T'was the Day After Christmas

Twas the day after Christmas and all through the malls
everything was half off...even the walls.
The stockings were hung in the clearance aisles
in hopes to bring the shopkeepers smiles.
The people all clamoring to get through the door
to fill up their carts like they did two days before.
Maddy in her new sweater, James in his new hat
pushed through the crowd to find that toy cat.
When over the loudspeaker, a voice from heaven
announced, "Extra ten percent off in aisle seven!"
Away to that aisle the people did fly,
most of them not even knowing why.
To the dismay of those who came along last,
aisle seven's shelves were empty except for the shadows they cast.
But wait! In the bottom corner there stood
a tiny reindeer made out of wood.
Alas, this poor reindeer had a scratch that was deep.
But hey, that's okay as long as it's cheap.
In the cart went the deer beside red and green socks
destined for greatness...a year in a box.
Now Aimee! Now Curtis! Now Patty and Kristin!
On Connor! On Heather! On Gary and Tristin!
To the next aisle, to the front of the line!
Grab two more gift bags, no five, no nine!
Tragedy in electronics, the manager yells with a frown,
"Watch out! We've got a shopper down!"
Jump over that shopper, jump over her cart
mercy is for the rich, this is not time to have a heart.
This is a one day sale, lasting only a week.
Gotta get ready for next Christmas (hope no one will peek).
A Barbie for Kailee, a dinosaur for Billy.
They won't outgrow them, that would be silly.
A wallet for father, a teapot for Sue.
If she gets one for her birthday?....Then she will have two.
The bargains are just too good to pass up.
Now, what can we find for our future new pup?
All the aisles are emptied, the rush now is slowing.
They struggle to the counter, their carts overflowing.
Visa? Master Card? American Express?
None are due today, so they could care less.
The tills are all ringing, the owners are giddy.
Maddy and James had found their toy kitty.
The cars were all packed and now driving away
and I think I heard somebody say....
"Happy 26th of December, oh - what a day.
But Christmas is only 363 shopping days away!

The Christmas Search

We spend our entire earthly lives searching for Him. Even when we find Him-- we search.

The meaning--the reason--truly, do we ever know?

Could we ever grasp Him in His entirety? Who is He?

Lord--Savior--Prince of Peace--God incarnate. The names we know but even as we utter them, do we hold there reality in our hearts? Can we fathom the unfathomable?

We must start with the manger and the innocence it held.

A baby--a child.

Approach Him. See Him look out from the simple cloths that wrap Him. See the chubby hand as it wraps around His mother's finger. Hear His sigh and smell His sweet breath as He sleeps.

Love Him simply.

Love Him as you love a baby. Unconditionally--no questions.

Then slowly, prayerfully, realize this is how He loves you.

This perfect, wondrous baby--is your KING.

Your God has come to you--Emmanuel!

Place yourself beside His manger and worship your King--your God.

Then allow your soul to celebrate this gift and your journey to understanding will truly begin.

The journey that ends only when you look into His eyes as He reaches to embrace you in your heavenly home.

FEAR FACTOR

The definition of a Christian is, “a follower of Christ”. So how, then, have we fallen so far away from Him?

We are commanded to go into the world and spread the good news yet we, many times, find ourselves alienating those who are seeking God by turning our backs on them as we turn to worship Him.

Kathleen Norris wrote in her book, Amazing Grace, that she had to walk away from her Christian inheritance when she reached adulthood. The Christianity that was handed down to her in her childhood left her feeling, “Stranded with a boogyman God.” She would eventually welcome religion back into her life but she did so with caution. As Kathleen took a closer look at the faith that was given to her in her youth she describes the difficulty of welcoming some of her ancestors that had a hand in her upbringing.

“It can feel like a curse – to include in my welcome the difficult

ancestors: The insane, the suicides, the alcoholics, the religiously

self-righteous who literally scared the bejesus out of me when I was

little, or who murdered my spirit with words of condemnation.”

I find it interesting that she casually includes the insane, the suicides and alcoholics but goes on to tell us of the scars that the religiously self-righteous left on her.

Norris mentions reading a book called, Memories of God, by Roberta Bondi. She must have felt a connection with Bondi as she also was scarred by the (revival-style) theology that she grew up in. In Bondi’s words:

“Only believe that God loves you or he will send you to hell forever.”

Despite a fear-filled religious upbringing both women have found their faith. Others, however, leave and never come back. Phil Jackson, a North Dakota native whose parents were Pentecostal preachers, is one of these. He grew up with the fear factor so instilled in him that when he came home from school to find that his mother was uncharacteristically not home he was convinced that the rapture had taken place and he had been left behind. He began meditating in high school. This led him to Buddhism, which he continued to practice. (Sacred Hoops, by Phil Jackson)

Where does this fear come from? How do we get to feel so condemned? Is it God’s judgment that overshadows His love or is it our judgment?

