Several Sunday mornings ago I was standing with my friend Kelli in a hallway of our church. People moved carefully around one another in the small space making their way to worship. Out of nowhere I hear, "Mrs. Kelli!!!!!" I looked and one of the sweetest little girls I have ever known was running through that crowd with a crinkled gift bag extended as far as her little arm could reach. Her face was beaming and excitement radiated all around her. She half crashed into Kelli with the present, not saying a word. Inside was a book and a fluffy stuffed bear - a gift for Baby Reeves (due May 2012). Kelli was so touched and thrilled to receive one of her first baby gifts, but nothing compared to that little girl who was elated with the joy of giving. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 9:7 that God loves a cheerful giver. I know why now. I was washed with the warmest happy just to have watched the exchange. How pleased the Lord must have been with that sweet heart.
As if that wasn't enough, as the little girl and her family started to walk away her dad said, "She bought that with her own money; saved and bought it herself." Of course, Kelli was immediately in tears. Such a big sacrifice for such a small girl, yet she didn't see it as sacrifice at all, instead she had been carrying the bag with her (hence the crinkles) waiting for the moment she could give it away.
Many years ago, angels sang the joy of our Heavenly Father as He watched the world unwrap the gift of His Son. What a gift! On that day God also saw the cross and knew the weight of the sacrifice, but the angels, God's messengers, sang anyway. What a good God! The most cheerful Giver! Not only did He give us His Son so that we may be saved and have a relationship with Him, but He wrapped that gift in ribbon of song and delight. We celebrate Christmas in the shadow of the cross with smiles on our faces because God declared it good. May we cheerfully give because we have been so graciously and cheerfully given too. May our hearts and lips be full of praise like the angels who sang so loudly, on a night so often called silent, "Glory to God in the Highest!"
Merry Christmas!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
White Balance
What is "White Balance"? Have you ever even noticed that setting on your camera? Like all electronics, a camera is only as smart as someone (someone smarter than me that is) tells it to be. When our eyes see something "white" it may actually be off-white, cream, eggshell, or just plain dirty, but our brain factors in all of that information automatically and is able to process, with very little effort, that the object is white-(ish). A camera, on the other hand, sees something as white when it is told the object is white and the camera uses that information as a standard and adjusts accordingly. If the camera is pointed at something cream and told the object is white then the photographs will not be entirely true in color. Want to see? Take a look at my pumpkin centerpiece and happy little scarecrow.
In the first picture it is as if you were dining at my table on Thanksgiving Day.
After setting white balance using a Coca-Cola can it is like dining at my table after being hit in the head - not great!
This is the way we should approach the Scripture...like a camera. We need to pour over the pages of God's Word and set our life's "white balance" to Truth. Afterwards, everything else: circumstances, emotions, and theories have to adjust around the standard. Unfortunately, we regularly read God's Truth and then modify and theorize until we end up with distorted information that eventually fails us. In these times we rail at God as if He has failed us, when in reality we put our eggs in a basket made of imagination. He is so faithful and so good that He wrote the book on it! Read, know Him, and really see.
White Balance:
"Oh that my ways may be established To keep Your statutes!" "How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word." "I will meditate on Your precepts And regard Your ways. I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word. Deal bountifully with Your servant, That I may live and keep Your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law. I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me." Psalm 119:5,9, 15-19
In the first picture it is as if you were dining at my table on Thanksgiving Day.
After setting white balance using a Coca-Cola can it is like dining at my table after being hit in the head - not great!
This is the way we should approach the Scripture...like a camera. We need to pour over the pages of God's Word and set our life's "white balance" to Truth. Afterwards, everything else: circumstances, emotions, and theories have to adjust around the standard. Unfortunately, we regularly read God's Truth and then modify and theorize until we end up with distorted information that eventually fails us. In these times we rail at God as if He has failed us, when in reality we put our eggs in a basket made of imagination. He is so faithful and so good that He wrote the book on it! Read, know Him, and really see.
White Balance:
"Oh that my ways may be established To keep Your statutes!" "How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word." "I will meditate on Your precepts And regard Your ways. I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word. Deal bountifully with Your servant, That I may live and keep Your word. Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law. I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me." Psalm 119:5,9, 15-19
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Just As I Am and Never Again to Be
A recent phone conversation with my sister:
Her: "oh, I see Travis (her husband) coming down the driveway"
Me: "Well, I will let you go so you can get a breath mint and put on some gloss."
Her: (in jest) Hey, he should love me just the way I am.
Me: "NOPE. HE DOESN'T."
We both laughed and I'm pretty sure she went to get some lip gloss.
