Out of the Wind...

Last Sunday as we headed to Chapel, the wind was blowing like crazy ... at about 50 mph.  Driving along the desert Highway 10 proved quite a challenge. Thankfully, my little PT Cruiser comes with a compass, so I don't get lost when the windblown dust makes it almost  impossible to see.  Then comes the hard part... getting out of the car. Walking into the Chapel in these extreme conditions should qualify as an Olympic sport!  I held Annabelle's hand as we fought our way across the parking lot, and I wondered why I had bothered to fix my hair.  I mean, there's not enough hairspray in the Lone Star State to withstand this kind of abuse!  But as soon as we stepped inside the doors of the Chapel, there was an immediate calm.  No more wind undoing my do; no more dust in my eyes, no more flashbacks to a scene in The Wizard of Oz.   There was only a sense of peacefulness and warmth.  As we took our seats near the back, the light of the sun filtered in through the stained glass windows to illuminate the beauty of the small sanctuary.  The Chaplain had us open our Bibles, and that's when it occurred to me.   When the circumstances of life overwhelm me, when strong winds blow... as they will... there is indeed a place where I can find peace and warmth and protection.  The Word of God is that place.  By sitting down and opening His Word, I can find a sense of peace even though the winds are raging wildly just outside the door.  I can get my bearings once again and the strength to go back out into the wind.

The Farmer's Wife...

Years ago Russ and I watched, "The Farmer's Wife" on TV. Those of you who know us won't be surprised that it was a documentary... although it was on PBS, not the History Channel.   The story chronicled the trials and travails of the Buschkoetters,  a farming family in Nebraska.   

According to the website (www.davidsutherland.com), "In scene after scene, Juanita and Darrel fight a punishing series of battles -- with the soil, with the weather, with their creditors, with the government, and with each other. Their story unfolds before our eyes, as it is happening. What emerges is an epic story of faith, perserverance, and triumph, and an indelible portrait of a real American family's struggle to hold on to their dreams and to each other."  

In Luke Chapter 8, Jesus tells what has come to be known as the Parable of the Sower.  In this particular story Jesus tells of a farmer who sows much seed.  Some falls on hardened ground; some falls on the rocks; some falls into the weeds; but some falls onto good soil, where a crop is actually produced.  And what a crop it is ... 100 times as much as was planted! Like the farmer in the parable, Buschkoetter plants MUCH seed ... year after year, and most of it doesn't produce anything but shattered dreams. Buschkoetter sees the absolute reality of 1 Corinthians 3.7, "Neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything; but only God who makes things grow."  Too much rain, too little rain, possible foreclosure, the tole of working two jobs, the guilt of not being there for his wife and children, whatever the circumstances, Buschkoetter perseveres. He holds onto his dream of a bumper crop.  And in the end, he gets it!  

I wonder if I have that same level of commitment when it comes to sowing the seed which, according to Jesus, is God's Word. The soil - people.  Will I continue if, like Buschkoetter's, the results are not favorable?  Can I hold onto the dream of a bumper crop?  I must!  I must!  What else is worth committing to?

Change We Can Believe In...

John Chapter 2 tells a story familiar to many.   It seemed rather familiar to me, too, until this morning.  That is one thing I love about God's word; it is living and active... and teaching me new lessons if I am willing to learn.  

Mary, Jesus' mother, was attending a wedding in the village of Cana.  Jesus and his disciples had also been invited.  Indicative of the Jewish culture in general, the traditional Jewish wedding is full of meaningful rituals and symbolism.  The couple is married underneath the cover of a tent called a chuppah, which symbolizes the couple's future home together.   The bride, known as a kallah, wears a veil which is meant to place special emphasis on inner rather than physical beauty.  And then there is the celebration... the food .... the laughter... the wine.  When the wine runs out, Mary- like any good mother who knows her son - simply goes to Jesus.  Jesus performs his very first miracle that day ... and I am amazed.  

Jesus' first miracle was this:  transformation.  He took ordinary water and transformed it into wine.  Not just any wine, either ... the best wine.    Of all the miracles of Jesus could have chosen as His first, he chose this one.  He chose to transform.  He didn't simply alter the perception of the people, making them think the water tasted as good as wine.   He chose to reveal Himself in that moment, to reveal His desire and ability to bring about a complete transformation.   He turned the water into wine, the fruit of the vine!   As I reflect on this incredible display of His loving intent and His great power, I see that He has done and is doing no less with me.   He is transforming my thoughts from darkness to light.  He is transforming my actions from selfishness to service.  The work of His Spirit is so changing my motivations, my words, my desires, and my understanding of Truth that the composition of my life is completely different from what it was before I knew Christ.  2 Corinthians 5.17 sums up the experience of all of us who have come into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ ... "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone; the new has come."  That's change we can believe in.