Emily Dickinson also had painful experiences connected to religion. When she was sixteen she attended Holyoke Seminary during the great revival. The girls at this school were asked to stand and declare themselves for Jesus. Emily was the only girl who remained seated. She found herself isolated in a room full of those declaring themselves for Christ! But it is her next phrase that hit me hard.

“What strange sanctification is this – that brings Christ down,

and shows Him, and allows Him to select His friends!”

Ouch! How horrible and yet how often do we see it? How often do we do it?! How can we, who are unworthy of Christ and yet claim Him, be so good at making those who are still searching feel so unworthy that they can’t claim Him?

But we don’t stop with the unbeliever. We find ways to cut down our fellow brothers and sisters using the same judgment that creates this fear of; “I’m not good enough”, “I’m not doing it right”, “I’m still not good enough.” We condemn those whose narrow view of God is not the same as our narrow view.

There is a twelve-year old girl who attends a Catholic church as well as an Evangelical youth program. A Catholic friend tells her that Evangelicals are not Christians. Her Evangelical friends tell her that if she skips a youth night she doesn’t love God. (May God bless her with ears to hear His whispers above their shouts)

When did we stop focusing on building the Kingdom of Heaven and start focusing on how to go to hell?

Have we become the modern Pharisees? What authority do we claim to be able to condemn, lookdown at, or even have pity on other human beings when we ourselves are so pitiful?

How is it possible that we who are merely dust feel secure in telling the unbeliever anything other than of the love and grace of God that saved our sorry butts? Or with our fellow believer have anything other than a shared sense of awe and gratitude?

If we have indeed become today’s Pharisees then we should heed the words that Jesus spoke to them:

“…you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces.

You yourselves do not enter nor will you let those enter who are

trying to…. You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and

when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as

you are….. (Matt 23: 14,15 & 23)

We are Christians – we are followers of Christ.

We are human and fall easily into the snares of this world including pride. Therefore, let us allow humility back into our faith. Let us take hold of Paul’s warning not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought (Romans 12:3). Let us remember James’ words, “ Mercy triumphs over judgment!” (James 2:13).

We are Christians – Disciples of Christ.

The same Christ who said,

“By this all men will know that you are my disciples,

if you love one another.”

(John 13:35)

Biblical Journey - Day One

Let There Be Light

Genesis 1:3-5; 4:14-18

On the first day,

God said, "Let there be light", and there was light. God saw that the light

was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. God called the

light 'day', and the darkness He called 'night'.

On the fourth day,

God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day

from the night"......... God made two great lights, the greater light to govern

the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. God

set them in the expanse of the sky to give light to the earth, to govern the day

and the night, and to separate the light from darkness.

It is obvious that the sun, moon and stars were all created on the fourth day. So what was the light that God created on the first day?

To begin to answer this question I took a closer look at how the light in day one was described compared to the light in day four.

I started with the easy part... day four's lights:

-- "Let there be lights..." There were more than one light.

-- These lights were set in the expanse or the sky which had been created on the second day.

--These lights were made to govern, or rule over, the day and the night which were already in

existence.

--These lights were the sun, the moon and the stars.

So what do we know about the light on the first day?

--The light was good.

--The light was separated from the darkness that was already there.

--The light was called "day" and the darkness from which it was separated was called "night".(Remembering that the sun and moon were not yet created)

--On that first day there was evening and morning.

The question remains, "What IS that light?"

Interestingly, only a few Sundays ago in church, the sermon was about the awesomeness of the universe that God created and how small we humans are compared to it's vastness and yet He chooses to be concerned with even our smallest troubles. During this sermon it was stated that when God said, "Let there be light"....POOF!...the big bang...and the universe began.

In this theory then, the light was the sudden explosion of all the matter and energy of space that had been condensed into a singular point..... or The Big Bang.

I suppose acceptance of this interpretation would depend on whether or not you are a strict creationist or if you allow for some scientific answers on how God created. As for me, this theory is a perfectly plausible one but I did not let that stop me from investigating further.

I thumbed my way through several different translations of scripture to see if any of the differing verbiage would give me a clue about this first day light. For the most part I found that there were different words for the terms expanse (firmament, dome, space) and sky (heaven) but nothing for the word light. However, while looking in a New American Bible there was a postscript that lead me from Genesis 1:3 to 2 Corinthians 4:6 which reads:

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness", has shone in our hearts,

that we in turn might make known the glory of God shining on the face of Christ.

