"Our tongues are like matches / our ears are like trees /
our words are like sparks on dry summer leaves.
It doesn't take much / for the flames to rise /
And turn a soul into a forest fire...Be careful what you say. Oh, be careful what you say."
Josh Wilson performs this thought-provoking song on the CD "See You." I appreciate the reminder in the lyrics. We all need to be reminded of the basics every now and then. One of the best "basics" I know is the 2/3 Rule. Before you speak your words, weigh them by this rule:
1) Is it true?
2) Is it necessary to say or repeat?
3) Is it kind?
A 2/3 majority should prevail. If it doesn't, then don't say it. I try to apply the rule daily, but sometimes I fail. When this happens, I repent, try to fix it as the Lord directs, and then I forgive myself, and allow Jesus to set me on a better path so I can try again. It's a good rule, and when applied, it actually works.
It really struck a nerve with me this past week. Someone said something to me that was completely untrue, absolutely unnecessary, and very unkind. My pride was injured and I'll confess that in a private moment, I cried. And then I realized why I was so upset. It wasn't for myself after all. I was deeply saddened by the condition of the heart of this person...someone who was once, and still is, very dear to me.
It's as though they are another person altogether. And I'll admit that I don't like who they have become. Their words were once used to encourage and uplift, but that seems like a long time ago now. The things they say now are mean and hurtful. But, my sweet Lord knows how to help us remember the best, and forgive the worst in each other. So, I called out to Him for comfort. He gently reminded me that I hold the keys to the prison that my "friend" is chained up in. My words are powerful, too.
James, the apostle, reminds us..."Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things, Behold how great a matter a little fire kindles. And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, (other body parts) that it defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of human nature; and it is set on fire by hell....With the same tongue, we bless God and curse each other...Yes, out of the same mouth proceed both blessing and cursing; my brothers, these things should not be so." (James 3:5-10)
That was not a new thought..."A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth...Death and life are in the power of the tongue..." (Proverbs 18:20-21)
Instead of allowing this person to stay in bondage and burn down everyone around them with their fierce exclamations, I can use my words to help set them free. There is an awesome power in heartfelt prayer.
"Pray for one another...The effectual fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
I believe that. I believe that PRAYER CHANGES THINGS!
So, there we have it...the choice is ours...we can allow ourselves to be burned up and injured or we can burn down the prison and set the captives free! With the power in the very name of Jesus, the thorough redemption provided by His sacrificial blood, and the Angel-Armies above, there is no fortress that can withstand the attack of powerful words of LIFE. He's waiting to release all the power that heaven has against that old enemy of our souls, that great deceiver, Satan, who is only interested in turning us against each other. Let's resolve to deny him that victory. If you want to start a fire, pick your real enemy, attack his fortress built of lies, doubt, fear and unbelief...and burn it down!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
it's too 'jelly'
By the time my grandson was three or four, he had developed quite a discriminating palate for both the taste and texture of the food he ate.
For example, he liked chicken nuggets very much, but he was very particular when it came to the dipping sauce of choice. He liked ranch-style dressing the best, but he tried other things too. I particularly remember when he tried dipping the tasty chicken bits in cream gravy. He rejected it immediately and declared, "It's too jelly." I finally determined that "too jelly" had more to do with the viscosity than the taste! I still smile whenever I think of that time.
For some reason that incident has remained clear in my mind. Recently, I remembered it again. And this time, it got me to thinking...
Sometimes, life gets 'too jelly.' Somehow the foundation fails and we find ourselves on shifting sand...unstable. I have discovered that this theory is particularly accurate when it comes to our spiritual lives. When the circumstances of the day reduce us to tired and anxious, stressed-out individuals, the foundation we are standing on has shifted, it's become 'jelly.'
I am learning that as long as I keep my eyes on Him, the Lord is always there to bring peace and apply a healing balm over the situation, no matter what or who it involves. When I focus on Him and His will for my life, the storms of life fail to alter my foundation...it's firm.
Therefore, it behooves me to stay so near Him that I can hear His heart beating, and know that it is beating for me, His beloved. At the first sign of a shift in any direction, except His will for me, the foundation suddenly becomes 'too jelly.' I don't like the way it feels!
