These words today come from my new friend on the web, Jeannette. She is a gifted writer who posted these words from her journal on her blog, and has given me permission to share them with you.
Jesus was not driven. He was led. If you’re driven, there is a furious fire that is never quenched, growing larger and hotter and more dangerous. If you’re led, you are always listening for My voice, and your heart is open to changes I may make in your agenda. There is no panic or force. If you are aggressive, it is not because you fear—it’s because I’m leading you to be bold. If you are quiet and restful it’s not from laziness, but My hand of peace upon you.
You can be like Jesus if you are willing to follow and not insist on “leading your own life.” Leading is my job. I know how.
Teach me how to follow, dear Lord. Give me a heart to obey, in Jesus' Name.
Jeanette
You Can Be a Scholar Athlete !
On Sunday, we attended a banquet honoring the scholar athletes in NJ. Each high school selects one student who has excelled in academics and sports to receive the Scholar Athlete award, and AJ received it for his high school. (btw - i'm so proud!!)At the dinner, several speakers mentioned not only the achievements of the students but the sacrifices made by parents and the influence of coaches and teachers as well.
I couldn't help but see the parallels to the Christian life.
SCHOLAR:
Study to show thyself approved. 1 Tim. 2:15
We are called to be students of the Word. The Bereans were commended because they examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true Act. 17:11
We may not be the most intellectual, the most brilliant, the most studious student of the Word. We don't have to be. But with our humble understanding, we need to go to the Word, and not just for its teaching (although that is how we grow and learn), but to hear from its Author. When you speak, you use words. When He speaks, He uses His Word.
ATHLETE:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Heb. 12:1
Let us run with perseverance: The Christian life is a race. We are to run the race in such a way that we win the prize (1 Cor. 12:9). We are to press on ... forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize. (Phil. 3:12-14) Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore, do not run like a man running aimlessly. Do not fight like a man beating the air. (1 Cor. 9:26)
We are running a marathon, not a sprint. My son is a long-distance runner, so he rarely competes in any sprints. He's got endurance, but just isn't speedy. In the Olympics, they call the 100m winner the "fastest man alive". Maybe that's true in the short run, but how fast will he finish in the long run? And in what condition will he be when a long race is over? We are called to persevere for the long run.
Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles: My son badly sprained his ankle a few weeks ago. It was his first injury ever to prevent him from participating in a sport. And Mr. Goofball sustained this injury while fooling around trying pole-vaulting (NOT his sport!!) How can someone so smart do something so stupid? Ooops, how often do I do something I know I shouldn't! Or not do something I know I should! We ought to stick to the race that God has planned for us and not yield to the temptations that distract us from His purpose.
Yesterday, AJ ran in his first track meet since his injury. He hadn't been training as usual, so the coach just put him in the short 100m race. Amazingly, he won! Which illustrates that when we need an extra burst of power in a difficult situation, He provides!
We are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses: At the banquet were parents, siblings, teachers and coaches, all of whom had logged countless hours cheering on the sidelines, providing taxi services to practices, purchasing equipment & uniforms, investing themselves in the lives of their young athletes. As we run our race, we are encouraged by those around us and by those who have gone before us setting an example for us to follow. And we are called to be encouragers to others on their journey as well. Comfort others with the comfort we ourselves have received from God (2 Cor. 1:4)
So now - Congratualtions to you on your Scholar Athlete Award!
Susan
I Was a Jewish Tax Collector
I grew up in a Jewish home, and a fairly dysfunctional Jewish home at that. My parents had separated before I was born, reunited, but eventually divorced when I was 13. Some day I may share the details, but for now let’s just say there were deep emotional issues that lingered on into adulthood. I was shy, fearful and filled with insecurities. We were reform Jews, not very religious, but we participated in many Temple activities, observing Passover, Chanukah and the High Holy Days.
.
After college, I worked for the US Customs Service in the World Trade Center in NYC. My job was the appraisement and classification of imported merchandise, determining the amount of tariffs & duties that importers would pay the government. I advanced quickly through the ranks and had great friends with whom I socialized after work. On the outside, life seemed good. Inside, the questions and insecurities kept growing. As Charles Dickens said, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
.
