I met a friend in Neillsville today. I got there early, and decided to stop in at The Highground. For those of you not from Wisconsin, The Highground started out as a memorial to the Vietnam veterans, and has grown to a memorial for those who served this country in several wars. There were some new memorials erected since I’d been there last, and I thought it would be a good opportunity to see them.
As I walked around looking at the monuments and reading the stories that went with them, I recalled how moved I was when I went to Washington D.C. and saw some of our biggest monuments. I remembered realizing why God had told the Children of Israel so many times to build monuments. They help us remember important things.
As a Christian today, I ask where are our memorials? We surround ourselves with things that remind us of what we think are important things in this world yet maintain no spiritual memorials. As we try to balance the importance of physical symbols of our faith from idols of worship, we’ve lost our memorials of important people and events of our faith. Gone with the memorials are our memories, and they’ve been replaced with worldly ones.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
To Everyone Who's Emailed Me About the Election
It’s been an interesting 24 hours. First I was in a political conversation with friends, and with the four of us, there were somewhere between 3.5 and 5 opinions on various topics.
On my way home from work, I saw the pro-Life picketers on a main street, near the Planned Parenthood office telling everyone to vote Pro-Life.
In my emails for the day, were links to web sites that send the same message via video, of both presidential candidates talking about abortion at various forums.
Though I remain a Pro-Life person, my question for everyone out there is why is this one subject the biggest deal-breaker in most elections? Why is this one sin greater than all the others? Why are we so worried about the lives of unwanted, unborn children that we don’t intercede before their conception? Let’s pass a law that says sex outside of marriage is illegal. Period. End of subject. Even if you agree with the concept, how many would put the same energy into it as goes into abortion?
I believe the fact that we have laws in place that permit sin at the level that it is (and yes, I mean more than abortion), is an indicator that Christians are not doing their job. If that’s the problem, then let’s solve it. If we believed in God, had a relationship with Him, and lived for Him, we’d be sharing Him with everyone we met. And when we shared Him, people would come to know Him, and they wouldn’t want to do things that displease Him.
I’ve been involved with writing a bill. It’s a complex process. I’ve been involved with the passing of a bill. You put one thing in and something else comes out. I’ve seen the money spent lobbying for legislation. It’s a shame that people go hungry and homeless for the sake of more laws.
If every Christian shared their faith (as opposed to giving their opinion on things) with even one other person, we could solve a whole lot of problems with a lot less work, and for free!
One last footnote…those innocent lives that have been taken, have been given to God. They don’t go through the turmoil that we face…they get ushered into the presence of their Creator. I think sometimes we spend too much time mourning those already with God, and not enough for those who either live with what they did, or who will face judgment for it some day.
For the voting record…I don’t like the one candidate, and I don’t trust the other.
On my way home from work, I saw the pro-Life picketers on a main street, near the Planned Parenthood office telling everyone to vote Pro-Life.
In my emails for the day, were links to web sites that send the same message via video, of both presidential candidates talking about abortion at various forums.
Though I remain a Pro-Life person, my question for everyone out there is why is this one subject the biggest deal-breaker in most elections? Why is this one sin greater than all the others? Why are we so worried about the lives of unwanted, unborn children that we don’t intercede before their conception? Let’s pass a law that says sex outside of marriage is illegal. Period. End of subject. Even if you agree with the concept, how many would put the same energy into it as goes into abortion?
I believe the fact that we have laws in place that permit sin at the level that it is (and yes, I mean more than abortion), is an indicator that Christians are not doing their job. If that’s the problem, then let’s solve it. If we believed in God, had a relationship with Him, and lived for Him, we’d be sharing Him with everyone we met. And when we shared Him, people would come to know Him, and they wouldn’t want to do things that displease Him.
I’ve been involved with writing a bill. It’s a complex process. I’ve been involved with the passing of a bill. You put one thing in and something else comes out. I’ve seen the money spent lobbying for legislation. It’s a shame that people go hungry and homeless for the sake of more laws.
