faith

by

Do I Matter to God?

While reading a book about prayer I ran across the question: “What would you love to sit down and talk about with God?“

I thought about it for two days before I finally wrote down: “Why do I matter to you?”

It puzzles me. I don’t have a poor self image, but I am not extraordinary in any way, not strikingly beautiful and not a genius. Yet I matter to God. Why?

No answer was immediately forth coming. Did God hear me? Should I not have asked the Creator of the universe such a question?

A week later I remembered something that I had put away in a box in my closet years ago. It is a rag doll I made out of a sock when I was about 10 years old.

I found the instructions in my parents’ Worldbook encyclopedia. (Yes, I still have the encyclopedias.) As you can see it is not the most beautiful doll ever made, but it is one of the first things I made without any help. Over the years I have made much better ones. Why have I kept it all these years? I simply love it because I made it.

I started to think of other things I have made over the years. Quilts, paintings and other miscelaneous things. I love each one and made them with a purpose in mind.

Back to my question for God. “Why do I matter to you?” He answered me in very clear terms. He simply loves the things He makes. I matter because He made me. My value is wrapped up in who loves me. To be loved by God is extraordinary.

If I love a misshapen old doll how much more does He love me? How much more does He love you? Take heart. He is not silent. We just need ears to hear.

For Further study:

Genesis 1:31 “And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good….”

Genesis 5:1 “when God created man, He made him in the likeness of God.”

Psalm 139:14 – “I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are your works, and my soul knows it very well.”

Isaiah 43:4 “Since you are percious in My sight, Since you are honored and I love you,”

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

I Corinthians 1:26-28 “For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong. And the base things of the world and the despised, God has chosen the things that are not, that He might nullify the things that are,”

by

Why Did You Ever Send Me?

Exodus 5:22 “…Why did You ever send me?”

As I look back on my life I wonder. There have been some crushing failures. I didn’t always make right decisions and even when I did, things didn’t always end well.

Becoming a mother was life changing. I had read many books and watched others succeed or fail. I was sure our children would be an example to all.

The reality was much harder. I didn’t have all the answers. Some days I didn’t have any answers. These children needed something I couldn’t give them. They needed the breath of the living God. So we taught and we prayed and we watched them grow and succeed and make mistakes. We made plenty of mistakes ourselves. It didn’t all turn out as we expected.

I went from thinking I was going to be a perfect mother to “why had God entrusted these children to me? I am obviously not succeeding at it.”

Then I remembered Moses. Rescued from death by Pharaoh’s daughter. Raised for a few years by his own mother. Grew up in a palace with every advantage. Murders an Egyptian when trying to stand up for his own people. Flees Egypt and lives in the wilderness until he meets God in the burning bush.

God had a job for him. Return to Egypt and get Pharoah to let my peole go. Moses was afraid. He argued with God about his abilities. God urged him on, even getting angry when Moses complained about his innability to speak well. (God gave him Aaron to be his mouth piece.)

Moses, with his brother Aaron in tow, confronted Pharaoh. He asked Pharaoh to let Israel go to worship their God. Pharaoh gets angry and takes it out on the sons of Israel. Their hard labor became impossible. The people turned on Moses and claimed Pharaoh was trying to kill them because of him.

Moses turns to God and says… “O LORD, why have You done evil to this people? Why did You ever send me?” (Exodus 5:22)

Can you relate? I have felt that way many times. But it isn’t about me. It is about God and what He will do in impossible situations.

God purposefully, step by step drew his people out of Egypt. There would be hardship and trial, but it is better to be in the wilderness with God than enjoying the leeks and onions of Egypt while under slavery. They had the promise of Canaan. They endured much to get there…and God was with them every step of the way…

So as I look back on my failures and my inadequacies I need to remember that God is a God of miracles who chooses frail and weak people to carry out his plans. It is because of my weaknesses that God’s power can be displayed. Any good that comes is not me. All the praise and glory go to Him.

Take heart. He has not left you here alone. He is with us each step of the way. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. This trouble will pass. There will be a better day. This testing will make you like gold.

Believe it!

