This is the day. The day paperwork will be completed. The day the sign goes up. The day the lockbox goes on. This is the day our house will be officially on the market.
We've been praying about this day. Looking forward to this day. We're excited as we anticipate what God is going to do as we follow in obedience where we believe He is leading.
We're praying for a smooth sale process. We're praying the house will sell quickly. We're praying for the people who will buy our house.
Most of all, we're praying that God would be glorified through this process. That we will see His hand at work. That we will know that it is He who has sold this house. That it's not about us. And not about the realtor. But all about God.
We're praying that God shows up big!
We invite you to join us as we pray.
Because we know that our God is able.
"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV)
Monday, March 31, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
Chronic
Like millions of other people, I have some chronic health issues. I have rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic condition. I have chronic kidney disease, which by its very name indicates that it is chronic.
But that's not what I want to be known for. When people think of me, I don't want to be thought of as that woman with chronic kidney disease or that woman with arthritis.
When people think of me, I want to be known for something else entirely.
Chronic is defined as constant, habitual, recurring, continuing a long time. When that term is applied, this is how I want it to relate to me:
I want to be known for chronic joy.
For chronic gratitude.
For chronic compassion.
For chronic grace.
I want my life [constantly, habitually, recurring, continuing for a long time] to be a reflection of the One who loved me enough to die for me.
"I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul will make its boast in the LORD......O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together." (Psalm 34:1-3 NASB)
But that's not what I want to be known for. When people think of me, I don't want to be thought of as that woman with chronic kidney disease or that woman with arthritis.
When people think of me, I want to be known for something else entirely.
Chronic is defined as constant, habitual, recurring, continuing a long time. When that term is applied, this is how I want it to relate to me:
I want to be known for chronic joy.
For chronic gratitude.
For chronic compassion.
For chronic grace.
I want my life [constantly, habitually, recurring, continuing for a long time] to be a reflection of the One who loved me enough to die for me.
"I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul will make its boast in the LORD......O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together." (Psalm 34:1-3 NASB)
Thursday, March 27, 2014
Where's the Sunshine?
It's a gray morning here in the Tampa Bay area. No, the sun doesn't shine every day in Florida. That's the perception, but not the reality. The sun does shine a lot here in the Sunshine State, more than it does in many places. But it doesn't shine every day. Today is one of those days.
The lack of sunshine here this morning has me wondering how it is where you are. Is the sun shining?
More importantly, is there Sonshine where you are? Is the Son shining in you and through you? Are you shining His light to the world around you?
"You are the light of the world.........Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14a, 16 ESV)
The lack of sunshine here this morning has me wondering how it is where you are. Is the sun shining?
More importantly, is there Sonshine where you are? Is the Son shining in you and through you? Are you shining His light to the world around you?
"You are the light of the world.........Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14a, 16 ESV)
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Pancakes on a Wednesday??!!
Travel can disrupt schedules and get things in your life all out of order. Today is a day like that. I've been on the road with my husband this week as he's doing some traveling from place to place for his job. This morning we were in Jacksonville, and now we're in Tampa. This moving about and living out of a suitcase disrupts my regular routines.
We normally stop at Cracker Barrel on our way to church on Sunday mornings and have pancakes for breakfast. That typically is the only time we eat anything made with wheat. We have been pretty much wheat-free for about a year now. But this morning, in Jacksonville, there was a Cracker Barrel just across the way from our hotel, so guess where we had breakfast! I could easily have made a different choice, but I had pancakes for breakfast today. And it isn't even Sunday! Pancakes on a Wednesday. That's way outside my normal routine. But I did it anyway! And the world is still turning!
Even with all the disruptions to my schedule, this has been a productive week. While Al was at his appointment yesterday morning in Charleston, I had a few hours of quiet time in the hotel room. Time alone with no distractions. No ringing phone. No barking dog. No dryer buzzing. Nothing to do but have the luggage ready when he returned so we could check out. Nothing to do but to use my time wisely.
It was a good morning. I had a wonderful time in prayer and Bible study. I did some reading. And I made an outline (or the first draft of the outline) and did some preliminary research for a book I want to write. So far my writing projects have been limited to magazine articles and blogging. I have always thought I was too impatient to write a book. Or too unqualified to write a book. Or too something or not enough something else to write a book. But this project is burning in my mind and heart, so I feel compelled to follow through with it.
It remains to be seen whether I have enough patience or discipline to get it done! I'll keep you posted.
"So teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12 NKJV)
We normally stop at Cracker Barrel on our way to church on Sunday mornings and have pancakes for breakfast. That typically is the only time we eat anything made with wheat. We have been pretty much wheat-free for about a year now. But this morning, in Jacksonville, there was a Cracker Barrel just across the way from our hotel, so guess where we had breakfast! I could easily have made a different choice, but I had pancakes for breakfast today. And it isn't even Sunday! Pancakes on a Wednesday. That's way outside my normal routine. But I did it anyway! And the world is still turning!
Even with all the disruptions to my schedule, this has been a productive week. While Al was at his appointment yesterday morning in Charleston, I had a few hours of quiet time in the hotel room. Time alone with no distractions. No ringing phone. No barking dog. No dryer buzzing. Nothing to do but have the luggage ready when he returned so we could check out. Nothing to do but to use my time wisely.
It was a good morning. I had a wonderful time in prayer and Bible study. I did some reading. And I made an outline (or the first draft of the outline) and did some preliminary research for a book I want to write. So far my writing projects have been limited to magazine articles and blogging. I have always thought I was too impatient to write a book. Or too unqualified to write a book. Or too something or not enough something else to write a book. But this project is burning in my mind and heart, so I feel compelled to follow through with it.
It remains to be seen whether I have enough patience or discipline to get it done! I'll keep you posted.
