KEEP FOLLOWING THE ARROWS

Last week, Steve and I spent a wonderful, relaxing weekend at our cottage at Higgins Lake.  It was such a beautiful pre-autumn, fluffy cloud, 70 degree day that we decided to take a hike along Marl Lake.  Although we have owned the cottage for about 14 years we had never followed the trails around Marl Lake, so this would be a new adventure.  At the beginning of the trail was a map showing the trails and the various checkpoints all clearly marked, so we confidently began our trek into the woods.  We were quickly surrounded by the sounds of chirps, cracking twigs, and scurrying feet harmonizing with the rustling leaves and the soft whisper of ferns and water lapping at the shore.  We continued along the path lined with pine needles and falling leaves and suddenly there it was, just as the map promised; checkpoint 2 and an arrow pointing ahead to checkpoint 3.  All we had to do was follow the path.

It wasn’t all mindless walking, a couple of times I stumbled over a tree root, sometimes the ground was uneven, we stepped around large stones and had to climb over a fallen tree that blocked the path but we continued along following the signs.  Then, up a hill and around a bend it happened; a fork in the path.  Both paths were equally cleared and equally inviting, so a discussion ensued.  Steve, who has an unbelievable sense of direction, was sure we should take the path that went to the right.  After all, it looked easy enough and was definitely going in the direction of the parking lot (which we could not see).  Although the other path was narrower and less smooth, sensible, unadventurous Susan felt we should keep going straight ahead because there was no sign with an arrow pointing to the right.  I won; we walked straight ahead and ended at the parking lot.  I’m not sure where Steve’s path led and I never saw an opening to the parking lot where it ended.  It might have been a shorter, smoother way or it might have been a dead end…it will remain the “path not taken.”

God has clearly marked the Path of Life.  It is up to us to trust the signs He puts along the way and follow them.  Sometimes it seems that it is a long walk between checkpoints and doubt begins to set in that we are even on the right path.  Just when we are about to turn around, there it is, a sign with the arrow pointing straight ahead.  Often a tree root or large stone may cause us to stumble or a fallen tree may delay the journey; climb over it and keep on walking.  As you continue along the path, you will be presented with a choice; straight ahead or veer to the right.  No matter how short or easy the alternate path may seem, remember God’s path is clearly marked.  If you don’t see the sign with the arrow pointing, keep walking straight ahead.  You may wonder what adventures you missed by not exploring the “path not taken” but rest assured you have only missed a few snares, regrets and ultimately being lost in the woods.  Just keep walking!  Even if it is a step at a time, checkpoint to checkpoint; walk straight ahead and soon you will have made it and break through to the clearing.   

WATCH OUT DEVIL, I'M TELLING JESUS!!!

 

We all have bad days, weeks and sometimes months that turn into a bad year.  There are even times that it seems the floodgates of Hell have been opened and all of its evil forces are coming against you.  What do you do?  Where do you turn?  There are only 2 choices; GIVE UP or like David, CALL UPON THE LORD!

In Psalms 18:4-6, David describes his situation:   The pangs of death surrounded me and the floods of ungodliness made me afraid.  5 The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me; the snares of death confronted me. David chose option #2.  Verse 6 says, In my distress I called upon the Lord and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple and my cry came before Him, even to His ears. 

As I read Psalms 18 this morning, my mind went back to different periods of my life when I could totally relate to David’s lament.  Nothing was right in my life and no matter how hard I tried to fight, the attacks continued from all sides.  Like David, in my distress I called upon the Lord.  I have to confess at times I didn’t have David’s confidence that my cry had come before Him.  Actually, most of the time it seemed that it went out, hit the heavens and boomeranged right back into my lap.  Now that I’ve made it through the storm, I can look back and truthfully say that God had heard my voice and was working on my behalf the entire time.

Although we may not hear the echo of our voice as it reaches the temple of God or be given the insight into the flurry of activities going on in the heavenlies on our behalf, Psalms 18:7-14 gives us a snapshot.  What is God’s reaction when the cries of one of His children reach His ears?  Psalms 18:7-14 Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of the hills also quaked and were shaken, because He was angry.  ⁸ Smoke went up from His nostrils, and devouring fire from His mouth; coals were kindled by it.  ⁹ He bowed the heavens also, and came down with darkness under His feet.  ¹⁰ And He rode upon a cherub, and flew; He flew upon the wings of the wind.    ¹¹ He made darkness His secret place; His canopy around Him was dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.  ¹² From the brightness before Him, His thick clouds passed with hailstones and coals of fire. ¹³ The Lord thundered from heaven, and the Most High uttered His voice, hailstones and coals of fire.  ¹⁴ He sent out His arrows and scattered the foe, lightnings in abundance, and He vanquished them.

