Tag Archives: faith

CLAY & BEAUTY

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It’s been my practice of late that after morning dew has evaporated from our deck chairs, coffee in hand, I enjoy some of my first hour sitting in the quiet that a new day offers. With the exception of numerous birds flying back and forth from our trees to those of neighbors, our neighborhood is quiet. By the time I rise I think most of the folks in the homes near us have already left for work. Even though it’s summer vacation from school, there are no children playing outside. I think the kids who do live near us are older now, the ages where they maybe prefer the comfort of air conditioning versus riding bikes or playing outside in July’s heat. Which brings me to my next thoughts. July has been a bit brutal.

As I work in a few flower beds that I maintain, I am beginning to notice some of my flowers have succumbed to recent temperatures, regardless of consistent watering and care. Once vibrant blooms that flourished under June’s beautiful weather, now lay limp or dried out no matter the attention I’ve given them. July’s heat has also caused numerous unwanted grasses to grow and thrive around plants, thus creating more work to keep clear and clean, carefully planning what time of day to work without collapsing in a heap from the sun’s scorching rays.

On a positive note, the two tomato plants on our deck are doing great! Flower buds have made the turn to green fruit. Careful pruning along with watering and fertilizing are giving me hope we will have a nice harvest when the fruit turns juicy red. We are also keeping close watch for any of those nasty worms that can strip a tomato plant bare in the matter of 24 hours.

My devotion reading this morning (Wednesday) was from Jeremiah 18: 1-6. In these verses, God is giving Jeremiah–a prophet–a visual description of His relationship with Israel, describing His sovereignty over them and His ability to remake or reshape them as He sees fit. These few sentences offer a beautiful image of a potter carefully shaping a lump of clay into a vessel that is pleasing to him, and useful. When properly applied to our own life, we can imagine ourselves as a lump of clay being molded and shaped into a beautiful vessel for God’s purposes. As easy as it may sound, therein lies the rub, transformation can be slow and difficult, especially when a prideful or rebellious heart is in opposition to the work of God’s hands trying to mold and reshape our sinful nature.  This is why I love the words from 1 Corinthians 13: 7 “It (love) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres”. This promise from proper love offers encouragement for every person seeking to find comfort in our world and above all, a relationship with the living God.

Birds singing. A gentle breeze ushering in the coming heat of another July day. Clouds enshrining the morning sun in the east. These and more of God’s creation fill my morning. Along with those things, I smiled in amusement as I opened the door to sit on our deck with a cup of coffee. Perched on the deck railing was a young robin. He or she was still sporting baby feathers on top of its head. Startled by my presence as it flew away I could tell it was still learning the mechanics of flight. Mom was waiting for her youngster on the edge of a flower bed and for a few moments, baby and mom “chatted”. Maybe mom was saying “good job flying!” or “see, I told you there’s other creatures around our yard and sometimes they appear without notice”. Hopefully, mom and baby will come to know I am not a threat to them. On the contrary, I like to imagine that our lil family of robins is aware that they matter to God and they, like me, like you, have purpose. As proclaimed in Psalm 19: 1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.”

Lumps of clay. Skies that are a canvas for God’s handiwork. Heat from July’s sunny hot days. All have a purpose. Each point us heavenward to proclaim God’s glory.  Be safe during these hot summer days. May you grasp that you have a heavenly Father waiting to cheer you on–”good job!” and that He will love, guide, and instruct you in preparation for every day under the sun.

WATER IS “LIFE”

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“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”  (Matthew 5: 44-45)

Today’s gentle morning rain has evoked many wandering thoughts, even memories from childhood. In the midst of top headlines regarding flood waters in Texas, I pondered  the extremes that rain can cause in our world. Case in point–consider the days of Noah. This remarkable story in biblical history has been the topic of many sermons and even made its way into movie studios.

For anyone that knows me, there’s no doubt  my heart is not breaking for all the families who have lost loved ones in the Texas flood. I cannot imagine. As a mom, and now a grandmother to four young children, if I overthink the situation and insert our own loved ones into the headlines, well, let’s just say “there would be no words to describe my pain”.

I found this simple quote online. “Water is life”. It also can cause devastation.  It ties in to the verse I’ve used to open this blog entry. God’s creativity in a gentle rain as well as forces contained in waterfalls, flood waters, tidal waves, etc. are part of our world.  Choosing to be outside in a gentle rain causes no discomfort other than getting damp clothes. Being in the path of raging flood waters is an entirely different experience. 

