage to sin equally dethrones the tyrant." (Octavius Winslow).  Most of us can look back to a time when we survived on much less.  As we mature as Christians, we encounter the "tyrant" Winslow mentions -- Satan.  He does all we allow to subvert (undermine) living upon the Grace of Christ.  Such has been my ongoing struggle to move beyond God's forgiveness in victory rather than despair.  The guilt of past and fear of future failure must not hinder the Joy of God's rich and perfect Salvation nor His Grace in moments of need.  Romans 8:1 says, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."  We do not stand condemned in eternity nor in the present!  Winslow concludes, "We are as much to live upon Christ for sanctification as for pardon and justification."  Truth is, Christians do not live upon so little -- we live upon much -- God's rich and abundant Grace!

Timeless

Think of some things that are timeless, things unaffected by time.  Certainly not our hair -- the color fades and it falls out. Neither is our eyesight timeless -- we eventually need reading glasses. Photographs are sometimes referred to as timeless, but even they fade with time.  What about memories?  Well, the older versions of us even forget the memories. You see, timelessness is pretty rare.

 

Isn't it great to know, however, God is timeless!  The Hebrew word for God is "Elohim," and it appears in the very first sentence of the Bible. He's the One Who began it all. He was there when everything began and will be there when everything ends. Elohim is not flawed like you and I, time has no effect on Him.  Isaiah wrote, "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the Everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth." (40:28-29).  In this world of constant change, it is good we are rooted in One Who is unchanging and timeless. Elohim is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is The Steady in unsteadiness, The Anchor in troubled waters, The Rock in shifting sands. He is Timeless.

Good Ole Days

The “good ole days” is a relative term.  The good ole days for Mr. Bill included snorkeling every day in Turkey’s Sea of  Marmara, and buying a sack of pistachios for a quarter.  For me, they included an afternoon nap on a summer day with the attic fan on high generating a cool breeze through my  bedroom window.  With all due respect to earlier generations, the absence of indoor plumbing and air conditioning just doesn’t sound “good” to me … any ole day!

 

God made provision for man to leave behind the old days.  I’ve heard talk of therapists helping people work-through lingering  negative effects of the past using something called regression therapy.  I can’t talk much about this regression therapy but Scripture points sin-sick man to progressive therapy – the progression from an old life to a new life:  “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 4:22-24).  Now, I must admit I have regressive thoughts each day – that old self doesn’t go quietly – nonetheless God’s Word and the Holy Spirit assure me because of Christ, I am a new  creation. I am not remade, not refashioned, not reincarnated but am a brand-spanking-new me!  “The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17).  If this also describes you, it’s why we both sing with confidence: “I once was lost but now am found -- Was blind but now I see.”  We know that we know that we know and these ARE the good ole days!

His Nature

In the last several months, Mr. Bill and I have had opportunity to get to know Olive and Izzy – two of our Grand dogs.  Each one, like humans,  has a distinct  personality. Olive is more out-going while Izzy spends much of her time underneath the bed. Of course, she doesn’t like Mr. Bill, which we all find very amusing.

 

Among other passages, David describes the Nature of his God: “For You bless the righteous, O LORD, You cover him with favor as with a shield.” (Psalm 5:12).  It’s a poor comparison but much like an earthly father shields-to-protect his children, the Heavenly Father does even more so for His children.  We recently discovered Izzy’s bark at Mr. Bill is escalated when Elisa is present – it’s a protective bark.  David urges.  “Let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your Name may exult in You.” (V.11).  God's apparent Goodness is only a dimple of His overall goodness.  We seriously have no idea how gracious God is in all His ways moment by moment, day by day.  His protective Shield is eternally more substantial that we can imagine. and there is no measure of it.  God's favor goes far beyond what we can see and touch!  This is why the soul of man longs so intensely deep and continues unfulfilled until satisfied by The Creator!  It is God's unlimited, abundant, and marvelous Nature to enrich us spiritually.  Consider if your spirit is lacking, longing for something you know-not -what.  God satisfies the longing heart with His Salvation and spiritual riches.  It's His Nature to love, His Nature to satisfy!  Let His Nature do Its work!

