I met a submarine guy the other day. He mentioned how well sound travels through water. During their training, some days they have to go on radio silence plus stop all movement inside the sub. The slightest sound could give away their location to other submarines lurking nearby during sub exercises.
That set me to thinking about some things...especially since this blog has been on "radio silence" since August. I checked out some things online.
In the military, an order for Radio silence is generally issued by the military where any radio transmission may reveal troop positions, either audibly from the sound of talking, or by radio direction finding.
The subs of WWII made a huge difference in the war. By going on radio silence they could glide by enemy coastlines and gather information to send back to HQ. They could also sneak up on battle ships and take them by surprise. The enemy couldn't hear or see them, so the element of surprise was key in battle.
Another reason for radio silence is in radio astronomy and nautical or aeronautical communications. They need to be able to hear faint distress calls. If someone is lost at sea or on the side of a mountain and their SOS transmission is faint due to batteries failing or storms, an order of radio silence is given so the Coast Guard or rescue teams can zero in on the transmission and find them.
Silence, when used in a play or movie, it is a dramatic pause to let the audience know someone big is about to be said or done.
Did you know God uses "radio silence"? The time between the Old and New Testament was 400 years. Imagine that...God's word silent until someone picked up the pen again because God began to speak. (2 Timothy 3:16)
Something big did happen. God came down in human form as a baby to spend time with us and then gave His life for us as a ransom. That 400 year dramatic pause was a huge flag that something big was coming. (Matthew 1)
Now, it's been way more than 400 years since the last book of the Bible was written. My question to you is, are you ready for His next big thing?
I can guarantee it will not be a tiny baby in a stable...meek and humble. Revelation speaks of Jesus coming back on the clouds. This time He will not be riding a colt as He did on His final ride into Jerusalem. (John 12:12-15) He will be on a white horse, ready for battle. (Revelation 19:11)
He hears the SOS of the world calling out for justice, rescue and redemption. Like a Holy submarine, God is on stealth mode, surveying the enemy's buildup of weapons and taking note of all prisoners of war. Satan has no clue when He will strike, so he’s always stirring up trouble with his minions in every generation.
So how would you like to meet Him, as the enemy combatant or as a fellow countryman? It's your choice. He does not force allegiance on anyone. All it takes for you to “enlist” is to accept Jesus Christ as your leader for life. Realize the price He paid for your eternal life and live as if you are under His authority.
He’s been silent for a long time now, but sometimes I think I can hear the angels holding their breath in heavenly radio silence…and I will continue to tap out the SOS of our world…
He who testifies to all these things says it again: “I’m on my way! I’ll be there soon!”
Yes! Come, Master Jesus!
Revelation 22:20 (MSG)
Friday, December 07, 2012
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Put On
I will rejoice greatly in the LORD,
My soul will exult in my God;
For He has clothed me with garments of salvation,
He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:10, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
I must confess that for a long time I was dressed in my own righteousness…I was raised in a church, faithfully attended Sunday services, fellowship dinners, youth group, Sunday school…I volunteered and gave tithes like I thought I should.
But striving to be a “good Christian” never seemed to be enough. I had packed my calendar so full of things to do for God because it was “the right thing to do”. I wanted to measure up in God’s eyes.
God was saying to come to His wedding banquet, and I felt like I didn’t have a thing to wear! I kept trying to piece together something, but there was always a spot, a crooked hem, a lost button. I was striving to be holy, and only ended up feeling like anyone could see right through me.
Then I heard Isaiah 64:6 and realized I never could be covered in my self-righteousness… all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment;…
Much like Lazarus, I could hear my name being called to come forth—even when I thought I was already “there”. (You did not choose me, I chose you...John 15:16a) I was dead in my trespasses…my hands were tied with busyness, my walk was hobbled with wrappings of my own making. Self-righteousness can be such a sneaky trap. I didn’t realize I was a walking dead…a self-righteous zombie!
If you remember, when Lazarus came forth, he was still wrapped in grave clothes …that’s why Jesus told the others… “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” (John 11:44) I needed that freedom…
So if I am called out of death to life, what does one wear? Romans 13:14 says to “clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ”. How do you do that?
In all my church life I had never heard about accepting Christ and making Him Lord of my life. Where was I during that sermon? Probably busy judging someone else’s righteousness in the next pew. I was reluctant at first…that’s too easy! It’s a gift? I don’t have to do anything to earn it? I just have to admit I am a sinner, accept His sacrifice and that’s it?
So I did…and I could feel the weight of righteous works drop off my shoulders. I left my filthy zombie rags in that cave of self-righteousness and put on Christ.
God sees Christ’s righteousness standing here, because I am covered by Christ. Now I can truly say:
I will rejoice greatly in the LORD,
My soul will exult in my God;
For He has clothed me with garments of salvation,
He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:10, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Now the things I do are done not to make brownie points but because I am greatful for His Grace. I continue to grow with prayer, study and action.
How about you? What have you put on today?
My soul will exult in my God;
For He has clothed me with garments of salvation,
He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:10, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
I must confess that for a long time I was dressed in my own righteousness…I was raised in a church, faithfully attended Sunday services, fellowship dinners, youth group, Sunday school…I volunteered and gave tithes like I thought I should.
But striving to be a “good Christian” never seemed to be enough. I had packed my calendar so full of things to do for God because it was “the right thing to do”. I wanted to measure up in God’s eyes.
God was saying to come to His wedding banquet, and I felt like I didn’t have a thing to wear! I kept trying to piece together something, but there was always a spot, a crooked hem, a lost button. I was striving to be holy, and only ended up feeling like anyone could see right through me.
