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)
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Friday, March 17, 2017
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.
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.
Friday, February 24, 2017
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
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
Monday, February 6, 2017
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.
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.
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Heartstrings by Doris Lakey
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.
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Saturday, December 31, 2016
My GPS by Doris Lakey
I don’t have a GPS AP on my
phone, but that’s not a problem. I have one that is infallible;
not dependent
on a satellite in the sky. It’s called the Bible.
It knows where I am going and as long as I pay attention I'm sure to arrive at my true
destination, neither too early nor too late. Sometimes when I take my eye
off it, I get blown
off course. When skies are cloudy, I may have to take a
second look to get my bearings,
but my System never goes down, and it offers
virus protection against unholy interference.
Its voice never gets drowned out by raucous noises around me.
I never have to worry about where I am going go
as long as I trust it and follow its lead.
And it has a lifetime warranty, is never out of service, will never break
down, just when I
need it desperately, and there will be no trips to the repair
shop, no repair costs, ever.
Like the American Express television commercial says, never
leave home without it.
Monday, December 26, 2016
Perfecy Gift
The
Perfect
GIFT
Keep God’s
Christmas Wisdom
In your heart
Can answer
Each
day, all year Any questions,
Everywhere you go, His eternal love
To everyone
you meet, Can fulfill any need,
Spread the spirit of
Christmas-- God's
unlimited power
Perfect love,peace,joy and
good will-- Has created and keeps all things
Freely
given, without measuring; All good gifts come from His loving hand;
The more you give, the more you will receive. His eternal
presence rewards true faith.
THE PERFECT
GIFT
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