"Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Heb.12:1).
What a magnificent verse! It's one of those jewels in God's Word that sparkles and shines in ever-varying and stunning ways as you return to gaze at it time and again.
Just one little aspect that struck me afresh today: all that "weight and sin" that we need to "lay aside." Yeah, yeah, we think. We all know our sin is hateful and harmful. We know we need to get rid of it, but even so, it's so easy to think of it in abstract and general ways, don't you think? My "sins" versus my specific tendency to commit the sin of worrying...or complaining...or envying...or gossiping.
What if we begin getting down to brass tacks by asking ourselves--what is all that "weight" and what does it mean to lay it aside...not just in general, but in particular--for me?
I remember eons and eons ago--before cell phones, personal computers, frozen yogurt, spandex, and the world as we know it today--I ran some races during the winter season for our track team in college. Now tennis was my main sport, but the track team was obviously in desperate need of some warm bodies, so they asked me to join the track team during the tennis off-season.
This was all very fine and good...until right before my first track meet when the track coach handed me the team uniform...which consisted of--as far as I could tell--a teeny, tiny tank top and a pair of orange and black (our school colors) underwear. That's sure what they looked like to me.
Now my momma had raised me right, and there was no cotton picking way I was gonna go out and run in front of a bunch of other folks wearing that ridiculously skimpy get-up. How about a tee shirt and a pair of shorts, for pete's sake? Or one of my tennis skirts? Anything but those glorified, stretchy underwear.
Well, the coach, despite being a great guy, was less than understanding regarding my reluctance to race in orange and black underpants. Soooo, thankfully there are no pictures (praise God for no cell phones with cameras back in the day) and yours truly--with her sturdy legs and, well, equally sturdy backside--hit the track. I must say, after I got over my self-consciousness (and it helped that all the other girls were running in glorified underwear as well), I largely enjoyed my brief college running career...despite the fact the coaches neglected to explain to me what it meant when they rang the bell before the last lap. Trust me, would have been good to know. But that's another story for another day.
So here's the thing--the reason for the skimpy track outfits was not to humiliate the runners but to cast aside all possible weight and encumbrances that might slow us down. The outfits were to help, not hurt us and to allow us to run our race as quickly and excellently as possible. (In the interest of full disclosure, this assumes, of course, that the athlete isn't fretting about what she looks like running along with sturdy legs in orange underwear rather than fully focusing on the race...not that this ever crossed my mind. Certainly not.)
But seriously, think about it: have you ever seen anyone running a race carrying their pocket book? Or their TV? Or their computer--just in case they need to check email in the middle of a race? No way! You'll never see Olympic athletes hauling their stylish wardrobe down the track...or pulling their new car behind them...or even dragging their beloved dog along on a leash.
Nope, when it's time to race, it's just the runner--usually wearing those lovely glorified underwear (only they look a lot better in them than I did)--and nothing much else to slow them down in their effort to win the prize. No added weights or detritus of any kind that might hinder their best effort in the race.
Yet somehow, when it comes to the race God has set out for each of us to run, we tend to load ourselves down with all kinds of weights and encumbrances. The weight of worry. The weight of envy and comparison. The weight of regret and guilt. The weight of fear. The weight of distraction. No wonder we're struggling in the backstretch--all that weight is dragging us down and keeping us from running the race flat out and filled with joy.
You know what, I'm tired of worrying. I'm tired of dragging all that burdensome luggage of fear of what might happen to my loved ones...or fear of the unknown...or fear of failure. I don't want to just barely crawl across the finish line, because I'm so caught up in worrying or fretting or complaining or comparing myself to others and always feeling like I come up short. That's no way to run a race! And that's sure no way to glorify the God who made us to run and feel His pleasure free of all that weight. We want to hit the tape in full stride with heads held high and "looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith." (Heb.12:2)
But we'll never be able to do that until we start getting rid of all that useless, ugly weight that's hindering our progress.
So it's high time we do some "casting aside." And that means we first have to ask the Lord to show us what's weighing us down. What weights are slowing us down killing our joy, destroying our peace, and hindering our race? We've got to recognize those weights before we can get rid of them.
Is it busyness and preoccupation? Is it worry and fear? Is it envy and comparison? Is it ingratitude and discontentment?
And then confess it for what it is--SIN. All that sin, all that weight ultimately reveals a lack of trust and faith in God.
When we're worrying, we're ultimately telling God we don't truly believe He's good; we don't truly believe His plans are good; and we don't truly believe He has our--and our loved ones--best interests at heart. And that's a lie from the pit of hell! Our Lord is always good, always great, always kind, and always working out all things for good for those who love Him. (Rom.8:28)
Finally, after acknowledging and confessing that sinful weight, we cast it aside by recognizing that Jesus died for that sin and destroyed it at the cross. "Reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to Christ." (Rom.6:11) We can jettison that weight and start running our race with joyful freedom and faith, because Jesus defeated every sin, every weight at the cross. We daily, hourly need to reckon ourselves dead to that weighty sin, so we can cast it aside by the power of the Spirit that lives within us.
We all have a race to run. A race God has ordained for each of us. My race isn't like yours...and yours isn't like your neighbors. So let's stop comparing and simply start casting aside those weights and discover the joy of running freely and flat out for Jesus.
The finish line is just ahead...don't give up. Don't give in. Jettison that weight, look to Jesus, and run your race full tilt!
To God be the glory.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Moses and Bingley
One year ago today, our sweet old Moses went on to glory. Just remembering an incredibly loyal, gentle, and sweet-to-the-bones companion who brought our family so much love and joy--
One of his very favorite places--the mountains at Roaring Gap:
(and especially the sofa on the porch in the mountains!)
And all those days he'd faithfully sit (well, sleep) at my feet while I worked on Bible study lectures--
But how well I recall that long Sunday, a year ago today, when our dear old Moses breathed his last while we surrounded and hugged him in our kitchen. So many, many tears....but all born out of so much joy. The measure of sorrow in loss is surely reflected by the measure of all the happiness given in life. True for the adored family and friends in our lives...and the beloved pets as well.
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of love--from people and from our dogs.
And here we are, a year later, thanking God for the gift of another sweet dog--Bingley. A year ago we were weeping, but today we're laughing at Bingley's silly ways. He loves to sit in laps--
And hike along the greenway--
And boy, he loves, loves, loves big sticks--
Here's what I'm thinking--hills and valleys, highs and lows, joys and sorrows...that's life, isn't it? We tend to forget in the midst of the hard moment that "this too shall pass." When we're slogging through the valley of the shadow of death, it helps to remember that we truly are "just passing through." Sure, it often feels like we've stalled and are stuck in our sadness or disappointment or frustration.
But we're not. Not ever. Our Good Shepherd is always leading us to those greener pastures, those calmer waters, those paths of righteousness, and those places of goodness and mercy. Often in the midst of storms, we can't see Him or feel Him...but He's there, walking before, beside, and behind us. Moving us through the dark valley and into the sunlight. "To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." (Isa.61:3)
Maybe it's just me, but slow learner that I am, I can sometimes forget this, especially in the dark. Forget that God is working and moving through all of life's ups and downs...and through all of our fits and starts and successes and failures. It's often been said that we must never doubt in the dark what we learned in the light. And part of that means recalling that our world ever turns, our circumstances ever change, and our God ever superintends and controls all of it for our ultimate good and His greater glory.
All of it. Even the ugly, hard, scary parts. Surely, slowly, and relentlessly changing every bit of it into glory. And from glory to glory.
The story of our lives will not be completed till the Master Author has put the finishing touches on a tale only He could dream up and craft into something extraordinarily beautiful. We might not be able to see or comprehend that story--but our God's working and moving in a thousand ways we cannot begin to see or imagine. I love how Bob Goff put it, "No book is a chapter. No chapter tells the whole story. No mistake defines who we are. Hope makes our lives page turners."
So today, I'm thankful for the gift of this day, for all that God has brought us through, and for all He will be leading us through--and to--in the future. He's always working...and He's always leading.
And I'm thankful, too, for Moses and Bingley. God's gifts come in all kinds of packages.
To God be the glory.
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of love--from people and from our dogs.
And here we are, a year later, thanking God for the gift of another sweet dog--Bingley. A year ago we were weeping, but today we're laughing at Bingley's silly ways. He loves to sit in laps--
But we're not. Not ever. Our Good Shepherd is always leading us to those greener pastures, those calmer waters, those paths of righteousness, and those places of goodness and mercy. Often in the midst of storms, we can't see Him or feel Him...but He's there, walking before, beside, and behind us. Moving us through the dark valley and into the sunlight. "To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair." (Isa.61:3)
Maybe it's just me, but slow learner that I am, I can sometimes forget this, especially in the dark. Forget that God is working and moving through all of life's ups and downs...and through all of our fits and starts and successes and failures. It's often been said that we must never doubt in the dark what we learned in the light. And part of that means recalling that our world ever turns, our circumstances ever change, and our God ever superintends and controls all of it for our ultimate good and His greater glory.
