Bye Bye 2015 Hello 2016

I was stumped!  The Christmas "to-do" list had me occupied and it had been days since I'd written.  I had decided it was time to get back to the habit.  Yet the verses in Mark 6:1-6 were tasking my brain.

Jesus   went to His hometown and taught in the synagogue.  The people were amazed at His wisdom.  Then they realized He was the carpenter and they knew His siblings.  So they took offense at His teaching.

Jesus' reply was "only in His hometown, among His relatives and in His own home is a prophet without honor."  He only performed a few healings of sick people.  Jesus was amazed at their  lack of faith.

It's no coincidence that  these verses have stumped my thoughts on the last day of the year as I ponder the next year.  I am still enough of a legalistic that I refuse to skip any verses as I blog my way through the Gospel of Mark.  So, I have decided to let these verses frame my resolutions for 2016.

My vision statement for the coming year:

·         Wonder, not worldly. I don't want worldly doubts to cause me to miss God's work.  When the circumstances or the delivery method of God's grace and gifts appear common or familiar I resolve to acknowledge them as blessings.  If I've learned nothing else from our annual binge of Hallmark Channel "sappy" Christmas shows,  I do recognize the recurring theme that I have to pay attention to see the wonder.  It's there, I'm just not paying attention.

·         Fresh, not complacent. I want Jesus to be amazed at my faith, not the lack of it.  The statement in verse six is a sad verse.  Jesus shaking His head in disappointment at their blatant refusal to believe just because of their familiarity with Him.  I must resolve to keep my familiarity with Jesus, fresh and not complacent.

·         Resolve and See.   I will see God's miracles as His divine intervention in my ordinary life, not as just healing a few sick people.  I was troubled that Jesus could not perform miracles.  Couldn't He or wouldn't He?  It seems to me that Jesus, the Son of God,  God Incarnate, could do anything.  So perhaps He wouldn't to accentuate their lack of faith.  I think those few sick people who came to Jesus felt He had performed a miracle in their life.  God is at work all the time, all around me.  I'm the one not acknowledging His work. Again, I want to pay attention so I don't miss seeing a miracle because of my lack of faith.

I'm think I'm ready to close out on 2015 and look forward to 2016.  Happy New Year!

Two "Simple" Instructions

"Your daughter is dead."  It is a parent's worst nightmare.  A synagogue ruler named Jairus heard those words delivered in a crowd by some insensitive men.

Jairus' story is told by Mark in chapter 5 verses 21 through 43.  Jairus had approached Jesus in a large crowd. He fell at His feet and pleaded for Jesus to come to his house and heal his dying daughter.  She was 12 years old. 

Jairus was desperate.  He must have been full of hope for her future.  Yet, he knew he would probably lose his little girl.  He knew she was dying.  

He ignored the theological discussions that he must have heard.  Jesus wasn't popular with the religious leaders.  But his little girl had no other options.  So he begged Jesus for help.

Jairus had a glimmer of hope.  Jesus agreed to go with him.  Yet a woman interrupted the journey to his daughter.  She distracted Jesus.  While He was speaking with her, some men came and told him he was bothering the teacher.  The child was dead. His hope was shattered! 

Jesus directed His attention to Jairus and gave him clear instructions:  1.  Don't be afraid and 2.  Just believe.

In the face of the desperate news in our daily lives we need to follow these same two instructions.

1.  Don't be afraid.  Reject  the world's view of events.  The men at the house didn't believe in Jesus' power and authority.  They called him merely a teacher.  Jairus had believed that Jesus could do anything, even snatch his little girl from certain death.  Likewise, in this uncertain world which delivers  lots of bad news, we should not be afraid because we know God can and will do amazing works.  Why?  He is sovereign.  He is all-powerful.  And He has prepared an eternal home for us.

2.  Just believe.  Jesus didn't tell Jairus what was about to happen.  He didn't share His plan with Jairus.  He gave Jairus simple instructions to follow in a crisis.  Jesus ignored what those men believed about Him and their interpretation of the situation.  He knew they thought He was only a teacher.  He saw the crowd of mourners laugh at Him when He said the child was merely sleeping.  He took just His three disciples and just the girl's parents and in a private moment, touched the little girl and healed her.  Why?  He is loving and compassionate.

The men who delivered the bad news suggested that Jesus was bothered by Jairus' need.  This miracle reminds me that God cares about each one of my fears and needs.  I am never a bother when I approach Him for reassurance and deliverance.

To face the world today I must:

1. Don't be afraid.  God loves me, personally and intimately.  He alone will meet me, every time, and deal with my crisis.  Fear is the world's suggested response.  Faith in God is what I need to choose.

2.  Just believe.  God is bigger than any situation or circumstance I face. 

When the world gives me circumstances beyond my ability to handle, I have a choice, fear or believe in God, the almighty, the all powerful, the all knowing, the loving and the compassionate.

Two "simple" instructions to face the day.

Live to matter

I felt tears well up in my eyes.  My friend was sharing an experience with our small group.  We were discussing caring for other people.  She quietly shared about a little girl living in an unfortunate situation and how she and her church has shared with the little girl.  My friend has long since lost track of the little girl but I was moved.  I knew that for the few months those people were in that  little girl's life it made a difference.

Jesus made a difference in, what we would label, an insignificant woman's life.  In Chapter 5, verses 21-34, Mark relates the story of Jesus showing this woman and those in the crowd that she indeed mattered.

Jesus had again crossed over the lake and was met by a large crowd.  A synagogue ruler approached Jesus and asked Him to come to his home and touch his sick daughter.  So Jesus set out for this man's home.  Jesus had a destination.

In the crowd was a sick woman.  She'd been ill with a bleeding condition for 12 years.  This illness had drained her finances.  She spent her wealth on many doctors with no cure.  She had heard about Jesus and felt that if she could merely touch His cloak she would be healed.  So she moved through the large crowd, came close enough, reached out and touched Him.  And it worked.  She was healed immediately!

Jesus knew.  He turned and asked who touched Him.  The disciples pointed out that He was in the midst of a huge crowd so lots of people had touched Him.  Jesus knew one significant person had touched Him and had been changed.  So He asked again.  The woman realized she would not go unnoticed (as it is stated in Luke 8:47) and trembling she fell at His feet and told Him the whole truth.

Jesus called her "Daughter" and then reminded her that her faith had healed her.  He told her to go in peace and be free of suffering.

This large crowd saw and heard this miracle.  The crowd saw their version of an insignificant woman transformed into one who mattered to the All Knowing One.

We live in a world of extremes.  We strive to matter.  Too often the philosophy of selfishness and "it's all about me"  controls our life.  Or we feel so insignificant that we lose hope. When circumstances burden, we think we don't matter enough to God.

