A Good Life

Did David live a good life? As I studied 1 and 2 Samuel, I saw how rocky David’s life was. He was hot or cold for God. He obeyed and disobeyed God’s Laws. He did what God instructed or he took matters into his own hands. Saul chased him all over the countryside as he sought to kill David. Other enemies, including his own son, Absalom, attacked David. He suffered the loss of children. He suffered separations from wives. He was moody and often depressed. He was indecisive leading to continuing troubles. Eventually, like all of us, he grew old and feeble. This sounds like a rocky life to me.

1 Kings 1:1 says, “King David grew old, the years took their toll, and he couldn’t get warm even when they covered him with bedclothes.” Commentator, Tom Bradford, indicated that David might have been “prematurely old” due to a lifetime of stress, living in the wilderness, and consequences of his lifestyle. “Grew old” can also be translated, “lost his vitality.” However, Bradford also says that “toll” has a positive connotation that indicates that David lived a “meaningful life.”

It’s not a matter of living a long life that really matters. A person can live a long time but have only a few noteworthy days. David’s life had many noteworthy days, although not all for positive reasons. He lived a full life in the time he had. He may have become prematurely old because of his struggles in his soul. He may have had a “soul sickness” due to living in frequent disobedience to God. He was still recognized by God as a man after God’s own heart, but David’s choices led to many stresses that ruined his vitality.

This is true for many people today. Even though they profess to be Christians, their hard lives due to their choices leads to a soul sickness that ages them beyond their years. I’ve known many people who are alcoholic and profess to know God, but who continue to make the choice to drink. I understand it’s a disease and quite possibly genetic, but there’s still a choice about whether or not to pick up that first drink. Those who continually make the harmful choice suffer many losses and live with much stress. Many of them look much older than their chronological age.

It is not for me to judge how their hearts are with God. Looking at David’s life, it is hard to see how he was committed to following after God. Why and how could a person who professes to love and serve God live such a miserable life? I don’t know the answer to that; what I know is that it is possible. All we have to do is look at David.

Desirable Character Qualities

We are just about ready to “wrap up” 1 Samuel. Yet are we really? Initially the books of 1 and 2 Samuel were one book. The first half, 1 Samuel, ends with Saul’s death, so it’s kind of a break in the story. But 2 Samuel continues the story of David and Samuel’s prophecies regarding the kingdom of Israel and David’s reign. So, I’m looking forward to continuing the study in 2 Samuel.

But, I’m getting ahead of myself. There are still two chapters in 1 Samuel to study and learn from. Today’s thoughts come from the first of those 2 chapters, chapter 30. This chapter covers what took place when David and his men returned to Ziklag after being turned away by the Philistine leaders when they were assembling to attack Israel (1 Samuel 29). They returned to a ransacked, burned down, and emptied Ziklag. The Amalekites had come and taken anything of value and the women and children. David turned to the high priest who was in their midst and consulted God about what they should do. After God answered some “yes or no” questions, David got the answer he needed and they set off after the Amalekites.

Long story made short, they caught up with the Amalekites, attacked and “not one of them escaped, except for 400 young men who jumped on camels and got away” (vs. 17 CJB). David rescued all the women and children and returned with the spoils and began to distribute the gains. He gave all 600 of his men a fair and equal share (although there was some controversy about it; see verses 22 – 24). He also “sent some of the spoil to the leaders of Judah who were his friends with a note” (vs. 26).

The note said, “Here is a present for you from the spoil of the enemies of Adonai.” He sent the gifts to 13 specifically named places and “to all the places where David and his men had frequently visited” (vs. 31). In the commentaries I looked at (Matthew Henry and Tom Bradford) there were some agreement and some disagreement on the whys of the towns mentioned and chosen. Bradford asked the question, “Was this a godly process?” Maybe it was and maybe it wasn’t. We cannot really tell what David’s motives were from the passage; however, the towns were politically strategic for the most part and this division of the spoils was effective from an earthly perspective.

But this explanation does not account for why David sent gifts to “all the places where David and his men had frequently visited.” We can note several character qualities of David from the distribution of the spoils whether to the significant political towns or the smaller places. These are character traits we should all seek to develop. I’m not going to elaborate on the four qualities (I think we all know what they entail), but I’m going to list them as Matthew Henry listed them:

1.  Generosity

2.  Gratitude

3.  Piety

4.  Consistent Policies

In each of these areas, in spite of David’s frequent disobedience to God’s instructions, we see qualities that we can implement into our own lives. I can’t decide which one I need to use today, but I will be looking this week for times when I can exhibit one of these qualities.

Quick Thoughts on Philippians 4:4-8

I did not have time this week to write a blog article. Appointments and computer problems got in the way. However, I do have some thoughts on Philippians 4:4-8 and being anxious for nothing.

