What Good Is a Memory?

"The Forgotten Battle", he said. "Remember that title."

"I'm putting it in my phone."

"We can watch it tomorrow." He countered with a tone that said, "No need for that, just remember it."

Now, I'm not saying we are getting older, but he gets halfway to the kitchen and can't remember why he's going there; I start a sentence and one small interruption, distracts me from what I was saying. We're human; our faculties glitch and wear. If only we could purchase a few more terabytes of storage. 

Then there are those things we prioritize of our own volition. Does my brain need to retain last week's shopping list? No. DELETED! Do I need to recall the phone number of my childhood home? No. DELETED! Do I need to remember the names of our grandchildren? Ab-so-lutely! STORED INDEFINITELY! 💕 Those are some pretty obvious choices --at least, for the grandmothers among us. But how often do we mess that up? How often do we wrongly prioritize or fail to see the value of something. Not long ago, I ripped up a reimbursement check. It was stuck to the back of some junk mail. If you've ever tried to get someone, particularly a large entity, to reissue a check, you know what a fiasco that can be. Obviously, I knew the value, I just wasn't paying attention; I wasn't looking for something of value among the clutter of things addressed to "RESIDENT." 

Scripture tells us there is nothing new under the sun. God's people, Israel had a memory glitch as well. Psalm 106 tells us again and again, "They forgot." Verse 7 in The Complete Jewish Bible says, they "failed to grasp the meaning of your wonders." Their human system of purging and retaining what was important was flawed. They didn't understand the significance and therefore, filed God's wonders under "Low Priority." When their judgment wasn't flawed, it was outright rebellious. Verses 13 & 14:

They soon forgot His works;
They did not wait for His counsel,
But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness,
And tested God in the desert.

The word translated "forgot" also means to ignore, to cease to care. This was not a case of aging equipment: they didn't even try. No putting it in their phones or tying strings around their finger or retelling of it to younger generations. And as a result, they fell away, followed their feelings, envied, crafted their own idols, griped, sacrificed their children, and suffered God's wrath. 

What good is a memory? The Bible is chock full of memories from cover to cover! The history of the past becomes the wise counsel of today. Memory holds us firmly in place when the storms of life come. What has God said? What has God done? Memory keeps us on our knees in reverence and brokenness as we recall who God has revealed Himself to be. Memory bathes our spirits in comfort and assurance when the way is grievous. Memory boosts our stamina when the way seems long. And it is my earnest prayer that when I am old(er) and gray(er), though my mind may crumble and memories fly like dust to the wind, though I may recall nothing else, what is indelibly imprinted on my soul is God's purest hesed for me and my unwavering devotion to Him.  

    

Midweek: On Great Waters

Those who go down to the sea in ships,
Who do business on great waters,
They see the works of the Lord,
And His wonders in the deep.

~ Psalm 103:23, 24

The privilege to see --perhaps even, the ability to see my Savior at work, comes with being in peril.

Does that sound radical to you? a little crazy? It might just be but read The Beatitudes some time. They turn the customs and tenets of this world completely on their head. Likewise, the truth that trouble when placed in the hand of a faithful and sovereign Deliverer is a blessing, a gift, a privilege.

How can we see the Great Physician at work if we or our loved ones are never ill? How can we learn to pray mighty prayers if we are given no reason to do so? How do we learn to be grateful in every circumstance if, in every situation we encounter, gratitude is a natural reaction? How do we see the depth of God's provision if we believe our sustenance comes from any other source? How does our faith increase if we never experience the unknown? How do we learn to suffer well if we never suffer at all? How do we grieve with hope if we never have cause to grieve?

We endure these things --not as victims, for we are more than conquerors! And as we endure, we are witnesses. We see firsthand what others throughout history --biblical history included --have seen. We gain a front row seat to the character of God, to His power, to His will being done --despite the ugliest of circumstances --on earth as it is in heaven. As those who venture out onto the deep, with little to buffer us but a flesh and bone vessel which is itself wind-whipped and wave-driven, we bear witness to the perfecting activity of our Father and Creator in all exploits --terrifying and terrific --for His glory and our good.

Thanks be to God whose love can never be separated from His people! 

You Can't Control It and You Shouldn't Try

Retirement has not been what I expected. It has been busier and livelier without my industry than I ever anticipated. As a result, I don't have time to explore those questions from Scripture that have picked at me so. One such question is with regard to Noah and Abraham. Both were forewarned of an impending doom; Noah, the entire earth, and Abraham, two cities. Abraham went to bat for those cities, pleading with God that, if there were to be found ten righteous men, God would not destroy them. Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did. That's what Scripture says. No pleading, no bargaining; Noah obeyed without, so it seems, putting forth any effort to stop the course of God's judgment. Why the difference? And what does that teach us? As I said, I've not had opportunity to really examine either of the accounts with answers to those questions in mind, but I can tell you what I've been learning.

Sometimes, human beings can stay in grief. Sometimes, human beings can choose to fixate on the sickness. Sometimes human beings can lock eyes with whatever disaster has befallen them and remain there. None of that is good. But, in my humble opinion, the greatest victory one can hand the enemy is believing we possess some sort of control over outcomes. While adversity comes upon us, upending our lives for a time and, in some cases, causing us to never realize the good God wishes to work in and through us, the need for control paralyzes us even before the trouble comes. It leaves us exactly where we are, unwilling to let go long enough to learn or do anything. I can't let my adult children fail. I can't bear to see the shelter close. I can't lose my mom. I can't let someone else have the position I've worked to get. I can't allow the bill to go unpaid. But what if you could? What if you did?

Noah said, Okay, and grabbed a hammer. And, while Abraham chose more preventive means, his bottom line was, If this condition does not exist, Thy will be done. Even the Apostle Paul, suffering from "a thorn in his side," prayed three times for God to remove it; when his request was denied, he moved on. So be it. 

So many things go wrong without warning, and what do we do? Go through it. When trouble descends suddenly, we trust God. We fall on our faces, call our prayer warriors, fast, open our Bibles; we supercharge our spiritual lives. But what of those troubles that creep? Like an approaching storm, we see them coming, and we begin our work. We manipulate, reschedule, and solicit information from every corner of the internet. We take a job we weren't told to take, babysit an adult we should surrender to prayer, worry and exchange our joy for some version of disciplined religiosity that will help us curry favor with the God who controls everything. We say and do anything to keep alive an entity or relationship God wants gone (at least for a time). Perhaps the greatest gift God can give us is the blindsided nature of tragedy; perhaps the greatest test is the subtle creeping in of difficulty. Will we allow God to do what it is He is wanting to do? Will we allow God to be God, and still worship Him anyway? Will we surrender our agenda that God might bring triumph from tragedy? Are we willing to step aside and cede the control we never had for the glory God wishes to give?

