In Victor Hugo's haunting story of the hunchback with the funny name, the Cathedral of Notre Dame serves as "sanctuary" for Quasimoto from his cruel world. The tower bells are his only friends. He races over gargoyles and steps with ease to hidden places throughout the only home he's ever known. He only suffers during the rare times he leaves his sanctuary and people torture him with cruel words. Quasimoto, in all his deformity, finds peace in the great cathedral as long as he remains hidden until bidden by his adopted father, Claude Frollo.
Frollo is the Archdeacon of Notre Dame who also spends a great deal of time in Notre Dame. His body is whole but his spirit is deformed. Although he adopted the abandoned baby Quasimoto, he uses the Hunchback to do his dirty work. Frollo is a legalist, tormented by lust for Esmeralda, a beautiful gypsy girl. From the moment his lust ignites, his exalted position in the cathedral becomes a prison.
King David could have related to both the Hunchback and the Archdeacon. He was outcast from society and hid in caves. His burning lust for a woman led him outside God's protective law. Yet, unlike the two characters in Hugo's story, David learned to achieve "sanctuary" in the pasture with sheep, on a battlefield facing a giant, in caves with fellow soldiers, during a plague on a threshing floor, in a worship processional that brought the Ark of the Covenant home to Jerusalem, and prostrate before God as he begged for forgiveness. Although he preferred the tabernacle, David worshiped God's holiness wherever he was, in whatever role he was assigned for the day. David knew true sanctuary.
Abba-Father, forgive us when we, like Frollo, use our church membership or involvement as a cloak to cover the sin we cherish in our hearts. Bring what deforms our spirits to light and heal us through worship today. Like Quasimoto I'm too often guilty of using the church as a sanctuary from "the ills of humanity" when You're looking for people to spend time with You in quiet pastures then carry the sanctuary You give us to the battlefields, the work places, the celebrations, the dark places, and the hospitals of the world. What a beautiful place church is when it's where we come together to worship You in Your holiness and to encourage each other's faith as we carry Your Peace and Light into the world. Help us worship You regardless of our circumstances and to let go of the security of church walls. May we find sanctuary in Your Word and Your Presence. Help us receive all You have for us and give all You call us to give today and through the week.
In the name of Jesus who is our sanctuary from sin and death!
"Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness." Psalm 29:2
"One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek Him in His temple." Psalm 27:4
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010 - Decision Making 101
James Dobson's parenting advice has been priceless to us and other parents wanting to raise godly children over the years. While his "Focus on the Family" ministry has probably saved many parents from giving up on their strong-willed children, I was more interested in what he had to say about the compliant child. Wearing a smug smile about Julie, our sweet daughter who put her heart into pleasing us, I dove into one of his books expecting congratulations on our marvelous parenting and predictions of smooth sailing for her future but came up gasping in shock and hit my knees praying.
I learned that while strong-willed children spark large-scale prayer meetings when they live at home they also succeed in the world because they're strong-willed. Surprisingly, Dobson said parents should be more concerned about their compliant children who tend to let others take charge and make all their decisions for them. Compliant children often cave to peer pressure and end up in unhealthy or abusive relationships because they don't want to rock the boat. At best, they become passive people who float through life in whichever way others bump them.
That's not the life I wanted for Julie but I could see how it could happen and it scared me to my knees. Julie wanted to please us to the point she wouldn't choose a restaurant for fear of choosing one we wouldn't like. When she voluntarily tried spinach every time it was on the table I became alarmed. The problem wasn't that she was/is a pleaser but in who she chose to please. Tom and I were only qualified to lead her to a certain point in life but could either of us, or both of us together, be trusted with her future? Did we really know what was best for her as so many parents claim to know? Did I want the responsibility for making every decision for her life? No, no, and definitely, no.
A new era dawned in our home, thanks to Dobson's warning. We started teaching Decision Making 101 and took every opportunity to let Julie make her own decisions. She hated it and sometimes we discovered she could be strong-willed about NOT making decisions. We had to guard ourselves from letting our thoughts slip out because she would default to pleasing us instead of thinking through other options. Sometimes she wore us out with her compliance!
