Category: Christian Living

Reflections of Light: Humble

“He has told you, O man what is good; what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8

Walk Humbly with your God?

Humble is a word I know as an old brand name for Exxon Oil, or as a name for a city in Texas, or as a description for poverty-level living conditions. But what does the word “humble” mean applied to my life with God?

DEFINITION: Humble = not proud or arrogant; having a feeling of subservience

In my culture describing a person as humble in appearance or actions is not valued. Instead of being humble, we are encouraged to be confident, persuasive, assertive, and strongly self-reliant. Perhaps God does not evaluate human character as my generation does.

“For the proud will be humbled, but the humble will be honored.” Luke 14:11

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ” Col.3:12

If humble is the opposite of proud, then when I am over-confident in my personal knowledge, abilities, experience, or achievements, I am proud in the biblical sense. The mistake is relying on myself instead of looking to God for wisdom or help. Logically thinking, if God is true to His word, am I setting myself up to be brought low to cure the pride that elevated my wisdom above His?

One man had every right to be proud, Jesus Christ. Complete and perfect in logic, abilities, emotions, and spirit- yet everything Jesus did on earth was in submission to His Father’s will. That will which He carried out obediently and without complaint. As the Son of God, He had every right to be proud but He chose not to be.

“…walk humbly with your God”

It is clear that I need to grow up in my faith to be more like Jesus. When life’s circumstances crush my dreams or change the path I expected to take, I cannot continue to pout that life is unfair because what I wanted to happen did not happen. I need to look to God in prayer and depend on His wisdom, resources, and healing instead of scheming my way around the disappointment.

I wonder if the loss of control in several areas of my life are not hidden blessings to help me realize that I need to fully depend on my Heavenly Father and witness His success in solving my problems?

I am way past childhood, and have been responsible for all my decisions for years. But I realize that many of my problems come from my rushing ahead of God and depending only on myself -leaving God’s guidance out of my equation.

Holy Father,

When life doesn’t go the way I planned or unexpected problems pop up, please help me to remember to come to you with my hurt like a toddler. As I tell you my needs, I want to beam with confidence in Your love for me, Your ways, Your timing, and Your resources.

Sometimes, my Lord, I forget that I am not on my own to answer every question. Forgive me, for leaving You out of my process when You are there to listen, You love me dearly, and You know all the answers.

I want to turn it over to You and rest in the knowledge that I am safe in Your loving arms. I ask these requests knowing that I have no right to call you Father except by the sacrifice of Your Son and my Savior. AMEN

Wondering about …Jesus as a Child

Do you ever wonder what kind of boy Jesus the Nazarene was? A Jewish child living in a Gentile region over 2,000 years ago. Although He is known as the Son of God, He is also called the Son of Man. What does that mean?

Local citizens thought of Him as the child of Mary, stepson of Joseph the carpenter, older brother of James. His disciple and friend, John, had a another name for Him, the Word.

A regular, ordinary human child- but was He? Not according to the Bible:

“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 anything made that was made.” John 1:2-3 ESV

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities–all things were created through Him and for Him.” Col. 1:15-16 ESV

We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; He came to help the descendants of Abraham. Therefore , it was necessary for Him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that He could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then He could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Hebrews 2:16,17 NLT

Jesus Christ, a member of the Trinity with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit during creation of the earth.

Jesus the Son of God, the versatile Artist who designed a horse to gracefully run across grasses also sculpted a comical anteater whose appearance is perfect for a life lived in soil and rocks. What beauty and function merged perfectly into these different forms and many others.

Jesus, Son of God, the Artist of creation, obeyed Father God’s will- to be born on earth as a human child, so He was also the Son of Man. The same Jesus lived a sinless human life never doing anything against God’s instructions. That perfect human life qualified Him to be the remedy for sinful humans who choose to become the children of God. All humans can become the children of God, but many choose to make their own way without God’s help.

Still, as a ten year old human child, what was Jesus like?

Did Mary’s Son use a twig to draw shapes in the dirt around Nazareth?

Was He the first one to point out a cloud that looked like an old man’s face?

Did Jesus invent new games out of rocks to entertain His friends?

I am curious because when I was working out at the gym, I saw something that reminded me of Him. Holding up the roof and ceiling over my head was a large wooden beam where hidden in the grain was the drawing of a nude woman with long hair holding her arms up toward heaven.

