The In-Between

I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

Ephesians 4:1

There were tears mixed with laughter at the dinner. There must have been three hundred people in attendance. All of them had come to share memories of the man they had laid to rest that morning.

He had not been a pillar of the community, nor was he well-known outside this circle. Yet his life and service had had a profound effect on the lives of those he’d touched. A philanthropist of sorts, he had given over seventy percent of his meager earnings to those in need. He’d held on loosely to what he had—it was his way of giving to the Lord. He never made it public, and would have denied any connection to the prosperity others enjoyed due to his generosity. He lived a simple life, in a simple home.

His wife had preceded him in death. He’d kept her memory alive by spending time doing things they’d done together; walking in the early morning dawn to watch the sunrise; or watching the eagles soar over the river-bottoms, so majestic and awe-inspiring. Simple, that was how he’d seen himself.  

Yet these people knew him for who he really was. He’d shared generously with each of them somewhere between the day of his birth and today. They each had a personal story of his benevolence—together, they represented his in-between.

†

Gravestones are etched with the deceased’s date of birth and date of death. Between them is a small dash. That simple dash represents the life they lived. It’s their ‘in-between’. And what happened during their ‘in-between’ is how they will be remembered.

Paul was adamant that we live an in-between Jesus would be proud of. And I can think of nothing more comforting for our loved-ones at the time of our death than to be left with an in-between that brings them happy, loving memories.  

We must be intentional in our commitment to live well. But with the Holy Spirit’s help we have the hope of achieving Paul’s instruction.

Prayer

“Spirit of God, lead me today. Show me how I might make a difference in the lives of those who need a special touch. Help me remain obscure at a time when my pride screams for recognition. Help me help others. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Perfectly Unique Imperfections

But when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.

1Corinthians 13:10

As the master-glassblower puffed gently, a small bulb appeared at the end of the forging tube. Working with quick, decisive motions, she rolled the six foot tube along a lintel while her apprentice held thick, wet newspaper under the glass, creating a more slender tube. A more forceful puff of air, and a larger bulb was created at the end of the tube. The apprentice now used a cup-shaped, cast-steel ladle to shape the vase as the forging tube continued to spin. Working in unison, one blowing and spinning the tube, the other handling the glass with different tools, they achieved the desired effect. Frequently, the entire work of art was placed back into the furnace for reheating. When asked why the glass was continually placed in the furnace she answered, “The glass has many imperfections. As we re-fire the glass we remove many, but not all of them. The remaining imperfections are what make each creation unique; it gives the piece more value.”

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Until the day Jesus comes back for the Church, we will be imperfect. This does not translate into “useless”. In the same way the vase has great value, even though it is flawed, we too are of great value to God.

The trials of life refine us. God uses the Holy Spirit to influence our lives in one way, while He reveals truth to us in another. He places us into the forging fires to remove our imperfections. What is left is a less-flawed vessel.

As we walk through the fire we become a purer version of the person God means us to be. The Holy Spirit urges us while God directs us. Our refining yields the desired effect. As the forgings cool, we reflect a clearer image of the One Who is perfect in every way.

Prayer

“Please use me, Lord. I need to feel valuable. I want to make a difference in this life. Guide me through the refining fires so I reflect a better representation of Your image to those I meet along life’s path. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”

“A Matter of Perspective”

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:8-9

Through a clear and virtually cloudless sky, the jet banked hard left, preparing for final approach. Looking out the window, the businessman saw the hand, and heard the voice of God. There, below him, was a single, fluffy-white cloud. Centered on the cloud was a perfect, vibrantly-colored rainbow—not an arch as we see from the ground, but a perfect circle. And in the center of it all was the shadow of his plane, cast by the noonday sun.

In that moment God whispered, “This is My promise. There is no place that exists outside my love; no valley is below this circle, no mountain rises above it. There is no east, there is no west, there is only my love. This is My promise.”

There wasn’t time to snap a picture before the plane leveled out, but that didn’t matter, he would never forget the image. A sense of peace replaced his harried and stress-filled mind.

†

Following the Flood, God promised Noah to never again destroy the earth with water. His covenant was the first recorded rainbow, “I have set my bow in the cloud.” Never having witnessed one before, Noah must have been awe-struck!

