Favor

 

I was  recently struck by something about Mary's story in the Bible.  Have you ever thought about the irony between the angels statement about her and his proclamation to her? "The angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.'" (Luke 1:30)  If God favors her so, then why is he causing a circumstance in her life that will bring hardship both now (illegitimate pregnancy) and in the future (Simeon predicted her own soul would be pierced because of Jesus. Luke 2:35)?  Shouldn't God's favor mean all goes well for us? What about Jesus?  He found favor with God and man and look what happened to him! 

 

At some point, I bought into the idea that favor meant ease and comfort, rather than the privilege of kingdom work.  Yet the truth of scripture clearly states otherwise. 

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 6:1-10,

"As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. ² For he says,

“In the time of my favor I heard you,
    and in the day of salvation I helped you.”

I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.

³ We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. ⁴ Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; ⁵ in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; ⁶ in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; ⁷ in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; ⁸ through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; ⁹ known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; ¹⁰ sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything."

 ^16 "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."  2 Corinthians 4:16-18
 

 May I find favor with God and man...Amen.

Just When I Need It

This was my view this morning as I was journaling prayers to God.

This was God's gift to me.

He knew I needed this reminder of His glory and that His mercies are new every morning.


It has been a hard week.  There have been some highs and lows, no doubt connected in the spiritual realm.



It has looked something like this...

There is beauty, but there are also clouds.  God is hearing my cries and He is speaking.  He is asking me to strip away the things I cling to; the safety I seek; my willingness to go only as far as I know I can handle on my own.  He is asking me to trust Him...again.  He is asking me to love with abandon.

And like the pathways of the planes this morning, God is weaving my path across others in a way that only God can.  In a way that leads me to surrender; encouraging me to take the leap of faith, knowing He will catch me and always bring beauty and good with Him.

 I delight greatly in the Lord;
    my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me

 with garments of salvation
    and arrayed me in

 a robe of his righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head

 like a priest,
    and as a bride adorns herself

 with her jewels.

Isaiah 61:10

The Sound of Love

We often talk about smells bringing memories alive.  But today I was transported in time by a sound. 

The ordinary sound of stirring my coffee.

I stir my coffee most days, but today was different.  Today when I heard the clink of the spoon against the porcelain cup, I was transported back to my grandparents kitchen. 

I was reminded of the treasured mornings I would wake up at their house and sit at the kitchen table with them, while they drank their coffee and read the paper.  Of course, I needed coffee too, so I could be just like them. 

It is like I can still hear grandma stirring a splash of coffee into a cup of warm milk.  Such a simple thing; yet apparently profound.  After all, that was 30 plus years ago. 

Perry Mason still remains a favorite show of mine, because I watched it with my grandma. She died when I was in the eighth grade and I still miss her so much, especially this morning. 

When I ponder what has brought on this sudden swell of emotion, I can think of only one word...LOVE.  A simple memory wrapped in love.  A sacred moment.  Love given and love received.    I love you Grandma Pischel!

My grandma with my cousin (left) and me.

 

Still Unpacking

This past weekend I went to Allume, a Christian women's blogging conference. 

I am still unpacking from it! 

Not literally, but it was so amazing I am still mining the treasures of what I experienced.   

I am so thankful to God for leading me to it...pushing me to go by myself...and speaking through all those who prepared for us.

For a girl like me, it was a dream come true...free books AND jewelry purchases for a cause!

But it was more than just free stuff and information on the blogging dos and don'ts, our eyes were opened to a new view of hospitality and some amazing ways to offer it.

As I process and have time, I want to share these riches with you, but for now I am going to leave you with a statement key note speaker, Shauna Niequist made during her address, "True hospitality is when people leave your home feeling better about themselves not better about you."

The Beauty of Change

It is raining today.  Not the wet substance we normally think of when we say rain.

Today, it is raining leaves; orange and yellow fluttering to the ground, making a glorious golden blanket over the green grass.

The changing of seasons; a turning of the times; beauty to behold.

 



Maybe all change isn't so bad.  Maybe there can be beauty in it.  And when it seems I am loosing all that is good, maybe there is still hope that light will shine forth, spring will come and life will return.

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer"  Romans 12:12



Is Love Worth The Sorrow?

