Losing One's Way

In all thy ways acknowledge

Him, and He shall direct

thy paths.

Proverbs 3:6

Still in my single years and with a new car, I decided to take a vacation by myself to the Smoky Mountains, where I now live. I had a great road atlas (that dates me) that I glanced at on occasion. I was pretty sure of myself so didn't feel the need to keep my nose glued to it. The trip would hardly take a day and I so looked forward to just getting away by myself. I still recall passing motels along the way in Tennessee and I smile now. Many of them were only $5.00 per night. That was more than I could spend so looked for the $3.00 ones.

The drive was beautiful as I thought it would be. I took my time driving, not in a hurry to get where I was going. I just wanted to take in everything around me including the beautiful sunshine that never seemed to hide even in any shadows.

I was doing quite well. I knew I had to go straight east on the highway to get where I was going. I decided I would like to see some back country so took an exit and found myself on a state route. I kept heading east enjoying the quaintness of the back country. However, after a time, it dawned on me to check my gas gauge and wouldn't you know, I was running low on gas. I had been on the road for close to an hour and to my remembrance, I hadn't seen a gas station. Finally I came to one that had one gas pump and an old man leaning back in a chair against a torn up building. He sauntered over to the car, put gas in the car. After paying him, he asked where I was headed and I told him. He let me know that I was going the wrong direction. Panic rose up in me like a geyser from Yellowstone, but pride told me to act like all was well so I lied to him indicating that I was just looking for a gas station.

Despite his warning, I got back on the same state road and headed in the same direction...the wrong direction according to the gas station man. I wasn't even passing through any little towns so couldn't tell anything on my road maps. I was panic-stricken. I couldn't tell you to this day where all I wandered until I got back on that main road I had turned off of. By the way, I had almost used up that tank of gas I had purchased from that old man. I didn't get to the mountains until very late that night and by then, had to pay $5.00 for a room. Let me tell you that on my way back home, I stayed on the right road, checking my road map often even if I felt I didn't need to.

On that trip, there were several mistakes I made that caused me great tension despite the fact that I was on a supposedly relaxing vacation. What are some things that led to the nightmare of that day?

1. I had a road atlas but failed to refer to it before launching out into unknown country roads.
2. Despite a man's correction, I refused to listen to someone who knew the roads.
3. Curiosity took me in the wrong direction.
4. Staying on the time-tested road to my destination had become boring.
5. I didn't watch for signs that would have given me information. I can't recall even thinking about directional signs.
6. I kept driving despite the fact that I knew I was lost. All the driving in the world wasn't going to put me back on the right road without help. Pride told me I knew what I was doing.
   

I WAS LOST!!!

There is a real tragedy though for one to lose her way spiritually, and difficult for friends and family to watch it happening. I have never met a Christian who lost their spiritual way who did it deliberately. It happens usually in increments...little by little. Friends may caution and even try to intervene in some way to be of help to an erring one. Their counsel usually goes for nought and it may take something life shaking to wake up an spiritually drifting person.

When one loses her way, amazingly it happens when on the right road. That may sound ridiculous but it's true. It can begin when a Christian becomes distracted or even bored with her spiritual walk. Some may try a church that sounds more exciting than one's own church. This is just one example of one trying something new to perk up enthusiasm. Wrong friends (yes, even in a church setting) can be a means of taking the wrong ramp from that straight and narrow way that we are meant to travel on.

Usually by this time, any council or advice of a spiritual friend is shunned because pride has set in. By now, forget the atlas of life, the Word of God. "Drive on" may be the motto with great anticipation as one continues on the wrong road. By now, that Christian is well aware that she has lost her way. Unfortunately, not heeding correction at this point may be very costly,

One thing I love about God's Word is that He has chosen to share with us the mistakes and warts on the lives of some of our most beloved persons in Scripture. Many erred, wandered and lost their ways just like we are prone to do, but God also shares their return to the right way. David, the man after God's own heart really messed up big time. Moses didn't obey God in something like getting water from a rock. Peter denied his Lord. The prodical son got lost in the world but returned to the favor of his father. Abraham lied but still became the spiritual father of a nation. In every instance, each got back on the right road and was greatly used of God.

When we stray, there may be consequences to pay for it, but it is so worth the return to right relationship with God. The caution is for all of us to watch the signs of our becoming bored and stale in our spiritual walk. It may mean gulping pride and talking to someone about it. It definitely means taking it to the Lord in prayer and ridding ourselves of distractions that would cause us to drift. If we have ever had an erring child, we might be able to feel just a little of how God feels when His children lose their ways. His loving, forgiving arms are always open no matter who we are. Hopefully, lessons have been learned from losing one's way and that person's faith becomes stronger and love for the Lord deeper than ever before.

In Proverbs 3...verse 7, there are three good points of advice for us all:

Be not wise in thine own eyes:

fear the Lord,

and depart from evil.

Dear Father...through Your sweet Holy Spirit keep me alert to those things that would pull me from You onto a way I should shun. I never want to lose my spiritual way and pray for Your strength and leadership in my life like I've never known it before. In Jesus precious name...Amen.

Are We Teachable?

Give instruction to a wise man, and he

will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and

he will increase in learning.

Proverbs 9:9

My freshman History class sauntered into my classroom on the first day of school. I was not only to be their teacher but their class sponsor. However, at the moment, I was anxious to get off to a good start with the subject of American History. It was a great bunch of young people, each one as different as could be from the rest of the class. There was one young man, however, that caused me concern. He sat in his chair, slumped, stretched his legs straight but slanted to the floor before him, crossed his arms and drooped his head. This sight is never one that encourages the heart of a teacher. He was saying more to me by his physical pose than he could have said with a 500 word report. He was saying to me: “I don't like history, I don't like you and I don't intend to even give this class a try.” I'm happy to say that within about two weeks, the Lord and I had managed to change his mind. That history class opened up for him a whole new world.