"So teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12 NKJV)
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Never Mind
I saw a commercial on TV a couple of nights ago that I hadn't seen before. You may have seen it too. The commercial is an advertisement for a car, and I forget which one, which sort of defeats the point of the commercial! The thing that got my attention is the GPS voice. You know that voice that tells you when to turn and how many miles to your destination and when you've arrived, and all sorts of other information. The point being made about the car is how fast it can go. The GPS gives directions about where to turn, but the driver has already made the turn. The GPS chides the driver: You're ahead of me. Eventually the GPS is about to say Arriving at destination, but because the driver has already done that, the GPS says Never mind. You're already there.
I may not have quoted the dialogue exactly correctly, but that's the essence of what was said. And it's that last bit that got my attention.
Never mind. I find myself wondering if God ever wants to say that to us. I find myself wondering how often in the course of our lives we jump ahead of God. How often we are too impatient to wait for His directions, and we jump out ahead of Him. We make turns before He gives the direction. We zoom on ahead of Him because we're not satisfied with the speed of our journey or the direction it is taking. We make decisions and expect God to follow after us obediently, rather than the other way around.
And I think it not unlikely that if God were like us, He might like to say to us Never mind. You're not listening anyway. Or He might like to say to us Never mind. You've already arrived at your destination. Too bad it isn't the one I had planned for you.
I'm thankful that God isn't like us.
How I wish we would learn to be more like Him. And how I wish we [I] would be a better listener. Would follow His directions. Would wait for Him instead of trying to jump ahead.
So He wouldn't have to say Never mind.
"Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path." (Psalm 27:11 ESV)
I may not have quoted the dialogue exactly correctly, but that's the essence of what was said. And it's that last bit that got my attention.
Never mind. I find myself wondering if God ever wants to say that to us. I find myself wondering how often in the course of our lives we jump ahead of God. How often we are too impatient to wait for His directions, and we jump out ahead of Him. We make turns before He gives the direction. We zoom on ahead of Him because we're not satisfied with the speed of our journey or the direction it is taking. We make decisions and expect God to follow after us obediently, rather than the other way around.
And I think it not unlikely that if God were like us, He might like to say to us Never mind. You're not listening anyway. Or He might like to say to us Never mind. You've already arrived at your destination. Too bad it isn't the one I had planned for you.
I'm thankful that God isn't like us.
How I wish we would learn to be more like Him. And how I wish we [I] would be a better listener. Would follow His directions. Would wait for Him instead of trying to jump ahead.
So He wouldn't have to say Never mind.
"Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path." (Psalm 27:11 ESV)
Friday, March 21, 2014
Old Age and Gray Hair
Let's start with a disclaimer. This is not a post about beauty treatments to deal with the effects of aging! This is a post related to a couple of verses from Psalm 71.
"O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come." (Psalm 71:17-18 ESV)
I can still remember when I first became acutely aware of this Psalm. Of course, I had been aware of it for most of my life. I knew there were 150 Psalms, so naturally there would be a Psalm 71. I had read through the Psalms countless times over the course of my life. But in much the same way you ride up and down the same road day after day, and suddenly wonder where did that house come from?, even though it has quite obviously been there for years, I had read this particular Psalm many times, but it had never quite sunk into my consciousness.
A few years before my daddy passed away, he must have had a similar experience. He called one day, so very excited, because he had "discovered" this Psalm. And he said he had found his purpose. That this Psalm would be his theme song for however many years he had left on this earth.
To some, the idea that a man in his mid-80s would suddenly have found a life purpose may seem incongruous. Allow me to explain. For most of his adult life, following his years in the Navy in World War II, my daddy had worked in the post office in our town. That was his career. And in that career, he dealt with people every day......helping them with their mail, but also offering a kind word or a helping hand. In addition, he was very involved in our church, as a deacon and in many other capacities as well. And he was busy being a very good husband and daddy. Then the children were grown up, along came retirement, and life changed a bit.
I can relate. Perhaps you can as well. Life changes once we reach the season where the children are grown but we are not yet "old". Certainly I'm older than I once was, but I'm not yet old enough to be considered "old". I have some gray hair, although not a lot, and what I do have is covered up! Even so, I find myself in a season of transition. Those earlier seasons of life spent as a piano teacher and in music ministry are past. Those earlier years of Bible teaching find me in a place now with no class to teach. My years of parenting young children into their teenage years and on into adulthood are finished. It's a different season. A season which, even though it has its joys, also brings some frustration in wondering what to do now. What is my purpose for these years? How can I continue to be useful?
Many of you who are reading this post may be able to relate. As we get older, life changes. Children grow up. The role as parent shifts, perhaps to the role of grandparent. The career that defined you in your younger years no longer defines you, whether due to retirement or to some other circumstance. Life changes. And sometimes those changes are challenging. Often when we reach this season of life, we're wondering where we fit in. What our purpose is now. What we're supposed to be doing. How we can still be useful.
My parents enjoyed daddy's retirement for a few years, until my mother's health declined. Then daddy had a new purpose, as caregiver. He filled that role lovingly and well for nearly ten years, until my mother passed away. After that, in addition to the loneliness he felt without his beloved "Bitsy", he was dealing with another change as well. Wondering what to do now. Where he fit in. What was his purpose.
Eventually daddy's health began to decline. But he was still looking for a purpose. And he found it on the day this Psalm came alive to him.
"I've found my purpose," he said to me with great excitement. "This will be my focus for as long as I have left in this life."
And it was. For the remaining years of his life, he praised God and shared Jesus with anyone who would listen.
May I be as faithful in that endeavor as he was!
