Christmas Harvest

 "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." 2 Corinthians 9:6

    Bathed in the warmth of worship, as the stained glass windows reflected the Christmas eve candles, voices softly sang "Silent Night." As our prayerful hymn drew to a close, the pastor bade us to raise our candles high, recalling how each flame had drawn its beginning from the Christ Candle. After we extinguished them, wisps of smoke gently pushed us out into the darkness to be the lights of the world our Savior called us to be.

    On our drive home, my husband and I wended through neighborhoods to see the lights and decorations. The spiritual high I was on came down like a popped balloon as I listlessly looked at the holiday panorama; a dinosaur munching on an elf, a pajama-clad sloth, a flamingo wrapped in a scarf. The final straw for me was seeing a gingerbread man entering an outhouse. I was hard-pressed to spot a nativity or any other reminder of the Reason for the season.

    The hollow emptiness of it all threatened to steal my joy until God spoke to me through His word the next day, using the above verse. Could it be that the secular decorations, sprouting across lawns like weeds, were a direct result of seedless planting? Perhaps there was no bountiful harvest because the farmers had not cast any seeds!

    "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." (Romans 10:17) It's possible that those who dwell in these decorated homes heard the gospel but rejected it, but maybe there are some who have not been told that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, who was sent into the world to save the world. 

    Wouldn't it be glorious if everyone's yards displayed the good news of the incarnation, a testament to the boundless joy of the homeowner?  If that's something we'd like to see, we've got our work cut out for us before next Christmas. So, strap on your seed bag and start casting them in the power of the Holy Spirit.

"I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." John 4:35

Follow the Signs

 "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14

    Have you ever paused to imagine a city without signs? Without route numbers or street signs to guide the way, how would the mail carrier sort out that mess? No stop signs to halt traffic would cause many a collision. Some may initially embrace the freedom of no speed limit signs, until chaos ensued. We need these signs to successfully find our way.

    Along the road of history, God provided signs guiding us to the Messiah. 

    The prophet Micah foretold where Jesus would be born, in Bethlehem Ephrathah (Micah 5:2), and through Daniel, we learn the timing in which this would take place (Daniel 9:25). The verse above is an unmistakable sign as told by the prophet Isaiah: The virgin birth. (How many of those have happened?)    

    Hundreds of years later, the heavenly host of angels provided a sign to the shepherds of Bethlehem: "Today, in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." (Luke 2:11, 12)

    Have you ever wondered why Jesus had no crib for a bed? Our omnipotent God could have coerced any inn keeper to carve out a vacancy, yet the Lord chose the manger so the shepherds would have a definite sign. How many other infants in that crowded city would they find asleep on the hay? 

    For anyone who feels lost, God has given us specific directions to show us the way. Yield to his flesh-and-blood grace, wrapped in swaddling cloths. Stop and give abundant praise to God, who so loved the world that he gave us his Son. Whosoever believes on Him shall not perish but have eternal life! Avoid the road hazards. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father expect through me." (John 14:6) I can just imagine a large arrow pointing the way.

All we have to do is follow the signs.

"Now while He (Jesus) was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs He was performing and believed in His name." John 2:23 

Jesus Loves the Little Children

 "Then people brought little children to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them. Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" Matthew 19: 13, 14

    After dinner last night, I was reading the "Letters to Santa" in the newspaper. The letters were submitted by second and third graders from local schools, printed exactly as the children had written them. Here are a few I loved:

Dear Santa, My name is Dale. I am in 2 grade. I have been Good this year because I have been woshing the dishes. I wish for my dad to come home.

Dear Santa, I am Rosie from Ohio. I want a BarBie dream house. And I want to know were my glasses are.

Dear Santa, My name is Kol and I am 8 years old. My Christmas wish is to make all the poor, rich. I would like enough food for everyone. Please and thank you.

Deer Santa, I what Chrismas to be the best time of the year and i thick it is gana be amazing.

    Out of the mouths of these babes came a mixed bag of wants and desires. Was I surprised to see many of them ask for an IPhone? Of course, there were various toys requested, and one kid was bold enough to ask for $10,000! 

    I may cause some gasps from the crowd today when I say, I don't really like this business of Santa. I remember when I was a child (probably about seven or eight years old), one of my sisters told me that Santa was make-believe. I was very angry about that, having felt deceived by everyone. Why would my parents, who taught me about the Baby Jesus in Bethlehem, also feel the need to give me gifts from Santa? Was Jesus not enough? 

    Ponder the verses above. Would you rather your children sit on the red lap of a fabled man, or would you rather they come to the divine embrace of Jesus, who prays for them? Close your eyes and picture the beaming faces of children waiting in line to see Jesus at the mall. Jesus, who gives eternal life, unconditional love, grace, mercy, peace and joy - things that last. 

    Let the magic of the incarnation amaze you today! The King of kings, Creator and Sustainer of the universe, laid aside his glory and poured Himself into the vessel of a dependent, vulnerable baby. Oh, come let us adore Him, full of grace and truth, who gave His life for us, whom death could not hold, who rose from the grave and went to prepare a place for us, so that we may come be with Him where He is, forever.

    Christmas is the best time of the year and I think it is going to be amazing!

"For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given and the government will be upon his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

The Silent Testimony of Cookie

 "He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young." Isaiah 40:11

    Silence can be golden. 

    The hope of God is often communicated without saying a word. Sunny daffodils nod their heads amid snowy breezes. Naked limbs, once clothed in glorious skirts of orange leaves, patiently wait for dress as the winter wanes on. The mothers-to-be glow in rhapsody, biding their time as skin knits with bone deep within their womb. All of creation seems to wait with one ear cocked toward the portal, waiting for the fullness of time - the redemption of our bodies. "But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." (Romans 8:25)

    One of the best and bravest of love stories I have ever heard, I now share with you. A dear Christian sister of mine is mother and caregiver to her firstborn, a daughter named Ephilia, tenderly known as Cookie. This has been her calling since Cookie's birth forty years ago revealed special needs. Upon her arrival, the journey began for this little family across the sea from me, in India. Three healthy sons followed, filling their family tree, but the silence of Cookie remained as her parents sought the best for her. 

    My friend revealed to me the prayer she had been praying as Cookie's fortieth birthday approached. Knowing from the scriptures that the number forty often signified an end to a time of testing, her prayer was for Cookie to be healed of her defects, and be able to teach Sunday School at their church. She had strong faith in the character and covenant of God's love, and it was in this power that she prayed.

    When Cookie's birthday came, however, her physical limitations remained. Though she is not teaching a class, her testimony speaks loudly and across the miles as her mom sent this on social media: "Today, I want to thank God for the gift of Cookie to our family and especially to me...Cookie is truly the binding force of our family, keeping us all united with each other with a strong family bond. She brought me closer to God...Her unconditional love made me love all those around me selflessly. Cookie taught me to accept life as it comes and still have a smile on my face."

    Cookie is a teacher who has much to say to those who will listen. One day, the waiting will be over; all that's been lost will be made whole as our guardian angel leads us through that portal. Until then, with one ear tuned toward the door and one eye on the heavens, share your testimony with others in whatever way you are able. The waiting is almost over.

