Saturday, April 4, 2015

A Time for Everything

"There is a time for everything:
a time to be born and
     a time to die,
a time to plant and
     a time to uproot,
a time to kill and
     a time to heal,
a time to tear down and
     a time to build,
a time to weep and
     a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and
     a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and
     a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and
     a time to refrain,
a time to search and
     a time to give up,
a time to keep and
     a time to throw away,
a time to tear and
     a time to mend,
a time to be silent and
     a time to speak,
a time to love and
     a time to hate,
a time for war and
     a time for peace."
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

     Some years ago, in my walk with God, I asked myself, "If a worldwide catastrophe claimed every life save mine, would the Bible be any less relevant?" Knowing that heaven and earth could pass away, but the Word of the Lord stands forever (1 Peter 1:25), I began to read the Bible with a new zeal. If a passage popped out at me, I felt a personal connection and would write my response to it. It became a volley of conversation between my Maker and me, one that I wanted to share with others when this blog was established in June, 2012.

     I never wanted the focus to be on myself, nor was it my wish to lead anyone astray by my comments, but my desire was to create a portrait of God, using his words and mine. I hope I have done this; forgive me if I have not.

     After posting 383 entries, I feel the time is right to seek other directions. As you walk with the Lord, in the light of his word may

"The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you
and give you peace."
 
Numbers 6: 24-26

Sunday, March 29, 2015

I Am a Friend of God

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly...But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Romans 5: 6-11

     It had to be this way. When Jesus died, none of his closest friends hung around. If they had, perhaps they could have claimed, "Well, he sacrificed his life for me because I was always there for him." No, we've all sinned and fallen short of the grace he demonstrated. At just the right time, when we were powerless, without a leg to stand on, all the glory, credit, praise, thanks and attention is focused on Jesus' love for the Father and for us.

     Paul goes on to say, "For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!" I looked up the word "reconcile" in the dictionary and smiled when I read, "to make friendly again." Jesus' death, while I was blackened by sin, made me friends with God. So, Paul is right to be excited about the abundance of joy that follows.

     The gift-giving didn't stop on Good Friday. No, God was only getting started. On Easter, our friendship really begins to blossom as I serve a risen Savior.

     Dear God,

     I've been told that we are friends. Friendship is usually a two-way street, but you desired a relationship with me while I was still your enemy. Dead in my sin and stinking like the devil, you were still fond of me. I'll never understand why, but may I reciprocate with all the love I have. Thanks to Jesus' death on the cross, we are able to be allies, on the same side of the struggle - a struggle I could never hope to win alone, but by your power, I am saved. Hellfire may have singed my coattails, but the pierced hands of Jesus grabbed me just in time. Thank you! I love you!

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Whitewashed Christian

"Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down."
John 19: 28-37

     Why am I not surprised at this foolishness of the human heart? More concerned with how it will look, these self-righteous, whitewashed tombs did not want the ugliness of what they had done to an innocent man to mar their special Sabbath. They think by sweeping it under the rug they can then proceed with their Passover celebration. They just killed God!

     My own sinfulness convicts me, however. Unless I live each day with my heart wide open before God, led by the Spirit, I easily become a whitewashed Christian who only looks good on the outside. I can attend church, sing hymns and bow my head in prayer, but unless I sincerely repent of my sins and cry in humility for forgiveness at the foot of the cross, then I am only going through foolish motions.

     Oh, Jesus, I don't want to be that way - ever! Cleanse me, discipline and sanctify me, lead me as a Shepherd so that I may sparkle with your radiance.

Saturday, March 21, 2015

The Beautiful Cat

"And God saw that it was good. Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over the creatures that move along the ground."
Genesis 1: 25, 26

Dear Father,

     What were you thinking of when you created the cat? In your wisdom, you provided it with all the right stuff:
  • whiskers, to guide it in the dark
  • smooth pads, so it would walk gracefully and quietly
  • a sandpaper tongue, so it could clean efficiently
  • sharp claws, for defense and survival
  • a selection of teeth, to tear and to grind
  • a sleek tail, for balance and poise
  • ability to purr, to convey contentment
  • strong legs, to jump high
     Or were you thinking of the people who would love them for their:
  • curiosity, to make us laugh
  • smooth heads, to kiss and to pet
  • fluffy tummies in which to bury our nose
  • soft fur, to spark with static beneath our hand
  • glass-marble eyes, to watch our every move
  • inate love, to greet us at the door and curl on our lap
     I believe you were thinking of all these things when you created this fine animal. I praise you for allowing some animals to remain in relationship with people after The Fall, because the love I share with my cat reminds me of how much you love me. What a lovely gift!

