October 11, 2024

                                                  Do Not Lie

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

– Exodus 20:16

Do not steal.

Do not lie.

Do not deceive one another.

– Leviticus 19:11

It happened again today. Another Facebook friend copied and shared “information” that was completely false.

It sounded good to people who want to believe the worst of President Biden and his administration. But it just wasn’t true. It was designed to make good people angry about the federal response to something horrific that happened to people in the path of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.

Let’s be clear here: FEMA, the military and many, many volunteers have been in these areas from the beginning. Keep in mind that the catastrophes are wide-spread. There is much ground to cover especially in Western North Carolina where so many mountain roads are washed away.

My cousin who lives just outside of Asheville asked for everyone to share her message. She’s a Republican and absolutely not a Biden fan. But she said that FEMA had been on the ground from the beginning, making sure the homeless had somewhere to live, making sure food, medicine and other supplies were delivered to people who were stranded up the mountain near her home. She said night had fallen but she could still hear the whirl of helicopter blades as the work continued.

As for the $750 everyone throws out, that is just the beginning. It’s for basics. There will be more money to come. Do victims need to fill out paperwork? Absolutely! Otherwise anyone could come in, claim to be a victim, and get money intended for true storm victims.

No. Migrants aren’t receiving money intended for storm victims. It’s a separate fund. Money designated for victims of natural disasters can only be used for that purpose.

FEMA cannot come in and take your home. That’s been a big rumor. People in some cases have refused to evacuate because they’re afraid FEMA will steal their home. It’s a lie. Mother Nature may take your home, but FEMA won’t.

I could go on and on about the misinformation – lies – that have been told recently. As Christians, we have a responsibility to check the accuracy of information before we share it as fact.

Lies have become a daily part of the political landscape. It’s wrong. But what’s worse is that we not only allow those lies, we share them. We make excuses for the lies and the people spewing the falsehoods.

Look at your Bible. What does it say? Don’t lie. Don’t bear false witness against another. Are you sharing false information? Are you voting for a candidate that does that too? Shame on you. Lies don’t become truth just because you want your candidate to win.

May 8, 2019

Do You Understand?

“Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt.” – Exodus 23:9

How quick we are to pick and choose which of the Old Testament verses we’ll apply to our thoughts and opinions. We look past those verses that differ from what we choose to believe. “Foreigners” are judged and rejected without an ounce of compassion.

We justify our low opinions based on the rantings of a few. Foreigners must work, we demand. They must refrain from sin, we spout. They must follow our laws and our opinions and take the lowliest of jobs and stay with their own kind and, well, you get it. We excuse our bad behavior, throwing out the instances of crime that happen. Oh, that we would condemn similar crimes among people like us.

The hard truth is that we will always reject those who are different from us. We aren’t interested in debate or compassion or actually reaching out to someone who merely needs a helping hand. We prefer to stay in our comfortable recliners, watching Fox News and using evil tongues to throw out Bible verses proclaiming a gospel we clearly don’t understand.

Jesus told us to love one another. How dare we think that He somehow meant we get to pick and choose who. Shame on us all.

December 27, 2018

Honor the Sabbath

“Also I gave them my Sabbaths as a sign between us, so they would know that I the LORD made them holy.” – Ezekiel 20:12

“because they rejected my laws and did not follow my decrees and desecrated my Sabbaths. For their hearts were devoted to their idols.” – Ezekiel 20:16

“You have despised my holy things and desecrated my Sabbaths.” – Ezekiel 22:8

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns.” – Exodus 20:8-10

How do you spend your Sabbath day? For most Christians, we have set apart Sunday for that day. But do you set it apart for God?

I know. There’s lots of reasons that doesn’t happen in your life. Some people work to feed their families and pay bills. Some people work to provide for the rest of us. These include doctors and hospital staff, police officers and fire fighters. But what about the rest of us?

In the area in which I live, baseball is huge. There are night games during the week. Saturdays are filled with ball games. And, increasingly, Sunday too is occupied with baseball.

Now, I love baseball. I do. But when it comes to kids and families I sometimes wonder if we’ve misplaced our priorities.

We talk a lot about putting God back into our schools and government. We’re adamant about our beliefs when it comes to what the Bible says about controversial subjects. But it’s difficult not to see the hypocrisy when it comes to how we view the Sabbath.

One parent explained that he always led a devotional for the players and coaches before the Sunday games. Besides, he continued, the kids enjoy playing so it’s not really work. My question was this: When do they rest? The hard truth he couldn’t deny is that they don’t rest.