All of it. Even the ugly, hard, scary parts. Surely, slowly, and relentlessly changing every bit of it into glory. And from glory to glory.
The story of our lives will not be completed till the Master Author has put the finishing touches on a tale only He could dream up and craft into something extraordinarily beautiful. We might not be able to see or comprehend that story--but our God's working and moving in a thousand ways we cannot begin to see or imagine. I love how Bob Goff put it, "No book is a chapter. No chapter tells the whole story. No mistake defines who we are. Hope makes our lives page turners."
So today, I'm thankful for the gift of this day, for all that God has brought us through, and for all He will be leading us through--and to--in the future. He's always working...and He's always leading.
And I'm thankful, too, for Moses and Bingley. God's gifts come in all kinds of packages.
To God be the glory.
Friday, July 25, 2014
Face-setting and Jesus-trusting!
How do we deal with bad moods? Or self-indulgent moods? Or pity-party moods? Or just plain old weariness moods?
I guess another way to ask this would be how do we make ourselves act and respond in ways we know we should rather than simply give in to those ways we feel? When we're disappointed...or angry...or frustrated...or worried...or simply hungry or tired, we (or at least your truly) can so easily fall victim to our vacillating and unreliable feelings rather than living out what the truths of our faith. Was it Churchill who said that exhaustion can make cowards of us all? Well, if we're cowards, we'll never exhibit the strength and courage it takes to do what's right despite our emotions.
Not that I've ever done that. Yeah, right.
But you know, that's simply no way to live. Living based on feelings rather than faith leads to see-sawing...crazy highs and lows...unreliability...discouragement...frustration...and ultimately to a life that fails to glorify God.
But there's Someone who always responded based upon His faith rather than His feelings and acted out of truth rather than misleading emotions--the Lord Jesus. "When the days drew near for Him to be taken up, He set His face to go to Jerusalem." (Lk9:51) I love that phrase--"set His face." What a picture of resolute strength and dogged determination.
Isaiah50:7 put it this way: "But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame." Flint is defined as "anything extremely hard, unimpressible, and unyielding." We're talking remarkable strength here.
You know, some days we (translate--me, myself, and I) don't feel like trusting...or obeying...or loving...or forgiving...or doing whatever it is God has called us to do. On those days, we have the choice. We can "go with the flow"--which means giving in to our feelings...and that inevitably leads us nowhere we want to go. Or we choose--no matter how we feel--to "set our face like a flint" towards obedience and the rock-solid truth of God's Word...which inevitably leads to renewed strength, joy, hope, and peace.
And here's how and why we can do this: if Christ is our Savior, then we have the Spirit of Almighty God dwelling within us. Sure, I have the strength and self-discipline of a housefly. Maybe a gnat. Or worse. When I'm hungry...or tired...or fearful...or frustrated, well, let's just say I've got nothing, nada, zip when it comes to the resources to deal with my bankrupt emotions.
But praise God, it's not me confronting those feelings! It's not me trying to figure out how to respond to that stress or disappointment. NO--it's the Holy Spirit living within me who'll enable me to love or forgive or encourage or trust or obey.
As Elizabeth Elliott once said, "The secret is Christ in me...not me in a different set of circumstances." Yes--it's not me, but Him! "Christ in me, the hope of glory." (Col.1:27)
But we still have to choose to set our faces like flint even as we moment-by-moment seek the enabling power of the One who indwells us.
I love how Henri Nouwen put it: "Our emotional lives move up and down constantly. Sometimes we experience great mood swings [you think?!]: from excitement to depression, from joy to sorrow, from inner harmony to inner chaos. A little event, a word from someone, a disappointment in work, many things [like teenagers] can trigger mood swings. Mostly we have little control over these changes. It seems that they happen to us rather than being created by us. Thus it is important to know that our emotional life is not the same as our spiritual life. Our spiritual life is the life of the Spirit of God within us. As we feel our emotions shift, we must connect our spirits with the Spirit of God and remind ourselves that what we feel is not who we are. We are and remain, whatever our moods, God's beloved children."
I guess the bottom line for me? It's high time we stop falling victim to our moods and instead follow the example of our Messiah. And that means setting our faces like flint and acting based upon our faith in God's Word, not our feelings of the moment. But--and this is the key--we trust and know that it's the Holy Spirit that enables and empowers us to do what we can't.
Time to stop talking...or waiting for the right feelings. No, it's time to do some face-setting and some Jesus-trusting, don't you think? Time to live out the truth of what we believe...and experience the joy of Christ living it out through us.
As the Nike ad says--Just do it!
To God be the glory.
I guess another way to ask this would be how do we make ourselves act and respond in ways we know we should rather than simply give in to those ways we feel? When we're disappointed...or angry...or frustrated...or worried...or simply hungry or tired, we (or at least your truly) can so easily fall victim to our vacillating and unreliable feelings rather than living out what the truths of our faith. Was it Churchill who said that exhaustion can make cowards of us all? Well, if we're cowards, we'll never exhibit the strength and courage it takes to do what's right despite our emotions.
Not that I've ever done that. Yeah, right.
But you know, that's simply no way to live. Living based on feelings rather than faith leads to see-sawing...crazy highs and lows...unreliability...discouragement...frustration...and ultimately to a life that fails to glorify God.
But there's Someone who always responded based upon His faith rather than His feelings and acted out of truth rather than misleading emotions--the Lord Jesus. "When the days drew near for Him to be taken up, He set His face to go to Jerusalem." (Lk9:51) I love that phrase--"set His face." What a picture of resolute strength and dogged determination.
Isaiah50:7 put it this way: "But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame." Flint is defined as "anything extremely hard, unimpressible, and unyielding." We're talking remarkable strength here.
You know, some days we (translate--me, myself, and I) don't feel like trusting...or obeying...or loving...or forgiving...or doing whatever it is God has called us to do. On those days, we have the choice. We can "go with the flow"--which means giving in to our feelings...and that inevitably leads us nowhere we want to go. Or we choose--no matter how we feel--to "set our face like a flint" towards obedience and the rock-solid truth of God's Word...which inevitably leads to renewed strength, joy, hope, and peace.
And here's how and why we can do this: if Christ is our Savior, then we have the Spirit of Almighty God dwelling within us. Sure, I have the strength and self-discipline of a housefly. Maybe a gnat. Or worse. When I'm hungry...or tired...or fearful...or frustrated, well, let's just say I've got nothing, nada, zip when it comes to the resources to deal with my bankrupt emotions.
But praise God, it's not me confronting those feelings! It's not me trying to figure out how to respond to that stress or disappointment. NO--it's the Holy Spirit living within me who'll enable me to love or forgive or encourage or trust or obey.
As Elizabeth Elliott once said, "The secret is Christ in me...not me in a different set of circumstances." Yes--it's not me, but Him! "Christ in me, the hope of glory." (Col.1:27)
But we still have to choose to set our faces like flint even as we moment-by-moment seek the enabling power of the One who indwells us.
I love how Henri Nouwen put it: "Our emotional lives move up and down constantly. Sometimes we experience great mood swings [you think?!]: from excitement to depression, from joy to sorrow, from inner harmony to inner chaos. A little event, a word from someone, a disappointment in work, many things [like teenagers] can trigger mood swings. Mostly we have little control over these changes. It seems that they happen to us rather than being created by us. Thus it is important to know that our emotional life is not the same as our spiritual life. Our spiritual life is the life of the Spirit of God within us. As we feel our emotions shift, we must connect our spirits with the Spirit of God and remind ourselves that what we feel is not who we are. We are and remain, whatever our moods, God's beloved children."
I guess the bottom line for me? It's high time we stop falling victim to our moods and instead follow the example of our Messiah. And that means setting our faces like flint and acting based upon our faith in God's Word, not our feelings of the moment. But--and this is the key--we trust and know that it's the Holy Spirit that enables and empowers us to do what we can't.
Time to stop talking...or waiting for the right feelings. No, it's time to do some face-setting and some Jesus-trusting, don't you think? Time to live out the truth of what we believe...and experience the joy of Christ living it out through us.
As the Nike ad says--Just do it!
To God be the glory.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Mornings matter
Mornings matter.
I've been remembering some mornings over the past few months. A glorious early morning in the mountains-
Or in Raleigh on a cold, snowy day with a cardinal gracing our bird feeder--
Or one clear morning in California watching Preyer on the golf course as he enjoyed God's majestic creation (who can concentrate on golf with that kind of view
?)--
Gazing at the graceful Blue Heron on an early morning walk with Bingley--
Birthday mornings at Krispy Kreme with a couple of buddies--
Or Christmas mornings with Grandaddy--
Yes, mornings--the dawn to a brand new day with all it's possibilities--matter a great deal.
In fact, I'd even venture to say that mornings--and more specifically the manner and tone in which we set our minds and attitudes for the day--comprise the most critical part of the 24 hours that God chooses to give us each day.
Seriously, have you ever opened your eyes in the morning with your first thought being some worry or concern that has been nibbling at you from the night before? Or perhaps awoken with a groan as you contemplate the difficult or challenging activities of the day that lay before you? Or even just rolled over in exhaustion, finally climbing out of bed feeling defeated or discouraged or distracted?
