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Potential

This was written by another but I wanted to share it!

“Ponder the potential of an egg. Ideally, under the proper circumstances of fertilization, the egg could become a baby chick. But just as most eggs do not become chicks – their highest fulfillment – so we, a humans, do not usually attain our highest dreams and ideals. Yet, all is not lost, for an egg that does not become a chick is still very useful!

Before this egg is useful, however, it must first go through various treatments. Initially, and egg just be candled and graded. In the candling process, a tube light shines through it to detect imperfections or cracks. It must have a healthy life cell. Just so, the searching light of the Holy Spirit must penetrate our inner life cell to be sure there is a new life cell in Christ and then to expose our imperfections.

Then this egg must be graded for size; some are small, others- medium, large and even jumbo. These are actually equally valuable in that there are occasions when a small egg is more desirable than a larger one and vice versa. Just so, each of us has varying capacities and gifts, but we are equally important and needful in the plans of God.

After the candling and grading process, the egg is boxed and then distributed warehouses and stores. The eggs have no say-so, but must go where they are sent. We, too, have assignments in life. Perhaps at times we feel all “boxed in”because of our circumstance in life. We may even be tempted to break out of the box – that confinement – but f we are to be useful, we must be patient and trusting.

After all this preliminary treatment, finally the egg is recognized for its importance; it is now taken off the shelf and purchased by a shopper. If only the egg new what lies ahead, it would undoubtably prefer staying right there on the shelf in the grocer’s cooler. Without any warning the egg is mercilessly plunged into a pan of cold water. And if that is not ruthless enough, it soon feels the flame beneath the pan. Gradually the water becomes hotter and hotter until it reaches the boiling point. The egg must wonder how it can possibly endure any more treatment – the fact is, some cannot…they crack in the intense heat!

By now, the egg must be asking apprehensively, “What next?” Suddenly it becomes aware of a cracking of its shell. And not only breaking, but then follows peeling – how humiliating! But that is the part of the process for our becoming useful – our outer shell must be broken. The self-protective facade must be cared so that the Christ life can be released from within.

The peeling is more distasteful than the breaking because of the humiliating exposure of our naked selves. How we resent others gazing upon our losses and failures.

“Surely, matters can’t get much worse for me than this!” the egg must be thinking hopefully. But it suddenly feels the sharp cuttings of a knife across its already peeled body. “Perhaps the chef is cutting me into attractive wedges so I might be used to garnish a salad…ah!…useful at last. But no…they are chopping me into small pieces.” the egg moans. And the eggs is mashed into nothingness.

Until we are aware of our nothingness – without God – we are not useful to God. So He supervises our candling, grading, distribution and then allows the fiery trials, the braking, peeling, cutting and mashing that we might become useful.

Now that the egg has been mashed into nothingness, the chef mixes mayonnaise, pickle, mustard, a little salt and pepper with it, and it becomes a delicious egg salad with which they prepare egg salad sandwiches to feed others! So as the processed oil of joy of the Holy Spirit blends our mashed nothingness with the life of Christ within, we become food and nourishment for hungry souls.”

 

By Ruth Shank Shira in her book, God Recycles Broken Dreams, 2013 ANM Publishers,Charlottesville, VA.22905

Scriptural references: Psalm 139:23-24; Romans 12:4-5; Micah 2:5; Psalm 37:23; Psalm 37:34; Isaiah 43:1-3; Psalm 34:18; I Peter 2:24;  John 3:30; Isaiah 61:1-3.

 

 

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The Unrelateableness of God

Recently I was thinking about my relationship with God. (And I am thinking out loud here…) I confess I sometimes treat Him too casually. I find Him easier to related to than Jesus – perhaps because I have such a loving earthly father.

But anyway, I was thinking about it in contrast to what the scripture says about His awesomeness. He is awesome in His terrible power. I cannot treat Him casually. God is not my “buddy”. He does not fit into my back pocket.