In the summer of 1979, my 3 girlfriends and I rented a house in the Hamptons, Long Island. It was just a converted 2 room garage, but it was home to us. Despite many rainy weekends, we had a wonderful summer. We’d arrive late on Friday night, dance in the bars all night, then sleep on the beach the next day.
.
Toward the end of the summer, while at one of our favorite bars, we happened to meet the guys playing in the band. They came over to our table, and to be sociable, we commented that we liked their original song. It was titled, “Born Again to a World of Love.” (It had a good beat, you could dance to it! haha) When we said that we liked it, they got all excited, “Do you know what it means, what the song is all about?” We had no idea, so they started sharing with us that they had come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior a month ago. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and we wanted to know more. We went to their apartment behind the bar and spent the night talking about God, the Bible and Jesus. I still laugh at some of what we discussed - like story of Lazarus being raised from the dead and yet the people were concerned that he would “stinketh”!! I was amazed that the Bible could be so interesting.
.
We talked all night and went out for breakfast the next morning. When we were leaving the diner, it started raining, “Ugh, not again!” One of the guys asked us if we like tomatoes. “Huh? Yeah, sure, we like tomatoes.” “Well, the rain is good for the tomatoes.” From that point on, whenever we were disappointed about anything, we’d just say, “Well, the rain is good for the tomatoes.” We now had a new perspective on the rainy days and other disappointments.
.
Since it was raining and not a beach day, we decided we would read the Bible for ourselves. Of course, we didn’t have one, so we knocked on our landlady’s door. She wasn’t home, but we somehow conveyed our request for a Bible to her Armenian mother who spoke no English. She returned to the door with a Bible and with tears streaming down her cheeks. At the time, I didn’t understand her tears, but looking back I wonder if she had been praying for her 4 young tenants.
.
One by one, we’d randomly open the Bible, point to a verse and read it. The first 3 verses we each read were very convicting - about repentance and salvation. The room took on a heavy, serious, scary Twilight Zone quality. So when my last friend read Proverbs 26:11 “As a dog returns to its vomit . . .,” we just were speechless until we collapsed into side-splitting laughter.
.
That obviously wasn’t the best method, and so we started in the beginning. I opened to the Gospel of Matthew, and began to read. When I got to chapter 5, I read “You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. . . You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
.
At this point, I stopped reading and began ranting. “This is what I don’t get. WHY should you love those who persecute you? WHY turn the other cheek? WHY???” I looked to my 3 friends for answers (2 were Catholic, 1 was Greek Orthodox). They just looked at me blankly, and so not knowing what else to do, I picked up the Bible and started reading aloud again. And I read, “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?” I stopped. I laid the Bible on my lap. Jesus Himself had just answered my question.
.
Over the years, He would answer many more questions. I would learn that the writer, Matthew, and I had the same job - we were tax collectors, although I was an honest one. I would experience more peace and joy than I ever knew was possible. I would develop an eternal perspective, instead of an earthly one. I would discover my purpose and identity in Him. I would receive healing in the deep places in my heart. I would find my worth in Him, as a single woman and later as a wife and mother. I would serve in ministry, teaching and encouraging women and children. And yes, I would learn to turn the other check, go the extra mile and love my enemy.
.
It will be 30 years in September, and I am still learning and growing into what God has called me to be. I am still Jewish, of course, but no longer a tax collector. The newest chapter of my life is one that I am just beginning to write. As I embark on a new endeavor toward publication, you are part of my journey now. I pray that my words will always be an encouragement to you to get to know Jesus better, to walk strong for Him, to be uplifting and bring you an eternal perspective amid earthly matters.
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Eph. 3:20
Susan
.
After college, I worked for the US Customs Service in the World Trade Center in NYC. My job was the appraisement and classification of imported merchandise, determining the amount of tariffs & duties that importers would pay the government. I advanced quickly through the ranks and had great friends with whom I socialized after work. On the outside, life seemed good. Inside, the questions and insecurities kept growing. As Charles Dickens said, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
.
