The Family

 "Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you...Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ stood the test." Romans 16: 6, 10

    Have you ever recognized a stranger to be a Christian without even meeting them? The evidence of peace, hope and love are plainly seen by what they do. For example, while walking in my neighborhood, I frequently passed a home that exuded these fruits. First, I saw a Blessing Box in their front yard where folks can take a can of food, or leave some for a person in need. In the warmth of a summer evening, they had a sign out front inviting anyone to come watch a Christian film in their back yard. Then came a nativity scene at Christmastime. As I walked by, I thanked God for these kind people who, though I had not met them, were relatives of mine. We're part of the Family of God.

    In the final chapter of Romans, Paul expresses gratitude for a list of believers who had faithfully worked as members of the body of Christ. Men and women alike were addressed by name and personally thanked by the apostle. Can you imagine the honor of being on that list? I bet Mary and Apelles never knew their names were going down in history!

    I recall the saints who labored on my behalf: Pastor Bickel, who baptized me, also drilled me in the workings of the Bible during Catechism classes. Karen Cardina, as a Sunday School leader, patiently dealt with flannelgraph figures who kept falling to the floor, eliciting giggles. My mother tucked me in at night, often asking me, "Is Jesus living in your heart?" Evening devotions were usually led by my father after dinner. Hard workers at the church- like Dave Burt, the custodian or Martha Everson, the organist - may have thought their contribution was insignificant but each person has a role to fill. Some excel at telephoning the shut-ins, others are gifted in sending cards or rewiring electrical outlets. In this way, we are all ministers who answer to The Boss, Jesus Christ, to whom we will someday give an account for everything done in the body.

    Ask yourself: To whom may I minister? Whatever you do, do it with all you have. It's an honor and a privilege to be in The Family.

    "From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." Ephesians 4:16

Riding on the Struggle Bus

 "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, 'Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light become night around me; even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you." Psalm 139: 7-12

    When vacationing with my family out west, I became lost in the woods near Jenny Lake, Wyoming. The path I took seemed right to my 8-year-old mind, but it soon became clear I was utterly alone. Or was I? 

    Though I am not literally lost in the woods these days, I have times when that feeling of loneliness looms large in my heart. In a crowded room, I am as small as a poppy seed. The happy chatter of the masses resonate not with me.

    When God feels far away, when you feel as if he could not possibly identify with the gloom that pervades you, you are listening to the devil on your shoulder. That evil pest persists in puncturing your peace, trying to convince you that God is absent: "He's lofty. He doesn't really care about you. You are not worthy. You walk alone." 

    Jesus begs to differ. He created the spartan Sahara Desert as well as the majestic Alps. Some sunrises burst forth in glorious orange hues while others are more of a secret whisper. Did He not form the seemingly insignificant blood spider as well as the regal lion? Can Jesus only be found in the pomp and circumstance of glided skies or is He not also on the crusty tundra of Antarctica? Whatever the weather, whatever the location, whatever emotion betides you; He is there with you.

    Don't listen to Satan's lies. God's in the seat beside you on the struggle bus, His right hand holding you fast. Grip it with all you have and you'll get off at the next stop with Him.

    "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8: 38, 39

Who's in the House?

 "Then the word of the Lord came to Haggai: 'Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?'" Haggai 1: 3, 4

    Am I alone in this: Have you ever been so inspired by a home magazine that you jump up and start rearranging something? Or perhaps you've watched HGTV and now an unsettling discontentment nettles you? The pictorial views you've seen present a lovely dream in such a way that your own place suddenly looks live a hovel.

    Though the book of Haggai is succinct in its three chapters, there is much to learn by the behavior of God's people. Human nature doesn't change much, can I get a witness? Anyway, after their exilic captivity in Babylon, the Israelites returned to their homeland and got busy rebuilding the ruined temple in Jerusalem. Initially, they were all gung-ho until their neighbors, the Samaritans, started giving them smack. So, the work stopped. Saws were silenced. Hammers dropped. Lumber moldered for sixteen years while the people's priorities weaved and wobbled. 

   The Lord observed the people in their paneled houses and said, "You have planted much but harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it." (Haggai 1: 5, 6) 

    Can't get any satisfaction? Has another trip to Home Goods not remedied your sad heart? The click of "add to cart" doesn't fill the gaps anymore, does it?