I wonder, did my Redeemer and friend, Jesus Christ, draw that silhouette inside the tree that grew in a forest over 60 years ago? Did He know that one day I would be grumbling and look up, seeing His artwork, and smile with pleasure at the thought of Him and His abilities?

Father God,

How grateful I am that I can come to You as an adopted child. Please help me to see the beauty and wonder of our world. Help me to look for and identify traces of You in nature and in the people around me. I thank You for the essence of Your character revealed through Christ adding joy and humor to an ordinary life .

Amen

***Have you heard of Jesus Christ, but you don’t really know Him ? Are you searching for a relationship where you are deeply loved and that does not end? Do you long for hope in a struggling situation where you can find no answers? Look to God for help.

Do you want peace with God?

Too Busy

Widowed for over 14 years, children grown, siblings dead, relocated from her small town church friends. Knowing Jean was lonely, I stopped by one afternoon. Her snug cottage shared land with her son, Junior’s, house.

While we were visiting, Jean jumped up from her chair hearing tires on the driveway. She stood in the doorway looking towards the other house saying, “Look, he’s home! Junior must be so tired; he left early this morning.”

The white, fluffy head on the 89 year old body stepped out the door to her porch. Right hand held in a wave with a smile on her face to the man getting out of his pickup, but Junior never turned toward her. Papers in hand, he closed the car door and walked quickly into his house.

Disappointment showing in her face, Jean walked back into her house saying, “Bless his heart, he must have a lot on his mind. I wouldn’t keep him long. I just wanted to ask how how his day went, and to tell him that I love him. Oh well, maybe tomorrow he will have time to visit a minute…”

Once again she sat down in her chair and took the TV remote changing the channel. Looking at me, Jean smiled saying, “Let’s see what the weather is going to be.”

As I watched her rounded face look at the screen, I thought harshly of her son who was too busy to have a conversation with the person who delivered him, took care of him , adored him, and who still watched for any opportunity to help him. I realized that if I was in Jean’s place, the rejection would have really hurt my feelings. How could Junior be so self-centered?

Many years have passed since that afternoon in Jean’s living room, but the expression on her face still lives in my mind. It seems humans often ignore or take for granted the one person whom they are confident will always love them.

In our daily world, pressure from the job, house work, necessary duties and errands go first on our “to do” list. Building and maintaining relationships by spending time in conversation is judged to be unproductive.

Holy Father God,

This verse in your Book made me think that I often treat You like Junior treated Jean all those years ago:

“I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not call on my name,

I said, ‘Here am I , here am I’ all day long I have held out my hands to obstinate people who walk in ways not good pursuing their own imaginations.” Isaiah 65:12

Like the children of Israel, do I ignore spending time with my Heavenly Father choosing instead to start my list of duties, planning, or worrying about the future?

I realize that You are Almighty God and not a mere human being. You are completely self-sufficient. You don’t need me, but I am positive that I need You.

So I wonder, since you created me in your image with free will and emotions, shouldn’t I be using my free will to choose to spend time with the One who loved me first and loves me still with all my faults?

Have I often hurt your feelings, Lord, when I don’t take time to get still and speak to you, but I can talk with a complete stranger at checkout when I am “so busy?”

Forgive me God!

Please help me prioritize every day to get still, read your Word, and talk face-to-face in prayer with You about those duties, plans, and worries. You are the One who is in control, knows all, and is always near me.

Help me to be sensitive to your presence in my life. That I might reflect and reciprocate your abundant love for me back towards You. I want to show my love not by doing things for You, but by choosing to spend time with You.

Convict me Spirit of Truth when my confidence in the fact that Almighty God loves me enough to ransom and adopt me by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ drifts into taking God’s presence and blessings for granted. I want to stop that.

Amen

“For thus said the Lord of hosts, after his glory sent me to the nations who plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye–” Zech. 2:8 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life,” John 3:16 ESV

“Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister , and Lazarus.” John 11:5

Strange…that Name

How ironic that the name too holy to be written or fully pronounced by humans should be used that way. That a name written by Jewish worshipers as G_D , YHWH , or Hashem (“the Name” in Hebrew) should now be a curse.

How unusual it is that the taxi driver who spoke no English in an Asian country where only 1.5% of the population identified as Christians would even know the name. That he would clearly pronounce the name conveying supernatural power with such strong emotion. Had the driver known the back story of the person called that, would he have been fearful of a Indignant God’s reaction to the spoken dishonor?

