THE SWEETEST HOUR

As I walked into the kitchen, I could feel it; it would be “one of those days.” Actually, it had been “one of those weeks.” You know what I’m talking about, we’ve all had the experience. Nothing was going as planned. I had a pile of laundry to wash, Christmas shopping to finish, the cookies were over baked, music still to be selected for Sunday Service and the view outside the window proved that even the weather was refusing to cooperate. In addition, my opinion had burst out at the wrong time; I couldn’t believe that he actually thought…and that she was still…. I’m sure if I still had dogs, there would have been muddy footprints tracking through the house. I WAS AGGRAVATED!!!!

Finally, the first load of laundry was folded and the bed was made but the dark cloud hanging over my head just wouldn’t lift. The whole world was against me and I was just trying to serve the Lord. Suddenly, the words of an old hymn found their way through the fog into my thoughts. “Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! That calls me from a world of care.” Nice song, I definitely need something to “call me from a world of care.” I continued into the living room, and the words of the song continued in my mind, “In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief, and oft escaped the tempter's snare.” The fog lifted and everything suddenly became crystal clear, I had missed the sweetest hour of the day. Actually, it had been a couple of days.

The laundry could stay in the dryer, the dishes would still be waiting and the Christmas Cards could be mailed tomorrow, I had an appointment that was just too important to miss. I knelt down in my favorite spot and let the peace of God flood my spirit. “Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! Thy wings shall my petition bear. To him who’s truth and faithfulness engage the waiting soul to bless. And since he bids me seek his face, believe his word, and trust his grace.”

Our lives become so cluttered with so many ‘absolute have-tos”, some are even service to God. The demands on our time can become overwhelming and emotionally draining. The only antidote is to make the “sweetest hour of the day” a part of your routine. It is amazing how setting aside only one of your twenty four hours smoothes the way for the other twenty three. Oh, Sweet Hour of Prayer, my day became brighter, the tasks were accomplished in record time and I was able to view my friends with more love and compassion. “I'll cast on him my every care, and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!”

THE PEOPLE GOD WANTS!!!

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His Only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Rebecca Manley Pippert tells the story of Bill from Portland Oregon. Bill was a brilliant, eccentric student at the Oregon College who moved to his own drumbeat and refused political correctness or societal expectations. There was a well-dressed, middle-class church across the street from the college. They felt a burden to reach out to the students and welcome them into their service. It just so happens about that time, Bill found the Lord. One Sunday, Bill decided to worship at the church across the street. He walked into church wearing blue jeans, a t-shirt and of course no shoes. The church was quit crowded and Bill, finding no seat, simply walked down the aisle to the front pew and squatted down on the floor. Suddenly, an elderly man began walking down the aisle toward the boy. What was he going to say to the brash college student? He would probably “straighten out” this young man, such disrespect simply could not be allowed in the House of God. The congregation held its collective breath. When the elderly man reached Bill, he simply lowered himself to sit beside Bill on the carpet. He and Bill worshiped together on the carpet that Sunday morning. There was not a dry eye in the congregation.

How many “Bills” have walked through our church doors, felt the chill of the condescending stares and walked out, never to return. How many “Bills” have we passed on the street and looked the other way because they didn’t fit our soul-winning vision. Matt Maddix, a popular soul-winning evangelist, has coined the phrase, “If you reach for the people nobody wants, God will give you the people everybody wants.” TRUE!!! Another speaker has said, “If you reach for the people nobody wants, God will MAKE them the people everybody wants.” TRUE!!! As I thought about these phrases, I thought about all the people I come in contact every day. Some are wealthy, educated, poor, illiterate, intellectual, mentally-challenged, athletic, handicapped, well-dressed, and others are homeless. They are all the people that make up my world. The people Jesus died for! The people God wants!!!

The Bible tells us that Jesus came to “seek and save those who are lost.” When Jesus came, he didn’t check out the demographics, take a poll or target a specific socio-economic group. Who did Jesus “hang” with? A rich, young ruler consulted with Jesus, there was a little widow who had a simple “mite” to put in the offering, a prostitute washed his feet, and he debated with the priests in the temple. His immediate circle consisted of fishermen, wealthy tax-collectors, a wild, wilderness-loving cousin; he had a humble young girl for a mother and the village carpenter for a father. Jesus reached out to the demon-possessed, the epileptics, paralytics and lepers, children, military commanders, the religious elite and sinners. There was no one too great or too unimportant for Jesus to reach for, can we say the same?

We are commanded to go into ALL the world; we don’t have the right to be selective. Take a look around the world in which you live, is there a “Bill” you passed over because he wasn’t in the place you were looking. Maybe he didn’t fit your vision of the ideal “Christian.” Perhaps his ideas didn’t fit your religious philosophy. “Bill” is one of the people God wants!!! I am praying that God removes all prejudice, preconceived ideas and clears my vision to see all the people that are hungry to experience what I have; all the people God wants.

YOU'VE REALLY BEEN GOOD TO ME

Today is the last day of what some call a “Month of Thanksgiving.” Many have used this occasion to post a different thing every day for which they are thankful. I have enjoyed reading the diverse assortment of important things in the lives of my friends. One of the striking characteristics of their thankfulness is that very few material things were listed. We put so much importance on jobs, houses, automobiles, clothing and, of course, the latest electronics but when we actually take the time to give thanks, it is about friends, family, relationships, life and health.

A couple of weeks ago, I decided to clean out the filing cabinet. Perched on a stool, with the shredder on the kitchen counter and a stack of file folders to sort, the purging began. It began as a methodical exercise; limiting the archives to this year’s statements, important contracts and year- end tax returns, shredding previous year’s paperwork and emptying the shredder, over and over. After the files were purged, shredded, renamed for new accounts and organized, I moved on to old check files. Ten years of old checks were just begging to be fed to the hungry shredder, when an attitude of gratitude inserted itself into the process.

I began to look at the canceled checks and realized they told the story of my life for the past 10 years. There were checks to mortgage companies paying for a house, a cottage and a church/office building. I had to take a praise break! Thank you Lord for a beautiful home, memories of summer fun at the cottage and for all the hearts that were touched and changed at the church. More checks, this time with the names of several friends and family members; birthdays, Christmas, weddings, anniversaries, new babies and other special occasions. Thank you Lord for each person you have allowed to share my life and thank you for allowing me to bless them as they have blessed me. I moved on to checks for utilities, insurance, home maintenance, car payments all of which I’m sure were complained about at the time but now represented a bounty of blessings from God. Another praise break! I’m thankful for warmth in the winter, cool air in the summer, the freedom to travel short and long distances and the finances to cover all the repairs. There were payments to doctors, dentists, and even the government. Thank you for good health, root canals and caps and enough wealth to pay taxes. (Not happy about the taxes but thankful for a good job.) Finally, there were checks to charities and tithes and offerings to church. Thank you, God that you provided all of our needs, many of our wants and enough to share with those less fortunate. You really cannot out give God.

As I returned to the task of shredding, my heart was overwhelmed by the goodness of God. He truly is Jehovah-Jireh, my provider. The “Month of Thanksgiving” may have come to an end but the gratefulness continues year round. Lord, you’ve really been good to me.

SO I TAUGHT YOU TO TRUST GOD

When you began to walk, I wanted to keep you from falling, I could not so I stood by ready to pick you up, bandage the scrapes and kiss away the tears. When it was time for you to enter kindergarten, I wanted to protect your young ears and eyes from the influences of an evil world, I could not so I taught you to turn away from evil and toward the beauty of God. When you joined your friends on the playground, I wanted to protect you from the bullies, the teasing and their hurtful words, I could not so I provided a loving home you could always run to and told you about a “friend that would never leave you or forsake you.” As you approached adulthood, I wanted to keep you from failing, but I could not, so I taught you to get up and try again, that the mercies of God are new every morning and by never giving up you would achieve success. As you began to win and life’s success came your way, I wanted to protect you from the pitfalls of pride, I could not so I taught you to be thankful and give all Glory to God. Now you are a man and I would still like to protect you from the world, but I cannot so I stand by and watch with a prayerful heart as you prepare your children to deal with their own scrapes and bruises.