    The Bible tells us that, after Jesus' ascension into heaven, the Holy Spirit indwelled the hearts of believers. The temple building of old is now US!  The house that needs sprucing is the very thing that controls our days. So, what house am I working on the most? Is my mind well oiled in heavenly matters? Is my soul waxed with the wisdom and knowledge of the Word? Are the rooms of my heart cleansed by Christ? Is my foundation built on the Rock? It's not that the possession of pleasantries is sinful, it's when we place these before Him that we veer off track. Jesus told us: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

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

The Soul-Crushing Dilemma

 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left." Matthew 25: 31-33

    Years ago, I saw a movie called "Sophie's Choice" in which one scene made a lasting impression on me. The setting is that of a concentration camp where Sophie, the mother of two, is forced by a cruel officer, to choose which of her two children will live - the daughter or the son. This emotional dilemma cuts to the heart of any human being, especially a mother.

    When I read the verses above, that horrid scene replayed in my heart as I imagined my loved ones in two different lines on Judgment Day. Just reading the words does not grasp the deep torment that will rend hearts in two as families are separated! 

    Jesus wept over Jerusalem, crying out, "If you, only you, had known on this day what would bring you peace - but now it is hidden from your eyes." (Luke 19:41) Tearfully, I join Him in His anguish over the lost! He is not wanting anyone to perish (2 Peter 3:9) and neither am I. 

    Oh, Lord God, forgive our smug complacency and our apathetic attitude toward such a dire situation. We should be scattering seeds like there's no tomorrow because, one day, there won't be one. With You, we weep deep tears. If only the lost would see the love and peace You offered through the death and resurrection of your precious Son. Amen.

"I want to stroll over heaven with you some glad day,

When all our troubles and heartaches are vanished away.

Then we'll enjoy the beauty where all things are new;

I want to stroll over heaven with you."

He's so Close

 "Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven so that you have to ask, 'Who will ascend into heaven to get it and proclaim it to us so that we may obey it?' Nor is is beyond the sea, so that you have to ask, 'Who will cross the sea to get it and proclaim it to us so that we may obey it?' No, the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so that you may obey it." Deuteronomy 30: 11-14 

    Have you ever gone to bed carrying a burden? You wake up feeling as if you'd engorged a gallon of ice cream before retiring. Sodden and miserable as a saturated beach towel.

    Try as I might to curtail the flotsam of life, it followed me like a bedraggled, wet dog all week long. The nettles unnerved me until I ended the week by snapping at my friend and crabbing at technology. I fell into bed, trying to drown out the thoughts that chased each other like squirrels around a tree. When the light of day lay across my bed, I wearily rose, talking to King Jesus in my heart. Immediately, Philippians 4:8 came to mind: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things...and the God of peace will be with you."

   Energized by this loving reminder, my eyes cast about seeking sparks of joy: the vivid colors of my shower curtain, an embroidered dresser scarf from a dear friend, the contentment of a cat curled in his bed, even the softly falling snowflakes brought gratitude. The weight began to lift.

    God is so attentive. The first words I read today were in a devotional email. I laughed out loud when, the opening verse was... Philippians 4:8! Isn't it beautiful, the nearness of the Lord? It's as if He's in my pocket, at the ready, giving me a nudge. How happy I am that I don't have to look any further than heart, the home of the Holy Spirit, to find Living Water and Daily Bread. It digests so much better than ice cream.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." Philippians 4: 4, 5

When Grace is no Longer Grace

 "And if by grace (we are saved), then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace." Romans 11:6

    A woman I met shared with me that her efforts to convince her husband to follow her in the Catholic faith went unrewarded. "He said it's too much work," she stated sadly. 

    On the flip side, there are some who feel they must suffer in their penance to earn grace. In disbelief, I read the story of Agnes de Roucher who took piety to a ridiculous level when she, of her own accord, lived in a narrow cell built within the wall of a church. She allowed herself to be sealed from society at age 18 until her death at age 80, having never exited her cell. No one ever told her Jesus was the key to redemption.

    Why is it so burdensome to believe in the free gift of salvation? Is there shame in denying one's ability to get out of a mess and surrender to a crucified Savior? Maybe it's our pride? Satan has been goading us from the get-go that we don't need God; we can do it ourselves. This memorable line I copied from a devotional: "God dispenses gifts, not wages." Surrender all to the "Word who became flesh and made his dwelling among us." It's so refreshing to worship One who is full of grace and truth. (see John 1:14-16) Just relax and let grace be grace!