The story of this sick woman reminds me that I am significant to God. In the crowd of those around me and in the world, He knows me!  He cares about me and my life journey.  His way offers me peace and freedom.

My friend's story reminds me that God uses me to show others that the All Knowing One knows them and their situation.  I have the opportunity, as I travel through my life, to touch lives to bring Him glory and to make a difference.  I can't get so focused on my destination that I miss the work of God in changing lives around me.   I am significant and at the same time, I am a part of a huge crowd of others equally significant to Him. He knows me and He knows All. 

Amazingly Good

"When I straighten up my life, then I'll go to church.  When I quit........"  I'd been sharing my faith with a fellow at the desk behind me.  I'd invited him to hear my husband preach in a nearby church.  After his response, I told him that he had it backwards.  God loves him just as he is.  The straightening comes later. 

My friend had a skewed view of God.  He thought he could hide his activities.  He thought he didn't deserve God's love and acceptance.  He didn't think he was good enough and he didn't think God was good enough.  Jesus' encounter with a man possessed by a legion of evil spirits reminded me how Good God was and is! 

Mark's version of the event begins in chapter 5 verse 1.  Jesus and the disciples crossed the lake and a man came from his current home, the tombs, to meet him.  No one and no chains were strong enough to subdue him.  He cried out night and day and cut himself with stones.  When he saw Jesus at a distance he ran to him and fell on his knees in front of Jesus.  He loudly shouted "What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God.  Swear to God that you won't torture me!"  Jesus had said "Come out of this man, you evil spirit."

The man knew Jesus was his last hope for a normal life and he ran to Jesus.  The evil spirits knew of Jesus' power and authority and made an attempt to bargain with Him.  They seemed to think that the herd of pigs was a viable option and suggested Jesus let them go into the pigs.  He gave them permission.  The herd of about 2000 pigs rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned. (I'm not sure this is what the evil spirits thought would happen.)

Those who tended the pigs hurried off to town and country to tell what happened and the people came out to see.  They found Jesus and the man who had been possessed, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind.  Instead of being amazed and glad for the poor man who'd lived in the tombs and must have been scary himself, they were afraid and begged Jesus to leave. The people were so afraid of the marvelous changes, they rejected Jesus.

The delivered man begged to go with Jesus.  (Today this is my favorite part.)  Jesus didn't let him come.  Instead Jesus told him to go home to his family and tell them how much the Lord had done for him.  Jesus gave him back a normal life with his family!  If this had happened today, Jesus' public relations team would have exploited this man and his story.  He would have had his "15 minutes of fame" and struggled to have a normal life.

But Jesus is Good, so very Good.  He gives us the deepest desires of our heart.  Imagine living a tortured life alone in the tombs.  I'd just want to go home and be normal.  That's what this man got after he fell on his  knees before Jesus, a normal life with his family.

Too often, we think if we follow Jesus we will have to "give up" what we want.  Really He gives us the best and most desired because He is Good, really, really Good.

The man went away and told how much Jesus had done for him.  And the people were amazed. 

I have been reminded that Jesus is good to me and good for me because He is Good, really Good.  All Jesus asks of me is to tell others what He has done for me.  I am amazed at His Goodness and hopefully those I tell will be amazed at His goodness.

Storm Prep

I heard the front door open and in walked my six year old son - 20 minutes before I was to pick him up from school.  I was confused.  Was the clock wrong? Why didn't he call me?  When I questioned him, I discovered there had been a cancellation of his activity and some confusion at the school regarding the use of the phone, so he'd walked home.  Then I panicked.  I'd never shown him how to walk home or what to do in this circumstance.  He'd made it home but he'd traveled the long way.

Immediately he and I set out to practice walking home from school.  I showed him the safest and shortest way.  We also discussed friends who lived along the way so he could go there to phone me.

I thought about being prepared for change in life when I read the parables in Mark chapter 4.  I got the feeling that Jesus was preparing His disciples for what He knew would be happening in their future.  He spoke in parables to the masses but He spent time explaining the parables to the disciples.

In the first parable about the farmer sowing seed on various types of soil, Jesus tells the disciples he is giving them the secret to the kingdom.  I'm not sure they completely  understand what He meant by the kingdom (they probably hoped it meant kick out the Romans and crown Jesus King) but He certainly gave advice on what He expected from them.  He expected them to keep sowing the seed of The Word regardless of the type of soil and the quantity of the harvest. 

Jesus used a lamp to illustrate  their new way of life.  Don't hide the Good News.  The secret is to be revealed.  They were to be the leaders and show others the Way.

He warned them that since they had been given the knowledge of the kingdom there were expectations that they use it.  Use it or He'll find someone else to share.  He expected them to share.

He reiterated that their job was to scatter the seed of the kingdom.  They really had nothing to do with the success of the seed sowing.  Just like the farmer, who sows the seed and then the seed grows whether the farmer sleeps or gets up.  The farmer can't force the seed to sprout and grow.  The farmer is responsible for planting the seed and collecting the harvest.

I have the opportunity to be in a study group using A.W. Tozer's book The Knowledge of the Holy. It is fabulous!  It makes God so much bigger! Chapter 9 in Tozer's book is on the immutability of God.  God does not change, He is holy, He is perfect.  In our constantly changing world He remains ever the same.  We lust for permanence but He is the only permanence.

Mark Chapter 4 reminded me that change happens and will continue to happen.  I jotted down  some points to remember when change enters my little world:

1.            God expects us to do our job, our God-given mission, regardless of how the world may evaluate.  The farmer still sowed the seed everywhere.  We are not to judge The Harvest, just sow the seed of the kingdom.

2.            The Kingdom is to be revealed, so share and don't hide it.

3.            Listen up to Him.  Several times in Chapter 4 Jesus tells His disciples to listen and hear.

4.            God expects us to change.  Conquer the thirst for permanence.

5.            The Kingdom is bigger and so  much better than we can think or imagine.

6.            Jesus wants us to know so ask Him to explain.

                Chapter 4 ends with a storm.  Jesus wants to head out in a boat.  While He is napping a storm comes, a storm so big that the seasoned fisherman fear for their lives.  They wake Jesus because they think He doesn't care if they drown.  He quiets the wind and the waves!  He asks them why they are so afraid and if they still lack faith.  They are terrified and ask "Who is this?  Even the wind and waves obey Him!"

                When the storms come into my life, and they have and will in the future, Jesus will be with me.  He has been preparing me.  To deal with change I am to trust Him.  He is the constant, the unchanging, the permanent.  This great "secret" of His permanence in this chaotic world of unmanageable change is not to stay a secret but to be shared.  Jesus will get me through the storms of life and my role is to let the world know He is the reason, and only reason, I survive the storm.

Today's Wardrobe includes...

"They'll know we are Christians by our love.."  I realized yesterday I was mouthing the words to the instrumental offertory. The light bulb came on. I'd been considering Mark 3:20-35 for several days. 

