-
Have We Forgotten Something?
Christian, this post is specifically aimed at you I. Thought I’d let you know right up front so there’s no wondering about it.
And, I am NOT saying we shouldn’t defend ourselves, our loved ones, our neighbors or our nation.
I am merely asking some questions.
Have we forgotten something?
What are we thinking about when we allow ourselves to become fearful of the crazy times we’re living in?
Did all these wars and rumors of wars surprise God? Do you reckon He’s chewed His fingernails down to the quick, worrying about how He’s going to handle all those radical groups such as ISIS?
It’s not like He’s never seen this stuff before.
Did God suddenly lose His seat of authority? Did He fall asleep and everyone is scared to wake Him?
Are we playing right into the devil’s hand by succumbing to the spirit of fear?
We boast, “God’s on the Throne! We’ve read the back of the book, and we win!” Yet the news reports get us to thinking differently.
Whose kingdom are we citizens of, anyway? If we’re more concerned about democrats and republicans than we are about kingdom business, then maybe we’re merely visiting the kingdom of God.
If that’s possible.
Have we forgotten just how rotten we were, and yet, even with all of hell’s influence trying to keep us disinterested in Jesus, a miracle happened and we were born of God?
Have we forgotten something?
Something like the Bible saying that people from every kindred, every nation, and every tribe will be gathered around God’s throne, praising and worshipping forever and ever?
Have we forgotten something?
Though not everything that happens is God’s will (such as beheadings and other terror tactics carried out by insane, demon possessed folks claiming to have a righteous cause), nothing slips by Him without being noticed, and judged.
Payday WILL arrive, and sooner than a lot of us think.
The wages of sin is still death, and God keeps very accurate books.
Or have we forgotten?
Have we forgotten that although God is grieved by the horrible things happening in our world, He hasn’t forgotten what His Son accomplished through the cross and resurrection?
Have we forgotten about the apostle Paul? A well known “terrorist” in the eyes of the early disciples. His passion was going after people of “the Way”, heretics (infidels, if you please) who were blaspheming the very holiness of God Almighty.
He thought he was doing God a real favor, getting rid of the opposition.
And God ALLOWED some to be put to death at the hand of Paul (Saul).
Yet there came a time when the account, the tab, Paul had been running up became due.
As Paul was on the ground, after being laid out flat by the power of God, he realized decision time had arrived. He also knew, in a split second, how wrong he’d been and how right the others were.
It changed him completely!
Let’s not forget it was Paul who wrote the letter to the Romans, even after being beaten countless times. Here’s a little sample of what he wrote.
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek (to include radicalized Muslims).” (Romans 1:16 ESV)
Have we forgotten something, something like the gospel of God? Have we forgotten it IS the power of God for salvation?!
Have we forgotten that since God is NOT WILLING that anyone perish, He IS at work doing something about it?
We’d best not.
Think about this Psalm whenever the next report of terrorism lights up your smartphone.
“Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, ‘Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.’
“He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, ‘As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill. I will tell of the decree: the Lord said to me, ‘You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.’
“Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.’” (Psalm 2 ESV)
Let’s not forget that the Father God is still all about Jesus Christ. It is THE issue that is being attacked throughout the WORLD. The devil’s pushing his lies, on a lot of levels, but it all boils down to one person.
Jesus.
And the Father is bringing this world to a point where they WILL choose, once and for all, what they’re going to do with His Son.
And let’s not forget. Though our lives may be in danger, WE CAN NEVER BE DESTROYED!
“Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4 ESV)
Don’t forget.
-
Will The Leaders Please Lead?
Remember the day when leaders said things like “the buck stops here”(Truman) and “when you can’t make them see the light, make them feel the heat” (Reagan)?And they meant it?
How about this one from General Douglas MacArthur? “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.”
This nation has many people in leadership positions, but who is really leading?
There are many vying for our votes, hoping to be the next President of the United States. They all say they’re leaders. But in what way are they leading?
In my opinion, much of what’s taking place today is because there’s a lack of leadership. Of course, in a society that pretty much buys into the “you do your thing, I’ll do mine” mentality, who’s going to get in front of that train and say, “Whoa!”?
Only a leader.
But who wants to try and explain to the masses they’re heading the wrong direction, especially if it could cost them their job?
