"He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted." (Isaiah 53:3 - 4)
One time--I was probably six or seven--I got blamed for something my brother did. I can't remember exactly what the infraction was. Can't even remember the punishment, so it couldn't have been too bad. And in fairness, I probably got away with a few crimes I did commit, so I guess it breaks even.
Honestly, though, the thing I remember to this day is the unfairness of the situation. After all these years, the injustice remains in my thoughts. My parents were always absolutely fair in their dealings with the four of us, so this one stands out. It hurt. It made me angry.
As a parent, one of my mantras, so to speak, has always been, "Life's not always fair. Get over it and move on." That's usually been said in response to some perceived slight that may not have actually been unfair. The other team won. We couldn't see a movie they wanted to see. Things like that.
But imagine a coworker--classmate, if you're younger--did something clearly against company policy or school rules. The boss comes in, points at you, and says, "You'll be docked a day's pay for that." The teacher gives you a zero for the day. Now that's not fair. You'd be hurt and angry, wouldn't you?
Now imagine you are the one who broke the rules. You knowingly and willfully committed some act you knew would bring punishment when it was discovered. Dread. Fear. What's going to happen?
Then someone steps in. Someone who's never broken a rule, skirted a company policy, never even thought about doing anything wrong. And He takes your place. He takes your punishment.
So many feelings ... anguish at allowing One so undeserving of punishment to bear the brunt of your sins. Joy that you've escaped that punishment. Forever. Love because how can you not love someone who'd do that for you, someone who loved you when you don't deserve it? Gratitude and relief because you know you deserved the punishment, but He took it off your shoulders.
This weekend, the Christian world celebrates the One who did that all for us.
For you.
For me.
So there's no Food for Thought questions for today's blog. Just the hope that I always remember and praise the One who took the ultimate unfair situation and turned it to work in my favor.
Friday, March 30, 2018
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Anything vs. Everything
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7)
I'll be honest. I started out to blog about only verse 6. But before I blog about a single verse, I always read for context. Context is everything, especially in regards to scripture. So when I looked at the whole chapter, I asked myself, "How do I blog about just the one verse? There's too much here to ignore." Even as I type these words, there's no title for this blog. Hopefully, we'll get there.
I think every Christian in the world knows all of these verses. But we tend to think of them as individual exhortations. Rejoice in the Lord. Do not be anxious in anything. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.
Far be it from me, a lowly writer, to criticize any of these Spirit-inspired phrases. And I'm not. Trust me. I love every one of these verses and phrases, and remember, my original plan was only verse 6. But go back up to the top and read that whole passage again. Because when read as a whole, wow!
They're all woven together. Rejoice, because God is near, and there's no reason to be anxious, and if you do feel anxious, pray and give those worries to Him--and don't forget to thank Him for the blessings He's already given you--and in the end, the peace that can only come from God will guard your heart. And again, I say rejoice.
See? But I do want to focus for the last few seconds on verse 6. Do not be anxious in anything. Pray about everything. If you don't get anything else, get that.
God is bigger than your worries and anxieties. He will take them if you hand them over to Him. And he'll do a much better job of handling them than you or I could.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
I'll be honest. I started out to blog about only verse 6. But before I blog about a single verse, I always read for context. Context is everything, especially in regards to scripture. So when I looked at the whole chapter, I asked myself, "How do I blog about just the one verse? There's too much here to ignore." Even as I type these words, there's no title for this blog. Hopefully, we'll get there.
I think every Christian in the world knows all of these verses. But we tend to think of them as individual exhortations. Rejoice in the Lord. Do not be anxious in anything. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.
Far be it from me, a lowly writer, to criticize any of these Spirit-inspired phrases. And I'm not. Trust me. I love every one of these verses and phrases, and remember, my original plan was only verse 6. But go back up to the top and read that whole passage again. Because when read as a whole, wow!
They're all woven together. Rejoice, because God is near, and there's no reason to be anxious, and if you do feel anxious, pray and give those worries to Him--and don't forget to thank Him for the blessings He's already given you--and in the end, the peace that can only come from God will guard your heart. And again, I say rejoice.
See? But I do want to focus for the last few seconds on verse 6. Do not be anxious in anything. Pray about everything. If you don't get anything else, get that.