Jesus was at a house with a crowd so large He and the disciples couldn't eat.  His family heard and came to the house to get Him as they thought He was out of His mind.  The teachers of the law came from Jerusalem because they thought He was under the prince of demons' control.

Jesus pointed out the error in their  logic.  How could Satan drive out Satan?  If Satan acts against himself, his kingdom would end.  The truth was that all the sins and blasphemies of man will be forgiven.  However, blasphemy of the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven.  They thought He was an evil spirit.

Then Jesus' family arrived.   His mother and brothers sent someone to call Him.  Jesus replied that those sitting in the circle around Him were His mother, brother and sister.

My first read of these verses reminded me that Jesus really knows how we feel when other people misunderstand us.  People think we are out of our minds, possessed by evil and refuse to listen to our logic or heed our warning.  My usual response, after I control  my anger, is to avoid and ignore them, to distance myself from those who refuse to consider me worthy.

Jesus' own family, the ones who grew up with Him, thought He had taken leave of His sensibility.  How that must hurt?  The most educated thought His teaching was derived from evil.  Yet Jesus warned them of the consequence of their thinking.  And Jesus knew exactly what  they were thinking, not just what they said to Him and others but He knew every single angry and conniving thought.  He even knew what would happen to Him as a result of those thoughts, words and actions!

These verses remind me that Jesus loved us, and me, so much that He provided the forgiveness for my wrong thoughts, my sins.  He, Himself, in the midst of others' doubt, conspiracy and misunderstanding, gave His life as a sacrifice for others' sins.  He defines love for us in these verses.  His love is displayed in contrast to hate and confusion.

In addition, to providing the avenue for my forgiveness of sins, He provided me with an eternal destination in Heaven and a spot in His circle of family.  In response to the world treating Him with disrespect and challenge He looked to those sitting in a circle with Him and declared them His true family.

Do I act like I'm a member of God's family as I travel through this world of chaos, misunderstanding and all out evil?  Does anyone see a glimpse of true love from me?  After all, I received an overabundance of love when Jesus died on the cross for me, and others like me, centuries ago.

When I think of the state of the world, is loving it first on  my mind?  Love was first in Jesus mind.  WWJD! (What Would Jesus Do?)

It's time to prepare for today and face the challenges of the world.  I usually plan what to wear first. I'm going to put on love today because Jesus first loved me. 

Come when I call

"When you hear me call, you come!"  It was one of my mom's rules.  Recently my husband and I were reminiscing about growing up in our respective neighborhoods.  My most vivid memory of  outside play was "Kick the Can."  It's basically an outdoor night version of "Hide N Seek."  Most of the neighborhood kids my age were boys so this was the usual activity.  I don't think Mom liked us being out after dark running through yards and jumping fences to avoid detection.  So when she'd thought we'd played enough she'd call us home.

She'd impressed upon me the importance of coming when she'd call.  I don't recall ignoring her even during the game.  Not responding to her call was not an option, even if I was well hidden.

I am still impressing upon Mickey, the male pup, that "Come" is not optional. If he is not ready to come when I call, I go get him.  He gets a  reminder tug on the collar, much as a mother dog would use on her pups.

When I read Mark 3:13-19 I was impressed that when Jesus called The 12, they came.  Jesus was going up a mountain and called those He wanted with Him and they came.  He designated them as apostles so they might be with Him and He might send them out to preach and have authority over demons.  These verses name those 12 and includes a bit of description for several.

Would I come when He calls?  Too often we think it's too risky to come when Jesus calls or we think it may cost us something.  Yet I am reminded of John 10 when Jesus tells me He is the Good Shepherd.  His sheep know His Voice and when He calls they listen and obey. If a single sheep strays and gets lost, He goes to find it.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd so coming should not be an option to weigh and choose.  Coming to Jesus' call should be a "no-brainer" because He calls us to be with Him (as The 12 went to the mountain), to have adventures together(as The 12 were sent out to preach) and to have victory (as The 12 had authority over demons, one of the  more incomprehensible situations in their lives). 

Jesus called The 12 to the good and gave them authority over evil.  Jesus calls to me to come to the good, Him, and away from the evil.  Why do I hesitate or deliberate? Because I'm selfish and want to play a bit longer the way I want to play.  So my mom had a rule.  So I have to go get Mickey and remind him of my rule.  I want Mickey to come to me to protect him in the future.  I want him to listen and obey so that if he is in danger and I call, he comes to me.  Jesus calls to me so He can protect me from sin, mine and others.

I know Jesus' voice.  I will listen for His voice and I will choose to come.  It's really not an option.

Have a Good Walk

"Keep walking" Most mornings I feel like Dori in Finding Nemo when she urges "keep swimming" or that mechanical voice in a large airport that subliminally urges travelers to "keep walking."  This week is the two year anniversary of Mickey and Molly joining our family.  The puppies are still in training, as I mention to those who pass by us on our daily walks.  They are better, I keep telling myself.

After months of "jerk and pull" and a few weeks of my self-designed chaos method(I'll describe it in a future blog), I finally enjoy the walks and for the past two days have declared them "good walks."

I keep distractions to a minimum.  We walk in the early morning. It's just the puppies-I haven't added our third dog Makena.  When we encounter other dogs we cross the street and I turn on  my Dori voice - keep walking.

When we meet humans on the path, I take plenty of time to pull them to the side and give the sit and stay.  Now more often than not, they stay as the human passes.   Early on, I mentioned "we're still in training."  Now we often get a "well-trained" compliment.

We walk the exact same route every day.   I know the obstacles and don't feel we are prepared for the unknown.

When I read Mark 3:7-12 I noticed three similar "bullet points."  Jesus took His disciples to the lake and a large crowd followed. They came from everywhere, Galilee to Tyre and Sidon.  To keep these people from crowding Him, He told His disciples to have a small boat ready.  He healed many as they pushed forward to touch Him.  When the evil spirits cried out "You are the Son of God",  He gave them strict orders not to  tell who He was.

Jesus knew these crowds could distract Him from His mission and distract others from hearing His message.  So

ü  Jesus kept His core group, His disciples, close. 

ü  He handled the curious by healing their disease, and

ü  He was strict with the evil.

(I've always been curious as to why Jesus was so strict about the evil spirits keeping silent.  Now during the political campaigns I have a glimmer of understanding.  Candidates spend far too much time answering and defending the negative comments.  Who knows what they stand for?  Instead we keep lists of their negatives and argue which is worse.  Jesus knew this was a waste of time and energy.  Unlike today's politicians, He had the authority to silence them because He didn't need their kind of advertising. He knew it would only distract the crowds from hearing His message of grace and understanding His gift of love.)