"Not what my hands hath done,

Can save my guilty soul;

Not what my toiling flesh hath born,

Can make my spirit whole.

Not what I feel or do

Can give me peace with God.

Not all my prayers and sighs and tears,

Can bear my awful load."

Arresting Beauty

 "The Lord their God will save his people on that day as a shepherd saves his flock. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown. How attractive and beautiful they will be!" Zechariah 9: 16, 17

    Have you ever been about your mundane tasks when Someone sends you a love letter, special delivery? Going out to fetch the paper, I unexpectedly opened a portal to an awesome scene, akin to when Dorothy's spinning home finally landed, and the black and whiteness of her world was splashed with splendid colors as she opened the crooked door. How can I better describe the awe when, exiting the garage, my eyes beheld a pristine land laden with glittering diamonds? It was arresting! Utterly quiet, every surface was generously gleaming with these precious gems from God. An eager young man on one knee before an expectant, blushing bride-to-be, presents her with a wee velvet box, satin lined and bearing a world of hopeful promise. Yet, even this depiction of loving joy fails and pales in comparison with the trillions of icy diamonds my Betrothed gave to me this morning. Me, in my bathrobe, clomping in my wintry boots; He, on His throne in love with me, ever my Beautiful Savior is He! Blessed glimpses of eternity are a treasure to behold.

    Never lay your love letter aside, unopened.

Fair is the sunshine, Fair is the moonlight,

Bright the sparkling stars on high!

Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer,

Than all the angels in the sky.

Silence is Not Always Golden

 "Zeal for your house consumes me and the insults of those who insult you fall on me." Psalm 69:9

    In a recent devotional, the question was posed: "Do we need to speak softly and carry a big stick because truthful voices are being silenced?" Take the case of Christian and former drug addict, Mike Lindell. He has built a successful pillow business but, because his political beliefs differ from some, he is being attacked. I watched a clip of his speech at a political rally in which he encouraged people to read their Bibles and spend time with their families. Yet, retailers which had sold his merchandise, have been threatened to be boycotted if they don't remove his products from their shelves. How should this believer respond? 

    How do we know when to speak up and when to remain silent? Let's look at the best example we have: our Lord Jesus. In the gospel writings, sometimes He answered questions and sometimes He chose to remain silent. He was always composed, filled with conviction and wisdom, as integrity ruled His tongue. He never misspoke. 

    Remember the story when Jesus overturned the tables of the money changers in the temple? (John 2: 13-17) Does it seem out of character to learn He fashioned a whip, kicked over tables, sending pigeon feathers flying and coins clattering, as He sternly exclaimed, "Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father's house into a market!"? The driving force behind this righteous outburst was the deceitful fleecing practiced by the merchants. Corrupt priests were using their power to establish the unjust system of charging exorbitant fees for money exchange and overcharging for the sacrificial animals. 

    When an adulterous woman was caught in her sinful act, her accusers brought her before Jesus, demanding social justice. He let them simmer in their self-righteous stew for a bit while He bent down and wrote in the dust. Straightening up, pearls of wisdom poured forth as He stated: "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."(John 8:1-11) Christ's dignified silence has echoed throughout history.

    Sometimes a message can be preached in stillness but we should never be quiet when bullies wield their power unjustly. In fact, it's our duty to stand up for the oppressed. As Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 3:7, there's "a time to be silent and a time to speak."

    In the 1940s, there was a church in Germany near the railroad tracks. When the boxcars carrying crying Jews chugged past, the organist increased the volume to drown out the fateful noise. If you had been a congregant in that church, what would have been your response? Speak softly? Turn a blind eye and a deaf ear? What if your loved one was on that train? Someday, the persecution may visit your home.

"If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength! Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, 'We knew nothing about this,' does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?" Proverbs 24: 10-12

    

The Remedy

 "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.'" Matthew 9: 36, 37

    "Open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." - Jesus, as recorded in John 4:35

    At work, my manager sometimes jokes, "I can't hear with my mask on!" Funny, but oddly true, because these masks inhibit our full social engagement. We give others a wide berth as we walk along with bent heads, trying to navigate an icy sidewalk with a mask riding up over our eyes while breathing laboriously. It's all so tiresome, and I'm sure that sneaky foe, Satan, is having a field day over our predicament since it inhibits our interactions. Take a year's worth of worldwide pandemic, stir in a peck of economic and political woes and it produces a people steeped in loneliness, "harassed and helpless."

