He Will Bring Us Goodness and Light

Said the year's end wind to our 2020 year,

Do you see what I see?

Pandemic, political divide, protests and pain,

Do you see what I see?

God's faithfulness to us, dancing through the months, 

with continued income, health and grateful hearts.

With a tail as big as His generosity. 

With a tail as big as His generosity.

Said our church to the future,

Do you hear what I hear?

Logging on or coming in person,

Do you hear what I hear?

A song, a song, that calls us beyond,

High above current events and current resources,

With God's voice as big as His plans.

With God's voice as big as His plans.

Said the Hochstetlers to you our friends,

Do you know what we know?

Kevin is taking online business classes-what better time

than this when we're spending more time at home?

My hosting business continues, while some usual summer 

family visits were canceled this year. We enjoyed a few 

get togethers with the families in closer distance to us. 

In March we welcomed Josh and family here. 

That month we also went to a niece's wedding in 

St. Petersburg, FL., where I enjoyed time with my 

Showalter siblings. I flew out to CA in February to escort 

Ashley and the kids, back to OH, while Austin drove 

back by car. Those three events feel like they happened 

in another era, in fact, I forgot they were part of 2020 

and have revised this post to include them. 

In November we traveled to Virginia to see

Amanda and family, and my dad (92 and going strong)

and my brother's family. We had three grand kids 

turn double digits this year, two became teenagers,

and one more joined the ranks of the other four who are

driving, and with three kindergartners, we keep celebrating

new horizons.

We try to make frequent jaunts to Kevin's parents, 

who trudge through the loneliness of their retirement home 

quarantine. 

Each family visit seems extra special when socializing 

is a valuable commodity and not taken for granted.

We're enjoying the rhythms of partial retirement,

occasional times with friends, and family connections 

by internet and phone. Grateful beyond words.

Do you know what we know?

In these days of masks, chapped hands and distancing,

we're witnessing God's goodness in the creativity

and resourcefulness of those created in His image.

Let us bring Him precious worship.

Let us bring Him silver and gold.

Said the King to the people everywhere,

Listen to what I say,

Pray for peace, healing, unity, forgiveness

and revival; for my kingdom to come to earth.

Listen to what I say,

The child, the child,

Who came that Christmas night,

He will bring you goodness and light,

He will bring you goodness and light.

So Much Grief Demands Defiant Joy

So much grief in this pandemic! Several people I know are now gone to their heavenly home. We are warned about being involved socially with anyone outside our household. This sadness underlines our holiday preparations and makes our future festivities uncertain. But we open up our hearts to the refreshing of this season anyway. We plough through with defiant joy! 

What other choice brings hope? Defiance is defined as: 

a daring or bold resistance to any opposing force; open disregard; contempt; a challenge to meet in combat or in a contest. 

We will choose to focus on goodness, hope and mercy and in that declaration our joy will increase. Listening to several sermons this weekend lassoed in my focus to these thoughts: God's plan continues in the midst of disruption, our troubles are light and momentary and have an expiration date!, each of our decisions effects future actions, and God initiates his involvement into our lives. Joy is possible if we believe he will never leave us or forget us and that nothing is randomly proportioned or wasted in his economy. We rarely know what he is accomplishing in the disruption, grief and trouble that he has allowed or even brought for us to experience. I'm not of the belief that every adverse circumstance is from God, but he can use each one to transform us into greater glory. 

Our joy also depends on our response to his custom-made, unique purpose for us.

“Some plants die if they have too much sunshine. It may be that you were planted where you get only little, you are put there by the loving Farmer, because only in that situation will you bring forth fruit for perfection.” Charles Spurgeon in Morning and Evening Devotional, Day November 11.

Hosta plants need lots of shade. I've watched them turn brown and wither in their unsuited sunny spot.

Likewise, I've had vegetable plants yield little fruit, or slow ripening fruit, because they lacked the right amount of sunshine. We all vary in our reception of nourishment. I like the thought that the Farmer has created me for a particular climate. I can't compare myself to you, because I may need shade to blossom, while you might flourish better in full sun. If someone's life seems shrouded by hardship and trouble, the Farmer has provided just what they need, and He knows they have the makeup to be enhanced by those surroundings. Each of us was made to "bloom where we are planted". May we not judge and criticize each other, but respond to our Maker's tender care. Then we can offer our blooms and plumes to be joyfully displayed in his colorful bouquet. In the vase, we all drink from the same well of mercy, with his presence shining exactly right upon us.

