Kneelers Choice

"Wow,  this is crowded.  Was it really this crowded when Jesus was born?"  I had selected my 17 piece white nativity to decorate the shelf of my childhood hutch.  But 17 pieces were too many.  Should I not use all the pieces?  Is that allowed? 

The next day I read Micah 4:1-5.  In the last days the mountain of The Temple will be established as the chief mountain and it will be higher than all the other hills.  His mountain is the best mountain.  People will stream to it.  Nations will go to the House of Jacob's God and He will teach His ways.  He will judge between people and settle disputes for nations far and wide.  Swords will be converted to plowshares and spears will become pruning hooks. There will be no more war.  Everyone will sit under their own vine and tree and not be afraid.  God has spoken.  Other nations may think their mountains are better and may walk in the name of their gods but we walk in the name of the God who is forever and ever. God's way is the best way.

I've just watched the news.  I've reviewed the prayer list from small group.  I've even glanced at Facebook.  It's a stressful, challenging and even a scary world.  As humans we create and use "swords and spears" to feel safe in this scary world.  We put our trust and search for security in temporary things we've created.  Yet the world is still full of tragedy, unexpected turns and downright senseless evil.

How do I get to this high mountain? 

Where is my tree to sit under and be at peace?

Do I just endure this world looking forward to eternity with God? 

Is there relief for today?  If so, how do I get it? 

Are these verses about the future or about today?

Yes.  (I love those "either or" questions that are answered "Yes" because both options are true depending on your perspective.)

When I see the events of this world, I think "Come quickly Lord Jesus".  Come for me, get me outta here,  and take me to the eternal kingdom.  These verses also remind me that that eternal kingdom is available to me on a daily basis in this world.  If I walk in God's way I am promised this eternal future and I will have less discord and His protection in this temporary world.

How do I get to this best place? I need to choose. 

To "de-crowd" my shelf of the nativity pieces, I choose to leave the "kneelers".  I had to put my favorite camel in the box because he was standing.  This year the white nativity reminds me that I need to acknowledge that His Mountain is the highest, His reign is eternal and  God's way is the best way. 

Again and again (because we try to take back control) we must lower ourselves, our selfish selves, so we notice that God is higher and certainly more able to handle the "wild and wooly" world in which we live.

These verses give me hope.  The things of this physical world are temporary, even though my life seems long.  God is higher than all the stress, challenge and fear.  God is eternal and offers me everlasting peace and protection.

It is my choice.  I can choose the best way, to kneel and let God be higher than myself.  Then I will live with an eternal perspective, have less discord and know God's protection.

Thanks4Giving

"How has God worked in your life this week?"  Nearly every week our small group leader asks and too often several moments of silence follow.  It takes a while for us to get into thinking about God's accomplishments rather than our own achievements.  After all, we live in a world that encourages us to do it all, handle it, take credit and pride in accomplishment.

I have pondered Micah chapter 3  for several days.  Micah delivers specific admonitions to the  leaders and the people.  The powerful had taken from the powerless and God knew.  Yet the self-proclaimed powerful replied, "It's all good.  God will take care of us."  (That's my translation,)

Now that's an overly proud response.  In the face of God's justice, delivered by a prophet, the leaders spin it back to God's mercy and protection.  They want to continue to take credit and blessings from God without any of the commitment of relationship.

I read Micah's message was heard and received by King Hezekiah.  His story is in 2 Chronicles 29-32.  Hezekiah gets the designation of one of the few good kings.  He got right with the Lord by reopening and repairing the doors of The Temple.  He resolved to follow the covenant with God.  He recruited Levites to clean up The Temple and report back to him.  He invested himself in the revival by going himself to The Temple for sacrifice and offering.  He organized a praise team.  This revival prepared him to depend on God in the face of his enemies and to lead the people to trust God for their deliverance from the Assyrians (the scary "motorcycle" gang of the Old Testament as a friend once described them).

Hezekiah became so immensely respected among the nations that he lost focus.  When he became deathly ill, he prayed to the Lord who responded with a miracle.  But Hezekiah "didn't respond with true thanksgiving and praise for he had become proud." (New Living, 2 Chronicles 32:25).

How like Hezekiah are we?  We get comfortable in our spiritual life and when the going gets good we forget where the good, all the good, comes!

I think back to that small group question.  Maybe I need to think about:

Is there anything in the past week that has not come from God?  If so, where did it come and why?  Am I trying to take pride and credit when I should be praising God?

I can't let my pride prevent me from focusing on the truth. I think I have control over my life and my time but I do not.  God has given me the opportunity to use time, which He invented, gave and controls.

Every year at a Thanksgiving event, the group members would each share something they were thankful for in the  past year.  Every year mine is the same.  "I'm just glad to be here." I'm a cancer survivor.  I feel like I winked at  tragedy.  God delivered me and it was all God.  I am sure I could not have done it on my own.

God has given me another new day!  Hallelujah!  He provides.  So today's adventure begins with remembering the Source of this day.

God, Thanks4Giving ________________________________.

Will I Choose Freedom?

Dogs pace  the hall.  

Each one makes a pass and looks in the doorway.  

Finally Mickey peeks his head around the edge of the door frame with eyebrow cocked upward and expectation in his eyes.  He's asking if I'm ready.  It's time for our daily walk.  My reply is "Almost ready buddy."  I rarely disappoint him.  Those walks, wrestling three dogs, is good for them and me.

I respond to that reminder and continue with my morning routine, brushing teeth and hair, washing face, dressing.  I include a quick trip in the middle of the routine.  I pop onto the scale.  For some reason I check my weigh often but the information the scale displays does not gain my response.  Been seeing those numbers for years and they are nothing to be proud.

Micah, the prophet, deliver God's reminder to His people to turn from their wicked ways and follow His way.  He reveals plenty of consequence.  In chapter 2 verse 6 the people reply.  "Don't harp on those things!"  (from the New Living Bible) "It's disgraceful, that sort of talk. Such evils surely will not come our way."

How like us when confronted with a reminder of ill behavior, talk or thought?  As Sunday's sermon reminded me, we would rather deceive ourselves and change the context of our behavior to feel better about our condition.

