Another from my upcoming book, More Snapshots: continuing the spiritual journey

Lying and Dying

September 9

You have not lied just to human beings but to God.

Acts 5:4

The doctors could not find the root cause of Euwan’s illness. About a year and a half ago he’d begun feeling ‘unhealthy’. “I don’t know,” he’d say, “I just don’t feel right. I feel…odd.”

As the days turned into weeks Euwan’s quest to find out what was wrong intensified. He went from his family practitioner to a specialist in viral diseases. But the weeks turned into months, and Euwan grew worse. At this point he was willing to try anything. So he went to a local church, and asked the pastor to pray for him.   

Before he prayed, the pastor asked, “When you first noticed the symptoms, what was going on in your life?”   

Euwan thought for a bit, and realized that the onset coincided with a business deal he’d brokered. Reluctantly, he told the pastor.  

“Well,” the pastor said, “What kind of a deal did you make? Was it fair and beneficial for both sides?”

Instantly Euwan remembered what he’d said to the board members of the company they’d purchased. His own words came back like hammer blows to his heart: “Yes, we intend to keep all your employees…” But as soon as the merger had been completed, Euwan ordered a down-sizing. They had always intended to minimize the workforce to save their company money.         

†

Illnesses of this nature happen every day, but mostly aren’t attributed to the root cause. Lying has physiological consequences that can lead to death. Euwan’s conscience wouldn’t allow him to deny what he’d done, and it had taken a huge toll on him.   

When we lie there is only one option that will restore us: the truth. God already knows we lied, and is waiting to see what we’re going to do. What we fear most is disclosing the truth to those to whom we’ve lied, because we fear their wrath. But, tell them we must.          

Whether they forgive us or not, God will, and He is hopeful that we will repent.

What we do with that opportunity is up to us.     

Prayer

“Lord, if I have lied, help me make it right. Set me free from the bondage of deception, and help me to always speak the truth. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

From More Snapshots: continuing the spiritual journey

Just Point and Click

August 1

I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.

1Corinthians 2:1

Nancy was an amateur photographer. Nature was her medium, butterflies and hummingbirds her forte’. She loved capturing images for posterity, and over the years she had taken some pretty awesome pictures. So many, in fact, that she could publish a book, showcasing some of her more dramatic shots.  

One picture in particular always caught the eye of those who looked through her extensive portfolio. The bright orange center of each tiny violet bloom contrasted vividly against the deep green leaves of a beautiful butterfly bush. Framed in the center of the picture was a hummingbird moth, collecting nectar from each flower. The tiny moth’s wings beat a thousand times a second as it hovered over the plant. That a moth could so closely resemble a bird was astounding! Its luminescent bronze wings and feathery-looking fan tail were so intricate in detail. The similarities between its namesakes were remarkable. The fact that Nancy had captured its fragile beauty was even more impressive.     

When asked how she managed to capture such wonderful images, Nancy replied, “Honestly? I just point and click. The more I adjust the settings and set up for the ‘perfect photo’, the worse it turns out. Every print you see was a point and click picture.”  

†

Nancy’s approach to photography is a wonderful example of how God wants us to share the gospel, with simple and understandable words, leaving the conviction and revelation to Him. He has good reason.

There is nothing more confusing and frustrating than when someone uses eloquent speech in an effort to display their extensive vocabulary or their grasp of the situation, when simple words would do.       

Paul reminded the Church at Corinth that he had not used eloquent speech to woo them. He’d spoken to them about Jesus in simple, understandable terms. And if anyone could have wooed them with eloquence, it was Paul. But he was wise enough to understand that wordy speeches fail to present the true nature of salvation through Jesus Christ.

So the next time you share the gospel, why not give the ‘just point and click’ method a try.  

Prayer

“Holy Spirit, help me keep it simple as I share about Jesus. Amen.”

Sticks & Stones

August 3

Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival provoked her till she wept and would not eat.

1Samuel 1:7

Laura wiped at her tears as she walked up the drive, she didn’t want Dick to see she’d been crying. “I hate mean people!” She vehemently cursed under her breath, not noticing or caring as the bus faded into the distance.  

Thoughts from today’s trip whirled through her head. Why does this always happen? Why are people so mean? And…why can’t people just leave me alone?! She would never get used to the stares, and the names. I never hurt any of them, and still they call me hurtful names, staring at me as if I’m some kind of monster! The tears began anew.

