Spurs

It's All in the Perspective

2012-01-31T21:59:00.000-06:00

It's funny what we remember. I think I speak for most of us when I say that my young childhood memories are few and far between, until I reach a certain age. My memories provide nothing that resembles a comprehensive perspective of my life or my family's life; instead my memories are more like an unorganized photo album of random instances. Do you ever wonder what causes us to remember some things more than others? Is my three-year-old brother going to remember anything from this week? (Wait - I can answer that: Do I remember anything from when I was three?) My memories of a church we attended when I was about nine are very limited. One memory that - for whatever reason - is implanted in my brain is sitting in the pew one Sunday morning during the offering. I distinctly remember wondering just how the ushers or the pastor were going to get the money to God. From my perspective, it would be quite hard for the pastor to reach all the way to heaven. I completely understood that all these people were giving the money to God, but I just couldn't figure out how the money actually got to Him.

When Jesus encouraged His followers to do good to others, He assured them (and us) with a promise: When we reach heaven, we will be praised for our charitable acts to others because "'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me'" (Matthew 25:40). When we give to others, we are really giving to God. What an amazing picture! When we give to those who desperately need financial help here on earth, we are really giving a gift to our Father in heaven.

"Suppose you're giving to help African children with AIDS. When you see an article on the subject, you're hooked. If you're sending money to plant churches in India and an earthquake hits India, you watch the news and fervently pray. As surely as the compass needle follow north, your heart will follow your treasure. Money leads; hearts follow." - Randy Alcorn, The Treasure Principle

How can you tell a foreigner from a citizen? I'm sure there are many ways, depending on the situation. Foreign guests may speak with an accent or wear different clothes. They may prefer different food or have different interests. They might spend their money on different things. How we spend our money is a witness to everyone around us where our hearts and citizenship are. As Christians, we are citizens of a heavenly kingdom (Philippians 3:20-21). Would an American citizen traveling through India prefer to accumulate rupees or dollars? Would he seek to build up a stash of money that is only worth something in the country he is visiting? Or would he want a full bank account in the land that he calls home? It's so easy to forget that we are only here on earth for a short time, and that our real home is heaven. One way to remind us of our eternal destination is to use our earthly currency to gain heavenly treasures.
Obedience always brings blessing (though not always immediately). While we experience great joy in giving to God when we give to others here on earth, our full reward is waiting in heaven for us. By giving to God (and His children), we build up for ourselves treasure in heaven - that will always be valuable whether the stock market climbs or crashes. In giving to others, a giver grows closer to God and receives treasure in heaven. It's a win-win!
Back in that church pew, my childlike perspective pictured God in heaven accepting literal money from His people. Little did I comprehend that God was actually giving to us. Giving is itself a gift - we get to be part of God's plan and we are rewarded in heaven. What better investment could there be?

"'Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.'" Luke 12:32-34

Much of the Christian life seems paradoxical at first glance. Whoever loses his life will find it. Whoever strikes your cheek, turn to him the other also. A king in a manger. Moneybags that never age, but are not used to accumulate earthly gold. Everyone in this world is a fellow traveler speeding their way toward eternity. Unfortunately, many, many travelers are preparing for their eternal destination with temporal currency, as they hoard their wealth instead of giving it away. What many people see as paradoxical and foolish is really the only wise choice - when your perspective is right.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T09:32:00.000-06:00

"Immanuel, God with us in our nature, in our sorrow, in our lifework, in our punishment, in our grave, and now with us, or rather we with Him, in resurrection, ascension, triumph, and Second Advent splendor."
- Charles Spurgeon

"He was created of a mother whom He created. He was carried by hands that He formed. He cried in the manger in wordless infancy, He the Word, without whom all human eloquence is mute."

- Augustine

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare Him room,

And Heaven and nature sing,

And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!

Let men their songs employ;

While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains

Repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,

Nor thorns infest the ground;

He comes to make His blessings flow

Far as the curse is found,

Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,

And makes the nations prove

The glories of His righteousness,

And wonders of His love,

And wonders, wonders, of His love.

- Isaac Watts

photo credit

Not My Ways

2011-12-18T15:34:00.001-06:00

About a year ago, my family and I were planning to take a much-anticipated out-of-state trip. A few days before we were supposed to leave, my toddler brother started throwing up. As the bug slowly went through the rest of the family, we hoped that this would not change our plans. Eventually, however, it was clear that some of us were not going to be able to make the trip.

Needless to say, this was not what we had planned.

This was not what I had planned.

For centuries, the Jewish people had waited for the promised Messiah. Ideas and expectations abounded as the conquered people hoped for a majestic Jewish ruler to restore greatness to their nation. Many, especially the zealots, expected a great and mighty man to come in the greatness of physical power, and he would show the world that the Jews were God's people - invincible conquerors. The zealots were looking for the Messiah in high and powerful places.

They weren't looking in a manger.

Mary and Joseph were a devout couple with godly plans for the future - their future. As a God-fearing couple, their plans for their future together were good plans: they desired to bring glory to God with their lives. But it only took one verse, and all those good plans and dreams came crashing down.

Mary and Joseph didn't expect to be making the arduous journey to Bethlehem. Mary didn't expect to place her firstborn in a cattle trough. As poor citizens in an occupied land, Mary and Joseph didn't expect to have to flee to Egypt when the king of the land pursued them. Mary and Joseph didn't expect to be told, "'And a sword will pierce your own soul, too'" (Luke 2:35).

"Christmas" didn't meet Mary and Joseph's or the zealots' expectations. Christmas really didn't meet any human's expectations. But God never consults man about His eternal plan; God writes our stories, not us.

I may never know why God kept us home that week. Mary and Joseph may not have understood some aspects of God's plan for their lives until they reached heaven. Many of the zealots probably never figured it out, either. God's plans are always way above our plans, and it's His plans that are best.

Merry Christmas.

A World of Instant, A Culture of Hurry

2011-12-04T15:52:00.001-06:00

As the song says, this really is "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year." With carols playing, lights twinkling, and the weather turning crisp, everyone is constantly busy. It all points to a day still three weeks away - Christmas. For an entire month, we wait for this day. For the rest of the year, we look back with fondness on the last Christmas and look forward to the next.

As Christians, we celebrate the season of Advent, a month-long anticipation of Christmas Day. It's a strange time for the culture we live in. In this world of instant, with fast food and instant video streaming, it's hard for us to slow down and wait for any amount of time - let alone an entire month.

The word "Advent" is Latin, meaning "arrival" or "coming." Advent, typically the three to four weeks before Christmas Day, is a time of preparation before the celebration of Christ's coming. With Advent, churches and families celebrate Christmas as an entire season, not just a day. While it reminds us of Christ's first coming, Advent also points to the time of waiting for Christ's second coming.

Promises were given by God long ago. The fulfillment of those prophecies came to pass, sometimes hundreds, sometimes thousands, of years after the prophecies were made.

More promises have been made - Christ will come again! Just as certainly as God kept the promises of Christ's first coming, He will keep the promises of His second coming.

During Advent, we celebrate the Faithful God who always keeps His promises.

During Advent, we remember those who waited a lifetime for the fulfillment of those promises - and those who never saw the fulfillment, but trusted it would come just the same.

During Advent, we celebrate Immanuel, "God With Us," when God entered His creation as a baby.

During Advent, we realize - even in our culture of instant - that it was worth the wait.

Surprises in the Hall of Faith

2011-09-30T19:24:00.002-05:00

By faith. By faith. By faith. By FAITH.

So reads the famous "Hall of Faith" chapter in the New Testament - Hebrews 11. As I read this chapter the other day, most of the names fit comfortably in my idea of "faith." There was Abraham. Noah. Moses. Easy - they all had much faith.

But then my eyes stopped at a name I didn't expect to see in Hebrews 11: Samson.

Samson?

Is this the same Samson who blatantly defied his parents - and God? Is this the same Samson who chose a bride among the "uncircumcised Philistines" (Judges 14:3)? Is this the same Samson who left his God-given purpose for a woman? Is this the same Samson who foolishly gave away his 'secret' to the same woman who had betrayed him not once, not twice, but THREE times before? Is this the same Samson?

Yeah - that's the one.

Samson chose a wife, not by his parents' guidance or God's precepts, but because "she was right in Samson's eyes" (Judges 14:7).

Eventually, Samson's self-centered foolishness led to his downfall. His enemies, paid by his girlfriend, captured him, enslaved him, and blinded him by putting out his eyes. For some time Samson performed servile tasks for his captors.

But little by little, Samson's hair grew back. Day after monotonous day, it grew longer. Matthew Henry points out that the growth of Samson's hair was not so much a sign of his strength as it was a sign of God once again working through him. Samson was penitent of his past sins, and turned to the God who had orchestrated his entire life.

Then one day, the Philistines brought Samson out to gloat over him. At long last, they had captured the elusive and legendary Samson of the neighboring Israelites. Samson came out, led by the hand as his own eyes were no longer any good for him. At Samson's request, the young man leading him placed Samson's hands on the pillars that were upholding the building. Samson prayed to his God: and pushed hard on the pillars.

Thousands of Philistines died that day as they were having a good time and praising their god for delivering Samson to them.

I guess God had the last word.

Samson is only mentioned one more time in the Bible after his death in Judges 16. That one time is in Hebrews 11, the Hall of Faith.

Who would have thought that a stubborn and rebellious young man would be named as a man of great faith? God changed Samson's heart. Once Samson turned to God, he put his faith in the only One deserving of his trust. Once Samson's own eyes were out of the question, he saw what was right in God's eyes - and acted on it.

God can redeem the lowest sinner. And Samson could still follow God after refusing His leading for so long.

Just like Jonah still preached to Nineveh - after literally running away from God. Peter still led the disciples - after denying Christ three times. And who can forget Saul, who changed his name to Paul? He wrote nearly half of the books in the New Testament - after agreeing to the stoning of the first Christian martyr.

Every great man or woman of God is also a great sinner. "For all have sinned," Paul wrote under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. But God is a God of redemption, of saving that great sinner and making him or her a great servant of God. All of history shows God's redemption. All of our lives showcase His faithfulness.

Great men or women of faith are not great in and of themselves. They are great because they have placed their faith in a faithful God - and they know that He is worthy of that faith.

"Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God..."

Hebrews 11:16

Risky Responsibility

2011-09-19T16:11:00.000-05:00

Hans and Sophie with
a fellow collaborator

Hans and Sophie Scholl were a brother and sister living in Nazi Germany. Unlike most of their peers, the two were not taken in by Nazi lies, and they refused to stand by and watch their countrymen blindly believe the Nazi propaganda. Secretly, at the possible risk of their lives, they began distributing anti-Nazi literature, exposing the lies of the Nazi regime...and one day they were caught.

It seems that modern Christians don't always know what to do with their culture. Some want to hide from it (the Amish come to mind). Others see nothing wrong with living just as those around them live - and their similarities show. The divorce rate among Christians looks more like the culture than the Scriptures. Young adults are walking away from the church in droves; why stay when nothing is different?

John Stonestreet, of Summit Ministries and Breakpoint Radio, in a lecture titled "Christianity and Culture," reminds Christians that we are supposed to be in the world, but not of the world. Christians can have one of three responses to our culture, Stonestreet says. We can be offended by our culture and withdraw from it, but then we wouldn't be in or of the world. Or, as many other Christians are, we could be distracted by our culture and assimilate it. However, then we would not only be in the world, but we would also be of it - living just like everybody else in a culture of darkness where we are called to be light. The final approach Christians can take to culture is to be engaged in the culture and faithful to the gospel. In the world, but not of it. Sometimes we find ourselves asking, "How far is too far?" Instead, Stonestreet teaches that we should be asking, "'For what am I responsible?'"

