The Good Parent

 We didn't choose our parents--they chose us. They invited us to share their home, their lives, taking responsibility for training us to build good, wise, strong adults who can make intelligent choices for their lives. 

Some parents choose to ignore their duty in this regard; they figure the "universe" will teach their unfortunate children to avoid repeating mistakes through conflicts and lost battles with someone stronger, often resulting in bitter, unhappy people who learn to fight for everything they want.

Some doting parents want their children to have all the finer things they themselves never had, everything they want; the parent will sacrifice themselves to indulge every craving, creating disillusioned immature adults who will believe the world owes them whatever they want, when they want it--with no effort from themselves. Their goal becomes more, more, more! 

Blessed are the children of wise, dedicated parents who try to instill in their children self-respect and respect for others, teaching them the balance between privilege and responsibility. In short, these parents are more concerned that others will respect their children than whether their children will love them. They strive to instill a moral compass leading to the child choosing the wiser path for their future. 

Would the wise parent let a 5-year-old play in the street, dodging traffic? Would he buy a 14-year-old a car?  Is it cruel to deny his child such fun when they see other kids with those playthings?  A wise parent sees farther ahead than his child can visualize. A wise child raised in love can trust that his parent knows things he himself cannot fathom.

God tells us He is our Loving Father, and proved it through the life, death and resurrection of His Son Jesus for our sin and rebirth. If He could sacrifice His beloved Son in our behalf, would He be petty enough to deny us anything we desire, unless He knew (as we do not) what great harm would befall us if He allowed it.

Why do we have problems? Exercise and effort build muscles. Problems build spiritual strength and faith--same thing. Our lives are spent experiencing problems, leaning to overcome them and learning from them how to trust our Father more every day. Want to know your future? He says, "No way!  Know, trust Who holds your future!"

    “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.  I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11

 2Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.          James 1: 2-4

Bad News

Queen Latifa once made a movie about receiving bad news--the worst news--death just around the corner, she didn't take it well. In fact, she blew all her savings on one last extravaganza party, using all her assets for nothing of permanent value--a marathon of fun. Of course, the happy ending eventually proved the doctor wrong, she saw the error of her ways and had a wonderful happy ending.

But in fact, all of us have a day like that in our future and there is no guarantee of a happy ending. Who and what you are will have a bearing on your outcome on that fateful day. Unless you prepare for it, you may spend your handful of days on this earth striving for fame or fortune, leaving you alone, empty-handed, to face the God you have learned so little about, and unprepared to enter the paradise you may have heard of, leaving you to pay the cost of your self-serving past, the hard way. 

Following examples of wealthy, successful people you admire, perhaps you wisely invested income for rainy days ahead to guard against hard times, and bought life insurance, but that will only protect loved ones you leave behind--what insures your future on that judgment day, which comes to us all? Oh, yeah, back when you were going to church every Sunday or so, you probably took out "fire insurance"--Remember that? You'll be okay, no problem, but what about those around you? 

Your mama raised you to be polite when you enter someone's home--always take a little gift for your host or hostess--at least flowers or?  But what can you give to the Creator of All There Is?  When you were younger, you told yourself once you learned a little more and had time to plan, you would give more time and money to the church. Someday you would make Him proud. Someday. 

Someday is now! One day. Will you meet Him empty-handed, remembering the friend you kept promising yourself to bring to church, the empty offering basket you kept promising to fill "next time"? Or will you greet friends who are there because you introduced them to His perfect love?   

One day is all we have. Invest in leisure and self or invest in Eternity?

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.”(Matthew 6:19-20)

 

WHAT IF..........?

TODAY IS ALL YOU HAVE

Stop!!! Breathe. It's got to be a joke--or nightmare! But it's written on your mirror. Boldly. In huge letters. But who would have, who could have done it? What if----? 

Okay, think. Just in case, cancel today's game of golf, or was it tennis? Think of something very special, a great day of fun to look back on and rem- but wait, if it's true, you won't be around to remember it! Your heart is beating hard and fast at the thought.

Something great, a big splash, a party for your friends to remember you for. You would never feel their gratitude, your reputation for your past will be what folks will remember about you. That surely won't improve your future.

