Jeremiah

Things looked bad. The nation of Israel had enjoyed a few years of peace and prosperity under King Josiah when his reforms turned the nation back to the worship of God. But that was then (640-609 BC) and this was now (598 BC) and everything had changed. One king after another (four to be exact) had failed miserably both with God and the people. Now the judgment of God was near and one man in Israel knew it – the prophet Jeremiah.

He had not wanted the job and complained to God about His choice. Jeremiah was born into the priesthood and that position held security and honor. But a prophet was often hated and some had even lost their lives.  But God chose Jeremiah to be His mouthpiece and to proclaim to a people who would not listen that soon, because of their rebellion, the nation would be conquered by the Babylonians. It wasn’t going to be pretty…not for the nation nor for Jeremiah.

In the end after 40 years of faithful preaching, much of that time being rejected, mocked and  brutally treated, Jeremiah’s prophesies were fulfilled. Thousands died from famine, pestilence and the sword.  In 586 BC the Babylonians breached the wall and Jerusalem was destroyed. Most of those who were still alive were exiled. God had sent hope through Jeremiah but the people chose their own path to their destruction.

The book of Jeremiah reveals the inner struggles of a prophet of God. Jeremiah wrestled with the burden of his calling, his love for a rebellious people and his devotion to God and yet through it all he remained faithful to God and to his calling.

1.      As Christians we also have a message of life or death. (Roman’s 1:16) What stops you from proclaiming that message with truth and love?

2.      As you read Jeremiah, were there times when his attitude might reflect yours?

3.      Jeremiah was called the weeping prophet. Why do you think he deserved that name? How would you have responded if you had been in his situation?

4.      Does your love for people outweigh your fear of telling them about Jesus?

The Book of Isaiah by Eleanor Lewis

Prophets were men called by God to ‘foretell’ the future and/or ‘tell forth’ a message from God.  Isaiah is like the entire Bible in miniature!  Its message is salvation.  That word appears 26 times in this book.  Visiting the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem I was moved to hear they found a complete ancient copy of Isaiah and that there are more ancient copies of it than any other book. How gracious of God to provide this message of hope to a lost world!

The first 39 chapters of Isaiah show man’s need of salvation. Like the 39 Old Testament books, these chapters show God’s holiness and how He will judge people who are not holy.   Because Israel brought sacrifices, celebrated feasts and prayed they appeared religious; however, God says they were a sinful nation, rebelling against Him and executing plans, but not His.  They acted corruptly even worshiping idols they made; therefore, God found their religious offerings abominable and did not listen to their prayers.    Like us, they needed a Savior to wash them white as snow. 

The last 27 chapters of Isaiah, like the 27 New Testament books, present God’s provision of salvation.  Isaiah looked forward to the Messiah as Jesus is clearly foretold in chapters 40-66.  Messiah is clearly seen as a shepherd who will tend His flock (40:11), a sovereign ruler sitting above the earth, stretching out the heavens like a curtain and reducing rulers to nothing (40:22-24).  He is our protector when we pass through the waters and flaming fires of life (43:1-3a), and the only God as there is no other (45:20-22).  He is our comfort (51:12), our suffering Savior scourged, pierced and crushed for our iniquities (52:14; 53:3-12).  He is our healer but also the one who proclaims judgment or God’s vengeance (61:1-2).  He is the King of kings (66:1-2, 23).

Isaiah 59:1-2 says this great God can save anyone and hear any prayer but our sins separate us from God so He does not hear.  Therefore, we all need salvation.   What comfort to know it is available in that Savior Isaiah promised, Jesus Christ!

 

Bible study questions

 

1.     In Isaiah 2:12-22, what happens on the day of the Lord of hosts reckoning?

2.     In chapter 6, how does Isaiah see God?

3.     What separates us from God (see v59:1-2)? 

4.     How does Isaiah respond for Israel (see v59:9-15)?

5.     Who does God send for those who repent (see v59:20)?

 

 

A Study of the Song of Solomon by Pat Harley

Song of Solomon

I have to admit I am a sucker for romance. Romance is not just flowers and candy. Romance can be those intimate acts of love that we do for one another that simply shout, “I love you”. On our second date November 17, 1963, Chuck Harley brought me a stuffed moose from a popular cartoon at that time.  I loved it and named it Moots and kept that moose all through high school and into college and marriage. Then in 1972, I baby sat a very young child who had just lost a parent. She loved the moose and wanted to take it home so the moose left the house and I never saw it again.

Last Christmas, 42 years later, I received a moose for Christmas from my Beloved. It was an exact replica of the Moots I had lost so long ago. It wasn’t candy or flowers, it was something better and it was one of the most romantic gifts I have ever received. He had hunted down something that was no longer sold or made and paid a high dollar for it, all for my great pleasure and surprise. It loudly and clearly said “I love you”.

Song of Solomon is God’s great approval on romantic love. It burst through the stoic, solemn, wrinkled brow, frowny view of romance and sexual love in marriage and openly and joyfully applauds it. It is impossible to read that little book, mostly poetry, without learning a few valuable lessons.

First of all it celebrates purity until marriage. In our sex soaked culture this is not even considered possible but God assures us it is and it is worth waiting for.

Secondly, the couple openly expresses beautiful words of love to one another.  There is no holding back, and they use words of beauty and yes even fun. There is no shame or embarrassment…just pure freedom to express the love that is in their hearts.

Third, they fight (I am so glad God put that in the story) but the person who has offended makes haste to heal the relationship and forgiveness is quickly given.

And lastly, they put a high priority on their marriage. So many things can take precedent over the marriage relationship but here God encourages us to take the time to refresh and regroup and restore the passion and intimacy.

The word moose does not appear in the Song of Solomon, but the principle does. Go the second mile, do the work, spend the money, say the words, make your spouse’s happiness a priority, without embarrassment holding nothing back.  And when you do you may even hear an applause right from heaven.

