Consider this....not that

What kind of things are you willing to overlook in life? Someone cuts me off in traffic and I tend to just gasp a little, let my blood pressure get back to normal, and then move on. I don't find it necessary to speed up, tail them, and/or flip them a certain finger while shouting expletives my momma would have washed my mouth out for back in the day. Someone eats that last brownie you were counting on having when you settled in to watch your favorite evening show and I tend to get a little bummed because I was 'counting on it', but I don't have a hissy-fit. In all truthfulness, I will probably scour the cupboards and fridge to find an 'alternative' to that chewy, chocolate goodness. We can choose to overlook offenses or we can choose to hold onto them like our last nickel. Which do you choose most of the time? Does the 'severity' of the offense come into question? Let's be truthful here - someone eats your brownie and you can forgive pretty quickly - someone steals your TV and you might just hold onto that one a little longer!

Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and—good-bye, friend! (Proverbs 17:9)

It was Pope John XIII who said we are to 'see everything, overlook a great deal, and correct a little'. I might just confess to getting this backwards once in a while. Yes, I see everything - I choose to overlook a little - and sometimes I find myself 'correcting' a LOT. William James said, "The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook." To overlook an offense is certainly the desired response, but how many times do we struggle with that choice? Probably more than we first admit. To overlook an offense doesn't mean we don't notice it - we see it, but we choose not to dwell on it. When we choose to 'consider' that offense over and over again, we are actually allowing small roots to be created that will ultimately bring about the full harvest of bitterness, regret, and mistrust. So, it is pretty important that we learn to 'see all', but not actively allow those things to get into our 'rumination' pathway!

Some of us will protest the idea of overlooking an offense because we think we were wronged. Let me just take a moment to remind us of the value of not 'regarding' the offense as intentional. I think this is my first reaction to an offense most of the time now. I ask myself if that individual actually intended to hurt me by getting over quickly into my lane, maybe a little closer to my front end than I might have wanted. It is not likely they intended me harm - they just needed to get off at the next exit! I might choose to overlook - to not consider - the quick reply that seemed a little clipped and harsh. I consider where that person is at that moment - are they tired, is their blood glucose low, have they lost sleep because they are concerned over matters that are closing in? God asks us to consider the 'best' in an individual, not the worst. 

I have listened as individuals tell me of an offense and my mind goes to the place of asking how on earth they latched onto that offense of the other and how much time they have spent 'considering' that offense. In truth, I wonder how much of their lives they have wasted 'considering' over and over the offense they have latched onto and made out to be so 'great' in their own minds. Harvey Mackay tells us, "Every morning brings new potential, but if you dwell on the misfortunes of the day before, you tend to overlook tremendous opportunities." Mackay is a businessman, so it is likely he was referencing those potential business opportunities, but take this a little further. If we dwell on the 'misfortunes' within relationships, considering them over and over again, we are likely overlooking the opportunities that come when forgiveness is extended in place of that grudge. Just sayin!

Who's better?

You're the One I've violated, and you've seen it all, seen the full extent of my evil. You have all the facts before you; whatever you decide about me is fair. I've been out of step with you for a long time, in the wrong since before I was born. What you're after is truth from the inside out. Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life. (Psalm 51:4-6)

We probably all have a close friend - someone who seems to know most of the "dirt" in our lives - hopefully it is someone you can call your BFF. To be totally transparent here, these "besties", "BFFs", and "best buds" only know us "most of the way", though. There are always some parts of "us" that we honestly believe are kept hidden away from everyone - those really secret things we just hope no one ever learns about us because if they do, we wonder if they will ever be able to love us, much less like us! The only one who really knows us "all the way" is the one who actually created us - God himself. Our 'besties' get really, really close to that level of intimacy, but if we are truthful with ourselves right now, there are things we keep to ourselves simply because we know they are the 'hard things' that make it hard to deal with us. It could be we just need someone to point out those hard places, though.

God has all the facts about us and he still loves us! Now, if that doesn't amaze you even a little, you will miss the rest of what I am about to tell you! David, with a little help from a faithful friend he's likely have called one of his 'friends', comes to the realization of just how much his sin has driven a wedge between him and God. There was something there in his life that needed to be 'pointed out' so God could deal with it and help him overcome. It was likely God's love for David that caused Nathan (the prophet) to bring the message of "conviction" to David. David had wallowed in his sin long enough - Nathan was about to turn the tide for David with the message of forgiveness he would bring him. How does God know the right time, the right method, and the right messenger to send? It always amazes me to know God has that all in his control and he comes through each and every time.

A faithful God provides a faithful friend. Did you ever stop to consider the friend God has placed alongside you for the journey you are on today? In reality, this one may be able to see and know some things about you, but when God is in these friends of ours, they see much more than we might imagine! In the moment of our greatest need, a faithful friend is always willing to point us directly to the source of where our need will be met - Christ! A friend doesn't consider it too much to go out on the line and tell it like it is. Maybe that is one way we know when we have been given a 'real friend' in our lives. David's confession is a hard one for him to make to God, much less have anyone else in humanity know what he has been dealing with. He has been "out of step" with God for a long time. He has let time pass, making the shame and guilt he has experienced about his sin simply mount to almost insurmountable levels. In fact,  he is sinking deeper and deeper into depression. His body aches, he cannot sleep, he feels like his bones are withering away inside. He needs deliverance - and God prepares the messenger - Nathan. The time is right, the message is true, and the messenger has been prepared.

We may not know the exact one God will use to point us in the right direction again when we most need that redirection. The truth remains - God cares too much about us for him to leave us wallowing in our self-pity and sin for very long. He will send a faithful friend - one who will bring the message of forgiveness and restoration we so desperately need. Whenever we are faced with the choice between self-pity and total restoration, the choice should be simple, right? But...how many times do we reject the words of restoration simply because we don't "feel" forgiven? David said it well, "What you are after is truth from the inside out." How this is accomplished is in the very next sentence: "Enter me and conceive a new life - one that is true." No amount of self-help will do what God intends to do himself. The faithfulness of Nathan's message of forgiveness opens David's heart to the possibility of God's touch. Change is possible - but it will require the exchange of our self-pity for this truth of forgiveness. 

As long as we "wallow", we never allow God to enter into us afresh. Self-pity is really just doubt disguised in some way that means we really doubt God's willingness to forgive us and our inability to move beyond the consequences of our sin. When we "wallow", we are moving kind of clumsily, floundering about as best we can, but never really enjoying the journey. When we yield our "wallowing", we find deliverance. A faithful friend opened the door for David to realize the fact he needed God to "enter him" - taking over his doubt and self-pity, erasing his guilt, eliminating his shame, and righting him on solid ground. It is not so much about us "entering" into God - it is much more about God entering into us! We often get this backward - we want to wash away our own guilt and shame. God reminds David (through a faithful friend) - the washing is HIS business! In entering in, God makes all things new. Figures, doesn't it - the Creator knows the creation best! Who can make "new" better than the one who made it in the first place? Just askin!

What is your 'else'

If God didn’t hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn’t gladly and freely do for us? (Romans 8:38)

Is there anything ELSE he wouldn't GLADLY and FREELY do for us? Sometimes I think we expect God is somehow 'finished' with us at some point, but let me be the first one to admit he is far from finished with me! God didn't stop redeeming me at the moment I said 'yes' to Jesus - in fact, he is still in the process of changing a hard heart and sinful nature into one that will respond with obedience. My 'redemption' - a really big word for having my sins forgiven and my life transformed by the power of Jesus' grace - only began the work of 'creating me anew'. Yes, we are totally 'redeemed' at the point we say 'yes' to Jesus, but there is a lifetime of work being done within us to help us reject the desires of our sinful nature and to embrace the new nature of Christ within.

God indeed did put everything on the line for us at the cross, but he continues to put it all on the line for us each and every day. Feel like it or not, God is there. He is working within - nothing stops the work that he begins. Yes, he embraced us when our spiritual, emotional, and even our physical condition was going nowhere good. Gladly and without reservation, he embraced us and is still embracing us. From the very start - he loved. He never stops. Someone needs to hear that today. There are moments I have to tell myself this very thing - God never stops loving us. Freely he embraced and continues to embrace us in his grace - freely - get that, please. His gifts of grace are free - there is nothing we do to deserve them and he is not 'measuring' out little bits and pieces of his grace in a stingy manner. It is freely given - in immeasurable proportions.

God doesn't hesitate to embrace us in our sin - he surely won't hesitate to embrace us when we fall flat on our faces in some form of sinful compromise. It is God's work to help us 'put things in order' within our lives. Sometimes I think we get this backwards, thinking maybe it is our 'job' to get things in order and then God will 'accept' or 'appreciate' us. Do you honestly think God would give so much in redeeming our lives and then require us to 'do' more? The question isn't if we need to obey - we do. The question isn't if we need to respond when he speaks - we do. The question isn't if we need to cry out when we are losing our grip on life - we do. This isn't 'earning' grace - this is living as his new life within us demands.

