Divine Providence

           

            A while back our family was facing a situation that involved a difficult decision.  I prayed that God would help us make the decision of how to handle it.  No answer seemed to come.  One day we would feel one way was the right thing to do, the next we weren’t sure.  I finally prayed that God would make something happen that would unmistakably give us the answer to our dilemma.  He did!  While we faced other decisions regarding this issue, we knew what steps we needed to begin taking.

            In a well-known Bible event, Ananias was troubled by what he saw in a vision.  He was to go see a man who was a well-known persecutor of the Jews; Saul.  Was he unsure whether he should go?  Was he uncertain about his mission?  Absolutely!  Yet, he followed his heart.  He followed the leading of the Lord and ended up baptizing Saul who became the great Apostle Paul.  (Acts 9:17b-18)

            Every day we are faced with situations that confound us.  What seems like a simple answer, somehow gets convoluted into something ridiculously disastrous!  While the answer seems right for one individual, it doesn’t suit another’s expectations.  Other times, our minds ask so many questions, we complicate what should have been an easy answer.

            These kinds of situations even turned up during the Civil War.  Brigadier General Don Carlos Buell was a respected leader during the war.  He was methodical and conscientious, with solid character and the ability to make hard decisions.  Yet, he lacked the wisdom and skill to become the leader his superiors wanted him to be. Ultimately this would affect his leadership responsibilities.

            During the war, Believers lived on both sides and prayed to the same God, certain God was on their side.  Each wanted signs they were fighting a just and worthy cause.   While we may not be in the center of a vicious war, very often in our daily lives, we reach out to God only when our own possibilities seem exhausted!  As Believers, God should be the first place we turn, instead of the last! 

            As we fight the battle of the Corona Virus, the political unrest, the protestors that cause civil unrest and all the racial accusations, it’s hard to know what to say to whom, without offending someone because they may disagree!  Each ‘side’ seems to have their own view, much like the situation during the Civil War. 

            Are all decisions clear?  No.  And sometimes we make mistakes, and are criticized for the choices made. There are times after prayer I’m still not sure I’m doing the right thing.  It could be because I really don’t want deal with an issue at hand, or, I am afraid.  It often means I need to pray more!

            Most often, however, when I follow my heart, after prayer, I can tell if I’m making the right or wrong decision.  Sometimes things just don’t work out for something I want to happen.  Is this coincidence?  I don’t think so.  I believe it is Divine Providence.  Sometimes my answer comes in a “non-answer!”  God intervenes in a variety of ways, and it is always for my good.  

Producing A Crop

But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.  Luke 8:15

            While I don’t usually begin my blog with scripture, this morning’s verse seemed appropriate during reflection!  Sometimes I wonder about the last three words in this scripture: “produce a crop.”  When I hear the word “crop,” I picture a farm garden with baskets of tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, green beans or hot peppers!  

            These kinds of crops are not unfamiliar to gardeners.  Agriculture has been a staple of country sides across the US since it became a nation—and even before! The country’s development was shaped by settlers who came here to start new lives and produce enough food for their families.  

          The abundance also proved to be a source of income.  They understood growing extra food and selling it was the best way for access to cash needed to buy supplies they could not grow.  On a larger scale, commercially, cotton, wheat, corn, wood, beef cattle, hogs, and tobacco became principal cash crops.  Clearly, Americans understood….and understand the value of producing crops!        

As I look at the verse from a Biblical perspective it causes me to ask, “What crop am I producing?”  Of course, I run the silly, like beans, corn or wheat, but what can people see in me?- --- “What is my crop?”  In what ways am I fruitful?  Even the dictionary fails me: “harvested grain, fruit etc.; cultivated produce while growing.”  Yet God’s word says we are to be fruitful; to produce a crop.

            My thoughts revolve around those things I can do, although at different levels of proficiency.  I may sing in the shower, but for many years declined singing in the choir (although I have done a little of that—but would not for a moment be willing to sing outside a group effort).  My idea of good art work is a successful round circle and stick people.  My athleticism consists of walking, and the list of “non-professionalisms” is huge!  Yet God did give me some valuable gifts.  He gave me the gift of laughter and a pretty good dose of patience.  I’m a decent listener and I have the power, through the Holy Spirit, to pray for others; and He blessed me with the gift of writing.

            In a round about way, I must admit, then, I do produce a crop of “something.” It may not bring worldwide fame or millions of dollars, but if in my work (writing), laughter, patience, listening skills and prayer, I can help make a positive difference in a single person’s life toward a life of Christ, I’ve produced a worthwhile crop.