Hans and Sophie Scholl didn't have to do what they did. In fact, Hans wrote to a friend that it was tempting to just retreat to a serene haven outside of the hubbub of Nazi activity, ignore what was going on, and live as if everything was fine. But he - and Sophie - chose a different path. "Isn't seclusion a form of treachery - of desertion?" Hans wrote. The decision was made.

"It's high time that Christians made up their minds to do something . . . What are we going to show in the way of resistance-as compared to the Communists, for instance-when all this terror is over? We will be standing empty-handed. We will have no answer when we are asked: What did you do about it?"

Hans Scholl

The brother and sister duo distributed pamphlets that counter-argued the Nazi propaganda and exposed their lies. Eventually, they were caught and, ultimately, executed by the Nazis.

If they had seen what was coming, would they have still acted? Probably. They knew that some things are worth anything.

"How can we expect fate to let a righteous cause prevail when there is hardly anyone who will give himself up undividedly to a righteous cause?"

Sophie Scholl

Hans and Sophie Scholl have left an indelible legacy behind for all who would stand up for the truth in a culture that is falling for lies. What will we be willing to risk? How far are we willing to go? For what are we responsible?

"The real damage is done by those millions who want to 'survive.' The honest men who just want to be left in peace. Those who don’t want their little lives disturbed by anything bigger than themselves. Those with no sides and no causes. Those who won’t take measure of their own strength, for fear of antagonizing their own weakness. Those who don’t like to make waves—or enemies. Those for whom freedom, honour, truth, and principles are only literature. Those who live small, mate small, die small. It’s the reductionist approach to life: if you keep it small, you’ll keep it under control. If you don’t make any noise, the bogeyman won’t find you. But it’s all an illusion, because they die too, those people who roll up their spirits into tiny little balls so as to be safe. Safe?! From what? Life is always on the edge of death; narrow streets lead to the same place as wide avenues, and a little candle burns itself out just like a flaming torch does. I choose my own way to burn."

Sophie Scholl

Photo Credit

The Warrior Life

2011-09-09T18:48:00.000-05:00

"The issue is now clear. It is between light and darkness and everyone must choose his side."

G.K. Chesterton

As a culture, we don't seem to like choosing sides. "It's not that simple," many contend about moral and ethical situations. "It's not black and white." In other words, "Do what feels right to you; there isn't a right way and a wrong way. This life is meant for us to get along, take it easy, and have fun - stop stressing over such divisive issues."

That sounds easy enough.

In reality, Christians have never been called to an easy life. In fact, Jesus promised the opposite: "'I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world'" (John 16:33, emphasis added).

Christ never called us to take the easy way out. Christians are called to battle. The New Testament tells us what armor to wear (Ephesians 6:10-18) as we "wage war" (2 Corinthians 10:3-5) and to not let anyone take us captive (Colossians 2:8). Sounds like the military.

"China is not to be won for Christ by quiet, ease-loving men and women … The stamp of men and women we need is such as will put Jesus, China, [and] souls first and foremost in everything and at every time—even life itself must be secondary."

Hudson Taylor

Once Hudson Taylor knew that God had called him to be a missionary to China, he immediately took measures to prepare. To toughen himself up for a harder physical life, he began exercising outdoors and sleeping on a hard mattress instead of a feather bed. In those days, there were no Mandarin Chinese textbooks or teachers available to the aspiring missionary. Instead, Taylor found a copy of the Gospel of Luke in Mandarin Chinese and laboriously taught himself Chinese. Convinced that he couldn't be a soulwinner in China if he wasn't one in England, Taylor exerted his efforts to preach to Englanders on a regular basis. Never a restful moment.

Once in China, Taylor threw himself into his work. Refusing to accept the status quo of other missionaries in China, Taylor challenged conventional practices and began wearing traditional Chinese dress. Why cling to his English lifestyle when he was intent on reaching China for Christ? Taylor also began the gargantuan task of translating the Bible into Chinese. Never a restful moment.

Even when Taylor had to return to England for medical reasons, he continued to labor for China. There Hudson spent his time writing a book, learning midwifery skills, recruiting missionaries, and continuing to translate the Bible into Chinese. Never a restful moment.

Taylor knew that life is short. Never one for living the way of the common culture, Taylor challenged the accepted forms of mission work, blazing new trails for those who would follow in his steps. There was no time for entertainment or relaxation for Taylor. All of his waking hours were spent in preparing for and accomplishing his God-given purpose.

"The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed," Taylor asserted. For Taylor it was black and white. Instead of being swept along in the cultural sea of mediocrity and self-pleasure, Taylor swam against the currents that advocated the easy life.

Hudson Taylor was at war.

"No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him" (2 Timothy 2:4).

Hudson Taylor knew that the Christian life is the warrior life. We have a cause, a Commander, and a calling. Time is short. So much is at stake!

"Everywhere there is the persistent and insane attempt to obtain pleasure without paying for it....'Let us have the pleasure of conquerors without the pains of soldiers; let us sit on sofas and be a hardy race.' ...All around us is the city of small sins, abounding in backways and retreats, but surely, sooner or later, the towering flame will rise from the harbor announcing that the reign of the cowards is over and a man is burning his ships."

G.K. Chesterton

Photo credits

Am I a Soldier of the Cross?

2011-09-07T15:57:00.002-05:00

by Isaac Watts

Am I a soldier of the cross,
A follower of the Lamb,
And shall I fear to own His cause,
Or blush to speak His Name?

Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas?

Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God?

Sure I must fight if I would reign;
Increase my courage, Lord.
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy Word.

Thy saints in all this glorious war
Shall conquer, though they die;
They see the triumph from afar,
By faith’s discerning eye.

When that illustrious day shall rise,
And all Thy armies shine
In robes of victory through the skies,
The glory shall be Thine.

Promises, Promises

2011-08-29T19:21:00.000-05:00

"Jesus promised the disciples three things---that they would be

completely fearless,

absurdly happy

and in constant trouble."

G.K. Chesterton

Two Church Leaders on the Church

2011-08-15T16:09:00.006-05:00

"The Bible knows nothing of solitary religion."

John Wesley

"Has it ever occurred to you that one hundred pianos all tuned to the same fork are automatically tuned to each other? They are of one accord by being tuned, not to each other, but to another standard to which each one must individually bow. So one hundred worshippers meeting together, each one looking away to Christ, are in heart nearer to each other than they could possibly be were they to become unity conscious and turn their eyes away from God to strive for closer fellowship."

A.W. Tozer

Stand Firm

2011-07-25T14:35:00.000-05:00

In Old Testament Israel, as in most nations of that era, the king had great authority. By a word from the king, the life of a anyone in the land could be ended. In spite of this great risk, a lone prophet dared to stand before the King of Israel, the corrupt Ahab. "'As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word'" (1 Kings 17:1), the prophet asserted. The God "before whom I stand." Even though the prophet Elijah was standing before the most powerful man in the country, he made it clear that he really stood before God. Ultimately, Elijah reported to God alone.

On February 4, 1906, twins were born to a couple in Germany. Dietrich and his sister, Sabine, were born into a large, privileged family with a close and loving family life. Little did the family guess the role Dietrich Bonhoeffer would play in his country's future.

Adolf Hitler quickly became an increasingly prominent figure in German politics. In response to the state takeover of the church in Germany, Bonhoeffer began working in the Confessing Church, which had been organized in opposition to the state-run church. He also began helping with seminary for the Confessing Church.

Bit by bit, the Nazi chokehold tightened on religious freedom in Germany. The infamous Himmler declared the members of the Confessing Church liable to arrest. Bonhoeffer was stripped of his teaching position at the Berlin University. The seminary Bonhoeffer helped to start was shut down. In November of 1937, over twenty of the pastors and former students of the seminary were arrested. Later that month, Bonhoeffer wrote The Cost of Discipleship, calling Christians to a life of sacrifice. Bonhoeffer certainly understood the possible cost in a way most others could not. Silently, the Nazis continued to take away the rights of Bonhoeffer and other Christians in Germany's Third Reich. Despite the risks, Bonhoeffer refused to be silent. Working to undermine the Nazis, he persistently wrote truth and assisted the Resistance. Even after his arrest in 1943, Bonhoeffer continued to write, refusing to back down in the face of adversity. Ultimately, his boldness cost him his life.

Like Bonhoeffer, Elijah knew that he stood before the God of heaven and not a man on earth. As human beings created by God, we are responsible to God alone. No matter what threats we may face on this earth - be they unpopularity, embarrassment, danger, or even death - we have nothing to fear. God is on our side.

"But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:57-58).

According to Noah Webster, "boldness" means "confident trust" or "assurance." We have victory through Jesus Christ! Because of this assurance of victory, we can stand steadfast on earth and boldly work for the Lord. He is the One for whom we work; He will reward us.

"Courage is contagious," noted Billy Graham. "When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened." Because of Bonhoeffer's example, we are encouraged to take a stand for the truth of God as well. Who are we to fear man who dies (Isaiah 51:12-13)? We are servants of the Most High God - we are called to boldness.

"We fear men so much, because we fear God so little. One fear cures another." - William Gurnall

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."

Ephesians 6:10-13, emphasis added

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Daring Few

2011-07-23T15:44:00.001-05:00

Standing by a purpose true,
Heeding God’s command,
Honor them, the faithful few!
All hail to Daniel’s band!

Dare to be a Daniel,
Dare to stand alone!
Dare to have a purpose firm!
Dare to make it known.

Many mighty men are lost
Daring not to stand,
Who for God had been a host
By joining Daniel’s band.

Many giants, great and tall,
Stalking through the land,
Headlong to the earth would fall,
If met by Daniel’s band.

Hold the Gospel banner high!
On to vict’ry grand!
Satan and his hosts defy,
And shout for Daniel’s band.

Faith in the Midst of...Fireworks?

2011-07-07T16:56:00.001-05:00

I'm not really a big fan of fireworks. Sure, they're spectacular to watch, but I prefer to keep the decibels in a comfortable range for my eardrums. I guess my two-year-old brother has similar preferences. Once the first few pops of the next-door-neighbors' fireworks went off, my little brother refused to take his hands off his ears - even though he was inside our house the whole time. No matter how we reassured him or how we tried to distract him, his hands stayed firmly planted over his ears. He would have none of it.

I wonder what Noah thought as he watched the waters rise. It mist have been tempting to just close his eyes and plug his ears as the biggest storm earth had ever seen washed away everything Noah had ever known. But faith triumphs over fear, and Noah "did everything just as God commanded him" (Genesis 6:22). God kept Noah and his family, as the song says, "safe and secure from all alarms." I wonder what their prayers were as they offered the first sacrifices in the newly-washed world. I wonder how bold and vibrant the first rainbow was. Now that was a spectacular sight.

After Jesus' death, His disciples were understandably terrified. Their Leader was going to save the world, but now that world had killed Him. What must have been going through their minds as they grieved? Locking themselves in a room, they hid from those who had killed their Master. Essentially, they were closing their eyes and plugging their ears, hoping to wake up from their nightmare. As a result, they were still in hiding when the women discovered the rest of the story God had written. While the women going to the tomb were the first to know that their King had returned to life, the disciples had to hear the good news second-hand. Their fear overcame their faith.

It's easy to let fear overrun faith. It's hard to trust God's plan when ours is unraveling.

It's so easy to walk by sight and not by faith. It's so hard to keep walking by faith when you can't see the next step.

It's hard to trust God when every fiber of your being tells you not to.

It's hard to take your hands off your ears when all your senses tell you to hide.

My little brother just couldn't find the faith to take his hands off his ears. When we tried to talk to him, he couldn't hear us. He wasn't able to listen very well to his movie that we hoped would distract him or to the soothing music we turned on in his room. Eventually, long after all the pops and kabooms had subsided, he fell asleep with one hand still covering his ear. We miss out on a lot when we choose to listen to our fears rather than have faith in our King. You just never know what blessings we may receive from boldly opening our eyes and uncovering our ears.

