Bluesy

I was having a bluesy day yesterday. Maybe it was hormones. Maybe it was the weather. Maybe it was just fatigue at the end of the week. More likely it was related to the fact that I had not had my devotions for a few days. Whatever the cause, or combination of causes, my incurable optimism was flickering. But then I began practicing my memory verses. I use an online program called Scripture Typer. My first passage was John 1:1-18. But I hadn't even made it halfway through before my hope was refreshed.

John 1:1-5  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2  He was in the beginning with God.  3  All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.  4  In him was life, and the life was the light of men.  5  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

In verse 4, I was reminded that Christ is life and light. My perspective is so limited, and my soul is so turned in on itself that I need CONSTANT help to see things correctly. I need life. I need light. I need Christ through His word. I need to be in the Scriptures. But the real blast came in verse 5. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.  This book was probably written around 90 A.D. Most of the apostles had been martyred, along with many second generation Christians. Persecution was the norm. And yet John tells his readers that the darkness HAS NOT OVERCOME the light. We have hope! Christ conquered death and sin for us! He will come back to make all things right! What reason then do I have to be bluesy?

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.'") And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.
John 1:1-18

Just Enough

My Crew are pretty typical kids. They are rarely eager to do their chores (unless they are expecting something fun afterwards). And most of the time, after a few minutes I hear, "Is it clean enough..." "Have I done enough..." "Is it straight enough..."
My usual reply is that if they have to tag on "enough", the answer is probably no.

The principle I see at work in my Crew is that they want to do "just enough" to not be in trouble, or to get to do whatever fun thing they have in mind. And as I pondered this, I was convicted of my tendency to try to do "just enough". I want to read my Bible "just enough" to ease my conscience, or to feel happy and peaceful through the day. I want to pray "just enough" to cover my responsibility to my friends and family. And then I was reminded of this exquisite hymn.

"When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of Glory died;
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far to small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2

Call to Arms

Today I had the privilege of witnessing my sister's promotion to Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy. It was a stirring ceremony. And although I know I am not the first (nor do I think I will be the last) to write about it, I was struck by the connections between serving in the military and following Christ. You give of your time, your money, your energy, yourself. You bind yourself to your brothers-in-arms. You take on responsibilities that are foreign to those outside. There is an incredible amount of discipline required for you to fulfill your duties. There are great people who carried this burden before you, and there will be others to whom you will pass the standard. In short, I was challenged to persevere in the faith for the glory of the Great Captain, Jesus Christ.

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. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts. Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.
Ephesians 6:10-24

You're Weird

My family is kind of weird. We like weird food (or so my husband tells me!). We go weird places (anniversary trips to museums and the zoo). We have the wonderfully weird combination of three girls and one boy. "You're so weird!" may be the most common sentence in our house. But I've been thinking about what we MEAN when we tell someone they're weird. I've come to the conclusion that it means, "You're not like me." And while most often, we use it in a joking manner, there is a troubling root. In this scenario, I'm holding myself up as the standard of what is "normal" or "right" or "good". It really doesn't matter whether my kid likes olives or doesn't like chocolate milk. It is of little import that their fashion style differs from mine. The things that boys do because they are boys are no more "weird" than the things that girls do because we are girls. I am not the standard. It all goes back to me having a higher opinion of myself than I should. In fact, it's a matter of me thinking of myself too much. Christ is the standard. Our God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is our example of what is right and good. And Christ died to make us into His image.

Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD. By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage! The LORD looks down from heaven; he sees all the children of man; from where he sits enthroned he looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth, he who fashions the hearts of them all and observes all their deeds. The king is not saved by his great army; a warrior is not delivered by his great strength. The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue. Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us, even as we hope in you.
Psalms 33:1-22

A Series of Similar Circumstances

Many times over the last few weeks, I've had a thought for a post only to realize that I've already written it! Well, not actually written it. The circumstances that have stirred up the thought vary, but the thoughts are consistent. It has occurred to me that my life is pretty mundane. (You might argue that homeschooling four kids is not mundane, but we all get used to our particular "normal".) The busyness of sports and other activities ebbs and flows from season to season. Another school year follows summer. The beginning of a new month brings the same set of bills to pay. I cook and clean up messes. It's all just normal stuff. And in the midst of all that "normal" God is working out sanctification in my life. He is at work in me (and you, too, if you have believed in Jesus Christ for salvation) to make me fit for His presence. And what He begins, He ALWAYS finishes! =)

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:17-18
 
But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:8-23

Not Outside

I'll be teaching through The Hobbit with one of my Crew again this year, so I am rereading it. Although he is not a major character in this book, Gollum plays a significant role through the Lord of the Rings trilogy. To me, Gollum is the most distasteful character. The book talks about him being a pitiable creature, and maybe I'm just hardhearted, but I don't pity him. He is twisted and small and entirely self-centered. Now, you might argue that the Ring is what corrupted him, but I would disagree. The Ring is not what made Gollum evil, it simply distilled the evil that was already residing within him. He was selfish and greedy long before he saw the Ring and killed his friend. And later, as long as Frodo was friendly and sympathetic toward Gollum, Gollum served him. But as soon as Gollum felt misused, he began to plot revenge. You even see it in the arguments Gollum has with himself.

As I was typing this description of Gollum, I saw a picture of myself. I am small. And twisted. And far too self-centered. It is so much easier to look at my wrong behavior and blame it on my circumstances, or the other people in my life. But the Bible teaches that sin is actually who we are, manifested in what we do. It is our nature. Our biggest problem is not OUTSIDE of us. My biggest problem is that my heart is focused on me. But Christ came to save me from myself! He lived and died to draw my focus back where it belongs, loving God and loving others. And one day. One glorious day, I will finally be free of the focus on myself. Lord Jesus, come quickly!

The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart.
Genesis 6:5-6
 
And he said, "What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person."
Mark 7:20-23
 
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:3-7

Bombarded

I DO NOT love working out. In fact, I don't even really LIKE working out. But I have become convinced that I need to work out in moderation as a matter of stewardship. So, I started a workout program this summer. However, at the end of a month of the program, I was so frustrated! Even though I was getting stronger (the main goal I had at the outset), I was dissatisfied. I dreaded hitting the play button. After a couple of busy weeks off, I realized that every workout was urging me to elevate "fitness" in my life. "Eat right. Include our health drink in your diet. Working out makes you a better person." etc.

I was pondering this some more this morning. Do you realize that we are CONSTANTLY being bombarded by our culture. You are a city under siege. And the Enemy would like nothing better than for you to fall under the temptations and demands you face. There is always one more thing to worry about. One more priority to work into your schedule. One more activity in which your child(ren) need to participate. It never ends! And if the external issues were not enough, our own sinful hearts sabotage us from within!

But I LOVE the Psalms. Again and again in Psalms. God is called "my rock", "my fortress", "my stronghold". I NEED that! I need a safe place to go and hide from all that life and culture throw at me! I need solid ground to stand on so that when I get whacked, I don't get buried. I need a strong hand to hold me up when my sin drags me down! I need my Savior!

The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.
Psalms 18:2-3
 
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
Psalms 91:1-4
 
If the LORD had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought, "My foot slips," your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.
Psalms 94:17-19
 
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. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah
Psalms 62:5-8