Well, I am one slow learner. Seriously, there are days when I wonder why on earth the Lord puts up with me. But praise God, He looks at me and sees not my rags of selfishness and impatience but Jesus' robes of righteousness. "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for He has clothed me the garments of salvation; He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress." (Isa.61:10) I didn't earn those robes. Couldn't buy them for all the money in the world. They are a free gift from the One who saved me and redeemed my life from the pit. So thank You Jesus!
So what am I talking about? Well, it's my tendency to be selfish with my time. Yesterday I desperately needed to be working on a lecture for Bible study. But, of course, our youngest is home from school this week for winter break even though the other children are in school. So just as I sat down to get to work, he came into the kitchen and asked me if I could make waffles. Sigh. I'd already fed everyone else (including Moses), cleaned up the kitchen, started a load of laundry, straightened up the house a bit, and, whew, finally now it was my time to get to work on that lecture.
Until a request from an 11 year old for waffles. And we're not talking, "Eggo" here. O noooo, we're talking homemade--complete with hauling out the waffle iron and making the waffle batter. And I'm no Martha Stewart. To put it mildly.
So here was my first reaction--Are you kidding? I've got way too much to do! What a mess! No telling how long this will all take.... blah blah blah.
Now mind you, I wasn't saying this out loud--just thinking it. But that doesn't make a lick of difference to the Lord, since He knows my every thought and motivation.
So I started to explain to my son why I didn't have time, and how about a nice bowl of fruity cheerios, when the Lord, in His grace, stopped me. Seriously, I don't know any other way to say it except that He just suddenly stopped me. Before the words could leave my mouth telling my son no, it was almost as if the Lord spoke audibly.
And here is what I heard. "You will not have a little boy forever.... And you will not have the opportunity to make him waffles forever. Do it now. Stop waiting for the 'perfect time.' Love now. Enjoy the ones you love now. Today. And trust Me with taking care of all I've called you to do."
Maybe no one else needed to hear that reminder, but I sure did. It's so easy to slip into putting your lists ahead of love. And seeking to get things done before showering grace upon the irreplaceable people God has placed in our lives for just a short while.
There will always be laundry. There will not always be little boys wanting waffles. And there will always be chores to be completed... but there will not always be little moments of life to be savored and enjoyed and cherished.
So today, yes, the house is a wreck. Mountains of laundry have piled up from the past few days and who knows what else needs to be done. But yesterday, we made time for waffles. And a special lunch out with my sister and my son. And chatting at the kitchen table later on.
And life on the planet did not end. And the lecture somehow got finished. And God reminded me once again, that if I'm not loving Him and loving the people He's placed in my life, well, then, I'm just completely missing it. Missing life. And missing so much joy.
And guess what? Right at this moment, the house is impossibly quiet (at least for a millisecond or two) so I plan to attack this messy house with a vengeance. Watch out laundry and dirt and mess, here I come!
But I'll be remembering waffles. And laughter at lunch. And God's extraordinary grace in refusing to leave us in the muck of our sin and selfishness. "O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be!"
Thank You, Lord, for waffles... and for boys and girls and the messes they make!... and for second and third chances. With You, Lord, it's never too late. To God be the glory.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Sunday, February 24, 2013
The gift of a fire
On a cold, rainy February day, Moses sits by the fire, contemplating life, love... and his next meal. Life is good.
C.S.Lewis wrote: "Is any pleasure on earth as great as a circle of Christian friends by a good fire?"
I think not. Especially if you add a sweet old dog into the mix as well.
Thank You Lord for the incalculable gift of friendship. And warm fires, old dogs, hot tea, fellowship around a good meal, and a good book to read on blustery, rainy winter days. Thank You that Your gifts just keep on coming.
Forgive us when we grow immune to your astounding generosity because You are so relentlessly good and unsparing in your daily common gift-giving. A painted pink sunrise, a hug, a shrill song of the hawk, a soothing sound of falling rain, a warm bed, a hot shower, a laugh, a glimpse of the majestic blue heron, a sense of coming home as we hold Your Word in our laps. Thank You, Father. Give us eyes to see and hearts to rejoice. To God be the glory.
Friday, February 22, 2013
From slogging to soaring
To be such a short month, February sure is a long month. Always has been. The change of seasons is a glorious gift from God. Who doesn't love the smell of spring or the hot beauty of the summer sun or the refreshing crispness of fall? Autumn leaves--wow, what a Creator! And winter... winter's good, too. Loved the snow last weekend. When you really think about it, snowflakes are one of those God-gifts that blow you away when you truly examine them. Such delicate, unique little packages of white glory floating down from our Father. Yes, thank You, Lord, for Your relentless and ever changing gifts. Just about the time you start to grow immune to spring's glory, along comes summer. And when you feel you just can't sweat through one more searing day, well, here comes the first brisk fall day.
But February... sometimes this just seems like a slogging month. As in slog on through it, day after day, after day. The excitement of December is past. January's fresh new start and cold days now forgotten. Even Valentine's Day--always a great excuse for chocolate--history.
And now, as always, it's slogging time. Another "wintry mix" today. ugh. I'm really starting to dislike that combination of words. "Wintry" is okay. Makes me think of sleigh bells and hot chocolate by the fire. I'm good with "mix" too--as in mix up the ingredients to make a cake or "let's add something new to the mix." Fine words, both of them.
But, Lord have mercy, put them together... and you get school delays and closings, traffic snarls, long lines at the grocery store, messy laundry rooms, and slips and falls on the icy pavement. Sigh. And it always seems like February is the longest short month in the year for the dreaded "wintry mix" and just generally slogging through 28 more days of a winter you're ready to leave behind.
I think Shakespeare was referring to February when he wrote "Now is the winter of our discontent." No doubt about it.
So Lord, the time has come to pick ourselves up by the bootstraps and come to You by faith rather than wallow in our feelings. Boy, it's so easy just to give in to our emotions rather than walking by faith in our forever faithful Father. And why on earth would we choose to do that? Why do we choose to slog along by ourselves when He wants us to soar in Him?
I just read this morning: "Many sorrows shall be to the wicked, but he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!" (Ps.32:10-11) It's a choice--to be glad in Him, for in Christ there is always abundant grounds for rejoicing and shouting for joy.
And I also read this morning the ever-faithful "do not be anxious for anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil.4:6-7)
Thank You, Father, even for February and wintry mixes. Thank You that You are in control of ALL things, and You tell us to be anxious about NO things but to come to You with thanksgiving and prayer for ALL things. I can't see much room for equivocating in those words! Definitely no room for my grumbling and slogging and fretting. Nope, time to leave slogging behind and start soaring in Him.
