I like a tidy house. I can endure clutter, but only if it's 'organized' clutter! I wish I had someone to come in and clean for me, though, because I find...as I get older...that I am beginning to experience some limitations, especially in the area of climbing up and down the little step-ladder for the chores that I cannot otherwise reach.
I even have a neat little rotating system for the refrigerator which keeps it full of good, fresh food...unless, of course, I forget to toss something that I should have! I think we've all experienced opening that little butter bowl, that we knew was not-butter-but-couldn't-remember-what-it-was, only to find the makings of a terrific science project concerning the various stages of mold!
When I was younger, 'much younger than I am today,' I can recall that the older ladies all called this marvelous kitchen appliance their "Frigidaire." And indeed it was...it produced near frigid air to keep food cold and fresh so that it would last longer. The era of the SuperMarket had dawned, and we no longer needed to go to the store every single day to pick up fresh meat and vegetables for our families. But, even if it could make the food last longer, you couldn't keep it in there forever. Left-overs needed to appear in some other form a day or two later. Food had to be rotated and restocked to receive the best performance from the appliance. That part is still the same today.
And that got me to thinking...
I think our lives are a bit like that old Frigidaire sometimes. We try and stock it with the best of the best...at least the best that we can afford at the time. We plan menus around our stockpile, and delight in the variety.
For example, we pick and choose, very carefully, which people we will interact with, but then sometimes we don't prepare that relationship, as we would a good meal, carefully adding all the best ingredients. And if we don't like the outcome of our effort...we blame the quality of the 'food.' It must have sat, unattended, in the Frigidaire too long. We need to do a thorough check of the contents often enough that nothing we have worked so hard to acquire will perish from disinterest.
Begin with your relationship with the Father. Check it regularly for signs that it's getting stale, past it's due date. Use up everything you still have, and go out and get more! With family and friends, don't let things set so long that they can't be salvaged...throw out the soggy, yucky, moldy stuff, and start over!
Just like that old Frigidaire that continues to be a marvel...things can still go bad when we don't check on them. Today is the day...clean out the fridge of your heart and restock it with fresh things! Fresh from the heart of God.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
it's always better when it's fresh
AHH! That first sip of freshly ground coffee in the morning. Coffee enthusiasts will tell you that you never get tired of that aroma wafting through the kitchen or that first delicious taste. Additionally, most lovers of the brew will add that there is something special about that first cup every day. So, here I sit, with my 'thinking cap' on...sipping, savoring, feeling truly rich as a new day begins. And I am reminded of a little story...
Her grandson was visiting. They had enjoyed each others company, but the time to go back home was drawing closer. He woke up early the next morning, smelling the unmistakeable aroma of coffee. He hurried to the kitchen where he knew he would find his grandma. She was pouring herself a cup of fresh coffee. She stopped while they exchanged greetings and hugs, and suddenly his little face lit up light the morning sky. "Grandma," he said, "do you think I could fix your coffee today? I remember how you like it." She smiled and agreed as she placed the cup next to the sugar and creamer, cautioning him about the very hot contents of the cup. "I'll be right back," he shouted. Then, positioning himself squarely between her watchful gaze and the cup of coffee, he began his work. His little hand flew to the sugar bowl more than once, as she waited patiently. Then the creamer. Next, the sound of the spoon mixing the brew, cautiously, but thoroughly. He turned with a triumphant look on his face and exclaimed, "There! It's all ready." She picked up the cup and took the first sip, and reeling from the sugar overload, smiled broadly and declared, "Why, that's the best coffee I've ever had!" He danced around the table singing, "drink it up, drink it up." And so, she did. As she came to the last swallow, she felt something solid touch her lips, and pulling the cup away, peered into it. Imagine her surprise when she saw three little green figures staring up from the bottom of the cup. "What's this?" she asked. His smile was ear-to-ear as he exclaimed, "Well, it's like they say on TV..."The best part of waking up is 'soldiers' in your cup!"
It's a cute story and I like to retell it, but even I know that the best part of waking up is not Folgers, Maxwell House, Dunkin', or even Starbucks...the BEST part of waking up is that you did! But, that first delicious cup is right up there somewhere on the top of the list!
And that got me to thinking...