Today someone is thinking there are things God won't do for or in them, but that just isn't true. There is nothing 'else' we could ask or need that he hasn't already provided for within our lives. In fact, the 'else' we can imagine is really already settled in heaven and God isn't stingy in meeting that 'else' with his grace, love, and provision. There is nothing 'else' he won't freely and gladly do for and within us - nothing. If you need this today - embrace it. If you aren't there today, pray for the one who is - they need our support and love to fully accept God's truth that they are loved, accepted, and fully appreciated just as they are. He is enough for their 'else'. He is enough for our 'else', too! Just sayin!

You can use this?

I think it was Norman Vincent Peale who reminded us it is always too soon to quit. There are a lot of things we chase after in life, sometimes quitting just short of ever achieving whatever it is we are chasing after. We chase after a lot of things in life, but I have come to the conclusion not all of them are really worth chasing. Sometimes we chase stuff which brings us grief and disappointment - not exactly the best outcome, huh? This chasing is a part of a much deeper issue - we lack satisfaction or contentment, so we 'chase' and 'chase' and 'chase'. Contentment is a state of being "at ease" in our mind, soul, and spirit. We don't need activity because we are already at rest. Sometimes ceasing is the best remedy to chasing! Satisfaction really is that deeper sense of being grateful - fulfilled in what we have and who we are.

Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it—because it does. Give yourselves to the gifts God gives you. (I Corinthians 14:1)

Today we will look at the importance of pursuing the right stuff - in turn, that pursuit will bring us into a place of contentment like nothing else in this lifetime ever can. It is in the giving of ourselves to the gifts God gives us that we find our greatest place of contentment (fulfillment). Before you tell me you don't have any "gifts" or "talents", let me assure you - you have talents and gifts way beyond your imagining! Too many times, we limit ourselves by the belief we don't possess the "right stuff" to do what it is God is asking us to do. We often don't know the "talent" God may need in a particular moment or circumstance - but he does. If he places us smack dab in the middle of the need - we must have something he desires to be used in serving to meet the need! In reviewing our "spiritual gifts" we often discount the very "practical gifts" we have been given, such as our talent to balance a set of accounting books, the ability to proof a term paper, the skill to teach tough subjects, or the awesome ability to make people feel very welcomed in a group.

We somehow think the "spiritual gifts" God is looking for are all these "mystical" gifts like the "word of knowledge" or the "prophesying" of a new revelation to the church. As important as these gifts are, the most important gift we have to offer Christ is ourselves - complete with every "natural talent" we have. In turn, God takes what we consider "natural" and turns these into something he considers "super-natural". When we are in service with the talents we possess, he is honored! We are to "go after" a life of love as if our "lives depended on it". We are left with no doubt here - our life depends upon our pursuit of all God has for us. When we are "going after" something, there is a tenacity (a stick-to-it kind of attitude). We don't want to give up without the reward of what we are pursuing. A life of service may not seem like much of a 'pursuit', but the results are telling.

I wonder just how much we'd be blessed in blessing others with the simple talents we possess? You may be excellent readers - have you ever considered reading to the blind or elderly with failing vision? I know my mother enjoyed it when my sister sat lazily by on the sofa, book in hand, and shared the stories from the Reader's Digest with her. You may be able to herd cats - maybe your toddler's church class could use your talent! You might be able to make a mean cup of coffee - perhaps the ladies need a safe-place for a mom's group. You may be able to teach - there are hundreds of parents having to work through hybrid school right now with no idea how to do this 'new math'. Whatever you possess - give it! You might just be surprised at what God can do with the "simplest" of talents! 

God really wants us to focus on giving what it is we have - not bemoaning the fact we don't have a "particular gift" to give - like the one someone else is giving already. In other words, he doesn't want us to focus so much on what we "don't" have as much as focus on what it is we "do" have. In the giving of ourselves to what it is we recognize as a "talent", "trained area", or "natural bent" we might have, God can bring forth the "spiritual" blessing of our "gift" as it touches the lives of those around us. Don't make too much of the word "gift" - instead, allow God to use you as the need "fits" your temperament and training. Pick up the hammer, drive a few nails, and see what he allows to be built! You might just be surprised to find in the nail hammering, lives are touched! Just sayin!

I get it, I get it....no, not really

These days we are on information overload. The media is one thing, add to that social media and all manner of internet searches and we just can get inundated with info, but is it all 'right', 'true', or 'correct'. We can be 'data rich' and 'action poor', if you know what I mean. It is one thing to "know" something - quite another to "do" it. I know how to eat well - to choose the right thing to eat continually is a different matter! We know rewards of eating right always outweigh the short-lived enjoyment of the wrong choices! So, why do we act surprised when we get on the scale and see a few extra pounds? We made the choices - now we see the consequences. The truth is both the knowledge and the action must connect in order to get the results we desire in life. This is one of the hardest lessons to learn, is it not?

Keep and live out the entire commandment that I'm commanding you today so that you'll live and prosper and enter and own the land that God promised to your ancestors. Remember every road that God led you on for those forty years in the wilderness, pushing you to your limits, testing you so that he would know what you were made of, whether you would keep his commandments or not. He put you through hard times. He made you go hungry. Then he fed you with manna, something neither you nor your parents knew anything about, so you would learn that men and women don't live by bread only; we live by every word that comes from God's mouth. Your clothes didn't wear out and your feet didn't blister those forty years. You learned deep in your heart that God disciplines you in the same ways a father disciplines his child. (Deuteronomy 8:1-5)

Israel finds themselves on the verge of greatness as a nation. God has delivered them from one of the biggest struggles or strongholds of their lives - their servitude to Egypt fulfilling menial labor tasks in the fields and homes of the Egyptians. They "came out" to be "brought in". They were delivered to be free, not to enter into another form of slavery or bondage. So many times we get "delivered" from one object of "trial" only to be faced with another, don't we? We thought we'd arrived, but then we come to realize it was only one leg of the journey on a long, long journey toward obedience! Experiencing God in every dimension of our lives is definitely a journey which takes a lifetime. It is not a one-time deal, or an on again - off again experience. We can see every diverging path of one of God's faithful kiddos leading to an obstacle course of some sorts - until the 'faithful kiddo' comes face-to-face with the reality the path was the wrong choice to make.

When God instructed Israel, the lessons were repeated over-and-over again. Sometimes I get exasperated when I have to explain things more than once or twice to someone - how about you? Yet, God is infinitely more patient than me (and thank goodness he is)! In the explanation he gives, we always find evidence of his grace. In the re-explaining, we experience the evidence of his grace. Amazing, right? Keep and live out the commandments - not some - not the easier ones to keep - but all. It is not up to us to pick out which will "suit us", or to "tailor" them to our circumstances. If God says, "Don't", then it means don't. If he says, "Go", then we'd better be up and about it. Look at the instruction again - KEEP and LIVE OUT. Sometimes I think we believe "keeping" to be a one time deal - God thinks it is a lifetime project!

Remember every road you've been on? The instruction is to "remember every road God leads us on" - not necessarily every road we have chosen to follow by our own doing. I think we get this muddled up in our minds - not every road we travel is going to be something we want to commit to memory. In fact, there are some that were probably a result of our own choice and are best forgotten. God instructs us to remember the ones he designed for us - those are the ones where we were tested and proven faithful. When we mix the two up, we have a tendency to get confused by the shame and guilt the wrong roads produced. Hard times are followed by refreshing. No amount of bad compares to the good God gives at the end of the journey. Today's trials are just tomorrow's blessings in disguise. As long as the road is the one God places us on, we are in good hands. If we diverge on our own path, even the obstacle he places in the path of our own choice is a sign of his grace and intense love for us. The obstacle is a call to turn around! God's disciplines are good. He never disciplines haphazardly. God's disciplines are never directed at us in anger. There is always hope in his discipline. There is a fresh infilling of grace. If we find ourselves disciplined - we also find ourselves intensely loved!

Don't lose sight of the most important thing - even the obstacle in your path today is a sign of God's intense love! How we deal with the obstacle determines the path we will follow next. We can either experience the next obstacle, or turn again into the path he designs for us. The choice is up to us. The weight of one path is light - the other, not so easy to bear up under. Just sayin!

Spring Training

It is almost spring again and time to begin to turn the beds so we can plant some veggies and flowers. 
Have you ever observed just how easily weeds grow in those beds and how terribly much work tending a garden seems to require all the time? It just does not seem fair at how easily the weeds sprout up all over the place, while coaxing one rose bush to bloom requires dead-heading, careful watering, and regular fertilizing. A typical lawn may require hundreds of dollars a year just in "weed-preventer" chemicals! The soil has to be turned, nourished, and readied before I can plant one single seed. What is up with all these weeds?

God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it, "He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out." This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God. (2 Corinthians 9:8-11)

The weeds in our gardens and yards never seem like a blessing, do they? In fact, they almost make us want to curse them a little - as though saying, "I curse you, you ugly weeds", is going to make them die any sooner! I have learned some very interesting lessons from my weeds, though. There are weeds which are very green - pluck them up and the lawn or garden seems to have "bald" patches that just moments before appeared all nice and green. Some are deceiving us with their pretty flowers - lulling us into admiring them, while all the while, they are preparing to let loose of hundreds of "weed-seeds" in a moment of time! Then we have the weeds which don't really seem to be evident - but step on one of their spiny "burs" and you will soon be painfully aware of their presence. Lest you think I am only referring to the weeds in my outside garden and lawn, I am not. There are these similar kinds of weeds in my "inner garden" of the heart which are ready to take over if not addressed!

