Monthly Archives: January 2016

Having a happy thought

 

Last week, when I was finished with a rather arduous medical test, the kind young woman who assisted me said goodbye. Just as she turned to leave she added, “I’m going to have a happy thought for you.” It was a kind gesture meant to console me. But it caused me to wonder where she puts her trust when life’s storms come her way. Who does she thank when all is well? Where will she turn when life comes to an end? What sort of refuge does a “happy thought” provide? And it brought me to reflect on a theme that has been so prevalent during these last 3+ years:

 

“I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:2

 

I remember Marcia writing this verse on a note card and taping it to my hospital bed to help calm me in a time of great difficulty and distress. With her encouragement, I repeatedly and slowly prayed the first part of the verse silently as I breathed in and the second part as I slowly exhaled. When there was no strength to pray anything else, I turned to my refuge, my fortress, my God in whom I trust. I’m sure most of you do too.

 

Where else could we turn? I’ve been healthy most all my life, but a sudden diagnosis of cancer reminded me I can’t turn to my health. I used to be able to run up and down stairs and carry heavy objects, but the weakness of Leukemia shows me I can’t depend on my strength. Should we depend on our job or career, our ability to think clearly, our communication skills, or other attributes that lead to our sense of “success?” A sudden stroke or other event could end that in a moment. I’m thankful to have a loving and devoted family and friends who step up when I need help. But many lack this and there are limits to what even family and friends can provide.

 

It may seem hopeless when we think of the inevitability of life’s disappointments and challenges that come our way. But we are not left to happy thoughts, good wishes, karma, or good vibrations to comfort and strengthen us.

 

We may be tempted to think even our faith is not a strong enough foundation. Indeed, at times our faith may seem like a very weak fortress that offers little refuge from the pressures that bear upon us. But the object of our faith, Jesus, is never weak. He alone is our formidable fortress and refuge. He hears our cries and protects our soul and spirit from despair. His Spirit speaks truth to our doubts and peace to our fears. In him we find strength in our weakness and rest for our weary souls.

 

Right now where you are, you can turn to the one refuge and fortress that fully guards your heart and mind, your God in whom you can trust. Run to him or simply fall into his loving arms and find the peace you seek.

 

 

 

 

And never is heard a discouraging word…

 

imageBrother Bruce Ray visited us at the hospital to encourage us. He even sat through my leg biopsy and, unlike me, he didn’t wince once!

 

It seems to be an essential element of living  well. We  all need encouragement. Some will encourage us to follow misdirected ways. But we all have the opportunity to encourage others and ourselves in positive, even life-changing ways. I’m reminded of the story of the high school girl who, on the way home, dropped all her books. As she stooped to pick them up, a classmate – actually a stranger to her – bent down to help her. “Why are you helping me? No one ever helps me, or even knows I am here.” As they walked together along the sidewalk, the first girl confessed she was going home to kill herself because there was no purpose in living. But she confided in her new friend that she had changed her mind because of the seemingly small act of encouragement of someone who dared to care and give her hope. For her, there there might not have been a “tomorrow.” That’s why our focus should be on encouraging others today, while time remains.

 

Encouragement is a strong theme in the bible as an example of how we should live our lives. Leaders are called to encourage their “troops”and we are urged to encourage each other. God encourages us by listening to our cries, IF we have faith to believe him at his Word. One of the reasons Jesus gave us his own Spirit was to encourage us in our darkness, most confusing and painful times. We are encouraged when we are reminded of our reason for hope and perseverance.

 

We are encouraged by visits and by visiting others if we free ourselves from feeling “interrupted.”  Sometimes encouragement is the very purpose of our day as we encounter others. Rather than thinking of such reunions as “coincidences” you might think of them as “God incidences.” We can sometimes encourage others “accidentally” by what we unintentionally say or do, but more often it is an intentional act and we prioritize our time and others resources just for that purpose.

 

Encouragement strengthens us and gives us hope. It renews our faith. It becomes light in the darkness of our sorrow. I wonder, have you discovered how cultivating your thankful heart brings encouragement to your soul? Thanking others often does the same for them. If you were to make a list of all the ways you feel encouraged by the words, actions, or the simple presence of others, you probably have a good start on a list of how you can intentionally encourage others yourself.

 

We chase careers, hobbies, life dreams and pursuits. What if you get to the end of life and discover it wasn’t about those things at all, but instead the goal was to be an encourager, one who equips and shines the light of hope on their path? It’s a higher calling than many others we might pursue.