"They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the end of the world." Psalm 19: 3, 4  

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

 "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word and does not do what it says is like someone who looks at himself in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues in it - not forgetting what they have heard but doing it - they will be blessed in what they do." James 1: 22-25

    Every morning, my routine remains about the same: a quick face wash, apply moisturizer and light makeup and brush the teeth. On the weekends, more intense grooming make be required for which I have a magnified mirror on a flexible arm. One day, upon examination, I was aghast to find something which clearly did not belong. How many people had zeroed in on this long chin hair before I had seen it? Quickly, I employed measures to rid myself of what was unbecoming of me.

    When I read my Bible before work, due to time constraints, it is like a quick glance in the mirror. But when the weekend affords opportunities for deeper reflection, I often find things that do not belong in my life with Christ. 

    Just this week at work, there were two students in need. The first one was upset over the illness of his mother. Seeing him in tears, I treasured the opportunity to talk with him one-on-one, offering to pray for his mom. 

    The second boy's needs did not pull on my heartstrings. His ways were clearly contrary and disrespectful, perhaps due to problems at home, I cannot be sure. But my reaction to him, which I verbalized, was less than Christian and, when my co-worker gently pointed that out to me, I was immediately convicted. 

    Like Peter by the burn barrel, when the denied Christ gazed directly at him, I wanted to weep bitter tears over the way I let my Jesus down. I pray that He who searches my heart will zero in on anything unbecoming of me and my walk with Him, and employ measures to rid me of it. May I reflect Jesus.

"Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless." James 1:26

My Invisible Friend

 "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24

    What characteristics define a friend?

    First of all, a friend should love unconditionally. "Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2: 4, 5) 

    A friend should be available. "I call on the Lord in my distress, and he answers me." (Psalm 120:1)

    A friend should be a good listener. "In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly." (Psalm 5:1)

    A true friend should never leave me. "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 31:6)

    A friend should know me like the back of his hand. "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways." (Psalm 139: 1-3)

    Sometimes, a really good friend can even finish your sentence for you. "Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely." (Psalm 139:4)

    A friend should have my back. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10)

    A friend would take me in, even if my family should reject me. "Though my mother and father forsake me, the Lord will receive me." (Psalm 27:10)

    If bullies surround me, a good friend should come to my aid. "The Lord will march out like a champion, like a warrior he will stir up his zeal; with a shout he will raise the battle cry and will triumph over his enemies." (Isaiah 42:13)

    When I am wrong, I need a friend who has the guts to correct me. "Blessed is the one whom God corrects, so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty." (Job 5:17)

    We are doing very well on this list of traits, but what kind of friend would actually lay down his life to save me? "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." (John 15:13) "The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

    May I now introduce you to Someone who really does possess all of these qualities and more? I hope it doesn't matter to you that He is invisible. No, not make-believe, just invisible (for now, anyway.) His name is Jesus. He is the best friend you or I will ever have. 

    Am I a good friend to Him? 

"Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer;

In his arms he'll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there." 

- "What a Friend We Have in Jesus"

    

    

Thank Who?

 "Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God, for He has given you the autumn rains because He is faithful. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before...You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the Name of the Lord your God, who has worked wonders for you." Joel 2: 23, 26

    During my small group Bible study, one of my sisters in Christ made a valid point: People these days don't seem to need the Lord for anything.

    The problem is we have it too well, and we seemingly live just fine independently of God. Needs are met by whipping out the credit card. Freebies and grants are sought and easily obtained from the government. The spigot produces water, we dash to the store for food. Doctors run scans and jot out prescriptions for our healing. The smart phone works our wonders for us; we turn to social media for advice and wisdom. Everything came from nothing, so we've no need of a Creator. All we ever needed is found from within ourselves. Who needs God?

    "Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things." (Philippians 3:19)

    Those who live in such a way, whom do they thank on Thanksgiving? 

    When I sit down tomorrow before an array of vittles, may I be satiated by the Bread of Heaven. When I turn on the faucet to fill our glasses, may I, with joy, draw Living Water from the wells of salvation. When happy greetings arrive from loving kin, may I praise their Creator who made them and brought us together as family. When the remains of the meal are washed from plates in sudsy water, may I rejoice in the washing and rebirth purchased for me by the precious blood of Christ. When I turn down the covers at night, may I rest in the peace that passes all understanding, knowing my Heavenly Father watches over me. 

    I've oodles to be thankful for and none of it came from me; I am just the grateful recipient. May giving thanks to God bring happiness to you tomorrow and every day.

"Shout for joy to the Lord; all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." Psalm 100: 1-5

Soul Armor

 "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56: 3, 4

    A Christian media news outlet has been keeping me updated on the war in Israel. As the reporting progresses and, depending on location, the reporter may be shown wearing body armor as the evidence of war bombards behind him. I marvel at his ability to deliver the news without showing signs of fear. How can this be?

    When a person comes to Christ, he or she receives soul armor. When amid the clashes of good and evil, when spiritual enemies seek to slash our souls, we stand unmoved, untouched and unscathed. How can this be? 

    There was a story in the Voice of the Martyrs newsletter which told of a woman who was deeply involved in the occult, immersed in a secret society. Though she was able to inflict harm on others through witchcraft and voodoo, she was unable to have any influence on the Christian. How can this be?

    He, who has the power to raise the dead, whom demons obey and in whom rests all authority and power and dominion - He is the One who holds my hand and has promised to never let it go. Jesus not only holds my hand but He dwells within me, having sealed me with His Spirit until the day of redemption! That's how this can be. No wonder He tells me over and over again to "Fear Not."

    This gives me so much comfort; may it do so for you as well. If you have never confessed your sins and bared your soul to Jesus, do so now; today is the day of salvation. He loves you so and He will protect you from all evil.

 "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand." John 10:28

"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 that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8: 38, 39

What If?

 "Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek Him." 2 Chronicles 20: 3, 4

    Almost daily, I have been watching the news of the war in Israel. Though I do not pretend to know all the ins and outs of the Middle East, I do know this is a spiritual battle. The demonic warfare against the Israelites that were perpetrated in the holy scriptures is the same spirit of the antichrist we see in action today.

    This has led me to my Bible. Time and time again - from David vs. Goliath to the release of Peter from prison - we see the Lord's deliverance in His timing and in His way. The human beings in these accounts were eyewitnesses of a battle between the King of Kings and Satan, the father of lies.

    While reading the twentieth chapter of 2 Chronicles, when the enemies of God's kingdom of Judah came against King Jehoshaphat, it was with great interest I read of what happened next. When the king was told that a "vast army" was coming, did he run for cover? Did he take assessments of his armaments and troops? No, he inquired of the Lord first, then proclaimed a fast for all the people. He stood in full view of everyone and prayed, acknowledging "power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you." (vs. 6)

    So, I got to thinking... What if Prime Minister Netanyahu, while positioned before the flags of Israel, looked into the many cameras focused on him and publicly, confidently prayed? What if he, filled with the Spirit of the Lord and in full submission to His sovereignty and authority, would hear the word of the Lord saying, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours but God's...Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you." (verses 15, 17)

    Can you imagine if Netanyahu, still following in the footsteps of King Jehoshaphat, "appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise Him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army" (vs. 21)? Would you say this was foolhardy? Would it be an invitation for Israel's enemies to mock and revile as did Goliath to David?