Our passage reflects on the blessings of God - not simple blessings, but what God refers to as extravagant blessings. When Paul presents this idea of God pouring out blessings in astonishing ways, he is referring to the "giving" in order to have something to "give away" - not just to "get" or "get more". Some may think it odd of me to get a "blessing" out of weeding my garden, but in some respects, it is very rewarding. The lawn beds look a little barren for a while when those green, leafy weeds are no longer firmly rooted in the soil. It is this "barren" and "prepared" soil that actually gives room to the seeds I want to plant to grow as they are intended to, spreading out, taking root, and providing a rich and refreshing cover of new green and color. 

The burs in my heart are a different matter all together. I have to get "pricked" a few times before I actually get to the root of those menacing tentacles of pain I have allowed to take root in my heart! The cocklebur weed is a tenacious thing - spreading out in all kinds of directions, weaving itself carefully into the blades of grass around it, until it has a firm root. Before long it puts out all these spiny little burs. As time passes, these burs harden and become a menace to anyone or anything that gets one attached to their sock, pant hem, or the tufts of an animals fur. They become a source of irritation and try as you might, they just seem to attach more firmly whenever you make a move to rid yourself of it!

You know me - I find a lesson in almost everything. What do those burs have to teach me? They take root fast and "spread out", getting into areas they shouldn't even be in. Sin is like that - it spreads into all kinds of areas of my life if not weeded-out quickly! Although unnoticed at first, the burs make their presence quite evident in the end! Sin cannot be hidden long - the "burs" of sin will prick at us repeatedly. The more we "worry" on the burs, the more they seem to get entwined in our emotions. Our faithful God is quick to point out the sin when it is not yet deeply rooted - weeding it out early prevents it from being a "bur" to be reckoned with later on - a lesson that has taken me a lot longer to learn than I really want to admit.

What about the weeds which lull us into admiring them with their beautiful show of brightly colored flowers? As a kid, I would walk the desert and find the wildflowers. I never realized they were mostly weeds because they "displayed" themselves as pretty flowers! Sin is deceptive this way - putting up a good show at first, but secretly ready to release hundreds of "seeds" that will be our undoing in the end. The seeds produce fresh doubt, fear, worry, shame, guilt, and the list goes on and on. Lulled by their seeming appearance of being "okay", we miss the "outgrowth" of these 'sin' seeds! Weeding them out, instead of admiring their "appearance" of being "okay", prevents seeds that will produce countless other issues in our lives if allowed to 'germinate'. God "gives" in order for us to have something to "give out". Even the lesson of the weeds is a blessing which was given in order to be given out. If it speaks to you - awesome! Just a little 'spring training' lesson for ya!

Heed and Act - they go hand in hand

 “Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” (John 13:34-35)

I was always taught to pay attention to things that are repeated in scripture because they are important. If we just pass over something because it seems 'rote' or like we have heard it a million times, we may miss one of the most vital lessons we need to learn in our lives. I can drive by the 'speed checked by radar' time and time again, all the while ignoring it until one day I see those bright red and blue lights flashing for me to pull over to the side of the road. The sign was always there, but I didn't heed it and therefore, the consequences are deserved. If we heed the warnings in scripture, we do well. If we obey the commands in scripture, we do even better.

Love one another - seems easy, doesn't it? Ever try doing it? You know exactly how hard it is to love 'some people', don't you? Those ones that are on your last nerve about all the time are not all that easy to embrace in love! There isn't a whole lot of wiggle room in this command - anymore than there may have been wiggle room in exceeding the speed limit when it was clearly posted and I was even given a warning that my speed would be monitored by some invisible radar somewhere. (Lest you think I have been busted for speeding - I am just using this as an illustration) Love one another is an 'absolute' - there is no opportunity to do otherwise and think we won't bear the consequences of not having fulfilled the command.

In the same way I loved you - that is Jesus talking about how we are to love one another - as he loved us. Before we were godly creatures, he loved us. Before we got our act together, he loved us. Before we figured out we weren't all that loveable ourselves, he loved us. Without compromise, no strings attached. He loves graciously - not holding grudges when we promised something and didn't fulfill the promise. He loves limitlessly - not ever considering how much it will cost or where to draw the line with us. He loves constantly - not just when the urge hits him or he 'feels like it'. Herein is the example we are given - love as he loves us. 

When they see the love - that makes it quite clear - love is an action, not just a feeling. I think we live in a crazy, mixed up world that sometimes gets this whole 'love' thing all out of perspective. It seems like love is equated to what we get, not what we give. It is based on how we 'feel' toward another and that is totally whack. Love is an action - taken without regard to how we feel at the moment. We may feel wronged - but love dictates we forgive and restore. We may feel less than appreciated - but love requires us to be kind and gracious in our response to others.

This thing called 'love' is visible - it isn't hidden - it is 'out there'. It goes the extra mile, even when we don't feel like it. It creates room for others, even when it seems like the world we live in would be a whole lot simpler if it was just us in it. Love is without reservation - because God didn't reserve his love for just a few - it is and has always been available for 'whosoever' would believe and call upon his name. Love like Christ? Not an easy task, but we don't do it alone. The Spirit of God lives within us, empowering us to obey this command, my friends. Just sayin!

But why? How come? When will it be?

 Someone once said they didn't know all the answers, but they enjoyed taking on the questions. I am kind of like that individual. I like the questions - they challenge my mind. I like to see what will come out of pondering an idea - if it will 'fly' or fail doesn't really matter - I just like exploring the idea until I can see it fully. It doesn't escape my attention that each child comes into this world with a 'blank slate' of a mind and before long that mind is exploring all matters of immediate interest. You remember those days if you are a parent - those endless minutes of question after question that seemed so unnecessary - but oh how necessary they were to that little one! As a parent, we might have been a little frustrated by the endless questions, interrupting our 'workflow' and challenging us with slightly odd things like why goats poop nuggets and horses poop 'clods'. Yup, those questions may not make a whole lot of sense, but it was their little minds beginning to understand not all things are the same - understanding what made things different was part of their mind's development. God isn't put off by our questions - even when they don't make a whole lot of sense. Even when they seem frivolous to us or others, God considers them extremely important to answer because he knows it is forming our understanding of him, how he moves, what he considers important, and how much he loves us.

Now when the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon’s fame connected to the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions. She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels bearing spices, and very much gold, and precious stones; and when she came to Solomon, she told him all that was on her mind. Solomon answered all her questions; there was not anything too difficult for the king which he could not answer. When the queen of Sheba observed Solomon’s wisdom and the house he had built and the meat of his table and the sitting of his servants and the attendance of his ministers and their clothing and his cupbearers and his entryway by which he went up to the house of the Lord, it took her breath away. (I Kings 10:1-5)

 Some of our questions are really aimed at questioning what God is doing, or how he is going to do it. We want to know so we won't be all the surprised by the next thing that is about to come along in our life that will challenge us or get us inspired. These are necessarily 'bad' questions, but if the attitude is one of needing to control the outcome ourselves, then they are certainly not the right questions to be asking. God is always going to ask us to let him take control - there is no doubt about that one. We might just need to understand how God will move next because we are so intent on not missing even one moment with him, but to be truthful we are probably a little desirous to be 'one step ahead' of God's next move! The questions we ask actually reveal a great deal about our heart attitude at the moment. When we ask God 'why did YOU let that happen to me', we are likely asking because we 'blame' God for something that happened. We don't like the outcome and we immediately move into the 'blame' mode. God isn't put off by our 'blame game', though. In fact, he counters our question with a question or two of his own. Questions aimed at revealing our heart - our intent, our action, and our reaction. 

 There are times we will ask questions of God because we are kind of doing what the Queen of Sheba was doing with Solomon - testing him with 'hard questions'. In turn, he tests us and that can make us quite uncomfortable. As a little one, learning quicker and easier than any other time in my life, my questions were met with answers most of the time. There were times when the questions just didn't get answered though - in fact, I was 'questioned' to see why I thought a certain thing was the way it was, or why a certain thing happened when there was a precipitating factor. Why was I questioned when I asked the questions? Parents and teachers were helping me to learn - to reason things through, explore a little deeper, put two-and-two together. These were things I could 'reason through' because I had all the 'elements' of the answer - I just needed to put it all together in my own mind. Some of what God does with us when he 'turns the questions' around to us is just that - he is helping us put all the pieces together because we already know the answer - we just haven't allowed it to be fully formed in our minds yet.

 The next time we go to questioning God and he returns a question with a question maybe we need to keep that in mind - he is helping us to learn. He isn't dodging or avoiding the question - he is helping us to take what we already know and put it all together. In essence, he is bringing 'light' into our hearts and minds so we begin to see all the pieces that fit together and then he helps us to put it all together. We have that 'aha' moment - the evidence of knowledge being turned from mere knowledge into fuller understanding. So, learn on my friends!