We have become a land of busy people seeking God in all the wrong places. We make excuses when it’s something we want to do and we condemn others for doing what we think they shouldn’t do. We ignore God’s clear laws in order to chase after idols.

Please don’t try and tell me that baseball isn’t an idol. Anything – baseball, money, job, fishing, yard work – that comes before God is an idol. When you choose to ignore the Sabbath, you choose to ignore God.

Everyone needs a day of rest, whether that day is Sunday or another day of the week. We need a chance to recharge and to remember God and all that He does for us. We need time to refocus our priorities back on our Creator. It is from Him that we draw our strength, gain our wisdom, and live according to His calling on our lives.

So, what are you doing on Sunday? If the answer doesn’t involve worshipping God, you need to rethink your faith.

November 26, 2018

Spreading Lies

“Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.

“Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd,” – Exodus 23:1-2

A wicked person listens to deceitful lips; a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue. – Proverbs 17:4

It was one of those outrageous lies. You know what I’m talking about. Someone says something on Facebook and everyone starts sharing it without bothering to check the “facts.”

California is not trying to ban the Bible. The state legislature couldn’t even if it wanted to. The First Amendment still exists. Nor is the state attempting to shut down faith-based bookstores.

A legislator trying to stir up support for his campaign spread falsehoods about a proposed piece of legislation. It was something easily checked. But, well, the lie sounded right to people who want to think only the devil and his followers live in California.

What bothers me is our willingness to share lies like it’s nothing. It matters. When you seek to harm people by stirring up hatred and discord, you become part of the problem. You become a liar too.

I lived in California. I attended one of many churches in California. I know. It’s shocking to some of you. California is the home of many Christians. There are many, many homes filled with people who pray and study the Bible and try to live according to God’s Word.

Many of the people who spread Facebook lies consider themselves to be honest, Christian people. They would argue vehemently, defending themselves and saying they believed the lie. They didn’t bother to check the “facts” but, well, they’re entitled to their opinion. It’s just too easy to hit that share button. But when you repeat lies – gossip at its worst – you are a liar.

I know. Some people point the finger at Facebook and certainly that company must share the blame. But we each have individual responsibility to make sure that what we share is factual, not because it sounds right but because we’ve checked the facts.

Stop spreading lies, and hate, on Facebook and other social media outlets. It not only makes you look bad, it turns people away from Jesus.

August 2, 2018

Comfort Those Who Grieve

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

We can’t fix death. We can’t restore a person to life. Only God can do that. It’s a free gift He offers to those who believe Jesus Christ is His Son and that He came and died a horrific death on a cross and rose three days later. Jesus now sits at the right hand of God the Father.

We believe that and cling to it in times of death. We find some comfort in knowing that goodbye isn’t forever and we will see the person we mourn again. But believing doesn’t erase the tears of today or the loneliness of tomorrow.

We gather around those who mourn. There are no words that can erase the pain. So, at least in the Deep South, we take food. It’s the one, tangible thing we can do to let someone know that we care that they are hurting. We rearrange our lives to show up with casseroles and cakes, vegetables and sweet tea.

We understand deep in our hearts that it’s not about the food. It’s about the caring, the love, the companionship. We comfort others as we have been comforted.

As I write this, my cousin and her children are at the funeral home planning her husband’s funeral. Theirs was a long, happy marriage. They were blessed with years and children and grandchildren. The void will be great.

When my Dad died, she came bearing food and hugs. You never forget the people who show up when you are grief-stricken and numb all at the same time. So today I will prepare food and take it to her house. I will hug her tight and tell her I love her. It won’t be enough to erase her pain but we will all surround her with our presence on this journey.

That’s what God has asked us to do. We are to comfort others as we have been comforted. We are to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

I am reminded of the story in Exodus 17 about when the Israelites defeated the Amalekites. Joshua led the army. Moses stood on top of the hill with his hands raised high with the staff of God. So long as his hands were held high, the Israelites were winning. When he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.

Moses grew tired. Aaron and Hur placed a stone for Moses to sit on. Then one stood on each side of him and held Moses hands up. This went on for hours. And God gave the Israelites victory.

But here’s the point none of us should miss: When Moses was too tired to continue, others showed up to help him. They physically held him up. They didn’t just throw out “We’ll pray for you.” They didn’t tell someone else to do it. They showed up and did what needed to be done.

I can’t restore my cousin’s husband to life and health. God has already done that. But I can be part of the entourage that comforts her today and all the days to come. I can show up. I can do something.

