Life and Treasure
Let there be... And it was so.
Our history begins.
God formed and breathed. Man came alive
this glory out of dust
One good command-- Don't eat that fruit.
If you do, you die
Adam, Eve, one Snake, one bite
creation's fabric rips...
grief on pain and sin on sin
we live in agony
God interjects and speaks again
Promise. Future. Hope.
Deliverance for groaning slaves
through the blood and Sea
Abundance in the wilderness
though we're feeling lean
The law comes down-- more good commands
sweet, but weighty too
A long parade of broken saints
who trusted in the Lord
Census, geneologies
bizarre prophetic clips
Ceremonies, sacrifices
random things unclean
All these in a bigger story
pointing to the Lamb
Good. Bad. Ugly. Rules and lists
whisper gospel truth
Breath and blood and bread and water
photo negatives
See the truth behind the symbols
when you peer in close
These choicest words all in a Book--
is it collecting dust?
Jesus called it Life and Treasure
Will you spurn His gift?
Monday, January 15, 2018
Friday, November 17, 2017
Broken Vessel
Broken Vessel
"There's a hole in the bucket" the song says
verses circle, trying to mend
but we finally reach the conclusion
and have ended back where we began.
Well crap! My car's got an oil leak!
you exclaim as you look at the ground
but try as you might to repair it
the leak simply cannot be found
My coin purse jingles and jangles
as I stroll before windows downtown
purse and pockets get lighter so quickly
misfit toys in my wake are bestrown
I bake cakes and cookies and pastries
and pile the frosting mile high
but all of the honey indulgence
takes a seat in my butt and my thighs
Surely life was not meant to feel empty!
Surely we were created for more!
Holes and cracks in the heart can be mended
Fullness -- truly full-- can be restored
Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit. Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the Lord, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.
Jeremiah 2:11-13
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11
"There's a hole in the bucket" the song says
verses circle, trying to mend
but we finally reach the conclusion
and have ended back where we began.
Well crap! My car's got an oil leak!
you exclaim as you look at the ground
but try as you might to repair it
the leak simply cannot be found
My coin purse jingles and jangles
as I stroll before windows downtown
purse and pockets get lighter so quickly
misfit toys in my wake are bestrown
I bake cakes and cookies and pastries
and pile the frosting mile high
but all of the honey indulgence
takes a seat in my butt and my thighs
Surely life was not meant to feel empty!
Surely we were created for more!
Holes and cracks in the heart can be mended
Fullness -- truly full-- can be restored
Has a nation changed its gods, even though they are no gods? But my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit. Be appalled, O heavens, at this; be shocked, be utterly desolate, declares the Lord, for my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water.
Jeremiah 2:11-13
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11
Friday, November 3, 2017
A Lament
A Lament
I will bring my complaint before the LORD--
This is all your fault!
You put that crazy ant in my ear
something about holiness
You compelled me to pray dangerous prayers
things like patience and purity
You said it would be hard--
I didn't realize HOW hard!
You said it would be worth it!
You didn't say I'd have to wait SO LONG!
So I sit in the pigsty
and add my own slime to the party...
as I wait for the day
when my King, my Love
brings heaven to earth.
A Prayer of one afflicted, when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the LORD.
Hear my prayer, O LORD;
let my cry come to you!
Do not hide your face from me
in the day of my distress!
Incline your ear to me;
answer me speedily in the day when I call!
Psalm 102:1-2
I will bring my complaint before the LORD--
This is all your fault!
You put that crazy ant in my ear
something about holiness
You compelled me to pray dangerous prayers
things like patience and purity
You said it would be hard--
I didn't realize HOW hard!
You said it would be worth it!
You didn't say I'd have to wait SO LONG!
So I sit in the pigsty
and add my own slime to the party...
as I wait for the day
when my King, my Love
brings heaven to earth.
A Prayer of one afflicted, when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the LORD.
Hear my prayer, O LORD;
let my cry come to you!
Do not hide your face from me
in the day of my distress!
Incline your ear to me;
answer me speedily in the day when I call!
Psalm 102:1-2
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
High Places
High Places
I trudge up the hill
hoping for relief
the cares of this day
are too heavy
I bow before the shrine
with my incense
and raisin cakes
and I feel lighter--
for a minute
I walk into Walmart
on aching legs
it's been Monday
all day long
I grab the chocolate
scan it, bag it
swipe my card
stress melts away--
for a minute
I bow my heart
before the Lord of glory
I am weak
He is my strength.
He makes my feet sure
as the ground quakes
and my idols crumble...
I stand on the rubble.
Great is the Lord!
*Inspired by Habakkuk 3:19
GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.
Habakkuk 3:19
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
Psalms 62:5-7
I trudge up the hill
hoping for relief
the cares of this day
are too heavy
I bow before the shrine
with my incense
and raisin cakes
and I feel lighter--
for a minute
I walk into Walmart
on aching legs
it's been Monday
all day long
I grab the chocolate
scan it, bag it
swipe my card
stress melts away--
for a minute
I bow my heart
before the Lord of glory
I am weak
He is my strength.
He makes my feet sure
as the ground quakes
and my idols crumble...
I stand on the rubble.
Great is the Lord!
*Inspired by Habakkuk 3:19
GOD, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.
