September 1, 2023

 

Call Out to God

 

We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.

– 2 Chronicles 20:12c

 

I love this passage of Scripture. God’s people were about to face a mighty army that they couldn’t possibly defeat. Jehoshaphat was terrified. He took his fears and his petitions before the LORD, the Mighty One who could help.

 

How many times do we run to God with our petitions and our fears, our needs and our wants? It’s when we have used all our resources that we plead to God Almighty for help.

 

How do you stand against the enemy? It could be sickness, a job loss, betrayal. It might be depression, caregiving, financial uncertainty. The enemy takes on many, many cloaks with one end in mind – to derail God’s people from our purpose.

 

But we are not without help. We have a God who loves us more than we can ever comprehend. He stands ready to help but we must ask for that help.

 

This is what God told King Jehoshaphat: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. (2 Chronicles 20:15b)

 

We don’t have to battle the enemy alone! God doesn’t expect us to. God knows what we need and he’s right there beside us, in the battle, strengthening us and giving us the courage and wisdom we need to accomplish His purposes.

 

Does that mean that God always answers us in the way we would choose? Not at all. Sometimes the answer He gives will break our hearts. But we can trust that God loves us more than we can humanly comprehend. God sees the big picture and knows how it’s all going to turn out. For our good and His Glory.

 

Don’t ever be afraid or panic when the enemy seems to be closing in. Call on the power and wisdom of the One who created the universe. Cling tightly to His promises and He will cling tightly to you.

January 5, 2018

Spend Time Wisely

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12

We think we’ve got all the time in the world, don’t we? That little cliché rests deep in our hearts. We’re certain we can procrastinate, put off, wait another day for whatever it is we know we should do.

Then one day, sometimes without warning, everything changes. Sudden death, illness, divorce, job loss. The list could go on and on. But there is one thing they all have in common: You and the life you imagined have changed forever.

Have you ever known someone who retired and then, within just a few months, was dead? All their life they’d dreamed about retirement. They were going to sleep late, lounge in the recliner, watch endless TV. It was going to be the perfect life. They just never expected death to come so quickly.

Or what about the man who worked hard year after year so that one day he could retire and travel tirelessly with his wife? It was going to be the perfect life. Except that in his relentless pursuit of the future, he put off medical checkups in the present. By the time the doctor found the cancer, it has spread. Stage IV, they called it. He won’t live long enough to take all those trips he postponed.

We tell ourselves we’ll play with our kids or grandkids “one day.” We promise to call, to write, to visit “one day.” We’re going to volunteer at the food pantry “one day.” We’re going to read the Bible all the way through “one day.” Do you see a pattern here?

None of us are promised anything beyond this moment. Yet we live our lives as though we’ve got forever to get around to doing what we’d always intended to do. Why is that?

We are a people who like to procrastinate. We settle down into our comfortable lives of today and dream about a tomorrow that may never come. We put off living until it’s too late. Then we look back and wonder what took us so long to realize what really mattered.

People matter. Giving matters. Helping others without expectation of anything in return matters. Sitting there watching mindless television doesn’t really matter. Playing video games doesn’t really matter.

We’ve got our lives so messed up sometimes. We neglect what energizes us – time with God, sleep, giving back – and focus on what drains us – gossip, drinking, gadgets.

It’s not that zoning out in front of the TV is all bad. Nor is playing video games or any number of other escapist activities. It’s when those things consume us to the point that we neglect what matters most that we need to step back and remember how fleeting life really can be.

Each of us has the same number of hours each day. How are you spending yours? Are you moving forward, giving back, spending quality time with those you love? Or are you turned within, just trying to get through the days while you wait for a perfect tomorrow?

Don’t wait. Take that trip. Play with your kids. Serve others for Christ. We don’t know how long our journey home will take so make every day count.

December 26, 2018

Who Do You Consult?

But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being.

– Galatians 1:15-16

We like to seek advice. We want to know what our tribe thinks. We want to consult was our spouses and families and very best friends. We seek everyone’s advice except, of course, for the One who knows exactly what we should do.

How many of you are making excuses right now? Are you insisting that you’re just trying to make sure you heard God right? How many of you are reminding me that the Bible says sometimes we need to consult with Christian advisors?

I have a question for you. How many times do you consult with others because you really just don’t want to do what God has called you to do?

Paul’s life was unfolding as planned. He was raised to be a leader in his Jewish faith. He’d studied under the great Rabbi Gamaliel. He worked to condemn the early Christian church. He was there when Stephen was stoned to death.

But then Jesus happened to Paul. This man who condemned Jesus and His followers suddenly came face to face with Jesus Himself and Paul was never the same.

Isn’t that how it is for us? We are ambling along in our lives, making decisions and doing what we please, when Jesus grabs hold of us. We are never the same. Our lives pivot and we are changed from within to be the person He has called us to be.