But I was serious. (As serious as you can be goofing with your sister) I go to a lot of trouble to not be "just the way I am". I shower, put on makeup, color my hair, brush my teeth, workout, read books, Google, etc. all of this, in an effort to be an increasingly better version of myself. I think that it is safe to say that the people in my life appreciate it - especially the showering and teeth brushing.
In Psalm 51 David uses the phrases, "wash me", "purify me", "make me", "create in me", "restore me" - change, change, change me. David knew that His God is love, but that love is one of a Maker and Redeemer. God accepts us as we are, but He does not accept that we remain that way. He has called us and received us for more. I am uncomfortable that in our churches we are cultivating a culture and a gospel that says that Jesus Christ died so that our sin can be "accepted" and "tolerated" rather than forgiven and changed. Jesus did not die so that God wouldn't mind if we lie, gossip, cheat, or stew in our anger. Jesus did not die so that God would let it slide if we continue in our addictions and remain ignorant about His Word. He died that we might be forgiven and set free to be changed for His glory.
I am so grateful for the wonderful truth that God will take me and love me just as I am, but I am all the more thankful for the grace that draws me closer to Him and further from me.
Her: "oh, I see Travis (her husband) coming down the driveway"
Me: "Well, I will let you go so you can get a breath mint and put on some gloss."
Her: (in jest) Hey, he should love me just the way I am.
Me: "NOPE. HE DOESN'T."
We both laughed and I'm pretty sure she went to get some lip gloss.
But I was serious. (As serious as you can be goofing with your sister) I go to a lot of trouble to not be "just the way I am". I shower, put on makeup, color my hair, brush my teeth, workout, read books, Google, etc. all of this, in an effort to be an increasingly better version of myself. I think that it is safe to say that the people in my life appreciate it - especially the showering and teeth brushing.
In Psalm 51 David uses the phrases, "wash me", "purify me", "make me", "create in me", "restore me" - change, change, change me. David knew that His God is love, but that love is one of a Maker and Redeemer. God accepts us as we are, but He does not accept that we remain that way. He has called us and received us for more. I am uncomfortable that in our churches we are cultivating a culture and a gospel that says that Jesus Christ died so that our sin can be "accepted" and "tolerated" rather than forgiven and changed. Jesus did not die so that God wouldn't mind if we lie, gossip, cheat, or stew in our anger. Jesus did not die so that God would let it slide if we continue in our addictions and remain ignorant about His Word. He died that we might be forgiven and set free to be changed for His glory.
I am so grateful for the wonderful truth that God will take me and love me just as I am, but I am all the more thankful for the grace that draws me closer to Him and further from me.
Friday, August 19, 2011
The Whole Tooth And Nothing But The Tooth
On television when a police officer wants to interrogate a suspect the suspect is shut in a tiny, cold room and a bright light is shining in his/her face. Do you know where the police picked up this technique? The dentist office. Or maybe it was the other way around.
Yesterday, I went to the dentist for a cleaning. I was quickly escorted into a cold, blue room about the size of my walk-in closet. The hygienist reclines my chair, shines a bright light in my face, and with a sharp, metal instrument poised near my eye she begins her work. Unsettled by the scraping sounds I wait for the interrogation to begin - "So . . . do you floss?"
Why is this question so unnerving? What do we think is going to happen if we say "No"? Dentist jail? Floss flogging? I have never had a cavity nor have I ever not received high marks at the dentist, but still I get nervous. I think the reason is because no matter the answer we give, the proof is in our mouth - and we know it.
Similarly, regardless of the show we put on for others or even ourselves, the Holy Spirit examines our heart and knows fully the corruption and ungodliness that prevents our obedience to God. We know what we should do and simply do not. The Bible has a great deal of mysterious and difficult to understand teachings, but not as much as we would like to pretend. The Lord has given us wisdom and knowledge for holiness and righteous living. The excuses we make only last until "we open our mouth and remove all doubt." What a generous God we serve who satisfied His own justice in Christ Jesus so that even as He searches and knows us, He loves and has forgiven us. What a God we serve!
So, just for fun, let's do a survey (see poll to the right). Do you floss on a regular basis? Truth: cathartic and contagious.
Yesterday, I went to the dentist for a cleaning. I was quickly escorted into a cold, blue room about the size of my walk-in closet. The hygienist reclines my chair, shines a bright light in my face, and with a sharp, metal instrument poised near my eye she begins her work. Unsettled by the scraping sounds I wait for the interrogation to begin - "So . . . do you floss?"
Why is this question so unnerving? What do we think is going to happen if we say "No"? Dentist jail? Floss flogging? I have never had a cavity nor have I ever not received high marks at the dentist, but still I get nervous. I think the reason is because no matter the answer we give, the proof is in our mouth - and we know it.
