These quiet mornings alone in a hotel room while Al is teaching his class are good times for reading and reflecting and pondering. Good times to think about some of the things going on in the world and about a lot of the things I just don't understand.
In that last category, I have to put the uproar about the death of a lion named Cecil. Admittedly, I have not followed this story as closely as some. But as I listened to the outrage on a newscast I watched this morning, I was bewildered. Seriously, to call for extradition and criminal charges against a hunter, who as far as I am aware, followed the rules for the hunt, seems a bit much. And the charges would not be because he violated the rules for hunting, but that he went hunting in the first place and dared to shoot a lion.
The level of outrage over this lion astonishes me. Where is the outrage over the sale of pre-born baby parts by Planned Parenthood? Or for that matter, where is the outrage over the murder of millions of pre-born babies? To value the life of one lion more than the lives of millions of babies is something I can't understand.
The entire scenario puzzles me even more when I read quotes like this one (from The Conservative Tribune):
But most people in Zimbabwe don’t care about the dead lion, as they have much greater problems to deal with, such as an 80 percent unemployment rate, insane monetary inflation and a hugely corrupt government. “Are you saying that all this noise is about a dead lion? Lions are killed all the time in this country,” said Tryphina Kaseke, a used-clothes hawker on the streets of Harare. “What is so special about this one?”
I'm puzzled about the uproar about a lion. And I was even more puzzled when I heard this morning that the quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks was given an $87,000,000 contract extension. Eighty-seven million dollars to play a game. Even more bizarre than that, there were fans here in Seattle taking up a collection to pay him, just in case the owners of the team didn't come up with a suitable contract!
I saw a news report this morning of two mothers who were arrested after having left their children locked in a car while they went in to do some shopping. What kind of parent would leave their child in a locked, hot car?
Has the entire world lost all its common sense? These stories, and many more like them, leave me scratching my head.
I'm puzzled by it all. Yet not really. After all, we are told in Scripture that in the last days, difficult times will come. And these are, indeed, difficult times.
The clock is ticking.
"In the last days, difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power. Avoid such men as these." (2 Timothy 3:1-5 NASB)
"It is already the hour for you to awaken from sleep; for now salvation is nearer to us than when we first believed." (Romans 13:11 NASB)
Friday, July 31, 2015
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
What If?
From time to time, I look through older blog posts to see what was on my mind back then. This morning I discovered something interesting. What had been on my mind already this morning is exactly what I wrote about on this same date last year! Rather than an entirely new post to say the same thing, I'm reposting the "What If?" blog from last year, with just a wee bit of editing.
What if? We have all asked that question from time to time. Truth be told, there are some of us who can't seem to let go of that question!
What if I get sick?
What if we don't have enough money?
What if we can't pay our bills?
What if the car breaks down?
What if the air conditioner can't be fixed?
What if my child gets hurt?
What if I lose my job?
What if I get cancer?
What if we have a storm?
What if.......
You can complete the question with your own "what if".
A number of years ago, when my husband was working as building and grounds manager for a large insurance company headquartered in our city, he often had to answer that question. Several times a week he would be called into the office of the person to whom he reported, and he would have to answer the question "what are the five worst things that will happen if we do this?"
That became a standing joke around our house! We asked that question about everything. And I do mean everything!
What are the five worst things that will happen if we buy this car? What are the five worst things that will happen if we go to Disney World? What are the five worst things that will happen if we go to the mall? What are the five worst things that will happen if we eat chicken for dinner?
You get the idea. It bordered on ridiculous.
But if you think about it, don't we do the same - border on ridiculous - when we obsess over the "what ifs"? We worry far too much about things that probably won't even happen. But even if some of our "what ifs" actually do become reality, what good does it do us to worry and fret? Does all the worrying and fretting actually prevent any of those bad things from happening? Does all the worrying and fretting actually change anything?
A far better approach to the "what ifs" of our lives is to remember that God has it all under control. To remember that whatever happens to us, even if all our "what ifs" become reality, God knows and understands. And He is working it all together for our good and for His glory.
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son." (Romans 8:28-29a ESV)
There is one "what if" we should keep in mind. The hymn writer Lelia N. Morris put it this way:
What if? We have all asked that question from time to time. Truth be told, there are some of us who can't seem to let go of that question!
What if I get sick?
What if we don't have enough money?
What if we can't pay our bills?
What if the car breaks down?
What if the air conditioner can't be fixed?
What if my child gets hurt?
What if I lose my job?
What if I get cancer?
What if we have a storm?
What if.......
You can complete the question with your own "what if".
A number of years ago, when my husband was working as building and grounds manager for a large insurance company headquartered in our city, he often had to answer that question. Several times a week he would be called into the office of the person to whom he reported, and he would have to answer the question "what are the five worst things that will happen if we do this?"
That became a standing joke around our house! We asked that question about everything. And I do mean everything!
What are the five worst things that will happen if we buy this car? What are the five worst things that will happen if we go to Disney World? What are the five worst things that will happen if we go to the mall? What are the five worst things that will happen if we eat chicken for dinner?
You get the idea. It bordered on ridiculous.
But if you think about it, don't we do the same - border on ridiculous - when we obsess over the "what ifs"? We worry far too much about things that probably won't even happen. But even if some of our "what ifs" actually do become reality, what good does it do us to worry and fret? Does all the worrying and fretting actually prevent any of those bad things from happening? Does all the worrying and fretting actually change anything?
A far better approach to the "what ifs" of our lives is to remember that God has it all under control. To remember that whatever happens to us, even if all our "what ifs" become reality, God knows and understands. And He is working it all together for our good and for His glory.
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son." (Romans 8:28-29a ESV)
There is one "what if" we should keep in mind. The hymn writer Lelia N. Morris put it this way:
"Jesus is coming to earth again; What if it were today?"
Jesus is coming again. Are you ready?
"Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." (Matthew 24:44 ESV)
Monday, July 27, 2015
Life on the Road: And the Award Goes To.....
Today begins our fourth week on the road. This is an incredible adventure! We have crossed the country from the southeast to the southwest, and have begun the journey up the west coast. Already we have traveled more than three thousand miles, through parts of ten different states. This morning finds us in the San Francisco Bay Area.
As I have been reflecting back on these three weeks, on the places we've been and the things we've seen and the food we've eaten, I have found myself putting things into categories, both the best of and the worst of.
It started over the weekend while we were in Modesto, California. We stayed at a Doubletree Hotel, definitely one of my favorite places we've stayed. But the hair dryer earned the "worst hair dryer of the trip" award! That was balanced by a very comfortable chair (one of the best of the trip so far) and a really nice room. However, the pillows were definitely the "worst pillows of the trip". Because we were only going to be in Modesto one night, we didn't bring our own pillows in. Big mistake.
The Doubletree, along with the Marriott in Jackson, Mississippi, and the Marriott where we stayed in Phoenix, are my among my favorite hotels of the trip. The hotel where we are now staying probably should be added to that list as well. But overall, the Phoenix Marriott probably gets the top spot.
The "worst hotel of the trip" award definitely goes to be The Inn at Opryland. I think it had a previous life as a Radisson, or something like that, but it's an older hotel than really has not very much going for it. So far, no matter what might be wrong with any given hotel, we compare it to The Inn at Opryland. Well, at least it's not The Inn at Opryland, we say. That hotel definitely has set the bar pretty low! Tiny room, miniscule bathroom, uncomfortable bed, and a very strange air conditioning system are among the reasons this particular hotel got such a low rating. The hotel wasn't great, but I really enjoyed our time in Nashville because we got to spend some time with some really special friends. That more than compensated for all that was wrong with that hotel.
A couple of other "worsts" have to do with roads and traffic. The worst roads award is a tie, with Mississippi and California both "excelling" in that area. Worst traffic, by far, is California.