If every Christian shared their faith (as opposed to giving their opinion on things) with even one other person, we could solve a whole lot of problems with a lot less work, and for free!
One last footnote…those innocent lives that have been taken, have been given to God. They don’t go through the turmoil that we face…they get ushered into the presence of their Creator. I think sometimes we spend too much time mourning those already with God, and not enough for those who either live with what they did, or who will face judgment for it some day.
For the voting record…I don’t like the one candidate, and I don’t trust the other.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Election
It’s countdown for the Presidential election now. It’s a tough time for people. They are passionate about their candidate and have a long list of reasons for how they feel. There is no doubt it will be a close race.
But I’m noticing Christians have lost their focus. I’ve always been a supporter of my country. I can get teary-eyed during the National Anthem. I get upset when the flag is not properly respected. I believe it’s my “duty” to exercise my right to vote. I’ve served on jury duty.
But with some of the passion this election, I’ve stepped back and paused. The one question I have is this: What did Jesus do about the Roman Empire? I ask the question especially of people who feel “called” to serve God full-time.
We follow a man falsely imprisoned, receiving the death penalty. Did the disciples spend time trying to right the wrong done to Him? Were hours or finances spent on making the decision right? Or did they spend their time doing His work? How much time did Jesus Christ spend pointing out the wrongs of government compared to the wrongs of the Pharisees?
Some are going to think I’ve turned my back on our responsibility as a U.S. citizen. But if you do, please answer the question…what did Christ do about the Roman Empire?
But I’m noticing Christians have lost their focus. I’ve always been a supporter of my country. I can get teary-eyed during the National Anthem. I get upset when the flag is not properly respected. I believe it’s my “duty” to exercise my right to vote. I’ve served on jury duty.
But with some of the passion this election, I’ve stepped back and paused. The one question I have is this: What did Jesus do about the Roman Empire? I ask the question especially of people who feel “called” to serve God full-time.
We follow a man falsely imprisoned, receiving the death penalty. Did the disciples spend time trying to right the wrong done to Him? Were hours or finances spent on making the decision right? Or did they spend their time doing His work? How much time did Jesus Christ spend pointing out the wrongs of government compared to the wrongs of the Pharisees?
Some are going to think I’ve turned my back on our responsibility as a U.S. citizen. But if you do, please answer the question…what did Christ do about the Roman Empire?
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Rhetorical Question...
I’ve been thinking lately. You know how you never look forward to dental work or surgery for something? But when it’s all over, you’re usually very glad you had it done because the problem is resolved? At least that’s how it is for me…I wait until I can’t stand the pain or problem any more, and then finally take care of it.
Well I’ve been thinking that’s how we are spiritually. God talks about pruning us like a grapevine. He talks about refining us like silver ore. We’re even told we get sharpened like metal. We don’t always get to make the call as to when that process will happen like we do with a doctor. But in the end, isn’t God’s testing just like surgery? Don’t we feel better in the end? Aren’t we “healthier” spiritually afterward?
So why do we resist it instead of joyfully accepting it, even looking forward to it? It isn’t like we need spiritual health insurance to pay the bill!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The Gift
Today something happened that I think is worth sharing. I heard from a friend who’d been on my mind for a few days, but I hadn’t acted on it yet. He was offering me a weekend away and money (now whatever you are thinking, will tell you where your mind is truly at!)
But for it all to mean anything, I need to back up a little. I paid my bills recently and realized that with car and home insurance due two months in a row, I didn’t have much money. I could pay my bills, but I couldn’t buy food for a month. I know, I know. Many of you know how I felt led earlier this year to increase my tithe, and I have to confess that at times like this, it is tempting to reconsider. But I know stealing from God doesn’t work.
