Gee whiz, it's been ten days since I've written here. How on earth did that happen? What is happening to my days that seem to zip by at warp speed...only to leave me wondering why I haven't crossed off any of the twenty-seven items on my to do list? Sigh.
Well, I could sit here and bemoan my lack of organizational and time management skills (which is sadly part of my problem. Double sigh.) Or I could chalk it up to laziness and inertia (which, let's face it, we're all afflicted with from time to time.) Or I could look for excuses to justify my busyness...like the hectic start of the school year, the beginning of Bible study (and lecture writing--a total privilege and joy, but an awful lot of time and work), the new season of "Dancing with the Stars" and "Poldark" (Okay, not really...or at least I'll only blame Poldark.) Or I could simply throw up my hands in surrender to all of the above, give up the whole shebang, and go eat large quantities of chocolate.
Anybody understand the feeling? Anybody feel like making excuses for failing to do that which you want to do and know you should do...but haven't done? Anybody experiencing an attack of the lazies...or the laters (as in "I'm fixin' to think about possibly doing it tomorrow...or the day after")? Anybody tempted to quit in discouragement?
Okay, maybe not, but just in case, maybe we need to do a little preaching to ourselves. If God's called us to do it, He will help us to complete it. God's callings are always His enablings.
And one thing I know for sure--we serve a Lord who perseveres and never, ever quits. Lest we ever forget, all we need to do is look to the cross. "...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 the throne of God. Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself so that yo may not grow weary or fainthearted." (Heb.12:1-3) Amen!
I tell you what--we can quit as soon as Jesus quits, alright?...which is NEVER, EVER!
How about some food from the Word to feed our hearts and strengthen our souls--
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Gal.6:9)
"Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken." (Ps.55:22)
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Cor.4:16-18)
"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Dt.31:8)
"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus." (Phil.4:19)
And finally, "And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Phil.1:6)
Alrighty then. We can trust in our never-failing, all-powerful Almighty God and His always true, life-giving, strength-infusing, supernatural Word...or we can trust in our ever-vacillating, unpredictable, and unreliable emotions. One way leads to hope, joy, peace, perseverance, divine empowerment, and deep soul satisfaction. The other leads to discouragement, ineffectiveness, stress, and soul emptiness. Hmm. Not a tough choice.
Time to look to the Lord, trust in His faithfulness, rely on His power, and then, get busy doing what He's called us to do! And yes, it's ALL HIM. All by His power. All by His grace. All for His glory. But He does call us to do what we can do...and then He does ALL that we cannot do. (Although, here's the amazing part: even what we think we can do, well, that's really only because He's the One who enables us to do it!)
Whatever that "thing" is that you know God's putting His finger upon right now, why don't you ask Him to enable you to get up off the couch, ask for His forgiveness for procrastinating till now, pray for His enabling power and wisdom, trust in His perfect provision and presence...and then get going! It's never too late to start anew.
To God be the glory.
Friday, September 30, 2016
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Of valleys, singing, and Hallelujah
You can count on it: right after the mountain peak, the valley's sure to be just around the bend.
We began Bible study this morning, and it was pure joy to see all those dear, smiling faces together--ready to study God's Word together...to hear the Father whispering His love and revealing His treasures to strengthen and teach...and to grow together and encourage one another through this joyful, sorrowful, challenging, amazing journey of life.
So it was a mighty good morning, and I was, and am, mighty thankful.
But then, sure enough, here it comes. That valley of opposition...or discouragement..or fear...or failure...or heartache...or misunderstanding...or whatever lies the enemy throws at you. For me, that valley most often tends to be discouragement. Discouragement with myself and all my many failings, discouragement over our seemingly hopelessly divided culture, discouragement over the brokenness of this planet.
Yep, after the mountain peak comes the valley.
Yet here's the thing: despair is a sin. Wallowing in discouragement accomplishes nothing. And let's face it--self-pity is nothing but self-centeredness coated in despondency.