Show your defiant joy today! Discouragement will not defeat us! The Farmer won't let his crop be unfruitful!

To Catch and Not to be Caught

 I dislike the days I awake with negative thoughts badgering my emotions. This particular day it was disappointment in and worry about some relationship that didn't seem to reciprocate my efforts to connect. I was hastening towards rejection, by-passing the well known fact that this trap only leads to a dead end. I then remembered the training exercise of taking my thoughts captive and handing them to the Holy Spirit. I deliberately said the prayer of submission, asking the Holy Spirit to help me focus on the realities of God's kingdom and his abiding presence. I wanted him to make good on the prayer I've been praying lately, especially this line-

"Make me love you so much that nothing in this life comes close to my joy in you". 

Does my joy come from you above all, or does it depend on whether this other relationship meets my needs? When I'm pining about how or if others show appreciation for what I do or how much I care, I'm probably seeking after an other-than-Jesus source of joy. His love always far outdoes my efforts to stay connected to him; I only love because he first loved me.

Then the Holy Spirit brought to mind Galatians 6:9-10. 

"So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith."

Grateful for an answer so quickly, I stopped the negative rhetoric and humbly thanked the One who knows me so well. I felt the joy of being heard and reminded to not quit reaching out, caring for others, and expressing my love. And what a bonus to know the promise that I will reap a good harvest when the time is right. 

Maybe your challenge to joy isn't tied to petty, self-centered emotions, but maybe to grieving for an activity or income that isn't happening because of these tenuous times. Perhaps it's even darker than that. A loved one has died, your health is compromised, or you literally are alone in your room-like many seniors in retirement homes right now. 

Without negating the importance of grieving sadness and loss, catch any destructive thoughts and take them to the Holy Spirit. Find his perspective on your situation. He will comfort and guide you and bring to mind what Jesus said (often a verse from scripture).

Here's to our peeps in the community of faith!  How we need each other! Let's catch the chances to work for the benefit of all.

Inheritance That Doesn't Fade

 

Have you jumped on the Instant Pot bandwagon yet? I have. I've heard glowing testimonies of how quickly you can prepare food with this magical appliance. A friend prepared a pot roast for another friend who was convalescing, and the praise she received made me jealous. My pasta casserole to the same recipient was acknowledged with the minimum-est amount of appreciation. I inquired about the recipe for the rave-reviewed piece of meat. With the step-by-step process in hand, I was determined to make a roast that far outdid my previous roasts. (Earlier renditions of my attempts at this dish had never reached that succulent state of satisfaction that I hoped for; was it my lack of recipe, or my lack of skill?) 

I loaded the Instant Pot with great care and followed every step. When the Pot told me it was finished, I opened the lid with great expectation. How disappointing to jab the hunk of barely browned meat, and find it all intact on my fork. Nowhere near tender!

My other attempts with the Pot never quite hit the mark either- sweet potatoes too mushy, frozen chicken not done enough, apple pie filling that sprayed out of the little pressure marker on the top of the Pot... My only success to declare is making yogurt. So I guess you could say I bought a new, over-priced yogurt machine!

The Law of Diminishing Returns has proven true once again. Do you notice this happening in your life, too? The dress that was perfect in the store doesn't seem quite right after you've worn it the first time.  The vacation site that brought so much joy when you first visited, just didn't measure up the second time. Or, the excitement of a dating relationship often dissipates after the wedding. 

I did a quick study this week on the word inheritance in the Bible. Abraham was promised many descendants and a land. Moses recognized God's inheritance in the promised sanctuary. Joshua led the people into their inherited land. God often speaks of his people as his inheritance. The nations are Jesus' inheritance. As believers in Jesus, we can look forward to a heavenly inheritance. It is being prepared since the beginning of creation. It's described as glorious, a reward, it's a promise, and will never perish, spoil or fade. 

Reflecting on the word fade, reminded me of how quickly some of my possessions can lose their appeal. One of the definitions for fade in Strong's Concordance is "without loss of pristine value".          Contrary to the dimming of earthly things, our heavenly gains will not diminish in intrinsic value or in our evaluation of them.

So let's live now as "... those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. (I Corinthians 7:30-3). We'll fix our eyes on the heavenly prize, Jesus, and the amazing bundle of surprises he's preparing for us. 