Similarly, regardless of the show we put on for others or even ourselves, the Holy Spirit examines our heart and knows fully the corruption and ungodliness that prevents our obedience to God. We know what we should do and simply do not. The Bible has a great deal of mysterious and difficult to understand teachings, but not as much as we would like to pretend. The Lord has given us wisdom and knowledge for holiness and righteous living. The excuses we make only last until "we open our mouth and remove all doubt." What a generous God we serve who satisfied His own justice in Christ Jesus so that even as He searches and knows us, He loves and has forgiven us. What a God we serve!
So, just for fun, let's do a survey (see poll to the right). Do you floss on a regular basis? Truth: cathartic and contagious.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
A Roaring Lion
Recently, there has been a post going around among my Facebook friends; check it out: Can anyone tell me why it is so hard to pray, but easy to swear? Why clubs are growing and churches are shrinking? Why it is so hard to re-post a Christian status, but easy to post gossip? Why we can worship a celebrity, but not Jesus?
I would like to answer. . .we have an enemy. I have to admit it bothers me when pastors/teachers shoot guilt aimed questions like "why is it that you can sit through a four hour football game, but not through a one hour worship service?" into the congregation. There is a part of me that always wants to answer back, "let me bring hot dogs and funnel cakes and yell every now and then and I'll happily stay four hours." Obviously the two scenarios cannot be compared, but the larger truth is, we have an enemy. Not a mystical, fantasy enemy an actual, biblical one. The devil does not care if we read every volume of the encyclopedia or stay on Facebook twelve hours a day, but try reading God's Word and suddenly we have the attention span of a three year old. The devil knows in whom our success rests and he will do anything to keep us from Him.
We are not accustomed (I hope) to factoring enemies into our day. The closest thing I can think of is that years ago I had a coworker who worked as hard at sabotaging my job as she did at accomplishing her own, maybe more. She was delighted to see me fail, but she did not want to kill me. We have an enemy who certainly delights to see us stumble but is dedicated to "steal, kill, and destroy". We tend to regard the devil like an older brother who stands in a dark hallway to jump out and startle us. However, he is not interested in merely startling us for a laugh, but in destroying our very lives. He is evil and loathesome. He hates our God and us by extension.
We need to remember this truth, keep it on our minds, and teach it to our children. Why? First of all, because the reality of Satan is part of our biblical theology. Second, because only in awareness can we respond accordingly. "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (I Peter 5:8). As believers in Jesus Christ we do not have to fear this enemy, but we should be reminded that even though the victory is secure the battlefield is a dangerous place to live.
"Know in all these things we are more than conquerers through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37).
I would like to answer. . .we have an enemy. I have to admit it bothers me when pastors/teachers shoot guilt aimed questions like "why is it that you can sit through a four hour football game, but not through a one hour worship service?" into the congregation. There is a part of me that always wants to answer back, "let me bring hot dogs and funnel cakes and yell every now and then and I'll happily stay four hours." Obviously the two scenarios cannot be compared, but the larger truth is, we have an enemy. Not a mystical, fantasy enemy an actual, biblical one. The devil does not care if we read every volume of the encyclopedia or stay on Facebook twelve hours a day, but try reading God's Word and suddenly we have the attention span of a three year old. The devil knows in whom our success rests and he will do anything to keep us from Him.
We are not accustomed (I hope) to factoring enemies into our day. The closest thing I can think of is that years ago I had a coworker who worked as hard at sabotaging my job as she did at accomplishing her own, maybe more. She was delighted to see me fail, but she did not want to kill me. We have an enemy who certainly delights to see us stumble but is dedicated to "steal, kill, and destroy". We tend to regard the devil like an older brother who stands in a dark hallway to jump out and startle us. However, he is not interested in merely startling us for a laugh, but in destroying our very lives. He is evil and loathesome. He hates our God and us by extension.
We need to remember this truth, keep it on our minds, and teach it to our children. Why? First of all, because the reality of Satan is part of our biblical theology. Second, because only in awareness can we respond accordingly. "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (I Peter 5:8). As believers in Jesus Christ we do not have to fear this enemy, but we should be reminded that even though the victory is secure the battlefield is a dangerous place to live.
"Know in all these things we are more than conquerers through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37).
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
An Ox in the Barn
Proverbs 14:4, "Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, but much revenue comes by the strength of the ox."
Feel free to laugh when I tell you that this verse of Scripture jumped off the page at me during a few days of marathon "aunting". I got to have my 2 year old niece all to myself for about a week and I loved every second of it. I like a good mess when it comes to play time. She and I would wreck the place with toys, puzzles, and snacks; I would clean up while she napped and then again at bedtime. We stayed busy. Amazingly enough her tiny little clothes somehow amounted to five times the amount of the laundry I normally do, and we burned through more dishes than a high school cafeteria. But I am not complaining. As a matter of fact, I am pretty sure there were cartoon birds and Disney music playing every time I rinsed a soapy dish. Why? Because there was an ox in the barn.