On Saturday, my youngest son, Phil and his wife Holly faced the hardest trial of their life; saying goodbye to their little son, Timothy Lee. I wanted to run, pick him up and kiss away the tears but I could not so in prayer I asked our Heavenly Father to surround him with His love. I knew that my sadness at the loss of my little grandson could not compare to the grief Phil and Holly were experiencing as their tiny son was born. Sunday afternoon, Phil posted the following words to his friends and family:

“Unfortunately, we have sad news to report. On Saturday, Holly and I found that the baby we were expecting died in utero 16 weeks into the pregnancy. Holly delivered little Timothy Lee Niswonger on 11/13 at 4:24 pm. As I held him, I knew that he had been created by the very hand of God. We appreciate all of your prayers as we get through this. Praise be to God.”

The tests we face in life are never the specific events but our response to the events. Phil, I have never been more proud of you as I watch your strength and faith in action during this most difficult time. I may not be able to bandage the scrapes, wipe away the tears or make the pain go away but I know that you will keep holding to God’s unchanging hand and that He will guide you through the dark nights to the joy of the morning.

I CAN CLIMB, IF YOU HELP

We have lived in Tennessee about a month now and we were so excited to have our two grandsons come for a visit. They brought their mom and dad with them, but as all grandparents know, our hearts really long for the grandkids. I stocked the pantry with kid-friendly food, prepared the beds and hauled out the toys. We planned various activities, including a trip to our local park. The park has a walking path that meanders over a creek and is beautifully decorated with several fall displays. Of course the most important features of the park are the various play areas along the walking path. There are swings, slides, monkey bars, a pretend stage coach and several other things on which to swing, climb, hang and bounce. We rounded a curve and an area caught Caleb’s eye; the climbing wall. Nathan followed close behind because anything his 3 1/2 year old brother can do, 1 1/2 year old Nathan will try.

Caleb immediately figured out the hand and foot holds and after watching his brother for a few minutes, Nathan decided to give it a try. His little legs wouldn’t reach the first foot holds and his little arms didn’t have the strength to pull his body up the wall. After watching his desire and struggle for a few seconds, Mommy and Grandma immediately moved in to help. His face lit up with a big smile as he peeked over the top of the wall. VICTORY!!! It didn’t matter that he needed a little boost; someone a little older and stronger to help him to the top, all Nathan cared about was that he had reached the top and was viewing the world from a whole new perspective.

Now of course that is my Grandbaby and my heart melts with compassion at the least little cry for help no matter what situation he has gotten himself into, but what about the new baby in Christ. What about our Brother or Sister in the Lord who has been going to church long enough to “know better?” Do we rush in with a helping hand and strong arm or do we merely watch from the sidelines with a sharp tongue?

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says,” Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labor, for if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.” Recently, Steve preached a sermon entitled, “Walk together or Fall Alone.” He reminded us that we need each other. If you have been serving the Lord for any length of time, you know that we all experience times of weakness and discouragement. We may be able to, as David, “encourage ourselves in the Lord,” but how much sweeter the journey becomes when we have a brother or sister to walk along beside us.

The words of an old song come to mind, “If I can help somebody as I travel along, then my living will not be in vain.” I have a responsibility, not just for my own walk with God but to lend a helping hand to a struggling brother or sister along the way. There are time we could all use a little boost whether it’s a strong arm giving a little hug, an encouraging word, knowing someone is taking the time to pray especially for my situation or a friendly phone call letting me know I was on God’s mind. Extend a hand to someone today, climb together and share the glorious view at the top with a fellow traveler; we are in this life together.

READY AND WAITING

My Grandsons are coming in 2 days. I am so excited and counting down the hours. We have lived in Tennessee for a month and we are ready for visitors. Tennessee is 10 hours south of our 2 grandsons and 16 hours south of our 3 granddaughters. Do I miss them? I refuse to allow myself to think about the distance or I would be in tears half the time. Cell phones are great inventions. For very little cost and at anytime, I can reach out and touch each one. Granted it isn’t as sweet as a hug but hearing their little voices and happy squeals of laughter takes off a little of the sharp edge.

I have been preparing for days. The house is clean, there are fresh linens on the beds, the cupboard is stocked with their favorite foods, special events are planned and I have little surprises set aside for each one; all in anticipation of their arrival. I cannot even imagine the disappointment, if I suddenly receive a phone call saying their travel plans have been cancelled. Or the panic that would change to a deep wound, if they never show on Wednesday evening and call later to say a more important opportunity had presented itself. I’m pretty confident that won’t happen because the grandkids are just as excited as the grandparents.

Are we as excited to visit with our Heavenly Father as He is with us? I wonder how He feels when we get too busy or simply forget to take a little time with Him. My imagination pictures this heavenly scenario: God says to the angels, “A new day has dawned; soon my children will be coming for a little chat. The table is spread with all their favorites; I’ve even included a few new and fresh revelations. I have great plans for them today and some surprise blessings that I just can’t wait to shower down on them. I’m waiting in the throne room, they will be here soon.” The day continues without even a hello. “Surely they will stop in for a few minutes to say goodnight.” The week continues and Sunday dawns. The excitement in Heaven builds; today is a special day, almost like a birthday. “I know they will arrive today.” I can see them now, dressed in their finest clothes, my Book in hand, walking into my earthly houses with joyful smiles, excited to be in My Presence.” Many show up, the music swells and the praise ring forth, but how the heart of God must ache for those who chose something more important.

Just as I long to hold my grandsons, read and sing to them, bless them with gifts and share my plans with them, God longs to have a close relationship with His children. By ignoring Him, you are not only missing out on the blessings but you are passing up His love, peace, direction for your life and all that Heaven has to offer. Many years ago, Jesus went to prepare a place for you, it is almost completed and He is getting ready to take those who have been in close communication with Him to live there. Today would be the perfect time to check in with God, let Him share His heart with you, shower you with everyday blessings and give you the peace and comfort you’ve been missing. How devastated to be too busy with more important opportunities to hear His voice on the very day Heaven was waiting to welcome you home. He is just a prayer away and He is waiting.

DEVOURING OUR OWN IS CANNIBALISM

The television ads are becoming nastier, attacking individual characters, full of false accusations and edited sound bites. The Liberals are frantically digging for “dirt” on the Conservatives and the Republicans are accusing the Democrats of destroying the country. Every “stump” speech, interview, or past action is swiftly analyzed to use in the next attack ad. We are in the middle of an intense political season. As the days tick down to November 2 the rhetoric is ramped up. This is to be expected in a free country that regards Freedom of Speech as guaranteed by our Constitution to be one of our most important freedoms.

I have observed on several occasions that most people fiercely defend the issue of Freedom of Speech as long as the speech agrees with their philosophy. How quickly the tide turns, however, when the speech becomes controversial, even if it is declaring a truth. This week we have witnessed two regulars on a popular talk show, marching off the stage in anger because a guest dared to express his personal opinion on an issue. That incident was permissible to most viewers because it was one political viewpoint against another. But what happens when a group turns against its own? If we began to devour our own, whatever the reason, we are practicing CANNIBALISM!
Yesterday, Juan Williams, Senior News Analyst for NPR and commentator on Fox News was fired for making a statement regarding Muslims. Juan is known as a moderately liberal commentator and had worked for NPR, known for their liberal philosophies, for 10 years. NPR accused Mr. Williams of making a bigoted statement regarding a reaction he experienced personally. So much for Freedom of Speech; at NPR, censorship appears to reign supreme. As a country we must be careful to allow speech that does not agree with us in order to preserve our own freedom to be controversial at times. Contrary speech allows us to examine our own philosophies, possibly learn something new and solidify the truth in our own minds. If this is true of a nation, how much more important it is in the Church of God.

