Trustworthy

Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us.

Isaiah 25:9

“Momma, can we feed the birds?” Nastya asked.

Glancing out the window, Lena saw there was a break in the rain, “Of course, my little one!”

So, bundled against the cold, they prepared a large bag of nuts and headed for the park. Knowing pigeons were the most trusting Nastya fed them first. And just as she suspected, the other birds kept their distance. As she continued to feed the pigeons, a few of the other birds tentatively ventured close enough to snatch this unexpected gift. Most kept their distance, however; perhaps due to some cruel dealings with humans in the past.

Nastya decided she wanted to feed the birds from her hand… So after the birds consumed the remnants on the ground she sat patiently holding the nuts in her outstretched hand. As before, nothing happened at first. The squawking magpies held their distance while jaybirds swooped, but had no intention of taking the nuts from Nastya’s hand. Still, Nastya was determined to know the sensation of earning the birds’ trust.

She noticed a Tit siting on a limb just above them. Raising her hand just enough to tempt the little bird, her patience paid off. It dropped from the limb, lighting on Nastya’s finger just long enough to take a nut! Several times over the next twenty minutes the beautiful little bird repeated its act of faith. The huge smile on Nastya’s face bore testimony to the joy she received from this intimate interaction.

†

This story is equally as sad as it exciting. Of the hundreds of birds present that day only one trusted enough to eat from Nastya’s hand.

The spiritual parallel is no less tragic. There are those of us who, for one reason or another, refuse to trust God; perhaps because of past hurts. Even though He was not the harbinger of our pain, we blame Him for not preventing the act, and we refuse to trust Him again.

Mercifully, God does not hold us responsible for our misguided blame. With outstretched hand, He waits for the day we realize that He is trustworthy, and reach back.

Prayer

“Papa, I want to receive the blessings You have in Your hand. Show me that I have nothing to fear from You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Hanging on to Disobedience

I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.

Joshua 7:13

“I don’t use it anymore,” Grant argued. “I think it looks cool.” He was referring to the India-style water pipe sitting on his mantle. It had been a mainstay during, as Grant called it, his ‘Experimental Phase’. Grant had smoked a lot of pot from that pipe during his mid twenties and early thirties. He’d begun recreationally, smoking once or twice on the weekends. Eventually Grant began indulging himself on a daily basis while experimenting with other drugs like cocaine and painkillers.

Much more than a casual experiment, Grant had needed help getting his life back on track. The court system had been the principal track-layer…Jenny, his girlfriend, had provided ongoing support. He’d been clean for two months now…things were different since he’d given Jesus control of his life.

“Decoration or not,” Jenny broke in on his reverie. “It’s a symbol of your past. In God’s eyes it’s an idol. Tell me you don’t think about back in the day when you look at it,” she challenged.

His thin smile said it all. “Is that such a bad thing…to remember I mean?” he asked.

“It sends your mind down the wrong road. You wanna’ take the trip again?!” she cried.

The smile vanished in an instant, “Nope…I sure don’t?” was his sober response.

†

When God delivered Jericho into the hands of the Israelites, Achan coveted and stole a beautiful robe and precious metals, which were to be given to the Lord. God told Joshua that someone in the camp had sinned, and He was holding all of Israel accountable. Unless the Israelites cleansed themselves and gave back the stolen items, God would no longer be their God! He called them forward tribe by tribe, man by man, until Achan’s sin was revealed. Achan and his entire family were put to death because he held on to something he was supposed to let go of.

When we hang on the things from our sordid past, whether stolen or not, we’re telling God, “I’m not quite done with this yet.” It causes us…and others problems. God says, “Because these things cause destruction, you’re hanging on to disobedience.”

Prayer

“Reveal any destructive things in my life, Lord...past or present; help me rid my life of them. Amen.”

Product Knowledge

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV

As an accomplished woodworker, Greg loved creating fine works of art. Over the years he had turned out some beautiful pieces of furniture and cabinetry. Recently, he’d used his skills to make wind chimes, using scrap hardwood left over from routine production.

Each chime was created using scrap wood and cast-off metal; old copper and aluminum tubing from all sorts of objects served as the bells. He dubbed them ‘Phoenix Chimes’. The combination of fine hardwood and re-polished metal made eye-catching creations. They began selling like wildfire. Things were going great.

Then he received an MMS picture from one of his customers. Their chimes looked ten years old! Exposed to two thunderstorms in less than two weeks, the product used to clear-coat the wood had deteriorated; the chimes were ruined!

Greg contacted the ‘Do It Yourself’ store where he’d purchased the new product at their recommendation. After further investigation, the store manager revealed that the product was meant for interior use, and not recommended for exterior applications.

Since one of their employees had recommended the product, they refunded the cost of all purchases. But that left Greg with the task of contacting each person who had purchased his musical art, to ask them to ship the chimes back, at his expense, so Greg could strip the wood and resurface each piece with the appropriate product.

†

Product knowledge is vital. If we don’t know what we’ve got we have no idea how to apply it, nor do we know how it will stand up under duress.

This illustration corresponds to our spiritual lives as well. Many times we receive spiritual advice from people who mean well but don’t base their recommendations on Biblical knowledge. Eventually, the counsel they’ve given will fail to hold up against the trials of life. It can even leave us worse off than before.

Paul told Timothy to be diligent, to study God’s word so he would know the truth when he heard it. We also, should take our instruction from Scripture; a Product that is both trustworthy and true.

Prayer

“Lord, as I study Your word, give me the ability to apply it correctly in the world. And help me to never give inaccurate advice. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

You’re My God…Period!

Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him.