In 1986, living in Saginaw, our area experienced unusual rainfall for several days that caused the Saginaw River to crest. Other small rivers in surrounding counties also overflowed their banks. Many homes and businesses were under threat. Emergency crews worked tirelessly building walls with sandbags to hold back the water. My husband and I joined forces with his employer at the time–Domino’s Pizza–to deliver pizzas to the workers. Accompanying us was a Saginaw Police officer who was assigned to the city’s schools as a liaison. In the midst of this tragedy, we did our part to ease some burdens.

Our own residence saw at least 12 inches of water in the basement. A branch of the bank that employed me suffered extreme damage from flood waters created by the Cass River. Water levels tall enough to cover the cash vault and safe deposit boxes were record highs.  Numerous homes in my county experienced basements that cracked and caved in due to water pressure. Crops near floodplains were destroyed. In short, our area was a mess, further indicated by the amount of household trash that started appearing on curbsides for garbage pickup. Warnings to junk scavengers were published as a way to protect folks from dangers of bacteria.

When tragedy strikes under forces created by water, it’s difficult to understand Jesus’ words that rain “falls on the just and the unjust”. Simply understood, a rainy day can either be one of gratitude or a reason to grumble. The farmer whose fields are parched is thankful for nature’s thirst quenching for dry crops. Vacationers looking to enjoy sunning tired bodies under a hot sun at a beach groan with disappointment when an umbrella replaces sunscreen.

This week I’ve heard some pretty miraculous stories of survival in the Texas flood. I cannot ignore or discount the equally heartbreaking ones about death, especially for many children. I’ve also heard accusations and blame being cast on public officials regarding how quickly the floodwaters were produced by the heavy rainfall, as if ANY one man could have restrained the water.  All the blame and accustations made me very sad.

In the account of Noah building the ark, God actually allowed him to preach repentance to the people living in very dark sin. It took Noah approximately 120 years to build the ark, therefore, in those years Noah’s community was warned, given ample time to repent. I don’t know what God would have done if indeed many would have turned from evil…with every blow of Noah’s crude hammers and tools, sermons and warnings weren’t enough to hold back God’s anger and eventual flood waters that wiped out all living things on earth, saving only eight people and a bunch of animals. 

Yes, water IS life. But it is also a force to be reckoned with in God’s creation. When tragedies come, innocent lives will be taken. I read a social media post where the person wrote “why did God kill those children in Texas?” to which my answer is “He didn’t”. Since the original sin of Adam and Eve, we live in a fallen world. After Noah’s flood, our world changed again. We live under the “laws of creation” and “the laws of man”. 

The Bible speaks about times that will come…famines, earthquakes, rumors of war…it also tells us that no one knows the time or hour that Jesus will return. Scripture doesn’t leave us without warning or protection, though. Our response is to be ready. That readiness isn’t an escape route; it comes by having a relationship with Him. 

I grieve with those who are grieving in Texas. I rejoice with those who are joyous and thankful for spared lives. And, in my despair, I remain connected to the truth that “God’s thoughts and His ways” are above mine.

Unfortunately, future tragedies will be coming to our world. Will you be ready? Jesus said “He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” That’s what I call an escape plan from any harshness the world throws at us.

I found a simple quote online that merely says “water is life”. I also verified that an average human can only survive about 3-5 days without water. In contrast, a person “may” survive without food for one to two months. That’s quite a difference. 

MORNING NOURISHMENT, SMALL GIFTS FROM HEAVEN

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“From the dew of heaven and the richness of the earth, may God always give you abundant harvests of grain and bountiful new wine. (Genesis 27: 28 New Living Translation)

Much to my delight, one morning  last week offered me perfect conditions to enjoy sitting on our deck in the early hours of my day. With my second mug of coffee, my Bible and journal in hand, I made my way to a comfortable deck chair to sit in the sunshine and also enjoy a gentle breeze on my body. But, before I could begin my little “retreat”, I needed to wipe my chair dry from  morning’s dew. Funny how a mere amount of water on a chair can create an uncomfortable feeling or harm the pages of my journal if I should choose to set it down momentarily.

I’ve always enjoyed a slow quiet start to my day. Even in the years I had to be awake and up for school, I preferred to wake on my own, never to an alarm or my mother’s urgent voice coaxing me from the comfort of warm blankets. Now, I still find great inner peace inside the confines of quiet that our yard offers as I greet a new day with happy anticipation for what it will offer, the tasks I want to accomplish, books to read, music to fill the house–all part of who I am and what brings me joy.

