Stranger Danger

 "The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run from a stranger because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." John 10: 3-5

    When my daughter, Hannah, was over the other day, I invited her to come to the back yard with me to toy with my new app which identifies bird song. Avian activity was rather sparse that day until a rather raucous bird call reached our ears. We glanced at the app for its identification.

    It seemed to ruminate on this sound for a few minutes as we waited. When the answer popped up, we looked at each other in disbelief: Great Horned Owl?! 

    Zealous for an adventure, I ran inside to retrieve the binoculars and we set out to see this rare occurrence. The sound led us around the block as the excitement built. 

    "It must be in that maple tree!" I exclaimed, peering through the binoculars. Then Hannah delivered the crushing news: "Mom, the sound is coming from that parrot over there." 

    Sure enough, on a porch sat a caged white bird mimicking the cry of a Great Horned Owl. Alas, even the app was deceived. Though crestfallen, we were still able to laugh at our experience.

    I thought of how easily we can be deceived, especially as the wonders of technology increase. Hannah and I could have reported that we had heard an owl, but we wisely searched for truth. 

    When listening to all the talking heads in our society, how do I separate truth from fiction? I dare not trust any voice other than the one of my Shepherd, who speaks to me from his word, the bible. 

    Satan, the great deceiver, would have me believe I am good enough on my own merit to go to heaven, but what does God say? "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)

    Satan will tell me that I am not a sinner, that I haven't done anything wrong, but God says, "for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)

   Or, that snake will whisper, "You've done the unforgiveable! And you call yourself a Christian." Here's the truth: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)

    Again, Satan will say there are many paths that lead to heaven, but Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

    I choose to believe the One who won the victory over the grave, who lives and reigns from heaven and who has sealed me with his Holy Spirit as a guarantee that He is coming back for me. 

"Out of all the voices calling out to me, I will choose to listen and believe the Voice of truth." - Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns 

"So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land you will possess." Deuteronomy 5: 32, 33

Cyber Attack

 "In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me." Psalm 18: 6, 16, 17

    During my bible time this morning, I was distracted by a column I spied in the newspaper my husband was reading.

    In the middle of meditating on Psalm 18, a victory song written by David after the Lord rescued him from Saul, I read about the massive computer related outage we experienced last week due to a glitch in software. As you may know, flights were grounded, surgeries were delayed, banks and their ATMs were affected. Even my brother-in-law, who sought license tags for his new truck, was greeted by a closed door at the BMV. It was frightening to see just how vulnerable we really are.

    The writer of the column labeled the outage as a warning of future cyber attacks that could be intentionally caused by enemy nations.  Cyber attacks from outer space seem so surreal and dystopian, as if I am reading a comic book from the '50s, and yet they are a very real, invisible threat. Security against cyber crimes costs our country millions of dollars annually.

    As a novice in the world of technology, when I hear such terms as "cookies in the browser" or "CrowdStrike," I must investigate to understand. When I first learned of the "cloud," I thought of the Lord of heaven, whose abode is above the clouds:

"He parted the heavens and came down; dark clouds were under his feet. He mounted the cherubim and flew; he soared on the wings of the wind. Out of the brightness of his presence clouds advanced, with hailstones and bolts of lightning." (Psalm 18: 9, 10, 12)

    While washing the morning dishes, I talked to God about my fears of cyber attacks. "Lord," I said, "it was one thing for David to take on a tangible foe in a physical battle, but we are faced with invisible threats from outer space! I feel so helpless."

    "Ah, my child," He answered in my heart, "I am above the clouds!"

    How soon I had forgotten the words of Psalm 18, allowing the words of a column to replace faith with fear. As I rinsed away the suds on the dishes, the anxieties I had felt went down the drain as well. After all, Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But, take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

"He said, 'Surely they are my people, children who will be true to me;' and so he became their Savior. In all their distress, he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them and carried them all the days of old." Isaiah 63: 8, 9

This Little Gospel Light

 "In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1: 4, 5

    Now in my 60s, I remember many of the children's songs I learned in Sunday School. 