The same thing is true of our relationship to the Father. The best part of waking up is finding him waiting for you. Sitting 'together' for a few minutes, talking (and listening), exchanging plans and ideas about the day...mentioning friends who could use a personal visit, as well. And so it goes, any day is always better when you take the time to start it together, with Him. Each new day has its own share of wonders and disappointments, but when you've taken the time to start the day with Jesus, the outlook is suddenly better. The burdens roll away and a new day is born. Everything is fresh and new! And it's always better when it's fresh.
Grab your coffee, go to your favorite chair, switch on the lamp, and open the book...He's waiting there!
Her grandson was visiting. They had enjoyed each others company, but the time to go back home was drawing closer. He woke up early the next morning, smelling the unmistakeable aroma of coffee. He hurried to the kitchen where he knew he would find his grandma. She was pouring herself a cup of fresh coffee. She stopped while they exchanged greetings and hugs, and suddenly his little face lit up light the morning sky. "Grandma," he said, "do you think I could fix your coffee today? I remember how you like it." She smiled and agreed as she placed the cup next to the sugar and creamer, cautioning him about the very hot contents of the cup. "I'll be right back," he shouted. Then, positioning himself squarely between her watchful gaze and the cup of coffee, he began his work. His little hand flew to the sugar bowl more than once, as she waited patiently. Then the creamer. Next, the sound of the spoon mixing the brew, cautiously, but thoroughly. He turned with a triumphant look on his face and exclaimed, "There! It's all ready." She picked up the cup and took the first sip, and reeling from the sugar overload, smiled broadly and declared, "Why, that's the best coffee I've ever had!" He danced around the table singing, "drink it up, drink it up." And so, she did. As she came to the last swallow, she felt something solid touch her lips, and pulling the cup away, peered into it. Imagine her surprise when she saw three little green figures staring up from the bottom of the cup. "What's this?" she asked. His smile was ear-to-ear as he exclaimed, "Well, it's like they say on TV..."The best part of waking up is 'soldiers' in your cup!"
It's a cute story and I like to retell it, but even I know that the best part of waking up is not Folgers, Maxwell House, Dunkin', or even Starbucks...the BEST part of waking up is that you did! But, that first delicious cup is right up there somewhere on the top of the list!
And that got me to thinking...
The same thing is true of our relationship to the Father. The best part of waking up is finding him waiting for you. Sitting 'together' for a few minutes, talking (and listening), exchanging plans and ideas about the day...mentioning friends who could use a personal visit, as well. And so it goes, any day is always better when you take the time to start it together, with Him. Each new day has its own share of wonders and disappointments, but when you've taken the time to start the day with Jesus, the outlook is suddenly better. The burdens roll away and a new day is born. Everything is fresh and new! And it's always better when it's fresh.
Grab your coffee, go to your favorite chair, switch on the lamp, and open the book...He's waiting there!
Friday, October 5, 2012
it's not magic, but it is amazing
There are very few of us who have not been excited by the illusions of a good magician. We may have been five at the time, but nevertheless, we sat 'spellbound.' We may have asked each other, "How did he DO that?!" For that moment in time, perplexed by the enormity of the mystery, we might have exclaimed, "That's AMAZING!"
And so it was that there was a time when the truly 'amazing' dealt with magic and mystery. But, I know something that is truly amazing, and it doesn't have anything at all to do with magic. It's the unbridled love of God, permeated with His mercy and grace toward us.
We used to sing about it: "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound..." Sadly, we don't sing the great old hymns like we used to. Don't misunderstand, I think the worship music today is wonderful, but I still miss the "first, second and last." Who doesn't robustly sing, "I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus, the Nazarene...how wonderful! Oh, how marvelous..."
To be sure, the theme still exists, but maybe we have lost the sense of wonderment. For example, anyone who knows me at all is acquainted with my passion for Christmas. (I listen to Christmas music year-round. I probably have fifty versions of 'Silent Night' that I never cease to enjoy.) But, maybe I haven't explained why I love Christmas so much...
As Christians, we celebrate Easter, or the Resurrection, as the cornerstone of our faith. And I, too, believe that Jesus died and rose from the dead just for me. Therefore, I celebrate His death and resurrection, but it doesn't amaze me. Jesus, himself, declared that the very reason He came was to die for us...that the prophecy might be fulfilled. And, there it is! That He came at all...that's the part that still amazes me! Why? Why would He leave heaven to be hated and mistreated, rejected and spat upon?! Well, I'll tell you why. He was compelled by a force that we can't even imagine the magnitude of...pure love. Mercy and grace were the partners in this magnificent plan for the redemption of mankind. The mere thought of such sacrificial love still astounds me. It's amazing.
