Today is Halloween. When I was a child it was one of my absolutely most favorite days. I loved dressing up. Loved getting to go door-to-door to collect the generously given treats. Loved bobbing for apples, pulling taffy, eating caramels plain as well as on popcorn or apples. I loved the fun of it. The joy of it. All of it.
That feeling continued with our kids. It was pure fun - - until it suddenly wasn't. I don't remember the exact year - but someone put pieces of razor blades in the candies children collected in the neighboring town - and suddenly everything became suspect. The risk of having something injected through the wrappers also became an issue. The need for vigilant caution became apparent. We cautiously went only to houses of people we knew well, and even then, we inspected each piece of candy to be certain it hadn't been tampered with.
My first response to the new dangers was to offer a safe alternative: a carnival at church that kids could come to and have fun in a safe environment. A cake walk, musical chairs, walking a 'plank', (a narrow board suspended about 6 inches off the ground), along with several other games, including guessing games. Lots of treats, even dry ice in the punch for the effect. It was a safe alternative.
We billed it as an All Saint's Eve party and asked kids to dress up as their favorite Bible character. It was a ton of fun - and a great way to get kids from the community into the church for a peek: to find out we could have a lot of fun with appropriate balance. And, it felt a bit like we were taking the holiday back. After all, my limited understanding was that All Hallow's Eve, the night before All Saint's Day, was a night that they put lights in pumpkins to scare off evil spirits - - a little superstitious, certainly, but I just didn't analyze it or try to gather further information on the night's history.
Then came the death of Halloween for me: the ritual killing of a kidnapped horse in a nearby town by Satan-worshippers. That was soon followed by hearing of people who actually adopted children to use them for their occult worship practices. I was done. What had once been 'fun' was destroyed by the awareness that it was a night of unparalleled evil among those who worship the devil - and, right or wrong, I didn't want to be even remotely associated with it any longer.
In our former town, we'd get 100 trick-or-treaters in a night. Now, out in the woods, we don't get anyone but the grandkids. I didn't even buy candy this year, so it is easy to bow out.
Still, kids love to dress up and have fun sometime. So - - with that in mind, I still favor the idea of the safe church party, with a twist on the focus. I like the idea of celebrating All Saint's Eve!
The reminder brings several very special people to mind: people who deserve to be on my 'cloud of witnesses' list.
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In quite a different vein, something I read in Ezekiel 9 a couple of days ago keeps coming back to me. We know that during the tribulation, it is prophesied that people will have to take the number of the mark of the beast to be able to buy or sell. So - with that in mind, the words in Ezekiel 9 leap out at me - that prior to the destruction of Israel, God instructed 'the man clothed in linen' to go through the City of Jerusalem "and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it."
What strikes me about that is the reality that Satan has a substitute for everything God does. God used His mark to protect. Satan's mark (of the beast) will be alleged to protect - - but it will become people's seal of eternal death, doom and destruction.
What a contrast!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
GOD'S MOST RECENT MESSAGE TO ME
I love that God interacts with his created. With me. His specific messages of direction to me are generally brief and to the point. This past week was no exception. I have been working on the musical He gave me both intentionally and sporadically... I know that sounds like an oxymoron - - it consumes my thoughts, but progress and the fine-tuning of editing is slow. I was really discouraged about that this past week, and after several days of voicing that to God, He spoke. His words, "The process is part of the purpose."
Wow! Part of my agony in its not being completed was my vision that God wouldn't be able to use it until it was done - but that's not the whole story, according to Him. There is a purpose in the process. I can't see what it might be - but He knows. What a weight off my shoulders. Yes, I need to be intentional. Yes, I need to keep at it. But - it is not just a destination; it is a journey - and He has an intention for something good to come out of the process. I'm so very grateful for that assurance!
I'll let you know when it's available online! Until then - I'm excited to watch for what God has in mind for the process.
Wow! Part of my agony in its not being completed was my vision that God wouldn't be able to use it until it was done - but that's not the whole story, according to Him. There is a purpose in the process. I can't see what it might be - but He knows. What a weight off my shoulders. Yes, I need to be intentional. Yes, I need to keep at it. But - it is not just a destination; it is a journey - and He has an intention for something good to come out of the process. I'm so very grateful for that assurance!
I'll let you know when it's available online! Until then - I'm excited to watch for what God has in mind for the process.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
PROPHECY OF GOD'S JUDGMENT AGAINST JERUSALEM
In Ezekiel 5 God (speaking through the pen of Ezekiel) spells out in no uncertain terms what He is going to do to Jerusalem for her collective rebellion, wickedness and disobedience.
Before He pronounces the parameters of His judgment, God declares, "This is Jerusalem. I have set her in the center of the nations, with countries all around her." Living on this side of the fulfilled prophecy, we need to pay attention to that. Jerusalem is the center of the world. Then and now. As I read the words of God's vengeance against His holy city, I keep repeating, "God chastens those He loves."
Beginning with verse 7 God declares His judgment, but first, as any good parent should do when they punish their child, He explains why He will do what He is going to do. Then He outlines the consequences. The judgments He promised were severe. Then He told them that those who survive His horrible judgments would be scattered to the winds, and that He would withdraw His favor from them. A third would die from famine and pestilence; a third would fall to the sword; a third would be scattered to the winds, with the sword unsheathed after them. In addition, the prophecy against them included that God would make them a desolation and an object of reproach among the nations all around them and in the sight of all who pass by....
That prophecy's fulfillment began with the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B C. Ezekiel penned this chapter in c. 593 B C, so God revealed what He was going to do to Jerusalem +-seven years before it happened.
It is a clear reminder of God's sovereignty - that He is God and I am not. I cannot second-guess His decisions, but I can observe.... And, in paying attention one of the most salient points is that what He promises will come to pass....
As a little side note, I'd like to point out that God is not jealous of, He is jealous for. Jealous for our complete commitment and obedience. What God cares about most of all is our salvation, and He will go to any lengths to achieve that. His goal for us is that we be conformed to the image of His Son. That process requires refining.
God's refining took drastic measures - but that was His goal for His chosen people, Israel (Jews), as well. However, in reading this account, I get it why some Jewish people lament, "I wish He didn't love us so much!" The reality is, that retort comes from a view of self as sovereign. We aren't - but it sure takes us a lifetime to learn that.
I pray I will accept God's discipline with joy. Joy that He loves me and has adopted me as His child.
I love what Pastor Peter says, "God loves you just the way you are, but He loves you too much to leave you that way." There are days that I groan against being a work in progress. I would love to be perfect. And though I know that isn't going to happen this side of eternity, I'm on the journey!
Before He pronounces the parameters of His judgment, God declares, "This is Jerusalem. I have set her in the center of the nations, with countries all around her." Living on this side of the fulfilled prophecy, we need to pay attention to that. Jerusalem is the center of the world. Then and now. As I read the words of God's vengeance against His holy city, I keep repeating, "God chastens those He loves."
Beginning with verse 7 God declares His judgment, but first, as any good parent should do when they punish their child, He explains why He will do what He is going to do. Then He outlines the consequences. The judgments He promised were severe. Then He told them that those who survive His horrible judgments would be scattered to the winds, and that He would withdraw His favor from them. A third would die from famine and pestilence; a third would fall to the sword; a third would be scattered to the winds, with the sword unsheathed after them. In addition, the prophecy against them included that God would make them a desolation and an object of reproach among the nations all around them and in the sight of all who pass by....
That prophecy's fulfillment began with the destruction of Jerusalem in 586 B C. Ezekiel penned this chapter in c. 593 B C, so God revealed what He was going to do to Jerusalem +-seven years before it happened.
It is a clear reminder of God's sovereignty - that He is God and I am not. I cannot second-guess His decisions, but I can observe.... And, in paying attention one of the most salient points is that what He promises will come to pass....
As a little side note, I'd like to point out that God is not jealous of, He is jealous for. Jealous for our complete commitment and obedience. What God cares about most of all is our salvation, and He will go to any lengths to achieve that. His goal for us is that we be conformed to the image of His Son. That process requires refining.
