Thirty Year Trust

Imagine being a young mother trying to make it in the world with your husband. Learning to know this little newborn baby and his ways takes time and effort. Preparing meals, doing daily work and being a wife also crowd in on the day. Would she really be thinking 30+ years down the road to imagine the future for their little family?

Luke 1:38 reveals the willingness of the young girl, Mary, as she heard the angel tell her about her future. In simplicity of heart, she replied, "be it to me according to your word." In modern day language . . . bring it on! (liberal paraphrase there!)

I think life may have been as she suspected generally over the next 30ish years. The Jewish feasts and celebrations of her family and friends. The craft of her husband as a carpenter was taught to the son. All those years they remembered the big deal around the birth of their son, not to mention when he was brought to the Temple. Zacharias was able to speak again prophesying great words over the son, Jesus. One can only wonder about how that whole story was passed on to their son and how he lived with it for all those years. There must have been some strong training, because He came to the public years of His ministry being able to talk with people, encourage and persuade them. He had the ability to tell stories in ways people listened. Do you think it was just all anointing from God or maybe some good home training added to His abilities to hear and follow His Father's voice? All those years, Mary knew something was going to happen. There were too many voices responding to Him. I wonder if she ever wanted to take back those words . . . "be it to me according to your word."

I wonder how many times the zealous believers among us tell God to "let it happen like You have planned!" Would we be so willing when we see what the next 30 years looks like? As one who can now look back at 30 years, I am not sure I would have had the courage to know the story before I started the journey. Would I have the courage to just go forward and know God would work it out? What would you have done if you were Mary? I wonder how we would train our children if we knew when they turned thirty years old they would be propelled into planet changing work? Oh wait . . . that actually might be something we could consider!

Have you ever heard a strong voice from The Lord telling you something about your future? Would it affect your children or home? How daring are you to accept the direction of that voice?

Father, I remember when You whispered to me, "I have called you and won't say it again." It completely unnerved me. I only knew to run to You. I never want to lose the awe that rose up in me at Your call. I don't know how many more years You have planned for me, but I do long to hear your "well done" along the way. May my ears never lose their sensitivity to Your voice and my heart always be open to Your direction.

Many Sided Wisdom of God

manifold - polupoikilos (pol-oo-poy'-kil'os) - variegated, various, many colored, many sided, woven

Ephesians 3:10 - "in order that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church . . ."

I Peter 1:6 - "in this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary you have been distressed by various trials"

I Peter 4:10 - "As each one has received a special gift, empty it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."

Manifold is a wonderful picture of variegated things. We often look at the word that follows manifold thinking that that's the focal point of the passage. Today, I'm looking at a word that allows the noun after manifold to take on fuller meaning.

The veil in the Tabernacle was variegated with the many colors God instructed Moses to have included. There was even hammered gold woven into the fabric of that veil. So, when the light from the lamp stand glistened on the veil, there was a different "view" each time. It was a wonderful reminder that in worship we can see the Father in various ways.

Another look at manifold comes in a more current example of crocheting. Have you ever seen variegated yarn? I used to watch my mom crocket. (I was learning to do that when I broke my arm playing basketball and never got back to the yarn!) That variegated yarn is something! It comes in four inch color strips all wound together in long yarn. It has about 6 different colors that repeat over and over. When the crocheting was complete, you could see the woven colors all together. Each time you looked at the finished work, you could see something different!

One of my favorite ideas of manifold is the disco ball. Yep! It's that mirror ball stuck high on the ceiling that reflects light out into the room from the spotlight shining on it. While I haven't been in too many discos lately, I have used that ball in musical presentations. As I watched the reflections flying around the room, I was reminded that the Father's wisdom is much like this. It was as if every one of those pieces of mirror were a piece of the wisdom of God. When the light of the Son shined on it, His wisdom could be seen!

I truly believe that when we ask for wisdom, we receive it. God has a wise answer! I've just talked about the many sides of His wisdom, but also His grace is available in that perspective too. Is there grace to cover your situation? Yes, there is!

Father, what side of Your wisdom and grace are needed in various circumstances? Help my eyes see what You are showing me!

A Thought About Eve

What do you do when you know you did something wrong but you don't know how to fix it? Then you find out you can't fix it. Then you find out - it's fixed!

Imagine waking up to a perfect world. You don't know it's perfect; it's the way it's always been for you. Then you make a choice. You didn't realize your choice would affect an entire planet and its environment. Wow . . . some choice!

Because of your choice, a shadow of sorts comes over the world. Everyone is touched by the cloud of imperfection. You were confronted by your choice and it's affect. You experienced the judgement of the Perfect One. You are sad and now you have to figure out how to live in imperfection.

The Perfect One reaches out to you for the same fellowship that you've know before that terrible choice. You never quite forget the pain of the choice, but the closer you stay to the Perfect One, the safer and more comforted you feel. He tells you One will come with whom mankind may have that close fellowship again. During the wait though, the entire earth will groan with longing for the Perfect One's fellowship.

I sometimes wonder how Eve made it through a marriage and children without anyone who'd lived before her. Yes, she had some rocky places along the way. Haven't you? She had had the experience of walking perfectly in close companionship with God. He did make a way to cover her sin for awhile and then for always.

The blood of bulls and goats lasted for awhile as a sacrifice offering to God. Finally, Jesus would be the last sacrifice needed. No longer is there more sacrificing for sin; it is not needed. God remembers our sin no more. (Hebrews 10:17) Now people can live however they choose? No so with God's people. They long for what Eve had originally. Imagine walking in the cool of the day with God? Imagine being able to come open faced (boldly) into His Presence? (Hebrews 4:16) Eve actually had this experience and because of Jesus, we can too!

Father, the thought of walking with You in a tangible way seems amazing. I know You are with me, but walking in the cool of the day brings a sweet image to my brain. I love that closeness throughout my day. Remind me, Father, that those walks together were what refreshed and directed Eve. They were not short pop-in conversations; there was communion. Looking forward to my day . . .

Perseverance

Growing up, I lived in a small town where people knew each other and cared for each other. People worked long hours and gave their time to help one another in times of need as well as just to be neighborly. I watched men and women work tirelessly to provide for their families.

My family was a single parent family. My mom lived in this small town most all of her adult life. I remember students of all ages coming and going out of our house as they practiced for various musical programs throughout the year. If it wasn't church related, it was for contests, or something else important. I felt like I knew many of those musical pieces as well as the students who came to practice. (At least in my head . . .)

Hardly ever did my mom stay home from work because of sickness. If she was sick, it was usually something drastic. Of course, that meant I hardly ever got to stay home for anything either. Somehow, we just doctored ourselves and went to school. My mom was a teacher, and there weren't many substitutes in those days. I don't remember many sick kids back then, but I know kids who lived out on the farms in the valley sometimes had to stay home to help if something happened. There was an inner determination which drove my mom. Even at 80 yrs old, she was getting up every day, getting dressed "for the day" and doing whatever her calendar said she had planned. Whatever her life dealt her, she seemed to "get dressed and ready for the day". Hmmm . . . I wonder if she ever heard the statement, "get your big girl pants on and face the day"?

I can imagine there must have been days when my mom didn't really want to do the things she'd listed on her calendar. Generally, those things were involving other people so she didn't really have the luxury of changing her plans on a whim. She had to show up and be present. We were often the first to arrive at school and often the last to leave. She would grade workbooks while Walter Cronkite gave a rundown of the day across the world. (Cronkite was an anchorman for the CBS Evening News back in the day.) Somehow, whatever the news, the grading was done and my life seemed untouched from all the world.

The Psalmist said, "You are my rock and my fortress. For Your name's sake, lead me and guide me." (Ps. 31:3)

Little did I know that a work ethic and sense of perseverance was being modeled and built into me. As I came to know The Lord personally in my teen years, I realized all along God had been watching out for me. He used families and friends to help grow me. All along God had his hand on my life. Over the course of time, I've had to weed out the difference between never taking time for myself and having the world revolve around me. I've seen moms on both sides of that fence. I have the feeling my mom seldom took time for herself, but I know she did what she knew to do. Busy was good. I'm still learning how to rest. The key, it seems, is God's leading and guiding.

How are you being lead today for the sake of the name of The Lord? What of your calendar's plans do you know are His leading and guiding your day?

Father, I'm thankful for the home in which I was raised. I knew I was safe; I knew I was loved. As I came to know You, I learned to be even more thankful for my home. Help me realize today, that even from the beginning, You have been my rock and my fortress. Every day, You offer to lead and guide me. You desire to write my calendar plans. Thank You, Father, for giving me such strong people in my life at an early age. They showed me how to work and push past challenges and persevere.  Here's my day, Father. I will listen for Your plans . . .