            I encourage you to reflect on your gifts; write them down if that would help.  Recognize the wealth of crops you have to offer.  Whatever you can do, with whatever gifts God has given, when done for God’s glory, is producing a crop!  And I believe that’s what God really wants.  He wants us to take the gifts he gave us, however small and insignificant they may seem to be, and share them with others. 

Mixed Blessings

           

              I read recently when a husband gives a gift to his wife, she should love it even when she doesn’t.  This reminds me of a friend of mine who many years ago received a robe from her husband, the wife honestly didn’t care for.  It was the wrong color, wrong length and wrong style.  There was little she liked about it, except it was a robe and she needed one.  My friend still has the robe and he, to my knowledge never knew of her dislike for it.  In honor of her husband’s kindness, she wore the robe and smiled, grateful for the gift!

            Shouldn’t we as Christians be like my friend toward Jesus?  How often have we received blessings from God and didn’t recognize them because we were looking for something else?  What God gave isn’t exactly what we wanted so we snubbed our noses and continued to look elsewhere for an answer to our question…or situation!

            Occasionally, even those situations that are less than attractive can be blessings if we look for it.  It isn’t always easy to see a blessing when we are unhappy, unforgiving, or unwilling to accept circumstances for what they are.

            Sometimes our blessings come from that which is around us.  Our country is an amazing place of mountains, prairies, water ways, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, flowers the color of the rainbow, sparkling waterfalls, forests filled with wildlife and a variety of cultures which embrace God. Throughout the United States and in other areas of the world, many choose to live lifestyles which neglect a spiritual life.  Many cities, and even urban areas or country sides, refrain from worshiping, sharing or even believing in God.  

            God’s goodness which overflows into His people, compels the world to be a better place to live.  It makes the sunshine just a little brighter, the waters flowing into streams from the mountain sides a bit sweeter, the music a touch more joyful, the warmth from the people a tad more welcoming and the views from this amazing place slightly more remarkable.     

            As we live our lives, we get caught up in all that is around us, involving ourselves in events and circumstances we are sure will bring us joy.  In so doing, we sometimes miss the simple things God gives us every day.  Further, we may miss a blessing because we are focused on what we want, rather than what we need.

The scripture speaks of honoring God with our mouths, but not our hearts.  We must accept our life, look to God for changes when needed; look for and count our blessings every day.  

            God’s kindness is always available, though not necessarily in the form we expect, much like the robe wasn’t quite what my friend expected.  But like the robe that filled my friend’s need, so God is able to fill our needs when we accept his gifts.

            I encourage you to stop….just for a moment….and look around.  I’m sure you will see blessings that have been overlooked in the busy-ness of life.  Look also, at circumstances that aren’t so appealing.  Is there a silver lining?  Are you open to the joy you can receive when you accept His blessings, even if they aren’t what you wanted or expected?

My Personal Tutor

         

       I am a ‘natural born student.’  Some of the greatest pleasure I allow myself is to study!  While my children cringe, I pick up a History or Literature book, do research online, and read articles that will teach me.  The downside to this, is how sporadically I will stay focused on one subject.  I like variety, so instead of sticking with one subject for eight weeks or longer, it’s usually only a week or so (and sometimes less) where I remain in one subject matter.  Interest in another topic, interruptions in what I was studying, or even the ‘need’ to study another area will send me off into unknown territory.

            This method, of course does not apply in college.  Having the opportunity to actually attend classes about fifteen years ago, thrilled me!  However, after being out of school over thirty years, it was quite challenging in some areas, and even downright intimidating, given my non-traditional status.  

Most of the professors were wonderful to work with and appreciated my efforts.  There were subjects, however, like Science and Math where I struggled, because I lacked the background necessary to excel. And while I enjoyed it very much, I still found test taking a trial, especially Math, since I had had no algebra in high school.  

It seemed no matter how much I studied the Math problems in the book or my notes from class, and thought I was ready for the test; I would not remember all the steps necessary to do the problems correctly. Remembering the steps and process of even getting the problem in the calculator correctly, frustrated me to no end!  

            It’s wonderful to know across America, college institutions are recognizing the number of non-traditional students, like myself, is rising. Statistics show non-traditional students often make up as much as, and often more than, the traditional, right-out-of-high school student.  They are accommodating learning styles and needs for these students.   Professors are willing to work with those of us who want nothing more than to learn!