I realize that December twenty-fifth was 'created' by man to offer the fledgling Christians an alternative to the pagan rituals honoring the Winter Solstice...the end of the darkest days and the coming, again, of light. As humans, we long for pomp and circumstance, and the early church was losing its grip, as people began to drift back to the 'old ways.' So, it was devised that we, too, could celebrate light, the true light of God.
And you know the rest of the story...sadly, for too many, Christmas has become a time for excess.
I admit, I excessively enjoy every moment of the wonderment of the coming of my Saviour. With great anticipation, I look forward to His return. And, yes! It still amazes me that He came at all! I celebrate His coming every day of my life. I get giddy when I hear the first notes, "Joy to the world, the Lord is come!" Yes, yes! JOY! Absolute, J-O-Y! The greatest gift of all...'let earth receive her king!'
It isn't magic, but IT IS AMAZING!
And so it was that there was a time when the truly 'amazing' dealt with magic and mystery. But, I know something that is truly amazing, and it doesn't have anything at all to do with magic. It's the unbridled love of God, permeated with His mercy and grace toward us.
We used to sing about it: "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound..." Sadly, we don't sing the great old hymns like we used to. Don't misunderstand, I think the worship music today is wonderful, but I still miss the "first, second and last." Who doesn't robustly sing, "I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus, the Nazarene...how wonderful! Oh, how marvelous..."
To be sure, the theme still exists, but maybe we have lost the sense of wonderment. For example, anyone who knows me at all is acquainted with my passion for Christmas. (I listen to Christmas music year-round. I probably have fifty versions of 'Silent Night' that I never cease to enjoy.) But, maybe I haven't explained why I love Christmas so much...
As Christians, we celebrate Easter, or the Resurrection, as the cornerstone of our faith. And I, too, believe that Jesus died and rose from the dead just for me. Therefore, I celebrate His death and resurrection, but it doesn't amaze me. Jesus, himself, declared that the very reason He came was to die for us...that the prophecy might be fulfilled. And, there it is! That He came at all...that's the part that still amazes me! Why? Why would He leave heaven to be hated and mistreated, rejected and spat upon?! Well, I'll tell you why. He was compelled by a force that we can't even imagine the magnitude of...pure love. Mercy and grace were the partners in this magnificent plan for the redemption of mankind. The mere thought of such sacrificial love still astounds me. It's amazing.
I realize that December twenty-fifth was 'created' by man to offer the fledgling Christians an alternative to the pagan rituals honoring the Winter Solstice...the end of the darkest days and the coming, again, of light. As humans, we long for pomp and circumstance, and the early church was losing its grip, as people began to drift back to the 'old ways.' So, it was devised that we, too, could celebrate light, the true light of God.
And you know the rest of the story...sadly, for too many, Christmas has become a time for excess.
I admit, I excessively enjoy every moment of the wonderment of the coming of my Saviour. With great anticipation, I look forward to His return. And, yes! It still amazes me that He came at all! I celebrate His coming every day of my life. I get giddy when I hear the first notes, "Joy to the world, the Lord is come!" Yes, yes! JOY! Absolute, J-O-Y! The greatest gift of all...'let earth receive her king!'
It isn't magic, but IT IS AMAZING!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
checking fences
If you've ever been around a working ranch, you probably possess some knowledge about the amount of time devoted to 'riding fence.' Down through the past decades the chore has been accomplished on horseback, on the seat of a pickup truck, and even on a four-wheeler. The evolution of the means to get the job done emphasizes how important the task is.
Riding fence or 'checking fence' is strictly a preventative measure. Done often and with great care, it prevents cattle or other livestock from wandering off the property and becoming lost and endangered.
Valuable time that should be spent on other tasks is not lost to searching for and rounding up the strays.
And isn't that what fences are for...to keep things inside (usually) or to keep other things out. Maintaining the complete integrity of the fence is a priority. Riding the perimeter, checking with an eagle-eye for breaks or gaps and repairing them swiftly and efficiently. A job well-done protects the entire operation and cuts down considerably on losses.
And that got me to thinking...
