Simpatico

The Scriptures, the Word of God, go hand-in-hand with prayer. It is the very Word of God that awakens us to him. From the beginning, we can see he spoke the world into existence. When we speak our creative ideas, we have to add physical actions to create things. However, when God spoke, his words created what he spoke. His Word alone has the power of the action built right into it.

As he communicates to us who he is through his Word, he is signaling to us a desire for a conversation. He speaks to us, and we respond with our words in prayer. The dialogue begins. He is the creator of language. Like little children learning from their parents, the very early syllables of language begin to form. At first, there may be awkward grunts, or indiscernible stutters. But, the more we read the Word, thus hear him speak, we learn, little by little, how to tell him how we feel. We ask him questions—why, how come, when, etc.? And, like many parents in the toddler stages, he tells us the simplest of answers because we are not yet ready to understand.

In time, as we listen, his words powerfully bring about growth. As a well-fed child nurtured and loved cannot stay a toddler for long, so too the one who listens with attentive ears cannot help but express a more nuanced way of asking for a deeper understanding of the One who speaks.

Behind these words of his is a living Person. God is not some unknowable spirit beyond in the sky. We aren’t just throwing up a few desperate words into the air like some rabbits foot of luck and hope.

His Word informs us of his love for us. We clearly see that love in the gospels as his Son Jesus became the sacrifice for all the sin of this broken world. His sacrifice opened the door for his Holy Spirit to begin that dialogue in our hearts.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-5;14.

He is speaking to us, and he wants us to speak back! He created us for that… for his pleasure and joy. When we begin to understand this, as he has made clear in his Word, then we begin to experience this very joy for which we were made. We’re not going to understand everything, life will still have its difficulties, but we will always have our Father’s tender ear, bent down low to hear our thoughts from any given day.

We were meant to be simpatico. He speaks to our hearts and minds for us to hear and understand. And as we respond with love and thankfulness and yes, with questions still, we are deeply-rooted, safeguarded by the truth and comfort of his Word.

Peace

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Thankful

Well, it’s that time again when we get a bit more focused and determined to make a good start of a fresh, new year. Maybe some new workout clothes and a renewal of our gym membership. Gotta start back on track with healthy eating. Perhaps you’re thinking it’s a good time to declutter your home and purge the unneeded stuff that accumulated. Of course, there is the budget plans for being more diligent in how we use our money as we pay down some of the spending we did over the holidays. These are all typical resolutions we think of as the new year ushers in upon us. And, these may all be necessary and good things to do. I’m certainly doing some of them.

But, now in the aftermath of the hustle and bustle of the holidays with all the travel, the fellowship of family, the festive table gatherings and gift-giving, the reflective quiet has brought to mind my need for spiritual deepening. Workouts, declutterring, fiscal responsibility are the mundane parts of life that, while satisfying in certain ways, don’t really reach the places where contentment and peace live, the wellsprings. God’s word says, “…pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:20-23.

So, I want to put this at the top of my list for a fresh focus in this new year. I want to spend more time giving thanks to my good Heavenly Father who, by his grace, has placed me in a prosperous country with so many resources at my fingertips. My husband’s ministry travel stories and pictures have made me so aware of the abundance we have in this country. It’s so easy to take it all for granted. It’s easy to complain about the minor inconveniences that come along in the day to day. I want to focus on the blessings. I want to spend more time praying for the people I love. There are many— family and friends— and I’m blessed to have them in my life. I want to pray more for this broken world and the grief that fills the hearts and minds of those suffering. In short, I want prayer, my conversations with God, to be my lifeblood. I want these conversations to be more frequent, more intimate, more effective. Hopefully, I will be consistent and faithful to develop this discipline better than perhaps some of the other more mundane ones. I won’t beat myself up but I will pray to this end. Happy New Year!

“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16b

Righteous doesn’t mean sinless, it just means forgiven by Christ. His righteousness covers those who are his. Do you want the comfort of his covering?

The elephant in the room

There’s an elephant in the room. He sits there in the corner, acting all nonchalant, as though he’s always been there like an old piece of furniture from ages past, like he’s almost a part of the architecture. He’s very good at what he does. He gives off innocence and normalcy and has clearly become a part of the background scenery. Most would not even notice his presence were he not so big. He has a smile on his face and what appears to be a twinkle in his eye of joviality. But, I have caught the slight movement of his narrowing eyes as he saw me glancing at him. And I’ve heard the hiss of air escape his taut lips upon my attention. He surely does not want me to call attention to his disguise. He doesn’t want to be addressed. He prefers the anonymity of others ignorance or perhaps indifference is a better word.

The thing is, when you see someone heading in the wrong direction how can you just ignore the obvious? Truly, if you care for someone, can you be silent? There really is no such thing as “neutral” when love is part of the equation. And aren’t we called to love one another? Not from a heightened position of authority, but rather from a kneeling position of grief for a treasure about to be lost. When you cherish another in your heart, the phony elephant must be addressed for who he pretends to be. He is no savior. He brings no freedom. His soul purpose is to crush with his weighty lies. He may look like a savior. He may promise freedom. And he may speak with words of eloquence. But in the end he will crush.

It takes some courage to speak words of pain into another heart. I’m not talking about fool-hearted bravado but valor. It’s a risky business for sure. There may be a backlash; a barrage of venomous anger shot in your direction for the intrusion you have brought. You may lose the love of the very one you were trying to save. Let’s face it, it can go either way. But I think it is a risk that is worth taking. After all, what is the alternative, to just sit back and watch them circle the drain? Can we in all honesty call that love? Better to reach out the hand and have it slapped than to keep it safely tucked into a pocket until the drain has run dry.

This courage does not come naturally, but is drawn from the One whose love is greater than mine.

“My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God‘s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them. Get them back, and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.” James 5:19-20 MSG

Toxicity

Toxicity= an extremely harsh, malicious, or harmful quality; the quality, state, or relative degree of being poisonous.