As for "bests", we have eaten some amazing food. The salmon at a restaurant in Texas called Texas; garlic saffron chicken skewers at a Middle Eastern restaurant called Skewers in Modesto; and halibut at The Original Fish Company in Cypress, California, are my three favorite meals.
Our current hotel, the Courtyard at Emeryville, gets high marks for location. Looking out the window at San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and, off in the distance, the Golden Gate Bridge, is a definite plus. There's a shopping area across the street that I can walk to easily. And it's cool enough here to get out and walk without sweltering.
In the least favorite location category, the winner is our hotel in Cypress, in southern California. It was surrounded by office buildings, with nothing else within walking distance. It was a high rise hotel with no balconies and no way to open the windows. That left walking around the parking lot as the option for fresh air. Although, in southern California, fresh air really isn't that fresh!
We have stayed in a number of Courtyard by Marriott hotels so far on our trip. In most of them we have been upgraded, either to a larger room or to a suite. That's one of the perks of all the traveling Al does, and of his status as a Platinum Elite Marriott member. The suite we are in now gets the "Best Suite" award. It's huge! There are probably apartments in this city, that people are paying a lot of money for, not as large as this suite! It has a living room and a bedroom, connected by a short hallway. This is one of the recently redecorated Courtyards, so the décor is very contemporary, with a gray color scheme and those ridiculous round chairs.
The rolling hills of Tennessee and East Texas. The flatlands of the Texas panhandle and eastern New Mexico. The mountains and the desert of the southwest. Southern California. The San Joaquin valley. San Francisco and a view of the Golden Gate Bridge out the window. These are just a few of the sights we have seen so far.
We'll be here a couple of days, and then we head up to Seattle before we start back across the country. This trip, with its bests and its worsts and everything in between, is the trip of a lifetime. Having this opportunity to see so much of this great country is truly a gift!
How thankful I am! Even when I complain about pillows or hair dryers or traffic, I am giving thanks with a very grateful heart. I am so blessed to have this opportunity. So blessed by all we have experienced. And so excited to see what comes next!
"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name."
(Psalm 103:1 NASB)
As I have been reflecting back on these three weeks, on the places we've been and the things we've seen and the food we've eaten, I have found myself putting things into categories, both the best of and the worst of.
It started over the weekend while we were in Modesto, California. We stayed at a Doubletree Hotel, definitely one of my favorite places we've stayed. But the hair dryer earned the "worst hair dryer of the trip" award! That was balanced by a very comfortable chair (one of the best of the trip so far) and a really nice room. However, the pillows were definitely the "worst pillows of the trip". Because we were only going to be in Modesto one night, we didn't bring our own pillows in. Big mistake.
The Doubletree, along with the Marriott in Jackson, Mississippi, and the Marriott where we stayed in Phoenix, are my among my favorite hotels of the trip. The hotel where we are now staying probably should be added to that list as well. But overall, the Phoenix Marriott probably gets the top spot.
The "worst hotel of the trip" award definitely goes to be The Inn at Opryland. I think it had a previous life as a Radisson, or something like that, but it's an older hotel than really has not very much going for it. So far, no matter what might be wrong with any given hotel, we compare it to The Inn at Opryland. Well, at least it's not The Inn at Opryland, we say. That hotel definitely has set the bar pretty low! Tiny room, miniscule bathroom, uncomfortable bed, and a very strange air conditioning system are among the reasons this particular hotel got such a low rating. The hotel wasn't great, but I really enjoyed our time in Nashville because we got to spend some time with some really special friends. That more than compensated for all that was wrong with that hotel.
A couple of other "worsts" have to do with roads and traffic. The worst roads award is a tie, with Mississippi and California both "excelling" in that area. Worst traffic, by far, is California.
As for "bests", we have eaten some amazing food. The salmon at a restaurant in Texas called Texas; garlic saffron chicken skewers at a Middle Eastern restaurant called Skewers in Modesto; and halibut at The Original Fish Company in Cypress, California, are my three favorite meals.
Our current hotel, the Courtyard at Emeryville, gets high marks for location. Looking out the window at San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and, off in the distance, the Golden Gate Bridge, is a definite plus. There's a shopping area across the street that I can walk to easily. And it's cool enough here to get out and walk without sweltering.
In the least favorite location category, the winner is our hotel in Cypress, in southern California. It was surrounded by office buildings, with nothing else within walking distance. It was a high rise hotel with no balconies and no way to open the windows. That left walking around the parking lot as the option for fresh air. Although, in southern California, fresh air really isn't that fresh!
We have stayed in a number of Courtyard by Marriott hotels so far on our trip. In most of them we have been upgraded, either to a larger room or to a suite. That's one of the perks of all the traveling Al does, and of his status as a Platinum Elite Marriott member. The suite we are in now gets the "Best Suite" award. It's huge! There are probably apartments in this city, that people are paying a lot of money for, not as large as this suite! It has a living room and a bedroom, connected by a short hallway. This is one of the recently redecorated Courtyards, so the décor is very contemporary, with a gray color scheme and those ridiculous round chairs.
The rolling hills of Tennessee and East Texas. The flatlands of the Texas panhandle and eastern New Mexico. The mountains and the desert of the southwest. Southern California. The San Joaquin valley. San Francisco and a view of the Golden Gate Bridge out the window. These are just a few of the sights we have seen so far.
We'll be here a couple of days, and then we head up to Seattle before we start back across the country. This trip, with its bests and its worsts and everything in between, is the trip of a lifetime. Having this opportunity to see so much of this great country is truly a gift!
How thankful I am! Even when I complain about pillows or hair dryers or traffic, I am giving thanks with a very grateful heart. I am so blessed to have this opportunity. So blessed by all we have experienced. And so excited to see what comes next!
"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name."
(Psalm 103:1 NASB)
Friday, July 24, 2015
Some Days
This trip around the country is a phenomenal opportunity, and most days I'm enjoying it very much. But then there are the other days. Some days, like today, I find myself missing home.
Missing my friends. Missing my church. Missing my dog. Missing my coffee maker (although I confess that I am traveling with my own mini-Keurig!). Missing my own chair. Especially since here in Cypress, California, this is what I have to sit in:
And this particular chair is incredibly uncomfortable.
Some days I find myself checking the calendar to see how much longer before we are "home". Today is one of those days.
I feel incredibly blessed to be making this trip. And I am really enjoying seeing so many different parts of the country. Even so, there's a longing for home.
There's a sense in which that is a picture of life. We who are believers in Christ still live in this world. We enjoy the sights and sounds and experiences that are part of life. Even so, there's a longing for "home".
And as we observe current events and as we read the Scriptures, we may find ourselves looking at the calendar and wondering how much longer.
Until we are finally home.
Some days I think about that a lot. Today is one of those days.
Missing my friends. Missing my church. Missing my dog. Missing my coffee maker (although I confess that I am traveling with my own mini-Keurig!). Missing my own chair. Especially since here in Cypress, California, this is what I have to sit in:
And this particular chair is incredibly uncomfortable.
Some days I find myself checking the calendar to see how much longer before we are "home". Today is one of those days.
I feel incredibly blessed to be making this trip. And I am really enjoying seeing so many different parts of the country. Even so, there's a longing for home.
There's a sense in which that is a picture of life. We who are believers in Christ still live in this world. We enjoy the sights and sounds and experiences that are part of life. Even so, there's a longing for "home".
And as we observe current events and as we read the Scriptures, we may find ourselves looking at the calendar and wondering how much longer.
Until we are finally home.
Some days I think about that a lot. Today is one of those days.
"This world is not my home; I'm just a-passin' through.
My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue."
(Brumley)
"I go to prepare a place for you. 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 14:2b-3 NASB)
Thursday, July 23, 2015
In the Desert
Road Trip Week 3. We began our week in the desert. In Phoenix, Arizona. Where it is hot. Really hot.
We spent two nights in Phoenix, and on Tuesday morning we were on the road again, destination Southern California. Because of a bridge collapse on 1-10 in Southern California, we had to find an alternate route to the LA area. Even though the bridge collapsed on the eastbound side of the freeway, there is concern that the westbound side may also be unstable, so the road is closed in both directions.