Too often we turn away from anything that might convict us and make  us feel uncomfortable.  It's too easy in today's world to find acceptance in any area that we choose.  We can always defend our actions by comparison.  Plenty of  others are behaving much worse than I.

Yet, as Sunday's sermon also reminded me,  when I ignore the reminders, I then become a slave to the web of self deceit I create.

God is not harping at me to burden me.  God wants it to go well for me.  (I learned that in Deuteronomy!  That was the real reason for all those rules and laws.)  God offers me freedom.  His way is really the easiest and it leads me when I really want to go.

I've been reading the classic, Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan.  (Don't be too impressed, it's the modern English translation and I have a study guide!)  The heroes of the story, Christian and Hopeful engage a self professed believer, Ignorance.  Ignorance has convinced himself that his spiritual state is just fine as it stands.  Christian challenges him.  "How can you imagine that you believe in Christ when you do not see  that you have any need of Him?  You neither see your innate nor your actual sins, but  you have an opinion of yourself that plainly puts you beyond the need of the Redeemer. How the do you believe in Christ?" (Pilgrim's Progress in Today's English, John Bunyan retold by Jamesh. Thomas, p. 140)

I do need a Savior!

So my challenge for today:  How will I respond to God's gentle reminders?  I have two choices, the easy way, that would be God's way or the complicated way which means I try to deceive myself into comfort. 

Hmmmm......    I always respond to Mickey's inquiry about the daily walk.  He's so cute ! Maybe I should have Mickey tell me how much I weigh!

Woe means Whoa

"What does the horse say?"  I asked on Saturday.

"Nay!" replied the adorable two year old girl, that I am so very fond.  When she is present I rarely look at anyone else.  She has my complete attention.  There is no other child as important.

I thought about horses when I read Micah 1: 14-2:5.

Micah is delivering some bad news.  The Israelites had strayed from the ways of God, big time strayed, way off the  path strayed.  They had followed pagan rituals, They had taken  advantage of those less fortunate and used their power to amass riches for themselves. Micah was pointing out their sins and giving notice of the consequence of their sins.

In verse one of chapter 2 the sentence begins with "Woe..."  What follows is not good news.  Micah addresses the plotters of evil who covet  and seize fields and defraud others of homes and inheritances.

I'm reminded of an exercise and health "guru" from the 1980's, I think.  Her signature phrase was "Stop the madness" of unhealthy habits and eating.  Micah also delivers the message to Stop the madness of fraud, stealing, lust, and evil.

 God is counter-planning disaster on the plotters of evil and no one will be able to save them.  He will take their pride.  He will take their possessions and give them to traitors.

In the Bible, the word "Woe" is an attention grabber.  Synonyms are Ah, Alas, Ha, Ho, O.  I submit that what follows Woe is a warning to stop whatever comes next.

So today  "Woe" means "Whoa"!  Micah  tells the people to Whoa, to stop the fraud, the stealing, the lust, the evil.  Even though  I don't count myself as such a plotter these verses remind me to Whoa and take a spiritual inventory.  Do I collect too many possessions?  Am I too proud of my accomplishments? Have I injured others on my worldly way?

The online article I read on the meaning of Whoa indicated that this command is the first thing to learn, especially for the horse, if I'm the rider!   Full disclosure, I'm not a horse person.  I've been on a horse a couple of times and spent most of the time terrified only because of my total lack of experience.  I always get the best, calmest and most obedient horses and I don't let the human in control of the horse leave my side!

Yet, I've seen plenty of western movies and admire the partnership between horse and rider. The online article continued to explain the importance of the Whoa command.  If the horse does not stop at the Whoa, then the horse should receive a bit of consequence, like having the horse back up.  The article emphasized that if the horse doesn't stop at first command, then deliver a bit of consequence.(I hate to backup also.  Pretty effective consequence!)  So the rider doesn't give the horse the option to not obey.  It's follow the rider's command or else.  (I digress but wondering if Whoa will work on three dogs!  Do dogs hate to backup?)

All of this research made me think about my relationship with God.  Intellectually I know He holds the reins of my life.   The horse article tells me that it's His command that is to be followed.  Do I hold up or Whoa when God speaks to me?  My disobedience always leads to consequence not of my choosing.  So these verses have reminded me to Whoa when God speaks to me.

These verses also remind me that there is plenty more that follows in The Book.  There is God's grace.  Even though Micah is delivering bad news, I know by further reading and experience there is an opportunity for repentance in that message.  God is Good,  Really, Really Good so He will not tolerate evil.  At the same time God is Loving, Really, Really Loving and if I Whoa when He warns me and turn from my way to His Way, I have that opportunity for forgiveness and a fresh start.

When God says Whoa to me He is telling me to "Stop in the name of love"  just like the song made famous by The Supremes!

Here's what these verses taught me:

·         focus my attention on God's way, there is no other way. 

·         remember who really holds the reins of my life.

·         "Woe means Whoa!"  

Moving from Lack-ish Town

"OK, Rich, remember what we've taught you..."  I was at our monthly card group and a new player was at my table.  I wasn't drawing the cards I needed so I decided it was time for some risky play.  We all had been sharing the strategy for success with the new players and what I was about to do violated the generally accepted plan.

I thought about my teaching and my example that night when I read Micah 1:6- 13.  Micah listed the consequence of idolatry and oppression. He named specific communities and gave details of the disasters to come. 

Samaria would crumble into a heap of rubble. It would become a vineyard.  Those ornate, idolatrous and expensive temples would be burned. People would be led away as slaves. People would live in fear behind their walls. They would vainly hope for better days.  They would become bitter. People would suffer for straying from the Lord's way. 

Then in verse 13 Micah points his prophetic bony finger (I always imagine prophets pointing bony fingers in the Name of The Lord) at Lachish.  Lachish started the downward slide.  Other Israelite cities followed their example and strayed from The Lord to worship worthless idols.