So February... bring in on! My Father's in control of every one of your days, February, and since He's the Author even of wintry mixes, they are a gift from Him. Sometimes I can't see it... but that's why He's given us eyes of faith. Because with God, every day is a new opportunity to rejoice in Him as we walk through this adventure of life. To God be the glory.
But February... sometimes this just seems like a slogging month. As in slog on through it, day after day, after day. The excitement of December is past. January's fresh new start and cold days now forgotten. Even Valentine's Day--always a great excuse for chocolate--history.
And now, as always, it's slogging time. Another "wintry mix" today. ugh. I'm really starting to dislike that combination of words. "Wintry" is okay. Makes me think of sleigh bells and hot chocolate by the fire. I'm good with "mix" too--as in mix up the ingredients to make a cake or "let's add something new to the mix." Fine words, both of them.
But, Lord have mercy, put them together... and you get school delays and closings, traffic snarls, long lines at the grocery store, messy laundry rooms, and slips and falls on the icy pavement. Sigh. And it always seems like February is the longest short month in the year for the dreaded "wintry mix" and just generally slogging through 28 more days of a winter you're ready to leave behind.
I think Shakespeare was referring to February when he wrote "Now is the winter of our discontent." No doubt about it.
So Lord, the time has come to pick ourselves up by the bootstraps and come to You by faith rather than wallow in our feelings. Boy, it's so easy just to give in to our emotions rather than walking by faith in our forever faithful Father. And why on earth would we choose to do that? Why do we choose to slog along by ourselves when He wants us to soar in Him?
I just read this morning: "Many sorrows shall be to the wicked, but he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!" (Ps.32:10-11) It's a choice--to be glad in Him, for in Christ there is always abundant grounds for rejoicing and shouting for joy.
And I also read this morning the ever-faithful "do not be anxious for anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Phil.4:6-7)
Thank You, Father, even for February and wintry mixes. Thank You that You are in control of ALL things, and You tell us to be anxious about NO things but to come to You with thanksgiving and prayer for ALL things. I can't see much room for equivocating in those words! Definitely no room for my grumbling and slogging and fretting. Nope, time to leave slogging behind and start soaring in Him.
So February... bring in on! My Father's in control of every one of your days, February, and since He's the Author even of wintry mixes, they are a gift from Him. Sometimes I can't see it... but that's why He's given us eyes of faith. Because with God, every day is a new opportunity to rejoice in Him as we walk through this adventure of life. To God be the glory.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
My feet too
We’ve been studying John 13 in Bible study this past week where Jesus and the disciples gathered for one last supper, one last meal before His crucifixion. Jesus has less than 24 hours left to live. The disciples don’t realize this, of course, but Jesus does, and He chooses to spend these last precious hours with His beloved disciples, fellowshipping around a table... and, incredibly, washing their filthy feet. This was a necessary job in their day as their sandal-shod feet got dirty as they walked about all day on dusty roads. But this was a job reserved for the most menial of servants. And yet the King of Glory, got down on His knees, took up a towel, and washed and served others hours before He knew He was about to tortured and killed. Incredible. What act of service and love could ever possibly be beneath any of us if this is what the Sovereign Lord would do?
But, I thought I might share a few things that we talked about yesterday in Bible study, for they have certainly been on my heart and mind. So if you were at Bible study yesterday, my apologies for repeating myself!
Can we all for just a moment imagine we are gathered around that table--that table of fellowship at the Last Supper? Seriously, really try to picture JC there, His outer garment hung on a nearby chair, a long towel about His waist. He’s washed the other dis’s feet, and now He slides over on His knees to you and looks up with an ever so slight smile, an inviting, loving smile.
But you look down at your filthy feet. Caked with the dirt of those harsh words you spoke to your child this morning. Toenails encrusted with the mud of that little “white” lie you told. The grime and muck of your pride in trying to climb ahead of someone else by putting them down and puffing up yourself. Not only are your feet filthy looking, they smell horrible from all that greed and envy harbored in your heart.
“Not my feet, Lord,” you say. “Maybe let me clean them up a bit. Let me wash them off with a few good deeds or a few achievements and accolades.”
Or perhaps you think your feet are just too far gone. No way--not even JC could clean up this long-encrusted filth.
Or maybe you’re tempted to just stand up and walk away. “I don’t have time for this,” you mutter. “I’ve got too much to do, and I’ll just cover up my feet in these shoes of busyness and achievement and striving.”
Or maybe you look around and figure, “Well, my feet look a whale of a lot better than Ashlie’s or Liz’s, so I’m good. Jesus, why don’t You go work on her filthy feet rather than mine!”
All the while, JC kneels in front of u, waiting, longing to gently and lovingly wash, dry, and restore your feet and your heart. Because you see, the Kingdom of God is not just about serving and giving--it’s also about receiving... and before we can go out and serve God, we must always first receive from God. We have to receive His salvation first and foremost. But then we daily have to receive His cleansing, receive His Word, receive His grace, receive His love, receive His power. We can’t do this on our own. If we try to go out there and serve and love in our own strength, we’ll just burn out. We always first have to receive from Him and then we can serve.
So Jesus is kneeling before you. Waiting. Will you turn away from the kneeling Sovereign and go your own way into the darkness? Like Judas--who chose to leave the warmth and light of fellowship with the other disciples and chose to leave forever the Light of the World when he abruptly left the supper that night to betray the Lord?
Will you say, “Nope. Too busy today, Lord,” and head out on your own, figuring you can handle this all by yourself today?
Or will you receive His grace and His love? Will you say, “Yes, Lord” and enjoy the cleansing and freedom from sin and shame that only He can give. If you’ve never said “Yes” to Him and asked Him to cleanse you from sin and be your Savior, might today be the day! Might the sight of the kneeling Sovereign Savior break your heart and cause you to say, “Yes, Lord.”
And if He is our Savior, might we continually say yes to Him by daily coming for cleansing of that day’s dirt of our harsh tongue or impatience or jealousy or selfishness. Daily coming to Him for strength, wisdom, grace, and love for that day’s needs.
And when we are cleansed, fortified, and filled by Him, might we choose to serve as He served and love as He loved. The world says we are blessed if we get ahead or our children succeed or we have a perfect body or we enjoy unlimited finances. But that’s not the path to happiness--never has been, never will be. If we need proof of that, just look around and witness the misery of so many folks who seem to have it all... like Hollywood, often a picture of restlessness and emptiness--so many possessions but so little peace. So much fame and so little joy.