After reading the Song of Solomon, answer the following questions.

1.      Chapters 1 and 2 describe the young couple’s courtship?

2.      In Chapter 3 how did the groom retrieve his bride?

3.      Chapter 4 describes the honeymoon. What makes it special?

4.      Chapter 5 describes a lover’s quarrel. Why did they fight? Did it last long?

5.      How does the couple keep love kindled in chapter 6 and 7?

6.      How can we kindle the romance with our own beloved?

The Amazing Collection 15-Minute Bible Study

Ecclesiastes

by Eleanor Lewis 

A little boy was told Solomon was the wisest man to ever live.  He replied, “But he married 700 wives and 300 porcupines, that doesn’t seem very wise to me.”  He has a point! 

The first commandment God gave was, “You shall have no other gods before Me.” Before there was a king in Israel, God warned future kings not to multiply wives for their hearts would turn away from Him to serve other gods. (Deut 17:17)  King Solomon started well asking God for wisdom. When young, he wrote the Song of Solomon giving wisdom for marriage.  In his mid-years he wrote the Proverbs which give wisdom for living a Godly life in an unGodly world.  However, disobeying God, he married many foreign women and, as God predicted, his heart turned after their gods.   (I Kings 11) 

In these later years when he had turned from God’s wisdom, King Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes.   Trusting his own mind or human wisdom he tried all the world offers... wine, women, works and wealth.   The result?  He hated life including all he thought would make him happy.  Trusting his own thinking (what seemed right) he found life to be meaningless, empty, like striving after wind.  He was seeking satisfaction, but never finding it.

Looking at all his labor had provided he realized riches can be lost through a bad investment or you will die and leave it all.   Therefore,  “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money...”  

Solomon says:  “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person.  For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”  (Eccles 12:13-14)

1.  Ecclesiastes is a book of man’s wisdom not God’s.  What have you thought would bring satisfaction that has left you feeling empty?

2.  Solomon disobeyed God by marrying foreign women.  What did he learn the hard way?  See Eccles 7:25-26.

3.  We too can get caught up or trapped by success and the things of this world.  What does Solomon say about those who fear or don’t fear (reverence) God above all? See Eccles 8:12-13.   

4.  What is God saying to you so your life will not feel meaningless, like you are striving after wind?

 

 

 

 

 

God is Real

I was reading Facebook a few weeks ago, and one of the questions on the “feed”  was “How can a parent  help a child become a Christian?”  It is a good question and one that should keep parents awake at night.  The answers were many and for the most part good ones .They  included family devotions, a commitment to a Bible teaching church, home schooling, Christian schools, youth groups and Christian camps. But there is one thing that I think far out weights any of the suggestions. In fact I think it is key and it is simple: Let them see that Christ is real.

The day a child finds out that Santa is not real nor is the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy can be a little startling. These are all stories, made to make life a little more fun. I confess I have yet to meet anyone who was truly traumatized by finding out that Mom and Dad were really the culprits. As a child I was not so interested in WHO delivered those gifts, eggs or money as I was that they WERE delivered. That was all that mattered.

But with God there is a huge difference. He IS real.  We do well to read the Bible stories to our kids. After all they are some of the very best stories in the world!  It is wonderful to have times set apart for the family to come together and pray and discuss what God has to say in the Bible. And an excellent church is a huge blessing. But they cannot show the child on a regular basis that God truly is real and involved in our lives and family. If the child is able to see that God is working and real then he will not be easily persuaded by smooth talking professors or confident friends or Hollywood.  He will KNOW because he has seen the “handiwork of God” and does not doubt His existence.   

When a child sees the parent put God before ANYTHING, he will take note. When a child hears parents talking about the work God has done or the prayer that was answered, they take notice. If church is looked upon as a joyous opportunity to worship a mighty and holy and loving God, then he will take note. When the parents refer to the Scriptures, and are committed to know and study and obey God’s Word  as their source of knowledge, understanding and wisdom,  then the child will take note.

When my daughters were young, a neighbor called me to pray for a friend that was horrifically injured in an accident and didn't expect to live. I spent that afternoon praying fervently for this lady I had never met. That evening we got the call that she had come through the surgery “miraculously” and was going to make it.  We praised God as we saw that God is real and chose to answer our prayers.

 Few years later our car was dying. We had committed to paying cash for everything except our house. It seemed like it would be impossibility, but we prayed and when our car died several months later, there was enough money in the bank to pay cash for a newer model.

But sometimes the answer is no. When our company began to flounder we prayed fervently that God would intercept and save it, but He did not and we lost everything.  But in the midst of sorrow and confusion we knew God had a plan and indeed He did. We tried to walk in faith and God responded with another job and several great blessings we would not have seen had we not first lost everything. In fact we saw God more “real” than ever before and we are grateful for the experience.  So our whole  family was able to see answered prayers, His provision and also  learn that invaluable lesson that  “no” can sometimes be a “yes” to something better. These are just a few small examples that made an impact.

Give children as much Bible knowledge as you can pump into them in the short years that they live at home. Have family devotions. Make sure you attend a Bible teaching church and a have a close group of like-minded friends. But above all, show your children that our God is not a legend, but knows us intimately, loves us dearly and is working for our great good. . 

We as parents cannot “save” our children; that is entirely the work of God. But we can show them that Christ is real as He works in our families and that His Word is true. That is an excellent step toward guiding them on the path to heaven. 

A Study of Proverbs by Linda Sweeney

 

As a child I received many “proverbs” from my grandmother.  She had some of the greatest sayings, which didn’t mean a lot to me at the time…sort of wasted on my youth, but as I matured, I realized what a wise woman she was.  The “sayings” she shared with me took on new meaning WHEN I applied them.  I often smile when I remember some of the things she taught me.  One memory I think of often with great fondness is when I was telling her some sad story about a situation I didn’t like or one where I had been hurt, was scared or wondered how I would ever “live through it!”  I had so many dramas in my life, especially as a teenager, that I don’t remember the exact “tragedy” I was relaying, but I do remember her saying “If all of our troubles were hung on a line (clothes line for laundry), you’d take yours and I’d take mine.”  That was her way of telling me that everyone has troubles and that there’s always someone with a harder situation than mine.  I’ve come to realize that this is definitely true!

