THIS IS ONE OF THOSE MIRACLES PEOPLE CAN EXPLAIN AWAY. But a miracle nevertheless.
Last Monday, an 8-year-old boy from our church was going across the street when he was hit by a car traveling 25 miles per hour. The father received a call telling him his son was been hit by a car, and was taken to the hospital. That he should come quickly.
He didn't know if his son was dead or alive - and through tears, as he traveled the miles to the hospital he called everyone he could think of and asked them to pray for his little boy.
When he rushed into the hospital all he wanted was to see his son. The policeman there to meet him stopped him, and said, "Wait a minute. He's O K."
What do you mean OK....he was just hit by a car?
The policeman explained that when he was hit by the car he was thrown 10 - 15 feet through the air - that it should have been a fatality - but that they had done all the tests - and that all they could find on the boy was a small scratch on the palm of his hand - and a couple of small abrasions on his back where he skidded on the pavement when he landed after sailing through the air. No broken bones, no internal injuries.
The policeman accompanied the father to the child's bedside, and said to the boy, "Son, you were really lucky."
The little 8-year-old boy's response to the Policeman was, "It wasn't luck. God protected me."
Saturday, that little boy ran all 6 miles of the church-sponsored 10K to raise money for college scholarships.
I'm calling it a miracle. How about you?
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
PENTECOST
Finally - after all the waiting - it is here!
May 23, 2010; our time
May 24 in 33 A D
Jeremiah 31:33
Luke 24:45-53
Acts 1:1-5
Acts 2:1-41
Hebrews 12:1-3
In Jesus day, Shavu’ot – the Festival of Weeks – was the next major festival following Passover. It honored the giving of the Torah at Mt Sinai. It was also known as the the Festival of the First Fruits, a celebration of when the first fruits were harvested and brought as offerings to the Temple. It’s name of Pentecost came from the original instruction that it was to be fifty days after Passover. I’m sure there is a lot more research I could do to learn about the entire history – but those tidbits provide me enough information to thrill my soul.
Pentecost, as a celebration of the giving of the Torah – God’s words written on tablets of stone – is a significant precursor to Pentecost in 33 A D when God’s Word became written on men’s hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit, the promised Comforter who was to come.
Jesus made that possible by his death on the cross. He endured the cross, despising its shame, for the joy set before him. What was that joy? Us. We are his inheritance. Everything he suffered was for our redemption – and he finished the work he came to accomplish: to give us access to God Almighty.
When Jesus lived on earth, he was both fully God and fully human, but his humanity limited his mobility. He could only be one place at one time. Now, through the power of the Holy Spirit, he could be everywhere, with everyone at one time.
That day – +-May 24, 33 A D, was just 10 days after Jesus’ ascension. The disciples had obeyed his command to go back and wait – which included lots of time dedicated to prayer. They were obedient and expectant. They weren’t told what day the promise would come – but the fulfillment of the promise on the date it was fulfilled is significant.
That Pentecost was different than all others before it. It was fulfillment. God was no longer distant and available only once a year to one high priest and a few chosen prophets, he became available to every one who seeks him. And – it was the date that marked the beginning of the Christ-ones’ church – literally, the beginning of Christianity.
In my years in the Presbyterian Church, that beginning was honored. Now, in the Pentecostal church I am in, it isn’t even mentioned. Go figure. But I wore red today! Red, which is symbolic of the tongues of fire that came down on those in the upper room. Then they carried their message to the streets – and 3,000 were added to the church that day! Wow!
It’s odd to me that we celebrate Christmas on a day and season Jesus wasn’t born – and then do not celebrate the coming of the promised Holy Spirit…. For some reason it has become more apparent to me in the past couple of years. The Holy Spirit is the loving, gentle comforter – the One who leads us into all truth, if we only ask.
Lord, I’m asking….
May 23, 2010; our time
May 24 in 33 A D
Jeremiah 31:33
Luke 24:45-53
Acts 1:1-5
Acts 2:1-41
Hebrews 12:1-3
In Jesus day, Shavu’ot – the Festival of Weeks – was the next major festival following Passover. It honored the giving of the Torah at Mt Sinai. It was also known as the the Festival of the First Fruits, a celebration of when the first fruits were harvested and brought as offerings to the Temple. It’s name of Pentecost came from the original instruction that it was to be fifty days after Passover. I’m sure there is a lot more research I could do to learn about the entire history – but those tidbits provide me enough information to thrill my soul.
Pentecost, as a celebration of the giving of the Torah – God’s words written on tablets of stone – is a significant precursor to Pentecost in 33 A D when God’s Word became written on men’s hearts through the power of the Holy Spirit, the promised Comforter who was to come.
Jesus made that possible by his death on the cross. He endured the cross, despising its shame, for the joy set before him. What was that joy? Us. We are his inheritance. Everything he suffered was for our redemption – and he finished the work he came to accomplish: to give us access to God Almighty.
When Jesus lived on earth, he was both fully God and fully human, but his humanity limited his mobility. He could only be one place at one time. Now, through the power of the Holy Spirit, he could be everywhere, with everyone at one time.
That day – +-May 24, 33 A D, was just 10 days after Jesus’ ascension. The disciples had obeyed his command to go back and wait – which included lots of time dedicated to prayer. They were obedient and expectant. They weren’t told what day the promise would come – but the fulfillment of the promise on the date it was fulfilled is significant.
That Pentecost was different than all others before it. It was fulfillment. God was no longer distant and available only once a year to one high priest and a few chosen prophets, he became available to every one who seeks him. And – it was the date that marked the beginning of the Christ-ones’ church – literally, the beginning of Christianity.
In my years in the Presbyterian Church, that beginning was honored. Now, in the Pentecostal church I am in, it isn’t even mentioned. Go figure. But I wore red today! Red, which is symbolic of the tongues of fire that came down on those in the upper room. Then they carried their message to the streets – and 3,000 were added to the church that day! Wow!
It’s odd to me that we celebrate Christmas on a day and season Jesus wasn’t born – and then do not celebrate the coming of the promised Holy Spirit…. For some reason it has become more apparent to me in the past couple of years. The Holy Spirit is the loving, gentle comforter – the One who leads us into all truth, if we only ask.
Lord, I’m asking….
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
THE DAY AFTER MT ST HELEN'S ERUPTION
Mt St Helen's First Eruption: May 18, 1980
Blog: May 19, 2010
Today marks thirty years and one day since the eruption of Mt St Helen’s in Southwest Washington. While the 30-year remembrance of the dramatic and devastating eruption is compelling – what was most personally compelling then – and remains tender to me now is God’s incredible protection.
Fifty-seven people were killed on that Sunday in mid-May 30 years ago. One of the men was from Montesano, where we lived. It was terribly tragic – and touched all of us. All these years later, I no longer remember his name…just how sad we were for his family.
The only name I recall of those who were killed was a man named Harry Truman, a man of the mountain who refused to leave his home – even in the face of warnings that something was brewing.
And – even in the face of ‘something-about-to-occur’ there were active logging operations on the mountain occurring. Fortunately, because it was a Sunday, those operations were not active that day. And my reason for being so tenderly touched by God’s protection – if Mt St Helen’s had erupted a day later my husband would have been among the dead. It was chilling to realize that then. It is with incredible gratitude that I remember it now. He would have been in the blast zone. He was scheduled to go visit His company’s active logging show Monday, May 19. The loss of lives was very sad – but it would have been absolutely horrific if all of the logging crews had been on the mountain. Many more lives would have been lost. It’s shocking when we think what a difference one day can make.
I remember the photos of trees incinerated – and others that lay like gray toothpicks in distinct patterns determined by the horrific powerful wind that spewed out and reverberated off of the surrounding hills – cutting swaths of trees, flattening, directing, twisting them according to its whim. I remember seeing the effects of the ash in Yakima where several inches of the gray ash settled, and I remember 1 week later on the following Sunday morning – another eruption that blew west instead of east – and coated Montesano with an inch of that same gray ash. It was eerie to wake up that morning and have it dark and dismal with an encroaching shroud different than just gray weather brings. It felt very ‘other-world’ and bizarre.
This morning I awakened to a feeling of incredible gratitude for these thirty years. Thankful to God for His protection of this wonderful man who is definitely worth loving. Thankful that God has repeatedly given me what I need – instead of what I deserve. Thankful for his grace, mercy and love. Thankful He truly is with us always – to the very end of the earth….
Blog: May 19, 2010
Today marks thirty years and one day since the eruption of Mt St Helen’s in Southwest Washington. While the 30-year remembrance of the dramatic and devastating eruption is compelling – what was most personally compelling then – and remains tender to me now is God’s incredible protection.
Fifty-seven people were killed on that Sunday in mid-May 30 years ago. One of the men was from Montesano, where we lived. It was terribly tragic – and touched all of us. All these years later, I no longer remember his name…just how sad we were for his family.
The only name I recall of those who were killed was a man named Harry Truman, a man of the mountain who refused to leave his home – even in the face of warnings that something was brewing.
And – even in the face of ‘something-about-to-occur’ there were active logging operations on the mountain occurring. Fortunately, because it was a Sunday, those operations were not active that day. And my reason for being so tenderly touched by God’s protection – if Mt St Helen’s had erupted a day later my husband would have been among the dead. It was chilling to realize that then. It is with incredible gratitude that I remember it now. He would have been in the blast zone. He was scheduled to go visit His company’s active logging show Monday, May 19. The loss of lives was very sad – but it would have been absolutely horrific if all of the logging crews had been on the mountain. Many more lives would have been lost. It’s shocking when we think what a difference one day can make.
I remember the photos of trees incinerated – and others that lay like gray toothpicks in distinct patterns determined by the horrific powerful wind that spewed out and reverberated off of the surrounding hills – cutting swaths of trees, flattening, directing, twisting them according to its whim. I remember seeing the effects of the ash in Yakima where several inches of the gray ash settled, and I remember 1 week later on the following Sunday morning – another eruption that blew west instead of east – and coated Montesano with an inch of that same gray ash. It was eerie to wake up that morning and have it dark and dismal with an encroaching shroud different than just gray weather brings. It felt very ‘other-world’ and bizarre.
This morning I awakened to a feeling of incredible gratitude for these thirty years. Thankful to God for His protection of this wonderful man who is definitely worth loving. Thankful that God has repeatedly given me what I need – instead of what I deserve. Thankful for his grace, mercy and love. Thankful He truly is with us always – to the very end of the earth….
Monday, May 17, 2010
WAITING FOR PENTECOST
May 17, 2010
I have been so excited – waiting for Pentecost – and this morning eagerly Googled ‘Pentecost’ to see what I could find on the internet. Something immediately caught my eye – Wikipedia stated that Pentecost was 10 days after Ascension Thursday. Wait a minute. The ascension date I’d honored had not been a Thursday. And – I was so keyed in to the precise 50 days after resurrection that I thought the actual date of Pentecost was going to be on a Monday….
I goofed. When I took down the calendar that I used to count off the days I found I had made 2 gargantuan errors. One – I didn’t count Resurrection Day as Day 1 – which is absolutely necessary for the timing to make Pentecost land on a Sunday…. I counted from Easter, with Monday as my day 1… which made a Monday day 50. Two – the calendar I used replicates the final week of April at the top of the page for May, so I had actually re-counted April 25-30 in my count-off of the days…. Soooooooooo, contrary to my erroneous calculations, Pentecost is still to come. Pentecost Sunday will be May 23, 2010. In one sense I am relieved. Last week was too busy to do advance research. Now I can be ready – and can enjoy the anticipation.
I hate to make mistakes – but I don’t mind being wrong. That is not an oxymoron. I am more than happy to admit my mistakes – but I hate that I got it wrong – and let other people down in the process of my asserting so authoritatively that Ascension occurred on May 7, when, in fact, according to the correct counting and adapted understanding of including Easter as the first day, Ascension was actually Thursday, May 13 (this year).
If I had counted properly in the first place – I would have placed it on May 14, so still would have been wrong. I needed just a bit more information that I didn’t have. My most sincere apologies to my readers – even though I know that only means a couple of people!
My band instructor in high school told me he just loved it when I was the one who made a mistake, because I never played tentatively – he knew immediately who it was, and could tell me I’d missed the sharp or flat that would correct the mistake. I am wrong on occasion – absolutely certain of my facts, only to find out they aren’t accurate. I like to have accurate information. I like what I say to be right. When I don’t have the truth I can’t tell the truth. But – when I am wrong, I am very willing to admit it, make my apologies, correct my assumptions, and move forward – a bit chagrined, perhaps, but glad to have things straightened out. I wish someone else had caught my error and told me….but I am grateful I caught it before ‘Pentecost’ actually arrived. It’s not today, as I had supposed….
I wore red yesterday – thinking it was Pentecost Sunday – and thinking the actual date of Pentecost was today…. I’ll wear red again next Sunday – the real Pentecost Sunday!
It is a definite reality check. Sometimes in life I am wrong. When I find that to be true, I repent of the wrong, apologize when needed, and walk forward wiser than I was before. I’d love to be perfect. I’m not. I don’t live life on a pedestal….
So – my most sincere apologies – and let’s get back in the queue waiting for Pentecost to actually arrive!
It reminds me of people who don’t tell the truth about Jesus Christ – because they don’t have the truth to tell. Now that one, I am certain of…. He is who he says he is: fully God; fully human. I know whom I have believed and am persuaded he is able to keep that which I’ve committed to him against that day….
Meanwhile, yesterday’s Singspiration was precious. I didn’t count how many people came. I think there were about 25 of us, though, based on the number of chairs set up – but it wasn’t about numbers. It was absolutely beautiful seeing people’s faces. I fought tears all the way through. There was a sweet, sweet presence – and singing the old songs of our faith together was very dear. It is our love language – the songs of faith we sang at our spiritual birth and through our formative years.
I was very, very tired. I didn’t get enough sleep the night before because the dog awakened me just after 2:30 a m barking vociferously at the coyotes. And – I was poignantly aware that one man I had hoped would be there ‘one more time’ for our Singspiration was not there. Phil Wayman, age 88, soon to go be with the Lord, was in Sunday School two weeks ago – but his body is giving out – and his spirit is eager to be with the Lord.
Knowing he is a dying man, he set about to use his final moments on this earth very intentionally. The report this week was that during this past week, he called a man he had tried to lead to the Lord 50 years before. Phil said his piece – told the man this was a message from a dying man – and hung up. His hearing isn’t good, and he couldn’t hear what the other fellow said back.
About an hour later, the fellow’s brother called to tell Phil that his brother had called him after Phil called, and that he had given his heart to the Lord. What an inspiration. Phil is eager to get to heaven – but he wants to take as many people with him as he can. And what a message of tenacity. He had prayed for the man off and on over the years – and in his declining moments – eternity shared was on his mind. When Phil steps across the threshold to his eternal reward he will definitely hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
We are each called to different ministries, different opportunities. I can’t imagine doing what Phil did – but who knows? I’ve done some pretty bizarre things I suppose – they just didn’t seem like they were bizarre at the time. When I feel the Holy Spirit compel me, I cannot say no….
Even though I was tired, the songs sung in community energized me. It was a beautiful moment – now a shared memory.
Thank you, Lord, for Christian community. Thank you for voices raised together in heartfelt praise. Where 2 or 3 are gathered together in your name, there you are in the midst of them. Thank you! In our going, help us disciple….
I have been so excited – waiting for Pentecost – and this morning eagerly Googled ‘Pentecost’ to see what I could find on the internet. Something immediately caught my eye – Wikipedia stated that Pentecost was 10 days after Ascension Thursday. Wait a minute. The ascension date I’d honored had not been a Thursday. And – I was so keyed in to the precise 50 days after resurrection that I thought the actual date of Pentecost was going to be on a Monday….
I goofed. When I took down the calendar that I used to count off the days I found I had made 2 gargantuan errors. One – I didn’t count Resurrection Day as Day 1 – which is absolutely necessary for the timing to make Pentecost land on a Sunday…. I counted from Easter, with Monday as my day 1… which made a Monday day 50. Two – the calendar I used replicates the final week of April at the top of the page for May, so I had actually re-counted April 25-30 in my count-off of the days…. Soooooooooo, contrary to my erroneous calculations, Pentecost is still to come. Pentecost Sunday will be May 23, 2010. In one sense I am relieved. Last week was too busy to do advance research. Now I can be ready – and can enjoy the anticipation.
