Unicorns and Rainbows

                                   UNICORNS AND RAINBOWS        

What comes to mind? Cotton-candy pink clouds, fairies taking flight watching unicorns prancing below, leprechauns burying their pot of gold.  Lovely, isn’t it? Linked together it forms a colorful picture. But is it a fable or truth? 

Unicorns. Do we really believe they exist, or once existed? Many tales handed down through the years say they are real, but there’s no proof. We’re curious, but whether or not unicorns are or ever were real doesn’t affect our lives. Fable or fact, unicorns, UFOs, Sasquatch---probably not worth time and energy we give them. 

On the other hand, rainbows are a visual confirmation of one of God’s promises to us, teaching us how seriously He hates sin, demonstrated when He destroyed the world by flooding and His promise never to repeat this act. Ask Noah. He was there.

Our judgment is required to discern true from false in order to live well. 

The Bible is filled with promises, to teach us about Him, teach us to love Him, to describe the rewards of becoming His child, and the horrors of punishment for those who reject Him. The world offers many fairy tales and fables, disguised as truth. The world is filled with false promises, offering freedom, fun and frivolity that please us today but offer the substance of cotton-candy, sweet for the moment but with no staying power, no nourishment to help us stand after the new wears off the fun we’ve had (leaving us with cavities in our teeth, so to speak) and boredom sends us looking for bigger thrills. 

Satan has a few tricks that usually deceive all of us sometime, and some of us every time. He wraps a lie in a big bundle of truths or almost-truths and, just like our pet dog who won’t accept a pill yet gobbles it down wrapped in cheese or peanut butter, we swallow his whole tale. For us, the outcome won’t be good: the pill we just swallowed wasn’t from the Great Physician.

God is patient, but His rainbow, along with His promise never to use flooding again to purge a sinful people, also warns that He will not delay forever a great cleansing of His creation. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, He offers good times that will last, friends who won’t fail, life filled with love, forever. 

No contest, when you compare with eyes and heart wide open.

Who's Driving?

                                  

A new image just came into my mind—at 84, it’s not too often that happens. Lots of time my mind is running reruns, retreads on new images from times past. Not sure if this idea has wheels or if it will crash and burn, but for better or worse, here ‘tis.

I’m in a car with the motor running, a driverless car, and I’m in the right front seat and figure, why not? I start to slide over to the left, but the seatbelt restrains me. Frustrating, but I can reach the wheel so I reach across and put it in gear and off we/I go!

Seems like other traffic is driving too close for comfort, but I can handle it. I reach up to twist the rear view mirror to a better angle. Seems like I’m too close to the shoulder so ease left, resulting in a blast from an 18-wheeler’s air horn as that driver frantically eased left, causing a car on his left to stand on his brakes with a terrible screech. I guess my viewpoint is skewed, since I’m not really in the driver’s seat.

Entering the drive-thru lane (and it was a little tricky), I reach for my deposit and pull forward, and instantly I’m embarrassed and the teller looks a little confused as I wave apologetically and drive through, park to go inside the bank.

Slowly walking back to my car, I mentally review my performance. 

The car was my life. I was not the designated driver and for many good reasons. My view ahead was imperfect and I was not sure of the route I’d be taking. My name was not on the insurance policy. And I had completely forgotten, my name was not on the title. The title bore the name: Almighty /Creator and God, my Holy Father.

I need to keep that in mind and keep my hands off the steering wheel.

THANKSGIVING

 Dear God, our Holy Father, to whom we owe our very existence and the heart and spirit you planted within us, giving us the ability to return your love, I pray you will put gratitude foremost in our hearts for so many good and wonderful things you give us daily.

In Your provision for our physical and mental well-being, your presence and grace enabling and strengthening us for any and all challenges we meet daily, we learn new things about You and learn to walk, knowing you will catch us when we stumble and set us again onto the path You chose for us. Thank You, Father, for great and small problems in our path, unacknowledged gifts which cause us to look up for help and learn something new. Without these challenges, we tend to believe we can handle life on our own.

This magnificent world, though fallen through human failure, still retains beauty and evidence of ever-diligent watch care over each one of us, revealing Your yearning for our recognition and fellowship with our Creator and Savior.

This Christian nation was given to our forefathers, who prayed and fought for a safe place to live and freely serve You, yet most of us carelessly undervalue this freedom today, believing somehow it is our birthright requiring little from us for its continued existence, and which through continued neglect we are losing to Your enemy, bit by bit, without seeing it is ours only through our relation to our Father in heaven. I thank You for Your continued patience with our apparent disregard of this monumental gift.

I am grateful for my family, given to me as a pale foreshadowing of the parental love from my Holy Father. Imperfect as are even the best relationships on the earth, they give us a glimmer of the perfect loving Parent waiting to welcome us into His eternal family.

Most of all, Father, Thanksgiving is given in honor to King Jesus, who left His throne for a time and lived among us, proving that a perfect life is only possible with God’s presence within and demonstrating perfect, infinite love by substituting His death for the one mankind earned by turning away.

For all these things and more, Lord, make us truly grateful.

CHUTES AND LADDERS

When I was very young, about 20 years old, I remember earnestly praying for God to guide me, to show me His will for my life. The more silent His response, the more fervently I prayed, but alas, the yellow brick road never appeared! I was looking for revelation of where and what I was supposed to be 20 years ahead, so I could hone my skills and somehow reach that plateau God and I had in mind.

