August 30, 2021

 

Walk Away

 

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. – Colossians 2:8

 

What do you believe? Why? It’s easy to throw out Jesus’ name. It isn’t so easy to truly believe what He says.

 

Jesus looked around and saw the good in people who perhaps hadn’t live an exemplary life. And He saw the evil among the religious elite who were so busy following their own manmade rules that they missed the Messiah.

 

A major topic nowadays involves all the available jobs and the mistaken belief that people simply won’t work. Yeah. I know. Some people truly are lazy and refuse to work. But that’s not true of everyone. In fact, it’s not true of anyone that I personally know. How about you?

 

I know people who can’t work right now because of illness. Cancer is a horrible disease. So is Covid. Should those people be condemned for not being able to work right now? What about the widow struggling to care for a sick child? Is she a deadbeat because she refuses to place her disease-ridden child in a daycare?

 

Where do we draw the line between laziness and despair? How do we fairly judge between the worthy and unworthy? We don’t. It’s not our job or our place. Jesus said to love everyone. He flatly stated to do good to the poor. He never once said to hoard your earthly treasures and condemn people who aren’t exactly like you. But we do it anyway.

 

I expect that from people who don’t know Jesus. How could they possibly understand Jesus’ love for the poor and downtrodden? They don’t realize the need to do good to others. But people of faith? People who proclaim Jesus as LORD and Savior? Those putdowns sting because they reveal a heart distanced from God.

 

None of us get it all right or all wrong. We don’t. We’re all guilty of derogatory comments we shouldn’t make, of judgements we have no place pronouncing. The challenge for us is to walk away when someone says something that doesn’t come from Jesus – especially when it’s something we really want to believe.

August 9, 2021

 

What Does Kindness Look Like?

 

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

– Colossians 3:12

 

Another year, another new school. She was used to it. It was the life of a military child. She joined the throng of teenagers and lined up to purchase her lunch. Where to sit? She started toward an open table.

 

Someone called her name and she turned. She recognized a girl from her morning history class. The girl’s smile was warm as she beckoned her toward a table where several other students already sat.

 

She joined the group, smiling at introductions and good-natured banter. She was included. The warmth of that kind gesture filled her up.

 

The elderly man shuffled to his mailbox. Cars zoomed by. Young families scurried into their homes. He hardly knew anyone in the neighborhood anymore. It was so different from when he and his wife first moved into their new house. Two babies soon followed and they were busy and happy. Life was good.

 

These days it was just him. It had been almost five years since his wife went home to Jesus. His kids and their families had long since moved away. Their lives were busy with careers and children. He rarely saw them anymore. He rarely saw anyone anymore. He just wasn’t able to get out much, especially when it involved driving the busy roads.

 

He noticed a young man cross the street and head toward him. A smile lit his face at the unexpected company. They sat on the front porch rockers and visited awhile. Then something extraordinary happened. The young man invited his elderly neighbor to church and lunch afterwards.

 

The next Sunday the elderly man dressed up and was ready way before the young man pulled his car into the driveway. He’d worried that he’d be too slow but the young man never seemed concerned. He met a lot of nice people at church and afterwards at lunch. The young man insisted on paying. His treat, he said. The elderly man felt his heart fill with warmth. It had been a long time since anyone had chosen to spend time with him.

 

We talk a lot about kindness these days. Be Kind the signs tell us. We know kindness is a fruit of the Spirit. But what does it look like? We’re nice to people, aren’t we? We try to do good things for our friends and coworkers. But strangers? Well, maybe not so much. We really don’t want to be inconvenienced. We’d prefer to spend our free time with “our” people and not invite someone new into the group.

 

But what if we did? What if we intentionally reached out to the lonely, the forgotten, those who couldn’t repay us? What if we chose to be kind not because of what we might gain but because of what we might give? What if we showed up and really loved people like Jesus?

October 15, 2018

Integrity

“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” 

– Mark 8:36

“Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another.” – Leviticus 19:11

He’s nearing the end of his career. Over the years he’s formed friendships that blur the lines of objectivity. It’s easy to slip a little here, a little there. What difference does it make, after all?

He was once a good man. He was a man of integrity. At least, that’s what they say. It isn’t evident now. He cuts corners. He’s dishonest. He doesn’t follow regulations. And, most of the time, he doesn’t try to hide it.

He’s not a bad person. He’s someone you would like. He’s just like you and me. He’s a regular guy who goes to work everyday and puts in his time. He’s heading toward a pension. He’s got retirement in his sights. I wonder sometimes if he realizes how easily he could lose it all. Maybe arrogance and time have made him feel immune. He isn’t.

Maybe you would never compromise your integrity for a job. Are you sure? I have a friend who is a firm believer in showing up, doing your job, and going home. Don’t get involved in anything you don’t need to be involved in, he says. Don’t pay attention to what someone else might being doing. Just do your thing and let it be.

