Check point....what does your speech say about your relationship with God?

"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men-extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.' And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast saying, 'God be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather that the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be abased, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." ~Jesus Speaking in Luke 18:10-14

I take the responsibility of sharing the word of God very seriously. Whenever I am prompted to share, I must quickly examine my heart and my motive for doing so. I want to be certain to be diligent to present myself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (see 2 Timothy 2:15 italics added for emphasis)

Words are powerful.
They have the ability to lift up or tear down. They can encourage or destroy. In the end we will all be held accountable for every word we spoke or wrote. ("But I say to you, that every idle word that men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words your will be condemned." Jesus I Matthew 12:36,37)

It's a daunting thought.

Recently there has been much misinformation shared on news media and social networks over current events. I sigh even as I write these words.  It breaks my heart.
Much too quickly sides are drawn and the barrage of verbal assaults begins, being bandied back and forth between opposing sides.  I recognize my own error in wanting to react in a knee jerk onslaught of words, and have had to check my spirit, and even erase thoughts before posting them.  We all have opinions on things, and it seems lately, we have little or no filter in sharing them.

Psalms 143 verses 3 and 4 have become a daily prayer. "Set a guard, O LORD over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not incline my heart to any evil thing to practice wicked works with men who work iniquity; and do not let me eat of their delicacies."

It is much too easy to react without thinking, especially when something strikes close to our beliefs and comfort zone. The need to defend ourselves and others is natural and strong, but how we go about it is paramount. The ability to quickly share our thoughts through social media only increases our responsibility of the words we use.

Colossians 4:6 says " Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer one another." In Ephesians 4:29 we are reminded "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." (Italics added for emphasis)

God be merciful to me a sinner!

It is far easier to try picking the splinter out of another's eye rather than working on the beam in our own, because it is painful to address the things in our lives that need God's help in fixing.

But that is what He wants us to do. "But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another." (Galatians 6:4) The Greek word "examine" is "dokimazo" which means to test/prove, to discern.  In James 1:5 we are told "If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

God is right there ready and willing to work with us in every aspect of our lives. The focus of our attention shouldn't be on what He is doing in another's life (see John 21:20-22 for deeper insight), but in how we are responding to His call to follow Him.

And it means not only in our actions, but our words as well.

I pray that each one of us will examine our hearts before Him seeking ways to improve our own walk in words and actions, and in doing so, many will be drawn to Him.

May He receive glory in all we say and do.

The thin line between hate and grace

"Father forgive them for they know not what they do." ~ Jesus as recorded in Luke 23:34
"Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying 'If you are the Christ, save Yourself and us." But the other answering, rebuked him, saying, 'do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom? And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise". Luke 23:29-43

My heart is heavy as I write this piece. The conflict in my soul drives me to God's word and into continual prayer. The tragic murder Christmas night of a young police officer in Newman California has deeply affected the community. The cry for justice carried into the nation and fanned the flames in the current political controversy over legal and illegal immigrants.
Officer Corporal Ronil Singh had legally immigrated to the United States from Fiji and was considered an "American patriot by those who knew him. The man suspected of  killing him in cold blood, has several aliases and is said to be an illegal alien. Thankfully he was quickly arrested after social media and the news spread his picture.
And just as quickly there spread an ugly layer of hate filled comments and suggestions on what should be done to the suspect and sadly, even hateful comments towards the fallen officer because he enjoyed hunting and fishing.

What is wrong with us as a society? Are we so blinded by the beam in our own eyes that we fail to see that we are no different than those on whom we spew our words of condemnation?
As I was struggling with my own emotions over this senseless crime (we have family members and friends who are police officers, and friends who knew Officer Singh), I recognized my desire for vengeance on the one who is suspected of killing him. The old "eye for an eye" seemed justifiable as I read comments on social media. After all, officer Singh was simply doing his job but was shot down in cold blood, widowing his wife and leaving his 5 month old child without a father. Certainly we are justified in crying out for the death of the one who killed him.
But then...
The soft voice of grace penetrated my heart.
"He (the suspect) is in need of My grace, My salvation. Pray for him."
It is a bitter pill to swallow, but I know it is true. 
How quickly we are able to jump into the boat of hate and the fight for vengeance, but how difficult it seems to be to apply grace to those who are in most desperate need.
Show me how Father. I cannot do it on my own.
As I prayed I recalled a story I had read about Corrie ten Boom on how she had been able to forgive a guard who had severely beaten her and her sister Betsie when they were imprisoned in Ravensbruk for hiding Jews during the Holocaust. Betsie had subsequently died in that prison from her injuries and malnutrition. But at a speaking conference after the war, there was the guard standing before Corrie asking her to forgive him. She knew she should forgive, because she had been forgiven, but the memory of her sister's death clung close to her heart. She stood there wrestling with her emotions as the man extended his hand, looking for forgiveness. She said it was the most difficult thing she had ever had to do. She knew she should forgive as she'd been forgiven, but the actual act of doing so was beyond her human capabilities. But knowing that forgiveness is not an emotion, but an act of will, she prayed silently "Jesus help me! I can lift my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling."