I also remembered that John 1:1 started with, "In the beginning" just like Genesis 1:1. In John, Jesus is described as, "The Word" who was there at the beginning with God and was God. In verse 4, John tells us that in Jesus,

was life and that life was the light of men that shines in the darkness and the

darkness has not understood it.

Here again we find a light and a darkness that have nothing to do with the sun, moon nor stars or the absence of them.

In John 9:5 Jesus says, "I am the light of the world" and similar verses are found throughout the new testament.

Is that,then, the first day light? The light that shines in the hearts of men? The light of God's glory--the same glory that shines on the face of Christ who is the light of the world?

Perhaps the very first task on the very first day was to "Let there be light"......

Let God's glory be separated from the darkness and shine.

Let that light, the glory of God, separate night from day even without a moon to rise.

Let there be morning and evening even without a sun to set.

Perhaps it was this....

Perhaps it was the Big Bang....

Perhaps it was something totally different...

but whatever it was

--it was good!

BIBLIBAL JOURNEY- MAPS

The “maps” for our journey are the resources we use in our travels. The Primary map in this journey is the Bible itself.

The Bible has many different translations. For the most part it does not matter which translation one uses. However, knowing the background of the map we use most – where it came from, who drew it, etc. - can give a little insight on how a verse or two should be read.

I have done some reading on how today’s Bible came to be and the story is a fascinating one.

I have also been made aware that there are some translations that do not stay as true to the original text as we would like. I will give you two examples.

The first is a translation that I only read about in my readings. I did not actually see it myself but apparently in this translation the word “darkness” was replaced with the word “night” because it was thought that “darkness” sounded too much like the offensive word “darkies”. This was an unfortunate decision as “night” and “darkness” have two different meanings. Let’s look at Psalm 107:14:

“He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away the chains.”

Now read,

“He brought them out of night and the deepest gloom and broke away the chains.”

The darkness in that verse has nothing to do with the night. It is the darkness of ones soul or situation. The meaning of that verse is changed when the word is changed.

The second example is when a translation is “tweaked” to fit the purposes of a particular group. The New World Translation used by the Jehovah Witnesses, who do not believe in the Trinity, has added one little word to John 1:1. See if you can spot it.

NIV translation – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

New World translation – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.”

Small word – big difference!

I have also heard of translations out there that do their best to be politically correct. Bible’s that say He/She when referring to God or man in general.
Again, never actually saw one personally but under those requirements I suppose Romans 11:32 might look like: “For God has bound all men and women over to disobedience so that he/she may have mercy on them all.

The primary “map” that I use is the New International Version (NIV) Student Bible. I have used this particular Bible for over 20 years. I am endeared to it because of the many side notes it contains giving me a glimpse into the context of the verses I am reading. Knowing the context of scripture; the who, what, when, where and especially the why has made a large impact on how they speak to me. Not only am I reading God’s own words but I am struggling to understand them with the likes of Moses, Joshua, Elisha, Peter and Paul. They all become more than just characters in a story. They become very much like me with fears, failures and doubts. Also, the times in which they lived were so unlike ours. The more I understand those times the easier it is to step outside of my 21^st century thinking long enough to see the world as they did. When I do this, the lessons that they teach become clearer.

It is always good to have two or three different translations to read and compare during Bible study. Many times that can give us a better insight as to what is meant in the text. I plan to use a variety of translations on this journey as well as other books and resources. But my primary map will be my NIV. That is the translation I will quote unless otherwise noted.

So grab your map and let’s take our first steps….

BIBLICAL JOURNEY

INTRODUCTION

This spring I added a new application to my phone—The Bible. I was excited about the idea of carrying God’s Word with me easily and at all times. As I was investigating all the options of this modern day Bible I discovered it had several reading plans from which one could choose. The one that caught my eye was, “The Bible in 90 days”. I felt myself being challenged. Summer was just beginning, could I really read the entire Bible in just 3 months? It was a challenge I was hesitant to take - but I took it all the same.

I was surprised to discover that the reading process seemed to go a lot faster when the words scrolled up a one and a half-inch screen. I believe it seemed easier because I was able to just focus on the cube of words in front of me and not be intimidated by the four columns of text that is found in a traditionally bound Bible.

Throughout this Biblical journey I found myself fascinated at how much I did not know. How entwined the Old Testament is with the New and visa-versa. It seemed that as I gained knowledge in one area I gained a deeper understanding in another. It is true that the more you know the more you want to know.