But is that the right thing to do? Should we turn a blind eye to behavior that is wrong, dishonest, illegal? If we do that, are we part of the problem? We relax our own standards when we refuse to speak up against something that is wrong.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. – Colossians 3:2

I represent Jesus, whether I am at church, at home or in the workplace. That’s true of every believer. We are His light, His hands and feet, in this world. If we ignore wrong behavior, how can we expect anyone else to step up and do something?

Jesus always defended the underdog. He reached out to the outcast, the sinner, those who were hurting and desperate. He never once said it was someone else’s problem. Jesus directed His disciples to do the same. We’re to speak up when something wrong is happening.

It’s not an easy task. Do you confront the wrongdoer directly? Do you go to someone higher up, risking that he might also be involved too? Do you remain silent?

And do you participate, directly or indirectly, in what’s happening? What do you do when a supervisor tells you to do something that you know is wrong? Do you have the courage to walk away from a paycheck if that means keeping your integrity? Do you trust God enough to refuse to be sucked into wrongdoing?

Paul tells us to do everything as though we are working for the Lord. Would Jesus look the other way? Would Jesus risk everything to be honest? Would Jesus do what was right no matter the cost?

That’s how you live your life. It’s the difference between being a person who lives his faith and being a person who doesn’t.

October 6, 2018

Check Your Attitude

Do everything without grumbling or arguing. – Philippians 2:14

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. – Colossians 3:23

It was her attitude that finally did her in. Her mistakes could be excused but not her mouthy arrogance. The saddest part? She can’t see how she destroyed her own chances for a really good job.

One day she talked about God. I want to believe there’s a part of her that really wants to know Jesus. I want to believe she’s searching. I hope so. I really do. Because Jesus is the only one who can open her eyes and help her make the changes she needs to make.

It’s the same for all of us. It’s only when life becomes about Him that our priorities shift. It’s only when we put stuff in its proper place, when we fill ourselves with gratitude, that we can truly begin to understand how wonderful He is.

She needs to know that Jesus loves her no matter what. She needs to cling to Him. Instead, she’s throwing out obscenities and talking tough. She’s struggling and pointing her finger at everyone but herself.

I don’t know what has happened in her past. I don’t know how the chip on her shoulder got to be so heavy. I don’t know why she feels the need to lash out toward those who are kind to her, those trying to help her, those who only want to be her friend.

There’s no gratitude in her heart. Only a sense of entitlement for something she hasn’t earned. She spends her days taking breaks and focused on her cell phone, oblivious to the fact she’s getting paid to do a job she isn’t doing. Others pick up the slack. She considers it all justified. It’s that attitude again.

I wish I could say it’s because she’s so young. We see it sometimes with kids. They haven’t yet learned that the world doesn’t owe them anything. That includes a position at the top of the ladder, complete with a six-figure salary and lots of prestige and perks.

No. She’s old enough to know that you’ve got to work your way up. Smooth-talking without substance will only get you so far. And attitude will send you packing faster than anything.

It would be easy to say it’s because she doesn’t know Jesus. The hard truth is many Christians are just like her. They go to work with lousy attitudes, determined before the first hour to have a bad day. They gossip and complain about everything, from the temperature to the workload. They don’t see a problem with that.

How do you think God would respond to that attitude? I guess we could ask the Israelites who wandered in the desert for 40 years. God got tired of their complaints. I suspect He’s tired of ours too.

Each day we have a choice. We can live in gratitude for every blessing. And, yes, you are blessed each and every day. Or we can spend our time complaining and blaming others for our misery.

Seek to find the good in each day. Work hard, working as though you are working for Jesus. Your circumstances might not change but your life surely will.

June 5, 2018

Watch Your Words

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. – Colossians 3:13-15

Today is election day. Did you go vote? Good for you! We are privileged to be able to participate in free elections.

There may or may not be runoffs to come. I hope not because, honestly, I’m tired of the ugliness. What about you? I’m not sure how people who boldly proclaim their Christian faith can turn around and endorse ads filled with hateful words directed at their opponents.

I know. Those in the know try to explain that it’s the only way to get elected. I’m not so sure about that. I can’t be the only person who would like to see candidates focus on the issues and stop the mudslinging. That would be honorable. That would be truthful. That would be what the Bible tells us to do.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. – Ephesians 4:29

Our country can’t focus on its problems because we’re so busy putting others down. We can’t get along with each other because we’re too busy name-calling and finger pointing when people don’t agree with us.

Even now, I know there will be lots of grumbling in the days to come. Why? Because in an election someone wins and someone else loses. That means someone is unhappy, just like their supporters.

But you know what? The earth still turns and God is still on the throne. And we still need to learn how to get along with each other. We wonder why people are turning away from Jesus and, yet, we’re too busy speculating to look in the mirror and really see ourselves.

