Then He took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples who in turn gave them to the crowds. They all ate and were satisfied. They picked up the fragments left over – seven baskets full (Mt. 15:36-37).
Last June, I had an opportunity to travel to Istanbul on business. It is one of the most fascinating cities I have ever seen. For one thing, it’s enormous; metropolitan Istanbul covers an area over 2400 square miles, spanning both the European and Asian continents. The architecture is very eclectic. It’s not at all unusual to see a 700-year-old mosque neatly tucked between modern glass office buildings. In one area of the city, there is a new mall that was built into the walls of what was once a fortress to keep out invaders.
I found the people there to be tremendously hospitable and welcoming. One office colleague who hosted us seemed tickled pink at how much I enjoyed the food and was interested in their culture, especially the hypnotic folk music I heard playing all around us. (To me, this is the best part of traveling!) We kept in touch after I returned home, and I learned a couple of months ago that this colleague was planning to visit the States. He asked me in advance if there was anything he could bring me from Istanbul. I mentioned that I had wanted to get to a music store when I was there last year to see if I could find some recordings of Turkish folk music, but had not had an opportunity. He said he would be glad to bring me a CD. He brought me not one, but four recordings of music from different parts of the country.
The generosity of this friend and colleague reminded me of how lavish God is with us. We ask Him for different things depending on what’s going on in our lives and what we think we want or need, but He always responds by giving us more than what we ask or even hope for. I remember going on a retreat many years ago, and one of the director’s favorite phrases was, “God will not be outdone in generosity.”
But there’s a catch. We have to have our eyes open and our hearts tuned to what God is doing. So often I find I let myself get so busy with work and family responsibilities that I fail to see the little miracles that are happening around me every day. God’s abundant, abiding love is exactly what brings these miracles about, and He invites us to share in that every day. I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you should love one another (Jn. 13:34).
I volunteer several times a year with an organization at my former university called Alumni for Others. The first project I ever did with them involved traveling to Tijuana over a weekend to build houses for poor families there. A foundation begun by two of our alumni raises the funding and organizes the manpower (students and alumni from the University). They work with an organization in Tijuana who set the rules that determine who will receive the next house. The beautiful thing is that families who have already received homes return to help build a house for the next family. The witness of the love these people showed toward one another was so impressive, and inspired all of us on the work crew to labor even harder to get as much done for them as we possibly could.
Generosity born out of self-giving, sacrificial love is contagious. From His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace (Jn 1:16). Pass it on – lavishly!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
God Given Gifts
Scripture: “…Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”
(Romans 12:3-8)
As I read Peter’s blog on Monday, May 18, “Watchman of the Spring” his entry made me think about the above scripture, and how we each have special talents and gifts that we were given at birth. Throughout our lives, it is up to us to discover what those talents and gifts are - and with the help of the Holy Spirit, act upon and use them in order to bless others around us.
I believe we often operate in our gifts and talents without really realizing it. I have an example of this in my own life. I enjoy writing; it’s something I’ve done and enjoyed since I was very young. Throughout my life I’ve been complimented and encouraged in my writing. My greatest joy comes from encouraging or amusing others in letters and emails. Often my most entertaining writing happens without effort, and it isn’t until someone points out how funny something was that when I re-read it, I see the humor, and crack even myself up.
When Peter first introduced me to this blog and I shared with him that I love to write, I was terrified when he invited me to join the team of authors. Outside of letters and emails, I’ve never written on a given schedule. But I took the challenge, and I believe God is using me to touch others through my writing, a gift He bestowed upon me long ago, and it’s a gift I am honored to serve Him in.
I believe we each have gifts to benefit the kingdom. Some are known, and we currently operate in them, some are yet to be discovered and need to be mined through prayer and a bent ear to the Lord to hear what He has to say. But the gifts we have been bestowed are to help those around us walk a straighter path, walk a stronger walk, learn more about Christ, lift those up who feel defeated in life – the list of benefits goes on.
What is the gift or talent God has given you? Are you operating in it? Have you asked for it? Are you looking for it? “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
Let the light of the Lord shine on you as you go along His business! It is through our concerted efforts of operating through our gifts that unbelievers are introduced to Christ in us. More than “good deeds” we also have so much to offer the world around us in big and small ways, with just the right word at the right time, a hand on a hurting one’s shoulder, a prayer shared during a time of need.
Prayer request: That we each discover our gifts and talents so we can encourage and strengthen the church body.
