Although most of you have read this story many times, it bears reading again and again. I pray each of you finds your "special" love during your lifetime.
A Special Love Story
Her family had come to America from Sweden. She had a typical Scandinavian look... Long blond hair; blue eyes; long slender legs; soft, blemish-free skin. She was gorgeous - she was beautiful. In fact, a professional international photographer in her hometown thought she was so pretty that he used a photograph of her to advertise his business.
But that was not her real beauty.
She was raised by some wonderful Christian parents and had become a Christian at an early age. Integrity, honesty and sweetness were just a few of her characteristics. In fact, at her engagement party, her sister, who knew her better than anyone, said that she had never heard her tell a lie. All of her friends said the same thing about her: She was the sweetest girl they knew. She would never speak a harsh word about anyone. Everyone loved to be around her.
A young man she met in her freshman year started dating her and fell in love with her - both her exterior photographic beauty and the wonderful godly character of her inward beauty. She fell in love with him and they spent every free moment they could with each other over the next four years. They were committed to each other and they believed in waiting long before the "True Love Waits" Campaign ever existed.
One week after they graduated from college, they were married. They loved each other's company. They would walk together, exercise together, go on bike rides together, chaperone youth trips together - go to movies, watch TV, eat pizza, travel - all the things any normal couple would love to do together. They were so much in love.
She taught school for a year and then became a bookkeeper for a surgical supply company. One day, while she was working, for no apparent reason, she lost her balance and fell on the floor. She was later able to get up and went to see a doctor that night. He set her up to see a Neurologist.
The following day, it happened again. For no apparent reason, she lost her balance and fell. This time, though, she couldn't get up. She had lost all feeling in her legs. They wouldn't move. Her husband, had to come to the office and pick her up in his arms and carry her to the hospital. After six days in the hospital, the doctor gave this beautiful, active young lady the dreadful news. She had Multiple Sclerosis and she would continue to deteriorate.
This young couple, who had now been married only 18 months - who loved to go everywhere together and do everything together - would now face some new challenges. All their future plans would change, everyday life would change. They would change.
For the next 30 years, this young lady did deteriorate. She had to take steroids (not the kind athletes use, but anti-inflammatory steroids). Her bones became brittle, breaking easily. Her face became puffy and bloated and she could not even put on make-up. Her body was a mess. She went from a walker, to an electric scooter, to a wheelchair. She could no longer feed herself, write her name, or control her own bodily functions. She now had to have someone stay with her 24 hours a day.
If that couple had not had the kind of committed love that's based first on a personal relationship and a commitment to Jesus Christ and second, on a love that's based on a commitment to each other, the marriage never would have lasted. In fact, a large percentage of the marriages where a spouse has MS, the other spouse leaves them. The other spouse won't stay committed to the constant care and the continual physical, psychological and mental changes that continue to occur.
Please hear me carefully - those two people are not heroes. They are not super-saints or super-Christians. They will be the first to tell you that they are not super Christians. Those two people are normal, ordinary people, empowered by the Love of God and a love for each other, to do what the world considers beyond normal and extraordinary.
I know this for a fact - because that woman, that beautiful young lady who will never walk again, who can't even feed herself, is Lynda Langerfeld - my wife. She's not a hero. I'm not a hero. We're children of God, doing what the children of God are supposed to do. Doing what His children are called to do. Doing what God expects of every man and every woman who make a vow before God on their wedding day.
Quite often, Hollywood will portray a "hero" sacrificing his life for his "heroine" in a film. In the world's eyes, he's a hero. In God's eyes, he's an ordinary man making an extraordinary sacrifice that every Christian who's committed to his spouse ought to make. Sacrificial, Committed Love is the rule, not the exception. We're not super-saints, we're not heroes when we're being faithful and committed to our mates. We're doing what God has called every husband and wife to do since the beginning of time.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Monday's Meditation
The fear of rejection may be one of the most basic fears of the human experience. Dr. Joe Harding tells a heart-warming story of a man who finally decided to ask his boss for a raise in salary. It was Friday. He told his wife that morning what he was about to do.
All day the man felt nervous and apprehensive. Late in the afternoon he summoned the courage to approach his employer. To his delight, the boss agreed to a raise. The man arrived home to a beautiful table set with their best china. Candles were lighted. His wife had prepared a festive meal. Immediately he figured that someone from the office had tipped her off!
Finding his wife in the kitchen, he told her the good news. They embraced and kissed, then sat down to a wonderful meal. Next to his plate the man found a beautiful lettered note. It read: "Congratulations, darling! I knew you'd get the raise! These things will tell you how much I love you."