So I decided to cancel that old useless party and instead pulled out the Word and put on Handel's "Messiah" blasting on the CD player (yes, we still have a boom box that plays CD's. Can you believer that?!)
Because God's Word tells us to address "one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Eph.5:19-20)
Singing. Making melody to the Lord. Giving thanks always and for everything.
Gratitude, God's Word, music, choosing to sing our praises to the One worthy of all honor and glory--it's amazing how they transform not just the very atoms and atmosphere of the very air we breathe, but they also change us. They remind us of God's extravagant goodness and grace. They help remake us on the inside, transforming us from grumbling to grateful, from discouraged to joyful, from fearful to faith-fueled.
I read the other day that when Handel moved to England in 1712, life as a composer and musician was hard and discouraging. He struggled financially. The various monarchs were wildly unpredictable--one day you're in...and the next you're out. He was attacked for various reasons and finally by 1742 his health began to deteriorate, and he faced debtor's prison. Clearly a long, dark valley.
But one day a friend gave him a libretto on the life of Christ with the words taken directly from God's Word. On August 22, 1741 Handel sat down and began composing. In fact, it's said that for three weeks, Handel never left his room, not even pausing to eat, as he composed and completed one of the most magnificent pieces of music ever written: Messiah.
At one point during that three week period, a friend stopped by to visit him and found him sobbing, overwhelmed with emotion. He had just written the "Hallelujah Chorus." And when the Messiah was performed for the first time in London, as the choir began singing the Hallelujah Chorus, the king--himself overcome with emotion--rose to his feet and the whole audience followed his lead. That's the power of "singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart." Oh thank You, Lord Jesus, for these gifts!
So today, if you're in a valley, or facing a valley, maybe it's time to pull out the Word and sing to the Lord. Crank up the music. Make melody in your heart. And do it with thanksgiving--always and for everything. Not many exceptions in there. When thankfulness reigns, joy returns!
And oh my, He is so infinitely worthy.
In the words of the old Puritan in The Valley of Vision: "Teach me to laud, adore, and magnify thee, with the music of heaven, and make me a perfume of praiseful gratitude to thee." Amen and amen.
To God be the glory.
We began Bible study this morning, and it was pure joy to see all those dear, smiling faces together--ready to study God's Word together...to hear the Father whispering His love and revealing His treasures to strengthen and teach...and to grow together and encourage one another through this joyful, sorrowful, challenging, amazing journey of life.
So it was a mighty good morning, and I was, and am, mighty thankful.
But then, sure enough, here it comes. That valley of opposition...or discouragement..or fear...or failure...or heartache...or misunderstanding...or whatever lies the enemy throws at you. For me, that valley most often tends to be discouragement. Discouragement with myself and all my many failings, discouragement over our seemingly hopelessly divided culture, discouragement over the brokenness of this planet.
Yep, after the mountain peak comes the valley.
Yet here's the thing: despair is a sin. Wallowing in discouragement accomplishes nothing. And let's face it--self-pity is nothing but self-centeredness coated in despondency.
So I decided to cancel that old useless party and instead pulled out the Word and put on Handel's "Messiah" blasting on the CD player (yes, we still have a boom box that plays CD's. Can you believer that?!)
Because God's Word tells us to address "one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Eph.5:19-20)
Singing. Making melody to the Lord. Giving thanks always and for everything.
Gratitude, God's Word, music, choosing to sing our praises to the One worthy of all honor and glory--it's amazing how they transform not just the very atoms and atmosphere of the very air we breathe, but they also change us. They remind us of God's extravagant goodness and grace. They help remake us on the inside, transforming us from grumbling to grateful, from discouraged to joyful, from fearful to faith-fueled.
I read the other day that when Handel moved to England in 1712, life as a composer and musician was hard and discouraging. He struggled financially. The various monarchs were wildly unpredictable--one day you're in...and the next you're out. He was attacked for various reasons and finally by 1742 his health began to deteriorate, and he faced debtor's prison. Clearly a long, dark valley.