I hate death!  Can I say that?  I know we're not supposed to hate...but death?...surely that is okay.  My heart is overwhelmed today.  I received word that some dear friends got bad reports; liver disease and cancer.  My soul is at war.  My flesh cries out "it's not fair!", but my spirit says "we deserve death".  My heart says "stop loving, it hurts too much!", but my spirit says "love is worth the sorrow".  The battle does not disturb me, for I know who will win, because greater is He who is in me, than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)  I have learned that grief can coexist with joy and sorrow with love.  One day grief and sorrow will be no more, but until that day we live in what C.S. Lewis called the shadow lands.

I recently read The Giver, by Lois Lowery.  It was a society that had engineered life to be safe.  It was perfectly designed to avoid pain and sorrow.  And they were successful.  However, there was a price to pay.  The constant comfort had lost the color of life.  In getting rid of the lows they had leveled out the highs as well.  Is avoiding hurt worth giving up love and joy?  It is true that we live in a shadowed land.  Our colors are faded.  "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known." (1 Corinthians 13:12 NASB) 

Since the time of Adam and Eve we have had rebellious hearts and turned to our own way.  We deserve death.  There is a price to pay.  Praise God for His mercy and grace!  Jesus paid that price!  He has secured our future.  "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16 NASB)  We do not grieve as those without hope...one day we will see clearly.  Death will be swallowed by Life.  Victory is assured for those who hope in Christ!

As great as that is to come, what about now?  "Do not let your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in me.  I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.  But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things...Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you." (John 14:1,18,26-27 NASB)  "Just as the Father has loved me, I have also loved you; abide in my love.  If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love...These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full." (John 15:9-11 NASB)  There is a great exchange happening even now.

I know what it is to build walls, to numb myself in order to avoid pain.  It seems to work for a time, but in the end it is a lie that marches you on to a death of another kind.  There is no escaping trouble of this world (John 16:33), but God promises to always be with us.  Love is so powerful it sent Jesus to the cross.  "But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13 NASB) Love never fails!  Love IS worth it!

Feeling Like A Stray

Today as I was walking along the beach, I came a cross a man walking his dog.  No surprise there, as many people walk their dogs at the beach, but this dog was different.  I had never seen one quite like it.  I just had to stop and find out what kind of dog it was.  When I asked the man, he laughed and said it was a Puerta Rican beach dog.  Huh?  Turns out it was a stray he found on the beach in Puerta Rico and adopted.  I commented on how beautiful she was and he said he had nothing to do with that, she was just a lucky stray.

As I continued on I couldn't get "lucky stray" out of my mind.  I realized I am just like that dog!  Yes, I am one "lucky stray".  No I have not had one too many dog biscuits.  What came to my mind is that I strayed from God's commands.  I had fallen short and turned my own way.  So, in a sense I was a stray.  But I too have been adopted!  God sent His Son to make the way for me to be forgiven and accepted by grace through faith.  Now I am the lucky one!

Though luck has nothing to do with it.  God ordained it from the foundation of the world.  He has always known.  So, I guess instead you could say I am one "blessed stray"!

Beauty Beckons

 

I am not what most people would call a crafty or creative person. 

I like black and white, such as 2+2=4.

But the closer I draw to God, the more I am drawn to creative expressions,

such as art, music and poetry (though I still don't understand most of it).

Nature beckons me from my comfy, bug free, climate controlled environment,

to explore its wonders and beauty.

I see people in a new light and appreciate their differences.

Why?

Could it be that these stir within my soul a longing for something;

a longing for goodness and love; a longing for that for which I was created?

We were created for glory, in the image of the One who is love.

He is both logic and beauty.

He is our creator and our hero.

"For He rescued us from the dominion of darkness,

and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,

in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on the earth,

visible and invisible,

whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities -

all things have been created through Him and for Him."

Colossians 1:13-16 NASB

 



The Gift of Giving

"The Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:35)  "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7) If you have grown up in church, you have undoubtedly heard these two phrases over and over again.  Sometimes repetition can cause us to tune out or think they are just cliché's meant to get us to open our pockets wider.  And no doubt the abuses of some have contributed to this effect.  However, I know from personal experience that these are truths worth heading.  I have been both on the receiving and giving ends and it truly is more blessed to give!  I don't know if I can find adequate language to describe it, but their is a weight that comes with receiving, where as in true, humble giving there is a release of a weight and a freedom that causes the spirit to soar! 