Paul had no need to consult with anyone else about what he had seen and heard. He understood his mission. He would not be deterred.

It’s not like Paul’s life suddenly became easy. In fact, it was just the opposite. Paul’s life became hard, filled with physical suffering and rejection. He never wavered. Oh, how I wish we could all have faith that deep!

Have you ever considered what Paul gave up to follow Christ? He likely would have lived a cushy life filled with perks and respect. He would have lived in a real home, rather than traveling constantly so that he could be rejected and beaten.

But look at what Paul gained. He had Jesus by his side every step of every day. He met wonderful people. He lived miracles. So very many people came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior because of Paul. Even today, we read and study his words that make up much of the New Testament.

Paul’s life is evidence of what can happen when we go boldly forth to what God has called us to do. Paul didn’t need to consult with his friends. They would likely have told him he was crazy to follow Jesus. Paul might have convinced himself to stay on the path he’d been on before.

What has God called you to do? What are you waiting for? You have no need to consult others. True wisdom comes from God. If you have doubts, ask Him to clarify things for you. The Bible clearly tells us that God will provide wisdom to all who ask.

But, then, you must step forward in faith. Live your calling boldly. Trust Him to show you the way.

October 7, 2018

No Guarantees

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. -- Psalm 90:12

This is not the life he had planned. He had retired. His wife was soon to retire. They were going to travel and spoil their grandchildren and just enjoy themselves. And then she got sick and died.

Now he’s struggling to make sense of what’s left. He has to go on. He has to live what’s left of his life. But it will never look the way it would have looked had she lived.

Another friend is two months into unexpected widowhood. How could someone seemingly so healthy get sick and die within days? How does she reorder her life, care for her children, and look to the future when each day looks so bleak?

It wasn’t supposed to be this way. They were supposed to watch their children become adults, welcome grandchildren and retirement. They were supposed to grow old together. She feels cheated even as she seeks God’s will to go forward.

Should I go on? Another friend fought a hard battle for two years. Her son died. She will never be okay. She goes on. She’s got three other children. But how can she ever trust in tomorrow? How can she rid herself of this deep fear inside? One child died of cancer. Could she lose another?

We are people who plan. We fill our days with work and meetings and kids’ activities. We are busy people. We’ll get around to joy a little later. There will be plenty of time to rest when we’ve accomplished all that we’ve planned. We’ll have lots of time to spend with the kids then. We’ll all be glad of the nice home and all the stuff we’ve filled it with.

Until the day when life changes forever. If you’re lucky, you’ll get another chance to get it right. If you’re not, you’ll be left with deep regrets.

Another friend marked an unfortunate milestone last week. It had been exactly a year since her husband was involved in head-on collision. He is fine. The other driver, the one who swerved in front of him, died. She remembers the phone call, the frantic rush to the accident scene, then thankfulness that he would be okay. And the sorrow that someone they’d never met had died.

Life isn’t something to take for granted. We know that. So why do we live as though tomorrow is promised? It isn’t. Only God knows the number of our days. We should spend those days focused on what’s truly important.

If you died today what would your children remember about you? That you worked all the time? That your house was always spotless? Or would they remember how you played with them, helped them with homework, held them when they cried?

What would your friends remember? Would they consider you a hard worker and tough competitor? Or would they remember your kindness, your compassion, your laughter?

We don’t like to think of the day we’ll move on to our heavenly home. Oh, we want to go to heaven. Just not today. Or tomorrow. But that’s not our choice.

It’s always wise to plan for the future, to have savings and a good job and a welcoming home. But treat today as the treasure that it is. Be grateful for the time you have with those you love. Extend grace. Show mercy. Be kind. Today is a gift and tomorrow may never come. Live accordingly.

September 27, 2018

Check Your Motives

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. – James 3:16

She talks tough. Curse words dot most sentences. Her laughter is a little too loud. She shoves her arrogance in your face. She’s hard as nails.

In her way of thinking, she’s got to put everyone else down in order to look good. Her co-workers despise her. You never know when she’ll lob the next zinger. The air around her is tense, poised for battle.

She is jealous of everyone. Selfish ambition fills her. She refuses to be a part of the team. She’s too focused on herself. She’s too busy “winning” the day to realize she’s losing the battle.

Do you know someone like her? You probably do. There always seems to be one like her to dirty up any environment. Her “wisdom” says it’s all about her and she doesn’t care who she hurts or what she destroys on her mission.

Maybe you’ve even been her before. Maybe you know what it’s like to win no matter the cost. Maybe you’ve felt the emptiness that comes after the triumphant win. Maybe you’ve gone around and around on that roller coaster, trying desperately to figure out why success doesn’t seem to mean as much as it used to mean.

One of those viral videos just came to mind. It was of a young man with cystic fibrosis scoring a touchdown, as both teams ran with and cheered him on. Don’t miss that. Both teams. I have no idea who won the game. Who cares? Because, really, they both won when they united to help a young man achieve a dream.