Most of us have a pretty good idea of the meaning of the word toxicity. Reading the definition here brings the clarity of its potential for destruction to a sharp point. We tend to think of things such as chemicals or foods or bacteria and viruses. However, this can certainly be applied to people and relationships, as many of us have likely experienced over the course of our lives. Generally speaking, relationships are more than acquaintances. Relationships are usually people whose lives we have somewhat invested ourselves with in some way. We have taken the time and effort to get to know them on a more intimate level. We have cared for them, tried to be there for them in their struggles and difficulties, encouraged them with kind words and advice in particular circumstances as best as we could. In short, we have been a friend to them in the true sense of the word.

But sometimes, friendships can really be one-sided, like a vacuum, always taking in but never giving back. Some people can be so self-absorbed that they only look at things from their own perspective—how they are affected. They never consider their actions or words and the effect they have on others. The very word relationship denotes a give and take element, a thoughtfulness to the concerns of each other. Sometimes we are giving more than receiving but we make those allowances because we are a friend and want to extend that care according to the need. In healthy relationships that give and take balances itself out over the course of the relationship.

But what if that never occurs? What if the vacuum just keeps on sucking the comfort, encouragement and advice endlessly? They take what makes them feel good and spit back, like toxic dust particles, that which they don’t want to hear, letting them fall harshly on your head without a care. Their only concern is their own well-being. It doesn’t occur to them that others may be affected by their behavior. Too much vacuuming in one place will eventually unravel the threads. All that will be left is a flat, threadbare tear.

So the question is, when is it okay to walk away? When does the extended grace just become cheap grace that is expected because it has always been shown? It isn’t a question of forgiveness. Forgiveness can be given in one’s heart even when you’re not being asked to do so by the offender. But does that mean one is required to continue sitting under this toxic dust cloud? When is it okay to shake off the dust, to detox? The answer, I think, can be different for everyone depending on what the Lord is doing in your life at the moment. Prayer is where we find our answers to these difficult questions. This is the most important strategy we can have because without the guidance of the Lord we tend to act strictly on our emotions. And, while our emotions are legitimate responses they aren’t always wise ones. So, if you find yourselves wrestling with difficult people that are taking up too much negative mental real estate, seek the face of God and he will direct your ways.

“The temptations in your life are no different than what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”

1 Corinthians 10:12

“If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave.” Matthew 10:14

Known

“O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I am far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do.” Psalm 139:1-3

I find comfort in knowing that God has thoroughly searched my heart. Although it can bring on thoughts of shame, knowing my many shortcomings so well, the depths of his forgiveness is bottomless for his children. His knowledge of us goes beyond what we are able to comprehend.

A mother carries her child in her womb. At first, just the knowledge that a life has begun within, sparks an ember, a trace of emotional connection. The first fleck of love has taken seed. Curiosity fills her thoughts as she ponders just who this might be that’s growing in her hollow parts. Before long, this hollow brims with form — an inward design of unknown beauty. Mom can feel this little one stretching back and curling up seeking a place of comfort for their growing limbs. She wonders about their personality, what color hair will they have, whose eyes will look back at her? The anticipation of knowing this little soul builds with every passing month.

There are no comparable feelings to a woman giving birth. The overwhelming love in this moment when they meet face to face is held forever in the heart. And yet, she cannot know their thoughts. She cannot know their path ahead. She cannot know everything about them, though this is her longing.

We are limited in our ability to know others. Even our deepest and most intimate relationships have their limitations. We can’t be inside another’s head as they experience this kaleidoscope of life.

But the Lord, the all-knowing Creator of all living things, has searched us. He knows us. He discerns our thoughts and intentions even when we have no thoughts of him. We can’t even objectively know our own hearts fully, let alone someone else’s. However, in this passage of Scripture we learn that God knows us completely— to our very core. He knows everything we do, even our thoughts before we think them. There is no one more intimately connected to us than God.

This is and should be, somewhat unsettling. After all, we can be quite good at concealing our subterranean selves. However, the comfort comes when we understand how deeply we matter to the God of the universe. He secretly thinks about us and he knows our secrets and keeps our confidence. There is no greater love than this…to be seen, heard, known and accepted.

The balance beam

These past few months have been a series of peaks and valleys, hopes and fears rising and falling daily, drastically altering the landscape. A rhythm of bipolarization has just settled itself into place…

Watching someone you love suffer through great physical distress is simply all-consuming. Over time this rhythm can deplete their emotional, physical and spiritual determination to press on. The one step forward and two steps back just begins to feel Herculean. The valley calls out with the echos of loss. Loss of what was. Loss of what could have been. Much of the light is obscured by the great granite walls of sadness. In sheer exhaustion a soul can long to lie down in defeat. It can just feel too hard.

Living in a fallen world we know that physical ailments are possible, almost inevitable. Yet, we are never really prepared for it when they come. As believers in Jesus, we do have the great gift of hope and prayer. We cry out to the One we cannot see, knowing that we are seen and his ear is bent in our direction. We seek healing because Scripture tells us all things are possible with God. Day after day, this is our prayer and longing. But, possible is not an assurance.

Herein lies the walk of faith. The balance beam of trust. Can we steadily put one foot in front of the other on this walk toward eternity? Will we stay steadfast or will we fall off? If we are Christ-followers there is an assurance of healing at the end of this beam. We may get there dragging one foot or crawling on all fours, but get there we will.

You see, this beam once held the body of Christ upon it. He carried it. He was nailed to it. All the sin-laden brokenness that caused such an imbalance to the world was pressed upon his aching body. He knows about ailments and suffering. He has felt the heartache we feel in the hard days of life. And he did it so we could walk on this beam without fear of falling off. This beam guarantees that we can walk it in the trust that he is on there with us. We may not always feel his presence when our legs are trembling in frailty but the One we cannot see will see us through. This is the promise of the beam, the Cross of Christ. So, press on and trust that the balance is his work.