While on his way to the kitchen to get dessert he noticed that a second card had fallen from her pocket. Picking it off the floor, he read: "Don't worry about not getting the raise! You deserve it anyway! These things will tell you how much I love you."
Total acceptance! Total love. Her love for him was not contingent upon his success at work. In fact, just the opposite. If he were to fail there, if he were to be rejected by his boss, he'd be all the more accepted at home. She stood behind him no matter what; softening the blows, healing the wounds, believing in him, loving him. We can be rejected by almost anyone if we're loved by one. That's the way families can be with each other.
That's the way God is with us, too! "We love Him because He first loved us."
All day the man felt nervous and apprehensive. Late in the afternoon he summoned the courage to approach his employer. To his delight, the boss agreed to a raise. The man arrived home to a beautiful table set with their best china. Candles were lighted. His wife had prepared a festive meal. Immediately he figured that someone from the office had tipped her off!
Finding his wife in the kitchen, he told her the good news. They embraced and kissed, then sat down to a wonderful meal. Next to his plate the man found a beautiful lettered note. It read: "Congratulations, darling! I knew you'd get the raise! These things will tell you how much I love you."
While on his way to the kitchen to get dessert he noticed that a second card had fallen from her pocket. Picking it off the floor, he read: "Don't worry about not getting the raise! You deserve it anyway! These things will tell you how much I love you."
Total acceptance! Total love. Her love for him was not contingent upon his success at work. In fact, just the opposite. If he were to fail there, if he were to be rejected by his boss, he'd be all the more accepted at home. She stood behind him no matter what; softening the blows, healing the wounds, believing in him, loving him. We can be rejected by almost anyone if we're loved by one. That's the way families can be with each other.
That's the way God is with us, too! "We love Him because He first loved us."
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Weekend Wonder - Marriage
"So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate." Matthew 19:6 NIV
When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.
Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce... I raised the topic calmly.
She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?
I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Dew. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!
With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company.
She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Dew so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.
The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Dew.
When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.
In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a
life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.
This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.
She requested that everyday for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning... I thought she was going crazy.
Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.
I told Dew about my wife's divorce conditions... She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.
My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mummy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.
On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.
On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.
On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Dew about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.
She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.
Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.
Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mum out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.
But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.
I drove to office... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind... I walked upstairs. Dew opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Dew, I do not want the divorce anymore.
She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Dew, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other any more. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart.
Dew seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.
At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.
That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up the stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.
The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy.
Do have a real happy marriage!
If you don't share this, nothing will happen to you.
If you do, you just might save a marriage.
Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.
A CHRIST-CENTERED MARRIAGE IS A MARRIAGE THAT IS SURE TO LAST A LIFETIME.
When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.
Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce... I raised the topic calmly.
She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?
I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Dew. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!
With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company.
She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Dew so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.
The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Dew.
When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.
In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a
life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.
This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.
She requested that everyday for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning... I thought she was going crazy.
Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.
I told Dew about my wife's divorce conditions... She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.
My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mummy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.
On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.
On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.
On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Dew about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.
She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.
Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.
Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mum out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.
But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.
I drove to office... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind... I walked upstairs. Dew opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Dew, I do not want the divorce anymore.
She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Dew, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other any more. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart.
Dew seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.
At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.
That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up the stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.
The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy.
Do have a real happy marriage!
If you don't share this, nothing will happen to you.
If you do, you just might save a marriage.
Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.
A CHRIST-CENTERED MARRIAGE IS A MARRIAGE THAT IS SURE TO LAST A LIFETIME.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Friday's Feature
I was watching some little kids play soccer. These kids were only five or six years old, but they were playing a real game - a serious game - two teams, complete with coaches, uniforms, and parents. I didn't know any of them, so I was able to enjoy the game without the distraction of being anxious about winning or losing - I wished the parents and coaches could have done the same.
The teams were pretty evenly matched. I will just call them Team One and Team Two. Nobody scored in the first period. The kids were hilarious. They were clumsy and terribly inefficient. They fell over their own feet, they stumbled over the ball, they kicked at the ball and missed it but they didn't seem to care. They were having fun.
In the second quarter, the Team One coach pulled out what must have been his first team and put in the scrubs, except for his best player who now guarded the goal.