So what do I do in the mean time? I faithfully do what God has given me to do. The results won’t always be what I expect. The beautiful ending won’t always happen. My job is simply to obey.

For further study:

I Corinthians 1:26-31

II Corinthians 12:9-10

Exodus 2-5

by

In Honor of our Veterans

I wrote this article over 10 years ago to honor my Father, and others like him, who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. The first picture is of the actual ship (LCI) he served on. If you know a veteran or an active duty soldier take time today to tell them thank you. 

I had always imagined him on a huge navy ship cutting through the ocean to Europe and the War that was taking place there. My father was a radioman. He talked about being sick and doing his job in the very bottom of the boat. Most of his time was spent in Italy.  I recently found records that showed what vessels he was on. They were both LCI(L) which stands for Landing Craft, Infantry. The sailors called them spitkits.  I was startled when I saw pictures of them.

LCI 235

They were tiny.  An admiral who saw them swarming around his battleship called them “Waterbugs”. They were only 158’ long and 23.3’ at their widest. They had a crew of no more than 25. Because of their flat bottom they were able to do a job the big ships couldn’t. They would make a quick beach landing.  Ramps would be lowered from both sides of the bow and 200 soldiers would disembark into the shallow waters. Total time – 10 minutes.  The anchor they had dropped while off shore would then pull them back out to sea.

LCI

Here is a description from someone who was there.

“…So we went to sea. The lawyers, the bankers, the garage mechanics, the farmers, the salesmen, and me. In our little spitkits, we struck out boldly if not fearfully…” On the seasickness of the sailors he simply stated  “They’ve got no guts left, these kids. They’ve spilled them all. But they’ve got what it takes. Fine spirit. Game guys. Big men in little ships. American youth, learning the hardest way of all, on the high seas in a spitkit through the war zone. They take it all in stride and somehow (God only knows) they manage to smile. Somehow, also…you go below feeling that’s why we’ll win this war. No one can beat that kind of stuff!”

(From Samuel Eliot Morison  Vol. II – History of United States Naval Operations in World War II – Operations in North African Waters)

Yes, there were big battleships and aircraft carriers. There were supply ships and destroyers, but I believe the war would not have been won without these little LCI’s or “waterbugs”. The LCI’s were small and vulnerable, shot up, bombed, torpedoed and struck by underwater mines. Kamikaze planes used them as targets.  These sailors crossed the ocean in vessels that weren’t made for crossing the ocean. They were uncomfortable and sick while they did it. They were determined to do what they could, no matter the cost, to stem the tide of evil.

…but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,     I Corinthians 1:27

by

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)

by

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

by

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

by

Forgotten

Go Cart Track by Cered is licensed under CC-BY-SA 2.0

I sat patiently at the table…positioned so I could see our driveway and the gravel road that led to it.

Being 11 years old, I had never been go-carting before and was more than a little nervous. My money was tucked carefully into my pocket. I felt it just to make sure.

They should be here any minute.

And so I waited, patiently waited…and waited.

They must be running late. I just needed to be patient.

My eyes, which were glued to the driveway, occasionally strayed to the clock on the wall.

5…10…15 minutes late.

Maybe I misunderstood?

30 minutes later I went up to my room and put my crumpled money away. I had been forgotten.

The next day at church there were stories of how much fun they had. I said nothing.

I determined then that I would never forget someone who was counting on me.

Now I wait…patiently…5…10…15 years. Waiting for Christ to come back again and take us home. My goal is to use my time well. To warn others of His soon return.  I don’t know when, but I am sure He is coming as He promised. There is no worry that He has forgotten me.

“If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself, that where I am there you may be also.” John 14:3 (See also Acts 1:9-11)

He has already come once. To seek and to save that which was lost….me…you. (Luke 19:10) He calls us to Himself. He is delaying so more will respond to His tender call. He is waiting so you will respond. He is patiently waiting, but He will not wait forever. Time is running out. Won’t you respond in faith today?

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

by

But God remembered Noah

Photo by Sourav Mishra on Pexels.com

Noah was 500 years old when God told him to build an ark. God saw that …

“the wickedness of man was great.” “Every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually”. Genesis 6:5

(So much for thinking that following your heart is a good idea.)