God is bigger than your worries and anxieties. He will take them if you hand them over to Him. And he'll do a much better job of handling them than you or I could.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
- What worries have I been wrestling with, and how can I turn those over to God?
- Take some time to compare your blessings to your worries. I'm betting you'll have more blessings, but if not, really work at (and pray about) letting God handle those concerns.
Monday, March 26, 2018
Be Still and Know
“Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10)
I just blogged about a verse that brings me to that "be still" attitude. So I feel it's only right that I blog about the actual verse that uses the phrase.
Think about your day for a minute. How much time do you spend with electronics? No, this isn't a judgy blog about social media, games, or anything like that. If you know anything about me, you know I love having fun on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Electronics? Hello, you're reading my blog. Short for web log. Web, as in internet. Point is, most of us have something that takes a lot of our time. Social media, video games, work, hobbies--you get the idea.
So how often do we just stop and sit still? I remember my mother saying to me sometimes, "Sit still." I've said it about a million times to my own kids. Other people's kids even.
But it's more than just sitting still. Not moving. It's about an attitude of sitting in God's presence. An attitude of worship. Because look at the rest of the verse.
"... know that I am God."
We like to quote the first part in reverent tones, as if it's some magical incantation. But that second part of the sentence--not to mention the next two phrases--is so much more important. Because being still is great, but the knowing God part? That's the meat. That's the reward for that stillness.
And the next two phrases. Are those prophetic words from God, Himself? Or a command? "... I will be exalted!" Either way, the power in those words absolutely swamps the first two. So the next time you quote the verse, sure, go ahead and speak the first two words with quiet reverence. And then shout the next five, with no doubt, no hesitation, no room for questioning in your voice.
"... KNOW THAT I AM GOD."
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:10)
I just blogged about a verse that brings me to that "be still" attitude. So I feel it's only right that I blog about the actual verse that uses the phrase.
Think about your day for a minute. How much time do you spend with electronics? No, this isn't a judgy blog about social media, games, or anything like that. If you know anything about me, you know I love having fun on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Electronics? Hello, you're reading my blog. Short for web log. Web, as in internet. Point is, most of us have something that takes a lot of our time. Social media, video games, work, hobbies--you get the idea.
So how often do we just stop and sit still? I remember my mother saying to me sometimes, "Sit still." I've said it about a million times to my own kids. Other people's kids even.
But it's more than just sitting still. Not moving. It's about an attitude of sitting in God's presence. An attitude of worship. Because look at the rest of the verse.
"... know that I am God."
We like to quote the first part in reverent tones, as if it's some magical incantation. But that second part of the sentence--not to mention the next two phrases--is so much more important. Because being still is great, but the knowing God part? That's the meat. That's the reward for that stillness.
And the next two phrases. Are those prophetic words from God, Himself? Or a command? "... I will be exalted!" Either way, the power in those words absolutely swamps the first two. So the next time you quote the verse, sure, go ahead and speak the first two words with quiet reverence. And then shout the next five, with no doubt, no hesitation, no room for questioning in your voice.
"... KNOW THAT I AM GOD."
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
- How can I make more time for sitting in God's presence? What can I rearrange or spend less time on?
- Practice saying that phrase with complete and utter conviction. Put it on a sticky note on your mirror, your computer monitor, your video game console, wherever it is you spend the most time.
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Sure As the Dawn
"Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord;
his going out is sure as the dawn;
he will come to us as the showers,
as the spring rains that water the earth.” (Hosea 6:3)
When I was first asked about writing a devotional, I asked my Facebook friends to tell me their favorite verse. The variety of answers I received was both surprising (they weren't all John 3:16) and encouraging. The answers gave me a little insight into some of my friends--how they handle problems and discouragement, how they lift their spirits, how they encourage themselves and others ... how they love the Lord.
But this particular verse was suggested by my daughter. When I looked it up (because I wasn't readily familiar), it turned out to be one of those verses that just makes me stop. A verse that embodies the idea of BE STILL. These words speak to me in a voice of calm assurance.
Of course, there is a condition on this assurance. We have to "press on" to know Him. In other words, we have to want to know Him. It takes a little effort on our part. I often hear people talking about accepting Jesus as if it happens by osmosis. Accept Jesus, and you'll automatically know everything you need to know about worshiping God or salvation (hint: according to His word, there's more than just that acceptance thing).