In the fourth chapter of Revelation, John describes how God remembers that promise, “a rainbow resembling an emerald, encircling the Throne of God.” not arching above it, but encircling the throne; all encompassing and never-ending, just like God’s promises.

The image and the whisper through the window of that plane let the  businessman  know that God was aware of his life, and the problems he faced. From God’s perspective the things we deal with and witness each day are usually not what they appear to be, there is a purpose. God asks that we trust Him to work in our lives for that purpose.

Prayer

“Lord, I don’t look at things the way You do. Help me to see what You see as I look at the issues of my life. Help me to trust in Your promise.  In Jesus Name, amen.”

“Letters From Heaven”

…you are a letter from Christ…written not with ink but in the Spirit of the living God...

2Corinthians 3:3

They had just wrapped up the Sunday School lesson on being a good witness for Jesus, when one adult rose, and exited the classroom. A murmur immediately spread throughout the class, and one statement was heard above the rest: “Must have felt convicted!”

The teacher, knowing why the man had left, let the murmuring continue for a minute and then called the class to silence, “I asked John to leave the class without interruption, and without explaining himself.”

The class looked to each other with puzzled expressions. With no answer forthcoming, the teacher continued, “Uncomfortable as this is, it is a valuable lesson for us all. I don’t care who made what statements. I did this as an example of how we sometimes give false witness.

“There is always someone standing on the sidelines waiting to judge Christianity by its mistakes. The murmuring that followed John’s departure is a form of gossip. Several of us defamed John’s character unjustly. If a non-believer had been present they would have heard the family of God criticizing one of their own.” He paused, scanning each face, not wanting to single anyone out, yet not giving them room to escape the true conviction that had entered the room.

In closing, he simply stated, “We are each letters from Heaven, written in the Spirit of the living God. How would you like yours to read?”

†

It’s been said that many Christians are the only Bible some people will ever read. If that’s the case, what are those who are reading us getting from the Bible? Do we draw them toward a relationship with Jesus Christ, or do we confirm the cynicism of those who see Christianity as a hypocrites’ religion? 

Paul took responsibility for his witness. He also challenged those he was responsible for to witness well.

When we witness poorly it reflects not only on our walk with the Lord, it puts a black eye on the Source of our faith. We must be mindful of the statement we are making.

“Prayer”

“May the pages of my book be considerate and encouraging, Lord, drawing people into relationship with You, instead of driving them away. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Keeping Watch

Be on guard! Be alert! ...keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back…  If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.

Mark 13:33, 35, 36

Tom watched as Warren grabbed his lunch pail and headed for the factory door following the ‘Shift’ whistle that signaled the end of the workday. That man definitely knows when quitting time is. What Tom didn’t know was that Warren worked a second job as shift supervisor at a warehouse across town. Appreciating Warren’s situation, and his work strong ethic, the owner of the warehouse allowed him to start his job a half hour later than normal. Having just thirty minutes to travel the ten miles between locations, Warren kept close track of time.

A second fact Tom wasn’t aware of was that the employees Warren supervised took advantage of his absence during their first half hour of work by lounging around in the break room. A couple of them brazenly used the time to take a nap.

So they were shocked when, today, Warren walked through the door fifteen minutes early, catching them lounging around instead of stocking orders!

Warren had suspected something of the kind and had made special arrangements to leave his factory job early to confirm his suspicions. The lazy employees were given a written notice and warned that any further abuse of company time would see them losing a week of work without pay.

†

Jesus’ words in today’s text are not a suggestion. He speaks them with the ring of warning…because being asleep at His return will cost us more than a written notice in our employment file. Unfortunately, most of us don’t think He’s coming before we lay our head on the pillow tonight.

Belief in Jesus’ warning is paramount to resisting the temptation to fall asleep spiritually. This truth can only be confirmed by being in relationship with the One Who spoke the words. So how do we remain spiritually alert when weariness threatens to shorten our attention span?  By keeping watch with Jesus each and every day. 

