Speak up and stand out, or keep quiet?
This is a question that has been on my mind and heart often over the last year (which is actually how long it has taken me to finish writing this post). There is a lot going on that is anti-Christian these days. Values and beliefs that we hold are labeled archaic, ignorant, and intolerant. It is hard to consider speaking up about anything because if we do, we risk attacks against not only our beliefs and values, but also our own selves and character, even if the person knows us only by one comment we make - not by name, face, location, or anything else. With that said, I know it can be said that it goes the other way too, as far as the attacks on beliefs, values, character, etc. - that there are people who profess to be Christians who also initiate this kind of attack. This might be against someone outside the Christian faith as well as against others within the faith.
Anyhow, back to the original question. The world is evolving. There are many people who think this is inevitably good and any archaic beliefs held will get in the way of this evolution. It makes me think of a passage from the Bible that we read yesterday morning at church. Acts 17:21 says (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time
doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.) Many people seem concerned about the newest and latest ideas, research, and thoughts about different topics. They are ready to throw off the old and try something new. There is no conviction about anything anymore, unless it is the newest and latest thing, whatever the "experts" are saying.
But even as the world changes, not everything should change. God doesn't change (see Psalm 55:19 and James 1:17). His character, His promises, His laws and statutes - they remain the same. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). In Ecclesiastes 1:9-10, Solomon tells us that there is nothing new - everything that happens has happened before. I can see it, can you? If you look at ancient civilizations such as Sodom and Gomorrah, Ninevah, and Babylon, they got into similar sin situations as we see in modern culture.
Here are some of my thoughts about this question, as it relates to my own experiences. I hope that they can be applied for you as well.
1. It should not surprise people that I'm a Christian. My words and actions should reflect my identity as a child of God, brethren with his son, Jesus. I should be set apart and different in such a way that people know that I live for Christ. As such, I am very cautious about the words that leave my mouth and the tone of voice I use. Do I mess up and fail at times? Oh my, yes, I do, especially with tone of voice. But I apologize and ask for forgiveness, acknowledge why I shouldn't speak that way, and strive to do better. Same concept with actions. I actively choose not to seek after selfish goals, choosing instead to consider others and how my actions could affect them and not just myself. I am intentional about the music, movies, and t.v. shows I allow to enter my eyes, ears and mind because I don't want certain things on auto-replay in me. I want what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy to occupy my mind (Philippians 4:8).
2. Don't deny Christ. Sin is sin and should be called what it is - sin. Sometimes we re-word it and try to find "good points" to it to make it sound better or justify it. Nothing said or done will change the fact that it is sin. Nothing our government or society says or does will change it in God's eyes. It is still wrong and it will still reap punishment some day, whether that be acknowledged in this life or at the time of judgment. I admit that this can be a hard one for me because I don't like conflict. I don't want to "stir the waters." I don't want to seem disagreeable or judgmental, but I pray that I will have more confidence to stand for the truth, no matter what worldly comforts it may cost. There are Christians losing their jobs, reputations, and more because they are standing for Christ. Don't deny the truth. If we deny Christ, he will deny us in front of his Father. (Matthew 10:32-33 also typed below).
3. Don't sit on the fence. Unlike the way many view circumstances here, there is no gray area when it comes to obeying God. Not that I believe there should be for obedience with people either, but it seems we have worked gray into our decisions. With God, it's either yes or no, in or out, with Him or without Him. In Revelation 3:16 Jesus says "So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth." I don't want to be "spit out" or "vomited" (other versions) by Jesus, removed forever from His presence! Do you? In Luke 11:23, Jesus says, "Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." Let me say it again - there is no gray. It is either one way or the other. Both can't be right and you must choose.
4. Pray! It is necessary to pray about situations when they arise. In fact, it would be helpful to pray before situations arise! Our actions may vary depending on the situation. There are times when God may want us to stand up and say something, and there are times when He may want us to stay quiet. There were even times when Jesus did not give a response to those questioning Him. We must ask God and listen to what He tells us to know how we are to respond. The answer may be in our best interest, but most importantly, it could be in the best interest of the other person(s). Maybe their heart isn't ready and telling them the truth won't penetrate them. Maybe it is something they need to seek on their own. I remember reading not long ago that some of the strongest lessons we learn about God are the ones we discover on our own - not ones we are told. This has been important in my mind as I teach my children, to pray about what I tell them and when, and what I leave open for them to discover on their own as they learn to read and study the Bible. I wait patiently to be amazed as they are amazed by His word.
In these days, I pray that I will be given the strength and confidence to be bold for Christ. I pray that if a situation arises, that I will speak as the Holy Spirit gives it to me to speak and not of myself. I pray that no matter what those of this world threaten to take from me, that I will not deny Christ. I will pray this for you as well.
A few more verses:
1 Peter 3:15-17 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
Luke 9:24-25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?
Luke 9:26 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
Matthew 10:32-33 "Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven."
Monday, May 25, 2015
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
What Is It About Little Children?
Matthew 18:1-4 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
I was reading the above verses the other day and I started thinking, other than humility, are there other characteristics of little children that might make them more likely to enter the kingdom of heaven? I jotted some ideas down and wanted to post right away - but the internet was down that whole day - and then I got busy with other things... So here it is at this time.
Now, I know all kids are different and the things I mention below may not be salient in all children. They aren't always that apparent in my own children either, but they are things I think are commonly associated with young children.