In the summer of 1979, my 3 girlfriends and I rented a house in the Hamptons, Long Island. It was just a converted 2 room garage, but it was home to us. Despite many rainy weekends, we had a wonderful summer. We’d arrive late on Friday night, dance in the bars all night, then sleep on the beach the next day.
.
Toward the end of the summer, while at one of our favorite bars, we happened to meet the guys playing in the band. They came over to our table, and to be sociable, we commented that we liked their original song. It was titled, “Born Again to a World of Love.” (It had a good beat, you could dance to it! haha) When we said that we liked it, they got all excited, “Do you know what it means, what the song is all about?” We had no idea, so they started sharing with us that they had come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior a month ago. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and we wanted to know more. We went to their apartment behind the bar and spent the night talking about God, the Bible and Jesus. I still laugh at some of what we discussed - like story of Lazarus being raised from the dead and yet the people were concerned that he would “stinketh”!! I was amazed that the Bible could be so interesting.
.
We talked all night and went out for breakfast the next morning. When we were leaving the diner, it started raining, “Ugh, not again!” One of the guys asked us if we like tomatoes. “Huh? Yeah, sure, we like tomatoes.” “Well, the rain is good for the tomatoes.” From that point on, whenever we were disappointed about anything, we’d just say, “Well, the rain is good for the tomatoes.” We now had a new perspective on the rainy days and other disappointments.
.
Since it was raining and not a beach day, we decided we would read the Bible for ourselves. Of course, we didn’t have one, so we knocked on our landlady’s door. She wasn’t home, but we somehow conveyed our request for a Bible to her Armenian mother who spoke no English. She returned to the door with a Bible and with tears streaming down her cheeks. At the time, I didn’t understand her tears, but looking back I wonder if she had been praying for her 4 young tenants.
.
One by one, we’d randomly open the Bible, point to a verse and read it. The first 3 verses we each read were very convicting - about repentance and salvation. The room took on a heavy, serious, scary Twilight Zone quality. So when my last friend read Proverbs 26:11 “As a dog returns to its vomit . . .,” we just were speechless until we collapsed into side-splitting laughter.
.
That obviously wasn’t the best method, and so we started in the beginning. I opened to the Gospel of Matthew, and began to read. When I got to chapter 5, I read “You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. . . You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
.
At this point, I stopped reading and began ranting. “This is what I don’t get. WHY should you love those who persecute you? WHY turn the other cheek? WHY???” I looked to my 3 friends for answers (2 were Catholic, 1 was Greek Orthodox). They just looked at me blankly, and so not knowing what else to do, I picked up the Bible and started reading aloud again. And I read, “If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?” I stopped. I laid the Bible on my lap. Jesus Himself had just answered my question.
.
Over the years, He would answer many more questions. I would learn that the writer, Matthew, and I had the same job - we were tax collectors, although I was an honest one. I would experience more peace and joy than I ever knew was possible. I would develop an eternal perspective, instead of an earthly one. I would discover my purpose and identity in Him. I would receive healing in the deep places in my heart. I would find my worth in Him, as a single woman and later as a wife and mother. I would serve in ministry, teaching and encouraging women and children. And yes, I would learn to turn the other check, go the extra mile and love my enemy.
.
It will be 30 years in September, and I am still learning and growing into what God has called me to be. I am still Jewish, of course, but no longer a tax collector. The newest chapter of my life is one that I am just beginning to write. As I embark on a new endeavor toward publication, you are part of my journey now. I pray that my words will always be an encouragement to you to get to know Jesus better, to walk strong for Him, to be uplifting and bring you an eternal perspective amid earthly matters.
Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Eph. 3:20
Susan
Dive In!
While staying on retreat last March, our rooms had a beautiful view overlooking the bay. We could see lots of activity among the geese as they swam and frolicked in the water.
.
.
.
.
.
My friend, Connie, shared with me something that she had noticed about the geese.
She saw many of the geese diving down into the water even though there was ample food along the shoreline. She said that it must be that the food in the water is the good stuff. And so rather than settle for the easy way, the geese made the effort to dive down deep to get the better morsels. Just like we should dive down deep for the good stuff in God's Word. .
.
.
.
Oswald Chambers said, "Good is the enemy of best." If we settle for what's good, we miss out on what's best.
