The Only Belt

 

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth… [Eph 6:14a ESV]

 

It was not going well.  I was wrestling a large item through our fence gate so it would be on the curb for the waste collection service to pickup and dispose of.  For some reason, my shorts selected this activity to suddenly be too loose and threaten to fall down.

 

As I dragged the soon-to-be discarded item to the curb with one hand while the other held my shorts, I made a resolution: Find my one and only belt! It’s imitation black and white snakeskin.  My fashion sense told me it would be fine on my camouflage shorts as long as I kept it under my hot pink Tshirt. (It’s amazing what we find to be fashion acceptable when we’re lazy!)

 

I’m in the “fluffy” season of life where elastic waistbands direct all fashion decisions.  I really only own one belt as I can count on one hand the number of pants with loops in my closet.

 

I have pondered the whole armor of God we are instructed to “put on” in chapter six of Ephesians. I acknowledge a parallel.  Spiritually, I have only one belt. It’s God’s belt of truth.

 

The belt in the spiritual armor acted as a girdle.  To those of you unfamiliar with the history of women’s undergarments, the girdle was the foundation.  It gave shape and support.  It hid a multitude of dietary sins and was the anchor for stockings.  As a child I remember the TV commercials touting the advantages of modern designs for girdles.

 

Today it’s hard to find a girdle because we don’t see the value.  We are more enlightened and body shape is not so strictly defined.  Gone is the peer pressure to have specific measurements for our bodies.

 

Personally I do not miss the girdle, but I still believe I need my spiritual ”girdle” of truth.  To think about strapping on the belt of truth makes me feel empowered, a bit like a legendary action hero or maybe a champion of wrestling.

 

I am a follower of Jesus because His truth gives my world order.  I could not live with the everchanging truths of the world.  It feels like chaos to me.

 

God’s truth is the foundation of love, peace and eternity.

 

I did find my only belt and looped it through my shorts waistband.  Unfortunately, I didn’t cinch it tight enough as later in the day my shorts ended up at my ankles while heading down the basement steps.  I see the spiritual implication.  Don’t just put on your belt of truth but cinch it up to take full advantage of God’s truth’s strength and comfort.

 

The belt in medieval knight times held the sword in place.  The belt was worn on the outside so the sword would be handy.  Paul lists the sword of the Spirit in a following verse.  I’m going to think on that for a bit.  Stay tuned but in the meantime, cinch up your belt of truth and follow Jesus!

C uz

I

N eed

C hrist’s

H elp!

Put it on!

 “Put it on!” Just like the TV commercial my right toes were speaking to me.  I have a recent addition to my “fashionable” wardrobe.  At some point about 4 months ago I broke a bone in my foot.  We had a busy schedule so I limped around for a couple weeks.  Then noticed the swelling so took care to wear the roomier shoes.  My regular doctor appointment was coming the next month so I mentioned it.  X-rays revealed the break and thus, the not so attractive shoe.

 

Not to worry!    I have a plan!

 

I really dislike this shoe.  I am not conscientious about wearing it.  This month’s xray showed only 70-80% healed.  So another month with my unsightly footwear.  Guess the only way the shoe will do its job is to be used!

 

First thing every morning, as soon as my feet hit the floor,  I find my “hope for healing” and get my mismatched shoes on my feet.

 

Put it on reminded me of the times the Bible tells us to put on something.

 

Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. [Eph 6:13 NIV]

Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [Eph 6:14 ESV]

and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. [Eph 6:15 ESV]

 

Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God so we are able to withstand the schemes of life on the Earth.  The armor won’t do its job, protecting us, if we don’t put it on! It’s my choice to “out on” the equipment God has provided.  Just as my special shoe can’t help me heal laying in my closet.  It needs to be on my foot fulfilling its purpose.

 

I thought I had a plan to deal with my injury.  The doctor told me.  “Wear it as much as possible.”  I chose a loose definition of “as much as possible.”  After 4 months I’m 70-80% healed.

