Continuing the Journey: The Path Already Travelled (Part 1 of 2)

          “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”  Romans 15:4

          It is natural to glimpse back into the previous three hundred and sixty-five days that we have lived.  The closing of another year.  We see the memories that gave us feelings of joy, pain, anger, desperation, and relief. 

          The beginning of this previous year was not one of hope and promise, to me.  Medical complications steered me into trying to create a manageable work environment, totally different from what I had been used to.   Still not having answers to what was (and is) ailing me.  I was feeling very much alone.  Granted, I focused more on God’s Word and sharing what I have learned, but I still felt isolation.  It was a feeling of uncertainty.  For the first time, I looked at a new year in complete loss.  I was in the proverbial jungle without a compass. 
          While I was certain that my condition left me fated for a single life (which I came to accept), God turned the tables on me.  He brought someone in my life that wasn’t concerned with my “status”.  This beautiful soul saw everything positive in my life and fell in love with those things.  She opened my eyes so that I could look beyond what was slowing me down, and to center my attention on those aspects that could help me overcome. 
          This year closes with my gaining a new status: husband.  I still look back and say to myself, “Who would have thought it?”  I may not have gained a handle or understanding of my condition (yet), but I gained a loving wife that I am absolutely crazy about.  Now, we continue the path together, hand in hand.
          The past teaches us that we shouldn’t lose hope, even when the chips are down.  As Paul tells us in Romans, the past is for our instruction, to learn from it.  Even in the earliest recorded times, we are advised not to forget what was seen or heard in the past (Deut. 4:9).  The events that are behind us are our stepping stones.  While we do not want to dwell in them, we want to use them as ongoing lessons for our lives.  I came across a quote by Dr. Warren Wiersbe, a theologian, that states, “The past is a rudder to guide you, not an anchor to drag you.”  Sound words!
          So, as we close this year, look back at the steps you have travelled.  Reflect on what you can learn from them.  If you had a life-altering experience, as I did, then remember that God is constantly in control and He takes care of those who continue to look to Him.

          Tomorrow, I will conclude this two-part lesson with a look at the Path Ahead.

Don’t Spoil the Treasured Gift

          “The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;” 1 John 2:4

          “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”  1 Peter 5:8

         Growing up, it was no surprise that my brother and I attempted to “pull one” past our parents.  When they would go out on a weekend night, we’d stay up later than we were supposed to.  We’d watch TV, with all the lights out, until we heard their car pulling up, then sneak off to our room, acting as if we’d been asleep for some time.  Late Saturday nights meant sneaking out of bed to watch another exciting episode of Doctor Who (Tom Baker, aka The Fourth Doctor, remains the best!).  Then there was Christmas time.

          My brother had taught me the fine art of carefully opening a present and resealing it, leaving no traces.  I had it perfected.  I would slowly and carefully peel back the clear Scotch tape, holding down the wrapping.  I would take my time in this process, as not to tear the wrapping paper.  Then, slowly pull back the layers of wrapping to expose the treasure beneath.  After making the wondrous discovery, I would carefully refold the ends of the wrapping, placing the tape down exactly where it had been.  It was undetectable!  It was brilliant!  Now, if my brother had taught me NOT to go and grab that most treasured present to unwrap on our traditional “opening one gift on Christmas Eve”, it would have been perfect!!  But NOOOOOOOO!  I had to give myself away by picking that bigger gift to open!  DOH!

          In these times, we live in a world where it is difficult to take things at face-value.  We’d like to be able to take a person’s word on things, but it doesn’t happen that way.  We even hear people exclaim to “know Jesus” and “believe”.  However, you wouldn’t know it by their actions.  1 John 2:4 (quoted above) attests to the fact that God may hear those words, but knows what is in the individual’s heart.  They aren’t getting away with it as much as they think.  They will slip up.  If we are doing it, WE WILL SLIP UP! 

Sure, I wasn’t meaning harm by peeking at my presents.  After all, I was going to get them anyway, right?  That isn’t the point.  The point was, I was sneaking around and looking at them before the time that I was supposed to be given them.  The gift wasn’t mine yet, until Christmas morning, when it was proper for me to find out what was beneath all of that wrapping paper.