It takes work, friends.
It takes study. A desire to learn and grow and obey. A constant watchfulness for that "prowling lion" who'd love to get his claws into us (especially a babe in Christ). We have to "press on."
But then there's the second part of the verse. The part that gives me that calm assurance. Sure as the dawn. That's the God I serve. The God I love, who loves me even when I'm unlovable. How can I not want to press on to know Him?
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
his going out is sure as the dawn;
he will come to us as the showers,
as the spring rains that water the earth.” (Hosea 6:3)
When I was first asked about writing a devotional, I asked my Facebook friends to tell me their favorite verse. The variety of answers I received was both surprising (they weren't all John 3:16) and encouraging. The answers gave me a little insight into some of my friends--how they handle problems and discouragement, how they lift their spirits, how they encourage themselves and others ... how they love the Lord.
But this particular verse was suggested by my daughter. When I looked it up (because I wasn't readily familiar), it turned out to be one of those verses that just makes me stop. A verse that embodies the idea of BE STILL. These words speak to me in a voice of calm assurance.
Of course, there is a condition on this assurance. We have to "press on" to know Him. In other words, we have to want to know Him. It takes a little effort on our part. I often hear people talking about accepting Jesus as if it happens by osmosis. Accept Jesus, and you'll automatically know everything you need to know about worshiping God or salvation (hint: according to His word, there's more than just that acceptance thing).
It takes work, friends.
It takes study. A desire to learn and grow and obey. A constant watchfulness for that "prowling lion" who'd love to get his claws into us (especially a babe in Christ). We have to "press on."
But then there's the second part of the verse. The part that gives me that calm assurance. Sure as the dawn. That's the God I serve. The God I love, who loves me even when I'm unlovable. How can I not want to press on to know Him?
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
- What does "pressing on" mean for me, specifically?
- In what ways have I come to know the Lord?
- In what ways can I continue learning and knowing Him?
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Blessed Be the Rock
"The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock,
and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation," (2 Samuel 22:47)
and exalted be my God, the rock of my salvation," (2 Samuel 22:47)
I grew up in an outdoor family. A family who fished, hunted, and just generally enjoyed being outdoors. Some of my earliest (and fondest) memories are from times spent in south Texas, hunting in the rough hill country or splashing in the Rio Frio. When I think of those trips, one of the things I think of is rocks.
Crazy, huh? But bear with me.
If you've never been to south Texas--and I'm not talking about Houston, Austin, or San Antonio--I'm talking about some rough, rugged land covered in scrubby trees, prickly pear cacti, and yes, rocks. I'm not much of a geologist, so I can't tell you what they are, but that part of Texas is littered with these white rocks. I remember thinking a lot of them looked like skulls because they were so white, and they had these ragged holes and edges. Rather like teeth and eye sockets.
Before I was old enough for my dad to put me in a deer stand, I spent time wandering around the campsite. And I picked up a lot of those rocks. I'd collect them while we were there, and occasionally, one of them would be interesting enough that I'd take it home when we left. Some of them ended up in the rock bed in front of Mom and Dad's porch.
But every now and then--actually pretty often, to be honest--I'd go to pick up one of those interesting rocks, only to discover it wouldn't budge. Some of those rocks were like ice bergs, just a little bit showing, with the rest buried under that black Texas dirt. It didn't take long to figure out, if I wanted to take one home, I'd be digging for a while.
Eventually, though, I suppose if I'd been patient enough and persistent enough, I'd have gotten to the bottom of those rocks, and I could've taken them away. Rolled 'em around. Moved them wherever I wanted them to go.
But now I have a Rock that goes with me. And yet, that Rock never moves. God is the one thing in my life I can always count on being exactly who He always was, and who He will always be. No matter how hard the enemy tries, he can't pry that Rock from His throne. He can't take that Rock from my heart. That Rock will always be there, a shelter in times of storm, an anchor from the winds of pain and trouble, a Savior who can't be moved.
"... and blessed be ..."
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
- How can I make sure I'm always clinging to the Rock?
- Who in my life could use the sure strength of God's love and His salvation?
Monday, March 19, 2018
For Such a Time
"... And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14)
Full disclosure: I love the women of the Bible. I love the faithfulness of Hannah and Mary. I love the brilliant military leadership of Deborah. I love the wisdom of Priscilla, the generosity of Dorcas, the business acumen of Phoebe. And can we just talk about Jael for a minute? Sister hammered a tent peg through the head of an enemy. A tent peg.