As an adult, I’ve learned to read God’s Proverbs knowing that there is great wisdom there.  This is wisdom for a life of skillful living!  The book of Proverbs in the Bible was mostly composed by the wisest man to ever live, King Solomon.  God gave him great wisdom because he asked for it instead of all the other choices he could have made.  People came from great distances to hear his wisdom.  Most scholars believe these were written during his middle age years.  This book is really God’s “How to” advice for His children so that we will live a better life and be blessed.  Some of the writings are pretty funny and some show us the comparison between the wise person and the fool by the choices they make.

I would like to challenge you to read one chapter in Proverbs each day for 31 days (there are exactly 31 chapters in this book) and at the end of each chapter jot down one principle of wisdom that God has shown you.  Keeping these in a journal would be a great way to record what God wants you to know.  Be sure you ask The Holy Spirit to guide your thinking and show you what the spiritual meaning is.  It’s easy sometimes to interpret a proverb we hear with worldly wisdom.  For instance, “If the shoe fits, wear it” does not mean I can buy all the shoes I try on that fit!  Sometimes I wish it did!   Why not start by asking God to help you interpret His Proverbs for your particular situation and show you how you can be wise in the role where God has placed you:  Wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and/or co-worker.  Here’s a great one to start with if you are desiring to be an amazing woman:  Proverbs 3:5-6 says:  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”   Wisdom, or skill for living, comes from God and begins with the fear and knowledge of Him (see Proverbs 9:10).

There are many components of wisdom described in the book of Proverbs, many of which are outlined in the first chapter. Describe all of the aspect of wisdom in each of the following verses:

Proverbs 1:2:

Proverbs 1:3:

Proverbs 1:4:

Proverbs 1:5:

Proverbs 1:6:

Proverbs 1:7:

 

 

Writing By Hand

The basket sits on the floor in my bedroom.  Every time I have received a note of encouragement or appreciation or a letter from a friend or family member, anything that has meaning, I throw it in the basket to read again someday. But the basket is now overflowing so “someday” came Sunday. Some of the letters were from friends who have long since left earth and moved to heaven. Some were from people I have never met. Some were from friends I have lost contact with and others from friends still near and dear. They were all treasures. All were hand written and I could identify many of them as soon as I picked them up because of the unique cursive.

I have to admit, I am not the crying sort. But last Sunday afternoon, every note took me back into the presence of the author. Even those written by strangers had such powerful significance. A stranger sending encouragement is an exceptional treasure as they don’t have to write out of any obligation. They just do it out of a loving and sometimes grateful heart. I couldn’t help the tears that often cascaded down my cheeks.

 I began to realize this type of communication will soon be obsolete.  And there will not be many hand- written notes with distinctive cursive to cheer the heart and warm the spirit and remind us that we are loved and appreciated. The word “delete” will take care of that. And with it will go a lot more than just words of encouragement.  In some respects, history will be lost.  These notes often recalled to my mind events that had taken place that I had long forgotten. A lengthy letter from my grandfather, who passed away over thirty years ago, expressed his love for his family and added a number of stories from his life. It drew me into the chord that binds us all together with those family members who had gone on before us and loved us even when were too young and self absorbed to be able to recognize it.

I am now about one eighth of the way through the basket of cards and letters. This effort has done two things. First it has encouraged me to pick that pen back up, pull the note cards or stationary out of the desk and WRITE a note, a letter, in my hand writing to those I need to thank, to those I love and adore, to those who need encouragement. And when I write each alphabetical letter, now not nearly as refined and correct as in earlier years, I will pray that the person receiving it will save it for another decade when she or he will bring it out and be reminded that they were dearly loved and cared for and appreciated by one Pat Harley.

Secondly, it reminded me that one more generation and handwriting will be obsolete. Few children know how to write well and legibly. My grandson Colter spent last summer teaching himself how to write cursive because it is not taught in his school now that computers have become the only way to communicate.  It is a loss. And with it the easy “delete” to make room on the computer for more important things will mean that little will be saved and a part of history will be lost.

A young neighbor asked for a recipe recently and added, “Pat would you please write it out in your own handwriting? It will make the recipe more special.” I think I know what she means. Our handwriting is a part of us, each one so different, and that is what makes handwriting a treasure. No one will write the way you do. Each is unique. The hundreds of cards and letters in my white basket say there are some things worth saving…perhaps it is the hand written note.

The Book of Psalms by Linda Sweeney

We all have our favorite places to go and things to read.  I’m not sure why I love Psalms so much and consider it my favorite place in the Bible except maybe because it’s such a book of honesty!  David wrote the majority of the Psalms (Israel’s hymn book), and he’s definitely one of my favorite Bible characters.  He certainly wasn’t perfect, had no problem speaking his mind to God, and it always came back to a heart issue! 

I find so much hope in this book for whatever I’m going through.  Reading it always changes my countenance!  Even when my circumstances haven’t changed after prayer, I feel better when I’ve spent some time in this book.  It really is the book in my Bible that has the most “dog eared,” underlined, color coded and tear stained pages.  Sometimes I am led to cry out to God as David did because I am in such a hard and misunderstood place.  Other times I find myself singing out loud as I read the incredible praises David penned while worshipping his God.  Occasionally I realize I am telling God about my frustrations with people or circumstances (knowing He knows what I’m thinking before I speak).  One of my most favorite addresses to visit is Psalm 3:3 which says:  “But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head.”  Sometimes I need a shield and sometimes I need my head to be lifted!   Maybe you do too.