There have been times when I have thought back to that young man. If a teacher has student trophies of accomplishment, that young man was mine. Just in those beginning weeks, I learned a lot from him. I was forced to look in an imaginary mirror at my own attitudes when I don't feel like being teachable. I've been blessed in the years I've taught ladies. Probably 90% have responded with looks of anticipation as a Bible study was presented, looks that can be very encouraging to any teacher.

During my times of resistance, I wonder how much I've lost out on, refusing to be teachable, especially regarding the things of God and His Word. Oh, I've never slumped in a chair, sending a message to a leader that her efforts with me would be in vain, but in my mind, I was certainly slumped with arms folded.

I find in Scripture that God is the main Person anxious to teach us spiritual truths:

Good and upright is the Lord: therefore

will He teach sinners in the way.

The meek will he guide in judgment:

and the meek will he teach His way.

Psalm 25:8,9

But the Comforter, which is the Holy

Ghost, whom the Father will send

in my name, He shall teach you all things,

and bring all things to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 14:26

One of the main responsibilities of the indwelling Holy Spirit is to interpret God's Word for us. One of the reasons we don't get all we should from Scripture is that we never invite the Holy Spirit to teach us what we should know from the Word. Not only will he interpret the Word but will also bring Scripture to our minds sometimes at the oddest of times and He does that because He knows we need it at the time.

Again our Father says:

Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One

of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth

thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way

that thou shouldest go.

Isaiah 48:17

Are we blessed, or are we blessed? We have His teaching and leadership any time we want it. How teachable and responsive are we to our Heavenly Father who desires to impart His wisdom to us on a regular basis. Am I responsive or resistant?

There are many sources of teaching available to us. For instance, there are those opportunities to teach and be taught by others in our spiritual community.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;

teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and

hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your

hearts to the Lord.

Colossians 3:12

There are places in Scripture where we are asked to be teachers regarding specific subjects as in Titus 2:3-5.

The aged women likewise, that they be in

behavior as becometh holiness, not false

accusers, not given to much wine, teachers

of good things;

 

(In this verse, you and I teach by example)

That they may teach the young women to be

sober, to love their husbands, to love

their children,

To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good,

obedient to their own husbands, that the

word of God be not blasphemed.

(It is in this area I believe we who are “more mature”

have failed to live up to our responsibility in teaching

younger women because it is our job to do.)

To teach, we must have been teachable enough that we can pass along what we have learned. God stands ready through His Holy Spirit to teach us from His Word. Not only can we be taught in our private study but through our pastors, Bible study leaders or teachers.

How do we become more teachable?

1. Confess our spiritual apathy to God as the sin it is.
2. Rid ourselves of distractions that can keep us from spiritual interest.
3. Admit to ourselves our lack of spiritual interest. This can be the hardest one.
4. Pray for a spiritually responsive spirit through the Holy Spirit's assistance.
5. Dig in. We must do our part in trashing our spiritually lazy attitudes.

Dear Father:

Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.

Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. (Psalm 25:4-5) Amen

THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS

 

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

and into His courts with praise:

be thankful unto him, and bless His name.

Psalm 100:4

Every day for us should be a day of thanksgiving. There shouldn't be just one day that's singled out for that purpose. As Christians, we know that God is just too wonderful to be explained and finding words to thank and praise Him is so insufficient for our limited vocabularies. I just decided to look up some attributes of God using the word “thanksgiving” as sort of an acrostic. Perhaps you too, like me can be so grateful for these traits of God that He is so gracious in pouring into our lives. This list by no means is exhaustive nor put in order of importance. There are so many more we could use and you may think of some as you read. I hope this will be a tool for us to just focus on Him and His faithfulness in our lives.

T- truth

I am the way, the truth and the life. John14:6

H- hope

For thou art my hope, O Lord God: ...Psalm 71:5

A - almighty

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters,

saith the Lord Almighty. II Corinthians 6:18

N- name above all names

I will praise the name of God, with a song, and will magnify him with

thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

K- king (Eternal)

For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.

                                                           Psalm 47:7

S- salvation 

Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Ps. 3:8

G- great

For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou ar God alone.

                                              Psalm 86:10

I- immortal, invisible

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor

and glory for ever and ever. Amen. I Timothy 1:17

V- victory

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus

Christ.      I Corinthians 15:57

I- inspiration

But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them

understanding. Job 32:8

N- near

Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth. 

                                 Psalm 119:151

G- glorious

His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever.                                                Psalm 111:3

Dear Father...thank You, thank You, thank You for all You have done, and are doing in the present for us. In our words, we simply thank You from the bottom of our hearts for who You are and for every promise You have given in Your Word. May we live with attitudes of gratitude as we seek in all things to please You. Amen

REALLY Believing God's Word

All scripture is given by inspiration of God,

and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,

for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

II Timothy 3:16

I must confess that prior to even typing a title for this blog, I sat looking at the blank screen of my lap top for several minutes. I was hesitant to even put the title into words and thus on the network for all to see. There are times in my spiritual walk that I must admit to times of confusion when it comes to God's Word. I have known the best of Christians who have out and out questioned certain things in the Bible. I'm talking about some of the godliest people I've known in my life.