"For you, O Lord, are my hope; my trust, O LORD, from my youth.......My praise is continually of you.....You are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day. Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.......I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day.......O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come." (Psalm 71: 5,6b,7-9, 14-15, 17-18 ESV)
"O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come." (Psalm 71:17-18 ESV)
I can still remember when I first became acutely aware of this Psalm. Of course, I had been aware of it for most of my life. I knew there were 150 Psalms, so naturally there would be a Psalm 71. I had read through the Psalms countless times over the course of my life. But in much the same way you ride up and down the same road day after day, and suddenly wonder where did that house come from?, even though it has quite obviously been there for years, I had read this particular Psalm many times, but it had never quite sunk into my consciousness.
A few years before my daddy passed away, he must have had a similar experience. He called one day, so very excited, because he had "discovered" this Psalm. And he said he had found his purpose. That this Psalm would be his theme song for however many years he had left on this earth.
To some, the idea that a man in his mid-80s would suddenly have found a life purpose may seem incongruous. Allow me to explain. For most of his adult life, following his years in the Navy in World War II, my daddy had worked in the post office in our town. That was his career. And in that career, he dealt with people every day......helping them with their mail, but also offering a kind word or a helping hand. In addition, he was very involved in our church, as a deacon and in many other capacities as well. And he was busy being a very good husband and daddy. Then the children were grown up, along came retirement, and life changed a bit.
I can relate. Perhaps you can as well. Life changes once we reach the season where the children are grown but we are not yet "old". Certainly I'm older than I once was, but I'm not yet old enough to be considered "old". I have some gray hair, although not a lot, and what I do have is covered up! Even so, I find myself in a season of transition. Those earlier seasons of life spent as a piano teacher and in music ministry are past. Those earlier years of Bible teaching find me in a place now with no class to teach. My years of parenting young children into their teenage years and on into adulthood are finished. It's a different season. A season which, even though it has its joys, also brings some frustration in wondering what to do now. What is my purpose for these years? How can I continue to be useful?
Many of you who are reading this post may be able to relate. As we get older, life changes. Children grow up. The role as parent shifts, perhaps to the role of grandparent. The career that defined you in your younger years no longer defines you, whether due to retirement or to some other circumstance. Life changes. And sometimes those changes are challenging. Often when we reach this season of life, we're wondering where we fit in. What our purpose is now. What we're supposed to be doing. How we can still be useful.
My parents enjoyed daddy's retirement for a few years, until my mother's health declined. Then daddy had a new purpose, as caregiver. He filled that role lovingly and well for nearly ten years, until my mother passed away. After that, in addition to the loneliness he felt without his beloved "Bitsy", he was dealing with another change as well. Wondering what to do now. Where he fit in. What was his purpose.
Eventually daddy's health began to decline. But he was still looking for a purpose. And he found it on the day this Psalm came alive to him.
"I've found my purpose," he said to me with great excitement. "This will be my focus for as long as I have left in this life."
And it was. For the remaining years of his life, he praised God and shared Jesus with anyone who would listen.
May I be as faithful in that endeavor as he was!
"For you, O Lord, are my hope; my trust, O LORD, from my youth.......My praise is continually of you.....You are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day. Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.......I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day.......O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come." (Psalm 71: 5,6b,7-9, 14-15, 17-18 ESV)
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Feeling Nostalgic
I've been feeling very nostalgic lately. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's all the #ThrowbackThursday posts every week on Facebook. Maybe it's because I'm getting older and there's more to look back on. Maybe it's because our house goes on the market next week and we're anticipating another move.
Speaking of that, if you think of it, would you be praying with us that this whole process will go quickly and smoothly. We know that it is all in God's hand, and we're praying that He will show favor to us by sending a buyer quickly!
My nostalgia has me thinking a lot about my parents. They have been gone from this life for a while now, but I still miss them. How I would love one more visit, one more conversation, one more hug.......
I miss the twinkle in my mother's eye. I miss her calming presence, and her sense of what was "appropriate" (a favorite word!). I miss my daddy's sense of humor, his big laugh and his jokes (even the ones I had heard hundreds of times!). I miss spending time with them and talking with them on the phone and sharing a meal together. I just miss them.
I am so very thankful for my parents. For the godly legacy they left behind. For their love for the Lord and for His Word and for His Church. For their love of people. For their generous spirits. I'm so very thankful.
From the very outset of my married life, I never lived in the same town as my parents. I never had that privilege, as so many others do. It was always at least a hundred, and sometimes more than a thousand, miles to where my parents were. So we talked on the phone. Even occasionally wrote letters. (That really dates me, doesn't it?!)
Those phone calls were always on the weekend. Back in the days before cell phones and free long distance, in the days when long distance rates were cheaper after five and on the weekend, that's when we talked. On Saturday mornings. And later, when we moved to Colorado and had time zone differences to contend with, we talked on Sunday afternoons. How I miss those conversations. Time to catch up. To laugh. To talk about nothing in particular. To talk about what was important. How I would love to hear the sound of their voices.
We have so many more ways to communicate these days than we did back then. But I'm not sure that all those avenues of communication have helped us communicate better. Life these days is so busy, and we're so enamored of all our technology, that people are often forgetting what is really important. We have lots of ways to communicate, but we don't really communicate very often. Or very well. At least that's how it seems to me as I'm getting older and feeling nostalgic.
I miss my parents. I miss being able to pick up the phone and have a chat. A week never went by without at least one phone call, and in their later years, many more. But I have wonderful memories. And lots of pictures. This is one of my favorites.
"Honor your father and your mother." (Exodus 20:12 ESV)
Speaking of that, if you think of it, would you be praying with us that this whole process will go quickly and smoothly. We know that it is all in God's hand, and we're praying that He will show favor to us by sending a buyer quickly!
My nostalgia has me thinking a lot about my parents. They have been gone from this life for a while now, but I still miss them. How I would love one more visit, one more conversation, one more hug.......