As a church are we guilty of devouring our own because they speak, worship or look just a little different than what we have established as “religiously correct?” Just as the United States has a constitution that must stand as the final authority on issues, the church has the Word of God that contains eternal truth. Does that mean we destroy those who may have a differing viewpoint or have not yet attained our superior understanding of the Bible?

The early church narrowly escaped “spiritual cannibalism” due to the strength and wisdom of one of their leaders. In Acts 11, Peter was taken to task for going to Cornelius’ home and eating with him. The problem; Cornelius was an uncircumcised gentile. Peter’s reply was so perfect, “So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?” 

By Acts 15, we find that the Circumcised Believers had formed a Council. The issue: “Unless you were circumcised, you could not be saved!” Again, Peter was called on to settle the dispute. Peter pointed out that God had accepted the uncircumcised by giving them the Holy Spirit, making no distinction between the circumcised and uncircumcised because of their faith. Peter went on to ask, “Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear?” Or in my vernacular, “Why are you trying to cannibalize these new Christians who look and act a little different from you?”

Peter’s last statement settled the issue, “No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are. Let’s not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.”

As “mature” Christians, let us embrace those who enter our church circle whether they speak the same language, wear the same clothes, have the same understanding or appear to be completely foreign in speech, dress and interpretation. Listen carefully, you may learn something or realize you are the one in error.

 Maybe their speech or dress is a mask for other experiences of rejection and they were hoping that just maybe that “Love of God” you speak of was a reality. Perhaps they hadn’t heard that there was another way to live and that God’s word held a promise of freedom from the sins of their past. Just maybe a hug and a gentle leading into truth is what they need instead of being met at the door with sharpened knives and a hot fire.

We must always be careful to speak the truth but it must be enveloped with the love of God. Let us not be guilty of Spiritual Cannibalism.

WHAT HOUSES HAVE YOU BUILT?

During the reign of King Saul, the Ark of God was taken into battle and captured by the Philistines. The Ark was important to the Nation of Israel because it was where once a year the high priest would bring blood as atonement for the sins of all the people, and present it before God at the Mercy Seat. It was also where the manifest presence of God rested.

For several years, Israel existed without the Ark until King David made arrangements to have it brought back to Jerusalem. David had a desire to not only bring the Ark home but to build a temple, dedicated to God where the Ark would be housed and all the people could worship. The Bible tells us that instead of David, the privilege of building the temple was given to Solomon, David’s son.

When it came time for David to die and Solomon to ascend to the throne, David instructed his son with these words in the 2nd chapter of 1 Kings:

1 Kings 2:2-3 “Be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man. 3And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn.”

 1 Kings records further, that when God asked Solomon to request any blessing he desired, Solomon chose wisdom. God was so pleased with Solomon’s choice that He also gave him riches and honor. The years passed and Solomon completed a great temple in honor of the God of Israel. At the dedication of the temple, the Glory of God so overwhelming filled the temple until the priests were unable to minister. What a glorious day for the God of Israel, the Children of Israel and Solomon.

As the story of Solomon continues, we learn about the part that is not so great or pure or holy. Unfortunately, this is the sad side of Solomon’s life that he describes in Ecclesiastes as “vanity and vexation of the soul.”

2 Chronicles 8:11 Now Solomon brought the daughter of Pharaoh up from the City of David to the house he had built for her, for he said, “My wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, because the places to which the ark of the Lord has come are holy.” 

The part I find so striking is not that Solomon built a special house for his wife but the reason for building a house apart from his palace. This verse tells us that Solomon would not allow his wife, who worshiped gods other than Jehovah, to live in the palace because the Ark of the Lord had rested there. His wisdom told him he could not mix the holy with the profane and so another house was built.

What houses am I building? Do I have a house that is Holy unto the Lord, where my thoughts and actions are pure and the praises go forth continually? That is the house I live in on Sunday and in front of my church family and friends. But what about the house I have erected way back in the shadows; the house that is reserved for all the things of this world that I cling to so tightly and visit regularly.

These are the things in my life that I don’t like to bring to church or push aside when I am praying; the things that just don’t mix with the part of my life that is dedicated to God. I fool myself into thinking I can live between the two houses; that the possessions of one need never mix or interfere with those of the other. Soon, however, I find that after a visit to my “special house” I have carried over some “dear” attitude or behavior into that which I have reserved for God. Only now I have polluted the Holy because the profane and holy cannot mix.

 If I want the house I have dedicated to God to remain, I must sacrifice the other house on the altar.

Check your plans, are you building a special edifice just for you to house all the secrets you have buried? TEAR IT DOWN!!! How sad to die as Solomon, having experienced all the wonderful blessings of God yet finding that life ends as vanity and vexation of the soul.

HELP, I CAN'T SEE THE CANVAS FLAPPING!

Our last Saturday morning as Michiganders dawned early. The truck and van were “stuffed to the gills” with all of the important and necessary last minute items that didn’t make it on the moving van. As I walked through the empty house for a final check, memories of laughter, holiday meals, football parties and grandkids camp flooded over me. But, no time to linger, it was now time for the new adventure to begin. A quick stop and a kiss for the Grand boys and we were on the road to Tennessee. I was excited for this new chapter in our lives to begin but I was not looking forward to driving alone for 10 hours. Steve took the GPS in his truck, I had a cell phone. My instructions were to stay on Highway 75 from Saginaw, MI to Knoxville, TN and follow the silver truck with the blue canvas flapping in the wind. Following Steve is never easy. No matter how hard I try, my mind will not allow my cruise control to go over a certain speed and his mind will not allow his cruise to go under a certain speed. I sat my cruise at the top of my comfort zone and fixed my eyes on the flapping blue canvas.

We had agreed to call if we needed to make a pit stop or got separated. The drive was going smoothly; I was listening to music, Michigan football and following the silver truck with blue canvas “flag” at a comfortable distance. The traffic in Cincinnati was unusually heavy. I was unable to change lanes when my leader truck changed and got stuck behind a slow moving camper. No problem, I could still see my blue beacon faithfully waving in the breeze. Suddenly, it disappeared around a curve. Not to worry, I would soon be around the curve and my guide would once again be in my sight. Rounding the curve I felt the apprehension rising; no silver truck. When you are in the middle of heavy traffic, driving 70 miles an hour, there is no place to pull over and no time to reach for the cell phone. To make matters worse, the highway suddenly split. PANIC TIME!!! What to do? Stay on road, follow his word and trust what you know is true. Steve’s word had assured me that I75 was the way to go; I knew that I75 ran from MI to FL and would take me to Knoxville, and I had my cell phone if I needed to make contact. Quickly changing lanes, I took the Highway 75 split, rounded the corner and there it was; a beautiful silver truck with a blue canvas flapping in the wind.