I hate to make mistakes – but I don’t mind being wrong. That is not an oxymoron. I am more than happy to admit my mistakes – but I hate that I got it wrong – and let other people down in the process of my asserting so authoritatively that Ascension occurred on May 7, when, in fact, according to the correct counting and adapted understanding of including Easter as the first day, Ascension was actually Thursday, May 13 (this year).
If I had counted properly in the first place – I would have placed it on May 14, so still would have been wrong. I needed just a bit more information that I didn’t have. My most sincere apologies to my readers – even though I know that only means a couple of people!
My band instructor in high school told me he just loved it when I was the one who made a mistake, because I never played tentatively – he knew immediately who it was, and could tell me I’d missed the sharp or flat that would correct the mistake. I am wrong on occasion – absolutely certain of my facts, only to find out they aren’t accurate. I like to have accurate information. I like what I say to be right. When I don’t have the truth I can’t tell the truth. But – when I am wrong, I am very willing to admit it, make my apologies, correct my assumptions, and move forward – a bit chagrined, perhaps, but glad to have things straightened out. I wish someone else had caught my error and told me….but I am grateful I caught it before ‘Pentecost’ actually arrived. It’s not today, as I had supposed….
I wore red yesterday – thinking it was Pentecost Sunday – and thinking the actual date of Pentecost was today…. I’ll wear red again next Sunday – the real Pentecost Sunday!
It is a definite reality check. Sometimes in life I am wrong. When I find that to be true, I repent of the wrong, apologize when needed, and walk forward wiser than I was before. I’d love to be perfect. I’m not. I don’t live life on a pedestal….
So – my most sincere apologies – and let’s get back in the queue waiting for Pentecost to actually arrive!
It reminds me of people who don’t tell the truth about Jesus Christ – because they don’t have the truth to tell. Now that one, I am certain of…. He is who he says he is: fully God; fully human. I know whom I have believed and am persuaded he is able to keep that which I’ve committed to him against that day….
Meanwhile, yesterday’s Singspiration was precious. I didn’t count how many people came. I think there were about 25 of us, though, based on the number of chairs set up – but it wasn’t about numbers. It was absolutely beautiful seeing people’s faces. I fought tears all the way through. There was a sweet, sweet presence – and singing the old songs of our faith together was very dear. It is our love language – the songs of faith we sang at our spiritual birth and through our formative years.
I was very, very tired. I didn’t get enough sleep the night before because the dog awakened me just after 2:30 a m barking vociferously at the coyotes. And – I was poignantly aware that one man I had hoped would be there ‘one more time’ for our Singspiration was not there. Phil Wayman, age 88, soon to go be with the Lord, was in Sunday School two weeks ago – but his body is giving out – and his spirit is eager to be with the Lord.
Knowing he is a dying man, he set about to use his final moments on this earth very intentionally. The report this week was that during this past week, he called a man he had tried to lead to the Lord 50 years before. Phil said his piece – told the man this was a message from a dying man – and hung up. His hearing isn’t good, and he couldn’t hear what the other fellow said back.
About an hour later, the fellow’s brother called to tell Phil that his brother had called him after Phil called, and that he had given his heart to the Lord. What an inspiration. Phil is eager to get to heaven – but he wants to take as many people with him as he can. And what a message of tenacity. He had prayed for the man off and on over the years – and in his declining moments – eternity shared was on his mind. When Phil steps across the threshold to his eternal reward he will definitely hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
We are each called to different ministries, different opportunities. I can’t imagine doing what Phil did – but who knows? I’ve done some pretty bizarre things I suppose – they just didn’t seem like they were bizarre at the time. When I feel the Holy Spirit compel me, I cannot say no….
Even though I was tired, the songs sung in community energized me. It was a beautiful moment – now a shared memory.
Thank you, Lord, for Christian community. Thank you for voices raised together in heartfelt praise. Where 2 or 3 are gathered together in your name, there you are in the midst of them. Thank you! In our going, help us disciple….
Saturday, May 15, 2010
AN INVITATION
SUNDAY, MAY 16 is the date of the next Old-Time Singspiration at Faith Assembly of Lacey. 4 p m is the time. It will be a wonderful time of singing old hymns that I cut my earliest spiritual teeth on - songs we don't sing much any more. I specifically chose songs about the blood of Jesus. I guess the easiest thing to do is just share it with you! In addition to the following songs and choruses, there is a long list of options for congregational selection.... It's going to be wonderful singing these together!
MAY 16, 2010 FAL SINGSPIRATION LYRICS
I Will Enter His Gates
I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart.
I will enter His courts with praise.
I will say, “This is the day that the Lord has made.”
I will rejoice for He has made me glad.
He has made me glad, He has made me glad
I will rejoice for He has made me glad.
He has made me glad, He has made me glad
I will rejoice for He has made me glad.
Hallelu
Hallelu, hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah.
Praise ye the Lord
Hallelu, hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah.
Praise ye the Lord
Praise ye the Lord. Hallelujah
Praise ye the Lord. Hallelujah
Praise ye the Lord. Hallelujah
PRAISE YE THE LORD.
King of Kings
King of kings and Lord of lords. Glory, allelujah!
King of kings and Lord of lords. Glory, allelujah!
Jesus, Prince of Peace. Glory! Allelujah!
Jesus, Prince of Peace. Glory! Allelujah!
Christ Arose! 1862 Robert Lowry 1826-1899
Low in the grave He lay, Jesus, my Savior!
Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!
Up from the grave He rose,
With a mighty triumph o’er his foes;
He arose a Victor from the vast domain,
And He lives forever with his saints to reign,
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Death cannot keep his prey, Jesus, my Savior!
He tore the bars away, Jesus, my Lord!
Up from the grave He rose,
With a mighty triumph o’er his foes;
He arose a Victor from the vast domain,
And He lives forever with his saints to reign,
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
*At The Cross 1707 Verses: Isaac Watts 1674-1748
Alas! And did my Savior bleed? And did my sov’reign die?
Would he devote that sacred head For sinners such as I?
At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light
And the burden of my heart rolled away –
It was there by faith I received my sight
And now I am happy all the day
Was it for sins that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! Grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!
At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light
And the burden of my heart rolled away –
It was there by faith I received my sight
And now I am happy all the day
*Lead Me To Calvary 1921 Jennie Evelyn Hussey 1874-1958
King of my life I crown Thee now, Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget thy thorn-crowned brow, Lead me to Calvary.
Lest I forget Gethsemane; Lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me, Lead me to Calvary.
The Old Rugged Cross 1913 George Bennard 1873-1958
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
‘Til my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see;
For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died
To pardon and sanctify me.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
‘Til my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
*He Lives! 1933 Alfred H Ackley 1887-1960
I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living, whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him He’s always near.
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.
Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujah’s to Jesus Christ the King!
The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find,
None other is so loving, so good and kind.
Chorus:
*Nothing But The Blood Robert Lowry 1826-1899
What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Oh precious is the flow That makes me white as snow
No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Nothing can for sin atone, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Naught of good that I have done. Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Chorus:
This is all my hope and peace, Nothing but the blood of Jesus
This is all my righteousness, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Chorus:
*There Is Power In The Blood Lewis E Jones 1865-1936
Would you be free from your burden of sin?
There’s power in the blood, power in the blood;
Would you o’er evil a victory win?
There’s wonderful power in the blood.
There is power, power, wonder-working power
In the blood of the lamb
There is power, power, wonder-working power
In the precious blood of the lamb.
Victory In Jesus Eugene M Bartlett 1885-1941
I heard an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory,
How He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me;
I heard about His groaning, of His precious blood’s atoning,
Then I repented of my sins and won the victory.
Oh, victory in Jesus, my Savior forever
He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him,
He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.
I heard about His healing, of His cleansing power revealing
How He made the lame to walk again and caused the blind to see
And then I cried, “Dear Jesus, come and heal my broken spirit.”
And somehow Jesus came and brought to me the victory.
Chorus:
Because He Lives
Because He lives I can face tomorrow
Because He lives all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
My life is worth the living
Just because He lives!
Every day with Jesus
Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before
Every day with Jesus I love Him more and more
Jesus saves and keeps me – and He’s the one I’m waiting for
Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.
*Leaning On The Everlasting Arms Elisha A Hoffman 1839-1929
What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning,
Safe and secure from all alarms
Leaning, leaning,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
*Joy Unspeakable B E Warren, 20th Century (1900’s)
I have found His grace is all complete
He supplieth every need;
While I sit and learn at Jesus feet,
I am free, yes free indeed
It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,
Full of glory, full of glory
It is joy unspeakable and full of glory
Oh, the half has never yet been told
Victory All The Time Lelia N Morris 1862-1929
They who know the Savior shall in Him be strong
Mighty in the conflict of the right ‘gainst wrong
This the blessed promise given in God’s Word
Doing wondrous exploits they who know the Lord.
Victory, victory, blessed blood-bought victory
Victory, victory, victory all the time
As Jehovah liveth, strength divine He giveth
Unto those who know Him, victory all the time.
Saved! Saved! 1911 Jack P Scholfield 1882-1972
I’ve found a friend who is all to me,
His love is ever true
I love to tell how He lifted me
And what His grace can do for you.
Saved by His power divine
Saved to new life sublime
Life now is sweet and my joy is complete
For I’m saved, saved, saved!
*Jesus Saves! Priscilla J Owens 1829-1907
We have heard the joyful sound –
Jesus Saves! Jesus Saves!
Spread the tidings all around –
Jesus Saves! Jesus Saves!
Bear the news to every land,
Climb the steeps and cross the waves;
Onward! ‘tis our Lord’s command –
Jesus Saves! Jesus Saves!
The Name Of Jesus Is So Sweet W C Martin 1901-
The name of Jesus is so sweet
I love its music to repeat
It makes my joy full and complete
The precious name of Jesus
Jesus, Oh how sweet the name
Jesus, every day the same
Jesus, let all saints proclaim
Its worthy praise forever.
Since Jesus Came Into My Heart R. H. McDaniel, pre-1925
What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought
Since Jesus came into my heart!
I have light in my soul for which long I had sought
Since Jesus came into my heart!
Since Jesus came into my heart,
Since Jesus came into my heart,
Floods of joy o’er my soul like the sea billows roll
Since Jesus came into my heart.
Mine, Mine, Mine
Mine, mine, mine, Jesus is mine
Mine when I’m weary, mine when I’m cheery
Mine, mine, mine, Jesus is mine
Mine all the time He is….
Wonderful, Wonderful
Wonderful, wonderful, Jesus is to me
Counselor, Prince of Peace, Mighty God is He
Saving me, keeping me, from all sin and shame
Wonderful is my Redeemer, praise His name.
Praise Him, Praise Him
Praise Him, Praise Him
Praise Him in the mornin’
Praise Him in the noontime
Praise Him, Praise Him
Praise Him when the sun goes down.
And That’s Enough To Make Me Sing
And that’s enough to make me sing
And that’s enough to make me sing
My sins are all forgiven, and I’m on my way to heaven – and
That’s enough to make me, that’s enough to make me,
That’s enough to make me sing!
I Know Whom I Have Believed Daniel W. Whittle (based on 2 Timothy 1:12) 1840-1901
I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own
But I know whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I’ll walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.
Chorus:
*He’s Coming Soon Thoro Harris 1874-1955
In these, the closing days of time,
What joy the glorious hope affords,
That soon, Oh wondrous truth sublime!
He shall reign, Kings of Kings
And Lord of Lords!
He’s coming soon, He’s coming soon
With joy we welcome His returning;
It may be morn, it may be night or noon
We know He’s coming soon!
I’ll Fly Away Albert E Brumley 1905-______
Some glad morning when this life is o’er, I’ll fly away;
To a home on God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away.
I’ll fly away, O glory, I’ll fly away.
When I die, hallelujah, by and by, I’ll fly away.
Just a few more weary days and then, I’ll fly away
To a land where joys shall never end, I’ll fly away.
Chorus
And That’s Enough To Make Me Sing (repeated)
And that’s enough to make me sing
And that’s enough to make me sing
My sins are all forgiven, and I’m on my way to heaven – and
That’s enough to make me, that’s enough to make me,
That’s enough to make me sing!
Oh! How I Love Jesus
Oh, how I love Jesus, Oh, how I love Jesus
Oh, how I love Jesus, because He first loved me
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
God Be With You ’Til We Meet Again
God be with you ‘til we meet again
By His counsels guide, uphold you,
With His sheep securely fold you;
God be with you ‘til we meet again.
‘Til we meet, ‘til we meet
‘til we meet at Jesus’ feet.
‘Til we meet, til we meet
God be with you ‘til we meet again.
MAY 16, 2010 FAL SINGSPIRATION LYRICS
I Will Enter His Gates
I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart.
I will enter His courts with praise.
I will say, “This is the day that the Lord has made.”
I will rejoice for He has made me glad.
He has made me glad, He has made me glad
I will rejoice for He has made me glad.
He has made me glad, He has made me glad
I will rejoice for He has made me glad.
Hallelu
Hallelu, hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah.
Praise ye the Lord
Hallelu, hallelu, hallelu, hallelujah.
Praise ye the Lord
Praise ye the Lord. Hallelujah
Praise ye the Lord. Hallelujah
Praise ye the Lord. Hallelujah
PRAISE YE THE LORD.
King of Kings
King of kings and Lord of lords. Glory, allelujah!
King of kings and Lord of lords. Glory, allelujah!
Jesus, Prince of Peace. Glory! Allelujah!
Jesus, Prince of Peace. Glory! Allelujah!
Christ Arose! 1862 Robert Lowry 1826-1899
Low in the grave He lay, Jesus, my Savior!
Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!
Up from the grave He rose,
With a mighty triumph o’er his foes;
He arose a Victor from the vast domain,
And He lives forever with his saints to reign,
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Death cannot keep his prey, Jesus, my Savior!
He tore the bars away, Jesus, my Lord!
Up from the grave He rose,
With a mighty triumph o’er his foes;
He arose a Victor from the vast domain,
And He lives forever with his saints to reign,
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
*At The Cross 1707 Verses: Isaac Watts 1674-1748
Alas! And did my Savior bleed? And did my sov’reign die?
Would he devote that sacred head For sinners such as I?
At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light
And the burden of my heart rolled away –
It was there by faith I received my sight
And now I am happy all the day
Was it for sins that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! Grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!
At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light
And the burden of my heart rolled away –
It was there by faith I received my sight
And now I am happy all the day
*Lead Me To Calvary 1921 Jennie Evelyn Hussey 1874-1958
King of my life I crown Thee now, Thine shall the glory be;
Lest I forget thy thorn-crowned brow, Lead me to Calvary.
Lest I forget Gethsemane; Lest I forget Thine agony;
Lest I forget Thy love for me, Lead me to Calvary.
The Old Rugged Cross 1913 George Bennard 1873-1958
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame;
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
‘Til my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see;
For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died
To pardon and sanctify me.
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
‘Til my trophies at last I lay down
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it some day for a crown.
*He Lives! 1933 Alfred H Ackley 1887-1960
I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living, whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him He’s always near.
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.
Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujah’s to Jesus Christ the King!
The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find,
None other is so loving, so good and kind.
Chorus:
*Nothing But The Blood Robert Lowry 1826-1899
What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Oh precious is the flow That makes me white as snow
No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Nothing can for sin atone, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Naught of good that I have done. Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Chorus:
This is all my hope and peace, Nothing but the blood of Jesus
This is all my righteousness, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Chorus:
*There Is Power In The Blood Lewis E Jones 1865-1936
Would you be free from your burden of sin?
There’s power in the blood, power in the blood;
Would you o’er evil a victory win?
There’s wonderful power in the blood.
There is power, power, wonder-working power
In the blood of the lamb
There is power, power, wonder-working power
In the precious blood of the lamb.
Victory In Jesus Eugene M Bartlett 1885-1941
I heard an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory,
How He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me;
I heard about His groaning, of His precious blood’s atoning,
Then I repented of my sins and won the victory.
Oh, victory in Jesus, my Savior forever
He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood;
He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him,
He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood.
I heard about His healing, of His cleansing power revealing
How He made the lame to walk again and caused the blind to see
And then I cried, “Dear Jesus, come and heal my broken spirit.”