    If this seems like archaic fairy tales, think again. Biblical prophecy tells us exactly what will happen in the future: "And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of His coming." (2 Thessalonians 2:8)

    What if we stood firmly on the strength and promises of God? Imagine the victories that would be ours!

"But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one." 2 Thessalonians 3:3

"Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore." Psalm 131:3  

The Table is Set

 "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." Psalm 23:5

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." John 14: 1-4

    When I was a kid, one of my jobs was to set the table. We had a sturdy, round oak table, which my dad had refinished. At the time, I did not realize what an act of love it was to prepare the table for dinner, making a place for each person.

    At Thanksgiving, we went all out. Tables and chairs were gathered to accommodate invited guests. Table linens were pressed with care, creased in all the right places. The chest of "real" silverware was brought out along with the turkey candlestick holders, gravy boat and china platter. I'd set the table as per mom's instructions, making sure of the proper placement of utensils. The finishing touch was the place card bearing each person's name along with a selected scripture to read before the feast.

    Close your eyes with me and imagine heaven's banquet hall, if you can. Perhaps there will be a miles-long table draped in white linen and ribboned with garlands of fragrant flowers.  A happy throng of guests, arrayed in white, will stream in, looking for their place card, written in lovely calligraphy; an angel will draw out our chair for us. Who will be seated next to us but perhaps our long-lost loved one? Utensils of purest gold and stemware of crystal will reflect the light of our Savior as He takes His seat at the head of the table. Merry eyes will turn toward Him as He taps His fork on the glass to make an announcement - a proclamation of joyous welcome! We will drink in the glories of His Presence and be forever satiated by pure love and contentment.

    Who has been invited to such an auspicious occasion? How can we be certain to find our place at the table? 

    The invitations have been sent around the world, addressed with love in the blood of the Lamb. The garments of salvation, the righteous robes of Christ, are our wedding clothes.

    In Matthew 22: 1-14, Jesus tells the Parable of the Wedding Banquet in which the King has prepared a feast and sent out the invitations but, incredulously, some refused to come. They paid no attention and just went off about their business. That would be like our guests not coming on Thanksgiving!

    To be ensured of your place, you must respond to the King's invitation. Will you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, trusting in His death and resurrection? Or will you refuse? 

"...everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet." Matthew 22:4

"Then the angel said to me, 'Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!' And he added, 'These are the true words of God.'" Revelation 19:9 

    

    

Birdbrain

 "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26

    As the leaves gleam their golden hues and daylight wanes, along come the advertising campaigns which surround the Christmas - oops, sorry! "Holiday" - season. 

    The one I received today from a gardening center had not one item referencing our beautiful Savior's incarnation in Bethlehem, but it did have a page or two devoted to a favorite bird of mine, the black capped chickadee. So, I paused to peruse.

    There, within the description of this spritely bird's winter feeding habits, I found the glory of God. I learned these birds hide food in the fall, which they intend to eat much later come winter. To do this, the chickadee uses its keen spatial memory to record the precise location of thousands of snacks. The hippocampus (the memory center of the bird's brain) actually expands by 30% to accommodate this geo-caching foray. Then, in spring, the bird's brain returns to its normal capacity, erasing the now unnecessary memory of his hidden seeds. 

    The irony of uncovering this miraculous tidbit of creation in the center of a secular circular, which ostensibly denied any nod to God's gift to the world, wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger, was not lost on me. For the wisdom of God, as revealed by a bird's brain, is foolishness to the world at large. 

    If a chickadee could pause long enough to be interviewed, do you suppose he would, with fluffed feathers on a proud breast, declare that he had provided for himself by his own strength? Or would he, birdbrain though he has, give glory where glory is due - to God alone?

    For all the boasting man does about all he supposedly knows, for him to say that birds evolved from reptiles which initially evolved in the sea millions of years ago, showcases just what a birdbrain he is. Come to think of it, the bird is wiser than he.

"Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?...But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong."1 Corinthians 1: 20, 27

A Modern-Day Zacchaeus

 "But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, 'Look, Lord! Here and now I give half my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.'' Luke 19:8

    Perhaps you recall the story of Zacchaeus, a very wealthy chief tax collector of short stature who wanted to see who Jesus was so, when the Lord was passing through his town, Zacchaeus climbed into a sycamore tree to improve his view. When Jesus passed beneath him, He called the tree climber by name and invited Himself over to his house, which caused murmuring throughout the crowd at the thought of Jesus going to the home of a "sinner." But, after the tax collector gladly welcomed Jesus, he repented and sought to make things right. According to Jesus, this brought salvation to his house (Luke 19:10).

    Recently, I had the honor of chatting with a modern-day Zacchaeus, Michael Zuren. Mr. Zuren is the treasurer of Lake County. When he had taken the job, he noticed an account on the books with a great deal of money therein, so he inquired about it. He was told the money came from overpayments of property taxes spanning a period of twenty-three years. When a property is sold, sometimes two parties both pay the taxes inadvertently so, when this happened, the funds were deposited into this account.

    The way I see it, Mr. Zuren at that point had two options: He could have accepted that as the way it had been done for years, so why change it now? That would have been the easier choice. But, since he is a Christian, he chose to make things right. Mr. Zuren has made it a priority to research property tax overpayments and is committed to returning these funds to their rightful owners.

    Godly integrity is a tall order, but when the choice for restitution is made, there will be no shortage of blessings that follow. During these days of great corruption, I am grateful for Michael Zuren, a man who has gladly welcomed Jesus into his life and has put his faith into action. 

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:13

      

God's House

 "Don't you know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you are bought with a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies." 1 Corinthians 6: 19. 20

    I have a small collection of churches. My husband's grandfather made the largest one, complete with a baptismal font and bell tower, but I have to agree with my granddaughter when it comes to my favorite one: It's a mechanical music box in which the doors open and a minister comes forth in a welcoming manner. 

    Over the years, it has given me great joy to worship in many different types of churches. Some are magnificently adorned with stained glass windows and a long aisle, which blushing brides prefer. Some are humble, like the six-pew chapel found at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, which impressed me as a child. When I visited Parkside Church to hear Alistair Begg preach, I was surprised by the plainness of the sanctuary; no altar, no colorful glass - not even a cross. The explanation was quite simple: The focus is meant to be solely on the Bible, so all distractions have been pared down to the basics. 

    If you were going to design a church, what would you include? 

    The Bible says, if you have received Christ as your Savior, that you are the temple. When the Spirit of God walks around in your heart, what does He see? I wonder how He prefers His dwelling to be? 

    When I ponder these questions, I know right off that I do not want any dirt or clutter in my church. Nor do I want to entertain any false ideas that will grieve Him. Perhaps He would teach me, if I finally sat down in the pew with a listening heart instead of anally arranging flowers or fawning over the music selection. When I open my mouth, will what I say honor Him? Will my hands offer service? Will I commune in fellowship with Him, as did Adam when God walked with him in the cool of the day before the Fall?

    It's a beautiful thing, isn't it? To think that God, the Creator of the Universe, desires a relationship with us and that His house is as close as our own hearts! Immanuel: God with us. Let the miracle of this sink in as you prepare your sanctuary today.