Then I heard Isaiah 64:6 and realized I never could be covered in my self-righteousness… all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment;…
Much like Lazarus, I could hear my name being called to come forth—even when I thought I was already “there”. (You did not choose me, I chose you...John 15:16a) I was dead in my trespasses…my hands were tied with busyness, my walk was hobbled with wrappings of my own making. Self-righteousness can be such a sneaky trap. I didn’t realize I was a walking dead…a self-righteous zombie!
If you remember, when Lazarus came forth, he was still wrapped in grave clothes …that’s why Jesus told the others… “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” (John 11:44) I needed that freedom…
So if I am called out of death to life, what does one wear? Romans 13:14 says to “clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ”. How do you do that?
In all my church life I had never heard about accepting Christ and making Him Lord of my life. Where was I during that sermon? Probably busy judging someone else’s righteousness in the next pew. I was reluctant at first…that’s too easy! It’s a gift? I don’t have to do anything to earn it? I just have to admit I am a sinner, accept His sacrifice and that’s it?
So I did…and I could feel the weight of righteous works drop off my shoulders. I left my filthy zombie rags in that cave of self-righteousness and put on Christ.
God sees Christ’s righteousness standing here, because I am covered by Christ. Now I can truly say:
I will rejoice greatly in the LORD,
My soul will exult in my God;
For He has clothed me with garments of salvation,
He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:10, New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Now the things I do are done not to make brownie points but because I am greatful for His Grace. I continue to grow with prayer, study and action.
How about you? What have you put on today?
Friday, August 03, 2012
Move Me
I work in an office on the second floor. Another department decided to move some very large lateral file cabinets from one side of the building to the other. The man that moved them had a hand truck and a work order to get it done. The hard part is that the files were still in the cabinets, so it made the move a little difficult.
He was a man on a mission and in no time the first 5ft high cabinet was in place on the other side of the building. I figured this early work day task was soon to be over with. When I didn't see him as quickly with the second set of files, I peeked around the doorway from my office and saw him struggling a little more than the first time. He seemed to be trying to move this one with one arm.
I asked if he was ok and he said, "Nah, I'm fine. It's this gecko in my other hand that's giving me some trouble. "
It turned out that this guy had found a lizard and wanted to make sure he got it outside safely...it wouldn't survive in an air conditioned, bug-free zone. He was multi-tasking...moving the cabinet and the gecko.
"It wouldn't be so bad," he said, "but that lizard has bit me twice now and that doesn't help!"
I plopped back in the chair behind my desk and realized how much the gecko and I had in common.
How many times have I shook my fist at God, not understanding what was going on...biting the hand that fed me...refusing the help He offered because I thought I could do it all by myself?
How many times did I turn from His grace, His favor...consumed by self-rightousness because I was not where I thought I should be? Some days it was an endless bumping into mental corners and getting stepped on by the world.
If I would just be still in His hand, He would literally move heaven and earth for me...if I let Him. Because unlike my friend who moved the cabinets...it's my choice to remain in the will (hand) of God. He doesn't take away that choice from me.
Yes the little gecko made it back outside and my friend moved those cabinets without injury except for a few gecko nibbles.
But as for me? I think my heart was moved farther than those cabinets. I want to resolve to stay in God's will for the rest of my life. Because when my life starts to feel like it's changing up the floorplan, the best place to be is in my Father's hands.
Jesus answered, "I told you, but you don't believe. Everything I have done has been authorized by my Father, actions that speak louder than words. You don't believe because you're not my sheep. My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them real and eternal life. They are protected from the Destroyer for good. No one can steal them from out of my hand. The Father who put them under my care is so much greater than the Destroyer and Thief. No one could ever get them away from him. I and the Father are one heart and mind."
John 10:25-30 (MSG)
He was a man on a mission and in no time the first 5ft high cabinet was in place on the other side of the building. I figured this early work day task was soon to be over with. When I didn't see him as quickly with the second set of files, I peeked around the doorway from my office and saw him struggling a little more than the first time. He seemed to be trying to move this one with one arm.
I asked if he was ok and he said, "Nah, I'm fine. It's this gecko in my other hand that's giving me some trouble. "
It turned out that this guy had found a lizard and wanted to make sure he got it outside safely...it wouldn't survive in an air conditioned, bug-free zone. He was multi-tasking...moving the cabinet and the gecko.
"It wouldn't be so bad," he said, "but that lizard has bit me twice now and that doesn't help!"
How many times have I shook my fist at God, not understanding what was going on...biting the hand that fed me...refusing the help He offered because I thought I could do it all by myself?
How many times did I turn from His grace, His favor...consumed by self-rightousness because I was not where I thought I should be? Some days it was an endless bumping into mental corners and getting stepped on by the world.
If I would just be still in His hand, He would literally move heaven and earth for me...if I let Him. Because unlike my friend who moved the cabinets...it's my choice to remain in the will (hand) of God. He doesn't take away that choice from me.
Yes the little gecko made it back outside and my friend moved those cabinets without injury except for a few gecko nibbles.
But as for me? I think my heart was moved farther than those cabinets. I want to resolve to stay in God's will for the rest of my life. Because when my life starts to feel like it's changing up the floorplan, the best place to be is in my Father's hands.
Jesus answered, "I told you, but you don't believe. Everything I have done has been authorized by my Father, actions that speak louder than words. You don't believe because you're not my sheep. My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them real and eternal life. They are protected from the Destroyer for good. No one can steal them from out of my hand. The Father who put them under my care is so much greater than the Destroyer and Thief. No one could ever get them away from him. I and the Father are one heart and mind."
John 10:25-30 (MSG)
Saturday, June 16, 2012
About Nancy
I met my friend Nancy in Mr. Holden's 7th grade Science class. We had to choose a buddy to sit with the whole year. She was at the back of the room with braids, braces and a big smile. She looked friendly...almost like she was saving a seat for me...so I sat with her. We became best friends.