Photo Courtesy Rich Harmon

Tough Love

A friend of mine was just telling me about a terrible situation with her adult child. It escalated, and the police were called. My friend refused to allow this adult child back into the home --at least, for that night. Before leaving, an officer confronted my friend, dropping on her a steaming pile of condemnation. A difficult decision was made more difficult by the judgment of an outsider. And, while I concede there may have been experiential knowledge he attempted to share, it came out in the form of reproach. So, today I want to encourage those who are wrestling with, praying about, agonizing over the life of a reprobate adult child. Don't follow your heart, don't spend days pouring over parenting books or YouTube videos. Simply, "Love your neighbor as yourself." 

"Don't we show ourselves tough love from time to time? Don't we give ourselves a good talking to?" my friend asked as she continued. "Why do people think we are wrong if we do that with our adult children?" She is absolutely right. We love ourselves in a way that demonstrates self-care and self-discipline. We know there is danger in allowing ourselves to act exclusively for comfort or convenience. We establish boundaries, particularly in areas where we have struggled with addiction. We know being undisciplined is not good for us or anyone we are commissioned to serve. Tough self-love benefits others as well. But when it comes to our children...? "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you wouldn't allow yourself to act that way in your home, why are we allowing other adults --adults who refuse to moderate their behavior out of respect for others --why are we allowing these adults to do that?

We set boundaries for a four-year old. No, you may not have another cookie before dinner. We set boundaries for our thirteen-year old. That's enough screen time for today. Why are we so reluctant to do that with our twenty-year old? Our thirty-year old? Do we love them less? I certainly hope that's not the case! Maybe we just fear them more. As our children age, they become more autonomous, less easy to control. If our four-year old objects to our decision, he stomps off in a huff. Moments later, he comes back with a broken toy in hand. Daddy, can you fix this? A thirteen-year old slams the door of her room and pops in her earbuds, losing her frustration in music. Two hours later, she appears ready to apologize and put her laundry away as instructed. But our adult child? He has bigger consequences should he continue to live his life in this manner. What if he kills someone with his drinking and driving? What if she overdoses? What if he gets caught? Are we that afraid of consequences, we refuse to love? Are we so inclined to control, we forego selflessness? Are we so earthly-minded, we cannot trust God to work in that child's life as He plans? 

Maybe it has less to do with God's work in our child and more to do with the work we have invested in our child. What if she tells people we asked her to leave? What if people find out we gave him an ultimatum? Far be it for anyone to think all of our hard work failed, that our child chose her own way against our principles. Maintain the Everything's okay facade even if it means intolerable conditions within our home and the enabling of our child. Maybe we've convinced ourselves we are that essential to our child's salvation. If she goes to live with her boyfriend, she'll never hear the Gospel. Maybe we're too afraid of the unknown. If he never comes back, I won't know if he's dead or alive. Control through indulgence rather than love with boundaries.

Whatever the reason, we have to be willing to love our neighbor --our adult children, God's children --as ourselves. And this is where it gets back to showing ourselves some tough love. Asking ourselves some questions with some very difficult answers. How is this benefitting them? Or, let's be honest, is this more about benefitting ourselves? What is this doing for those who are watching? What does this say about the God we trust? How does this glorify Him? Do we spend more time praying for them, or centering our thoughts, our plans, our activities around them --maybe even cleaning up after them or bailing them out of their consequences?

And for those who feel compelled to judge parents attempting to lovingly discipline adult children, kindly keep your opinions to yourselves or provide biblical support. Sorry to be so tough.

Photo courtesy Steven Ganski, Jr.

Midweek: Sad But Not Deceived

In Matthew 19:16-22, Jesus is approached by a young man of great wealth. Maybe you know the story. The young man calls Jesus "Good Teacher." Matthew's account, unlike the others in Mark and Luke, seems to place our focus on the "good" thing. "What good thing must I do that I may have eternal life?" Performance, right? My end goal is to be good. Perhaps that is how such a young man acquired his riches. Maybe, from a father who taught him the value of a hard day's work, of being the best and most fruitful. Nevertheless, Jesus questions this prosperous young man's use of the word "good," and proceeds to break it down for him. It's more than checking off boxes, following the letter of the Law. The Law was given to show you where you lack. You must have enough compassion for others, selflessness and humility in your obedience to God, disregard for your own ambitions and your own way, and longing for the eternal, that you are willing to give everything to follow Me. (paraphrase mine) Charles Gore, in his book, The Sermon on the Mount, says the poverty to which Jesus called this young man is a call to detachment. Each Gospel writer, in his account, tells us plainly, the young man went away sad at hearing this because he had many possessions. He turned his back on the Salvation of God because his way of living, his treasure was where his heart was. What no Gospel writer says is that Jesus, feeling so hurt by the young man's rejection, ran after him to pull him back. What no Gospel writer says is that Jesus, so in love with this young man, changed the rules so he could have eternal life. What no Gospel writer says is that Jesus is more interested in happy followers than obedient followers.

Our society puts such value on happy. We love inclusion. We want peace at any cost and pale at the thought of offending someone. Jesus wanted this young man, and every person who overheard this exchange, and every person throughout history who reads these words, to be sad, if necessary, but not deceived. Happiness is no more the end goal than good works and being good. Inclusion is no more the end goal than performance. Peace is no more the end goal than the letter of the Law. Jesus, Jesus is the end goal, following Him alone in full obedience and to completion. 

Does Jesus want joyful people? Certainly. Does He want inclusion? It is not His desire that any should perish. Does He want peace? He is the Prince of Peace. But never at the cost of truth. To seek those things first is to sacrifice Truth for something less than. Jesus is the Truth, and He will not withhold His character to spare someone's feelings. He is the only Way, and He will not provide another for the sake of convenience. Jesus is the Divine Judge, appointed by the Father, and will not spare anyone the truth just to keep the peace. To allow someone to be deceived is not mercy or righteousness. It does not signal to everyone you are acting in that person's best interest. To stand quietly as someone walks away sad, excluded, or outraged but knowing truth, is an act of perfect love. 

Find Your Groom Before You Find Your Husband

Wife, ex-wife, mom, stepmom, and grandmother here. That in and of itself says I have lived, I have loved, and I have made plenty of mistakes. And, while the living and loving have definitely been the most enjoyable part of the journey, it is the mistakes that have taught me the most. That being said, the weightiest, most wholly beneficial advice I can give any single woman is:

  Find your Groom before you find your husband.