As it turned out, I can see flaws in my plan and can see the pattern of my growth as it has occurred and can see the resemblance to the Biblical plans referenced as 40 days or 40 years as they are recorded; the Israelites languishing in the desert 40 years because of fear and rebellion, Moses' flight and lengthy exile far from his ultimate destiny (time God used to refine and prepare him for service), Noah's 40 days in the ark, Jesus's 40 days facing Satan in the desert and His 40 days on earth after resurrection before returning to His throne in Heaven.

Like an infant who depends on others to feed him until he matures and becomes able to take responsibility for his own future, a young Christian may live from Sunday to Sunday, fed by his Pastor. Some, like me, linger in this state, growing very slowly, for years, before actively searching spiritual meat for themselves, before hearing God speak clearly to their spirit.

It seems God’s plan is to teach us one truth daily, one command or instruction, instead of over-whelming us with knowledge of the rocky road ahead. (Think: If Jesus had foretold His apostles the horrible deaths waiting ahead, who would follow?) Once we obey that instruction, He will give us another—a ladder we climb one step at a time. However, until we obey what He has told us, He will remain silent. But we don’t remain poised on that level, we slide backward, like the game Chutes and Ladders—but there is a penalty in sliding back: loss of fellowship and guidance from our Father while we stumble in the dark.

Though I was saved and baptized by the age of 8, I now see I was developing very slowly, maintaining week to week on sermons I heard, coasting the rest of the week, until I attended a life-changing revival at age 40. Suddenly I was ravenous for God’s written word and listening for His voice in my heart. I felt complete, filled with new knowledge, strong faith and confidence, fearless for my future, though this was a time of great turmoil, losing my mother, soon after losing my marriage, with 2 daughters nearing adulthood. I stopped worrying, gave worry to God, where it belonged.

I was happy now and complacent, living at this new level for about another 40 years—until age and health began to limit my life to a smaller existence, a time of reminiscence and awareness of missed opportunities no longer available and a sense of urgency for those few souls still in my part of the world to know our Savior. He has given me a new hunger and boldness, a passion, to share things He has taught me, even to deaf ears. My job now to speak; His to open ears and hearts.

Come soon, Lord!

             But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount
             up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and
             not faint.                                  Isaiah 40:31


             Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall 
             be filled.                                   Matthew 5:6    

I pray when I leave this world, I can kneel at His throne and say:

            I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
                                                                  2 Timothy 4:7

















                                 

     

Here We Go Again

Have you ever found yourself facing a problem, one you thought you had resolved before, and you find yourself stumbling toward the answers you thought you had locked in? That’s where I am today. It’s just like Windows 8 all over again. I came so close to giving up.

See, I know me. Just as my feet no longer dance through their day, my brain, though still there (praise the Lord), no longer absorbs great lumps of facts in a sprint—I have to settle into a marathon or sit in my recliner in front of the TV and grow moss on my brain.

Once again I have taken the challenge to venture further into this new millennium. I traded my cute little flip phone for the smart-alec phone. At least, that’s what I call it now. Someday it will mean more to me or so I tell myself.

After the first week, I’m familiar with the alarm clock and can make a call. Sandy waves her hands across its screen and many wondrous things flash by my eyes, then disappear once she hands it back to me.

Remembering my love/hate relationship with Windows 8, I recall how I survived and realized here we go again! Take notes this time, Doris—the subject is bound to arise again; you’re not going away any time soon, so get with the program: start small, exercise a little every day instead of cramming for the exam—that doesn’t work any more, build those powerful muscles behind your eyes little by little, day by day, and never quit, never give up. And this new phone will give you a few of its secrets as you go!

I may be slow, but this time I think I’ve got it.

Just like the daily walk—not sprint—with God. In this life you can never learn all the wonderful promises in His Holy Bible, never perfectly follow His path. No one can, so don’t give up. Just keep practicing using those verses you learn along the way to keep you on His path without letting doubts discourage you and steal you away. You'll get there.

Shiny Toys

Today Andy Stanley said: The kingdom of this world is designed to distract you from what really matters.”

This reminded me of distracting a bored baby by jingling a shiny keyring to distract him. You know it works. Why should we be surprised that the same ploy works so well for Satan? He knows if we’re Christ’s followers, our souls are safe, but he can steal our joy and fellowship with our Father, diminish our obedience, rob us of time, hours, years of service to our calling by deceit and distraction. "You can go to church next week--a party like this is rare as a blue moon. "Everybody will be there for good, clean fun. (BYOB) No harm done." Warning: Distraction!                    

We’re too smart to be fooled, right? We’re not babies. Really?

Why are there football games back-to-back Sundays? Spicy, guilty-pleasure television shows? Why are shopping malls open Sundays? Why X-rated movies ANY day? For the first half my life these didn’t exist for mainstream folks, but mainly in the mind of someone bored or greedy for fame and fortune. Shopping for non-essentials on Sunday violated the “blue laws”, designed for workers’ day of rest and worship. Satan reminds us that watching TV isn’t wrong. Football isn’t either. Unless it steals time we should be using in better ways. That’s where Deceit succeeds (and makes millionaires of his people, but trust me, you can't take it with you).