The good news is that her personality and what God calls us to do fit hand in glove. We can't be overly-compliant or too-trusting when it comes to pleasing God. Whatever pleases Him is and always will be best for us. He teaches us to make godly decisions on the big issues by providing tons of opportunities to make small decisions each day. Yes, I long for billboards and yes, I wish the Bible had specific answers for my every question, but what God provides is even better: His perfect knowledge, His constant Presence, His trustworthy love, and His willingness to lead us along paths strewn with delightful rewards. For our part, we're simply called to enjoy His Presence and learn how delightful it is to delight ourselves in Him.
Abba-Father, I give my life to You again today. Move in me and stir me to know You better today than I did yesterday. Guide my heart to commune with Yours and my will to be in compliance with Yours. You're perfectly qualified to take complete charge of anything we face. Teach us to please You and lead us in every decision. You'll never direct us down the wrong path. I trust You and surrender my will to Yours.
In the name of Jesus who lived to please You
"The One who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do what pleases Him." John 8:29
"By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that he exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Hebrews 11:5-6
"Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
I learned that while strong-willed children spark large-scale prayer meetings when they live at home they also succeed in the world because they're strong-willed. Surprisingly, Dobson said parents should be more concerned about their compliant children who tend to let others take charge and make all their decisions for them. Compliant children often cave to peer pressure and end up in unhealthy or abusive relationships because they don't want to rock the boat. At best, they become passive people who float through life in whichever way others bump them.
That's not the life I wanted for Julie but I could see how it could happen and it scared me to my knees. Julie wanted to please us to the point she wouldn't choose a restaurant for fear of choosing one we wouldn't like. When she voluntarily tried spinach every time it was on the table I became alarmed. The problem wasn't that she was/is a pleaser but in who she chose to please. Tom and I were only qualified to lead her to a certain point in life but could either of us, or both of us together, be trusted with her future? Did we really know what was best for her as so many parents claim to know? Did I want the responsibility for making every decision for her life? No, no, and definitely, no.
A new era dawned in our home, thanks to Dobson's warning. We started teaching Decision Making 101 and took every opportunity to let Julie make her own decisions. She hated it and sometimes we discovered she could be strong-willed about NOT making decisions. We had to guard ourselves from letting our thoughts slip out because she would default to pleasing us instead of thinking through other options. Sometimes she wore us out with her compliance!
The good news is that her personality and what God calls us to do fit hand in glove. We can't be overly-compliant or too-trusting when it comes to pleasing God. Whatever pleases Him is and always will be best for us. He teaches us to make godly decisions on the big issues by providing tons of opportunities to make small decisions each day. Yes, I long for billboards and yes, I wish the Bible had specific answers for my every question, but what God provides is even better: His perfect knowledge, His constant Presence, His trustworthy love, and His willingness to lead us along paths strewn with delightful rewards. For our part, we're simply called to enjoy His Presence and learn how delightful it is to delight ourselves in Him.
Abba-Father, I give my life to You again today. Move in me and stir me to know You better today than I did yesterday. Guide my heart to commune with Yours and my will to be in compliance with Yours. You're perfectly qualified to take complete charge of anything we face. Teach us to please You and lead us in every decision. You'll never direct us down the wrong path. I trust You and surrender my will to Yours.
In the name of Jesus who lived to please You
"The One who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do what pleases Him." John 8:29
"By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that he exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Hebrews 11:5-6
"Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4
Friday, November 5, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010 - Good fences make good neighbors
Over the years, we've had fences to protect our children and dogs, but also to provide varying degrees of privacy. We've had neighbors we didn't think could handle too much of our information and we've also had neighbors we could have ended up testifying in court about if we had known much more about them. Some of our neighbors have created their own little Edens behind privacy fences and some of them chose to ignore these fenced spaces until their unruly vines crawled over the fence into our yard. Privacy fences allow people options without inviting or offending the neighbors. "Good fences make good neighbors" is a proverb worth practicing.
What place do fences have in our relationships with God? Today's "Jesus Calling" devotional opens with a statement that, so to speak, puts the spiritual ball in our backyards: "You can live as close to Me as you choose. I set up no barriers between us; neither do I tear down the barriers that you erect."