Never brush aside how valuable your gift of time and presence can be to someone who is grieving. It matters more than you know.

June 1, 2018

Why Are You Afraid?

Moses said to the LORD, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since your have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” – Exodus 4:10

We are good at excuses, aren’t we? God says to go and we respond with “but” and proceed to list all the ways what He’s called us to do will never work. It’s just common sense, we explain. It can only end in disaster, we assure Him.

He, of course, is Almighty God. Nothing is too hard for Him. Nothing is impossible with Him. But, truthfully, we really don’t trust Him with the unknown. How many blessings do we miss because of that?

Moses was afraid to confront Pharaoh. He gave God excuse after excuse. God rebuked every excuse. God finally agreed that Moses’ brother Aaron could help Moses. Do you think that hurt God? He had called Moses to greatness, to lead His people to freedom, but Moses didn’t trust that God would give him the words and protect him on the journey.

We’re no different. We want to step out in faith. We really do. But there’s that pull of comfort and what we know. Satan whispers that God’s plan will never work. People around us tell us we’re foolish or lazy or destined for disaster. So we sink back into what we see and miss what could have been.

What is your dream? Do you want to go back to school and become a teacher? Do you want to stay home with your children but you just know your family could never survive on one income? Do you want to start an after-school outreach program? Are you feeling led to begin a new Bible study? Maybe you feel drawn to include your elderly neighbor in a weekly meal? I could go on and on because there are just so many ways God speaks into our hearts.

But none of that matters if we choose to sit on the sidelines. Nothing will ever change unless we step up and step out in faith.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7

Do you want to be the person who, at the end of his life, looks back and sees all the things he wished he had done. Do you want to end your life regretting missed opportunities? Do you want to stay comfortable and miss the blessings true faith brings?

The Bible tells us repeatedly not to be afraid. Scholars who count such things say He tells us that 365 times. One “do not fear” for each day of the year. Do you think God believes it’s important?

I wonder if sometimes we say no because we’re afraid God might lead us on a path we never wanted? What if the life God has planned for us is totally different from the life we had planned for ourselves?

And what if that life is better than anything you ever could have imagined? Will you be faithful enough to find out? What are you afraid of?

March 9, 2018

Stop Complaining

And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. – Exodus 16:2

 So Moses and Aaron said to all the people of Israel, “At evening you shall know that it was the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and in the morning you shall see the glory of the LORD, because he has heard your grumbling against the LORD. For what are we, that you grumble against us?” – Exodus 16:6-7

Someone is always upset about something. Some days that seems especially true in the church. We complain about everything. The music, the preaching style, the Sunday school lesson, the temperature, the sound (either too loud or not loud enough). We “hate” the sermon or we “love it”, depending on how it convicts us. And that preacher better not go too late. Doesn’t he know how important Sunday lunch is?

Come on now. You know I’m speaking the truth. Who among us hasn’t grumbled about something at church?

So let me ask you a question: Why do you attend church? I hope most of you answered that you attend services in order to worship God. What else? Do you go because it’s something you’re “supposed to do”? Do you attend church because you want to see your friends, get caught up on everyone (gossip!) and maybe learn a little about a Jesus? Maybe it’s about exposing your children to worship or taking your elderly parents to services?

And maybe, just maybe, it’s about all those things. And none of them. We allow ourselves to get so caught up in what doesn’t matter that we miss what does matter. We have the freedom to worship God without fear of being arrested as we raise our hands to exalt Him. Most of us have an abundance of Bibles. Few of us sacrifice in order to attend church. You would think we’d be a little more grateful. We aren’t.

Every summer my Sunday school class gets out the blankets. Really. Because in order for another class to be comfortable, our class temperature is freezing. It’s just easier to wrap up in a blanket than to deal with people who refuse to compromise so that everyone is comfortable.

We are blessed with a pastor who has a very dry sense of humor. You guessed it. Some people don’t like that. He isn’t a “feel good” sort of preacher. He’s not going to tell you to claim all you want “in the name of Jesus” and it will be yours. He will, however, teach you what the Bible says. You might leave feeling convicted. Most will leave feeling determined to live more for Jesus and less for self.

Maybe that will last for a few days. Then we’ll get upset about something else. You see, we want it to be all about us. We want everything to be exactly the way we want it to be, no compromises required. And we get mad at the church, we get mad at God, when we don’t get what we want. We get mad when it isn’t about us.