1. Faith - Little children are ready to believe. Magicians amaze them. Miracles are very believable to them. They are willing to believe that something 'is' even if they haven't seen it.
2. Trusting - They only see the good in people and situations. They never think that someone would do something or offer them something harmful. That's why they have to be taught about 'stranger danger.'
3. Wanting to please and obey - Little children want to have others clap for them, smile and laugh when they do something cute or funny, praise them when they work hard or are nice to a friend. When they know they'll receive these positive responses for obeying the adults in their lives, they are willing to obey.
4. Risking - Little children often have less fear when trying new things. Unless they are taught to have fear, then the fears of injury, social reaction, etc. is absent. They will ride the skateboard down the slanted driveway face-first on their stomach, or wear that crazy outfit they just put together without any fear.
5. Creativity - Little children love to create and make. Whether it's a mud castle or fort, a collage of ribbons and beads, a painting, or a new game to play, they are creating something.
6. Joy - Little children tend to be happy. They are little bundles of smiles and giggles, ready to bring others to join in their mirth.
7. Love without limits - They love people without seeing skin color, size, age, differences in beliefs, and even some disabilities. Some visible, physical disabilities throw them off at first, mainly due to curiousity and not understanding about them. Unless they are taught to dislike or see problems with people, they are inclined to love and include them.
8. Curiosity - I just thought of this one as I typed the last idea, but kids are definitely curious. What will happen if they poke that anthill? What will happen if I don't put my shoes on like Mama told me to do? What will happen when we mix red and blue?
How can we as adults have these qualities?
1. Be willing to believe in miracles. Be willing to believe in God's power.
2. Trust of others can be hard, but give it a try. Trust God to be who He says He is and to do what He says He will do.
3. Have a desire to please and obey God.
4. Take some risks. We can really see God work when we move out of our 'comfortable' situations.
5. Think outside the box. How can we show God's love and our love to those around us? How can we share the importance of making a decision about what they believe about Jesus?
6. Joy - Smile. Laugh. Look for the good in people, things, situations. Yes, you will be late to work today, but maybe you avoided the wreck that happened this morning - or one that would have happened. Yes, your child just pulled up a good plant instead of a week, but be thankful that God has given you children and that they are trying to pull weeds. Look for reasons to be joyful - and smile!
7. Love without limits - Show love to people, no matter what they look like or believe. This doesn't mean you have to believe what they do or accept it as truth, or even stay quiet when they do or say things that are wrong, but you approach them in a loving way. Show that you care, even if you disagree.
8. Curiosity - Aren't you curious about what God can do? Aren't you curious about what God is already doing? If not, start looking around you. Ask God to reveal things that He is doing. Ask others what He is doing in their lives. Read about what is happening elsewhere.
Can you think of any other characteristics of little children that we should be displaying in our lives? Please share!
I was reading the above verses the other day and I started thinking, other than humility, are there other characteristics of little children that might make them more likely to enter the kingdom of heaven? I jotted some ideas down and wanted to post right away - but the internet was down that whole day - and then I got busy with other things... So here it is at this time.
Now, I know all kids are different and the things I mention below may not be salient in all children. They aren't always that apparent in my own children either, but they are things I think are commonly associated with young children.
1. Faith - Little children are ready to believe. Magicians amaze them. Miracles are very believable to them. They are willing to believe that something 'is' even if they haven't seen it.
2. Trusting - They only see the good in people and situations. They never think that someone would do something or offer them something harmful. That's why they have to be taught about 'stranger danger.'
3. Wanting to please and obey - Little children want to have others clap for them, smile and laugh when they do something cute or funny, praise them when they work hard or are nice to a friend. When they know they'll receive these positive responses for obeying the adults in their lives, they are willing to obey.
4. Risking - Little children often have less fear when trying new things. Unless they are taught to have fear, then the fears of injury, social reaction, etc. is absent. They will ride the skateboard down the slanted driveway face-first on their stomach, or wear that crazy outfit they just put together without any fear.
5. Creativity - Little children love to create and make. Whether it's a mud castle or fort, a collage of ribbons and beads, a painting, or a new game to play, they are creating something.
6. Joy - Little children tend to be happy. They are little bundles of smiles and giggles, ready to bring others to join in their mirth.
7. Love without limits - They love people without seeing skin color, size, age, differences in beliefs, and even some disabilities. Some visible, physical disabilities throw them off at first, mainly due to curiousity and not understanding about them. Unless they are taught to dislike or see problems with people, they are inclined to love and include them.
8. Curiosity - I just thought of this one as I typed the last idea, but kids are definitely curious. What will happen if they poke that anthill? What will happen if I don't put my shoes on like Mama told me to do? What will happen when we mix red and blue?
How can we as adults have these qualities?
1. Be willing to believe in miracles. Be willing to believe in God's power.
2. Trust of others can be hard, but give it a try. Trust God to be who He says He is and to do what He says He will do.
3. Have a desire to please and obey God.
4. Take some risks. We can really see God work when we move out of our 'comfortable' situations.
5. Think outside the box. How can we show God's love and our love to those around us? How can we share the importance of making a decision about what they believe about Jesus?
6. Joy - Smile. Laugh. Look for the good in people, things, situations. Yes, you will be late to work today, but maybe you avoided the wreck that happened this morning - or one that would have happened. Yes, your child just pulled up a good plant instead of a week, but be thankful that God has given you children and that they are trying to pull weeds. Look for reasons to be joyful - and smile!