Because joy comes not from having it all but from having all of Him--of the kneeling, sovereign Savior. Jesus says that the path to true happiness and blessedness consists not in stuff but in servanthood. And not in wildly doing whatever we feel like but in obeying and doing what we know is True. And finally, not in having others idolize us but in us loving others.
So today, might we receive Him, receive all of Him--His cleansing, His grace, His power, His love for this day’s needs and challenges, and then go out there and serve and love in the power of our kneeling Sovereign.
Yes, Lord... my feet too. Thank You, Jesus.
To God, the kneeling Sovereign Savior, be all the glory.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Down on Downton Abbey
Can I just say that I am in a slightly bad mood? Actually, I'm really quite upset... and it's all because of my addiction to the TV show on PBS--"Downton Abbey." I admit it, yes, I'm addicted to a TV show--pathetic--and I probably need to attend some sort of support group to help me get over this. I'm writing this today (monday) but not posting it until tomorrow just in case some of you who watch it are just not quite up to rehashing the whole sad, sordid tale. I know I'm not.
If you have never watched Downton Abbey, do not, I repeat, DO NOT start now. It will break your heart in a million different ways. This season has just been the worst in that department--killing people--good people--off right and left. Nope, don't start now... and anyway, the season just ended last night... and the season for this series only seems to last a day and a half. What's the deal with that? Maybe they figure we just can't handle the angst any longer.
Not to mention, the show airs at 9 on Sunday night and is usually over by 10. This is not optimum as you start your week off feeding your addiction. But then, what's this? They trick us the last two weeks and have it run for two hours--so you're just ruined the next day by staying up so late... and crying your eyes out to boot. And I thought I liked PBS.
So, just for the record, that new couple that brought in last night from Scotland should make everyone feel better about their marriages and relationships. Good night. They made that movie "War of the Roses" look like "Love Story." And the wife, Susan? Mercy, the rest of us moms look like Mother Teresa compared to her. I'm actually starting to feel a little bit better about myself.
And also, just for the record, why couldn't they kill off that new hussy maid, Edna? What's the deal with her? My blood pressure shot up every time she wormed her way into the room... with Branson, of course. Geez.
I purposefully stopped watching at 10:30, because I had heard rumors, unconfirmed of course, but still pretty reliable, that things were not going to end well. And, O brother, they didn't. I'm not even going there. Not even going to utter the words, but we all know what happened. And it was TERRIBLE. If you don't know, then, trust me, you don't want to know. Just assume everyone goes happily off into the sunset.
My oldest daughter, who is also addicted (but who is normally a very stable, well adjusted, wonderful person except for this horrible addiction) had already announced weeks ago that she would never watch the show again after this season, because she sensed what was coming. Yes, PBS, the TERRIBLE event which shall-not-be-named is costing you viewers next year! Maybe you better think about that next time before you break our hearts and ruin our week.
I may just join my daughter and boycott the show next year. That'll show 'em. Because we all know addictions are awful things. And TV is generally a huge waste of time. And I should be loving my family and getting things done rather than glued to a TV set for two hours. And weeping over imaginary TV characters is not generally a healthy thing.
So Downton Abbey--goodbye. I'm done forever watching and weeping. You've seen the last of me.
Nah.... wonder when the new season starts?
Lord, thanks for putting up with me and all my foolishness.
To God be the glory.
If you have never watched Downton Abbey, do not, I repeat, DO NOT start now. It will break your heart in a million different ways. This season has just been the worst in that department--killing people--good people--off right and left. Nope, don't start now... and anyway, the season just ended last night... and the season for this series only seems to last a day and a half. What's the deal with that? Maybe they figure we just can't handle the angst any longer.
Not to mention, the show airs at 9 on Sunday night and is usually over by 10. This is not optimum as you start your week off feeding your addiction. But then, what's this? They trick us the last two weeks and have it run for two hours--so you're just ruined the next day by staying up so late... and crying your eyes out to boot. And I thought I liked PBS.
So, just for the record, that new couple that brought in last night from Scotland should make everyone feel better about their marriages and relationships. Good night. They made that movie "War of the Roses" look like "Love Story." And the wife, Susan? Mercy, the rest of us moms look like Mother Teresa compared to her. I'm actually starting to feel a little bit better about myself.
And also, just for the record, why couldn't they kill off that new hussy maid, Edna? What's the deal with her? My blood pressure shot up every time she wormed her way into the room... with Branson, of course. Geez.
I purposefully stopped watching at 10:30, because I had heard rumors, unconfirmed of course, but still pretty reliable, that things were not going to end well. And, O brother, they didn't. I'm not even going there. Not even going to utter the words, but we all know what happened. And it was TERRIBLE. If you don't know, then, trust me, you don't want to know. Just assume everyone goes happily off into the sunset.
My oldest daughter, who is also addicted (but who is normally a very stable, well adjusted, wonderful person except for this horrible addiction) had already announced weeks ago that she would never watch the show again after this season, because she sensed what was coming. Yes, PBS, the TERRIBLE event which shall-not-be-named is costing you viewers next year! Maybe you better think about that next time before you break our hearts and ruin our week.
I may just join my daughter and boycott the show next year. That'll show 'em. Because we all know addictions are awful things. And TV is generally a huge waste of time. And I should be loving my family and getting things done rather than glued to a TV set for two hours. And weeping over imaginary TV characters is not generally a healthy thing.
So Downton Abbey--goodbye. I'm done forever watching and weeping. You've seen the last of me.
Nah.... wonder when the new season starts?
Lord, thanks for putting up with me and all my foolishness.
To God be the glory.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Moses' Three Desires
Yep, old Moses is all about the warmth of those rays and the comfort of close proximity with those he loves. Give him those two things, and he is one happy camper. Well, that and food. He is also all about food. But look at him--is that one contented, peaceful dog, or what?
You know, now that I think about it, give most of us those three things and we're mighty contented as well. Give us the Son--the warmth and joy of knowing God, spending time with Him daily in the Light of His love and grace. Give us fellowship with our family and friends--truly God's greatest earthly blessing. And give us food--both physical and spiritual. The food of God's Word to sustain and strengthen us, but also the physical food that allows us to survive and thrive and grow.
And is there anything more wonderful than sharing that food with the people you love--sharing His Word but also sitting around a table and eating and talking and laughing? Nope, I don't think so. Especially if it involves chocolate.... of any form... but especially cake.