I've been known to climb on a soapbox when I hear anyone try to downplay the importance of these women by making them out to be pretty, girly princesses. These women were smart, and they were S-T-R-O-N-G.
With that out of the way, let's consider Esther for a minute. One of only two women who had a book of the Bible named for them. And the only book which doesn't mention God a single time.
But Esther also contains one of the most-quoted verses in the Bible, 4:14. I have to be honest, when I hear that verse, I hear it in the voice of Pa Grape. But the verse itself is pretty powerful, no matter whose voice quotes it.
The words took on a new meaning for me, personally, over 17 years ago. I say "over 17" because my daughter is 17, and it was the six years between the birth of my son and Chloe's birth when these words taught me something. During those six years, after the easiest pregnancy and delivery ever, I had three miscarriages. In the midst of that pain, those tears, those doubts, I couldn't keep from asking, "Why me, God?"
I promised these devotionals/blogs would be short and sweet so I'll cut to the chase. After countless prayers from pretty much everyone I know (and especially from my church family), I gave birth to a baby girl who was just about perfect. The nurse in attendance gave her a 9 on the Apgar scale, and said, "The only reason I'm giving her a 9 is that I don't believe in giving 10s." See? Just about perfect.
After that baby was born, it didn't take me long to see I'd learned a lot. And I now use what I learned to encourage younger women who are struggling with miscarriage(s). I explain how discouraged I was during those years. Then I point out that if any of those three babies had lived and been born, we'd have stopped. We only wanted two kids, you see. And I've always believed any of those babies would've been someone other than our Chloe. And I can't imagine a world without Chloe Skye.
So that was my "such a time." Those six years between my kids. I'm not saying God specifically chose me to have those miscarriages, but I do believe we have to learn from, and hopefully use, everything that happens in our lives, both good and bad. My "such a time" was a period of pain and despair, and I learned to use it to encourage others.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
Full disclosure: I love the women of the Bible. I love the faithfulness of Hannah and Mary. I love the brilliant military leadership of Deborah. I love the wisdom of Priscilla, the generosity of Dorcas, the business acumen of Phoebe. And can we just talk about Jael for a minute? Sister hammered a tent peg through the head of an enemy. A tent peg.
I've been known to climb on a soapbox when I hear anyone try to downplay the importance of these women by making them out to be pretty, girly princesses. These women were smart, and they were S-T-R-O-N-G.
With that out of the way, let's consider Esther for a minute. One of only two women who had a book of the Bible named for them. And the only book which doesn't mention God a single time.
But Esther also contains one of the most-quoted verses in the Bible, 4:14. I have to be honest, when I hear that verse, I hear it in the voice of Pa Grape. But the verse itself is pretty powerful, no matter whose voice quotes it.
The words took on a new meaning for me, personally, over 17 years ago. I say "over 17" because my daughter is 17, and it was the six years between the birth of my son and Chloe's birth when these words taught me something. During those six years, after the easiest pregnancy and delivery ever, I had three miscarriages. In the midst of that pain, those tears, those doubts, I couldn't keep from asking, "Why me, God?"
I promised these devotionals/blogs would be short and sweet so I'll cut to the chase. After countless prayers from pretty much everyone I know (and especially from my church family), I gave birth to a baby girl who was just about perfect. The nurse in attendance gave her a 9 on the Apgar scale, and said, "The only reason I'm giving her a 9 is that I don't believe in giving 10s." See? Just about perfect.
After that baby was born, it didn't take me long to see I'd learned a lot. And I now use what I learned to encourage younger women who are struggling with miscarriage(s). I explain how discouraged I was during those years. Then I point out that if any of those three babies had lived and been born, we'd have stopped. We only wanted two kids, you see. And I've always believed any of those babies would've been someone other than our Chloe. And I can't imagine a world without Chloe Skye.
So that was my "such a time." Those six years between my kids. I'm not saying God specifically chose me to have those miscarriages, but I do believe we have to learn from, and hopefully use, everything that happens in our lives, both good and bad. My "such a time" was a period of pain and despair, and I learned to use it to encourage others.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
- The "time" in Esther was used to help the Israelites. Mine is used to encourage young women struggling with miscarriage. What is your "such a time" moment, and how can you use it to help others?
