Right Here All the Time

My son-in-law took the grandsons to a fishing clinic today.  They almost turned around and came right back on account of Dominic’s whining.  It’s a habit he’s into these days and it drives his parents crazy. After The Talk from Dad they continued to their destination.  The event was well attended and the boys learned fishing tips, received some fishing tackle and their own pail of goodies which included a drink bottle.  As they push through the crowd to head towards the car, Dominic starts wailing about losing his drink.  Of course, he stops to express his misery and the crowd stumbles past around him. Dad and big brother,  Ian, try to remedy the situation, but don’t have time and space to get to the heart of the matter and Dominic has cried ‘wolf’ one too many times lately to deserve any sympathetic ear.  The whiner continues the fussing all the way home.  Ian needs to give the report to Mom as soon as they get in the house.  “Dominic cried the whole way home and gave me a headache!”.  Right behind him, Dominic walks in pertly with a smile.  “The drink was here in my pail all the time, Mom, see?”

My daughter relayed this story to me over the phone. She couldn’t help but laugh at the outcome, and I found it all amusing.  I remember those days of loving my kids through thick and thin, ups and downs and how quickly things could turn from one to the other.

Could there be a parallel here in my adult world?  What about the times I misplace my peace, or rest?  If I’d just draw aside, and rearranged the things I carry in my bucket, I’m sure the bottle of Living Water would be there, ready to nourish and refresh me. Instead, others fall over me or skirt around me as I whine or complain about too much to do or getting cheated out of time to myself.  I may not say the words aloud, but attitudes and sighs make good whining techniques.

The living water Giver says, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”*

Father, help me to turn to you as my first source of  rest.  Walking and working with you in natural rhythms of grace sounds wonderful.  Draw me close when I’m keeping company with weariness and discouragement who can crowd you out.  Thanks for caring about me and inviting me into all that you are.

I’m praying Dominic learns to handle his emotions better as he gets older and to learn to know the Companion who can help him live freely and lightly.  That day can’t come soon enough for Mom, Dad and Ian.

*Matthew 11:28-30

Book Review of Visits to Heaven and Back -Are They Real?

Visits to Heaven and Back-Are they Real?by Mark Hitchcock

Who would tell a complete stranger, and a Baptist church librarian at that, that he didn’t put any stock in Colton’s account of his trip to heaven in the book, Heaven is For Real? Even when the church librarian heard his explanation and responded that she still endorsed the book as a way to get people to think about heaven and the afterlife, who would point out that the book could also lead people astray? Mark Hitchcock not only boldly makes these claims, but he has written a convincing argument in Visits to Heaven and Back-Are They Real? that near death experience stories that tell of the afterlife do not line up with the Bible’s teaching on Heaven.

Books on this topic are multiplying. The author makes it clear that he is not questioning the motive of authors who write, but he believes they did not go to heaven and back. Hitchcock then proceeds to assess the claims made in several of the bestsellers of these books. He gives credit to the ones who share a clear message of salvation, but finds fault with all of them. Here are some of his concerns:

-authors tell of things that go beyond what Scripture says

-the emphasis is often on the author’s self focus and not on the glory of God

-the Bible never portrays God giving someone a choice of whether to stay in heaven

  or return to earth

-many authors suggest we can find salvation after we die

-no one needs to fear death for all is well for everyone

Hitchcock uses quotes and details from many of the books he critiques and explains how they do not pass the test of what Scripture teaches.  He also quotes other Christian leaders who have found error in these types of stories.

The last half of the book, Hitchcock outlines what the Bible teaches about Heaven.  He lists what will be there, what won’t be there, and who will be there. In the chapter entitled, “How to Be Dead Right”, he lays out the truth that Christ Jesus is the only hope of heaven and eternal life. The book finishes with several appendices answering common questions about death and heaven and recommended books on heaven and the afterlife.