God's refining took drastic measures - but that was His goal for His chosen people, Israel (Jews), as well. However, in reading this account, I get it why some Jewish people lament, "I wish He didn't love us so much!" The reality is, that retort comes from a view of self as sovereign. We aren't - but it sure takes us a lifetime to learn that.
I pray I will accept God's discipline with joy. Joy that He loves me and has adopted me as His child.
I love what Pastor Peter says, "God loves you just the way you are, but He loves you too much to leave you that way." There are days that I groan against being a work in progress. I would love to be perfect. And though I know that isn't going to happen this side of eternity, I'm on the journey!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
PROPHECY OF GOD'S JUDGMENT AGAINST ISRAEL
The preface to Ezekiel in my ESV says that Ezekiel was about 30 years old when he began receiving and writing down his visions, and that the visions continued over a time span of 20 years, until he was about 50 years old.
The timeline offered states that he was taken into captivity in Babylon when he was about 25 years old, and that at the age of 30, his first writings would have been around 593 B C. The ESV study notes even go so far as to suggest July as the month he began writing that year. Frankly, I'm impressed by the information-gathering that permits that keen of historical timing. One of the reasons it is possible is that Ezekiel references dates of what is happening in the secular world, which allows corroboration of a reasonably accurate timeline. Still, impressive!
Chapters 1 - 25 were written before the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B C, so they prophesy what was still to come at the time written. In chapter 4 of Ezekiel, God directs Ezekiel to bear the punishment of the house of Israel, with very specific instructions pertaining to his diet and sleeping position; and following that, to bear the punishment for Judah.
Chapter 4 goes on to lay out what some of the punishment of Jerusalem will entail. All spoken before it happened.
That is the key thing that piques my interest. I know Ezekiel will later cover prophecies relevant to these very last of the last days before Jesus returns. I'm eager to get to those!
The timeline offered states that he was taken into captivity in Babylon when he was about 25 years old, and that at the age of 30, his first writings would have been around 593 B C. The ESV study notes even go so far as to suggest July as the month he began writing that year. Frankly, I'm impressed by the information-gathering that permits that keen of historical timing. One of the reasons it is possible is that Ezekiel references dates of what is happening in the secular world, which allows corroboration of a reasonably accurate timeline. Still, impressive!
Chapters 1 - 25 were written before the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B C, so they prophesy what was still to come at the time written. In chapter 4 of Ezekiel, God directs Ezekiel to bear the punishment of the house of Israel, with very specific instructions pertaining to his diet and sleeping position; and following that, to bear the punishment for Judah.
Chapter 4 goes on to lay out what some of the punishment of Jerusalem will entail. All spoken before it happened.
That is the key thing that piques my interest. I know Ezekiel will later cover prophecies relevant to these very last of the last days before Jesus returns. I'm eager to get to those!
WHEN GOD SPEAKS - Ezekiel 1 - 3
One of the first things to capture my attention in reading chapters 1 - 3 of Ezekiel yesterday was that each time God's glory was present, Ezekiel fell on his face, and in each instance it was the Spirit of God that lifted him up.
The second thing that leaped out at me was God's clear directive was: when God told Ezekiel what to speak, he was to speak it whether people heard it or not. Heard as in listened. It is a directive that segues directly to us as His followers today. We must speak the Truth - from a heart filled with love and the pure intention of turning people's hearts toward God - but even if they don't hear, when God nudges us to speak, we must speak. The clear message in Ezekiel is that God will also provide the words to say.
Lord, make me quick to obey!
The second thing that leaped out at me was God's clear directive was: when God told Ezekiel what to speak, he was to speak it whether people heard it or not. Heard as in listened. It is a directive that segues directly to us as His followers today. We must speak the Truth - from a heart filled with love and the pure intention of turning people's hearts toward God - but even if they don't hear, when God nudges us to speak, we must speak. The clear message in Ezekiel is that God will also provide the words to say.
Lord, make me quick to obey!
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
THE 10 PLAGUES OF EXODUS
I had the joy of being the storyteller for Children's Worship on Sunday. The assigned story was the first 9 plagues God sent to get Pharoah to 'let His people go.' I love telling stories to kids - and know that object lessons make it stick. I used red food coloring to dye a bottle of water red to talk about how all of the water in all of the rivers, ponds, lakes, streams - even in their houses turned to blood. One of the kids asked me if it was real blood.
I had a wooden frog to represent the next plague - frogs in their cereal bowls, frogs crawling up their legs - frogs everywhere. I caught a real fly and took it in a little jar, and had a picture of a fly to show as well for the plague of flies. Toy farm animals for the livestock plague. A container of ping pong balls for the hail plague. Lights out and a flashlight for the 3-day plague of darkness. Pictures of the other bugs and a picture of a person infected with boils. Visual aids.
I realized while preparing the lesson that God was very specific in the plagues He chose. They were designed to prove He alone was the One true God. His plagues defied all of their worshiped deities, and they had one for everything, from river worship of The Nile, to worship of the sun and moon. He proved clearly that none of their alleged gods could stand up against his Almighty Power.
His object lessons were a good message for the Hebrew children as well. They had been in slavery for 400 years. They had lost their voice and lost their faith. Then God moved! In His time, in His way, with unlikely methods.
Sunday morning I cued the kids to respond, "What were you thinking, Pharoah?" every time Pharaoh said 'no.' They really got into it. It was truly fun - and in the fun, they had the opportunity to learn an awesome Bible story about our miracle-working God who cared about his people and brought them out of the land of Egypt.
I'm so glad the God we worship is the One true God. He has proved Himself over and over, and the Bible records what He has done - and what He will do.
In my personal reading, I concluded Paul's writings, and have started Ezekiel. What a switch to go from books that provided clear direction of how we are to live out our faith to a book that I will understand little of! But, I look forward to the journey. Reading the 1st 3 chapters of Ezekiel this morning just made me realize how grateful I am that everything that was and is and is to come is in His hands. I'm praying for snippets of insight....
I had a wooden frog to represent the next plague - frogs in their cereal bowls, frogs crawling up their legs - frogs everywhere. I caught a real fly and took it in a little jar, and had a picture of a fly to show as well for the plague of flies. Toy farm animals for the livestock plague. A container of ping pong balls for the hail plague. Lights out and a flashlight for the 3-day plague of darkness. Pictures of the other bugs and a picture of a person infected with boils. Visual aids.
I realized while preparing the lesson that God was very specific in the plagues He chose. They were designed to prove He alone was the One true God. His plagues defied all of their worshiped deities, and they had one for everything, from river worship of The Nile, to worship of the sun and moon. He proved clearly that none of their alleged gods could stand up against his Almighty Power.
His object lessons were a good message for the Hebrew children as well. They had been in slavery for 400 years. They had lost their voice and lost their faith. Then God moved! In His time, in His way, with unlikely methods.
Sunday morning I cued the kids to respond, "What were you thinking, Pharoah?" every time Pharaoh said 'no.' They really got into it. It was truly fun - and in the fun, they had the opportunity to learn an awesome Bible story about our miracle-working God who cared about his people and brought them out of the land of Egypt.
I'm so glad the God we worship is the One true God. He has proved Himself over and over, and the Bible records what He has done - and what He will do.
In my personal reading, I concluded Paul's writings, and have started Ezekiel. What a switch to go from books that provided clear direction of how we are to live out our faith to a book that I will understand little of! But, I look forward to the journey. Reading the 1st 3 chapters of Ezekiel this morning just made me realize how grateful I am that everything that was and is and is to come is in His hands. I'm praying for snippets of insight....
Monday, October 24, 2011
2 TIMOTHY CHAPTER 4
Paul's final words exhort Timothy - and by extension, us - to be faithful to the Truth of the Word of God. In 2 Timothy 4:3, Paul warns: "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."
Although this reality has punctuated history on many occasions, false teaching today is pervasively perilous. Society shrinks away from calling sin, sin and evil, evil. Paul already reminded Timothy in 1 Timothy 4 that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons. In fact the Bible is full of written warnings to keep us on the path of Truth. We can't embrace Truth without being immersed in God's Word.
