People were attracted to Jesus because of his miracles. Turning multiple gallons of water into wine . Feeding thousands from just 5 loaves and 2 fish. Healing the sick. Raising the dead. They saw his miracles but most still didn't believe he was who he said he was. And, when his teaching became too difficult for them to understand, they walked away. To Jesus' subsequent inquiry to the Twelve asking if they wanted to leave him also, Peter replied, "To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."
Peter got it right. Even though he would later deny he knew Jesus in the midst of his fear and confusion, he had it right very early on. Faith demands trust when we don't understand. It demands that we walk by faith not by feeling. Feelings aren't reliable - but God is!
We must walk by faith, not by sight - and certainly not by feeling.
Reference: John 5 & 6
Monday, March 31, 2014
Sunday, March 30, 2014
LENT 2014 - DAY 26 - Blood Moons
My curiosity was tweaked yesterday by some information I saw on 'blood' moons and the prophecy that before that great and terrible day of the Lord prophesied in Joel about the moon turning to blood could be an eclipse identified as a blood moon....and that there are 4 of them predicted on seemingly significant dates for 2014 and 2015. My bubble burst when I found out today that they are not going to be visible from Israel.... It just seems that if they are significant to Israel, they should be visible from Jerusalem! But - it was a fun mental exercise, at least alerting me to the prophecy of Joel again, and an added encouragement for digging deeper.
Prophecy fascinates me. Past prophecies led Daniel to know when it was time for God to fulfill prophecy in his day. The same was true for Nehemiah.
We have seen some amazing prophecies fulfilled in our era: Israel becoming a nation again in 1948, after 2000 years of being scattered (as was predicted) with stories of miracles that helped them survive the ensuing war protesting their statehood.
Then there was the 6-day war of 1967 in which they recaptured Jerusalem so that Israel and Jerusalem were finally reunited.
There are a lot more prophecies related to Israel and to the end of time. There will be lots of false predictions to try to confuse the truth - - but the Holy Spirit will lead us in discerning what is true.
The good thing is: we should be looking forward to the unfolding of God's plan!
In the beginning....God.
At the end of time....God.
However he does what He is going to do, I just want to be aligned with His Word....but I can't see how it could be long before the final prophecies occur. The stage is set.
Prophecy fascinates me. Past prophecies led Daniel to know when it was time for God to fulfill prophecy in his day. The same was true for Nehemiah.
We have seen some amazing prophecies fulfilled in our era: Israel becoming a nation again in 1948, after 2000 years of being scattered (as was predicted) with stories of miracles that helped them survive the ensuing war protesting their statehood.
Then there was the 6-day war of 1967 in which they recaptured Jerusalem so that Israel and Jerusalem were finally reunited.
There are a lot more prophecies related to Israel and to the end of time. There will be lots of false predictions to try to confuse the truth - - but the Holy Spirit will lead us in discerning what is true.
The good thing is: we should be looking forward to the unfolding of God's plan!
In the beginning....God.
At the end of time....God.
However he does what He is going to do, I just want to be aligned with His Word....but I can't see how it could be long before the final prophecies occur. The stage is set.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
LENT 2014 - DAY 25: 6-day creation/ vs. evolution
I believe God created the world in 6 days. I watched Ken Ham and Bill Nye in their recent Creation/ Evolution debate, but nothing that was said made me falter in my belief. It actually is not a problem for me if people believe it took eons to create the world, and that the 'days' in Genesis could be ages of time instead of literal days. Even though I accept the account as written what matters to me is that God did it. In the beginning God.... All that matters to me is that He did it - and that He created man from the dust of the earth, making the timespan of man to date approximately 5775 years.
I thought both men did a good job of representing what they each believe, and I could understand the logic of Bill Nye's views, since he does not believe in God...but I know God can do anything - even get the appropriate animals to the right continents or create new ones at that point if needed.
One of the concerns expressed was that teaching Creation from the Bible will keep bright young people from becoming scientists. I disagree. Innovation, creativity and imagination are all consistent with living out Christian faith. If we are created in God's image and likeness, why wouldn't we create? He does! There are lots of Christian scientists!
I'm grateful I was inspired to go back to the basics for this time of spiritual reflection and renewal leading to the commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus (Yeshua). It is a solid foundation. When dark days come - - and they will - - I can still hold fast to that foundation. Bible basics are good to review!
If you haven't seen the debate, you can watch it online.
I thought both men did a good job of representing what they each believe, and I could understand the logic of Bill Nye's views, since he does not believe in God...but I know God can do anything - even get the appropriate animals to the right continents or create new ones at that point if needed.
One of the concerns expressed was that teaching Creation from the Bible will keep bright young people from becoming scientists. I disagree. Innovation, creativity and imagination are all consistent with living out Christian faith. If we are created in God's image and likeness, why wouldn't we create? He does! There are lots of Christian scientists!
I'm grateful I was inspired to go back to the basics for this time of spiritual reflection and renewal leading to the commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus (Yeshua). It is a solid foundation. When dark days come - - and they will - - I can still hold fast to that foundation. Bible basics are good to review!
If you haven't seen the debate, you can watch it online.
Friday, March 28, 2014
LENT 2014 - DAY 24
I INTENSELY DISLIKE CONFLICT.
That being said, I seem to get into more than my share of it. Part of that stems from standing up for what I know to be Truth. At one point in my life I had to decide whether to seek man's approval or God's and I chose the latter. People's approval is often erratic and illogical. I will not stand before man as my eternal judge, but I will stand before God. His opinion matters. It has eternal consequences!
What a tight wire we live on! Seeking to be gentle, while standing up for what the Bible clearly teaches. I frequently don't like the 'hills' that are chosen for me to engage on - - but if not now, when; if not me, whom?
Lord, grant me grace and wisdom....
That being said, I seem to get into more than my share of it. Part of that stems from standing up for what I know to be Truth. At one point in my life I had to decide whether to seek man's approval or God's and I chose the latter. People's approval is often erratic and illogical. I will not stand before man as my eternal judge, but I will stand before God. His opinion matters. It has eternal consequences!
What a tight wire we live on! Seeking to be gentle, while standing up for what the Bible clearly teaches. I frequently don't like the 'hills' that are chosen for me to engage on - - but if not now, when; if not me, whom?
Lord, grant me grace and wisdom....
Thursday, March 27, 2014
LENT 2014 - DAY 23
Today has provided lots of opportunity for reflection and observation. While waiting for my grandson to get out of school I read several pages in a book I recently started, intending to read it when I was just sitting and waiting. It triggered a thought trail today I have never considered. Why did Cain become the person he was?
He obviously was miffed that God didn't accept his sacrifice, as He had accepted Abel's. And God gave him a pep talk about that....and that's all we have recorded - - but it got me wondering. Did he feel it was 'unfair' that God booted them out of the garden of Eden? Did he grow up with a chip on his shoulder and a sense of entitlement? What had Adam and Eve told him? Except for his parent's erroneous mistake he could have been royalty instead of a laborer. He had to deal with weeds. And he definitely had an attitude problem. He murdered Abel prior to capital punishment being instituted, so was banned from God's presence instead. That would be worse. To have known God and then be banished....
I am so grateful that God came to restore a right relationship with Him, through the blood of His one and only Son, the perfect Lamb.
Thank you for giving Your life, so I could be in relationship with You. I'm amazed by You....
He obviously was miffed that God didn't accept his sacrifice, as He had accepted Abel's. And God gave him a pep talk about that....and that's all we have recorded - - but it got me wondering. Did he feel it was 'unfair' that God booted them out of the garden of Eden? Did he grow up with a chip on his shoulder and a sense of entitlement? What had Adam and Eve told him? Except for his parent's erroneous mistake he could have been royalty instead of a laborer. He had to deal with weeds. And he definitely had an attitude problem. He murdered Abel prior to capital punishment being instituted, so was banned from God's presence instead. That would be worse. To have known God and then be banished....
I am so grateful that God came to restore a right relationship with Him, through the blood of His one and only Son, the perfect Lamb.
Thank you for giving Your life, so I could be in relationship with You. I'm amazed by You....
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
LENT 2014 - DAY 22
Oso. In Spanish it means bear. It is also translated as predator. This past Saturday (March 22, 2014) a heavily forested mountain across the river from a close-knit neighborhood in the small town of Oso became that predator and created one of the largest landslides Washington State has ever experienced. Tons and tons of dirt, rocks and trees buried Oso and most of its residents and visitors. The shock waves of the event continue as news coverage reveals the devastation to families of loved ones whose lives were snuffed out in that tragic awful moment. As the death toll rises individuals are being identified, their stories told. It is heartbreaking.
One of the tragedies is that there was plenty of advance warning that this type of event could occur - and those who should have read the report either didn't read it or ignored it. Multiple prior slides gave geologists the information needed to state definitively that a massive slide was a likelihood - not 'if' but 'when' was the issue. And when happened.
The only light in this dark, dark tunnel are a few wonderful stories of rescues that occurred - but they are far too few!
The Bible has forewarnings for us!
There is another tragedy to be averted. We have warnings of the end of time, clear warnings - and yet many ignore those as well. All the evidence is there:
As it was in the days of Noah.... It will be the same at the end of time. As horrible as what happened in Oso is, it could draw people to God, if they recognize that the warnings about that event went unheeded....and there is a much larger event coming we have been alerted to, but many are ignoring.
My deepest sympathy to those who have lost loved ones. As impossible as it sounds, God is there in the midst of the pain and sorrow, hurting with you; and throughout our wonderful state and country, you are in our prayers.
We grieve with those who grieve, mourn with those who mourn, and share your joy in the stories that have surfaced offering a few rays of hope in an otherwise very dark disaster.
One of the tragedies is that there was plenty of advance warning that this type of event could occur - and those who should have read the report either didn't read it or ignored it. Multiple prior slides gave geologists the information needed to state definitively that a massive slide was a likelihood - not 'if' but 'when' was the issue. And when happened.
The only light in this dark, dark tunnel are a few wonderful stories of rescues that occurred - but they are far too few!
The Bible has forewarnings for us!
There is another tragedy to be averted. We have warnings of the end of time, clear warnings - and yet many ignore those as well. All the evidence is there:
As it was in the days of Noah.... It will be the same at the end of time. As horrible as what happened in Oso is, it could draw people to God, if they recognize that the warnings about that event went unheeded....and there is a much larger event coming we have been alerted to, but many are ignoring.
My deepest sympathy to those who have lost loved ones. As impossible as it sounds, God is there in the midst of the pain and sorrow, hurting with you; and throughout our wonderful state and country, you are in our prayers.
We grieve with those who grieve, mourn with those who mourn, and share your joy in the stories that have surfaced offering a few rays of hope in an otherwise very dark disaster.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
LENT 2014 - DAY 21
I love the story of the Samaritan woman who came to the well at noon to draw water to avoid the other women in their earlier morning visit to the well. Jewish men didn't speak to Samaritan women. In fact they didn't even customarily speak to Samaritan men - certainly not civilly. Yet there Jesus was, sitting at the well, waiting for her to come.
And what did he do? He put himself in need of her, asking her for a drink of water as his segue to offering her living water. I love the account of the story as related in John 4.
When the disciples got back from their trek into town they urged Jesus to eat something. His response was most peculiar - "I have food to eat that you do not know about" and then he clarified that even further when he said, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work."