Closer Than My Close Friend

"The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything."
Philippians 4: 5 & 6

     "The Lord is near." How close is He? Like a next door neighbor that I could run to in time of need? Like the pastor down the street who could answer all my questions? Like a phone call away, or like my best friend who knows my intimate secrets and my idiosyncrasies?

     The Lord is nearer than even those: he dwells within my heart, nearer than my own breath. I don't have to worry that he is not home, that he won't answer the phone or come to my need. Jesus promised in Revelation 3:20: "If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in..." It is me who must open the door! He calls for me! My phone is the one ringing!

     Lord, each day I must make sure my door is ajar for you. If Satan and sin seep in, darkness and selfishness thus prevail, making my life miserable. I have lived like that and know by experience how empty, cold and lonely life is without you. Whatever I worry about today, sweep it under the rug with this dear reminder that you are so very near. Thank you!

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Humpty Dumpty

"It is the Lord who goes before you; he will march with you; he will not fail you or forsake you; fear not, neither become broken."
Deuteronomy 31:8


     Ever feel broken? Like Humpty Dumpty, you feel like everyone in the vicinity is trying to reassemble you, but no one can piece you back together?

     When a man and a woman vow to become one at the altar of the Lord, I'd like to think they have the best of intentions. Why get married if failure is on the menu? Yet, this fabric is often woven in sadness, silence and solitude as the two wonder if they are really one.

     Casting Crowns recorded a song entitled, "Broken Together." Here is a stanza from the lyrics:

"How I wish we could go back to simpler times,
Before all our scars and all our secrets were in the light.
Now, on this hallowed ground,
We've drawn the battle lines.
Will we make it through the night?"
 
     We have a Valiant One who carries the Sword of the Spirit and girds himself with the Belt of Truth. Envision the Lord, going before you, strident in a confident march, never failing, never forsaking, empowering us by chiding, "Fear Not!"
 
     When you feel as though you can't make it through the night, realize that it's human to be broken and that only God can piece you back together again.
 
     I close with the chorus of "Broken Together:"
 
"Maybe you and I were never meant to be complete.
Could we just be broken together?
If you can bring your shattered dreams and I'll bring mine,
Could healing be spoken and save us?
The only way we'll last forever is broken together."

Jesus, the Great Reformer

"The Lord said to Moses, 'Say to Aaron, "For the generations to come none of your descendants who has a defect may come near...No man who is blind or lame, disfigured or deformed, no man with a crippled foot or hand, or who is hunchbacked or dwarfed or who has any eye defect or festering sores or damaged testicles. No descendant of Aaron the priest who has any defect is to come near to present the offerings made to the Lord by fire...because of his defect he must not go near the curtain or approach the altar and so desecrate my sanctuary."
Leviticus 21: 16-23

     Having decided to read through the Bible in a year's time, I find myself sullenly slogging through Leviticus. I find it so full of rules, demands and stiff expectations. To be honest, God seems so aloof and unloving that it depresses me to read this.

     However, I know that all scripture has purpose so I strive to see the larger picture. I see this setting the stage for the beauty of our Messiah. The sinfulness of mankind so separates us from the holiness of God, we wonder how we can ever approach the Holy of Holies?

     When Jesus walked this earth, he had compassion on the lame man who had no one to help him into the pool of Bethesda. He touched the leper whom everyone shunned. He broke barriers of social stigma by speaking to the Samaritan woman by the well. He mixed mud with saliva and applied the strange salve on the eyes of a blind man. He touched the dead and they came to life.

     The God I see in Leviticus is demonstrating his pure holiness, but the God of the Gospels bridges far more than just the way to heaven. He restores relationships.

Sunday, March 8, 2015

A Pierced Soul

"Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother...When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, 'Dear woman, here is your son' and to the disciple, 'Here is your mother.' From that time on, this disciple took her into his home."
John 19: 25-27

     My heart wrings when I think of Jesus, hanging on a tree - his clothes removed and gambled away, his mother watching. I wonder if Mary was exhuming all of those memories she pondered in her heart: the angel who announced her pregnancy, the shepherds who were heralded by the heavenly host, the old man, Simeon, who blessed them in the temple, the twelve-year-old son who must be about his Father's business. Her life, as the mother of the Messiah, flashed before her eyes as she incredulously watched the grisly scene unfold on Calvary.