After the Spirit came to Jesus' followers, the disciples were given a new-found boldness. Not long after Christ's resurrection, Peter and John found themselves standing before the same council that had condemned Jesus to death. Last time, the council made the disciples so afraid that they hid in a locked room for days! This time, however, Peter and John boldly announced to the council that the followers of Christ answer to God and not to men. When commanded not to speak in the name of Christ, they responded, "'Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard'" (Acts 4:19-20). The once fearful disciples had been changed by the God of the universe. No matter what happened in their futures, they knew that they could trust their foundation. There is no need for a Christian to fear! As Peter said,

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

1 Peter 1:3-7

photo credit: Liz Noffsinger

Yes

2011-06-25T15:53:00.001-05:00

"For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you...was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes. For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory."

2 Corinthians 1:19-20

Your Own Little Corner

2011-06-20T16:34:00.006-05:00

Several years ago, I had the privilege of working with a group of elementary-age children. There was a young boy named Jonathan who was very easy to work with but not very talkative. At one point, however, Jonathan came up to me with sparkling eyes and a smile from ear to ear. "Guess what?" he asked me. Jonathan didn't usually initiate conversation with me, so I was curious to hear what was so exciting to him. "What?" I asked him. "I walked by the Boy Scouts," he said. "And one of them said 'Hi' to me!"

"Be imitators of me," Paul admonished the Corinthians, "as I am of Christ," (1 Corinthians 11:1). In his next letter to the Corinthians, Paul spoke of the "area of influence God assigned to us" (2 Corinthians 10:13). It's clear that Paul felt the Corinthians were in his area of influence, and he felt the responsibility to set a good example for them. Not only did Paul set an example, but he also spent countless hours counseling, teaching, and praying for the Corinthian Christians.

In his 1828 dictionary, Noah Webster defined "influence" as: "Literally, a flowing in, into or on, and referring to substances spiritual or too [subtle] to be visible, like inspiration."

In 1913, a young woman named Ina Ogdon dreamed of carrying the Gospel to the unreached people of Chautauqua. Despite Ina's intentions, her father's ill health compelled her to stay at home and serve her family there. As she quieted her dreams of great missionary work, she learned to be content in the area of influence where God had placed her. As a result, she penned the hymn "Brighten the Corner Where You Are":

"Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,

Do not wait to shed your light afar,
To the many duties ever near you now be true,

Brighten the corner where you are."

Brighten the corner where you are - no matter how small that corner may be. God has placed us in these corners for a reason. It is our responsibility to follow His will and impact those in our area of influence, no matter how small or great that area is. We must pour ourselves - flow - into the areas God has given us.

As you look around you, who is in your area of influence? Who looks up to you? Who enjoys spending time with you? There are more watching your life than you may realize. A cartoonist once said, "You don't have to be a 'person of influence' to be influential. In fact, the most influential people in my life are probably not even aware of the things they've taught me."

Whether you realize it or not, there are people watching you every day. It may be neighbors or younger siblings. Perhaps there are people in your church who look up to you. Are you showing those around you a picture of a faithful walk with God? Notice that Paul said, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ." Paul didn't want the Corinthians to pick up on his sinful habits or problems. Striving to be first and foremost a follower of God, Paul sought to set a good example for those in his area of influence (see Philippians 3:12-14). Jesus gave a very stern warning to those who misused their influence (Mark 9:42).

We all go through times where we feel wistful to be at another point, another place. Maybe we wish for a greater audience or greater responsibility. But you and I have been placed where we are by God. Isn't that incredible? The God of the universe fashioned you to be right where you are today.

I don't know if that particular Boy Scout realized the impact his simple greeting had on a little boy. Whether the Boy Scout knew it or not, Jonathan was in his area of influence. It didn't take much to make Jonathan's day. If he could, Jonathan would hang on that young man's every word, and watch his every move.

We have all been given our own little corner - our own area of influence - in which to glorify God. Who might be in your corner today?

"Here for all your talent you may surely find a need,

Here reflect the bright and Morning Star;

Even from your humble hand the Bread of Life may feed,

Brighten the corner where you are."

Ina Ogdon

Photo Credit: Norman Rockwell, The Daily Flag

No Further

2011-06-18T14:34:00.002-05:00

"We should follow no leader further than he follows Christ."

Matthew Henry, commentary on 1 Corinthians 11

Be Prepared...Be Very Prepared

2011-06-08T16:32:00.003-05:00

"Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible."

Corrie Ten Boom

None of us can see what will happen in the future. While we often have an idea of what work God has called us to, we can never fully expect or predict what we will do or how we will be made ready for the task.

When a young apprentice in England was about seventeen years old, he found grace and forgiveness at the place he had for years been avoiding – the cross of Jesus Christ. Hudson Taylor became a Christian, and he almost immediately knew what God was calling him to do.

He knew that he was called to China.

Throwing himself into the laborious business of learning Chinese, Taylor never looked back. There were no Chinese classes or language textbooks for Taylor - China was too foreign at the time. No, instead Taylor obtained a copy of the Gospel of Luke in the Mandarin tongue. Painstakingly, he labored over it until he knew the Chinese language.

That's a lot of work.

But it wasn't enough for Hudson Taylor. Going the extra mile, he found ways to increase his physical hardiness. As a naturally frail young man, Taylor began physical activities, choosing less comforts in order to increase stamina. He kept himself busy with ministry in his city, for he knew that he couldn't be a missionary in China if he wasn't a missionary in England. Taylor took as many practical steps to preparation for missionary life that he could.

The modern Merriam Webster definition for "prepare" includes this description:

"to make ready beforehand for some purpose, use, or activity"

Hudson Taylor certainly made ready beforehand for his life in China.

I learned a lot while writing this. I was going to write about how we have a duty to prepare ourselves. And we do. But our preparations don’t always go the way we think they will.

Take John Hyde for an example. He had aptitude. He had brilliance. He had a plan.

John Hyde traveled to India as a missionary in 1892. He had great dreams of being a great missionary, a great servant of God. Lost in dreams of being "great," he was ready to throw himself into his studies and then into evangelizing the Indian country.

God had another plan.

The new missionary was deeply convicted that he should spend more time growing closer to God. Deepening his relationship with God, Hyde spent hours praying and studying the Bible. Eventually, he did become fluent in Indian dialects, as he had hoped, but his relationship with God always took first priority.

Hyde soon found himself praying more than ever before. Passionately, he would lift the requests of a missionary up to the God who sends missionaries. Soon, he started getting up at 4 AM or staying awake until midnight in order to meet with his God. "In college or at parties at home I used to keep such hours," Hyde reasoned, "and can I not do as much for God and souls?"* Soon he became known as "Praying Hyde." Hyde had great responsibility for God, and he was up to the task, because God prepared him for it.

Definitely something to think about, isn't it? I mean, do we prepare ourselves or does God prepare us?

Yes.

Both men prepared themselves and were prepared by God. Hudson Taylor relied on God as he worked to prepare. John Hyde worked to prepare as he deepened his relationship with God.

Paul wrote that we are created to do good works "which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10). "[I]n your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you," Peter counseled (1 Peter 3:14-16).

God works in our lives to prepare us for the plans He made an eternity ago. The Holy Spirit works in us to motivate us to work to prepare ourselves for God's plan. As Paul explained this mystery, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me" (1 Corinthians 15:10). Even though Paul worked hard, it was not him, but God who worked within him.

As we go about our lives, determining what God's good, perfect will is and striving to follow it, we prepare ourselves as God prepares us. God will show us each step we need to take. We must be ready to take it.

Are you preparing for the future God has for you? Is your relationship with God your first priority? Are you ready to take whatever step He calls you to take?

"I have seen many men work without praying, though I have never seen any good come out of it," Hudson Tayler mused, "but I have never seen a man pray without working."
*John Hyde quote: Ambassadors for Christ, Woodbridge (General Editor), chapter by Elaine Rhoton

Picture credit: Hudson Taylor

Picture credit: John Hyde

Stand for Something

2011-05-29T20:17:00.001-05:00

"Give to us clear vision that we may know where to stand and what to stand for - because unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything."

Peter Marshall

Curtain Call

2011-05-21T14:13:00.011-05:00

"The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, 'Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?'"

Revelation 6:14-17

"'Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look at the earth beneath; for the heavens vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment, and they who dwell in it will die in like manner...'"

Isaiah 51:6

Harold Camping thinks the world will end today. A radio preacher, Camping believes that Biblical evidence points to the second coming of Christ on May 21, 2011.

There's just one problem.

Who told him?

Jesus told a parable about ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom at a marriage feast (Matthew 25:1-13). In Jewish custom, virgins lit the way for a bridegroom to go into a house to meet his waiting bride. In Jesus' parable, ten virgins - five wise and five foolish - waited for the groom, lamps in their hands.

Now, Jesus' story is a parable, and all parables have a deeper meaning than what appears on the surface. Jesus was illustrating a story about His coming. In the story, He is the bridegroom, and the virgins are those waiting for Him to come. The five wise virgins are true believers; their lamps don't burn out because He has lit them. The five foolish virgins are hypocrites, claiming to believe but really remaining in their sin. They have not brought extra oil for their lamps: "They had just the oil enough to make their lamps burn for the present, to make a show with" (Matthew Henry, commentary on Matthew 25). They weren't ready for the bridegroom's return.

Camping isn't the first to predict a date for Christ's return. And he won't be the last.

"And they asked him, 'Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?' And he said, 'See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, "I am he!" and, "The time is at hand!" Do not go after them'" (Luke 21:7-8).

When you dig deeper, there are more twists to Harold Camping's story than it first appears. Camping has predicted the end of the world before (in 1994, to be exact), and preaches doctrines that are blatantly unbiblical. Even if Camping's theology was sound (which it isn't), there would be another reason to disbelieve his prediction. When Jesus was on earth, He told His disciples that He didn't even know the date of His second return (see Matthew 24:36). If Jesus didn't know then, how can we presume to know now?

"Christ's coming will be at our midnight, when we least look for him, and are most disposed to take our rest...Christ will come when he pleases, to show his sovereignty, and will not let us know when, to teach us our duty" (Matthew Henry).

The world will end one day. For some, it will be a day of terror. For others, a day of realized hope. The second part of Isaiah 51:6 gives comfort to those who belong to God.

"Lift up your eyes to the heavens,

and look at the earth beneath;

for the heavens vanish like smoke,

the earth will wear out like a garment,

and they who dwell in it will die in like manner;

but my salvation will be forever,

and my righteousness will never be dismayed."

Isaiah 51:6, emphasis added

Many have believed Harold Camping's prediction that the world will end today. And it might. The day's not over yet! But the question of eternity is, will you be ready?

"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells."

2 Peter 3:10-13, emphasis added

The Center

2011-05-21T06:44:00.003-05:00

"As Christians, we profess, not only to believe and look for, but to love and long for, the appearing of Christ, and to act in our whole conversation with a regard to it. The second coming of Christ is the centre in which all the lines of our religion meet, and to which the whole of the divine life hath a constant reference and tendency."

Matthew Henry

Little Deal, Big Deal

2011-05-06T20:18:00.003-05:00

When I was about six years old, I found a tiny weed poking through the cracks of our sidewalk in a futile attempt to become a full-grown tree. Due to my disproportionate interest in the doomed weed, my parents transplanted the small tree into a pot. I named it Emerald. (Yes, I named a tree. We all have our less-than-flattering childhood moments, don't we?) It was an evergreen tree, so the name "Emerald" fit very well. Emerald stayed in a pot through two moves before we finally transplanted it to our backyard. Today, if you look out our window, you will see an evergreen tree that is halfway in front of our gate. Emerald has grown a lot. What was once a weed in our sidewalk now blocks our gate.