It isn't about the amount given, as Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 8:12, "For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have."  "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed." (2 Corinthians 9:8)  God will supply and multiply so you can be generous.  "He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows generously will also reap generously" (2 Corinthians 9:6).  I have experienced this truth in my life as well.  As long as I keep my hands open, God continues to amaze me with His blessing and I get the privilege of watching it flow through my hands to others.

What I hadn't realized until today, as I was reading in 2 Corinthians 9, is that there are other benefits to giving as well.  First, verses eleven and twelve say that it not only supplies the needs of the saints, but it produces many thanksgivings to God.  And Psalm 69:30-33 says, "I will praise the name of God with song and magnify Him with thanksgiving.  And it will please the LORD better than an ox or a young bull with horns and hoofs.  The humble have seen it and are glad; you who seek God, let your heart revive.  For the LORD hears the needy and does not despise His who are prisoners."  Then in verse thirteen it says that this ministry of giving is proof of our obedience to the gospel and will result in them glorifying God.  And lastly in verse fourteen it says that those who receive will pray for us!

Giving really is a gift!  "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15)NASB

What's In A Name: How I learned to appreciate my common name.

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose,  by any other name would smell as sweet."

Famous words by Shakespeare, but is it true?   Does a name matter?  If a name doesn’t matter, then why do parents labor over what to name their children?  Why do actors and actresses so often change their names?  Why do we carve our names in trees and rocks, to be remembered long after we are gone? Why do we work and work to “make a name for ourselves”?  I have often been disappointed with my name.  It is so common that when I googled the birth records for Becky Smith, there were 30,000 of us currently living.  What will set me apart?  How will people know it is me? 

 

About  a month ago, as I was walking and listening to music, I heard these lyrics, “At the end of the day I want them to see that my heart looks like your heart”.  In that moment, my spirit cried out in agreement with the song.  I realized that when people look at me, I don’t want them to see Becky Smith.  I want them to see the face of Jesus reflected in me.  I don’t care if they remember me when I am gone, but I do want them to remember and love my Lord. 

God has been teaching me about my identity in Him .  God changed Abram and Paul’s names to signify His work in their life and Revelation 2:17 says, “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.”  So, one day I will receive a new name unique to me alone, but until then I believe my common name is no mistake; it is a gift from the God who loves me; a reminder that I live in the tension between what I am and what I will be. 

My glory is not in making a name for myself, but in being transformed into the image of Jesus, from glory to glory. (2 Corinthians 3:18)  I praise God for my common name, as I understand a little more what it means to lose my life in order to save it. 

Living Water

My husband and I went camping this past week at a nearby state park.   It was a little precarious as we dodged falling acorns dislodged by squirrels high above in the tree tops, but we had a good time.  Do you think an acorn could kill a person if it hit them on the head from such a height?  At any rate, we hiked the trails through woodlands, along streams and around large rocks. 

On our last full day, we decided to take to the water and rented a canoe.  It was a beautiful day, sunny yet cool.  The water was clear, and the creek just deep enough to make it without having to portage.  I enjoyed watching the fish swim by and looking for any other treasure that might be hiding beneath the water.  What I found, besides a couple old tires, a coke can and a pair of sunglasses, was a lesson.

When we would go through the occasional rapids I noticed the rocks were prettier.  They were colorful.  I mentioned it to my husband and he said it was because the faster moving water kept them clean, unlike the rocks in the more stagnant water, which were covered with sand and muck.  I thought about how scripture calls us living stones (1 Peter 2:5) and Christ, living water (Jeremiah 17:13 & John 7:38).  We are like those rocks in the river.  If our faith is stagnant we become covered with the muck of the world, but if we submit to the living water flowing through us; to the Holy Spirit's cleansing power, we too will reflect the beauty that is within us; each of us unique in our making, but all reflecting the glory of our Lord.

"And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18

Noises In The Night

My husband recently went away on a mission trip.  This left me home alone.  I was excited about the quiet time I would have during the day...the nights however, were another story.  Through prayer and the grace of God I made it through!  But why is it that our psyche can suddenly go crazy with all kinds of scary scenarios just because we are alone?  I don't know much about my psyche, but I do know a contributing factor...noises in an otherwise silent house.  With another person in the house making noise, you don't notice the peculiar noises of the house.  But once the comforting sounds of another are removed, suddenly every noise is new and suspect.  As I was pondering this phenomenon, I was struck by the spiritual application and the importance of times of solitude with God.