Do people see Jesus in you? Does your behavior, your words, your choices, reflect who He is? Because that’s what will either draw people toward Jesus or push them away. It’s not about what someone else is doing or not doing. It’s about what you are doing or not doing. Think about that for a minute.

I am responsible for my own choices, my own actions, my own words. And you are responsible for yours. Do you build people up? Do you lend a helping hand? Or do you live a self-focused life full of grumbling and finger pointing.

Before you voice your opinions on this election, take a moment to consider your words. If your candidates won, offer praise to the opponents. If your candidates lost, congratulate the winners. But above all else, let your words reflect Jesus so that all can see who the winner really is.

May 14, 2018

Don’t Miss the Real Lesson

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

– Colossians 3:12

We didn’t have much of a Sunday School lesson yesterday. At least not officially. It’s not that I wasn’t prepared. I was. It was because some Sundays there are more important things than the “lesson.”

One of our classmates was in tears. Sadness oozed from her broken heart. Another person was in physical pain. Nothing seems to bring relief. Yet another deals daily with the impact of her son’s unwise choices. It was Mother’s Day and that special day is forever changed because of his choices.

A pastor once told me that our class was different. I didn’t fully understand what she meant until I tried to organize meal delivery for someone in another class. The couple were desperate for relief as she fought what turned out to be a futile battle against cancer. I was amazed and appalled at those who weren’t willing to step up and help on that sad journey.

Our class has taken food, provided physical support, helped clear yards, and done a multitude of other things. Yes, we tend to help one another rather than others. We are working on that. But we are a family in the truest sense. We share one another’s joys and accomplishments. And we bear one another’s burdens, holding each person near as needs arise.

One member joked that yesterday was fellowship day. Maybe it was. It’s how we’ve grown so close over the years. We don’t just bring the happy stuff in the door. We bring it all. Everyone is met with kindness and compassion, with a caring ear and, when the need is there, physical help.

Not everyone sees it that way. Isn’t that always the case? We have a few members who are all about the “lesson.” They resent anything that takes them away from the teaching I’ve prepared. They want to study Scripture and history and prayer. All that is well and good but sometimes I think they miss the point.

Jesus told us to love God first and then to love others as ourselves. How can we do that when we aren’t willing to hear their sorrows and carry their burdens? Life isn’t all about being happy. I wish it was but that’s not reality. Sometimes life hurts. Who shares that journey with you?

The hard truth is that when we shut down people who are hurting, when we refuse to make time to hear their sorrow, we push them away from God. There’s a difference between enabling and encouraging drama and self-pity and really listening to someone struggling to stay afloat. As children of God, we are to pray for discernment and, when in doubt, err on the side of compassion.

We’ll finish our official lesson next week. It’s not going anywhere. But those hearts, well, I’d like to think they’re a little lighter because of the encouragement and love they felt in that classroom.

April 7, 2018

Add A Little Gratitude

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:17

What are you grateful for? Really. Have you ever stopped to consider all that you have, the people who bless your life, the things that make your days easier? Or are you like the Israelites in the wilderness, complaining about everything and never being satisfied with anything?

Some people refer to this as the glass half-empty or the glass half-full. It’s how you see life. But many people who might see themselves as optimists aren’t really. How do I know? Because they complain all the time. Because they always look to the next thing to make them happy. Because they talk about their life as though the good old days have already passed on by.

What’s missing in your life? Maybe a spouse or children? How about a good job or even a job you love? Are you satisfied with your home? Your bank account? Are you longing for a vacation? Maybe the latest technology gadget? What are you so focused on that you’re missing the joy of today?

Ah, joy. Yes. That simple little word. Joy comes from the Lord. We’d just like a little extra in the form of blessings. But the thing is nothing will ever satisfy us until we are content in God. We’ll always crave what we don’t have until we realize that our worth doesn’t come from our financial assets, our social status, or our address, but rather from our status as a child of God.

There’s another way we show how ungrateful we are though we might not always see it that way. It’s when we try to control the people and events around us. Are you someone who is always trying to tell others what to do? Do you think you know better how to do just about anything than anyone else? Do others frustrate and anger you when they won’t go along with what you think is right?

It’s not about us. We know that. Most of the time anyway. But we really do want it to be about us. We are like spoiled little children, wanting to get our way all the time. We forget that the best things come when God’s children work together for His glory. If you’re not content to step back and work with others and really listen to what they say, well, maybe it’s because you need to get a little gratitude in your life. Other people are rarely as stupid as you think. Be grateful that you really don’t have to do it all alone and welcome the help of others.

Gratitude has a way of softening our hearts and changing our attitudes. It’s difficult to be upset when you truly notice all that’s good in your life. Gratitude puts things in perspective. It makes you realize what’s important.

