Monday, October 26, 2020
Words Matter
Before I get to that topic, I have a few "words" about the format of this blog. You may have noticed that it looks a little different. Blogger has changed it's template to something they consider "better" and "more current". I strongly disagree with them and am exploring other options. In the meantime, I apologize that there are no paragraph indentions or any of the other things that are normally part of my writing. I do know better!
In the meantime, lets think about words. Because words do matter.
I have always loved words, but since my stroke in 2016, they have taken on new importance for me. In these years of struggling to find the right word, of not being able to connect with the word I am trying to say, of not understanding the word I am being given...all these have given me a new appreciation for the power of words.
Yet even as I value the power of words, I find myself these days shying away from many of the words I read and hear. We are bombarded these with words from ever direction. On radio and television. In social media. Everywhere we turn. And it seems our discourse is ever more full of rancor and hatred, of harshness and criticism.
Whatever happened to good manners? Whatever happened to "common courtesy"? It is certainly no longer "common"! Whatever happened to respect? What has happened to us?
Whatever happened to choosing our words carefully? Whatever happened to thinking before we speak? When did we decide that it was ok to say anything we please about anything or anyone without any regard to what is right or wrong?
I have written before that there are days when I struggle to right these posts. That was true even before the stroke. Some days words come easily; some days, not so much. Even on the "not so much" days, perhaps especially on those days, I want to choose my words carefully, because words matter.
Not just written words. All words. All words matter. It's a lesson we particular need in our public discourse these days!
Consider, for example, good manners and words of respect. Please. Thank you. Yes, sir. No, ma'am. How we treat each other matters, and the words we choose are a reflection of that. In our increasingly discordant world, it's important to be respectful, even when we disagree. Especially when we disagree. Words matter.
Words can encourage, or they can bring discouragement. It matters which we choose. We have, by the words we choose, the ability to lift someone up or to tear them down. And that ability carries across the spectrum of life. At home. In politics. In the workplace. In the classroom. At the mall. At the gym. Everywhere we go.
As you are out and about today, doing life, encountering various individuals, choose your words carefully. Be respectful. Because words matter.
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver."
Proverbs 25:11 ESV
Wednesday, September 16, 2020
Are You Ready?
We ask that question a lot, don't we? Are you ready?
Around here, that question gets asked every Sunday morning. Are you ready? Once we both say yes, then we head out to church. In fact, the same question is asked every time we are going anywhere!
One of my sons often texts that question to me on game days. Are you ready for some football? Then the texts continue as we are both watch our favorite team (Go Gamecocks!) and share commentary as the game progresses.
During this election season, we find ourselves often asking Are you ready? And most often the question ends with the phrase for this to be over, as we have grown weary of the rancor and bitterness that seems so much a part of the election cycle, and more so with each election. And we are also finding ourselves are you ready for this to be over in reference to Covid and masks and social distancing. (That's an oxymoron if I ever heard one!)
We ask Are you ready? about all sorts of things. Appointments. Activities. Football games. Parties. All the events of life. It's important to be prepared - to be ready - for these things.
But the question must also be asked regarding an event yet to come, the most important of all events. It's an important question about an important event. And making preparation today will mean you are ready tomorrow, or the next day, or whenever this event occurs.
"Why do you stand looking up into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come again in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11 NASB, emphasis mine)
Jesus is coming again. Are you ready?
Around here, that question gets asked every Sunday morning. Are you ready? Once we both say yes, then we head out to church. In fact, the same question is asked every time we are going anywhere!
One of my sons often texts that question to me on game days. Are you ready for some football? Then the texts continue as we are both watch our favorite team (Go Gamecocks!) and share commentary as the game progresses.
During this election season, we find ourselves often asking Are you ready? And most often the question ends with the phrase for this to be over, as we have grown weary of the rancor and bitterness that seems so much a part of the election cycle, and more so with each election. And we are also finding ourselves are you ready for this to be over in reference to Covid and masks and social distancing. (That's an oxymoron if I ever heard one!)
We ask Are you ready? about all sorts of things. Appointments. Activities. Football games. Parties. All the events of life. It's important to be prepared - to be ready - for these things.
But the question must also be asked regarding an event yet to come, the most important of all events. It's an important question about an important event. And making preparation today will mean you are ready tomorrow, or the next day, or whenever this event occurs.
"Why do you stand looking up into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come again in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11 NASB, emphasis mine)
Jesus is coming again. Are you ready?
Jesus is coming to earth again;
What if it were today?
(from the hymn "What If It Were Today?"; words and music by Lelia N. Moris)
Tuesday, September 15, 2020
An Important Reminder
"Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it."
So begins the second chapter of the book of Hebrews in the New Testament.
It is interesting that the writer begins the chapter with a term of conclusion. You may have heard your pastor or a Bible teacher point to this word therefore as a very important word; when you see the therefore, they may have said, you need to determine what it's there for.
What is it there for? What is the conclusion the writer of Hebrews is drawing as he begins this chapter? Remembering, of course, that the writer of Hebrews didn't actually write in chapters and verses; those were added later.
Therefore, he says, we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard. And what had the recipients of the letter, these Hebrews, heard? Chapter One gives us the answer to that question. Long ago, the writer says, God spoke through prophets. But, he says, in these last days He has spoken to us by his Son. (Hebrews 1:2a ESV).
Then he goes on to tell them, and us, exactly who Jesus is:
And if we don't pay attention, what will happen? We will be in danger of drifting away.
There's another danger as well. Verse 2 reminds us that throughout recorded history, there were consequences for those who didn't pay attention, who didn't heed the message of God. The conclusion is, since that is true, what makes us think we will be any different? How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? (Hebrews 2:3)
In a devotional reading titled "Drifting from the Word", Dr. Charles Stanley writes: "Drifting begins subtly and usually includes compromising the principles found in God's Word. No one is immune from drifting. All of us have felt the temptation to let our devotion slide so as not to become too serious. However, Jesus gave up everything to come to earth and die in our place. We have eternal life because He took the principles of His father seriously. By His grace we are saved and set free from sin. Once realized, this should be enough to curb any notion of drifting. Anchor your life in the Word of God and you will not drift."
That's what the writer of Hebrews is saying to us. Pay attention to what [you] have heard. God has given us His Word. He has spoken to us through Jesus. We have that message contained in the Scriptures. We need to pay attention!
Because God has spoken.
Because He has spoken in Jesus.
Because Jesus is better.
Pay attention.
So begins the second chapter of the book of Hebrews in the New Testament.
It is interesting that the writer begins the chapter with a term of conclusion. You may have heard your pastor or a Bible teacher point to this word therefore as a very important word; when you see the therefore, they may have said, you need to determine what it's there for.
What is it there for? What is the conclusion the writer of Hebrews is drawing as he begins this chapter? Remembering, of course, that the writer of Hebrews didn't actually write in chapters and verses; those were added later.
Therefore, he says, we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard. And what had the recipients of the letter, these Hebrews, heard? Chapter One gives us the answer to that question. Long ago, the writer says, God spoke through prophets. But, he says, in these last days He has spoken to us by his Son. (Hebrews 1:2a ESV).
Then he goes on to tell them, and us, exactly who Jesus is:
- heir of all things
- the One through whom God created the world
- the radiance of God's glory
- the exact imprint of God's nature
- the One who upholds the universe by the word of His power.
- the One who made purification for sins
- the One who is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God
And if we don't pay attention, what will happen? We will be in danger of drifting away.
There's another danger as well. Verse 2 reminds us that throughout recorded history, there were consequences for those who didn't pay attention, who didn't heed the message of God. The conclusion is, since that is true, what makes us think we will be any different? How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? (Hebrews 2:3)
In a devotional reading titled "Drifting from the Word", Dr. Charles Stanley writes: "Drifting begins subtly and usually includes compromising the principles found in God's Word. No one is immune from drifting. All of us have felt the temptation to let our devotion slide so as not to become too serious. However, Jesus gave up everything to come to earth and die in our place. We have eternal life because He took the principles of His father seriously. By His grace we are saved and set free from sin. Once realized, this should be enough to curb any notion of drifting. Anchor your life in the Word of God and you will not drift."
That's what the writer of Hebrews is saying to us. Pay attention to what [you] have heard. God has given us His Word. He has spoken to us through Jesus. We have that message contained in the Scriptures. We need to pay attention!
Because God has spoken.
Because He has spoken in Jesus.
Because Jesus is better.
Pay attention.
Monday, September 14, 2020
If
"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)
This is a familiar verse. A verse we often hear quoted on the annual National Day of Prayer. A verse many people are turning to as they see the chaos in our world.
This word from the Lord was originally spoken to Solomon on the occasion of the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. A few verses later in the same chapter, the Lord warns of what will happen if His people turn aside from the Lord's commandments. There will be consequences for abandoning the Lord's ways. We see that in 2 Chronicles 7:19-22.
There can be little doubt that as a nation we have turned aside from the Lord's commandments and are not wholeheartedly following His ways. Even more troubling, there are many among us who call themselves Christian, and yet are not wholeheartedly following the Lord. Could it be that the troubles we are facing as a nation stem, at least in part, from this root? And if so, is there hope for us?
I believe there is hope, and the solution is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14. It begins with the word if. If my people, God's people, follow the plan outlined in these verses, God will hear. Yes, in its original context these words applied to the Jews. But there's a principle here that still is valid.
If my people. These instructions are not to the pagans or the politicians or the rioters or the anarchists. Not to the atheists or the agnostics. These instructions are to the people of God. To the people called by His name. What are God's people to do?
Humble themselves. And here we get to the root of the problem. We're not very good at humbling ourselves. We don't want to humble ourselves, before God or anyone else. We want to be in charge. We think we know what is best. We think because we are American we have certain rights to do and say and think as we please. Yet God says we are to humble ourselves. This is much like what Jesus instructed when he taught His disciples, and us, how to pray. "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10 KJV). Thy will, not my will. Even Jesus humbled Himself before the Father when He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22:42 ESV)
To humble ourselves is to acknowledge that we are not God. A while back when my husband and I were out and about, we passed a church with a sign at the end of their driveway that read "Remember, God's still God and you're still not." Remembering that is the essence of what it means to humble ourselves before God. Remember who's in charge!
Pray. We think we understand what prayer is, don't we? Too often people think of prayer as giving God our list of wants and concerns, a kind of to-do list for God to handle. Is that really all there is to it? Is prayer really only giving God a list, or reciting a memorized poem, or mumbling a quick sentence before we go to bed? Is that really what God meant when He said His people are to "humble themselves and pray"? I think not.