Illustrations...

Russ and I are involved with the Navigators ministry here in Texas.   This organization, which can be found on many military installations across the country, places their focus on helping and training soldiers in their walk with Christ.  The Navs we've known through the years often use illustrations when explaining spiritual truths… using anything from a whiteboard to a ripe banana.  Somehow I think John the Baptist would fit right in.

In John 1, we see John define himself as “one calling in the desert, make the way straight for the Lord…”.  He states unequivocally that he is not the Messiah but rather he is merely the messenger, further laying the ground work for the One who is to come.  John’s words proclaim Christ.   In verse 31, Johns says “…the reason I came baptizing with water was that he (Jesus) might be revealed to Israel.”  John’s life serves as the illustration of the Christ to come.  Perhaps for a revelation of this magnitude a dry erase board just wouldn’t do. 

The Word Became Human....

There is a certain boy who has been giving Sophia a hard time at school.  As an adult, I understand this is part and parcel of growing up.  As a mother, I just want to show this young man the working end of a belt.  As a matter of fact, as I recounted the latest incident to Russ, he commented that he'd like to go back to 7th grade and teach that boy a lesson. ( I had relished that same thought some hours earlier.)  

John 1.14 says, "So the Word (Jesus) became human and lived here on earth among us..."  Jesus did what Russ and I would like to do ... He took on another form... only with "unfailing love and faithfulness," as verse 14 goes on to tell us.   In Jesus, God became human, not to condemn us or to crush us or to exact divine vengeance for our sin ... but to love us, restore us, save us.   According to Luke 19.10, the purpose for Jesus' coming to Planet Earth was to seek and to save those who are lost.   Only Jesus - 100% holy God and 100%s sinless man - could redeem 100% lost and sinful mankind.  Only God as Jesus would have the integrity to walk around in human flesh with right motivation toward others.  Only Jesus as God would have the power to save.   Unlike me with my desire to put a bullying 13-year-old to shame, Jesus became human to take away my shame.  As I contemplate Jesus' example,  I realize I still have a long way to go in becoming like Him.  

Children of God...

I often hear it said that "we are all children of God".   Sounds quite attractive, doesn't it? Inclusive.  Compassionate.  Conciliatory. Unfortunately, it just ain't so.

In order to find the truth of the matter, we look to John 1:12, "To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God."  The "him" John refers to is Jesus, and only Jesus.   The Amplified Bible expands on the verse in this way, "But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the authority (power, privilege, right) to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, rely on) His name." Contrary to public opinion, we are not all children of God.  Scripture clearly states there is a qualifier:  belief in and acceptance of Jesus.  John goes on to say in verse 13, "They are reborn!  This is not a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan -- this rebirth comes from God."   This is God's doing ... and there is no other way!  We cannot become a child of God by doing good things. We cannot earn a relationship with God, nor can we earn kinship.  The kid down the street does not become my kid by mowing my lawn every other week.  Giving money to good causes does not make someone a child of God. Studying theology does not make someone a child of God. Being "spiritual" or even joining a religion does not make someone a child of God. Created in the image of God, yes; related to God, not so much.

Russ and I have three children of our own.   They were born of us, physically speaking.   They did not choose to be our children ... they were chosen to be our children.  The fact that we birthed them determines that they indeed are our children. (I won't use this particular blog to address the topic of adoption, but will say that Scripture refers to us Gentiles as adopted children.)  Although we know many children, only three are our children.  I know who mine are not only because I gave birth to them, but also because we have this ongoing relationship.  They accept that I am their mother, and I accept that they are my children ... even when they are way too noisy.  I do not get confused when I pick up them up at school and mistake other children for mine.   I KNOW them!  I know what they look like and recognize their voices in the crowd.  And they know they are my children.  They trust me.  They rely on me... especially when it comes to doing homework.  

Russ and I love Sophia, Sam and Annabelle; we provide for them, teach them, shape them, and they give us tremendous joy.  There is no doubt in any of our minds that we are irrevocably related.  I am just as certain that God is my Father, and I am His child. God chose to give me new life through Jesus' redemptive work on the cross ... and I believe and accept.   How about you?

Waiting...

OK, just when I thought I'd heard it all...  

Last night I told Sam it was time for his shower.  As usual, this 9-year-old boy was not happy.  But at least his response made me laugh.  He just wishes there was something fun to do while he's waiting.  "Waiting for what?" I ask.  With his expression saying "duuh", he answers, "To get out of the shower, Mom."  It was then that I informed him there IS something he can do ... it's called bathing.