Although this reality has punctuated history on many occasions, false teaching today is pervasively perilous. Society shrinks away from calling sin, sin and evil, evil. Paul already reminded Timothy in 1 Timothy 4 that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons. In fact the Bible is full of written warnings to keep us on the path of Truth. We can't embrace Truth without being immersed in God's Word.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
2 TIMOTHY 3
What a chapter! I could easily write more and say less! The first sentence draws me in: "In the last days there will be times of difficulty." Do you think?
My mind first leaps to the disasters that have occurred and then the deception and violence that pervade our world, but immediately Paul lists the sins of man - not the disasters that will occur.
There are a couple of important things to note in reading the New Testament - and Paul. First, the 'end times' essentially began with Jesus' resurrection - - so we've been in the end times for +- 1978 years, which makes us 1978 years closer to His second coming. Jesus' apostles believed Christ would return in their lifetime. Just want us to be clear on that....the end times are not reserved just to us - though we're certainly closer to the end....and there are prophecies being fulfilled in our day that compel us to pay attention to the very end of the end times.
In fact, according to the guy who missed the date in May, yesterday was supposed to be the real end. For some people it was. I am very aware prophecy is being fulfilled at a rapid rate, and that 'the end' could happen any moment - but I have to be far more aware that my personal 'end' of being in this world is one I can count on - and I live and believe accordingly....my brief rabbit trail for today....
Among Paul's admonitions to Timothy in Chapter 3, he urges him to read what we now call The Old Testament. He calls them the sacred writings. Those writings comprised all there was of scripture in Paul's day, and he reminds Timothy that it was God-breathed and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, with the goal being that the man of God would be well trained: competent and equipped for every good work.
The Old Testament is a road map that points the way to Christ. The New Testament is a mirror that reflects Him. We need both to gain a broader understanding of who God is. We are so blessed to have the written Word. It truly is sharper than any two-edged sword. It is alive. God speaks to me through His Word, and reveals what He wants me to work on to be more conformed to His image. Still a work in progress.
Today's reading encourages me to be strong in the Lord - to remain steadfast no matter what the circumstances - and I know I can only do that through His grace and mercy, relying on His Spirit to be my strength and guide! Stay tuned....
My mind first leaps to the disasters that have occurred and then the deception and violence that pervade our world, but immediately Paul lists the sins of man - not the disasters that will occur.
There are a couple of important things to note in reading the New Testament - and Paul. First, the 'end times' essentially began with Jesus' resurrection - - so we've been in the end times for +- 1978 years, which makes us 1978 years closer to His second coming. Jesus' apostles believed Christ would return in their lifetime. Just want us to be clear on that....the end times are not reserved just to us - though we're certainly closer to the end....and there are prophecies being fulfilled in our day that compel us to pay attention to the very end of the end times.
In fact, according to the guy who missed the date in May, yesterday was supposed to be the real end. For some people it was. I am very aware prophecy is being fulfilled at a rapid rate, and that 'the end' could happen any moment - but I have to be far more aware that my personal 'end' of being in this world is one I can count on - and I live and believe accordingly....my brief rabbit trail for today....
Among Paul's admonitions to Timothy in Chapter 3, he urges him to read what we now call The Old Testament. He calls them the sacred writings. Those writings comprised all there was of scripture in Paul's day, and he reminds Timothy that it was God-breathed and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, with the goal being that the man of God would be well trained: competent and equipped for every good work.
The Old Testament is a road map that points the way to Christ. The New Testament is a mirror that reflects Him. We need both to gain a broader understanding of who God is. We are so blessed to have the written Word. It truly is sharper than any two-edged sword. It is alive. God speaks to me through His Word, and reveals what He wants me to work on to be more conformed to His image. Still a work in progress.
Today's reading encourages me to be strong in the Lord - to remain steadfast no matter what the circumstances - and I know I can only do that through His grace and mercy, relying on His Spirit to be my strength and guide! Stay tuned....
Friday, October 21, 2011
2 TIMOTHY CHAPTER 2
Chapter 2 is my chapter for today, but Chapter 1 has nuggets that are significant as well, and I would be remiss to skip past them without at least briefly mentioning them: (7) God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control; (12b) ...for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me; and (10-11) the message of the good news of Jesus Christ in a nutshell: Jesus abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
It is all the more compelling to me that Paul declares these words as his final words, and even though he didn't know they were his final words they are the final legacy that he left.
With that in mind, I read the words of Chapter 2, and Paul's words pluck the strings of my heart. The words he spoke were specifically written to Timothy, but they have application for all who serve the Lord. Knowing that he wrote the following words while he was in chains for his faith is all the more compelling:
Be strenghtened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. What you have heard from me entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David.
Nugget after nugget. Reminders of focus, directives that compel us to stand faithfully for the Truth, and affirmation that the Lord knows those who are His.
2 Timothy 2:11b - 13 is a quote familiar to Timothy that Paul includes as a reminder:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he will also deny us;
if we are faithless, he remains faithful -
for he cannot deny himself.
Another of my favorite verses in 2 Timothy 2 is verse 15: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
It is my prayer to faithfully be that worker!
Paul's instructions for Christian living found in 2 Timothy 2 include the admonition to: flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart...(be) kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently endure evil, correct opponents with gentleness.
What a lot packed into one small chapter. It will give me food for thought for more than just today!
We are set apart as holy! The righteousness we seek is 'right living by God's standard' and, though it is impossible to attain on our own, it is the path we are on, for once we accept Jesus Christ as Savior, He lives in us, works in us to conform us more and more to His image, and we are seen by the Father through the filter of His Son. The blood of Jesus Christ who cleanses us from sin is our covering - and God sees us as already perfected....even though we have a long way to go. The reality is, we will never be perfect until we reach heaven's shore. We are all a work in progress!
It is all the more compelling to me that Paul declares these words as his final words, and even though he didn't know they were his final words they are the final legacy that he left.
With that in mind, I read the words of Chapter 2, and Paul's words pluck the strings of my heart. The words he spoke were specifically written to Timothy, but they have application for all who serve the Lord. Knowing that he wrote the following words while he was in chains for his faith is all the more compelling:
Be strenghtened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus. What you have heard from me entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David.
Nugget after nugget. Reminders of focus, directives that compel us to stand faithfully for the Truth, and affirmation that the Lord knows those who are His.
2 Timothy 2:11b - 13 is a quote familiar to Timothy that Paul includes as a reminder:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he will also deny us;
if we are faithless, he remains faithful -
for he cannot deny himself.
Another of my favorite verses in 2 Timothy 2 is verse 15: Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
It is my prayer to faithfully be that worker!
Paul's instructions for Christian living found in 2 Timothy 2 include the admonition to: flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart...(be) kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently endure evil, correct opponents with gentleness.
What a lot packed into one small chapter. It will give me food for thought for more than just today!
We are set apart as holy! The righteousness we seek is 'right living by God's standard' and, though it is impossible to attain on our own, it is the path we are on, for once we accept Jesus Christ as Savior, He lives in us, works in us to conform us more and more to His image, and we are seen by the Father through the filter of His Son. The blood of Jesus Christ who cleanses us from sin is our covering - and God sees us as already perfected....even though we have a long way to go. The reality is, we will never be perfect until we reach heaven's shore. We are all a work in progress!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
THE RELEASE OF GILAD SHALIT
Gilad Shalit release: freed Palestinian prisoner vows to 'sacrifice' her life
An unsuccessful suicide bomber released from prison as part of the deal to free Gilad Shalit, the Israeli conscript, on Wednesday vowed to fulfil a childhood ambition by "sacrificing" her life for the Palestinian cause.
Wafa al-Bis, center, is greeted by friends upon arriving at her house in the northern Gaza Strip Photo: REUTERS
11:13PM BST 19 Oct 2011
As she returned to her family home in northern Gaza, Wafa al-Bis insisted she would seize any opportunity to mount another suicide mission and encouraged dozens of cheering schoolchildren to follow her example.
Bis was one of hundreds of Palestinian militants freed by Israel on Tuesday in the first phase of a prisoner swap agreed with Hamas, Gaza’s Islamist overlords, to win the freedom of Sgt Maj Shalit after five years in solitary confinement.