Prayer is communication. And communication is two-way, meaning there is speaking and there is listening. Certainly one blog is not adequate to explain all that prayer is, but I definitely think God is expecting more than just a hastily mumbled mantra every day. Does that mean that longer prayers are better, somehow more spiritual? Does God hear us more clearly if we talk longer or use bigger words. Of course not. In fact, Scripture cautions against "empty phrases" (Matthew 6:7 ESV). The point is to be sincere in our communication with God.
Seek my face. This is an extension of the point about praying. Many years ago I heard someone say that we should "seek the Blesser, not the blessing". How often when we pray do we seek what God can do for us, rather than just seeking God Himself. Because God desires relationship with His people, He desires that we seek HIM and not just seek what He can give.
Turn from their wicked ways. This is the very definition of repentance, to turn from sin, to change direction. If we have sincerely sought the Lord, have humbled ourselves before Him, we will have become aware of those things in our lives that are displeasing to Him and we will want to repent.
Then. When we have followed God's instructions, He promises to hear and to forgive our sin and to heal our land. When we do things His way!
Will our land be healed because people gather in groups on a designated day one day a year to pray for our nation? No. It's a good thing when people gather together to pray. It's an important thing. But it's a better thing, a more important thing, when individuals come daily before the Lord in prayer. To intercede for the nation. To intercede for families. To intercede for the lost. To commit themselves to doing things God's way.
A day of prayer is a good thing. A lifestyle of prayer is even better.
"Lord, teach us to pray." (Luke 11:1 ESV)
This is a familiar verse. A verse we often hear quoted on the annual National Day of Prayer. A verse many people are turning to as they see the chaos in our world.
This word from the Lord was originally spoken to Solomon on the occasion of the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. A few verses later in the same chapter, the Lord warns of what will happen if His people turn aside from the Lord's commandments. There will be consequences for abandoning the Lord's ways. We see that in 2 Chronicles 7:19-22.
There can be little doubt that as a nation we have turned aside from the Lord's commandments and are not wholeheartedly following His ways. Even more troubling, there are many among us who call themselves Christian, and yet are not wholeheartedly following the Lord. Could it be that the troubles we are facing as a nation stem, at least in part, from this root? And if so, is there hope for us?
I believe there is hope, and the solution is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14. It begins with the word if. If my people, God's people, follow the plan outlined in these verses, God will hear. Yes, in its original context these words applied to the Jews. But there's a principle here that still is valid.
If my people. These instructions are not to the pagans or the politicians or the rioters or the anarchists. Not to the atheists or the agnostics. These instructions are to the people of God. To the people called by His name. What are God's people to do?
Humble themselves. And here we get to the root of the problem. We're not very good at humbling ourselves. We don't want to humble ourselves, before God or anyone else. We want to be in charge. We think we know what is best. We think because we are American we have certain rights to do and say and think as we please. Yet God says we are to humble ourselves. This is much like what Jesus instructed when he taught His disciples, and us, how to pray. "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10 KJV). Thy will, not my will. Even Jesus humbled Himself before the Father when He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22:42 ESV)
To humble ourselves is to acknowledge that we are not God. A while back when my husband and I were out and about, we passed a church with a sign at the end of their driveway that read "Remember, God's still God and you're still not." Remembering that is the essence of what it means to humble ourselves before God. Remember who's in charge!
Pray. We think we understand what prayer is, don't we? Too often people think of prayer as giving God our list of wants and concerns, a kind of to-do list for God to handle. Is that really all there is to it? Is prayer really only giving God a list, or reciting a memorized poem, or mumbling a quick sentence before we go to bed? Is that really what God meant when He said His people are to "humble themselves and pray"? I think not.
Prayer is communication. And communication is two-way, meaning there is speaking and there is listening. Certainly one blog is not adequate to explain all that prayer is, but I definitely think God is expecting more than just a hastily mumbled mantra every day. Does that mean that longer prayers are better, somehow more spiritual? Does God hear us more clearly if we talk longer or use bigger words. Of course not. In fact, Scripture cautions against "empty phrases" (Matthew 6:7 ESV). The point is to be sincere in our communication with God.
Seek my face. This is an extension of the point about praying. Many years ago I heard someone say that we should "seek the Blesser, not the blessing". How often when we pray do we seek what God can do for us, rather than just seeking God Himself. Because God desires relationship with His people, He desires that we seek HIM and not just seek what He can give.
Turn from their wicked ways. This is the very definition of repentance, to turn from sin, to change direction. If we have sincerely sought the Lord, have humbled ourselves before Him, we will have become aware of those things in our lives that are displeasing to Him and we will want to repent.
Then. When we have followed God's instructions, He promises to hear and to forgive our sin and to heal our land. When we do things His way!
Will our land be healed because people gather in groups on a designated day one day a year to pray for our nation? No. It's a good thing when people gather together to pray. It's an important thing. But it's a better thing, a more important thing, when individuals come daily before the Lord in prayer. To intercede for the nation. To intercede for families. To intercede for the lost. To commit themselves to doing things God's way.
A day of prayer is a good thing. A lifestyle of prayer is even better.
"Lord, teach us to pray." (Luke 11:1 ESV)
Friday, September 11, 2020
Remembering 9/11
It's that day again. The day that still makes my heart ache. That makes me almost ill. The day our world changed.
For those of us who were alive on that day, those events are burned into our memories. Where were you on that awful day? I remember it vividly. On that Tuesday morning, as on every Tuesday morning, I was heading to church. Tuesday was the day for Ladies Bible Study in the morning and staff meeting in the afternoon. We were planning to begin a new study on that morning, and as I had been preparing the introductory session, my thoughts had been focused on Psalm 62, specifically on verses 7-8: "On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." As the day progressed, I found myself holding on to those verses.
I walked into the family room just minutes after the first plane had hit. Our son Brian, who had just gotten home from his job at UPS, was watching TV before heading upstairs to bed. We both stared at the TV in disbelief. And then we watched as the second plane hit. On my way to the church, I heard the news about the Pentagon on the car radio.
Our Bible Study that morning turned into a brief time of prayer, after which I sent the ladies back home. Our staff meeting was cancelled. The pastor and I met briefly to talk through preliminary plans for the following Sunday worship service, and then he sent me home.
Life as we knew it changed forever on that day. I remember well the shock and the grief and the numbness that followed for so many days. For many those feelings are repeated each year as we mark another anniversary and as we see those horrible events replayed over and over and over on television.
Life changed on that day. We've grown accustomed to taking our shoes off at the airport and to having our purses and backpacks inspected. Sadly, we're no longer surprised by acts of violence.
But not everything has changed. It is still true that "my refuge is in God." I still grieve with and for those families who lost so much on that day just because their family member went to work that day. I still grieve for the families of first responders and military personnel who, on that day and in the years that have followed, paid the ultimate sacrifice. I am still grateful for men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.
Even more, as I reflect on the ways that life has changed, I cling to this unchanging truth:
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. Therefore we will not fear." (Psalm 46:1-2)
For those of us who were alive on that day, those events are burned into our memories. Where were you on that awful day? I remember it vividly. On that Tuesday morning, as on every Tuesday morning, I was heading to church. Tuesday was the day for Ladies Bible Study in the morning and staff meeting in the afternoon. We were planning to begin a new study on that morning, and as I had been preparing the introductory session, my thoughts had been focused on Psalm 62, specifically on verses 7-8: "On God my salvation and my glory rest; the rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us." As the day progressed, I found myself holding on to those verses.
I walked into the family room just minutes after the first plane had hit. Our son Brian, who had just gotten home from his job at UPS, was watching TV before heading upstairs to bed. We both stared at the TV in disbelief. And then we watched as the second plane hit. On my way to the church, I heard the news about the Pentagon on the car radio.
Our Bible Study that morning turned into a brief time of prayer, after which I sent the ladies back home. Our staff meeting was cancelled. The pastor and I met briefly to talk through preliminary plans for the following Sunday worship service, and then he sent me home.
Life as we knew it changed forever on that day. I remember well the shock and the grief and the numbness that followed for so many days. For many those feelings are repeated each year as we mark another anniversary and as we see those horrible events replayed over and over and over on television.
Life changed on that day. We've grown accustomed to taking our shoes off at the airport and to having our purses and backpacks inspected. Sadly, we're no longer surprised by acts of violence.
But not everything has changed. It is still true that "my refuge is in God." I still grieve with and for those families who lost so much on that day just because their family member went to work that day. I still grieve for the families of first responders and military personnel who, on that day and in the years that have followed, paid the ultimate sacrifice. I am still grateful for men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect the freedoms we enjoy as Americans.
Even more, as I reflect on the ways that life has changed, I cling to this unchanging truth:
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. Therefore we will not fear." (Psalm 46:1-2)
Tuesday, September 8, 2020
Better
I am so excited! My Bible Study group is about to begin a study of the book of Hebrews. For the next few months, we will be immersing ourselves in this amazing book.
In preparation for this study, I've been reading Hebrews this week, particularly the first chapter. I've read that chapter at least once every day this week.
I encourage you to do the same. Just read it. Slowly. Deliberately. Not in a hurry-up, just so I can say I did it, just because Susan said I should, kind of way. Take your time. Savor each word.
Let those words wash over you.
"God has spoken to us in His Son." (Hebrews 1:2 NASB)
Jesus is better.
Better than angels.
Better than the prophets.
A better High Priest.
Mediator of a better covenant.
Jesus is better.
I can't wait to dig into this study. It's going to be awesome!
Because Jesus is better!
"He [Jesus] is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of God's nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power."
(Hebrews 1:3 NASB)
In preparation for this study, I've been reading Hebrews this week, particularly the first chapter. I've read that chapter at least once every day this week.
I encourage you to do the same. Just read it. Slowly. Deliberately. Not in a hurry-up, just so I can say I did it, just because Susan said I should, kind of way. Take your time. Savor each word.
Let those words wash over you.
"God has spoken to us in His Son." (Hebrews 1:2 NASB)
Jesus is better.
Better than angels.
Better than the prophets.
A better High Priest.
Mediator of a better covenant.
Jesus is better.
I can't wait to dig into this study. It's going to be awesome!
Because Jesus is better!
"He [Jesus] is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of God's nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power."