Until Then

My heart can sing when I pause to remember
A heartache here is but a stepping stone
Along a path that's always winding upward
This troubled world is not my final home

But until then my heart will go on singing
Until then with joy I'll carry on
Until the day my eyes behold that city
Until the day God calls me home

The things of earth will dim and lose their value
If we recall they're borrowed for awhile
And things of earth that cause this heart to tremble
Remembered there will only bring a smile

So, until then my heart will go on singing
Until then with joy I'll carry on
Until the day my eyes behold that city
Until the day God calls me home

http://www.songlyrics.com/jason-crabb/until-then-lyrics/

We Have An Ever-Present Advocate

The wind swirled around me, kissing my neck and lifting flaps and folds of my clothing with each short breath. The summer was turning to Fall, and air temps were hovering between almost warm and too cool. The circle of women was already in prayer as I stepped in to join them. Our back drop was our town’s historic courthouse steps.

As our session came to an end, several friends suggested we go across the street and eat lunch together at the Olympia, known for its specialty sandwiches and homemade chocolates. Its longevity extends beyond all of us, even the 70s something-year-old who seemed to be beloved by the rest.  I had not had the privilege of meeting her before, but we were introduced on our brief walk across the street.  Dee was charming and sweet-natured and connected to the others through a small church group that meets together regularly.

It soon became obvious that Dee was eager to treat her friends to lunch that day. They each stepped up to the restaurant window to place an order while she fished for her wallet from her purse. I had not been told to “just tell her what you want” and there was an awkward moment as the clerk looked at me, the only one who hadn’t ordered, and asked what I wanted. I graciously said I’d order after the others had been paid for. 

They were all sitting down enjoying conversation when I finished my ordering and joined them. I knew a few of them recognized that I was the only who had not been treated to lunch, but it wasn’t their decision that had created my lack, so no one mentioned it. 

In that moment, I felt the sting of being left out and uninvited, even though I knew there was no animosity or ill will towards me.  My head could assess the reality that this was a time to “adult” the situation, but my heart felt the pang of rejection.

I silently voiced my feelings to the One who comes alongside with sympathy and comfort.  “Help me handle this well. I thank you that you see me right now and that you care. You do understand, because you’ve been in these feelings on a much greater level than this.”  It was as though He then winked at me and held my hand. What a special, secret exchange!

Later as I reflected on the experience, still feeling a lingering bit of bitter sweetness, I thought of how just one person could have changed things for me; maybe discreetly offering to buy my lunch, or handing me some money. The thought held no self-pity or judgment on anyone, but captured my imagination. My next thought was to make a declaration and offer a prayer.  Should I ever be in a situation where someone else is left out, I want to notice them. I want to offer kindness.

May my discomfort, make me more sensitive to others and teach me how to do to others as I would want them to do to me. 

 

Lord, Send Revival!

 Many of us who believe in God's sovereignty and the hope that he will again visit our country with revival, are praying for God's Spirit to come anew.  In past revivals there seem to be key ingredients that proceeded the mass response to messages calling for repentance and the birth of many into God's Kingdom. 

"Genuine spiritual awakenings--or revivals if you prefer--have at least five ingredients.

-prayer

-heart searching, resulting in confession and spiritual repentance

-changes in conduct and behavior

-sovereign acts of the Holy Spirit

-growth in the churches" *

I've heard that the next revival will bring conviction and repentance of the godless.  Lives will be dramatically transformed by the power of God's Spirit.  Whereas, in the early 70s, the Holy Spirit revival seemed to be focused on refreshing believers and instilling them with new understanding of the gifts of the Spirit and the power available to live a more dynamic Christian life.

What then, is important for the church to be focusing on now, in preparation for the next mighty move of God? Will we be ready to receive thousands of baby Christians into our fellowships? Do we know how to nurture them?  It will take more workers than just our present leaders.  Are "mature" believers trained to share life-building biblical truths with newbies? To lay aside preconceived ideas about "worldly" people that would judge their actions and outward appearance, rather than accept their person? To believe God wants to use them, in spite of their inexperience and failures? To be willing to give up schedules and invest whatever time is required to care for newborns?

Let's get the nursery ready. The bosom of Jesus will be their crib, where we can lead them to rest. Feedings of the milk of God's word will be around the clock. There's a good supply of wipes and clean diapers handy, as sin has to be eliminated and cleaned up.