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“Let those who are wise understand these things. Let those with discernment listen carefully. The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking in them.” Hosea 14:9

“Trust in the Lord with all your hearts and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Heritage

I was reading through the Book of Numbers this morning and what stood out so starkly to me was the ungratefulness of the Israelites for all the provisions the Lord had given them. He not only set them free from the slavery of Egypt but was also making a way for them to have a new and abundant life in a free and beautiful land. How easily we believers can slip into a state of whining when things don’t go the way we expect or want them to. Why is it that our expectations of being a child of God, will provide us with a life of ease— a life of continuous, uninterrupted joy? Do we really expect heaven on earth? Do we somehow think that’s our entitlement for our faith? Was that the experience of Jesus? When he said we must take up our cross to follow him it should have been a huge clue that some rough times might be in our future. We truly do love all the bennies, and there are many, but when the complexities of living in a broken world start closing in on our comfortable space we can launch into a grumpy dissatisfaction, bemoaning the interruption of our deserved happiness.

It’s so easy to slip right into the cultural mindset of entitlement. As is clear from the Numbers 11 text, this is no new 21st century problem. The entitlement to a good life is at the very core of a rebellious heart against a God who provides exactly what he thinks we need at any given time. But, at times, we assume we know better than the One who created us all.

This also is nothing new. Adam and Eve, the first parents of all people, distrusted the goodness of God. Rather than seeing God’s boundaries as protections they saw them as a threat to their freedom and right of choice. They assumed this was their garden—why shouldn’t they enjoy all of its fruits? They questioned God’s authority.

Do we not do the same at times? Does not the inheritance of their disobedience run through our own veins? But, what does God say in Isaiah 1:18-19? “Come now, let us settle this, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool. If only you will obey me, you will have plenty to eat.”

This side of the cross we have the ability to choose which heritage we want to possess. Life happens to us either way but how we respond to it determines our peace of mind. When we trust the goodness of God , yielding to his authority becomes a safe place—a shelter in the storm. But, if we see his shelter as a threat to our own desired choices we may find ourselves exposed to the elements—taken down by the lightening bolts.

The promises of God, for the believer, entitle us to an eternal inheritance in the presence of God. This entitlement is not deserved or earned but rather given as a gift of love. We can’t demand it. We just receive it. This heritage doesn’t come with brokenness, disobedience or ungratefulness but rather the undoing of all of that. This world awaits the renewal that will come with the return of our Savior. The groans of this damaged planet, the groans of the damaged people will be turned into shouts of joy. The beauty of harmony will fill the entire universe. What hope we now have as we slip under his shelter until the age of storms has passed. This is a heritage worth possessing.

“Instead let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:23;30. NLT

The blind man

I have often wondered about the incredible miracles of Jesus. In the first century there was very little in the way of medical care. There were no welfare systems to meet the physical needs of the people. There were many unfettered diseases that caused people to suffer a life of poverty and debilitation. They would be consigned to begging in the streets for any compassionate soul to take pity on them and throw them a few scraps or a couple of coins. The misery of this life would have been altogether stark.

One such story we read about in the Bible is in the book of Mark. It tells of a blind man named Bartimaeus. Jesus was leaving Jericho with his disciples and a large crowd was following behind him. Miracles being performed will certainly gather a crowd. Bartimaeus was sitting on the side of the road when he heard a commotion as the crowd was passing by. Curious as to what all the fuss was about, he asked others who were standing nearby. They told him it was Jesus of Nazareth. Clearly, by the text, it’s obvious he’s heard of him as word had spread throughout the region due to all the miracles he’d been performing among the crowds. Conceivably, this was Bartimaeus’ first big hope he ever experienced for the chance of a better life. In sheer desperation he cries out “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” The crowd told him to be quiet! They probably wanted to get a good look at this new prophet that was passing through their town without this insignificant beggar making a nuisance of himself. But Bartimaeus wasn’t about to be deterred. Perhaps he even felt the power of Jesus’ presence as he was passing by because he shouted out all the more, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” A blind man in need of sight is unhindered by the sight of an ordinary looking man—unhindered by the prejudice of the cultural expectations of a powerful looking representative of change. But Jesus isn’t impressed with the outward appearances either but rather the heart of a person. He knows this blind man believes he is his only hope. He genuinely needs and wants a Savior. And Jesus meets his need. He tells the crowd to call him to come forward. He probably can’t see him because he is sitting on the ground and the crowd has obscured his view. So Bartimaeus quickly jumps up and comes to Jesus and Jesus asks him, “what do you want me to do for you?” And the blind man said, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight” and Jesus said to him, “Go your way, your faith has made you well”.

This is the thing about faith—it comes with the recognition of need. Sometimes it can be physical, as in Bartimaeus’ life, but most often it is a soul-deep need. There seems to be a lot of that type these days. I recently read an article about a 200 year old Scottish practice called Hurkle-Durkle which has apparently been trending on TikTok. Another word for it is bed-rot, which sounds awful, and people consider it “self-care”. I guess this is where our pampered culture has finally ended up. No one wants to get out of bed and deal with life anymore. I think we can call it depression—plain and simple. Of course, when the Scotts coined the phrase it meant just to linger a bit in the morning to start your day peacefully. However, the 21st century has taken it to a whole new level. The stats show that people under 30 are the most miserable of all. How sad is that? It used to be the most exciting time of life. This was usually when life stretched out wide with endless possibilities. The future was something to look forward to with anticipation. So what has happened? Why do so many people feel like giving up?

It seems to me to be more of a soul-rot issue than anything else. The world has lost its way, hope has become like dust in the wind. God has been discharged from his duties. There is nothing to ground us in this contemporary perspective where everyone decides their own truth no matter how incredulous it sounds. The end result is utter chaos. There is a spiritual blindness that has rendered us disabled beggars. People grope for any crumb they can get to relieve the darkness that keeps closing in on them. Each new trend becomes a lifeline of hope that will pull us back to the light. But it is all snake oil, a fruitless effort that rebounds into a deeper abyss.