Ah, there it is. We want God to give us what we want when we want it. We believe the church should do the same. We get all in a tizzy about things that don’t really matter because we’d rather not face the things that actually do matter. Things like sin and death and illness and right living.

The next time you start to complain about something, hit pause and consider why.
Are you upset about something that truly makes a difference or are you upset because you aren’t getting your own way? Be careful. Those complaints you’re lodging are against God and the people He has called to serve Him. You may be pointing your finger at the church but God sees you pointing it at Him.

January 2, 2016

Speak Truth

“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”

-- Exodus 20:16

“For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” -- Matthew 12:37

Has anyone ever lied to you? Me too. Has anyone ever told a lie about you? Me too. Has anyone ever sought to deliberately turn others against you? Me too.

Are you perfect? Me either. Have you ever lied? Stop that squirming! We all have. Everyone. Sometimes it is a lie of omission. Sometimes we are just trying to spare the feelings of someone we care about. Other times we’re trying to keep ourselves out of trouble. But a lie is a lie is a lie.

It’s not fun to be on the receiving end of someone’s lies, especially when your integrity and reputation are being destroyed. It’s difficult to remember that vengeance belongs to the Lord.

Silence is sometimes the best thing you can do. It also can be the hardest thing to do. We want to stand and fight. We want to be drawn into that never ending war of words. We want to prove ourselves.

But here’s the thing: When someone is out to get you, it isn’t about you. It’s about them. It doesn’t matter what you say or do. That person needs to lie and try to destroy you in order to justify themselves. It won’t work. It never does. The truth always comes out in the end.

Of course, don’t assume you’re always right. Search yourself for the truth. Pray diligently. Be honest with yourself and ask God to point out your flaws.

Then give it to God and let it go. You are not responsible for the words and actions of others. Do the right thing. Always remember that God is your judge and as hard as it is sometimes to stay silent, trust Him to work it all out for His glory. 　

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Biggest Critics Never Step Up

Moses returned to the LORD and said, “O Lord, why have you brought trouble upon this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble upon this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.“ -- Exodus 5:22-23

Sometimes when it seems I are doing everything I can to follow God and do His will, there is a chorus all around of people giving directions. No one wants to step up but they sure seem to know how to tell me what to do and how to do it and, in some cases, even when to do it.

I try really hard to control my tongue. I seek words of wisdom, trying to unite rather than say exactly what I think and feel. The resentment builds up inside of me and anger emerges. Then it is no longer about them but about me. My heart is hurt and I want desperately to lash out, to hurt those who have hurt me.

Max Lucado says that resentment comes from hurt. I’ve come to see the truth in that. Knowing it, acknowledging it, helps me take it to God and lay it at His feet. I don’t want a hardened heart. I don’t want to be angry and bitter. I simply want to do His will in His way and in His time.

Sounds simple, doesn’t it? It’s anything but simple. Because where there is ministry, there is a host of personalities and conflict is bound to arise. Everyone has a different view of what should be done and, to some degree, that’s okay.

My problem comes when those with the loudest voices refuse to step up and actually do what they are demanding that I do. They know which Bible study they’d like to do. They know the time they’d like to do it. They know the format. But they aren’t willing to do it. They aren’t willing to make the commitment to actually show up themselves. They simply want it available for them if it’s convenient.

And I resent that. Last spring I felt forced to do a second Bible study to finish out the school year. I didn’t want to do it. I was burned out and wanted a break. The chorus was loud and I agreed. God led me to a wonderful book and we were all blessed by it.

During the weeks of study, every single person in the group missed at least one session. Some missed two or three. Everyone seemed to have something better come up, from vacation to kids’ activities, to family events. I’m not denying the importance of those things. However, why was it that the one person (me) who most didn’t want to do the study ended up being the only person who had to be there every week?

I spent a lot of time with God on that one. And, as I said, we were blessed by the study. Yet here I am again. We are completing a study and the harping has begun over which will be the next study. I’ve already told them that someone else needs to step up. They keep pointing the finger at me. I’m not sure I can get past the hurt to do another one. Sadly, I’m not sure they even see past themselves to realize what their attitudes are doing to me.

So I’ve given it to God. He’s had it all along anyway. He needs to decide what study we should do, when we should do it and who should lead the discussions. Some folks are bound to be unhappy but, hey, that’s just how it goes. Either step up or shut up. As hard as that sounds, sometimes that’s just the only way.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

What Are You Waiting For?

But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”

So He said, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

-- Exodus 3:11-12

God is not predictable. Just when we think we’ve got it all figured out, He asks us to do something we hadn’t planned to do. And it’s usually something that is terribly frightening and more than a little out of our comfort zone.