The walls will be bordered with the ABCs of God's attributes and character.  Educational games to boost their skills and coordination in love, hope and faith are in the toybox. The bookshelf will be loaded with books about Bible characters, Christian missionaries and our own memoirs as we share what we have learned. Life group playdates will develop in them the fruit of the Spirit as they learn to play fairly and with compassion. 

We'll celebrate every new milestone and cheer them on to winning over every challenge. Their first outfits will be changes into hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. They'll sign up for basis classes in warfare, wearing armor and handling God's sword of the Word. Music lessons will include singing songs, hymns and spiritual songs. We'll work on memorizing the death and resurrection of Jesus whenever we take communion. Their security details of Goodness and Mercy will keep watch, always. And most importantly, they will grow to love our big brother Jesus and our Father, God.

Are we up for the challenge, the opportunity, the excitement of bringing home a new baby? Our partner the Holy Spirit is the perfect co-worker, who we can count on for wisdom, strength and comfort, no matter what paths this new one will take. 

To God be all the glory for the new family members he will birth into his Kingdom. Let's pray the deliveries happen soon. Let's get our hearts right; free from distractions, alliances that would lock us into meaningless commitments, abandoning sins that would weigh us down, and keeping loose holds on our privileges and wealth. 

Please bring revival, Lord, to our nation, to our world.  Help us to be ready. May we have your love  and heart to care. May we be eager to obey and do, whatever job you assign us.

*https://www.guidelines.org/devotional/ingredients-of-a-genuine-revival/

We Cry for Mercy!

The Rock, the Road and the Rabbi

I love when God brings my meditation life into very applicable real life experiences.       Recently I finished a study by Kathie Lee Gifford from the book, The Rock, The Road and The Rabbi.  Kathie has experienced Israel with numerous visits and love for the land and the people. This book explores the culture of Jesus' day with the understanding and study of Rabbi Jason Sobel.  I gained insights into details that were new to me.

Jesus' birth most likely occurred in a cave outside of Bethlehem where shepherds cared for lambs being groomed for sacrifices.  The lambs were swaddled in cloths torn from old priest's garments, which may have been the swaddling cloths Jesus was wrapped in and why that would have been a sign for the shepherds to know exactly where baby Jesus was.

The crown of thorns Jesus wore before the crucifixion represented the bearing of the curse of the ground in Genesis.  Jesus died on a tree; Adam and Eve fell into sin by eating fruit from a certain tree.  Abraham's use of a donkey to carry the wood for the sacrifice of Isaac parallels Jesus riding on a donkey into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.  Many more symbols and signs about Jesus fulfill prophecy and shows God's sovereignty at work.

Today as I listened to the Daily Audio Bible reading from John 21, I was touched by the story of Jesus coming to the disciples who were out fishing, instructing them to throw the net on the other side of the boat, inviting them to a breakfast of fish and bread, with a warm fire to sit by.  I can imagine Peter, with memories of his denial nagging his conscience with guilt and doubt about his usefulness to Jesus, finding sweet forgiveness and freeing reinstatement to Christ's calling on his life. The huge catch mimicked the first oversized catch where Jesus had called them to follow him.  The bread and fish symbolized his continued desire to be their provider, and the fire set up the scene to remind Peter of the night of his denial.  

Details Matter!

Both these reflections emphasize to me the importance of details to our great God. If all the little things are orchestrated by him, how much more does every human being matter to him! And that thought brought me to the crazy, sad and destructive culture I am immersed in today.

My country is hurting.  There are a lot of hearts wracked with pain and suffering.  Cries of injustice and inequality are causing people to rise up in peaceful solidarity, and others in acts of violence.  All this follows the agony of the effects of the Covid-19 virus. The virus brought death. This pandemic of discord and racial separation is bringing death to hearts and hopes.  

We Cry for Our Country

Lord Jesus, hear the cries. Come to those you love and heal us.  Raise up peacemakers and voices of wisdom that will drown out mixed messages from political leaders and their focus on control and division. Give us leaders who will champion the way forward from here. Leaders filled with your love and the Holy Spirit.  Your will be done in the USA as it's done in heaven. We need you!  Please don't forsake us and the land you have blessed and loved since our beginning.  We have wandered far from you, turned our backs to you, spit in your face and turned to false gods.  Please, forgive us!

We, your followers, have forsaken our first love as we revel in prosperity and convenience.  Forgive us.  Forgive our apathy and fear of man.  Reignite us to be the city on the hill. Bring back the savor that our salt has lost. Have mercy, oh, Lord, have mercy!