WOW!!! Talk about a Father defending his child from the bully!!!!  God doesn’t mess around!  The next time the devil comes slithering around my house, shooting his little fiery darts, there will be no hesitation; I WILL CALL UPON THE LORD!

It doesn't end there, God doesn't stop working on your behalf just because the enemy has been sent scampering off with his tail between his legs.  Psalms 18:19 gives us the finished picture of God’s love, He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me.  What a beautiful thought, God doesn’t just run to our rescue because He is God or because there is a bully picking on the little guy.  Oh No!!! My Champion, My God delights in me.

♪♪ “I give myself away, I give myself away, so You can use me”♪♪.  The song softly played in the background as I cleaned the house.  Oh, I know about giving myself away; you better believe I know!  I’m a Wife, Mom and Grandma and some days it seems that everyone wants a piece of me until I feel like a jigsaw puzzle that has been scattered.  So YES, I understand perfectly what this song is saying.

For years, I also lived this way spiritually; giving myself away.  Before you throw out the accolades or judge me, let me explain.  I grew up “giving myself away.”  I am the oldest of 6 kids.  My little sister, the third of six was born when I was 5; I became “Mommy’s Little Helper.”  When my baby sister was born, I was 12 and became her second mom.  I could change diapers, polish white baby shoes, clean up puke and brush hair like a pro.  I remember losing at board games so the “little ones” wouldn’t feel bad and would continue playing.  It was very confusing, the first time I played a game with “Cutthroat” Steve.  He was the baby of the family and I didn’t understand his rules.  Several years later I read, “The Five Love Languages” by Dr. Gary Chapman and realized that my Love Language is “Acts of Service.”  I finally began to understand myself.

Back to the spiritual aspect of my life; now that you know who I am, is it any wonder I thought that was what God expected of me?  If I gave myself to praying, teaching, singing, study, volunteering, perfect church attendance, organizing, encouraging and anything else I could “do for God,” then surely I was fulfilling His plan for me.  After all, it was “FOR GOD!”  Why then, did I feel so exhausted, frustrated and unfulfilled?  Where was all the joy that comes from “working for God?”  I had no more pieces to give yet I felt as if there was something more from me that God was seeking.

One day, I don’t remember exactly when or how, the loving voice of God finally broke through my misconceptions and exhausted efforts, “It’s not what you can DO for Me that I am seeking, it is you; give YOURSELF to Me.”  What a relief!!!!  It wasn’t easy; in fact sometimes “doing for the Lord,” was much less draining.  Giving myself to God literally meant “Giving Myself Away.”  I had to let go of my dreams, aspirations, ideas and opinions.  It was of utmost importance that I present to God a vessel totally empty of me so it could be filled with Him.  I had to GIVE MYSELF AWAY. 

It’s been quite a journey and there were some dreams that were so hard to release.  I wanted to cling to some of my interpretations of life because they had become my foundation.  At times I mourned the loss of position and yearned for the days of “working for God.”  There are still bits and pieces of me that try to take control but every day I learn how to “give away” just a little more.  Nothing can replace the feel of His Presence, the joy of hearing His voice, and knowing His hand is guiding my steps. I still love to sing praises to His Name, I still feel the urging to minister and bless someone in need and every time an opportunity presents itself, I love to teach the Word of God.  The difference?  It’s about Him; His Plan for me; He is leading the way.

♪♪ “Take my heart; take my life, as a living sacrifice.  All my dreams, all my plans, Lord I place them in your hands.”  “I give myself away; I give myself away, so You can use me.  I give myself away; I give myself away, so You can use me.” ♪♪ (William McDowell)

SOMEDAY I WANT TO BE A DOORKEEPER?

 

Psalms 84:10  For a day in your courts is better than a thousand.  I would rather be a DOORKEEPER in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Someday, I want to be a teacher, a nurse, a policeman, a fireman, a librarian and even a garbage man because they get to ride on the side of the truck and jump off.  We all had dreams of what we wanted to be when we “grew up.”  These aspirations were triggered at various times by the heroes that moved in and out of our life.  It seemed like a lot of fun to write on a chalkboard or weigh people at the doctor’s office and what child didn’t want to zoom around in a police car or fire truck with lights blazing and sirens blaring.  I loved to read and organize, so the librarian’s job seemed to be the ultimate; I could alphabetize all the books and choose the newest ones to take home every night.  Of all the different dreams from Astronaut to Zookeeper, I have to confess, not one time did I ever hear anyone say, “I want to be a Doorkeeper!”  Now maybe, if I had lived in a New York City co-op, that would have been my dream but I can’t imagine wanting to stand and open doors for people all day long.

Having been raised in a Pentecostal Church, I was exposed to so many wonderful men and women of God who cheerfully contributed their gifts and talents to building the Kingdom.  They inspired some of the “when I grow up” dreams of my childhood. 

