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March 27, 2017

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Faith & Hope, Fear & Doubt, God's Grace & Love, God's Plan, Knowing Him, Nature, Trusting God, Worry

SPIDER WEBS

spider webs - corckscrew swampOh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! [Romans 11:33 (ESV)]

Last Friday, I wrote that I preferred visiting the enigmatic swamp to the impeccable Botanic Garden because it more closely resembles the confusion and disorder of this holy mess we call life. Nevertheless, hidden in its mystifying disarray of vines, trees, lichens, ferns and other assorted plants and animals, order can be found.

On certain days, when conditions are just right, beautiful orb spider webs can be seen in the early morning light. These amazing feats of engineering begin when a spider floats just one strand of silk on the wind to another surface. After securing the line, the spider crosses the “bridge,” reinforcing it as he goes and continues to drop and secure lines. Eventually, a nearly perfect circular web is constructed of numerous concentric circles with spokes going out from the center. A spider’s web can be anything from a few inches to six feet across. Ounce for ounce, spider silk is five to six times stronger than the same weight of steel. More elastic than rubber, it can stretch two to four times its length without breaking. Only a tenth the diameter of a human hair, a strand of spider silk long enough to circle the earth would weigh less than a bar of soap! I find it humbling that one diminutive eight-legged creature can construct a complex web from a thread we humans can’t even reproduce. There is nothing haphazard or chaotic about spiders and webs. Their amazing creations tell me that, unplanned as the swamp or our lives may seem, there is nothing random or haphazard about them—they are as much a part of God’s amazing and complex plan as are spider webs.

On most days, the spiders’ delicate webs are difficult to see; yet, even when they are indiscernible, I know they are there. God’s plan is much like that—sometimes it appears crystal clear and other times it seems undetectable. Nevertheless, there is a divine plan for each one of us! Whether or not I see their webs, I know the spiders are there and haven’t abandoned the swamp. Regardless of our perception of His plan, we can be sure that God is in control and won’t abandon us either. If we believe in the goodness of God, we must trust His plan (whether or not we understand or appreciate it). Like the spiders’ webs, it is intricate and sometimes difficult to discern. It is, however, a plan of strength, resilience and exquisite beauty.

God from all eternity did by the most wise and holy counsel of his own will freely and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass. [Westminister Confession of Faith]

In the infinite wisdom of the Lord of all the earth, each event falls with exact precision into its proper place in the unfolding of His divine plan. Nothing, however small, however strange, occurs without His ordering, or without its particular fitness for its place in the working out of His purpose; and the end of all shall be the manifestation of His glory, and the accumulation of His praise. [B.B. Warfield]

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. [Ephesians 2:10 (ESV)]

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March 22, 2017

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Fruit of the Spirit, God's Grace & Love, Joy, Love & Works, Money & Wealth, Salvation: A New You, Sharing Our Faith, Today: Make it Count

DOING FOR OTHERS

Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! [Luke 6:31 (MSG)]

Great Blue HeronYears ago I took a short class in genealogy research. One of the first things told to us was that we were obligated to share any information we discovered with the rest of the genealogy community. Genealogy research depends on the results of other people’s searches of sources like birth and death records, cemeteries, census results and newspapers. We simply owe it to those who led us to our findings to share our knowledge with those who follow in our footsteps. I thought of that class as I wrote yesterday’s devotion about offering thanks.

A few years ago I wouldn’t have been any use at all to those people we helped at the swamp. I knew next to nothing about any of the birds in southwest Florida or where to find them. I’m still a rookie birder and most of my avian knowledge is limited to the shore and wading birds. Nevertheless, thanks to the people who generously shared their knowledge with me—who so willingly pointed out birds, identified species, answered my questions, and explained their behavior—I can now help others who are even less knowledgeable than am I. As for that off-the beaten-track conservation area, the only reason we knew about it is that someone kindly shared his knowledge of it with us.