So many times, I have been happily traveling down the highway of life. I have Jesus in my sight leading the way with His Word is lighting my path. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a curve appears, I lose sight of my leader and to make matters worse I come to a crossroad. What to do? If you have ever faced this scenario, before the panic overwhelms you, “Stay on the road, follow His Word and trust what you know to be true.” Don’t pull over, Jesus is still ahead leading the way; if you stop now, the distance between you will only increase. Follow His word! Psalms 119:105 reminds us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Glance down at your feet, see that little glow; that is His Word still lighting your path. Keep moving in that Light. This is the time to refresh yourself in the Word of God. Grab hold of the precious promises it contains and trust in what you know to be true. Remember you may not see the “canvas” flapping in the wind but you haven’t lost the connection, grab the cell phone of prayer and hit Jesus on the speed dial. He will answer every time. Soon you will round that curve, Jesus will once more appear in your line of sight and you will continue joyfully along the path.

WHAT IF?

What and If, 2 small words when strung together open up a world of exploration and discovery. We grasp the concept long before we can write, recognize or even speak the words; WHAT IF!  Take a few minutes to watch a toddler; their entire world revolves around “What if.” What if I put this bug in my mouth? What if I throw that expensive vase in the floor? What if I wake up in the night and scream? What if I turn my bowl of cereal upside down? And the list goes on and on. As we mature, the “what ifs” mature along with us. A teenager finds a whole different answer to what if I throw this vase in the floor. The answer becomes a statement of, “If, then!”

The “what ifs" continue our entire life. What if I had…., what if I had taken that job, what if we had moved to that city, what if I had married him? There are no answers to these questions because we can never know how our life would have changed if we had made only one different decision. As a Christian we may ask, what if I stepped out in faith, what if I told my neighbor about Jesus, what if I went out of my way to help the helpless? Again, there is no answer until we finally just do it!!!

If no one ever asked, “What if”, think of all the wonderful land masses, inventions and truths that would have never been discovered. The plan is, however, once the “what if” is answered, we are not stuck repeating the action but our exploration moves on. 2 Timothy speaks of people who are, “Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” How frustrating to have a life full of “What ifs” but no “If, thens” that would have allowed you to receive further revelation.

One of the questions I hear many people struggle with in their quest for knowledge is, “What if there is no God?” I suppose there are many things that would drastically change if there was no God. How would I treat my neighbor, if there was NO LOVE? How would I react to the one who had wronged me, if there was NO MERCY? How would I face hard decisions, if there was NO FAITH? How would I handle dying, if there was NO HOPE?

The other night I dreamed a friend was trying to persuade me that my choice to follow God’s plan was foolish. He asked how I would feel if I found out there was no God. I awoke with the answer ringing through my sub consciousness. It is very simple, if I came to the end of my life and discovered there was no God, I would have lived a wonderful, fulfilled life; one of ignorant bliss, but still wonderful. I would still win because I had nothing to lose. On the other hand if my friend comes to the end of life and discovers, he is wrong and there IS a God, he loses big time and for all of eternity.

The way I see it believing in and serving God is a win/win way of life while living for yourself and believing it all ends at death results in an eternal, “WHAT IF.”

IF YOU HAD ONLY WAITED!!!

“Grandma, I want some juice.” “Just a minute, Caleb” “Grandma, I want some juice.” “I’ll be right there.” SPLASH, CRASH, TRICKLE, DRIP, drip, drip….. “Caleb, if you had only waited!” Does this scenario sound familiar? Caleb was having one of those days. Grandma was busy with Nathan, Caleb wanted juice and he wanted it now so he decided to take matters into his own hands with disastrous results. Now Caleb was unhappy, Grandma was frustrated and there was a big mess in the floor. If he had only waited, Caleb would have been enjoying a glass of juice and Grandma would have been relaxing with a cup of coffee in a clean kitchen. How many times has God looked down at the mess I have created and thought, “Susan, if you had only waited!” Most of the time my heart is in the right place, it is just that my mind becomes clouded by my desires and I think I can do it myself.

I have learned a lot about waiting in the recent weeks and months. At the beginning of the year, Steve and I began to seek God’s will for the ministry He has called us too. Doors began to open for us to speak on weekends and we met many wonderful people at several churches. Pastoral opportunities presented themselves, but as we would seek a confirmation from God, the door would close. There were times the waiting became difficult and we were tempted to work the situation out, but past experiences screamed NO and prevented another disaster. Finally, God opened the door to the opportunity he had created just for us. We walked through the door and have already begun to enjoy the blessings. We were asked to accept the pastorate, our house sold immediately, the perfect Tennessee house was available for rent, and life was rolling along on well-greased wheels. Suddenly, we hit a pothole and the waiting lesson began anew.

The owner of the “perfect” house called on Friday to tell us the deal on the house he was purchasing had fallen through so his house was no longer available for lease. How could that happen? Hadn’t God opened the door for the perfect house? Forgetting the blessings we had experienced through the waiting over the past month, I began to fret. Steve and I discussed our other two options during the long drive from Memphis to Morristown. Saturday evening, we again toured one of the choices. I had an unsettled feeling but convinced myself that it would be alright; I could live here. Maybe we could get a 6 month lease; surely I could stand it for 6 months. After a sleepless night, Sunday morning dawned. The unsettled feeling had not left and the thought came to me; “Susan, you know that unsettled feelings are not from God, you need to pay attention.” I made excuses; “I had no other options.” “It was a matter of pride.” “I was disappointed.” The feelings lasted as the church service began. Finally, in desperation, I raised my hands toward heaven and began to worship and praise God for His goodness. My mind cleared and I began to wait.

After church, on our way back to Saginaw, we stopped by the other house on our list for one last look. The living room looked bigger, the sun shone in brighter through the windows, the breeze blew across the deck a little softer and the peace of God flooded my soul. This was the house God had provided for us. Steve looked at me, I nodded and he said, “I think this is the one.” We signed a lease and headed for Saginaw, MI with a song in our heart. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” I am so thankful that there was no mess to clean up this time. What a comfort to know that God is faithful and He will clean up the messes but how much more glorious it is to experience the joy of waiting on the Lord.

DOES A TITLE DEFINE ME?

What is a title? According to Merriam/Webster, one of the definitions is a descriptive name. A title is a word used to describe your current station in life. Titles begin to evolve in your life from birth. Some are lifelong banners, while others are appropriate only for a short time. I began life with the titles daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and cousin. As I grew so did my title list. Over the years, student, wife, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, mother, aunt and grandmother were added to my resume. The most precious title associated with my name is Redeemed, Spirit-Filled, Child of God. Do these titles define me? I certainly hope so; they are the story of my life.

Every title defines a small piece of the puzzle, when viewed as a whole portrays Susan. They identify all the relationships I have with people who are so precious in my life. I have known women who refused to take their husbands last name or be known as MRS. I love that title; it tells a beautiful story of love and commitment from two different people whom God made one. Mother and Grandmother are two other titles that I cherish. Those titles are a continuation of the love story that began when I became a wife. At 9 years old, I decided to follow Jesus, since then, I have happily embraced every title along the way as a blessing from God.

I was involved recently in a conversation regarding the title, “Pastor’s Wife” vs. “Co-Pastor” vs. “Lady Minister.” Each side had a valid point as to which was the desired title. When I came to the place of surrender where the title was not as important as serving God every day in any capacity, doors began to open miraculously and great things began to happen in my world. I have recently become a “Pastor’s Wife.” I love it! Why? Maybe, because I am married to the greatest, most humble, absolutely wonderful Pastor/Preacher in the universe. Maybe, because this Man of God rejoices in all the things God calls me to do and encourages me to seek God’s will for my life. Maybe because my husband pastors a church filled with precious People of God. Maybe, because, “Pastor’s Wife,” defines exactly the position in which God has placed me.

Does a title define me? Only if I allow myself to become everything the title describes. Choose the titles wisely that you allow to be associated with your life. If a title has been placed around your neck that you prefer was not there, refuse to live by its definition, soon it will fall by the wayside and be forgotten. Every day you may gain and lose various titles, make sure you add “Redeemed, Spirit-Filled Child of God” to your life, live up to its definition and never let it go.