(Hebrews 1:3 NASB)
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Signs
The signs are all around us.
Today is the second day of September. The crape myrtles that line my street are losing their blooms. The apple orchards are open. We're beginning to see pumpkin everything - Cheerios, Peeps, and coffee creamer, to name a few - everywhere we turn. And it's time for some football! Yes, there will be Gamecock football later this month!
I love September. There's a subtle change in the temperatures, which around here means low 90s instead of upper 90s. But hey, we'll take what we can get! And gradually we will move to lower humidity, a welcome change for us all.
All these signs point to one thing. It's time for fall, y'all!
I know fall doesn't officially make an appearance for about three more weeks. But turning the calendar page to September means it's that time again. Add in the fact that we're coming up on the Labor Day weekend, and it's as good as official.
Fall has arrived. The signs are everywhere. You can't help but notice.
There are other signs that are obvious as well.
"But understand this, that 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." (2 Timothy 3:1-6a NASB)
I'm certain you have noticed some of these things in our culture. They are just as obvious as the cooler air and the football season.
We can look at the calendar and know when fall arrives. We don't know exactly when Jesus will return, but as we look at these signs around us, we can't help but be aware the day is closer now than it has ever been.
Are you ready?
Today is the second day of September. The crape myrtles that line my street are losing their blooms. The apple orchards are open. We're beginning to see pumpkin everything - Cheerios, Peeps, and coffee creamer, to name a few - everywhere we turn. And it's time for some football! Yes, there will be Gamecock football later this month!
I love September. There's a subtle change in the temperatures, which around here means low 90s instead of upper 90s. But hey, we'll take what we can get! And gradually we will move to lower humidity, a welcome change for us all.
All these signs point to one thing. It's time for fall, y'all!
I know fall doesn't officially make an appearance for about three more weeks. But turning the calendar page to September means it's that time again. Add in the fact that we're coming up on the Labor Day weekend, and it's as good as official.
Fall has arrived. The signs are everywhere. You can't help but notice.
There are other signs that are obvious as well.
"But understand this, that 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." (2 Timothy 3:1-6a NASB)
I'm certain you have noticed some of these things in our culture. They are just as obvious as the cooler air and the football season.
We can look at the calendar and know when fall arrives. We don't know exactly when Jesus will return, but as we look at these signs around us, we can't help but be aware the day is closer now than it has ever been.
Are you ready?
"People get ready, Jesus is comin',
Soon we'll be going home."
(-Crystal Lewis)
Monday, August 31, 2020
Refreshed
Would anyone disagree that 2020 has been a frustrating year? A stressful year? A very not-normal year? With shut-downs and quarantines and masks and cancellations, this is a year we would all hope not to repeat. A number of my friends have already begun decorating for fall in hope of speeding 2020 to its end.
While I haven't pulled out the fall décor, Al and I did decide to change things up a bit and take a break. To get away from all that is normal and have a change of scenery. To do that, we headed to one of our favorite places - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee - where we relaxed, ate some good food, did some shopping, and spent some time in one of our favorite spots - Cades Cove.
We enjoyed some of the beauty of God's creation.
It was a pleasant day of wandering around, just enjoying being together.
While I haven't pulled out the fall décor, Al and I did decide to change things up a bit and take a break. To get away from all that is normal and have a change of scenery. To do that, we headed to one of our favorite places - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee - where we relaxed, ate some good food, did some shopping, and spent some time in one of our favorite spots - Cades Cove.
We enjoyed some of the beauty of God's creation.
And of His creatures.
We enjoyed the reminders of a simpler life.
After a few days semi-unplugged from the noise and chaos of life, we're home again. Relaxed. Refreshed. Thankful. And ready for this new day.
"He restores my soul." (Psalm 23:3)
Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Blind Spots
Blind spots. We all have them, whether we are willing to admit it or not. In relationships. In politics. In our personal prejudices. These blind spots are figurative, not literal. We can't see them, but they exist none the less.
Thanks to my stroke in 2016, I have a literal blind spot on my right side. Unless I'm looking directly at you, I won't see you on that side since I have no peripheral vision on that side. As a result, I sometimes walk into people or things, because I can't see them on that side. I'm oblivious to what is there.
Today has been designated National Dog Day, which has me remembering our little fur person. You may be wondering what that has to do with blind spots. So I'll explain. When we were living in the mountains of Western North Carolina, and when Molly was a much younger dog, we often spotted a large hawk flying overhead as Molly wandered around outside. That hawk could easily have eaten Molly for lunch! Or dinner. Or breakfast. Or a snack. But you get the point. Yet Molly just wandered around, looking for the perfect spot to take care of business. Or sniffing for squirrels or chipmunks. Or just lying in the sun. All the while, danger was lurking overhead. Yet she was completely unaware. Oblivious. It was her blind spot.
I share this because I'm concerned that too many of us are much like Molly. Completely oblivious to the dangers that surround us. In the culture. In our schools. In the workplace. In the movies we watch and the books we read. We have blind spots. We can't see what's going on around us.
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 surround us. We need to compare everything we are told, everything we ready or hear, to the plumb line of God's Word. Even what we read from the Christian bookstore or hear in church. And most especially what we hear on television or from social media. We need to be careful that what is being presented as truth is, in fact, truth. And not just because it fits your personal opinions (which might be your blind spot). But because it lines up with God's Word. 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, fir 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 day 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)
"...for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11 NASB, emphasis mine)
Thanks to my stroke in 2016, I have a literal blind spot on my right side. Unless I'm looking directly at you, I won't see you on that side since I have no peripheral vision on that side. As a result, I sometimes walk into people or things, because I can't see them on that side. I'm oblivious to what is there.
Today has been designated National Dog Day, which has me remembering our little fur person. You may be wondering what that has to do with blind spots. So I'll explain. When we were living in the mountains of Western North Carolina, and when Molly was a much younger dog, we often spotted a large hawk flying overhead as Molly wandered around outside. That hawk could easily have eaten Molly for lunch! Or dinner. Or breakfast. Or a snack. But you get the point. Yet Molly just wandered around, looking for the perfect spot to take care of business. Or sniffing for squirrels or chipmunks. Or just lying in the sun. All the while, danger was lurking overhead. Yet she was completely unaware. Oblivious. It was her blind spot.
I share this because I'm concerned that too many of us are much like Molly. Completely oblivious to the dangers that surround us. In the culture. In our schools. In the workplace. In the movies we watch and the books we read. We have blind spots. We can't see what's going on around us.
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 surround us. We need to compare everything we are told, everything we ready or hear, to the plumb line of God's Word. Even what we read from the Christian bookstore or hear in church. And most especially what we hear on television or from social media. We need to be careful that what is being presented as truth is, in fact, truth. And not just because it fits your personal opinions (which might be your blind spot). But because it lines up with God's Word. 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, fir 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 day 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)
"...for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11 NASB, emphasis mine)
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Learning to Say "No"
Do you like roller coasters? I do not. All the up and down, curving this way and that, is not anything that I would even remotely consider "fun".
Earlier this week I heard someone refer to the last six months as a "corona-coaster". Full disclosure - I don't remember who said it or where I heard it, so I can't give credit. But that description has stuck with me. The ups and downs, the stops and starts, of the last several months have been very much like a roller coaster. And I don't know about you, but I have not particularly enjoyed the ride!
What does all that have to do with learning to say "no"?
In every day of every season of life we are faced with choices and demands and errands and appointments and decisions. The season we are now in is no different. Except that the "corona-coaster" makes everything about life just a bit more challenging. A bit more stressful. A bit more frustrating. As we have moved into the back-to-school season, which looks a lot different than it ever has before, and as the fall season is just around the corner, and as the political season is in full swing, we have even more things we need to say "yes" or "no" to.
In this season, perhaps more than ever, we need to be careful what we say "yes" to. This is a good time to learn to say "no".
Learning to say "no" is a byproduct of learning to say "yes". Learning to say "yes" comes from learning to listen to God. Making decisions based on His plan and purpose. Not my plan. Not my friend's plan. Not my church's plan. Not the culture's plan. Not the politician's plan. Not any plan other than God's plan for me and my life.
Following God's plan and purposes involve taking time to discern what those are. Taking time to listen to God. He wants us to know His will, and He will use the Holy Spirit to communicate that to us. We just need to be listening. Paying attention. And we can't do that very well if we are so busy with everything that comes our way. If we are so busy with social media and politics and every other thing that we have no time to be still and listen.
How can you and I most effectively serve Him? How can you and I most effectively use our time for His glory? These are important questions to be asking as we are trying to make decisions about how we spend our time and how we fill our schedules and how we determine when to say "yes" and when to say "no".
Tune out the voices of the culture and social media. Learn to listen. Listen to God. That's the first step in learning to say "no".
Don't be afraid. That's an important step. When God tells you to do something, you definitely better be about doing it! But when He tells you "no", you better be about that "no" to whoever and whatever is trying to get your attention.
It's ok to say "no" sometimes. Obey God. Leave all the consequences to Him.*
"So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12 NASB)
*Dr. Charles Stanley, Life Principle #2
Earlier this week I heard someone refer to the last six months as a "corona-coaster". Full disclosure - I don't remember who said it or where I heard it, so I can't give credit. But that description has stuck with me. The ups and downs, the stops and starts, of the last several months have been very much like a roller coaster. And I don't know about you, but I have not particularly enjoyed the ride!
What does all that have to do with learning to say "no"?
In every day of every season of life we are faced with choices and demands and errands and appointments and decisions. The season we are now in is no different. Except that the "corona-coaster" makes everything about life just a bit more challenging. A bit more stressful. A bit more frustrating. As we have moved into the back-to-school season, which looks a lot different than it ever has before, and as the fall season is just around the corner, and as the political season is in full swing, we have even more things we need to say "yes" or "no" to.
In this season, perhaps more than ever, we need to be careful what we say "yes" to. This is a good time to learn to say "no".
- "No" to the compulsion to respond to ever Facebook or Twitter post. In fact, this might be a good time to limit social media. As someone once said, you don't have to attend every argument you are invited to. And if you do decide to enter into a dialogue or make a post, think before you speak. Use the P48 test. Is it true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent, praiseworthy? Beyond that, is it necessary? If not, then say "no".
- "No" to arguing.
- "No" to belittling others just because you don't agree.
- "No" to name-calling.
