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July 23, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, Bible Stories, Forgiveness, God's Grace & Love, Sorrow, Grief & Regrets, Temptation & Sin, Wisdom & Guidance

SHIFTING THE BLAME

“I don’t deserve to be called your son anymore. Make me one of your hired men.” … Then his son said to him, “Father, I’ve sinned against heaven and you. I don’t deserve to be called your son anymore.” [Luke 15:19,21 (GW)]

The man answered, “That woman, the one you gave me, gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.” [Genesis 3:12 (GW)]

DSC01629awebAfter brazenly demanding his inheritance while his father still lived, the prodigal son quickly wasted it all in a reckless and immoral lifestyle. Realizing the error of his ways, the ashamed and penniless youth swallowed his pride and returned to his father, hoping to be hired on as a servant. His story, one of repentance, forgiveness and redemption, is quite a contrast to that of a young woman whose tale is circulating on the Internet. She recently called into a radio show and told of getting a $90,000 college fund from her grandparents. In three years, however, she managed to blow through all of it—not just on tuition but also on clothing, college breaks and a trip to Europe. Now, having no way to pay her $20,000 senior year’s tuition, she called the show to complain—not about her recklessness and spendthrift ways but about her parents. Although any fifth grader knows enough to divide ninety by four and figure out how much money can be spent each year, she blamed her parents for not teaching her to budget; it was their fault she was broke. The young woman showed no remorse for her actions and refused to accept responsibility for her predicament. The prodigal son worked at a pig farm before returning home and was willing to work as his father’s servant. This young woman’s response to getting a job in the school cafeteria was, “That’s embarrassing.”

I wonder, however, if we’re really all that different from this young woman. Hopefully, we haven’t squandered $90,000 but we’ve all blamed others for our errors, difficulties, and even our sins. It wasn’t just Eve that Adam blamed for the apple incident; he blamed God for giving him the woman in the first place. We’re not much better. In an effort to excuse our actions, we shift the blame to our parents’ divorce, our ex-spouse’s greed, bad genes, the credit card company that shouldn’t have increased our credit, the loan officer who allowed us to refinance, the persuasive salesman, our idiot co-workers, the teacher who can’t teach, the woman who shouldn’t have been so seductive, the husband who shouldn’t have been so busy, the spouse who just didn’t understand, a troubled childhood, the bartender who over-served, and the other guy who made us angry or started the fight! We shift the blame to justify our own bad behavior and, if we show any remorse, it’s only because of the mess in which we find ourselves once we have to face the consequences.

With a repentant heart, the prodigal son took responsibility for his actions and was welcomed into his father’s house. Make no mistake about it, if we don’t accept responsibility for our actions with a humble and repentant heart, our story, unlike that of the prodigal son, will not be one of forgiveness and redemption.

When someone is tempted, he shouldn’t say that God is tempting him. God can’t be tempted by evil, and God doesn’t tempt anyone. Everyone is tempted by his own desires as they lure him away and trap him. Then desire becomes pregnant and gives birth to sin. When sin grows up, it gives birth to death. [James 1:13-15 (GW)]

If we say, “We aren’t sinful” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. God is faithful and reliable. If we confess our sins, he forgives them and cleanses us from everything we’ve done wrong. [1 John 1:8-9 (GW)]

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July 21, 2015

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Bible Stories, Faith & Hope, Fear & Doubt, Knowing Him, Trusting God, Worry

EXPECT TO SEE HIM

“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here!” [Mark 6:50 (NLT)]

Faith expects God to be there and isn’t surprised by His presence or what He can do for us.

6-19-155andelier10-10 037webAfter Jesus had miraculously fed the 5,000, He went up to the hills to pray while the disciples headed across the lake to Bethsaida. A sudden windstorm occurred and gale force winds and rough seas pummeled their boat. The frightened disciples were rowing hard, struggling against the wind and waves, when they saw Jesus walking on the water toward them. Instead of being comforted by this sight, however, they became terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost.

We can understand the disciples not expecting Jesus to be walking on the water, but it’s difficult to understand why they didn’t even pray during their frightening voyage. They just kept struggling on by themselves, trusting in their own power instead of putting their faith in God. After the all of the miracles Jesus had performed and the messages he’d preached, one would think the disciples would have known that He would be there when they needed him. Unfortunately, they still didn’t recognize Jesus for who He was.

Our God is an awesome God, capable of more than we can possibly imagine. He is with us always so we should never be surprised when we find him standing right at our side. After all, he told us, “Don’t be afraid. Take courage! I am here!”