.
When it comes time for reading the Bible, sometimes we skim the surface rather than dive in to find deeper meaning. But the good stuff is down deep!
.
When we learn that it was in prison that Paul said, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances" it means more than if he was writing these words from the comfort of his home.
.
When we learn the meaning of the words in their original language, they take on new meaning. For example, the parts of the armor of God in Ephesians 6 include the "sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God." All the other parts of the armor are defensive (helmet, shield, etc.) The sword (God's Word) is our only offense. But the word for sword does not mean a large saber-type sword. No, it is a small sword, like a scalpel, to be used an instrument of healing removing that which is detrimental to our health, not as a machete to hurt someone.
.
Down deep, we find the history of the times in which the words were recorded. And the geneologies that we so often skip over contain nuggets of insight, like the fact that there is a harlot (Rahab) in the line of David and Jesus.
.
It's worthwhile to dive down deep to be fed spiritually on the Word. The Bible refers to itself as our spiritual food. Babies eat milk, not meat, because they can't digest it. But as they mature, they move on to meatier, more complex things. And so should we.
.
Along that same line, we should not be discouraged if we don't understand some of what we read in the Bible. We just haven't grown to that point yet, but it's something to look forward to. What we don't want is to settle for less than best.
.
The words from "Dive" by Steven Curtis Chapman say:
.
I’m going deep
In over my head,
I want to be
Caught in the rush,
lost in the flow,
in over my head,
I want to go
The river’s deep,
the river’s wide,
the river’s water is alive
So sink or swim, I’m diving in
.
There is a supernatural power
There is a supernatural power
In this might river’s flow
It can bring the dead to life
And it can fill an empty soul
And give a heart the only thing
Worth living and worth dying for, yeah
But we will never know the awesome power
Of the grace of God
Until we let ourselves get swept away
Into this holy flood
So if you’ll take my hand
We’ll close our eyes and count to three
And take the leap of faith
Come on let’s go
.
So friends, let's go! Won't you dive in deep with me and discover the amazing truths found in His Word.
Susan
Happy Mother's Day - to my kids!
Perennially, Mother’s Day was a difficult day for me. Having a mother and a stepmother takes juggling to new levels. But unlike the circus, no one is ever happy. So, to be honest, Mother’s Day was never a day I looked forward to.
Until I became a mom.
The best thing for me now about Mother’s Day is the reminder of the love the Father has for us, His children. Even as a Christian, I don’t think I understood what it meant to be a child of God until I had children of my own.
So, thanks kids, for teaching what it means to be a child of our Father.
As I new mom, I couldn’t believe how much love my heart could contain. When I was pregnant with my second child, I was worried that I would not be able to love that child as much as I loved my first. How could so much love be possible? But, if you have more than one child, you know, as I found out, that it is more than possible. Exceedingly more. When one candle lights another, it does not lose any of its light. Only more light is created. And so, my second-born only increased my capacity to love.
When my children were small, they were so dependent upon me. As they grew and matured, slowly they gained independence. When my children and I would go out anywhere, my daughter always stuck close by, but my son loved to wander, and so for his own safety, I used a harness for him so he was free to explore, yet he could stray no further than the end of the leash. Now both are free to travel, but they are always tethered by an invisible bond of love.
Whether my children behave or not, my love for them does not diminish, just as God’s love never changes regardless of my behavior (1 John 4:9-10).
I must discipline them when necessary to be a good parent, just as God disciplines us (Hebrews 12:7-11).
We have security as a child of God. He will not leave us as orphans (John 14:18).
As a child of God, I have learned that there is a difference between being childlike (which we should be - Matt. 18:3) and being childish (which we ought not to be - 1 Cor. 13:11). We must develop in our relationship with the Lord as a baby matures and grows. We progress from feeding on the “milk of the Word” to meatier things (1 Peter 2:2). It’s a process. But His love for us never changes during the process.
So, Abba - Daddy, keep me close.
And kids, thanks for making every day a Happy Mother’s Day for me!
Until I became a mom.
The best thing for me now about Mother’s Day is the reminder of the love the Father has for us, His children. Even as a Christian, I don’t think I understood what it meant to be a child of God until I had children of my own.