Only a leader.
Of course, it’s important for everyone to be accountable for their actions, say and do the right thing. No one gets a free pass, for we all will reap what we sow.
However, where nations, countries, or governments are concerned, it’s the leaders who are accountable to God.
In other words, those who stand and say, “I’m the leader”, will also have to give an answer to the One who put them in office and Who established governments in the first place.
And it’s the leader who must acknowledge before the Court of Heaven, “We have turned from Your ways, O God, to our own selfish ways. Forgive us, Righteous God, lead us in paths of righteousness. Protect us by Your might, Great God and King! In the Name of the matchless Son of God, Jesus. Amen.”
Throughout history, leaders such as Abraham, David, Jehoshaphat, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, and Franklin Roosevelt faced impossible odds. But as they led their people with humility and repentance before the Lord, God wrought miracles for their nations.
Though God had plans to destroy a major metropolis in Jonah’s day, when the king heard the prophet’s message and led his constituents in full scale repentance, God stopped the planned destruction.
“The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. And he issued a proclamation and published through Nineveh, ‘By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water, but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and let them call out mightily to God. Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.’
“When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it.” (Jonah 3:6-10 ESV)
Jeremiah wrote that the nation of Israel was being judged, exiled for 70 years in a foreign land.
Why? Because of Israel’s leaders. Her prophets, priests, and princes.
It’s the way God established governments from the beginning. He put them in place for the benefit of His people, but also reserved the right to change things if necessary.
And it’s beginning to look as though it’s necessary.
So will the leaders please lead? Will those who blow about all their qualifications, and why they deserve the highest office in the land, please just lead this nation in humbling ourselves before the Mighty God?
Please?
Before it’s too late.
-
What’s With All The Shootings?
I find it very disturbing, all these shootings taking place in my hometown. What’s going on, anyway?Maybe there are too many guns on the streets of this fair city.
Maybe.
Perhaps there aren’t enough police officers on patrol.
Maybe.
And I suppose it’s possible that all these shootings are the President’s fault. After all, he is the man in charge.
Maybe not.
It could Clinton’s fault. Or Branstad, Cownie, and maybe even Wingert, Des Moines’ Chief of Police.
It could be the pawn shops, the NRA, ammunition makers, drug dealers, computer hackers, or high school dropouts.
Maybe those doing the shootings are illegal immigrants.
If given much thought, I suppose a case could be made for blame to be pinned on the church. If they were doing their job, none of this would be happening.
While we’re at it, let’s go ahead and blame God.
We’ve just got to find someone to blame!
But really…what IS going on? While writing this post I received a notification on my phone of yet another shooting, where 2 were found shot to death in their home.
What’s with all the shootings?
Could it possibly have anything to do with the condition of a person’s heart?
Perhaps if we take a look at what’s happening in society, yes, even in Des Moines’ relatively tame environment, we may come to the same conclusion the word of God gives.
Perhaps.
“But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” (2 Timothy 3:1-4 NKJV)
No, I’m not saying (necessarily or absolutely) that these are the “last days”. I AM saying these are stressful, hard to deal with times, where the pressures of life can build up inside a person until they feel like exploding.
And sometimes they do.
That’s when we read about it online, or see the police and ambulance next door.
What’s with all the shootings?
There’s no regulation or law that can stop someone from killing another, if that’s what they have determined in their mind to do. Take away the guns, they’ll use a knife. Ban all knives, and someone will use a wet pillow.
Banning pillows isn’t the answer, either.
And I hate to sound like a pessimist, but until the heart is changed, the problem is going to keep getting worse.
History repeats itself if we won’t learn from it. Years and years ago mankind was determined to keep God out of their lives. That didn’t work at all. Ask Noah.
Nowadays mankind has become so smart, so bloated with pride, they’ve raised their collective finger to God and said, “Leave us alone!”
Society has been sold a bill of goods that looks something like this:
1. Life doesn’t really matter.
2. My desires are more important than yours.
3. As long as I don’t hurt anyone, it doesn’t matter what I do.
4. God is dead, or at least he should be.
Yet God’s Word says…
“Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.” (Ecclesiastes 11:1 NKJV)
“They sow the wind, and reap the whirlwind…” (Hosea 8:7 NKJV)
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7 NKJV)
We, society as a whole, are reaping what we’ve sown. And it is impossible to have a law abiding society without the God of Life and Justice at the very center of that society.
“Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; nor His ear heavy, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God.” (Isaiah 59:1-2 NKJV)
There’s an answer for all these shootings.
“Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:6-7 NKJV)
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NKJV)
Society may not change overnight, but it CAN change; one person at a time.
-
The Runaway
This is a story about a young kid, an eighth grader, who began running away from home as a way to cope with trouble; trouble as he saw it.Relationships at home, problems at school; trouble with a capital T.
His first attempt at running away happened early one morning about 5 a.m. He followed his brother out the garage door (though he wasn’t seen by him) as he left to attend to his morning paper route. Three blocks down the road, however, the young lad chickened out as he thought about not seeing his family ever again. He had to sneak back into the house.
Running away became easier as the weeks and months went by, and by the time he was in tenth grade he had hit the runaway trail a number of times. He was never gone longer than three days before someone would either give his parents information of his whereabouts or the police would find him hitchhiking around town and take him to the juvenile detention center.
And ultimately back home.
Until he began his out of state travels.
Running away never solved a thing. It didn’t mend any broken relationships, and never changed anyone’s thinking. All it did was create and reinforce a terrible, destructive defense mechanism within the soul of a kid who was trying to grow into a man.
You know, once a person develops the habit of running away from trouble, problems, feelings, or whatever they can’t handle, running away becomes the default answer for everything.
The runaway found himself trying to escape life’s issues in many ways. Drugs, pornography (it’s a form of running away), music, perfection, attempting to earn affection and acceptance, and even by using a brand new faith in Jesus; not understanding the love of God is unconditional.
For instance, when the runaway found new life in Jesus, he thought at last others would accept him, too.
Wrong. The runaway found the wrong denomination. Not acceptable.
Unconditional love is foreign to so many. That’s why many have become runaways and choose to check out when life isn’t fair, or when they’ve failed to meet a loved one’s expectations.
When no amount of obedience or self abasing gains the attention of the runaway’s loved ones, off they go; hitting the highway, popping a pill, or finding acceptance with a group who really doesn’t love them.
Only uses and abuses them.
The runaway will rely upon that form of defense for their whole life unless they finally come to grips with the truth.
Truth. The truth about themselves, and the truth about God and His unconditional love.
Themselves, because how they think of themselves is how they’ll respond to the various kinds of people they associate with.
For instance, some people simply do not have the capacity to love someone else “just because”. Some will only give accolades and applause when their need to be the center of the universe is met. Others can be nice to only a couple of people at a time, so if some are in good graces, others don’t have a prayer.
Still others feel the need to shove their perceived importance and power down the throat of others who don’t fall in step with their full agenda. With the slightest hint of wrongdoing, real or not, bullying takes place and the runaway is not sure what to do. Especially if the bully is supposed to be in close relationship.
The runaway lives life confused, upset with their inability to make the grade or make amends.
That is until they understand unconditional love.The runaway I know finally came to grips with reality. He doesn’t have to do such and such, or be so and so to be someone special. He is special, because God said so.
The runaway doesn’t have to hide from life, afraid to show up lest he make a mistake and disappoint someone.
The Father’s love covers a multitude of sins, and His perfect love casts out, drives away, fear.
No longer does the runaway have to rely on his evasive skills to survive.
Not with Father standing close by, always watching over His children.
In case you are wondering, I know what I’m talking about.
I have experienced Jesus’ words, “However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them.” (John 6:37 NLT)
I was the runaway.
-
Are We Hypocrites?
I’ve heard it said throughout my life, “Christians are hypocrites.” “I’m not going to visit THAT church because they’re a bunch of hypocrites.”
Merriam-Webster’s definition of hypocrite: “a person who claims or pretends to have certain beliefs about what is right but who behaves in a way that disagrees with those beliefs.”
Of course we’ll deny the charge, usually with a pithy retort such as, “Why not join us? There’s plenty of room for one more.”
Yeah, that goes over real well.
Other times we use a different strategy to legitimize a Christian’s shortcomings, evidenced best with the quote from a popular bumper sticker, “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven.”
But let’s think about the hypocrisy charge.
Could there be, IS THERE, any truth to the accusation?
