Fat Robin

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." Romans 8:26

I saw a fat robin sitting on a fence under a tree yesterday and thought, "That's me."  

I'm looking to get comfortable between the danger on the ground and the needs in the nest.  I don't long to soar or bring home the worms. There's not enough get up and go in these wings to spread them and I can't think of a single springtime tune to trill. This fat Robin just wants to sit here and groan.

Now, as a child of God, I know I'm going to be miserable if I sit on this splintery fence too long.  God didn't give me wings to hang 10 (or is it 8?) on a rail forever. Nope. Something's got to give and it's got to be me. So, 

Note to self: 

Do you not know?                                          (What?)

     Have you not heard?                                 (Tell me!) 

The LORD is the everlasting God,                     (but . . . )

     the Creator of the ends of the earth.           (that's amazing!)      

He will not grow tired or weary,                       (even though I do)

     and His understanding no one can fathom.   (I don't understand . . .)

He gives strength to the weary                        (I'll take two -)

     and increases the power of the weak.          (Weak as water, Lord, feel                                                                         free to amp it up.)

Even youths grow tired and weary,                   (So what hope is there for

     and young men stumble and fall;                   a fat bird on a fence?)

but those who hope in the LORD                      (I want to, LORD)

     will renew their strength.                           (Hope in the LORD=strength)

They will soar on wings like eagles;                  (That's a great goal)

     they will run and not grow weary,                (Maybe soon)

     they will walk and not be faint.                   (That could happen today.)   

Isaiah 40:28-31

"But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9

If, in the very near future, you see a fat robin walking along a fence or running down the rail and shaking our her feathers to take off - don't laugh, just ask God to help her remember Who lifts and empowers His children.

Lord God, I glory in my weakness: I'm nothing without You.  You alone are the strength and wisdom I need. May Your power rest on me as I rest in You. Fill me with Your Spirit so I can release the fence and walk, then run, then soar in Your strength.   May we free You to free us: pry our toes off the fence, build the muscles in our legs, and unfurl our rusty wings.

In the Name of Jesus Who ascended!

Surely Temple

"Within Your temple, O God, we meditate on Your unfailing love."

Psalm 48:9 (NIV)

"Don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?  You are not your own." 1 Corinthians 6:19

     Over the last few weeks, the fire in this temple has needed kindling.  Sacrifices ran the temple grounds, unattended and unruly rather than bound and burned.  Dust gathered on the instruments of praise. I've tossed blessings in a dark corner rather than polishing and displaying them.  My love, attention and service grew unseasonably and unreasonably lukewarm.  

     The worst part is that I can't explain why.  No major changes in my life triggered a crisis of faith.  Terrible news didn't break my heart nor did "good" news leave me thinking I didn't need God. So when and why did I slip into spiritual apathy? Did I grow weary without a miracle? Is it too hot to meditate? Am I exhausted from praying about the same issues and fears? 

     I don't know whether God will  provide answers to these questions, but I do know that for whatever reason, I'm ready to respond to God's sweet, urging Voice to return to HIm, confess my apathy, bring out the bellows, sacrifice the false gods, invite the Spirit to blow through and remove the dust, display the blessings, dispose of distractions, and refurnish this temple with all that makes Him at home again. 

"God's beloved; God's permanent residence. 

Encircled by God all day long, within whom God is at home." 

Deuteronomy 33:12 (The Message)

"Take delight in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Psalm 37:4

LOL

Jesus Calling encourages lighthearted living today. According to the author, our faith in God's power shines through when we can laugh at ourselves and our circumstances.  Our sincere laughter (not the nervous version) expresses faith in God's loving provision. Laughter lightens the mood, breaks the spell of gloom, and sends God the message that we trust Him to handle the situation.  

In the beginning, God assigned people a workload, and in the Gospels, Jesus promised His followers He would put a "load" on them.  
"Come to Me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest.  For the yoke I will give you is easy, and the load I will put on you is light." Matthew 11:28-30 

I evidently think I can handle more than the light load God assigns me since I add to my load until I wobble like an overloaded washing machine.  If I hear about a problem, I feel it's my responsibility to solve it and I figure, re-figure, plan and revise until my mind is worn out. 