My first marriage took place at twenty-one. A great guy. He had goals. He worked hard toward those goals. His family was stable. I was not a great person: I married him for all the wrong reasons, had no real goals of my own, never discussed with him any sort of goals for "us", and couldn't recognize stability with a photo ID. But when he was around, I was 110% his. I dropped everything and everyone for him. The problem? The converse was equally true: when he was not around, I was not his; I dropped him and all thoughts of him. I betrayed him when he was gone as easily as I betrayed others when he was present. Being self-aware is vastly different from being self-absorbed. I was not self-aware.

My second serious relationship took place shortly thereafter. Not such a great guy. I'll leave it at that. But I had learned. I would never hurt someone like I had hurt my first husband. This man had my undying loyalty. Not until he threatened the safety of someone I infinitely loved, did It ever occur to me to defy him. But defy him I did. I spent years paying for it personally and know the pain of watching those I love pay for my bad judgment and selfishness. My undying loyalty to the wrong type of person may have provided something for me in the short term but ultimately brought forth death.

My second marriage might have begun as a beautiful step toward redemption, but redemption as it exists in the natural is inadequate at its very best. Lessons had been learned by both of us (it was his second marriage as well). My career path was taking shape. "Adulting" had begun: a house, cars, children. For a time, it was picture perfect. But the integrity of a snapshot is limited by time and a lack of context. And it was time that began to reveal the context of our relationship. I was still incredibly dependent on the affirmation of others, as was he. I sought that affirmation within our marriage; he chose other avenues. When our relationship ended in an explosion of rational thought and unshakeable boundaries, I swore I'd be by myself forever. Well, not really "by myself."

In the interim, I'd found my Groom. Marriage, the union of one man to one woman, is our picture of Jesus Christ (the Groom) calling His people, the Church (His Bride), to be one with Him. In Genesis 2:24, God declares "a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." In the same way, those who would be followers of Christ, His Church, are to be one with Him. He calls us and woos us, showing us His character through creation and His goodness to us. He demands we forsake all others for Him. He draws us to Himself for the purpose of transforming our lives to bring Him glory. (Does that sound narcissistic to you? Well, if you hold the perfect, infinitely good Creator to the same standard you hold your father or high school principal, perhaps. But if I'm going to serve anyone --and we all serve someone in this life --I'm going to serve the One who is worthy and loves me enough to die for me.)  He leads us and guides us in the way which we should go. He loves His Bride with an everlasting love. Protector, Provider, Defender, Friend, Teacher. This is the picture of a perfect Husband. This is the foundation for a perfect relationship. And though no mere mortal after this would measure up, meeting the one who desired and pledged and worked to emulate my Groom, was a blessing beyond blessings. 

Marriage Number Three. Don't get me wrong, I do not advocate divorce or multiple marriages. However, my relationship with the Lord was still taking form when Scott and I met. I was still attempting to maintain boundaries, to obey, and to resist this persistent, very interesting and tender man. So, there we were, both fumbling our way through the newness of new life. And we've been at it ever since. But finding my Groom has made all the difference. When my husband fails, I seek my Groom so I might forgive. When my husband confronts me about wrong I have done, I seek my Groom so I might humbly accept correction and seek reconciliation. When my husband and I want two very different things, I seek my Groom for wisdom. When my husband is all I dreamed he might be, I seek my Groom to express gratitude for the radical change in each of us that has brought about such blessing. My husband is my partner, my friend, my special blessing; but my Groom is our foundation. Without Jesus, I might be a good wife; with Him, I can be a godly wife. Without Him, I might be happy; with Him I am whole. My Groom is making me the best Bride I can be. For His glory and for the good of my husband and me. 

Whose Flag Are You Flying?

It's the end of May as I write. I am really hoping the month of June will not be the stage for mental illness and debauchery it has been for the past few years. I am really hoping rainbows and LGBTQIA+ flags will not adorn every company logo and city structure known to man. Not because I have no love for that community, not because I have anything against rainbows or flags, but because the flagrant in-your-face campaign that has been encouraged in the past is uncalled for. It's between you and your Creator if you act on your temptation to sin. It's between you and your Creator if you believe He's made some terrible mistake. It's between you and your Creator if you wanna dis His sign of promise. But when you hijack our government buildings, our parks and roadways, our libraries, our schools, and our churches with your personal problems, I take issue. I also take issue with the administrators of those spaces who allow you to hijack them. And, as a believer, I take particular issue with the stewards of God's sheep, buildings, and Word who have allowed --No! not just allowed but encouraged this wickedness. I hope you do, too. 

My family is of European descent. They come from Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Germany, Switzerland, etc., etc. I can't walk into my church with a Union Jack or a German flag and not expect someone to question my motives. What are you trying to say? What are you trying to prove? And quite honestly, I can't think of any motive besides drawing attention to myself in the House of God that would cause me to carry the flag of another country. Even the American flag --though it stands proudly at the front of our place of worship, it stands to remind us of the blessing of our country. It reminds us we are in a place that allows us to worship the One True God, to read His Word aloud and as led by the Spirit. It reminds us we are free to assemble in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. But even if I were to hoist it high and march down the aisle during the time of offering, someone would --I pray --snag me before I got past the second row and say, "Put the flag away, please. It could be a distraction. We are here to worship God."

We are here to worship God. As believers, we are not here to celebrate sin, to coddle apostate hearts, or to allow the perversion of His Word and His promises. We are His ambassadors. His is the only flag we should fly. Loyalty and obedience to God over any other, over every other loyalty. Yet, many American churches have caved to championing the flag of the LGBTQIA+. If it's about making them feel welcome, why are there not flags of other countries? Italians welcome here! Why are there not flags of other states? Missourians welcome here! Why are there not flags of organizations? Marines, or Olympians, or Boy Scouts welcome here! It's a ridiculous effort at being relevant. And God will judge it. God does not need His people to compromise His holiness in order to win souls. The preaching of the early Apostles was fire and brimstone, and thousands were saved at a time. In a culture that fed converts to lions! Scriptures condemn drawing attention to ourselves for any other reason but to draw attention to the God we serve, the God worthy of glory. So, whose flag are you flying? I pray it is His and His alone.

Midweek: NKJV Personal Size Reference Bible & Journal Set

This week I've had the opportunity to look at Thomas Nelson's NKJV Personal Size Reference Bible and Journal Set. The complimentary set I received came in a protective sleeve, bound in a rich purple Leathersoft™. The covers of both books are stitched and embossed in a beautiful, matching design, and the pages of each are gilded in silver, perfectly complementing the covers. Thomas Nelson stands behind this Bible with their lifetime guarantee. The retail value is $59.95, but Amazon is currently selling the set for $37.33.