Habakkuk 3:19
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
for my hope is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
Psalms 62:5-7
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Walk Worthy
Walk Worthy
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
Ephesians 4:1
It is not fitting for a king
to race like a clown in a circus ring
Always, every Marine son
must not walk and chew bubble gum
The dignity that graces a bride
is not matched on a water slide
When you stand before a judge in court
you shouldn't dress for your favorite sport
Likewise, if you're playing tag
a suit and tie would be a drag
And now the reason for my rhyme
the theme of grace-- beyond sublime
When you're in Christ you run a race
dig in the Word to keep the pace
The Judge is holy, righteous, true
and He demands the same from you
Your Groom has paid with His own life
to cleanse your heart from black to white
Your Captain gives a call to war
to fight the sin within your core
The Faithful Shepherd of His flock
Christ leads us in a worthy walk
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:1-6
Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!-- assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:17-24
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
Ephesians 4:1
It is not fitting for a king
to race like a clown in a circus ring
Always, every Marine son
must not walk and chew bubble gum
The dignity that graces a bride
is not matched on a water slide
When you stand before a judge in court
you shouldn't dress for your favorite sport
Likewise, if you're playing tag
a suit and tie would be a drag
And now the reason for my rhyme
the theme of grace-- beyond sublime
When you're in Christ you run a race
dig in the Word to keep the pace
The Judge is holy, righteous, true
and He demands the same from you
Your Groom has paid with His own life
to cleanse your heart from black to white
Your Captain gives a call to war
to fight the sin within your core
The Faithful Shepherd of His flock
Christ leads us in a worthy walk
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:1-6
Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!-- assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:17-24
Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Vastly Loved
Vastly Loved
Have you met the King?
His kingdom gleams with the Midas touch
His very presence produces gold
the riches of His glory.
Have you seen his power?
Life springs forth from His word, His breath
from nothing what was not, now is
what once was dead now lives.
This is your Father!
His hand is open to lavish you with love
not comfortable, gooey, fluff and stuff
but strong, stable, sure
You will be like a tree
thick sinews digging deep in the truth
drawing up life-giving water
the fullness of God in Christ
You'll be a jewel
built on the diamond foundation of Christ
righteous perfection, beauty, holy
and holiness worked into you
Do you know this love?
broader than the edges of the universe
longer than the east is from the west
Everest, Marianas Trench
Is your mind blown?
vision swims, reason reels before this vastness
and yet...
This rich and mighty King
can give you keener vision, expand your reason
grow your heart far more than three sizes
so that you may know
You are
abundantly, exceedingly, profusely, remarkably
inexhaustibly, surpassingly, vastly
LOVED.
*Inspired by Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-21
Have you met the King?
His kingdom gleams with the Midas touch
His very presence produces gold
the riches of His glory.
Have you seen his power?
Life springs forth from His word, His breath
from nothing what was not, now is
what once was dead now lives.
This is your Father!
His hand is open to lavish you with love
not comfortable, gooey, fluff and stuff
but strong, stable, sure
You will be like a tree
thick sinews digging deep in the truth
drawing up life-giving water
the fullness of God in Christ
You'll be a jewel
built on the diamond foundation of Christ
righteous perfection, beauty, holy
and holiness worked into you
Do you know this love?
broader than the edges of the universe
longer than the east is from the west
Everest, Marianas Trench
Is your mind blown?
vision swims, reason reels before this vastness
and yet...
This rich and mighty King
can give you keener vision, expand your reason
grow your heart far more than three sizes
so that you may know
You are
abundantly, exceedingly, profusely, remarkably
inexhaustibly, surpassingly, vastly
LOVED.
*Inspired by Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith--that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-21
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
My Glory
My Glory
Moses, my son
turn your eyes back to me.
Remember the bush?
What did I say?
Pharaoh will not listen to you
His heart is stone and his ears are clay
He believes himself a god...
But he will know-- I am.
I will unleash
the strength of my outstretched arm
creatures and elements
obey my voice
Pharaoh will not listen to them
His ears are clay and his heart is stone
until I take his treasure-- his son
Then he will know-- I am.
When you were in Egypt
you thought yourself a star.
People knew you.
People liked you.
But I didn't need a star
I chose a shepherd's mouth, his tender heart
to speak my glory
So you will know-- I am.
Moses, my son
keep your eyes on me
Behold my glory
Let it seep in
My glory will change you
give you ears that hear and heart of flesh
You will shine like a star
The nations will know-- I am.
But the LORD said to Moses, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land." God spoke to Moses and said to him, "I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them. I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they lived as sojourners. Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the people of Israel whom the Egyptians hold as slaves, and I have remembered my covenant. Say therefore to the people of Israel, 'I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the LORD.'"
Exodus 6:1-8
Moses, my son
turn your eyes back to me.
Remember the bush?
What did I say?
Pharaoh will not listen to you
His heart is stone and his ears are clay
He believes himself a god...
But he will know-- I am.
I will unleash
the strength of my outstretched arm
creatures and elements
obey my voice
Pharaoh will not listen to them
His ears are clay and his heart is stone
until I take his treasure-- his son
Then he will know-- I am.
When you were in Egypt
you thought yourself a star.
People knew you.
People liked you.
But I didn't need a star
I chose a shepherd's mouth, his tender heart
to speak my glory
So you will know-- I am.
Moses, my son
keep your eyes on me
Behold my glory
Let it seep in
My glory will change you
give you ears that hear and heart of flesh
You will shine like a star
The nations will know-- I am.
But the LORD said to Moses, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land." God spoke to Moses and said to him, "I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them. I also established my covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they lived as sojourners. Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the people of Israel whom the Egyptians hold as slaves, and I have remembered my covenant. Say therefore to the people of Israel, 'I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the LORD.'"
Exodus 6:1-8
Monday, August 21, 2017
Wandering
Wandering
The dunes stretch before me
vast, barren, dry
mountains of danger at every turn
My heart longs for Egypt
comfort, beauty, pleasure
and yet no longer home for me
Now I follow these sheep
needy, helpless, slow
they aren't even my flock
What am I doing here?
We come to the mountain's shadow
Horeb, the mountain of God,
it stands dominating the landscape
What is this marvel
fire, bush, no smoke
it burns but is not consumed
I leave the flock behind
fire, voice, "Moses"
"Take off your shoes."
What am I doing here?
"Go to Pharaoh."