As you walk through the valley of the unknown, you will find the footprints of Jesus both in front of you and beside you. [Charles Stanley]

Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means “God is with us.” [Matthew 1:23 (NLT)]

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July 20, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, Bible Stories, Money & Wealth, Obedience, Temptation & Sin, Thanks & Praise

IDOLS

You shall have no other gods before me. [Exodus 20:3 (RSV)]

You shall make for yourselves no idols and erect no graven image or pillar, and you shall not set up a figured stone in your land, to bow down to them; for I am the Lord your God. [Leviticus 26:1 (RSV)]

6-18-15IMG_1012webWhile Moses was on the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments from God, the Israelites grew restless and impatient with his long absence. Faith in both God and Moses flew out the window (or tents, in this case) and the people convinced Aaron they needed an idol who could lead them in their journey to the Promised Land. Gold earrings were gathered, melted down, and molded into the shape of a calf. As soon as the Israelites saw the image, they proclaimed it to be the God that led them out of Egypt. It was easier to believe in a piece of gold they could see than a real god they couldn’t. As usually happens with disobedience and idolatry, immorality soon followed. In spite of the many miracles God had already performed that allowed them to leave Egyptian captivity, the Israelites chose their golden calf over the true giver of gifts.

Like the Israelites, we often forget our blessings and the one responsible for those blessings. While we may not deify a golden calf, in spite of God’s command, we often worship other gods. Many of us tend to be more concerned about wealth, appearances, or fame than we are about God; that’s worshipping an idol. When we care more about obtaining or maintaining our possessions than we care about God, that’s worshipping an idol. When we give more attention to ourselves and our interests than we do to God, we are worshipping idols. When our standard of living is more important than our standard of giving, we are worshipping idols. These may not be graven images and we may not be worshipping them at an altar, nonetheless, they are idols. The Lord God is the only one to whom we should bow down and the only one to whom we should look up to with adoration.

When you cry out, let your collection of idols deliver you! The wind will carry them off, a breath will take them away. But he who takes refuge in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain. [Isaiah 57:13 (RSV)]

For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be held in awe above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols; but the Lord made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place. [1 Chronicles 16:25-27 (RSV)]

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July 18, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, Bible Stories, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Fruit of the Spirit, Holidays & Holy Days, Holy Spirit, Joy, Salvation: A New You, Today: Make it Count

HAVE PLENTY OF FRUIT (Family Reunions)

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But Martha was busy with all the work to be done. She went in and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me alone to do all the work? Tell her to help me.” [Luke 10:40 (NCV)]

Thank you, God, for blessings received: no injuries, not a drop of rain fell, nothing broke that couldn’t be fixed, and I never ran out of fruit. It’s summer and, for me, that means family and friends gather at our lake house, cousins run wild, and havoc reigns. The last holiday weekend found eleven of us (five being children under ten) gathered under one roof. It was chaotic and noisy and wonderful. Thank you, God, for family and for showing me that people, not perfection, are what’s important.

At the end of the weekend, my daughter-in-law remarked that I’m different from when she first visited the lake over twelve years ago. Of course I am—I’m twelve years older and four more grandchildren wiser! Those additional years and family members finally convinced me that I don’t run a five-star bed and breakfast and I am neither Martha Stewart nor God. I’ve accepted that our house is not a luxury lodge and my guests will have to pick up their own damp towels, serve themselves, clear the table, and prepare some of the food. Recognizing that I’ll never be Martha, we use paper plates, plastic silverware, disposable cups, and a vinyl tablecloth. Most important, I’ve stopped thinking I can be God. Oh, I knew I wasn’t God twelve years ago, but that didn’t keep me from striving for a godlike perfection nor did it keep me from exhausting myself and those around me as I tried to orchestrate events so everything was flawless and everyone content. I no longer feel responsible for other people’s happiness. I can’t read minds and anticipate every need; I can’t solve every argument; I can’t comfort every crying child; and I’m not responsible for the weather.

Twelve years ago, I was like Martha, not Stewart but the Bible’s Martha: always busy with arrangements for my guests. My guess is that Martha’s preparations didn’t need to be as elaborate as they were; I know mine didn’t. The overburdened Martha was annoyed that her sister Mary was enjoying time sitting at the feet of Jesus. If Martha was anything like me, she probably wouldn’t have let Mary do much of anything in the kitchen anyway. I know I didn’t share my domestic duties well but, like Martha, resented it when I missed out on time with my guests.

I’ve learned that catching fireflies is more important than laundry and a walk with a grand has priority over washed dishes. I wonder if Martha, after Jesus chided her for misplaced priorities, put down the dish towel and joined her sister. Some things can wait—dirty dishes and crumbs on the counter are just two of them. Other things, like time with Jesus or time with family and friends, are precious and must be treasured whenever the opportunity arises.

It was more than just years and additional family members that changed me from a Martha into a Mary—it was prayer and the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. While God didn’t miraculously start doing my chores, He did teach me to accept my limitations and to stop striving for perfection. Life is so much easier when I share the everyday tasks with others and leave the important stuff to Him. I’ve really changed because of my never-ending basket of fruit. Not the one on the kitchen counter—that one was empty in no time. I mean the one I have in my heart—the one the Holy Spirit keeps filled with an endless supply of His fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Action expresses priorities. [Mahatma Gandhi]

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. Only one thing is important. Mary has chosen the better thing, and it will never be taken away from her.” [Luke 10:41-42 (NCV)]

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July 17, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, Obedience, Temptation & Sin, Wisdom & Guidance

ANOTHER KIND OF SPARK

We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting the entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. [James 3:3-6 (NLT)]

5-16-15DSC09069awebIndeed, the tongue can be a “small thing that makes grand speeches.” Anyone who ever heard Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, John F. Kennedy’s words, “Ask not what your country can do for you…”, or Billy Graham preach knows that tongues can inspire and teach, praise and bless, comfort and pray. Speech, while extremely powerful, can also be incredibly dangerous.

James compares the tongue to a “flame of fire.” Have you even seen television coverage of a forest fire? It’s frightening how one camper’s poorly dowsed fire or a careless hiker’s cigarette can wreak such devastation. Once the fire gets started, it’s nearly impossible to control and its damage can’t be undone. If the wind picks up, the destruction can be enormous. Last year flames came within a few blocks of my son’s house and the barren hillside following the fire was a constant reminder of how close they came to losing their home.

Our words can be as dangerous as a spark in a dry forest. They cannot be taken back once spoken and the damage can be horrendous. Bragging, gossip, exaggeration, flattery, lying, disparagement, and manipulation with our words are all examples of an untamed tongue. Before speaking, we should ask ourselves, “Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?” If in doubt, we should say nothing. Just as a strong wind will fan the fire’s flames, anger can turn a few imprudent words into a raging inferno. Homes and lives can truly be destroyed by the heat of angry words.

Yesterday’s message included Kurt Kaiser’s words “It only takes a spark to get a fire going” in reference to love. It’s important to remember that it only takes a spark from an untamed tongue to get another kind of fire going!

How much more grievous are the consequences of anger than the causes of it. [Marcus Aurelius]

Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. [Proverbs 13:3 (NLT)]

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. [Proverbs 15:1 (NLT)]

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July 14, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, God's Grace & Love, God's Plan, Obedience, Prayer, Trusting God, Wisdom & Guidance

LOCKED DOORS – WHEN HE SAYS “NO”

Who shut the doors to keep the sea in when it broke through and was born, when I made the clouds like a coat for the sea and wrapped it in dark clouds, when I put limits on the sea and put its doors and bars in place, when I said to the sea, “You may come this far, but no farther; this is where your proud waves must stop”? [Job 38:8-11 (NCV)]

7-14-15_5330webWhen the youngest grandchildren visited us in Florida, we were putty in their hands. But, being loving grandparents, we wanted to keep them safe and that meant saying “No!” at times. Among our precautions, the doors to the lanai remained shut and locked to keep the tykes from venturing into the pool without an adult. That’s not to say they didn’t try their level best to thwart our deterrents at every opportunity. They pled with us, made promises they couldn’t keep (“We won’t go near the water”) or resorted to tears. When that didn’t work, they tried to open the doors themselves. We love them too much not to keep them safe and know that certain situations (like toddlers and pools without supervision) require locked doors and firm denials. The little guys, however, simply thought we were being mean keeping them from having their way.

We are God’s children and, like my youngest grands, we often don’t have much common sense when it comes to what we desire. We pray and plead, wheedle and whine for something. When God doesn’t grant our prayers, we often console ourselves by saying that He isn’t denying us; He’s only delaying His affirmative answer. We just need to pray more and try harder to make it happen. Sometimes, however, God’s denials are just that—denials. He may even shut and lock doors to keep us from trying to take matters into our own hands. Just like toddlers, there are times we need doors closed and locks secured for our own protection.

When I look back at some of the things for which I’ve prayed, I can only say “Thank you, God, for blocking my way!” It is only in retrospect, however, that I appreciate God’s denials of my prayers and the ways He deterred me. I clearly had no idea what I was asking for in my prayers, but He did and, in His heavenly wisdom, kept me from making some enormous mistakes simply by obstructing my path. Thank you, God, for loving me enough to say “No!”

After we have made our requests known to Him, our language should be, “Thy will be done.” I would a thousand times rather that Gods’ will should be done than my own. [D. L. Moody]

I say this because I know what I am planning for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future. Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. [Jeremiahs 2:11-12 (NCV)]