Through our school years, Nancy grew in grace and elegance. She was good for me. She dared me to set aside my dad's shirts and jeans every once in a while to "try pretty". I enticed her with the comfort of blue jeans and barefeet, and gave her driving lessons in my dad's truck.
Her talent in art was obvious from the start. She used to "doodle" on our school folders so we had something to color during boring classes. I loved her music too, she would take out her guitar and sing "Time in a Bottle" and it warmed my soul. She loved what she did so much she encouraged us to express ourselves in art, music and writing.
Being pretty and outgoing brought popularity, boyfriends and the eventual heart break. But, I never heard an unkind word for anyone. She always looked for the best in everyone...she saw the masterpiece God had planted within them.
She loved going to youth group...she was always game for a camp adventure or spaghetti supper. Her involvement with Young Life drew others in her own walk with Christ.
Nancy wanted to be so many things: artist, opera singer, teacher, pianist, wife and mother. But I think the greatest career that God bestowed upon her was Evangelist. You see, early on she started to have physical challenges, seizures, strokes and Lupus...this kept her in a constant dance with doctors and nurses. And wherever she went, she brought Jesus with her.
Her survival to 50 was a miracle to the medical community--but not to her. She had a testimony to share with the world...and what better podium than "patient"? (And she surely was a patient patient.) She reached so many with her life! If you look around to family, friends, neighbors and community, you will see a legacy of celebration she has left for us to share in our own lives.
In the Bible the 50th year is the Year of Jubilee...it is a year of celebration where debts are forgiven, slaves were freed and land was returned to original owners. Did you know that Nancy turned 50 this year?
So why am I not surprised that my friend...my sister...is celebrating her Jubilee year with the One who created her? She is free from the slavery of sickness, her debts were already paid by Christ and she has arrived in the land that Jesus promised to prepare for her. I can imagine that smile, and a few empty seats she's saving for us all.
How can we not celebrate this life who gave us a peek at the Creator and Artist of us all? She lived the Good News--and now she rests in the arms of the One who sent her.
Nancy would want me to ask you this...would you like to know the joy and peace that kept her going through sickness, heart break and disappointment? Do you know Jesus? She knew Him and lived for Him...not a religion, not a belief...but a relationship that compelled her to Celebrate every Day.
"Or imagine a woman who has ten coins and loses one. Won't she light a lamp and scour the house, looking in every nook and cranny until she finds it? And when she finds it you can be sure she'll call her friends and neighbors: 'Celebrate with me! I found my lost coin!' Count on it—that's the kind of party God's angels throw every time one lost soul turns to God."
Luke 15:8-10 (MSG)
Through our school years, Nancy grew in grace and elegance. She was good for me. She dared me to set aside my dad's shirts and jeans every once in a while to "try pretty". I enticed her with the comfort of blue jeans and barefeet, and gave her driving lessons in my dad's truck.
Her talent in art was obvious from the start. She used to "doodle" on our school folders so we had something to color during boring classes. I loved her music too, she would take out her guitar and sing "Time in a Bottle" and it warmed my soul. She loved what she did so much she encouraged us to express ourselves in art, music and writing.
Being pretty and outgoing brought popularity, boyfriends and the eventual heart break. But, I never heard an unkind word for anyone. She always looked for the best in everyone...she saw the masterpiece God had planted within them.
Nancy wanted to be so many things: artist, opera singer, teacher, pianist, wife and mother. But I think the greatest career that God bestowed upon her was Evangelist. You see, early on she started to have physical challenges, seizures, strokes and Lupus...this kept her in a constant dance with doctors and nurses. And wherever she went, she brought Jesus with her.
Her survival to 50 was a miracle to the medical community--but not to her. She had a testimony to share with the world...and what better podium than "patient"? (And she surely was a patient patient.) She reached so many with her life! If you look around to family, friends, neighbors and community, you will see a legacy of celebration she has left for us to share in our own lives.
In the Bible the 50th year is the Year of Jubilee...it is a year of celebration where debts are forgiven, slaves were freed and land was returned to original owners. Did you know that Nancy turned 50 this year?
So why am I not surprised that my friend...my sister...is celebrating her Jubilee year with the One who created her? She is free from the slavery of sickness, her debts were already paid by Christ and she has arrived in the land that Jesus promised to prepare for her. I can imagine that smile, and a few empty seats she's saving for us all.
How can we not celebrate this life who gave us a peek at the Creator and Artist of us all? She lived the Good News--and now she rests in the arms of the One who sent her.
Nancy would want me to ask you this...would you like to know the joy and peace that kept her going through sickness, heart break and disappointment? Do you know Jesus? She knew Him and lived for Him...not a religion, not a belief...but a relationship that compelled her to Celebrate every Day.
"Or imagine a woman who has ten coins and loses one. Won't she light a lamp and scour the house, looking in every nook and cranny until she finds it? And when she finds it you can be sure she'll call her friends and neighbors: 'Celebrate with me! I found my lost coin!' Count on it—that's the kind of party God's angels throw every time one lost soul turns to God."
Luke 15:8-10 (MSG)
Friday, May 25, 2012
Let's Dance
Can dance lessons save your marriage? My friend thinks so. They decided to spend a little money...and took up dance lessons...and she learned a HUGE lesson about marriage. She went on to explain...as a couple begins to learn the steps, the guy leads. He telegraphs his moves to his partner with subtle touches and signals, and she follows through with her movement. A couple's dance is a sight to behold when the couple is communicating well. Anyone who has watched "Dancing with the Stars" can attest to that! It is poetry in motion.
My friend and her husband took what they learned on the dance floor and has carried it into their home. It's pure and simple communication...without words.
The same is true for Christians. We are in an eternal dance with Christ. He asked us simply to let Him lead us in the dance of life. We just need to sense His lead...and watch out for those dips!