Her words will chill critics of the deal who argue that many of the 1,027 Palestinians who are to be released from prison will return to violence once they have been freed. For most Israelis, such fears have been consigned to the future as an anxious nation watched to see how the 25-year-old conscript was faring on his first full day at home in Mitzpe Hila, his home village in the hills above the Sea of Galilee.
They were given a brief glimpse as he took his first stroll, supported by his mother and wearing dark glasses against the unaccustomed sunlight.
In the coming days and weeks, he is expected to be debriefed on his captivity by both military intelligence and the secret service, Mossad. But military officials say they want to leave him to recover his health with his family first, and will be guided by his medical condition.
Sgt Maj Shalit joked with military doctors examining him and is in better health than some expected. When told his condition was broadly “stable”, he is said to have replied: “I expected you to be surprised by my good condition.”
In contrast to the private reunion under way in northern Galilee, the scene in Gaza remained festive as freed Palestinian captives greeted relations and well-wishers at tented receptions.
But few were as outspoken as the would-be suicide bomber. Bis was just 21 when, in 2005, she volunteered to undertake a suicide mission in Israel.
Her target, Israel says, was a hospital where she had been given permission to seek treatment for burns she sustained in a gas tank explosion. She never got there. Stopped by suspicious Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint on Gaza’s border, she was discovered with 22lb of explosives sewn into a belt inside her underwear. Bis tried to blow herself up but the detonator malfunctioned.
Speaking in her bedroom, the shelves of which were lined with soft toys, Bis yesterday maintained that the six years she spent in an Israeli prison cell had left her with no regrets other than her failure to kill herself and her captors, although she insisted that her target was only ever going to be a military one.
“I wanted to be the first female martyr from Gaza to kill Israeli soldiers and I wanted to kill as many as I could,” she said. “I had wanted to be a martyr since I was a kid. I regard what I did as an honourable thing. It was my dream to be a martyr but God didn’t let me.”
If given the opportunity, she added, she would fulfil her destiny to avenge the deaths of Palestinian children killed by Israeli forces. “As long as there is going to be occupation over all of Palestine, martyrs will be there to resist and to fight, and I will be among the first of the strugglers,” she said. “This is an honourable thing and I would be a suicide bomber three times over if I could.”
Bis’s mother Salma said she had no idea of her daughter’s mission — but added that she felt she had no choice but to encourage her in her chosen course of life. “This is Jihad, it is an honourable thing and I am proud of her,” she said.
Despite Sgt Maj Shalit’s apparent good humour, he is understood to be showing signs of his long imprisonment, in which conditions were said at first to be “poor”, though he has not been questioned on this aspect of his captivity yet.
He has difficulty climbing the stairs and his pallor is attributed to the lack of light he experienced in captivity.
My commentary: My youngest daughter had not been in Israel very long when Gilad Shalit was captured and imprisoned in solitary confinement 5 years ago. She went to Israel to study at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem, and the story of his release is extremely compelling to her. It is indeed amazing that he is alive!
The problem is that 1,027 Palestinian prisoners are being released by Israel in exchange, and many of them are avowed terrorists.
What a contrast this article provides. As a Christian, I am taught to love everyone - even those who aren't very lovable. It is shocking that someone would want to blow up other people in a suicide mission as their goal in life. I have a young friend who is Palestinian. I know we disagree on politics related to Israel - but I would never have considered that she could potentially embrace this kind of view...of jihad. It becomes very personal. It makes my heart ache.
It makes God's heart ache as well. His desire is that all will come to repentance and accept His Son's sacrifice on the cross for the remission of sin. There is only one way to God, and that is through the sacrifice Jesus paid on the cross...shedding His blood as the final sacrifice that would ever be needed. Acts 4:11-12 in the ESV states:
11This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 12And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
One Truth. One Way. And the door is open for everyone who wants to enter!
John 3:16-17 (ESV) declares the most basic Good News of the Bible:
16"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Thank you, Lord, for your incredible offer of salvation. And thank you for drawing me to accept it! You are who you said you are: One with the Father, fully God and fully human, Savior and King. Praise your holy name!
2 TIMOTHY AND LIVES WHO TOUCH
In my sequential reading of Paul's letters, I have reached the final book. The suggested order of his writings, as gleaned from the intro commentary in my 1985 NIV determined the order in which I read the books:
1 Thessalonians - written from Corinth c.+- AD 51
2 Thessalonians - written from Corinth about 6 months later - c. +- Late 51 or early 52
1 Corinthians - written from Ephesus - c. +-Spring AD 55
2 Corinthians - written from Macedoni - c. +- Winter AD 55-56
Galatians - written from Ephesus or Macedonia - c. +- AD 57 (Some say 48 - 49)
Romans - written from Corinth or Cenchrea - c. +- early Spring AD 57
Ephesians - from Rome (in prison) +- AD 60
Colossians - from Rome (in prison) +- AD 60
Philemon - from Rome (in prison) +- AD 60
Philippians - from Rome (in prison) +- AD 61
1 Timothy - most likely from Macedonia (?) - c. +- AD 63 - 65
Titus - written from Corinth - c. +- AD 63 - 65
2 Timothy - written from Rome (imprisoned by Nero) c. AD 66 - 67
His writings spanned approximately 16 years, and began after his first missionary journey.
Prior to the writing of his 'prison letters' he had been in prison numerous other times, as well as suffering through many other abuses, which he lists in 2 Corinthians (ESV):
22Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. 23Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. 24Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?
As for Paul's timeline, information I found online at www.blueletterbible.org* suggests he was born about 5 AD. His conversion on the road to Damascus occurred +- 34 AD. After very brief mentions about Paul that are placed in 37 AD, he drops out of sight completely until +- 47 AD.
Some sources say that his first letter was Galatians, and they place it around 48 AD, but I didn't learn that until well into my reading schedule, so the list reflects my earliest information - and the order I read the letters, even though my order may not reflect reality.
All sources do agree on most of the order and that 2 Timothy was his final letter...in fact these are his final words, for it was very soon after writing 2 Timothy that he was martyred under Nero. (And not long after Paul's death, Nero committed suicide.*)
But what struck me most saliently today was the lives he touched - and those who touched his, and that reminded me that it is the same for us. There are people who come into our individual lives who touch us indelibly. I am so grateful for the witness of others whose lives have been lived faithfully. They are my cloud of witnesses. My list includes pastors and pastor's wives, Sunday School teachers and youth leaders, friends, inspirational testimonies and speakers, and yes, even Paul.
There was a period of time in my life when I avoided Paul. I, quite honestly, found some of his personal views annoying and frustrating...but now I can accept him as human. As with all of us, he wrote from the experience of his journey and his filters. Most of what he wrote is encouraging, challenging, and the Holy Spirit witnesses to my spirit that he was writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. But - he's human, and a few of his personal biases are inserted. I can forgive him for being human. In fact, it's refreshing. Even Paul, the great apostle, had his weaknesses. But his faithfulness through the myriad of difficulties he faced is an incredible testimony to the reality of what he experienced on the Damascus Road.
The first news this morning was that Muammar Gaddafi had been captured - possibly killed. The online news includes a video of his blood-soaked body surrounded by angry people. In one sense it brings relief. In another sense sadness. No matter how evil someone is, there is hope as long as there is life. I'd rather people's lives were turned upside down for Christ - just like Paul's was. That desire reflects God's heart. He doesn't want anyone to perish. Of course, I cannot judge what the last moments of Gaddafi's life might have brought him to confess. That is in God's hands.... And, though I absolutely believe in the possibility of deathbed conversions, deep inside, I suspect he died as he lived.
There is such a marked difference when someone who has lived life for the Lord leaves this world for their eternal home. I am readily reminded of the contrast, having just learned this morning of the death of a woman who stepped into eternity knowing Jesus.
Like this woman, and like Paul, that's the death I am determined to embrace. (And, I'm still hoping He just returns first!) Like I've often said, "I know where I'm going, I'm just not in any rush to get there." I still have things to do - and looking at my timeline, I'd better get busy!
*Blue Letter Bible. Timeline of the Apostle Paul. Blue Letter Bible. 1 Apr 2002. 20 Oct 2011..