Prayer: Lord, we ask You to help us to operate in the gifts you gave us long ago. For those of us who aren’t sure what they are, we ask for revelation, that you will open up their hearts to what You have for them. Strengthen us as Your body to go forth and spread Your light throughout the world. Amen
(Romans 12:3-8)
As I read Peter’s blog on Monday, May 18, “Watchman of the Spring” his entry made me think about the above scripture, and how we each have special talents and gifts that we were given at birth. Throughout our lives, it is up to us to discover what those talents and gifts are - and with the help of the Holy Spirit, act upon and use them in order to bless others around us.
I believe we often operate in our gifts and talents without really realizing it. I have an example of this in my own life. I enjoy writing; it’s something I’ve done and enjoyed since I was very young. Throughout my life I’ve been complimented and encouraged in my writing. My greatest joy comes from encouraging or amusing others in letters and emails. Often my most entertaining writing happens without effort, and it isn’t until someone points out how funny something was that when I re-read it, I see the humor, and crack even myself up.
When Peter first introduced me to this blog and I shared with him that I love to write, I was terrified when he invited me to join the team of authors. Outside of letters and emails, I’ve never written on a given schedule. But I took the challenge, and I believe God is using me to touch others through my writing, a gift He bestowed upon me long ago, and it’s a gift I am honored to serve Him in.
I believe we each have gifts to benefit the kingdom. Some are known, and we currently operate in them, some are yet to be discovered and need to be mined through prayer and a bent ear to the Lord to hear what He has to say. But the gifts we have been bestowed are to help those around us walk a straighter path, walk a stronger walk, learn more about Christ, lift those up who feel defeated in life – the list of benefits goes on.
What is the gift or talent God has given you? Are you operating in it? Have you asked for it? Are you looking for it? “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
Let the light of the Lord shine on you as you go along His business! It is through our concerted efforts of operating through our gifts that unbelievers are introduced to Christ in us. More than “good deeds” we also have so much to offer the world around us in big and small ways, with just the right word at the right time, a hand on a hurting one’s shoulder, a prayer shared during a time of need.
Prayer request: That we each discover our gifts and talents so we can encourage and strengthen the church body.
Prayer: Lord, we ask You to help us to operate in the gifts you gave us long ago. For those of us who aren’t sure what they are, we ask for revelation, that you will open up their hearts to what You have for them. Strengthen us as Your body to go forth and spread Your light throughout the world. Amen
Monday, May 18, 2009
Watchman of the Spring
Scriptures: “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.” (Ezekiel 3:17)
The late US Senate’s Pastor, Rev. Peter Marshall, once told a story about an old man who lived in the forest on the Alps in Austria. He was hired by the city council to make sure that water coming down to the town from a spring up in the mountains of Alps stay clean.
So, this old man patrolled the forest from time to time, removing any leaves that fell into the aqueduct or any dirt or twigs that block the flow of water. Soon after he was hired, the small hill-side town began to prosper, the water wheels started to rotate, the fields were irrigated, and the greens and blossoming flowers against the beautiful Alps formed a beautiful picture. This picturesque view of the town attracted a lot of tourists and, as they poured in, the whole town became alive and prosperous.
Many years later, in an annual council budget meeting, someone noticed this item called “Spring Watchman’s Salary” and said, “Who is this watchman that we never saw? What’s he doing that adds value to the growing business of this town? Are we sure we need this position?” So, with unanimous votes, this position was removed from the budget.
At first, nothing seems to be different. Then autumn came and leaves started to fall. Broken twigs and branches went into the aqueduct and blocked the flow of water and people noticed that the water mill moves slower. In a matter of weeks, the water started to turn brown and, pretty soon, the color grew darker. Then it got worse because the water began to be smelly and people started to get sick. Pretty soon, the tourists stopped coming to this town and the business got worse.
The embarrassed council realized their mistake and quickly restored the position. As the water quality was restored, so were the beauty and the liveliness of the town.
This is an amazing story about how one man’s work, as invisible and insignificant as it may appear, makes such a tremendous difference in the lives of the entire town. To some extent, the relationship between this watchman and the town is just like the relationship between Christians and this world.
In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus called us to be “the salt of the earth” (13) and “the light of the world.” (14) As insignificant as a small amount of salt is, the flavor of food depends on it. As insignificant as a light stand is, the lighting of a room depends on it. We may be the minority, but we have been entrusted with the role and the responsibility to ensure the purity of the community in which we live. We may be invisible to many and, as a result, receive no affirmation, but we know, in His eyes, our work has an everlasting significance.