Soul Poultice

From childhood I remember Aunt Ava – she wasn’t really my aunt but that’s what we called her – could concoct some of the most vile-smelling and nasty-looking home remedies.  We loved Aunt Ava, but we were not excited when she came to help us get well. There was no arguing about whether her concoctions were effective; just do as she said and no would get hurt!

 

If you will, allow me to share an excerpt from Mark Meadows’ historical Old Testament fictional story, The Shepherd King: Solomon’s Bride. Meadows does an incredible job of describing the tenderness of The Creator to mankind.  “And all of this grew from seeds, seeds that were in God’s first creation: medicinal herbs, oils, oral and topical medicine, and aloes … It shows that our loving God was not surprised by the fall of man, for He had already placed in the soil remedies to the curses before there ever was a fall … In fact, I am almost prepared to believe that there is a natural remedy for every ailment that may come upon man, hidden somewhere in the earth if we can but find it … Every ailment, save one, that is … death, of course … That one would require divine intervention … But if He foresaw all of our other needs, I am inclined to believe He did not overlook the most important one … Someday, He will reveal to us the remedy to death also .. Yes, something for almost everything – aloes for pains, coriander for indigestion, black cumin and calamus for colds and coughs, henna for fungus and infections; even the sweet perfumes – myrrh for infections, spikenard for epilepsy, saffron which sedates and helps the stomach … But all their goodness, such things treat only the body, the lesser part of man … The heart has ailments too: aches, complexes, lingering pains from childhood. God has prepared remedies for these also of course, for a Creator Who would so lovingly care for the body, would certainly not neglect the soul.”  When I read this, I remember what Pastor Tony used to say, “Nothing ever occurs to God,” and it’s true – He’s never blindsided or caught off-guard. How gracious is The Father to us!  We know, of course, at the given time God revealed the remedy for death in the Person of Jesus Christ Who took upon Himself all the sin-guilt of man.  Overcoming death Himself, we live in Newness of Life through the Risen Christ.  We should be thankful for remedies for the body – Aunt Ava and all – but oh how sweet the Poultice of the soul!

EVERY DAY FOCUS

One of the things that makes a baseball pitcher great is the variety of pitches he can throw to the batter: fastball, changeup, splitter, breaking ball, curveball,  slider.  When he can throw any of these with velocity and accuracy, he is formidable!

 

A Puritan prayer: “O LORD, we commune with Thee every day, but week days are worldly days, and secular concerns reduce heavenly impressions. We bless Thee therefore for the day sacred to our souls when we can wait upon Thee and be refreshed; we thank Thee for the institutions of religion by use of which we draw near to Thee and Thou to us; we rejoice in another Lord’s Day when we call off our minds from the cares of the world and attend upon Thee without distraction.”  I read this on Sunday morning as I sat on a patio in Waterloo, Illinois – the morning was crisp and fresh, urging me toward personal worship in preparation for corporate worship.  As I began the sweet time of communion, a neighbor’s lawn mower started – really, Lord?  Rather than allow the distraction to aggravate me, I was drawn even nearer with thoughts of how the moment illustrates the reality of life for us.  I remembered King Solomon’s prayer of dedication [for the Lord’s Temple], “O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like You, in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing steadfast love to Your servants who walk before You with all their heart.” (1 Kings 8:23).  How does one do anything with a whole heart!  Another significant trait of an effective pitcher is the ability to block out – fan noise, chatter from the opposing team – various distractions that hinder delivering the right pitch at the right place at the right time.  Solomon later used the phrase “pay close attention,” which is key to remaining steady in worship, in study, in prayer life, in service, in faithfulness to God.  In those short moments on the patio, I realized I was sitting inside a fence and while the fence didn’t filter noise of the world, the Holy Spirit worked [inside the fence] nonetheless to draw my heart and mind to Himself.  What a precious time He and I enjoyed there in those undistracted moments.  That sacred day of the week is needed, Scriptural and blessed, but the worldly day – the secular days – is where we spend most of our time.  Keep close to The Father and enjoy the heavenly impressions every day!

Rest for the Grieving Heart

Every time I think of the word "shame," I remember Gomer Pyle's "Shame! Shame! Shame!" exclamation.  Pyle, simple-minded and good-natured, is the center of slapstick humor even today.  Not only that, the term "Gomer Pyle" is used by U.S. Marines to describe recruits who continually mess up or need extra training. In U.S. Naval Aviation, dogfight adversaries identified as non-hostile are referred to as "gomers." Pyle would most likely say "gawwww-leeeee" to that!