Do we treat God like a neighbor we want to keep at a comfortable distance or as the indwelling Lord of our lives? Is He Someone we talk to over our protective "don't change me" fences or the God who decides when, where and how we live? Is He someone we invite over for a nice chat but with Whom we'd never spend an entire day? Someone we can go to when we need to borrow a cup of miracles or a first aid kit but Whom we tell to mind His own business when He meddles in our attitudes? God is like a good neighbor - there when we need Him, no matter how high we build our fences. He goes the second mile and is there no matter how tightly we close our eyes or how rebelliously we turn our backs to Him. He doesn't build fences or roll His eyes thinking we're wearing out His welcome mat. The next time we take a step back from Him, may He remind us He watched His Son die to remove every barrier between us
Father, how can You help but laugh (or cry?) when You see us nailing up quick privacy fences to hide from You? We act like children who cover their eyes and think no one can see them. Thank You for not only staying with us but for watching over us. We've had too many people "stay with us" who were like dead weight, draining us with their expectations and over-dependence. But You, Lord, You stay with us because You love us with Self-less love You give from Your glorious riches. When we invited Christ into our lives - You came to stay and You'll never leave us. Remove our fear of change as we learn to let go and let You live through us. We praise You that even our efforts to keep You at a distance don't hinder or lessen Your love for us. We're so easily offended when others push us away so help us remember Your feelings anytime we choose to shut You out of our lives.
In the name of Jesus, at Whose death Your hand ripped in half the veil hiding the Holy of Holies
"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." Genesis 28:15
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Philippians 4:12
"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39
What place do fences have in our relationships with God? Today's "Jesus Calling" devotional opens with a statement that, so to speak, puts the spiritual ball in our backyards: "You can live as close to Me as you choose. I set up no barriers between us; neither do I tear down the barriers that you erect."
Do we treat God like a neighbor we want to keep at a comfortable distance or as the indwelling Lord of our lives? Is He Someone we talk to over our protective "don't change me" fences or the God who decides when, where and how we live? Is He someone we invite over for a nice chat but with Whom we'd never spend an entire day? Someone we can go to when we need to borrow a cup of miracles or a first aid kit but Whom we tell to mind His own business when He meddles in our attitudes? God is like a good neighbor - there when we need Him, no matter how high we build our fences. He goes the second mile and is there no matter how tightly we close our eyes or how rebelliously we turn our backs to Him. He doesn't build fences or roll His eyes thinking we're wearing out His welcome mat. The next time we take a step back from Him, may He remind us He watched His Son die to remove every barrier between us
Father, how can You help but laugh (or cry?) when You see us nailing up quick privacy fences to hide from You? We act like children who cover their eyes and think no one can see them. Thank You for not only staying with us but for watching over us. We've had too many people "stay with us" who were like dead weight, draining us with their expectations and over-dependence. But You, Lord, You stay with us because You love us with Self-less love You give from Your glorious riches. When we invited Christ into our lives - You came to stay and You'll never leave us. Remove our fear of change as we learn to let go and let You live through us. We praise You that even our efforts to keep You at a distance don't hinder or lessen Your love for us. We're so easily offended when others push us away so help us remember Your feelings anytime we choose to shut You out of our lives.
In the name of Jesus, at Whose death Your hand ripped in half the veil hiding the Holy of Holies
"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." Genesis 28:15
"I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want." Philippians 4:12
"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Thursday, November 4 - The Perfect Bite
In one of the final services we shared with our church family at Eastern Shore Baptist, the preacher asked this question: "What are you doing right now that without God's power you'd fall flat on your face?" If we can't think of an answer, we're missing our life's purpose.
We're gloves; He's the Hand. We're pitchers; He's the Living Water. We're lamps; He's the Light of the world. We're sailboats; He's the wind. We're hungry; He's the Bread of Life. We're the mouths; He's the Voice. All these analogies focus on His filling and equipping us to do what pleases Him. We won't make a difference in this world until we learn the difference between emptying ourselves for His filling and asking Him to "help" us do what we've already decided to do. He would rather us do nothing than do something without Him. But, our impatience with silence and stillness prompts us to forge ahead, with or without Him.
