Winston Churchill Was Right

"Never, never, never give up." - Winston Churchill

We have a rather large pyracantha bush at the end of our front porch.  A few weeks ago, when the landscape crew was here to see what needed to be done to get our yard ready for spring, I told them to cut it down because it was dead.

That was on a Wednesday.  When the crew came to do the work on Saturday, just a few days later, there were green leaves on that bush.  This is what it looks like now.  I gave up too soon.

Every day that plant is a little greener, and it isn't the only one.  There are several more plants around here that I had given up on.  They were taking too long to come out of their winter hibernation.  Who could blame them after the winter we've had!  But in each case, I have been proven too impatient.  Every one of those plants I had given up on now has green leaves!


The Holy Spirit spoke to me yesterday.  I gave up too soon on these plants.  And the message to my frustrated, impatient, waiting heart is not to give up on other things too soon.  God's timing is always perfect.  He is never early.  Never late.  Always right on time.


"He hath made everything beautiful in his time."  (Ecclesiastes 3:11 KJV)

When the Storms Come

We had a rough night around here.  Heavy wind and rain, thunderstorms, hail.  Not much sleep.

It was nothing compared to what many across the South had to deal with yesterday.  There were no tornadoes here in my part of the world, and for that I am extremely grateful.  And my heart goes out to those who are enduring such devastation.  It's almost beyond what we can comprehend.

While many dealt with tornadoes and thunderstorms yesterday and last night, there are many others who are dealing with storms of different kinds.  Illness, bereavement, financial strain, job loss, stresses of all kinds. Weather-related storms are not the only storms we have to face in life.  Our storms come in many different forms, and none of us is immune.

What do we do when the storms come?  (And they will come!)  How do we cope?

I was thinking about that last night as I was tossing and turning, unable to sleep, listening to the storm howl.  These Scripture verses came to mind.

"When I am afraid, I put my trust in You."  (Psalm 56:3 ESV)

"Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving."  (Colossians 4:2 NASB)    (You may recognize that verse from yesterday!)

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."            (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)  Note that it doesn't say give thanks "for" all circumstances, but give thanks "in" all circumstances!

"Fixing our eyes on Jesus."  (Hebrews 12:2 NASB)

"Be still and know that I am God."  (Psalm 46:10 ESV)

Whatever storm may be coming your way today, your "shelter" is the same:  keep your eyes on Jesus and not on the storm!

 

"The Lord's our Rock, in Him we hide,

A Shelter in the time of storm;

Secure whatever ill betide,

A Shelter in the time of storm.

Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,

A weary land, a weary land;

Oh, Jesus is a Rock in a weary land,

A Shelter in the time of storm."

(words:Vernon A. Charlesworth; music: Ira Sankey)

Even on the Foggiest of Days

The view off my front porch is spectacular!  It varies from day to day, even from morning to afternoon to evening.

From morning to evening.  From day to day.  From season to season.  The view from the porch is glorious.

Except when it isn't.

Some days the view is obscured.  Some days the fog is thick.  Some days I can't see a thing off this porch.

Life is a lot like that.

Some days we see things clearly.  Our view is unobscured.  Life is good and our perspective on life, our attitude toward whatever is going on in our world, is as clear as it can be.

But on other days, the fog rolls in.  We can't see - or understand - anything about our lives or the world around us.  Our view is clouded.  Our perspective is off kilter.

Do you ever have days like that?

Imagine setting out on a driving trip through these mountains when the fog is so thick you can't see the road right in front of your car.  I've driven through the mountains on some of those days.  Not fun at all!

Unfortunately, many of us are going through life that way.  Our vision is clouded.  We're in a fog.  Circumstances are swirling around us and we don't know which way to turn.

We need a clearer perspective.

How do we clear up our vision?  How do we get a better perspective on the circumstances of our lives?  How do we operate with a God-view, rather than our own foggy view, of life?

The answer comes from one of the most prolific writers in the New Testament.  We would all do well to heed his advice today.  Then our vision will be clearer, even on the foggiest of days.

"Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving."  (Colossians 4:2 NASB)

More Than

What comes to mind when you hear the name "Job"?  Suffering, perhaps.  Patience.  You think of some guy back in the Old Testament who endured a lot.  All of that would be correct, of course.

Today I'm not thinking about what Job endured.  I'm thinking about something he said.

[Job said], I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food."             (Job 23:12 NASB, emphasis mine)

More than necessary food.  That's quite a statement, isn't it?  Job treasured God's words more than he treasured his necessary food.

Job didn't have the written Word of God, yet he hung onto, treasured, every word that came from God.  Although we don't hear from God audibly, we have the great blessing of having the written Word of God available to us.  In multiple formats.  In multiple translations.  Leatherbound or paperback.  On our I-pads and our computers and our smart phones.

But are we treasuring it, as Job did?

If I take Job's statement and apply it to my own life, I have no trouble agreeing with him.  I have, I do treasure God's Word more than my necessary food.  Before you think I have put myself on too high a pedestal, let me explain.

I don't really treasure "necessary food" all that much.  Vegetables and fruits and all the other stuff that is "good for me" are not really a treasure to me.

It's the unnecessary food that is my treasure!  Ice cream and chocolate.  Snickers and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.  Milkshakes.  Pie.  You get the idea.  These are the foods that  I love! 

And if I'm honest, it is often much more difficult for me to say that "I treasure His Word more than my unnecessary food"!  Not always, but certainly more often than I would really like to admit.

