Obedience

 Why is it so difficult for some of us to be obedient? Whether to parents, supervisors, and (maybe especially) God, obeying has always been difficult for me. Do not get me wrong. I think rules and laws are essential; there must be order to live in a free society. Without rules and laws, there is only chaos. I suppose I look for logic and reason behind the rules and laws.

Matthew tells a parable of two sons who had difficulty obeying their father’s will. The father asked the first son to work the vineyard, and the son flat-out said no. So the father went to the second son with the same request, and this son said sure, I’ll go. However, the second son did not go. Perhaps he was caught up in another activity and forgot; maybe he was just trying to appease his father, we are not told. We are not told how long it took for the first son to obey, but he had a change of heart and went to work. Which obeyed the father? The first, of course. (Matt. 21:28-32).

When I became a Christian in February 1986, I lived in the Bush. I had no church, no pastor, and no understanding of obedience to God. For a while, I even thought I had to become Jewish and obey all the Laws of Moses. I was raised in a denomination that baptizes infants. It seemed fitting to me, so I did not think anything more about baptism for years.

We began attending a Baptist church when we moved onto the road system. The pastor asked if I had been baptized. I answered yes, but…He stopped me, saying he did not need the details. A few years later, a second pastor asked the same question with the same result. As I grew in my faith and learned more about God and what the Bible said, I began understanding the difference between my infant baptism and baptism after coming to faith. I know that salvation is in Christ alone, not in Christ and anything else, including baptism.

So what does all of this have to do with anything? I went to school in obedience, knowing a teacher is held to a higher standard (James 3:1). I also know to be obedient, a Christian should be baptized. Why have I put it off? I tell myself it is because I do not want others to think I have been guiding and teaching under false pretenses - that I was not a Christian. I have come to realize that what others think should not sway me from obeying God. I know I have loved, followed, and served Him for over 37 years – more importantly, He has known it. Luke tells us that the angels rejoice over one sinner who repents, not over one who is baptized.

So, I will be baptized sometime in July, fully submerged, symbolizing death, burial, and resurrection and celebrating having become a new creature in Christ Jesus all those years ago. Pray for courage and that I don’t have a panic attack; being fully underwater in a lake, pool, ocean, or baptismal tank is a real fear.

Lord heavenly Father

Thank you for your infinite patience with me

and please forgive my disobedience.

I praise You for Your lovingkindness, Your mercy, and grace.

Always guide my words and actions to bring You

all honor and glory

as I strive to be more obedient.

In Christ alone, and in Jesus’ name, I pray

Amen

Lost Child

Jim and I lived in the Alaska Bush for many years; during that time, my nephews lived with us off and on for months and years at a time.

Geoff and Darren were wild little guys; they made their own fun and did not have too many rules. One rule was that they would not leave our immediate area without an adult. We lived in the wilderness and had wild animals in our yard relatively often. The boys understood from the time they could walk what to do if they saw various animals, including moose and bears. Our “immediate area” was about three acres, primarily covered in Johnson grass which can grow six feet tall. We had some wooded areas and, of course, our homestead in that little three acres. I felt completely safe and secure in knowing that the boys would not be in danger while playing.

One day the boys were outside playing. Jim was scouting hunting locations, and I watched the boys in between chores. It was getting late afternoon, and Geoff came in from playing. I asked where Darren was because they were always together. Geoff had no idea where his little brother was; they had been playing hide-and-seek. We went outside together and hunted and called for Darren for what seemed like hours. By this time, Jim was home, and it had started to rain, but still no sign of Darren. Thankfully, there was also no sign of bears or other animals.

When they were little, we had a dog team, and like most little boys, Geoff and Darren loved to play with the dogs. I looked in the dog yard and did not see him hiding behind any houses, so I kept looking elsewhere. As the rain fell harder, I noticed all the dogs except one had gone into their houses. Now this particular dog was not the brightest bulb in the pack, so I did not think too much of it until it was clear Darren was not in our three acres.