In my treasure hunt this morning I found a casserole of powerful and tasty bits from other verses and truths that packs a punch of promises.
"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Hebrews 13:20-21
List of ingredients:
Peace
Constantly available and death-defying power
Eternal purpose
Gentle guidance from the greatest of all shepherds
"The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:14
"The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze, and your strength will equal your days." Deuteronomy 33:25
"The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace." Psalm 29:11
We're gloves; He's the Hand. We're pitchers; He's the Living Water. We're lamps; He's the Light of the world. We're sailboats; He's the wind. We're hungry; He's the Bread of Life. We're the mouths; He's the Voice. All these analogies focus on His filling and equipping us to do what pleases Him. We won't make a difference in this world until we learn the difference between emptying ourselves for His filling and asking Him to "help" us do what we've already decided to do. He would rather us do nothing than do something without Him. But, our impatience with silence and stillness prompts us to forge ahead, with or without Him.
In my treasure hunt this morning I found a casserole of powerful and tasty bits from other verses and truths that packs a punch of promises.
"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Hebrews 13:20-21
List of ingredients:
Peace
Constantly available and death-defying power
Eternal purpose
Gentle guidance from the greatest of all shepherds
Everything good
Equipping for every good work
Knowledge of God's will
Assurance that we're pleasing Him.
These two verses simmer together for the perfect bite of being in God's will. Yet, we choose to figure out what we can't know and motivate ourselves with hollow cheers to accomplish what we can't do on our own. Silly humans! God is with us to do it all through us and He serves up generous portions of rest and peace for dessert to replace the frustration and exhaustion of working alone.
Shepherd-King, help me remember to submit to You before planning the day or letting the day plan me. Guard me from forging ahead without You. Deflate any efforts I make to do or go on my own. Pull me away from the "full plate" of over extending myself that doesn't satisfy. Fill me with Your Power to do what You've set out to do through me. Stop me when I assume or presume I know what You want. Nourish me with the freedom of Your Spirit in me and equip me to make a difference to whomever You've chosen me to minister. You chose to put us on earth for Your eternal purposes at this time. Thank You for using us silly humans to glorify You, Your Son and the Holy Spirit - Three in One, One in Three - Amazing God who works in even me!
In the name of Jesus our Good and Gentle Shepherd
"The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:14
"The bolts of your gates will be iron and bronze, and your strength will equal your days." Deuteronomy 33:25
"The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace." Psalm 29:11
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010 - Happy Birthday, Nick!
Twelve years ago at this time Tom, Julie and I were getting ready to go to Springhill Hospital for Dr. Ditto to induce labor and deliver Nicholas Robert Noland. All went well until late afternoon when Nick's heart monitor told the nurses our baby boy was in trouble. Dr. Ditto decided an emergency C-section was required. I nodded but inside I panicked. I didn't know anything about C-sections and hadn't prepared for this possibility. Having successfully delivered Julie naturally, I never considered a plan B. As they hurried me to surgery, I prayed as tears sprang to my eyes. What was wrong with Nick? What had happened? Would he survive? Would I be awake for his birth? Would everyone else hold him first? Love on him first? Would he be there to love when I woke up, if they put me to sleep? Fewer moments in my life called my heart to race to my Father's throne with every emotion possible: fear, praise for modern medicine, hope, bewilderment (What had I done wrong? How would Julie handle this?) and yes, a little anger that the plan had changed, taking away every ounce of control I had and darkening our happy day.
They strapped me down (crucifixion style, I thought in my dismal mood) and put up a curtain so I couldn't see his birth. We tearfully rejoiced that he arrived healthy but then they poked him at me for about two seconds before whisking him away to the nursery for others to see. I wasn't happy. I wanted to hold him and bond with him but I had to wait an entire hour before they would let me hold him and memorize his face, hands, and the way he felt in my arms. My head understood, but this mother's heart was crushed.
