Faith

An Important Life Lesson from Spring Flowers

Community, Faith, Maturity / By / February 26, 2022 / , , , ,

Don’t cut the greens!

As March commences, one of my favorite flowers struggles to break through the cold earth. Soon after the crocuses pop up through the snow, daffodils take their place as the trumpet section in the parade of spring bulbs. I marvel at their bright blast of sunshine. These cheery plants announce God’s kept promise of resurrection life. But all too soon, their blooms wither, leaving behind straggly greens. Now what’s a gardener to do?

The first year daffodils grew in my yard, I made a rookie mistake and cut those leftover leaves. Then an older sister in Christ with far more gardening experience pointed out my folly, “Those leaves fuel the bulb to flower next year. When you cut them off, you rob yourself of future blooms.”

Oops! I learned to leave and appreciate those withering greens. Years later, I see a similar lesson for us as Christian women. Because now, I’m the straggling greenery past the prime of flowering. My blooms have grown. The petals scattered in the wind as my children have long left the stem of a home I provided. Younger sisters, please, don’t cut off the voices of experience. Older women are a gift of God to you. Our years of child-rearing and homemaking, and yes, even gardening, provide nourishment to help you thrive.

Photo by John-Mark Smith on Unsplash

Unfortunately, women act a bit too much like bulbs. We gather more often in peer groups than in multi-generational settings. Peers do have their place, but God intends His daughters to live and grow through the process of the older teaching the younger.

“The older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.” Titus 2:3-5

Together we face the challenge of reaching out and embracing one another. Too often, we cut one another off through criticism instead of spurring each other on through encouragement (Hebrews 10:24). So, what needs to happen to cultivate a healthy flowerbed in the family of God?

Photo by Zen Chung from Pexels

First, it starts with us older women being reverent. Our worship must be more than weekly church attendance. We need to worship daily. Moment by moment, we let God open our eyes to His wonders and praise Him. We must live in the hush of holiness—a contented, consecrated life of obedience. Second, older women must refrain from bad-mouthing others, particularly the young. We need to sing their new songs with our seasoned passion if we desire to impart the grace and knowledge of Jesus in their lives. Third, we value our sobriety and resist the temptation to overmedicate the physical pains of an aging body. When Paul wrote to Titus centuries ago, the painkiller of choice was wine; today, it’s opioids. The epidemic of opioid addiction, even among the young, shocks me! With my achy joints and sleepless nights, I understand the temptation. As God’s mature daughters, we must resist the temptation of inebriation. Then our lives will glorify the God Who renews us even while our bodies go to seed.

“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.”

2 Corinthians 4:16

Finally, God appoints the responsibility of teaching the younger women to us older sisters. We must be the bridge builders, the initiators. Not in a structured unnatural way, but in a caring communal way, we come alongside and get involved with the generation coming behind us.

Younger sister, Paul’s letter to Pastor Titus also speaks to you. Look for those reverent, sober, discreet women. Spend time with them. Seek their input. Please, don’t cut the greens. God lets older growth tarry for a reason. Absorb the nourishment we bring to His flower bed of saints.

What do Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Saint Patrick have in Common?

1 Comment / celebrations, Faith, Spiritual warfare / By / March 2, 2022 / , , , , ,

Legendary Courage!

As war rages in Ukraine, it’s business as usual in America. On St. Patrick’s day. Parades will march through our streets with marching bands and shamrock-covered floats. I predict many will wear blue and yellow armbands to support Ukraine. Who knows, maybe in Chicago, they’ll dye the river yellow and blue and watch it turn green? Then, the bars will fill in the evening, and glasses will be raised to Zelensky, toasting his courage as the usual drunken debauchery unfolds. This kind of celebration is not what Patrick envisioned when he left Britain and returned to Ireland.

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Irish slave traders kidnapped Patrick (born a free Roman citizen) from his homeland in Britain when he was seventeen. He was one of few who escaped this fate. After returning to Britain, he came to saving faith. He returned to Ireland with a burning desire to see God transform the heart of the Irish people. His courage stands as an example to us today.