There aren't that many roads through the desert. The more southern route (I-8 from Yuma to San Diego) is also closed in some places because of wildfires. That left only one option. Head west, then turn north to I-40.
It was a long day. I didn't take very many pictures because, just to be honest about it, the scenery never really changed. We spent the day looking at this:
And then we arrived in Southern California and were greeted by this:
The desert can be like that. Not just the Mohave Desert, but the desert times in our lives. Those dry, barren times when we feel like we're getting nowhere.
We all face those times. Even David, the Psalmist, faced these barren times.
"I thirst for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water." (Psalm 63:1b NASB)
David wrote these words in the Judean wilderness, another dry and barren place, much like the Mohave Desert we drove through on Tuesday.
Just as we sometimes do, David experienced a dry period. How did he deal with it? The answer is in the first part of that verse.
"O God, You are my God; I shall seek you earnestly." (Psalm 63:1a NASB)
When, like David, we are experiencing dry, barren periods in our lives, the answer is the same for us as it was for him.
"I shall seek You earnestly."
Seek the Lord.
Seek Him earnestly.
He is the Living Water that satisfies our thirst, even in our dry, barren deserts.
"Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name." (Psalm 63:4 NASB)
We spent two nights in Phoenix, and on Tuesday morning we were on the road again, destination Southern California. Because of a bridge collapse on 1-10 in Southern California, we had to find an alternate route to the LA area. Even though the bridge collapsed on the eastbound side of the freeway, there is concern that the westbound side may also be unstable, so the road is closed in both directions.
There aren't that many roads through the desert. The more southern route (I-8 from Yuma to San Diego) is also closed in some places because of wildfires. That left only one option. Head west, then turn north to I-40.
It was a long day. I didn't take very many pictures because, just to be honest about it, the scenery never really changed. We spent the day looking at this:
And then we arrived in Southern California and were greeted by this:
It was a long, frustrating day.The desert can be like that. Not just the Mohave Desert, but the desert times in our lives. Those dry, barren times when we feel like we're getting nowhere.
We all face those times. Even David, the Psalmist, faced these barren times.
"I thirst for You, my flesh yearns for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water." (Psalm 63:1b NASB)
David wrote these words in the Judean wilderness, another dry and barren place, much like the Mohave Desert we drove through on Tuesday.
Just as we sometimes do, David experienced a dry period. How did he deal with it? The answer is in the first part of that verse.
"O God, You are my God; I shall seek you earnestly." (Psalm 63:1a NASB)
When, like David, we are experiencing dry, barren periods in our lives, the answer is the same for us as it was for him.
"I shall seek You earnestly."
Seek the Lord.
Seek Him earnestly.
He is the Living Water that satisfies our thirst, even in our dry, barren deserts.
"Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise You. So I will bless You as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name." (Psalm 63:4 NASB)
Monday, July 20, 2015
On the Road. And the GPS Died.....
Today begins our third week on the road. Last week we were in Mississippi and Texas, and we woke up this morning in Arizona.
A lot of good things happened last week. I ticked a box on my bucket list, having now been in all fifty states after our detour into Oklahoma on Friday and our arrival in Arizona yesterday.
Last week we ate some really good food. We stopped in at Willie's Duck Diner on our way through West Monroe, Louisiana, and had a delicious lunch. While we were in Texas, I ate some really good Tex-Mex, and also had what may be the best salmon I ever ate at a restaurant called Texas.
But in spite of all the good things that happened last week, there were some challenges as well.
On Friday, somewhere between Dallas and Amarillo, the cruise control stopped working. Since then, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.
On Saturday, the air conditioner quit. That was not good news! We were, after all, on our way to Phoenix! Since then, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.
A mechanic from the van rental company was supposed to call. But no call has been received. Al sent a blistering e-mail yesterday to the president of the rental company. The result is that we will be getting a new van later today.
Meanwhile, somewhere between Amarillo and Albuquerque, the GPS died. Since there are many miles left on this trip, one of our first stops in Albuquerque, after we had checked in at our hotel, was to go shopping for a new GPS. And then, after having made that purchase, on Sunday morning, the old one started working again!
We are planning to leave here tomorrow morning on our way to Anaheim, California. We had planned to take I-10, but that road is now closed near Palm Springs. My job today is to figure out an alternate route.
Life is filled with challenges, whether you are on the road or not.
Maybe you are facing a few challenges today. Maybe your GPS hasn't quit on you. But maybe your air conditioner did. Or maybe you're facing a health challenge. Or a financial challenge. Or maybe a relationship challenge.
One thing is certain. There will always be challenges to face in life.
When they come, it's helpful to remember that none of this comes as a surprise to our loving Heavenly Father. And when we're tempted to ask why does this always happen to me or what did I ever do to deserve this, it's helpful to remember that God is in control and He is working all these things together for our good and for His glory.
Even a broken GPS.
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28 NASB)
"Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it." (Chuck Swindoll)
A lot of good things happened last week. I ticked a box on my bucket list, having now been in all fifty states after our detour into Oklahoma on Friday and our arrival in Arizona yesterday.
Last week we ate some really good food. We stopped in at Willie's Duck Diner on our way through West Monroe, Louisiana, and had a delicious lunch. While we were in Texas, I ate some really good Tex-Mex, and also had what may be the best salmon I ever ate at a restaurant called Texas.
But in spite of all the good things that happened last week, there were some challenges as well.
On Friday, somewhere between Dallas and Amarillo, the cruise control stopped working. Since then, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.
On Saturday, the air conditioner quit. That was not good news! We were, after all, on our way to Phoenix! Since then, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.
A mechanic from the van rental company was supposed to call. But no call has been received. Al sent a blistering e-mail yesterday to the president of the rental company. The result is that we will be getting a new van later today.
Meanwhile, somewhere between Amarillo and Albuquerque, the GPS died. Since there are many miles left on this trip, one of our first stops in Albuquerque, after we had checked in at our hotel, was to go shopping for a new GPS. And then, after having made that purchase, on Sunday morning, the old one started working again!
We are planning to leave here tomorrow morning on our way to Anaheim, California. We had planned to take I-10, but that road is now closed near Palm Springs. My job today is to figure out an alternate route.
Life is filled with challenges, whether you are on the road or not.
Maybe you are facing a few challenges today. Maybe your GPS hasn't quit on you. But maybe your air conditioner did. Or maybe you're facing a health challenge. Or a financial challenge. Or maybe a relationship challenge.
One thing is certain. There will always be challenges to face in life.
When they come, it's helpful to remember that none of this comes as a surprise to our loving Heavenly Father. And when we're tempted to ask why does this always happen to me or what did I ever do to deserve this, it's helpful to remember that God is in control and He is working all these things together for our good and for His glory.
Even a broken GPS.
"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28 NASB)
"Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it." (Chuck Swindoll)
Thursday, July 16, 2015
In the Mirror
A look in the mirror yesterday morning revealed what I already knew to be true. I need a haircut!
.
.
This is a lot more hair on my head than I usually have, and it's something that is going to need to be dealt with.
This look in the mirror reminded me of a book I read recently.
Here are a few quotes from that book having to do with what each of us sees in the mirror:
Sin is like an umbrella. God's grace can be pouring down all around you, even blessing your family or your friends at church, but all that God is giving fails to fall upon you because of sin. Like a big umbrella high over your head, sin blocks the showers of blessing from reaching your life.
You can study the Bible until your head explodes or serve in the Sunday school until the church wants to hire you full time, but in the end your relationship with God is just about one thing: putting away your sin.
It's your sin that hinders you from experiencing a downpour of revival. Not sin in the neighborhood or sin in the newspaper, but sin in the mirror.
Evangelical Christians are good at seeing sin on television and in the church lobby, but we fail miserably at seeing sin in the mirror.