As I reflect on this humorous conversation,  it occurs to me that in a way I do the very same thing.  As everyday opportunities stare me right in the face, I find myself waiting for some great need, important task, or  profound revelation.  As I pass the time waiting for my "big chance" to serve Jesus,  I completely miss the immediate need of a new acquaintance. Obviously, (to everyone but me) the most critical ministry Jesus invites me to participate in is to share His love.  This, Scripture says, can be as easy as handing someone a Dixie cup.   My prayer is that I'll recognize any and all opportunities to love God by loving people ... and that my son will remember to use soap.

Serious Error...

"Your problem is that you don't know the Scriptures, and you don't know the power of God."  Mark 12.24

I never cease to be amazed at Jesus' ability to cut to the chase.  The verse above is His answer to a question asked by a group of "religious" folks, the Sadducees.  (They didn't believe in resurrection after death, so they were "sad, you see".)   The hypothetical situation posed in their question was meant to somehow trick Jesus, trip Him up.  Jesus immediately went to the heart of the matter, stating that the Sadducees did not know Scripture, which He calls "a serious error."  

In our day and  time, there are many questions that believers and unbelievers alike submit to the church.  Sometimes these questions are actually meant to in some way justify wrong belief, motivation, or behavior.  Sometimes, however, they are simply asked out of ignorance.   A young lady once asked me why shouldn't she have sex with her fiance.  Both she and the young man claimed to know Christ; they both were active in their local church.  Jesus' response to the Sadducees would also answer her question ... "Your problem is that you don't know the Scriptures."  As I sat down with her to discuss the situation, it became apparent to me that she did not understand that having sex outside of marriage is wrong. (Jesus affirms this Old Testament truth in John 8, for example)  It simply is not God's best, even if - maybe especially if - you plan to marry the other person.  I also explained  that having sex outside of marriage is no worse than any other sin.  If she were to confess it to God and ask for forgiveness, He would certainly wipe her slate clean. (1 John 1.9)  Her lack of knowledge of Scripture had left her in dangerous territory.  She couldn't depend on anything or anyone else to protect her from sin.  Not even her own heart.  Only through the Holy Spirit's illumination of the absolute Truth of Scripture can our thoughts and actions - our very lives - be transformed.  

Speaking to his disciples, Jesus says in John 8.31, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

The Election ...

For my blog today, I refer you to Mark Driscoll, pastor of Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA.  

Please click on the words "The Election" above.

The Test...

"Test everything.  Hold on to the good." 1 Thessalonians 5.21

There is a park right down the street from our house.  Most Sunday afternoons, the kids get their bikes, Russ finds the soccer ball, and I grab my ipod, and we head for the only patch of green near us.  Occasionally, we'll meet someone walking her dog along the way.  The kids' first instinct is to hop off their bikes and go directly to the unsuspecting pooch so they can pet him.  However, because the dog's real disposition is not always easy to read, this could be very dangerous.  So, we've trained our kids NOT to walk up and pet strange dogs, no matter how harmless they may seem.  Likewise, we're training them to show the same discretion in all areas of life.

In his letter to the church at Thessalonica, Paul holds to the same premise.  He understood the value of testing everything, including his own convictions.  

So, what is the standard against which everything must be tested?  The standard must be stable, uncompromising, immovable, unchangeable.  The standard must be Truth itself.  A very powerful and well-known man in the Bible once asked, "What is truth?"  Unfortunately, this wasn't the right question.   I think the proper question would have been, "Who is Truth?"   Truth is a person.  In John 14.6, Jesus says, "I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life..."  Only when we test our ideas, words, actions and motivations against those of Jesus as defined in Scripture will we be able to properly assess them. In a culture where Truth is seen as relative and absolutes are relegated to the realm of impossibility, our challenge is indeed great.  Therefore, those of us who call ourselves "Christian" must know Scripture!!  How will we be able to test all that the world throws at us if we do not know what Scripture says?  Simple:  we won't.  We'll be deceived because we don't know the Truth.  While I certainly don't claim to have mastered Scripture, I certainly do claim that the more time I spend in the Scripture, the more it masters me!  This gives me the ability to test everything and hold on to the good.

Oh, say can you see ....

Mark 10.46-52 tells the story of Bartimaeus, a blind man who lived near Jericho.  When he heard that Jesus was passing by, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!"  Others told him to quiet down, but he shouted all the more.  If only the sighted could see our need as well as he!   