Who am I?
"I am with you."
But who are you?
"I am."
"I am the God of your fathers."
"I have remembered my promise."
They will never believe me.
"I will prove myself."
"Here are signs of power over
creation, disease, and life itself."
But I get so tongue-tied.
"I made your tongue
and I can untie it."
Please don't make me!
"Boy, take your stick and go!"
Back across the desert
dry, barren, vast
out of the frying pan, into the fire
Standing before Pharaoh
riches, power, glory
and yet the LORD stands behind me.
"Let my people go."
laughter, mocking, disdain
'I do not know this god.'
Pharaoh persecutes the flock
blood, sweat, tears
'Make bricks without straw.'
'You are lazy!'
LORD, you haven't helped at all!
What am I doing here?
Afterward Moses and Aaron went and said to Pharaoh, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.'" But Pharaoh said, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and moreover, I will not let Israel go." Then they said, "The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Please let us go a three days' journey into the wilderness that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God, lest he fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword." But the king of Egypt said to them, "Moses and Aaron, why do you take the people away from their work? Get back to your burdens." And Pharaoh said, "Behold, the people of the land are now many, and you make them rest from their burdens!" The same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their foremen, "You shall no longer give the people straw to make bricks, as in the past; let them go and gather straw for themselves. But the number of bricks that they made in the past you shall impose on them, you shall by no means reduce it, for they are idle. Therefore they cry, 'Let us go and offer sacrifice to our God.'
Exodus 5:1-8
The foremen of the people of Israel saw that they were in trouble when they said, "You shall by no means reduce your number of bricks, your daily task each day." They met Moses and Aaron, who were waiting for them, as they came out from Pharaoh; and they said to them, "The LORD look on you and judge, because you have made us stink in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants, and have put a sword in their hand to kill us." Then Moses turned to the LORD and said, "O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all."
Exodus 5:19-23
The dunes stretch before me
vast, barren, dry
mountains of danger at every turn
My heart longs for Egypt
comfort, beauty, pleasure
and yet no longer home for me
Now I follow these sheep
needy, helpless, slow
they aren't even my flock
What am I doing here?
We come to the mountain's shadow
Horeb, the mountain of God,
it stands dominating the landscape
What is this marvel
fire, bush, no smoke
it burns but is not consumed
I leave the flock behind
fire, voice, "Moses"
"Take off your shoes."
What am I doing here?
"Go to Pharaoh."
Who am I?
"I am with you."
But who are you?
"I am."
"I am the God of your fathers."
"I have remembered my promise."
They will never believe me.
"I will prove myself."
"Here are signs of power over
creation, disease, and life itself."
But I get so tongue-tied.
"I made your tongue
and I can untie it."
Please don't make me!
"Boy, take your stick and go!"
Back across the desert
dry, barren, vast
out of the frying pan, into the fire
Standing before Pharaoh
riches, power, glory
and yet the LORD stands behind me.
"Let my people go."
laughter, mocking, disdain
'I do not know this god.'
Pharaoh persecutes the flock
blood, sweat, tears
'Make bricks without straw.'
'You are lazy!'
LORD, you haven't helped at all!
What am I doing here?
Afterward Moses and Aaron went and said to Pharaoh, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.'" But Pharaoh said, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and moreover, I will not let Israel go." Then they said, "The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Please let us go a three days' journey into the wilderness that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God, lest he fall upon us with pestilence or with the sword." But the king of Egypt said to them, "Moses and Aaron, why do you take the people away from their work? Get back to your burdens." And Pharaoh said, "Behold, the people of the land are now many, and you make them rest from their burdens!" The same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their foremen, "You shall no longer give the people straw to make bricks, as in the past; let them go and gather straw for themselves. But the number of bricks that they made in the past you shall impose on them, you shall by no means reduce it, for they are idle. Therefore they cry, 'Let us go and offer sacrifice to our God.'
Exodus 5:1-8
The foremen of the people of Israel saw that they were in trouble when they said, "You shall by no means reduce your number of bricks, your daily task each day." They met Moses and Aaron, who were waiting for them, as they came out from Pharaoh; and they said to them, "The LORD look on you and judge, because you have made us stink in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants, and have put a sword in their hand to kill us." Then Moses turned to the LORD and said, "O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you ever send me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has done evil to this people, and you have not delivered your people at all."
Exodus 5:19-23
Friday, August 18, 2017
Upheld
Upheld
Moses stood on the mountain
While Joshua led the charge
the battle raged in the valley down below.
But Moses' hands grew weary
and when they started to fall
Joshua and his men began to slow.
Aaron and Hur stood beside
and upheld his weary arms
So God delivered victory on that day.
There are those who chase after evil
others who seek to do good
We see both in the world around us every day
It seems that the wicked keep rising
they shine and twinkle like stars
while the righteous struggle and suffer through swamps of gray
but God's hand mighty and strong
will uphold his weary ones
as He carries us in the shadow of the cross.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
over the man who carries out evil devices!
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
For the evildoers shall be cut off,
but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.
In just a little while, the wicked will be no more;
though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.
But the meek shall inherit the land
and delight themselves in abundant peace...
Better is the little that the righteous has
than the abundance of many wicked.
For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,
but the LORD upholds the righteous...
The steps of a man are established by the LORD,
when he delights in his way;
though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
for the LORD upholds his hand...
The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD;
he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
The LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.
Psalms 37:7-11, 16-17, 23-24, 39-40
*Stanza 1 is inspired by the events recorded in Exodus 17:8-16.
Moses stood on the mountain
While Joshua led the charge
the battle raged in the valley down below.
But Moses' hands grew weary
and when they started to fall
Joshua and his men began to slow.
Aaron and Hur stood beside
and upheld his weary arms
So God delivered victory on that day.