The game took a dramatic turn. I guess winning is important even when you're five years old - because the Team Two coach left his best players in, and the Team One scrubs were no match for them. Team Two swarmed around the little guy who was now the Team One goalie. He was an outstanding athlete, but he was no match for three or four who were also very good. Team Two began to score. The lone goalie gave it everything he had, recklessly throwing his body in front of incoming balls, trying valiantly to stop them.
Team Two scored two goals in quick succession. It infuriated the young boy. He became a raging maniac - shouting, running, diving. With all the stamina he could muster, he covered the boy who now had the ball, but that boy kicked it to another boy twenty feet away, and by the time he repositioned himself, it was too late - they scored a third goal.
I soon learned who the goalie's parents were. They were nice, decent-looking people. I could tell that his dad had just come from the office - he still had his suit and tie on. They yelled encouragement to their son. I became totally absorbed, watching the boy on the field and his parents on the sidelines. After the third goal, the little kid changed. He could see it was no use; he couldn't stop them.
He didn't quit, but he became quietly desperate futility was written all over him. His father changed too. He had been urging his son to try harder - yelling advice and encouragement. But then he changed. He became anxious. He tried to say that it was okay - to hang in there. He grieved for the pain his son was feeling.
After the fourth goal, I knew what was going to happen. I've seen it before. The little boy needed help so badly, and there was no help to be had. He retrieved the ball from the net and handed to the referee - and then he cried. He just stood there while huge tears rolled down both cheeks. He went to his knees and put his fists to his eyes - and he cried the tears of the helpless and broken-hearted.
When the boy went to his knees, I saw the father start onto the field. His wife clutched his arm and said, "Jim, don't. You'll embarrass him." But he tore loose from her and ran onto the field. He wasn't supposed to - the game was still in progress. Suit, tie, dress shoes, and all - he charged onto the field, and he picked up his son so everybody would know that this was his boy, and he hugged him and held him and cried with him. I've never been so proud of a man in my life.
He carried him off the field, and when he got close to the sidelines I heard him say, "Scotty, I'm so proud of you. You were great out there. I want everybody to know that you are my son."
"Daddy," the boy sobbed, "I couldn't stop them. I tried, Daddy, I tried and tried, and they scored on me."
"Scotty, it doesn't matter how many times they scored on you. You're my son, and I'm proud of you. I want you to go back out there and finish the game. I know you want to quit, but you can't. And, son, you're going to get scored on again, but it doesn't matter. Go on, now." It made a difference - I could tell it did. When you're all alone, and you're getting scored on - and you can't stop them - it means a lot to know that it doesn't matter to those who love you. The little guy ran back on to the field - and they scored two more times - but it was okay.
I get scored on every day. I try so hard. I recklessly throw my body in every direction. I fume and rage. I struggle with temptation and sin with every ounce of my being - and Satan laughs. And he scores again, and the tears come, and I go to my knees - sinful, convicted, helpless.
And my Father - my Heavenly Father rushes right out on the field - right in front of the whole crowd - the whole jeering, laughing world - and He picks me up, and He hugs me and He says, "Child, I'm so proud of you. You were great out there. I want everybody to know that you are my child, and because I control the outcome of this game, I declare you - The Winner."
---------
Have a great weekend, and don't forget to thank the One who makes it possible!
The teams were pretty evenly matched. I will just call them Team One and Team Two. Nobody scored in the first period. The kids were hilarious. They were clumsy and terribly inefficient. They fell over their own feet, they stumbled over the ball, they kicked at the ball and missed it but they didn't seem to care. They were having fun.
In the second quarter, the Team One coach pulled out what must have been his first team and put in the scrubs, except for his best player who now guarded the goal.
The game took a dramatic turn. I guess winning is important even when you're five years old - because the Team Two coach left his best players in, and the Team One scrubs were no match for them. Team Two swarmed around the little guy who was now the Team One goalie. He was an outstanding athlete, but he was no match for three or four who were also very good. Team Two began to score. The lone goalie gave it everything he had, recklessly throwing his body in front of incoming balls, trying valiantly to stop them.
Team Two scored two goals in quick succession. It infuriated the young boy. He became a raging maniac - shouting, running, diving. With all the stamina he could muster, he covered the boy who now had the ball, but that boy kicked it to another boy twenty feet away, and by the time he repositioned himself, it was too late - they scored a third goal.
I soon learned who the goalie's parents were. They were nice, decent-looking people. I could tell that his dad had just come from the office - he still had his suit and tie on. They yelled encouragement to their son. I became totally absorbed, watching the boy on the field and his parents on the sidelines. After the third goal, the little kid changed. He could see it was no use; he couldn't stop them.