Do you want to be happy? The next time you start to complain or lament what you don’t have, think about something you are grateful for. It could be something as simple as the roses blooming next door. Or it might be the soup you had for lunch or the child you just tucked into bed. Maybe it’s kisses from your dog or the sunshine coming down on your face. There’s always something to thank God for. Always.

February 26, 2018

Get Up and Work

But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. – Colossians 3:8

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you almost must forgive. – Colossians 3:12-13

She gets so angry at the “sins” of others. She sits on her sofa, watching Fox News, and gets more and more upset about all that others have done to persecute Jesus. She goes on social media, blasting the liberals, those in favor of gun control, immigrants, those on welfare. And on and on.

She looks in the mirror and calls herself justified because she reads her Bible and prays daily. That is where her faith ends.

What is she doing to bring about change she claims to want? Nothing. Unless, of course, you count ranting and pointing her polished nail at all those she sees as wrong. All those she sees as less than acceptable.

She is a modern-day Pharisee and she doesn’t have a clue.

She is not alone. There are a great many who share her views and her lack of action. One main point of contention: “They” have banned Jesus from our schools. I agree that Jesus needs to be invited back into our schools. But are we going to use hate or love in our efforts to bring Jesus to the students?

What is she doing to make a change? What are you doing? Our town has a wonderful program called FPKids. It was started as a way for kids to meet at the flag pole at their school, share a Bible lesson and a prayer, before school begins. It is run by volunteers. Some are parents. Some aren’t. All simply love Jesus and are reaching out to kids in any way they can.

The elementary-age kids meet – with parental permission – once each week. The volunteers are amazed at the response. One school had to divide the students by grade levels because there were too many children for one group. There is a hunger there that I don’t think anyone really expected.

Is it a sacrifice for the volunteers? Of course, it is. Some must get up earlier than usual because the group meets for 30 minutes before school. Others must arrange to go to work late that day. But all believe the sacrifice of time is worth reaching children and teaching them about Jesus.

These people aren’t focused on anger or revenge. They aren’t pointing fingers at what others have done “wrong”. They’re simply loving those God has placed before them, offering up kindness and compassion with a large dose of Jesus’ love. They are being the hands and feet of Jesus.

It is so easy to forget that we aren’t called to a life of sitting on the sidelines and pointing fingers at other sinners. We are called to action. We are called to love those who aren’t easy to love. We are called to do good where we are. Sometimes that means getting off the sofa and actually working to change what we don’t like.

So what are you doing today? Are you sitting around pointing fingers and spreading hate? Or are you actively loving those God has put in your path? 

February 21, 2018

Get Rid of the Anger

But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. – Colossians 3:8

What is your button? What instantly makes you angry? What do you have trouble shaking off, putting aside, letting go and moving on from?

We all have something. It could be a snide comment from someone. It could be an unfair judgement from a person who has no business even concerning themselves with your situation. It could be reminders of leftover anger from situations long ago.

Most anger is normal. Contrary to what some believe, anger alone isn’t a sin. The sin comes when we harbor bitterness and chronic anger. Then it overtakes us and consumes us in ways that aren’t healthy for us and lead us to sin in other ways.

Anger and resentment can’t coincide with forgiveness. We are to forgive others because God has forgiven us. It has nothing to do with worthiness. None of us are worthy of forgiveness. It is about grace and mercy.

Forgiveness also isn’t about the other person repenting and asking for forgiveness. We can’t control what other people do or don’t do. We can’t control what they say about us or how they feel about us. We can control how we react. We can forgive and walk away.

Chronic anger is a result of deep hurt. That’s what our pastor said last Sunday. There’s so much truth in that. We lash out at others. We allow jealousy and anger to take control. We sin, then use our own anger in a vain attempt to justify our sin. It’s a vicious cycle and everyone gets hurt in the end.

Some people try to put salve on their wounds by attempting to control everyone and everything around them. They want to be in charge, no matter the cost. And make no mistake, the cost is great. No one wants to be controlled by others. While they might go along for a time, eventually that will erupt into something awful. We can’t run other people’s lives. It’s that simple and that complicated.

We must exercise self-control over our own lives. We need to get rid of the anger and resentment and jealousies that consume us. It doesn’t feel natural, does it? Don’t we have a right to rise up against those who have harmed us? Not according to the Bible. God is the One who takes care of revenge when His children are harmed. We’re to forgive and move on.

How can we possibly get past it all? By giving it to God. Again and again, I might add. God sees your struggle. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to heal you and allow you to move past the ugliness in your heart. Let go of the anger and bitterness and allow God’s peace to fill your heart.

April 16, 2016

Speak Truth

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. -- Colossians 4:6

It was a comment meant to praise and encourage. “You’re a good mother.” It sounded, well, good. Except the young girl accepting the praise isn’t a good mother.