    Jesus implored us to "open our eyes!" Now, more than ever, the fields are ripe with sore hearts, suspicious minds, illness and death without funerals. The landscape in which we live is rife with houses built on sand, treacherously nailed together with deceit, false religion and hopeless dreams. We, as temples of the Holy Spirit, have the remedy! We have the true vaccination to share with those who are sin-sick and misled. But, how will they heal if we keep it to ourselves? 

    If you buy clothes, these days, often the dressing rooms are closed. At Goodwill, I was holding up pairs of jeans, trying to determine their fit, when I saw a woman nearby doing the same thing. So, I ventured to speak to her and was so glad I did. The eyes above her mask bore the visage of fatigue and frustration that had more to do with the virus than the jeans in her hand. There we stood, as the shopping scene around us faded into the background, and I listened with my heart as she poured hers out to me. Though I did not even learn her name, the communion we shared fed our souls as we ended our brief visit with a hug and a hearty smile that crinkled our eyes. 

    The word "Christian" means "little Christs." If you profess to be one, then you must not remain silent. Be strong and courageous! The Lord our God has promised to be with us to the very end of the age.  

"Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman's testimony." John 4:39

Be Present

 "'Am I only a God nearby,' declares the Lord, 'and not a God far away? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?' declares the Lord. 'Do I not fill heaven and earth?' declares the Lord?" Jeremiah 23: 23, 24

    A conscientious concierge at a luxury hotel noticed the poolside lounge chairs were occupied by guests scrolling through their phones while the pool lay unused. Determining to alter the course, a marketing ploy was born: the resort offered incentives if only people would agree to lock their smartphones in a box behind the desk and enjoy some digital detox, thereby connecting with their loved ones while they enjoyed their luxurious surroundings. With all the distractions technology offers, it's important to "be present."

    Various verses in the Bible attest to the omnipresence of God, meaning He is everywhere at once. More than anyone, the God of the universe has the right to claim distraction or detainment when we call upon Him, given how much responsibility He has. Yet Proverbs 15:3 says, "The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good." What do you think? Can God only be found in decent places where starched white cloths and stained glass windows abound? Can He be found in a striptease bar or a seedy meth lab? Is He a witness to the darkest evils mankind has to hide?

    There were times when Corrie Ten Boom felt cut off from the Lord when she and her sister, Betsie, were but nameless numbers in the bowels of the Holocaust at Ravensbruck Concentration Camp. One time, Corrie was afflicted with a bad cold and, of course, there were no boxes of tissues on nightstands in this evil place. Betsie's suggestion that they present their request for a handkerchief to God seemed preposterous to Corrie, but faithful Betsie prayed nonetheless. Shortly thereafter, a friend of theirs came to the window of the barracks and offered Corrie a wee package saying, "Here, take this! I'm bringing you a little present." Unwrapping it, there, much to Corrie's humble, grateful surprise, lay a handkerchief. The friend had no foreknowledge of Corrie's need; she just followed the urging of God's Spirit.

    To those with any conscience at all, the idea of our holy and powerful God peering into a dank, death camp should fill us with the shameful shivers. Even more contrite should we be to see Him answer a prayer for a handkerchief. As dichotomous as this seems, as we wonder why God allowed these horrid things to continue, the fact that He was "present" enough to espy a runny nose tells us that He has seen these wicked things and He will come to judge the quick and the dead. 

    Have you ever joined others when they've wagged their heads and asked, "Where was God when this happened?" He was right beside you, if only you would turn and see. He had a handkerchief for you.

     

What Do You Want?

 "Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die..." Proverbs 30:7

    My husband showed me a car featured in a magazine. Carbon fiber body, Leather interior. Custom calipers. Top speed: 261 mph. A bold, beautiful, blue Bugati Chiron with a price tag of $3,710,850.00. I had no idea a car could cost so much! The artsy photo layout boasted these words: Money. Power. Respect. 

    If you could ask God for something, what would it be? Pause to ponder because your response will reflect what's in your heart. Solomon was given just such an opportunity when the Lord appeared to him one night in a dream and implored: "Ask for whatever you want me to give you." (1 Kings 3:5) When Solomon's request for wisdom was uttered, it revealed what lay in the young king's heart. This so pleased the Lord that He went ahead and granted him wealth and honor on top of a discerning heart. No wiser man than Solomon has ever lived.