Perhaps our own lives are a bit like that ranch. We were given a space on this earth to 'occupy,' until the Master comes. He lovingly built a 'hedge of protection' around us to keep us from the evil one. But, He also gave us free-will. Even though we belong to Him, we still have choices to make everyday. We can be finely attuned to His soft voice and obey or we can ignore it and choose our own way. Therefore, we are constantly checking fences. We must question our motives. "If I make this choice, what will the consequences be for me and those I care about? Will this choice break down my protective barrier? Will there be more work from damage control when I choose to willfully tear down my own fence?"
Keep your fences in good order. "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" Micah 6:8.
"Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37) Jesus said unto him,"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38) This is the first and great commandment. 39) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 40) On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22:36-40
Every choice we make should involve this knowledge...that we know what is good for us. We know what pleases God, and we know that anything contrary will only break down our hedge of protection.
Don't allow careless words or foolish thoughts or deeds to break down the barrier. Check your fences. Keep them repaired and enjoy all the goodness the Lord desires for you. Well, friends, it's almost daybreak. You'll have to excuse me now; I've got fences to check. Have a blessed day.
Riding fence or 'checking fence' is strictly a preventative measure. Done often and with great care, it prevents cattle or other livestock from wandering off the property and becoming lost and endangered.
Valuable time that should be spent on other tasks is not lost to searching for and rounding up the strays.
And isn't that what fences are for...to keep things inside (usually) or to keep other things out. Maintaining the complete integrity of the fence is a priority. Riding the perimeter, checking with an eagle-eye for breaks or gaps and repairing them swiftly and efficiently. A job well-done protects the entire operation and cuts down considerably on losses.
And that got me to thinking...
Perhaps our own lives are a bit like that ranch. We were given a space on this earth to 'occupy,' until the Master comes. He lovingly built a 'hedge of protection' around us to keep us from the evil one. But, He also gave us free-will. Even though we belong to Him, we still have choices to make everyday. We can be finely attuned to His soft voice and obey or we can ignore it and choose our own way. Therefore, we are constantly checking fences. We must question our motives. "If I make this choice, what will the consequences be for me and those I care about? Will this choice break down my protective barrier? Will there be more work from damage control when I choose to willfully tear down my own fence?"
Keep your fences in good order. "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" Micah 6:8.
"Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37) Jesus said unto him,"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38) This is the first and great commandment. 39) And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 40) On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22:36-40
Every choice we make should involve this knowledge...that we know what is good for us. We know what pleases God, and we know that anything contrary will only break down our hedge of protection.
Don't allow careless words or foolish thoughts or deeds to break down the barrier. Check your fences. Keep them repaired and enjoy all the goodness the Lord desires for you. Well, friends, it's almost daybreak. You'll have to excuse me now; I've got fences to check. Have a blessed day.
Monday, October 1, 2012
giddyup gazelle!
Well, it's that time of year again...time for the Well Woman's Exam. Having been notified of my annual appointment, I dutifully showed up on the scheduled day, at the appointed time. I am fortunate to have a very compassionate physician. She always takes enough time to address anything and everything. Her bedside manner is extraordinary, as well.
For example, even though I had gained a whopping eight pounds since my last visit, she was kind and understanding. She never mentioned the "F" word (F-A-T) but she did mention that for my current weight, I was actually five inches too short! Now that was medical diplomacy at its best.
We talked about the "D" word (D-I-E-T...and if you've ever tried to stay on one, you know there's a reason the main part of the word is DIE). I promised to try harder, and then she went a step too far! Doc took it to a whole new level: more exercise. When it comes to exercise, I'm in the proverbial 'Catch-22.' The severe arthritis in my hips, knees, and ankles protests. Yes, yes, I know...a body in motion tends to stay in motion...thank you for the reminder. But, it's much easier said than done. Trust me.
So, we settled on a new plan of action. For only fifteen minutes a day, I will do some very low impact exercise. Alright, now you're talking! I can do this. Meanwhile, back at home...
Up the stairs I go to have a serious discussion with the Gazelle Crosstrainer that sits in the corner of the room sneering, as it stares defiantly at me. But, somehow we reach a truce and I gingerly climb on. Setting my feet firmly in place, I start out slowly. Hey! I CAN do this. I'm the little engine that could! Toot! Toot! Get off the track because here I come. I chant happily as I speed up, "I think I can, I think I can! Toot! Toot! I think I can, I think I can!" This is great, and look at how time flies.