There is only one cure for this kind of blindness. It is Jesus, Son of David! He didn’t come to this world to do miracles, although out of his deep compassion he did many. No, rather he came to put an end to the spiritual death and blindness—the curse our Garden parents brought with their sin. What kind of love is this? What kind of God would send his own Son to die and rise again for a world that dismisses him? The kind that gives you a reason to get out of bed each day and give thanks. Bed-rot is for the dead. When Jesus calls you out and touches your soul the scales fall to the wayside and the vision of a new life bursts forth with meaning and purpose. It isn’t an endless fairytale of an easy and stress-free life, no, no— times can be just as hard as ever but the beggar becomes the heir apparent. The table is set with your name on the place card. There are no crumbs needed here. Instead, there is a rich diet of satisfying truth that fills the hungry soul and brings a miraculous healing. A place that transforms the soul-rot to soul-rest. And with this healing comes the stablility that God really is still in charge and that whatever darkness may try to push in, He is the light that will never be extinguished.

So, like the blind man, do you have a need? Lean in and listen…is he calling you to come forth?

“Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that the captives will be released, that the blind will see; that the oppressed will be set free.” Luke 4:18

“Then Jesus told him, I entered this world to render judgement—to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see, that they are blind.” John 9:19

Atmospheric oppression

These past several years the atmospheric oppressions of this world have weighed heavy around us. While the sun may be shining brightly, there has been a kind of noxious cloud that has encircled the earth. It has slowly and strategically begun to poison the hearts and minds of the once “normal” people who live here. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not naive, there’s always been a little “crazy” here and there. But something has radically changed. It’s as though this poison has somehow eaten away at the amygdala, that part of our brains that control the emotions. Anger seems to have become the dominant expression, overtaking all rationale. And people feel absolutely entitled to express that anger whenever and however they choose. But what is underneath all this anger? The anger is just a symptom of a great deal of fear and anxiety that creates a sense of powerlessness. Everything feels out of control. No one seems to be able to make things right again. There is no reliable and trustworthy power that we can depend on as we did before. These are the underpinnings of this rumbling atmosphere that is shaking the earth and reshaping minds. Covid shifted the axis and the planet has been off-kilter since. Everyone feels it.

Our culture is rampant with sinful, crippling, fear and anxiety. This gender storm we are witnessing is causing enormous fear to well up in young kids, forcing them into confusion and anxiety over what they see their body to be, versus what they are being told may be who they really are. They are being inundated with an inability to trust in anything they see with their eyes. Everything is subject to question. There is no hard truth about anything anymore in our society. Deception hangs in the air like an unseen poison-elixir breathed in until distraught. Race is being peddled as the cure for all of societies ailments. Either one should repent for the color of their skin that makes them evil oppressors or one should fight for the color of their skin because they are oppressed. Either way, anxiety and fear drive the force of this narrative. Greed and power run amok globally. National leaders are intoxicated by this wonder drug of globalism while ignoring the reality of the sinful heart of man right before their eyes. They speak lofty words of unity—restoring the planet—their new god, feeding the poor, erasing differences of thought and religions for the betterment of society— while keeping a blind-eye to the corporate greed and totalitarian methods that are anything but equitable. The only result of this mental pollution is the noxious fumes of fear and anxiety. And if that wasn’t enough, there are the wars and rumors of wars. Left too long in this state of mind and the soul will be crushed unto death.

But, praise be to God, we have an antidote. There actually is someone trustworthy, reliable and in power that will make things right again. The soul can be detoxified by the word of God. The mind can find rest there. It’s a safe place to take a deep breath, be still and know that He is God. In his timing, all things will be resolved. This is the true cure for all of societies ills. The renewing of the mind restores the soul and can cleanse us from all forms of mental pollution. There is actually a design for mankind and all of creation. A divine blueprint, working linearly, toward a glorious outcome.

I can’t prove any of this to you. I know this by faith. I experience this by my relationship with the living God of the universe. I came to know him through reading the book he wrote to us all, to reveal not only himself but his design and plans for this world. I’m not trying to convince you but rather to give you hope. The only way you can test this is to dip your own toes into the waters. His Book flows with living waters, healing waters, that can quiet the deepest of angst and lift the oppression…

“And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32

“So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

“The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me.” John 16:9

“When the Spirit comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. John 16:13

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Watchman or wanderer

If you are a reader of the Bible, you will know that it speaks very often throughout both the Old and New Testaments, about the coming of a new heavens and earth. The promised restoration of all the glory that was once a beautiful creation—filled with harmony and goodness. A wonderland of love, joy and peace. It was what we always think of, when we think of heaven. Only, it included this magnificent earth. Can you imagine, for just a moment, what that must have been like? I know it’s a stretch for us to imagine a world without tension.. We don’t see much in the way of harmony. Although, we can still see so much of its beauty. I’m thankful for that. We don’t see a lot of love, joy or peace on a grand scale but, individually, it’s there among some.

The book of Isaiah, one of the Old Testament prophets, speaks very pointedly about this restoration. First, he warns about the judgement God will bring for the reckless selfishness that continues since the Garden’s demise. That was a kind of self-slaughter that changed everything. The holy became profane, unfaithful, sinful—even deadly. The Garden gate had to be closed. But, the thing is, he loves his creation. He loves the people that he designed to portray his very heart, his image made in human flesh. Yet, rebellion, to a holy God, just cannot be ignored. They ruptured the good. The harmony. The love. The peace and the joy. There had to be consequences. Like a Father with his child, discipline was necessary for the sake of their good and his creation.

This Father’s love is incomprehensible. The prophet speaks of a Suffering Servant. One who will make a way for this future restoration—for the gate to reopen. The sinless One, God himself, come in the flesh, the Messiah—Jesus. The only one who can solve this dilemma. It’s not possible for humanity to restore all of this. The damage has been too great—the slaughter too mortal.

