Commitments

I attended an awards dinner for a construction company. Of course, opportunities were taken to make speeches that could have an impact on future awards.

There were awards for safety performance. Which led to a very serious subject, the death of an employee the previous year in an accident. The administrative assistant – also the company owner’s wife -- made a comment during the presentation that it would be appreciated if in the future the men “would be married to the woman they were living with.”

In this particular instance, the employee’s death benefits were being processed for the woman the company had come to know as his wife. She used his name, lived in his house, attended company functions – in all, she was known as his wife. Except on a marriage certificate. That became evident when the un-divorced wife showed up to file for her husband’s death benefits. The result was not a comfortable situation in any courtroom.

Why is it we take commitments so lightly? That man stood before a legal authority and committed to remain a husband to his wife until death would part them. A good-sized percentage of such marriages fail.

Those decisions – to marry and to separate – have lasting consequences. Handled without legal considerations (much less emotional ties), the consequences can be costly and painful.

Even greater consideration should be given when professing a religious belief, making a lifetime commitment, later simply walking away. Specifically, on my mind are some who have walked away from their public commitment to follow a couple of commandments.

And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment (Mark 12:30 KJV)

Just using examples from my own experiences, one may leave for another church, but not to follow commandments. There are fewer rules. It’s more fun. More of the popular kids go there. There isn’t as much Bible reading. They talk more about every day things instead of long ago things and there are lots of games. Another is caught between two worlds. The family is fractured. Income is limited. Finances must stretch beyond belief. Clothing is hand-me-down. Getting to church is difficult, often asking for rides. Feeling bad about being so dependent on others. Besides, there’s this new, exciting person in mind. Still another dropped out of any church, ceased Bible reading. Going from a regular participate eager for answers to someone who says, “I don’t need that any more.”

Don’t jump to conclusions that a church has failed them. Staff, teachers, members, friends and extended family all encourage, exhort, pray and offer support, to no avail.

Give up? Not on your life. Actually, not on their life. They are important! They are special to God. We all pray for those who are walking away from God’s promises. Turning their back on His word and His work.

Should they return, they will be welcomed on earth with the same joy happening in heaven.

I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. (Luke 15:7 KJV)

Daniel's Prayer

And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: (Daniel 9:4-5 KJV)

Daniel has complete faith when praying to his God. He makes his confession before praising God, acknowledging God’s power, promises and mercy. To those that love Him. Please, keep that in mind.

Following Daniel’s personal confession, he mentions the sins of his people. He doesn’t list them by name, date or by severity. He lists them by type – iniquity, wickedly, rebelled, departing from God’s precepts and His judgments.

Find yourself in there somewhere? I certainly found myself. Thanks be to God, not in all of them! Greater thanks to Him for His forgiveness. That’s the mercy that is available to those that love Him, and I do.

Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. (Daniel 9:6 KJV)

There are people sent by God to tell us about His precepts from His word. These preachers who are sent (Romans 10:15) speak to the country’s leaders, national and local. They speak to the heads of households, and to all the people of the land.

At this point in our history, there is no Christian preacher reaching across our land. In my lifetime I have heard such men. They have counseled presidents, they have opened sessions of congress. Those days are gone. Today, using the name of Jesus Christ in public prayer engenders in the least public dismay and at the most lawsuits.

Forget for a moment that the majority of the population of this nation still overwhelmingly label themselves Christian. Look instead at how they display that in worship. Where do these same citizens spend the Lord’s Day?

Some will look upon this as being judgmental. Take another look at the end of verse 5: thy judgments. Yep. There’s that word. Think about it for a moment – would you rather be reminded by me (and many others) that God has defined requirements, or stand before Him unprepared?

Thanks, but I do appreciate my Pastor’s exhortations and admonitions. They are very similar to the ones I give to the students in my Sunday School class. Quite similar to what I write here.

Some may, as Daniel did, have their prayers answered by God’s messenger. He had much to tell generations that followed him. We have those same words, those same admonitions, those same instructions to follow. They are very clear and everything else hinges on them:

Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:36-40 KJV)

Graphic detail from "Daniel" in Sistine Chapel (Wikimedia Commons)

Marks Upon My Heart

Tours, France, 2008 (Wikimedia Commons)

I have a piece of cardboard cut to cover my desktop. It’s been here for several years, according to the notes on it. I’ve forgotten exactly when it went down, but there are notes written all over it.

“Kayla was here 1/21/06” and she’s in her third year away at college.

“Sam was here!” doesn’t have a date on it. She’s away, too. I don’t hear from her as often, but from Facebook I know that her young man has entered the service and she misses him.

“Stephenie wuz here!!” has an even stronger exclamation point and I must admit she’s had a great impact on my life.