    We kids loved the one about the poor man who built his house upon the sand, mainly because we got to demonstrate rather noisily the crash of his poorly constructed abode when the rains had come down. The final verse urged us to build our life on the Lord Jesus Christ.

    Another favorite was recounting with our motions the story of Zacchaeus, the "wee little man who climbed up in a sycamore tree for he wanted the Lord to see." Because we were small, we could especially relate to this diminutive tax collector with whom the Lord had supper. Would I have climbed a tree to see Jesus?

    In my mind's eye, I see us all singing loudly as we held our "candles" up toward heaven: "This little gospel light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine!" We had such enthusiasm behind our childlike faith. As young as I was, just one kid among many baby boomers, the flame that lit my wick was enough to light a very dark room. 

    Never underestimate the power of the gospel.

    The Bible says, "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out." (Isaiah 42:3) Indeed, the candle that had illumined my young heart remains lit to this day.

    While walking around a public event recently, we explored the various vendors' wares. Beneath brightly-colored canopies were offerings of sunglasses, tie-dyed garments, political agendas and jewelry of all shapes. Tantalizing aromas bid us to approach the different food trucks as upbeat music quickened our step. 

    Not much caused me to pause until, like a ray of brilliant sunshine, I spotted a familiar sight when I espied a table offering the Good News of the Gospel! Like a moth drawn to a flame, I buzzed over to strike up a conversation with the attendees. I felt as refreshed as if I had drank from flowing streams of Living Water. 

    Though it was the only table of its type, it shone like the noonday sun among gray clouds.

    As our culture continues its descent into the darkness, I am persuaded all the more to raise my candle high and let my Light shine for all to see. "I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine all the time, let it shine." It points the way to heaven .

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

    

    

Imitator or Imitation?

 "Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us." Ephesians 5: 1, 2

    As my granddaughter and I were coloring in her Thomas the Tank Engine coloring book, I began to hum a tune. I felt Esme's eyes peep up at me, then she also began to hum. A smile teased the corners of my mouth as I pondered how readily my actions were impressed upon this wee one. How careful I must be around this little sponge!

    As a child of God, how do I imitate Him? 

    The first thought that comes to mind is our greatest commandment: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." (Deut. 6:5) After all, I do not want to imitate someone I dislike. 

    Of course, the second greatest commandment is to "Love each other as I have loved you." (John 15:12) I don't resemble Jesus at all when I am harboring resentment, speaking slanderously or gossiping. 

    Then, I must listen to and recognize the voice of the Shepherd. "My sheep listen to my voice," said Jesus, "and they follow me." He speaks to me through his Word, the Bible. It is there that I receive such directives as, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." (James 1:19) "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone." (Romans 12:17)

    Here's one that may surprise you: If I want to be like Christ, I must expect to suffer. The Apostle Paul said, "I want to know Christ - yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like Him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:10, 11) Imitating Jesus is not for sissies, rather "whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24)

    As a wordsmith, I am drawn to definitions and root words, so I pondered the difference between "imitate" and "imitation." "Imitate" means to "copy the mannerisms or speech of, " while "imitation" suggests a more sour connotation: "Something copied from an original, often in an inferior way." 

    I pictured an imitation Christian, one who is not sincere in their belief. Perhaps for this person, following Jesus is a weekend endeavor or a religious tradition. But the secular world sees through this flimsy copy of the Original. 

    To reflect the Son, I must be prepared to lose my life. It is only then that my true life is found in Christ. (Matthew 10:39) 

    So, to be like Christ, I must grab a towel and be ready to wash feet.(John 13: 4, 5) Who knows? I may even hum while doing so.

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12: 9, 10, 12

Years of Tears

 "Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone rolled across the entrance. 'Take away the stone,' He said." John 11: 38, 39

    In preparation for my bible study lesson, I read the account of the raising of Lazarus, a passage with which I am familiar. This time, however, I paused to reflect on the possible thoughts of Jesus as He approached the tomb.

    Waves of loving compassion and sympathy washed over Jesus as He wept along with the sisters, Mary and Martha. When He stood facing the tomb of his friend, their brother Lazarus, I wonder if He thought back to the Fall of Man when, like the opening of a Pandora's box, years of tears were unleashed that washed across centuries of tombs and eons of sorrow. Adam and Eve were evicted from paradise as the sentinel cherubim flashed a flaming sword at the eastern entrance, barring them from the tree of life. The death knell had sounded for all of us.