It’s amazing what can happen when we work together, isn’t it? It’s amazing what can happen when we think of someone else first, isn’t it? Then why does the world tell us it’s all about us?

Satan wants us to believe that. We get so caught up that we forget we’re in a spiritual battle every single day. It’s real, folks. Satan dangles the world before us and we snatch it, the allure seemingly more than we can withstand. He tells us what we deserve. He makes false promises and we believe him every time.

The only way to withstand the onslaught is with the strength of Jesus. The only way to know the truth is to seek His wisdom. Read His Word. Pray. Listen to the Holy Spirit. James also tells us to resist the devil and he will flee from you. But are you willing to resist?

Jealousy and selfish ambition will destroy every relationship you ever have, whether it’s work, family or friendship. Whenever you start demanding your “rights” or what you think you “deserve,” step back and do a heart check. None of us deserve God’s grace. None of us have the right to claim what ultimately belongs to Him.

And none of us have the right to put others down, to spread lies, to cause trouble for others in a worthless attempt to look better and, thus, feel better about ourselves. It’s just wrong. And it doesn’t work. It doesn’t. Because people always see the truth and you end up destroying yourself.

There are two types of wisdom: that wisdom that comes from the world and that wisdom that comes from God. Make sure you know which you’re following before you end up down a path you never planned to go.

September 25, 2018

Are You Wise?

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom. – James 3:13

Are you wise? How do you know? Do you make good choices? Are you sure? There’s a difference about being wise in the world’s eyes and being wise in the eyes of Jesus.

Think about the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus didn’t teach a lot about common sense, did He? The rich are poor. Those who are persecuted are blessed. Those who mourn, are poor in spirit and are meek will all be blessed. Doesn’t sound too much like what the world would consider “wise” teaching, does it?

The world says it’s all about us. It doesn’t matter who we hurt. So what if someone else pays the price for our selfish ambition? Who cares about the cost so long as we get what we want?

Here’s what James says about this earthly wisdom:

But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. – James 3:14:16

Ouch. We may convince ourselves that our motives are pure but God sees right through to our heart. The saddest thing is that the more we tell ourselves the lies, the more we believe it. Eventually we convince ourselves that we were right and that is dangerous. Something our pastor noted the other day.

So, what is good wisdom. Well, James talked about that too.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. – James 3:17

Let’s use a few words from my pastor. A wise person has no hypocrisy in him. No partiality. A wise person is willing to yield to what the Spirit says. A wise person is filled with mercy for others. A wise person reveals good “fruit” in his life. A wise person is peaceful.

That sure doesn’t sound like someone who would be respected these days, does it? Where’s the part about success and money and upbeat sermons? Where’s the part about more for me and less for everyone else? Where’s the prosperity talk? I don’t want to do for those who can’t do anything for me. Let them do for themselves. Isn’t that what we’re all supposed to do?

Uh, no. It’s not about us. It’s about Jesus. We as His church must model something different that the world. We must be content. We must be merciful and loving and kind.

Church has become a recreational activity we participate in when we’ve got nothing else to do. It’s an option. Except when we make God an option, we have denied Him. We have denied His Presence in our lives. We have chosen the world over Him.

Wisdom comes to those who ask. But when you ask, you must obey. Are you asking? Are you obeying? You can’t live as part of the world without denying Jesus. You have a choice to make. Will you choose Him?

June 29, 2018

Critics Abound

“For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”

– Luke 7:33-35

No matter what you do, there will always be someone to criticize you. No matter what you don’t do, there will always be someone to criticize you. It can destroy you if you let it.

Understand that the only One you need to please is God. He is your judge. He is your jury. He is the One who knows your heart.

I know. It’s easier to say that than it is to do it. Words hurt. It’s frustrating to face the lies of others. It’s upsetting to be slandered no matter what you do or don’t do. It’s easy to say walk away and trust God to handle it. There is a natural inclination to want to fight back. Don’t. God will handle it.

Jesus gets it. He really does. No matter what He did on this earth, someone criticized Him for it. We look at that, we read His words, and we can’t believe that anyone would be less than thrilled at His miracles. We can’t believe anyone would doubt His teachings. But they did. So do we.

Every time we walk a different path than the one we are called to, we deny Him. Every time we judge others, we deny Him. Every time we take His Word out of context and use it for our own purposes, we deny Him.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the church. I wonder sometimes how the pastors and staff handle it. Deep faith and God’s grace I suppose. And understanding that it really isn’t about them.

I have critics who claim I am way too liberal. And I have critics who claim I am way too conservative. I have been criticized for prayer time in Sunday school class (too long unless it involves one of the critics’ needs or concerns) and I have been criticized for not reordering the class to fit the wishes of people who rarely come.