A clean barn is an empty barn, but a farmer needs animals to succeed and build revenue. A farmer complains less often about the mess his ox makes when his thoughts are bent toward the blessing that the ox brings. Our homes can look like museums if we empty them of the messy lives that make them wonderful. Or we can fill them with family, guests, and noise and delight in the joy of the mess. I tease my best friend and her husband that they are physically incapable of putting empty cans in the trash or dirty cups in the kitchen. I have my suspicions that they are superheros in disguise and empty aluminum cans are their kryptonite. Do not tell them I said this, but I will let you in on a secret - it makes me smile when I clean it up. It makes me happy. I love being the host. I like the mess. They are part of a wonderful cast of characters that make life life.
I am so grateful for the barn full of people in my life. What a wonderful revenue of laughter, joy, and fun.
Feel free to laugh when I tell you that this verse of Scripture jumped off the page at me during a few days of marathon "aunting". I got to have my 2 year old niece all to myself for about a week and I loved every second of it. I like a good mess when it comes to play time. She and I would wreck the place with toys, puzzles, and snacks; I would clean up while she napped and then again at bedtime. We stayed busy. Amazingly enough her tiny little clothes somehow amounted to five times the amount of the laundry I normally do, and we burned through more dishes than a high school cafeteria. But I am not complaining. As a matter of fact, I am pretty sure there were cartoon birds and Disney music playing every time I rinsed a soapy dish. Why? Because there was an ox in the barn.
A clean barn is an empty barn, but a farmer needs animals to succeed and build revenue. A farmer complains less often about the mess his ox makes when his thoughts are bent toward the blessing that the ox brings. Our homes can look like museums if we empty them of the messy lives that make them wonderful. Or we can fill them with family, guests, and noise and delight in the joy of the mess. I tease my best friend and her husband that they are physically incapable of putting empty cans in the trash or dirty cups in the kitchen. I have my suspicions that they are superheros in disguise and empty aluminum cans are their kryptonite. Do not tell them I said this, but I will let you in on a secret - it makes me smile when I clean it up. It makes me happy. I love being the host. I like the mess. They are part of a wonderful cast of characters that make life life.
I am so grateful for the barn full of people in my life. What a wonderful revenue of laughter, joy, and fun.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Dry on a Rainy Day
Several weeks ago I spent a few hours babysitting the daughter of a friend of mine. She had one mission for the day - to leave her little fingerprints on every inch of the Montgomery Zoo. We got in the car and made our way to the zoo by way of a couple of errands. We had expected the sun to be shiny and warm but gray clouds covered the sky. The tiniest rain drops covered my windshield in a single light haze just before the wipers cleared them away. For a few moments there was nothing but the sound of those windshield wipers. Then from the backseat I heard, "we CAN go to the zoo, my dad said that it wasn't going to rain." It was so sweet. Never mind the gray clouds, never mind the windshield wipers, never mind the actual rain drops, her dad had said it wasn't going to rain and that meant no rain.
Proverbs 22:17-21 tells us that we should and can have that same certainty about the truth that our Heavenly Father has spoken to us. Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge; For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, That they may be ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the LORD, I have taught you today, even you. Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge, to make you know the certainty of the words of truth that you may correctly answer him who sent you?
Never mind the feelings of hurt and disappointment that rise up when we feel like God has forgotten us. Never mind the fear and worry we face when right seems wrong and wrong seems right. Never mind what seems so clear and convincing right before our face. His Word Is Truth. That alone is the reality of a believer. Perception is not reality; it is just awfully loud. Ours eyes and ears will fail us. Our hearts and minds will misunderstand; but God's Word is truth.
Do you see rain drops today? But, What has your Father said? Are your windshield wipers working overtime? But, What has your Father said?
Would you like to know the best part of our zoo day? We did it completely dry.
Proverbs 22:17-21 tells us that we should and can have that same certainty about the truth that our Heavenly Father has spoken to us. Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your mind to my knowledge; For it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, That they may be ready on your lips. So that your trust may be in the LORD, I have taught you today, even you. Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge, to make you know the certainty of the words of truth that you may correctly answer him who sent you?
Never mind the feelings of hurt and disappointment that rise up when we feel like God has forgotten us. Never mind the fear and worry we face when right seems wrong and wrong seems right. Never mind what seems so clear and convincing right before our face. His Word Is Truth. That alone is the reality of a believer. Perception is not reality; it is just awfully loud. Ours eyes and ears will fail us. Our hearts and minds will misunderstand; but God's Word is truth.