Bartimaeus was not content to imagine his surroundings; he wanted to see things -for better or worse- as they actually were.  He was not content to be a beggar (as was the common practice of the impaired in his day); perhaps he wanted to contribute to his community.  For these, he had but one need:  Jesus.    

In the Old Testament, God often opened the eyes of man to see invisible realty.  In Genesis 21.19, God opened the eyes of Hagar to see water in the desert.  In 2 Kings 6.17, God opened the eyes of Elisha's servant to see the Army of God.   Mind you, these were sighted people. In the New Testament, we see Jesus as the eye-opener.  Each of the four gospels contains accounts of Jesus healing the physically blind; his power, mercy and compassion are unmatched!  Perhaps more amazing, Jesus also gives sight to the sighted.

Revelation 3.17 sums what I've learned today.  "You say 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and don't need a thing. But you do not realize that you are wretched, poor, pitiful, blind and naked."   I have certainly seen that, apart from Christ, I have all these attributes.  And 21st Century American culture could certainly be described as such. We are so rich in terms of finances, academia, power, possessions, influence ... that we need Jesus to open our eyes.  We need to see the the truth about  who we really are, and we need to see the Truth of who He is.  

Hinges...

Matthew 23.37"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing."

More than ever before, I am beginning to understand how Jesus felt as he wept over Israel.   His tears were for what would not be ...  If only Israel had accepted the Truth.  (I feel much the same way about my country.)   If only Israel had repented and turned the One True God, Jesus Christ.  If only Israel had been willing...  

The first Charter of Virginia (King James I, April 10, 1606)

Lastly and chiefly the way to prosper and achieve good success is to make yourselves all of one mind for the good of your country and your own, and to serve and fear God the Giver of all Goodness, for every plantation which our Heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted out.

  

The Mayflower Compact

Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith, and honor of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do by these presents solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God, and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together…”

 

Samuel Adams, “Let divines and philosophers, statesmen and patriots, unite their endeavors to renovate the age by impressing the minds of men with the importance of educating their little boys and girls, inculcating in the minds of youth the fear and love of the Deity… and leading them in the study and practice of the exalted virtues of the Christian system.” [October 4, 1790]

 

Benjamin Franklin: | Portrait of Ben Franklin
“ God governs in the affairs of man. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel” –Constitutional Convention of 1787 | original manuscript of this speech (Note: And Ben Franklin was not a "religious" man!)

These are but a few examples of our nation as it has been ... as it could be again...

Oh, that we would return to Jesus, even at this late hour, and ask for His mercy.  That we would repent for untold millions murdered each year in the name of convenience.   That we would turn from the false gods of money and possessions.  That we would teach Truth to our children.  That we, the church, would repent for not obeying the greatest commandments or fulfilling the great commission.  The future of nation depends not on which political party is in power; nor does it depend on what happens on Wall Street.  America’s future hinges on what happens in the hearts of her people.

Happily Ever After...

As I read to the kids from the Bible this morning, I came across something interesting.  We read about Moses, who was wearing a veil.  (A little concerning to Sam, considering we read about men wearing gold earrings  just the day before.)  I told him there was a reasonable explanation.  Moses was wearing a veil because the Israelites were more than a little freaked out at how shiny his face was after He'd spent 40 days on Mt. Sinai in the presence of God Himself!  Exodus 34.33-34 tells us, "When Moses finished speaking to them (Israelites), he put a veil over his face.  But whenever he entered the LORD's presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out."  Without the veil, Moses was vulnerable, open, willing, humble before God; and God was accepting and loving, inviting Moses to a deeper relationship. 

Like many women, the only time I've worn a veil was on my wedding day.  In keeping with tradition, my father lifted the veil at just the right time in the wedding ceremony.  That moment signified the beginning of a much deeper relationship, a profound union, an increasing intimacy.  I believe the same thing happened when the veil in the Temple was torn at the moment of Jesus' death. (Matt. 27.51)  At that moment our Heavenly Father "lifted" the veil that separated us from our beloved Groom, Jesus, allowing a profound union between God and man.

Whether Old or New Testament, Scripture reveals a God who not only calls us into a deep, abiding relationship with Him, but also provides a way for us to have that relationship.  His name is Jesus.  

Choose this day...

In The Family Man, Tea Leoni plays a character named Kate. Kate is beautiful, smart, and funny; but what I find most appealing is her commitment to her husband.  (In all fairness, Nicholas Cage plays her husband ... so it's probably not that hard.)  In one of my favorite scenes, Kate expresses her loyalty to Jack (Nick's character) in a way that somehow sounds familiar to this Army wife.  "I choose you", she says, "and that's more important than our address."  I choose you.  Hmmm...