Someone asked me if I’ve ever gone to the food pantry. I laughed and said no. The one time I thought about going I heard very loudly, “I’ll supply ALL your needs.” (Yes, the “all” was very loud!) And every time I start to wonder or worry, I go over that verse, and in a short time, God reminds me that He is true to His Word!
That was today. What the friend was offering me was a long weekend away, all expenses paid, and a paycheck for helping with an event that he runs annually. I know some of the people who attend, I get to spend time with him and his wife who I haven’t seen in a few years, the location is close enough to make it manageable, and it worked into my work schedules. Now the weekend away alone was a Godsend. But to get paid on top of it all tells me that God’s word is good. You see, I’ll get paid enough to cover the few expenses I have (gas, a couple of meals, etc.), enough to give God His share, enough to buy food for the month I thought I’d have to live out of my cupboards, and enough to pay for my next class, which is due sooner than later. And all of this is in advance of when I need it. (He usually tests my faith until the last minute.)
Now I’m not looking down on people who need the food pantries. For me though, I’ve been told by God that my faith will get me through. I remember years ago hearing about George Mueller and wanting faith like his. That kind of faith comes with testing. I can’t say I like the testing, but I love the testimony in the end. That’s why I share this with you.
But for it all to mean anything, I need to back up a little. I paid my bills recently and realized that with car and home insurance due two months in a row, I didn’t have much money. I could pay my bills, but I couldn’t buy food for a month. I know, I know. Many of you know how I felt led earlier this year to increase my tithe, and I have to confess that at times like this, it is tempting to reconsider. But I know stealing from God doesn’t work.
Someone asked me if I’ve ever gone to the food pantry. I laughed and said no. The one time I thought about going I heard very loudly, “I’ll supply ALL your needs.” (Yes, the “all” was very loud!) And every time I start to wonder or worry, I go over that verse, and in a short time, God reminds me that He is true to His Word!
That was today. What the friend was offering me was a long weekend away, all expenses paid, and a paycheck for helping with an event that he runs annually. I know some of the people who attend, I get to spend time with him and his wife who I haven’t seen in a few years, the location is close enough to make it manageable, and it worked into my work schedules. Now the weekend away alone was a Godsend. But to get paid on top of it all tells me that God’s word is good. You see, I’ll get paid enough to cover the few expenses I have (gas, a couple of meals, etc.), enough to give God His share, enough to buy food for the month I thought I’d have to live out of my cupboards, and enough to pay for my next class, which is due sooner than later. And all of this is in advance of when I need it. (He usually tests my faith until the last minute.)
Now I’m not looking down on people who need the food pantries. For me though, I’ve been told by God that my faith will get me through. I remember years ago hearing about George Mueller and wanting faith like his. That kind of faith comes with testing. I can’t say I like the testing, but I love the testimony in the end. That’s why I share this with you.
WWJD?
I’ve been realizing lately that the famous WWJD isn’t enough. It isn’t about what would Jesus do if He were in my shoes, but what would He think! After all, that’s where sin starts anyway, inside us. It isn’t the murder alone that’s the sin, but the thought of hatred. It’s lust, not rape that is against God.
I’ve been reading Philippians since late last year, and I recently ended up looking up the word “mind” in Strong’s. It’s used eight times in the little book, and only another 11 or so in the rest of the New Testament. Then I thought about how this New Testament church wasn’t being scolded for doing something out of line, but were told how to reach the next level of their faith.
I’ve got a lot more pondering to do on the subject, but I think whenever I see or her WWJD, I’ll be thinking deeper than that….
I’ve been reading Philippians since late last year, and I recently ended up looking up the word “mind” in Strong’s. It’s used eight times in the little book, and only another 11 or so in the rest of the New Testament. Then I thought about how this New Testament church wasn’t being scolded for doing something out of line, but were told how to reach the next level of their faith.
I’ve got a lot more pondering to do on the subject, but I think whenever I see or her WWJD, I’ll be thinking deeper than that….