Reputation? Tucked away you surely have a list of good deeds you would someday do, to make up, perhaps, for any sorrows you ever caused friends or family. Oh, yeah, you remember a few--dozen! But they can't be done in one day. You've gotta make the most of today, no time for self-pity.

You could have thought about improving your reputation by doing a few good things for the world around you. You are lost. No hope?

Oh, yeah. whenever anyone asked, you always said, "Sure, someday I'll go to church with you. I'll change my ways."  And you were going to, but first you wanted to have your fill of good times and enjoy yourself before getting serious.

Well, you did that for sure. but the clock is ticking; the sun is racing toward the horizon--and you'll never see it again!!! You're alone now--your good-time friends are off having fun so ---- Will you disappear totally in a puff of smoke? Go somewhere horrific to spend your time in regret and loneliness? God forbid!        God?

We're not promised tomorrow--Today is the only day you have, Tomorrow may vanish as a puff of smoke.

Sunset of your day comes without warning. Will you face it alone?

You might try this "God, I avoided You, denied Your role in my life, my existence, denied Your right to my life and obedience, denied Your great love. I give whatever moments are left of my life to You, as pitiful as it is, nothing held back.

              "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God" (Psalm 20:7).

              "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin"                                 (Hebrews 4:15).

             “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matthew 6:19-20)

Why Not, Lord?

 I worshipped on Sundays; I read the Bible, yet I always seemed up to my ears in problems. Hadn't I endured two years watching my mother die of cancer during a seven-month long divorce struggle with only a few specific days when I felt God's presence. Mother's burial was the worst, yet the sweetest, knowing my God stood beside me, keeping me on my feet. In between a few ah-ha moments when occasional glimpses of sunshine broke through the clouds surrounding me. I knew God was--and is--in control of the world, but I felt His distance from my daily life.

I had read enough Bible stories about God's intervention in helping men overcome disastrous odds, unsolvable problems melted away before His sovereignty. After the dust settled on the two major crises I just mentioned, other surprises seemed to pop up with increasing intensity: Both daughters married the same year. My miracle car, which God had provided though my budget could neither afford repairs if the old one or payments for a new one, finally wore out. my crippling terror of tornadoes dominated me, my house was broken into (thankfully, all that was lost was my mother's wedding ring, pearl earrings from my Dad, and a turquoise bracelet--nothing that affected my comfort in the home and wherever those things are, they still belong to God and I would NOT want to have them in MY pocket when God decides to collect them!), I lost my job where I had worked for 15 years. At one point during those years, while rereading the miracles God performed in those long-ago superhumans God used so mightily, I got fed up and talked to God about it. 

You did it for your people then and they seemed never fearful, ever faithful; what about me? Why not ME?  I want to be strong and do good things to please you. I went to sleep that night with those words on my lips. Remembering this now, I seem to sense God releasing a deep breath and saying, "I thought you'd never ask." and I remembered: ye have not because you ask not! Oh, nothing seemed any different the next days or years following, yet......

From that day I threw down the gauntlet, (daring God?) small changes in circumstances, new positive friends, new little changes in how I spent my time prepared me for another distinct life, very different from before. I believed in my independence from every fear--I was now bulletproof, fearless! Miniscule daily changes often happen without your awareness, but with time and distance, looking back and seeing your changes and growth takes your breath away, even though you know you're still far from your goal of pleasing your Maker!

And I slogged through each with increasing gratitude, recognizing God was bound to have more for me just ahead, and He did: a 15-year career at Abbott Labs, where I thrived and found time to develop my as yet untapped talent of writing (little knowing how dominant that would become some 20 years later.) I seem to have acquired through these blessed years a level of financial wisdom, which God blessed, a boldness to share my faith, complete trust replacing any former doubts, experiencing and acknowledging God's absolute presence daily, and the joy which overcomes any physical attributes lost or greatly diminished during these 8+ decades and call it an excellent trade, preparing me to one day meet Jesus, face to face.

 

... , you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." ... can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you ... " And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, ...   Matthew 21:22

 

Doubt Your Faith Much?

 O)f course not! Nor me. I walk with God all day, read Hus Word, talk to Him, trust Him for my daily needs. Doubt? Who, me?