Sundays families gathered after church to eat, visit, rest, take a scenic ride in the family car – together. Change is not inherently progress. Let's not fall for his shiny toys.

   1Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
      3For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.  Romans 12:1-3

A New Car

                                   

Thinking back over the last 25 years, I have had the pleasure of acquiring three new cars, right from the showroom. Along with the title, I was presented with the Manufacturer’s Warranty, spelling out my responsibilities for the care of the new vehicle.

No one required any promise from me to follow explicitly all the instructions. I think they expected anyone smart enough to have a driver’s license and car insurance would understand that the manufacturer who built the car knew best how to maintain its safety and reliability. Read it or not, the car was mine. Following the instructions and suggestions was optional. Life expectancy and reliability of the vehicle was not optional.

The warranty was based on the quality of my care, my following the basic rules, caring and feeding the new baby properly: changing its tires, oil, well-baby checks at the dealership or other professional caregiver, routine maintenance and learning the unique features not included in my previous car. 

Consequences of ignoring the manufacturer’s manual was usually expensive in one way or another, when the vehicle required intensive care.

Same way with the Bible. Really, did you think it was just a “vanity-published book” , created by God to pat Himself on the back for His own amusement?

Consider that He is the manufacturer of humans in His spiritual likeness (which everyone since Adam has rebelled against at times). Consider that He knows you inside and out, front to back, head and heart to toes and wants to introduce you to the best way to live and become prepared for an eternal future with Him, warranty and all. Same as with the new car, following the Manufacturer’s instruction manual is optional; the result is not optional.

How to Get What We Really Want

According to Andy Stanley, everybody wants something, every day. Tomorrow we will lose interest in today’s “want”—we’ll want something new every tomorrow. Yesterday’s prize no longer sparkles. it no longer satisfies. Perpetual pleasure gratification is addictive but perpetual satisfaction is the elusive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.  

Simply put, I may want cheesecake today, ice cream tomorrow and someday to lose 15 pounds, but getting what I want on all my todays will prevent my getting what I really want—new clothes one size down! That elusive someday never gets any closer.

Andy says, "Lurking in the shadow of what we want is what we value. We never get what we really want until we discover what we really value, what would satisfy, keep us happy long-term."

We stay busy deciding what we want right now, resulting in a lifetime of chasing the rainbow and end up with nothing more than our most recent “want”. Pleasure is transient, joy and contentment happen over time. That’s why we laugh at the tee-shirt printed with the demand “Lord, give me patience and I want it right now!”  Down deep we have to admit that’s no way to live.

Something time has taught me over the years is that happiness catches up with you when you're busy doing something for someone else.

Faith and Gratitude

 What has God done for you lately?

We know God loves us. We've been told this from childhood. We accept as if we deserved it and may become unaware of His intervention and watch care. And since He is omniscient, we believe that He knows in our hearts that we love and appreciate His many gifts (beginning with our existence). So why is it important to acknowledge His role in our lives?

Let's look at this from another angle. You have a friend who is always in hot water, struggling to stay afloat, and who asks for your help. You quickly agree because this is your dear friend and you drop everything to assist in finding a way out of this current trouble. Your friend is grateful and you feel relief that all is well.

But before you get your own life back on schedule, your dear friend calls again; again you rearrange your schedule and rush to help. And soon this pattern is established; your friend seems to expect you to drop everything when you get the 911 call. And if you are not instantly available, you sense a little impatience or resentment implying that you are unfeeling and selfish, and a distance grows between you. Your friend begins to resent your failure to rescue and may even blame you for the latest pit he or she has fallen into. She seems unable (or unwilling) to learn how to avoid the bumps in her road.

You begin to feel hurt as you realize your friend hasn't taken your advice in the past and doubt she deeply appreciates your sacrifice of time and energy you have given her. You doubt she will ever stop depending on you to solve her problems. The gap in your relationship grows wider until she stops seeking your companionship; clearly the breach is beyond repair. Both of you have lost a friend. Do you really want to be the needy friend described above?

A little genuine gratitude affirms our relationship with others (and with God) and prevents our growing complacent, assuming that God is like Santa Claus, existing to fulfill all our wishes. For our relationship to flourish, love and gratitude must be expressed by word and deed—our willingness to heed His Word and testify to His faithfulness before others  who don’t know our Savior.

Also, gratitude shown before fulfillment of a prayer demonstrates our faith in His provision. In the story of the ten lepers, Jesus told them they were healed and to go show themselves to the priest to be declared clean. They began walking toward the temple before they saw evidence of healing. Only one of the ten turned back to thank Jesus before proceeding to the temple. Jesus's comment on this shows He values our gratitude.

Ten Lepers Cleansed     Luke 17:11-19  

      11While He was on the way to Jerusalem, He was passing between Samaria and Galilee. 12As He entered a village, ten leprous men who stood at a distance met Him; 13and they raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14When He saw them, He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they were going, they were cleansed. 15Now one of them, when he saw that he had been healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice, 16and he fell on his face at His feet, giving thanks to Him. And he was a Samaritan. 17Then Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But the nine—where are they? 18“Was no one found who returned to give glory to God, except this foreigner?” 19And He said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.”    

Why Do Christians Have Problems?