An Abiding Heart

Psalm 51:17 "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise."

broken - shabar (shaw-bar') - to burst, to break into small pieces where the inner parts are exposed

contrite - dakah (daw-kaw) - to pulverize to mere dust; to crush; has the picture of reducing to the consistency to talcum powder

despise - bazah (baw-zaw') - put to shame; take away esteem

Have you ever watched your kids get caught at something and there was that "moment"? You know, the "moment" when they are deciding which is the best way to go - give you that innocent "kid" smile or that "ok I'm caught, now what?" look! King David had those very options when he made unwise choices, tried to hide himself and then came full circle back to the bare truth that he had sinned "against God and God alone". (Ps 51:4). While our kids may or may not understand that, I believe the sooner we all learn it, the sooner we will come to love the "wonder" of brokenness.

This study is not about the sin or the repentance. It's about the work that God does after repentance (or right along with it). True repentance brings out a God given desire to "make it right" or somehow "do" something. God doesn't necessarily want those kinds of "sacrifices". What He loves to watch, with full loving, no shame acceptance, is a broken and contrite heart.

The heart, being the place of understanding and emotion, is where God loves to work. Being broken by Him involves having large or small issues be exposed to the light of His love. Remember, He doesn't dismantle our dignity - He has placed us in His Son, Christ Jesus. But He does want every part of our being flooded with His light. He does want our depravity exposed. That's where the Holy Spirit lovingly nudges and breaks into the hidden areas exposing the need for Him. We are not meant to be left hanging there exposed though. Thus, the next step of having a "contrite" heart.

"Contrite" has to do with being the consistency of a fine powder. Have you ever seen talcum powder? You know how fine it is? Originally, it was made from a rock yet pulverized to very fine powder. That "pulverizing" is a picture of the word "contrite". Now the purpose of being contrite is not to lose our identity. The chemical makeup (DNA) of the rock was the same whether in a rock form or a fine powder form. The difference was that the powder can stand on the surface of the water. It is pliable and much more conformable as talc than as a rock. The picture of a contrite person is one that has not lost his identity (I am still a child of the living God). But, he's one that has given all his "rights" and "ownership" to the surface of the place on which he rests (or floats)! Of course, we are IN Christ Jesus! We are not our own, we are bought with a price. It's the ultimate picture of "abiding"! Abiding in Him, I rest completely on the plane of who He is. When I start walking in my own understanding - I sink like a rock!

Can you imagine this kind of abiding? How do you respond to the full floodlight of Christ on your life? Who owns the "rights" in your life?


Oh awesome Father,
Abiding completely in Your Presence is where I want to be! I am beginning to see that my rights are not as favorable to me as Your Face. I know my imperfections will show up in the light of Your Presence, but I also know You clothe me in Your righteousness. I understand that sacrifice isn't just a place I don't do a few things I wanted to do. It is where I surrender myself to You. I give myself to Your plan for Me. Help me see abiding as less about struggling and more about resting completely in You. I open my heart to You . . .

The Long Stretch

I Peter 4:8 - ". . . keep fervent in your love for one another"

Acts 12:5 - "So Peter was kept in prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God."

John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."


fervent - ektenes - (em-ten-ace) - intense, stretch out, without ceasing

love - agape (ag-ah'-pay) - an unselfish kind of love that can only be done in it's fullness by God; it prizes the recipient above the giver; it is God's willful direction toward man

The image of fervent love looks like a continuous stretching beyond the easy point of surface concerns. When God gave His Son for us, there was such intensity in His heart. The writer of Hebrews explains Jesus' fervent love this way - "who for the joy set before Him endured the Cross". Talk about stretching!

We get a little nervous to get out of our comfort zone. When God is trying to grow us into new places of His Kingdom, sometimes we shrink back or become almost paralyzed in fear. The thought of our loving Father continuously stretching out His love for us should be the foundation from which we do some stretching.

During my years of piano practicing, I remember my teacher looking at my really small hands. She was a little shocked when I couldn't reach the eight note stretch that, in music, we call an octave. My hands were as large as they were going to get when I reached about 10 years old. So, she suggested I do some stretching exercises. I sat at the piano day in and day out doing what she told me to do. Now, I have to tell you that I don't honestly think my fingers got longer nor the span of my hand larger. But guess what? Today, I can reach octaves!

What are some opportunities for intense stretching? The passages above mention prayer and relationships. Both of these situations involve getting outside the easy path and pressing on into more of something. Fervent love for one another doesn't allow for pettiness. It prizes the other's well being above our own. That stretched out kind of love goes on beyond the norm until results are seen in the life of another. It's that same kind of intensity with prayer. We might know of a situation that must be brought to the Father. We do whatever it takes to pray until that situation changes. When the church prayed for Peter during his imprisonment, I don't think it was a three minute event on Sunday morning! It's the intensity that comes over you when you know a friend is in need of God's hand in their situation. You just won't quit bringing it before the Father. It's called fervent prayer!

Father,
Open the eyes of my heart to stretch beyond the easy and the routine. May Your picture of love ever press me on to stretch for another whether it's in relationships or in prayer.I want to be a person who unceasingly presses on for all Your heart desires. Thank you Father, for helping me reach the octaves in fervency of prayer and deepening relationships. Abiding . . . pruning . . . stretching . . .

Staying Influence

I came to know The Lord when I was in high school. My pastor and his wife took me in and taught me exponential amounts of the Word before I graduated the next year. They let me ask questions. I lived across the street so I knew them and their daughters. They were real people. They loved God and I found I wanted to be like them. I tried to follow their advice as much as I could. I still say things they taught me many years ago.

Right on the heels of those people came my sister and her family. Now this was a different sort of influencing. I moved in with them for a year before college. My education was unending! (Keep in mind I was raised in a single parent home.) During this year, I'd step out of my bedroom to find my sister and brother-in-law smooching in the kitchen. Yikes! I didn't know what to do! (run . . . turn around . . . make a comment . . .) They were laughing and tickling and loving. Their lifestyle of family and Jesus rubbed off on me. They wanted me to be a part of the family so much they even bought me a special glass that they put at my place at the table every time we ate together. That glass had an emblem of their favorite football team. They wanted me to join them in their love of this team. They lived in an area of America where this team was on every Sunday afternoon. Of course, we'd all gather to watch them play. Now, I was a little rebellious. Oh sure, I drank from the special glass, but I didn't buy the idea. Unknowingly, I learned about almost every other team in that league because I always cheered for the other team! Still, they loved me, taught me and mostly just did life in a real way all the time I stayed with them. I was so glad to be in their family; my brother-in-law even walked me down the aisle at my wedding!

When Jesus went out into public ministry, He invited some people to do real life with Him as well. John 1:39 says they stayed with Him. Whatever happened during that "stay" had an influence not only on these guys but on the people they invited to come and see Jesus. One very inconspicuous man to stay during that time with Jesus was Andrew. Interestingly enough, the Bible doesn't have great stories about Andrew other than he stayed with Jesus. One very pivotal day in Andrew's life, he introduced his brother, Peter, to Jesus. Well, the rest is the story of a disciple who stayed with Jesus through thick and thin eventually saying, "Where else can we go for the Word of Life?" Ok, I know Peter denied Jesus for a few days, but honestly, if that was all the time he denied Him, his track record was pretty good. Check out the book of Acts in the Bible. Peter's work is stunning. But remember, Andrew had stayed with Jesus first!

 Sometimes in life, we need examples of what it means to "stay". Jesus invited His disciples to "abide" in Him. Interestingly enough, the same word is used in the John 1 passage (stay) as in the John 15 passage (abide). His Word makes us clean, but the "real life" part is in the abiding (staying). Jesus sent the Holy Spirit so we would know His staying power after He left the Earth. He abides with us.

Who has been a "staying influence" in your life? For whom do you exhibit that kind of example? (Let me just say, it's anyone in your sphere of influence. You never know who is watching.) Jesus didn't run from the Cross; He stayed. Can you name at least three people who are watching your life and how you abide in Christ? Conversely, who are you watching?
Father, I believe You put people in our pathway both to influence and be influenced by them. Does anybody care about You because I abide (stay) in Your way of doing things? Only You know that! Remind me that You're the only one I need to please.  Thank You for those who have influenced me all these years and still do. Watching someone abide in You is such a strong example and encouragement!

Pruning the Peripherals

Recently I heard a talk from the board members of the Palisade Historical Society. They were telling about the old days of peach harvesting in the Palisade area of the Grand Valley. I remembered some of the information because as a young person I remember many people would help in the peach harvest. What I didn't know was how much preparation went into making the peach harvest so plentiful.

Many months earlier before the peaches were ripe and ready to be picked, workers went through the fields and cut off shoots of new growth. I wondered why new shoots would be cut off. Isn't that a sign of growth and newness? Actually, it's a sign of a tree wanting to do its own thing. The skilled workers knew just which branches should be trimmed so the upcoming fruit would have the maximum sun and space to grow to its full potential. This would create the best fruit to be harvested and sold.

I also knew many other families who had nice little peach trees growing in their backyards which grew rather small peaches. Sometimes the pit would be larger than the fruit around it. No one took the time to go out to the trees to prune away the growth that would take extra energy for the maintenance of the tree. It seemed like taking the extra step and growing great fruit would be of more interest to the owner. Sometimes - yes . . . sometimes - no.