That’s just a few things that come to mind. I could tell you about the critics who don’t like the music in either the contemporary or traditional services, who don’t like the way communion is done, who get upset with the volume or appropriate dress or any number of other things that really don’t matter.

Some people are going to complain about what’s not important so they don’t have to face what really is important. It’s just easier to focus on other things than to look inside and see the mess found there.

Those with wisdom are willing to look in the mirror and see the ways they need Jesus to fix their souls. They work to deny themselves and live a righteous life of faith, grace and mercy.

Others will continue their foolishness, pointing fingers and criticizing others. Trust them to God. You’ll never win a skirmish with someone who doesn’t see their own faults. Focus on being the best person you can be, the person God called you to be. And trust that God will handle all the rest.

June 12, 2018

Keep Your Guard Up

"So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fail!"

– 1 Corinthians 10:12

It’s easy to get cocky, isn’t it? We know we’re good at something. We feel confident we can do it. We believe that we won’t ever mess up, that nothing will ever go wrong, that we won’t make the mistakes others have made.

Until we do. Then all the world is looking at us, remembering all the hateful and mean putdowns we made when they were the ones making mistakes. We thought we were stronger that everyone else. We thought we were smarter than everyone else.

We weren’t. In this verse, Jesus is talking about temptation. In this passage, He tells us not to let our guard down. Jesus also tells us that God always provides a way out.

Jesus knew a thing or two about temptation. Remember when He went into the wilderness and the devil tempted Him? He also frequently faced traps the Pharisees set for Him. They wanted to trick Jesus but it never worked.

We aren’t always so wise. We walk into a trap, oblivious for what awaits us. We think it will be different for us. It never is.

It’s not always about something major. It’s really the little things. We probably aren’t going to go out and rob a bank. We understand that is stealing and it’s wrong. But how about padding your expense account? That’s stealing too but “everyone” does it so we tell ourselves it’s okay.

We also think the cut-throat co-worker won’t come after us. We know their techniques. We’re too smart to fall for the trap. Until we do.

It’s worse when the person is a friend or family member. We didn’t see it coming. We weren’t watching closely. We never thought they would do what they so clearly did and we let our guard down. We pay a heavy price for that.

A few months ago I sold some cows. That’s not unusual in my world. But this time I was selling a cow that I’d been told was wild and would turn on me. She’d never been aggressive toward me at all. I questioned the men who told me this closely. They were adamant that I needed to sell her before she hurt me.

Because I respected the men who told me to sell her, I did. When it was time to load her on a trailer, she tried to kill me and the three cowboys who were loading her. It was a really scary situation. When the cowboys told me to step back and let them handle it, I didn’t need them to tell me twice. I will never be the same.

I am thankful for the two men who warned me about her. And I am thankful that God provided me with the wisdom to follow their advice even when it made no sense to me. Life is like that sometimes. We don’t understand why God doesn’t want us to do something or why He leads us in a direction we never planned to travel. Will we be obedient to a God who truly knows what is best for us or will we be too stubborn to head His warning?

This journey is fraught with dangerous potholes. We can pay attention and heed the warning signs or we can charge ahead, overly confident of our abilities. God gives us the choice. Choose wisely.

May 6, 2018

Ask God For Guidance

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

– James 1:5

It was the third week in a row she’d shown up with some type of drama bubbling from her mouth. She needed prayers, she immediately proclaimed. I silenced the “don’t we all” that instinctively rose up inside of me.

She seems like a really nice lady. She does. But sometimes I wonder if she's really requesting prayer or if she just wants everyone's attention focused on her. Do you understand what I'm saying? Do you know someone like that?

I believe strongly in prayer. I do. But sometimes we share way too much information with way too many people. It's probably always been this way. Still, the age of social media just fuels it forward.

That and the old school Southern prayer request/gossip session that takes place in many Sunday school rooms each week. A prayer request keeps building until everyone seems to be sharing an opinion about poor so and so and all that they're going through. We are given way more information than we need. Of course, that wasn't the point. The point was to gossip without feeling guilty about it.

We all talk about others. We do. Don’t get all high and mighty. It’s true of you as much as it’s true of me. We don’t call it gossip. We call it sharing information. Are we sure where that line is between gossip and information? Do we even care?

There’s a sign I’ve seen on Facebook that asks, “Have you prayed about it as much as you’ve talked about it?” There’s a simple truth to that. Most of us spend way too much time talking to others about someone else and far too little time praying to the God who can make it all right.

We work ourselves into an emotional frenzy over something we can’t begin to change. We speak loudly against someone, speculating about their motives, without talking to them or asking the simple questions. Churches are no different than anywhere else. Sometimes we may be the worst offenders.

Think about it for a minute. All any of us need to know is that someone is sick, hurting, going through a tough time. That’s it. Nothing more. God knows the details. 