Life is busy.  Normally, there are many people to interact with and much noise to contend with.  Now, that is not all bad, but the noise of life can often distract us from the still small voice of God.  It is not until times of quiet that we can hear those new and peculiar sounds.  The sounds of the Spirit speaking to our souls; speaking Words of life.  We need to make time in our schedules for solitude with God; times to be still and listen. 

Be still, and know that I am God. - Psalm 46:10

Faith vs. Fame

The theme of gatherings I have been to with other Christians, as of late, has been the Gospel.  What is it really?  And what does it mean for us?  There is a sense that possibly the church, as a whole, has taken a detour from the original intent.  With this in mind, I myself wonder if some in leadership have not exchanged faith for fame?  Do we reach more if we take center stage?  What has brought this to mind, is the contrast between what I recently heard in the news about Mark Driscol's latest book deal and what I read about Frances R. Havergal, and her book deal. 

I am not making a judgment here on Mark Driscol, but in the article I read he was accused of using questionable, though standard, marketing procedures to elevate his book ratings.  Why did he feel the need to do this?  Could God not accomplish it? 

Frances R. Havergal is a hymn and devotional author from the 1800's.  If you grew up in the church, you may recognize her hymn, "Take my life and let it be, consecrated Lord to thee".  She was from England but had hopes of publishing in America, as her agent in New York had made her reassuring promises.  However, instead of receiving her first royalty check, she received the devastating news that her publisher went bankrupt in the Stock Market crash of 1873.  This was her response:

"I have just had such a blessing in the shape of what would have been only two months ago a really bitter blow to me...I was expecting a letter from America, enclosing thirty-five pounds now due to me, and possibly news that my book was going on like steam.  The letter has come, and, instead of all this, my publisher has failed in the universal crash.  He holds my written promise to publish only with him as the condition of his launching me, so this is not simply a little loss, but an end to all my American prospects...I really had not expected that He (God) would do for me so much above all I asked, as not merely to help me acquiesce in this, but positively not to feel it at all, and only to rejoice in it as a clear test of the reality of victorious faith which I do find brightening almost daily.  Two months ago this would have been a real trial to me, for I had built a good deal on my American prospects; now "Thy will be done" is not a sigh but only a song."

Her books were later and continue to be published and available here in America and around the world.  So, which brings Glory to God and good to man?  Faith not fame.  If it is of God, He will accomplish it in His time, His way, so that if we are to boast, it is to boast in the Lord.  We can do nothing of lasting consequence without the Spirit of God.  Living faith is what people need.

Health Update

In recent days, I have had several people inquire about my health.  So, I thought I would update here for anyone interested (See Mayo Clinic blog for more details about my struggle).  In general, my quality of life is better.   I am able to manage my condition.  I have not had the severe pains that sent me to Mayo.  It still requires supplementation and a restricted diet.

As always, God continues to teach me lessons through life experiences. This one is no different.  He revealed the problems, showed me the solutions, and now it is up to me to implement them.  This is my current struggle.  I am often rebellious against the diet.  So, most of the time when I feel bad, I have myself to blame.  Sometimes I gladly accept the consequences with no remorse...I mean double chocolate fudge ice cream, come on!  Other times, I am ridden with guilt and shame (as well as pain and bloating), knowing I am hurting myself and loving food more.  And for those moments, I am thankful for God's grace.  Grace to endure and start again.  But should I go on indulging so that grace may abound?  By no means!  And so, it is still my prayer that God will give me the strength to abstain and enjoy even better health.

Lesson of the Weeds

My thumb has never been green.  Neither do I enjoy digging around in dirt.  I do, however, love the beauty of blooming flowers in a bright array of colors.  I love nature.  I just wish it wasn’t so natury (yes, I am aware that is not a recognized word, but it fits).  Needless to say I, at times, am not as attentive to my flower beds as I should be.  This summer has been no different, and with it came a very hard lesson.

My eyes (thanks to the voice of my husband) were finally opened to the neglect and subsequent overflow of weeds.  So, the day dawned and I was determined to rid those beds of the pesky weeds trying to overtake my beautiful flowers.  I was feeling rather ambitious and had a whole list of tasks to be done.  The weeding was all that got done.