Our humanistic, politically correct society has done a real mind job on many Christians. We find ourselves at times falling into the theories of the world without even realizing our own slippage. I'm not calling Christians to question any more than they have already questioned. I'm calling all of us to a renewed dedication to and complete faith in the Bible. It is here that I will give all of us a caution. There are translations/transliterations of the Bible being published yearly if not more frequently. This is a big business. Every known preacher has put out a study Bible while big publishers have put out all sorts of of versions of Scripture. It frightens me when I see Christians always having to purchase the latest translation much like purchasing the latest cell phone. Many of these are flawed beyond what some of the best Bible scholars can detect.

Bible confusion can cause us spiritual stress. I recently went through a time of this. I have Bibles in abundance, good solid translations. I have had to make a decision as to which ONE will be my Bible. It's a Bible I not only read but one I teach from. I have a smaller lightweight one that I take with me to the mountains when I'm not doing “study-reading.” Both are older translations. I don't want a steady diet of translation confusion that can cause confusion in my spiritual thinking.

So, let me give some examples of some things I've personally heard good Christian people say that's caused me to raise an inner eyebrow.

“When you get down to it, people are basically good.”

Now this should be elementary. It's a bottom-line fact we have to acknowledge even in our own salvation experience. Romans 3:23 states clearly “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” If you have a translation that minces words with that fact, you would be better off burning that translation. Paul goes on to say that there is none righteous, not even one person. Every person born on the earth, other than Jesus, has the potential for being Jack the Ripper or worse. Don't let the psychologists of this world tell you anything different.

“I won't forgive her until she apologizes for what she did to me.”

Where on earth did we ever come up with this, but I've actually had Christians claim that this theory is in the Bible. On occasion, I've asked some of them to explain Jesus' prayer from the cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” I don't see in Scripture where anyone apologized to Him for their offenses toward Him. I don't know that any other human being has gone through what Jesus did on that cross...what He did in taking on the sins of the world. He was innocent of all charges and yet He endured the cross for all. Bottom line is that I don't need an apology from anyone to forgive them...that's what Jesus did and I'm supposed to pattern my life after His.

“I don't believe a loving God would send people to Hell.”

This generally comes up when having a discussion about salvation. Even some Christians have become complacent in this area. Simply put, I believe this statement but from a different perspective. Bottom line is that Hell was created for the Devil and his angels. Hell was never made for human beings. Every human being though has a choice to make. We are called upon to choose sides...God's or Satan’s. We will spend eternity with the one we choose to accept.

“She died and came back to life after having been in Heaven.”

This is a touchy one because this seems to have been the experience of some you and some older. I wish I knew all the ins and outs of this statement but I don't. All I know is that

Hebrews 9:27a tells us that it is appointed unto man ONCE to die...” This is a tough one because a book dealing with this subject is always a big seller in the bookstores be they Christian or secular. I'm not questioning that someone may have had some kind of experience but Scripture is clear that we will physically die one time. We can't go back and forth between here and there. When a person REALLY dies, there is a funeral and burial of some sort. I can't even explain this. I only mention it so that we will be cautious regarding this kind of thing when we hear about it.

“God doesn't believe in spanking children.”

This is an area where Child Protective Services and other agencies have done a real job on us, even Christians who should know better. Let's look at some verses:

“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” Proverbs 13:24

“Foolishness in bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of

correction shall drive it far from him.”

Proverbs 22:15

“Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest

him with the rod, he shall not die.”

Proverbs 23:13

I sat in a Bible study one day where a lady, well versed in Scripture tried to explain these words away. She said her child had never required corporal punishment in the child's life. Good for her and her child. There may be children who never “earn” a spanking but don't be so foolish as to question what the Scripture clearly says about this subject.

Lastly,

“I don't feel like God is present in my life right now.”

That word “feel” can be a scary word. We women, as chemical as we are, should have learned by now that our feelings can betray us and skew truth in our lives. When a lady tells me that she feels God isn't near in her life, my question is always: “Who moved?” It certainly isn't God. In the last part of Hebrews 13:5 we read:

“...for He hath said, 'I will never leave thee,

nor forsake thee.'”

Hebrews 13:5c

Notice this says “for He hath said...” which means that God has made this statement in other parts of Scripture. This isn't a casual statement made by Him. Perhaps in those times we don't “feel” God is near, are those times our circumstances, or even sin clouds our vision. When we feel God isn't near, I will be so bold to say that the responsibility is our own, never His. We need to draw near to Him in our prayer and Bible reading. This is a part of spiritual self-discipline that comes with the territory of being in right relationship with our father.

May I give you a beware: Be very careful of everything on television specials that has the latest spiritual revelation on them. I saw just the other day, a seemingly know-it-all female scholar of some sort that was doing a promo for the latest Bible revelation. Her teaser comment was that Jesus wasn't virgin born, that Mary wasn't a virgin. It was chalked up to there being a mistranslation of the word “virgin.” Do you have any idea the doubts and questions that can arise for weaker Christians or even some stronger ones if they watch this junk? That fact of the virgin birth is a foundational tenet of our belief that winds it's way through Scripture. Something like that can cause doubts in the entire Word of God. The History Channel, National Geographic and Discovery channels are always coming up with new Bible facts that no one has ever seen and can't really prove. Christians race to watch that stuff and many believe it. These things can cause more questions than I could list.

Let's stand firm in our faith in the Word of God. There is much we'll never understand in the Bible especially when we don't rely on Holy Spirit guidance as we read it. When Scripture clearly says something, we have no choice but to believe by faith what God has presented to us. Review again the opening verse...cuddle up with it in love and appreciation for God giving to us so much of Himself between the covers of this precious book.