I think I'll check the stats now. I click the meter on...let's see...'Calories Burned.' WHAT?! Three, 3, t-h-r-e-e? Are you kidding me? That can't be right. After all this time?! OK, OK...let's check 'Time.'
WHAT?! Two minutes...seriously? What's wrong with this thing. It must need new batteries. What about 'Distance'? What's the distance I've covered? Really?! Really?! Point zero five? I will not be defeated!
Must go faster. Toot! Toot! I think I can, I think I can! Three minutes, five minutes. Toot! Toot! I think I can! Ten minutes, twelve minutes. I think I can, I think I can! Toot! Toot! Almost there...fourteen, fourteen-and-a-half...Toot! Toot! I think I can, I think I can! Fifteen minutes! VICTORY!!
As I slide off the skis, collapsing on the floor...exhausted, I realize how much better I really feel...it must be all that gas I passed...toot! toot!
For example, even though I had gained a whopping eight pounds since my last visit, she was kind and understanding. She never mentioned the "F" word (F-A-T) but she did mention that for my current weight, I was actually five inches too short! Now that was medical diplomacy at its best.
We talked about the "D" word (D-I-E-T...and if you've ever tried to stay on one, you know there's a reason the main part of the word is DIE). I promised to try harder, and then she went a step too far! Doc took it to a whole new level: more exercise. When it comes to exercise, I'm in the proverbial 'Catch-22.' The severe arthritis in my hips, knees, and ankles protests. Yes, yes, I know...a body in motion tends to stay in motion...thank you for the reminder. But, it's much easier said than done. Trust me.
So, we settled on a new plan of action. For only fifteen minutes a day, I will do some very low impact exercise. Alright, now you're talking! I can do this. Meanwhile, back at home...
Up the stairs I go to have a serious discussion with the Gazelle Crosstrainer that sits in the corner of the room sneering, as it stares defiantly at me. But, somehow we reach a truce and I gingerly climb on. Setting my feet firmly in place, I start out slowly. Hey! I CAN do this. I'm the little engine that could! Toot! Toot! Get off the track because here I come. I chant happily as I speed up, "I think I can, I think I can! Toot! Toot! I think I can, I think I can!" This is great, and look at how time flies.
I think I'll check the stats now. I click the meter on...let's see...'Calories Burned.' WHAT?! Three, 3, t-h-r-e-e? Are you kidding me? That can't be right. After all this time?! OK, OK...let's check 'Time.'
WHAT?! Two minutes...seriously? What's wrong with this thing. It must need new batteries. What about 'Distance'? What's the distance I've covered? Really?! Really?! Point zero five? I will not be defeated!
Must go faster. Toot! Toot! I think I can, I think I can! Three minutes, five minutes. Toot! Toot! I think I can! Ten minutes, twelve minutes. I think I can, I think I can! Toot! Toot! Almost there...fourteen, fourteen-and-a-half...Toot! Toot! I think I can, I think I can! Fifteen minutes! VICTORY!!
As I slide off the skis, collapsing on the floor...exhausted, I realize how much better I really feel...it must be all that gas I passed...toot! toot!
Friday, September 28, 2012
friends don't let friends...
Friends don't let friends drive drunk! I'm sure everyone knows this slogan. It's used nationally to promote awareness concerning the deathly dangers involved with drunk driving, And it seems to be working. More and more people are choosing a 'designated' driver when they go out with plans to consume alcoholic beverages during the evening. That's good news...because, friends don't let friends drive drunk.
Additionally, responsible hosts are collecting keys at the door when hosting a party where they are serving alcohol. No one too drunk to drive home safely ('safely' equals bringing no harm to yourself, others, or property) is allowed to have their keys back. The host finds another way to get the inebriated guest home safely. Why go to all the trouble? Because, friends don't let friends drive drunk.
What I like best about this way of thinking is that it forces us to consider our friends and their well-being.
