Available
Too easy – to be all about self. Pretense that all we’re doing currently prevents us from being able to put ourselves out to add another thing to our schedule. So we drive on by the homeless man, impatiently walk behind the elderly woman, don’t look up from our conversation at the waiter.
And I’m pointing these fingers back at myself. Life is full and chaotic and uncertain. And it’s just so much easier to not invite any more in. To just hope I get the next few hours right. To close off any mention of more.
There was a little boy, his name was Samuel. His mother had tried for years to have a baby. Finally she bore a son. Because he was an answer to a prayer of surrender of herself, she, in turn, surrendered him in service to God. One night as he slept in the temple, a voice called: “Samuel”.
At first the boy thought it was the old priest he was serving with, and he ran responding: “Here I am”. But the priest had not called. After the third time, Samuel was told it was God’s voice and to go back and when the Lord called to say: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” (1Samuel 3:9b NIV)
You and I may not get called on in the middle of the night (or we might) – but we are called. It’s the very nature of being a servant of God. He calls on us daily to be ready, at a moment’s notice, to respond: ‘I’m listening’.
Question is, will we listen, do we want to hear? The things purposed for us as we walk this life aren’t always easy. Called to be a mom, grammy – got it. Called to intervene when I see a stranger needing to hear Jesus loves you, um, gulp – that’s a little inconvenient, embarrassing, not my ‘gift’.
It wasn’t always easy for Samuel to speak up for God either. And yet he spent the rest of his life delivering messages that often weren’t welcome. He was available and God used his ‘here I am’ to anoint kings and to chastise them as well.
Our call may not be as lofty, but our ‘here I am’ needs to be just as ready. If I want my grandsons to see Jesus, I need to walk in His footsteps. If I want my grown children to see why and how to serve, I must trust. If I want to hear ‘well done’ at the end, I need to say: “Pick me, I’m available.”
Honor
A foreign word these days – honor. And yet when used, it’s misused. We give honor to worthless things. We call people heroes flippantly. In this culture of constant affirmation, words become watered down.
We are so consumed with being entertained, that scoring baskets or goals is heroic. That doing the job we’re being paid for somehow makes us deserve high honor. Maybe it started back when we began giving every child on the team a trophy. Actually I think it started in that garden called Eden: when you eat it, you will be like God.
In that taste, by both the woman and the man, in a mere few seconds, honor became something to be grasped for self. Jealousies, hatreds, divisions – over skin colors, weight, money, status, etc. – start when honor is given to any other than God the Creator. “Worship the Lord your God and serve only Him.” (Luke 4:8b CEV)
Certainly those things we do like run into a burning building to save another, donate a kidney to one whose kidneys are failing, and even the kind act of helping an elderly person who stumbles are noble. These are what we are created for.
The very ability to do any of those things and others, is a gift from the Creator. “I have strength for all things in the One strengthening me.” (Philippians 4:13 BLB)
And there’s where we forget. Forget that any ‘good’ we do is a manifestation of the One we are created in the image of.
This is where we lost track. Created in the image of God to do good works: “For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10 HCSB)
So all our efforts are not for our glory, our honor. They are to honor the One who gives us each breath. Who knows the number of our hairs, numbered our days before our first breath. “All glory to Him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are His before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.” (Jude 1:25 NLT)
Unbelief
So easy to live like we believe when all is well. Right now I’m in the all is well – no major crisis, heartache, or fear. But where will my belief be when…
When things aren’t so easy. A friend is walking through ALS with her husband. Prayer request came through, he was struggling. Another friend took care of a father-in-law in his last months doing things for him she had never imagined she would find herself doing.
I’ve seen these and others walk hard life things – like friends, much too young to die, lose their battle to cancer. And I wonder, how will I walk through the next hard life thing?
You know the story of the father whose son was possessed by a demon. Constantly hurting himself. A father worn out from the daily struggle, worn out from the worry. Then Jesus is near. Last hope, last resort – he asks: “if you can do anything, have compassion”.
