"Welcome to Moe's!"
I wanted a little something to eat yesterday afternoon. Not sweet. But I needed something before I went to the grocery store so I wouldn't spend so much money. Moe's was close by, and we settled for some nachos and cheese. It was a gorgeous day, sunny, a little breezy, and I just had to sit outside. It seems a shame to waste days like that sitting indoors if you don't have to. As we enjoyed the fresh air, the breeze was a little more than I expected, and one of the nacho chips blew off the tray. Several small sparrows were waiting to claim the prize. (I suspect they had enjoyed a few chips before.)
The chip was rather large for a small bird, so none of the birds could manage the entire thing. I stood up and stepped on the nacho, breaking it into smaller pieces so the birds could enjoy a snack as well.
Several birds flew toward the broken chip. Some birds would hop toward it, but were frightened of us, and would fly away without getting any of the chip. One bird came and got a piece of chip, and as he hopped away with it, another bird came and stole it from him and flew away. Yet another bird came, and bit the chip, with some little crumbs falling off a little further from us than the original chip was. A bird that had been afraid to get close to us came and ate the crumbs that fell. One bird, however, came right next to us and boldly claimed a rather large piece of chip.
As I watched the birds respond differently, I thought, this was the kind of situation that might have prompted Jesus to tell a parable. An everyday occurrence. Insignificant, but as you watched, you could see the parallel to life. Don't we often respond like those sparrows?
God wants to nourish us -- with His word and His presence. But sometimes we start to draw near, and we are afraid. We are afraid of getting too close. So before we do, we withdraw without receiving what God wants to give to us. Sometimes, we receive it. But very quickly the distractions and heartaches of life come and rob us of the blessing we received from Him. Sometimes, He wants to give us more; but we settle for the crumbs. We let someone else draw close, hear from God, and we just settle for what they share second hand.
But some people are bold. They go right into the presence of their Heavenly Father. They get as close as they can and can't wait for more.
Hebrews 4:16 says: Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it].
When we approach God boldly, we are rewarded with so much more than we could ever imagine. Mercy, Grace. Help.
Welcome to God.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Monday, October 15, 2012
Chaos
Chaos. That's what it was in the beginning. Remember, back when. Genesis 1:2. "The earth was without form and void. Darkness was upon the face of the deep." God had created. Evil had corrupted. What had been beauty and order and become darkness and confusion.
That's how it seems now. Like there isn't anything in this world that is containing the confusion and madness. Everywhere you look it seems like the world, people's lives, are clouded with darkness. Sadness. Hurt. Despair. We live in a world tainted by the chaos of evil.
Don't think this will be all negative. It won't be. But at this moment, I am overwhelmed by those stories I hear of tragedies happening in the world around me. Stories of people struggling with issues that are beyond comprehension. A 12 year old girl who has battled cancer for the last six months and is facing a life changing surgery today. A young student I met in Atlanta over the weekend who is working three jobs and battling cancer. A 50 year old pastor friend with three children who has lung cancer. I could go on with the cancer theme, but there are other tragedies, too. The wife of the news anchor in Arkansas who is now dealing with the death of her 32 year old husband in a tragic car accident this past week. After reading her blog, I feel like I've met her too.
Then there are the world events -- I won't go into the details, but you feel them too. The unstable political environment, the economic uncertainties, constant news of unrest abroad, changing moral trends.
Chaos. That's what it was in the beginning. Father, it's chaotic now too!! But wait, remember what God does? GOD MAKES ORDER OUT OF CHAOS! God said, "Let there be light . . . ." Father, we need your light in the middle of all this to eliminate the chaos and darkness!
I asked someone this week about what gave them hope. The person couldn't figure out an answer. That may have been one of the worst tragedies I encountered this week. That, and the fact they didn't want to hear about my Hope.
The common link in all of the sad stories I shared, what they all have in common despite the circumstances, is each person is a strong Believer in Jesus Christ and knows that they have an eternal Hope in Him! They know that whatever they are dealing with, it will not win. From the 12 year old to the 50 year old, each person knows that they have a Hope that is secure, that the current darkness will be dispelled by His Light! That He will bring order to the chaos of life!
God promises our chaos is temporary, but our Hope is eternal. The Message Bible, in Philippians 3, shares Paul's message of hope and promise: There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. . . But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.