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Ending Friendships
Years ago I had a friend who drank too much. She would always call me later in the day when her husband worked (he drove truck second shift). Well, by the time she called, she’d had a few too many drinks and it was a laborious conversation for me. Yet for some reason our friendship remained in tact. We had many conversations about God and why our attitudes on life were so different, yet she was never ready to take the one step she needed to.
Eventually I moved on (literally moved out of the area). Our phone conversations became less and less frequent, and I didn’t mind. I eventually stopped calling. Then one day out of the blue, she called me. I was on another line and promised to call her back, but I would either forget or dread the call so much that I’d postpone it. She had said something about being sick, but she tended to over-react to everything, in part because she was in such a miserable marriage.
I finally thought about calling her when I had the time and was in the right mood. It had been over a year, and it would be fun to surprise her. (Mind you my change in attitude was from deep inside…beyond my control.) Anyway, her husband answered the phone and in my teasing way made him guess who was calling, since we hadn’t talked in years. He was extremely somber; then told me that he really couldn’t guess; he was burying his wife that day.
Needless to say, my embarrassment and awkwardness seemed to last forever. The rest of the day, all I could think about was her last call to me. She had reached out and I was too busy. Where was she now that she’d left this world? Could I have made a difference? Was talking to a drunk really so bad in the light of eternity?
Now I know that she may have turned her life around and leaned on God. But I don’t know that she did. And even if she had and needed reassurance, I wasn’t there to give it. Nor was I there to comfort her in her last days. Instead I selfishly told myself that I didn’t need to hang out with alcoholics who were obnoxious when they drank. I learned that I never know that moment in a person’s life when they finally need someone and need to learn to trust God. I learned that 15 years of listening to stupid stories and someone’s self-induced problems didn’t compare to not knowing how she left this world.
So, when someone closes the door on me in our relationship, I can accept that. But I can’t close any doors that God doesn’t close, because I never know….
Eventually I moved on (literally moved out of the area). Our phone conversations became less and less frequent, and I didn’t mind. I eventually stopped calling. Then one day out of the blue, she called me. I was on another line and promised to call her back, but I would either forget or dread the call so much that I’d postpone it. She had said something about being sick, but she tended to over-react to everything, in part because she was in such a miserable marriage.
I finally thought about calling her when I had the time and was in the right mood. It had been over a year, and it would be fun to surprise her. (Mind you my change in attitude was from deep inside…beyond my control.) Anyway, her husband answered the phone and in my teasing way made him guess who was calling, since we hadn’t talked in years. He was extremely somber; then told me that he really couldn’t guess; he was burying his wife that day.
Needless to say, my embarrassment and awkwardness seemed to last forever. The rest of the day, all I could think about was her last call to me. She had reached out and I was too busy. Where was she now that she’d left this world? Could I have made a difference? Was talking to a drunk really so bad in the light of eternity?
Now I know that she may have turned her life around and leaned on God. But I don’t know that she did. And even if she had and needed reassurance, I wasn’t there to give it. Nor was I there to comfort her in her last days. Instead I selfishly told myself that I didn’t need to hang out with alcoholics who were obnoxious when they drank. I learned that I never know that moment in a person’s life when they finally need someone and need to learn to trust God. I learned that 15 years of listening to stupid stories and someone’s self-induced problems didn’t compare to not knowing how she left this world.
So, when someone closes the door on me in our relationship, I can accept that. But I can’t close any doors that God doesn’t close, because I never know….
Friday, July 18, 2008
Nielson Ratings
I was a Nielson household for the past week. I have to admit that I was a little nervous to share my TV habits with total strangers. I was even more terrified to find out the truth about my habits. Some of you will recall how I gave up TV except for an hour of news each day last February. How easy it is to fall into those old habits!
Before I mailed in my “journals,” and I had one for each TV in my house, I looked them over and counted the number of hours my TV was on. I was surprised that it was 33 for the entire week. That’s over four a day. I was more surprised to see that I watched less than 20 hours of it. (You have to record when the TV is on, but no one is in the room watching it.)