I am always struck with fear when  someone begins to quote something I said or repeats one of my actions.  I feel the weight of influence.  God left me here to proclaim His Name, His Work and His Glory.  I worry that I may have misspoke or someone caught me in an all-too-human moment of assimilation to the world.

Fortunately, God is merciful.  He believes in second chances.  Perhaps those times are opportunities for me to be a better example.  Or a time to share God's amazing grace with another soul that has a tendency to want the temporary benefits of this world, not focusing on the eternal rewards in our future.

By the way, my risky card play, didn't result in a victory that night.  It was just a discussion of strategy and a teachable moment for the rookie!

Today I am reminded not to be Lachish or Lack-ish (as I like to think this town is  pronounced) in my spiritual walk.  Today I am inspired to concentrate so my witness does not lack in proclaiming the beginning of worthy worship-Jesus, only Jesus.  What I do and say, build and acquire, should proclaim Jesus.  Others are paying attention.  More importantly, God knows.  He always knows.  We think we can build walls and hide.  Hallelujah, God is greater  than any wall I can build. He loves me enough to come to me. He gives me another dose of His amazing grace.

My life does not lack in blessings and benefits.  Therefore my devotion to The  Source of these blessings and benefits shall not be lack-ish.  I have experienced His love and mercy.  So I am moving from Lack-ish Town!

Safety Lesson

As I slid toward the edge of the roof, I grabbed the safety belt.  Then I realized the belt wasn't anchored so the safety belt would be no use to me and accompany me over the edge! What was I thinking when I came up to the roof?

We had just started ministry in our first church.  The church needed a new roof. The enthusiastic young pastor had a great idea- to save money the congregation would tear off  the three layers of old roof.  Sounds like fun! 

The assumption was the men would be  on the roof scraping the old shingles to the edge.  The women were on the  ground tossing the old shingles into the dumpsters.  Being a too independent female, I bucked against my assignment.  I watched the men on the roof for a couple of evenings.  I thought

"How hard is that?" 

"I'm not afraid of heights." 

"Why not me?"

"I'm going  up."

So I scrambled up the ladder without announcing my intent.  I didn't ask or inform, just took action.  I was up there for, oh, one minute and felt my feet slipping toward the edge.  I wasn't worried, yet.  A safety belt was within  my reach.  Unfortunately the belt had not been tied off so the belt became my companion, not my salvation, and slid with me toward the edge.

In chapter 1 verses 3-5 Micah announces The Lord is coming down from His dwelling place to the so-called high places of the earth.  The mountains melt like wax before Him.  He comes to combat the idolatry and oppression of the so-called high places.  The people called these high places but The Lord is higher than any high place created.

Many  times in Israelite history God has made it abundantly clear:  Do not worship false gods.  Those high places were the locations of worship to false gods.  The Israelites were doing what "everyone else was doing."  Perhaps they wanted to fit in.  Perhaps they thought they could handle the false worship as well as worshipping The Lord. Perhaps they didn't want to be told what to do, even by God.

That day on the roof, and too many times before and after, I have been just like those Israelites.  I think I know

better than rules,

better than the experienced and mature,

better than God.

I am too often just like Israel, afraid to be set apart from the world to worship the one and only God.  I rebel against His loving ways because  I want what I want. Israel and I think we can make high places, really high  places to show off.  Yet God is higher and  more powerful than anything we can think or make.

God is holy.  He  is so  powerful that those stable and sturdy mountains become like wax and melt.  He loves me so much that when I stray He will come to bring me back to safety, and His safety belts are always tied off!

Pride

Rebellion

Stubbornness

Desire

These threaten  my safety in this world.  They cause me to slide toward the edge.  Thankfully, God is with me and continues to send other "Micahs" me to guide me to the better life, with God, not in spite of God.

I learned a few life lessons that day slipping down the roof.  Check the safety equipment before you need it!  And life is safer following God rather than following my pride, rebellion, stubbornness  and/or desire. God loves me enough to put my feet on solid ground, His ground, even when I get myself close to the edge.  He is the reason I did not go over the edge that day and so many other days since!

                                                                                                                                               

The Quest to be a Better Mushroom

I was drawn to the tree stump.  As I drew closer I saw them.  A cluster of small brown mushrooms.  They were well camouflaged.  They blended into the old stump.  I pulled my phone from my pocket and snapped their picture but had no idea why!

I've started my study of the Book of Micah.  I wanted the challenge of studying one of the prophets.  I choose Micah because it is labeled as a "minor prophet" (meaning it's shorter) and one of my favorite verses is found in Micah.  Follow my blogs to find out which one!

The first verse of Micah lists Micah's credentials.  He was from Moresheth.  He lived during the reigns of Kings Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah.  The Lord's message came to him in visions.  The messages were directed to Samaria and Judah. The second verse tells me to "Listen Up!  God, the Holy One has accusations!" 

I flipped over to 2 Chronicles to read about the reigns of these three kings.  They all were kings of Judah, the Southern kingdom of the Israelites. Israel, the Northern kingdom, had no good kings.  My Marine friend in my Sunday School class used the advertising slogan for Marine recruitment at that time to describe the kings of Judah, "A Few Good Men."

2 Chronicles lists each king's parentage, length of  reign, accomplishments, failures and God's evaluation.  As I began the study of Micah I totaled the years of reign for these three kings who ruled during Micah's lifetime.

16+16+29= a long haul.  Micah's message was  may be short in the number of pages in The Bible but he preached his messages over many, many years.  Ironically, a span close to the  number of years of my own lifetime!

Then I pondered those mushrooms.  They were gone the next day.

Just yesterday in Bible Study I was reminded that God left me here on earth to influence others on His behalf.  Am I like those small brown mushrooms?  Clustered with other like-minded, so I won't stand out?  Do I look like every other believer?   Camouflaged so my message might not get noticed?  Do I have a small message of God's amazing grace like too many other believers?  When the weather changes to slightly warmer, do I disappear?

Today I want to learn from a different variety of mushroom that I photographed that day just a few feet from the tree stump.  Large, almost white and standing alone in defiance of the grass!  This proud mushroom survived several days.