"A cheerful disposition is good for your health; 
gloom and doom leave you bone-tired." 
Proverbs 17:22
Amen, Brother Solomon!

The answer? "Mind your own business!" or, to put it nicely, "Find freedom by accepting the boundaries of your domain." (Sarah Young, Jesus Calling)  We may not realize we're minding God's business when we pull other people's problems, circumstances and issues into our domain to solve for them. 

God decides our business (workload), including when and how to help others with His guidance and help. He lays this "yoke" gently on us and sticks with us to carry it to completion.  He's the only one who can carry the weight of the world on His shoulders.  

"The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means 'God with us.'"  Matthew 1:23

So laugh it up today and tell God you trust Him. 

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; 
she can laugh at the days to come." 
Proverbs 31:25

Unlimited Expertise

"So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own.
There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings."
Matthew 6:34

"LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in You." 

Psalm 84:12

     The day came last week when I had to face the "boogey man" computer program I've dreaded for a year.  When I first started working for the judge, someone came and showed me how to access and use several programs to do my job.  I promptly forgot what I didn't understand (most of it) and have used only what I've needed on a daily basis.  But, the time has come to dig deeper, to master my fear and to dominate this frightful program.  It didn't start well: nothing worked and I felt like I was in a land where no one spoke my language.  

     When I called the helpline, (I'm not proud when it comes to technology) a nice young man led me through steps which gave him remote access to my computer. A strange combination of relief and anxiety overcame me as I watched the cursor on my screen come alive to glide across the screen and click on boxes which dropped twenty mysterious options. It magically deleted excess information and updated what was left  - all within a matter of minutes and without my help.  When the job was complete, the young man exited my computer and placed the reigns (mouse) back in my hands.  

     Do we see God's work in our lives this way? As some sort of helpline we call to take over, clean out and update when we're nervous, frightened, confused, uncertain?  Do we take the reigns back when the way seems clear or until the next glitch occurs?

     If so, we're missing out on all our Mighty God wants to do in and through us, with or without the glitches.   He's more than a temporary helpline who takes over to clean up our messes or get us through the scary parts of life.  He's the 24/7 All-Knowing Friend, Brother, Savior, Consolation, Guide, Teacher, Tutor, Father, Boss, Shepherd, Strength, Wisdom, Physician, Psychologist - Whoever we need Him to be every minute of today so that tomorrow we're already on track.  He offers us love, joy, peace, rest, relief, forgiveness, understanding, opportunity, reprimand, guidance, patience - whatever we need for the moment - so we're in the right place at the right time to be blessed. 

     I like knowing the nice young man or one of his co-workers is on the other end of the line when I need computer help, but that's where his expertise and input end in my life.  God's expertise knows no end. Any day I fail to invite Him to take the reigns is a day I don't live up to what He could and would do through me. 

Father, take today and make it what You want it to be. Clean out the excesses of materialism and self-absorption. Update stale faith.  Open the hearts within our hearts to deeper lessons, life and love.  May today be a day we live and move in You. Do all that You desire and make us who You created us to be in Jesus Christ. 

In the Name of Your Son, "God With Us" - Who sent the Holy Spirit to work in us.

     

Syllabus for Saints

Then they asked Him, 'What must we do to do the works God requires?'

 Jesus answered, 'The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.'"

 John 6:29

Yesterday's sermon was "Faith That Impresses God," based on the Roman centurion who amazed Jesus with his faith (Matthew 8).  Last night our preacher prayed for all students, school staff, administrators and teachers returning to school this morning.  In the morning, Pastor Rick identified true, active faith, and last night he prayed those students and faculty (and all believers) would live out their faith on a Monday. Identify and apply. Easier to study than to do. 

As believers, our CORE class throughout life is "Identifying and Applying Faith."  This class comes with a universe-sized laboratory and no graduation date. Graduation only happens when we bend our knees at Heaven's throne and faith becomes sight.  Today, Monday, (or whichever day offers you the greatest challenge) we may have forgotten that class is in session.  Look at the board to see our learning objective and the exercises God has for us in Jesus' own words:  

Faith 101:

"The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent." 