So, thanks kids, for teaching what it means to be a child of our Father.
As I new mom, I couldn’t believe how much love my heart could contain. When I was pregnant with my second child, I was worried that I would not be able to love that child as much as I loved my first. How could so much love be possible? But, if you have more than one child, you know, as I found out, that it is more than possible. Exceedingly more. When one candle lights another, it does not lose any of its light. Only more light is created. And so, my second-born only increased my capacity to love.
When my children were small, they were so dependent upon me. As they grew and matured, slowly they gained independence. When my children and I would go out anywhere, my daughter always stuck close by, but my son loved to wander, and so for his own safety, I used a harness for him so he was free to explore, yet he could stray no further than the end of the leash. Now both are free to travel, but they are always tethered by an invisible bond of love.
Whether my children behave or not, my love for them does not diminish, just as God’s love never changes regardless of my behavior (1 John 4:9-10).
I must discipline them when necessary to be a good parent, just as God disciplines us (Hebrews 12:7-11).
We have security as a child of God. He will not leave us as orphans (John 14:18).
As a child of God, I have learned that there is a difference between being childlike (which we should be - Matt. 18:3) and being childish (which we ought not to be - 1 Cor. 13:11). We must develop in our relationship with the Lord as a baby matures and grows. We progress from feeding on the “milk of the Word” to meatier things (1 Peter 2:2). It’s a process. But His love for us never changes during the process.
So, Abba - Daddy, keep me close.
And kids, thanks for making every day a Happy Mother’s Day for me!
Things not said . . .
Last night, I was the speaker at a Ladies Tea. It was a perfectly lovely evening in every way. The theme of the evening was "You are the light of the world." My message looked at why we may experience darkness, and how we can let our light shine. It was full of my trademark word pictures and illustrations. I had used candles in my presentation, and unknown to me, their theme song for the week leading up to the tea (Missions Week) was "Light Your Candle." My friend and I joked “It’s a God thing!”
So why did I feel unsettled when it was over? The truth is - I knew that my message was not what it could have been. Not what it should have been.
It didn't occur to me until afterwards that what was missing was my personal testimony of how God met me in a dark place and how He delivered me into His light. I'm still not quite sure why I hadn't thought of that earlier, but perhaps it's because He wants me to share it with an even wider audience. And so, tomorrow I will share my story with you.
Today, I’m thinking about things not said. Now to be honest, many people, including me, have regrets about things that they did say. Words spoken in anger or out of spite. Words spoken in haste. Words spoken before thinking. Open mouth, insert foot. And I have certainly had my fair share of those moments. But, for me, I have even more regrets about things I have left unsaid. Times that I was silent for God. Times that I wasn't honest in saying how I feel. Times when afterward I would say all those things I’d wanted to say, but say them to my steering wheel or showerhead.
Why? Why did I keep silent when I knew I should have spoken?
Out of fear. To avoid confrontation. To appear to be a better person than I am. There are many reasons why. None of them good.
I know that there are times when I should keep silent and times when I should speak up. Scripture says there’s “a time to be silent and a time to speak.” Eccl. 3:7
It’s how to know when to be silent and when to speak that requires discernment first, and then the boldness to speak or the patience to remain silent. To help me along, I memorized two Bible verses:
So why did I feel unsettled when it was over? The truth is - I knew that my message was not what it could have been. Not what it should have been.
It didn't occur to me until afterwards that what was missing was my personal testimony of how God met me in a dark place and how He delivered me into His light. I'm still not quite sure why I hadn't thought of that earlier, but perhaps it's because He wants me to share it with an even wider audience. And so, tomorrow I will share my story with you.
Today, I’m thinking about things not said. Now to be honest, many people, including me, have regrets about things that they did say. Words spoken in anger or out of spite. Words spoken in haste. Words spoken before thinking. Open mouth, insert foot. And I have certainly had my fair share of those moments. But, for me, I have even more regrets about things I have left unsaid. Times that I was silent for God. Times that I wasn't honest in saying how I feel. Times when afterward I would say all those things I’d wanted to say, but say them to my steering wheel or showerhead.