So, as I sat drinking my coffee, journal in my lap, I slowly became engaged with my surroundings, observing with my eyes and ears all the activity of the morning. Soon I realized I was a disturbance to several birds and one chipmunk who wanted to feed at the seed we provide every day. They came close but quickly exited when seeing me. A blue jay landed on the clothes line pole to check out the situation. A sparrow flew in like a bomber plane and with great skill made a hasty escape when spying me. Off in the distance I could hear birds of several kinds singing as well as crickets or other insects joining in the chorus. I felt the irony of my inner peace being invaded by nature’s choir and thought to myself “who’s invading who’s world? Am I inserting myself into nature’s habitat or are these little creatures interrupting my space?”

As I enjoyed all the songs, my mind returned to dealing with morning dew on my chair. A couple questions formed from my curiosity and I found myself writing them in my journal. “What is the source of dew?” “What purpose does dew serve?” I vowed I would look for answers to both questions. A quick search online provided me fast simple answers. Dew is formed when water in the air condenses on plant leaves during cool nights. Why? It helps plants accelerate their metabolism, improves soil moisture conditions, and helps plants survive in drought conditions. (source Shuncy.com)

Dew’s temporary blanket of moisture on every surface–living or inanimate–serves as beneficial or a slight nuisance. As quickly as it may form, several hours under the heat of the day causes it to dry up, disappear, forgotten about until the next morning when the cycle will repeat. Its repetition reminds me of a favorite portion of scripture from the Bible: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” (Lamentations 3: 22-24)

Morning dew has the capacity to quench an arid plant and nourish the very soil around it. So it is with God’s great love for you and me. From the beginning of time itself, our sun has risen every day. Birds and other creatures have announced the arrival of a new day with their heavenly chorus and whether they have inserted themselves into our habitat or the other way around, it does not matter. What is important is remembering and embracing that the Lord is “our portion”…..no matter our current circumstances we “can wait for Him”….and simply find rest, inner peace, and above all, incredible benefits of daily provision from our heavenly Father.

“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting  shadow.”(James 1: 17)

THE POWER BEHIND ONE PRAYER

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Never underestimate the limitless power of God. This concept was born early in my relationship with Him over 40 years ago. Time and time again, His promises and work in my life have shown up in big and small ways, confirming the truth of who He is for me and for countless times in circumstances surrounding family and friends. Often, as a believer, I almost expect my timing to be honored by God, but on the contrary, it’s always in His schedule that “things” happen or manifest. When they do, I stand amazed.

I have a very dear cousin, Judy, who is a few years older than me. She graduated college as an educator and spent her teaching career in a very small community in northern Michigan. Before retiring, she served as a building principal. Young children and teens have always been part of her life; she has a deep abiding love and passion to see that the kids in her life know about the love of Christ. Therefore, in addition to teaching and living her Christian faith by example, she has served on staff for a teen center which is located in Kalkaska. While on sabbatical, I had the privilege of attending the dedication for the center’s renovated building which is beautiful now, but wasn’t always so. Here’s the backstory.

Over 20 years ago one woman in Kalkaska had a burden for the teens in her small city and surrounding rural townships. She began praying that “someone” or “somehow” a place for teens to come hear the gospel, have fun doing so, would be established. Her answer to prayer came about 10 years ago when a ministry took hold of that vision. Created under the auspices of Crossroads Farm is “The Lanes”, located in Kalkaska. An empty run down bowling alley was up for auction. The ministry team which had been serving teens during these 10 years didn’t have funds to place an auction bid to secure the building’s purchase, but God used a local businessman to step up and buy the facility. In turn, he put the bowling alley in the hands of the ministry. Over many months, volunteers in the community gutted the building, rebuilt and painted walls for offices and meeting rooms, and a group of men refurbished the bowling equipment and resurfaced the lanes. Several pool tables occupy space outside the large meeting room along with a concession counter for snacks and beverages. 

“The Lanes” is currently seeing about 80 teens come on Sunday nights for a safe place to hang out with friends and adult volunteers. There’s a bus driver who begins a 4 pm route in the afternoon, traveling to five townships to pick up kids who want to attend “The Lanes”. These are kids who live in some very extreme circumstances. Unfortunately, rural communities are under threats from drugs, homelessness, lack of hope, etc. 

