The Ringing Of The Bells

          There is something absolutely inspiring about hearing church bells on Sunday morning or the ringing of a church bell choir playing a familiar hymn.  Bells ring in the New Year and sometimes bells will ring on Christmas Eve.  Bells were used in the early years to round up the cowboys on a ranch to let everyone know it was time for dinner, and used by the town crier to announce any big news that would affect the settlement.  And one of my favorite things to hear, is the ringing of chimes on my porch as the wind moves them softly!

            While I enjoy the sound of bells and even chimes, I have one friend who loathes the sound.  She and her husband at one point bought a home and the previous owners left a small wind chime in a nearby tree.  While visiting one sunny afternoon, I heard the “music” and commented on how wonderful it was.  She immediately went to the tree and took it down and handed it to me.  “Here,” she said.  “I hate them!  They are totally noisy and distracting!”

            And of course bells are signals that a change is about to happen.  In our school system bells rings to announce a change of classes, or a fire drill or other emergency.  They can be used as a wake-up call, or an announcing an incoming telephone call.

            I couldn’t help but wonder if there is an actual religious symbolism after I saw bells ringing one night in my mind, after prayer.  Bells in the Bible aren’t mentioned often, but seen in Exodus 28 and 39 where it describes bells being part of the adornment on the robes the High Priest wore into the Holy of Holies, so the sound could be heard by those outside, and know that the Priest was not dead.

            According to some searching on the internet the official symbolism in Christianity, is “said to represent the ‘voice of God;’” and it “represents the mind’s ability to ascend conscious awareness and tap into the wisdom of our higher conscious—which is boundless.”   https://mastermindcontent.co.uk/the-symbolic-meaning-of-bells/

            I don’t know how much of that is true, but if it is, the assumption is that we need to listen to hear God’s voice.  That part is true!  And bells aren’t even a part of that knowledge.  But if you add bells to the equation, then whenever we hear a bell ringing, whether it be in an emergency (and often I find myself saying a prayer when I pass by a fire truck, or ambulance –although that’s more of a siren), but bells ringing for an alarm, a telephone call or a church bell whether on Sunday morning; or any time during the week or even the soft chimes that ring outside my door when the wind blows, it can work as a reminder that I can speak to the Lord about anything on my heart and know He hears me.  I only need to listen to hear his voice.

            I am thankful God gives us reminders of things.  It’s so easy to forget in our modern world.   We get so wrapped up in our lives we sometimes, even forget God!  Worship him today no matter where you are or what you are doing; while listening for the bells!  

            An added note!  Today is Veteran’s Day so we have another reason to be thankful, and a reason for a time of remembrance!  Thank you to ALL Veterans, past and present for your dedication and sacrifice for our country!  

The Dreaded "C" Word

          Some years ago, I knew a woman who worked with my husband who discovered she had cancer.  It was a difficult time, but she was amazing and wanted nothing but a celebration for her funeral.  And while we wept at the loss of her in our physical midst, we knew she was no longer in pain and suffering.

            Years later, I lost another friend who didn’t have the same mindset as my friend who worked with my husband, but she was still strong.  Her funeral was not as celebratory, but we were able to work through it more easily because she too was now, no longer suffering.

            I have a relative who has cancer and was told recently he has only several more months to live.  How do we deal with this?  It’s different with each person.  Part of it depends on relationship.  When we have a very strong bond with someone, the pain is more intense.  There is so little or even nothing we can do, and that brings even more pain.  But I'm convinced it has much to do with the faith both the person with the cancer has, and the person who mourns.

            My mom had cancer, and while that evil did not take her life, she did have a double mastectomy.  I’ve been told I am at high risk for the dreaded “C” word due to my parental history and the fact that I had five children.  Does this frighten me?  Not really, at the moment.  Should it become a reality, I may have huge fears.

            I see this in another relative who is facing the possibility that she might have cancer.  She’s been told she has tumors pushing against her lymph nodes and yes, she is fearful, to a point.  She’s asked for prayer. 

            In church this week, the Pastor was talking about how as a child he believed God could do anything!  ANYTHING!  He had no doubt.  God was God and he could do just what he wanted.  He continued.  As life continues and we grow into adults, we often say God CAN do anything, but the world has jaded our perspective and while we know he CAN, we wonder if he will. 