Of course, that’s the point. We need God. But sometimes we get so caught up in ourselves, in our own abilities, that we forget the power behind us. We fail to remember that God would never call us to do something without planning to be right there beside us, guiding us, and making sure that we accomplish His will.

But first we’ve got to step out in faith. Yeah. That’s the hard part. We want some kind of guarantee that we won’t meet up with failure. We want it in writing, if possible. We can’t see that it already is.

God’s promises are throughout the Bible. We know that He will never leave us or forsake us. We know that He loves us and plans good things for us. We know that we can do anything through Him who strengthens us.

So why do we doubt? Why do we hold back? Why can’t we seem to jump out in faith? We’re like a small child whose father is trying to coax him into jumping off the side of the pool and into his daddy’s waiting arms. He wants to. He knows it’ll be okay. He knows his daddy will catch him. But it’s just so scary to take that first leap. The side of the pool just seems so much safer.

And, in a way, it is. For a while anyway. Then it gets old, the sitting on the sidelines like that, never really taking part in the life God planned for us. Never enjoying the fun and the blessings we might have if we would just step out in faith.

But there’s that fear of failure, public failure especially, that weighs on our minds. It would be bad enough to fail in secret or even before just a few friends and family members. It’s just that when God is calling us to do something it’s usually pretty public and we’re really not wanting to get into a line that might lead to embarrassment and ridicule.

So there we sit on the sidelines. Undecided. Trust God and head toward the possibility of blessings beyond measure? Or stay safe and never really live the life we were created to live?

God is with us, whether we hang back or go forward. He’ll catch us either way. How much better, how much more fulfilling, to step out in faith knowing our Father will always be right there to catch us.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Focus On Jesus Not Things

“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.” -- Exodus 20:17

One of the dogs is barking loudly, her high-pitched frustration evident for all to hear. Her problem? She wants what her brother has.

Now before someone out there accuses me of playing favorites, let me explain. Each dog received exactly the same treat at the same time. It’s just that she wants the one her brother has and he, well, he wants both of them.

Isn’t that how we all are? We aren’t content with the blessings we have, we want the blessings someone else has too. We’re never really content, never really satisfied, because we’re always seeing what we don’t have rather than what we do have.

How sad is that?

This type of thing plays out in our lives all the time. Our neighbor gets a new car and suddenly we want a new car too. It doesn’t matter that we were perfectly content with our own car just the day before. And it doesn’t matter that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with our car. We want a new one because someone else got a new one.

The same could be said of houses, jobs, handbags, and on and on. Some of it is just plain silly. Other times the behavior becomes downright destructive. For example, when it causes you to spend money you really don’t have in order to have something someone else has but that you really don’t need.

God was just so wise when He included this in His Ten Commandments. He understood that we could never be happy while we are focused on having something someone else has. In fact, we can never really be happy so long as we’re trying to fill up our hearts and souls with things rather than Jesus.

Surely you knew it would come down to this, didn’t you? How many times have you bought something new because you were unhappy? And how long did that retail therapy work before you were unhappy yet again? Things don’t make us happy. Jesus makes us happy and satisfied and content.

When we focus our eyes on Jesus, we start thinking about others in terms of doing good rather than in coveting what they have. We reach out in compassion and kindness to the least, aware that they likely will never be able to do anything for us in return but happy to help anyway. We don’t have time to covet things because we’re too busy, and too satisfied, giving and sharing what we already have.

My dogs may never learn this lesson. Maybe their joy really comes from the dance of trying to take what doesn’t belong to them. We don’t have to follow their example. We can change. We can grow in our faith. We can focus our eyes on Jesus and off of what someone else has. We can open our hearts and our eyes so that we are so focused on Jesus that we can’t see anything else.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

God Lights The Way

And the LORD replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses. I will give you rest -- everything will be fine for you.” -- Exodus 33:14

Do you ever feel a little like Moses? Worried about what lies ahead, uncertain of the direction God has called you to go? I know I have. It’s scary to go off on a journey and have no idea where you’ll end up or what your life will be like.

In the preceding verse, Moses asked God to show him His intentions so that Moses can more fully understand what God wants Him to do. That way, Moses tells God, he can do exactly what God wants. I want to echo that request. It’s so frustrating sometimes. I want to do God’s will. I do. Really. But I can’t quiet all the voices around me -- my own, those close to me -- to hear what God has to say.