Just like this Austrian watchman, to this job entrusted to us, we need to be proactive and diligent. We need to be constantly alert and be aware of things that may have an impact on our own spiritual lives or our witness for our Lord Jesus. After all, doing our jobs is more than fulfilling an obligation. It’s actually a blessing our Lord has in place for everyone who has not known Him yet. How blessed we are to be given this honor to bring this good news as well as the living examples of His life into the community we live!
Prayer Requests:
For those feeling small and insignificant
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving Your only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus, for our sake. He exemplified the significance of humility in Your eyes. Help us to learn from Him and be humble before You and before all so we may learn to be thankful and dedicated to the cause and calling You have for us. In the gracious name of our Lord Jesus we pray, Amen!
The late US Senate’s Pastor, Rev. Peter Marshall, once told a story about an old man who lived in the forest on the Alps in Austria. He was hired by the city council to make sure that water coming down to the town from a spring up in the mountains of Alps stay clean.
So, this old man patrolled the forest from time to time, removing any leaves that fell into the aqueduct or any dirt or twigs that block the flow of water. Soon after he was hired, the small hill-side town began to prosper, the water wheels started to rotate, the fields were irrigated, and the greens and blossoming flowers against the beautiful Alps formed a beautiful picture. This picturesque view of the town attracted a lot of tourists and, as they poured in, the whole town became alive and prosperous.
Many years later, in an annual council budget meeting, someone noticed this item called “Spring Watchman’s Salary” and said, “Who is this watchman that we never saw? What’s he doing that adds value to the growing business of this town? Are we sure we need this position?” So, with unanimous votes, this position was removed from the budget.
At first, nothing seems to be different. Then autumn came and leaves started to fall. Broken twigs and branches went into the aqueduct and blocked the flow of water and people noticed that the water mill moves slower. In a matter of weeks, the water started to turn brown and, pretty soon, the color grew darker. Then it got worse because the water began to be smelly and people started to get sick. Pretty soon, the tourists stopped coming to this town and the business got worse.
The embarrassed council realized their mistake and quickly restored the position. As the water quality was restored, so were the beauty and the liveliness of the town.
This is an amazing story about how one man’s work, as invisible and insignificant as it may appear, makes such a tremendous difference in the lives of the entire town. To some extent, the relationship between this watchman and the town is just like the relationship between Christians and this world.
In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus called us to be “the salt of the earth” (13) and “the light of the world.” (14) As insignificant as a small amount of salt is, the flavor of food depends on it. As insignificant as a light stand is, the lighting of a room depends on it. We may be the minority, but we have been entrusted with the role and the responsibility to ensure the purity of the community in which we live. We may be invisible to many and, as a result, receive no affirmation, but we know, in His eyes, our work has an everlasting significance.
Just like this Austrian watchman, to this job entrusted to us, we need to be proactive and diligent. We need to be constantly alert and be aware of things that may have an impact on our own spiritual lives or our witness for our Lord Jesus. After all, doing our jobs is more than fulfilling an obligation. It’s actually a blessing our Lord has in place for everyone who has not known Him yet. How blessed we are to be given this honor to bring this good news as well as the living examples of His life into the community we live!
Prayer Requests:
For those feeling small and insignificant
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for giving Your only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus, for our sake. He exemplified the significance of humility in Your eyes. Help us to learn from Him and be humble before You and before all so we may learn to be thankful and dedicated to the cause and calling You have for us. In the gracious name of our Lord Jesus we pray, Amen!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Honor your father and mother
Scripture: "Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." (Exodus 20:12)
Within the past two weeks, I have taken time to reflect, as my mom's and dad's birthdays have passed, as did Mother's Day. My father passed away suddenly when I was 10 years old, my mother, just eight years ago.
I no longer grieve my losses, having processed those through. But I certainly never stop missing or thinking about my parents. They are often close to mind despite their physical absence. But I enjoy the reminders left behind, now. The smell of my father's aftershave will waft by me in a mall, or I will playfully rib my best friend and point at a beautiful piece of furniture or table arrangement and tell her, "Look, my mom would love that." Often times they come to mind in unexpected but enjoyable ways. In my own life, I find I do things "just like mom".