It didn’t take long to realize that my neglect has caused serious repercussions.  Instead of a few weeds that were easily pulled out, I had to use a hand shovel (I am sure there is a proper name for that tool, but it escapes me, furthering my point about my lack of skill).  The roots had grown so deep that I could not pull the weeds out, but rather had to dig under each one (and there were many), in order to extract them.  This was an exhausting project.

As I was part way through, lamenting having waited so long, a thought occurred to me.  Our lives have the same potential.  We encounter many “weeds” in life.  I was reminded of 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 which says, “The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.  We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ”.  We have all the tools we need (2 Peter 1:3), but we have to use them!  And whether it is harm that comes in the form of sinful desires, negative thoughts, poor attitudes or deceitful feelings, we need to take care of them right away.  How much easier to “nip them in the bud”, than to wait until they have taken root! 

So, let us continually cry out as David did, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24)  And let’s pull out those weeds!

The Greatest Miracle

Often times we post quotes because they are cute, uplifting or inspiring, even if their theology is a little off.  I came across one the other day, though I think I understand the nice message they were trying to convey, I could not let slide.  It may be this very "letting it slide" mind set that has led to the downward slide of our view of God.  And our view of God is crucial!  I hope to get to that at a later date, but for now I will focus on the quote.

"The greatest miracle of all is that God looks at me, at you,

 in all our dirt and brokenness, and says, 'I choose you.  You are beautiful!'"

author unknown

 

What bothers me about this statement is 1) that it makes God out to be a cosmic grandpa who overlooks our dirt and brokenness, and 2) it diminishes the cross of Christ. 

 



God does not, nor can He, look at our sin and call us beautiful.  On the contrary, we are told in Ephesians 2:3, "Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest."  And Romans 1:18 says, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness".  From Adam and Eve down to us today, we are by nature children of wrath.  If we say that God can look upon us in all our dirt and brokenness and call us beautiful, then we have no need of a savior or repentance.  We need not the Holy Spirit to examine our inmost being and bring conviction and godly sorrow.  Why then did Christ endure the cross?

 

"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,  and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures..and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins...But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep." (1 Corinthians 15:3-4,17,20)  Praise God!  Christ endured the cross for the joy of reconciling us to God...so that God could once again look upon us and call us good.  "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him."  (Romans 5:8-9) It is because of His blood that we are redeemed and brought near to God. (Ephesians 1:7, 2:13)  We are now clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:27) and Christ lives in us (Galatians 2:20).  And so Christ became for us, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30)  "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)

 

The greatest miracle is not God looking at my dirt and ignoring it.  The greatest miracle is that God became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14), to be a ransom for our sins and take away our dirt and brokenness!   "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)  "Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)  "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.  Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:17-18)   ^"And He (Jesus) came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read.  And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written,

 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
Because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.
He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives,
And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set free those who are oppressed,
To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.”

 And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him.  And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:16-21)

 

It is true that while we remain on this earth, we groan under the weight of our old nature and the temptation to sin.  However, Christ did not leave us alone, but sent the Holy Spirit to be a pledge and aid for us. (2 Corinthians 5:1-9)  As Paul tells us in Galatians 5:16, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh." 

"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.  For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.  For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

 However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness.  But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.  So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—  for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.  For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”  The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,  and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him." (Romans 8:1-17) 

 

All God's promises are yes in Christ!  We are new! We are clean and whole.  When God looks at us, He sees Christ and His righteousness.  And so through Christ, God can look upon us and say, 'I choose you.  You are beautiful'. 

 

*all scriptures are from the NASB

Trapped

Last night we trapped a raccoon, who we suspect of eating our bluebird babies.  After the carnage, I was thrilled at the prospect of the raccoon's demise.  However, when we awoke and I saw the raccoon in the cage, my heart melted.  He looked so scared huddled in the cage.  Now filled with compassion for this cute critter and realizing he was only following his natural instinct, we decided to let him go (not on our property mind you, but we settled him in a nice place down by the river).    This led me to pondering how much like that raccoon we are.

You see, we trapped him with the allure of something pleasing...in this case chicken nuggets. He couldn't resist the temptation and once inside enjoying the spoils, SLAM!  He was caught and in bondage.  We too are often trapped by the allure of the world's pleasures and find ourselves in bondage.  The difference between us and the raccoon, is that we always have a way out.

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."  Galatians 5:1  "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."  James 4:7

A Three Hour Tour...