John 15:2 reminds us that Jesus prunes the branches so there will be more fruit. That same idea works not only with fruit trees, but also with people walking out the plan of God for their life. All the extra branches take nourishment and strength from the main growth of the tree. The peripheral "shoots of distraction" often cause people to lose focus for the important things God is saying in their life. Being willing to have the side distractions removed would seem to allow more concentrated energy to fulfill the plans of God.

Here's a key for me . . . The vinedresser decided which branches would be removed for the tree to better produce fruit. The trees don't vote or have discussions with the vinedresser. He merely looks at the tree, determines its potential for grow in its current state, and begins to prune branches to allow for upcoming fruit. The goal is fruit. The vinedresser stands back, looks at the whole tree and its surroundings and gets to work.

Can you see how our great Vinedresser, Jesus, does the same thing? How do you respond to His work in your life? Is your goal the same as His for your life?

Father, somehow, I have not thought of pruning as a wanted exercise in my life. Its action has seemed brutal, painful and exposing. Could it be that pruning is freeing, releasing and directing? I have listened too long to those who have determined pruning as a minimizing process which means less enjoyment in life. I wonder if pruning might bring much more focus and clarity? I understand that I do not do the pruning - You do. You are the Author and Finisher of my faith. Mine is to give myself to You; Yours is to prune me for the greatest fruit bearing days in my life!

The Heart's Ecosystem

Luke 6:45 - "The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasures brings forth what is evil; for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart." ( the KJV it says "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.")

abundance - periseuma (per-is'-syoo-mah) - a surplus or superabundance; what is left over after something is full; there is enough and extra to spare

My mind began to ponder this verse in Luke recently. Once when I was at my niece's house, she had a lovely pool of water. This was no ordinary pond. This was something called a "patio pond". At that time, my niece didn't have a huge plot of land where a sprawling pond could stretch providing an ecosystem for plants and fish. Those kinds of ponds are up in the mountains near our home. Right in the city, though, was her refreshing pond. The pond had a waterfall over some rocks that poured into a pond at the bottom of the structure. The whole draw of this pond was that after a busy day, you could sit by it, watch the fish swim and unwind from the busy day.

I began to wonder how that pond kept working. Of course I understood that there was a pump that kept the water recycling. The plan of the pond includes a complete cleaning system. But, as I stared at that pond, I wondered if that pond ever would get dry. Would it ever run out of water?

I live in a pretty arid part of the US so our 15% humidity means wet things dry up fairly fast. Evaporation is a concern that we have. As I looked at that pond, I wondered how it keeps spilling over from one place to the next. My niece explained that every other day, she had to add water or the system wouldn't continue to work. The whole ecosystem must have enough water to spill from one area of the pond to the next. There must be an abundance of water that will fall from one place to the next.

The Holy Spirit dropped deep into my heart a reminder that the "ecosystem" of the Father's Presence in me must be filled to overflowing. My life is more than just a pond that keeps refilling, but it is an abundance of what He is working in me. What I have in my "ecosystem" (my heart) is what flows out of my mouth.

If you want the things of God to spill out of your mouth to others, you must have the "system" of the Father working in you.It's pretty easy to see what is in a person's heart. Listen to them talk. As I looked at that pond, I realized that it wasn't going to hold anything that would not fit in that ecosystem. What finds a way of surviving in my heart? What do I "feed" on? Do I daily take in the Word of God? Do I want the Presence of the Father to fill me and then overflow from me? Am I full enough of Him that there is extra flowing out of me as I speak?

Father,
Show me where I have no fresh flow of You in my life. Help me hear what I am speaking to those around me. What is it telling about what is in the "ecosystem" of my heart? I want to be so full of Your living water, that when I speak, my words will declare what You are doing in me. I want that kind of abundant mentality. May the treasure (ecosystem) in my heart be so full that it flows out and blesses those around!

Take Thought of His Truth

Psalm 8:3-4 says "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers . . . . what is man that You take thought of him?"

take thought - (Heb) - "to mark, take note of, to burn into the memory"

A friend and I were praying one night awhile back and began to speak in prayer some of the things that our Father "takes thought of" regarding us. I thought you'd like to hear some of His thoughts toward you today!

Can you imagine His finger writing on your heart?

"You are mine!
I love you!
I bought you with a price!
I love it when you worship Me.
I am there when you open your heart to Me.
I rush to inhabit your praises.
I've been looking for you.
I've been waiting for you and here you are!
I knew you would come back.
Come on in to My secret place.
Let Me hold you.
Climb up into My lap and rest
I really am all you need.
I have the answers to your questions.
I have loved you with an everlasting love!
Don't be afraid.
My thoughts toward you are good.
My plans are to give you a future and a hope.
Nothing is too hard for Me.
Let Me show you the depths, heights and widths of My love."

Father, it is good to hear Your Voice laced throughout the Bible. I are strengthened and encouraged by Your Word, the Truth. Your promise is that Your Word will not return without having done that for which it was sent. It overwhelms me to think that I am burned into Your heart - that You take thought of me. How I want to hear Your plan and purpose for this day. Word of God speak . . . 

Timeless Timeliness

Have you heard these sayings? "What comes around, goes around." or "Everything comes back into style, just wait a little while." "Been there, done that!" Some things do seem to reoccur, don't they?

It used to irritate me when I thought I had a new idea and someone would tell about a time they did the thing I was thinking. I have come to realize there are many things I do not know . . . somebody else may already know those things . . . I am just coming to learn them. I often say to my students, "Guess what I learned yesterday?" I find they are much more ready to listen when they know I am still a discoverer as well. How flexible am I to change and grow? I still enjoy learning and find my curiosity rubs off on people who are open minded. (I used to think that open minded meant "empty headed". It might apply in some instances, but maybe not so much as I had thought.) Times change and so do people. (I suspect some of my friends are shouting, "Hallelujah!" at this point.)

How does the message of Jesus being the way, the truth and life cross the generations? We are living in a time in history when the diversity between people is huge. The diversity between continents is huge. While our world has been made smaller by technology, the microscopic look we now have has revealed giant gaps in how people live their life. Is there a level playing field among us?

Ps 33:11: - "The counsel of the LORD stands forever. The plans of His heart from generation to generation."

Quite awhile ago,  my mentor taught me that the Lord is timeless. God transcends culture yet fits so cleanly in every age. His counsel is all encompassing. There is no one who has ever lived who could not live in His counsel. The plans of His heart really create such a level paying field. His plan and heart for every generation can be understood and followed. Here is a pivotal place where generations can speak to each other from a common foundation. Maybe this is what has kept me connected to the counsel of The Lord all these years. I may have heard someone say they had experienced what I was encountering, but often their stories challenged me to continue on as I walked the way of The Lord.

Are you connected with other generations or do you think no one really understands where you are in your life right now?

Father . . .I choose not to believe the lie that no one has gone through what I am going through. That thinking isolates me and causes me to focus on myself. Your Word stands forever. Thank you for the clear transcendent place from which Your counsel flows. There are no prerequisites to hear and heed Your counsel. I don't have to be or do certain things to hear Your direction. Every age can respond to Your plans. Remind me that there are people watching me (of various ages) who wonder how I will respond to Your counsel. I know it's not about being perfect; it's about being responsive to Your plan. Help me be transparent yet tenacious, gracious yet gritty and mostly, humble yet heroic in my quest to walk with You.

Not Been This Way Before

Romans 6:4 - "Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life."

Romans 7:6 - "But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter."

newness - kainotes - (kahee-not'-ace) - freshness, renewal, not simply an experience similar to the past, but a qualitative different one; having not been this way before (Grk)

Each summer I watch our mulberry tree in the front yard bear new fruit. I have the joy of picking those berries and enjoying them on pancakes and in my cereal. For many years now, we've cared for that tree by pruning it and watering it. It's amazing to watch it's renewal each year!

Just as that tree brings fruit to our table each summer, so there is a process where I may have renewal or "freshness" as well. As an act of my faith, I identify with Christ in His death so that I may experience that Resurrection life.

One study resource says the above two passages are the only places this word for "newness" is used in the Bible. It stems from the same initial experience (salvation) but produces a qualitatively different experience from past experiences. In Christian circles, that "experience" is sometimes called "growth" or "maturity". It is more than the acquiring of more knowledge. It is literally walking by the Spirit out into places we've not yet been.

It seems interesting that I want to "grow" and experience the Father more, but going where I've never gone before makes me anxious. So, the tension between my desire to grow and the anxiousness of the unknown can cause me to "freeze" in me tracks. The wonderful thing about the Father, though, is that He knows where I should grow and will continually "draw" me to that growth. That "drawing" might look like a desire to be with certain people. It might look like wanting to read the Bible more. It might look like talking to the Father more than ever before.