If – such a big word looms. In the seconds between the father’s plea and Jesus’ proclamation, hung all of mankind’s questions. Can you Jesus? Will you?
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” (Mark 9:23 NIV)
I’m that father, so are you: ‘If you can Lord, please do.’ And what we don’t get is this: He has. Doesn’t always look like what we asked. But someday we will see how perfect the answer was. Know how I know?
Because He’s told us.: “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.“ (Mark 11:24 BSB)
Even our unbelief He can fix that too. Maybe we can’t see the answer yet, maybe in this life we won’t see it at all. But someday we will see clearly. For in eternity more than all we could ever ask or imagine is Yes as we proclaim Amen – “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.”. (2Corinthians 1:20 NIV) He is for us all the time!
No more pits
Everything has a disclaimer and warning these days. The raisin container says, ‘may contain stems’; the olive jar says, ‘occasional pits’; entertainment has ratings, websites warn of ‘cookies’.
Life seemingly doesn’t come with disclaimers or warnings. Nothing comes with a newborn telling parents this will be the hardest thing you’ve ever done. No tag to tuck away for when that child becomes an adult that says, ‘childhood was hard but you haven’t seen anything yet’.
Then again, there is something that talks about these things. A lengthy list telling the results of our actions – for better or for worse. Written to be timeless and handed down through the ages. “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (2Timothy 3:16 NLT)
In that case, familiarity and constant intake of the Bible are necessities to navigate this life. And even so, we will still stumble, hearts will still break, fear and sadness and despair will still visit us.
But in the soul of every believer there is a constant companion, the Holy Spirt. He’s a deposit given us ensuring us that we will make it through all this world hurls our way. “When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of His glory.” (Ephesians 1:13b-14 NIV)
Personally, I hate biting down on an olive and feeling the crunch of the pit. I haven’t been too fond of the pitfalls in life either. Yet as I’ve gotten to know Jesus and become familiar with God through prayer and His Word, I’ve learned to listen for the Holy Spirit and wait on the calm that is promised me.
Peace in the midst of the storms – joy in times of deep sorrow. Those are opposites, right? Yet they are ours. They come from the knowledge that this isn’t all there is.
When we walk our days knowing that someday all sorrow, fear, even death itself will be no more – we are confident that in eternity there will be no more pits. “So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” (2Corinthians 4:18 NLT)
Endurance
My mother had lots of sayings. When I would be sassy, she’d remind me: You get a lot more with honey than vinegar. When things weren’t going so well for herself or others she would say: Into each life a little rain must fall.
Some lives must feel like it’s a monsoon. I think of war-torn areas and wonder how they endure. I think of moms holding little ones who are skin and bones because of famine. So much heartbreak and trials.
These are the result of things gone awry from way back in the beginning of time. What was perfection quickly became toil, despair, and decay. But all past sins and trials detailed in Bible pages have purposes: “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Romans 15:4 NIV)
Not only what was written but what you and I walk through even now. I often wonder: how do those who don’t know Jesus make it through each day? If this is all there is, if we are all just the result of some big bang, some advanced blob on the evolutionary scale – why do any of us keep going?
Though it may be true there are sweet moments in life, far more are the trying moments. Those who love God know this and still struggle. But they have hope. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23 NIV)
When I was a girl, my parents divorced and each summer I flew back to see my dad. On those flights I came up with a saying of my own: Above the clouds the sky is blue – and the sun still shines. We can’t see beyond the grey cover at times – so we must endure the storms.
Trusting God gives us the endurance we think we don’t have: “All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to His people, who live in the Light.” (Colossians 1:10b-12 NLT) The Son still shines.
Before & After
I love makeovers – an old house becomes dream home. Sepia tone photos restored in color. A caterpillar becomes a butterfly. The old or unsightly made new.