We recently visited friends in Michigan and had a great time, but one particular adventure stands out among the rest.  My friends are great!  They know how much I like lighthouses and planned a boating trip to Charity island, on Lake Huron, so I could see and climb the lighthouse there.  They have made this trip several times before and assured us what a fun and relaxing day it would be. 

The day dawned beautifully!  It was 70 degrees, sunny and the water in the marina was calm and empty of any other boats.  Perfect!  We went on a Thursday, so as to miss the weekend crowds.  Everyone climbed aboard and we launched the boat.

Once past the jetty, the waves began to increase.  A little wave jumping just added to the thrill of the adventure!  However, about half way to the island, when the boat hit a large wave sending the driver out of his seat and onto the floor, we all grew very quiet.

We made it to the island with no further complications and were rewarded with a wonderful view of Charity Island Lighthouse.  We waded to shore, climbed the lighthouse and were given a tour of the keepers residence.  The owner of the house was surprised to see us, given the small craft advisory. She had cancelled her own tour boat that was to come that day.  Now the lack of ANY boats on the lake made more sense. Yep, that is right.  We, a small craft, were out in troubled waters.  Oops!

She was kind enough to give us her cell number and said she would leave the emergency radio on.  That was comforting...I think.  This was not exactly how I pictured the end of my life.  So, off we set into the wind and waves.  It was perhaps the longest boat ride I have ever taken, or at least it seemed like an eternity.  The motion sickness didn't help matters.  At least we were all turning an equal shade of green, except our trusty captain, who seemed to be enjoying the ride. 

Once on firm, dry ground I could look back on it as an adventure to remember, even chuckle a little at our folly.  There is a lesson in this, and the scripture that was brought to mind was Proverbs 12:15 which says, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel."  Next time we will check the marine forecast!

Do I Delight In God?

Do I delight in God?  I know I should, Paul exhorts us in Philippians 4:4 to, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" and Psalm 37:4 tells us, "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."  And after all, He delights in me!  But do I?  Am I pleased with God, His rule and reign? 

At one time in my life I am not sure I could have answered this question in the affirmative, "But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. " (1 John 4:18)  Knowing that He delights in me, that He sees me as I am and still loves me (Psalm 139) and that He will never leave nor forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:6) , has allowed me to open my heart to Him with abandon.  I am free to delight in Him, enjoy Him and give myself to Him. 

Though I am far from perfected, the hard things of life have refined me and brought me to say, " Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight.  I will praise you with the lyre,   O God, my God." (Psalm 43:4) 

I am pleased with God, not because he does for me all that I want, but because of His character (Psalm 33:4; 145:13,17).  "The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love."  (Psalm 33:5)  He has brought good to me and continually works for my good (Romans 8:28).  He grants me peace even when I cannot understand (Philippians 4:4-9).  "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." (Psalm 16:11)  It is a delight in God Himself, not in His gifts, though I thank Him for them.  For if we delight in His gifts alone, we will cease delighting in Him when we don't get our way.  "But may all who seek you, rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say,  “The Lord is great!” (Psalm 70:4)

Paul's prayer for the Ephesians was, "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:16-19)  God is love and as we love we are like Him.  In Christ all the fullness of God dwells and in Him we have been made complete.  Christ in us is our hope of glory.  (Colossians 1:13-28, 2:6-12)  Through the empowerment of His Holy Spirit we can love and delight in God.  And in so doing, this love and delight that is beyond what we can imagine (Ephesians 3:20), will spill over onto those around us.

As Paul prayed for the Ephesians, so I pray for you.  May you know the love of God and delight in Him, becoming the praise of His glory!

Celebration of A Life

" May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13)

Today I was privileged to attend the funeral of Betty Hale.  A privilege, because God afforded me the opportunity to know her in life and experience the hope she shares in death.  She was a character, she loved our pizza, and she lived with hope in Christ!  My only regret is not taking the time to know her better. 

Today I was reminded of the influence we all inherently carry.  We don't have to be famous.  We will be an influence (if only to our immediate sphere), whether for good or evil.  We choose which it will be.  And the simplest acts of kindness can leave forever marks.