By this time, the dog was soaked; why I wondered, did he not get out of the rain? I went to the dog yard to coax him into his house, and as I looked inside, I saw Darren curled up in the straw like a puppy, sound asleep.

I woke him up and carried him to the house, rejoicing the whole while. This precious child who had been lost was found! He was hiding from his brother and fell asleep quickly as small children are wont to do. Darren did not hear us calling; he had no idea he had been lost or why we were so happy to see him.

How often are we like that with our Heavenly Father? We do not even realize we are lost or headed in the wrong direction. We do not hear His voice or the voices of others trying to find us or call us out of our wanderings. Yet the angels in heaven rejoice when someone comes to repentance - when they are found (Luke 15:7,10).

Luke 15 gives us several examples of rejoicing when something has been found; a sheep, coin, and son. In each of these parables, the seeker did not stop until that which was lost had been found; neither will God throw His hands up and give up on finding the lost.

If God gives you a burden for someone, do not give up. Pray for directions on how to reach them. Look for opportunities to develop a relationship with that person. It could take a little time; it could take years. The timing is God’s; the relationship is yours. It took maybe an hour to find Darren; it took 25 years for me to realize I was lost and God was seeking me.

Heavenly Father, seeker of the lost

I thank you for never giving up on Your children.

The examples you gave us through Dr. Luke-, 

leaving some behind to find the lost

Looking in the darkest corners

Waiting years for repentance

Are awesome reminders that you are patient, not wanting

Anyone to perish, but all come to know You.

Guide me, Lord, as I continue to seek after You.

In Christ alone, and in Whose name I pray.

Amen

Lectio Divina

Last week I mentioned Lectio Divina, a Latin phrase meaning "Holy reading," and received questions about what it is and how to participate. One of the most memorable assignments in my undergraduate studies was a Lectio Divina exercise for my Christian Character Formation class. Lectio is not a quick Bible reading exercise; it is an intentional and prayerful meditation.

Meditation was something I avoided because I associated it with New Age spirituality or practices like crystals and yoga. I had been taught that it was a gateway to opening yourself to demonic forces and should be avoided. I misunderstood the teachings. New Age, crystals, and yoga are gateways, not meditation. Do not misunderstand. I prayerfully studied and read the Bible. I studied commentaries and used Strong's Concordance to find the meaning behind Greek and Hebrew words and phrases. But I had never really meditated on the Word.

How I meditated for that class might not be how you meditate, but the principle is the same. First, I chose a specific passage before I began, Psalm 25 (my favorite). I had read, studied, and memorized parts of this Psalm for years and wanted to focus on an old friend for this assignment. Next, the most considerable challenge I had was finding a place where I could be alone, undisturbed, and comfortable. Even though I live alone, distractions abound at my house. I have several pets, and breaking up disagreements or having a cat in my lap is a constant reality. The day I chose to practice this technique was raining, so my favorite hiking location was also out of the question. One of my friends lives in a very isolated area, and she was out of town. I drove to her house and sat in her driveway, listening to the raindrops play a soothing melody on the roof of my car. I had my Bible, a notebook, and several pens with me so I could take notes and not worry about running out of ink.

I began with prayer; all meditation and study of God's Word should start with prayer. I read the Psalm several times, silently, aloud, prayerfully, joyfully, and beggingly. Sometimes I read the whole passage; other times, only a couple of verses at a time. In between readings, I sat quietly, contemplating what I had read, and allowed the Holy Spirit to work. I wrote in my notes what the Lord laid on my heart as to what the passage meant. 

As I listened to God speak, I realized I did not know what Lovingkindness meant, so I wrote that down to study more at home. Once home, I learned that in the King James Version of the Bible, the word is translated mercy; “…according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness sake, O Lord (Ps. 25:7b KJV). According to Strong’s Concordance (1890 edition), it is more than kindness, more than love; it is the kindness and love only shown by God. Mercy indeed! When meditating, be sure to use your tools and use them in your in-depth study later. Meditation is not the time to distract yourself with study!