Thank You Lord for all the gifts You bestow upon us each and everyday. Keep us daily seeking Your Son. Thank You for relentlessly pursuing us, Father--like that sun that pours in unbidden into our dining room day after day. But keep us faithful, like old Moses, to look for You, to seek out Your Son, and to live and walk in His Light. For it is only as we rest in Your love and the Light of Your Son, that we can truly love those You've put in our lives. O help us to love them as You love, Lord.
And finally, thank You for our daily bread. For Your Word to us in the Bible--hot, fresh, and savory every morning. But also for this day's physical bread and provision. Help us to stop worrying about tomorrow's, but rest in Your provision for today, for all our needs today... as we trust You who are forever faithful will meet tomorrow's as well. If Moses can do it, then so can we.
To our great God be all the glory.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
The snow
I couldn't help but think of the words to "All Creatures of our God and King:"
All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam
Thou silver moon with softer gleam!
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou rushing wind that art so strong
Ye clouds that sail in heaven along
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice
Ye lights of evening, find a voice!
O praise Him! O praise Him!
And all ye men of tender heart
Forgiving others, take your part
O sing ye! Alleluia!
Ye who long pain and sorrow bear
Praise God and on Him cast your care!
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thank You Lord for the beauty of the seasons. Thank You for the stillness and wonder of the falling snow. "The woods are lovely, dark, and deep. But I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep..." So, back to work... but filled with peaceful gratitude for our good and great Creator.
To God be the glory.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Evidence to convict?
We're studying John 13 this week in Bible study, and one of the verses that has particularly stood out to me--particularly in light of Valentine's Day today--is "By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35)
Boy, based upon this standard and the way we're loving others, would the world have sufficient evidence to convict us of being Christians? So often we miss the mark, don't we? When I get short-tempered with my children or irritated with my husband, or frustrated with another's weaknesses, how on earth will the world know what a good and great Savior I have... or profess to have. All the words in the world don't make up for how we love.
I remember hearing many years ago the simple phrase, "Love is action." Love isn't emotion. Love isn't a plethora of lovely sounding phrases. Love isn't feeling. No, love is action. But it's so easy to forget, isn't it? The words can flow off our tongues... but the world won't judge based upon the quantity of our words but upon the quality of our love. And frankly, we can tell someone we love them all day long, but until we demonstrate it, until we validate our words with our actions, well, it won't mean squat.
And here's a little sober food for thought from Francis Schaeffer on this probing verse. Schaeffer explains that when Jesus says this, He essentially "turns to the world and says, 'I've something to say to you. On the basis of My authority, I give you the right: You may judge whether or not an individual is a Christian on the basis of the love he shows to all Christians.' In other words, if people come up to us and cast in our teeth the judgment that we are not Christians because we have not shown love toward other Christians, we must understand that they are only exercising a prerogative that Jesus gave them. And we must not get angry. If people say, 'You don't love other Christians,' we must go home, get down on our knees, and ask God whether or not they are right. And if they are, then they have a right to have said what they said."
Whew. Wonder what I'm telling the world about my Savior and about the faith I profess based upon the way I've loved others today? The way I drive my car. The way I share with those in need. The way I talk to my family. The attitude with which I do my chores (resentment or gratitude).
If our love of others provides scant evidence of our faith, might this be the day we confess and repent and begin anew--to love, truly love, by the power of the Holy Spirit, those God has sovereignly placed in our lives and in our paths. Might there be plenty of evidence to convict us of being Christians by the way we love.
To God who is love, be all the glory.
Boy, based upon this standard and the way we're loving others, would the world have sufficient evidence to convict us of being Christians? So often we miss the mark, don't we? When I get short-tempered with my children or irritated with my husband, or frustrated with another's weaknesses, how on earth will the world know what a good and great Savior I have... or profess to have. All the words in the world don't make up for how we love.
I remember hearing many years ago the simple phrase, "Love is action." Love isn't emotion. Love isn't a plethora of lovely sounding phrases. Love isn't feeling. No, love is action. But it's so easy to forget, isn't it? The words can flow off our tongues... but the world won't judge based upon the quantity of our words but upon the quality of our love. And frankly, we can tell someone we love them all day long, but until we demonstrate it, until we validate our words with our actions, well, it won't mean squat.
And here's a little sober food for thought from Francis Schaeffer on this probing verse. Schaeffer explains that when Jesus says this, He essentially "turns to the world and says, 'I've something to say to you. On the basis of My authority, I give you the right: You may judge whether or not an individual is a Christian on the basis of the love he shows to all Christians.' In other words, if people come up to us and cast in our teeth the judgment that we are not Christians because we have not shown love toward other Christians, we must understand that they are only exercising a prerogative that Jesus gave them. And we must not get angry. If people say, 'You don't love other Christians,' we must go home, get down on our knees, and ask God whether or not they are right. And if they are, then they have a right to have said what they said."
Whew. Wonder what I'm telling the world about my Savior and about the faith I profess based upon the way I've loved others today? The way I drive my car. The way I share with those in need. The way I talk to my family. The attitude with which I do my chores (resentment or gratitude).
If our love of others provides scant evidence of our faith, might this be the day we confess and repent and begin anew--to love, truly love, by the power of the Holy Spirit, those God has sovereignly placed in our lives and in our paths. Might there be plenty of evidence to convict us of being Christians by the way we love.
To God who is love, be all the glory.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
For Lent--Just come
I know this is not true, but still, in many ways, it's a reminder of our, of my utter weakness and frailty and consistently sin-prone selfishness. I want what I want far too often... and not what Jesus wants. Even though He offers us Life and love and joy and peace, we tend far too often to choose those pale, poor substitutes that we think will bring us joy... but never, never ultimately do. Forgive us Father. Forgive me, Your weak and wandering child.
And thank You that knowing all that, knowing all the times we would fail and falter and refuse Your will, Your way... reject You, You came and loved and died and rose again. For us. How can we get over the wonder of that? You came for such as us.
And today, You beckon us still... even in the dirt and debris of our pride and selfishness, to come, come to You and unburden those sins that strangle us and separate us from You and from abundant, joyous, full and free Eternal Life.
"Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Mt.11:28-30)
Yes, the Savior beckons me, beckons you--Come all who labor under impossible self-imposed standards and relentless work loads. Come all who feel laden by deep sorrows and sins and struggles that seem to never end. Just come. Come. Come and learn. Come and laugh again. Come and love. Come and be restored and renewed and revived once more by the One who came that we might come.
