Saturday, September 28, 2013

What Will Your Obituary Say?

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Ephesians 4: 29, 31 & 32

     These verses are so important, especially for parents.

     I recently read about a very bald, startling obituary that was written by an abusive woman's children. They were celebrating her passing, hoping she receives everything done to her as she'd dished out to them. Had this woman been a child of God and used the above verses when raising her children, she would not have borne decades worth of bitterness, rage and malice.

     Although the obituary was painfully honest, I can only hope it makes others think before they speak and act. What we say and do has lasting impact. Are we building up or tearing down? What legacy are we leaving behind?

     I've heard it said the dash between the dates on one's tombstone represent alot! I wonder, if my family were to write a truthful obituary about me before I died, would I want to read it?

     I wonder.

The Real High Priest

"When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby struck him in the face. 'Is this the way you answer the high priest?' he demanded."

     This official died one day and stood before his Maker. Imagine the shock at seeing Jesus, dressed in all his glory as The High Priest, standing before him in judgment. Caiaphas, the high priest of this story at the time of Jesus' crucifixtion, also died. What did God say to him at the pearly gates?

     It's dangerous to ever think more highly of yourself than you ought. Take on the role of a servant. Sit at the far end of the table; maybe you'll be moved to a higher position by your host. Think of others as better than yourself and always put God first. Satan was once an angel who thought he could outrank God and we all know what became of him!

     Jesus is Lord! Give him due praise and respect.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

The Choice is Yours

"I have chosen the way of truth; I have my heart set on your laws."
Psalm 119:30

     Recently, I was appalled by a personal ad I saw in the paper. A man named Don was looking for a witch, someone who could cast spells and work divinations. I felt a prick of fear for this Don - he has no idea just how deep that evil darkness can be - and yet, he is choosing it! If he maintains that direction, he will be tossed about and eaten alive.

     Praise God, I can steadfastly set my heart on his foundation that will never be shaken. I never have to wonder what the truth is, as Pontius Pilate did, for I have looked into the eyes of Christ and found it! With the help of God, I will be found standing firmly at the end of this crazy life.

     My prayer is that you will find the way, the truth and the life when you turn your eyes upon Jesus. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on him shall not perish, but shall have eternal life." The choice is yours.

Don't Mess With It

"Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you."
Deuteronomy 4:2

     Don't mess around with the law of God which is the Ten Commandments. It's just perfect the way it is so, just keep it!

     Love your God and worship none other. Do not abuse his holy name. Remember the Sabbath day and honor your parents.  Do not commit murder or adultery. Do not steal, lie or covet.

     Deuteronomy 4:6 says: "Observe them carefully for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations."

     I used to think God's commands were given just to keep us from having fun and to let God be bossy (I was very young and rebellious when I thought that!).  Now, I am quite thankful that God loved us enough that he gave us this template to live by and aspire to. He wants us to rise above our baser natures, to live as civilized people, not lawless buffoons. These commandments encompass all a society needs to live upright, peaceful lives. They are a precious gift, complete and in no need of editing. In my heart, I have broken every one of the ten, but thanks be to Jesus, he has paid for my sins.

     Help me, O God, to strive to live a holy life.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

A Parent's Prayer

     I'd like to speak to the parents today. Perhaps you have a child who really worries you. The child may be an adult or live in another state and you feel so helpless when they struggle. The evil one prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour, and you feel as though your precious child is his next meal. What can you do?

     You can daily pray Psalm 91, inserting your loved one's name within. I'll provide an excerpt using the name Mary:

"Mary will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.' Surely he will save Mary from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover her with his feathers and under his wings she will find refuge; his faithfulness will be her shield and rampart. Mary will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at her side, ten thousand at her right hand, but it will not come near her...For he will command his angels concerning her to guard her in all her ways; they will lift her up in their hands so that she will not strike her foot against a stone...I will be with her in trouble. I will deliver her and honor her."

     I have heard this is the perfect scripture to send along with a soldier as they leave for battle. Daily living is a battle! We can cover another in prayer, especially when they are unable to pray for themselves, for whatever reason. Fervently pray this prayer, envisioning your loved one surrounded by a hedge of holy protection. God really does care!

    

Great is Thy Faithfulness

"I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3: 19-23

     Every morning, like the manna that fell from heaven to feed the Israelites, I receive a fresh serving of God's great love and compassion. A free refill! A whole serving, not yesterday's leftovers.
    
     In this broken world, there are fresh doses of bitterness and affliction, that is certain, but God has the perfect anecdote. As he watches me battle it out, he has compassion and looks down upon me with great love. Handing weapons down to me, I receive his Holy Spirit, the gift of prayer, the Scriptures and his promise to never leave me.

     What have I to fear?

     One of my favorite hymns is "Great is thy Faithfulness"

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with thee.
Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not.
As thou hast been, thou forever wilt be.

Great is thy faithfulness!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning, new mercies I see
All I have needed, thy hand hath provided,
Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside!

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Jesus: Been There, Done That

     "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
Hebrews 4:15 & 16

     Have you ever been so tired you feel like dropping while still in the harness? Ever been betrayed by a friend? Has your own family not believed in you or supported you? Have you ever felt lonely and abandoned by both God and man? Homeless? Hungry? Thirsty? Mocked and reviled by your own kind?

     Perhaps you remember the commercial for Scrubbing Bubbles in which the cartoon bubble dude, before swirling down the bathtub drain, yells out, "We do all the work so you don't have tooooo....." This reminds me of all the work Christ did for us, so we don't have to.

     While tempted in the desert, Jesus was powerfully hungry, having fasted for 40 days and nights (Matthew 4:2). He had no place to lay his head (Matthew 8:20). His own brothers did not believe in him (John 7:5). In the Garden of Gethsemane, he was in such anguish that his sweat was like great drops of blood (Luke 22:44). After being betrayed by a close friend (Matthew 26: 14-16), he was arrested and his disciples left his side (Matthew 26:56). Mocked and reviled by his own kind, he was scourged and humiliated, too tired to carry his cross through the streets of Jerusalem (Luke 23:26).  Nailed on the cross as an innocent man, he was forsaken by God his Father (Matthew 27:46) before giving his all for sinners like us.

     He could have called ten thousand angels anytime along the way to provide anything he needed, but he soldiered through to bring us the victory. Now we can "approach the throne of grace with confidence". Lean on the everlasting arms of a Savior that has experience. He has done all the work, so you don't have to.