At seventeen, Laura had been in an explosion involving a gas grill. It had left her with burns over thirty percent of her body…the right side of her face had required extensive cosmetic surgery, leaving disfigurement that could not be hidden. She was still receiving monthly treatments to stretch on-going skin grafts.

Laura hated visits to the city. Because no matter how much she prayed, she always saw that look, and heard those comments.  

Why couldn’t people see past the scars? “Why couldn’t You have just let me die in that explosion?!” she challenged God for the hundredth time.

†

Sticks & stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me. Most of us have used this come-back as a form of protection for lack of a better defense. The idiom is a lie, name-calling hurts.

And for good reason, it undermines our personal confidence while telling us we are defective and unacceptable; it wounds a heart longing to be loved.

Hanna was so affected by name-calling that she wept until she couldn’t eat! But God heard Hanna’s cry. And he hears ours, too. Like Hanna, we too might endure ridicule we do not deserve, but in the end our sorrow will turn to joy. There is no guarantee that our situation will soon change as there is no shortage of mean-spirited people. But God hears our cry. And in time He will take away our pain.

Prayer

“Lord, help me bring healing instead of pain. Guard my tongue and words. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Agents of Prophecy

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

Colossians 3:21

Dell was one of the smartest kids in school. He was also one of the most under-achieving freshmen Mr. Holman ever taught. Finding ways to engage the young man had proven a challenge.  

Mr. Holman talked to Dell’s other teachers and some of his friends, intending to discover why someone so bright seemed to care so little about his future. What he discovered was disturbing. Dell’s father was a bully. Although he never touched Dell physically, he broke his spirit mentally and emotionally, spewing venomous curses at him, “You’re so stupid! You can’t even tell the difference between a spark plug and a fuel injector! What the hell is wrong with you?! You’ll never be a mechanic! You’re worthless!”          

Knowing otherwise, Mr. Holman determined to show Dell who he really was. Over time, he was able to penetrate Dell’s protective barriers. Once inside, he spoke words of truth; words to edify and nurture; words of encouragement and support. And by his senior year, Dell’s poor self-image had been replaced by one of hope-filled anticipation. His grades mirrored his intellect, and he began setting goals for the future.  

† 

Day in and day out the man who should have been encouraging Dell was beating him down. And Dell, instead of looking toward a successful future in a career he could find pleasure and happiness in, aspired only to survive and escape his father’s harsh treatment.          

We are agents of prophecy. Our children hear everything we say. Not only do our words speak loud and clear, our body language and voice inflection have much to say as well. Make no mistake…they will become who we tell them they are.        

Fathers, don’t make the mistake of telling your daughter, “Go change your clothes, you look like a whore!” or she just might turn to the streets for a father’s love.  

Our kids go from stroller to SUV in less time than it takes to blink. We have only a small window of influence. We should look for every opportunity to invest wisely.

Sometime today, tell your children how smart they are, and how blessed you are to have them.        

   

Prayer

“Holy Spirit, give me words of encouragement to speak over my children; help me build their self-esteem. And hold my tongue in times of frustration to keep me from discouraging them. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”    

Take a Stand

Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?

Psalm 94:16

At the beginning of the 2011 U.S. Open, NBC broadcast a lead-in meant to stir the hearts of patriotic Americans. With flags flying in the breeze and soldiers standing at attention, a group of children held their hands over their hearts and recited the ‘Pledge of Allegiance.’  

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America…” They paused, and the picture cut from the children to soldiers standing at attention, saluting our Nation’s most honored symbol.  

“And to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation…” There was a discernable sense of pride on the faces of the children as they took the sacred pledge. The pause lingered, the viewers awaited the declaration of the real reason for our freedom…   

“With liberty and justice for all.” the kids proudly proclaimed.  

And with that the announcer began NBC’s coverage of the U.S. Open Championship.

†

“Under God” had been cut from the ‘Pledge of Allegiance’ not once, but twice. Sadly, NBC had removed the most important statement in the ‘Pledge’ on purpose. Within minutes the telephone switchboard had overloaded, and their email mailbox was full from the responses of true Americans.  

In their feeble apology an hour later, NBC stated, “Regrettably, a portion of the Pledge of Allegiance that was in that feature was edited out. It was not done to upset anyone and we’d like to apologize to those of you who were offended by it.”