SOMETIMES GOD SAYS NO, SO HE CAN SAY YES!

There is nothing more fulfilling than being involved in the work of God. It is so awesome to realize that you are a small piece of God’s master plan. Each morning I pray that God will open my eyes and help me to accomplish what He has planned for that day. This prayer has led to some strange and interesting situations at the grocery store, a nursing home, my office, the subdivision where I live and other places I frequent. It is so amazing while meditating on God’s goodness in the evening to suddenly realize that the events of the day were not strange or coincidental at all. They were orchestrated by God and I was a part of them!!!

About 7 years ago, Steve and I felt led to start a small group in our town. Although we are surrounded by many churches, there is no church that teaches the Acts 2:38 message in our immediate area. It began as a small group in our home where we met once a week to study the Word of God, share testimonies of God’s goodness and pray for each other’s needs. As the group expanded we began to look for a building and held our first services there about 5 years ago. For the next 4 years we continued to minister to people and reach out to the community. Although many people visited, our core group remained small. About a eighteen months ago, the core shrunk to 3 individuals and we felt God telling us, “NO.” Our last service was Easter Sunday, 2009. It took several months for me to go back into the building because I was not ready to let go. I was sure it was the will of God but still I grieved.

As the months continued, Steve and I prayed, wept and sought God for direction. During that time we learn to see opportunities one day at a time and allow God to use us for that specific situation. We felt a burden for small churches and traveled on weekends to minister in them. I was privileged to complete 3 different Bible Study series and to teach them in small group settings. God allowed me to speak at some ladies meetings and seminars. I volunteered at the Rescue Mission and worked with hospice. I was blessed every time I saw God work in a situation or we enjoyed a powerful service in one of the small churches, but still something was missing. I had a longing to be a pastor’s wife again!!! I wanted to walk beside precious people as they worked out the issues in their lives, cry with them as they let go of the pain and rejoice when the joy of the Lord filled their heart. I was not very good at “lovin’ and leavin’.

Some opportunities began to present themselves. Every time we were optimistic; could this be the place God wanted us to minister? As we prayed for direction, it seemed as if God had forgotten that YES was also a word. The door would always shut with a resounding NO. There was one opportunity we were so sure would be perfect. Everything seemed to be falling into place except for one important detail. This had to be God’s plan for our lives, but to be sure we put a “fleece” before the Lord. We soon realized that although the fleece was wet the ground was very dry. We continued to pray about this one, because it was so “perfect” for our lives. One more “fleece” went before the Lord. This time, you guessed it, the ground was wet but the fleece was dry. God had not only answered our “fleece” but had taken the desire for this opportunity out of our hearts. So we continued to seek God’s will.

When we come to the end of our own imagination, God shows us His. God slapped us upside the head with an open door that we never saw coming, could not have imagined or even dreamed up. On August 22, 2010 we had our first service as pastor of Cornerstone Apostolic Church, Morristown, TN. Even as I write this, I am overwhelmed by the goodness of my God, tears fill my eyes and I may have to take a little praise break right here. God reached way up north in Saginaw, MI, touched a seeking pastor and his wife, filled our hearts with love for a beautiful congregation way down south in Morristown, TN. He has not only given us the desire of our heart but is allowing it to be fulfilled in one of the most beautiful areas in America.
All of the months of uncertainty allowed us to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ as we let go of our plans and sought His purpose. The miles of traveling to small congregations on weekends gave us a new perspective on God’s love for His people. Struggling in “Home Missions” for five years with little “success” in man’s eyes, taught us that, “there are no throwaway’s,” every soul is precious and you may be in that individual’s life for just a moment in time along their spiritual journey. All of the closed doors and God’s answers of “NO,” fine tuned our hearing so that when God said “YES,” the answer was unmistakable.

God has confirmed His “Yes” to us over the last month in unbelievable ways. I am so thankful for all the times God said no so He could say YES!!! This experience has taught me that accepting, with grace, the times that God says no makes the time He says yes so much sweeter.

CHECK YOUR WINDOW SILLS

The windows were shining, the furniture dusted and the carpet vacuumed. Ahhh, the feeling of accomplishment was sweet; time to let the fresh breezes blow out the lingering staleness created by the hot, humid days of summer; time to settle back with a well-deserved cup of coffee and admire the results of my fruitful morning. Tying back the curtains and raising the window, I suddenly recoiled in horror!!! My feeling of satisfaction and my beautiful room was suddenly marred by filthy window sills. The sills were grimy with dirt, dead bugs were strategically lining the wells and cobwebs filled the corners. Where had all the filth come from and how had I allowed it to accumulate to that extent? Paper towels and window cleaner work wonders and a half hour later I was sitting back enjoying my cup of coffee, secure in the knowledge that my rooms were spotless.

Pondering the situation, I realized how thankful I am for windows. The sills reflected what a great job the window had done in trapping the dirt and bugs before they took up residence in my house. God created our bodies with some pre-emptive devices to protect important sensitive areas from ingesting the filth and germs that swirl around us every day. If you are the mother of daughters or are extra sensitive, you may want to stop reading now or write your own ending to the story. I am the mother of two boys and believe me when you raise boys; all sensitivity quickly flies out the window. With boys, bodily fluids and noises were not subjects to sweep under the rug or discreetly discuss in hushed tones. OH NO!!! They were loudly proclaimed, a subject of masculine rivalry and at times actually celebrated. Now that you understand how my mind works, blow your nose, clean out your ears and wash the sleep out of your eyes. These are all systems that must be cleaned from time to time; systems that protect the body from ingesting foreign objects that would harm delicate tissue. If you never blew your nose, you would finally be unable to breath. Ears can become so plugged, that it seems you are hearing everything from inside a barrel and of course who would want their eyes glued shut with the goop that accumulates every night while you sleep? We make sure to take care of our bodily hygiene every day but what about our spiritual hygiene?

We have repented and turned toward Christ, our sins have been washed away through baptism and He has filled our emptied soul with the Holy Ghost. The inside is all clean!!! We live by the motto, WWJD. Our homes have been set up as a testimony, there are certain places and situations we shun, and we are careful to let our speech glorify God. The outside is all clean!!!! Before we settle back and rest in what God has accomplished in our life, CHECK THE WINDOW SILL. What is lurking in the corners, down in the wells and under the layer of dust we have allowed to accumulate. We still live in a world that doesn’t follow WWJD. We are bombarded with filthy words, images and evil imaginations every day. Although we may guard our heart and refuse to embrace the world’s view of life, we have to daily cleanse the accumulation from our mind. The Apostle Paul says it in such an eloquent fashion in Philippians 4:8 “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.” Spending a little time with the Lord, listening to Godly music, reading a passage of scripture, and just allowing His love to gently wipe away all the outside crud will keep all the pre-emptive devices in good working order. If you haven’t checked the window sills of your heart in a while, take a few minutes, you’ll be reaching for the paper towels and Windex, with lightening speed.

SEARCHING FOR LOST SIGNAL

My life is now run by satellite. Forty years ago, we were amazed at the futuristic technology portrayed on Star Trek and James Bond. The actors were able to go places and accomplish things found only in the daydreams of adventurous screenwriters. Today, although, we still cannot be teleported to other universes, most of the gadgets have become reality. I have a cell phone, satellite television, a GPS system in my automobile and even an alarm clock that resets itself by satellite. They are all wonderful inventions until something interrupts the signal.