 

Why do I settle for 70-80%? God’s way is 100%, even though it may not be my plan or something I understand.

 

My little search into the use of the Greek word for foot revealed that it was often used in the context of putting one’s foot on the vanquished or in reference to a disciple sitting at the teacher’s feet.

 

I’m ready to vanquish the broken bone so I’ll wear that lovely shoe!  Perhaps my life circumstances will be better dealt with by spending time at The Teacher’s feet learning about that peace that passes all understanding!

 

As I put on my clothes every morning, the Bible tells us to put on our spiritual equipment.  I can plan my physical wardrobe to fit the activities of the day.  God’s  armor works for my benefit every day in all circumstance.  So let’s put it on!

 

Maybe there’s more to learn about the “whole armor of God”.  I could start a fashion trend with mismatched shoes and who knows what a belt of truth would look like in 2023?  I’m going to ponder that!

Warrior or Worrier

 “What is an object you depend on, that you think you couldn’t live without?”  I asked my small group.  The answers:  phone, microwave, glasses, car, dishwasher.

 

I wanted to discuss a single word and how it appears in our everyday life.  The word for the day was steadfastness.  I noticed it a couple of weeks ago in the book of James.

 

“for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” [Jas 1:3 ESV]

“And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” [Jas 1:4 ESV]

 

Other translations of the Bible use the word perseverance.  So, I asked my group “is there a difference between steadfastness and perseverance?

 

The Oxford dictionary defines steadfast as the quality of being resolutely or dutifully firm or unwavering.  Steadfast makes me think of standing firm in an already achieved position, like a warrior in occupation mode.

 

One of my Bible study partners had a long military career.  During a class discussion on obedience, he taught me that the troops in the military obey orders, not because of blind obedience, but rather they have been convinced of the mission.

 

Perseverance is doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.

Perseverance is a bit “grittier”.  It infers action, pursuit and planning to succeed. (I picture the poster in my college dorm room of a kitten clinging to a branch by its claws with the caption “Hang in there”!)  Perseverance is a matter of the “head”, taking charge to overcome and endure, like a worrier who plots and schemes.

 

Later in James, (chapter 5, verse 8-11) it appears that steadfastness is a matter of the heart and Job is an example. (I added the bold emphasis.)

 

“You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. “

 

Job was a God-fearing man who lived through a season of tragedy after tragedy.  His wife and friends thought they were consoling him but if it was me, I would conclude, “Not helpful people… keep your opinions to yourselves.’

 

Job is a long book and one of the first books of the Bible I studied.  My high school English teacher assigned it as required reading of ancient poetry. (The rumor was she was an atheist, so it was definitely an analysis of the art not the theology.)

 

The discourse between God and Job in the latter chapters is fundamental in my experience of dealing with life’s happenings, challenges, and tragedies.  Maybe they give the key to steadfastness and surviving Life’s circumstances.  God asks Job if he had the authority or power to control nature and the Creation?  Did he understand all the nuances of Life?  Job responds with the realization that he has questioned what he does not understand, things too wonderful. He had heard about God’s might and authority but now through his experiences he sees God. Job has the choice to trust Almighty God in the midst of Life’s happenings or to make feeble human attempts at controlling Life’s happenings.

 

When I had cancer and faced 30 radiation treatments, I was in warrior mode.  I knew God was going to be with me.  He’d intervened so my cancer was detected early.  I knew He was the God of this situation.  I was to follow the plan and trust.

 

Jesus teaches us in the Sermon on the Mount that those who suffer will be blessed.  They will find God in their life challenges and realize the wonder of His character and authority.

 

On my spiritual journey which includes tragedies, challenges, and frustrations, I have learned that:

·      God loves me, even me, and wants the best for me;

·      God has a great plan for me;

·      God has control of Life, which appears to be chaos to me, but He has it under control; and

·      God will never leave me alone.  He is always with me.

 

This is the position God offers me.  My choice is to stand steadfast and trust the character of God.