 

The Apostle Paul writes about godly grief - not something pondered much anymore.  We grieve at the death of someone we love, at the loss of a pet, loss of a job or a valued possession, but how many of us mourn over our sin?  Sure, we're sorry and we ask forgiveness and are forgiven but when was the last time you really lamented over your sin?  Here's what Paul says "godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation" (2 Corinthians 7:10a).  We must not confuse grief over sin with guilt.  A true turning away from sin (repentance) is preceded by godly sorrow, which comes from a deep realization we have offended Almighty God.  Consider the contrast of offending God – just knowing you broke the rules and you feel bad, you are guilty.  There’s a huge and eternally significant difference!  Genuine godly sorrow always leads to repentance -- which leads to reformation -- which leads to salvation!  You know how I love books, and besides the Bible, one that has become a treasure is The Valley of Vision - a collection of Puritan prayers.  Each prayer thunders the heart of a truly penitent soul!  The more I read those prayers, the more I am grieved over my lack of grief!  How wonderful the resting place for the genuine grieving and repentant heart: that wonderful place is forgiveness, where the ground is still soft with the precious blood stains of Christ.  Hallelujah!  Amen!  With all due Respect to The Savior and in the words of Gomer Pyle, "Shazam!" 

 

Regard Him

Funny how we remember the little things from childhood!  One such memory is how my Nanny used to, with a wave of her hand, say “just pay them no never mind.”  She did not follow her own advice, however, the time we were picking blackberries and discovered we were in the pasture with a cantankerous old bull.  We had a good mind to run that time!

 

The psalmist wrote, “I will meditate in Thy precepts, and have respect unto Thy ways.” (Psalm 119:15).  The Hebrew word for “respect” means “to regard, to pay attention to.”  Recently, I signed in at a doctor's office; the receptionist did not say hello, greet me with a smile, or even look up until I spoke first to offer my co-pay.  That was total disregard.  When we go-and-do our own way, we are in disregard for God's way.  This disregard begins first in a disregard for time in the Bible, in prayer, in communion with The Father.  These song lyrics often haunt me in my disregard of The Father: "There He was just waiting, in our old familiar place -- An empty spot beside Him, where once I used to wait -- To be filled with strength and wisdom for the battles of the day -- I would have passed Him by again if I didn't hear Him say -- I miss My time with you - Those moments together - I need to be with you each day - And it hurts Me when you say - You're too busy, busy trying to serve Me, when your spirit's empty - There's a longing in My heart - Wanting more than just a part of you -- It's true, I miss My time with you." (Larnelle Harris).  Is it not shameful that we disrespect, show no respect -- disregard, pay no attention to -- The One Who is mindful and regard us: "What is man that You are mindful of him, and the Son of man that You care for him?" (Psalm 8:4).  This great Truth should penetrate the depths of our souls to strengthen and encourage us to be ever mindful and respectful of The Creator Who loves us so!  Regard Him!

How Poor Am I ?

While the idea of putting away alarm clocks for a new season of life is exciting, there’s definitely an element of apprehension.  It’s not so much what to do and where go, but rather can I afford to do and go.  More time free for family, friends, and adventures sounds lovely as long as there’s a moderate-to-little daily opportunity to stumble over one another!

 

Much to our shame God’s people have always been of an independent mind!  My Mama used to call this being “too big for your britches,” which translates into thinking too highly of yourself.  That high-and-mighty-ness led to a being taken down “a notch or two,” and that was usually anything but pleasant!  When the Christian prays from a pure heart, it is a heart that knows well its poverty. “Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.” (Lamentations 3:41).  Don't you see the humbled posture, as one empty and in need?  In a culture that presses us to seek rational ways – instead of the Divine – of reaching our potential and meeting our needs, the idea of soul-poverty is absolutely not popular!  Embracing yourself as weak and frail defies the humanistic world-leaning!  Scripture reminds us, however, “For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:14).  Is there perhaps anything more "nothing" than dust!  Charles H. Spurgeon writes, “The most healthy state of a Christian is to be always empty in self.”  By the very act, the one who prays from real poverty knows his place, and is pleading One Who is both able and willing to supply all needs.  For sure, financial planning for the future is wise, and it quickly lets you know where you are and if you really can put away those alarm clocks!  Approaching our All-Mighty God from a complete lack of self-sufficiency is also wise, and nothing compares to the return rate of riches The Father gives.  It’s really a good question: how poor am I?