     This was the sword that would pierce her own soul which Simeon spoke of all those years ago. What could all this mean? Why did God bring this Son of hers into this demise? How hard it must have been, watching this mysterious plan unfolding before her teary eyes. A criminal's execution on a cursed tree? But the angel Gabriel told her, "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." (Luke 1: 32, 33) Yet, here he was being mocked, spat upon and humiliated.

     I picture God, leaning down close to Mary, whispering to her bruised and bewildered spirit: "Have faith, Mary. I know what I'm doing."

     Lord, remind me of these gentle and obedient saints like Mary, world-weary people who clung to your promises like a lifeline. As I view life through the lens of faith, may I strive to be a part of the plan, like the lovely Mary.

    "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
Hebrews 11:1

Part of the Family

"Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God...The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us."
John 1: 12, 14

     "He gave the right..." It's his to give since all authority on earth and in heaven has been given to him. Galatians 4:7 says, "You are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir." What do I inherit? Eternal life! Salvation from the pit of hell! Hope for each day and the peace that passes all understanding!

     To be adopted into a family, a person is given the last name of that family. It's a gift, but one to live up to also. The Father who adopted you hopes you will not bring shame to his name, but if you should, there is forgiveness at the foot of the cross.

     Thank you, blessed Jesus, for becoming flesh, for rubbing elbows amid common sinners like me, telling us we are not condemned; go and sin no more. By receiving you, you have adopted me into your family. I have a seat reserved at your table. Help me to live up to your Holy Name.

     Thank you. I love you!

Jesus: Not Your Average Guy

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made: without him nothing was made that has been made, In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness but the darkness has not understood it."
John 1: 1-5

    These first five verses of John say so much about Christ and are the foundation of Christianity, for if a person does not accept the divinity of Jesus, then they are guilty of rejecting everything between the covers of the Bible.

     "In the beginning was the Word..." The great I Am is Jesus, the infinite Ancient of Days.

     "...and the Word was with God, and the Word was God, he was with God in the beginning." He may have been born of a woman in Bethlehem, but that was not his origin. In fact, he has no point of origin because he is incarnate, not made, something I can't quite wrap my mind around because I am a finite being.

     "Through him all things were made." Jesus created the tree on which he was crucified. He fashioned the minute details of the solar system, from the papery nest of the wasp to the grand orbits of many moons. He is the master of all creation.

     "In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it." His light shines, it's always there, patiently waiting for the lost to use it for guidance out of the spiritual mire, but many fail to see it.

     Jesus, I believe in your eternity, your infinity, your divinity and your shining light. Illuminate me today, by your Holy Spirit, so that I may radiate with your pure joy. Reflect off me so that the darkness fails to exist, so that others may see you are more than just a martyr. You are the Great I Am.

X Ray Vision

"When Jesus saw Nathaneal approaching, he said of him, 'Here is a true Israelite in whom there is nothing false.'"
John 1:47

     Jesus searched Nathaneal's heart prior to meeting him and was impressed by his sincerity.

     If Jesus saw me approaching, what would he declare? To answer that, what do I see inside? I know my thoughts, opinions and beliefs better than anybody. Do I like what is there? Is it impressive to the King of Kings?

     Honestly, no. If I see myself truly, I would not impress the dullest person

     Jesus, I pray that my heart would be coated by your righteousness, your kindness and your loving mercy. It is only when I wear your clothes that I begin to look like you! Create in me something of refinement so that I am worthy to be in your Presence.

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Living Together

"He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him."
1 Thessalonians 5:10

     A lot went on at that cross on Calvary. Others were crucified during the Roman Empire, but they did not willingly give up their lives for me. Christ died for me- a girl born in 1961 in a country that was not even founded at the time of His sacrifice. Why would he do that? It is because he wants to live with me and me with him.

     Ideally, people who dwell with one another take care of each other's needs, laugh and converse, hug and console one another. This is what the Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer desires to have with each and every one of us. It says in Revelation 3:20 that Jesus stands at the door, knocking. Whoever opens it invites him in for dinner.