As I sat in the large meeting room with other guests who came to dedicate the facility, it struck me that most of the men and women in the room were gray haired. Very few “younger” adults filled the chairs. Lingering in my thoughts, my “aha” moment was this–it’s we who are now older, retired, still with many years ahead of us–who have the time–and money–to invest in the needs of today’s youth.

I met people who had gutted rooms, the guys who repaired bowling pin racks, men who come to play popular Christian songs using musical talents on guitars and drums. As I smiled, sitting in reverent awe, I heard a voice in my  head that a family friend shared with me years ago….”nowhere in the Bible does it way we get to retire from doing God’s work”.

Moses was 80 when God sent him to Egypt to get His people from slavery under the pharaoh. It took Noah over 100 years to build an ark. Paul was well into adulthood when Jesus met him on the road to Damascus to confront his zealous ways towards Christ followers and convert him into one of the greatest messengers for the gospel! 

That Saturday evening in April will remain a special memory for me. I witnessed one woman’s lone prayer from years ago become a living and vital reality for many teens within range of “The Lanes” influence. Hearing how successful business people from all Christian denominations come together to create a space for teens humbled my troubled thoughts that sometimes I fear that our communities don’t care enough about others to deliver answers for difficult problems that come along in life, especially for our youth.

If having “The Lanes” isn’t wonderful already, Crossroad Farm has plans to establish similar meeting places around our nation, all in rural settings because that’s where their vision lies–to cast hope into the lives of young people who may otherwise slip under the radar of being ignored, not having someone mentor them, and above all, missing the opportunity to hear that Jesus loves them, that each life has a plan and purpose, and people–gray haired and all–are here to help, teach, and love.

Now, when I see empty buildings, vacant storefronts, I say “hmmmmm….” “What if?”

HOW HIGH CAN YOU COUNT?

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Blades of grass. Rocks along a shoreline. Trees in all the forests. Particles of sand. Salt granules in a shaker jar. Strands of hair. Dust mites on my table.

What do these have in common? They are easy and beautiful to see (except for dust…smile) yet challenge the ability to count each one individually to arrive at a specific summary answer. My mind is boggled at how much of Creation remains a mystery. Even a quick online search to ask the question “does science know how many stars are in the Milky Way?” revealed that at best guess, there are over 100 billion stars in this galaxy alone. By broadening the question to include “how many galaxies exist?” The answer is an approximate range of 100 and 200 billion. Are you feeling very very small right now?

Why am I thinking about created things that cannot be counted with mere human mathematical ability? Quite honestly, my observations came as I drove north to Torch Lake for my four days alone during my sabbatical. Along Highway 127 I drove through wooded areas, land covered by a variety of trees such as pines and birch. As I glanced left to right I didn’t see houses or other signs of human habitation, only trees for as far as my eyes could observe.

Then, standing on the lakeshore of the home where I stayed, taking in the sizes and beauty of rocks visible under the water’s edge, I realized there’s no way someone could count or determine the exact number of rocks in Michigan’s deepest inland lake. If that’s not enough to comprehend, think of how many lakes Michigan has with MORE rocks, more sand. If your mind isn’t boggled by now, well, perhaps you don’t think like I do and that’s okay.

Why am I talking about things we cannot count? Why do I even care? My response is this … .even though there are things that exist in the beauty of our world, those things like rocks, sand, trees, hair, eluding the capability to be given an exact count, there is one thing that can be calculated within a fairly accurate conclusion. It’s the number of people living on our planet, all created as individuals with separate DNA, making each one of us unique and pretty darn special. There is only one you. Let it soak a little. Maybe lay the paper down on your lap for a moment as you’re reading my words and let me say it again please. There is only one you.

The Word of God gives us some pretty neat clues how God sees you, includes you, and how He values you. Let’s consider:

Psalm 139: 17-18 “How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand..”

Luke 12: 7 “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows”.

Psalm 147: 4 “He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.”

Are you feeling small yet? Don’t.

With complete confidence, let me exclaim to you that you were created by an incredible, powerful, amazing God, that though we may not appear as a speck in our galaxy, He deeply loves us. In the vastness of humankind, you are not lost to Him. He sees you. He knows you. He loves you. You are counted as precious in His sight. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116: 15) which basically means that when a believer dies, he or she is welcomed by God. He cares deeply for those who love Him.