I recommend that you go to the book of Psalms when you know you need “something,” but aren’t sure where to go…I believe you’ll find what you’re looking for in every chapter!

Psalms to Ponder

The Psalms were written by several different authors during a variety of situations, each highlighting a different aspect of God’s character. Read the following Psalms and note which facet of God’s character comes to mind for you.

Psalm 1
Psalm 8
Psalm 27
Psalm 34
Psalm 42
Psalm 71
Psalm 89
Psalm 96
Psalm 111
Psalm 145

Purely Alluring

Our family (kids and grandkids- 13 in number) was enjoying a few days in the mountains, so of course the” girls” had to have a couple of hours shopping in the small village. My granddaughter,  Sydney, age fourteen, had been looking for a dress for her school’s spring dance and we found one in a small dress shop that we thought might fit the bill but we had no time for her to try it on.

The next day we returned to the village to enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Afterwards we once again passed the dress shop and, we had the time, so Sydney went in and tried the dress on. There is a saying that the clothes make a man. Of course we know that isn’t always true but at that moment, when I saw her emerge from the dressing room, I was reminded once again that clothes indeed speak volumes. The message in that dress was simply beautiful and feminine and innocent and in it, she literally took my breath away!

Years ago my husband coined an expression that has stuck with me as I clothed my daughters when they were young and also now look for clothes for myself. It is “purely alluring” and it seems to fit perfectly with God’s idea of His well dressed daughters.  Purity speaks of wearing nothing that would be a stumbling block to others.  It is part of the sign that says my body is sacred, a temple of God, a daughter of the King.  But then the way we dress should be attractive, alluring to others, in fact it appears that the Proverbs 31 woman dressed beautifully.  Alluring  says that we wear nothing that is offensive and yet because of what we wear,  people will be initially drawn to us. Attractive dress does…well…attract.

Sydney’s dress was once again a good reminder for me.  Beauty and modesty go hand in hand and complement one another.  I have several more granddaughters and many more proms and special occasions where beautiful dresses will be chosen.  I am looking forward to each one of them “taking my breath away” by being purely alluring!

Psalm 45:13

The King’s daughter is all glorious within;

Her clothing is interwoven with gold.

One Road Trip Never to be Forgotten

Undone

We were heading back from Ludington, Michigan last month and traveling along a fairly deserted four lane highway divided by a large medium.  A pickup truck pulling a large camper-trailer was in front of us.  As Beloved began to pull up along the left-hand side of the camper in order to pass, the camper began to sway a little bit. Beloved quickly slowed down leaving space between the two vehicles as we watched the camper sway more and more.  And then in a split-second, the camper pulled the truck off the road and both violently flipped over and over as if they were just plastic toys.  The camper blew apart coming totally undone, clothes, flooring, aluminum, sink, table, and bedding  flying in every direction as if a bomb had just exploded inside of it.  The truck finally came to a stop on the other side of the medium and the sight was terrifying.  The top of the truck was squashed in and the sides and front were bashed.  Smoke rose from the front hood and out of the driver’s side broken window hung a bloody arm. From a small opening a head protruded, soaked in blood. Nothing moved. Beloved bolted from the car and I grabbed the cell phone and dialed 911.  I quickly left instructions… “send fire trucks, ambulances, police and jaws of life as soon as you can get here.”

As I was leaping out of the car I heard a scream that did not stop. Running across the medium from our side of the road was a hysterical woman. Beloved grabbed her and held on as she continued screaming and crying, garbled words that began to paint a picture. Her husband was in the truck. She had been in the car just ahead of him.

By now a couple of other cars had stopped and we saw that the man in the truck was able to talk a little. A fire extinguisher was retrieved from one of the cars. Someone found a piece of aluminum from the camper and held it up to shield sun from the trapped man. And I just hung on to the sobbing and terrified woman.

As from instinct I began to pray with all of my heart, soul and mind. “Save him! Save him!” were all the words that came forth.  At that time another car stopped and a young woman came running to the scene. “I am a doctor,” she said. And then a man came by my side and quietly asked if we could pray. We held hands, my other arm securely around the crying woman, and we prayed together. We asked the Lord to rescue the man and save him from injury. We asked that the lady would be comforted. We asked that the rescue crew would arrive soon. And then he walked away

The entire rescue crew had arrived within twenty-five minutes, the jaws-of-life being the last and most critical to get to the scene.  The team of ten first responders worked for at least twenty-five minutes trying to free the entrapped man.  Finally the door was cut off and the roof disengaged. Ten arms carefully pulled him from the wreckage and loaded him into the awaiting ambulance.  The woman went with one of the policemen and we continued our travels, shaken and yet thankful for all of the people who had been there to help. We continued to pray throughout the day for the family not knowing for sure if the man had survived or not.

The next morning I called the Shelby Sheriff’s department and inquired about the man.  “Oh he is just fine!”, the officer said, “They are all just fine!”

I wish I had the eyes of Elisha who could see the armies of heaven gathered around.  I would like to see what was REALLY going on during that whole time, I mean what was going on in heaven, and what were the spiritual forces taking place on earth. How did a man survive such a horrific ordeal with no permanent damage? Was it just blind luck or were there angels protecting him for some reason?  And what part does prayer play in such a case, any part or perhaps all parts? Were we there for such a time as this? I do not know the answer to these questions, but I do ponder.  And yet in it all we both feel like we witnessed a miracle and are more grateful than words can say for the power of God to save a man.

2 Kings 6: 17

Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord I pray open his eyes that he might see. And the Lord opened the servants eyes and he saw and behold the mountain was full of horses and the chariots of fire all around.”

 

 

Big Love

Big Love

Lily, my eleven year old granddaughter, sent me a text message last night. It included a piece of art she had created. It was lovely and so for the next five minutes, we texted back and forth. The conversation went like this:

Lily: Hi Mimi, this is Lily I made this (picture was included)

Me: How did you do this?  It is beautiful!

Lily: There is an app were you take a picture and you get to write on it and put stuff all over it.