My Bible study partner and I have been using Max Lucado's book and study guide on this passage of Scripture: Anxious for Nothing. I highly recommend it for everyone, and especially for those who struggle frequently with the issue of anxiety.

In the midst of these familiar verses is verse 5: "Let your forbearing spirit (gentleness) be known to all men. The Lord is near." In situations that can bring me anxiety, remaining gentle and kind, -- instead of frustrated, angry, and defensive -- can help soothe the situation instead of creating further anxiety. And the reason this is possible? Because the Lord is near. Some versions say, "The Lord is at hand." This is not only a true statement, it is key to our existence. He's available. He's taking care of things. He's always working and using situations in our lives to bring about His glory.

Knowing that, we can lay aside our anxieties and trust Him. We can more easily do what verses 6 and 7 say to do: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, practicing verse 8, meditating on the good things in this world and on the good character of God, will impress upon our hearts and minds the fact that the Lord is near. Peace comes from that.

Doing this study and memorizing this passage (in its entirety which I've never done before), has given me a new sense of God's peace in my life. I highly recommend it for everyone. If purchasing the books is not possible, meditating on Philippians 4:4-8 will change your perspective as it's changed mine. And the peace of God will guard you as a result.

Reverence For God

In drawing closer to God and improving our intimacy with God, we need to maintain our respect for God. Yes, He is a loving, caring, saving God, but He is also the Almighty, Most High, All Powerful, Creator, Judging God. I think we sometimes forget that God deserves and demands our worship and our humble respect for everything He is. I think we also need to be careful that we, in our dealings with other people, only portray God as loving and caring, leaving out the truth of His pending judgment. The outcome of the judgment is dire for those who are not in a relationship with Jesus Christ. We must not lose sight of that.

Many of the Psalms make a connection between God’s holy character and a life dedicated to fearing (revering) God. As I thought about that I decided that if God did not have a holy character that requires my worship, what would we have to live upright lives for? If God is not holy and powerful, He might just as well be an idol or a statue that does not have the power and righteousness worthy of our respect. Unlike false gods, our God can and does act in this world. Psalm 115:4-8 talks about what “their” gods are like:

Their idols are silver and gold,

The work of man’s hands.

The have mouths, but they cannot speak;

They have eyes, but they cannot see;

They have ears, but they cannot hear;

They have noses, but they cannot smell;

They have hands, but they cannot feel;

They have fee, but they cannot walk;

They cannot make a sound with their throat.

Those who make them will become like them,

Everyone who trust in them.

The Almighty God of the Bible can do all those things and He does every moment of every day and night. He is an active God. We need to live in awe of such a God.

Keeping in mind that when the Bible says, “fear the Lord,” it’s not telling us to be afraid of the Lord. In fact, in the other lessons on developing intimacy with God, I learned that it’s quite the opposite. We should draw near for He is an approachable God, who wants to be in relationship with us. Fearing the Lord brings us into a respectful attitude as we humbly bow down before this wonderful God. There are many benefits to learning to live a life that fears God. Psalm 111:10 gives us a couple of benefits:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;

A good understanding have all those who do His commandments;

His praise endures forever.

Who doesn’t want wisdom and understanding? Psalm 115:11-13 also talks about the need to fear God and the benefits that result from doing so:

You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord;

He is their help and their shield.

The Lord has been mindful of us; He will bless us;

He will bless the house of Israel;

He will bless the house of Aaron.

He will bless those who fear the Lord,

The small together with the great.

He is a help and a shield to those who fear Him. He will bless us without partiality. All we have to do is have a healthy respect and awe of all that He is. Whether we fear Him or not, He is powerful and judging. How much better it is to fear Him and worship Him, and get the resultant benefits and relationship with the ultimate Higher Power!

Turning to God: Acts 20:1-16

Several thoughts came to mind while studying this section of Acts. And, it just so happens, my Quiet Time (based on the Our Daily Bread guide), also addressed some of these same issues. Primarily, the thoughts were about turning to God in times of struggle.

Just like David, Paul had trials and tribulations to deal with. Some of the struggles were from without. In David’s case, these without struggles were often about trying to deal with the death threats and persecution from King Saul. Paul’s struggles were often with the non-believing Jews he encountered on his various missionary journeys; they wanted to kill him and squash his message. I have external conflicts I have to deal with also. And, like David and Paul, when I turn to God and try to do things in a way pleasing to Him, sometimes things get better and sometimes things get worse. We can’t control what other people do or say in response to us no matter how kind and compassionate we tried to be. In those situations, my peace comes from knowing that my salvation is not reliant upon the actions of other people. It’s dependant only upon God’s love for me and my response to Him.