At that point, I take a giant step backward, free-falling on His mercy and grace. When I let go of self and fall into Him, I always land on stable ground again. It's hard to walk on jelly! It's much easier to find your footing when someone else is leading you.
The next time you find yourself feeling alone or anxious or afraid, or just plain tired and stressed-out, stop and check your footing...you may be trying to walk a path that is just 'too jelly!'
For example, he liked chicken nuggets very much, but he was very particular when it came to the dipping sauce of choice. He liked ranch-style dressing the best, but he tried other things too. I particularly remember when he tried dipping the tasty chicken bits in cream gravy. He rejected it immediately and declared, "It's too jelly." I finally determined that "too jelly" had more to do with the viscosity than the taste! I still smile whenever I think of that time.
For some reason that incident has remained clear in my mind. Recently, I remembered it again. And this time, it got me to thinking...
Sometimes, life gets 'too jelly.' Somehow the foundation fails and we find ourselves on shifting sand...unstable. I have discovered that this theory is particularly accurate when it comes to our spiritual lives. When the circumstances of the day reduce us to tired and anxious, stressed-out individuals, the foundation we are standing on has shifted, it's become 'jelly.'
I am learning that as long as I keep my eyes on Him, the Lord is always there to bring peace and apply a healing balm over the situation, no matter what or who it involves. When I focus on Him and His will for my life, the storms of life fail to alter my foundation...it's firm.
Therefore, it behooves me to stay so near Him that I can hear His heart beating, and know that it is beating for me, His beloved. At the first sign of a shift in any direction, except His will for me, the foundation suddenly becomes 'too jelly.' I don't like the way it feels!
At that point, I take a giant step backward, free-falling on His mercy and grace. When I let go of self and fall into Him, I always land on stable ground again. It's hard to walk on jelly! It's much easier to find your footing when someone else is leading you.
The next time you find yourself feeling alone or anxious or afraid, or just plain tired and stressed-out, stop and check your footing...you may be trying to walk a path that is just 'too jelly!'
Thursday, April 4, 2013
seldom is heard
When I was a kid in school, we had our own classroom, with our own teacher, and she was amazing. She did everything! Not only was she responsible for teaching us readin', writin', and 'rithmetic, she was also the PE teacher, the Art teacher, and the Music teacher.
I particularly remember the music times. It was thrilling to see who would get what. She would open the mysterious box and begin handing out the 'instruments,' while we waited to exhale. Surely, this time, I'd get the shiny little cymbals with the elastic bands that slipped over my fingers!
It was there, in our own classroom, lined up (as usual) desk-behind-desk, that we learned all the great music of the world! Our world, anyway. I believe we were taught the beautiful patriotic songs first, and rightly so...'The Star-Spangled Banner', 'America, the Beautiful', 'My Country, 'Tis of Thee', 'God Bless America'. (Yes, even in "Public" school, we could actually sing about the wonderful God who made America what she was...the greatest country on the whole earth.)
We even learned the music from the current show tunes, like 'Oklahoma!' And that catchy little tune came 'sweepin' down the plains' right into our classrooms in Texas. Oh, yes! We had it all.
I still recall the funny songs we learned too: "Old Dan Tucker was a mighty man...washed his face in a fryin' pan..." and of course, "Have you ever heard of sweet Betsy from Pike..." and then there's "Rachel, Rachel, I've been thinking, what a queer world this would be, if the men were all transported far beyond the deep blue sea..." And who could forget, "Henry! Fetch me some water!"
We 'drifted along' with the cowboy ballads and our favorite music from the orchestra was the "William Tell Overture" but we ALL knew it was really the theme from 'The Lone Ranger.'
I don't think there was anyone who didn't love Music. It was an easy "A." All you had to do...was sing!
Thinking about all the wonderful memories from those days, my mind recently wandered through the cowboy ballads and nestled up against, 'Home on the Range.' You remember, don't you...
"Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam, where the deer and the antelope play, where seldom is heard a discouraging word, and the skies are not cloudy all day...Home, home on the range..."
It got stuck in my head, and suddenly I realized why it was brooding there! One little phrase: "seldom is heard a discouraging word." That's Yoda language for "you don't hear anything that's discouraging very often."
And that got me to thinking...