But one day a friend gave him a libretto on the life of Christ with the words taken directly from God's Word. On August 22, 1741 Handel sat down and began composing. In fact, it's said that for three weeks, Handel never left his room, not even pausing to eat, as he composed and completed one of the most magnificent pieces of music ever written: Messiah.
At one point during that three week period, a friend stopped by to visit him and found him sobbing, overwhelmed with emotion. He had just written the "Hallelujah Chorus." And when the Messiah was performed for the first time in London, as the choir began singing the Hallelujah Chorus, the king--himself overcome with emotion--rose to his feet and the whole audience followed his lead. That's the power of "singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart." Oh thank You, Lord Jesus, for these gifts!
So today, if you're in a valley, or facing a valley, maybe it's time to pull out the Word and sing to the Lord. Crank up the music. Make melody in your heart. And do it with thanksgiving--always and for everything. Not many exceptions in there. When thankfulness reigns, joy returns!
And oh my, He is so infinitely worthy.
In the words of the old Puritan in The Valley of Vision: "Teach me to laud, adore, and magnify thee, with the music of heaven, and make me a perfume of praiseful gratitude to thee." Amen and amen.
To God be the glory.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
All about Hamilton
Okay, I don't want to brag or boast...but WE'RE GOING TO "HAMILTON!!"
You know what I'm talking about, right? Hamilton...as in the musical about the life of Alexander Hamilton. As in the founding father who, until this play came out, was in danger of being removed from the ten dollar bill. As in the sold out musical on Broadway. As in our daughter's total obsession, since she already knows every single word to every single song and rap in the entire play. Seriously. She could understudy the entire cast. As in--our girls and I are going to see it in Chicago in late October.
Now, here's the thing. I've been informed--by my girls--that: 1)the musical is quite complicated; 2) you have to understand the story; 3) you really need to be familiar with the words to the songs and raps so you'll understand what's going on; and 4) UNDER ABSOLUTELY NO CIRCUMSTANCES--INCLUDING A FIRE OR OTHER EMERGENCY--AM I ALLOWED TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS DURING THE PERFORMANCE.
Apparently, I have earned a somewhat poor reputation amongst my family for asking questions about whatever is going on during movies or TV shows or football games or, well, you get the idea. I'm fond of questions. Like, "Why would he do that?" Or "What's gonna happen to her?" Or "Why did they call that penalty?" Or "What didn't he shoot the ball?" I reckon they grow a wee bit irritated, although I really can't imagine why. I've always heard the only bad question is the one you don't ask. My family does not seem to share that perspective.
So the point is, I've got to get it in gear and be very, very familiar with the story of Hamilton so I won't need to ask any pertinent and important questions like, "Why on earth is the distinguished 'Father of our Country,' George Washington, rapping?" I just don't think my girls will appreciate my quest for understanding in that regard.
Hence, I recently bought on Amazon both the abridged audio version of Ron Chernow's one thousand page book about Hamilton's life (no way, no how, I can read that long of a book in two weeks time--too much pressure) as well as the CD's of the actual musical itself.
Which means if you happen to jump into my car anytime over the next couple of weeks, let me warn you--it's all Hamilton, all the time. Literally. I'm all about Hamilton for the next twenty-five days. Somehow, someway I'm gonna absorb this book and musical so I can be familiar enough with it that: 1) I will understand what's going on; 2) I will enjoy it more since the tickets cost a small fortune and I want to try to get my money's worth; and 3) I won't drive my daughters insane with my questions (not necessarily in that order).
And all this got me to thinking. Here's comes another question...or two. Is that my consistent attitude towards God's Word which far and away is the most important, most life-shaping, most attitude-altering, most wisdom-giving, and most hope-infusing Book in the universe? Seriously, do we read and think about God's eternal and supernatural Word like our life depends upon it?...because it does. Do we listen to it, read it, meditate on it, sing it, share it, and love it?