7. Love without limits - Show love to people, no matter what they look like or believe. This doesn't mean you have to believe what they do or accept it as truth, or even stay quiet when they do or say things that are wrong, but you approach them in a loving way. Show that you care, even if you disagree.
8. Curiosity - Aren't you curious about what God can do? Aren't you curious about what God is already doing? If not, start looking around you. Ask God to reveal things that He is doing. Ask others what He is doing in their lives. Read about what is happening elsewhere.
Can you think of any other characteristics of little children that we should be displaying in our lives? Please share!
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Good Intentions
Matthew 12:30 He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.
Matthew 12:33 Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.
Both of the above Scripture verses were spoken by Jesus to the Pharisees after he healed a man who had been demon-possessed.
The first verse reminds me that anyone not actively seeking God's will is against Him and actually works against His purposes. Even if that is not their intention. Good intentions won't save you, though. Remember in King David's time when a man reached out to steady the ark of God?
2 Samuel 6:6-7 When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The LORD's anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down and he died there beside the ark of God.
Okay, I have to admit that I struggle with this one sometimes. Uzzah was only doing what he thought was right and trying to keep the ark from falling. He had no ill intentions - that we know of, at least. The thing is, though - he was outside of God's will. They all were. They had not followed God's instructions for moving and handling the ark of God.
From the Gideon study by Priscilla Shirer (2013), she writes that "[Our] good intentions [aren't] enough to neutralize the consequences of [our] disobedience and disrespect for God's divine order" (p. 173). Also, "Good intentions are not enough - not enough to honor God, not enough to sustain your spiritual growth, and not enough to keep your spiritual legacy intact for generations to come" (p. 173).
I'd like to add one to Priscilla's. Good intentions aren't enough to save you for eternity and get you into heaven. Good deeds won't do it. Yes, we are called to do good deeds, but this flows FROM our faith, which saves us. It is not the other way around. We are not saved by our good intentions or deeds.
As for the second verse above, I'd just like you to consider how you are being recognized. Is the fruit produced in your life good or bad? In God's eyes, not just your own. Not in the eyes of your peers. Not in the eyes of your community, nation, cultural group, etc. In the eyes of God alone. On the last day, what will Jesus see when you stand before Him and the throne of God - when you'll have to give an account?
Matthew 12:33 Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.
Both of the above Scripture verses were spoken by Jesus to the Pharisees after he healed a man who had been demon-possessed.
The first verse reminds me that anyone not actively seeking God's will is against Him and actually works against His purposes. Even if that is not their intention. Good intentions won't save you, though. Remember in King David's time when a man reached out to steady the ark of God?
2 Samuel 6:6-7 When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The LORD's anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down and he died there beside the ark of God.
Okay, I have to admit that I struggle with this one sometimes. Uzzah was only doing what he thought was right and trying to keep the ark from falling. He had no ill intentions - that we know of, at least. The thing is, though - he was outside of God's will. They all were. They had not followed God's instructions for moving and handling the ark of God.
From the Gideon study by Priscilla Shirer (2013), she writes that "[Our] good intentions [aren't] enough to neutralize the consequences of [our] disobedience and disrespect for God's divine order" (p. 173). Also, "Good intentions are not enough - not enough to honor God, not enough to sustain your spiritual growth, and not enough to keep your spiritual legacy intact for generations to come" (p. 173).
I'd like to add one to Priscilla's. Good intentions aren't enough to save you for eternity and get you into heaven. Good deeds won't do it. Yes, we are called to do good deeds, but this flows FROM our faith, which saves us. It is not the other way around. We are not saved by our good intentions or deeds.
As for the second verse above, I'd just like you to consider how you are being recognized. Is the fruit produced in your life good or bad? In God's eyes, not just your own. Not in the eyes of your peers. Not in the eyes of your community, nation, cultural group, etc. In the eyes of God alone. On the last day, what will Jesus see when you stand before Him and the throne of God - when you'll have to give an account?
Friday, February 7, 2014
Why are there Struggles?
Why is there hardship in the world? Why doesn't God make everything just "good" and comfortable? Wouldn't we all love Him more and believe more in His goodness and mighty power if everything just went "right" for us all the time?
There are many articles, books, sermons, etc. out there about why there is struggling in the world and why bad things happen to good people (as well as why good things happen to people who do bad). I am going to admit right now that, although I have heard some of the thoughts and ideas from some of these resources, I have not done a lot of reading or study in this area up to this current point in my life. Yes, I'd love to read some of the books, articles, etc. - some day.
I pray for salvation or deepened relationships with God for many people and I've learned that this is a sticking point that holds some people back from believing and trusting God.
Before you read any more of this post, I'd like to ask you to open your mind. Be willing to ponder on what you read. Seek out your own thoughts about it. I'd also suggest prayer, if you are willing. Even if you don't typically pray and don't know for sure if you believe in God - give it a try with an openness to see what God can reveal to you. Come ready to learn something new about God, yourself, and the world around you.
I'll wait...Go ahead and open up your mind and heart. Let go of any walls of hardness.
Okay, here we go.