I had set a second goal for myself this past summer – to see the Dead Sea Scrolls while they were in Minneapolis. Before traveling on that pilgrimage I delved into all the information I could find about them. Toward the end of summer I finally saw them for myself. Well, five small pieces of them… but the exhibit was incredibly packed with information about the times and places of which these scrolls were written. I was thrilled when I came upon portions that were familiar to me because of what I read in the Bible and the historical and archeological information that was presented at the exhibit made what I had read explode with realism. No longer were they just stories of people in “Biblical times”. They were the stories of the woman who used that clay jar, the girl who wore that bracelet and the man who wore those sandals. Knowing how they thought, ate, drank and worshipped opened my eyes to many things in scripture I easily missed before. I was able to look beyond my limited 21^st century vision and see the Bible in the context of which it was written.

I finished the Bible in 89 days…. And quickly realized that was only the beginning.

Therefore, I am adding another portion to my blog… a sort of sub-blog if you will. It will be under the title, “BIBLICAL JOURNEY”.

My plan is to once again dive into this Holy book called The Bible. But this time there is no deadline. Instead of jotting down short notes, I hope to fully explore what I find intriguing, interesting or confusing.

I am inviting you to join me on this journey with the understanding that I am not a trained Bible scholar. My research is limited to the books, podcasts and discussions I have time to invest in. (Which I will document along the way). Prayer for God’s guidance is my first and foremost priority for nothing is of value unless it comes from God. The opening of my eyes and heart to His Truth is my desire and quest. I will move through this journey with the knowledge that I do not know the mind of God and have limited understanding and ask those who join me on this quest to keep that fully in mind. Please feel free to comment on any discoveries we make along the way. We were not meant to travel this road alone.

Shall we begin…..?

IN THIS WORLD -- NOT OF IT

1 Corinthians 5

“We are in this world not of it.” What does this mean?

Some might see it as a call for separation from all that does not fall under the ‘Christian’ banner. Those who see it this way may shop at bible book stores happily paying more for Veggie-tales than they would at the local Wal-mart; drink their mocha’s at the coffee shop where K-love has been known to be heard over the speakers and if a Christian school is not affordable, homeschooling is a must.

All of these things are well and good. Nothing at all wrong with supporting our brothers and sisters in Christ (after all, wouldn’t we shop first at a relative’s store before any other?) as well as making assurances that our children are taught the same values and morals that God demands from us.

The problem is not the fellowshipping and supporting of our Christian family, the problem comes when in doing so we shut out everyone else. When we find ourselves avoiding all unbelievers even as we attempt to convert them.

Paul wrote a letter to his church in Corinth addressing the problem of immoral acts committed by members of that church. I love what he says:

“I have written you in my letter not to associate with immoral people—not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral…. in that case you would have to leave this world!”

Paul is trying to clarify that he did not intend for the church to remain secluded from the world and it’s unbelieving population. In order to do that, he quips, you would have to leave the world!

He continues with his clarification by saying:

“You must not associate with anyone who calls himself a BROTHER but is immoral.”

He goes on to say:

“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside.”

So what are we to think about the unbelievers who are living with their girl/boyfriends, following different religions – or no religion at all, use coarse language? Are we to judge them and hold them accountable to that which we believe? No – We are in this world with them and are commanded, in fact, to love them. Paul tells us it is God who will judge them and we certainly are not God!

It was the Pharisees who grumbled that Jesus welcomed the sinners and ate with them (Luke 15:2). Yet, Paul warns us that we are not to eat with fellow Christians who are immoral (1 Corinthians 5:11). Why? Because we who follow Christ are held to a higher standard. The reason we shun our brothers and sisters who are acting immorally is to hold them accountable to their calling as a follower of Christ as well as keeping ourselves from falling into the same discretions.

Some may think that as Christians we are to love our brother and judge the unbeliever but the opposite is more true – we are to love the unbeliever and judge our brother. By doing so, we show love by our concern for him/her to get back on track.

“We are in this world – not of it” then, is less about where we eat and with whom we hang out but more about how we act. We do not act like those who are of this world. We hold each other and ourselves accountable to the standards that were given to us by our God and Savior. We do so because our lives were deemed worthy enough to be salvaged by the death and resurrection of God Himself! So we hold our heads high -- not in arrogance – but in appreciation for the precious gift we were given. We should then immerse ourselves IN this world with hopes that those OF this world will see the love of God through us and also accept His gift offered to all.

WHEN I AM WEAK--PART 3

“Suffering is never wasted”

I heard that line today

Then a still small voice whispered

My ways are not your ways

My thoughts turned toward heaven

As I lifted you in prayer

What blessings are being poured out

That we are not aware?