Because if we do, oh my, what innumerable blessings and joys await us! As D.L. Moody said, "The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge but to change our lives." And Martin Luther declared that "He who wants to hear God speak should read Holy Scripture." The words of Almighty God. Think of it! Why on earth would we let a day go by when we don't listen to what God has to say for us that particular day? What wisdom, what strength, what joy, what hope are we forfeiting when we fail to come to Him to hear His words and sustenance for our daily bread?
Yep, that which we soak in, we will absorb. And that which we absorb, we will be filled with to overflowing. And that which overflows will affect not just us but all those around us. Whether it's "Hamilton" or gossip or the news or sports or fashion or the latest whatever OR God's Word--whatever we put in our hearts and minds will be that which fills us...and transforms us for good or for ill...and overflows from within us and onto others.
Might we choose wisely and well. And might our daily prayer be, Lord, "Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of Your Law." (Ps.119:18) That's a prayer our Father will always answer.
To God be the glory.
You know what I'm talking about, right? Hamilton...as in the musical about the life of Alexander Hamilton. As in the founding father who, until this play came out, was in danger of being removed from the ten dollar bill. As in the sold out musical on Broadway. As in our daughter's total obsession, since she already knows every single word to every single song and rap in the entire play. Seriously. She could understudy the entire cast. As in--our girls and I are going to see it in Chicago in late October.
Now, here's the thing. I've been informed--by my girls--that: 1)the musical is quite complicated; 2) you have to understand the story; 3) you really need to be familiar with the words to the songs and raps so you'll understand what's going on; and 4) UNDER ABSOLUTELY NO CIRCUMSTANCES--INCLUDING A FIRE OR OTHER EMERGENCY--AM I ALLOWED TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS DURING THE PERFORMANCE.
Apparently, I have earned a somewhat poor reputation amongst my family for asking questions about whatever is going on during movies or TV shows or football games or, well, you get the idea. I'm fond of questions. Like, "Why would he do that?" Or "What's gonna happen to her?" Or "Why did they call that penalty?" Or "What didn't he shoot the ball?" I reckon they grow a wee bit irritated, although I really can't imagine why. I've always heard the only bad question is the one you don't ask. My family does not seem to share that perspective.
So the point is, I've got to get it in gear and be very, very familiar with the story of Hamilton so I won't need to ask any pertinent and important questions like, "Why on earth is the distinguished 'Father of our Country,' George Washington, rapping?" I just don't think my girls will appreciate my quest for understanding in that regard.
Hence, I recently bought on Amazon both the abridged audio version of Ron Chernow's one thousand page book about Hamilton's life (no way, no how, I can read that long of a book in two weeks time--too much pressure) as well as the CD's of the actual musical itself.
Which means if you happen to jump into my car anytime over the next couple of weeks, let me warn you--it's all Hamilton, all the time. Literally. I'm all about Hamilton for the next twenty-five days. Somehow, someway I'm gonna absorb this book and musical so I can be familiar enough with it that: 1) I will understand what's going on; 2) I will enjoy it more since the tickets cost a small fortune and I want to try to get my money's worth; and 3) I won't drive my daughters insane with my questions (not necessarily in that order).
And all this got me to thinking. Here's comes another question...or two. Is that my consistent attitude towards God's Word which far and away is the most important, most life-shaping, most attitude-altering, most wisdom-giving, and most hope-infusing Book in the universe? Seriously, do we read and think about God's eternal and supernatural Word like our life depends upon it?...because it does. Do we listen to it, read it, meditate on it, sing it, share it, and love it?
Because if we do, oh my, what innumerable blessings and joys await us! As D.L. Moody said, "The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge but to change our lives." And Martin Luther declared that "He who wants to hear God speak should read Holy Scripture." The words of Almighty God. Think of it! Why on earth would we let a day go by when we don't listen to what God has to say for us that particular day? What wisdom, what strength, what joy, what hope are we forfeiting when we fail to come to Him to hear His words and sustenance for our daily bread?
Yep, that which we soak in, we will absorb. And that which we absorb, we will be filled with to overflowing. And that which overflows will affect not just us but all those around us. Whether it's "Hamilton" or gossip or the news or sports or fashion or the latest whatever OR God's Word--whatever we put in our hearts and minds will be that which fills us...and transforms us for good or for ill...and overflows from within us and onto others.