Job 13:15

Ernie and Doris had experienced great joy in thirty-seven years of marriage, and like many others, they had also experienced many hardships. Through it all, they had unceasingly maintained their faith that Jesus was in control of everything in their lives; the good and bad alike. Ernie was fond of saying, “If Job could do it, so can we.”

But lately, circumstances had taken a turn for the worse in the Beard household. They had both lost their jobs, the bank was ready to foreclose on their mortgage, and, to make matters worse, their only car had broken down with more than two-hundred and fifty thousand miles on it.

“There’s smoke coming from under the hood, Ernie,” Doris said over the phone. She had gone to town to get medicine that the doctor had prescribed upon Ernie's release from the hospital yesterday.

Ernie paused before responding, he was reaching the end of his rope. He took a deep breath and asked, “Do you think you can make it home?”

“It wasn’t making any noise…” she said. “I guess so.”

“Call me when you leave,” Ernie instructed, “so I’ll know if you’re stranded somewhere.”

“It’ll be about five minutes.”

Ernie bowed his head, “I’m tired, Lord. But no matter what…You’re my God. That will never change. Period! But we could use a little help here…”

†

Can you relate to Ernie and Doris? Have you ever felt like no one else in the world has ever endured as much as you have…and all in the Name of Jesus? “Why won’t/doesn’t God deliver me/us from this?” “I’ve/we've already been through enough! How can He expect me/us to handle this, too?!” All you want is a little relief.

You are not alone. Many devout Christians, like Ernie and Doris, endure nonstop hardship for extended periods of time. Why? Because there is no shortage of trials, tribulations, and pain in this life.

We all, from time to time, feel ‘left hanging’ by the same God we refuse to deny. But I want to reveal something to you; search your heart. Regardless of what you’re going through, would you, as Ernie and Job, be able to do anything other than proclaim, ‘You’re my God…Period!’

Prayer

“Praise be to the One and only true God, and His Son, Jesus Christ! You are my God…Period! Amen!”

The Grape Juice Covenant

This cup is the new covenant in my blood.

1 Corinthians 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. 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.”

At His Command

Does the hawk take flight by your wisdom…Does the eagle soar at your command?

Job 39:26, 27

Unable to be at her dying mother’s bedside, Barb, along with her husband, Keith, and their daughter, Missy, were united via speaker-phone. Each understood it was just a matter of moments before Mary Opaline ‘Opie’ Simmons, was face to face with Jesus.

“Mom, you’re going to see Beth soon...” Barb said, alluding to her sister’s death in November, 2005. “Won’t that be great!” she added, choking back tears.

As Opie’s breathing became labored and ragged the three recited the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ together. “Our Father, who art in Heaven…” Just as they finished, Opie met Jesus…

“Would you look at that...?!” Keith said in wonder.

A beautifully marked hummingbird hovered at the window. Barb had come to know each tiny bird that visited her window perch, yet she’d never seen this one before. So exquisite, it was almost beyond description, the markings unlike anything they had ever seen; colors so vibrant they seemed to pulsate. The peculiar thing was that the bird was not feeding; it just danced back and forth, tapping the glass with its fragile beak.

In that moment Barb felt God’s enveloping love. This feathered work of art was for her! It was God’s way of saying, “Opie is with me now; she is home.” A tangible peace filled the room as the three embraced. Mourning would take time, but God had given them a sign…and that made all the difference.

†

Do you find it strange that God would send a tiny bird as His messenger? You shouldn’t…He created each one, and they are summoned at His command.

If Job could not stand before God with a suitable answer for the question asked in today’s text, who are we to tell God what He can and cannot do?

God has His unique way speaking to each of us; it is personal, and intimate…He speaks ‘our language’. He can come to us in ways that are profound and life-changing, or it can be as gentle as a whisper, but, if we look for Him, we will see Him.

Prayer

“Thank You, Father God, for always manifesting Your presence in ways I understand and recognize. Help me to never become skeptical or cynical about how You come to us. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”

Return to Modesty

I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety

1 Timothy 2:9

“Daddy! There’s nothing wrong with the way I’m dressed!” Kendra objected.

Neil studied his daughter for a moment, searching for just the right words, “Honey, when I look at you I see my little girl. You’re not a young lady of sixteen who’s becoming a beautiful woman; you’re still eight years old and guileless.” His look and tone changed, “What I see when I look at you and what the boys at school see are two very different things…”

The message wasn’t completely lost on Kendra, but she wasn’t ready to give up, “All the girls dress like this!”

“That’s part of the problem, Honey. You’re dressing because it’s how everyone else dresses. But I’m not their Daddy. Besides, you are unintentionally tempting the boys…at least I hope it’s unintentional.” Letting his gaze settle on her blouse, he said, “Kendra, when the boys look at you their eyes are automatically drawn to your cleavage.”

Her face reddened, “No sir…!” she objected.

“Trust me. They can’t help themselves…you’re busting out at the seams; no pun intended. I want you to be pure with a clear conscience when you get married. Dressing like that pushes the boundaries of modesty, and boys can’t help but think you are sexually active, or want to be, when you expose yourself this way. Go change or put on another blouse …end of discussion.”

Kendra stomped off up the stairs to her bedroom, “It’s not fair!”

†

We live in a society that promotes sexual awareness in grade school, and condones promiscuity in our youth. We sell revealing clothes to twelve year old girls, and parade teenage models down runways in their underwear. Consequently, the walls of modesty have been gradually destroyed.

As parents, we have a responsibility to protect our children from the indifference of the world; whether they like it or not. We must teach them to exercise restraint.

Prayer

“Help me be consistent as a parent, Lord. Give me wisdom to help me protect them, and show me the chinks in their wall. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”