However, both David and Paul had their inside struggles to deal with. These internal struggles seem to be conflict with who they are and who they want to be. Those struggles often lead to what appears to be a depressed state in both of those leaders. I can also relate to those struggles. I like Psalm 30:1-5, one of David’s songs to God, because it talks about how we may feel we are without hope, but then there’s God:

I will extol Thee, O Lord, for Thou hast lifted me up,

And hast not let my enemies rejoice over me.

O Lord my God,

I cried to Thee for help, and Thou didst heal me.

O Lord, Thou hast brought up my soul from Sheol;

Thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones,

And give thanks to His holy name.

For His anger is but for a moment,

His favor is for a lifetime;

Weeping may last for the night,

But a shout of joy comes in the morning.

David says he was in a state where he needed help and healing. He felt his soul was in Sheol (Hell) and he was afraid he would go down to the pit if it weren’t for God’s hand on his life. He indicates that weeping was a part of his life. Yet, despite his depression thoughts and feelings, he knew the remedy was to turn to God. He says that God has kept him alive, that God has healed him. And he focuses his attention on God. He sings praise to the Lord and gives thanks to His holy name.

In Acts 20, we find a situation where Paul also may have been feeling alone, afraid, in the pit, and there were times of weeping (Acts 20:19 says, “. . . serving the Lord with all humility and with tears . . .”). It is speculated by several commentators the Paul experienced depression, yet he kept proclaiming the message of Christ in the midst of that. At one point in Acts 20 (verse 13) Paul chooses to go by land while the rest of his team went by ship to a designated place of meeting. There are lots of possible reasons why Paul decided to do this, none of which are explained in the Scriptures. However, I like what Spurgeon had to say about this walk: “A quiet lonely walk of twenty miles suited Paul, it would give him space for prayer and meditation, and help him to shake off some of the depression which had gathered over his mind while he waited in Philippi. Those who labor much for the Lord must have their times of retirement for self-examination, prayer, communion with God, and preparation for future efforts.” Again, I want to say that we don’t know why Paul, in this particular situation, decided to go by land because the Scriptures don’t explain it. However, I like to think Paul was communing with God and praising Him (as David did when he was down).

I see that as the way out of my depressions. When I get my eyes set on Jesus’ sacrifice and God’s great power, I feel loved and cared for. That goes a long way towards lifting the depression, at least for a period of time. Then it’s good for me to keep praising God and giving thanks for His compassion, love and care for me, each day to maintain a spirit of hope. It works for me if I let it. Maybe it can work for you.

Positive Changes

Due to factors beyond our control, my Bible study partner and I agreed to skip a week and pick up in Acts 16 next week. So, I thought I’d just write a short piece about what I’m thankful for. Mostly, lately, it’s been a thankfulness for how I’ve changed.

I’m starting to work on my second book, a sequel to the memoir I published in 2009. So I pick up the story in late 2005 and plan on covering the next few years in my recovery from alcoholism and mental illness. I’m learning some things about myself, things I haven’t noticed because the change has taken place over time. I’ve grown and I am recovering (even if it will take a lifelong treatment plan).

One thing I noticed is how, back in 2006, I was still experimenting with not being compliant in taking my medicines as prescribed by my various doctors. I would make adjustments on my own and when things started to fall apart, it would become clear to my health care providers. I would eventually admit my “experimentation, ” but it would often be too late for easy fixes and I’d find myself in the mental hospital. I wasn’t doing it as often as I did in my early recovery, but I was still doing it.

I don’t do that anymore. Just this week, I felt like the combination of sleep medicines I was taking, might be contributing to a grogginess I was feeling in the mornings. I was having trouble getting up and going in the mornings. The thought went through my mind to just take less of the meds. Instead of starting that on my own, I called my therapist, and then, at the therapist’s suggestion, I called the psychiatrist’s office. It took a day and a half of waiting, but the doctor’s office called me back and said I could reduce a med, the one I was planning on taking less of, in small increments until I was down to 1/3 of what I had been taking. However, she also cautioned to monitor my sleep to make sure I was still getting seven to nine hours each night.

That’s just one obvious change that shows that I’m growing and developing healthier coping skills. There were many other incidents in my journals and emails to my best friend from 2007 that reinforce change in my thinking and behavior. For those changes I am truly thankful to God, my sponsors, my therapist(s), and my psychiatrist(s).

Thoughts on Gratitude

In a recent Quiet Time (morning devotion) I read in Micah 7:18 that God delights in showing mercy. I was able to thank God for that truth, but it also made me question myself about the things that bring me delight. So I started to assemble a gratitude list. It was easy at first but then got harder once I was past the obvious things. Some of what I came up with are listed below (along with a few new thoughts as I wrote this article).