The Bible is basic in nature: no commentaries, introductions to books, timelines, charts, or Bible survey. There are eight full-color maps and a concordance. Other Bible features include:

• Verse-style Scripture format starts each verse on its own line so it’s easy to navigate the text
• End-of-verse cross-references help you to find related passages quickly and easily
• Words of Christ in red help you quickly identify Jesus’ teachings and statements
• Line-matched text for improved clarity when reading
• Portable personal-size edition allows this Bible to be a perfect travel companion wherever you go
• Durable and flexible Smyth-sewn binding allows the Bible to lay flat wherever you are reading
• Two Ribbon markers make it easy navigate and keep track of where you are reading
• Easy-to-read extra-large 10.5-point NKJV Comfort Print® (The concordance, however, is printed in a much smaller font.)

Journal features include:

• Matching cover and design
• 224 pages of lined space for recording your insights, study notes, and prayers
• Ribbon marker

Personally, I think it's a beautiful set. If I had one criticism, however, it would be with regard to the Bible: the pages are thin and would not support gel pens, most highlighters, and probably many pens without bleeding. Overall, though, both the Bible and journal are elegant in appearance but very functional. The simple design and text of the Bible make it a suitable carry Bible; the sturdy, lined pages of the journal are without ornament, leaving plenty of room for actual journaling. A journal of this quality, purchased on its own, would probably cost anywhere between $10-$15. The set for its current price is a terrific value and would make a lovely gift.   

If You're Not Embracing the Difficult, I Am Praying for You

I don't say it lightly, but if you aren't embracing the difficult, using the grief, speaking a message from the place of mess, I am praying for you. I'm not praying you would experience pain and hardship, but I am praying that whatever pain and hardship you've experienced or are about to experience would not be lost to the enemy. 

Scott and I have had our share of difficulty. I'll spare you the list. Some of it was obviously self-imposed; some through no fault of our own. Was it God testing our faith? An enemy attack? Something to teach others? No use wasting time in the land of speculation, discussing what we think are the whys. That serves little purpose. I mean, we're human; let me just admit, we do that sometimes. We get whatever notice that trouble has made itself comfortable among us for however long, and we question. Is this for real? Didn't we just go through something? Why this? Why now? But we don't stay there. 

There is another option, the one we choose to embrace: What good are You working in this season? We begin to look for the lessons, things within ourselves that need to be changed and how our journey through this trouble will accomplish that. We find the opportunities to point to our Hope, to speak encouragement with truth to others. Yes, this is difficult and agonizing and chaotic, but God's got this. We pray more, fast more, take times of quiet more, point one another toward our Refuge more. We speak Life into the situation --not that God would do as we design, but that He would bring things about perfectly, for that's the only way He can do things. We hang on to His promises and draw nearer to Him in a way we usually don't. And we have discovered, if our hands are full of His promises, we are unable to grasp this thing humans love so much --control. (I believe control is one of the greatest enemies of growth in Christ --but that's for another day.)

Please don't get me wrong, we are not perfect, and we do not always handle things perfectly. But we are learning. We have learned. Growth and joy are taking root because we have been so beaten down by God-awful circumstances or mundane nonsense on repeat. For the greater part, we no longer grit our teeth and clench our fists. We look up and say, Oh, so this is what we're doing for the next few months? Okay then. And it has been LIBERATING! Every financial burden, every tenuous relationship, every irritation, every question --it all goes up. Father God, this is in Your hands. What a blessing that is! And we are privileged to sit back and watch God work. The Creator of the universe is watching over our home. The Author of salvation is writing my story. The Redeemer of the world is working all things out for my good. The King of kings is listening when I tell Him I am afraid. His power and sovereignty are on full display as the difficulties of this world attempt to pull me under. But He has disarmed and humiliated the troubles of this world and their originator. They no longer have any power except to strengthen those in Christ and fill us with joy as we witness our Master at work. 

So, embrace the difficult. Face it head-on with God's Word as your sword and Christ as your Shield. 

Thanks to You, Dad!

On Father's Day last year, our pastor shared wonderful anecdotes about his father. He mentioned a few lessons that remained with him over time, lessons for which he had his father to thank. Our pastor, Bryan, said he believes those things also have spiritual implications for all of us today. I couldn't agree more. 

Bryan's dad taught him how to fight. Our Heavenly Father has taught each and every one of His children how to fight. Ephesians 6:10-20 encourages us to be strong, wear and apply and take up that which we have been given, and pray, pray, pray. We are, so long as we remain on this side of heaven, plagued by temptations and sinful urges; they are part and parcel of life in a world that is cursed. Standing fast, in the confidence of all Jesus has done for us and all His Spirit continues to do in us requires us to know and obey Scripture, and cling to our faith in Him, no matter what.  

Bryan's dad taught him how to fish. I imagine his father telling him to be quiet, be patient. In Jesus' Great Commission to His disciples, He sends us into all the world, bringing others to the saving knowledge of Jesus and partnering with them as we walk out this portion of our lives together. As Jesus told Simon Peter and his brother, Andrew, we are to be fishers of men, not beating them over the head with Scriptures and theology, but gently, lovingly, patiently showing them the way, as we powerfully, earnestly pray!

Bryan's dad taught him how to work. They worked side-by-side in the garden and on cars; together they built things. Two things came to mind. First, His father was right there, laboring alongside him, teaching as they worked. Our Father sent us His Spirit; the Greek word is parakletos, One summoned to another's side, to aid, to comfort, and to lead us in our work. And that is the second reflection: we have been given work to do, the "ministry of reconciliation." As we have been reconciled to God through His Son, Jesus Christ, we are to bring others to meet Him that they might be reconciled as well. We are God's ambassadors, proclaiming the good news of His Kingdom.

Lastly, Bryan's dad taught him to run. He made him "feel like he could run like the wind," instilling tenacity and confidence in a young boy who would one day pastor diligently, faithfully an eclectic group of people, moving where God called him to move and serving how God called him to serve. With this lesson, his father taught him to "be the best you can be" -- not necessarily better than anyone else. Our journey is our journey; God has not called us all to the same thing. When God gave His Ten Commandments, they were strict and applied to every one of His people in the same way. When Jesus fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, God's commandments were expanded to two. Don't you mean reduced? No, I do not. Jesus' coming blew the doors off the way we worship our God. The possibilities are limited only by our ability to love, and God says we are to love with all we have. We have the Holy Spirit, the power to "run like the wind" if we are called to do so; and we need not be the best, we just have to obey.

God is gracious to give us earthly shadows of heavenly things. Our relationships with one another should be a sweet foretaste of how we will spend eternity. And we have our Father to thank.

Happy Fathers' Day!

