One of my favorite Bible chapters is Exodus 3 where God makes revealing "I" statements about himself to Moses. God chose Moses to negotiate with Pharaoh, and a contest between the gods of Egypt and I AM was scheduled.
First, God got Moses' attention, then Moses reluctantly enlisted. On that day, God made telling remarks about himself. He even used a visual aid, a flaming bush that remained verdant green. On that day, God appeared on Moses' path, and lit two fires, one in a green plant, one in the 80-year-old novice negotiator, Moses.
God's Resume as presented to Moses (Exodus 3 NIV):
vs 6-- I am the God of your father
vs 7--I have indeed seen the misery of my people
I have heard them crying
I am concerned
vs 8--So, I have come down
vs 9--the cry has reached me...I have seen...I am sending you.
vs 12--I will be with you
vs 14--I am who I am
vs 15--say to the Israelites, I AM has sent me (Moses) to you...I am to be
remembered from generation to generation
vs 16--assemble the elders of Israel and say to them...I have watched over
you
vs 17--say to the elders, I have promised to bring you up out of your misery
vs 19--I know the king of Egypt
vs 20--I will stretch out my hand and strike...with wonders
I will perform among the Egyptians
vs 21--I will make the Egyptians favorably disposed toward these people.
The same God still ignites fires in his servants' hearts today.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Monday, August 15, 2005
4,000 Reasons to Wake Up
"My plate's full" has come to mean a person's schedule is overbooked or they have all they can manage in their life. No more can be added. One more green pea on the cardboard Chinete plate and it'll fold up, upsetting the precarious balance.
When I ask friends, "How are you?" The all too common answer is "Busy." And it's the same answer I often give. Exiting the express way is tough. When life is lived in a trot, stepping off the treadmill can be difficult.
Jesus knew busy. I'm convinced he had a tight schedule--many wanted an audience: the chronically ill seeking cures, the dying wanting more of life, and those weighted by wrong-living seeking forgiveness. On one occasion Jesus taught a crowd for two days (Matthew 15:29-39). The men alone numbered 4,000, not counting the women and children. In an outdoor area, they probably camped out, sleeping on patches of grass and cloaks. During that second night, when Jesus heard the arthritic moans of sleeping people shifting their weight, did he think, "They're still out there."
The 4,000 were there when he went to bed, and when he woke up, they were still all around him. I believe when Jesus awoke on the third morning, and the thousands of men, women and children stretched, yawned and grinned at him, that he greeted God, his station in life, and the people with a smile.
I've had long to-do lists, but I've never awakened to 4,000 people waiting to see me. Two lessons about Jesus and this huge crowd helped me. First, Jesus didn't get flustered because the all the people still milled around on the third morning.
And this third sunrise, the impromptu campers were even more needy. Now, their stomach growled. And God supplied their needs. Before, when reading this story, I missed two important lessons. One is gracious-Jesus continuing to do the same teaching, healing, and even providing food on day three. The same Jesus ably assists his children who awaken to routine back breaking or heart taxing tasks for long periods.
For months, even years, some care for a family member with Alzheimers or another may work long hours to pay off debt. Jesus knows what it is like to wake up and be greeted by the same scene. He can and will give endurance and even ignite smiles in his servants.
I'm also impressed with Jesus' time investment. He focused on caring for people. In this modern age, just shuffling all the paper mail, receipts, documents and reading material is a never ending job. Add to the paper mania all the things we fuel, vacuum, wash and dry and one could spend every moment grooming inanimate objects.
Even though Poor Richard's Almanac said that fish and visitors smell after three days, Jesus greeted his 4,000 plus hillside guests with grace. Also, Jesus joyfully invested his time in the Father's business, because the Father's business was and still is people.
When I ask friends, "How are you?" The all too common answer is "Busy." And it's the same answer I often give. Exiting the express way is tough. When life is lived in a trot, stepping off the treadmill can be difficult.
Jesus knew busy. I'm convinced he had a tight schedule--many wanted an audience: the chronically ill seeking cures, the dying wanting more of life, and those weighted by wrong-living seeking forgiveness. On one occasion Jesus taught a crowd for two days (Matthew 15:29-39). The men alone numbered 4,000, not counting the women and children. In an outdoor area, they probably camped out, sleeping on patches of grass and cloaks. During that second night, when Jesus heard the arthritic moans of sleeping people shifting their weight, did he think, "They're still out there."
The 4,000 were there when he went to bed, and when he woke up, they were still all around him. I believe when Jesus awoke on the third morning, and the thousands of men, women and children stretched, yawned and grinned at him, that he greeted God, his station in life, and the people with a smile.
I've had long to-do lists, but I've never awakened to 4,000 people waiting to see me. Two lessons about Jesus and this huge crowd helped me. First, Jesus didn't get flustered because the all the people still milled around on the third morning.
And this third sunrise, the impromptu campers were even more needy. Now, their stomach growled. And God supplied their needs. Before, when reading this story, I missed two important lessons. One is gracious-Jesus continuing to do the same teaching, healing, and even providing food on day three. The same Jesus ably assists his children who awaken to routine back breaking or heart taxing tasks for long periods.
For months, even years, some care for a family member with Alzheimers or another may work long hours to pay off debt. Jesus knows what it is like to wake up and be greeted by the same scene. He can and will give endurance and even ignite smiles in his servants.
I'm also impressed with Jesus' time investment. He focused on caring for people. In this modern age, just shuffling all the paper mail, receipts, documents and reading material is a never ending job. Add to the paper mania all the things we fuel, vacuum, wash and dry and one could spend every moment grooming inanimate objects.