I wonder if we could take it another step. For example, more recently there has been a more-or-less united effort to end bullying. We say, "Stop Bullying!" But, sadly, that is often exactly where it stops. Nothing else happens. Imagine the difference if we treated bullying on the same level as excess drinking, bringing it to a more personal level when we say, "Friends don't let friends get bullied." And conversely, friends don't let friends BECOME bullies! Maybe that's the whole problem...maybe people don't have any real friends anymore. Well, I do. I have a "friend that sticketh closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24)
I still remember, from Sunday School, the little song we used to sing: "My best friend is Jesus...how I love Him!" It may seem like childish lyrics, but it has proven to be true too many times in my life. He's the best friend EVER! We're 'blood brothers!" He shed His blood, I dipped myself in it, and now we keep covenant together. He stops me from doing a lot of things that might be detrimental to my well-being...physical, mental, or spiritual well-being. Friends don't let friends _______ .
He declared us to be His personal friends. (John 15:15 go ahead, re-read the entire chapter...it's still thrilling) Let His words in verses 12 & 13 rekindle the flame in your heart. "This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." And there it is...the ultimate declaration regarding true friendship: Friends don't let friends go to hell!
Jesus once said, "Don't say, 'there are still four months until harvesting time.' Look around you! The fields are ripe and ready now!" I believe that. Now is the time to get serious about your family and friends. If there is someone you want to see again, in heaven, then make sure that they get there. Friends don't let friends go to hell. Pure and simple. Now is the time to redouble your efforts on their behalf. Pray like you've never prayed before that the Spirit of the Risen Lord will move on their hearts before it's too late. Friends don't let friends go to hell!
And don't go all righteous on me here, either. It's not 'judging' when the Lord puts someone on your heart who needs intercession and intervention! We don't mind to intervene when we think they could be too drunk to drive...then we shouldn't mind to intervene when we think they are headed for serious trouble, spiritually.
It's up to you...you still have a choice, free-will, but as for me, I intend to make as sure as I possibly can that everyone I care about is going to see me again in our heavenly home. I just wouldn't be a true friend otherwise!
Additionally, responsible hosts are collecting keys at the door when hosting a party where they are serving alcohol. No one too drunk to drive home safely ('safely' equals bringing no harm to yourself, others, or property) is allowed to have their keys back. The host finds another way to get the inebriated guest home safely. Why go to all the trouble? Because, friends don't let friends drive drunk.
What I like best about this way of thinking is that it forces us to consider our friends and their well-being.
I wonder if we could take it another step. For example, more recently there has been a more-or-less united effort to end bullying. We say, "Stop Bullying!" But, sadly, that is often exactly where it stops. Nothing else happens. Imagine the difference if we treated bullying on the same level as excess drinking, bringing it to a more personal level when we say, "Friends don't let friends get bullied." And conversely, friends don't let friends BECOME bullies! Maybe that's the whole problem...maybe people don't have any real friends anymore. Well, I do. I have a "friend that sticketh closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24)
I still remember, from Sunday School, the little song we used to sing: "My best friend is Jesus...how I love Him!" It may seem like childish lyrics, but it has proven to be true too many times in my life. He's the best friend EVER! We're 'blood brothers!" He shed His blood, I dipped myself in it, and now we keep covenant together. He stops me from doing a lot of things that might be detrimental to my well-being...physical, mental, or spiritual well-being. Friends don't let friends _______ .
He declared us to be His personal friends. (John 15:15 go ahead, re-read the entire chapter...it's still thrilling) Let His words in verses 12 & 13 rekindle the flame in your heart. "This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." And there it is...the ultimate declaration regarding true friendship: Friends don't let friends go to hell!
Jesus once said, "Don't say, 'there are still four months until harvesting time.' Look around you! The fields are ripe and ready now!" I believe that. Now is the time to get serious about your family and friends. If there is someone you want to see again, in heaven, then make sure that they get there. Friends don't let friends go to hell. Pure and simple. Now is the time to redouble your efforts on their behalf. Pray like you've never prayed before that the Spirit of the Risen Lord will move on their hearts before it's too late. Friends don't let friends go to hell!
And don't go all righteous on me here, either. It's not 'judging' when the Lord puts someone on your heart who needs intercession and intervention! We don't mind to intervene when we think they could be too drunk to drive...then we shouldn't mind to intervene when we think they are headed for serious trouble, spiritually.
It's up to you...you still have a choice, free-will, but as for me, I intend to make as sure as I possibly can that everyone I care about is going to see me again in our heavenly home. I just wouldn't be a true friend otherwise!
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
I can't get no satisfaction...
Recently, I remembered the old rock tune, "I Can't Get No Satisfaction." And you know what happened then; it got me to thinking...