What if we took the time to consider what we said BEFORE it became audible? Would things change-for-the-better if we actually APPLIED the 2/3 rule [Two of the three must apply before you say it: 1) Is it true? 2) Is it necessary? and 3) Is it kind?]? What would happen if we tried, really tried, to stop saying things that discouraged ourselves, and others? Perhaps, that is what needs to happen more often in our daily lives...speaking encouraging words to one another.
It's not a new principle, far from it. For example, in Proverbs 25:11, we are reminded, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold framed with silver." Words 'fitly' spoken are encouraging, they have healing qualities in them.
Just for one day, why not try to speak encouragement to someone? Let discouraging thoughts and words be far, far away. Right now, it's just the opposite...seldom is heard an encouraging word...it's time to turn it around, the way it used to be when, "seldom was heard a discouraging word."
Go ahead...put a song in your heart, and see if the words of your mouth sound sweeter.
I particularly remember the music times. It was thrilling to see who would get what. She would open the mysterious box and begin handing out the 'instruments,' while we waited to exhale. Surely, this time, I'd get the shiny little cymbals with the elastic bands that slipped over my fingers!
It was there, in our own classroom, lined up (as usual) desk-behind-desk, that we learned all the great music of the world! Our world, anyway. I believe we were taught the beautiful patriotic songs first, and rightly so...'The Star-Spangled Banner', 'America, the Beautiful', 'My Country, 'Tis of Thee', 'God Bless America'. (Yes, even in "Public" school, we could actually sing about the wonderful God who made America what she was...the greatest country on the whole earth.)
We even learned the music from the current show tunes, like 'Oklahoma!' And that catchy little tune came 'sweepin' down the plains' right into our classrooms in Texas. Oh, yes! We had it all.
I still recall the funny songs we learned too: "Old Dan Tucker was a mighty man...washed his face in a fryin' pan..." and of course, "Have you ever heard of sweet Betsy from Pike..." and then there's "Rachel, Rachel, I've been thinking, what a queer world this would be, if the men were all transported far beyond the deep blue sea..." And who could forget, "Henry! Fetch me some water!"
We 'drifted along' with the cowboy ballads and our favorite music from the orchestra was the "William Tell Overture" but we ALL knew it was really the theme from 'The Lone Ranger.'
I don't think there was anyone who didn't love Music. It was an easy "A." All you had to do...was sing!
Thinking about all the wonderful memories from those days, my mind recently wandered through the cowboy ballads and nestled up against, 'Home on the Range.' You remember, don't you...
"Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam, where the deer and the antelope play, where seldom is heard a discouraging word, and the skies are not cloudy all day...Home, home on the range..."
It got stuck in my head, and suddenly I realized why it was brooding there! One little phrase: "seldom is heard a discouraging word." That's Yoda language for "you don't hear anything that's discouraging very often."
And that got me to thinking...
What if we took the time to consider what we said BEFORE it became audible? Would things change-for-the-better if we actually APPLIED the 2/3 rule [Two of the three must apply before you say it: 1) Is it true? 2) Is it necessary? and 3) Is it kind?]? What would happen if we tried, really tried, to stop saying things that discouraged ourselves, and others? Perhaps, that is what needs to happen more often in our daily lives...speaking encouraging words to one another.
It's not a new principle, far from it. For example, in Proverbs 25:11, we are reminded, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold framed with silver." Words 'fitly' spoken are encouraging, they have healing qualities in them.
Just for one day, why not try to speak encouragement to someone? Let discouraging thoughts and words be far, far away. Right now, it's just the opposite...seldom is heard an encouraging word...it's time to turn it around, the way it used to be when, "seldom was heard a discouraging word."
Go ahead...put a song in your heart, and see if the words of your mouth sound sweeter.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
i know what it is
Every classroom teacher could write volumes on the unorthodox words/actions of her students. Some of the things they do are thought-provoking, a few are downright bizarre, but I think, most of the unusual situations that occur are just plain humorous.
For example, one year as I stood at the door of the classroom, greeting students as they arrived, I could never have imagined what would happen in the next minute! As he walked past me, one fifth-grader suddenly sniffed the air.
"What's that smell?" he demanded.
I asked, "Is it a good smell or a bad smell?"
"It smells like perfume!" he responded.
I extended my arm, wrist up, and asked, "Is this it?"
