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Wednesday, December 31, 2014
The Best is Yet to Be
Odd, isn’t it, how our perceptions change as we age. When I was very
small, my brother, who was all of 18 months older, defined “big.” When I
was in 1st grade, I thought 4th graders were a higher life form, but by
the 6th grade I was old enough and wise enough to realize that the new
batch of 4th graders were in fact little kids.
My parents surely knew everything there was to know until I was a teenager, when they became clueless practically overnight. I could never imagine them as children, but now it’s hard to believe that my own children are parents. My grandparents always seemed old, but now I’m a grandparent myself, and I don’t feel old at all. Why should I? My mother-in-law doesn’t look or act old to me, and she has great-grandchildren. Age, I’m finding out, is more an attitude than a matter of years.
Robert Browning revealed the secret to aging gracefully when he wrote:
Grow old along with me!
The best is yet to be,
The last of life, for which the first was made.1
If I’d read that 30 or 20 or even 10 years ago, that wisdom would have been lost on me, but now the prospect of new experiences and perspectives as I grow older excites me. Others around my age who bemoan each birthday and complain about a few wrinkles should take to heart the next lines from
Browning’s poem:
Our times are in His hand
Who saith, “A whole I planned,
Youth shows but half; trust God: see all, nor be afraid!”
Faith in God and His loving plan for our lives changes everything. The longer I live in His love and the closer I try to conform to His plan, the surer I am that “the best is yet to be.”
Acts 16:31 ESV / And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
John 5:24 ESV / Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
My parents surely knew everything there was to know until I was a teenager, when they became clueless practically overnight. I could never imagine them as children, but now it’s hard to believe that my own children are parents. My grandparents always seemed old, but now I’m a grandparent myself, and I don’t feel old at all. Why should I? My mother-in-law doesn’t look or act old to me, and she has great-grandchildren. Age, I’m finding out, is more an attitude than a matter of years.
Robert Browning revealed the secret to aging gracefully when he wrote:
Grow old along with me!
The best is yet to be,
The last of life, for which the first was made.1
If I’d read that 30 or 20 or even 10 years ago, that wisdom would have been lost on me, but now the prospect of new experiences and perspectives as I grow older excites me. Others around my age who bemoan each birthday and complain about a few wrinkles should take to heart the next lines from
Browning’s poem:
Our times are in His hand
Who saith, “A whole I planned,
Youth shows but half; trust God: see all, nor be afraid!”
Faith in God and His loving plan for our lives changes everything. The longer I live in His love and the closer I try to conform to His plan, the surer I am that “the best is yet to be.”
—
Romans 3:23 ESV / For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,Acts 16:31 ESV / And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
John 5:24 ESV / Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Beauty
Physical beauty is short lived.
Psalm 103:15–16: As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. 16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.
Jeremiah 4:30b: Though you clothe yourself with crimson, though you adorn yourself with ornaments of gold,though you enlarge your eyes with paint, in vain you will make yourself fair; your lovers will despise you; they will seek your life.
1 John 2:15–17: Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
Real beauty is on the inside.
1 Samuel 16:7b: For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
Psalm 45:13a: The royal daughter is all glorious within the palace.
1 Peter 3:3–4: Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
The closer we live to the Lord, the more beautiful we become.
Exodus 34:29: Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the Testimony were in Moses’ hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.
Ecclesiastes 8:1b: A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the sternness of his face is changed.
2 Corinthians 3:18: But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 11:14-15 ESV / And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
2 Corinthians 5:6-8 ESV / So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
Psalm 103:15–16: As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. 16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more.
Jeremiah 4:30b: Though you clothe yourself with crimson, though you adorn yourself with ornaments of gold,though you enlarge your eyes with paint, in vain you will make yourself fair; your lovers will despise you; they will seek your life.
1 John 2:15–17: Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
Real beauty is on the inside.
1 Samuel 16:7b: For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.
Psalm 45:13a: The royal daughter is all glorious within the palace.
1 Peter 3:3–4: Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.
The closer we live to the Lord, the more beautiful we become.
Exodus 34:29: Now it was so, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai (and the two tablets of the Testimony were in Moses’ hand when he came down from the mountain), that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him.
Ecclesiastes 8:1b: A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the sternness of his face is changed.
2 Corinthians 3:18: But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
–
Philippians 1:23 ESV / I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.2 Corinthians 11:14-15 ESV / And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
2 Corinthians 5:6-8 ESV / So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
Monday, December 29, 2014
“Beauty Marks Removed”
My heart skipped a beat at the sight of the beautiful sign—not
beautiful in an aesthetic sense, but beautiful because of one magical
phrase: FRECKLES AND BEAUTY MARKS REMOVED. To my eager eyes, those words
seemed written in silver and edged in gold, for they held a promise of
freedom from the thing I had always hated most about myself.
Things, actually—seven of them, dark enough to pass for careless spatters of ink by a Creator too busy to notice His mistake. Since I had never seen so many dark “beauty marks” (who invented that cruel term?) on anyone else, the spots had made me feel singularly unattractive. Now I could put all that in the past.
Excitedly I neared the building, trying not to breathe too fast or seem too eager. When I read the rest of the sign, however, I came to a near stop. The versatile plastic surgery catered to those unfortunate enough to have been born with any of an assortment of physical imperfections, yet fortunate enough to have the financial means to correct them.
All my physical flaws flashed in my mind. My large eyes, strong nose, and ample mouth fight for prominence on a face that is neither oval nor square, thanks to an equally pronounced forehead. My long arms and slender torso are paired oddly with a thick-hipped lower half. I wavered. What would this crafter of human masterpieces think of imperfect me?
The thought of getting at least a little closer to the ideal forced me up the polished cobalt-blue stairs and into a space that was at once delicate and prepossessing. In a waiting room softly lit in blue, a large number of blemish-free plants rose and bloomed without restraint. Of course, I thought. Here, even the plants are perfect.
I stammered a request to see the doctor, gesturing awkwardly in the general direction of my spots. The lovely spa attendant, slim and perfectin cobalt blue, rushed away, and in less than a minute the doctor himself emerged and whisked me into his office. Ineloquently I managed to make him understand that I needed the spots gone. Could it be done?
When the good doctor put on his magnifying glass to take a closer look, his prognosis faded from the initial confident, “Of course, of course!” to a troubled gaze that lasted longer than it should have. His conclusion: The procedure was difficult, and a good outcome impossible. The spots were there to stay!
I felt my euphoria drain away like air from a punctured tire.
The doctor sat down. For the first time, I looked at his eyes. Then, I looked into them, and what I saw surprised me. I saw regret, but not pity; weariness, but not despair. As he pronounced his sentence—“This is what your parents’ genes have given you”—his eyes pleaded, “Accept the way God made you.” The weariness, I realized, was the result of years of nipping, tucking, removing, lengthening, shortening, and straightening what God had created for those who thought they knew better.
Strangely, I felt hope rekindle.
As I walked down the shining cobalt stairs and into the street, I wondered how many times those eyes had pled with others, only to be rejected or go unnoticed. This time, thankfully, the believer in him had linked with the faith in me and helped me accept the unacceptable.
I’m still not perfect, but now I don’t have to be. For that I thank the tired, pleading gaze of an old artist who thought I was beautiful enough the way God had made me.
Lives that turn out to be less than perfect can cause us just as much anguish as our imperfect bodies do.
When a divorce, accident, demotion, or other unexpected crisis shatters our hope of an idyllic future, it can be disheartening. But if we can trust that we are beautiful because God made us, why not also trust that our lives can be beautiful because He loves us?
God doesn’t pick picture-perfect people to be His examples. “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are.”1 So lift up that chin and “boast in [your] infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon [you].”2 He will make your imperfect life beautiful, too, if you let Him.
One day our descendants will think it incredible that we paid so much attention to things like the amount of melanin in our skin or the shape of our eyes or our gender instead of the unique identities of each of us as complex human beings.—Franklin Thomas
James 2:1 ESV / My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.
Hebrews 10:26 ESV / For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
Things, actually—seven of them, dark enough to pass for careless spatters of ink by a Creator too busy to notice His mistake. Since I had never seen so many dark “beauty marks” (who invented that cruel term?) on anyone else, the spots had made me feel singularly unattractive. Now I could put all that in the past.
Excitedly I neared the building, trying not to breathe too fast or seem too eager. When I read the rest of the sign, however, I came to a near stop. The versatile plastic surgery catered to those unfortunate enough to have been born with any of an assortment of physical imperfections, yet fortunate enough to have the financial means to correct them.
All my physical flaws flashed in my mind. My large eyes, strong nose, and ample mouth fight for prominence on a face that is neither oval nor square, thanks to an equally pronounced forehead. My long arms and slender torso are paired oddly with a thick-hipped lower half. I wavered. What would this crafter of human masterpieces think of imperfect me?
The thought of getting at least a little closer to the ideal forced me up the polished cobalt-blue stairs and into a space that was at once delicate and prepossessing. In a waiting room softly lit in blue, a large number of blemish-free plants rose and bloomed without restraint. Of course, I thought. Here, even the plants are perfect.
I stammered a request to see the doctor, gesturing awkwardly in the general direction of my spots. The lovely spa attendant, slim and perfectin cobalt blue, rushed away, and in less than a minute the doctor himself emerged and whisked me into his office. Ineloquently I managed to make him understand that I needed the spots gone. Could it be done?
When the good doctor put on his magnifying glass to take a closer look, his prognosis faded from the initial confident, “Of course, of course!” to a troubled gaze that lasted longer than it should have. His conclusion: The procedure was difficult, and a good outcome impossible. The spots were there to stay!
I felt my euphoria drain away like air from a punctured tire.
The doctor sat down. For the first time, I looked at his eyes. Then, I looked into them, and what I saw surprised me. I saw regret, but not pity; weariness, but not despair. As he pronounced his sentence—“This is what your parents’ genes have given you”—his eyes pleaded, “Accept the way God made you.” The weariness, I realized, was the result of years of nipping, tucking, removing, lengthening, shortening, and straightening what God had created for those who thought they knew better.
Strangely, I felt hope rekindle.
As I walked down the shining cobalt stairs and into the street, I wondered how many times those eyes had pled with others, only to be rejected or go unnoticed. This time, thankfully, the believer in him had linked with the faith in me and helped me accept the unacceptable.
I’m still not perfect, but now I don’t have to be. For that I thank the tired, pleading gaze of an old artist who thought I was beautiful enough the way God had made me.
Lives that turn out to be less than perfect can cause us just as much anguish as our imperfect bodies do.
When a divorce, accident, demotion, or other unexpected crisis shatters our hope of an idyllic future, it can be disheartening. But if we can trust that we are beautiful because God made us, why not also trust that our lives can be beautiful because He loves us?
God doesn’t pick picture-perfect people to be His examples. “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are.”1 So lift up that chin and “boast in [your] infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon [you].”2 He will make your imperfect life beautiful, too, if you let Him.
One day our descendants will think it incredible that we paid so much attention to things like the amount of melanin in our skin or the shape of our eyes or our gender instead of the unique identities of each of us as complex human beings.—Franklin Thomas
—
1 Peter 5:8 ESV / Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.James 2:1 ESV / My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.
Hebrews 10:26 ESV / For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
Sunday, December 28, 2014
“Who Still Wants It?”
A motivational speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20
bill. In the room of 200, he asked, “Who would like this $20 bill?”
Hands started going up.
He said, “I am going to give this $20 to one of you, but first, let me do this.” He proceeded to crumple the bill.
He then asked, “Who still wants it?” Still the hands were up in the air.
“Well,” he replied, “what if I do this?” And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. “Now who still wants it?” Still the hands went into the air.
“My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.
“Many times in our lives, we are crumpled, dropped, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value in God’s eyes. To Him, dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless.” —Author unknown
Matthew 24:36 ESV / “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.
Revelation 3:11 ESV / I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.
He said, “I am going to give this $20 to one of you, but first, let me do this.” He proceeded to crumple the bill.
He then asked, “Who still wants it?” Still the hands were up in the air.
“Well,” he replied, “what if I do this?” And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now crumpled and dirty. “Now who still wants it?” Still the hands went into the air.
“My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth $20.
“Many times in our lives, we are crumpled, dropped, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value in God’s eyes. To Him, dirty or clean, crumpled or finely creased, you are still priceless.” —Author unknown
—
2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV / Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.Matthew 24:36 ESV / “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.
Revelation 3:11 ESV / I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Welcome to Parkville
At a workshop I attended, art and drama therapist Emily Nash shared
an experience she had while working with traumatized children and
adolescents at a residential treatment center in the U.S. The boys who
attended her class were often combative, prone to negative and
self-destructive behavior, and unable to trust adults or even one
another. Almost all had histories of severe abuse and emotional neglect.
They routinely brought their negative attitudes into the classroom, as reflected in their foul speech and rough mannerisms.
Sitting in a circle in typical group counseling fashion, some of them expressed their anger through statements like “I hate being here” or “I hate doing this!”
“Fine,” Emily would say, “but why?” She put the question to them one by one.
“There’s no respect!”
“These jerks laugh at me!”
“Nobody listens to me!”
“Too many fights!”
After listening to their reasons, Emily replied, “What I am hearing is not that you hate this class exactly, but that you hate living in a community where people don’t respect or trust one another, make fun of people they don’t like, and fight.”
They nodded in agreement as if to say, “At last someone is listening!”
“What if,” Emily asked, “we were to create a community where you did feel respected, a community in which your needs were met, a community in which you felt safe? What would that community be like? Let’s create it together!”
The boys’ imaginations shifted into gear.
“Let’s call it Parkville!” someone called out. Everyone agreed.
Parkville developed into a six-month project. The class made a banner that read: Welcome to Parkville—Where all your needs are met! They drew a map of the town, including points of interest that reflected what they wanted in their community. They elected and appointed people to fill various roles in the town: mayor, superintendent of the school, director of the arts center, owner and chef of the community café, manager of the video store, and many more. They created special events. They found solutions to Parkville’s problems in town hall meetings. Parkville became a community that they all said they would love to live in. Many expressive art projects were born from the creation of this imaginary idyllic town.