These three points remind me how to have a good daily walk with Jesus.  When circumstances beyond my control become part of my life, I need to keep my focus on my mission, my relationship with God. When I face challenges

ü  I should enlist the assistance of my core group, my family and my friends in the Lord.  They "get me" and have my interests as their goal. 

ü  I need to be "real" with the crowds of the world and live out  my relationship before them.  If others see how God gets me through a challenge, they will be attracted to God, not distracted. 

ü  Finally,  I need to keep evil in check.  This world presents far too many opportunities for evil, opportunities to focus, not on God and our relationship, but on distractions, emotions, gain, loss, pleasure, pain....

Each morning the puppies start the walk with a few moments to calm down.  First they sit calmly to have me connect the leashes.  Then at the end of the driveway, they sit again and I'll say "good walk" as I remind them of our mission.

Today I am reminded that each day I need to start with a few moments to focus on my mission for that day, the mission God has for me, not my "to do" list of activities and chores. I must learn to keep the distractions of life challenges from crowding my day and keeping me from my real mission. Each day I interact with people that may need to see or hear God and  I might be the instrument.  Each day my goal is to have a good walk with God.

Good Gravy!

"No gravy?  You don't know what you're missing."  Grandma said this each and every time she made dinner for us.  She always made pot roast, whipped potatoes with real cream and real butter and cole slaw that was the best ever.  She always made brown gravy but I never ever ate it.  I like to taste my food and never was a gravy eater until............

Dick learned to make Beef Wellington. Since he made it, I had to taste it and it was fabulous, even the gravy!  Now he makes that gravy for any dish and I enjoy it.

I was stubborn when I was young (surprised?) and refused to taste Grandma's gravy. Her pot roast, potatoes and cole slaw were the best ever.  Guess I will never know if her gravy was good enough to convert me to an occasional gravy eater.

I reflected on stubbornness when I read Mark 3:1-6.  Jesus went to a synagogue and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of those who were looking to accuse Jesus were there watching.  They wanted to see if He would break the rules and heal on the Sabbath.  "Stand up in front of everyone" Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand.  Then Jesus addressed the accusers.  "Which is lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or kill?"  They remained silent.  Jesus was angry and deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts.  He told the man to stretch out his hand and when he did it was completely restored.

Wow!  Talk about addressing the opposition.  Jesus knew they were waiting to catch Him rule breaking.  He tried to point out to them that they were missing out on God's Good Gifts because they were too stubborn.  When they wouldn't engage in a discussion he gave them a demonstration and healed the man.  He gave this man a fully functioning hand, on the Sabbath  in front of everyone.

The Pharisees were too stubborn to recognize  this as a sign or a wonder or a preview of coming events.  Instead they began to muster forces to kill Jesus.

This display of stubbornness in the face of God's love and giving, makes me wonder when I've been so set in my faith that I can't recognize God's work in my life. I hope I don't choose to be stubborn and miss the signs and wonders that happen in front of me.  Just because something challenges my faith view of life, I need to ask what is God doing; it this good or evil; will this bring life and restoration?

Too often believers think they have never a miracle or maybe only one or two in their lifetime.  But suppose our stubbornness and our definition of miracle is the reason we don't recognize a good thing when it's right in front of us.   I believe God is at work all the time, all around  me.  Therefore, good things are happening because God is Good.  The problem is I am defining good when God invented Good.

God has given me so much more than a palette for good gravy. My mission is to suppress my stubbornness and I will see more of God's Good Works in the world.

The Rule of the Day

"I don't have enough bathrooms!"  My mom woke up to this realization several nights.  She was planning my wedding.  I wanted to get married outdoors in my parents backyard.  She was an excellent planner because she worried about the details.  Yet she did not let the "tail" (of a potential restroom shortage) wag the "dog" (my wedding). 

I remember her telling me about her mid-night revelations. There were other panicked thoughts, but I don't recall her trying to convince me to change the venue for the wedding.  She was also perceptive.  She knew if I was engaged to this man after a couple of weeks that I probably would have married him sooner than 9 months later.  So I must really want that outdoor wedding in her backyard.  So my dad re-landscaped and she problem-solved to give me the wedding of my dreams.

"The tail does not wag the dog" would be my section heading for Mark 2:23-28.  Jesus was confronted by the Pharisees when His disciples picked some grain as they walked through a grain field on the Sabbath. They had a rule that declared this grain picking unlawful on the Sabbath. Jesus answered them with a reminder that when it was necessary David and his companions entered the house of God and ate the bread that only priests were to eat.  He concluded with "the Sabbath was made for man, not the man for the Sabbath.  So the Son of Man is head of even the Sabbath!"  (I added the !)

The Pharisees made the rules the "dog" or the point. Today these verses remind me that the "dog" or the point is my relationship with God, not how I follow the rules of the relationship.  The rules should be the "tail" or the expression of the "dog".

In our spiritual lives we construct "rules" so we will be consistent and comfortable in our worship of God and relationship with God.  Too often we allow the rules to rule rather than let God be the ruler of the rules.  The point (or the "dog") is not how I keep the rules or how well I've followed the rules, but that I glorify God. Times change and I need to be ready to experience God in a new and deeper way.  I can't take God's gifts and try to rule them instead of enjoying them.  Then it becomes about the rules and not the gifts.

Most believers think the rule for time spent with God should happen first thing each day. I've been to many seminars to learn techniques to deepen my relationship with God.  I've gathered many tips.  Yet my observation is to be realistic with my situation and put my relationship with God time in the best possible spot in my day.  Now I'm early to rise and spend some of the first moments of the day (after feeding the dogs and brewing the coffee, I've learned eliminate some distractions and wake up are good ideas for effective learning.)   When my husband was in seminary and I was working fulltime, my study time was during my break at work and doing the dishes was my prayer time, so much so that I often turned down help from guests with the task.  When my child was very young, I spent bath time in prayer (yes, my eyes were open) and nap time studying.

Today I am reminded not to let the "tail"  (the rules of my relationship) wag the "dog" (my relationship with God).  The point is not the rules and how often I accomplish and fulfill the rules but the point is the worship of the Ruler, God.  Jesus is the Ruler of the rules!

My relationship with God ("the dog") should be apparent by my "tail"( the rules) management.  My two dogs express their emotions through their tails.  When I arrive there is a lot of wagging as they are excited. When the tails are straight up they are concentrating.  I want my time with God to be full of excitement and concentration, not just a time to "check a box" and get it done.  I look for new ways to break my own "rules" of relationship so I will be ready and excited to hear and experience God.

I can't let my rules rule rather The Rule (Jesus) rules my rules!

13 years and counting

August 5, 2002 was a day in my life where worlds collided.  I heard those dreaded words-  the test was positive.  It was The Big "C" as my mom called it, cancer.  My old world of my invincibility collided with my new world of living as a survivor.  It was a whole new world for me.  I have  learned a lot about the importance of living each and every day.  I have learned to use faith in God to manage my fear.

