"One thing I ask of the Lord, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock."
Psalm 27: 4 & 5
When I was a kid, my family went to church regularly. It was a home to me in many ways, a safe and loving place. That doesn't mean I always wanted to go there, like on Christmas morning when I'd rather be opening presents. But, often I relished being in God's house, watching the play of the stained glass colors on the carpet as the wind blew. When my mom was in the choir loft, it was a time to bond with my dad, to smell his aftershave, examine his suitcoat pockets or draw pictures with him on the bulletin.
When I sat with my mother, I was permitted to open the ladylike clutch that housed the embroidered handkerchief or the delicate comb. Hopefully, I would find a roll of Lifesavers, too. The rings on her left hand fascinated me as I contemplated the solemn vows behind them, for she never took them off. Everything back then seemed so large and strange and mysterious.
The sermons were (in my mind) long and boring so when the organ piped up, I loved to sing the hymns. I strove to hit the soprano notes along side my mother, who I thought should be a star soloist. The pastor seemed like God to me, so booming was his voice and his robes created a different persona than regular people.
Observing the enigmatic sacraments of communion and baptism were things I little understood, but one thing I did know: being at church was something quite special. It was a loving, restful place that represented a Presence that was larger than this life, even more deserving of respect than my parents or teachers.
It was my Father's house and mine.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Friday, May 23, 2014
Can't Touch This
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand."
John 10: 27 & 28
"We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him."
1 John 5: 18
As my father drifts deeper into dementia, I see a new personality that is surly, argumentative and negative. This usurps the man I knew as loving, easy-going and Christ-like so I wonder, "Does the devil have a hold on him? Could he segue in and take root in my dad's heart?"
Thanks be to God, the answer is clear: No Way!
Long ago, when this man asked Jesus to be the Lord of his life, the Holy Spirit took residence for the long haul. God is aware that disease is debilitating my dad's mind, but salvation is not a thing of logic. It's an affair of the soul.
Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. No one can snatch our hand from his. Satan can do us no harm. Hallelujah! Amen!
Thank you, God, for you sweet scriptures. What a precious gift I hold when I open my Bible. All the answers I will ever need are right there, in black and white. I love you, Lord.
John 10: 27 & 28
"We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him."
1 John 5: 18
As my father drifts deeper into dementia, I see a new personality that is surly, argumentative and negative. This usurps the man I knew as loving, easy-going and Christ-like so I wonder, "Does the devil have a hold on him? Could he segue in and take root in my dad's heart?"
Thanks be to God, the answer is clear: No Way!
Long ago, when this man asked Jesus to be the Lord of his life, the Holy Spirit took residence for the long haul. God is aware that disease is debilitating my dad's mind, but salvation is not a thing of logic. It's an affair of the soul.
Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. No one can snatch our hand from his. Satan can do us no harm. Hallelujah! Amen!
Thank you, God, for you sweet scriptures. What a precious gift I hold when I open my Bible. All the answers I will ever need are right there, in black and white. I love you, Lord.
Running Smoothly
"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Ephesians 2:10
I am made to do good. Then, why do I sin?
God created me in his image, in Christ Jesus, to do good works, but the Fall from grace has gummed up the works.
I'm so glad God did not leave me there, in that condition, but kept working on me, providing a cure.
When a frustrating task threatened to overwhelm me, my dad used to say, "Try to outsmart it." That is exactly what God did. He outsmarted Satan at every turn. Christ's death and resurrection cleaned out the rust and gum, oiling me with the Holy Spirit so I may run smoothly, accomplishing those good works God prepared in advance for me.
Ephesians 2:10
I am made to do good. Then, why do I sin?
God created me in his image, in Christ Jesus, to do good works, but the Fall from grace has gummed up the works.
I'm so glad God did not leave me there, in that condition, but kept working on me, providing a cure.
When a frustrating task threatened to overwhelm me, my dad used to say, "Try to outsmart it." That is exactly what God did. He outsmarted Satan at every turn. Christ's death and resurrection cleaned out the rust and gum, oiling me with the Holy Spirit so I may run smoothly, accomplishing those good works God prepared in advance for me.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
The Glass That Is Always Full
"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last days for your sake."