There’s an unnamed “I wuz here 11/18/99” which could have been – it is possible this desk has been here since that date. And, that is a rather telling date – Second Daughter’s birthday is 11/18.

“Britney 6/23/99” attests to an even earlier date, and she left a drawing of a flower. I’m missing her. She has been in and out of our lives for a while.

Another left no name, just wrote “Rabbit Tracks” in an unmistakable handwriting. That would be Rae. She hasn’t been in my home often, but she has a full room set up in my heart.

The most prolific is “Amanda ….”, beginning with the times she wrote her name, no dates, through the time she wrote her married name. She’s the beautiful child that grew up and presented us our precious great-granddaughter.

The latest appears to be “Janice was here 4-3-10.” Not a young person this time, but my beloved sister-in-law, who sat here this last spring. While on their way to a new home in Ohio, her laptop died and she used this desktop.

There are some without names. “I love my Mommy (heart)” could have come from my First Daughter, or have been written by any of the above.

I am struck by the fact, too, that every one of the above have been in pews in our church. This is the extended family we’ve joined when we speak of the body of Christ.

So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. [Romans 12:5 KJV]

There are so many more who have not made it up my stairs into the loft corner to sit at this PC. Some of them I read on this machine. There’s Lisa, for whom we pray daily; Tina, who has led us in prayer in Sunday School, Ladies Meetings, Vacation Bible School, AWANAs; Nancy, who has opened her heart and her home to the widowed – and to every lady at our Christmas parties. That list stretches from here to heaven, where Miss Patty stands to meet us when we arrive.

I don’t know what message our Lord has in store for you from this time of remembrance from me, but it is what it on my heart first thing this morning, and that’s the way this blog has always been written. The only other Bible verse that continues to roll through my mind really is appropriate:

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. [1 John 4:16 KJV]

Legitimate Differences

I don’t have permissions to use the original graphic I liked for this post. But I was able to rework, with a bit of time and effort, to show what struck me so deeply in the original. I think this wife’s face carries all the love she holds for her husband as she sees him, safe, after the months of fearing she would lose him. Seeing him in front of her is the answer to her prayers. Seeing the result of so many people working together, with support from around the world.

One of the best quotes of this year comes from the President of Chile, Sebastian Pinera, regarding the rescue of those thirty-three trapped miners:

"When we Chileans set aside our legitimate differences and unify in a grand and noble cause, we are capable of great things."

It has a wider application. “When mankind sets aside our legitimate differences and unifies in a grand and noble cause, we are capable of great things.”

One of the first things we must realize is that among our friends, among our enemies, among even our family, there are legitimate differences. Some are simply differences of perspective. Others are centuries-old hurts inflicted by others – and they cannot be changed by anything we do now.

Too often we judge people today by events that took place not only a generation ago, but centuries ago by tribes or nations that no longer exist, nor do their ideals. Looking beyond them requires unification to a common purpose.

At present, there is no common purpose and unification for any reason is achieved only in a microcosm here or there.

Our church is within a forty-day period of fasting and prayer. Each one added to a list of specific prayers for participants and others to use, should they so desire. I have two items on the list for two ladies I hold very dear. I am very appreciative of those who are joining in this period of prayer, and I will hold their requests in my prayers, too.

Why? My usual answer – the Bible tells me to. Jesus’ disciples asked Him why they could not accomplish one healing that He was able to achieve.

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. (Matthew 17:20-21 KJV)

Thus, we unite in both prayer and fasting. Not nearly as many as those around the world who united in prayer for the miners.

Be aware of legitimate differences, but do not allow those differences (nor the people who cling to them) to separate mankind from achieving grand and noble achievements. Look, instead, for reasons to unite.

This, too, my Bible tells me to do.

Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11 KJV)

Deliverance?

There are times we pray to be delivered. The trial may be emotional, physical or spiritual. The trial may be happening to someone we love rather than ourselves. Are we as true to our faith as the three young men taken from their homes? The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, those long ago servants of the most high God, according to the third chapter of Daniel, is known in churches from pre-k up. They chose to continue serving God in spite of the promise of death if they did not bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s idols.

Did you notice, though, that they did not require a promise of deliverance? They thought He might.

If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. [Daniel 3:17 KJV]

This is what we look for when we’re praying to be delivered. Our God is able to deliver us, whether it be the fiery furnace, a physical need, an emotional need or a spiritual need. We know that He is able. We also know we don’t think as God does. He told us so.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. [Isaiah 55:8 KJV]

Those three faithful men knew this, so they added some information for the king’s education.

But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. [Daniel 3:18 KJV]

If, for some reason known only to Him, God’s will did not include their deliverance from the king’s punishment, they would not worship any other. Is our faith in God strong enough to accept “No” for an answer? Or do we begin seeking a way around His will. For that matter, how do we know what God does have in mind? Do we speak with Him daily, as David did?