The first step was to draw the young people out by asking questions and listening carefully and respectfully to their answers, even though they came across quite negative at first. The next step was to challenge them to make a difference by channeling their energy into constructive projects that interested them. Emily explains Parkville’s success:
The project gave these young people an opportunity to experience living in a well-functioning community, many of them for the first time, even if only while they were together at the center. Their community became one in which there was support, where they could express their needs and others would listen and respond, a community built on mutual respect and care, a community of possibility.
In role-play they found that they could be effective citizens and had something to contribute. Self-imposed limitations were stretched, and new strengths and capacities were accessed. An adolescent who was engaged in destructive behavior was transformed into a leader, a caring father, a resource to the community.
Various methods are being used today to reach youth through their own interests, such as sports programs, art and drama therapy, and community projects. Through these, young people can acquire lifelong skills and a positive self-image. When we help them identify goals and find ways to overcome the obstacles they encounter along the way, we help them realize their potential.
1 John 2:24 ESV / Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father.
2 Peter 3:9 ESV / The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
They routinely brought their negative attitudes into the classroom, as reflected in their foul speech and rough mannerisms.
Sitting in a circle in typical group counseling fashion, some of them expressed their anger through statements like “I hate being here” or “I hate doing this!”
“Fine,” Emily would say, “but why?” She put the question to them one by one.
“There’s no respect!”
“These jerks laugh at me!”
“Nobody listens to me!”
“Too many fights!”
After listening to their reasons, Emily replied, “What I am hearing is not that you hate this class exactly, but that you hate living in a community where people don’t respect or trust one another, make fun of people they don’t like, and fight.”
They nodded in agreement as if to say, “At last someone is listening!”
“What if,” Emily asked, “we were to create a community where you did feel respected, a community in which your needs were met, a community in which you felt safe? What would that community be like? Let’s create it together!”
The boys’ imaginations shifted into gear.
“Let’s call it Parkville!” someone called out. Everyone agreed.
Parkville developed into a six-month project. The class made a banner that read: Welcome to Parkville—Where all your needs are met! They drew a map of the town, including points of interest that reflected what they wanted in their community. They elected and appointed people to fill various roles in the town: mayor, superintendent of the school, director of the arts center, owner and chef of the community café, manager of the video store, and many more. They created special events. They found solutions to Parkville’s problems in town hall meetings. Parkville became a community that they all said they would love to live in. Many expressive art projects were born from the creation of this imaginary idyllic town.
The first step was to draw the young people out by asking questions and listening carefully and respectfully to their answers, even though they came across quite negative at first. The next step was to challenge them to make a difference by channeling their energy into constructive projects that interested them. Emily explains Parkville’s success:
The project gave these young people an opportunity to experience living in a well-functioning community, many of them for the first time, even if only while they were together at the center. Their community became one in which there was support, where they could express their needs and others would listen and respond, a community built on mutual respect and care, a community of possibility.
In role-play they found that they could be effective citizens and had something to contribute. Self-imposed limitations were stretched, and new strengths and capacities were accessed. An adolescent who was engaged in destructive behavior was transformed into a leader, a caring father, a resource to the community.
Various methods are being used today to reach youth through their own interests, such as sports programs, art and drama therapy, and community projects. Through these, young people can acquire lifelong skills and a positive self-image. When we help them identify goals and find ways to overcome the obstacles they encounter along the way, we help them realize their potential.
—
Numbers 23:19 ESV / God is not man, that he should
lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and
will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?1 John 2:24 ESV / Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father.
2 Peter 3:9 ESV / The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
Friday, December 26, 2014
The Beauty Survey
They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so with this
thought in mind I interviewed a few people—male and female, younger and
older, and from different backgrounds—to find out what they felt made a
person attractive.
Here are some of their answers:
What I find most attractive in a woman is when she isn’t overly concerned about what others think of her, when she just acts naturally.—Raymund (29)
One way that I judge whether or not a woman is beautiful is if she’s smiling and her eyes are happy. If so, then she’s beautiful to me, even if she isn’t what most people would call glamorous or especially good looking.—Tim (20)
If somebody has a kind and concerned spirit, they’re beautiful no matter what their physical features may be.—Melody (21)
My personal definition of a beautiful woman has changed over the years. It has gone from a ravishing young blonde, to a mature, personable woman who is a good conversationalist and has a good sense of humor, to one who is happy to sit with me and watch TV.—Steve (70)
Good looks are part of it, but if a girl is charming, funny, and easy to relate to, then she’s beautiful. Or if she’s humorous, ready to do things unexpectedly, adventurous, passionate, and caring, then she’s attractive to me.—James (17)
They say that the eyes are the window to the soul, and that’s true. The first time I met my husband, it was his eyes that attracted me. He had beautiful eyes that reached deep into my soul.—Joyce (46)
A woman’s voice is often the first indication of whether or not I will find her attractive.—Jimmy (38)
Kindness, gentleness, positiveness, conviction, and a sense of humor are some of the qualities that make a person beautiful.—Armina (27)
What makes a woman beautiful to me is her spirit—the way she reacts to people and situations around her.—Nathan (24)
My survey was simple as surveys go, but the consensus was clear: Those polled said that real beauty runs deeper than physical attributes, clothing, or cosmetics; it comes from the inside out. I agree, and it seems that’s how God looks at it too. “Man looks at the outward appearance,” the Bible tells us, “but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Proverbs 31:10 ESV / An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
Isaiah 52:7 ESV / How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
Here are some of their answers:
What I find most attractive in a woman is when she isn’t overly concerned about what others think of her, when she just acts naturally.—Raymund (29)
One way that I judge whether or not a woman is beautiful is if she’s smiling and her eyes are happy. If so, then she’s beautiful to me, even if she isn’t what most people would call glamorous or especially good looking.—Tim (20)
If somebody has a kind and concerned spirit, they’re beautiful no matter what their physical features may be.—Melody (21)
My personal definition of a beautiful woman has changed over the years. It has gone from a ravishing young blonde, to a mature, personable woman who is a good conversationalist and has a good sense of humor, to one who is happy to sit with me and watch TV.—Steve (70)
Good looks are part of it, but if a girl is charming, funny, and easy to relate to, then she’s beautiful. Or if she’s humorous, ready to do things unexpectedly, adventurous, passionate, and caring, then she’s attractive to me.—James (17)
They say that the eyes are the window to the soul, and that’s true. The first time I met my husband, it was his eyes that attracted me. He had beautiful eyes that reached deep into my soul.—Joyce (46)
A woman’s voice is often the first indication of whether or not I will find her attractive.—Jimmy (38)
Kindness, gentleness, positiveness, conviction, and a sense of humor are some of the qualities that make a person beautiful.—Armina (27)
What makes a woman beautiful to me is her spirit—the way she reacts to people and situations around her.—Nathan (24)
My survey was simple as surveys go, but the consensus was clear: Those polled said that real beauty runs deeper than physical attributes, clothing, or cosmetics; it comes from the inside out. I agree, and it seems that’s how God looks at it too. “Man looks at the outward appearance,” the Bible tells us, “but the Lord looks at the heart.”
—
1 Samuel 16:7 ESV / But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do
not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I
have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the
outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”Proverbs 31:10 ESV / An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
Isaiah 52:7 ESV / How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Stunted Growth
When I was a kid, I saw plenty of goldfish in the houses of my
friends, and I remember wondering why so many people would want to keep
such small, unexciting creatures as pets.
Then one day, when I was about ten years old, I went on a school field trip to a botanical garden that had a pond stocked with fish. One especially large, brilliantly colored fish stood out to me.
“What kind of fish is that one?” I asked our guide.
“That’s a goldfish,” she replied.
I was confused. “Aren’t goldfish supposed to be small?” I asked with a note of 9-year-old sarcasm.
“Not at all,” she replied. “Goldfish will grow even larger than these. It really just depends on the size of their environment.”
I took in the information and determined to never again show myself so ignorant about goldfish, but it was years before I understood the broader lesson.
How often have I been like a goldfish in a fishbowl? How often have I limited myself by my perception of my world? Worse still, how many times have I put others in a small bowl in my mind? How many times have I written off someone as insignificant or unexciting? How many times have I failed to see others’ potential to grow?
How much more could I achieve if I forgot my perceived limitations and dared to swim beyond the boundaries I’ve set for myself? And what would happen if I moved others from their small bowls into the ocean of limitless possibilities that Jesus offers?
Just imagine a world full of people with that perspective, who truly believe that anything is possible and reach out to claim it. Together we could do astounding things. Together we could work miracles.
Isaiah 9:6 ESV / For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Psalm 119:105 ESV / Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Genesis 1:27 ESV / So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Then one day, when I was about ten years old, I went on a school field trip to a botanical garden that had a pond stocked with fish. One especially large, brilliantly colored fish stood out to me.
“What kind of fish is that one?” I asked our guide.
“That’s a goldfish,” she replied.
I was confused. “Aren’t goldfish supposed to be small?” I asked with a note of 9-year-old sarcasm.
“Not at all,” she replied. “Goldfish will grow even larger than these. It really just depends on the size of their environment.”
I took in the information and determined to never again show myself so ignorant about goldfish, but it was years before I understood the broader lesson.
How often have I been like a goldfish in a fishbowl? How often have I limited myself by my perception of my world? Worse still, how many times have I put others in a small bowl in my mind? How many times have I written off someone as insignificant or unexciting? How many times have I failed to see others’ potential to grow?
How much more could I achieve if I forgot my perceived limitations and dared to swim beyond the boundaries I’ve set for myself? And what would happen if I moved others from their small bowls into the ocean of limitless possibilities that Jesus offers?
Just imagine a world full of people with that perspective, who truly believe that anything is possible and reach out to claim it. Together we could do astounding things. Together we could work miracles.
Isaiah 9:6 ESV / For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Psalm 119:105 ESV / Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Genesis 1:27 ESV / So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
A New Lease on Life
“That’s not fair” must have been my three most-used words when
growing up. It seemed that someone—or everyone—always had it better than
me. By my early teens I had a well-developed measure-and-analyze
mindset, and I was particularly obsessed with comparing my looks,
personality, and abilities with those of other girls my age.
When I came into young adulthood and joined an office team, it was all about measuring up at work. I was convinced that the only way I would ever be accepted or appreciated was if I made up for my relative lack of skill and experience by working harder than everyone else. I was always trying to gain points (whatever those were and whoever was giving them out), and I was always frustrated with my self-assessed score.
I didn’t like myself in general, and even the things that I liked somewhat I wouldn’t give myself a passing grade for until I improved them a bit. I could always find something wrong.
Then another big source of discontentment kicked in—feeling cheated and like a loser because nearly all of my friends, who were also in their early and mid-twenties, were married and had children, while I still didn’t have so much as a serious boyfriend. I wasn’t sure whether that was God’s fault or my own, so I was upset at both of us.
I could hardly stand to be around other people, because almost everyone made me feel inadequate in some way, but paradoxically I also found a lot to disapprove of in everybody else. You would think that
I would have focused on their strong points, since I was always wishing I were more like them, but that wasn’t the case. Not surprisingly, my negative attitude toward others caused them to keep their distance, which made me feel more unlikable and hopeless. It was a vicious cycle.
At a particularly low point, I read some articles by Maria Fontaine about recognizing and overcoming negative thought patterns. These made a definite impression on me, as I started to realize why I was so discontent and began to want to do something about it. Understanding the concept that I could change was the seed of freedom.
The way she applied biblical principles started me reflecting on my life from a very different angle—one of thankfulness to God for all He had given me, rather than complaint over what He hadn’t given me; one of gratitude, rather than resentment.
I also asked Jesus to tell me what He thought of me, and then I tried to look at things from His perspective. Through this I learned to communicate with Jesus more deeply than I had before, and gradually I started to change—first my mind, and then my life. Through hearing from Him, I came to understand that I had been made the way I was because that was what He wanted, that He really did love me, and that He wasn’t out to punish me for anything I’d done wrong.
I also joined a small prayer group, where we would explain our struggles and then pray for one another.
Those times of prayer channeled the life-changing power of God into my life. They also put me in a position to receive a lot of encouragement and support from caring friends, which in itself went a long way toward my development of a healthier self-image.
Something else that helped me gain both confidence and compassion was getting to better know some of the people whom I once envied, because I found that their lives weren’t as perfect as I had imagined. Things really do even out.
I found that I could love more completely once my relationships with others weren’t hampered by envy. I could appreciate others’ good qualities, thank God for the wonderful way He made them, and enjoy our differences, realizing that they’re just that—differences. One wasn’t necessarily better than the other.
It took some time to break old habits—nearly two years from the time I took my first steps toward change until there was a notable difference in my attitude toward life—but it happened. My perspective changed to the point that I can now say I’m truly content and don’t envy anyone. I consider that a miracle.
Now, nearly 10 years later, I’m happy to say that my inner makeover was a lasting one. I know that some things are truly not my strong points, and I accept that. As a result, I’m not constantly getting derailed when I notice something about myself that isn’t ideal.
Life continues to get better, and I continue to get happier. I’ve learned that more good things come to a person who looks for the good in life and the beauty in people. I also know that I have the power, through Jesus, to keep making progress in areas that actually matter. It’s amazing how we can learn and grow when we aren’t hampered by paralyzing I-can’t-itis, which is born of negativity and fear of failure.
Romans 8:28 ESV / And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
John 13:34 ESV / A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
Mark 9:42 ESV / “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.
When I came into young adulthood and joined an office team, it was all about measuring up at work. I was convinced that the only way I would ever be accepted or appreciated was if I made up for my relative lack of skill and experience by working harder than everyone else. I was always trying to gain points (whatever those were and whoever was giving them out), and I was always frustrated with my self-assessed score.
I didn’t like myself in general, and even the things that I liked somewhat I wouldn’t give myself a passing grade for until I improved them a bit. I could always find something wrong.