(excerpted from Downpour by James Macdonald, emphasis mine)
Looking in the mirror can reveal whether we need a haircut or a shave or need to lose a few pounds. But an honest look in the mirror can also reveal much more.
What is your look in the mirror revealing today? Perhaps anger. Or anxiety. Bitterness. Envy. Fear. Greed. Idolatry. Impatience. Lust. Prejudice. Self-righteousness. Bad temper. Vanity. Or something else.
Sin is any failure to conform to God's standards. And those standards are revealed in His Word.
Today might be a good day to take an honest look in the mirror.
It might reveal more than the need for a haircut!
"Whatever is not of faith is sin." (Romans 14:23 NASB)
"If we say we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us."
(1 John 1:8 NASB)
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9 NASB)
Distractions
Do you ever get distracted?
Have you ever started a project and then not finished it because your mind wandered to somewhere else? And then you remembered another thing that needed doing. Or a phone call you needed to make. And then you decided to check Facebook or your texts. And then you needed a snack. But maybe you should walk the dog first. But I need to finish this chapter. Except I just remembered that I have clothes in the washing machine that need to go in the dryer. But first I'll go make another cup of coffee. Now what was I doing?
Can anyone relate?
We all get distracted from time to time. Life is busy, and our schedules are filled with places to be and things to do.
Sometimes distractions are a good thing. We can be going through the busyness of the day and then find ourselves distracted by the beauty of a flower. Or by a sunset. Or by a song we hear. Or by the sound of children at play. At those times we hit the pause button on life, set aside for a moment whatever we might have been focused on, and enjoy the beauty. We take time to smell the roses, to borrow a phrase. Those are good distractions.
Too often, however, distractions are not good things.
We too often allow distractions keep us from the Word of God. We allow the busyness of life to get in the way. We even allow good things, like family and friends, to become distractions, keeping us from best things, like time with the Lord. We too often use friends and family as an excuse, rather than seeking to find the right balance. As a result, relationships with family, with friends, and with the Lord can suffer.
We allow the media to distract us. The recent controversy over the Confederate Battle Flag might be seen as an example. After the horror of the murder of nine people in a church Bible study group, much attention was turned to that flag. That is not to say that it was not right and proper for South Carolina to take the flag off the State House grounds. But the flag is not the issue. The flag did not pull the trigger. The murders were committed by a young man with hatred and evil in his heart.
Moving the flag does not remove hatred and evil from our world. Moving the flag does not eradicate racism. But focusing our attention on a flag distracts us from other issues. If we are distracted by a flag, then we won't be paying as much attention to bad nuclear deals with terrorist nations, or to the sale of body parts of aborted babies, or to other issues of the day.
Politicians would like to keep us distracted. The media would like to keep us distracted. The enemy of our souls would like to keep us distracted.
That's the greatest danger of all. That the enemy of our souls would keep us so distracted, whether by busyness or by false teachers or by media and political pundits with their particular agendas. That distraction is the one we must guard most against.
The enemy of our souls would like to keep us so busy and so distracted by our religion and our politics and our good works that we miss the most important thing - our relationship with Jesus.
Don't give your enemy the victory!
"You therefore, beloved....be on your guard." (2 Peter 3:17 NASB)
"Be on guard." (2 Timothy 4:15 NASB)
"Be on guard, so that your heart will not be weighted down...." (Luke 21:34 NASB)
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12 NASB)
"Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith." (Hebrews 12:2 NASB)
Have you ever started a project and then not finished it because your mind wandered to somewhere else? And then you remembered another thing that needed doing. Or a phone call you needed to make. And then you decided to check Facebook or your texts. And then you needed a snack. But maybe you should walk the dog first. But I need to finish this chapter. Except I just remembered that I have clothes in the washing machine that need to go in the dryer. But first I'll go make another cup of coffee. Now what was I doing?
Can anyone relate?
We all get distracted from time to time. Life is busy, and our schedules are filled with places to be and things to do.
Sometimes distractions are a good thing. We can be going through the busyness of the day and then find ourselves distracted by the beauty of a flower. Or by a sunset. Or by a song we hear. Or by the sound of children at play. At those times we hit the pause button on life, set aside for a moment whatever we might have been focused on, and enjoy the beauty. We take time to smell the roses, to borrow a phrase. Those are good distractions.
Too often, however, distractions are not good things.
We too often allow distractions keep us from the Word of God. We allow the busyness of life to get in the way. We even allow good things, like family and friends, to become distractions, keeping us from best things, like time with the Lord. We too often use friends and family as an excuse, rather than seeking to find the right balance. As a result, relationships with family, with friends, and with the Lord can suffer.
We allow the media to distract us. The recent controversy over the Confederate Battle Flag might be seen as an example. After the horror of the murder of nine people in a church Bible study group, much attention was turned to that flag. That is not to say that it was not right and proper for South Carolina to take the flag off the State House grounds. But the flag is not the issue. The flag did not pull the trigger. The murders were committed by a young man with hatred and evil in his heart.
Moving the flag does not remove hatred and evil from our world. Moving the flag does not eradicate racism. But focusing our attention on a flag distracts us from other issues. If we are distracted by a flag, then we won't be paying as much attention to bad nuclear deals with terrorist nations, or to the sale of body parts of aborted babies, or to other issues of the day.
Politicians would like to keep us distracted. The media would like to keep us distracted. The enemy of our souls would like to keep us distracted.
That's the greatest danger of all. That the enemy of our souls would keep us so distracted, whether by busyness or by false teachers or by media and political pundits with their particular agendas. That distraction is the one we must guard most against.
The enemy of our souls would like to keep us so busy and so distracted by our religion and our politics and our good works that we miss the most important thing - our relationship with Jesus.
Don't give your enemy the victory!
"You therefore, beloved....be on your guard." (2 Peter 3:17 NASB)
"Be on guard." (2 Timothy 4:15 NASB)
"Be on guard, so that your heart will not be weighted down...." (Luke 21:34 NASB)
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12 NASB)
"Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith." (Hebrews 12:2 NASB)
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Won't You Get Bored?
Before we set out on this trip around the country, I was often asked that question. Won't you get bored?
My answer was always some (polite, I hope!) form of No, I won't!
For starters, I was born with a travel gene, if there is such a thing. I love to travel. I love seeing new faces and new places, trying new foods and experiencing new things. So for those reasons alone, this trip around the country is perfect.
Of course, because this is essentially a very long business trip, there won't always be opportunities to see and experience all the new and different things there are along the way. But so far, we have seen and done a lot. And we are only a little more than a week into this adventure.
I had some much-needed down time one of our days in Atlanta. After the packing and unpacking and packing again, that was a welcome change of pace. We had a wonderful time seeing friends in Nashville, and a wonderful time of worship on Sunday in Jackson. We've had some delicious food and seen some beautiful countryside. It's only a fraction of what this vast nation has to offer. So, am I bored? In a word, no.
One of the things I'm delighting in during the times Al is in class is catching up on some reading. My Kindle is loaded up, and I brought a number of books with me as well. During the last few months of packing and unpacking, there hasn't been nearly enough time for books! I hear the aren't you bored? question a lot when books come into the conversation, and it makes me so sad! How could anyone be bored with reading? It's something I can't even begin to fathom. My only thought is that they are doing it wrong, or they haven't yet found the right book!
Reading is definitely one of my passions. Bible study is another. And again, when it comes to the Scriptures, I am saddened at how often I hear that question. Isn't it boring? Again, I have the same answer. No. And again, I think that those who are bored by the study of God's Word just must not be doing it right!
That's a topic for another day. Right now, after a wonderful morning sitting outdoors with my Bible, and later with my lunch, and then some (less pleasant) time in the gym, a book is calling my name!
"O how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day." (Psalm 119:97 NASB)
My answer was always some (polite, I hope!) form of No, I won't!
For starters, I was born with a travel gene, if there is such a thing. I love to travel. I love seeing new faces and new places, trying new foods and experiencing new things. So for those reasons alone, this trip around the country is perfect.