“It was not by my own grace, but God who overcame it in me, and resisted them all so that I could come to the peoples of Ireland to preach the gospel. I bore insults from unbelievers, so that I would hear the hatred directed at me for traveling here. I bore many persecutions, even chains, so that I could give up my freeborn state for the sake of others. If I be worthy, I am ready even to give up my life most willingly here and now for his name. It is there that I wish to spend my life until I die, if the Lord should grant it to me.” from Saint Patrick’s Confessio

As Zelensky stands against Putin, he understands the cost. Patrick understood the cost of returning to Ireland. Are we willing to lay down our lives for something greater than pleasure and comfort? Is the freedom the Gospel brings worthy of our sacrifice?

Yes! But will we count the cost?

Real courage isn’t rhetoric. It’s easy to imagine what we would say or do in dangerous circumstances. I waste a lot of time daydreaming like that. Yet, we shy away from sharing Christ because we don’t want to offend people. That’s like failing to do CPR on a person who passes out in front of us for fear of being sued. If we can save lives, shouldn’t we?

Courage shows up in hard places; we choose bravery, or we don’t. Many around us will head to the bar on St. Patrick’s Day. Before that happens, let’s ask them a bold question, “What do you know about St. Patrick?” Then let’s be bolder yet and thrust the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God—into the conversation. It doesn’t matter if they don’t believe the Bible is God’s truth. As a wise old pastor once said, “poke ‘em with it anyway!”

Remember Saint Patrick!

Stand Firm

2 Comments / Faith, prayer, Spiritual warfare, Trials / By / March 1, 2022 / , , , ,
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Pray for Ukraine!

Millions, if not billions, of peace-loving people—including many Russians—around the globe watched in horror as Russian tanks rolled over Ukraine’s borders. Vladimir Putin shattered seventy years of peace in Europe (the longest period in recorded history). “If the foundations are destroyed, What can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3).

 This question posed by King David three thousand years ago still troubles us in times like this. On the first day of this war, I wasted too much energy with silly daydreams of just retribution against the present dictator of Russia. What I should have been doing (and am doing now) is standing firm in the armor of God.

My husband spent two weeks preaching through Ephesians 6:10-20. His message series in Ephesians ended four days before the war began. It took me two more days to realize how foolishly I was using my time to fight an unseen enemy. Putin is a puppet. Satan dances in the blood of innocent Ukrainians, and we, the Church, God’s holy army, are called to fight.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

In our strength, resistance is vain. To stand firm, we must bow low. Prayer launches our attack. The Word of truth is our sword, our offensive weapon. Sister Warriors, let’s wield it well on our knees.

Here are specific verses we can pray.

  1. For ourselves, “ that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,”  Ephesians 6:19. The power of the Gospel of peace changes hearts. It can even change Putin!
  2. For bad Vlad (if he refuses to repent), “He (God) repays those who hate Him to their face, to destroy them. He will not be slack with him who hates Him; He will repay him to his face.” Deuteronomy 7:10. Vladimir will come to Jesus one way or another.
  3. For courageous Russians speaking out against this war, and all our family in Christ in Ukraine and Russia, “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by.” Psalm 57:1. May God protect them when no one else can.

Take heart, dear ones; this war is a mere skirmish in an eternal battle already won!

Stand firm; bow low!

Humili*tea

1 Comment / celebrations, prayer, Teatime Qualities / By / February 28, 2022 / , , ,

Welcome to Teatime

Tea Time is a quarterly (February, May, August, and November) reflection on various qualties.

hu*mil*i*Tea /(h)yo͞oˈmilədē/ noun: 1. a modest opinion of one’s own importance, 2. an absence of pride or self-assertion, 3. To accept, with gratitude, a cup of coffee when you’d prefer tea.

Did you know today, February 22nd is national “Be Humble Day” and the birthday of the first president of the U.S.? I wonder if the anonymous founder of “Be Humble Day” chose George Washington’s birthday on purpose? (Google didn’t know either.)

 I think Washington would count it an honor to have his birthday celebrated by acts of humility—a day to refrain from boasting and acknowledge our mistakes and flaws. In the spirit of “Be Humble Day.”