 

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

 

Surprise! – Medical update

 

Surprise! That’s what my brother and sister yelled out from behind the curtain when I came through my hospital room door last Saturday. It wasn’t a complete surprise; I knew they were coming to visit me in the hospital (more below on that), but they arrived before I could return from one of my multiple trips to X-Ray/Radiology. Still, it was fun to celebrate with a cheer of “Surprise.”

 

Do you like surprises? Only if they bring good news, right? Surprise! You’re getting a raise. Surprise! The medical tests came out great! Surprise! Your child called just to tell you he loves you. We all like those kind of surprises!

 

During my transplant consultation in Iowa City last Friday, the doctor looked at my lab results and decided  (surprise) I needed to have emergency inpatient admission THAT very day for a day or more. We hadn’t come prepared to be admitted and besides, we thought it more reasonable to be treated closer to home if really needed. Surprise! Because of the complexity of my issues, the hospital in Des Moines wouldn’t admit me. Then further tests resulted in (surprise!) my stay will be 5-6 days … Or more.

 

Now, a Spirit-led response would have been to to take a calming breath and ask for God’s leading. It might have been like a novel I read years ago, where a faithful couple were in their humble home and heard a knock on the door. The wife answered the door and called nonchantly to her Spirit-filled husband saying, “Henry, the Angel of the Lord is here to see you.” No fear or sudden shock. They both lived expecting the Lord to show up in some way every day, so when he showed up visibly on their doorstep, it was no surprise. “Hi Lord, have a seat. Would you like something to drink or maybe some fresh cookies?”

 

That’s what a Spirit-led response might have looked like.. Or it might have been a picture of you excitedly receiving a surprise visit from a good friend and warmly ushering them into your home, eager to hear what they had to say.

 

Have you ever considered how history would have been forever changed if Adam and Eve, when confronted by the deceiving serpent, would have simply said, “Wait. Let me check with my Heavenly Father about that?!” WE have that same choice when unpleasant situations surprise us.

 

Had I made that choice, I would have ushered in peace, joy, and assurance. But instead of choosing to be led by God’s Spirit, I let myself be led by how I felt. I was tired from the long day and worn down by the inability of multiple specialists to diagnose and treat my painful ailment. In the sudden change in plans, I chose to invite a frustrated response to the situation. I allowed irrational “logic” and feelings to jade my perception of the situation. I didn’t consider maybe THIS is the place God would answer my prayers.  Instead, I allowed this frustration and sense of prideful, “I know what’s best” to rise up inside me. Oh, it wasn’t a knock down drag out drama. But in choosing to go my way I allowed an hour of peace escape my reality, until I opened my eyes to God’s perspective.

 

Don’t we often find that dilemma when life throws an unpleasant surprise party for us? There’s a simple  (but not easy) process to help handle these. It takes repeated discipline to stop, pray and listen to God’s quiet voice, and respond quickly to his way. Part of that discipline is training ourselves to hear God’s voice in quiet times. Now, I’m not going to beat myself up over this situation and neither should you if you find yourself insisting on your way instead of God’s way. Instead, let’s repent and make a renewed commitment to stop, pray, listen, and respond. That’s a path to finding God’s best in any situation.

 

Be blessed!  By the way… do you know someone who could use a little daily encouragement facing life’s battles? Click “forward” below and share the joy and hope Jesus offers for honest, victorious living!

 

God loves us in our mess

imageThis FB photo struck a chord with me, especially the last quote:

“(God) doesn’t (only), love some future version of you; He loves us in our mess.”

 

He loves the messy parts of our lives where faith meets doubt and confidence meets fear. He understands our struggles with actually living out what we believe. He invites each of us to be completely honest with him, to tell it like it is – that sometimes we are angry with him, or disappointed, or we feel he is so distant. He gets it.  But when we’re done venting and crying, let’s also cry out to him,

“Lord, I don’t want to stay this way. I want to feel your presence, I want to feel the warmth of your embrace, of drawing close to you. Despite how I feel right now, yet still will I praise you and put my trust in you. For you alone are worthy of praise.”

 

Yes, God loves you and me in our mess. We don’t have to get cleaned up to come to him. In fact we never could. If we could get our act together on our own power, what was the purpose of Jesus dying on the cross for us? We can’t do it, but Christ in us can! And the truly great thing is, if we cooperate with his Spirit, he won’t leave us where we are. He will transform your life and mine in ways more wondrous than you can imagine, even if your circumstances don’t change.