Thank You Father, for Your Word that was instrumental in my salvation and that continues to teach me about Yourself. Help me to read, trust and learn from it. Thank You for the added benefit of having Your Holy Spirit to be my teacher. I love you. In Jesus precious name... Amen

You're My Hero

...looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher

of our faith, who for the joy that was set

before Him endured the cross, despising

the shame, and has sat down at the right

hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2

What is a hero? A dictionary tells us that it's a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for brave deeds but also noble qualities.

For us, in common language, a hero is someone who does above and beyond the call of duty for another, even to the point of risking one's life. A real hero wants no recognition and often may say, “I was only doing my job” or “I did what anyone else would do under the same circumstances.” Being a hero may not be that one risks their life. Someone of great character and integrity can also be regarded as a hero. In our day it takes real bravery to be a person of character before a fallen society. A hero is usually an ordinary person who did extraordinary things. Rarely is a hero a hero in his/her own eyes.

We saw real heroism the day of 9/11. There were those who risked their lives and even died helping others in those two tall buildings get to safety. I think of a young husband and father by the name of Todd Beamer, a passenger on United Air Flight 93 on that fateful day. He with others knowing the plan of terrorists who had taken over their plane, decided to take action rather than let the plane be driven into a major building in Washington, DC. The last words Todd's wife heard from him on her cell phone was his call to other passengers, “Let's roll.”

There was Captain Chesley Sullenberger, pilot, to was forced to land his passenger jet in the Hudson River. It was miraculous as we watched the event on television, seeing the passengers standing on the wings of that plane after an unbelievable “landing” atop that river. Sully, of course, was the last to leave the plane because of checking every seat for stray passengers. He's never wanted the title of “HERO.”

We've had heroes in the military. Those who stormed the beaches of Normandy. POW's who spent years in prisoner of war camps, enduring untold torture but true to their country. Ours is a military whose goal is to keep us safe and free.

A lady I have admired for years is Corrie ten Boom who also spent a long stretch of time in concentration camps and should have died but for the grace of God, was miraculously released. She traveled the world spreading the story of Jesus.

We started when very young establishing hero's and they changed regularly depending on our maturity levels. When very young, our heroes centered around family...dad, big brother, or uncle. For some reason, our heroes were usually men. As we got into school, perhaps a teacher was someone we looked to and admired with great enthusiasm. Into high school, the heroes were often athletes, youth pastor with some glances of admiration aimed at cheerleaders. In college, our heroes became a mix of all of the aforementioned but probably got whittled down to a handful of heroes who were just that and for the right reasons.

CAUTION!!!

I must alert you of one important thing....HEROES WILL LET YOU DOWN...WILL DISAPPOINT YOU IN THE WORST OF WAYS!

I have watched this process for years, especially in church settings. I have watched pastors who have achieved almost rock-star-prominence with their congregations. They have elevated themselves as ecclesiastical heroes of the faith who are never to be questioned because of their status. These can often be the most disappointing.

Other heroes in our lives sooner rather than later show in their behavior that they have feet of clay just like we do. Even if we look to the Bible and see there, great heroes of the faith, which so many were, we find that each one was a sinner. Something I love about Scripture is when God tells the stories of individuals, he doesn't leave out their “warts.” He then shows some wonderful redemptive processes that take place in those lives.

In the Bible, I have read of and admired folks like Moses, Esther, David, Abraham, and Peter among others. I have been encouraged by their lives lived but in some cases have admired as much the restoration process in their lives after going through a time of great sin. I see how in the case of those who really tripped up that God never gave up on them. I can't refer to them as heroes but I learn from them and appreciate the example they set for all of us.

In passing, may I suggest to you that each of us is a hero to someone. We may never know who is watching us or perhaps hanging on every word we speak when they are around us. All of this falls into the category of our bearing a strong testimony and witness for Christ in our every day living. Lives can be changed if others see Jesus in us.

Bottom line is that you and I have only one hero...Jesus. He will never disappoint us or let us down. He will never take us in the wrong direction. He will always be looking out for what is in our best interest. In fact, unlike most heroes, He will always love us with no strings attached. He always wants whatever is best for us. Unlike present or past heroes, He is near us everyday, every hour. I could list other things because He does so much more; however, the icing on the cake is that this Wonderful Hero of ours actually died for each one of us...He died that we might have life. I am blessed by the testimony of Jesus who became a common, ordinary human being, but my real hero in all of His humanity will always be my true Hero...a hero like no other.

Dear Father...Thank You for sending Jesus Who did and does so much for me. I thank You for others from whom I have learned vital lessons during this life of mine. Help me to keep my focus on Jesus and not on good but ordinary people. I love You, my Father of all Fathers. Amen.

Scars

Then saith He to Thomas,

Reach hither thy finger, and behold

my hands; and reach hither thy hand,

and thrust it into my side: and be

not faithless, but believing.

And Thomas answered and said unto Him,

My Lord and my God.

John 20:27,28

I was a case manager for a Christian foster care agency. I loved my families that I serviced from my home. I looked forward to home visits that I was required to make on at least a monthly basis if not more than that. There was one group home I loved visiting. This home had what I referred to as a “foster dog.” I'll call him “Dawg” for now. He was one of the large Shar Peis with all of the wrinkles and folds of the skin. He was a pretty big dog.