One of these days, God is going to transform this world back to the perfect place it was "in the beginning." He is going to bring everything under submission to him! The chaos will end. He will put everything back as it should be, under and around him.
That's how it seems now. Like there isn't anything in this world that is containing the confusion and madness. Everywhere you look it seems like the world, people's lives, are clouded with darkness. Sadness. Hurt. Despair. We live in a world tainted by the chaos of evil.
Don't think this will be all negative. It won't be. But at this moment, I am overwhelmed by those stories I hear of tragedies happening in the world around me. Stories of people struggling with issues that are beyond comprehension. A 12 year old girl who has battled cancer for the last six months and is facing a life changing surgery today. A young student I met in Atlanta over the weekend who is working three jobs and battling cancer. A 50 year old pastor friend with three children who has lung cancer. I could go on with the cancer theme, but there are other tragedies, too. The wife of the news anchor in Arkansas who is now dealing with the death of her 32 year old husband in a tragic car accident this past week. After reading her blog, I feel like I've met her too.
Then there are the world events -- I won't go into the details, but you feel them too. The unstable political environment, the economic uncertainties, constant news of unrest abroad, changing moral trends.
Chaos. That's what it was in the beginning. Father, it's chaotic now too!! But wait, remember what God does? GOD MAKES ORDER OUT OF CHAOS! God said, "Let there be light . . . ." Father, we need your light in the middle of all this to eliminate the chaos and darkness!
I asked someone this week about what gave them hope. The person couldn't figure out an answer. That may have been one of the worst tragedies I encountered this week. That, and the fact they didn't want to hear about my Hope.
The common link in all of the sad stories I shared, what they all have in common despite the circumstances, is each person is a strong Believer in Jesus Christ and knows that they have an eternal Hope in Him! They know that whatever they are dealing with, it will not win. From the 12 year old to the 50 year old, each person knows that they have a Hope that is secure, that the current darkness will be dispelled by His Light! That He will bring order to the chaos of life!
God promises our chaos is temporary, but our Hope is eternal. The Message Bible, in Philippians 3, shares Paul's message of hope and promise: There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. . . But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.
One of these days, God is going to transform this world back to the perfect place it was "in the beginning." He is going to bring everything under submission to him! The chaos will end. He will put everything back as it should be, under and around him.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Build that Wall
Fifty-two thousand captives had left Persian captivity and returned to Judah. King Cyrus had ordered that anyone who wanted to go should be allowed to leave. Fifty thousand left with Zerubbabel. Two thousand left later with Ezra. Nehemiah had undoubtably had the option to leave when the others did, but he chose to stay.
Nehemiah had a good thing going in the capital at Susa and he knew it. He was the cupbearer. That may sound like he was insignificant, but far from it. Next to the queen, he probably had more access to the king than anyone else. The king trusted him with his life -- literally. Nehemiah managed the meals at the palace. Part of his responsibility was to be sure that everything that the king ate was safe. Attempts to assassinate the king were not uncommon. The threat of poisoned food was real. Nehemiah would put his life on the line each day, testing the food, assuring the king that it was safe for consumption.
Nehemiah was obviously dependable, trustworthy, and responsible. He was a man of integrity and honor. He had strong convictions about doing the right thing. When he heard the news that the wall around Jerusalem was still down, Nehemiah was heartbroken. He was grieved to hear that the city and its people were left without the defense that the wall would provide. He felt a deep sense of urgency that something had to be done, and that he was the one that had to do it.
The wall would be the only thing that would stand between the city and its enemies. The people had to have someone to lead them in building the wall. Nehemiah felt the weight of a need that they had ignored.
After spending time in prayer, Nehemiah took a chance and made a bold request of the king. It was a risky thing to do, but Nehemiah knew that he had to do something. His people were in need.
He took a risk, and the king showed him favor. He gave him permission and provisions to go to Jerusalem and build the wall. Nehemiah was a pioneer mission worker. He led a small construction team that, with the help of the Jews who were already in the city, accomplished more than it would seem possible.
In 52 days, they built a wall 15 feet thick and 4.5 miles long. It is impressive to think how much they accomplished in such a short period of time. It is amazing what can happen when God empowers and equips.
Nehemiah felt compelled to build a wall that would defend the city of Jerusalem and its people. He knew that without the wall, the people were vulnerable and subject to attack. The wall was important to keep them safe from their enemies.