The first two verses of Micah tell me to live a long life for God, to stay with God for the "long haul" of life, and to pay attention to His expectations. I want others to hear about the Big God of whom I am learning.  I want others to hear the Good News as the only way to survive this crazy life.  I'm hoping to become a better variety of mushroom, sharing the glory of God!

Head to Galilee

"Mom can go now?"  The teacher's comment snapped me out of my reverie.  It was my son's first day of kindergarten and I had become lost in thought.  I thought this day was the end of freedom, care free, unstructured days of fun.  Now our calendar would be controlled by the school calendar.    I thought my influence would diminish as teachers   became more a part of his world.  I thought  it was an ending.

I read the last chapter in Mark.  It was days ago but again I've been lost in my thoughts, pondering an ending. 

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Salome and Mary the mother of James went and purchased embalming supplies.  Early the next morning they headed to  the tomb to finish the final care of Jesus' physical body.  They discussed a obstacle. How were they going to move the huge stone Joseph of Arimethea had rolled across the entrance?

When they arrived they saw that very heavy stone moved away from the entrance!  Inside the tomb a young man clothed in white waited for them.  They were startled.  "Don't be so surprised.  Aren't you looking for Jesus, the Nazarene, who was crucified? He isn't here. He has come back to life!  Look that's where his body was lying.  Now go and give this message to his disciples including Peter.  Jesus is going ahead of you to Galilee.  You will see him there just as  he told you before he died!"

Trembling and bewildered the women left, too afraid to say anything. The most reliable and oldest manuscripts end the gospel here.

Talk about a surprise ending!  These women had thought hope had ended, had died.  The changes in the world hadn't quite happened as they expected.  This Good News, this really Great News shocked and bewildered them.

Some thought the book shouldn't end on just a note.  So verses 16: 9-20 were added to serve as quick summary of what happened.  The disciples didn't believe Mary Magdalene when she delivered the message that Jesus was alive.   They didn't believe until he showed up at dinner and rebuked them for lack of faith and stubbornness.  Then He gave them instructions to go and preach to all creation.  He promised they would see amazing proof of belief.  Then He was taken to Heaven and the disciples went and preached everywhere and witnessed amazing signs.

I've never liked endings, especially unhappy endings.  I would have added those verses also.  I always want to end positive.  If something has to end, I want to be looking forward to what comes next.

On the first day of kindergarten, I remembered what my mother said when asked what her favorite age of child rearing.  "Whatever age they were at the time.  I loved them all."    She knew there were more, perhaps different, good memories coming.  She treasured the past memories and anticipated the new memories.

The young man in white gave me the "clue" to handling an ending-- Head toward Galilee!  Why?  Jesus is waiting there.

When change comes the form of an ending, go to

G o on

A s before

L ed by  God

I n faith

L ong for God's comfort

E xpect God's care

E ager to see God's work.

There really are no endings with God, only more beginnings.  Whatever God leads me to, will be my favorite because, well, Jesus is waiting for me!

A sunset may seem like an ending but it's a promise of a new day, another beginning.

The Bookends

"Bookends!"  As I finished  reading Mark 15: 42-47  the word popped into my mind.  This can't be an original thought. Have you noticed that two men named Joseph were called to care for Jesus at His most vulnerable times?

Joseph, the husband of Mary, cared for Jesus at the beginning of His earthly life.  This Joseph was called to be the earthly father of Jesus.  He is the one and only person that we know the name of who was present at Jesus' birth.  We don't know much about Joseph the father.  He was an obedient man.  When the angel gave him instructions about Mary's situation, he obeyed, against social norms of that day. ( see Matthew 1:18-25).  Later when the angel told him that the child was in danger he took his family to Egypt.  After Jesus is 12 and stays in the temple while both His parents were headed home, we don't hear of Joseph the father again.

Joseph of Arimathea cared for Jesus just after He ended His earthly life.  As evening approached on the day Jesus died, this Joseph approached Pilate and asked for Jesus' body.  After the centurion verified His death, Pilate released the body to Joseph.  He bought linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the cloth and laid it in a tomb.  Finally he rolled a stone against the entrance.

These two Josephs have a few attributes in common.  They were

J ust -

O bedient - responded to God's call

S ervant - put Jesus' physical needs before their own

E xpectant - eagerly awaited The Kingdom

P roper - followed the laws of the land

H ad a small but very important role in His mission.

I ponder why these two men were selected and remembered for their common yet vital ministry.

A third Joseph answers my query.  The Joseph in Genesis who experienced betrayal and slavery at the hands of his brothers and rose to power in Egypt reminds me that God is control of the "Big Picture".  "You intended to harm me but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."  Genesis 50:20

God has The Plan.  God is in control of The Plan.  God calls ordinary people to play a small part in His Plan, even people like the Josephs, you and me.

God is faithful from beginning to end.  I have couple of other bookends that remind me of His control and His faithfulness.  The sun comes up every single day and sets every single day.   His faithfulness will continue until the very end of time.  The bookends remind me.

I've been Showed

"I never would have been able to understand.  I had to see it to comprehend."  My friend had given  me the written instructions to make a pillowcase.  But it must have been in a language I didn't read since I could not understand the written instructions.  So she had a demonstration of the layering technique.  It's amazing!  I understand and have now made dozens of pillowcases!

I come from Missouri, "The Show Me State".  Too often I have to see it to believe it and comprehend it!  After I read Mark 15: 1-42 I realized I'd been showed about Jesus.  Jesus showed "His Alls".

Mark relates the events of Jesus' last day.  After a night before the Jewish   Supreme Court  (as The Living Bible describes the gathering of the religious leaders), Jesus was handed over to Pontius Pilate.  Again, Jesus only answered the direct question of "Are you the King of the Jews?"  Jesus replied, "Yes, it is as  you say."  He did not respond to Pilate's query on why He didn't answer the accusations.

It was a custom to release a prisoner during the Feast.  Pilate offered to release Jesus but the religious leaders had stirred up the crowd so that they demanded the release of an insurrectionist named Barabbas.  When Pilate asked "what about Jesus?"  The crowd answered with "Crucify Him."  The soldiers led Jesus away to be mocked and crucified.