However, in the gloom of oncoming night, just a smidgeon perhaps. In throes of a nightmare, a category 5 hurricane of troubles piled so high I can't see daylight, much less "feel" God's presence, His protection, His love?  Truth? I quake in fear of being alone in the cold, dark universe.  What if...?

Not nearly as often as I once did; it now presents very occasionally and briefly, because through the years I have seen His hand bringing me through many crises, building my trust and security and confidence, consciously reminding me daily of His Presence, His Power, and unfailing Promises kept as He successfully brought me through, building my faith-muscles and confidence in His constant presence as He steers me through this battle-scarred mess His flawed creatures have  created of His world and our lives.

Doubts used to freeze my brain, making it difficult to pray, until one day I rebelled against these thoughts that held me at a standstill -- my mind was flooded with strong words that always quiet any doubts trying to cripple me: DON'T DOUBT YOUR FAITH; DOUBT YOUR DOUBTS!

Once I heard a story of a child who was asked "What do you do when Satan knocks on your heart's door?" She smiled and said, "I let Jesus open the door."  Same thing I had learned.

 Memorize a few scriptures that can wipe out any doubt trying to move in. Wake up each day taking inventory over all the ways God has guided you through detours, crossroads to negotiate on your way Home to Heaven. At first perhaps you can't see over the huge problem filling your view of the world. Brain freeze. Start with basic truths of God's presence: life--you are here after all and could be in lots worse places. 

You have air to breathe, probably food and shelter, perhaps family or friends, the Bible, which shows myriads of examples of God's provision overcoming chaos and loss. Be still and think back through your own life about all the terrible auto accidents that never happened, the narrow escapes you have experienced as you learned to follow Him more closely, His guiding hand teaching you to remember pitfalls so as not to repeat them--God is faithful. loving, patient as we gradually lean on His superior understanding of what will be best for us, in spite of our efforts to do life on our own terms. 

God is.  and you are His. That's all there is. 

          To God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion                                                                      and power, both now and forever. Amen.  (Jude 1:25)

Mr. Know-it-all

 Have you met him? Are you him? Have you met Mr. Yes Lord?  Big difference in the success of their respective lives.

Mr. Know-it-all kneels in prayer to seek answers about his future, which decisions will be blessed with success, and he waits patiently for his roadmap to appear.  Mr. Yes Lord kneels also, thanking God for His watchful eye keeping him secure and blessed, then asks what is His will for today, and then arises to meet the day, alert and confident that he will receive any up to date changes required by the day's trials.

Mr. K accomplishes little for God's kingdom because he expects to receive a roadmap and calendar revealing a 5-year plan at least, so he will understand what is ahead before he sets out. After all, he wouldn't want to waste his time on anything other than a sure thing. So he sits, waiting for God to reveal His plan. And God waits for him to get up and begin the task He will reveal all--gradually, eventually, or in eternity, when Mr. K will trade in his human mind, suited for earthly living, for a glimpse at God's eternal, complicated weaving together all the many strands of unexplained life of ALL God's children.  

One little perk of 20th century living is the motion-activated electric light. If you wait outside the door for the light to turn on, you will remain in the dark, clueless to see what's inside. But if you step inside, without slowing down, your way will be well-lit so long as you walk in the light. Stop moving forward, stop for a nap, and the light goes out!

Same thing. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world." That's His promise to tell us what we need to know, when we need to know, and if we're looking back later, we may receive insight on what He was doing while we weren't looking!

He even gave us His book, filled with examples, good and bad influences, demonstrating how lost and confused we get if we try to use our human logic instead of following his step-by-step guidance. He used the whole nation of Israel to show that following our own choices can lead to slavery to sin, loss and loneliness. He assured them daily of His providence by providing manna, food for the day, and 2 days supply on Friday for the Sabbath,  

He could have told them to bring food for the journey but chose to demonstrate His provision daily, even while disciplining them by extending their short journey from Egypt to the promised land to 40 years and denying all the adults who had left Egypt and sinned, falling into unbelief by refusing them to enter the land. They had forfeited their right to partake of His Land--only those who  had left Egypt as children would inherit. 

Do you want to know your future or are you content to know the One Who Holds Your Future? Beloved, walk in the light you have today!