Now I’ve been asking myself why I don’t just turn on music more often than the TV, especially since I’m not watching it. I can pick what I want, when I want. My cable even has music channels I could listen to. Or why don’t I turn it off when the phone rings? If I spent half that time reading or doing the things I say I enjoy, I think I’d feel better.
TV? I’m still working on that part of my life!
Before I mailed in my “journals,” and I had one for each TV in my house, I looked them over and counted the number of hours my TV was on. I was surprised that it was 33 for the entire week. That’s over four a day. I was more surprised to see that I watched less than 20 hours of it. (You have to record when the TV is on, but no one is in the room watching it.)
Now I’ve been asking myself why I don’t just turn on music more often than the TV, especially since I’m not watching it. I can pick what I want, when I want. My cable even has music channels I could listen to. Or why don’t I turn it off when the phone rings? If I spent half that time reading or doing the things I say I enjoy, I think I’d feel better.
TV? I’m still working on that part of my life!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Two Sticks
I ran across this version of "Arise" by Newsong. I couldnt' believe how well two sticks could tell the story of the Resurrection. Hope you enjoy as much as I did.
Arise
Arise
When the Water Gets Deep
I was talking to a friend in the waterlogged part of the state this week. She mentioned how they’d been called and put on evacuation warning. Then she said something that surprised me. She haughtily compared us to New Orleans and talked about how much better we were because we heed the warnings when they’re put out.
I mentioned poverty and the means to evacuate. Not an excuse in her opinion. Then it dawned on me. Here was someone who travels the world for vacations. Her husband is a professional. Their home is in a country club setting. She doesn’t even know any less privileged people. (I’m probably her poorest friend, and she isn’t even aware of how little I have.) She is so detached that she can’t comprehend that in this day and age, people might be that poor in this country.
Then I started looking at the people I know. I thought about people I’m aware of who don’t have transportation, in a city with minimal public transit. I compared these two sets of friends who obviously are at both ends of the spectrum. Then I became grateful that I personally know people from all walks of life.
What about you? Can you say with Kipling in his famous poem, that you can “walk with kings, nor lose the common touch?” How truly blessed to experience at some level, both worlds.
I mentioned poverty and the means to evacuate. Not an excuse in her opinion. Then it dawned on me. Here was someone who travels the world for vacations. Her husband is a professional. Their home is in a country club setting. She doesn’t even know any less privileged people. (I’m probably her poorest friend, and she isn’t even aware of how little I have.) She is so detached that she can’t comprehend that in this day and age, people might be that poor in this country.
Then I started looking at the people I know. I thought about people I’m aware of who don’t have transportation, in a city with minimal public transit. I compared these two sets of friends who obviously are at both ends of the spectrum. Then I became grateful that I personally know people from all walks of life.
What about you? Can you say with Kipling in his famous poem, that you can “walk with kings, nor lose the common touch?” How truly blessed to experience at some level, both worlds.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Blessings
We were studying the word “bless” and its derivatives in my study group this week. I think everyone walked out with a different idea of what they believed blessings really are. We talked about the rich man and Lazarus and how easy it is to look at the story and see that Lazarus was really the blessed one of the two. We talked about how often people take the prayer of Jabez and use it to ask for material “blessings” from God. We looked at the beatitudes and saw how blessings are spiritual things.
It was unanimous that our favorite definition was from Wikipedia: the infusion of something with holiness. We committed to each other that we wanted that type of blessing…the type that not only fills us…but overflows for others to see…to the point that they want it too. Join us in praying for God’s blessings in our lives.
It was unanimous that our favorite definition was from Wikipedia: the infusion of something with holiness. We committed to each other that we wanted that type of blessing…the type that not only fills us…but overflows for others to see…to the point that they want it too. Join us in praying for God’s blessings in our lives.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Gift of a Poem
I received this anonymously written poem in a birthday card this year. It blessed my heart so much, that I thought it worth sharing.