Learning to say "no" is a byproduct of learning to say "yes". Learning to say "yes" comes from learning to listen to God. Making decisions based on His plan and purpose. Not my plan. Not my friend's plan. Not my church's plan. Not the culture's plan. Not the politician's plan. Not any plan other than God's plan for me and my life.
Following God's plan and purposes involve taking time to discern what those are. Taking time to listen to God. He wants us to know His will, and He will use the Holy Spirit to communicate that to us. We just need to be listening. Paying attention. And we can't do that very well if we are so busy with everything that comes our way. If we are so busy with social media and politics and every other thing that we have no time to be still and listen.
How can you and I most effectively serve Him? How can you and I most effectively use our time for His glory? These are important questions to be asking as we are trying to make decisions about how we spend our time and how we fill our schedules and how we determine when to say "yes" and when to say "no".
Tune out the voices of the culture and social media. Learn to listen. Listen to God. That's the first step in learning to say "no".
Don't be afraid. That's an important step. When God tells you to do something, you definitely better be about doing it! But when He tells you "no", you better be about that "no" to whoever and whatever is trying to get your attention.
It's ok to say "no" sometimes. Obey God. Leave all the consequences to Him.*
"So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12 NASB)
*Dr. Charles Stanley, Life Principle #2
Monday, August 24, 2020
Little Foxes
Yesterday our Sunday School lesson was from Song of Solomon, and this verse was a part of our study. Since then, I've been thinking about little foxes.
In Solomon's day, little foxes were a nuisance in much the same way squirrels and chipmunks are a nuisance in my yard. In Solomon's day, the vineyards were not up on trellises but often lay on the ground, and the foxes would come along and eat the crops. If you have squirrels or chipmunks, or rabbits, or deer, doing damage to your garden, then you get the imagery.
In context, Solomon is comparing these little foxes to the little irritations that can cause problems in the marriage relationship. In our day, we are often told not to sweat the small stuff. But Solomon tells us we should. Because it's the little things - the little foxes - that grow into bigger problems.
Particularly in 2020, we can relate to this imagery of little foxes in a way that perhaps we had not previously. These last six months have been filled with foxes. Not literally, of course. (Depending on where you live!) But life in 2020 is full of frustrations and discouragement and all sorts of challenges. Daily we are bombarded with yet another "new normal". (Have I mentioned lately how much I hate that phrase!)
Our foxes have taken various forms. Masks. Closings. Quarantines. Altered school schedules. And the list goes on. We have become so stressed by it all that even the smallest things rattle us. And while we can't control any of these little foxes, these events that have come into our lives, we can control our response. These foxes - these irritations of life - can rob us of our joy. If we let them.
Life is not all about "big" events and "big" choices. Life is also about, perhaps even more about, the little everyday things. The little foxes. The regular, everyday, little frustrations that become big foxes when they are magnified by things like Covid-19.
So what are we to do? How do we deal with the little foxes? It's about focus. If we don't want the foxes to ruin the vineyard, I believe we must learn to "fix our eyes on Jesus" (Hebrews 12:2) and not on our circumstances. We must learn to trust that "God will supply all our needs" (Philippians 4:19) And we must remember that God is working all things together for our good and for His glory. (Romans 8:28-29)
Seeking God. Learning to trust. Giving thanks in all things, even when there are little foxes trying to spoil our joy.
"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith develops endurance." (James 1:2-3)
Monday, August 17, 2020
The Blessing of My Morning Walk
It might seem something of an oxymoron to think of my morning walk as a blessing. But I do.
First, the fact that I am able to do this at all is a blessing. Just a few short years ago, prior to knee replacement surgery, even the thought of going out for a walk made me laugh. Or cry. Depending on how much my knee was hurting on that particular day. And that doesn't even take into account the after effects of my stroke. So being able to walk, up and down hills, for a mile and sometimes more, is a blessing indeed.
While I'm walking I'm able to notice the beauty around me. Lush lawns. Crape myrtles still boasting their summer blossoms. Green leaves on the trees. The morning sun. The neighborhood bunny. So much beauty in the world God has given us. What a blessing!
Occasionally I see one of my neighbors, coming out for the morning paper, or out for their own walk. It's a blessing to have neighbors, after our years of living on the side of a mountain, a long way from anywhere.
Sometimes on my walks I enjoy putting my ear buds in and listening to music or to audio books. After my stroke, when reading was such a challenge, audio books were suggested to me as an alternative. Initially I resisted them. Maybe because if I gave in to the audio books, I was admitting that I would never be able to read again. I'm not sure. In any event, in the last several months, I have come to enjoy "reading" while I walk.
One of the greatest blessings of my morning walks is the opportunity to pray. Some people like to walk with friends or with a group. I prefer to walk alone. So I can "read". Or listen to my music. And think. And pray.
I pray for friends and neighbors as I pass their homes. I pray for my family. I pray for our nation. I pray for whomever God brings to mind as I'm walking.
Today I prayed especially for students and teachers beginning a new school year. This school year is like no other we have known. Certainly a far cry from my first day of school all those years ago, as I put on my new dress and picked up my new book satchel (that's what we called a book bag back then), and headed off to school.
Some days it's hard to get these old bones moving. Some mornings I just don't want to. Some mornings it's so hot and humid that I think I cant' bear it for another minute. Even on those days, my walk is a blessing.
Because I am so blessed to be able to walk. And to "read". And to pray.
So blessed. And so very thankful.
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits. (Psalm 103:1-2)
Monday, August 10, 2020
Some Thoughts About Getting Older
It's my birthday week. And this is a significant birthday, meaning it has a zero in it! Since my stroke in November 2016, every day is a special day to celebrate! These months since the stroke have given me a new appreciation for life. A new awareness that each day is a precious gift not to be taken for granted. And every birthday celebration has become an even greater reason to celebrate.
Birthdays bring inevitable thoughts about getting older. I can remember when, once upon a time, I thought anyone who had passed their 60th birthday was really old. Having passed that milestone several years ago, I no longer think of it in quite the same way. Because the truth is, I really don't think of myself as old. I don't feel old. At least, not on most days. Of course there are the inevitable aches and pains and wrinkles that come with this season, but I really don't feel "old".
I remember reading several years ago that Jonathan Edwards, that great American preacher of days gone by, had seventy resolutions for his life, all of which he wrote while in his early twenties, and which he read every week for the rest of his life. I'm particularly crawn to his Resolution 52:
"I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again. Resolved, that I will live as I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age."
As I am celebrating another birthday, Johnathan Edwards' resolution continues to be my resolution, for the coming year and for however many years lie ahead: to live as I shall wish I had done.
Birthdays bring inevitable thoughts about getting older. I can remember when, once upon a time, I thought anyone who had passed their 60th birthday was really old. Having passed that milestone several years ago, I no longer think of it in quite the same way. Because the truth is, I really don't think of myself as old. I don't feel old. At least, not on most days. Of course there are the inevitable aches and pains and wrinkles that come with this season, but I really don't feel "old".
I remember reading several years ago that Jonathan Edwards, that great American preacher of days gone by, had seventy resolutions for his life, all of which he wrote while in his early twenties, and which he read every week for the rest of his life. I'm particularly crawn to his Resolution 52:
"I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again. Resolved, that I will live as I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age."
As I am celebrating another birthday, Johnathan Edwards' resolution continues to be my resolution, for the coming year and for however many years lie ahead: to live as I shall wish I had done.
Monday, August 3, 2020
I'm Tired
The last couple of weeks have been particularly busy, and I'm tired. And I stayed up too late last night, which didn't help. My fatigue has little to do with a busy schedule or lack of sleep. My weariness goes far beyond being physically tired.
I'm tired of political ads and insults and tweets.
I'm tired of rioting and mayhem.
I'm tired of media who want to control what I think instead of merely reporting facts and letting me decide for myself.
I'm tired of the animosity.
I'm tired of Covid-19.
I'm tired of this election season.
Election seasons have become particularly contentious in recent years. This one is no exception, and I suspect it will only get worse in the next few months. Certainly it is to be expected that people will disagree about candidates and about issues, but our disagreements seem to be more disagreeable than ever before. Social media plays a part in that, to be sure. People will tweet or post things that they would never say to or about another person face to face. The anonymity and lack of accountability that social media brings to our world has brought out the worst in us.
Even beyond that, there's an ugliness in our world these days that is heartbreaking. We're arguing and slinging insults about masks and education and statues and vaccines and everything in between. It's an ugly world out there. And I am weary of it all.
Certainly as Americans we are free to have our own opinions about issue. We are free to express our opinions. Free speech is a right guaranteed to us by the First Amendment.
But does our right to free speech give us the right to insult and demean and belittle? The level of vitriol and rhetoric in our country today far exceeds anything I have seen in my lifetime. What saddens me most about it all is the way even Christians are at each other's throats. Flinging insults at one another. That sort of behavior wouldn't be particularly surprising coming from the unbelieving world, but it is heartbreaking to see how even Christians are turning on each other.
Is this the way we are modeling Christ to the world? Is this how we are to be salt and light?
I do not mean to say that all who are Christian should line up behind one particular candidate or one particularly political opinion. Each of us must make an individual decision about the issues facing our nation and our world.
We won't all agree. But we don't need to be so disagreeable!
It all makes me tired. And so very sad.
"...nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You." (2 Chronicles 20:12 NASB)
I'm tired of political ads and insults and tweets.
I'm tired of rioting and mayhem.
I'm tired of media who want to control what I think instead of merely reporting facts and letting me decide for myself.
I'm tired of the animosity.
I'm tired of Covid-19.
I'm tired of this election season.
Election seasons have become particularly contentious in recent years. This one is no exception, and I suspect it will only get worse in the next few months. Certainly it is to be expected that people will disagree about candidates and about issues, but our disagreements seem to be more disagreeable than ever before. Social media plays a part in that, to be sure. People will tweet or post things that they would never say to or about another person face to face. The anonymity and lack of accountability that social media brings to our world has brought out the worst in us.
Even beyond that, there's an ugliness in our world these days that is heartbreaking. We're arguing and slinging insults about masks and education and statues and vaccines and everything in between. It's an ugly world out there. And I am weary of it all.
Certainly as Americans we are free to have our own opinions about issue. We are free to express our opinions. Free speech is a right guaranteed to us by the First Amendment.
But does our right to free speech give us the right to insult and demean and belittle? The level of vitriol and rhetoric in our country today far exceeds anything I have seen in my lifetime. What saddens me most about it all is the way even Christians are at each other's throats. Flinging insults at one another. That sort of behavior wouldn't be particularly surprising coming from the unbelieving world, but it is heartbreaking to see how even Christians are turning on each other.