Well, I've learned firsthand that's no way to set your mind and start your day. C.S.Lewis says that "The real problem of the Christian life comes where people do not usually look for it. 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 natural fussings and frettings; coming in out of the wind."
That's it--those early morning moments when everything can suddenly plop into your lap--all your worries, your disappointments, your petty disagreements, your fears--and you have the choice. Will you simply lapse into dwelling on all those diverting and disabling voices and so allow your day to follow that same disastrous path? That's surely the path of least resistance. If we don't resist that negative, faithless mindset first thing, we'll surely fall into it's well-worn, destructive rut for the rest of our day.
Or will you choose--by a conscious act of your will--to turn a deaf ear to all those whining and terrorizing voices--and listen instead to the gentle but strong voice of Your Redeemer and Sustainer?
Your choice--every. single. morning.
But your choice each morning can quite literally make all the difference in the world in your day. And those days add up. Day upon day upon day of focusing upon self and circumstances or day after day of dwelling upon the Savior and His glory.
Bob Goff put it this way: "The first decision we make each day is who's in charge. Who we pick will determine a lot about where we'll end up."
Yesterday, Janie and talked about how we both love in the book of John where the risen Lord Jesus cooked breakfast on the beach for His disciples. The Bible says it was "just as the day was breaking" (John 21:4), and the disciples had fished and fished all night long without catching one thing.
Chilled, exhausted, dirty, discouraged, and defeated. Ever had any sleepless mornings like that?
That's when Jesus shouts to them, "Come and have breakfast!" (John 21:12) Oh my, don't you know that hot fish and warm bread prepared by the Master Chef tasted heavenly after such a long, tough night? And they came. And ate. And talked and surely laughed and were satisfied and filled by their beloved Lord.
Every day we have that choice. Every morning, our Savior beckons us. "I know you've had a hard night. I know those fears that are destroying your peace. How about some hot manna from my Word?"
"I understand your disappointments. I see your hurts. But I'm here ready and waiting for you this morning. How about some breakfast with the One who adores you and can't wait to pour His strength and love into you?"
"Oh my child, I know your hopes and dreams…and your sorrows and worries. Come, let me fill you with some of my piping hot joy and fresh peace? Let's start this morning off right…together. And then you can enjoy My presence and power throughout the rest of whatever this day offers."
Each day is precious, isn't it? Never to be repeated.
But so is each morning. A wondrous new opportunity to begin the rest of your day with the Sovereign, Omnipotent King. The King…who adores you as the apple of His eye and asks eagerly, "Come and have some breakfast!"
Tomorrow morning we have another opportunity. What's our choice?
Oh might we choose wisely…and be filled to overflowing by the One who is the Bread of Life and the Living Water. For in Him is fullness of joy--from dawn to dusk…and everything in between.
To God be the glory.
I've been remembering some mornings over the past few months. A glorious early morning in the mountains-
In fact, I'd even venture to say that mornings--and more specifically the manner and tone in which we set our minds and attitudes for the day--comprise the most critical part of the 24 hours that God chooses to give us each day.
Seriously, have you ever opened your eyes in the morning with your first thought being some worry or concern that has been nibbling at you from the night before? Or perhaps awoken with a groan as you contemplate the difficult or challenging activities of the day that lay before you? Or even just rolled over in exhaustion, finally climbing out of bed feeling defeated or discouraged or distracted?
Well, I've learned firsthand that's no way to set your mind and start your day. C.S.Lewis says that "The real problem of the Christian life comes where people do not usually look for it. 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 natural fussings and frettings; coming in out of the wind."
That's it--those early morning moments when everything can suddenly plop into your lap--all your worries, your disappointments, your petty disagreements, your fears--and you have the choice. Will you simply lapse into dwelling on all those diverting and disabling voices and so allow your day to follow that same disastrous path? That's surely the path of least resistance. If we don't resist that negative, faithless mindset first thing, we'll surely fall into it's well-worn, destructive rut for the rest of our day.
Or will you choose--by a conscious act of your will--to turn a deaf ear to all those whining and terrorizing voices--and listen instead to the gentle but strong voice of Your Redeemer and Sustainer?
Your choice--every. single. morning.
But your choice each morning can quite literally make all the difference in the world in your day. And those days add up. Day upon day upon day of focusing upon self and circumstances or day after day of dwelling upon the Savior and His glory.
Bob Goff put it this way: "The first decision we make each day is who's in charge. Who we pick will determine a lot about where we'll end up."
Yesterday, Janie and talked about how we both love in the book of John where the risen Lord Jesus cooked breakfast on the beach for His disciples. The Bible says it was "just as the day was breaking" (John 21:4), and the disciples had fished and fished all night long without catching one thing.
Chilled, exhausted, dirty, discouraged, and defeated. Ever had any sleepless mornings like that?
That's when Jesus shouts to them, "Come and have breakfast!" (John 21:12) Oh my, don't you know that hot fish and warm bread prepared by the Master Chef tasted heavenly after such a long, tough night? And they came. And ate. And talked and surely laughed and were satisfied and filled by their beloved Lord.
Every day we have that choice. Every morning, our Savior beckons us. "I know you've had a hard night. I know those fears that are destroying your peace. How about some hot manna from my Word?"
"I understand your disappointments. I see your hurts. But I'm here ready and waiting for you this morning. How about some breakfast with the One who adores you and can't wait to pour His strength and love into you?"
"Oh my child, I know your hopes and dreams…and your sorrows and worries. Come, let me fill you with some of my piping hot joy and fresh peace? Let's start this morning off right…together. And then you can enjoy My presence and power throughout the rest of whatever this day offers."
Each day is precious, isn't it? Never to be repeated.
But so is each morning. A wondrous new opportunity to begin the rest of your day with the Sovereign, Omnipotent King. The King…who adores you as the apple of His eye and asks eagerly, "Come and have some breakfast!"
Tomorrow morning we have another opportunity. What's our choice?
Oh might we choose wisely…and be filled to overflowing by the One who is the Bread of Life and the Living Water. For in Him is fullness of joy--from dawn to dusk…and everything in between.
To God be the glory.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Out of Nothing
Whew. Coast to coast yesterday. Hard to believe that in the morning you can be looking out over the Pacific, watching the seals sleekly cut through the water like torpedoes and then sleep soundly on the rocks like stuffed bags of sand...
...and then that night, be listening to a chorus of crickets as you arrive home on the opposite coast. Remarkable. And funny, as beautiful as San Diego and La Jolla was, I missed the canopy of green leaves and bushes everywhere, the sweet sound of song birds and crickets, the lovely lilt of southern accents, and the dear people and places of home. Ah, what a beautiful word--home. Thank You, Father!
So much to think about, remember, and be grateful for, but for today, just savoring the memory of the remarkable variety of God's creatures we enjoyed seeing in California. From the seals on the shore, to the sharks at the aquarium--
From the grizzly bears, orangutang, and panda at the zoo--
To the astounding beauty and color of the birds--
What a Creator to have made such varied and astounding creatures! I couldn't help but think of the words of Job: "But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all of these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In His hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind." (Job 12:7-10)
Imagine the unsearchable mind of the Almighty to create such creatures and such a world out of nothing. As the words from the musical, Sound of Music, put it: "Nothing comes from nothing. Nothing ever could." No, nothing ever comes from nothing...except for our all glorious, all powerful, all wondrous Lord who fashioned an entire universe out of absolutely nothing.
And if He could create such creatures, such planets, such stars and sun and moon out of absolutely nothing, imagine what He can do with all our nothings? When our love registers nothing...or our hope...or our joy...or our strength--that's when our Lord does His finest work. For He delights to create beauty and wonder and glory out of nothing.
Feeding thousands upon thousands of people with nothing but a couple of rolls and a few tiny fish. Or creating sight in the eyes of a blind man who had beheld nothing his entire life. Or taking a man who was nothing but a hater and persecutor of Christians and turning him into the most powerful evangelist the world has ever known. Or commanding a man dead for four long days--a man with no life, no breath, no nothing--to rise and come forth to new life.
What's our nothing today? Oh my, how tempting to just fuss or fret or even despair over our nothings. But where does that get us? Just more nothing.
And all the while the Almighty Lord of the universe waits for us to place our nothings into His omnipotent, grace-scarred hands so that He can take them and transform them into hope...or joy...or love...or forgiveness...or patience...or wisdom...or strength...and always, always, always glory.
Might we hand whatever nothings we're struggling with this day to our Heavenly Father, trusting that He who created life out of nothing will take our nothings and fashion something beautiful and God-honoring out of them. For that's what He does, you know, every single day. If you forget, just open your eyes and look at the evidence on full display all around you.
To God be the glory.