The only time we need to know more is when there is a legitimate need. For example, a few years ago a young woman lay dying of bone cancer. She was only 25. She and her husband had three young children. We couldn't change the sad facts but we could provide practical help. We collected money to anonymously pay the electric bill. Others took groceries and casseroles. Specific needs that were met by a community that cared.

Have you ever had people talking about you behind your back without bothering to speak to your face? Have you heard people asking for prayer and then telling way too much information? Have you been in a group and listened as they speculated and gossiped about a “prayer request” for long periods of time?

James tells us to seek wisdom from God. We don’t have to talk about our issues with others. We don’t need a pastor, a friend or another group to intercede for us. Because of Jesus, we can go directly to the throne. Why do we think we have to air everything in public? Why do we need to give our opinions on things that are really none of our business?

If you've got a problem or concern, take it to God first. Seek His wisdom and guidance. Then, if you feel the need for further counsel, seek out one person you know and trust. Gossip doesn’t solve problems, even when it’s covered in a “prayer request.” In fact, it just makes them worse.

March 26, 2018

Watch Your Words

A person finds joy in giving an apt reply – and how good is a timely word.

– Proverbs 15:23

Are you one of those people who always think of the right thing to say – long after the moment has passed? Me too.

I wish I were someone who could just let things go. I can’t. I just go over and over it in my mind. It drives me crazy, especially when I think of something wonderful to say a few hours later.

It’s always those people with the biting remarks that get me. You know who I’m talking about. They are the people who smile sweetly even as they seek to crush you with their words. Their not-always-subtle putdowns hurt. I wish I could turn my hurt into prayer – for the person who hurt me and for my own heart to heal and forgive. Sometimes I can. Sometimes not so much.

Years ago a co-worker bragged on the nice athletic jacket he’d received with his purchase of season baseball tickets. I told him that was great and wished I received the same giveaway with my season ticket purchase. That was the opening he wanted. He made a smart comment about how much better his tickets were than mine.

He was right. His tickets were premium seats right behind home plate. My tickets were slightly off and much higher. There was one difference however. “At least I can afford to keep mine,” I said without hesitation.

He wasn’t expecting that. “That was good,” he acknowledged. I nodded. His putdown had missed its mark because I knew the rest of the story. I knew that every year he sold his entire ticket package because he couldn’t afford the tickets.

These days I likely would have kept silent. It’s something I work on. I have a sharp tongue, especially when someone intentionally hurts me or pushes that button we all have. I really didn’t accomplish much with my own ugly comment. This man might have respected me a little more but he didn’t change his ways. He was a putdown artist and proud of it.

The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil. – Proverbs 15:28

Sometimes I wonder if I should have said the words I held back in other situations. Silence leads people to believe that you’re too dumb to understand their motives. A quiet tongue means that you’re too insecure to defend yourself.

Well, actually no. I’ve come to understand that God protects and defends those who depend on Him. Vengeance belongs to God alone. It’s better to let things go than to try and handle the situation myself. I’ll only make it worse. God can only make it better.

I also know that words can never be unsaid. Have you ever said something you wish you could take back? Have you ever tried to erase from your memory hurtful words someone has said to you? No amount of apologizing, no amount of forgiveness, can ever completely silence them.

A kind word can heal a fragile soul. Wisdom given at just the right moment can help a person take the right path. But hurtful words, powerful zingers designed only to maim, are best turned away with silence. Don’t respond in kind – no matter how much you’d rather do so. Trust God to handle it because He always does.

March 22, 2018

Everyone Needs A Wise Friend

The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. – Proverbs 15:7

Who do you seek out when you need advice? Where do you turn when the path seems unclear and you don’t know which step to take?

The first place to turn is to God. Prayers for wisdom and discernment, strength and perseverance, make all the difference. We should always turn to God first when we need guidance.

But God also blesses us with the people He places before us. Some people just have the gift for giving good advice. I hope you have someone like that in your life.

A sweet friend who left this earth way too early for those of us who loved her always gave the best advice. It wasn’t just to me. Ask anyone who knew her. She was just so wise when it came to offering insights into the struggles someone else was facing.

Why? I pondered that after she was gone. I think the answer lies in her ability to see others in their light rather than in her own. She didn’t give advice based on what might be good for her in those circumstances. She based her advice on the person seeking guidance and that made all the difference.

So often we don’t really hear the people right before us. We listen to respond, as the experts say, rather than listening to understand. We’re quick to tell others what to do based on our wishes and desires rather than what is truly best for them.

Not too long ago a friend began pushing me to change internet providers. My speed was way too slow, she informed me. She was just so determined. I resisted. I had a bad feeling about it. Sure enough, the “new” company with the special offers has had outages time and time again. People are furious with its service. My service is dependable. I’m so thankful I listened to the Spirit inside of me rather than the friend telling me what to do.

Sometimes we also have a hidden agenda. We don’t always recognize it. We truly believe what we want for others is best for them. Maybe it is. Or maybe we want the benefits we can get if they do things our way.