I stayed silent. I’ve learned to do that sometimes. (Other times I wish I’d learned to stay silent.) But it really bothered me. The young mother loves her baby. It’s not that. It’s just that she refuses to take responsibility for the day to day care giving an infant requires.

Happy photo ops are not the norm. They are the show. The responsibility -- the dirty diapers, the waking up in the middle of the night, the expenses -- are all shouldered by her parents. She not only doesn’t appreciate all they give, she resents them.

Surely, the person making the comment knew that. Didn’t she? Or was she only seeing what she wants to see? Sometimes we turn a blind eye to something that makes us uncomfortable. Sometimes we refuse to see what is right in front of us.

I am not the most diplomatic person. I am outspoken and sometimes I put way too much salt in my words. I’m trying to learn that just a little salt goes a long way when I’m speaking truth that is difficult to hear.

But I’m also learning more and more not to be silent. I was a silent victim for too long, always being cautioned to “not say anything” in order to keep the peace. It didn’t work. Volcanoes can only be contained for so long before they erupt into a fiery disaster. I wonder sometimes if the eruption would have changed in magnitude had I refused to stay silent. I’ll never know.

I do know that we sometimes avoid people who speak truth over our lives. We don’t want to hear it. We don’t want to face whatever it is we need to face. We don’t want to accept that maybe, just maybe, the words were sent from God Himself to speak truth. Like the prophet Nathan speaking truth over King David.

As Christians, we’re to weigh our words carefully. The tongue has such power to wound. We’re to let caution still our anger before we lash out with words that can never be unsaid.

But we’re also to speak truth, seasoned with salt. Build people up, yes, but do it in truth. Lies don’t benefit anyone. Neither does silence when it’s done for all the wrong reasons.

December 30, 2014

Make Time Today

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

-- Colossians 3:15-17

You always think you're going to have more time. Some people are such a fixture in your life that you always expect them to be there. And then they aren't. The sadness is deep, profound.

She was what we delicately call "elderly." She'd fought cancer twice. She'd lost her husband to a horrible disease. She'd buried one son. She lived with oxygen and caregivers. But she stayed at home until her final trip to the hospital. And, thank God, there was nothing wrong with her mind.

I loved her, this sweet cousin of mine. Our relationship ran deep, much deeper than most knew. Her Mother was so dear to me. It was so natural that her only daughter and I would bond, despite the vast age difference.

She spoke in that slow, Southern drawl that personifies this part of the world. Her laugh combined with a sparkle in her eyes. She was tiny in stature but her strength ran deep.

What I most admired is that she always had time for the people she loved. She was the first to call and check on people. She remembered to send cards. Despite her frail health, she welcomed visitors. What an example she was!

She lived her faith. It was really that simple. There was a peace about her that comes from a deep, unshakable faith. I want that. I do. I want to have faith with roots than run as deep as her faith ran.

The coming days will be hard. We'll say goodbye to a soul that is already home. We'll remember and mourn and laugh and love on each other. It's what families do. We'll find comfort in knowing she's with loved ones that have gone before. And we'll find comfort in the promise that this goodbye is only temporary. We'll see her again. Thank you Jesus! We'll see her again.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

God Hears Our Prayers

Devote yourselves to prayers, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

-- Colossians 4:2-3

The other side of the valley is filled with brilliant light. When the darkness parts, the blessings seem so much deeper. Maybe because they touch our souls in a way that only God can.

A dear friend has spent much of this year in agony. She’s endured surgery and pain so intense she was almost afraid to move. More than two weeks ago she entered the hospital again, this time in ICU. She had a respirator and didn’t recognize anyone, including her beloved husband.

We were all scared. We want so desperately for her to live and to thrive, to leave the pain and sickness behind. We prayed for her. Again and again we stood over her and prayed. We prayed in church and we prayed at home. Whenever we thought of her, we prayed.

And, yet, we were willing to let her go home. She is a strong Christian who lives her faith. I smile as I remember her rush to purchase items for the Santa for Seniors program last year. She was happy to help. Silly though it seems, not too many Christians smile when they’re spending money for people they don’t know.

Somehow holding on to this vibrant woman seemed cruel. She deserves laughter like she gives to others. She deserves a full life free of pain. She deserves so much more than I. And yet she lay there fighting even as the fight seemed to leave her.

God heard our prayers. The respirator, which seemed like a permanent fixture, was successfully removed. And, now, three days later she is like her old self. She knows us all. She smiles. She is weak but she is alive and for that we are so very grateful. She is our miracle.

I look around me sometimes and I see so many sick and hurting people. One friend faces incurable cancer. Another is fighting lung cancer -- again. There are so many who are hurting and in need. And, yet, we see God’s hand, we see His Grace, everywhere.

This miracle is a reminder to us all that God is present even in the most dire circumstances. He holds us close and hears our prayers. And sometimes, yes sometimes, God gives us back what we thought we had lost. Praise be to God!