In conclusion, here’s a challenge for you to consider embracing. Find a comfortable spot on a grassy lawn and allow your eyes to  take in the blades of grass that make up its beauty. Stroll along a sandy shore, your hair blowing in a gentle breeze. On a dark clear night, stand outside and gaze on the stars–remember they have names! Look in the mirror and truly realize that you are you, you are unique. If you ask me? That’s pretty darn amazing and a kind of special I cannot describe.

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PEACE & JOY EXIST INSIDE YOU

“Peace and joy exist right there within you–all the time–even when you are in the midst of difficult circumstances. And whether you can access them is not dependent upon your moods or your reactions to external circumstances. And, this gift of joy takes a bit of practice to receive. It takes intention. It takes desire. It takes faith.” (source Gather Ministries)

This paragraph is from a devotional I used during part of my sabbatical. Titled “Reaching for Joy” this excerpt truly defines for me an ability to experience joy in all that life gives, whether moments of extreme highs or depths of lowliness. I like that the writer says “this gift of joy takes practice to receive” affirming that when hard stuff comes along there IS a way to reach the other side of feeling devastated, alone, or having no hope.

I’m a people person. Sometimes that characteristic has driven my family nuts. When our son was a youngster he actually asked me “do you have to talk to people wherever we go?” Yes. Yes, I do. I am an extrovert who is fueled by meeting and conversing with people whether strangers, family, or friends.

So, naturally, when I went north for several days alone during my sabbatical, I literally asked God to allow me to meet people, to place folks on my path for divine appointments or mere conversation. And, He’s so faithful. He comes through every time I ask this request.

One evening north I was able to enjoy an early dinner with a niece that we don’t see often through the year due to distance. She actually lives south of Traverse City. She chose a restaurant near where I was staying and our evening started out great as we began to catch up on life over a drink. Soon, the restaurant filled with “locals” (we found out later that that Thursday was their reopening for a new summer season for vacationers on Torch Lake. Couples and families stood near the entrance waiting for an empty table. We were at a six top and as we were finishing our salads, a woman approached asking if they could join us–herself and a married couple–all about my age. “Sure!” we said. That’s how we met Murray, Patty, and Theresa. Over the next hour or so three strangers asked questions, listened and laughed over shared experiences. 

As is often the case, the questions turned to “what do you do?” Ashley shared about being a doctor on staff at Munson Medical in their physical therapy department. I replied that I was active in lay ministry for Celebrate Recovery. They all marveled over our “work” but it was Theresa who leaned in closer so-to-speak taking our new connection to a deeper more personal level.

Without much hesitation she told us that she understood the 12 steps of recovery very well. I had explained to her that not everyone who attends Celebrate Recovery is an addict, that I had entered the program to deal with anger and eventually my own sugar addiction. Theresa immediately latched on to understanding anger. To my astonishment she relayed details surrounding the death of her young adult son, actually describing the incident as an unsolved murder. If that loss wasn’t enough to endure, she’s also a widow. As I listened to her I didn’t detect bitterness, deep seeded anger or lack of hope. On the contrary, even while divulging a very personal difficult time in her life to me, her countenance remained peaceful and engaged in “life”. 

Also stemming from her conversation came celebrating Patty’s 20 year cancer remission, joined by Theresa declaring her own 10 year remission from cancer…all of which we gladly raised our glasses in a toast to God’s goodness and renewed health.

As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. (John 15: 9-11)

Imagine my pleasure meeting and spending time with three people who at first were complete strangers asking for a place at our restaurant table. Further imagine my delight getting to know them, devouring our moments together, fully realizing we will most likely never cross paths again. And, before you think I’m saying it’s easier said than done to triumph over horrific events in life, nothing could be further than the truth. Life is hard. Life can be very unfair. It certainly was for Theresa but that’s not the woman I met. I became acquainted with someone who lived through her circumstances and is now on the “other side”, abiding in God’s love and promises for her.

I love that in the midst of my time with Murry, Patty, and Theresa–along with my niece–that I remarked to her “isn’t it fun to share a table with people you don’t know” and her response will always echo in my memories ….”yes–! And we’ll keep making the table bigger so more people can join us”.

Joy isn’t connected to worldly circumstances. True joy is rooted in the deeper reality of God’s goodness. (Gather Ministries, Reaching for Joy Devotional)

My advice to you? My challenge to you? Next time you’ve got empty chairs at your dining table, invite someone to join you. Or, if you’re like Theresa, walk up to a few people and say “can we join you?”

I promise, something of God’s goodness will happen.

ALL GOOD THINGS COME TO AN END

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“Taking a break was refreshing, but I’m back and ready to shine”. (Unknown source)

Does time fly? Can we go back in time? Is there anything new under the sun?