            Doubts from life’s circumstances and human wisdom cause us, even as a Believer, to become cynical.  We look at situations from an earthy perspective, with Science and the ‘wisdom of the doctor’s’ mentality.  We kind of blast God right out of the water!  Our focus changes and rather than keeping our eyes on the Lord, we turn our eyes to the side, and the waves of doubt drown out our faith.  Even Peter, who was walking on the water while facing Jesus, starting sinking due to his doubt, when he took his eyes off Jesus.

            I remember the movie “Facing The Giants,” which has become my all time favorite!  It hits so many chords with me.  We all face fears, often in everyday kinds of situations.  Of course, there are many levels of fear, and sometimes the beast is very large, like the dreaded "C" word.  

           I wonder, what is your greatest fear at this moment?  How do you face your fears---  or “Giants?”  

A Changing World

       

            I was reading a news headline recently about a girl who overdosed on heroin.  The mother was writing that her daughter was not a “junkie.”  She was a professional—a law student who tried it once as an undergraduate and swore she’d never do it again.  But the drugs have an addictive power that rules over common sense or desire.  Ten years after that first “try” she overdosed. 

            Our world is changing so fast it makes our heads spin.  There are so many ‘undefined evils’ around us, it’s scary! As I write the word ‘scary’ I couldn’t help but sigh.  We are almost on Halloween.  The one day of the year everyone, even those who don’t believe in the occult will dress up in all sorts of costumes to ‘trick or treat.’

            I remember as a little girl wearing a decorated, brown paper bag over my head for the event.  We didn’t have any other costumes but that worked!  My sister and I with parents in tow, went into our community and collected Halloween candy, and it was fun!  Now the holiday isn’t always fun.  There are those who would choose to use it to trick instead of treat, and the tricks can be cruel.  The costumes aren’t always the fun super heroes, but horrible monster ones that creep me out even as an adult!

            As parents the last thing we want is our children to get involved in drugs.  The mom of the young woman I read about above mentioned that as parents they were not involved in drugs, and tried to do ‘all the right things’ in raising their daughter.  They were the parents who went to all the sports events she was involved in, encouraged her in academics and supported her decisions regarding her future.  Yet, somehow, the world’s evils still stole their precious little girl.

            No one is exempt from the claws of satan.  He and all his demons are all around us in all types of guises.  He’s the master deceiver and uses every ploy imaginable to steal our children.  As I view young people totally engrossed in video games that kill and destroy everything around them in order to conquer, I shiver!  But the music that plays over the radio waves and TV shows or movies frighten me even more.  

            Back ‘in the day’ even when someone was killed, they didn’t show all the gore and such that goes with that.  Our TV shows are much more reality driven!  They ramp up the gore to make it more engaging, but even our news broadcasts often will display graphics of these kinds.  It seems to be the ‘thing’ that increases ratings!  

            On top of all this is how the ‘occult world’ is penetrating our lives all around, even into our elementary schools as mentioned in a previous blog.  I believe it’s a real truth that our world is spiraling out of control!  A friend said recently, “We’re living in Revelation!”  She’s right.  Christ will be coming back soon.  The signs get clearer and clearer.  How much more will He allow before he says “Enough!” And as in the days of Noah, make it all come to an end?  I believe it’s going to be soon.

Elephant In The Room

            

          Elephants are fascinating creatures and have quite the history!  Their massive size and huge tusks make them somewhat formidable when faced against a human!  I think that’s why when I see them being led by animal trainers in a circus or even in a zoo, I become a little overwhelmed!

            There are all kinds of symbolism across the world regarding elephants.  They are supposed to promise good luck and longevity.  Add the color white, which make a stunning animal, given how rare they are, legends will tell you they project power, purity, peace and are even considered sacred in some circles.

There is an expression, “there’s a white elephant in the room.”   This expression implies there is something in the “room” which is incredibly costly, yet totally useless.  An example of this might be planning a climb up Mount Everest, but being totally unable to carry out the plan because of training, health problems or funds. The conversation, while a huge desire, ultimately must turn to the reality of the situation, which is; the plan, regardless how carefully thought through, cannot be carried out.

In some regards, I can’t help but think about Christ in this situation.  There are those in our culture today who consider Jesus and those who believe in Him through faith, as being the “white elephant in the room.”  In their minds, they are uncomfortable with the passion Believers exude in God, and think it totally implausible that this is the Believer’s reality.

Recall Christ hanging on the cross.  The Believers knew Jesus didn’t deserve to die there.  He, like the elephant symbolism, offered peace, projected power and was sacred.  Yet He was chosen to sacrifice his life and take on the sins of the world, including yours and mine.  This kind of love is not only rare but unique.