So much to think about, remember, and be grateful for, but for today, just savoring the memory of the remarkable variety of God's creatures we enjoyed seeing in California. From the seals on the shore, to the sharks at the aquarium--
Imagine the unsearchable mind of the Almighty to create such creatures and such a world out of nothing. As the words from the musical, Sound of Music, put it: "Nothing comes from nothing. Nothing ever could." No, nothing ever comes from nothing...except for our all glorious, all powerful, all wondrous Lord who fashioned an entire universe out of absolutely nothing.
And if He could create such creatures, such planets, such stars and sun and moon out of absolutely nothing, imagine what He can do with all our nothings? When our love registers nothing...or our hope...or our joy...or our strength--that's when our Lord does His finest work. For He delights to create beauty and wonder and glory out of nothing.
Feeding thousands upon thousands of people with nothing but a couple of rolls and a few tiny fish. Or creating sight in the eyes of a blind man who had beheld nothing his entire life. Or taking a man who was nothing but a hater and persecutor of Christians and turning him into the most powerful evangelist the world has ever known. Or commanding a man dead for four long days--a man with no life, no breath, no nothing--to rise and come forth to new life.
What's our nothing today? Oh my, how tempting to just fuss or fret or even despair over our nothings. But where does that get us? Just more nothing.
And all the while the Almighty Lord of the universe waits for us to place our nothings into His omnipotent, grace-scarred hands so that He can take them and transform them into hope...or joy...or love...or forgiveness...or patience...or wisdom...or strength...and always, always, always glory.
Might we hand whatever nothings we're struggling with this day to our Heavenly Father, trusting that He who created life out of nothing will take our nothings and fashion something beautiful and God-honoring out of them. For that's what He does, you know, every single day. If you forget, just open your eyes and look at the evidence on full display all around you.
To God be the glory.
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Getting past the gate!
But surely one of the most memorable sights from this trip for Preyer and me will be--
Yes, the parking lot gate.
Because here's the thing--this gate truly would blow away any and all competition for the absolute worst parking gate in the history of mankind. It almost never works. Seriously.
The very nice folks (and they are exceptionally nice) at the Sheraton front desk warned us when we checked in--
"Use your room key to get and out of the parking lot." Yes, you have to use the key not only to get in but also to get out...which is counter-intuitive. But I digress.
The kind lady continued to explain: "If the room key doesn't work when you are trying to come into to the parking lot, just punch the button and get a parking ticket. Then simply throw the ticket away. Don't worry about how many tickets you get--just throw them all away." This is quite the interesting system. Sounds a bit like the federal government.
She went on: "When you are going out, if the key doesn't work--and it often doesn't--you just have to try to find someone in the front of the hotel to come help you get out."
I am totally not kidding. This is the way it works.
All righty then, that sounds great. And believe me, it works just as well as it sounds. Preyer and I try multiple keys every time we go in or out. They invariably do not work--although every once and while, the planets align and the key mysteriously works and raises the gate! Alleluia! But the other 99.9% of the time, we push the button, grab the parking ticket and throw it away. So incredibly efficient.
Leaving is proving to be more of a challenge since someone is often not available to come help us. So we pray a lot. This is surely improving our prayer life.
But other than the parking gate that allows us to come and go to our hotel (such a minor thing, right? After all, who needs to actually get to the hotel or leave the hotel), this place is beautiful and our trip has been so much fun.
You know, it got me thinking...how often do I operate like that parking gate. Just the other day I read in God's Word: "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Heb.4:16)
What an offer! Can we even find words for such a gift that the Sovereign King of the universe happily extends to us every single day? We can come to Him--the Almighty Who has all the wisdom we need, all the power we need, all the grace we need, all the forgiveness we need, all the love we need--but we fail to come!
We're like that broken gate. We might look great. We might look like we're functioning just fine. We might even have fooled ourselves that we can handle our problems on our own, thank you very much. But we're missing out on so much peace, joy, love, strength, and wisdom, because we're failing to open the gate...and come and draw near to God. We're refusing to open the gate of our busyness, our preoccupation, our pride, our self-sufficiency, or even our shame...and come and draw near to the throne of all mercy, grace and help.
You know, if Preyer and I hadn't figured out a way to get past that dysfunctional gate, we would have sat in the parking lot and never seen the sea lions...or played golf (or in my case, watched golf)...or eaten great meals (Praise God!)...or walked and witnessed the astounding beauty of God's creation. We had to get past the gate to experience any of it. And we did--thank You Lord (although who knows about tomorrow--we may just take an ax to it).
Oh might we put away our excuses. Cast away our pride...or guilt...or discouragement...or fear...or preoccupation and simply draw near to the throne of grace.
And guess what? You don't need to draw near in some pitiful, frightened, namby pamby manner. NO! We come with confidence! We come with confident hope and trust, because we are coming to our Abba, our Heavenly Father. And we are coming based upon the perfect, sinless, blood of Christ who made a way for us. Our Savior made the way to draw near and come straight to the very throne of heaven and earth. Wow.
Oh might we never miss another day of drawing near with joyful confidence to that throne of all grace, mercy, help, wisdom, power, and love. Get rid of whatever gates are blocking your way and draw near today! What a privilege--oh thank You thank You thank You, Father!
To God be the glory.
Monday, July 14, 2014
Praising the Creator--our Father!
"Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise Him in the heights! Praise Him all His angels; praise Him, all His hosts! Praise Him, sun and moon, praise Him all you shining stars! Praise Him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens!
Praise the Lord from the earth you great creatures and all deeps,
fires and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling His word! Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars!
Beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds!
Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! Young men and maidens together, old men and children! Let them praise the name of the Lord for His name alone is exalted; His majesty is above earth and heaven. He has raised up a horn for His people, praise for all His saints, for the people of Israel who are near to Him. Praise the Lord!" (Psalm 148)
Oh might we praise the Lord this day as our awesome Creator, Savior, and Sustainer! For He is so infinitely worthy.
Our son, Preyer, and I traveled across the country yesterday, and we are quite literally perched on the opposite shore of this nation in San Diego, CA (well, really in La Jolla). Now while I'm a Carolina girl through and through--because we all know North Carolina is the finest place to live in the world!--goodness gracious, God has created so much astounding beauty all over this remarkable planet!
So shouldn't our immediate and consistent response be thanksgiving, praise and adoration to our Maker and Redeemer?
Thank You, Father, for crafting seals! Preyer and I stood transfixed as they lounged on the sand and then slowly inched themselves into the water to gracefully swim off into the blue ocean. You've never seen such a picture of complete relaxation as they sunned in the sand! They reminded me to slow down, savor this fleeting life, and rest in my Savior. I silently prayed the Lord would bring them to mind the next day when I would be watching Preyer play golf and would be tempted to worry and stress! (I think watching your child play sports is just practice for learning to deal with--and, Lord willing, eliminate!--our tendency to fret. Ridiculous to worry over a game, I know. But then, when the Lord of the Universe is Your Father, isn't it absurd to worry about anything?)
Thank You, Lord, for the birds...and the sandy cliffs...and the crashing ocean. Thank You for eyes to see them. Thank You for my child with whom I could share the gift of enjoying this remarkable place. Thank You for Your creatures and all they teach us about You. Thank You for the summer sun and the slower pace. Thank You for our dear family and friends back at home. And thank You for home!
Thank You most of all, Lord, for the gift of salvation and the privilege of calling You--the awesome Creator of all this beauty--my Father, my Abba, my Daddy. Oh might we never ever get over the astounding wonder and joy of this! Our Father--the Almighty Lord who dreamed and fashioned all this in His mind, who created all this out of nothing, and who sustains all this every day and night by His omnipotent power.
Such is our God and there is none other. Might we live to the praise of His glory this day and everyday. To God be the glory.
Praise the Lord from the earth you great creatures and all deeps,
Oh might we praise the Lord this day as our awesome Creator, Savior, and Sustainer! For He is so infinitely worthy.
Our son, Preyer, and I traveled across the country yesterday, and we are quite literally perched on the opposite shore of this nation in San Diego, CA (well, really in La Jolla). Now while I'm a Carolina girl through and through--because we all know North Carolina is the finest place to live in the world!--goodness gracious, God has created so much astounding beauty all over this remarkable planet!
So shouldn't our immediate and consistent response be thanksgiving, praise and adoration to our Maker and Redeemer?
Thank You, Father, for crafting seals! Preyer and I stood transfixed as they lounged on the sand and then slowly inched themselves into the water to gracefully swim off into the blue ocean. You've never seen such a picture of complete relaxation as they sunned in the sand! They reminded me to slow down, savor this fleeting life, and rest in my Savior. I silently prayed the Lord would bring them to mind the next day when I would be watching Preyer play golf and would be tempted to worry and stress! (I think watching your child play sports is just practice for learning to deal with--and, Lord willing, eliminate!--our tendency to fret. Ridiculous to worry over a game, I know. But then, when the Lord of the Universe is Your Father, isn't it absurd to worry about anything?)
Thank You, Lord, for the birds...and the sandy cliffs...and the crashing ocean. Thank You for eyes to see them. Thank You for my child with whom I could share the gift of enjoying this remarkable place. Thank You for Your creatures and all they teach us about You. Thank You for the summer sun and the slower pace. Thank You for our dear family and friends back at home. And thank You for home!