“the LORD regretted that he had made man…and it grieved him to his heart.” vs. 6

God decides to destroy man, animals, every creeping thing, and birds, but in that cesspool of humanity…

“Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.” vs. 8

Imagine Noah and his sons building the ark while the rest of mankind looked on and mocked. To preach for 100 years without any converts must have been devastating. Noah simply obeyed. Once they were all safely on board with the animals, God shut the door, and they waited.

They waited 7 days before the rains came.

Then the floodgates of the deep and the windows of heaven were opened. It rained for 40 days and 40 nights. There was so much water that even the mountains were covered up. Every living thing died that wasn’t on the ark. The flood waters surged for 150 days or 5 months.

“But God remembered Noah and all the beasts and all the livestock that were with him in the ark.” Genesis 8:1

They had not been forgotten. God stopped the rain and closed the floodgates. A little over two months later the water receded and the mountain tops could be seen again. Just over a year after the flood had begun it was finally dry enough for Noah and his passengers to leave the ark.

Sometimes when I struggle with a situation that never seems to end I think of Noah. He was given an overwhelming job while the rest of the world was being destroyed. There was no escape from his daily duties. Imagine being the only living island in a world of water. Yet, his faithful obedience saved his life and the life of his family.

Oh, that I would have such faith. To believe that God is doing something I am unable to understand.

Father, help me to trust you with my impossible situations, knowing that you have not forgotten me.

For further study:

Genesis 6:5 – 8:22

Matthew 24: 36-44

Hebrews 11:7

II Peter 2:5

by

He is Calling for You!

He spent his days begging on the road that led from Jericho to Jerusalem, unable to make a living any other way. His name was Bartimaeus and he was blind. 

A cloak was his only possession. It shaded him from the sun, protected him from rain, became his only comfort and blanket at night.

He had heard of a man named Jesus who heals. Miracle of miracles today he was passing right by him. Being tired of barely surviving he cried out to the one who could change his life.

“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

“Be quiet!”, they scolded. Leave the Master alone!

He cried out even louder. “Have mercy on me!”

He knew his situation was hopeless. Sooner or later he would die from lack of food or exposure to the elements. He would not be quiet. In desperation, he shouted again. “Have mercy on me!!!”

And then the unbelievable news…”Take courage, stand up! He is calling for you.”

Bartimaeus threw his cloak aside, jumped to his feet and ran to Jesus.

“What do you want?”, Jesus asked.

“I want to see.” Was Bartimaeus’ reply.

“Go your way your faith has made you well.”

But as Bartimaeus looked at Jesus, he couldn’t go his way. He followed Jesus on the road, wherever that road would take him. He left it all. His cloak, his future, his dreams of a seeing life. All he wanted was to follow Jesus.

This would be Jesus last trip into Jerusalem. He was on his way to the cross.

William MacDonald sums it up “It was a good thing that Bartimaeus sought the Lord that day because the Savior never passed that way again.”

Are you like Bartimaeus? Do you see your need? Do you see your hopeless situation?

If so, “Take courage, stand up! He is calling for you.”

For further study: Mark 10:46-52; II Corinthians 6:2b

by

How Firm a Foundation

Photo by nappy on Pexels.com

My granddaughter, Arianna and I have a habit of watching an episode of “Andy Griffith” every night before bed. Last night Sheriff Andy was humming a song as he sat on his porch in the evening. Recognizing the tune as “How Firm a Foundation”, I found the words and started recording.

Every source I looked at said the author was unknown. It first appeared in 1787 simply labeled with the letter K. Somehow, I don’t think the original author would mind. Anyone who wrote words like the ones below was looking to glorify God, not himself.

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,

Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!

What more can He say than to you He hath said,

To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled.

Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,

For I am thy God, and will still give thee aid;

I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,

Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.

When through the deep waters I call thee to go,

The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;

For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,

And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,

My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;

The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design

Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,

I will not, I will not desert to his foes;

That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,

I’ll never, no never, no never forsake!

For Further study:

Luke 21:33 – “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.”

Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

Deuteronomy 31:6, 8 – “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” “And the LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear, or be dismayed.”