The author is passionate in his desire to uphold the truth of scripture and he keeps consistent to that purpose throughout the whole book. In the first chapter he answers the most common reaction of his critics who view stories of heavenly experiences as innocent and helpful in encouraging many. “…What’s the big deal? Why pick on these books that seem to be giving so many people comfort and hope?...The prevailing notion today is that it’s unloving and uncharitable to question someone else’s experience or private revelation from God…I have nothing personal against any of the people who have written about trips to heaven and back…it’s incumbent on believers to discern the truth of the claims being made and to think biblically about heaven and the afterlife.”

I received a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes from Tyndale House.

Sustaining Words

I adjusted my hat to shield my face from the hot Costa Rican sun and wiped my brow with a clean patch of forearm. My gloved hands gripped the shovel handle again. Lunge downward, lift. The blade had barely scalped the tough grass from the heavy clay soil. The next spadeful was dumped into the 5 gallon bucket waiting to be filled and then carried to the construction site next door. The dirt would be pounded into the floor of the structure, preparing it for a layer of concrete. The hours dragged on as my mission trip teammates and I continued to dig.

Finally,  the word we longed to hear was flung from the kitchen. " Comida!" We abandoned the tools, tugged off our rubber boots, so as not to track mud inside, wriggled our feet into shoes and formed a line behind the food counter.  Our weariness was dissolving as we anticipated the Eating, the Sitting, the Resting.

Whether physically, emotionally or spiritually weary, sustaining words give hope and relief.  The mission trip was two summers ago. More recently, during a slough of despondency,  I needed prayer from a trusted friend.  "You never have to be ashamed of your weaknesses", she reminded me. I was weary from trying to appear strong, when she was graciously allowing me to fall apart. When we think we are disgraced, the God of rest graces us with help. Once strengthened in that humble place of need, we can go forth proclaiming "Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

We had the privilege of gathering with the Costa Rican church in their new, not-quite-finished building the night before we left them. The worship we offered to God there, sitting on plastic chairs with dirt beneath our feet, was well worth our labor of service.

Lord Jesus, thank you for coming to earth as the Word made flesh. My needy life is nourished as I hear your word through Holy Scripture and when you speak through your servants. Open my ears to the Holy Spirit today, and teach me how to speak encouragement to any who are longing for a word of comfort and hope.

Is. 50:4-9b
'The Lord God has given me
    the tongue of a teacher,
that I may know how to sustain
    the weary with a word.
Morning by morning he wakens—
    wakens my ear
    to listen as those who are taught.
⁵ The Lord God has opened my ear,
    and I was not rebellious,
    I did not turn backward.
⁶ I gave my back to those who struck me,
    and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard;
I did not hide my face
    from insult and spitting.

⁷ The Lord God helps me;
    therefore I have not been disgraced;
therefore I have set my face like flint,
    and I know that I shall not be put to shame;
⁸     he who vindicates me is near.
Who will contend with me?
    Let us stand up together.
Who are my adversaries?
    Let them confront me.
⁹ It is the Lord God who helps me;
    who will declare me guilty?

Thankful for Taken-for-Granted Blessings

Auron, meets Mr. Snowman! Handshaking isn't necessary.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: Eccl 3:1

Knowing our limits, the husband and I booked a room about halfway along the road trip east. Leaving early from our work day we were taxiing out of the driveway about 1pm, luggage in the far back and snacks and reading material within easy reach behind the front seats. Mr. H does most of the driving while I cast scrutinizing glances at his eyes, ready to catch and reel in any shut eye, red eye, sudden jerks or other sleep related harbingers. It's not easy being a Sleep Detector and I'm as ragged as the driver when we finally stop for the bed we reserved.

This trip,  impending snow storms were following us and in all likelihood, if we stayed the night, the storms would overtake us. The morning drive would add slippery roads stress to Mr. H's driving and much anxiety to the Detector.  Like the let down of discovering movie night won't happen because the case of the carefully selected rented movie is minus its disc, we canceled our  awaiting room of bed, pillows, close by toilet and relief for body, soul and mind. We would keep driving, stretching our traveling resources, hoping our faculties were elastic enough.