Russ & I live in The Great State of Texas.  Only, it doesn't always seem so great to us.  Having moved here from a very green and very metropolitan city in Northern Virginia, the adjustment to living in such sandy isolation has been a difficult one for us.   As of late I find myself thinking on Kate's words ... in regard to my husband but ultimately in regard to the Lord. Despite the words "Department of United States Army" on the heading of our orders, we know that God Himself brought us here to El Paso.   (I don't claim to understand all the why's for this PCS, but I'm thankful that "Permanent" usually only means 2-3 years.)  I choose Him...no matter where I lay my head at night.  He is my One constant in life.  And while we're on the subject, I'm even more thankful that God has chosen me. 

Truth ...

"I am the way, the TRUTH and the life..." John 14.6

Truth.  What is it?  Is there absolute truth?  Only one truth?  What is it?  Or more accurately... Who is it?  I believe Jesus is the only real Truth.

My husband is amazing.  He often says things that intrigue me ... that make me think ... hard.  He simply commented the other day on the fact that we think the laws of nature are true. Undeniably.  Absolutely.  Physics, mathematics, nature itself.  Are they?   In reality, we must look beyond these phenomena to find the Truth.   Jesus, the man, walked upon the water.[a]  He didn't sink because He not only wrote the laws of physics but also determines the operation of those laws.  And He can change them any time He wants. HE is Truth.  God created math (much to my daughter's dismay) but is not restrained by it.  HE is Truth. With God, 5 + 2 can equal 7 or  >5000.[b]  By the way, I have examples of this kind of thing using my own family's budget.  Quite a few of them, too.  In our world, animals don't actually talk, but HE is Truth.  2 Peter 2.13  refers to a donkey in the Old Testament speaking with a human voice.   (Of course, we political junkies see that almost daily, so it may not seem quite as big a deal as it did then.)  The laws that govern the universe simply do not - CANNOT - govern the Creator of those laws!  

So for my friends awaiting the doctor's report, for our nation at an economic, moral, and political precipice, for our own children as they head into an increasingly anti-Christian world, my prayer is that we will know Truth.  Because circumstances aren't always what they seem, and knowing Truth makes all the difference.  

a. Matt. 14

b. Mark 6

Look-alikes...

Our three children do not look exactly alike, although they were all conceived by the same parents.  Russ and I see the diversity within our own family as a great asset.  Although we expected  that our children would resemble us, we in no way had any expectation that they would be carbon copies of each other.  We continue to see the differences in personalities, talents, interests, and passions in a positive light.  How strange (ineffective or dysfunctional, at least) our family would be if all the children were the same!   The fact that we birthed these children is the qualifier, not their physical features.

My question:  Why do we expect all churches to look exactly alike?  The Church universal is still the Church, even though it is made up of various bodies.  Those bodies may sing different songs, wear different clothes, meet at different times, but as long as they are birthed by the same Father (God) and remain connected to the Head (Jesus), aren't they still the Church?  Would we be so arrogant as to judge fellow brothers and sisters as illegitimate simply because they don't look like us?

All that matters...

When I was a kid, our family moved.  A lot.  My dad worked for a road construction company, which meant relocating to new jobs almost yearly.  This became our modus operandi:  every summer, we'd pack up everything we owned and head off to a new town.   Sometimes we'd like our "new town"; sometimes, not so much.  I won't mention any names.  By the time I was in 10th grade, we had moved 17 times, which explains why I said I'd NEVER marry anyone who made me move around!  (Have you ever heard the saying: "never say never"?)  Through all the hopeful hellos and the sad goodbyes, we were together, and that was what mattered most.  The transient lifestyle created a wealth of family memories and more than a few inside jokes.  I still talk to my parents at least every week, and my brother and I call each other often.  (He especially likes to call ME when HE is at some beach basking in the sun without a care in the world.)  

Flash forward a few years, and you'll find not much has changed.  I married an Army officer, and you guessed it ... we're still on the move.  Only the acronyms have changed.  (Now we call it PCS-ing, although there is nothing permanent about it.)  As we look forward to our next PCS, I find myself getting excited about the possibility of going back to Northern Virginia.  We were assigned there previously, and we fell in love with the area, the people, the culture, and a church called Image.    As we continue praying that God will take us back there next summer, I sense Him reminding me of the early days of my life.  I sense Him calling me to focus on Him rather than my location - either present or future.   We are family, Jesus and I, and we are together.  That is all that matters. 

Into the World...

John 17. 14  (Jesus says) "I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world."