And then God's grace did what only His grace can do. She was able to genuinely forgive him.
(I encourage you to read the whole story. You can find it in Guideposts Classics: Corrie ten Boom on Forgiveness at https://www.guideposts.org)

It is a thin line that we walk between hate and grace. The choice is ours as to where we are going to dwell. Those who choose to hold on to hate and bitterness become captive to their choice, and those who choose to embrace grace are liberated to love as we have been loved.

We aren't responsible for the choices, behavior and actions of others, but we are responsible for our own.
What will your choices, behaviors and actions be as we finish out the old year and head into the new?
I pray you will choose grace, forgiveness, kindness and love. May the legacy we leave to those who follow us be one that leads them to Christ.

May God richly bless each of you, strengthening you where you feel weak, comforting you where you need comfort, and encouraging you when you feel faint of heart. Above all things, may you find peace as you rest in His loving embrace.

Changing seasons with an unchanging God

"Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

As I sat here this morning watching the scene before me change from sunshine to heavy fog, and then to watery sunlight, I couldn't help but marvel over God's great love and how intimately involved He is in our lives. The first time I ever really paid attention to the verse above was when I was working as a telephone operator just the year after I graduated from high school.  Although I thought I knew everything there was to know about life when I graduated, I quickly realized the world was much bigger, and more difficult than I had imagined. That particular day on the switchboard hadn't been especially wonderful, and I was contemplating what my future held. When the light lit up on the switchboard panel before me, I had no clue how the next few moments would profoundly affect my life.
The voice of the young man on the other end of the line was not interested in placing a call, but was adamant that I understood how much God loved me, and made me promise I would read Isaiah 41:10 when I got home. Amused but a bit curious by the call, I made certain to keep my promise.
The knowledge of God's deep love became profoundly clear as I read the passage.
"Fear not, for I am with you." It's as though God was speaking directly to my worries and concerns about moving out of my parents home and into the vast unknown. "Be not dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, I will help you." The confirmation for strength that I knew I didn't have. Leaving the security of the known could only come with the  assurance that I was not alone.
"I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."  There He was, telling me I didn't need to worry or fear, He had heard my unspoken prayers.
I cannot tell you the number of times this verse has brought me comfort and peace through the seasons of life.
And so as we head into another Christmas that has come and gone much too quickly, and a new year looming on the near horizon, I encourage you to remember. Remember the numerous joys of past Christmases. Remember the love of family. Remember the blessings God has poured out lavishly upon you and those you love.
Remember that He is the same, yesterday, today and forever and He has promised to never leave or forsake His children.
May you find His presence palatable this Christmas season and may you walk peaceably with Him throughout the coming year.

A way of escape

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name. You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, Your Savior." Isaiah 43:1-3

California is under fire...literally. As I write my eyes are stinging from the smoke that has drifted into the canyon. The Camp fire that destroyed the town of Paradise is probably the biggest contributor of smoke, but there are several fires throughout the state. We are quite a distance from them, but the smoke drift is impacting a large portion of the state. The air quality for much of the area near us is in the Hazardous category. https://www.newsweek.com/california-fires-air-quality-map-pollution-update-shows-affected-areas-smoke-1218763 At the place where I work two days a week, the staff and clients were all wearing masks today. Seeing their post on Facebook made me glad I didn't have to work in the valley today, but also created concern for everyone who isn't able to escape to a higher altitude and a bit better air.  My children and grandchildren are among them. Although I am 22 miles away from the valley floor, I can feel the effects of being in the smoke from earlier in the week. I am glad it is less smoky here and pray that God will grant us a bit of rain to remove some of the smoke and help put out the fires. Even in that prayer though, I know it brings its own set of concerns, because the smoke is toxic and will pollute the ground and rivers when it rains, and too much will create mudslides in the fire ravaged areas.