That's my struggle.  You may not have a food struggle.  Your struggle may be altogether different.

I don't know how you would fill in the blank.  But it's a question we each much answer. 

What are we treasuring more than the Word of God?

Something to think about.

"I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food."  (Job 23:12 NASB)

Top to Bottom

One week ago, we observed Good Friday, the day Christ Jesus died.  The day He paid the price for your sin and mine, for the sin of the whole world.

"And Jesus cried out with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit."  (Matthew 27:50 ESV)

On that day, according to the Gospel of Matthew, another important event occurred.  "And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom." (Matthew 27:51 ESV)

In those days there was a temple in Jerusalem, on the Temple Mount, in the place where the Dome of the Rock now stands.  That temple had been constructed according to the pattern given by God in the Old Testament.  There was an outer court where the altar was located.  There was a Holy Place, which contained the altar of incense, the table of showbread, and the golden lampstand.  And there was the Holy of Holies, where the Mercy Seat was, on the Ark of the Covenant.

The Holy Place was separated from the Holy of Holies by a heavy curtain. sometimes called a veil.  This veil was more than twenty yards high and more than four inches thick.  Only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement.

But on Crucifixion Friday, that heavy curtain was torn in two, from top to bottom! 

What's the significance of that?

"Through His own blood, [Jesus] entered the holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption."  (Hebrews 9:12 NASB)

"Therefore we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh."                   (Hebrews 10:19-20 NASB)

Because the veil was torn, because Jesus gave His life for us, we can now go directly into the Holy of Holies.  We now have access, through Christ, directly to the Father!  All because of what Jesus did for us!

Because it is true that the veil was torn, and because it is true that we can now confidently enter the holy place, and because of what Jesus accomplished for us, what are we to do?

We are to draw near:  "Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith."  (Hebrews 10:22 NASB)

We are to hold fast:  "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful."  (Hebrews 10:23 NASB)

We are to consider:  "Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.  (Hebrews 10:24 NASB)

We are to encourage:  "Encouraging one another."  (Hebrews 10:25 NASB)

The veil was torn.

It was torn from top to bottom.  That means it was not torn by man, but by God. 

The veil prevented men from access to the Holy of Holies, the symbol of the place where God dwelt.

The veil was torn, allowing access to the Holy of Holies.  It was torn at the precise moment that Christ died on that cross.

Christ's death allows us access into the Holy of Holies!  Christ's death allows us into relationship with God the Father through the blood of Christ the Son.

And that is a reason to celebrate!  Not just on Good Friday or on Easter Sunday.  But every day!

Because of Jesus, we can boldly approach the throne of God!  Hallelujah!


Listen to TRUTH sing "Holy of Holies" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xuBp-4DDhU

Sometimes Waiting Is Hard

If we're honest with ourselves - really honest - we will admit that we're impatient.  That we want what we want when we want it.  That waiting is hard.

Waiting for Christmas or an anniversary or a birthday.  Waiting for the coffee to brew.  Waiting for the water to boil.  Waiting for vacation.  Waiting for the income tax refund to arrive.  Waiting for the house to sell.

And there's the point of this post.  I'm hesitant to admit to you how impatient I am.  Hesitant to admit out loud - or in print - that there are days when I am really frustrated and anxious and stressed over this whole process.  There's a part of me that somehow feels I am dishonoring God if I admit my frustrations.  But does it not also dishonor Him if I pretend I don't have any frustrations? 

It has been our prayer since we listed the house, and even before that as we were preparing to list it, that it would sell in a way that brings honor and glory to God.  That He would get all the credit.  That it would not be about us or about the house or about the realtor, but all and only about God.

Here we are, a few weeks into the process with a still unsold house, and I have to admit to you that, in my mind, I had already figured out how God would answer that prayer.  I knew exactly how God would sell the house in a way that would bring Him glory.  In my mind, that meant that the very first day, or certainly within the first week, the house would sell at full price!  Well, obviously that didn't happen.  Which shows just how little I know about what God has planned for this house.

As I was praying about that this morning, God reminded me that He is in control.  That He knows what He is doing.  That the details of how this will be accomplished are not my job.  I'm reminded that I need to take my own advice. 

I need to remember.  I wrote about that here:  http://susanssittingroom.blogspot.com/2014/04/remember.html

I need to remember His words.

"For everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under heaven......He has made everything beautiful in its time."  (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11 ESV)

"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."  (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)

"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us."  (1 John 5:14 ESV)

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4:19 ESV)

That's just a sampling of the words I need to remember. 

I also to remember His faithfulness in the past.  Remember how He has supplied every need.  Remember how He has answered previous prayers.  You can read one example of His answer to my prayers here:  http://livingrealmag.com/2013/11/18/hannah-and-me/

Sometimes what I know and what I feel are two different things, and that's the struggle I've been having over the last couple of days.  But today is a new day.  Today I recommit myself to living in what I know to be true, whether or not it feels like it.  Today I recommit myself to praying not just for the sale of this house, but praying that it will sell in God's time, in a way that will honor Him, in a way that He and He alone gets the glory.  Will you pray with me?

And when that prayer is answered, and I am confident that it will be, all the glory will go to His great name!

"Keep on asking and it will be given you; keep on seeking and you will find; keep on knocking [reverently] and [the door] will be opened to you."  (Matthew 7:7 AMP)

Too Tired

One of the great lies we face in 21st century America is that the busier you are, the better.  If you are super busy, then you are more productive.  Or more popular.  Or more useful.  Or more godly.