He sniffed. "YES!" he shouted, "What IS THAT?"
I suppressed a giggle and replied, "That's 'Passion.' My perfume is called 'PASSION.'
His face lit up and he continued to his desk; smiling dreamily, he added, "I LIKE 'PASSION.""
Recalling that incident recently, I had to smile. Then I thought of something else:
If Jesus has a favorite perfume, I think I know what it is! It could very easily be called 'PASSION.'
The fragrance, coming from us, that would be the most pleasant to Him, would be the sweet, crisp scent of our passion for Him in our lives! Daily being passionate for His presence, desperate for His love and mercy. So passionate for Him that we could never be content to make a single move without His smiling nod of approval. "I LIKE PASSION!" I can hear Him shout! "Look at the way my people adore me! How sweet is their fragrance!" "How could I not bless them today?!"
Indeed! How could He not?! We already know that the aroma of our sacrificial prayers for one another stir Him to action. (Ps. 141:2, I Tim. 2: 1-6, Phil. 4:18) And that's when we are requesting His assistance, guidance, and provision. How elated He must be when we simply love Him! The very fragrance of our PASSION should fill heaven's halls with a glory that outshines even the sweetest flowers that we could bring and lay at His feet.
This week, throughout the Christian world, we celebrate Passion Week. Referring to the Passion of Christ, for His church, that caused Him to give all He had for her, we honor Him with reverential thankfulness for that supreme sacrifice. In return, we offer up ourselves that He might live again, in and through us. What would happen if we kept it simple this year? What if we didn't purchase that new outfit or shoes, and instead gave that money to the local homeless shelter? What would happen if we thought of others first, just like Jesus did, and worshiped Him in spirit and TRUTH?! Would that not be the sweetest aroma in His nostrils: the scent of our deliberate PASSION for Him, just Him. It's just a thought, but I LIKE PASSION!!
For example, one year as I stood at the door of the classroom, greeting students as they arrived, I could never have imagined what would happen in the next minute! As he walked past me, one fifth-grader suddenly sniffed the air.
"What's that smell?" he demanded.
I asked, "Is it a good smell or a bad smell?"
"It smells like perfume!" he responded.
I extended my arm, wrist up, and asked, "Is this it?"
He sniffed. "YES!" he shouted, "What IS THAT?"
I suppressed a giggle and replied, "That's 'Passion.' My perfume is called 'PASSION.'
His face lit up and he continued to his desk; smiling dreamily, he added, "I LIKE 'PASSION.""
Recalling that incident recently, I had to smile. Then I thought of something else:
If Jesus has a favorite perfume, I think I know what it is! It could very easily be called 'PASSION.'
The fragrance, coming from us, that would be the most pleasant to Him, would be the sweet, crisp scent of our passion for Him in our lives! Daily being passionate for His presence, desperate for His love and mercy. So passionate for Him that we could never be content to make a single move without His smiling nod of approval. "I LIKE PASSION!" I can hear Him shout! "Look at the way my people adore me! How sweet is their fragrance!" "How could I not bless them today?!"
Indeed! How could He not?! We already know that the aroma of our sacrificial prayers for one another stir Him to action. (Ps. 141:2, I Tim. 2: 1-6, Phil. 4:18) And that's when we are requesting His assistance, guidance, and provision. How elated He must be when we simply love Him! The very fragrance of our PASSION should fill heaven's halls with a glory that outshines even the sweetest flowers that we could bring and lay at His feet.
This week, throughout the Christian world, we celebrate Passion Week. Referring to the Passion of Christ, for His church, that caused Him to give all He had for her, we honor Him with reverential thankfulness for that supreme sacrifice. In return, we offer up ourselves that He might live again, in and through us. What would happen if we kept it simple this year? What if we didn't purchase that new outfit or shoes, and instead gave that money to the local homeless shelter? What would happen if we thought of others first, just like Jesus did, and worshiped Him in spirit and TRUTH?! Would that not be the sweetest aroma in His nostrils: the scent of our deliberate PASSION for Him, just Him. It's just a thought, but I LIKE PASSION!!
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
chameleon
When you hear the word, "chameleon," you probably get an instant picture in your mind. For me, it's the cute little color-changing lizard in the movie "Tangled." Whatever you conjure up as your reference point, our various interpretations will be as individual as we are to each other.