Thank You most of all, Lord, for the gift of salvation and the privilege of calling You--the awesome Creator of all this beauty--my Father, my Abba, my Daddy. Oh might we never ever get over the astounding wonder and joy of this! Our Father--the Almighty Lord who dreamed and fashioned all this in His mind, who created all this out of nothing, and who sustains all this every day and night by His omnipotent power.
Such is our God and there is none other. Might we live to the praise of His glory this day and everyday. To God be the glory.
Friday, July 11, 2014
What's your meditation?
Okay, I know I'm a bit mountain-obsessed, but while happening to glance at some photos from earlier this summer, I could almost feel the cool, clean air and hear the ever-present peaceful sound of rushing waters...
Ahhh...remembering and contemplating the mountains immediately lowers your blood pressure, settles your nerves, and reinvigorates your gratitude. The majesty of those verdant hills, the glory of that dancing stream, the serene beauty of those trees and rhododendron remain day after day, year after year. There they stand...but we are the ones who leave them behind and forget when we go home to the busy "real world." Yet at any moment, day or night, we can return in our mind's eye.
Isn't it funny how simply thinking about such a beloved place can revive a flagging spirit or calm a ragged heart?
That's the power of this amazing mind the Lord has given us. And He's bestowed upon us the daily, the hourly, the moment by moment choice as to how we'll use this gift. Will we meditate and marinate in our worries, our frustrations, and our irritations? Or will we contemplate and ruminate on our mighty God and the wonders of His goodness, His grace, His gifts, and His Gospel?
Because what we're thinking about, what captures our minds, what we're meditating upon determines how we will respond to life's challenges.
Our minds are always, always, always working. We are constantly thinking and focusing upon something...the key question is: what.
I once heard Paul Tripp put it this way (or at least a paraphrase): "I need to be more conscious about what has captured my meditation. Is my meditation captured by the difficulties of life and that's what is occupying my mind in all the moments when my mind isn't on task. Or is my meditation formed by the glory of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ?"
My meditation determines my attitude. My meditation directs my actions. My meditation decides my responses. And my meditation--when focused upon God--can bring great delight, gratitude and joy in the challenging or exhausting or even discouraging moments of life.
Again, Paul Tripp: "No one is more influential in your life than you are...because no one talks to yourself more than you do! You will meditate on something; you will be captured by something; you will preach something to yourself. Preach the heart of Christian Truth--the Gospel of God's grace!"
That's exactly what the Psalmist does in Psalm 42. He's discouraged and frustrated. Life is tough--"My tears have been my food day and night while they say to me all the day long, 'Where is your God?'" (42:3) BUT, the Psalmist goes on to preach himself a little sermon, as he remembers God's never-failing goodness--"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God." (42:5)
Good stuff! God has given us this powerful, amazing weapon to fight the forces of darkness that tempt us to worry, complain, envy, despair, doubt. And as believers, we carry that weapon with us everywhere we go--we have the mind of Christ. We have the remarkable gift of our minds...but infinitely greater--we have the gift of the Holy Spirit who infuses and fills those minds with the power, provision and presence of Almighty God.
But we have to choose--moment by moment--to think rightly. To think biblically. To think and meditate upon the goodness, grace, and glory of our Redeemer. We have to choose what and Who will capture our meditations.
Oh Father, help us to choose wisely!
To God be the glory.
Isn't it funny how simply thinking about such a beloved place can revive a flagging spirit or calm a ragged heart?
That's the power of this amazing mind the Lord has given us. And He's bestowed upon us the daily, the hourly, the moment by moment choice as to how we'll use this gift. Will we meditate and marinate in our worries, our frustrations, and our irritations? Or will we contemplate and ruminate on our mighty God and the wonders of His goodness, His grace, His gifts, and His Gospel?
Because what we're thinking about, what captures our minds, what we're meditating upon determines how we will respond to life's challenges.
Our minds are always, always, always working. We are constantly thinking and focusing upon something...the key question is: what.
I once heard Paul Tripp put it this way (or at least a paraphrase): "I need to be more conscious about what has captured my meditation. Is my meditation captured by the difficulties of life and that's what is occupying my mind in all the moments when my mind isn't on task. Or is my meditation formed by the glory of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ?"
My meditation determines my attitude. My meditation directs my actions. My meditation decides my responses. And my meditation--when focused upon God--can bring great delight, gratitude and joy in the challenging or exhausting or even discouraging moments of life.
Again, Paul Tripp: "No one is more influential in your life than you are...because no one talks to yourself more than you do! You will meditate on something; you will be captured by something; you will preach something to yourself. Preach the heart of Christian Truth--the Gospel of God's grace!"
That's exactly what the Psalmist does in Psalm 42. He's discouraged and frustrated. Life is tough--"My tears have been my food day and night while they say to me all the day long, 'Where is your God?'" (42:3) BUT, the Psalmist goes on to preach himself a little sermon, as he remembers God's never-failing goodness--"Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God." (42:5)
Good stuff! God has given us this powerful, amazing weapon to fight the forces of darkness that tempt us to worry, complain, envy, despair, doubt. And as believers, we carry that weapon with us everywhere we go--we have the mind of Christ. We have the remarkable gift of our minds...but infinitely greater--we have the gift of the Holy Spirit who infuses and fills those minds with the power, provision and presence of Almighty God.
But we have to choose--moment by moment--to think rightly. To think biblically. To think and meditate upon the goodness, grace, and glory of our Redeemer. We have to choose what and Who will capture our meditations.
Oh Father, help us to choose wisely!
To God be the glory.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Found; Forgiven; Forever
Well, for the second time in as many weeks, I was certain I had lost something nearly priceless. Only this time--had I lost it--I would no longer be writing this blog. No, I would have already entered the witness protection program and would be on my way to life in Outer Mongolia or Siberia.
Thankfully disaster was avoided, no crash course in foreign languages was necessary...and here I am. A little shaken...and ashamed, to be sure, but still here.
It all began with an innocent email about our family wedding veil. Our daughter, Mary Norris, was the most recent bride in our extended family to enjoy the privilege of wearing this exquisite, hand-made veil that has been passed down through the generations.
My mother wore it many, many years ago. My first cousins wore it. My sister wore it. I wore it. The daughters of my first cousin wore it. My nieces wore it. And our daughter wore it. Oh what a gift to see yet another bride don this delicate family heirloom. Think of all the marriages...all the love...all the beloved women who have worn it on their most special of days.
The email mentioned that it was time to return the veil to my cousin Vicky--the official keeper and protector of the veil. No problem, I immediately emailed back. I had forgotten all about the veil after the wedding, but it was upstairs in my daughter's room in the fancy smancy special preservation box. I had taken great care of it, I assured everyone, and all was well.
I ran upstairs confidently (maybe even, dare I say it, a bit smugly) to fetch it, and voila--
...no box. No veil. No nothing.
No problem. I'm sure we somehow moved it to another room. I'll just go look in the closets...and the other bedrooms...and the basement...and the attic...and under every blasted bed in the house...and in the bathrooms (yeah, you'd be amazed where you look when you are in full blown panic mode)...and...and...OH MY STARS! I HAVE LOST THE FAMILY VEIL! I HAVE LOST THE FAMILY VEIL! IT IS GONE...AND IT IS ALL MY FAULT! HOW COULD I BE SUCH AN IDIOT? HOW COULD I BE SO CARELESS? NO WONDER I ONCE GOT THAT C IN SELF-CONTROL IN 2ND GRADE! I'M SO DISORGANIZED...And so it went. On and on. Berating myself. Beating myself up while running around searching frantically.
Which is soooo helpful.
After wasting a few minutes in the panic/self-critical mode, the Lord's still, small voice somehow broke through. Have you prayed? Have you asked Your Father? Have you asked the One who has never lost one thing in this vast universe and who knows even the very hairs on your head? Have you sought Him in the midst of all this?
Well, no, Lord, actually I just preferred freaking out and blasting myself. Because that always works so well, doesn't it? Yeah, right.
Now here's what I would have done if I were God--leave me to stew in my own self-reprimanding juices. I'd of said: let her figure it out if she's so quick to lean on her own (terribly limited) understanding and depend on her own (pitiful) resources.
Because that's what I totally deserved.
That's what I deserved. But that's not what I received. Because our God is a God of infinite and beautiful grace. His unmerited, undeserved, unearned favor.
And so my forever faithful Father calmed my heart and, somehow, in the recesses of my frantic mind, spoke truth.
Now the Holy Spirit speaks truth in kinds of ways--sometimes in Bible verses; sometimes in biblical principles; sometimes in simple right versus wrong; sometimes in the application of wisdom. But yesterday He spoke in the form of a gentle tugging--"Didn't you take the veil to someone to have those tiny tears repaired?"
Oh mercy, could it be? I had completely forgotten! Seriously, no memory of it whatsoever (I blame it on mother-of-the-bride brain...and old age).