Is this the way we are modeling Christ to the world? Is this how we are to be salt and light?
I do not mean to say that all who are Christian should line up behind one particular candidate or one particularly political opinion. Each of us must make an individual decision about the issues facing our nation and our world.
We won't all agree. But we don't need to be so disagreeable!
It all makes me tired. And so very sad.
"...nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You." (2 Chronicles 20:12 NASB)
Saturday, August 1, 2020
Turning the Page
Welcome to August! It's a new month. A clean page on the calendar. Time for a fresh start.
This morning I turned the page on the "official" family calendar on the side of the refrigerator. And I smiled. It's my birthday month. And it's one month closer to fall and cooler temperatures!
We often think of a new month as a clean slate. A time to start over. But if your calendar looks anything like mine, it isn't exactly a blank page. There are doctor appointments and hair appointments and meetings at church already written in. August is shaping up to be another busy month.
Even so, there's something refreshing about turning the calendar page. A new month means new opportunities. New adventures. New challenges to be faced.
Turning that calendar page also means moving on. Leaving the previous month behind. Letting go of all the less-than-we-might-have-liked-them-to-be moments. The new month is time to let all that go, and time to move forward.
Facing this new month means asking some questions. As in, what things in my life need some correction. What additions need to be made? What things in my life need some fine-tuning. What things in my life need to be deleted. You may find that to be true in your life as well.
Here are a few questions to help you get started.
What foods need to be deleted from my life? What foods need to be added?
What habits need to be deleted from my life? What habits need to be added?
What corrections need to be made in my speech?
What needs to be deleted? In my activities. In my recreation. In my reading. In my TV watching. In the way I spend my money.
What needs to be added? In my activities. In my recreation. In my reading. In my TV watching. In the way I spend my money.
Life is a process. And all those processes need some editing from time to time.
What better time than today, as we are turning the page to a new month, to take some time to consider what changes might need to be made!
"But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." (Philippians 3:7 NASB)
This morning I turned the page on the "official" family calendar on the side of the refrigerator. And I smiled. It's my birthday month. And it's one month closer to fall and cooler temperatures!
We often think of a new month as a clean slate. A time to start over. But if your calendar looks anything like mine, it isn't exactly a blank page. There are doctor appointments and hair appointments and meetings at church already written in. August is shaping up to be another busy month.
Even so, there's something refreshing about turning the calendar page. A new month means new opportunities. New adventures. New challenges to be faced.
Turning that calendar page also means moving on. Leaving the previous month behind. Letting go of all the less-than-we-might-have-liked-them-to-be moments. The new month is time to let all that go, and time to move forward.
Facing this new month means asking some questions. As in, what things in my life need some correction. What additions need to be made? What things in my life need some fine-tuning. What things in my life need to be deleted. You may find that to be true in your life as well.
Here are a few questions to help you get started.
What foods need to be deleted from my life? What foods need to be added?
What habits need to be deleted from my life? What habits need to be added?
What corrections need to be made in my speech?
What needs to be deleted? In my activities. In my recreation. In my reading. In my TV watching. In the way I spend my money.
What needs to be added? In my activities. In my recreation. In my reading. In my TV watching. In the way I spend my money.
Life is a process. And all those processes need some editing from time to time.
What better time than today, as we are turning the page to a new month, to take some time to consider what changes might need to be made!
"But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." (Philippians 3:7 NASB)
Monday, July 20, 2020
No Matter What
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." (Psalm 46:1 NASB)
I've written about this verse before. When there was a bombing. Or a school shooting. Or some other act of violence. Or in times of loneliness. Or during a pandemic. And this verse is on my mind again this morning.
When these events happen in our lives, it's easy to be overcome by them. To feel overwhelmed. It's easy to let grief or fear or anger or sadness or frustration consume us. I began this post with the first verse of one of my favorite Psalms, Psalm 46. It is a profound truth that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
The next word of that Psalm is a very important word. Therefore. Because it is true that "God is our refuge and strength", how are we to respond?
"Therefore, we will not fear." That's our response. We will not fear. No matter what happens. No matter how many bombs go off, or how many shootings there are, or how many acts of terrorism. No matter what we hear on the evening news. No matter what's going on in the world. No matter what's going on around me. No matter what happens. Because God is our strength, our very present help, we will not fear. That's our "therefore". That's our response. Because God is MY refuge and strength, I will not fear.
We know the truth. That no matter what man does, God is still God. God is in control. Even when we don't understand and no matter what comes our way, that truth remains.
No matter what.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea." (Psalm 46:1-2 NASB)
I've written about this verse before. When there was a bombing. Or a school shooting. Or some other act of violence. Or in times of loneliness. Or during a pandemic. And this verse is on my mind again this morning.
When these events happen in our lives, it's easy to be overcome by them. To feel overwhelmed. It's easy to let grief or fear or anger or sadness or frustration consume us. I began this post with the first verse of one of my favorite Psalms, Psalm 46. It is a profound truth that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
The next word of that Psalm is a very important word. Therefore. Because it is true that "God is our refuge and strength", how are we to respond?
"Therefore, we will not fear." That's our response. We will not fear. No matter what happens. No matter how many bombs go off, or how many shootings there are, or how many acts of terrorism. No matter what we hear on the evening news. No matter what's going on in the world. No matter what's going on around me. No matter what happens. Because God is our strength, our very present help, we will not fear. That's our "therefore". That's our response. Because God is MY refuge and strength, I will not fear.
We know the truth. That no matter what man does, God is still God. God is in control. Even when we don't understand and no matter what comes our way, that truth remains.
No matter what.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea." (Psalm 46:1-2 NASB)
Monday, July 6, 2020
Let Freedom Ring
"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.
Over the weekend we celebrated 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.
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 as the verse from Leviticus that is inscribed 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! Our 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)
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23 ESV)
Free in Christ Jesus! Free indeed! 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
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.
Over the weekend we celebrated 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.
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 as the verse from Leviticus that is inscribed 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! Our 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)
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23 ESV)
Free in Christ Jesus! Free indeed! 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
Thursday, July 2, 2020
What Time Is It?
10:11
10:12
10:13
10:14
4:59
9:14
Every clock in this house showed a different time this morning! What's going on? And what time is it anyway? We've had a few episodes of power flickering on and off this week, so I suppose that could account for all these differences in time Except perhaps for 4:59 and 9:14. One probably just needs a new battery, and the other never made it to Daylight Savings Time.
I checked my phone, and 10:14 was the actual time.
Recent world events have many questioning what time it is on the world calendar. We can't know that for certain. But we can know this:
"You know the time, that 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)
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
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 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 three 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 three worst things that will happen if we buy this car? What are the three worst things that will happen if we go to Disney World? What are the three worst things that will happen if we go to the mall? What are the three 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. Especially in these days, with Covid-19 never far from our minds, we have a lot of "what ifs". But even if some of our "what ifs" actually do become reality, what good does it do us to worry and fret?
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 I get sick?
What if we don't have enough money?
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 three 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 three worst things that will happen if we buy this car? What are the three worst things that will happen if we go to Disney World? What are the three worst things that will happen if we go to the mall? What are the three 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. Especially in these days, with Covid-19 never far from our minds, we have a lot of "what ifs". But even if some of our "what ifs" actually do become reality, what good does it do us to worry and fret?
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)
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Is Your God In A Box?
Do you keep God in a box?
Is He in your "Sunday box"? The box you only use once a week - if it's convenient, or less often if it's not. Is He the God you take out of the Sunday box so you can dust Him off and take Him to church with you? If you bother to go. Or if you bother to take Him with you.
Do you keep God in a "special occasion box"? You only get that box out when you really need it. You know, when your grandma is really sick or your best friend is in an accident or your husband loses his job.
Is your God in a box that defines Him by popular opinion or political correctness? Does your understanding of who God is depend on what culture says (or doesn't say!) about Him?
Or do you have Him in some other kind of box? Some box of your own design and making. A box of your cultural or ethnic origin, or your political persuasion. Are you trying to make God fit into your box rather than you being fitted into Him?
I'm afraid that many of us have our God in a box. We know so little about Him and His ways that we box Him into what we do know. And sadly, much of what we know is either inaccurate or inadequate.
But if we really get to know Him in all His fulness, we can no longer keep Him boxed up! It's easy to say "I want to know God". It's a much greater challenge to actually live that out. To be willing to submit our will, our desires, our plans, to His will and His purposes.
After all, what if He expects us to change our lifestyle? To change our culture? To move to some faraway place? What if He sends us to Africa? Or Siberia? What if He expects us to give up things or people that are really important to us? What if?
How much do you love God? How much do you really want to know Him? How much are you willing to do what He says?
Are you willing, as A. W. Tozer put it, to follow hard after God?
"Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, so that I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee......" (A. W. Tozer, from The Pursuit of God, chapter 1, "Following Hard After God")
Or are you content to leave Him in your box?
"My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me." (Psalm 63:8 KJV)
Is He in your "Sunday box"? The box you only use once a week - if it's convenient, or less often if it's not. Is He the God you take out of the Sunday box so you can dust Him off and take Him to church with you? If you bother to go. Or if you bother to take Him with you.
Do you keep God in a "special occasion box"? You only get that box out when you really need it. You know, when your grandma is really sick or your best friend is in an accident or your husband loses his job.
Is your God in a box that defines Him by popular opinion or political correctness? Does your understanding of who God is depend on what culture says (or doesn't say!) about Him?
Or do you have Him in some other kind of box? Some box of your own design and making. A box of your cultural or ethnic origin, or your political persuasion. Are you trying to make God fit into your box rather than you being fitted into Him?
I'm afraid that many of us have our God in a box. We know so little about Him and His ways that we box Him into what we do know. And sadly, much of what we know is either inaccurate or inadequate.
But if we really get to know Him in all His fulness, we can no longer keep Him boxed up! It's easy to say "I want to know God". It's a much greater challenge to actually live that out. To be willing to submit our will, our desires, our plans, to His will and His purposes.
After all, what if He expects us to change our lifestyle? To change our culture? To move to some faraway place? What if He sends us to Africa? Or Siberia? What if He expects us to give up things or people that are really important to us? What if?
How much do you love God? How much do you really want to know Him? How much are you willing to do what He says?