1 Thessalonians - written from Corinth c.+- AD 51
2 Thessalonians - written from Corinth about 6 months later - c. +- Late 51 or early 52
1 Corinthians - written from Ephesus - c. +-Spring AD 55
2 Corinthians - written from Macedoni - c. +- Winter AD 55-56
Galatians - written from Ephesus or Macedonia - c. +- AD 57 (Some say 48 - 49)
Romans - written from Corinth or Cenchrea - c. +- early Spring AD 57
Ephesians - from Rome (in prison) +- AD 60
Colossians - from Rome (in prison) +- AD 60
Philemon - from Rome (in prison) +- AD 60
Philippians - from Rome (in prison) +- AD 61
1 Timothy - most likely from Macedonia (?) - c. +- AD 63 - 65
Titus - written from Corinth - c. +- AD 63 - 65
2 Timothy - written from Rome (imprisoned by Nero) c. AD 66 - 67
His writings spanned approximately 16 years, and began after his first missionary journey.
Prior to the writing of his 'prison letters' he had been in prison numerous other times, as well as suffering through many other abuses, which he lists in 2 Corinthians (ESV):
22Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. 23Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. 24Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; 27 in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. 28And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?
As for Paul's timeline, information I found online at www.blueletterbible.org* suggests he was born about 5 AD. His conversion on the road to Damascus occurred +- 34 AD. After very brief mentions about Paul that are placed in 37 AD, he drops out of sight completely until +- 47 AD.
Some sources say that his first letter was Galatians, and they place it around 48 AD, but I didn't learn that until well into my reading schedule, so the list reflects my earliest information - and the order I read the letters, even though my order may not reflect reality.
All sources do agree on most of the order and that 2 Timothy was his final letter...in fact these are his final words, for it was very soon after writing 2 Timothy that he was martyred under Nero. (And not long after Paul's death, Nero committed suicide.*)
But what struck me most saliently today was the lives he touched - and those who touched his, and that reminded me that it is the same for us. There are people who come into our individual lives who touch us indelibly. I am so grateful for the witness of others whose lives have been lived faithfully. They are my cloud of witnesses. My list includes pastors and pastor's wives, Sunday School teachers and youth leaders, friends, inspirational testimonies and speakers, and yes, even Paul.
There was a period of time in my life when I avoided Paul. I, quite honestly, found some of his personal views annoying and frustrating...but now I can accept him as human. As with all of us, he wrote from the experience of his journey and his filters. Most of what he wrote is encouraging, challenging, and the Holy Spirit witnesses to my spirit that he was writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. But - he's human, and a few of his personal biases are inserted. I can forgive him for being human. In fact, it's refreshing. Even Paul, the great apostle, had his weaknesses. But his faithfulness through the myriad of difficulties he faced is an incredible testimony to the reality of what he experienced on the Damascus Road.
The first news this morning was that Muammar Gaddafi had been captured - possibly killed. The online news includes a video of his blood-soaked body surrounded by angry people. In one sense it brings relief. In another sense sadness. No matter how evil someone is, there is hope as long as there is life. I'd rather people's lives were turned upside down for Christ - just like Paul's was. That desire reflects God's heart. He doesn't want anyone to perish. Of course, I cannot judge what the last moments of Gaddafi's life might have brought him to confess. That is in God's hands.... And, though I absolutely believe in the possibility of deathbed conversions, deep inside, I suspect he died as he lived.
There is such a marked difference when someone who has lived life for the Lord leaves this world for their eternal home. I am readily reminded of the contrast, having just learned this morning of the death of a woman who stepped into eternity knowing Jesus.
Like this woman, and like Paul, that's the death I am determined to embrace. (And, I'm still hoping He just returns first!) Like I've often said, "I know where I'm going, I'm just not in any rush to get there." I still have things to do - and looking at my timeline, I'd better get busy!
*Blue Letter Bible. Timeline of the Apostle Paul. Blue Letter Bible. 1 Apr 2002. 20 Oct 2011.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
TITUS
In my sequential reading of the letters of Paul, I just finished Paul's personal letter to Titus. It is believed this letter was written from Corinth, just after 1st Timothy and before 2 Timothy. It is powerfully packed with compelling instructions and admonitions for Christian leaders and for Christian living, as well as safeguards for the things we need to avoid.
It is an absolute treatise of belief linked to behavior. It screams: Walk the talk! It lists conspicuous contrasts.
It talks about those who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers; those who teach for shameful gain. Chapter 1 is brutal in its assessments citing those who are liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons...those who deny God by their works. Paul says they are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
What a contrast to the qualities he proclaims must be present in those who lead:
above reproach
hospitable
a lover of good
self-controlled
upright
holy
disciplined
hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught (i.e., the Truth)
able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
And interspersed with the positive qualities, Paul specifies negative qualities that would disqualify them from leadership service in saying they must not be arrogant or quick tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain.
Other qualities he identifies for various people which apply appropriately to all who seek to be intentional Christians include:
(Those directed to older men:)
sober-minded
dignified
self controlled
(Those directed to older women:)
reverent in behavior
not slanderers
not slaves to much wine
teach what is good
train young women to love their husbands and children
be self-controlled
pure
working at home (as opposed to running around being busy-bodies or gossipers)
kind
submissive to their own husbands
(Those directed to younger men:)
self-controlled
(Those directed to Titus:)
a model of good works
integrity
dignity
sound speech
(Those directed to slaves:) (Today in our country this would apply to the workplace.)
submissive to their own masters
well-pleasing
not argumentative
not pilfering
showing all good faith so they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior
(To all of us:)
renounce ungodliness and worldly passions
live self controlled, upright and godly lives
submissive to rulers and authorities
obedient
ready for every good work
speak evil of no one
avoid quarreling
be gentle
show perfect courtesy toward all people
devoted to good works
help cases of urgent need
There are more nuggets in Titus - but Paul's instructions are clear. We have to walk the talk.
Sometimes it is difficult to discern precisely what God is asking of us in specific situations, and there are times we extend kindness out of compassion not knowing if it is going to make a difference - but God sees our hearts. He is El Roi, the God who sees us. Whatever we give out of His love is just the same as giving it to Jesus. Sometimes we get to be God's hands extended...offering hope. We can't be the Holy Spirit. We can't step into the role of fixing something that is God's to achieve, but we can be His messengers, pointing others to Him in tangible ways. We are never the answer. But He is, and if reaching out and offering a helping hand points someone to Jesus and spiritual health, then it is worth the risk.
The same Jesus who took a few loaves and fishes and fed the multitudes lets us partner with Him to make a difference in the world. We are blessed to be a blessing, poured out for Him.
It is an absolute treatise of belief linked to behavior. It screams: Walk the talk! It lists conspicuous contrasts.
It talks about those who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers; those who teach for shameful gain. Chapter 1 is brutal in its assessments citing those who are liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons...those who deny God by their works. Paul says they are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.
What a contrast to the qualities he proclaims must be present in those who lead:
above reproach
hospitable
a lover of good
self-controlled
upright
holy
disciplined
hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught (i.e., the Truth)
able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
And interspersed with the positive qualities, Paul specifies negative qualities that would disqualify them from leadership service in saying they must not be arrogant or quick tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain.
Other qualities he identifies for various people which apply appropriately to all who seek to be intentional Christians include:
(Those directed to older men:)
sober-minded
dignified
self controlled
(Those directed to older women:)
reverent in behavior
not slanderers
not slaves to much wine
teach what is good
train young women to love their husbands and children
be self-controlled
pure
working at home (as opposed to running around being busy-bodies or gossipers)
kind
submissive to their own husbands
(Those directed to younger men:)
self-controlled
(Those directed to Titus:)
a model of good works
integrity
dignity
sound speech
(Those directed to slaves:) (Today in our country this would apply to the workplace.)
submissive to their own masters
well-pleasing
not argumentative
not pilfering
showing all good faith so they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior
(To all of us:)
renounce ungodliness and worldly passions
live self controlled, upright and godly lives
submissive to rulers and authorities
obedient
ready for every good work
speak evil of no one
avoid quarreling
be gentle
show perfect courtesy toward all people
devoted to good works
help cases of urgent need
There are more nuggets in Titus - but Paul's instructions are clear. We have to walk the talk.