When I was a child, I enjoyed two days off from school in February: the 12th and the 22nd. However, in 1968, when I was a wee second-grader, Uncle Sam stole candy from this baby by rolling the two days into one—Presidents Day—a day to remember not only Washington and Lincoln but all who’ve taken the solemn oath of office. This act of congress took the limelight off Washington’s accomplishments and celebrated each person who served our country as commander-and-chief. Washington would approve, no doubt, but he wasn’t always that humble.

Historians note that young Washington displayed arrogance and excessive ambition. But General Washington resigned his commission as a changed man. War taught him to put others first—a lesson to master if we want to leave this world better than we found it.

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“How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.” ~ George Washington

Humility enjoys the freedom of transparency; pride protects self with deception. The humble confess transgressions, receive forgiveness, and gain confidence in the work and worth God bestows upon him. In contrast, the arrogant hide failure and inflate successes. Our Creator gifts us with talents, abilities, and resources to be used for the good of others and the glory of God.

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.” ~  C. S. Lewis

As the newly formed government considered a title for its first leader, Vice President Adams suggested the following: “His Elective Majesty,” “His Mightiness,” and even “His Highness, the President of the United States of America and the Protector of their Liberties.”

 However, Washington rejected these inflated perceptions of a head-of-state. They had just won a revolution against a king who claimed divine anointing. While God raises leaders, He also removes those that think too highly of themselves and fail to give Him glory—Nebuchadnezzar being a prime example (Daniel 4:30-33).

Washington understood the title he chose would set both the tone of his leadership and precedence for his successors. He suggested, and the House adopted, the title “The President of the United States,” accepting the simple address, “Mr. President.”

I shuddered at the phrase “under my reign” (instead of administration) as I listened to recent presidential debates. Sorry boys and girls, there’s no such thing as King of America! It’s lamentable that few modern-day presidents display the same humility as George Washington.

Putting politics aside, might celebrating “Be Humble Day” help repair the political and cultural rifts in our nation and the world? The best place to start is on our knees with honest confessions. For example, do we speak disrespectfully about the authorities God placed over us or fail to pray for them? Ouch! I plead guilty. Then our hearts will be ready to pray and thank God for those who serve our nation.

Jesus challenges us to be humble every day, not just on February 22nd. What might happen if we all accept His mandate, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4

Lord, please deliver us from delusions of grandeur. Help us reflect the humility of Jesus, Who came not to be served but to serve by laying aside His glory and laying His life down for others. Amen

ith gratitude, a cup of coffee when you’d prefer tea (or vice versa).

Three Ways to Love in the Fourth-Dimension

Community, Faith, Family Life, Knowing God, Maturity, prayer / By / December 14, 2021 /

For God so Loved!

Sparkling, paper hearts sprang up as I opened a Valentine. Pop-up cards delight me. I love to shop for them, make them, and send them to my friends and family. These whimsical treasures express a three-D love in a material world. Yet, pop-ups hint at the kind of love the apostle Paul describes in Ephesians, “that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge.” (Ephesians 3:17b-19a). Four dimensions! The cover of a pop-up card hides a central aspect of the message. Today I want to open up a hidden face of love—the unseen work it does for others.

The Bible opens our understanding of the unseen ways Jesus loves us right now, today. Here are three demonstrations of Christ loving us in the fourth dimension.

  • Offensively

In the book of Romans chapter eight, Paul explains that Christ sits at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. Jesus prays for us! He sees our hearts, our struggles, the ways Satan tries to block our goal of Christ-likeness. Then He lifts His hands to the Father, showing His the scars that ensure our victory.

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So, what does our prayer life reveal about our love? Do we intercede for others? Are we mindful of their struggles, circumstances, and needs? I fear too often our prayers tend to be selfish, focused on what affects us. How often do we pray for the homeless we pass on the streets or our brothers and sisters who face severe persecution for their faith? Do we pray for our enemies? The Lord expects us to (Matthew 5:44)

  • Defensively

The book of Job provides a peek into the battle going on around us, exposing Satan’s ugly heart as he maligns both God’s and Job’s character (Job 1:9-11). To this day, the vile, jealous creature constantly accuses God’s saints (Revelation 12:10; “day and night,” according to this passage. But God (two of my favorite words in the Bible) preserves His saints. He defends our righteous standing before Him. The dignity He bestowed on us by grace can never be defamed. The world slings mud at us in vain.  