Are you willing, as A. W. Tozer put it, to follow hard after God?
"Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, so that I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work of love within me. Then give me grace to rise and follow Thee......" (A. W. Tozer, from The Pursuit of God, chapter 1, "Following Hard After God")
Or are you content to leave Him in your box?
"My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me." (Psalm 63:8 KJV)
Monday, June 22, 2020
Anyway
We were supposed to be on a cruise ship this morning, sailing to the Bahamas with our family. But, because of Covid-19, cruises are cancelled. And I'm disappointed. Certainly I would have enjoyed the cruise. But what disappoints me more is missing out on the time with family.
Inevitably there will be some disappointments in life. Life, even at its best, can be challenging, and those challenges come in all shapes and sizes, in all areas of our lives.
In health.
In relationships.
In politics.
In the workplace.
And in the current virus and hate-filled environment we now find ourselves in, life is full of disappointments and challenges.
Everywhere we turn, there are challenges to be faced and disappointments to be dealt with. Some days it seems there is a new crisis hiding around every corner.
How do we deal with all that? How do we handle these challenges and crises and disappointments? What do we do?
We trust God anyway. Even when things aren't going our way. Even when we have health issues or financial issues or relationship issues. Even when we have been hurt or disappointed. Even when politicians seem to have no moral compass. Even when those we love are suffering. Even when we don't know how we will pay our bills. Even when there aren't enough hours in the day. Even when the pain is more than we think we can bear.
Even then. Anyway.
Martina McBride expressed this well in a song she wrote and recorded a few years ago. One verse of that song says, "God is great, But sometimes life ain't good, And when I pray it doesn't always turn out like I think it should. But I do it anyway, I do it anyway."
Anyway.
That's what faith is all about. Faith is not dependent on circumstances. Faith is faith in spite of circumstances.
Trust God anyway.
Obey God anyway.
Believe God anyway.
Let your light shine anyway.
"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign LORD is my strength! (Habakkuk 3:17-19a NLT, emphasis mine)
Inevitably there will be some disappointments in life. Life, even at its best, can be challenging, and those challenges come in all shapes and sizes, in all areas of our lives.
In health.
In relationships.
In politics.
In the workplace.
And in the current virus and hate-filled environment we now find ourselves in, life is full of disappointments and challenges.
Everywhere we turn, there are challenges to be faced and disappointments to be dealt with. Some days it seems there is a new crisis hiding around every corner.
How do we deal with all that? How do we handle these challenges and crises and disappointments? What do we do?
We trust God anyway. Even when things aren't going our way. Even when we have health issues or financial issues or relationship issues. Even when we have been hurt or disappointed. Even when politicians seem to have no moral compass. Even when those we love are suffering. Even when we don't know how we will pay our bills. Even when there aren't enough hours in the day. Even when the pain is more than we think we can bear.
Even then. Anyway.
Martina McBride expressed this well in a song she wrote and recorded a few years ago. One verse of that song says, "God is great, But sometimes life ain't good, And when I pray it doesn't always turn out like I think it should. But I do it anyway, I do it anyway."
Anyway.
That's what faith is all about. Faith is not dependent on circumstances. Faith is faith in spite of circumstances.
Trust God anyway.
Obey God anyway.
Believe God anyway.
Let your light shine anyway.
"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign LORD is my strength! (Habakkuk 3:17-19a NLT, emphasis mine)
Saturday, June 20, 2020
A Light Bulb Moment
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all your understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)
I was reading this verse yesterday. Pondering it. As I have done many times in recent weeks. But this time I had a light bulb moment. You know what I mean. That moment when what you read really clicks.
I have read and quoted this verse hundreds of times. Perhaps even thousands of times.
I have rattled through this verse many times, but yesterday I was stopped in my tracks by this verse.
The verse tells us not to be anxious about anything. It tells us to pray about everything.
Never once does it say anything about the answer to our prayers.
It does say that when we stop worrying and when we pray about everything, the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds.
It does not say that when our prayers are answered, then we will be at peace.
It does say that when we bring all our concerns to God, then His peace surrounds us and guards our hearts and minds.
The answer, in a sense, is irrelevant. The act of praying, of bringing all our concerns to God, is what brings us peace.
The answer to the request becomes a bonus. The blessing is in the praying.
Light bulb moment!
I was reading this verse yesterday. Pondering it. As I have done many times in recent weeks. But this time I had a light bulb moment. You know what I mean. That moment when what you read really clicks.
I have read and quoted this verse hundreds of times. Perhaps even thousands of times.
I have rattled through this verse many times, but yesterday I was stopped in my tracks by this verse.
The verse tells us not to be anxious about anything. It tells us to pray about everything.
Never once does it say anything about the answer to our prayers.
It does say that when we stop worrying and when we pray about everything, the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds.
It does not say that when our prayers are answered, then we will be at peace.
It does say that when we bring all our concerns to God, then His peace surrounds us and guards our hearts and minds.
The answer, in a sense, is irrelevant. The act of praying, of bringing all our concerns to God, is what brings us peace.
The answer to the request becomes a bonus. The blessing is in the praying.
Light bulb moment!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
from "What a Friend We have in Jesus"
words: Joseph Scriven; music: Charles C. Converse
Friday, June 12, 2020
Of This I'm Sure
"The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever."
(Isaiah 40:8 NASB)
We're living in a world where everything is changing. The world has gone crazy. There's the virus and violence and chaos and all sorts of political malfeasance. On top of that, our world no longer recognizes absolutes. Truth, in our culture, is an elusive concept. And that's true in the little things as well as in the bigger things.
If you have lived as long as I have, then you've been told that eggs are good for you, then that eggs are bad for you, and now eggs are good for you again. Milk is good for you, but it's bad for you. Eat wheat; don't eat wheat. Coffee is bad for you; coffee causes cancer; coffee is good for you and prevents certain diseases. Which is it? Where is the truth?
As for the coffee, I'm going to drink it no matter what! About the other things, I'm as confused as the rest of you.
It's difficult to navigate our way through the ever-changing science and maintain our physical health. We're confused. We don't know who or what to believe.
The culture continues to attempt to alter our perception of other standards as well. Standards that have been recognized as absolute for millennia are now being tossed aside as obsolete.
Because this is true, because we live in a culture that no longer recognizes the authority of the Word of God, it is more important than ever that we know what we believe. That we know in Whom we believe. It is more important than ever that we not only believe in God, but that we believe God. It is more important than ever that we saturate ourselves in the Truth. That we be disciplined to spend time in the Word of God.
And it is more important than ever that we stand firm for Truth.
There are many things in this life that I am unsure of. But of this I am sure:
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8 NASB)
"I the LORD do not change." (Malachi 3:6 NASB)
"No prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God." (2 Peter 1:20-21 NASB)
Cultural standards change. The grass withers. The flower fades. What is popular today is gone tomorrow. What we have known as truth is no longer recognized as such. Even so, I know Whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV)
"Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith." (1 Corinthians 16:13 NASB)
(Isaiah 40:8 NASB)
We're living in a world where everything is changing. The world has gone crazy. There's the virus and violence and chaos and all sorts of political malfeasance. On top of that, our world no longer recognizes absolutes. Truth, in our culture, is an elusive concept. And that's true in the little things as well as in the bigger things.
If you have lived as long as I have, then you've been told that eggs are good for you, then that eggs are bad for you, and now eggs are good for you again. Milk is good for you, but it's bad for you. Eat wheat; don't eat wheat. Coffee is bad for you; coffee causes cancer; coffee is good for you and prevents certain diseases. Which is it? Where is the truth?
As for the coffee, I'm going to drink it no matter what! About the other things, I'm as confused as the rest of you.
It's difficult to navigate our way through the ever-changing science and maintain our physical health. We're confused. We don't know who or what to believe.
The culture continues to attempt to alter our perception of other standards as well. Standards that have been recognized as absolute for millennia are now being tossed aside as obsolete.
Because this is true, because we live in a culture that no longer recognizes the authority of the Word of God, it is more important than ever that we know what we believe. That we know in Whom we believe. It is more important than ever that we not only believe in God, but that we believe God. It is more important than ever that we saturate ourselves in the Truth. That we be disciplined to spend time in the Word of God.
And it is more important than ever that we stand firm for Truth.
There are many things in this life that I am unsure of. But of this I am sure:
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8 NASB)
"I the LORD do not change." (Malachi 3:6 NASB)
"No prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God." (2 Peter 1:20-21 NASB)
Cultural standards change. The grass withers. The flower fades. What is popular today is gone tomorrow. What we have known as truth is no longer recognized as such. Even so, I know Whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV)
"Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith." (1 Corinthians 16:13 NASB)
Monday, June 8, 2020
It's Anniversary Week!
Several of my friends have celebrated wedding anniversaries recently, and others will be celebrating in the next week or so. I'll just give them all one big "Happy Anniversary!" shout-out rather than mentioning each of them by name, since I would inevitably leave someone out.
On a more personal note, Wednesday marks another milestone in the journey of my life. 48 years ago - June 10, 1972 - I said "I do". For the past (almost) 48 years, my life has been shared with the man of my dreams. And what a life it has been!
We began our married life in a little house in the "Avenues" of West Columbia, SC. (If you're from Cayce/West Columbia, that will mean something to you. Otherwise, probably not!) When I say it was a "little" house, that's exactly what I mean. It was a very small house, about 900 square feet. We have since lived in apartments that were larger than that house!
We had some expectations when we married. We expected to live out our days in West Columbia. (Or maybe we might move to Cayce!) We expected to move someday to a larger house. We expected that we would have children. I'm sure that back then we had other expectations as well.
In many ways, life has far exceeded our expectations, even our wildest dreams. Over the years we have moved far beyond the boundaries of Cayce/West Columbia. Far beyond South Carolina. To Colorado and to Connecticut. To Minnesota and to Florida (talk about climate extremes!). We lived in the mountains of North Carolina, and now we find ourselves back in our home state.
We have traveled to places we once only read about or dreamed of visiting. All across these United States. Thanks to our road trip in 2015, we have now both been in all 50 states at least once. We've visited such far away places as Tokyo and Paris. Sydney and Cairo. Edinburgh and Jerusalem. And numerous other spots in between. What an amazing journey we have had together!
I've said many times before that every journey has hills and valleys, smooth roads and potholes. Sometimes the scenery is beautiful. Sometimes not so much. Sometimes the road is straight. Sometimes there are curves. Bends in the road. It's all part of the journey. And we've experienced some of all of it!