This fifth commandment, "Honor your father and mother..." became so real to me while my mom was very sick, and in her later stages of life. Being the youngest of five children and the only unmarried one, I eagerly moved in with my mom, and I tended to her needs. With the time we had left together, I was able to develop an even more intimate relationship with her, one that I will cherish till the Lord takes me from earth.
I always thought "Honor your father and mother ..." meant to obey, be good, do what's right in their eyes, etc. But what I wasn't expecting was the honor I felt for my mom in being a part of helping her out of this world and into Christ's arms.
It was an "honor" to make her comfortable, tend to her every need, make sure someone was home when I was not. To me, I was paying this woman back for bringing me into this world, nursing me as a helpless infant, giving up so much of her self in order to tend to my thirst, hunger, tummy aches, diaper changes and temper tantrums. In my teens, I gave her so much grief as I exerted my independence from her, went through hormonal changes, missed dinner to hang out with friends, came home with a new scratch in her car that she loaned me.
It was an honor to tenderly give back just a small fraction of what she gave me throughout my life. I didn't mind giving up a fraction of my "freedom" to be with her, to console her, and even to cry with her.
And in the end, my siblings and I honored her again by being able to go through the difficult process of carrying out her will with ease and respect to each other. A true testimony to the children she raised so well and left behind.
Prayer: Lord, please comfort those of us who have lost their mothers and/or fathers. Assist us all through the grieving process, and help us to feel your comfort, presence and peace. Help each of us to hang onto the good memories left behind, and enjoy the moments of remembrance as they come.
Within the past two weeks, I have taken time to reflect, as my mom's and dad's birthdays have passed, as did Mother's Day. My father passed away suddenly when I was 10 years old, my mother, just eight years ago.
I no longer grieve my losses, having processed those through. But I certainly never stop missing or thinking about my parents. They are often close to mind despite their physical absence. But I enjoy the reminders left behind, now. The smell of my father's aftershave will waft by me in a mall, or I will playfully rib my best friend and point at a beautiful piece of furniture or table arrangement and tell her, "Look, my mom would love that." Often times they come to mind in unexpected but enjoyable ways. In my own life, I find I do things "just like mom".
This fifth commandment, "Honor your father and mother..." became so real to me while my mom was very sick, and in her later stages of life. Being the youngest of five children and the only unmarried one, I eagerly moved in with my mom, and I tended to her needs. With the time we had left together, I was able to develop an even more intimate relationship with her, one that I will cherish till the Lord takes me from earth.
I always thought "Honor your father and mother ..." meant to obey, be good, do what's right in their eyes, etc. But what I wasn't expecting was the honor I felt for my mom in being a part of helping her out of this world and into Christ's arms.
It was an "honor" to make her comfortable, tend to her every need, make sure someone was home when I was not. To me, I was paying this woman back for bringing me into this world, nursing me as a helpless infant, giving up so much of her self in order to tend to my thirst, hunger, tummy aches, diaper changes and temper tantrums. In my teens, I gave her so much grief as I exerted my independence from her, went through hormonal changes, missed dinner to hang out with friends, came home with a new scratch in her car that she loaned me.
It was an honor to tenderly give back just a small fraction of what she gave me throughout my life. I didn't mind giving up a fraction of my "freedom" to be with her, to console her, and even to cry with her.
And in the end, my siblings and I honored her again by being able to go through the difficult process of carrying out her will with ease and respect to each other. A true testimony to the children she raised so well and left behind.
Prayer: Lord, please comfort those of us who have lost their mothers and/or fathers. Assist us all through the grieving process, and help us to feel your comfort, presence and peace. Help each of us to hang onto the good memories left behind, and enjoy the moments of remembrance as they come.
Monday, May 11, 2009
When the Life Is Right
Scriptures: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Many years ago, I was in a supermarket one day, trying to pick a melon to buy. I went from one to another and was having troubles deciding which one to pick. Just then, a man wearing the uniform of the supermarket came to me and asked if I needed help. I told him my dilemma and he gladly showed me how to pick a melon. At the end, he said, “If a melon was grown right, having the right amount of sunshine, water and nutrition, it would grow to a good size with the right color on its skin and you can feel that smoothness on the skin, too.”
With the limited knowledge I have on plants, I think he was right. I noticed that every kind of plants has a unique set of requirements for the amount of sunshine, water and nutrition. More than that, the timing of giving these life essentials as well as of trimming are very important, too. Some of these requirements are essential for the color of the fruits, others are for the sweetness, juiciness, size, smoothness, and fragrance of the fruits. The things that set the experts apart from novice like me are, I think, their extensive knowledge of different requirements for different plants and their detail knowledge of the timing to do the right thing.