Seven years ago, we struggled with making a decision.  Russ and I discussed our options over and over; we talked to friends, we consulted our parents, and we prayed that the Lord would tell us what to do.  The question:  should we homeschool Sophia for kindergarten?  Our answer came through the passage above, in which Jesus prays for his disciples.  Jesus was soon to return to heaven, leaving his disciples to carry on the work He had begun.  I found what He did not pray for as compelling as what He did pray for his spiritual children.  He did not pray that they would ascend into heaven with Him ... yet.  He did not pray that they would be removed from the public arena in an effort to shield them from the inevitable hurts, questions, insults.  He simply prayed that they would be protected from the evil one while they were in the place He called them to be, i.e. the world.  He stated He had given them Truth and asked that God, using that Truth, would set them apart for a sacred purpose.  Then Jesus sent them out.  As I read those words during my quiet time in early August, 2001, I sensed I should do the same thing.  We had given Sophia as much Truth as a little five-year-old could take in, trusting God would both protect and use her.  Looking back, this was so much easier to do in 2001 than it has been in 2008.  

Although we have homeschooled our children off and on during the years, this year Sophia is attending 7th grade at a public middle school.  When I picked her up yesterday we had an interesting conversation.  The subject was homosexuality.  A girl in her class casually mentioned that her older sister was homosexual. Sophia told her that she believes homosexuality is wrong.  Interestingly, both girls had just come from a classroom session that dealt with handling disagreements appropriately.   Sophie simply read from the little half-sheet she'd been handed, "I understand how you feel, but I disagree."  It did not get ugly.  I told Sophia I was very proud of how she had handled the situation, and we discussed why we, as Christians, believe homosexuality is wrong.   

Like Jesus, it is not our plan to remove our children from culture ... but rather to train them to live out their faith in the culture.  And they are learning as we send them, step by step, into the world. 

All Those Questions...

Sam's favorite question these days is "why?".  He asks it at least a hundred times a day ... or so it seems to his tired mom.  Why do I need to do this?  Why does it work this way?  Why do you want me to do that?  He's not being rebellious; he's just growing up.  "Because I said so", just doesn't cut it anymore;  he needs a more substantial answer.  

Paul says when he became a man he put childish ways behind him. (1 Cor. 13.11)  Now in NO way is Sam a man!  He's still a grimy little boy who sometimes runs around the house dressed as Spiderman.  BUT, even at the age of 9, he's putting childish ways behind him.  He's beginning to question the establishment, as it were, in an effort to get answers and to form his own convictions.  He needs valid reasons, solid explanations, rational grounds ... and so do I.  As I grow in my faith in Christ, I am finding that I ask more and more questions. Sometimes ... even the dreaded "why?".   Like Sam, I am no longer satisfied with some canned answer I heard someone give years ago.  As I mature, I find that I have to think a bit more ... get into the Word a bit more ... pray a bit more ... obey a bit more in order to find those answers.  An example in my own life is the question of predestination.  I began seriously considering this matter ... over a year ago.  I've studied it, although not as in depth as I would like to.  I've meditated on it, prayed for understanding, and come to a conclusion.  I'll save that for another blog; the point I'm trying to make is that we should always seek to find answers ... even hard ones... because learning is growing.

Lessons from Esther...

This morning I read to the kids from the Old Testament book of Esther.  The title character is a young Jewish girl whom God uses to influence a king and save a people.  While Esther’s story is certainly complex, one particular part of it really spoke to me, as if God Himself had highlighted it in fluorescent yellow!  (I am consistently amazed at the lessons I learn from the Children’s Bible!) 

In preparation for meeting the King of Persia (who ruled while many Jews were still living as captives in Babylon), Esther was given a year of beauty treatments.  A year.  A year of having massages, special ointments, perfumes and cosmetics.   OK, before you begin to feel jealous, thinking Esther had been pampered quite enough … let’s investigate the real beauty secret. 

Esther Chapter 2.12-13 states “…she was given the prescribed twelve months of beauty treatments – six months of oil of myrrh, followed by six months with special perfumes and ointments.”  Any bride-to-be would relish a full year at the spa, but Esther’s beauty treatment involved so much more than she could have imagined. 

As you may know, myrrh was used as burial spice as noted in John 19.39, when Nicodemus brought myrrh to anoint Jesus’ body following His sacrificial death on the cross.  Death.    Myrrh (which means “bitter” in Arabic) was also used for medicinal purposes, to promote healing because of its antiseptic qualities. Healing.