    I recently made a bucket list and presented it prayerfully to Jesus. I asked for three things: 

• to volunteer with Samaritan's Purse as a first responder emergency relief worker
• to lead someone to faith in Christ
• to read a Bible story to a future grandchild

    No sports car on this list, but I'd feel wealthier than Oprah Winfrey if He grants them to me. One of the items is pretty close to being fulfilled as I write this. God is so good to me! You know, godliness with contentment is great gain, according to 1 Timothy 6:6, and what do I have to gain? All the riches that righteousness can afford such as freedom from the bondage of sin, a peace that passes all understanding, a loving Savior who walks and talks with me every day and will be there to lead me by the hand to my heavenly home. What can be more valuable than that?

"...Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the Lord?' Or, I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." Proverbs 30: 8-9

What Is Essential to You?

 "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another - and all the more as you see The Day approaching." Hebrews 10: 24, 25

    When religious liberties are under fire in America, Liberty Counsel has been a Godsend. Led by Mat Staver, this organization has been in the business of defending these liberties for the past thirty years. Since the pandemic, they have been busier than ever, currently representing over 2,000 pastors in 44 of our "united" states. 

    Using the onset of the novel coronavirus, select states such as California, have been enforcing worship bans - even in the confines of one's own home! Did you know it is now illegal in California to have some friends over for prayer and praise? This is America we're talking about, not North Korea. Though the first amendment to our Constitution under the Bill of Rights established the foundation of our religious freedoms, some judges are choosing not to abide by this law of our land! When the government says church facilities may be used for secular purposes, such as voting or vaccinations, but NOT for worship, this is blatant, intolerable discrimination. It's not just about the virus anymore, folks.

    How can this be? For the government to deem what is essential, thereby allowing liquor stores and casinos to open but churches must remain closed, is the beginning of socialism. Historically, when these tyrannical governments come into play, one of the first steps is to eliminate and discredit those in opposition to their plan. The Christian Church is the fly in the ointment in this scenario because it stands for Truth, Freedom and Justice as God ordains them. So, incrementally, these nefarious powers convince the populace that they want the best for the majority, yet busy beneath the surface is a covert operation to deceive. Those with ears, let them hear: this is none other than Satan at work. 

    To whom shall the Christian in America submit? God has placed governing authorities over us, the road map for them being the constitution, but when tyrants step away from that article of authority, then we must not be backed into a corner by them. The church in America MUST stand up for our right to peacefully assemble. If liberty is lost, will it ever be regained?

    Is church essential to you? Jesus Christ thought so - enough to die for it. What is happening to our Christian brothers and sisters, not only in the United States but also around the world, affects us as the Body of Christ. Pray for those who are under fire. Consider supporting the Liberty Counsel, which is non-profit (LC.org). Get involved. Don't think it can't happen to you. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) Jesus called us to be the salt and light in our world and He gave us a Spirit of power, love and self-discipline, not one of timidity (2 Timothy 1:7). Use it!

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 32: 39-41

Decisions, Decisions

 "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live, and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice and hold fast to Him." Deuteronomy 30: 19, 20

    Life is full of choices.  A trip to the grocery store is a test of endurance these days. In the mile-long cereal aisle, my husband lamented, "Now that I'm an adult, I can choose any kind of cereal I want, and I have no idea what to get!" Labels boast of low sodium, no sodium, fun size or family size. It's enough to make my head spin. In a sweat, I choose as wisely as possible as I careen my cart around countless road blocks, but sometimes, I still get home and groan, realizing I erroneously bought the jalapeno crackers instead of the regular!

    God offers us ONE choice: life or death. It's a black and white situation, no grey areas, but it's the most important, eternal decision you will ever make. Contrary to popular opinion, there are not many roads that lead to heaven; there's only one. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) The Apostle John plainly wrote, "Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life." (1 John 5:12) Before you check out, I implore you to accept the free gift of eternal life and choose Jesus. You will be eternally grateful (and so will I.)

"But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 25:15

Do God a Favor

 "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom God's favor rests." Luke 2:14

    When Jesus' birth announcement was being heralded to the shepherds, the angels spoke of peace for those "on whom God's favor rests" so I wondered what that means, exactly. A wordsmith at heart, I ferreted the dictionary's definition of being in someone's favor. It means to be approving, supporting and endorsing. I'd really like to be in good with God like that, but yet I know I cannot earn my salvation. 