He didn't quit, but he became quietly desperate futility was written all over him. His father changed too. He had been urging his son to try harder - yelling advice and encouragement. But then he changed. He became anxious. He tried to say that it was okay - to hang in there. He grieved for the pain his son was feeling.
After the fourth goal, I knew what was going to happen. I've seen it before. The little boy needed help so badly, and there was no help to be had. He retrieved the ball from the net and handed to the referee - and then he cried. He just stood there while huge tears rolled down both cheeks. He went to his knees and put his fists to his eyes - and he cried the tears of the helpless and broken-hearted.
When the boy went to his knees, I saw the father start onto the field. His wife clutched his arm and said, "Jim, don't. You'll embarrass him." But he tore loose from her and ran onto the field. He wasn't supposed to - the game was still in progress. Suit, tie, dress shoes, and all - he charged onto the field, and he picked up his son so everybody would know that this was his boy, and he hugged him and held him and cried with him. I've never been so proud of a man in my life.
He carried him off the field, and when he got close to the sidelines I heard him say, "Scotty, I'm so proud of you. You were great out there. I want everybody to know that you are my son."
"Daddy," the boy sobbed, "I couldn't stop them. I tried, Daddy, I tried and tried, and they scored on me."
"Scotty, it doesn't matter how many times they scored on you. You're my son, and I'm proud of you. I want you to go back out there and finish the game. I know you want to quit, but you can't. And, son, you're going to get scored on again, but it doesn't matter. Go on, now." It made a difference - I could tell it did. When you're all alone, and you're getting scored on - and you can't stop them - it means a lot to know that it doesn't matter to those who love you. The little guy ran back on to the field - and they scored two more times - but it was okay.
I get scored on every day. I try so hard. I recklessly throw my body in every direction. I fume and rage. I struggle with temptation and sin with every ounce of my being - and Satan laughs. And he scores again, and the tears come, and I go to my knees - sinful, convicted, helpless.
And my Father - my Heavenly Father rushes right out on the field - right in front of the whole crowd - the whole jeering, laughing world - and He picks me up, and He hugs me and He says, "Child, I'm so proud of you. You were great out there. I want everybody to know that you are my child, and because I control the outcome of this game, I declare you - The Winner."
---------
Have a great weekend, and don't forget to thank the One who makes it possible!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Thursday's Thoughts
I can lie down and sleep soundly because you, LORD, will keep me safe. Psalm 4:8 (CEV)
Our hotel room was very dark. The blackout curtains were doing their job very well, concealing any outside glow from our room. I closed my eyes and snuggled close to my husband, but sleep eluded me. I tossed and turned, finally opening my eyes to check out any “shadows” in our room! I was surprised to see that the room was not in total blackness, as I had once thought. There were rays of light coming in from under the base of the front door. Then I noticed slivers of brightness on each side of the blackout curtains. Somehow, these slivers of light gave me peace, and I was able to sleep, knowing if I were to awaken in the night, I would not be engulfed in total darkness.
Sometimes our lives take a turn into the darkness. We never knows when we might plunge into that black hole, not knowing which way to turn, or even being able to function at a normal level. We may be in the grips of grief, depression, illness, alcoholism or drug abuse. We may have fears, emotional or physical violations, or a deep sadness. No matter the cause, the effect can be so overwhelming and overbearing we feel overwhelmed beyond belief.
When we experience these times of utter helplessness and we can barely put one foot in front of the other, God will send slivers of light into our lives. He will give us the place to dwell in safety (Ps. 4:8)
God will use friends, neighbors and even strangers to help us. He will use events and circumstance to lighten our load and make the walk more bearable. He will personally be available to comfort and guide us, to give us wisdom in decision making, and to love us right where we are. He will bring those rays of light into the dark room of our lives, and help us through our time of need.
We must do our part, however, and open our eyes to see the slivers of light He sends our way. He loves us very much, for we are His children, and He will never leave or forsake us.
------------------------
Hope lives between the now and the not yet. ~Barry Johnson
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Don't get weary in your waiting. You are too close and too far along to back out now. Don't stop-maybe this is what it looks like right before the heavens break and He emerges through the matrix of time to manifest His glory among us. If you are waiting on a promise from God, fan the flames of your desperation and put it on display. Make that nagging phone call to heaven and tell Him, "Daddy, I want You!".
Nearly every meeting I attend, I tell myself, "Maybe this is the night He will come…maybe this is the day He will reveal Himself once again." Sometimes I get weary, but most of my fatigue stems from impatience with "human things."
