Scripture: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ((Psalm 139: 13-14)
I have a new appreciation for how God put us together. We could have all ended up with trunks on our faces like elephants, feet like ducks, or eyes on either side of our heads like a fish.
I discovered this new appreciation when I was using Super Glue this evening and in all my wisdom, (yes, that's sarcasm) it ended up all over my fingers. Fortunately, I knew well enough NOT to put my fingers together! So now I have this dry film on my fingers and it feels funny. While picking up the tiny cap to the glue with my stiff fingertips, it proved to be difficult because I have no "traction"!
I then realized ... if we didn't have fingerprints, we wouldn't have traction! God paid attention to the tiniest details when he created us, and so much of it we don't even think about. If we didn't feel pain, we would really injure ourselves! We have taste buds to enjoy food, and to warn us of danger if we eat something that could harm us. When we have a small wound, our bodies function in such a way that stops the bleeding automatically.
I marvel at God's handiwork; the human body. Even our insides are an amazing piece of work! Our organs are placed just so. We don't think about it when we are healthy, but should anything go wrong, appendicitis, stomach ache, heart palpitations, and suddenly we appreciate how everything works correctly. I never thought about fingerprints creating traction to pick up items easier. Praise God for fingers and opposable thumbs! How different life would be if our hands resembled catchers' mitts.
We have immune systems to fight off sickness, red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues around the body. We have so many cells in our bodies doing all kinds of different functions, I can't even begin to list them. But each one is important to keeping us healthy and alive. I don't know how anyone could believe that humans were created by accident, luck of the draw, in a big explosion, and boom, here we are. I once heard someone say something to the effect of: "Believing in the likelihood that humans were created in an explosion is akin to believing a junk yard explosion could result in the formation of an airplane."
God is truly amazing. The human body, trees, the ocean, roses, rain, the sun and moon. He created them all and we can't help but to bask in His wonder.
Prayer request: That we can all begin to look around with eyes of wonder at what God has created and be thankful for the vision he has given us as well as the beauty He has placed before us.
Prayer: Lord, forgive us for all we take for granted in our lives. Help us to look at our surroundings with new eyes filled with awe and a thankfulness in our hearts for Your creation. Thank You for awesome cloud formations, budding flowers, colorful leaves, the roar of the ocean, and the sound of thunder. Help us to appreciate You all the more each time we see or hear something that takes our breath away. Amen!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Do Unto Others ....
Scripture: "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12)
So I was watching this program on TV, (are all my blogs beginning to start that way?) and it was called "What Would You Do?" The basis of the show is an experiment in human nature and sociology. Actors are set up in different, negative, situations in different locations around the United States, and hidden cameras are put in place to see if anyone will intercede for individuals in need or in potential danger. Actors portray different scenarios, such as a blind person (a blind actor) at a bakery being short changed by the cashier (in this case, another actor); a man and woman (both actors) get into a loud argument in a park, and the man threatens physical harm to the woman; a woman demands her two children (all actors) out of her car in anger and frustration for fighting in the back seat, and yells at them to walk home, and drives away, returning minutes later.
In all scenarios, the hidden cameras capture people's reactions on the street: facial expressions, how they lean over and talk to whoever they are with, some call 9-1-1, some turn away and just keep walking, and in some cases, people step in for the person who is being downtrodden.
Watching this program really put a check in my spirit. I am a sensitive soul and fearful of confrontation due to a difficult childhood. At times I can barely defend myself. But as I watched each scenario, and the reactions of others surrounding the situation, I was touched by those who had the gumption to stand up and SAY something. The cashier was reprimanded by some for his sarcastic remarks towards the blind individual and his short changing shenanigans. Sometimes people stood rightfully between the woman and the man who is threatening harm. In one case, people created a barrier between the wayward mother and the children she ordered out of the car moments before.
I can't help but think of that slogan made popular in the 90's: WWJD. What Would Jesus Do? Are we not called to be His hands and feet? Are we not called to be His Light in the world? Proverbs 21:13 clearly states, "Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered." James 2:15-16 says, "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?"
In my heart of hearts, I don't think Jesus is talking specifically of the financially poor or literal brothers and sisters. But rather those in need, in it's many shapes and forms, around us.
Being extremely introverted, shy and afraid of confrontation was foisted upon me during my upbringing. I had my will, voice and self confidence stolen from me by others who meant well, but destroyed part of my spirit. Normally, I am one of those individuals who stands by for a moment, watches injustice, and slowly slinks away, hoping someone else will step in and make it right.