     The terms in the above verse, "awake or asleep," are not literal, but they refer to being dead or alive. As Jesus told the grieving sisters of Lazarus, "whosoever believes in me shall live, even though he dies. Whoever lives and believes in me shall never die."

     What wonderful news this is! No matter what my personal familial circumstances are, I can rest assured that I will never live alone.

     My mother, a recent widow after 62 years of marriage, takes great comfort in this as she talks to her Savior all the time. She runs things by him, asks for help and strength, thanks him for his care and places her trust in him. She knows, in her heart, that she lives together with him in this world and the next, always and forever.

Monday, February 23, 2015

Someone to Watch Over Me

"See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared."
Exodus 23:20

     Although the Bible does not back up the idea of individual guardian angels, a divine protector that would be assigned to each person for their lifetime, I take comfort in the idea.

     In the above passage, the Lord is telling Moses that the Israelites will have an angel to guard them and bring them through their travails in the desert to the Promised Land.

     Likewise, we sojourn through many a hill and dale in this life as we wend our way to the Promised Land of heaven. The well loved image of the angel lovingly watching over two children who cross a bridge over troubled water comes to mind. I had that picture hanging in my daughters' bedroom years ago.

     In her book, "My Glimpse of Eternity," Betty Malz describes her short venture into the next world during the twenty-eight minutes she lay dead in a hospital. After leaving her body, her soul was walking up a beautiful green hill on a sea of vivid grass. I quote her story here:

     "Then I realized I was not walking alone. To the left, and a little behind me, strode a tall, masculine-looking figure in a robe. I wondered if he were an angel and tried to see if he had wings. But he was facing me and I could not see his back. I sensed, however, that he could go anywhere he wanted and very quickly. We did not speak to each other. Somehow, it didn't seem necessary, for we were both going in the same direction. Then I became aware he was not a stranger. He knew me and I felt a strange kinship with him. Where had we met? Had we always known each other? It seems we had."

     What a comfort it must've been for Betty to realize she was accompanied by a being who knew her, as though he were kin.

     Whether I have a guardian angel or not is not as important as my relationship with my savior, Jesus Christ. I worship him alone and I already know he has promised never to leave me or forsake me. But, if I do have a guardian angel, I humbly accept this as a generous gift from God as I relax in this comforting thought.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

A Forest Fire

"Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."
James 3: 5, 6

     I love words. I could abide a grammar or composition course for hours, but never a math class. Words are the colorful paints used to create a rendering which previously did not exist. Adjectives carve beauty from ordinary nouns while adverbs breathe life into drab verbs. Words are my tools of the trade and I've a grave responsibility to use them wisely, for I know that words can also scorch and sear, leaving charred silhouettes of former beauty to now stand idly, utterly worthless.

     When someone dear to me unleashed a sentence of ill-advised words, they were the spark that flamed quickly into the fire that destroyed years of hard labor. Left standing in its wake with the stench of smoke in my nostrils, I cried at the loss. How do I set about replanting?

     One seed at a time, nurtured in the love of Christ, watered liberally with forgiveness, must be planted whilst on my knees in prayer. If I do not forgive others their sin, my Heavenly Father will not forgive me.

     Remember this song from Sunday School?
 
Oh, be careful little tongue what you say,
Oh, be careful little tongue what you say,
For the Good Lord up above,
Is looking down in love,
So be careful little tongue what you say.

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Time for an Inspection

"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain."
Psalm 127:1

     When one is looking to buy a house, it's wise to have an inspection performed. Does the furnace work properly? How's the hot water tank look? Are there any leaks in the roof? Is the foundation strong and secure? A house, no matter how lovely is appears to be, is worthless if the foundation is not sound.

     The same is true for a family, a marriage or an individual. If there are cracks that are unrepaired, they'll only get bigger until everything falls flat and rings hollow.

     The moral of the story is to build your house on the Rock of Jesus Christ. What does that mean, exactly? Employ his principles of love, mercy and forgiveness. Seek first his righteousness and all else will be added to you. Follow the Ten Commandments i.e. do not lie, do not covet and do not commit adultery.

     That last one is the worst of all, not only for the adulterer, but for everyone involved. It bring on a tsunami of terror whose ripples are still keenly felt years later. It doesn't matter how remorseful the "sinner" is, how true and trustworthy he/she now strive to be, the foundation has suffered a blow and it'll never be the same.