Both the genealogy information and bird lore I’ve received were given to me gratis. There was no quid pro quo—I gave nothing (but my thanks) in exchange for what was given me. It was shared out of kindness with no expectation of repayment—a little like God’s grace. We can never pay the deeper debt we owe to God for all of His goodness. Any attempt to repay Him is a contradiction of grace because grace wouldn’t be grace if it could be repaid. Just because it can’t be repaid, however, doesn’t mean it can’t be spread around. The Golden Rule tells us to do to others as we would have done to us and then I think of Jesus washing the disciple’s feet. He humbled himself to serve them and told the disciples that they must do for others what He had done for them. We must do for others that which has been freely done for us. Whether it is the giving of knowledge, service, skill, assistance, forgiveness or love, the good things that have been done for us are not ours to keep—they are ours to share. When doors are opened for us (both literally and figuratively), we are obligated to open doors for others.

Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. … In a word, what I’m saying is, Grow up. You’re kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you. [Matthew 5:14,48 (MSG)]

Then he said, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You address me as ‘Teacher’ and ‘Master,’ and rightly so. That is what I am. So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet. I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do.”  [John 13:12-14 (MSG)]

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March 21, 2017

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Fruit of the Spirit, Joy, Love & Works, Nature, Sharing Our Faith, Thanks & Praise

SAYING “THANK YOU”

Give thanks in all circumstances [1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)]

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefit. [Psalm 103:2 (ESV)]

little blue heron (juv) - roseate spoonbill - black crowned night heronWe should thank God in all things and we’re blessed by God when we do. An attitude of gratitude invites His presence into our lives and focuses our attention on Him rather than our circumstances. It leaves no room for complaint, transforms anxiety into peace, strengthens our witness, and reminds us who is the giver of all gifts. An attitude of gratitude, however, does something more. It not only opens the door for continued blessings from God but from people as well. Good things happen to us when we have a thankful heart.

We were at our favorite swamp/bird sanctuary and perched just below us was a juvenile little blue heron. With his white feathers, he’s easily mistaken for just another egret. A man joined us on the platform and started to set up his tripod. We directed him to the little heron posing so perfectly and he thanked us for pointing it out. We chatted a bit and I spotted a beautiful roseate spoonbill. We tried to point out the pink and white bird and then he told us of his color blindness and that reds appear a brownish yellow. For him, the reddish bird so obvious to us blended right in with the foliage around it. We patiently guided his eye to the right spot and he thanked us for our patience. We helped him spot several other birds hiding in the trees and then found him another spoonie that was lurking in the shadows nearby. Each time we found him a bird, he expressed his appreciation.

Later that morning, we saw him in the parking lot as he stowed his equipment. When he thanked us again, I asked if he’d ever visited another (less well-known) conservation area that offers great photo ops. Unfamiliar with it, I started to give directions when my husband offered to guide him to the right road. Again thanking us, he asked if we’d wait while he made a return trip to the visitor center for a much needed rest stop. Five minutes later, we were leading him out of the parking lot. We paused at the turnoff and, as we waved him on, he called out one more thank you. When we drove off, my husband said he’d made the offer to become a guide for one simple reason—the man had thanked us earlier that morning!

The following day, a woman asked the species of a bird she saw. After identifying the limpkin, I guided her eyes to the dull brown juvenile night heron resting on a branch. After thanking me, she confided that she’d never seen an adult night heron and hoped to see one before departing. I continued down the boardwalk to the next lake where I spotted a beautiful night heron. Realizing how easily she might miss the sighting, I returned to her and offered to take her to the posing bird. It probably took about ten minutes of my time, but I did it because she’d been so appreciative earlier that morning.

According to 2014 study published in Emotion (a journal of the American Psychological Association), gratitude is far more than good manners. It makes you friendlier, more likeable, and opens the door to relationships. In fact, thanking a new acquaintance makes them more likely to seek an ongoing relationship. We didn’t exchange emails or phone numbers with those people, but we made temporary friends and brightened each other’s day. Friends are made by being friendly, encouraging, and by remembering to say “thanks.” Acknowledging other people’s contributions can, indeed, lead to new opportunities (even if they’re just great photo ops!)

Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other. [Randy Pausch]

Now may the Lord show steadfast love and faithfulness to you. And I will do good to you because you have done this thing. [2 Samuel 2:6 (ESV)]

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March 20, 2017

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Bible Stories, Faith & Hope, Forgiveness, God's Grace & Love, God's Word: The Bible, Knowing Him, Salvation: A New You

THE WINNER

wild geranium
I find joy in the way shown by your written instructions more than I find joy in all kinds of riches. [Psalm 119:14 (GW)]

It’s March Madness time for basketball fans and my team is already out of the competition. Last year, however, my choice won—but not in basketball. After placing sixteen popular Bible stories in brackets, my preferred Bible resource site had its followers tweet votes for their favorite story to see which one moved forward. The choices were: Esther and the king, Jesus walking on water, the Good Samaritan, the Prodigal Son, Joseph and his coat, Jonah and the fish, Noah and the ark, the exodus from Egypt, David and Goliath, Ezekiel and the dry bones, Jericho’s walls, Balaam’s donkey, Daniel and the lion’s den, Jesus healing the blind, Rahab and the spies, and the burning bush. Which would you expect to be the final winner?

Ezekiel and the dry bones didn’t make it past the first round (which I understand since that one sort of creeps me out). Unfortunately, the lovely story of Esther, up against the more familiar parable of the Prodigal Son, was defeated in the first round. In the final round, on one side was the historical account of the young David defeating the giant Goliath. The story is exciting, has danger and violence, and illustrates the supernatural power of God. It’s a tale of a brave young man who demonstrates the power of God with just a sling and a few stones. It tells us that, when we step out in faith, the God we serve can defeat any of the giants in our lives. Everyone loves a story where faith in God beats brute strength and the little guy defeats the big one.

David’s underdog opponent was the parable of the Prodigal Son. It’s a moving story with a not totally happy ending. After the younger son insults his father and foolishly demands his inheritance, he squanders it all. In desperate circumstances, he returns home with his head hanging low and is welcomed by his father. The dark side to the story is that the older son, the one who faithfully remained at his father’s side, is indignant and can’t understand his father’s compassion and forgiveness.

At first glance, David’s defeat of the formidable Philistine would appear to be the favorite. Nevertheless, the undefeatable youth was trounced by the Prodigal Son. When we first meet David, even though he’s young, he seems larger than life. He’s handsome, a skilled musician, and described as having good judgment and being a brave warrior. Among all of Jesse’s sons, he is the one chosen by God to become king. Most of us don’t resemble David nor have we been anointed as a king. We’re not heroic future monarchs, but we are God’s troubled children. As much as we appreciate a story of good triumphing over evil, we can personally relate to Jesus’ parable because we all are God’s prodigal sons.

The parable is a story of hope (the father is waiting at the gate for his son), mercy (the boy is not punished), love (he is hugged and greeted with a kiss), forgiveness (he is welcomed as a son, not a slave) and joy (there’s to be a huge celebration). Like the son, we all disappointed our parents and, if we were blessed with children, they disappointed us at times. Moreover, just as the son misused his father’s money, we have misused the gift of free will and squandered the blessings given us by our heavenly Father. This story reassures us that no matter how immoral, unscrupulous, self-indulgent or corrupt we’ve been, God welcomes his children home when they come with humble and repentant hearts. Once dead because of sin, we can come alive again. Knowing what sinners we are, this demonstration of the Father’s love and forgiveness is reassuring. The parable reminds us that blessings aren’t earned and obedience is not what gives us eternal life. God’s grace is not something we deserve but something He freely gives. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for loving and forgiving your undeserving prodigal children.

He has not treated us as we deserve for our sins or paid us back for our wrongs. As high as the heavens are above the earth—that is how vast his mercy is toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west—that is how far he has removed our rebellious acts from himself. As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him. [Psalm 103: 10-13 (GW)]

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March 16, 2017

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Bible Stories, Faith & Hope, God's Grace & Love, God's Promises, Holy Spirit, Knowing Him, Nature, Salvation: A New You

LIVING WATER

ibis - corkscrew swamp sanctuary
Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” [John 4:13-14 (NLT)]

For a state that receives over 55-inches of rain a year, the words “Florida drought” seem an oxymoron. Nevertheless, southwest Florida is in moderate drought and the water in the swamp is receding at record pace. The dry down of the swamp concentrates fish into the shallow water that remains and they become easy prey for the wading birds. There is a feeding frenzy as hundreds of birds (and several alligators) gather to enjoy a virtual buffet table lined with fish, frogs, and crayfish. The water in the swamp sustains these beautiful birds and, when it evaporates, they will fly elsewhere. I watched in awe as the birds vied for spots in the diminishing lakes and thought about the importance of water.