God’s gift of salvation for me

God’s gift of salvation for my husband

God’s gift of one daughter’s recent prayer to accept Christ as her Savior

God’s gift that our other daughter has accepted Christ as her Savior

God’s gift of His Word

God’s Holy Spirit’s workings in my life

The peace we can have through Christ

The hope we have because of Christ

God’s forgiveness of my transgressions

God’s mercy toward me

Having the husband that I do

Having the children that I do

Having a specific friend for over 35 years

Having a God-believing church in my own neighborhood to attend

Having income to support us

Having children who are or will be college graduates

For my AA friends

For my AA sponsor

For my therapist who happens to be a Christian

For the adventures that come from trusting God

God’s sustenance when I’m feeling low

For the promise given to Abraham that also applies to us

For answered prayer

For the talents and skills He’s given me

That my God is an all-powerful God

That my God is an all-knowing God

That my God is an ever-present God

For the vehicles we have to drive

For the house we live in

For the computers I use to write this blog (and other things)

For Christian friends near and far

For the woman who originally shared the gospel with me

For my college degrees and education

For my illnesses that keep me humble

For wise doctors that aid in my care

For successful surgeries (hands, back, C-section, eyes)

There are many more but right now I’m done writing them down. Maybe some of the things I’m grateful for sparked some gratitude of your own. Remember to thank God each day.

Dead of Winter Thoughts

It’s February and in Michigan that means it’s the dead of winter. As I look out my office window right now it’s snowing, again. That could be depressing. It often is for me. I struggle with depression periodically throughout the year, but it always seems a little worse during the fall and winter months.

Yet, as I look out my window, I also see the birds hanging out on the various bird feeders in our front yard. Their exuberance in the midst of the snow and cold is fun to watch. And they remind me that there is something good going on around me even while winter rears its ugly head.

For instance, I can be grateful for my husband, who put the birdseed in the feeder right out my office window. That takes some doing as it is a walk through the snow to get to that feeder. He didn’t have to do that, but he did it for me, so I can enjoy watching the birds frolic about.

I can also be grateful for the other people God has placed in my life. Just today while I was at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, a friend commented that I seem to be doing better than some years. He noted that the winter months have often been the time of year I end up in the mental hospital because I just can’t deal with life on life’s terms anymore. I’m not even close to that point this year, but without his comment I might have failed to notice. So far this is my third winter without a hospital visit. That’s something to be grateful for. My depressions are managed and I’m not skipping meds because they make me feel sluggish or despondent. So I’m not manic either.

My therapist thinks I’m holding my own. That’s another person I’m grateful for. She’s able to put my life in perspective a little better than I am. Like the other friend, she reminds me that things have been worse in years past. Things may not be totally joyous and happy, but life is rarely all joy and happiness. I’m handling the struggles and surviving. I’m even doing some things to bring enjoyment into my life on a regular basis.

So I didn’t directly write about God in today’s post. But He’s a big part of why I’m able to survive and endure the hard times in my mood swings. Some of the things I do to put structure into my life are things that bring me closer to God: Daily time in Bible reading, Bible study, Praising Him on a regular basis, and Praying (mostly for my children but also for my husband, friends, and family).

I’m surviving one day at a time. And it won’t be winter forever. Eventually spring will come and there will be new life to celebrate. That’s something to look forward to.

Titles of Jesus

In studying 1 Timothy 1, I noticed a few titles given to Jesus. The study guide I’m using directed me to other passages in Scripture that give other titles to Jesus. These titles help me get a bigger picture of Jesus and who, exactly, He is.

The first titles are found in 1 Timothy 1:1 and tell us Jesus is our Savior and our hope. Not just “the” Savior or “the” hope, but “our” Savior and “our” hope. It’s personal, intended for us to realize that Jesus is a personal Savior. In 1 Timothy 1:12, Jesus is called Lord. That equates Him with the Almighty God and with the God of the Old Testament. Looking ahead a little, in 1 Timothy 2:5, Jesus is called the “one God and one mediator between God and men.”

Other passages of Scripture gave Jesus other titles that I found encouraging. In Psalm 2:2 He’s called the Anointed One. In Isaiah 9:6 He’s called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

In Luke 2:25, He’s called the Consolation of Israel. In John 6:48 He’s referred to as the Bread of Life. In Ephesians 2:20 He’s referenced as the Chief cornerstone. In Hebrews 3:1 Jesus is identified as Jesus the apostle and high priest. And in Hebrews 12:2 He is called the author and perfecter of our faith.

Another title for Jesus is found in 1 Peter 5:4 where He’s called the Chief Shepherd. And finishing out the New Testament in Revelation 1:8 He is called the Alpha and the Omega, who is who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

It’s clear from these passages that Jesus is equated with God the Almighty. I am encouraged as I read these passages by the greatness of the Jesus of the Bible. Throughout Scripture He is predicted and portrayed as the Almighty God and yet He came to earth in the form of a child, a human being, limiting His Almighty power so He could be our Savior and our hope. This humbles me and gives me much to be thankful for.