Let’s examine the typical Christian beliefs/actions as viewed on Facebook. It will help greatly if we look at the evidence through the eyes of someone who may not have the same beliefs as you and I.
Since Christians, followers of Christ, claim to believe the Bible, let’s see how our posts on Facebook compare with our stated beliefs.
1. Posts/comments which bash the President of the United States of America.
“Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king (president).” (1 Peter 2:17 NLT)
“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.” (Romans 13:1 NLT)
2. Posts/comments that are mean-spirited and malicious.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31 – 4:32 NLT)
3. Posts/comments laced with profanity and sexual innuendos.
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” (Ephesians 4:29 NLT)
“Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes – these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God.” (Ephesians 5:3-4 NLT)
4. Posts/comments depicting God as intolerant and vengeful as themselves.
“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” (2 Peter 3:9 NLT)
“A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.” (2 Timothy 2:24 NLT)
5. Posts/comments insinuating that all Republicans are saints, and all Democrats are satanists.
“We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.” (Romans 3:22 NLT)
6. Posts/comments that speak of protecting and favoring one race/ethnicity over another.
“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.” (Ephesians 4:3-6 NLT)
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28 ESV)
7. Posts/comments which tend to lead others away from the eternal message of the Cross.
“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV)
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13).
“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news.’” (Romans 10:13-15 ESV)
8. Posts/comments indicating God packs a pistol and keeps an AR-15 in His pickup.
“Then Jesus said to him, ‘Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.’” (Matthew 26:52 ESV)
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” (Romans 8:35 ESV)
9. Posts/comments ridiculing others for their stupidity in not believing like them.
“As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” (Romans 14:1-4 ESV)
“With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” (James 3:9-10 ESV)
10. Posts/comments proving to every other reader they don’t really believe what they claim to believe.
Allow this old saying to suffice: “Your talk talks, and your walk talks; but your walk talks louder than your talk talks.”So how about the claim?
Are we hypocrites? Am I? Are you?
Well…?
-
Good Things Happen To Bad People
The question has been asked millions of times.
“Why do bad things happen to good people?”
Some, in an attempt to demonstrate their deep understanding of things beyond their comprehension, only make matters worse with their pat answers.
Here’s a classic response: “Well, you know God works in mysterious ways His wonders to perform.”
Of course He does, but that doesn’t answer the question.
Through the years I’ve pondered that question, and have even asked it a few times. My conclusion?
Life happens.
Sure, I understand this world is a fallen world, that there’s a devil on the loose, and all that.
I get it.
There’s also the spiritual warfare element, the principle of sowing and reaping, and living with the consequences of terrible decisions.Yes. I get it.
But here’s what I don’t understand about the question.
What makes us think we deserve good things to happen to us?
Are we really THAT good?
Who among us is incapable of thinking evil thoughts?
Who can say they have NEVER done anything wrong?
Who has the gall to stand and refer to themselves as good?
Even Jesus said, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.” (Luke 18:19 ESV)
The Apostle Paul, quoting the ancient writings of the Old Testament, wrote, “as it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one’” (Romans 3:10-12 ESV).
And…“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 ESV).
Jeremiah had a word from God regarding the condition of a man’s heart, or soul.
“The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly perverse and corrupt and severely, mortally sick! Who can know it [perceive, understand, be acquainted with his own heart and mind]?” (Jeremiah 17:9 AMP)
So you see, maybe the question we should be asking is:
“Why do good things happen to bad people?”
How could God ever love such a wicked person as I?
Why would He be concerned about my life when all He ever got from me was rejection and hatred?
How could such a holy God offer His Son as a ransom for my sin?
Why would He shower my life with good things, even though I’ve lived much of my life focused on my pleasures and wants?
Though it’s beyond comprehension by use of simple reasoning, and we can’t just sit down and figure it out because it doesn’t make “sense”, the answer IS available to those who will seek God by faith.
“Why do good things happen to bad people?”
Love. God’s love.
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved – and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:4-7 ESV)
If it’s good, it’s from God. If it’s from God, it has to be good.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” (James 1:17 ESV)
-
The Unpopular Message
The craziness of this world has reached an all time high, don’t you agree?I mean, just try and follow the world and national news: terrorists, refugees, the homeless, stock markets, winter storms, Trump, Clinton, France and Germany, Russia and Syria, Iran and Iraq, and of course, Israel.