Even through tears of sorrow for the loss on earth, I couldn't help smiling as I gazed upon her empty body.  There was the white chocolate truffle, reminding us of her sense of humor and a feeling of assurance that she was now having "the time of her life".  I don't claim to have any direct line to heaven, but I could almost feel her joy.  As I walked past the casket to say a final goodbye, I couldn't help but silently tell her, "You go girl!"  Then I turned and walked away with a bit of jealousy. 

My turn will come, but until that day, may I too live my life well. 

Does God Delight In Me?

 

Does God delight in me?  This is a question I have been pondering.  I wondered if I was the only one who wasn't sure about it.  So, I asked the question to a few friends who were gracious enough to respond.  I just had this feeling that the answer really mattered.  After weighing their answers, searching scripture and pondering still more, I came to a conclusion.  YES!!!  God does delight in me!  What a relief!

On what have I based this glorious conclusion?  Humanities story as told in the Bible.  From creation, where God was pleased to make man in His own image and declared us very good (Genesis 1:26-31), to Revelation, where we forever live in his presence (Revelation 22:3-5).  God's delight is wrapped up in His love.  He is always faithful and His nature does not change (Numbers 23:9).  It pleased God to commune with mankind in the Garden.  Then the fall of man brought grief and separation from God.  The rest of the story has been God pursuing man to redeem him and restore the relationship they once shared.  Even in the midst of our fallen state God still delights in us, for His love has not changed.  "For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory." (Psalm 1149:4)

So does our behavior not matter?  Yes and no.  Our behavior is the result of what matters.  We love God because He first loved us (1 John 4:19), and His love has never been based on our actions.  "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9).  It is faith that pleases God (Hebrews 11:6).  In Romans chapter one, they were condemned for not honoring God as God.  He wants us to glorify Him by putting our trust in him.

Now, we know that we were created for good works (Ephesians 2:10) and James makes it clear that our faith is made evident by our deeds (James 2:18).  But, we must not make the same mistake the Galatians did, who after beginning in the Spirit tried to finish in the flesh (Galatians 3:1-3).  The great love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13, reminds us that no matter how great our deeds, if we have not love they mean absolutely nothing!  So, let us be obedient and live the law of love.

¹³ You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.

But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh;

rather, serve one another humbly in love.

¹⁴ For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command:

 “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

 ¹⁵ If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

¹⁶ So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

 ¹⁷ For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit,

 and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.

 They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.

 ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

¹⁹ The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;

 ²⁰ idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy,

fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions

 ²¹ and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.

I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance,

kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control.

 Against such things there is no law.

 ²⁴ Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

 ²⁵ Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

 ²⁶ Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Galations 5:13-26

John Piper sums it up well, "What God delights about us is that we delight in Him."  So, I guess the next big question that needs to be answered is...Do I delight in God?  Hmmmm.....

Neither Pity nor Shame

I can not speak for all, but I ask when it comes to the state of childlessness (whether by choice or infertility), neither look with pity nor shame.  Children are a gift from God, but does not God's Spirit distribute all His gifts differently?  ^"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work...All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines." (1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 11)  Is my life lacking because I have not the gift or experience of children?  Should I be upset with God because He has not healed my womb and given me such a gift?  I believe the answer is no.

God's hand is evident in my life, bring good to me and blessing me beyond measure, for he is drawing me to Himself.  I enjoy the children, of others, in my life and His gifts are for our enjoyment, as Paul explained in 1 Timothy 6:17, "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment."  But we must remember that no gift is greater than the giver.  Life does not consist in the abundance of possessions or experiences (Luke 12:15)  It is God Himself who is our greatest reward. (Genesis 15:1)

Christ came to reconcile us to God, and to share the message of reconciliation through us, not so we could have everything we want here on earth. "¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! ¹⁸ All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: ¹⁹ that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰ We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God." (2 Corinthians 5:17-20) 

This world is not my home.  I am but an alien and stranger passing through on my way to my true home.  A home beyond anything I can ask or imagine.  My home is not where I hang my hat, but where Christ is.  On day He will come back and take me to be with Him there.  “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." (John 14:1-3)  Until that day I will continue to be transformed into His likeness, learning to treasure the Father and enjoy His gifts, not demand them. 

As I trust the goodness of God, I can see beauty in the variety of our lives and not insist that we all be the same.  Jesus is the only way, but as we walk with Him, some of us will skip, some will run and some of us will dance along the way!  So it is my hope that when you look at my life and others, you see not what may be missing in earth's experience, but the glory of Christ shining in the beauty of who He has made us to be.