When things are going good, we forget we need God’s protection or that we need to return His love and attention. He may, gently or otherwise, send us a reminder that we cannot handle everything headed our way without His help. He yearns for our love and obedience. 

We’ve misbehaved, made a choice that carries a penalty which must be enforced, yet His promise is to go through our day with us, whether good or bad, easy or difficult, peacefully or in pain. He doesn’t punish us by sending trouble our way—the trouble we receive may be of our own making. “Do the crime. You do the time.”

Others, who don’t know God, are watching to see how we handle the same problems they endure.  God may use our attitude in time of trouble to get their attention. (Let’s try not to give them the wrong impression.)

In His greater plan, we may be bit players in His complex plan for someone else’s life. 

News Flash!!! None of us is the center of the universe, yet He is fully aware of every fleeting thought, our kindnesses, our failures, and all of us individually are the apple of His eye.

In order to grow confidence in His provision for us, He may allow Satan to test our resolve and faith, enabling us to exercise our faith muscles, strengthening our determination to fulfill His purpose for us without demanding He first explain before we consent.

We’ve forgotten we inherited Adam’s sinful nature. We do not live in Eden, folks. We live in a fallen world, where things go wrong, even if we’re not misbehaving. Our problems are not punishment; troubles rain on the just and unjust. (Once a man said this to me when he took away my job, along with several other unfortunate folks, and I thought at the time he didn't even look damp! But in God's time I was soon blessed with the best job I ever had and somehow, when I began work at the best workplace I had ever experienced, my bank balance was very like it was on that scary day two months earlier. God had been watching after all.) While Satan is free to wreak havoc in this world, evil exists and disease and there will be victims.

No matter what the reason for the tenor of our day, we must remember we are not alone. Our Holy Father is right beside us, His Spirit within us, to keep us from fear and failure.

It’s true this world is not fair but the next one is.

Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Your book were all written The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them.

Psalms 139:16

Following Jesus, whether through blessings or burdens, has the same result: being conformed to His image.       (Romans 8:28-29).

Knowing God

Throughout my life, I managed from time to time to get a new glimpse of this great God who created me. Each new insight seems to overwhelm me for a time. Until I get used to this new kernel of knowledge. Before long, I seem to file away that new aspect of my Holy Father, and too often begin waiting expectantly for another crumb to drop from His table. In a way, it's as though I'm climbing a ladder, except I tend to doze off instead of reaching for the next level.

On looking back, I can see myself slumbering through daily life on autopilot when I should have been eagerly looking for the Lord’s next revelation and praising Him for the blessings already filed. When I actually take time to inventory the riches from His bounty, my eyes are filled with images proving His provision,

                                   His power,
                                               His passion
                                                           for His creations: a bird in spring bringing food to her hatchings, a bee who somehow knows to collect pollen from a flower which results in honey, a busy ant working in concert with its army as an example to me to be more industrious. These things remind me of His loving care and make me feel safe in His arms. I’m comfortable and familiar with this God.

Other images remind me of His mighty power and my heart thuds in my chest to see displays of God’s power: a mighty waterfall roaring over a cliff, a lightning streak burning anything it touches, crashing thunder vibrating in the pit of my stomach, a tsunami (thankfully experienced only through film), the nothingness left behind a tornado, the comets whizzing through space toward earth, which He diverts and saves our world while we’re not even aware of danger.

And yet most days I drift through my day, barely remembering to say hello to my Heavenly Father and forgetting, ignoring the great punishment this same God could have brought to me (which I deserve) and the horrific punishment Jesus suffered so I will not.

I startle in horror when I am suddenly aware of Almighty God. How dare I ignore His presence, His ownership of this world and its inhabitants? I cringe as I comprehend anew that this same God controls my very existence, my next breath of air, and His great love is equaled by His standard of perfection. How can I daily live as though ignoring Him is an option?  Our next world, whether a palace in His presence or locked away forever in an eternal fiery darkness, will depend on whether we honor and obey, or turn away from His hand reaching to bring us to safety.

He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."  Psalm 46:10 New American Standard

Notice He doesn't say exalted "by My people", He's talking about all of us on that day, believers or not prior to Judgment Day. He is a fierce God, an awesome. fearsome God to those who don't answer His call. Ready or not, judgment will come!

It is written: "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.     Romans 14:11, New American Standard

He says give me your heart now;  don't wait for Judgment Day, you will be left behind!

Hosanna to the God of All There Is!

Who, What is Your God?

 When I read that NASA sent men into space and back using a huge roomful of computers less powerful than the one in my cell phone, I started thinking about the intelligence of men and their choices.

During my lifespan we have gone from bicycles, cars, and single-engine aircraft to jet airplanes, the internet, rocket ships, and each innovator bringing something new looked at the previous generation as primitive, ignorant, out of date. I wonder though, didn’t it require just as much ingenuity and genius to invent the first wheel, wagon, or car? Or to progress from sign language to the quill, the first printing press, telegraph, telephone, internet? Each new invention was built upon knowledge of some previous machine serving mankind. And that’s important to remember.

