From The Outside

October 23

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Romans 12:9

Stan and Jennifer had been married forty-eight years, today. In the span of almost five decades resided the memories of events that could have ended what was now a wonderful and endearing romance.

Many times Jennifer would have been justified in leaving. As a matter of fact, many of her closest friends, and even some of her family, had suggested she do just that.

But Jen, as Stan was fond of calling her, never considered it an option. She’d meant and intended to keep the vows she’d taken at the wedding altar.

Stan, honest about his lack of commitment in the early years, gave her credit for “hanging in there when it didn’t make a lot of sense.” He readily admitted to his reckless and wild ways. “Jen taught me a lot about love and forgiveness. Truth is…” he paused, reflection showing on his face, “I’da left me a long time ago, but Jen…she could see somethin’ I couldn’t.” Here, he chocked up, “She’s as much the reason as God that I’m standin’ here today. Had she left I’m not sure I would have cared enough to change.”

Watching them, as they lovingly held hands, it was easy to see what Jennifer saw was worth fighting for. Her commitment had given her vision, vision with perspective and hope.

†

In The Shack, William Paul Young writes, grace rarely makes sense for those looking in from the outside.

It’s easy for those on the outside to judge and ridicule, even going so far as to encourage separation and divorce because they wouldn’t tolerate such glaring and unjust behavior!

With a godly perspective we, like Jen, can see something worth fighting for.

Grace is unmerited favor…given to someone who does not deserve it…given when we rarely feel like giving it. We must, as Paul exhorts, hate the evil part, giving it to God, and cling to what is good!

Grace and commitment are hard work.

God set us an example of grace and commitment. His Name is Jesus.

“Prayer”

Thank You for Jesus, Father. Help me to always extend grace instead of withholding it, and help me remain committed when it would be easier to cut and run. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Taking Safety Measures

October 22

Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men…

Proverbs 2:12

These would be the most unique wind chimes the craftsman had ever constructed. He had decided to make teardrop clappers to give them character; it would also make the copper tubes resonate a higher quality of sound than was typical.   

Positioning the block of hardwood in the lathe, he snugged the handle one last time and rotated the wood by hand. It spun true so he turned the machine on. With the wood spinning at 8,000 rpm, he took a roughing chisel and began rounding off the edges.

Realizing he wasn’t wearing his face shield, the craftsman shut off the lathe and walked to the tool rack to get it. The shield was not in its place. His search of the basement was unsuccessful. Not wanting to wait, he decided to proceed without it. 

Snugging the block once more he turned the machine back on. Suddenly, the three pound block of wood became a projectile. It was hurled from the spinning lathe, striking him squarely in the mouth. The force of the blow split his lip to his nose, while severing three teeth at the jaw line. 

Cosmetic surgery would be required to repair the badly damaged lip, and the dental work would take three months to complete, requiring extractions and bone grafts to rebuild the jaw prior to replacing the missing teeth with bridges. 

†

Many of us foolishly tell ourselves that accidents only happen to other people, and ask God “Why me?” when calamity knocks on our door. The truth is bad things happen to all of us. While optimism is a good thing, denial will eventually cause us pain.

Although there is no guarantee, had the craftsman taken time to locate and use the face shield, serious injury might have been avoided.   

In this same way spiritual injuries can occur because we fail to take measures that could prevent them. Asking for additional help is not an admittance of weakness. It is a sign of wisdom. 

God wants to provide us with the needed protection but it’s up to us to ask for and use it in our lives.

Prayer

“Lord, I don’t always make wise choices. Please give me the wisdom to turn to You for help prior to the calamities of life. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 The Burden of Friendship

October 21

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:2

Now in their eighties, Jane and Dorothy had been best friends since early childhood. During that time both had faced challenges. As close friends, they had shared each other’s burdens through the storms of life.

Recently diagnosed with liver failure as a result of an aggressive case of diabetes that had already left her blind, Dorothy was in need of Jane’s assistance once again. The inability to keep food down had taken its toll on her already fragile body. The overwhelming nausea and increasing weakness only exacerbated the situation. Today was an especially rough day.

“Oh, Jane…” Dorothy wept. “I don’t think I can take this any more...”