Even though Poor Richard's Almanac said that fish and visitors smell after three days, Jesus greeted his 4,000 plus hillside guests with grace. Also, Jesus joyfully invested his time in the Father's business, because the Father's business was and still is people.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Dissipating Millions
King Asa got bad news. An army of one million foot soldiers advanced toward his territory. Did he panic, twist his hands, rally his army, or get depressed? I don't know how he reacted physically or emotionally to the news of invasion, but I do know the decisive action he took. He prayed.
"O LORD, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O LORD our God, for we trust in you alone. It is in your name that we have come against this vast horde. O LORD, you are our God; do not let mere men prevail against you!" (2 Chronicles 14:11).
Asa's prayer for aid against his enemies, gives me courage to call on God to help me. Millions are not surrounding me, terrorizing, but the chores on my list is numbering around 30. My situation is not life threatening either, but the same God who routed millions, can clear a path for me to have some down time, at home, to work hard and achieve order once again.
But, Lord, may I put a few conditions on my request? I don't want to be laid up with any broken bones or entertain flu bugs. I want my car drivable, just in case I need to go to Wal-mart. Oh, and I don't want any of my family to get sick and need me at home. That'd be awful for them to reap a virus because I prayed for deliverance. This list is getting out of hand. I'd best leave it in your hands.
Please be creative in helping me find more ways to get more done at home, so I can declutter the "million" objects in my home. God, I'm imagining the faces of Asa's army when they saw the enemy sprint toward their homeland. Please find it in your heart and will to help me throw out accumulated, unused stuff.
Then, could you put that same victorious look on my face? Please...
"O LORD, no one but you can help the powerless against the mighty! Help us, O LORD our God, for we trust in you alone. It is in your name that we have come against this vast horde. O LORD, you are our God; do not let mere men prevail against you!" (2 Chronicles 14:11).
Asa's prayer for aid against his enemies, gives me courage to call on God to help me. Millions are not surrounding me, terrorizing, but the chores on my list is numbering around 30. My situation is not life threatening either, but the same God who routed millions, can clear a path for me to have some down time, at home, to work hard and achieve order once again.
But, Lord, may I put a few conditions on my request? I don't want to be laid up with any broken bones or entertain flu bugs. I want my car drivable, just in case I need to go to Wal-mart. Oh, and I don't want any of my family to get sick and need me at home. That'd be awful for them to reap a virus because I prayed for deliverance. This list is getting out of hand. I'd best leave it in your hands.
Please be creative in helping me find more ways to get more done at home, so I can declutter the "million" objects in my home. God, I'm imagining the faces of Asa's army when they saw the enemy sprint toward their homeland. Please find it in your heart and will to help me throw out accumulated, unused stuff.
Then, could you put that same victorious look on my face? Please...
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Saturday, July 23, 2005
Alone in a Castle
I'm curious about King Uzziah who began his reign when he was 16 years old. Later in life, stricken with leprosy he spent his time alone. The brief account is in 2 Kings 15:1-7 and the longer version of his life is in 2 Chronicles 26. The Holy Spirit's description of him is "He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD" (2 Chronicles 26:4).
Uzziah's bio: gained throne at age of 16; when young he was instructed by Zechariah "in the fear of God" (vs 5); became very powerful; defeated enemies; he designed machines that would shoot arrows and hurl stones; loved the soil; "His fame spread far and wide, for he was greatly helped until he became very powerful" (vs 15); title-king for 52 years.
An important fact is left out of that bio. Pride rooted in his heart and one day he decided he would offer incense on the altar. Azariah the priest and eighty other courageous priests of the Lord followed him in . . . and confronted him" (vs). They warned that only the descendants of Aaron had been consecrated to burn incense. Angry, Uzziah raged at the priests.
Immediately, the Lord struck Uzziah with an isolating leprosy or skin disorder on his forehead. The priest hurried him out. "Indeed, he himself was eager to leave, because the LORD had afflicted him" (26:20).
Until the day he died, he lived alone in a separate house, "excluded from the temple of the LORD" (21). His son Jotham took over the palace and After his death, he was buried in a field near the kings because of his leprosy.
God holds leaders to a high standard. A high standard of respect for Him. The Holy Spirit summed up Uzziah's life and his son's by saying just as his father Uzziah had done, "Jotham did what was right in the eyes of the LORD" (27:2).
The walk-with-God path is the high road. The trail to pride is a downward trail away from God's purposes. God gave the powerful king Uzziah time to think, alone in a house, while his godly son ruled next door. The warrior, inventor, the soil-lover spent his last days in a house by himself.
Did he have servants? Any niceties? Who cared for his needs? Forced hermitism is not a bad thing when the alone time brings ones focus back to the throne of God, under his scepter.
Uzziah's bio: gained throne at age of 16; when young he was instructed by Zechariah "in the fear of God" (vs 5); became very powerful; defeated enemies; he designed machines that would shoot arrows and hurl stones; loved the soil; "His fame spread far and wide, for he was greatly helped until he became very powerful" (vs 15); title-king for 52 years.
An important fact is left out of that bio. Pride rooted in his heart and one day he decided he would offer incense on the altar. Azariah the priest and eighty other courageous priests of the Lord followed him in . . . and confronted him" (vs). They warned that only the descendants of Aaron had been consecrated to burn incense. Angry, Uzziah raged at the priests.
Immediately, the Lord struck Uzziah with an isolating leprosy or skin disorder on his forehead. The priest hurried him out. "Indeed, he himself was eager to leave, because the LORD had afflicted him" (26:20).