"For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said, 'I will live with them and walk among them. I will be their God and they will be my people." 2 Corinthians 6:16

Along Came Jesus

 "When He had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!' The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped in strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, 'Take off the grave clothes and let him go.'" John 11:43, 44

    Yesterday, my daughter and I went to the Mummies of the World exhibit in downtown Cleveland. There were Egyptian mummies, Incan mummy bundles and even a few small preserved animals. Some bodies were intentionally mummified whereas others ostensibly died unnoticed and were preserved by just the right environmental conditions. One educational exhibit demonstrated the process of decomposition in which the viewer was shown the grim stages of decay that followed death.

    As we ambled along, peering at the rather gruesome displays, my mind went back to the story of Lazarus, as found in John's gospel, chapter eleven. Having been dead for four days, wrapped in strips of linen mingled with the customary spices, Lazarus was dead - no doubt about it. Mourners wailed. Relatives sobbed. The life of Lazarus was over.

    Or was it?

    Along came Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life, whose loud command brought forth his friend from the grave. Praise be to God, the cords of death, which have strangled creation from the Fall of mankind, have been cut. The prison bars have been pried open by the only One who has the authority to do so. 

    Do you know, if the souls who had inhabited those mummies in the exhibit died in Christ, they will rise again? Can you imagine if Jesus had returned while I was touring that gallery, I would have seen those petrified people breathe anew and rise from those glass cases? "Unbelievable!" you say? Read God's word:

"For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore, encourage one another with these words." (1 Thessalonians 4: 16-18)

    Perhaps those mourners, who had surrounded the grave of Lazarus that day in Bethany, had trouble believing what they saw, but whether they believed it or not does not alter the truth of the matter: Jesus has broken the power of the grave. 

"I will deliver this people from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction?" Hosea 13:14

Wanted: One With Beautiful Feet

 "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'" Romans 10: 14-15

    Yesterday, a Christian friend and I walked to the lake, talking about things of the faith as we went. It reminded me of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (see Luke 24: 13-35).

    Our paths crossed that of a woman walking two dogs who, we discovered, was from out of town. We bid her to join us and we would show her the way to the lake. 

    As we talked, she revealed several of her life's difficulties, some rather severe. Inwardly, I prayed for an opportunity to share the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ with her. Later on, my friend told me she had been doing the same. Yet, that chance did not come to us.

    As the day drew to a close, I wondered: What if God had sent the woman our way as a test? Or what if we had been entertaining an angel unawares (Hebrews 13:2)? Could the woman read the "letter from Christ," written upon my heart, as she walked beside me? Or had she gone her way, unfed by the Bread of Life?

    I feel I have failed the test, if indeed it was a test. Or, worse yet, I have failed her. 

WANTED - A MESSENGER, author unknown

The Lord Christ wanted a tongue one day, To speak a message of cheer

To a heart that was weary and worn and sad, Weighed down by a mighty fear.

He asked for mine, but, 'twas busy quite, With my own affairs from morn till night.

The Lord Christ wanted a hand one day, To do a loving deed;

He wanted two feet on an errand for Him, To run with gladsome speed,

But I had need of my own that day; To His gentle beseeching I answered, "Nay."

So all that day I used my tongue, My hands, and my feet as I chose;

I said some hasty, bitter words that hurt one heart, God knows.

I busied my hands with worthless play, And my willful feet went a crooked way.

While the Lord grieved, with His work undone, For the lack of a willing heart!

Only through men does He speak to men, Dumb must He be apart.

I do not know, but I wish today, I had let the Lord Christ have His way.

Little is Much

 "Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, 'Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?'" John 6: 8, 9

    When my kids were in grade school, I always packed their lunches. Favorite fare was a PB & J sandwich, a piece of fruit, maybe some chips, always a cookie and sometimes, a muffin (much to my youngest daughter's chagrin - for some reason she found it "embarrassing" to have a muffin in her bag.) I liked to tuck in a love note now and then as well. When they got home, I would ask them if they ate their food, hoping they hadn't thrown it away.

    Behind every packed lunch is a mom, so when I read the story of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, my imagination takes me to the mom behind the boy's lunch. Can you imagine the kid coming home, bursting into the kitchen and blurting to his mom, "You are NOT going to believe what became of my lunch today!" 

    I wonder how the lad felt when Andrew was eyeballing his lunch? What if he'd have declared, as he held his meal close to his chest: "Get outta here! That's my lunch." But instead, for the rest of his life, he had a miraculous story to share with anyone who would listen. The joy of helping Jesus sustained him far longer and deeper than those five loaves and two fish would have.

    Moses was another guy who felt he didn't have a lot to offer God when it was proposed that he lead the children of Israel out of their Egyptian bondage. Following some fruitless bantering, the Lord said to Moses, "What is that in your hand?" (Exodus 4:2) During his career as a shepherd, the rod or staff that Moses held came in handy for that occupation, but what good would a stick do against the powerful Pharaoh? 

    The same could be said about the boy David's sling and five smooth stones, I suppose. It's not about the objects in our hands, it's about the power of the Lord behind these things and our willingness to believe in Him. 

    What do you have in your hand? Maybe it's a knitting needle, a hammer, a pen or a mixing spoon? Take whatever it is you have and employ it for the Kingdom of God. Then, sit back and see just how far you can go against so many obstacles. Little is much in the hands of our God.

"Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things- and the things that are not to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him." 1 Corinthians 1: 26-29 

 

The Battered Bunny

 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

    Recently, my daughter and her family went on a trip to the Netherlands. Daily, my husband and I looked forward to her photographs, which so beautifully documented their journey. Since my ancestors emigrated from that area, I especially loved the stoic windmills which stood guard over the feminine shops, whose windows displayed bundles of fresh lavender or oodles of baked goods. Colorful rows of wooden clogs awaited a curious tourist who wished to experience stomping about in this native footwear. 

    Soon, the photographs included a stuffed blue bunny, which her parents had bought for Esme, our soon-to-be-two-year-old granddaughter. We smiled warmly to see her hydrating Bunny, sharing her own sippy cup with him. Her chubby arms tightened 'round his neck as the family wheeled her stroller across cobblestone streets, pausing to hear a street musician.

    Then came a photo of blue Bunny bearing smudges and rips, his stuffing expelled, his expression forlorn. Oh, no! As my daughter later explained, when the family had stopped for the night, it became clear that Bunny had been lost. After her father made a careful search for the toy, it had been run over by a tram, but before Esme realized it, a replacement Bunny had been purchased!

    Don't you just love happy endings? God does as well. Such is the story of the Gospel, plain and simple. We begin life battered, born in a sinful, willful state, separated from God. We cannot come into God's holy presence dirty. When we recognize our inability to cleanse ourselves, when we have lost our way and confess our need of a Savior, something truly fantastic happens! We become a new creation. Brand new and improved! We still look the same on the outside, but new life springs from within, like Esme's replacement Bunny. 

    The Bible tells us it's by His stripes that we are healed. The punishment that brought us peace was laid upon Him. Jesus was "run over by the tram" for us so that we might be declared whole and new, ready to be embraced by the Father. But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!

"But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5

One

 "He is the one we proclaim." Colossians 1:28 

    What if Jesus came to my church (or yours) this Sunday? Would He say, as He did to the churches in the book of Revelation, that we have endured hardships for His sake without growing weary? Are we ready to suffer persecution, even to the point of death, before receiving our victor's crown? Would He admonish us, as He did the church in Sardis, to wake up and strengthen what remains? Would He find us faithful?