I miss the twinkle in my mother's eye. I miss her calming presence, and her sense of what was "appropriate" (a favorite word!). I miss my daddy's sense of humor, his big laugh and his jokes (even the ones I had heard hundreds of times!). I miss spending time with them and talking with them on the phone and sharing a meal together. I just miss them.
I am so very thankful for my parents. For the godly legacy they left behind. For their love for the Lord and for His Word and for His Church. For their love of people. For their generous spirits. I'm so very thankful.
From the very outset of my married life, I never lived in the same town as my parents. I never had that privilege, as so many others do. It was always at least a hundred, and sometimes more than a thousand, miles to where my parents were. So we talked on the phone. Even occasionally wrote letters. (That really dates me, doesn't it?!)
Those phone calls were always on the weekend. Back in the days before cell phones and free long distance, in the days when long distance rates were cheaper after five and on the weekend, that's when we talked. On Saturday mornings. And later, when we moved to Colorado and had time zone differences to contend with, we talked on Sunday afternoons. How I miss those conversations. Time to catch up. To laugh. To talk about nothing in particular. To talk about what was important. How I would love to hear the sound of their voices.
We have so many more ways to communicate these days than we did back then. But I'm not sure that all those avenues of communication have helped us communicate better. Life these days is so busy, and we're so enamored of all our technology, that people are often forgetting what is really important. We have lots of ways to communicate, but we don't really communicate very often. Or very well. At least that's how it seems to me as I'm getting older and feeling nostalgic.
I miss my parents. I miss being able to pick up the phone and have a chat. A week never went by without at least one phone call, and in their later years, many more. But I have wonderful memories. And lots of pictures. This is one of my favorites.
"Honor your father and your mother." (Exodus 20:12 ESV)
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
It's Almost Over
On this last day of winter, a phrase from Shakespeare comes to mind. This has definitely been "the winter of our discontent." (And yes, I realize that I have taken that phrase completely out of its context.)
This has been a long, long winter. I, along with many others, have complained loudly and frequently about this never-ending winter. About frigid temperatures. About snow. About gray, gloomy days.
But the calendar says it's almost over. Spring arrives tomorrow. I am not so naive as to believe that, at least on this mountaintop, we will suddenly have warm days and flowers and never-ending sunshine. That there will be no more cold and gloomy days. Spring typically arrives very late here. Even so, it's encouraging to know that, at least on the calendar, spring is almost here. Winter is almost over.
We have been a very discontented people during this winter. We have whined and complained. We could (meaning I could) have, or should have, done a better job of listening to the Apostle Paul, who said "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." (Philippians 4:17 ESV). Somehow I don't think he would have been whining so much about the weather.
And I confess to you that I have been quite a whiner this winter. Shame on me!
But winter is almost over. And I'm grateful. I'm looking forward with great joy and anticipation to flowers and blue skies and sunshine and warm temperatures. I'm sure you are as well.
Winter is almost over. I wonder what will we complain about next?
"Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10 NASB)
This has been a long, long winter. I, along with many others, have complained loudly and frequently about this never-ending winter. About frigid temperatures. About snow. About gray, gloomy days.
But the calendar says it's almost over. Spring arrives tomorrow. I am not so naive as to believe that, at least on this mountaintop, we will suddenly have warm days and flowers and never-ending sunshine. That there will be no more cold and gloomy days. Spring typically arrives very late here. Even so, it's encouraging to know that, at least on the calendar, spring is almost here. Winter is almost over.
We have been a very discontented people during this winter. We have whined and complained. We could (meaning I could) have, or should have, done a better job of listening to the Apostle Paul, who said "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." (Philippians 4:17 ESV). Somehow I don't think he would have been whining so much about the weather.
And I confess to you that I have been quite a whiner this winter. Shame on me!
But winter is almost over. And I'm grateful. I'm looking forward with great joy and anticipation to flowers and blue skies and sunshine and warm temperatures. I'm sure you are as well.
Winter is almost over. I wonder what will we complain about next?
"Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" (Job 2:10 NASB)
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
A Splash of Sunlight
As I sit here this morning looking out the window, all I see is gray. It is another very dreary winter morning on this mountaintop, made more dreary by the fog that surrounds us here. All this gray gloom makes it really hard to get going this morning!
When I checked my e-mail this morning, I had a message from one of my favorite authors, Liz Curtis Higgs, with the subject line "A Splash of Sunlight". And I thought to myself, that's exactly what I need!
The e-mail was in reference to Liz's newest novella Mercy Like Sunlight, which is now available for e-readers everywhere. I haven't yet read it, so this is not a review of that novella. While I look forward to reading her latest work, Liz has inspired me more this morning just by that thought - a splash of sunlight.
Certainly I would love to see some sunshine here on this mountaintop this morning. That likely would improve my mood and my energy level considerably! It seems like ages since we have seen the sun here, although in reality it has only been a few days.
But beyond seeing a bright sun in a blue sky, as pleasant as that would be, I'm thinking of how many people I know, and you know as well, who could use a splash of sunlight today. People who are hurting, who are dealing with hard things in life. Dealing with illness. With financial strain. With job loss, or the prospect of that. Dealing with broken relationships. People who are in a very gray, dreary place in life.
Those people could use a splash of sunlight. And you and I have the opportunity to be that kind of a blessing today. To bring a splash of sunlight into someone's world. To brighten their day with a smile or a kind word or a thoughtful deed.
And there are those people who come across our paths today who need a different splash of sunlight. There are people who come across our paths today who need Sonlight. People who need Jesus.
Will you bring a splash of sunlight - or Sonlight - into your world today?
"This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." (1 John 1:5 ESV)
When I checked my e-mail this morning, I had a message from one of my favorite authors, Liz Curtis Higgs, with the subject line "A Splash of Sunlight". And I thought to myself, that's exactly what I need!