And so today, might we pray big--knowing we can never do any of this on our own, can we? Or at least I can't. I can't make it till this afternoon with my brash Lenten vows. I can't be the wife and mother and friend God has called me to be. I can't love as I should and want to love. I can't find the energy and motivation to do what I should be doing rather than what I oftentimes just feel like doing.
But He can. And He simply says "Come to Me." And so we come. And we pray. We pray big, bold prayers for those we love... and for those we may not know, but He does. Because we serve a BIG, all powerful God. And we trust that He is moving and working in their lives, and all the while making us into the men and women He's called us to be.
Because He is. We just need to keep on coming to the One who came to us. To God be the glory.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
A Song
A little food for weekend thought:
"The most absurd and the most rash hopes have sometimes been the cause of extraordinary success." Luc De Clapiers, 18th-century French writer
Or as Winston Churchill famously declared in the midst of the darkest, most desperate moments of World War II, "Never, never, in nothing great or small, large of petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy... Never, never, never give up."
Don't know what enemy you might be facing today, but I want to remind you--"For nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:37) And He is still the God of miracles--great and small. And the God who enters with us into our struggles and our heartbreaks, who cries with us, loves us, but then enables us to scale heights and move mountains we never imagined possible in our wildest dreams.
He is using those dark, unyielding places in our lives in ways we do not know and cannot see... all, absolutely all, in seemingly impossible ways for our ultimate good and His greater glory.
And when we cannot see that... we choose to see with eyes of faith while we wait and trust. Because believing is seeing. As Jesus said to Martha just before He raised Lazarus, dead four long days, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
This past friday and saturday, Broughton High School had their Queen of Hearts assembly and dance. I well remember a little over five months ago thinking of all Janie would miss in the year ahead, and one of the things my husband and I said, in one of our darker moments, was "And she'll miss her senior year... and Queen of Hearts... and so, so much."... But so many prayed.
O ye of little faith.
And all the while, God was preparing to roll away stones. Believe and you will see.
And when Janie, praise God, woke up, her voice was shot from having that tube down her throat for all those weeks. She was so hoarse for months. We wondered, would she sing again?... But so many prayed.
O ye of little faith. Believe and you will see.
And God healed her voice and gave her back the gift of music. But then we discovered she had the flu this week. And that was a low point. Yet another setback, and now surely she would not be able to sing and might miss Queen of Hearts after all... But so many prayed.
O ye of little faith. Believe and you will see.
"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be the glory... forever and ever. Amen." (Eph.3:20-21)
Thank You for giving us a song to sing, Jesus, even in the darkness. Might we sing it to Your glory and by Your grace... for even when we cannot see, we choose to believe.
To God, and God alone, be the glory.
"The most absurd and the most rash hopes have sometimes been the cause of extraordinary success." Luc De Clapiers, 18th-century French writer
Or as Winston Churchill famously declared in the midst of the darkest, most desperate moments of World War II, "Never, never, in nothing great or small, large of petty, never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy... Never, never, never give up."
Don't know what enemy you might be facing today, but I want to remind you--"For nothing is impossible with God." (Luke 1:37) And He is still the God of miracles--great and small. And the God who enters with us into our struggles and our heartbreaks, who cries with us, loves us, but then enables us to scale heights and move mountains we never imagined possible in our wildest dreams.
He is using those dark, unyielding places in our lives in ways we do not know and cannot see... all, absolutely all, in seemingly impossible ways for our ultimate good and His greater glory.
And when we cannot see that... we choose to see with eyes of faith while we wait and trust. Because believing is seeing. As Jesus said to Martha just before He raised Lazarus, dead four long days, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?"
This past friday and saturday, Broughton High School had their Queen of Hearts assembly and dance. I well remember a little over five months ago thinking of all Janie would miss in the year ahead, and one of the things my husband and I said, in one of our darker moments, was "And she'll miss her senior year... and Queen of Hearts... and so, so much."... But so many prayed.
O ye of little faith.
And all the while, God was preparing to roll away stones. Believe and you will see.
And when Janie, praise God, woke up, her voice was shot from having that tube down her throat for all those weeks. She was so hoarse for months. We wondered, would she sing again?... But so many prayed.
O ye of little faith. Believe and you will see.
And God healed her voice and gave her back the gift of music. But then we discovered she had the flu this week. And that was a low point. Yet another setback, and now surely she would not be able to sing and might miss Queen of Hearts after all... But so many prayed.
O ye of little faith. Believe and you will see.
"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be the glory... forever and ever. Amen." (Eph.3:20-21)
Thank You for giving us a song to sing, Jesus, even in the darkness. Might we sing it to Your glory and by Your grace... for even when we cannot see, we choose to believe.
To God, and God alone, be the glory.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Dave and Dave
Just in case you needed an excuse to smile today:
This fellow just appeared in our neighbor's yard the other night. And what can I say? How on earth can you possibly walk or drive past that everyday without grinning? I'm not sure if he has a name--but let's just call him Dave. I'll tell you why in a minute.
Did you notice that Dave is covered from the tip of his horns to the bottom of his hooves with hearts? Well, Dave is obviously wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day and reminding us all that this life is ALL about love--start to finish--the love of our Savior and the love He calls us to have for one another.
Gee... and you thought cows were dumb.
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35. Can I just add a totally unrelated editorial comment? This book of John is just loaded with great stuff like this!) Old Dave here is making it pretty clear he loves, really loves ... what about us?
Yesterday, I ran out to Crabtree Mall with a list of errands. Let me tell you, I was one woman on a mission--get it all done and get out of there and on to the next item on my lengthy to-do list.
First stop, the tailor's to get several items altered. No line--praise God! And the ladies there are always so nice. I get all my stuff together (okay, I've never ever "gotten all my stuff together" so this is a relative term) and head out to the counter to write down name and phone number, etc. I just happen to look over at the only other person in the shop who's just come out of the dressing room and realize, O my stars, that's Dave O!
Maybe you don't know Dave (the non-cow Dave, that is). If not, trust me, you're missing out on a burst of energetic joy! Dave is a pastor, and a dear friend and mentor of Webb Simpson (if you don't know who he is, well, then, I just don't know what to tell you. Clearly you need to get out more... or talk to my boys).
To hear Dave preach or just to talk to him is to love him. You've never seen so much compressed energy, so much joyful love for the Lord. Jesus just splashes and spills out of him.
I love people like that. Our pastor, Leon Tucker, is the same way. And so many others--all in different ways, of course, because God made us all so uniquely different. Some are quieter, more thoughtful. Some large and loud. Some just overflowing with gentle love and compassion (fill in my sisters right here!). Some supernaturally wise.