Friday, March 16, 2018
Do Unto Others
"And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them." (Luke 6:31)
Is there anyone who doesn't have at least a vague idea of the so-called Golden Rule? Actually ... yes.
Maybe you've heard one of these examples:
Is there anyone who doesn't have at least a vague idea of the so-called Golden Rule? Actually ... yes.
Maybe you've heard one of these examples:
- "Do unto others as they have done unto you."
- "Do unto others before they do unto you."
That first one is the one I always seemed to hear from friends when I was a child. What an eye-opener when I read the verse for myself. What I'd heard people saying wasn't at all what Jesus said.
How did we get it so wrong?
Can I offer a possible explanation?
On the first one, I for one would really like to be able to justify every time I've ever wronged anyone. The easiest way to do that, as a human being, is to point to what someone else did to me first. Vengeance. I can't even say or type that word without scrunching my face into a snarl.
Vennnngeannnce. See? It's nearly impossible.
Vennnngeannnce. See? It's nearly impossible.
I don't struggle with the second version as much. I seldom just assume someone else is going to wrong me or hurt me. But there are those people so broken and bitter they do always assume others will use them or abuse them. So they strike first.
What do you suppose would happen if we truly all lived by these words of Christ? I mean really, truly treated everyone else the way we want to be treated. Imagine that. It's actually kind of hard, to be honest. We're so used to looking out for ourselves and our own interests.
My prayer is that I will, in fact, learn to live according to this rule. To treat everyone with the love and respect I believe I deserve.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
- In what situations lately have I not treated another as I would like to be treated?
- In what ways can I better the way I treat others in order to show the love of Christ?
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Whatever I Do ... You Mean Everything?
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:17)
That's a pretty tall order, isn't it?
A few years ago, I had this reference tattooed on one of my shoulders, along with a quill pen. I want my writing--not just this blog, but my books and novellas--to represent my faith. I pray with every word I write to plant a seed, to encourage, and sometimes, to teach. I started out writing just because I love it. I have stories in my head, and I want to put them on paper. Although the Christian fiction market gets better every year, it can still be an uphill battle for a writer. How easy it would be to write secular fiction. And more profitable.
That kind of applies to life in general. Our home, our job (even if your job is being a student), our friendships, our hobbies, and activities. I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "That's easy for you to say. You work for a faith-based non-profit, and you write Christian romance." And my response to that is, "So what?"
Sure, there are some jobs that make this command a pretty easy task. School teachers. Writers. Preachers, certainly. But what if your job is, say, working on a road crew? Here in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area of Texas, I'm pretty sure we're in perpetual road construction mode. I hear they're considering changing the state animal from the armadillo to the traffic cone.
If you work on a road crew, can you do that in the name of Jesus? I know, it sounds crazy, but bear with me. Are you thankful you have a job? Are you able to have conversations with a coworker about the Gospel? Are your habits--your work ethic, your honesty, your conversation--examples of Christlike behavior? Then you can do your job in the name of Jesus.
What about the rest of your life? Your family and friends. Classmates or coworkers. Hobbies. I have to ask myself, am I doing everything in His name? And I fear the answer is, not always.
I pray I can keep this at the front of my mind, and my actions will follow.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
That's a pretty tall order, isn't it?
A few years ago, I had this reference tattooed on one of my shoulders, along with a quill pen. I want my writing--not just this blog, but my books and novellas--to represent my faith. I pray with every word I write to plant a seed, to encourage, and sometimes, to teach. I started out writing just because I love it. I have stories in my head, and I want to put them on paper. Although the Christian fiction market gets better every year, it can still be an uphill battle for a writer. How easy it would be to write secular fiction. And more profitable.
That kind of applies to life in general. Our home, our job (even if your job is being a student), our friendships, our hobbies, and activities. I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "That's easy for you to say. You work for a faith-based non-profit, and you write Christian romance." And my response to that is, "So what?"
Sure, there are some jobs that make this command a pretty easy task. School teachers. Writers. Preachers, certainly. But what if your job is, say, working on a road crew? Here in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area of Texas, I'm pretty sure we're in perpetual road construction mode. I hear they're considering changing the state animal from the armadillo to the traffic cone.