According to Webster, chameleon is:
According to Webster, chameleon is:
1
:
any of a family (Chamaeleontidae) of chiefly arboreal Old World lizards
with prehensile tail, independently movable eyeballs, and unusual
ability to change the color of the skin
2
a : a person given to often expedient or facile change in ideas or character
b : one that is subject to quick or frequent change especially in appearance
Recently, the popular song from the eighties, Karma Chameleon by Culture Club, popped into my head. Just like everyone else, I can't recall all of the lyrics, but I know the chorus:
Karma, karma, karma, karma, karma chameleon...you come and go, you come and go.
The definition of chameleon also contains a list of synonyms or 'related' words:
egoist, egotist, self-seeker, conniver, plotter, schemer (ouch!)
And that got me to thinking:
I think that sometimes we play the chameleon with God. We come and go, we come and go. If things don't go our way, we lose our conviction...we change our colors to suit ourselves, or worse yet, to impress others.
Jesus would be correct in saying, "I heard you say that my love was an addiction. When we cling, our love is strong. [But] when you go, you're gone forever. You string along...you string along."
Additionally, karma is defined:
karma The Buddhist belief that whatever you do comes back to you, e.g. if you do something good, something good will happen to you, and vice versa. (Urban Dictionary)
karma The Buddhist belief that whatever you do comes back to you, e.g. if you do something good, something good will happen to you, and vice versa. (Urban Dictionary)
The oriental religions claim that they created "karma." But, I know better!
It's was God's idea, to begin with. He called it the Law of Seed Time & Harvest. A universal law, that cannot be broken...whatever you sow, you surely shall reap. If you plant peas, don't expect corn to come up. Call it karma or call it sowing and reaping: whatever you do comes back to you...whether good or bad!
Since that is the case, it would behoove us to follow God closely, so closely that we meld into His shadow, where there is no 'turning,' no changing, no confusion about Who He is and Who we are to Him.
"I am the Lord, I change not." (Malachi 3:6, KJV)
"Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8, KJV)
Keeping our colors true, expecting a good harvest from all of our daily choices, that is what I think He desires most of all from us. After all, the human chameleon would be defined as a self-seeker, a conniver, a schemer...who wants to be counted in that number?!
If you choose to be the spiritual chameleon, you can expect bad karma to kick your rear end all over the place. Instead, cling...let your love cling to the one Who loves you most. That's what will make you strong...a clinging love...a true addiction. Like the air that we breathe, His favor must become a necessity to us. No more coming and going, just a desperate clinging to Him!
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
forever blue
Mommie Dearest,
In less than a week, thirteen years will have passed since you flew away home so suddenly. That's 156 months, imagine that...thirteen springs, thirteen summers, thirteen autumns, thirteen winters. Or, to put it another way, it's been 676 weeks. I've counted the days, too...4,745...since I last spoke to you. I think I'll be forever blue.
But, how could I blame you...there's no place like home, and you really are finally home, safe in the Father's house. But, left behind, I've had 113,880 hours to miss you. I think I'll be forever blue.
Everyone said, "it gets better with time..." but who are they fooling when I've spent 6,832,800 minutes without you. I think I'll be forever blue.
Sometimes, I just burst into tears for no apparent reason. I miss the sound of your voice, always so cheery. I miss hearing you say, "Hi, Honey! What's new?" I guess I'll be forever blue.
What's it like up there? Can you see me? Can you hear me? I just wish you could give me a clue. I guess I'll be forever blue.
But, wait...I forgot to tell you...in the mornings, upstairs in my study, I pretend you are there, too. I have your favorite Bible, and when I touch it, hold it, read it, I feel closer to you. Maybe I won't be forever blue.
I love to read the verses you've marked and the notes that came straight from your heart. I get a sense of your nearness, whenever I realize that I've marked the same ones, too. Maybe I won't be forever blue.
It's hard to explain, but I'm so very happy, too. I just miss my mama, and that's you! But, maybe I won't be forever blue...maybe just until I get home, too. Leave the light on for me.