Today as I read the familiar account of Jesus' crucifixion I realized Jesus showed me some of His "ALL" attributes.  Jesus is

1.         ALL Knowing.  Jesus foreknew the sequence of events exactly as they happened.  He knew each tiny event must happen just as  it did so prophecy from hundreds of years would be fulfilled and so His mission to love and save would be completed.

2.         ALL Powerful.  Jesus is the master of time.  The gospel writer Mark was careful to mark the time of day so we could have a frame of reference.  "It was the third hour when they crucified Him." .  "At the 6th hour darkness came..." (about noon)   "...at the ninth hour Jesus cried out..."  (about 3 pm).  In our world there are dozens of methods for managing our time.  But Jesus invented time, is beyond time and controls time.  He chose the exact moment for His death.  Verse 37, "With a loud cry, Jesus breathed His  last."

3.         ALL Loving.  So many people surrounded the Cross that day.  The women who had followed Jesus and cared for His earthly needs.  The religious leaders.  His disciples who knew Him better  than most.  The Roman soldiers.  If I had to pick the one to make the proclamation which would echo through eternity, "Surely this man was The Son of God!", I would not have selected a Roman soldier.  The centurion standing in front of Jesus, at the worst he could have participated in crucifying Jesus and at the least   he served with those soldiers who mocked and killed.  Jesus' love for ALL people was obvious to this soldier because Jesus came to save and love us ALL, good, bad and guilty.

There are so many more ALLS of Jesus.  Today I am reminded He is ALL I need because  He is THE ALL of ALL.

From Not Me to I am

"Not Me" is an invisible urchin allegedly responsible for havoc in the cartoon household of "Family  Circus."  If you do an internet search for "Family Circus Not Me"  you will see his portrait and antics.  Not Me is blamed by all the children so they don't claim responsibility for their actions. "Who broke the vase?"  "Not Me."

I thought of  this cartoon as I read Mark 14:43-72.  At the end of the passage  Peter  proclaims three times "Not Me" when asked if he was a follower of Jesus.  I didn't find a translation that actually used those two words but in my mind, Peter was declaiming any responsibility or association just like the children in the cartoons.

Peter's "Not Me" stands in stark contrast to Jesus' single reply of "I AM..." in verse 62.  Jesus had been brought before the Jewish Supreme Court (as the Living Bible relates).  False witnesses told their lies.  Jesus said nothing.   The liars contradicted themselves but still Jesus remained silent.  Jesus even refused to answer the question of why He refused to answer the charges.

However, when the High Priest asked Him directly "Are you the Messiah, the Son of God?"  He spoke.  "I AM, and you will see  me sitting at the right hand of God and returning to earth in the clouds of heaven."  That got them all riled up.  They called for the death sentence, spit at Jesus, blindfolded him and hit Him with  their fists.

Meanwhile Peter is hanging out in the courtyard trying to maintain a low profile.  An observant maid, recognizes him as a follower of Jesus.  Peter denied it and moved away.  The maid began calling attention to Peter and telling the others he was a disciple of Jesus.  Peter denied it again.  A bit later, the others in the courtyard said, "You are too one of those from Galilee." For the third time Peter denied knowing Jesus.  The rooster crowed the second time, just as Jesus had foretold, three denials, two crows.

Why do we try to be secret followers of Jesus, just like Peter?  Perhaps we fear ridicule, ignorance or injury.  Apparently we don't fear disappointing Jesus, failure of our mission or missing an opportunity to point another toward the Kingdom.

I know, that's harsh.  It makes us feel guilty and worthless.  These verses remind me that I too often act just like Peter and try to say "Not Me".

However, today these verses remind me of

Amazing,

Unmerited,

Freely Given Grace. 

Jesus knew Peter would fail in this situation. He loved Peter anyway.  He willingly died for Peter's sin and failure that day and everyday in Peter's past and future.

In contrast to  Peter's list of "Not Me" denials, Jesus proclaims a single "I AM".  Jesus' proclamation and resulting sacrifice gave us the privilege to be delivered from the life of a list of "Not Me" denials to the wonderful amazing world of I am...

I am loved

I am rescued

I am forgiven

I am chosen

I am...

The list is limitless just as Jesus' love is unlimited and is continually lavished on us in spite of our human inclination to deny any affiliation.

Jesus' love has placed the mark of "I am" on my life.  I may try to deny it but the Great I AM has continually changed my life forever by His great love.

Jesus, thanks for delivering me from a life  of "Not me" and giving me the privilege of being an "I am".

Watch and Learn

"Honey, I'm in trouble you need to get me something to drink."  I realized I was about to pass out with dehydration.  We were at the Iowa State Fair. It was hot and humid.  I'd insisted on sitting in the sun at the 1:30 show assuming shade would be coming.  Stubbornly I'd refused to move.  I bought a lemonade as soon as the show ended and didn't stop leading our group from attraction to attraction.

Just as I finished dinner I knew my stubbornness would result in an unwanted consequence.  So as my husband went for fluids, I headed for a piece of the floor.  Soon a couple of restaurant employees were dispensing ice packs, cool cloths and Gatorade.  It worked.  I was renewed and finished the night with the concert.

I remembered that as I was getting ready for the day I thought "I should hydrate up before I go.  It's going to be a  hot sweaty day."  I knew I should be prepared and consciously choose not to drink extra fluids because, well, it would be inconvenient.

When I read Mark 14:32-42, I pondered how I neglect the advance effect of prayer to deal with the happenings of  life.

Jesus knew the extreme personal challenge he would soon face.  He'd led His disciples to a place to pray.  He told them to sit and watch while He prayed. He told them He was overwhelmed with sorrow. Mark summarizes His prayers. Jesus tells the Father of His faith that all things are possible, His choice would be to have the "cup" taken from Him and regardless He would do the Father's will.

Jesus came back to His disciples and found them sleeping, not once but twice.  They knew He was disappointed. Mark makes an attempt at an explanatory defense, their eyes were heavy.  They didn't know what to say to Jesus when He caught them sleeping instead of watching with Him.