John 6:29

Easy-peasy. No wonder it's Faith 101. Done. Check it off. Next class.

Faith 102:

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, 

who have been called according to His purpose." 

Romans 8:28

All things? And thus begins the difficult work of trusting that God works for our good on Mondays, in frustration, without funds, under pressure, and with obstacles.  The verse rolls off our tongues and our heads say "true," but our hearts drag their feet when it comes to believing God uses "all things" for our good.  After all,  you and I both have histories from which we've emerged still asking "Where's the 'good' from that?" without seeing the "good." We will have to repeat this class several times.

Faith 201, 202, 203 and 204

"but be filled by the Spirit,
speaking to one anotherin psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,
singing and making music
from your heart to the Lord,
giving thanks always for everything
to God the Father
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
submitting to one another
in the fear of Christ."

Not so easy peasy after all.  Memorizing the material is nothing compared to applying this information in life's lab.
1) Remembering to invite God to fill us?  That takes time, work, and relationship.
2) Making music in our hearts? Requires focus, love, learning a melody.
3) Giving thanks always, for everything?  We're going to be busy this semester.
4) Submitting to one another?  Is it too late to drop this class? 

Faith is . . .
     more than words,
     more than a creed,
     more than a favorite Scripture.

Faith is a laboratory of opportunities to "believe in the One He has sent" from our hearts all the way through our actions. 

Lord God, we like living at our leisure like students on holiday, but nothing compares to life's laboratory for fine-tuning our faith.  Remind us to ask You to fill us with Your Spirit and Your Song.  Prompt us to thank You for every gift, great or small. You send every good gift.  And, Father, the hardest exercise of all may be to trust You enough to submit to others and to situations You allow for our good. In submitting we exercise faith that You see, You know, You understand, You shape, You use, and You reign.  May we seize this day's opportunities to trust You.
In the Name of Jesus Who could submit to others because of His Faith in You

How Long Is Long Enough?

"Those who look to Him are radiant with joy;

their faces will never be ashamed."

Psalm 34:5

We saw a movie preview last night in which two people stood looking across the Grand Canyon. Their conversation went something like this:

First person, "I've always wanted to see the Grand Canyon."

Second person, "Yeah, me too."

(5 second pause)

First person, "So how long are we supposed to look at it?"

Second person, "Well, I think at least ten minutes. I mean, it's so majestic, it deserves at least ten minutes, don't you think?  We should look for at least ten minutes."

(another 5 second pause)

First Person (antsy), "But, who would know?"

We stand in the Presence of an eternally creative God.  Are we impressed?  Do we stay still and humble ourselves before Him long enough to be amazed by His majesty, glory, omniscience, almighty power, and untouchable holiness? 

How long are we supposed to look at His majesty?

Long enough to transform. Long enough for joy to build before bursting open our cocoons and cubicles. Long enough to absorb His Light, to hear His complete sentences and to relax in trust and obedience. 

  

If we're too sophisticated to be impressed with God's creations and revelations of Himself, we're too sophisticated. When majestic mountains, lucid lakes, rolling rivers, sunny shores, a toddler toddling, the time-marked hands of a loved one, a flickering candle flame, snow on rooftops, the smell of rain on pine needles,  and a canopy of constellations in our back yard fail to lead us to worship, we've not looked long enough to even glimpse God. 

And, who else would know whether we glimpse or whether we gaze?  Again, we underestimate God's glory because when we allow ourselves to be stunned by Him and His handiwork, He shines in our attitudes, through our character, and from deep behind our eyes.

Lord, thank You that though I cannot travel far and will not see all of Your creation in this lifetime, You show me enough where I am to earn my complete awed amazement and worship. Shadows of dancing trees, light through windows, drumming rains, patches of pure white snow, purple haze of twilight, morning peach of sunrise, perfect blades of grass,  loving eyes, gentle hands, thoughtful gestures:  You're here with me and I want to look long enough to radiate You into this hurting, sophisticated world.  Give me all the time in the world to be still and know.
In the Name of Jesus, Who spoke of flowers in the fields and birds of the air

The Gift of A Handicap

Picture the fishermen disciples in their fishing boat facing a strength-gaining storm.  They've used up all their ideas, their knowledge, their prowess, their skill to solve the problem, but even 2,000 years later we don't know how to stop a storm.  Then lightning reveals a figure walking calmly toward them on the water. Jesus. 