There are those who chase after evil
others who seek to do good
We see both in the world around us every day
It seems that the wicked keep rising
they shine and twinkle like stars
while the righteous struggle and suffer through swamps of gray
but God's hand mighty and strong
will uphold his weary ones
as He carries us in the shadow of the cross.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
over the man who carries out evil devices!
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
For the evildoers shall be cut off,
but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land.
In just a little while, the wicked will be no more;
though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.
But the meek shall inherit the land
and delight themselves in abundant peace...
Better is the little that the righteous has
than the abundance of many wicked.
For the arms of the wicked shall be broken,
but the LORD upholds the righteous...
The steps of a man are established by the LORD,
when he delights in his way;
though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong,
for the LORD upholds his hand...
The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD;
he is their stronghold in the time of trouble.
The LORD helps them and delivers them;
he delivers them from the wicked and saves them,
because they take refuge in him.
Psalms 37:7-11, 16-17, 23-24, 39-40
*Stanza 1 is inspired by the events recorded in Exodus 17:8-16.
Thursday, August 17, 2017
Dawn Breaks
Dawn Breaks:
A Passion Poem
Part 1:
Night falls for the darkest Sabbath we've ever known
the echo of "Crucify" rings in our ears
for so long we looked for the King... waiting... waiting...
lame walk, blind see, dead live
we felt sure Messiah had finally come...
then the cross...
He's gone.
His teaching rang with power like we'd never heard
He dared to call himself the Son
He called us sons too... amazing... unbelievable...
and yet we saw his compassion
mercy and truth all woven through
He wanted our hearts...
but now he's gone.
His words had been too good to be true
promises of dignity, peace, and life
And yet we walked with him... knew him... believed...
we caught a glimpse of a better kingdom
Light, Love, Living Water
we dared to hope...
but now he's gone.
*****
Part 2:
The darkness is a fitting cloak for our souls
as we walk toward the garden
The wind is still... waiting... waiting...
we whisper in the stillness
as we try to gather the shards of hope...
try to understand...
He's gone.
We feel the weight of the stone in our hearts
as we wonder how we will enter the tomb
we've heard there are guards... waiting... waiting...
Will they turn us away?
The spices waft up to burn our noses...
one last dignity...
He's gone.
We reach the garden where the tomb waits
The sun peeks over the horizonn
Where are the guards? Who moved the stone?
We've never seen angels before
"Why do you seek the living among the dead?"
hope swells... dawn breaks
He's alive!
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise." And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.
Luke 24:1-9
Luke 24:1-9
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Tyrant Clock
Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock
drumbeat rhythm of my days
Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock
working intrudes in my dreams
Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock
hours packed and schedule crammed
Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock
never ending life demands
Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock
mountains of chores and hordes of lists
Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock
push-me pull-you resting missed
Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock
hurry-scurry just can't stop
Stop!
Be still and know that I am God.
You are not sovereign over your sphere of habitation.
You are not the Savior of those you love.
Be still.
"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Psalms 46:10-11
drumbeat rhythm of my days
Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock
working intrudes in my dreams
Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock
hours packed and schedule crammed
Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock
never ending life demands
Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock
mountains of chores and hordes of lists
Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock
push-me pull-you resting missed
Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock
hurry-scurry just can't stop
Stop!
Be still and know that I am God.
You are not sovereign over your sphere of habitation.
You are not the Savior of those you love.
Be still.
"Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!" The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Psalms 46:10-11
Monday, August 14, 2017
Two Treasures
Two Treasures
See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;
Hebrews 12:15
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Luke 6:45
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Proverbs 18:21
I think about a moment, getting madder every time
as I turn it over and over in my mind
like lava oozing softly, anger bubbles, creeps, and swells
leaving nothing in its wake but hard black stone.
The char coating pot's bottom is a nasty tarry mess
from sitting undisturbed above the flames.
Add just a little water, put the lid on, push aside
let it sit for just a bit and you'll get slime.
I treasure up this rubbish, it ferments within my heart
Now with just the slightest jostle I spew goop.
I think about my Savior, getting cleaner all the time
as I follow in His dry and rocky line
like ice in springtime showers, anger slowly melts away
leaving actions, friendships, life itself-- restored.
The grace of His pure off'ring washes over me in waves
and rolls off each time carrying more dross.
Drink lots of Living Water, let it work down deep inside
'til it springs up and bursts out with words of life.
I treasure up these riches, they bear fruit within my heart
Only now can I reflect the grace He's shown.
See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no "root of bitterness" springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;
Hebrews 12:15
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Luke 6:45
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
Proverbs 18:21
I think about a moment, getting madder every time
as I turn it over and over in my mind
like lava oozing softly, anger bubbles, creeps, and swells
leaving nothing in its wake but hard black stone.
The char coating pot's bottom is a nasty tarry mess
from sitting undisturbed above the flames.
Add just a little water, put the lid on, push aside
let it sit for just a bit and you'll get slime.
I treasure up this rubbish, it ferments within my heart
Now with just the slightest jostle I spew goop.
I think about my Savior, getting cleaner all the time
as I follow in His dry and rocky line
like ice in springtime showers, anger slowly melts away
leaving actions, friendships, life itself-- restored.
The grace of His pure off'ring washes over me in waves
and rolls off each time carrying more dross.
Drink lots of Living Water, let it work down deep inside
'til it springs up and bursts out with words of life.
I treasure up these riches, they bear fruit within my heart
Only now can I reflect the grace He's shown.
Thursday, August 10, 2017
Change in Pace
I have been writing, but the effort to write in prose has been mostly beyond me. There is a depth and simplicity to poetry that has better suited the expression of my thoughts for the better part of two years. It's kind of funny, but I am far more reluctant to share my poetry than my prose... However, for a while I am going to be sharing some of it.
Sweet Presence
You are my shepherd.