His response to his disciples should be our mantra as well. We will not find joy or fulfillment unless we are doing the will of him who saved us.... We are saved from something but we are also saved to something. From death to life!
And what did he do? He put himself in need of her, asking her for a drink of water as his segue to offering her living water. I love the account of the story as related in John 4.
When the disciples got back from their trek into town they urged Jesus to eat something. His response was most peculiar - "I have food to eat that you do not know about" and then he clarified that even further when he said, "My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work."
His response to his disciples should be our mantra as well. We will not find joy or fulfillment unless we are doing the will of him who saved us.... We are saved from something but we are also saved to something. From death to life!
Monday, March 24, 2014
LENT 2014 - DAY 20 - Beyond Belief
Belief is foundational. Belief is personal. Belief is essential.
A few years ago I overheard a young woman at church say, "I'm not sure that I believe what I believe." An interesting statement that I translated as, 'I know what my church teaches. I know what my parents believe, but I'm having doubts.'
She knew what her parents believed, and she had been raised in church, but belief is not passed on genetically, like brown eyes or cowlicks. Belief is born within the individual through hearing and faith.
Once we place our faith in Jesus Christ, we are 'born again' - born not of the flesh, but of the Spirit - but even so, there will be moments when doubts or discouragement crowd in. And in those moments, the solution is to immerse ourselves in God's Word, rehearing the myriad stories of the Bible which affirm the amazing testimonies of God's interaction with man; reviewing the prophecies foretelling the coming of the Messiah, and the evidence that Jesus is precisely who He claimed to be; reminding ourselves of people whose lives have been amazingly changed because of their encounters with Jesus. Faith comes by hearing!
Faith also has to be acted upon. Faith means going beyond belief and living in obedience to God in response to the Holy Spirit's leading. That's what Jesus' younger brother James tells us in James 2:14-20:
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Our response to God's love is to love God and love others. Love is an action verb. We become "see a need, fill a need" people. We aren't all called to the same tasks, and the works we do don't save us, but they do reflect Jesus' love to and for others. We find the fulfillment of our faith in doing good, and we are admonished not to grow weary in that pursuit.
Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
2 Thessalonians 3:13
As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.
Basic Christianity involves doing good - even to/for those who are hateful and unkind to us. We may not always feel the warm-fuzzy love of warm affection toward everyone, but our actions have to portray the faith we profess. Jesus made that clear in the Sermon on the Mount.
Matthew 5:43-48
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
It clearly means doing the right thing even when someone doesn't deserve it - which is just another reminder of the grace we receive from a loving God who has not punished us with what we actually deserve....
Sin deserves punishment. We have all sinned. But He came and took the blame, bore our sin, forgave us for what our sin caused Him to go through, and now He intercedes for us.... What an amazing, wonderful God!
A few years ago I overheard a young woman at church say, "I'm not sure that I believe what I believe." An interesting statement that I translated as, 'I know what my church teaches. I know what my parents believe, but I'm having doubts.'
She knew what her parents believed, and she had been raised in church, but belief is not passed on genetically, like brown eyes or cowlicks. Belief is born within the individual through hearing and faith.
Once we place our faith in Jesus Christ, we are 'born again' - born not of the flesh, but of the Spirit - but even so, there will be moments when doubts or discouragement crowd in. And in those moments, the solution is to immerse ourselves in God's Word, rehearing the myriad stories of the Bible which affirm the amazing testimonies of God's interaction with man; reviewing the prophecies foretelling the coming of the Messiah, and the evidence that Jesus is precisely who He claimed to be; reminding ourselves of people whose lives have been amazingly changed because of their encounters with Jesus. Faith comes by hearing!
Faith also has to be acted upon. Faith means going beyond belief and living in obedience to God in response to the Holy Spirit's leading. That's what Jesus' younger brother James tells us in James 2:14-20:
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
Our response to God's love is to love God and love others. Love is an action verb. We become "see a need, fill a need" people. We aren't all called to the same tasks, and the works we do don't save us, but they do reflect Jesus' love to and for others. We find the fulfillment of our faith in doing good, and we are admonished not to grow weary in that pursuit.
Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
2 Thessalonians 3:13
As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.
Basic Christianity involves doing good - even to/for those who are hateful and unkind to us. We may not always feel the warm-fuzzy love of warm affection toward everyone, but our actions have to portray the faith we profess. Jesus made that clear in the Sermon on the Mount.
Matthew 5:43-48
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
It clearly means doing the right thing even when someone doesn't deserve it - which is just another reminder of the grace we receive from a loving God who has not punished us with what we actually deserve....
Sin deserves punishment. We have all sinned. But He came and took the blame, bore our sin, forgave us for what our sin caused Him to go through, and now He intercedes for us.... What an amazing, wonderful God!
Sunday, March 23, 2014
LENT 2014 - DAY 19
We are almost at the half way mark for Lent 2014.
My blog this year seems like Christianity 101. That would be a fair assessment in going back to the basics, but I needed to do that. Yeshua ha Mashiach (Ioseos Christos, Jesus the Messiah) is obviously the foundation of Christian faith. When his name was translated to English the Greek parallel was commonly used, making him Jesus Christ. He is the cornerstone, the solid Rock, the One on whom our faith is built. He is Truth.
We begin there in getting back to basics. It is the foundation of belief, and belief requires faith - but even that is a gift from God. Sometimes we say with the man in the story in Mark 9, "Lord I believe. Help my unbelief." We aren't super-heros. We occasionally falter in our faith, but Faith is what keeps us hanging on, and both in God's Word and through the testimonies of His faithful followers we see faith lived out, and faith fulfilled.
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Romans 10:17.
Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that rewards those who diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6.
My blog this year seems like Christianity 101. That would be a fair assessment in going back to the basics, but I needed to do that. Yeshua ha Mashiach (Ioseos Christos, Jesus the Messiah) is obviously the foundation of Christian faith. When his name was translated to English the Greek parallel was commonly used, making him Jesus Christ. He is the cornerstone, the solid Rock, the One on whom our faith is built. He is Truth.
We begin there in getting back to basics. It is the foundation of belief, and belief requires faith - but even that is a gift from God. Sometimes we say with the man in the story in Mark 9, "Lord I believe. Help my unbelief." We aren't super-heros. We occasionally falter in our faith, but Faith is what keeps us hanging on, and both in God's Word and through the testimonies of His faithful followers we see faith lived out, and faith fulfilled.
Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Romans 10:17.
Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that rewards those who diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
LENT 2014: DAY 18 - Further Clarification on Mark Verses
I like being informed. I like having accurate facts and information from which to draw my conclusions. With that in mind I need to clarify a bit more about my statement yesterday about Mark 16. The only part I excerpted and focused on as inaccurate information to base faith and doctrine on was the part that has no corroboration in other Gospel writers accounts; but to be completely clear about what was not originally in the old texts of Mark's gospel, I need to point out that Mark 16: 9 -20 is all missing....
You can use your Search engine - I used Google - and find all of the verses that were not in the original texts of the New Testament. Most were conspicuously borrowed from other texts and inserted, and are consistent with what all of the Bible teaches, so they are not the ones that concern me.
What does concern me is the one fragment I mentioned yesterday because it is an inconsistency that has been a game changer for some people - and it is in error. But, to be absolutely transparent, we need to explore all of what was added.
There is a disclaimer at the beginning of these verses in my ESV translation, and in another translation these verses are only listed as a footnote and are not in the main body of the text at all, but in the King James Version there was no disclaimer, and that's a significant part of the problem.
Mark 16: 9 - 20 ESV:
[Now when he rose on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.
After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover."
So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.]
There is absolutely nothing in this that causes concern for me except the verses I pointed out yesterday. It appears that it was not until about 600 A D that the other verses were added. I don't know when for sure, obviously, but of all the other snippets of verses that were borrowed from other texts and added over the years it is only the part about snakes and poison that are questionable. And my point still remains: I wouldn't base my doctrine on them.
As for all of the rest of the New Testament, there is nothing else that creates any conflict. Because verse 18 always did bother me, it is actually a relief that it wasn't originally there. My research indicates that the King James was translated from later texts, and once earlier texts were found and available for comparison, it was discovered that those verses were not there, and of the verses added, only this one raises red flags. It appears to be a very early manipulation of the text - and that is why many translations either leave it out completely or acknowledge it only with a disclaimer or footnote.
The good news is that it is the only thing in error that I have found. It is amazing how purely God's Word has been maintained through thousands of years. And, it still speaks to us today. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. We cannot grow spiritually without being fed, and our spiritual food is God's written Word.
Just like the little song in the musical I wrote states, "Ya got ta read da Word if you want to grow!"
That's the most basic of all basics in a Christian's basic training. You have to read the manual! Then after we read it we need to study it, to compare various writers and see how what we read fits with the whole of the Bible. Letting the Bible translate the Bible is our best resource...and if something doesn't make sense, as it doesn't in this case, we shouldn't base theology or action on it. God does heal. God does protect. But he does not command us to pick up snakes or drink poison to prove it.
You can use your Search engine - I used Google - and find all of the verses that were not in the original texts of the New Testament. Most were conspicuously borrowed from other texts and inserted, and are consistent with what all of the Bible teaches, so they are not the ones that concern me.
What does concern me is the one fragment I mentioned yesterday because it is an inconsistency that has been a game changer for some people - and it is in error. But, to be absolutely transparent, we need to explore all of what was added.
There is a disclaimer at the beginning of these verses in my ESV translation, and in another translation these verses are only listed as a footnote and are not in the main body of the text at all, but in the King James Version there was no disclaimer, and that's a significant part of the problem.
Mark 16: 9 - 20 ESV:
[Now when he rose on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.
After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.
Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover."
So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.]
There is absolutely nothing in this that causes concern for me except the verses I pointed out yesterday. It appears that it was not until about 600 A D that the other verses were added. I don't know when for sure, obviously, but of all the other snippets of verses that were borrowed from other texts and added over the years it is only the part about snakes and poison that are questionable. And my point still remains: I wouldn't base my doctrine on them.
As for all of the rest of the New Testament, there is nothing else that creates any conflict. Because verse 18 always did bother me, it is actually a relief that it wasn't originally there. My research indicates that the King James was translated from later texts, and once earlier texts were found and available for comparison, it was discovered that those verses were not there, and of the verses added, only this one raises red flags. It appears to be a very early manipulation of the text - and that is why many translations either leave it out completely or acknowledge it only with a disclaimer or footnote.
The good news is that it is the only thing in error that I have found. It is amazing how purely God's Word has been maintained through thousands of years. And, it still speaks to us today. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. We cannot grow spiritually without being fed, and our spiritual food is God's written Word.
Just like the little song in the musical I wrote states, "Ya got ta read da Word if you want to grow!"
That's the most basic of all basics in a Christian's basic training. You have to read the manual! Then after we read it we need to study it, to compare various writers and see how what we read fits with the whole of the Bible. Letting the Bible translate the Bible is our best resource...and if something doesn't make sense, as it doesn't in this case, we shouldn't base theology or action on it. God does heal. God does protect. But he does not command us to pick up snakes or drink poison to prove it.