A song by Rich Mullins speaks of how "stuff of earth competes for the allegiance I owe only to the Giver of all good things" (Mullins, "If I Stand"). Every time we give in to sin of any kind, be it pride, or laziness, or bitterness, we water and care for it, strengthening it.

Sometimes you don't even have to care for it, as I did for Emerald. Some of our neighbors had a weed in their front yard. It's now over fifteen feet tall. No longer are they able to pull it out; they'd have to cut it down, leaving a stump to remind them of its presence. When it first appeared, it would have been easy to pluck it out of the ground. Instead of doing that, they ignored it; now they would have to spend hours of hard labor to get it out of their yard.

While it may sound ridiculous for our neighbors to have waited so long, things like this happen faster than you may think. I remember hearing a story about Chuck Swindoll when he was the only member of his family at home. He opened the freezer and found that there was a brand new half-gallon container of his favorite ice cream. He decided to have some. He ate a little bit. And a little more. And a little more. Then he had just a little bit more. Soon he realized that he had eaten the entire half-gallon of ice cream. All of it, in that one sitting! Before you know what's going on, one computer or video game turns into five, ten minutes turns into an hour, one bite of ice cream turns into a half gallon, and one little weed turns into a tree. It happens in the blink of an eye.

There's nothing wrong with transplanting a weed or even naming it (although I admit that naming a tree is a little odd). But what was once cute is now a nuisance, what was once inconsequential now affects anyone who tries to go through our gate. It will take a lot more work to get rid of our bothersome tree than it would have at the beginning. Similarly, it will take a lot more work to kick an ingrained habit than it would to end a habit just beginning. Once we give in to our unhealthy desires, it often seems impossible to root them out. But it is possible. Even though a little deal has turned into a big deal, it is still possible, for "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26).

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T06:15:00.014-05:00

"But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise." And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest." Luke 24:1-9

How the angels must wonder at our surprise. We're shocked when God rearranges "normal" for His purpose, as if we don't really believe that He is in control of everything. To the angels, however, it made perfect sense: God kept His promise.

Everything we believe hinges on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:17). Without Easter, there would be no Christianity! Everything we believe is founded on God's fulfillment of His promises.

Easter gives us hope because the God who was powerful enough to keep a promise made in the beginning ["he shall bruise your head" (Genesis 3:15)] is still all-powerful. We know that He will also keep His promise to us: "'In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also'" (John 14:2-3).

Easter gives us purpose because the One who promised us great things has also given us work to complete (Ephesians 2:10).

Easter gives us victory because we are now made to be "more than conquerors" (Romans 8:37).

Easter gives us joy because that promise kept was given to us. "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God" (1 John 3:1a)!

It's hard to believe that the God of the universe stoops to make a promise to the wretches that are so far from the holy perfection He requires. Even more incredible is that He keeps the promise. It truly is amazing grace! Is it any wonder that God takes promises seriously? His own Son took our unbearable punishment for us, to keep a promise made before time began. Through His grace, we are now "children of promise" (Galatians 4:28).

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised IS faithful."
Hebrews 10:23, emphasis added

Have a wonderful Easter!

Awkward!

2011-04-11T09:17:00.002-05:00

In many movies, there is a side plot in which a man and woman seem to be just perfect for each other. During the entire movie, everyone watching is just waiting for the couple to decide the obvious. But until then, there are moments where the couple is together and they don't know what to say. As they are obviously uncomfortable and begin searching for the right words, the viewers notice their discomfort. This is when my brother likes to yell, "Awkward!"

There is a verse in the Bible that, when I read it, I find myself thinking, "Awkward!" It happens in 1 Kings. Israel, the nation loved by God, the nation that had seen the miracles and heard the voice from heaven, had once again turned away from the God who had blessed them so abundantly. Under bad leadership, the Israelite people fell away and followed their hearts - and the neighbors' gods. Soon the prophet Elijah appeared on the scene and proposed that all prophets (whether good prophets or false prophets) gather together at Mount Carmel.

Here we reach the climax. Beginning his call for the Israelites to return to God, Elijah faced the Israelites. We read, "And Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." And the people did not answer him a word" (1 Kings 18:21). Imagine the deafening silence. The people "did not answer him a word" as Elijah talked about their sin. There was no repentance or returning to the one true God. There was no adamant defense of the lie they had chosen in place of the Truth. There was only silence. What was going through their minds? It must have been very awkward.

It can be awkward when our sin is confronted. While reading the Bible, God might show us some areas we don't want to change. He might show us where we limp between God's Truth and the pull of other things - be it popular opinion, entertainment, or anything else we put before Christ. It can be awkward, yes, but God doesn't call us to a comfortable life.

Elijah proposed a test to the undecided Israelites. They decided to offer sacrifices and see which God responded to their efforts and devotion. What follows is a humorous yet incredible account and a breathtaking display of God's awesome power and involvement in our lives. As expected, the false god lost, just like our petty priorities will never be able to stand before God's magnificent power. God turned the hearts of Israel back to Him. Oh, that He will keep our hearts true to Him.

On Pins and Needles

2011-04-01T11:46:00.006-05:00

For the past several weeks, I have been eagerly watching for signs of spring, as I'm sure many others have been as well. Ahhh, just take a deep breath and know that spring is finally, at long last, in the air.

Many people seem to think of Christmas as "the most wonderful time of the year." Around Christmas-time, I would agree. But today, as I noticed new blossoms on the tree in our yard, I began thinking that spring is great, too. I wonder why those two times - Christmas and spring - stand out as the best times of the year?

Then I realized what makes spring and Christmas seem so special. Anticipation: the waiting for something coming that is even better than what we have now. During the Christmas season, we are anticipating Christmas Day. During spring, we anticipate summer.

Anticipation. Looking forward. Trying so hard to wait patiently. The dictionary defines "anticipate" as "to look forward to as certain." When we hear "Joy to the World," we know that Christmas is around the corner. When we see blossoms on trees and heard birds chirping, we know that spring is coming. For certain. You can count on it.

What must Paul have been thinking when he cried out "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" (Romans 7:24). Why was he so miserable? Didn't this same man write, "For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:2)? Why did he consider himself free on the one hand and yet still a wretched man?

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God...For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience" (Romans 8:18-25, emphasis added).

The weight of sin has marred the picture of the glorious world God created. Everywhere, all of creation groans under the burden.

But, wait. The story isn't over yet. We anticipate the final chapter. '"Behold, I am making all things new'" (Revelation 21:5). For the redeemed, such a dreary, painful world will not always be so. One day we will reach the gates of heaven and hear '''Enter into the joy of your master'" (Matthew 25:21).

Until then, we anticipate our eternal destination - sitting on pins and needles, so to speak, as we wait for our call to glory. It will come. For certain. You can count on it.

Photo Credit: Arvind Balaraman from FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Why Not?

2011-03-26T21:08:00.003-05:00

"A Christian has no business being satisfied with mediocrity. He's supposed to reach for the stars. Why not? He's not on his own anymore. He has God's help now."

Catherine Marshall

Tough Choices

2011-03-15T20:44:00.002-05:00

The entire Israelite population of the world stood at the brink of the water. Wild-eyed, they heard the sounds of their approaching pursuers. With deep water before them and malicious attackers behind them, they looked to the man who they saw as responsible for bringing them there. Moses stretched out his hand over the water, obeying God's orders, and the angel and the pillar of cloud went and stood between the Israelites and the Egyptians. All night long, the Israelites watched the water separate (Exodus 14:21-22). Then they were told to walk through on dry land.

Imagine yourself as one of the Israelites trekking on dry ground where only hours before there had been deep, deep water. Imagine what must have gone through their minds as they were told to walk - with a wall of water on each side. Think of how high that water must have been (it took all night to separate!) as the Israelites looked up on each side. It would have only taken a moment for that water to fall on them. Imagine the fear that must have gripped their hearts. Would you have done it? Would you have taken that step and trusted God?

We are constantly bombarded with the world's arguments and doubts. We are told that things don't just appear out of nothing. Yet we read, "By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible" (Hebrews 11:3). We are told that God does not work in His creation. Yet Jesus said, '"My Father is working until now, and I am working'" (John 5:17). We are told to be like everyone else and just fit in. But Jesus tells us, '"...you are not of the world...'" (John 15:19).

Christians are called to believe in a God who does the unbelievable. We serve a God who doesn't fit into a box. Unlike the world that only believes what sounds feasible, we have hope in what God will do (however unlikely it may seem) because we have faith in what He has already done. As Christians, "we walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7).

The Israelites had witnessed the plagues: when it was dark in Egypt, it was light for the Hebrews. When the Egyptian cattle died, the Israelite cattle lived. When it hailed all over Egypt, just a short walk away, in Israelite territory, there was no hail. Things like this shouldn't happen. It's just - impossible! But they happened. It makes no sense (or does it?). The other day I heard a wise man assert, "This [Jesus' two equal natures] is one of the great mysteries of our faith. But it's in the Bible, so I believe it." Is that blind faith? I don't think so. He has seen that God is faithful and true in the past, so he knows that he can trust the Word of God now, and for all eternity. As the Israelites looked down the path of dry land, seeing the walls of water going as high as they could see, they had to make a choice. Remember what God had already done and trust Him to keep His Word, or listen to their doubts and choose unbelieving slavery over seemingly certain death. Tough choice. We have to make it, too. Everyday, every moment: trust God - even when it doesn't seem like there will be a happy ending - or choose to trust the wisdom of this world. Which side of the Red Sea do you choose?

"The God of nature has not tied himself to its laws, but,

when he pleases, dispenses with them,
and then the fire does not burn, nor the water flow."

- Matthew Henry, commentary on Exodus 14

A Soldier of the Cross

2011-03-07T07:43:00.003-06:00

I am a soldier of the cross.

Its call bids me to give my life

And take up danger, toil, and strife.

All this to drain away my dross

For I am a soldier of the cross.

I am a soldier of the cross.

I daily pursue the highest aim

To glorify, exalt that Name.

All else of mine I count as loss,

For I am a soldier of the cross.

I am a soldier of the cross.

What call can this world have on me?

I travel upward steadily

E'en when I face the stormy toss

For I am a soldier of the cross.

I am a soldier of the cross.

For I was dead as dead can be

Yet Jesus gave Himself for me.

How can I waver when He paid the cost

To make me a soldier of the cross.

I am a soldier of the cross.

One day I will reach my prize

And then I'll see with my own eyes

It was well worth any earthly loss

To be a soldier of the cross.

(by Lauren)

Caution: Proceed At Your Own Risk

2011-02-25T09:17:00.002-06:00

It was indeed a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Because of unseasonably warm temperatures, the recent snow had evaporated except in just a few patches here and there. My family and I decided to enjoy the weather with a walk in the nearby nature center. Even though the temperature was very comfortable (we even set a record high that day!), there was a small pond in the area that was still covered in ice. We were surprised to see two college-aged young men walking across the frozen pond, while a friend of theirs watched from the safety of the bridge. Now, I realize I'm not much of a risk-taker, but I really don't see myself walking across an iced-over pond. The benefits just don't outweigh the risks for me. Apparently, though, these guys saw something worthwhile in it. As we laughingly watched the two men slowly and carefully shuffle across the ice, the inevitable happened. Just as the other side was almost within reach, one of them called out "This is fun!" and promptly fell through the ice.

I'm sure King David understood how that young man felt. David knew that what he was doing was sin. But the heart wants what it wants, I'm told, and his - royal or not - was no exception. When David saw the beautiful Bathsheba, he decided that, whether it was right or wrong, he was going to follow his heart. Of course, once you start making excuses for sin, it's hard to stop. David didn't stop with adultery. As soon as the deed was done, he tried to cover it up. It's not like no one knew about his acts - soldiers, guards, and I'm sure some attendants had discovered the deed. But soon David even committed murder to keep himself from shame. I guess David thought that the king was above the consequences of the law. He was wrong. There are always consequences (2 Samuel 11-12:23).