Midweek: NKJV Study Bible for Kids

The wonderful people at Thomas Nelson Bibles have given me the opportunity to review their newly released purple Leathersoft™ edition of their NKJV Study Bible for Kids. This study Bible has been created for children ages 8-12 with targeted helps and a multi-colored interior. My complimentary copy arrived in an eye-catching protective sleeve. Other editions include a hardcover edition, a softcover, and a blue Leathersoft™ edition. All but the paperback have a satin ribbon bookmark and some are available with the words of Jesus recorded in red print. 

A description from Thomas Nelson's website is as follows:

Key features include:

Epic Ideas articles cover key topics and important themes of the Christian life—from sin and death to salvation, forgiveness, God’s promises, relationships, wisdom, mercy, kindness, end times, and more

Action! segments provide practical ways to apply scriptural truths to everyday life by relating to the issues and emotions encountered by biblical characters

Spotlight: sections show how God has worked among his people in Bible times and how He continues to work in our lives today

Starring Roles: show personality profiles of leading Bible characters—from the greatest to the least—and how God used each of them for his purposes

Behind the Scenes: are informative introductions to each book in the Bible, including highlights, key passages, author, dates, and more

In Focus: call-outs showcase definitions and pronunciations of key words

Book Introductions provide an overview and context for each book

On Location Sections are colorful maps displaying a visual representation of Israel and other biblical locations for better context

Helpful headings dot the two-column format between subjects and events. Additional resources include timelines and a dictionary/concordance.

So, what do I think? Well, I like the timelines. They're a great way to piece together the entire picture of events --especially for children who may be preparing to study world history in school. The print is really small, and the pages are pretty thin. Care should be taken when handling or highlighting. I believe the commentary regarding Cain and Abel takes some liberties with regard to why God was displeased with Cain's offering. I've never known anyone to definitively state the reason --until now. I believe the suggestion a third grader (or higher) call Nicodemus "Nick," is a bit uncalled-for. (We're not talking about Methuselah or Mephibosheth, here.) Most children of that age are perfectly capable of pronouncing Nicodemus, and suggesting we make Scripture unnecessarily familiar or edgy can encourage children to irreverence. Likewise, the commentary on John 3:16 and the salvation message seems a bit adulterated. 

Have you ever acknowledged Jesus as your Savior? Lots of people go to church and do all sorts of religious things (even reading the Bible), but have never made this choice that will impact them for all of eternity.

If you've never taken this step, you can do it now! Just thank God for loving you, and tell Him you believe that Jesus' death paid for your sins.

That's it. No mention of a child's need for a Savior; just that Jesus died for us because God loves us. Nothing about following Jesus and all His ways or becoming His modern-day disciples; just the benefit children receive simply by expressing thanks and belief. In designing a Bible study resource, would it not be foundational to establish the purpose and means of accepting God's free gift of salvation? In a commentary on 1 John 5:12, entitled Having Jesus Is Eternal Life, benefits of life with Jesus --eternal life --are mentioned, but there is little obligation to respond outside of, "I want that." Having been raised around church and Bible doctrine that excluded "the cost," even as a child, when circumstances contradicted the "new life" I was told I now had, my response was to believe "it hadn't worked" or I "was too bad to save." A realistic, informed Gospel message is crucial as we evangelize. All this to say, while the features of this Bible might provoke thought and jumpstart important discussions, I can't heartily recommend it as a study Bible --more of an attempt at an application-style resource. I think a study Bible, even for children, should encourage them to deeper dives into Scripture --cross references and further historical background. This Bible may familiarize them with the format of a study Bible, but I am not confident it will provide your child with a clear study guide absent your help.

This Bible retails for $49.99, but is currently selling for $47.86 on Amazon.

A Parable of Pride

"The meeting of Sheep Lodge 625 will come to order! Apparently, we have a special guest visiting with us tonight. Sherwood, would you like to introduce your friend?"

"Sure! This is Bessie, and Bessie is a cow, of course. But she's not visiting. She wants to be a member of our lodge!"

"A member?" someone cried. "But she's a cow! This is a sheep lodge!" Someone seconded the contention.

"Now, now, let's all just calm down," said the lodge president. "It's wonderful to have you, Bessie. And I think I speak for every true sheep here when I say your membership in our lodge would be an absolute blessing! The Pig Pen doesn't allow cows. The Chicken Coop doesn't allow cows. We would be the most inclusive lodge on the farm! Everyone will see how non-judgmental we are!" 

Several sheep walked out. But the others cheered. From the back of the room, one proposed, "In honor of Bessie and her fellow cows, I think the bylaws should be changed. From now on, we should all speak in cow, so no one feels excluded."

"What a fabulous idea!" said the president. "All in favor say MOO!"

A unanimous MOO burst from the flock. "What an honor!" Bessie exclaimed. "But you really don't have to do all that." 

Nevertheless, the bylaws were changed. They were changed again the following week when Millie the mouse showed up. "In honor of Minnie and her fellow mice, I think the bylaws should be changed to make cheese our official snack!" Several sheep and even a few of Bessie's friends who had joined cried out, "But this is a sheep lodge!" The dissenters walked out. But a unanimous MOO, and cheese was indeed the official snack of the remaining sheep, cows, and mice. 

The week after that, Penny the pig joined the group. "In honor of Penny and her pig friends, I think the bylaws should be changed to include mud baths at every meeting." Some of the mice squeaked, "Mud baths! Sheep don't take mud baths." Some sheep walked out, taking cows and mice with them. But those who remained took another vote. MOO! Mud baths, cheese, and speaking in cow were now written into the bylaws of Sheep Lodge 625. 

On and on, species after species. Within weeks the sheep lodge was no longer full of sheep; there were all sorts of creatures milling about doing things unnatural to their design and not really knowing who they were supposed to be. No longer were the laws of the lodge exclusive to sheep but made concessions and demands of every type of animal. Rather than sheep celebrating their unique qualities within their organization, telling others how good it is to be a sheep (as they'd once done), they moo'ed and tried to stomach the cheese and rolled in the muck. 

"This place is worse than the rest of the farm!" some sheep began to cry. "At least out there, you could distinguish friend from foe. How long will it be before the wolves show up looking for a place?" 

Even Bessie the cow, Millie the mouse, and Penny the pig took umbrage. "This doesn't look like a sheep lodge at all! We didn't come here to be like everyone else; we came here to be like sheep. But you all look worse than the farm! What would the farmer say if he saw?"

In the lodge, sheep were forced to be something they weren't for the sake of inclusion. In the lodge, identity for all was lost because assimilation with the rest of the farm became a priority. In the lodge, truth was exchanged for a lie, and things natural for things unnatural. In the lodge, love was not pure but self-seeking, and the body suffered. In the lodge, all were welcomed but none were held accountable. And the lodge itself looked worse than the rest of the farm, because rather than transform their world, they accommodated their world. 

Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. 
~ Romans 1:22, 23

Photo courtesy LuAnn Martin

Putting Marriage to the Test

Marriage is a funny thing. We are joined to this person we want to protect at all costs but seem to spend an inordinate amount of time protecting them from ourselves. We hide what we think are the worst parts of ourselves from them so as not to irritate them or hurt them or scare them off. They're not going anywhere --usually --they're too busy doing the same thing! It is when we allow those rough edges to be worked out with love in the safety of the relationship, that the relationship can really take its true form. We learn this through Peter's denial in Luke 22:1-22. Jesus had just finished instituting for His disciples and, by extension, all of us, a ceremony of remembrance, Communion. He washed their feet, told them of His impending suffering, and revealed one of them would betray Him to the authorities who wish to kill Him. Their response? They begin to argue as to which of them is more deserving of honor. Imagine announcing you are terminal, and your friends start arguing as to who will give the eulogy and who will get stuck working the parking lot. Jesus corrects Simon specifically (Luke 22:31, 32):

Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.

First of all, Jesus didn't stop the work of the enemy in Peter's life. He certainly had the power to do so, but He says that Peter was going to be sifted. It was a done deal, a sure thing. As much as Jesus loved His brother, both would submit to this test of their relationship. In part, Peter needed to know where he stood when things got messy, and Jesus, Friend that He is, was willing to take the risk of Peter failing the test. 

Fail he did. In Jesus' final, loneliest hours, Peter turned his back on Him. Imagine the grief! As Peter heard the report that His friend was dead, he would recall their final encounter --a look from across the courtyard as Peter cursed Jesus' name. Imagine the shame! The temptation would come, and with it, fracture. Peter would know exactly who he was. More painfully, Peter would know that Jesus knew exactly who he was. Jesus is omniscient; I don't mean that He didn't know --of course He did; but you know Peter, in his arrogance just as we are in ours, thought he was getting over. He thought there were things about him that Jesus didn't know. Even his response --Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death --was not only naive but filled with hubris. When we withhold our true selves from those with whom we are in relationship, not only do we insult their intelligence and deny them the opportunity of showing us grace, but we rob ourselves of the reality check we all need from time to time. Just as Peter was certain he would weather whatever storm made landfall, we take assurance in our performance as spouses or friends, pledging our utmost, but incapable --really --of presenting even a naked conscience.

Secondly, Jesus prayed for His friend. Jesus knew Peter's heart and was, therefore, able to pray accordingly; He knows ours and makes intercession as well. Shouldn't we afford our spouses with the same opportunity? If we are intent on hiding from them the deepest despairs, inadequacies, and vexations of our heart, how can they be enabled to pray? So long as we only show them what we believe to be the "best" of ourselves, how can they be blessed by interceding for us? And interceding for others is a blessing! The opportunity to watch God work in the life of the petitioner and the one for whom they plead is a gift. 

As is the gift of encouragement. In the latter part of Luke 22:32, Jesus assures Peter, "When you have returned to Me..." This means he would depart from Jesus, their relationship would be broken, but only for a time! Peter would return to Jesus. Jesus encourages His friend despite the wound He would receive by his denial. Though our spouses may not know the outcome of every fault or doubt, every wart or scar we reveal, what a blessed fusion it is to have someone encourage you through the worst of times as you endure them together --even if they themselves might suffer injury. 

Lastly, a rising tide lifts all boats. Jesus' words at the end of verse 32, are a direction to Peter to use the experience to strengthen others, a charge that goes beyond the scope of their relationship alone and is designed to edify those around them. Marriage is a picture of Christ's love for His Bride, the Church. As we walk this out, loving and elevating one another, the whole of society is lifted. The ugliness, the forgiveness, the encouragement, the transformation, the trials, the tears, the celebrations --all we experience within the confines of a loving relationship with our spouses is good for all of humanity. Providing we are willing to take the risk, show ourselves, and trust our spouse to love us as they have vowed to do.

Midweek: No Longer at War

I just heard someone say that transgenderism is the act of "waging war on your body," and I felt that. I felt that because in my teens and into my twenties, it was safer for me to "be male." I didn't want to be male, necessarily, but it was safer for me to put on an outward appearance of (what I thought were) predominantly male characteristics. I cussed --A LOT --and the more vulgar, the better. I smoked, drank, yelled, fought, and pushed people around as much as I could. I took a job in a male dominated industry. I wore jeans and concert t's; I cut my hair and lifted weights. I hung out with guys my age and learned as much as I could about cars and sports. I was tough. Now, I'd always loved climbing trees and playing in the mud; and when I was choosing to wear male clothing and engage in male activities, I was happy to rock a great pair of heels and match all of my accessories just to go shopping. There was never anyone encouraging me to take the leap, just transition, live in the way that makes you happy. Even if they had been there, I was happy being both! Was I trans? Was I non-binary? Was I --pick a label? No, I was a woman who felt threatened, a woman who had grown up with some untrustworthy people in her life, had no real clue how to choose trustworthy people (Thank God, He gave me some!), and continued, for lack of wisdom, to add untrustworthy people to her life. Additionally, my body type, how I felt about myself, the enjoyment I got out of woodworking with my uncle or hanging out in the bays of an auto repair shop --all of these things made me very uncomfortable in "Girl World." I wasn't safe being vulnerable with men or being equal with women. My solution was to be equal to men.

So many young women today feel the same. They're uncomfortable with the changes in their bodies beginning with puberty. They may not have June Cleaver standing behind them as they gaze into a mirror. You are beautiful! You are going through a difficult process that will make you into a woman. But you are beautiful now! Just hang in there. Since the "sexual revolution," moms themselves have been struggling with the expectation of bringing home the bacon and frying it up in the pan. Assuring our daughters of something of which we ourselves are not sure...well, here we are. Social media and its demonic worldviews are poised to pick up the slack, however. You're uncomfortable because you were made wrong. You are a male trapped in a female body. Medical technology is your friend, my friend! You can transition, and all of this will be fixed! No, no it won't. If these young women don't come to grips with their discomfort, they will go on believing a lie. Changing physical attributes are no more helpful to transforming one's life than they were in the '70s. Do you recall those body building ads of old, the ones from the back pages of magazines? A "90-pound weakling" would cower on the beach as bullies kicked sand in his face. In the following frame, a he-man hero would show up, recommending whatever product the ad was hawking. The advertiser's formula, classes --even wrist cuffs! --would transform a simp into a successful, muscle-bound ladies' man in no time. "Gender reassignment surgery" is nothing more than a disgusting euphemism for profiteering today. Confused, fearful, vulnerable, "at war" people are being mutilated and exploited for financial gain. Praise God I wasn't born thirty years later! I might have purchased the snake oil myself. 