It is in times such as this that I must not allow fear to dictate my thinking. So many fires in a bone dry state is enough to cause concern, but now with the smoky skies making it hard to breathe, and little to no hope of it ending soon, despair could easily become my companion. It has been absolutely heart wrenching to see all the devastation from all the fires.  So many have lost so much.

As I converse with people on social media, I see a very clear difference in those who trust God and those who don't. There are some who have lost everything, who still find their voice of praise in God's faithfulness to them. Others vent their disappointment and anger. It is obvious from their statements that they haven't been able to grasp the concept that God is bigger than all of this, and has a purpose and plan, even when we don't understand it. I can't imagine what it would be like to experience great loss without the knowledge of  who God is and how much He cares.

But knowing His word helps me settle my restless spirit. "God is our refuge and strength a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling." Psalm 46:1-3
An interesting thing about this particular Scripture. The first time I really paid attention to it was when my then 6 year old son shared it with me after he learned it in Sunday school. This is the same little boy that 3 years earlier doctors had told us was dying of kidney disease and probably wouldn't live past his eighth birthday, even if he were to receive a transplant. God had healed him completely though, without a transplant, long term medication or dialysis. Thirty three years later he is strong and healthy and continuing to share what he has learned from God's word with others, as  the youth pastor of our church.

Now there are many questions I will ask God when I get to heaven, one of them being why he spared my son, but my brother's son died of leukemia when he was only 8 years old.  We had prayed diligently for Bobby's health as much as we had prayed for DT's.

But then, I don't presume to understand the infinite mind of God.

His word tells me that He has a purpose and plan for my life, one not of destruction but to give me a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11) It also tells me that I don't need to fear. (Isaiah 41:10) He will never leave or abandon me. (Deuteronomy 31:5, Joshua 1:5, John 14:18)

When fear begins to raise it's ugly head and threaten my peace, God offers me a way of escape.  He holds His arms open wide and invites me to rest in His Presence and sufficiency. (2 Corinthians 2:9) His perfect love casts out fear. (1 John4:18) Even when the skies are smoky, even when it's hard to see or breathe, even when He doesn't answer the prayers they way I think He should.

Leaning in close I hear the sound of His heart.
Peace be still.  All is well.
You can trust Me.
                                                
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"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress: My God, in Him I will trust."" Psalm 91:1&2

The tragedy of Tamar and the victory for the woman caught in adultery

Things aren't always as they appear

"Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." 1 Corinthians 10:12

I had to take a break from the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing of Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Although I only watched a few minutes of it, I could feel myself getting sucked into the vortex and the anger of injustice stuck in my throat like a bone.

As I was pondering my response to it, the words "the tragedy of Tamar" came to mind followed almost immediately by the words "and the victory for the woman caught in adultery". I was curious as to what the correlation was, not only to what I was feeling, but to each other.

Upon rereading the account of Tamar, the tragedy is played out. Not only did her half brother rape her, then despised her and made a mockery of her, but then her other brother Absolom had Ammon murdered.  (you can read the account in 2 Samuel 13)

Fast forward to Jesus's day and the woman who was thrown before Him by the Pharisees. They had caught her in the act of adultery and wanted Jesus to judge her, hoping to find some way of accusing Him. His response was to stoop down and write in the sand as though He didn't hear them. When they continued to press Him, he responded "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.' (John 8:7)  Soon there were none standing to accuse her. With no one there to point a negative finger at her He responded to her in the grace that we all desire to receive..."Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more." (John 8:11)

Here I am now, sorting through the similarities and differences.  A sexual crime in both accounts, a vindication, and a command to go and sin no more.  The tragedy in Tamar's case was the assault not only to her body, but her character, because she would be deemed unworthy for marriage because she was no longer a virgin. The murder of Ammon may well have vindicated her, but it caused a deep rift in the family. A loss no matter how you look at it. The victory for the woman caught in adultery was, even though caught in the act and accused, she received grace and a command to go forward and sin no more.

So how does this all fit with what I've been watching unfold on TV?

As you will notice in the picture above, it looks like the face of a young woman with braids and a headband wearing earrings and bright red lipstick. If you examine it closer you see it is a necklace, some buttons, a couple pairs of earrings and a jeweled piece. Although an interesting picture of something made up from different parts, not the real deal. Not everything we see or hear is as we might initially perceive it to be. 