That the taxi driver, when paid extra and asked to carry six cumbersome bags of luggage up the 3 flights of stairs in the heat of a summer night, would say “Christos!” with such insult. Poor driver, he may only have heard those words as a epithet of contempt. He probably knows nothing about the godly human life behind the name.

Christos, short for Jesus Christ.

Also known as THE:

Anointed One, Messiah, Redeemer, Son of the Living God, Son of Man, Immanuel, Savior, King of Kings–titles that speak of mystical power and supreme authority. Names that speak of the love of Father God to adopt some unworthy children from a death camp by paying the sin ransom of one perfect human life–His Only Son’s life, Jesus.

Perhaps the most tragic misuse of language is to speak the word for God’s greatest blessing to mankind as an expression of cussing. Just another one of the many actions against a Holy God by people who are clueless about God’s nature and feelings.

I am sorry Jesus that You are continuing to receive shame from us. It would hurt my feelings and anger me to have my name used as an expletive over and over again by people who know nothing about the real me. Forgive us and open our minds to know the truth about You.

Almighty God,

Please help me to remember the reality of Your identity. Having no experience living close to royalty, I’m sure I do not approach You with the dignity You deserve. Help me to show You honor and respect in more ways than just the words I utter. Lord, refine my finite mind to better know Who you really are and who I really am because of You.

I do know Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, is coming back to claim His own. I desire to show His importance before the crowd of humanity gathers. But even that I am powerless to do without Your help. Please help me proclaim Your Son’s worth to those around me in the careful way He would.

Because the day is coming when every human will acknowledge Your power… Both those who chose to believe in Your goodness to replace their wrongs and those who chose to believe their own goodness would satisfy a righteous Supreme Being. I ask these things in Jesus Christ’ priceless name.

AMEN

“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus., who gave himself as a ransom for all people .” 1 Timothy 2:5,6

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth., and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:10,11

“Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him;” and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen.” Revelation 1:7

Unshakeable Peace

Opening the brown envelope, I see the black and white image for the first time. Many years have passed since this picture was taken. In fact, it has been more than 2 decades since the laughing man walked on the earth.

The remarkable part of the moment in time is the expression on the children’s faces. Young and vulnerable as they are, the boy and girl show no fear – only assurance and delight. Their daddy is with them to protect from all harm: roving coyotes, strangers who steal children, and loud sounds in the night. To be sure, they could fall down and skin a knee, but they know their daddy always makes the situation better.

Frequently frightened, Davey and Mary are confident in their safety. All is good because that man is near, and they belong to him. Whatever scary creatures come their way, will have to go through the smiling man who adores them first.

Though a child no longer -with extensive experience in the ups and downs of human life, disappointments have clouded my once optimistic attitude. My mind clicks through discouraging scenarios: world-wide wars, economic depression, killing diseases, shouting angry people everywhere, and once loving relationships now estranged. I glance again at the calm happiness on the children’s faces, and I envy the peace and joy I see.

Yet, I know my protector, Jesus Christ, is with me, and he is not a mere man.

Forgive me God for not looking for you in the situation; for not remembering you will never forsake me to issues too big for me to handle alone.

Forgive me, for choosing to worry rather than tell you my concerns. You encourage me with your words in the Bible, and I can talk to you in prayer. Sorry, I have acted like I have forgotten who I am and to Whom I belong!

All Powerful God,

Help me, Almighty God, to see you as you really are-Conquerer of evil, time, and isolation. The One who voluntarily gave up powers and abilities to live a human life filled with poverty, prejudice, and pain to secure my right to be called a child of God. The only human who was raised from death to sit beside His Father in heaven. The same One who lives now to help God’s children.

Help me, my Redeemer, to listen for your words of wisdom and encouragement. To remember that I am your sheep and belong to the Father. That no matter how overwhelmed I am, you know the way forward. Shepherd, you know I often think I know the way. Please pull me back to follow you instead.

My Lord, help me to show a childlike trust in you – whatever comes in life. I want my eyes to shine with joyful delight as I watch to see what you will do next. Because You are my peace…

Amen.

People were bringing children to Him so that He would touch and bless them, but the disciples reprimanded them and discouraged them [from coming]. But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and He said to them, “Allow the children to come to Me; do not forbid them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever does not receive and welcome the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” And He took the children [one by one] in His arms and blessed them [with kind, encouraging words], placing His hands on them. Mark 10; 13-16 Amplified

Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, in everywhere you go; He is the One who will keep you on track. Proverbs 3:5,6 Message

“I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.” John 16:33 Message

Once Again

Disappointment permeates the hope I had. I’ve been on this path a long time. You’d think I would have learned something by now. But I’ve done it again.