As I start out this new year, I want to keep in mind this Jesus and be thankful and full of praise for all the things He is and for all the things He’s already done for me.

Thanksgiving and Praise

From 31 Days of Praise by Ruth Myers; Day #28: “I exult in the free, confident access You have provided, so that I can come into Your Presence for warm fellowship, for refreshment, for mercy when I’ve failed, for grace when I’m in need. What a joy to know that I can draw near to You at any moment, wherever I may be . . . that I can come boldly to Your throne of grace, assured of Your glad welcome – not because I’m worthy or because I’ve served You, but because You’re a God of grace, a God of unmerited, unlimited favor – not little dribbles of favor reluctantly measured out, but overflowing, super-abundant favor. I’m so glad that You welcome me just as I am, simply because Jesus is my risen Savior, and I am alive with His life and righteous with His righteousness!”

Today, that grace and mercy from God is what I’m most thankful for. Without it I would be living in fear and guilt, unable to rise up and be glad in my circumstances. I don’t always believe I’m totally forgiven and free from the guilt of my sin, but Scripture tells me I am – just because of what Jesus did and because He’s my Savior.

I’m without fear of eternity and that only comes from having a relationship with God. But, my faith wavers and sometimes I have to rely on sources outside of my own thinking to regain a sense of being totally forgiven and loved. Sometimes I turn to various books, like the 31 Days of Praise quoted from above, to help me focus on the truths of my relationship with Christ. Sometimes I rely on friends to remind me. Sometimes it’s my therapist that says the words I need to hear to put me in the right mindset to have the faith I need to turn to God.

On this day, Thanksgiving 2014, I could focus on the many blessings in my life, but I’m choosing to focus on the ultimate reasons for thankfulness: Salvation, grace, and mercy because of Jesus. My you find the same thankfulness in your lives this holiday season.

Thirty Sterling Principles, Part 6

Proverbs 23:17-18 give us the 14^th sterling principle. I liked the way The Message put it, but I also liked the way The Amplified Bible said it. Both are quoted below for you:

The Message: “Don’t for a minute envy careless rebels; soak yourself in the Fear-of-God – That’s where your future lies. Then you won’t be left with an armload of nothing.”

The Amplified: “Let not your heart envy sinners, but continue in the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord all the day long. For surely there is a latter end [a future and a reward], and your hope and expectation shall not be cut off.”

I especially like the idea of “soaking” in the Fear-of-God. What does that look like? I wondered about that for quite a while until I decided to look up the verses in different versions of the Bible. That’s when I found The Amplified versions explanation: soaking in the Fear-of-God is continuing in the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord all day long. Exactly how one does that is as individual a thing as there are people. For me, it means keeping an attitude of thankfulness in mind as I go about my day.

I’ve been doing a study on the Grace of God. One of the key things I’ve learned in this study is that it’s God’s grace that saved me and it’s God’s grace that allows me to live life now. Everything is by God’s grace. The Holy Spirit’s working in me on a day by day basis is part of the grace of God. Living my life, aware of God’s grace in everything I do and say is part of soaking in the Fear-of-God. It’s being in awe of Him and what He’s done for me and is doing for me each day.

I need a lot of help to soak in the Fear-of-God. It’s not something that comes naturally to me (or to anybody). I have to work at it. I have to involve myself in regular prayer and thanksgiving. I have to seek knowledge from God’s Word. I have to be open to the wise counsel from others. And I have to be willing to submit humbly to God’s instructions in my life. Sometimes I’m more willing than other times to involve myself in those four areas. If I want to follow this principle from Proverbs, I have to avail myself of as much of God as I can each and every day. I have to soak in the Fear-of-God.

First Priority: Remember and Celebrate Our Redemption

Last week at my mom’s funeral, the priest talked a lot about passing over into a new life with Christ. It just so happens that I believe that is what happened with my mom on January 11^th, when she left this world and passed over into the next. I agreed with the priest’s assessment that Mom is now with Jesus in heaven and enjoying all the pleasure of her passing over.

It also so happens that today I started a study on the Biblical Feast of Passover that Israel celebrates once a year. I was taken by the fact that when God started Passover as a feast or holiday for the Israelites that He made the month it occurs in the first month of the Jewish calendar. A priority month. A month to start the whole year off with a bang. A month to remember and celebrate God’s delivering Israel out of the slavery of Egypt and the beginnings of bringing them into the Promised Land. He wanted to make sure that the Israelites remembered where they came from and how God miraculously brought them out from the pain and suffering they were enduring.