The e-mail was in reference to Liz's newest novella Mercy Like Sunlight, which is now available for e-readers everywhere. I haven't yet read it, so this is not a review of that novella. While I look forward to reading her latest work, Liz has inspired me more this morning just by that thought - a splash of sunlight.
Certainly I would love to see some sunshine here on this mountaintop this morning. That likely would improve my mood and my energy level considerably! It seems like ages since we have seen the sun here, although in reality it has only been a few days.
But beyond seeing a bright sun in a blue sky, as pleasant as that would be, I'm thinking of how many people I know, and you know as well, who could use a splash of sunlight today. People who are hurting, who are dealing with hard things in life. Dealing with illness. With financial strain. With job loss, or the prospect of that. Dealing with broken relationships. People who are in a very gray, dreary place in life.
Those people could use a splash of sunlight. And you and I have the opportunity to be that kind of a blessing today. To bring a splash of sunlight into someone's world. To brighten their day with a smile or a kind word or a thoughtful deed.
And there are those people who come across our paths today who need a different splash of sunlight. There are people who come across our paths today who need Sonlight. People who need Jesus.
Will you bring a splash of sunlight - or Sonlight - into your world today?
"This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." (1 John 1:5 ESV)
Monday, March 17, 2014
Getting Dressed......Or Not
Last night when I went to bed, snow and sleet were coming down. Thankfully, during the night the temperatures warmed enough so that the precipitation changed over to rain and we have been spared another day covered in white. This morning it's still raining, but the temperatures have dropped again, so we have a thin layer of ice forming on the ground. Here we are just a few days away from the official beginning of spring (at least on the calendar) and we're experiencing another very cold wintry morning. And that has led me to a decision. Since I have nowhere to go today, and will be spending the entire day at home, I have decided to spend the day in my jammies!
Yet, having made that decision, I still need to get dressed. As do you. We need to clothe ourselves in the armour of God.
"Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand firm." (Ephesians 6:10-13 ESV, emphasis mine)
Exactly what is this armor with which we need to clothe ourselves? The passage goes on to tell us. We are to fasten on the belt of truth, put on the breastplate of righteousness, and have the readiness given by the gospel of peace on our feet. We are to always take up the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation, and to take the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God. That's what a well-dressed Christian is wearing today!
Today is St. Patrick's Day. As I have been thinking about Patrick, this man whose name is attached to this day, I wonder what he would think about the way we mark this day. And I have to believe that he would not be at all pleased that his name is associated with things like green beer and drunken revelry and pinching. You see, Patrick was a man who was properly dressed. He had his armor on. The reason we know about Patrick at all is because his feet were "shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" (Ephesians 6:15 KJV). We know who Patrick is because he brought the gospel, the good news, of Christ to Ireland. Not because of leprechauns or wearing green or having a parade or drinking green beverages.
Patrick had his armor on. Do you? Have you gotten dressed today?
"Christ beside me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me." (Saint Patrick)
Yet, having made that decision, I still need to get dressed. As do you. We need to clothe ourselves in the armour of God.
"Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand firm." (Ephesians 6:10-13 ESV, emphasis mine)
Exactly what is this armor with which we need to clothe ourselves? The passage goes on to tell us. We are to fasten on the belt of truth, put on the breastplate of righteousness, and have the readiness given by the gospel of peace on our feet. We are to always take up the shield of faith and the helmet of salvation, and to take the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God. That's what a well-dressed Christian is wearing today!
Today is St. Patrick's Day. As I have been thinking about Patrick, this man whose name is attached to this day, I wonder what he would think about the way we mark this day. And I have to believe that he would not be at all pleased that his name is associated with things like green beer and drunken revelry and pinching. You see, Patrick was a man who was properly dressed. He had his armor on. The reason we know about Patrick at all is because his feet were "shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace" (Ephesians 6:15 KJV). We know who Patrick is because he brought the gospel, the good news, of Christ to Ireland. Not because of leprechauns or wearing green or having a parade or drinking green beverages.
Patrick had his armor on. Do you? Have you gotten dressed today?
"Christ beside me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me." (Saint Patrick)
Friday, March 14, 2014
Not Quite
Do you ever have days when you feel not quite good enough? Not quite smart enough? Not quite talented enough? Just not quite.....
If we're honest, I think we would all admit that we have days like that from time to time. Days when our feelings take over from the facts, and we feel not quite......
The good news that is that our great God is more than enough to cover our not quite!
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' ' (2 Corinithians 12:9 ESV)
I'm feeling not quite in a little different way this morning. In recent days, God has really been dealing with my heart in a number of areas. I am overwhelmed with all He is teaching me and how He is at work in my life. Overwhelmed to the point that I am not quite able to even articulate yet all I am learning. I have not quite gotten my head and heart wrapped around all He is teaching me.
But God is at work. Of that I am certain. And so even though I am not quite certain exactly what the outcome will be, not exactly certain how what I am learning will be played out in my life, not exactly certain what or when or how, I am confident that God is at work, and that.....
"he who began a good work in you [me] will bring it to completion." (Philippians 1:6 ESV)
If we're honest, I think we would all admit that we have days like that from time to time. Days when our feelings take over from the facts, and we feel not quite......
The good news that is that our great God is more than enough to cover our not quite!
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' ' (2 Corinithians 12:9 ESV)
I'm feeling not quite in a little different way this morning. In recent days, God has really been dealing with my heart in a number of areas. I am overwhelmed with all He is teaching me and how He is at work in my life. Overwhelmed to the point that I am not quite able to even articulate yet all I am learning. I have not quite gotten my head and heart wrapped around all He is teaching me.