When we choose to believe God is who He says He is, everything else flows from that. When we choose to believe He is truth, we will trust Him at His Word. When we choose to believe He is the perfect Designer and Creator, we will trust the way He created us and the cycles of development in our bodies. When we choose to believe He loves us, we will know that no matter how awkward or misplaced we feel, His love for us demands He remain with us in the worst of circumstances. When we choose to wait on the Lord, we will no longer be at war with our bodies, the place where His image resides, but we will see the beauty of His work as it nears completion. 

Why Jesus?

As a little girl, I heard about Jesus. He died so I wouldn't go to hell. What four-year old wants to go to hell? Tell any four-year old about hell, and they will ask Oscar the Grouch into their heart if that's what it takes. And what did it mean to ask someone into your heart anyway?

As I grew, I heard that God expected those who had His Son in their hearts to act a certain way. I was really bad at it. I didn't pray; I didn't read my Bible --I didn't even want to do those things. What I wanted was to be liked, to fit in. Fitting in with my friends and being a Bible reader didn't seem to go together at all. If Jesus was in my heart, why wasn't He doing anything about it?

By adulthood, I'd given up. Multiple altar calls hadn't changed me. I figured I'd have to wait until I matured or got it all out of my system or something. But there was still that hell thing. Would God grant me time before I died to ask Jesus into my heart? Would He even be willing to come in after all the times I'd disappointed Him?

I was in my thirties when I had a "come to Jesus" moment. I was so sad, felt so rejected, had no direction. So, I said one of those "God, I've made such a mess of my life" prayers. I asked Him to take over. I did pretty well letting Him for a few days; but when my circumstances didn't change --in fact, they got worse --I gave up. It was back to leeks and onions for me. Or, at least, that's what I thought.

Ten years later, and life had gotten waaaay more complicated. But I had offered my life to God, I'd asked Him to change me, and He doesn't take those sorts of conversations lightly. Thank Him! He is faithful even when we are not. Friends "just happened" to recommended books that challenged me. Another friend committed to praying with me regularly. Local radio stations began to irritate my spirit, and I found myself listening instead to Christian radio: the preachers were "so different" from those of my childhood! I developed an appetite for reading the Bible and --better than that --it suddenly made sense! I was going to Christian counseling and Bible study. Little by little, the things I found so difficult to desire, to enjoy, to do when I was a child, were now the moments for which I lived. I wanted better for myself and my children; I wanted to live, where before I'd contemplated how not to. I needed Jesus in a way I never had before. 

We all need Jesus. He is the only way to heaven --like it or not. The message I heard as a little girl is as basic as it gets. Without Him, there is no access to the Father God or to heaven. Without Him the only remaining option is hell. But without Him there's also no reason to want heaven. Heaven is where God is; He is there with His Son whom we know as Jesus. Are there streets of gold? The Bible says there are. Gates made of pearl? The Bible says there are. But would you spend the rest of eternity with someone you have always hated, someone you've always rejected just so you could live in his swanky crib? No, but I don't want hell either. Well, my friend, then you have a choice, and no one can make it for you but you. Who will you serve? 

In serving Jesus, there is such a blessedness, such a growth, such a level of adventure. He has made my life better, richer, bigger. He has placed in my heart a love for others and a peace I could have never achieved on my own. I have vision and direction; a clarity of purpose I never had without Him. And, perhaps, there are those out there who can live better, richer, bigger without Him. Maybe there are those who love without Him and have peace all on their own. Maybe there are people who were just born with vision and purpose and fullness. But there's no one who can have a relationship with their Creator without Him. Though He is more than fire insurance, fire insurance is what we all need. By His grace, however, He grants and calls us to be more than policy holders. He allows us to steward His resources for His glory --not in a dehumanizing, sycophantic way, but in a way that completes us, allows us to be more fully who we were designed to be. So, why Jesus? Why not?      

Packed and Ready to Go!

In just a few weeks, our young man will pack his bags for a week of summer camp. As his mom, I will do everything in my power to make sure he has a great experience. I will do my best to anticipate his needs and his concerns. I will read and refer to the camp's publications again and again, passing the appropriate information on to him so he will be informed, but screening the flow of data so he will not be overwhelmed. I will take as much off his plate as I possibly can SO THAT he can go do what he is designed to do (at least, in this context): be a typical growing boy. This is not benevolence or parental responsibility exclusively: this is a way I can free him from the burden of the basics in order for him to reach his potential as a child.

God takes care of the basics, so we are freed up to do the work He has given us to do.

Have you ever thought of it that way? I know God is benevolent. I know He is our Father. I know that, by nature, He is Provider and Creator. As a parent loves on their child, wants to guide and guard them, provides for them and creates an environment in which they can thrive, God does those things perfectly.  

Jesus' words in Matthew 6 are an exercise in simplicity. First of all, He talks about giving and praying, doing those things we, as His followers are expected to do. Keep it simple, He says, just between you and Me. Give as you are led; speak what's on your heart. Then He gives us the framework for prayer. It's not miles long with lots of flowery language and theological gobbledygook. It's simple, to the point. Forgive, He continues. Fast simply and secretly. Commit to pursuing eternal things. Guard your intake and serve the One True God. Then, He talks about the basics: food, drink, clothing, that to-do list that never seems to get any shorter. Don't worry about any of that stuff, He says. For your Heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

Scripture is chock-full of instructions; instructions that help us remain safe and steadfast, serve God and others, become more Christlike, entice others to want to become more Christlike, live at peace, conquer our old habits, and so much more. It's a lot! We are called to allow the fruit of the Spirit in us to overflow for the benefit of the Church and to the glory of God. Can you imagine being successful at a commission like that if each day was consumed with simply tending to the basics? Many of us can't, because being consumed with the basics is exactly what we are. Traveling around to three different stores just for our brand of mayonnaise. A bank account that's just as empty as the gas tank. Nothing "suitable" to wear to church. What would happen if we skipped the mayo or walked or went to church anyway? What if we weren't so consumed with the basics and allowed God to handle it? What sort of people would we become? What would that accomplish for the Church and to the glory of God? Will God provide the mayo? Will He fill our tank? Will He update our wardrobe? Maybe. Maybe not. But He will handle all those basics for our good and for His glory. If we believe that truth, we are free to do what we have been given to do: reach our potential in the body of Christ to the glory of God!  

Midweek: NKJV Personal Size Giant Print Bible

Thomas Nelson Bible has again given me the opportunity to examine and review a complimentary copy of their NKJV Personal Size Giant Print Bible. If you tend to read where there is insufficient lighting or at the end of the day, a Bible with large print may not be a bad idea. This one, in my opinion, does not disappoint.

