Sunday, October 10, 2010 - A Perfect Ten

(Sorry this is late. I had a wicked virus that wiped me out from the middle of the night until just a few moments ago.) 

I remember watching the 1976 Montreal Olympics when Nadia Comanechi scored the first-ever perfect 10 in any women's gymnastics event. And, just because she could, she earned three gold medals. She was my age and my hero. Nadia's performances inspired gymnast Mary Lou Retton to take up gymnastics and Mary Lou, in turn, was the first American female gymnast to earn a gold medal in the all-around. Both girls were spunky, committed and determined.


As Christians, we're already perfect tens because the Judge gives us Jesus' score instead of the one we earn trying to follow the law. After that score of 10, it's up to each of us to follow God's coaching for a godly life.


"Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun." Psalm 37:3-6

Notice the arrangement of the commands in these verses. 

Trust . . . do good . . . dwell . . . enjoy . . . delight . . . commit . .  . trust. 

A life that's a 10 in God's book begins with trusting the Lord and ends in the same trust, no matter what happened during the day. Trust is the only command repeated in the verses, showing us its importance in God's eyes.    


Trusting embraces two acts of obedience: "do good" and "commit your way to the Lord." I love proactive commands. There's no need to wait to obey them: we can do good and we can commit everything we'll do to the Lord each day.  In the center of it all are "dwell," "enjoy" and "delight." Live, laugh, love. People who try to live, laugh and love without first trusting God and obeying Him are bound to fail. But those of us who are spunkily committed and determined to win the gold, are already on our way. Today is 10/10/10 and you and I are already winners.


Dear Father, thank you for seeing us as winners, for awarding and rewarding any discipline or commitment with Your beam of approval. Thank You for calling us to spend twice as much effort on trusting You as we do serving You. Thank You that the call to live, laugh and love is biblical and doesn't just make a pleasant plaque.  


In the name of Jesus who lived and loved and surely, who laughed!

Saturday, October 9, 2010 - Twinkle, Twinkle

God's calling you and me to be stars. No, not literal stars in the night sky as some people poetically claim happens when a loved one dies. (Just wanted to clear that up since I have friends and family who are deathly afraid of heights. But, then, I guess the "deathly" part wouldn't matter at that point.)  

And don't get too excited because He didn't call us to be movie stars or rock stars who become so detached from the real world that earthly rules don't apply. However, if God HAS called you to act or to rock and roll for Him, keep the phone close and charged. Those talent scouts don't keep calling.

Still, God calls us to be stars in Philippians 2:14-15. He also provides the polishing cloth and solution to shine more brightly. Get ready, this is going to hurt me more than it hurts you: "Do everything without complaining or arguing." OUCH!! 

Nick reminded me the other day that the tongue is the strongest muscle in the body, able to leap the greatest efforts toward peace-making in a single word, stronger than the sword at cutting someone's faith in half, and faster than wildfire when spreading gossip. The tongue, when under the control of a bitter heart, uses inflammatory speech, sarcasm,  divisive smears, and snide remarks. Any growing Christian accepts that these are sinful ways to use the tongue, but how seriously do we take the command not to argue and not to complain? I submit that somehow we think we can be shiny stars for Jesus in spite of constantly spewing negative words.  

When we complain we're saying we think God is unfair or unkind. It also kills our witness. When's the last time you heard someone testify, "Bubba has been a shining example of Christ's love to me when he's not argumentative or cantankerous." 

I believe most of us are blind to role complaining and arguing play in our personalities and conversations. Most of us don't realize we have a problem. I'm guilty as charged about venting my list of complaints and then realizing how it sounds and tacking on the words "But God is good." Yes, He is and He's calling me to vent to Him in trust instead of darkening the world for my friends, family and acquaintances. 

Father, forgive us when we'd rather receive star treatment than be the shining examples of faith, contentment and peace You call us to be. We want to be "blameless and pure" but that sounds as impossible as touching one of the stars You created, named and placed in the heavens. Polish off any layers of negativity that lead others to doubt Your goodness. May our speech reflect Your loving care. May we find the relief and release we need in Your Presence instead of venting to friends or taking our unhappiness out on family members. Guide us to use our tongues to sing Your love song, laugh with joy, forgive those who offend us and lift one another's loads. Make us sparkle and radiate Your Spirit from our hearts out through our tongues and fingertips.


In the name of Jesus, the Bright and Morning Star!

"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." Jeremiah 31:25

"Do everything without complaining or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which  you shine like stars in the universe." Philippians 2:14-15

Friday, October 8, 2010 - WHEEEEEEEE!!

Based on "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young

It's been a roller coaster of emotions. Go up and down with me:
      We were to be ready for the house photographer Thursday (we weren't ready), then Friday (still not ready), then Monday (his child was sick), and ultimately on Thursday (bingo!).
     Our house looks great - but we're moving.
     The truck is coming on Friday, no Thursday, no, now Saturday.
     We need to pack for several days - no, just a night - no . . . well, the jury's still out on that one.
     It's been fairly quiet at the house - but the phones aren't working at a time it's important to stay in touch.
     God has provided a new home for Tom's folks through his brother, Ed, - but now we're saying good-bye to their home which has been a haven for us.
     We're looking into the open arms of people we've grown to love - but we're saying good-bye to some of our dearest friends.