Then another big source of discontentment kicked in—feeling cheated and like a loser because nearly all of my friends, who were also in their early and mid-twenties, were married and had children, while I still didn’t have so much as a serious boyfriend. I wasn’t sure whether that was God’s fault or my own, so I was upset at both of us.
I could hardly stand to be around other people, because almost everyone made me feel inadequate in some way, but paradoxically I also found a lot to disapprove of in everybody else. You would think that
I would have focused on their strong points, since I was always wishing I were more like them, but that wasn’t the case. Not surprisingly, my negative attitude toward others caused them to keep their distance, which made me feel more unlikable and hopeless. It was a vicious cycle.
At a particularly low point, I read some articles by Maria Fontaine about recognizing and overcoming negative thought patterns. These made a definite impression on me, as I started to realize why I was so discontent and began to want to do something about it. Understanding the concept that I could change was the seed of freedom.
The way she applied biblical principles started me reflecting on my life from a very different angle—one of thankfulness to God for all He had given me, rather than complaint over what He hadn’t given me; one of gratitude, rather than resentment.
I also asked Jesus to tell me what He thought of me, and then I tried to look at things from His perspective. Through this I learned to communicate with Jesus more deeply than I had before, and gradually I started to change—first my mind, and then my life. Through hearing from Him, I came to understand that I had been made the way I was because that was what He wanted, that He really did love me, and that He wasn’t out to punish me for anything I’d done wrong.
I also joined a small prayer group, where we would explain our struggles and then pray for one another.
Those times of prayer channeled the life-changing power of God into my life. They also put me in a position to receive a lot of encouragement and support from caring friends, which in itself went a long way toward my development of a healthier self-image.
Something else that helped me gain both confidence and compassion was getting to better know some of the people whom I once envied, because I found that their lives weren’t as perfect as I had imagined. Things really do even out.
I found that I could love more completely once my relationships with others weren’t hampered by envy. I could appreciate others’ good qualities, thank God for the wonderful way He made them, and enjoy our differences, realizing that they’re just that—differences. One wasn’t necessarily better than the other.
It took some time to break old habits—nearly two years from the time I took my first steps toward change until there was a notable difference in my attitude toward life—but it happened. My perspective changed to the point that I can now say I’m truly content and don’t envy anyone. I consider that a miracle.
Now, nearly 10 years later, I’m happy to say that my inner makeover was a lasting one. I know that some things are truly not my strong points, and I accept that. As a result, I’m not constantly getting derailed when I notice something about myself that isn’t ideal.
Life continues to get better, and I continue to get happier. I’ve learned that more good things come to a person who looks for the good in life and the beauty in people. I also know that I have the power, through Jesus, to keep making progress in areas that actually matter. It’s amazing how we can learn and grow when we aren’t hampered by paralyzing I-can’t-itis, which is born of negativity and fear of failure.
Romans 8:28 ESV / And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
John 13:34 ESV / A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
Mark 9:42 ESV / “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.
Monday, December 22, 2014
Beautiful You!
If all the flowers in the world were one color, or if there was only
one type of tree, it would get boring after a while. Beauty is found in
variety—the varying types and textures, hues and shades. I don’t
understand why people try so hard to all look alike. What’s the beauty
in that? I look at these models walking down the runway, and while many
of them have symmetrical chiseled features‚ great skin, and what the
media and fashion industry promote as “perfect” bodies, most of them
look similar. They’re perfect examples of cookie-cutter beauty.
I’m all for people taking good care of themselves and their appearance. I think it glorifies our Maker to dress neatly, be clean, stay fit, and make an effort to look nice. I don’t believe in just “letting yourself go.”
What’s disturbing, though, is when people try to change the way God made them in order to meet someone else’s definition of beauty. When they do that, they’re giving someone else control over them, over how they think, over their happiness. Who decides that one thing is better than another—hair that’s dark or light, curly or straight; bodies that are lean, muscular, or rounded; noses that are large or small; lips that are thin or full? Would you give someone else control over you like that?
When you try so hard to fit a certain mold of beauty‚ whether it suits you or not or is realistic or not, you’re giving up your uniqueness. What’s the attraction of looking like everybody else? The first thing you notice about some people is their hairstyle, or their clothing, or their new nips and tucks or enhancements. You notice the “look” and whether it fits the latest trend. In some cases, the look isn’t attractive or flattering; it doesn’t match the person’s anatomy or personality.
One of the many problems associated with comparing yourself with others or trying to fit into the fashionable standard of beauty is that you’re never going to be truly happy. You might feel a sense of satisfaction that you changed something you didn’t like or kept up with the latest trend, but even if you do manage to achieve the level of beauty that you’re hoping for, even if you finally become the most popular person in your circle of acquaintances, how long do you think it’s going to last? You’ll eventually run into somebody who’s higher up on the physical-beauty ladder. What will you do then?
If it’s happiness you’re looking for‚ you’re not going to find it like that. The constant need to meet the world’s standard of beauty leads to obsession—first the physical makeover, then the molding of your personality to fit the new you, then the struggle to keep the look or to keep up with the changing looks as each trend gives way to a new one. What kind of life is that? Do you think you’ll ever fit the world’s idea of perfect beauty? Not even worldly celebrities can reach it, and they have plenty of money to change anything they want. And change they do, because the trends in what’s beautiful keep changing. Even the rich can barely keep up.
It’s human nature to want to be thought attractive, but true beauty is not only about physical appearance. It’s also about inner beauty, that spark that sets a person apart from the millions of others who are dressing the same way, getting the same haircut, and trying to achieve the same body—the interchangeable masses who desert their individuality in an attempt to keep up with the latest trend.
Save yourself a lot of time, trouble, and grief. Clear your mind of everyone else’s perception of what is beautiful. Set aside everything you’ve thought or seen or been told, and ask God to show you what specific qualities or features He gave you that make you unique. Enhance those, and you’ll bring out the best, most beautiful you.
Always be a first-rate version of yourself instead of a second-rate version of someone else.—Judy Garland
1 John 2:15-17 ESV / Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Matthew 5:28 ESV / But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
I’m all for people taking good care of themselves and their appearance. I think it glorifies our Maker to dress neatly, be clean, stay fit, and make an effort to look nice. I don’t believe in just “letting yourself go.”
What’s disturbing, though, is when people try to change the way God made them in order to meet someone else’s definition of beauty. When they do that, they’re giving someone else control over them, over how they think, over their happiness. Who decides that one thing is better than another—hair that’s dark or light, curly or straight; bodies that are lean, muscular, or rounded; noses that are large or small; lips that are thin or full? Would you give someone else control over you like that?
When you try so hard to fit a certain mold of beauty‚ whether it suits you or not or is realistic or not, you’re giving up your uniqueness. What’s the attraction of looking like everybody else? The first thing you notice about some people is their hairstyle, or their clothing, or their new nips and tucks or enhancements. You notice the “look” and whether it fits the latest trend. In some cases, the look isn’t attractive or flattering; it doesn’t match the person’s anatomy or personality.
One of the many problems associated with comparing yourself with others or trying to fit into the fashionable standard of beauty is that you’re never going to be truly happy. You might feel a sense of satisfaction that you changed something you didn’t like or kept up with the latest trend, but even if you do manage to achieve the level of beauty that you’re hoping for, even if you finally become the most popular person in your circle of acquaintances, how long do you think it’s going to last? You’ll eventually run into somebody who’s higher up on the physical-beauty ladder. What will you do then?
If it’s happiness you’re looking for‚ you’re not going to find it like that. The constant need to meet the world’s standard of beauty leads to obsession—first the physical makeover, then the molding of your personality to fit the new you, then the struggle to keep the look or to keep up with the changing looks as each trend gives way to a new one. What kind of life is that? Do you think you’ll ever fit the world’s idea of perfect beauty? Not even worldly celebrities can reach it, and they have plenty of money to change anything they want. And change they do, because the trends in what’s beautiful keep changing. Even the rich can barely keep up.
It’s human nature to want to be thought attractive, but true beauty is not only about physical appearance. It’s also about inner beauty, that spark that sets a person apart from the millions of others who are dressing the same way, getting the same haircut, and trying to achieve the same body—the interchangeable masses who desert their individuality in an attempt to keep up with the latest trend.
Save yourself a lot of time, trouble, and grief. Clear your mind of everyone else’s perception of what is beautiful. Set aside everything you’ve thought or seen or been told, and ask God to show you what specific qualities or features He gave you that make you unique. Enhance those, and you’ll bring out the best, most beautiful you.
Always be a first-rate version of yourself instead of a second-rate version of someone else.—Judy Garland
—
Esther 1:11 ESV / To bring Queen Vashti before the
king with her royal crown, in order to show the peoples and the princes
her beauty, for she was lovely to look at.1 John 2:15-17 ESV / Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Matthew 5:28 ESV / But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
The Pottery Exhibition
The display cases at a pottery exhibition I visited recently were
filled with items, large and small, some functional and some decorative,
but all crafted with care. Practical coffee sets and elegant vases,
ordinary fruit bowls and intricate ornaments, plaques and plates and
figurines, mugs and jugs, jam jars and soup tureens, teapots,
coffeepots, and sugar bowls—each item spoke of its creator’s passion and
attention to detail. The art of fashioning clay into bricks, tiles, or
porcelain objects is one of the oldest known to the human race.
Each item started off as a lump of clay, more or less. What made the difference? A pair of skillful hands, to be sure, but more than that: a purpose and a design. Will this item be a slender vase to display bouquets of flowers, or a set of dishes? Will the craftsman fashion a tiny pitcher to pour cream for coffee, or a large jar for pickling vegetables?
God is a potter. We are the clay vessels of His design. He fashioned each of us to be a unique vessel for a unique purpose. He knew exactly where to place each part, each handle, and each spout. He knew which areas needed to be solid and strong.
No matter how inadequate I feel, and how many talents and qualities I lack, God knew what I would need for the purpose He created me to fulfill, my destiny. To grumble about or belittle what He has given me is as ridiculous as the fruit bowl lamenting, “I’m missing a spout,” or the vase complaining, “I’m too tall,” or the teapot moaning, “I’m just too fat.” And what about the plate? Would he gripe, “Why am I so flat and plain?” No, each of these items is designed to fulfill its function.
I saw some beautiful examples of pottery at the exhibition, but when I got home, I didn’t regret not owning any of them. I was happy to pick up my old favorite coffee mug, which faithfully fulfills its purpose each day.
I have a feeling that’s how God sees us. He made us and equipped us for what He wants us to be and do in this life, and nothing pleases Him more than seeing us live up to that potential.
Who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?”
Romans 8:37-39 ESV / No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romanos 9:20 ESV / But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?”
Each item started off as a lump of clay, more or less. What made the difference? A pair of skillful hands, to be sure, but more than that: a purpose and a design. Will this item be a slender vase to display bouquets of flowers, or a set of dishes? Will the craftsman fashion a tiny pitcher to pour cream for coffee, or a large jar for pickling vegetables?
God is a potter. We are the clay vessels of His design. He fashioned each of us to be a unique vessel for a unique purpose. He knew exactly where to place each part, each handle, and each spout. He knew which areas needed to be solid and strong.
No matter how inadequate I feel, and how many talents and qualities I lack, God knew what I would need for the purpose He created me to fulfill, my destiny. To grumble about or belittle what He has given me is as ridiculous as the fruit bowl lamenting, “I’m missing a spout,” or the vase complaining, “I’m too tall,” or the teapot moaning, “I’m just too fat.” And what about the plate? Would he gripe, “Why am I so flat and plain?” No, each of these items is designed to fulfill its function.
I saw some beautiful examples of pottery at the exhibition, but when I got home, I didn’t regret not owning any of them. I was happy to pick up my old favorite coffee mug, which faithfully fulfills its purpose each day.
I have a feeling that’s how God sees us. He made us and equipped us for what He wants us to be and do in this life, and nothing pleases Him more than seeing us live up to that potential.
Who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?”
–
1 John 4:8 ESV / Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.Romans 8:37-39 ESV / No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romanos 9:20 ESV / But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?”
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Just as You Are
Dressing my three preschool sons alike seemed sensible at the time.
It made clothes shopping easier, for one, and because they were brothers
with similar builds and complexions, they looked good in the same
clothes. At home it gave a sense of order, however superficial, to a
household with three little boys in perpetual motion, and in public it
showcased what I was sure was the most adorable set of kids ever. On a
deeper level, it appealed to my sense of equity. I didn’t love one above
the others, and had determined to never say or do anything that might
cause them to think otherwise; I would treat them impartially in all
things, big and small.
But as soon as they got old enough to make more of their own choices, coordinated clothes were out. As their individual needs changed and became more diverse, I found I continually needed to adapt and change how I gave each one my love and support. I still didn’t love one more or less than the others, but I couldn’t always treat them the same.
‘Now that those boys are grown men, in many respects they could hardly be more different from one another. My early attempts to establish uniformity now seem pure folly, and I thank God for giving each of them the sense to pursue his own interests, develop his own skills, and become his own person. Each probably has some things that he would like to change about himself—there’s always room for improvement—but I love them dearly just as they are.
That’s how God loves us. We compare ourselves unfavorably with others, or we fuss over something about ourselves that we don’t like, but all the while He’s trying to tell us, “I love you the way you are. If something needs to change, I’ll let you know and will help you fix that, but otherwise just be your special self.” If we could all believe that, how happy we would be!
Matthew 16:26 ESV / For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
1 John 4:19-21 ESV / We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.
But as soon as they got old enough to make more of their own choices, coordinated clothes were out. As their individual needs changed and became more diverse, I found I continually needed to adapt and change how I gave each one my love and support. I still didn’t love one more or less than the others, but I couldn’t always treat them the same.
‘Now that those boys are grown men, in many respects they could hardly be more different from one another. My early attempts to establish uniformity now seem pure folly, and I thank God for giving each of them the sense to pursue his own interests, develop his own skills, and become his own person. Each probably has some things that he would like to change about himself—there’s always room for improvement—but I love them dearly just as they are.