I say that I believe God is sovereign and in charge of everything that happens to me and in my world. I say that God Almighty is good and doing good even when I can’t see the good or understand how it is good. I say God knows everything, and that He is wiser than I will ever be.

Yet, I am sad today because my plan did not work out. Oh Holy God, you know that I call myself your follower, but you and I both know I really want to be your leader. Actually, I just want you to execute my plan for life in the time frame I laid out for you.

The same issue- did it again. Know it is wrong- did it again. Know I am not omniscient – but did it again anyway. It is ridiculous; I continue to fall into the same pot hole! Forgive me Lord for always wanting to be in control. Please help me to ask for your will and then actually wait patiently in anticipation of seeing what you will do.

Disgusted with myself, my mind wanders to the memory of that kindergarten skate night years ago…

Squeals of delight join the thump of skates and shoes dropping on the floor,as I notice the roller rink is crowded with children.

A DJ plays rock music illustrated by strobe colored lights.

Fourth and fifth graders move with confidence onto the wooden oval.

Second and third graders assume favorite positions in the snack bar, game area, or roller rink.

Kindergarten and first graders quickly segregate into two groups: experienced skaters ready for competition and novice skaters clutching parents’ hands with eyes wide with fear and excitement.

A new song begins and the circle is is filled with skaters dancing on wheels.

The inner core of bodies move like race cars gyrating as they glide while the outer edge slows with children barely balancing on their rollers.

My little girl tackles the rink with me holding her hand and walking beside her in sneakers. Though her snail’s page is almost imperceptible, she dismisses me from the floor after one loop. Confidently understanding the process, she begins another gradual circuit.

As I watch the near-miss and actual collisions happening, Mattye comes to my side. Her eyes are filled with the same wonder as the other kindergarteners.

Although she only turned five in June, Mattye stands a head taller than the others and weighs double the pounds of my little girl.

She has the appearance of a bully, but possesses the opposite personality.

Her words are soft and spoken with an occasional lisp,” Will you help me… skate?” Looking around the adults, I don’t see her parents.

We step into the arena, and Mattye’s feet shuffle in a rough skating form. Quickly, she falls toward the right, that leg suddenly ejecting. I steady her, so she is once again vertical.

The shifting feet begin again, and we move 18 inches forward. Then her left foot takes off in airborne flight.

I adjust my weight to counter hers, and she stays up. Softly she whispers as she glances my way, “Sor-ry.”

We begin again, and she falls. Still again, and she falls. Once again, and she falls. Her feet seem to be moving in fast-forward speed in totally different directions.

Slowly I explain what to do again. But she makes the same mistake. I am tired, a muscle in my back hurts, my arms tingle with the strain, and I want to go sit down.

But, when I look at Mattye

Her golden-brown curls circling cherub cheeks

Mouth pursed in concentration

Blue eyes pleading with no other grown up to help

Wanting to skate, but afraid with each fall I will let go

or worse- give up on her.

I cannot NOT help her!

That’s when I see the resemblance, Lord!

She looks like me– we share the desire to glide gracefully, but in reality we are unable to stand erect much less glide without a helping hand.

Mattye’s issue is only one of balance and experience skating. My problem is harder to correct. I ask for your help, and then rush into doing what I think.

Do my legs seem to be motorized when I fall into trusting myself instead of trusting you, God of the Universe?

Your strong hand holds me up to keep me from busting myself. I hear your instructions in my head and even study the book. But when I choose to rush ahead and fix things, I plummet with greater impact affecting those around me.

But you, Holy God, you never let me fall or fail completely. Being with my every step, you prop me up by your power and love to take another step.

Thank you Heavenly Father,

for loving the unsuccessful and slow to learn

for allowing me to choose my way but proving to me your way is better

for not giving up on me -even when I do.

When the next control issue pops up in my life, please help me stand looking confidently to you and waiting for you to show me what I should do.

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Psalm 37:23,24

“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:10

“I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:8

Love, More than Skin-Deep

The date on the calendar is illustrated with profuse flowers, chocolates, and expensive dinner dates. Yet, many couples celebrating their love cherish little beyond individual needs or ambitions. A small minority have commitment that will carry through dashed dreams or great financial need. But there are a few:

Once a year it happened. Charles sang,”Let me Call you Sweetheart, I’m in Love with You” to Jean. The day arrived without fanfare, but it did not exit without the statement being made.