Your roller coaster may be different than mine. Yours may even have higher hills and longer "WHEEEEEEES!!" You could give a play-by-play of changes in plans and circumstances on any given day. Just remember, a really good roller coaster will thrill you while putting the fear of God in you.

Praise Jesus! He's the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Does that mean He comes without the thrills? Not on your life. The "same" for God means constant love, constant goodness, constant surprise at how many ways He finds to show us His lovingkindness.

Thank You, Father, for the ups and downs, the thrills and spills of life. You're our safety bar so we can't fall out of Your Love and Strength. Thank You that life isn't boring. We praise You for Your Presence through the scary moments and the views from the high moments.  Your unfailing love fills us with the courage to stay in the seat and enjoy the ride. Your Joy sustains us and keeps us from going over the edge when everything around us is a blur. May we look "beyond the flux of circumstances" (Jesus Calling) into Your loving, constant gaze. Teach us to enjoy the ride. 


In the name of Jesus who lived to love, died to save, and rose again to lift us up into heaven!

"The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with lovingkindness." Jeremiah 31:3


"In Your unfailing love You will lead the people You have redeemed. In Your strength you will guide them to Your holy dwelling." Exodus 15:13


"Jesus Christ it the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

Thursday, October 7, 2010 - Too blessed to be stressed?

(Inspired by "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young)


If ever a saying popped up to rain on my spiritual parade this one did it: "I'm too blessed to be stressed." Reverse the saying and I agree wholeheartedly because I'm easily "too stressed to be blessed."  Some days I might as well say, "Lord, I'm too busy figuring all of this out to spend time talking to the One who already has it all figured out." However,  this idea of being "too blessed to be stressed" requires some tweaking in my book. 


First of all, what is stress? Here are some ideas from a variety of online dictionaries: 
    "a physical, mental or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension" 
    "the body's reaction to a change that requires a physical, mental or emotional adjustment or response"
    "the body's response to any kind of demand."


According to the experts, stress comes in two flavors: negative and positive. Look up any life-event stressors chart and you'll quickly realize that a stress-free life means a flat line on your heart monitor. Stress-free means nobody in your life exits or enters; no one separates or gathers; no one succeeds or fails; no one and nothing changes.  


I'm sure the saying "too blessed to be stressed" woke someone up in the night because of the truth that counting our blessings (which are forms of change) reduces negative stress and anxiety. I'm also sure the rhyming factor played a huge role because "I'm too blessed to fall into a fetal position" just doesn't have the same ring, does it? I think a more honest and accurate saying for me is "I'm stressed but blessed." I thought about cranking out bumper stickers but that would require a "major business readjustment" (#15 on the stress chart) and my doctor told me to avoid stress. 

Father, You know me inside out so how can I tell you I'm not stressed when I am? But I thank you for owning a house we need to sell. Thank You for a daughter who left home to marry the wonderful man who'll soon be the father of our grandchildren. Thank You for a son who's growing up and growing independent but who loves people and loves to make them laugh. Thank You for a husband so seriously dedicated to being in and doing Your will that he sometimes loses track of time. Thank You for waking me in the night to reassure me, once again, that You are sovereign over this day and all the stress inherent in it. I humbly accept the whole kit and kaboodle - positive and negative - and ask You to help me rejoice and give thanks for every blessing and change. 


In the name of Jesus who relinquished His stress-free life in heaven to change the world forever!

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7


"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24


"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Wednesday, October 6, 2010 -Tail-waggin' fun

     I've learned a lot from our pets when it comes to my willingness to follow God wherever He leads.
     Zora, our elegant black cat, doesn't "do" adventure. She waits on the home front and is perfectly content for the world to go by her as she watches from the back porch or the neighbor's roof. I can't wait to see how she handles the cat carrier and the eight hour trip in the car much less the new address.  I'm sure she'll spend the time in the carrier thinking through the times we've cared for her in the past and trust we're doing what's best for everyone, including her, but for some reason the word "medicate" keeps coming to mind.                  


     Sonny, our snaggle toothed rescue cat, doesn't fit the cat stereotype. He loves to walk with Little Mac and me. He can't see well so he follows faithfully, lagging behind a bit to keep us in view. No matter how far we walk, Sonny is behind us until we arrive home again. Neighbors find it humorous to see a cat walking with us, but Sonny enjoys being part of the family even though he stays skittishly behind us a few feet. 
     Little Mac, our West Highland Maltese, could win the prize for "Most Enthusiastic Response to the Word Go." The moment he knows we're about to leave the house, he cocks his head with his ears at attention, makes intense eye contact, twitches his nose and waits impatiently for the thumb up or thumb down. Too often we have to say "no" and see his ears drop as he settles on the stairs to wait for our return. Saying "yes" triggers an all-out display of high leaps and near flips worthy of the best circus dog. He's the first one in the car and takes his place front and center on the armrest. Once we're on the road, he has to check out the view from every window, using his super sniffer to sniff out clues about where we're heading. His tail seems to have a life of its own and it takes a while for him to settle down from the excitement of being with us and going somewhere, anywhere, as long as he's with the ones who love him and feed him. 

