Jesus Knows Our Pain

 

        It’s been a year!  Just about a year ago the first of the quarantine shut down’s occurred here in the States.  Since then there have many more ‘shut down’s and ‘closings’ including our school systems, visitations at hospitals and nursing homes, even being able to stay with someone in the Emergency Room has, in many places come to a complete halt.  It’s been frustrating and on some levels, frightening.

Add to these disruptions in our world, is the toll it’s taken on lives.  I have no blame to place, it’s just an element of life we’ve all had to endure.  I’m sure there are few families who haven’t had to deal with a death of a loved one somewhere in their family line.  If a family was spared, certainly they could name a friend or two who wasn’t!

We all suffer through tragedy.  That is a fact of life.  We all mourn when we lose a loved one.  It’s a wondrous thing to know that even in our grief, God was and is always with us.  I’ve read of families (pre-pandemic) who stood by their mother’s side as she passed over, or those who lost a father.  Still there are families who have lost their young ones, through an accident or other horrific event.  

How do we go on?  John 11:35 says “Jesus wept.”  Lazarus had passed on to glory and Jesus’ heart grieved the loss.  If Christ can grieve at loss, certainly we can.  But more than this, we can know that He knows how loss feels.  He knows and understands pain and mourning.  This knowledge and his love for us, enables him to comfort us in ways no human person can understand.  It just is.

But as humans, it’s important to remember that we are to share sadness together, just as we share happy times.  How we ‘share’ is unique to each person’s personality, but a card, a phone call, a meal, a visit, or other expression of love and concern can help dull the ache, just a little.

Even when we aren’t talking of death, pain is real in the lives of many we know.  Sometimes dulling an ache is simply in ‘listening’ to a friend’s heart, as they share their situation or distress.  We are a people who are supposed to ‘be there’ for each other.  Sometimes we get so caught up in our own world or situation, we neglect to reach out to others, even when we know there are problems.

Yet we live in a culture who often chooses to be private about the trials we bear.  While we need to respect that attitude, we always have the opportunity to pray, and otherwise just let them know, we’re available should they need us without intruding on their need for privacy.

How well do you know your church family?  Would you even be aware if someone needed you?  Do you know when someone is slipping away from the faith? Do you know when a family is disintegrating?  Knowing our brothers and sisters in the faith is a charge we should keep.  How well are we doing that?  

Let God Create Something New

 

       I heard a story about a cook working on a recipe 2,000 years ago and the mixture of the ingredients exploded leading to the invention of fireworks!  I have a son who loves to create new recipes.  Thankfully nothing has ever exploded and he’s a great cook and has created some amazing meals due to his innovation with ingredients out of his garden!

Other inventions gone 'wrong' include Penicillin, which at first was thought to be an antiseptic;  Post it Notes, which were created out of the desire to create a super-strong adhesive, but turned out to be a ‘low-tack’ one instead; Ice Pops which happened when powdered lemonade soda was left in a glass on the porch with a stick in it and froze; and even Coca-Cola, which every one knows is a super sweet drink, originally was thought to be a potent medicine!  There are plenty more!  This gives even elementary credence to the fact that something wonderful can be made out of what we might consider a mistake!

There are times in our lives when things seem to go extraordinarily wrong and everything goes in every direction except the right one!  It’s wonderful to know that God has the ability to use these mixed up ingredients in our lives to create something new and wonderful if we are open to new outcomes.

These experiences grow and change us.  They may change perceptions, or biases.  It may break us so much we feel like we are in a million tiny pieces, but God has the power to put those pieces back together.  (The Kingdom Heirs, my favorite Southern Gospel Group has a song called, “Pieces” which identifies this scenario beautifully!)

None of us want to deal with unexpected hardships and circumstances, which throw our world off kilter.  But when we remember that those ‘mishaps’ can create unexpected beauty in our lives, it’s easier to accept the hardships as another form of ‘growing pains’ we experience as children—-or even young ‘baby’ Christians.

These circumstances can also create new hearts within us to enable us to forgive when a situation has been especially difficult,  or strength and courage when we are sure we aren’t going to make it through, and peace when all we feel are twisted knots inside our stomachs.  This ‘new you’ that grows out of these trials ‘grow us’ into the strong Believer God wants us to be.