Even so, there's joy in the journey. Joy because we're right where our LORD wants us to be. Joy because we're taking the journey together.
As we have been for almost 48 years. Through thick and thin. In good times and in not-so-great. Through it all. Joy in our journey. Together.
These last few years have certainly put the "for better, for worse; in sickness and in health" to the test! My stroke was definitely not on our bucket list! Even through all that, there is joy in our journey.
On a more personal note, Wednesday marks another milestone in the journey of my life. 48 years ago - June 10, 1972 - I said "I do". For the past (almost) 48 years, my life has been shared with the man of my dreams. And what a life it has been!
We began our married life in a little house in the "Avenues" of West Columbia, SC. (If you're from Cayce/West Columbia, that will mean something to you. Otherwise, probably not!) When I say it was a "little" house, that's exactly what I mean. It was a very small house, about 900 square feet. We have since lived in apartments that were larger than that house!
We had some expectations when we married. We expected to live out our days in West Columbia. (Or maybe we might move to Cayce!) We expected to move someday to a larger house. We expected that we would have children. I'm sure that back then we had other expectations as well.
In many ways, life has far exceeded our expectations, even our wildest dreams. Over the years we have moved far beyond the boundaries of Cayce/West Columbia. Far beyond South Carolina. To Colorado and to Connecticut. To Minnesota and to Florida (talk about climate extremes!). We lived in the mountains of North Carolina, and now we find ourselves back in our home state.
We have traveled to places we once only read about or dreamed of visiting. All across these United States. Thanks to our road trip in 2015, we have now both been in all 50 states at least once. We've visited such far away places as Tokyo and Paris. Sydney and Cairo. Edinburgh and Jerusalem. And numerous other spots in between. What an amazing journey we have had together!
I've said many times before that every journey has hills and valleys, smooth roads and potholes. Sometimes the scenery is beautiful. Sometimes not so much. Sometimes the road is straight. Sometimes there are curves. Bends in the road. It's all part of the journey. And we've experienced some of all of it!
Even so, there's joy in the journey. Joy because we're right where our LORD wants us to be. Joy because we're taking the journey together.
As we have been for almost 48 years. Through thick and thin. In good times and in not-so-great. Through it all. Joy in our journey. Together.
These last few years have certainly put the "for better, for worse; in sickness and in health" to the test! My stroke was definitely not on our bucket list! Even through all that, there is joy in our journey.
And I wouldn't want to take this journey with anyone else!
Saturday, May 30, 2020
A Word of Encouragement
During these recent weeks I have been (slowly) working to organize the thousands of photos we have accumulated, both in print and digitally, in the years we have been married. Looking back at the photos, and remembering the time and place, has been one way to cope with the craziness we have experienced in these very strange times. This week I came across some photos from our years living in the North Carolina mountains.
When we lived there, I so looked forward to spring each year. Winters in the mountains are often long and hard, and sometimes seem as if they will never end. But at the end of the long, cold, harsh winter comes a beautiful spring. Plants that seemed dead come to life again and even flourish.
My favorites were always the rhododendron. Many times, before winter ended, I would be convinced they would never bloom again, and each spring I was proven wrong.
Perhaps plants need to go through these really hard winters in order to flourish in the spring.
I think these plants provide a life lesson for us. Perhaps, like the plants that surrounded my home in the mountains, we too need hard winters in order to fully blossom in the spring. Just as the plant experienced the difficult winter and then thrived in spring as a result, we can come out on the other side of our difficult winters with beautiful blossoms as well.
If you're experiencing a difficult season, whether because of the virus, or because of something else, let that be an encouragement to you today.
"But He knows the way I take; when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold."
(Job 23:10 NASB)
When we lived there, I so looked forward to spring each year. Winters in the mountains are often long and hard, and sometimes seem as if they will never end. But at the end of the long, cold, harsh winter comes a beautiful spring. Plants that seemed dead come to life again and even flourish.
My favorites were always the rhododendron. Many times, before winter ended, I would be convinced they would never bloom again, and each spring I was proven wrong.
Perhaps plants need to go through these really hard winters in order to flourish in the spring.
I think these plants provide a life lesson for us. Perhaps, like the plants that surrounded my home in the mountains, we too need hard winters in order to fully blossom in the spring. Just as the plant experienced the difficult winter and then thrived in spring as a result, we can come out on the other side of our difficult winters with beautiful blossoms as well.
If you're experiencing a difficult season, whether because of the virus, or because of something else, let that be an encouragement to you today.
"But He knows the way I take; when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold."
(Job 23:10 NASB)
Friday, May 22, 2020
Getting Ready for Memorial Day
We're approaching the Memorial Day holiday, which traditionally has been viewed simply as a kick-off to the summer vacation season. However, in these days of coronavirus, vacations and other normal activities are no longer normal! Even so, Memorial Day is an important day to remember.
Memorial Day is so much more than just a kick-off to summer. This is a holiday which has its roots in the days following the Civil War and which began as a way to honor and remember those who had died in that war. Although in recent years it has been observed much like other patriotic holidays (Independence Day and Veterans' Day) as a way to honor all the men and women who serve in our nation's military, I believe it is important to remember why we have this particular holiday.
Memorial Day is so much more than just a kick-off to summer. This is a holiday which has its roots in the days following the Civil War and which began as a way to honor and remember those who had died in that war. Although in recent years it has been observed much like other patriotic holidays (Independence Day and Veterans' Day) as a way to honor all the men and women who serve in our nation's military, I believe it is important to remember why we have this particular holiday.
This day is so much more than a day to honor the military, as important as that is. We have Armed Forces Day (the third Saturday in May) to honor those who are now serving in our nation's military. Sadly, unless you are part of a military family or you live in a community near a military base, you may not even be aware of this holiday. And we have Veterans' Day in November to honor all those who have served in our nation's military.
This holiday, Memorial Day, is a day set aside to remember those who have died in service to our country. To remember that freedom isn't free. To remember that all those who went off to war didn't come home. Memorial Day is a day to remember.
In places like Gettysburg and Vicksburg. At Bull Run and Bunker Hill. In faraway places like Normandy and Argonne. Korea and Vietnam. Baghdad and Mosul. Kabul and Kandahar. In all these places and many more, somebody died for you. Memorial Day is a day to remember that. Somebody died for you.
As you're celebrating Memorial Day with family and friends, let's remember.
This weekend, while you're enjoying your day off from work, or your day at the beach, or your barbecue, take time to remember.
Freedom isn't free.
Remember.
Somebody paid the ultimate price so you can enjoy all these things.
Remember.
Somebody died for you.
Remember.
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13 ESV)
This holiday, Memorial Day, is a day set aside to remember those who have died in service to our country. To remember that freedom isn't free. To remember that all those who went off to war didn't come home. Memorial Day is a day to remember.
In places like Gettysburg and Vicksburg. At Bull Run and Bunker Hill. In faraway places like Normandy and Argonne. Korea and Vietnam. Baghdad and Mosul. Kabul and Kandahar. In all these places and many more, somebody died for you. Memorial Day is a day to remember that. Somebody died for you.
As you're celebrating Memorial Day with family and friends, let's remember.
This weekend, while you're enjoying your day off from work, or your day at the beach, or your barbecue, take time to remember.
Freedom isn't free.
Remember.
Somebody paid the ultimate price so you can enjoy all these things.
Remember.
Somebody died for you.
Remember.
"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13 ESV)
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Saturated
It's raining this morning. Again. In fact, we have had a lot of rain this week. Quite a lot. Our rain gauge this morning showed we have received over 5 inches! As a result, the ground is saturated with water. If I were to walk outside, I'm sure I would find the ground is squishy!
But it occurs to me that there is a lesson for us here. I've written about this several times before, but it's on my mind again today. Just as the ground around here is saturated with water, so do we need to be saturated, not with rain water, but with the Word of God. And maybe we particularly need this lesson in this very strange season.
Being saturated takes time. The ground did not become saturated with water by a five minute sprinkle of rain. It became saturated by steady rain over time. It didn't become saturated by listening to people talk about rain, or by looking at videos of rain, or by hearing about someone else's experience with rain. It became saturated by actual rain. In the same way, we don't become saturated with the Word of God by hearing people talk about it, or by reading devotional books, or by listening to Christian radio. We become saturated by first hand experience.
How much time are you willing to commit to the Word of God?
Today, why not make a decision, a fresh commitment, to being saturated in the Word of God? I read these verses today in my quiet time. Perhaps these verses would be a good place to begin as we saturate ourselves with the truths of God's Word.
But it occurs to me that there is a lesson for us here. I've written about this several times before, but it's on my mind again today. Just as the ground around here is saturated with water, so do we need to be saturated, not with rain water, but with the Word of God. And maybe we particularly need this lesson in this very strange season.
Being saturated takes time. The ground did not become saturated with water by a five minute sprinkle of rain. It became saturated by steady rain over time. It didn't become saturated by listening to people talk about rain, or by looking at videos of rain, or by hearing about someone else's experience with rain. It became saturated by actual rain. In the same way, we don't become saturated with the Word of God by hearing people talk about it, or by reading devotional books, or by listening to Christian radio. We become saturated by first hand experience.
How much time are you willing to commit to the Word of God?
Today, why not make a decision, a fresh commitment, to being saturated in the Word of God? I read these verses today in my quiet time. Perhaps these verses would be a good place to begin as we saturate ourselves with the truths of God's Word.
"The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure,
making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the LORD are true,
and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward."
(Psalm 19:7-11 ESV)
"Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness." (1 Timothy 4:7b NASB)
Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Quality Time, or Just Going Through the Motions?
Some years ago, Gary Chapman wrote a best-selling book titled The Five Love Languages.
Chapman's basic premise is that we can't communicate with each other if we aren't speaking the same language. No matter how much a wife might love her husband, or the husband might love his wife, if they aren't speaking the same language, it's difficult to convey that love. Chapman gives us five love languages: gifts, quality time, physical touch, acts of service, and words of affirmation. The idea is that if I express my love for my spouse or my children using my love language, and they speak a different love language, they will not feel loved in the same way as if I expressed my love using their language. That's a very simplified explanation, but you get the idea.
When I first became aware of Chapman's book a number of years ago, I would have told you that my love language was gifts. All the assessments I took confirmed that.
I love giving gifts to people I love as a way to let them know I love them. And I love receiving gifts! When I am given a gift chosen especially for me, I feel loved.
