Higher Ground

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,

   and there are no grapes on the vines;

even though the olive crop fails,

   and the fields lie empty and barren;

even though the flocks die in the fields,

   and the cattle barns are empty,

yet I will rejoice in the Lord!

I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

   The Sovereign Lord is my strength!

He makes me as surefooted as a deer,

   able to tread upon the heights.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NLT)

The prophet paints a very gloomy picture—sounds like he has been listening to my TV. The market is lower than it has been in years. A pivotal election is right around the corner. Some are still cleaning out and restoring their homes after a hit by a hurricane. It seems like nothing is easy. Why is life so difficult right now? The pummeling of bad news begins to wear and I wonder what is going to happen next. As much as I like to listen to talk radio and TV, today I want it off. However, God did not leave us in this pothole. Did you notice the second half of the passage? Even when the world collapses around me, God is there and gives me joy. He is the one that supports me and allows me to stand—even on shaky and unstable ground. He even equips me so that I can race surefooted between the boulders and rocks on the path as I head to the top of the mountain. I have a better perspective from higher ground where I can focus on the whole landscape rather than just my own small patch. Sometimes, God allows us to see what His plans are, other times, He asks us to trust Him. Today, the insecurity of our world demands that we turn to the One who made us and who knows our days from the beginning to the end for our security and comfort. He is bigger than all that threatens us. Go for the higher ground and take heart.

A New Menu

But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Daniel 1:8 (NLT)

I am looking forward to a new small group study of the book of Daniel this fall. As a little background, the key players are the King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, Daniel and his three friends, and the chief official of the court. After the destruction of Jerusalem, the King chose some of the young men of that region, including Daniel, to join in him in service in the king's court. I noticed two things in the first chapter; one, it is OK to speak up if you have a difference of opinion or someone challenges your values. It was natural for them to eat food that had come from the King's table. Yet, Daniel asked permission to skip the food and wine offered to him because it had been part of the worship of foreign gods. Given such a choice, some of us might resort to ranting and demanding our rights—creating an even bigger problem. However, Daniel's greater allegiance to the one true God, Jehovah, gave him the desire and courage to stand firm, ready to suffer the consequences for his beliefs. This brings me to my second observation—provide a viable alternative when confronted with a conflict. Daniel suggested another plan—a diet of only fruits, vegetables, and water and further suggested a ten-day trial followed by an evaluation. In the end, Daniel and his friends passed the test. God protected these young men and gave them knowledge and understanding so that they became valued members of his cabinet. Sometimes it seems like we have no alternatives. The boss participates in shady business practices in the accounting department. The writer cheats and steals someone else's thoughts and passes them off as his own. The teacher favors certain students and requires reports on questionable topics in order to pass a class. Unfair? Yes, but there are options. Think of Daniel—speak up and offer an alternative—the next time you run up against such a situation. What better way to glorify God?

Debate

But most of all, my brothers and sisters, never take an oath, by heaven or earth or anything else. Just say a simple yes or no, so that you will not sin and be condemned. James 5:12 (NLT)

Tonight Sen. John McCain and Sen. Barack Obama will face off in the first debate. The tension of the last few days continues to grind away at the endurance of the American people but it has insured that the electorate is now fully engaged in the process. The apostle, James, counseled the early believers about a variety of principles for living in a common society. Yet, he concluded that the key concepts of honesty and straightforwardness are imperative to right living and future success. The candidates will have an opportunity to express their ideas, opinions, and philosophy of governing to the posed questions. I pray that we will see and hear clear distinctions between these two men. The future of our nation and the legacy we leave for our children and grandchildren is at stake. Be assured that no problem, no election, no financial crisis, or no war is a surprise to our Heavenly Father. I am so relieved and thankful that God is sovereign and in control.