Twelve years later, I believe I have the honor and privilege of knowing Nick better than anyone else, having spent more time with him. The irony is that the poor child inherited my natural tendency to not only see the glass as half empty but to cynically wonder about the existence of "the glass." Until he was saved at four and a half years old, Nick carried a cloud of negativity over his head that was often exasperating. On the first day after spring break I woke him saying, "Nick, today's going to be a great day. You get to go to preschool and see your friends and Mrs. Nancy again. AND, you're going to the library and on a picnic!" He started to smile but then stuck out his bottom lip instead and said, "They're just making me have too much fun."
Both our children were saved at four years old and both are my living proof of the Holy Spirit's power in a believer's life. God answered Julie's childlike, trusting prayers in miraculous ways and from the day Nick made Jesus the ruler of his life the Holy Spirit began speaking to him. Each time little Nick said something negative, he started correcting himself. Later, when he complained, he stopped himself. The next stage: he used humor and made fun of himself. Now, when I look at this precious gifted twelve year old God has loaned us, it's hard to remember he was ever negative. He keeps us laughing with his quirky sense of humor. He's wise beyond his years and able to voice Spirit-inspired wisdom. He's thoughtful and talented. He's compassionate and treats everyone the same. He's a prayer warrior. He's his mama's prince, a joy to know and love.
While Nick and I still like knowing the plan ahead of time and sticking to it, we've learned to appreciate change. We're learning to see setbacks as opportunities to enjoy life from new perspectives. We've been resistant at times and God has had His Holy hands full between the two of us, but He's given us twelve years of growing and transforming together that I can only call another amazing example of the grace of God.
Father, thank You for Nick and how he has become a reason to smile for so many people. Thank You for his quick and keen sense of humor, for his compassion and people skills. Thank You for entrusting him to our family to love and enjoy; for the books we've read, devotions we've discussed, prayers we've prayed, and jokes we've shared. Thank You that he came into the world miraculously whole and healthy. Guard him and bless him. Lead him to know You're with him and using every change in the plan for his good. Show him how You want to use him today and make today one he remembers being filled with love and laughter and the Light of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for the godly man he's already becoming.
In the name of Jesus, Your Son, in Whom You are well pleased!
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."Colossians 4:2
"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ." Philippians 3:7-8
They strapped me down (crucifixion style, I thought in my dismal mood) and put up a curtain so I couldn't see his birth. We tearfully rejoiced that he arrived healthy but then they poked him at me for about two seconds before whisking him away to the nursery for others to see. I wasn't happy. I wanted to hold him and bond with him but I had to wait an entire hour before they would let me hold him and memorize his face, hands, and the way he felt in my arms. My head understood, but this mother's heart was crushed.
Twelve years later, I believe I have the honor and privilege of knowing Nick better than anyone else, having spent more time with him. The irony is that the poor child inherited my natural tendency to not only see the glass as half empty but to cynically wonder about the existence of "the glass." Until he was saved at four and a half years old, Nick carried a cloud of negativity over his head that was often exasperating. On the first day after spring break I woke him saying, "Nick, today's going to be a great day. You get to go to preschool and see your friends and Mrs. Nancy again. AND, you're going to the library and on a picnic!" He started to smile but then stuck out his bottom lip instead and said, "They're just making me have too much fun."
Both our children were saved at four years old and both are my living proof of the Holy Spirit's power in a believer's life. God answered Julie's childlike, trusting prayers in miraculous ways and from the day Nick made Jesus the ruler of his life the Holy Spirit began speaking to him. Each time little Nick said something negative, he started correcting himself. Later, when he complained, he stopped himself. The next stage: he used humor and made fun of himself. Now, when I look at this precious gifted twelve year old God has loaned us, it's hard to remember he was ever negative. He keeps us laughing with his quirky sense of humor. He's wise beyond his years and able to voice Spirit-inspired wisdom. He's thoughtful and talented. He's compassionate and treats everyone the same. He's a prayer warrior. He's his mama's prince, a joy to know and love.
While Nick and I still like knowing the plan ahead of time and sticking to it, we've learned to appreciate change. We're learning to see setbacks as opportunities to enjoy life from new perspectives. We've been resistant at times and God has had His Holy hands full between the two of us, but He's given us twelve years of growing and transforming together that I can only call another amazing example of the grace of God.