Sometimes it is difficult to discern precisely what God is asking of us in specific situations, and there are times we extend kindness out of compassion not knowing if it is going to make a difference - but God sees our hearts. He is El Roi, the God who sees us. Whatever we give out of His love is just the same as giving it to Jesus. Sometimes we get to be God's hands extended...offering hope. We can't be the Holy Spirit. We can't step into the role of fixing something that is God's to achieve, but we can be His messengers, pointing others to Him in tangible ways. We are never the answer. But He is, and if reaching out and offering a helping hand points someone to Jesus and spiritual health, then it is worth the risk.
The same Jesus who took a few loaves and fishes and fed the multitudes lets us partner with Him to make a difference in the world. We are blessed to be a blessing, poured out for Him.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
SCAMS
Today is scam day apparently!
I went to my junk mail file to see if there was anything in it that is not junk....and found a notice 'from Wells Fargo' telling me my account had been compromised and that I needed to go to a specific site and fill out the correct information.... I called Wells Fargo to tell them about the scam. They asked me to send it to them via email. 1 down.
Then I opened the following 'personal' message:
Sincerely yours,
I went to my junk mail file to see if there was anything in it that is not junk....and found a notice 'from Wells Fargo' telling me my account had been compromised and that I needed to go to a specific site and fill out the correct information.... I called Wells Fargo to tell them about the scam. They asked me to send it to them via email. 1 down.
Then I opened the following 'personal' message:
Dear Beloved,
Let me first introduce myself to you, I am a citizen of Sudan but currently staying in Burkina Faso. My name is Miss Anita Justin Yak, 24 years old originated from Sudan. I got your E-mail address/profile through my internet search from your country national chamber of commerce when I was searching for a good and trust worthy person who will be my friend and I believe that it is better we get to know each other better and trust each other because I believe any good relationship will only last if it is built on truth and real love,
Let me first introduce myself to you, I am a citizen of Sudan but currently staying in Burkina Faso. My name is Miss Anita Justin Yak, 24 years old originated from Sudan. I got your E-mail address/profile through my internet search from your country national chamber of commerce when I was searching for a good and trust worthy person who will be my friend and I believe that it is better we get to know each other better and trust each other because I believe any good relationship will only last if it is built on truth and real love,
My father Dr. Justin Yak Arop was the former Minister for SPLA Affairs and Special Adviser to President Salva Kiir of South Sudan for Decentralization. My father Dr. Justin Yak and my mother including other top Military officers and top government officials had been on board when the plane crashed on Friday May 02, 2008. You can read more about the crash through the below site: (and she provided a link to the story). After the burial of my father, my uncles conspired and sold my father’s properties to a Chinese Expatriate and live nothing for me.
On a faithful morning, I opened my father's briefcase and found out the documents which he have deposited huge amount of money in one bank in Burkina Faso with my name as the next of kin. I travelled to Burkina Faso to withdraw the money so that I can start a better life and take care of myself.
On my arrival, the Branch manager of the Bank whom I met in person told me that my father's instruction to the bank was the money is release to me only when I am married or present a trustee who will help me and invest the money overseas. I have chosen to contact you after my prayers and I believe that you will not betray my trust. But rather take me as your own sister. Though you may wonder why I am so soon revealing myself to you without knowing you, well, I will say that my mind convinced me that you are the true person to help me.
More so, I will like to disclose much to you if you can help me to relocate to your country because my uncle has threatened to assassinate me. The amount is $7.2 Million and I have confirmed from the bank in Burkina Faso. You will also help me to place the money in a more profitable business venture in your Country. However, you will help by recommending a nice University in your country so that I can complete my studies.
On a faithful morning, I opened my father's briefcase and found out the documents which he have deposited huge amount of money in one bank in Burkina Faso with my name as the next of kin. I travelled to Burkina Faso to withdraw the money so that I can start a better life and take care of myself.
On my arrival, the Branch manager of the Bank whom I met in person told me that my father's instruction to the bank was the money is release to me only when I am married or present a trustee who will help me and invest the money overseas. I have chosen to contact you after my prayers and I believe that you will not betray my trust. But rather take me as your own sister. Though you may wonder why I am so soon revealing myself to you without knowing you, well, I will say that my mind convinced me that you are the true person to help me.
More so, I will like to disclose much to you if you can help me to relocate to your country because my uncle has threatened to assassinate me. The amount is $7.2 Million and I have confirmed from the bank in Burkina Faso. You will also help me to place the money in a more profitable business venture in your Country. However, you will help by recommending a nice University in your country so that I can complete my studies.
It is my intention to compensate you with 20% of the total money for your services and the balance shall be my capital in your establishment. As soon as I receive your interest in helping me, I will put things into action immediately. In the light of the above, I shall appreciate an urgent message indicating your ability and willingness to handle this transaction sincerely. Please do keep this only to yourself.
Sincerely yours,
Miss Anita Justin Yak.
It sounds so real, so sincere. It tugs at my heart - but as soon as I read the part about there being financial gain, I know it is a scam.
There are lots of other scams. In fact there were a few others in my junk mail just today - and some come via phone. One of my recent ones was a telephone call from a young man claiming to be my grandson, who told me a tall tale of desperation and need for financial rescue.
I know a person who fell for that one....
Then there are the truly legitimate ones. There is a family facing overwhelming issues. I got that call on Friday. I need wisdom.
Lord, only you can intervene!
It sounds so real, so sincere. It tugs at my heart - but as soon as I read the part about there being financial gain, I know it is a scam.
There are lots of other scams. In fact there were a few others in my junk mail just today - and some come via phone. One of my recent ones was a telephone call from a young man claiming to be my grandson, who told me a tall tale of desperation and need for financial rescue.
I know a person who fell for that one....
Then there are the truly legitimate ones. There is a family facing overwhelming issues. I got that call on Friday. I need wisdom.
Lord, only you can intervene!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
A Bit of Humor for Today
Subject: A BENEFIT OF HAVING RELATIVES IN HIGH PLACES!
Here is the way around the health insurance dilemma..........
A man suffered a serious heart attack while shopping in a store. The store
clerks called 911 when they saw him collapse to the floor. The paramedics
rushed the man to the nearest hospital where he had emergency open heart
bypass surgery.
He awakened from the surgery to find himself in the care of nuns at the
Catholic Hospital he was taken to. A nun was seated next to his bed holding
a clip board loaded with several forms, and a pen. She asked him how he was
going to pay for his treatment.
"Do you have health insurance?" she asked.
He replied in a raspy voice, "No health insurance."
The nun asked, "Do you have money in the bank?"
He replied, "No money in the bank."
"Do you have a relative who could help you with the payments?" asked the
irritated nun.
He said, "I only have a spinster sister, and she is a nun."
The nun became agitated and announced loudly, "Nuns are not spinsters! Nuns
are married to God."
The patient replied, "Perfect. Send the bill to my brother-in-law."
Here is the way around the health insurance dilemma..........
A man suffered a serious heart attack while shopping in a store. The store
clerks called 911 when they saw him collapse to the floor. The paramedics
rushed the man to the nearest hospital where he had emergency open heart
bypass surgery.
He awakened from the surgery to find himself in the care of nuns at the
Catholic Hospital he was taken to. A nun was seated next to his bed holding
a clip board loaded with several forms, and a pen. She asked him how he was
going to pay for his treatment.
"Do you have health insurance?" she asked.
He replied in a raspy voice, "No health insurance."
The nun asked, "Do you have money in the bank?"
He replied, "No money in the bank."
"Do you have a relative who could help you with the payments?" asked the
irritated nun.
He said, "I only have a spinster sister, and she is a nun."
The nun became agitated and announced loudly, "Nuns are not spinsters! Nuns
are married to God."
The patient replied, "Perfect. Send the bill to my brother-in-law."
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Rev Joe Wright's Prayer, 1996
The following prayer was delivered January 23, 1996 by the Rev. Joe Wright to open the legislative session in the Kansas House of Representatives.
Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and seek your direction and guidance. We know your Word says, “Woe to those who call evil good,” but that’s exactly what we’ve done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and inverted our values.