As a Christian, remembering my personal Passover is just as important. It is a chance to remember and celebrate the gift God gave me in His provision of a Savior who would mark for the world and for eternity that I am one of His, marked by the blood of Jesus, the New Testament lamb, to be spared the wrath of God. Like the Old Testament Israelites, who were marked by the sacrificial and celebratory lambs they killed and roasted on Passover night, the lamb’s blood on their doorposts marked them as children of God. And God’s wrath passed over their doors and homes as He went about killing the firstborn of the Egyptians because they would not acknowledge God or God’s special people.

Fortunately today, and since Jesus died on the cross to accomplish the New Testament Passover, we can all be God’s special people. But, it does involve making Him a priority in our lives. It does involve living life, each day and not just once a year in a special month, as people set apart for Him. I think of my mom when I think of such people. She was not perfect. She, like all of us, had her little quirks, but she loved Jesus and looked so forward to going home to Him at the end of her life. She often said to me that the life she had left to live she wanted to live in such a way that she would be able to direct people to Jesus. She wanted us all to experience the ultimate Passover and for it to be a priority in our lives. I hope I can do that each and every day as my mom strived to do.

Merry Christmas 2012

Tomorrow is Christmas Day. I wanted to write a cheery, holiday message to say all is well, but I can’t say that in the physical sense. But, there is so much more to life than the physical and eventually, with a God as big as mine, all is fundamentally well.

So, no matter how you feel this morning, be assured that God is at work in and around you, helping you, calling you, wanting you to be a part of His life. He wants this so badly that He provided His Son for us. Born in a manager, yes. Born to rule in the spiritual world, yes. Born to bring us into a right and good relationship with God the Father, yes! That’s the point of Christmas and every other day.

I’m wishing you a Christmas Day filled with the love of Christ and the glory of God.

Merry Christmas

Recalling What God Has Done

As the book of Joshua ends, Joshua recalls for all of Israel to hear their history from the time of Abraham through their most recent history where they conquered the nations and took over the good land. Joshua emphasized what God did for them throughout history. Then Joshua challenges them to choose who they will serve. The Israelites respond by saying, “Far be it from us to forsake the Lord to serve other gods!” Another translation of this verse says, “We’d never forsake God! Never! We’d never leave God to worship other gods.” They responded this way because of the memory of their God working for them throughout history.

I can learn from this lesson. I need to choose who I will serve just as the Israelites had to. What will help me decide? By recalling my history with God. As I started thinking about this I realized that the Israelites remembered not only what God did for the present generation, but for several generations before, all the way back to Abraham. I need to start looking at my history from the same generational perspective.

I don’t know a whole lot about the spiritual condition of my ancestors. I don’t know what their relationship with God was like. But, I do know my ancestors accomplished some pretty amazing things. I come from a family of immigrants, so those first ancestors who chose to make the trip to the Americas set out on a dangerous path. They set aside everything they knew and headed out for something new. They may have left Europe due to the Irish potato famine or because of the constant struggles in Greece, but there is no doubt the unknown awaited them in the United States. God brought them through. He kept them alive on the long ship passage. He allowed them to find employment once they were here. They married and were able to have children of their own, who in turn lived to adulthood. God was there. This pattern could’ve broken down at any point but God was at work to see that it didn’t and that eventually I would be born from these adventurous ancestors.

God was there when my mother went into labor. She made it to the hospital even though it was the dead of winter and I lived. My parents believe in God. They raised me to believe in God. When I eventually had to choose for myself, denying God did not seem possible. God had been a part of my life and even though I did not agree with my parents on their views of God, I knew He existed.

When I was a child, I suffered a bit. I was not an easy child for my parents to raise. I did not know how to be any different than I was and they did not know how to raise me any differently than they did. But, it was not all a happy childhood. But, it was also not all a bad childhood. God was there, protecting me. Things could have been a lot worse and then where would I be today? I’ve seen children whose home lives are much messier than mine was. It could’ve been me. I don’t know why some people have to suffer more than others, but I know God only allowed what I could handle. He was there even when I did not recognize Him.

To be continued.

The Right and Privilege

By the time this is actually posted we will know who is the next president of the United States. But I’m writing this on Tuesday, Election Day, so I do not know how my vote counted. The key thing is that it does count. I am reminded of that in several ways today.

First, my daughter has voted for the first time in a Presidential Election. She used an absentee ballot because she is away at college, but it was very important to her to exercise her right to vote. I’m glad she feels that responsibility. It’s a sign she appreciates her country, even though she also has many complaints about the way some things are. She’s taking the responsibility to do what she can to make things go better in her view.

Second, a friend of mine is voting for the first time in a Presidential Election because she is a new citizen of the United States of America. She’s lived here for several years but has not been eligible to vote until this year. She values that opportunity and was probably as excited as my daughter, and, probably for the same reasons. She’s saying she loves the United States and she’s interested in what happens in our government.