The struggles of this battle

One you did not choose

May seem so overwhelming

As you fight so not to lose

But even in your suffering

God is standing by your side

He will show His glory

He will bless as well as guide

For when the trial is over

And the race has been run

You’ll have the chance to look back

And see all God has done

Our thoughts are not His thoughts

--oh, how I wish they were

To know the reason for the pain

And to know for sure…

…that suffering is not wasted

That good outweighs the bad

So even as we suffer

We can rejoice and be glad

When I AM WEAK

PART TWO

OPEN DOOR TO GRACE

In 2 Corinthians 12 Paul tells us that he has asked God to take away a “thorn in his flesh”. Three times Paul pleads for relief and three times God said no.

I do not know what that thorn was… a physical ailment, a hard to resist temptation? We know Paul was not married so it couldn’t have been in-laws! All we are told is that this thorn was a messenger from Satan given to torment him and keep him from becoming conceited. (Nope, still not in-laws)

God did not take away Paul’s thorn but He did give Paul a reason. God said to him, “My grace is sufficient to you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

As understanding on how God can use such thorns to display His Glory entered Paul’s thinking, he embraced the thorn and even rejoiced because of it.

It is hard to imagine suffering and rejoicing at the same time. We live in a world where the two do not, seemingly, belong together. Yet, I have noticed God’s thinking and the thinking of this world very often contradict each other…”First shall be last”(Luke 13:30)…”Those who are poor are rich…” (James 2:5). So, it seems, is the case here.

I have experienced the strength and peace of God during times of suffering. It is a sensation that cannot be described to someone who has not felt it. Feeling joy in the very heart of sorrow, peace among turmoil, it goes against all that is expected in this world.

The difference between God’s peace everyday and His Peace in times of pain is like the difference between the first signs of spring and the first signs of spring after a cold, miserable, hard winter.

It is the difference between a hug in a casual greeting and a hug after the death of a loved one.

It is the difference between friends bringing a hot meal to a gathering and friends bringing a hot meal while you and your family are dealing with cancer.

The spring, the hug, and the meal have not changed in their nature but in the middle of hardships they are so much more. More needed, more felt, more appreciated. They are hope personified.

So it is with God’s peace in troubling times. Do we need hardship to experience it? Of course not, but its presence feels stronger and is more welcomed.

If you have been thrust into difficult situations, have you noticed how often God reveals Himself during those times, to you as well as to others? If you listen I bet you will hear at least one amazing story connected to every tragedy…

…A swarm of butterflies surround a grieving daughter in a moment when reassurance is needed, only to fly away when a smile appears among the tears.

…A beloved cat taking a flower out of a kitchen vase and placing it on the vacant pillow of it’s owner who is now sleeping in a hospital battling cancer.

…A mother’s favorite flower growing in the middle of her son’s yard days after her death.

These are just some of the stories I have heard from friends and family. They are amazing stories that have brought comfort in times of grief.

But I have to wonder, in our time of need is God revealing Himself to us more or is it simply that we are looking toward Him more and therefore see Him? Either way, God uses our trials to show Himself to us and to others and in doing so brings us closer to Him.

And so, as Paul said:

“I will boast all the gladly about my weakness so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why for Christ’s sake, I delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

--2 Corinthians 12:10

(If you would like to read more about Amazing miracles in the middle of great tragedy…read By Faith , by Laura Roberts)

WHEN I AM WEAK

PART ONE

REALITY CHECK

While talking to His disciples Jesus revealed to them that in Jerusalem He would be made to suffer. He told them that He would be put to death but on the third day He would rise again. Peter pulled Him to the side and rebuked Him. He said to Jesus ”Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!”

I find it amazing that Jesus JUST revealed He would rise again after three days of His death and Peter only focused on the suffering and death part. Maybe Peter thought ‘rising from the dead’ was some sort of metaphor or maybe he was so disturbed at the thought of Jesus dying that he didn’t quite catch that part.

In response, Jesus turns back to the other disciples and rebukes Peter in front of them all. “Get behind me, Satan!” He said. “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matt 16:21-23; Mark 8:31-33).

Can you imagine Peter’s confusion and embarrassment? His intention was to reassure Jesus, maybe even scold Him a little for having such negative thoughts and then Jesus, in front of all the other disciples, practically calls him Satan.

Eventually Peter realized that the suffering Jesus endured was all part of God’s plan. That without it salvation could not be offered to the world. Peter’s desire not to see Christ suffer and die would have been Satan’s desire also.

Jesus was not spared His suffering, not even when He asked His Father God if that would be a possibility (Luke 22:42). Instead, He suffered and He died. But that, of course, was not the end. He rose from the dead. The ultimate good--salvation for all came from the ultimate bad--the sacrifice of God’s Son.