And some, like Dave--both Daves--just throwing out flashes of God's joy wherever they are. When Dave saw me, we had a little praise party right there in Lee's Tailors. Seriously, we talked about all God had done through the girls accident, about his kids, about having a middle schooler (mercy and grace, Lord), and Dave was praising God and smiling and spilling out love and joy all over those bemused, very nice ladies in the shop.
I sure wish I could've heard what those ladies talked about when we were gone. But I can tell you one thing--they saw for certain what a Christ-follower should always be: overflowing with love and joy and gratitude.
Like both the Daves, we can and should be the fragrant, refreshing aroma of Christ in a sometimes smelly world.
"For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." (2Cor.2:15)
O Lord Jesus, help me to smell like You! And like Dave. Both of em. To God be the glory.
Did you notice that Dave is covered from the tip of his horns to the bottom of his hooves with hearts? Well, Dave is obviously wishing everyone a Happy Valentine's Day and reminding us all that this life is ALL about love--start to finish--the love of our Savior and the love He calls us to have for one another.
Gee... and you thought cows were dumb.
"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35. Can I just add a totally unrelated editorial comment? This book of John is just loaded with great stuff like this!) Old Dave here is making it pretty clear he loves, really loves ... what about us?
Yesterday, I ran out to Crabtree Mall with a list of errands. Let me tell you, I was one woman on a mission--get it all done and get out of there and on to the next item on my lengthy to-do list.
First stop, the tailor's to get several items altered. No line--praise God! And the ladies there are always so nice. I get all my stuff together (okay, I've never ever "gotten all my stuff together" so this is a relative term) and head out to the counter to write down name and phone number, etc. I just happen to look over at the only other person in the shop who's just come out of the dressing room and realize, O my stars, that's Dave O!
Maybe you don't know Dave (the non-cow Dave, that is). If not, trust me, you're missing out on a burst of energetic joy! Dave is a pastor, and a dear friend and mentor of Webb Simpson (if you don't know who he is, well, then, I just don't know what to tell you. Clearly you need to get out more... or talk to my boys).
To hear Dave preach or just to talk to him is to love him. You've never seen so much compressed energy, so much joyful love for the Lord. Jesus just splashes and spills out of him.
I love people like that. Our pastor, Leon Tucker, is the same way. And so many others--all in different ways, of course, because God made us all so uniquely different. Some are quieter, more thoughtful. Some large and loud. Some just overflowing with gentle love and compassion (fill in my sisters right here!). Some supernaturally wise.
And some, like Dave--both Daves--just throwing out flashes of God's joy wherever they are. When Dave saw me, we had a little praise party right there in Lee's Tailors. Seriously, we talked about all God had done through the girls accident, about his kids, about having a middle schooler (mercy and grace, Lord), and Dave was praising God and smiling and spilling out love and joy all over those bemused, very nice ladies in the shop.
I sure wish I could've heard what those ladies talked about when we were gone. But I can tell you one thing--they saw for certain what a Christ-follower should always be: overflowing with love and joy and gratitude.
Like both the Daves, we can and should be the fragrant, refreshing aroma of Christ in a sometimes smelly world.
"For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." (2Cor.2:15)
O Lord Jesus, help me to smell like You! And like Dave. Both of em. To God be the glory.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Two Stories
Hope you don't mind, but I'm casting my mind back one more time this morning, since it's related to something I shared at Bible study the other day. It's a reminder of something John Piper once said that I've never forgotten: "In any given situation, in every circumstance, God is doing a thousand different things that you do not see and do not know."
We're casting our minds back to the day our little group of "January Babies" arrived in the Abacos. It was late in the afternoon and just before it got dark, we enjoyed a quick glimpse off the back deck of the house that seemed to be suspended over the bluest, most beautiful ocean you’ve ever seen. The view took your breath away.
We're casting our minds back to the day our little group of "January Babies" arrived in the Abacos. It was late in the afternoon and just before it got dark, we enjoyed a quick glimpse off the back deck of the house that seemed to be suspended over the bluest, most beautiful ocean you’ve ever seen. The view took your breath away.
Well, very early the next morning, I awoke and crept downstairs in the predawn darkness, and guess what? I could see absolutely no evidence of that astounding beauty. The room was dark, outside was pitch black, and for all I knew, there was just a black ugly void outside those windows. I could have been anywhere in the world for all I could see that dark morning. I could have been in Raleigh or Apex.... or Newark, NJ (which, in case you’ve ever been there, is not a particularly beautiful place).
Yet just outside that window was unimaginable beauty and peace and serenity and crystal clear evidence of our Creator and His glorious creation. It was all right there--just hidden from my objective view. And I could have begun to doubt--maybe this was all a dream. Maybe it's not really there at all. Maybe I really am just here all alone...in Raleigh...or in Newark.
But you see, I had to remember: there was two stories going on: the story of what I could see--nothing but darkness--and at the same time the story of what I couldn’t see--unimaginable beauty that was right outside the window, temporarily hidden by the darkness.
But you see, I had to remember: there was two stories going on: the story of what I could see--nothing but darkness--and at the same time the story of what I couldn’t see--unimaginable beauty that was right outside the window, temporarily hidden by the darkness.
How often is that true in our own lives? We start to doubt in the darkness what we learned in the light.
But in our lives, there are always so many things going on that "we cannot see and do not know," for there are always at least two stories going on. Our story that we can see and taste and touch... but then also God’s story--a deeper, greater, but largely invisible story.
But in our lives, there are always so many things going on that "we cannot see and do not know," for there are always at least two stories going on. Our story that we can see and taste and touch... but then also God’s story--a deeper, greater, but largely invisible story.
Our story is temporal; His eternal. Our story is sometimes confusing and chaotic; His is always clear and perfect. Our story can be sorrowful and sin-scared; His is forever a story of redemption and rebirth and renewal. Our story can sometimes be ugly; His always beautiful. Our stories every now and then can appear hopeless and desperate; His always brimming with hope and glory. And our stories can end in death; but His always end in resurrection.
And He's always transforming our imperfect stories into His perfect story.
So today, if you start to doubt God's love or wonder about His plan, remember... there are two stories going on, and the Master Author is working and moving and crafting His beautiful story and weaving it all into your story. And one day we'll all be able to see how He redeemed and used our little stories for our greater good and His greater glory. Because He's just always up to something... and it's always good and glorious. To God be the glory.
And He's always transforming our imperfect stories into His perfect story.