Sure enough, after a few phone calls, we discovered the veil was still with the seamstress for repair. Seems she had forgotten about it as well! But it was safe and sound. I could breathe once more and could put off any immediate plans for the witness protection program.
Just this morning I read these words: "For He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why He is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying 'I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.' And again, 'I will put my trust in him.' And again, 'Behold, I and the children God has given Me.'" (Heb.2:11-13)
It stopped me cold. The Lord Jesus--the perfect, eternal, sinless, glorious Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer is not ashamed to call me His sister. Even when I lose things I should never lose or say things I should never say or think things I should never think. Even when I blow it big-time. Even when I panic. Even when I forget. Even when I fail. Even when I berate myself and see nothing but a giant mess-up...He sees the one He adores. The one He died to redeem. The one He tells His Father is His beloved little sis. And the one whose sins He has covered with His blood at the cross.
Not because I deserved it or earned it. No, absolutely not! Not even one tiny little iota! Simply because He is a God of unfathomable love, mercy, goodness, and grace.
Yes, thank the Lord we found the veil. But infinitely greater, PRAISE GOD our Savior found us...and saved us...and loves us...and calls us His brothers and sisters.
Found. Forgiven. Forever.
No matter what your weaknesses. No matter what your failures. No matter what your struggles--never forget you are beloved by the only Begotten Son of God. If Christ is your Savior, you too are found and forgiven, forever. Done.
He is not ashamed to call you His sister or brother...but delights to call you His own.
To God--our wonderful, merciful Savior--be all the glory.
Thankfully disaster was avoided, no crash course in foreign languages was necessary...and here I am. A little shaken...and ashamed, to be sure, but still here.
It all began with an innocent email about our family wedding veil. Our daughter, Mary Norris, was the most recent bride in our extended family to enjoy the privilege of wearing this exquisite, hand-made veil that has been passed down through the generations.
The email mentioned that it was time to return the veil to my cousin Vicky--the official keeper and protector of the veil. No problem, I immediately emailed back. I had forgotten all about the veil after the wedding, but it was upstairs in my daughter's room in the fancy smancy special preservation box. I had taken great care of it, I assured everyone, and all was well.
I ran upstairs confidently (maybe even, dare I say it, a bit smugly) to fetch it, and voila--
...no box. No veil. No nothing.
No problem. I'm sure we somehow moved it to another room. I'll just go look in the closets...and the other bedrooms...and the basement...and the attic...and under every blasted bed in the house...and in the bathrooms (yeah, you'd be amazed where you look when you are in full blown panic mode)...and...and...OH MY STARS! I HAVE LOST THE FAMILY VEIL! I HAVE LOST THE FAMILY VEIL! IT IS GONE...AND IT IS ALL MY FAULT! HOW COULD I BE SUCH AN IDIOT? HOW COULD I BE SO CARELESS? NO WONDER I ONCE GOT THAT C IN SELF-CONTROL IN 2ND GRADE! I'M SO DISORGANIZED...And so it went. On and on. Berating myself. Beating myself up while running around searching frantically.
Which is soooo helpful.
After wasting a few minutes in the panic/self-critical mode, the Lord's still, small voice somehow broke through. Have you prayed? Have you asked Your Father? Have you asked the One who has never lost one thing in this vast universe and who knows even the very hairs on your head? Have you sought Him in the midst of all this?
Well, no, Lord, actually I just preferred freaking out and blasting myself. Because that always works so well, doesn't it? Yeah, right.
Now here's what I would have done if I were God--leave me to stew in my own self-reprimanding juices. I'd of said: let her figure it out if she's so quick to lean on her own (terribly limited) understanding and depend on her own (pitiful) resources.
Because that's what I totally deserved.
That's what I deserved. But that's not what I received. Because our God is a God of infinite and beautiful grace. His unmerited, undeserved, unearned favor.
And so my forever faithful Father calmed my heart and, somehow, in the recesses of my frantic mind, spoke truth.
Now the Holy Spirit speaks truth in kinds of ways--sometimes in Bible verses; sometimes in biblical principles; sometimes in simple right versus wrong; sometimes in the application of wisdom. But yesterday He spoke in the form of a gentle tugging--"Didn't you take the veil to someone to have those tiny tears repaired?"
Oh mercy, could it be? I had completely forgotten! Seriously, no memory of it whatsoever (I blame it on mother-of-the-bride brain...and old age).
Sure enough, after a few phone calls, we discovered the veil was still with the seamstress for repair. Seems she had forgotten about it as well! But it was safe and sound. I could breathe once more and could put off any immediate plans for the witness protection program.
Just this morning I read these words: "For He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why He is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying 'I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.' And again, 'I will put my trust in him.' And again, 'Behold, I and the children God has given Me.'" (Heb.2:11-13)
It stopped me cold. The Lord Jesus--the perfect, eternal, sinless, glorious Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer is not ashamed to call me His sister. Even when I lose things I should never lose or say things I should never say or think things I should never think. Even when I blow it big-time. Even when I panic. Even when I forget. Even when I fail. Even when I berate myself and see nothing but a giant mess-up...He sees the one He adores. The one He died to redeem. The one He tells His Father is His beloved little sis. And the one whose sins He has covered with His blood at the cross.
Not because I deserved it or earned it. No, absolutely not! Not even one tiny little iota! Simply because He is a God of unfathomable love, mercy, goodness, and grace.
Yes, thank the Lord we found the veil. But infinitely greater, PRAISE GOD our Savior found us...and saved us...and loves us...and calls us His brothers and sisters.
Found. Forgiven. Forever.
No matter what your weaknesses. No matter what your failures. No matter what your struggles--never forget you are beloved by the only Begotten Son of God. If Christ is your Savior, you too are found and forgiven, forever. Done.
He is not ashamed to call you His sister or brother...but delights to call you His own.
To God--our wonderful, merciful Savior--be all the glory.
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Freedom in Christ
A little food for July 4th Weekend Thought--
In thinking about the remarkable gift of freedom that we enjoy--both corporately as a nation and individually as believers in Christ--I found these words by A.W. Tozer both challenging and convicting:
"Every man in a free society must decide whether he will exploit his liberty or curtail it for moral and intelligent ends. He may take upon him the responsibility of business and a family, or he may shun all obligations and end on skid row. The tramp is freer than the president or king, but his freedom is undoing. While he lives he remains socially sterile, and when he dies he leaves nothing to make the world glad he lived.
The Christian cannot escape the peril of too much liberty. He is indeed free, but his very freedom may prove a source of real temptation to him. He is free from the chains of sin, free from the moral consequences of evil acts now forgiven, free from the curse of the law and the displeasure of God.
The ideal Christian is one who knows he is free to do as he will--and wills to be a servant! This is the path Christ took: Blessed is the man who follows Him!"
Boy, how counter-cultural is that?! Freedom means knowing we are free to do whatever we desire...and we desire to follow our Savior in being a servant. We are freed from the curse and penalty of sin...and while we could potentially (and wrongly!) misuse that freedom to indulge in sin, we choose to use that freedom in the pursuit of righteousness and holy living.
"Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:34-36)
That is perfect freedom!
Thank You for giving us true and everlasting freedom, Lord Jesus. Forgive us when we (or at least I) take that unfathomable gift lightly. Might we use our freedom to follow You in loving servanthood and in living to Your glory every single day You choose to give us on this planet.
To God be the glory.
In thinking about the remarkable gift of freedom that we enjoy--both corporately as a nation and individually as believers in Christ--I found these words by A.W. Tozer both challenging and convicting:
"Every man in a free society must decide whether he will exploit his liberty or curtail it for moral and intelligent ends. He may take upon him the responsibility of business and a family, or he may shun all obligations and end on skid row. The tramp is freer than the president or king, but his freedom is undoing. While he lives he remains socially sterile, and when he dies he leaves nothing to make the world glad he lived.
The Christian cannot escape the peril of too much liberty. He is indeed free, but his very freedom may prove a source of real temptation to him. He is free from the chains of sin, free from the moral consequences of evil acts now forgiven, free from the curse of the law and the displeasure of God.
The ideal Christian is one who knows he is free to do as he will--and wills to be a servant! This is the path Christ took: Blessed is the man who follows Him!"
Boy, how counter-cultural is that?! Freedom means knowing we are free to do whatever we desire...and we desire to follow our Savior in being a servant. We are freed from the curse and penalty of sin...and while we could potentially (and wrongly!) misuse that freedom to indulge in sin, we choose to use that freedom in the pursuit of righteousness and holy living.
"Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is the slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son does remain forever. So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:34-36)
That is perfect freedom!
Thank You for giving us true and everlasting freedom, Lord Jesus. Forgive us when we (or at least I) take that unfathomable gift lightly. Might we use our freedom to follow You in loving servanthood and in living to Your glory every single day You choose to give us on this planet.
To God be the glory.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Gratitude on July 4th
We stared up at the night sky with happy anticipation for the show unfolding before us. At the start of the fireworks, the sky was not quite dark, so the base of the heavens still glowed a pale blue, dotted with clouds, while the top half was an inky grey--
And nothing profound here, not at all, except a sense of deep contentment and abiding gratitude. Gratitude for this nation, of course. Gratitude for the precious gift of freedom bought at such a dear price by the men and women who gave their lives that we might live ours in freedom. Gratitude for our founding fathers and mothers who suffered so much...yet persevered for the sake of generations they would never see or know.