So, what now? The debt has been paid. The gate has been opened, once again, and God is listening to those who seek him. He has the welcome mat out and he is calling you to enter in. Do you hear him? Do you want to be a part of his restoration? Does this kind of love stir your heart with curiosity, with longing—with need?

The prophet speaks of how God puts watchmen standing in the towers, watching and praying, for the fulfillment of the coming restoration. They are reminding everyone of the Almighty One (Yahweh) and his plan for mankind. The countless stories of his past care, the undeserved forgiveness and grace given to all. The watchmen are heralding the second coming of Christ when all the evil will finally be destroyed and the restoration begins.

If you are a watchmen, are you in the tower? Are you waiting with great anticipation, telling of the need for reconciliation and the glories to come? Or are you a wanderer seeking answers to your questions? Can you hear the watchmen? Are you listening as they call out their invitations? The gate won’t stay open forever. When the time is fulfilled, it will close permanently. Only those who answer will enter in.

I know there is so much mystery in all of this and some may find it hard to believe. But Isaiah prophesied about this Servant some 700 years before he actually came. Jesus’ life and death fulfilled this prophecy. And his return will one day come, ushering in both judgement and the new heavens and earth. If it’s not true, you would have nothing to lose by examining the claims. But, if it is?

“He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all….But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have many descendants. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of his experience, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of a victorious soldier, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among the rebels. He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭3-6;10‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth, and no one will even think about the old ones anymore…I will rejoice…and delight in my people. And the sound of weeping and crying will be heard in it no more.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭65‬:‭17, 19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

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Ant hills

Have you ever noticed the way ants never seems to go away? You could probably make the case that they have more lives than cats. It seems no matter how many treatments you apply they just pop up somewhere else and it starts all over again. It’s a very frustrating nuisance for most homeowners, especially if you live in the south. There are endless species and some of them have a nasty bite with an itch and sting that can linger on.

I was sitting on my porch this morning watching the sky go from a soft grey to blue as the sun made its way toward the horizon. I love looking at the sky at all different times of the day. I just find it so mesmerizing. It is constantly changing in both color and design. I frequently use this time to talk to God. Seeing the beauty of his creation just makes me so aware of him. I’ve always felt this way since childhood.

But, I can’t help being somewhat distracted by the ground below my feet. The nuisance of these little creatures keep drawing my attention away. How can something so minuscule become such a big fuss. Why won’t they just die off already?

Isn’t this somewhat similar to how we feel when a rather itsy-bitsy, or as we call it today a micro-aggression, has been cast in our direction? We perceive what we think is a snub or perhaps a less-than-friendly response from someone. Or maybe you ordered something online and were excited to see the Amazon truck pull up only to be totally disappointed in the product and now you have to go through all the trouble of returning it. You know where I’m going with this…it’s our response to things, the irritants of life that we let spread out in all directions affecting our moods, resulting in a kind of swarm of emotions. You know, kick that ant hill and those pesky little creatures scurry off looking to burrow in another dark space.

I think we all have lots of these bratty “ants” burrowed down deep inside of us. These sinful attitudes that we justify and tolerate so readily. It can be so easy to have our thoughts drawn away from all the God-given gifts in our lives only to focus on the things we are dissatisfied with. Our eyes dart away from the heavens the minute someone or something kicks our “ant hill” and disturbs our cozy little nest. Our thoughts can run away aimlessly brooding over the most insignificant things rendering us ungrateful and joyless. And either we can feel the sting of the bite or we are causing someone else to.

So, what do we do to to mitigate our ant problem? Well, the first thing is that we have to see it as a problem. We have to be aware of our responses and evaluate the legitimacy of them in conjunction with the cause. Could we be overreacting? Maybe we need to adjust our expectations. Maybe our ant hill has just grown way to large because we haven’t been keeping up with the treatment process. God’s Word is a powerful treatment in effectively breaking down that nasty nest. It has a way of bringing some humility to the arrogance of our tireless self-absorption. When our hearts are doused in his truth those ants will slowly begin to die off. One pesky little annoyance after another. We won’t likely kill them all but hopefully, if we are persistent in our treatment regimen, we can spend more time looking at the sky, talking to God. After all, how much more enjoyable would that be than obsessing over the pests below our feet?

“For the Word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable…so let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:12-13; 15-16

“…let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2

The reply

Years ago I wrote a piece called The Risk of Remedy about a girl I love that eventually grew into an addict from all the trauma she had endured in life. The blows of abuse, regardless of what form it takes, can turn a sweet child into an empty shell over time. This was a pattern that continued throughout the course of her life. And, while I always hoped for a miracle through the consistent prayers of my heart, I never saw much change. But, I truly am a believer in miracles. Prayers are a powerful gift we are given to lay our concerns and grievances before a mighty God whom is very present in every moment of life. He hasn’t just set things in motion and walked away, leaving us to figure it all out. He is there and he is listening.

You may not have someone like this girl in your life but what is it that has you weighed down with discouragement? What burdens have you prayed about with angst and longing that are yet to see the light of day? I know we all have them. We may not articulate it but deep down we all know that this world just isn’t right. We are all impacted to some degree or another and we may find various ways to cope but the discomfort of that burr is still in the boot or flip-flop, depending on where you live.