Interesting concepts to ponder, aren’t they?

At the end of March I temporarily said “goodbye” to my normal schedule that is created from obligations–primarily in a couple of roles at my church home–along with bidding my readers, those here in the News as well as my personal blog and social media, an announcement that I needed a sabbatical. Looking back, March’s date seems to be a very far past point in my life. Now, in the midst of mid-May, I’m re-entering so to speak, all that was very routine for me day-to-day, week to week. 

Does time fly? Yes, it does. Can we go back in time? No. To do so physically is impossible, however, memories from our past live on in our minds and hearts, especially when returning “home”.

When I planned my sabbatical I made a list of personal goals that I hoped to cross off my bucket list. I will write about them in the future and share experiences that have become part of fond memories. Some of my goals were to get away alone for a few days, rejuvenate my relationship with God, spend time with some relatives who live near the area I traveled to, get outside on hiking trails, meet new people. I even chose the exact date I would travel north to spend time alone in a beautiful home offered by the generosity of very dear friends. But, another goal I had listed was to have God interrupt me on the path laid out for me, to encounter what I like to refer to as “divine appointments”.

I didn’t leave on the day I had originally planned. My departure was delayed when I learned that my dear cousin Willie was hospitalized in Saginaw, my home city. Each text I received from his family informed me of his serious condition, his body fighting a fierce infection. On Tuesday, April 8 I made the drive alone to Saginaw to visit and possibly say my “goodbye”. Since I knew the day would be mine alone to choose any activities, upon my arrival in Saginaw I drove to my childhood home. The neighborhood was quiet, no traffic or people in yards. I parked my car and sat for a few minutes, taking in the changes that have been made to the house my dad built in the mid 50s, noting some need for repairs, wondering about the current owners. From there I drove down the street to my elementary school that shares a large parcel of land with a city recreation area. A fence stands now around the kindergarten wing of the school; huge swing sets that were under tall shade trees in the rec area are gone. There’s no evidence of many summers playing games, swinging, or forming a competition of four square on the pavement. I left the area feeling sad.

On familiar streets that took me to Covenant Hospital, I saw many businesses that had closed or became home to different retail offerings. Once grand homes along Michigan Avenue were faded, run down, or boarded up. I couldn’t help but recall the beauty of these homes every time we drove by on our way to a favorite library, church on  Sunday, taking dad to work or picking him up when mother needed the car.

I arrived at the hospital late morning. Willie was non responsive except for occasional moments he opened his eyes. A daughter in law was with him and this was my first time meeting her. More of describing my time with Ursula can come another time.

In short, Willie died on Good Friday. I can’t think of a better time to depart earthly life in exchange for eternity with God. I waited over the Easter weekend to learn of funeral arrangements and when they became known, I was able to leave for northern Michigan the following Wednesday.

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.” (Proverbs 19: 21)

I don’t know if my original plans for driving north would have given me different experiences or not. This is what I do know, that by surrendering my schedule to God, being open and flexible to accept interruptions along the way of everyday life, I was given precious memories, glorious opportunities to experience embracing  recollections from the past, and in the midst of saying goodbye to a loved one, I found peace, joy, and hope.

I arrived in Saginaw under a blanket of sadness, but when I left to return home, after spending time soaking in old memories and meeting new family members, I came back with a heart full of gratitude.

THERE’S POWER IN THE BLOOD

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Perhaps one of the greatest mysteries I ponder about God is the words of His prophets, those ancient men we read about in the books of the Old Testament, who often gave the Jewish nation a foreshadowing of what was to come. Of particular importance, were the numerous messages–foretellings–of the promised Messiah, the One who would come to save God’s people. Since we are in the season of Lent with Easter Sunday soon approaching, I’m turning to one of my favorite prophets, Isaiah, who ministered to the people of Judah from 740 to 680 BC. 

In Chapter 53 of Isaiah’s book we get a very good description of God’s Son and what He would endure at the end of His earthly life in ministry. Verse 3 says “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him now.” If we compare the written gospel account of Jesus’ last days before being nailed to a cross, this is a good description assuring us that indeed He suffered a lot, therefore, we can rest as our own assurance that He understands our own sorrows and hardships.