 In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.  John 1:4

“The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.” - Psalm 19:8

The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
Psalm 119:130 
 

Help Wanted: Diversity United in Love

So now you're saved. What's next? Relax in His care? Did Jesus relax?

A truth often overlooked is the axiom that something--an organization, an orchestra, a church, for example, is more valuable than the sum of its parts. No, really. Ponder this. A church is like an orchestra.

Both need a leader to teach, direct and harness together many different people with various talents and goals for a common goal. Many members, many individual goals and hopes of being part of something none can accomplish on his own. (After all, who would enjoy listening to a drummer alone? A piccolo would seem to screech.  It takes many people with unique talents and jobs to produce results:  Music through an orchestra--growth and service through a church. Yes, even a pew-sitter is a participant in the overall makeup of the congregation, praying for the pastor and others, whose problems he sees around him, bringing visitors to the church's potluck dinner, smiling, greeting those around him daily (Yes, even the biggest pain in his neck at the office). 

We're accustomed to seeking recognition for anything we do that is praise-worthy for ourselves. We want admiration for our efforts and feel like we're being rained on if no one notices, and few of us receive all the recognition we crave. But on the other hand, as Jesus followers. we're not judged for every small thing where we fall short of the glory of God, because of His grace.  Once we see and confess our need for redemptive rescue from our sin nature, we acknowledge where we stand in God's court of eternal law and hope that somehow, He will enable us to call Him Father and wish for our lives to fulfill His plans for our lives. Now, trusting His guidance, the sky is our limit as we learn more about His goals for our growth Next, He sends us to school as any loving parent would do, so we will thrive in the environment where He places us.

We begin at kindergarten level: spend time in His church and do our homework: read from His Holy Book to prepare us for upcoming tests and exercises to build our relationship with Him and each other. (Do you now see purpose behind some of those tough days or weeks you have passed through?)  His textbook teaches us about life: with Him or without Him. His church reinforces our training and offers many ways we can survive our on-the-job training--earn as we learn!

During those kindergarten days, we wonder -- and dread a little bit -- that He will immediately require us to be His ambassador to darkest Africa, far from our comfortable seat in the pew of our neighborhood assembly. Soon we begin to feel that He has many others more sanctified and better prepared for that life and grow content in our back row pew, content to doze, basking in the warm, undemanding corner we claimed as our own. And for new members of His family, that's a good start, but growth is expected for us living people and responsibilities added gradually and demonstrate actual life. 

Eventually, this can get boring, listening to the preacher, who isn't perfect after all, and begin to seek somewhere else to nourish our spirit and spoon-feed us all the blessings we came to expect would drop into our laps. Lately it has seemed that the preacher had begun to expect us to do something more--but there are plenty of others in their pews he could draft for his little projects--we came to be taught, not to teach someone else. Maybe another church---? 

Well, we flunked that test. They call Jesus the Great Physician, right? How do doctors learn their job? They are told "Watch a procedure, perform the procedure, teach the procedure"--on the job training!  We were not called to sit comfortably and observe His obedient team, but to suit up and join them on the field of combat and no one else can take our place--they are all busy covering their own part He assigned only to each of them! 

Do you have a job in your church?  Preacher? No, got one already. Music director? Got one of those too. Teacher? Let's face it. They always need more of those but until you actually open your Bible regularly, you would embarrass yourself if you volunteered for that. Choir or orchestra member? No voice, no training, but whose fault is that? You consider preparing yourself for your next job, but today you can begin where you are, with the personality and enthusiasm God gave you: Speak to someone else nearby your pew, invite someone to attend with you next Sunday and introduce them to folks after the service. Do something, while still learning to do something more, so you will be ready to say yes when God leads you to your purpose. Get up from your easy seat in the stands, suit up, get down to the battlefield and join your family's cause. Getting rid of bad habits takes restraint; forming good ones take discipline and effort.

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!     1 John 3:1

“Give me understanding, that I may observe Thy law, and keep it with all my heart. Make me walk in the path of Thy commandments, for I delight in it.” - Psalm 119:34-35

 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.   1 Peter 2:9

“Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” - Philippians 1:27

4For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us 

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:16

4Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5And there are varieties of ministries, and the same But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills. 6There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons.  But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills.  1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 11