Prayer

“Holy Spirit, help me remain alert and watchful. I want to be wide awake when Jesus returns. Fan the candle of my heart into an eternal flame! In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

The Grape Juice Covenant

This cup is the new covenant in my blood.

1Corinthians 11:25

With three year old Diana busy at the breakfast table, Sandy headed to the sunroom where she began her morning exercises. Typically, Diana would eat breakfast, and then join Sandy for her version of ‘etsersize’. Sandy loved watching her bend and twist to the music. So full of life and energy, Diana never failed to provide moments of laughter and bring smiles to both their faces. It was mother-daughter time well-spent.  

So it was with surprise that a moment later Diana walked into the room with breakfast in hand. Oh no! Sandy thought.

In one hand Diana held a large piece of waffle…and in the other was the glass of grape juice she had insisted on filling to the brim. She held the glass up ceremoniously, its contents sloshing from side to side above the new carpet, and proudly proclaimed, “Look, Momma! This is the blood of Christ, like Pastor Marta said. Member?” And with that she dipped the waffle into the juice, emulating Pastor Marta’s actions during yesterday’s communion!

Instantly, the threat of a spill succumbed to a wonderful warmth coursing through Sandy’s spirit. Her heart swelling with gratitude, and hot tears welling in her eyes, Sandy asserted, “That’s right! Exactly like Pastor Marta, Honey! The blood of Christ!”

†

Our little children are pint-sized sponges, absorbing the world around them. Surveying the world from their knee-level perch, they frequently attempt to incorporate what they’ve learned into their daily lives. And although they might not completely understand the meaning and application of what they’ve witnessed, they grasp enough to form a partial construct. We need to, if at all possible, assist them in grasping the rest of the concept in simple terms.  

When they take these opportunities to share with us what they’ve learned, we like Sandy, need to take full advantage of the moment. Doing so fosters open communication.

By encouraging them to speak what’s on their hearts, we are giving them permission to share anything…anytime. That manner of relationship cultivates unhindered cooperation that will pay immeasurable dividends.

Prayer

“Lord, help me take full advantage of the waffle and grape juice moments in life. In Jesus’ Name, amen.” 

A Tribute to my Mother and Father in law

Husbands, Love Your Wives

December 9

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

Colossians 3:19

“Let’s you and me have a dance, Momma,” T.J. said as he took Irene’s hand. She smiled up at her husband as their grandson quietly played his guitar. T.J. moved his feet to the rhythm of the guitar, holding tightly to his sweetheart’s hand. In turn, Irene allowed him to move as far as she could reach.   

Peering through a crack in the door so as not to interrupt, a daughter, granddaughter, and an ICU nurse witnessed this precious event. “Ohhh… That’s so sweet!” the nurse whispered, moved to tears by the love and tenderness with which the ninety-four-year-old husband treated his ailing wife. They were mute observers, watching an intimate moment.   

In spite of the fact that Irene lay in a hospital bed, tubes protruding from her head following brain surgery, they acted like teenagers, with eyes only for each other. Just two lovers declaring their affection, silently stating there was no power that could dampen their spirits. They were serving notice to the Universe that through it all their love remained as strong as that day sixty-six years ago, when they’d said, “I do…”

†

What a wonderful example of love in action. T.J. was letting Irene know she was still, and would always be, his ‘dance partner’.   

God created men to be strong, so when adversity comes they are equal to the challenge. But husbands must also be gentle, not allowing harshness a place in their marriage. So, God instructs husbands to be gentle, loving their wives with a tenderness that bears witness to a sacrificial love.       

Fellas, God realized we’d need reminding. So He had Paul address this specific issue in two of his letters. Why? Because men are not naturally-gentle creatures! We tend to meet life head on, with our sleeves rolled up, reserving tenderness for special occasions. And by saying it twice God ensured His directive would carry the significance intended.  

T.J.’s deep enduring love wasn’t forced. It had become natural for him to show Irene affection. Any man can learn to express such tenderness if they so desire. God wouldn’t have told us to do it if it wasn’t possible.        

Prayer

“Help me love the way You love, Lord. Help me be gentle when needed. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”  

From More Snapshots: continuing the spiritual journey

By: Craig Clouston

c.clouston creations, LLC ©2011