Do you see rain drops today? But, What has your Father said? Are your windshield wipers working overtime? But, What has your Father said?
Would you like to know the best part of our zoo day? We did it completely dry.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Very Big Nothings
Dropping your spoon eating ice cream on the beach; your first little league baseball game getting rained out; smudging your polish getting in your car at the salon; not getting the green lollipop; your first B; loosing the rivalry game - a never ending list of very very big nothings.
Maybe we should not sweat the small stuff, but I cannot help but notice that even small stuff comes bearing furnace like heat. Whether you are 8 or 80 life is full of unexpected disappointments and disruptions to our day (afternoon, hour, minute, second). “When life hands you lemons make lemonade,” we are told - a useful platitude on days when life also hands us sugar and a spoon, but the lemons of life don’t usually come in a punch bowl. What then?
I cannot help but laugh when I think of what my mom and dad, school teachers and discipleship leaders must have been thinking as I went on and on as a child about a B on a spelling test or the loss of a softball game and other tragedies with no shortage of tears. Now, I know that they were probably fighting back a smile and a joke about how silly I was being, but at the time I received empathy, affection, and the ear of those who loved me. They cared because I cared.
I am so grateful today that God cares about the small stuff and He is aware of how sour lemons can be. His compassion and care will never be separated from perspective and discipline, but He cares about what we care about. Oh the unspeakable benevolence and awesome abundance of our Father’s love!
Maybe we should not sweat the small stuff, but I cannot help but notice that even small stuff comes bearing furnace like heat. Whether you are 8 or 80 life is full of unexpected disappointments and disruptions to our day (afternoon, hour, minute, second). “When life hands you lemons make lemonade,” we are told - a useful platitude on days when life also hands us sugar and a spoon, but the lemons of life don’t usually come in a punch bowl. What then?
I cannot help but laugh when I think of what my mom and dad, school teachers and discipleship leaders must have been thinking as I went on and on as a child about a B on a spelling test or the loss of a softball game and other tragedies with no shortage of tears. Now, I know that they were probably fighting back a smile and a joke about how silly I was being, but at the time I received empathy, affection, and the ear of those who loved me. They cared because I cared.
I am so grateful today that God cares about the small stuff and He is aware of how sour lemons can be. His compassion and care will never be separated from perspective and discipline, but He cares about what we care about. Oh the unspeakable benevolence and awesome abundance of our Father’s love!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Unwelcome Guests
"How long is the wait?" "Are we there yet?" "How many green beans do I have to eat?" "How many laps do we have to walk?" "How many days until school is out?" "How many pages does the paper have to be?" - The list could go on.
We all want to know how much? And how far? Regardless, of whether or not we can do anything about the wait at the restaurant, the length of the paper, or the amount of time it takes to drive to the beach, we want to know what is ahead and what we should expect. Knowing gives us perspective. Perspective lends to preparedness. David made a similar request in order to gain perspective, "Show me, LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is." (Psalm 39:4)
David needed to be reminded that he was just a "guest" in this world because his hope is in the Eternal God of Heaven.(vv. 11-12) We can endure a lot when we know it is temporary. As seemingly long as this life is, especially in stressful or painful times, the truth is that we are simply unwelcome guests who are on their way home. Forever wonderful home.
"Just a little while longer." "Just a little more." "A bit more effort." One more time."
Worth the wait.
We all want to know how much? And how far? Regardless, of whether or not we can do anything about the wait at the restaurant, the length of the paper, or the amount of time it takes to drive to the beach, we want to know what is ahead and what we should expect. Knowing gives us perspective. Perspective lends to preparedness. David made a similar request in order to gain perspective, "Show me, LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is." (Psalm 39:4)
David needed to be reminded that he was just a "guest" in this world because his hope is in the Eternal God of Heaven.(vv. 11-12) We can endure a lot when we know it is temporary. As seemingly long as this life is, especially in stressful or painful times, the truth is that we are simply unwelcome guests who are on their way home. Forever wonderful home.
"Just a little while longer." "Just a little more." "A bit more effort." One more time."
Worth the wait.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The Horse the Mule and the Wardrobe
Psalm 32:8-11 "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you. Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding, Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check, Otherwise they will not come near to you."
I have a four year old shih tzu named Calli. She is very sweet and is the very picture of a lap dog. She is not much for going on walks, 1.) because she is lazy and 2.) because she absolutely hates wearing a collar and a leash. (I wasn't a good dog parent that got her used to one as a pup.) So when she and I are outside she is free to move around, completely cordless, as long as she listens to me when I call her and give her commands. Her safety and obedience are more important to me than her comfort so if she doesn't listen I will get out the leash and she will be sporting a little puppy bling; but she and I both prefer to go without.