Why? Why did I keep silent when I knew I should have spoken?
Out of fear. To avoid confrontation. To appear to be a better person than I am. There are many reasons why. None of them good.
I know that there are times when I should keep silent and times when I should speak up. Scripture says there’s “a time to be silent and a time to speak.” Eccl. 3:7
It’s how to know when to be silent and when to speak that requires discernment first, and then the boldness to speak or the patience to remain silent. To help me along, I memorized two Bible verses:
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Col. 4:6
and
“Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent…” Prov. 17:28
or as an olden proverb says: “It’s better to be silent and be thought a a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”
Now when I find myself unsure about whether to speak up or remain silent (but silently speak to God), I pray and ask God to bring one of these verses to mind. Then I can act with the confidence that comes from knowing that I am in God’s will whether I speak or keep silent.
Susan
or as an olden proverb says: “It’s better to be silent and be thought a a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.”
Now when I find myself unsure about whether to speak up or remain silent (but silently speak to God), I pray and ask God to bring one of these verses to mind. Then I can act with the confidence that comes from knowing that I am in God’s will whether I speak or keep silent.
Susan
When must we NOT show mercy?
This is the first, but surely not the last, you will read about my gardening experiences. I find so many illustrations about the Christian life when I am tending my garden. Maybe that’s why it all began in a garden.
The truth is: I have a love/hate relationship with my garden. Oh, how I love the blooms, the fragrance, the sheer beauty that shows its face each spring. Oh, how I hate the seemingly endless care that it requires. And to be honest, I’m not the most gifted gardener. But, I try.
Today, I was attacking an overgrown hydrangea with the pruning shears. Perhaps “attacking” is too strong a word, but I think the hydrangea would disagree. From the plant’s point of view, I seemed just vicious, showing no mercy. But in fact, I was saving its life. There were shoots of dead wood, and if left intact, they would have a negative impact on the rest of the plant, as well as the other plants in the garden, especially the peony next door.
At times, I feared I was too aggressive, but I’ve had this hydrangea a long time. We’ve been through this before, and from past experience, I know that this seemingly harsh treatment is very beneficial. My hydrangea rewards me every summer with a bounty of blooms because with the life-sucking shoots gone, its energy can be directed toward new life.
As Christians, we are instructed to show mercy. Jesus says “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matt. 5:7). Mercy is the very hallmark of the Christian. But there are times when what appears to be mercy isn’t. When a friend or loved one is engaged in dangerous behavior, they need boundaries and consequences, not an enabler. When sin is crouching at our door, it needs a swift kick right out that door. When envy or bitterness or resentment start slithering under our skin, we need to uproot and remove it. Just a few verses after Jesus teaches about mercy, He says, “If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” (Matt. 5:39) Oooh, well, that doesn’t seem too merciful to the eye, does it? No, but sin is like gangrene. It may start small, but unless it is amputated and removed, it will spread causing death and destruction.
So the truly merciful thing to do is nip it in the bud, just like my hydrangea.
Susan
The truth is: I have a love/hate relationship with my garden. Oh, how I love the blooms, the fragrance, the sheer beauty that shows its face each spring. Oh, how I hate the seemingly endless care that it requires. And to be honest, I’m not the most gifted gardener. But, I try.
Today, I was attacking an overgrown hydrangea with the pruning shears. Perhaps “attacking” is too strong a word, but I think the hydrangea would disagree. From the plant’s point of view, I seemed just vicious, showing no mercy. But in fact, I was saving its life. There were shoots of dead wood, and if left intact, they would have a negative impact on the rest of the plant, as well as the other plants in the garden, especially the peony next door.
At times, I feared I was too aggressive, but I’ve had this hydrangea a long time. We’ve been through this before, and from past experience, I know that this seemingly harsh treatment is very beneficial. My hydrangea rewards me every summer with a bounty of blooms because with the life-sucking shoots gone, its energy can be directed toward new life.