So today, if you start to doubt God's love or wonder about His plan, remember... there are two stories going on, and the Master Author is working and moving and crafting His beautiful story and weaving it all into your story. And one day we'll all be able to see how He redeemed and used our little stories for our greater good and His greater glory. Because He's just always up to something... and it's always good and glorious. To God be the glory.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Casting our minds
In the midst of winter, we have thoughts of spring. When struggling with sorrow, we recall all the sweet consolations Christ has given us in Himself and in those beloved people in our lives. When tempted to succumb to envy or discontentment with our lot, we can start to simply count our blessings. "Keep calm and count on." And when we need a bit of light in our lives, we remember the laughter, the beauty, and the joys of fellowship and friendship.
Sometimes it just helps to take a little trip in our minds, and start casting about for all that God has done for us and in us, doesn't it? It won't take long before you feel that gratitude welling up and the joy spilling over.
So right now, I'm just casting my mind for a moment upon the white sands and blue waters of the Bahamas. And thinking: what a world our Lord has fashioned for those He loves!
And what a God that He would give us the gift of friendship to enjoy that world. You know, it always greatly enhances the joy and wonder in seeing something beautiful if you can turn to someone else and say, "O my, would you look at that?! Can you believe that?!" It's like eating a delicious meal with your eyes--that food always tastes great, (especially chocolate cake) but add some dear family and friends to the mix, and even the simplest repast becomes a joyous feast!
So today, might we all do some casting with our minds--first to our great God and then to His gracious gifts in our lives. Let's stop casting our minds upon we think we lack and start casting to all God has left to us in His grace and goodness. And while we're at it, let's cast our minds upon all the things we are thankful for in the people we love rather than the few things about them that irritate us!
We'll give ingratitude and grumpiness the boot if we'll just recast our minds.
For with the Lord, we'll always find a continual feast. To God be the glory.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Flu
"It comes the very moment you wake up each morning. All your wishes and hopes for the day rush at you like wild animals. And the first job each morning consists simply in shoving them all back; in listening to that other voice, taking that other point of view, letting that other larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in. And so on, all day. Standing back from all your normal fussings and frettings; coming in out of the wind." C.S.Lewis
Yes, and we need to continue to do this as Lewis says, "and so on, all day." It's not just a daily battle; it's an hourly battle. To keep pushing out our "fussings and frettings" and keep breathing deep into Him and allow His "larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in."
I just needed that reminder. It's been an incredibly busy day, and here it is 10 p.m., and I'm finally sitting down for a quick moment to take a deep breath. It's been a roller coaster day--wonderful Bible study, followed by taking Janie to the doctor and discovering she has the flu. Mercy. Bless her heart, she wanted to cry--just one more thing. One more challenge. And not that these things ever come at a good time, but this is definitely not a good time for her.
And then the Lord just silently, gently breathed His life into me. One moment I felt overwhelmed that we had to deal with something else, and the next, He just replaced it with His peace and a deep sense that this too was part of His plan. If He's in control of all things--and He is--then this thing, too, is from Him. And He will somehow use it--for our good and His glory.
And one more blessing from the accident and our month in the hospital--perspective. This is, after all, most definitely not the end of the world! Just a little setback, and Lord willing, a very short one, we pray.
God is always up to something, isn't He? Sometimes we just have to wait and see ... and in the meantime, we'll keep trusting and praying and waiting and watching.
And praising Him for Tamiflu! He is, after all, the author of all good gifts.
To God be the glory.
Yes, and we need to continue to do this as Lewis says, "and so on, all day." It's not just a daily battle; it's an hourly battle. To keep pushing out our "fussings and frettings" and keep breathing deep into Him and allow His "larger, stronger, quieter life come flowing in."
I just needed that reminder. It's been an incredibly busy day, and here it is 10 p.m., and I'm finally sitting down for a quick moment to take a deep breath. It's been a roller coaster day--wonderful Bible study, followed by taking Janie to the doctor and discovering she has the flu. Mercy. Bless her heart, she wanted to cry--just one more thing. One more challenge. And not that these things ever come at a good time, but this is definitely not a good time for her.
And then the Lord just silently, gently breathed His life into me. One moment I felt overwhelmed that we had to deal with something else, and the next, He just replaced it with His peace and a deep sense that this too was part of His plan. If He's in control of all things--and He is--then this thing, too, is from Him. And He will somehow use it--for our good and His glory.
And one more blessing from the accident and our month in the hospital--perspective. This is, after all, most definitely not the end of the world! Just a little setback, and Lord willing, a very short one, we pray.
God is always up to something, isn't He? Sometimes we just have to wait and see ... and in the meantime, we'll keep trusting and praying and waiting and watching.
And praising Him for Tamiflu! He is, after all, the author of all good gifts.
To God be the glory.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
His Bread
Food for weekend thought:
Woke up early this morning with a sigh, as I have much work to do on a Bible study lecture. And multiple loads of laundry... not to mention a plethora of other chores associated with life. Well, let's just say I felt a bit burdened and just didn't really want to get going. Instead of getting to work doing what God had called me to do, I tinkered around the kitchen, doing this and that, wasting time really but still feeling that vague sense of uneasiness with all I had to do.
Finally, I prayed. And the air began to clear. My spirit began to lift. And then I opened my Daily Light and read: "'Be strong... and work; for I am with you,' says the Lord of hosts." (Hag.2:4)
"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing." (Amen! John 15:5)
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (gotta always love that one! Phil 4:13)
"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." (Eph.6:10)
"Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are fearful-hearted, 'Be strong, do not fear!'" (Isa.35:3-4)
"Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (I Cor.15:57)
Yes, I've read all these verses before, but the Lord knew that I needed them this very morning, at this very moment. And so I pray that they might encourage someone else's heart this day as well. For He gives these promises for each of us to grab with eager hands and eat with hungry hearts so that our bodies and spirits might be strengthened and sustained for the work ahead.
Might we make the choice this day to go in His might because we have first gone to His Word. The Bread of Life will never ever fail to fill and fortify us.
To God be the glory.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Reading Glasses
It's early morning, and I am thankful for reading glasses. Later in the day, when I have time to put it in, I'll be thankful for a reading contact lens. Okay, maybe it seems like a small thing, but believe me, it's not! So, Lord, You are the Giver of all good gifts, and we are to be thankful in all things, so thankYou, Father, for these gifts that allow me to read.