Now, there's nothing sinful about walking on ice. I'm not saying the young men were doing wrong - they weren't. They were just having fun and enjoying the warm temperatures. But the similarities are still striking.

Just as the young man assumed he was safe, he felt the ice cold temperature of the water. David must have thought he had missed any consequences - after all, Uriah was dead, Bathsheba was now legally David's wife, and everything seemed to be returning to normal. Or so he thought. Then Nathan the prophet showed up and condemned David's actions. Soon David's infant son died.

There are always consequences.

That warm winter day, as soon as one of the men fell through the ice (it was barely more than knee deep), the other adventurer carefully hurried back to the safety of the shore. When one man suffers the consequences of his sins, any one plotting with him is sufficiently warned and sometimes chooses to leave their ways. As the very wet young man crawled onto the bank of the small pond, none of the onlookers (including his friend on the bridge) felt tempted to follow his example. When a man falls into the consequences of his sin, everyone around him sees his actions for what they are - sin. It doesn't look as tempting when we see the consequences that come with it.

Be sure your sin - and its consequences - will find you out (see Numbers 32:23). There's just one thin layer between you and the icy water. Later, as my family and I continued on our walk, we passed the three young men we had seen earlier. "We are good," the now-drying young man assured us. And he was. We all are once we get off the pond.

Photo Credit: markuso from FreeDigitalPhotos.net

None to Spare

2011-02-22T17:00:00.003-06:00

"Time is so short, and the work which we have to do in it is so great, that we have none of it to spare...

"...The time of youth is precious, on many accounts. Therefore, if you be in the enjoyment of this time, take heed that you improve it. Let not the precious days and years of youth slip away without improvement. A time of the strivings of God’s Spirit is more precious than other time. Then God is near; and we are directed, in Isa. 55:6, “To seek the Lord while he may be found, and to call upon him while he is near.” Such especially is an accepted time, and a day of salvation: 2 Cor. 6:2, “I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in a day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation...”

Jonathan Edwards, "The Preciousness of Time and the Importance of Redeeming It"

Will You Be My Valentine?

2011-02-14T09:26:00.000-06:00

Americans spend over 14 billion dollars on Valentine's Day gifts every year. That's a lot of money! People all over America are buying gifts for friends, family - and the very special people in their lives. Certainly a lot of attention is given to the holiday celebrating love.

The world would give all kinds of definitions if you asked what "love" is. But only the Bible has the solid meaning of real love. "By this we know love," the apostle John wrote, "that he [Jesus Christ] laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers" (1 John 3:16). Author, speaker, and apologist Voddie Baucham has written a definition of love drawn from biblical principles: "Love is an act of the will, accompanied by emotion, that leads to action on behalf of its object" (Baucham, Family Driven Faith). An act of the will. Love is more than a passing feeling. While certainly there are times where we may feel full of love for those around us, more often than not, choosing to love someone will be just that - a choice, a decision made regardless of our feelings. Love means choosing to put someone else's needs before your own - even when you don't feel like it. This selfless love goes against the grain in our self-saturated culture.

Most groups have a way to distinguish themselves from others. Every nation's military, and even different military branches, have different uniforms to distinguish who they're fighting for and in what branch. At games of every sport, fans are always present decked out in all kinds of crazy colors. They can be identified at a glance as supporters of a certain team based on the color they're wearing. Jesus told His disciples that Christians are distinguished from others as well. "'By this all people will know that you are my disciples; if you have love for one another'" (John 13:35). Wow! We will be known by the way we love. Do we love only when we feel like it? Or, as Jesus posed the question to His disciples, '"If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them'" (Luke 6:32). Just returning love to those who love us us isn't enough. As Christians, we must go further. Jesus told His disciples what the standard is for those who follow Him. '"But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful'" (Luke 6:35-36). The Bible tells us that God IS love (see 1 John 4:8), so, as His followers, love must be a characterization of our lives as well. Everything Jesus did on earth was in love; He served, taught, and died for us. This is our example for loving others.

The most often-quoted verse in the Bible is John 3:16: '"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.'" God loved the world. But He didn't send a box of candy hearts (although those have their place). Instead, He sent His Son: a sacrifice, a gift - a decision to love, even when no one deserved that from Him. Valentine's Day is about love. Loving even when we don't feel like it. Loving even when it means sacrifice. Loving those who don't love us back. Because that's what love is - '"just as I have love you" (John 13:34).

Photo Credit: Sura Nualpradid from FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Calvary Love in the Home

2011-02-10T09:15:00.002-06:00

"If I am inconsiderate about the comfort of others,

or their feelings,

or even of their little weaknesses;

if I am careless about their little hurts and miss opportunities to smooth their way;

if I make the sweet running of household wheels more difficult to accomplish,

then I know nothing of Calvary love."

-Amy Carmichael, lifelong missionary to India

Small Beginnings

2011-02-05T19:41:00.005-06:00

It's hard to overestimate the magnitude of the Pilgrims and their act of obedience to God. By leaving everything they ever knew (except their faith), they faced many unknowns, separation from loved ones, danger, and death. All of this they risked in order to make God known in the New World. How would our lives be different today if not for their faith and sacrifice? They set a precedent - a standard - for generations to come. They formed the beginning of the American greatness, a heritage that has inspired and encouraged many.

We all want to do great things. We want to make a difference, change the world. Often, we hear stories of people who make the news. We read stories of people who make history, wondering where our name could fit in to the big picture.

No doubt about it, leaving your home and starting a new colony is a big thing. But doing "something big" is not what the Pilgrims set out to do. William Bradford, a leader in the group, wrote about why the Pilgrims chose to come to America. After listing a number of reasons, he said,

"Last and not least, they cherished a great hope and inward zeal of laying good foundations, or at least of making some way towards it, for the propagation and advance of the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in the remote parts of the world, even though they should be but stepping stones to others in the performance of so great a work...Thus out of small beginnings greater things have grown by His hand Who made all things out of nothing, and gives being to all things that are; and as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light enkindled here has shone to many, yea, in a sense, to our whole nation; let the glorious name of Jehovah have all the praise" (Bradford, Of Plymouth Plantation, emphases added).

Yes, the Pilgrims did a big thing and landed in the history books. But that wasn't their aim. And don't forget their sacrifice. Don't forget the dozens who died long before the dream came to pass. None of them saw the formation of America, which was the ultimate realization of their dream. The Pilgrims knew that their obedience was only the beginning of the story, and they were willing to be merely the first step toward great things.

In the Old Testament book of Zechariah, the Israelites were beginning to rebuild the temple after returning to their country from exile. Some remembered the former temple, the one Solomon built. Solomon's temple had been a grand temple before it was destroyed when the Israelites were defeated. The new temple was not nearly as exquisite, and many were downhearted during the building of the temple as they remembered its former glory. But God encouraged them with a promise. "'The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will finish it. Then you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you. For who has despised the day of small things?'" (Zechariah 4:9-10a). The day of small things. Yes, the new temple started out small, and wasn't as materially great as the one before it. Some Israelites truly despised that day of small things. But God promised to work in His temple, and the day of small things would lead to more than they could imagine.

God doesn't call us to success but to obedience. The Pilgrims understood that - and left the results up to God. Who has despised the day of small things? I know I have. But no more. For God is at work in the small things, and you just never know what your stepping stone will lead to.

"Though the beginnings be small, God can make the latter end greatly to increase; a grain of mustard-seed may become a great tree. Let not the dawning light be despised, for it will shine more and more to the perfect day. The day of small things is the day of precious things, and will be the day of great things."

Matthew Henry, commenting on Zechariah 4

Source: FreeDigitalPhotos.net, by KoratMember

No Mistakes

2011-01-31T18:58:00.005-06:00

"We praise a Ruler faithful still

We know You can; we pray You will

You're not a God who makes mistakes

My life is Yours, to give, to take.

If, for such a time as this,

I'm the one, do as You wish

Who knows but that I'm in this place

To prove Your Presence?

Give me grace."

Beth Moore

Man's Best Friend

2011-01-25T15:43:00.001-06:00

The other day, our dog came into the kitchen from the backyard. Now, I say "our dog" instead of "my dog" because I feel no personal connection to him. While everyone else affectionately calls him "Buddy," it's not all that uncommon to hear me simply refer to him as "the dog." Buddy is more often than not an outdoor dog, but he does come into the kitchen on a few occasions, such as stormy weather, extreme heat, or, as was the case the other day, freezing temperatures. Being an outdoor dog, Buddy's presence brought with it a distinct and unique feature that I noticed almost as soon as he entered the kitchen. That's right. The smell. His own personal aroma. That wet-dog-who-rolls-in-dirt smell that seems to be a part of him - it never completely goes away. While my brother informed me that he didn't smell anything, I found myself wanting to go to a different part of the house.

The word "aroma" is found forty-five times in the Bible (generally in regard to sacrifices). Forty of those times are in Genesis through Numbers. The last time the word "aroma" is used in the Old Testament is in Ezekiel 20:41a, where God speaks of bringing His people back after their exile. '"As a pleasing aroma I will accept you, when I bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries where you have been scattered.'" The next time we see the word "aroma" is also the last time it is used in the Bible, and the only time in the New Testament. Paul writes, "But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life..." (2 Corinthians 2:14-16, emphasis added). In Paul's day, triumphal processions were sometimes led by victorious kings, parading their booty and captives before the citizens of the land. During these processions, sacrifices would be offered, giving an "aroma" of incense. For some captives, this was an aroma of life, because their lives would be spared. For other captives, the aroma was the smell of death - they knew they would be killed as enemies. The entire procession was to make known the victory of the king, and the aroma of incense reminded everyone of that purpose.

Imagine being a citizen in Paul's day and watching one of the triumphal processions. Imagine smelling the aroma of incense used for sacrifices. Picture the victorious king. This procession is exactly what we - as Christians - are showing the rest of the world. Christ has bought us with a price and we are in His triumphant procession. For Christians, the aroma is also an aroma of life, since our lives have been spared by Christ's sacrifice. For others who have rejected the truth, they will receive punishment; for them, the aroma is an aroma of death. Paul writes that we are the aroma of Christ to God. Our lives testify to His greatness. We are vessels of His victory!

Every time Buddy wanders into our kitchen I notice he's there. His aroma precedes him (if you know what I mean...). Every time you walk into a room, what do others first notice about you? Do they see - or should I say, smell - a vessel of His victory? People will notice when we truly display His greatness. Do they notice it in you?

Let your light shine.

(see also the Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary for more on 1 Corinthians 2)

Sanctity of Life

2011-01-22T08:13:00.002-06:00

Psalm 139:13-18

Making the Most of It

2011-01-20T09:03:00.006-06:00

"Look carefully then how you walk!

Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless,

but as wise (sensible, intelligent people),

Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity],

because the days are evil.

Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish,

but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is."

-Ephesians 5:15-17, Amplified Version

So Much at Stake

2011-01-15T17:11:00.004-06:00

We live our lives from day to day

We work, we eat, we sleep, we play.

Is this all there is to what we call life

To live comfortably here – free from strife?

What about those whose lives are led

Dreaming of good food and a nice warm bed?

What about they who have never heard

Of the one true God and His Son, the Word?

We have all we need and we know what is true

Yet the harvest is great and the workers are few.

Will we choose to spend our one short life

Living for Jesus or fleeing from strife?

The choice is mine – I make it everyday

To live for myself or on the godly way.

May we never forget that others still wait

For someone to tell them before it’s too late.

There’s so much at stake as we live out our days,

So many others must hear of God’s ways.

So pick up your shield and unsheathe your Sword,

There’s a battle to fight for the glory of the Lord.

The battle’s still raging – it will for awhile

Truth is rejected and falsely on trial.