    Or will He see division among the denominations? When He searches our hearts, what will He find? Lukewarm faith? Biblical illiteracy? Quibbling over doctrine when we should be proclaiming the Gospel?

    Franklin Graham, speaking in an interview, said he found the church in Africa to be stronger than the church as a whole in America. When asked why, Graham declared it is because they have an uncompromising, unflinching focus on teaching the Word of God. 

    Regardless of peripheral differences within the churches that proclaim Christ crucified, what would happen if believers worked as one body, united and adopted by the Father? What if we joined together in contention for the Gospel, as they did in the early church? 

    In an interview, Tim Tebow lamented that, the only time the churches in his home town gathered together in one accord was when the Billy Graham Crusade came to town. After it was over, they all returned to their corners.

    When we all get to heaven, will there be separate neighborhoods designated for Methodists, Baptists, Lutherans or Catholics? No, the bible says there will be a great multitude from every tribe, nation and language standing before the throne in undying worship. If we, then, will be united as such for eternity, why do we not live this way now? 

    Envision a worldwide rally, a revival, of all tribes and nations coming together with Jesus Christ as our Head! What a difference we would make. 

"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4: 3-5

Imagine That

 "No longer will there be any curse...They will see His face...And they will reign forever and ever." Revelation 22: 3-5

    The question was asked of its readers in my devotional: "Can you imagine living in God's presence, away from the effects of sin?" So, I began to wonder what this would look like. 

    No more hospitals, funeral homes or cemeteries. Police stations and prisons - not necessary. Courts of judgment, abortion clinics, gay pride month, racketeering, pornography, human trafficking,...Can you imagine no corruption of any kind? No rotten fruit. No roadkill. No birth defects.

    From a personal perspective, no guilt trips or worrywarts or skeletons in the closet. Within the church, the need for denominational divisions would be eradicated, allowing Jesus to reign. 

    After my mom died, I had a vision in which I saw her walking alongside Jesus, arm in arm. They were heading away from me, but because their faces were turned toward each other, I could see they were laughing about something. Their body language demonstrated the ease and intimacy shared by close friends. The Curse had been removed and, at long last, they were enjoying one another's company.

    Throughout Nazism and World War Two, my mom walked with Him. Past the bra-burning, psychedelic '60s, she walked with Him. Beyond the self-centered Roe V. Wade, New-Ageism, she walked with Him. Garbed in mourning clothes in her 20s, she walked with Him. When her first child was born with myriad defects, she walked with Him. Wherever her life took her, she followed Him, so when, on December 21, 2015, she left her earthly tent, she walked with Him then.

    If I want to imagine living in God's presence, away from the effects of sin, all I need do is walk with Him. I will see a glimpse of eternity in the poor reflection, a glimmer of His face next to mine - the Hope of Glory personified in Jesus. Imagine that.

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Psalm 23:6

Pass the Febreze Please

 "Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people." Philemon 1:7

    Allow me to be candid: I have an odor problem. I stink. 

    As the scriptures are designed to do, when I read the above verse, the Word of God "judged the thoughts and attitudes of my heart." (Hebrews 4:12) What joy Philemon must have felt when the great Apostle Paul commended him for having refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people! The Christ-like impression he made has been appreciated by bible students around the world for centuries.

    The beginning of the school year means that I have returned to work following a fantastic summer. Naturally, my acquaintances inquire if I have yet resumed work and, if so, how is it going? In response, I always grumble. Like the grouchy children of Israel in their 40-years of wilderness wandering, I grouse about my daily "manna," pining to retire. 

    Is this pleasing to God? Do my words waft a stench into the conversations of my well-meaning friends? As a temple of the Holy Spirit, should I not be refreshing others, choosing words of salt and grace? 

    The bible tells me how displeased the Lord was when the Israelites crabbed about everything instead of being grateful for the wonderful way He took care of them. Their daily bread came from heaven. Quails just plopped into their laps. Their clothes and shoes never wore out. As juvenile as they sound to me, I am no better.

    This morning, I resolved to repent of my ways, asking God to forgive me. As soon as I got to work, I noticed for the first time how pretty were the trees in front of the school. Once inside, I made an honest effort to speak kindly, smile more often and look for the good in others. Though my desire was to emulate Philemon, I found that I refreshed myself in the process! 

    God, help me to smell like Jesus so that, when I leave a room, my listeners desire to know the Source of my scent.

"For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing." 2 Corinthians 2:15    

God or Google?

 "Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you. You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them...The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it." Psalm 89: 8, 9, 11

    The lightning and thunder were relentless. Sleep was sketchy, but when the tornado siren went off at midnight, we were wide awake and heading to the basement. Though we had brought our phones with us, there was no internet to search for the answers our worried minds craved. 

    In our need-to-know culture, we have come to rely on these devices as if they were crystal balls. In reality, at that crucial moment in the midst of a storm, I realized as I fiddled with my phone that I had an idol in my hand. That's when I took my husband's hand in mine and began to pray.

    The turmoil outdoors remained, but the peace of God ruled my heart as I quoted verses from memory and called upon our Father. 

    We prayed for David's 96-year-old mother, who lived alone a mile away. We asked God to protect our daughter in the next town. We even gave Him charge over our cat, Kiwi, who was outside, of all places. It felt so good to cast all of these cares over to the One who is in control.

    Then we heard a loud noise that rocked the house. What was that? Upon investigation, our huge tulip tree had lost a sizable limb, but we were so thankful it didn't hit the house or pull down the nearby wires. It was as if the Hand of God guided it down, causing no damage. 

    Indeed, the next day we learned a tornado had touched down not far from us, with winds clocking 110 mph. I never thought I'd see the day, since we don't live in a tornado-prone area, but the plans of the Lord no one can thwart (Job 42:2). He will do as He wishes. (Please pause to pray for all those who have sustained tornado damage in Mentor.)

    I learned a very valuable truth that night: "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below." (Exodus 20:4) My phone is a handy tool, but it should never replace the wisdom of God. "Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always." (Psalm 105:4)

"Who shapes a god and casts an idol, which can profit him nothing? He prays to it and says, 'Save me; you are my god.' They know nothing, they understand nothing; their eyes are plastered over so they cannot see, and their minds are closed so they cannot understand. No one stops to think, no one has the knowledge or the understanding to say...'Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?'" Isaiah 44: 17-20

    

A Home for Hobo

 "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." Luke 15: 7

    For a few years, a stray cat in our neighborhood endeared himself to several of us. A gray and white male, he looked just like the scruffy feline in those Tom and Jerry cartoons. We all dubbed him differently; one called him Kit Kat, another Mittens. Dave and I called him Hobo. It was a delight to see him trotting across the yard as he made his rounds for handouts. Though we all liked him, none of us were able to adopt him for various reasons, although one lady let him sleep in her car.

    When a week passed and I hadn't seen Hobo, I became concerned so I walked around the block to investigate, hoping it wasn't bad news. When my neighbor told me the mailman had adopted the cat, I beamed broadly as I made my way home to tell my husband. Though we missed seeing him, my heart rejoiced that he had a real home now where he had been adopted as part of the family. He is loved.

    If we, flawed humans that we are, care so deeply about the well-being of a stray cat, how much more does our heavenly Father long for us to come home?