In the late 1960’s, I definitely wanted to be an evangelist’s wife.  They got to travel, wear clothes and shoes that were perfectly matched and sang while playing the accordion.  My little girlfriends and I would sit on the pew, tuck our skirts tightly under our legs to mimic the pencil skirts and open the hymnal, pretending it was an accordion as we worshiped.  My husband and I did travel around and preach for a year but, alas, my clothes were nowhere near perfectly matched, the travel was exhausting and accordions had been traded in for keyboards. 

I wanted to be a preacher so I could baptize the newly repented, the choir leader because they got to sing all the good parts, an usher walking up and down the aisles gathering money and a Sunday School Teacher that all the kids adored.  Although, I have taught Bible Studies and spoken to Ladies Groups, I have never been asked to baptize someone.

 I led choir once and found out the reason the leader was singing all the good part.  As a Sunday School Teacher, I took little kids to the bathroom, wiped noses, and at the same time planted a tiny seed of God’s Word in their heart.  Oh yes, it was very rewarding and there were lots of hugs along with a few kicks in the shin and screams for moms as the door closed.  I have also filled in as an usher but passing the offering plate as an adult just didn’t hold the same allure as in my childhood dreams.  So often, on my knees, I have asked God to use me in this or allow me to do that but today as I prayed a prayer of surrender, the words, “Please just let me be a doorkeeper in your Kingdom” burst forth.  A DOORKEEPER?  REALLY, A DOORKEEPER?

I began to meditate on being a Doorkeeper, what did it mean, what would I be doing?  Can you imagine living in a house without doors?  Your home would be soon overrun with insects, rodents, birds and even a larger animal or two.  Doors not only keep out undesirable critters but they protect us from human intruders who wish us harm or want to take what is yours.  They keep out the cold and snow in the summer and the wind and rain in the summer.  Doors are a necessary structure providing comfort and safety.  Doors also represent freedom, new opportunities or the ending of an opportunity.  We have all heard the expression, “When one door closes another one always opens.”  Now that I have opened your understanding to the importance of doors, what about the Doorkeeper and how can that be important to the Kingdom of God?

The Doorkeeper is the first defense when undesirables try to sneak in through a crack or the storms of life threaten to flood our lives.  The Doorkeeper makes sure the door is securely closed and locked by covering you in prayer, a timely scripture or encouraging word.  When it is time for the door to be open, the Doorkeeper is there holding the door, extending a helping hand and urging you to step out in faith.  When the door has once again been shut on an opportunity, the ever vigilant Doorkeeper is ready, with a sympathetic heart and a loving hug, assuring you that at the right time the door will once again open.

Yes, my prayer today is, Lord, now that I’m all grown up, just let me be a Doorkeeper in your Kingdom.  Help me be ready to offer a prayer and a smile, touch the hurting and encourage the hopeless.  Show me when to open the door and when it should stay shut.  Then I will say along with the Psalmist in Psalms 84:10, “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.”

Labor Day weekend has become a very difficult holiday for me. One that I would like to delay and push back until it falls into oblivion and never arrives.  For several years, in my mind, Labor Day has signified “Endings.”  It is the end of summer, warm weather, vacations and fun.  It is a time when cottages are closed, t-shirts are traded in for sweaters, swimming pools are winterized and vacation euphoria fades to a memory.  Eleven years ago, another significant “Ending” invaded my Labor Day Weekend; life on earth ended for my Dad and life for me has never been the same.

As I meditated on the end of summer, the end of Dad’s life and other endings I have faced, the sweetness of a still small voice invaded my thoughts.  Speaking through the sadness to reach to the core of my heart, it said, “It really isn’t an ending, but a completion.”  Everything has a season and a mission to fulfill with only one goal; to reach completion.

Summer must happen; it is a time of growing and refreshing.  Everyone enjoys vacations and the fresh fruits and vegetables that come from sunny days and warm summer rains.  Once the harvest has been gathered in, the fields and plants have come to completion; it is time to rest.  Without completion there would be no need for a new beginning.  Without the end of summer, there would be no need for the beauty of the autumn leaves, crisp apples, pumpkins and Thanksgiving gatherings.  There would be no winter with crackling fires, snuggly sweaters and snow angels.  The freshness of spring, tulips, and tender green buds on the trees would be lost in an endless summer.

 As for my Dad, his season on earth had to end so he could move on to what God had always planned for him. The sadness still hovers and I miss my Dad but his mission was fulfilled, he finished the course and reached completion. 

Some endings are more difficult than others but God always has a new beginning just waiting for each season to reach completion.  Whether you have just crossed from a completion to a new beginning or you are struggling with a completion that has no new beginning in sight, God has a plan for this season that will ultimately culminate in a COMPLETION not an ENDING.