Lord, help us stand on ready each day, like Little Mac. May we respond to Your "Go!" with a quickened heart, an enthusiastic smile and unquestioning trust. May we realize that you say  "Go!" for our good and to put us in situations where You're all we have. Show us views we can only experience when You're our sole source of Light and strength. Transform our unbelief, our panic-stricken and lukewarm responses into heart-thumping joy at the thought of going with You on the next great adventure You've prepared. Whether it's ESBC or FBC Benton in the face of a new chapter in their church histories, or us as we stand on the armrest and let You drive. May our hearts sing out with gusto: "Wherever He leads I'll go.

Wherever He leads I'll go.

I'll follow my Christ who loves me so,

Wherever He leads, I'll go."

"We live by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7
"Splendor and majesty are before Hm; strength and glory are in His sanctuary." Psalm 96:6
"When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Tuesday, October 5, 2010 - If Walls Could Talk . . .

Yesterday Tom and I worked like mad to get the house picture perfect - literally. Two of those crazy people whose love has come to us in the form of manual labor pitched in during the last hour. They put on the finishing touches: a bit of greenery here and there; last minute dust-mopping; and, hiding things in odd places. Pictures were snapped and it was finished. We've spent twelve years of dwelling, gathering, growing, celebrating, laughing, grieving, hiding, hosting, healing and praying in this home. In a few short days our house will be empty of things, but I hope the walls talk to those who come through the doors. I hope they can sense the joy our family has known in each room. 


Praise God! He can fill any home at any address with His Presence. Praise God! His strength and joy are wherever He dwells. Praise God! He's in any house His children enter, whether the house is picture perfect or empty of everything else. May this house continue to be a place He can feel at home. May we leave the Light on for the next family who lives here.


Lord, You gave us this home at the last minute after days and months of searching and bidding on other homes. You chose it in advance and it has been a home of joy. Thank You for every minute here. For seeing Nick learn to climb and count the stairs and for watching Julie come down those same stairs dressed for prom with her future husband waiting at the bottom. Thank You for the science projects completed and math problems solved on the table in the blessing room. Thank You for all the patches of sunshine where Little Mac and the cats have curled up to sleep in peace. Thank You for the porch where I've written, we've eaten, and I've enjoyed quality time with family members and friends and quiet time with You. Thank You for the family room where we've gathered with movies and popcorn, laughter and memories. Thank You for the kids' rooms where I've snuggled with each one with good books and knelt beside their beds when they were sick. Thank You for our room, a hide away for "discussions" of every kind - the place where our marriage has grown. Lord, You gave us this house and we praise You for dwelling with us and making it a home. Go with us, prepare the next house You've given us to be a home. Bless the next family You lead to this house with twice the blessings we've enjoyed, through good times and bad. May the people reading this prayer look with joy into their own homes as they see Your Presence there. 


"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.  The Sovereign LORD is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights. (For the direction of music. On my stringed instruments.)"  Habakkuk 3:17-19


'Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and joy in His dwelling place." 1 Chronicles 16:27  

Monday, October 4, 2010 - Stick to the Script

Many people who don't want to take the time to read a book say, "I'll wait until the movie comes out," but not Nick. He's a purist and he won't see a movie until he reads the book (assuming the movie is based on a book). Then, during the movie I get to hear him mutter "that's not how it's supposed to go" or exclaim, "I remember this part!" He defends the author and shakes his head at Hollywood's shortcuts and script changes. 


We live in a world that refuses to read the Book but delights in shortcuts and script changes. Truth is lost in fiction and personal opinion. Few respect the Author's original Manuscript and try to change God's Word to appeal to weekend crowds. 


On the other hand, if you're reading the unabridged version of the Book, you probably can't wait to see it all in 3-D. When I get up to heaven, I want to be escorted to a front row seat in the throne room so I can see my Lord face to Face for myself. I know only my newly glorified body could survive the view of Father and Son seated on the throne. I can only imagine how my heart, mind, soul and body will unite in unparalleled worship as I lock in the final confirmation of all the Spirit is teaching me during this time of struggling and doubt. We'll finally and fully experience what sustains us invisibly here on earth. 


Father, until the day we see your Glory unfold before us, teach and counsel us in Your Word. Help us receive Your Truth within our hearts, souls and minds so that when we physically come into Your Presence our spirits exclaim, "I remember this part!" We want to know You and let Your Spirit freely work within us. May we be purists where Your Word is concerned and may we stand for the Author of Truth.


In the name of Jesus, who said You must be worshiped in spirit and in truth!


"And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever -- the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. but you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you." John 14:16-17


"But I tell you the truth; It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you." John 16:7


"So He said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty." Zechariah 4:6