I think, in many ways, our spiritual life is the same. When we have the right amount of exposures to the light of the world and the right amount of provisions of essentials for our spiritual life through reading the bible, devotionals, reflections and prayers, when we are willing to be trimmed by the gardener of our life and, most importantly, when we are constantly connected to the vine, the source of our life, we are on the right track of bearing fruit. When the life is right, with all necessary nutrients and timely trimming, we will not only bear fruits, we will bear beautiful fruits.
It’s interesting to note that, in the book of Galatians, Apostle Paul did not say “But the fruits of the Spirit are …” Instead, he said, “But the fruit of the Spirit is …” he seemed to be saying that love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are not nine different kinds of fruits. They are actually nine characteristics of one fruit, the fruit of the full, mature life of our Lord Jesus.
In other words, they are nine characteristics of one life and, when this life fully matures, it will display all these characteristics and its fragrance will permeate throughout its environment. These are not just 9 characteristics to be desired. They can also be 9 measures with which we assess our very own spiritual life. Where am I in each of these 9 dimensions? Am I a loving person? Am I anxious inside over any disagreement, or even others’ opposition, and full of critical spirit? Do I keep my words? Do I monitor my temperament and take preventive measure to make sure I don’t allow my temperament to go wild? Where am I in the maturity measure?
I am sure none us would claim that we actually are totally mature in all aspects. Each of us displays more of some characteristics and less of others. But the determination of where we are requires an honest assessment of ourselves with the teachings of God, as recorded in the bible.
The good news is, though we may never be totally mature in any of these characteristics in this life, the fact that we do display some is an indicator that the Spirit is already working in us and the results are visible to us and to others. As imperfect and immature as we are, our Lord is willing to use any characteristics displayed in our life for His glory and for others’ blessings. He will not quit until the day we meet Him because “…He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
Although I am not a good grower of fruits, I have not given up on planting fruit trees in my backyard for I know, with practice, one day I will be a better one, literally and spiritually. With the grace of God, I hope that day arrives sooner than later!
Prayer Requests:
For farmers and kingdom workers
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for Your faithfulness that sees us through all ups and downs in life. Please help us to stay focus on Your Son, our Lord Jesus, as we face attacks and challenges in life. Please keep our desire for Your kingdom fervent and keep our pursuit of Your righteousness alive as we pray in the loving name of our Lord Jesus, Amen!
Many years ago, I was in a supermarket one day, trying to pick a melon to buy. I went from one to another and was having troubles deciding which one to pick. Just then, a man wearing the uniform of the supermarket came to me and asked if I needed help. I told him my dilemma and he gladly showed me how to pick a melon. At the end, he said, “If a melon was grown right, having the right amount of sunshine, water and nutrition, it would grow to a good size with the right color on its skin and you can feel that smoothness on the skin, too.”
With the limited knowledge I have on plants, I think he was right. I noticed that every kind of plants has a unique set of requirements for the amount of sunshine, water and nutrition. More than that, the timing of giving these life essentials as well as of trimming are very important, too. Some of these requirements are essential for the color of the fruits, others are for the sweetness, juiciness, size, smoothness, and fragrance of the fruits. The things that set the experts apart from novice like me are, I think, their extensive knowledge of different requirements for different plants and their detail knowledge of the timing to do the right thing.
I think, in many ways, our spiritual life is the same. When we have the right amount of exposures to the light of the world and the right amount of provisions of essentials for our spiritual life through reading the bible, devotionals, reflections and prayers, when we are willing to be trimmed by the gardener of our life and, most importantly, when we are constantly connected to the vine, the source of our life, we are on the right track of bearing fruit. When the life is right, with all necessary nutrients and timely trimming, we will not only bear fruits, we will bear beautiful fruits.
It’s interesting to note that, in the book of Galatians, Apostle Paul did not say “But the fruits of the Spirit are …” Instead, he said, “But the fruit of the Spirit is …” he seemed to be saying that love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are not nine different kinds of fruits. They are actually nine characteristics of one fruit, the fruit of the full, mature life of our Lord Jesus.