Of course, because this is essentially a very long business trip, there won't always be opportunities to see and experience all the new and different things there are along the way. But so far, we have seen and done a lot. And we are only a little more than a week into this adventure.
I had some much-needed down time one of our days in Atlanta. After the packing and unpacking and packing again, that was a welcome change of pace. We had a wonderful time seeing friends in Nashville, and a wonderful time of worship on Sunday in Jackson. We've had some delicious food and seen some beautiful countryside. It's only a fraction of what this vast nation has to offer. So, am I bored? In a word, no.
One of the things I'm delighting in during the times Al is in class is catching up on some reading. My Kindle is loaded up, and I brought a number of books with me as well. During the last few months of packing and unpacking, there hasn't been nearly enough time for books! I hear the aren't you bored? question a lot when books come into the conversation, and it makes me so sad! How could anyone be bored with reading? It's something I can't even begin to fathom. My only thought is that they are doing it wrong, or they haven't yet found the right book!
Reading is definitely one of my passions. Bible study is another. And again, when it comes to the Scriptures, I am saddened at how often I hear that question. Isn't it boring? Again, I have the same answer. No. And again, I think that those who are bored by the study of God's Word just must not be doing it right!
That's a topic for another day. Right now, after a wonderful morning sitting outdoors with my Bible, and later with my lunch, and then some (less pleasant) time in the gym, a book is calling my name!
"O how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day." (Psalm 119:97 NASB)
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Offended
A lot has been said and written lately about being offended.
People are offended by skin color and sexual preference. By flags. By politics.
It seems that everyday, we find something else that offends us. It borders on the ridiculous, really. What ever happened to the days when, if I disagreed with you or you disagreed with me, we just agreed to disagree?
Those days are long gone, apparently. It seems we prefer to be offended.
But what about this kind of "offended":
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." (Psalm 139:23-24 NLT, emphasis mine)
Something to think about.
"Our society strives to avoid any possibility of offending anyone - except God." - Billy Graham
People are offended by skin color and sexual preference. By flags. By politics.
It seems that everyday, we find something else that offends us. It borders on the ridiculous, really. What ever happened to the days when, if I disagreed with you or you disagreed with me, we just agreed to disagree?
Those days are long gone, apparently. It seems we prefer to be offended.
But what about this kind of "offended":
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends You, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." (Psalm 139:23-24 NLT, emphasis mine)
Something to think about.
"Our society strives to avoid any possibility of offending anyone - except God." - Billy Graham
Monday, July 13, 2015
It's Time to Shine!
"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16 NASB)
So said Jesus, as He spoke to the crowd gathered on a hillside in Galilee.
On that day, He said to them, "You are the light of the world."
And then He said, "Let your light shine."
He was speaking to a crowd of Jewish people who lived in a time of Roman occupation of Judea.
He did not say to them, "When everything about life is going your way, then let your light shine."
He did not say, "When life is good, let your light shine."
In fact, I don't find any qualifying phrase in what Jesus had to say. What He said was actually quite succinct.
You are the light of the world. Let your light shine.
Fast forward twenty centuries. What Jesus said in the first century is still true in the twenty-first century.
You are the light of the world. Let your light shine.
We seem to have no trouble following that instruction in the good times. When life is good, and we are healthy, and there's plenty of money, and people treat us well, we do a great job of letting our lights shine.
But in these troubled times, perhaps we are less ready to shine. When we are the minority. When the culture has turned against us. When there is persecution in various forms. When things seem bleak, whether in our personal lives or in the culture, we want to hide. We retreat into our homes and our holy huddles. We cower in fear. We worry about what's coming next. We fade into the shadows.
But what did Jesus say?
You are the light of the world. Let your light shine.
No matter what the Supreme Court decides. No matter about political correctness. No matter about personal health or job security or personal finances. No matter who is president or senator or governor. No matter what winds of change may blow.
We belong to Jesus. And no matter how dark it may get, Jesus has said that we are the light of the world.
It's time for the light to shine!
"Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life." (Philippians 2:14-16a ESV, emphasis mine)
So said Jesus, as He spoke to the crowd gathered on a hillside in Galilee.
On that day, He said to them, "You are the light of the world."
And then He said, "Let your light shine."
He was speaking to a crowd of Jewish people who lived in a time of Roman occupation of Judea.
He did not say to them, "When everything about life is going your way, then let your light shine."
He did not say, "When life is good, let your light shine."
In fact, I don't find any qualifying phrase in what Jesus had to say. What He said was actually quite succinct.
You are the light of the world. Let your light shine.
Fast forward twenty centuries. What Jesus said in the first century is still true in the twenty-first century.
You are the light of the world. Let your light shine.
We seem to have no trouble following that instruction in the good times. When life is good, and we are healthy, and there's plenty of money, and people treat us well, we do a great job of letting our lights shine.
But in these troubled times, perhaps we are less ready to shine. When we are the minority. When the culture has turned against us. When there is persecution in various forms. When things seem bleak, whether in our personal lives or in the culture, we want to hide. We retreat into our homes and our holy huddles. We cower in fear. We worry about what's coming next. We fade into the shadows.
But what did Jesus say?
You are the light of the world. Let your light shine.
No matter what the Supreme Court decides. No matter about political correctness. No matter about personal health or job security or personal finances. No matter who is president or senator or governor. No matter what winds of change may blow.
We belong to Jesus. And no matter how dark it may get, Jesus has said that we are the light of the world.
It's time for the light to shine!
"Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life." (Philippians 2:14-16a ESV, emphasis mine)
Friday, July 10, 2015
Life on the Road. Reflections on the First Week.
We left home on Monday morning. Today marks the end of the first week of what is known, at least by Al and his coworkers, as the Road Show.
We spent Monday afternoon in the office. Al spent his time getting everything together to begin training sessions on Tuesday. I spent my day huddled in an empty cubicle, drinking Diet Coke and reading. We checked into our hotel that evening and were upgraded to a very nice suite. If this continues, I could really enjoy life on the road!
Trainings began on Tuesday, and went well from what I've heard. I spent the day relaxing at the hotel. (Being a Road Show assistant is, after all, a tough job!)
Wednesday we checked out of the hotel and went back to the office for the final training session there. I helped set the room up, and then sat in the back corner, doing some more reading, taking some photos (it's part of my "job"), and just observing the goings-on in the room. The session ended at noon, we packed everything up and loaded it all into the van, then set out for Nashville, our next destination.
Eventually, mid-afternoon, we stopped for some lunch at a Cracker Barrel. To the great surprise of many of my friends, I did not eat pancakes!
We arrived in Nashville and got checked in. There had been some confusion and miscommunication about this hotel. You'll be here. No, you'll need to stay there. No, you're going to be back here. Eventually that got sorted out and we checked in here at the Inn at Opryland. It's across the road from the much larger and much more expensive Opryland Hotel. No suite here. A much smaller room, which we have filled up with our stuff, and really slow internet. Oh, the frustrations of modern life!
The best part of this leg of the trip has been spending time with our friends Bill and Jean. After yesterday morning's set-up, I spent the entire day with them, and then we all had dinner together last night. I'm looking forward to more together-with-friends times today.
Tomorrow we will leave here and make our way to Jackson, Mississippi, the next stop on this traveling Road Show.
This first week has been a week of adjustments. Adjusting to living out of a suitcase. Making adjustments in how we have things loaded into the van, tweaking that a bit to be sure we can easily get to the things we most need when we need them. Adjusting to a new time zone. Al making a few adjustments to how he presents the material. Checking schedules and hotel arrangements, and adjusting those where necessary.
Adjustments are part of life, whether you're part of a traveling Road Show or not. Things don't always go according to plan. People don't always do what you think they will or what you might think they should or what you might wish they would. The weather doesn't always cooperate. There are many variables built into the fabric of daily living. And sometimes we have to make adjustments. It's all part of life.