We have somehow convinced ourselves that if we are busy to the point of exhaustion every day, we are "getting it right."

Yes, there is much work to be done.  To support our families.  To build the kingdom of God.

But did God really intend that we never rest?  That we be too tired?

Too tired to sit and have a decent meal.  Or too tired to prepare such a meal.

Too tired for a meaningful conversation with your spouse at the end of the day.

Too tired for family.  And not just the family that lives under the same roof.  Too tired for extended family.  For brothers or sisters.  For aging parents.  Too tired to pick up the phone just to say "hi".  (And a quick text is not the same as verbal communication!  Texting does not build relationships.)

Too tired for God.  Too tired to spend time in His Word.  Too tired to enjoy and delight in the relationship with Him.

Too tired.

If we are that tired, then maybe we need to examine just how we're spending our time.



"Be still and know that I am God."  (Psalm 46:10 ESV)

"Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom."  (Psalm 90:12 ESV)

Remember

When we celebrate Easter, when we focus our attention on the Resurrection, when we read the Gospel accounts of this marvelous event, there's an important lesson we must not miss.

Remember.

"Why do you seek the living among the dead?  He is not here, but has risen.  Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise."  (Luke 24:6-7 ESV)

Remember.

That's an important lesson, wouldn't you agree?

Remember.

It's easy to follow Jesus, to serve Him, to be joyful, when everything in life is good.  When there's plenty of money in your checking account and all the bills are paid.  When you're healthy.  When there's no stress.

We tend to get forgetful when things are not going so well.  When the bills are piling up.  When there's too much month and not enough money.  When there's sickness and stress and anxiety and worry.  When relationships are strained.  When we're worried about our job.  When life happens.

But it's at those times that we most need to remember.

In the immediate context of the passage in Luke, the angel is telling the women not to be worried because the body of Jesus is no longer in the tomb where they expected to find it.  Remember what He said.  Remember that He told you He would rise from the grave.  Remember.

There's a broader application for us as well.  Here in the 21st century, just as back in the first century, we need to remember what He said.  We need to continually remind ourselves of His words.  We need His words written on our hearts.

How do we do that?  By taking time to be in the Word.  The written Word of God is a great gift for us, and we need to treat it as the great gift that it is - the written revelation of God.  We need to read it.  To study it.  To treasure it.

Knowing the Word, being able to call it to mind, remembering the Word, takes more than a few quick minutes here and there.  It takes time.  We must be intentional about spending time in the Word.  Intentional about reading it.  Intentional about studying it. Intentional about committing it to our memory.

Then, when life gets tough, as it inevitably will, we can remember.

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."  (Psalm 103:1-2 ESV, emphasis mine)

The Rest of the Story

"Christ died for sin, once for all, the just for the unjust, in order to bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit."  (1 Peter 3:18 NASB)

Christ died.  For sin.  For my sin.  For your sin.  For the sin of the world.

But He didn't stay dead!  That's the good news of Easter.  Christ died.  But Christ is risen!

Friday tells us that the sacrifice for sin, once for all, for all time, was made.

Sunday tells us that the sacrifice was accepted.  The work of redemption is complete.  It is finished! 

It. Is. Finished.

We celebrated that yesterday.  We sang the songs of resurrection.  We worshipped.  We rejoiced.  We spent time with family and friends.  We had a wonderful day.

And now Easter is over. 

Or is it?

Is "Easter" ever really over?  Do not we who are Christian celebrate Resurrection Day every day of our lives?  Is this not the best thing that ever happened to us? 

Or will we treat it as something we have now celebrated and have done with for another year?

Think back to that Resurrection Day.  Think on each of the encounters people had with the risen Lord.  

Mary Magdalene met Jesus in the garden, early in the morning while it was still dark      (John 20:1-18).  Once she recognized Him, what did Jesus say to her?  "Go tell my brothers." (John 20:17)

Matthew's gospel tells us about the women who came to the tomb.  There they met the risen Lord, and He gave them an instruction.  "Go tell my brothers."  (Matthew 28:10)

Mark's gospel says, "Go tell......"  (Mark 16:9)

Luke tells us that Jesus spoke to the disciples, saying, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.  You are witnesses of these things."  (Luke 24:46-48 ESV)

Do you see the pattern?  An encounter with Jesus.  Learn of the resurrection.  "See" Jesus, and then what?  Go and tell!

The disciples did exactly that.  Once they knew that Jesus was risen, they told everybody!  They went throughout the known world, telling the good news that Jesus was alive.  They had a message to share, a commission to share it, and they did exactly that.

What about you and me, here in the 21st century?  We too are "witnesses of these things"!

The message is the same.  Jesus is alive!

The commission is the same.  Go and tell. 

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.  And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."                        (Matthew 28:19-20 ESV)

Go and tell.  That's how we continue to celebrate Resurrection.  But as you are going, and as you are telling, be sure to tell the whole story.

Christ has died.  Christ is risen.  Christ will come again.

That's the "rest of the story", as Paul Harvey used to say.  Let's be sure to tell that part!

"[Jesus said] I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also."  (John 14:3)

A Bad Day

I woke up this morning wondering what I would write about today.  Some days these posts are written in advance, and some days not.  This is one of those "not" days, and I wasn't sure what I would write.  Then I spilled my coffee.