Until the day he died, he lived alone in a separate house, "excluded from the temple of the LORD" (21). His son Jotham took over the palace and After his death, he was buried in a field near the kings because of his leprosy.
God holds leaders to a high standard. A high standard of respect for Him. The Holy Spirit summed up Uzziah's life and his son's by saying just as his father Uzziah had done, "Jotham did what was right in the eyes of the LORD" (27:2).
The walk-with-God path is the high road. The trail to pride is a downward trail away from God's purposes. God gave the powerful king Uzziah time to think, alone in a house, while his godly son ruled next door. The warrior, inventor, the soil-lover spent his last days in a house by himself.
Did he have servants? Any niceties? Who cared for his needs? Forced hermitism is not a bad thing when the alone time brings ones focus back to the throne of God, under his scepter.
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Paralyzed
In life, at the age of 57, I know the direction I'm supposed to travel. Earlier in my 50's, I was sometimes paralyzed, not in the limbs of my body, but my forward motion stopped.
Why did stall-out corrode my days? I think there is a clue in 1 Kings 13:1-7.
King of a portion of Jews, Jeroboam ruled Israel. He failed God, and manufactured ways to keep his subjects allegiance. He invented gods, two golden calves. He manipulated God-ordained feast days, creating alternate celebrations to God's ordained ones. He deliberately misled citizens to maneuver their loyalty to him. He set aside undesirable priests to serve, not from the tribe of Levi as God had commanded. At all these junctures, Jeroboam could have revered God, but instead he chose to finagle false worship for idols.
One day as Jeroboam offered a sacrifice on his altar, a man of God, delivered a message literally to the altar. The prophet predicted that the altar would eventually hold the human bones of Jeroboam's family. Why? Because the king/dad/leader idolized himself.
God split the altar in two pieces, and the ashes of the sacrifice to golden calves spilled onto the ground. A sign of destruction to come. Jeroboam faulted the messenger. He pointed and shouted, "Seize that man!" (4). Immediately, his hand became paralyzed.
Jeroboam's paralization made me think about my days of non-production. They remind me of those new rims on cars, the ones that keep spinning once the car has stopped. God's given me a car load of ways to serve him, but my forward motion is sometimes immobilized by baggage.
I'm not writing about regrets as much as unfinished projects from years ago. Needlepoint half-starts, quilt tops, and boxes of fabric homesteading closet shelves. Jars of artist brushes, tubes of red ochre and burnt umber make silent threats.
Fabric doll bodies, canvas for a floor area rug, old linens waiting to adorn new shirts, they rose like a phoenix and shadowed my days. Their unfinished states clawed at my conscience. For years, I kept them around because I knew how much I'd money I'd spent on each. Sewing kits, each bolt of fabric could be redeemed, if only they finished their intended mission. I couldn't abide putting them out with the garbage.
But then Paul's teaching about moving forward with life, impressed me more than my guilt. God had something better in mind for my future than regrets or whining about un-accomplishments.
First, I told God I was sorry for planning to build large calico barns and then not finishing. Next, I asked God to help me detach from the supplies. I really wanted to paint the canvas rug for the back porch for summer. I envisioned big melon-pink slices with green rind. In reality, the south Texas heat rarely allows us to enjoy our back porch. Our lovable mutt dog usually tracked dirt onto the cool cement and sat there and scratched away his misery.
My sentimental feelings about projects may seem silly to some. But others can relate. I spoke with a woman this week who used to make dresses for her daughters. They're grown now, and she's having guilt feelings about the quilts she wants to make for each out of the dress fabric scraps.
All to God's credit, he helped me focus on the future instead of the wants of the past. I packed up the fabric. The colorful cloth went to the Dorcases in my home congregation. They turn out quilts at the rate of 40 a year. Smaller blankies go to children's homes, flood victims and the homeless. My fabric had "gone on to a better place."
My craft supplies went to the Rainbow of Love ministry, where women fill shoeboxes with several gifts and seven scriptures and deliver them to the ill in our congregation, relatives of members, new mothers, college students and citizens in our community.
With my house more free of clutter and my mind clear of old want-to projects, I could spend more time in study and at the computer keyboard, my destination for this time of my life.
In some ways, my attachment to old projects became my golden calves. Monuments to what I wanted to happen, monuments that would rust, decay and stymie progress.
Guess what God did? He restored Jeroboam's arm movement. I think God gave him another opportunity to get right with God and to make needed changes for walking in God's will.
He did it for me, too.
Why did stall-out corrode my days? I think there is a clue in 1 Kings 13:1-7.
King of a portion of Jews, Jeroboam ruled Israel. He failed God, and manufactured ways to keep his subjects allegiance. He invented gods, two golden calves. He manipulated God-ordained feast days, creating alternate celebrations to God's ordained ones. He deliberately misled citizens to maneuver their loyalty to him. He set aside undesirable priests to serve, not from the tribe of Levi as God had commanded. At all these junctures, Jeroboam could have revered God, but instead he chose to finagle false worship for idols.
One day as Jeroboam offered a sacrifice on his altar, a man of God, delivered a message literally to the altar. The prophet predicted that the altar would eventually hold the human bones of Jeroboam's family. Why? Because the king/dad/leader idolized himself.
God split the altar in two pieces, and the ashes of the sacrifice to golden calves spilled onto the ground. A sign of destruction to come. Jeroboam faulted the messenger. He pointed and shouted, "Seize that man!" (4). Immediately, his hand became paralyzed.
Jeroboam's paralization made me think about my days of non-production. They remind me of those new rims on cars, the ones that keep spinning once the car has stopped. God's given me a car load of ways to serve him, but my forward motion is sometimes immobilized by baggage.