Further along in verse 5 we read: But he was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” In the course of Jesus’ arrest and unlawful trial, He was brutally tortured. Stripped naked He was flogged with a whip that literally tore the flesh from His back with every strike. A crown of thorns was placed on His head, the sharp edges breaking open the skin on his scalp, blood dripping down His face. With that level of punishment we are told it brings us peace? How is that possible? Only because HE took the punishment you and I deserve as a penalty for sin.

Under the open gaping wounds of 39 lashes to His back, Jesus’ “stripes” are credited to give us healing. With His body now beaten, torn, dripping with blood, experiencing pain and exhaustion beyond human comprehension, He is facing the final moments of humiliation, pain, and suffering. He will be forced to carry His own cross, parading through public roads, mockers standing along the way, a mob reveling in His death sentence. How dare this “man” claim to be the Son of God and proclaim that He could forgive sins….that man could put Him to death…and declare He’d rise again.

Another prophetic glimpse we get about Jesus’s crucifixion is a very short sentence in Psalm 34: 19-20 “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken”.

It was standard practice by the Romans to break the legs of their victim in order to hasten death. In the case of Jesus, when the soldiers approached Him to do so, He was already deceased, thus fulfilling the prophecy that this common practice would not be necessary. (John 19:33)

The matters of God–especially the lessons we study in the season of Lent leading us to Palm Sunday and Easter–need not be intimidating. Answers to our questions can be found in the entirety of the Bible, all 66 books. 2 Timothy 3: 16 is a clear directive that “all scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Let us be thankful that God saw it quite fitting to give us numerous Old Testament writings describing His ultimate plan of salvation for all of mankind, the death and resurrection of His one and only son. Yet, as you read, don’t miss those passages that warn about rejecting Christ and the gift of pardon from all sins. Not all who “see and hear” the gospel message will be saved. Salvation requires believing in the One who came to save. 

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A note to my readers: This week’s article will be my last for a while. On April 1 until mid-May I will be enjoying a sabbatical where I am pulling away from all ministry duties. I’ve had some busy months which have caused me to realize I need to retreat, unplug, so that I may rest, find renewal along with what I lovingly call a “fresh fire and a fresh wind”. I look forward to time alone and with loved ones. Hopefully, with God’s inspiration, I’ll have a lot to write about when I return. May you all enjoy the power and beauty that the resurrected Christ gives us as children of God!

FROM FOLLOWER TO DENIAL, TO BECOMING A ROCK

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This past week in the Lenten devotional I’m reading along with a group of others from my church family, we camped out in Matthew Chapter 26 for a good portion of time. As of this writing we’ve all read about Peter denying Jesus three times on the night of His arrest. It won’t become known to us later after Jesus’ death and resurrection, how important Peter will become in advancing the kingdom of God on earth. Much will be written about Peter. Yet, in his evening of denial, he gets a bad rap from believers who don’t know “the rest of the story”.

Questions we ask ourselves is “how could he deny knowing Jesus”? “Didn’t Peter know that Jesus was the messiah? After all, he’d been in ministry with Him all that time!” “How could Peter deny a best friend and teacher?” These and perhaps many more are legitimate questions and I fear that we can find ourselves in their very answers.

I know there are times in my own life that I’ve not represented Jesus very well. How many times do I sit through a movie and not walk out when His name is thrown around like a beach ball. Have I always defended my faith well in the midst of conversations about Christian teachings that leave many confused, myself included. 

The Bible has many confusing or contradictions when perceived with our human mind. For example, I’m currently reading the Bible in chronological order and just finished the book of Judges. There’s a lot of brutality and carnage that took place in the history of the Israelite nation. I honestly don’t comprehend the “why” behind all the warring, but God allowed it. He even commanded it. And with Him it’s always with purpose. To reconcile my confusion I tell myself “well, He created. He has ultimate authority. He gets to call the shots”.

But, back to Peter. I think we are all more like Peter than we care to admit. When faced with unknowns or fear, it’s human nature to self protect. By Peter “staying at a distance”, actually sitting outside the courtyard where the high priest is questioning Jesus, he is close enough to hear all that is taking place. Combined with loyalty and fear, Peter remains as close as his emotions will allow. In the course of the night’s events, Peter “ physically remained” near the trial, yet fear became a driving motive to be “emotionally removed”  from Jesus. 

Peter offers me great hope. I hope he does for you as well. The more I learn about Peter the more I can relate. As a fisherman by trade he would have been strong. He was a servant, evidenced by his willingness to lay down his livelihood and follow Jesus as a disciple. He was married. He was passionate and bold which is shown through later preaching times to crowds coming to hear the “good news”.