But also gratitude for the gift of celebrating July 4th with those I love. As we sat eating chicken, deviled eggs, and banana pudding, God gave us one of those "joy bursts"--a moment frozen in time for just a millisecond...when time slows and God gives you the gift of savoring the beauty of the place where you are and the wonder of the people whom you love...right at that moment. That irreplaceable moment.
That joy burst flooded me with gratitude for the stunning night sky and the clear, cool air. But also for the joyous gift of friends and family with whom to eat and laugh and share on this July 4th.
July 4th--the midpoint of summer, it seems. And we realize, as with all of life, these days and hours are passing all too quickly. Before we know it, September and sweaters and school schedules will arrive once again. All too soon these glorious days of hot summer sun, of brothers playing golf, of movies together after dinner at Armadillo Grill (which means lots of chips, salsa, and tacos), of ice cream and strawberry shortcake, of packing and unpacking for camps and mountain trips, of walks with daughters, of sweaty laundry but sweet memories...it will all be gone and past.
So today, Lord, how I pray that You would "teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Ps.90:12) Teach us, Father, to worry less and worship You more. To complain less and consider Your gifts in our lives more. To hurry less and seek to help and to heal those You place in our paths. Teach us what it is to constantly fix our gaze upon You and to run our races with joy. Teach us to live each day overflowing with routine and regular praise and to be filled with childlike wonder for You, Your gifts, and Your grace.
As we cross the midpoint in summer, Father, give us a fresh vision of You and Your plan for our lives. Remove the rust of indifference. ingratitude, and inattention to all You are and to all You are doing in our lives. Teach us appreciation. Teach us thanksgiving. Teach us wonder. Teach us joyful obedience. And teach us love.
To God be the glory.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Louis Zamperini
Dear Jesus,
I just learned about one of your children who has gone home to be with You in heaven. I've never met him--except in the pages of a book--but I love him. And if I love him, I cannot begin to imagine how much You love him.
You know his name, of course, Lord, since You know the name of every person on the planet. You know our very thoughts, our deepest desires, our secret fears, and our craziest hopes. And You know our weaknesses, our frailties, our selfishness, our pridefulness, and our ugly jealousies. And yet You love us anyway. I will never ever get over the wonder of that.
In fact, You loved us so much that You came to earth to fully experience the pain we would endure, the disappointments we would suffer, the betrayals we would experience, the temptations we would encounter. You took all that pain, sorrow, defeat, failure, temptation, and death...carried it all upon Yourself...and defeated it all upon the cross. Thank You, thank You, Lord Jesus.
You came not so that we would not suffer...for we will. We all will endure life's sorrows.
But You came so that when we suffer, we would not be defeated or destroyed...but instead, even in that suffering, we would be made increasingly into Your beautiful, perfect, righteous, glorious likeness. In You, faith has become sight and truth has become reality, for by You "death is swallowed up in victory." (I Cor.15:54)
I share all this, because the life of a remarkable man, Louis Zamperini, reminds us both of the reality of suffering and of Your resurrection power that works all things for good for those that love You...even the worst things.
Lord, thank You for the life of Louis Zamperini. I never met him, but by reading the story of his life in the inspiring and unforgettable book, Unbroken, he has become my hero. Louie was many things--an improbable but outstanding Olympic runner; a World War II aviator shot down over the ocean who endured unimaginable horrors in a Japanese prisoner of war camp; an angry alcoholic who conquered his demons and healed his marriage through the power of Christ, and a godly husband, father, and man who lived life fully to the end and constantly looked for ways to encourage, help, and love other people.
Zamperini endured unimaginable suffering...yet he was a man of unconquerable joy. He truly was "unbroken" by life's hardships and horrors, because ultimately he became a man who built his life upon the Rock. The immutable, unmovable, unshakable Rock.
If Zamperini could know and experience such courage, strength, and joy in the face of incredible struggle and difficulty, then why not us? For his God is our God...and nothing and no one can ever defeat Your perfect purposes and plans.
So thank You, Lord Jesus, for examples like Louis Zamperini. His race is finished...and oh my, he ran that race well. In the words of Paul, Louis has "fought the good fight, [he] has finished the race, [he] has kept the faith; Now there is in store for [him] the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to [him] on that day." (2 Tim.4:8)
Might we all run our races so faithfully, courageously, and joyfully. I don't want to stumble across the finish line. I want to cross the tape at a run with my gaze happily locked on Jesus. And when I do, Louis is one of the people I can't wait to meet.
Until then, I'm betting my mom and dad (and so many others) are thoroughly enjoying his company!
Thank You, Jesus. To God be the glory.
I just learned about one of your children who has gone home to be with You in heaven. I've never met him--except in the pages of a book--but I love him. And if I love him, I cannot begin to imagine how much You love him.
You know his name, of course, Lord, since You know the name of every person on the planet. You know our very thoughts, our deepest desires, our secret fears, and our craziest hopes. And You know our weaknesses, our frailties, our selfishness, our pridefulness, and our ugly jealousies. And yet You love us anyway. I will never ever get over the wonder of that.
In fact, You loved us so much that You came to earth to fully experience the pain we would endure, the disappointments we would suffer, the betrayals we would experience, the temptations we would encounter. You took all that pain, sorrow, defeat, failure, temptation, and death...carried it all upon Yourself...and defeated it all upon the cross. Thank You, thank You, Lord Jesus.
You came not so that we would not suffer...for we will. We all will endure life's sorrows.
But You came so that when we suffer, we would not be defeated or destroyed...but instead, even in that suffering, we would be made increasingly into Your beautiful, perfect, righteous, glorious likeness. In You, faith has become sight and truth has become reality, for by You "death is swallowed up in victory." (I Cor.15:54)
I share all this, because the life of a remarkable man, Louis Zamperini, reminds us both of the reality of suffering and of Your resurrection power that works all things for good for those that love You...even the worst things.
Lord, thank You for the life of Louis Zamperini. I never met him, but by reading the story of his life in the inspiring and unforgettable book, Unbroken, he has become my hero. Louie was many things--an improbable but outstanding Olympic runner; a World War II aviator shot down over the ocean who endured unimaginable horrors in a Japanese prisoner of war camp; an angry alcoholic who conquered his demons and healed his marriage through the power of Christ, and a godly husband, father, and man who lived life fully to the end and constantly looked for ways to encourage, help, and love other people.
Zamperini endured unimaginable suffering...yet he was a man of unconquerable joy. He truly was "unbroken" by life's hardships and horrors, because ultimately he became a man who built his life upon the Rock. The immutable, unmovable, unshakable Rock.
If Zamperini could know and experience such courage, strength, and joy in the face of incredible struggle and difficulty, then why not us? For his God is our God...and nothing and no one can ever defeat Your perfect purposes and plans.
So thank You, Lord Jesus, for examples like Louis Zamperini. His race is finished...and oh my, he ran that race well. In the words of Paul, Louis has "fought the good fight, [he] has finished the race, [he] has kept the faith; Now there is in store for [him] the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to [him] on that day." (2 Tim.4:8)
Might we all run our races so faithfully, courageously, and joyfully. I don't want to stumble across the finish line. I want to cross the tape at a run with my gaze happily locked on Jesus. And when I do, Louis is one of the people I can't wait to meet.
Until then, I'm betting my mom and dad (and so many others) are thoroughly enjoying his company!
Thank You, Jesus. To God be the glory.
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Not indulgence...but endurance
Don't you love summer? The warmth of the sun. The sand and sea. The mountains. The relaxed schedule. The gift of more time with your children--especially the college-aged ones.
Then there's the absence of homework, early-morning dashes to school, and meetings of any shape or size. Not to mention no snow, ice, school delays or closings, bulky down coats, runny noses (well, except for allergies), bundling up just to take the dog for a short walk, numb fingers, frozen feet (a family trait), and darkness both in the early morning and in the early evening.
See, you've already forgotten all the "challenging" (aka horrible) things about winter! Stop complaining about the heat and humidity, for pete's sake, and embrace all the jam-packed goodness of summer!
But here's one difficulty I seem to struggle with more often in the summer than the winter--procrastination and laziness. Maybe you can chalk it up to the rest, relaxation, and delicious warmth of summer, but still, there are important priorities that need to be set and accomplished, projects that need to be tackled, and chores that need to be finished.
In other words, summer presents a bigger challenge to doing what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and to the best that it can be done. I'd rather sleep in (like I did this morning) rather than suffer through a million push-ups and sit-ups in my tuesday morning exercise class. I'd rather veg out in front of the TV than sit down and read a great, but intellectually demanding book. I'd rather mindlessly read emails or flip through magazines than pull out my Bible, pray, repent, and focus intently on hearing from God in His Word. And I'd definitely rather eat chocolate cake with whipped cream than go to all the trouble of cooking a healthy meal that requires time, effort, and, yikes, self-control.