Steve and I were in the middle of a Law & Order episode one night when the storm clouds rolled in and the most aggravating message scrolled across the screen; “Searching for signal.” Nothing was wrong with the television, the station was still broadcasting the episode, but we could do nothing to remedy the situation because the receiver could not find the signal. The same thing happens to my cell phone as I cross the Mackinac Bridge into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Suddenly an inverted V appears with an attached rotating cone, frantically searching for the nearest cell tower. I am no longer connected to the world because the signal has been lost.

So many times traveling the “road of life,” I find myself disconnected and searching for the signal. Nothing is wrong with God. The signal is still being broadcasted to the world. Others are happily connected, but something is preventing me from receiving what God is transmitting. It may be a storm cloud or the mountains bordering the valley through which I’m traveling. At other times, I may have drifted to far from the “tower,” all I know is that my heart keeps rotating, searching frantically for the signal. As I continue on the path, like my car’s GPS system, I pick up a sudden voice that says, “Make a U-turn now!” If I obey that familiar voice, I find myself safely on the right road with the signal coming through clear and strong.

If you find your heart searching for the signal, remember it’s not lost. There is something merely blocking the reception. Deuteronomy 4:29 promises, “But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Look up, raise your antennae toward Heaven, begin to praise God and soon the signal will be restored.

BIG HAIR & WHISPERED PRAYER

Have you ever gone shopping with someone and become separated? You are standing right beside them, looking at the same merchandise, when suddenly, they disappear. In a big department store, you could lose someone for days. You go down one aisle as they are going up another aisle or you happen to be rounding the end of an aisle at the exact time they pass the aisle in which you were just standing. It really could go on forever. What do you do? If you are lost, whether in a department store or a forest, the best course of action is JUST STAND STILL!!!

As a little girl, it was always an exciting adventure to go “to town” with Mom. Shopping was a much more focused decision. There was no wandering down wide, air-conditioned corridors, stopping in a store you wouldn’t ordinarily frequent to check out the clearance rack, grabbing a bite to eat in the food court before moving on to the store you really came to shop at in the first place. “Town” consisted of stand-alone stores and strip malls and going to “town” usually referred to Sears or JC Penney’s. I still remember the smell of freshly popped corn as we entered Sears. A strategically placed counter filled with chocolate delights, candy corn and circus peanuts beckoned to shoppers as they entered the store and tempted them as they exited. Sometimes we would get a 1/4 pound of our favorite candy for the ride back home.

Sears was full of distractions for a curious little girl. There were racks of colorful clothing, mannequins to hide behind and make faces at, and ladies with blue hair stopping to admire a mother brave enough to go shopping with such a large brood. In the midst of all the distractions, I would suddenly realize that Mom had moved on without me. I’m sure she was just behind a rack of clothing or down a different aisle, but it can be very stressful to a child when there are no familiar faces in view. The first few times a panicked cry of “MOM” rang out through the department until she suddenly appeared assuring us she had never been very far away. As we grew older and realized she would never leave us alone, the panic faded and we drifted a little further into departments that were much more interesting. After a short while, the insecurity would set in and we would begin to look for Mom.

Over the years I learned a little trick that worked every time. It was the 1960’s and my mother had BIG HAIR. If I only looked up over my circumstance, I could find her moving in the distance among the racks. I would walk toward the “moving hair” and soon be in her presence. There were times, however, that the merchandise was piled too high. No matter how high I looked, I could not spot the hair. I would get very quiet and listen intently. My mother took the verse that says, “Pray without ceasing,” literally. She had a whispered prayer on her lips as she cleaned the house, cooked the meals and yes, even as she shopped. When all my searching techniques failed, I would listen for that familiar whisper, “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!” As I moved toward the still, small voice, I felt a calming peace; Mom was just around the corner. Looking back, it has become just a fond memory. If I get separated in the mall from loved ones today, I call their cell phone and ask them where they are and where we can meet. The need for big hair and whispered prayer has become obsolete.

There have been times I have allowed the distractions of life to overwhelm me. I look around for God and realize He isn’t beside me anymore. I’ve drifted away and I’m lost among the racks of responsibilities and troubles. If I can only look up; above my circumstance, often times I spot Jesus moving in the distance. Keeping my eyes on Him, once again I draw near and soon I am in His loving presence. But what about the times when I can barely lift my head, let alone see over the problems that have surrounded me? That is when I go to PLAN B; stand still and listen. I get away from the clutter and noise, close my eyes and let that still, small voice begin to speak. As I draw near to God the voice becomes a little louder and clearer until once again, He is holding my hand and directing my path.

If you have become a bit distracted and life is too confusing, give my solution a try. First, lift your head and LOOK UP. If you still can’t catch a glimpse of the Savior, LISTEN. His voice is never stilled; we just have a difficult time getting through the interference to the right frequency. He hasn’t moved He is right where you left Him. God has been patiently waiting to speak peace to your heart.

I THINK I AM A VALLEY GIRL

Do you know or are you one of the people who can’t wait for the next thrill? For the most part you feel that life is boring and you would be happier if you could live in Disney World and ride the roller coaster every day. I DO NOT understand you!!! I am happier with the mundane and would prefer to live in the rut; I think I am a “Valley Girl.”

Our Walk with God has been expressed many times as either a “Mountaintop” or “Valley” experience. The “Mountaintop” describes exhilarating times, conquering, the end of the battle, and victorious celebration. The “Valley,” on the other hand speaks of constant searching, struggling, or stumbling through the darkness and discouragement. I think the Valley gets a bad rap and as a Valley Girl, I have a different point of view.

While a mountain may offer excitement and be exhilarating, living on a mountain is hard. Mountain climbers describe the treacherous perils awaiting those who dwell on the peaks. There are stories of hikers finding a quiet, flat site to set up camp for the night only to have a storm blow in unexpectedly, upsetting the camp. The climber must always be aware of missteps into a crevice or loose boulders that appear solid only to break off with the slightest weight and go tumbling into the canyon below. The thunder of an avalanche strikes terror into the hearts of even the most experienced explorers who understand that trying to escape the tidal wave of snow racing down the mountainside is futile. Once the adventurers have reached the peak, there is a feeling of incredible achievement and the view is breathtaking, but trying living on the mountaintop. There is nothing to be found that will sustain life. There are no places to build a house, no rich soil to grow a garden, or beautiful streams from which to draw life giving water. It can be cold and lonely on the mountain. What do you do when all the provisions you toted on your back have been depleted? There is no local grocer or Wal-Mart on the top of the mountain. Suddenly, the valley begins to sound a little more inviting.

It is in the valley we find peace, rest, safety and provision. The valley provides a quiet place where we can take the time to feel God’s love surrounding us and earnestly seek His guidance. Our bodies have been created to endure hardship, expend incredible amounts of energy and achieve amazing feats of strength but even the strongest and most energetic person will eventually hit the wall because we are also created to require rest. It is in the valley that we can take the time to be revived, refreshed, and reinvigorated. It is true, sometimes life in the valley becomes boring or as I prefer to call it, peaceful. For all you “thrill-seekers,” be assured, Life is never static, the valley will come to an end and soon you will have another mountain to climb.

All of you Mountain Climbers please be patient with us Valley Girls as we journey through life together. I will climb up the mountain side with you and rejoice when we reach the peak. I promise to be a shoulder to lean on as we descend on the other side. I only ask that you allow me just a little extra time to linger in the valley. Let me drink from clear stream of refreshing water, eat the fruit from the Tree of Life and smell the sweet aroma of the Lily of the Valley. As a Valley Girl, I need a few extra moments to prepare for the next adventure. We will reach the mountain soon but for now there are green pastures and still waters awaiting this Valley Girl.

STONES OF MEMORIAL

Some time ago, I watched a funeral of an elderly lady over the internet. This is the fourth funeral I have watched in the last few years. These were people I have seen and heard all my life, yet I have never shaken their hand, spoken to them, or even been introduced. She was not just any old lady; he was not just another sickly old man. They were men and women of God who stood strong in the face of opposition, persevered and overcame.