But God is at work. Of that I am certain. And so even though I am not quite certain exactly what the outcome will be, not exactly certain how what I am learning will be played out in my life, not exactly certain what or when or how, I am confident that God is at work, and that.....
"he who began a good work in you [me] will bring it to completion." (Philippians 1:6 ESV)
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Empty Words
Empty words. How often we utter them. Words like......
I'll call you. But you don't.
I'll pray for you. But you forget.
Yes, I'll be glad to do that. But you don't.
Even sometimes I love you. But uttered out of habit more than sincerity.
Empty words.
We don't intend to forget. We don't intend for our words to be empty.
Perhaps we've become so accustomed to empty promises and rhetoric from politicians that it has rubbed off on us.
Perhaps we've become so busy that we don't even pay attention to what we are saying.
Perhaps we say what we think we're supposed to say, what we think the other person wants to hear, whether we mean it or not.
It's sad, really. Words are powerful things. They have power to wound and to heal. To tear down and to build up.
And because of that, they should not be uttered carelessly or hastily. They should be chosen carefully. We should say what we mean, and mean what we say. Not just say some empty words.
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14 ESV)
I'll call you. But you don't.
I'll pray for you. But you forget.
Yes, I'll be glad to do that. But you don't.
Even sometimes I love you. But uttered out of habit more than sincerity.
Empty words.
We don't intend to forget. We don't intend for our words to be empty.
Perhaps we've become so accustomed to empty promises and rhetoric from politicians that it has rubbed off on us.
Perhaps we've become so busy that we don't even pay attention to what we are saying.
Perhaps we say what we think we're supposed to say, what we think the other person wants to hear, whether we mean it or not.
It's sad, really. Words are powerful things. They have power to wound and to heal. To tear down and to build up.
And because of that, they should not be uttered carelessly or hastily. They should be chosen carefully. We should say what we mean, and mean what we say. Not just say some empty words.
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14 ESV)
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
And Here We Go Again!
Yesterday was a beautiful spring day. The temperature here on our mountaintop was in the low 70s. It was wonderful!
But winter is about to show its face again. A weather system will be moving through later today. We're under a high wind warning and a winter weather advisory. By tonight the snow will have begun, and the forecast is that it will snow all night.
This does not make me a happy camper! I was really enjoying that hint of spring. If it were up to me, we would continue the trend into spring and save all that white stuff for next winter.
But I'm not in charge of the weather. Or anything else, for that matter! God is in control.
"For to the snow [God] says, 'Fall on the earth'." (Job 37:6 NASB)
But winter is about to show its face again. A weather system will be moving through later today. We're under a high wind warning and a winter weather advisory. By tonight the snow will have begun, and the forecast is that it will snow all night.
This does not make me a happy camper! I was really enjoying that hint of spring. If it were up to me, we would continue the trend into spring and save all that white stuff for next winter.
But I'm not in charge of the weather. Or anything else, for that matter! God is in control.
"For to the snow [God] says, 'Fall on the earth'." (Job 37:6 NASB)
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
A Work in Progress
As I was scrolling through Facebook on Saturday morning, I read a post from Anne Graham Lotz that really grabbed my attention. This is what she said:
"I am learning to rest. If my father goes to Heaven this week, this month, this year, or remains for a long time; if my husband regains his health and independence, or returns to the hospital in another series of crises; if my relationships are gloriously reconciled or remain broken; if my prayers are answered the way I have prayed, or continue to give no indication they have even been heard; if my ministry dries up or flourishes; if my financial resources remain sufficient for my needs or evaporate in medical expenses … like Habakkuk, I will rejoice in the Lord as I let go of what I want, when I want it, how I want it, and I lie down in the arms of my heavenly Father. Turning the thought around, when Jesus prayed from the cross, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46), that’s what He did—He lay down in the arms of His heavenly Father." (Anne Graham Lotz)
These words were a challenge to my heart. This is how I want to feel. This is what I want to be able to say. This is what I want to be the true testimony of my life.
I confess to you that it isn't always that way. Some days it's true. But some days, not. It's often hard for me to let go of what I want, when I want it, how I want it. It's often hard for me to just rest in the arms of my Heavenly Father without holding on too tightly to what I want.
But oh, how it is the desire of my heart that I might come to that place. That always, every day, I might have this attitude. How it is the longing of my heart just to let go and rest. Sometimes I am in that place. But not always.
Sometimes it's a challenge. But I am learning. I'm a work in progress.
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18 ESV)
"I am learning to rest. If my father goes to Heaven this week, this month, this year, or remains for a long time; if my husband regains his health and independence, or returns to the hospital in another series of crises; if my relationships are gloriously reconciled or remain broken; if my prayers are answered the way I have prayed, or continue to give no indication they have even been heard; if my ministry dries up or flourishes; if my financial resources remain sufficient for my needs or evaporate in medical expenses … like Habakkuk, I will rejoice in the Lord as I let go of what I want, when I want it, how I want it, and I lie down in the arms of my heavenly Father. Turning the thought around, when Jesus prayed from the cross, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46), that’s what He did—He lay down in the arms of His heavenly Father." (Anne Graham Lotz)
These words were a challenge to my heart. This is how I want to feel. This is what I want to be able to say. This is what I want to be the true testimony of my life.
I confess to you that it isn't always that way. Some days it's true. But some days, not. It's often hard for me to let go of what I want, when I want it, how I want it. It's often hard for me to just rest in the arms of my Heavenly Father without holding on too tightly to what I want.
But oh, how it is the desire of my heart that I might come to that place. That always, every day, I might have this attitude. How it is the longing of my heart just to let go and rest. Sometimes I am in that place. But not always.
Sometimes it's a challenge. But I am learning. I'm a work in progress.
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation." (Habakkuk 3:17-18 ESV)
Friday, March 7, 2014
What Are You Doing?