When I arrived at the home, Dawg always greeted me at the front door. On this one occasion, Dawg was a little too excited. He jumped up on me with front paws on my shoulders. The foster mom immediately called out to the dog, “Get down!” Dawg did just that but in the process, his left front paw came down on the back of my right hand and cut about three huge, deep scratches there. Without being too graphic, the cuts began to bleed profusely. I headed to the kitchen sink, grabbing paper towels. The foster mom felt so bad about it and I assured her that I would heal.

It took a long time for my hand to heal after becoming a little infected but it did heal. The scars almost look like an upside down “Y” shape. I will say though that I still have those reminders of Dawg on the back of my hand. When I look at the scars, I can't help but smile as I think of Dawg and the unique foster care relationship we shared. You see, the scars are there but they don't hurt anymore. Scars are odd things as they age with us.

Scars can be caused by some pretty big events in a persons life. Scars from severe burns take a lot of time to get over as they create some real difficult problems even in simple movements. Some scars people bear often from bad car accidents. Scars can come as a result of bad falls, and some can be a result of various degrees of surgery.

No matter the scars, they come as a result of pain. We wonder at the time when the body is offended, if there will ever be healing. There are circumstances that may delay healing and soreness can go on for a time but eventually, healing comes even if there is a scar that remains.

Physical scars aren't the only kind of scars we bear. There are emotional scars, that although they can't be seen, are still present. In fact, there is emotional damage that unless given over to the Lord for His healing, can remain with an individual for a lifetime. These scars can come as a result of negative events during childhood but can come through the teen years on into adulthood where major events tend to take place. Emotional scars can come as a result from abuse in different forms, cruel, demeaning words, poverty, abandonment, loss of various types but all through life, the cruelness of words meant to hurt tends to be something that's hard to get over. Feel free to add to the list for each of us have experienced heartbreaking events that crush our spirits often dished out by people who just don't care about the cruelty they may casually render.

Along the emotional line, one thing, one major thing that intensifies the hurt and resulting scars comes when we are damaged by other Christians. I have to wonder about Christians who treat others with horrible cruelty seemingly without conscience. These are injuries that can damage us for long periods of time that should not come at the hand of Christians. The best support we should have in this world is from other Christians whether we are in agreement or not.

Scars when fully healed serve only as reminders. Those reminders will be what you and I make of them...positive or negative. They can remind us of God's goodness in aiding us to be survivors to His honor and glory. I have both emotional and physical scars, and because of them through God's mercy have grown and matured. All of us because of our scars are able to minister to those who perhaps are not doing as well through their own scars as they would like.

Scripture is very vague about scars. The word itself is found only a couple of times in the Bible but may be found various places depending on the translation. There is a rather familiar hymn that keeps running through my mind. There is no one who has walked the earth, who endured so much for others like Jesus did. His scars were on His hands, feet, brow and really over most of His body from the horrendous beatings He endured. Scripture tells us that He was hardly recognizable as a human being.

Because of His scars, you and I have a recourse when we are hurt physically or damaged emotionally. We can place everything in the nail-scarred hands of Jesus. Oh, we'll keep physical scars until we receive our glorified bodies, but the emotional ones, we can hand over to Jesus for His keeping. I have known people to carry the pain of emotional pain and insult well into their adult years. That pain marks most things they do, decisions they make and ways they treat others. For Christians, that is unnecessary when we have Jesus, our burden bearer...our everything. Scars remind us where we've been but don't have to dictate where we're going. I agree with David Guinn who said:

Our scars prove we have a past...

Christs scars prove we have a future.

When we place our hand in Jesus' nail scarred hands, as did His disciple Thomas, may we with Thomas say: “My Lord and my God.”

Dear Father...most of us have gone through battles of life that have left us hurting. Some of us have some pretty deep scars perhaps as a result of physical injury. Even more of us have emotional scars that often rise up to nag us...while some have caused bitterness for some they don't know what to do with. Thank You for the scars Your Son endured for each of us. Thank You, Jesus for those scars and the fact that you can relate to us in whatever pain we endure. Thank You for strengthening and empowering us. We love you. Amen

Building Up Others

                                    Let us think of ways to motivate

one another to acts of love and

good works.

Hebrews 10:24 (NLT)

We live in some tough days right now. There are many folks who are unemployed while even those who are employed feel a pressure about keeping their jobs. Marriages are breaking up for any number of reasons. Child abuse is on the rise. Illness is rampant and those affected are scared to death they might not continue to have the health care they need. You and I both could add to the list.

These things and others are things that are happening in our churches among some of the finest of Christians. All of these things are affecting the unsaved and the saved and discouragement is all around us. One of the problems is that among fellow church members, there is a real lack of information because even our best friends who are having a hard time don't want anyone to know about it. Even though one of the greatest resources we can have, that being prayer, troubled folks don't even want to ask us to pray lest it let out the fact that they are struggling.

So what is our overall call...how are we to proceed?

Encourage each other. 

Live in harmony and peace.

Then the God of love and peace will

be with you.

II Corinthians 13:11

First must be a good look at a person's foundation of life. As Christians, our foundation is Jesus Christ and we know that with Him, all things are possible so we have a starting point to encourage and build up another. If a person in need has no spiritual foundation, building up such a one becomes more difficult. They will want to hear cliches of the world that don't hold much in the way of help that has meaning.

Next, we must be of a sincere spirit.

Folks who are going through a tough time are very sensitive to the attitudes of those who want to be of help. With senses heightened, such folks can tell a phony a mile away. If we aren't sincere, then we aren't honest in our concern. Short clever statements usually renders no help and at times makes absolutely no sense.

Before uttering a word to a struggler, if we haven't prayed for that individual prior to our approach, then back off until we can do that for him or her.