The attitude with which we make those adjustments is the key. Keeping a positive attitude. A smile on your face. Apologizing when necessary. Not being too quick to place blame. Just dealing with things that happen and moving on. It's the key to success in life. Especially life on the road.
"Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, dwell on these things." (Philippians 4:8 NASB)
We spent Monday afternoon in the office. Al spent his time getting everything together to begin training sessions on Tuesday. I spent my day huddled in an empty cubicle, drinking Diet Coke and reading. We checked into our hotel that evening and were upgraded to a very nice suite. If this continues, I could really enjoy life on the road!
Trainings began on Tuesday, and went well from what I've heard. I spent the day relaxing at the hotel. (Being a Road Show assistant is, after all, a tough job!)
Wednesday we checked out of the hotel and went back to the office for the final training session there. I helped set the room up, and then sat in the back corner, doing some more reading, taking some photos (it's part of my "job"), and just observing the goings-on in the room. The session ended at noon, we packed everything up and loaded it all into the van, then set out for Nashville, our next destination.
Eventually, mid-afternoon, we stopped for some lunch at a Cracker Barrel. To the great surprise of many of my friends, I did not eat pancakes!
We arrived in Nashville and got checked in. There had been some confusion and miscommunication about this hotel. You'll be here. No, you'll need to stay there. No, you're going to be back here. Eventually that got sorted out and we checked in here at the Inn at Opryland. It's across the road from the much larger and much more expensive Opryland Hotel. No suite here. A much smaller room, which we have filled up with our stuff, and really slow internet. Oh, the frustrations of modern life!
The best part of this leg of the trip has been spending time with our friends Bill and Jean. After yesterday morning's set-up, I spent the entire day with them, and then we all had dinner together last night. I'm looking forward to more together-with-friends times today.
Tomorrow we will leave here and make our way to Jackson, Mississippi, the next stop on this traveling Road Show.
This first week has been a week of adjustments. Adjusting to living out of a suitcase. Making adjustments in how we have things loaded into the van, tweaking that a bit to be sure we can easily get to the things we most need when we need them. Adjusting to a new time zone. Al making a few adjustments to how he presents the material. Checking schedules and hotel arrangements, and adjusting those where necessary.
Adjustments are part of life, whether you're part of a traveling Road Show or not. Things don't always go according to plan. People don't always do what you think they will or what you might think they should or what you might wish they would. The weather doesn't always cooperate. There are many variables built into the fabric of daily living. And sometimes we have to make adjustments. It's all part of life.
The attitude with which we make those adjustments is the key. Keeping a positive attitude. A smile on your face. Apologizing when necessary. Not being too quick to place blame. Just dealing with things that happen and moving on. It's the key to success in life. Especially life on the road.
"Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, dwell on these things." (Philippians 4:8 NASB)
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Love. Laughter. Friendship.
We first met many years ago in Minnesota. We were two southern families transplanted into the frozen north country. We had found our way to the same Baptist church, where me met and instantly connected.
We have shared lots of laughs. And some tears. We have spent Easters and Thanksgivings together. We have experienced the weddings of our children. We have had some good health and some not so much. Through it all, a deep and abiding friendship has bloomed.
After a few years in Minnesota, we moved to Florida because of a job opportunity for Al. Some years later, Bill and Jean returned "home" to Nashville. And last night, we were together again. We picked up right where we had left off, even though it has been several years since we were in the same place at the same time.
That's the beauty of friendship. Time and space do not diminish that kind of connection. Last night we ate a little and laughed a lot. It was just like old times!
Love. Laughter. Friendship. Grace gifts from our loving Heavenly Father.
What a blessing!
"A friend loves at all times." (Proverbs 17:17a NASB)
We have shared lots of laughs. And some tears. We have spent Easters and Thanksgivings together. We have experienced the weddings of our children. We have had some good health and some not so much. Through it all, a deep and abiding friendship has bloomed.
After a few years in Minnesota, we moved to Florida because of a job opportunity for Al. Some years later, Bill and Jean returned "home" to Nashville. And last night, we were together again. We picked up right where we had left off, even though it has been several years since we were in the same place at the same time.
That's the beauty of friendship. Time and space do not diminish that kind of connection. Last night we ate a little and laughed a lot. It was just like old times!
Love. Laughter. Friendship. Grace gifts from our loving Heavenly Father.
What a blessing!
"A friend loves at all times." (Proverbs 17:17a NASB)
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Road Trip. Day 2.
Our road trip began yesterday with a very uneventful drive from Spartanburg to Atlanta. As expected, there was heavy traffic around Greenville, and heavy traffic again as we entered the Atlanta metro area.
We arrived at corporate headquarters around noon, had lunch in the cafeteria there, and then I settled into a vacant cubicle to read while Al took care of details about the trip. He met with some people, talked to people on the phone, gathered up more supplies. Just a regular day in the office!
Today he's holding the first two training sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Meanwhile, I'm hanging out here at the hotel, looking forward to a quiet day. Last week was a hectic time of unpacking from our beach vacation and repacking for this road trip, so I'm very ready for some down time.
We need quiet days from time to time, don't we? The world we live in is full of noise and chaos. Full of busyness. Full of do this and go there.
What our world doesn't have a lot of is quiet. Our busyness doesn't allow for a lot of down time. Our hectic lifestyles don't allow much time for rest. But rest is necessary. For our bodies. And for our minds and our souls.
Today I'm giving myself permission to rest. Permission to have a slow, peaceful day with no agenda. I will probably do some reading. I may go for a walk or sit by the pool. I'll probably drink some coffee.
I'm looking forward to it. Resting. Relaxing. Being still.
Here in the middle of summer, after the busyness of the last week, as we begin this road trip, I'm looking forward to, longing for, this time of quiet and stillness. This time to "cease striving and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10 NASB)
One of the things that I have been praying concerning this lengthy time away from home is that I would make good choices. About food. About exercise. Often those things get out of control when we travel. I have also prayed to make good choices about how I spend my "alone time". Today I'm choosing to be still. To be quiet. To rest. To spend time with the Lord. In His Word. In prayer.
It's a good choice.
"Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him." (Psalm 37:7a NASB)
We arrived at corporate headquarters around noon, had lunch in the cafeteria there, and then I settled into a vacant cubicle to read while Al took care of details about the trip. He met with some people, talked to people on the phone, gathered up more supplies. Just a regular day in the office!
Today he's holding the first two training sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Meanwhile, I'm hanging out here at the hotel, looking forward to a quiet day. Last week was a hectic time of unpacking from our beach vacation and repacking for this road trip, so I'm very ready for some down time.
We need quiet days from time to time, don't we? The world we live in is full of noise and chaos. Full of busyness. Full of do this and go there.
What our world doesn't have a lot of is quiet. Our busyness doesn't allow for a lot of down time. Our hectic lifestyles don't allow much time for rest. But rest is necessary. For our bodies. And for our minds and our souls.
Today I'm giving myself permission to rest. Permission to have a slow, peaceful day with no agenda. I will probably do some reading. I may go for a walk or sit by the pool. I'll probably drink some coffee.
I'm looking forward to it. Resting. Relaxing. Being still.
Here in the middle of summer, after the busyness of the last week, as we begin this road trip, I'm looking forward to, longing for, this time of quiet and stillness. This time to "cease striving and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10 NASB)
One of the things that I have been praying concerning this lengthy time away from home is that I would make good choices. About food. About exercise. Often those things get out of control when we travel. I have also prayed to make good choices about how I spend my "alone time". Today I'm choosing to be still. To be quiet. To rest. To spend time with the Lord. In His Word. In prayer.
It's a good choice.
"Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him." (Psalm 37:7a NASB)
Monday, July 6, 2015
The Journey Begins
After months of anticipation, today is the day. The rental van is loaded, and today Al and I begin a road trip around the country. He will be working, doing training on a new product, and I'm along for the ride, and to help out when needed.