That’s how God loves us. We compare ourselves unfavorably with others, or we fuss over something about ourselves that we don’t like, but all the while He’s trying to tell us, “I love you the way you are. If something needs to change, I’ll let you know and will help you fix that, but otherwise just be your special self.” If we could all believe that, how happy we would be!
—
Philippians 4:8-9 ESV / Finally, brothers, whatever
is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence,
if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What
you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these
things, and the God of peace will be with you.Matthew 16:26 ESV / For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?
1 John 4:19-21 ESV / We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.
Friday, December 19, 2014
Reboot
It’s a typical busy day, filled with the usual responsibilities at
home and work, but then more than the usual number of unexpected things
come up. You manage to keep going, but notice that you’re running
slower, losing focus, and feeling overwhelmed.
What’s one of the first things most people try when their computer starts running slower or having other problems? They save their work and reboot their computer, which clears the computer’s cluttered memory. Often that is exactly what was needed to get the computer working efficiently again.
When you see that it’s taking you longer than it should to complete the task at hand, it may seem like a waste of precious time to stop long enough to clear your mind and settle your spirit, but you’ll probably waste more time and energy in the long run if you don’t. You would be like the person whose computer is running slow or acting up, but who doesn’t want to take the time to clear the computer’s overloaded memory by rebooting.
Here are a few things that you can do to “reboot” yourself, all of which involve stepping back from your work for a few minutes: Take a short walk in the fresh air. Take a few deep breaths to clear your lungs. Stretch. Do some light exercises to get your heart rate up a little. Look out the window at God’s creation. Count your blessings. Enjoy a cup of tea. Take a short nap.
Before you go back to work, ask Jesus to put each of the tasks still ahead of you in perspective. Reassess your priorities and adjust your work plan accordingly.
John 10:10 ESV / The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Proverbs 17:1 ESV / Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.
What’s one of the first things most people try when their computer starts running slower or having other problems? They save their work and reboot their computer, which clears the computer’s cluttered memory. Often that is exactly what was needed to get the computer working efficiently again.
When you see that it’s taking you longer than it should to complete the task at hand, it may seem like a waste of precious time to stop long enough to clear your mind and settle your spirit, but you’ll probably waste more time and energy in the long run if you don’t. You would be like the person whose computer is running slow or acting up, but who doesn’t want to take the time to clear the computer’s overloaded memory by rebooting.
Here are a few things that you can do to “reboot” yourself, all of which involve stepping back from your work for a few minutes: Take a short walk in the fresh air. Take a few deep breaths to clear your lungs. Stretch. Do some light exercises to get your heart rate up a little. Look out the window at God’s creation. Count your blessings. Enjoy a cup of tea. Take a short nap.
Before you go back to work, ask Jesus to put each of the tasks still ahead of you in perspective. Reassess your priorities and adjust your work plan accordingly.
—
Revelation 14:11 ESV / And the smoke of their
torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night,
these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the
mark of its name.”John 10:10 ESV / The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Proverbs 17:1 ESV / Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
1 Corinthians 13 for Today
Jesus gave us the key to happiness and harmony when He said, “Love
your neighbor as yourself.”1 What exactly does that mean, in practical,
everyday terms? One of the best explanations ever given is found in the
Bible’s “love chapter,” 1 Corinthians 13. Times and terms have changed,
but the underlying principles are as true as ever. Here’s how the
apostle Paul might have put it if he were writing to us today.
1. Though I can speak five languages and talk intelligently on dozens of subjects, if I don’t have enough love to keep from gossiping or putting down others, I’m not just making so much useless noise, I’m being downright destructive.
2. And though I read the Bible regularly and even know parts of it by heart, and though I pray daily and have a lot of faith and other spiritual gifts, if I don’t have enough love to sometimes sacrifice some of my personal desires for others’ sakes, then all of my “spirituality” amounts to nothing.
3. And though I work two jobs to provide for my family, and though I give to charity and volunteer for every community project that comes up, if I don’t show love and kindness to those I live and work with, all my hard work and self-sacrifice are worthless.
4. Love has a long, hard, frustrating day at the office, yet doesn’t get snappy and short tempered. Love is happy for the other guy when he gets all the breaks. Love doesn’t have to drive the flashiest car, live in the biggest house, or have all the latest gadgets. Love doesn’t always have to be the boss or have the last word.
5. Love isn’t rude or crude, isn’t selfish, and doesn’t gripe or pressure others to get what it wants. Love is too busy being concerned about the needs of others to spend much time worrying about its own. Love doesn’t freak out when things don’t go its way. Love is quick to believe the best about people and slow to believe the rest.
6. Love hates to hear gossip and instead wants only to talk about others’ good qualities and the good that they’ve done. Love knows that what it listens to, watches, or reads will affect its attitudes and actions and thereby have an effect on others, so it’s careful about how it spends its time.
7. Love is flexible, takes things in stride, and can handle whatever comes its way. Love is always ready to give others the benefit of the doubt and looks for the best in them. Love wants to see others reach their full potential and does all it can to make that happen. Love never runs out of patience, even with those who are slow to get with the program or do their share. Love doesn’t keep looking at its watch when others are talking.
8. Love never fails. I fail others, and others can fail me. We all can be mistaken, misguided, or confused at times. Our words and deeds often fall short, and our bright ideas don’t always play out the way we want or expect them to.
9. We’re frail, fallible, and often foolish, and our understanding of the world we live in, not to mention the world to come, is only partial at best.
10. But when God’s Spirit of love lives in us, that changes everything.
11. We’re really just children when it comes to practicing real love, but God can help us outgrow our childish ways.
12. Without Him we’re clueless when it comes to love and the other things that matter most in life, but when we live in His kingdom—the kingdom of Heaven that Jesus said is even now within us—we can see things as He does, get our priorities straight, pull out the stops, and live and love to the full.
13. There are lots of nice things in life and lots of good things, but none are as good or as important as love!
Love power
There is no difficulty that enough love will not conquer, no disease that enough love will not heal. No door that enough love will not open, no gulf that enough love will not bridge. No wall that enough love will not throw down, no sin that enough love will not redeem. It makes no difference how deeply seated may be the trouble, how hopeless the outlook, how muddled the tangle, how great the mistake. Sufficient love will dissolve it all.—Emmet Fox
1. Though I can speak five languages and talk intelligently on dozens of subjects, if I don’t have enough love to keep from gossiping or putting down others, I’m not just making so much useless noise, I’m being downright destructive.
2. And though I read the Bible regularly and even know parts of it by heart, and though I pray daily and have a lot of faith and other spiritual gifts, if I don’t have enough love to sometimes sacrifice some of my personal desires for others’ sakes, then all of my “spirituality” amounts to nothing.
3. And though I work two jobs to provide for my family, and though I give to charity and volunteer for every community project that comes up, if I don’t show love and kindness to those I live and work with, all my hard work and self-sacrifice are worthless.
4. Love has a long, hard, frustrating day at the office, yet doesn’t get snappy and short tempered. Love is happy for the other guy when he gets all the breaks. Love doesn’t have to drive the flashiest car, live in the biggest house, or have all the latest gadgets. Love doesn’t always have to be the boss or have the last word.
5. Love isn’t rude or crude, isn’t selfish, and doesn’t gripe or pressure others to get what it wants. Love is too busy being concerned about the needs of others to spend much time worrying about its own. Love doesn’t freak out when things don’t go its way. Love is quick to believe the best about people and slow to believe the rest.
6. Love hates to hear gossip and instead wants only to talk about others’ good qualities and the good that they’ve done. Love knows that what it listens to, watches, or reads will affect its attitudes and actions and thereby have an effect on others, so it’s careful about how it spends its time.
7. Love is flexible, takes things in stride, and can handle whatever comes its way. Love is always ready to give others the benefit of the doubt and looks for the best in them. Love wants to see others reach their full potential and does all it can to make that happen. Love never runs out of patience, even with those who are slow to get with the program or do their share. Love doesn’t keep looking at its watch when others are talking.
8. Love never fails. I fail others, and others can fail me. We all can be mistaken, misguided, or confused at times. Our words and deeds often fall short, and our bright ideas don’t always play out the way we want or expect them to.
9. We’re frail, fallible, and often foolish, and our understanding of the world we live in, not to mention the world to come, is only partial at best.
10. But when God’s Spirit of love lives in us, that changes everything.
11. We’re really just children when it comes to practicing real love, but God can help us outgrow our childish ways.
12. Without Him we’re clueless when it comes to love and the other things that matter most in life, but when we live in His kingdom—the kingdom of Heaven that Jesus said is even now within us—we can see things as He does, get our priorities straight, pull out the stops, and live and love to the full.
13. There are lots of nice things in life and lots of good things, but none are as good or as important as love!
Love power
There is no difficulty that enough love will not conquer, no disease that enough love will not heal. No door that enough love will not open, no gulf that enough love will not bridge. No wall that enough love will not throw down, no sin that enough love will not redeem. It makes no difference how deeply seated may be the trouble, how hopeless the outlook, how muddled the tangle, how great the mistake. Sufficient love will dissolve it all.—Emmet Fox
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Problem Solving with My Teen
Now that my oldest, Chris,is 13, I have found that I need to change in
how I communicate with him. He is not the child he was a few years
back. All of a sudden, he is taller than me. How time has flown! It
seems like just yesterday he was a constantly active two-year-old,
getting into everything.
Like most parents, I suppose, my tendency has been to think that I instinctively know what’s best for my children, and to take action accordingly. That worked well enough when Chris was small, but now that he’s reached a stage where he wants to make more of his own decisions, I’ve found that I need to take a different approach and involve him more in the decision-making process—to treat him less like a child and more like a teammate.
When an issue comes up, it’s more important than ever that I take time to listen to his ideas and understand both his viewpoint and his needs, as well as to explain mine. Then we try to come up with a solution together that will be good for both of us, as well as for anyone else involved.
When I fall into my old habit of trying to tell him what to do without considering his side, he feels squelched, pulls away, and misses a learning opportunity—and I lose his full cooperation. But when I remember to consult rather than give orders, things go well, he takes another step toward learning to make wise, responsible, loving decisions, and our bonds of love and mutual respect are strengthened.
High wire act
Making the transition from childhood to adulthood can be like walking a tightrope, and teens need someone there, a parent or other strong role model, to help them find their footing and steady them as they cross over.
When my children reached their teens, I tried to guide them through the decision-making process, but then I’d have them make their own decisions. They’d often try to get me or their mother to make the decision for them, so they wouldn’t have to take the blame if things went wrong, but I would tell them, “Don’t ask me. You know what’s right and wrong. What do you think you should do?” Afterwards they were usually glad that we made them decide, because they knew that was the way it was supposed to be and it helped them feel trusted and respected, which is a very important thing at that age.
John 16:33 ESV / I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
1. Corinthians 10:13 ESV / No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Like most parents, I suppose, my tendency has been to think that I instinctively know what’s best for my children, and to take action accordingly. That worked well enough when Chris was small, but now that he’s reached a stage where he wants to make more of his own decisions, I’ve found that I need to take a different approach and involve him more in the decision-making process—to treat him less like a child and more like a teammate.
When an issue comes up, it’s more important than ever that I take time to listen to his ideas and understand both his viewpoint and his needs, as well as to explain mine. Then we try to come up with a solution together that will be good for both of us, as well as for anyone else involved.
When I fall into my old habit of trying to tell him what to do without considering his side, he feels squelched, pulls away, and misses a learning opportunity—and I lose his full cooperation. But when I remember to consult rather than give orders, things go well, he takes another step toward learning to make wise, responsible, loving decisions, and our bonds of love and mutual respect are strengthened.
High wire act
Making the transition from childhood to adulthood can be like walking a tightrope, and teens need someone there, a parent or other strong role model, to help them find their footing and steady them as they cross over.
When my children reached their teens, I tried to guide them through the decision-making process, but then I’d have them make their own decisions. They’d often try to get me or their mother to make the decision for them, so they wouldn’t have to take the blame if things went wrong, but I would tell them, “Don’t ask me. You know what’s right and wrong. What do you think you should do?” Afterwards they were usually glad that we made them decide, because they knew that was the way it was supposed to be and it helped them feel trusted and respected, which is a very important thing at that age.
—
Matthew 10:16 ESV / “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.John 16:33 ESV / I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
1. Corinthians 10:13 ESV / No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Freedom from Jealousy
Question: I have struggled for years with jealousy. I
know my husband loves me, and he gives me no real reason to feel
jealous, but I can’t help myself. How can I be free from the grip of
jealousy?
Answer: Jealousy—that nasty feeling that you get when you think your partner is neglecting you for someone or something else—can be both irrational and overpowering. Recognizing that jealousy is wrong, that it’s a problem, is the first step, but many people don’t see it that way; they consider it a virtue, or at least a natural, acceptable part of loving someone. Of course those people are unable to overcome it; they don’t even try to.
Jealousy is a no-win situation; it hurts everyone involved and helps no one. Once you realize that, it’s easier to take a stand against it. You wouldn’t deliberately drink poison, or jump in front of a speeding car, or do other things that are sure to have negative consequences, would you? No more should you stand idly by and let jealousy run its course. You may not be able to keep jealous thoughts from entering your mind, but you don’t have to entertain them; you don’t have to accept or dwell on them, or let them control you.
It’s also important to realize that dark spiritual forces are behind jealousy and other negative emotions such as depression, hatred, or unbridled anger, but we can free ourselves from their influence by praying against them. “Resist the devil,” the Bible tells us, “and he will flee from you.” Ask Jesus to intercede and fight for you. It would probably also help to explain your struggle to your husband, if he doesn’t already know, and ask him to pray with you. Once he understands what situations trigger your jealous thoughts, he can better try to avoid them. Also, being open about your struggle is a step towards victory for you.
Don’t be surprised if, after praying, you still have some jealous thoughts. Again, it’s not always possible to keep those thoughts from entering your mind, but you can always exercise power over them, because “He [Jesus] who is in you is greater than he [the devil] who is in the world.” So if they do come, make a conscious effort to resist them then and there.
