Monthly Archives: October 2013

Broken, with hope of becoming whole

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I was reflecting tonight on someone who is broken, and trying to see life through their eyes:

Where do you go when you are broken,
When life seems quite beyond fixing?
Where do you turn when your heart is torn
And you fear it won’t be whole again?

Where do you turn when everything looks good on the outside,
But deep inside there is a part of you that is broken?
A part of you that colors your whole life with darkness,
Where light doesn’t seem to shine?

Turn to someone who has been broken too,
Who can mend the pieces of your heart,
Who understands your brokenness
Because he was broken for you.

It was for you he died on a cross in brokenness and pain,
To pay a debt he didn’t owe with a price we couldn’t pay.
Your broken heart fixed in his eyes, he gave it all for you,
To rescue you and draw you close, to make you whole in him.

Turn to the light who shines in darkest pain,
With grace and peace and love.
Let him shine deep within your heart
And let him bring you hope.

– BT

Can you really do all things through Christ?

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In the 1992 cartoon Aladdin, Alladin tricked the evil Jafar into wishing to be a more powerful genie than Genie himself. Jafar exclaims, “The universe is mine to command, mine to control!” But as the enslaving cufflinks form on his hands, Jafar is sucked into the tiny genie lamp which becomes his prison. Aladdin reflects, “Phenomenal cosmic powers. Itty-bitty living space.” Ah, the price of ‘uncontrollable power.’ 🙂

Perhaps in a strange way this points out how we are sometimes mislead by a simplified approach to achieving success and control over our lives. For example many people quote Philippians 4:13 as if it were a magic genie phrase: “I can do all things through him (Christ) who strengthens me.” It is absolutely true that believers in Jesus do have access to supernatural power, to overcome darkness, to endure suffering with faith, even to participate in God’s demonstration of miracles. But it is not quite the same as super hero powers that bring attention to ourselves.

In fact, whenever you come across a verse that speaks deeply to you, you might consider the context of that verse. Often the ‘secret’ that unlocks the truth of that verse is found just before, or sometimes just after the ‘famous’ verse. In this case, it is found in verses 11 and 12 of chapter four. Paul writes:
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

Do you see it? It is not that he can outrun a speeding bullet or leap over a tall building or other physical feat. Nor does he automatically have the power to escape his painful circumstances. But he has learned to be content in whatever situation he confronts: prison, beatings, humiliation, shipwrecks, being falsely accused, and physical pain. His circumstances don’t control him. So rare is this, he calls it learning a “secret,” one that allows him to bear all things, to do all things, because in this contentment, Christ gives him the strength to do so.

This is not a contentment that says, “Oh well, I guess this is the best I get,” but rather a deep satisfaction that this situation will work for good, because that is God’s design. In fact he earlier proclaims, “Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” (Philippians 1:12) Bad things sometimes happen so good can be advanced!

I wonder, have you learned the “secret” of being content? It is something you may learn and apply, and then keep learning all your life. In what areas of your life could you be more content, and thereby learn to do all things?

Growing in truth

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Yesterday, we considered the faithfulness of God and of His Word which is always trustworthy and applicable in whatever situation we face. While I knew this to be true before I was diagnosed with leukemia, I have come to a deeper experiential understanding of this during this unexpected journey. For sure, I have lots yet to learn and even more to apply. And I am quite imperfect in acting this out in my moment by moment challenges. For example, the mental impairment that comes with this disease is a daily challenge and I too often allow myself to get carried away by fits of frustration with it before I surrender the situation to God.

I know that one of the reasons Marcia and I have come to this deeper understanding of practical truth is because of the truth of Psalm 119:11 – “I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” The time to ‘hide’ or protect his Word in our heart is not when trouble comes, but to establish it there well before the time of trial. I mean, what farmer goes out in the storm to plant his seeds? Surely, they would all wash away! Better they have opportunity to grow roots before the storm comes. When we grow in the truth we put down roots that sustain us in times of adversity.

If you are not accustomed to reading the bible, or to pursuing it for deeper understanding, try reading one book of the bible. Maybe the book of John near the beginning of the New Testament or the book of 1 John near the end of the bible. Before you read, ask God to reveal more of himself to you if you really want to get to know him more.