If you work on a road crew, can you do that in the name of Jesus? I know, it sounds crazy, but bear with me. Are you thankful you have a job? Are you able to have conversations with a coworker about the Gospel? Are your habits--your work ethic, your honesty, your conversation--examples of Christlike behavior? Then you can do your job in the name of Jesus.
What about the rest of your life? Your family and friends. Classmates or coworkers. Hobbies. I have to ask myself, am I doing everything in His name? And I fear the answer is, not always.
I pray I can keep this at the front of my mind, and my actions will follow.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
- How can I ensure I'm always doing things in the name of Christ?
- What areas of my life can I work a little better at mirroring Christ?
Monday, March 12, 2018
To the Hills
"I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:1 - 2)
My parents had a painting in their home with this verse inscribed at the bottom. I've always loved it, even before Mom and Dad got that painting. Raised in a family which spent countless Christmas breaks in the hill country of south Texas, this passage has always held special meaning for me. I know God is everywhere, but I've always imagined when David was running from his enemies, the hills he looked to were a lot like those down south.
Some people categorize this psalm as a battle psalm. Others label it a traveler's psalm. I'm not sure we actually need to pigeonhole the poem, though. The main point, in my humble opinion, is simple: God is my help.
No matter my situation, the Lord will send help when I ask. That help may come in the form of strength I didn't realize I had. It could come in the form of a fellow Christian to walk beside me. God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, will send me what help I need, when I need it.
All I need do is ask.
What a comfort. To know He is always there, always with me, always ready to provide help.
I have a tendency to think I can do everything on my own. It's the American way, after all. Admittedly, it's also my way. Did I mention I'm a little stubborn? So this lesson didn't come easy to me. I had to learn it again and again. Occasionally, I still fail to ask God for His help until I've completely messed up. Then it's a palm to the forehead and a, "You idiot. Why haven't you asked for His help?" Because His help will always be better than anything I can come up with.
I pray I will always remember to lean on Him and to ask for His help. His help will always come, and it will always be the right help. And when I forget--because I will sometimes--I know He'll always be there when I do remember.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth." (Psalm 121:1 - 2)
My parents had a painting in their home with this verse inscribed at the bottom. I've always loved it, even before Mom and Dad got that painting. Raised in a family which spent countless Christmas breaks in the hill country of south Texas, this passage has always held special meaning for me. I know God is everywhere, but I've always imagined when David was running from his enemies, the hills he looked to were a lot like those down south.
Some people categorize this psalm as a battle psalm. Others label it a traveler's psalm. I'm not sure we actually need to pigeonhole the poem, though. The main point, in my humble opinion, is simple: God is my help.
No matter my situation, the Lord will send help when I ask. That help may come in the form of strength I didn't realize I had. It could come in the form of a fellow Christian to walk beside me. God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, will send me what help I need, when I need it.
All I need do is ask.
What a comfort. To know He is always there, always with me, always ready to provide help.
I have a tendency to think I can do everything on my own. It's the American way, after all. Admittedly, it's also my way. Did I mention I'm a little stubborn? So this lesson didn't come easy to me. I had to learn it again and again. Occasionally, I still fail to ask God for His help until I've completely messed up. Then it's a palm to the forehead and a, "You idiot. Why haven't you asked for His help?" Because His help will always be better than anything I can come up with.
I pray I will always remember to lean on Him and to ask for His help. His help will always come, and it will always be the right help. And when I forget--because I will sometimes--I know He'll always be there when I do remember.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
- What do I need help with in my life that only God can give? Have I asked for His help with the situation?
- Where can I be used by God to help someone else? Have I asked Him to open my eyes to see where I can help my brother or sister?
Friday, March 9, 2018
Be Strong and Courageous
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
I. Love. This. Verse.
I mean I really love this verse. The whole beginning of this chapter, actually. Three times the words "strong and courageous" are repeated. As a writer, one of my favorite tools is repetition. I repeat words and phrases for emphasis. To drive a point home.
I've always figured God, as the ultimate Author, is fond of repetition, too. Under His inspiration, most of the writers of scripture repeat those things we really need to know. Things we need to dig in to and hold onto. This is one of those phrases.
While the context tells us this was meant specifically for the children of Israel, at that moment, I believe it's one of those passages I, as a Christian, can cling to in times of trouble and discouragement.