If God so loves us when we aren’t looking, how well do we love one another? My favorite line from the song They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love” states, “We will guard each one’s dignity and save each one’s pride.” Do we? Or do we have dirty hands from belittling others behind their backs?

  • Immensely

In the first scene of Job, we also hear God brag about His “servant Job.” Did you know God brags about His children.? What good parent doesn’t? The apostle John sums it up well, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” 3 John 1:14. If it makes John happy, how much greater must our Abba’s joy be.

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Do we brag about the good things other people do? I tend to brag about my accomplishments. I bait the hook, fishing for praise. I’m working on practicing the wisdom of, “Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth, “ Proverbs 27:2. Next time we’re tempted to show off, let’s secretly love another and talk about the beauty they bring to the world.

The most significant love test is anonymity; how do I love when no one looks? Yet, if we only love by unseen methods, we love one-dimensionally—flatter than flat. All dimensions need to be present, our words, our actions, our presence, along with our anonymous contributions to the wellbeing of others. All four-dimension complete a perfect love.

I want to celebrate this Valentine’s Day, not just in tangible ways, but by committing to loving others offensively, defensively, and immensely behind their backs. Will you join me in displaying the fourth dimension of God’s great love for us?

When Believing Is Not Receiving: God’s denials and delays teach us three important lessons

Faith, Knowing God, prayer, Trials / By / October 15, 2021 / , , , ,

“How long, oh Lord?”

Jesus promised if we ask in His name, He would answer us. “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13 He Promised if we believe, we will receive.“Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24

So, when we don’t get what we asked for, has He broken His word?

Saints from all generations struggled with the tension of unanswered prayer. The disciples failed to exorcise a demon and left the poor boy’s father devasted and desperate. The Apostal Paul pleaded for healing—God refused his request. Abraham asked God to spare the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah for the sake of his nephew who lived there. Then watched as the Lord demolished both cities with fire and brimstone. What can we learn from these accounts when our prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling and never get to God’s ear.

In the Gospel of Luke 9: 14-29, we witness a desperate dad at the end of his hope. This man’s voice cries in despair as he explains to Jesus his son’s severe condition. He has prayed, paid, and plotted, but no one—not even one of the twelve—can cast the violent tormentor from his son’s soul. After hearing his saga, Jesus tells him a simple truth, “All things are possible for him who believes.”
This man’s candid response confronts me with the reality of genuine faith. “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!” Faith prays honestly.

Lesson 1: Delays and denials teach us humility and dependence.

Life-giving, soul-saving, mountain-moving faith is a gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). As long as I delude my heart with self-sufficiency, “I just need to trust more, believe harder,” I fail to humble myself before God, who grants faith. Jesus later explains privately to his disciples why they couldn’t cast out the demon. “This kind comes out only by prayer and fasting.”

Christ’s call to fast and pray isn’t an encouragement to work up to more faith. He’s reminding them (and us), their effort isn’t enough. Just like the boy’s dad, they need to confess their self-reliance. Fasting communicates complete dependency on God. It reveals Jesus is our bread of life—and we should desire nothing less. When we thrust ourselves upon the mercy of God, He always shows up—but not necessarily in the way we think He should.

Consider the conversation the Lord had with Paul concerning “ a thorn in the flesh.”

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-9

If you read this chapter, you’ll see Pual knew why he had this affliction. The Lord intended to keep him humble. Paul felt he had learned the lesson; so, he asked God to relieve him. God flat-out rejects the request and gives him something better, grace.

Lesson 2: God’s grace working through our weaknesses accomplishes more than miraculous healing.

We rejoice to see miraculous healing, but the world denies that type of miracle. What unbelievers can not deny is the joy and graciousness of suffering saints. That shouts the reality of good news—God with us—like nothing else can.

Lesson 3: True wealth is contentment to wait on the Judge of the earth to do right.