Because, you see, I'm getting older, and my eyes, well, let's just say they are aging semi-gracefully along with the rest of me. Until just a few years ago, I laughed at my older brothers and sisters who seemed to have reading glasses on their heads, in their pockets, in their cars, and in every room of their houses--man, you've never seen so many reading glasses. If there was ever a world-wide shortage, we'd know who to blame--my dear siblings.
O yes, but pride goeth before the fall. Because one seemingly ordinary day, I noticed that the print in the phone book had suddenly grown mysteriously smaller. Gosh, this is irritating, I thought. Why have they reduced the typeset on phone books? Save money, I suppose.
Yeah, right. I guess that's what happened with the newspaper, with all the books I was reading, and even with email--within a few weeks, all that misplaced pride had vanished as I realized I had joined the ranks of the reading glasses-in-every-corner-of-every-room gang. Yep, that's me. Can't read a menu or a text or a little sign at the grocery store without my ubiquitous reading glasses.
But here's the thing: what a gift these glasses are because when I put them on, the unintelligible instantly becomes intelligible! All those indecipherable tiny dots and dashes almost magically turn into words to inform or warn or comfort or encourage or instruct me. I can read God's Word and be sustained and strengthened when I put on my reading glasses. O thank You Lord for the person who invented reading glasses!
I've been thinking about this, though, for how often in life we need that perspective that would make sense of the confusing or bewildering or heartbreaking things in our lives or the lives of those we love. That being said, life is often wonderful, and I thank the Lord for the gift and adventure of every single day to walk on this planet. Might we rejoice in His gifts of the ordinary in every twenty-four never-to-repeated hours. How I love this life and this world and this privilege of being here with the people I cherish.
But even with the extraordinary beauty and wonder of life, there is still so much sorrow. So much uncertainty. So much we simply cannot understand this side of heaven. Sometimes we ask, where is God in all of this? Why doesn't He come through? Why is He allowing this?
And, of course, there are no easy answers. But when we put on the reading glasses of faith, the unintelligible begins to become intelligible, for we see a Sovereign God at work, even in the darkest places of despair or defeat or disaster. We see by faith a God who is always working, always moving, always active even when on the face of things, it may not initially appear that way.
If we ever doubt that, all we need to do is look to the cross. All appearances shouted "Disaster! Defeat!" And underneath all that sorrow and hatred and death and despair, God was working and moving and preparing to bring forth new resurrection life. And such resurrection life! Not just for Jesus but for us--for all, in all time, who would choose to come to Him by faith.
And so, "We walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Cor.5:7)
For when I'm walking by faith, those reading glasses of faith allow me to glimpse the evidence of my Sovereign and Loving Lord at work. He's been there all along... I just couldn't see His handiwork until He gave me those glasses of stubborn trust in Him, in His Word, and in His plan to work out all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. (Rom.5:8)
He gives us the choice, however. Just like I have to choose to put on my reading glasses... and if I don't, well, I'm pretty much lost when it comes to reading or understanding anything at all. So too, when faced with confusion or sorrow, we have to choose to exercise our faith. Consciously put it on... by choosing faith in the veracity of His Word. Faith in the undiminished power of HIs love. And faith in the ultimate perfection of His plan.
When I can't see the way ahead, I choose to put on faith in the forever faithful One. And when I believe, well, then, eventually I begin to see. And the view is glorious. To God be the glory.
Because, you see, I'm getting older, and my eyes, well, let's just say they are aging semi-gracefully along with the rest of me. Until just a few years ago, I laughed at my older brothers and sisters who seemed to have reading glasses on their heads, in their pockets, in their cars, and in every room of their houses--man, you've never seen so many reading glasses. If there was ever a world-wide shortage, we'd know who to blame--my dear siblings.
O yes, but pride goeth before the fall. Because one seemingly ordinary day, I noticed that the print in the phone book had suddenly grown mysteriously smaller. Gosh, this is irritating, I thought. Why have they reduced the typeset on phone books? Save money, I suppose.
Yeah, right. I guess that's what happened with the newspaper, with all the books I was reading, and even with email--within a few weeks, all that misplaced pride had vanished as I realized I had joined the ranks of the reading glasses-in-every-corner-of-every-room gang. Yep, that's me. Can't read a menu or a text or a little sign at the grocery store without my ubiquitous reading glasses.
But here's the thing: what a gift these glasses are because when I put them on, the unintelligible instantly becomes intelligible! All those indecipherable tiny dots and dashes almost magically turn into words to inform or warn or comfort or encourage or instruct me. I can read God's Word and be sustained and strengthened when I put on my reading glasses. O thank You Lord for the person who invented reading glasses!
I've been thinking about this, though, for how often in life we need that perspective that would make sense of the confusing or bewildering or heartbreaking things in our lives or the lives of those we love. That being said, life is often wonderful, and I thank the Lord for the gift and adventure of every single day to walk on this planet. Might we rejoice in His gifts of the ordinary in every twenty-four never-to-repeated hours. How I love this life and this world and this privilege of being here with the people I cherish.
But even with the extraordinary beauty and wonder of life, there is still so much sorrow. So much uncertainty. So much we simply cannot understand this side of heaven. Sometimes we ask, where is God in all of this? Why doesn't He come through? Why is He allowing this?
And, of course, there are no easy answers. But when we put on the reading glasses of faith, the unintelligible begins to become intelligible, for we see a Sovereign God at work, even in the darkest places of despair or defeat or disaster. We see by faith a God who is always working, always moving, always active even when on the face of things, it may not initially appear that way.
If we ever doubt that, all we need to do is look to the cross. All appearances shouted "Disaster! Defeat!" And underneath all that sorrow and hatred and death and despair, God was working and moving and preparing to bring forth new resurrection life. And such resurrection life! Not just for Jesus but for us--for all, in all time, who would choose to come to Him by faith.
And so, "We walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Cor.5:7)
For when I'm walking by faith, those reading glasses of faith allow me to glimpse the evidence of my Sovereign and Loving Lord at work. He's been there all along... I just couldn't see His handiwork until He gave me those glasses of stubborn trust in Him, in His Word, and in His plan to work out all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. (Rom.5:8)
He gives us the choice, however. Just like I have to choose to put on my reading glasses... and if I don't, well, I'm pretty much lost when it comes to reading or understanding anything at all. So too, when faced with confusion or sorrow, we have to choose to exercise our faith. Consciously put it on... by choosing faith in the veracity of His Word. Faith in the undiminished power of HIs love. And faith in the ultimate perfection of His plan.
When I can't see the way ahead, I choose to put on faith in the forever faithful One. And when I believe, well, then, eventually I begin to see. And the view is glorious. To God be the glory.
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