That’s where the uncertainty begins. I step out tentatively, resisting the urge to snatch my foot back onto safe territory. I’m just not sure. If God is with me, if I’m doing what He’s called me to do, then everything will be fine. But if I’ve misunderstood, or taken my voice for His, then whatever I do is doomed.

Oh, He’ll help me pick up the pieces. He’s my Abba after all. But going out where I’m not supposed to be can be a really painful experience. Know what I mean? I file that under the cliché: “Been there. Done that. Don’t want to go back there again.”

It’s easy to forget that all we really need to know is that God is with us. He’s leading the way. No matter what life throws at us, God can handle it. Yeah. That’s right. God can handle it. We might fall apart, cry out, feel overwhelmed. But all we really need to remember is to hold on tightly to Him. God will do the rest.

God reassured Moses that He would give Moses rest. Do you ever ask God for His peace to fill you? I do. Sometimes the stress and strains of daily life just seem overwhelming. I feel guilty. Everything is basically fine. Yet, little things pile up and the stress just seems to grow. Letting it all slide off seems to hit a sticky spot and I need a break. God provides that break. That refuge. That sanctuary of peace and calm in the midst of chaos.

God told Moses that everything would be fine. And it was. Oh, there was a lot of drama on that journey to the Promised Land but God never abandoned His people. And He won’t abandon you or I. He won’t leave us alone to face an uncertain world. Instead, He’ll light the way so we can follow Him all our days until we finally make it home.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Are You An Honest Person?

“Do not testify falsely against your neighbor.”

-- Exodus 20:18

Are you an honest person? Do you ever sort of fudge the truth? Do you ever tell a white lie? Do you ever justify a falsehood because you didn’t want to hurt someone’s feelings?

Most people consider themselves to be fairly honest. And everyone probably has lied at some point. We just don’t like to be that blunt about it. We prefer to make excuses.

Excuses are everywhere. Some of them are quite good. For example, what do you tell a friend who asks if you like her new dress? Well, it’s easy if the dress is pretty and looks good on your friend. But what if it’s ugly and makes your friend look 20 pounds heavier and totally washed out? Do you tell her the truth and hurt her feelings, maybe even making her mad? Do you lie and tell her what she wants to hear? Or do you skirt around her, focusing on how much she loves the dress and refusing to comment on your own views?

Sarah was afraid, so she denied that she had laughed. But he said, “That is not true. You did laugh.” -- Genesis 18:15

Sometimes we lie because we’re afraid to admit that we made a mistake or did something wrong. Sometimes we lie because we want to embellish the facts to make ourselves, our children or our companies look better. We figure that it doesn’t hurt anyone so what difference does it make. Well, it makes a big difference to God and to the believe who come to realize that you aren’t truthful.

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. -- Ephesians 4:25

The other day I listened to a woman tell a lie about something totally stupid. I just looked at her and shook my head. She didn’t back off and change her story. I know. She was trying to build someone else up. I know in the long run it probably won’t ever matter. It was just so dishonest and unnecessary.

The thing is when you know someone is dishonest about small things, it really makes you wonder if they’re also dishonest about big things. How do know? You can’t. Not really. Not for sure.

Life would be so much easier for everyone if we spoke truthfully, with kindness in our hearts.　

　

Thursday, May 5, 2011

God Guides The Weary

You call me by name and tell me I have found favor with you. Please, if this is really so, show me your intentions so I will understand you more fully and do exactly what you want me to do. -- Exodus 33:12b-13a (NLT)

I want a map with complete directions. You know. Like one of those programs that tell you which road to take, each turn to make, how long between turns, and exactly what time you will arrive.

I know I’m not Moses. Not by a long shot. Still, God is my Father, my Abba, my Everything. And He loves me. Sometimes I think He’s the only one who does, but that’s another issue for another day. I want to follow Him. He knows which way to go. But sometimes I get so confused and turned around. I can’t see the way. I don’t know where He is.

It’s scary. I look around me and feel the weight of others’ needs and expectations closing in. I panic. My hand reaches toward God again and again but I can’t find Him anywhere in this darkness that is closing in. I know I’ll never make it on my own.

I’ve heard all the excuses. Satan is toying with me. I’ve lost my focus. It’s just a rough patch. Yeah, I’ve heard it all. But none of it makes the darkness any less scary. I know I can’t keep this up. Sooner or later I’ll hit a brick wall and, finally, I’ll be done.

I cry out, begging Him to come get me. Right where I am. Show me the map. Give me directions. Take my hand and lead me to where I’m supposed to go. I’m lost and alone.