I'm not writing about regrets as much as unfinished projects from years ago. Needlepoint half-starts, quilt tops, and boxes of fabric homesteading closet shelves. Jars of artist brushes, tubes of red ochre and burnt umber make silent threats.
Fabric doll bodies, canvas for a floor area rug, old linens waiting to adorn new shirts, they rose like a phoenix and shadowed my days. Their unfinished states clawed at my conscience. For years, I kept them around because I knew how much I'd money I'd spent on each. Sewing kits, each bolt of fabric could be redeemed, if only they finished their intended mission. I couldn't abide putting them out with the garbage.
But then Paul's teaching about moving forward with life, impressed me more than my guilt. God had something better in mind for my future than regrets or whining about un-accomplishments.
First, I told God I was sorry for planning to build large calico barns and then not finishing. Next, I asked God to help me detach from the supplies. I really wanted to paint the canvas rug for the back porch for summer. I envisioned big melon-pink slices with green rind. In reality, the south Texas heat rarely allows us to enjoy our back porch. Our lovable mutt dog usually tracked dirt onto the cool cement and sat there and scratched away his misery.
My sentimental feelings about projects may seem silly to some. But others can relate. I spoke with a woman this week who used to make dresses for her daughters. They're grown now, and she's having guilt feelings about the quilts she wants to make for each out of the dress fabric scraps.
All to God's credit, he helped me focus on the future instead of the wants of the past. I packed up the fabric. The colorful cloth went to the Dorcases in my home congregation. They turn out quilts at the rate of 40 a year. Smaller blankies go to children's homes, flood victims and the homeless. My fabric had "gone on to a better place."
My craft supplies went to the Rainbow of Love ministry, where women fill shoeboxes with several gifts and seven scriptures and deliver them to the ill in our congregation, relatives of members, new mothers, college students and citizens in our community.
With my house more free of clutter and my mind clear of old want-to projects, I could spend more time in study and at the computer keyboard, my destination for this time of my life.
In some ways, my attachment to old projects became my golden calves. Monuments to what I wanted to happen, monuments that would rust, decay and stymie progress.
Guess what God did? He restored Jeroboam's arm movement. I think God gave him another opportunity to get right with God and to make needed changes for walking in God's will.
He did it for me, too.
Monday, June 06, 2005
For First and Final Answers Ask God
"Are you asking yourselves what I meant?" (John 16:19 NLT).
When Jesus met with his disciples near the end of his life here, he revealed new facts about God.
A few of the things he told his disciples went into their ears, but not their understanding. But instead of asking Jesus who was present with them, they wondered among themselves. Wondering with peers alone may cause wandering.
Bible studies, Christian literature, one-on-one conversations, lectures and sermons are all ways to increase our knowledge about God and his plan. The Bible is a God encyclopedia. But sometimes I don't understand or comprehend what I read. The white-space margins in my Bible are littered with question marks.
How do I get answers to the question marks on the pages or the question marks in life? Most often I talk with friends who are on the same path. Even when Jesus was within sight, the disciples were asking themselves what Jesus meant. Me? I'm guilty of that same mindset.
Even though Jesus is not visible for now, he still wants to answer and be the answer to my questions. On that night, a little later in Jesus' conversation he gave instructions for seeking wisdom after his ascension to the Father. "You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy" (16:24).
On that night, Jesus also talked about The Comforter, the Holy Spirit who would "convince the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment," and he concluded by naming the prominent problem in the world. "The world's sin is unbelief in me" (John 16:; 8,9).
When I need answers to life's perplexing problems or understanding of a commandment or a story in God's word, I want to first whisper in Jesus' name, "Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, please, explain this to me. Help me understand. Give me wisdom so that I can do you will. I don't want to wonder and only ask of others. I want to ask you because I don't want to wander."
When Jesus met with his disciples near the end of his life here, he revealed new facts about God.
A few of the things he told his disciples went into their ears, but not their understanding. But instead of asking Jesus who was present with them, they wondered among themselves. Wondering with peers alone may cause wandering.
Bible studies, Christian literature, one-on-one conversations, lectures and sermons are all ways to increase our knowledge about God and his plan. The Bible is a God encyclopedia. But sometimes I don't understand or comprehend what I read. The white-space margins in my Bible are littered with question marks.
How do I get answers to the question marks on the pages or the question marks in life? Most often I talk with friends who are on the same path. Even when Jesus was within sight, the disciples were asking themselves what Jesus meant. Me? I'm guilty of that same mindset.
Even though Jesus is not visible for now, he still wants to answer and be the answer to my questions. On that night, a little later in Jesus' conversation he gave instructions for seeking wisdom after his ascension to the Father. "You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy" (16:24).
On that night, Jesus also talked about The Comforter, the Holy Spirit who would "convince the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment," and he concluded by naming the prominent problem in the world. "The world's sin is unbelief in me" (John 16:; 8,9).
When I need answers to life's perplexing problems or understanding of a commandment or a story in God's word, I want to first whisper in Jesus' name, "Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, please, explain this to me. Help me understand. Give me wisdom so that I can do you will. I don't want to wonder and only ask of others. I want to ask you because I don't want to wander."
Monday, May 23, 2005
If.....
Martha couldn't seem to step out of the heaviness of the last few days and nights. Her brother Lazarus was dead. A message was sent to Jesus when Lazarus became seriously ill, but the Lord failed to arrive.
Lazarus didn't make it. The empty house was full of mourners. A weight like wet wool settled on Martha's chest. Food didn't interest her. Neighbor women arrived and took over her kitchen. What did she care? Ever since her brother Lazarus died, all she could think about was him and the Teacher, and neither were in Bethany. She spent the last few days weeping and exchanging glances with her listless sister Mary.