Fired Up

Man is so made that when anything fires his soul, impossibilities vanish. (Jean de La Fontaine) Imagine all the impossibilities you envision before you today and then begin to see them vanishing right before your eyes. That huge pile of laundry that awaits your attention - poof, gone. The gigantic undertaking of cleaning out all the closets and drawers where everything just seems to get jumbled - poof, done. The deadline looming for this tough project at work - poof, finished. Impossibilities - we all seem to have them and we all seem to view them just a bit differently, don't we? How we 'view' our impossibilities actually is a result of the condition of our soul - where it is we have placed our trust to overcome those staggering hurdles in front of us.

For no word from God will ever fail. (Luke 1:37)

Imagine being barren - unable to bear a child in a culture where children were the crown upon a father's head and the delight of every mother. Imagine the turmoil deep within the emotions of seeing your friends and relatives multiply their families year after year, all while you remained childless. Imagine the 'secret talk' among those same friends and family as they looked upon you, believing somehow God must have 'judged' you as unworthy of a child - knowing there was some 'flaw' in your character (better known as sin), so he placed a judgment upon you of 'barrenness'. It wasn't uncommon back in the day to believe this way. What an impossibility it may have seemed to Elizabeth to ever be a mother.

Now imagine being Mary and hearing the words, "You are with child - in fact, you are in your sixth month - and your relative, Elizabeth, is also with child." How do you think that revelation would have hit Mary - knowing the barrenness of Elizabeth's womb had been the talk of the 'secret whisperers' for years? How do you think that would have 'hit' Elizabeth to find she was with child? My mind might have gone to how I noticed my dresses weren't fitting quite as well, how the belt that drew in the waist needed to be knotted just a bit looser than normal. I attribute it to the extra calories I seem to be packing away, hungry all the time and craving things that I normally didn't desire. Then it all makes sense - or does it? 

Mary was a virgin - Elizabeth was a married woman. It made sense that Elizabeth could be with child - miracles did happen, you know. To be with child as a betrothed woman, never having 'known' a man, now that didn't make sense! In her sixth month, a 'pledged woman', not yet married, but 'promised' to a good man in the community and she was pregnant - now that's a hurdle! If you can just put yourself in the moment of hearing that news, might you imagine your heart hitting rock bottom, fear entering in with waves and waves of overwhelming unbelief? I would have - not really sure what to make of all of it, but quickly going to the place in my mind where I would imagine the 'secret-whisperers' having new fodder for their gossip!

God amazes me as he allows some impossibilities to be set out in front of all of us - not because he wants to shame us or cause us great angst - but because he wants to show us how great his power is on our behalf. With God all things are possible. With God - not on our own. All things - not just some of them, but all of them. Are - not will be or might be. Possible - it can exist, it can happen, it is going to be done. With him, all things are possible. We face impossibilities each and every day - not because God wants us to be anxious or fearful, but because he wants us to learn to trust him, even when the impossibilities seem insurmountable. Not every impossibility is from him, but trust me on this one, every impossibility is nothing compared to his method of dealing with it! When the right thing 'fires' our soul, the impossibilities vanish. Just sayin!

On the hunt

Have you ever been on the hunt for something and just not be able to locate it? I have heard how insanely hard it is to find new appliances these days because of the pandemic slowing down the manufacturing and shipment of the appliances to stores. One friend shared that her fridge absolutely conked out and she had to shop everywhere just to find a replacement. When she finally found one, it was still going to be a week before it would be in stock and delivered! Even when she was 'on the hunt' and knew what she needed, it was insanely hard to find. For me, it is finding clothes that fit the way I like them to fit, in a style that is practical, and at a price point that won't break the bank. We all have those things that we are 'on the hunt' for from time to time, but it is the thing that we are on the hunt for each and every day that will either make us or break us. If the 'hunt' is right, the results are bound to be fruitful!

Whoever goes hunting for what is right and kind finds life itself—glorious life! (Proverbs 21:21)

Right and kind might actually be better translated "righteousness and mercy" - the aim of the hunt is twofold - be on the hunt for all that is right and never settle for something that isn't based in God's mercy. To be truthful here, I have 'settled' for a good many things in my days that were neither 'right', nor remotely grounded in God's mercy. They were things that 'looked good', but proved to be not so good for me in the end. We probably all have had those moments of 'settling' for something, then regretted it in the end, huh? God's plan is quite the opposite, but it involves us being willing to lay down what we 'think' we want or need, and then begin to obediently pursue the things he 'knows' we want and need.

I am called all the time by these folks that want to buy houses and will pay you cash for your home. They assume I still have a mortgage and that I may want to leave my home sometime soon. I stop them almost immediately when they declare their purpose for calling, politely telling them I have no interest in selling just before I begin to depress the receiver. Today, so many want bigger spaces. I might like a little more room and a huge shop in the back to pursue my hobbies, but I am quite content with what God has given to me. I may have a shed that I have converted into a workshop, but it does the job nicely. I don't need more - I need what is best for me and God always knows what that will be.

There are a couple principles here we should not miss. First, we have to be active in the 'hunt'. We don't find what is right and merciful just by sitting around doing nothing. A hunter will tell you there is a great deal that goes into the hunt in the way of preparation. Being in the right spot at the right time isn't by accident - it is purposeful planning and preparation. The same holds true in our spiritual life - we don't just latch onto good and righteous things in our lives because they fall into our laps. We have to pursue them with tenacity. 

Second, we have to know what we are want. If we just go window shopping, chances are we will buy things we didn't even need. When we are on the hunt for the refrigerator that has the dimensions that fit our household needs, we are more apt to search and search until we find it. Spiritual truths don't just come alive to us because we open our Bible verse of the day app. We have to really read it, look at it in context, and then ask God to reveal truth to us - how we need to use that scripture to become more like him in our daily lives. We pursue righteousness and mercy - seeking the right stuff, that fills the right 'space' in our lives is essential.

Lastly, we won't be on a fruitless hunt when we have hunted with this type of tenacity. We are bound to find righteousness and mercy when we seek God first and allow the others things of this world to become less important to us. Just sayin!

Never look back

If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, Doesn’t have a swelled head, Doesn’t force itself on others, Isn’t always “me first,” Doesn’t fly off the handle, Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others, Doesn’t revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end. (I Corinthians 13:1-3 MSG)

Every now and again, I like to look at this list of what love 'is' and 'is not' just to do a little 'inventory' of how I am doing in the "love others" and the "love myself" category. Yeah, you heard me right - there are times I do things because I love myself - not all things we do for ourselves is bad or wrong, ya know! We all have one thing in common - we are bankrupt without love - we get nowhere in life if the love of God hasn't consumed us. No matter what we say or do, without his love at the center of our lives - we are just a bunch of empty people. Love never gives up on us and I think that is probably the most significant part of this passage - God's unending desire to see us made whole again - filled to overflowing with his grace. To that end, God continues to pursue us day and night with an earnestness that suggests he isn't finished with us and we aren't finished with him!

Love cares more for others than for self, but it isn't wrong to take care of yourself. All God is asking is that we keep the right focus in everything we do - don't do something for selfish reasons, with only yourself in mind. Why do we take care of our bodies? They are the temple of the Holy Spirit - so we take care. They are used to bless others - so we take care. They are to be instruments of his grace - so we take care. We learn to care for ourselves and in turn, we are learning to take care of others. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. I don't have the body of a twenty-five year gymnast anymore and I am not likely to ever return to that 'stately appearance' in this lifetime. Is it wrong to desire a healthy body? No, but don't let the desire to 'look' a certain way consume you. The only thing that should consume us is God's love - let that love guide how you see yourself and you are likely to become very content with how God has made you. 

Love doesn't strut or have a swelled head, but it isn't afraid to share the joy and peace that is experienced with knowing God deeply. Not in a forceful way, but with gentleness and kindness - allowing the evidence of grace to impact our world through out actions of love. We have all probably seen those bumper stickers on a car that encourage to the world to love, bring peace, or practice 'random' acts of kindness. I might just encourage us to find a way to practice some 'purposeful' acts of kindness before we explore the random ones! There are those right there in front of us that need 'purposeful' acts of love today. Let God show us how to love those he has placed in our path and we might just be surprised how those acts of love multiply into many, many more 'random' acts of love.

Love doesn't fly into a rage, nor does it keep score when others have done something 'less than loving' in our lives. This is a hard one because we all want to be treated well and when that doesn't happen as we expect, we feel slighted or wronged. Have you ever been guilty of making someone 'grovel' for your forgiveness? Or worse yet, have you been on the groveling end? What's up with that? God's goodness in our lives isn't based on what we deserve, so the forgiveness we extend to others when they are 'less than loving' to us isn't ever based on what they deserve, either. Truth 'flowers' where grace abounds. There is no greater gift we can give sometimes than the gift of forgiveness - allowing truth to blossom and the beauty of grace to fill our lives. Probably one of the hardest things we do each day is trusting God with the stuff we don't understand - the hard stuff we don't think we 'deserve' in life. 