Friday, March 21, 2014
LENT 2014 - DAY 17: How to identify what is counterfeit
I was once told that when it comes to telling real bills from counterfeit bills the way to know the difference is to study the authentic. When you know the real bills thoroughly, the nuances in the counterfeit stand out in sharp contrast. The look, the feel, the watermarks, the numbering....it all means something to the trained eye.
The same concept is true with knowing God's Truth. When you study the authentic (God's written Word, the Bible) the counterfeit (everything else written as a guide specific to a certain religion) is exposed as falling short of the real.
Those who want to find the errors of the Bible by studying it often become followers. Certainly anyone who is on a quest for Truth will!
I don't have to know everything about every religion to be conversant with arguing a point. I don't have to argue at all. All I have to do is point the questioner to Jesus and His written Word. God is up to the challenge!
If someone tells me there is 'another testament' I can point them to Jesus statement saying, "It is finished." If someone says someone else is the way to God, I can point them to Jesus own words, when He said, "No man comes to the Father except through me." I don't have to know the false to know the true.
That being said, there are a few things in our present day Bibles that weren't there in the first hand-printed copies, and I find that quite frustrating - - but if we let the Bible interpret the Bible, the questionable is minor enough to disregard. The message of the Truth is reiterated over and over in varying ways. When I find something that is only mentioned once, I question it. We should!
I'll give you an example.
Mark 16:18 is not in the original texts. It appears someone elaborated on the text and it got passed down through subsequent generations that way.
It says, "they will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison it will not hurt them at all."
That statement is not repeated by any of the other Gospel writers, nor is it repeated in the Epistles. I would not want to base my theology on that text, nor trust it to mean I should go pick up deadly snakes and play with them or drink poison as part of worship to prove God's protection.
The same concept is true with knowing God's Truth. When you study the authentic (God's written Word, the Bible) the counterfeit (everything else written as a guide specific to a certain religion) is exposed as falling short of the real.
Those who want to find the errors of the Bible by studying it often become followers. Certainly anyone who is on a quest for Truth will!
I don't have to know everything about every religion to be conversant with arguing a point. I don't have to argue at all. All I have to do is point the questioner to Jesus and His written Word. God is up to the challenge!
If someone tells me there is 'another testament' I can point them to Jesus statement saying, "It is finished." If someone says someone else is the way to God, I can point them to Jesus own words, when He said, "No man comes to the Father except through me." I don't have to know the false to know the true.
That being said, there are a few things in our present day Bibles that weren't there in the first hand-printed copies, and I find that quite frustrating - - but if we let the Bible interpret the Bible, the questionable is minor enough to disregard. The message of the Truth is reiterated over and over in varying ways. When I find something that is only mentioned once, I question it. We should!
I'll give you an example.
Mark 16:18 is not in the original texts. It appears someone elaborated on the text and it got passed down through subsequent generations that way.
It says, "they will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison it will not hurt them at all."
That statement is not repeated by any of the other Gospel writers, nor is it repeated in the Epistles. I would not want to base my theology on that text, nor trust it to mean I should go pick up deadly snakes and play with them or drink poison as part of worship to prove God's protection.
Reliable translations are careful to point out that this section was an addition not found in any original texts. Other parts of the 'added verses' are true, and are corroborated in other places in the Bible - - but not that one specific statement. Certainly Pau was bitten by a viper and didn't die. I have no doubt of God's protection when various people have been subjected to danger and should have perished. But - we are not to tempt God's good favor, and we don't check our brains at the door. If something doesn't seem right, 'suss it out, as they say in New Zealand.
God's Word is faithful and true and He stands up to being viewed as though through a microscope.
The reason I know that verse is counterfeit is because I know God's heart as revealed in God's Word, and that promise is not corroborated anywhere else. That is not to say it cannot happen. My God is a miracle worker!
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Our faith must be placed in Him, not in the dramatic. Just saying, it wouldn't be the foundation for my assessing Truth!
By the way, Happy Spring! Spring bounces back and forth between March 20 and March 21 depending on the year, and this year Spring started yesterday! Welcome Spring. Welcome occasional warmth and sunny days. Welcome flowers. Thank you, Lord, for all of it!
Thursday, March 20, 2014
LENT 2014 - DAY 16 - Humility
True humility is knowing that God is God and I am not. And, having true humility is a basic Christian ethic.
Humility is viewing ourselves in right relationship to God and giving Him all the credit and all the glory and keeping none of it for ourselves. That means not taking credit for what God does through us. We are His servants.
Luke 17:10 (ESV) says, "So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, "We are unworthy servants, we have done only what was our duty."
That being said, it does not mean denigrating ourselves or putting on an air of false humility that denies God's work in or through our lives.
Deferring to God's sovereignty in true humility sometimes means not shouting so loudly for our personal rights that we step into a precarious role of interfering with God's longterm plan. It requires deferring to others in situations where that is not necessarily fair.
That's a lot to chew on, and will give me plenty to think about today.
.........
I cannot see the front of the tapestry right now. What I see is the backside with all the knots and disarray, but I know God's promises, and choose to place my faith fully in His plan, knowing that ultimately He has good in mind. May it be so.
Humility is viewing ourselves in right relationship to God and giving Him all the credit and all the glory and keeping none of it for ourselves. That means not taking credit for what God does through us. We are His servants.
Luke 17:10 (ESV) says, "So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, "We are unworthy servants, we have done only what was our duty."
That being said, it does not mean denigrating ourselves or putting on an air of false humility that denies God's work in or through our lives.
Deferring to God's sovereignty in true humility sometimes means not shouting so loudly for our personal rights that we step into a precarious role of interfering with God's longterm plan. It requires deferring to others in situations where that is not necessarily fair.
That's a lot to chew on, and will give me plenty to think about today.
.........
I cannot see the front of the tapestry right now. What I see is the backside with all the knots and disarray, but I know God's promises, and choose to place my faith fully in His plan, knowing that ultimately He has good in mind. May it be so.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
LENT 2014 - DAY 15 - Discipline
One of the basics of Christianity is discipline. It is intertwined with faithfulness, and it is lived out in our lives when we reflect Christian values and ideals in living out our faith. Discipline requires action.
It takes discipline to be faithful in Bible reading, faithful in study, faithful in prayer, faithful in taking our thoughts captive, faithful in church attendance, faithful in service for others, faithful in doing unto others as we would have done to us. It takes discipline to be the person God wants us to be, and a life of discipline is a perpetual journey.
Life requires many disciplines to be lived well - - but the Christian's life extends beyond the minimums and becomes an abundant life filled to the brim with Jesus' love, which overflows to those around us.
The church I attend has a motto: Live well; die ready.
From the moment I first heard it I didn't like it as a church motto because it requires too much explanation. It doesn't define clearly within itself what 'living well' means. If someone admonishes me to "Live well" I can easily focus on healthy living habits: what I ingest; getting adequate and appropriate exercise; getting adequate sleep; being responsible by having regular medical check-ups and following Doctor's orders when something needs fixing; making wise financial choices.... The list goes on and on, as it involves exercising self-discipline in every aspect of life.
"Living well" sounds too much like the 1928 presidential campaign slogan promising the security of "a chicken in each pot and a car in every garage" - and we all know how that worked out. A mere 7 months later the great depression hit. I don't want a false image of what it means to live life well. Many of the lives lived well have meant living in poverty and self-denial. "Living well" as a goal without knowing what that really means from a truly Christian perspective can be terribly misconstrued.
If someone says to me, "Live holy; die ready." I get it right away. How I live my life here is in direct correlation to being ready to die. 'Ready to die' means assessing and being assured that I am ready to meet my Maker, ready to stand before Him, and ready to embrace the timelessness of eternity in God's presence. And I can only have that assurance through holy living - living by God's standard. And, to live by God's standard we live in His righteousness, not our own - but that takes discipline!
And so the bunny trail finds resolution:
So - what they mean when they say "Live well" is ultimately parametered by the 2nd half which states "die ready" - and that is the part that informs the way I should live. In reality, maybe it isn't so bad for a motto after all. It should make people think: "Am I ready to die?" And to assess what kind of living leads us to being able to say a resounding 'yes' to that question.
What the motto does speak to is intentionality. We cannot go on auto pilot and live life well, Christian or not. How we live has consequences - not just consequences here on earth - but eternal consequences. As Christians we have a very specific goal. We are on a journey and our destination is clear. We want to live in such a way that our Master will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joys of the Lord." Our goal is to be with Him forever, and ever, and ever, and ever, and ever, and ever.... Amen!
Discipline is a requirement of getting back to the basics. It is living out Yeshua's teachings intentionally. I want to be an intentional Christian. I want to live in such a way that others will see a reflection of God's love for them mirrored through me.
A few years ago God spoke to me and said, "I want you to contend for what I contend for." I asked Him multiple times exactly what He meant by that, and after several months he responded with a more definitive reply: "I want you to contend for Truth. I want you to contend for man's souls." That is what God cares about. He cares about Truth - and He cares about each and every soul of mankind.
He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. That is His heart's desire! No one is exempt from His invitation. Not everyone will accept - but God's wish is that they would. Some people misinterpret this to say that since it is not God's will that any perish, no one will - but that is not the truth. The truth is that the greatest sin of all is rejecting His offer of salvation - and for those who do not receive Jesus and thereby become children of God, there will be punishment of their sin, which will mean eternal separation from God and all that is good.
Those are Bible basics.
It takes discipline to be faithful in Bible reading, faithful in study, faithful in prayer, faithful in taking our thoughts captive, faithful in church attendance, faithful in service for others, faithful in doing unto others as we would have done to us. It takes discipline to be the person God wants us to be, and a life of discipline is a perpetual journey.
Life requires many disciplines to be lived well - - but the Christian's life extends beyond the minimums and becomes an abundant life filled to the brim with Jesus' love, which overflows to those around us.
The church I attend has a motto: Live well; die ready.
From the moment I first heard it I didn't like it as a church motto because it requires too much explanation. It doesn't define clearly within itself what 'living well' means. If someone admonishes me to "Live well" I can easily focus on healthy living habits: what I ingest; getting adequate and appropriate exercise; getting adequate sleep; being responsible by having regular medical check-ups and following Doctor's orders when something needs fixing; making wise financial choices.... The list goes on and on, as it involves exercising self-discipline in every aspect of life.
"Living well" sounds too much like the 1928 presidential campaign slogan promising the security of "a chicken in each pot and a car in every garage" - and we all know how that worked out. A mere 7 months later the great depression hit. I don't want a false image of what it means to live life well. Many of the lives lived well have meant living in poverty and self-denial. "Living well" as a goal without knowing what that really means from a truly Christian perspective can be terribly misconstrued.
If someone says to me, "Live holy; die ready." I get it right away. How I live my life here is in direct correlation to being ready to die. 'Ready to die' means assessing and being assured that I am ready to meet my Maker, ready to stand before Him, and ready to embrace the timelessness of eternity in God's presence. And I can only have that assurance through holy living - living by God's standard. And, to live by God's standard we live in His righteousness, not our own - but that takes discipline!
And so the bunny trail finds resolution:
So - what they mean when they say "Live well" is ultimately parametered by the 2nd half which states "die ready" - and that is the part that informs the way I should live. In reality, maybe it isn't so bad for a motto after all. It should make people think: "Am I ready to die?" And to assess what kind of living leads us to being able to say a resounding 'yes' to that question.