I think Jesus was trying to tell some people that a "new world" was beginning and you can't live with the old rules in the new world.  In Mark 2: 18-22, some people asked Jesus why His disciples were not fasting like John's disciples and the Pharisees.  Jesus' answer was they couldn't fast while the Bridegroom was present.  He followed up with two more illustrations of sewing a new patch of fabric on an old garment and putting new wine in an old wineskin.

I almost understand the fabric reference.  I'm a quilter and it's a cardinal rule, don't mix washed and unwashed fabrics because they won't shrink the same when laundered.  But I have little experience with wineskins and fasting apart from bridegrooms.

I think Jesus is telling them that He has brought them a new world and they can't live by their old rules.  If they try to continue to live the old way in the changed world, they will fail.  The patches will not mend the tears and the wineskins will no longer hold the wine.

Today these verses remind me of The Big Picture.  What Jesus has done in my life today will bring me to a whole new, eternal world.  Why would I try to change His gift of the new world by trying to change it back to the old way of life.

After August 5, 2002, I have learned to trust that no matter the circumstance or challenge I am not alone.  He is with me, always.  More often I stop living the old way and just enjoy the moments as presented. Like breathing deep and smiling at any and all sunsets. Like just touching my granddaughter's hand. Like starting my day enjoying what I want, a few moments with The One who gave me the new day, a cup of coffee and a bit of knitting before I enter the old world.  Like remembering Who is always with me.

On August 5, 2002, God brought my old world of busyness and stress into a collision with His offer of a new world.  I have the choice to live with the worry of what if...  or I can choose to trust His deliverance and love.  He miraculously saved me with a routine mammogram and He'll do it again.  The collision of these two worlds has put perspective in my life.  My mother would ask me in those teenage angst moments, "In the span of eternity, just how important is this?"  Now I understand, focus on the Big   Picture, what really matters, the truly important, the eternal.

My new world presents me with circumstances and challenges.  I have the choice between trusting in the world's answers, which are not eternally satisfying, OR enjoying the party with the Bridegroom.  More often these days, I choose "Party On".

Enjoy today, just today.  Deal with tomorrow when it's tomorrow.  Thanks be to God for His Indescribable gifts!

Life's Pro-Am

"Somebody should do this."  I said.  "That somebody is you!"  the "professional" replied.  I felt there was a need for a new approach to prayer for our missionaries.  I'd mentioned it to this third "professional" because the first two had failed to accept the task.  This is when I learned that when I say  "somebody needs to..." three times that somebody is me.  But that's not my point this morning.

I felt the need for more prayer for others but I was not a prayer warrior.  I was an amateur.  An amateur who knew the basic technique but hadn't taken the time or made the effort to perfect the ability to become a "professional."

In Mark 2:13-17, Jesus interacts with some "professional spirituals."  Along a lake, while Jesus was teaching a  large crowd, he saw Levi sitting at the tax collector table.  Jesus told Levi to follow Him and Levi got up and followed Him.  (I noticed Jesus told him not asked him.  But that's not my point this morning.)

Later Jesus had dinner at Levi's house with many tax collectors and "sinners."  The teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw Him there with those  people.   So they asked His disciples why He would eat with tax collectors and "sinners".  (Notice their tactic to breed dissent among Jesus' disciples, rather than asking Him.  But that is not my point this morning.)

Jesus heard them and replied "It's not the healthy who need a doctor but the sick and I have not come to call the righteous but the sinners."  This is when I noticed that the previous mention of sinners had quotation marks.  I thought that "righteous" should have the quotation marks.  When I retell this passage I'm using air quotes because these teachers and self proclaimed righteous missed Jesus' point about sin and right standing.

 Professionals put in time and effort to be the best. A professional is good, very, very good because of their commitment to excel.  Yet there  is a danger to being a professional.  One might attribute success to their effort and then miss the joy of the blessing, the gift and the unmerited favor.  The spiritual professionals, the teachers of the law who deemed themselves "righteous", were missing the point of Jesus' mission, the gift of grace.  No longer will we strive to follow rules to be deemed "righteous".  That standing cannot earned and is not deserved because we are all sinners, forever amateurs.  We know what it takes to be righteous but it's just not in our nature to follow through.  We can't succeed because we are selfish by nature.  No matter  how hard we work to be a "professional" in spiritual matters we will never succeed to become perfect.

 I am proud to be an amateur because I know My Professional has given me my freedom.  My freedom from a life of being a professional failure.  No matter how hard I work to be perfect, I will never achieve it. I know my righteousness is a gift,  paid with a very expensive price by Jesus Himself.

 Thanks to the love and mercy of Jesus, Who provided the avenue of grace, we can be called righteous, not because we have worked to become a spiritual professional but because we are amateurs who need to admit our amateur status and acknowledge the only Professional and follow Him when He tells us.  (OK, maybe that second not my point this morning is one of my points!)

Turn and tune

"I didn't know you could do that."  I often get this comment when I've spoken to a large group.  "I heard you nailed your practice presentation."  My manager commented many years ago after my sales presentation.  I'm basically a quiet and shy person so when I'm not, people are surprised.  I've learned to "turn off" the shyness sometimes.

In Mark 2:6-12, Jesus definitely "turns it on".  Right after He told a paralyzed man his sins were forgiven,  He knew the teachers of the law were thinking He was blaspheming.  Only God alone can forgive sin. 

The teachers of the law were not "tuned in".  Why weren't they surprised that Jesus knew what they were thinking?  Why do we think we can hide our thoughts from the all-knowing God?

Jesus took this opportunity to reveal His mission and Himself.  He knew what they were thinking and He explained what and why He did.  He asked them, "Why were they thinking those things?  Which is easier to say to the paralytic your sins are forgiven or Get up, take your mat and walk?"  Before they had time to think or discuss  Jesus showed them His power and authority.  He said to the paralytic, "Get up,  take your mat and walk."  In full view of all, the man did so.

The teachers of the law were amazed and praised God because they had never seen anything like this.  But were they "tuned in" to the Who, What and Why of Jesus?  Perhaps it was time to "turn off" the discussions of rules and "tune in" to God.  In hindsight I can see that Jesus pointed out to  them that only God can forgive sin,  He had just forgiven a man's sin, therefore He was God.  Jesus came to make plain to us what God does, He forgives sin and He heals us.  He does all this because He is full of compassion and love for us.

We can be amazed at things that surprise and impress us.  When God does amazing things around us and for us, it's time to  "turn off" the discussion of 'how come' and "tune in" to Who,  What and Why.  He is all-knowing.  He came to Earth to make His love and compassion plain to me.

