What about the rest of life…

“I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.” Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Hebrews 2:12–18)

For about a week, I’ve been obsessed with thoughts of dying and leaving work here undone. I’ve been an information gatherer (trait of the spiritual gift of teaching) and that gathering has included ideas for projects such as “I’d like to paint this scene” or “make this quilt” or “use this recipe.” More than enough for one person, never mind the time left on this earth to do all that.
Satan has used this trait to push me to a fear of death, not that I don’t want to go and be  with Jesus, but that I don’t want to leave things undone, or leave a lot of unused stuff for my kids to deal with. 

This week I discovered how many souls are saved each day by the One who died to give us eternal life. I also found a box of thank you cards that told me how others have viewed my contributions as a Christian serving the Lord. I was not seeing myself that way and deeply moved by reading those cards.

Today thoughts of Jesus approaching death come to mind. Yes, He said “not my will” and sweat blood at the process, but He also said:

I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. (John 17:4–5)

With the power of God as a man, Jesus could have done millions more than He did, but He did only what the Father gave Him to do. With that, He was ready to die and go home. He is my example. 

Elisabeth Elliot comes to mind. Many years ago, God put me at a table with her for lunch. Someone asked her how she managed her many responsibilities and accomplishments. She said, “I just do the next thing, and I always know what it is.” I put her name in my search engine and watched the first half of a podcast where she speaks on the fear and old age. Not exactly my topic, but it was such a blessing. (LINK to EE ) So are the words of her advice about having too much to do. Even my hubby says the same thing to me when I fret.

Whatever God wants from me is enough. While I do not see myself as those who wrote in those cards saw me, I know that trusting God with the past, today, and the future is the way to peace and to be able to say, “It is finished” or as one of my much older cousins says, “Being ready to go to the end of the line.”

Jesus, forgive me for letting my thoughts drift away from You and into the unknown territory of the rest of this life. You are so good at directing me to the “next thing” and I’ve no ability to see very far beyond it. You know both the beginning and the end and have taken me through the years so well. I can trust You with the rest of it.

 

Avoiding that subtle slow drift…

You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end. . . . Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. (Hebrews 1:10–2:4)

The devil’s first lie was a suggestion that God does not want the best for His people. This is an effective tool because eating from the tree of knowledge changed that relationship with God from one of total trust to one where we get the notion that we know better than God does. Therefore, we drift into trusting our own ideas of right and wrong, of how to deal with problems, of what is best for us.

While this is a spiritual error, it also defies logic. How could I possibly think that I know more or better than God? Yet this is the nature of sin — and being oblivious to the drift. This is why He tells me to pay attention, even closer attention. 

I could use my dose of ADHD as an excuse (I am very easily distracted) but God does not honor my excuse. Instead, He understands it and knows that I need to heed the ‘pay closer attention’ wording. 

I also need the signs, wonders, miracles and spiritual gifts. This past week, my faith was boosted by reading a testimony, and of finding out how many sinners enter the family of God each day, and by an amazing sermon on Romans 1:18-32, and by conversations with Christian friends. 

While good advice is offered, keeping intentional with daily devotions is most important for me, even though regularly reading and writing what God says might be forgotten by lunch. It takes more than good intentions to stop the drift.

Being active with other believers is important too. Yesterday I spoke to a man whose brother just died. I intended to encourage him, yet he encouraged me also. It was a huge block to drifting. 

I’m told to focus on the gospel and on Jesus. For me, focus is easier said than done. I have Scripture on my computer screens, bulletin board, a photo display device, and other places, very visible yet often easy to ignore.

One suggestion is to recognize triggers. For me, it is being too busy, or anxiety about something, or being over-tired. Do I need to slow down, pray more, or have a nap? Those three triggers push me towards drifting.

Besides needing reminders, my mom’s mantra often pulls me back from a drift. She often said, “We must need it or we wouldn’t be getting it.” This are words that recognize how God tests and strengthens faith. Do I trust Him in the tough stuff? Or will I believe that illogical lie? 

The word translated “drift” is about a gradual happening, not a sudden decision that God is wrong and I am right. Drift is also subtle and often happens to those who are trying to build their ego, or sense of belonging, or struggling with admitting weakness. God wants me to rely on Him, not myself, but that old nature crawls off the altar yelling “trust me, trust me” instead of rejoicing that I cannot do anything. But Jesus can, and I get no glory because the glory belongs to Him!