And somehow Jesus came and brought to me the victory.
Chorus:
Because He Lives
Because He lives I can face tomorrow
Because He lives all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
My life is worth the living
Just because He lives!
Every day with Jesus
Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before
Every day with Jesus I love Him more and more
Jesus saves and keeps me – and He’s the one I’m waiting for
Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.
*Leaning On The Everlasting Arms Elisha A Hoffman 1839-1929
What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning,
Safe and secure from all alarms
Leaning, leaning,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
*Joy Unspeakable B E Warren, 20th Century (1900’s)
I have found His grace is all complete
He supplieth every need;
While I sit and learn at Jesus feet,
I am free, yes free indeed
It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,
Full of glory, full of glory
It is joy unspeakable and full of glory
Oh, the half has never yet been told
Victory All The Time Lelia N Morris 1862-1929
They who know the Savior shall in Him be strong
Mighty in the conflict of the right ‘gainst wrong
This the blessed promise given in God’s Word
Doing wondrous exploits they who know the Lord.
Victory, victory, blessed blood-bought victory
Victory, victory, victory all the time
As Jehovah liveth, strength divine He giveth
Unto those who know Him, victory all the time.
Saved! Saved! 1911 Jack P Scholfield 1882-1972
I’ve found a friend who is all to me,
His love is ever true
I love to tell how He lifted me
And what His grace can do for you.
Saved by His power divine
Saved to new life sublime
Life now is sweet and my joy is complete
For I’m saved, saved, saved!
*Jesus Saves! Priscilla J Owens 1829-1907
We have heard the joyful sound –
Jesus Saves! Jesus Saves!
Spread the tidings all around –
Jesus Saves! Jesus Saves!
Bear the news to every land,
Climb the steeps and cross the waves;
Onward! ‘tis our Lord’s command –
Jesus Saves! Jesus Saves!
The Name Of Jesus Is So Sweet W C Martin 1901-
The name of Jesus is so sweet
I love its music to repeat
It makes my joy full and complete
The precious name of Jesus
Jesus, Oh how sweet the name
Jesus, every day the same
Jesus, let all saints proclaim
Its worthy praise forever.
Since Jesus Came Into My Heart R. H. McDaniel, pre-1925
What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought
Since Jesus came into my heart!
I have light in my soul for which long I had sought
Since Jesus came into my heart!
Since Jesus came into my heart,
Since Jesus came into my heart,
Floods of joy o’er my soul like the sea billows roll
Since Jesus came into my heart.
Mine, Mine, Mine
Mine, mine, mine, Jesus is mine
Mine when I’m weary, mine when I’m cheery
Mine, mine, mine, Jesus is mine
Mine all the time He is….
Wonderful, Wonderful
Wonderful, wonderful, Jesus is to me
Counselor, Prince of Peace, Mighty God is He
Saving me, keeping me, from all sin and shame
Wonderful is my Redeemer, praise His name.
Praise Him, Praise Him
Praise Him, Praise Him
Praise Him in the mornin’
Praise Him in the noontime
Praise Him, Praise Him
Praise Him when the sun goes down.
And That’s Enough To Make Me Sing
And that’s enough to make me sing
And that’s enough to make me sing
My sins are all forgiven, and I’m on my way to heaven – and
That’s enough to make me, that’s enough to make me,
That’s enough to make me sing!
I Know Whom I Have Believed Daniel W. Whittle (based on 2 Timothy 1:12) 1840-1901
I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own
But I know whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I’ll walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.
Chorus:
*He’s Coming Soon Thoro Harris 1874-1955
In these, the closing days of time,
What joy the glorious hope affords,
That soon, Oh wondrous truth sublime!
He shall reign, Kings of Kings
And Lord of Lords!
He’s coming soon, He’s coming soon
With joy we welcome His returning;
It may be morn, it may be night or noon
We know He’s coming soon!
I’ll Fly Away Albert E Brumley 1905-______
Some glad morning when this life is o’er, I’ll fly away;
To a home on God’s celestial shore, I’ll fly away.
I’ll fly away, O glory, I’ll fly away.
When I die, hallelujah, by and by, I’ll fly away.
Just a few more weary days and then, I’ll fly away
To a land where joys shall never end, I’ll fly away.
Chorus
And That’s Enough To Make Me Sing (repeated)
And that’s enough to make me sing
And that’s enough to make me sing
My sins are all forgiven, and I’m on my way to heaven – and
That’s enough to make me, that’s enough to make me,
That’s enough to make me sing!
Oh! How I Love Jesus
Oh, how I love Jesus, Oh, how I love Jesus
Oh, how I love Jesus, because He first loved me
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
God Be With You ’Til We Meet Again
God be with you ‘til we meet again
By His counsels guide, uphold you,
With His sheep securely fold you;
God be with you ‘til we meet again.
‘Til we meet, ‘til we meet
‘til we meet at Jesus’ feet.
‘Til we meet, til we meet
God be with you ‘til we meet again.
GOD’S PERPETUAL CARE
May 15, 2010
Jeremiah 29:11
My featured masher for today is a reminder of God’s perpetual care – His watchful eye that always has what is ultimately best for us in view. Sometimes I have to accept that concept on faith. It doesn’t ‘feel’ like he’s paying attention. Life’s hurts have made me feel on occasion that my ship was going to sink. And at the end of my rope, he’s been there . . . teaching me ultimately that he deserves our praise and worship no matter what our circumstances. Until we come to complete reliance on him, we cannot understand his care. He has made promises that he cannot break. Even when we are faithless, he is faithful.
It is through being crushed that we learn we have no strength of our own – but that we are totally dependent on Him.
This masher is from a navy ship. It would take someone very strong to wield it – in fact, it provides a whole new perspective on ‘K P duty’. It elicits an awareness of the powerful strength it would take to use it – and the powerful strength of the armed forces that protect us. Too often we take that care for granted – and we often also take God’s care and provision for us for granted.
Unfortunately the time we actually pay attention is when we think he has let us down.
I learned a good lesson about that several years ago. It is not uncommon when tragedy strikes to want to ask, “Why me?” But – I had learned in one specific very difficult circumstance that I needed to ask, “Why not me?” I wouldn’t wish it on someone else, certainly – and if bad things happen – even to nice people, why not to me?
Not long after that little insight, I heard about a head coach from Boise State University who reiterated the same sentiment. When he was interviewed about his diagnosis of cancer at such a young age, he was specifically asked, “Don’t you wonder, ‘Why me?’ “ And his reply was, “Why not me?”
It is a question that releases us from self-pity. We live in a fallen world. Bad things happen. We have a choice, we can blame God – say the ‘Navy’ wasn’t there and we were left unprotected – or we can choose to accept that his care for us is viewed from a different perspective – to change metaphors – that it is like a tapestry being woven – and no matter how pretty the colors, the pattern has to have some black in it for the colors to pop. We only see the backside of that tapestry where the threads are tangled and knotted and in wild disarray – but he sees the front – sees the beauty of a life lived intentionally for him – and he is the one with the needle in his hand, weaving – for ultimate beauty.
All the while – not just watching over us, but walking through every circumstance with us. He is not a distant God. In our pain he is there. He promised, and his promises are true. We can sleep more soundly knowing our military is on guard – and we can rest assured that God holds all of our future in his hands – that he protects us from the evil one. His care is the ultimate in care.
Our battle is not one of flesh and blood. It is a spiritual battle. And the wonderful thing is, He’s already won. Just before Jesus died on the cross, he proclaimed , “It is finished.” Everything that needed to be done for our salvation was complete. Satan is fighting tooth and nail as long as he remains the ‘prince of the power of the air’ – and if it seems he and his minions are working overtime in these closing days of time, they are. Satan knows prophecy. He knows his time is short.
It is easy to look at the circumstances of life and be discouraged – the politics, the financial crises and insurmountable debt, patent disregard for God by so many…. The list is endless. I wonder how God can stand it – and sometimes I wonder how awful it will get before he says ‘enough’ and destroys this earth to prepare for the promised new heaven and earth.
It is in that darkest moment of wondering that I am calmed by knowing – He is my protector. I can trust Him. My life and times are in his hands…. What he tells us in Matthew 11:28-30 is to cast all our cares on Him because he cares. It is a daily reminder! We can know that intellectually, but we need to fully absorb it. I need to fully absorb it. I can trust him. That’s the bottom line. I’ve staked my life on Him. I am a child of his grace. No matter what the storm, he is in the boat with me. And with you! Go in His grace sounds sweeter when we hear it through the sound of the sacrifice he made. He loves us! He cares! He lives to make intercession for us! What an amazing, wonderful God.
Happy Birthday, Eunice. I left a message on your phone!
Friday, May 14, 2010
WHILE WE WAIT – FEATURED MASHER FOR TODAY
May 14, 2010
All day yesterday I kept thinking I was missing something – missing someone’s birthday that I should remember. But – it was a busy day, filled to the brim, and I didn’t go look at my computer list. I missed calling my friend Lucy to tell her happy birthday. Bummer.
Lucy and I have known each other since we were about 8 or 9 years old – when we traipsed off to our first year of Assembly of God summer camp. She is the one who taught me to play the ukelele one year at camp when we were teenagers – and she has always made me laugh. We went to the same college together – agreed it was best to have other roommates – but became part of the foursome of friends knows as the four musketeers. Our lives took far different turns and we didn’t keep in touch as well as either one of us might have preferred – but now is not then – and I missed an opportunity to say ‘Happy 65th!’
So – I called this morning – left a message on an answering machine. I truly believe that at our age we should have ‘birthday months’ not just birthdays – but I still feel awful that I missed calling on 'the day'.
The masher I am featuring today is the one that is the segue for the Parable about the Five-year plan, which I shared a couple of days ago – a lesson from my friend Cathie.
The masher was from a gal in Montesano named Linda Taylor. The masher is special because it was from the Shaeffer Logging Camp – and the Shaeffer family is a huge part of logging history in Montesano…and the masher is also special to me just because it came as a gift from a friend – and it has an added benefit of triggering applicable messages for my parables talk.
It definitely reminds me of the treasure of friendship. As we walk through the journey of life, we share the journey with various people for various reasons – and various seasons. While we may not always stay in touch the way we’d like, our friendships help mold us. I am grateful for the many women – and a few men – along the journey who have become friends. They – and the memory of time shared and growth experienced together are treasures.
Because this masher was used by the cook in a logging camp, it reminds me that God has work for all of us to do. Work as an occupation, where we rub shoulders with others and get to be his light in a dark world, and work to do for Him. Not because he needs us – but because we need the tasks for fulfillment and growth. We need the constant awareness of being connected to the One who is the vine – and how better to feel connected, than to have the privilege of partnering with him in what he is doing in the world….
It reminds me also that a potato masher is an intentional tool – and we are called to be intentional in our Christian walk. May it be so.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
JESUS’ MANY MIRACLES
May 13, 2010 . . . Waiting for Pentecost….
Reading for today:
John 20:30-31
John 21:25
We just acknowledged Jesus’ ascension back to heaven 6 days ago. In our parallel journey through Lent, to and then beyond the cross, the story is still unfolding. At this point in the disciples’ lives, they are meeting together intentionally, obediently praying for the promise Jesus left them with in his instructions for what was to come next. “Wait….” They are waiting – which means we are, too, intentionally following the day-by-day journey as they experienced it. Right now – all we have recorded is that they were told to wait….
God didn’t install me with as much patience as I sometimes wish I had. However, when someone tells me they are praying for patience I tell them that’s a dangerous prayer. The way God teaches us any lesson is through opportunities to practice it.
My lesson in learning that poignantly was when God told me we were going to work on my gentleness. When he told me that I thought, ‘Great. Now I am going to be like one of those sweet little ladies at church who just ooze gentle, caring love.’
Not!
Now – the absolute truth is: I love deeply and sincerely. I care. I have oodles of compassion. Gentleness – I’m still working on it….
God’s chosen method of teaching me gentleness was to throw me into situations where I had to practice it. Situations where I was treated abysmally unfairly – misunderstood, misjudged, maligned – and instead of reacting in ‘human’ nature to defend the assaults I had to learn to absorb them and pray for God to work in each situation. I spoke the truth – then had to let each go . . . even though unresolved. God gave me a promise that he would be my defender. In some cases I am still waiting. It’s his battle – not mine.
Over and over I got to take to heart my Potato Masher Parable about not getting upset with a frog for being a frog.
In the process of working on gentleness, which involves responding not reacting, I’ve also learned that forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves. People can do some pretty awful things, say some pretty awful things – but we don’t have to be held hostage in their words or actions. When we forgive we release ourselves from being part of their issue. It is incredibly freeing. And – I can only do that through God’s grace. His grace is sufficient. Really, it is! And I have to trust that promise!
It isn’t always easy! Sometimes feelings of resentment for wrongs done against me try to creep in. I have to intentionally and carefully take those thoughts captive and submit them to God’s Word. He promised me that no weapon fashioned against me would stand. I stand on His promises, claiming them because His promises are true – knees shaking, lip quivering, soul determined. I put on my armor listed in Ephesians 6:10-18, and place my life in his hands. I want to trust him more and more. I’m still learning to do that.
We never arrive at some pinnacle of perfection in this life where nothing ruffles us. But the thing about being an intentional Christian is that we keep learning, keep pressing on, keep growing. His Word is our sword – and our guidebook.
His Word tells us everything we need to know – but still, these two verses in John intrigue me. After all of the amazing miracles that John recorded, he lets us know in two verses near the end of his writing of his testimony that Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples. The most intriguing statement is in John 21:25, when he says, “If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”
That is such a ‘wow’ statement. It intrigues me. All the reports in the gospels of Jesus’ interaction with man during his three whirlwind years of ministry on earth represent only the tip of the iceberg. And, yet, it is enough. These are written so that we may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing we may have life in his name.
I cannot help but reiterate - that we may have life in his name. There is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved. None.
Right after Luke tells us that Jesus is the one who was the stone the builders rejected – who has become the capstone, he tells us in Acts 4:12: “…Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
Jesus paid the price. He extends the offer of salvation through His blood – but we have a part to play. We have to reach out and accept the gift.
In my 38 years in the Presbyterian church there was a phrase that I grew to love – I am certain I have already shared it, but I will share it again. The phrase is ‘Saved and being saved.’ Salvation was made available by Jesus’ sacrifice – God himself, incarnate, coming to earth in the form of man to take on the sins of the world – but we have to make a choice to accept the gift. It isn’t imposed on us. And the gift has a price for us. It means that we die to self and become alive in God – that our life is no longer our own, but that we acknowledge our opportunity to have eternal life was bought with a price. In giving up our independence and becoming submitted to the Lord’s will, we begin a journey that continues throughout this lifetime – a journey of becoming more and more like him as he peels away the layers of our ‘self’ and guides us deeper and deeper into his truth.
I love miracles – but the miracle in a changed life is the greatest miracle of all. Saved and being saved!
Reading for today:
John 20:30-31
John 21:25
We just acknowledged Jesus’ ascension back to heaven 6 days ago. In our parallel journey through Lent, to and then beyond the cross, the story is still unfolding. At this point in the disciples’ lives, they are meeting together intentionally, obediently praying for the promise Jesus left them with in his instructions for what was to come next. “Wait….” They are waiting – which means we are, too, intentionally following the day-by-day journey as they experienced it. Right now – all we have recorded is that they were told to wait….
God didn’t install me with as much patience as I sometimes wish I had. However, when someone tells me they are praying for patience I tell them that’s a dangerous prayer. The way God teaches us any lesson is through opportunities to practice it.
My lesson in learning that poignantly was when God told me we were going to work on my gentleness. When he told me that I thought, ‘Great. Now I am going to be like one of those sweet little ladies at church who just ooze gentle, caring love.’
Not!
Now – the absolute truth is: I love deeply and sincerely. I care. I have oodles of compassion. Gentleness – I’m still working on it….
God’s chosen method of teaching me gentleness was to throw me into situations where I had to practice it. Situations where I was treated abysmally unfairly – misunderstood, misjudged, maligned – and instead of reacting in ‘human’ nature to defend the assaults I had to learn to absorb them and pray for God to work in each situation. I spoke the truth – then had to let each go . . . even though unresolved. God gave me a promise that he would be my defender. In some cases I am still waiting. It’s his battle – not mine.