Many scientists say man is master of this world; there is no God. They will tell you firmly, as if they were there, that the world just happened. No plan, no creator, just BANG! This wonderfully coordinated, complex, beautiful world just happened? I find it interesting that of the various branches of science, there are more Christians among astronomers than in any other field of science. They have looked beyond this world and have seen the vastness of space and its many universes, all so beautifully created to work in harmony and therefore many astronomers dismiss the big bang theory.  

Psalm 19:1 says The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Many people worship the creation rather than the Great Creator. They say man is the ultimate authority, in control of his fate. They say they can create life, meaning cloning, but that's not creating; it's reproducing/remodeling. Throughout my 8+ decades, I have learned to know and trust my Creator, my Savior, my Father in heaven. If I'm wrong, oops. At least I enjoyed the relationship I believed I had. Although, if I'm right, these other folks are quite probably in trouble, big trouble.

Father's Day

As small children we learn that our father’s awesome strength has power over our lives, whether to protect, teach or discipline.

Remember when we were very young, how we would look forward to his coming home after work? How we would run to him and he would scoop us into his arms and hold us close? And he always brought a surprise when he returned after a trip, some little thing. Just something to show he was thinking about us when we were apart.

Sometimes in a bad mood or just plain cross with our world, we weren’t eager to run to his arms when he came home, dreading to face the punishment we had earned. Sometimes he would have to search for us, to make us face his discipline and forgiveness before we were ready for the hugs we longed for.  

As we became older, that fear morphed into anger at not being allowed to do what we want. We made excuses and pouted when disciplined. We didn’t yearn for his company—we blamed his rules for our misery. He was old-fashioned, out of date. We might grudgingly acknowledge shame at our misstep. Perhaps not until we became parents did we fully appreciate the love behind the discipline, the reasons behind “Because I said so”. 

But some of us learned early in life not to trust our imperfect father and yearned for the relationship we saw in other families. We may have found impatience or indifference instead of love. Avoiding his homecoming became routine; we would grow bitter. Life isn’t fair.

God gave us human families so we could see a picture, though dimly, of the relationship He seeks with each of us. For those of us without parents able to provide this image of love, God planted the yearning for perfect love in our hearts for that something missing that only our Heavenly Father can freely give. A love we can trust to provide discipline and guidance if we look beyond the momentary discomfort with which He draws our attention to Him.   

                                         FATHER’S HANDS                         

             My Father’s hands, so big and strong

Lift me up when things go wrong;

When His hands hold me near,

I know there is naught to fear;

His hands so gently, without wrath,

Nudge me firmly back onto His path;

My Father’s hands hold me tight

And keep me safe throughout the night.

For it is God who works in you both to will and
to do for His good pleasure.   Philippians 2:13

                                            

Christians and Politics

Sometimes we feel like we shouldn’t even get involved—politics is a dirty game.

After watching the news, we often feel like we need a quick shower. Other times we feel like we’re invisible, our voices are ignored when we express disapproval at some of the decisions made by our leaders.  If one of our Christian brothers tries to get involved and, heaven forbid, runs for office, he’s suspected of selling out; because we should be above all the sleazy backroom deals required to succeed. 

There have been many demonstrations of disrespect and hostility surrounding our last presidential election, to the point of public disturbances. Saddened by the disorder and outright hatred expressed so publicly, what is our responsibility as Christians?  And when we disagree with morality of a law, what are we to do? Avert our eyes or protest? And if we protest, we may break the law and there are consequences. What are we supposed to do? I confess the only word I had read on the subject was Jesus's remark in Luke 20:25. "Then render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and unto God the things that are God's."

 Dr. Robert Jeffress, Dallas First Baptist pastor,  spoke on the subject last Sunday and Romans 13 gives a complete idea of our response to government, and our answer to these questions is very plain:

Romans 13:1-5 says: Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.  3For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; 4For it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. 5Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’  

Dr. Jeffress pointed out that leaders, good or bad, are placed as God sees fit. Like him or not, we must realize God had a reason for placing us under this authority.  And happy about His choice or not, I plan to stay on the winner’s side of that disagreement! So what can we do as God’s people to make our situation better? Pray for our leadership. If you’re praying for someone, you'll find it difficult to condemn him. You can’t do both!

1^st Timothy 2:1-4, 8 says: 1First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and  dignity. 3This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,   4who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.

Purity: Is It Optional?

When have you heard anyone use the word purity except in describing water? Purity of water is a life or death matter worldwide. Why should we be surprised to see how important purity is to our heavenly Father?

I heard Andy Stanley ask that question recently and was surprised to realize that the word seems to have gone the way of horse collars, blacksmiths or the Elizabethan ”thee and thou” of the King James Bible.

I saw an illustration on Face Book about the transition of coal to diamond. All it takes is great pressure (which I’m sure the coal never voted for) and time—lots of time. I remembered other images I heard of years ago about allowing God to perfect, or purify, our lives, but somehow it never occurred to me that the process could be painful.

Matthew 3:12 describes God sifting out what is not good and useful to Him. “His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into His barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." That doesn’t sound like gentle handling, but it's not optional in His view-- it's necessary. (I don't want to be considered chaff!)

And take clay for instance. I had in mind the image of nice, cool clay, gently caressed and coaxed into shape, but no.   First the Potter slaps it onto a wheel and twirls it and twists it and shapes it into the form He desires and then to make sure the change He created is fixed, He puts it into the fire. Ouch! The result is something useful, often a thing of beauty.