            The Holy Spirit does the same thing for each of us.  He recognizes right where we are spiritually, and will aid and teach us, remind us of what we have learned, and yet challenge us on how to handle life situations, just as the professor on a college campus.  

Unlike my math instructor who only saw me twice a week for one and one half hours, Jesus is always there, tutoring.  I always have His Book to turn to when things get complicated.  I know if I prayerfully study His Word, I will find the answers to my questions.

 The Math book on the other hand, while being somewhat helpful, usually only made me more confused.  It was the one on one with my daughters, after class, that enabled me to get through the class!  It is also the one on one with God, that gets me through my trials.  

When I pull out my Bible, my personal “instruction manual,” I can sit down, as can you, with our own personal tutor and find peace.  I encourage you to rely on Him, His Word and guidance as your personal life tutor.  You will find an Instructor unlike any on Earth. 

Photo credit: college algebra problems 

Moving In God's Energy

I watched a movie recently where the faith and trust of a woman was tested. Her marriage was suffering, despite flourishing careers and moving ahead.  Bad choices were made by the husband, costing him his job.  The woman learned prayer was her life line. It wasn’t an easy lesson to learn, however. Offering forgiveness and grace come hard, when there is so much anger and frustration.

This movie resonated with me. There have been times when I’ve been right where the main character was.  I was sad and wanted to “fix” my problems and couldn’t.  I was not in control and it took much prayer and submission to recognize that!

I’ve been described as moving like the “Energizer Bunny.”  It seems I almost never stop!  From the time my feet hit the floor until I crawl back in bed at night, I’m usually doing something – the more productive, the better.  

I’m not the only one like this.  Seniors across the nation strive to stay busy, (even though COVID has hampered this).  After a lifetime of “doing,” it becomes a way of life.  They search ways to be involved in community, politically, school systems and a host of other ways which are productive to both themselves and in public service. Still life has a way of causing knees to buckle, creating a need to slow down, re-evaluate and sometimes even change direction.

When our knees buckle in prayer, as our hearts meet with God, we can find renewed energy, even in places we hadn’t expected!  What is even better is when our “renewed energy” is a direct gift from God, leading because we’ve opened our minds to His voice. 

The Bible talks about being renewed daily.  But to be renewed every day, requires a commitment to meet with God because we want to, not because it’s in our schedule.  I admit, those little devotionals having a scripture and application message are easy to use and wonderful.  I’ve both used them and contributed!

Yet, there is a drawback. We sit down for three minutes, open to the right page (given they are usually dated), read the message and prayer, close the booklet and go on our way; done deal!  But is it?  What have we done?  We’ve done nothing more than allow another person to do our “work” for us.  We’ve likely not even opened our personal Bibles.  We’ve spent three minutes with the Lord without ever “giving of ourselves.”  There is hardly even a time sacrifice. 

Can you imagine having that kind of relationship with your spouse?  What if in the morning you simply picked up an index card, read whatever the message said to your loved one and then walked away without another word or thought all day?  How long would your relationship last?  It wouldn’t!  Yet, as Christians, very often that’s exactly how we treat God. 

I encourage you to evaluate your walk with God and decide if you are moving in God’s energy or through a fog?  Do you draw on Him to sustain your thoughts, actions, behaviors or attitude? 

What To Believe

           One of my daughters shared information she learned about an actor I am particularly fond of, which in my opinion taints the picture I have of his character.  It bothered me, even though I told her it would not.  I decided to do a search on my own, and sure enough I verified the information.  Or did I?

               

            It’s interesting that my post this week is on media dishonesty, given the current world we live in.  We assume because we’ve read something in print, or seen it on television, especially portrayed as a news article from a reliable source, it must be true.  My research proves otherwise, which in the case of the information I learned from my daughter, I’m going to judge as false. (Just because I want to, since in my opinion it’s a defamation of character and I don’t have to believe it!)

            I am amazed at the media information which is apparently dishonest on quite a large scale.  According to an article I read, everything is verifiable if you look hard enough. Television news programs, reputable magazines and newspapers can be dishonest.  Dishonesty can be verified by what we consider credible sources and people who have/had integrity and good character, so you have to dig deep.

            Sometimes ‘dishonesty’ comes from honest misinformation, while others comes from outright lying, making up stories and people for interviews and creating quotes; falling for hoaxes and reporting on them as truths before further investigation; plagiarism; creating fake footage for news programs; bias; doctoring photos; conflicts of interest, even creating voicemails, faxes and web sites to help corroborate a story.