Pray the Vote

The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases. All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. --Proverbs 21:1-3 (NIV)

I signed up for Pray the Vote daily email and the last sentence in today's verse caught my attention. In a political season, we all think our cause is greater and, depending on our commitment, we may be ready to die on an issue. I read and commented on another blog today about this very idea. However, doing what is proper, moral, and honorable is more significant to God than giving up our personal goals or desires even when they are worthy. God looks at the heart and character of the person unimpressed by what he or she does. Rather, the inner quality of humility that expresses itself with integrity, dignity and strength is what He desires. The sacrifice is then part of God's plan and purpose. I respect the stated purpose by The Presidential Prayer Team: Prayer is the most significant way you can impact our country. When you bring the political process before God, things happen—by God’s initiative, and in your mind and heart. It’s a powerful and empowering process. We urge you to try it and see! Sign up and let's all be praying for the next 40 days.

Technical Difficulties

Your road led through the sea,
your pathway through the mighty waters—
a pathway no one knew was there!
Psalm 77:19 (NLT)

For several days, technical difficulties waylaid progress on my website. My computer guru husband has been ready to tear his hair out (it would be tough since it has pretty much headed out on its own.) However, through perseverance, he is slowly working out the kinks and glitches. There is a huge hiccup in the financial market today. Even though rumors multiplied over the weekend, it was still shocking to wake up and find a major institution in such serious trouble. Reports from every media outlet reported the uncertainly and fear of the public. Now, the instability leads to finger pointing or passing the buck which underscores the need to find a solution. The children of Israel must have wondered how they would cross the Red Sea as they fled from Egypt with their attackers in hot pursuit. It seemed hopeless and they complained all the way. Yet, David, the Psalmist, describes an unforeseen solution to their impossible problem—a pathway that no one knew was there. Uncertainty. Fear. Anxiety. Loss. I am sure they experienced the same emotions that we deal with every day. Mark found workarounds to unlock the problems in the computer. We must remember that our security does not come from our bank account or IRA but from the One who knows the hidden path out of the entanglements of our lives. There is no escape from the difficulties of life but with God, there is always a way out.

Stand Firm

My eyes have seen, and my ears have heard the doom and destruction of my terrible enemies. Good people will prosper like palm trees, and they will grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon. They will take root in your house, LORD God, and they will do well. They will be like trees that stay healthy and fruitful, even when they are old. And they will say about you, "The LORD always does right! God is our mighty rock. Psalm 92:11-15 (CEV)

Seven years ago, our nation was hit fast and hard. Many of us woke up to what looked like a bad movie on the TV only to realize it was real and not fiction. Today, we reflect on that day of infamy—mourning the lost, giving thanks for those first responders and those who cared for the injured, always wondering whether another attack is immanent. Life changed that day and our grandchildren will never know the world that we lived in—assumed security, open airports, and complete privacy. No, now we must sacrifice freedoms for safety. God was not surprised at those vicious attacks. Although our world shook that day, He was there to hold us up and shelter us during that horrible storm. We don't know what tomorrow brings but as Christians, we stand firm on God, our mighty rock, because of our faith in Christ. Regardless of the prevailing winds of change, the Psalmist reminds us that just as the deep roots of the palm and cedar kept them strong and upright, so will trusting in Jesus keep us healthy and fruitful, even when we are old. The true test of the strength of a tree and the depth of the roots occurs in the midst of a hurricane. Will it stand or will it fall? When the firestorm hit America, it revealed her strength. Without hesitation, we resolved to fight, to be vigilant, and to seek out the enemy for punishment. September 11th will always remind me of that day when the world stood still. Never, never, never forget.

New Beginnings

If you carefully obey all the commands I am giving you today, and if you love the Lord your God and serve him with all your heart and soul, then he will send the rains in their proper seasons—the early and late rains—so you can bring in your harvests of grain, new wine, and olive oil. Deuteronomy 11:13-14 (NLT)

The last few days of summer always seem to be jam-packed with to-do lists mingled with an underlying current of nervous anticipation. Even as I listen to reports of uniforms, lunchboxes, and new teachers from to my two grandgirlies, there is still that urgency to get in one more day of swimming. Tori starts first grade and is a bit apprehensive. She loved kindergarten but anxiously approaches a full day of class and homework assignments each night. Kate, a seasoned student entering third grade, loves school and can hardly wait. Would you believe that my daughter had the same teacher as Kate will have when she was in the fifth grade? Where does the time go? New beginnings generate excitement for all of us. In the desert, October is the start of our season, after the return of the snowbirds. Even now, I am ready to begin something new. God promised us that the seasons of our life would be prosperous if we obey His commands. My girlies will soon learn the meaning of following directions and the consequences of not paying attention. The Master Teacher also gives me homework assignments and I want my report card to reflect obedience. As my girlies complete their homework each night, I know that I must read His Word and spend time in prayer so that I will hear His instructions. And when I do, He promises that He will send the rains so that for there will be a harvest of love symbolized in the grain, the new wine of truth, and olive oil of gladness. So, are you ready to head out the door? Lunchbox? Notebook? Bible?