    In the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15: 11-32), the father scanned the horizon, watching for his lost son to return home. After the young man had had enough of tramping about, the bible says he "came to his senses" and returned to his father. 

    The older man, when he saw the familiar form of his boy still a long way off, girded his garments and ran to greet him, filled with compassion. 

    When we finally tire of doing things our own way, going house to house searching for love, fulfillment, happiness or truth, all we have to do is head home. Our Father is waiting for us.

"Jesus replied, 'Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them." John 14:23

    

What a Friend I Have in Jesus

 "There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24

    Travel back with me to 1966 as I recall my first day of school, a place I did not want to go. In fact, I remember my mother having to forcibly take me by the arm and place me in the building. This intrusion into my idyllic days, which had been spent with my beautiful and loving mother thus far, was akin to being deposited into a displaced persons camp. The teacher was ferocious, mean-spirited and yellow-toothed, not unlike Godzilla.

    I missed my mother. When the bell finally announced the day's end, I ran with winged feet to be home at last, where I knew I was loved. The reverberations of that separation from my loved one is still felt all these years later.  

    I am still a homebody, but the very best part of my life is my best friend who sticks closer to me than any other: Jesus. There are no separations between us. He promised to never leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5) and no Godzillas can ever sever our relationship (Romans 8: 38, 39). Since He dwells within my heart, I take Him with me wherever I go - even into eternity. Home at last.

"Surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20

"I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." John 10:28 

"Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

 

The Cinderella Story

 "He has sent me to...bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning and the garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." Isaiah 61:3

    A friend of mine shared photographs of her daughter's splendid wedding, which took place in a castle in Scotland. As I viewed the images of radiant happiness dressed in celebratory garments in a breathtaking setting, the best adjective that came to mind to aptly describe the occasion was "fairytale." The sun shone in stained-glass array, kissing the happy couple who exchanged holy vows in the castle's chapel, before proceeding to pose for photographs on verdant hills of pastures green.

    As I beheld the bride's radiance, my heart imagined the glorious sights we will see at the marriage supper of the Lamb. If, on earth, a wedding could be so beautiful, how much more will our Bridegroom prepare for us? "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you , I will come again, and receive you unto Myself, that where I am, there ye may be also." (John 14: 2, 3)

    Coming to Christ is the ultimate rags-to-riches story. Thoughts of Cinderella came to mind so I studied the origin of this fairytale. I had only known of the Disney film, so I was surprised to read there are thousands of variations of this tale throughout the world, which bears the basic message of a young woman living in forsaken circumstances, who experiences a sudden change in her life. She ascends to the throne via a marriage to a noble prince, who sought for her and raised her up from the cinders, crowning her with honor before her enemies. "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over." (Psalm 23:5)

    Having been born into the poverty of a broken world, we all begin in forsaken circumstances -separated from God and dead in our sins. Labor though we might, we cannot cleanse ourselves of the ashes that stain, nor can we free ourselves from the bondage we are in. We need a Prince. Only Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, whose kingdom shall never end, could save us by His sacrificial death on the cross. Only He could disentangle us from the cords of death, when He awoke the Victor, and strode from the garden tomb. 

    This is no tall tale. There is no fairy godmother waving a wand, providing the clothing we need to attend the ball. Far better than fantasy is this reality: Greater love has no one than the One who laid down His life for us, while we were smeared with soot, cleanses us with His blood and arrays us with His righteous robe. The scepter has been extended and, with confidence, we can approach the throne room of God as the bride of Christ. The glass slipper fits!

"I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and a bride adorns herself with her jewels." Isaiah 61:10

"You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord's hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God...As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you." Isaiah 62:3, 5

Cleats and Shoulder Pads

 "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6:11

    My great-nephew, Mason, is happy to be on his school's football team. Now that practice has begun anew, he must no longer dress as he had all summer long - in shorts, T-shirt and crocs. If he tried to perform on the field in these togs, though his love for the game was undiminished and even if he followed the plays exactly, he'd fail at the sport. He'd likely be tackled, bruised and shoeless in the first few minutes of the game.

    As I imagined him running the ball in crocs, I pondered the parallel with the Christian's armor of God. This struggle we are in is not a game; we're engaged in daily battle. Look at Ephesians 6:12 at all the things we are up against:  

• against the rulers
• against the authorities
• against the powers of this dark world
• against the spiritual forces of evil

    How are we to stand up against those who rule, those who have positions of authority? What fighting chance have we against penetrating darkness and such forces of evil which we cannot see?

    The answer lies in how we're outfitted, and the preparations which take place in the locker room before we run out onto the field. Every piece of equipment we have is provided by Christ Himself. As Paul said in his letter to the Ephesians: "Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power." (6:10, emphasis added) Gird yourself with the belt of truth (John 14:6). Don the shoulder pads of righteousness (Philippians 3:9). Our cleats are the gospel shoes of peace (Philippians 4:7). Blocking our opponent requires the shield of faith (1 John 5:4). To protect our minds, we must strap on the helmet of salvation (John 10:28).

    Knowing the playbook, we gain yardage. If we are not well-versed in the Bible, which is the sword of the Spirit, we will flounder on the field. Pray! Communicate with your Coach at all times. He is able to send teammates to your aide or bench you for a bit if you're feeling battered. 

    

    Lastly, remain alert. The battle rages until we exit the arena, when Jesus takes us home. Our team wins! 

The Gospel at Bob Evans

 "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

    David and I visited our cousin's church with her yesterday. After a heavenly service, we went to Bob Evans for lunch. Preceding us to the hostess stand was a large, friendly family who recognized us from the church we had just attended, so this sparked a conversation that gave us goosebumps. 

    A lanky man, who was most notable for his cowboy hat, began by saying how much they loved the church in which we had all just worshiped. They had begun attending three months prior; before this, they had been Amish. It wasn't until they heard the gospel of Jesus Christ that they had realized the legalistic shortcomings of the faith in which they had hoped. 

    Once they heard the good news that salvation is not by means of works but only by the grace of God, they left all they had known and placed their faith in Christ alone. Though they had lost all family (save their own) and community, they expressed only joy, no regrets.

    The younger of the two men quoted Jesus' words from Matthew 10: 34-36:

"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law - a man's enemies will be the members of his own household."

    This courageous faith displayed the value of the precious gospel to the human soul. In my own life, having been raised in a Christ-centered home, I was not challenged as these Amish folks were. However, I had to surrender all to Jesus in my personal life, daily denying myself, picking up my cross and following Him. For me, there are no regrets. 

    I have often wondered what it was about Jesus that caused the fishermen to leave their nets and follow Him. Now I know, as do these new believers whom we met, that "everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up the last day." (John 6:40)

Jesus, the Shepherd of my soul,

Keeping me from all harm,

Ever, until He leads me home,

Safely into His arms.

When I behold Him face-to-face,

Then I will look and see,

Goodness and mercy from His hand,

Surely have followed me.

Precisely

 "This is what the Lord says: If you can break my covenant with the day and my covenant with the night, so that the day and night no longer come at their appointed time, then my covenant with David, my servant....can be broken, and David will no longer have a descendant on his throne." Jeremiah 33: 20, 21

    Did the sun rise this morning? The weather app on my phone not only tells me, with precision, that the sun rose at 6:16 a.m., but I was surprised to see times given for the moon's rising and setting. To be honest, I don't think I was aware of these moon times, but it all points to the faithfulness of our God. 