Suddenly the pain of remaining the same is greater than the pain of change. Taking the step out into the wide open spaces of the Father becomes a joy. It's found that all along He was leading and creating hunger for more of Him. My vision of Him is qualitatively larger and keener. There are new areas of Him that open to me. Courage to keep going rises because of the way He met me for the current step of growth. That is a picture of the "newness" of life in the Spirit!

Just as I know my mulberry tree has in it the potential for bearing fruit, so I know the Father has put in me the potential for growth!

Father, being uncomfortable at the spot I'm in isn't always bad. It might mean I need to get back on "the way" or it might mean I need to move further along on "the way". Remind me that joy, peace and rest can be experienced even in the gritty growth times. Those qualities are not an exchange for growth; they are loving partners on the journey. Show me ways to walk and serve in the newness of life released by the Resurrection. Where next . . .  

The Visual and The Voice

Do you remember the days of following maps on a road trip? Some of you may not. At the beginning of our school year, my students draw a detailed map from their house to their school. There are specific points of reference each student must note on their maps. Students have a challenge creating the route with any sense of authentic reference. Sometimes, the route just doesn't fit on their presentation board!

Today, I use a visual map via my phone. My Siri guy voice (on my phone) leads me around town or across the state. He's good at what he does - until there's a satellite glitch. Then I don't know where I am and the signs show up too late to help me. If I make a wrong turn or don't follow the directions, Siri comes back and says "recalculating"!

Just imagine if The Lord was as loud as Siri? I make a wrong decision or turn and I know I'm in trouble if Siri is "recalculating". Hmmm..... I wonder if I would come to eventually ignore Siri. Would that reassuring voice become so commonplace that I just went my own way? How is my hearing when it comes to the Lord's direction?

The Prophet Isaiah didn't have Siri to dial in for directions, so he had to rely on the best source - God. Isaiah told his people to listen for "a word behind you, saying, This is the way, walk in it. Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left." (Isaiah 30:21, NKJV) So what do you think about that kind of leading through of life? On my map program I do have a visual before the voice. Oh wait! I have the Word of God as a visual - then the Holy Spirit is the Voice that leads me through the day. Honestly, the voice of the Holy Spirit leading at just the right moment has been an adventure like no other. There's just something about reading God's Word in the morning and listening for the Holy Spirit throughout the day. He brings to mind the visual (Word) and gives me direction (Voice) at just the time I need it.

What sort of "visual" are you storing up in your life? How do you see God and the direction of His Word in your life? Do you think hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit is really possible? Have you given Him a chance to do this?

Father, today I absolutely understand the nervous feeling of wondering if You are speaking in the moment to me about something going on in my life. I know the doubts and fears that rise; I don't always trust that You are speaking to me. I pray for courage for each of us to believe that You have our best in mind always. You want to lead us by Your Word and the Holy Spirit. I pray for small opportunities that will make us more courageous to trust You. Even when we make turns other than what You've directed, You are "recalculating" to meet with us. I pray I might go through this day knowing Your Visual, hearing Your Voice and have little or no "recalculating"!

Resurrection Life

One Sunday awhile back, our worship band started singing a song written by Jeremy Riddle called "One Thirst." It spoke so strongly to my heart.

"We have gathered, with one thirst and hunger
Here to drink of glory and wonder
Here to cry out, come and fill this place
Come and fill this place."

It felt like the Holy Spirit was infiltrating the room as we sang, "Hallelujah, come. Hallelujah, come."

The experience reminded me of times when I knew the air was heavy with moisture. There was sense of something in the air physically. The temperature and humidity were just the right mix to actually created frost on the window. When the temperature changed just a degree or two, the frost was gone.  At other times, the humidity would not be enough even though the temperature would be in range for frost to appear. Similarly, I know the Holy Spirit is always with us because Jesus promised He would be. ( Check out John 14.)  At times, He seems much more "real" for some reason. Is it because He is showing Himself so I can experience Him in a more knowable way? Possibly. Are my eyes and ears more keenly fixed on Him at certain times? Maybe.
Sometimes it's as though He sneaks into my world and reveals Himself when I'm least expecting it.

What does this have to do with Resurrection Life? Without the Resurrection, we would not have a chance at this kind of living. The Old Testament people only could experience visitations of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said the Holy Spirit was with them, but would be IN them. The difference came when Jesus opened that door because of the Resurrection. Jesus came to show us how to live abundant lives. He endured the cross because He loved us and gave Himself for us. He broke the chains of death, hell and the grave with His Resurrection power. He sent the Holy Spirit to walk with us and lead us into truth. So from this perspective, Resurrection Life is not one experience after another - it's a way of life because of the Holy Spirit!

While we know the Holy Spirit is always with us, I still am drawn to ask God for those times when I know experientially He is with me. Some people might think that is immature - "can't you just take it by faith?" I don't think it's an either/or situation. I think experiencing the Holy Spirit happens physically as well as spiritually. Ask anyone who has experienced the Presence of The Lord. It's pretty hard to talk them out of what happened.

When was the last time you experienced the Presence of the Holy Spirit? Hopefully, you know in your head He is with you. What if today you asked Him to nudge you gently just to say, "I am here . . ."

Father, Thank you for the Holy Spirit who Jesus sent to be with me. I believe Jesus' words when He said He would send a Comforter who would lead me into truth and show me how to live my life. I think of those followers of Jesus waiting in the upper room for the Holy Spirit to come. After He came, I know He continued to show up and lead them. I read about those experiences in the book of Acts. I pray You would make Yourself evident in my life the way you did for Jesus' followers. Help me remember to ask the Holy Spirit to show me when He is leading me. This is life . . .

Resurrection's Determination

There are days when life seems to happen to you rather than you happen to life. There are people who have a sense of determination no matter what. They want to be able to make it through life keeping happy and safe. Some people, though, want to impact life and the people in it. They want to impact their world and make a difference. Jesus' disciples were invigorated when He appeared to them after the resurrection. Jesus told them they were to go be witnesses to what they had seen. He had come back to life and ascended to the heavens. They saw it all! Determination was strong in their hearts at this point.

Easter Sunday is one of those Sundays most attended by people during the year. Christmas runs a close second if not sometimes outright takes first place. It's when Christ followers are reignited with the passion of Christ. Imaging Christ on the cross, then walking out of the tomb and ascending to the heavens is an image that reminds them that Jesus was different. He's not dead; He's alive! (Plug for the movie!)

Luke 24:52-53 - "While He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they, after worshiping Him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising God."

How are you influenced by the reminders of Easter Sunday? What would you have done if you were one of the followers? Would you have just gone back to your day to day business? How has the power of the Resurrection impacted you in these days after Easter? Is it "back to normal"?

Let the Resurrection stir determination in you to go back to your work "with great joy" as you continually praise God in the Temple  - which is YOU! Be determined to influence your world rather than be squeezed into the form of this world. Consider letting your words not have to be delivered in flowery elegance but in the determined clarity of the Holy Spirit's anointing. (I Corinthians 2:4)

Father, I am determined to impact my world. You have done so much for me. Somehow, I want my words and my actions to display who You are. I know people won't always agree or even understand why I do what I do. I know I will even be misunderstood. Sometimes that's the most painful. Help me focus on being determined to live as a person who knows the meaning of Resurrection. Jesus stood again; mankind can as well because of His sacrifice. I worship You and anticipate the Spirit's anointing upon my day. I will wait for You . . .

Resurrection's Belief

Easter Sunday has just passed. Things have changed around my town. There's not much school left for the children for this year. The lawns are drinking in the water and looking much fresher with new manicures. People strolling or biking down the city pathways or the Riverfront Trail have white legs showing hoping for the kiss of the sun. New grass is peaking through freshly groomed dirt. The sun is calling the seeds awake and daring them to face the warmth of daylight. There's an extra sense of optimism in the air when Spring shows itself.

The disciples must have had an extra sense of optimism as they awoke the second day after the empty tomb discovery. Thomas' faith had been restored. When John wrote his story of Jesus' life on Earth, He wanted people to believe - not just know about Jesus, but honestly believe that He was the Son of God. Almost every part of John's story reveals his heart to have people believe the truth about Jesus. From the very first chapter, John wanted people to know that to all who believed, Jesus would give them the authority to become children of God. In John 20:21, a concluding statement recounts "But these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through His name." Each disciple had a story to tell of their life from unbelief to disbelief and on to belief. 

Have you ever met someone for whom Jesus has become very real and a complete life changer? I once knew a person who said they wouldn't believe in anything they couldn't see. They did the proverbial fist pump in the air saying they could take care of themselves. They found their life took a variety of turns. This person was pretty talented and had visions of grandeur. One day, they had to go out in the real world where it took grit to survive. They found out they weren't as great as they thought. In fact, few people even cared. They tried some numbing flings but really found out those were only temporary. They remembered some correspondence from a family member who just kept loving them no matter how they avoided talking about God. The family member let the person live with them and experience what a godly life is like. The person wondered why a life following Jesus seemed so inviting. The people who followed Jesus seemed wonderful to know. One day, the person made a choice to follow Jesus. The family member spent hours answering questions and telling more about Jesus. The person's life began to change. The family member discipled the person until now the person disciples others, but never forgot what the family member did for them. You know anyone with this sort of story of unbelief, disbelief and then, belief?