Third, I have friends who have been overseas as missionaries for much of the last 20 years. They may have voted absentee ballots in the past, but today they get to vote in person as they are here in the United States. They, too, have a stake in what happens in this election and want to have their say. They, too, will exercise their right and privilege to vote.

Each vote does matter, and what matters the most is that we don’t take it lightly. I cannot imagine not voting today. I’ve voted in every Presidential Election since I was 18 and all but 2 non-presidential elections since then, too. I voted today. I will watch with great interest for the results tonight. But mostly, I hope people exercise their right and privilege as American citizens and will vote.

Disguised Blessings

A friend recently shared this song with me.

Blessings  

(On YouTube)

by Laura Story

We pray for blessings

We pray for peace

Comfort for family, protection while we sleep

We pray for healing, for prosperity

We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering

All the while, You hear each spoken need

Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things

Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears

What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near

What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom

Your voice to hear

We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near

We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love

As if every promise from Your Word is not enough

All the while, You hear each desperate plea

And long that we’d have faith to believe

When friends betray us

When darkness seems to win

We know that pain reminds this heart

That this is not our home

What if my greatest disappointments

Or the aching of this life

Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy

What if trials of this life

The rain, the storms, the hardest nights

Are Your mercies in disguise

I hadn’t heard it before but it spoke to my heart. It’s hard to wrap my head around the idea that maybe the “bad” stuff in my life is really the stuff God’s puts in my life to improve my life.

I remember times when I’d be in a hurry and the traffic light would turn red. I’d think that maybe this traffic light just saved me from an accident up ahead, so I’d accept the apparent “misfortune” of the red light as a possible good thing. But, how different and difficult it is to view other things in my life with the same perspective. As this song says, “What if trials of this life are [God’s] mercies in disguise?” What if my illnesses, and all the struggles that come from them, are God’s best for me? I need to try to be thankful for what I do have. Maybe without these struggles I would have something so much worse.

This is not easy. It is hard to look at the things in my life I view as unfair or overwhelming from the perspective that they might be exactly what God wants for me, His best for me. I can be thankful or resentful when I think about this. But what I have to remember is that God’s best for me is the absolute best there is. Being resentful will not do any good. Being thankful can only bring good. So as I try to think of the things in my life as God’s blessings in disguise, I will try to give thanks to the One who gives me His absolute best.

Habits

Definition: 1. settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up: this can develop into a bad habit or we stayed together out of habit. Psychology: anautomatic reaction to a specific situation.

We are aware of our bad habits, often while doing them.

Smoking

Drinking

Picking your nose

Biting your fingernails

Procrastinating

Using sarcasm

Interrupting others

Picking sores or scabs

Biting lips

Eating (too much or not enough)

Ignoring the alarm clock

Swearing

Watching too much television

We are often unaware of our good habits because we do them automatically.

Walking daily

Running (or other aerobic exercise)

Eating (properly)

Eating as a family

Showering/washing daily

Brushing your teeth

Brushing/combing your hair

Using deodorant

Making your bed

Putting the toilet seat down

Flushing the toilet

Locking the car door (when you are holding the keys in your hand)

Praying daily

Hugging someone

Encouraging someone

Reading spiritual/devotional materials

Putting the dirty laundry in the basket (not on the floor)

By the definition above, habits get acted upon without an intentional, conscious effort much of the time. We just do it. Based on the situation. Specific situations evoke the use of a corresponding habit.

God is like that. In Psalm 130, the writer describes it: “If you, God, kept records on wrongdoings, who would stand a chance? As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit . . .” (verses 3 – 4, The Message; emphasis added)

I got to thinking about situations that spark God’s habit of forgiving. The situations? Just one.

We sin, God automatically forgives. That’s it. We sin, we recognize our sin, and God forgives. It is His habit, His regular tendency or practice. One last time, the situation is we sin. God’s reaction to that situation is automatic forgiveness.

Indefatigable Love

Indefatigable. As in “[God] remembered to love us, a bonus to His dear family, Israel – indefatigable love.” [The MESSAGE, Psalm 98:3] Indefatigable! Okay, so even with my love of the English language, I could not come up with a definition that would describe God’s love for us. I looked up.

Indefatigable: incapable of being tired out; not yielding to fatigue, untiring.

WOW!! Yes. I am shouting, shouting out with praise and thanksgiving for a God – for anyone in my life – who is never going to tire of loving me. In reality, although I may look for this kind of love from other people, only God can fully meet this need in my life. I know people want to love me without yielding to fatigue, but only God can do it. Let’s face it, I can be very tiring. So can you.

I also know that I am not able to totally, completely, without tiring, love the people in my life. Each person, including myself, has things, quirks, which are very annoying to others. Some are little things like how to fold towels or wash the dishes (my husband adjusted to my way of folding towels; I adjusted to his way of washing the dishes). No big deal. Compromise is a necessary component of all relationships.