Jesus told His sleepy disciples, "the spirit is willing enough but the body is weak."  I considered how often I too missed the opportunity to pray in advance of a happening.  Jesus gives us a demonstration of praying before the situation rather than after the event has unfolded.

I hate umbrellas.  It's a character flaw.  I'd rather get wet than carry the awkward thing.  Perhaps I neglect advance prayer because it's inconvenient?  Yet Jesus shows us prayer is not to inform and alert God. He already knows!  Rather prayer is time to get us in the proper attitude before the circumstance. 

Prayer gets our spirit ready for coming events.  God knows what will happen.  I'm the one who too often is unprepared. I set the table before my dinner guests arrive.  I'm prepared for the event.  So why do I  allow myself to be unprepared to face the coming crisis' of life?

Today I realize that Jesus was setting an example for the disciples and me in Gethsemane.  He knew what was about to happen so He showed us how to be prepared.  Pray it forward to get the spirit ready.

 I am to

W ith

A nticipation

T rust

C hrist in the

H appenings of Life.

So advance prayer will prepare me for the

C oming

U nplanned

P roblems of Life

The Other Side of Failure

"I thought he was with you!"  We were at the Minnesota State Fair.  It was very crowded that day.  We'd gone into one of the exhibition buildings together but gotten separated.  I found Dick just outside the building only to find out our son was not with him, as I had assumed.  Dick thought Adam was with me.  We panicked a bit and wondered what to do first.  Fortunately we were with more experienced parents.  Jack said go to the street crossing and wait. Adam won't cross the street.  So we each went to a crossing and waited. 

Jack was right.  Adam found Dick waiting at the street.  Jack had given us hope in our failure as parents.

After the disciples shared their last meal with Jesus and had gone to the Mount of  Olives, Jesus told them they would all fall away from Him.  He told them that was it was written that the Shepherd would be struck down and the sheep scattered.  But He would be waiting for them in Galilee after He had risen.

Peter declared if all the others fell away he would not.  Jesus replied that before the rooster crowed twice even he would disown Him three times.  Peter emphatically  insisted he would never disown Him even if he had to die.  The others  said the same.

Jesus knew they would fail.  These close friends were hours away from betraying Him not by turning Him in to the religious leaders like Judas, but these friends would hide and leave Him to defend Himself and die alone.  Jesus loved them in spite of the coming failure.   He even gave them hope to handle their remorse--He would rise and be waiting for them in Galilee.

These verses make me think of failure, since I know the next events in the gospel of Mark.  But I also see love and hope.  This was it. Jesus was about to accomplish His earthly mission- to be the one and only sufficient sacrifice so we could be in relationship with God.  The ones He had entrusted with the message and mission would soon fail Him.  He knew it ahead of time and He went forward with His journey of love.

 Most times bad news follows the "but" in a sentence.  But this time Jesus gives the disciples good news.  He knew what they were and what they would do but He would be waiting on the other side of their failure.  He will heal their regret.  He will forgive their betrayal.  He will unconditionally love them.

I can think of plenty of times when I have failed as a person and as a follower of Jesus.  Jesus knew I'd be a failure and still loves me.  He is waiting for me to come to Him.

The next time I fall away and fail Jesus, I will remember that there is Hope.  Jesus is waiting for me to fall back to Him.

Fireworks and Communion?

Fireworks?  It was the first Sunday of the month.  I sat in the  pew waiting for the bread to be passed to me like so many first Sundays in   my life.  I noticed the video playing on the sanctuary screens-silent fireworks.  Now that's a unique communion interlude!

The gospel writer Mark in chapter14 verses 12-26 shares the details of the very first communion service.  Jesus' disciples knew it was the first day of Passover and asked Him where He wanted to go for the traditional supper.  "As you walk along, there will be a man coming toward you carrying a pot of water.  Follow him.  When he gets to the house tell the man in charge and he will get the room ready."

Mark relates the familiar sequence of the dinner that is so like our first Sunday.  Jesus passes bread and tells them it's His Body and to eat it.  Then  He took a cup of wine, gives thanks to God and gave it to them to drink.  His blood poured out for many.

Modern communion services include a few moments of personal evaluation.  The first communion service did also.  Jesus announced that one of them would betray Him.  Each disciple wondered if it was himself.

I love firework displays.  I've watched synchronized music and fireworks in stadiums with 40,000 people and I've watched in my driveway alone in a lawn chair.  It's a personal experience for me.  I don't talk about them.  I enjoy being overwhelmed by the surprise, the beauty and the short life of the burst.  I just "oh and ah".  I anticipate the "thwunk"  when the rocket is launched and search the sky for the burst and follow the shimmer as it disappears.

This recent first Sunday made me think that fireworks and communion have more in common than I first thought.

1.  Fireworks and communion celebrate new agreements.  John Adams expressed his enthusiasm for the Declaration of Independence in a letter to his wife, Abigail. He thought the new agreement  of the  patriots should be commemorated with a Day of Devotion.  The Day should include acts of devotion to God, pomp and parade, shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations.  Thus he is credited with fireworks on the 4th of July. The Living Bible paraphrases the familiar "new covenant" of Jesus' blood as a new agreement between God and man.

2.  Fireworks and communion cause us to reflect on sacrifice.  The founding patriots worked, planned and shed blood to establish this country.  God, Himself, came to show us His plan to establish a relationship with humans.  Jesus sacrificed His blood so I could experience life worth living.

3.  Fireworks and communion commemorate freedom.  The founding patriots revolted against the ruling government so they could govern their own free country. Jesus was the original revolutionary.  He led us into a life of freedom from the tyranny and bondage of sin.  Through His life and sacrifice I have the privilege to live life with hope.

July 4, 2016 changed my thinking on communion.  My next communion service I am going to  "Oooh and aaah" at the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice on my behalf and His gift to me of a life of freedom.  Let Real Freedom Ring!