     So, unless you want to live like a haunted pariah for the rest of your days, do not commit adultery.

     Sometimes, a house has been condemned and is torn down. If a rebuild is planned, be sure to follow God's blueprint.

     "There is no one who does good, not even one." Psalm 14:3

Saturday, February 7, 2015

I Pledge Allegiance

"All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved."
Matthew 10:22

     I work at an elementary school where, I'm happy to say, we recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily. It thrills me to see everyone cease activity, face the flag with hand over heart and utter those beloved, familiar words. Sometimes, I close my eyes and think about those who fought under that flag, veterans from the various wars who sacrificed life and limb. Some languished in prisoner of war camps, enduring torture and abuse. The blessed survivors kissed the ground upon return, so happy were they to return to this land of the free, home of the brave.

     There's another flag to which I pledge allegiance that is not displayed at the public school, but its importance far outweighs the first. It is the Christian flag. Here is one version of its pledge:

     I pledge allegiance to the Christian flag
and to the Savior for whose kingdom it stands;
one brotherhood, uniting all mankind in service and in love.
 
 
          This flag flies over many a battleground, figuratively - where decisions for liberty are made in courtrooms, where marriage vows are spoken, where persecutions are rained upon the saints in the four corners of the world. It's a battle between God and Devil, Good and Evil, and those who stand firmly for Jesus will be saved.
 
     These words from a favorite hymn come to mind:
 
For all the saints who from their labors rest
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blessed!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
 
     As you don the full armor of God, picture in your mind the kingdom for which we stand and the Savior whom we serve. Fly the Christian flag in your yard and remind yourself to daily stand firm.

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Something to Cry About

"Jesus wept."
John 11:35

     My dad was a Christian man, one who was faithful to the Lord and his family. He lived to see his 90th birthday, which is what he'd wanted, and he died November fifth. I have the blessed assurance that he walks with Jesus on streets of gold.

     And so I wonder, at times, why do I mourn? Knowing all that I do - he was old, he had dementia, he was a child of God - it feels wrong to be sorrowful.

     Then God reminded me of the story of Lazarus, the friend of Jesus who died (John chapter 11). Even though the omniscient Jesus knew he would raise Lazarus from the shadow of death, he still mourned for his friend. I love that show of compassion!

     John 11:33 says, "When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled."

     Death itself is a sad affair. It's not something God intended, for the Bible says, "The wages of sin is death." Ours sins and our brokenness create distance from our Creator but, thanks be to Jesus, he has paid our debt and set us free.

Sunday, January 25, 2015

Who is the Fairest in the Land?

"You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you least expect him."
Luke 12:40

     Last night, I was watching a movie, "Mirror, Mirror," the tale of Snow White. Toward the end, when the evil queen was losing her hold on the kingdom, her wicked spells she'd cast on others were losing their grip also.  When this occured, Snow White was amazed to see the beast she'd been battling morphed into her father. When she had least expected it, there he stood in a crown of gold, reinstated at the helm of his kingdom. Those who had helped his daughter and had been found faithful followers in the combat against evil, were commended and rewarded by the grateful monarch.

     Just a fairy tale? Not really. All of us have a choice to make: will we remain bent on the evil deeds of our sinful nature, held captive by power, lust and avarice? Or will we turn our hearts to the Fairest Lord Jesus, the King of Kings? When he returns, will we be found faithfully doing our part to further his kingdom?

     I pray that, when I look in the mirror, I may see, not my reflection, but that of my Savior, who is the fairest in the land.
 
 
"Fairest Lord Jesus,
King of creation,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Truly I'd love Thee,
Truly I'd serve Thee,
Light of my soul, my joy, my crown."
 
(words from hymn "Beautiful Savior," author unknown)

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Where Is The Justice?

"I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice."
Ezekiel 34:16

     I get tired of hearing about the bullies of this world - those who perpetrate evil against the defenseless and then are treated by our justice system as if they are the true victims.

     I heard a blurb on the news about a man on death row who was complaining about mistreatment during attempts to execute him via intravenous drip: "They poked my arm five times and it hurt." What crime did this man commit to land him in this predicament? He raped and murdered a baby.

     Where is the justice? Such news stories sicken me and I am a sinful human being. Imagine what our Holy God thinks?