Me: WOW! You are Princess Lily, the creative royalty!

Lily: Thanks QM (Queen Mother) you are amazing!

Me: I love you more bunches than you can imagine.

Lily: I love u too QM!

Me: But I love you more….always!

Lily: And I know you do!

Me: Good night Sweet Girl

Lily: Good night QM!

Did you notice those words “And I know you do!” When I read those I was simply over come with her absolute assurance of it all.  SHE KNOWS her QM loves her. And she KNOWs her QM loves her better than she could ever love me. She is absolutely confident in that love and she knows it will be there for always.

I am reading John Piper’s wonderful book “What Jesus Demands of the World”.  Jesus really does command us to abide in His love.  It has a staying power, that we are to stay, continue in, be in the love of Christ.  It is a radical idea for an adult although I do believe children grasp it better than we older ones do.  Of course one of the reasons He calls us to such a dramatic, life changing command is so that His love will pour though us not only back to Him but on to others. And in so many ways all throughout Scripture He is saying “I love you better.” Nothing proves this more than the cross, nothing. And yet as I truly delight in the fact that Lily knows I love her best,  I so often find God calling me to understand that He really DOES love me best, far more than I could ever love Him or anyone else. Paul says it well:

“Who can separate us from the love of Christ? … For I am convinced  that neither death, nor life, nor angels,  nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.”  Romans 8: 35, 38-9

 

Who’s the Boss

“You are not the boss of me!” I heard those words some months ago coming from the mouth of a small child who was having a temper tantrum. She was saying this to her mother…who really WAS the boss of her! Since then I have heard those words used often usually in jest and yet I find them sobering and thought provoking. Who IS the boss of me?

Jenna, my oldest daughter, stopped by recently with her two boys, Colter (age 11) and Eli (age 8). Eli asked his mom if he could have a Pepsi, knowing that Mimi always has them in her refrigerator. The answer was “no”. Then Colter, thinking he might have more influence, being the older, asked the same question. Again Jenna said “no”. Then he turned to me and asked if perhaps he could PLEASE have a Pepsi. I replied that his mother had said no and so I must abide with her decision. “But” he replied, “YOU are the boss of her!!” I had to laugh. Colter did not realize that as a parent, I had given up my “boss” role when his mother stepped out on her own and indeed the day will come when he will no longer look to mom to be the boss of him.

But who is the boss? For all of you Christians I know you will immediately respond that, of course, it is Jesus Christ. But I can look at my life and see there were times when I boldly said to the Creator of the universe “You aren’t the boss of me!” My feelings were hurt and I wanted to stay mad. Jesus said, “Pat, I want you to forgive”. And though I would NEVER voice my thoughts out loud, I do by my actions. “You aren’t the boss of me!” And as ridiculous as it seemed to me listening to a small child tell her mother “you aren’t the boss..’, it is far more ridiculous to hear an adult (me) say those words to the all powerful, all present, all knowing and yes all merciful and loving GOD”.

One thing I have learned is that I am NOT a good “boss of me”. I want to stay mad and not forgive. So who gets hurt? Me! I want to spend more money than I have. Who gets hurt? Me. I want to use people and love things instead of using things and loving people and who gets hurt? You know the answer. I want to take and not give, talk and not listen, sit and not serve, play and not work and all of that leads to a place I really do not want to be. No, one thing is for sure…I am not a good “boss of me”.

But then there IS a good boss, no, He is the best Boss. He calls Himself the Good Shepherd. A shepherd leads and guides and protects and provides. Above all He can be trusted because He is truth personified. And in so many ways He calls to us, “Let Me be the Boss of you. I will lead you to green pastures; I will lead you beside still waters. I will give you rest and peace and if you will but listen and obey, I will give you abundant life. Let Me be the Boss of you.”

Is life not working for you? Perhaps you just might need a new “Boss of you”.

Psalm 23:1

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.

Flat Tires and Faithful Service

It is not that I get excited about Camp Mimi each year but I do start planning three months in advance! This year an added benefit was having Sydney (the oldest) take the role of Junior Camp Counselor. She is thirteen and a whiz on the computer and full of more creative ideas than I have had in my entire life. It was going to be a great camp!

But on Monday, Colter was imitating Evil Knieivel on his bike and crashed, thus requiring nine stitches. Tuesday, Syd got new braces (ouch) and then that evening I was rear-ended on the expressway thus totaling my car and stressing my back. Camp was to begin the next day at 8:00 AM.

When I went to the rental car dealer at 8:00 on Wednesday I decided to ask for a car that held 7 passengers. I got one that held nine…a huge luxury extended-cab Suburban (truck!) with every bell and whistle imaginable!! It was the perfect way to travel with five children! So I picked the kids up and we took off for Rock City in Chattanooga. Three hours later, full of great memories we headed for Lake Lanier and our “home” for the next three days. As we were coming across the mountains of North Georgia, on back roads far from what appeared to me civilization, I had a flat tire. I mean FLAT! The lights that came on first said “tire low” and then immediately the car began shaking and making an incredibly loud noise. So what does a girl do in that situation? She prays like crazy and keeps on moving. About a mile down the road we found a Marathon Station. I must say I was greatly relieved, so I pulled in, thanking God all the way. I called the AAA number for that area but got no answer. I went back to the car to try to decide what to do next and there standing by the car was an older gentleman. He was thin and had on work clothes. He hardly said a word, but just climbed under the car, then came out again and lifted the hood and then asked for the car manual.

After reading for a couple of minutes, he got busy. We helped him empty the back of the car that was full of fishing poles, suitcases, bags and boxes and backpacks. He found the tire jack compartment crawled back under the car and for the next forty-five minutes worked in virtual silence, although the kids and I kept thanking him.