    To find out more, I turned to my concordance and found a plethora of information. As a wife, I liked this first one:

• "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord." Proverbs 18:22
• "The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him." Proverbs 11:1
• "For those who find me (wisdom) find life and receive favor from the Lord." Proverbs 8:35
• "The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering, he did not find favor." Genesis 4:4
• "He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed." Proverbs 3:34

    So far, the Lord likes it when we unite in marriage, practice honesty, search for wisdom, give sincere offerings (to be true in heart), and remain humble. In the Old Testament, when these two evil kings, Jehoahaz and Manasseh, recognized the problems their sin caused, they humbled themselves and sought the Lord who heard their prayer and brought deliverance (2 Kings 13:4, 2 Chronicles 33:12).

    

    Perhaps you see a pattern here? Live under His umbrella, live in peace. Stray away, find chaos. Moses asked God: "If you're pleased with me, teach me your ways so that I may know you and continue to find favor with you." (Exodus 33:13) This next morsel of truth I have written in the front cover of my Bible: "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man." (Proverbs 3: 3, 4)

    

    If anxiety or agitation aggravate your days, do God a favor as well as yourself and those around you: Come under His umbrella in humility, with a broken and contrite heart, and the favor of God will rest upon you peacefully.

Superhero!

 "If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world." - Jesus, as recorded in John 12:47

    Who can save the world? This Herculean task would have to be assigned to a superhero because such a figure must possess abilities beyond those of ordinary people. He'd have to be endowed with super natural powers, have authority over evil and be committed to combatting threats against humanity. Who could possibly wear the cape?

    My Superhero didn't wear a cape; He wore a crown of thorns. Coming from heaven, He, as the Son of God, had all authority of heaven and earth given to Him (Matthew 28:18). Even the demons believed in Him - and shuddered! He possessed the super natural powers necessary, as evidenced when He calmed a raging sea, gave sight to the blind and called a dead man to come forth from the tomb. He had the power to lay down His own life and the power to take it back up again. No one took His life from Him; He gave it willingly. Satan thought he had won the victory when Christ was crucified, but "having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" (Colossians 2:15). 

    Why does our world need saving? The condition of our world is a broken one which stems from the human heart. I'm going to use a very unpopular word to identify our problem: Sin. The evil which permeates our world cannot be fixed by governmental programs, grants or newly elected officials brimming with promises. Nor will Spiderman come whipping in on a web to rescue us from the villains amid a chorus of praise from a grateful populace. "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God," according to Romans 3:23. No one is good. There's a war waging in each breast, like a white dog and black dog vying for control of the owner. We might desire to do the right thing, but we are unable to do so on our own. "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?" (Romans 7:24)

    Our Superhero, who suffered a horrific death by crucifixion, broke the binds of Satan, freed us from our slavery to sin and rescued us from hell when "up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o'er His foes! He arose a Victor from the dark domain and He lives forever with His saints to reign." He will be coming again on the clouds of heaven with all the saints and angels to take His believers home with Him, because He wants us to be with Him where He is. That's how committed this Superhero is to His mission to save humanity. Thanks be to God!

"I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns." Revelation 19: 11, 12

    

    

Are You Looking For a Miracle?

 "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

    Have you ever marveled at yourself? I don't mean narcissistically, but a reverent awe for just how fearfully and wonderfully you have been created? From the moment of conception, when you were as small as a poppy seed, your miracle began. 

    From the top of your head to your twinkle toes, God has made this beautiful machine. I've read we only use a small percentage of our brain, but think of all it handles. A car pulls out in front of you and, in a nanosecond, your brain accesses the situation and tells your hands and feet what to do. 

    Whoever gives much thought to their baby toe? Yet I have read that, without it, we'd not have good balance. Have you ever thanked God for your fingernails which protect the tender nerves beneath? If we didn't have nose hair, we'd be sneezing all the time. 

    How amazing are our individual fingerprints? Not only do they help identify us, but they aid our grip on objects. Our largest organ is our skin, a miracle in itself for the way it heals. What if all the wounds and scrapes we have received over the years were still festering?    

    If you ever wish to be bathed in the loving Presence of God, just close your eyes and thankfully appreciate all the aspects of your body, seen and unseen. You don't have to look further than your own reflection to see solid evidence of the existence of an awesome, powerful Creator in whose image you were made. 

"For since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Romans 1:20