Abraham Lincoln once said, "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Given the times he lived in, that was quite a statement. Nevertheless, I believe that he was right, after all. Happiness, in general, doesn't happen, it's made. And it's made from all the various threads in the weaving of our lives. When happiness eludes you, consider where you are looking for it. Whether it's in relationships, your job/career, or just 'stuff,' whatever fills the void in your life will never be enough when you're looking in the wrong places for the wrong reasons. The only satisfaction will be temporal at best.
It's like pouring water through a strainer. If you pour really fast, you can fill it for about 1/2 a second. No wonder Jesus used water to demonstrate this point! According to John, chapter 4, the account is written concerning this matter. There are a couple of points I want you to notice here.
To begin with, verse four tells us that "..he must needs go through Samaria." That lets me know that the Lord has a need to interact with us in our daily lives, but it only makes a difference if we pay attention to what He is saying. It's interesting that we can find him here at all. Historically, the Jewish people hated the Samaritans, and the feeling was mutual...an Old Testament 'Hatfields and McCoys' on a national level. (see verse 9) When the Samaritan woman mentions this, Jesus simply executes His plan. The ensuing dialogue is a split-level conversation. The woman can't get past the physical reality of the situation, while Christ deals with us on a spiritual plane. He asks for a drink of water. She says, "You don't even have a bucket!" And that opened the door!
What He says next is classic truth...it's the bedrock for the foundation of understanding God in our lives. He said, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that asked you for a drink, you would have asked him for a drink of living water. And he would have given it to you." But, she's still not in touch. The conversation continues as He speaks of Living Water, explaining that everything else in life will leave you thirsty. And there it is! The reason we "can't get no satisfaction."
Anything, ANYTHING, A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G other than Christ himself in our lives, will leave us feeling empty. It will never be enough, no matter what it is. He is the source of true life and the happiness in it. When we are wrapped up in Him, everything else falls into place. When we are drinking at His well, we are filled and satisfied. Nothing can steal our peace or joy.
So, dear one, come away with me to the well of living waters. Spend some time in the shade of that oasis just talking with your friend, Jesus. He felt the need to come your way today, why not tarry with Him until you are satisfied again!
Abraham Lincoln once said, "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be." Given the times he lived in, that was quite a statement. Nevertheless, I believe that he was right, after all. Happiness, in general, doesn't happen, it's made. And it's made from all the various threads in the weaving of our lives. When happiness eludes you, consider where you are looking for it. Whether it's in relationships, your job/career, or just 'stuff,' whatever fills the void in your life will never be enough when you're looking in the wrong places for the wrong reasons. The only satisfaction will be temporal at best.
It's like pouring water through a strainer. If you pour really fast, you can fill it for about 1/2 a second. No wonder Jesus used water to demonstrate this point! According to John, chapter 4, the account is written concerning this matter. There are a couple of points I want you to notice here.
To begin with, verse four tells us that "..he must needs go through Samaria." That lets me know that the Lord has a need to interact with us in our daily lives, but it only makes a difference if we pay attention to what He is saying. It's interesting that we can find him here at all. Historically, the Jewish people hated the Samaritans, and the feeling was mutual...an Old Testament 'Hatfields and McCoys' on a national level. (see verse 9) When the Samaritan woman mentions this, Jesus simply executes His plan. The ensuing dialogue is a split-level conversation. The woman can't get past the physical reality of the situation, while Christ deals with us on a spiritual plane. He asks for a drink of water. She says, "You don't even have a bucket!" And that opened the door!
What He says next is classic truth...it's the bedrock for the foundation of understanding God in our lives. He said, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that asked you for a drink, you would have asked him for a drink of living water. And he would have given it to you." But, she's still not in touch. The conversation continues as He speaks of Living Water, explaining that everything else in life will leave you thirsty. And there it is! The reason we "can't get no satisfaction."
Anything, ANYTHING, A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G other than Christ himself in our lives, will leave us feeling empty. It will never be enough, no matter what it is. He is the source of true life and the happiness in it. When we are wrapped up in Him, everything else falls into place. When we are drinking at His well, we are filled and satisfied. Nothing can steal our peace or joy.
So, dear one, come away with me to the well of living waters. Spend some time in the shade of that oasis just talking with your friend, Jesus. He felt the need to come your way today, why not tarry with Him until you are satisfied again!
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