Now when I took Drivers Ed in high school (yes, they DID have cars then) I was taught how to change a tire. It was not rocket science. But because of our great innovations and progress now it really DOES take a rocket scientist to change a tire! I simply marveled at the complexity of it all and also the persistence and endurance of the gentleman who pressed on to finish the job. It was back breaking, complicated and difficult. And yet he never showed signs of walking away but just kept on working.

At last the new tire was on, the old tire was in the back and all the bags and poles and suitcases were on top. As we were putting the last of the bags in, the man simply disappeared. I found him back in the gas station paying for some items and again thanked him and told him I did not have cash on me but would so like to send him money for his time, skill and expertise. His reply startled me. “It was the least I could do, Ma’am. No payment necessary.” And with that he walked away.

As I serve Christ, I so want to have that same attitude. When I serve others I want that same attitude. When I serve my family I want that same attitude. Because in essence, when I serve I am doing it in obedience and out of love for Christ and to Him I say, “No payment necessary. It is the least I can do”.

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Colossians 3:16-18

Our “In Spite Of” God

It was a disappointment for sure. Our family looks forward all year to the Fourth of July. We belong to a small community of old trailers (like ours) and new homes that is called the Athen’s Boat Club. It sits on Lake Lanier and every Fourth of July we all celebrate big time. There is a fishing tournament for the kids. There is a golf cart parade and we all see how we can out-do each other by decorating our carts with the most crepe paper and American flags. We hang flags and banners on the cottage porches and pavilion. We feast on barbeque and beans, slaw, cornbread, pies and cakes together and then of course the day concludes with a massive fireworks display which is enjoyed from the myriad of boats. It is a big deal and a whole lot of fun.

The grandkids are old enough now to really take part, in fact take over. They come prepared with banners and hats and more flags and streamers for the cart. The Hughes clan came from Alabama two days early so they could help us “get ready” and enjoy some lake and boat time.

But then the weather forecast began to look ominous, and as the day drew closer we knew there was no way our traditional Fourth would take place. The rain began on Monday and it poured. Tuesday was the same. Wednesday there was a small break and so the Hughes and Harleys optimistically packed a picnic lunch and took off in the boat to explore the northern tip of Lake Lanier, some five miles away. As we approached our destination the temperature dropped significantly and then the rain hit us with great force. This was not your average rain, but gale force torrents. We flew home as fast as the boat could go and arrived drenched and freezing.

The Cavins joined us for an early breakfast on the morning of the Fourth. This year Sydney (age 13) had her outfit picked out four weeks in advance and had designed each granddaughter’s hair style for the parade, so she arrived with her curling iron in hand. All the boys brought their fishing poles and plenty of fishing gear. But then news spread that the parade was canceled and there would be no fishing tournament that day. So we watched the rain. Then we ate barbeque in the rain (some things just have to go on no matter what!). And then we spent the afternoon running outside when there was a break and running inside when the rain started up again. And then the fireworks were canceled. No, nothing was the same and I was so disappointed.

Later that evening when the day was over, the Cavins packed up their clan to drive back to their home and beds. It was at this point that Sydney wrapped her arms around me and said, “You know Mimi, it wasn’t what we expected but in spite of the rain it was a fabulous day!”

I have thought about those three small words since then. These past few weeks we have had to proof the twenty- four teaching DVDs for the new Be Amazing Bible Study and Practical Guide. There is not one teacher who is satisfied with her presentation. Oh, it is not just that we don’t like our hair or shoes, or the way we stand or sit. No, we can often be disappointed in ourselves or when things are not what we expected, nor as perfect as we wished. Each one of us is critical of our own work. But then there are those three words…“in spite of”… and they make all the difference.

So in spite of our weakness, in spite of our imperfections, in spite of our lack of ability, in spite of our clothes or looks or demeanor or inflections, or gestures…in spite of …there is GOD! And we have found through filming The Amazing Collection and Invincible Love/Invisible War, that God can use our small efforts “in spite of” all that may disappoint us in ways that we could not have imagined. He can take those small loaves and can multiply them for His glory and His glory alone...“in spite of”!

Matthew 14:17 “We have here only five loaves and two fishes.”

Matthew 14:20 “And they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces,

twelve full baskets.”

A Christ-like Life

The discussion question was a good one. “Who do you know, or have known, who best exemplifies Christ?” The list that popped into my head was a good one. Of course at the top of my list was Beloved and then various saints who have come in and out of my life through the years. But I finally landed on my grandfather. In my eyes he was truly “like Christ”. I remember having a conversation with my aging Aunt Kathleen who was in her nineties at the time. Grandpop had long since left this earth. As we were sitting in her living room one evening discussing our family history she said “You know, Grandpop (her father-in-law) was the most Christ-like man I have ever known.” She went on to share story after story of a man who faced adversity with grace, who gave up everything without complaint, who loved and served his wife though a debilitating disease left her an invalid for the last fifteen years of her life.

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My grandfather was successful. He held a high position in the railroad. He owned a small tobacco plantation. He had a lovely home in the city. He was highly respected in the community. He was on the board of directors at the local bank. He had four handsome sons and two beautiful daughters. He seemed to have it all.

And then everything changed. His oldest son, Jack died at the age of twelve unexpectedly from Typhoid Fever. Then someone embezzled a large sum of money from the bank, before banks were insured and so the Board of Directors chose to come up with the stolen funds. Grandpop sold his plantation with all monies going to the bank. Then the depression hit and with that came the loss of their large beautiful home. He simply packed up the house and family and moved them to a two bedroom bungalow in a not so nice neighborhood. By now most of the children were grown. And then his beloved wife developed Rheumatoid Arthritis and for the next fifteen years until her death was bedridden, unable to do the simplest things for herself, in constant pain and suffering.

All people will experience some loss. It might be financial. It might be health. It might be the loss of a loved one. But few people suffer quite as much loss as Grandpop. And yet it wasn’t the loss that was so extraordinary. It was his response. I never knew him to speak ill of anyone. I never knew him to show anger over the injustices of his losses. I never knew him to have anything but a happy countenance.