Walls. People build walls to keep some things in and other things out. Walls are important. We have to put walls around those things we think are important.
God continues to call wall builders. He continues to place in people's heart the sense of urgency to respond to others who are needy and vulnerable.
What has God put in your heart? What need pulls at your heartstrings? What concerns come to your mind time and time again during your quiet time? What has come to your attention that you just can't forget about?
Does it seems impossible? Maybe. Building a 4.5 mile long wall that is 15 feet thick in 52 days sounds impossible to me.
So does the possibility of a girl from Brunswick, Georgia, going to Egypt all alone with just $100 to her name and starting an orphanage. But that is what Lillian Trasher did. In 1910, 10 days before she was to be married, Lillian responded to the call to build a wall in Egypt. To build a wall of protection around children who were dying with no one to care for them. She called off her wedding and answered God's call. She left against the wishes of her family to build an orphanage that since it started has housed 25,000 children. Lillian Trasher was a wall builder.
God is still calling people to do what may seem impossible or at least improbable. Is he leading you to give your time? Your money? Your skills? Your gifts? Your prayers?
What wall is God calling you to build?
Nehemiah had a good thing going in the capital at Susa and he knew it. He was the cupbearer. That may sound like he was insignificant, but far from it. Next to the queen, he probably had more access to the king than anyone else. The king trusted him with his life -- literally. Nehemiah managed the meals at the palace. Part of his responsibility was to be sure that everything that the king ate was safe. Attempts to assassinate the king were not uncommon. The threat of poisoned food was real. Nehemiah would put his life on the line each day, testing the food, assuring the king that it was safe for consumption.
Nehemiah was obviously dependable, trustworthy, and responsible. He was a man of integrity and honor. He had strong convictions about doing the right thing. When he heard the news that the wall around Jerusalem was still down, Nehemiah was heartbroken. He was grieved to hear that the city and its people were left without the defense that the wall would provide. He felt a deep sense of urgency that something had to be done, and that he was the one that had to do it.
The wall would be the only thing that would stand between the city and its enemies. The people had to have someone to lead them in building the wall. Nehemiah felt the weight of a need that they had ignored.
After spending time in prayer, Nehemiah took a chance and made a bold request of the king. It was a risky thing to do, but Nehemiah knew that he had to do something. His people were in need.
He took a risk, and the king showed him favor. He gave him permission and provisions to go to Jerusalem and build the wall. Nehemiah was a pioneer mission worker. He led a small construction team that, with the help of the Jews who were already in the city, accomplished more than it would seem possible.
In 52 days, they built a wall 15 feet thick and 4.5 miles long. It is impressive to think how much they accomplished in such a short period of time. It is amazing what can happen when God empowers and equips.
Nehemiah felt compelled to build a wall that would defend the city of Jerusalem and its people. He knew that without the wall, the people were vulnerable and subject to attack. The wall was important to keep them safe from their enemies.
Walls. People build walls to keep some things in and other things out. Walls are important. We have to put walls around those things we think are important.
God continues to call wall builders. He continues to place in people's heart the sense of urgency to respond to others who are needy and vulnerable.
What has God put in your heart? What need pulls at your heartstrings? What concerns come to your mind time and time again during your quiet time? What has come to your attention that you just can't forget about?
Does it seems impossible? Maybe. Building a 4.5 mile long wall that is 15 feet thick in 52 days sounds impossible to me.
So does the possibility of a girl from Brunswick, Georgia, going to Egypt all alone with just $100 to her name and starting an orphanage. But that is what Lillian Trasher did. In 1910, 10 days before she was to be married, Lillian responded to the call to build a wall in Egypt. To build a wall of protection around children who were dying with no one to care for them. She called off her wedding and answered God's call. She left against the wishes of her family to build an orphanage that since it started has housed 25,000 children. Lillian Trasher was a wall builder.
God is still calling people to do what may seem impossible or at least improbable. Is he leading you to give your time? Your money? Your skills? Your gifts? Your prayers?
What wall is God calling you to build?
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Teach Me to Wait
Waiting on God. Who has time to wait on anything or anyone these days? Wait on God? If He wanted us to wait, would He have placed us in a time in history when we get everything now? We want to read a book, we download it. No need to go to the bookstore. We want dinner. We microwave it. Ready in minutes instead of hours. We want information, it is at our fingertips, 24/7.