Peter did not see, at first, any purpose in Jesus’ having to suffer. It wasn’t until the plan was completed that all the pieces fell into place and all that Jesus taught finally made sense.

That is the way it is for most things isn’t it? We don’t see any good in something until it is done. We don’t see the good in exercise or dieting until we have been doing it enough to feel more energetic and fit into our clothes again. Disciplining our children is no fun until we start seeing them become polite and responsible people. There are many things we suffer through hoping good will come of it.

But God has promised those who love Him that, “He will make all things work for good” (Romans 8:28). ALL THINGS—including suffering. We don’t have to just hope for something good to result from it, we can know there is a purpose for what we go through. We can know that God is working on something good.

Even with the knowledge that God is using our pain for something good we don’t always get the luxury of knowing what that good actually is. Sometimes we never find out. Yet how many times have we heard those who have endured hardship say things like

I realized what my priorities are;

I didn’t know how caring people were;

I’ve learned so much;

I wouldn’t change it;

I’ll never forget….

Sadly, Sometimes it takes a tragedy, large or small, to stop us in our tracks and force us to see who or what we are really putting our faith in.

If we put our faith in our jobs –and we lose it.

If we put our faith in our family- and they leave us.

If we put our faith in ourselves- and we get sick.

It is then that we might realize how small our faith is in God. It is when He holds us as we weep and works on our hearts as it lay broken that our faith grows.

Upon hearing Jesus speak of His impending suffering Peter totally missed the part of His resurrection. Peter focused on the suffering and in doing so felt the need to control the situation by taking Jesus aside and rebuking Him. Jesus had to remind him that he “did not have the mind of God”. It was a reminder that God was in control…as it should be. Even in the Garden when Jesus asked if His suffering was necessary He still acknowledged God’s control with the words, “not my will, but thine”.

It is difficult in the middle of our suffering to focus on what God might have in mind. Especially when the answer is not always revealed to us. But we don’t need to have all the answers. That is the luxury of not having to be in control. It can bring us comfort just to know that there is indeed a plan for us. A purpose for what we endure here on earth.

This is perhaps what Paul meant by, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). We, in our weakness, discover we can trust God. In our brokenness we give up control to Him and with God in control we are indeed strong.

Whom Shall I Fear?

Who are we more afraid of offending – God or man? The Creator or the created? If I had to answer that honestly, I would have to say that I am more afraid of offending my fellow human beings.

Although I may feel a tinge of guilt when I substitute prayer time for facebook time, I certainly am not afraid of doing so. Yet, put me in a position where my faith will be suddenly revealed in my opinions and my mind races for the right words that won’t offend.

If I say, “As a Christian I believe…” will I be labeled as a Jesus freak? If so, is that bad?

Should I allow my son to wear his vacation bible T-shirt to school? If not, what answer do I give to his question, “Why not?”

Will my cross necklace offend my co-workers?

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?

It seems illogical to have more fear for my fellow man that the God who created us all. But let’s face it… man can be mean.

We glare, roll our eyes, argue and bring lawsuits.

God is loving, merciful and forgiving.

We belittle and accuse others of being ignorant or intolerant.

God is quiet, patient and compassionate.

Jeremiah was a prophet of God. It was his job to tell the people of Judah that because of all the years they defied God by worshipping man-made idols instead of the God who led them out of Egypt, He was going to allow Babylon to conquer them and take them captive. Needless to say, Jeremiah did not want the job! He did not want to be God’s spokesman in a time when people would literally kill the messenger.

God said to Jeremiah:

“Get yourself ready! Stand up and say to them whatever I command you.

Do not be terrified by them or I will terrify you before them.”

-Jeremiah 1:17

I know, I know, Jeremiah had an unfair advantage right? God spoke to him directly. There is no doubt in our minds that we would be bolder on behalf of God if He spoke directly to us!

Yet Jeremiah tells us…

“The Word of the Lord came to me saying…”

-Jeremiah 1:14

Wait! Don’t we also have the Word of the Lord? Can’t we indeed hold it in our hands? (Can’t you just hear Jeremiah saying, “If only I had your words in writing Lord, so I could be sure of what you said…”)

It is hard to imagine standing up and speaking the Word of God in the face of death when we have so much trouble speaking the Word of God in the face of… being politically incorrect.

Jesus said, “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him.” (Luke 9:26)

These are the words that haunt me as I walk among my fellow man. Words that embolden me to say out loud, “As a Christian I believe…” even as my heart pounds in fear of the reaction I will get.

Because God is merciful and loving I know He is forgiving when I don’t have the courage to reveal proudly who I am through Christ. But the thought of this same merciful and forgiving God being ashamed of me for hiding my faith- cuts me to the core.