In other words, they are nine characteristics of one life and, when this life fully matures, it will display all these characteristics and its fragrance will permeate throughout its environment. These are not just 9 characteristics to be desired. They can also be 9 measures with which we assess our very own spiritual life. Where am I in each of these 9 dimensions? Am I a loving person? Am I anxious inside over any disagreement, or even others’ opposition, and full of critical spirit? Do I keep my words? Do I monitor my temperament and take preventive measure to make sure I don’t allow my temperament to go wild? Where am I in the maturity measure?
I am sure none us would claim that we actually are totally mature in all aspects. Each of us displays more of some characteristics and less of others. But the determination of where we are requires an honest assessment of ourselves with the teachings of God, as recorded in the bible.
The good news is, though we may never be totally mature in any of these characteristics in this life, the fact that we do display some is an indicator that the Spirit is already working in us and the results are visible to us and to others. As imperfect and immature as we are, our Lord is willing to use any characteristics displayed in our life for His glory and for others’ blessings. He will not quit until the day we meet Him because “…He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
Although I am not a good grower of fruits, I have not given up on planting fruit trees in my backyard for I know, with practice, one day I will be a better one, literally and spiritually. With the grace of God, I hope that day arrives sooner than later!
Prayer Requests:
For farmers and kingdom workers
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for Your faithfulness that sees us through all ups and downs in life. Please help us to stay focus on Your Son, our Lord Jesus, as we face attacks and challenges in life. Please keep our desire for Your kingdom fervent and keep our pursuit of Your righteousness alive as we pray in the loving name of our Lord Jesus, Amen!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Blessed Be the Lord!
Naked I came forth from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I go back again. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord! (Job 1:21).
I want to start this post with an apology for my “radio silence.” Since my father died last month, I have found myself experiencing an utter inability to write anything meaningful; the words simply don’t come. That being said, I wanted to share some reflections on things I’ve been mulling over the past weeks.
A friend of mine asked me a curious question several years ago: Do you trust God for your trials? Not “with” but “for.” At the time, I didn’t really know what he meant, but after the events of the past year or so, I have learned plenty about what that question means. It’s easy to think that if life is going along swimmingly, that’s a sign that God is happy with me. Conversely, if something goes wrong, it’s tempting to wonder “Is God mad at me? Did I do something bad?”
I have come to the conclusion that while, yes, bad things happen, they’re not necessarily bad for us. Let me explain. I firmly believe what Scripture says about nothing happening without our heavenly Father’s knowledge – and permission. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without the Father’s knowledge (Mt. 10:29). The bottom line is that whether God actively wills something to happen in my life, or simply permits it, it is for my good because He can bring good out of anything, and will do so if I cooperate with His grace.
Sometimes going through difficulties like this teaches us to count our blessings. When my Dad first became ill about three years ago, it fell on me to be my mother’s primary helper with him. My sister lives in Wisconsin and my brother lives about 70 miles away, too far to be able to get to the folks’ house in a pinch. I live only a mile from them, so when anything came up, I had to be the “go to” (and still am). Sometimes it meant driving one or both of them to doctors’ appointments. Sometimes it meant spending an entire weekend looking after Dad so that my mother could get away for a couple of days and have a break. Sometimes it was more serious - occasionally Dad would fall during the night and Dave and I would be called to come and help get him back up. Occasionally, it meant talking to financial people and lawyers and trying to unravel some of the confusing verbiage for my Mom.
For a while, I kind of resented being the one who had to always jump in, often having to forego my own plans because the situation simply called for that. I even resented that charity and the 4th commandment demanded that I do these things that were necessary. I never said much about it to anyone at the time, but grumbled internally and occasionally complained to God in prayer – Why me?
However, after my father passed away, I realized that, of us three siblings, I’m the lucky one. I got to spend all that time with Dad. I got to listen to him reminisce about things that had happened to him throughout his life – stories that I otherwise probably would have never heard. We would sometimes watch football or baseball games together, or debate about politics. As he grew weaker, it often meant just watching him sleep. We didn't have to say anything.
In the end, I have the consolation of knowing that I did absolutely everything for him that I possibly could, at least as best as I could perceive it at the time. Going through all of this surfaced some family issues that had long been repressed and allowed me to deal with them in a healthy way. There is a lot of peace in that. I have learned to view the difficulties in my life with a new set of eyes and, as my friend counseled, to trust the Lord for my trials, not just with them.
Yes, the Lord has taken away, but in doing so, how very much He has given! Blessed be the name of the Lord!