 

The Cautious Traveler

As the leaves begin to turn colors, lots of folks take to the roadway to see the beautiful fall colors.  But who wants to drive!  The driver has to watch the road!

 

We have good directions for travel:  "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersover thou goest." (Joshua 1:9)  Whether the road is smooth or rough, the directions are the same -- be strong, do not be afraid or discouraged, God is with us.  These words were not written just for the traveller who has lots of frequent flyer miles, silk suits, and an unlimited expense account. They were given to normal folks like you and I who struggle in the trenches with not enough time, money, patience, and stamina to go it alone. M.A. Kelty writes, "Watch your way then, as a cautious traveler; and don't be gazing at that mountain or river in the distance, and say, 'How shall I ever get over them, but keep to the present little inch that is before you, and accomplish that in the little moment that belongs to it."  The Holy Spirit Who indwells the Believer provides all-power enough for every moment.  We must not watch the road but keep our eyes on the Driver Who knows the road best. It's the cautious way to travel!

The Unattended Heart

Whether we need one or not, we take a bath.  It’s one of those things-of-life: get dirty – get clean – get dirty – get clean.  If our bath times were half the fun of children’s, I’m sure we’d not mind the crazy-cycle so much!

 

Clean before my LORD – oh, what a thought!  Have you ever noticed how white becomes dingy?  The change is so gradual, we usually miss it until its next to something truly white.  That’s what sin does to the unattended heart.  An unattended heart creates an unintended condition of the heart.  The sinful condition comes as a result of neglected time in God’s Word and in prayer with The Father.  The best defense against sin is a faithful pursuit toward godliness.  “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.” (Psalm 119:9).  We may be clean after a good bath or shower … temporarily.  God knows clean – He defined and prescribed it for every heart.  He knows exactly what it takes to truly stand clean before my LORD.  Now, about that heart …

Living the Dream

As a child, what did you dream of, hope to becoming some day?  Many little-girl dreams are to be a beautician or a movie star, and a common little-boy dream is to be a policemen or a fire fighter.   We know, of course, not all dreams come true while others do.  Those that do can make us ask ourselves, “What in the world was I dreaming!”

 

We may not have thought about it, but God knows of and makes our deepest dreams come true! “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great Mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a Living Hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an Inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading kept in Heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” (1 Peter 1:3-5).  That’s one long, power-packed sentence – you may need to read and re-read it to soak up its rich truth.  Think about how human hopes-dreams change over time, then consider how well God – our Creator – knows each one of us and what we really want:  life -- a fulfilling and abundant life.  Of course, we think in terms of physical life – and God sustains that – but He thinks in terms of spiritual and eternal life.  To fulfill the Life dream, He “caused us to be born again," not to some fading or changing hope but to a “Living Hope” that's "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.”  Furthermore, this Hope is kept in Heaven … guarded!  In this we are Confident; it is rooted in Christ and His finished work on the cross.  The empty tomb represents to those born-again, death is not our destiny. Oh no, we have Life eternally.  Are you still wishing-hoping-dreaming?  Give it up!  If you know Christ, all your dreams and hopes have come true in Christ!  You’re living them right now!

No Nots!

Perfectionist – someone preoccupied with details and excellence.  Now, that's NOT a perfect definition ... oh no, I did it again!  Some people think perfectionism is great, and I guess they would.  Think about it: who else would you want to be in charge of a project, direct a program, plan an event?  One who has a passion for perfection!  But to the perfectionist, the idea of perfection is usually just that -- an idea. 