David tells us in Psalm 32 of his free and intimate relationship with God. He is counseled with His eye upon him. We have all been there. I remember being "counseled" by my mom's eye in church many times. When we know someone well and are known by them well it takes little more than a look to give us direction, comfort, even reprimand. This is the preference of our Heavenly Father, not that we would have to be harnessed and forced to obey, but that we would come near to Him and follow. Let's go through the closet of our mind and heart and throw out our bits and bridles and instead follow Him in the delight of relationship.
I have a four year old shih tzu named Calli. She is very sweet and is the very picture of a lap dog. She is not much for going on walks, 1.) because she is lazy and 2.) because she absolutely hates wearing a collar and a leash. (I wasn't a good dog parent that got her used to one as a pup.) So when she and I are outside she is free to move around, completely cordless, as long as she listens to me when I call her and give her commands. Her safety and obedience are more important to me than her comfort so if she doesn't listen I will get out the leash and she will be sporting a little puppy bling; but she and I both prefer to go without.
David tells us in Psalm 32 of his free and intimate relationship with God. He is counseled with His eye upon him. We have all been there. I remember being "counseled" by my mom's eye in church many times. When we know someone well and are known by them well it takes little more than a look to give us direction, comfort, even reprimand. This is the preference of our Heavenly Father, not that we would have to be harnessed and forced to obey, but that we would come near to Him and follow. Let's go through the closet of our mind and heart and throw out our bits and bridles and instead follow Him in the delight of relationship.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Good With the Bleach
Little known Allison facts...I am good with bleach. I like my whites to be white so sometimes I get a bit bleach happy. Apparently not all of my clothes are big fans of the bleach. Just the other day I found a lone sock who had gone a.w.a.l. from his designated laundry basket and had stealthily hidden amongst my jeans. The sock did get clean, but, needless to say, when I refer to that particular sock I have to use air quotes on the word "white". I know you've been there.
That cranky little "white" sock came to mind one day when I thought about the grace full forgiveness of our loving Father. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (NASB) "All" unrighteousness, really? I know it has to be true because God's Word says it, but sometimes I feel like the semi-white sock. I know I'm clean, but still stained, dingy, and at least vaguely resembling the world. However, the Scripture is clear that God not only cleanses us, but He makes us righteous. Why? Isaiah tells us it is for God's own sake and for His purpose that we are forgiven. Isaiah 43:25,"I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins." Isaiah 48:11, "For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act; For how can My name be profaned? And My glory I will not give to another.
He desires to be glorified by us more than He desires to be mad at us. Have you ever been in a fuss with a friend or family member that you just wanted over so you could get back to enjoying the relationship? We move more quickly to repentance, apologies, forgiveness, and restoration when the relationship is valuable. He values His children and desires our unhindered worship. He pours out not just forgiveness, but also blessing and mercy and grace not just for cleanness, but for something new, pure, and bright, shiny white. What great love is this.
Praise God! He is good with the bleach.
That cranky little "white" sock came to mind one day when I thought about the grace full forgiveness of our loving Father. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (NASB) "All" unrighteousness, really? I know it has to be true because God's Word says it, but sometimes I feel like the semi-white sock. I know I'm clean, but still stained, dingy, and at least vaguely resembling the world. However, the Scripture is clear that God not only cleanses us, but He makes us righteous. Why? Isaiah tells us it is for God's own sake and for His purpose that we are forgiven. Isaiah 43:25,"I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, And I will not remember your sins." Isaiah 48:11, "For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act; For how can My name be profaned? And My glory I will not give to another.
He desires to be glorified by us more than He desires to be mad at us. Have you ever been in a fuss with a friend or family member that you just wanted over so you could get back to enjoying the relationship? We move more quickly to repentance, apologies, forgiveness, and restoration when the relationship is valuable. He values His children and desires our unhindered worship. He pours out not just forgiveness, but also blessing and mercy and grace not just for cleanness, but for something new, pure, and bright, shiny white. What great love is this.
Praise God! He is good with the bleach.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
The Singers Sang Loud
I have never been in a place so loud. About a month ago, I traveled with my family to Glendale, AZ for the BCS Championship held in the University of Phoenix Stadium. I have never seen or heard anything like it. The energy and excitement was electrifying. IT WAS LOUD. On one of my trips to get food (yes there was more than one), my ears actually hurt. Don't misunderstand, I am not saying, "you should have seen all the loud crazies;" I was one of the loud crazies. Why shouldn't I be? My team had made it, after a long time of not making it, we were there and we had reason to celebrate.