Charles came home from work on time and sat in his chair. With no announcement he would begin the song. Jean would hear the beginning words, drop the ladle, set down the pan, and quickly walk to the den to see her husband’s face.

Slightly off key in his low cow-calling voice, Charles would sing their song again loudly to Jean. His eyes looking up to catch hers over the two younger boys playing with trucks on the floor, past the teenage boy asking when supper would be ready. Ignoring the two girls arguing in the kitchen over who set the table and who opened the can of peas. Finally, over the black dog nudging his hand, the cornflower blue eyes would find hers.

Charles would smile his wide grin holding her eyes with his as he finished the song. Her navy blue eyes glistening with tears, Jean would smile back at him. Then, slowly turning and wiping her hands on her apron, Jean would walk back into the kitchen.

Without extra words, that valentine ritual confirmed the deep bond of love between the man and woman. No extra money for a dinner at a restaurant. No fresh flowers and no chocolates were given. No reprieve from feeding and raising children. No special gift other than the thought of remembrance and a song sung with a smile.

Perhaps the best Valentine’s Day gift of all is to sing a love song when you are not a singer; to express deep love and commitment to another in midst of the circumstances.

My love would look at me awkwardly, so would our children if I broke into a song proclaiming my feelings for them. In fact, I can’t remember when I last sang my deepest affection out loud.

Remembering Charles and Jean, I wonder if I have placed emphasis on surface level actions. Am I looking for and giving the wrong gifts to the ones I love?

Holy One, you are the originator of this deep emotion, love. I have to admit, I still don’t understand why you would want to have a fickle human adopted into your family. Yet, I believe you do, or you would not have sent your only son to take my punishment. In accepting your most costly gift, I long to be more like my Giver. Help me, Lord to express delight and commitment to you and my other loves.

I admit when life is busy or depressing, I don’t listen for your encouragement that you still love me. That you have a plan for me. That you like me and think I am special. That you are walking beside me and will not leave me whatever happens. Instead, I hear my own fears and questions.

Dear God, are you singing your song of love and commitment to me, and I haven’t been listening? Please help me to interrupt my constant motion and listen for your tune.

In the squawk of a BlueJay

Chirp of the Robins

Squeak of the fan motor

Bubbling of the pond fountain

Rustle of the Mimosa tree seeds in the breeze

Laughter of the children next door

Are you singing your love to me though the world you created? Help me to listen and respond back to you with devotion. May I bring a sparkle to your eyes because I radiate and sing your love back to you and those around me?

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, But will rejoice over you with singing.” Zeph 3:17

“By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me…” Psalm 42:8

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32:7

“…Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Eph. 5:19b,20

So here I go…it could be a hum or a whistle. May I start with you and then go to the other cherished gifts you have given me….

“Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father, There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not; As Thou has been Thou forever wilt be. Great is Thy faithfulness!…” ***

***Song by T.O.Chisholm and William M. Runyan

Alternate Reality

Please help me, Holy God. My whole world has changed overnight!

The future I had already pictured in my mind is dashed. People are horribly sick with many dying. The economy that I trusted and thought was unstoppable is bludgeoned. Good people walk around with haunted faces wondering what they will do without a job. Children peep out behind their parents warily looking about for the danger that is keeping them inside. Although I am still living in the same world, everything is different… I feel like I am sinking in quicksand.

But you, My Lord, are the same. You do not change. You are all powerful. You have the ability to be present anywhere while we are stuck to one place in one time period.

You, Perfect One, know all things. You are The Creator and Designer of humans and the world. You understand intricacies that our scientists have not discovered. There is no end to your knowledge or the reach of your hand.

Almighty God, as my feet struggle to support my weight on this shifting sand, I come to you asking for light on this depressing path.

What I do know is that you are Holy and Just. Your personal quality of holiness means you cannot have anything to do with people who do wrong, and I have done many things I know are wrong. But I confess those wrong things to you, so my condition will change from sinful to godly.

I come before you asking for help in the Messiah’s name claiming my status as your child because of Jesus Christ’s payment for my wrongs. Please help me, Father, to look up to you for the help and hope I need.

“The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.” Psalm 37:23,24 NLT

“He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock, and gave me a firm place to stand. ” Psalm 40:2 NIV

Thank you Lord, that you are always faithful and never forget your promises!