People are unreasonable, illogical
And self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you
of selfish, ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful,
you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
The good you do today
will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness
make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest people with the biggest ideas
can be shot down by the smallest people
with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs
but follow only top dogs.
Fight for the underdog anyway.
What you spend years building
may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People really need help,
but may attack you if you help them.
Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you've got
and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
People are unreasonable, illogical
And self-centered.
Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you
of selfish, ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
If you are successful,
you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
The good you do today
will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness
make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
The biggest people with the biggest ideas
can be shot down by the smallest people
with the smallest minds.
Think big anyway.
People favor underdogs
but follow only top dogs.
Fight for the underdog anyway.
What you spend years building
may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
People really need help,
but may attack you if you help them.
Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you've got
and you'll get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you've got anyway.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
The Patient Wait
Bess is mad and not talking to me. The reasons aren’t important, but the truth I learned today might be. As I wondered how long I’d have to wait for her to get over it, I was reminded about opportunities I was trying to set up for her with her education and contacts I had for her. I was concerned that she would miss out because of her anger. It dawned on me that I was no different with God. I thought about times I was rebellious with Him and I had a visual of God sitting there, knowing how long it would take me to get “over it” and come back to Him. And I wondered how many opportunities I’ve missed out on in my life, as He patiently waited.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
What I gained when I turned off TV
I was moved by the Lord to give things up this past February. The first was to truly fast on Fridays when we have our “fast and prayer” at church. It dawned on me that eating an early or late lunch is not fasting. And I wasn’t sure why, but all of a sudden the fasting became an important part of prayer.
The other thing I decided I needed to give up (not begrudgingly either) was television. I ended up with an attitude of, “well, at least February is a short month!” (Ok, ok, I didn’t say I was going to hide my selfish tendencies!) I also thought how the writers were on strike, and TV had gotten pretty bad anyway. (Of course the strike ended shortly after I started this.)
Now to clarify, I did allow myself to turn on an hour of TV while I got ready in the morning so I wasn’t totally out of touch with the world and knew the weather report for the day. But running around in the morning doesn’t make for much true “watching” of anything.
The first ten days of no TV were harder than I thought they’d be. I did watch one movie (I rationalized that one quite easily...a DVD isn't TV.) By the end of the month, I didn’t even turn TV on for that hour in the morning if I didn’t have to head to my job. Even when the writer’s strike was over and some of my favorite shows (there aren’t many) came back on, there was no temptation to watch.
Here’s what I gained:
1. I missed 29 days of political news and commercials and commercials in general. (And how is this a bad thing?)
2. I learned about how bad my “habit” really is. How much time I waste.
3. I had numerous opportunities to tell people (many unsaved) that no, I hadn’t seen that show because I’m not watching TV for February. It led to why, and turned into a casual conversation about God. The surprise for me was the ease I could share and the acceptance of others. (I must note that my Christian friends had more issue with it, leading me to wonder if God isn’t calling more Christians to sacrifice than we care to admit.)
4. God began to permeate all my conversations in some way, and with everyone I ran into.
5. I found out that unsaved friends know me well enough to send me things that they think I’d be interested from a spiritual perspective or because they pertain to the passions of my heart. God began opening doors in new, unexpected ways.
6. I was more considerate of others, especially strangers.
7. I learned that when something depressing hits me, I run to the kitchen and second to the couch to deal with it. (Like mind-numbing drugs.) I learned that when I can’t use those two physical comforts, God removes the negative feelings quicker and easier than any other time in my life.
8. I learned how to take the time to really listen. I was able to spend two hours on the phone with someone who was troubled, listening to her whole story before giving advice. I listened to my body to know what real hunger is again and when I’m truly tired and need rest.
9. I read seven books, something that is fun and relaxing for me, but I rarely do.
10. I was able to leisurely study for a final I had to take.
11. I re-learned that fasted prayer is prayer that is closer to God. Every hunger pang became a conversation with the Lord.