Abraham, by earthly standards, possessed wealth. That’s what caused his nephew Lot to move away. They both owned fortunes, and one region could not sustain their grazing herds and flocks (the measure of wealth in ancient times) So, a gracious Abraham let Lot pick first which way to go. Lot coveted the fertile valley.

Unfortunately, that plain produced some nasty fruit. Sin abounded in Lot’s new neighborhood. But before judging the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah, God let His friend, Abraham, in on the plan.

Abraham did what all godly men do—he interceded for his family. He pleaded with God to spare his nephew. God agrees to the terms of Abraham’s request; if there are ten righteous, he will not destroy the cities.

Abraham waits in the mountains. Later we watch him gaze upon the destruction of these cities. There is no evidence he ever saw Lot again.

God let Abraham wonder and wait. Abraham developed contentment even though he never saw the answer to his prayer for Lot’s safety. He found satisfaction by trusting the Judge of all the earth—Who does do right.

More than needing more, we need contentment with our lot.

“people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” 1 Timothy 6:5b-7

Some believers reduce God to a sugar daddy. That covetous spirit propels the false teaching of the prosperity gospel. “Name it and claim it” Christians miss out on the true wealth of dependency, grace, and contentment—these gifts God often provides through denial and delay. Take heart, Sister, when God answers no or not yet, it’s because He’s giving you more than you bargained for. He’s giving you exceedingly abundantly above all, you can ask or think!

Stuck in a Devotional Rut? Two Ideas That Will Give You Traction

1 Comment / Faith, Knowing God / By / May 18, 2021 / , , , ,

Relief for Bible Boredom

Routines dig ruts in our lives. Sometimes sticking to our way gets us stuck, and we don’t try new things. This lack of variation leads to boredom and inflexibility—especially in relationships. Relational monotony stunts our growth. We fail to discover new avenues to deepen friendships.

Mature Christians often encourage new believers to have a daily quiet time (a time to read Scripture and pray). A healthy spiritual life depends on these two essential elements. Unfortunately, we can turn these things into another to-do on our list; we cease to view our daily devotions as a time devoted to our relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Variety sparks new interest; switching things up leads to discoveries of delight. Does your fellowship with Jesus feel stale at times? Does He seem distant? Here are a few ideas to spark new vibrancy in your intimacy with God.

First, New Perspective

The Bible speaks the very words of God (1Timothy 3:16). It’s living and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). Don’t focus on the pages; focus on the Person. The Lord calls us into an intimate conversation when He instructs us to pray. When we pray, we need to focus on our Bridegroom—the Lover of our souls—not our honey-do list. Keep in mind this is not a time to read your Bible like an ordinary book and recite a list of your needs. A devotional time should be an intimate conversation with the One who knows you better than you know yourself. Listen. Ask good questions. Be honest. Be vulnerable.

Second, Vary Your Habits

Here are a few suggestions. Of these ten variations, try one that’s new to you and get out of your rut.

  1. Read in a different translation for a time

Reading a diversity of translations develops a fuller understanding of the text.

  1. Read the sixty-six books chronologically

The books are not listed that way. However, there are chronological reading plans online and chronological Bibles in print. Watch the story of redemption unfold from beginning to end.

  1. Intentional Rereading

Imagine you received a letter from a loved one who lived hundreds of miles away. Would one quick reading be enough? It wasn’t in the days before texting and the internet. People would read those letters over and over to treasure every thought. Do this with the Epistles. Read the whole book in one sitting. Then repeat until you see: the book’s theme, main ideas, and flow. This method applies well to short stories in the Gospels or Old Testament narratives, too.Spend a week with Sarah or the woman at the well. Put yourself in their place. Can you feel, hear, and see what they did?

  1. Speed Read

This practice requires ambition; it’s not for the faint of heart or slow readers. Read large passages in one sitting (10-12 chapters at a time). Speed Reading will take you through the whole Bible up to three times in a year. This approach brings the panoramic scope of redemption into view. You’ll see how each book of the Bible fits into God’s story. If you only get through one and a half times, don’t be discouraged. Speed reading is not an easy discipline.