Romans 12:1-2 ESV / I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
2. Timothy 2:22 ESV / So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
Answer: Jealousy—that nasty feeling that you get when you think your partner is neglecting you for someone or something else—can be both irrational and overpowering. Recognizing that jealousy is wrong, that it’s a problem, is the first step, but many people don’t see it that way; they consider it a virtue, or at least a natural, acceptable part of loving someone. Of course those people are unable to overcome it; they don’t even try to.
Jealousy is a no-win situation; it hurts everyone involved and helps no one. Once you realize that, it’s easier to take a stand against it. You wouldn’t deliberately drink poison, or jump in front of a speeding car, or do other things that are sure to have negative consequences, would you? No more should you stand idly by and let jealousy run its course. You may not be able to keep jealous thoughts from entering your mind, but you don’t have to entertain them; you don’t have to accept or dwell on them, or let them control you.
It’s also important to realize that dark spiritual forces are behind jealousy and other negative emotions such as depression, hatred, or unbridled anger, but we can free ourselves from their influence by praying against them. “Resist the devil,” the Bible tells us, “and he will flee from you.” Ask Jesus to intercede and fight for you. It would probably also help to explain your struggle to your husband, if he doesn’t already know, and ask him to pray with you. Once he understands what situations trigger your jealous thoughts, he can better try to avoid them. Also, being open about your struggle is a step towards victory for you.
Don’t be surprised if, after praying, you still have some jealous thoughts. Again, it’s not always possible to keep those thoughts from entering your mind, but you can always exercise power over them, because “He [Jesus] who is in you is greater than he [the devil] who is in the world.” So if they do come, make a conscious effort to resist them then and there.
—
James 3:16 ESV / For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.Romans 12:1-2 ESV / I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
2. Timothy 2:22 ESV / So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
Monday, December 15, 2014
Carlos Recreated
“Can I stay with you tonight?” Carlos asked in a trembling voice. He’d had a terrible argument with his wife, he explained over the phone, and he couldn’t return home. My wife and I knew that Carlos had already been going through a very difficult time in his life. To begin with, he’d hoped to be promoted to general manager of the company he worked for, but the job had gone to someone else. A few days later he’d been involved in a traffic accident, though fortunately no one was injured. Now this! Everything seemed to be going wrong.
I invited him over, and before he arrived, my wife and I prayed for Jesus to help us encourage him, as well as for wisdom in how to advise him in this personal situation, if he should ask for that.
When he arrived, we could see that he felt truly hopeless. He’d had a second car accident the night before, it turned out, and this time the car had been totally demolished. Now his wife was really upset.
When he had gotten it all out, we asked him why he thought all these things were happening to him. At first all he could do was complain about his wife and how she was always nagging him about his drinking. “She keeps after me about it. I think she just doesn’t want me to have a good time!” he said.
He clearly couldn’t understand her justifiable concerns about his drinking.
After listening for a while, we suggested that the best thing he could do was stop blaming her or anybody else for his problems. We also explained that most of his troubles seemed to stem from misplaced priorities—too much emphasis on having a good time and not enough on the deeper, more important things of life.
“God doesn’t send us troubles just to see us suffer,” I told Carlos. “But He sometimes allows us to suffer the consequences of our wrong choices because He knows that often that’s the only time we will sincerely pray, when we are in trouble. Sometimes He has to send trouble our way so we’ll change. When bad things happen, we turn to Him for help, pray and read His Word more, and try harder to follow what His Word says. By getting back on track, doing our best to love Him and do what He says, we make it possible for Him to give us His full blessing.
“He doesn’t expect us to be perfect,” I continued. “What counts is whether or not we are sincerely trying to do what’s best. When we are, He’ll do His best to take care of us and protect us and make us happy, but sometimes He has to send bad times our way to make us stop and listen to Him.”
Carlos’s drinking seemed to be the main reason his wife was so upset with him, and it was about to cost him his marriage, so I told him how the Lord had delivered me from dependence on alcohol years earlier, and that he could also be delivered.
Carlos’s situation reminded me of the story of Esau in the Bible, when Esau had been so hungry and so short-sighted that he traded his entire inheritance for a bowl of his brother Jacob’s stew. I related that story to Carlos, and explained how I thought it applied. It was like Carlos was exchanging his happy married life for a glass of whisky. “By running away from the situation,” I said, “you could be destroying your marriage. Probably the best thing you could do is return home, apologize to your wife, and tell her you love her.”
At that, Carlos burst into tears and told us that nobody had ever talked to him that way before, but he thought I was right. As we talked more, he became determined to change and to try to make up for the harm he had caused.
We read a few appropriate passages from the Bible and several devotional books, and my wife and I prayed with him for God to help him stop drinking and to bring about a real and lasting change in his life.
A few days later when my wife and I visited Carlos at his office, he was beaming! He gave us each a big hug and said, “God has changed me! I can’t thank Him and you enough for helping me get straightened out!” He went on to tell us how everything had improved in his relationship with his wife, and how happy they were now.
We’re so thankful for the change God brought in Carlos’s life. He never fails when we pray!
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
—
Revelation 3:20 ESV / Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
1. John 4:7 ESV / Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.
2. Peter 3:12 ESV / Waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!
I invited him over, and before he arrived, my wife and I prayed for Jesus to help us encourage him, as well as for wisdom in how to advise him in this personal situation, if he should ask for that.
When he arrived, we could see that he felt truly hopeless. He’d had a second car accident the night before, it turned out, and this time the car had been totally demolished. Now his wife was really upset.
When he had gotten it all out, we asked him why he thought all these things were happening to him. At first all he could do was complain about his wife and how she was always nagging him about his drinking. “She keeps after me about it. I think she just doesn’t want me to have a good time!” he said.
He clearly couldn’t understand her justifiable concerns about his drinking.
After listening for a while, we suggested that the best thing he could do was stop blaming her or anybody else for his problems. We also explained that most of his troubles seemed to stem from misplaced priorities—too much emphasis on having a good time and not enough on the deeper, more important things of life.
“God doesn’t send us troubles just to see us suffer,” I told Carlos. “But He sometimes allows us to suffer the consequences of our wrong choices because He knows that often that’s the only time we will sincerely pray, when we are in trouble. Sometimes He has to send trouble our way so we’ll change. When bad things happen, we turn to Him for help, pray and read His Word more, and try harder to follow what His Word says. By getting back on track, doing our best to love Him and do what He says, we make it possible for Him to give us His full blessing.
“He doesn’t expect us to be perfect,” I continued. “What counts is whether or not we are sincerely trying to do what’s best. When we are, He’ll do His best to take care of us and protect us and make us happy, but sometimes He has to send bad times our way to make us stop and listen to Him.”
Carlos’s drinking seemed to be the main reason his wife was so upset with him, and it was about to cost him his marriage, so I told him how the Lord had delivered me from dependence on alcohol years earlier, and that he could also be delivered.
Carlos’s situation reminded me of the story of Esau in the Bible, when Esau had been so hungry and so short-sighted that he traded his entire inheritance for a bowl of his brother Jacob’s stew. I related that story to Carlos, and explained how I thought it applied. It was like Carlos was exchanging his happy married life for a glass of whisky. “By running away from the situation,” I said, “you could be destroying your marriage. Probably the best thing you could do is return home, apologize to your wife, and tell her you love her.”
At that, Carlos burst into tears and told us that nobody had ever talked to him that way before, but he thought I was right. As we talked more, he became determined to change and to try to make up for the harm he had caused.
We read a few appropriate passages from the Bible and several devotional books, and my wife and I prayed with him for God to help him stop drinking and to bring about a real and lasting change in his life.
A few days later when my wife and I visited Carlos at his office, he was beaming! He gave us each a big hug and said, “God has changed me! I can’t thank Him and you enough for helping me get straightened out!” He went on to tell us how everything had improved in his relationship with his wife, and how happy they were now.
We’re so thankful for the change God brought in Carlos’s life. He never fails when we pray!
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
—
Revelation 3:20 ESV / Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
1. John 4:7 ESV / Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.
2. Peter 3:12 ESV / Waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!
Sunday, December 14, 2014
Who’s the Boss?
When people ask for advice regarding their marriage or budding love relationship, I often tell them that the most important thing is to let Jesus be the boss. No matter how much two people love each other and no matter how much they have in common, they are going to have some disagreements. When that happens, the surest way to know what’s right is to ask the highest authority. If both partners are willing to let Jesus make the decisions, they can avoid the friction and resentment that undermine many relationships.
Maybe the one you love has done things that have hurt you. Maybe you feel he or she doesn’t understand you or isn’t meeting your needs. Maybe you feel guilty about mistakes you’ve made or pain you’ve caused. Maybe a lack of communication has created a gulf that seems impossible to bridge. No matter what your difficulty or circumstances, Jesus has the answers.
He knows your heart and exactly what you need, and He can fix anything. He loves you so much that He gave His life for you, so you know your happiness is important to Him. I’ve found that He always has a plan to bring wonderful things out of each test in our lives. Sometimes we go through long, dark tunnels, but we always come out on the other side as long as we keep following Jesus.
Look to Him for guidance, and have faith that He can and wants to give you solutions to your problems and disagreements. In some form or another, those solutions will always come down to love, humility, prayer, and communication—the four most effective problem-solving tools ever.
You let Jesus be the boss by communicating with Him through prayer, first of all. Take your problems and differences to Him, and let Him speak to your heart about them, either directly or through His written Word. Then act on what He shows you. That’s where the love, humility, and better communication between you and your loved one come in, as well as more prayer for Jesus to make whatever inward changes you each need.
As you do your part, Jesus will reward your faith. He will change circumstances for you‚ improve things, encourage you, and strengthen your spirits. If things seem to be progressing slowly‚ don’t give up. Keep trusting Him to come through for you, and He will bless you with a happy, fulfilling relationship.
—
Romans 6:23 ESV / For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Luke 12:33 ESV / Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.
Mark 11:25 ESV / And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
Maybe the one you love has done things that have hurt you. Maybe you feel he or she doesn’t understand you or isn’t meeting your needs. Maybe you feel guilty about mistakes you’ve made or pain you’ve caused. Maybe a lack of communication has created a gulf that seems impossible to bridge. No matter what your difficulty or circumstances, Jesus has the answers.
He knows your heart and exactly what you need, and He can fix anything. He loves you so much that He gave His life for you, so you know your happiness is important to Him. I’ve found that He always has a plan to bring wonderful things out of each test in our lives. Sometimes we go through long, dark tunnels, but we always come out on the other side as long as we keep following Jesus.
Look to Him for guidance, and have faith that He can and wants to give you solutions to your problems and disagreements. In some form or another, those solutions will always come down to love, humility, prayer, and communication—the four most effective problem-solving tools ever.
You let Jesus be the boss by communicating with Him through prayer, first of all. Take your problems and differences to Him, and let Him speak to your heart about them, either directly or through His written Word. Then act on what He shows you. That’s where the love, humility, and better communication between you and your loved one come in, as well as more prayer for Jesus to make whatever inward changes you each need.
As you do your part, Jesus will reward your faith. He will change circumstances for you‚ improve things, encourage you, and strengthen your spirits. If things seem to be progressing slowly‚ don’t give up. Keep trusting Him to come through for you, and He will bless you with a happy, fulfilling relationship.
—
Romans 6:23 ESV / For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Luke 12:33 ESV / Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.
Mark 11:25 ESV / And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
Prayer Points
1. Please intercede for Bro Mok Tong Sing, Iris, Jesslyn, Angela.
2. Please intercede for TSA Penang Ministry - Children's Home, Community Service, Thrift Store, Church.
3. Please intercede for one another, for good health, friendship and relationship.
4. Please intercede for Christmas Program.
2. Please intercede for TSA Penang Ministry - Children's Home, Community Service, Thrift Store, Church.
3. Please intercede for one another, for good health, friendship and relationship.
4. Please intercede for Christmas Program.
Announcement
Penang Christmas Open House
Date: 14 Dec 2014 (Sunday) / Time: 7-10pm
Venue: Fort Cornwallis, Esplande.
Caroling Practice
Kindly take note of caroling practice after the church service.
Bro. Tong Sing will lead us, please do come and support.
Christmas Day Service and Celebration Lunch
Date: 25 December 2014 Time: 10:30am
All are welcome. Please bring along your family members, friends, relatives and neighbor.
Christmas Day Open House
Date: 25 December 2014 Time: 7:30pm Venue: Penang Children's Hom
All are welcome.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
New Worlds to Discover
Our lives involveall sorts of relationships. In fact, relating to people is largely what life is about. Relationships, when based on the right foundation and growing in the right direction, are wonderful, rewarding experiences. Each new relationship also brings with it an exciting new set of challenges and surprises. And of course no relationships are as challenging or full of surprises as romantic relationships.
Opening your life to that special someone is like opening the door to a vast new world beyond what you’ve known so far. You discover the world through another’s eyes; you feel the world through their emotions; you view the world from a different perspective. Now you have not only your own but also their feelings, opinions, and preferences to consider. You discover what makes them tick and how they think. You learn to put their needs before your own, and in the process you also realize things about yourself that you never knew before.
A key asset to a good relationship is honest, open communication. Be honest about your feelings, your needs, and what you like or don’t like. Share your desires, hopes, goals, and dreams. Communication will help you avoid misunderstandings and solve many problems while they are still small.
You have to know what to say, how to say it, when to say it, and even whether to say it. But if you build the bond between you on that kind of communication, and if you keep at it through the years, then love will thrive.
It is natural, after a while, for couples to think they know each other inside out and therefore need to communicate less. Some couples even stop communicating altogether. But the truth is that two people can’t know each other well enough to stop communicating and not have problems, because people change. Everyone has somewhat different needs and thinks somewhat differently today than they did a year ago, or a month ago, or even yesterday. So if a couple stops sharing their minds and hearts because they think they’ve got everything figured out already, they will miss these changes. When that happens, each person begins to think that the other one doesn’t understand them, and that may be true; maybe they understood them last year or last month or last week, but they won’t understand them today unless they communicate. Better communication can make the difference between a cold, drab, routine, humdrum existence and a warm, loving, fun relationship.