The Bible is our dance instructor...we find out where the dance begins and ends in Christ. We learn where the pitfalls and missteps of past dancers have been and we skirt those areas. We tune our ears to the beat of centuries, keeping our feet moving and our head lifted high for the next turn.
Dear reader, my question for you today is, have you been asked by the Lord of the Dance to join Him? Are you willing for Him to lead? Are you ready to follow His will in your life and follow Him no matter where the dance steps take you? You will never be alone my friend...because this dance takes two. Take His hand, trust His leading and enjoy the music.
We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body.
He was supreme in the beginning and—leading the resurrection parade—he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he's there, towering far above everything, everyone. So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross.
Colossians 1:15-20, The Message (MSG)
My friend and her husband took what they learned on the dance floor and has carried it into their home. It's pure and simple communication...without words.
The same is true for Christians. We are in an eternal dance with Christ. He asked us simply to let Him lead us in the dance of life. We just need to sense His lead...and watch out for those dips!
The Bible is our dance instructor...we find out where the dance begins and ends in Christ. We learn where the pitfalls and missteps of past dancers have been and we skirt those areas. We tune our ears to the beat of centuries, keeping our feet moving and our head lifted high for the next turn.
Dear reader, my question for you today is, have you been asked by the Lord of the Dance to join Him? Are you willing for Him to lead? Are you ready to follow His will in your life and follow Him no matter where the dance steps take you? You will never be alone my friend...because this dance takes two. Take His hand, trust His leading and enjoy the music.
I am the heart, I need the heartbeat
I am the eyes, I need the sight
I realize that I am just a body
I need the life
I move my feet, I go through the motions
But who'll give purpose to chance
I am the dancer
I need the Lord of the dance
We look at this Son and see the God who cannot be seen. We look at this Son and see God's original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels—everything got started in him and finds its purpose in him. He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment. And when it comes to the church, he organizes and holds it together, like a head does a body.
He was supreme in the beginning and—leading the resurrection parade—he is supreme in the end. From beginning to end he's there, towering far above everything, everyone. So spacious is he, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in him without crowding. Not only that, but all the broken and dislocated pieces of the universe—people and things, animals and atoms—get properly fixed and fit together in vibrant harmonies, all because of his death, his blood that poured down from the cross.
Colossians 1:15-20, The Message (MSG)
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Smooth Sailing
At one of our family dinners we had an interesting question come from our dear sister-in-law. It was, "Why do bad things happen to good people?"
My instinctive reply was to say, "Why not?" but I held my tongue. We had a good discussion, but in the back of my mind I could hear a tune starting to build...
Now for some of you those few words have started an ear worm or endless tune for the day and you're cursing me. Some might not recognize it. Can you take a little blog trip with me? I promise it won't be a three hour tour...
I grew up watching Gilligan's Island in the afternoons. (After homework of course Dad!) I was happy to take a journey from reality on a tropical island with the antics of Gilligan and his friends.
There were some who made the best of it like Maryann, she made coconut cream pies and smiled...a lot. And then there were Mr. and Mrs. Howell, who just didn't want to accept reality and wanted everything to be like back home. The rest of them (except Ginger, another queen of denial) would try and help make it as close to luxury as possible for them. The Professor looked at the situation as one big experiment, he was always researching, discovering, inventing. The Skipper was desperate in his attempts to get his precious cargo of people off that island...but Gilligan, he was a little more like Maryann. He seemed to be happy wherever he landed...literally.
Where am I going with this? If you go back to the story of Adam and Eve, you'll see they had the Garden of Eden. All was wonderful...even the animals got along! God walked the garden with them. After they sinned, they were exiled...sent to live in the world outside the garden. You can say they were castaways...almost. (Genesis 3)
Adam and Eve are no longer with us, but we are still shipwrecked on this "island". It's no longer paradise. Things don't work the way they should sometimes, but should that surprise us? It's not our home!
Just like the Howells, we crave more comfort and money...but it's out of reach. Just like Ginger, we seek approval and applause...but it's never enough. Like the Professor, we make improvements to our world with inventions and research...but people still get sick and sometimes die. We're even like Maryann at times, making the best with what we have...but we realize food is not the comfort we need. The Skipper in us is always building that raft, trying to stay afloat with whatever means possible whether it's psychology or self-medication.
The castaways did get one thing right...they knew they were not going to stay on that island. They knew there was a better place out there. They had Hope, and so do we!
As you read through the whole Bible, you can see God making a way back for us all...to rescue. He is like the Coast Guard, working the search grid...making a way for our rescue. And do we just sit there and do nothing, nibbling our coconut cream pie? No, we are to be like Gilligan...making the best of all situations good or bad. We are to keep hope alive and help others live the best way they can while we're stranded here.
What is that Hope? It is His son Jesus Christ. He is your life preserver. And until the He returns to rescue us all, we are to hang on to Christ like our lives depend on Him. Because when the bad stuff happens, (we're all on the same island) we know rescue is imminent...we can hear the ship's horn blowing in the distance!
That's why we live with such good cheer. You won't see us drooping our heads or dragging our feet! Cramped conditions here don't get us down. They only remind us of the spacious living conditions ahead. It's what we trust in but don't yet see that keeps us going. Do you suppose a few ruts in the road or rocks in the path are going to stop us? When the time comes, we'll be plenty ready to exchange exile for homecoming.2 Corinthians 5:6-8 (MSG)
My instinctive reply was to say, "Why not?" but I held my tongue. We had a good discussion, but in the back of my mind I could hear a tune starting to build...
"Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip,"
Now for some of you those few words have started an ear worm or endless tune for the day and you're cursing me. Some might not recognize it. Can you take a little blog trip with me? I promise it won't be a three hour tour...