God is holy. Majestic. Magnificent. In Heaven, all in His presence fall down and worship. That is some Presence! The heavenly hosts cry, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty.” He is eternal – He is not affected or bound by time. He created all things. He has dominion over all things. Glory and honor, and power are His.

When Moses was at the burning bush God told him to take off his sandals because the very ground was holy. When Moses asked to see God’s glory, God said, “I, Myself will make My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you; and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will show compassion on whom I will show compassion. But He said, you cannot see my face, for no man can see Me and live.” God told Moses that he could not see His face. God put Moses in the cleft of a rock, covered Moses with His hand as His glory passed by. Once it passed, He removed His hand and Moses could see God’s back, not His face. God was being gracious and compassionate to Moses.

We are told that God and Moses spoke “face to face” as friends. Is that a contradiction? I think not. It is referring to relationship not exhibition.

How do I relate God? There is no way I can relate. It is only through Jesus that I can have a relationship with God.

But I am intrigued that in response to Moses wanting to see God’s glory, God talks about His goodness. Jesus told the rich young ruler, “There is only One who is good…” Goodness is central to God’s character. He, indeed, would be terrifying in His power and dominion (cruel and capricious) if He were not good. The apex of His goodness is Jesus. God also told Moses that He would proclaim the name of the Lord. How important is that name! It is a name not to be trifled with or used casually. We hear so much “OMG!” today. We have no idea what we are saying…He is the King and Lord of Heaven and earth…

I was at a church meeting last year when one of the denominational leaders said “Allah ” is just another name for God. That is absolutely not true. God’s name is above all names. As is His character.

Our love for God as “father” is only possible through Christ.

This may seem a bit rambling…I am developing my thoughts…but I know God only through Jesus. I am deeply humbled that God has chosen me in His Son and grateful to Jesus for dying on the Cross for my sins. How wonderfully good is all that!

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Above Our Means

I am writing at my desk as my oldest daughter is in the kitchen homeschooling 2 very reluctant children that would rather be playing outside. Their negative persistence is remarkable as is her positive patience! It illustrates for me this truth:

The world is in turmoil. (Just like my grandchildren!) That is not really new. The speed with which the world is changing is new – and can be frightening.

The US President just reversed the policy of not negotiating with terrorists, releasing 5 dangerous men; a US Marine languishes in jail in Mexico; little girls are deciding they want to be boys and parents post the story on Facebook; veterans are dying as they await medical treatment; an ambassador is brutalized and killed in the line of duty; we find it hard to believe what the government and the President say; energy and food costs are climbing, as is the jobless rate… Rather a grim picture.

But we have treasures. We have promises.

The Apostle Paul wrote in II Corinthians 1:20, “All the promises of God in him (Jesus) are yes and in him (Jesus) Amen, unto the glory of God by us…”

The Amplified Bible says it this way: “For as many as are the promises of God, they all find their Yes (answer) in Him (Christ). For this reason we also utter the Amen (so be it) to God through Him – that is His Person and by His agency – to the glory of God.”

Ponder that a bit. All the promises – as many as there are. How many is that?

All the promises are answered affirmatively in Jesus.

We have the opportunity to put those promises into operation in our lives to the glory of God and His purposes. As we cooperate with Christ and God’s promises a whole treasure trove opens to us!

Think of the many promises of grace, peace, mercy, rest, strength, encouragement, forgiveness, protection, supply…you name it. It is all found in Jesus affirmatively. Not for our pleasure or ease but for the glory of God – the whole reason we are here on earth.

As we claim and operate in those promises we enter into a realm of God’s glory. A purpose far greater than anything known here on earth. We have the opportunity to walk in the heavenlies with saints and angels even while living out our lives here on earth in the midst of the turmoil. (Just like my daughter.) Talk about living above your means!

We don’t have in ourselves the means for peace, joy, grace, forgiveness, rest, strength, mercy, protection, encouragement, protection, supply…we’re bankrupt. He isn’t. He gives all we need for free!

My daughter is able to teach with patience and good humor because she goes to the treasury of God’s promises in the Person of Jesus and claims liberally all that He offers for her for practical everyday living.