I am here to tell you not to give up! The Scriptures say, “But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord and a thousand years is like a day.” (2 Peter 3:8) God doesn’t operate with time constraints. What may feel like an eternity to us is but seconds to the Lord. His perfect understanding of how things work and his absolute knowledge of everyone’s hearts brings fruition to our prayers at the infallible moment of his choice. If we trust in the truth that, ultimately, God is good, then we cannot lose hope thinking that our whispers, cries, SOS’s, have gone unnoticed. They aren’t floating around in the unseen heavens waiting for that random glance from the universe to act by chance. Our prayers are precious to the God of heaven’s armies. “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” (Ps.56:8)

That girl I told you about…she took the risk. She found the remedy. She has been set free from her prison into the glorious light of the love of God. She is free of drugs and although anxiety hasn’t completely disappeared, she now has a place to bring it. The bent ear of a loving Father leans in to listen to the struggles with a tenderness that wraps around her like a warm blanket of safety and comfort. Life isn’t easy but she knows her Savior is walking beside her and will never leave her. She is standing tall, the protective barbed-wire fence is all gone now and that beautiful smile has returned. He heard all my prayers over those many years and when the time was right, he set her free…

If you are interested in reading her story you can scroll down to The Risk of Remedy. If your reading from a phone you may need to go to the menu button, then blog, then scroll to the title.

God is not deaf or silent.

The river

Walk with me. Walk with me down to the river where the cool water will wash away the grime. Let the baked on sweat from the fires of this life just roll off and refresh your soul. There is just something so restorative about the cleansing of water.

Summertime is a great reminder of our need for a daily cleansing. The heat can be so oppressive and draining. Our skin feels slick and grubby as it tries to cool us down through the perspiration process. But, if we don’t replenish that water source through drinking, we can find ourselves in some deep trouble. We need that internal river to keep us alive. There is a daily cleansing that occurs to rid us of the build-up of toxins that would pollute our bodies.

Think of all the pleasures that you’ve experienced with water; swimming, snorkeling, skiing, boating, surfing, standing under a waterfall…the images are endless. Just the simple taste of cold water after working in the yard is a tremendous pleasure. I was watching my 3 year old granddaughter jumping off an anchored, floating-raft in a lake as she was squealing with absolute delight at the pleasure and freedom of the water.

So too, our souls need this daily cleansing. The soot of these life-fires can build up and clog our thinking. Before we know it, anxiety is closing in and anger and fear starts rising up. Our hearts and minds are slick with grime and those simple, joyous pleasures are a fading memory. Fortunately, there is an eternal river that flows from the heart of God. It is free-flowing and available to all who want to dip in and be washed clean. Jump in and splash around. Allow your mind to be renewed by the Word of God. It truly is freeing, cleansing. Those fires will be extinguished. Those anxieties put in their place. This river is a place of delight and meant to be so. Walk with Him. Walk with Him into His river and be restored.

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.”

Psalm‬ ‭46‬:‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭22‬:‭1‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."”

‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬

“Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."”

‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The fence

I was reading through a devotional by John Stott this morning about the ongoing conflict between good and evil which began in the Garden of Eden and will ultimately culminate at the return of Christ. Anyone who takes the time to reflect on the history of this world can clearly see the evidence of this battle. The hostility of evil against the victories of good have played out over and over before our eyes and continue to do so. The documented stories of atrocities and the valor of those that fight against them. What causes some to choose evil over good or good over evil?

In that very garden God told the snake, Satan, who was representative of the very evil rebellion against the sovereignty of God, that there would be animosity between the human race and the powers of evil. Yet, we see so many of the human race embody this evil. What did God mean? In Genesis 3:15 we read, “And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between her offspring and your offspring. He will strike your head and you will strike his heal.” Here is the first reference to the way in which the Lord is going to undo the damage that sin and rebellion has inflicted on God’s creation. This was the prophecy of the Messiah that would come in the future. The bruised heal was the crucifixion of Christ and his resurrection brings with it the promise of restoration. On the other hand, the crushed head is the final judgement of God which will bring with it an eternal end to all evil.

God’s word draws a very sharp line between good and evil, holiness and sin. It’s not in a legalistic, do’s and don’t’s way but rather for us to see a beauty and perfection in the design and love he poured out in creating this world for us all to enjoy. But, for us to enjoy it as he intended, we must first get to know him. He is the essence of love and beauty and his creation, including us, is evidence of his magnificent mind. He invites us into his thoughts for mankind through the inspired Scriptures. He has made a way for us to choose good over evil. He has made a way for us to have a spiritual resurrection here and now. A new life indwelled by the Holy Spirit. It won’t be a sin-free life here and now but a life prone toward his beautifully ordered design for us rather than the self-autonomy we inherited in the garden. Clearly, this self-autonomy hasn’t been working out so well.

I guess the question arises, “How long are we going to flirt with sin?” Do we think we can somehow straddle the fence and we’ll be safe? If we drop down on one side or the other, then we have made a decision. That thought can actually cripple many. But, the truth is, staying on the fence actually is a decision. As John Stott states, “We must never come to terms with evil…it is only through the destruction of evil that true peace is attained.” Staying on the fence is a compromise. It is coming to terms with evil by not taking a stand against it. A little compromise here and there and before long evil is not really all that evil. The edges get rounded out and the harshness is smoothed over.

The culmination of all things will come when Christ returns. That fence will collapse and if we are still there straddling, we will fall on the side where our hearts have been leaning. That sharp line will no longer be crossable. The conflict will be completely and forever over. God will crush the head of the evil one and all who have come to terms with his ways. He has been a crafty enemy described in Scripture this way, “Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14). “Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.” (2 Cor. 4:3-4). This glorious Savior chose to willingly go to the cross so we could have a choice. He is the Good News.

“But, when the Son of Man comes in his glory, all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.” (Matthew 25:31-34)

Do you want to enter in? Then its time to get off that fence…come, see and experience his splendor.

Possibilities

As time goes by I realize more and more just what a creature of habit and comfort I am. I have my routines. There are those favorite spots to sit in my home where the sunlight is at a certain angle and the furniture envelopes my body in just that comforting, familiar way. The color palette suits my temperament and sets me at ease. I like all my “stuff’. The freshness of the new things and the memories of the old are all pleasing to me.

Over the years we have traveled a lot and lived in numerous places. There was always that tandem emotion of excitement coupled with adjustment. The thrill of discovering a new place would fire up, then get tamped down by that period of adjustment to the strangeness of the new. But, I always had my “stuff’ to ensure a certain level of comfort and familiarity. It’s funny how attached we can become to our comforts. In many ways its a good thing to have a place of refuge. Most of us need that space where we feel safe and at peace. But, sometimes our circumstances, whether by choice or destiny, land us in a place without our props of comfort.