Through Esther, the Lord is showing me that death and healing go hand in hand and are meant to beautify His people.  Having experienced the death of both her parents, Esther had known great pain long before she was placed in a position of great influence.   Two friends of ours have suffered similar pain just recently. Each has lost a sibling unexpectedly.  I cannot imagine the difficulty of such a loss.  But after the death comes the healing … and after healing, beauty.  Both our friends know and walk with Christ, so the healing oil may not sting quite as much.  Nevertheless, it still stings.  I don’t profess to understand what beauty may come from this sorrow, but I trust in a Savior who never wastes a hurt. If the Jesus I am called to imitate did not exempt Himself from the most painful of experiences … separation from God … but rather let God use it to bring about unimaginable healing and beauty to the masses, then I must follow suit.  I must allow God to use not only the most pleasant parts but also the most painful parts of my life to minister to others.  

SPOILER:  Esther 2.17-18 “…the king loved her (Esther) more than any of the other young women.  He was so delighted with her that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen… To celebrate the occasion, he gave a banquet in her honor for all his princes and servants, giving generous gifts to everyone and declaring a public festival for the provinces.” 

Plenty...

In Luke 23.35, Jesus asks his disciples a question.  “When I sent you out to preach the Good News and you did not have money, a traveler’s bag or extra clothing, did you lack anything?”

In this particular passage of Scripture, Jesus is about to hand over His earthly ministry to those He has trained and equipped.  As Jesus sends the disciples out on the mission of their lives, He reminds them that it isn’t the first time.  In Luke 9, Jesus sent them out to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.  A dress rehearsal, you might say ... although it would be anything but a "dry run".   While He gave them power and authority, he did not give them much in the way of material possessions.  (And apparently, they didn’t NEED much!)  Jesus told Peter, James, John and the others not to “take a bag, or food or money … not even an extra coat.”   The result:  they came back rejoicing over what God had done through them!  So, what does this have to do with us?  Plenty.

In Luke 23.37, Jesus says, “But now, take your money, and your traveler’s bag.  And if you don’t have a sword, sell your clothes and buy one!”  Although these words were spoken to eleven men over 2000 years ago, they are also meant for us Christians in the 21^st century!  I am encouraged to know that Jesus is not sending us out into the world empty-handed.  Just like the early disciples, Jesus gives us authority to preach His Kingdom. Furthermore, He gives us His very Spirit to live inside each of us who answer His call! His mission will be accomplished, and we will lack nothing!

As Russ & I look to a future that may not include wearing a uniform, this is tremendously encouraging.  If the early disciples – who basically had nothing materially speaking – can make Jesus known to the world around them, so can we.  We, who have the Spirit of God living in us, we who have relationships with people outside our hometowns, we who have money, clothing, extra clothing, clothing we no longer fit in, clothing we don’t particularly like anymore, and … don’t even get me started on how much food we have!  We who have the Sword of the Spirit (the Word of God) in our hearts, in multiple Bibles, on our radios, on our laptops and cell phones ...  we can preach the Good News and bring healing to millions!  All we have to do is go…  

Next time...

Last night Sam and Annabelle got into an argument, and Sam said some things he wishes he hadn’t.  As we talked about what had happened, his assessment of the situation was very insightful.  Basically, he said that in his short life, he’s noticed a trend.  He said he’s “done it all” … lied, said mean things, made bad choices. And he says he always gets the same advice … “ask for forgiveness, try to do better, and move on with your life”.  “The problem is,” he says, “that I want to do the right thing.  But I just can’t do better next time”.   That’s a profound statement coming from a nine-year-old boy who can’t pick up his own socks.

The Apostle Paul conveys the same perspective to the church … to me.  In Philippians 2.13 he writes, “For it is GOD who is working in you [enabling you] both to WILL and to ACT for His good purpose.”  It is only through the work of Christ in us, changing us, renewing us,  empowering us … that we’ll EVER do better next time.

Lessons from the South Rim...

A couple of weeks ago Russ, the kids, and I headed out on a great adventure … otherwise known as the summer vacation.  It was FANTASTIC!  We crammed more into this trip than we ever thought possible … the beach, LegoLand, SeaWorld, Sophia’s 12^th birthday, California Adventures, time with Russ’ family in Los Angeles, Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, and my personal favorite, the Grand Canyon!

As I reflect, my mind goes back to the first time I saw the Canyon.  Russ and I were driving cross-country from Georgia to California to see his family.  I was about two months pregnant with Sophia and slept almost the entire time, occasionally waking up long enough to eat yet another order of Burger King fries.  Hey, when you have morning sickness, you go with whatever stays down!. Keep in mind, Russ had been going on and on about how colossal the Canyon is … how incredible it is …. how breathtaking the view would be … for about 1500 miles.  Personally, I was more impressed with the poncho liner that had kept me warm for all those miles than with his over-the-top descriptions of the Canyon.  I had already seen pictures of the giant hole in the ground.  I was sure it would be pretty, but come on. It had snowed the night before we drove up to the Canyon from Flagstaff, so the drive was treacherous as it was beautiful. When we finally arrived, the clouds parted, the sun shining on that giant hole, and I saw it for what it really is … amazing … indescribable … awe-inspiring.  Russ was right! I could have never imagined its majesty, its enormity, its beauty.