So many times, our relationship with God can be viewed as similar to that of a child with a parent. (And as much as we like to be in control sometimes, we are the "child" in this relationship and God is the "parent" - not the other way around.) If you are a parent (and even if you're not, you have had parents!), you can probably identify with some of the similarities. Children can be rebellious at times. Even if it is not outright rebellion, children push limits, test boundaries, and like to venture out on their own at times. We all do this with God as well. Just as kids get in tough situations and have to deal with the consequences of their decisions (or SHOULD be made to deal with the consequences), so must we all deal with the consequences of our own pushing limits, testing boundaries, and trying to do things on our own - rebellion. If children are not given consequences, they won't learn the lessons needed to grow and mature into responsible adults who can live with integrity and get along with others. If we don't persevere through hardships that present themselves in our lives, we will not grow and mature into those worthy to be called as members of the family of God.
If everything went the way we wanted them to all the time, would we really love and trust God more? Or would we think we don't need God, because everything is all good? I tend to think it would be the latter. Yes, I succumb to times of wishing everything would be "perfect": that people would all get along and speak kindly to each other, considering others; that we'd get everything done correctly and in time; that the weather wouldn't interfere with our plans; that the government would work effectively; that we'd have enough money to do some different things whether they be for added comfort or fun. Oh, I'm sure I could go on. But again, that is not God's will for us. Even if we believed that if everything went right we would love God more, that's not what God wants. He wants us to CHOOSE to love Him, even when things get hard. He doesn't want "robots" who just love Him because that's what He made them to do. He wants us all to have free choice. Think about this idea in regard to your other relationships. What if your significant other/child/parent only loved you because they had to, because they had no other choice? Would you really feel loved? What about having friends just because they had to be your friends? Wouldn't you rather them choose to be with you because they like you, enjoy you, care for you? Love that is chosen is much more meaningful than forced love would be. Forced love isn't really love, is it?
Disasters and difficulties do hurt. Sometimes, they cause people to fall away from God, but they can also serve to draw people to Him. I think the difference between the two is a person's attitude and perspective. If you are looking only at the problem and for solutions around you, then you will lose hope and think that even if there is God, then He is mean, unloving, uncaring. If you are looking for the good in the midst of the circumstances and straining to see the good on the other end, then you will have a more hope and peace. If you are looking for goodness throughout, especially if you ask God to reveal it to you, then you will find it.
One thing my family is going through right now is the soon-to-come death of my grandfather. We have lost eight other family members as well as at least five others in the last four years - my whole son's lifetime. It can be hard and some people would approach it with despair. They could cry out about how unfair it is to be losing this person, how they don't know how they can go on afterward. They would cry for themselves and the other person. Now, don't get me wrong: there is nothing wrong with crying and grieving. It is okay to be sad and miss the other person. It is okay not to understand why you have to go through certain circumstances, and it is okay to tell God that you don't understand that. You can even ask Him to reveal some reasons to you. Just know that God may not always tell you the reasons - or may wait until a time much later to reveal them. Some of the goodness that I can hold onto during our current circumstance: (1) I know Grandpa believes in Jesus, is not afraid of death, and is ready. (2) We know where he's going and we'll see him again some day. (3) We know his suffering is coming to an end soon. (4) We are getting the opportunity to spend some more time with him before he passes - something we haven't gotten in other instances.
I know when my father died suddenly a little over a year ago, many people said they were impressed by how well my family was handling it. My step-mother, siblings, etc. all had peace and could see the goodness throughout the circumstances, even though we were grieved about the loss of sharing life with him. We know where he is. We kept picturing him in God's throne room, rejoicing and singing loudly before Him. I tell you, my dad would be jubilant - bouncing, jumping, shouting, and singing with such great joy and happiness! How can we despair, knowing the joy that he had? I can say I would have more grief for someone who dies without knowing Jesus. The heart aches in a different way for these individuals.
Here are some points I got from a study called Always True by James MacDonald (hereafter JM) that I found to pertain to this topic. Maybe they'll be helpful to you, too.
- We tend to believe that God is good only when life is going well for us. JM wrote, "God is too good and He loves us too much to limit His great work in our lives to our small and narrow expectations."
- Suffering can be for our good and spiritual growth. If we are living our lives in complete comfort, that growth will likely not happen. Because we live in a world full of sin that has fallen away from God, then we can expect some suffering to occur. JM says, "God's good purposes include His commitment to use all of life's circumstances to bring us to maturity and completeness in Christ."
- JM wrote, "Everything He allows, everything He withholds, every difficult season, every stretching circumstance, He means for your good." (I'm also reminded that not everything that happens is about/for us personally. Sometimes we may go through something so that someone else may receive the benefit or grow from it. This applies to blessings as well as suffering. It is not always about just us!)
- God is more interested in our growth in wisdom, character-development, and moving toward righteousness than He is in us knowing all the details of our situation. JM says, "How much would you depend on Him if you already knew the answer to everything?...If you believe He is good and is working out your life for your good, you don't need to know all of the details now."
- Our relationship with Jesus deepens when we go through struggles while trusting Him.
I pray that these thoughts are helpful for someone reading this. I pray that someone is able to open their heart to God with vulnerability to trust and look for His goodness in the hard times. I hope to hear from some whom this reached.
Readings: James 1:2-4, 12, Hebrews 12:7-8, 11 (verses 5-11 might all be helpful to you); Proverbs 3:11-12, Romans 8:28, Psalm 34:8, Jeremiah 29:11-13, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, 9-10
There are many articles, books, sermons, etc. out there about why there is struggling in the world and why bad things happen to good people (as well as why good things happen to people who do bad). I am going to admit right now that, although I have heard some of the thoughts and ideas from some of these resources, I have not done a lot of reading or study in this area up to this current point in my life. Yes, I'd love to read some of the books, articles, etc. - some day.