Liberal, conservative, high society, dirt poor, black, white, and throw in a few other people groups, and you’ll have an idea of who all is involved in all this craziness.
Wars on many fronts and in many lands are being fought. But probably the greatest battle being waged is in the realm of words; ideas, world views, isms and dogmas.
People fighting people over such battles as patriotism, national security, the second amendment, the fourteenth amendment, and who’s really the best NFL quarterback – Tom Brady or Peyton Manning?
And my dear, sweet, American Christian brothers and sisters have entered the craziness of it all; but are we fighting the right battles?
Jude wrote some things a couple thousand years ago that should set us to thinking, and praying.
Unfortunately, it’s not exactly a popular message. Here’s a portion of it.
“Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people.” (Jude 1:3 NLT)
Using just one little phrase from the unpopular message of Jude, I’d like to ask one simple question.
“Are we defending the faith that God has entrusted to us, or are we trying to defend our opinions and egos?”
In other words, how many wars are we going to fight that have no eternal consequence?
I won’t even attempt to say which battles you should or shouldn’t be waging, other than to remind us all of the warning Jude laid down in his unpopular letter.
“Are we defending the faith?”
Why would Jude write something like that? Was he just trying to stir up the good folks of that day?
He explains the reason for his unpopular prose.
“I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace allows us to live immoral lives. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have denied our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” (Jude 1:4 NLT)
While the early Christians busied themselves with all the craziness of their day, ungodly people wormed their way into places of leadership within the church, and not only began diluting the once powerful gospel but also denied the absolute Lordship of Jesus Christ.
And that is happening today…
…while we wage our battles; important but petty in comparison to the timeless message of the cross, the tomb, and the resurrection.
Should we ignore all that’s happening in this crazy world. I don’t believe so. But we should filter our actions and reactions to today’s headlines through the faith we’ve embraced and heralded.
If Jesus Christ is Lord, and God is STILL on the Throne, how does that affect what I think, how I vote, and where I spend my time and money?
If Heaven is real and eternal life is more than a fairytale, does it change what I post on Facebook?
If it’s really true that the unrighteous DO NOT inherit eternity in heaven, why do I talk as I do at work?
What battles am I involved in? Any of significance?
Or am I treating the message of Jesus as if it’s not as important as, say, fantasy football?
The unpopular message of Jude needs to be shared today.
So why not be the one to share it?
-
A Precious Little Life
Today I had the privilege of holding my brand spanking new great niece.Maddie Lewis. What a pretty name.
What a pretty little girl.
I was the one rocking her as she celebrated her 12th hour outside her mommy’s tummy (pictured above).
All I could do was stare at her, with tears in my eyes, thanking God for such a precious little life.
I just love her little nose.
Admiring her little fingers (and beautiful, tiny nails), I thought about when our son was born almost 37 years ago. How young his mom and I were, and how little we knew about raising children. Yet God entrusted us with a precious little life to care for.
Imperfect parents with a perfect little life to nurture and protect.
Wow.
Holding this precious little life, I thought of her parents. Perfect? No. But that’s never been a requirement. If it was, I’d never have become a dad.
Her parents have flaws like every other human being. Gosh, her daddy is even a Minnesota Vikings fan! Gasp!
But I do know one thing, and that for certain. This precious little life was born into a family that loves her. I mean, REALLY loves her.
God can help her parents navigate this life experience we call parenting, and I know He will. There will be plenty of teaching moments as Maddie grows into the person God created her to be.
Kind of like on the job training.
Time has a way of speeding up with each passing year, and soon Maddie’s mommy and daddy will wonder what happened to their little girl. Even as they enjoy watching her grow, they’ll be a little sad, I’m sure.
I know.
But right now, a precious little life has graced the Lewis family, and all those who are blessed to be called family. She has no hidden agenda, no political viewpoint, and probably doesn’t care if she watches Fox News or CNN.
Yet, just by looking at her, holding her, and seeing the way she scrunches up her nose and reaches her arms over her head to stretch with all her might, one can’t help but realize she has a message for us all.
And that is, life is precious. From the time it starts until it finally is no more. So make the most of it, and get to know the One Who is the Author of life itself.