What the motto does speak to is intentionality. We cannot go on auto pilot and live life well, Christian or not. How we live has consequences - not just consequences here on earth - but eternal consequences. As Christians we have a very specific goal. We are on a journey and our destination is clear. We want to live in such a way that our Master will say, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joys of the Lord." Our goal is to be with Him forever, and ever, and ever, and ever, and ever, and ever.... Amen!
Discipline is a requirement of getting back to the basics. It is living out Yeshua's teachings intentionally. I want to be an intentional Christian. I want to live in such a way that others will see a reflection of God's love for them mirrored through me.
A few years ago God spoke to me and said, "I want you to contend for what I contend for." I asked Him multiple times exactly what He meant by that, and after several months he responded with a more definitive reply: "I want you to contend for Truth. I want you to contend for man's souls." That is what God cares about. He cares about Truth - and He cares about each and every soul of mankind.
He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. That is His heart's desire! No one is exempt from His invitation. Not everyone will accept - but God's wish is that they would. Some people misinterpret this to say that since it is not God's will that any perish, no one will - but that is not the truth. The truth is that the greatest sin of all is rejecting His offer of salvation - and for those who do not receive Jesus and thereby become children of God, there will be punishment of their sin, which will mean eternal separation from God and all that is good.
Those are Bible basics.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
LENT 2014 - DAY 14 - Humor Even in sadness
My middle daughter's 'other mother' just got horrible news this past week - - horrible news that means her husband, sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren and others who care for her also got horrible news. She experienced loss of half of her vision in each eye, and on Wednesday was told that she has inoperable brain cancer. It is shocking news!
When my daughter and son-in-law sat down with their 3 children (ages 7, 10 & 14) on Wednesday after the diagnosis, they told them the truth about what was found, and the prognosis. That news brought immediate tears. In comforting the children they explained that the Doctor said Nana should go do everything fun she has ever wanted to do right away, while she can, and that they'd still be going on the cruise planned for next month.... (It is one of Nana's 'bucket list' items, and was already scheduled in December. Amazing timing....you'd think God had it all in His knowing and was working out important details.... It's obvious to me He was!)
So, through tears and sobs, our youngest granddaughter said, "Maybe Jesus will come back before Nana dies so she doesn't have to die." That thought was quickly followed by, "But it sure would be a bummer if He came back before the cruise."
In the midst of the most extreme sadness, levity.
The next morning, my granddaughter told my daughter, "It's O K if Jesus comes before the cruise. I'm sure we'll have an even better one in heaven." She's 7 - and eternity is etched in her soul.
Life is short. Eternity is a L - O - N - G time. God gave us a manual - a travel guide - and it tells us the route for getting to our final destination. B-I-B-L-E: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.
The Old Testament looks forward to the coming of the Messiah and the New Testament reveals him and God's eternal plan. Yeshua ha Meshiach, Jesus the Messiah. If someone has never read the Bible, I recommend starting in the New Testament - and John tells us the most basic of basics:
John 3:16 is not just for signs at ballgames - but it is truth encapsulated:
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life.
Verse 17 is also instructive: For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved.
He paid the price for our salvation. It is a gift bought with His blood as the final sacrifice ever required. We can accept the gift - or reject it. It's our choice. That's Bible basics at its core.
When my daughter and son-in-law sat down with their 3 children (ages 7, 10 & 14) on Wednesday after the diagnosis, they told them the truth about what was found, and the prognosis. That news brought immediate tears. In comforting the children they explained that the Doctor said Nana should go do everything fun she has ever wanted to do right away, while she can, and that they'd still be going on the cruise planned for next month.... (It is one of Nana's 'bucket list' items, and was already scheduled in December. Amazing timing....you'd think God had it all in His knowing and was working out important details.... It's obvious to me He was!)
So, through tears and sobs, our youngest granddaughter said, "Maybe Jesus will come back before Nana dies so she doesn't have to die." That thought was quickly followed by, "But it sure would be a bummer if He came back before the cruise."
In the midst of the most extreme sadness, levity.
The next morning, my granddaughter told my daughter, "It's O K if Jesus comes before the cruise. I'm sure we'll have an even better one in heaven." She's 7 - and eternity is etched in her soul.
Life is short. Eternity is a L - O - N - G time. God gave us a manual - a travel guide - and it tells us the route for getting to our final destination. B-I-B-L-E: Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.
The Old Testament looks forward to the coming of the Messiah and the New Testament reveals him and God's eternal plan. Yeshua ha Meshiach, Jesus the Messiah. If someone has never read the Bible, I recommend starting in the New Testament - and John tells us the most basic of basics:
John 3:16 is not just for signs at ballgames - but it is truth encapsulated:
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but shall have eternal life.
Verse 17 is also instructive: For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved.
He paid the price for our salvation. It is a gift bought with His blood as the final sacrifice ever required. We can accept the gift - or reject it. It's our choice. That's Bible basics at its core.
Monday, March 17, 2014
LENT 2014 - DAY 13
Several years back I did a personal study on the armor Paul describes to the people of Ephesus. And - - since we are supposed to put it on daily, I memorized them from the top down, even though that is not their order as listed in Ephesians 6:10-18.
Each piece of equipment is essential, and each has a specific purpose.
The Helmet of Salvation. Salvation is found in Jesus the Messiah alone. That awareness and acknowledgement is part of putting on the helmet. As with a helmet used by a soldier, it protects the brain - - and in the case of the helmet of salvation, it specifically informs our way of thinking. Once our faith is firmly founded in Jesus, we know there is no other way to God but through Him -- just as God's Word tells us! When we know the real intimately we find it very easy to spot the counterfeit.
The Breastplate of Righteousness. Our righteousness is not our own - - it is God's righteousness which covers all our sins through the blood Jesus shed on the cross. Righteousness is something to seek to live up to - - doing right by God's standard. Wanting to be righteous in God's eyes impacts my life in a very positive way. It is a constant reminder nudging me to live according to God's plan.
The Belt of Truth. Jesus is the Way, the TRUTH and the Life. That is the most significant aspect of truth. The other is obviously 'telling the truth' - - being honest and forthright - - in love.
The Shield of faith. We have to have a shield to deflect the flaming darts of the evil one, according to Paul. An apt description! Your enemy the devil goes around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Not inconvenience, devour. Deception, division, distress are all part of his tool kit. But when we know our Father is GOD, and we place our faith securely in Him, though the darts create a ping or two on the shield, they cannot do permanent or significant damage. Of course, it has to be used in conjunction with the next piece of armor:
The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Bible, God's holy Word to us in written form. We cannot be Christians without studying the manual. My middle daughter told me that B-I-B-L-E stands for Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. Whomever came up with the words to go with those letters as an acronym was very clever.
The final piece of armor is putting on the Shoes of Readiness given by the Gospel of Peace - - shoes that exemplify being prepared to share and proclaim the gospel. Ready to go where He leads. Ready to speak what He wants spoken. Ready to be part of the process of leading others to Him. Ready to obey.
Of course, those are the tangible pieces of armor, but the list doesn't really end there, because, as Paul admonishes, we are to pray all the time with prayers prayed in the Spirit. To that end, Paul says, keep alert with all perseverance. Keep on keeping on. Occupy until He comes. Fight the good fight. Finish the course. Contend for the faith. Be the difference to someone.
That's basic Christianity where the rubber hits the road.
I've lapsed in my intentionality of putting on my armor and thinking about what it means as I consciously and intentionally do that.
Lord, purify me, cleanse me, melt me, mold me.... I want to reflect You.
Each piece of equipment is essential, and each has a specific purpose.
The Helmet of Salvation. Salvation is found in Jesus the Messiah alone. That awareness and acknowledgement is part of putting on the helmet. As with a helmet used by a soldier, it protects the brain - - and in the case of the helmet of salvation, it specifically informs our way of thinking. Once our faith is firmly founded in Jesus, we know there is no other way to God but through Him -- just as God's Word tells us! When we know the real intimately we find it very easy to spot the counterfeit.
The Breastplate of Righteousness. Our righteousness is not our own - - it is God's righteousness which covers all our sins through the blood Jesus shed on the cross. Righteousness is something to seek to live up to - - doing right by God's standard. Wanting to be righteous in God's eyes impacts my life in a very positive way. It is a constant reminder nudging me to live according to God's plan.
The Belt of Truth. Jesus is the Way, the TRUTH and the Life. That is the most significant aspect of truth. The other is obviously 'telling the truth' - - being honest and forthright - - in love.
The Shield of faith. We have to have a shield to deflect the flaming darts of the evil one, according to Paul. An apt description! Your enemy the devil goes around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Not inconvenience, devour. Deception, division, distress are all part of his tool kit. But when we know our Father is GOD, and we place our faith securely in Him, though the darts create a ping or two on the shield, they cannot do permanent or significant damage. Of course, it has to be used in conjunction with the next piece of armor:
The Sword of the Spirit, which is the Bible, God's holy Word to us in written form. We cannot be Christians without studying the manual. My middle daughter told me that B-I-B-L-E stands for Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. Whomever came up with the words to go with those letters as an acronym was very clever.
The final piece of armor is putting on the Shoes of Readiness given by the Gospel of Peace - - shoes that exemplify being prepared to share and proclaim the gospel. Ready to go where He leads. Ready to speak what He wants spoken. Ready to be part of the process of leading others to Him. Ready to obey.
Of course, those are the tangible pieces of armor, but the list doesn't really end there, because, as Paul admonishes, we are to pray all the time with prayers prayed in the Spirit. To that end, Paul says, keep alert with all perseverance. Keep on keeping on. Occupy until He comes. Fight the good fight. Finish the course. Contend for the faith. Be the difference to someone.
That's basic Christianity where the rubber hits the road.
I've lapsed in my intentionality of putting on my armor and thinking about what it means as I consciously and intentionally do that.
Lord, purify me, cleanse me, melt me, mold me.... I want to reflect You.
LENT 2014 - DAY 12
I let Sunday slip by again without writing.... From soon after lunch until dark I immersed myself in a picture scanning project, and by nature I am task oriented. When I start a project I zero in on the task and ignore everything else. So that's what I did. But - - I still had lots of time to think.
One of my thought trails was about the basics of Christianity, and how those in basic training put on and utilize their armor. We have armor as well, described in Ephesians 6:10-18.
The first thing Paul states in that section of his letter to the Ephesians is: Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. His might, not our own.
One of my thought trails was about the basics of Christianity, and how those in basic training put on and utilize their armor. We have armor as well, described in Ephesians 6:10-18.
The first thing Paul states in that section of his letter to the Ephesians is: Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. His might, not our own.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
LENT 2014 - DAY 11
Today I attended a memorial service in Portland for my friend who went to be with the Lord the day after her 98th birthday. It was a beautiful tribute to her, replete with pictures spanning the entirety of her lifetime. Well done, good and faithful servant.
One of the songs she used to accompany me singing is THE LORD IS MY LIGHT. It is the song I sang to her as I sat by her bedside on March 1, her 98th birthday, less than 24 hours before she made her final journey.
The Lord is my light and my salvation
Whom then shall I fear? Whom then shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life. The Lord is the strength of my life.
Of whom then shall I be afraid?