I pray for salvation or deepened relationships with God for many people and I've learned that this is a sticking point that holds some people back from believing and trusting God.
Before you read any more of this post, I'd like to ask you to open your mind. Be willing to ponder on what you read. Seek out your own thoughts about it. I'd also suggest prayer, if you are willing. Even if you don't typically pray and don't know for sure if you believe in God - give it a try with an openness to see what God can reveal to you. Come ready to learn something new about God, yourself, and the world around you.
I'll wait...Go ahead and open up your mind and heart. Let go of any walls of hardness.
Okay, here we go.
So many times, our relationship with God can be viewed as similar to that of a child with a parent. (And as much as we like to be in control sometimes, we are the "child" in this relationship and God is the "parent" - not the other way around.) If you are a parent (and even if you're not, you have had parents!), you can probably identify with some of the similarities. Children can be rebellious at times. Even if it is not outright rebellion, children push limits, test boundaries, and like to venture out on their own at times. We all do this with God as well. Just as kids get in tough situations and have to deal with the consequences of their decisions (or SHOULD be made to deal with the consequences), so must we all deal with the consequences of our own pushing limits, testing boundaries, and trying to do things on our own - rebellion. If children are not given consequences, they won't learn the lessons needed to grow and mature into responsible adults who can live with integrity and get along with others. If we don't persevere through hardships that present themselves in our lives, we will not grow and mature into those worthy to be called as members of the family of God.
If everything went the way we wanted them to all the time, would we really love and trust God more? Or would we think we don't need God, because everything is all good? I tend to think it would be the latter. Yes, I succumb to times of wishing everything would be "perfect": that people would all get along and speak kindly to each other, considering others; that we'd get everything done correctly and in time; that the weather wouldn't interfere with our plans; that the government would work effectively; that we'd have enough money to do some different things whether they be for added comfort or fun. Oh, I'm sure I could go on. But again, that is not God's will for us. Even if we believed that if everything went right we would love God more, that's not what God wants. He wants us to CHOOSE to love Him, even when things get hard. He doesn't want "robots" who just love Him because that's what He made them to do. He wants us all to have free choice. Think about this idea in regard to your other relationships. What if your significant other/child/parent only loved you because they had to, because they had no other choice? Would you really feel loved? What about having friends just because they had to be your friends? Wouldn't you rather them choose to be with you because they like you, enjoy you, care for you? Love that is chosen is much more meaningful than forced love would be. Forced love isn't really love, is it?
Disasters and difficulties do hurt. Sometimes, they cause people to fall away from God, but they can also serve to draw people to Him. I think the difference between the two is a person's attitude and perspective. If you are looking only at the problem and for solutions around you, then you will lose hope and think that even if there is God, then He is mean, unloving, uncaring. If you are looking for the good in the midst of the circumstances and straining to see the good on the other end, then you will have a more hope and peace. If you are looking for goodness throughout, especially if you ask God to reveal it to you, then you will find it.
One thing my family is going through right now is the soon-to-come death of my grandfather. We have lost eight other family members as well as at least five others in the last four years - my whole son's lifetime. It can be hard and some people would approach it with despair. They could cry out about how unfair it is to be losing this person, how they don't know how they can go on afterward. They would cry for themselves and the other person. Now, don't get me wrong: there is nothing wrong with crying and grieving. It is okay to be sad and miss the other person. It is okay not to understand why you have to go through certain circumstances, and it is okay to tell God that you don't understand that. You can even ask Him to reveal some reasons to you. Just know that God may not always tell you the reasons - or may wait until a time much later to reveal them. Some of the goodness that I can hold onto during our current circumstance: (1) I know Grandpa believes in Jesus, is not afraid of death, and is ready. (2) We know where he's going and we'll see him again some day. (3) We know his suffering is coming to an end soon. (4) We are getting the opportunity to spend some more time with him before he passes - something we haven't gotten in other instances.
I know when my father died suddenly a little over a year ago, many people said they were impressed by how well my family was handling it. My step-mother, siblings, etc. all had peace and could see the goodness throughout the circumstances, even though we were grieved about the loss of sharing life with him. We know where he is. We kept picturing him in God's throne room, rejoicing and singing loudly before Him. I tell you, my dad would be jubilant - bouncing, jumping, shouting, and singing with such great joy and happiness! How can we despair, knowing the joy that he had? I can say I would have more grief for someone who dies without knowing Jesus. The heart aches in a different way for these individuals.
Here are some points I got from a study called Always True by James MacDonald (hereafter JM) that I found to pertain to this topic. Maybe they'll be helpful to you, too.
- We tend to believe that God is good only when life is going well for us. JM wrote, "God is too good and He loves us too much to limit His great work in our lives to our small and narrow expectations."
- Suffering can be for our good and spiritual growth. If we are living our lives in complete comfort, that growth will likely not happen. Because we live in a world full of sin that has fallen away from God, then we can expect some suffering to occur. JM says, "God's good purposes include His commitment to use all of life's circumstances to bring us to maturity and completeness in Christ."
- JM wrote, "Everything He allows, everything He withholds, every difficult season, every stretching circumstance, He means for your good." (I'm also reminded that not everything that happens is about/for us personally. Sometimes we may go through something so that someone else may receive the benefit or grow from it. This applies to blessings as well as suffering. It is not always about just us!)
- God is more interested in our growth in wisdom, character-development, and moving toward righteousness than He is in us knowing all the details of our situation. JM says, "How much would you depend on Him if you already knew the answer to everything?...If you believe He is good and is working out your life for your good, you don't need to know all of the details now."
- Our relationship with Jesus deepens when we go through struggles while trusting Him.
I pray that these thoughts are helpful for someone reading this. I pray that someone is able to open their heart to God with vulnerability to trust and look for His goodness in the hard times. I hope to hear from some whom this reached.
Readings: James 1:2-4, 12, Hebrews 12:7-8, 11 (verses 5-11 might all be helpful to you); Proverbs 3:11-12, Romans 8:28, Psalm 34:8, Jeremiah 29:11-13, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, 9-10
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
One and Seven
I like to do an interview with my kids on their birthdays, asking about some of their favorites, things they like and dislike, etc. My daughter's birthday was recently, so she has some of the questions and answers still on her mind. Today at lunch, she was talking about her favorite numbers. I started thinking about my favorite number. For the last 15 or so years, I've said that my favorite number was 7. Today, though, I realized that I really like 1 as well.
My daughter asked me my favorite number, and I shared with her that for a long time it was seven, but I think right now, I really like one as well. I was wondering if she would leave it there or not - and she didn't. :-) That was fine with me. I was just going to wait for her to ask, though. Before she asked I had already been thinking about it and here are some of the thoughts I had and shared with her, and a few verses I found for some of them:
1 God
1 Savior
1 Man without sin (Hebrews 4:14-15, 1 Peter 2:22, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
1 Son of God (Jesus) (John 3:16)
1 Death (Jesus only had to die one time for all. The price has been paid once, not repeatedly.) (Romans 5:19)
1 Way to Heaven (John 14:6)
1 Salvation (Once you are truly saved, you don't lose your salvation.)
1 - for unity
1 - one church body with Jesus as the 'head' (Romans 12:5, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4:4)
1 - man leaves his parents and becomes one with his wife (Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:31, Mark 10:8)
1 - Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-13, Ephesians 4:4)
So, are you now wondering why 7 has also been a favorite? :-)
Seven in Hebrew is closely related to the word for Sabbath. It symbolizes completion, fullness, perfection. It is used throughout the Bible. Here are a few of the references.
7 Days of creation (Genesis 1)
7 Of every clean animal taken on the ark with Noah (Genesis 7:2)
7 Days in the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 23:15)
7 Lamps/lights on the lampstand (menorrah) in the first tabernacle (Exodus 25:31-40, especially 37)
7 - The seventh day of the week is supposed to be the Sabbath, a day of rest, a holy day. (Exodus 20:8-11, Exodus 35:2)
7 Days of isolation for people who get sick/infected (Leviticus 12-15)
There are so many more uses of the number seven in the Bible, but let me just end here with some of the uses in the book of Revelation:
7 churches, spirits (or sevenfold Spirit), golden lampstands, stars (in Revelation 1-4)
7 seals, horns, eyes, spirits (or sevenfold Spirit) (in Revelation 5)
7 angels, trumpets (in Revelation 8)
7 thunders (Revelation 10)
7 heads, crowns (Revelation 12)
7 angels, plagues, golden bowls, heads, hills, kings (Revelation 15-17)
There are other amazingly significant numbers used in the Bible, such as 12 (tribes, disciples...), 40 (days and nights it rained during the flood in Noah's time, days Jesus spent in the wilderness after being baptized..., maximum number of lashes that could be administered as punishment), and 42 (months - a time, times and half a time [years...3 1/2 years, which equals 42 months], 1260 days [again, 42 months]). The references for 42 months/time, times, and half a time/1260 days are from Revelation 11:2-3, 12:6, 12:14, 13:5 and Daniel 7:25. It refers to a time of tribulation, the time of the anti-Christ. Interesting side-note: The extermination camps in Nazi Germany during the Holocaust were operational for 3 1/2 years (http://www.1260days.com/1260days.htm). Another interesting side-note: 3 1/2 is half of 7.
It just amazes me how precise God is. He has a plan, a schedule, a perfect time worked out for everything. He has chosen to reveal pieces of it to us. How is God revealing Himself to you?
P.S. - Following our talk about favorite numbers, my daughter's mind wandered to favorite colors. Today, she said her favorites were red and purple. Red reminded her of Jesus' blood shed on the cross for our sins. Purple reminded her of the wine at the Last Supper, when Jesus referred to it as a symbol of his blood. Oh, this girl is always thinking!
My daughter asked me my favorite number, and I shared with her that for a long time it was seven, but I think right now, I really like one as well. I was wondering if she would leave it there or not - and she didn't. :-) That was fine with me. I was just going to wait for her to ask, though. Before she asked I had already been thinking about it and here are some of the thoughts I had and shared with her, and a few verses I found for some of them:
1 God
1 Savior
1 Man without sin (Hebrews 4:14-15, 1 Peter 2:22, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
1 Son of God (Jesus) (John 3:16)
1 Death (Jesus only had to die one time for all. The price has been paid once, not repeatedly.) (Romans 5:19)
1 Way to Heaven (John 14:6)
1 Salvation (Once you are truly saved, you don't lose your salvation.)
1 - for unity
1 - one church body with Jesus as the 'head' (Romans 12:5, 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4:4)
1 - man leaves his parents and becomes one with his wife (Genesis 2:24, Ephesians 5:31, Mark 10:8)
1 - Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-13, Ephesians 4:4)
So, are you now wondering why 7 has also been a favorite? :-)
Seven in Hebrew is closely related to the word for Sabbath. It symbolizes completion, fullness, perfection. It is used throughout the Bible. Here are a few of the references.
7 Days of creation (Genesis 1)
7 Of every clean animal taken on the ark with Noah (Genesis 7:2)
7 Days in the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 23:15)
7 Lamps/lights on the lampstand (menorrah) in the first tabernacle (Exodus 25:31-40, especially 37)
7 - The seventh day of the week is supposed to be the Sabbath, a day of rest, a holy day. (Exodus 20:8-11, Exodus 35:2)
7 Days of isolation for people who get sick/infected (Leviticus 12-15)
There are so many more uses of the number seven in the Bible, but let me just end here with some of the uses in the book of Revelation:
7 churches, spirits (or sevenfold Spirit), golden lampstands, stars (in Revelation 1-4)
7 seals, horns, eyes, spirits (or sevenfold Spirit) (in Revelation 5)
7 angels, trumpets (in Revelation 8)
7 thunders (Revelation 10)
7 heads, crowns (Revelation 12)
7 angels, plagues, golden bowls, heads, hills, kings (Revelation 15-17)
There are other amazingly significant numbers used in the Bible, such as 12 (tribes, disciples...), 40 (days and nights it rained during the flood in Noah's time, days Jesus spent in the wilderness after being baptized..., maximum number of lashes that could be administered as punishment), and 42 (months - a time, times and half a time [years...3 1/2 years, which equals 42 months], 1260 days [again, 42 months]). The references for 42 months/time, times, and half a time/1260 days are from Revelation 11:2-3, 12:6, 12:14, 13:5 and Daniel 7:25. It refers to a time of tribulation, the time of the anti-Christ. Interesting side-note: The extermination camps in Nazi Germany during the Holocaust were operational for 3 1/2 years (http://www.1260days.com/1260days.htm). Another interesting side-note: 3 1/2 is half of 7.
It just amazes me how precise God is. He has a plan, a schedule, a perfect time worked out for everything. He has chosen to reveal pieces of it to us. How is God revealing Himself to you?
P.S. - Following our talk about favorite numbers, my daughter's mind wandered to favorite colors. Today, she said her favorites were red and purple. Red reminded her of Jesus' blood shed on the cross for our sins. Purple reminded her of the wine at the Last Supper, when Jesus referred to it as a symbol of his blood. Oh, this girl is always thinking!
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Voices in the Night
Last night, I was trying to fall asleep and started rehearsing Bible verses. During this time, the words, "Eloi, Eloi, Shabbat Shalom" started running through my mind.
These words are in Hebrew, of which I know very little, although I've heard some words and phrases through church and Bible studies. I knew that "Eloi" referred to God and "Shalom" means "peace," but I didn't know or remember what "Shabbat" means.
I looked it up this afternoon. It turns out "Shabbat Shalom" is a common greeting among Jews between sundown on Friday evening and sundown on Saturday evening. It basically means "peaceful Sabbath" or "May your day of no work be peaceful."
"Eloi" means "my God."
"Shabbat" literally means a ceasing or stopping and is the Hebrew word used to reference the Sabbath.
"Shalom" actually has more to do with being whole or complete than just being at peace. I love the definition provided by one website: "Peace, hello, goodbye, health and wholeness, tranquility, safety, well-being, welfare, contentment, success, comfort, wholeness, integrity, also a common greeting." (http://briangan.ms11.net/personal/dictionary.htm)
So, late on a Saturday evening, I find myself talking to God, my God, about a peaceful, whole, complete Sabbath. I'm not sure what to take from it, but being more intentional about observing the Sabbath day has crossed my mind many times recently.
Exodus 20:8-11 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy."
Deuteronomy 5:12-15 "Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox, your donkey, or any of your animals, nor the alien within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest, as you do. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day."
Genesis 2:2-3 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
(Websites referenced: http://jewsandjoes.com/what-is-the-meaning-of-shabbat-shalom.html, http://yehudafm.wordpress.com/2012/02/18/what-does-shabbat-shalom-mean/, http://briangan.ms11.net/personal/dictionary.htm. Please know that I don't endorse any of the content of these websites, as I have not reviewed them more than the specific pages viewed for this post.)
These words are in Hebrew, of which I know very little, although I've heard some words and phrases through church and Bible studies. I knew that "Eloi" referred to God and "Shalom" means "peace," but I didn't know or remember what "Shabbat" means.
I looked it up this afternoon. It turns out "Shabbat Shalom" is a common greeting among Jews between sundown on Friday evening and sundown on Saturday evening. It basically means "peaceful Sabbath" or "May your day of no work be peaceful."
"Eloi" means "my God."
"Shabbat" literally means a ceasing or stopping and is the Hebrew word used to reference the Sabbath.
"Shalom" actually has more to do with being whole or complete than just being at peace. I love the definition provided by one website: "Peace, hello, goodbye, health and wholeness, tranquility, safety, well-being, welfare, contentment, success, comfort, wholeness, integrity, also a common greeting." (http://briangan.ms11.net/personal/dictionary.htm)
So, late on a Saturday evening, I find myself talking to God, my God, about a peaceful, whole, complete Sabbath. I'm not sure what to take from it, but being more intentional about observing the Sabbath day has crossed my mind many times recently.
Exodus 20:8-11 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy."
Deuteronomy 5:12-15 "Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox, your donkey, or any of your animals, nor the alien within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest, as you do. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day."