Over and over I got to take to heart my Potato Masher Parable about not getting upset with a frog for being a frog.
In the process of working on gentleness, which involves responding not reacting, I’ve also learned that forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves. People can do some pretty awful things, say some pretty awful things – but we don’t have to be held hostage in their words or actions. When we forgive we release ourselves from being part of their issue. It is incredibly freeing. And – I can only do that through God’s grace. His grace is sufficient. Really, it is! And I have to trust that promise!
It isn’t always easy! Sometimes feelings of resentment for wrongs done against me try to creep in. I have to intentionally and carefully take those thoughts captive and submit them to God’s Word. He promised me that no weapon fashioned against me would stand. I stand on His promises, claiming them because His promises are true – knees shaking, lip quivering, soul determined. I put on my armor listed in Ephesians 6:10-18, and place my life in his hands. I want to trust him more and more. I’m still learning to do that.
We never arrive at some pinnacle of perfection in this life where nothing ruffles us. But the thing about being an intentional Christian is that we keep learning, keep pressing on, keep growing. His Word is our sword – and our guidebook.
His Word tells us everything we need to know – but still, these two verses in John intrigue me. After all of the amazing miracles that John recorded, he lets us know in two verses near the end of his writing of his testimony that Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples. The most intriguing statement is in John 21:25, when he says, “If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”
That is such a ‘wow’ statement. It intrigues me. All the reports in the gospels of Jesus’ interaction with man during his three whirlwind years of ministry on earth represent only the tip of the iceberg. And, yet, it is enough. These are written so that we may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing we may have life in his name.
I cannot help but reiterate - that we may have life in his name. There is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved. None.
Right after Luke tells us that Jesus is the one who was the stone the builders rejected – who has become the capstone, he tells us in Acts 4:12: “…Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
Jesus paid the price. He extends the offer of salvation through His blood – but we have a part to play. We have to reach out and accept the gift.
In my 38 years in the Presbyterian church there was a phrase that I grew to love – I am certain I have already shared it, but I will share it again. The phrase is ‘Saved and being saved.’ Salvation was made available by Jesus’ sacrifice – God himself, incarnate, coming to earth in the form of man to take on the sins of the world – but we have to make a choice to accept the gift. It isn’t imposed on us. And the gift has a price for us. It means that we die to self and become alive in God – that our life is no longer our own, but that we acknowledge our opportunity to have eternal life was bought with a price. In giving up our independence and becoming submitted to the Lord’s will, we begin a journey that continues throughout this lifetime – a journey of becoming more and more like him as he peels away the layers of our ‘self’ and guides us deeper and deeper into his truth.
I love miracles – but the miracle in a changed life is the greatest miracle of all. Saved and being saved!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
MORE POTATO MASHER PARABLES
Matthew 11:28-30
You know the picture I used yesterday – well, there are a couple of other things that specific masher reminds me of: One – it reminds me of ‘jumping to conclusions’ – which is sometimes the only exercise I get. Two, it reminds me of people who are full of energy. My friend Mary Beth is one of those people. God gave her more energy than any one woman should ever have. She absolutely runs circles around me. And – my youngest granddaughter is another of those bouncy people with incredible energy – and she keeps us in stitches with the funny & clever things she comes up with. One of the most memorable recent ones was this:
My daughter had decided that they were going to have a new rule in their house that they would speak calmly and never raise their voices – but soon after that declaration, she was in the car with her girls, and the eldest one – who has perfected arguing to an art form – pushed one too many buttons and my daughter raised her voice. Immediately her 3-year-old piped up with, “Mommy, We could pray for you right now that Jesus would take that yucky sin away from you.”
One of Al’s favorites was when she was staying with us when she was 2. I had let her go play at her Auntie’s house for a while, and when I went to pick her up, I said she didn’t need to be seat-belted into her car seat because we were only going about 500 feet from Auntie’s house to our house. She was not accustomed to that freedom, and knowing she’d be safe, I thought she’d enjoy it. However, as I drove into the garage, Bryn exclaimed dramatically, with obvious relief, “Thank God. We made it.”
During the first 29 years of collecting I never imagined potato mashers being something God could use, but that just proves his resourcefulness. I’ve learned that God uses everything that’s ever happened to us for his good if we are willing to let him. He even redeems the bad things that happen and uses it to allow us help others for His glory.
God uses visuals to teach. Remember what God said to Moses, “What is that in your hand?” And then God used what Moses had – which was his walking stick – as an object lesson.
Jesus also used the mundane to teach. One of my favorites is in Matthew 11:28-30, where his invitation to his hearers was, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
His hearers would have understood immediately what he was offering, because they knew what a yoke was and the way it was used. They saw it as a visual before them in their everyday life. They knew that a stronger, older ox was always yoked with a younger, inexperienced one so the stronger one could bear the greater strain of the burden they pulled, and be a teacher to the inexperienced younger one. Isn’t it wonderful to know that once you have accepted Him as Savior, Jesus is right there in the yoke with you - bearing the greater part of the burden?
More than once someone has said to me, “God will not give you more than you can bear.” And I tell them, “Yes He has - - but He will never give me more than He can handle" – and I find peace in knowing that. Max Lucado says, “Sometimes He calms the storm. Sometimes He calms His child in the storm.” I know from experience that sometimes you just have to hold on for dear life and know He is there because His Word declares He is, though you can’t feel His presence at all. Our walk is a journey of faith, not of feeling, and that’s good, because feelings are very often unreliable. They can’t be trusted.
Over the years, in addition to those I’ve located, my collection has grown due to contributions from others. Those that were gifts remind me of the person and the gift of their friendship and love – and also of the Gift of love God gave us in His Son when Jesus came to earth to bring us salvation. They also remind me that WE are God’s Gift to Jesus – His inheritance. The cost he paid so dearly on the cross was for us, and we are his prize – his inheritance.
Those that are from friends remind me of the gift of lessons I’ve learned from my friends. One example is “The 5 year plan.” At one juncture when I was deliberating between two seemingly important events, my friend Cathie advised me to determine which I would do based on which one would still matter in 5 years. Too often, our lives are dictated by the urgent instead of the important, and that little lesson has helped me make the better choice a number of times.
In early December one year when I had to choose between going to choir practice or to my son-in-law’s 30th birthday party, I chose family. 5 years hence no one will remember if I was at choir that night or not – even though it was when we were practicing for our Christmas cantata, which definitely was important. But – my son-in-law will most likely remember – and my daughter certainly will – that I made the choice to prioritize him that December 2. And if they don’t, I do. On the other hand, I don’t have a clue what the songs were for that particular Christmas.
You know the picture I used yesterday – well, there are a couple of other things that specific masher reminds me of: One – it reminds me of ‘jumping to conclusions’ – which is sometimes the only exercise I get. Two, it reminds me of people who are full of energy. My friend Mary Beth is one of those people. God gave her more energy than any one woman should ever have. She absolutely runs circles around me. And – my youngest granddaughter is another of those bouncy people with incredible energy – and she keeps us in stitches with the funny & clever things she comes up with. One of the most memorable recent ones was this:
My daughter had decided that they were going to have a new rule in their house that they would speak calmly and never raise their voices – but soon after that declaration, she was in the car with her girls, and the eldest one – who has perfected arguing to an art form – pushed one too many buttons and my daughter raised her voice. Immediately her 3-year-old piped up with, “Mommy, We could pray for you right now that Jesus would take that yucky sin away from you.”
One of Al’s favorites was when she was staying with us when she was 2. I had let her go play at her Auntie’s house for a while, and when I went to pick her up, I said she didn’t need to be seat-belted into her car seat because we were only going about 500 feet from Auntie’s house to our house. She was not accustomed to that freedom, and knowing she’d be safe, I thought she’d enjoy it. However, as I drove into the garage, Bryn exclaimed dramatically, with obvious relief, “Thank God. We made it.”
During the first 29 years of collecting I never imagined potato mashers being something God could use, but that just proves his resourcefulness. I’ve learned that God uses everything that’s ever happened to us for his good if we are willing to let him. He even redeems the bad things that happen and uses it to allow us help others for His glory.
God uses visuals to teach. Remember what God said to Moses, “What is that in your hand?” And then God used what Moses had – which was his walking stick – as an object lesson.
Jesus also used the mundane to teach. One of my favorites is in Matthew 11:28-30, where his invitation to his hearers was, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
His hearers would have understood immediately what he was offering, because they knew what a yoke was and the way it was used. They saw it as a visual before them in their everyday life. They knew that a stronger, older ox was always yoked with a younger, inexperienced one so the stronger one could bear the greater strain of the burden they pulled, and be a teacher to the inexperienced younger one. Isn’t it wonderful to know that once you have accepted Him as Savior, Jesus is right there in the yoke with you - bearing the greater part of the burden?
More than once someone has said to me, “God will not give you more than you can bear.” And I tell them, “Yes He has - - but He will never give me more than He can handle" – and I find peace in knowing that. Max Lucado says, “Sometimes He calms the storm. Sometimes He calms His child in the storm.” I know from experience that sometimes you just have to hold on for dear life and know He is there because His Word declares He is, though you can’t feel His presence at all. Our walk is a journey of faith, not of feeling, and that’s good, because feelings are very often unreliable. They can’t be trusted.
Over the years, in addition to those I’ve located, my collection has grown due to contributions from others. Those that were gifts remind me of the person and the gift of their friendship and love – and also of the Gift of love God gave us in His Son when Jesus came to earth to bring us salvation. They also remind me that WE are God’s Gift to Jesus – His inheritance. The cost he paid so dearly on the cross was for us, and we are his prize – his inheritance.
Those that are from friends remind me of the gift of lessons I’ve learned from my friends. One example is “The 5 year plan.” At one juncture when I was deliberating between two seemingly important events, my friend Cathie advised me to determine which I would do based on which one would still matter in 5 years. Too often, our lives are dictated by the urgent instead of the important, and that little lesson has helped me make the better choice a number of times.
In early December one year when I had to choose between going to choir practice or to my son-in-law’s 30th birthday party, I chose family. 5 years hence no one will remember if I was at choir that night or not – even though it was when we were practicing for our Christmas cantata, which definitely was important. But – my son-in-law will most likely remember – and my daughter certainly will – that I made the choice to prioritize him that December 2. And if they don’t, I do. On the other hand, I don’t have a clue what the songs were for that particular Christmas.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
FUN, FUN, FUN
Potato Masher Parables Presentation May 11, 2010
Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church – Care & Share ‘Tea’
Gig Harbor, WA
What a fun day! Some presentations are more fun than others – I don’t know why – but today was a very good day. I hope it was just as good for the ladies who attended – but I truly believe it was…. One lady came up to me afterward and told me it was the best program she had ever seen. I didn’t take it to heart with any sort of personal pride – but with joy that she felt that way, as it meant she got something out of it to think about. She said it needed to be in a book…. She was not the first person to suggest that. I told her I thought I’d begin by sharing some of them in my blog. This is as good as any time to start….
May 11 is a special day for me. May 11, 1985. It was Mother’s Day that year. It was the day our nephew came to live with us. He was 15 and at the end of his Freshman year in High School. The circumstances of his living arrangements had become very challenging. He threw his belongings out an upstairs window – said he was ‘going out’ to visit a friend, retrieved his belongings, and called Al’s Mom from the friend’s house. He needed a safe home. She called us and asked if we could take him. We convened a quick family meeting, explained that there would be challenges – but we felt we needed to help – all of us. The girls agreed.
Our nephew’s Dad (Al’s younger brother) was murdered the night our middle daughter was born – technically the morning after – but it was within hours of her birth. She was born April 26, 1974. He died in the wee hours of April 27, 1974. And 11 years later we became ‘parents’ to his son.
One of my Potato Masher Parables recounts the time almost three years later after he turned 18 and decided he was a man and didn’t have to follow our rules any longer. The potato masher that is the segue for that story is a double masher that is easy to equate to a frog....
I was very involved in the Grays Harbor County Child Abuse Prevention Council at the time, and one particular day got to a board meeting early – which was being held at the psychologist’s office who served on the board. I was early so Keith and I had some time to chat before the other board members arrived, and during our conversation he asked me how things were going – and I told him my recently-turned-eighteen-year-old nephew was driving me crazy – and proceeded to share the circumstances that were giving me gray hair.
Keith said, “Do you see that terrarium over there – and the frog in it?”
“Yes,” I replied.
“Well,” he continued, “that frog is a meat-eating frog. I have to feed it a mouse every Friday. But – when the frog is hungry if I were to put my hand into the terrarium it would take off a finger or thumb just like that!” And he snapped his fingers to demonstrate how quickly. “If it did, I couldn’t get mad at a frog for being a frog,” he concluded.
I got the message. My nephew was acting his age. He was 18, and he was trying out ‘being independent’. He was a good kid who would outgrow these behaviors and become a good citizen given time. It was a waste of my time, energy and emotions to let his behaviors dictate my emotional response. I couldn’t get mad at a frog for being a frog.
It is a life lesson that has served me well. I can’t expect anyone to be or do or give or respond in a way I would like them to. People are who they are. While I may choose a safe distance to avert being in the direct line of fire, I cannot get mad at a frog for being a frog. It is another lesson of not being responsible for feelings, but being responsible for actions. It was a good lesson to learn – and it has served me well.
And – the nephew. He grew up to be a kind, loving, caring, very involved Dad who has 3 boys…. We were the kind of parents he needed – and now he is the kind of Dad we are incredibly proud of….
I became his ‘other-mother’ on Mother’s Day, 1985. Those years hold a myriad of memories.
The 25 ladies I spoke to today are all widows. For some, the loss is new and fresh – for others, there is a resolute determination to move forward. Never forgetting – but living life beyond the most severe stretch of the pain that followed losing their mate.
They were an amazing group. I don’t like the thought of the entry requirement – but I love how they love, care for and support each other – and that they are intentional about living. Kudos to every one of them! Being there and sharing that time with them was a joy!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
MOTHER’S DAY
Reading for today:
Proverbs 31:10-31
I’ve driven past the homestead in West Virginia where ‘Mother’s Day’ as a celebration was conceived. Apparently Anna Jarvis thought mothers should have a special day – and after her death, her daughter – also named Anna Jarvis – became champion of that goal as a tribute to her mother. In May 1907 she gave out 500 carnations – one for every mother at her mother’s church in Grafton, West Virginia, and then on May 10, 1908 the first Sunday service honoring mothers was held at that same church.
It was a ball sent rolling, that once started, quickly gathered support. By 1909 Mother’s Day services were held in 46 states plus Canada and Mexico. That’s a pretty fast turnaround for an event to catch on! It was quickly adopted as a commercial opportunity – which was not what she hoped for – and the rest, as they say, is history.
Our day was wonderful! To make it easy on the Moms who were present, we had a wiener roast. The kids even made a few s’mores – and we topped off the treats with fresh strawberry shortcake – our first of the season. Minimal effort. Minimal clean-up. Maximum joy! Several of the kids rode the zipline. There were a few pictures taken – a nerf football tossed around between various people – a lot of chat about sundry things – a couple of blond jokes. A good day!
When I was in high school I was asked to sing a special song for a Mother’s Day Tea. This morning it was wending its way through my memory:
M is for the million things she gave me.
O means only that she’s growing old.
T is for the tears she shed to save me.
H is for her heart of purest gold.
E is for her eyes with love-light shining.
R’s for right and right she’ll always be.
Put them all together they spell MOTHER, the word that means the world to me.
And my Dad had a poem he used to quote that suits the day beautifully:
When we were courting he promised me gold
And all the furs my arms could hold
He said the world he would lay at my feet –
I dared not believe, but it’s true and complete!
I have a gold filling – third molar, I think
And a purring old cat with fur soft as mink.
The world he tracks in all over the room
And I sweep it out ahead of my broom –
But I love him!
My Dad quoted poetry frequently – he had a seemingly unending supply. Now those memories come back as joys – remembering, sifting through memories. And today will become a memory for our grandkids – perhaps not this one specifically – but the generality of time shared with cousins growing up together. A good, good day!
Thank you, Lord!
March 24, 1983 I wrote a little poem to my daughters that also suits this day well:
I’d like to be a daughter
to a mother just like me
I’d like to help her cook and sew
and go on shopping sprees.