    Perhaps Jesus, when looking at the tomb, thought of His own pending death by crucifixion and the borrowed tomb where His shrouded body would lay waiting, waiting for the Son to rise on that third day when the sting of death will have been eradicated and victory over the grave eternally claimed! The stench of death has been replaced by the aroma of our risen Lord and Savior. Hallelujah! Amen!

    I have attended various funerals over the years enough to testify to the joyous homegoing of the Christian. Yes, their body lay dead, just like any one of us will someday be, but the difference is the hope of glory that is ours in Christ. We have been redeemed from the power of the second death, that is the death of our souls. 

    I can't say for sure, but maybe Jesus was thinking, on that day by the tomb, how much He abhors death just as we do. Yet, He willingly laid down His life so that we may live, drying up the years of tears. 

    Have you thanked Him?

"On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth." Isaiah 25: 7, 8

My Mother, My Friend

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb." Psalm 139:13

    My mom wasn't one to idly loaf around. Even when watching television, if she saw a cobweb lurking in a corner, she'd jump up to swat it down. 

    One of her favorite pastimes was crocheting afghans because she could be productive while watching Judge Judy. She'd usually select two colors that complimented each other well before setting to task using her favorite chevron pattern. Her fingers would fly, the hook a blur; she made it look effortless. The joy of creating something was evidently edifying to her as she showed me her latest work when I'd come by.

    My mom went home to Jesus almost nine years ago; I miss her sorely. When I was reading one of my favorite psalms this morning (Psalm 139), it dawned on me that before my mother was, God is. It was He who chose a bit of my father and a tad of my mom and married the two together to create me, an original work. With nimble fingers of grace and wisdom, he "knit me together in my mother's womb."

    He whose angels escorted my mom home, will come for me as well, taking me to be with Him (and her) for all eternity. Oh, what a friend I have in Jesus! Of all the wonderful things my mom did for me, the one that means the most is introducing me to Him, her best friend and Savior and mine as well.

    For Mother's Day some years ago, I wrote this poem for her:

My Mother, My Friend

From pinning my diapers

And tying my shoes,

To playing board games

When I had the blues, you were

My Mother, my friend.

From mending my clothes

And forcing me to school,

To taking me to church

To learn the Golden Rule, you were

My Mother, my friend.

From enduring my cats

And fixing dinner,

To soaping my mouth

When I was a sinner, you were

My Mother, my friend.

From teaching me manners

And all social graces,

You encouraged me to make

Friends in all places, you were

My Mother, my friend.

From teen to woman

And all stuff in between,

You always stood by me

And you'll forever be...

My Mother, my friend.

Christ, my Liberator

 "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." Isaiah 61: 1-3

    It is possible to live in bondage, even in the midst of freedom.

    One would think, living in America with all its liberties, we'd be the happiest, most united people on the globe. There would be love for our neighbors, fellowship among the races and a sense of peace as we went about our daily lives. 

    Instead, we are faced with wrangling politicians, random acts of violence, limp churches and profound loneliness. Is this liberty?

    Our founding fathers constituted a God-given plan designed to promote our general welfare, provide for our common defense and grant everyone a pursuit of happiness, but at the core of our human nature, we have not been set free until we have met Jesus Christ, humbly repenting of our sins to receive "freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners." 

    In the eighth chapter of the gospel of John, Jesus is hashing things out with the Pharisees, most of whom do not believe in Him. Jesus said: "Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now, a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed." (vs. 34-36)

    Peal the bells of liberty; Jesus has freed us from slavery to sin. Clothed in His righteousness, we can then go out and love our neighbor, aid the hungry, curb the loneliness and bring comfort to those who mourn. "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it for me." (Matthew 25:40)

    I have an inspirational quote by John F. Kennedy taped in a prominent spot which says, "The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God." Look not to Washington; Christ is our Liberator.

"To the Jews who had believed Him, Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8: 31, 32