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Life’s Moments Reflect Your Heart

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. -- Colossians 3:17

They probably considered themselves to be tough negotiators. They probably saw themselves as being honest and forthright. But what others saw was ugliness and hatefulness.

They view themselves as being part of society. They attend the “right” church, live in the “right” neighborhood, socialize with the “right” people. They probably think nobody notices how much alcohol they consume. They probably think nobody sees how shallow and worthless their faith really is.

Two people I have known from childhood were shopping for a large purchase. They were replacing their eight-year-old vehicle and came to see what the newest model of that vehicle was all about. They didn’t like it and that was okay. What followed was not.

They could have just said “no thanks” and walked away. They could have been nice and kind. They could have kept their opinions to themselves. They didn’t. They chose to use words to wound. They chose to tear down people rather than be kind.

And when they left, the people who heard them didn’t comment on the vehicle. They talked about the ugliness in the couple’s hearts. Is this what they show people everywhere they go? If this is what a Christian is, why would anyone ever want to know Jesus?

Perhaps the real answer goes back to the heart. How can Jesus live in a cruel heart? I don’t know. It’s a question I’ve struggled with for what seems like a lifetime. I want to believe that when someone claims Jesus as Lord and Savior that He lives within them. Unfortunately, the proof reflected outward just isn’t visible.

Only God knows our hearts. Perhaps tough patches and bad days make us lash out at others in ways that are unfair and unbecoming. But moments of our days reflect our lives. What do people see when they look at you?

We like to compartmentalize our lives. We are Christians on Sunday mornings. We might be Christians when we do volunteer work or write a check. But true faith comes when we live as Christ has called us to live in all the other moments of our lives. It comes when we make business decisions, when we go through the drive-thru, when we coach Little League. It is in those moments when Christ either shines through or He doesn’t.

Everyone has a bad day every now and then. We all say words we’d like to take back and do things we’d like to erase. But a pattern of a life not reflecting Jesus -- no matter where we hangout on Sunday mornings -- is a life that is lost. Do your words and actions reflect your faith?

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Show Love, Compassion To Victims

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” -- which is the first commandment with a promise -- “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” -- Ephesians 6:1-3

Fathers, do no exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. -- Ephesians 6:4

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. -- Colossians 3:21

Today is Father’s Day. For many people it is a day of celebration, a day to honor someone they love, a day to rejoice in fatherhood and all that it means.

For others, it is a day of bitterness and regrets. While some celebrate their fathers, others try desperately to avoid memories and focus on their Heavenly Father. Because “father” to them is evil and abuse all rolled in to one horrible human being.

We don’t like to think about that. We want to be happy and sweep all that negative stuff under the proverbial rug. Many preachers today will celebrate fathers, ignoring the hurt that lies in many hearts. They will admonish children -- young and old -- to honor their fathers, telling them it is a requirement from God.

And it is. But no one on this earth will ever make me believe that God wants us to “honor” abusers. Jesus defended children. He loved children. He cared for children. He would never expect us to honor those who fail to protect their children. He wouldn’t expect us to celebrate those who abused their children.

Secrets have a way of rearing their ugliness on days like today. Memories that are kept in a safe place emerge and threaten to swallow up even the strongest Christian. We forgive. We make peace with the past through God’s strength and grace. But we never really forget because that horrific past molds and shapes who we are today.

A dear friend suffered years of abuse at the hands of her stepfather. He’s in prison now. He can’t hurt her anymore. Her biological father rejected her from birth so the only good role model she has when it comes to fathers is her Heavenly Father. She spent years in turmoil and self-destruction before reaching this place of safety and strength. But she’ll struggle this day -- just as she does every year -- because of those who really don’t understand the pain of abuse and its lingering impact on our lives.

Today is a day to celebrate those good, loving fathers who cherish their children and do what is just and right. But it is a day of memories and sorrow for those whose broken hearts will forever long for what they never had. Show compassion in your joy. Don’t assume. And don’t preach about showing “honor” to those who have suffered beyond anything most can ever imagine.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Forgiveness Is Hard

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. -- Colossians 3:13

Forgiveness is one the hardest things we’re ever called to do. We don’t want to forgive. We want retribution. We want others to pay for hurting us.

We lash out. They lash out. And so it goes, building up to something that can never end in good. We want to be right, justified. All we end up being is hard and angry and hurt.

It always seems to start with hurt. Someone says or does something that hurts our feelings. Maybe wounds our pride. Maybe they betray us. Or steal from us. Or lie to or about us. And we just can’t get past it.

The other day I mentioned a name to someone I know. This normally kind, caring person just went off. That’s the only way to describe it. As I soon found out, many, many years ago, this woman whose name I had mentioned had badly hurt my friend. She’d told lies about her and really given her the cold shoulder.