Lots in our world could use a makeover: tyrannical or corrupt governments, crime torn communities, false religions, sick or crippled bodies – most of all dark hearts full of self. Hearts that, laid bare, show only a desire to gratify a hunger for power, wealth, dominance, fame, the world’s treasures. Even the hearts of “good people”, whose concern and love only manifest when it’s convenient.
Even you and me. Jesus came so the old could be made new. Transformation of hearts and souls. “So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to – the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires. Your hearts and minds must be made completely new, and you must put on the new self.” (Ephesians 4:22-23a GNT)
Little ones want to be big. Tall like mom, strong like daddy. In a hurry to change from dependent to independent. If only they knew what us ‘big’ people know – it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Because not only do bodies grow up, but also minds and attitudes.
And the result of those who feed on what satisfies self is all around us. From the first man and woman to you and I – uncontrolled by faith in God, we will always end up needing someone to pick up the pieces.
“The thief comes only in order to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come in order that you might have life – life in all its fullness.” (John 10:10 GNT)
It’s a life-long process, this transformation. But a life walked with Jesus will result in a makeover. “Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind.” (Romans 12:2 GNT)
Before and after – once we were lost, now we are being made new day by day. These bodies may be aging and crumbling, but our spirits are growing and changing. We need a metamorphosis not hidden in cocoons, but lived out in ways that show Messiah is our King.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2Corinthians 5:17 NIV)
Beyond the Curtain
Perspective… My four year old grandson napped at my house from the time he was four months old. His room had heavy window coverings to make it nice and dark (and hopefully give gwammy a short break).
This week we took everything out, window coverings off, painted the walls – ready to turn it in to a Little Man Cave for three grandsons. He went into the empty room and looked towards the window: “Wow – gwammy, did you move the house? How did those trees get there?” He never saw beyond the curtain.
Is this us or what? We judge people, circumstances, everything based on our limited view. We also frame our relationship, or lack thereof, with Jesus based on our limited view.
This is why it is so very important to look beyond headlines, news clips, fake smiles delivering false promises. Beyond textbooks and educators with agendas. To seek the truth, because it can be found. To look beyond the curtain that unbelievers and our enemy use to block our view.
“This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.” (Hebrews 6:19 NLT)
It’s also why it’s important that our Bibles aren’t something we dust off only when cleaning house. It’s a living book, new with each reading, brimming over with all we need for life – now and in eternity.
I recently wrote to older grandchildren and told them that not reading the Bible and saying they know Jesus, is like getting married someday but never speaking to your spouse after the wedding.
God wants us to k-n-o-w Him. He’s made it possible. Not some god that has rituals, traditions, icons, etc.; not one who we fail based on a set of laws. “…we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By His death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting Him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:19b-22 NLT)
Jehovah, the God of the universe – Jesus Christ, the Savior of mankind – and the Holy Spirit dwelling in us – want us to experience their presence in our hearts and souls now – and in forever. Our Father wants us talking with Him daily and promises, through His Word, to talk with us. He ripped the curtain top to bottom, because He wants us beyond the curtain.
Come hungry
It’s fun to be invited over for a meal, come as you are, don’t bring a thing. A text that day says: come hungry!
So we bring empty tummies anticipating not only good food, but good company and laughs. I’ve noticed that Jesus is an inviter. Two brothers were doing what they always did – fishing for a living. As Jesus was passing by He gave an irresistible invitation: “Come, follow Me’, Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19 NIV)
What was it about Messiah that made those two drop their nets and follow? Little did they know what an adventure they were in for.
He invites you and me too. Meeting us when we least expect Him to show up.
Like when we’ve lost our temper, been critical of someone, been selfish. When we’re tired and just want to escape. The invitation: “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28b NLT)
There is an invitation He extends that we seem to ignore: to get to know Him. To spend time with Him. Why? Why is it the world and all our busyness is so much more alluring? Why aren’t we like those fishermen – eager to join Jesus?
We do seem to fill ourselves up with useless things – social media, tv, games, etc. We ‘choose’ to let one day after another fade away often not blowing the dust off the words of the invitation – the Bible. Once a rich young man asked Christ what it would take for him to have eternal life. Jesus kept it simple: “sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” (Matthew 19:21) The man went away sad.