12. The one that surprised me most was that my “sacrifice” (sounds pious, huh?) made me more sensitive to things around me. I was able to hear what people were really saying, reading between the lines, and being led by the Holy Spirit to reach out and help when they wouldn’t or couldn’t ask.
13. I began recognizing blessings more. My cup was definitely half-full to overflowing.
14. I rediscovered the joy of tribulation. Those low times led to more-than-I-deserve happiness.
15. I remembered THE sacrifice all over again, and became broken in that way we only do in total appreciation for something we can’t express through any human means.
Now, I’m not saying that giving up TV makes you a better person. But listening to God and being willing to give up whatever was hindering me from the best relationship with Him led me in that direction.
If you’re thinking, “WOW, she must have watched a lot of TV!” Not true. But obviously I watched too much.
If you’re thinking, “Who is she telling me that I need to sacrifice?” Maybe God is calling you to give something up for Him.
If you’re telling yourself, “I can’t fast because….” You need to have a heart to heart with God, because He says, “When you fast and pray.” (Let me insert a medical advisory here, everyone cannot fast! But it’s rare.) Maybe you need to research fasting a little before you fight it. There are many misperceptions out there about it.
If you’re truly happy for the things I learned and aren’t feeling guilty or judgmental, you are probably one of the people who prayed for me during the past month. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. May God bless you as He did me when I chose to give up things He asked me to.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Good Samaritans
I have some friends who took someone into their home recently. They did more than I ever would have and were not really able to afford it, but trusting God and following His call to them. By our standards they got “burned.” The details aren’t important. Was their act of kindness obedience to God? Was it foolishness?
Another friend has taken in homeless, and been treated poorly, sometimes robbed. Was this act of mercy right or wrong?
Closer to home for most of us is helping someone out, sometimes a friend, more rarely a stranger. Sometimes they are so appreciative that we feel good for doing the kindness. Other times they don’t respond the way we want and we feel “used.” Sometimes they become a permanent fixture on our doorstep, looking for that proverbial handout.
When the rich lawyer asked Jesus who his neighbor was, so he knew who to love, he was given the story of the Good Samaritan. Now to refresh your memory, in case you don’t remember the saga in Luke 10, this man had been robbed and left to die on the roadside. Righteous (or so one would have thought) men walked past him, but a lower-than-life Samaritan (their standards, not mine) stopped and helped. He not only helped him, but made certain he would be tended to in the future. He spared no expense. He didn’t put a cap on how much could be spent on this stranger and his needs. There was no timeline.
The Bible doesn’t tell us what happened after. It doesn’t tell us if the robbed man ever knew his benefactor. It doesn’t tell us if there were permanent injuries that would need a lifetime of care. It doesn’t even tell us if he lived, or if it was money wasted on a terminal situation. And who was this guy? Did he deserve to be robbed and left? Maybe he was a thief whose buddies wanted one less division of the spoils! Obviously those aren’t important things in defining a neighbor.
If I love my neighbor, and my neighbor is any stranger in need, can I have words like “used,” “taken advantage of,” “disappointed in,” “conned,” etc. in my vocabulary? Do I only do God’s will if I see the benefits, or do I sometimes have to wait until I’m in His presence to know the results? Will human nature be rude and ugly sometimes? These are, of course, rhetorical questions, but ones I think we should consider when we worry about our own feelings while helping someone else. I know I’ve got a long way to go…what about you? More importantly, do you really believe we have a choice?
Another friend has taken in homeless, and been treated poorly, sometimes robbed. Was this act of mercy right or wrong?
Closer to home for most of us is helping someone out, sometimes a friend, more rarely a stranger. Sometimes they are so appreciative that we feel good for doing the kindness. Other times they don’t respond the way we want and we feel “used.” Sometimes they become a permanent fixture on our doorstep, looking for that proverbial handout.