It might be good today to recall your "resurrection story". How did you come to believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God? Who knows your story and how has it impacted those you know? 

Father, thank you for disciples like John who just kept challenging his readers to believe. Jesus wanted His disciples to walk in resurrection belief. He wanted them empowered and ready with a story of faith. Sometimes, my life is so full of busy that I hardly remember that I believe. It's not like I lose my faith, but it is as though it was not at the forefront of who I am. Whisper in my ear when I can let resurrection belief be known in my sphere of influence. Help me see You at work . . .

Resurrection's Hope

Words have such rich meaning and expression. Sometimes merely seeing the type on a screen or a sheet of paper cannot define the emotion (or lack of it) originally intended by the initial writer. The reader has to know the writer or read more of the history around how the word spoken or written is used. So it is with the word "hope".

Sometimes "hope" is used as an accusatory verb. "I hope you can get to these chores today." I hope you will get that report done before you go home from work today." Sometimes "hope" is an extra nudge word; one of those hints from somebody who wants something from you. "I hope you can call me." "I hope you know how important this is to me." Sometimes "hope" is a pleading word of passion. "I hope you understand my heart." "I hope you will always remember."

"Hope" is also a noun. It is a state of optimism where there is a future for a new story. It is more of a "yes" than a "no". The writer to the Roman church wrote this.

"Therefore, having been  justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:1-5, NKJV)

Hope is not born in a vacuum. Jesus' followers had experienced the ups and downs of life with Him. They had experienced the religious leaders' wrath. They watched Lazarus walk out of the tomb - smelly and encased. T'he ultimate trial was watching Jesus hang on a cross. Do you think they had much hope? When Jesus showed up a couple of days later with nail holes in His hands and feet, their hope was bolstered. Thomas' hope was restored. In time, they would experience empowerment from the Holy Spirit. Through the course of the days ahead, these followers grew in perseverance which strengthened their character which birthed more and more hope in them. Maybe hope takes more fortitude that originally thought?

Disappointment steals hope in our lives. Sometimes hope just hasn't come to fruition because we're in the middle of tribulation, or our perseverance is growing, or our character is yet at a growing point which will sprout hope. Wherever we might be along that continuum, we still have our past growth events to spur us on. We have experienced moments of hope. When disappointment looms larger though, we wonder if we can press on. Proverbs 13:12 describes the situation - "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life." (NKJV)

So how are we to press on with hope? The Psalmist (78:6-7) reminded God's people to recall the great works of God and tell them to every new generation born. Rehearsing those stories were life giving "that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments." When hope seems far off, there are people who can tell the stories of the greatness of God. They can remind any of us who are short on hope that our God is faithful and at work. Just as Thomas' hope was renewed, so our hope will revived when we find people who have more experience with God than us.

Have you found people who have lived through challenges? Who is the most patient (persevering) person you know? Who do you know who has strong character? (Chances are you will find hope-filled people among these people.)

Father, I can relate to the followers of Jesus the day after He rose from the grave. I've had such great times with You. I have seen Your work in such unbelievable ways. I've also experienced a hopelessness of which I am unable to explain. I remember fathers and mothers in the faith coming to encourage me to press on. How thankful I am for them! For those who are experiencing disappointment today, touch their hearts with Your hope. Help them find hope filled people to pour into them. For those who have stronger hope today, remind them of how that hope rose from the challenges of life. Prepare them to tell the generations about that hope that is within them. We now all have access to You . . .we rejoice in hope!

The Shepherd's Resurrection (He is Risen Indeed!)

Having been raised in a mainline Protestant denomination, every Easter the leader would rise to greet the parishioners with "He is risen!" The people would stand and enthusiastically reply, "He is risen indeed!" Hearing that response year after year was such a renewing, refreshing experience for me. The congregation would hear the words, and know immediately what should be replied in return. Although we had written responses in the weekly bulletin everyone followed judiciously, no one had to read it on Easter Sunday (at least for the opening response). We would stand to reply as a confident unity of voice filled the little country church with a convincing sound. To this day, I love to say "He is risen!" and hear back "He is risen indeed!"

Growing up, we had large pieces of land to grow vegetables and flowers. Try as we might to prepare our land for winter, there was still a process for waking up the plants in the spring time. We used to say we were "resurrecting" the garden and flower beds. Where the weight of the snow had matted down the plants, we were able to clean around them and help them stand taller. The branches of the plants were clear of old dead leaves and were ready for new growth and fruit to come forth.

Later in college, I discovered the original meaning of "resurrection". It actually means "to stand again". Wow! All along I had seen examples of "resurrection". Jesus had been put in the tomb lifeless. God resurrected Him; Jesus stood again. When the stone was rolled away, no lifeless body remained. Later showing Himself to His followers, they saw resurrection in person. He was standing before them.

Previously, Jesus explained to Mary and Martha how He was the Resurrection and the Life. He then demonstrated that power by raising Lazarus from the dead. You would have thought that would have made a pretty strong impact on them. Maybe it did, but got lost in the frenzy of Jesus' last days on Earth. Many followers had seen Lazarus' resurrection, but somehow it didn't translate to the current situation.

Yes, Jesus had been talking to His followers all along concerning resurrection. His plan was not merely to help them stand again, but He gave them purpose and meaning, i.e. Life. That life was not merely the passing of time, but it was life to be filled with direction and understanding. Jesus called it "life more abundantly". (John 1:10) NKJV How could that be? The writer to the church in Rome explained it this way."The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you, and just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, He will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you." (Romans 8:11, NLT)

Is it time for you to let resurrection happen again to you? Are you living the daily grind with your head hanging down? How about a "lift" from the Spirit of God?

Father, sometimes its easy to live life with my head down facing only what I have to do that specific day. Each day seems plenty full as it is. I guess I'm afraid if I lift my head, I'll see more that I think I have to do. Moving from face-down-walking to resurrection living is an ongoing practice. I will listen for your Spirit as He is raising me from dead works to life outpourings in the days ahead. He is risen indeed!

The Shepherd's Absence

Have you ever felt like God just wasn't there? He hadn't shown up (like I thought He should have) for awhile. Your prayers hit a ceiling and bounced mockingly back at you. Two camps of people around you were reminding you either 1) God isn't really there after all OR 2) you just don't have enough faith to believe that He's still there. Sometimes, those two ideas leave a person without much hope.

Between the horror of the Cross and the celebration of the Resurrection, there was a waiting time - an absence of sorts. I've often wondered what Jerusalem was like the day after the tumult of Jesus' crucifixion. While crucifixions happened fairly regularly at that time, Jesus' crucifixion drew a crowd and some extras like darkness and a huge tear in the veil of the Temple (not to mention the sighting of resurrected bodies of godly people walking around)! (See Matthew 27:50-52.) I wonder what the religious leaders thought as they stood inspecting the floor to ceiling rip in the veil of the Temple?

In the Jewish holy book, the Torah, there was a detailed description of everything in the meeting place between God and the Jewish priests. (It's a fascinating study!) The veil symbolized a separation from the common man and God. Only the High Priest could go past that veil to the part in the Temple called the Holy of Holies. The Priest would offer a sacrifice once a year for the people. The veil was a tapestry of skins, cloth and metal (gold) woven together and was the only way to get in to the Holy of Holies to experience God. Suddenly, it was left gaping open. The secret things inside the inner chamber were able to be seen! I'm guessing the religious leaders didn't say anything, because this news would surely change their status as well as their power structure. To become obsolete is not a welcomed experience!

Matthew did note the ladies who followed Jesus had purchased burial spices just before the Sabbath (Shabat) was about to begin. They followed the rules, but their hearts must have been heavy. At the very least, they had had a good time with Jesus; they owed Him a proper burial.

Have you ever noticed how unsettling an absence can be? You can miss someone who you see regularly every day. A coworker doesn't show up and you haven't heard where they are. Your parents don't make that weekly call to see how you're doing. The insecurity and irritation of change contribute to why people respond the way they do. Many of Jesus' followers were scattered and hiding out on this day before the Resurrection. Government people were trying to keep the tenseness of the previous day to a minimum even to the point of sending extra soldiers to seal and guard the cave where Jesus' body was placed. The religious leaders had to find an explanation for the veil disaster. The common onlookers of yesterday's events might be having discussions among themselves over their regular celebratory Sabbath meals.

The followers of Jesus had the best vantage but they didn't understand what Jesus was saying in His last days with them. We can look back and wonder what a bunch of nitwits they were to not realize He had already explained what would happen. He wasn't around to field questions. He was absent. A wise mentor once told me to never doubt in the dark what I knew in the light. This was a dark time for many different groups of people. They all had to wait . . .