I grew up watching Gilligan's Island in the afternoons. (After homework of course Dad!) I was happy to take a journey from reality on a tropical island with the antics of Gilligan and his friends.
There were some who made the best of it like Maryann, she made coconut cream pies and smiled...a lot. And then there were Mr. and Mrs. Howell, who just didn't want to accept reality and wanted everything to be like back home. The rest of them (except Ginger, another queen of denial) would try and help make it as close to luxury as possible for them. The Professor looked at the situation as one big experiment, he was always researching, discovering, inventing. The Skipper was desperate in his attempts to get his precious cargo of people off that island...but Gilligan, he was a little more like Maryann. He seemed to be happy wherever he landed...literally.
Where am I going with this? If you go back to the story of Adam and Eve, you'll see they had the Garden of Eden. All was wonderful...even the animals got along! God walked the garden with them. After they sinned, they were exiled...sent to live in the world outside the garden. You can say they were castaways...almost. (Genesis 3)
Adam and Eve are no longer with us, but we are still shipwrecked on this "island". It's no longer paradise. Things don't work the way they should sometimes, but should that surprise us? It's not our home!
Just like the Howells, we crave more comfort and money...but it's out of reach. Just like Ginger, we seek approval and applause...but it's never enough. Like the Professor, we make improvements to our world with inventions and research...but people still get sick and sometimes die. We're even like Maryann at times, making the best with what we have...but we realize food is not the comfort we need. The Skipper in us is always building that raft, trying to stay afloat with whatever means possible whether it's psychology or self-medication.
The castaways did get one thing right...they knew they were not going to stay on that island. They knew there was a better place out there. They had Hope, and so do we!
As you read through the whole Bible, you can see God making a way back for us all...to rescue. He is like the Coast Guard, working the search grid...making a way for our rescue. And do we just sit there and do nothing, nibbling our coconut cream pie? No, we are to be like Gilligan...making the best of all situations good or bad. We are to keep hope alive and help others live the best way they can while we're stranded here.
What is that Hope? It is His son Jesus Christ. He is your life preserver. And until the He returns to rescue us all, we are to hang on to Christ like our lives depend on Him. Because when the bad stuff happens, (we're all on the same island) we know rescue is imminent...we can hear the ship's horn blowing in the distance!
That's why we live with such good cheer. You won't see us drooping our heads or dragging our feet! Cramped conditions here don't get us down. They only remind us of the spacious living conditions ahead. It's what we trust in but don't yet see that keeps us going. Do you suppose a few ruts in the road or rocks in the path are going to stop us? When the time comes, we'll be plenty ready to exchange exile for homecoming.2 Corinthians 5:6-8 (MSG)
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Playing Chicken
We live in a semi-rural place and our neighbor recently acquired chickens for her yard. Now when I say, "chicken", what comes to mind? Is it a proud white-feathered, orange legged, red-crowned creature that scratches around in the yard? That's what I was expecting...until I saw these. "Japanese Silkie" are the name of these elegant chickens and they are as fancy looking as their name. To me they are the high-fashion feathered city-cousins of Foghorn Leghorn. Think irridescent black or powder puff white...and no bare orange legs here...these creatures have their spurs nicely concealed with fine frills of feathers. And their red crowns are overrun with feathers every which-way like some long-gone 80's band!
Now my neighbor was worried that her two roosters, pictured here, would disturb our mornings. We do hear them, but they seem like they are way off in the distance. The resident Mocking bird and woodpecker are more obnoxious than they!
One morning I was checking my email and I heard one of the roosters call to the world, "Get up! It's time to start the day!" But as I let the call linger in my heart I heard another call to action, "Do not deny me today!" And the conversation with God began...
You see there is another rooster in the New Testament that made a huge impact on one of Jesus' disciples, Peter. He was a very devoted follower of Christ...He is the one who stepped onto the stormy sea and walked to Jesus on water. He was a strong leader, ready for anything.
Jesus warned him about all hell breaking loose, "...stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. ...I've prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out." (Luke 22:31)
But Peter, being a devoted guy and so sure of that devotion said, "Master, I'm ready for anything with you. I'd go to jail for you. I'd die for you!"
Sadly Jesus answered: "I'm sorry to have to tell you this, Peter, but before the rooster crows you will have three times denied that you know me." (For the rest of the story, check out Luke 22.)
So this is the context in which my heart was pinging me...remember Peter, remember the rooster...and I thought, I wouldn't deny Christ! Would I? If someone came up to me and asked me if I knew Christ I would tell them...I had before. Why did I feel this warning buzzer going off? And I listened to what the Holy Spirit was teaching me...
There are more ways to deny Christ than just flat out saying you're not a Christian. There are subtle ways to deny Him. If you think about it, your actions speak so much louder than words.
What do you do when an off-color joke is told? Do you smile or laugh with the rest of the group? How about when you are home alone with the tv remote, do you go to that channel that should be blocked? Or maybe that website that you happened to click on one day...it sent you an email, beckoning you to see some pictures you wouldn't let your own mother see. (Ephesians 5:4)
How about your wallet? Do you have money for that new upgraded gadget, but when the offering at church comes around you toss in a $20? How many mortgages do you have on your house or how many credit cards do you have with balances--and for what? A huge house that is hard to keep clean and nobody comes to because you are working multiple jobs to make all those payments? (Proverbs 22:7)
What about relationships? Is there a person who has rubbed you the wrong way and you have banished them from your presence? Did they do something that you know is wrong or hurt your feelings so you've locked them in your prison of unforgiveness? (Matthew 6:15)
Dear reader, listen to the rooster crowing in your life. Do not deny Christ by your actions...It's easy to go with the flow, or keep up with the Joneses or shut someone off.
When you toy with the idea that, "Yeah I can do all that stuff and God will still forgive me"...you are playing chicken with the devil my friend...and his aim is to separate you from Christ.