One of my favorite episodes in Scripture describes a scene that I think would have put that AZ stadium to shame. In chapter twelve of Nehemiah the Israelites gather for the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem. The work was finished. Finally the wall is complete. After captivity, exile, defeated first attempts, Nehemiah's brokenness; after everything they had been through the wall was finished. What some thought would never happen is now a very real, very tall wall. Now was the time to celebrate. Certainly they had reason to be glad that the work was done and that they were regaining their beautiful city, but let's not miss the importance of the wall itself. The people were no longer open and exposed to the enemy. They were not only rescued but now fortified. Former captives now dwelled in their protected city; they were home. So they sang loud. Nehemiah 12:43 says, "and on that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced because God had given them great joy, even the women and children rejoiced so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar." They knew that hardship and enemies would soon come, but, that day, was a day of rejoicing, and they worshipped with a loud voice. Why shouldn't they? They had reason to celebrate.
Over and over again in the Word of God we are commanded to rejoice and be glad, and no one has reason quite like a Christian. In Jesus Christ we have been rescued and fortified. Protected and directed by the arms of the Almighty Creator God. Of course we sing loud. Do you know what He has done? Have you not heard? Do you not know? Do you know what He continues to do? Do you not remember captivity? Have you not experienced freedom? Of course we sing loud.
Why wouldn't we? We have reason to celebrate.
One of my favorite episodes in Scripture describes a scene that I think would have put that AZ stadium to shame. In chapter twelve of Nehemiah the Israelites gather for the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem. The work was finished. Finally the wall is complete. After captivity, exile, defeated first attempts, Nehemiah's brokenness; after everything they had been through the wall was finished. What some thought would never happen is now a very real, very tall wall. Now was the time to celebrate. Certainly they had reason to be glad that the work was done and that they were regaining their beautiful city, but let's not miss the importance of the wall itself. The people were no longer open and exposed to the enemy. They were not only rescued but now fortified. Former captives now dwelled in their protected city; they were home. So they sang loud. Nehemiah 12:43 says, "and on that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced because God had given them great joy, even the women and children rejoiced so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar." They knew that hardship and enemies would soon come, but, that day, was a day of rejoicing, and they worshipped with a loud voice. Why shouldn't they? They had reason to celebrate.
Over and over again in the Word of God we are commanded to rejoice and be glad, and no one has reason quite like a Christian. In Jesus Christ we have been rescued and fortified. Protected and directed by the arms of the Almighty Creator God. Of course we sing loud. Do you know what He has done? Have you not heard? Do you not know? Do you know what He continues to do? Do you not remember captivity? Have you not experienced freedom? Of course we sing loud.
Why wouldn't we? We have reason to celebrate.
Monday, January 31, 2011
The Shepherd's Voice
"But he who enters by the door is a shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he puts forth all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. A stranger they simply will not follow, but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers." (John 10:2-5)
When my sister was pregnant I wanted so much for my niece to kick me, but she somehow knew that I was in the room and would immediately pretend to be asleep and stop moving (my sister says it is because I am so loud). She would be mid-somersault in her Mommy's tummy and as soon as I got near to feel her, she would freeze. I would lean near and in a not-so-dulcet tone command, "Lil Baby. Lil Baby. You better wake up and acknowledge your aunt. Lil Baby. Lil Baby." My sister once told me, "if you don't stop talking to her like that she is going to come out hating you."
One day we were playing at Papaw's house crawling on the floor. I was on my hands and knees across the room and to get her attention I once again called out "Lil Baby. Lil Baby. You better get over here and see your aunt. You get over here and see your aunt right now." To my surprise she immediately crawled to me as fast as she could. I scooped her up and hugged her tight and kissed her sweet little face. She will be 18 months old in a few days and she still does it. Out of sight, I can call out to her "Lil baby. Lil baby." and she immediately heads for my voice even when she can't see me. We laugh and say it is like she goes into a trance. She locks in on me and comes to me as if she has no choice. She knows my voice and comes. She knows her special Aunt Alsie name and she answers to it - thrills me every time.
I want to hear the Good Shepherd's voice and respond like this sweet baby with an absolute resolve to come. I know His voice and He knows my name. I want to follow Him immediately and urgently without distraction or hesitation, knowing that what waits to greet me is the love and affection of Holy God. Others call out, but none can satisfy. He alone is worthy. May He be blessed and find delight in my obedience.
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27)
When my sister was pregnant I wanted so much for my niece to kick me, but she somehow knew that I was in the room and would immediately pretend to be asleep and stop moving (my sister says it is because I am so loud). She would be mid-somersault in her Mommy's tummy and as soon as I got near to feel her, she would freeze. I would lean near and in a not-so-dulcet tone command, "Lil Baby. Lil Baby. You better wake up and acknowledge your aunt. Lil Baby. Lil Baby." My sister once told me, "if you don't stop talking to her like that she is going to come out hating you."