I want to start this post with an apology for my “radio silence.” Since my father died last month, I have found myself experiencing an utter inability to write anything meaningful; the words simply don’t come. That being said, I wanted to share some reflections on things I’ve been mulling over the past weeks.
A friend of mine asked me a curious question several years ago: Do you trust God for your trials? Not “with” but “for.” At the time, I didn’t really know what he meant, but after the events of the past year or so, I have learned plenty about what that question means. It’s easy to think that if life is going along swimmingly, that’s a sign that God is happy with me. Conversely, if something goes wrong, it’s tempting to wonder “Is God mad at me? Did I do something bad?”
I have come to the conclusion that while, yes, bad things happen, they’re not necessarily bad for us. Let me explain. I firmly believe what Scripture says about nothing happening without our heavenly Father’s knowledge – and permission. Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without the Father’s knowledge (Mt. 10:29). The bottom line is that whether God actively wills something to happen in my life, or simply permits it, it is for my good because He can bring good out of anything, and will do so if I cooperate with His grace.
Sometimes going through difficulties like this teaches us to count our blessings. When my Dad first became ill about three years ago, it fell on me to be my mother’s primary helper with him. My sister lives in Wisconsin and my brother lives about 70 miles away, too far to be able to get to the folks’ house in a pinch. I live only a mile from them, so when anything came up, I had to be the “go to” (and still am). Sometimes it meant driving one or both of them to doctors’ appointments. Sometimes it meant spending an entire weekend looking after Dad so that my mother could get away for a couple of days and have a break. Sometimes it was more serious - occasionally Dad would fall during the night and Dave and I would be called to come and help get him back up. Occasionally, it meant talking to financial people and lawyers and trying to unravel some of the confusing verbiage for my Mom.
For a while, I kind of resented being the one who had to always jump in, often having to forego my own plans because the situation simply called for that. I even resented that charity and the 4th commandment demanded that I do these things that were necessary. I never said much about it to anyone at the time, but grumbled internally and occasionally complained to God in prayer – Why me?
However, after my father passed away, I realized that, of us three siblings, I’m the lucky one. I got to spend all that time with Dad. I got to listen to him reminisce about things that had happened to him throughout his life – stories that I otherwise probably would have never heard. We would sometimes watch football or baseball games together, or debate about politics. As he grew weaker, it often meant just watching him sleep. We didn't have to say anything.
In the end, I have the consolation of knowing that I did absolutely everything for him that I possibly could, at least as best as I could perceive it at the time. Going through all of this surfaced some family issues that had long been repressed and allowed me to deal with them in a healthy way. There is a lot of peace in that. I have learned to view the difficulties in my life with a new set of eyes and, as my friend counseled, to trust the Lord for my trials, not just with them.
Yes, the Lord has taken away, but in doing so, how very much He has given! Blessed be the name of the Lord!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Doubt
Scripture: "Now Thomas, (called Didymus), one of the twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!"
But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." (John 20:24-25)
I have "The Apologetics Study Bible" that reads, "Contrary to popular opinion, doubt is not always sin. Nor is it necessarily the opposite of faith nor the product of weak faith. It is experienced by many believers in scripture, such as Abraham, Job, David, Jeremiah and John the Baptist. And almost all believers, as well as unbelievers, experience doubt at times. As strange as it seems, doubt can produce positive results, and many doubters are very much in love with the Lord." - Gary R. Habermas
It is my personal opinion that Thomas has received a bum rap over the years for doubting Christ was resurrected from the dead. The phrase "Doubting Thomas" conjures up negative images of one who does not believe, lacks faith or lacks wisdom. The tone used when citing "doubting Thomas" is often of shame or scorn.
All through the bible we see examples of those who have doubted God, starting with Adam and Eve, when the serpent (satan) made Eve doubt what God meant by not eating fruit from a particular tree. Abraham and Sarah doubted God when He told Abraham he would be the father of many nations, despite Sarah being advanced in age and barren. Even Peter started to walk on water with Jesus, but when he took his eyes off Jesus and looked out at the wind, he started to sink.
What was God's response to these individuals' display of doubt? God showed Adam and Eve the consequences of their sin, and they were tossed out of the Garden of Eden. But one must note that it was not doubting that was sin. It was acting contrary to God's commands that was sin; when Eve ate the "forbidden fruit" and shared it with Adam, in essence, sharing her sin with him. Abraham and Sarah also doubted God, and Abraham created a child with Sarah's servant Hagar. They would later have Isaac together despite their doubt. And Peter, as he sank, Jesus reached down and grabbed him, and said, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" And yet, interestingly enough, Peter does not carry the shroud of scorn and shame for his doubt.