Day and night, guests, community comforters filled their home. Martha accepted food, hugs and prayers. But Martha had no appetite, no warmth left in her body, no more soaring prayers.
Several days after the burial, Martha's thoughts were interrupted by a buzz of conversation from the household guests. Someone saw Jesus. He was on his way to them. Martha's lethargy left. She knew Jesus loved Lazarus, possibly more than she and her sister Mary.
She grabbed a wrap and left to meet him. When she first saw him, she blurted out, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." Not an accusation, just intimate knowledge of his power and authority. "But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."
Jesus said, "Your brother will rise again."
Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."
Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life, He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
"Yes, Lord. I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world."
She went to get Mary. When Mary saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said exactly what Martha said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."
Moments later, Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb, and three siblings may have hopped, skipped and jumped home from the cemetery. I can see them. Arms linked. Mary and Martha tiptoeing up to kiss Lazarus' cheek.
After once more reading this account in the Bible, I was struck by the sister's identical confessions. "If you had been here" each sister had said, "my brother would not have died."
This family had entertained God in their home, and they knew it. God had relaxed, laughed and took nourishment at their table. They had taken bread from his table, too. They had listened. They knew. They anchored their hope in him. He had the words to life eternal.
Lazarus didn't make it. The empty house was full of mourners. A weight like wet wool settled on Martha's chest. Food didn't interest her. Neighbor women arrived and took over her kitchen. What did she care? Ever since her brother Lazarus died, all she could think about was him and the Teacher, and neither were in Bethany. She spent the last few days weeping and exchanging glances with her listless sister Mary.
Day and night, guests, community comforters filled their home. Martha accepted food, hugs and prayers. But Martha had no appetite, no warmth left in her body, no more soaring prayers.
Several days after the burial, Martha's thoughts were interrupted by a buzz of conversation from the household guests. Someone saw Jesus. He was on his way to them. Martha's lethargy left. She knew Jesus loved Lazarus, possibly more than she and her sister Mary.
She grabbed a wrap and left to meet him. When she first saw him, she blurted out, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died." Not an accusation, just intimate knowledge of his power and authority. "But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."
Jesus said, "Your brother will rise again."
Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."
Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life, He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
"Yes, Lord. I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world."
She went to get Mary. When Mary saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said exactly what Martha said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."
Moments later, Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb, and three siblings may have hopped, skipped and jumped home from the cemetery. I can see them. Arms linked. Mary and Martha tiptoeing up to kiss Lazarus' cheek.
After once more reading this account in the Bible, I was struck by the sister's identical confessions. "If you had been here" each sister had said, "my brother would not have died."
This family had entertained God in their home, and they knew it. God had relaxed, laughed and took nourishment at their table. They had taken bread from his table, too. They had listened. They knew. They anchored their hope in him. He had the words to life eternal.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Battle Cry or Quiet Obedience
The giant Goliath taunted the Israelite army for 40 days.
David reached the camp when the army of God was going out to rank-up against Philistine enemies. Israel's soldiers went to the battlefield "shouting the war cry" (1 Samuel 17:20). Young David ran to the battle lines to greet his brothers. He heard the latest war tales, and when Goliath rumbled forth and bellowed his challenge, the Israelite soldiers "all ran from him in great fear" (24).
With his shepherd's staff, slingshot and five smooth stones, David approached the belligerent champion of the Philistines. Compared to armored Philistines who had blacksmiths, David looked vulnerable. Out of all of Israel's soldiers, only Saul and Jonathan had swords.
The winning tools were not in David's hands. The winning force was in his heart. His speech to the giant was not a war cry. He didn't run with blind rage at the tree trunk of a man. He gave a speech in God's name. "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied."
David continues describing how the giant was about to lose his head in battle, and concludes with a sweeping news release. "The whole world will know that there is a God in Israel . . . that it is not by sword or spear the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's"(45-47).
Israel shouted war cries, but their retreat from the enemy didn't match their shouts. A quiet trusting lad, his chest clad only in shepherd's clothing led an army by example. Eventually, the army with only two swords, a faith-filled David and God on their side prevailed against their enemies.
David reached the camp when the army of God was going out to rank-up against Philistine enemies. Israel's soldiers went to the battlefield "shouting the war cry" (1 Samuel 17:20). Young David ran to the battle lines to greet his brothers. He heard the latest war tales, and when Goliath rumbled forth and bellowed his challenge, the Israelite soldiers "all ran from him in great fear" (24).
With his shepherd's staff, slingshot and five smooth stones, David approached the belligerent champion of the Philistines. Compared to armored Philistines who had blacksmiths, David looked vulnerable. Out of all of Israel's soldiers, only Saul and Jonathan had swords.
The winning tools were not in David's hands. The winning force was in his heart. His speech to the giant was not a war cry. He didn't run with blind rage at the tree trunk of a man. He gave a speech in God's name. "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied."
David continues describing how the giant was about to lose his head in battle, and concludes with a sweeping news release. "The whole world will know that there is a God in Israel . . . that it is not by sword or spear the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's"(45-47).
Israel shouted war cries, but their retreat from the enemy didn't match their shouts. A quiet trusting lad, his chest clad only in shepherd's clothing led an army by example. Eventually, the army with only two swords, a faith-filled David and God on their side prevailed against their enemies.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Camouflage and Spurs
"Do you think it's OK for Adam to go to church with his spurs on?" One Sunday morning, my daughter Sheryle phoned to ask that question.