I never knew him to show anything to anyone but true love. He was gentle, winsome, loyal to friends, a servant to his wife, not to mention, an exceptional gardener. In his presence even the most hyperactive grandchild would feel calm. There was never hurry or panic and worry or anxiety. Yes, he would be my first choice for the “Most Christ-Like Award”.

I have been doing an in-depth study this summer on the life of Christ. A couple of weeks ago I told you about a magnificent book written by John MacArthur called “One Perfect Life” which came out this year. It is a masterpiece. I am devouring it, moving slowly from page to page and I am beginning to see Christ as never before. Above all, I see his attitude as he deals with constant misunderstanding and rejection. I see his great willingness to heal and to teach and to preach even those who mock him. And I see his self sacrifice, always giving to others even when completely exhausted. I see the losses of friends, respect, reputation, rest, and finally life. I am beginning to see even more the extraordinary greatness of the God/man as he walked on earth.

I look at my Grandpop and wonder at how he did it. One clue is that he spent every morning in the Word of God focusing on the One he wanted to emulate. If his life is any example I would say it worked.

1 Peter 1:15-16

But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written,

“Be holy, for I am holy.”

Exclusion

Lily wasn’t invited to the birthday party. Though the neighbor kids (5 of them) spend most of their waking hours at Lily’s family’s home, the ten year old did not include Lily on her guest list. She did hand out an invitation to another girl in front of Lily. She also sent her younger sister to invite one of Lily’s friends who was playing at Lily’s home. 

Lily is my granddaughter. She is ten, gentle natured, loving and well, beautiful. I have never heard her say a bad thing about anyone, even on this occasion. And now, someone was excluding her. I talked to Lily’s mom, and expressed my opinion (you can imagine what THAT was!). After all someone was behaving in a hurtful manner and the target just happened to be one of those I love dearly? I had visions of giving the thoughtless child a piece of my mind and perhaps punching her out. Now don’t act shocked! If you are a mother I KNOW you have had the same reaction when someone has hurt YOUR child. Three days after the party, Lily was in charge of making the dessert for the family. She chose a particularly good cookie, one that only made about fifteen. After everyone had enjoyed the dessert, Lily announced that she was taking the rest of the cookies to the “enemy”. (My word not hers) And so she packed up the cookies and delivered them with good cheer and loving kindness. 

And I marvel. 

Today I was reading the beatitudes and came across something I had never picked up on before. It goes like this: “Blessed are you when men hate you and persecute you and when they EXCLUDE you….. Rejoice in that day and be exceedingly glad and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven..” (Luke 6:22-3 NKJ) 

And I realized that Christ was often excluded, talked about behind His back, and treated unfairly. Yet He knew the secret that He wants us to know. Love those who hurt you. Love them well. 

The Christian life truly is impossible. That sin nature that likes to rear its ugly head still reveals on occasion that I am walking around with a constant battle taking place with me! I want to always take cookies to those who hurt me or malign me or exclude me. I want to always think the best of everyone and rejoice when those feelings get squashed. I want to respond in the same way Lily did. But I don’t always do it. 

Now I am not so naive to think that Lily will always choose to send cookies to the one who has excluded her. Life will become crueler and harsher. But for today she has exposed her Mimi’s sin nature and I have repented in sack cloth and ashes. How much more beautiful is a garland of love than a string of strong accusations. And bottom line – there is a reward and it is not here, not yet. 

So for today, I have put on a heart of love for the neighbor child. There WILL be another test. I am planning on passing the next one with flying colors, and I think I can as long as I keep my eye on that promised prize! 

“For indeed your reward is great in heaven.”

 Luke 6:23

Chasing Cats

Jim would NOT come in. It was time for bed and Beloved and I were tired but Jim refused to come. Oh he heard us calling. In fact he would run right past us and not even look our way. He was focused and nothing would deter him from his mission. And so we went to bed and left him outside. 

Jim is our dog. He is a good dog. But he had caught the scent of a cat and that changed everything. So we left him outside to continue his frantic roaming. 

About every two hours I would wake up, go to the door and call him. I could hear the jingling of the tags on his collar. I knew he was close by yet even though I called him in my most commanding voice, he would not acknowledge me. By 3:00 AM I could not only hear his jingling collar but I could also hear his extreme heavy panting, yet he would not cease his endless striving. 

At 6:00 AM Beloved got up for the morning and went to the door. Jim literally dragged his exhausted body over the door sill and dropped in his tracks on the floor. His tongue was hanging out and his panting was so severe I thought he would die and his eyes were glazed over and he could not lift his head or wag his tail. He simply could not move. He did not eat breakfast. He did not have his bone for lunch. He did not want a chew toy. He did not eat his supper. He did not move all day. Jim had worn himself out, he was totally spent. 

And the cat? She sat out in the side yard relaxed, happy, calm, licking her paws. She had had a good night’s rest up in the tree. 

Sometimes I can give so much for so little. And sometimes there IS a voice calling, come and rest, come to bed and cease that crazy striving. 

Psalm 4:4 

Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord.

Retreat

Retreat (ri-treet) v. to withdraw after being defeated or when faced with danger or difficulty, to go away to a place of shelter. Retreat n. withdrawal unto privacy or seclusion, a place for this. A period of withdrawal from worldly activities for prayer and meditation. 

Last week I had the privilege of going on a prayer retreat with our Sunday School class. I “withdrew from difficulty”. I went to “a place of shelter” and “withdrew into privacy or seclusion”. It was a “place of withdrawal from worldly activity for prayer and meditation”. Retreat. Rest. Refreshment. Restoration. Renewal. Heaven! 