Ephesians 4:14 talks about the truth that sustains life and holds it together, the truth that keeps us from being carried away by every popular view and cunning persuasion. Reading God’s Word helps you put down roots and grow in the truth by understanding what you believe and why you believe it. It shows you what you can lean on with absolute trust. It gives you the direction and light you need to navigate a dark world. It will help you to grow in truth…and grace.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

What are you leaning on?

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I remember vacationing out west when I was a youth and being impressed with the vastness of the Grand Canyon. For an Iowa boy, standing at the edge of such an immense chasm was both inspiring and intimidating. Not being fond of heights to begin with, I was the one to approach the edge railing ever so cautiously. I thought I was doing much better with this as an adult but found myself being equally ‘vigilant’ standing at the edge of the tall pier in Newport Beach last year. My loving wife gently teased me about it as I tenderly clung to her (for life! :-)) as we admired the ocean view together. What can I say? Faced with the potential for danger, I like a sturdy railing! Something I know I can lean on and trust.

We need to know for SURE what and who we can lean on when troubles come. Have you ever found yourself leaning on your abilities to be successful or on your financial savings? Or your good health or knowledge and education? It is great when we are blessed with these but I’m sure you know how fleeting these all are, here one day and gone the next. It only took one 5 minute “You have Leukemia” conversation with my hematologist to reveal how all that would change in my life very quickly. Though I have been richly blessed with the love and support of family and friends, how many people have found that even these sometimes fall short when facing times of immense troubles?

So what can we lean on that is always dependable? Here is what I have found in my life and tested to be always true, always reliable and firm, always accessible and unchanging no matter what circumstances prevail, even a life-threatening illness: God’s love, his faithfulness, truth, grace, and power to overcome. He is more than a sturdy railing that protects us from falling. His Word tells the history (His Story) of unfailing compassion toward us. I have experienced this to be true. And since true, I know I can always trust it. And since I can trust it, why in the world would I not ACT on it?! After all, we always act on what we believe.

What troubles and suffering are you facing today? What sorrows and anxieties weigh on your heart? You really can trust them to God if you truly believe in him. His Word is true and applicable to every burden you carry. I hope you will be fully persuaded to not only believe, but believe to the point of acting on it so you can lean with all your strength. Lean with reckless abandon, fully trusting that what you lean on is completely secure, and fully experiencing all the adventure he intends for you.

“For great is your love, higher than the heavens;
your faithfulness reaches to the skies.” Psalm 108:4

Unexpected blessings -2-

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Yesterday, I shared the lyrics and link to Laura story’s beautiful song, Blessings. You can scroll down to yesterday’s post if you missed it.

Have you ever wondered how composers come up with the inspiration for their songs? In this case, as probably is the case for each of us who are inspired by them, it is wrapped around personal experience. Laura’s husband was hospitalized with a life threatening brain tumor. She describes their experience:

“There was a time he was on a breathing machine and we weren’t sure he was going to make it. I spent my whole life singing, ‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,’ but until Jesus took me through something where my only option was to trust Him, I didn’t really know that sweetness.”

“It’s hard to understand why God would allow us to go through this, but I know He works all things together for good, and I feel my new album is reflecting that. Though He leads us through valleys, that’s when we get to trust Him and draw closer to Him all the more. Though I’ve doubted, His grasp has never released, never slipped. He’s remained completely faithful to me. He has proven that He really is my foundation and my hope.” *

BT: Are you at a point where you’re asking God, “Why don’t you just FIX this? WHEN is this going to end? Are you even listening?!” Perhaps part of his answer is already being revealed. As my loving wife has often reminded me in our journey through Leukemia, this isn’t just a ‘detour’; this is part of the road that takes us to unexpected blessings.

May you be blessed richly in drawing close to and waiting on the Lord. Don’t miss out on a blessing just because it comes in a different package than you expected! Look for God’s light to shine into the darkness of your trial, and for the peace He has to offer you, even when His mercies are in disguise.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Jesus, John 14:27

*(Quotes from interview with Matt Hubble, FISH radio.) You can also watch a short video excerpt from an interview here describing how she and her husband wrestled with this issue of waiting for God’s good answer:

Unexpected blessings

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Laura Story’s beautiful song, “Blessings,” is about how the trials of this life often speak to God’s mercies in disguise.
It is about being able to worship even when life is hard and certain that no matter what comes around the next bend, there will be an incredible view. It is for each of us in whatever breaks our heart, whatever brings us to wait on God’s answer to our prayers.