Hours 11 through 14 were the worst. We kept teeth chomping on pretzel sticks and trail mix, while Mr. H was running on a substitute for Dunkin. The library's copy of The Book Thief on CD kept our minds preoccupied and every now and then Ms. GPS would regurgitate her commands in the background.

We arrived safely to our final destination in the foggy state between awake and asleep. The new day would  begin late the next morning after sweet sleep and rest.
Thank you, Father, for a safe trip!

After a quirky day this week of being connected to EKG teats for a very intimate test and being exposed to the x-ray machine, my condition was pronounced not life threatening, but significant enough for a follow up procedure that will happen later next week. How quickly life can change when health concerns are uncovered!
Thank you, Healer, for your care and protection and for medical experts who know what to do to help in our healing.

A call from a friend, a text from family, a baby shower invite in the mail, my dad gifting me with my no-longer-living-mother's Bible and eating the big bowl of fresh popped corn Mr. H made after supper are happy reminders that I have much to be thankful for.
Thank you, Father, that you are a sun and shield; you bestow favor and honor; no good thing do you withhold from those whose walk is blameless (Ps. 84:11)

That trip out East included days with family and grand kids. Even though we had wandered to a more southern latitude, the snow was bent on keeping us company. In it's grip, school was canceled and we had more time to play with Auron and Elika.  Snow play and indoor play. (Did you know there is a newer version of the "Sorry" game? Some ingenious parent or victim of playing the former longest-game-in-the-world  came up with brilliant ideas to make the game go faster and get everyone safely home sooner!)  But just maybe they outdid themselves as now it is easier to repeat the game. We certainly came close to some kind of record, I'm sure.
Thank you, Creator of families, for grand kids who connect us to youthfulness.

These are a few of my favorite things today. What is on your taken-for-granted list?

Rhoda's Story

Rhoda's  teenage shoulders bounced slyly as she tried to suppress the giggles.  Salome's humor was irresistibly ensnaring. Her whispered remark to Rhoda had set the two friends both to laughing, but not out loud. This was no time for silliness. Rhoda would not allow herself to glance at the freckled face sitting next to her, but Salome's knee touching hers was quivering.  Straining against the next spasm of laughter, her mind was sternly scolding her lack of self-control. She knew the seriousness of the occasion. The leader of their house church had been incarcerated. His death was likely ; heartless authorities despised them and their beliefs in Jesus Christ, Messiah, raised from the dead. A large group had gathered here at her mistress Mary's house to pray for God to somehow intervene and spare his life. She and Salome both worked as maids for Mary and were both believers. Earlier when the guests had arrived, the girls had ushered them in, noting the quiet somberness on each face. How irreverent to be so distracted by silly thoughts!

But the meeting was long.  She and Salome were at the back of the crowd, near the hallway to the outside door, and it was hard to hear the voices offering prayers. Some were barely whispers, others were choked with emotion . "God forgive me", she thought, trying to force her thoughts into the fervency of praying.

Then she heard the quiet knocking at the door.  She nudged Salome. Her heart beat faster. A late night visitor seldom brought good news.  Church gatherings were kept as low key as possible; members were at risk of being harassed and taken in for questioning. Rhoda braced herself for a forceful entry, but when nothing further happened she relaxed a bit, hoping whoever had been there was now gone. Both girls again bowed their heads.

But the quiet knocking was back. Rhoda shivered. She would have to answer the door.  If the stranger knocked louder it might disrupt the meeting.  It was also her duty to open the door to visitors and greet them on behalf of her mistress. When she knew their mission in coming she could properly announce their arrival.
Trembling, she grabbed Salome and they both began walking gingerly through the hallway towards the door.