Five-year-old Adam chose his outfit for church: cowboy boots with spurs, camouflage pants, a Scooby Doo T-shirt and a button-up Spiderman shirt. Mix and Match clothing on the rack at Sears is cute. But this kid has an eye for the eclectic. For any mother who is delighted her children are dressing themselves, this presents a challenge.
The whole picture is about a child with five years of godly training, who is ready and willing to go to Bible class and worship. His heart was right, even though his sense of fashion lagged behind.
A familiar lesson, one from God to Samuel, comes to mind. When the prophet Samuel went to the house of Jesse to anoint the next king, he saw seven fine looking sons. In Samuel's eyes, each looked suited to wear the royal robe. But God had the eighth son in mind.
The seven sons who were present in Bethlehem were consecrated, set apart, for a sacrificial ceremony. Clean clothes and baths were often part of the ritual. So they were spiffed up, ready for the big announcement. When the eldest son went by, Samuel thought he must be the chosen one, but God spoke to Samuel.
"Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (16:7). God had the boy David in mind, the one rubbing shoulders with sunshine, sheep and shepherds.
Views about proper attire for worship are wide ranging. Some think we should always wear our best. Others are concerned about overdressing and making visitors who have less feel their dress is inadequate. The tendency is to notice folks who vary from my choice of clothing. Noticing is OK. Judging their character by their dress is not.
Did Jesus see a prostitute and think "unworthy"? Or did Jesus see thieving, gaudy tax collectors and think "He'll never change. He's not like the people I know"? Jesus saw potential in people. Willing hearts that could be loomed by the Lord, woven into servants.
Peter wrote a message to the women of his day, appropriate for all centuries. When he wrote about "fine women's apparel," he laid out a pattern for an inside garment, an echo of God's message to Samuel. (I Peter 3:3). Instead of the latest fashions, Peter encouraged the unfading loveliness that comes from a gentle and quiet spirit. Real beauty fabric.
On that Sunday morning, little Adam walked into Bible class with a slight spur-jingle. He brought smiles to his teachers' faces. I picture a grinning Jesus, too.
For it was Jesus who placed his hands on children and blessed them. Children finding their way to Jesus were rebuked by some adults. But a child's humility became an object lesson for his disciples. "For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" (Mark 10:14).
Five-year-old Adam chose his outfit for church: cowboy boots with spurs, camouflage pants, a Scooby Doo T-shirt and a button-up Spiderman shirt. Mix and Match clothing on the rack at Sears is cute. But this kid has an eye for the eclectic. For any mother who is delighted her children are dressing themselves, this presents a challenge.
The whole picture is about a child with five years of godly training, who is ready and willing to go to Bible class and worship. His heart was right, even though his sense of fashion lagged behind.
A familiar lesson, one from God to Samuel, comes to mind. When the prophet Samuel went to the house of Jesse to anoint the next king, he saw seven fine looking sons. In Samuel's eyes, each looked suited to wear the royal robe. But God had the eighth son in mind.
The seven sons who were present in Bethlehem were consecrated, set apart, for a sacrificial ceremony. Clean clothes and baths were often part of the ritual. So they were spiffed up, ready for the big announcement. When the eldest son went by, Samuel thought he must be the chosen one, but God spoke to Samuel.
"Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (16:7). God had the boy David in mind, the one rubbing shoulders with sunshine, sheep and shepherds.
Views about proper attire for worship are wide ranging. Some think we should always wear our best. Others are concerned about overdressing and making visitors who have less feel their dress is inadequate. The tendency is to notice folks who vary from my choice of clothing. Noticing is OK. Judging their character by their dress is not.
Did Jesus see a prostitute and think "unworthy"? Or did Jesus see thieving, gaudy tax collectors and think "He'll never change. He's not like the people I know"? Jesus saw potential in people. Willing hearts that could be loomed by the Lord, woven into servants.
Peter wrote a message to the women of his day, appropriate for all centuries. When he wrote about "fine women's apparel," he laid out a pattern for an inside garment, an echo of God's message to Samuel. (I Peter 3:3). Instead of the latest fashions, Peter encouraged the unfading loveliness that comes from a gentle and quiet spirit. Real beauty fabric.
On that Sunday morning, little Adam walked into Bible class with a slight spur-jingle. He brought smiles to his teachers' faces. I picture a grinning Jesus, too.
For it was Jesus who placed his hands on children and blessed them. Children finding their way to Jesus were rebuked by some adults. But a child's humility became an object lesson for his disciples. "For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these" (Mark 10:14).
Monday, May 16, 2005
Little Boy David
The prophet Samuel is told by God to go to Jesse's household, the reason, the next king would come from that clan. Samuel arrived and because his mission is pivitol for the future of Israel and he plans a sacrifice, he consecrates Jesse and seven sons. A cleansing ritual takes place, often including baths, clean clothes and abstaining from sexual relations.
Jesse and seven sons are set apart, ready to join in the worship sacrifice, Samuel is poised, ready for God to point out the next ruler. Samuel had on his king colored glasses. He saw that the oldest son Eliab was a fine looking man. Sovereign material, or so he thought. Good looking and the oldest. Ready to annoint him, God said, "Not so fast."
Ok, so it wouldn't be the firstborn. Samuel sized up the rest of Jesse's male offspring. Broad shoulders. Tanned. Steady gazes. Personable. Soldier material. The annointed would lead troops into battle. Each was considered eligible.
Again, Samuel had his horn of oil, aloft and ready to annoint. All he needed was a word from the Lord. But none came. He knew he was at the right place. Samuel had listened to the voice of the Lord since he was a young boy. This time, he'd heard God say, "Be on your way. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king" (1 Samuel 16:1).