  1. Read a Messianic Jewish version (Living Tree Version is one example)

Doing this will teach you some Hebrew words and expose you to a different Old Testament arrangement. Most importantly, it will remind you Jesus is Jewish, and our spiritual genealogy came through these chosen people. Their law, holidays, and worship foreshadow the wonders of our Messiah.

  1. Do Different Styles of Bible Study

Try inductive studies like those produced by Precept Ministries. Try lessons without video teachers.

  1. Do Topical Word Studies

For example, how many times is the word “love” used in the Bible? What kind of love does each passage talk about (there are two different Greek words and an interesting Hebrew word translated “lovingkindness” in the Old Testament). Are your ideas consistent with God’s definition?

  1. Journal

Reinforce your discoveries by writing love letters to God. Write out prayers, observations from Scripture reading, even your confessions of sin, and don’t forget to record your praise and thanksgiving. Try the S.O.A.P. method of journaling that Love God Deeply publishes.

  1. Pray as you read

Communicate your thoughts and questions as you read. You’ll be amazed at how personally God interacts with you through His Word. Inquire, and He may answer in the next sentence. Are you reminded of a friend? Pray for them from the text. This approach turns reading and praying into a divine conversation, a unique discussion.

  1. Pray Scripture

When we pray the prayers in the Bible or promises and principles from God’s word, we know we are praying according to His will. For example, try praying James 1:2-4 for a hurting friend, “Lord, please help my friend learn the patience You want to develop in them. Give them joy through this difficulty.”

Keep in mind; no particular method is exclusively the best or the only way to get closer to Jesus. The only wrong routine is the one that got us stuck. Each approach provides different benefits to Spiritual growth. Change stretches us; it expands our capacity to know Him. The Lord is, after all, a God of the infinite, creative variety. So, reflect His image by being creative in relating to Him. And enjoy the spark it brings to your fellowship with Him.

(If you want more ideas for enjoying time with the Lord, I recommend Oxygen By Keri Wyatt Kent and Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas. You can find reviews of these books on my books page under Library, and  affiliated Amazon links to help you acquire a copy.)

Discovering the Essence of a Merry Christmas

Faith / By / August 6, 2021 / , , , ,

“Christmas is coming, but I’m not happy.”

We hang happy decorations. We anticipate the fun of giving and receiving brightly wrapped gifts. Singing Christmas carols encourages a cheerful heart. Do these make Christmas merry? The world often thinks so. But what if a grinch stole it all, including our voices? Imagine no “Fah Who Foraze, Dah Who Doraze,” down in Whoville. What then?!

Even with decked halls, light displays, and card exchanges, many people this time of year can relate to the main character in my favorite Christmas television special, Charlie Brown, who said, “I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I’m not happy. I don’t feel the way I’m supposed to feel.”

Charles Schultz (creator of Charlie Brown) and my favorite carol explain the source of genuine Advent merriment.  “God rest ye merry gentlemen. Let nothing you dismay. Remember, Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day to save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray. Oh, tidings of comfort and joy.”

Yes, comfort and joy! The comfort Linus brought Charlie Brown by reciting Luke 2:8-14. We embrace the essence of merry when we focus on the old, old story—the gospel nativity.

Mary birthed a baby in Bethlehem. The angel announced to shepherds this baby is their Savoir. The shepherds go to find this newborn and tell the people what they heard and saw. Simple right? Yet, like most simple stories, the complexities of the characters lie below the surface. Who were shepherds? What status did they possess that God would use them to bring this good news?

Shepherds lived on the fringe of society, both literally and figuratively. Spending much of their time in fields and wilderness places, they had no political influence or platform in the world, not even a union. Obscure, powerless people who smelt like sheep, dirt, and dung. Sanitation workers serve as an excellent modern-day facsimile (but even they have a union). Despite providing an essential service, shepherds and sanitation workers are often overlooked, invisible, on the fringe. How did God shake the world with a questionable testimony from outliers?

God changed the world by caring about the folks on the fringe, much like Charlie Brown cared for the little tree no one else wanted. That’s why the Lord came to the little people first: the infertile couple (Zechariah and Elizabeth), the young virgin (a nobody from nowhere), a lowly carpenter, and then some shepherds. When we feel marginalized by society, remember that no one lives on the fringe in God’s economy. He cares for everyone. But I believe He had another reason in giving His Good News to shepherds.