We've packed our clothes and some snacks for the trip. We have the chargers for all our electronic devices. We've tried to anticipate what we will need while we're away and what will need to be taken care of here while we're gone. As much as we are able, we are prepared for this adventure.
Of course, it is impossible to fully anticipate everything that we might need or see or do. And that makes me very thankful for our loving Heavenly Father who sees all and knows all, and who will be with us all the way.
I'm excited about the places we will go and the things we will see as we travel. I'm looking forward to the adventures we will have. I'm praying for safety as we travel. And I'm praying that, wherever we go and whoever we come in contact with, we will shine the light of Jesus.
So, we're on the road again, as the old song goes. Let the adventures begin!
"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 NASB)
We've packed our clothes and some snacks for the trip. We have the chargers for all our electronic devices. We've tried to anticipate what we will need while we're away and what will need to be taken care of here while we're gone. As much as we are able, we are prepared for this adventure.
Of course, it is impossible to fully anticipate everything that we might need or see or do. And that makes me very thankful for our loving Heavenly Father who sees all and knows all, and who will be with us all the way.
I'm excited about the places we will go and the things we will see as we travel. I'm looking forward to the adventures we will have. I'm praying for safety as we travel. And I'm praying that, wherever we go and whoever we come in contact with, we will shine the light of Jesus.
So, we're on the road again, as the old song goes. Let the adventures begin!
"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 NASB)
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Proclaim Liberty
"Proclaim liberty throughout all the Land unto all the inhabitants thereof." Those words from Leviticus 25 are inscribed on a bell we have come to know as the Liberty Bell, originally cast in the Whitechapel Foundry in East London, England, and now housed at Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
Today we celebrate our nation's independence. July 4, 1776 was the date of the signing of our Declaration of Independence and we celebrate that day every year.
But our independence, our freedom, is about more than a one-day-a-year celebration. It's about more than picnics and parades. It's about more than fireworks and flag-waving and funnel cakes. No matter how you choose to celebrate today, keep in mind the reason for the celebration!
We celebrate today because a group of men gathered together on this date in 1776 to sign a document proclaiming our independence. We celebrate because there were men willing to risk all they had to fight for that independence. We celebrate because, in that year and in all the years since, men and women have worn the uniform of the United States of America and have dedicated themselves to protecting our freedom. We celebrate because we are a free people, with rights and privileges only dreamed of by many around the world.
Our freedom as Americans is something to celebrate every day of the year, not just on one day in the middle of summer. It's something to be cherished and protected. It's something we must never take for granted, but continually be thankful for.
Our freedom as Americans is a precious thing that must be guarded and defended. And just the verse on the Liberty Bell reminds us, we must "proclaim liberty throughout the land"!
If that is true of our freedom as Americans, how much more is all that true of our freedom in Christ!
Freedom in Christ isn't something just to be celebrated once a week on Sundays, but to be celebrated and cherished and treasured and proclaimed every day! Because "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!" (John 8:36 ESV)
"For freedom Christ has set us free." (Galatians 5:1 ESV)
"For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2 ESV)
[Jesus said] "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32 ESV)
Free indeed! Free in Christ Jesus! Our freedom in Christ is not dependent on political parties or political correctness or political whim. That freedom is all and only in and through Christ Jesus! Free indeed!
Proclaim that freedom "throughout the land and to all the inhabitants thereof"!
What will you do today to proclaim liberty? To let freedom ring?
"Let Freedom Ring" - The Gaither Vocal Band: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVVbSXz7jaU
Today we celebrate our nation's independence. July 4, 1776 was the date of the signing of our Declaration of Independence and we celebrate that day every year.
But our independence, our freedom, is about more than a one-day-a-year celebration. It's about more than picnics and parades. It's about more than fireworks and flag-waving and funnel cakes. No matter how you choose to celebrate today, keep in mind the reason for the celebration!
We celebrate today because a group of men gathered together on this date in 1776 to sign a document proclaiming our independence. We celebrate because there were men willing to risk all they had to fight for that independence. We celebrate because, in that year and in all the years since, men and women have worn the uniform of the United States of America and have dedicated themselves to protecting our freedom. We celebrate because we are a free people, with rights and privileges only dreamed of by many around the world.
Our freedom as Americans is something to celebrate every day of the year, not just on one day in the middle of summer. It's something to be cherished and protected. It's something we must never take for granted, but continually be thankful for.
Our freedom as Americans is a precious thing that must be guarded and defended. And just the verse on the Liberty Bell reminds us, we must "proclaim liberty throughout the land"!
If that is true of our freedom as Americans, how much more is all that true of our freedom in Christ!
Freedom in Christ isn't something just to be celebrated once a week on Sundays, but to be celebrated and cherished and treasured and proclaimed every day! Because "If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!" (John 8:36 ESV)
"For freedom Christ has set us free." (Galatians 5:1 ESV)
"For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:2 ESV)
[Jesus said] "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:32 ESV)
Free indeed! Free in Christ Jesus! Our freedom in Christ is not dependent on political parties or political correctness or political whim. That freedom is all and only in and through Christ Jesus! Free indeed!
Proclaim that freedom "throughout the land and to all the inhabitants thereof"!
What will you do today to proclaim liberty? To let freedom ring?
"Let Freedom Ring" - The Gaither Vocal Band: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVVbSXz7jaU
Friday, July 3, 2015
Yes
Yes is such a positive word, isn't it? I have begun my day today with that kind of yes. I'm looking forward to the day ahead, planning out my very long list of to-dos.
Yes is also a radical word. In her book Twirl, Patsy Clairmont describes yes this way. (You should read the book to see what I mean!)
Yes is a positive word, but my focus today is on yes as a radical word. As in, what would it mean if we really said yes to God? If we really said yes to all that He calls us to do and to be? How different would our lives be? How different would our world look?
Yes is also a radical word. In her book Twirl, Patsy Clairmont describes yes this way. (You should read the book to see what I mean!)
Yes is a positive word, but my focus today is on yes as a radical word. As in, what would it mean if we really said yes to God? If we really said yes to all that He calls us to do and to be? How different would our lives be? How different would our world look?
My Bible reading had me in the Old Testament book of Ezekiel again this morning, so I'm thinking about yes in terms of what I have been reading there. And I'm challenging you to do the same. Think about yes in light of these words of the Lord to the prophet Ezekiel:
“So you, son of man, I have made you a watchman.” (Ezekiel 33:7 ESV)
What does a watchman do? What is a watchman’s job?
A watchman, in Ezekiel’s day, stood on the walls of the city, alert for danger. When he became aware of a threat, he blew a trumpet and sounded an alarm.
Ezekiel was called to be a watchman. And I believe you and I are called to be the same. To blow the trumpet. To sound the alarm.
Our nation is in serious trouble. We have lost our moral compass, and as a result, we have lost our way.
The solution to our problems is neither republican nor democrat. It is not libertarian or tea party. The solution is not about politics at all. The solution to our problems is not found in the Supreme Court. (Some would perhaps argue that the Court is the source, rather than the solution, for many of our problems!)
God did not call Ezekiel to politics; He called Ezekiel to warn people of the judgment to come.
I believe He is calling us to do the same. He is calling us to be watchmen. He is calling us to stand up for Him. He is calling us to sound the alarm. For such a time as this.
Will you say yes?
“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)
“Blow a trumpet……sound an alarm……for the day of the LORD is coming; it is near.” (Joel 2:2 ESV)
“The hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” (Romans 13:11 ESV)
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Some Things Never Change
More than fifty years ago, Francis Schaeffer wrote what has become a modern-day classic in Christian literature, How Should We Then Live?
In light of recent events in our country, many today are asking that same question. The last two weeks have been a period of turmoil and sadness for many. This has been a period of tension and heightened rhetoric about murder and racism and a flag. Added into that mix was the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding same-sex marriage.
Because of all that has transpired in our country over the last two weeks, the question is pertinent. How should we then live? How should we respond to these events?