When the rich lawyer asked Jesus who his neighbor was, so he knew who to love, he was given the story of the Good Samaritan. Now to refresh your memory, in case you don’t remember the saga in Luke 10, this man had been robbed and left to die on the roadside. Righteous (or so one would have thought) men walked past him, but a lower-than-life Samaritan (their standards, not mine) stopped and helped. He not only helped him, but made certain he would be tended to in the future. He spared no expense. He didn’t put a cap on how much could be spent on this stranger and his needs. There was no timeline.
The Bible doesn’t tell us what happened after. It doesn’t tell us if the robbed man ever knew his benefactor. It doesn’t tell us if there were permanent injuries that would need a lifetime of care. It doesn’t even tell us if he lived, or if it was money wasted on a terminal situation. And who was this guy? Did he deserve to be robbed and left? Maybe he was a thief whose buddies wanted one less division of the spoils! Obviously those aren’t important things in defining a neighbor.
If I love my neighbor, and my neighbor is any stranger in need, can I have words like “used,” “taken advantage of,” “disappointed in,” “conned,” etc. in my vocabulary? Do I only do God’s will if I see the benefits, or do I sometimes have to wait until I’m in His presence to know the results? Will human nature be rude and ugly sometimes? These are, of course, rhetorical questions, but ones I think we should consider when we worry about our own feelings while helping someone else. I know I’ve got a long way to go…what about you? More importantly, do you really believe we have a choice?
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Trouble Shooting
Troubleshooters do some amazing work. They can come into a business and figure out problems with equipment, why a company isn't making more money, etc. I tend to think along those lines when it comes to people. Whether it's an individual who is broken, or a relationship. And that's how I got into my most recent revelation.
Lately I’ve been trying to get a handle on the whole unity thing. We talk about couples getting along, families playing nice, even our churches are sometimes divided. But how do we unite and mend those relationships?
Then I found it. The solution, that is. Unity is brought about through humility. Humility is the opposite of pride (and look where that got Lucifer!) Pride causes the division. If we give up selfishness, however we’re doing it, and I think we all do it at some level, we begin to humble ourselves.
Philippians 2 talks about unity. It talks about loving each other. It talks about be like-minded, putting others and their wishes first, to think less of yourself than someone else.
Personally, I’ve been wondering why my church doesn’t embrace all of my ideas and passions. (It didn't sound so selfish when I first considered it - really!) Continuing in Philippians, I read that the purpose of the church is to be that beacon shining out into the world. How can we shine in the world when we’ve become as petty and self-centered as the world? So personally, I’m going to try to change my attitude about others, and be less selfish, and be more willing to give in to others. I’ve got to stop my own complaining about those who don’t “get” my ideas, and love like we’re told to in John 15:13 – love enough to give up my life for someone else. Giving in on little things suddenly sounds easier, huh?
Lately I’ve been trying to get a handle on the whole unity thing. We talk about couples getting along, families playing nice, even our churches are sometimes divided. But how do we unite and mend those relationships?
Then I found it. The solution, that is. Unity is brought about through humility. Humility is the opposite of pride (and look where that got Lucifer!) Pride causes the division. If we give up selfishness, however we’re doing it, and I think we all do it at some level, we begin to humble ourselves.
Philippians 2 talks about unity. It talks about loving each other. It talks about be like-minded, putting others and their wishes first, to think less of yourself than someone else.
Personally, I’ve been wondering why my church doesn’t embrace all of my ideas and passions. (It didn't sound so selfish when I first considered it - really!) Continuing in Philippians, I read that the purpose of the church is to be that beacon shining out into the world. How can we shine in the world when we’ve become as petty and self-centered as the world? So personally, I’m going to try to change my attitude about others, and be less selfish, and be more willing to give in to others. I’ve got to stop my own complaining about those who don’t “get” my ideas, and love like we’re told to in John 15:13 – love enough to give up my life for someone else. Giving in on little things suddenly sounds easier, huh?
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