It didn’t matter that so many years have passed. Nor did it matter that the older woman has serious health problems and emotional anguish from just having to put her husband in the nursing home. This normally compassionate woman couldn’t get past her anger to forgive.

I know. The woman hadn’t repented and asked for my friend’s forgiveness. So what? God doesn’t tell us to only forgive people who apologize. He tells us to forgive everyone who sins against us -- just as He forgives us when we sin against Him.

Oh, I know. Most of us try to apologize to God when we sin. But how many times do you apologize to those that you sin against? Really. Because, honestly, most of us don’t. We just let it slide, certain others will understand our bad mood, our lapse in judgment, our little mistake. We expect others to treat us differently than we treat them.

It’s especially hard with those people who just seem to know which buttons to push. It doesn’t seem to matter how determined we are to not let them get to us. They do. We get angry. They get angry. And neither side can forgive. And on it goes. We’ve all heard it before.

Do you really want to forgive? Or does holding on to that anger feed something deep inside of you? Maybe it’s something you need to talk out with God.

If you really want to forgive, pray for the person who harmed you. Treat that person with kindness. Is it easy? Not at all. But I’ve found it really impossible to cling to unforgiveness and pray for someone at the same time. Funny how God works that out. The other person may not change at all, but your prayers for that person

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Lose The Attitude

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. -- Colossians 3:23

The other day I stopped at what I thought was a fast food restaurant. It was supposed to be. I’ve stopped there before and it always has been. But on this particular day things were not going so well for the employees.

The employees who were there anyway. Apparently they were short staffed and that had caused all kinds of problems. At least when it came to attitude. I stood and watched one woman assemble the burgers. She was incredibly slow. I could see the chip on her shoulder even before she mouthed off to another employee.

The woman in charge was determined to remain in charge. That meant, in her mind at least, that she was staying out of the kitchen. Eventually, she relented. Customer displeasure was growing by the minute and helping in the kitchen was the safer choice.

It would have been comical to watch but it was just so sad. One woman had a chip on her shoulder because she wanted help and it wasn’t there. Another woman didn’t want to lower herself to do what needed to be done. Two other employees struggled to stay out of the line of fire. And customers had the opportunity to observe something really awful.

It makes me wonder how many times you and I have done the same thing? How many times have we had an attitude about something we couldn’t control, something that probably wasn’t fair, and we used it as an excuse to not do our best?

Not you? Think about it. There are few, if any, folks who have never been in a snit because they thought something at work just wasn’t right or fair. And because we are human, it’s pretty difficult to let it go and let God take care of it. It’s hard to shove aside our displeasure and continue to do our very best, no matter the circumstances.

Maybe what we all need is an attitude adjustment. And a refocus on who we’re here to serve. Because when we do our very best, we’re doing it for God. And when we don’t? Well, that’s a reflection on God as well. Do we really want nonbelievers do see Christians as slackers or folks who have a bad attitude?

Sometimes circumstances are infuriating. We are faced with situations that are unfair and we want to strike out, in attitude if nothing else. Take a deep breath instead, and give it to God. Prayer is a wonderful healing balm and God is an amazing defender and fixer of all things bad.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Listen For God’s Will

So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. -- Colossians 1:9

Do you believe that you are living a scripted life authored by God? Or do you believe that free will gives you the pen to make your life what you choose? Or is the truth somewhere in between the two extremes? Does God have a plan for our lives but, knowing that we’ll fail and take wrong turns, know our lives will have a different outcome?

Most of us really want to know God’s will for our lives. We don’t always agree with what He wants, but we want to know. I laugh out loud at that. There are times when God has dragged me fussing and complaining to do what He wanted me to do. And He was always right. Always. It makes me wonder why I bother resisting when I know how it’ll turn out.

Have you ever had an experience like that? You know what God wants you to do but it isn’t something you want to do. Or maybe it isn’t something you feel qualified to do. But you do it anyway and then you understand what God wanted to accomplish through you. It’s awesome, isn’t it?

But things rarely seem so black and white. It’s usually a matter of agonizing over options and trying to decide what God wants me to do. I am my worst enemy in those situations. My mind races with options and pros and cons and I have trouble quieting it so I can hear God’s voice. Because for me the stillness brings answers.

A friend determines God’s will by how He opens and closes doors. Of course, she also is quick to point out that each major decision comes after much prayer and quiet time with God. Then she can see where God directs her path. When God supports something, doors open and the roadway seems smooth and easy. When God is against something, doors close and the roadway is bumpy and difficult.

Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better. -- Colossians 1:10

We don’t often think of our doing God’s will as showing kindness to others. It makes sense. But usually we think in terms of ourselves and what we want. Oh, and what God wants too. But if we’re doing God’s will then we’re doing for others.