His sacrifice was costly, (although not useless!) and brought sadness and grief to those who witnessed the event.  Yet those who were part of the angry crowd, looked at Jesus as being anything but pure, powerful or even sacred. He was different from what the ‘general population’ perceived as right, even though they’d been waiting for the Messiah for hundreds of years.  They couldn’t see how this man could possibly be the Messiah—or even sacred!  There was a tangible hostility in the air.  

As I reflect on our society today, it isn’t that much different.  While we’re not witnessing a person hanging on a cross, there are instances of pure hatred, rejection and persecution of those who believe in Jesus Christ.  In some areas there are physical instances of pain and abuse and even death for those who believe.  This began happening following the resurrection and continues in the world around us.

Consider even being the only Believer in a room of unbelievers. Depending on geography, this could be a death sentence to the one who Believes,  On the other side, if there are Believers meeting, The Holy Spirit is totally capable of letting the Believers in the room know, there is someone false in the room. They may even be led to pray fervently for the person, and yes, it can absolutely make a difference.

We, as Believers, while perhaps not "the elephant in the room”--certainly can create hostility, given our culture that is spiraling downward every day.  It’s time we begin fervently praying for God’s intervention, in our lives, our communities and in our world.  It’s not going to be long before Jesus returns.  Are we ready?

  

Picture credit:  https://www.freeimages.com/search/elephant

Evil Spirits In Our Classrooms?

            

            I heard of a teacher requesting prayer over her classroom.  Obviously, legally she could not pray over her classroom within the confines of the school, but she held a prayer within her heart.  She shared the story of a student who was “interacting with a spirit” during the day at recess, which supposedly caused an object to move.

            She was at first skeptical about the incident being relayed by another student, but when she questioned the student practicing the craft, he said, absolutely; that he had indeed chanted a spell and an object moved by his design.  It was due to this incident the teacher requested prayer.

Witch craft is alive and well; strong and growing in our world. There are schools for magic all over the internet, with classes online and you-tube explanations and videos for those interested!  There are hands-on instruction and more being offered as “professional education.”  Some invite attendees to be a “witch for a weekend,” with so much interest in some schools, that there is a waiting list for up to a year!   One internet site which I did not enter, was about the “woes” and trials of being a witch today! 

Another site tells me that in today’s world, witchcraft has actually been “re-invented” from an old religion of the pagan world. In some circles, even without internet connections, there are those offering resources on the study of this phenomenon. It seems to have become accepted in some geographic areas as, “it is what it is” and while not encouraged, it is acknowledged as part of the current culture.

I remember when in elementary school being interested in the Salem witch Trials.  I found it difficult to believe people honestly believed in such things!  But my young mind and heart wasn’t tuned into what satan could do, even though I completely believed in God and his powers!

What is sad, is to know that our world has changed so dramatically even over the last 25-50 years!  We used to be called a “God-fearing nation.”  That isn’t the case, anymore, although many will still tell you they believe in God.  There are as many who choose the opposite side of the table and tell you there is no God, or are involved in satanic cults, which in effect is their god!

Where does that leave us, as Believers?  I believe we must recognize the strong hold satan has in the world all around us.  He and his minions have infiltrated our schools, political leadership arenas and even our church houses!  We must be aware of the power he and his demons have.  

The request for prayer of the teacher’s classroom is valid.  While she may be a Believer, satan can still use his power to wreak havoc around her if the children there get caught into the power the dark world has.  Prayer is essential for those we care about, those at our workplace, for those in leadership positions who govern our country and in our lives every single day.  

Satan is out there and he’s gaining ground.  The end is near.  Prayer is critical for the safekeeping of our young ones and even our own lives, as he twists and turns, and convolutes the Biblical truths written in God’s Word.

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/8f13/59cec28f6c3fda185f47f15df0271f49035a.pdf

Straight As An Arrow

           One thing I’ve always wanted to learn, but haven’t yet, is to shoot a bow and arrow.  Archery skills fascinate me.  Back before firearms were available, people hunted and protected themselves via the bow and arrow.  Those who used them had accurate aim and were confident in their ability.   

       I can shoot a pistol with pretty accurate precision, but in my mind’s perspective, shooting an arrow is more difficult!  The premise would be the same: aim and shoot.  But there is skill in holding the arrow, pulling the bow string at just right degree and knowing when to let go!  I’m not there!   