Listen carefully, your pride is crowing my friend!
You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You're out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it. Ephesians 5:8-10 (MSG)
Now my neighbor was worried that her two roosters, pictured here, would disturb our mornings. We do hear them, but they seem like they are way off in the distance. The resident Mocking bird and woodpecker are more obnoxious than they!
One morning I was checking my email and I heard one of the roosters call to the world, "Get up! It's time to start the day!" But as I let the call linger in my heart I heard another call to action, "Do not deny me today!" And the conversation with God began...
You see there is another rooster in the New Testament that made a huge impact on one of Jesus' disciples, Peter. He was a very devoted follower of Christ...He is the one who stepped onto the stormy sea and walked to Jesus on water. He was a strong leader, ready for anything.
Jesus warned him about all hell breaking loose, "...stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. ...I've prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out." (Luke 22:31)
But Peter, being a devoted guy and so sure of that devotion said, "Master, I'm ready for anything with you. I'd go to jail for you. I'd die for you!"
Sadly Jesus answered: "I'm sorry to have to tell you this, Peter, but before the rooster crows you will have three times denied that you know me." (For the rest of the story, check out Luke 22.)
So this is the context in which my heart was pinging me...remember Peter, remember the rooster...and I thought, I wouldn't deny Christ! Would I? If someone came up to me and asked me if I knew Christ I would tell them...I had before. Why did I feel this warning buzzer going off? And I listened to what the Holy Spirit was teaching me...
There are more ways to deny Christ than just flat out saying you're not a Christian. There are subtle ways to deny Him. If you think about it, your actions speak so much louder than words.
What do you do when an off-color joke is told? Do you smile or laugh with the rest of the group? How about when you are home alone with the tv remote, do you go to that channel that should be blocked? Or maybe that website that you happened to click on one day...it sent you an email, beckoning you to see some pictures you wouldn't let your own mother see. (Ephesians 5:4)
How about your wallet? Do you have money for that new upgraded gadget, but when the offering at church comes around you toss in a $20? How many mortgages do you have on your house or how many credit cards do you have with balances--and for what? A huge house that is hard to keep clean and nobody comes to because you are working multiple jobs to make all those payments? (Proverbs 22:7)
What about relationships? Is there a person who has rubbed you the wrong way and you have banished them from your presence? Did they do something that you know is wrong or hurt your feelings so you've locked them in your prison of unforgiveness? (Matthew 6:15)
Dear reader, listen to the rooster crowing in your life. Do not deny Christ by your actions...It's easy to go with the flow, or keep up with the Joneses or shut someone off.
When you toy with the idea that, "Yeah I can do all that stuff and God will still forgive me"...you are playing chicken with the devil my friend...and his aim is to separate you from Christ.
Listen carefully, your pride is crowing my friend!
You groped your way through that murk once, but no longer. You're out in the open now. The bright light of Christ makes your way plain. So no more stumbling around. Get on with it! The good, the right, the true—these are the actions appropriate for daylight hours. Figure out what will please Christ, and then do it. Ephesians 5:8-10 (MSG)
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Dress Up
Ever wish you had a wardrobe assistant? Someone who would pick outfits, coordinate accessories and organize your closet? Someone who would weed out the acid-washed jeans because you never really are ever going to wear, (or fit into) them again...someone who would take one look at your attempt at a power suit and say, "Eh...not so much!" Will you agree that sometimes even a mirror will lie to you?
I was reading some scripture I really like in a new translation the other day. It's called "The Message". The comedian Tim Hawkins likes to say it's a "laid back" version of the Bible and I'll agree with that. But sometimes you need a different perspective on the words for it to hit your heart with a new zing.
Before we go there, can I bring up some memories for you to help prime the pump of your thought processes?
Do you remember your mom picking out your clothes and laying them out the night before the first day of school? Do you remember as a preteen running out the door for the bus only to be stopped by a certain pitch of your parent's voice using your first AND middle name because they wanted you to come back inside "right this very moment" and edit your outfit? How about a few years later and your friend decides to give you a makeover, complete with the latest hair and latest "what were you thinking" accessory? Or maybe you saw someone you liked and saw who they liked, and decided to become what you thought was a stylish (tho somewhat creepy) copy of them?
Skipping ahead some more years and you're engaged...and your fiance decides to pick out something in the store and gift it to you...it never fits because it's too small, and you can't see how they thought you'd ever wear something like that! Then after you're married and you get another similar item of clothing and it's too big...
You start to wonder if anyone has ever really known you at all.
So now I want to take you to Colossians 3:12-14 in The Message...
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
God knows everything about you and knows just what you need to put on every day. It's not the latest style, the wrong size or something that's on the What Not to Wear list. It's tailor-made, one of a kind and makes you glow. (Well, guys don't glow...I guess they smile more.)
Don't forget to put on Love every morning. Stop listening to what others tell you about yourself, and stop listening to those tapes in your head! And for goodness' sake get rid of the full length mirror! God made you and knows exactly how you're wired. It's all about Love...His Love for you.
But make sure that you don't get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. We can't afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don't loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about! Romans 13:11-14 (MSG)
I was reading some scripture I really like in a new translation the other day. It's called "The Message". The comedian Tim Hawkins likes to say it's a "laid back" version of the Bible and I'll agree with that. But sometimes you need a different perspective on the words for it to hit your heart with a new zing.
Before we go there, can I bring up some memories for you to help prime the pump of your thought processes?
Do you remember your mom picking out your clothes and laying them out the night before the first day of school? Do you remember as a preteen running out the door for the bus only to be stopped by a certain pitch of your parent's voice using your first AND middle name because they wanted you to come back inside "right this very moment" and edit your outfit? How about a few years later and your friend decides to give you a makeover, complete with the latest hair and latest "what were you thinking" accessory? Or maybe you saw someone you liked and saw who they liked, and decided to become what you thought was a stylish (tho somewhat creepy) copy of them?