Finally, Thank Him for teaching you what He would have you learn from the time you spent together. Before starting this exercise, I did not realize that I was having an issue with trusting the only One who is Trustworthy. When I heard God repeat it several times, I knew the Spirit was trying to teach me that life does not require my manipulation and He does not need my help. It is all about trusting God.

Sometimes it is difficult to see the goodness of God when it seems the world has gone crazy. I learned God is always in control. He alone is trustworthy. Over and over again, He said, “Trust Me.” At times Christians try to help Him. We know He is faithful, but we think maybe we should do something as well. “No, my child, Trust Me.” Yes, God, but what if – “Trust Me!” I could almost hear Him shouting to break through my need for control. Phrases like but and what if are doubt and mistrust. It is easy to say He is trustworthy; it is more difficult to walk in faithful knowledge. 

I found there is no shortcut; meditating on God’s Word is a deliberate process that should never be undertaken lightly. Lectio Divina is not merely reading; it is not studying. Those things are important and should not be neglected. I did much more listening than I did reading or praying (talking to God). The whole process took about an hour and was very well spent. 

While I highly recommend using this technique, please do not add Lectio Divina to a must-do list - a box to be checked off. It may or may not become a regular habit, but it should never become routine. It is a contemplative, deliberate act of personal worship.

Psalm 25 NASB1995 - Prayer for Protection, Guidance and - Bible Gateway

Lord Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your Word. Thank You for allowing 
us to know You through Your word.
I praise You for Your lovingkindness, Your mercy, and Your grace.
Make me know Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the 
God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day. 

In Jesus Holy Name and in Christ alone

Amen

Introvert or Extrovert

I am an introvert, but I am not particularly shy or withdrawn. So many people equate shyness or stand-offishness with being an introvert. They are not the same.

Extroverts get their internal batteries recharged by being around others; they feed off the energy in the room and the stimulation of the situation. I imagine the recent lockdown was traumatic for them because when they are without stimulation for long periods, they get worn down and start getting anxious and depressed. Introverts are the opposite. Too much stimulation for long periods is wearing on our nerves. Anxiety and depression set in, and we have to get away. The lockdown was a relief. No more did I have to go to the office every day. I did not have to deal with the grocery store, meetings, or chance encounters. The only thing I missed during the shutdown was going to church. Meeting together with fellow believers and worshipping together. Thankfully we only missed four weeks. (One week was Resurrection Sunday, which was awful!).

I recently had houseguests for two weeks. It was wonderful to have them, and I would not have missed the opportunity for anything, but it was taxing. I never got to be alone and never fully recharged my batteries. It sounds terrible, but I was happy to drop them off and drive home alone. To have a bit of "me" time. That might sound selfish, but for an introvert, it is crucial to survival. My mom is the only person I can be around and still recharge. Perhaps it is because I do not feel like I have to be "on." 

We are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of our Creator God (Ps 139:14; Gen. 1:27) . Whether we are extroverts or introverts, we are exactly how we are supposed to be created. It is astonishing how creative God is! Look at all the personality types in your family and circle of friends. How boring it would be if we were all alike. 

Of course, most of us fall in the middle of the introvert/extrovert spectrum. People who are constantly manic or reclusive are in danger of mental illness. God wants us to enjoy each other, but He also wants us to enjoy Him quietly. God gets our attention best when we are alone – look at Moses and the burning bush. Jacob in a wrestling match, or Jesus in the wilderness.

Introverts, understand that your more outgoing family and friends need stimulation to feel alive! They need to be around others and have activities planned. Extroverts, your loner friends want to go out and have fun too. However, they cannot work all week and go out on both weekend days. They need downtime to get charged for the new week.

Have grace with each other and enjoy the differences!

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for making each of us in Your image

yet so different from each other.

Help us to show mercy and grace to those

We might not understand.

Teach us, Lord

to come before you in quiet adoration and worship

and shouting joyful praise and thanksgiving

We love You and pray in Jesus name

Amen

Do unto others...

Do unto others as they do unto you.

Do unto others before they do unto you

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you

Over they years, I have heard all these versions of this familiar phrase, but what does it mean? Those connecting words, the conjunctions for your grammar nerds, are vitally important in the above examples.