Two weeks ago, nine Christian people were brutally gunned down in a Bible study at their church. That was a tragic, horrific event. That the gunman had white skin and his victims had black skin brought pontifications from many, both black and white. Much of what has been said has no basis in fact. So, how should we then live?
How do we respond?
My skin is white. I was born in South Carolina. I have lived most of my life south of the Mason-Dixon line. My ancestors, though not wealthy or plantation owners or slave owners, fought in the Confederate army. That is my heritage. It would be a mistake, however, to assume that because those facts are true, I am a racist, a white supremacist, a hate-monger, or a bigot. It would be equally a mistake to assume that because I am Southern, because I was born in South Carolina, and because I have an accent reflecting the area of my birth, I am somehow ignorant and less intelligent than if I had been born in a different part of the country.
Assumptions can be trouble. So the first answer as to how we respond to these events in our culture is not to make assumptions. Be discerning. Think. Get all the facts and reason them through. Just because you read something on the internet does not make it true. Check your facts. Be a thinking person.
The same is true regarding other cultural issues. I am a white woman. I am a heterosexual woman. I am a married woman. I am, above all, a Christian woman. It would be a mistake to assume, based on those facts, that I bear hatred toward those who are different than I am. I don't. So far as I am aware, I don't hate anyone. However, because I am a Christian woman, I do hold certain beliefs, certain core values, that are non-negotiable. Among them, I believe that marriage is a God-ordained institution, defined as a covenant relationship between one man and one woman. You may disagree with me. That is your right and your privilege. It does not, however, alter what I believe.
Much is changing in our culture these days. As Christians, what should be our response? In the words of Francis Schaeffer, how should we then live?
As Christians, our response should be the same as it has always been. Jesus Christ has not changed. The culture may have changed, as it has many times since the days Jesus walked this earth. But Jesus is still the same.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:6 NASB)
His instructions to us still stand. Among them, are these:
Jesus said, "Love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." (Matthew 22:37 NASB)
Jesus said, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:39 NASB)
Jesus said, "Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you....." (Matthew 28:19-20a NASB)
Jesus said, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me." (Luke 9:23 NASB)
Jesus said, "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you." (John 15:18 NASB)
In these challenging days, be alert. Be discerning. Be a good student of the Word of God. Hold on to Jesus and to the unchanging truths of the Word of God. Because, although many things are changing in our world, some things never change.
"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever."
(Isaiah 40:8 NASB)
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23 NASB)
"What you have, hold fast until I come." (Revelation 2:25 NASB)
In light of recent events in our country, many today are asking that same question. The last two weeks have been a period of turmoil and sadness for many. This has been a period of tension and heightened rhetoric about murder and racism and a flag. Added into that mix was the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding same-sex marriage.
Because of all that has transpired in our country over the last two weeks, the question is pertinent. How should we then live? How should we respond to these events?
Two weeks ago, nine Christian people were brutally gunned down in a Bible study at their church. That was a tragic, horrific event. That the gunman had white skin and his victims had black skin brought pontifications from many, both black and white. Much of what has been said has no basis in fact. So, how should we then live?
How do we respond?
My skin is white. I was born in South Carolina. I have lived most of my life south of the Mason-Dixon line. My ancestors, though not wealthy or plantation owners or slave owners, fought in the Confederate army. That is my heritage. It would be a mistake, however, to assume that because those facts are true, I am a racist, a white supremacist, a hate-monger, or a bigot. It would be equally a mistake to assume that because I am Southern, because I was born in South Carolina, and because I have an accent reflecting the area of my birth, I am somehow ignorant and less intelligent than if I had been born in a different part of the country.
Assumptions can be trouble. So the first answer as to how we respond to these events in our culture is not to make assumptions. Be discerning. Think. Get all the facts and reason them through. Just because you read something on the internet does not make it true. Check your facts. Be a thinking person.
The same is true regarding other cultural issues. I am a white woman. I am a heterosexual woman. I am a married woman. I am, above all, a Christian woman. It would be a mistake to assume, based on those facts, that I bear hatred toward those who are different than I am. I don't. So far as I am aware, I don't hate anyone. However, because I am a Christian woman, I do hold certain beliefs, certain core values, that are non-negotiable. Among them, I believe that marriage is a God-ordained institution, defined as a covenant relationship between one man and one woman. You may disagree with me. That is your right and your privilege. It does not, however, alter what I believe.
Much is changing in our culture these days. As Christians, what should be our response? In the words of Francis Schaeffer, how should we then live?
As Christians, our response should be the same as it has always been. Jesus Christ has not changed. The culture may have changed, as it has many times since the days Jesus walked this earth. But Jesus is still the same.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:6 NASB)
His instructions to us still stand. Among them, are these:
Jesus said, "Love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." (Matthew 22:37 NASB)
Jesus said, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:39 NASB)
Jesus said, "Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you....." (Matthew 28:19-20a NASB)
Jesus said, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me." (Luke 9:23 NASB)
Jesus said, "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you." (John 15:18 NASB)
In these challenging days, be alert. Be discerning. Be a good student of the Word of God. Hold on to Jesus and to the unchanging truths of the Word of God. Because, although many things are changing in our world, some things never change.
"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever."
(Isaiah 40:8 NASB)
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23 NASB)
"What you have, hold fast until I come." (Revelation 2:25 NASB)
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
The Right Thing
Reading the Scriptures can have a powerful, convicting effect.
Consider these verses from 1 Timothy:
"First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1-4 NASB)
Prayers. For all people. For kings and all who are in authority.
There's nothing in this verse that lets us off the hook when we don't agree with those in authority. Or when they are from a different political party. Or when we didn't vote for them. Or even when we just plain don't like them!
Paul wrote this letter to Timothy when Nero was the emperor of Rome. The letter to Timothy was intended to be shared with other Christians. Therefore, not just Timothy, but all Christians, were being instructed to pray for those in authority over them. In other words, in that particular time period, to pray for Nero, well-known as a persecutor of Christians!
Fast forward to the twenty-first century in America. The instruction still applies.
It isn't an instruction to pray for our favorite people. Or our family. Or our neighbors. Although praying for all those is an important thing, a good thing, to do.
The instruction from this particular passage is to pray for those in authority over us. The context is praying for those in governmental positions of authority.
Not because we like them. Or because we voted for them. Or because we agree with them. Or because we are from the same political party or share the same political opinions. Or because they have made good decisions. Or because they are somehow deserving of our prayers.
We pray for them because we are instructed to do so. Because it is "good and acceptable in the sight of God." And because it benefits us to do so, "that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity."
It may not be an easy thing to do. But it's the right thing to do.
And no one ever said doing the right thing would be easy!
Consider these verses from 1 Timothy:
"First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1-4 NASB)
Prayers. For all people. For kings and all who are in authority.
There's nothing in this verse that lets us off the hook when we don't agree with those in authority. Or when they are from a different political party. Or when we didn't vote for them. Or even when we just plain don't like them!
Paul wrote this letter to Timothy when Nero was the emperor of Rome. The letter to Timothy was intended to be shared with other Christians. Therefore, not just Timothy, but all Christians, were being instructed to pray for those in authority over them. In other words, in that particular time period, to pray for Nero, well-known as a persecutor of Christians!
Fast forward to the twenty-first century in America. The instruction still applies.
It isn't an instruction to pray for our favorite people. Or our family. Or our neighbors. Although praying for all those is an important thing, a good thing, to do.
The instruction from this particular passage is to pray for those in authority over us. The context is praying for those in governmental positions of authority.
Not because we like them. Or because we voted for them. Or because we agree with them. Or because we are from the same political party or share the same political opinions. Or because they have made good decisions. Or because they are somehow deserving of our prayers.
We pray for them because we are instructed to do so. Because it is "good and acceptable in the sight of God." And because it benefits us to do so, "that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity."
It may not be an easy thing to do. But it's the right thing to do.
And no one ever said doing the right thing would be easy!
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