I will never need more
than you have supplied.
You walk with me and make me rest
in peaceful and pleasant places.
You bring joys to my soul
which I could never have imagined!
You are showing me what is true and right
and giving me strength to walk in that way.
After all, a son or daughter should look like their Father.
Even when the hounds of Death
nip at my heels
and the Furies overshadow me,
I need not fear!
You are upholding me
and reigning over them!
You are at work in my circumstances
to do good to me
so that my enemies look on in wonder.
And I stand in awe of you.
I am certain that the riches of your favor
are with me wherever I am.
And one day
I will live in the the glory of your presence
for eternity.
*Inspired by Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Psalms 23:1-6
Sweet Presence
You are my shepherd.
I will never need more
than you have supplied.
You walk with me and make me rest
in peaceful and pleasant places.
You bring joys to my soul
which I could never have imagined!
You are showing me what is true and right
and giving me strength to walk in that way.
After all, a son or daughter should look like their Father.
Even when the hounds of Death
nip at my heels
and the Furies overshadow me,
I need not fear!
You are upholding me
and reigning over them!
You are at work in my circumstances
to do good to me
so that my enemies look on in wonder.
And I stand in awe of you.
I am certain that the riches of your favor
are with me wherever I am.
And one day
I will live in the the glory of your presence
for eternity.
*Inspired by Psalm 23
A Psalm of David.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
Psalms 23:1-6
Friday, April 21, 2017
Reconfigured
At my house we've been in the process of remodeling the kitchen for the last several weeks. This was not just a little updating, it was a full "gut it" situation. As of Monday I still didn't have a sink. But we are finally back together enough that I am beginning to put things away. While I have much more space now than I did before, it is an almost completely different configuration. I have more drawers of different sizes and in different places. My cabinets are different dimensions. The shelves are adjustable! It is wonderful... It is also kind of disorienting. You see, I had adapted myself to the structure and strictures of my old kitchen. I sort of "made" things fit, or winged it... And to quote my oldest, "it didn't make sense". Pots and pans of similar shape and size were in four different stacks in three different cabinets. Whisks were in one drawer while whisk attachments were in another drawer across the room. Some of the serving spoons were with the flatware, but the rest were next to the stove. And while I expect there to be some minor adjustments to the overall organization over time, my preference is to find homes for things and then they live there forever. So I stack and shift and think... then I shift and restack and step back to examine...
As I was working through this process some more early this week, I was struck by its similarity to sanctification. As unbelievers we are who we are, with sin all woven through everything. Then Christ comes in and "guts" our hearts of the old structures, and puts in structures consistent with his character and purpose. Suddenly we find that all our stuff doesn't fit like it used to. Maybe it needs a new home with lower priority. Maybe it needs to move up on the priorities list. Maybe it is just no longer consistent with who you are, because you are now in Christ, and it has to be thrown out. It is tedious. It requires intentional, focused thought. It can be disorienting. But in the end, the difficulty, the struggle, the pain, will not be worth comparing to the glory of living in Christ's presence for eternity!
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:1,12-17
The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see destruction.
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:5-11
As I was working through this process some more early this week, I was struck by its similarity to sanctification. As unbelievers we are who we are, with sin all woven through everything. Then Christ comes in and "guts" our hearts of the old structures, and puts in structures consistent with his character and purpose. Suddenly we find that all our stuff doesn't fit like it used to. Maybe it needs a new home with lower priority. Maybe it needs to move up on the priorities list. Maybe it is just no longer consistent with who you are, because you are now in Christ, and it has to be thrown out. It is tedious. It requires intentional, focused thought. It can be disorienting. But in the end, the difficulty, the struggle, the pain, will not be worth comparing to the glory of living in Christ's presence for eternity!
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:1,12-17
The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see destruction.
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:5-11
Saturday, December 17, 2016
To the Young Dad
My baby will be 10 in a couple of months. In three years, my house will be full of teenagers. In four my oldest may be moving out... And in ten I will likely be an empty-nester. I've been married nearly half my life, and a mama only one year less. My last blog was addressed to young moms. As I've continued to think about the young/new moms in my life, I began to think about the dads too.
Dear Little Brother,
First, you have a high calling. You get to be a tangible picture of God to your children. Do you know how to do that? Dig deep into His word. Spend the best of your time knowing your God. Pray that He will grow your desire and love for Him. Strive to be eager to talk about the things of God. Model patterns of worship with your local church and in your home. You have a high calling.
Second, your bride has another new name. Mom. And with that name come all kinds of responsibilities and feelings and hormones. I beg you to be patient with her. Remember when you were first dating and you observed her closely? Don't stop doing that. Keep learning her. Pay attention to how much responsibility she's taking on, and if it becomes too much, lighten her load. I don't know exactly what that will look like, but you will. Serve your bride.
Third, for the first few months babies are pretty simple, feed them, burp them, keep them clean and warm. Then it gets interesting... I know you don't want to be the "bad guy" as soon as you walk through the door. But your wife doesn't enjoy being the "bad guy" all day long. And as I told my little sisters, possibly the best thing you can teach your baby is that he or she is a creature under authority. Again, you have the high calling to lead in the discipline of your children. Which sometimes means being the bad guy.
Fourth, your bride really does want you to lead. (I am assuming that I am talking to Christian men who are married to Christian women.) I don't mean come in and lay down the law and then insist on it. But if you think something is important, don't dump the logistics on her. Plan the date night-- including the sitter. When they are old enough, stay on top of them to do their chores. Again, I don't know exactly what this will look like, but you'll figure it out.
Finally, I know you have a high calling. I don't understand the entirety of the strain of that calling. What I do understand is that we serve a God who sustains us for the callings He gives us. If you are feeling overwhelmed, rest in the God who works all things according to the counsel of his will. You cannot screw up His purpose for your child. Work at faithfulness. And when you fail, rest in the God of restoration.