One of the realities of living with rheumatoid arthritis is that some days are better than others.  Starting the day by having a cup full of hot-just-out-of-the-pot coffee slip out of your hand is one of the not-so-good days.  At least I didn't spill it on myself and end up being burned.  But I did spill it onto the table that once belonged to my parents.  Super hot coffee onto the top of an antique table.  Not a great way to start my day.  I guess I can add table-top refinishing to my list of projects!  So far this Friday is shaping up to be a pretty bad day.

But my bad day is nothing compared to that Friday nearly 2000 years ago.  We call this Good Friday, but there was nothing good about it.  Certainly the result was good for us.  The price of our redemption was paid.  But the price that was paid was a cruel death on a Roman cross.

Today is the day we remember.  It's the day our attention is focused on the cross.  We don't like to pay attention to those details.  I think we prefer to just think of an artist's rendering of those events.  We want to distance ourself from the actual sights and sounds of that day.  If you have ever seen the movie "The Passion of the Christ", then you have a more realistic picture of what that day was like.  It was horrible.  It was a really bad day.

Jesus died on that Friday.  That isn't the end of the story!  And for that we are all so very grateful.  But we must never forget Friday.  Because it was on Friday, on that really bad day, that the price was paid for our sin.

Perhaps in the middle of your busyness today, you can find a quiet spot with your Bible and read the Gospel accounts of the crucifixion day. Take some time to remember the price that was paid on that really bad Friday.

"So they took Jesus, and he went out bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha.  There they crucified him."           (John 19:17-18 ESV)

At a Distance

"Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest's house, and Peter was following at a distance."  (Luke 22:54 ESV)

At a distance.  Three of the four Gospels include this information.  That Peter, after Jesus was arrested, followed Him to the house of the house of the high priest at a distance.

Peter, who had been with Jesus almost from the beginning of His public ministry.

Peter, who had said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God."  (Matthew 16:16 ESV)

Peter, who had been with Jesus at the Transfiguration.

Peter, who just a short while earlier had said, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death."  (Luke 22:33 ESV)

Peter now follows Jesus at a distance.

What about you?  How are you following Jesus?  Are you following at a distance?

Something to think about.


"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."  (Luke 9:23 ESV)

What? And Why? And Maybe When?

This week I have finally begun working on the photo book of our most recent trip to Israel.  As usual, there are thousands of photos to sort through.  Thousands!  It's a daunting task, but one I enjoy so very much because it gives me the opportunity to remember and to reflect.  To remember the places visited.  To reflect on lessons learned there.

Every time we go to Israel we are asked the same questions.  One of the most frequently asked questions is why do you keep going back?  That's an easy question to answer, but at the same time it is difficult to answer.  It's hard to put words to an experience that is so wonderful, that has changed me so profoundly.  I can remember being told, before we had ever traveled to the Holy Land, that once I had been there, I would always want to go back.  And I have found that to be true.  Before I ever left Israel to come home the first time, I had a deep longing to return.  The longing is still there.  It likely will always be there, no matter how many times I return to Israel.  Going to Israel is like going home.  I'm drawn there like a moth is drawn to flame or like a piece of metal is drawn to a magnet.

Probably the most frequently asked question about our trips to Israel is what is your favorite part of the trip.  That is an impossible question to answer in just one sentence!  It's much like being asked to choose your favorite child!  There are too many "favorites" in Israel for me to choose just one.

EnGedi is one of my favorite places.  I think I have written about this before.  I love going there, sitting on top of that hill and looking out over the Dead Sea; watching the ibex run around as I reflect on Psalm 42; looking toward the cave where David hid from King Saul.  It's a special place for me, a place where I would love to have opportunity to sit quietly for hours and just worship the Lord.

I love the Sea of Gallilee.  In fact, I love the entire Gallilee region.  And just as I would love hours to sit at EnGedi, I would love to have days to explore the Galilee region.  Sailing on the Sea of Galilee is one of my most favorite things to do, even when it is very cold and windy as it was on our most recent trip. 

And Jerusalem!  How I love that city!  One of my very favorite memories comes from our first trip there, as we sat on the Southern Steps to the Temple Mount on a blustery Sunday morning and "had church"!  I love the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane and the Garden Tomb.  Especially during this Holy Week, my thoughts go back to those places.  As I read the Scriptures about the events of this week, I am drawn back to the places where they took place.  They are vivid in my memory.  That is one of the very best, the most life-changing, parts about having traveled to Israel - that the Scriptures come alive.  To have been to the very places I read about in Scripture; to be able to more easily understand and picture the events as I read about them; that really answers both the what and the why!

When will I go again?  I don't know; perhaps next year or perhaps never again.  I'm not sure I will have the opportunity to take that trip again.  I would love to go again.  And I would really love to go to Israel with time to linger over those places that are most special to me, time to gaze on, rather than just glance at, the places that touch my heart so much.  If not, I'll always have the memories.  And my photo books!

Those three questions - what, and why, and when - are central to this Holy Week.

What happened in Jerusalem nearly two thousand years ago is central to our faith.  Jesus was in Jerusalem then.  He was tried and beaten and crucified.  He died.  But that wasn't the end of the story!  On the third day, just as He said, He was resurrected!

Why did all that happen?  He died to pay a sin debt that we owed but could never pay.  He died for me.  He died for you.  "Christ died for sin, once for all, the just for the unjust, in order to bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit."  (1 Peter 3:18 NASB)

The when question is one we can answer easily as well.  He died on Friday afternoon, just before Sabbath.  And on the third day, He was alive again.  "They put him to death by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him on the third day."      (Acts 10:39-40 ESV).