So pick up your shield and unsheathe your Sword,

There’s a battle to fight in the Name of the Lord.

The Hot Pink Turtle

2011-01-10T20:07:00.001-06:00

"Someone in the crowd said to [Jesus], 'Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.' But he said to him, 'Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?' And he said to them, 'Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.' And he told them a parable, saying, 'The land of a rich man produced plentifully, and he thought to himself, "What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?" And he said, "I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry." But God said to him, "Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?" So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God'" (Luke 12:13-21, emphasis added).

The rich man placed all his faith in his possessions and hoped for more earthly riches; all he lived for was relaxation and comfort. Isn't there more to life than this? God calls us to more than chasing material prosperity, loving earthly comforts, and seeking popular admiration. Jesus never offered a life of material wealth. Instead, He commanded us, "'Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also'" (Matthew 6:19-21, emphasis added). This life is only a shadow of what is to come for those who have believed and repented and are on their way to heaven.

From a heavenly perspective, the very idea of becoming consumed with earthly things is ludicrous. We'll be in heaven for billions of millennia - and we're here less than one hundred years. What an astronomical difference! As we spend our eternity rejoicing and praising God, we'll look back at our time on earth and think of our temporal pleasures and enjoyments, "That was so trivial." Why spend this life hungering after the world's treasures when we're going to eternal life full of everlasting joy, living in God's presence?

The other day as I was sorting through some of my earthly possessions, I came across a hair clip I used when I was younger. Actually, I found several hair clips, but this one in particular stood out. It was a hot pink turtle. I'm not really sure why I wore a hot pink turtle hair clip, but I did. And it was important to me then. It's so easy to be tied up in earthly pleasures, fleeting joys, and little trinkets that aren't nearly as significant as they seem to be. But not long from now, as we're living in eternity, we'll ask ourselves, "Did I really think that was important?"

On Prayer

2010-12-30T08:11:00.004-06:00

"Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?"

Corrie Ten Boom

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T08:13:00.007-06:00

"The people who walked in darkness

   have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
   on them has light shined...
For to us a child is born,
   to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
   and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:2, 6

"And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

'Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!'

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them."

Luke 2:8-20

"But when the fullness of time had come,

God sent forth his Son..."

Galatians 4:4

The Best of It Is...

2010-12-20T22:23:00.001-06:00

Christmas is definitely my favorite holiday. As the song says, the season is in many ways "the most wonderful time of the year" (Pola and Wyle, 1963). With the special food and festivities, the wonderful music, giving, and seeing friends and extended family, Christmas is a time when wonderful memories are made.

Sometimes I wonder, though; in the middle of all the ornaments, Christmas lights, and "'Tis the Season to be Jolly," have we forgotten the magnitude of this day? Yes, it is great for "parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting, and caroling out in the snow." It's a wonderful time of year to give presents, sing carols, and visit family. But this is not what makes Christmas what it is.

Throughout his life, John Wesley encountered many dangerous situations (see source). Through it all, however, God kept him safe. As Wesley neared the end of his life, his friends gathered around him. Huddled close to hear him speak, they witnessed his last words: "The best of it is, God is with us!" Wesley understood that nothing we face - whether it is poverty, ill health, life's oft-changing circumstances, or even death itself - is out of God's control. As John Wesley left this world, he had no need to fear; his God was with Him, as He had been with him on earth.

As we celebrate Christmas, enjoying our family, the holiday food, and giving and receiving presents, let us remember that Christmas is more than songs, gifts, and gingerbread men. Christmas is about Christ - God's gift to us. This season is when we remember when God became man and lived among us, sharing our sorrows, filling our needs. He gave us the right to become children of God; He will always walk beside us in whatever we face in life - or death. In the midst of all our celebrations of this truly joyful time of year, let us remember that "The best of it is, God is with us!"

'""Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel"
(which means, God with us).'"
- Matthew 1:23

Big Dreams, Big Plans

2010-12-18T17:35:00.002-06:00

From time to time, I suspect we all have our daydreams of what the future may hold - dreams of what we will be doing years from now. Like many teenage girls, the young Israelite Mary probably had her own big dreams. Soon she would be getting married to an upright, godly Jew, just as she had expected since she was a little girl. What Mary didn't know was that God had plans bigger than her big dreams.

When their big plans were overshadowed by God's great purposes, Mary and Joseph showed humility. The well-known pastor and author, C.J. Mahaney, defines humility as "honestly assessing ourselves in light of God's holiness and our sinfulness" (Humility, p. 22). Instead of fighting God's plans, Mary and Joseph freely allowed God's purpose to supersede their hopes and dreams. Mary faced scorn and possible divorce, while Joseph also faced the wounds of local gossip. Moses, Israel's great leader, asked God if He really knew what He was doing. Gideon (and even Mary's relative, Zachariah) asked for proof that what he was told would truly come to pass. But Mary and Joseph never seem to second-guess God's will for them. Their big plans had changed drastically, but never do we see them even think of resisting in any way. As Mary answered the angel, '"I am the Lord’s servant...May it be to me according to your word'" (Luke 1:38). Mary and Joseph viewed themselves as God's servants, and willingly obeyed His will instead of proudly asserting their own will. They truly thought of themselves "in light of God's holiness and our sinfulness," as Mahaney defines humility.

Ultimately, Jesus Christ demonstrated humility. The Son of God was born into the world He created, with a manger as a cradle and a stable as a nursery. The Creator of all lived, ate, and spent time with those He created. While Jesus walked the earth and taught the crowds, the spiritual know-it-alls of the day haughtily complained, '"This man receives sinners and eats with them'" (Luke 15:2). Never did He claim a higher status or a greater honor, though all of creation was at His call.

Christ's whole life - and even His death - was characterized by humility. Legions of angels were at His bidding, yet He served those around Him, "'For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many'" (Mark 10:45). Jesus could rightly claim all possible honors; instead, He gave them up (for a time) to show His love for us. Even though all created things were at His bidding, He humbly gave up His rights for us.

The Christmas account is one we have (hopefully) heard many times. It is a story of hope, joy, love, generosity, mercy, redemption... It's also a story of humility. God came to earth. Christ made Himself a servant, sacrificing His rights for us. Mary and Joseph honored God's will and humbly submitted to His plan. This Christmas may we do the same.

Part of Something Big

2010-12-18T16:44:00.004-06:00

Hallie squirmed in her seat. "It's so hard to wait," she whispered to her friend Larissa, who grinned back in understanding. Finally, Mrs. Lewis started the announcements.

"For the church Christmas play we need thirteen actors," Mrs. Lewis began.

"Oooh," Hallie almost giggled in anticipation.

"The part of the lead character, Hannah Scott, goes to Hallie Stevenson, while the part of Jimmy Peters goes to..."

That was all Hallie heard. "I got the part!" she whispered excitedly to Larissa.

"Congratulations!" Larissa shared her excitement.

Hallie slowed down. "I wish you could be in the play, too," she told Larissa.

"Me? Acting? No, thank you! No stages for me," Larissa insisted.

~~~~

"And, Mom, my part has almost twice as many lines as the next biggest part," Hallie bragged to her mother later that evening. "Mrs. Lewis said that I would be perfect for the part since I can memorize so easily."

"Now, Hallie," Mrs. Stevenson reminded her daughter, "it's important to be humble when you are given an opportunity like this."

"But I don't understand, Mom - Mrs. Lewis did say that I did a great job on my audition," Hallie protested.

"Oh, humility doesn't mean downplaying the job you did. To be humble means to put your performance - and everything else - in its proper place. This Christmas play is to tell the Gospel to some who may have never heard it before. If you're lost in thoughts of you and what people think of you, how are you spreading His joy?" Hallie thought about what her mother was saying. "And, besides, honey," Mrs. Stevenson continued, "your fellow actors may not appreciate having you around when you're always thinking and talking about how good your performance is. How do you think that makes them feel?" Hallie nodded as she remembered sensing other actors' frustration with her attitude. "Hallie, this play is an opportunity for you to perform for God's glory, to be a part of something bigger than you. Don't let yourself squander this opportunity on pride. Be humble about what you are doing, and God will bless your efforts."

~~~~

With her mother's words in mind, Hallie played her part with everything within her, and the audience loved it. "Great job, Hallie," one of the other actresses complimented her.

"You did great, too, Megan!" Hallie responded.

"That was wonderful, Hallie!" Mrs. Lewis hurried to praise the star actress. "I'm so proud of you!"