No matter how new or how old a relationship, there’s always something new to discover!
—
John 21:25 ESV / Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
Matthew 24:21-22 ESV / For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.
Matthew 7:13-14 ESV / “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Opening your life to that special someone is like opening the door to a vast new world beyond what you’ve known so far. You discover the world through another’s eyes; you feel the world through their emotions; you view the world from a different perspective. Now you have not only your own but also their feelings, opinions, and preferences to consider. You discover what makes them tick and how they think. You learn to put their needs before your own, and in the process you also realize things about yourself that you never knew before.
A key asset to a good relationship is honest, open communication. Be honest about your feelings, your needs, and what you like or don’t like. Share your desires, hopes, goals, and dreams. Communication will help you avoid misunderstandings and solve many problems while they are still small.
You have to know what to say, how to say it, when to say it, and even whether to say it. But if you build the bond between you on that kind of communication, and if you keep at it through the years, then love will thrive.
It is natural, after a while, for couples to think they know each other inside out and therefore need to communicate less. Some couples even stop communicating altogether. But the truth is that two people can’t know each other well enough to stop communicating and not have problems, because people change. Everyone has somewhat different needs and thinks somewhat differently today than they did a year ago, or a month ago, or even yesterday. So if a couple stops sharing their minds and hearts because they think they’ve got everything figured out already, they will miss these changes. When that happens, each person begins to think that the other one doesn’t understand them, and that may be true; maybe they understood them last year or last month or last week, but they won’t understand them today unless they communicate. Better communication can make the difference between a cold, drab, routine, humdrum existence and a warm, loving, fun relationship.
No matter how new or how old a relationship, there’s always something new to discover!
—
John 21:25 ESV / Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.
Matthew 24:21-22 ESV / For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.
Matthew 7:13-14 ESV / “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Friday, December 12, 2014
Successful Relationships
A stray dog moved into the Smiths’ neighborhood the same day the Joneses moved in next door, and the dog immediately began to wreak havoc, scrounging in trashcans and tearing up flowerbeds in both yards.
The Smiths were irked that the Joneses had brought such a nuisance into the neighborhood, and the Joneses found it inexcusable that the Smiths made no attempt to control their dog. For several weeks neither couple said anything to the other, while bad feelings festered on both sides. Finally Ms. Smith could stand no more and gave Ms. Jones a piece of her mind. “Oh,” Ms. Jones replied, “we thought it was your dog!”
Often the things that sour relationships are like that dog—more a matter of misunderstandings or small irritations that get blown out of proportion than actual wrongdoing on anyone’s part. Usually all it takes to set things right is better communication, but someone has to make the first move, and that’s not always easy. Both parties, convinced that they’re right or unwilling to admit that they’re not, lock themselves into their positions. Barriers go up. Relationships go bad. Everyone suffers.
Where can we find the humility to admit we’ve been in the wrong, or the love and grace to forgive and forget when we’ve been wronged? Where can we find the wisdom to turn a no-win situation into a win-win situation, the strength to buck our stubborn nature, or the courage to make the first move? All these and more are at our disposal anytime, whatever we need, when we need it, in unlimited supply, free of charge. “Every good and every perfect gift is from above.” “Ask, and it will be given you.” Like all of the other best things in life, the most successful relationships begin with the ultimate relationship—heart to heart communion with “the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” May He bless you with His very best, always and in all ways.
—
James 1:17 (ESV) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
Matthew 7:7 (ESV) “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
1. Timothy 6:17 (ESV) As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
The Smiths were irked that the Joneses had brought such a nuisance into the neighborhood, and the Joneses found it inexcusable that the Smiths made no attempt to control their dog. For several weeks neither couple said anything to the other, while bad feelings festered on both sides. Finally Ms. Smith could stand no more and gave Ms. Jones a piece of her mind. “Oh,” Ms. Jones replied, “we thought it was your dog!”
Often the things that sour relationships are like that dog—more a matter of misunderstandings or small irritations that get blown out of proportion than actual wrongdoing on anyone’s part. Usually all it takes to set things right is better communication, but someone has to make the first move, and that’s not always easy. Both parties, convinced that they’re right or unwilling to admit that they’re not, lock themselves into their positions. Barriers go up. Relationships go bad. Everyone suffers.
Where can we find the humility to admit we’ve been in the wrong, or the love and grace to forgive and forget when we’ve been wronged? Where can we find the wisdom to turn a no-win situation into a win-win situation, the strength to buck our stubborn nature, or the courage to make the first move? All these and more are at our disposal anytime, whatever we need, when we need it, in unlimited supply, free of charge. “Every good and every perfect gift is from above.” “Ask, and it will be given you.” Like all of the other best things in life, the most successful relationships begin with the ultimate relationship—heart to heart communion with “the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” May He bless you with His very best, always and in all ways.
—
James 1:17 (ESV) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
Matthew 7:7 (ESV) “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
1. Timothy 6:17 (ESV) As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Miracles Come Naturally to God
We usually think of things that are beyond our comprehension as
supernatural or miraculous, but those things aren’t supernatural to God
because He operates in the spiritual realm where everything is “natural”
to Him. There is nothing that’s impossible for God. A lot of things God
does are beyond our power and grasp of things and what we consider
natural, so when they happen we say they are supernatural. But with God
nothing is impossible, so nothing is supernatural to Him.
God can do things that are contrary to what we consider His natural laws. When someone is healed of an incurable disease, for example, we call it a miracle because we’re seeing the evidence or manifestation of some of God’s laws that link the spiritual and the physical realms—laws that we know little about.
To God, on the other hand, it’s simple! He knows how to undo whatever damage the disease may have done and thereby creates what to us is a miracle—a supernatural act that is beyond our capabilities.
God is always ready, willing, and able to work miracles on our behalf—miracles of healing, supply, protection, or whatever else we may need when we ask Him to in faith and claim the promises from His Word. We can’t work miracles; we can only pray for Him to do them and marvel at His power when He does.
Acts 19:11 ESV / And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul,
Mark 16:17 ESV / And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
God can do things that are contrary to what we consider His natural laws. When someone is healed of an incurable disease, for example, we call it a miracle because we’re seeing the evidence or manifestation of some of God’s laws that link the spiritual and the physical realms—laws that we know little about.
To God, on the other hand, it’s simple! He knows how to undo whatever damage the disease may have done and thereby creates what to us is a miracle—a supernatural act that is beyond our capabilities.
God is always ready, willing, and able to work miracles on our behalf—miracles of healing, supply, protection, or whatever else we may need when we ask Him to in faith and claim the promises from His Word. We can’t work miracles; we can only pray for Him to do them and marvel at His power when He does.
–
John 14:12 ESV / “Truly,
truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I
do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the
Father.
Acts 19:11 ESV / And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul,
Mark 16:17 ESV / And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
A Sound Mind
I am by nature something of a worrywart. I’m almost constantly
preoccupied with one worry or another. I am also a multitasker. I can do
just about anything and worry at the same time. For example, this
morning I was trying to take my daily quiet time, reading a few pages of
devotional material and reflecting on it (I say “trying,” because at
the same time I was worrying about the week’s work ahead of me, ongoing
health problems, and an upcoming trip) when this sentence jumped off of
the page: “In the Bible, the admonition to ‘fear not’ is used more than
100 times.” I guess God knew our inclination to worry and fear.
As kids we are afraid of the dark, the boogeyman under the bed, and the dentist. A couple of years later we’ve learned that the boogeyman doesn’t exist and the dentist knows what he’s doing, so we’re afraid of bullies at school, being embarrassed in front of our friends, and making a poor grade on the Tuesday math quiz.
A few more years later and we’re afraid of pimples and braces and not being popular enough.
Soon enough we fear that first job and worry about the future and what we’ll become. We fear failing academically and failing in relationships. We fear disappointing family and friends. We fear economic failure, we fear for our children’s happiness and well-being, and we fear sickness and death.
We outgrow fears, but we never seem to outgrow fearing.
It also doesn’t help that these days there seems to be more and more to be afraid of. Just read or watch the news and you’ll see what I’m talking about—war, crime, terrorism, new strains of deadly diseases, natural and manmade disasters, and of course the miserable state of the world economy and the ramifications that brings with it.
In the Bible, God has an answer for each of those fears:
“Trouble at work? Nasty coworkers threatening to cause trouble for you? Don’t worry! Put your will on My side and I’ll take care of the problem!”
“Worried about war and terrorism? Don’t fear! Entrust your life and your family to Me, and I’ll take care of you.”
“Afraid of natural disasters? Worried about earthquakes, tsunamis, or hurricanes? Don’t be! I’ve got you covered. That’s the best insurance policy you could ask for!”
“Are you suffering physically—perhaps even battling a life-threatening sickness? Don’t be afraid. I will be with you through it all, to comfort you and hold your hand.”
“Have you been wrongly accused and therefore worry about saving your reputation and future? Don’t. I know the truth, and I’ll make sure it comes out in the end.”
“It can be a scary world out there! There’s a lot of bad stuff going on. Maybe you live in a dangerous area and that worries you sometimes. Don’t be afraid. If I take care of the birds and the flowers, what makes you think I won’t take care of you? You’re worth everything to Me.”
“I see you’ve been worried about how to provide for your family. It’s been difficult to make ends meet, and the bills are piling up. Don’t be afraid. The world and all that is in it are Mine, and it is My pleasure to meet every one of your needs. Just ask.”
As I thought about it more, I realized that God had a contingency plan for every possible calamity. For every worry, He has a solution at His fingertips. What’s more, it’s His pleasure to take care of us! He doesn’t consider us an annoyance when we come to Him with our fears and worries. Rather, like the loving Father He is, He picks us up and gently says, “I understand. Why don’t you leave that fear with Me, and let Me handle it for you?”
“God has not given us the spirit of fear,” the apostle Paul wrote, “but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
1. Peter 5:7 (NIV) Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
2. Timothy 1:7 (NIV) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
As kids we are afraid of the dark, the boogeyman under the bed, and the dentist. A couple of years later we’ve learned that the boogeyman doesn’t exist and the dentist knows what he’s doing, so we’re afraid of bullies at school, being embarrassed in front of our friends, and making a poor grade on the Tuesday math quiz.
A few more years later and we’re afraid of pimples and braces and not being popular enough.
Soon enough we fear that first job and worry about the future and what we’ll become. We fear failing academically and failing in relationships. We fear disappointing family and friends. We fear economic failure, we fear for our children’s happiness and well-being, and we fear sickness and death.
We outgrow fears, but we never seem to outgrow fearing.
It also doesn’t help that these days there seems to be more and more to be afraid of. Just read or watch the news and you’ll see what I’m talking about—war, crime, terrorism, new strains of deadly diseases, natural and manmade disasters, and of course the miserable state of the world economy and the ramifications that brings with it.
In the Bible, God has an answer for each of those fears:
“Trouble at work? Nasty coworkers threatening to cause trouble for you? Don’t worry! Put your will on My side and I’ll take care of the problem!”
“Worried about war and terrorism? Don’t fear! Entrust your life and your family to Me, and I’ll take care of you.”
“Afraid of natural disasters? Worried about earthquakes, tsunamis, or hurricanes? Don’t be! I’ve got you covered. That’s the best insurance policy you could ask for!”
“Are you suffering physically—perhaps even battling a life-threatening sickness? Don’t be afraid. I will be with you through it all, to comfort you and hold your hand.”
“Have you been wrongly accused and therefore worry about saving your reputation and future? Don’t. I know the truth, and I’ll make sure it comes out in the end.”
“It can be a scary world out there! There’s a lot of bad stuff going on. Maybe you live in a dangerous area and that worries you sometimes. Don’t be afraid. If I take care of the birds and the flowers, what makes you think I won’t take care of you? You’re worth everything to Me.”
“I see you’ve been worried about how to provide for your family. It’s been difficult to make ends meet, and the bills are piling up. Don’t be afraid. The world and all that is in it are Mine, and it is My pleasure to meet every one of your needs. Just ask.”
As I thought about it more, I realized that God had a contingency plan for every possible calamity. For every worry, He has a solution at His fingertips. What’s more, it’s His pleasure to take care of us! He doesn’t consider us an annoyance when we come to Him with our fears and worries. Rather, like the loving Father He is, He picks us up and gently says, “I understand. Why don’t you leave that fear with Me, and let Me handle it for you?”
“God has not given us the spirit of fear,” the apostle Paul wrote, “but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
–
Luke 12:32 (NIV) Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
1. Peter 5:7 (NIV) Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
2. Timothy 1:7 (NIV) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Salvation in a Mineshaft
Born and raised in a small Ukrainian mining town during the Soviet
era, I grew up in an atmosphere of atheism. One day I came across a book
titled Not by Bread Alone. Being an avid reader, I read it in a single
sitting. The book offered a simple plan of salvation, followed by a
prayer to receive Jesus as my personal Savior. The concepts of God,
faith, and prayer were all foreign to my thinking, but something about
the book captivated me. When I repeated the prayer, I had a feeling that
was both marvelous and a bit scary, as though my soul was being
elevated to the ceiling.
Several years later I left my hometown to study at the state university, and there I met some Christians who led me from A to Z into a life of faith and service to God and others.
The next time I visited my parents, I explained how Jesus had changed my life and that He could do the same for them. My mother received it gladly, but my father was skeptical. I promised to pray for him.
At the start of each workday, my father and the other coalminers descended the vertical shaft two by two. Part of their safety gear was a heavy belt that was anchored to the shaft’s wooden framework by a rope. My dad never used that belt, however, as it was bulky and uncomfortable. Instead he wore a lighter one that he trusted would serve the purpose just as well.
One day someone had taken his lightweight belt, so he was forced to use the heavier one. He and his partner went down the shaft and were soon busy mining, my father under their support pier and his partner on the top of it.