But the story isn't finished yet.  Jesus will return to earth, to Jerusalem, to the Mount of Olives.  We don't yet have the answer to when.  And so we wait.  But we know that He is coming.  Are you ready?

"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also."  (John 14:3 NASB)

"Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven?  This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."      (Acts 1:11 ESV)

"On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east."  (Zechariah 14:4 ESV)

"For salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." (Romans 13:11 ESV)

Who Are You?

We have been overrun lately on Facebook with all kinds of quizzes designed to tell us just who we are.  Perhaps you have taken some of these quizzes; I have.  They're great fun, really, although I'm fairly certain that we shouldn't take them too seriously.  Am I really pink?  Or a rose?  Or a dove?  Or traditional?  (Well, that one is pretty accurate!)  Should I move to Paris based on my quiz result?  Which muppet am I?  Or which Frozen character?  Or Lord of the Rings character?  Or......

It is all great fun, but surely we are not basing our understanding of our identity on a quiz on Facebook!

Do we really know who we are?  And are we protecting that identity?
There's an entire industry these days devoted to identity protection.  Unfortunately, in recent days I have become more aware of that than I ever wanted to be.  These identity protection services can protect our credit cards and our social security numbers and our bank accounts.  But do those numbers really identify us any more than the Facebook quizzes do?  Have we really come to the point that we are just a number?

The Scriptures tell a different story.  We are individuals created in the image of God.  He knows our name.  He knows the number of hairs on our heads.  He knows us intimately.  And He loves us.  Not because we deserve it, but in spite of the fact that we don't.  He loves us so much "that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."  (John 3:16 NASB)

That's what this Holy Week is all about.  That God loves us.  That Jesus loves us enough that He died for us.  That we matter to Him.  That's our identity!

"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God, and so we are."  (1 John 3:1 ESV)

"You are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God."  (Ephesians 2:19 ESV)

How do we respond to such love?

"Let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.  Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.  In this is love, not that we loved God but that He loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.  Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."  (1 John 4:7-8, 10-11 ESV)

Today, and throughout this Holy Week, I'm thanking the Lord for that great love and for the high price that was paid for my salvation.  And I'm praying that I will respond to that great love by loving others more fully, by being a reflection of the Father's love.  I'm rejoicing in my identity in Christ.  And I pray that you might do the same.

"I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe."  (Ephesians 1:16-19 ESV)

We've a Story to Tell

Many years ago as a young girl I was part of a missions organization in our church known as Girls' Auxiliary (GAs).  Perhaps you were a GA as well.  During those years, I learned much about missions around the world.  I memorized many passages of Scripture that are still with me to this day.  I completed many learning activities, known as "Forward Steps" on my journey from being a "Maiden" all the way to "Queen Regent in Service". And I learned a wonderful hymn.  We don't sing it very often any more, which is sadly true of many wonderful old hymns, but that's a story for another day.

Back in those days we frequently sang "We've a Story to Tell".  I loved that hymn then; I love it still today.

"We've a story to tell to the nations

That shall turn their hearts to the right,

A story of truth and mercy,

A story of peace and light.

For the darkness shall turn to dawning,

And the dawning to noonday bright,

And Christ's great kingdom shall come on earth,

The kingdom of love and light."

(H. Ernest Nichol)



We've a story to tell.  A song to be sung.  A message to give.  A Savior to show.

Especially during this season of the year, during this Holy Week, may we be faithful to share that story.  To sing that song.  To show that Savior.

As we celebrate with family and friends, may we be faithful to remember that this season is so much more than bunnies and chicks, than egg hunts and cake.  So much more than time for a new outfit and a special meal.

We have a Savior to show to the nations.  To our cities and our neighborhoods.

May we be faithful, especially in this season, to remember.  To tell the story.  May we never forget the reason for this season.

"For Christ died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit."  (1 Peter 3:18 NASB)

You can hear a Methodist congregation sing "We've a Story to Tell" here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j92_wuLFAIY

What If? A Question to Ponder

We live in a busy, hustle-bustle, hurry-up kind of world.  Because of that, we don't do a lot of pondering.  We don't do a lot of just sitting and thinking.....pondering.

As we began this new year, I wrote about pondering.....ponder anew what the Almighty can do.  You can read that post here:   http://susanssittingroom.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2013-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&updated-max=2014-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&max-results=50ere: 
 
The beginning of a new year is a good time to ponder, but it isn't the only time.  In fact, we probably should do a lot more pondering than we do.  What does it mean to ponder anyway?  It means "to consider something deeply and thoroughly; to meditate; to weigh carefully in the mind; to consider thoughtfully."  (definitions from dictionary.com)

What do we need to be pondering?  As my earlier post indicated, we should ponder what the Almighty can do.  We should think deeply and thoughtfully about Who He is and all that He can do, all that He is able to accomplish in and through us.

But at this season of the year, there is something else to be pondered - what He has already done.  Here in the days leading up to our celebration of the Resurrection, it's time to ponder what He has done for us.  To ponder the price paid for our salvation.

How many times have you gone to the grocery store with shopping list in hand, only to leave the store without purchasing some of the items on that list?  You didn't make the purchase because the item cost too much.

You went to the mall and found a dress or pair of shoes you loved.  But you didn't make the purchase.  It cost too much.

Have you ever stopped to think about - to ponder - how different things would be if that's what Jesus had said?  What if, when confronted with the price He would have to pay for our salvation, He had said "no, that costs too much.  I won't pay that." 