It’s all available for you, too.

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Vanished!

I have been so taken with the reports of the Malaysian Airline plane that is missing. Since I first noticed the story on the news “crawl” at the bottom of the screen on Friday. At first I thought it was unbelievable and not a real news story. Planes don’t just disappear! But as the hours passed and the reports grew stronger, I was deeply saddened and intrigued. Secondly, I began to wonder if I knew any missionaries, acquaintances or family that might be traveling such a route. I didn’t.

How can a large jet, in good repair, with good weather just vanish with all 239 passengers on board and not one distress signal or amount of debris? Just vanish. We don’t know yet. There are far more questions than answers. No terror group has claimed responsibility…

I know there are teams of experts headed out to the South China Sea to investigate and eventually we will get an answer.

But there are so many family members grieving…shock, disbelief and the reality has yet to set in that life has been forever altered for them and there is no explanation. No body. No casket. No grave. No closure. Just gone. How does one adjust?

It made me think of the time when many of us will vanish in the Rapture when Jesus comes to claim His own. St. Paul describes it this way: “For the Lord HImself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the lord i the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord.” (I Thessalonians 4:16-17)

Part of me wondered for a minute if that had happened to that airplane! But too many saints I know are still on earth!

When the time comes will non believers hear the trumpet? Will they have a last-minute opportunity? Or will they just wake up to the reality that all the believers are gone? They will have lots of questions, no doubt. (Sort of like the books and movie of the Left Behind series.)

I don’t want to get into an eschatological theology discussion. That’s way above me. But I do know Jesus is going to return and He will call His own to join Him. I am one of His so if I am alive, I’ll hear that trumpet and my name called and I’ll be out of here! How exciting!

If, however, I am dead and buried I’ll be in that group to rise first!

Either way, I get to spend eternity with the Lord!

How ’bout you? Are you sure of eternity? Don’t be left out. Make Jesus your Lord today!

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Middelsboro – again – and again!

This has been a busy week but I wanted to tell you the “rest of the story”…

As only God could do, I was in Middlesboro, Ky. this past Sunday for worship! It was not planned or even contemplated.

I am privileged to be part of a 4-generational family friendship. Our grandmothers were friends, our mothers were friends, we are friends and our daughters are friends. It has spanned continents and years. What a joy! My mother’s friend has been suffering from Alzheimer’s and her daughters, my friends, have been taking care of her – with the support of the other siblings.

It is a precious family and the grandmother, whom I call “Aunt Millie”, is one of the most cheerful, unselfish people I have known. No stranger to deep heartache, she has always been cheerful and giving. For several years she lived nearby and I counted it a privilege to care for her in small ways. And always enjoyed when her daughters would visit her – they were like sisters to me. They remember me in my crib – that’s how long the relationship – and how precious.

I was at Carson Newman University for a Friday – Saturday event for their Women of Vision of which I am the honorary chairperson. They seek to nurture truth, enhance beauty and enrich goodness on the campus and beyond. I am honored to be a part of such a great university. It is a joy to interact with their students and faculty and staff – lead by Dr. and Mrs. Randall O’Brien who have become sweet friends.

Anyway, my friend read my post about “snakes” and emailed me to say that she was visiting her sister in Middlesboro – only 1 and 1/2 hour from Carson Newman. So I decided not to let this opportunity pass me by. On Sunday morning I got up early, got the car packed up and drove to Middlesboro. We had a sweet reunion – I just don’t see these dear ladies nearly enough! The husband of the older sister is a pastor in Middleboro. I arrived in time to attend church at Grace Fellowship Church. Don Aven, my friend’s husband and the pastor of that church preached on the covenant God made with us and we enter into by baptism. He had us flipping back and forth through the scriptures as he gave a rich Bible study on the subject.

I couldn’t help but think of Pastor Coots who died from a snakebite in that same town two weeks before. Pastor Coots had only one reference on which he based his theology. My friend, Don, had many from both the Old and New Testaments. It is far better, safer, to let the scriptures corroborate themselves as we develop a theology.