1 Peter 1: 18 & 19
When I watch the show, "Hoarders", I feel pity for the one who hoards. Often, the person has experienced a traumatic blow, causing them to go around the bend. In the recent episode I saw, a woman, once a lovely wife and school teacher, harbored debilitating waves of sorrow after her husband was killed in a car accident. She became a sorry shell of the person she once was; bizarre behavior alienated her from family and friends.
Build your life upon the Rock of Jesus Christ. Before the creation of the world, he stood ready to redeem you with his own precious blood, far more valuable than silver or gold. Think of the bigger picture! When the sameness of life lulls you into an ordinary trance as you traipse to work and back, stop and remember your value. Life without Christ is empty! Marriage cannot fill the void. Neither can money or power or fame or drugs.
God wants to give us life, abundantly. With him, your glass is always full.
1 Peter 1: 18 & 19
When I watch the show, "Hoarders", I feel pity for the one who hoards. Often, the person has experienced a traumatic blow, causing them to go around the bend. In the recent episode I saw, a woman, once a lovely wife and school teacher, harbored debilitating waves of sorrow after her husband was killed in a car accident. She became a sorry shell of the person she once was; bizarre behavior alienated her from family and friends.
Build your life upon the Rock of Jesus Christ. Before the creation of the world, he stood ready to redeem you with his own precious blood, far more valuable than silver or gold. Think of the bigger picture! When the sameness of life lulls you into an ordinary trance as you traipse to work and back, stop and remember your value. Life without Christ is empty! Marriage cannot fill the void. Neither can money or power or fame or drugs.
God wants to give us life, abundantly. With him, your glass is always full.
Put Your Sword Away
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
John 13: 34 & 35
When Jesus was being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter burned with the desire to retaliate so he drew a sword and lopped off the ear of the high priest's servant. But Jesus admonished him to put the sword away, then he healed the afflicted's ear.
Sometimes, when I read of injustices, I want to draw a sword, bringing swift justice. But Jesus' kingdom is not run that way. If I truly love others as he does, how then can I do them harm? Even as Jesus suffered on the cross, he prayed for his perpetrators.
I am not drawn to religions that wish to rain havoc on the infidels, rather I want to be a Christian. The love and forgiveness attract me.
John 13: 34 & 35
When Jesus was being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, Peter burned with the desire to retaliate so he drew a sword and lopped off the ear of the high priest's servant. But Jesus admonished him to put the sword away, then he healed the afflicted's ear.
Sometimes, when I read of injustices, I want to draw a sword, bringing swift justice. But Jesus' kingdom is not run that way. If I truly love others as he does, how then can I do them harm? Even as Jesus suffered on the cross, he prayed for his perpetrators.
I am not drawn to religions that wish to rain havoc on the infidels, rather I want to be a Christian. The love and forgiveness attract me.
Friday, May 16, 2014
The Persecution of Christians
"Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."
Revelation 2:10
A girl in her mid-teens went to school one April morning in the town of Chibok, Nigeria, unaware that this day would be quite different than the day before. Gun-wielding fighters from an Islamic terrorist group erupted violently into her life and that of her fellow students as more than three hundred girls were kidnapped from their school on April 15, 2014. Most of those seized were Christians, but a news video released by their captors showed them wearing hijabs, chanting Islamic verses and claiming conversion to the Muslim religion.
I wonder why they converted? Could violent men bearing guns have any influence? What would I have done under the same circumstances? As a young woman with my life ahead of me, would I bow under the persecution, or would I be faithful, even to the point of death?
I'd like to think I'd be a courageous martyr, like Stephen, whose face lifted to the parting heavens and basked in the glory of the Lord, but the fear of death pushes people to a crossroads. Which road would I choose? After all, it is not far-fetched to think an armed Islamic militant may march into my home one day and force me to kneel in fear.