Love trust unceasingly - even in the midst of hardship. It keeps going when all others shrink away or cannot keep up. It is like that old jingle from the Timex commercials, "It takes a licking, and keeps on ticking". Love isn't easy - it isn't without bumps. Love doesn't pull back when it seems there is resistance - it presses forward, knowing grace is just around the corner. We might 'push' a little harder in some areas of our lives because we know grace is just around the corner. Don't pull back - press on and press in. Don't give up, for it is not the 'trying' that makes the difference, it is the consistency of coming back time and time again to 'train' one's mind, body, and spirit in the grace and love of God that we become more and more like him. Just sayin!

You bring that out in me

Carl Jung told us 'everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.' He was spot on with that one! In a sense, all of us have experienced the best and worst at times, attitudes, and what I shall call 'heart moments'. Moments when it just seems you will burst with excitement leave you feeling totally encouraged. Then almost without notice, another heart moment comes, bringing weight seemingly beyond your ability to carry it. I have no idea why life has to be so much like a "pendulum" swinging this way and then the other at times. With the highs and lows come opportunities - within relationship, ourselves, and our circumstances. We are given new insights into the tremendous blessings we have been afforded in life. We are also given insights into the "old habits" we "count on" to get us through - some of these "old habits" are more of a hindrance than a benefit. No wonder 'others' can help us see 'ourselves' in a clearer light at times! Our 'old habits' need a little revealing!

All of you, slave and free both, were once held hostage in a sinful society. Then a huge sum was paid out for your ransom. So please don't, out of old habit, slip back into being or doing what everyone else tells you. Friends, stay where you were called to be. God is there. Hold the high ground with him at your side. (I Corinthians 7:23-24 MSG)

By definition, a habit is an acquired behavior. We become so acquainted with doing something a particular way until it becomes almost involuntary to us - we do it unconsciously. Think of the first three things you did today. How many of those actions are simply out of habit? For me, it was making the bed, showering, and making the coffee while the computer booted. Totally habit. No one left me a list of instructions requiring these of me - I simply gravitated to them because it is my usual custom. In another sense, a habit is the "dominant" disposition we display in those heart moments. It is the most consistent response to the influences we have in life. When the pendulum swings one direction, we almost consistently respond one way. but seldom the other. We have developed a "dominant" tendency which displays the true character of our heart. The heart betrays the "real you", does it not? Focusing on the heart is a good thing when it comes to understanding what is "dominant" in our lives.

Old habits are hard to break. I used to chew my nails. They'd be little stubs, cuticles all chewed away. They are certainly not long, elegant nails today - I keep them trimmed because I am in healthcare and I do woodworking. They are no longer chewed to the quick. Why? I changed my habit as hard - as it was to do! What influenced the change? One semester in microbiology during my pre-requisites for nursing school! I took a culture scraping from what little nails I had left, then left it to incubate over the weekend in a petri dish with rich nutrients. Upon returning the next week to find a multitude of colored, fuzzy stuff growing in the dish, I was left with a pretty visible impression of what was 'under' those nails! Wouldn't it be nice if every "old habit" way of responding to life could be as easily seen as those fuzzy growths in the petri dish? Having the visible evidence of how these habits affect our lives would be so telling, right? If we could somehow put every old habit in a petri dish, let it incubate in a controlled environment for a while, then come back to examine it, we might be surprised at what we see "growing"!

A controlled environment allows for the evidence of what has been there all along to become apparent - but can an uncontrolled environment do the same? As the pendulum of life swings, and we are surrounded by those who might just reveal a little bit of 'old habit' themselves, things surface in our lives. Responses we thought we'd done away with in the past, or images of old patterns of sin come creeping to the surface. In the moment, we probably don't have any "control" over the environment, but if we were wise, we would reach out to the one who can help us analyze what isn't always 'evident' in our lives until those moments come. We are given the gift of the Holy Spirit present in our lives. He is the one who "captures" the heart moment responses. He is also the one who brings us into the "controlled environment" where we can see exactly what relying on these old habits will produce within us and in our relationship with others. He trusts us to allow him to help us change these old habits so they will no longer produce these "ill-effects" within us and within our relationships. 

I wonder if we realize just how much God loves us? He cares so much about the "old habits" because they have such "ill-effects" in our lives. It is his greatest joy to help us "isolate" what causes us the greatest harm. In letting him examine the "heart culture" of your life, there is a little risk, but the benefit of the revelation outweighs the risk every time. Just sayin!

Roots of Good Character

A wise person gets known for insight; gracious words add to one's reputation. (Proverbs 16:21 MSG)

Boy, it has been a rocky year we have come through and most are glad to see it in their rearview mirror! Between the pandemic, political climate change, and the constant struggles with just 'getting along with each other', this has been a hard year indeed. Things will stand out in your memory that describe this year in some way. I would like to ask what makes you stand out from another in a crowd - especially the crowds that scream the loudest, protest the most, or seek the most prominent positions? Lately, I have been observing all kinds of things that make folks stand out. More than just multiple body piercings - loops dangling here and there, chains connecting this to that, and studs outlining their facial features like eyeliner. I am referring to the ways people act, speak, and especially the way they treat others. This seems to be the thing that intrigues me so much right now. The 'character' of a man or woman is what I am referring to here. So, what is it we desire to have on display in the way of character? That is the question I would like us to consider this morning - how is it we 'stand out' in this world?

God offers us one insight into what we put on 'display' for others to see - get known for your insight! It isn't what we 'display' on our bodies - it is what is displayed in the outpouring of our minds, hearts, and spirits! Where do gracious words emanate from? The scripture points us to the heart - out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). How is the heart made reliable? Scripture points to the fact of our heart being "deceitful" and "desperately wicked" - a puzzle no one can truly figure out (Jeremiah 17:9). We are faced with a conundrum of sorts, aren't we? We want a great reputation or character on display, but our heart betrays us with 'not so good' character being displayed at times! We are directed to consider our words - we find the root of our words is really the heart - therefore, the root of a good reputation lies in a changed or renewed heart. In allowing the examination of the heart, we often are providing the means to 'uproot' the stuff which negatively impacts our reputation (our character). A plant grows in various kinds of soil because it finds various forms of nourishment.

In my travels, I have observed the well-cultivated gardens of the Southern portion of the states where I find rich, dark soil. It is filled with all kinds of nourishment for the plants. The soil is easily worked and relatively free of barriers to growth. In Arizona, our soil is hard, filled with pebbles and stones, and oftentimes quite unwilling to be a growth medium to anything but weeds. All soil is affected by "external" things - like rain or sunshine. Too much rain and a lack of sunshine - mold and mildew begin to affect the roots. Not enough rain and too much sunshine - plants wither and die. It is a fine balance, isn't it? So, "intake" is important to maintaining the health of the plant. This is the purpose of the roots, is it not? Intake also involves spreading leaves wide to receive the rays of the sun. A different type of plant grows in the shadows of the tree than that which is out in the blistering sun of day! Too much of even a good thing can affect us adversely! The importance of "balance" in our lives is not to be missed.

Looking at the rocky desert landscape of Arizona, I find alkaline soil - hard, impenetrable, and almost hostile to growth. The things which grow in this soil are much different in appearance than those of the deep South. In fact, many of the plants growing in the deserts have to struggle to grow. There are rocks in the soil, impeding the deep reaches of the roots to much needed water sources. The "leaves" of the desert plants resemble spikes! In fact, they often repel rather than attract. Most of the time, you don't hear anyone saying, "Oh my! Just look at the beauty of that cactus over there!" But...there is something to be said about the roots of these desert plants. Their roots go deep! They have to in order to survive! Strong winds apply pressures each monsoon season - easily ripping up those which are not anchored deep. Hot seasons produce very little relief in drenching rains. Consider the "reputation" of the two types of "growth". The plant of the deep South - it is beautiful, lush looking, and admirable. But...will it endure the harshness of the seasons? I challenge us to consider again the plant of the Arizona desert. First, it is adaptable. When the seasons of dryness come, it may not bloom as much or as vividly, but it sinks its roots deeper and endures. Second, it has adapted to where it is planted. The spines may look a little "rough", but they are simply "adapted" leaves. Last, but definitely not least, they grow where others tend to wither.

Bringing this back to our discussion of "heart", here's what I want us to see. An "adaptable" heart reflects the soil its roots are planted within! At first, we may only see the spikes of "adapted leaves", but in time, we see the beauty of sturdy, steady, and deeply anchored roots. The woodpecker makes his nest in the hollow of the cactus, carving out a safe habitation for its young. He looks beyond the long spikes of the cactus, anchoring his trust in the shelter of the stately cacti. I wonder if this is what God had in mind when he reminds us of the reputation of the wise? They may not "fit the mold" of what the world calls wise. If you have ever been drawn to the words of one touched by God in the depths of their heart, you will soon realize they have adapted to the soil they are planted within, allowing it to affect them deeply. In turn, their words provide a little nourishment to all who take them in - a shelter of sorts. The external appearance may not always reflect the internal source of strength realized in the "rooting" of the wise person - but their words betray their roots - the roots of good character! Just sayin.