 

 

 

Berry Picking

  

It’s my favorite time of the year—Blueberry season.  Picking berries is one of the few physical activities I enjoy. Blueberries are my fav!  I’ll eat them fresh, frozen, mixed and baked.

 

I go alone most often.  You might think it’s a quiet activity with time to reflect and meditate.  Not really.  Lots of other people are picking.  I overhear snatches of discussion on physical ailments, relationship issues and parents instructing kids on harvesting and behaving!

 

Today I did consider blueberry picking as a metaphor for living life.  Some folks search the field for the very best bush and patiently pick every single ripe berry.  A woman the row next to me spend an hour on one bush.

 

Some folks use the casual method.  (I think I’m one of them.) I choose a row with as few people as possible, walk past the first couple bushes and stop to evaluate the number of ripe berries.  When I tire of a bush, not that I’ve harvested every ripe morsel, I move to another or walk to the other side.

 

Then there is the chaos method.  No rhyme or reason to the bush selection.  I don’t think these people last long at picking because the reward is so delayed.

 

Berry picking requires discernment, gentleness and patience.  The ripe berries often are nested among other unripe berries.  To discover them you need to bend over and look up under the leaves.  The berries are small and to pick my usual 3.93 pounds, takes time (for me about 1.50 hours).

 

Berry picking might give me some advice on living life.  I like to think that I have control and select the path of my life.  But do I?  Just because I chose Patch #1, I can’t expect or command the berries to be ripe and visible.  The woman who chose just one bush and worked it for 1.50 hours didn’t harvest more berries than I, who visited at least 10 bushes, crawled on the ground and sat in the dirt looking up.

 

We can’t control life.  The morning session was punctuated with at least two squawking birds, a cooing dove, buzzing insect or two and a loud cricket or frog.  The birds expressed their disapproval of the humans gleaning their field.  I imagine Mama bird thought she’d built the nest in a prime location near a great food source.  Now she discovers the invasion of pesky humans stealing the freshest and best.

 

Our lives are like the berry patch.  Try our best to select and plan, then some random event or person disrupts our best laid plans.

 

In James 4:14 Life is described as “a mist.”  It’s hard to hold a mist, to plan for a mist or to use a mist.  It reminds me that life is fragile, precious, and not under my command.  We can’t be proud and try to hold onto something so tender too tightly.  We also can’t ignore it and think life is under no control and chaos rules.

 

Rather, let’s honor the life given by the Creator of life, who allows us to live it.  We don’t have to control it, expand it or distribute it, just live and use it to bring glory to the source and origin of life.

 

Jeremiah 10:23 in The Message notes that mere mortals can’t run their own lives because we don’t have what it takes.  I do not own the berry bushes.  I have no control over when and how many berries ripen and are harvested.  I’m privileged to show up when the berry patch owner opens the gate!

 

I don’t have what it takes to manage my Life but I know who does—God.  He gave me life, biologically and spiritually, physically and eternally.  Once upon a time, in a ladies room in Denver airport, I pointed out to a 3 year old boy expressing his dislike of the travel day, we can do this the easy way or the hard way.  Go along with the flight schedule as it is or be angry and embarrassed along the journey.  I was glad the 3-year-old was wise enough to give the easy way a try.  It’s tough to be trapped in an airplane with an angry toddler!  Suppose God feels the same way?

 

The next time I feel like that 3 year old, frustrated with lack of control of life, I’m going to think of blueberries, which I love, fresh, frozen, mixed or baked.  Life is a gift and God is in control.  I don’t have it in me to control the chaos of life on earth (the hard way). I have the promise of eternal life with God.  The easy way is to trust and follow God’s plan for my life (and maybe strive to break the four pound mark for a day of blueberry picking!).

‘

Put On Influence

 

I had the privilege this past week to write the obituary for my Daddy.  It was very therapeutic.  I was impressed by how his character influenced my development.  I described him as a character who had character.  He was a fun guy, a great storyteller and up for adventure.  

