Do You See What I See?

Go get your checkbook registry, or open up another window and take a look at your bank account.  I'll wait.  No, I'll not be asking for donations.  You see that little box with your account balance in it?  Imagine it blank -- not as in zeros, but blank; no depressing little numbers to limit your thinking, no quick calculations as to how much will be left once the cable is paid and you've spent most of your paycheck on fuel.

Now, study your reflection in the mirror.  Or look over at the back of your hand.  Maybe just try standing up and sitting right back down again.  Now imagine your reflection without the gray hairs, the bags, sags, wrinkles and dark circles.  Imagine your hands like those of your six-year old nephew's -- wrinkle free, scar less, without the tell tale signs of a life spent cleaning, cooking, pulling weeds or turning wrenches.  Imagine being able to rise and sit without making "the old man noise" as you do.

2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV) says, "...for we live by faith, not by sight."  I got to thinking what that might look like.  What would it look like to spontaneously help someone in need even though money was a little tight that week?  What would happen if I boldly proclaimed what Jesus has done for me despite what others might think?  (Or maybe at the "wrong" time or in the "wrong" place.)  What would it look like to go on a missions trip, working hard rebuilding homes, or even walk to the post office to be a good steward -- despite my aching joints and my middle aged muscles?  Would it work for me to pray for the most callous, atheistic, "wicked" person I know, claiming victory rather than writing them off as a lost cause?

I don't believe that living in faith is about spending recklessly, conducting ourselves as if we don't need to answer to earthly authority or can suffer no physical consequences for our behavior.  Or that living by faith means making ridiculous statements or demonstrations of "faith."  We recognize earthly limitations such as illness, age, our need for sleep and nourishment, gravity, and financial responsibility, but we don't have to live as though God cannot work beyond those limitations, or even work a miracle through us that reaches beyond what we are humanly capable.  2 Corinthians 5:7 is not about exalting ourselves to super human status.  In fact, it's quite the opposite.  It is about exalting God, relying so totally on Him, seeking His will and walking in accordance with it, that He directs our paths; that we become His vessels, instruments of His peace.  Obedience despite human reason; courage despite seemingly insurmountable odds.

Oh, and just in case you still have that checkbook out -- you know where to reach me.

When Disaster Strikes

^{Ezekiel 11:16,17,20b}

“Therefore, tell the exiles, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Although I have scattered you in the countries of the world, I will be a sanctuary to you during your time in exile.  I, the Sovereign Lord, will gather you back from the nations where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel once again.’

... Then they will truly be my people, and I will be their God.

Cut off, with only God on whom to rely. Cut off, no other options. “Brought low” – to your knees, no more lifelines but One.  Though far from earthly home and hearth, our Heavenly Father is never far from us. 

The Bethlehem Star – no maps, no gas stations at which to ask directions – only one thing to guide wise men to life eternal, to that King whom they seek.

The flame and the cloud – no other guide with which to find their way.  When God's people shifted their gaze to hand-hewn idols, they wandered, lost.

The face of Jesus on a stormy sea -- Peter's eyes fixated on His Lord keep him from certain death.  The exclusion of all else.  Only God and man.

Is God culling you from the herd today?  Is he pulling your gaze toward Him for your own good?  Is He removing distractions from your life?  Is He giving you real fortune to seek? 

Praise Him for the favor He is showing you!  Praise Him for His gracious and faithful love for you!

Trading Religion for Requirement

Micah 6:8b

And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

Why must we make things so complicated? 

I listen to the girls doing "Eenie, Meenie, Minee, Mo."  I remember adding all kinds of things to the end of the rhyme, sometimes doing calculations worthy of Nobel Prize, at lightning speeds just to ensure the desired result.  (Kids, don't ever let your parents witness this display of mathematical acumen -- it will be your Waterloo when it comes to homework and report cards later on!)  Sometimes we added just to add.  "My mother told me to pick this one and..."  Madison and Olivia do the same thing.  Their father does the same thing, for Pete's sake!  Is he trying to out last me?  Hoping eventually I'll surrender?  "Fine, fine, have it your way -- I can't take this anymore!"  Maybe.

We do the same thing when it comes to faith, salvation, and living as we should.  Perhaps it's cynicism that causes us to think, "If it sounds too good to be true..."  Maybe it's our desire to take some responsibility for our own salvation -- "In addition to trusting in Christ's redeeming blood you must..."  

A few months ago Scott and I made one of our great escapes to Lancaster.  I like Lancaster.  It's one of the places I go to "center" myself.  It is tradition, faith and simplicity to me -- visible reminders of the legacy my father gave me and the priorities my Father establishes for me.  On our last excursion we purchased a sign that now hangs in our family room:

"Do good things.  Love one another.  Leave the rest to God."

That is my reminder of Micah 6 -- what the Lord requires of me.  And it really is that simple.  If we are truly acting justly (with honesty, fairness, respect and honor), if we love mercy (compassion, kindness, forgiveness) and are walking humbly with God (with meekness and submissive respect, seeking God's will and acting in such a manner as to bring glory and honor to Him), we are doing all God requires.  It's that simple.

Paying It Forward...Wholeheartedly

When Scott and I decided to go into business for ourselves, I had visions of being in better shape financially than we’ve ever been. We had some money in the bank, and had even made some financial commitments just to help others out; I wanted to continue giving, but at the same time, live comfortably and completely debt-free. Scott kept saying, “I’m not looking to get rich, here; I just want to make enough to provide for my family.” I kept thinking, “Why not? When you work for someone else, your earning potential is limited by someone else. We are limited only by how hard we choose to work. Let’s work!” The more Scott and I talked about it, the more we prayed about it, the more my vision improved. My prayer became, “Lord, help us to make enough that we can continue to help others.”

The weeks began to pass, and the jobs didn’t come. Our savings dwindled more and more each day. “But I prayed for the right things,” I thought. “Yes, but was your heart truly in the right place?” came the reply.

As Scott arrived home after giving yet another estimate, he awakened me to tell me about his experience. In the morning when my head was a little less foggy, our conversation came back to me: His concern for his customer’s safety in the situation. His recommendation to include some extra work just to be sure the job is done correctly. His willingness to take a hit on labor just to “help them out.” I was once again, overwhelmed by Scott’s heart for others. This was his way of helping others. He was happy to be giving of himself to make sure those who didn’t have the time or the talent could have what he considers the basic necessities. The tide had shifted. In our season of financial plenty, we wrote checks. In our season of labor, we give our time, our talent – we give of ourselves to make sure the message of Christ’s love spreads to others.