The one thing we have to offer is time spent in prayer for someone we're concerned about. Otherwise, any inquiry on our part comes across as our just being nosy, wanting information to pass along to the rumor mill. We should be able to honestly say to someone who needs building up, “I've been praying for you.” What an honor that someone would do that for me.

Just in everyday living and personal contacts, be complimentary.

Everyone like compliments but again, such statements must be honest. If we are to build people up, it does no good if the receiver knows for a surety that we were just making conversation.

One of the greatest gifts we can give another when called for is that of forgiveness.

When we've been on the “outs” with someone, nothing is more encouraging whether we have been offended or the offender is to apologize that we take steps to reconcile with the person. This says to the other person that we consider them worth the steps we have taken to make amends. You see, everyone wants to feel they are worthy of anothers friendship and consideration.

Write a note or say an encouraging word (which is preferable) but if not make a “thinking of you” call.

During this last year, I've gone through some low times after an accident. On a down day, I can't tell you what it's meant to me to have two things said to me: “How are you doing?” and

“I've been thinking about you.” To think that someone would take a part of their own personal time to think about me is a real morale booster.

One of the greatest means of building up another is in some way to share the Word of God with him or her.

This can be done with a greeting card or just an encouraging word from Scripture written on a 3x5 card. The Word of God itself builds and encourages so don't hesitate to share a verse or two. It will be twofold...the Word itself and the fact that you went to the trouble to share it however you choose to share it.

If so led, do something tangible for someone who might be dragging along day by day, feeling pretty hopeless.

There may be a need someone has that the Lord in His own way brings to our attention. There may be a neighbor, relative or fellow church member who doesn't want to reveal anything about their private feelings but with a kind and gentle spirit on our part, we can minister to those folks with something tangible. The most fun I've had in this area is doing something for someone in the way of a small gift or a small amount of money and not letting on to them that it was me who did it for them. We don't always have to reveal the things we do for others. Sometimes secrecy is fun as can be.

Above all, love is the key. In these days, we can't love others enough. Love is vital for anything and everything we do for others.

Jesus commanded us to: “Love one another...as I have loved you.” That would be more than a truck load of love. I may not be able to love another person as Jesus loved, but I can strive for that kind of love. Jesus didn't say that we would love as MUCH as He loved but we are to love AS He loved. How did He love...with all the stops pulled out, loved with abandon, with no holds barred, with no prejudice or partiality.

Love each other with genuine affection,

and take delight in honoring each other.

Romans 12:10

Do you need a kind word or a touch of encouragement from someone today. Let me suggest that you find a way to do something for someone today, perhaps from this list. Nothing will pick up our spirits like doing something for someone else. If it serves no other purpose that to take our minds off of our own difficulties, it will have been worth it.

Lord Jesus...I thank You today for the love You pour into my life and for Your encouragement that You send to me through others. May I be one of those “others” in someone else's life. Amen.

God's Steadfast Love

The steadfast love of the Lord

never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end.

Lamentations 3:22 (ESV)

He penned one of the major prophetical books in the Old Testament, but there isn't very much known about him. He is often referred to as being the “Weeping Prophet.” He was obviously a sensitive, caring and godly man who not only loved God deeply but loved God's people as well. His name...Jeremiah. Scholars give credit to Jeremiah for the writing of Lamentations based on content of the book that communicates in concert with the book that bears his name.

Jeremiah was called by God into His service probably when in his late teens, and later became a priest in the temple. With God's call to Jeremiah, God assured him that He had known before Jeremiah was born that he would serve as one of His prophets. Jeremiah kindly let God know of his own insecurities due to his young age. God assured Jeremiah that despite his age, he would go where sent and would speak what God wanted said.

Beyond that point, we know little of Jeremiah in a personal way. We see all through his signature book that he warned his people of God's wrath to come, speaking truth to all who would hear and even to some who didn't want to hear. Jeremiah understood that at the bottom of the problem was the sin of the people, thus he witnessed the worst of times that came down on his people. Not only did the people suffer death, captivity and destruction but the beloved temple was destroyed and desecrated. This was all very hard for Jeremiah to comprehend and accept and he went through a very sad time.

Sometime read the book of Lamentations...the book of laments...a portrait of the grieving heart of a prophet. (The book itself reads as a clarion call even to our country today.) Jeremiah went through his own share of physical and emotional suffering even to the point of imprisonment, but seeing all of the destruction was heartbreaking. Jeremiah's tears poured out as if ink on paper as he sorrowed over the events of his day. However, just about halfway through his writing, it's as if he suddenly stood up straight and tall, threw back his shoulders, and got a grip on things. He put one of the most heartfelt and encouraging grouping of words together into verse form that one can find in all of Scripture. Slowly read the following:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

“Great is your faithfulness. The Lord

is my portion,” says my soul,

“therefore I will hope in him.”

The Lord is good to those who wait for him,

to the soul who seeks him.

It is good that one should wait quietly

for the salvation of the Lord.
Lamentations 3: 22-26 (ESV)

Jeremiah also wrote:

The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying,

Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting

love: therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.

Jeremiah 31:3 (KJV)

Especially in the book of Lamentations, is seen the Hebrew name for God...”Hesed Adonai” that simply means “God's Steadfast Love.” It is found in the above verses. The word “mercies” is a defining word for love in this book. We don't just see the love of God in Lamentations but in the book of Jeremiah as well.

I looked in dictionaries to find the meaning of the word “steadfast.” It isn't a word that is common in today's vocabulary. I'll just list a few of those meanings I found: firm, unchanging, faithful, unwavering, loyal, everlasting, constant, steady, stable, enduring....and the list goes on and on. Otherwise, God is all of these things wrapped up in the word “steadfast.” Just to think that God's love for us is this strong and sure.