Might we choose wisely and well. And might our daily prayer be, Lord, "Open my eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of Your Law." (Ps.119:18) That's a prayer our Father will always answer.
To God be the glory.
Friday, September 9, 2016
Look what has come into the world!
Well, we've survived the first two weeks of a big new high school for our 9th grader. So far, so good...well, at least as far as we can tell based upon the rather limited sharing capacity of a 9th grade boy.
Life hums along--two children off in college, two more off on their own, one of them married. And here we are with Bible study about to begin (wonderful...but also lots more work and writing--but I need it, because I so desperately need God's Word!), schedules resuming, fall bearing down with football games, crunchy apples, the state fair, sweaters, pumpkins, and warm fires. And let's not forget that with autumn comes surely the best part of the year--Thanksgiving! Pilgrims, gratitude, family, food, and crisp November air--what's not to love?
Well, but see here's the thing: you can look at all this passing of time with thankfulness and happy anticipation...or you can view it with bittersweet sadness. The other side of the coin: children growing up and leaving home...all of us getting older (with all the fun associated with that)...an unpredictable world...you get the idea.
We get to choose how we'll respond. So what will it be? Gratitude or grumbling? Wonder or worry? Faith or fear? Isn't it so true: God allows us to choose our attitude and our response to life's circumstances--but we dare not make that choice without putting the Lord Jesus and His priceless gift of salvation and eternal life squarely in the center of our thinking.
E. Stanley Jones put it this way: "The early Christians did not say in dismay, 'look what the world has come to,' but in delight, 'look what has come into the world.'" Amen.
Sure, life sure has it's shares of ups and downs, but oh my, there's so much joy, so much cause for wonder, laughter, and rejoicing. Thank You, Father, for the changing seasons and the reminder that You who can transform summer heat into autumn glory can and will also transform and redeem us and the lives of those that we love as well.
So right now, I'm choosing gratitude for the past, joy and contentment in the present, and excitement over the future. I'm reminded of a quote by Randy Alcorn in his wonderful book titled, Happiness. (Sounds dorky from the title, but it's really good!) "When Jesus walked the earth, He lived every moment with divine happiness in His past, the happiness of an eternal perspective in His present, and the anticipation of unending happiness in the future." We, too, can and should have that joyful perspective...but if you're like me, you need frequent reminders. No wonder we need to be in God's Word everyday for our daily bread.
I do need to add that not everyone at our house shares this perspective. Bingley's not so sure about all his "brothers and sisters" growing up and moving on. Here he sits guarding Preyer's stuff and trying to block the door to keep him from leaving--
Might as well try to stop the world from turning, Mr. B. Time to choose gratitude today, live for God's glory today, and trust our ever-faithful Lord today with whatever comes tomorrow. "Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven, for His steadfast love endures forever!" (Ps.136:26)
"This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." (Ps.118:24)
How can we not rejoice--after all, "look what has come into the world!" Thank You, Lord Jesus! To God be the glory.
Life hums along--two children off in college, two more off on their own, one of them married. And here we are with Bible study about to begin (wonderful...but also lots more work and writing--but I need it, because I so desperately need God's Word!), schedules resuming, fall bearing down with football games, crunchy apples, the state fair, sweaters, pumpkins, and warm fires. And let's not forget that with autumn comes surely the best part of the year--Thanksgiving! Pilgrims, gratitude, family, food, and crisp November air--what's not to love?
Well, but see here's the thing: you can look at all this passing of time with thankfulness and happy anticipation...or you can view it with bittersweet sadness. The other side of the coin: children growing up and leaving home...all of us getting older (with all the fun associated with that)...an unpredictable world...you get the idea.
We get to choose how we'll respond. So what will it be? Gratitude or grumbling? Wonder or worry? Faith or fear? Isn't it so true: God allows us to choose our attitude and our response to life's circumstances--but we dare not make that choice without putting the Lord Jesus and His priceless gift of salvation and eternal life squarely in the center of our thinking.