 

image So let’s give it up to the one who sees us where we are, who hears our every prayer, catches each of our tears, who has your name written on the palm of his hand, and relentlessly reaches out to draw us all closer to him. He’s calling you right now, in the messy parts of your life. He loves the messy parts along with everything else. He’s a big God. He can handle it. And so can you…if he’s in charge.

 

 

Mocking and sarcasm

 

Whether it be sports, politics, religion, or any other divisive arena in life, there are those who love to mock their opponents or anyone who disagrees with them. We learned it as children and sometimes carry it with us as adults. Whether it’s the Facebook posts we share or the opinionated lives we live, mocking others with a sarcastic attitude is a prevalent activity.

 

We see it in many cross sections of society, including some Christians who fall into this trap. But is it right behavior for Christians? It may be permissible, but is it beneficial? When looking at how you and I should conduct our lives, a good place to start is asking what the Bible says. I searched the Bible for the word “mock” and found 72 references…NONE of them commended by God. Always, mockers are portrayed as wicked and evil. Never are they presented as worthy or righteous.

 

Another place to look as an example of how we should behave is the life and character of Jesus. Where do you find that Jesus mocked and made fun of others? I don’t find any. Oh, for sure he sometimes called them out, particularly the hypocritical religious leaders who violated their responsibility to the people and to God, but he didn’t stoop to mocking them with sarcastic attacks. He simply presented the truth. Shouldn’t we do what Jesus did?

 

You might think to yourself, “Hey lighten up. It’s just a little fun.” But it’s more than that. It grows on you and starts to become your identity. People come to expect you to be witty, mocking, and sarcastic. It changes who you are. Putting others down never lifts you up. I know because that used to be my life; characterized with a biting wit,  based on poking fun at people instead of presenting a solution, mocking instead of making a difference as God’s advocate, being sarcastic instead of sincere.

 

There’ nothing wrong with having fun, but let’s not do it at the expense of others, even our enemies and opponents. It’s not scriptural and it isn’t beneficial for any of us. We want to live lives focused on and honorable to God. For our own sake and the sake of those watching us, let’s say “no!” tomocking and sarcasm!  If friends ask what’s up, tell them you’ve decided it doesn’t flow with the bible.,maybe you’ll be a wake call to someone else.

 

“It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.” Matthew 15:11

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:29-32

 

What does it mean to receive?

 

Imagine someone who has fallen overboard in an ocean voyage. Surrounded by darkness and the peril of the deep, they cry out for help. Over and over they cry out, “Someone, please help me!” And then a life preserver is tossed to them. Receiving it into their arms, they shout for joy, “Oh thank you, thank you, thank you!”

 

Happy ending, right? The one who was lost to the depths was found and brought to,safety. But let’s go back in the story. What if the one in distress didn’t receive the life preserver? What if instead, they shouted, “Oh thank you. Thank you so much, but I am not worthy of being saved. You don’t know the secret and shameful burdens I’ve carried for so many years. I’d rather die in these dark waters than live and have my sins revealed.”

 

Does such a story rewrite seem inconceivable? I can tell you it happens more than we know.  I witnessed it ten years ago. She said, “I know you want me to accept Jesus but I am just not worthy.” Despite opening the bible to passages that reveal truth that confronts that lie, she would not grab onto the life preserver; she wouldn’t receive the gift that was offered.

 

The promise is this:

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12

 

I suppose we often think about this in relationship to that time we were “saved.” But years later, as we walk with Jesus, one step at a time, three words continue to speak to us in our daily battle of surrendering our will to God’s. Three words:  received, believed, right.

 

Receiving isn’t just acknowledging a gift and then putting it on the closet shelf. It means embracing it with such joy you don’t want to let it go.

 

Believing is not just an acceptance that something is true. If I understand correctly, the text actually means “keep on believing.” We can receive the gift of Jesus’ salvation and the promises of a transformed life, filled with power to be an overcomer in life’s hardest struggles. But if we do not keep on believing in times of the toughest of all battles, what help will we have? What good are promises if we don’t believe them and instead go back to doing things our way?