Following God, determining His will for our lives, means living as Jesus lived on this earth. Did He plan our lives ahead of time? Probably, just as any parent has dreams for His child. Did He know we would fail repeatedly? Without a doubt. But He also knows our hearts. God knows when we genuinely desire to do His will. And He knows when we don’t. Maybe that’s the key: listening to Him instead of ourselves

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Pray For The Children Around You

So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. -- Colossians 1:9

I started praying for him before he was ever born. I asked God to keep he and his mother safe and healthy. And at his birth, I asked God to surround that tiny little boy with His Presence so that he would always know His Lord and Savior.

It gladdened my heart as he grew to see him grab his “Jesus book” and turn the pages to “read” it each night. A little boy learning about a God who loves him so much that He sent His son to die for him. One day, I pray, he’ll fully understand that. For now he’s a big boy of five who can say the Lord’s Prayer and blesses us with his sweet prayers.

I continue to pray for him and the little brother who joined him a little over two years ago. I pray for health and safety and happiness. But mostly I pray that these little boys will always know the love of their Heavenly Father. I want the Holy Spirit to guide their lives and make them grow wise.

Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.

-- Colossians 9:10

I have an older nephew who has grown so tall I must stand on the tips of my toes to reach high enough to hug his neck. He wears a gold cross around his neck. I’m thrilled by that. But mostly I am overwhelmed by his heart. I see the goodness in this almost-adult young man. He is quick to help, eager to lend, willing to share. He lives his life in a way that reflects Jesus to the world. It fills me joy.

Children are the greatest gifts God could ever bestow on anyone. If you are blessed to have children in your life -- whether your own or someone else’s -- pray for them and tell them again and again how much God loves them. Urge them toward a life filled with Jesus moments reflecting out to the world.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Reflect Jesus To Others

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
-- Colossians 3:12

Wow, that sounds good. I want to be filled with compassion and kindess. I want to live my life in humility and treat others with gentleness and patience. Really, I do. But wanting and doing aren't the same thing. Sometimes I fail miserably.

Patience has never been my strong point. I try. Really I do. I'm even pretty good when I'm dealing with small children. They're so precious and wonderful. It's the adults that really give me fits. It seems natural to have to repeat myself to children. It's just so aggravating when having to repeat myself to adults.

I take deep breaths. I beg God to hold my tongue. I really have issues with my tongue. It tends to be short and to the point. You know what I'm talking about. Everyone gets a little irritable now and again so you might as well admit it. We won't talk about the guilt and excuses that come from that.

It's just that I know other people judge Jesus by me. It's not really fair. He is perfect and I'm far from that. But because I'm a Christian, Jesus lives inside of me. He's part of me. And it's my responsibility to show Jesus to people by the way I act and the words I say. That's a pretty daunting task for someone who has never exactly been tactful.

The Bible reminds me that God understands my flaws. He knows my heart. He knows I'm trying and struggling and trying again. And somehow that's enough for Him. I am enough for Him. Flaws and all. The strange thing is that the more I try to be like Him, the fewer the times my emotions control my actions. Maybe I can be like Paul, striving toward what I can't see but know is just ahead. I'll stumble and fall, scrape myself up and shed a few tears. But then He'll pick me up, dust me off and away I'll go again. Heading toward Him and the life that awaits at the end of the day. Imperfection made anew. How awesome is that.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Be Kind All The Time

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful." -- Colossians 3:15

I heard someone comment the other day about how much nicer people are this time of year. It seems that the spirit of Christmas makes people smile more often. People seem to say "please" and "thank you" on a regular basis. They let you cut in line in front of them ... well, maybe not that nice.

It's sad, though, don't you think? We have to wait until Christmas to be nice. Maybe we're just better at faking it this time of year. We keep hearing about Jesus lying in the manger because there was no room for his folks at the inn. So we want to extend Christian charity. We want to help people and be kind to people. We overlook things. We hold our tongues. We speak nice words of encouragement and gratitude.

But shouldn't we be doing that all year long? We get so caught up in the stresses of daily life that we forget to live like Jesus all the time. We get upset about things that really don't matter anyway. Not in the long run. Not when we look at them in context -- everything here is temporary. People matter so much more than things ever could.

So take time to take a deep breath and be nice to someone who cuts in line in front of you. Smile when you don't feel like it. Use your manners and say "please," "thank you," and "excuse me" on a regular basis. Give to charities as God directs you. Greet people you don't know. Make strangers at your church feel welcome by engaging them in a conversation that goes beyond a handshake and "hello." Take a few minutes to spend time with an elderly person who is all alone. Reach out to others even when you don't feel that you have the time.

We weren't called to be nice just a few weeks out of the year. As Christians, we are called to be kind and generous all the time. We are to show others that Jesus lives within us. It's amazing how that works. The more kindness and compassion we show to others, the more peace we feel inside ourselves. And the more we want to reach out to still more people.