And I will be back in Middlesboro the 26th of April to speak at Binghamton Baptist Church. We’ll see what God has in mind. Stay tuned!

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How Do We Get Wisdom?

Wisdom seems to be in short supply these days. There is a lot of knowledge – almost too much information. We are overloaded. But not so with wisdom. It is a rarity.

Do you know a wise person? What are their attributes?

Wisdom has to do with discernment and insight. The book of Proverbs links it with understanding. In the first chapter it states the book’s purpose: “To know wisdom and instruction, to discern the sayings of understanding, to receive instruction in wise behavior, righteousness, justice and equity; to give prudence to the naive…” If that is its purpose and I want to gain wisdom, maybe that’s a good place to start looking for wisdom – read the book of Proverbs. There are 31 chapters…one for each day of the month.

How do we get wisdom? Does it come with age? Not necessarily – I see some very foolish older people and some wise young ones. Does it come with knowledge? No. I have seen some foolish knowledgable people and wise ignorant people. Does it come with power? Just look at Washington and you know the answer! Does it come with education? Some of the wisest people I know never got through high school and you have only to look at our university campuses today to observe foolish thinking! Sometimes I think education erodes wisdom. I read somewhere that “wisdom is knowledge applied”.

How do we acquire wisdom? Proverbs chapter 8 gives us a clue.

First wisdom is available to all. It calls out to us. Even to the naive and foolish. Wisdom is available to all – except to the lazy. One has to want it, be diligent to search it out. Don’t get discouraged and give up. One has to pay attention. Take heed. In Matthew 13, Jesus told the parable of the “pearl of great price” – the man sold all he had in order to gain it.

Along with that, one has to make right choices: to hate evil, pride, arrogance, perverted speech. Life is made up of choices. We choose to not just be uncomfortable with evil but, hate it. We choose to battle our prideful thoughts. We choose humble, not self-serving attitudes. We choose life-giving speech over negative, demeaning language. We cannot hold wisdom while hanging onto foolishness. Wisdom is a powerful, valuable treasure. It isn’t given to the superficial inquirer or merely curious.

We choose to love wisdom – seek it out. And when you find a nugget of wisdom, pay attention. Listen to it. Our mind is to dwell on the true things, honorable things, right things, pure things, lovely things, things of good reputation, excellent things, and things worthy of praise. That does not describe much of our culture.

I was traveling yesterday and picked up a People magazine to while away some time. What garbage! Why would I use my good, God-given brain cells to read that junk? (Not all of it was garbage – there were a couple of interesting human interest stories but most of it was about people who are doing nothing but indulging their lower nature.) I found no wisdom there.

Where is wisdom found? it is found in God’s word and it is embodied in the very person of Jesus Christ. We can know Him. He dwells within us by His Holy Spirit. His wisdom is available to us as is His power.

As a matter of fact, Proverbs chapter 8 is a picture of Jesus – read it with Him in mind. And worship!

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Bookending the Day!

Psalms 92:1-2 says, “It is good to give thanks to the Lord…to declare Thy lovingkindness in the morning, and Thy faithfulness by night.”

I often think of this verse when I awaken in the morning because I want to do what it says – declare God’s lovingkindness first thing. I have wondered if the Psalmist had it backwards – to remember God’s faithfulness in the morning and His lovingkindness at night – but he didn’t get it backwards. I can do both at both times!

To me night is a time to reflect on His lovingkindness during the day just past. His provision and care for me. His protection through all the activities of my day. And in the morning I remember His faithfulness during the night. Good rest. Safety. Shelter. Warmth – especially this bitterly cold winter!

God cares for His children. I talked with a man this morning who felt God had abandoned him. There was nothing I could say to him to make him feel differently. And since I had a period in my life when I felt abandoned by God, I was sympathetic with his feelings.

The scripture is clear that God does not abandon, forsake, leave, forget His children. Ever. No way!