I’m glad Peter didn’t end up his ministry in the wrappings of denial when things got hard for him and for Jesus. I’m encouraged that even though he chose a path of temporary cowardness, God used him later to shed light on telling fellow Jews about the resurrected Messiah. 

Peter may be seen by us as a coward. Let us not miss his humanity. Let us not downplay his role in launching a “new” way…The Way as the early church was called. Him being credited as “on this rock (Peter) I (Jesus) will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it”. You see, even before Peter would deny knowing Jesus, he is set apart as someone who will have a key role in creating Jesus’ church–not man’s–God’s!

What can we take away from Peter? Even with his character flaws and failings, God set him apart BEFORE the night’s events of arrest and trial of Jesus. God allowed Peter to be himself, to walk through the coming days and then take his rightful place of confidence and authority to preach the “good news” to all who would listen. And listen they did! The Book of Acts records his first sermon to a crowd and we read about thousands being added daily to the list of all who came to believe in Christ’s death and resurrection.

If God can use an ordinary fisherman turned disciple and preacher, He can use you. The challenge is this, will you follow? Will you share the “good news”, too?

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JESUS KEEPS US CLOSE

This past week my morning scripture readings have come from the book of Matthew. He gives us a good account of all the events leading to the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Christ. In his writings we get a glimpse of a last meal together between Jesus and His disciples, the introduction of a “new covenant” using bread and wine, along with chilling words describing betrayal and denial that will involve all 12 men. For those of us who know the backstory, it’s Judas and Peter who will be singled out as two who fit the description applied to their integrity as faithful followers. 

When entering the Garden of Gethsemane for fervent prayer, I find it interesting that Jesus invited Peter to join Him, along with the sons of Zebedee, James and John who had reputations for being very passionate–actually a couple of hotheads at times. As often as I have read these verses over the years, it was this week that I asked myself “why did He choose these three men to join Him in a time of prayer bathed under great sorrow, trouble, and fear”. Reflecting on my own question I surmised that perhaps Peter needed to witness firsthand the anguish that Jesus felt in the garden, knowing what the coming days would unfold–His betrayal by Judas, the arrest, trial, torture and ultimately death by crucifixion. 

If James and John were indeed deeply passionate about Jesus’ ministry and their role in advancing God’s kingdom on earth, why wouldn’t they be included in prayer that was raw, tearful, and brutally honest pleading for a way to escape impending brutality and death?

Sadly, as we continue reading Matthew’s account of the evening’s prayer time, Jesus is left alone in His anguish, as every one of the disciples fell asleep. Were they bored? Had they said what they could in prayer, feeling depleted and exhausted? Had they given up on the night to wait for morning and a fresh start to a new day?

I think Peter gets a bad wrap for his choices. I would even stretch the blame we put on the disciples as being too judgemental. I think if I’m honest–if you’re honest–we all can relate to Peter and the others in ways that cause us to feel shame, guilt, fear…exercising our need for self preservation when faced with insurmountable odds.

An old testament psalm used in the second week of Lent comes from Chapter 27. Beginning at verse 11 we read: “Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations. I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord”.

As Jewish men, the disciples would have been very familiar with this psalm. For three years they had been taught. They walked Jesus’ path that led to His oppressors. They heard lies spoken about them and that Jesus declared Himself as Messiah. They may not have always seen the goodness of God in daily life and indeed their strength failed and hearts wept from fear and not knowing the painful days ahead for their beloved Master.

Now that we believers have the advantage and beauty of the bible in its entirety, we can read Matthew’s account of their ministry coming to a crossroad. Their lack of comprehension for Jesus’ impending death was not yet clear. With tired minds and bodies they fell asleep. I like to think they were “waiting”. Waiting for an upheaval to Roman oppression. Waiting for Jesus to make His move to set the Jewish community free from Roman rule.

Peter, James and John, had front row positions to Jesus’ anguished prayers. In their failings, they most likely missed the opportunity to minister to their beloved teacher. Even with their faults, Jesus kept them close, allowed them to remain with Him. I visited the Garden of Gethsemane in 2019. It’s not a huge area. It’s very serene with olive trees, flowering shrubs, and rocks along the walking path. Even though nine of the disciples fell asleep a short distance away from Jesus and the other three, they were still fairly “close” which would have given them the ability to see and hear all that occurred. 

What can we glean from this? Even when we are weak, tired, full of fear and our own deep anguish, God is with us. In verse 5 of Psalm we read: “For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock”.