Though an host of men were arrayed against me,
Yet shall not my heart be afraid
And though there rose up war against me
Yet shall I put my trust in Him
For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His tabernacle
Yea, in the secret places of His dwelling shall He hide me
And lift me up upon a rock of stone
The Lord is my light and my salvation
Whom then shall I fear? Whom then shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life. The Lord is the strength of my life
Of whom then shall I be afraid?
Of whom, then, shall I be afraid?
Just allowing the song to play through m mind I hear the tones of her nimble fingers running over the keys, rising beneath my voice in crescendos to match the intensity of the words. I hear the piano interlude, I feel her hug following the morning service. It is straight out of Psalm 27, and Marjorie loved the Psalms.
I am so thankful for the influence of Marjorie in my life - - and so grateful I was able to be there today to share the joy of celebrating her life with her family.
She was one classy lady! And her influence lives on in the legacy she left, mirrored in each of the lives she touched.
Her pastor read one of the most oft quoted scriptures for memorial services at her service today, Psalm 23:
The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me by still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. Your rod and Your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the ouse of the LORD forever.
That, too, reflects going back to basics!
Thank you, LORD, for Marjorie! Be with her family in their sorrow and flood their lives with memories of joy-filled remembrance. Amen.
One of the songs she used to accompany me singing is THE LORD IS MY LIGHT. It is the song I sang to her as I sat by her bedside on March 1, her 98th birthday, less than 24 hours before she made her final journey.
The Lord is my light and my salvation
Whom then shall I fear? Whom then shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life. The Lord is the strength of my life.
Of whom then shall I be afraid?
Though an host of men were arrayed against me,
Yet shall not my heart be afraid
And though there rose up war against me
Yet shall I put my trust in Him
For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His tabernacle
Yea, in the secret places of His dwelling shall He hide me
And lift me up upon a rock of stone
The Lord is my light and my salvation
Whom then shall I fear? Whom then shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life. The Lord is the strength of my life
Of whom then shall I be afraid?
Of whom, then, shall I be afraid?
Just allowing the song to play through m mind I hear the tones of her nimble fingers running over the keys, rising beneath my voice in crescendos to match the intensity of the words. I hear the piano interlude, I feel her hug following the morning service. It is straight out of Psalm 27, and Marjorie loved the Psalms.
I am so thankful for the influence of Marjorie in my life - - and so grateful I was able to be there today to share the joy of celebrating her life with her family.
She was one classy lady! And her influence lives on in the legacy she left, mirrored in each of the lives she touched.
Her pastor read one of the most oft quoted scriptures for memorial services at her service today, Psalm 23:
The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me by still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. Your rod and Your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the ouse of the LORD forever.
That, too, reflects going back to basics!
Thank you, LORD, for Marjorie! Be with her family in their sorrow and flood their lives with memories of joy-filled remembrance. Amen.
Friday, March 14, 2014
LENT 2014 - DAY 10 - Back to Basics
My focus on Basics leads me to the concept of 'Basic Training' I used to hear about when friends I knew enlisted. Individuals were stripped of their individual identities as much as possible to become part of the whole. They got the same haircut, same clothes, same model of glasses, shoes, etc. Fortunately our basic training doesn't seek to strip us totally of our unique individuality - - but it does strip us of the part that looks out for 'self' as our number one priority. The closer we get to Jesus, the less we prioritize our own wants and needs. When we lobby for 'what it is right' it is for the benefit of the whole, not for ourselves; and the Holy Spirit, because of God's great love, allows situations to come into our lives where we get to practice the grace and mercy that comes from emptying ourselves of self. Sometimes that exercise is painful, but it always helps us see more clearly through God's eyes.
One of the basic premises of Christian faith is considering others above ourself. It is totally contrary to what the world teaches. The world says, "Watch out for Number One. No one else will." And the world is big on individual rights and standing up for yourself.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught, "Love your enemies and pray for those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who abuse and persecute you so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." Matthew 5:44-45 (The literal translation from the interlinear Greek-English New Testament)
In verse 48, Jesus even goes on to link that behavior as the key to being 'perfect' followers: "You must therefore be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." God loves everyone, so must we.
I will point out that this is not referring to warm, fuzzy love, but to doing what is right - - even when the other person involved doesn't deserve my fair and equitable treatment. It means taking the needs of others into consideration as equal with my own needs. It may mean that sometimes things will not be equitable to me because of deferring to someone else's need that is in direct conflict with mine. It definitely means being kind and gracious in the face of conflict. And it means praying for the one who wrongs you.
Really. Like it or not, that is a basic truth of Christian teaching. God is love. The more like him we become, the more we reflect his love. It is an aspiration that takes a lifetime to embrace and achieve.
More of HIM, less of me! And only by His grace! It's basic to being a Christian.
One of the basic premises of Christian faith is considering others above ourself. It is totally contrary to what the world teaches. The world says, "Watch out for Number One. No one else will." And the world is big on individual rights and standing up for yourself.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught, "Love your enemies and pray for those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who abuse and persecute you so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." Matthew 5:44-45 (The literal translation from the interlinear Greek-English New Testament)
In verse 48, Jesus even goes on to link that behavior as the key to being 'perfect' followers: "You must therefore be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." God loves everyone, so must we.
I will point out that this is not referring to warm, fuzzy love, but to doing what is right - - even when the other person involved doesn't deserve my fair and equitable treatment. It means taking the needs of others into consideration as equal with my own needs. It may mean that sometimes things will not be equitable to me because of deferring to someone else's need that is in direct conflict with mine. It definitely means being kind and gracious in the face of conflict. And it means praying for the one who wrongs you.
Really. Like it or not, that is a basic truth of Christian teaching. God is love. The more like him we become, the more we reflect his love. It is an aspiration that takes a lifetime to embrace and achieve.
More of HIM, less of me! And only by His grace! It's basic to being a Christian.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
LENT 2014 - DAY 9 - Prophecies of Jesus' First Coming
Basics. I'm still stuck there. For today I want to review a few of the prophecies of Jesus' coming. That seems like something 'basic' to add to my getting back to basics!
Isaiah was born over 700 years before Jesus' birth, and he foretold the coming of the Messiah in Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel...."
In addition, Isaiah's prophecy recorded in Isaiah 9 says, "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light...." Then a little later in that chapter he tells us about the One who is the light: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace...."
Every aspect of the eternal creator God was manifest in the Son: Wonderful Counselor - - God the Holy Spirit; Mighty God - - the triune Godhead; Everlasting Father - - God the Father; Prince of Peace - - God the Son.
Micah 5:2 even tells us exactly where the Messiah will be born. "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shill come forth for me one who is to be the ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days." (ESV)
You can't get any more 'ancient' than being the creator of the world! And yet, he chose to come in the form of a baby to the world who had forsaken him, and to the people who were his chosen to be rejected so he would be slaughtered as an innocent Lamb. He who never sinned took all of our sins on himself and died in our place as the final blood sacrifice that would ever be needed....
He was nailed to the cross for me!
It's the most basic premise of Christian faith - - but it's a lot to wrap my mind around!
Isaiah was born over 700 years before Jesus' birth, and he foretold the coming of the Messiah in Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel...."
In addition, Isaiah's prophecy recorded in Isaiah 9 says, "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light...." Then a little later in that chapter he tells us about the One who is the light: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace...."
Every aspect of the eternal creator God was manifest in the Son: Wonderful Counselor - - God the Holy Spirit; Mighty God - - the triune Godhead; Everlasting Father - - God the Father; Prince of Peace - - God the Son.
Micah 5:2 even tells us exactly where the Messiah will be born. "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shill come forth for me one who is to be the ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days." (ESV)
You can't get any more 'ancient' than being the creator of the world! And yet, he chose to come in the form of a baby to the world who had forsaken him, and to the people who were his chosen to be rejected so he would be slaughtered as an innocent Lamb. He who never sinned took all of our sins on himself and died in our place as the final blood sacrifice that would ever be needed....
He was nailed to the cross for me!
It's the most basic premise of Christian faith - - but it's a lot to wrap my mind around!
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
LENT 2014 - DAY 8 - Fulfillment of Prophecy
John 1:35-42
Two of John the Baptist's disciples deserted him and followed Jesus. John's message was to proclaim the One who would come after him, whose sandals he wasn't worthy to unloose. Still, he was human. He could have felt the sting of human rejection - but I suspect he didn't - that he was so tuned into his calling that he happily and joyfully deferred to Jesus and found fulfillment in the affirmation of God's calling as evidenced by his own disciples change of allegiance.
In the early process of Jesus accumulating his disciples, I love Philip's proclamation to Nathanael recorded in John 1:45, "We have found him of whom Moses said in the Law, and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael was skeptical, but Philip urged him, "Come and see."
Come and see indeed. The Jewish faithful had been looking for the Messiah for hundreds of years. They had some expectations for how he would come that wouldn't sync with the way he came - but as he revealed himself to his disciples, they were quickly convinced he was the Messiah. They still had some erroneous expectations, and those will surface later, but their witness to the reality of the long-awaited Messiah is significant.
Come and see. Nathanael did precisely that and was immediately convinced. Nathanael got to see Jesus in person, but we have the record of what transpired as recorded in the Gospels - the Good News. Jesus came to redeem what was rightfully his to begin with. God didn't send a mere prophet - he sent his only birthed Son...which clearly shows God came himself in human form. Yeshua ha Mashiach. Ioseos Christos. Jesus the Messiah. Isa al Masih. Jesu Cristo. Many translations because he makes himself real and available to every tribe and tongue! Come and see!
Two of John the Baptist's disciples deserted him and followed Jesus. John's message was to proclaim the One who would come after him, whose sandals he wasn't worthy to unloose. Still, he was human. He could have felt the sting of human rejection - but I suspect he didn't - that he was so tuned into his calling that he happily and joyfully deferred to Jesus and found fulfillment in the affirmation of God's calling as evidenced by his own disciples change of allegiance.
In the early process of Jesus accumulating his disciples, I love Philip's proclamation to Nathanael recorded in John 1:45, "We have found him of whom Moses said in the Law, and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael was skeptical, but Philip urged him, "Come and see."
Come and see indeed. The Jewish faithful had been looking for the Messiah for hundreds of years. They had some expectations for how he would come that wouldn't sync with the way he came - but as he revealed himself to his disciples, they were quickly convinced he was the Messiah. They still had some erroneous expectations, and those will surface later, but their witness to the reality of the long-awaited Messiah is significant.
Come and see. Nathanael did precisely that and was immediately convinced. Nathanael got to see Jesus in person, but we have the record of what transpired as recorded in the Gospels - the Good News. Jesus came to redeem what was rightfully his to begin with. God didn't send a mere prophet - he sent his only birthed Son...which clearly shows God came himself in human form. Yeshua ha Mashiach. Ioseos Christos. Jesus the Messiah. Isa al Masih. Jesu Cristo. Many translations because he makes himself real and available to every tribe and tongue! Come and see!
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
LENT 2014 - DAY 7
John 1 is full to the brim with basic training information. John tells us in the first verses of his Gospel account that John the Baptist came as a witness to bear witness about the light. The true light was going to be revealed to the people. He was in the world already - born just 6 months after John the Baptist - and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him.
This affirmation by the disciple John is by one who knew, adored and was dearly loved by Yeshua ha Mashiach (Jesus the Messiah). It is stated simply and clearly. There is no mistaking the meaning.