As Christians, we are instructed to show mercy. Jesus says “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matt. 5:7). Mercy is the very hallmark of the Christian. But there are times when what appears to be mercy isn’t. When a friend or loved one is engaged in dangerous behavior, they need boundaries and consequences, not an enabler. When sin is crouching at our door, it needs a swift kick right out that door. When envy or bitterness or resentment start slithering under our skin, we need to uproot and remove it. Just a few verses after Jesus teaches about mercy, He says, “If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” (Matt. 5:39) Oooh, well, that doesn’t seem too merciful to the eye, does it? No, but sin is like gangrene. It may start small, but unless it is amputated and removed, it will spread causing death and destruction.
So the truly merciful thing to do is nip it in the bud, just like my hydrangea.
Susan
Mourning to Gladness
I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13
Well, I wasn't exactly mourning. That's way too strong a word, but I sure was disappointed.
Yesterday at my son’s high school was the final chapel of the series based on my book-to-be. It has been a terrific series, and the finale of this last chapel was a wonderful presentation by the students in the class. As James softly played the piano, one by one each student in the class came on the stage, alternately from the left and right. Each one spoke a different “i am . . .”, read a Bible verse and carried or wore a symbol representing that identity. Fourteen in all portrayed clay, child, bride, soldier, part of the body, instrument, ambassador and so on. To wrap it up, I came up last and shared the final “i am” - “Here I am . . . send me. . .” During my conclusion, I shared the words I had first shared 7 weeks ago:
“I am not who you think I am.
I am not even who I think I am.
I am who God says I am.”
The whole presentation was very moving, and it was videotaped so that we could put it on YouTube and be an encouragement to others (including you!). Well, we thought it was videotaped. You see, in order to be taped, it is necessary to push the “REC” button, and the guy doing the recording did everything but press “REC”.
.
My heart sank when I heard the news. I tried to be cool about it, but secretly I was so-o-o-o disappointed.
.
Until later that night.
.
My son called me over to see something on the computer. He was checking Facebook (what else is new??) and pointed toward the middle of the screen. There amid the many photos and newsy updates was a picture of a girl from his school, and what do I see next to her picture in the “what’s on your mind” box: “I AM NOT WHO YOU THINK I AM. I AM NOT WHO I THINK I AM. I AM WHO GOD SAYS I AM.”
.
Oh, God is so good!
Susan
Well, I wasn't exactly mourning. That's way too strong a word, but I sure was disappointed.
Yesterday at my son’s high school was the final chapel of the series based on my book-to-be. It has been a terrific series, and the finale of this last chapel was a wonderful presentation by the students in the class. As James softly played the piano, one by one each student in the class came on the stage, alternately from the left and right. Each one spoke a different “i am . . .”, read a Bible verse and carried or wore a symbol representing that identity. Fourteen in all portrayed clay, child, bride, soldier, part of the body, instrument, ambassador and so on. To wrap it up, I came up last and shared the final “i am” - “Here I am . . . send me. . .” During my conclusion, I shared the words I had first shared 7 weeks ago:
“I am not who you think I am.
I am not even who I think I am.
I am who God says I am.”
The whole presentation was very moving, and it was videotaped so that we could put it on YouTube and be an encouragement to others (including you!). Well, we thought it was videotaped. You see, in order to be taped, it is necessary to push the “REC” button, and the guy doing the recording did everything but press “REC”.
.
My heart sank when I heard the news. I tried to be cool about it, but secretly I was so-o-o-o disappointed.
.
Until later that night.
.
My son called me over to see something on the computer. He was checking Facebook (what else is new??) and pointed toward the middle of the screen. There amid the many photos and newsy updates was a picture of a girl from his school, and what do I see next to her picture in the “what’s on your mind” box: “I AM NOT WHO YOU THINK I AM. I AM NOT WHO I THINK I AM. I AM WHO GOD SAYS I AM.”
.
Oh, God is so good!
.
The class wants to re-enact the presentation to properly film it in a few weeks, so hopefully you'll be able to see it. But whether or not that actually takes place is not quite as important to me now. To know that the message reached at least one, hopefully more, was such a blessing. To have this young lady declare it boldy to the world, at least her part of the world, is such a testimony to importance of this message.
.
Isn't it funny how we can feel so disappointed one minute, then soaring with gladness the next? All because we see God working. Oh, may we remember that He is always working!!
Susan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)