The shepherds obeyed and gathered around the manger, beholding the Savior who would be the sacrifice, the Lamb of God. “All we like sheep had gone astray. We had turned, everyone to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6). Then they went out proclaiming the arrival of the Good Shepherd—Jesus.

God turned the world inside out by bringing outsiders in on His plan. His love, like Linus’s blanket wrapped around Charlie’s pathetic tree, redeems and transforms us. He seeks and saves the lost. What a merry meditation! The gospel creates a joy that no grinch or devil can touch. Merry Christmas!

The Assurance and Evidence of God’s Good Hand Upon Us

Faith, Knowing God / By / May 18, 2021 / , , ,

Lord, will you give me a hand?!

“Help!” I cried from the top of the ladder. I balanced precariously, arms ladened with heavy boxes of Christmas decorations, some of them quite fragile. I had thought I could handle this chore on my own, but at that point, I knew one of us was going down.

My husband rushed out just in time to catch the boxes.

Life often feels like a dangerous balancing act. How can we know for certain God will catch us when we cry for help or lead us when we’re unsure about what to do? The Bible provides us with the testimony of Ezra, an Old Testament saint who teaches us a lot about the good hand of our God.

Assurance

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,  . . . ; But his delight is in the law of the Lord,” Psalm 1:1-2. When you read through the book of Ezra, you discover how well this Paslm describes him. Ezra delighted in God’s law, obey God’s word, and diligently sought the Lord, trusting God to supply all his needs. Ezra hated sin and humbly confessed his need for God’s intervention.

Do we delight in God’s word? Are we quick to confess our sin? Do we lean on Him and not our understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6)? Then Ezra’s promise applies to us, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” Ezra 8:22b.

If we humbly, honestly seek the Lord’s help—He guarantees we will have it. But how does God’s hand on our life look? In other words, how do we know when we have His help?

Evidence of God Good Hand

Ezra reveals the evidence of God’s good hand. I found three elements of God’s intervention.

  • First, God gave Ezra the favor of the king (Ezra 7:6). When we receive the permission of those in authority over us to proceed with a plan, that is evidence of God’s favor.

When I celebrated my third twentieth (you do the math) birthday, I took a trip to Savannah. I went with my husband’s blessing. He provided me with an allowance for the journey. I also have my husband’s permission to pursue a writing career that currently runs on red ink. We have been a single-income family for most of our married life. I appreciate that my Sweet William affords me these opportunities. It’s a joy to submit to a generous man. God designed authority for our good, and He does not bless rebellion. So, the first thing to do in seeking God’s direction is to ask for permission from those He puts over us.

  • Second, Ezra arrived at his destination unscathed (Ezra 7:8-10; 8:31). Journey’s mercies and success in an endeavor are more evidence of God’s blessing.

As Christians, many of us pray for God’s safety when we travel. We’re in good company. So did Ezra. The Bible reminds us that we don’t have because we don’t ask (James 4:2). Dependent, humble believers ask their Father for everything (1Thesselonians 5:17). If you arrive safely or succeed at a goal after you asked for God’s help, His good hand is upon you.

I have yet to get a book published, but I trust, in His time, God will bring it to pass. When I planned my trip to Savannah, I struggled with wondering if I was selfish. I wanted to see sprawling oaks draped in Spanish moss and witness the spectacle of giant Magnolia trees in bloom. I wanted to celebrate the life God gave me by traveling back to a childhood home. I made it there and back safely. God showed me all I desired and provided perfect weather: sunny in the low 80’s with next to no humidity. My friend Cindy, who’s from there, said, “We get two days a year like this, and these are the two!”

We must remember when we pray; our Father is the God who provides exceedingly, abundantly, above all we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

  • Third, the joy of the Lord strengthens Ezra, and he sought community with other believers (Ezra 7:28b; 8:18). When we face a challenging endeavor, it’s easy to get discouraged—but if God is in it, we can depend on Him to give us the strength and people we need to complete the job.