One day we were playing at Papaw's house crawling on the floor. I was on my hands and knees across the room and to get her attention I once again called out "Lil Baby. Lil Baby. You better get over here and see your aunt. You get over here and see your aunt right now." To my surprise she immediately crawled to me as fast as she could. I scooped her up and hugged her tight and kissed her sweet little face. She will be 18 months old in a few days and she still does it. Out of sight, I can call out to her "Lil baby. Lil baby." and she immediately heads for my voice even when she can't see me. We laugh and say it is like she goes into a trance. She locks in on me and comes to me as if she has no choice. She knows my voice and comes. She knows her special Aunt Alsie name and she answers to it - thrills me every time.
I want to hear the Good Shepherd's voice and respond like this sweet baby with an absolute resolve to come. I know His voice and He knows my name. I want to follow Him immediately and urgently without distraction or hesitation, knowing that what waits to greet me is the love and affection of Holy God. Others call out, but none can satisfy. He alone is worthy. May He be blessed and find delight in my obedience.
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27)
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Your Dash
Today I attended a second funeral in three days. The first was that of a husband and father who laid down for a nap and never woke up. The second was that of a 26 year old single girl killed in a car accident. One cannot help but think of the brevity and fragility of life at times like these, and if you are like me, and grief is never more than a memory away then your empathy bone hurts so much for these families. In today's service I kept thinking of a question posed to me in a college Bible study; "What are you going to do with your dash?"
In a cemetery there are all kinds of headstones and grave markers, but most of them share two details: a birth date and a death date. In between those two dates is a dash. A person's entire life summed up by a character you might have to think twice about to find it on a keyboard. All we get is a dash. For some that dash represents decades of days and generations of loved ones who have been left a beautiful legacy. For others that dash represents only a matter of a few short breaths. Only God is trustworthy to decide. Regardless, we only get one dash.
What are you doing with your dash?
In a cemetery there are all kinds of headstones and grave markers, but most of them share two details: a birth date and a death date. In between those two dates is a dash. A person's entire life summed up by a character you might have to think twice about to find it on a keyboard. All we get is a dash. For some that dash represents decades of days and generations of loved ones who have been left a beautiful legacy. For others that dash represents only a matter of a few short breaths. Only God is trustworthy to decide. Regardless, we only get one dash.
What are you doing with your dash?
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Dreaming vs. Preparing
Everything I own was beeping at me this morning. I suffer from chronic procrastination and in an attempt to find a cure I sought the help of my very organized best friend. She apparently repaid my request by programming my iPad to rally my electronics against me and yell at me very early in the morning. I woke up (several times) to flashing, beeping reminders of today's goals and agenda.
I am good at vision. I am good at dreams. I am not so good with daily discipline. I know where I want to go, I am just not sure how to get there. My "wanter" is tuned up and working great; my "do-er" on the other hand is still running on 2G. My wheels spin but no mileage. I recently watched a television program where a woman said, "while you were dreaming someone else was preparing." What a gut punch! When the day comes where God pulls back the curtain on my dream will I be prepared to take the stage or run quickly to a beginner's crash course? Insert your favorite television talent contest here and think of the many competitors who get their shot in front of the "it" people who can make their dreams come true and it is obvious that he/she has not prepared for the opportunity. No classes, no rehearsals, no effort. What's your dream? What does your life look like your prepared for?
I dream of being a wife and a mom, but what am I doing now to prepare to be the kind of wife and mom God would have me to be? I dream of using my gifting in the way God has designed but what am I doing to be ready to serve Him? I dream of making a difference but am I preparing to be different?
Don't be mad at the calendar beeps (or the friend who rigged them)...Dreaming is done best awake.
I am good at vision. I am good at dreams. I am not so good with daily discipline. I know where I want to go, I am just not sure how to get there. My "wanter" is tuned up and working great; my "do-er" on the other hand is still running on 2G. My wheels spin but no mileage. I recently watched a television program where a woman said, "while you were dreaming someone else was preparing." What a gut punch! When the day comes where God pulls back the curtain on my dream will I be prepared to take the stage or run quickly to a beginner's crash course? Insert your favorite television talent contest here and think of the many competitors who get their shot in front of the "it" people who can make their dreams come true and it is obvious that he/she has not prepared for the opportunity. No classes, no rehearsals, no effort. What's your dream? What does your life look like your prepared for?
I dream of being a wife and a mom, but what am I doing now to prepare to be the kind of wife and mom God would have me to be? I dream of using my gifting in the way God has designed but what am I doing to be ready to serve Him? I dream of making a difference but am I preparing to be different?
Don't be mad at the calendar beeps (or the friend who rigged them)...Dreaming is done best awake.
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