A sword is traditionally a necessary or lifesaving tool for a Warrior, as is a knife to a Hunter. Base material is alternately softened by fire and shaped with hammer and anvil to temper the metal, make it strong. The result is an effective, dependable tool He can trust.

A Gardener carefully separates and destroys weeds from His crops. He places a protective fence and guards His cultivated garden from birds or animals, thieves who come to steal or destroy.  

Most cities have museums or parks with beautiful sculptures honoring someone whose memory is respected by figures in stone, shaped by an Artist from rough, jagged, muddy stone dug from the ground and transformed into His vision of beauty, not gently changed, but with hammer and chisel.

Deep within the earth’s surface, mixed with common soil and gravel, A miner finds gold, powder or tiny bits, not all that attractive, but He knoss how to purify it. You guessed it: after washing the mixture to separate the impurities, He uses fire to refine the yellow matter into something beautiful.

One thing all these products have in common is that their destiny is in the hands of their Creator and discomfort or pain is usually involved to create something of great value. Why should we not expect some discomfort--or sadness--in our lives? We can trust our Creator and allow Him to form us into the image of His Son, ridding us of our blemishes and brokenness, revealing our true nature as children of our King.                                        

                                                            THE SUN

Fire melts butter, so they say;

Why does the sun then harden clay?

Now the question comes into play,

Does the sun pity butter, or hate the clay?

Does it bestow its heat upon a whim,

Or is the difference in the two of them? 

What mystery is held in the sun's kiss?

I suspect the truth is merely this:

Clay resists the Son's presence,

While butter yields its essence;

O Lord, create in me, I pray,

A heart of butter, not of clay.

      

Define Obedience-Who is the Intelligent Being?

Watching Rachel’s dog Charlie when they came to stay gave me fresh insight at a loving relationship between two very different beings. He is a big white dog who could easily ignore her and do as he pleases, yet his eye is always on her, listening for her soft voice or the slight click of her finger-snapping in correcting him. He sits at her feet, leaning his huge head against her knee, waiting for her to speak.

When she is not in sight, he paces the floor, eyes searching for the one he loves and trusts above all others; he acknowledges that she provides everything he needs and will keep him safe. He's uneasy, on guard when she is away but relaxes in her presence. He trusts her to keep him safe, he trusts her guidance to order his day. He craves her presence, her voice to guide him, to give him a task.

I don't have to wait for the presence of my Master. He has promised never to leave me. He will guide me (when I allow it), He is patient when I misbehave and sure to forgive my wandering when my eyes  return to Him, hungry for His word.

While I know the One who provides my every need, down to the very breath I draw, I wish I were as obedient, less willful in having my own way, picking my own path. Charlie knows Rachel loves him and shows his complete faith in her. How much more love my Heavenly Father shows me daily and forever!

Here Come the Judge

A while back, the comedian Flip Wilson found a way to insert this phrase into his TV show every week. The audience began to anticipate it, ready to laugh. "Here come the Judge."

What isn’t funny to me is that I have begun to realize that I, that most of us in fact, seem to claim that by-line almost daily. We judge ourselves and others around us. We can always find someone who’s a worse person than the one smiling back from our mirror. Compared to (fill in the blank), I’m not so bad. The only problem with this: God doesn’t  compare us with each other; He gave the world Ten Commandments for us to compare ourselves to, so we would see that no one of us lives up to His standard of perfection, personified by His Son Jesus.  He doesn't grade on the curve. His math is a simple binary choice, based on our response of yes or no.

God either sees us through the veil of the blood Jesus shed to pay our sin debt or He sees us in our unforgiven state, condemned to death by our refusal to accept the incredible gift of Jesus’s loving sacrifice. As great as His love for us is His justice and hatred of wrongdoing, knowing our sin nature condemns us all, God sacrificed His Son to pay our sin debt and offered each of us a pardon from the death penalty--It's our choice to accept or reject.

Even when we have accepted His gracious offer of eternal life, without realizing we're doing it, we often rate people's behavior as we go through our day. How often do we whisper to ourselves "He just ran the light on deep orange. He could cause an accident." or "Those kids are causing an uproar in the store--what kind of mother lets them behave like that?"

What do we say to someone who refuses to see God's love "because no god he would worship would let someone die of cancer" or "God of love? He would never send anyone to Hell if He loved them"?

Not only do some of us judge each other, but also dare in our lack of understanding to judge Holy God. God sees us as dead or alive in Christ, and sees all sin a death sentence. Can we then decide which sinner should be punished? If not God's judgment, whose should we accept? There are probably those who would judge you or me and condemn us. Who elected me Judge?There has to be an absolute standard, and by trusting Him to have answers to all our questions, I should take off the black robe and resign. Let God do His job.

For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.   Romans 3:23

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Matthew 6:14

For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matt 7:2

Our Worst Enemy

I’ve often heard it said that “you are your own worst enemy”.  Andy Stanley made this truth easy to understand in his series comparing happiness vs. pleasure.

            The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they
            may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10

I always thought this “thief” was the devil, tempting us to waste our talents and resources, and it's true that he hates us, but Andy went right to “you are your own worst enemy”! When we choose temporary pleasures, we are killing our peace with God, missing the abundant life we could have.