As true friends do, Jane attempted to encourage Dorothy, “I know, Hon, just hang in there. We’ll get through this.”

Weary of it all, Dorothy said, “Do you think I’m going to die, Jane?”

Jane adamantly asked, “Do you want to?!”

The straight-forward question elicited a revelation…Dorothy wasn’t ready to see Jesus face to face just yet. “No…!” she responded emphatically.

“Then fight for life until the Lord takes you home!” Jane urged her friend.

†

Close relationships are rare because true friendships venture to places acquaintances know nothing about. It’s been said that true friendship begins when you are willing to share your secret joys and intimacies as well as your obvious sorrows. Lifelong friendships are a gift from God.

The burden of friendship is a matter of will because to love selflessly, places equal importance on a friend’s needs while we ourselves are facing hardship. True friendship is not inherent, otherwise God, through Paul in today's text, would have no need to instruct us.

As today’s text illustrates, carrying each other’s burdens is our Christian responsibility. It blesses God when we place a premium on the needs of others. Amazingly, when we carry each other’s burdens we find that we ourselves are the recipient of God’s blessings. This is the nature of reciprocity; give and it will be given unto you (Luke 6:38).

Prayer

“Father, help me to be mindful of those around me who need my help. Give me discernment so I can minister Your love where it is needed. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 A Season of Harvest

October 20

The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

Matthew 9:37

Ben paused to listen as the October winds rustled the corn stalks, thinking, I love this time of year!

His tooth-revealing smile, hidden behind a camouflage mask, testified to the depth of fulfillment he was experiencing. The explorer inside was being unleashed! The explosion of color! Clear, crisp air, and such fiery sunsets! It’s hard to imagine anything more beautiful than this river valley!

Ben always felt closer to God when he ventured into the woods. Here he could see God’s handiwork. He could almost hear God pronounce, “You were meant to have dominion over this. Take good care of it; this is practice for your future home.” He was moved by the variety of wildlife and brilliant foliage.

Ben had been a bowhunter for over thirty years. In the sphere of three decades he’d spent thousands of hours in the woods; here he was aware of a godly connection he rarely sensed anywhere else.

Ben considered himself a good steward of nature. He hunted because he enjoyed it, yet he also knew that maintaining the animal population was necessary because of the limited carrying capacity of the surrounding countryside. Even more treasured than being entrusted with this responsibility was the sense of God’s looming presence as he sat silently, watching this wonder-filled world within a world unfold before him.

†

Consider this parallel to the seasons of our lives: winter...God cleanses us through understanding; spring…He brings renewal; summer…God propagates and grows the planted seed; fall...our mature fruit is revealed for the purpose of sharing!

There is significance in each. But fall is when the sickle is put to the crop.

As we look about, we see those who have not yet named the Name of Jesus. They may be in the fall of their lives, not because of age, but because their time to decide is running out.

God says to each of us, “Take time out of your schedule to experience the Spirit of this season. Then go to the harvest fields!”

Prayer

“Cleanse my life, Lord, renew a right spirit in me, propagate the seeds You have planted, and mature the fruit in my life that I might be prepared for the harvest. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

 Being Prepared

October 19

I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.

Isaiah 46:17

Jo had grown up on a farm. She toiled alongside her brothers in the fields, picking up rocks or bailing hay. Returning to the house in late afternoon she helped mom bake bread, cookies, and cupcakes. The Shipley house was full of love.

But one thing the Shipley's didn’t have was indoor conveniences. The outhouse was twenty-six steps out the back door. This wasn’t something Jo would come to appreciate until later in life.

Every day she pitched in to help around the farm to get things to market. To Jo it was just her way of life, even if physically demanding. But they had been happy days; swimming in the fishing hole on a hot summer day after chores were done, or ice-skating on the pond between the house and the hayfield when the ice was thick enough.

Never as a child could she have foreseen how God would use these experiences to win souls for His Kingdom.

A missionary/English teacher, Jo now lived in some of the most underdeveloped places in the world. Her labor-filled childhood, along with the family’s lack of indoor plumbing had prepared her for the conditions she ministered and taught in. Because of her hard working, simple lifestyle Jo was able to identify, and as she shared her childhood homelife she found herself widely accepted.