Funny, but no one mentioned that the word “indivisible” had also been edited. The reason? By cutting ‘under God’, NBC was trying to render our United States divided, so they couldn’t use it either.  

And in truth, we are no longer ‘one nation, under God.’ We have been effectively divided by left wing liberals, gays and homosexuals, and every other godless enterprise that hates God.

But unless you are willing to take a stand with God, as David did in today’s text, remain quiet. No one wants your opinion.  

I hope that statement makes you angry…angry enough to take action.

Prayer

“God, I am sorry for not standing up for You and this great Nation. I re-pledge my allegiance to You. Open doors for me and give me another opportunity to speak on Your behalf.  In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

From Snapshots: a spiritual look at daily life

By Invitation Only

June 3

Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.

Luke 14:15

She had not always been a popular woman. But today they were begging for an invitation to tonight’s party. Reporters lined the sidewalks by the gate, waiting for her to appear and bless them with an invitation. They stood for hours, waiting.

When the owner of the estate made her appearance, it was brief. She smiled and read a short, pre-written statement; “As none of you responded to my prior invitations, I have invited a select group to dine with me tonight. My guests will be arriving momentarily, please be considerate and allow them to pass. Once again, this banquet is by invitation only. Please do not attempt to gain entrance or you will be arrested, and I will prefer charges against you.” With that she returned to the house.

Ten minutes later, limousines from every escort company in the city began pulling up to the gate. They provided proof of invitation, then drove to the large portico and presented their guests to the hostess.

To the paparazzi’s amazement, the guests appeared to be beggars and homeless people. The hostess had them chauffeured from their cardboard homes as though they were royalty!

†

In the blink of an eye all invitations to the Feast in the Kingdom will be sealed and no more will be issued. The King will determine that the banquet should begin, and there will be no admittance to those who do not have a personal invitation.

Until then God continues to issue an open Invitation to any and all who would receive Him. Because of the blood of Jesus we have the right to R.S.V.P.; which is to tell the Host whether or not we plan to attend.

Those who respond will partake of all the goodness of the Kingdom. They will be seated in a position of prominence at the King’s table.

And just like those in today’s story, there will be many who will be turned away, never having accepted God’s Son. Admittance to Heaven is by Invitation only. Have you sent your R.S.V.P.?

Prayer

“I gratefully accept Your Invitation today, Lord. Thank You for sending Your Son to escort me to the Dinner Party. Amen.”

Stuck in Saturday

I tell you the truth … you will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.

John 16:20

Penny lay awake, the heartache tonight not much less than a year ago. She hadn’t slept much since Richard had died.

Married only six months, Richard had died when his car skidded on a patch of ice. The vehicle had gone over the guardrail above a deep gorge, roll­ing several times before coming to rest at the bottom. It had been several hours before he was found, and it had taken several more to remove him from the wreckage; he’d lived for two days before succumbing to his injuries.

Penny was numb, yet her brain never shut down. She rarely went a full ten minutes without it all playing back in her mind: the scene at the trauma center, the two days in ICU, the funeral, and the emptiness. It seemed her life was stuck on replay.

Penny cried out to God for answers, answers that probably wouldn’t relieve the ache or make this any easier.

Family and friends felt she was stuck in her grief. They continued to min­ister to her in love, praying that her outlook would brighten, bringing this profound grief to an end.

†

Anyone who has lost a loved one or a friend knows the depth of Penny’s heart­ache. Their absence creates a hole in us that refuses to be refilled; we’ve lost someone so precious that to think otherwise would feel like betrayal.

Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, did what He could to reassure His disciples of His resurrection. But on Good Friday nothing could take away the sting, the shock, or the pain in their chests. And all day Saturday they tried unsuccessfully to console themselves.

Then came Sunday!

The truth is if we live long enough, we will experience Penny’s pain. If we love deeply, we will grieve the same way. But someday our grief will turn to joy. It’s Jesus’ resurrection that keeps us from getting stuck in Saturday.

Death came on Friday, resurrection on Sunday, but there was a very long day in between. It’s okay to grieve. But do it with hope.

Prayer

“Give us strength to walk on in the pain, Lord. Thank You that, because of Jesus, this pain will turn to joy. Amen.”