In the area of women’s ministry, I’ve always got someone who wants a certain Bible study or a certain day or time for an event. They don’t want to do anything. Nor do they generally want to accommodate anyone else’s schedule or interests. They’re just quick to know what is best and expect others to come along to their way of thinking.

I’ve learned to consider all points of view and to spend a lot of time in prayer. A sweet friend tells me I always seem to choose just the right study, just when she needs it. I’m flattered by the compliment but I’m also quick to give credit where it belongs. God leads me. God knows the way and what is best. My job is just to get out of the way and follow where He’s leading. When the study matches her needs, it’s because God was directing the path and not me.

It’s the same with giving advice to others. We shouldn’t be so quick to tell others what is best for them. It’s important to really listen to what they’re saying. It’s good to ask questions and cause them to think about their choices and to take an honest assessment of the good and bad. Rose-colored glasses are great until they’re not. It’s always better to consider everything before you take the leap.

I miss my sweet friend so much. I cherish the times I had with her, laughing and commiserating and just doing life together. I’d like to think I’m wiser than I was before I knew her but I sure do miss her wisdom. I miss the truth she spoke into my life. I pray I can be that kind of friend to others.

January 4, 2018

Seek Answers From God

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5

It weighs heavy on my mind. The calf is sick. She’s been sick for weeks. Most people would have given up long ago. Maybe I should but there’s something in me that just can’t give up.

I’ve had the veterinarian out. I did that the first day she was sick. She’s had a total of four shots. Three were for her snotty nose and drooling. The last was for a sore foot that she developed much later. The foot has also had medicine directly applied. She wasn’t too happy about that.

She appears healthy but she has no energy. She is spoiled rotten. That’s my fault. I tote her feed and water and hay. I even bought her some special sweet feed. She loves it by the way.

But she’s not getting better and I don’t know what to do. I really need my Daddy to tell me what to do. Except he’s gone to heaven. I remind myself that even if he was still here, his mind was gone. He wouldn’t know anymore. That just breaks my heart all over again.

I am so grateful to my heavenly Father. I am grateful that He never leaves me alone. I am grateful that He is generous with His wisdom. I am grateful that He has all the answers.

So I pray and wait and hope. At one point, I asked God to take the baby calf if He didn’t plan to heal her. She’s still here, waiting for me every morning for the feed she now expects. And refusing to do anything she doesn’t want to do. She’s stubborn. And she has me wrapped around her hoof.

James goes on to say this: But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. (v. 6)

Believe. Do not doubt. So I get up every morning and we do it all again, this little calf and I.

When it all first happened and my Daddy was gone forever, there would be days when I would cry out to God for help. I wouldn’t know what to do and there was no one to help me. No one. Except for God. I would demand that He show up, that He show His face, that He tell me what to do and, in some cases, how to do it. God was all I had and, not surprisingly, He was all I needed.

That hasn’t changed except that I am even more dependent on God these days. The list of what I don’t know grows longer each day. I have learned so much but I have so much to learn. I am blessed with wonderful people in my life. I am beyond blessed with a God who never leaves me alone.

Each day I ask for wisdom and then wait expectantly for His knowledge and direction. I don’t know what God’s plan is for that little calf. I will continue to feed her and care for her until God tells me not to do it anymore. It’s that way with most things. I get up, work, and do what is in front of me, trusting God to light the path I travel. I trust His wisdom and I trust that He will always be there to give me what I need as the journey unfolds. One step at a time.

April 27, 2016

Take Responsibility

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. -- James 3:13

We go through our days making decisions and every decision has consequences. Some consequences are good and some aren’t. But every decision has a consequence.

As adults, we have the right to make our own decisions. So long as what we are doing is legal, that is. But do we have the right to make decisions that harm others? People do it all the time.

It’s not always an easy choice. Let’s look at it this way: You are offered a new job. It means more money, better insurance benefits. That sounds wonderful. You’ll be better able to care for your family.

But what happens if that same job will take you out of town all the time, so that your spouse becomes a single parent and you miss your kids activities? It’s your choice but that choice will impact your family. Shouldn’t they have a voice in that decision?

Let’s take it a step further. Shouldn’t we then accept responsibility for our choices? We do that when things turn out well but not so much when things blow up. We start pointing our guilty fingers, trying to put the blame on someone else. Anyone else. And that just makes the whole thing so much worse.

A television talk show host yesterday talked about respect. She made a really good point. She was talking about respect in the workplace but I think it’s true in life. When we take responsibility for our choices, we are showing respect for those around us. We owe them that.

Maybe that’s especially true when our choice turns out to be really, really bad. When people get hurt. When lives are forever altered. Like when one spouse has an affair and it destroys a family.

Don’t lie about it. Don’t try to cover it up long after it’s been revealed. And for sure don’t blame your spouse for your choice. There are always consequences. Always.