Father, thank You for Nick and how he has become a reason to smile for so many people. Thank You for his quick and keen sense of humor, for his compassion and people skills. Thank You for entrusting him to our family to love and enjoy; for the books we've read, devotions we've discussed, prayers we've prayed, and jokes we've shared. Thank You that he came into the world miraculously whole and healthy. Guard him and bless him. Lead him to know You're with him and using every change in the plan for his good. Show him how You want to use him today and make today one he remembers being filled with love and laughter and the Light of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for the godly man he's already becoming.
In the name of Jesus, Your Son, in Whom You are well pleased!
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."Colossians 4:2
"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ." Philippians 3:7-8
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010 - Keep It Simple
My new stamps feature a portrait of Mother Teresa, the nun who lived in poverty to care for masses of needy people in Calcutta, India. Their needs were complicated: HIV/AIDS, leprosy, tuberculosis, hunger, children wandering the streets without families, love or schools. Their numbers were overwhelming. How did this simple nun face her life each day without crumbling? Here are some of her answers:
"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies."
"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one."
"Intense love does not measure, it just gives."
"Love begins by taking care of the closest ones - the ones at home."
God's Power speaks for itself through the life and work of this woman who yielded herself to Him, one step, one need, one person at a time. Sometimes we don't have to look into the faces of a needy world to feel helpless and weak; we just look in the mirror and we're overwhelmed with our own spiritual and emotional neediness. We wonder why God bothers with us when He's already invested Himself, His Son and His Spirit into transforming us and we still aren't strong or mature. And besides, there are all those "real" needs in Calcutta, among other places. . .
Let's remember God calls us to depend totally on Him, not ourselves:
"The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, He saved me." Psalm 116:6
Let's thank Him when we're feeling needy and weak, knowing His Power plugs in perfectly to our weakness:
". . .always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20
Let's repent when we need to repent (turn back from fear and helplessness to follow and trust Him):
"This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: 'In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.'" Isaiah 30:15
Keeping it simple means resting in Him in quietness and trust, loving those closest to us, being faithful in the small things, feeding the one(s) God puts in front of us, and refusing to keep count of who we're loving and how many ways we're loving them.
'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When the true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed.
To turn, turn will be our delight,
'Til by turning, turning we come 'round right.
'Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,
'Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn,
And when we expect of others what we try to live each day,
Then we'll all live together and we'll all learn to say:
To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed.
To turn, turn will be our delight,
'Til by turning, turning we come 'round right.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Monday, a.k.a. Tuesday Eve, November 1, 2010 - "Butterfly!"
The "office/guest room" is finally clear of all things unrelated to the purposes of the room. It's the last room on the hall and we kept shoving boxes and odds and ends into it as we worked on other rooms. As I headed to the computer I saw things I could put away quickly but if I started down that road, I never made it to the computer. Now the path is free of distractions and I get to my destination without stopping.
Do we realize how pleased God is when we ignore the pull of distractions to get to Him? Picture yourself standing in the doorway of His throne room where He sits in His glory and splendor, smiling and drawing us to Him with Love in His eyes. You eagerly start toward Him when a butterfly flits across your path. Maybe it's a sign that you'll get to know God better by admiring His creation. You hesitate but only for a second before moving forward again. Then the phone rings. It could be a friend or family member who needs you. But, again you look into God's eyes and step toward Him. Next, the thought pops into your head that your mouth got you in trouble yesterday. You stop, feeling suddenly ashamed and wondering, "How can I meet Him with this sin in my life?" You flounder, wondering what to do but muster the courage to look into His eyes again. He's still smiling and motions you to keep coming to Him. You start walking again, a little more hesitantly but picking up the pace. Then you notice other believers working on a mission project. They're looking at you with that "Why aren't you helping us?" look. Maybe your time would be better spent doing something to help others? The pull to satisfy these good people is strong but you manage to remember your goal to spend time in God's Presence. You glance back at Him and see no condemning look, only understanding and Love. You turn back to Him and make the last few steps to His throne, falling at His feet, victorious, triumphant. And God? Don't you hear Him? He's saying something along the lines of "You've chosen the one thing needed and what is better than all the rest and it won't be taken away from you."