Have you ever stopped to think about - to ponder - exactly what it cost Him to purchase your salvation?

In these days leading up to our celebration of the resurrection, it's a good time for some pondering.  Think about - really think about - ponder - the price that He paid.  As you're making you preparations, and shopping for new clothes, and doing your grocery shopping and cooking and baking, and planning your table setting, don't miss the most important part of Easter.  Don't forget the price He paid.  And why He was willing to pay it.

Where would we be?  What if He had said no?  What if He had said it cost too much.  What if?

"He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; he was despised and we esteemed him not.  Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.  But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed."  (Isaiah 53:3-5 ESV)

"Then Jesus said to them, 'My soul is very sorrowful, even to death.......' and going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, 'My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.'"  (Matthew 26:38-39 ESV)

Thursday Thanksgivings

There are so many reasons to be thankful this morning, as there are every morning!  For starters, the sun is shining this morning.  That hasn't been true very often lately.  We've been having a lot of gray, gloomy mornings here in these mountains over the last couple of weeks, so I am very glad indeed to see sunshine to start my day!

Brian had his LASIK surgery yesterday afternoon, and it was a great success!  For the first time in thirty years, he can see without glasses or contact lenses.  I'm amazed by this procedure.  So happy for Brian.  And so grateful.

No raccoons visited our bird feeders last night, which is another reason for thanksgiving this morning.  I don't know if word has gotten out to the local raccoon population that a nighttime raid on our bird feeders will likely result in their getting shot, or they just decided to take a break last night.  Either way, it was good to see everything on the porch in order this morning, and the bird feeders hanging in their proper places.  And it's another reason to be thankful.

In addition to my regular Bible reading plan, I've also been following a plan called "40 Days of Lent" as Easter approaches.  What a blessing it has been
to follow the journey of our Lord through the days leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection.  Today's reading was from John 18, where we read that Jesus was betrayed by Judas and arrested.

As I am reading about these events in our Lord's life here on earth, I am overwhelmed and humbled and full of gratitude.  He paid a very great price for our salvation.  A very great price indeed. And my heart overflows with thanksgiving!

Thank You, Jesus!  For all that You have done!  For giving Your life for me!  Thank You!

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.......God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by grace you have been saved.......For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is is not your own doing; it is the gift of God."  (Ephesians 1:3; 2:4-8 ESV)


Listen to Hillsong's Song of Thanksgiving here (and maybe even sing along!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9jJ3M1AyIw

A Clear Focus

When he was in third grade, our son's vision began to deteriorate.  By the time he entered fourth grade, he was wearing glasses.  Over the years we have referred to him as our "blind child" because his vision is so bad.  Today that will change.  A few weeks ago, he had a consultation with an eye surgeon. And this afternoon, Brian is having LASIK surgery.  Finally, after all these years, he will be able to see clearly.  He will have clear focus.

What about you?  How's your focus?  I'm not just referring to whether or not you wear glasses.  Or whether or not you have cataracts clouding your vision.  I'm thinking more in spiritual terms.  Do you perhaps have "spiritual cataracts"?  Is there anything clouding your spiritual vision?

Perhaps you're focusing on the wrong thing.  You may have you vision laser-focused onto your circumstances.  Or on a relationship.  It may even be a good relationship.  Or perhaps it's one that has some problems.  In either event, that's where your focus is.

There's a trend in Christian circles these days to focus on the gifts God gives, on the grace-gifts He brings into our lives.  I think it's certainly a good thing to be aware of all the blessings God brings into our lives.  And I agree that it's an act of worship to notice and give thanks for all these blessings.  I do not, however, agree with the idea that God is good because He brings these things into our lives.  That implies that He is not good if He doesn't bring these good gifts.  Or that He is not good when we are going through hard times.  That is a direct contradiction of Scripture. ("Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."  James 1:2-4 NASB) 

God is not good because He brings good things into our lives; He brings good things into our lives because He is good!  Furthermore, God is good all the time.  In the good times.  In the not-so-good times.  When we are blessed with wonderful gifts.  When we are not.  God is good, because of WHO HE IS, not because of what He does or doesn't do, or because of what He does or doesn't give.

But back to the issue of focus, where is your focus today?  Certainly we should be aware of, make note of, give thanks for, all the gifts God brings our way.  And if you were to keep a list, you would likely be astonished at just how many ways God blesses you in a day's time. 

My issue, my concern, is that too often we are putting the focus on the gift, rather than on God Himself.  My concern is that too often we are focused on the blessing, when our focus should be on the Blesser.

What's clouding your vision today?  Or do you have a clear focus?  Is there anything "between your soul and the Savior"?

Something to think about.

"Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  (Hebrews 12:2 NASB, emphasis mine)


Listen to the hymn "Nothing Between My Soul and the Savior" here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o62NruWQyBk

Joy Unspeakable

Once again I have a song lyric running through my head.  It actually happens to me pretty often, but in this case it's a little baffling.  I haven't heard this song for years, and I can't even remember when, if ever, it was actually sung in a church service I was part of.  Yet I can't get it out of my head!  Joy unspeakable and full of glory, the half has never yet been told.

Yesterday morning we were fogged in on this mountaintop.  Literally.  Surrounded by fog.  By early afternoon the fog had lifted some.  We could see a bit of the valley below us, and we could see the trees across the road a bit more clearly.  Late in the afternoon, all the clouds had lifted and we had beautiful sunshine!