The Life Lesson of a Quarter

He was embarrassed when he looked at the table as all the pastors left.  The town pastors had met for the monthly breakfast at the local café.  The only tip left for the waitress of the large group was one quarter, 25 cents!  This single event is the foundation of our family principle, always leave a generous tip.   I’ve seen evidence that my adult child continues to live by the principle.  In a small town, ungenerous behavior can harm our reputation.  In a larger setting it may not be reputation building to leave a generous tip, but it should be an opportunity to bless a hardworking, under paid server.

In Mark 14: 1-11, Jesus received a very generous anointing from a woman.  She came to the table where He was reclining and anointed His head with very expensive perfume.  Others at the table chastised her, claiming she wasted the perfume.  It could have been sold to feed the poor they explained.  Jesus defended her.  He replied that when the gospel is preached her action will be memorialized.  He even began His reply with “I tell you the truth…”

This woman’s gift demonstrated her devotion to Jesus in the purest sense.  She had no regard for the expense of the gift.  She had no regard other’s opinion of her gift.  The focus of her gift was Jesus, and only Jesus.

Two other times in the gospel of Mark, Jesus makes a promise that His witness will be shown through our generosity by beginning His statement with “I tell you the truth…”  In Mark 9:41 He tells us to give in His Name and in Mark 12:43 He announces the poor widow gave more than other rich people.  The world tries to limit generosity but Jesus presents just the opposite. 

These eleven verses in Mark present Jesus’ generous kingdom as the opposite of the earthly limited kingdom.  The verses begin with the religious leaders planning war against Jesus while Jesus peacefully reclines at the dinner table of a leper.  Jesus contrasts the woman’s selfless gift with the selfish attitude of the dinner companions who had disagreed with her use of expensive perfume.  This selfless woman stands in stark contrast to selfish Judas who resolved to watch for an opportunity to turn Jesus over to the religious leaders.

Generosity is a lasting quality and it’s about more than money.  I am called to be generous with my time, my talents, my money, my love, my value of others.  It is giving from all we have without concern for the earthly expense.  The focus of our generosity is love for God, and God alone.

The world tries to limit generosity but Jesus presents just the opposite.  Jesus gave us a generous gift of redemption.  He rescues us from a life of sin and frees us to a rich eternal life with Him.  Will my generosity show others my devotion to Jesus Christ as Lord?

Chickens and Well Water

"How are the chickens and which way is the well water running?" I asked the field superintendent when he came back from coffee at the hardware store.  The town had recently experienced an earthquake that destroyed most of the downtown. 

The members of the coffee group had developed a theory to predict earthquakes.  They concluded there were three predecessors to quakes: the chickens demonstrated agitated behavior, the water in a particular well swirled in a different direction and women were irritable.  Their theory definitely irritated me!

The coffee group never predicted an earthquake.  There were thousands of earthquakes in that town and I never knew when they were coming until I heard the rumble.  So I stayed ready. 

·         My shoes were next to my bed every night to protect my feet from broken glass as I ran for the doorway.(Thirty-plus years later  I keep my shoes handy at night.)

·         We stored water. (We didn't have drinking water on tap after the earthquake contaminated the city water plant.)

·         When I  heard a rumble I ran for the doorway (which is allegedly the safest place during an earthquake, if you can get there while the earth under your feet!) Sometimes I still do! I am known to flinch at loud noises and glance for a doorway.

In Mark 13 Jesus leaves us with advise for handling future events.

Don't be overly impressed. He reminds us not to put our faith in grandiose architecture. (I know that since I saw a whole downtown turn to a pile of rubble in a matter of seconds.)  Jesus also reminds us not to be impressed by labels--many will claim to be The One.

Don't be alarmed.  There will be wars and rumors of wars, earthquakes and famines. These are the signs of the beginning.

Don't worry about what to say.  When we are challenged because of our faith the Holy Spirit will give us  the words.

Be ready. When Evil is standing where it doesn't belong, run.  Don't stop for anything just run away from evil.

Be assured.  God is in control.  It could be worse but because of His love for His people He will shortened the process.  Jesus has told us what we really need to know ahead of time. (Mark 13:23)

So in this world of trying headlines rely on this:  Jesus is coming for us.

When I watch current events unfold (and I am a bit of a news junkie in a crisis) I also think "Come quickly Lord Jesus".  It feels like the beginning of the end, scary but exciting.

It's not our job to calculate the day and time or help it come slower or quicker.  No one knows. Numerous times in  Mark 13, Jesus tells  us how to deal with the future: be alert, watch and guard.  I'm storing up Living Water to sustain me through the chaos of this current world and I  am ready to run to The Door (Jesus) for His protection.

After the earthquake, the believers in Coalinga,   California erected a billboard proclaiming "Jesus is Lord of Coalinga". That's what we really need to know:  Jesus is Lord!

The Daily List Part 2

It's 4 am again and I reviewed the list from yesterday.  The first item did not get done or attempted.  Molly made it to the vet where we learned she was unusual-no surprise to us!  I did get the paint samples and am studying them, as I usually do, to finalize my choice.  I guess the most important got done, the less important is in process.

As I read Mark 12:35-44 it seemed as though Jesus gives me the list of the less important.  The list that the world values in stark contrast to what really defines us and our relationship with God.

Jesus poses a question as He is teaching in the temple court. How can David call his own son Lord?  It was well established that the Messiah would be a descendant of King David. Yet this great King anticipates surrendering his will to the future Messiah.  By the way the crowd was delighted with this teaching.

Then Jesus warns about the teachers of the law who like to act important, receive privileges and show off their wealth.  I imagine the crowd  delighted in this teaching also.  The average of the world can always spot the vain and prideful.

Finally Jesus uses the sacrifice of meaningless copper pennies to demonstrate the true meaning of living for God.  The poor widow gave out of what she had, what she had to live on, everything she had.

I saw a stark contrast between what the world values and what God values in us.

The world values

                                    Ego

                                                Pride

                                                            Wealth

God values love with

                                    heart

                                                soul

                                                            mind

                                                                        strength

Again Jesus contrasts the temporary of this world with the eternal values.  The world strokes your ego, builds your pride and amasses your wealth.  But circumstances can steal those temporary treasures in a nanosecond!