I guess the question is, how do we respond to this change? How does the discomfort of the unfamiliar affect our moods, our level of contentment, our ability to be comfortable? This is where I find myself at the moment, by choice, away for a few months, housesitting for strangers, without my stuff. I’m not comfortable. I’m in the adjustment phase of transition without the familiarity of my stuff. All the colors, scents, lighting and textures have changed and I’m trying to get settled…

I want to anticipate the possibilities that can come from this temporary change of lifestyle. Sometimes its a really good thing to get out of our comfort zone and stretch ourselves in those areas where we have become a bit too inflexible. I’m not high-maintenance but I’m not exactly roll-with-the-flow either. But, life is full of change for us all, both the expected and the unexpected. We can all look back and see the inconstancy of things in our lives. It doesn’t matter if you’re 20 or 80, you’ve got a history of change.

The one constancy in my life has been the presence of God. In all the travels and relocations, he has been my biggest comfort. That is the benefit of the adjustment phase of transition. It serves as a great reminder that circumstances and surroundings are all temporary, external things but the God of the universe permeates my internal being and brings a very different kind of comfort. It’s the kind of comfort that says its okay to lean in and see what new treasures he has for me. What can I learn about him, about myself, about others? The possibilities are endless…

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Mindset

I don’t know about you, but I can periodically find myself in a cranky mindset. So many things can irritate me. The problem is that I don’t often recognize it right away. I become very critical on multiple levels. And the longer it goes on, the shorter my patience levels. This is where I have found myself in the last several months. I have been highly irritated by so many people and, ironically, it’s because I think they are critical people. So, as I have been ruminating about their flaws and ramping up my heart rate, I realized how unpleasant I have likely been to be around.

Of course, we are wise to be critical thinkers when assessing the opinions and advice of others whether it’s a personal relationship or scrolling through social media sites. And recognizing the good from the bad is an important part of that. Some people are just negative, self-righteous, judgmental or simply angry. It’s probably good to avoid these types of people if you don’t want to get sucked into the fray. However, it’s impossible to avoid this completely if you’re going to be living in this world, unless you are a total recluse unplugged from twenty-first century reality.

Well, I had an epiphany last Sunday while sitting in church. It should be second nature to me by this time, but how easily we forget the long-standing truths we have learned. As I was sitting there, more in body than in mind, my Lord reminded me that I have had my eyes in the wrong place. I can’t tell you how many times I have had to learn this lesson. It is so easy to fixate on people and my perception of their gigantic flaws. I can stand back from the maddening crowd as if I’m not one of the flawed.

My heart was convicted of my lack of reverence for the only One who is flawless. “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together…for God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ.” (Colossians 1:15-17,19). Wow! Why would I choose to look at anyone else and expect such comparable standards. He is the only One whom I should be looking at. Myself, and every other human being will be disappointing in some way. “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standards.” (Romans 3:23) And yet, we are not without hope. The whole reason the invisible God embodied the visible Jesus was so that we may actually know him. “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17).

He is the key to a more contented mindset. And while he can’t fully be known, he has revealed himself, his character, his nature, his love, his promises, his plans for this world, in the Scriptures. When our sins are forgiven through our faith in Jesus we are promised eternal life. We spiritually benefit from that in the here and now but we remain flawed (sinful) until we leave these bodies behind. It’s called the “already, not yet” in theological terms. His indwelling Spirit gradually changes us in this life to reflect more of his nature and less of ours. “But, whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” (2 Corinthians 3:16-18)

But, we will never fully be changed while here. This is why allowing ourselves to be impacted emotionally by others irritating flaws will hinder not only our peace but our purpose in this life. We are all in a state of flux. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) So, once again, I will be intentional to have my mind set on the right Person and by his grace, stay there a bit longer this time…

Perspectives, rumors and divisions

Perspectives can be tricky when the aim is to discern truth. Some other synonyms for this are angle, slant, viewpoint…you get the idea. One’s perspective is always subjective. We all bring our personal experiences, backgrounds and views into any given situation when we observe what we consider an injustice. Someone has been wronged and from our perspective we form an opinion about who is at fault. The angle from where we are standing seems crystal clear to us and we choose our side. We very rarely consider that the other angles may have some legitimacy, some bits of truth that put some responsibility on both sides. This is especially true when it’s a “he said, she said” situation without any hard forensic evidence—just witness testimony.

This is when it begins to get dangerous. At first, its the quiet whispers between a few, “Did you know…?”, “What do you think about…?, “Can you believe…?” But like a hunk of chum thrown into the sea it creates a feeding frenzy of rumors that assassinate the very characters of those involved. While we are all flawed and prone to mistakes, we seem to find it easy to judge other’s missteps and poor decisions with a great deal of vigor. Divisions begin to occur as alliances are formed or demolished, Friendships get damaged and hearts get broken.

How great would it be if we could be humble enough to recognize that our perspectives may not be as definitive as we think. Perhaps, if we took the unassuming role of putting ourselves in the other’s shoes, we might see that from their angle things look quite different. If unity could be our hope and aim, we may be able to avoid the bloody waters. It’s always better to be peacemakers than troublemakers. But, this takes humility and an honesty with ourselves. It requires love and forgiveness toward others. If you’re a follower of Jesus, well, he has gone way beyond that for you. So, let’s keep in mind that our perspectives need some careful evaluation before we allow them to determine truth.

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”

‭‭James‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Scattered seeds

Last spring I noticed, in my shrub beds, that I suddenly had these little plants that were popping up. I never planted them there so I was really curious what they were and how they got there. In a short time flowers began blooming on them. I was so excited because I really love flowers and I had done absolutely nothing to get these little beauties. They just appeared as if by design. Needless to say, I began to water them and feed them, cultivating new growth and soon they were propagating, filling in the whole bed with glorious, colorful life.