Twelve years later, we stand on the jagged edge of the Southern Rim.  All five of us, only inches away from unbelievable beauty and possible peril.  One wrong step along parts of the trail and … buh bye … we’ll see you on the other side.  When your children are 12, 9, and 6, that’s a little unnerving.  There was one particular spot on that trail where the edge was crumbling into … nothingness.  We gave the kids a verbal warning … or twenty … and held their hands as we trekked along the well-worn trail.  In the end, we all made it to our destination, but it was still scary! 

When we had completely exhausted our time at the Canyon… and ourselves… we headed back to the car.  As we drove away, Russ made a couple of observations that I immediately understood to be true.  God is bigger, more beautiful, more grand than we can possibly fathom apart from seeing Him face to face.  While we’re on this journey called life, Scripture continues to describe to us this God we cannot yet fully understand.  We will be amazed at the sight of Him!!  He is also scary… powerful enough to frighten, even destroy, His worst enemy.  We often do injustice to God by portraying His character as one dimensional … only as loving and beautiful when, in fact, He is also a warrior!  And warriors are dangerous. 

I’m so glad I got a glimpse.

Calculated Risk...

In Luke 19, Jesus tells a story about the kingdom of God.  In the story there is a “nobleman who is called away to a distant empire to be crowned king and then return.”  Before he leaves, he gives silver to ten servants to invest for him while he is gone.  When he returns, the servants have to give an account of their earnings.  The first couple of servants, whose investments have increased, are praised for being trustworthy and given more responsibility.  The third, not so much.  In his own defense, this servant says, “I hid it and kept it safe because I know you are a hard man…”  The nobleman is NOT pleased, which brings me to Jesus.

I believe that Jesus is speaking of Himself as the nobleman.  And I believe we who follow Him are in the role of the servants.  He has given each of us riches.  For some that may indeed mean literal wealth.  For some it is incredible knowledge of the Word (this is meant for all of us!).  For others it may be the ability to do this or that.  But whatever the “silver” may be for you, one thing remains constant.  Jesus expects us to take risks! 

As you may know, I am a fan of all things Apple, and think this short excerpt serves as a modern day example of the kind of risk I’m talking about.

  Steve Jobs & Risk Taking 

The “Apple I” prototype was designed in Jobs’ bedroom and put it together in his garage, Jobs went on to show the machine to various electronic retailers locally and one ordered 25, he gathered advice from an ex CEO of Intel as to how to market the product. To start their company they had to sell their most valuable possessions, Jobs sold his VW Micro Bus and Wozniak sold his HP Scientific Calculator which raised $1,300 as capital, to add to this they went to local retailers with their idea and basically begged for credit to set up their first production line, Wozniak was encouraged to quit his job at HP by Jobs which he did, he then became the vice president, in charge of research and development of Jobs’ new company, Apple.

 

They both took risks by selling off their most prized possessions to start this company, but they were calculated risks as an order had already been placed for 25 of the computers from a local store, so this identifies Jobs as a calculated risk taker, something that he displayed though out the years. He risks criticism and failure by making gutsy decisions to take his companies in the direction he wants.

Calculated risk takers.  I believe that is what Jesus calls us to be!  If we truly trust in the Jesus Scripture describes, the Jesus who is the Almighty God of the Universe, the Jesus we have come to know along our journeys, we know we can afford some risk!   Now, there is a difference between a gamble and a calculated risk. A gamble implies leaving the outcome to pure chance.  But because of the Truth of Scripture and the character of God, no risk we take is just a roll of the die.  Pure chance is not part of the equation.  (As you read above, Jobs wasn’t taking a gamble but rather a “calculated risk” based on a tangible, albeit small, order.)  For those of us who follow Christ, we can calculate that He who calls us is faithful.[1]  We can consider that He is reliable and loving.[2]  We can be certain that He rewards those who seek after Him.[3]

In the story in Luke, the third servant claims he knows the nobleman to be a “hard man”. That is why he doesn’t take any risk with the money.  I submit that if he had really known the power and intent of his future king, he would’ve been willing to risk everything!

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[1] Deut. 7.9, Ps. 86.15, 1 Corinthians 1.9

[2] 1 John 4.16

[3] Hebrews 11.6