I firmly believe that there ARE blessings that come through raindrops and healing that comes only through tears. In this journey with leukemia, I have found that God’s answer to prayer is sometimes different than I would have expected or chosen, but it is still plenty good. And there is also great blessing to be found in our drawing ever closer to God, and to each other, as we wait for that answer.

May your blessings, even if they come as raindrops, bring you hope like an anchor, firm and secure (Hebrews 6:19) as you wait.

You can listen to “Blessings” here and read the lyrics below:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/blessings/id429376000

“Blessings” by Laura Story

We pray for blessings, we pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
And all the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

‘Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love
As if every promise from Your word is not enough
And all the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we’d have faith to believe

‘Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not,
This is not our home
It’s not our home

‘Cause what if your blessings come through rain drops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near

What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
What if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are your mercies in disguise

Seeing life through other’s eyes

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Steve Allen created a 1970s talk show called Meeting of Minds, where he would interview famous people throughout history. Actors appeared in full character and interacted with Allen, giving fresh insight into what it was like to live their historically famous life.

Experiencing a significant trial in your life is like that. By shifting your focus from your own pain and suffering, you can find that God has increased your sensitivity to the condition of others in your path. You can see life through other’s eyes. And you may find that the comfort He gave you in your trial later benefits another who is going through a similar struggle in their life.

This walk through Leukemia has included an introduction to numerous symptoms that are not unlike the struggles others faces, physically, mentally, relationally, emotionally and spiritually. Some examples include:

‘Chemo brain’ that interferes with interferes with mental acuity and problem solving. Your inhibitions filter may falter and you end up saying things you normally would have kept to yourself or that might have been expressed more gently. Medications may cause you to feeling ‘wired’ at times, sometimes resulting in lack of sleep and other times crashing into depths where you temporarily lose sight of the ‘light’ of hope you need to find your way back. Emotions may flow more freely than you like, particularly if you are extremely tired and weak. This wears on caregivers too! Stress can cause sensory overload where everything seems amplified and you want to withdraw into a world where you can focus on just one thing. Other emotional and physical factors can lead you to feel less confident and question your ability to make valuable contributions.

And on the other side of the equation, these very trials give opportunity to find peace in the storm, faith when surrounded by fear, strength in your weakness, spiritual and emotional healing in the midst of physical disease, the safe harbor light of hope in a very dark sea of uncertainty, a thankful heart when there seems much reason to complain, the value of others when you are lonely, the contented joy that is intended to be found on your path of suffering. . . and the perspective to see others through their eyes, and offer them the comfort you have been given in your suffering.

What trials are you going through that increase your sensitivity to the needs of others around you, and that offer you the unique opportunity to experience deeper blessings that you might not find otherwise?

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Seeing others differently (and med update)

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I recently saw this quote on the Compassion International website:

“Treat a child as though he is already the person he is capable of being.” ~ Haim Ginott

Actually, isn’t that good advice for all our interactions? Especially those who are paralyzed by fear or worry, addictions and hangups… those who have yet to discover the fullness of God’s best for them. Maybe even ourselves when we fall prey to the battle for our minds!

Believing in the potential of others is a way to see others with the loving eyes through which God sees them. In his book, Revolution In World Missions, YP Yohannon describes a young missionary in India who was severely beaten and tossed outside the city because he told others about Jesus. He turned his eyes to heaven and asked God to increase his love for the people of this town so that he could return to share God’s love with them. He said, “It was as if God removed my eyes from their sockets and gave me instead the eyes of Jesus so I could see others through HIS eyes.”

I recall the story of the Christian woman who worked in a pool of secretaries. One of the other secretaries was always emailing off-color jokes and gossiping. Several times, the Christian felt like giving the other woman a piece of her mind and telling her to stop emailing her. But a quiet inner voice told her to remain quiet and “only speak love”. Some time later, the offensive woman approached the woman and asked if she could confide in her about a problem. She said all the others were so judgmental but she felt she could trust “the quiet Christian.”