I don’t know why I’m on this path. I don’t understand at all. But I believe I’m on this particular road for a reason. God, show me your intentions. Make me understand why I am here and where I belong.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Help Others

If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help him with it.

-- Exodus 23:5

Most people will be glad to help you do anything -- so long as you don't ask them. Most people will be glad to give to a worthy cause -- so long as it doesn't involve money, time or anything they value. Yeah, we're a giving people in our minds. We just rarely move into action.

One of the surest ways to see someone squirm is to ask them to do something for you. It's even more comical when it involves time, money or dirt. I was joking with someone recently about almost calling them to do something and it took all I could do not to burst out laughing. I wouldn't have called. I knew better. But to see another person -- a good Christian -- not even able to meet my eyes just in case that would signify willingness was just pathetic.

And I've been guilty too. I once had a neighbor take me up on an offer of "anything I can do" one time. So off I went to a local restaurant to purchase homemade chicken noodle soup. No Campbell's cans for her. I was not happy. And I hated myself for not being happy. Or at least okay with it. I didn't want to face what that said about me.

We're supposed to help people with a glad and willing heart. Even people we don't like. Maybe especially people who have wronged us. It makes sense. We could show people God's love by looking beyond the past and focusing on the here and now. We could show others God's kindness by helping people who, truthfully, wouldn't have helped us.

I'd like to think I'm truly willing to help others. I want to be. I want to give of my time, my attention and my money. I do. I just want to do it on my terms -- which doesn't always go along with what God wants. Ever tried to ignore that nudge? I wouldn't recommend it.

We should all strive to be the person we want to be. We should give, be helpful and graciously extend God's Presence to all those around us. Even when we'd rather say no. And, maybe, especially when we'd rather say no.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Listen For HIS Voice

"Be still and know that I am God."

-- Psalm 46:10

Sometimes I find myself just wanting to yell, "SHUT UP!" No. Not at you. At me. That person I see in the mirror everyday. The person who is so busy talking and worrying that I can't get my mind quiet enough to actually hear God.

When I focus on what seems impossible, I forget who's running things. When I try to work things out on my own, I forget who can fix anything. When I believe the world rests on my shoulders, I lose sight of the One who created everything.

Fortunately, God never goes away. He stays right there with me, waiting until I wear myself down. Then in quietness I turn to Him and I can hear Him speak.

Years ago I tried my hand at pottery. I wasn't particularly good at it but I did create a number of clay crosses. I etched the words above but left off God's name at the end. I didn't mean any disrespect, which I'm sure God knew. It's just that the words reminded me of an earlier conversation between Moses and God. It's Exodus 3:14. (Having a pastor for a friend is great, especially when he knows the Bible verse you're trying to find!)

"God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'"

God is I AM. He is Yahweh. He is everything and all things. And in the quiet, when my mind is finally uncluttered enough to hear Him I know, beyond any doubt, that I belong to Him. My Creator. My Father. My God.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

God Is Waiting

"The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend." -- Exodus 33:11a

I just finished reading The Shack by William P. Young. I know. Everyone else read it a long time ago. It's still a wonderful book. It really made me think about just why the book is so popular. I believe that -- besides the good writing -- we love the book because we all want a loving, personal relationship with God.

We want it. But we aren't sure it's possible. See, God is all powerful. He punishes people for their sins. Just check out the Old Testament for specifics. I mean, He is so awesome that we really can't comprehend all that He is. So how can we possibly have a personal relationship with Him?

The simple answer is Jesus and the Holy Spirit. When we invite Jesus into our lives, He lives within us. That clears the way for us to approach God directly. Yeah. You heard that right. We get to talk directly with God. He wants us to. I know. It's mind-boggling.

The Holy Spirit even guides us throughout our lives when we shut up and listen. That last bit was directed at me not you. The Holy Spirit is the wonderful counselor God sent to us after Jesus ascended to heaven. See, we are never alone.

Humans were born with a longing for our Creator. We want to know Him. And He is the only One who can fill that space within us. It's natural that we would seek Him out, that we would want to be able to talk with Him and spend time with Him. And we can. If we could just understand that it really is possible.

I am a big believer in prayer. Everyone knows that about me. But prayer doesn't have to be formal. It doesn't always require you to get down on your knees. In fact, some of my best talks with God come when I am walking. Or driving. Or painting. Or doing any number of things throughout the day. It was so liberating to learn that I really could talk to God anywhere, at anytime, and He would listen. I don't even have to have a problem or request. I can tell Him how beautiful the sky is or how I enjoyed a book or, well, you get the picture.