            So how do we know when or what to believe when it is in print?  And what exactly is “in print?”  Articles written for the internet (including this one) needs no actual verification or approval.  We have the right to write whatever we choose for any variety of reasons.  It is up to the reader to question, research, qualify and verify said information!  

Some information is very good, but an equal amount is very bad.  The ethics involved include honesty and truth, but a grain of truth can be twisted to the unbelievable by those who interpret it.  As reader you must read, then question what you are specifically looking for.  Is it facts, research, opinion or even something different?  Once you determine that, you will decide whether to accept the information just as you read it, or search for further validation.  

            My point to all this information is, we live in a world where the more unlikely, more bizarre, and unusual something sounds, is the most likely believed.  We’ve created a culture who finds good and right, boring!  It’s using tidbits of information to fabricate something outrageous because people find that interesting!

            Information which can be made extraordinary or incredible is eye catching, grabbing the minds…..which can be placed strategically where readers can cause it to go “viral” yet it is poison.   , A person can rise to instant stardom, -- or down to the depth of the earth, based on the information given.

            Yet, while a person is willing to believe the most bizarre stories about people in the world around us, that same person is not willing to believe in the truths found in God’s Word, a book that’s been a best seller for a couple thousand years!  How is that possible?

Photo Credit: https://www.pexels.com/search/bible/ 

Grape Stew

         “Wow! It’s nearly noon!” I said picking up the large bowl one more time. ”Come on, Champ,” I said to my four year-old.  “There’s time to cut one more batch of grapes before lunch.  We’re headed back to the grape vines.”

            “Oh good!” he responded.  “I love grapes!” he affirmed moments later when we reached the vines, popping another and another into his mouth.

            Back in the house, the routine began again:  wash and stem the grapes, cook and process. As I worked, my young son said dreamily, “Wouldn’t it be cool to have grape stew?”

            “Are you kidding me?  Grape stew?” I asked in wonder.   

            “Yup!” he responded, without hesitation.

“Well, if you’re going to have grape stew, why not a walnut milkshake, carrot ice cream, or green bean cake?” I asked sounding just as silly. 

            “I don’t like carrots,” he said.  I’d like that milkshake and Daddy might like green bean cake,” he continued, processing my comment. 

            “What if we settle for grape jelly and grape juice?” I asked him laughing.

            “I guess so,” he said agreeably, “but it still would be cool to have grape stew.” Without another word, he was out the door, lost in his own world of make believe, fighting the bad guys one minute and being a fireman the next.

            While pondering what the ingredients grape stew might be, my mind began focusing on how much time and energy we spend caring for the vines and the work involved in harvesting the fruit.  There is the work of pruning, weeding, and watering that delights us with the bounty. 

            Some years it seemed it didn’t matter the hours of labor spent, the garden refused to cooperate.  The heat of the sun, along with lack of rain, dried and scorched everything, except the weeds of course, spoiling the otherwise generous bounty.  Sometimes it was too much rain and cool weather which caused the grapes not to grow.  There is no human control over these natural things, of course, but somehow I felt responsible when the harvest was less than plentiful.

            Life is like that sometimes.  It seems no matter how much effort we spend nurturing our young ones, ultimately they decide how much “watering, weeding and pruning” they accept as they grow older.  As parents, we advise, mix in faith, forgiveness and patience; add friendship, tenderness, loyalty and laughter, fertilize with love---and a liberal amount of Godly teaching. 

Still the choices they make are ultimately their own.  They choose the paths they follow.  There is little control over their likes and dislikes, friends or interests.  Suggestions and counsel is certainly a viable option, but it is they who decide where life takes them.

            We all dream of having “perfect” children: polite, friendly, loving, happy, helpful, neat, tidy, etc.  The truth is, however, each child will have his unique portion of the “perfect” qualities.  No child has all.

            It’s much like the grapes I pulled off the vine.  Each clump, overall looks wonderfully delicious.  As I wash and clean them, however, some have spots or are partly eaten by insects. Others are dried and shriveled or just plain rotten.

            Grape stew, huh?  I gathered my small child to me, as he came into the house thirsty and in need of a snack, returning the hug in a hurry to be back at play.  He’s part of my personal “grape stew” --a family with imperfections but beautiful as a whole.  It’s what makes having a family worthwhile.  It’s hard, continuous work, never knowing how it will all turn out because life is just that way.  But still I know without a doubt, the rewards are as sweet as grape jelly!