So try always to use wisdom and lead a good life. Seek God’s counsel and make wise choices. Let Him guide your footsteps and take responsibility for your missteps.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Age Can Bring Us Closer To God

Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life. -- Proverbs 16:31

There are such gems in the Bible! This one just leapt out the other day and I wondered how I could have possibly missed it all these years. Maybe gray hair just wasn’t such an issue in the past. It is now.

I doubt many of us view gray hair as a “crown of glory.” There are a few exceptions. One friend, certainly a godly woman, wears her gray hair with pride. I doubt she’s ever really thought about coloring it. She is who she is. I admire that.

Not that I’m following her trend. I’m old enough without having a desire to look even older. I’ve reached the stage in life where everyone puts a “Miz” before my name. I try not to be offended, especially when the person doing it is older than I am.

I know. It’s a sign of respect. Sometimes I’m not only glad about that, I’m happy about it. Other times I just feel old.

It is age gained on a mountainous trek through life. I suppose some folks have an easy path. Not me. Some of it was fate. Some of it was my own doing. But it all has led me to this point of salvation and love of Jesus beyond anything I could ever have imagined.

Maybe it’s that experience that Solomon referred to when he spoke of a godly life. Tragedy, mistakes, unexpected loss, disappointment -- all those things can either draw you closer to God or give you an excuse to go your own way. The wisdom comes in realizing that the only true way is closer to God.

Some days I’d love to go back and have a redo of parts of my life. Hindsight is like that. We can clearly see all our mistakes and the paths we should have taken. But we can’t go back and, really, would we want to? We are where we are because of where we’ve been.

I don’t know if I’ll ever embrace gray hair but I have learned to accept the path that led me to Christ. I have come to understand that my love of Jesus, my commitment to Bible study, my very salvation has deepened as I made my way on that uneven path. I would never want to go back to that time before I knew how valuable that was.

　

Monday, September 26, 2011

God Guides Our Path

“Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” -- 2 Chronicles 1:10

Have you ever been in over your head? Has God ever called you to do something that you knew you weren’t qualified to do? Yeah. I’ve been a member of that club too. It’s totally scary. But I’ve found that following Solomon’s lead really does work.

Many years ago I was asked to take over the Children’s Church program at the church I was attending. I thought the preacher was kidding when he asked me. Really. I did. I don’t have children and I’m not a teacher. Who could possibly be less likely to teach a group of children aged three to five?

The truth was that I wasn’t the committee’s first choice or even the second or third. They couldn’t get anyone else to do it and I seemed gullible enough to take it on. I prayed about it and felt certain that God was telling me to do it. So I said yes.

All was well until the next Sunday morning. The thought of facing all those children -- alone -- was terrifying. I didn’t have a clue what I was supposed to do. Oh, I had a lesson and a craft but there’s a whole lot more to teaching small children than having a plan. Even I knew that much.

I hit my knees in prayer. And I laid it all before God and on God. He had gotten me into the situation and I firmly expected Him to save me. And the children. Really. I told Him that. You know the wonderful thing about God? He doesn’t get mad when you demand that He do what He said He‘d do anyway. In fact, He probably chuckled at my near hysteria. Because I don’t believe God had any intention of leaving me on my own. He just wanted me to cry out to Him for help.

God ‘s help came in the form of a wonderful retired teacher who is incredibly gifted with small children. She was in our Sunday School classroom when I walked in that morning. I just knew God had sent her to help me. Of course, I told her right away. How could she argue with that?

God doesn’t throw us in to the deep end and then let us drown. He throws us in to the deep end so that we can learn that with His help we can do anything He calls us to do. We can cry out to Him and He will reach out His hand and save us. Just like Jesus calmed the sea, God will calm whatever storm of life threatens to overwhelm us.

It’s so easy to say no to something because we’re afraid. But when God calls you to do something, no matter how far beyond your comfort level it is, He will guide you and help you. Follow His plan and you‘ll likely discover things about yourself that you never knew. He really does know what He’s doing.

Oh and just a follow up on my Children’s Church days: I actually turned out to really love it. I held that volunteer position for several years. Now I teach adult Sunday School and, yes, God is still holding my hand and leading me every step of the way.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Seek God’s Wisdom

God gave Solomon great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge too vast to be measured. -- 1 Kings 4:29

The LORD had clearly instructed his people not to intermarry with those nations, because the women they married would lead them to worship their gods. Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway. He had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines. And sure enough, they led his heart away from the LORD. -- 1 Kings 11:2-3

Solomon was smart. Everyone knew it, including Solomon. He could solve problems and govern his people -- God’s people -- with great wisdom and understanding. Too bad he didn’t apply some of that wisdom to his personal life.

Isn’t that always how it seems to go? Someone who is incredibly smart and gifted in one area, really messes up in another area. Solomon loved women. All women. Foreign women. Women who worshipped idols. Women who were just so bad for him.