Many years ago I took my leadership team to a resort not too far from Atlanta. It was quiet with chalets nestled around a small lake. We had spent the afternoon together followed by dinner at a nearby restaurant. That evening as we gathered for dessert in one of the cabins I announced that the next day we would be enjoying a day of silence. In other words we would not speak from the time we got up until six o’clock that evening when we would once again meet for dinner. The response was interesting. I can’t say any one of the twelve women thought that was a good idea. Was it fear of boredom or wasted time? Or was it fear of just being alone for so long? Or was it just the unknown? After all we are very close friends and the chance to get together was always a treat. Our previous retreats had always involved a speaker and discussion. Silence was NOT what anyone expected…and yet, because I am the leader (?) they reluctantly agreed. 

It was during those twelve hours that I learned a valuable lesson. Silence really is golden. My mind began to calm down and be undivided and I could think clearly. My body began to truly relax. Prayer came easily and because I wasn’t in a hurry, I could read the Word slowly and deliberately. And in that silence, time seemed to stand still and I truly experienced the presence of God and true fellowship with Him. 

As we gathered together that evening the report was the same. All of the ladies had found it to be invaluable. They too had experienced so much of what I had. In that quiet place, God had met them there. 

I should not have been surprised. God tell us clearly in his word, “Be STILL and KNOW that I am God.” But this weekend I picked up more motivation that I had somehow missed these many years. Jesus says when we pray we should go into an inner room, close the door and pray in secret. And our Father in heaven who hears us in secret will repay or reward us. Amazing! 

Lance Brady was our speaker at the prayer retreat this weekend. He gave four great messages encouraging us to become praying people, to make prayer a priority in our lives. It was during his unpacking of this verse that the word “repay” hit my heart. Lance explained that God understands the conflict in our souls, the seemingly waste of time silence and isolation may appear, but God says He will reward us for secret time in the closet. I want to know God. 

I want a reward. Perhaps the reward is that I will truly come to know God in a ever deepening way. And that would be the best reward of all. 

But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret, will repay you 

Matthew 6:6

One Perfect Life

One of my professors, the late Dr. Howard Hendricks, said we would do well to spend our whole lives studying the life of Jesus Christ. It is not only an inspiration but a statement of challenge. How many of us have actually spent even more than a few months studying the complete life of Jesus?

For the last couple of years I have wanted to do an in-depth study of Jesus, the man. What was it like to be with Him, to be taught by Him and to learn from His example? He was a man…God, yes, but God in human form. And because of that He did have emotions, He did get tired and yet He chose to do the Father’s will at all points. 

I want to see Him, really see Him as He was, as He is, at the wedding at Cana, walking on water, healing the leper. For so many months other responsibilities and studies have bogged me down. Yet now seminary is behind me, the Be Amazing Study is ready to go to print and I have a little free time. I want to become familiar with Christ’s travels and what the places were like that He visited and exactly what did He do in each one of those cities, towns and villages. I want to “see His face” when He healed the leper and I want to “see” the leper” when he realized a life of isolation, pain, poverty and sorrow were behind him. I want to experience the conversation with the woman at the well and see the results as the townspeople came rushing out to meet Him. 

I was reading World Magazine recently and they highlighted a new book by John MacArthur, 'One Perfect Life'. He has always been an author who could take hard things and put them into words I could understand. I bought it immediately and have been drinking in every word! It is a masterpiece. He has arranged all of the verses in the Bible that have to do with Jesus in chronological order. Then because he knew I was easily distracted, he has sectioned the book into smaller “bites”, smaller chapters. So my goal is to “see Jesus” and from that develop an even deeper love for Jesus the Man, Jesus our God and Jesus my dearest friend. . . 

If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; 

John 14:7a

Graduation

Did you hear the cheers? I have a hunch some came from heaven, more came from my assistant professor who grades my papers and has helped me in several ways, many came from my family, but the most came from me! At 5:12 PM yesterday I pressed “send”, and with that my last paper went to Dallas Theological Seminary where I have been student on and off for about 13 years. Along with the paper and assurance that I have completed all of the course work, came an enormous sense of relief. I have lived under the pressure of papers, readings and projects due for a long time now. When you are paying $1500 to take one class per semester the pressure to get all you can get out of the experience is heightened. Though I have enjoyed much of it and have learned a great deal, I have also seldom had the luxury of just reading for fun, or wasting time on the frivolous or lingering in a shop. Why? Because there was something hanging over my head, one more thing I had to finish, one more text book I had to read. You know the feeling if you have had any experience with the education system. Even fourth graders know what I am talking about!

And so with the press of the send button on my computer, my life instantly became less complicated, less frenzied, less demanding. I am looking forward to having some free time, some me-time, and some friend time. I have graduated.

The whole concept of graduation is intriguing. The word itself means “a process of gradual change”. Yet with some graduations the change takes place quickly. Years ago I attended my granddaughter’s preschool graduation ceremony. It had all of the pageantry one can expect from four year olds. Yet in her life little changed. But it won’t be long before that same grandchild will be graduating from High School and then college and that will bring about enormous changes in her life.

My “graduation” will be May 10 and after that I will receive a piece of paper that says I have completed the course work for a Certificate in Graduate Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. For me, little will change except the satisfaction of knowing I accomplished a goal. So sometimes graduation brings about an enormous change in life and sometimes, like my degree and the preschool certificate, little changes.

But there is coming a day, when I will graduate from this world into the next. It will be the ultimate graduation, the ultimate change. All that I do now is simply course work for what is to come. Sometimes it is very hard (reminds me of my Soteriology class that just about did me in) and sometimes it is simply pure joy (like Dynamics of Christian Leadership). Yet everything is in preparation for THAT day. I have come to see that a life worth living is never free from pressure. I don’t want to graduate with a D- but would so love to graduate with honors…honors for the One who is my all. I have a chance to spend my class time on earth working for the glory of Jesus Christ. And Scripture tells me there will not be a diploma waiting for me but perhaps a crown and the voice of the one I love saying, ”Well done good and faithful servant.” And then all of the work, time and sacrifice will be worth it. Graduation Day is coming!

2 Timothy 4:7

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness….