Christianity

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Death of a Good Man

A good man just died. We think he died too soon. He was a necessary part of my sister’s life, of his children’s lives, of all of our lives. He was a man of integrity who had a big laugh and a gentle spirit. He was wise, kind, inquisitive, determined, generous, and most importantly he followed hard after God.

Why do good men die too soon? I have known several that were called home sooner than expected. We ask why and God seems to be silent. Rather, I think we don’t want to hear. God has a right to call those who love Him home. They belong to Him, after all, not to us.

Enoch is a case in point. It appears he was closer to God than any of the others mentioned in Genesis, but his time on earth was less than half the length of others. It says “Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. “ (Genesis 5:23)

Elijah was another example of someone who went home sooner than expected, much to the dismay of Elisha. (See II Kings 2) Elisha knew God was calling Elijah home. He refused to leave his side. When other prophets told Elisha that his master was going home, he told them to be quiet. Elijah’s homegoing was a little more spectacular than normal. A chariot of fire and horses of fire separated them and Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind…and Elisha grieved. He didn’t celebrate; he tore his clothes.

So too, those of us left grieve. We know God has a right to call them home, but we grieve our loss. We put our head down and stumble on. We answer we are ok when people ask, but it will take us awhile to be ok. Our comfort comes in knowing they are home with the God who loves them. They are no longer struggling with sin and this world. They don’t have pain or sorrow; for God has wiped away their tears.

It says in Psalm 116:15 “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His godly ones.”

God calls home those who have served him well to give them rest. Their work here is done.  Their new life has begun. We should not wish them back here.  We should pray that the God of all comfort would give us the comfort and grace we need to continue to serve Him well in their absence.

“Have I not given you your orders? Take heart and be strong, have no fear and do not be troubled; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”           Joshua 1:9 BBE

In memory of my brother-in-law Dennis J, Schilling (August 8, 1953 –  March 7, 2024)

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Even in My Old Age

I was sitting on the floor on Sunday when a little boy sat down next to me and said.

Boy: “What’s wrong with your eyes?”

Me: “What do you mean?”

Boy:  “You have lines.”

Me: “Those are wrinkles.”

Boy:  “What are wrinkles?”

Me: “That is what happens to your skin when you get old, it crinkles up.”

Boy: “Does it hurt?”

Me: “No”

The conversation continued as the boy continued to stare at me with concern in his eyes. Funny how I forget I am old until reminded by one who insists that the lines on my face certainly must hurt. I must admit that some of the events that led to the wrinkles hurt, but the wrinkles themselves are badges of honor. I have lived through trouble and am still standing. Why am I still standing? It has nothing to do with my ability or gumption it is God alone who has kept me moment by moment, day after day, year after year.

I look forward to someday leaving the trouble behind and gazing on the face of my Redeemer who rescued me. To see my God face to face who was with me in good times and bad and made me just as I am, wrinkles and all.

For further study:

Isaiah 46:4

Psalm 71

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When I am Afraid

I was afraid of the dark when I was little. My Dad, who knew me well, was aware of my fear. One night when he was saying good night to me I heard a banging on our house that made me shudder. My dad took my hand and said, “come with me.” I followed him down the stairs and out the back door of our house. He pointed up to a tree whose rustling branches were hitting the top of our house. He wanted me to see what made the noise so I wouldn’t be afraid. He took me back up to my bedroom and tucked me in. The noise no longer bothered me because my Dad, who knew I was afraid, had helped me.

When I was about 8 I climbed a tree in our front yard. As I climbed I broke off one of the branches I had used to climb up. I couldn’t climb up and I couldn’t climb down. There I was hanging in mid-air. My Dad heard my cry and came running to where I was. He patiently helped me down from my precarious perch. 

My Dad was able to help me because he knew me. He knew I needed His help. He knew I wasn’t always strong enough to get down from trees I had climbed. He knew I was afraid of the dark and of noises that were unfamiliar, but he not only knew me he loved me. He loved me enough to help me.

There is someone who loves me even more than my Dad did. God knows me inside out. God made me and loves me more than anyone else can. He knows I need His help. He hears me when I cry.

As I think about trouble around the world and in my everyday life I often become alarmed…then I remember that God is there to help me with the perceived threats (rustling branches) and the real threats (broken branches). He knows that we are weak and fearful people. He knows we need His help. No matter the circumstances, real or imagined, God has promised to be with us. He doesn’t promise to fix the problem, but promises to be with us. For it is by trusting Him through the darkest times that we learn to lean heavily on Him. If there was never trouble, we wouldn’t know our need of Him.

So the next time you are afraid or feel alone, remember God hears your cry. God loves you. God knows you better than anyone else.  God has promised to be with you.

For further study:

“The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry.” Psalm 34:15

“but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.” I Corinthians 8:3

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine!”…

“Since you are precious in My sight. Since you are honored and I love you…

Do not fear, for I am with you;”  Isaiah 43:1, 4-5

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In the Shadow of Your Wings

Photo by Ernesto Alejandro Pu00e9rez on Pexels.com

This year has been incredibly hard for many families, mine included. My trouble pales when I see the trouble that the whole world is in. I struggle to find words of comfort for so many situations.

No words come.  When there is no answer to trouble the only thing we can do is turn to the God who made us. Cling to Him with all we have and look forward to a better time, a better place.

I ran across a song recently that was sung in English and Arabic. The phrase that was repeated again and again was “in the shadow of your wings.” I found that phrase in the following Bible verses. Psalm 17:8; Psalm 36:7; Psalm 57:1; Psalm 63:7 – Take some time and look them up.

Here are the words to the song with a recording below. I pray it brings you comfort no matter what trouble you are facing.

In the Shadow of Your Wings – Cathy Spurr/ Debbie McNeil

I will dwell in the shadow of your wings.

I will know of the peace your love can bring.

Night will fall but I will not be afraid

When I dwell in the shadow of your wings.

In the shadow, in the shadow, in the shadow of your wings. (x2)

Safety lies in the shadow of your wings.

I rely on your faithful covering.

Arrows fly but I will not be afraid

When I dwell in the shadow of your wings.

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Lessons from Art Class

“I don’t want to make a sea otter.” One of my younger art students proclaimed. She was looking instead at the camouflaged deer which was a complicated project made in the class before. I had materials ready for the sea otter. The materials for the deer had been used up with the previous class. “We are doing the sea otter.” I explained. “That project was for the older class.”

She insisted, and one after another of her classmates voiced their objections to doing sea otters. Funny how discontent spreads.

I passed out the materials for the sea otters. Most of the students forgot their objections when they saw the materials, which included paint. Two students still wanted plain paper to come up with their own idea. I gave them plain white paper and a tin full of colored pencils with the warning that I would not be able to help them since I was teaching the Sea Otter lesson.   

The original objector asked for various supplies. I told her no, that I was working with the students who wanted to make Sea Otters. She would have to make due with plain paper and colored pencils. She had chosen to be on her own. I was not available to help her.

After the students had gone, I felt God nudging me. How often have I acted like that student?

God asks me to do something. Something He has planned for me to do. He has provided the materials. He is ready to work with me and teach me through the difficult spots.

Sometimes I put my head down and get to work. Sometimes I think I have a better idea. Sometimes I want to do the job He has given to somebody else. Sometimes I work on my own idea while asking God to help me again and again.

His response? “I thought you wanted to be on your own?” …and after I have struggled enough to see my need and my foolishness, He will come along side me with a gentle rebuke and help me get out of the mess I find myself in.

Sometimes I will argue until I realize I need to trust Him even if it makes no sense to me, or seems impossible, or is not what I would have chosen.

Father, forgive me. I am sorry that you must remind me again and again that Your way is the best way. It will not always be the easiest, but it will always be the best.

For Further Study:

But they will say, ‘It’s hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.’ Jeremiah 18:12

For they have turned their back to Me, and not their face; But in the time of their trouble they will say, “Arise and save us.’ Jeremiah 2:27b

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.  Ephesians 2:10

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Don’t Despair

Discouragement has set in. I have so much to be thankful for, but there are situations that are long term heartaches. One after another, they sap energy and joy. God reminds me daily that He is with me and I will see good even yet.

Psalm 27:13-14 reminds me…”I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.”

My fallback prayer is…”Show me something good, I need to see something good.”

Days like this I wish I could talk to my Dad.

He grew up during the depression and served in WW II. He would be a wealth of encouragement. My memory of him was laughter and joy, but I know there were periods of deep sadness in his life as well. Sadness he never talked about or dwelt on. Day by day he was faithful to his faithful God. Day by day he got strength and joy from the God who is full of lovingkindness.

While cleaning out some drawers I ran across an old cassette tape with my Dad’s writing on it.  Finding a cassette player that worked was another challenge. I finally was able to hook up the tape deck to our stereo system. The first song I heard was him playing the violin. The song? “Jesus Took My Burden”. The words came back to me as I listened. Here are the words to the chorus.

Yes, Jesus took my burden I could no longer bear,

Yes, Jesus took my burden in answer to my prayer;

My anxious fears subsided. My spirit was made strong.

For Jesus took my burden, and left me with a song.

My Dad died almost 34 years ago and yet here God was using him to encourage me today. Yes, God was again showing me something good, something very good. The example of a man who lived his life faithfully through good and bad, because He trusted His good God to be with him through it all.

So don’t despair. Life is hard. Troubles will come and go. Sometimes troubles will come to stay, but Jesus takes our burdens and gives us joy in the midst. The blessing of daily being able to lean on His strong arms is priceless.

“For I am the Lord your God, who upholds your right hand, who says to you, ‘Do not fear I will help you’.   Isaiah 41:13

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When it is Too Hard to Pray

(This was a hard post to write. It might be a hard post for you to read. I hope it brings encouragement to someone who feels like God has forgotten.)

Praying. How long do you pray something before you quietly stop? At what point does the praying become too painful? It can be like ripping a scab off an old wound.  Is it right to keep demanding something from God after you have prayed earnestly for years?

I was reminded of Zacharias the other day. (See Luke 1:5-23) He and his wife were “righteous in God’s sight.” They were also well advanced in age, and childless. Zacharias was serving as a priest and it was his turn to go into the sanctuary and burn incense. Imagine his surprise when the angel Gabriel appears to him beside the altar. This was his message.

“Do not be afraid…your prayer has been heard.” “Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son…”

Now I suspect that at one point Zacharias and Elizabeth had both prayed fervently for a son. I also suspect that they had quit praying quite a while ago. As the years passed and as they both grew older, they realized that God had chosen not to send the son they longed for. They had stopped hoping.

I think Zacharias’ response to the angel points this out. “How can I know this? … For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” 

What a comfort to know that God hears our prayers. He hears the first prayer. He hears the last prayer. He hears the prayers we pray boldly and the ones we whisper. His answer is not dependent on our praying harder or longer.

Yes, we are to persevere in prayer, but it is not our perseverance that brings the result. God alone answers as He wills.

So pray. But when it gets too hard to pray, sometimes we must leave it with Him. To shift our gaze from the longed-for answer, to the God who heard our request the first time we asked.

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In the Valley

Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels.com

Help me trust you in the valley

When the way is dark and drear.

Help my steps move ever onward

In your arms I need not fear.

Help me know that You are with me

when I feel so all alone.

When others may forsake me

You’ll not leave me here to roam.

Help me see You know the details

when others misconstrue.

You are ever, only for me

as I fix my eyes on You.

Help me see beyond this trouble

as I struggle with today.

Knowing you have planned my future

ever ordering my way.

Give me strength for each tomorrow

when today I’m overwhelmed.

Knowing strength comes as it’s needed

as I look to you for help.

Thank you, Father, for the valleys

as each one comes and goes.

For in them I find Your comfort

as You guide me safely home.

(By Karen Pickering)

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Winter and Trouble

Winter –

Bitter cold,

Swirling snow,

Howling winds,

Barren landscape.

There is a harsh deadness to winter. Will there ever be life again?

Yet year after year we look for signs of Spring. We know from experience that it will come. God has promised and it has always come. So I pray and wait. Trusting a good God will bring Spring and new life out of this deadness. Struggling to thank Him in the winter, knowing it leads to Spring that will be more marvelous because of the winter that came before.

So too trouble comes with its cold, harsh, barrenness.

Sudden storms that are unpredictable.

Storms I have no control of.

Storms I want no part of.

Yet here they are swirling, howling about my life. They refuse to give an answer to my “why?”

So I pray and wait. Trusting God is with me especially in the trouble. Holding me close, teaching me to rely on Him. I haltingly thank Him for His care. Knowing someday there will be a “Spring” that will be even more beautiful because of the trouble that came before.

For Further Study:

Deuteronomy 31:8; Isaiah 43:2

Matthew 28:20; John 16:33

Matthew 6:25-34

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Time is Short

Fall is in full color. Another year is winding down. What a year it was. January was uneventful until the end when I had a stroke. I spent some days in the ICU. The hospital wanted to keep me 2 more weeks, but I convinced them I needed to get home. I was able to do just that with the help of my family. After several weeks of therapy I am semi-normal. Some things will never be the same, but I am thankful to be here.

When you are faced with death you think of all the things you want to say to all the people you love.

This is such a letter.

My life is made up of so much more than what you see on the outside. Yes, I am a wife, mother, grandmother, and teacher that enjoys hiking, making music, making art, going to auctions, cooking and a good cup of tea.

However, my life is held together by one thing. My relationship with God. Any good you see in me is because of Him. Any bad you see in me is because of my failure…yet He still loves me and calls me His own.

I have known Him for about 58 years. I first learned of him by listening to my parents as they told Bible stories using flannel graph figures and when my father read the Bible to us at the breakfast table and often after supper.

Then there was the music. Hymns and songs that still come back to me with word perfect clarity.

I am so glad that our Father in Heav’n Tells of His love in the book He has giv’n

Wonderful things in the Bible I see, This is the dearest that Jesus loves me.

I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me,

 I am so glad that Jesus loves me, Jesus loves even me.

If I forget Him and wander away, Still He doth love me wherever I stray;

Back to His dear loving arms would I flee, when I remember that Jesus loves me.

There are more verses and many more songs. Many with deep theology, some with poor theology. But the point of them all is how much God loves us.

Why does He love us? The short answer is … because He made us.  We might not like our nose or our hair or any number of things we think of as defects, but He made us just so, to serve a purpose, to worship Him and bring glory to Him, but instead we have turned our back on Him. We try to make our own way. These efforts have gone horribly wrong.  The point is we need God. We are nothing without Him. Our best efforts belong on the garbage heap.

So why does He love us? Such wretched creatures surely aren’t worth His time. But you see God is a master artist and we are His masterpieces. We have gotten twisted and ruined, but if we come to Him; He can restore us to how we were meant to be.

Our sin should have meant the death of us, but instead Jesus came to take our place.

To die for us.

To rise for us.

To ascend to heaven to intercede for us.

This is no small thing. This should make us daily fall on our knees in worship and awe. We have been bought with a price. We can choose to continue in our ruined state or we can accept His gift of salvation and watch His transforming power.

There is nothing I can do to earn heaven. It is a simple act of repentance and accepting the free gift.

Don’t delay. None of us knows how long we will be here. Decide before the opportunity passes you by.

I love you, friend, but there is someone who loves you more. Get right with Him today.

“that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.”…for Whoever will call upon the name of the LORD will be saved.”  Romans 10:9-11, 13