And yet, I am now in a ministry at my church that is helping people come to terms with injustices they have suffered in their lives. How can I minister to these people with a heart that knows given the opportunity, I would likely slink away and not say anything on their behalf?
I've had an eye-opening moment in my life. I'd certainly want someone to speak up for me should I be standing in front of a very angry man who is belittling me and wanting to do harm in the middle of a park. I'd want someone to say something if they saw someone taking my stuff behind my back.
I no longer want to say I am a product of my childhood but rather - I am a new creation in Jesus Christ. I pray now, that He will give me boldness to speak up for those who can't speak up for themselves. To stop injustice when I see it rather than hoping someone else will do it. If it's too dangerous, to at least pick up the phone and dial 9-1-1. It's up to us all to be His example and stand in for those to weak to hold up their own heads.
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. ~Ambrose Redmoon
Prayer request: Those of us who are afraid of confrontation, afraid of "getting involved" when something bad is happening to someone else - pray we develop a God-given sense of courage. Let righteousness override any fear we may be holding.
Prayer: Father, we lift up those who are too weak to defend themselves, and we ask You, humbly, to help us - Your people - to stand up for them when we see cause. Help us to not hesitate to stand against injustice, and instead, to stand for Your righteousness! We can do all things through Christ, Your Son, who strengthens us!! Amen
So I was watching this program on TV, (are all my blogs beginning to start that way?) and it was called "What Would You Do?" The basis of the show is an experiment in human nature and sociology. Actors are set up in different, negative, situations in different locations around the United States, and hidden cameras are put in place to see if anyone will intercede for individuals in need or in potential danger. Actors portray different scenarios, such as a blind person (a blind actor) at a bakery being short changed by the cashier (in this case, another actor); a man and woman (both actors) get into a loud argument in a park, and the man threatens physical harm to the woman; a woman demands her two children (all actors) out of her car in anger and frustration for fighting in the back seat, and yells at them to walk home, and drives away, returning minutes later.
In all scenarios, the hidden cameras capture people's reactions on the street: facial expressions, how they lean over and talk to whoever they are with, some call 9-1-1, some turn away and just keep walking, and in some cases, people step in for the person who is being downtrodden.
Watching this program really put a check in my spirit. I am a sensitive soul and fearful of confrontation due to a difficult childhood. At times I can barely defend myself. But as I watched each scenario, and the reactions of others surrounding the situation, I was touched by those who had the gumption to stand up and SAY something. The cashier was reprimanded by some for his sarcastic remarks towards the blind individual and his short changing shenanigans. Sometimes people stood rightfully between the woman and the man who is threatening harm. In one case, people created a barrier between the wayward mother and the children she ordered out of the car moments before.
I can't help but think of that slogan made popular in the 90's: WWJD. What Would Jesus Do? Are we not called to be His hands and feet? Are we not called to be His Light in the world? Proverbs 21:13 clearly states, "Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered." James 2:15-16 says, "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?"
In my heart of hearts, I don't think Jesus is talking specifically of the financially poor or literal brothers and sisters. But rather those in need, in it's many shapes and forms, around us.
Being extremely introverted, shy and afraid of confrontation was foisted upon me during my upbringing. I had my will, voice and self confidence stolen from me by others who meant well, but destroyed part of my spirit. Normally, I am one of those individuals who stands by for a moment, watches injustice, and slowly slinks away, hoping someone else will step in and make it right.
And yet, I am now in a ministry at my church that is helping people come to terms with injustices they have suffered in their lives. How can I minister to these people with a heart that knows given the opportunity, I would likely slink away and not say anything on their behalf?
I've had an eye-opening moment in my life. I'd certainly want someone to speak up for me should I be standing in front of a very angry man who is belittling me and wanting to do harm in the middle of a park. I'd want someone to say something if they saw someone taking my stuff behind my back.
I no longer want to say I am a product of my childhood but rather - I am a new creation in Jesus Christ. I pray now, that He will give me boldness to speak up for those who can't speak up for themselves. To stop injustice when I see it rather than hoping someone else will do it. If it's too dangerous, to at least pick up the phone and dial 9-1-1. It's up to us all to be His example and stand in for those to weak to hold up their own heads.
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. ~Ambrose Redmoon
Prayer request: Those of us who are afraid of confrontation, afraid of "getting involved" when something bad is happening to someone else - pray we develop a God-given sense of courage. Let righteousness override any fear we may be holding.
Prayer: Father, we lift up those who are too weak to defend themselves, and we ask You, humbly, to help us - Your people - to stand up for them when we see cause. Help us to not hesitate to stand against injustice, and instead, to stand for Your righteousness! We can do all things through Christ, Your Son, who strengthens us!! Amen
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