    Of course, we know that the sun doesn't actually "rise" or "set," rather, there is a specific revolution and rotation going on that keeps track of the times and seasons. And that's how it has been since God ordained it when He created everything (Genesis 1:14). 

    Obviously, no human can alter this, and I am glad no one can. What a mess we would have on our hands if that could happen! So, has God been faithful to His promise? Since the days and nights always come at their appointed times like clockwork, has David always had a descendant on his throne?

    After what's known as the four hundred silent years, the period between the old and new testaments, an angel appeared to a young virgin to bear this message: "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 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 Jacob's descendants forever; His kingdom will never end." (Luke 1: 30-33)

    In the fullness of time, Jesus came into our world, though some may have doubted that God would keep his promise. But, He always does, faithfully. As surely as I know the sun will set at 8:46 p.m. this day, I know that Jesus will come again, on the clouds of heaven with all his saints and angels, to set up his kingdom that will never end (Mark 14:62). On that I can depend.

"Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies." Psalm 36:5

A Rare Find

 "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." Matthew 13: 44-46

    My great-nephew, Mason, and I love to comb for beach glass along the shores of Lake Erie. This summer, he found the "Hope Diamond of the Beach," as it is known among the experts of sea glass: a piece of red glass. 

    Since I wasn't with him at the time of the great find, he was eager to show it to me. During a visit to his home, he brought out a segregated container in which he keeps his collection. There, in a square by itself, was the prized piece. A deep ruby in color, it even felt uncommonly worthy. Truly a rare find.

    Happy he was to have found it, and for good reason. Red is the most difficult to find. Only one piece in 5,000 found may be red. 

    Mason's treasure reminded me of the parable Jesus told, when He compared the kingdom of heaven to finding a pearl of great price. Just as Mason has multiple pieces of other colors, there are many false hopes that may shimmer like red glass along the shore, but they are counterfeit, empty and worthless. 

    There is only one way to eternal life and I am happy to say that Mason has found it in Christ Jesus. John 14:6 plainly says, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Those are the emphatic words of Jesus, full of grace and truth.

    If you have found life in Christ, then rejoice for you are very rich indeed. Sell everything you have - leave it all behind - and follow Him. You have found incomparable riches!

    If you are combing for the truth, come to Jesus. Only He laid down His life for you. Only He left the throne behind, donned the clothing of mankind and bridged the gap that lay between heaven and earth. Only He forgives sins and grants new life. Only He loves you.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 

Why Was I So Afraid?

     "A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke Him and said to Him, 'Teacher, don't you care if we drown?'

    "He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still!' Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

    "He said to His disciples, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?'

    "They were terrified and asked each other, 'Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey Him!'" Mark 4: 37-41

    Who is this, indeed, that can bring a sense of peace in the midst of an intense storm, such as battered our area last Thursday? 

    Ordinarily, I love a rousing thunderstorm, when God unleashes His power in a physical way. Even so, when the brooding skies and the urgency of the eighty-plus miles per hour winds demonstrated His force in such a frightening way, I found myself wandering wide-eyed from window to window to check our trees.

    The maple whirled like a dervish, sending our neighbor's patio umbrella somewhere. The gnarled oak defied its age, surprisingly, by standing its ground but it was our eighty-foot tall tulip tree that furiously flung logs in a spitting tempest, hurling them straight into our neighbor's home. Hearing the snaps and cracks, my powerlessness was getting the best of me until the Holy Spirit, aroused in strength, force-fed me the very verses I craved:

    "'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord who has compassion on you." (Isaiah 54:10)

    "God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with its surging." (Psalm 46: 1-3)

    Like the Sea of Galilee, my heart became completely calm as He rebuked the waves of anxiety that threatened to engulf me. Why was I so afraid?

    After the rains, we all crawled from our homes, a bit bewildered, to survey our new landscape. As we met neighbors we had not previously known, it was this sight that brought mirth to potential misery: a homeless squirrel perched at the peak of my neighbor's garage beneath a slice of the moon, looked down upon the fallen foliage as if to ask, "What just happened?" It brought a knowing smile to us all as we shared in his plight.

    Our neighbor, who is also a sister in Christ, put everything into perspective the following day. Though her home had received the brunt of the damage, after viewing the overall condition of others in our area, she looked at me and declared with conviction, "We are blessed." I couldn't agree more.

"Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind." Psalm 107: 28-31

     

All the Lonely People

 "The Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable helper for him.'" Genesis 2:18

    The only thing I remember from my Ohio History class in high school, oddly, has nothing to do with our state's history. 

    Classrooms in the 1970s differ greatly from the technologically based learning of today so, consequently, it was a big deal when our teacher, Mr. K., brought in a record player one day. We all sat up a bit straighter, wondering what this could entail. He prefaced his lesson with a heart-to-heart talk that made a lasting impression on me. With kindness and compassion, he implored us to consider the kids who were on the fringes of our society, those who appeared lonely or friendless. Then, he played "Eleanor Rigby" by the Beatles, encouraging us to listen to the lyrics. There was an air of thoughtful consideration as we quietly absorbed the lesson.

    The writer of a recent editorial in our local paper reported that loneliness has become an epidemic in our country. The U. S. Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, has listed loneliness among the top scourges of society such as cigarette smoking and obesity. Contributing factors could include financial problems, health limitations and social media. He is urging communities and individuals to spend time engaging with others, really listening to them. Put down the phone and go visit someone, in person. Evidently, the problem is a very serious one.

    Serious, yes, but certainly not new to mankind. God recognized loneliness in the first man ever created, Adam, which is one of the reasons why He ordained marriage between man and woman. "God sets the lonely in families." (Psalm 68:6)

    Today, I took a bike ride around the block. There's a wee cottage designed only for one; the man who dwells there was outside, so I paused to speak to him. The conversation began around the neighborhood cat we call Hobo before segueing to the problems in our country. The Lord opened a window of opportunity for me to speak of my faith, and I was delighted when the neighbor shared his favorite Bible passages with me in return. 

    Though I am blessed with many loving friends and family members nearby, not everyone is. The exchange between the neighbor and I didn't last long, but the effects of the friendly conversation could last even longer. 

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." Ecclesiastes 4: 9, 10

The Choice is Yours

 "If you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it." Genesis 4:7

    Last week, I had the opportunity to see the movie, "The Sound of Freedom." The film is based on the true story of Tim Ballard, a former special agent for Homeland Security, who formed an operation to rescue children who have been sold into sexual slavery. Mr. Ballard is the founder of Operation Underground Railroad, whose four-pronged approach to the widespread and growing crime of sex trafficking includes raising awareness of this assault against the most vulnerable of humanity: children. Hence, the reason for this sobering film.

     Since watching the movie, I have pondered what manner of evil overtakes a person driving them to delve into the deepest abyss of darkness that sin can offer. After all, no one plans to be a deviant when they grow up.

    Looking back on my own life, I remember the first time I had seen pornographic magazines at a friend's house.  I recall the recoiling shock of the images and the immediate shame they produced. I felt dirty; something had shifted and I didn't like it. 