Rhoda opened the door slightly and tried to recognize the image of the shadowy figure standing there in the moonlight. The figure spoke. Surely, she must by stricken by fear and apprehension. She was seeing Peter, the leader they were praying for. Her reasoning argued with her eyes.  Yet she had no doubt that it was Peter. Overwhelmed with the news she possessed, she closed the door, and ran through the hallway, Salome close behind.

"Peter is at the door", she announced exuberantly. Startled faces looked towards the disruption. Rhoda saw their incredulous expressions and then felt the sting of rejection as one after another shook their heads and looked towards their hostess for assessment of Rhoda's inappropriate outburst. Her mistress chuckled softly and said to all, "It must be his ghost."  There was a murmur of laughter. Then she continued, "What a tale, Rhoda! You may leave the room now! We will talk later." Rhoda caught Salome's puzzled expression as she turned to leave.  Rhoda then stopped.  They had to know the truth, and Peter was waiting outside. Looking at Mary she boldly asked,  "Please go look for yourself, madam.  It is Peter.  I insist." Mary, paused for a moment, surprised by Rhoda's impudence. The room grew quiet and the distinct sound of Peter's persistent rapping broke into the silence. Uncertainty clashed with optimism as the occupants weighed the absurdity of  Rhoda's words against the reality of the presence on the other side of the door.

The mistress of the house strode resolutely to the door determined to end the disruption. Many followed her. As the door opened, Peter pressed inside and closed the door quickly behind him. Joy overcame disbelief as many rushed into the hallway and swarmed Peter with questions and touches of affection. He held up his hand for silence as they all gathered back into the larger room.

Peter related the incredible story of his miraculous release from prison, completed with help from God's angel.  The group of believers listened, awestruck. Then someone apologized to Peter, on behalf of them all, for their lack of faith, even while praying.  He forgave them freely, but his eyes were searching the room. They all waited, sensing there was something he needed.  As Peter found her eyes, Rhoda looked down, confused by all the emotions tumbling inside her. She had shamed Peter by shutting the door in his face. Even though she had been right in announcing his arrival, the others had belittled her. Her mistress had rebuked her publicly.  She was also excited that Peter was safe and among them. It all felt mixed up inside and she wanted to cry.

Peter then walked towards her.  His hand found her chin. He gently inched her face upwards. Then he spoke softly, "You believed it was me, from the first glance.  The others struggled to believe your words, but they also had a boost to their faith when they realized God had answered their prayers. It just took them a little longer.  Forgive them, as I have, and thank you for answering my knock.  It took courage for you to do that and boldness to speak out on my defense. I commend you my daughter. You are released from any condemnation. Your part in this awesome night of miracles will be remembered forever."  Rhoda's eyes filled with grateful tears. Love for the God who once again had been her defender and helper felt warm and comforting. Love for her community swelled inside, too. She knew that the strength of their oneness with her and each other would give them courage and hope for whatever the future held.

I have recently been studying the book of Acts in a bible study group. I've always been fascinated by this story.  I didn't know where it was headed or how it would end as I began writing.  I am blessed with the tenderness of God in caring about Rhoda's heart in the events of the evening and Peter's personal words to her. I was reminded of Jesus' words about the woman who poured the expensive perfume on his head.  "Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”  (Mark 14:9)  All these years since, these stories have been preserved.   Stories of real people, with feelings like ours. Someday we will be able to listen to each other recount our stories and retell His-story in us.

Revival Up Close and Personal

I was grasping the stair railing to go down, when someone asked, "Didn't I see you at the meeting last night?"  I turned to see our maintenance man directing his question to me.  I quickly thought back to where I had been the night before and responded by acknowledging that I had been at the meeting, but had missed seeing him there. We excitedly began sharing notes of what the speaker said and how we hoped for revival there on the campus where we both worked. Our amazement was mutual in considering the numbers of people coming to the meetings and how meals were served every night. I discovered he and his wife pastored a church in a neighboring town. The revival was bringing pastors together across all denominations and flavors of believers.  Even the Amish in our community are coming to the nightly gatherings.