†

The preparation Jo received at home on the farm made all the difference in her ability to relate and understand. She was grateful for having learned to live a simple life. Because of that she felt a closer bond, found herself able to share God's love easier, and as a result, led many people to the Lord.

God knows what He’s doing with us as well, although many times we whine about the task at hand because we fail to see the bigger picture. Yet everything we do today will prepare us for the work of tomorrow. Today’s text tells us that if we allow Him, God will order our steps. If we permit Him to prepare us we can then reach out to others with kinship and understanding.

Prayer

“Lord, teach me what I need to know so that I might serve You well in this life. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 This Isn’t Right!

October 18

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.

1Thessalonians 4:13

Melodee watched as the two grandfathers carried the tiny casket to the graveside. One though consumed her, Babies aren’t supposed to die! This isn’t right…!

Nothing about Hope’s short life had been right. She wasn’t meant to be born three months premature; her tiny little heart wasn’t supposed to be on the right side of her underdeveloped chest; and she surely wasn’t supposed to live for seven months only to be taken away!

Melodee was lost in thought for most of the eulogy. But then a change in pastor’s voice inflection drew her back to the moment. “Hope has preceded us in death. But she is not here,” he proclaimed. “This little body was only temporary housing. And although it’s difficult, we rejoice in her physical death, because today,” the pastor roared, startling everyone, “Hope is dancing with Jesus!” he shouted, pumping his fist in a victorious gesture. And uncharacteristically, the people joined the celebration!

Melodee anguished, I know what he’s saying is the truth, Lord. But right now that’s not much comfort! Not for me…not for Roger…especially not for Seth and Shirley! This isn’t right!

God’s response was soft, and full of love, “Hope is home, Melodee. Her spiritual body is perfect! You will approve. And the pastor is correct. She is rejoicing with My Son even as we speak!”

†

On any given day we hear the news of parents who have lost a child to premature and sudden death. Upon hearing the news, many people send a quick prayer Heaven-ward, letting their momentary sadness be known. Yet, until death knocks on our door with such tragic reality, we cannot and will not understand how ‘un-right’ it is.

The premature physical death of an infant, no matter how you try to spin it, isn’t right. It was never meant to happen, and only the hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ can make it sufferable.

Prayer

“Father of hope, extend the touch of Your Holy Spirit to those who have experienced this grief and heartache first hand. Hold them close and help them heal. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

 Fathomless

October 17

Now this is eternal life; that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

John 17:3

Given the assignment of researching celestial bodies for her ‘Science in Religion’ class, Connie decided to browse NASA’s website. Scrolling through the photo gallery, she clicked on Hubble Telescope’s ‘Ultra Deep Field’ image. As the picture appeared on her computer screen, she stared in amazement.

Contemplating the fact that this photo contained only a minute percentage of the entire universe, the vastness of it all had a profound effect on her. It’s hard to fathom the God Who created all this!

As she began counting galaxies she was struck with a deeper, more profound truth, He can create all this, number each star in trillions of galaxies, and yet He knows me intimately; even the number of hairs on my head! A tear trickled down her cheek unhindered. Who am I, Lord?

Immediately, something her mom used to say came to mind, “He’s a big God, Honey, but He’s quite fond of you ya know! He sent Jesus to prove it!”

I finally get it, Mom.

†

Displaying more than 10,000 galaxies, the Ultra Deep Field Observation required 400 earth orbits to complete. In order to capture the incredible image, Hubble’s Wide-Field Advanced Camera for Surveys snapped two frames per orbit, for a total of 800 exposures.

Considering the width of sky reflected in the UDFO is as narrow as a pencil in comparison to the whole sky, it leaves 12.7 million times more area of the universe un-photographed; the implications are astonishing. They are also remarkably significant, because men are not without conscience. Even those who profess to be atheistic know in their soul that they deny the truth. Why else would they rail against Someone they professed non-existent?

Romans 1:20 says, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” We cannot look on such magnificence and deny our Creator.

Prayer

“Lord, how beautiful and magnificent the heavens are. And yet knowing You consider me Your greatest creation, I am humbled. Thank You for such fathomless love. Amen.”