Jesus, fatigue hits me early some days. I’m tempted to sleep or to press on without You on this day, but realize that You use fatigue (often caused by medications) to test my trust, my belief that waiting on You for direction is always the best answer. Keep me from letting this or anything else draw me into that slow drift away from what I know to be true.

Incredible JOY!

Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.” But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands…  (Hebrews 1:7–10)

Last night I read of the salvation of a famous person. He had been a wild man whose life had been very sinful, but at retirement he was walking on the beach and God spoke to him. He said it was not an audible voice but inside him and he knew it was God. He was told to give his life to Jesus. At that point he didn’t know who Jesus was, only a swear word, but he soon found out and did what he was told.

Then his life dramatically changed. Many of his friends and associates were amazed. When he was baptized, the pastor abandoned his sermon and invited others to Jesus and do the same. Several hundred people went forward in response!

When I read this, my heart was filled with joy. Then, this morning I read the above description of Jesus that says He was anointed with the oil of gladness beyond His companions. Beyond anything I could experience at the salvation of one person, or several hundred people, Jesus experiences daily the joy of gladness to see the wonder of a changed life. 

Curious, I asked AI how many people give their lives to Jesus Christ each day. From a quick research, I was told, “Estimates of people coming to Christ or joining the global Christian faith each day range from 80,000 to 174,000, depending on the source and how conversion or growth is measured.” Even if those numbers are half right, this tells me that the Jesus I love is a joyful person! 

Not only that, He is busy in this dark world. Numbers like that are seldom if ever on the daily news, but a huge population is named in God’s book of life. Eternity will not be a few but billions of souls in the family of God.

Jesus, this is a great way to begin a new day, a new month, and a sunny Sunday morning. I had a rough week, emotionally draining and often crying out to You so I could get through it. You turn my heart on the positive, on the work You are doing in the hearts of thousands — and in just one day. Thank You for allowing me to think of that power and glory instead of the messes the media seems to prefer. You are truly an amazing Savior!

 

What about the rebels in the church?

For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. 
For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work. (Titus 1:7–16)

Yesterday’s description of church leaders put an emphasis on knowing the Word of God and being kind and gentle, not argumentative. This passage recognizes that not all people respond to kindness. They take advantage of it, even attend services for no other reason than to cause trouble. 

Many relocations gave us experience in all sorts of churches, some glorified the Lord and were filled with godly people who served Him and one another. However, that was not always the case. Pastors and leaders must deal with disobedient believers as well as those who say they know God but their way of life is a mockery.

Rather than give examples of such rebels, I’m thinking how important to pray for leaders. The rebels will be critical and even tell lies about them. Rather than listen to such things, far better to support those who need to rebuke those who contradict godly living by their totally selfish and even evil actions. Obeying this discipline often gets more flack than the people being rebuked because some think leaders are supposed to be kind and loving, not negative in any way, or that they are sinners too and have no right to judge.

Jesus tossed the tables of money-changers and charged them with turning the house of God into a den of thieves. He rebuked the Pharisees for their twisted teaching. How much more to speak against hypocrisy, evil, disobedient, liars and lazy people who do nothing but cause trouble in the church?

Being kind and nice to those who dishonor God and ignore His Word gives them a green light. However, like Jesus who died for sinners, godly people must give up what seems more comfortable and “nice” if God asks us to turn that light bright red. It may not stop them but even if they “run through it” the Lawgiver on His throne will ultimately deal with such rebellion.

Lord, today I feel sad. There is so much lawlessness in the world and so much disapproval of those who expose it or stand against it. Sometimes those who do are accused of being the bad guys. I am not without hope. Your Word says, “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:1–4) I might not be in a position to rebuke, but You urge me to pray. Only You know who might turn from sin because of those who refuse to rubber-stamp evil.

 

What God approves…

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. (2 Timothy 2:15–26)

Most people want to feel useful. If age or illness or other reasons rob a person of a good reason for being here, discouragement, even death thoughts come in. Yet being useful to God has a greater caviet than abilities. I like this passage for it is a clear job description for me. I’m not a pastor nor do I hold a position in our church, yet this makes it clear that is not the criteria for leading others out of darkness and into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

The first one is rightly handling the Word of truth. This week we had lunch with a cult member. He has most of the qualities listed here but this one. His belief system is founded on salvation by works, giving Jesus no role except a role model, yet not even that. This means he must ignore plain statements like this one:

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8–9)

Another example is that he believes there is no heaven after death. While he rightly thinks that God’s people will dwell in a renewed earth, he says after someone dies, they are in the grave until that happens. This ignores what Jesus said to the thief on the cross and this: “Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8) plus other passages.