Noah may have been the only man who found grace in the eyes of the Lord, but he didn’t build the arc alone. Instead, God provided Noah the help of a community—his family. My life isn’t about me, and your life isn’t about you. Together we are God’s people.

So I planned my celebration in Savannah as a girls-get-away with three of my closest friends. The four of us had babies and raised them together. These sisters discipled me. We’ve laughed, cried, worshipped, and prayed for each other for over thirty years. Maintaining a relationship with these women is a vital part of my spiritual welfare.

God made us communal creatures. If your flying solo, going through life alone, trust me—the good hand of God is not upon you. I should never have tried to get those Christmas ornaments down alone. God uses other people to encourage us and brings others to join us in a work we can never accomplish by ourselves.

When I finally publish a book, there will be a long list of acknowledgments. Communities write books. Friends celebrate together. I know writing and celebrating don’t compare to Ezra’s call to rebuild the temple. But I also know God cares about every detail of creation, including what we do. So when we benefit from the fellowship of other Christians, let’s remember it’s because the good hand of our God is upon us.

With Ezra’s account in mind, how do you know God’s hand is on you today?

Tranquili*Tea

2 Comments / Knowing God, Teatime Qualities, Trials / By / February 4, 2022 / , , ,

Welcome to Teatime

Tea Time is a quarterly (February, May, August, and November) reflection on various qualties.

Tran*quil*li*Tea \tran-ˈkwi-lə-tē, traŋ-\ – n A steady state of peaceful calm. The quality of being unflappable while enjoying the aroma and flavor of earl grey.

Draped in a drafty hospital gown, sitting on the hard, cold x-ray table, I waited for the technician to return with my second mammogram and breast ultrasound results. A few weeks before, the previous imaging had revealed something that seemed amiss, and the Doctor wanted a closer look. Oddly enough—I felt tranquil.

“Whatever it takes, Lord, to bring You glory in my life—I’m game for it. If you allow me to have cancer, You’ll give me the grace to endure; I’ll either survive or go home to Heaven fighting the good fight.” I silently prayed as I sat.

I know this sounds absurd, but I almost hoped it was cancer because I felt the need for new growth in my faith: I desired the Vine Dresser to prune me. I longed to be conformed to Christ’s image regardless of the cost.

“You (Lord) keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3

The technician returned, happy to tell me there was nothing to cause worry. I had dense breast tissue. So, I changed back into my street clothes and went on my merry way; there were no new storms to face that day. Yet, that strange feeling of peace seemed to lift me. I praised God, not for the clear mammogram, for His calming presence.

I can assure you it is not something I’ve always had. My heart is prone to anxiety and fear, just like yours maybe, but that day, I enjoyed the presence of the God of Peace because I focused on His goodness—His glory. And there, on that cold x-ray table, I enjoyed the aroma of His presence like my first cup of Earl Grey in the morning. The one I sipped at breakfast with Jesus, reading my Bible and pouring out prayer.

These quiet breakfast conversations strengthen and sustain me more than tea and toast. I pursue tranquility first; The Lord fills my soul with inner peace. Seeking the peace of God before it storms provides an umbrella of stability in case a downpour arrives. Forgetting about His presence and power produces anxietea, a bitter brew that leads to fear and depression.

God tells us to cast our troubles on Him because He cares for us. We see His care in creation.  Consider, for instance, bergamot, the delightful citrus fruit used to flavor black tea and create Earl Grey. Bergamot is a natural anti depressant. Its fragrance is bright, calming, and joyful. Just smelling it produces a calming effect.

It is possible to have a stormy heart in a tranquil setting. It is not circumstances that create anxiety in our hearts; it’s unbelief.

 After a cup of Earl Grey and a conversation with God, I’m good to go, unhurried and unflappable, tranquil inside.

How do you find tranquility in the hustle and bustle of life? What are some ways you enjoy fellowship with God? When is a time you enjoyed His peace through a trial?

Dear Father, may we enjoy Your calming presence daily. May we experience the peace You offer, the peace that passes all understanding, as we relinquish our futile attempts to control what we cannot. Amen

Copyright © 2024 teri gasser, Steeped in Truth