Sigh. Why is it so hard to do what we should be doing rather than weakly giving in to what we feel like doing?
Why does chocolate taste so much better than brussel sprouts?
Why do we savor complaining more than counting our blessings? Or gossiping more than focusing on the good in others?
Well, I recently read something by one of my favorite writers, Jon Bloom, that really convicted and encouraged me on this whole matter of procrastination, laziness, and giving in to our momentary feelings. Here's what Bloom wrote:
"The pattern in everything is this: the greater joys are obtained through struggle and difficulty and pain--things you must force yourself to do when you don't feel like it--while brief, unsatisfying, and often destructive joys are as inviting as couch cushions." (Can I hear a hearty "AMEN!")
Bloom goes on: "Why the struggle and difficulty and pain? Because God, in great mercy, is showing us everywhere, in things that are just shadows of heavenly realities, that there is a great reward for those who struggle through and persevere. (Heb.10:32-35) He is reminding us almost everywhere to walk by faith in a promised future and not by the sight of immediate gratification (2 Cor.5:7)
Understood this way, each thing we don't feel like doing, great or small, becomes an invitation from God to follow in the faithful footsteps of His Son, 'who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God' (Heb. 12:2)
Those who are spiritually blind only see futility in these struggles. But for those who have eyes to see, God has woven gospel hope right into the futility of creation (Rom.8:20-21). Each struggle to overcome becomes a pointer saying, 'Look ahead, past the struggle itself, past the temptation of the puny, vapor joys to the great sustained, substantial Joy set before you!'"
Yes, yes, yes! Did anybody else out there need to hear that today?
Don't we all sometimes get waylaid or mislead by the "puny, vapor joys" that do nothing but suck the energy, hope, and life out of us? And all the while, we are missing out on God's best for us--often because of simple laziness or reluctance to make the hard choice to do what God's calling us to do rather than giving in to what we feel like.
This reminded me of a picture I took a week ago in the mountains of a pair of birds who had built their nest on our porch.
The mama and daddy bird took turns sitting on that nest. 24-7--there they sat. Rain, sun, fog, wind--there they sat. Even when we had bunches of boys, even when we made lots of noise, even when Bingley barked loudly enough to raise the dead, there one of them always sat.
Relentless. Immovable. The only constant outings were when one bird would swoop out to get food and then swoop back in again. And that food gathering was relentless as well. What a routine--go find food, swoop in, sit...go find food, swoop in, sit. Every day. Every night.
Don't you reckon those birds got mighty tired of that demanding, boring, exhausting routine? Didn't they want to stretch their wings and go visit some buddies? Or enjoy the scenery? Or maybe just do a little window-shopping? Hadn't they heard the old McDonald's theme song of "You deserve a break today..."
Apparently not. For as long as we were in the mountains, those birds were either gathering food or sitting faithfully on their nest. Like Horton the elephant..."faithful 100%."
What's our excuse?
If God enabled the birds...and the bees...and the ants...and the elephants to faithfully do what needs to be done, how much more we--His people made in His image and redeemed by His Son--should and must refuse to give in to weak-kneed emotion and instead do whatever hard, but gloriously rewarding work He's given us to do.
Bloom put it this way: "Don't let 'not feeling like it' reign as lord (Rom.6:12). It's not your master; you don't have to obey it...Instead, through this feeling see your Father pointing you to the reward He has planned for all who endure to the end (Mt.24:13). Transpose it from reluctance to a reminder that God is calling you not to indulgence but endurance."
YES again! It's back to good, old Hebrews 12:1-2: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which slings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of throne of God."
Even in summer, it's time for endurance rather than indulgence. Oh sure, a little indulgence every now and then is okay...but like those faithful birds and like our ever-faithful Savior, we need to keep our eyes on the prize. We need to ask God to enable us to fix our eyes on Jesus and finish our race...not haphazardly, not lazily, but triumphantly. For that's the path to true Joy--both now and in the glorious future.
Alrighty then...let's get to it!
To God--our Example and Enabler--be all the glory.
Then there's the absence of homework, early-morning dashes to school, and meetings of any shape or size. Not to mention no snow, ice, school delays or closings, bulky down coats, runny noses (well, except for allergies), bundling up just to take the dog for a short walk, numb fingers, frozen feet (a family trait), and darkness both in the early morning and in the early evening.
See, you've already forgotten all the "challenging" (aka horrible) things about winter! Stop complaining about the heat and humidity, for pete's sake, and embrace all the jam-packed goodness of summer!
But here's one difficulty I seem to struggle with more often in the summer than the winter--procrastination and laziness. Maybe you can chalk it up to the rest, relaxation, and delicious warmth of summer, but still, there are important priorities that need to be set and accomplished, projects that need to be tackled, and chores that need to be finished.
In other words, summer presents a bigger challenge to doing what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and to the best that it can be done. I'd rather sleep in (like I did this morning) rather than suffer through a million push-ups and sit-ups in my tuesday morning exercise class. I'd rather veg out in front of the TV than sit down and read a great, but intellectually demanding book. I'd rather mindlessly read emails or flip through magazines than pull out my Bible, pray, repent, and focus intently on hearing from God in His Word. And I'd definitely rather eat chocolate cake with whipped cream than go to all the trouble of cooking a healthy meal that requires time, effort, and, yikes, self-control.
Sigh. Why is it so hard to do what we should be doing rather than weakly giving in to what we feel like doing?
Why does chocolate taste so much better than brussel sprouts?
Why do we savor complaining more than counting our blessings? Or gossiping more than focusing on the good in others?
Well, I recently read something by one of my favorite writers, Jon Bloom, that really convicted and encouraged me on this whole matter of procrastination, laziness, and giving in to our momentary feelings. Here's what Bloom wrote:
"The pattern in everything is this: the greater joys are obtained through struggle and difficulty and pain--things you must force yourself to do when you don't feel like it--while brief, unsatisfying, and often destructive joys are as inviting as couch cushions." (Can I hear a hearty "AMEN!")
Bloom goes on: "Why the struggle and difficulty and pain? Because God, in great mercy, is showing us everywhere, in things that are just shadows of heavenly realities, that there is a great reward for those who struggle through and persevere. (Heb.10:32-35) He is reminding us almost everywhere to walk by faith in a promised future and not by the sight of immediate gratification (2 Cor.5:7)
Understood this way, each thing we don't feel like doing, great or small, becomes an invitation from God to follow in the faithful footsteps of His Son, 'who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God' (Heb. 12:2)
Those who are spiritually blind only see futility in these struggles. But for those who have eyes to see, God has woven gospel hope right into the futility of creation (Rom.8:20-21). Each struggle to overcome becomes a pointer saying, 'Look ahead, past the struggle itself, past the temptation of the puny, vapor joys to the great sustained, substantial Joy set before you!'"
Yes, yes, yes! Did anybody else out there need to hear that today?
Don't we all sometimes get waylaid or mislead by the "puny, vapor joys" that do nothing but suck the energy, hope, and life out of us? And all the while, we are missing out on God's best for us--often because of simple laziness or reluctance to make the hard choice to do what God's calling us to do rather than giving in to what we feel like.
This reminded me of a picture I took a week ago in the mountains of a pair of birds who had built their nest on our porch.
Relentless. Immovable. The only constant outings were when one bird would swoop out to get food and then swoop back in again. And that food gathering was relentless as well. What a routine--go find food, swoop in, sit...go find food, swoop in, sit. Every day. Every night.
Don't you reckon those birds got mighty tired of that demanding, boring, exhausting routine? Didn't they want to stretch their wings and go visit some buddies? Or enjoy the scenery? Or maybe just do a little window-shopping? Hadn't they heard the old McDonald's theme song of "You deserve a break today..."
Apparently not. For as long as we were in the mountains, those birds were either gathering food or sitting faithfully on their nest. Like Horton the elephant..."faithful 100%."
What's our excuse?
If God enabled the birds...and the bees...and the ants...and the elephants to faithfully do what needs to be done, how much more we--His people made in His image and redeemed by His Son--should and must refuse to give in to weak-kneed emotion and instead do whatever hard, but gloriously rewarding work He's given us to do.
Bloom put it this way: "Don't let 'not feeling like it' reign as lord (Rom.6:12). It's not your master; you don't have to obey it...Instead, through this feeling see your Father pointing you to the reward He has planned for all who endure to the end (Mt.24:13). Transpose it from reluctance to a reminder that God is calling you not to indulgence but endurance."
YES again! It's back to good, old Hebrews 12:1-2: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which slings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of throne of God."
Even in summer, it's time for endurance rather than indulgence. Oh sure, a little indulgence every now and then is okay...but like those faithful birds and like our ever-faithful Savior, we need to keep our eyes on the prize. We need to ask God to enable us to fix our eyes on Jesus and finish our race...not haphazardly, not lazily, but triumphantly. For that's the path to true Joy--both now and in the glorious future.
Alrighty then...let's get to it!
To God--our Example and Enabler--be all the glory.
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