If you watch the TV show Wheel of Fortune, you will recognize that question as one of the puzzle categories. Usually the answer is something like reading a book or sitting on the beach or watching a movie.
Today let's consider that question in a little different light.
It's Friday. Sunday's coming. What are you doing to get ready?
I'm not talking about being sure you have turned your clock forward one hour for Daylight Saving Time. (And really, what time does it actually save??) I'm not talking about deciding what you're going to wear to church. Or deciding where you'll go for lunch after church.
I'm talking about this: What are you doing to get ready for worship? What are you doing to prepare to meet with God? What are you doing to prepare your heart for Bible study? What are you doing to get ready?
Or are you planning to just show up and see what happens?
"I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD!'" (Psalm 122:1 ESV)
Today let's consider that question in a little different light.
It's Friday. Sunday's coming. What are you doing to get ready?
I'm not talking about being sure you have turned your clock forward one hour for Daylight Saving Time. (And really, what time does it actually save??) I'm not talking about deciding what you're going to wear to church. Or deciding where you'll go for lunch after church.
I'm talking about this: What are you doing to get ready for worship? What are you doing to prepare to meet with God? What are you doing to prepare your heart for Bible study? What are you doing to get ready?
Or are you planning to just show up and see what happens?
"I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD!'" (Psalm 122:1 ESV)
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Long Enough
"The LORD our God said to us in Horeb, 'You have stayed long enough at this mountain.'" (Deuteronomy 1:6 ESV)
I have just finished reading the book of Numbers in my daily Bible reading, and this morning I began reading Deuteronomy. I read this verse and I was encouraged concerning our desire to move away from this mountain and relocate. Yes, I am aware that I have plucked that completely out of its context to apply to my situation. Even so, it was an encouragement.
The book of Numbers is the story of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness before they entered the Promised Land. (Entering the Promised Land doesn't come until the book of Joshua.) The reason they wandered so long - 40 years - is because of their disobedience and rebellion. Even so, I am encouraged by the reading of their story.
There are a few key points that stand out to me, that are the source of my encouragement.
First, God always has a plan and His plan is always best.
Second, there are consequences for not following His plan. Consequences for disobedience. Consequences for rebellion.
But, third, the consequences don't last forever. No, all the individuals were not allowed to enter the Promised Land (consequences), but the tribes of Israel did go into the land God had promised them. They had wandered in the wilderness for a long time, but the wandering didn't last forever.
How does this apply to you and me?
God has a plan. His plan is always best. When we fail to follow His plan, or when we rebel against it, there are consequences. We may do some wandering. But it won't last forever. God doesn't punish us because He is spiteful or vindictive, but in order that we might learn that His way is best. ("Do not despise the LORD's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves." Proverbs 3:11-12a ESV)
I was encouraged for my own circumstances when I read Deuteronomy 1:6 this morning. And I was challenged as well. Challenged to be sure that I am following God's way. To be sure that I know His will and His ways. To be diligent to know His Word. So that I don't have to wonder. Or wander.
"I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word." (Psalm 119:15-16 ESV)
I have just finished reading the book of Numbers in my daily Bible reading, and this morning I began reading Deuteronomy. I read this verse and I was encouraged concerning our desire to move away from this mountain and relocate. Yes, I am aware that I have plucked that completely out of its context to apply to my situation. Even so, it was an encouragement.
The book of Numbers is the story of the Israelites wandering in the wilderness before they entered the Promised Land. (Entering the Promised Land doesn't come until the book of Joshua.) The reason they wandered so long - 40 years - is because of their disobedience and rebellion. Even so, I am encouraged by the reading of their story.
There are a few key points that stand out to me, that are the source of my encouragement.
First, God always has a plan and His plan is always best.
Second, there are consequences for not following His plan. Consequences for disobedience. Consequences for rebellion.
But, third, the consequences don't last forever. No, all the individuals were not allowed to enter the Promised Land (consequences), but the tribes of Israel did go into the land God had promised them. They had wandered in the wilderness for a long time, but the wandering didn't last forever.
How does this apply to you and me?
God has a plan. His plan is always best. When we fail to follow His plan, or when we rebel against it, there are consequences. We may do some wandering. But it won't last forever. God doesn't punish us because He is spiteful or vindictive, but in order that we might learn that His way is best. ("Do not despise the LORD's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves." Proverbs 3:11-12a ESV)
I was encouraged for my own circumstances when I read Deuteronomy 1:6 this morning. And I was challenged as well. Challenged to be sure that I am following God's way. To be sure that I know His will and His ways. To be diligent to know His Word. So that I don't have to wonder. Or wander.
"I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word." (Psalm 119:15-16 ESV)
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
The Day I Became a Mother
It was thirty-nine years ago today. On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, our prayers were answered and I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy 6 pound 2 ounce baby boy. We were overjoyed.
One of the funny stories about the birth of this child is that we had intended for his name to be something else. I no longer even remember what the chosen name was, but in the hallway outside the delivery room one of us said "Let's name him Christopher Brian." And the other one of us said "OK." And so it was decided. And somehow it was also decided that he would be called Brian. I'm not sure if we ever told him that.
There was great joy on that day. But if I'm honest, I must also admit that in addition to being overjoyed, I was also terrified! In all the months leading up to this event, I was focused on the birth process and on the baby. Once he was born, I became aware as I never had been before that this child was now dependent on me. To feed him and clothe him. To change his diapers. But also to nurture him. To teach him. To grow him up into a mature, responsible adult. I was overwhelmed.
We took him home from the hospital and settled into life as young parents. I didn't break the baby! Now he's all grown up. And I am so proud of the man he has become.
Happy Birthday, Brian. I love you.