Samuel is blinded by his sight. What is set before him is all he can see, but God's resources reach beyond Samuel's panoramic view. The youngest of Jesse's boys is out to pasture.
When Samuel saw the fine specimens of Jesse-clan genetics, he thought any one of them the next ruler, but that's when God teaches a lesson.
Jesse and seven sons are set apart, ready to join in the worship sacrifice, Samuel is poised, ready for God to point out the next ruler. Samuel had on his king colored glasses. He saw that the oldest son Eliab was a fine looking man. Sovereign material, or so he thought. Good looking and the oldest. Ready to annoint him, God said, "Not so fast."
Ok, so it wouldn't be the firstborn. Samuel sized up the rest of Jesse's male offspring. Broad shoulders. Tanned. Steady gazes. Personable. Soldier material. The annointed would lead troops into battle. Each was considered eligible.
Again, Samuel had his horn of oil, aloft and ready to annoint. All he needed was a word from the Lord. But none came. He knew he was at the right place. Samuel had listened to the voice of the Lord since he was a young boy. This time, he'd heard God say, "Be on your way. I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king" (1 Samuel 16:1).
Samuel is blinded by his sight. What is set before him is all he can see, but God's resources reach beyond Samuel's panoramic view. The youngest of Jesse's boys is out to pasture.
When Samuel saw the fine specimens of Jesse-clan genetics, he thought any one of them the next ruler, but that's when God teaches a lesson.
Monday, May 09, 2005
God has left
Today when studying the intertwined lives of Eli the priest and Samuel, Hannah and Elkanah's young son who lived and served at the tabernacle, a shattering phrase uttered by a dying woman caught my attention. The woman was the daughter-in-law of Eli. Her husband's name was Phinehas. He and his brother Hophni were wicked, seducing the young women who served at the Tabernacle. They also took the sacrificial meat offerings, early, before worshipers had time to complete the ceremonies. They skewed the choice pieces of meat from the boiling pots. They often took the meat before the fat was burned on the altar, so they could roast it.
God later accused Eli and his sons of making themselves fat at the expense of his people. Eli is described as "very fat" (NLT). Eli's wicked sons took The Ark of the Covenant into battle with the Philistines, and the Israelites were slaughtered, losing the battle and the Ark was captured. Eli's sons were killed.
When the courier returned to Shiloh with the news of 30,000 dead along with the two priests and the capture of the Ark. The news devastated Eli, 98, who fell back and broke his neck. Phinehas' wife was pregnant and near her delivery date. She heard that her husband and father-in-law were dead and that the Ark was in Philistine hands. She went into labor.
Closing the door on the delivery room for the moment, what happened in this community of believers? How did they get from holy to abominations at the door of God's dwelling. The Tabernacle, a place where God was to meet his people and forget their sins, became a place of vagrant sin. And all seemed to be turning their backs on it. But not God. He will not be mocked.
God sent Eli a message through a prophet one day. God's foretelling of the future did not sound pleasant. Eli's family would not be priests again. The men would die early deaths. Those who lived would be miserable. For God said, "I will honor only those who honor me, and I will despise those who despise me" (1 Samuel 2:30).
Under the old law, their rebellion should have been punished by death from the community, to purge evil acts and perpetrators from their camp. Their father should have carried out the sentence himself, even casting the first stones. Because Eli refused to correct his sons God withdrew his honor from that family.
Back in the delivery room, a son, fated to a short life, is born and his mother names him Ichabod, meaning "Where is the glory?" She said before she died, "The glory has departed form Israel, for the Ark of God has been captured" (1 Samuel 4:22).
A delivery room is a strange place for a prophecy about departing. It seems the proper place for joy, new birth, rejoicing. But on that day, a lot of departures took place. Thirty thousand of Israel's young men died, Eli their priest, his two sons, a woman giving birth, all departed. But the greatest departure was the Ark of God.
Foretold in the naming of Ichabod, Where is the glory? When God withdraws his honor from a family, where is the glory?
God later accused Eli and his sons of making themselves fat at the expense of his people. Eli is described as "very fat" (NLT). Eli's wicked sons took The Ark of the Covenant into battle with the Philistines, and the Israelites were slaughtered, losing the battle and the Ark was captured. Eli's sons were killed.
When the courier returned to Shiloh with the news of 30,000 dead along with the two priests and the capture of the Ark. The news devastated Eli, 98, who fell back and broke his neck. Phinehas' wife was pregnant and near her delivery date. She heard that her husband and father-in-law were dead and that the Ark was in Philistine hands. She went into labor.
Closing the door on the delivery room for the moment, what happened in this community of believers? How did they get from holy to abominations at the door of God's dwelling. The Tabernacle, a place where God was to meet his people and forget their sins, became a place of vagrant sin. And all seemed to be turning their backs on it. But not God. He will not be mocked.
God sent Eli a message through a prophet one day. God's foretelling of the future did not sound pleasant. Eli's family would not be priests again. The men would die early deaths. Those who lived would be miserable. For God said, "I will honor only those who honor me, and I will despise those who despise me" (1 Samuel 2:30).
Under the old law, their rebellion should have been punished by death from the community, to purge evil acts and perpetrators from their camp. Their father should have carried out the sentence himself, even casting the first stones. Because Eli refused to correct his sons God withdrew his honor from that family.
Back in the delivery room, a son, fated to a short life, is born and his mother names him Ichabod, meaning "Where is the glory?" She said before she died, "The glory has departed form Israel, for the Ark of God has been captured" (1 Samuel 4:22).