John goes on to say that Jesus came to His own people (the Jews) and His own people did not receive Him - - and then comes the best Good News: But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God! The Word became flesh and dwelled among us; i.e., God became a man. God made Himself known to man by taking on the form of man. It is the most foundational truth of Christianity. It is the Truth that John reiterates in his book...a story worth repeating as we will see.
The Holy Spirit told John that there would be One who came to be baptized who was the Son of God - and He was the One who would baptize with the Holy Spirit. There are major religions who say that is blasphemy. They turn everything topsy-turvy, calling black white and white black. They say Jesus was a good man and a prophet - but fail to give Him the honor He Himself claimed, and not just He, but his forerunner John the Baptist. In John 1:34 John the Baptist declares, "I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God." [And for the record, He cannot be a 'good' man and a liar. He claimed to be God, and because He was who He claimed to be, He could not and did not lie.]
What was severed with Adam was a right relationship with God. God came to earth in the form of man to restore that relationship. God made it abundantly clear in establishing the sacrificial system for forgiveness in the Old Testament that sin demands a blood sacrifice. Jesus came to be the sacrifice that sin demanded. God sent His one and only Son to be the Lamb of God. Fully God. Fully human. God Incarnate. God-in-the-flesh. God the creator who would die for the created because of His great love.
I also bear witness.... I know because of what He has done in my life and so conspicuously in the lives of so many others.
Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The offer is there. All we have to do is reach out and accept it. To all who receive Him, who believe in His Name, He gives the right to become children of God!
Lord, thank You. I am humbled again by the realization that You would come to save us!
This affirmation by the disciple John is by one who knew, adored and was dearly loved by Yeshua ha Mashiach (Jesus the Messiah). It is stated simply and clearly. There is no mistaking the meaning.
John goes on to say that Jesus came to His own people (the Jews) and His own people did not receive Him - - and then comes the best Good News: But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God! The Word became flesh and dwelled among us; i.e., God became a man. God made Himself known to man by taking on the form of man. It is the most foundational truth of Christianity. It is the Truth that John reiterates in his book...a story worth repeating as we will see.
The Holy Spirit told John that there would be One who came to be baptized who was the Son of God - and He was the One who would baptize with the Holy Spirit. There are major religions who say that is blasphemy. They turn everything topsy-turvy, calling black white and white black. They say Jesus was a good man and a prophet - but fail to give Him the honor He Himself claimed, and not just He, but his forerunner John the Baptist. In John 1:34 John the Baptist declares, "I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God." [And for the record, He cannot be a 'good' man and a liar. He claimed to be God, and because He was who He claimed to be, He could not and did not lie.]
What was severed with Adam was a right relationship with God. God came to earth in the form of man to restore that relationship. God made it abundantly clear in establishing the sacrificial system for forgiveness in the Old Testament that sin demands a blood sacrifice. Jesus came to be the sacrifice that sin demanded. God sent His one and only Son to be the Lamb of God. Fully God. Fully human. God Incarnate. God-in-the-flesh. God the creator who would die for the created because of His great love.
I also bear witness.... I know because of what He has done in my life and so conspicuously in the lives of so many others.
Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The offer is there. All we have to do is reach out and accept it. To all who receive Him, who believe in His Name, He gives the right to become children of God!
Lord, thank You. I am humbled again by the realization that You would come to save us!
Monday, March 10, 2014
LENT 2014 - DAY 6
I FEEL ABSOLUTELY COMPELLED TO GO BACK TO THE BASICS. That is what I have heard football coaches say when their team isn't performing well.... Back to the basics to me means the book of John.
Of course, back to the basics also includes back to the beginning...Genesis 1:1...in the beginning God.... That's all that matters to me as a foundation. I don't care how long God took to do what He did. While I believe in a 6-day creation, if God used 'days' allegorically for eons, I don't care.... I just care that He did it.
Yesterday my husband brought up (again) how preposterous the story of Creation and the story of Noah are. I agreed that we don't know enough to make complete assessments of those events. Others will bring up questions of 'whom' Cain married, or the population growth of the earliest inhabitants according to Biblical accounting. I don't have all of the answers - but what really matters is what we do with Jesus. And that is what I told him.
So - - let's explore the most basic of basics:
God is plural. From the beginning He was, and is, and is to come I AM. In retrospect we can speak of the pre-incarnate Christ, because Messiah is God, and always was, even though He didn't acquire the name 'Jesus' until His human birth. It is a lot to wrap our finite brains around no matter how wise the scholar, and is one of those areas where it is the child who informs the man.
The bottom line each of us has to explore is "What will YOU do with Jesus." That is going back to basics!
John 1:1-5 says, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.
That says a LOT! Jesus is the Word. He is God. He and the Father are one.... Three personalities or reflections of one entity.
I love the visual God gave me for that when I was writing the children's musical A LETTER FROM G. O. D. - - H2O. Ice, water, steam are all H2O, but they are viewed in 3 very distinct ways.
This is the bottom line of Christianity. Some religions say He was only a prophet. Others say He was only human and became God, and teach that others can do that as well - - but that isn't what He says through His Word, the Bible. If we want to know Jesus, we have to know Him through His own confessions and claims. That's a basic truth of Christianity. He is identified in John as "The Word" and He speaks to us through His Word. He speaks other ways as well, but He never tells us anything that goes against His written Word.
This brief passage of scripture tells us that Jesus is life and light. He shines in the darkness - and the darkness cannot overcome Him.
What is darkness? It is the absence of light.
Back to the basics!
Of course, back to the basics also includes back to the beginning...Genesis 1:1...in the beginning God.... That's all that matters to me as a foundation. I don't care how long God took to do what He did. While I believe in a 6-day creation, if God used 'days' allegorically for eons, I don't care.... I just care that He did it.
Yesterday my husband brought up (again) how preposterous the story of Creation and the story of Noah are. I agreed that we don't know enough to make complete assessments of those events. Others will bring up questions of 'whom' Cain married, or the population growth of the earliest inhabitants according to Biblical accounting. I don't have all of the answers - but what really matters is what we do with Jesus. And that is what I told him.
So - - let's explore the most basic of basics:
God is plural. From the beginning He was, and is, and is to come I AM. In retrospect we can speak of the pre-incarnate Christ, because Messiah is God, and always was, even though He didn't acquire the name 'Jesus' until His human birth. It is a lot to wrap our finite brains around no matter how wise the scholar, and is one of those areas where it is the child who informs the man.
The bottom line each of us has to explore is "What will YOU do with Jesus." That is going back to basics!
John 1:1-5 says, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him and without Him was not anything made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.
That says a LOT! Jesus is the Word. He is God. He and the Father are one.... Three personalities or reflections of one entity.
I love the visual God gave me for that when I was writing the children's musical A LETTER FROM G. O. D. - - H2O. Ice, water, steam are all H2O, but they are viewed in 3 very distinct ways.
This is the bottom line of Christianity. Some religions say He was only a prophet. Others say He was only human and became God, and teach that others can do that as well - - but that isn't what He says through His Word, the Bible. If we want to know Jesus, we have to know Him through His own confessions and claims. That's a basic truth of Christianity. He is identified in John as "The Word" and He speaks to us through His Word. He speaks other ways as well, but He never tells us anything that goes against His written Word.
This brief passage of scripture tells us that Jesus is life and light. He shines in the darkness - and the darkness cannot overcome Him.
What is darkness? It is the absence of light.
Back to the basics!
LENT 2014 - DAY 5 (for 3/9)
I didn't get to the computer on Sunday! It started a bit tenuously but ended wonderfully! That mirrored the story of my week! Early last week I was very aware that Jesus was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief - - so why would we think it should be otherwise for us. We pray to be like Him, then don't want the less pleasant side of what that may include. Even though I am writing this on Monday, I want to keep my 'daily' commitment and backtrack to write for yesterday.
This was Missions Week at church and our speaker was Peter Iliyn, the North American Director for YWAM (Youth With A Mission). He is an absolutely amazing speaker - but even more importantly, totally dedicated to the Lord and His service. His recounting of God's divine intervention and provision were wonderful reminders that God is very resourceful for placing the right people in our lives for His purposes.
Sunday evening was "Bite of Missions" with foods from all over the world and special tables with information from many different local Bible-based charities and missionaries, with the representatives for each here to answer questions and provide information; followed by a worship service led by the Samoan Church and another message from Peter Iliyn. At the end of the evening our pastor announced that the amount committed for missions for this year (per the commitment cards people filled out and turned in) exceeded $90,000. That's pretty amazing! God loves a cheerful giver, and our gifts make a difference in the world. Some plant. Some water. Some gather. I think watering includes giving!
This was Missions Week at church and our speaker was Peter Iliyn, the North American Director for YWAM (Youth With A Mission). He is an absolutely amazing speaker - but even more importantly, totally dedicated to the Lord and His service. His recounting of God's divine intervention and provision were wonderful reminders that God is very resourceful for placing the right people in our lives for His purposes.
Sunday evening was "Bite of Missions" with foods from all over the world and special tables with information from many different local Bible-based charities and missionaries, with the representatives for each here to answer questions and provide information; followed by a worship service led by the Samoan Church and another message from Peter Iliyn. At the end of the evening our pastor announced that the amount committed for missions for this year (per the commitment cards people filled out and turned in) exceeded $90,000. That's pretty amazing! God loves a cheerful giver, and our gifts make a difference in the world. Some plant. Some water. Some gather. I think watering includes giving!
Saturday, March 8, 2014
LENT 2014 - DAY 4
This week has been a roller-coaster-ride. Everything from grief and sorrow to ebullient joy.
John 16:33 reports Jesus stating, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
It is a verse I have had next to my mirror for several years, along with Psalm 62:5-6, which states, Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
I can't say I have not been shaken - but when I am, He is there. And - I realize that sorrow can trounce joy rather quickly! But today I am choosing not to participate! I want to celebrate the joyful side!
Yesterday I had the privilege of attending the Governor's Prayer Breakfast. I didn't sleep well the night before - afraid I wouldn't awaken to my 5 a m alarm after getting to bed at 11:30 p m the night before, I suppose...but it was worth the loss of sleep!
There were 2 speakers that stand out: Toms Lee from SPU, who reiterated that when we aren't adequate God is "I AM" When we can't HE CAN!" It is encouraging knowing that God is raising leaders who are learning God is enough - and Jesus is the answer!
And then there was Hattie Kauffman.... Oh, my goodness. What a wonderful story of God's seeking and finding her. What a wonderful story of redemption. And what a wonderful story of the change that Jesus brings when we are open to letting Him speak truth into our lives. Hattie was a national correspondent for major news services for many years. She was not a Christian, but after an unwanted, heartbreaking divorce, God found her! All she said was "Help." And help He did! She defines herself as a baby Christian - but she has an amazing story of God's intervention in her life - and she sees in retrospect ways He protected she and her siblings through very difficult times.
Her faith informs her present and the way she lives. Her story was absolutely inspirational.
We each have a story. Our story matters only where it intersects with God's story. That is the part that is eternal.
Thank you, Jan, for inviting me to the Prayer Breakfast. You, Marnie, and Hattie's story are all an inspiration! Terry and his feeling 'called' to the legislature is also an inspiration. I am grateful for legislators who meet to pray and who desire God's direction in their decision-making for the great state of Washington. Thank you!
p s - I checked her bio online and Hattie Kaufmann has a book that was released in 2013 titled Falling into Place, which is memoirs about her life, just in case you are interested.