"Thank you, Mrs. Lewis - I enjoyed being a part of God's work."

~~~~

"Good job, honey!" Mrs. Stevenson hugged Hallie when she joined her family later.

"You were right, Mom," Hallie said. "Once I stopped thinking so much about myself, it seemed to be a lot more fun for everyone. I even have a couple new friends!"

"That's great," Mrs. Stevenson smiled. "We'll always be glad we live the way God tells us to. I'm so proud of you!"

"Not proud, Mom," Hallie grinned. "Humble."

The Smallest Things

2010-12-18T15:12:00.002-06:00

In contrast to everything you hear about "self-esteem," the Bible has no flattering descriptions of man. Some of the adjectives used to describe us in our sinful state are "dead" (Ephesians 2:1-3), "alienated and hostile in mind" (Colossians 1:21), and "corrupt...none who does good, not even one" (Psalm 14:3). The Genesis flood in Noah's day occurred because of man's sinfulness, for "'the intention of man’s heart is evil"' (Genesis 8:21). According to the London Baptist Confession, every one of us is"...utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good, and wholly inclined to all evil" (see here). Doesn't sound too promising, does it? Part of being humble is realizing our true position before God. Without His mercy, this is what we are: dead in our evil-ness, and powerful to do anything about it. We are, if you will, "bad to the bone." Once we are saved through Christ, we become a new creation - but none of it is our doing. As Paul asked the Corinthians, "What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?" (1 Corinthians 4:7). As Christians, everything we have we have received from God. We did nothing to deserve our material pleasures, family and friends, talents and abilities, or even our salvation; all of it was freely given to us. Paul's point is that, if we didn't earn it, we shouldn't be proud and conceited as if we are somehow worthy of it. In Humility: True Greatness, author C.J. Mahaney quotes Carl Henry, a brilliant yet humble theologian. Henry, when asked how he had remained humble for so long, answered, "How can anyone be arrogant when he stands beside the cross?" (Humility, p. 68). It's a thought-provoking reminder. How can we be proud when we reflect on what Christ has done for us? We who were "dead in our transgressions" God made us "alive together with Christ" (Ephesians 2:5).

The English Standard Version of the Bible has an intriguing translation of Romans 12:10b: "Outdo one another in showing honor." While one aspect of humility involves our relationship with God, another branch guides our relationships with other people. Paul encouraged the Romans to see who could give more honor to others. Instead of being proud and wanting to receive the attention ourselves, Paul taught that we should see how much honor we can give instead of receive. Paul himself was an example of humility. He wrote to the Corinthians, "Do we not have the right...?...Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ" (1 Corinthians 9:4-5, 12). Paul humbled himself by not demanding his rights, and instead chose to bless others. Teaching by example, Paul showed that it's not about fairness or insisting on our rights; Christians should be humble by realizing that their first priority is glorifying and serving God - not seeking honor for ourselves.

It's hard to be humble. Sometimes the hardest things are the smallest things - like not bragging about the part you played in winning the game, or insisting that you get to go first (because your sibling always gets to go first), or maybe showing off your abilities and talents. As sinful humans, we will often feel the need to look for esteem from others. But as Christians, we must remember that our priority is God's glory, not our esteem. It's not easy, is it? But the Bible is full of promises for those who are humble (see Proverbs 15:33, 22:4; James 4:10). No, it's not easy, but it is worth it to honor God, know Him more, and be rewarded by Him.

"Thus says the LORD: 'Heaven is my throne,
   and the earth is my footstool;
what is the house that you would build for me,
   and what is the place of my rest?
All these things my hand has made,
   and so all these things came to be,
declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look:
   he who is humble and contrite in spirit
   and trembles at my word.'"

Isaiah 66:1-2

What Child is This?

2010-12-18T13:20:00.003-06:00

Philippians 2:1-11

2010-12-09T16:42:00.005-06:00

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Have this mind among yourselves,
which is yours in Christ Jesus, who,

though He was in the form of God,

did not count equality with God a thing
to be grasped,

but made Himself nothing,
taking the form of a servant,

being born in the likeness of men.

And being found in human form,
He humbled himself by

becoming obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross.

Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed

on Him the name that is above every name,

so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bow,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

and every tongue confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:1-11, ESV

November 25th

2010-11-25T09:37:00.005-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

'"Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving

and honor and power and might be to
our God forever and ever!

Amen."'

Revelation 7:12

Set an Example

2010-11-08T07:32:00.002-06:00

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young,

but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."

1 Timothy 4:12, emphasis added

If Someone Asked You

2010-11-05T21:02:00.003-05:00

My little brother loves trash trucks. He notices them, imitates their sounds, and points them out to all of us - every time he sees one. Every Monday morning it is the highlight of his day to sit and watch the trash truck pick up the neighborhood trash. While many things are important to him, it's clear that trash trucks are pretty high on the list. We all have things that are important to us. For some, it's sports. For others, entertainment. For some, it's trash trucks. But if you had to name the one thing that is more important to you than anything else, what would it be?

Before he became a Christian, the apostle Paul had a lot of things going for him. He was given a very privileged Jewish education, and, as a Pharisee and a "Hebrew of Hebrews," (Phil. 3:5) enjoyed much esteem from his fellow Jews. Additionally, as a son in a Jewish family, Paul could take pride in his genealogical line. But once Paul became a Christian, something else was more important to him.

Later in his life, Paul wrote to the Christian church in Philippi, listing all the reasons he had to enjoy life: good family line, great education, etc. But at the end of the list, what does Paul say? "I wish other Jews still thought highly of me"? No. "At least I still enjoy the good family line"? No. Once Paul finishes naming everything he could take pride in, he writes, "I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ" (Phil. 3:8). Paul's priorities had changed. No longer was human applause important to him. Gone were the days when Paul's own obedience to the law was a source of pride for him. Now it was all rubbish, in his opinion. All that mattered now was Christ.

Paul wrote of "sincere and pure devotion to Christ" (2 Cor. 11:2-3, emphasis added). Paul lived pursuing Christ and Christ alone. The things of this world held no value for him and received none of his devotion - all of it was given to Christ. If someone were to ask Paul what was most important in his life, he would answer without hesitation: Jesus Christ. If someone asked you the same question, what would your answer be?

Of Cups and Vessels

2010-11-05T19:33:00.002-05:00

Kaitlyn lived a normal life. She had friends, hobbies, a great family, and went to church every Sunday. But one day, her normal life was changed.

It started simply enough. Kaitlyn was busy getting ready for church that morning. She picked out an outfit that was just right, but then she found the perfect one. Then she fixed her hair just the way it would complement the perfect outfit. Kaitlyn and her family walked into church just before the service started. "Oh, a visiting speaker," Kaitlyn pointed out. "This should be interesting."

"It is my pleasure to introduce to you this morning, Dr. Randall Sparks," Kaitlyn's pastor told the congregation. As the applause died down, Dr. Sparks began his message.

"Every day I ask myself, 'Well, what kind of cup will you be today, Randy?' I know that question sounds a little strange, but there is a purpose behind it. You see, Paul wrote to his student, Timothy: 'Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work' (2 Timothy 2:20-21). Paul's exhortation to Timothy has to do with purity. You see, if something is pure, it is without other substances. It is completely one thing and only that one thing. Pure gold, for example, doesn't have any iron in it. Pure chocolate doesn't have any peanut butter. If we are to be pure in our walk with God, to be a vessel for honorable use, we must 'cleanse' ourselves, as Paul instructs us, of anything that doesn't honor God, anything that isn't fully for our one goal of glorifying God. To remind me of this decision I must make every day, I always ask myself, 'What kind of cup - or vessel - will you be today?' Now, today we're going to look closer at the concept of..."

Kaitlyn couldn't remember the rest of the sermon, for she didn't hear it. She wasn't listening. She just couldn't get past his opening illustration. What kind of cup are you? she thought to herself. But Kaitlyn was a good girl - what could she need to change?

Slowly, Kaitlyn walked into her room after they returned home from church. She sat down on her bed and thought about how she spent her time. No, there was nothing wrong with talking on the phone to friends, or spending time on hobbies. But what am I doing for God? she thought to herself. How am I spending time working to be a vessel for honorable use? She thought about how she had spent her time the day before. She talked with her friend Rebecca on the phone, then went over and did some reading and talking with her friend Michaela. But what time did she spend seeking God? What time did she spend doing things that would bring Him glory? Just a few minutes for my morning devotional, she remembered, a little guiltily. Kaitlyn reached over for a piece of paper and wrote on it, then she propped it up on her bedside table. "There," she said to herself. "Now I can always ask myself, 'What kind of cup will you be today, Katie?"

Photo by Catherine Hadler at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The Finish Line

2010-11-05T16:52:00.004-05:00

Many things take our focus off of God. Common modern idols are money, fame, or being first in something. If those define the ideals of life, then there was one man who had it all. But what if there is more to life than what man says is important?

In the 1924 Paris Olympics, Eric Liddell stunned the world of sports by refusing to submit to their expectations. Already known as an accomplished runner, Eric dashed the hopes of many of his countrymen when he refused to run in the 200-meter race (his personal best) because the qualifying preliminary was held on a Sunday. Some even called him a traitor. What kind of athlete would forfeit an Olympic medal for his country because a meet was on a Sunday? Despite the sour feelings of his supporters, Eric stayed firm in his conviction to remain true to God. God rewarded his faithfulness and Eric won a gold medal in the 400 meter race, which was not one he was expected to win. Not only did he win, but he set a new world record: 47.6 seconds. He had stunned the sports world again - this time impressing them.

But Olympics was not what Eric lived for; winning races was not his life goal. The son of missionaries, he left running to become a missionary to China for the last twenty years of his life. While there he married another missionary kid, Florence Mackenzie, and they had three daughters. Together, they labored to bring the Gospel to the hurting Chinese people. Back home, however, many were questioning Eric's decisions. Why would a famous Olympic runner give up his sport to labor in a foreign land?

In the early 1940s, while the Liddells were working in China, the Japanese invaded China. Life was dangerous for everyone, and Eric sent his wife and daughters to his wife’s family in Canada for their safety. Choosing to stay where God had called him, Eric stayed with the people of China. He and many others were soon put in a Japanese internment camp. As a prisoner, Eric busied himself with the needs of others by assisting the elderly, providing games and activities for the children, and helping teach chemistry. Eric continued to faithfully serve God first and put the needs of others before his own. While still a prisoner of war, Eric became sick. Unfortunately, the camp had no means to treat his brain tumor, and he died just after he turned forty-three. The world was still wondering. Why would a promising young husband and father spend the end of his life in an internment camp away from his family?

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

Eric Liddell was a good runner - that’s for sure. Striving to follow God first and foremost, he was an example of what it means to prize what God prized and not what the world around him treasured. What kind of athlete would throw away an Olympic gold medal because the first meet was held on Sunday? One whose goal was knowing God, not winning gold. Why would a world-renowned Olympian walk away from the sport he took by storm in order to work among a foreign people in a foreign land? Because winning a race was not the purpose of Eric Liddell's life. Why would a healthy, popular, smart, young husband and father live the last of his days as a POW away from home and family? Because Eric Liddell followed God and God alone. His heart was pure because God was on the throne of his heart. Eric ran his race with endurance; pursuing a life that glorified God. Let us also run toward the finish line, ignoring all else as we pursue God and God alone.

Following the Rules

2010-10-28T09:59:00.011-05:00

Some people think that the Bible is just a bunch of rules. "Do this, do that," or "don't do this, don't do that," is how many people view Christianity. The first five books of the Old Testament - the Torah - contain (by many estimates) 613 laws. These rules covered everything from sacrifices and cleansing rituals to family life and foreign relations. There was a rule for almost everything. Many people assume that Christianity is like Old Testament Judaism. But not even Old Testament Judaism was about rules.

When Hezekiah became king of Judah at the age of twenty-five, he was replacing a ruler who, like many other Old Testament kings, was not a godly one. King after king in Judah's royal line ruled in defiance of God and His ways. But things would be different with Hezekiah. As soon as he sat on the throne he began sweeping reforms to wipe out idolatry and to reaffirm Judah's allegiance to God and God alone. The Bible tells us that Hezekiah

"trusted in the LORD, the God of Israel, so that there was none like him among all the kings of Judah after him, nor among those who were before him. For he held fast to the LORD. He did not depart from following Him, but kept the commandments that the LORD commanded Moses. And the LORD was with him" (2 Kings 18:5-7).

Judah had a revival. The people were excited to be returning to the God of their fathers, and they were ready to be ceremonially cleansed for the celebration of the Passover. However, the time set to celebrate the Passover was quickly approaching, and there would not be time for all of the people to be made clean before the Passover began. Hezekiah saw the impending problem: many people of Israel and Judah would want to partake of the Passover, but would not meet the requirement of being ceremonially clean. Hezekiah prayed:

"'May the good LORD pardon everyone who sets his heart to seek God, the LORD, the God of his fathers, even though not according to the sanctuary’s rules of cleanness'". And next we read, "And the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people" (2 Chronicles 30:18-20).

During one of Jesus' many encounters with the strict rule-keeping Pharisees, He called them '"whitewashed tombs,"' a vivid word picture of a place without life yet decorated to look nice on the outside. In other words, the Pharisees were putting on a good show of serving God with their actions, but not with the attitudes of their hearts. For example, the Pharisees were so strict in their tithing that they even gave a tenth of their spices like mint and cumin, yet they were neglecting the more important matters such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Jesus told them, "'So you also outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness'" (Matthew 23:28; see also Matthew 23:23-24). When Jesus healed on the Sabbath, the Pharisees reprimanded Him for "working" on the Sabbath, as they focused on the letter of the law and completely missed the intent of it. Instead of kindly shepherding the people Israel, the Pharisees, as Israel's spiritual leaders, chose to impose more exacting rules on Israel than those that God required. Jesus taught that the Pharisees' rules did not help them gain eternal life - only a heart right with God gives that.

The Israelites who ate the Passover during Hezekiah's reign had not followed all the rules. Yet they did right. The Pharisees rigidly calculated their every move in order to keep all 613 laws of the Torah. Yet they were the unwashed tombs. "The Lord says: 'These people come near to Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is made up only of rules taught by men'" (Isaiah 29:13). Maybe we follow all the rules, but where do the allegiances of our heart lie? What is our heart attitude? Yes, there are rules, and they are meant to be followed, but the Bible is about so much more than that. "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8). God desires a humble spirit and a heart that seeks Him. No rule can duplicate a heart attitude. Christianity is not a religion of rules, because no matter how many rules we follow, "the LORD looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).

Filled Up

2010-10-19T19:23:00.004-05:00

The other day I was really hungry. REALLY hungry. I could've eaten anything! (Okay, not anything. But close.)

While I was hungry for edible food, Jesus taught us in the Beatitudes about another kind of hunger: "'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied'" (Matthew 5:6). Righteousness is right standing with God, but we can't get that on our own. Jesus gives it to us (1 Corinthians 1:30 and Philippians 3:9) when we trust Him alone and repent of our sin. Righteousness is Christ-likeness; we must be close to Christ to be like Him, to be righteous. But what does it mean to hunger for righteousness?

When my little brother was a baby, he let us know when he was hungry. Once he decided that he was ready for a bottle, he wanted it immediately, and he screamed until he got it! Nothing else would satisfy him. "Like newborn babies," Peter wrote, "crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation" (1 Peter 2:2). When we're spiritually hungry, we should settle for nothing less than that which alone will ultimately satisfy. Trying to satisfy our hunger with anything else is like giving a starving man a Hershey's kiss - it tastes good but doesn't help the hunger or give any nutrition. No little baby would settle for anything but the bottle; we must not settle for anything less than God's Word.

We are not to be proud of our righteous acts. The Bible says that sometimes the righteous begin to trust in their righteousness instead of God's mercy and then they commit evil (Ezekiel 33:13). Righteousness is God's gift to those who believe in Him and repent (Philippians 2:13). To hunger for righteousness is to hunger to be like God - to put Him first and to bring glory to Him, not to earn our own way to Heaven or impress those around us. Righteousness is something God gives to us; we must give the glory to God for our righteous acts and not try to steal the glory for ourselves.

“To know You is to want to know You more,” the song testifies (Casting Crowns, "To Know You"). Matthew 5:6 holds one of the greatest promises in the Bible. "'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness...'" Now, hungering and thirsting are not pleasant experiences. They're worth it, though, "'...for they shall be satisfied.'" He will not leave us hungry, or give us sweet but non-filling treats. We will be filled. As the famous psalm tells us, "my cup overflows" (Psalm 23:5).

Photo Credit: Simon Howden from FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Nothing Short

2010-10-01T20:23:00.001-05:00

"In my deepest heart I know that some of us have to face our comfortable,
self-oriented lives all over again.

The times are too tragic, God's sorrow is too great,
man's night is too dark,the Cross is too glorious

for us to live as we have lived, in anything short of

holy obedience."

Thomas Kelly

Solitaire

2010-09-22T15:11:00.000-05:00

I look at my computerized-Solitaire winning percentage. 37%. Not very high. But I don't feel like I have much else to do, so I keep playing. And keep playing. About fifteen games later, I finally stop, convicted that I could probably find something more productive to do. But before I leave the game, I look at my winning percentage one more time. Guess what? It's still 37%. Well over thirty minutes of my life and nothing changed - you can't even tell I spent time playing Solitaire. Thirty minutes of my life had been used up without any lasting significance.

"Everyday is a bank account

And time is our currency

So no one's rich, nobody's poor

We get twenty-four hours each

So how are you gonna spend

Will you invest or squander

Try to get ahead

Or help someone who's under?"

"Life Means So Much," by Chris Rice, raises a thought-provoking question. How are we going to spend our lives? We have less time than we think. "What is your life?" James asks us. "For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes" (James 4:14). When I was little, time seemed to drag by very slowly. Adults always told me that time flies, but I found it hard to believe. At the end of our lives, though, we will be surprised how quickly we have spent our days.

It has been estimated that, by the end of a sixty-five-year-life, the average person will have spent nine years watching television. Nine years spent sitting in front of a television tube. Other ways we waste our time are more subtle: a little daydreaming here, watching the same YouTube video four times in an hour, or a game of Solitaire that turns into ten games. Sports, movies, chit-chat, gossip; our time is spent "mulling over things that won't live past today" (Casting Crowns, "Here I Go Again"). What about purpose and vision? Where is our passion for a life that glorifies God?

While there is nothing inherently wrong with TV, sports, or Solitaire, why do we spend such great amounts of time on activities that have no eternal significance? God calls us to pray without ceasing, study to show ourselves approved (so that we can be able to give an answer for the hope that is in us), and make the best use of the little time we have - and we're squandering so much of it on activities that have no eternal purpose. We must use our time to do what God has called us to do.

As Chris Rice's song continues, "Teach us to count the days/Teach us to make the days count" ("Life Means So Much," Chris Rice). While, again, there is nothing wrong with a game or two of Solitaire, may I always remember that playing a game is not what makes a day count. Obedience to God and diligent working to do His will is what determines a day well-spent. May we always be careful to, as Paul entreated, "Look carefully then how you walk...making the best use of the time, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15-17).

Only, Part Three

2010-09-18T07:19:00.001-05:00

Read Part One Here
Read Part Two Here

"I've called three different nursing homes - I haven't found one with an Esther Powell," Mrs. Stevens told Logan and Larissa.

"Great!" Hallie interjected as she hung up the phone. "Good Shepherd Nursing Home has an Esther Powell in Room 223," she informed the others. "The receptionist said that we can visit anytime!"

"That's great, Hallie," Mrs. Stevens told her daughter. "Let's get ready to go and Larissa can ask her parents if she can come, too. But we need to remember, even though we have some of Mrs. Powell's pictures and diaries and we know quite a bit about her, she doesn't know us or anything about us. We don't know how her health is, either. Let's remember to take it slow and be understanding."