Be strong and courageous.
God is with you WHEREVER you go.
With those words in my mind, in my heart and soul, how can I be afraid? How can I lose heart? How can I be weak when I have His strength behind my own human failings?
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
I. Love. This. Verse.
I mean I really love this verse. The whole beginning of this chapter, actually. Three times the words "strong and courageous" are repeated. As a writer, one of my favorite tools is repetition. I repeat words and phrases for emphasis. To drive a point home.
I've always figured God, as the ultimate Author, is fond of repetition, too. Under His inspiration, most of the writers of scripture repeat those things we really need to know. Things we need to dig in to and hold onto. This is one of those phrases.
While the context tells us this was meant specifically for the children of Israel, at that moment, I believe it's one of those passages I, as a Christian, can cling to in times of trouble and discouragement.
Be strong and courageous.
God is with you WHEREVER you go.
With those words in my mind, in my heart and soul, how can I be afraid? How can I lose heart? How can I be weak when I have His strength behind my own human failings?
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
- What am I facing that may undermine my faith? How can I use God's strength to bolster my own?
- When I'm faced with discouragement, is my first thought to ask God for help? Can I use an extra measure of strength and courage today?
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
Actions Speak Louder
"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18)
I imagine there's not a person alive who's never heard the old adage, "Actions speak louder than words." And I also imagine everyone who's heard it knows what it means.
I recently heard about a situation in which someone claiming to be a Christian (we'll call them Dakota) behaved in a decidedly un-Christlike way toward another Christian (we'll call this one Taylor). Dakota was not at all bothered with resolving a situation, but rather in having their say. Having their own way without listening to the concerns of Taylor.
As I said, both are Christians. Everyone who knows them knows this. But imagine for a moment Taylor is not a Christian. How do you think Dakota's behavior would affect Taylor? In a word ... YIKES.
In our current society, Christians often complain about being persecuted. I hear "the war on Christianity" on a fairly regular basis. First, before you talk about persecution, go back and read some of the accounts of first-century Christians in the Roman empire. Now that's persecution.
Another thing I'd ask you to consider is this: The behavior of some claiming to be Christians is at the very root of the disdain and outright hatred many people in the world feel for Christians, in general. Going to church and calling myself a Christian doesn't actually make me a Christian, any more than going to Whataburger makes me a cheeseburger.
So my question for you--and for me--is simple enough, although we may not like our own answer. Are you loving in deed? Or is your love in words only? Are you walking the walk, or just talking the talk? If it's the latter, I'd encourage you to stop talking and start walking. I'll work on it, too.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
I imagine there's not a person alive who's never heard the old adage, "Actions speak louder than words." And I also imagine everyone who's heard it knows what it means.
I recently heard about a situation in which someone claiming to be a Christian (we'll call them Dakota) behaved in a decidedly un-Christlike way toward another Christian (we'll call this one Taylor). Dakota was not at all bothered with resolving a situation, but rather in having their say. Having their own way without listening to the concerns of Taylor.
As I said, both are Christians. Everyone who knows them knows this. But imagine for a moment Taylor is not a Christian. How do you think Dakota's behavior would affect Taylor? In a word ... YIKES.
In our current society, Christians often complain about being persecuted. I hear "the war on Christianity" on a fairly regular basis. First, before you talk about persecution, go back and read some of the accounts of first-century Christians in the Roman empire. Now that's persecution.
Another thing I'd ask you to consider is this: The behavior of some claiming to be Christians is at the very root of the disdain and outright hatred many people in the world feel for Christians, in general. Going to church and calling myself a Christian doesn't actually make me a Christian, any more than going to Whataburger makes me a cheeseburger.
So my question for you--and for me--is simple enough, although we may not like our own answer. Are you loving in deed? Or is your love in words only? Are you walking the walk, or just talking the talk? If it's the latter, I'd encourage you to stop talking and start walking. I'll work on it, too.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
- If actions speak louder than words, what are my actions telling others about me?
- What are my actions telling the world about Christians?
Monday, March 5, 2018
Just a Little Light in the Dark
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
I love things that glow in the dark. I have a shirt with glow-in-the-dark paint--I wait all year until October to wear that shirt, and then I wear the dog out of it until after Halloween. When my kids were little, I bought those glowing plastic stars and stuck them to their walls and ceilings. I've had jewelry, nail polish, shoe laces, ping-pong balls, all kinds of things that glow in the dark. And those glow necklaces and bracelets? Don't even get me started.