Moments, not minutes

Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts. 

(Charles Dickens) 

I don't know if I need to remind anyone else, but I will take this opportunity today to remind myself that these three things matter very much - the heart, our temper, and our touch. Our heart because it is the seat of all our emotion - guard it well and it will stay on an even-keel; neglect it or allow it to run hog wild and you will know many a misery in life. The heart is capable of being very hardened because it faces all manner of anger, hatred, and malicious intent in this world, or it can remain malleable in the hands of God even in the face of great adversity and resistance. 

A temper that never tires might just be likened to an attitude that never forgets how to forgive, extending mercy even when it is least deserved. We all might just benefit from having such a temper, my friends. I know how many times I have been on the receiving end of that type of temper and I am ever so grateful to have been treated with what I can only refer to as 'godly kindness'. To never tires implies it will be tried often - repeated assaults require repeated grace. A touch that never hurts, but rather heals and helps one up who has fallen. Three character traits we can all benefit to incorporate into our daily walk.

Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty. Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart. Earn a reputation for living well in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people. (Proverbs 3;3-4)

Living well in God's eyes and the eyes of the people. Isn't that what Dickens may have been portraying when he reminds us of these three attributes of character? Never lose your grip on LOVE - the heart may be drawn many a direction in life, but when it is drawn into the presence of God, it cannot help but be absorbed by the intensity of his love. Never lose your grip on LOYALTY - the heart may be directed toward many a distraction in life, but when it is committed to listen to only one voice, it is steady and deliberate in all its actions.

Earn a reputation for living well in God's eyes and you are certain to have a reputation of living well in the eyes of others, my friends. I listened as my pastor shared a very profound thought this morning. It wasn't original to him, but he shared a quote that really ministered to my heart. Maybe it will minister to yours, as well. "Life should be measured in moments, not minutes." I don't know the author of this quote, but I really latched onto it today. Minutes have flown by, but I have lots and lots of moments that I hold onto with each passing year. 

How about you? What moments are you making today? It isn't the completion of the goal that is really what matters today - it is the things we do with the moments we create today. The character we display today in the moments we create today - these matter. So, make the most of the moments - with hearts that never harden, tempers that never tire, and touches that never hurt. Just sayin!

Stirred and Spoiled

Even if you have never been "in love" with that special man or woman in your life, you likely understand this statement - where the heart is, there is your focus. If you have ever been in love, you might understand what I am about to say - no one else captivates your attention quite the same as the one you hold in that place of closeness deep within your heart. Over the past several days, I have felt God directing me to focus on my heart. As most may recognize, to teach, one has to be taught. Therefore, if you are picking up on anything in my blog, you are likely to know God is continually dealing with my heart, attitude, and commitment. In turn, he is dealing with my focus. How about your focus? Is he dealing with yours, too?

Your profile turns all heads, commanding attention. The feelings I get when I see the high mountain ranges—stirrings of desire, longings for the heights—remind me of you, and I'm spoiled for anyone else! (Song of Solomon 5:7)

I love this passage because it speaks of what "stirs" God's heart - his kiddos - you and I - we stir his heart! When he looks upon us he is "spoiled for anyone else"! No one else captures his attention like us - no one! I wonder if we can say the same about our own hearts - that no one else captures our attention quite like him? If you have ever read through the Song of Solomon, you may have been a little uncertain about the meaning of it because it is kind of a love story plopped right in the middle of the Bible. I know most of our Bible is not written in chronological order, but when it was constructed in the typical 66-book outline from Genesis to Revelation, I think there was a specific design in placing the Song of Solomon right where it is. Think about it...

Genesis through Deuteronomy encompasses the creation of mankind, the tenderness of God to care for his creation, and the redemption of a people who would ultimately be the delight of his heart. Joshua through 2 Chronicles outlines the struggles of putting down roots in a land which was not their own. Ups and downs are recorded for our learning - lessons on the hardships of disobedience and the blessings of remaining true to your first love. Then comes Ezra and Nehemiah - hope for rebuilding what was lost in times of disobedience. The message of redemption rings true once again. Esther bespeaks the lessons of obedience and submission. Job the testing of faith and the blessings of steadfast commitment. Then we launch into the Psalms - praises and prayers designed to show us how living in the presence of God affects our lives. Proverbs and Ecclesiastes presents practical messages of living uprightly, making right choices, and learning how to control what otherwise might control us.

Then along comes the Song of Solomon. A book of intense love - the captured thoughts of two so in love that the connection of heart is almost palpable to us as we read those passages. All along, God has been directing us to this point - the connection of heart, not just mind, not just body - but our entire being - mind, will, and emotions settled upon him and within him. The following books from Isaiah through Malachi cement the idea of a life without God as being void of substance, bound by the very thing we'd hoped would have given us liberty. They bespeak the message of a heart grown cold - the first love lost or squandered. We don't even need to outline the message of the New Testament - the word "new" bespeaks it all. God gives what man cannot - a new heart. 

The feelings I get when I see the high mountain ranges—stirrings of desire, longings for the heights—remind me of you, and I'm spoiled for anyone else! God looks upon us and he is stirred with desire. Desire to provide what will make us whole again, completing us in every good and perfect way. If you read the rest of the book, you will see times when it seems like the two lovers are never separated, followed by the times when there seems to be a huge distance between them. Isn't this the way of our walk with Christ? Times when we just cannot get enough of him, followed by times when it seems like we are a little distant from each other? When God looks upon you, his heart is stirred. When he sees your obedience, his heart is enraptured. When he gazes upon your heart, he sees it as no one else does - perfect (even when we know it is not)! When we pause long enough to take in his image, our image becomes one with his. If we stir up a longing in his heart, just think how much beholding him can stir up a longing deep within ours! Just thinkin....

Whew, I am tuckered!

I am not a 'runner' like some are - simply because my knees cannot take that stress. I do enjoy a good brisk walk, though. In a spiritual sense, we all 'run' a race, so to speak - just as in the natural sense of running, we need to learn the spiritual principles that help us to run so as not to hurt ourselves. Some of us will run in a direction all of our own choosing, but when we do, we run alone. As a believer in Christ, we run in a race alongside the greatest runner of all times - Christ himself. If having his example (pace-setting) before us is not enough, he left us with a huge crowd of "models" who also ran the race and won. We can learn much by considering how they ran.

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls! (Hebrews 12:1-3 MSG)

Strip down! In the military, we learned to run in combat boots, full fatigue uniform, and sometimes even with our packs on our backs. If you have ever tried to run any distance in combat boots, you know this is not an easy feat. They are just not built for running! Let alone carrying a pack and in a uniform not intended to keep us from sweating!  It is amazing to consider just how much "stuff" we want to carry into the spiritual race we run each and every day. We have burdens we just don't want to let go of because we are too stubborn or think we somehow 'deserve' those burdens - serving only to weigh us down. We have covered up our sins with ill-fitting facades that don't let us 'breathe' at all - adding extra weight and discomfort all around. We are to have our feet shod with the gospel of peace - - yet we plod along in "combat boots" of our own doing! We hold onto anger and bitterness as though they were attached to our very soles (actually they are attached to our "souls"). The instruction to us is quite simple, but oh so hard to do: STRIP DOWN!

Start running! No race is ever won until we actually begin running, but a runner will likely tell you there is advantages in building endurance in walking first! I have been both the observer on the sidelines and the runner in the race. I no longer can run in the natural sense due to the damage my knee has suffered over the years, but I can still cheer on those who do. In some senses, I miss the ability to run (at least with any grace and semblance of knowing that I know what I am doing). There was something in the adrenaline rush of running alongside others -- pushing beyond your perceived capacity to run any longer until you got that second burst of energy that helped you go just a little bit further and push a little bit harder. You don't get the energy until you run! Have you ever seen a runner out at 2:30 in the morning? I have. Why are they out there at that hour? Their body craves the run. I wonder how much we actually crave the run in the spiritual sense? We likely barely crave the walk, much less the run!

Keep your eyes on the finish line! If you run, there must be a destination in mind - you cannot just head out into the wild and run - you have to plan for pitstops and places of rest. If you just set off running without a goal in mind, you might not ever make it home. I think of the character from "Forrest Gump" played by Tom Hanks. In the movie, he sets out one day to "run". He has no destination in mind -- he just runs without really considering his starting point or his end point. When he gets to the opposite coastline, he stops, turns around, and runs again. He does this several times until one day, he just stops. He is finished running. This is similar to us running without a goal in mind. We set out, run a long time, then just stop. We really don't have much to show for our running, but we can say we "ran". How much better would it be to have run a race in which the goal was clearly in mind?

Study how Jesus ran! A good runner studies how others endure the race. He looks at how they pace themselves, where they rest, when they take nourishment -- how they have run stands as an example for us to follow. Imagine learning how Jesus "paced" himself. You don't see him arriving on the scene (earth), taking over local governments, clearing the temples of all sinful characters, and announcing "I am God", do you? He allows himself to be "paced" by the one who knows how the race should be run (his Father). He had dedicated times of rest and solitude. He took nourishment (both natural and spiritual) because without it, he'd not be able to continue on. Why do we attempt to run any differently?
You will get weary! Running fatigues the one running. What we do with the weariness determines if we will end the race well! Do we rest a while, regrouping our spiritual strength, renewing our stamina to run hard again, or do we just give up?