When people around you are sure they have the answers but you are yet unsure, what do you do? What is your capacity to wait when the answer is not revealed?

Father, while I know the whole story from this side of the Cross, I still have empathy for the followers of Jesus. It's so easy to shout answers. It's not so easy to wait when You seem absent. In my heart, I know You are always with me. In my experience, I have worried that You've forgotten me. The more life I live, the less hard I am on real people living real lives. I think You realized that from living the daily grind with Your followers. I want to be such an independent strong lamb. I think I do so well on my own; I am just a silly sheep. I need You, my Shepherd. Remind me that because I don't see clearly, does not mean You are not there.

The Shepherd's Death

Death is so . . . final. Jesus knew what was coming, and still lived fully until He declared of his own choosing . . . "It is finished!"

The disciples that were left at the beginning of that day of the week had heard Jesus say that He was the good shepherd. He would lay His life down for the sheep. "No one can take My life from Me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what My Father has commanded." They watched Jesus be humiliated and tortured.

Years ago when the Passion of the Christ came out in theaters, I convinced a coworker to go with me. It's not my favorite movie by any stretch. It's gruesome and terrible to watch. It physically affected my coworker. We couldn't talk about it for days. Eventually though, we did. It had a profound impact on her life. After I left that particular place of employment, she and I still had a connection. It was that movie. We had some poignant talks about Jesus and what He did for us. She has since died. Today, I think about those talks. She often asked me why He would just hang in there through it all. All I knew what that He loved us so much, He gave His life.

There is so much detail around the reason He died and specifically how He did. It's fascinating study; I've done it fairly thoroughly. It does seem very convincing. Does it change anything though?  Not really. The science of His death does prove He gave His life - they didn't kill Him. Did that information soothe the disciples as they were wandering around town or hiding out so as not to be recognized? Not really. If you didn't know the "rest of the story", what would you be thinking? You recall what you saw and experienced the last few years - the miracles . . . the relationship . . . the talks . . . even the hard things to understand. Is that all gone? Not really. (But that was not known yet . . .)

I understand the finality of death. I know things are not the same afterward. So many times with death, people are changed. Often on this day, I hear "what is so "good" about today? It was awful, inhumane and should not be called "good"!" Consider this . . . Jesus was called the "good" shepherd. We have a word in English that has the root word from the Greek word used for "good" to describe Jesus. The English word is "colossal".  It has the background of hugeness, vastness or greatness. Also embedded in the word is the meaning of being genuine (as opposed to fake). Jesus being our "good shepherd" was so all encompassing and thoroughly complete, some people might try to discount His story as fake. Do you think He was surprised when he wasn't believed? Not really! He knew what He was offering the world as their good shepherd. He knew life would not be the same after He left, but He also gave His followers all He had . . . entirely . . . completely . . .genuinely.

What do you believe about the Good Shepherd? Is He really enough for you?

Father, Good Friday is an introspective day for me. I know the rest of the story - we win. Somehow though, I wonder what You would like me to see of Your heart if I only knew what happened today. Would I remember what Jesus, the Good Shepherd, has said to me? Would I recall how colossal He is? "Good" takes on a different perspective. When He was done that night on the cross, "it is finished" displayed the completeness of "good". Here's my song to You . . .

When I survey the wondrous cross,
On which the Price of Glory died,
My richest gains I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Were the whole realm of nature mine
That were an offering far too small,
Love so amazing, so divine
Demands my soul, my life, my all!
---Isaac Watts

The Shepherd's Direction

How do you respond when there are changes coming in your life and you just don't know what will happen next? You may have known someone like that. Or, it happened to you. One day things seem smooth and clear; the next day complete unknown seems to overtake you like high tide on the rocks. How you want to turn back the clock and find a way to avoid what you know is coming.

What do you say about a day with strong teaching by Jesus and a Passover meal together? It could be a sweet remembrance of the rescue of God's people. Jesus washed their feet and they together. Jesus seemed so sure of what was going to happen. He knew the direction He was heading and he matter-of-factly told them.

He invited them to pray with Him. He left them to go have a deeper conversation with His Father. He honestly asked His Father for a different direction. It was not to be. He went right on in the direction He was to go. He knew the followers would be devastated by the direction things were going. Actually, they were asleep!

Jesus' accuser came, the soldiers took him away and trumped up changes ensued. The band of followers hardly knew what hit them. Peter tried to stand emphatically saying he wouldn't deny Jesus. A couple of hours later, the cock sounded and all Peter's bravado melted into shame.  Not only had they run from Jesus, the past three years were now in question. They were in shock! What would they do now?

How do you cope with the unknown? Do you try to go it on your own? Do you go back to familiar places or stay away from them because they remind you of what you had? Do you wonder what will happen to you? Do you doubt what you believed about the direction of your life?

In John 17, Jesus prayed for His followers. He went to His Father because at this time there really was no one else who had a clue of the hours ahead. He wasn't so much thinking about the events, He was thinking about His followers. How He loved them as He remembered how He had done all that the Father told Him to do. He asked the Father to keep His followers safe from the evil one. He loved them so much! He prayed that His followers wouldn't avoid trouble, but that they would be of one heart and mind with each other and Him. To Jesus, that mature oneness was the evidence the world needed to believe in God. (John 14:20-23, MSG)

Father, plans are such fickle thinkings. I know people put such trust in knowing everything is laid out and ready to go for every trip to be made. I also know I am sometimes caught off guard because I haven't planned well. Jesus seemed to know all the time what was ahead. I wonder why His followers gave Him such grief sometimes? Hmmm . . . I wonder what I would have done? Now that I have the whole story of Jesus on Earth, it's much easier to be harsh on the followers. But really, I don't know what tomorrow brings for me. I don't know what might happen during today that would change my life forever. I am reminded of Paul's words to Timothy (II Timothy 1:12b) - "I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I've committed to Him . . ." I commit myself to You for the days ahead . . .

The Shepherd's Betrayal

I love Charlie Brown and all the beloved characters for each of their individual nuances. What an amazing band of friends they were! Sometimes I wished I could find those kinds of friends - even the ones that seemed to betray the others. Lucy - she was a character alright! So self righteous and assured, yet so bodacious that she had to keep showing she was "the boss". She was the betrayer of Charlie Brown's trust. I was continually baffled at him for letting her betray him over and over. Remember the football she always pulled out just in time so he can't kick it? He keeps saying he won't get fooled again. Nope. I find myself screaming at the tv when he finally starts backing up to get a good run at kicking the football. Lucy holds the football so he can get a good kick. She cheers him on . . ."C'mon, Charlie Brown! You know you want to kick it!" The conundrum plays out in his head. Yes? No! Yes? Visions of grandeur race through his head. Yes! He starts the long run toward the poised football. He's timing his run to meet the football in full stride for a strong kick. Then she does it . . . just like all the other times. She pulls the football away. He swings his foot but there is no football so he goes flying. There he is lying on his back wondering why it keeps letting her do that. It's maddening to me!

Why do I dislike betrayal? It leaves me so exposed and vulnerable. I feel like everyone must know and are probably talking about me behind my back. It's just a sick feeling. Now, if Jesus was tempted in all ways like we are, yet was without sin, I wonder what He was feeling when He revealed He knew He would be betrayed. (Mark 14:10-11) He knew Judas was making a deal to have Him identified. Later in the week, Jesus would have supper with the betrayer. I think I would have tried to head that off from happening. Something was different about Him.

I wonder . . . . was His ability to keep pressing on knowing the betrayal was coming because He knew Earth was not His home? Was He able to honestly hold the planet lightly because He knew there was more He had to do? It was not that He didn't care; it was that He really had a bigger plan in view. The betrayal was a moment; redemption via the resurrection was an eternal proposition. Jesus had an amazing perspective.

I confess my perspective on betrayal is pretty myopic. It's about me - my feelings, my pain and my embarrassment. Honestly, Jesus was more concerned about Judas than He was about being betrayed. Jesus reached out to Judas because He knew what Judas did. If I knew ahead of time that I was going to be betrayed by someone, I'm not sure how gracious I'd be.  At my most "spiritual moment", I'd avoid them. Jesus had an eternal perspective. He never sinned. He never told a lie. He left His case in the hands of the One who always judges fairly.

What do you do when you experience betrayal? It is just plain painful, I know. Do you experience that "fight or flight" response? Do you blame? What is your perspective on betrayal?

Father, Jesus was so strong. He endured so much just because He loved us and gave Himself for us. Betrayal is painfully exposing. It makes me love Him even more. I cannot imagine knowing what was going to happen and just letting it happen. I do not believe I have that capacity. What should I learn here, Father? Help me see Your heart when other people's opinions expose me. On the flip side, nudge me when I am betraying You. Show me when I seem to sell You out. Recalibrate my eye sight to Your perspective . . .

The Shepherd's Stories

Oh how I enjoy a good rich story! The best stories keep you hanging on until the last minute. The art of storytelling is sometimes lost in the realm of videos and short clips of conversation, i.e. Facebook, Twitter or YouTube. The news doesn't give us more than a 15 second soundbite because we've been trained to only endure that much conversation on one topic.