John 16:33 reports Jesus stating, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
It is a verse I have had next to my mirror for several years, along with Psalm 62:5-6, which states, Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
I can't say I have not been shaken - but when I am, He is there. And - I realize that sorrow can trounce joy rather quickly! But today I am choosing not to participate! I want to celebrate the joyful side!
Yesterday I had the privilege of attending the Governor's Prayer Breakfast. I didn't sleep well the night before - afraid I wouldn't awaken to my 5 a m alarm after getting to bed at 11:30 p m the night before, I suppose...but it was worth the loss of sleep!
There were 2 speakers that stand out: Toms Lee from SPU, who reiterated that when we aren't adequate God is "I AM" When we can't HE CAN!" It is encouraging knowing that God is raising leaders who are learning God is enough - and Jesus is the answer!
And then there was Hattie Kauffman.... Oh, my goodness. What a wonderful story of God's seeking and finding her. What a wonderful story of redemption. And what a wonderful story of the change that Jesus brings when we are open to letting Him speak truth into our lives. Hattie was a national correspondent for major news services for many years. She was not a Christian, but after an unwanted, heartbreaking divorce, God found her! All she said was "Help." And help He did! She defines herself as a baby Christian - but she has an amazing story of God's intervention in her life - and she sees in retrospect ways He protected she and her siblings through very difficult times.
Her faith informs her present and the way she lives. Her story was absolutely inspirational.
We each have a story. Our story matters only where it intersects with God's story. That is the part that is eternal.
Thank you, Jan, for inviting me to the Prayer Breakfast. You, Marnie, and Hattie's story are all an inspiration! Terry and his feeling 'called' to the legislature is also an inspiration. I am grateful for legislators who meet to pray and who desire God's direction in their decision-making for the great state of Washington. Thank you!
p s - I checked her bio online and Hattie Kaufmann has a book that was released in 2013 titled Falling into Place, which is memoirs about her life, just in case you are interested.
Friday, March 7, 2014
LENT 2014 - DAY 3
2010 was the first year I did a daily blog for Lent. I repeated that in 2011 and 2012. Each of those 3 years provided me an amazing spiritual journey. In 2013 we were gone from January 15 through March 2, and that, along with the drama going on in life precluded my doing it. I missed it. I don't expect people to read what I write - though I write knowing someone might. This year - 2014 - that falls into the "What is that in your hand?" category. That's what God asked Moses. All God needs is our willingness. He wants us to feel inadequate in our own strength. That is when He can demonstrate His. All I have to do is offer what I have and trust Him.
I have been feeling at loose ends. There are several reasons for that - but suffice to say, I need this spiritual journey desperately. I need the ballast, the grounding, the wisdom that comes through daily focus and I need the commitment to something that can emerge to be a blessing to others should God choose to use it that way.
Life's circumstances limit what I can do away from home. So earlier this week I was lamenting all the things I cannot do, and God simply asked me, "What is in your hand?" The first thing that came to mind was writing. I don't have to leave home to have an impact on the world - all I have to do is be faithful in the avenues God offers to me.
That extends to giving. I can give to others who are called to 'go' and it is truly partnering with them. The lady who inspired me to write is Rosemarie Kowalski. She and her husband Waldemar are heading to Indonesia as missionaries. If lots of people give just a little each month, their needs will be met. It is a ministry I am delighted to share in.
There are several others it gives me joy to help support....a young woman who teaches in China; a young couple in India; a couple in the Dominican Republic; a couple with YWAM in Spain; our local YWAM Yelm base; a missionary who travels to various countries, spending part of his time in schools as a special speaker, making connections - then ministering on weekends where the students can hear the reason for his purpose and passion; a young man who used to be in the youth group I helped lead
who is now ministering through Chi Alpha on college campuses in Seattle. Each of these people have
to raise their support, and in being part of the support network 'sending' them, I get to go vicariously.
And, most importantly, it extends to prayer. I pray constantly - - but am negligent in the area of dedicated prayer time. Part of my journey over the coming weeks is to rectify that failure and to seek God's direction very clearly and specifically for 'right now.' I need to revise my bucket list. I need to live intentionally with the intimate awareness that time is brief. I grew up wanting to make a difference in the world. I want that still.... My world and area of influence may be small - but God, through His Son, multiplied 5 loaves and 2 fish to feed 5000.
Lord, take the little I have to offer - what is in my hand - and use it for Your glory! Amen
I have been feeling at loose ends. There are several reasons for that - but suffice to say, I need this spiritual journey desperately. I need the ballast, the grounding, the wisdom that comes through daily focus and I need the commitment to something that can emerge to be a blessing to others should God choose to use it that way.
Life's circumstances limit what I can do away from home. So earlier this week I was lamenting all the things I cannot do, and God simply asked me, "What is in your hand?" The first thing that came to mind was writing. I don't have to leave home to have an impact on the world - all I have to do is be faithful in the avenues God offers to me.
That extends to giving. I can give to others who are called to 'go' and it is truly partnering with them. The lady who inspired me to write is Rosemarie Kowalski. She and her husband Waldemar are heading to Indonesia as missionaries. If lots of people give just a little each month, their needs will be met. It is a ministry I am delighted to share in.
There are several others it gives me joy to help support....a young woman who teaches in China; a young couple in India; a couple in the Dominican Republic; a couple with YWAM in Spain; our local YWAM Yelm base; a missionary who travels to various countries, spending part of his time in schools as a special speaker, making connections - then ministering on weekends where the students can hear the reason for his purpose and passion; a young man who used to be in the youth group I helped lead
who is now ministering through Chi Alpha on college campuses in Seattle. Each of these people have
to raise their support, and in being part of the support network 'sending' them, I get to go vicariously.
And, most importantly, it extends to prayer. I pray constantly - - but am negligent in the area of dedicated prayer time. Part of my journey over the coming weeks is to rectify that failure and to seek God's direction very clearly and specifically for 'right now.' I need to revise my bucket list. I need to live intentionally with the intimate awareness that time is brief. I grew up wanting to make a difference in the world. I want that still.... My world and area of influence may be small - but God, through His Son, multiplied 5 loaves and 2 fish to feed 5000.
Lord, take the little I have to offer - what is in my hand - and use it for Your glory! Amen
Thursday, March 6, 2014
LENT 2014 - DAY 2 - Jesus is coming again!
Jesus is coming again!
There is an old song we used to sing when I was a kid lilting through my mind:
Coming again!
Coming again!
May be morning, may be noon
may be evening, and may be soon
Coming again!
Coming again!
Oh what a wonderful day that will be
Jesus is coming again!
My Dad believed Jesus would return in his lifetime. He lived with that anticipation, and I grew up in that climate of perpetual anticipation.
At some point I decided to focus on the reality that Jesus would certainly one day come for me (at the death of my body) - and I stopped focusing on Jesus' meeting His faithful followers in the sky in what has been termed "The Rapture." I still believed it - but felt I needed to focus on living instead of leaving. After all, living with just that in mind can keep Christians from living their lives intentionally in the here and now.
The truth is we live life on a tight wire. Both ways of thinking are legitimate and true. We need to plan ahead for the future, and we need to live in the moment with expectation and immediacy.
I believe Jesus' is coming again - and I believe it could be in 2014! That is not an absolute prediction or prophecy. It's just an issue of looking at the prophecies of the Bible in light of what we see in our world.
What I learned from my study of the Feasts of the Old Testament is that Jesus fulfilled the first 3 Feasts in the events surrounding Passover, His death and His resurrection. The 4th feast was fulfilled with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and the next Feast to be fulfilled is Rosh Hashanah - - the feast that is announced with the blowing of the shofar (aka trumpet in our translations). That feast in 2014 begins at sundown on September 24. In 2013, it began on September 3, and after the 5th, I knew we had to wait another year!
Another song:
In these the closing days of time
What joy the glorious hope affords
That soon oh wondrous truth sublime
He shall reign King 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.
And the chorus of another old song:
Raised in the twinkling of an eye
Raised in the twinkling of an eye
The trumpet shall sound
The dead shall be raised
Raised in the twinkling of an eye.
And my last one for the day:
One glad morning when this life is o'er
I'll fly away
To my home on God's celestial shore
I'll fly away
I'll fly away! Oh glory!
I'll fly away!
When I die, hallelujah by and by
I'll fly away!
Coming for His church is not to be confused with His Second Coming when Jesus will come back to the earth and set up his Millenial kingdom. And - - if I am wrong that they are separate events, that's O K - - the point is being ready. He knows what He is doing, even if some of the precise timeline is still uncertain to me. I am not a scholar - but I am a student, and His Spirit witnesses with my spirit that the time is very short! Several times recently God has reminded me, "Work for the night is coming when no man can work."
Jesus first coming was promised by prophets throughout the Old Testament - and He came! Prophecy declares He will come again - and He will!
Oh what a wonderful day that will be!
Jesus is coming again!
There is an old song we used to sing when I was a kid lilting through my mind:
Coming again!
Coming again!
May be morning, may be noon
may be evening, and may be soon
Coming again!
Coming again!
Oh what a wonderful day that will be
Jesus is coming again!
My Dad believed Jesus would return in his lifetime. He lived with that anticipation, and I grew up in that climate of perpetual anticipation.
At some point I decided to focus on the reality that Jesus would certainly one day come for me (at the death of my body) - and I stopped focusing on Jesus' meeting His faithful followers in the sky in what has been termed "The Rapture." I still believed it - but felt I needed to focus on living instead of leaving. After all, living with just that in mind can keep Christians from living their lives intentionally in the here and now.
The truth is we live life on a tight wire. Both ways of thinking are legitimate and true. We need to plan ahead for the future, and we need to live in the moment with expectation and immediacy.
I believe Jesus' is coming again - and I believe it could be in 2014! That is not an absolute prediction or prophecy. It's just an issue of looking at the prophecies of the Bible in light of what we see in our world.
What I learned from my study of the Feasts of the Old Testament is that Jesus fulfilled the first 3 Feasts in the events surrounding Passover, His death and His resurrection. The 4th feast was fulfilled with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and the next Feast to be fulfilled is Rosh Hashanah - - the feast that is announced with the blowing of the shofar (aka trumpet in our translations). That feast in 2014 begins at sundown on September 24. In 2013, it began on September 3, and after the 5th, I knew we had to wait another year!
Another song:
In these the closing days of time
What joy the glorious hope affords
That soon oh wondrous truth sublime
He shall reign King 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.
And the chorus of another old song:
Raised in the twinkling of an eye
Raised in the twinkling of an eye
The trumpet shall sound
The dead shall be raised
Raised in the twinkling of an eye.
And my last one for the day:
One glad morning when this life is o'er
I'll fly away
To my home on God's celestial shore
I'll fly away
I'll fly away! Oh glory!
I'll fly away!
When I die, hallelujah by and by
I'll fly away!
Coming for His church is not to be confused with His Second Coming when Jesus will come back to the earth and set up his Millenial kingdom. And - - if I am wrong that they are separate events, that's O K - - the point is being ready. He knows what He is doing, even if some of the precise timeline is still uncertain to me. I am not a scholar - but I am a student, and His Spirit witnesses with my spirit that the time is very short! Several times recently God has reminded me, "Work for the night is coming when no man can work."