     I embrace the love and justice of the Good Shepherd. He is One who upholds the lost, the injured, the ones who have strayed. He will give us strength and oppose those who "shove with flank and shoulder, butting all the weak sheep with your horns." (Ezekiel 34:21)

     Jesus, who saves us, will rule with justice. He will judge fairly and make things right. I live for that day.

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Source of True Strength

"But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.  He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."
Titus 3: 4-7 (emphasis mine)

     Angelina Jolie recently directed a movie "Unbroken" about Louis Zamperini's experiences in World War Two. Following his plane crash into the Pacific, 47 days adrift on salt water and two years of torture and debasement in a Japanese POW camp, Louis was consumed with hatred for one captor in particular: The Bird. Nightmares and alcoholism nearly snuffed out his marriage, his American dreams and his life after the war. I'd say Mr. Zamperini was anything but unbroken at that point.

     It was at a Billy Graham crusade that Louis heard and accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ. As he was forgiven of his sins, he was freed from all that truly kept him captive and he forgave his captors, even traveling to Japan to do so. He never had another nightmare.

     After that, Louis was described as a happy-go-lucky man. He sought ways to share his story with others and he reached out to people whose lives were in captivity, as his was. He established the Victory Boys' Camp to help troubled inner-city youths. He rebuilt his family and marriage with love, devotion and plenty of laughter.

     As a Christian, I know the reason behind the rebirth and renewal of Mr. Zamperini: the Holy Spirit was generously poured upon him by his faith in Jesus Christ, who justified him and saved him by his grace and mercy. It was not because of anything righteous inside of Louis.

     An article I read quoted Angelina Jolie as saying this: "I believe people are drawn to Louis' story because it is inspirational. Louis always reminded me that the purpose of the film is not to show how extraordinary he was but to help those watching it discover that they have the same strength inside them."

     I long for her last sentence to say: "they can have this same strength inside them if they confess their sin and invite Jesus to be their savior."

     That is why Louis Zamperini was an unbroken man.

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Daily Wonderful Deeds

"We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds."
Psalm 75:1

     A friend gave me a lovely, handmade gift; I wrote and mailed a thank you card promptly.

     Like children who write wish lists to Santa and mail them to the North Pole, I'd like to write to God. I know I speak directly to the Ancient of Days while in prayer, but my best expressions are in ink so I write:

     Dearest God, Son Jesus, lover of my soul, Holy Spirit, full of grace and truth: Thank you! Like one of the ten lepers whom Jesus healed, I want to be one who remembers his manners and expresses prompt appreciation.

     As I slumbered in my warm bed, you (who never slumbers) were guarding my portal against all harm and danger. When I woke, electricity provided the time and warmed my home. I gathered slippers and robe, turned the knob with muscle, bone and nerves - all interconnected with a brain, heart and lungs that flawlessly work each day. As I ate breakfast,  I thought about each facet of my digestive system, from tongue and teeth to the muscular esophogus, from acidic stomach to the deep recesses of the mysterious colon. They all work so perfectly in sync that I rarely give the process a thought.

     I look outside to the earth's skirt of wondrous white and it reminds me of the crimson tide which flowed from Jesus' side to cleanse my stain of sin. The sun  has risen by your power. The naked trees rest in wait, knowing you will clothe them again in due time and, in autumn, they'll have another chance to wave their glorious colors. A man went by, walking his dog, a person made in your image with a soul, a being you knew at conception and one you died for at Calvary. Does he even know this? A car drove by and I appreciated the wisdom of invention you have bestowed upon mankind so we may better our situation.

     I heard the ticking of the clock, felt the silent rise and fall of my breath, saw the stoic sun casting long glances across the pristine snow and I was reminded of the passage of time and your being the keeper of it. I cannot add one single moment to my life. Only you know how long my life may be and so my adoration and dedication belong to you, my Rock and my Redeemer.

     Thank you for everything, Lord. I love you.

                                                                                           Sincerely,

                                                                                            Rachel Parsons

Friday, January 9, 2015

My Relationship with a Squirrel

"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat."
Isaiah 55:1

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast."
Ephesians 2: 8, 9

     I have a love-hate relationship with a squirrel. This pudgy rodent ruined three bird feeders this summer as he gorged on the stolen contents so I spent $25 on a stop-a-squirrel model, thereby harrumphing my human triumph! It's no wonder he doesn't trust me.