 

Upon my review of the first draft. I realized I’d tallied what he did, his accomplishments, but hadn’t listed who he was, his character.  He taught me about integrity, loyalty and planning for the right thing.

 

He did not have a formal class or presentation.

§  Dad always had a plan yet was open to spontaneity.  

§  Dad always wanted the best for his loved ones.  

§  Dad sacrificed for his loved ones.

 

My brother and I learned through the osmosis of family life with Dad.  Occasionally, he would announce a new word to learn or lesson from his life but most often, he just was himself.

 

What must it have been like to with be Jesus in the flesh?  

 

In my reminiscing, it occurred to me that Jesus taught the original disciples in a similar method.  Sure, He had sermons, teachings and explanations. He sacrificed Himself for us, His loved ones. But on a daily basis He was just Himself.  Himself being God Incarnate!

 

Jesus modeled for the disciples love for God, for others and for themselves. Jesus’s earthly life demonstrated forgiveness and God-given purpose. Jesus came 

§  to fulfill prophecy

§  to demonstrate God’s love for us

§  to die for our failures.

 

Life is about influence.  Today influence is usually all about social media. Yet the average person influences 80,000 people in a lifetime (average life expectancy is 78 years). Some of this influencing is done as a child so it’s not all on social media, even today.

 

80,000 people.  That’s about the capacity of GEHA Arrowhead Stadium—the loudest stadium, during a Kansas City Chiefs football game!

 

Influence can be negative or positive.  I have been challenged to take care to influence in a positive manner, expressing my appreciation for someone’ service (even when it’s their job), being polite in the most insignificant circumstances and being positive and leading with compassion.

 

Jesus called us to be and make disciples.  (Matthew 28: 19-20) How we influence will be crucial to living our God-given purpose.  To live out our purpose we should

§  walk the talk 

§  seize the teachable moments as the Spirit leads

§  love others as Jesus has loved us.

 

Let’s engage:

·      It made me smile when my son expressed compassion in a way that was my Dad’s way.  Daddy’s influence.  When have you reflected the influence of your mentor in a positive manner?

·      When you get dressed in the morning, what do you want to “put on” to guide your influencing for the day?  See Colossians 3: 12-17.

·      Consider how you influence those you encounter.  How do you want to be remembered?

·      One of my favorite memories of Daddio was the subject of one of my earlier blogs.  Here’s the link: “Leadership begins with the nearest and dearest”, 

 

https://sunsetjan.blogspot.com/2020/03/leadership-begins-with-nearest-and.html

 

The Lord Said to Me

 

“the LORD said to me,” Deuteronomy 2:17    

 

The speaker at the women’s conference asked who it was in the audience and without any hesitation or thought, my hand raised.  I said, “It’s me.”

 

            God had message just for me.  The speaker’s topic was passion, calling and purpose or “Why am I here?”   After she laid the foundation for acknowledging and acting upon our God-given calling and purpose, she moved into an interactive group discussion.  She was sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit as she elaborated her points.

 

            She sensed that someone was worried about a calling to blog but was reluctant because that someone felt “past her prime.” I’d spoken those exact words to myself in my head and even shared them with a friend.

 

I had stopped my regular habit of blogging a few years ago.  Several of the most “recent” (and this is a most generous use of the word “recent”!) posts announced my return to the habit.  

 

            I have been mired in self-doubt for months.  I even surprised myself that I have been so fickle.  I blogged the entire book of Deuteronomy and embrace the book as one of my “favs.”

 

            Why did the book of James(my most “recent” blog topic) and the verses on doubt cause me to freeze and abandon a clear calling? I couldn’t be authentic encouraging others when my thoughts were consumed with self-doubt.

 

            My theory: I was stuck in dubiety. 

 

I learned this word, dubiety, in my small group during a discussion on doubt.  We started with the well-known doubter, Thomas (John 20:24-29).  Thomas was absent when Jesus miraculously appeared in a locked room to bring peace and instruction to the disciples after His crucifixion.  Thomas wanted to see and touch Jesus for himself. Thomas could easily have been a native Missourian where the motto is “Show me!”