Frankly I'm hungry for Him, not for His earthy assistants. I love the people of God complete with all of their differences and special quirks. The only thing for which I have no patience is the stuff of humanity posing as the stuff of Divinity. When I'm hungry for Him and His, nothing else will do.
Are you weary with empty religion and man-produced revival? Are you afraid you will end the chase just before God shows up? (You should be-He is close to you if you are really desperate.)
Worship is the process where we find Him in our wholeness. Brokenness is the process whereby God finds us in pieces. I am convinced that God hides when we think nothing is wrong, just to preserve the freshness of encounter. We are in our most dangerous state when we think everything is fine and we are "satisfied" with life.
The Bible says even the rocks and trees will cry out to God if we don't. What is so special about the worship of humanity that draws divinity close? For one thing, we don't have to do it. Our worship is really special when we finally come to our senses and offer Him what we were created to give Him-freely given worship offered in spirit and in truth.
True worship can only be offered from a humble heart consumed with love for Him. That is what makes your worship special in those times when you are relatively "whole" and everything seems to be fine. It is worship precisely because you choose to take your eyes off of yourself and your wants long enough to acknowledge the He is the center of your universe. He is the Creator and you are His creation; and you love Him simply because He is.
Do you find the pace of your chase slowing down when things seem to be going well in your life? To put it another way, do you pursue Him with more passion and urgency when things are going wrong in your life? How can you "step up the pace" of the pursuit even during the good times?
For better or for worse, most of us find it easier or more natural to pursue God's face with fresh passion during difficult times. Perhaps it is part of our nature, or maybe God designed it that way knowing we would face regular challenges in our daily lives. Either way, life is always better when we're "following hard after God" than when we chase our own fleeting dreams and fantasies apart from Him.
… God has no need to "hide" from us in our times of crises or self-cultivated hunger. When we fall into sin and hurt ourselves or grow desperately frustrated during the pursuit, God immediately shows up. The game is up because the purpose of joy is discovery, not the chase itself.
For the same reason, the Father takes joy in transforming God Chasers into God Catchers. He likes to let you catch Him! The purpose of the pursuit is the finding, not the hiding, and nothing changes the hiding into the finding so quickly as the cry God can't deny.
-----------------
What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we're called children of God! That's who we really are. But that's also why the world doesn't recognize us or take us seriously, because it has no idea who he is or what he's up to. But friends, that's exactly who we are: children of God. And that's only the beginning! ~1 John 3:1-2 The Message
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Tuesday's Tab
In Psalm 112:7-8 (NLT), we read that the righteous, do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.
It does not say that we wouldn't hear bad news, or be without foes. It promises that we will be triumphant over whatever comes our way.
When Jesus spoke of coming events in the last days, events such as wars, rumors of wars, famines, and earthquakes, He said, "Don't panic." (Matt. 24:6; Mark 13:7; Luke 21:19 NLT)
Panic is: sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety, often causing wildly unthinking behavior; widespread financial or commercial apprehension provoking hasty action; a frenzied hurry to do something.
The word panic, comes from the Greek word panikos, from the name of the god Pan, noted for causing terror, and to whom woodland noises were attributed.
The antonym for panic is "calm."
While we know that in the last days perilous times will come, (2 Tim. 3:1-5), we also know that God is pouring His Spirit out on all flesh (Acts 1:17). There has never been a more exciting time to be alive.
One thing I have learned in life is that humans hate surprises unless there is a big red bow attached to the top of it. Daily life is sometimes full of surprises.
"Daddy, I missed the bus, and my glasses just broke."
"Mommy, the dog got out."
"Honey, the dryer door won't stay shut, and the sink is not draining."
"Sweetie, the bank just wrote us and says we've bounced seven checks; are we overdrawn?"
"Did I tell you my parents are coming tonight to spend a few days with us?
Have you ever had the thought, "What in the world is going on?" We all have at some time.
While the majority of Americans believe in God, the Devil, Heaven, and Hell, many do not know the authority Jesus gave Christians in this unseen realm. The spiritual world is just as real as the natural world you and I see every day.
Let's look at what God says about it.
1. Ephesians 6: 10-13 (NLT) "A final word. Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all the strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities in the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm."
2. 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NLT) "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith."
3. James 4:7 (NLT) So humble yourselves before God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.
4. John 10:10 (NLT) The thief's purpose is to kill, steal, and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
5. Luke 10:17-18 (NLT) When the 72 disciples returned they joyfully reported to Him (Jesus), "Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name! "Yes", He told them, "I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. But don't rejoice because evil spirits obey you, rejoice because your names are registered in heaven."