Feel the heat as Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego are hustled closer to the fiery furnace and see soldiers ahead of them fall dead from the intensity of the blaze. A quick, hard push and the flames lick impotently at their tender flesh. And Who stands waiting for them? God In Flesh - the Fourth Man in the fiery furnace - Jesus. 

Nowhere in Scripture does it say "If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen." Nor was Christ a proponent of "self-made men."  These ideas drip off proud human tongues.  God installs the furnaces, throws down challenges and commissions us to helpless positions for one reason: to reveal Himself as our shelter, our asbestos, our Hope, our Friend and our God.

Paul learned to see his weakness as a God-gift and found Christ walking with him in his own storms and furnaces. 
Notice the phrase "the gift of a handicap."

Because of the extravagance of those revelations, 
           and so I wouldn’t get a big head, 
I was given the gift of a handicap 
           to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. 
Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; 
           what he in fact did was push me to my knees. 
No danger then of walking around high and mighty! 
At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. 
Three times I did that, and then He told me, 
          'My grace is enough; it’s all you need. 
          My strength comes into its own in your weakness.'
Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. 
     I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. 
It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. 
Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, 
          these limitations that cut me down to size—
               abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. 
I just let Christ take over!
And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.   
2 Corinthians 12:8-10  (The Message - italics are mine)

I can't. You can't. We all can't.
God can.

When it's all too much, too big, too intense, too rocky, too sticky, too uncertain - remember our weaknesses are Grace-gifts. Praise God, He's about to reveal Himself through our humble obedience.  

Lord, help us stop focusing on our handicaps, comparing our strengths, and expecting ourselves to be anything but limited humans.  You designed us to be needy and weak so we would run to You. May we be like the three who faced the furnace, allowing You to reveal Yourself through our obedience.  Guide us not to turn molehills into mountains (and many of our "crises" are molehills) but help us stand down as You move the mountains. 
In the Name of Jesus Who revealed Your Glory through His obedience

Ring the Bells of Christmas

"This act in Cana of Galilee was the first sign Jesus gave,
the first glimpse of His glory.
And His disciples believed in Him." 
John 2:11

Tuesday night, we ventured out on one of our traditional family outings: driving through Chick-fil-A for peppermint chocolate chip milkshakes all 'round before hunting for Christmas lights.  We found the house we were looking for, parked, tuned in on the radio, sat back, and enjoyed the 10-15 minute synchronized light show. It was spectacular - ranging from mellow "Silent Night" to the rockin' Transiberian Orchestra version of the "Nutcracker Suite."  As impressed as we were by the light show, it was through the children's voices quoting the Christmas story from the Gospel of Luke that we heard a glimpse of God's glory. Sweet innocence stumbling through the more difficult words, telling the precious story of another Child.

Wednesday night a mighty wind roared through our area and didn't run out of breath until late afternoon.  Morning revealed bare trees dangling occasional nest knots. Clouds tumbleweeded across the sky. Temperatures dropped to below freezing by nightfall. I believe in the God who uses wind to remind us of His power, His Presence, the transformations He can make over time, over night or in the twinkling of an eye.  Blustery wind, racing clouds, heat and cold, sunstreaks of orange, pink and purple - all glimpses of God's glory.

Thursday night brought more glimpses of God. For three years running, we've enjoyed a new Arkansas Christmas tradition: travelling to Garvan Woodland Gardens to hear the "Hallelujah Handbells" play in Anthony Chapel.

The chapel, constructed of wood and glass, re-decorates itself each season. For Christmas, a bare evergreen, God's creation minus artificial lights and ornaments, rises front and center.  At night, amber-hued lighting soothes and the place calls for reflection and praise.  Seated in back of the crowded chapel, we heard the bells sing, flickering with visual sparks of light, motion, and harmony. 