Good News in a Phone Booth

"You have a call Mrs. Sipe."  My eyebrows shot up in surprise.  Who even knew where I was to call me?   Dick was at church camp for the week.  I was 60 miles from home in a vet's office with one of my dogs.  I went to the phone and it was good news.

We had been waiting for several months for The Call.  The Call would give us the arrival information for our son.  We were to be available at anytime to meet him.  We weren't home when The Call came.  Our secondary phone number was the church office.  Fortunately I had mentioned to Mary, the church secretary of many years, that I was going to Fresno to take the dog to a vet.

When The Call came, Mary didn't receive the information just the message that we were to return the call.  Mary knew this was it and she needed to find me.  So Mary took out the Fresno Yellow Pages and started calling each and every vet in town looking for me.

I can't remember how many vets she called before she found me.  But as soon as I finished with the vet I was in the nearest  phone booth. (This was 30 years ago this week and well before cell phones.)  So the good news came in a phone booth.  I now had the date and time of his arrival!

In Mark 2:1-5 at least four friends of a paralyzed man used some imagination to solve a  problem and get  this man to Jesus.  Jesus had returned to Capernaum.  The news about Jesus was out and everywhere He went there were crowds of people. Such a crowd was in front of the group with the paralyzed man.  It was so crowded they couldn't get him to Jesus.  So they went up on the roof of the house above Jesus and dug through it.  Then they lowered the man on a mat through the roof to meet Jesus.  Jesus saw their faith and said to the paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are forgiven."

I admired the friends' determination to get the paralyzed man to Jesus.  They knew He had good news for him and they were going to assure that he received the good news.

I am convicted by their faith and action.  Too often we let the "crowds" of the world keep us from being in front of Jesus.  We often give up too soon and allow the distractions of the world keep us from being with Jesus.  Sometimes we satisfy ourselves which the bits we can hear from the back of the crowd or overhear others repeat what they heard Jesus say?

Am I determined enough to climb up to a roof and spent the time to dig through a roof, full of who knows what, and hear the Good News directly from Jesus rather from the back of a crowd?

Today I remember my friend Mary who was ready to call every vet in Fresno so I could hear good news in a phone booth.  I am challenged by the determination of the paralyzed man's friends who didn't let a crowd prevent him from being in front of Jesus.

I want to stop at nothing to hear from Jesus. I don't want to give up too soon like the other folks at the back of the crowd.  Faith will get me to  the front and with Jesus.

And, who in my life needs to be in front of Jesus and what am I going to do to help that happen?

Not Insignificant

"Please, Mom."  The boy asked for an expensive item.  I knew it was a risk.  It might be lost or stolen.  It was very nice.  When I said yes, the sales clerk whispered, "You must love the boy very much."

In Mark 1:40-45 a man with leprosy approaches Jesus and begs for a very expensive gift. He asked that if Jesus was willing to make him clean of leprosy.  Jesus was filled with compassion and touched the man and the man was cured.

Jesus then instructed the man, with a strong warning, not to tell anyone and to show himself to the priest and offer the proper sacrifice as a testimony.  Instead the man spread the news.  (Who wouldn't?  He'd been given a great gift-his health, a normal life, restored to the community.)

As a result of this man's exuberance, Jesus experienced consequences.  He could no longer enter a town openly but stayed in lonely places.  Yet people still came to Him from everywhere.

Today I am struck with Jesus' love and compassion.  I believe that Jesus was and is "all knowing."  He knew before He healed the leper that it would cost Him.  He knew the course of His ministry would change but He was "filled with compassion" and gave to one insignificant man anyway.

A few months later I learned that my expensive purchase was lost. I had a premonition that it might happen.  Those types of things happen to boys.  Yet I loved that particular boy  and I wanted to give to him.  He had regret and remorse.  He understood the consequence.  A couple of years later, when we replaced the item, he also knew we loved him, very, very much.  The look on his face and his comment of  "you guys are the best" was and still is Priceless.  I know I'd do it again and again.

I am reminded that I, too, am just an insignificant one in the midst of the multitudes but Jesus loves me, too.  Even when I don't follow His instructions.  Even when He tells me why.  Jesus has loved me anyway, does love me in spite of me and will love me in spite of my future failings.  So I am not insignificant in His eyes.  WOW!

I don't express my appreciation for Jesus' very expensive gift often enough or deeply enough.  He  has given me a great earthly life, in spite of my efforts to alter it.  Jesus also provided my eternal life in Heaven, not because I have earned or deserved it.  Why?  Because He was and is  filled with compassion for me, and lots and lots of other people. 

Grace.  God's Riches At Christ's  Expense.

The Pouting Parlor

There it was, the answer to my dilemma.   I circled it on my pro and con list. I had a career decision to make and it was a big one.  Many people had given me all kinds of advice but I had a hard time making the choice.  I resorted to making a list of the benefits and the negatives in the room my family nicknamed "The Pouting Parlor."  (It was actually  the living room that was gated off from the dogs so it was rarely used.  Occasionally when one of us needed to be away from the others we'd spend a few moments in the Pouting Parlor.  It was voluntary, not a time out room.)

Mark 1:35-39 tells of Jesus going to a solitary place, very early in the morning, so early it was still dark,  to pray.  Simon and his companions finally found Jesus to tell Him, "Everyone is looking for you."

Everyone.   I imagine Everyone was giving Jesus advice on how to succeed in ministry.  Everyone wanted a few minutes of Jesus' time.  Everyone wanted to see His  ability to preach, heal and eliminate demons.

Today  we are influenced by Everyone, I call it The World.  Our society tells us how to dress, think, enjoy and succeed.  It's more than the influence of television and advertising.  It's the expectations of the community for certain opinions and actions. 

Usually, these expectations will cause us to live in an orderly society but sometimes the worldly influence will cause us to stray from our real purpose, our destiny, our God- given mission.

Jesus gives us the example to keep on track and focused on our real purpose. He showed me that I need time away from Everyone and alone in prayer with Him.  This is what happened for me that day in the Pouting Parlor.  God reminded me of my purpose and priorities and it was not to please Everyone.  I don't regret the decision even though by worldly standards it was not a logical choice.

Jesus' reply to Everyone was, "Let's go somewhere else...so I can preach...That is why I have come."  Jesus knew exactly what His purpose, destiny and mission was.  Too often I listen to Everyone and get distracted or even lost. He has given me His example to stay on the path of my purpose, destiny and mission, to spend quality, solitary time with Him. (and for me regularly, it is very early in the morning  when it's a bit dark and occasionally in The Pouting Parlor!)

Frig Philosophy

"May I always be the kind of person my dog thinks I am."  From one of my favorite refrigerator magnets.  The magnet reminded me to  aspire to be a better person because of  unconditional love.  My dogs follow me wherever I go.  They love me on my good days and my bad.  They remind me of what really is important in life, character, not what others think.

When I read Mark 1:32-34 I stopped to ponder the end of verse 34.  Jesus had spent the evening healing  the sick of a variety of illnesses and driving out the demons in the possessed.  But He would not let the demons speak because they knew who He was.

Why did Jesus forbid the demons to tell who He was? I think Jesus wanted the people to hear His message from Him, not from evil ones, and to see His love without distraction from the world.  Jesus didn't need "street cred" from them.  He came to reveal God's message according to God's plan.  There was no need for additional publicity.

The final words in verse 34 made me think that too often we strive for worldly recognition.  Too often we thirst for adulation from those who really don't matter.

My dog Molly is a challenge.  When I come in the door she barks loudly and incites the other two dogs into chaos.  We call it "banshee barking".  She feels the need to single herself for my attention.  It's quite annoying.  We've tried all manner of disciplines but the two that stop the behavior the best are giving her something to put in her mouth(sometimes literally put a sock in her mouth) and Dick calling her to "assume the position" of leaning into his chair and petting.

Yet I am committed to Molly in spite of her behavior.  I haven't listed her on Craig's list because she is loyal.   She follows me throughout the house.  When I'm in my sewing room, she's laying at my feet.  When I'm at the table, she's at  my feet (unless Dick is eating elsewhere and she's waiting on him to spill).  Molly thinks I'm great!  I may have a day when I haven't pleased those in the world but Molly is always pleased with me.

My dogs inspire me to love unconditionally, to give, to strive, to forgive.  

Jesus came to Earth to show me God's unconditional love.  God's message of love for me is found in His word.  I don't need to have the message of God's Love validated by others.  I don't need to demand His attention and love by annoying behaviors that distract me from leaning into His love.

Jesus' Message inspires me

                to give my whole being to God,

                to strive to please God, not those in the world, and

                to forgive myself and those in the world who fail me. 

God has shown I'm worth it.  He see more in me than the world does or than I do.

Perhaps my next refrigerator magnet should read  "May I be the kind of person God thinks I am."

Crispy Fries

You don't have because you don't ask."  One of my husband's life principles. It is the foundation for his request for "could you make my fries crispy?"

In Mark 1:29-31 Jesus is at Simon's house for dinner.  Mark states that Simon's mother-in-law is sick with a fever.  Jesus comes to her, takes her hand, helps her up (she's healed by the way) and she serves them.

Long ago a Bible teacher taught me to list the important verbs.  In these verses, in the translation I read today, the verbs are told, went, took and help.  When coupled with the nouns there are one "they" and three "He".

They told (about the fever);

He went (to her);

He touched  (her hand); and

He helped (her up to serve).

I am reminded today that there is one "me" and three "He".  I must tell Jesus everything. Mark makes it sound as a matter-of-fact statement.  Simon - "Welcome to my home.  I'd introduce all my family but you see  my  mother-in-law is ill."  Jesus  - "Let me see her." (Jan's imaginative interpretation)

When I read Luke's account (Luke 4:38-39) of the same event, the disciples told Jesus about her high (Thank you Dr. Luke for the more accurate diagnosis) fever and asked Him to help her.  "Jesus, Simon's mother-in law has high fever.  Could you help her?"  Luke tells us he bent over her, rebuked the fever and it left her.

Regardless of my situation, I need to tell and/or ask Jesus about everything.  Why? Because He is compassionate! The chain reference numbers in the Bible I read today refers to one of my favorite stories, Luke 7:11ff. It demonstrates my most comforting characteristic of Jesus, when Jesus has compassion on a widow whose only son has died.  Jesus touches the dead boy, restores his life and gives him back to his mother. 

Jesus really cares.  He cared about an insignificant widow and her profound loss.  He cares about  me too.  Jesus cares about all my seemingly insignificant disappointments and   losses.  I only need to tell him or ask him and He'll come to  me (He's waiting) and He will touch me and help me.

1 Me

3 He

   

Amazed

Pilialoha.  The theme of my brother's toast at his daughter's wedding.  It means "beloved".  I had to look up the meaning because I couldn't remember.  I was amazed and astonished when my brother gave the explanation.  This was my younger brother, he was never littler than me.  He followed me down the sledding trail.  He was the annoying brother who would put his foot across the imaginary line  Dad created across the backseat so he wouldn't "have to stop the car" when we both were bugging each other.  And he was that little boy who bought me jewelry like the dog pin I still have.

This little brother had a daughter who was getting married.  He'd started and sold companies, managed people and budgets and led spiritual retreats!  He had experienced Life's challenges and found solace in God and His good gifts. Where had the  years gone?  Why was I surprised?

In Mark 1:21-28 the people in the synagogue at Capernaum were amazed at Jesus' teaching.  He taught with authority, so much authority that an evil spirit possessing a man challenged Him.  Jesus commanded the evil spirit to be quiet and to come out.  It obeyed.  The people were amazed at His "new" teaching and that His order to the evil spirit was obeyed!

Why were they so amazed?  Jesus was announcing that what they had long awaited had come.  God heard their petitions and He was here.

These verses reminded me that change is hard.  Change is hard because I am confronted with the realization that I am not the center of the universe.  Life goes on, not just for me, but all around  me.  When I go on vacation I rarely read a newspaper or follow the news, yet the news happens.  The world does not stop just because I do.

God is continually at work around me.  He's at work.  I'm the one not paying attention so I'm the one who is astonished and amazed at what God is doing in my life and everyone else!  God has a Plan for the world, everyone else, my brother and  me.  He is amazing!

I am not the center of the universe.  God is the center of the universe and He is Amazing!

If the evil spirits recognize and obey, why don't I?  He is AMazing!

I need to be like the people in Capernaum and tell everyone, so the Good News will spread throughout the region because He is AMAzing!

Life may change around me but God remains the same.  Always at His work, He is AMAZing!

God hears us. God is here now. He is AMAZING!

 

Like Right Now!

"Oh you mean right now?"  I was standing at the airline counter checking in a group of women for a series of international flights.  The agent had told me some of the tickets were "waitlisted" for one of the legs of our journey.  He seemed calm about it so I thanked him for the information. He looked up at me and repeated, "some of your party are waitlisted."  I then asked what that meant.  He was very matter of fact, "They don't have tickets."   "Ok, what do I do?"  "Call your travel  agent."  Again, I replied "OK."  He repeated the instruction to call my travel agent and the realization came to  me, this must be urgent.  I was slow to understand and respond in this situation. 

In Mark 1: 16-20, Peter, Andrew, James and John were quick to respond to Jesus' call to follow Him and become fishers of men.  They were working their fishing nets when Jesus sees them and invites them to come with Him.  Matthew and Mark describe their decision to follow Jesus as immediate, without delay and at once.  Luke gives a bit more background.  These disciples heard Jesus teach from Simon Peter's boat.  They saw Him provide a huge catch of fish.  When Jesus invited them to "become fishers of men" they left everything and followed Him.  They left jobs and families.  They left security and the known for the unknown.

In a world that teaches us to know everything before we make a decision, I find it intriguing that these men were so quick to make such a life changing decision and follow Jesus.  Have I ever been so quick to follow Jesus?

I thought about these men.  They were hard working.  It sounds like they had to fish all night and part of the morning for their income.  They were loyal.  They worked with their families.

They were open, especially to spiritual matters.  They must have had questions and longings and when they heard Jesus they knew He had the answers.  I doubt they understood the answers Jesus later gave them but they just knew He was  The Way.

I'm learning to be spiritually open in a similar way.  I have access to plenty of facts in the Bible.  I just need to spend time in the Bible learning.  Jesus gave us the Spirit to be our daily companion. To remind us, to guide us, to be Jesus' voice.  I'm learning that when I get the feeling, "this is Jesus", I need to respond without delay, at once, immediately.  I don't need the facts or the why.  I need to follow Jesus.

There is a better way to live than knowing all the information and details.  The better way is to know Jesus, His teachings and His Voice.  I have learned that Jesus loves me and invites  me to the best life.  My choice is to follow immediately, at once, without delay, like right now!

It's about Time!

"Do you have a Ford Villager on the lot?  Is it green? We'll take it!"  We ambushed the young car salesman as soon as we exited The Lemon.  We were desperate to regain our plan.  We had strayed.  We learned  our lesson and wanted to get back to the plan.

We had a six month plan to purchase a new car.  For once (because we are both subject to impulse buying) we had shopped, discussed and budgeted. In six months we were going to buy a green Ford Villager. 

Soon after we made our plan our impulsive nature took control.  A fellow from church had just started selling used cars.  He called and had a "great deal" for us. It was a fine looking car and it had lots of amenities. The price was right.  So we bought it.

I should have known that this was the wrong decision when the first morning the "new" car slept in our driveway I awoke to not one, but two flat tires.  The next 30 days were a series of strange sounds and finally a quaking of the front end.  That was the final straw.  My husband called and said, "Meet me at the Ford dealer. Right Now!"

We'd had a plan, a good plan and we ditched it for something else.  I remember this poor choice so in the future I will trust God's plans and His timing.

Mark 1:14-15 remind me that God has a timeline and not to rush it or stray from it.  After John was put in prison, Jesus went to proclaim the Good News. The Good News was the time had come for the Kingdom of God.

The Israelites had lived under another's rule for generations. It must have been great news to hear that the end of oppression was near.  Those living at this time must have realized that finally the time was right.  There had been rebels who tried to bring an end to Roman rule but none had succeeded in kicking the Romans out.  At this exact point in history Jesus was announcing it was time.  I'm sure many were eager to follow.

Yet I know that those living and hearing His words misunderstood.  They thought Jesus would kick the Romans out.  He would be their King. History and experience tell me that Jesus offers a different kind of kingdom.  The Israelites wanted freedom from the rule of the Romans.  The Kingdom of God offers each of us so much more than physical freedom.  God's Kingdom gives us freedom of the soul. 

Jesus came to pay the price for my attempts to control my life and my time.  If I just follow Him and choose to live in His Kingdom, following His time table and plan, I will be free from the oppressive state of the world.

God invented time, I did not.  God is in control of time, I am not.  God has a plan for me, a really, really good plan.  Why do I keep thinking I have a better way?  I continue to let the world tempt me with good deals and amenities.  I may think I need to "take my time" but I really need to accept and take God's time!

Finally, I am reminded that just as we rejoined our plan for the Ford Villager, God offers me the opportunity to rejoin His timeline at any time!  I just have to follow His plan.  He is merciful and loving and always awaits my decision to rejoin His work.  The consequences are of my own doing.  Yet God loves me in spite of them.  God loves me exactly as I am with poor choices and flawed timelines.

There is the freedom of the soul.  

Wild Animals

The comfort of wild animals.  People have said that it's hard to come home to an empty house but I learned that it is also hard to wake up in an empty house.  For 9 months my husband and I lived in separate households.  He had a "short-term" ministry in Idaho and I stayed home in Iowa.  Just before he left for Idaho we expanded the family by two puppies.  I know we were crazy getting two pups to train.  The two puppies were, and still are, wild, but those mornings alone were much easier because they were with me.  So I was not alone.

Mark 1:9-12 gives the order of events of Jesus' baptism and temptation.  The Gospel of Mark almost feels like it should have "bullet points" along with occasional vivid detail. 

Jesus came,

                was baptized,

                saw the Spirit descending on Him and

                heard a voice.  

Then He was

                sent to the desert,

                tempted by Satan, and

                was with wild animals and angels.

I was surprised by the wild animals in Mark 1: 9-12.  "Has that always been there?" I asked.  The other gospels do not mention wild animals and angels.  Mark doesn't give the details of the baptism and temptation of Jesus.  Matthew and Luke recount the dialogue between Jesus and Satan.  Mark showed me a misconception in my mind. I always thought of Jesus being alone.  Jesus was not alone. He was "with the wild animals and angels attended Him." (NIV)

Hebrews 4:15 tells me that Jesus understands my weaknesses and challenges because He's been there.  He's been human and in similar circumstances.   

He has been

                isolated,

                hungry and

                faced with opportunities to obey or not.

In my mind I related His temptation to facing circumstances alone.  Anytime Life delivers unpleasant circumstances I am faced with two perspectives, to find fault with God or to trust God, to trust myself or to follow God.

Jesus did face the temptations of

                hunger,

                power and

                self-importance. 

He chose to

                obey,

                trust and

                follow the plan immediately and completely. 

In a human sense, He was alone, just as I often am when Life delivers circumstances not of my choosing.  Yet He was not alone. 

He had the memory of The Voice affirming

                who He was (The Son of The Father),

                what He was (Loved) and

                how God felt about Him(well pleased).

Jesus faced these circumstances with wild animals.  Perhaps the wild animals provided additional unpleasant circumstances.  Or perhaps the wild animals weren't as wild I think since Jesus created them. He surely could have handled their wildness. (I'm sure He handled their wildness much better  than I handle the two wild puppies!)

Too often in Life I feel surrounded by "wild animals" that I cannot tame.  Someday I'll tame the two puppies! The "wild animals" remind me that I do not face the challenges of Life alone.  God has spoken to me and called me Loved, Chosen and Rescued.  I need to remember. 

God has never and will never leave me alone.  Jesus faced the temptations in the desert with angels. I face Life's circumstances with The Spirit, who is with me at all times.  I need to remember.

So when the "wild animals" of Life appear, I will remember

God calls to me to follow Him,

God loves me, and

God never leaves me alone.