Jesus got together to talk to His sheep. On what appears to be Tuesday of the last week of Jesus' life on earth in human form, He had some pretty powerful stories. His followers (and some antagonistic religious leaders) found His stories much less cozy in description than maybe originally anticipated. Jesus flatly exposed the religious leaders of the time saying they "strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!" (Matthew 23:24, NASB) The thought of what it was doing to the believers at this challenging time in their lives brought Him such angst. Prophets had been sent with such a strong message to them, but they weren't willing to respond. I sometime imagine the sorrow on His face when He looked at them saying, "but you wouldn't listen!" (Matthew 23:37) All that day, it seems like He had the hard stories to tell. I'll bet the hearers would have rather just gone back to Sunday with all the cheers and hoopla. It was just nicer and more celebratory!

What do you think the Facebook posts might have been?
"Jesus was on a roll today . . ."
"Kinda bummed . . . buried my talent . . "
"Whatever I did to another human - I did it to God? wow . . . harsh!"
"Woe! tough days with Jesus . . " (Maybe you can think of  what others might have said.)

What do you say about the story you're living right now? What would your Twitter message say?
"barely makin' it by. . .#followingGodistough"
"simple faith . . . simple life . . #Jesusiseverything"
"feeling peaceful with Jesus . . . #notalwayssosimple"

I wonder what Jesus would have texted?
"Tried to warn the flock today . . . they keep getting sucked into lies."
"Some religious nuts - straining at gnats and swallowing camels!"
"Described My coming in the clouds . . . sheep were just a little dull."
"Challenged the sheep to stick it out . . . don't give up!"
"Sheep seemed to perk up at the idea of greener pastures!"

What story do you have to tell of Jesus in your life? What are you doing with your talents? How are you preparing for the future? How is He with you in the challenging times?

Father, our conversations are so short and choppy sometimes. If I recall, some of the people in the Bible had short conversations as well. "Lord I believe, help my unbelief!" 'You are the Christ!" You heard and did not turn away. Just as You spoke the hard truth in Your stories that last Tuesday of Your life on earth, You still always offered hope. I'm glad Your voice to me is not published in texts or tweets. Your Word speaks to me. You speak in my heart in that still small voice. I'm #leaningin . .

The Shepherd's Voice

When I was a kid, my whole town was my playground. Of course, it was a pretty small town! My mom let me play outside where I could ride my bike and play with neighbor kids. In fact, she actually put up flood lights on the outside of our back porch so we could play football until all hours in the summer. I could hear her shout - she was a teacher and had strong lungs - for several blocks. We had a bargain though. If she called and I didn't come right home, I didn't get to go play away from the house for a day or two afterwards. Sometimes that didn't matter because I had a big back yard, but it meant kids couldn't come over if I was "grounded". I listened for her voice and responded.

Jesus had just heard the voices of celebration and "Hosannah!" the previous day as He made his last trip into Jerusalem. The crowd didn't know it was His last, but He looked at them with such love. Little did they know what one week would unfold. As He moved among them, His emotion showed in His actions of the next days.

As their Shepherd, Jesus looked at the city. He wept because He knew they didn't know the whole story of Who was in their midst (Luke 19:41-44). He told them that this was a special Godly visitation, but they wouldn't hear Him. He was so grieved that they would "not welcome God's personal visit." (MSG) He continued to demonstrate the Kingdom of God in their midst as He did miracles and baffled some of His disciples. They thought they were listening to His voice. He knew what was to come.

My husband and I named our children using open vowels for the first syllable of their name. We wanted to be able to step out the front door and shout their name being able to have the open vowel waft the sound around the neighborhood. (It worked pretty well!) The same rules I grew up obeying were in place for our children. They knew our voice. They came when called (generally). No texting "ding" to catch their attention . . . only the voice of their parents.

Do you know the voice of Jesus, the Shepherd of your soul? How do you know His voice among all the other voices that compete for your attention? Have you "grown up" enough to know His voice? If you're not sure, why not take some extra time this week to be with Him in His Word and in prayer to know His voice speaking in your heart?

Father, I know I am Your sheep and You are my Shepherd. You want to lead me and guide me with Your voice. I believe I can hear You and obey. I want to grow up more to hear You when You speak to me. Forgive me for not welcoming Your personal visits to me. As I remember what this last week of Your life involved, I don't know if I would have really heard you. I am not sure I would have understood Your conversations. Looking back though, I see how important every day is and how I need to hear Your voice today from Your Word and in prayer. Your personal investment in me speaks so loud I should be able to hear You from down the block. You know my name . . .

A Sign of Home

I grew up in a farming area where people often put their names on the mailboxes and their brand on the side of their barn. You knew exactly where you were in the valley by the signs on people's houses. There was a house that had a bird house up high on a single pole. I knew I was about 30 minutes from home. Curving around a sweeping corner on the road unveiled the name of a ranch that cued me it was only 15 more minutes to home. As I was about 5 minutes from home there was a massive red barn with a painted brand on the side of the barn. It felt like a 'welcome home!' every time I saw it. Even all these years later when I pass those places, I still get the same feelings. It's like they are reminding me of my clan or tribe.

The children of Israel had signs that named their tribe. When others passed their signs, they understood. The leaders of Israel would make monuments for passersby to see. There was always a story behind the pile of stacked rocks. Stories of deliverance and redemption oozed from the formations created for generations to see. Just as I can recall history from recognizing the red barn, so could Israel tell its stories from the monuments in the desert.

God has His mark on His people. He reminds us that He has called us by name. He says, "You are Mine!" (Isaiah 43:1) we are His people and the sheep of His pasture. (Psalm 100:3) His life is in us. Yes, we are His home. We are the signposts of God with the opportunity to display His glory. We can actually be a 'welcome home' for those who are looking for God. 2 Corinthians 3:3 reminds us '. . . make obvious that you are a letter from Christ . . .not written with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God.'

What do people see as they encounter us? How is the Spirit of God making us "living stones" who are showing who God is? Are we a 'welcome home' for those looking for the things of God?

Father, Seeing familiar places helps me feel so welcomed. I am reminded of the many great stories from those places. I imagine the children of Israel had some amazing stories to tell as well. Equally, I have Your stories written on my heart. Your works are magnificent. How small I feel in the grand story, yet I am still a living letter. You have written on my heart. What kind of letter do people read when they encounter me? Show me where I have "edited" Your letter by my own sin. Revise and republish for the sake of Your Kingdom . . .

A Disarming Experience

Have you ever been caught so "red-handed" that there wasn't another word left to be spoken? You looked at them. They looked back. Maybe a sheepish grin tried to break across your guilty face. You were calculating the opportunities for recourse. Time passed. Thoughts were racing. Choices were considered. You were sure blood was draining from your very body.

I remember tossing my piano books where I thought no one could find them. I just hated to practice and I was sure if I had no books, then there'd be no need to practice. My mom kept replacing the books; they kept disappearing.  Then I was caught. The person who found out was somebody who could tell on me and I would be in such big trouble. It's at this point though, something happened. There was a feeling of no where to run and no place to hide. It's like being caught with a hand in the proverbial cookie jar.

One word for that feeling is "disarmed". Jesus publicly disarmed the rulers and authorities who were trying to judge Him so harshly. To "disarm" means "to unclothe or strip away knowing never to return." Of course, it wasn't physically taking away anything; this was spiritual. No longer could there be an inaccurate word held against Him. He left them without anything to say. Every accusation was stripped away.

Colossians 2:15 says "when he had disarmed rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him." NASB

Earlier in Colossians 2 (verse 10), the writer reminds us that "in HIM we are made complete and He is the head over all rulers and authorities." The One who disarmed the enemy has us with Him! There need not be a fear of "discovery" of something in our past. Jesus nailed it to the cross and disarmed the accusers. They haven't got anything on us. We are in HIM!



Father, I remember that day of looking at the person who found out I was tossing out my piano books. Years later, they didn't remember. I did. I know the enemy understands he is disarmed. Remind me the enemy is only a talker. No power stands greater than Yours. The grave clothes of accusation are powerless - stripped away by the disarming work of Jesus!

Singing . . . come awake, come awake, come and rise up from the grave!

Passionate Worship

A pretty exciting sports milestone has just passed for another year. Both the men's and women's NCAA college basketball tournaments are over now. How electrifying is the atmosphere around college basketball. Everybody's dressed for the occasion. The bands are playing all the specific songs of their university.The crowd is decked out in the respective school colors. Every person involved from the officials to the time keeper knows this is a special night. It's the final! The price for a ticket to this event is astounding. The teams take the court and the crowd about blows out the decibel meter. The enthusiasm is contagious. From the first tip until the final buzzer the adrenaline is sky high.