If we allow weariness to keep us from running hard again, the race beats us! God warns us of the weariness which will come upon even the best runner. His advice to us -- review the race from the viewpoint of the winner! That will shoot adrenaline deep into your soul indeed! So, are you running today? Have you stripped down? Is your goal clearly defined, or does it need some refining? Who are you holding out in front of you as a "pace-setter" in this race? Are you finding yourself weary? Maybe it is time to refocus, renew, and re-engage in the race. See you on the "track", my friends! Just sayin!

You said what?

Am I the only one who has those awkward silent moments when you just stunned somebody with what you just said, then you have this shuddering feeling sweep over you that says, "I am going to regret having said that"? If you have ever found yourself thinking, "I wish I hadn't said that", you are probably in good company - you are right there with me. Most of us have experienced some moment of remorse over poorly chosen words. We just had no idea of the impact they'd make when they were actually spoken, because we didn't consider them well, nor did we consider the audience who would take those words in and sometimes even take them to heart.

Irresponsible talk makes a real mess of things, but a reliable reporter is a healing presence. (Proverbs 13:17 MSG)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 KJV)

My son asked me the other day what an 'exhaustive concordance of the Bible' was and I was delighted to tell him it was a way to look up all the passages about a certain topic based upon key words. I discovered this topic of our 'words' has some of the most content in looking up "words", "speech", and "communication" in the scripture. Since we all probably find ourselves in the category of "irresponsibly speaking" on occasion, I'd like to share some principles I have found in the scriptures related to our words. Carefully chosen words lead to a carefully "walked" life. (Proverbs 13:3) The words we choose to speak have a life-altering ability. Not only do they alter our lives, but those who hear them. 

Our words should be true. If you have ever spoken words that really do not conform well to the facts, you probably have either personally interpreted the facts through your own "skewed" perspective, or your intention was to mislead another by the words you spoke. Either way, the words have an ability to mislead. God's first reminder to us - be truthful. Our words should be honest. You might think this is the same as being truthful, but it carries a different type of meaning. In being honest, we are to be upright and fair. In other words, we speak in such a manner so as to be fair (consistent, even, and without bias) in what is said. 

Perspective goes a long way in determining our perception of a situation. If we determine we want a perspective which causes us to see things in a truthful manner, then the words we speak sometimes are "tempered" by this "fairness" principle - they are without bias, not misleading, and proper. When we go to a counselor about our problems, what is the counselor doing while we sit there in their office? They are listening to both sides of the story! From a neutral perspective they help us "re-frame" our personal perspective to see things from another's viewpoint. Before long, if done well, we begin to see the other person and situation a little differently.

Our words should be just. Think of this as words which actually are proper to be spoken at the time. They are given or awarded rightly. If we use words like "always", "never", or "without fail" in describing another's actions, are these words accurately reflective of the other's actions? Not usually - - try as we might, we cannot "accurately" label someone's actions as consistently, without fail, or as always being a certain way. So, we need to learn to bring "reason" into the picture. Our words should be pure. When something is considered "impure", it is usually because it has had something "added" to the mixture. Pure words don't carry a lot of contaminating "add-mixture" stuff. We don't embellish. We don't need a whole lot of examples to build our case. We need to keep our words as free from inappropriate elements as possible - perhaps this would help us not get us down so many rabbit holes in relationships.

Our words should be lovely. They should possess a beauty to them that is sincere and appeals both to the heart and the mind. Words which are insincere have a "masked" meaning. They may appeal to the mind for a while, but when they hit the heart, their true meaning becomes apparent. Our words should bring a good report. Mom always taught, "If you cannot say something nice, don't say anything at all." Our guiding principle with this concept is to allow our words to be morally excellent. If they don't reflect good morals on our part - don't speak them. If they destroy the good morals of another - don't speak them. If they would be best left unspoken - don't speak them. The questions to ask ourselves: Are they right? Are they fitting? Are they proper? If not, don't speak them.

Our words should bespeak virtue and praise. Words should lend something to the integrity of the relationship. If they don't, they tend to tear down rather than knit together. If this seems like a rather long list, it is. God gives it to us in bite-sized chunks so we have an ability to allow him to impact our words in measurable ways. If we begin at the top, working with God each step of the way, he can impact our choice of words. It may not come instantly, but as we commit to the principles taught, we become much wiser with the use of our words. We don't need to manipulate to get our message across - - it comes across in a powerful and altering way because it is tempered with the grace of God! As a closing thought, take a lesson from one who has learned, "All words need to be thought, but not all thoughts need to make it into words!" Just sayin!

Yes. Yes. Yes.

There are some days when a certain online shopping place gets my money and then there are others when I only browse the sales. I oftentimes find good bargains and cannot resist getting something that will help me around the house, or just to give as a little gift to someone I love. We all have our favorite 'hangouts' for shopping, don't we? Some of us like to browse the mall store fronts, while others of us have adapted quite well to shopping online during this pandemic. One thing always remains the same - it is more blessed to give than to receive. We all like to receive, don't we? How about giving? Are we as excited about giving? God is quite extravagant in what he gives our way - how extravagant are we with giving out of that same generous spirit?

Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It's way over our heads. We'll never figure it out. Is there anyone around who can explain God? Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do? Anyone who has done him such a huge favor that God has to ask his advice? Everything comes from him; Everything happens through him; Everything ends up in him. Always glory! Always praise! Yes. Yes. Yes. (Romans 11:33-36 MSG)

Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God? If we really begin to consider this, we all probably would find we have so much in the way of "riches" right in our own possession and we either don't see them, or we have been taking them for granted all this time. The immediate blessings of God that come to mind might be made clearer in this one blessing: the incredibly unfathomable acceptance of each of us into the family of God. I am not from any line of royalty in a natural sense, but I have been adopted into a family of incredible royalty - my bloodline in Christ is 'royal' and so is yours! Now, there's a blessing to consider!

What about the blessings of our ability to do simple tasks which we take for granted so very often - almost daily glossing over even the simplest of tasks because we don't see them for the blessing they really are? Things like brushing our own teeth, combing our hair in some style we like, and buttoning our own clothing. As a nurse, I have seen thousands over the years lose these abilities - through the effects of crippling arthritis, spinal cord injuries, or neurological assaults on the brain. We just don't know what a blessing it is to be able to complete these simple tasks until we find ourselves unable to do them any longer!

Scripture tells us we'll never figure out God. Well, I am no rocket scientist, but I'd agree with that truth whole-heartedly on this point! Try as I might, God's wisdom, grace, and unconditional love are totally unfathomable to me! Everything comes from him - deserved or not. Everything happens through him - even when we don't see his control. Everything ends in him - because it all began in him. Everything!
All we "possess". All those things that seemingly just "happens" in our day. All are a result of him being the Lord of our lives. Nothing is by our own creation. Nothing is by our own efforts - he gives us the breath and strength to undertake the task at hand.

When we stop to consider God, we think of one word: Everything. When we stop to consider what we are without God, we think of one word: Nothing. So, if I want "everything" - I am really saying I want more of God! Now, it may not be unlimited spending at my favorite online shopping hangout, but it is much more fulfilling than a new pair of jeans or a sparkling new smartwatch! Before we start wishing for more of what we "think" we need, maybe we should start asking for more of what we "really" need! God is never more honored than when we bring our need to him. It is in the acknowledging of our dependence upon him that he is brought honor.

Apart from God, we really possess nothing of significant value. In God, we are blessed with and through everything! It is not just what we possess, but what possesses us - this is what God wants us to understand. God's greatest glory is not found in us figuring him out - - it is in us honoring him with our obedience and love even when we find it impossible to figure him out! Our "unlimited spending" is really most rewarding when it is accomplished in the courts of our loving God. Just sayin!

Oh, talk less, walk more?

Cultivate your own relationship with God, but don't impose it on others. You're fortunate if your behavior and your belief are coherent. But if you're not sure, if you notice that you are acting in ways inconsistent with what you believe—some days trying to impose your opinions on others, other days just trying to please them—then you know that you're out of line. If the way you live isn't consistent with what you believe, then it's wrong. (Romans 14:22-23 MSG)

Most days I am just happy to end the day feeling like my behavior came reasonably close to my beliefs! I set out with lofty goals, but over the course of the day, I veer a little (and sometimes a lot) from how I hoped to act, wished to respond, or chose to think about a matter. In the end, I find myself evaluating my actions, seeing those which just did not match my beliefs, and then find myself in dialogue with God (once again) seeking his grace and forgiveness. Now, carry that a step further and you will understand why I am not going to try to 'impose' my beliefs on anyone - they need to see a better example some days of what I believe! To 'impose' the beliefs I have on anyone without congruence between what I say and what I do is kind of hypocritical, isn't it?