We ended our God encounter and I returned to my desk. What is God up to?, I questioned again. What a privilege to be a part of Revive Indiana, here in my hometown! reviveindiana.org

Twenty-six days ago a revival team from Texas, led by Kyle Martin, came to a church in town to stir up believers for evangelism and love for their community.  Their original intent to stay for one week, was altered by God's request that they stay for 52 days. Every evening, except Sunday, a meeting brings thousands together for praise and worship, messages from area pastors, testimonies and a word from Scripture by Kyle. During the day groups gather for breakfast and go out in teams of 4 to pray for churches in our county. After lunch together, they go out again to pray for individuals wherever God leads--stores, businesses, schools, houses... and to share the Gospel message.  God is working through healings, breaking down barriers between churches, moving school administration to allow youth to leave during the school day to be a part of the crews going out to pray, bringing brand new souls into the kingdom, and moving our hearts to love him and others more....enough to get out of our comfort zones and share the Good News.

Kyle's messages have challenged us to get our personal lives right with God, count the cost of obedience, expect tests of faith, and to pray against the religious spirit in our community.  He models for us a heart of humility, passion for sharing God's love with the hurting and needy, and making personal sacrifices to be here for this long stretch of time, away from family and other obligations of ministry.

I'm excited to see where God is taking us.  I want to be changed. One of the worship songs expresses my desire:
Light a fire down in my soul
That I can't contain and I can't control.
I want more of you, God, I want more of you.

I pray this gives you hope that our God has not forgotten the prayers of his people for revival. Keep praying for us in this time and for you and your community.  Pray that God would grow your heart in love for people. Pray for opportunities to pray for anyone who God leads you to and then if their heart is open, to let them know who Jesus is.What a simple way to approach someone, "How can I pray for you?"

There is so much to make us sad or even fearful about this world. What better way to combat the negativity than by focusing on the good news that we believe, and sharing it. I'm also involved in a Bible study right now on the book of Acts.  As I read Paul's passion to go and share the Gospel, I can see a modern day illustration of this same Holy Spirit who moved Paul, working among us to go and preach the gospel, make disciples. Won't you join us?

The Song- a Book Review

The Song was written as a follow up to a movie by the same name. The story isn’t new---a young performer rises to the top and can’t resist the temptations and demons associated with stardom. He falls hard, but comes back to faith and the long, slow process of restoration. Meanwhile his wife and son bear the consequences of his choices. Forgiveness won’t come easily.

In spite of the predictability of the story, the narrative kept my attention and drew me into the hearts and minds of the main characters. The love that draws Jed and Rose together is sweet and tender just like the Song he writes for her. The Song , alive with passion, quickly becomes a hit in Jed’s climb to fame.  When temptress, Shelly, joins the performance, there isn’t much hope that it will remain Jed’s love song to Rose.  The path to Jed’s destruction is slow and progressive.  It is painful to watch the chasm grow between Jed and Rose.

The book’s foreward, by Kyle Idleman, author of Not a Fan, shares the background for the story and the hope that it will portray God’s unfailing love and the beauty and strength of the love between man and woman.  The story is inspired from the Song of Solomon in the Old Testament.  Without being told this was a Song of Solomon story, I would not have made that connection just from reading the book. 

The text is engaging and flows well. The characters are believable, as are the pressures in the music industry. Chris Fabry’s storytelling challenges readers to guard our hearts against the temptations that can tear apart marital love. This story should also be a call to Christ followers to pray for Christian artists who balance work with family and for them to resist the pull to compromise the message of His story in order to pursue wealth and fame. 

Fabry has written other books for youth and adults. I am interested in reading more from this author.

 
I received a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes from Tyndale House.