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!