I believe the Lord has compassion for doubt. It is in our doubt that we ask the important questions, we seek the answers, we seek proof, we look for more. I don't think God frowns on that.
When Thomas displays his doubt, I love how Jesus speaks to him. He doesn't chastise him, shame him, tell him he is no longer an apostle because of his doubt. Instead, He tells Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Depending on how you personally interpret the scriptures, you can read this as if Jesus was annoyed, or full of compassion. I choose to read this as Christ's encouragement to Thomas. Throughout scripture, it is not the Lord's character to tear down character, but to build it up.
Just as Thomas' desire was to see the Lord's hands, feet and wound in His side, the Lord will extend His hands and feet to you as well.
Don't be afraid to ask the Lord straight up, "Help my unbelief." We serve an incredibly compassionate God. Doubt does not hurt His feelings. It's what you do with it. And when you doubt, the best thing you can do is seek Him. He will show Himself to you in new and unexpected ways.
Prayer: Lord, help us all to work through our doubts, when they come to mind. Instead of beating ourselves up, help us to be real with You in sharing our feelings. Show Your face to us. Help our unbelief. Encourage us in our doubt. Amen.
Prayer request: For God to show Himself to those of us who need a little boost in our faith.
But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." (John 20:24-25)
I have "The Apologetics Study Bible" that reads, "Contrary to popular opinion, doubt is not always sin. Nor is it necessarily the opposite of faith nor the product of weak faith. It is experienced by many believers in scripture, such as Abraham, Job, David, Jeremiah and John the Baptist. And almost all believers, as well as unbelievers, experience doubt at times. As strange as it seems, doubt can produce positive results, and many doubters are very much in love with the Lord." - Gary R. Habermas
It is my personal opinion that Thomas has received a bum rap over the years for doubting Christ was resurrected from the dead. The phrase "Doubting Thomas" conjures up negative images of one who does not believe, lacks faith or lacks wisdom. The tone used when citing "doubting Thomas" is often of shame or scorn.
All through the bible we see examples of those who have doubted God, starting with Adam and Eve, when the serpent (satan) made Eve doubt what God meant by not eating fruit from a particular tree. Abraham and Sarah doubted God when He told Abraham he would be the father of many nations, despite Sarah being advanced in age and barren. Even Peter started to walk on water with Jesus, but when he took his eyes off Jesus and looked out at the wind, he started to sink.
What was God's response to these individuals' display of doubt? God showed Adam and Eve the consequences of their sin, and they were tossed out of the Garden of Eden. But one must note that it was not doubting that was sin. It was acting contrary to God's commands that was sin; when Eve ate the "forbidden fruit" and shared it with Adam, in essence, sharing her sin with him. Abraham and Sarah also doubted God, and Abraham created a child with Sarah's servant Hagar. They would later have Isaac together despite their doubt. And Peter, as he sank, Jesus reached down and grabbed him, and said, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" And yet, interestingly enough, Peter does not carry the shroud of scorn and shame for his doubt.
I believe the Lord has compassion for doubt. It is in our doubt that we ask the important questions, we seek the answers, we seek proof, we look for more. I don't think God frowns on that.
When Thomas displays his doubt, I love how Jesus speaks to him. He doesn't chastise him, shame him, tell him he is no longer an apostle because of his doubt. Instead, He tells Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Depending on how you personally interpret the scriptures, you can read this as if Jesus was annoyed, or full of compassion. I choose to read this as Christ's encouragement to Thomas. Throughout scripture, it is not the Lord's character to tear down character, but to build it up.
Just as Thomas' desire was to see the Lord's hands, feet and wound in His side, the Lord will extend His hands and feet to you as well.
Don't be afraid to ask the Lord straight up, "Help my unbelief." We serve an incredibly compassionate God. Doubt does not hurt His feelings. It's what you do with it. And when you doubt, the best thing you can do is seek Him. He will show Himself to you in new and unexpected ways.
Prayer: Lord, help us all to work through our doubts, when they come to mind. Instead of beating ourselves up, help us to be real with You in sharing our feelings. Show Your face to us. Help our unbelief. Encourage us in our doubt. Amen.
Prayer request: For God to show Himself to those of us who need a little boost in our faith.
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