A delivery room is a strange place for a prophecy about departing. It seems the proper place for joy, new birth, rejoicing. But on that day, a lot of departures took place. Thirty thousand of Israel's young men died, Eli their priest, his two sons, a woman giving birth, all departed. But the greatest departure was the Ark of God.
Foretold in the naming of Ichabod, Where is the glory? When God withdraws his honor from a family, where is the glory?
Sunday, April 24, 2005
I never did before
New to blogging, I lost an interim post, but hope to be here more.
My house is walking out of its old layers. Spring decluttering. Like a snake sheds skin in the spring, my house has to rid itself of collected things. Too bad its not a natural process. I coax it along.
This past week on April 19th, I did something I've never done before. I signed a book contract. The agreement is for ACU Press/Hillcrest Publishing to publish a collection of my newspaper columns, formatted devotional style, into a book. Working title: The Stained Glass Pickup.
I'm most excited about sharing how I learned to pray in the name of Jesus, not tagging his name to the end, but actually praying in his name, in the way he life-supported me through the day. Today, I awakened at 3:30 AM and got up to be productive until drowsiness returned. Through that two hours, Jesus became my model for early Sunday rising, but he had the grandest purpose on Resurrection Sunday. My tasks were mundane, but needed.
Thinking about him, keeping my eyes on him is one of my goals. Watching with his eyes for today's opportunities to make God look good to others. My actions have the power to make God palatable or distasteful to my acquaintances, since they know I'm his child. Of course God doesn't need me to enhance his character. He can ably bring about events to bring him notice or glory.
One scripture stood out in my Bible reading this week. It's been the mull-over one, keeps bleeping back into my thoughts. Before his cross, Jesus tells his disciples to go into the city and untie a colt, and when they are asked why to tell the questioners, "The Savior needs it" (Luke 19:30-35). What things do I need to loosen my grip on before I may be of real use to the Savior? Jesus said, "Untie it and bring it here" (NLT).
A column for newspaper will arise out of that. Any readers may subscribe to the e-mailed version at
http://hundred-acre-woods.com/magic-list-v6/Cathys/
Until later.
My house is walking out of its old layers. Spring decluttering. Like a snake sheds skin in the spring, my house has to rid itself of collected things. Too bad its not a natural process. I coax it along.
This past week on April 19th, I did something I've never done before. I signed a book contract. The agreement is for ACU Press/Hillcrest Publishing to publish a collection of my newspaper columns, formatted devotional style, into a book. Working title: The Stained Glass Pickup.
I'm most excited about sharing how I learned to pray in the name of Jesus, not tagging his name to the end, but actually praying in his name, in the way he life-supported me through the day. Today, I awakened at 3:30 AM and got up to be productive until drowsiness returned. Through that two hours, Jesus became my model for early Sunday rising, but he had the grandest purpose on Resurrection Sunday. My tasks were mundane, but needed.
Thinking about him, keeping my eyes on him is one of my goals. Watching with his eyes for today's opportunities to make God look good to others. My actions have the power to make God palatable or distasteful to my acquaintances, since they know I'm his child. Of course God doesn't need me to enhance his character. He can ably bring about events to bring him notice or glory.
One scripture stood out in my Bible reading this week. It's been the mull-over one, keeps bleeping back into my thoughts. Before his cross, Jesus tells his disciples to go into the city and untie a colt, and when they are asked why to tell the questioners, "The Savior needs it" (Luke 19:30-35). What things do I need to loosen my grip on before I may be of real use to the Savior? Jesus said, "Untie it and bring it here" (NLT).
A column for newspaper will arise out of that. Any readers may subscribe to the e-mailed version at
http://hundred-acre-woods.com/magic-list-v6/Cathys/
Until later.
Saturday, April 02, 2005
New Beginnings
I am a writer who keeps random thoughts about life in margins of my Bibles, on gum wrappers and bazillion scraps of paper. So, here I go. I plan to keep track of my thoughts in this blog. Rein them in so I have fodder for my newspaper column, appearing on Fridays in The Courier, Conroe, Tx.
I also want to jot down new insights about life or God or good wording that I read from other writers who sometimes cast lovely thoughts my way. Refreshing the gray areas. I'll probably post my goals, attainments and failures. Hmm. I'll see which list fills up the fastest.
This evening, I'll try to get this rebellious house under control. If only the dust bunnies would go on strike for a week. Mom and Dad have needed extra help this week due to her surgery, so the scum level here has risen.
For the next few weeks the traditional spring cleaning will take place. I feel quite brave. During this homemaker ritual, my daughter Sheryle talked me into throwing out my wedding gown several years ago. The 37 going on 38 marriage is vitally intact, so feeling rather gutsy the lace and tulle went to Goodwill. We'll see what I can disentangle my emotions from this spring. I want to throw out things in order to have more time to spend with people and writing.
I also want to jot down new insights about life or God or good wording that I read from other writers who sometimes cast lovely thoughts my way. Refreshing the gray areas. I'll probably post my goals, attainments and failures. Hmm. I'll see which list fills up the fastest.
This evening, I'll try to get this rebellious house under control. If only the dust bunnies would go on strike for a week. Mom and Dad have needed extra help this week due to her surgery, so the scum level here has risen.
For the next few weeks the traditional spring cleaning will take place. I feel quite brave. During this homemaker ritual, my daughter Sheryle talked me into throwing out my wedding gown several years ago. The 37 going on 38 marriage is vitally intact, so feeling rather gutsy the lace and tulle went to Goodwill. We'll see what I can disentangle my emotions from this spring. I want to throw out things in order to have more time to spend with people and writing.
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