I've been taking a good look at Jeremiah lately, this wonderful man of God. We don't go through nearly the tough times Jeremiah witnessed. We still go through times of discouragement though as we watch a government with no direction or even moral standards. We are watching a national economy affecting so many people in our nation, especially for the unemployed. The concerns boil down to where we live. Folks are facing problems we wouldn't have recognized 50 years ago. Back then, I had never (or hardly) heard of Alzheimers, Diabetes II, aneurisms, caregivers, crack cocaine, pornography, etc. We too could fall into depression as we view our nation and surroundings, but also if we should have to deal with some of these things in our own families.

Pour over the verses I've listed. Wherever you and I are in our lives, no matter the circumstances, God is still on His throne. His love for us is a steadfast love. It's a love you and I can count on with a surety we can't even understand. A steadfast love is an unwavering, steady and permanent love no matter the circumstances. That's the love God has for us in the good times and in the bad times we go through. We must never lose sight of the heart of God that beats steady and sure for you and me every moment we live and breathe. It's all wrapped up in the faithfulness of God. He remains faithful and steadfast to us come what may. I love the words of the following old hymn:

“Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father

There is no shadow of turning with Thee;

Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not;

As Thou hast been, Thou forever wilt be.

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided;

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!”

                                                                            -----Thomas O. Chisholm

Dear Father...Thank You for Your steadfast love and faithfulness in my life. Forgive me when I take my eyes off of You and look to the cares of this life. You have everything in control. I rest in that fact and in Your love. Amen.

Prisoner By Choice?

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord,

beseech you that ye walk worthy

of the vocation wherewith ye are called.

Ephesians 4:1

Many years ago, I was on a special trip with a college group. We held evening services in various churches, so found interesting things to do during the day. Someone in our group arranged for us on a particular afternoon to take a tour of a very large state prison. I had never been in such a place and must admit to being a little nervous about the tour. I knew we would be safe, but it was just a new experience.

We were taken only to special places in the prison, of course, but there was one thing that we observed and it's something I've never forgotten. We were shown an empty holding cell and then the guard demonstrated the opening and closing of the cell door. I don't think I'll ever forget the sound as the loud, echoing clang-bang of the cell door closed. What struck me about that sound was that in many cases where prisoners are incarcerated for very long periods of time, whether coming or going, they hear that horrible sound frequently.

In the culture of Bible days, prisons were quite different. In fact, prisons were often referred to as “dungeons.” A dungeon was usually underground. A prisoner was often let down into it by guards. It was a filthy place with little if any light, and was filled with sewage and dirty water. At times guards would drop moldy bread down into the dungeon. If prisoners didn't catch it in time, it fell into the swill on the floor.

There were above ground prisons and in those, prisoners were usually chained or bound in some way. Most prisons didn't provide food or clothing so friends or relatives were relied upon for the basic needs of life. Most of the time, upon arriving at a prison for incarceration, prisoners were beaten with a lash, receiving 39 lashes across the back. That was the usual.

Some prisoners were treated with a little more care. There were those allowed to be under house arrest. These prisoners still were required to be chained or bound, often to a Roman soldier. These prisoners, too, had to be provided for with friends sending food, necessities and often were required to even pay a leasing fee for the house of the prisoners confinement.

In Scripture, we are told of familiar men who endured prison experiences. Joseph, of course, was imprisoned after being falsely accused by Potipher's wife. Jeremiah was imprisoned in a dungeon for simply telling the truth. John the Baptist was put in prison after speaking of the immorality of the kings family. Peter was imprisoned for preaching the Word of God, and later Paul and Silas were jailed for healing a possessed girl being used for money by evil merchants. In every one of these cases, each man was imprisoned unjustly. In Philippians, we find Paul under house arrest so he had more than one run in with authorities. In every case, each man was thrown in prison for either being right or doing right. They had no choice. No one in their right mind would choose to be a prisoner even in the most pristine of prisons if there was such a thing.

In most cases, however, the imprisonment of these godly men resulted in benefiting others in some way. Peter was released by an angel. Friends praying for him at the time were astounded and blessed all at the same time because of answered prayer for his release. Paul and Silas were blessings to other prisoners as they sang the praises of God in the late nighttime hours. They could have walked out of the prison after an earthquake shook the jail and a way was made for them to walk out. They didn't do that. They stayed and witnessed to the jailer who was saved along with his family. God used Joseph's prison experience to share wisdom with other prisoners and later after his release, was eventually elevated to second in command in the nation of Egypt. It all resulted in saving his family from starvation.

So how do we define “prisoner?” A prisoner is one who is usually guilty and being punished for some wrong doing but not always. A prisoner is deprived of liberty, is restrained usually in custody in a facility meant only for the incarceration of prisoners. No matter the official definition, a prisoner is one being held captive. When a prisoner, ones life is no longer her/his own. One's mind is totally occupied with being a prisoner when in prison. It's all-consuming.

I know some folks and have been one of them off and on who have found themselves (me included) prisoners. Oh, no crime has been committed but being this kind of prisoner for many is often on a voluntary basis. Satan delights when he can bind us up in circumstances of life, if in no other way. Let's face it, life isn't fair and Christians of all people aren't guaranteed a fair shake when it comes to life's circumstances. We look around and it would seem that the unsaved all around us seem to have things better than we do. However, we really don't know what others are experiencing so we will get no answers as we observe them. We can be prisoners of our own making apart from those things that come our way without asking. I know people who are prisoners to bad habits, unhealthy friendships, food, pornography, and the list could go on and on of those things people might choose to be a part of their lives, that eventually gets a hold on them.