Life is a lot like that, isn't it?  We spend much of our life "in a fog", at least spiritually speaking.  Even when we have trusted Jesus early in life, we don't really comprehend all that means.  Our understanding grows as we do, in the physical sense, but also in the spiritual sense.  And as we grow, the fog begins to lift and we see things more clearly.  Continuing to grow in our faith means we see more and more clearly.  Now we see things as through a mirror, dimly, as the Apostle Paul described it in 1 Corinthians 13.  Eventually we shall see clearly, shall see Jesus face to face.  And that will indeed be "joy unspeakable and full of glory"!

But we don't have to wait until then to experience that kind of joy!  We can live that kind of joy every day in the here and now.  That kind of joy comes when we know that our eternity is secure, but also comes because we live every moment of every day in confident assurance that our God is in control.  When we see everything that comes our way as coming from His hand for our good and for His glory.  When we live with grateful hearts for all the gifts He gives, both large and small.  When we know that we know that we know that we belong to Him.  That knowledge, that settled certainty, that no matter what comes my way, I belong to Him.......that brings a life of joy!

Yes, tough times come.  I've been right in the middle of some of those tough times over the last few days.  And perhaps that's why the old hymn has come to mind.  It's a reminder from God not to give up.  That He is in control.  A reminder not to let the tough times rob my joy!  Yet another reminder came to me in my quiet time this morning as I read these words:  "[Jesus prayed], But now I am coming to you and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves."  (John 17:13 ESV)

Joy unspeakable.  Not because of my circumstances.  Often in spite of my circumstances.  But isn't that what joy is, really?  Joy is not dependent on circumstances.  Joy comes from a relationship with Jesus.  Joy is not an external thing; it is internal.  Happy times, grace gifts, tangible blessings......those are just a bonus!  Joy is in the relationship.  And it is joy unspeakable and full of glory!

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  According to his great mercy he caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuiness of your faith - more precious than gold that is tested by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."  (1 Peter 1:3-7 ESV, emphasis mine)


And just in case you aren't familiar with the old hymn I mentioned at the outset, here it is.  This hymn was written by Barney Warren way back in 1900.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KskwIKSHqzk

 

A Reminder

Last week was a rough week.  There were emotional highs and lows.  There were some challenging situations that had to be dealt with.  And the week ended with one of the worst arthritis flare-ups I've ever had.  I was feeling pretty beaten down as the week ended.

We were up early yesterday morning to get ready for church.  We were up earlier than normal in order to help serve breakfast to senior adults at our church (it was Senior Adult Sunday yesterday).  And I hadn't slept well at all on Saturday night.  As I was waiting for Molly to take care of her business, I was thinking about all that and I prayed, "Lord, I really need some encouragement."

A couple of hours later He answered that prayer in the form of a friend who encouraged me with some good news, who hugged on me, and who stood right there in the hall at church and prayed over me.  What a blessing she was to me!  And how good our gracious God is!

Not only was my prayer answered so quickly and so beautifully with exactly what I needed, but it was also a reminder of how good God is.  That He knows what we need even before we ask Him.  That He provides what we need.  That He always answers prayer.  And that His timing is perfect.

Thank You, dear Father, for that reminder!

"He hath made everything beautiful in His time."  (Ecclesiastes 3:11 KJV)

The Hawks Are Back

Yesterday afternoon I noticed that something large had flown in front of my living room window.  Being the curious type, I stood by the window to see what it was, and then another something large flew by again.  It turned out to be two hawks, flying back and forth in front of our house.  I wanted to get a picture, but by the time I got the camera out, they had moved on.

We have had hawks flying around here before, but haven't seen them for a while.  It seems that they have returned.  As I watched them fly - and they are really fast! - I was reminded of a blog post I had written a couple of years ago about our dachsund Molly and the hawk that was flying around.
 
That post has been updated and is shared here today.

For those of you who don't know, Molly is our slightly overweight 10 year old dachsund. (I think being at least slightly overweight must be a requirement for being part of this household!!) Molly has always been a very social dog, which is quite different from previous dachsunds who have been part of our family. Molly loves people, unlike her predecessor Max, who only tolerated humans, particularly in his old age!

When we first moved to this mountain, we continued to use a leash when we took Molly outside. She was a city dog, after all, and being young and curious, we weren't sure exactly how she would respond to the freedom of being let outside on her own. That changed several years ago when I had ankle fusion surgery. Because Al travels a lot for his job, Molly and I were home alone. I could manage pretty well in the house with my walker and my wheelchair, but there was no way I could maneuver out the back door onto a snowy, icy carport. So we began to let her out on her own, and most of the time she was, and continues to be, good about taking care of business and then returning to the back door to be let in. There are occasional "wanderings", and sometimes a good bit of yelling (on my part, not hers!) to get her back where she belongs. But mostly, things have worked out well.

Sometimes Molly gets really focused on the scent of a squirrel or a chipmunk. Then she is completely oblivious to anything else around her.  I think of these as her "blonde" moments! Sometimes she just seems to be wandering aimlessly about in her own little world.

And this brings me to the hawks.  During the years we have lived here, a hawk has frequently been spotted circling overhead when Molly has been outside. A very large hawk. And remember that Molly, slightly overweight though she may be, is a small dog. That hawk could have Molly for lunch! (Or breakfast. Or dinner. Or a snack.) But dear Molly remains completely oblivious to the danger. She just wanders around. Looking for the perfect spot to do her business. Or sniffing for squirrels and chipmunks. Or lying in the sun. Yet, all the while, danger is lurking overhead. And so we go outside with her, on the alert for that hawk.  And now there are two!