Skipping ahead some more years and you're engaged...and your fiance decides to pick out something in the store and gift it to you...it never fits because it's too small, and you can't see how they thought you'd ever wear something like that! Then after you're married and you get another similar item of clothing and it's too big...
You start to wonder if anyone has ever really known you at all.
So now I want to take you to Colossians 3:12-14 in The Message...
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
God knows everything about you and knows just what you need to put on every day. It's not the latest style, the wrong size or something that's on the What Not to Wear list. It's tailor-made, one of a kind and makes you glow. (Well, guys don't glow...I guess they smile more.)
Don't forget to put on Love every morning. Stop listening to what others tell you about yourself, and stop listening to those tapes in your head! And for goodness' sake get rid of the full length mirror! God made you and knows exactly how you're wired. It's all about Love...His Love for you.
But make sure that you don't get so absorbed and exhausted in taking care of all your day-by-day obligations that you lose track of the time and doze off, oblivious to God. The night is about over, dawn is about to break. Be up and awake to what God is doing! God is putting the finishing touches on the salvation work he began when we first believed. We can't afford to waste a minute, must not squander these precious daylight hours in frivolity and indulgence, in sleeping around and dissipation, in bickering and grabbing everything in sight. Get out of bed and get dressed! Don't loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ, and be up and about! Romans 13:11-14 (MSG)
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Squirrel!
There is a very fat squirrel who lives inside some razor wire at a prison. The prisoners feed this squirrel by hand and he's not afraid. He gets peanut butter, cookies and all sorts of non-squirrel food. And his life shows it. He's content to stay inside the fence and feast. He is not sleek and fast like his cousins who live outside the fence. They are too shy to trust the hand of humans. They don't understand why he stays in the prison and he doesn't understand why they don't join him. But then if they did, there would be less for him to eat. So he nibbles from the fingers of the next friendly human.
I was amazed at how quickly a wild animal becomes docile when trust is built with food. He probably started outside the fence and someone threw him a cookie or a peanut. The guys have time on their hands, so I would imagine they'd throw it a little closer to the fence...and so on and so on. It's to the point now that the squirrel is probably too rotund to fit through the chain link and too lazy to climb up it and over the razor wire. Maybe someday a kind guard will carry him outside the fence and release him back into the wild with his cousins...but would he understand that was a good thing?
Aren't we so like that squirrel? We taste a little bit of what the world is enticing us with...a crumb here or there and before we know it we too are content in our situation. (Galatians 5:19-21) We feed that sinful nature inside of us until we are too helpless to do anything about it. We wake up one morning and find ourselves inside a prison that we walked into...all by ourselves. We find ourselves with what we think are kind people--but really they are more enabling than helpful. They either bought into the lie as well or they are benefitting from our imprisonment.
What are we to do? There is actually nothing we can do on our own power. We have to rely on the One who has the keys to life and death...to our prison. (Revelation 1:17) No friendly guard for us--but Christ Jesus Himself! All you need to do is acknowledge you are trapped and ask Him for help. He is faithful and waiting for you to ask. You really don't belong there locked up in sin...take Him at His word and He will set you free. Like the squirrel, you were meant for another life...time to take a peek outside the razor wire my friend!
Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you. Galatians 5:1
I was amazed at how quickly a wild animal becomes docile when trust is built with food. He probably started outside the fence and someone threw him a cookie or a peanut. The guys have time on their hands, so I would imagine they'd throw it a little closer to the fence...and so on and so on. It's to the point now that the squirrel is probably too rotund to fit through the chain link and too lazy to climb up it and over the razor wire. Maybe someday a kind guard will carry him outside the fence and release him back into the wild with his cousins...but would he understand that was a good thing?
Aren't we so like that squirrel? We taste a little bit of what the world is enticing us with...a crumb here or there and before we know it we too are content in our situation. (Galatians 5:19-21) We feed that sinful nature inside of us until we are too helpless to do anything about it. We wake up one morning and find ourselves inside a prison that we walked into...all by ourselves. We find ourselves with what we think are kind people--but really they are more enabling than helpful. They either bought into the lie as well or they are benefitting from our imprisonment.
What are we to do? There is actually nothing we can do on our own power. We have to rely on the One who has the keys to life and death...to our prison. (Revelation 1:17) No friendly guard for us--but Christ Jesus Himself! All you need to do is acknowledge you are trapped and ask Him for help. He is faithful and waiting for you to ask. You really don't belong there locked up in sin...take Him at His word and He will set you free. Like the squirrel, you were meant for another life...time to take a peek outside the razor wire my friend!
Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you. Galatians 5:1
Saturday, January 07, 2012
Impossible Dream
It's the new year and I've flipped back to the start of my Daily Chronological Bible. Today was the story of Abraham and Sara and some heavenly visitors. At the age when most people would say it's time to retire and enjoy a rocking chair...this elderly couple are told by 3 heavenly visitors that they are going to become parents for the first time. There is no mention of Abraham's reaction...he had been told for a long time that God make him a father of nations so I would hope he was thankful. But Sarah's reaction was recorded. She was listening to the conversation from inside the tent and she *LOL'd.
In Sarah's eyes her life did not add up to "new mother". She was 90, her retirement was set because Abraham was a good provider and menopause had hit probably 40 years earlier. She was wise in her own eyes, she knew better! So she laughed at these strangers and their news. Was her laughter happiness? Her thoughts betray her, she seems bitter and basically says God is too late.