Yet there are some things for which no compromise is available. Loving another while being faced with major changes in the scope and nature of the relationship is tiring, and loving the person and/or situation is beyond us. Thank God, His love never fails. Thank God, He can shore us up and give us the love we need to love others. Thank God, He stood by my husband, kids, friends, siblings, and parents, loving them as they tried to love the “new but not necessarily better” me.

Mental illness. Acute mental illness. Definitely a major change affecting every relationship. Adjustments were needed in every relationship and in dealing with the effects of living with a person struggling with Bipolar Disorder. Sometimes, often, I am not the “same” person my husband married: confident, organized, resourceful, able to multitask, creative, and stoic. I’m not saying those characteristics are never present in my life, but sometimes I need help to even get started on a project. A major adjustment was/is required by my family and all other relationships. Yet they still do their best to love me, and God is there, untiringly, not giving into fatigue, to help them. And more importantly, God loves me with complete abandon, no matter my quirks.

National Day of Prayer: Selah!

Selah.

Used 77 times in the Psalms (and three times in the book Habakkuk), this short word carries a powerful punch.

We see it all the time on television and in the movies. A person is hysterical, inconsolable, or panicking rending them unable to make or follow through on necessary decisions. These decisions may be a matter of life or death, but the hysterical person cannot calm himself, or look at a situation in a rational manner. Drastic measures have to be taken to get the person’s attention.

So a friend slaps him.

Another saying also addresses the need for drastic measures: You don’t have to hit me over the head with a 2” x 4”.

Frankly, sometimes a 2” x 4” or a slap is what I need to face reality. However, God gets our attention in much gentler ways. He could use a slap or a 2” x 4”, but He chooses to reach out to us gently, quietly, using a small, still voice. He asks us to quiet ourselves and just listen, to wait on Him to give needed help and direction. He puts up with impatience and complaining, but what He really wants is for us to follow the instruction He gives us through the writers of the Psalms: SELAH

Stop or pause, and contemplate. I’m not an expert, far from it, in being quiet or pausing. God knew we would need some direct instruction. A “Selah” is inserted in various Psalms at points where special attention needs to given. Often it is after a recollection of all the wonders God has performed. It says, “Hey! Stop! Remember! I haven’t changed! I’m taking care of you! Think about that and rest in Me!”

And a sense of wellbeing, peace, and serenity comes from taking such a moment to reflect upon whom God is and what God is doing. At least we are relieved of the noise in our heads and the external pressures for a time. It may be a few seconds but sometimes a few hours, and occasionally most of a day. Being refreshed, we can move out into the world and do what God asks of us.

Today, May 5^th, 2011, is designated as a National Day of Prayer. Join me today in taking a few moments for following God’s instruction to Selah.

My God; David's God

Higher Power. Don’t leave. I know that those two words (Higher Power) invokes many thoughts and feelings, some that could cause some of you to run the other way. That is a first reaction to anything god-sounding. Thinking about something bigger than us is hard to do. Yet most of us feel a sense of longing for something “more.” Can there be something/someone big enough to take care of all the things for which we are powerless? King David talks about that kind of Higher Power (who he chose to call God.)

“God's love is meteoric,

his loyalty astronomic,

His purpose titanic,

his verdicts oceanic.

Yet in his largeness

nothing gets lost;

Not a man, not a mouse,

slips through the cracks.”[1]

I hope [desire with expectation of obtainment; expect with confidence and trust.”][2] David’s God exists. I repeat David’s words and let other words come to me as I try to understand David’s God:

"Your largeness is beyond my ability to comprehend. You are so big . . . it is like not being able to truly understand what a billion is -- or even a million. And You are much, much, infinitely more than a billion, than a trillion, than a quadrillion, and even beyond a googolplex. BIG. And You choose to love us in spite of who we are and/or what we do. You are faithful and trustworthy. You will do as You promised. You are the only One God, who is active in Your creation -- of course that is because You are the only true God. You are able -- abundantly able -- to provide for and protect us. We cannot be lost because You see us. You see everything including a mouse, and also the tiniest of Your creations, as small as a mustard seed.

I praise You just because You desire to love us and be a friend to us, and care for our every need. You know what I need before I do. You are our hope and we can count on Your love, care, salvation, provision, protection, patience, acceptance, steadfastness, perseverance (in calling out to us by the power of the Holy Spirit), and so much more than I have words to express.

Praise You. Almighty God. Lord of heaven and earth. Master of everything. Praise You!!!"

David’s God is tremendously bigger than I can understand. If this God exists (and I believe David’s God does), awe and honor is appropriate. So, Praise God!!

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[1] Taken from The Message. Copyright � 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

[2] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/