We confess that we have ridiculed the absolute truth of your Word and called it moral pluralism.
We have worshipped other gods and called it multi-culturalism.
We have endorsed perversion and called it an alternative lifestyle.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have neglected the needy and called it self-preservation.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem.
We have abused power and called it political savvy.
We have coveted our neighbors’ possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression.
We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.
Search us, O God, and know our hearts today; try us and see if there be some wicked way in us; cleanse us from every sin and set us free.
Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent here by the people of Kansas, and who have been ordained by you, to govern this great state. Grant them your wisdom to rule and may their decisions direct us to the center of your will. I ask it in the name of your Son, the living Savior, Jesus Christ.
Amen
[Rev. Wright is the pastor of the Central Christian Church of Wichita. You can find this prayer on their church website.]
At the time he prayed the prayer, the response was immediate. A number of Kansas legislators walked out in protest. It was not Rev. Wright’s intention to upset anyone – he merely prayed a prayer that acknowledges sin as sin.
He is right. We have lost our equilibrium. God is a God of love, but His love includes discipline and judgment. He draws us to Himself, forgives us, then turns us 180 degrees to a new life in Christ.
The 'pumpkin time of year' is an excellent time for the reminder that, just like the pumpkin, He cuts us open, scoops out everything that doesn't contribute to our being a light - - then places His light inside us and sets us out to be light in the darkness....
Friday, October 7, 2011
PHILIPPIANS 1
Paul wrote Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, and Philippians during his imprisonment in Rome in +-60-62 A D. All but Philemon were written to various specific churches, with the intention that the letters would be circular letters shared with each other. We know he wrote other letters during that time as well, as he refers specifically to writing one to the church at Laodicea (Colossians 4:16). But - we only have those that were preserved.
Philemon is not a letter to a church. It is a personal letter to Philemon, who was obviously a wealthy man who was a follower of Christ. The letter concerns his slave, Onesimus, who also became a follower of Christ, and the letter urges Philemon to regard his slave as a brother upon Onesimus' return to him following being in Paul's company.
Philippians is believed to be the final letter written from that period of imprisonment in Rome (of those we have recorded in the New Testament). Reading what Paul says in Philippians 1 with his imprisonment clearly in mind frames the words in the right context. He declares he prays with JOY. (verse 4), and declares that the purpose for his imprisonment was for the advancement of the gospel (verse 12). Wow! What an attitude adjustment during our imprisonment in whatever the circumstances are to think, "This is to glorify God." "This is for the advancement of the kingdom of God."
The encouragement even in Paul's imprisonment is that he had faithful friends who share the journey: The final greeting in Philemon tells us Paul was not left deserted in his suffering. He had a fellow prisoner who was a believer: Epaphras, and fellow workers who obviously came and shared what God was doing, who encouraged Paul: Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke. And - of course, the one who acted as secretary, which sometimes is identified as Timothy, and sometimes not identified at all.
It is a reminder that even in our 'prisons' (whatever those may be) we are not alone - God sends others to come alongside....
Philemon is not a letter to a church. It is a personal letter to Philemon, who was obviously a wealthy man who was a follower of Christ. The letter concerns his slave, Onesimus, who also became a follower of Christ, and the letter urges Philemon to regard his slave as a brother upon Onesimus' return to him following being in Paul's company.
Philippians is believed to be the final letter written from that period of imprisonment in Rome (of those we have recorded in the New Testament). Reading what Paul says in Philippians 1 with his imprisonment clearly in mind frames the words in the right context. He declares he prays with JOY. (verse 4), and declares that the purpose for his imprisonment was for the advancement of the gospel (verse 12). Wow! What an attitude adjustment during our imprisonment in whatever the circumstances are to think, "This is to glorify God." "This is for the advancement of the kingdom of God."
The encouragement even in Paul's imprisonment is that he had faithful friends who share the journey: The final greeting in Philemon tells us Paul was not left deserted in his suffering. He had a fellow prisoner who was a believer: Epaphras, and fellow workers who obviously came and shared what God was doing, who encouraged Paul: Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke. And - of course, the one who acted as secretary, which sometimes is identified as Timothy, and sometimes not identified at all.
It is a reminder that even in our 'prisons' (whatever those may be) we are not alone - God sends others to come alongside....
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
HE IS GOOD
We introduced a new chorus to the 8 a m worshipers on Sunday morning. It was one my friend sang in her former church in Oregon. It is simple, singable, and it has been been lilting through my mind over and over since learning it.
He is good, He is good
His love endures forever
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good
He is good, He is good
His love endures forever
Give thanks, for He is good.
Our last time singing it through we sang it to the Lord, not just about Him.
You are good, You are good
Your love endures forever
We give thanks to You, Lord, for You are good
You are good, You are good
Your love endures forever
We give thanks, for You are good
I love music! And I love choruses that proclaim His praises.
He is good. He defines good. Good rests in His hands, and flows through Him. The very definition of good is by His standard. There is no other.
You are good, Lord. Help me be conformed more and more to Your image.
He is good, He is good
His love endures forever
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good
He is good, He is good
His love endures forever
Give thanks, for He is good.
Our last time singing it through we sang it to the Lord, not just about Him.
You are good, You are good
Your love endures forever
We give thanks to You, Lord, for You are good
You are good, You are good
Your love endures forever
We give thanks, for You are good
I love music! And I love choruses that proclaim His praises.
He is good. He defines good. Good rests in His hands, and flows through Him. The very definition of good is by His standard. There is no other.
You are good, Lord. Help me be conformed more and more to Your image.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
COLOSSIANS 3
In my chronological reading of Paul's letters to various churches in his day, today's chapter is Colossians 3. Paul is in Rome in prison, and the letter was actually written for him by Timothy, his faithful sidekick.
This chapter reminds me of The Karate Kid - and wax on/ wax off. Paul lists what we should put on and what we should put off. The lists are great reminders for Christian living.
First he lists what we are to put to death (all that is earthly in us):
sexual immorality
impurity
passion
evil desire
covetousness (which is idolatry).
Then he lists what we are to put off:
anger
wrath
malice
slander
obscene talk
lying
And, finally, what we are to put on:
compassionate hearts
kindness
humility
meekness
patience (aka forbearance, bearing with one another)
forgiving one another, as the Lord has forgiven
love (above all) which binds everything together in perfect harmony
peace of Christ
thankfulness
And, whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
The original letter didn't have chapters, so the flow of writing segues to specific attention to some specific admonitions, then in verses 23 & 24 states, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive your inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Paul was being that faithful witness. Incarcerated in a prison in Rome, in chains for his faith, his concern was for others. Knowing where he was when he wrote Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, and Philippians, which were written during that period of incarceration, makes me pay closer attention to what was important to him to share.
Postscript:
It is interesting timing that Amanda Knox was just released from a prison in Rome yesterday. As I write she is on her way home to Seattle. She has proclaimed her innocence throughout the proceedings and the time imprisoned. Finally the majority vote of a jury has set her free. I pray that the truth will be found out. The victim's family and Amanda and her family deserve that. I also pray she pursues inner peace by trusting in God through his Son, Jesus Christ, for there is no true peace without Him! She has a lot to forgive, and I pray the Holy Spirit will help her do that....
This chapter reminds me of The Karate Kid - and wax on/ wax off. Paul lists what we should put on and what we should put off. The lists are great reminders for Christian living.
First he lists what we are to put to death (all that is earthly in us):
sexual immorality
impurity
passion
evil desire
covetousness (which is idolatry).
Then he lists what we are to put off:
anger
wrath
malice
slander
obscene talk
lying
And, finally, what we are to put on:
compassionate hearts
kindness
humility
meekness
patience (aka forbearance, bearing with one another)
forgiving one another, as the Lord has forgiven
love (above all) which binds everything together in perfect harmony
peace of Christ
thankfulness
And, whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
The original letter didn't have chapters, so the flow of writing segues to specific attention to some specific admonitions, then in verses 23 & 24 states, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive your inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Paul was being that faithful witness. Incarcerated in a prison in Rome, in chains for his faith, his concern was for others. Knowing where he was when he wrote Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, and Philippians, which were written during that period of incarceration, makes me pay closer attention to what was important to him to share.