 

We sometimes think the US Constitution gives us the right to be happy. But what it actually says is, we have the right to the pursuit of happiness. The right of pursuit is not the same as actually being happy and content . . . unless we are talking about our relationship with the one and only true God who loves you whose promise IS always true, who does reach out with his very Spirit to guide you and me through the confusing emotions and self demeaning thoughts. He gives us the choice (right) to question him and to choose to receive his perfect gift, believing in all situations that his peace is better than your worry and anxiety. His truth is more reliable than all your doubts. His love covers a multitude of sins – forever. His contented spirit allows your faith to survive and thrive regardless what difficulties come your way.

 

Having the right to be God’s child is not the same as receiving and believing that inheritance is yours. It’s not the same as acting like God’s own adopted child. When trials come your way, face them with the faith of actually being God’s child.

 

Be blessed.

 

 

Keeping a distance or getting close?

 

I’ve often reflected on our nature as Christians to run with excitement to the Palm Sunday scene. We love the pageantry of waving palms with a popular crowd, and singing, “Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest! But we are reluctant to come close to the cross at Calvary. It’s discomforting to participate with Jesus in his suffering.

 

Franklin Graham makes a similar comparison, noting that as Jesus was led to his crucifixion, “Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end” (Matthew 26:58). Graham continues: “Many Christians in America today want to follow Jesus at a distance. They want to give themselves a little room—they want to watch which way the wind will blow before they are publicly seen too close to the Lord. When Jesus is portrayed in a good light or when it’s comfortable, they will stand next to Him. But if Jesus is going to be mocked or cursed or insulted, they want to stay back until they know how things will go.”

 

Perhaps it’s time for each of us to ask God to search our hearts and reveal the ways in which we are maintaining space between us and him. We ask God to come close when we sing praise, study scripture, seek him in prayer, and in times of our own trials. But is that enough? What about those conversations with nonbelievers who are uncomfortable with talk of God and Jesus? Do we become uncomfortable too? Do we turn away from God when we go to work or get busy with our chores and hobbies, believing God still lives in a temple building – forgetting that we ourselves are God’s temple? (1 Corinthians 3:16. 1 Corinthians 6:19) God inhabits his temple, so if we are his temple, he goes with us in every area of our lives! Let us not only meet him at church but celebrate him everywhere we go.

 

What better time than the beginning of a new year to decide to draw close to God, and not leave him at a distance?! Let’s singlemindedly decide to honor him in everything we do.

 

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4-8

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance(A) from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Colossians 3:23-24

 

Do you love me?

 

I am persuaded that faithfulness is the ONLY thing that matters. Not just clinging on to mere  words, but actually responding to that firm stand: faith expressing itself in love. Love is the true test of faith. Faith living all out for Jesus, nothing held back, whether fighting the fight and running the race, or simply resting in his loving arms. Faith expressing itself in love is the answer to “Do you (really) love me?”

 

You remember Jesus asking this same question of Peter – three times, each time drilling further to measure the depth of his love for the master. As you pray to the Heavenly Father do you ever hear him ask you, “Do you love me?” The first time is rather easy: of course I love you Lord. If I didn’t I wouldn’t have asked you into my life. “Yes, but do you love me?” He asks again. “Lord haven’t you seen me going to church, serving on church projects,  and giving financially?” Without hesitation,  Jesus asks again “Do you (really) love me?” And you realize it is not simply a matter of what you’ve done but who you are becoming in his image. Do you thirst after him as if you were in a very dry place with no water? Are you as excited about him as you are about your favorite sports team, your house, accomplishments, or even your family?

 

Each of the three questions are answered with “take care of my lamb” or “feed my sheep.” Jesus’ response to the question of our love for him is wrapped in the context of desiring what he desires, seeing people and circumstances as he sees them, not through the lens of our own ambitions.

 

“Do you love me?” reveals what in our heart is lifter to a higher level than our Lord? It asks  us “who or what brings you the greatest satisfaction?” It confronts our hidden pride and selfish ambitions. It questions even our good deeds which become worthless to God if they are not led and inspired by his Spirit.

 

Even if your life starts resembling Job’s and losses seem insurmountable, will you be able to say, “Yes Lord, I love  you.” Is Jesus really enough for you even if you lose all things or the one thing most precious to you in all this world?

 

Its not an easy question to answer honestly. We are so attached to the world, it’s hard to fully let go. It might not be easy to carry on. It’s not so much that we don’t love the Lord, but that we are so preoccupied we forget to answer the question. Perhaps that is our biggest challenge, to slow down enough to hear God ask, “Do you love me.” And to hear you responding back, “Yes Lord I really do love you. More over, thank you for first loving me!