So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” Genesis 18:12
Skipping forward a few generations we come to another woman, a naive teenager really. She is also told by an angel that she is to have a son who will be Christ-the Messiah her people were waiting for. This young woman is not married but has plans to marry Joseph. Her life has just begun and now she is told she is going to be an unwed mother in a town that will stone her to death if they find out? How did Mary react? (I would be scared to death and ask if he had the right person!)
She had one question, she wanted to know how it would happen...she was curious. After a few facts, her reaction is recorded:
Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. Luke 1:38
Two women with similar pronouncements: impossible pregnancies. Two women with totally different reactions: sarcasm and belief.
Now you may not have an angel show up in your living room to announce a miraculous birth. I will tell you that I bet there is a dream you have that you have not shared with anyone yet. It might be a new career path, an idea for a ministry, a book, an invention. Have you reacted like Sarah and almost talked yourself out of it? Or are you going to be like Mary and ask God how He's going to make it happen in your life?
I'd like to fan the flame of possibility in your mind by leaving you with wise words from two angels that new Who they were talking about.
Is anything too hard for the LORD? Genesis 18:14
For nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37
*LOL for those of us who are not text-savvy means "laugh out loud".
In Sarah's eyes her life did not add up to "new mother". She was 90, her retirement was set because Abraham was a good provider and menopause had hit probably 40 years earlier. She was wise in her own eyes, she knew better! So she laughed at these strangers and their news. Was her laughter happiness? Her thoughts betray her, she seems bitter and basically says God is too late.
So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” Genesis 18:12
Skipping forward a few generations we come to another woman, a naive teenager really. She is also told by an angel that she is to have a son who will be Christ-the Messiah her people were waiting for. This young woman is not married but has plans to marry Joseph. Her life has just begun and now she is told she is going to be an unwed mother in a town that will stone her to death if they find out? How did Mary react? (I would be scared to death and ask if he had the right person!)
She had one question, she wanted to know how it would happen...she was curious. After a few facts, her reaction is recorded:
Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. Luke 1:38
Two women with similar pronouncements: impossible pregnancies. Two women with totally different reactions: sarcasm and belief.
Now you may not have an angel show up in your living room to announce a miraculous birth. I will tell you that I bet there is a dream you have that you have not shared with anyone yet. It might be a new career path, an idea for a ministry, a book, an invention. Have you reacted like Sarah and almost talked yourself out of it? Or are you going to be like Mary and ask God how He's going to make it happen in your life?
I'd like to fan the flame of possibility in your mind by leaving you with wise words from two angels that new Who they were talking about.
Is anything too hard for the LORD? Genesis 18:14
For nothing is impossible with God. Luke 1:37
*LOL for those of us who are not text-savvy means "laugh out loud".
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Who's there?
Happy New Year! The year 2012 has begun whether you like it or not. Depending on your life, it either met you at the door like an unwanted salesman or a surprise visit from someone you didn't think you'd see.
The Bible talks about doors...the two doors I would like you to check out are found at opposite ends of the Bible: Genesis and Revelation.
Door #1:
"If you do well, will not {your countenance} be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it." Genesis 4:7
This door in Genesis has something on the other side that is not so welcome. It reminded me of a friend of mine who opened the door and barely missed stepping on a snake laying in the threshold of the doorway.
When you allow a bad attitude to put a cloud over your day, you invite sin to crouch at your door. Now Cain had an attitude problem--he made an offering on his own time, not the first and fruit..but "after a time". And when God called him on it, he got angry, then jealous of his brother Abel who offered an acceptable sacrifice.
Cain basically opened the door and sin overtook him--his hate manifested into murder.
Have you let a bad attitude take over your life? Have you found it easier to be disgruntled, grouchy, and hateful? Take care dear reader...sin crouches at your door and wants to be your master. Will you allow this transaction to take place? It is as if you hold out your wrists to be cuffed and your ankles to be shackled. Did you know you don't have to do that?
Door #2:
'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20
At the door in Revelation, there is someone who is knocking and calling. He's not hiding near the entryway, ready to pounce on you. This One is being pretty obvious about who is standing on the other side of the door. If you open this door, you open it to Jesus Christ himself...the one who will deliver you from the one who has tried many times to lock you up in sin.
My question for you in 2012 is this, will you open Door #1 or Door #2? This is no game show...Will you allow sin to master your life or will you surrender your life to the Master who gives you freedom and eternal life?
"I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have {it} abundantly."John 10:9-10
The Bible talks about doors...the two doors I would like you to check out are found at opposite ends of the Bible: Genesis and Revelation.
Door #1:
"If you do well, will not {your countenance} be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it." Genesis 4:7
This door in Genesis has something on the other side that is not so welcome. It reminded me of a friend of mine who opened the door and barely missed stepping on a snake laying in the threshold of the doorway.
When you allow a bad attitude to put a cloud over your day, you invite sin to crouch at your door. Now Cain had an attitude problem--he made an offering on his own time, not the first and fruit..but "after a time". And when God called him on it, he got angry, then jealous of his brother Abel who offered an acceptable sacrifice.
Cain basically opened the door and sin overtook him--his hate manifested into murder.
Have you let a bad attitude take over your life? Have you found it easier to be disgruntled, grouchy, and hateful? Take care dear reader...sin crouches at your door and wants to be your master. Will you allow this transaction to take place? It is as if you hold out your wrists to be cuffed and your ankles to be shackled. Did you know you don't have to do that?
Door #2:
'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20
At the door in Revelation, there is someone who is knocking and calling. He's not hiding near the entryway, ready to pounce on you. This One is being pretty obvious about who is standing on the other side of the door. If you open this door, you open it to Jesus Christ himself...the one who will deliver you from the one who has tried many times to lock you up in sin.
My question for you in 2012 is this, will you open Door #1 or Door #2? This is no game show...Will you allow sin to master your life or will you surrender your life to the Master who gives you freedom and eternal life?
"I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have {it} abundantly."John 10:9-10
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