All this to say there are always some very compelling conversations on both sides of an argument.  Some that bring about tragedy and death, and others that bring about victory and life. Taking our cue from Jesus Himself, we should listen long, leave the judgement to Him, and go forward without sinning ourselves.

May we all be wise enough to do so.

Rivers in the desert

"... I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My people, My chosen. This people I have formed for Myself; they shall declare My praise." Isaiah 43:20b

The area where we live is an irrigated desert, and has been suffering under a severe drought for several years now, making the dirt road up to our  home especially dusty. Even on the days I am diligent enough to dust off the furniture, by late in the day a fine layer has begun forming again. Our cars are in constant need of being washed, just to remove the dust from the road.
On our way into town, we can see the few places where underground springs still poke through leaving small puddles of water where they are, and lush green growth around them. A stark contrast to the many trees that have died because of the drought.
As we approach the end of the drive down the canyon road, the sky looks brown from all the dust that hasn't been washed away because of lack of rain. In addition the air quality in the valley has become increasingly worse, as almond and walnut farmers harvest their crops. The dry soil forms great clouds of dust making it difficult to see and breathe. The only escape is to drive over the mountains towards the coast, or up into the Sierras towards Yosemite where water isn't as scarce.

There is something deeply satisfying standing at the edge of the ocean, near a river or next to a waterfall that exhilarates one's soul. Even thinking about the beautiful sound of the rushing water, causes me to breathe in deeply and exhale slowly.

Water refreshes.

How lovely that our Lord Jesus Christ speaks of Himself as being the living water.

If you recall, the Samaritan woman had come to the well when all of the other women were done, and was surprised when Jesus spoke to her, as Jews had no dealings with Samaritans.  He was sitting next to the well and asked her to give Him a drink. When she expressed her surprise at being asked Jesus revealed the truth to her that the water she gathered at the well would only satisfy temporarily, where those who drank of the water He supplies would never thirst again. (John 4:6-14)

"...a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." Jesus speaking John 4:14

I love that.  No matter how dry the earth has become because of the drought, here and there we still see evidence of water. Even in the patches in the road where springs have forced their way through asphalt, only to be covered again, have puddles beginning to form.  The water continues to push through.

Sweet evidences of God's provision for the wild animals in the area, and a precious reminder to me that He is still in control.  Even in the severest drought, He provides.

I pray you will find the places of refreshment in your journey and hope, as you drink deeply of the water He supplies.

May He be glorified in all we say and do.

"..whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst.  But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." ~Jesus

Defining rather than being defined.

"Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith in this grace in which we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, be we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces; perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly." Romans 5:1-5

Life is a journey filled with sorrow and joy, chaos and peace, times that are difficult and times that are easy. Sometimes the road moves gently along shaded paths, where other times it climbs steeply or descends suddenly while the storm rages against us, or the heat threatens to parch our soul.

It is during the difficult patches where we experience the testing of our faith as God refines us more completely into His likeness. It is in these moments that it is most important to define our journey rather than being defined by it.

But what exactly does that mean?

It has been my experience that, too often, when difficulty would hinder my walk, that I would begin to feel stuck as I allowed my circumstances to define me rather than defining my circumstances. Instead of viewing the difficulty as a tool God was using to grow me in His grace and the knowledge of His faithfulness, I would fuss and fume about the situation.

It didn't make things any better.  In fact, the more I complained to Him (and occasionally others) about how frustrated I was because things weren't going according to my plan, the more miserable I became. Blessedly, there came the "Aha" moment when I recognized I had wandered down the path of discontentment and mistrust.  Instead of relaxing in God's plan for my life and allowing Him  

complete control, I realized I had been wrestling with Him over the details.

The more I wrestled, the more weary I became.

But God in His compassion as a loving Father graciously swept me up into His embrace and gently reminded me that He saw the whole, while I only see in part. He told me, again, that He will never leave or forsake me, and that nothing comes into my life without His knowledge or permission. No matter how difficult a situation may appear, He is still in control and I can trust Him completely.

And suddenly like the child that is comforted by the one they love, I found myself seeking His face again and finding grace and love shining from His eyes. There is nothing I can do to earn His love, and nothing that will make Him quit loving me.  I am much more than a sinner saved by grace. Although I may still experience trials and temptations along the way, I am His beloved child and He is leading me home, one step at a time. He will faithfully walk with me the entire way and I can experience His peace and presence throughout the journey.

May you find same true for your journey as well.

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"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is perfected in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9