6. John 17[15 (NLT) (Jesus praying), "I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one."
As believers, we need to practice using the name of Jesus and the authority God have given us against this unseen realm that opposes us. Let's walk in the victory God has provided. Again, Psalm 112 did not say that we would not hear bad news, it said we would not fear bad news. It did not say we would not have any enemies, it said we would face them triumphantly.
Thank God for his promises of protection and peace!
It does not say that we wouldn't hear bad news, or be without foes. It promises that we will be triumphant over whatever comes our way.
When Jesus spoke of coming events in the last days, events such as wars, rumors of wars, famines, and earthquakes, He said, "Don't panic." (Matt. 24:6; Mark 13:7; Luke 21:19 NLT)
Panic is: sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety, often causing wildly unthinking behavior; widespread financial or commercial apprehension provoking hasty action; a frenzied hurry to do something.
The word panic, comes from the Greek word panikos, from the name of the god Pan, noted for causing terror, and to whom woodland noises were attributed.
The antonym for panic is "calm."
While we know that in the last days perilous times will come, (2 Tim. 3:1-5), we also know that God is pouring His Spirit out on all flesh (Acts 1:17). There has never been a more exciting time to be alive.
One thing I have learned in life is that humans hate surprises unless there is a big red bow attached to the top of it. Daily life is sometimes full of surprises.
"Daddy, I missed the bus, and my glasses just broke."
"Mommy, the dog got out."
"Honey, the dryer door won't stay shut, and the sink is not draining."
"Sweetie, the bank just wrote us and says we've bounced seven checks; are we overdrawn?"
"Did I tell you my parents are coming tonight to spend a few days with us?
Have you ever had the thought, "What in the world is going on?" We all have at some time.
While the majority of Americans believe in God, the Devil, Heaven, and Hell, many do not know the authority Jesus gave Christians in this unseen realm. The spiritual world is just as real as the natural world you and I see every day.
Let's look at what God says about it.
1. Ephesians 6: 10-13 (NLT) "A final word. Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all the strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities in the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm."
2. 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NLT) "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith."
3. James 4:7 (NLT) So humble yourselves before God, resist the devil and he will flee from you.
4. John 10:10 (NLT) The thief's purpose is to kill, steal, and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
5. Luke 10:17-18 (NLT) When the 72 disciples returned they joyfully reported to Him (Jesus), "Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name! "Yes", He told them, "I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you. But don't rejoice because evil spirits obey you, rejoice because your names are registered in heaven."
6. John 17[15 (NLT) (Jesus praying), "I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one."
As believers, we need to practice using the name of Jesus and the authority God have given us against this unseen realm that opposes us. Let's walk in the victory God has provided. Again, Psalm 112 did not say that we would not hear bad news, it said we would not fear bad news. It did not say we would not have any enemies, it said we would face them triumphantly.
Thank God for his promises of protection and peace!
Monday, February 1, 2010
Monday's Meditation
When the Scriptures say we must become as little children to come to Him, it is God's way of saying, "You will always be My baby." He is always ready to play another round of celestial "hidey-face" with His children. The beckoning finger of God is saying, "Come on." It is time to put a demand on the passion of God ... You have no idea how much He loves you.
It was customary in ancient times for anyone having an audience with a king to bring gifts with them. We must revive that custom in the church. All we offer the King of kings in most so-called "worship" services are a few half-hearted songs sung mostly for ourselves and some partial tithes and offerings (some of which is laced with the offensive smell of grudging resentment or doubt and unbelief). But for the grace and mercy of God, we would all be dead by now. Perhaps this explains why so many American Christians seem to demonstrate more passion over a basketball referee's call than over the eternal things of God.
What do you offer the God who made everything? Your works are valued, but do they have any value to Him? How do you open the heart of the Kings of kings?
Never come before the King "empty-mouthed." Bring Him the treasures of your heart carefully wrapped and delivered in the passionate words of your lips-a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Words can run faster than works; worship will capture what our hands can't reach.
Your works will never capture Him, but your worship, your passion, and your cry of desperation will capture His heart and usher in His presence when nothing else can.
Some of us need to make a "nagging phone call to Daddy" right now and say, "Daddy, I want You." It doesn't matter whether we kneel, stand, or lay prostrate on the floor. Any posture is appropriate in the passionate pursuit of His presence.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)