Suddenly my father’s foot slipped, he lost his balance, and fell into the black abyss. The safety rope caught him, but for several minutes he dangled under the pier. Shards of coal rained on him, cutting his head, face, and body.
Finally his partner, who hadn’t heard my father’s cries for help over the din of the machinery, stopped working to check on him, saw what had happened, and helped him up.
When my father recounted the incident to me later, he said that his whole life had passed before his eyes as he hung in the darkness. “I felt your prayers holding me tight,” he said, “and that was when I decided to receive Jesus as my Savior.”
My father’s favorite old belt? He thanks God that someone had taken it that day.
Acts 22:16 ESV / And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’
Galatians 3:27 ESV / For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Several years later I left my hometown to study at the state university, and there I met some Christians who led me from A to Z into a life of faith and service to God and others.
The next time I visited my parents, I explained how Jesus had changed my life and that He could do the same for them. My mother received it gladly, but my father was skeptical. I promised to pray for him.
At the start of each workday, my father and the other coalminers descended the vertical shaft two by two. Part of their safety gear was a heavy belt that was anchored to the shaft’s wooden framework by a rope. My dad never used that belt, however, as it was bulky and uncomfortable. Instead he wore a lighter one that he trusted would serve the purpose just as well.
One day someone had taken his lightweight belt, so he was forced to use the heavier one. He and his partner went down the shaft and were soon busy mining, my father under their support pier and his partner on the top of it.
Suddenly my father’s foot slipped, he lost his balance, and fell into the black abyss. The safety rope caught him, but for several minutes he dangled under the pier. Shards of coal rained on him, cutting his head, face, and body.
Finally his partner, who hadn’t heard my father’s cries for help over the din of the machinery, stopped working to check on him, saw what had happened, and helped him up.
When my father recounted the incident to me later, he said that his whole life had passed before his eyes as he hung in the darkness. “I felt your prayers holding me tight,” he said, “and that was when I decided to receive Jesus as my Savior.”
My father’s favorite old belt? He thanks God that someone had taken it that day.
–
1. Peter 3:21 ESV /
Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of
dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience,
through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
Acts 22:16 ESV / And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’
Galatians 3:27 ESV / For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Monday, December 8, 2014
Path of Destruction
Caught in the heart of citywide riots that had been sparked by
anti-government student demonstrations, God was our only defense—but He
was strong enough! What could have turned into trauma and tragedy for us
became instead a thrilling testimony to the power of God.
Our third-story apartment doubled as housing and base of operations for our volunteer work. In the previous few days we had left only for emergencies. “Have you heard the latest?” someone whispered. We kept our voices low, as we didn’t want to upset the children. “Crowds are rioting all across the city!”
Lydia peered out the window, being careful to stay out of sight behind the curtain. “It’s all quiet around here,” she said. “Almost too quiet.”
“We’re safe here for the time being,” John replied, putting his arm around Lydia. “We’ve prayed for our situation, so we know we’re in the Lord’s hands.” We had been praying about trying to leave the city, but kept feeling that the Lord wanted us to stay put.
“Now seems like a good time to try to talk to some of our neighbors,” John said.
Lydia looked out the window again, this time at the men who stood guard at the outer gate of our housing complex. Their show of force might be enough to deter a few would-be looters, but what could they possibly do if they were set upon by an angry mob?
John and Lydia prayed for the Lord’s protection, and then set off down the stairs and out of the building. They hurried past the evacuated shops on the ground floor, then over to the front gate of our complex where a few neighbors mingled and talked with the guards. As John and Lydia got closer a loud crash shook the neighborhood. At the same instant two frightened teenagers came hurtling around the corner.
“Quick!” one of them shouted. “Get out of here! A mob is headed this way!”
There were more people behind the two teenagers—dozens of them on foot and motorbikes or in cars—all racing as fast as they could to keep ahead of the rioters.
The first young man stopped and bent over. Resting his hands on his knees, he tried to catch his breath. “They’re breaking shop windows and setting buildings on fire—buildings just like this one!” he said. “They’re right around the corner!” Fear flashed in his eyes and he sprinted off again. Panic overcame our neighbors, and they took off too.
John and Lydia prayed to stay calm. Without saying another word to each other, they turned, rushed back to our apartment building, and bounded up the stairs. Joanna had seen them coming and flung the door open for them.
It was clear that something terrible was happening in the streets below, and there was only one thing that we could do: pray desperately for the Lord to keep us from harm!
A couple of us kept our children occupied with reading in another room, while the rest of us prayed as we never had before! Time passed. We prayed on. When the shouting and screaming below got louder, we stopped our ears and claimed God’s protection over and over.
Psalm 91 was a tremendous comfort. “A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. … I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust. … You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day. … No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling.” It seemed like that had been written specifically for us. The peace of God covered our spirits like a cozy blanket.
After what seemed like forever, someone got up and went to the window. Everything was quiet and still. Not a soul was in sight. We were safe!
Phil and Esther ran up to the roof to get a better look. There they could see just how wonderfully we had been saved. The mob had left a path of destruction down the street that led to our neighborhood—a cindered, litter-strewn mess of mangled steel and shattered glass. The mob had come straight up our street, and then just before it got to our apartment, the mob had made a U-turn and headed for a nearby supermarket.
For some time after that, we could still hear the shouts of looters as they emptied the supermarket of anything they could carry. Later, 200-foot columns of fire illuminated the night sky as two nearby department stores were looted and burned.
Destruction and terror were all around, but through it all, we were kept safe in the hands of our loving Savior.
Philippians 3:19 ESV / Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
Philippians 3:18 ESV / For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.
Our third-story apartment doubled as housing and base of operations for our volunteer work. In the previous few days we had left only for emergencies. “Have you heard the latest?” someone whispered. We kept our voices low, as we didn’t want to upset the children. “Crowds are rioting all across the city!”
Lydia peered out the window, being careful to stay out of sight behind the curtain. “It’s all quiet around here,” she said. “Almost too quiet.”
“We’re safe here for the time being,” John replied, putting his arm around Lydia. “We’ve prayed for our situation, so we know we’re in the Lord’s hands.” We had been praying about trying to leave the city, but kept feeling that the Lord wanted us to stay put.
“Now seems like a good time to try to talk to some of our neighbors,” John said.
Lydia looked out the window again, this time at the men who stood guard at the outer gate of our housing complex. Their show of force might be enough to deter a few would-be looters, but what could they possibly do if they were set upon by an angry mob?
John and Lydia prayed for the Lord’s protection, and then set off down the stairs and out of the building. They hurried past the evacuated shops on the ground floor, then over to the front gate of our complex where a few neighbors mingled and talked with the guards. As John and Lydia got closer a loud crash shook the neighborhood. At the same instant two frightened teenagers came hurtling around the corner.
“Quick!” one of them shouted. “Get out of here! A mob is headed this way!”
There were more people behind the two teenagers—dozens of them on foot and motorbikes or in cars—all racing as fast as they could to keep ahead of the rioters.
The first young man stopped and bent over. Resting his hands on his knees, he tried to catch his breath. “They’re breaking shop windows and setting buildings on fire—buildings just like this one!” he said. “They’re right around the corner!” Fear flashed in his eyes and he sprinted off again. Panic overcame our neighbors, and they took off too.
John and Lydia prayed to stay calm. Without saying another word to each other, they turned, rushed back to our apartment building, and bounded up the stairs. Joanna had seen them coming and flung the door open for them.
It was clear that something terrible was happening in the streets below, and there was only one thing that we could do: pray desperately for the Lord to keep us from harm!
A couple of us kept our children occupied with reading in another room, while the rest of us prayed as we never had before! Time passed. We prayed on. When the shouting and screaming below got louder, we stopped our ears and claimed God’s protection over and over.
Psalm 91 was a tremendous comfort. “A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. … I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust. … You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day. … No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling.” It seemed like that had been written specifically for us. The peace of God covered our spirits like a cozy blanket.
After what seemed like forever, someone got up and went to the window. Everything was quiet and still. Not a soul was in sight. We were safe!
Phil and Esther ran up to the roof to get a better look. There they could see just how wonderfully we had been saved. The mob had left a path of destruction down the street that led to our neighborhood—a cindered, litter-strewn mess of mangled steel and shattered glass. The mob had come straight up our street, and then just before it got to our apartment, the mob had made a U-turn and headed for a nearby supermarket.
For some time after that, we could still hear the shouts of looters as they emptied the supermarket of anything they could carry. Later, 200-foot columns of fire illuminated the night sky as two nearby department stores were looted and burned.
Destruction and terror were all around, but through it all, we were kept safe in the hands of our loving Savior.
–
James 4:7 ESV / Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Philippians 3:19 ESV / Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.
Philippians 3:18 ESV / For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Protection and Power
The safest place in the world for you is close to God and where He
wants you to be. No matter where that is or what’s against you, He will
keep you. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to
it and are safe.”
God has promised to protect His own, but has anything bad ever happened to you since you’ve accepted Him into your heart and life? Has the Lord ever let you suffer in some way through an accident, affliction, or other trouble?
Look at what happened to Job! Were all the calamities that befell him and his family his fault? Was God punishing him for his sins? No. All of these things happened because the devil asked God if he could test and tempt Job to see if he could break Job and make him lose his faith. The Lord let the devil take away all Job’s wealth, then his family, and finally his health. It was all a test, perpetrated by the devil but allowed by the Lord in order to show that Job would continue to love and honor Him in spite of it all. And when Job passed the test, God blessed him with twice as much as he had lost.
Don’t worry; God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear. He doesn’t let the devil give us more than we can take, but He does sometimes let the devil test us to see if we’ll depend on Him and His promises in the Word even in difficult circumstances. And once we’ve passed the test,
God will deliver us, just like He did Job.
All through the Bible the Lord miraculously empowered and protected those who turned to Him for help. And the same miracles of power and protection that occurred back in Bible times can happen today. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever!” If Jesus could do those miracles in His day, then He can still do them today. God is still the God of miracles, and what He’s done before He can do again.
Jesus said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth!” That’s a lot of power! And if you’ve accepted Jesus into your life and heart, you have access to that power as well. God has not only promised all this power and protection, but He’s promised it for right now and for you, if you believe!
1. Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Hebrews 13:8 (NIV) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
God has promised to protect His own, but has anything bad ever happened to you since you’ve accepted Him into your heart and life? Has the Lord ever let you suffer in some way through an accident, affliction, or other trouble?
Look at what happened to Job! Were all the calamities that befell him and his family his fault? Was God punishing him for his sins? No. All of these things happened because the devil asked God if he could test and tempt Job to see if he could break Job and make him lose his faith. The Lord let the devil take away all Job’s wealth, then his family, and finally his health. It was all a test, perpetrated by the devil but allowed by the Lord in order to show that Job would continue to love and honor Him in spite of it all. And when Job passed the test, God blessed him with twice as much as he had lost.
Don’t worry; God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear. He doesn’t let the devil give us more than we can take, but He does sometimes let the devil test us to see if we’ll depend on Him and His promises in the Word even in difficult circumstances. And once we’ve passed the test,
God will deliver us, just like He did Job.
All through the Bible the Lord miraculously empowered and protected those who turned to Him for help. And the same miracles of power and protection that occurred back in Bible times can happen today. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever!” If Jesus could do those miracles in His day, then He can still do them today. God is still the God of miracles, and what He’s done before He can do again.
Jesus said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth!” That’s a lot of power! And if you’ve accepted Jesus into your life and heart, you have access to that power as well. God has not only promised all this power and protection, but He’s promised it for right now and for you, if you believe!
–
Proverbs 18:10 (NIV) The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
1. Corinthians 10:13 (NIV) No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Hebrews 13:8 (NIV) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Prayer Points
1. Please intercede for Bro Ooi Ah Seong, Lenny Yong, Jimme Lee.
2. Please intercede for TSA Penang Ministry - Children's Home, Community Service, Thrift Store, Church.
3. Please intercede for one another, for good health, friendship and relationship.
4. Please intercede for Christmas Program.
2. Please intercede for TSA Penang Ministry - Children's Home, Community Service, Thrift Store, Church.
3. Please intercede for one another, for good health, friendship and relationship.
4. Please intercede for Christmas Program.
Announcement
Penang Christmas Open House
Date: 14 Dec 2014 (Sunday) / Time: 7-10pm
Venue: Fort Cornwallis, Esplande.
Caroling Practice
Kindly take note of caroling practice after the church service.
Bro. Tong Sing will lead us, please do come and support.
Christmas Day Service and Celebration Lunch
Date: 25 December 2014 Time: 10:30am
All are welcome. Please bring along your family members, friends, relatives and neighbor.
Christmas Day Open House
Date: 25 December 2014 Time: 7:30pm Venue: Penang Children's Home
Saturday, December 6, 2014
The Safety Bubble
Our heavenly fatheroffers us incredible security and peace from the
evils of this world. Through His divine care and intervention, we can
live in a bubble of protection from the bad things that go on around us
and that could also happen to us if He wasn’t constantly keeping them at
bay.
God can protect us from anything, but only when we give Him our cooperation. We do that by staying close to Him in spirit—by loving Him and doing our best to live by the principles He’s laid out in His Word—and by taking the necessary physical precautions. When we do those things, we have nothing to fear and can count on Him to deliver us from harm.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Greater is He who is in us than anything this world can throw at us. His love in our hearts will cast out any fearful thoughts or worries, because His Spirit will fill us with power, love, and a sound mind. We are surrounded and sheltered by Him and His angelic forces. We don’t have to fear anything the devil or bad people can try to do to us, because our great protector has promised that not a hair of our head can be touched without His permission. We can rely on Him to fulfill all of those promises and more, and through faith in them we can have peace of mind, regardless of the circumstances around us.
Sometimes, for one reason or more reasons, He lets something get through that bubble of protection, but even then “all things work together for good to those who love God.” When those seemingly bad things happen, there is usually a lesson for us, and often it is that we need to be more prayerful and more vigilant in the physical realm. If we’ve never experienced a robbery or a break-in or a mugging or some other frightening or life-threatening situation, it’s hard to imagine it happening to us, and that can lead to a false sense of security, which is dangerous.