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.
Ephesians 5:25-30
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
Colossians 3:12-21
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Matthew 7:7-11
Dear Little Brother,
First, you have a high calling. You get to be a tangible picture of God to your children. Do you know how to do that? Dig deep into His word. Spend the best of your time knowing your God. Pray that He will grow your desire and love for Him. Strive to be eager to talk about the things of God. Model patterns of worship with your local church and in your home. You have a high calling.
Second, your bride has another new name. Mom. And with that name come all kinds of responsibilities and feelings and hormones. I beg you to be patient with her. Remember when you were first dating and you observed her closely? Don't stop doing that. Keep learning her. Pay attention to how much responsibility she's taking on, and if it becomes too much, lighten her load. I don't know exactly what that will look like, but you will. Serve your bride.
Third, for the first few months babies are pretty simple, feed them, burp them, keep them clean and warm. Then it gets interesting... I know you don't want to be the "bad guy" as soon as you walk through the door. But your wife doesn't enjoy being the "bad guy" all day long. And as I told my little sisters, possibly the best thing you can teach your baby is that he or she is a creature under authority. Again, you have the high calling to lead in the discipline of your children. Which sometimes means being the bad guy.
Fourth, your bride really does want you to lead. (I am assuming that I am talking to Christian men who are married to Christian women.) I don't mean come in and lay down the law and then insist on it. But if you think something is important, don't dump the logistics on her. Plan the date night-- including the sitter. When they are old enough, stay on top of them to do their chores. Again, I don't know exactly what this will look like, but you'll figure it out.
Finally, I know you have a high calling. I don't understand the entirety of the strain of that calling. What I do understand is that we serve a God who sustains us for the callings He gives us. If you are feeling overwhelmed, rest in the God who works all things according to the counsel of his will. You cannot screw up His purpose for your child. Work at faithfulness. And when you fail, rest in the God of restoration.
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.
Ephesians 5:25-30
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
Colossians 3:12-21
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Matthew 7:7-11
Thursday, December 8, 2016
To the Young Mama
I read a couple of articles today about motherhood. They made me sad because both belittled the value of children and the value of motherhood. Now please don't hear me saying that every woman should be a mom, or that every mom should have as many children as possible. I don't believe either of those things. But I do believe that every human life is valuable because each one bears the image of our Creator. And I believe that motherhood is valuable because it can be a beautiful reflection of the sacrificial life of Jesus Christ.
I know several young expectant mothers right now. It is lovely to watch them grow and marvel at the life that is growing inside of them. It almost makes me miss my own pregnancy days. Almost...
Dear Young Mama,
First, I beg you to spend time knowing the Lord. You cannot be a faithful wife, you cannot be a faithful mama, if you are not growing in the knowledge of God. Your relationship with Him will fuel you for the sleepless nights and uncertainty that are an unavoidable part of parenthood. Only your Creator is sufficient to carry you through the challenges of raising a new person. Only He has the wisdom you will need to navigate the waters of parenting.
Second, work hard to not put your husband on the back burner. When this tiny new person invades your home, he or she will demand more of you than you can imagine. On those longest days after your baby has tugged at you ALL DAY LONG, it will be easy to dismiss your husband as an adult who can take care of himself. Please, Friend, remind yourself how much you love him. Remind yourself why you love him. And show him your love. Remember, this tiny person has invaded his life too. =)
Third, while it is likely that his every grunt and gurgle fills you with delight. And while you marvel at her every dimple and wave. While his antics are hilarious and her lively personality is enchanting, remember that your baby is not perfect. Your actions with regard to your little person will have far-reaching consequences. And possibly the best thing that you can teach your precious little one is that he or she is a creature under authority.
When my baby was two, she was about the cutest thing I had ever seen! We were visiting my in-laws one evening and she began to throw a fit, and it. Was. CUTE! 😄 My sister-in-law began to laugh, then quickly covered her face and said, "I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't laugh, but she's just so cute!" I agreed, but my husband argued that it was NOT cute. We disputed over the cuteness for a couple of minutes, but agreed that the behavior was unacceptable and needed to be punished. Friend, what is cute at two is rarely still cute at ten. But the behaviors you allow at two set the stage for five and ten and beyond.
Finally, there is great joy in motherhood. There is also great grief. I can't tell you the measure of each that your mothering will contain. What I can tell you is that you have the profound privilege to lay down your body, your time, your comfort, for the good of another. You get to reflect the sacrificial love of the Savior.
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
1 John 3:16
*** Note: I wrote this with the ideal situation in mind. If you find yourself in the position of being a single mama, you need even more to lean on your Heavenly Father.
I know several young expectant mothers right now. It is lovely to watch them grow and marvel at the life that is growing inside of them. It almost makes me miss my own pregnancy days. Almost...
Dear Young Mama,
First, I beg you to spend time knowing the Lord. You cannot be a faithful wife, you cannot be a faithful mama, if you are not growing in the knowledge of God. Your relationship with Him will fuel you for the sleepless nights and uncertainty that are an unavoidable part of parenthood. Only your Creator is sufficient to carry you through the challenges of raising a new person. Only He has the wisdom you will need to navigate the waters of parenting.
Second, work hard to not put your husband on the back burner. When this tiny new person invades your home, he or she will demand more of you than you can imagine. On those longest days after your baby has tugged at you ALL DAY LONG, it will be easy to dismiss your husband as an adult who can take care of himself. Please, Friend, remind yourself how much you love him. Remind yourself why you love him. And show him your love. Remember, this tiny person has invaded his life too. =)
Third, while it is likely that his every grunt and gurgle fills you with delight. And while you marvel at her every dimple and wave. While his antics are hilarious and her lively personality is enchanting, remember that your baby is not perfect. Your actions with regard to your little person will have far-reaching consequences. And possibly the best thing that you can teach your precious little one is that he or she is a creature under authority.