I've always been pretty passionate when it came to sports. Growing up in a small town, our school sports were very important. We loved the late night pep club bus trips following the boy's bus to cheer them on wherever they went. Home games meant extra work where we sold home-made carmeled apples and cans of pop. So passionate we were in the middle of the night swiping apples from local apple trees so we could make a better profit on sales. (Ok, I'm sure we repented.) After all, the money was going for our prom and senior trip! We screamed and yelled for our team. The dads in the crowd could be heard booming across the gym helping correct the referee calls. Occasionally, the basketball coach had to ask the dads to bring their passion down a notch regarding the referee calls. Such unity of heart for our school was expressed as parents and students alike wore kelly green. I think my letter sweater is still hanging in my closet. I can still sing our alma mater. (I don't have any other kelly green clothing - not in my color palette."

Imagine taking that passion to church. Why not? Too irreverent? Can anyone see to Whose team you belong? (I'm not thinking of letter sweaters here.)

Consider Psalm 100:4 - "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him; bless His name."

Here's a literal look at that verse. "Enter His gates with hands thrown high in thanks. Go on in throughout His courts singing the alma mater - Our God reigns! So overwhelmed by the song of praise, plan on prostrating yourself in humble worship."

How's that for worship? There were many times when the OT worshippers experienced these very things as they celebrated their God. These were Hebrew people; they were passionate people. I think Peter probably understood. Come to think of it, maybe those years of expressing my passion expanded my capacity to know and experience worship!

Father, I love to shout and cheer for my favorite sports team. I don't think You get upset with my passion. I would be amiss if i didn't give You that same passionate affection. I sense Your nudge - not of condemnation, but of drawing me closer to You. How I would love to experience those times of Your strong Presence falling on me and those with whom I worship. Remind me again of my capacity for worship.  Keep drawing me . . .

The Adventure of Faith

Adventure movies are just that . . . adventurous. In the usual struggle of the hero to overcome the bad guy, the amazing feats are only limited to the imagination of the creator and money of the producers. Once I saw a movie where the hero (and his family) were swept from one calamity to another. I almost hyperventilated when I realized I was holding my breath waiting for the grand rescue. Finally, I'd breathe as l felt faint. I think there has to be something of "viewer fatigue" with the length of the action and unimaginable troubles the hero encounters. He just thinks he's out of trouble and the floor drops out from under him. But wait . . . in the distance is a door. If he can only get to the door. He looks around at every angle. Is there a ladder? Is there a rope? Is there the tail of a dragon somewhere? Out of nowhere (literally), a way unfolds right in front of him. He takes a breath, grabs his family and dashes for the door - yet unopened. Will it unfold before him? He has his family in tow and doesn't want to disappoint . . .

You think that's an adventure? Look at this part of the Biblical letter to the Romans!

Romans 5:2 says "We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that He has already thrown open His door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand - out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise." MSG

Sometimes we get the feeling that coming to choose a walk of faith with Jesus is paramount to straining to get the door to Him open so we can squeeze through. There are huge springs that will slam the door shut behind us as a raucously religious laughter haunts our ears. Really?

Understanding this is a paraphrased passage from the Roman letter (and knowing the exegetes among us might find it offensive), I still am awed as I read. Can I actually imagine myself throwing the door open to Him only to know He has the handle on the other side pulling it to open to all He has to offer? There I am! Out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory. I am standing tall and shouting praise to Him!

I have to ask if I have I let television and movies dictate how I open my heart to God? There's no "viewer fatigue" when watching the magnificent things of God. Have you thrown your heart open to God and been exhausted watching at Him work on your behalf? Does He just wear you out with His glory? (maybe or maybe not) While it is true the unfiltered glory of God had a physical effect on people who came in contact with it, i.e. Moses, the people at the Tabernacle, etc., I wonder if we still have more of the wide open spaces of God to explore and live in His grace and glory?

Father, my heart wants to experience those wide open spaces. I want to stand tall and  shout praises to You. My head doesn't allow me to open that door for fear of disappointment. I wonder if I have what it takes to risk opening the door. Give me courage to believe that You have always wanted to draw me to Your wide open spaces. There's no trap or strings attached - just a step through the door. Reaching for the handle. . .

Clearer that Toothpaste

Have you ever stood at the toothpaste aisle and noticed the many kinds of toothpaste available? Do you want the natural kind, or the peroxide kind, the sensitive tooth kind or the build your enamel kind? Of course, that doesn't even mention what the choices are for keeping dentures in snug and tight. If you've ever had to shop for someone else's toothpaste you know the challenge with all the choices.

Now of course, choices are what makes us the liberty lovin' people we are! Nobody can tell us what to do. We live our life feeling powerful knowing we 'did it my way'. . . until we run into the water company or the gas company. They mostly do things "their" way, right? Consider driving down a one way road going the wrong way. Most of us wouldn't hang our head out the window and shout, "Make me go that other way. I dare ya!" Sometimes we know there are battles we know better that to fight.

How curious it is when those same conditions come in our walk of faith. We live with very clear "yes and no" situation all the time. What is it about Jesus that would be different? Did He say He was "yes and maybe"? How about "I am the Alpha and the Most of the Time"? Did we think Jesus fits into the nebulous unknown where the mist causes things to be barely visible?

Let's be very clear. Jesus can be known and already has been known by countless numbers of people through the ages. The Bible calls them a "great cloud of witnesses" in the book of Hebrews. Is coming to know Jesus really that clear? Yes! What about people who say He's too hard and there are just too many demands? I can hear some say now, "It's all about grace!" Ahhhh . . . that wonderful term that reminds us we are getting something we don't deserve. So God, in His kindness, ushers us to the door of salvation on this carpet ride called "grace". It still stops at Jesus. A choice must be made. Does the person face to face with Jesus really believe? That's where God makes the determination - not you and me. (I like it that way actually.) I'm sure theologians can get a little more tedious in the details. I just know the step to Jesus is a faith venture.  Grace gets us there; the step toward Jesus opens the door. No vast shopping choices there. No difficult demands about perfection.

Jesus is waiting. He is the Door through which we walk for salvation. (John 10:9) On one side of the door it says, "Whosoever will may come!" After we go through and look back we see, "Chosen from the foundations of the world!" He always knew we'd come. I can't get my head around those two ideas going together, but I'm sure Jesus has it covered. Thankfully, we don't have to pick from fifteen different salvation options. There is only one Lord, one Faith and one Way. There is still a choice. This is a battle Jesus has already won. I wonder why it seems so hard at times to choose to believe Jesus died for us so that we might live life abundantly.

Are you convinced that Jesus is only way?

Father, I sometimes think I am more powerful when I have choices. In some realms, that idea is true. Bargaining for more or less gives me a sense of control. Somehow, I've brought that into how I relate to You. Draw me to Your Word to read of what I have already because of the choice I made to believe in You. Soften the hearts of friends and family who haven't chosen You. I know they've made a choice, but thankfully, that choice is not final - yet. Help me not get tangled in the theological details, but remember You gave us a choice.

Called

Driving from Grand Junction to Denver provides several opportunities to drive through tunnels. Some tunnels are short; you can see the exit from the entrance. Some tunnels are closed because they need repair. Some tunnels are curvy so the exit is not visible from the entrance. Some tunnels have roof lights; some trust that you'll turn your vehicle lights on when you enter.

When I was a kid, I always begged my mom to honk in tunnels. C'mon now . . . you did too, didn't you? (I won't tell that you still honk in tunnels.) I'd roll down my window and listen for the echo. Not an inch of the tunnel was left untouched by the sound. Almost always if there were other vehicles in the tunnel, they would honk too. It was a fabulous day when a huge 18-wheeler would let loose!

I Peter 2:9 says "You are . . . His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (AMP)

Have you ever wondered what God's voice must sound like? Charlton Heston? A football quarterback? A gentle quiet sound? Something that catches your attention like a horn in a tunnel? Actually, I like to think His voice is the pitch and volume only I can hear, but it will fill me as completely as do those tremendous sounds in a tunnel.

Without fail, He has a reason for the call of His voice. The scripture above says it to tell about Him and His goodness. But even before we can be effective in our proclamations, we must have answered his original call. We had to follow His call to come out of darkness and into his marvelous light. Telling about Him might take a variety of forms. The first step is that you will have known the call of God to come out of darkness. Following that call, you will experience more and more of Him and His way of life in the light. THEN, you will find you can't help but tell others about Him and what He has done in your life. You are special to Him - even called royal, holy and chosen!

How do you hear God's voice? Can you remember the last time you heard His call to you? (What did you do?) Have you thought about responding to His call and tell about His wondrous works? (If you can be rowdy with a vehicle horn, you can tell about God's work.)

Father, I have heard Your call. Sometimes it has been like a trucker's horn; sometimes Your voice sounds like my pastor preaching. Sometimes Your voice is still and small.  I know it's You when all of me is filled with the sound. I know it's You and I cannot deny it. With Your voice ringing in my ear, I ask You to put me in places where I can tell about Your marvelous light-filled deeds. I will listen for even the smallest whisper, "Now . . ." and obey.