~~~

Once everyone was in the car and they started for Good Shepherd Nursing Home, Hallie opened the diary Mrs. Powell wrote when she was twelve years old and began reading. "August 3, 1929. Today I met Mrs. Anderson. She is about eighty years old. She was kind. She gave me a wooden figurine. Love, Esther." Hallie closed the book and wondered what it would have been like to be twelve years old in 1929.

"We're here!" Mrs. Stevens announced.

~~~

"Here's Room 223," Larissa whispered to Hallie.

"Go ahead, honey. We're right behind you," Mrs. Stevens assured Hallie.

Hallie knocked on the door. "Come in," they heard a feeble voice say. Slowly, Hallie opened the door.

"Mrs. Powell?" she asked.

A frail woman looked up from her reading. "Yes?" she answered.

"My name is Hallie Stevens; my family and I live in your old house. We found some things that might be yours."

Logan brought the box of mementos to Mrs. Powell. "Oh, yes," Mrs. Powell gushed excitedly. "My, these bring back memories," she smiled as she picked up some of the old photos.

For a moment no one spoke as she lovingly looked through her long-lost treasures. Finally Mrs. Stevens broke the silence. "Mrs. Powell, if it's okay with you, we would love to hear more about these," she gently suggested.

Mrs. Powell leaned back in her chair. "My husband George and I got married in 1939, right before World War II. We were married fifty-three years."

"Where did you get this?" Hallie asked, handing Mrs. Powell the wooden figurine of an open Bible.

Mrs. Powell fingered the decoration in her hands and read softly, 'Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last.'" After a moment's pause she continued. "A lady named Mrs. Anderson gave this to me," she said.

"Oh," Hallie remembered. "I read about her in one of the diaries."

"Yes!" Mrs. Powell smiled at Hallie. "My parents became Christians when I was around your age, largely due to Mrs. Anderson's example and testimony. Mrs. Anderson gave this to me to remind me to spend my one short life only on things that matter."

"Did you?" Logan spoke up.

Hallie glared at Logan. "That's not very polite," she whispered.

Mrs. Powell noticed Hallie's reprimanding look. "Oh, no, I'd love to answer his question," she interrupted them. "No, young man, unfortunately I didn't. I was a Christian, but I didn't count the days."

"Count the days?" Larissa was confused.

"Yes; Psalm 90:12 says, 'So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.' All of us have a limited time on earth. When I was your age, it felt like my adult years were decades away, but once I was an adult, the years passed by all to quickly. I wish I had realized that at your age." Mrs. Powell looked at Hallie. "I wish I had followed the advice of this figurine when I was younger. Life is short - we want to live it for a purpose, and only Jesus Christ is a purpose great enough." Mrs. Powell handed the figurine back to Hallie. "Here, I want you to have this. When you see it, remember me, and remember that life is short."

"Are you sure?" Mrs. Stevens asked.

"Definitely," Mrs. Powell asserted. "I want to give it to someone who will remember - and live - its message."

"Thank you," was all Hallie could say as she felt the privilege of receiving what had been given to Mrs. Powell many years before.

~~~

That night, before bedtime, Hallie settled into her bed with her diary and opened it to a blank page. She started to write, but then paused and picked up a wooden figurine of an open open Bible. Hallie read what was written under the Bible: "Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last." Hallie set it down and began to write. "Today I met Mrs. Powell. Psalm 90:12 says..."

Thursday's Thought

2010-09-16T07:08:00.005-05:00

"Wherever you are - be all there."
Jim Elliot

Only, Part Two

2010-09-14T15:55:00.002-05:00

Read Part 1 here

"Logan, are you okay?" Hallie called out a little anxiously to her brother. Without any light, she couldn't tell what had happened.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Somehow the cat got up here with us," Logan explained. "I saw something moving behind the boxes; when it dashed out, it scratched me and caught me off guard. I accidentally hit the switch on the lamp, so the lights went out."

"All that was caused by a cat?!" Larissa questioned as Logan turned the light back on.

"Yeah - I mean - no, no," Logan caught himself. "it was a specially trained dog from the Corlat Resistance. It's called a D-8 and it's the most vicious dog man has ever known."

"That's more like it," Larissa teased.

"So, what's in the CR notebook?" Logan asked, changing the subject. "Battle plans? List of spies?"

"Sorry, Logan - it looks like a little girl's diary," Hallie answered, as she was the only one who had actually looked at the notebook so far.

"What - that's it?! It must be a decoy!" Logan decided.

"Yeah, that's it. Just a little girl's diary. But I like reading it. Here, on May 8, 1925, she wrote, 'Today I got a necklace from Aunt Pearl. I want to wear it to church tomorrow. Love, Esther.'"

"That's it? For the whole day?" Logan asked. "Girls," he scoffed.

"Logan, the notebook and the decoration might belong to the previous owners - we need to get it back to them," Hallie pointed out.

"Haven't you already lived here a long time?" Larissa asked.

"Several years..." Hallie began thoughtfully.

"...but there were still previous owners," Logan finished. "Was the previous owner named 'Esther'?" he asked.

"I can't remember," Hallie said slowly as she tried to remember. "I just remember the names Mr. and Mrs. Powell."

"Okay, let's look around up here and see if there is something else from the same girl," Logan strategically suggested.

Everyone spread out and started opening boxes. "Wow, Logan - is this you?" Larissa held up a framed baby picture. "Look at those ears!"

"Yeah," Logan grinned sheepishly. "But you should see Hallie's - she had the curliest hair in Parker county!"

"Hey, here's something," Hallie interrupted Logan and Larissa's laughter. "It's a wooden box I haven't noticed before - oh, look!" she exclaimed as she opened it. Logan and Larissa hurried over to her. "It's full of old black and white pictures, some letters, and a couple of diaries."

"Can you imagine living in such an hold house," Logan asked, for once a little distracted from his mission. Larissa giggled at the change.

"We need to show this to Mom," Hallie decided, definitely the most focused member of the trio.

~~~

"Mom, look at this!" Logan yelled. "We found a metal box in the basement and it had a diary that a little girl wrote a long time ago so we ran upstairs to see if the attic had anything else of hers and Hallie opened this box that had more diaries and some pictures and we think it might have belonged to the Powells."

"Wow," Larissa commented on Logan's explanation. "Nice delivery."

"See, Mom?" Hallie pulled out a black and white wedding picture. "On the back it says, 'October 14, 1939: Mr. George and Mrs. Esther Powell'. The Powells were the previous owners! We need to find them and give it back!"

"I see," Mrs. Stevens examined what the showed her. "I would sure want it all back."

"There's also this beautiful wooden figurine of an open Bible. Below the Bible it says, ''Only one life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last,'" Hallie held up her favorite item from the box.

"Look at this, Hallie," Mrs. Stevens pointed out. "This birth certificate says Esther Wilson - it must be Mrs. Powell's maiden name. Did you see the birthdate?"

"No," Hallie answered curiously.

"It says May 24, 1917. That would make her ninety-three years old."

"Wow," Hallie said softly.

"Is she still alive?" Logan asked. No one answered.

To be continued...