Postscript:
It is interesting timing that Amanda Knox was just released from a prison in Rome yesterday. As I write she is on her way home to Seattle. She has proclaimed her innocence throughout the proceedings and the time imprisoned. Finally the majority vote of a jury has set her free. I pray that the truth will be found out. The victim's family and Amanda and her family deserve that. I also pray she pursues inner peace by trusting in God through his Son, Jesus Christ, for there is no true peace without Him! She has a lot to forgive, and I pray the Holy Spirit will help her do that....
Monday, October 3, 2011
BEING TRANSPARENT
A curse? A blessings? I guess it just depends on the circumstances!
Last week I met with 4 other ladies who comprise the 'prayer team' who are pre-praying in preparation for a ladies' retreat of our church. (I just l-o-v-e alliteration!) I suggested we each make a list of various areas we have grappled with and gained victory from through God's intervention in our lives to give to the women so they will know 'they are not alone' in the challenges of their lives, and that their prayer team will pray with them about any of those issues - or others.
God is still in the business of transforming lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. He uses the truth of His Word and His testimony - and the testimonies of others for whom He has intervened - and sharing those testimonies means we have to be transparent when He asks us to.
Being that transparent makes us vulnerable - but over and over I have found that God has taken the wounds of my past and used my story to help someone else. When He brings beauty from the ashes it is like making lemonade from lemons. It thrills my soul. And I feel vindicated!
The thing is: whatever our pasts have been, the issues we have dealt with can isolate us and make us feel we are the only ones going through 'whatever the garbage is', even though that isn't true. What a great poke in the eye we give the enemy of our souls when we become vulnerable in sharing our stories - and, in so doing, find freedom and friendship in the process. Being understood and enveloped in a loving, caring community is a wonderful result!
One of Satan's most frequently flaunted ploys is to divide and conquer. We don't have to participate in his plan! I know that sharing my story can lead to rejection - but that is a small risk for the good it can bring by being a faithful witness to God's amazing grace.
Obviously we aren't going to be completely transparent to everyone at all times. That isn't a mask, it's just wisdom. But - somewhere someone needs to know that God has not given up on them, and I am sharing an abbreviated list and synopsis of what I wrote this morning (to use for the women at the retreat) for that purpose.
Jesus came to bring the Good News of salvation to all who would believe. He takes us as we are, but He loves us too much to leave us that way. Just like the story of the pumpkin, he cleans out everything inside us that doesn't need to be there, then puts His light inside us so we can be a light for others.
I think that sometimes the reason we are reluctant to share our stories is that we are no longer the person we were when Jesus started working on us - but therein our testimony lies. He paid the price for every sin I ever committed, then purified me and made me His own.
So - this is a short list of some of the things I've dealt with. It is not all-inclusive, but it covers some of the major issues:
Last week I met with 4 other ladies who comprise the 'prayer team' who are pre-praying in preparation for a ladies' retreat of our church. (I just l-o-v-e alliteration!) I suggested we each make a list of various areas we have grappled with and gained victory from through God's intervention in our lives to give to the women so they will know 'they are not alone' in the challenges of their lives, and that their prayer team will pray with them about any of those issues - or others.
God is still in the business of transforming lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. He uses the truth of His Word and His testimony - and the testimonies of others for whom He has intervened - and sharing those testimonies means we have to be transparent when He asks us to.
Being that transparent makes us vulnerable - but over and over I have found that God has taken the wounds of my past and used my story to help someone else. When He brings beauty from the ashes it is like making lemonade from lemons. It thrills my soul. And I feel vindicated!
The thing is: whatever our pasts have been, the issues we have dealt with can isolate us and make us feel we are the only ones going through 'whatever the garbage is', even though that isn't true. What a great poke in the eye we give the enemy of our souls when we become vulnerable in sharing our stories - and, in so doing, find freedom and friendship in the process. Being understood and enveloped in a loving, caring community is a wonderful result!
One of Satan's most frequently flaunted ploys is to divide and conquer. We don't have to participate in his plan! I know that sharing my story can lead to rejection - but that is a small risk for the good it can bring by being a faithful witness to God's amazing grace.
Obviously we aren't going to be completely transparent to everyone at all times. That isn't a mask, it's just wisdom. But - somewhere someone needs to know that God has not given up on them, and I am sharing an abbreviated list and synopsis of what I wrote this morning (to use for the women at the retreat) for that purpose.
Jesus came to bring the Good News of salvation to all who would believe. He takes us as we are, but He loves us too much to leave us that way. Just like the story of the pumpkin, he cleans out everything inside us that doesn't need to be there, then puts His light inside us so we can be a light for others.
I think that sometimes the reason we are reluctant to share our stories is that we are no longer the person we were when Jesus started working on us - but therein our testimony lies. He paid the price for every sin I ever committed, then purified me and made me His own.
So - this is a short list of some of the things I've dealt with. It is not all-inclusive, but it covers some of the major issues:
Child molestation/sexual abuse
Suicide
Miscarriage
Divorce
Rejection
Despair
Conflict
Abbreviated explanation of issues above:
I was molested by my older cousin's husband when I was 11, then told not to tell or he would say I was a liar. It had a huge impact on my life - - both in trust and in being emotionally available for appropriate love. I buried it for a long time - - and finally 'remembered' it in a nightmare 25 years later. My God-directed response to the remembered pain was to do sexual abuse prevention education, and to help others. So - what Satan intended for evil, God transformed and used for His glory!
My mother committed suicide when I was 7. It was a huge loss. I internalized it - - believing that every mother wants a little girl - - and I was her only girl. I have 3 brothers - but I was her only little girl. What I concluded was that if I had been a good enough daughter, she would have stayed. That one was a tough one to get over. Added to that I had a challenging stepmother. But God taught me a lot about compassion and forgiveness through relating to her.
I married the wrong person the first time. It is a long story - but he was an interim pastor at the time I had a miscarriage.... I asked him if we could please get out of the ministry for long enough for me to be O K again, and he said there was nothing I could say or do that would get him to leave the ministry - - so I told him we needed to separate for awhile. There were other issues intertwined - - and I needed a huge readjustment in my life. I was trying too hard to be everything to everyone, and after the miscarriage I had nothing left to give.... I made some HUGE mistakes during that time.... (They're called sin!) Generally when people ask me why we divorced, I just tell them we were guilty of being 22. But - - living in an apartment attached to the church, with our living room and bedroom used weekly as Sunday School classrooms also placed us in a fishbowl. Hindsight is 20/20. Even had we been right for each other, we would have had some enormous challenges to overcome.
I was devastated by my failure. I had spent so long focused on doing the right thing that failure was unacceptable. I not only felt the impact of others' rejection - - but felt abandoned by God when I was at the very lowest place possible.
The only thing that kept me from committing suicide at that point was having a toddler who needed his mommy. After losing a parent to suicide, I knew how devastating that was - - and knew that, even though I felt no emotion at the time because I was so damaged and devastated, no one else would love or care for my son like I would. Sadly, at that juncture, my journey included abandoning God, because I was very angry with Him for letting me make a mistake.
I had originally vowed never to marry again - - but then I met Al. He was highly respected by his peers. That was my first attraction to him. We married 5 weeks after our first date. When I started bleeding and feared I was going to lose our first baby, I prayed this prayer, "God, I don't even know if you really exist, but if you do, and if you will save this baby, I will recommit my life to You." He did, and I did.
I live with my mistakes in the tension of fragmented relationships. There are family conflict issues still to be resolved - - but I see God's amazing grace every day of my life. I long for my husband to know Him, and I live daily with the conspicuous chasm between our beliefs - - but being firmly grounded in my faith while being loving and caring for my husband makes me a stronger Christian.
Many times I have heard people say that God will never give you more than you can handle. That isn't true for me. He has given me more than I could handle several times - - but He has never given me more than He could handle. For that I am eternally grateful. And - - even when I was faithless, He was faithful.
I am a child of God's grace. He not only took away my sin, after the mountain of sins I committed after my divorce, but He forgave the guilt of my sin. I know God changes lives, and I see the results of that every day. Praise the Lord!
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