People do desperate things when they’re at the end of their rope, and there are also people whose hearts are very evil. We live in dangerous times, but as long as we do our part, we can count on His unfailing counsel, forewarning, protection, and care. We are blessed!
1 John 4:18 (NIV) There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
God can protect us from anything, but only when we give Him our cooperation. We do that by staying close to Him in spirit—by loving Him and doing our best to live by the principles He’s laid out in His Word—and by taking the necessary physical precautions. When we do those things, we have nothing to fear and can count on Him to deliver us from harm.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Greater is He who is in us than anything this world can throw at us. His love in our hearts will cast out any fearful thoughts or worries, because His Spirit will fill us with power, love, and a sound mind. We are surrounded and sheltered by Him and His angelic forces. We don’t have to fear anything the devil or bad people can try to do to us, because our great protector has promised that not a hair of our head can be touched without His permission. We can rely on Him to fulfill all of those promises and more, and through faith in them we can have peace of mind, regardless of the circumstances around us.
Sometimes, for one reason or more reasons, He lets something get through that bubble of protection, but even then “all things work together for good to those who love God.” When those seemingly bad things happen, there is usually a lesson for us, and often it is that we need to be more prayerful and more vigilant in the physical realm. If we’ve never experienced a robbery or a break-in or a mugging or some other frightening or life-threatening situation, it’s hard to imagine it happening to us, and that can lead to a false sense of security, which is dangerous.
People do desperate things when they’re at the end of their rope, and there are also people whose hearts are very evil. We live in dangerous times, but as long as we do our part, we can count on His unfailing counsel, forewarning, protection, and care. We are blessed!
–
1 John 4:4 (NIV) You, dear
children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is
in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
1 John 4:18 (NIV) There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.
Friday, December 5, 2014
Flight Tracker
“The eyes of the Lord are in every place.”
This morning my husband Simon left suddenly to the USA, after receiving word that his elderly mother’s health had taken a turn for the worse. We couldn’t afford trans-Atlantic airfare for two, so here I am, home alone and already missing Simon.
I’ve been combating loneliness by keeping busy, and between catching up on housework and checking email, I came across a real-time “flight tracker” on the Internet. Since then I’ve gone back to that screen every couple of hours to follow Simon’s progress as his plane passed over the vast expanse of ocean, reached landfall, and is now making its way down the eastern coast of North America. Even though Simon has no idea I am “watching” in this way, knowing where he is at the moment gives me a curious sense of comfort.
A few minutes ago the thought struck me that this is how God is with us. He’s always watching and knows right where we are in our flight schedule, and unlike me, He doesn’t take His eye off the “screen” even for a moment. “His eyes are on the ways of man, and He sees all his steps.”
Three thousand miles across ocean and land. That’s how far Simon has traveled since he left home. But with God, there is no such distance. He is always right here with us. The psalmist David wrote, “If I ascend into heaven, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.”
The flight tracker is showing his approach to Philadelphia now. The Lord is always tracking us too. Are we heading in the right direction, walking in the path of His choosing, the path that leads to happiness and Him? “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy.”
I just checked the screen again. Simon’s plane is descending. Dear Lord, please give them a safe landing. “The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in.”
No matter where life takes us, we have an invisible guide who is watching, loving, never neglecting us for a moment, and taking care of us each step of the way.
I’m considerably cheered up—and look, my prayers have been answered. The plane has landed.
This morning my husband Simon left suddenly to the USA, after receiving word that his elderly mother’s health had taken a turn for the worse. We couldn’t afford trans-Atlantic airfare for two, so here I am, home alone and already missing Simon.
I’ve been combating loneliness by keeping busy, and between catching up on housework and checking email, I came across a real-time “flight tracker” on the Internet. Since then I’ve gone back to that screen every couple of hours to follow Simon’s progress as his plane passed over the vast expanse of ocean, reached landfall, and is now making its way down the eastern coast of North America. Even though Simon has no idea I am “watching” in this way, knowing where he is at the moment gives me a curious sense of comfort.
A few minutes ago the thought struck me that this is how God is with us. He’s always watching and knows right where we are in our flight schedule, and unlike me, He doesn’t take His eye off the “screen” even for a moment. “His eyes are on the ways of man, and He sees all his steps.”
Three thousand miles across ocean and land. That’s how far Simon has traveled since he left home. But with God, there is no such distance. He is always right here with us. The psalmist David wrote, “If I ascend into heaven, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.”
The flight tracker is showing his approach to Philadelphia now. The Lord is always tracking us too. Are we heading in the right direction, walking in the path of His choosing, the path that leads to happiness and Him? “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy.”
I just checked the screen again. Simon’s plane is descending. Dear Lord, please give them a safe landing. “The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in.”
No matter where life takes us, we have an invisible guide who is watching, loving, never neglecting us for a moment, and taking care of us each step of the way.
I’m considerably cheered up—and look, my prayers have been answered. The plane has landed.
–
Proverbs 15:3 (NIV) The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.
Job 34:21 (NIV) His eyes are on the ways of mortals; he sees their every step.
Psalm 139:8–10 (NIV) If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Giving at Its Best
Give cheerfully.
2 Corinthians 9:7: Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Deuteronomy 15:10a: Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart.
Exodus 25:2: Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give.
Exodus 35:21: And everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments.
1 Chronicles 29:9: The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly.
Give generously.
2 Samuel 24:24: But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them.
Proverbs 21:26b: But the righteous give without sparing.
Luke 21:4: All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.
Give with pure motives.
Matthew 6:1–3: Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.
Luke 6:34–35: And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.
1 Corinthians 13:3: If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Give according to ability.
Deuteronomy 16:17: Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you.
Proverbs 3:27–28: Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,” when you have it with you.
Acts 11:29: The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea.
1 Corinthians 16:2: On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
Galatians 6:10: Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
God blesses those who give.
Deuteronomy 15:10: Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.
Proverbs 22:9: The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
Proverbs 28:27a: Those who give to the poor will lack nothing.
Ecclesiastes 11:1: Ship your grain across the sea; after many days you may receive a return.
Mark 10:21: Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Luke 6:38: Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Acts 20:35b: In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
2 Corinthians 9:6b: Whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
2 Corinthians 9:7: Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Deuteronomy 15:10a: Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart.
Exodus 25:2: Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give.
Exodus 35:21: And everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments.
1 Chronicles 29:9: The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the LORD. David the king also rejoiced greatly.
Give generously.
2 Samuel 24:24: But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them.
Proverbs 21:26b: But the righteous give without sparing.
Luke 21:4: All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.
Give with pure motives.
Matthew 6:1–3: Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.
Luke 6:34–35: And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.
1 Corinthians 13:3: If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Give according to ability.
Deuteronomy 16:17: Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the LORD your God has blessed you.
Proverbs 3:27–28: Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,” when you have it with you.
Acts 11:29: The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea.
1 Corinthians 16:2: On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.
Galatians 6:10: Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
God blesses those who give.
Deuteronomy 15:10: Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.
Proverbs 22:9: The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
Proverbs 28:27a: Those who give to the poor will lack nothing.
Ecclesiastes 11:1: Ship your grain across the sea; after many days you may receive a return.
Mark 10:21: Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Luke 6:38: Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Acts 20:35b: In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
2 Corinthians 9:6b: Whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
My Parenting Safari
While living in Gambia, West Africa, my five-year-old son Chris and I went on a trip to the village of Sintet, where our group of volunteers from the Family International was helping to build a school.
I had enjoyed the thrilling tales told by co-workers who had returned from there, so when I heard that a team needed to make a one-and-a-half-day trip to the village I jumped at the chance to go.
For most of the trip, all I could hear was Chris’s excited voice saying things like, “What’s this? Oh, Mommy—look! Can you take a photo of me on the termite hill?”
The rainy season was just beginning to transform the dry West African bush into gorgeous green. The country around us was full of enchanting beauty—a mix of low rolling hills, rice paddies, coconut trees, and ponds. Farmers peacefully tilled the land.
Along the way, we enjoyed delicious local food, explored a thick swamp full of towering termite hills and giant baobab trees with trunks often thicker than our car.
As we drove up the dirt road lined with cashew trees that led to Sintet, we could see a large crowd gathered at the school site straight ahead. Two of our volunteers, Joe and Richard, had arrived ahead of us and were already at work directing the construction. Village children crowded around our jeep and flashed gorgeous, white-toothed smiles. As soon as Chris got down from his seat, the village kids surrounded him and helped him get acquainted with everything.
The other kids had been pushing around toy cars made of cut-up plastic bottles, the rubber soles of broken flip-flops, and sticks. With the children’s help, Chris soon had his very own car and was pushing it over anthills and through puddles. A crowd of boys ran after him.
With no electricity in the village, most people go to bed when darkness falls, and so did we, in our small tent under the star-filled sky.
Day two at Sintet was just as much fun. I prepared my materials for the morning class I would be teaching the village’s younger children, and Dad helped me find a nice quiet spot in front of a baobab tree to give the class. We sang some songs, and then I told the story of Creation, using movable flannel figures on a flannel-covered board. This was high-tech to these children. Finally I reviewed some basic scholastics. Chris did a great job as my assistant teacher.
Then the children led us to fields where they showed us several large monkeys at play and a huge snake that hung from a tree branch high above us. They also treated us to a yellow and red moon-shaped fruit we had never seen before, which they called tao. To “pick” the fruit, the children climbed the large tao tree and swung from its highest branches. As they were about to begin, one of the boys who had stayed earthbound said, “We must go! The fruit will hit us!” And he was so right! Fruit began raining down all around us.
A few of the kids stuck with Chris and me until the very end of our visit. Many of these dear children had at first seemed quite tough because of the hardships they face every day. As we got to know them, we saw that inside their tough exteriors were tender hearts, like sponges just waiting to soak up love. Chris and I gave them as much attention as we could. Some even began to call me “Mom,” which said in their own special way how much they appreciated the love and attention we were giving them. To me, this was just as fulfilling as seeing the progress that was being made on the school construction.
All too soon, it seemed, we were home again. My visit to Sintet with Chris had been an extraordinary cultural experience, like no other I’ve had (and I’ve traveled all but four of the countries of South America and extensively in North America). What made this trip so special is that I shared the experience with my son. We learned a lot together and lived what many people only read about in schoolbooks or see on TV.
You don’t have to visit a village in the African bush to have a bona fide cultural experience or to reach out to those in need, of course. Today they’re everywhere! Most modern cities are melting pots of various races, each with something special to offer. All it takes to make new friends is a little initiative. Add a little love and concern, and you truly bring your worlds together.
—
Colossians 1:16-17 ESV – For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Malachi 2:10 ESV – Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers?
1 Corinthians 12:12 ESV – For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
I had enjoyed the thrilling tales told by co-workers who had returned from there, so when I heard that a team needed to make a one-and-a-half-day trip to the village I jumped at the chance to go.
For most of the trip, all I could hear was Chris’s excited voice saying things like, “What’s this? Oh, Mommy—look! Can you take a photo of me on the termite hill?”
The rainy season was just beginning to transform the dry West African bush into gorgeous green. The country around us was full of enchanting beauty—a mix of low rolling hills, rice paddies, coconut trees, and ponds. Farmers peacefully tilled the land.
Along the way, we enjoyed delicious local food, explored a thick swamp full of towering termite hills and giant baobab trees with trunks often thicker than our car.
As we drove up the dirt road lined with cashew trees that led to Sintet, we could see a large crowd gathered at the school site straight ahead. Two of our volunteers, Joe and Richard, had arrived ahead of us and were already at work directing the construction. Village children crowded around our jeep and flashed gorgeous, white-toothed smiles. As soon as Chris got down from his seat, the village kids surrounded him and helped him get acquainted with everything.
The other kids had been pushing around toy cars made of cut-up plastic bottles, the rubber soles of broken flip-flops, and sticks. With the children’s help, Chris soon had his very own car and was pushing it over anthills and through puddles. A crowd of boys ran after him.
With no electricity in the village, most people go to bed when darkness falls, and so did we, in our small tent under the star-filled sky.
Day two at Sintet was just as much fun. I prepared my materials for the morning class I would be teaching the village’s younger children, and Dad helped me find a nice quiet spot in front of a baobab tree to give the class. We sang some songs, and then I told the story of Creation, using movable flannel figures on a flannel-covered board. This was high-tech to these children. Finally I reviewed some basic scholastics. Chris did a great job as my assistant teacher.
Then the children led us to fields where they showed us several large monkeys at play and a huge snake that hung from a tree branch high above us. They also treated us to a yellow and red moon-shaped fruit we had never seen before, which they called tao. To “pick” the fruit, the children climbed the large tao tree and swung from its highest branches. As they were about to begin, one of the boys who had stayed earthbound said, “We must go! The fruit will hit us!” And he was so right! Fruit began raining down all around us.
A few of the kids stuck with Chris and me until the very end of our visit. Many of these dear children had at first seemed quite tough because of the hardships they face every day. As we got to know them, we saw that inside their tough exteriors were tender hearts, like sponges just waiting to soak up love. Chris and I gave them as much attention as we could. Some even began to call me “Mom,” which said in their own special way how much they appreciated the love and attention we were giving them. To me, this was just as fulfilling as seeing the progress that was being made on the school construction.
All too soon, it seemed, we were home again. My visit to Sintet with Chris had been an extraordinary cultural experience, like no other I’ve had (and I’ve traveled all but four of the countries of South America and extensively in North America). What made this trip so special is that I shared the experience with my son. We learned a lot together and lived what many people only read about in schoolbooks or see on TV.
You don’t have to visit a village in the African bush to have a bona fide cultural experience or to reach out to those in need, of course. Today they’re everywhere! Most modern cities are melting pots of various races, each with something special to offer. All it takes to make new friends is a little initiative. Add a little love and concern, and you truly bring your worlds together.
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Colossians 1:16-17 ESV – For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Malachi 2:10 ESV – Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers?
1 Corinthians 12:12 ESV – For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
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