     Today, however, I saw him through the Polar Vortex that swirled in my yard. He was shivering in the tree, gazing longingly at that fancy feeder, and I had compassion on him.

     Filling a dish with bird seed, I gently placed it beneath the tree, calling an invitation to him, then went into the house to spy.

     Gradually, one cautious step at a time, he approached the dish, but I noticed he continued to burrow beneath the snow, rooting for food the way in which he was accustomed. It was almost as if he thought the free gift of seed was too good to be true; he had to work for his food. When he finally reached out in faith and took a bite, then he jubilantly filled his empty stomach.

     People are not much different. We can be so dubious and distrusting that we miss out on the free feast from God: release from oppressive sin and death, given to us by Jesus' death and resurrection. We just have to reach out in faith and enjoy!

Before Giving a Sermon

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."
Psalm 19:14

     At church, prior to delivering his sermon, the pastor would pray this verse. He recognized the responsibility he had that what he's about to say to the people should be pleasing to the Lord first. If it is, then it will have a positive impact on the congregation.

     We, as Christians, are all like mini-pastors when we head out into the world. We have a steep responsibility to represent our Redeemer in a way that is pleasing to Him. Before my feet hit the floor in the morning, I am going to pray this verse and ask that the Lord guide my steps.

     Earlier in this Psalm, verses 7-11, it tells me what the Bible is and what it can do in my life. Placing the information in columns aids in the understanding:

     Synonym for Bible                              Description                        Outcome
     The Law of the Lord                           Perfect                               Revives the soul
     The statutes of the Lord                      Trustworthy                       Makes the simple wise
     The precepts of the Lord                     Right                                 Gives joy
     The commands of the Lord                 Radiant                              Gives light
     Fear of the Lord                                   Pure                                  Endures forever
     Ordinances of the Lord                        Sure                                  Great reward

     More than just a book, the Bible is the living, breathing word of the Lord. Written by over forty authors, over a time span of 1,400 years, this book has a continual theme, prophecies fulfilled and solemn truths of history and mankind. What other writing can claim this? The Bible is the inspired, infallible word of God. Please read it today and apply it to your life.                          

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

R. I. P.

"The righteous perish, and no one wonders in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death."
Isaiah 57: 1, 2

     Why? You may at some point in this life ask, "Why did this person have to die?"

     Death does not seem to us like a good thing. With images of the Grim Reaper and spooky graveyards, it certainly has a bad reputation. However, death can be a release, especially if the deceased had been imprisoned by pain and suffering.

     The above verses comforted me; I don't think I'd ever read them before. It is a God of love who wants to spare his people from evil so He takes them away from it. The words "rest" and "peace" soothe the soul, especially as one remembers the restlessness of their dying loved one.

     Now we know they are in a better place, being spared from further evil. Lord knows we have enough of that in this world.

Friday, January 2, 2015

Who Has the Key?

"My soul is in anguish. How long, O Lord, how long? Turn, O Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love."
Psalm 6: 3 & 4

     The Psalms have a way of speaking directly to a person in need. Imagine how the verses above are like a lifeline to someone who's at the end of their rope.

     Louis Zamperini, whose story unfolds in the new movie release "Unbroken", was already pushed to the limit after surviving a plane crash in the Pacific during World War Two and forty-seven days adrift in a raft. That would have been enough trial for any human to endure, but when his rescuers were the Japanese who then imprisoned him in a POW camp, how would Louis survive this? Cruel and inhumane treatment, ruthless beatings, torture and humiliation continued for two years. Reduced to sixty-eight pounds, stripped of all dignity, he was finally liberated and kissed American soil upon his return after the war's end.

     But the imprisonment did not cease. Held captive by relentless nightmares and ensuing alcoholism, Louis' soul was still in anguish. "How long, O Lord, how long?"

     Second Corinthians 5:17 held the key to Louis' prison cell: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation." When Louis gave his life over to Christ, the unfailing love of God and his rich mercies washed over his scarred, bruised soul and made a new creation of him. Now, being forgiven of his sins, he extended this forgiveness to the Japanese captors. This was true deliverance!

     Whatever anguish has captured your soul, look to Jesus today. He is the Creator, the only One, who can make you over into a new creation. He has the key.