The awesome Almighty God, Creator of the universe, Redeemer of mankind thinks of me! Now if that doesn’t make you sing of His lovingkindness in the morning I don’t know what will. And this same dynamic God has me engraved on the palm of His hands, protects me with His strong right arm, guides me with His eye, inclines His ear to me, carries me when I am weary. I can sing of His faithfulness all the time.

It’s good to bookend my day with praise. It corrects my focus – off of me and onto Him. It enlarges my vision to see the world in need of Him. It tenderizes my heart for others. It humbles me to recount His many blessings in my life. And yes, sometimes blessings do “come through raindrops”, but even those He uses to strengthen me.

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Taking it by Storm!

I’ll let Dennis Rodman be – for now. I am sure he will be releived!

I read, Romans 4:20, “He (Abraham) staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.” along with Hebrews 11:6, “Without faith it is impossible to please God for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”

What were the staggering promises of God to Abraham? Even though Abraham and Sarah were well past the childbearing years Abraham would have a son and be the father of many nations. Not only that, God was going to give him the land as far as he could see. He was to “walk about the land through its length and breadth; for I will give it to you.” (Genesis 13:17) Abraham was a nomad – wandering in the desert – he had no home to call his own much less a whole land with descendants. That ranks as a staggering promise! Unbelievable. But Abraham did not stagger. He believed God. Not only believed Him but gave glory – perhaps believing God is the best way to give Him glory. Why did Abraham believe? He had experience with God. He talked to God. There was a track record with God and Abraham.

While Abraham did not live to see the complete fulfillment of that promise, Abraham saw the beginning of it. We are still seeing the fulfillment of that staggering promise as we look at Israel today. (I know the Muslims descend from Abraham, too, through Ishmael.)

God personally established a covenant with Abraham. God does not forget or break His covenants. He does what He says He will do.

Even though the promise was real, Abraham’s descendants had to battle for every scrap of land, every city, every town, every village, every well, every pasture, every square inch. It was a struggle. It still is for them. Has any nation been so hated? Has any people been so persecuted? It is a struggle. The history of Israel and her people is a staggering history full of struggle and miracles.

It took determination. Will. Strategy. They didn’t get a free ride on that promise.

Matthew 11:12 says, “The kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.” (KJV) We don’t drift into God’s promises. We are to be believing, intentional, committed, diligent. This isn’t stuff for sissies!

What is God’s promise for you this year? Are you prepared for Him to fulfill that promise in and through you? Are you willing to fight for it? Will you claim it and hang on? Does that scare you? That’s OK. I am sure Abraham had his moments…but Abraham never quit – never gave up. Oh, he came close: passing Sarah off as his sister twice and using Hagar as a surrogate. But God was bigger than all of Abraham’s efforts. God never went off course.

That should encourage us. God’s plans are never thwarted. His purpose keeps marching on through history…what an exciting history it is! Let’s hang on to the promises – regardless of what you are having to endure – stay in His Word, keep telling God how you feel. Talk honestly with Him. He is not afraid of your frustration with Him or your anger or your questions. Let Him hear it all. He invites us to be honest. He is bigger – so much bigger then anything we can throw at Him. And He loves us. God will see you through to the other side. He is faithful.

Let us be faithful and not stagger.

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In Over Our Heads

We are in a mess. In a pickle. In Washington. Unfortunately it is a dangerous one – our politicians are skating very close to the edge. We are in over our heads and sinking fast.

A storm is brewing. How will we handle it? Does God even care at this point?

I wrote about Jesus sending the crowds away. We need to send all that crowds and complicates our lives away: worries, tensions, demands, fears, guilt, shame…you name it. These things crowd our hearts and can paralyze us.

But what happened after Jesus sent the crowds away? He sent the disciples ahead of Him to the other side of the lake. He needed the alone time to pray. His cousin John had just been beheaded no doubt He was grieving. Jesus wanted to spend time with His Father. The disciples were experienced fishermen – very familiar with The Sea of Galilee. It was an unpredictable sea: “storms result from differences in temperatures between the seacoast and the mountains beyond. The Sea of Galilee lies 680 feet below sea level. It is bounded by hills, especially on the east side where they reach 2000 feet high. These heights are a source of cool, dry air.