But as I'm growing older, I'm not quite as certain that gifts is still my primary love language. Certainly I still love giving and receiving gifts, but as I grow older, time is the thing that means most to me. Being able to spend quality time with people I love makes me feel loved and special.
Face to face time. Or time in a phone conversation. Time for coffee together. Time. It means more and more to me as I continue my journey through life.
As I have been thinking about that over the last few days, it occurs to me to wonder if God might say the same thing.
Please understand. I'm not trying to be flippant or blasphemous or disrespectful. But if God were to speak audibly to us and tell us how He would most like us to express our love for Him, I wonder what He would say. I'm sure He appreciates all the acts of service we do on His behalf, and all the wonderful words we say about Him. But I think that if these five love languages were to apply to our relationship with God, what He might like most is our time.
Not just time spent in doing good works or acts of service or witnessing. But some quality time spent with Him alone.
In this hurried, harried, crazy world we live in, are we giving Him that? Are we going through the motions, or are we really spending quality time with the One we love?
If we were to ask Him how we're doing, what would He say?
Something to think about.
Chapman's basic premise is that we can't communicate with each other if we aren't speaking the same language. No matter how much a wife might love her husband, or the husband might love his wife, if they aren't speaking the same language, it's difficult to convey that love. Chapman gives us five love languages: gifts, quality time, physical touch, acts of service, and words of affirmation. The idea is that if I express my love for my spouse or my children using my love language, and they speak a different love language, they will not feel loved in the same way as if I expressed my love using their language. That's a very simplified explanation, but you get the idea.
When I first became aware of Chapman's book a number of years ago, I would have told you that my love language was gifts. All the assessments I took confirmed that.
I love giving gifts to people I love as a way to let them know I love them. And I love receiving gifts! When I am given a gift chosen especially for me, I feel loved.
But as I'm growing older, I'm not quite as certain that gifts is still my primary love language. Certainly I still love giving and receiving gifts, but as I grow older, time is the thing that means most to me. Being able to spend quality time with people I love makes me feel loved and special.
Face to face time. Or time in a phone conversation. Time for coffee together. Time. It means more and more to me as I continue my journey through life.
As I have been thinking about that over the last few days, it occurs to me to wonder if God might say the same thing.
Please understand. I'm not trying to be flippant or blasphemous or disrespectful. But if God were to speak audibly to us and tell us how He would most like us to express our love for Him, I wonder what He would say. I'm sure He appreciates all the acts of service we do on His behalf, and all the wonderful words we say about Him. But I think that if these five love languages were to apply to our relationship with God, what He might like most is our time.
Not just time spent in doing good works or acts of service or witnessing. But some quality time spent with Him alone.
In this hurried, harried, crazy world we live in, are we giving Him that? Are we going through the motions, or are we really spending quality time with the One we love?
If we were to ask Him how we're doing, what would He say?
Something to think about.
I miss my time with you,
those moments together.
I need to be with you each day
and it hurts Me when you say
you're too busy.
Busy trying to serve Me,
but how can you serve Me
when your spirit's empty?
There's a longing in My heart,
wanting more than just a part of you.
It's true,
I miss my time with you.
(Larnelle Harris, Phil McHugh)
You can listen to Larnelle Harris sing that song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UpMedIINdg
Thursday, May 7, 2020
A Day of Prayer
Today is the National Day of Prayer. The coronavirus has changed how we gather publicly on this day, but it's still a day devoted to prayer for this great nation.
On days like this, a verse from the Old Testament book of 2nd Chronicles is often quoted.
"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)
This word from the Lord was originally spoken to Solomon on the occasion of the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. A few verses later in the same chapter, the Lord warns of what will happen if His people turn aside from the Lord's commandments. There will be consequences for abandoning the Lord's ways. (2 Chronicles 7:19-22.)
There can be little doubt that as a nation we have turned aside from the Lord's commandments and are not wholeheartedly following His ways. Even more troubling, there are many among us who call themselves Christian, and yet are not wholeheartedly following the Lord. Could it be that the troubles we are facing as a nation stem, at least in part, from this root? And if so, is there hope for us?
I believe there is hope, and the solution is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14. If my people, God's people, follow the plan outlined in these verses, God will hear. Yes, in its original context these words applied to the Jews. But there's a principle here that still is valid.
If my people. These instructions are not to the pagans or the politicians. Not to the atheists or the agnostics. These instructions are to the people of God. To the people called by His name. What are God's people to do?
Humble themselves. And here we get to the root of the problem. We're not very good at humbling ourselves. We don't want to humble ourselves, before God or anyone else. We want to be in charge. We think we know what is best. We think because we are American we have certain rights to do and say and think as we please. Yet God says we are to humble ourselves. This is much like what Jesus instructed when he taught His disciples, and us, how to pray. "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10 KJV). Even Jesus humbled Himself before the Father when He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22:42 ESV)
To humble ourselves is to acknowledge that we are not God. A while back when my husband and I were out and about, we passed a church with a sign at the end of their driveway that read "Remember, God's still God and you're still not." Remembering that is the essence of what it means to humble ourselves before God. Remember who's in charge!
Pray. We think we understand what prayer is, don't we? Too often people think of prayer as giving God our list of wants and concerns, a kind of to-do list for God to handle. Is that really all there is to it? Is prayer really only giving God a list, or reciting a memorized poem, or mumbling a quick sentence before we go to bed? Is that really what God meant when He said His people are to "humble themselves and pray"? I think not.
Prayer is communication. And communication is two-way, meaning there is speaking and there is listening. Certainly one blog is not adequate to explain all that prayer is, but I definitely think God is expecting more than just a hastily mumbled mantra every day. Does that mean that longer prayers are better, somehow more spiritual? Does God hear us more clearly if we talk longer or use bigger words. Of course not. In fact, Scripture cautions against "empty phrases" (Matthew 6:7 ESV). The point is to be sincere in our communication with God.
Seek my face. This is an extension of the point about praying. Many years ago I heard someone say that we should "seek the Blesser, not the blessing". How often when we pray do we seek what God can do for us, rather than just seeking God Himself. Because God desires relationship with His people, He desires that we seek HIM and not just seek what He can give.
Turn from their wicked ways. This is the very definition of repentance, to turn from sin, to change direction. If we have sincerely sought the Lord, have humbled ourselves before Him, we will have become aware of those things in our lives that are displeasing to Him and we will want to repent.
Then. When we have followed God's instructions, He promises to hear and to forgive our sin and to heal our land. When we do things His way!
Will our land be healed because people gather in groups one day a year to pray for our nation? No. It's a good thing when people gather together to pray. But it's a better thing, a more important thing, when individuals come daily before the Lord in prayer. To intercede for the nation. To intercede for families. To intercede for the lost. To commit themselves to doing things God's way.
A day of prayer is a good thing. A lifestyle of prayer is even better.
"Lord, teach us to pray." (Luke 11:1 ESV)
On days like this, a verse from the Old Testament book of 2nd Chronicles is often quoted.
"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)
This word from the Lord was originally spoken to Solomon on the occasion of the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. A few verses later in the same chapter, the Lord warns of what will happen if His people turn aside from the Lord's commandments. There will be consequences for abandoning the Lord's ways. (2 Chronicles 7:19-22.)
There can be little doubt that as a nation we have turned aside from the Lord's commandments and are not wholeheartedly following His ways. Even more troubling, there are many among us who call themselves Christian, and yet are not wholeheartedly following the Lord. Could it be that the troubles we are facing as a nation stem, at least in part, from this root? And if so, is there hope for us?
I believe there is hope, and the solution is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14. If my people, God's people, follow the plan outlined in these verses, God will hear. Yes, in its original context these words applied to the Jews. But there's a principle here that still is valid.
If my people. These instructions are not to the pagans or the politicians. Not to the atheists or the agnostics. These instructions are to the people of God. To the people called by His name. What are God's people to do?
Humble themselves. And here we get to the root of the problem. We're not very good at humbling ourselves. We don't want to humble ourselves, before God or anyone else. We want to be in charge. We think we know what is best. We think because we are American we have certain rights to do and say and think as we please. Yet God says we are to humble ourselves. This is much like what Jesus instructed when he taught His disciples, and us, how to pray. "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10 KJV). Even Jesus humbled Himself before the Father when He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Not my will, but yours be done." (Luke 22:42 ESV)
To humble ourselves is to acknowledge that we are not God. A while back when my husband and I were out and about, we passed a church with a sign at the end of their driveway that read "Remember, God's still God and you're still not." Remembering that is the essence of what it means to humble ourselves before God. Remember who's in charge!
Pray. We think we understand what prayer is, don't we? Too often people think of prayer as giving God our list of wants and concerns, a kind of to-do list for God to handle. Is that really all there is to it? Is prayer really only giving God a list, or reciting a memorized poem, or mumbling a quick sentence before we go to bed? Is that really what God meant when He said His people are to "humble themselves and pray"? I think not.
Prayer is communication. And communication is two-way, meaning there is speaking and there is listening. Certainly one blog is not adequate to explain all that prayer is, but I definitely think God is expecting more than just a hastily mumbled mantra every day. Does that mean that longer prayers are better, somehow more spiritual? Does God hear us more clearly if we talk longer or use bigger words. Of course not. In fact, Scripture cautions against "empty phrases" (Matthew 6:7 ESV). The point is to be sincere in our communication with God.
Seek my face. This is an extension of the point about praying. Many years ago I heard someone say that we should "seek the Blesser, not the blessing". How often when we pray do we seek what God can do for us, rather than just seeking God Himself. Because God desires relationship with His people, He desires that we seek HIM and not just seek what He can give.
Turn from their wicked ways. This is the very definition of repentance, to turn from sin, to change direction. If we have sincerely sought the Lord, have humbled ourselves before Him, we will have become aware of those things in our lives that are displeasing to Him and we will want to repent.
Then. When we have followed God's instructions, He promises to hear and to forgive our sin and to heal our land. When we do things His way!
Will our land be healed because people gather in groups one day a year to pray for our nation? No. It's a good thing when people gather together to pray. But it's a better thing, a more important thing, when individuals come daily before the Lord in prayer. To intercede for the nation. To intercede for families. To intercede for the lost. To commit themselves to doing things God's way.
A day of prayer is a good thing. A lifestyle of prayer is even better.
"Lord, teach us to pray." (Luke 11:1 ESV)
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