My family is concerned about my fascination with these funerals. It doesn’t make sense why I would devote an afternoon to hear people eulogize someone I have never met. I asked myself. Why? It came to me that it isn’t a fascination with death or a nostalgic desire to reacquaint myself with people from my younger days. It is the legacy they leave behind. Now that I am over 50 years old, I am more concerned with my own legacy. Have I passed on to my children the heritage that was passed down to me? Will my grandchildren know about the blessings our family has experienced? Have I been a testimony to them? Do they have the confidence and faith in God to stand strong no matter the opposition?

In Washington DC, large cities and small towns, there are statues, walls and monuments erected in honor of great leaders, fallen soldiers and other heroes. These are not set up just to attract tourists or decorate a town square but they are Memorial Stones. The hope is that a legacy will be preserved and the future generations will stand before the memorial to hear the stories of incredible bravery and endurance. The goal is that those who pause will not only stand with a sense of pride in their country but be motivated to continue the legacy.

Joshua 4:20-24 And those twelve stones, which they took out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal. 21 And he spoke unto the children of Israel, saying, when your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, what meaneth these stones? 22 Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land. 23 For the LORD your God dried up the waters of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed over, as the LORD your God did to the Red sea, which he dried up from before us, until we were gone over: 24 That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God forever.

Joshua understood the importance of setting up memorials and passing the details of God’s miraculous deeds to the next generation and the next and the next. Although Joshua was one of the great leaders named in Israel’s history, he was not concerned with his own legacy or making sure his name was preserved in the annals of history. Joshua understood that he was but a vessel used by God to fulfill His great plan. Joshua had a memorial set up comprised of the stones taken out of the middle of the Jordan River. His plan was that the memorial would be visited, the story would be repeated and each generation would “know the hand of the Lord and fear the Lord forever.”

As I watch the funerals of a generation of Godly men and women that is rapidly fading, I am concerned that the legacy of the stones will fade with them. Has my generation preserved and passed down the testimony to our children? Will the new generation, our grandchildren even notice the stones and ask to hear the stories of God’s greatness? As God works in your life, praise Him to your children, write it down for your grandchildren. Have a “Praise The Lord” night at your house as you answer the question “What meaneth these stones.”

THE LAND OF JUST RIGHT

Goldilocks was hungry, there were three bowls of porridge and the story begins. She tasted Papa Bear’s porridge, but it was too hot, Mama Bear’s turned out to be too cold but Baby Bear’s was JUST RIGHT, so she ate it all gone. Then Goldilocks set in Baby Bear’s JUST RIGHT chair until it broke. Finding herself exhausted from eating and sitting, Goldilocks decided to take a short nap. Papa Bear’s bed was too hard, Mama Bear’s bed was too soft, but Baby Bear’s cozy little bed was JUST RIGHT, so Goldilocks fell asleep. She had settled comfortably into the LAND OF JUST RIGHT.

The Bible speaks of several instances of people who settled into the LAND OF JUST RIGHT. In every instance they failed to fulfill the great plan that God had for them and consequently missed out on all the blessings attached to their purpose. In Genesis 11, we learn of Terah, the father of Abram. We are told he took Abram, Sarai and Lot and left the Land of Ur of the Chaldees to go to the Land of Canaan. They came to the Land of Haran and dwelt there and Terah died in Haran. The Bible doesn’t say why Terah didn’t complete the journey into the Land of Canaan but something about Haran was “just right” and Terah decided this was a place where he could be comfortable and he never left. Is it possible that Terah might have had a covenant with God as did his son Abraham, if only he hadn’t settled in the ‘Land of Just Right.”

Just a few generations later, Moses had led the Children of Israel from Egypt, through the wilderness and to the brink of Canaan. Moses died and Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan River and prepared them to possess the land. God had given them the land and promised that He would deliver it into their hands but first they had to drive the heathen inhabitants completely out of the land. Joshua 15:63 tells us of Israel’s failure to obey the command of the Lord; “As for the Jebusites the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day.” Israel decided they were comfortable living along side the heathen Jebusites. Although it was against God’s direct instructions, Israel settled into the “Land of Just Right.” History reveals the consequence of Israel’s disobedience and the result of their becoming comfortable in the “Land of Just Right. To this day, the inhabitants of Jerusalem have been a snare and a trap, a scourge in their side and a thorn in the eyes of Israel, just as they were warned in Joshua 23:12.

The Church of Laodicea in the book of Revelation had become a church that had settled in the Land of Just Right. Revelation 3:15 states in a letter to the Church of Laodicea, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou were cold or hot. 16So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. 17Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” This passage of scripture became a little clearer to me recently while visiting with my Mother. My Mom lives in Southern Missouri where it is usually warm in the month of May. The day we arrived it was a sunny, warm 85 degrees. A cold front moved through overnight and the temperature fell to 50 degrees. The cold spurred my Mom to action; on came the furnace and up went the thermostat. Since I am 20 years younger and much warmer natured than my mother, the stifling heat of the furnace caused me to turn the thermostat way down while mom was in the other room. Finally, we compromised on a temperature, Mom added a sweater and I donned a t-shirt. After settling comfortably in the “Land of Just Right”, we continued eating and visiting.

When we become “cold” in our relationship with God, we become uncomfortable. Something is just NOT right. God begins to deal with us and we move closer to the source of heat; the Fire of the Holy Ghost. When we become “hot” in our relationship with God, the Fire spurs us into action to accomplish our purpose in God. If we have settled into the Land of Just Right, however, we are in a “lukewarm” condition. We have become comfortable in feasting on the blessings of God and fellowship without putting forth any effort. Nothing is accomplished when everything is “Just Right,” and God says he will spew you out of His mouth. While it may require that you get out of your comfort zone and life may not seem “quite right” most days, the further you move away from the “Land of Just Right,” the closer you will get to the Fire of the Holy Ghost and God’s purpose and plan for your life will be fulfilled.

The story of Goldilocks ends with the Three Bears returning home to find Goldilocks asleep in Baby Bear’s bed. We tell our children a nice little ending with the bears waking her with a kiss and sending her home. Since bears are not nice furry little creatures, instead of a kiss they probably ate her and that was the end of Goldilocks; all because she became comfortable in the Land of Just Right.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

In the last few years the Internet has become an integral part of our everyday lives. We use it to communicate with loved ones, share pictures and daily activities on social networks, learn what is happening in every country of the world, purchase new toys and sell the old ones. If you have ever entered a contest, down loaded software, or enrolled in an online group, you will notice that before the transaction is completed a small box must be checked. It is the “Terms & Conditions” box. By checking the box you are promising that you accept and abide by whatever rules the creator has set up in connection with this event. I have checked many little boxes but I have to admit, other than a cursory scan, I have never read a detailed Terms & Conditions page. THAT IS GOING TO CHANGE!!! After reading the following article, I have decided to throw my checkmarks around with a little less nonchalance.

Fox News reported that 7,500 online shoppers unknowingly sold their souls when they purchased a computer game from a British company. The “Terms & Conditions” included this clause, “By placing an order via this Web site on the first day of the fourth month of the year 2010 Anno Domini, you agree to grant Us a non transferable option to claim, for now and forever more, your immortal soul. Should We wish to exercise this option, you agree to surrender your immortal soul, and any claim you may have on it, within 5 (five) working days of receiving written notification from gamesation.co.uk or one of its duly authorized minions." A joke? Probably! Enforceable? Probably not!! The lesson to be learned, however, is make sure you know the Terms & Conditions before completing the transaction.