In contrast, directly around the sea, the climate is semi-tropical with warm, moist air. The large difference in height between surrounding land and the sea causes large temperature and pressure changes. This results in strong winds dropping to the sea, funneling through the hills.”

One such storm blew up that day. The boat with the disciples was already far from shore and was “buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.” No doubt they were doing all they could to manage this bucking boat. Trying to man the oars, baling water, shouting at each other, frightened. Wondering, “Where is Jesus? We could use another hand here.”

The Bible tells us just before dawn, perhaps the sky was turning pink on the edges, Jesus went out to them, walking on the water. He knew exactly where they were, even if they didn’t. He knew what was going on. They saw this figure coming towards them and were frightened. They thought he was a ghost! On top of being afraid of the storm and worn out from the struggle against the waves, now they were terrified. Have you noticed how when you are tired, things seem much worse?

Jesus immediately speaks to them to calm their fears.

Peter, being Peter, asks the Lord to tell him to come to Him on the water. Sort of an interesting request, don’t you think? I am quite sure I would prefer the safety of the rocking boat. Peter wanted more of the Lord. Jesus tells Peter to “Come” and Peter got out of the boat onto the water and went toward Jesus. He was headed in the right direction. But he took his eyes off Jesus and in his humanness, the wind – loud, like a train roaring by – the the scripture says he “saw” the wind. We can’t see wind – just the results of what it does. Peter saw the waves, the whitecaps, the bobbing boat he just left.) His fear kicked in, he panicked and began to sink. Uh oh!

In those few seconds did he say to himself, “I was so stupid, what was I thinking? Why didn’t I stay in the boat? I could be safe. Now I am going to drown.” He hollers, “Lord save me.” Jesus simply, calmly reached out and caught him. Jesus asks why Peter doubted and why he had so little faith. The fear Peter experienced, the panic, obliterated his faith. It does the same to us, too.

Then I find it interesting that the Bible tells us, “They climbed into the boat.” Both of them. It was then the wind abated. So they climbed into the rocking boat – that is not easy! Can you see the Son of God, God Himself in human form, grabbing the edge of that boat and hauling Himself in – soggy clothes and all. Jesus was with Peter helping him, being there for him. Even in Peter’s fear. Sogginess. Doubts. Panic.

I am sure over the camp fire that night they must have laughed at themselves. And told the story many times over – the other disciples ribbing Peter.

The point is that Jesus is there for us…in our fears, worries, panic but when we give into them they will hinder our faith. Jesus takes note that as we obey Him we are headed in the right direction. He wants to grow, strengthen, our faith. And He will rescue us.

So when the storm comes, don’t panic. Keep your focus on Him. He has it all under control. Use the scripture to “take every thought captive” so we will not be defeated.

A national storm is coming. Where will your focus be?

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Send the Crowds Away

In Matthew 14 there is a phrase that says, “He dismissed the crowd”.

Jesus had been teaching and preaching. Busy. Wanting to minister. That was His purpose but He dismissed the crowd.

No doubt He knew their need and the pressing issues. No doubt He knew the schedule and how late it was. No doubt He knew the expectations folks had of Him. Yet He dismissed the crowd. Why? Because His priorities were in order. His frist priority was His relationship with His Father. He knew He needed time with His Father. If He did, how much more do I?

It makes me think of the crowds in my life – the schedules, expectations, needs…Do I dismiss them? Send them away? No. I keep slogging on trying to meet the needs, keep the time-table and meet expectations until I am burned out, worn down, exhausted. Jesus didn’t do that. His work was far more urgent and important than mine…but He saw it necessary to dismiss the crowds so He could spend time alone with His Father.

If Jesus needed to send the crowds away…how much more do I? Phone calls, schedules, worries, anxious thoughts, expectations, obligations, needs…oh brother! dismiss the crowd – focus on what is important – vital.

This week I am trying to remind myself to “dismiss the crowd”.

Try it and let me know what happens!

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