Do unto others AS they do unto you keeps score. In some ways this can be kind and thoughtful. Sally was nice to me so I will be nice to her. John raked my yard so I will bake him a pie. Other ways it is mean and selfish. The green car cut me off so I am going to ensure they cannot get back in this lane. Johnny lied about me so I will spread gossip about him. Remember, Love does not keep a record of wrongs - 1 Corinthians 13:5. Leviticus 19:18 tells us not be bear any grudge but to love our neighbor as ourselves.  Keeping a record of rights can lead to the resentment also. See also the post titled Love is Fish Slime (Feb. 2021) for another example of love/service that does not expect anything in return. Doing unto others as they do unto you does not fit in the Christian worldview.

Do unto others BEFORE they do unto you, a slippery slope. Mary will need help with childcare next week. I am going to volunteer before she has to ask. Rick might say something bad about me, I will tell others about him first. Anticipating and acting on the needs of others can be a wonderful act of love and kindness. In this scenario we are reaching out with no expectation in return, or maybe we are expecting something in return. If I do XX then Jean will be obligated to do YY for me. Perhaps that person has bullied you in the past, so you are going to hit (physically or metamorphically) first. You must consider why you are doing something. Is it to garner glory for yourself, to gain points with God, or to truly be of service to others? Maybe it is ensuring the other person cannot hurt you or you are seeking revenge beforehand. Again, not a Christian worldview. 

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you (Luke 6:31). The NASB says to treat others the same way you want them to treat you. Even other religions and worldviews use this philosophy, they call it karma. Galatians 6:7 reminds us that it is deception to think we can mock God; we will reap what we sow. If we treat others with grace, dignity, and respect, that is what we will get in return. Perhaps not right away (did you expect glory and gratitude?) but Paul goes on in his letter to the Galatians and tells us that if we sow or cultivate things that are worldly that is what we will get in return. If we cultivate things of the Spirit, that is what we will reap.  We should not tire of doing good, in due time we will reap eternal life if we do not grow weary (Gal. 6:8-9). 

We are in the time of planting and sowing in Alaska. If I plant a tomato seed and expect to reap a cucumber, I will be sorely disappointed. If I plant an apple tree and expect fresh apple pie in the fall, I will be disappointed. Do not grow weary of doing good. God has marvelous things planned for His children. The apples you plant today might be gathered by another, but the tree will bear fruit. 

Lord, Heavenly Father

Sometimes it is difficult not to treat others like they treat me

Sometimes it seems impossible not to lash out or 

keep score.

Jesus, I praise You for loving me through all 

the times I have not been loving, for not keeping score!

Guide me especially when I grow weary, remind me that the harvest 

is coming and that which is sown, will be gathered together. 

Thank you for the ability to love others, to serve them according to Your Will.

In Jesus precious Name I pray, 

In Christ alone

Amen

Getting started

I feel adrift in my own life. No work, no school, no structure except that which I create for myself.  Have you ever wanted to do something, knowing it is God's will that you do that thing, but not know where to begin? 

Me too.

I lived in the Alaskan Bush for over 20 years. I have a lot of stories inside me, struggling to be free. I want to let them out to run free across the pages of a book. My struggle begins at the beginning - should this book be fact or fiction? If it is non-fiction, then it should be as true to life as possible, nothing embellished, and no literary license taken. In the immortal words of Joe Friday: Just the facts, ma'am. By my way of thinking, that could be summed up in one word. Boring!

So, I do not see an autobiography in my future. Remember, I lived that life; our adventures and trials were just part of living. We did the things we did because we had to; it was how we survived. It would be like someone writing a book about how they survived corporate life. One day was much like another, but combined, they were special, just like your life is to you and your family. 

That leaves fiction, or perhaps more accurately faction, fiction based on true-life events. Written in this genre would allow for more dialogue, embellishment, and combining several events into one or two to further the story. So that is what I will write...once I get started. 

Oh, that intimidating blank paper! How it is longing to be filled with symbols that represent letters, put together in such a way that they create words and phrases, morphing into sentences and paragraphs. Even better, morphing into something others want to read. 