God promised Abraham that he would be the father of a great nation. The Terms & Conditions to receive the promise were that Abraham had to leave his country and loved ones, follow God to an unknown land, face unforeseen obstacles and finally in his old age, experience the birth of the one son who was the start of the “great nation.” Joseph dreamed of his destiny but not the Terms & Conditions. How could he know that before his brothers would bow down to him, he would be sold into slavery, falsely accused, put in prison, forgotten about for a few years and finally brought before Pharaoh? Did the disciples understand the Terms & Conditions when Jesus asked them to put down their nets and other tools of the trade to follow Him? What about you, have you read the Terms & Conditions to inherit eternal life?

John 14 1-3 says, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” What an exciting promise; Jesus left to prepare a place for me and when it is ready; He will return and take me there. But what about the Terms & Conditions? Am I willing to check the box and hit enter?

When the crowd asked, Peter in Acts 2, “What must we do to be saved,” Peter declared the Terms & Conditions as they were given to him. Acts 2:38, Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Is that it? Just do what Peter says and I can get my place in a mansion for eternity? No, that’s just one of the Terms & Conditions. We find another in Matthew 24:13, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” For the complete list of Terms and Conditions read a book called The Bible. If you can agree to all it contains then you are ready to check the little box and hit enter. You have now sold not only your soul but your life to a loving Savior who purchased you with His own blood. Everything He has is yours including eternal life.

HURRY!!! THERE'S A DEADLINE!

This morning as the fog was slowly replaced by conscious thought, I remembered something I had been meaning to get to all week. It suddenly hit me, I am a PROCRASTINATOR. According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, a procrastinator is someone who intentionally puts off doing something that should be done. According to my daughter-in-law, Jenesa, “It’s not procrastination, it is good planning.” While, I prefer Jenesa’s definition, I’m afraid my lack of diligence fits more perfectly into that of Merriam-Webster. After examining my thought process in relationship to task process, I realize I work best when constrained by DEADLINES.

It is amusing to watch an individual’s body language when the word deadline is mentioned. It is as if a curtain drops, a mental block is put into place draining all of their energy and enthusiasm for the project. Could it be because behind its benign modern definition lurks its literal original meaning? We use the term "deadline" to refer to a specific time when a project is to be completed, but it literally means a line beyond which you die. According to one source, the word deadline first appeared as a word that referred to the line around a military prison beyond which soldiers were authorized to shoot escaping prisoners. Perhaps the word strikes such fear because deep down we feel that if we miss the set date we may die. I can promise you that most of the deadlines you face in life will not result in death if missed but maybe we should not discount the seriousness of some of the approaching deadlines.

I worked for several years as a Controller of a company. For all of you who have ever worked in an Accounting Department, you understand the word Deadlines. The entire monthly accounting cycle is determined by deadlines; report deadlines, tax deposit deadlines, information submission deadlines, budget deadlines, etc. Although missing a deadline would not cost me my life, it could cost the company stiff fines, non-compliance penalties and ultimately my job. The deadlines were important and took planning and prioritizing every day. There is a deadline approaching in each of our lives that can be met through a time of planning and prioritizing first thing each morning and executing the plan for that day. This is a deadline you don’t want to miss; the penalties are irrevocable and eternal.

Matthew 25 tells us of ten virgins. Five had planned and prioritized their life so that they were ready for the bridegroom’s appearance. The other five, however, were procrastinators. They were all aware of the approaching deadline, they were aware of the preparations necessary to wait for the bridegroom and that once the bridegroom appeared they must be ready to go with him. The Bible doesn’t fill us in on the many distractions that came between them and the long awaited day, but as the countdown began, five realized they had missed an important item on their list of priorities. They had forgotten to fill their lamps with oil. While they were at the market, the bridegroom came and they missed the deadline. Although they knocked and begged to be allowed in there was no grace-period extended.

April 15, tax day, is fast approaching. If you are one of the tax-procrastinators, missing this deadline will merely cost you a fine. Walking into work past the deadline too many times, may cost you your job, but hopefully you will learn a lesson and be on time at your next position. There will be many deadlines over the course of your life that you will meet and others you will miss with less than dire consequence but have you thought of the “end of life” deadline that we are racing toward every day. Young people think they are invincible and old people become obsessed about dying, yet we all come to the same conclusion; this life ends and eternity begins. The deadline is approaching faster than you can even imagine, just ask an elderly friend. The bridegroom may return in your lifetime or we may pass through death but the deadline cannot be avoided; eternity waits. Do you have your priorities in order? Is your lamp full of the oil of the Holy Spirit? Are you ready and waiting? Hurry!!! There’s a deadline!!!!

I CAN'T SEEM TO SEE WHAT YOU ARE SAYING

It had been one of those mornings I never want to repeat. The headache had been building since the day began, but I knew I couldn’t give in to the pain because two little boys were depending on me. Finally, Nathan was napping and Mickey Mouse had captured Caleb’s attention. I settled down in a comfortable chair with a cup of coffee, closing my eyes for just a moment, I rubbed my aching head. Suddenly, I felt a cool little hand on my brow and a tiny voice say Grandma and other intelligible words except for the last two, “name and amen.” A song of praise began to rise up in me and my headache disappeared as I realized 2-year old Caleb had prayed for me in Jesus Name, Amen!

 How did he know that was exactly what I needed? Was it because he had witnessed his dad and mom praying over him in the wee hours of the morning? Had he been paying attention when Grandpa anointed someone with oil and prayed for them in church? Maybe it was the time he fell off the slide and Grandma ran to hold him close, praying in the Name of Jesus as his tears were wiped away. Caleb was imitating the behavior he had witnessed; when you are having a tough time, PRAY!

It is so wonderful to see our children imitate our good behavior. I love watching Madison rock and cuddle her dolls because that’s how mommies behave. Mackenzie explained to me exactly which side of the plate the knife should be placed because someone portrayed this etiquette to her. It is natural for Caleb and Nathan to raise their hands in praise to God as we sing because that has been modeled to them. But, what about the times when our children or grandchildren’s behavior is not so exemplary? Have you ever been totally embarrassed by your child’s antics only to suddenly realize you have been “slapped in the face” by the echo of your own words and actions? Children are “champion imitators” but not “gold-medal discerners.” They will mirror every behavior they observe.

Ephesians 5:1 tells us, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children,” yet many times the behavior we are imitating is far from the reflection of God. We may say all the right words, quote scripture, and preach sermons, but what are we portraying by our actions? When our words and actions don’t match, our witness is as confusing as watching a movie in which the movement and words are out of sync. Our friends and neighbors just can’t seem to see what we are saying.

I read today where actor, Neal McDonough, was fired from the television series, Scoundrels, for refusing to perform in steamy love scenes. He has also refused to do the same on Desperate Housewives and Boomtown, due to his devout faith and principles. While his words of refusal are admirable, his actions of accepting roles in multiple series which would require this type of performance are confusing.

Last year, Miss California, Carrie Prejean lost her crown after her statement regarding gay marriage. She was lauded by religious leaders and invited to be a presenter at a gospel music awards program. A few days later nude and compromising pictures of her were published. She felt she was being persecuted for her faith and her moral stance. Wait just a minute!!!!!!!! Her actions were turning her words into objects of ridicule by unbelievers. Once again, their philosophy of Hypocrisy and Christianity has been reinforced because they just can’t seem to see what we are saying.

Matthew 15:8, “These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” 

We have fed the cynicism of unbelievers through our hypocrisy of speaking words of life with our mouth as our bodies follow the way leading to death. The world is longing for a person or a group of people who really believe what they speak and portray it through their actions. When we reach the point that we believe and embrace the words we are saying, our actions will preach the gospel and our world will see and follow what we have been saying.