            There is significance, Biblically in shooting a bow and arrow, as discussed in 2 Kings 13:15-19.  There was a call to action by a dying Elisha to the king.  Elisha’s directive was to “take up the bow and arrow.”  He was telling the king to not be sad about his death, but to arm himself, go forward into battle with faith in God Almighty. He encouraged him to know that God would go before him, if he believed and was prepared.

Listening, however, can be especially difficult! When I consider a small child who is told again and again to not do something, (like touching a hot oven) very often, he tries anyway. Ultimately the little ones ends up with burnt fingers, hopefully not badly burned, but none the less, burned.  The child will usually learn his lesson from the pain received.  

As adults in real life situations, we are often no different than the child who was burned on the hot stove. We plunge forward acting on our own emotions, and thought process and trust in our strength. Then we fall flat on our face! Our plans fail or at least don’t turn out the way we planned.  We become angry and disillusioned and ask God, “Why?  Why did I fail?  Was my plan not worthy?”

          We get in a hurry, wanting to get things done, worked out, moving along at our speed, and from our perspective!  Because of these human traits, we forget to even ask God’s advice.  We need to recognize the value of Divine direction before we begin.  And then we need to listen! As mentioned we all make plans, work out the details and go into action, and sometimes we go before consulting the One who knows best! We might even think he may not be interested in something so small as a decision we have to make!  

            Certainly, God can use our mistakes and often does.  He teaches us lessons and then uses what we have done for his good, even though we may not recognize it.  Had we knelt before an all knowing Father before we embarked on our journey we would be better prepared for whatever boulders or struggles jump up to greet us on our path!

            I encourage you to search God’s heart and make sure yours aligns with His, as you make decisions in your life, both large and small.  He cares about everything we are doing!  Let’s make him the Master of our plans, and embark on a journey following God's arrow!  

Reaching For The Stars

         

          Here we are the beginning of September and I’m thinking of Christmas!  It is, along with Easter, my favorite time of year.  While I don’t necessarily count down the days until the holiday, there are many people who do and even get aid from a computer app that works as a reminder every day!  Currently, I’m happy with knowing there is about four months until Christmas, and for any projects I need completing, I’d better get on it!

            I was reflecting on the Christmas tree recently, but particularly the star.  It seemed to be of most importance at the time.  I saw it as brightly lit, and shining for all the world to see.  That is, after all, what happened when the Shepherds saw it those many years ago, and the Wise Men followed to find the Christ Child.

            Considering this, it’s safe to say stars imply something wonderful and positive.  Even seeing a sky full of stars on a crisp, cool night in mid-summer is somehow energizing and encouraging.  The Pastor mentioned in a sermon recently that a clear sky in the dead of winter filled with brightly lit stars is a demonstration of the “heavens displaying God’s glory.”  I agree! It’s a breathtaking sight.

A star atop a Christmas tree somehow seems to inspire goals and lofty ambitions; changes and new beginnings; faith and dreams that can be realized. Isn’t this what we all dream for in our lives?   We desire to see our loftiest dreams and goals attained, not only for ourselves, but for our families.  It’s what drives us to do our best, regardless of our occupation to provide for our loved ones.   For those who are “faith” driven, our loftiest dream is to be obedient to whatever it is God has called us to do.

Even little children will look at a star and recite the lyric or poem line, “Star light, star bright; First star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight.”  That’s just a little poem written by an anonymous author, but there is something to be said about stars and the inspiration they bring.

I’m not for “wishing” on a star, but I do have lofty dreams and believe, in time, the dreams will become a reality.  That doesn’t mean I can sit back and expect it to happen without a great deal of work.  Anything worth having is worth working for, and that’s as it should be.  When something comes free and easy, it often doesn’t have the same impact or importance on or in our lives, if some effort wasn’t required.

Dreams are wonderful!  They add a spark and drive to what might become dull and mundane and work not enjoyed, if it wasn’t something we truly desired.  In fact, there are those who would tell you, if you can do something (and get paid for it) that you really love doing, it often doesn’t qualify as work at all!  

I agree.  Even knowing it is “work,” being able to enjoy what we do, makes our day shine, much like the star on top of the Christmas tree.  It’s a way of shining brightly in a world that often is blurred with grayness and negativity!  I prefer the “shiny side of life!”  How about you?  Do you have lofty goals, that while striving toward, makes you smile with enthusiasm and positivity!?