In less than a week, thirteen years will have passed since you flew away home so suddenly. That's 156 months, imagine that...thirteen springs, thirteen summers, thirteen autumns, thirteen winters. Or, to put it another way, it's been 676 weeks. I've counted the days, too...4,745...since I last spoke to you. I think I'll be forever blue.
But, how could I blame you...there's no place like home, and you really are finally home, safe in the Father's house. But, left behind, I've had 113,880 hours to miss you. I think I'll be forever blue.
Everyone said, "it gets better with time..." but who are they fooling when I've spent 6,832,800 minutes without you. I think I'll be forever blue.
Sometimes, I just burst into tears for no apparent reason. I miss the sound of your voice, always so cheery. I miss hearing you say, "Hi, Honey! What's new?" I guess I'll be forever blue.
What's it like up there? Can you see me? Can you hear me? I just wish you could give me a clue. I guess I'll be forever blue.
But, wait...I forgot to tell you...in the mornings, upstairs in my study, I pretend you are there, too. I have your favorite Bible, and when I touch it, hold it, read it, I feel closer to you. Maybe I won't be forever blue.
I love to read the verses you've marked and the notes that came straight from your heart. I get a sense of your nearness, whenever I realize that I've marked the same ones, too. Maybe I won't be forever blue.
It's hard to explain, but I'm so very happy, too. I just miss my mama, and that's you! But, maybe I won't be forever blue...maybe just until I get home, too. Leave the light on for me.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
danger: ice ahead
For the last couple of days, our region has been gripped in a true 'wintry mix.' With temperatures chasing each other back and forth over the freezing line, it has been wise to bundle up when you venture outside. Rain, snow, sleet, freezing rain and wind have paraded about, but after all, it is winter on the southern plains.
Early this morning I was awakened by the click, click, clicking from the icy pellets that the wind was driving onto every window pane. Not an irritating sound, to be sure, just startling at first. As I lay in my warm and cozy bed, I began to let my mind free fall...I was reminded of all the dear people who must be outdoors in this kind of weather, some by their chosen profession and others due to circumstances. Nevertheless, as far as I am concerned, it would be better to be somewhere safe and warm. I thought about the effect of the ice on the roads for the morning commute. The icy layer covering the roads is dangerous. And that is the thought that brought me here!
Isn't it strange that ice can both relieve and torment? An icepack applied to the head during a raging headache brings comfort. (just trust me on that) Ice often brings relief for muscle pain, and what is a summer day without a refreshing iced beverage, even if it's only water. On the other hand, too much ice causes damage, often that damage is non-reversible. For example, a fresh roast can be preserved for future use by wrapping it appropriately and putting it in the freezer, but if it isn't wrapped carefully or if it remains in the freezer for too long it becomes freezer-burned and useless.
Additionally, farmers have learned to save a crop by using ice. When a frost alert is issued, it is not uncommon, particularly in citrus groves, to spray the trees with water that rapidly freezes as the temperature drops. Ironically, the ice covering the fruit actually protects it whereas the frost would do permanent damage to the entire crop. The ice actually saves the fruit. But, what if the ice didn't melt? What would happen if it remained? Then the crop would be lost. There's a delicate balance involved.
An that got me to thinking...
Sometimes, when we suffer a great emotional injury, we apply 'ice' to protect the bruised heart. At first, it has a calming effect on the nerves and we are relieved of the pain. But, I wonder what happens when we don't let the broken heart mend...when we just keeping 'icing' it to dull the pain and put it in the back of our mind somewhere. Perhaps that soothing layer of ice that was initially applied to dull the senses will simply keep our heart in a frozen state. Wouldn't it be better to comfort ourselves, at first, but only as a quick-fix? Just long enough to run to the Father and cry, "I'm hurt. Help me please. Help me forgive and mend the relationship. I don't want to feel this way anymore." That's my goal now. I don't want to stand before my Savior and hear Him ask, "Why did you let this matter go for so long? Where was forgiveness in all this? Had you forgotten the measure with which you have been forgiven?"
We are often tempted to ask God, "Why?" I think I am beginning to understand how He feels about that. I know one thing now: I don't ever want Him to ask me 'why' I did this or that or, worse yet, why I didn't.
Keep your heart free from pain by applying the healing balm of forgiveness to the person who has caused the injury. Let it go...the ice you apply to the hurt will only soothe the pain momentarily. Just something to think about...