Jesus first coming was promised by prophets throughout the Old Testament - and He came! Prophecy declares He will come again - and He will!
Oh what a wonderful day that will be!
Jesus is coming again!
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
LENT 2014 - DAY 1
Good morning, Lord.
Lent. It is not something that I have practiced in the traditional sense - but I love the intentionality of looking forward to Your Resurrection - and going on the journey with You this year, a journey that will culminate in Victory! I need this time of spiritual focus! I need an infusion of Your Holy Spirit. I come to you unworthy and undone, full of sadness - yet cautioned by hope. Pervade not just my thoughts but my very life through this journey with You to and beyond the cross this year.
I am teary today - and have multiple reasons for that.
Sunday I learned of the death of my long-time friend. When your friend died, even though You knew you were going to raise him from the dead, you wept. Tears are O K....sometimes they wash away what prevents us from seeing clearly.
Monday I engaged in a conversation via email that left me confused and uneasy. The clarity I got on that on Tuesday left me incredibly sad. It is information that brings with it the intensely painful loss of an expectation I trusted to be true. It means I will have to pray very carefully about God's present will for my life at this juncture.
And today, I dropped my daughter's dog off at the vet for a second cancer surgery. Any one of the tree are adequate reason for a few tears, but piled on top of each other they create a climate for emotions that tumble over each other.
I learned years ago that you can't trust emotions - so I won't. They are my call to prayer.
Lord, I need wisdom. You know my heart and the God-given desires You have planted within me. I know this world is not my home - but I sure would like the journey to include a place of safety from the storms - and right now that just isn't the case. I throw myself at Your feet.... Amen.
Sunday morning I had the joy of telling kids in Children's Church the story of John the Baptist being the forerunner of Jesus. I always learn something prepping for talking to the kids, and preparing for that lesson was no exception. I had never thought before about John being poor - but he lived a life of poverty. His clothing was the least expensive available - made from camel's hair. He lived a nomadic life in the wilderness, ate what was available - which the Bible tells us was locusts and wild honey - so by man's standard he was pretty low on the 'people we need to invite over soon for dinner' list. But what man thought about John the Baptist was not what God thought of him.
The first record we have of John having a ministry was when he started warning the people of Israel to 'Prepare the way for the coming of the Lord' and they came out by the hundreds to hear him. He baptized them with a baptism of repentance, confessing their sins. He told them that there was one coming after him whose sandals he wasn't even worthy to unloose - One who would baptize them not with water, but with the Holy Spirit. But what 'the One he spoke of' said about John was that he was the greatest man ever born of woman. Wow! Not one of the patriarchs, not one of the kings or priests or prophets of old. John.
There had been no prophets in Israel since Malachi. There was 400 years of silence from the Prophet Malachi to the time God spoke through John to His people. After 400 years, and with the political mess their world was in, they were ready to hear the message. Everything was timed precisely for Jesus' coming. The timing of John's birth and his message were part of that.
John's ministry was very brief - His voice was cut very short when his head was severed for speaking the truth and being thrown in prison; and he was so hated by the woman he offended that when she had opportunity the one thing she wanted more than wealth or prestige of any other sort was John 's head brought to her on a platter. He was about 31.
I really love John and the witness of John. He wasn't a 'pie-in-the-sky- believer. He was tested to the very limits of his ability to cope. Even after the things he proclaimed about Jesus - declaring Jesus was 'the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world' John's subsequent circumstance left him doubting. He even sent a messenger to Jesus from prison asking, "Are you the One we've been expecting or should we look for another?"
As Godly and as chosen as John was, life wasn't going according to his script. And he became discouraged. God can handle our discouragement and despair.... In my past experience He doesn't abandon us there.
I am reminded to put on my armor: Helmet of salvation, belt of Truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, sword of the Spirit (aka the Word of God) and put on my feet shoes of readiness to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. 'Tis the season, for the night is coming when no man can work.
Lent. It is not something that I have practiced in the traditional sense - but I love the intentionality of looking forward to Your Resurrection - and going on the journey with You this year, a journey that will culminate in Victory! I need this time of spiritual focus! I need an infusion of Your Holy Spirit. I come to you unworthy and undone, full of sadness - yet cautioned by hope. Pervade not just my thoughts but my very life through this journey with You to and beyond the cross this year.
I am teary today - and have multiple reasons for that.
Sunday I learned of the death of my long-time friend. When your friend died, even though You knew you were going to raise him from the dead, you wept. Tears are O K....sometimes they wash away what prevents us from seeing clearly.
Monday I engaged in a conversation via email that left me confused and uneasy. The clarity I got on that on Tuesday left me incredibly sad. It is information that brings with it the intensely painful loss of an expectation I trusted to be true. It means I will have to pray very carefully about God's present will for my life at this juncture.
And today, I dropped my daughter's dog off at the vet for a second cancer surgery. Any one of the tree are adequate reason for a few tears, but piled on top of each other they create a climate for emotions that tumble over each other.
I learned years ago that you can't trust emotions - so I won't. They are my call to prayer.
Lord, I need wisdom. You know my heart and the God-given desires You have planted within me. I know this world is not my home - but I sure would like the journey to include a place of safety from the storms - and right now that just isn't the case. I throw myself at Your feet.... Amen.
Sunday morning I had the joy of telling kids in Children's Church the story of John the Baptist being the forerunner of Jesus. I always learn something prepping for talking to the kids, and preparing for that lesson was no exception. I had never thought before about John being poor - but he lived a life of poverty. His clothing was the least expensive available - made from camel's hair. He lived a nomadic life in the wilderness, ate what was available - which the Bible tells us was locusts and wild honey - so by man's standard he was pretty low on the 'people we need to invite over soon for dinner' list. But what man thought about John the Baptist was not what God thought of him.
The first record we have of John having a ministry was when he started warning the people of Israel to 'Prepare the way for the coming of the Lord' and they came out by the hundreds to hear him. He baptized them with a baptism of repentance, confessing their sins. He told them that there was one coming after him whose sandals he wasn't even worthy to unloose - One who would baptize them not with water, but with the Holy Spirit. But what 'the One he spoke of' said about John was that he was the greatest man ever born of woman. Wow! Not one of the patriarchs, not one of the kings or priests or prophets of old. John.
There had been no prophets in Israel since Malachi. There was 400 years of silence from the Prophet Malachi to the time God spoke through John to His people. After 400 years, and with the political mess their world was in, they were ready to hear the message. Everything was timed precisely for Jesus' coming. The timing of John's birth and his message were part of that.
John's ministry was very brief - His voice was cut very short when his head was severed for speaking the truth and being thrown in prison; and he was so hated by the woman he offended that when she had opportunity the one thing she wanted more than wealth or prestige of any other sort was John 's head brought to her on a platter. He was about 31.
I really love John and the witness of John. He wasn't a 'pie-in-the-sky- believer. He was tested to the very limits of his ability to cope. Even after the things he proclaimed about Jesus - declaring Jesus was 'the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world' John's subsequent circumstance left him doubting. He even sent a messenger to Jesus from prison asking, "Are you the One we've been expecting or should we look for another?"
As Godly and as chosen as John was, life wasn't going according to his script. And he became discouraged. God can handle our discouragement and despair.... In my past experience He doesn't abandon us there.
I am reminded to put on my armor: Helmet of salvation, belt of Truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, sword of the Spirit (aka the Word of God) and put on my feet shoes of readiness to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. 'Tis the season, for the night is coming when no man can work.
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
A TRIBUTE TO MARJORIE
My friend Marjorie was 98 March 1. I felt absolutely compelled to drive the 245 miles to see her on her birthday - and did. March 2 I received word that she passed away early Sunday morning - - the day after our visit, so I am grateful I responded to that compelling nudge to go see her one more time while seeing her alive was possible.
She was on my mind so I texted her daughter a few days ago, at which point I learned that she had just gotten home from arranging for Hospice for her mother. Her mother; my friend. I loved having Marjorie as a friend. At varying times she was an encourager, an advisor, an ally but always she was a friend. I knew she was in my corner, and I appreciated her intentionality in treasuring our friendship. It was a two-way street.
Marjorie was a very classy lady. She served tea properly, and taught me by example. She is the one who compelled me to purchase a wool plaid skirt from Nordstrom's, with the explanation that every lady must have one in her wardrobe, and in the case of a wool skirt, having only the best will do.
Marjorie was an excellent musician. That is actually what drew us into friendship in the first place. She was my accompanist for many years, a joy and privilege I am afraid I often took for granted.
We first met in 1970 at the Montesano Presbyterian Church, where she was the pastor's wife, and played the organ. Her husband, Paul Crooks, didn't live too long after that, and after his passing, she married a man from their former church, Walt Kaufman. He and his first wife had been dear friends of the Crooks when they pastored in Chehalis, and after each lost their mates, they found comfort and joy in their newly found relationship.
I'm going to miss Marjorie - - but I celebrate her life with enormous joy! She lived life to the full, and made the world a better place for being in it!
Thank you, my dear Marjorie! I'll see you in heaven!
She was on my mind so I texted her daughter a few days ago, at which point I learned that she had just gotten home from arranging for Hospice for her mother. Her mother; my friend. I loved having Marjorie as a friend. At varying times she was an encourager, an advisor, an ally but always she was a friend. I knew she was in my corner, and I appreciated her intentionality in treasuring our friendship. It was a two-way street.
Marjorie was a very classy lady. She served tea properly, and taught me by example. She is the one who compelled me to purchase a wool plaid skirt from Nordstrom's, with the explanation that every lady must have one in her wardrobe, and in the case of a wool skirt, having only the best will do.
Marjorie was an excellent musician. That is actually what drew us into friendship in the first place. She was my accompanist for many years, a joy and privilege I am afraid I often took for granted.
We first met in 1970 at the Montesano Presbyterian Church, where she was the pastor's wife, and played the organ. Her husband, Paul Crooks, didn't live too long after that, and after his passing, she married a man from their former church, Walt Kaufman. He and his first wife had been dear friends of the Crooks when they pastored in Chehalis, and after each lost their mates, they found comfort and joy in their newly found relationship.
I'm going to miss Marjorie - - but I celebrate her life with enormous joy! She lived life to the full, and made the world a better place for being in it!
Thank you, my dear Marjorie! I'll see you in heaven!
FAT TUESDAY
Today is Fat Tuesday! For those who give up fattening foods and sugars, today is the day to clean out the fridge and rid the house of everything delicious! That's the way the teenagers I knew looked at it anyway! It was my Catholic friends who observed Lent - - but in the past few years I have chosen to take a couple of Lenten journeys - - spiritual journeys - - and I am excited to begin that process this year.
I have things to give up certainly - - frustration, hurt feelings, jumping to conclusions, speaking when I should be silent, and being silent when I should speak. I even have a couple of areas of bad attitude that need to be adjusted....
I'm definitely entering the challenge of the spiritual journey needing an infusion of spiritual insight. I wonder what God will teach me this year?
I have things to give up certainly - - frustration, hurt feelings, jumping to conclusions, speaking when I should be silent, and being silent when I should speak. I even have a couple of areas of bad attitude that need to be adjusted....
I'm definitely entering the challenge of the spiritual journey needing an infusion of spiritual insight. I wonder what God will teach me this year?
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