Let me, first, say, this Bible has zero bells and whistles. In a time when most of us have access to smart phones and carry volumes of commentary and study tools in our pockets via the internet, that's not a terrible thing. Personally, I prefer minimal notes, as it forces me to really pay attention to the text, first and foremost, reread when necessary, pray What are You telling me in Your Word?, and then resort to Bible helps. Study Bibles, with notes and references nearby allow me to be inattentive and lazy.

So, the edition I received is black Leathersoft™ with gilded edges and a satin bookmark. It measures a comfortable 5" x 8" and is guaranteed for life. The words of Jesus are in red. The text is in a classic double-column layout, paragraph format, and 12-point Comfort Print®. Headings denote subject transitions. Behind the gold-stamped and carved cover is a presentation page, a title page, a short preface, and the table of contents. Seven color maps make up the entirety of the back matter. That's it. No book introductions, cross-references, or concordance.

If you are looking for a basic text with visually friendly type, this is a good choice. Details on the binding give it a classic appearance while the cover is lovely enough for gift-giving at a reasonable price. It typically retails for $49.99, but Christianbook.com is currently selling this edition for $32.99, and offering personalization. 

Memorial Day 2025

Memorial Day. A time to remember and be grateful, and maybe, a bit sad. The vast majority of us have never experienced the loss of a service member --praise God. We have the luxury of observing the day as little more than an extension to our weekend, the beginning of the summer season, and a day for parades and picnics. But what if we took time to remember and be grateful --not just for service members who gave their lives --but used the time to remember and giving thanks for what it took, what it takes to make a nation strong, to make a people free? I don't mean in any way to detract from the significance of the day or the pain and sacrifice of the people, but sacrifice comes in all shapes and sizes. The greatest, of course, is to give one's life for another.

I look around today and see very few statesmen and a lot of politicians. I see very few public servants and a lot of public figures. What if we took some time today and looked back at the folks who made this country what it is. Were they perfect? Of course not, but they were dedicated; they had vision and intention, and they were willing to go to their graves, if necessary, bringing that vision to fruition. They did the heavy lifting and spoke the hard truth. And while today we have men and women in uniform willing to do the heavy lifting, to lay down their lives to preserve the vision of one nation under God, the people who are supposed to be protecting them, speaking the hard truth, seem to be deaf and dumb. They are winking at lascivious behaviors and their own indulgence in them. They have made personal prosperity the objective of their office. They divide and seek to conquer. They encourage the irresponsible conduct of medical and mental healthcare "professionals" for profit. They refuse to protect the weakest of society and, instead, advocate for exploitation and degradation. They serve themselves above all others. Not all of them, mind you, but in service to our country and its people, within a system of elected officials, one is too many.  

This day let's remember those who gave, who sacrificed and lost in many ways. And let us recommit ourselves to looking away from the comfortable and convenient and begin to hold our leadership accountable. Let us become a people worthy of the sacrifice of those we memorialize today.

Dressed in His Righteousness Alone

When my mother left our home to enter a nursing facility, I was given the option of using their laundry service or continuing to do her laundry myself. Knowing I would be to see her frequently, I said I would continue to do her laundry. Knowing items often get lost, even with the best laundry services, I said I would continue to do her laundry. Knowing how much I was going to miss getting her ready for the day and cooking her meals, I said I would continue to do her laundry. There is something about doing the laundry of our loved ones that is intrinsically intimate. Sure, most days it can seem like just another household chore, but when the person is gone, we realize just how special clothing can be. Clothing is personal. It expresses our style, occupation, and budget. It is worn by us and smells like us --even after multiple washings. And the only thing harder than finding items of clothing in the laundry after a person is gone, is not finding them anymore.

I have to wonder about the clothing God made for Adam and Eve after their futile attempts to cover their nakedness. "Tunics of skin", the NKJV calls them. Did they eventually wear out? Did Eve study them so she might craft replacements as well as her Father fashioned the originals? When baby Cain entered the world, did she immediately send Adam to slay rabbits for the layette? In terms of modesty, how much or how little was revealed? Did they feel ownership of their clothing the way we do? That last question there --that's the one. Did they feel ownership of their clothing as we do?

Scripture spends quite a bit of time talking about clothing. Do you remember Joseph's coat of many colors given him by his father as a symbol of favor? (Genesis 37:3, 4) Talk about your bad choices:

Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. Also he made him a tunic of many colors. But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him.

When Joseph's brothers finally decided to take their revenge, they opted for mercy for their younger brother, but showed none toward their father (Genesis 37:31-34):

So they took Joseph’s tunic, killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the tunic in the blood. Then they sent the tunic of many colors, and they brought it to their father and said, “We have found this. Do you know whether it is your son’s tunic or not?”

And he recognized it and said, “It is my son’s tunic. A wild beast has devoured him. Without doubt Joseph is torn to pieces.” Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth on his waist, and mourned for his son many days.

I can imagine Jacob clutching the tunic in both fists, holding it to his face, weeping and breathing deeply the scent of his favorite boy. Did he return time and time again to that bloody coat, drawing his breath and allowing the images of his son to flood his mind?

And look at the description of John the Baptist's attire:

Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; (Matthew 3:4)

Rugged, utilitarian --sort of like John the Baptist himself. His words to the people were simple and direct. Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand! He took a no-nonsense approach to the religious elite in his day, calling them a brood of vipers.

Clothing is personal. Even the most Puritanical tend to feel some sort of ownership, as though clothing were a second skin to us. Skin that became necessary because of sin. It should be a curse to us, right? But even Jesus took ownership of His garments. In Matthew 9:20-22, a woman with an issue of blood had faith she would be healed if only she could touch the hem of Jesus' garment. The hem! She was correct.

But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.”

(Luke 8:46) 

"I perceived power going out from Me," yet she only touched His hem (Luke 8:44). That power which flowed from the Messiah, through the hem of His coat, and to a broken but believing woman, did what nothing or no one else could do. It made her whole. And by God's grace, clothing is for us a picture, a picture of the righteousness in which the saints stand clothed through Jesus Christ, and have been made whole. It is personal. We should feel ownership of that righteousness as we yield to the Holy Spirit and immerse ourselves more deeply into God's Word day after day. We should feel it, not as though it were a second skin to us, but a first; our most lovely and our most essential. If you are not clothed with the righteousness of Christ today, I urge you to get a new wardrobe. An everlasting and holy wardrobe. One that, even when you are gone and your favorite shirt is no longer found in the hamper, those who long to breathe in more than memories can be assured you are now whole.