Phone Call

The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18 (NLT) 

I stopped by to visit with a friend the other day and we began chatting about the mechanics of a devotional time. Some of us have been Christians for a long time and others are babies in Christ but all of us need and want that special time with the Lord. So why is it a struggle? The distractions vary but the result is the same – it doesn’t happen. We also noted that in times of stress or trouble, we make it a priority but when life is good, other things gobble up that time. Another obstacle is the various "shoulds" we put on ourselves, as it "should" be in the morning for an hour. I remember, as a young teen, trying to get up before school to read my Bible and finding myself yawning the entire time. Not one verse penetrated my foggy brain. It took many years and plenty of "do overs" before I realized that God just wants to see me, to spend time with me, to love me. He loves it any time I sit down to talk to Him. I encouraged my friend not to be so hard on herself and find a time that works for her. She sent me an email today, "Yesterday morning I got to thinking -- when you call someone to say hello, they don't care if the conversation is not an hour long -- they are just glad to hear your voice! Hope God feels that way too." Remember that last phone call from your grandchild? When I hear "Hello, Nana," I drop everything to talk to her and spend time listening to all she has to tell me. Our Heavenly Father responds the same way…He is right there when we call.

What to do?

In light of all this, here's what I want you to do. While I'm locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. Ephesians 4:1-2 (The Message)

Sometimes it is such a struggle to discern what God wants me to do. This fall, our Bible Study will address this very issue. But in the meantime, Paul reminds me that sitting around is not an option. I must continue to walk—even if I don't feel like running—down the road of my life. There are moments when I believe that God has called me to speak. But, no speaking gigs are on the horizon. Other times, I know I need to write down the story whether for my own use or to comfort someone else. But, what do I do with it and how do I get it out? I am confident that the life experiences that each of us encounters are given for a reason…and most likely not just for us. I never would have imagined the need to know about divorce, or heart attacks, or depression. I know what it feels like to have life fall apart and feel so alone. But I also know that without the breaking of my heart and restoration that only Christ can give, I would not be the person I am today. His forgiveness covered the shame and embarrassment and gave me hope. I find that moments of joy and peace multiply when I listen to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit rather than wandering down the path to nowhere. So I guess I better get going, one step at a time, and do what I know to do today. God will take care of tomorrow.

Wishing

For I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11b-14 (NLB)

 

My quiet, ordered house temporarily vanished last week as I found myself stepping gingerly around toys, books, crayons, stuffed horses, and special blankets scattered throughout. The annual visit with our grandgirlies was upon us and it was great fun. From horseback riding lessons to swimming to shopping, we tackled all with gusto. Even a ride on the golf cart was a new experience for my three girls. New restaurants, shopping malls, even a trip to get a haircut were adventures. But when you are six or eight, it feels like it is all ending too soon. Several times during the week, I heard a little voice say, "I wish we could do this again. Can we do it tomorrow?" Or "I wish I could do what my sister just did." I chuckled when my daughter asked them as only a mother can, "do you want a piece of pie or the whole pie?" They knew that meant that they should be happy with what they had rather than "wishing" for something they would not get. How many times do follow that same drill? Rather than being thankful for the lovely home, reliable car, good health, or great friends, we look across the street and envy our neighbor. We complain and whine making it difficult for anyone to meet our needs…even our Heavenly Father. I know there are times when He must just shake his head as I continue to ask for the same things over and over. The apostle Paul gave us good advice when he encouraged us to be content with whatever we have. However, I notice that even Paul had to learn contentment just as we work to teach our girls..and maybe ourselves. However, the good news is that it is mission possible. Christ is the answer and He is the one who gives us the strength to live each day without "wishing."