Early this morning I was awakened by the click, click, clicking from the icy pellets that the wind was driving onto every window pane. Not an irritating sound, to be sure, just startling at first. As I lay in my warm and cozy bed, I began to let my mind free fall...I was reminded of all the dear people who must be outdoors in this kind of weather, some by their chosen profession and others due to circumstances. Nevertheless, as far as I am concerned, it would be better to be somewhere safe and warm. I thought about the effect of the ice on the roads for the morning commute. The icy layer covering the roads is dangerous. And that is the thought that brought me here!
Isn't it strange that ice can both relieve and torment? An icepack applied to the head during a raging headache brings comfort. (just trust me on that) Ice often brings relief for muscle pain, and what is a summer day without a refreshing iced beverage, even if it's only water. On the other hand, too much ice causes damage, often that damage is non-reversible. For example, a fresh roast can be preserved for future use by wrapping it appropriately and putting it in the freezer, but if it isn't wrapped carefully or if it remains in the freezer for too long it becomes freezer-burned and useless.
Additionally, farmers have learned to save a crop by using ice. When a frost alert is issued, it is not uncommon, particularly in citrus groves, to spray the trees with water that rapidly freezes as the temperature drops. Ironically, the ice covering the fruit actually protects it whereas the frost would do permanent damage to the entire crop. The ice actually saves the fruit. But, what if the ice didn't melt? What would happen if it remained? Then the crop would be lost. There's a delicate balance involved.
An that got me to thinking...
Sometimes, when we suffer a great emotional injury, we apply 'ice' to protect the bruised heart. At first, it has a calming effect on the nerves and we are relieved of the pain. But, I wonder what happens when we don't let the broken heart mend...when we just keeping 'icing' it to dull the pain and put it in the back of our mind somewhere. Perhaps that soothing layer of ice that was initially applied to dull the senses will simply keep our heart in a frozen state. Wouldn't it be better to comfort ourselves, at first, but only as a quick-fix? Just long enough to run to the Father and cry, "I'm hurt. Help me please. Help me forgive and mend the relationship. I don't want to feel this way anymore." That's my goal now. I don't want to stand before my Savior and hear Him ask, "Why did you let this matter go for so long? Where was forgiveness in all this? Had you forgotten the measure with which you have been forgiven?"
We are often tempted to ask God, "Why?" I think I am beginning to understand how He feels about that. I know one thing now: I don't ever want Him to ask me 'why' I did this or that or, worse yet, why I didn't.
Keep your heart free from pain by applying the healing balm of forgiveness to the person who has caused the injury. Let it go...the ice you apply to the hurt will only soothe the pain momentarily. Just something to think about...
Monday, January 7, 2013
i know my rights!
Most Americans are familiar with the term, "Miranda Rights." The U.S. Supreme Court decided the case to protect our Fifth Amendment rights. Though probably not personally acquainted with the procedure, most of us have heard at least the beginning of it from movies and television.
You have the right to remain silent; (point one of six)
Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law;
You have the right to consult with a lawyer and have that lawyer present during the interrogation;
If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent you;
You can invoke your right to be silent before or during an interrogation, and if you do so, the interrogation must stop;
You can invoke your right to have an attorney present, and until your attorney is present, the interrogation must stop.
And that got me to thinking: There's a profound spiritual revelation contained here.
When the enemy of our souls comes at us, we should instantly seize our rights! "You have the right to remain SILENT." That means that before you even open your mouth to say, "Oh, poor me...how could this day get any worse...why me?...etc., etc., etc., stop! and think about the reality of those thoughts and words. Fear tolerated is faith contaminated. I'll admit that it is hard to think fast, but we must stay one step ahead and remain confident that whatever is happening did not surprise our heavenly Father. He has everything under control. As the psalmist often wrote, "Selah," (which means "pause and calmly think of that")
If we don't resist the temptation to blurt out something stupid, then what follows next actually makes sense.
"Anything you say can be used against you..." Boy, do we ever know what that means! The enemy takes off and runs with it and uses our own words against us. And all the while we are trying the patience of the one Who loves us most. He's waiting, with mercy and grace, for us to grow up. Let's not disappoint Him.