I’d like to see her eyes light up
with pleasure and surprise
When I did little special things
like bake some berry pies.
I’d be so glad to be her kid
. . . I’d always understand
When she did what was best for me
I’d know that was the plan.
But I am not the daughter –
I guess that’s plain to see –
So I hope you like to be the kid
of a mother just like me.
My middle daughter responded to my poem with one of her own December 8, 1995:
TO MOM
I love that I’m the daughter
of a mother just like you.
I love your caring heart
And all the special things you do.
I love to come home and see you,
To feel your warm embrace.
I love to see the smile
That so lights up your face.
I love all the memories
Of our happy family
I thank God each and every day
For all He’s given me.
I wish that you had felt the love
Of a mother just like you.
I’m glad that God has blessed you with
This family whose love is true.
I hope and pray that someday
When I’m a Mom I’ll be
As wonderful and loving
As you have been to me.
For you have been the kind of mom
Every kid could ever wish for.
And I have been so blessed by God
To have this mom that I adore.
I’m so glad to be your kid
. . . I finally understand
when you did what was best for me
I know that was the plan
I love you mom and hope you know
How much you mean to me
As far as I’m concerned
I’m the luckiest kid there could ever be!
With love, E_ _ _
Both poems – hers and mine – are framed, and hang above my bathroom counter. I have been incredibly blessed. Incredibly, incredibly blessed. More than I ever imagined possible!
I’m not saying everything in my life is roses with no thorns. That’s how roses come – but they are still, hands down, my favorite flower. And the roses make it worth the occasional prick…. That applies to life, too.
Our reading for today reminds us of a ‘superwoman’ of Bible days. I can’t be her – but I can be the best me possible by placing my hand in the Lord’s and walking with Him intentionally.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
Proverbs 31:10-31
I’ve driven past the homestead in West Virginia where ‘Mother’s Day’ as a celebration was conceived. Apparently Anna Jarvis thought mothers should have a special day – and after her death, her daughter – also named Anna Jarvis – became champion of that goal as a tribute to her mother. In May 1907 she gave out 500 carnations – one for every mother at her mother’s church in Grafton, West Virginia, and then on May 10, 1908 the first Sunday service honoring mothers was held at that same church.
It was a ball sent rolling, that once started, quickly gathered support. By 1909 Mother’s Day services were held in 46 states plus Canada and Mexico. That’s a pretty fast turnaround for an event to catch on! It was quickly adopted as a commercial opportunity – which was not what she hoped for – and the rest, as they say, is history.
Our day was wonderful! To make it easy on the Moms who were present, we had a wiener roast. The kids even made a few s’mores – and we topped off the treats with fresh strawberry shortcake – our first of the season. Minimal effort. Minimal clean-up. Maximum joy! Several of the kids rode the zipline. There were a few pictures taken – a nerf football tossed around between various people – a lot of chat about sundry things – a couple of blond jokes. A good day!
When I was in high school I was asked to sing a special song for a Mother’s Day Tea. This morning it was wending its way through my memory:
M is for the million things she gave me.
O means only that she’s growing old.
T is for the tears she shed to save me.
H is for her heart of purest gold.
E is for her eyes with love-light shining.
R’s for right and right she’ll always be.
Put them all together they spell MOTHER, the word that means the world to me.
And my Dad had a poem he used to quote that suits the day beautifully:
When we were courting he promised me gold
And all the furs my arms could hold
He said the world he would lay at my feet –
I dared not believe, but it’s true and complete!
I have a gold filling – third molar, I think
And a purring old cat with fur soft as mink.
The world he tracks in all over the room
And I sweep it out ahead of my broom –
But I love him!
My Dad quoted poetry frequently – he had a seemingly unending supply. Now those memories come back as joys – remembering, sifting through memories. And today will become a memory for our grandkids – perhaps not this one specifically – but the generality of time shared with cousins growing up together. A good, good day!
Thank you, Lord!
March 24, 1983 I wrote a little poem to my daughters that also suits this day well:
I’d like to be a daughter
to a mother just like me
I’d like to help her cook and sew
and go on shopping sprees.
I’d like to see her eyes light up
with pleasure and surprise
When I did little special things
like bake some berry pies.
I’d be so glad to be her kid
. . . I’d always understand
When she did what was best for me
I’d know that was the plan.
But I am not the daughter –
I guess that’s plain to see –
So I hope you like to be the kid
of a mother just like me.
My middle daughter responded to my poem with one of her own December 8, 1995:
TO MOM
I love that I’m the daughter
of a mother just like you.
I love your caring heart
And all the special things you do.
I love to come home and see you,
To feel your warm embrace.
I love to see the smile
That so lights up your face.
I love all the memories
Of our happy family
I thank God each and every day
For all He’s given me.
I wish that you had felt the love
Of a mother just like you.
I’m glad that God has blessed you with
This family whose love is true.
I hope and pray that someday
When I’m a Mom I’ll be
As wonderful and loving
As you have been to me.
For you have been the kind of mom
Every kid could ever wish for.
And I have been so blessed by God
To have this mom that I adore.
I’m so glad to be your kid
. . . I finally understand
when you did what was best for me
I know that was the plan
I love you mom and hope you know
How much you mean to me
As far as I’m concerned
I’m the luckiest kid there could ever be!
With love, E_ _ _
Both poems – hers and mine – are framed, and hang above my bathroom counter. I have been incredibly blessed. Incredibly, incredibly blessed. More than I ever imagined possible!
I’m not saying everything in my life is roses with no thorns. That’s how roses come – but they are still, hands down, my favorite flower. And the roses make it worth the occasional prick…. That applies to life, too.
Our reading for today reminds us of a ‘superwoman’ of Bible days. I can’t be her – but I can be the best me possible by placing my hand in the Lord’s and walking with Him intentionally.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER in retrospect
(National Day of Prayer was Thursday May 6)
Reading for today:
2 Chronicles 7:13-15
Isaiah 55:6
Deuteronomy 9:26
Nahum 1:7
... “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
The very first time I attended a National Day of Prayer gathering was in Montesano – back in the early 1980’s – and this was the focus verse.
This year, for the very first time, I attended the National Day of Prayer gathering on the steps of the State Capitol building in Olympia. I had no idea what precisely to expect, but envisioned camera crews and potential protesters or cat calls; opportunities to extend grace and demonstrate the love that faith in Jesus Christ demands. I also expected it to be a huge crowd that packed out the space available. It was a respectable and respectful crowd. That was actually a relief. I don’t like being in huge, crushing crowds, and I certainly don’t like anything that might be confrontational.
There were a few people taking pictures – one likely from the local newspaper – but it held none of the drama I thought might occur. It was well organized and flowed beautifully, moving from one prepared prayer to the next in perfect sequence. It began with the blowing of a shofar, followed by a brass fanfare from a trumpet trio. I noticed that one man’s trumpet was well worn – while the other two were in pristine condition.
I was a trumpet player from the 4th grade through my Senior year in high school. My last year playing in band was actually my Junior year – but I continued playing at church until I left for college the fall of 1963… then the trumpet was passed on to my little brother for ‘his turn.’ I love to hear well-played trumpets – and the trumpet trio was well done. The blowing of the shofar also brought back pleasant memories. When I was in Israel on tour several years ago, one of the men in our tour group was shopping for a shofar, when I just happened to walk into the shop where he was considering his options. He asked my opinion - based purely on appearance, and I asked the shop owner if I could blow them. The sound of one of them was far superior to the other. It was the more expensive of the two – but definitely worth it. Just blowing it was a thrill. He thanked me graciously - and bought the one that sounded like 'the trumpet of the Lord.'
Ah – I am a bunny trail pro.
The verse printed on the cover of the bulletin we received as we approached the steps was Nahum 1:7 “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.”
The agenda for the day included:
A Marine color guard;
The Pledge of Allegiance;
The National Anthem sung by a young female soloist with a beautiful voice;
The Proclamation for this Day of Prayer signed by the Governor of Washington State, Christine Gregoire, and a prayer for the governor and state leaders based on 1 Timothy 2:1-3;
Washington State Declaration of Dependence on God;
Prayer for Military, Police and Firefighters;
Prayers for our nation based on the Ten Commandments, followed by The Lord’s Prayer;
A solo: “Hear Us From Heaven” by another young woman with a beautiful voice;
Then the colors were retired;
There was an ending Announcement and Blessing in which we were encouraged to make every day a National Day of Prayer;
And the event ended with a final brass fanfare.
The only prayer that appeared to be unwritten and unrehearsed was the final blessing, so it would be easy to describe it as sanitized – but what was prayed was deeply felt. There was a sense among us that the privilege of meeting in public on the steps of a place so public as the Capitol could be in future jeopardy. It was definitely ecumenical – nothing anyone should feel uncomfortable participating in. There were school kids, office employees, retired people…a conglomeration of humanity representing various Judeo-Christian faiths.
Franklin Graham was the honorary Chairman for the 2010 National Day of Prayer. This is his printed prayer:
LORD,
We are thankful for the abundant blessings You have bestowed on America. Our forefathers looked to You as Protector, Provider and the Promise of hope. But we have wandered far from that firm foundation. May we repent for turning our backs on Your faithfulness.
- We pray that this great nation will be restored by Your forgiveness.
- From bondage, You grant freedom.
- Through Your own sacrifice, You offer salvation.
- From the state of despair, You offer peace.
- From the bounties of Heaven, You have blessed – not because of our goodness but by Your grace.
You have given us freedom to worship You in spirit and in truth as Your holy Word instructs. May our lives honor You in word and deed. May our nation acknowledge that all good things come from the Father above.
President Lincoln proclaimed that our nation should set apart a day for national prayer to confess our sins and transgressions in sorrow, “yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon . . . announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those only are blessed whose God is the Lord.”
“We have vainly imagined in the deceitfulness of our own hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own . . . we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to God who made us! It behooves us then . . . to confess our national sins and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.”
Help us to pray earnestly for our president and leaders who govern, that they will humble themselves and seek Your guidance so that everything we do will shine the light of Your glory in a darkened world.
May our prayers as a people and a nation be heard and blessed for such a time as this. We make this plea in faith, believing in the mighty name of Jesus our Lord.
Amen.
(Well, actually, the program this was printed on said ‘Amem.’ But I rather imagine Franklin’s prayer ended with Amen….)
This year was the 59th annual National Day of Prayer. Next year – the 60th – I plan to be there again, on the steps of the Capitol, among others who are praying for the future of our cities, counties, state and nation. I was glad I went and want to celebrate the privilege of gathering to pray publicly for our nation again!
I might not have gone had it not been for a call from Paula the day before inviting me to join her. I had thought about it – but I needed the nudge. It felt like it might be something outside my comfort zone. It wasn’t at all. If you’re local and can make the commitment for next year – let this be your nudge. The first Thursday in May, 2011. I’m planning to be there! Bring a blanket to sit on. The steps are hard. Definitely pray for good weather – but come, prepared for the weather whatever it is.
We are admonished to pray. We must pray: privately, corporately, and united with all of God’s people throughout the nation and the world. If my people….
Reading for today:
2 Chronicles 7:13-15
Isaiah 55:6
Deuteronomy 9:26
Nahum 1:7
... “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
The very first time I attended a National Day of Prayer gathering was in Montesano – back in the early 1980’s – and this was the focus verse.
This year, for the very first time, I attended the National Day of Prayer gathering on the steps of the State Capitol building in Olympia. I had no idea what precisely to expect, but envisioned camera crews and potential protesters or cat calls; opportunities to extend grace and demonstrate the love that faith in Jesus Christ demands. I also expected it to be a huge crowd that packed out the space available. It was a respectable and respectful crowd. That was actually a relief. I don’t like being in huge, crushing crowds, and I certainly don’t like anything that might be confrontational.
There were a few people taking pictures – one likely from the local newspaper – but it held none of the drama I thought might occur. It was well organized and flowed beautifully, moving from one prepared prayer to the next in perfect sequence. It began with the blowing of a shofar, followed by a brass fanfare from a trumpet trio. I noticed that one man’s trumpet was well worn – while the other two were in pristine condition.
I was a trumpet player from the 4th grade through my Senior year in high school. My last year playing in band was actually my Junior year – but I continued playing at church until I left for college the fall of 1963… then the trumpet was passed on to my little brother for ‘his turn.’ I love to hear well-played trumpets – and the trumpet trio was well done. The blowing of the shofar also brought back pleasant memories. When I was in Israel on tour several years ago, one of the men in our tour group was shopping for a shofar, when I just happened to walk into the shop where he was considering his options. He asked my opinion - based purely on appearance, and I asked the shop owner if I could blow them. The sound of one of them was far superior to the other. It was the more expensive of the two – but definitely worth it. Just blowing it was a thrill. He thanked me graciously - and bought the one that sounded like 'the trumpet of the Lord.'
Ah – I am a bunny trail pro.
The verse printed on the cover of the bulletin we received as we approached the steps was Nahum 1:7 “The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.”
The agenda for the day included:
A Marine color guard;
The Pledge of Allegiance;
The National Anthem sung by a young female soloist with a beautiful voice;
The Proclamation for this Day of Prayer signed by the Governor of Washington State, Christine Gregoire, and a prayer for the governor and state leaders based on 1 Timothy 2:1-3;
Washington State Declaration of Dependence on God;
Prayer for Military, Police and Firefighters;
Prayers for our nation based on the Ten Commandments, followed by The Lord’s Prayer;
A solo: “Hear Us From Heaven” by another young woman with a beautiful voice;
Then the colors were retired;
There was an ending Announcement and Blessing in which we were encouraged to make every day a National Day of Prayer;
And the event ended with a final brass fanfare.
The only prayer that appeared to be unwritten and unrehearsed was the final blessing, so it would be easy to describe it as sanitized – but what was prayed was deeply felt. There was a sense among us that the privilege of meeting in public on the steps of a place so public as the Capitol could be in future jeopardy. It was definitely ecumenical – nothing anyone should feel uncomfortable participating in. There were school kids, office employees, retired people…a conglomeration of humanity representing various Judeo-Christian faiths.
Franklin Graham was the honorary Chairman for the 2010 National Day of Prayer. This is his printed prayer:
LORD,
We are thankful for the abundant blessings You have bestowed on America. Our forefathers looked to You as Protector, Provider and the Promise of hope. But we have wandered far from that firm foundation. May we repent for turning our backs on Your faithfulness.
- We pray that this great nation will be restored by Your forgiveness.
- From bondage, You grant freedom.
- Through Your own sacrifice, You offer salvation.
- From the state of despair, You offer peace.
- From the bounties of Heaven, You have blessed – not because of our goodness but by Your grace.
You have given us freedom to worship You in spirit and in truth as Your holy Word instructs. May our lives honor You in word and deed. May our nation acknowledge that all good things come from the Father above.
President Lincoln proclaimed that our nation should set apart a day for national prayer to confess our sins and transgressions in sorrow, “yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon . . . announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those only are blessed whose God is the Lord.”
“We have vainly imagined in the deceitfulness of our own hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own . . . we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to God who made us! It behooves us then . . . to confess our national sins and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.”
Help us to pray earnestly for our president and leaders who govern, that they will humble themselves and seek Your guidance so that everything we do will shine the light of Your glory in a darkened world.
May our prayers as a people and a nation be heard and blessed for such a time as this. We make this plea in faith, believing in the mighty name of Jesus our Lord.
Amen.
(Well, actually, the program this was printed on said ‘Amem.’ But I rather imagine Franklin’s prayer ended with Amen….)
This year was the 59th annual National Day of Prayer. Next year – the 60th – I plan to be there again, on the steps of the Capitol, among others who are praying for the future of our cities, counties, state and nation. I was glad I went and want to celebrate the privilege of gathering to pray publicly for our nation again!
I might not have gone had it not been for a call from Paula the day before inviting me to join her. I had thought about it – but I needed the nudge. It felt like it might be something outside my comfort zone. It wasn’t at all. If you’re local and can make the commitment for next year – let this be your nudge. The first Thursday in May, 2011. I’m planning to be there! Bring a blanket to sit on. The steps are hard. Definitely pray for good weather – but come, prepared for the weather whatever it is.
We are admonished to pray. We must pray: privately, corporately, and united with all of God’s people throughout the nation and the world. If my people….
Friday, May 7, 2010
ASCENSION - with correction
40 days after resurrection: ASCENSION (Mount of Olives, near Bethany):
CORRECTION:
I had it as May 7, 2010; our time; actually it should have been written on May 13!
and so the May 8 in 33 A D would actually be May 14.....I am so sorry. See the postscript below scripture references provided.
Reading for today:
Matthew 28:18-20
Luke 24:50-51
Acts 1:1-11
It’s been 40 days since Resurrection Sunday.
Oops - I am writing a postscript on May 17. Ascension actually was later than I had it identified, due to two calculation errors on my part. One - I didn't count Resurrection Sunday as Day 1 of my 40-day count - - which apparently is essential, and. two, because of human error - my human error. The calendar I used to count my 40 days to Ascension repeats the last week of April on the page that is May - so I inadvertently counted April 25-30 two times - royally messing up my calculations....
My profound apology. I didn't find my error until May 17.
During the past forty days (in 33 A D parallel time) Jesus appeared to his disciples at least twice in Jerusalem – once on the day of his resurrection – and once a week later when Thomas was with them. Later he appeared to them by the Sea of Galilee, after the disciples had been out fishing overnight – and caught nothing.
They didn’t argue with him when he told them to throw the net on the other side. Their act of obedience demonstrates complete trust. They could have retorted that it was preposterous to think there could be a catch of fish on one side versus the other – but they obeyed. Jesus could have filled their nets right where they were – but he didn’t. It was one more miracle for them to remember – a miracle of provision and care. Total trust. Total obedience. Lessons to pay attention to.
And now he appears to them for the last time. John, interestingly, does not tell us about the ascension of Jesus. The disciples were back near Jerusalem, near Bethany. As you will recall, Bethany was on the flank of the Mount of Olives about 2 miles from Jerusalem. And from that mountain, near Bethany, where Jesus’ dear friends Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived, forty days after His resurrection Jesus ascended into heaven. (We actually know from Luke’s account in Acts that the site was only a Sabbath-day’s walk from the city, so it was not far – likely only about three-quarters of a mile, since that is the reported length of a Sabbath day’s walk….)
Jesus had brought reconciliation to Peter, given his disciples enough contact time to validate his resurrection, and now it was time to return to His place in heaven. His redemptive work on earth was completed, and in his final admonition he passed the torch. Matthew’s gospel records Jesus saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
A dear, brilliant pastor friend of mine told me that the correct interpretation is not quite the same as ‘The Great Commission’ I grew up with – which was an absolute “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” He says that the correct translation is “In your going, disciple.”
And Jesus knew they were going…. Persecution was on the horizon. They would be scattered – and with that scattering the compelling message of salvation was poured into human hands to be proclaimed to human hearts.
There was just one last thing: They had to wait in Jerusalem until they received the promised gift of the Holy Spirit. It was not going to be long…just a ‘few’ days – well, ten, to be precise!
I can’t resist one brief bunny trail. They were absolutely tenacious in their belief Jesus was going to set up an earthly kingdom – still. During the final forty days he was with them, he did indeed talk about His kingdom – but it was not a kingdom on earth – it was a kingdom in human hearts. Even after his death and resurrection, it appears they didn’t get it. His crown had been a crown of thorns. He had shed his blood to take away the sins of the world – and these good Jewish boys were still stuck on Kingdom-thinking.
Not so very different from us. We want the ‘land flowing with milk and honey’ promises – the ‘God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life’ of the seeker-friendly churches who make Christianity sound like living on Easy Street. I can tell you it isn’t going to be easy every step of the way – in fact, Satan is out to deter, destroy, devour, dissuade, and throw every detrimental dart possible to keep us from sticking to our commitment to Christ. He’s ruthless. He doesn’t want us to succeed in our Christian walk. He wages a spiritual battle against us every day!
But I have Good News. He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. In Jesus’ last words to his disciples he told them he would never leave them or forsake them. While He could be in only one place at a time because of His physical limitation, the promised Holy Spirit – the Paracletos – the Comforter – could be everywhere at the same time.
What an amazing God – that He came to redeem us, then made a way for us to have Him present with us, in us, beside us, before us, surrounding us every moment of every day – affirming His love for us, even in His discipline, even in the tough times.
He rose from the supposed confines of a grave carved out of stone, then forty days later – at his ascension, rose again from earth through the skies. The disciples watched him go, their eyes piercing the sky hoping for one last glimpse, but He was hidden by a cloud. One more time angels deliver a message: “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
CORRECTION:
I had it as May 7, 2010; our time; actually it should have been written on May 13!
and so the May 8 in 33 A D would actually be May 14.....I am so sorry. See the postscript below scripture references provided.
Reading for today:
Matthew 28:18-20
Luke 24:50-51
Acts 1:1-11
It’s been 40 days since Resurrection Sunday.
Oops - I am writing a postscript on May 17. Ascension actually was later than I had it identified, due to two calculation errors on my part. One - I didn't count Resurrection Sunday as Day 1 of my 40-day count - - which apparently is essential, and. two, because of human error - my human error. The calendar I used to count my 40 days to Ascension repeats the last week of April on the page that is May - so I inadvertently counted April 25-30 two times - royally messing up my calculations....
My profound apology. I didn't find my error until May 17.
During the past forty days (in 33 A D parallel time) Jesus appeared to his disciples at least twice in Jerusalem – once on the day of his resurrection – and once a week later when Thomas was with them. Later he appeared to them by the Sea of Galilee, after the disciples had been out fishing overnight – and caught nothing.
They didn’t argue with him when he told them to throw the net on the other side. Their act of obedience demonstrates complete trust. They could have retorted that it was preposterous to think there could be a catch of fish on one side versus the other – but they obeyed. Jesus could have filled their nets right where they were – but he didn’t. It was one more miracle for them to remember – a miracle of provision and care. Total trust. Total obedience. Lessons to pay attention to.
And now he appears to them for the last time. John, interestingly, does not tell us about the ascension of Jesus. The disciples were back near Jerusalem, near Bethany. As you will recall, Bethany was on the flank of the Mount of Olives about 2 miles from Jerusalem. And from that mountain, near Bethany, where Jesus’ dear friends Mary, Martha and Lazarus lived, forty days after His resurrection Jesus ascended into heaven. (We actually know from Luke’s account in Acts that the site was only a Sabbath-day’s walk from the city, so it was not far – likely only about three-quarters of a mile, since that is the reported length of a Sabbath day’s walk….)
Jesus had brought reconciliation to Peter, given his disciples enough contact time to validate his resurrection, and now it was time to return to His place in heaven. His redemptive work on earth was completed, and in his final admonition he passed the torch. Matthew’s gospel records Jesus saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
A dear, brilliant pastor friend of mine told me that the correct interpretation is not quite the same as ‘The Great Commission’ I grew up with – which was an absolute “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” He says that the correct translation is “In your going, disciple.”
And Jesus knew they were going…. Persecution was on the horizon. They would be scattered – and with that scattering the compelling message of salvation was poured into human hands to be proclaimed to human hearts.
There was just one last thing: They had to wait in Jerusalem until they received the promised gift of the Holy Spirit. It was not going to be long…just a ‘few’ days – well, ten, to be precise!
I can’t resist one brief bunny trail. They were absolutely tenacious in their belief Jesus was going to set up an earthly kingdom – still. During the final forty days he was with them, he did indeed talk about His kingdom – but it was not a kingdom on earth – it was a kingdom in human hearts. Even after his death and resurrection, it appears they didn’t get it. His crown had been a crown of thorns. He had shed his blood to take away the sins of the world – and these good Jewish boys were still stuck on Kingdom-thinking.
Not so very different from us. We want the ‘land flowing with milk and honey’ promises – the ‘God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life’ of the seeker-friendly churches who make Christianity sound like living on Easy Street. I can tell you it isn’t going to be easy every step of the way – in fact, Satan is out to deter, destroy, devour, dissuade, and throw every detrimental dart possible to keep us from sticking to our commitment to Christ. He’s ruthless. He doesn’t want us to succeed in our Christian walk. He wages a spiritual battle against us every day!
But I have Good News. He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. In Jesus’ last words to his disciples he told them he would never leave them or forsake them. While He could be in only one place at a time because of His physical limitation, the promised Holy Spirit – the Paracletos – the Comforter – could be everywhere at the same time.
What an amazing God – that He came to redeem us, then made a way for us to have Him present with us, in us, beside us, before us, surrounding us every moment of every day – affirming His love for us, even in His discipline, even in the tough times.
He rose from the supposed confines of a grave carved out of stone, then forty days later – at his ascension, rose again from earth through the skies. The disciples watched him go, their eyes piercing the sky hoping for one last glimpse, but He was hidden by a cloud. One more time angels deliver a message: “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
THE ALPHA & OMEGA
59th Annual National Day of Prayer
May 6, 2010
I’ve spent a lot of time recently typing Song & Hymn Titles into a list as potential songs to be sung at future Old Fashioned Singspirations. That was something I grew up with. They were part of my roots, and I love the memories – and the future opportunities to be part of that kind of melodious corporate ‘praise.’
Consequently I awake with lyrics and melodies flooding my brain. Today it was all about praise:
I Will Enter His Gates
I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart
I will enter His courts with praise
I will say, “This is the day that the Lord has made.”
I will rejoice for He has made me glad…
Hallelu
Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah! Praise Ye the Lord….
Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords
King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Glory, Hallelujah
King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Glory, Hallelujah
Jesus, Prince of Peace, Glory, Hallelujah
Jesus, Prince of Peace, Glory, Hallelujah….
Let’s Just Praise The Lord….
His Name is Master, Savior, Lion of Judah, Blessed Prince of Peace…
His Name is Wonderful….
A few years ago I decided to try to see how many Nouns and adjectives I could accumulate to honor who God is. My goal was to have at least one for every letter of the alphabet. It’s an on-going list. Every now and then I think of another one. It is not just a ‘list’ but praise. He truly is worthy of all honor and power and glory and praise.
The Lord inhabits the praises of His people.
Today I will be going to the steps of the Capitol in Olympia to be with other Christians to pray for our cities, our county, our state and our nation. I have never gone to a National Day of Prayer event at the Capitol before. The Day of Prayer we celebrated in Montesano annually was definitely ecumenical – but was held in various churches.
I pray God’s presence will be powerful and evident to all who come. Our country needs prayer. Our country needs Jesus.
ABC’s of God:
Adonai, Almighty, Alive, Amazing, Alpha, All sufficient, Above all
Blessed, Beautiful, Bountiful, Beginning, Before all, Beyond all
Creator, Christ, Counselor, Covenant Committed, Consistent, Caring, Creative
Deliverer, Delight
Eternal, Elohim, El Elyonna, El Shaddai, Er Kamkanna, Everlasting, Encourager, End
Father, Faithful, Forever, Forgiving
God, Good, Gracious, Grace, Genuine, Generous, Gentle, Giving, G-D
Holy, Holy Spirit, High and lifted up, Hope, Hiding place
Inimitable, Immutable, Instructive, Ioseos, Isa, I AM
Jehovah Jireh, Jesus, Joy, Jealous (for our devotion)
King, King of Kings, Kind
Lord, LORD, Living, Love, Loving, Lord of Lords, Longsuffering, Loyal, Lion of
Judah, Lamb of God, Lord of Glory, Life
Mighty God, Messiah, Meschiak, Masih, Master
Near, Nurturing, Name above all names,
Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Omega, One & Only
Powerful, Present, Prince of Peace, Pure, Provider, Perfect Peace, Perfect, Patient
Quintessential
Righteous, Right, Royal, Relational, Rock of Salvation
Savior, Salvation, Spirit, Self-controlled
Truth, Trustworthy, Today
Unchanging, Uplifting
Voluminous, Veracity
Wonderful, Worthy (of all honor and power and glory and praise), WORD
X-ray (You are the ‘God-who-sees-me’)
Yahweh, YHWH, Yeshua, Yesterday, (Today and Forever)
Zenith
He is the ALPHA & OMEGA, the Beginning and the End....
Inimitable: So good as to be impossible to copy
Immutable: Unchanged over time; unable to be changed
Omniscient: All-knowing
Omnipotent: All-powerful
Omnipresent: Able to be everywhere at once
May 6, 2010
I’ve spent a lot of time recently typing Song & Hymn Titles into a list as potential songs to be sung at future Old Fashioned Singspirations. That was something I grew up with. They were part of my roots, and I love the memories – and the future opportunities to be part of that kind of melodious corporate ‘praise.’
Consequently I awake with lyrics and melodies flooding my brain. Today it was all about praise:
I Will Enter His Gates
I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart
I will enter His courts with praise
I will say, “This is the day that the Lord has made.”
I will rejoice for He has made me glad…
Hallelu
Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah! Praise Ye the Lord….
Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords
King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Glory, Hallelujah
King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Glory, Hallelujah
Jesus, Prince of Peace, Glory, Hallelujah
Jesus, Prince of Peace, Glory, Hallelujah….
Let’s Just Praise The Lord….
His Name is Master, Savior, Lion of Judah, Blessed Prince of Peace…
His Name is Wonderful….
A few years ago I decided to try to see how many Nouns and adjectives I could accumulate to honor who God is. My goal was to have at least one for every letter of the alphabet. It’s an on-going list. Every now and then I think of another one. It is not just a ‘list’ but praise. He truly is worthy of all honor and power and glory and praise.
The Lord inhabits the praises of His people.
Today I will be going to the steps of the Capitol in Olympia to be with other Christians to pray for our cities, our county, our state and our nation. I have never gone to a National Day of Prayer event at the Capitol before. The Day of Prayer we celebrated in Montesano annually was definitely ecumenical – but was held in various churches.
I pray God’s presence will be powerful and evident to all who come. Our country needs prayer. Our country needs Jesus.
ABC’s of God:
Adonai, Almighty, Alive, Amazing, Alpha, All sufficient, Above all
Blessed, Beautiful, Bountiful, Beginning, Before all, Beyond all
Creator, Christ, Counselor, Covenant Committed, Consistent, Caring, Creative
Deliverer, Delight
Eternal, Elohim, El Elyonna, El Shaddai, Er Kamkanna, Everlasting, Encourager, End
Father, Faithful, Forever, Forgiving
God, Good, Gracious, Grace, Genuine, Generous, Gentle, Giving, G-D
Holy, Holy Spirit, High and lifted up, Hope, Hiding place
Inimitable, Immutable, Instructive, Ioseos, Isa, I AM
Jehovah Jireh, Jesus, Joy, Jealous (for our devotion)
King, King of Kings, Kind
Lord, LORD, Living, Love, Loving, Lord of Lords, Longsuffering, Loyal, Lion of
Judah, Lamb of God, Lord of Glory, Life
Mighty God, Messiah, Meschiak, Masih, Master
Near, Nurturing, Name above all names,
Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Omega, One & Only
Powerful, Present, Prince of Peace, Pure, Provider, Perfect Peace, Perfect, Patient
Quintessential
Righteous, Right, Royal, Relational, Rock of Salvation
Savior, Salvation, Spirit, Self-controlled
Truth, Trustworthy, Today
Unchanging, Uplifting
Voluminous, Veracity
Wonderful, Worthy (of all honor and power and glory and praise), WORD
X-ray (You are the ‘God-who-sees-me’)
Yahweh, YHWH, Yeshua, Yesterday, (Today and Forever)
Zenith
He is the ALPHA & OMEGA, the Beginning and the End....
Inimitable: So good as to be impossible to copy
Immutable: Unchanged over time; unable to be changed
Omniscient: All-knowing
Omnipotent: All-powerful
Omnipresent: Able to be everywhere at once
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
MORE THOUGHTS ‘WHILE WE WAIT’
May 5, 2010: Cinco de Mayo!
Castanets and heels of dancing feet click; hands clap in dissonant rhythm; tongues trill a predictable cry of exultation. All, of course, are included in my merely mental image of colorfully-clad mariachis and dancing maidens celebrating. Ariba y ariba!
I’ve never actually known what the day celebrates – so I looked it up. The internet is an amazing tool! I found out that it is a celebration of the Mexican army’s surprise victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla, May 5, 1862. The date is most celebrated in the State of Puebla in Mexico – and rightly so – but it has spread to be a voluntary celebration just for the fun of celebrating – or a good reason for Mexican restaurants to offer specials! Take your pick! The whole story is a history lesson worth reading. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated more in the Southwestern United States than it is in Mexico. Isn’t that fascinating?
O K. I admit it – that was a bunny trail – before I even got started – but how can I write May 5 and not acknowledge the date?
Two days ago I reported that on Sunday we shared the verses we think we’d use as our dying opportunity to reach out to those standing by, were we to be ‘killed’ for our faith. What I shared in class Sunday as my choice was Ephesians 6:10-18, which I already used in a blog entry on April 7, 2010 – but the reason I chose that passage was for my children and grandchildren. I would want them to be strong in the Lord, and to put on their spiritual armor – to know that my death in those circumstances was to honor God.
In class I explained that it would depend on the circumstances: that people who have lived a long, full life – who are dying ready to meet God – have often already said everything they wanted to say. In fact, those who stood by my mother-in-law’s bedside while she was still able to speak, said that among her final thoughts was a concern that someone would eat the cantaloupe in the refrigerator. She didn’t want it to go to waste. But, in her final moments, she also affirmed her faith in the Lord, proclaiming that she had always loved Him. Those were tender words to hang onto.
My ‘final words’ are something to be done as part of my bucket list. I want to leave my kids and grandkids a legacy of family history and family faith in written form. I have concluded that my blog provides me both motivation and opportunity for doing just that!
Coincidentally, our speaker in church Sunday was a man who has been involved in some terribly frightening aspects of missions, in being one who takes supplies into some very scary areas following disasters. Some call him 'the Indiana Jones' of missions. He told the story of one young man who came to faith in Jesus – and in doing so, rejected his Muslim past – and soon after was captured and placed in a metal shipping container with 300 other men who had become Christians. They were given a little bread and a cup of tea as their daily rations. They had buckets for elimination of personal waste – and he was one of the ones allowed to carry the buckets out once a day. Lucky him. All of the rest of the time, they were confined.
Finally, eighteen of them were taken out one day and told to dig their own graves. He was one of the eighteen. Once the graves were dug, they were ushered back to their container, and one at a time each man was taken out to stand by the grave he had dug. Each time a man was taken out, the men in the container heard the shots of the assault rifles, and when the next person in turn exited the container to stand next to his open grave, he could see the filled-in graves of the men who had been taken out before him. Each man was told if he would reject Jesus Christ he could live. Out of the eighteen men, only one denied his faith. Seventeen men faced death and remained true to the faith they professed.
The rest of the story: When the first man stood beside the grave he had dug, he was given the ultimatum – and stood firm in his faith. The shots of the rifles rang out – but the captors shot above his head, then ushered him off to a cave away from the area. The assailants filled in the freshly dug grave so it appeared he had been killed and buried; then they brought out the next person. That scenario was repeated over and over until the last of the eighteen had come face to face with his demise. None were actually killed – but each one who faced the firing squad was convinced the others had been.
It happens all the time in other countries. People are killed for holding fast to their faith in Jesus Christ. It could happen here. It probably will before time ends. It isn’t something to fear – but is worth assessing if it is truly well with our soul.
Live Ready. Die Ready. And if I go before you – be strong. Stand firm!
The world can be a scary place. I’m so glad to know who holds my hand . . . and my future.
Life now:
There is a new Women’s Study at church that started Thursday night. We watch DVD presentations by Jennifer Rothschild, a beautiful, blind woman, who is teaching on walking by faith not by sight. I have yearned to be part of a Women’s Bible Study again. I learn best when I am in a disciplined study. And the study is good! Many of the ‘lessons’ are reminders – things I’ve said to others – but the Word of God is always fresh – and I want God to grow me through this process. I can already feel the sprouts! His Word is fresh and new every day! Isn’t it amazing that we can discard a song that’s a few years old as outdated, but His Word is fresh and new every morning – just like the manna God gave the children of Israel as they wandered in the desert.
I realize I do need to TRUST him more…and I’m excited to be on the journey….
THE FOLLOWING VERSES ARE HIS PROMISES TO ME TODAY – brought back to my mind by God Himself during study this morning in response to concerns I wrote down as directed to do in my study guide. God is faithful! He is bigger than the concerns that sometimes weigh heavily on my heart!
Isaiah 26:3 ESV
You keep him (her) in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because s/he trusts in you.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (will direct your paths)
1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Isaiah 54:17 NIV
…no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.
LORD, thank you for your Word – and thank you for Bible Gateway, so when you bring promises so clearly to me, I can find where they are located….
TRUST: walking – not just talking – our faith….
Castanets and heels of dancing feet click; hands clap in dissonant rhythm; tongues trill a predictable cry of exultation. All, of course, are included in my merely mental image of colorfully-clad mariachis and dancing maidens celebrating. Ariba y ariba!
I’ve never actually known what the day celebrates – so I looked it up. The internet is an amazing tool! I found out that it is a celebration of the Mexican army’s surprise victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla, May 5, 1862. The date is most celebrated in the State of Puebla in Mexico – and rightly so – but it has spread to be a voluntary celebration just for the fun of celebrating – or a good reason for Mexican restaurants to offer specials! Take your pick! The whole story is a history lesson worth reading. Cinco de Mayo is celebrated more in the Southwestern United States than it is in Mexico. Isn’t that fascinating?
O K. I admit it – that was a bunny trail – before I even got started – but how can I write May 5 and not acknowledge the date?
Two days ago I reported that on Sunday we shared the verses we think we’d use as our dying opportunity to reach out to those standing by, were we to be ‘killed’ for our faith. What I shared in class Sunday as my choice was Ephesians 6:10-18, which I already used in a blog entry on April 7, 2010 – but the reason I chose that passage was for my children and grandchildren. I would want them to be strong in the Lord, and to put on their spiritual armor – to know that my death in those circumstances was to honor God.
In class I explained that it would depend on the circumstances: that people who have lived a long, full life – who are dying ready to meet God – have often already said everything they wanted to say. In fact, those who stood by my mother-in-law’s bedside while she was still able to speak, said that among her final thoughts was a concern that someone would eat the cantaloupe in the refrigerator. She didn’t want it to go to waste. But, in her final moments, she also affirmed her faith in the Lord, proclaiming that she had always loved Him. Those were tender words to hang onto.
My ‘final words’ are something to be done as part of my bucket list. I want to leave my kids and grandkids a legacy of family history and family faith in written form. I have concluded that my blog provides me both motivation and opportunity for doing just that!
Coincidentally, our speaker in church Sunday was a man who has been involved in some terribly frightening aspects of missions, in being one who takes supplies into some very scary areas following disasters. Some call him 'the Indiana Jones' of missions. He told the story of one young man who came to faith in Jesus – and in doing so, rejected his Muslim past – and soon after was captured and placed in a metal shipping container with 300 other men who had become Christians. They were given a little bread and a cup of tea as their daily rations. They had buckets for elimination of personal waste – and he was one of the ones allowed to carry the buckets out once a day. Lucky him. All of the rest of the time, they were confined.
Finally, eighteen of them were taken out one day and told to dig their own graves. He was one of the eighteen. Once the graves were dug, they were ushered back to their container, and one at a time each man was taken out to stand by the grave he had dug. Each time a man was taken out, the men in the container heard the shots of the assault rifles, and when the next person in turn exited the container to stand next to his open grave, he could see the filled-in graves of the men who had been taken out before him. Each man was told if he would reject Jesus Christ he could live. Out of the eighteen men, only one denied his faith. Seventeen men faced death and remained true to the faith they professed.
The rest of the story: When the first man stood beside the grave he had dug, he was given the ultimatum – and stood firm in his faith. The shots of the rifles rang out – but the captors shot above his head, then ushered him off to a cave away from the area. The assailants filled in the freshly dug grave so it appeared he had been killed and buried; then they brought out the next person. That scenario was repeated over and over until the last of the eighteen had come face to face with his demise. None were actually killed – but each one who faced the firing squad was convinced the others had been.
It happens all the time in other countries. People are killed for holding fast to their faith in Jesus Christ. It could happen here. It probably will before time ends. It isn’t something to fear – but is worth assessing if it is truly well with our soul.
Live Ready. Die Ready. And if I go before you – be strong. Stand firm!
The world can be a scary place. I’m so glad to know who holds my hand . . . and my future.
Life now:
There is a new Women’s Study at church that started Thursday night. We watch DVD presentations by Jennifer Rothschild, a beautiful, blind woman, who is teaching on walking by faith not by sight. I have yearned to be part of a Women’s Bible Study again. I learn best when I am in a disciplined study. And the study is good! Many of the ‘lessons’ are reminders – things I’ve said to others – but the Word of God is always fresh – and I want God to grow me through this process. I can already feel the sprouts! His Word is fresh and new every day! Isn’t it amazing that we can discard a song that’s a few years old as outdated, but His Word is fresh and new every morning – just like the manna God gave the children of Israel as they wandered in the desert.
I realize I do need to TRUST him more…and I’m excited to be on the journey….
THE FOLLOWING VERSES ARE HIS PROMISES TO ME TODAY – brought back to my mind by God Himself during study this morning in response to concerns I wrote down as directed to do in my study guide. God is faithful! He is bigger than the concerns that sometimes weigh heavily on my heart!
Isaiah 26:3 ESV
You keep him (her) in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because s/he trusts in you.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (will direct your paths)
1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Isaiah 54:17 NIV
…no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.
LORD, thank you for your Word – and thank you for Bible Gateway, so when you bring promises so clearly to me, I can find where they are located….
TRUST: walking – not just talking – our faith….
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
HE ALONE IS WORTHY OF ALL HONOR AND POWER AND GLORY AND PRAISE
Faith Assembly of Lacey has annual themes. Last year their theme was:
2009: YEAR OF imPOSSIBILITIES:
God intervening to make the impossible possible by HIS power!
The im was crossed out – by a cross – symbolic of the reality that it is only through the sacrifice represented by the cross of Christ that the impossible can become possible.
This theme for this year is:
2010: YEAR OF COMMITMENT:
It comes with a reminder that who we are is the sum-total of our commitments, and that first and foremost we need to have a full and complete commitment to serve and honor God.
I’ve never attended a church that had themes – or a motto – but they are good. They provide focus. There is no wandering blindly wondering. It is faithfulness with intention and direction. And, God is honored in the process. That’s the key.
Yesterday I was sitting in a medical facility waiting room, waiting for someone who was having a procedure done, and I had the joy of talking with a pretty amazing lady who was seated a few chairs away from me. Our conversation covered a lot of territory, but it reminded me that God is the God of fortuitous circumstances. Sometimes we also refer to those as Divine encounters – but generally in retrospect if we see something good that came from the conversation.
I already know there was something good. I met an amazing woman who has very good intentions toward her employees, and does something about it - even to the point of paying them while they do their homework if needed so they can succeed in school. Her work ethic puts people first. Her stated goals for her employees includes what is good for them - even over what might be good for her - and in the process, what is good for them turns out to be good for her, too.... I hope it is not our last encounter.
When we walk intentionally in our relationship with the Lord, good is His goal.
Today I have a lot of housework to do – so can’t sit in my office and write – though I’d prefer doing that. So – I am going to share my Prayer List Praise – a list I started in February 2008. Just pure simple praise of the Lord. Every time I pray through this list, He is elevated, lifted up. It is absolutely true that He inhabits the praises of His people.
*You instruct me to COME…into your courts with PRAISE! Psalm 100:4
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
PRAYERS OF ADORATION: (affirmations growing since Feb 1, 2008)
LORD, Praise your Holy name!
You are beautiful!
You are brilliant!
You are LIGHT!
You are pure!
You alone are perfect!
You are magnificent. And your creation is magnificent. The works of your hands are absolutely amazing, from the tiniest perfect little blossom, to the grandest, most expansive panoramic landscape.
You are sovereign. You are above all, before all, beyond all.
You are TRUTH. Absolute Truth.
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY! LORD GOD ALMIGHTY!
You are holy. Holy by your standard, holy beyond my grasp to comprehend.
You are wonderful. Your wonder is displayed all around me.
You are all-powerful. Omnipotent. You can do anything.
You are all-knowing. Omniscient. Nothing escapes you.
You are all-seeing. Nothing is hidden from you.
You are El Roi, the ‘God-who-sees-me.’
You are everywhere. You are Omnipresent.
You are loving. Even your judgment is loving and comes from a heart of love. It is love-by-your-standard.
You are just. Your love extends to incorporate and include justice.
You are merciful. Your Amazing Love includes justice and incorporates mercy.
You are compassionate. You extend mercy far beyond my comprehension.
You are good. By definition there is no one good but you. You are the litmus test.
You are kind. LORD, you reveal your kindness in your Son – in your incarnation
You are awesome. There is none like you.
You are wise. So far beyond any wisdom man can attain – incomprehensible
You are strong. You alone are my strength.
You are The Almighty – Creator and Sustainer of life and all that supports life.
You are patient and longsuffering (but your spirit will not always strive with men.)
You are faithful.
You keep your word. Yet on many occasions you have mercifully swerved from meting out the destruction that you have forewarned.
You are near. You stand at the door and knock desiring for believers to open the door to embrace a consistent, intimate relationship with you. Rev 3:20
You are the Creator of the universe and all natural wonders in it. Gen 1:1; John 1:1
You are relational. You yearn for intimate relationships with people – with me.
You are the one and only Savior. You, as God incarnate, came to redeem.
You, through the Holy Spirit, are Nurturer, Comforter, Consoler, Counselor.
You are the source of all the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience (long-suffering), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
You give good gifts to your people – gifts that allow them to share in you by reflecting your love to others.
You are near.
You care! You are amazing, GOD – and because of who you are, it is amazing that you are mindful of man!
You are Jehovah Jireh, my provider. Your grace is sufficient.
You are sufficient.
You are my greatest treasure: in you I live and move and have my being
YOU ARE MY HIDING PLACE!
Songs of praise leap to mind - - I'll sing them while I clean!
2009: YEAR OF imPOSSIBILITIES:
God intervening to make the impossible possible by HIS power!
The im was crossed out – by a cross – symbolic of the reality that it is only through the sacrifice represented by the cross of Christ that the impossible can become possible.
This theme for this year is:
2010: YEAR OF COMMITMENT:
It comes with a reminder that who we are is the sum-total of our commitments, and that first and foremost we need to have a full and complete commitment to serve and honor God.
I’ve never attended a church that had themes – or a motto – but they are good. They provide focus. There is no wandering blindly wondering. It is faithfulness with intention and direction. And, God is honored in the process. That’s the key.
Yesterday I was sitting in a medical facility waiting room, waiting for someone who was having a procedure done, and I had the joy of talking with a pretty amazing lady who was seated a few chairs away from me. Our conversation covered a lot of territory, but it reminded me that God is the God of fortuitous circumstances. Sometimes we also refer to those as Divine encounters – but generally in retrospect if we see something good that came from the conversation.
I already know there was something good. I met an amazing woman who has very good intentions toward her employees, and does something about it - even to the point of paying them while they do their homework if needed so they can succeed in school. Her work ethic puts people first. Her stated goals for her employees includes what is good for them - even over what might be good for her - and in the process, what is good for them turns out to be good for her, too.... I hope it is not our last encounter.
When we walk intentionally in our relationship with the Lord, good is His goal.
Today I have a lot of housework to do – so can’t sit in my office and write – though I’d prefer doing that. So – I am going to share my Prayer List Praise – a list I started in February 2008. Just pure simple praise of the Lord. Every time I pray through this list, He is elevated, lifted up. It is absolutely true that He inhabits the praises of His people.
*You instruct me to COME…into your courts with PRAISE! Psalm 100:4
1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
PRAYERS OF ADORATION: (affirmations growing since Feb 1, 2008)
LORD, Praise your Holy name!
You are beautiful!
You are brilliant!
You are LIGHT!
You are pure!
You alone are perfect!
You are magnificent. And your creation is magnificent. The works of your hands are absolutely amazing, from the tiniest perfect little blossom, to the grandest, most expansive panoramic landscape.
You are sovereign. You are above all, before all, beyond all.
You are TRUTH. Absolute Truth.
HOLY, HOLY, HOLY! LORD GOD ALMIGHTY!
You are holy. Holy by your standard, holy beyond my grasp to comprehend.
You are wonderful. Your wonder is displayed all around me.
You are all-powerful. Omnipotent. You can do anything.
You are all-knowing. Omniscient. Nothing escapes you.
You are all-seeing. Nothing is hidden from you.
You are El Roi, the ‘God-who-sees-me.’
You are everywhere. You are Omnipresent.
You are loving. Even your judgment is loving and comes from a heart of love. It is love-by-your-standard.
You are just. Your love extends to incorporate and include justice.
You are merciful. Your Amazing Love includes justice and incorporates mercy.
You are compassionate. You extend mercy far beyond my comprehension.
You are good. By definition there is no one good but you. You are the litmus test.
You are kind. LORD, you reveal your kindness in your Son – in your incarnation
You are awesome. There is none like you.
You are wise. So far beyond any wisdom man can attain – incomprehensible
You are strong. You alone are my strength.
You are The Almighty – Creator and Sustainer of life and all that supports life.
You are patient and longsuffering (but your spirit will not always strive with men.)
You are faithful.
You keep your word. Yet on many occasions you have mercifully swerved from meting out the destruction that you have forewarned.
You are near. You stand at the door and knock desiring for believers to open the door to embrace a consistent, intimate relationship with you. Rev 3:20
You are the Creator of the universe and all natural wonders in it. Gen 1:1; John 1:1
You are relational. You yearn for intimate relationships with people – with me.
You are the one and only Savior. You, as God incarnate, came to redeem.
You, through the Holy Spirit, are Nurturer, Comforter, Consoler, Counselor.
You are the source of all the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience (long-suffering), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
You give good gifts to your people – gifts that allow them to share in you by reflecting your love to others.
You are near.
You care! You are amazing, GOD – and because of who you are, it is amazing that you are mindful of man!
You are Jehovah Jireh, my provider. Your grace is sufficient.
You are sufficient.
You are my greatest treasure: in you I live and move and have my being
YOU ARE MY HIDING PLACE!
Songs of praise leap to mind - - I'll sing them while I clean!
Monday, May 3, 2010
AND SO WE WAIT….
Waiting for Ascension
May 3, 2010
Psalm 103
Revelation 19
This intentional journey of following Jesus to the cross – and beyond – has been absolutely compelling for me. I’ve paid attention to things I had not paid attention to before – viewed them in a different way because of seeing them through different eyes when seeing and reviewing them sequentially. Today is the 36th day past Resurrection Sunday (this year). I find myself getting mixed up between the two – trying to keep them straight. Since the timing is so nearly perfect, I have to stop and remind myself that everything was one day later in 33 A D.
And – I know that there is a possibility I am wrong in ‘accepting’ that year as the year Jesus died and was raised to life again. It is a long time after the events of the year of our Lord when all of that occurred. But – the year worked well for me, and Sir Isaac Newton did a lot of research to lead him to believe that was the year, so, cautiously I accept it – yet try to always add the +- so any readers will know that while it is possible – even probable – it could just be ‘near’ that date. It isn’t a proclamation that my faith hinges on!
But speaking of proclamations that my faith does hinge on – and is definitely encouraged by – I’ll pass along a story. For a little background: at 9 a m Sunday morning at FAL, Rick Forcier leads an adult class. Rick is an amazing guy – extremely intelligent, and a real history buff. This is a story he shared:
James Renwick, of Scotland, was only a lad when he witnessed the execution of a field preacher of the Covenanters. The Covenanters were a group of persecuted Presbyterians who had covenanted together to maintain the Reformed faith in Scotland. That martyrdom drew Renwick to the Covenanters, and with their aid, he became an ordained minister in 1683 following a period of theological study at the Universtiy of Groningen in Holland. Renwick’s ministry coincided with the period knows as the ‘killing time.’
In 1685, James VII, a Roman Catholic, became king of Scotland. The king did not like unapproved religious gatherings so he “. . . issued indulgences guaranteeing freedom of worship if meetings were held in private homes, chapels, or places dedicated for this purpose. Any other services convened in secret or in open fields were against the law and considered to be organized rebellion.
Many ministers, tired of the struggle, accepted the conditions of the indulgences, but Renwick and a few others continued to preach in the fields and villages, often to those who were in hiding and wandering in the mountains to survive. In one year Renwick baptized 600 children. Because he didn’t abide by the King’s rule the government determined he was a traitor and issued a warrant for his arrest. Because his many friends protected him he was able to preach without capture for three more years.
After his arrest , the then 26-year-old Renwick refused an offer of clemency that would require him to acknowledge the king’s authority over religious matters.
One the eve of his execution he wrote his friends: “He has strengthened me to brave man and face death, and I am now longing for the joyful hour of my dissolution, and there is nothing in this world that I am sorry to leave but you.” From the gallows before a crowd in Edinburgh on February 17, 1688, Renwick was allowed to say his final words. His final words before he was hanged: he sang Psalm 103, read Revelation 19, and prayed, “Lord, I die in the faith that Thou wilt not leave Scotland, but that Thou wilt make the blood of Thy witnesses the seed of Thy church, and return again and be glorious in our land. And now, Lord, I am ready.”
We are to honor those in power – unless and until they defy God’s laws. This story will make Jesus command at ascension in this our ‘parallel year’ even more compelling. Stay tuned….
James Renwick was only 26 years old when he died for taking a stand for his faith. He was the last Covenanter to be hanged in public. One year later King James VII was in exile and the persecution was over.
(I borrowed Rick’s story – but he credits the location of his information to: The Last To be Hanged, THE ONE YEAR BOOK OF CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 2003, pgs 96-97.)
So – our assignment from the prior week when Rick told us the story was to think about what our last words would be if we had to die or deny our faith. But for Renwick it was far less of a demand. It was a demand to keep his faith bottled in a certain way. He was asked to keep it private, not make it public. He was told he couldn’t go out to those in need who weren’t in confined approved structures. And he politely declined. He died for what he believed in. And what he believed in was the very freedom our country was founded on.
My heart wells up in awe and pride for this young man and the Presbyterian heritage he represented so well.
A wee head’s up: This Thursday is the National Day of Prayer. I’ll write more about that later – but at noon Christians who will be praying peacefully for our nation will be gathering on the steps of the Capitol in Olympia. I’ve never attended anything like that – but maybe it’s time! I’ll keep you posted.
May 3, 2010
Psalm 103
Revelation 19
This intentional journey of following Jesus to the cross – and beyond – has been absolutely compelling for me. I’ve paid attention to things I had not paid attention to before – viewed them in a different way because of seeing them through different eyes when seeing and reviewing them sequentially. Today is the 36th day past Resurrection Sunday (this year). I find myself getting mixed up between the two – trying to keep them straight. Since the timing is so nearly perfect, I have to stop and remind myself that everything was one day later in 33 A D.
And – I know that there is a possibility I am wrong in ‘accepting’ that year as the year Jesus died and was raised to life again. It is a long time after the events of the year of our Lord when all of that occurred. But – the year worked well for me, and Sir Isaac Newton did a lot of research to lead him to believe that was the year, so, cautiously I accept it – yet try to always add the +- so any readers will know that while it is possible – even probable – it could just be ‘near’ that date. It isn’t a proclamation that my faith hinges on!
But speaking of proclamations that my faith does hinge on – and is definitely encouraged by – I’ll pass along a story. For a little background: at 9 a m Sunday morning at FAL, Rick Forcier leads an adult class. Rick is an amazing guy – extremely intelligent, and a real history buff. This is a story he shared:
James Renwick, of Scotland, was only a lad when he witnessed the execution of a field preacher of the Covenanters. The Covenanters were a group of persecuted Presbyterians who had covenanted together to maintain the Reformed faith in Scotland. That martyrdom drew Renwick to the Covenanters, and with their aid, he became an ordained minister in 1683 following a period of theological study at the Universtiy of Groningen in Holland. Renwick’s ministry coincided with the period knows as the ‘killing time.’
In 1685, James VII, a Roman Catholic, became king of Scotland. The king did not like unapproved religious gatherings so he “. . . issued indulgences guaranteeing freedom of worship if meetings were held in private homes, chapels, or places dedicated for this purpose. Any other services convened in secret or in open fields were against the law and considered to be organized rebellion.
Many ministers, tired of the struggle, accepted the conditions of the indulgences, but Renwick and a few others continued to preach in the fields and villages, often to those who were in hiding and wandering in the mountains to survive. In one year Renwick baptized 600 children. Because he didn’t abide by the King’s rule the government determined he was a traitor and issued a warrant for his arrest. Because his many friends protected him he was able to preach without capture for three more years.
After his arrest , the then 26-year-old Renwick refused an offer of clemency that would require him to acknowledge the king’s authority over religious matters.
One the eve of his execution he wrote his friends: “He has strengthened me to brave man and face death, and I am now longing for the joyful hour of my dissolution, and there is nothing in this world that I am sorry to leave but you.” From the gallows before a crowd in Edinburgh on February 17, 1688, Renwick was allowed to say his final words. His final words before he was hanged: he sang Psalm 103, read Revelation 19, and prayed, “Lord, I die in the faith that Thou wilt not leave Scotland, but that Thou wilt make the blood of Thy witnesses the seed of Thy church, and return again and be glorious in our land. And now, Lord, I am ready.”
We are to honor those in power – unless and until they defy God’s laws. This story will make Jesus command at ascension in this our ‘parallel year’ even more compelling. Stay tuned….
James Renwick was only 26 years old when he died for taking a stand for his faith. He was the last Covenanter to be hanged in public. One year later King James VII was in exile and the persecution was over.
(I borrowed Rick’s story – but he credits the location of his information to: The Last To be Hanged, THE ONE YEAR BOOK OF CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 2003, pgs 96-97.)
So – our assignment from the prior week when Rick told us the story was to think about what our last words would be if we had to die or deny our faith. But for Renwick it was far less of a demand. It was a demand to keep his faith bottled in a certain way. He was asked to keep it private, not make it public. He was told he couldn’t go out to those in need who weren’t in confined approved structures. And he politely declined. He died for what he believed in. And what he believed in was the very freedom our country was founded on.
My heart wells up in awe and pride for this young man and the Presbyterian heritage he represented so well.
A wee head’s up: This Thursday is the National Day of Prayer. I’ll write more about that later – but at noon Christians who will be praying peacefully for our nation will be gathering on the steps of the Capitol in Olympia. I’ve never attended anything like that – but maybe it’s time! I’ll keep you posted.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
A LOOSE END IN THE GOSPEL ACCOUNTS
May 2, 2010
Reading for today:
Mark 16:9-20
The NIV states, “The most reliable early manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have these verses.”
The ESV states, “Some of the earliest manuscripts do not include 16:9-20.” Then in its footnote says, “Some manuscripts end the book with 16:8; others include 9-20 immediately after verse 8. A few manuscripts insert additional material after verse 14; one Latin manuscript adds after verse 8 the following: ‘But they reported briefly to Peter and those with him all that they had been told. And after this, Jesus himself sent out by means of them, from east to west, the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation.’ Other manuscripts include this same wording after verse 8, then continue with verses 9-20.”
No one ever told me that kind of stuff growing up. It needs to be addressed. It does not challenge my faith that every single word of the Bible as we know it may not be identical to what was originally written. What matters to me is that the themes of the Bible are clear. No matter how many men have been involved in its transmission down through the thousands of years it represents, the truth of God’s divine nature and sovereignty are still intact. That the Messiah was promised and came is intact.
And – what I pay attention to in verses like these from Mark 16:9-20 is that if it is the only place something is mentioned, I probably shouldn’t put too much stock in it! i.e., I wouldn’t be comfortable with attending a church that considered handling snakes or drinking poison to be a valid part of worship. Like Paul when he was bit, I know the Lord can override nature – but I wouldn’t want to use that as the test of my faith in His providence.
The Bible interprets the Bible. The important themes of the Bible run through it in such apparent fashion, that there is no mistaking God’s interaction with and love for his created. Major messages are repeated more than once. If we lost this portion of Mark, we have lost nothing vital to our faith. All of the important segments of these verses are reiterated elsewhere. And the dangerous parts – well, they’re dangerous!
The Old Testament foreshadows the New Testament. The Law is a mirror showing us we can’t capably live life for God without His help – or His forgiveness, and that forgiveness came through the shed blood of his only begotten Son.
Eternity is beyond our grasp to understand, but we place our trust and our lives into the hands of one who is Eternal, and His Word is secure.
I’ve heard people adamantly state that every word (of the Bible as we hold it in our hands) is true. I would modify that statement to say: The major concepts are true. The God of all creation is True. Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah and is the Way, the Truth and the Life – and no one comes to the father except by him. But every now and again, if something seems confusing or out of sequence, I can remember that lots of scribes writing by hand for centuries had opportunity to make a minor error here or there that could alter meaning slightly – and it is only rare that we can point to any passage where that might be suspect. This, however, is one of the few.
I believe the Bible is God’s Word. I believe the accounts it tells of people’s lives are true accounts. If it says it is a parable, I know it is only a story…. I am literal - and for the occasional 'if it happens' this one facet of this passage raises questions - a red flag, if you will. Then when I read footnotes that tell me it wasn't in many of the early manuscripts - and that the language used here is different than any where else in this gospel - it definitely makes it suspect.
It certainly doesn’t say we should do these things. I just think it should be read with caution, considering this part may have been added by an unreliable messenger….
I also think we need to address the tough stuff – and that certainly is!
Reading for today:
Mark 16:9-20
The NIV states, “The most reliable early manuscripts and other ancient witnesses do not have these verses.”
The ESV states, “Some of the earliest manuscripts do not include 16:9-20.” Then in its footnote says, “Some manuscripts end the book with 16:8; others include 9-20 immediately after verse 8. A few manuscripts insert additional material after verse 14; one Latin manuscript adds after verse 8 the following: ‘But they reported briefly to Peter and those with him all that they had been told. And after this, Jesus himself sent out by means of them, from east to west, the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation.’ Other manuscripts include this same wording after verse 8, then continue with verses 9-20.”
No one ever told me that kind of stuff growing up. It needs to be addressed. It does not challenge my faith that every single word of the Bible as we know it may not be identical to what was originally written. What matters to me is that the themes of the Bible are clear. No matter how many men have been involved in its transmission down through the thousands of years it represents, the truth of God’s divine nature and sovereignty are still intact. That the Messiah was promised and came is intact.
And – what I pay attention to in verses like these from Mark 16:9-20 is that if it is the only place something is mentioned, I probably shouldn’t put too much stock in it! i.e., I wouldn’t be comfortable with attending a church that considered handling snakes or drinking poison to be a valid part of worship. Like Paul when he was bit, I know the Lord can override nature – but I wouldn’t want to use that as the test of my faith in His providence.
The Bible interprets the Bible. The important themes of the Bible run through it in such apparent fashion, that there is no mistaking God’s interaction with and love for his created. Major messages are repeated more than once. If we lost this portion of Mark, we have lost nothing vital to our faith. All of the important segments of these verses are reiterated elsewhere. And the dangerous parts – well, they’re dangerous!
The Old Testament foreshadows the New Testament. The Law is a mirror showing us we can’t capably live life for God without His help – or His forgiveness, and that forgiveness came through the shed blood of his only begotten Son.
Eternity is beyond our grasp to understand, but we place our trust and our lives into the hands of one who is Eternal, and His Word is secure.
I’ve heard people adamantly state that every word (of the Bible as we hold it in our hands) is true. I would modify that statement to say: The major concepts are true. The God of all creation is True. Jesus Christ is the promised Messiah and is the Way, the Truth and the Life – and no one comes to the father except by him. But every now and again, if something seems confusing or out of sequence, I can remember that lots of scribes writing by hand for centuries had opportunity to make a minor error here or there that could alter meaning slightly – and it is only rare that we can point to any passage where that might be suspect. This, however, is one of the few.
I believe the Bible is God’s Word. I believe the accounts it tells of people’s lives are true accounts. If it says it is a parable, I know it is only a story…. I am literal - and for the occasional 'if it happens' this one facet of this passage raises questions - a red flag, if you will. Then when I read footnotes that tell me it wasn't in many of the early manuscripts - and that the language used here is different than any where else in this gospel - it definitely makes it suspect.
It certainly doesn’t say we should do these things. I just think it should be read with caution, considering this part may have been added by an unreliable messenger….
I also think we need to address the tough stuff – and that certainly is!
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