So I will strive to walk this perishable life in such a way that when it is finished I will hear the words “Well done good and faithful servant”. I will struggle to ‘set my mind on things above, not on earthly things’ (Col 3:2). I will fear God more than man but I will also take refuge in Him whom I fear. For what He said to Jeremiah He also says to me.

“Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you.”

-Jeremiah 1:8

A Thought About Prayer

Written 2003

I wonder if we could ever fathom just how powerful prayer is. If we could see the domino effect it has on us and others perhaps then we would have a glimpse of its strength. But how many times do we feel our prayers go unanswered simply because we do not recognize the answer?

The truth is God does answer our prayers but perhaps not always the way we want or expect. So His answers go unnoticed.

One night, not too long ago, a little boy had a terrible cough. His mother prayed, asking God to stop the cough so that her son might get some rest. Not five minutes later the boy was sound asleep -- the cough was gone. The mothers first thought after discovering the sleeping child was NOT, "Wow! Thank-you God!" but rather, "Boy, he must have been really tired!"

The mother's immediate explanation for the absence of the boys cough resulting in his peaceful sleep was an explanation based on circumstance instead of answered prayer. Through the prodding of the Holy Spirit she realized what she had just done and wondered how many times has she done that before?

How many times have we prayed for a miracle--a promotion, a home, good weather--actually received what we asked for and immediately forgot about our beseeching God. Instead we give credit to circumstance...

..."Sure was lucky it didn't rain on our outdoor wedding."

Or worse, we give credit to ourselves...

..."I worked hard to get that promotion, I deserved it."

Then there are the prayers that are answered in a way we weren't expecting and so we don't recognize it as an answered prayer. Instead we question why God isn't listening to us. "Why doesn't He answer me?"

God tells us in Isaiah 55:8&9 that His thoughts are not our thoughts nor His ways our ways. Yet we still find ourselves frustrated when God does not do what we expect or want Him to do.

Another night--another terrible cough. This time it was the boy's sister. She had been coughing all day. Medicine did not calm it. Vicks on her neck, a steamer in her room, nothing could quell it. Again, the mother approached God with the request to banish the ceaseless cough. She had no doubt He could do it, after all, she had seen Him do it before.

But the coughing continued. The mother lay awake--a prayer going up with every cough. In her sleep deprivation she became frustrated and confused. What possible reason could God have to refuse to heal her little girl?

The next morning a doctor's appointment was made, x-rays were taken and a nebulizer was bought. After the girl's first treatment with the nebulizer the coughing stopped. She was healed after all.

But why didn't God heal her the night before as she lay in bed?

I don't know.

Perhaps the newly purchased nebulizer would be needed in the future. Perhaps God wanted the mother to run into the nurse that attended their church. Perhaps he little girl learned a small lesson on not being afraid of the unknown (because the x-ray machine really didn't hurt). Or, perhaps, it was so I would have an analogy on how God answers prayer.

I don't know, may never know. The important thing is that God knows, always knows and that is what we as His children should never forget.

Written 2008

Five years later...

The 90 year old great-grandmother of the boy and girl came to visit from a great distance.

She awoke that first morning in a panic. She walked out of the guest room slowly--but as fast

as she could.

"My machine!" she exclaimed upon sight of the mom, "I forgot to pack my machine!"

The mom instantly shared her concern. It was Labor Day weekend and whatever she had

forgotten would not be found until stores opened again in two days.

"What machine?" she asked--her mind racing, trying to recall all the medical facilities,

wondering which one might be open for emergencies.

"The machine for my treatments...I can't breathe well without my treatments." her words

already labored.

The mom suddenly realized she was witnessing an answered prayer that didn't even need

to be uttered. She smiled as she asked...

"A nebulizer?"

Morning Call

You call to me,

My heart quickens -

Anxious to answer

But,

Dishes sit in the sink

Cereal boxes taunt me from the table.

You call to me,

My heart struggles-

Hoping to answer

But,

Towels covering the bathroom floor

Scream at me to straighten and scrub.

You call to me,

My heart falls-

Wanting to answer

But,

The laundry grows taller and meaner

Laughing at my laziness.

You call to me,

My heart yearns-

Wishing to answer

Then,

Among the clutter-

A whisper

Be still… know that I am.

In the midst of all this

I find your word

I answer your call.

Hearing God/part two--A Whisper

When Queen Jezebel heard of how Elijah had humiliated Baal she was more determined than ever to destroy him. But God was with Elijah and led him to a cave on Mt. Horeb. It was there that God said to him, “Go out and stand on the mountain, for the Lord is about to pass by.”

“Then a great and powerful wind tore the

mountain apart and shattered the rocks,

But the Lord was not in the wind.