I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. [Psalms 57:2 KJV]

That’s the second verse, where David is giving God credit for all things. He acknowledges God’s hand in everything. Of course, that follows the first verse, crying out for help.

Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. [Psalms 57:1 KJV]

David certainly had calamities in his life, didn’t he? Some were of his own making, others beset him through friends and family. None cost him his belief in a God capable of mercy. God who performed all things.

David acknowledged his needs.

Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy. [Psalms 86:1 KJV]

In this same prayer, he acknowledged God’s abilities.

For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone. [Psalms 86:10 KJV]

When we know this, when we believe this truly, we can also pray:

I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. [Psalms 86:12 KJV]

Franz Joseph Hermann (1739-1806): "The Fiery Furnace; from the Book of Daniel, 3" (Wiki Commons)

The Battle is God's

Thursday our church entered a period of 40 days of prayer and of fasting. Many are unable to commit to fasting more than a short period, some are unable to fast due to medical reasons, but all are committed to prayer and fasting as they can, to focus their hearts and minds on the Lord and His work. We are making specific requests for people we love that are facing battles, but they are not alone.

This combination of fasting and prayer is seen throughout the Bible. Today I was reminded of Jehoshapat’s story in 2 Chronicles’ twentieth chapter. Jehoshaphat had multiple armies coming to battle. He was reminded of what could happen by others around him.

And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. (2 Chronicles 20:3 KJV)

This is much as we are – we seek the Lord when we are afraid. At that point we are most aware of His power and His abilities. Jehoshaphat’s people responded. His people knew they would bear the brunt of the war and needed the Lord’s help.

And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD. (2 Chronicles 20:4 KJV)

Jehoshaphat’s prayer doesn’t sound fearful. Instead, he questions God – not God’s power, not ability, but as a list of what God has done and can do.

And said, O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee? Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever? (2 Chronicles 20:6-7 KJV)

He lists God’s promise to Israel and tells of the mighty armies arrayed against Israel. Then, he enters His plea.

O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee. (2 Chronicles 20:12 KJV)

Our eyes are upon thee. That’s the focus of prayer and fasting, turning our eyes upon the Lord. We know what Jehoshaphat knew. God rules. We trust his judgment is true, fair and will be applied according to His will. Not everything we request will come to pass within our timeframe. We do believe our answer will be the same as God’s to Jehoshaphat – do not be afraid, the battle is God’s.

And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's. (2 Chronicles 20:15 KJV)

Once we turn our requests over to Him, they are no longer ours. Do not take them back. We may not find our answers in the wilderness of Jeruel, but God’s answer stands.

Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the LORD with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the LORD will be with you. (2 Chronicles 20:17 KJV)

Bottom line? The LORD will be with you.

A Talon

Labelled Radiographic Anatomy, Michael L. Richardson, M.D., University of Washington Radiology Web Lab

There comes a time when our own bodies work against us. Beloved Husband has reached that point. His body is working so against him that it is cutting into a tendon, making a hole that must be surgically repaired.

His left shoulder bone (please, I don’t know the correct bone names – we’re not on speaking terms) has served him well for nigh on to seventy years. We don’t know how long ago it began to develop an arthritic bone spur, don’t know how long it took to reach the point where it reached down from the acromion and touched the tendon covering his shoulder joint. We do know from some very clear MRI graphics that it has been there long enough to actually create a hole by poking and rubbing. I wish I could show that graphic instead of the generic above.

The surgeon referred to it as a “talon” and it does appear to have a curved shape. Although not as sharp as a predator’s talon, it is sharp enough that movement causes it to press deeper and be more and more painful.

Thanks to the doctors who can, and will in a few short weeks, remove this pain. It does bring to my mind why Paul wrote of flesh and sin.

For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. (Romans 7:5 KJV)

Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. (Galatians 4:13 KJV)

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. (Galatians 5:17 KJV)

Our spirit and our flesh truly are contrary one to another. To continue to sin after knowing God’s plan for our lives is similar to building a talon that tears at us spiritually. It causes pain. Actually, sin itself causes pain – often to our flesh, certainly to our hearts (and the hearts of those who love us), just as much as to our spirit.

Galatians 5:19-21 has a rather lengthy list of the works of the flesh. Each of them brings pain. The next two verses list the fruit of the Spirit, the Holy Spirit of God that dwells with us as the Comforter promised by Christ:

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26 KJV)

Check it out with scriptures and prayer to God to provide His truth. Is this of God, or not? He has promised to all men that those who seek Him will find Him.

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: (Isaiah 55:6 KJV)

Why? For me, it is to be able to say with King David:

Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake. (Psalms 115:1 KJV)