As our friends rang the bells, something rang true in me: God rings the bells of His glory on a day-to-day basis. Christmas simply provides more opportunities to catch a wider variety of glimpses. 

It's no wonder Satan wants us squabbling and distracted during the holidays (holy days).  Christmas enlightens us when we throw off all that encumbers and blinds us to hearing the bells and catching glimpses of God's glory. When we looked for them in the lights, we also heard them in children's voices. When we felt for them by our fireside, we also found them in inclement weather.  And, when we listened for them in the bells, we also saw them in flashes of light feflecting from the moving bells to the back of the chapel. 

Lord, it is good to praise You.

Most High God, it is good to make music to honor You.

It is good to sing every morning about Your love.
It is good to sing every night about how faithful You are.
I sing about it to the music of the lyre that has ten strings.
I sing about it to the music of the harp.
Lord, You make me glad by what You have done.
I sing with joy about the works of Your hands.
Lord, how great are the things You do!
How wise Your thoughts are!
Psalm 92:1-5

Father, I've been looking for that Christmas feeling while You've been ringing bells, blowing cold and whispering to me in children's voices.  Father, we surrender the need for magic and artificiality we add to Your glory.  Like Peter, we want to build temples when You've already provided the mountaintop.  Open our eyes and ears to Your music and guide us to respond with the music of praise.
In the Name of Jesus, Precious Child, Loving Lamb, Music of Heaven 

I Think That I Shall Never See . . .

     Driving to work this morning I watched the morning sun illuminate leaves and thought, "God could've made only one type of tree, but He didn't."  His creative glory led to seasonal changes embedded in perenniel stability, balls of flame seated among the cool of evergreens. (And thank you to whoever came up with the name "evergreen:" it's a lovely consolation for serving as a backdrop for fall flare.)

     Some of us are evergreens: constant, stable, dependable - and, maybe even a little unexciting to the young and the restless. Others of us are project-oriented, and like hardwoods unfurling the intensity of spring green, we deepen our colors and sprint toward autumn fireworks before hibernating for the winter, or until a new project, job, mission, or calling presents itself.  True, the evergreens among us may be a little envious of the seasonals in the spring and fall, but certainly not in the winter, when we shine and keep the rest of the scenery from fading into a dull and colorless existence. B

     Each needed, each contributing to the landscape, the environment, shouting the glory of God across acres and acres for the world to see as a reminder of the Creator. The trees don't fight for centerstage but stand quietly blazing in their turn, serving as a backdrop then stepping up to fulfill their roles. Why should we do any less than the trees?

"Let the fields and everything in them be glad.

Then all of the trees in the forest will sing with joy."

Psalm 96:12

"For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace:

the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing,

and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands."

Isaiah 55:12

Wednesday, November 10, 2010 - Nicknames

     When Nick was three or four he heard us talking about someone with a "nickname" and he did his best to assure us that he was the only one with a Nick name.
     In only a few viewings of the television show "The Office" you quickly learn that for Andy Bernard, nicknaming is part of the male bonding process. He concocts unimaginative nicknames such as "Big Tuna" for  Jim who brought tuna for lunch one day. When Jim is promoted, Andy changes the nickname to "Boss Tuna."
     When I call God "God," "Lord," and "Father" it's because of what He's done in my life. The problem is I don't have enough names for God when I attempt to acclaim and proclaim  all He does in my life but it's a joyful exercise to try. Today He is my Rest -  Rest from Worry, Rest from Darkness, Rest from my own weaknesses and failures, Rest from the Need to Please Others, Rest from guilt, Rest in Grace, and God of the Rest of my life. Oops, was that more than one name?
    Thank You, Father-God, Healer and Rest for being a God we can't give enough names. You never change Who You are but You find an infinite number of ways to express Who You are! Thank You for being bigger than our imaginations and creativity!


In the name of Jesus, God saves, a favorite nickname for God!


"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, O LORD. They rejoice in Your name all day long; they exult in Your righteousness." Psalm 89:15-16


"This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in His presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything." 1 John 3:19-20


"To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy" Jude 24


"In my integrity You uphold me and set me in Your presence forever." Psalm 41:12