We want it now. We want it easy. We want it cheap. We want it perfect.
There always seems to be somebody that tells us that's what we can can have. We can have our best life now. We can have a new husband by Friday. WE can lose 10 pounds in 10 days without changing what we eat or exercising.
There is someone who will tell us: we can have what we want, when we want it, the way we want it. It tickles our ears. It sounds good. Too good to be true, maybe?
Ever heard the saying, "If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing well. If it is worth having, it is worth waiting for. If it is worth attaining, it is worth fighting for. If it is worth experiencing, it is worth putting aside time for."
That seems like an outdated way of viewing life. Do we still have to wait, fight, invest our time for things that are important to us? Or are we living in a new age and time when that no longer holds true?
What can we have now? What do we still have to invest our time and effort in? How do we know the difference?
We have one minute devotionals. We say 30 second prayers. Has God adapted to the 21st century way of life? Surely he understands that we are busy. Too busy. We don't have time to wait on Him like people once did.
Waiting on God. Does He make us wait on Him just because He can? Because He wants to make life hard for us? Or does He make us wait on Him because of the change it makes in us?
Could it be that God wants me to wait because when I wait, I take time to look at things that I normally rush past?
Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10). Take a moment and regain a right perspective. Do I forget that He is God? Do I rely on this world and the things it offers and not on the One who created it all?
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31). When I wait I will gain strength. He renews me when I wait. He prepares me to soar!
Waiting isn't sounding so bad. Not grow tired? That sounds good. Growing stronger sounds pretty good too. Being tired and weak seems to be a way of life. Maybe there is a better way.
Jesus promised power to those who wait. Luke 24:49 "And I myself will send upon you what my Father has promised. But you must wait in the city until the power from above comes down upon you." I need his power. I am certainly aware of my powerlessness.
Waiting isn't a stagnant waste of time. It's a pause in eternity to invite the Almighty into my circumstances. It's allowing the Creator of Time to take time to revive my worn out spirit. Waiting transforms me from overwhelmed and defeated to on top of things and victorious.
Teach me, Lord. Teach me, Lord, to wait.
We want it now. We want it easy. We want it cheap. We want it perfect.
There always seems to be somebody that tells us that's what we can can have. We can have our best life now. We can have a new husband by Friday. WE can lose 10 pounds in 10 days without changing what we eat or exercising.
There is someone who will tell us: we can have what we want, when we want it, the way we want it. It tickles our ears. It sounds good. Too good to be true, maybe?
Ever heard the saying, "If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing well. If it is worth having, it is worth waiting for. If it is worth attaining, it is worth fighting for. If it is worth experiencing, it is worth putting aside time for."
That seems like an outdated way of viewing life. Do we still have to wait, fight, invest our time for things that are important to us? Or are we living in a new age and time when that no longer holds true?
What can we have now? What do we still have to invest our time and effort in? How do we know the difference?
We have one minute devotionals. We say 30 second prayers. Has God adapted to the 21st century way of life? Surely he understands that we are busy. Too busy. We don't have time to wait on Him like people once did.
Waiting on God. Does He make us wait on Him just because He can? Because He wants to make life hard for us? Or does He make us wait on Him because of the change it makes in us?
Could it be that God wants me to wait because when I wait, I take time to look at things that I normally rush past?
Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10). Take a moment and regain a right perspective. Do I forget that He is God? Do I rely on this world and the things it offers and not on the One who created it all?
But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31). When I wait I will gain strength. He renews me when I wait. He prepares me to soar!
Waiting isn't sounding so bad. Not grow tired? That sounds good. Growing stronger sounds pretty good too. Being tired and weak seems to be a way of life. Maybe there is a better way.
Jesus promised power to those who wait. Luke 24:49 "And I myself will send upon you what my Father has promised. But you must wait in the city until the power from above comes down upon you." I need his power. I am certainly aware of my powerlessness.
Waiting isn't a stagnant waste of time. It's a pause in eternity to invite the Almighty into my circumstances. It's allowing the Creator of Time to take time to revive my worn out spirit. Waiting transforms me from overwhelmed and defeated to on top of things and victorious.
Teach me, Lord. Teach me, Lord, to wait.
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