Satan tried to tempt Jesus away from His purpose with three distractions, food, fame and power. Eventually, because Jesus upheld His Father's kingdom, God gave Jesus these things in far greater ways. Jesus was fed by angels. He was lifted high and fell into death before rising again. And one day, every knee in every earthly kingdom will bow to His name. All because He put His Father first.
We'll get to the other things. Nature is all around us. I have caller ID. God alone can forgive the sin I need to confess and He alone can lead me in how best to talk with the one I've offended. And, as I spend time with Him, He'll reveal the good works He's planned particularly for me and lead and equip me to do them. But first, I sit at His feet, receiving the mercy and finding the grace I need for all of the above.
Father of mercy and grace, You call us to Yourself to know You better. Jesus called us to seek Your kingdom first, promising that everything else would fall into place. Help us avoid the pitfalls of distractions. It's too easy to settle for "doing" when You want us to learn to "be" first. You're not waiting to condemn us but You long for our full attention so You can encourage and empower us. Jesus died and rose again so we could know You. Please help us make, keep and live this number one priority. Give us tunnel vision and selective hearing when it comes to getting to Your throne: may distractions fade in the background as You grow clearer. Thank You for interceding for us and for understanding our weaknesses. Thank You for the power You exert in our behalf!
In the name of Jesus who was raised to life and whispers into God's ear on our behalf!
"Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died -- more than that, who was raised to life -- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."Romans 8:33-34
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are -- yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16
Do we realize how pleased God is when we ignore the pull of distractions to get to Him? Picture yourself standing in the doorway of His throne room where He sits in His glory and splendor, smiling and drawing us to Him with Love in His eyes. You eagerly start toward Him when a butterfly flits across your path. Maybe it's a sign that you'll get to know God better by admiring His creation. You hesitate but only for a second before moving forward again. Then the phone rings. It could be a friend or family member who needs you. But, again you look into God's eyes and step toward Him. Next, the thought pops into your head that your mouth got you in trouble yesterday. You stop, feeling suddenly ashamed and wondering, "How can I meet Him with this sin in my life?" You flounder, wondering what to do but muster the courage to look into His eyes again. He's still smiling and motions you to keep coming to Him. You start walking again, a little more hesitantly but picking up the pace. Then you notice other believers working on a mission project. They're looking at you with that "Why aren't you helping us?" look. Maybe your time would be better spent doing something to help others? The pull to satisfy these good people is strong but you manage to remember your goal to spend time in God's Presence. You glance back at Him and see no condemning look, only understanding and Love. You turn back to Him and make the last few steps to His throne, falling at His feet, victorious, triumphant. And God? Don't you hear Him? He's saying something along the lines of "You've chosen the one thing needed and what is better than all the rest and it won't be taken away from you."
Satan tried to tempt Jesus away from His purpose with three distractions, food, fame and power. Eventually, because Jesus upheld His Father's kingdom, God gave Jesus these things in far greater ways. Jesus was fed by angels. He was lifted high and fell into death before rising again. And one day, every knee in every earthly kingdom will bow to His name. All because He put His Father first.
We'll get to the other things. Nature is all around us. I have caller ID. God alone can forgive the sin I need to confess and He alone can lead me in how best to talk with the one I've offended. And, as I spend time with Him, He'll reveal the good works He's planned particularly for me and lead and equip me to do them. But first, I sit at His feet, receiving the mercy and finding the grace I need for all of the above.
Father of mercy and grace, You call us to Yourself to know You better. Jesus called us to seek Your kingdom first, promising that everything else would fall into place. Help us avoid the pitfalls of distractions. It's too easy to settle for "doing" when You want us to learn to "be" first. You're not waiting to condemn us but You long for our full attention so You can encourage and empower us. Jesus died and rose again so we could know You. Please help us make, keep and live this number one priority. Give us tunnel vision and selective hearing when it comes to getting to Your throne: may distractions fade in the background as You grow clearer. Thank You for interceding for us and for understanding our weaknesses. Thank You for the power You exert in our behalf!
In the name of Jesus who was raised to life and whispers into God's ear on our behalf!
"Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died -- more than that, who was raised to life -- is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."Romans 8:33-34
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are -- yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16
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