For those who put their faith in Christ, being useful to Him means avoiding sin, and pursuing righteousness, faith, love and peace, not arguing over anything but being kind to all. This means correcting errors with gentleness and hope that God 
will bring them to their senses and out of the devil’s snare, and his lies that keep them in the dark.

During that lunch, this cult member asked about my education. When I told him I had a degree in theology, the expression on his face changed drastically. We could not interpret it only that he “needed to go now” so there was no more conversation about his beliefs.

Lord Jesus, You know the heart of this man. Is his understanding lost to many lies, or is he seeking You? Whatever is going on, may Your Spirit convict him that being a nice person is not the criteria for a relationship with You. He needs to recognize who You are and what You have done as well, and put his faith totally in You. His own ideas and works will not grant him the righteousness and eternal life that You alone can give. 

 

God’s Word is never helpless…

Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself. (2 Timothy 2:8–13)

Paul was in prison when he wrote this so there were many things he could not do. He was not free to speak in the local market place or the usual places of worship. But he knew that when he spoke the Word of God, even prison walls could not stop God from using it in the lives of those who heard him.

Corrie Ten Boom comes to mind. She was in prison too, but not only that, the prison was full of fleas. Yet God used that to isolate her and others giving her freedom to share the Word of God to needy hearts.

Joni Erikson Tada was paralyzed from the shoulders down. She needed others to bathe her, comb her hair, and brush her teeth. Yet when she spoke the Word of God, others listened and were saved. She was restricted but the Word of God was not.

While my life is no comparison to those women, I am encouraged that speaking what God says can change lives. My handicap is a damaged heart that needs a pacemaker to keep it beating, yet not enough to restore normal strength. I need far more sleep than the average person and can sleep anywhere, even with much noise. While some envy this, they do not know the weakness that it comes with nor how much I rely on God to do even the simple chores of life.

Prisons are not walls. They are those things that keep a person from fulfilling their dreams, even from living a normal life. Paul had another one:

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:7–10)

Being in a prison of weakness often produces self-pity. No one likes to feel helpless, yet I understand this man’s ability to be content with it. Such a prison forces me to rely on the Lord. He helps me seem normal to others rather than making them feel sorry for me or over-burdened. He gives me a sense of humor when I don’t feel like laughing. Some days He just helps me put one foot in front of the other. In all this I know the truth of:

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:29–31)

In the prisons of life, learning their purpose makes them a greater freedom than being able to do anything all by myself. 

Jesus, some days I give in to the helplessness and thank You for a hubby who is able and willing to help me. There may come a day he will not be here to do that, or I will not be here to burden him, but the important thing is realizing that Your Word is not weak or unable to do what You want it to do. You never sleep and You always accomplish Your will. Thank You so much for faith that knows this is true and grace that show me the power of what You say!

 

Trusting God with what He entrusts to me

As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. (2 Timothy 1:4–14)

We just finished a weekend of celebrating my hubby’s birthday with our three adult children at an incredible location. They sacrificed time and money to make it a wonderful time with a large amount of laughter. 

This passage made me wonder if I taught them enough or did all that I should have done as a Christian mother, yet it does have an encouraging word for that concern. Paul points to Jesus: “who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. . . . for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.” 

God gave me motherhood, and He gives me additional tasks, not “because of my works but because of His own purpose and grace” and I know that “He is able to guard…that which has been entrusted to me.”

In other words, their faith life, maturity included, is in His hands. It always has been, from and even before they were born. While other parents look for church attendance or other Christian actions, I see in them the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, even self-control. They do not practice some spiritual disciplines like others, yet I see an attitude toward life and lack of fear that many do not have, and a loving care for people that is even rarer.

This displays what I want to see but it is not up to me. God is taking care of what I was entrusted with. This is an example of His sovereignty that assures His people that no matter what is going on, He is still in charge, still God, and still working out His plan. It may not look like it at times, but His ways are not my ways. 

Paul knew that and told Timothy that he could share in suffering, whatever kind of suffering he might experience, because of the power of God. His mom shared her faith with him and that meant he was now under the plan and care of God, no matter what happened in his life. 

Lord Jesus, I’d like to see ‘heaven on earth’ at times, but that is not Your plan for most of us. I need the trials to not only test my faith, but develop it and guard all that You have entrusted to me. Some need to see my example. Some need to know that You use all things for good. Whatever You allow in my life has value — not just to keep my heart in the right place, but so I can say to others that I am convinced You are guarding all that has been entrusted to me and that I am able to entrust back to You.