But praise the Lord, there are times when we have choices regarding our freedom in Christ. We can be facing the very worst of circumstances and still walk in freedom. We do this as we hand over our circumstances to the Lord and rely on Him day in and day out for the strengthening we need in order to breathe free spiritual air. It's a choice. In their real prison cells, Paul, Silas, Peter, Joseph and others chose to make the best of their time as they sang, ministered and learned more of the things of God. We should do no less.

There will be some circumstances in our lives we just cannot change but we ourselves can change despite the impossibilities. May I suggest three keys that will open the lock of any prison we find ourselves in and all three are found in I Thessalonians 5:16-18. One by one, these keys are available to you and me among others presented in Scripture. These keys are:

• Rejoice always
  We have to pay attention to that word “always.” In the thick and thin of life's problems and even at times in a holding cell, we like Paul and Silas can rejoice and be people of praise. We don't have to understand the whys of our circumstances.
• Pray without ceasing
  “Without ceasing”...what does that mean? It means just what it says. You and I can be people of prayer all day long. We'll have our times of prayer that are lengthier but we can be in a spirit of prayer every waking moment. God loves to hear from us even through our tears when we just utter prayer sentences during the course of our day.
• In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
  There's another one of those words...”everything.” We can give thanks no matter what's going on, knowing it's God's will for us in Christ Jesus. Every ounce and crumb of our lives, God means for purpose.

Four words....”always, without ceasing and everything.” God has purpose in ALL that comes into our lives. Let's not allow circumstances to imprison us. We won't know until Heaven what these days down here have done to influence others for the cause of Christ. Let's drop the chains, rip through the ropes and slam prison doors behind us as we walk away in freedom and victory. We are living in these days not by accident but by Divine design. I pray, like Paul that our only desire will be to be a prisoner of the Lord and of Him only.

Thank You Father, for walking me through things of life for which I have no personal strength or energy. I know You won't bring anything into my life that's for nothing. You are working and I want to be a part of it and not hide behind prison bars when things get tough. I want to be Your prisoner only, held captive by Your love and Your will. I love You, Father. Amen

HELP!!!

God is our refuge and strength,

a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46

Every one of us at one time or another is going to need help in some way. Most of us hate with a passion having to ask for help, even though in a moment of weakness or difficulty, we really need to reach out for it. Helping people fall into three general categories:

• those who need help
• those who give help, and
• the help only God can give.
  

A little over a week ago, I bruised up my right knee. It was the day before Brian was to return home from Texas. It was a Friday I did this. I usually run the church bulletin and other items on Saturdays but with Brian returning the next day, I wanted to get it finished on Friday. I knew from the soreness of my knee that I should stay home with ice on it. It took everything in me to arrive at that decision. I sent an e-mail to our pastor about my dilemma. You will never know how hard that was for me to do. He didn't answer my message...he and his wife jumped in their car and before I knew it, they were on my front porch. My hair was a mess and I wasn't in my usual attire although I was decent. (Talk about pride). They just wanted to make sure I was okay and graciously said they would take care of the bulletin. I was so grateful for their kindness and help.

Here's the problem...when we need help, no matter what kind, we don't have enough humility to ask for it. We know folks who would come to our rescue, but we feel that asking for help is a sign of weakness. WELL, it most often is a sign of weakness. Just the fact that we need help shows at the minute that we just can't function to full capability. The help we need most often may deal with small needs. We really feel embarrassed about putting someone to some inconvenience over little things.

Then there are those who are the helpers. What would we do without them. When recovering from a fall last October, there were folks who came straight to the hospital, brought food to the house and made themselves available to me for whatever I might need. But those are folks who will help me fold bulletins or set up tables and chairs for ladies Bible study. Being a helper, though, also takes a certain amount of humility. A helper may be asked to do some nitty-gritty things that are pretty unlovely. Remember how Jesus washed the feet of His disciples? That was rarely done in that day. Back then, you washed your own dirty feet. I realize, though, that His act was more of a spiritiual lesson.

Someone in the New Testament who has impressed me with his humility in this area is the Apostle Paul. Who would think that spiritual dynamo would ever need to ask for help of any kind. He spoke of people by name who had been a real help to him...Aquila, folks in the Philippian church who had aided him financially, Timothy and Epaphroditus and others. At times when ending a letter, he would ask someone to bring him parchments and even a cloak. He viewed all of those helpers as fellow ministers. Pride never entered into his life when serving others or being served.

The main area where I fall short, however, is in seeking the Lord's help. I'm not quick to ask for anyone's help but it's really bad when I feel independent from the Lord. He can call His forces to my side when I'm in need. He can lead someone right to me who just senses I have a need. God can do amazing things on my behalf. In His Word, He so heartily invites me directly or through those who have penned Scripture to call on Him for whatever I need. The following are some of these invitations and we should take full advantage of them:

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace,

that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help

in time of need.

Hebrews 4:15

For the Lord God will help me; therefore shall I

not be confounded: therefore have I set my face

like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

Isaiah 50:7

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed;

for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will

help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right

hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:10

So, to summarize: A) Don't be too proud to ask for or accept help when needed; B) don't be too proud of being a helper, to come along side of someone in need of help. Know that the Lord will often lead you to someone out of the clear blue who needs you; and C) every need should be taken to the Lord even if someone is on hand already to help. He is the greatest help we can have in any situation.

Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper. Amen (Ps. 30:10)