"You have the right to consult with a lawyer and have that lawyer present during the interrogation." That's simple enough. God's Word is the definitive law in our lives here. When we take the time to consult His Word, we are reassured that He is for us and not against us. And, when we allow Him to, He will be present with us in the midst of the trial, no matter how severe it may seem.
"If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent you." That's a fact. While we absolutely cannot afford an attorney who is capable of standing before the enemy in our behalf, one has already been appointed for us. His name is Jesus. He was, and is, and evermore shall be, our advocate and friend. Pause and calmly think of that!
"You can invoke your right to be silent before or during an interrogation, and if you do so, the interrogation must stop." Did you catch that? The instant we refuse to speak on our own, the attack (interrogation) must stop! Why waste precious time trying to figure out who you can blame, when all you need to do is be silent and let Jesus plead your case.
"You can invoke your right to have an attorney present, and until your attorney is present, the interrogation must stop." Don't waste a single moment. Call on the name of Jesus. He will be swiftly at your side, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against Him. Without Him, we will face one loss after another. There will be no peace in our lives. Happiness and joy will elude us. All we have to do is to stop trying to handle everything on our own. He wants us to lean on Him when we are attacked. He wants us to live a blessed life that will enable us to be a blessing to many others. We have obtained great mercy at the throne of grace and all of our wrongdoing has been wiped away...no charge. All because we owed a debt we could not pay...and Jesus paid a debt He did not owe. He has already thought of everything. When we submit ourselves to His wise counsel, we win...we always win. Now that is cause for celebration!
You have the right to remain silent; (point one of six)
Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law;
You have the right to consult with a lawyer and have that lawyer present during the interrogation;
If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent you;
You can invoke your right to be silent before or during an interrogation, and if you do so, the interrogation must stop;
You can invoke your right to have an attorney present, and until your attorney is present, the interrogation must stop.
And that got me to thinking: There's a profound spiritual revelation contained here.
When the enemy of our souls comes at us, we should instantly seize our rights! "You have the right to remain SILENT." That means that before you even open your mouth to say, "Oh, poor me...how could this day get any worse...why me?...etc., etc., etc., stop! and think about the reality of those thoughts and words. Fear tolerated is faith contaminated. I'll admit that it is hard to think fast, but we must stay one step ahead and remain confident that whatever is happening did not surprise our heavenly Father. He has everything under control. As the psalmist often wrote, "Selah," (which means "pause and calmly think of that")
If we don't resist the temptation to blurt out something stupid, then what follows next actually makes sense.
"Anything you say can be used against you..." Boy, do we ever know what that means! The enemy takes off and runs with it and uses our own words against us. And all the while we are trying the patience of the one Who loves us most. He's waiting, with mercy and grace, for us to grow up. Let's not disappoint Him.
"You have the right to consult with a lawyer and have that lawyer present during the interrogation." That's simple enough. God's Word is the definitive law in our lives here. When we take the time to consult His Word, we are reassured that He is for us and not against us. And, when we allow Him to, He will be present with us in the midst of the trial, no matter how severe it may seem.
"If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be appointed to represent you." That's a fact. While we absolutely cannot afford an attorney who is capable of standing before the enemy in our behalf, one has already been appointed for us. His name is Jesus. He was, and is, and evermore shall be, our advocate and friend. Pause and calmly think of that!
"You can invoke your right to be silent before or during an interrogation, and if you do so, the interrogation must stop." Did you catch that? The instant we refuse to speak on our own, the attack (interrogation) must stop! Why waste precious time trying to figure out who you can blame, when all you need to do is be silent and let Jesus plead your case.
"You can invoke your right to have an attorney present, and until your attorney is present, the interrogation must stop." Don't waste a single moment. Call on the name of Jesus. He will be swiftly at your side, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against Him. Without Him, we will face one loss after another. There will be no peace in our lives. Happiness and joy will elude us. All we have to do is to stop trying to handle everything on our own. He wants us to lean on Him when we are attacked. He wants us to live a blessed life that will enable us to be a blessing to many others. We have obtained great mercy at the throne of grace and all of our wrongdoing has been wiped away...no charge. All because we owed a debt we could not pay...and Jesus paid a debt He did not owe. He has already thought of everything. When we submit ourselves to His wise counsel, we win...we always win. Now that is cause for celebration!
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