God has given us a heart, a soul, a mind and our strength.  Circumstances may rob us of those but only when we allow it. We can give these treasures to the world and lose them. Or we can give our heart, soul, mind and strength to God and see these eternal treasures grow great and give us the ability to survive in this temporary world.

By the way, I am delighted with this teaching from Jesus.  This will help me make today's list and get through it!  How I live out today may seem meaningless to the world, like two copper pennies but I want to love God with everything that truly is important.

The Daily List

It's 4 am and the daily yellow post-it note has been started:  "Expense report, paint, vet."   We live in such a distracting world with so much to remember I often forget my primary tasks.  At the office I use bullet points on my calendar to focus on the goals for the day. Mark 12: 28-34 gives me my bullet points for every single day of my life!

Jesus was in the midst of a debate with some religious leaders.  One of the teachers of the law noticed how well Jesus was handling the debate and asked  "Of all the commandments which is most important?"  (There were lots of commandments! The religious of Jesus' time were masters at creating lists and rules for daily living just like we are today.)

Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:4-5- Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength- and Leviticus 19:18 - Love your neighbor as  yourself.   The teacher of the law agreed with Jesus and gave the application as well- Loving God with all your heart, mind and strength and loving your neighbor is more important than burnt offerings and sacrifices.

Later in Deuteronomy God tells the Israelites to write the words in Deuteronomy 6 on their hearts and doorposts and to make sure their kids knew these words.  The people have a practice to have these words written on tiny pieces of paper and placed in a container called a Mezuzah and affixed to their door frames.  Coming and going they will see the reminder of those most important words.

I don't have a Mezuzah on my doorpost although somewhere in a box I have one I bought in Israel!  I do have some reminders hanging on my wall that are more permanent than post-it notes.

I just reread my paragraph and realized I left out the most important point- "Hear O Israel The Lord our God, the Lord is one." 

            God is The One.

                        The One and Only.

                                    The Number One.

                                                The Point.

                                                            The Reason for daily living.  

                                                                        There is No Other so don't get distracted.

Everything after "The Lord is one" is the action plan, how to put this mission statement into practice in daily life and the result.  Loving God with all passion, intelligence and energy (as it says in The Message) or with all my thinking, time and talk as I journaled years ago in my Deuteronomy notebook.  If we love God with everything in  us, we will love our neighbors and others will see the greatness of God.  That's why we're here to show others how great God is!

Loving God completely is more important than deeds and works. Loving God and living for God is more important than rules and lists.  These verses and the stuff on my walls remind me to focus on The Point- God is The One, there is no other.  It's written on my walls so today I strive to write it on my heart.

Today is not about what I do but about what I am because of the I AM.

Prepare to be amazed

"Prepare to be amazed!"  I heard the card player at the next table proclaim.  He had won the bid and was off to win the hand. If I labeled sections in the Bible I might given Mark12: 13-17 the subtitle of "Jesus prepares the Establishment to be amazed."

Some Pharisees and Herodians came to question Jesus on taxation.  They asked Him if it was right to pay taxes to Rome.   The Romans had conquered the Jews so I would imagine they were not popular.  There must have been some rebels, some who protested the Roman government by refusing to subsidize it with their hard earned money.  It was a political question.  Who is the true government?

Jesus knew they were hypocrites.  They complimented His integrity and those He associated with but their true motive was to trick Him so He would violate the Roman law.

He answered to give the government what was due and to give to God what is God's.  Round 1 goes to Jesus!  They were amazed!

Then the Sadducees, who didn't believe in a bodily resurrection, came with a complicated question about marriage.  If a man dies before he has children then the Law says his brother must marry the dead brother's wife and have children for the dead man.  The Sadducees added that 7 brothers married the same woman and died and left no children. So at the resurrection to which brother will this woman be  married?

What a ridiculous question?  Would this really happen?  The poor woman would really go through 7 husbands?  The Sadducees didn't even believe in the resurrection so why were they worried about this rare circumstance?

Jesus pointed out their lack of scriptural basis.  When the dead rise, there will be no marriage.  The Sadducees had missed the power of God to resurrect the dead as demonstrated several times in the Old Testament.  It was a scriptural question.  How powerful is God?  Round 2 also goes to Jesus.

To be amazed by God we have to let loose of our preconceived notions of Heaven and God's power.  I rarely imagine Heaven because I expect it to be beyond my comprehension.  I don't want to limit how great Heaven will be!

God is the absolute power. We can't limit His work with our laws and rules.  He can and will do anything.  Why would I want to limit Him?

I choose to be amazed!

Two worlds

"She knows a lot more about life than I do." We were just leaving juvenile hall. Dick had helped a 15 year old runaway turn herself in.  I had heard some of her stories. Now I was on my way back to my safe Christian world. 

I thought of my brief trip to the other world when I read Mark 11:12-12:12. Jesus draws attention to two worlds.  There is the world of the fig and the world of the temp.

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus saw a fig tree without fruit to satisfy His hunger.  He cursed it.  Twenty-four hours later,  the fig tree was withered away. Peter remembered His curse.  Jesus used this opportunity to teach the disciples about faith.

He told Peter to have faith in God.  Believe in God to throw a mountain into the sea! What is asked in prayer, believe it will be received, don't doubt God and don't let forgiveness come between others and God. The world of the fig, 

Faith

In

God

At the temple Jesus interacted with the religious leaders. He challenged their management of the temple. It had become a commercial enterprise rather than a house of prayer.  So the next day when He returned they challenged His authority.

The corrupt temple and its leaders are examples of the temp world. It includes demands of submission to authority, clinging to power at all costs and fear, of those above and beneath.

The "temp" world:

Trusts in self

Evil leads it

Motivated by fear and

Power rules!

And it is temporary whereas the world of the FIG is everlasting!

I want to live in the FIG world but I am surrounded by the TEMP world. I need to be like the disciples and listen to Jesus (Mark 11:14) and leave to be with Jesus (Mark 11:19).

Why? Because God loves me so much He sent His very own Son to this TEMP world to rescue you and me.