"No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and

love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the

other. You cannot serve both God and money. Matthew 6:24

Spending our resources, energy and time (which is limited) for temporary whims leaves us spiritually and physically depleted, ill-prepared for life’s trials and burdens, bankrupt when it counts! Psychologists tell us that repeated behavior becomes a self-perpetuating habit, whether good or bad. A bad habit will imprison us; with each repetition it intangles us deeper in its control. We are no longer free; we are slaves. The good news is we can choose our master!

Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as

obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey--whether you 

are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which 

leads to righteousness?   Romans 6:16

Choosing pleasure (which is short-lived) over long term happiness through the obedient life is like buying a melting ice cream cone with a sorely over-used credit card. After the pleasure has passed comes the stress of paying the bills. Andy points out that by choosing obedience first, you can have both happiness and pleasure. Choose pleasure first (since it has diminishing returns as you  give it control in your life) and you lose the pleasure that habit once gave as well as happiness. If I am going to be a slave, or servant, I prefer a loving Master who cares for me. That’s Jesus Christ, who died for me.

          
          I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for
          the sheep.     John 10:11

My Computer by Doris Lakey

Like many people I know, I have a computer. Oftentimes I realize it's smarter than I am. It has rules for operation. If I ask it to do something contrary to those rules, it sits and blinks its eye at me, politely refusing to comply. I wish I were as compliant to my Creator's rules for my behavior, but as I said, I'm not as smart as this machine and sadly, too often I prefer to do things my way.

Furthermore, when I brought it home I had certain jobs in mind for my PC and miraculously it already knew how to do these things (and many more); however, I had to learn how to speak to it in ways it understood before it would do my work. First I had to enter a password before it would listen to my request for action; then imperfect understanding caused me much frustration. 

What I found most amazing is that the day I bought it, all these possibilities belonged to me--it's in the warranty! It promised many things I will never in this lifetime learn how to access, They are all there, bought and paid for, but not yet accessible to me. Not its creator's shortcoming but my own. Over time, I have increased my knowledge by reading its instruction manual and spending hours at the keyboard practicing my skills and memorizing the correct procedures. Operator knowledge comes gradually over time, opening many of its promises for my benefit.

A lot like my spiritual life. I aspire to complete obedience, but have not yet been willing to devote enough of my time to perfect my relationship with my Creator. But I have learned the password--Jesus said: I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.(John 14:13) Now, that doesn't mean I have a personal genie to fulfill my daydreams; it means I'm expected to ask for things He wants for me, like greater understanding and abilities to fulfill His plans for my life, loving and helping others along the way.

I am still learning to ask unselfishly for an outcome pleasing to the Father above, still studying the Operator's Manual. Proverbs in the Old Testament was written by King Solomon, perhaps the wisest man in history.  He gives a simple first guideline for making our best daily life decisions--beyond that we must go through the New Testament looking for Jesus's words written in red. Then continue with comments written by those followers who studied at His feet for three years as He explained His kingdom. Whether or not I ever understand all the promises I received when I committed to the Lord, they are all waiting for me in the fullness of time. If there exists a volume "Christian-living for Dummies", I suspect it's the book of Proverbs; although its practical living hints are wise for anyone to follow, Christian or not!

This world exists at God's command, and while in this world, no one will understand all of His creation or purposes for our lives. It's as if we are looking at a complex designed tapestry from the messy backside, unable to discern what He's creating. All we can do is practice what we have learned that He wants us to do, how we should live, and trust Him for the full story to be revealed in Heaven. He will unfold our future one step at a time.

Thy word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.   (Psalms 119:105)
                                                              

God is in the Small Things

Whether or not we have ever read the Bible, several parables Jesus told His followers have made their way into general knowledge and are familiar to most of us. Vaguely recalling the gist of the stories, we may pigeon-hole them along with fables such as the ant and grasshopper, the race of rabbit and turtle, the prodigal son, the wise man who built his house on the rock vs. the fool who built on sand, the wise pig who built his house out of bricks, the rich man and Lazarus. (What's wrong with this sentence?)

Jesus used every-day circumstances in the lives of His followers to resonate with their hearts so they would understand deep spiritual truths. His followers today can also see and benefit from these many parables. But there's more to be found. . . .

Looking back over eighty plus years of my personal story, I now can see many lessons God has lovingly imbedded in my daily life that were not readily visible when I was preoccupied with my own reactions to my situation. There are those who say God shouldn't be expected to oversee every little detail of our lives, but if He takes the time (he owns time anyway) to note when a sparrow falls, it's no chore for Him to insert spiritual truths into tiny corners of His beloved children's lives every day. Like golden Easter eggs nestled in the fertile heart of one listening for His voice, seeking guidance. Like personal parables, just for me!

That's the origin of these writings I call Parables, Proverbs and Pearls.

Each of you dear Readers can look within and find little love notes from our Holy Father, left just for you. I pray you will watch as you go about your day and find new treasures for your heart.

True Worship

From the sidelines, the many ways of worship can seem confusing. It can take so many different forms in different places; even  if you confine your interest to followers of Jesus Christ, its practice can vary so greatly from church to church, sometimes it seems like they have very little in common.