I'm glad there are books like The Shack that show us how much God loves us. Yes, He is mighty and powerful. But He loves us. Really and truly. He wants us to seek Him out. He wants to be our friend, our Father, our mentor. Reach out and start talking. Then take time to listen. He's right there with you, participating in that conversation you once longed to have.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Fill Yourself With His Spirit

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

-- Exodus 20:17

The men on a radio talk show the other night said we covet things because we aren't content with our own lives. That's why we can never have enough, whether it's money, possessions or power. It made a lot of sense.

Our society really isn't geared toward accepting what we already have. We are constantly bombarded with advertisements promising that if we only have the products they're pitching we'll be happy.

It never works, of course. That hole we're trying to fill inside of ourselves can only be filled by God. So we keep acquiring things. We get a new car. We buy a new outfit. We fight until we beat everyone out for that promotion. And still it's not enough. Nothing is ever enough. We still want what we do not have.

The trio on the radio consisted of a preacher, a Christian therapist and a deejay. One of the men -- I'm not sure which one -- talked about the difficulties of witnessing to people who have a great deal of wealth. They don't feel like they "need" Jesus because they have so much material wealth. They are so accustomed to filling that hole with more wealth and power that they can't imagine anything else.

Our society supports this. We judge people, including ourselves, based on what they own or by their job title. Face it, we look at the person who drives a new BMW differently that the person who drives a 20-year-old clunker. The vehicles both serve the same purpose but we're programmed to want something better than we or our neighbor has. It's an endless cycle of need and greed.

God only wanted what was best for us when He told us not to covet what other people have. It will only make us unhappy. The thing is the more we seek God, the more His Spirit fills us and the less we "need" material things to be content.

Friday, February 5, 2010

God Is Always With Us

"The Lord replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." -- Exodus 33:14

Moses wanted to know God was there. God had called him to lead His people and Moses wanted to make sure he wasn't alone. Moses was smart that way. He knew there was no way he could do all God asked him to do without God's Presence leading the way. Of course, Moses was a little insecure. Sounds like most of us.

The loneliest times I've ever faced have been when I didn't feel God's Presence. I don't handle that well. I know He's still there. I do. But I want to know He's there. I want to feel Him. I want to hear His voice. I want to know that He's holding on to me no matter what life throws my way.

I find great comfort in God's promise to always be with me. I don't need to fret over what tomorrow will bring. I don't need to worry about all those things I can't control. God controls it all and He's right there with me every step of the way. His Presence allows me to rest and find peace amid the turmoil that surrounds me. He's there for you too.

I'm sure Moses found strength and peace in God's promise to always be there. See, God always keeps His promises. He is morally perfect. It's difficult for us to even comprehend that. When everyone else lets us down, there He is. Wow! We can be secure in the knowledge that no matter where we go or what we face, God's Presence is with us. He is with us. And we can find rest in His arms.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Cast the Golden Calf Aside

"He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt." -- Exodus 32:4

The Israelites were quite a handful. Moses went up the mountain to speak with God. He was gone 40 days and 40 nights. God gave him instructions for His people, including the Ten Commandments. In the meantime, the people got tired of waiting for Moses to return. So they got into trouble. Sound familiar? It's what children do when they're left to their own devices for too long.

This wasn't just mischief though. They whined. And whined. They were good at that. Aaron got tired of it and decided to take matters into his own hands. Bad mistake. When irritated or tempted to head down a wrong path, consult God. Always. It will save so much agony later. Aaron did things his way. He told the Israelites to turn in their gold earrings. Then he had all that gold made into a calf that the Israelites could worship. Oops! It didn't matter that he called it a festival to God. Nope. God is not a gold calf. He is a living God. And He was not pleased.

Well, we think, we would certainly never do that. Ha ha ha. Imagine worshiping a gold calf. Us? No way. We're too smart for that. Yeah. Right. So you played golf last Sunday with a business associate rather than go to church. You couldn't afford to give God a tithe but you could afford payments on that expensive SUV. You didn't have time to volunteer at the homeless shelter but you had time for a long weekend at the beach.

Isn't that the same thing as worshiping a gold calf? You're placing things, your lifestyle, your economic status, above God. That you don't do it consciously doesn't change the fact that you do it. We all do at one time or another. But it isn't right. God created us for His glory, to do His will. Somehow I don't think His will involves putting Him on the backburner of our life.