Just in case you missed it ... I love things that glow in the dark.
When I was a kid, my mom bought my siblings and I some putty. Not exactly Silly Putty (although, yes, they make GITD Silly Putty), but similar. We had one room in our small house which had no windows. So anytime we had anything that glowed, that was the room we ran to first to test it. Didn't matter to us that it was Mom and Dad's bathroom. It was dark.
We held that putty up to a light to "charge it," then we went in that tiny bathroom--one-by-one--to enjoy our treasure. And, oh, what a treasure it was.
I realized something much later. That dark little room, as dark as it was, still had a little light. If one waited long enough, one's eyes would adjust, and small details emerged. The shower head, the towel rack, a shiny tile or two. Because as dark as the room was, a sliver of light crept in beneath the door. And that's how light works.
Try this for yourself. Find a windowless room in your house (unless, of course, you're a photographer with your own dark room). Go inside, close the door, and turn off the lights. Is there a slice of light from under the door? Stuff a towel or a rug or something in there. Is it dark now? Is it really? Are you wearing a FitBit? Have a cell phone in your pocket? Anything at all that emits even the tiniest of lights?
Think about this: no matter how dark a space is, it only takes a tiny little light to interrupt that darkness. Light can overcome darkness.
But what about the opposite? Turn on the light in that dark room. Now, without turning off the light, try to make it dark. Didn't work, did it? Without someone willfully turning off the light, the room will never be completely dark.
Our world is just like that room. All it takes is just a little light in the dark to brighten things up. And nobody but you can put out your light. How encouraging is that? In this world, an admittedly dark place, little old you can LIGHT. IT. UP, BABY!
So that's my goal. I want to spread the light of God's love, and I hope to encourage you to do the same. Just a little light in the dark.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
I love things that glow in the dark. I have a shirt with glow-in-the-dark paint--I wait all year until October to wear that shirt, and then I wear the dog out of it until after Halloween. When my kids were little, I bought those glowing plastic stars and stuck them to their walls and ceilings. I've had jewelry, nail polish, shoe laces, ping-pong balls, all kinds of things that glow in the dark. And those glow necklaces and bracelets? Don't even get me started.
Just in case you missed it ... I love things that glow in the dark.
When I was a kid, my mom bought my siblings and I some putty. Not exactly Silly Putty (although, yes, they make GITD Silly Putty), but similar. We had one room in our small house which had no windows. So anytime we had anything that glowed, that was the room we ran to first to test it. Didn't matter to us that it was Mom and Dad's bathroom. It was dark.
We held that putty up to a light to "charge it," then we went in that tiny bathroom--one-by-one--to enjoy our treasure. And, oh, what a treasure it was.
I realized something much later. That dark little room, as dark as it was, still had a little light. If one waited long enough, one's eyes would adjust, and small details emerged. The shower head, the towel rack, a shiny tile or two. Because as dark as the room was, a sliver of light crept in beneath the door. And that's how light works.
Try this for yourself. Find a windowless room in your house (unless, of course, you're a photographer with your own dark room). Go inside, close the door, and turn off the lights. Is there a slice of light from under the door? Stuff a towel or a rug or something in there. Is it dark now? Is it really? Are you wearing a FitBit? Have a cell phone in your pocket? Anything at all that emits even the tiniest of lights?
Think about this: no matter how dark a space is, it only takes a tiny little light to interrupt that darkness. Light can overcome darkness.
But what about the opposite? Turn on the light in that dark room. Now, without turning off the light, try to make it dark. Didn't work, did it? Without someone willfully turning off the light, the room will never be completely dark.
Our world is just like that room. All it takes is just a little light in the dark to brighten things up. And nobody but you can put out your light. How encouraging is that? In this world, an admittedly dark place, little old you can LIGHT. IT. UP, BABY!
So that's my goal. I want to spread the light of God's love, and I hope to encourage you to do the same. Just a little light in the dark.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
- Where can I shine this week?
- Who can I share God's light and love with?
- Have there been situations lately where I tried to hide my light? If so, how might I have behaved or spoken differently?
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