Our mistakes or trials in life (not that we want them), have the potential to chisel away the rough edges and allow God to mold us into a better form of His direction, so we can better serve Him.

Has there ever been a time in your life when your ‘life experience’ wasn’t at all what you’d chosen, but in hindsight is recognized as 'coming out of it’ a better person?  It’s likely we all have.  Be thankful for those moments, hard as they were.  God is good all the time, even when we can’t see just what it is He’s creating!

Our Lives Are Music

 

         Listening to the birds in early spring are a pure sense of joy for me.  Sometimes, it’s the solo of a chickadee, or a concert of wrens, thrush or the house finch and others that have filtered into the mix. They care not whether their note is perfect (although it probably is!) or whether they sing in harmony; they just let their sound raise to the sky!  It’s glorious and makes my heart sing!

Music is one of my favorite things, especially Southern Gospel music.  But I also enjoy Bluegrass, old country, and even classical.  It’s funny, because if I’m writing, my preference is classical!  The music can play and my head doesn’t sing along, and I can still be productive!

I was never part of a band in school, but envied those who were.  I am in awe of the person who can sit to a piano and play beautiful tunes, or the fiddle---  or the steel guitar!  It seems like the instruments are doing the talking!  

While I have attended a classical concert (on a very local level), I know little about what makes them work!  I was intrigued however, when a friend compared classical music with the working of the local church!  His point was each musical instrument is important and plays a powerful role in the overall finished pieced.  The harmony comes together from something small, like the tiny triangle making the high pitched, metallic, shimmery sound, or the strong performance of the violinist; each complimenting the other.    

Individually the instruments are not necessarily strong; and although they can stand alone, their power comes from the union of all the sounds coming together.  Shouldn’t this be the way we perceive our places within the local church?  No act of faith is too small, and none so large it is more worthy or honorable than any of the so called, ‘smaller acts.’  

God wants us to use the gifts he has given us to work in unity and in harmony, so that the corporate ‘performance’ is enhanced by even the tiny act of conviction and belief, within the framework of the church!  But sometimes we caught up in what we think others expect, or we think they see!  We may even ask God to change us because we don’t believe we fit the ‘mold’ of what others want us to be.

Knowing God wants us just the way he designed us, enables us to use the talents and gifts he’s given to further his kingdom, while we traverse this earth.  It’s important to know we can sing alone and can be incredible. But a ‘concert’ is usually so much better when everyone sings together.  The harmonies bring a quality that is often unmatched for the ‘larger vision” and bigger projects, and productivity is greatly enhanced.

Where do you fit in, ‘in the concert’?  Are you afraid of not ‘hitting the right note’— if asked to teach a Sunday School class, devotion, or sing in the choir?  Or do you ‘sing’ your best, regardless of what your service, —— and let God make the music in other people’s lives? 

Photo credit: free pictures of birds singing 

Who We Think We Are

 

        Some friends were discussing acne recently, and while I don’t recall any serious problem with it (thankfully) when I was a teenager, I know many did.  There were times, of course, when I would have one and I’d fret and pick it at it, and cover it with make up as much as possible, to hide it.  

Other people, however, had severe acne ‘break-outs’ that would cause shame and trauma because they were certain their complexion was the most important thing about them.  Any ‘zits’ would destroy their appearance and thus their confidence.  

It’s sad because as time has changed and such emphasis is placed on our outward appearance through TV commercials and other advertising, it forces our young ones to believe they are less than acceptable, if there are any physical flaws, even if it's only, their own belief.  One friend even commented that her second grade grand daughter was concerned about her weight!  And clothes are a huge deal, as well!  We have created a generation, that from an early age, wants designer outfits, high end shoes, unique hair styles, jewelry of all descriptions and more.  

As one friend put it, we’ve become a “popularity, beauty, physical appearance-based culture.”   In a slight way, this isn’t unlike Samuel when he was searching for a King for Israel in 1 Samuel 16.  He was in Bethlehem and and was certain when he saw each of Jesse’s sons, he’d surely found the right one.  