It’s sort of like people we know. A person can be wonderful, upstanding even, and just can’t seem to refrain from committing adultery or drinking too much or embellishing the truth or, well, you get the point. There’s always a thorn that helps us remember we are imperfect people.

Solomon probably believed that because he was so wise and so determined to follow God, that these women couldn’t possibly lead him astray. We’ve heard that excuse before. Someone truly believes he/she can hang around people who aren’t Christians and not be influenced by activities that go against God and the Bible. It never works. It didn’t work for Solomon and it won’t work for us.

God understands that. It’s why He warned Solomon and others to stay away from foreign women. When God says no to something, it’s always for our own good. Solomon, in his great wisdom, ignored God’s orders and went his own way. At great cost, I might add.

It’s tempting to walk our own path through this life. It’s sort of like a small child who says, “I can do it all by myself,” as he attempts a new task. Of course, he really needs his parents’ help. Just like we need God’s help on our life path.

God has given us plenty of wisdom. He has given us His Word in the Bible. God gives us pastors and godly friends to guide us. God has sent the Holy Spirit to speak to us from within. And God has given us a mind to reason and embrace all these things. It’s up to us to use them to understand His will and follow His lead. Seek God’s wisdom first, then follow where He leads.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Listen to Solomon's Wisdom

"Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house -- too much of you, and he will hate you."

-- Proverbs 25:17

I got a good chuckle out of this proverb. It's so true! It's just that the people who really need to read it probably would never, ever think it applies to them.

Years ago I had a friend and co-worker who stopped by a few times too many. We'd been in college together and ended up working in a different town at the same business. It was great knowing someone when I arrived.

Every weekend she went home -- about an hour's drive away -- to visit the man who eventually became her husband. And every Sunday afternoon she arrived on my doorstep to give me the play-by-play of her weekend. Every Sunday afternoon.

Now, don't get me wrong. I was happy to hear her stories. Really. It's just that Sunday was the only day I had off. Sometimes I really just wanted to spend it alone, just me and my dog. The only way to do that was to leave. Literally. That didn't seem fair. I even tried hiding out but got busted. She didn't even get the message. Just kept right on coming. I know. I was a wimp. I should have just not let her in but it would have hurt her feelings.

Oh, well. It was a long time ago and we have long sense lost touch. I left the South and moved back. But I've never gotten used to thant Southern visiting thing. You know what I'm talking about. Just stopping by without calling and assuming folks will be glad to see you. Isn't that why we have phones?

This proverb is just one more example of how relevant the Bible is today. It's just as true today as it was back in the days of Solomon.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Listen For Wisdom

"Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man."

-- Ecclesiastes 9:15

Our society has its values all skewed. We esteem wealth, attractiveness, success. We look down on anything less. Oh, come on now. Yes, we do. Who wants to be poor but filled with wisdom? We might like the wisdom but we certainly don't want to be poor.

We don't even seem to really care how someone gets to be successful and wealthy. We turn a blind eye toward the road traveled and see only the end result. We justify the journey, convincing ourselves that nothing matters but the reward.

We don't see the strength that makes a person wise. We don't see the wisdom that comes from choosing the good of others over the good of self. We don't see that poverty isn't shame and that wisdom doesn't always come with riches.

I've been reading an awesome book, "Same King of Different As Me" by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. It is the story of an upscale art dealer and a homeless drifter. It's simple truth reminds me that it is only by God's grace that any of us were born into our particular circumstances.

In the book, Moore asks Hall about the ten keys on his key ring. He asked if Hall owned something that went with each of them. Hall said yes. But Moore wanted to know if Hall truly owned the items or if the items owned him. Thought provoking, isn't it? Wisdom comes from places we'd never suspect, from people we'd never imagine.

We have so much to learn from those around us. Sometimes those who seem least likely to offer wisdom are the ones who have the most wisdom to offer if we only take time to listen.

Wisdom Comes With Asking

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt..." -- James 1:5-6a

Sometimes I feel as though this is my verse. I frequently lack wisdom. I want to know what to do. I want to be one of those people who have a clear vision of where they're headed and how they plan to get there. Instead, I'm one of those people who sets out determinedly on a journey only to find that life knocks me in a different direction altogether.

I used to wonder if I was the only one facing this problem. No, came the chorus. As the country music song says, "If you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans." If that's true, He must spend a lot of time laughing at my antics.

I finally figured out -- through much trial and error -- that I needed to consult God before I made my plans. Yeah. I know. I wish I'd learned that lesson the easy way. I didn't. And I can guarantee you that anyone who starts on a plan that doesn't belong to Him, will find themselves re-routed.

It's ridiculous to waste time doing anything else. He said all we have to do is ask and He'll tell us what to do. And He always does what He says. So, I'm asking God. I'm asking.