Armed and Dangerous

My study in I Peter has been rich. After all, you can’t talk about the role of authority in our lives—especially in independent-minded America, without stimulating a lively discussion. Or how about the role of women in the home, in the church, in the community? And then there’s that challenging word, “suffering,” that doesn’t quite fit into our “faith” theology or jive with our misconception that “I’ve been good so therefore God owes me a life of ease.” In fact, Peter uses military terminology, “arm yourself,” to tell us to mentally prepare to deal with hard times that are part of God’s will for us. (I Peter 3:14-4:1)

                Seeing the devastation caused by earthquakes, tsunamis, and aftershocks in Haiti, Japan, Indonesia and New Zealand, for example, we can see why the Apostle Peter would write to First Century suffering Christians and tell them to view hardship and persecution, both personal and societal, as an open door for ministering to people’s needs and for sharing the hope we have in Christ. Let's be alert and see life as filled with opportunities!

Aint No Ants on Me!

               When we first moved into our new condo we struggled with periodic invasions of itty-bitty ants. We discovered the building site was formerly a massive ant hill. At the most unexpected times an almost microscopic chain gang crew dressed in black would march across our tile floor or invade the laundry or bathroom. Sneaky little critters! Always looking for a hole or crack that would let them in.

                Sort of like sin, hu? Little—like white lies. Seemingly harmless. But relentless. Finding the holes in our armor.
                Yes, I rubbed them out with the sole of my shoe. And I called the exterminator. No ants welcome here. Satan, be gone! As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Secrets

The other day I was reminded of the inspirational idea given to me by an older friend when I was a young mom. She said she looked every day for an opportunity to “anonymously” bless someone in her family—to do something nice, something unexpected, something not done for reward, thanks or recognition for her husband or one of her children each day. Have I done it every day of my life? No. But more times than I would have without the inspiration. So—in the busyness of getting back to school and routine, look for ways to quietly bless those around you. God, who sees in secret, rewards openly.

"Costume and Prop" Envy

     The Apostle Paul, suffering in a Roman prison, encouraged Philippian believers to remain strong, to rejoice always in their salvation and to remain focused on God and His purpose for their lives. Saying yes to God is saying yes to His script for me. He provides the “costumes and the props”, so to speak, that will best suit the role He enlisted me to fill. This means the opportunities and experiences presented to me will be unique—simply because my role is unique.

     When I wrap my mind around this revelation, oh, how freeing it is! It means I don’t have to be envious of others or frustrated with the options I did/didn’t have presented to me or the talents I do/don’t have. If I don’t have what I need in order to accomplish something, then either I’m trying to do something outside His plan for me--or that is His window for a miracle. (We all want miracles; we just don’t want to be in a place where we need one, but a miracle is only a miracle if I can’t do it on my own!)

Hudson Taylor said it this way, “God’s work, done God’s way, will have God’s provision.”

     So ask yourself: 1) What is God’s purpose for me? 2) Am I doing that? 3) Have I gotten side-tracked into things that aren’t in His purpose for me? 4) Am I distracted by looking at other people’s “costumes and props”? 5) Do I expect God to do miracles to fulfill His purpose through me?"

"His divine power has given us all things that pertain unto life and godliness . . ." II Peter 1:3

Subtly Self-righteous

                Ever find yourself expecting people to think and act just like you? How do you respond when they don’t? Compliment them on their creativity---their ability to think outside the box (your box) . . . Or comment on their obviously inferior intellect, info-gathering process or spirituality?

                The other day I found myself saying, “I just can’t imagine doing . . . .” and the Holy Spirit slammed me against the wall with one word, “self-righteous.” ME?? Yes, me. I was reminded that if I’d been given that person’s upbringing, experiences, tragedies, etc., that would be me—or worse.

                “And furthermore,” the Holy Spirit said loudly, “you can learn something from that person.” What! LEARN SOMETHING—“Well, yes (said I, still righteously), learn what not to do.”

                And then Holy Spirit said gently, “No, learn to have compassion, grace and patience; to cover another’s sin; not to judge before knowing all the facts; not to make myself feel righteous (filthy rags to Him) by belittling someone else.” There are riches to be learned from those who rub me the wrong way, irritate me, disappoint me or come at life from a perspective different than mine. Next time I’m tempted to say, “I would never . . .” may I say instead, “Teach me, Lord.”

Guided By His Eye

     Meditating on "I will guide you with my eye," Psalm 32:8, has made me pay attention to unplanned events in my life. Like the other day. When I got home from buying groceries, I discovered the clerk had made an error . . . so back I went. As I left the store for the second time, I greeted a young church family coming in to shop.
     Back in my car, I asked God why the mistake when I was so busy.
     He said He'd orchestrated it so I would meet that family; I was to go back and give them $xx. By now I was driving out of the parking lot--so I looped around, parked again and went back inside.
     Finding the wife, I explained about coming back because of the mistake (I wanted her to know it really was God!), and that God told me it was so I would meet them because I was to give them some $$. She burst into tears--they were short for groceries for the week.
     God knew their need and cared!
     I cannot tell you how glad I was that I was watching and listening. And obedient.

Show Is Better Than Tell

     When I was a little girl, my mother sang hymns every day from morning til night . . . and I probably know the words to every verse of every hymn in most hymnbooks! What a heritage :)
     My vivid picture of my mother includes her curly brown hair, warm smile, cotton dress that she no doubt made, white anklets and canvas shoes . . . cooking, sewing, working in her garden or visiting shut-ins or teaching Sunday school or VBS, always with an eye for the poor and needy . . . and always singing.
     My style was a bit different . . . when our children were small and up until they went to high school, I would tuck them into bed and then sit on the end of one of their beds or in a chair and sing them to sleep. I sang the same simple songs, all in the same key, night after night, putting my heart into them so they would get a feel for the sound of personal worship.
     Years later, on the first mission trip the girls and I took to Mexico, Devorah was invited to sing as all the girls snuggled down to sleep. Imagine my amazement when, beginning with "Open My Eyes, Lord, I Want To See Jesus," she sang my old repertoire!
     One day about ten years ago, I rode with Tim to Wenatchee. As he drove out of the driveway, he began to sing "Sweet Adoration," another of my old songs. I commented on it, and he replied, "Mom, it's one of my favorites."
     When granddaughter Lucy (Rachel's daughter) was 3 1/2, I babysat for her overnight. I tucked her into bed, kissed her good night, we said prayers, and then I sat on the end of her bed and began to sing . . . of course, my old and loved songs. As I began, her little voice came from the pillow, "My mommy sings that to me." My heart swelled up with joy. As I finished "Oh, Lord, You're Beautiful" and began "Jesus, Name Above All Names, she whispered, "My mommy sings that song, too."
     Tears filled my eyes. God, You are faithful!
     So, with my little story, I challenge you, "Are you "showing" your faith to your children?" It doesn't have to be the way my mother did it, or the way I did it--be yourself--but remember, "Show is better than tell!"
P.S. Devorah went on to sing with the Virginia Opera, Tim is Director of Worship for Menlo Park Presbyterian in MP, CA, and Rachel sings on the worship team for Open Doors Presbyterian in Walnut Creek, CA. And they are each serving Jesus. Thank you, mother, for showing me the way so I could pass it on!