But God spoke to him and told him in verse 7:  "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”  It wasn’t until the last one was called, that Samuel knew he’d found the person the Lord had chosen.  He was described as “ruddy” yet with a fine appearance with handsome features, a sheep herder, and young!  Not at all what Samuel had expected.  He’d found David!

Often we do the same thing.  When we go into a room, we gravitate to the prettiest, or handsomest person in the room.  It’s where most everyone else is, as well.  Usually this attractive person is also well-groomed, wearing nice, form fitting clothes with appealing features and mannerisms.  They are center stage with conversations going in all directions.  They have personality!  

The person who considers themselves a ‘wall-flower’ is laid back, out of sight, with only minimal confidence, hoping no one will notice them, because they don’t believe they can compete with the others holding center stage!

God has given us all a ‘different look’ with different personalities and different gifts.  Those who think they are the ‘least’ often has so much to give, sometimes even more than the one being lavished with all kind of compliments.  

I wonder; should we perhaps take notice, not of their outward appearance, but at their heart?

Human Consequences

 

         A family I know is going through some things right now with those ‘members of the family’ who years ago, made the choice to no longer be part of the family, and added some other bad choices along the way.  It’s been many years since anyone has even had contact with them, as they lived their lives separate from what was their extended family.

There are members within the extended family who describe the situation as having between them, ‘bad blood.’  Now that legal matters, due to a death, need to be addressed, it’s causing great friction, since the ‘bad blood’ seems to be rising to the surface, once again.

Ironically, my husband and I were talking, just this morning at breakfast, how bad choices can create separations and have consequences we totally don’t expect. (And we weren’t even talking about the above scenario, with which I started!)  It seems to be a human condition!

To add to this, I was reading a post by a Pastor I follow recently, and came across something I’d never recognized before.  He was talking about the Biblical Jacob who loved Rachel; and how her father, Laban, deceived Jacob into waiting for his bride.  We understand and admit that God has a plan and forgives us for our bad choices through our faith in Jesus, but there are still consequence for our behaviors.

In the case of Jacob, Laban told him their practice is to not marry the younger before the first born.  First Jacob had to work for Laban before he could marry the daughter he loved, and it turned out he was tricked into marrying the older daughter, Leah, first.  What is interesting is how Jacob is also not the firstborn.  He deceived his father and stole the ‘firstborn blessing’ from Esau.  

The parallel of Jacob's deception of Isaac next to the deception of Laban to Jacob, caught me off guard.  I’d read the story many times and had not picked up on that point!  There’s an expression in the Bible that comes from Numbers 32:23, “Your sins will find you out!”   We can hide all kinds of ‘stuff’ from our neighbors, our family, our boss or co-workers, but God sees all and knows all!  Eventually our sins do catch up with us, and there are consequences.

There is so much ‘junk’ going on in the political world today.  Much of it is related to an agenda.  It totally depends on perspective as to whether one thing or another is good or bad.  There are those who would say there’s a good deal of ‘bad’ going on, as our morals and traditions are being destroyed, even to the point of damaging our families, wrecking the institution of marriage, permitting abortion and encouraging gender change. These are considered the tip of the ice burg!  

While it seems our elected politicians are in total control and create laws we may not agree with, we need to remember, sins can’t be contained and swept under a rug forever, any more than those of Laban or Jacob.  There will be consequences.  If not in our earthly domain, certainly in the realm to follow.  It’s about choices, and we need to make Godly ones!

The Battle Lines Are Drawn

 

        There’s been so much going on in the world today, it’s hard to keep up!  Our world has been hit by weather extremes, a COVID pandemic and by political discontent, with upheavals all over the country, from people trying wreak havoc on all that is traditional, and even good.  The inauguration is this week and the military have been called in, extra police officers and other protection protocols to maintain civility!

I don’t have the answers to any of this, but the one thing that is clear to me is how Satan is manipulating our world, to the point of no return.  He and his minions have put into place people who choose to do his will, spreading hate and division, violence and destruction everywhere!  

The battle lines have been drawn.  Satan is trying to convince the world that everything is okay.  It’s perfectly fine to hate your neighbor; or have disdain for the good and right in the world.  He’s convinced ‘the powers that be,’ that to be immoral is the right thing to do; what was once wrong is now right, and to live life with total abandon with only our own wants and desires to be met, being the perfect way to live.  And of course, there are no repercussions for bad behavior.  It’s a game to see who can outwit who!