Precious little Maddie, your message is certainly clear to me.
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” (Psalm 127:3 NLT)
“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” (Proverbs 22:6 NLT)
-
What’s Your Nickname?
A lot of people have nicknames; names they’ve earned or possibly a name that describes them well.
Some nicknames are funny, while others are given out of spite.
There was a guy in my army basic training unit they referred to as “chicken bones” because that’s how skinny he was.
I’ve had a few nicknames over the years. Most were fun, but some were not.
Have you ever had someone attempt to tag you with a name that is demeaning, or at least one that’s less than flattering?
Names like “Loser”, “Bum”, “Good-for-nothing”, and “Worthless”?
As a child, did anyone ever tell you that you’d never amount to anything good? Did you ever hear these words, “I wish you had never been born”?
Maybe you started thinking your real name was “Worthless”, or “Stupid”. And it’s just possible you’ve spent your entire life trying to live “up” to that name.
Joseph was a guy in the early days of Christianity. He wasn’t a big shot in the church; at least he didn’t start out as one. He was just an ordinary Joe (literally) who loved his God and God’s people.
He developed a reputation for being the kind of guy who always believed the best of others, who always had a good word to share, a go to guy if you ever needed some cheering up.
The Apostles nicknamed him Barnabas, which meant “Son of Encouragement “.
As if he had encouragement for a father.
Well, the name stuck like glue. And it’s the name the Holy Spirit used when He called him into an apostolic ministry (Acts 13).
I can just imagine how Joseph must have felt, hearing the church’s leadership team call him by his nickname.
I picture him being so pumped, he was determined more than ever to be an encouragement to others, whether they reciprocated or not. Whether they appreciated it or not.
Did you know that Jesus has a special name He calls you? No matter what you’ve done, or what you’ve gone through, He speaks that name to His Father as He prays for you.
He calls you, “Mine”.
“I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.” (John 17:9-10 ESV)
No matter how you’ve been labeled in the past, in Christ you are a new creation. Forget about the former failures. Let go of the nicknames that belonged to the “old man”, and embrace your Heavenly Father’s new name.
Can you imagine how your life would change if you remembered everyday what Jesus thinks of you?
I can.
I am His and He is mine. I belong to the Lord, the Ruler of the Universe, the Savior of my soul. He has made me accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6).
My heart is encouraged, knowing how He loves me. Knowing He’s not ashamed of me.
Even though I’ve failed Him more times than I care to remember, He’s never once said to me, “I wish you’d never been born.”
And He’ll never say that about you, either.
What’s your nickname? Is it one others tagged you with to be hateful to you? Were they jealous of you?
Drop that name and use the one that’s spoken before Heaven’s throne on your behalf.
“They’re MINE.”
-
God’s Veterans
Today is Veterans Day, and I’d like to salute all of you who have served or are presently serving in our country’s military.Thank you for your service.
I’d also like to take a moment to mention some other veterans who, many times, are overlooked. To say thank you to a number of people who have faithfully served their Commander in Chief, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank you, God’s veterans.
Because of your love for the scriptures, and passionate desire to see others come to new life in Christ, you have faithfully preached God’s Word whether or not it was the popular thing to do.
Your steadfast love for the work of the ministry made it possible for the world to at least hear the life changing gospel of Christ.
Your work may have gone unnoticed by many, and you may feel as though nothing of eternal consequence was accomplished, but nothing done in the Name of the Lord is ever wasted.
You have demonstrated to me how to trust God when my feelings are out of control.
You tenderly discipled me, putting up with my immaturity and spiritual arrogance, though I’m sure you had things you’d rather be doing.
I listened to your stories of miraculous deliverance and seasons of abundance. I also heard the joy in your voice while you recalled times of struggle and lack.
Most of all, I heard you speak of your contentment in Jesus.
You couldn’t always answer my questions, or even keep my attention. Sometimes I didn’t think you knew what you were talking about, and at times I was just plain rude and disrespectful.
But I needed you!
Thank you, God’s veterans.
May you finish with grace, and may I follow the faithful example you have been to me.
Without verbalizing it, your actions said to me, “Follow me, as I follow Christ.”
Thank you.
I represent a life that’s been changed by God’s grace and your faithfulness.
Jan Grace
adding God's Word into my world…
Jan Grace 