I tried Once Upon a Time (for all the best stories thus begin), and, at the end of the page, a children's story had been written, then two, then three. In my mind's eye, I see illustrations for these stories, but I am not an artist. I showed them to several friends but heard nothing in return. Back to the beginning, starting again.

I often wonder how Paul got started. He was in prison, writing letters to friends most of the time. Not something I want to imitate, but he never forgot who his audience was or Who he was writing for; it was always to God's glory. 

So, I shall allot myself time each day to write/read/edit regardless of whether it will end on the cutting room floor or make it to print. I shall only wonder if the story is good enough once there is enough to be measured. I shall work to God's glory and forget my own.

Lord, Help me to always remember

that You are the Author of my life. You allowed me to 

live adventures that others cannot fathom. Guide my writing to Your glory and Honor.

Help me to show others Your power and Majesty as You

guided me through times of trial and times of plenty. 

In Jesus' name and in Christ alone,

Amen

Tolerance

 We hear a lot about tolerance these days. But what does that really mean?  

According to Webster (1828), it is the power or capacity of enduring; or the act of enduring. The Bible tells us that endurance is the ability to bear trials, have fortitude, persevere, and be patient. (Strong's 5278 ὑπομένω) 

According to Dictionary.com,  tolerance is a fair, respectful, and permissive attitude or policy toward people whose opinions, beliefs, practices, racial or ethnic origins, etc., differ from one's own or from those of the majority; freedom from bigotry and from an insistence on conformity.

These two definitions of the same word convey very different meanings. While both dictionaries use tolerance as a noun, Webster indicates tolerance is something to bear, and Dictionary.com points to practice. Historically to be tolerant was to endure. Now, one must not only show respect for but have a permissive attitude toward those with whom you disagree. 

Do we have the right to treat others with disrespect or bigotry because they are different or have contrary beliefs? In the words of the Apostle Paul; May it never be! Those with whom we disagree are children of God, as we are. God so loved my (drunkard, pothead, transgender, homosexual, adulterer, unsaved) neighbor that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not die but have eternal life. For God did not come into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. (John 3:16-17 NASB)

What about the "other side," you might ask. It seems like those yelling loudest and pushing hardest for tolerance are not being tolerant. Why don't they have to be tolerant of my beliefs or opinions? What about them respecting members of a different social group? From what I have read and seen, the answer is - no; they do not have to be tolerant because they see themselves as the oppressed in modern society. 

Does that mean that we, Christians, should fight fire with fire? Should we yell louder, hurl more insults, or dismiss others out of hand because they sin differently? May it never be! Our first responsibility is to pray for those who persecute us; we need to demonstrate the love of Christ to a fallen world. We cannot enable sin to continue in our midst. We can remove it from our lives and sphere, but we should replace it with love and compassion. 

Those trapped in sin are trying to fill the emptiness inside with something (drink, drugs, pornography, sex, fame) other than God. We will never reach those who are searching if we yell, demean, disrespect, or otherwise see a group rather than an individual. To our detriment, we have lost the art of agreeing to disagree, being able to tell someone that I cannot tolerate a particular behavior, but I can love you with the Love of Christ Jesus. We have to have relationships with people before they will see beyond the stereotype and see Jesus in us. James tells us twice that we will be blessed if we remain steadfast, or endure, under trials (James 1:12 and 5:11). 

Jesus cannot tolerate sin; God will not tolerate sin in His presence. When you have reached the end of your rope, and you are tempted to lash out against those not who are not tolerant, remember James. Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Be doers of the Word, not hearers only (James 1:19-20, 22). 

Lord, guide my steps.

Help me to always be aware of Your love. Show me how to share 

Your love with those with whom I disagree, with those who do not know You yet.

Give me the wisdom and courage to love others as You love them. 

Keep me from falling into sin in the name of tolerance or getting along.

We cannot get along with sin but must love our neighbor as ourselves. 

Help me to find and stay in that balance.

In Christ alone

Amen