 

One of the greatest things lacking in this life is personal peace and contentment. There’s been plenty of books written on how to find it, get to it, and stay there – and they’re still being written!  "Lord, You have assigned me my portion and my cup; You have made my lot secure.  The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful Inheritance." (Psalm 16:5-6).  There it is – true peace and contentment.  It has been assigned to me, chosen especially for me – NOT someone else.  A God-given portion – NOT given to me at random.  Boundaries drawn by a Father Who knows me best and what is best for me – NOT what is best for another person. These boundaries have been drawn – NOT haphazardly or carelessly – but perfectly with me in mind.  A portion given in pleasant places – NOT places where anxiety or stress reign.  My Inheritance is delightful – NOT consumed with what is NOT.  It is absolutely delightful – His Word says it is – a place where contentment rules.  It is a place of no NOTS!  Lord, lead me there and keep me there today!

In-Step

Our sweet Isabelle is taking a few steps on her own!  How sweet it is to watch the infant-to-toddler progression.  I see her mother almost grieve at the passing of the baby stage.  We all know Isabelle’s small world is beginning to open, and in the words of Dr. Seuss -- oh, the places she will go.

 

Where are you in your spiritual journey?  Whether you seriously consider this or not, each of us is on a personal pilgrimage.  Few Christians admit it, but much of our travels are done walking as-if alone.  Sure, we know God is with us – He is omnipresent – but we often move through life … solo.  Peter took an enter first chapter in his first letter addressing the Believer’s Living Hope and call to holy living, then begins Chapter 2 with the word “so” – that little-big grammatical conjunction meaning for this reason, therefore, in order that.  So … what?  “For to this you have been called … so that you might follow in His steps.” (1 Peter 2:21).  This past weekend, I captured a picture of Isabelle walking holding her PopC’s hand. As I studied the picture, it detailed both Isabelle and PopC mid-step – one leg bent, one knee raised.  They seemed to be in-step with one another!  What a beautiful picture of walking with Christ.  John encourages “whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked.” (1 John 2:6).  Personally, I don’t know how anyone does that without holding tightly to the guiding Hand of Christ.  Fellow traveler, consider your journey and if you are insisting on traveling alone.  Walk with Him.

The Good Life

You know you’ve lived a long time when you can confidently say “back in the day.”  Among other things, just think how communication has changed: no more telephone party lines or rotary telephones or dialing zero for an operator or calling collect.  Good or bad, those things are of days-gone-by.  Oh my, how things have changed!

 

It’s been said change is the only constant thing in life, and perhaps that’s right.  Admittedly, I don’t do change very well. There’s serious doubt some of us would do well if we had to cook on an open fire or saddle a horse for work each morning.  Change, of course, can be a good thing.  God made it possible through Jesus that man can live a changed life: “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).  Note the words “new creation” – not a makeover or refurbish, but new!  Just like our English word, the Greek word for new means fresh, recent, unworn, unprecedented, of a new kind.  The New Life has a new look-and-feel; the New Life is a Changed Life.  It bears the Fruit of God’s Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).  I’ve heard people say the days-gone-by were the good life.  Maybe so – I’m not so sure – but of one thing I am sure: there is a huge difference in living the good life and living the Changed Life.  For those who know Christ and His Fullness know the Changed Life IS the Good Life.  His Fruits in His Children leave a savory fragrance everywhere they go.  Are you living the Changed Life?  If so, you are definitely living the Good Life!  

Captive

The thought of being held captive isn't necessarily a pleasant one!  I remember little boys playing games and taking prisoners, and a few times prisoners tied to trees.  I think that's when Mr. Bill started locking up his ropes.

 

Spiritual captivity is very real!  The little prisoners here weren't mistreated, but there were calls for help at times!  Satan uses all kinds of "ropes" to bind people today.  Usually, we think of in terms of addictions that take prisoners but [in-truth] the bindings are often much more subtle: bitterness, anger, greed, selfishness, pride, etc.  So how do Believers avoid these trappings?  Scripture tells us we cannot be captured if we are already captive: “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5).  When every thought, idea, motive, desire, decision [the whole person] belongs solely to Christ, there’s no opportunity for Satan’s craftiness to succeed in taking us prisoner.  It won’t be us who conquers, but rather “ … God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of Him everywhere.” (2 Corinthians 2:14).  In reality, few prisoners get to pick their captor but spiritually-speaking, it’s the best defense Christians have in our spiritual battles.  Actually, we really can choose captivity and choose our Captor: choose Christ Jesus -- Hand Him the ropes -- And live.