When my baby was two, she was about the cutest thing I had ever seen! We were visiting my in-laws one evening and she began to throw a fit, and it. Was. CUTE! 😄 My sister-in-law began to laugh, then quickly covered her face and said, "I'm sorry. I know I shouldn't laugh, but she's just so cute!" I agreed, but my husband argued that it was NOT cute. We disputed over the cuteness for a couple of minutes, but agreed that the behavior was unacceptable and needed to be punished. Friend, what is cute at two is rarely still cute at ten. But the behaviors you allow at two set the stage for five and ten and beyond.
Finally, there is great joy in motherhood. There is also great grief. I can't tell you the measure of each that your mothering will contain. What I can tell you is that you have the profound privilege to lay down your body, your time, your comfort, for the good of another. You get to reflect the sacrificial love of the Savior.
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.
1 John 3:16
*** Note: I wrote this with the ideal situation in mind. If you find yourself in the position of being a single mama, you need even more to lean on your Heavenly Father.
Monday, November 28, 2016
Feed Your Soul
If you know me well (or read my blog often ;) ) you will notice that food is a common theme in my life. I love to cook! I love to eat good food (taste-bud-tickling or "good for you")! And we have just celebrated one of my favorite holidays! Because PIE! I love the crust. I love the filling. I love the mixing and making. And when it's time for eating, I savor every bite. But unless some pies of the savory variety are included, you can't live on pie alone...
I was recently talking with a little sister in the faith about her wrestling with sin, and I asked her when was the last time she had read her Bible. She responded that she wasn't sure. Then I asked her when was the last time she had fed her physical stomach. It had only been a couple hours. You can probably guess that my next question was, "If you only fed your physical body as often as you are feeding your soul, how healthy would you be?"
So, Christian, I'll pose the same question to you. When was the last time you fed your soul?
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
Psalm 34:8
And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.
Deuteronomy 8:3
Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation-- if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
1 Peter 2:2-3
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst."
John 6:35
I was recently talking with a little sister in the faith about her wrestling with sin, and I asked her when was the last time she had read her Bible. She responded that she wasn't sure. Then I asked her when was the last time she had fed her physical stomach. It had only been a couple hours. You can probably guess that my next question was, "If you only fed your physical body as often as you are feeding your soul, how healthy would you be?"
So, Christian, I'll pose the same question to you. When was the last time you fed your soul?
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
Psalm 34:8
And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.
Deuteronomy 8:3
Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation-- if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.
1 Peter 2:2-3
Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst."
John 6:35
Friday, November 11, 2016
chasing a king...
I do not want to be known on social media for my political views. I personally wouldn't have been thrilled with either outcome in this election. I grew up in a very politically involved family, but while Shorty and I are not disinterested in politics, it does not consume our conversation at regular intervals. It has been interesting however, to begin to have conversation with my children about this election. Tuesday they were all worked up into a dither about how life was going to change if this one or that one was elected. It amused me to see them have such strong opinions with very little evidence! =D
During a particularly dramatic moment, I told them that we were made to long for a king. And the problem is that because of sin we run as far and fast as we can from the one King who can satisfy our longing. As I've watched my news feed the last few days, I've seen evidence of this longing again and again. Of course it isn't phrased that way, this is America after all...
But just any king will not do. We want a king who promises justice. We want a king who will champion the downtrodden and marginalized. We want a king who promotes prosperity. We want a king who guarantees our security. And every four years in the US, we get a procession of candidates who make these kinds of promises. And every four years many of our citizens hang their hopes on one or another candidate. But a president is not a king. And a human can never fulfill all these promises.
Friend, I don't care how you voted. This government of ours is good, but all governments will be corrupted because they are run by sinners. Governments and leaders will come and go. They will fail and fall. If you desire justice, pursue the holy God through whom we know what is just. If you want a champion for those on the fringes of society, turn to the God who changes hearts and cares for those who are most vulnerable. If you want prosperity, embrace the God who sent His Son so that we can have an eternal inheritance with Him. If you want security, trust the One who is able to keep you from all harm. Jesus Christ is the one king who will never fail.
And while we live under corruptible and corrupt governments, do all that is in your power to fight for justice, and to champion the weak, and to work for the prosperity and security of your community.
Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up your hand;
forget not the afflicted. Why does the wicked renounce God
and say in his heart, "You will not call to account"?
But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation,
that you may take it into your hands;
to you the helpless commits himself;
you have been the helper of the fatherless.
Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer;
call his wickedness to account till you find none.
The LORD is king forever and ever;
the nations perish from his land.
O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear
to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.
Psalms 10:12-18
You have a mighty arm;
strong is your hand, high your right hand.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.
Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,
who walk, O LORD, in the light of your face,
who exult in your name all the day
and in your righteousness are exalted.
Psalms 89:13-16
The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The LORD is good to all,
and his mercy is over all that he has made.
All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD,
and all your saints shall bless you!
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
and tell of your power,
to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures throughout all generations.
(The LORD is faithful in all his words
and kind in all his works.)
The LORD upholds all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand;
you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and kind in all his works.
The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
Psalms 145:8-18
During a particularly dramatic moment, I told them that we were made to long for a king. And the problem is that because of sin we run as far and fast as we can from the one King who can satisfy our longing. As I've watched my news feed the last few days, I've seen evidence of this longing again and again. Of course it isn't phrased that way, this is America after all...
But just any king will not do. We want a king who promises justice. We want a king who will champion the downtrodden and marginalized. We want a king who promotes prosperity. We want a king who guarantees our security. And every four years in the US, we get a procession of candidates who make these kinds of promises. And every four years many of our citizens hang their hopes on one or another candidate. But a president is not a king. And a human can never fulfill all these promises.