Oh Jesus, blessed Redeemer, you withstood death by crucifixtion, humiliation and mockery from your own people. Silent as a lamb, you bore it all, even though legions of angels stood ready to rescue you. Why did you do that? So sinners like me may receive the crown of life. Lend me your courage! May I be fully dressed in the armor of God, armed like a Christian soldier in faith and righteousness! Thank you for being a God of love, never fear! You are the one true God and I love you so much.
Revelation 2:10
A girl in her mid-teens went to school one April morning in the town of Chibok, Nigeria, unaware that this day would be quite different than the day before. Gun-wielding fighters from an Islamic terrorist group erupted violently into her life and that of her fellow students as more than three hundred girls were kidnapped from their school on April 15, 2014. Most of those seized were Christians, but a news video released by their captors showed them wearing hijabs, chanting Islamic verses and claiming conversion to the Muslim religion.
I wonder why they converted? Could violent men bearing guns have any influence? What would I have done under the same circumstances? As a young woman with my life ahead of me, would I bow under the persecution, or would I be faithful, even to the point of death?
I'd like to think I'd be a courageous martyr, like Stephen, whose face lifted to the parting heavens and basked in the glory of the Lord, but the fear of death pushes people to a crossroads. Which road would I choose? After all, it is not far-fetched to think an armed Islamic militant may march into my home one day and force me to kneel in fear.
Oh Jesus, blessed Redeemer, you withstood death by crucifixtion, humiliation and mockery from your own people. Silent as a lamb, you bore it all, even though legions of angels stood ready to rescue you. Why did you do that? So sinners like me may receive the crown of life. Lend me your courage! May I be fully dressed in the armor of God, armed like a Christian soldier in faith and righteousness! Thank you for being a God of love, never fear! You are the one true God and I love you so much.
My Omniscient God
"I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve."
Jeremiah 17:10
My patience was under fire when I had to call a large company and proceed through a mind-boggling maze of robotic questions. After ten minutes of pressing this and that, being volleyed about like a ping pong ball, I finally got through to a real person. The robot had told me that my call may be monitored or recorded, so I guardedly restrained the torrent of hot words that perched on the back of my tongue. Still, I let the employee know of my frustration and, to her credit, she handled it very well, voice never raising. You see, she was also being recorded!
How differently we would treat each other if every thought, word and deed were being recorded. According to the above verse, this is quite true! Everyone would rather be remembered for that one random act of kindness when they helped an old man with a heavy object. We would rather forget about the nine other times when road rage snarled our lips and steam came out our ears.
Thank the Lord that Jesus died for our sins, nailing all our nastiness to the cross! Now, in the knowledge of the price that was paid and with the divine help of the Holy Spirit, may I keep from sinning and live a God-pleasing life.
"Beware of the sin of looking down on those for whom Christ died. After all, He plunged into the sewage of a sinful world to save the likes of you and me. We, in turn, can share his grace with those who need it most." - Dr David Jeremiah
Jeremiah 17:10
My patience was under fire when I had to call a large company and proceed through a mind-boggling maze of robotic questions. After ten minutes of pressing this and that, being volleyed about like a ping pong ball, I finally got through to a real person. The robot had told me that my call may be monitored or recorded, so I guardedly restrained the torrent of hot words that perched on the back of my tongue. Still, I let the employee know of my frustration and, to her credit, she handled it very well, voice never raising. You see, she was also being recorded!
How differently we would treat each other if every thought, word and deed were being recorded. According to the above verse, this is quite true! Everyone would rather be remembered for that one random act of kindness when they helped an old man with a heavy object. We would rather forget about the nine other times when road rage snarled our lips and steam came out our ears.
Thank the Lord that Jesus died for our sins, nailing all our nastiness to the cross! Now, in the knowledge of the price that was paid and with the divine help of the Holy Spirit, may I keep from sinning and live a God-pleasing life.
"Beware of the sin of looking down on those for whom Christ died. After all, He plunged into the sewage of a sinful world to save the likes of you and me. We, in turn, can share his grace with those who need it most." - Dr David Jeremiah
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