About 60% of the human body is made up of water and every living cell needs it to function. It lubricates joints, regulates temperature, flushes waste, and carries nutrients through the body. We can last three weeks without food but we can last only three to five days without water (and as little as three to four hours in extreme heat). Once deprived of water, the cells and organs of the body start to deteriorate. Water in our bodies is the difference between life and death.

Jesus offers us living water and His water truly is the difference between life and death. The water in the swamp is not living water – with no springs, it’s really just a large cistern that collects rain and will eventually evaporate. When the water is gone, only some vultures eating the scraps will remain. The living water offered by Jesus is never-ending; it is poured out in all seasons and will never disappear. Unlike the birds, we don’t have to fight for our spot in the pond or, like the Samaritan woman, come to the well. All we have to do is ask for the living water of eternal life. One drink of His Holy Spirit and we’ll never thirst again.

I find it ironic that some of the last words spoken by the man who offered living water were, “I am thirsty.” [John 19:28] Dehydrated by the torture He’d endured, was it just His dry mouth that led to those words? Did He thirst for the end of His pain and suffering? Or did He make a final demonstration of His humanity by speaking words that showed how much he thirsted for fellowship with God? Let us gather at His table, drink deep of His love, wash in His forgiveness, and never thirst again.

O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. [Psalm 63:1 (NLT)]

As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him? [Psalm 42:1-2 (NLT)]

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March 15, 2017

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Fruit of the Spirit, Love & Works, Money & Wealth, Salvation: A New You, Sharing Our Faith, Today: Make it Count

SERVANTS

But he gave up his place with God and made himself nothing. He was born as a man and became like a servant. [Philippians 2:7 (NCV)]

There are different kinds of gifts, but they are all from the same Spirit. There are different ways to serve but the same Lord to serve. And there are different ways that God works through people but the same God. God works in all of us in everything we do. Something from the Spirit can be seen in each person, for the common good. [1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (NCV)]

Steamboat ski areaI emailed a friend to ask about her winter and got one of those bad news/good news answers! Her husband suffered a compression fracture in his back, had a heart attack, and underwent surgery. A blizzard then deposited ten-inches of snow in their driveway! The good news was that my friend was blessed by a young man who volunteered to shovel their snow all winter as his “outreach to the elderly.” While I was struck by the man’s kindness, what really disconcerted me was that my friends and I have apparently moved into what is considered the realm of the elderly!

As much as I hate to admit it, I have chores I can no longer do easily and that list grows a little longer every day. Nevertheless, regardless of our ages, we all are called to serve. Fortunately, servanthood doesn’t require exceptional skill, special talents, or even youth.

Today, I saw a large ad for a service that provides professional readers. For a fee, a person will come and read to your loved one. I’m not begrudging people an opportunity to earn a living but I thought it sad that anyone would have to hire someone to read to children, the visually impaired, retirement home residents, or hospital patients. Is there no one who would do it out of kindness? That’s something even the “elderly” can do! We seniors may no longer be able to shovel snow but we can read to people, provide casseroles to shut-ins, and volunteer in charity resale shops. We may not be able to do the heavy lifting or install sheetrock for Habitat but we can assist in their offices or help raise funds. We may not be able to set up chairs and tables at church but we can offer respite for caregivers, become a reading partner with a child, stock shelves in a food pantry, or drive people to chemo-therapy.

While servanthood has no age constraints, it does have a few other requirements. It’s a ministry rather than an obligation and requires the heart of a servant—a heart that helps out of love rather than duty. Servanthood requires observant eyes—eyes that focus on the needs of others and look for tasks that need to be done. As servants, we must think like stewards rather than owners and understand that our time, talent and wealth are not ours to keep but God’s to use. Finally, if we’re real servants, we’re not afraid to do the work of a servant or to be treated as one. Jesus washed the filthy feet of His disciples and, as his servants, we must be willing to get our hands dirty as well!

We may get too old to shovel the walk but we’re never too old to be servants and do God’s work!

 Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. [Dalai Lama]

My brothers and sisters, God called you to be free, but do not use your freedom as an excuse to do what pleases your sinful self. Serve each other with love.  The whole law is made complete in this one command: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” [Galatians 5:13-14 (NCV)]

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