Friend, I don't care how you voted. This government of ours is good, but all governments will be corrupted because they are run by sinners. Governments and leaders will come and go. They will fail and fall. If you desire justice, pursue the holy God through whom we know what is just. If you want a champion for those on the fringes of society, turn to the God who changes hearts and cares for those who are most vulnerable. If you want prosperity, embrace the God who sent His Son so that we can have an eternal inheritance with Him. If you want security, trust the One who is able to keep you from all harm. Jesus Christ is the one king who will never fail.
And while we live under corruptible and corrupt governments, do all that is in your power to fight for justice, and to champion the weak, and to work for the prosperity and security of your community.
Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up your hand;
forget not the afflicted. Why does the wicked renounce God
and say in his heart, "You will not call to account"?
But you do see, for you note mischief and vexation,
that you may take it into your hands;
to you the helpless commits himself;
you have been the helper of the fatherless.
Break the arm of the wicked and evildoer;
call his wickedness to account till you find none.
The LORD is king forever and ever;
the nations perish from his land.
O LORD, you hear the desire of the afflicted;
you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear
to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed,
so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.
Psalms 10:12-18
You have a mighty arm;
strong is your hand, high your right hand.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.
Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,
who walk, O LORD, in the light of your face,
who exult in your name all the day
and in your righteousness are exalted.
Psalms 89:13-16
The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The LORD is good to all,
and his mercy is over all that he has made.
All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD,
and all your saints shall bless you!
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
and tell of your power,
to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures throughout all generations.
(The LORD is faithful in all his words
and kind in all his works.)
The LORD upholds all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand;
you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and kind in all his works.
The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
Psalms 145:8-18
Sunday, September 18, 2016
To War
It has been fifteen years since we were attacked on 9/11. It's been seventy since the Pearl Harbor bombing. And it's been one hundred fifty since we actually had a war fought inside our borders. We have enjoyed unmatched national peace with regard to wars and battles. I personally am entirely unfamiliar with the self-denial and sacrifice that are required for a tribe or nation to be victorious in a battle. One of my grandfathers talks about the rationing during World War II, and how his mother would send him and his sisters in separately to get rations so they'd have two chocolate bars. My sister shared with me recently that women started shaving their legs here in the States because all the silk was being used for parachutes. And I read an article shortly after the switch to Daylight Savings Time this year which stated that one of the arguments in favor of inaugurating DST was to have more resources for our troops in WWII.
Well, I say I am entirely unfamiliar. In fact, the call to follow Christ is a call to war. Not war against another nation or group of people, but against evil at work in this fallen world and against the evil in our own hearts. I have been wrestling mightily with my heart in recent weeks as the Lord has graciously revealed sin in my heart. It is hard. It is painful. It is war. And the only way to win is to fight the pull for comfort and ease, and to follow the Savior's example of trusting the Father. Dear Christian, keep fighting! To War!
Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Matthew 16:24
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Ephesians 6:10-13
For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
Romans 7:15-25
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:1-4
Well, I say I am entirely unfamiliar. In fact, the call to follow Christ is a call to war. Not war against another nation or group of people, but against evil at work in this fallen world and against the evil in our own hearts. I have been wrestling mightily with my heart in recent weeks as the Lord has graciously revealed sin in my heart. It is hard. It is painful. It is war. And the only way to win is to fight the pull for comfort and ease, and to follow the Savior's example of trusting the Father. Dear Christian, keep fighting! To War!
Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
Matthew 16:24
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
Ephesians 6:10-13
For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.
Romans 7:15-25
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Romans 8:1-4
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
SSDD
You've probably heard the phrase "same sh** different day". Based on my title, you're probably expecting me to moan about how the same unpleasantness keeps happening in my life day after day after day... but you would be wrong.
A couple years ago, I wrote a blog titled Thank You and spoke briefly about the value of expressing thanks. But this basic event repeated itself with a different kid earlier this week. And I started thinking about how quick I am to get stuck on the yucky stuff, and just skim over the good things. Like when my children are laughing together. Or that I woke up without pain. Or having the strength and brainpower to tackle today's list. Or a chat with a friend. Or sunshine instead of rain (or vice versa!). Or pumpkin spice everything! ;)
Did you know that when you make an effort to be thankful, it is very difficult to be bitter or angry or otherwise unhappy? We sometimes play a game where we take turns listing things for which we are thankful. (Inevitably video games and food are mentioned. =)) It sounds kind of goofy, but just speaking things for which we CAN be thankful cultivates feelings of thankfulness. But more than anything that I listed so far, if you have placed your trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, you can be thankful that you have been redeemed from your sins and have a future with Christ! And if you have not, and you are reading this, there is still time for you to join us in our hope because you're alive. So go practice some thankfulness!
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
Psalms 107:1
A couple years ago, I wrote a blog titled Thank You and spoke briefly about the value of expressing thanks. But this basic event repeated itself with a different kid earlier this week. And I started thinking about how quick I am to get stuck on the yucky stuff, and just skim over the good things. Like when my children are laughing together. Or that I woke up without pain. Or having the strength and brainpower to tackle today's list. Or a chat with a friend. Or sunshine instead of rain (or vice versa!). Or pumpkin spice everything! ;)
Did you know that when you make an effort to be thankful, it is very difficult to be bitter or angry or otherwise unhappy? We sometimes play a game where we take turns listing things for which we are thankful. (Inevitably video games and food are mentioned. =)) It sounds kind of goofy, but just speaking things for which we CAN be thankful cultivates feelings of thankfulness. But more than anything that I listed so far, if you have placed your trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, you can be thankful that you have been redeemed from your sins and have a future with Christ! And if you have not, and you are reading this, there is still time for you to join us in our hope because you're alive. So go practice some thankfulness!
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
Psalms 107:1
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