Last evening my daughter shared with me several commercials she and her family have seen on TV, where Satan has a girlfriend, ‘2020.’  In the commercial Satan is grinning and he and his girl are having the times of their lives.  While he is totally red with satanic horns, his friendly smile with perfect white teeth and pleasant voice belie the wickedness this evil has.  

But one thing I know.  I’ve read the ‘back of the Book’ and I know how it ends! Satan is real.  He’s not a comic hero or commercial icon that should be taken lightly and accepted as ‘the norm’ in our homes as families, with children looking on.  Satan is evil!  He is false and destructive and wants nothing more than to destroy the workings of the Lord.  And he thinks he’s going to win. —-  Well, in theory, because he’s read the back of the Book, too, and he knows —-and he fears God.  But his pride shoves him on into oblivion with a purpose:  to take as many people with him as he can.

Our world has walked over the edge.  We live in a realm of extreme depravity and this is a sure sign Jesus will return soon.  It’s up us as Believers, to recognize his impact and not walk that slippery slope of acceptance to Satan’s plan.  He’s the chief fooler; master deceiver!  He’s causing even devout Christians to not fall on their knees in repentance, of the way he’s worming his way into hearts and minds.

We need to pray for our young people as their world is filled with so many wrongs  as defined by the Bible, that have come to be commonplace in our lives.  When we as adults don’t recognize the evil behind what we see or hear, how can we teach our young ones?  It’s certainly something to think about.

Hiding In Plain Sight

 

         I heard the knock at the door and went to answer.  I caught my breath as I faced a six-foot figure with an ugly, weather beaten face, black, disheveled, straggly hair, a black flowing dress, accompanied by a black cape and pointed black hat; holding a straw broom.  I was terrified, even though I knew who it was!  Thankfully, my husband had gotten word of our guest, just before arrival!

As it turned out the “witch” at my door was a well-educated, college professor who had just left the home of another friend who did not know their guest.  The husband knew his identity, but not the wife.  Since the husband was part of the ruse, the “witch” played the part to the hilt, chasing the wife with “her” broom, right into the bathroom, where my friend straddled the tub in an effort to get away from the intruder.  All the while the husband is rolling with laughter!  

The true identity of the “witch” was exposed, once the total head piece was removed.  But by then, my friend was so frightened by the ugly, menacing face and outfit, even with the removal of the costume, she could not be consoled. The husband and witch, once they realized how upset my friend was, apologized for the ruse.  

Sometimes like the costumes worn for Halloween, which keeps faces hidden from those we don’t want others to see, we try to hide behaviors, and those things we find un-becoming about ourselves.  This is by design because we don’t want people to know who really lurks behind the facade we are presenting.  

When Baby Jesus arrived on the scene over 2000 years ago, he wore no costume, (other than swaddling infant clothes), and even though the scriptures had prophesied the event would happen, was completely missed (or seemingly hidden) by those who had long been waiting for the Messiah!  Most expected a warrior who would put the government in their place and free them from political oppression.  

Details can be most important and sometimes perplexing, even when they are right in front of us.  Jesus, as he grew into adulthood and during his ministry, was questioned sometimes about small details. Many who asked were hoping he’d mess up! 

        In our own lives, there are times when we are asked a question or are just telling a story and the details become fuzzy, causing our response to not be completely accurate.  Time can make the details unclear; and sometimes even when many are witnessing the same event, can be described completely different by each person at the scene.  But Jesus never answered a question without being completely accurate!

Sometimes he answered a question with a question and often spoke in parables.  He said eyes were clouded over so they could not see or understand truth.  Unlike the “covers and costumes” we make for ourselves, hiding those things we don’t want others to see, Jesus taught only truth while he walked on this Earth.  And he left His Word so we could continue to search and discover more about him.

We are beginning a New Year and there are so many events happening daily, which can be interpreted completely different depending on political views, desire to deliberately skew information, or desire for an alternate outcome. I encourage you to dig deep into His Word and uncover all the magnificent truths left for us to learn.  It’s a treasure trove for anyone willing to search; and in these days and times, it’s truth we need!

photo credit: free nativity pictures