 

            Doubt is defined as a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction. Doubt has a negative connotation.  Doubt divides, raises the fear level and blinds us to God’s work.  

 

Dubiety is “ramped-up” doubt.  It means unusually hesitant uncertainty or doubt that causes vacillation (much like being tossed about in the waves of the sea as mentioned in James 1: 6).

 

            There may be a good side to doubt before it becomes crippling dubiety.  Some of the greatest heroes of the faith (like Moses, Sarah, David and Elijah ) spent some time in the ocean of doubt of self  and faith.

 

Doubt can be an opportunity to choose to trust God and see God work. Doubt can cause us to take stock in our faith and how we express it.  Perhaps dealing with doubt by embracing the peace and familiarity Jesus brought to the disciples will enable us to share our uncertain thoughts with others and build faith in Jesus, each other and ourselves.

 

God’s grace is overwhelming!  So many times I’ve failed.  Yet the Lord said to me “you are not past your prime” and “you still have a purpose”!

 

So once again I am returning to my calling of nearly 10 years to blog; to bring encouragement to believers and seekers to embrace a life of following Jesus.  I completely endorse life with Jesus leading.  It’s time, again, for me to get off the paralyzing dubiety carousel, swallow my latest dose of doubt and enjoy blogging.

 

When I first began blogging, through a friend the Lord said to me I had an insight that others needed to hear.  Through the speaker the Lord said to me that my blog may be a blessing to someone or may be used to deliver an answer to prayer.

 

Let’s engage:

 

·      What has the Lord said to you through another person?  Who was it and what did the Lord say to you?

·      What Bible verse will help you control doubt?  My memory verse with be Deuteronomy 2:17.  Here’s the link to one of my earliest blogs on this verse: https://sunsetjan.blogspot.com/2013/10/memorizethis-one.html

·      Please share your thoughts and comments.

 

 

 

 

 

So Incredibly Blessed

“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” [Jas 1:12 NLT]

 

Much of life is not “what if” but “when”.  We worry about too much of “what if” challenges.  More of life is dependable.  As humans we share in common loss-- loss of a loved one, stability of life or a healthy body.

 

My earthly journey has taught that worrying about “what if” is a waste of time.  Rather I should be prepared for “when” and patiently endure the “when” when it happens.

 

Earlier this month I celebrated twenty years as a breast cancer survivor.  My mom was one of my mentor’s as the challenge of the Big C became a part of my life experience.  She modeled a positive outlook as she faced the disease the first time.  “Why me?” did not formulate her response.  Instead “Why not me?” was her guiding principle.

 

During her 16 years as a survivor she taught me to enjoy life.  She adored being a grandmother and gave herself fully to those kids.  She could get them to do anything!  Perhaps her secret was sharing a single piece of chewing gum with them.  I’m hoping it was giving all she thought was right for them, sitting on the floor playing with them, and in their presence making them feel important.

 

Worry about “What if” is pointless and robs us of valuable time because we all will end this earthly life.  We don’t know the “when” but it’s a guarantee that life on earth is temporary.

 

I distinctly remember a decision I made a few weeks into my treatment for cancer.  I embraced the fact that “I had cancer.” (That “had” is emphatic past tense.) It was in the past.  I realized that with endless doctor appointments, preventative measures, and tests, wasting a valuable minute on worry was robbing me of joy in the present. 

 

I am incredibly blessed.  My life is full, full of life, joy and just a little bit of obstacle. Poignant moments of life, like family holidays, holding my grandchild for the first time, meeting another’s need, makes me “just glad to be here.”

 

Cherish each moment.  Reject worry about “what if”.  Not all “what ifs” happen.  Life is like an athletic endeavor.  Practice prepares us for the race.  Each day presents enough challenge to give us practice for looking the “big ones” in the eye!

 

 

I am blessed! My friends wore pink to celebrate!