    The Bible says God provides an escape route with every temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). When Cain was brooding over a perceived injustice, the Lord came to him with the warning in the verse above, giving Cain the chance not to open that door. The choice was his to either rule over it or to succumb to it. We know what route he chose, thereby committing the first murder.

    Jesus warned us sternly just how deep the darkness of sin can be: "If your eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better to enter life with one eye that to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell." (Matthew 18:9) While this extreme measure was not taken literally after I saw that magazine, the reprimand and exhortation was taken very seriously. To have proceeded further down that path would have been to shake hands with the devil.

    Every journey, whether good or bad, begins with one step. When given the choice, step into the light of Christ. 

"The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble." Proverbs 4: 18, 19

"This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear their deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God." John 3: 19-21

      

Faith Under Fire

 "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12

    When a friend of mine rescheduled our luncheon date, that put me in just the right place at the right time to witness incredible faith in action. Here's the story:

    As I drove toward the village in which I grew up, I spied a column of gray smoke ahead, drawing closer as I went along. Aghast, I recognized the childhood home of a friend of mine that was engulfed in fire! My friend's mother still lived there and her sister occupied the house next door. 

    Everything was happening so quickly and unbelievably; the fire department had not yet responded so there was no time to flounder. As I parked my car, I saw the sister running to the neighbor's in great fear for her mother, so I fled there as well. 

    Feeling the searing heat and hearing the crackles of fire brought the reality of the situation to the forefront, but with great relief, I saw before me the mother along with the neighbor, who had rescued her. Though elderly and in poor health, as I knelt beside her, I detected no weakness of character, even as she watched her home being devoured by blazes. 

    With conviction, she declared to me, "I am a Christian."

    "So am I!" was my reply, as I grasped her hands and began to pray. Rising, I turned to her daughter who joined me in prayer as well, invoking God for strength and peace. 

    Later that day, when I returned to the sister's home to check on everyone, she introduced me to her family. Since they were all believers, I felt right at home. In peace and courage, they were all going forward in faith, though the smoldering ruins of Mother's home lay beyond the melted fence. In fact, they were going to celebrate over dinner. Yes, celebrate! 

    This was a picture of true, tried and tested faith in Christ that had persevered under great trial. The Christian knows that "the Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me." (Psalm 28:7) He has promised to never leave us nor forsake us so, when faith is under fire, He is right beside us.

"Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing." Psalm 34:10 

    

Making Every Effort

 "And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things." 2 Peter 1:15

    This summer, I was blessed to spend an entire month with my granddaughter, who lives in Houston, Texas, and I made every effort to use the time wisely.

    I was not in pursuit of secular goals, though there was some use of Cocomelon. But, everywhere I could, I allowed the Spirit of Christ to reveal Himself before this dear little one. On my phone, I found Christian children's songs. She especially loved "The B-I-B-L-E" and was still singing it once she returned home. 

    When adding salt to our muffin batter, I couldn't help but speak of our being the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13). 

    The hardworking ants on the front walk became a lesson in diligence for the work God has given us (Proverbs 30:25). 

    The birds at the feeder opened a delightful path to speak of His divine providence. "Look at the birds of the air," Jesus said. "They do not sow or reap or store away into barns. Yet, your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" (Matthew 6:26). 

    At church, she went with me to collect the offering as the congregation heartily sang, "Stand Up! Stand Up for Jesus!" 

    At home, after we said grace, we all raised our hands heavenward and sang, "Amen! Amen!" 

     From the time of her conception, I have prayed for her heart to be fertile ground for the gospel, which is the Good News that Jesus loves her and gave His life for her. He will never leave her nor forsake her, and He will look for her if she becomes lost along the way. 

    I have written my testimony, telling the wondrous things God has done for me so that, after my departure from this world, there will be no doubt about the reason for the hope that Grandma had. 

    I saw this adage on a sundial once: "Do not squander time; it's the stuff life is made of." So true. Lord, help me to make every effort to plant seeds, water them and hoe out the weeds because that's what it takes to produce a crop. 

    Grow, Little Esme!

"These commands that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6: 6-7

The Butterfly's Testimony

 "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day, they pour forth speech; night after night, they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the end of the world." Psalm 19: 1-4

    What sound does a butterfly make? None, to my knowledge, but this lovely creature has much to say.

    While riding my bike through the park, I slowed when I spotted two people on the path who were bent over with a stick in observation of something. The man bid me to come slowly and view the sight. He explained that, as they were strolling along, this butterfly abruptly fell from the confines of its chrysalis above. Here was this work of art, slowly fanning its wings to dry, and we had the benefit of seeing the fabulous display. Usually, these winged beauties flit about so quickly, the curious observers only catch a glimpse. But here in the woods, we three were treated to its full glory until the man, who had coaxed it onto a stick, carried it to a safe place.

    As I stood in awe, the work of God's hands came to my mind and I wondered if the couple shared my belief. I should have asked them; perhaps it would have opened the door to share the gospel. But here was the silent testimony of a butterfly, which plopped down right in front of their noses. A trained ear could hear it say, "Come and see what the Lord has done!" 

    When an artist wants to draw attention to her art, she may have an Instagram account that gives the viewer a nibble of something more. Then a link to her Etsy shop may be provided inviting the curious to "come and see." In this way, the artist's creation can be seen around the world through the wonders of the internet.

    God has been leaving His nibbles along our way since the creation of the world, inviting us to probe further. "Who made this fascinating creature?" He bids us to ask. The invitation stands to meet the Artist. Worldwide, there are 18,500 species of butterflies who have a testimony to share. If only people would come and see.

"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. God has made it plain to them." Romans 1: 19, 20

The Evangelist and the Eunuch

 "Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, 'Go south to the road - the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.' So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, 'Go to that chariot and stay near it.'

    Then Philip ran to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. 'Do you understand what you are reading?' Philip asked.

    'How can I,' he said,' unless someone explains it to me?' So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him...Then Philip began with that very passage of scripture and told him the good news about Jesus." Acts 8: 26-31, 35

    I have had many Philips in my life and I was blessed to be surrounded by many of them last Sunday when I was baptized. As I sat in the back of the church with my little granddaughter in my lap, I felt saturated by the love of God inside and out as I recounted the people in my life, sent by God, who brought the gospel to me, encouraged me and courageously spoke truth to me. 

     I thought of the very first Philips, my parents, who are with Jesus now. They taught the love of God to me daily as they lived out the Scriptures. Along the way, there were Sunday School teachers who may have thought I wasn't listening, but I can recall some of the songs and stories to this day. 

    Then there were teams of volunteers who brought Vacation Bible School to me, where I made a macaroni cross. The pastor, who baptized me as an infant, also taught me the ins and outs of the Bible in Catechism class. As I grew and moved around, there were pastors, teachers, radio broadcasts and printed media that nurtured my faith along the way. Friends sent cards or bible verses; people interceded for me in prayer. 

    At times, I have been like the eunuch in this account who needed help understanding the scripture. Other times, I have been able to come alongside another and explain the gospel truth, like Philip. Either way, it is the Holy Spirit who dispatches believers to spread the good news, and it is this same Spirit who aids the listener to comprehend what's being said. Apart from Him, we can do nothing.

    So, whether we have questions or answers, no one stands alone. We need one another.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Hebrews 12:1