That’s us. Treasure in heaven is the promise and yet we cling to this life, to our earthly riches. We don’t know what an adventure we’re missing out on. It’s not that Jesus doesn’t want us to have stuff – it’s that He doesn’t want the stuff to have us. He wants us to come hungry, feast on His Word and be filled to overflowing with the goodness of all He wants to give us. How can we resist?
Right Now
Ever driven by a place countless times and not really notice it? Read something and miss the story? Thinking maybe our brains are a bit harried in this fast-paced world. We take in what we think is important, but often miss the good stuff.
It’s probably why we think children grow too fast, but they feel like growing up takes forever. Little minds notice just about everything. Time to be like little children.
Little ones look at you intently, sometimes taking pudgy hands and holding your face. Undivided attention. That should be us when we pick up the Bible. Today I read this verse (for probably the thousandth time): “Then Jesus looked up and said, ‘Father, I thank You that You have heard Me.’ ” (John 11:41b NIV)
The verse is in the midst of the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Lazarus – dead now for four days. Tears of his loved ones still flowing. All wondering why Jesus hadn’t come sooner, He could have healed him.
Stormie Omartian points out: “This sounds like the end of a prayer, not the beginning…Jesus had been praying all along…talking with His Father for days, as He always did…with full knowledge of the upcoming event.”
Jesus said ‘heard Me’ – past tense. He finishes His statement with this: “I knew that You always hear Me,” (John 11:42a NIV) Jesus said ‘knew’ – past tense.
All along the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit are in constant communication. In our tears, frustrations, failures – right there. In all our ups and downs there is purpose, and in all of it – for those who know Jesus as Lord – there is victory. This comes next: “but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they might believe that You sent Me.” (John 11:42b NIV)
With that Jesus called to Lazarus – and out he came from that grave. Maybe in this moment, right now, you think Jesus isn’t coming, it’s too late. Guess what? He’s been praying for you way ahead of right now. And right now you can look up and say to Him – just as He said to His Father – ‘I know You always hear me’. He has His purpose and His plan for you secure in His loving hands.
Open Hands
My hands are starting to reveal my age. I can still picture my mother’s hands and I adore my daughter’s hands, beautiful.
Their hands and mine have changed countless diapers, cooked countless meals, and wiped up countless spills. They are hands that have cuddled little ones with booboos and they are hands that have been raised in praise to God. I was surprised how many references to God’s hands there are in the Bible.
“In His hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to Him. The sea is His, for He made it, and His hands formed the dry land.” (Psalm 95:4 NIV)
Yet there are many mentions of our hands as well. What we should do with them and what we should not do.
I think if we did a study about the Father’s hands, Jesus’ hands, and our own hands – we might put a lot more thought into the wonder of them – but also a lot more thought about how we use them. Even the moment of salvation is often described as: ‘God reached out to me’. The visual of reaching out is a hand extended – accepted, that hand rescues us, helps us, guides us.
“I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands.” (Psalm 63:4 NIV)
We are wondrously created, given gifts nothing else in creation has. A mind that creates and thinks and ponders. Emotions, for better or worse. A spirit that is in death’s grip until our hands open and find Jesus.
Hands that are folded, balled into fists, put on our hips or behind our backs – those are defiant hands. Ones that say ‘I’m in charge’. Hands that are open, uplifted, ready to welcome – those are hands the Savior can use.
I hope my children remember my hands, my grandchildren too. Remember them as a comfort and always ready to touch in love. Most of all I hope Messiah will enable my hands to bring Him glory. No matter how crinkly the skin gets or stiff the joints, these hands will lift themselves to the heavens. Look in wonder at the uniqueness of your hands – crafted before your first breath – made for God’s purposes.
“Let the favor of the Lord our God be on us; establish for us the work of our hands– establish the work of our hands! “(Psalm 90:17 HCSB)
parisrenae 