Genesis 2:2-3 By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.
(Websites referenced: http://jewsandjoes.com/what-is-the-meaning-of-shabbat-shalom.html, http://yehudafm.wordpress.com/2012/02/18/what-does-shabbat-shalom-mean/, http://briangan.ms11.net/personal/dictionary.htm. Please know that I don't endorse any of the content of these websites, as I have not reviewed them more than the specific pages viewed for this post.)
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Promotions and Firings
I always intend to blog more frequently, but it just doesn't work out at this time! I have so many ideas that come to me and get jotted down. Some are still on paper at this time. I hope they make it here some day. :-)
The other afternoon, my daughter and I were having a conversation. It started with her saying that she loved Jesus' cross best because he didn't stay on it. Then she mentioned the two criminals who were crucified with him - one who would be with Jesus in heaven, and one who wouldn't (Luke 23:39-43). She then said she was praying for a family friend of ours, because they don't believe in Jesus as the Son of God as we do, and she prayed that this person would some day. She wants to see this person in heaven some day.
I don't remember all of the conversation, but it got me thinking - and I don't know quite how it took the course that it did, but here it is. In a very small way, it can be related to promotions and firings in a place of employment. We are all working together and then someone gets promoted or fired. If they are promoted, we are happy for them and we know they have gone on with achievement, recognized for their work, to better benefits, etc. If they are fired, we hurt for them because we know they will have hardships - searching for a new job, loss of pay and benefits, etc. Both ways, they are not in the same "office" any more and we've lost some physical/social relationship with them.
We all have a purpose in this life, whether we choose to accept it or not. God has a will about what we will do, who we will impact, etc. When that job is completed, whether successfully (leading to promotion) or unsuccessfully (leading to firing), we leave the position. Maybe the position is left empty or eliminated. Maybe someone else will come to fill it, continuing the mission set before the person who was there previously.
Earlier this week, we attended a visitation for an individual from our church and the discussion came up with the family that they felt both happy and sad - happy that they knew she was in heaven, and sad because she wasn't still here with them. That is how it is for believers who know their family member/friend knew God and believed in Jesus. It is a far different story when believers know the individual did not have such a faith. It hurts more. There is not a happy/sad feeling. It is a sad/sad, a heart hurt, a mourning. There is not the joy of knowing they have a renewed body, unspeakable peace and joy, and are living with the almighty king and others who have gone before. You know, I sometimes feel the same pangs of grief and pain for those who are still living, because I know they are so turned against or away from God. It really will take a miracle for some of them to turn to Him, and I don't see anything in them that even wants to consider it.
So, after you complete the job that has been given to you, what's your next step? Are you going to be one whom the Boss says "well done," (Matthew 25:21,23; Luke 19:17) and you get promoted, or are you going to be to be fired. By the way, did anyone else catch the connection between being "fired" and the fires of hell?
I can tell you sincerely that I pray for you with all earnesty for you to know God and live for Him - even if I don't know you personally. Maybe we'll meet some day in heaven! (...if not before then.)
The other afternoon, my daughter and I were having a conversation. It started with her saying that she loved Jesus' cross best because he didn't stay on it. Then she mentioned the two criminals who were crucified with him - one who would be with Jesus in heaven, and one who wouldn't (Luke 23:39-43). She then said she was praying for a family friend of ours, because they don't believe in Jesus as the Son of God as we do, and she prayed that this person would some day. She wants to see this person in heaven some day.
I don't remember all of the conversation, but it got me thinking - and I don't know quite how it took the course that it did, but here it is. In a very small way, it can be related to promotions and firings in a place of employment. We are all working together and then someone gets promoted or fired. If they are promoted, we are happy for them and we know they have gone on with achievement, recognized for their work, to better benefits, etc. If they are fired, we hurt for them because we know they will have hardships - searching for a new job, loss of pay and benefits, etc. Both ways, they are not in the same "office" any more and we've lost some physical/social relationship with them.
We all have a purpose in this life, whether we choose to accept it or not. God has a will about what we will do, who we will impact, etc. When that job is completed, whether successfully (leading to promotion) or unsuccessfully (leading to firing), we leave the position. Maybe the position is left empty or eliminated. Maybe someone else will come to fill it, continuing the mission set before the person who was there previously.
Earlier this week, we attended a visitation for an individual from our church and the discussion came up with the family that they felt both happy and sad - happy that they knew she was in heaven, and sad because she wasn't still here with them. That is how it is for believers who know their family member/friend knew God and believed in Jesus. It is a far different story when believers know the individual did not have such a faith. It hurts more. There is not a happy/sad feeling. It is a sad/sad, a heart hurt, a mourning. There is not the joy of knowing they have a renewed body, unspeakable peace and joy, and are living with the almighty king and others who have gone before. You know, I sometimes feel the same pangs of grief and pain for those who are still living, because I know they are so turned against or away from God. It really will take a miracle for some of them to turn to Him, and I don't see anything in them that even wants to consider it.
So, after you complete the job that has been given to you, what's your next step? Are you going to be one whom the Boss says "well done," (Matthew 25:21,23; Luke 19:17) and you get promoted, or are you going to be to be fired. By the way, did anyone else catch the connection between being "fired" and the fires of hell?
I can tell you sincerely that I pray for you with all earnesty for you to know God and live for Him - even if I don't know you personally. Maybe we'll meet some day in heaven! (...if not before then.)
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