E. Stanley Jones put it this way: "The early Christians did not say in dismay, 'look what the world has come to,' but in delight, 'look what has come into the world.'" Amen.
Sure, life sure has it's shares of ups and downs, but oh my, there's so much joy, so much cause for wonder, laughter, and rejoicing. Thank You, Father, for the changing seasons and the reminder that You who can transform summer heat into autumn glory can and will also transform and redeem us and the lives of those that we love as well.
So right now, I'm choosing gratitude for the past, joy and contentment in the present, and excitement over the future. I'm reminded of a quote by Randy Alcorn in his wonderful book titled, Happiness. (Sounds dorky from the title, but it's really good!) "When Jesus walked the earth, He lived every moment with divine happiness in His past, the happiness of an eternal perspective in His present, and the anticipation of unending happiness in the future." We, too, can and should have that joyful perspective...but if you're like me, you need frequent reminders. No wonder we need to be in God's Word everyday for our daily bread.
I do need to add that not everyone at our house shares this perspective. Bingley's not so sure about all his "brothers and sisters" growing up and moving on. Here he sits guarding Preyer's stuff and trying to block the door to keep him from leaving--
"This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." (Ps.118:24)
How can we not rejoice--after all, "look what has come into the world!" Thank You, Lord Jesus! To God be the glory.
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Regular-old weekend thankfulness
Food for regular-old weekend thankfulness--
Thank You, Lord, for Your relentless goodness and Your countless gifts in our lives. Thank You for Labor Day weekend and for time off the grid of busyness and schedules. Thank You for the gift of labor. Thank You for the rain that we needed so badly...and thank You for the astounding clarity of the sky, refreshing temperatures, and verdant beauty of the world after the storm passed. Thank You for Sunday worship, quietness, and rest. Thank You for friends who are enjoying the majesty of Your mountains and for those savoring the power yet peacefulness of Your ocean.
And thank You for the simple but oh so wonderful gift of watching football with family while sharing delicious food--like Casa Carbone's spaghetti and their spinach calzone. Yum! Or Mt. Airy chocolate souflee cake (or chocolate anything).
Thank You for first days of school...for courage when we face new and unknown things and for strength when we feel weak and small.
Thank You for the astounding beauty of the ordinary--from butterflies to clouds to blue skies. Forgive us when their regularity blinds us to their wonder.
Thank You for eyes to see...for tastebuds to taste...for tears to cry...for mouths to smile...for arms to hug...for voices to sing. Might we trace every gift, every sweet moment, every ordinary but extraordinary thing in our lives straight to You, the Giver of all good gifts. Don't let us miss them. Don't let us miss thanking You and giving You glory.
In the words of Tim Keller: “Lord, when I see a ray of brilliant light, my eye naturally runs up the shaft to see its source. Why don’t I do that with the mountains and the sea and the other wonders of your natural world? Give me the habit of mind that uses all good things as ways to understand and enjoy you more.”
To God be the glory.
Thank You, Lord, for Your relentless goodness and Your countless gifts in our lives. Thank You for Labor Day weekend and for time off the grid of busyness and schedules. Thank You for the gift of labor. Thank You for the rain that we needed so badly...and thank You for the astounding clarity of the sky, refreshing temperatures, and verdant beauty of the world after the storm passed. Thank You for Sunday worship, quietness, and rest. Thank You for friends who are enjoying the majesty of Your mountains and for those savoring the power yet peacefulness of Your ocean.
And thank You for the simple but oh so wonderful gift of watching football with family while sharing delicious food--like Casa Carbone's spaghetti and their spinach calzone. Yum! Or Mt. Airy chocolate souflee cake (or chocolate anything).
In the words of Tim Keller: “Lord, when I see a ray of brilliant light, my eye naturally runs up the shaft to see its source. Why don’t I do that with the mountains and the sea and the other wonders of your natural world? Give me the habit of mind that uses all good things as ways to understand and enjoy you more.”
To God be the glory.
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