I share that story because I'm concerned that many Christians in today's world are much like Molly.......completely oblivious to the dangers that surround us. In our culture. In our schools. In the workplace. In the movies we watch and the music we listen to and the books we read. Even in our churches. There aren't hawks literally flying over our heads. But there is danger, nonetheless, and we need to be alert.

The time to blindly accept everything we see or hear as truth is long past. We need to be alert to the lies and half-truths that are surrounding us. We need to compare everything we are told, everything we read or hear, to the plumbline of God's Word. Even what we read from the Christian bookstore or hear in church. Perhaps especially from those sources! We need to be careful that what is being presented as truth is, in fact, truth! The enemy of our souls knows that his time is short, and he will use any and every means available to achieve his goals.

"Be on the alert!  Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith." ( 1 Peter 5:8-9 HCSB)

"Be on your guard, so that you are not led away by the error of the immoral and fall from your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the days of eternity. Amen." (2 Peter 3:17-18 HCSB)

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep;s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves."  (Matthew 7:15 ESV)

It's Hard to Say Good-Bye

Yesterday was an emotional roller coaster.

On Tuesday, I had driven over to Pigeon Forge to meet up with my friend Jean for our semi-annual shopping spree.  Jean and I have been friends for almost 20 years.  Once upon a time, we lived in the same town in Florida, but now she lives in northern Alabama and I live in the mountains of North Carolina.  For several years now, we have met up a couple of times a year in Pigeon Forge.  It's always great fun.  Good food, shopping, and lots of laughter.  This year was particularly special because we didn't get together last fall.  A full year had passed since we had seen each other and had our "Pigeon Forge fix".  And, as usual, it was great fun!

But at the same time that Jean and I were enjoying catching up, my heart was also breaking because back in North Carolina, my oldest grand-dog Ballpark was not doing well at all.  It was becoming obvious that his time was short, and that it was time for Brandon and Stephanie to make a decision.  The appointment was made for yesterday afternoon, and it was time for them to say good-bye.  Ballpark was 14 years old; he had been part of the family for 12 of those years.  He was a great dog, and he'll be missed.

I held it together until I got back home. Then I had a good cry.  And somehow that helped.

Ballpark, 2000-2014

 

 

Goodbye, Ballpark.  You were loved.  I'm going to miss you.



 



Learning to Rest

"Rest is a necessary part of useful action. It is not something to be overlooked, neglected, or denied." - Alistair Begg

I came across this quote on Facebook yesterday and it really struck a chord with me.  This idea of rest is one I've been pondering for a while.  Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that I have been pondering the lack of rest, or resting, or restfulness that characterizes life in 21st century America.

Rest:  (noun) the refreshing quiet or repose of sleep; refreshing ease or inactivity; relief or freedom, especially from anything that wearies, troubles, or disturbs; mental or spiritual calm, tranquility.
(verb) to refresh oneself, as by sleeping or relaxing; to relieve weariness by cessation of exertion; to be at ease; to be quiet or still. (definitions taken from Dictionary.com)

Would anyone dispute that people are very busy these days?  Over-worked.  Over-tired.  Stressed.  In need of some rest and relaxation.

Unfortunately, people don't seem to know how to rest any more.  And somehow we have come to equate being busy with being productive.  Which is not necessarily the case.  As a culture, we're always on the go.  Always busy.  Always in a hurry.  Always have too much to do.  And if we aren't busy and in a hurry and on the go, we seem to think there's a problem.  That something is wrong with us or wrong in our lives because we aren't busy enough.  We complain about being too busy and we complain when we aren't busy.  When we don't have every minute of every day filled with some activity, we complain that we are bored. And somehow we have convinced ourselves that if we take time to rest, there is something wrong with us.  That we must be deficient in some way if we admit a need for rest and relaxation.  That we must be terribly lazy if we choose some down-time.

None of that is actually true.  But we have convinced ourselves that it is. And so the result is that we don't rest.  We don't allow ourselves time to rest.  Maybe we don't even know how to rest.

But our bodies were designed to need rest.  And not getting enough rest has consequences.  Among these consequences, according to webmd.com, are
illness, including serious illnesses like heart disease and stroke; forgetfulness; depression; weight gain; aging skin; and a host of other things.  So it would seem that this might be something we should pay more attention to!

We need to learn how to rest.  I'm not just talking about getting a certain number of hours sleep each night.  I'm talking about resting.  Relaxing.  Building some leisure into our schedules.  Being intentional about resting and relaxing.  Taking some time to do nothing.  To take a nap.  Or read a book.  Or daydream.  Time to rest.

We need rest in more than just a physical sense.  We need to learn to rest spiritually as well.

"Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him."  (Psalm 37:7 NASB)

The word that is translated rest in this verse means to be silent, to be still, to stand still.  It depicts the state of being motionless.  It indicates the absence of emotional distress and the ability to be quiet and relax.

That kind of rest comes from knowing who God is, by having confidence in His character, by not only believing in God, but by believing God.  By trusting Him.  It comes from a settled assurance that God is who He says He is, that He has done everything He says He has done, and that He will do everything He says He will do.

Rest.  We need it.  Both physically and spiritually.  But it doesn't always come naturally to us.  We have to be intentional about resting. 

We have to learn how to rest.  The first step is to be still. 

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."  (Psalm 46:10 ESV)