Obviously, the seeds from someone else’s plants were scattered by the winds and landed in my beds. I cared for them, nurtured them and most likely their seeds have been scattered, once again, to beautify another person’s life. It’s simple, yet mysterious at the same time.

This is how the Word of God works. The simplicity of its truth, whether heard in a few words or many, lands upon the heart of someone open to receive this little seed. It may have dropped there back in the dark of Autumn but like a little pinhole of light, it penetrates the soul. Eventually, someone comes along and waters it and perhaps another begins to feed it with a little more of this glorious light from the Word and a new life begins to sprout up.

Some will scatter, some will water and some will feed. All three are necessary for cultivation and propagation but not everyone will do all three. So, if there are little pinholes of light bringing God’s Word into the dark places, be thankful rather than critical of the one who scatters. They may do it imperfectly but that doesn’t mean it will be ineffective. If it lands on a ready heart —it will get watered, fed and, in time, bloom into someone beautiful. After all, it is all God’s work. We just get the privilege of participating in this simply beautiful mystery.

“There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.””

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/116/jhn.3.1-7.NLT

The walls

Does it seem like the walls are closing in with all the daily announcements of new strange and threatening occurrences? The looming recession and the escalating grocery bills; the new climate-change virus, Valley Fever expected to spread across the nation in need of yet another vaccine; the Chinese balloons mysteriously floating over North and South America unimpeded; food shortages, supply-chain disruptions, migration explosion, it just goes on….the first word that comes to mind is CHAOS. It’s no wonder so many are escaping into a world of drugs and alcohol. It seems like a place to find some peace, to not have to think about reality for a bit. But, while it may offer some escape, it offers no answers. It requires continual use, eventually just adding more chaos to your life.

In the ‘60’s American psychologist Timothy Leary recommended that everyone should “turn-on, tune-in and drop-out” by way of psychedelic drugs. In the 70’s psychologist Arthur Janov promoted the Primal Scream therapy as a way to relieve all the mental stress and trauma of life. There are a plethora of therapies out there purporting to resolve all our anxieties and, yet, our mental illnesses seem to be multiplying at an enormous rate. What are we to do with all of this anxiety? How do we walk through this valley of dark, looming shadows pressing in on us? Is there a way to prevail that won’t leave us crippled and paralyzed?

Yes, and it’s the ancient source from the beginning of time.The revealed Word of God. The revelation of the meaning of life, the purpose of life and the source of life. Yet, it’s the last place anyone wants to seek answers today. We are not gods, try as we may to elevate ourselves to that position. We cannot recreate a perfect world through legislations and mandates dictating order out of chaos. It has never worked. There will always be rebellion against an autocratic society. It won’t solve the mental illness it will just create new forms of it. History has demonstrated that. The philosopher George Santayana said, “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it”.

But, true peace and comfort can be experienced when we ponder the sovereignty of God. When we put all this chaos under his feet, those shallow breaths can go a bit deeper. We can come to understand that he is actively working out his purposes. As the Scriptures have revealed, he is ultimately bringing about that perfect world, as only he can do. We can look up above these walls of shadows and see the light is still there. He is never leaving. This is his world. He created it and he has promised to restore it. From Genesis to Revelation he has revealed his glorious plan of redemption and restoration. Why not take a look? You have nothing to lose but everything to gain if your heart and mind are open to listen. Here are a few of his words:

“God sits above the circle of the earth. The people below seem like grasshoppers to him! He spreads out the heavens like a curtain and makes his tent from them. He judges the great people of the world and brings them all to nothing. They hardly get started, barely taking root, when he blows on them and they wither. The wind carries them off like chaff. “To whom will you compare me? Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One. Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of his great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing.”

Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭22‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans? The kings of the earth prepare for battle; the rulers plot together against the Lord and against his anointed one. “Let us break their chains,” they cry, “and free ourselves from slavery to God.” But the one who rules in heaven laughs. The Lord scoffs at them.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Gift-giving

Have you ever thought about where the idea of gift-giving originated? I’m sure there are a variety of explanations on the internet. But, recently I heard a sermon by Pastor Bruce Boria that gave the most beautiful illustration that really resonated with me. It started with our Heavenly Father, who gave his most treasured possession, Jesus, so he could restore humanity, whom he loved, from its fallen state. Jesus, in turn, gave his life, entering into humanity as a humble servant, leaving behind his kingly status and glory, for the sake of the world, Mary gave her future with a question mark about her morality forever hung over her head in her small village, and the knowledge that her son’s life would be cut short and cause her grief. Joseph gave his reputation concerning his righteousness being questioned regarding the pregnancy of Mary prior to their marriage. Only the Lord, he and Mary and a few others knew the real truth of the virgin birth conceived by the Holy Spirit. The shepherds gave their time, leaving the flocks compelled by the glorious revelations from the appearance of the angels to go and worship the newborn King, the Messiah. The Magi gave their money. They travelled a great distance with their entourage to lavish the newborn King they read about in the ancient scrolls concerning the Star of David, which appeared in the sky.

These gifts cannot be measured or evaluated by our current standards. There is no price-tag that can be met here. But, it does call to mind a moment for evaluating our own gifts. Not the ones we wrap up with bows and bless others with but rather the ones we have been endowed with from our Heavenly Father. Each of us have been given certain spiritual gifts for the blessing of others in this world. The examples above are gifts they were given even though its clear that they were called to be sacrificial in the use of them. This is often a difficult thing for us living in a self-directed culture as ours.

So, by all means let’s bring our beautifully wrapped gifts to our family and friends as we celebrate this season. Let’s enjoy the giving and receiving and all the pleasure it brings. But, let us also be mindful that we are called to be gifts ourselves, gifts in our worship to the Lord and the blessing of his ever-expanding kingdom.

“I urge you brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true worship.” Romans 12:1

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:11-12