I kind of doubt if I am in this situation alone. We are admonished to spend some time focusing on our own relationship with God, not the 'other guy's relationship'. Why? As we take our eyes off of what we think OTHERS have done wrong and let them rest squarely on how well we are doing living out our own beliefs each day, we often find we are falling short of our beliefs - the focus is on the right person in this case. Instead of focusing on those issues of "congruence" in others, we are asked to look at our own. Not the most popular message, huh? Not the most comfortable one either. The benefits of keeping "right focus" in our lives are really what God had in mind as he admonishes us here.

Keep the focus on God and no one else (or nothing else). There is much to be said about "cultivating" relationship with God, but here are only a few benefits of "cultivation" which come from the perspective of farming land. It keeps down the growth of weeds! I used to pick the weeds for some elderly ladies in a neighborhood where I used to live. I would arrive in the morning, looking up at hillsides of long natural grasses and dandelions springing up through the ice-plant and rocks that acted as the erosion barrier on the hillside behind their homes. By midday, when I'd take in lunch, I'd sit and admire the half-day's accomplishment of half a hillside plucked free of weeds. What a pretty sight it was. 

Jesus taught a parable about the wheat and the tares (weeds). Over the course of time, when the weeds were not plucked up, they overtook the wheat and stunted the growth of the good stuff. The same thing happens in us. Keeping the right focus actually loosens the soil so things can actually soak in within us - so they stick, so to speak. God knows we need a little "loosening up" of the soil of our hearts. Things just don't soak in very well when we are so hard-hearted. The soil that is cultivated allows the entry of the seed. The work of breaking up the soil is important to its receptivity of the seed. As I plucked up the weeds, the soil was being loosened around the ice-plant vines. They were now free to spread and fill in. They were what provided protection from the erosion of the late summer rains which could otherwise bring a devastating mudslide to these hillsides. The same holds true with our hearts.

We need to keep the focus on being consistent in your own behavior, not on the inconsistencies in another's. It is the concept Jesus taught about trying to focus on the splinter in the other guy's eye when we have a log in our own. We try so hard to take the focus off us, but it is hard to "look around" the log, isn't it? When there is a consistency between behavior and belief, we find the splinter becomes less significant in the other guy's eye - maybe because it is taking all our attention to just allow God to deal with the log we are carrying around in our own! Nothing speaks more clearly about God's grace than another seeing God's action in our lives to change the things in us which are inconsistent with our proclaimed beliefs. Actions do indeed speak louder than any words!

Model what we believe - a nice 'concept', but is it achievable? Much more is impacted by what we model than in what we say. This is the toughest lesson to learn, though. When we have mastered this one, we talk less and walk more - our beliefs are shared in our actions, not in our words alone! Just some ideas for developing "congruence" today. The starting point is in the cultivating of the "right stuff". Once the cultivating is underway, the other stuff begins to fall into place. Just sayin!

A suitcase of dirty clothes

Love God, your God, with your whole heart: love him with all that’s in you, love him with all you’ve got! (Deuteronomy 6:5)

I know this passage seems like it is a 'simple' one, but the loving of ANYTHING or ANYONE with ALL that's in you is kind of hard because your own self gets in the way from time to time, doesn't it? As much as we say we are 'all in' relationally, we have those moments when we 'hold out'. Some are quite intentional, while others just happen because we aren't really paying all that close of attention to the relationship. There is just one relationship that requires our all-out attention and intentionality - the one we have with Christ Jesus. All other relationships grow or decline depending upon how 'all in' we are with the relationship we have with Christ. 

Our whole heart - try measuring that one for a moment and you will certainly begin to realize just how hard it is to get our 'whole' heart into any relationship. We seem to hold back a portion just in case we will get hurt. In the scriptures, the heart is not the muscle that pumps blood through our bodies - it is our mind, will, and emotions. Now, lest you say you are 'all in' within that relationship based upon that definition, let me ask the last time you were with someone and found yourself not really paying attention? Was your mind 'all in' at that moment? Not likely. You allowed a drift in attention - a distraction to take you away from that moment.

All that's in you - this is an apt description of being 'all in'. What's 'in' you right now? Some of us will report there is a little fear, hopelessness, anger, bitterness, or even envy. Why would God ask us to bring him our fear - to be 'all in' even with our fears? What can we possibly bring into a relationship where hopelessness is kind of niggling at our souls all the time? Who wants to be given our anger or bitterness? What about our envy - how can that be anything that belongs in relationship? I think we believe God only wants the 'good stuff' in our lives - in those areas, we can understand how he wants us to be 'all in', but with our 'bad stuff' or what some of us label as 'baggage' - surely that isn't what we should bring.

When God asks us to be 'all in' it goes way beyond the 'good stuff' in our lives. It includes the hard stuff we deal with each day - the stuff we label as 'bad stuff' or 'baggage'. Why? There is no one more equipped to lovingly deal with our fear, so we no longer need to be intimidated and oppressed by those worries any longer. There is no more powerful one we can depend upon when we feel all hope is lost. Our anger and bitterness keep us muddled in all our relationships - when we go 'all in' with him - laying it at his feet, we find he is able to show us where we break the cycle of holding onto what we definitely need to let go of in the first place. Envy may seem like it has no place in this relationship, but when that 'green-eyed monster' begins to hold us captive, his hold on us is the only thing that breaks that cycle of  the 'not enough' syndrome we are experiencing.

God doesn't just ask for our 'best' or 'good' - he asks for all of us - complete with the baggage, my friends. No need hiding it away, reserving it for who knows what reason. That baggage needs to be unpacked, the dirty laundry washed clean, and then we need to put on his grace-washed character. Go 'all in' with God and you may just find the baggage you've been toting around for years and years is finally unpacked and put far away. Just sayin!

Small, but consistent

Bend an ear, God; answer me. I’m one miserable wretch! Keep me safe—haven’t I lived a good life? Help your servant—I’m depending on you! You’re my God; have mercy on me. I count on you from morning to night. Give your servant a happy life; I put myself in your hands! You’re well-known as good and forgiving, bighearted to all who ask for help. Pay attention, God, to my prayer; bend down and listen to my cry for help. Every time I’m in trouble I call on you, confident that you’ll answer. (Psalm 86:5)

How many mornings do you start out well, but when you actually stop sometime later that day and look at a recap of your day, you honestly feel like you have made a mess of just about everything you put your hands to that day? I have those days, too. The meal didn't turn out well because I took my eyes off it for a bit and it scorched the pan. The laundry was put into the dryer without realizing the Chapstick in your pocket wasn't removed before you threw the trousers into the laundry and well, you know the rest. The way to work suddenly had construction barriers up everywhere, narrowing traffic to one lane and a snail's crawl on a day when you knew you were already running a bit behind. We've all been there, haven't we? Those moments when the 'recap' shows a 'less than stellar' outcome. It isn't that 'mess' that matters as much as what we do with it in the end. We can cast it aside and hope for a better day tomorrow, or we can take the mess and use it as a 'seed' for a greater harvest tomorrow! One relies on chance - the other relies on making each step in the day count for something good.

Many times we look back at our 'failed attempts' as worthless, but turn that around a bit and begin to see the failed attempts as some form of 'seed' we can plant to reap a greater harvest. You have probably heard it said that there are three principles of sowing and reaping: 1 - We always reap what we sow. 2 - We always reap more than we sow. 3 - We always reap after we sow. Consider that last 'failed attempt' you had. You sowed some seed. You reaped a harvest more than likely a little greater than the seed you sowed. You reaped only after you sowed the seed. Now, if that 'seed' wasn't all that great, meaning that your harvest was kind of awful, then you can learn from that experiencing of sowing those kinds of seeds. You don't have to settle for bad harvests in the future when you can learn from the present harvest, do you? You can change the type of seed you are sowing, which changes the type of harvest you will reap.

God forgives our 'bad seed' moments, but he expects us to learn from them, doesn't he? One thing I have been reminded of lately is the value of taking small, consistent steps in the right direction. It doesn't matter what you are desiring to reap as a harvest - consistency in your Bible reading or prayer life; relationship growth; financial well-being - the seed you sow takes time to come to full harvest, but in time, it comes. The consistency we show toward sowing the right seeds will undoubtedly reveal a dynamic harvest in the due season. It is right there where many of us get hung up - the 'due season' takes so long and we don't believe anything is happening while we wait to realize the harvest. I learned to make lollipops one year with a dear friend. I remember waiting at the stove, constantly stirring that sugary mixture, watching and waiting for that candy thermometer to come up to just the right temperature. Too early and they would not set up right; too late and they are gritty. Stir it too little or too much and you get the same miserable results. There was a right time and a right way to the process.

As with all of life, we get out of it what we put into it. Take the small, consistent steps toward the goal you have today and you won't see immediate results, but in due time you will. As I shared yesterday, I am again on that mission to eat well, exercise daily, and get this old gal into fit shape again. Small steps in the right direction will eventually yield the right results. It won't be instant, but in the consistency of choosing even 100 calories less each day, I can realize my goal. How about you? What seeds are you sowing this year that will yield a harvest in due season? Don't grow weary in your consistency - for it is in those small steps we come to realize the harvest greater than what we ever sowed. Just sayin!