What would happen if we intentionally applied this principle in our interactions with those who regularly rub us the wrong way, those who are always complaining, those to whom we are not naturally attracted? What if we asked God to help us see others (and ourselves) differently and believed in God’s power to speak through caring words and actions that quietly encourage others to seek God’s best for them? I believe it makes more of a difference than we might ever imagine!

I wonder who is in your path today that needs someone to see them through God’s loving eyes?

“Accept one another just as Christ accepted you.” Romans 15:7
PS- Medical update: Today marks 6 months post stem cell transplant! Recent tests confirms cancer remains in remission (Since January). Appetite returned with steroid treatment and I am OFF the Failure To Thrive diagnosis. I REALLY am enjoying getting out to enjoy God’s creation! God is good ALL the time. – BT

When it is NOT good to share

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We recently had all the grandchildren here to pick apples. Afterward, they had fun playing with the toys we keep for them here. As expected, a certain toy would go unnoticed until one grandchild picked it up. Then, another child would suddenly realize that particular toy was JUST what they needed to play with at the time. And thus began another lesson on sharing.

As adults, the Bible reminds us also to consider the needs of others and share our blessings; we are after all, blessed in order to bless. We are called not only to share in physical tangible ways, but also in the time, energy, focus, and priority we place on others. And it’s a calling that ends up blessing US in return!

But there is another kind of sharing that actually bears disastrous results for us. And that is sharing our affections for God with other entities (“idols”). Loving God a little but loving other things more is one form of worshiping idols. God warns us that we should have only one God and not bow down to other ‘gods.’ Jesus summarizes everything we need to do by calling us to love God with ALL our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love others as He loves us. Our loving gracious God is also a Holy and just God. His wonderful plan for us is not to participate in some kind of time-share. He wants us to have ALL of Him, and we need Him to have ALL of us.

Imagine newly weds gazing into each other’s eyes, repeating words of commitment and devotion to each other, saying, “I will always and forever love only you. There will never be another who claims my affection or attention…except maybe football, or my career ambitions, or when I want to watch certain movies that dishonor you, or I have to have my own way, or I want to complain about you to others, or if I feel unloved, or …” (the list goes on.) Our desires and our actions must match our words if we are to bring honor to each other.

It is the same way with our relationship with God. We can’t simply bring words of praise on Sundays and then allow other ‘competitors’ to spoil our daily relationship with Him. If we want all his blessing we need to bring Him a heart that is satisfied with him more than anything else. There we find, and give, honor that is due, and honor that brings mutual joy.

Sharing blessings and truth and grace is good, but not letting other desires compete with our love for God. What other ‘gods’ need disowning in your life? Today is a great day to tell God about them and ask to help you remove them.

“I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.” Isaiah 42:8

The answers you seek are found in being still

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Everyone is looking for answers. How do I find peace? Where do I find happiness? What does a fulfilling life really look like? Why is there pain and suffering in the world? When will it ever end? How can I make it through this day/week?

As many questions as we have, we tend to try many paths to finding answers: we roll things over and over in our minds, we search our hearts, we listen to those around us, we revert back to what our parents did, we read articles and books. Sometimes, we actually go to God, which is always our best first choice!

But consider this before frantically searching out solutions and answers:

“The answers you seek never come to mind when the mind is busy. They come only when the mind is still.” (Author unknown)

Being still is such an unpopular and uncharacteristic state of being in a society that seems to worship activity and self-effort. Ask that of someone who is near the end of life and I’m pretty sure they would concur; busyness is not the goal that rewards.

But how do you cultivate the discipline of being still? Maybe there are daily activities and habits you really could stop or slow down in order to create islands of peace and quiet throughout the day. I used to be tied to checking emails and messages all the time, as if the world would stop spinning if I didn’t respond to something within a minute!

Even if it seems impossible to stop any of your spinning plates for fear they will all come crashing down, who doesn’t have a few seconds before moving on? That’s literally all it takes to pause, take a deep breath, say a word of thanks, or remind ourselves who we are in God’s sight and who He is. And if we don’t take small moments to recharge throughout the day, how effective will we be anyway?!

We have limited choices: seek Him in stillness or go our own busy way. (And we only have to ask how going our own way is really working for us to realize how much we need to learn the art of being still before God!)

In The Secret (Chris Tomlin)
In the secret, in the quiet place
In the stillness You are there.
In the secret, in the quiet hour I wait,
Only for You,’cause I want to know You more.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10