"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD." (Psalm 127:3 ESV)
One of the funny stories about the birth of this child is that we had intended for his name to be something else. I no longer even remember what the chosen name was, but in the hallway outside the delivery room one of us said "Let's name him Christopher Brian." And the other one of us said "OK." And so it was decided. And somehow it was also decided that he would be called Brian. I'm not sure if we ever told him that.
There was great joy on that day. But if I'm honest, I must also admit that in addition to being overjoyed, I was also terrified! In all the months leading up to this event, I was focused on the birth process and on the baby. Once he was born, I became aware as I never had been before that this child was now dependent on me. To feed him and clothe him. To change his diapers. But also to nurture him. To teach him. To grow him up into a mature, responsible adult. I was overwhelmed.
We took him home from the hospital and settled into life as young parents. I didn't break the baby! Now he's all grown up. And I am so proud of the man he has become.
Happy Birthday, Brian. I love you.
"Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD." (Psalm 127:3 ESV)
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Happy Pancake Day!
I made pancakes for breakfast this morning in celebration of National Pancake Day. I understand that IHOP is serving free pancakes today. That's right, FREE! But since going to IHOP is a get-up-get-dressed-drive-for-about-an-hour endeavor, I just made the pancakes here at home.
We typically only eat pancakes on Sunday morning when we stop at Cracker Barrel on our way to church. In fact, we rarely eat anything that contains wheat. So for me to get up and make pancakes on a Tuesday is way outside the box. Altering my routine this way may throw my entire week off (see me smile!). If you know me at all, you are aware that my OCD-ness doesn't like alterations to my routine very much. But, since pancakes are involved, I'll try to muddle through!
I hope you get some pancakes today. But with or without pancakes, I hope your Tuesday is simply amazing!
"This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24 ESV)
We typically only eat pancakes on Sunday morning when we stop at Cracker Barrel on our way to church. In fact, we rarely eat anything that contains wheat. So for me to get up and make pancakes on a Tuesday is way outside the box. Altering my routine this way may throw my entire week off (see me smile!). If you know me at all, you are aware that my OCD-ness doesn't like alterations to my routine very much. But, since pancakes are involved, I'll try to muddle through!
I hope you get some pancakes today. But with or without pancakes, I hope your Tuesday is simply amazing!
"This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24 ESV)
Monday, March 3, 2014
A Broken Wall - Can It Be Rebuilt?
Our Life Group lesson yesterday centered around the book of Nehemiah in the Old Testament. Perhaps you are familiar with the story. Jerusalem had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. and the Jews had been taken into exile. Some years later, Jews began to return to Jerusalem, and the temple was rebuilt. Even so, the walls around the city were still in shambles. In those days, a city without walls was an unprotected city. And so, Nehemiah and others returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls.
That is, of course, a very condensed version of the story. It's a fascinating story, and I encourage you to read it. It won't take long to read the entire book of Nehemiah. Just 13 chapters and such interesting history.
In the course of our discussion yesterday, the conversation turned - perhaps inevitably - to our own country. To our broken walls. I'm not making a political statement here. I'm not talking about securing the borders against illegal immigrants, or about whether or not we should be reducing troop strength and how that impacts our defenses. I'm talking about something I believe is far more important - our relationship with, our trust in, our reliance on Almighty God.
As a nation we have come a long way since 1776. We are far removed from "In God We Trust". Our wall is broken down. Is there any hope for us as a nation? Can the wall be rebuilt?
The answer to that question, I believe, lies in the words of the Lord to Solomon when the first temple was completed in Jerusalem.
"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV)
"If my people." Not if all the pagans change their ways. Not if people stop having abortions. Not if the borders are secured. Not if we increase our military might. Not if the celebrities in Hollywood change their ways.
If God's people humble themselves. It begins with us. Those of us who say we belong to God. If we, individually, obey God. If we, individually, follow the instructions in this verse. If we do what we are called to do, then we will see change.
It starts with us. You and me.
The old gospel hymn says it so well:
That is, of course, a very condensed version of the story. It's a fascinating story, and I encourage you to read it. It won't take long to read the entire book of Nehemiah. Just 13 chapters and such interesting history.
In the course of our discussion yesterday, the conversation turned - perhaps inevitably - to our own country. To our broken walls. I'm not making a political statement here. I'm not talking about securing the borders against illegal immigrants, or about whether or not we should be reducing troop strength and how that impacts our defenses. I'm talking about something I believe is far more important - our relationship with, our trust in, our reliance on Almighty God.
As a nation we have come a long way since 1776. We are far removed from "In God We Trust". Our wall is broken down. Is there any hope for us as a nation? Can the wall be rebuilt?
The answer to that question, I believe, lies in the words of the Lord to Solomon when the first temple was completed in Jerusalem.
"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV)
"If my people." Not if all the pagans change their ways. Not if people stop having abortions. Not if the borders are secured. Not if we increase our military might. Not if the celebrities in Hollywood change their ways.
If God's people humble themselves. It begins with us. Those of us who say we belong to God. If we, individually, obey God. If we, individually, follow the instructions in this verse. If we do what we are called to do, then we will see change.
It starts with us. You and me.
The old gospel hymn says it so well:
"Send a revival, O Christ, my Lord,
Let it go over the land and sea.
Send it according to Thy dear Word,
and let it begin in me."
(from "Lord, Send a Revival; words and music by B. B. McKinney)
The question is not "can the wall be rebuilt?" The question is this: Am I, are you, willing to be a rebuilder? It's time to stop talking about what other people should be doing, and time to start doing what we know we should be doing.
"Go home. Lock yourself in your room. Kneel down in the middle of the floor, and with a piece of chalk draw a circle around yourself. There, on your knees, pray fervently and brokenly that God would start a revival within that chalk circle." (Rodney "Gypsy" Smith)
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