After the wind was an earthquake,

--But the Lord was not in the earthquake

After the earthquake came a fire,

--But the Lord was not in the fire.

After the fire came a gentle whisper.

When Elijah heard the whisper, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.”

--1 Kings 19:11-13

****************************************************************

The wind, the earthquake, the fire—

They were NOT the Lord.

But the whisper…

…The still small voice we often hear about but perhaps never have the patience to experience.

--Be still—and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

Be Still?!?

That’s a tough one. What with work, family, bills to pay, committees to attend. After all, God only gave us 24 hours in the day. If only He gave us more time, then we could easily set some aside for Him.

--Be Still –

All the technology we have so that we can cook and clean faster, write and send reports faster, get to where we are going faster, so why do we still feel we don’t get things done fast enough? Whose timetable are we using…God’s or ours?

--Be Still –

We have heard it a hundred times “take time for God.” But wouldn’t we rather give some money, say some prayers and call it good…or at least, good enough?

--Be Still, so as not to miss the whisper. –

The wind, the earthquake, the fire... were they meant to get Elijah’s attention? What does God need to do to get OUR attention? To get us out of our earthly caves and stand in His presence?

The next time we find ourselves thinking, “If only He would just give me a sign.” Perhaps we should stop—just stop. Read His words, talk to Him alone, quietly.

I am sure then, we will hear His whispers and maybe even avoid the wind, the earthquakes and the fires.

HEARING GOD/part one -- FIRE

HEARING GOD

1 Kings 18 & 19

Part one

FIRE

Queen Jezebel had the prophet Elijah on the run. He was the last of God’s prophets. All others had been killed. But God emboldened Elijah to step out of hiding and challenge the god Jezebel herself worshipped—Baal.

Elijah convinces the 450 prophets of Baal, the god of weather, to set up an alter of sacrifice on Mt. Carmel

and Elijah would set up an alter as well. Neither sacrifice is to be set on fire. That job is left up to the gods.

“Go ahead”, Elijah shouts to the prophets, “tell Baal to send down the fire!” Baal’s prophets begin their prayers, confidant in his answer. This should be an easy task for the god of weather. One bolt of lightening is all it would take to shut Elijah up.

The morning passes. There is no lightening. There is no fire.

“Pray louder!” Elijah taunts, “Perhaps he is deep in thought!” 450 prophets raise their voices and dance around the alter of Baal.

“Louder!” Elij

ah suggests, “Maybe he’s sleeping and you have to wake him! Oh wait—maybe he is out of town and can’t hear you!”

As afternoon passes, the prophets shout even louder, their dance becomes more and more frenzied. They cut themselves with spears and swords until their own blood flows.

Baal remains

silent.

When evening comes Elijah has had enough. He stops the madness of Baal’s prophets turns to the alter he has built and says, “My turn.”

Elijah does not yet call for God’s fire. That would be too easy. Instead he orders a trench to be dug around the alter and calls for water to be poured over the offering.

It is done.

“Again”, he commands.

It is done again.

“Again!”

A third time water is poured over the alter until finally the trench around it is full.

Satisfied, Elijah turns to his God in prayer.

“Oh Lord, let it be known today that you are God in Israel. Answer me, oh Lord, answer me so these people will know that you are God.”

FIRE

It falls out of the sky burning hot.

It burns up the sacrifice and the wood.

It burns up the stones!

It burns up the soil!

Not a drop is left i

n the trench.

Elijah turns. All around him the people of Israel are laying face down on the ground, shouting:

“The Lord—He is God!

The Lord—He is God!”

*****************************************************

How many of us long for the days when God sent fire from heaven to prove His existence or show us which way to turn?

“Lord, just give me a sign,” we plead. Then t

he rest of the day we wonder… was that a sign? ... Was THAT a sign? At the end of the day we think, “Does He hear me? Does He care? Does He even exist?”

We long for Him just to speak with us as He did with Moses. To give us signs like He gave the Israelites.

Signs like the parting of the Red Sea.

(After which His people complained of hunger)

Signs like the sending of manna.

(After which His people wanted meat)

Signs like writin

g the commandments on a stone tablet.

(During which His people built an idol to worship)

Signs like leading His people to a land of promise.

(Which they were too scared to go into)

God must have wondered, “Do they hear me? Do they care? Do they know I exist?”

Yes, God sent fire from the sky and yes, the hearts of His people returned to Him… for a while.

But do we really need fire from heaven to know who God is and what He can do?

When we ask Him for a sign -- are we sure He hasn’t already given us one… or two… or more?

When we plead with Him to speak to us – are we taking the time to truly listen?