 Going by first impression from an outsider, attributes noticed in a first visit to a Catholic church is a predominate feeling of reverence, of God's holiness, awe at a powerful, remote God best approached through a priest. A stranger might mistake their many beautiful statues as points of worship. The atmosphere might feel heavy, quiet, somber.

A stranger in a Charismatic church might at first think he had stumbled into a rock concert; the very walls seem to vibrate with joyful noise. He may see people dancing or cheering like they would for a favorite football team. Eagerly members rush to greet and embrace newcomers and envelop them in loving arms. Joy, maybe a frenzy of happiness, sound, and music surround you. It might occur to a first-time visitor that no one there suffers from normal life's problems, or at least they left those concerns at home.

An Evangelical church at worship may seem sober, serious, emphasizing good works, centering around Bible study, worship in music, and seeming to use any opportunity to explain their faith: their mandate is to "leave no one behind on judgment day", by boldly proclaiming their faith. Yet some seem almost to doze, or check their wristwatches as if eager to get on with their after-church day.

In my Grandmother's day, there was little apparent joy in Christian life; there were duty and responsibility and work. Sunday was a holy day limited to worship, rest and family. No domino or card games on the Sabbath. No commerce done on the holy day. Church congregations took responsibility to censure or even ban a member perceived to be unrepentant of his unholy behavior. She summed it up once to my mother, "You weren't put here to have fun." The grace in her life was centered in music. She played piano during the Sunday School hour and raised five of her seven children;  two of them became musicians and two singers; one of the singers became a preacher.

Our cultural background may draw us to a particular one of these congregations, and true worship can be found anywhere God's people get together in mutual support, love and worship as they understand the Bible directs the church. God expects any true church to hold itself accountable to encourage and support each other, learning His ways and growing in His likeness.

Spoiler alert: Some congregations rebelled so vigorously at the harsh demeanor experienced in the past that they formed groups out there who profess love without accountability; they refuse to burden their members by labeling their unworthy behavior as sin. If a church tells you "a loving God won't send anyone to Hell", run, do not walk to the exit! Didn't the serpent tell Eve, "Surely, you will not die"? I don't understand it, but I know the Bible teaches there are two possible destinations ultimately; I trust in God's infallible justice and His unfathomable love.

We must look beyond the cultural differences between these forms of worship; it's imperative we look instead at the basis of faith we share. True worship of the one true God should in some measure have all the attributes mentioned above. Even though no single Bible-based church has all the facts, all share a common core value system.

For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.  Matthew 24:24

Perspective

Whether or not we have ever read the Bible, several parables Jesus told His followers have made their way into general knowledge and are familiar to most of us. Vaguely recalling the gist of the stories, we may pigeon-hole them along with fables such as the ant and grasshopper, the race of rabbit and turtle, the prodigal son, the wise man who built his house on the rock vs. the fool who built on sand, the wise pig who built his house out of bricks, the rich man and Lazarus. (What's wrong with this sentence?)

Jesus used every-day circumstances in the lives of His followers to resonate with their hearts so they would understand deep spiritual truths. His followers today can also see and benefit from these many parables. But there's more to be found. . . .

Looking back over eighty plus years of my personal story, I now can see many lessons God has lovingly imbedded in my daily life that were not readily visible when I was preoccupied with my own reactions to my situation. There are those who say God shouldn't be expected to oversee every little detail of our lives, but if He takes the time (he owns time anyway) to note when a sparrow falls, it's no chore for Him to insert spiritual truths into tiny corners of His beloved children's lives every  day. Like golden Easter eggs nestled in the fertile heart of one listening for His voice, seeking guidance. Like personal parables, just for me!

That's the origin of these writings I call Parables, Proverbs and Pearls.

Each of you dear Readers can look within and find little love notes from our Holy Father, left just for you. I pray you will watch as you go about your day and find new treasures for your heart.

Heartstrings by Doris Lakey

It hurts when we sacrifice to give loved ones something they need only to have them disregard and disrespect the effort it cost us, accepting it as their due.  It hurts even more when they distance themselves from us after promising their undying gratitude and prompt repayment of a loan or assurance they will use our gift wisely and get their lives into better shape. 

No matter how we try, it’s difficult to avoid the unseen strings connected to a major gift, knowing the recipients will resent any wisdom or advice we feel entitled to give, since we now have a financial stake in their well-being. Somehow from their viewpoint, however casually they manage their problem, ineptly letting our gift slip through their fingers and then getting into deeper trouble, they are always absolutely sure we have no right to offer an opinion about their lifestyle and attitudes.

Probably almost everybody knows someone like this, family member or friend; the parable of the ant and grasshopper has been around for ages. How do we keep the relationship alive when resentment burns our hearts? And yet, because of their total inability to cope with life through insanity or addictions, many of us seem destined to relive this situation again and again because refusal hurts even more.

I wonder though; is this how God feels when we ask Him for just one more thing we want instead of what we need?

How do we avoid sinning in this situation? If we respond with anger and resentment after our gifts go unappreciated, given from an unselfish heart, we're behaving no better than the ungrateful wretch we're complaining about. Either we're giving freely and unselfishly or we're giving to get gratitude and gold stars in heaven.  Surprise! If we can't give with an open hand, no strings attached, we're giving away the gold stars we thought we earned. 


Jesus sais, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'                 Matthew24:25

Maybe the answer is to think of it as a gift to the One who gave all for us.