That brings up another point: having the gift in your possession when it isn’t yet time to receive it.  Jesus wrapped up a perfect gift for us: an OPPORTUNITY to live forever!  A chance to die from these earthly vessels and continue in God’s glorious kingdom!  The other side of that coin is: the gift only works when the receiver is truly ready for it, not before. 

That gift waits for me and every day I strive to do what I can to be an appreciative recipient of it.  I don’t get to see this gift early.  I don’t want to lose that gift.  No of us want to lose it.  However, we are expected to uphold our end of the deal; and that is to live as God instructs us to live on this earth.  A gift can always be taken back. 

This is one present that is too powerful to be careless with.  This is one present that costs more than ANYTHING we could possibly purchase ourselves.  This present lasts through the sands of time.  Can we earn it, or deserve it?  No.  We don’t deserve it, because we are sinful creatures that need God’s salvation through His Son.  We can’t earn it, because there is nothing we can do that will ever be equivalent to Jesus’ sacrifice.  So, what are we supposed to do?  Live by God’s commandments.  As Hebrews 5:9 tells us, He is the source of salvation to everyone who OBEYS Him. 

It isn’t worth attempting to “sneak” this gift early, “assuming” that it is deserved.  We need to set our sights on following God’s path, being honest to ourselves and others in our hearts. 

The Bells Are Ringing

         “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”  Luke 2:14 KJV

Christmas adornments hanging on the street light poles.  Houses illuminated with icicle lights and yard decorations.  Stores all decked out for the season.  Favorite carols playing on the radio (or playing my Duck the Halls cd). The smells of fresh spruce and cinnamon.  Tasting sugar cookies.  Yes, I LOVE this time of year!  This year has brought on an exceptionally new meaning, for me.

I look at the presents that are accumulating underneath the tree and think to myself I’m not going to be taking these gifts anywhere this year.  These presents are staying right here, to be opened on Christmas morning with my family.  Normally, Christmas morning my tree was empty underneath, all the presents that I bought being taken somewhere else.  Not this year.  This year I’ll be at my house, opening presents with my family, gathered around my tree (our tree, but you get what I mean).  There is peace in my heart.

I will certainly miss not having other family members with us, that I’ve been used to having.  I’ve always enjoyed exchanging gifts with my mom and stepdad.  I’ll miss seeing my godchildren during the Christmas vacation.  My brother and his family.  My closest friends.  Of course, my mother can rest assured that she will be getting that call on Christmas morning (I know better than to cross the woman that brought me into this world.  Ha ha).  However, my family and friends know that I am with my new family.  There is peace in my heart. 

This season is a time to take a few of those old traditions and mix them with new traditions.  It is the start of original customs to merge with the familiar ones.  New experiences and adventures to be had.  There is peace in my heart.

Clearly, as Luke wrote, God wanted (and still wants) the world to be full of peace.  He wants us to be charitable in our hearts.  He wants us to be able to lend a helping hand when we can.  God sent us the perfect peace, by way of His Son (Ephesians 2:14).  He wanted that peace to fill our hearts and to share with those around us. 

As you are scrambling to prepare for kids to be off for Christmas and trying to purchase last minute presents, don’t forget the spirit of Christmas.  Don’t forget that it is a time to be hospitable to others.  It is a time to enjoy the company of family and close friends.  It’s always a time to enjoy a good meal…and the nice, surprising gifts are an added treat.  Don’t forget to take a moment to allow yourself to absorb every experience. 

Have peace in your hearts.

Daddy's Hands

          “For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and brings forth vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned.  But, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way.  For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.”  Hebrews 6:7-10

          My daddy’s hands were most hands that did hard work.  Broad fingers, callouses, skin of leather.  I have watched those hands hold a hammer and drive in many nails.  Those hands utilized saws, drills, screwdrivers, and plenty of other hand tools.  They were tough with a sure, solid grip.  They could also play a six-string guitar with ease and dexterity.  With those broad fingertips, I had often pondered how my daddy managed to hold those single strings down without overlapping onto another string, but he did it.  There was power and control in those hands. 
          As rough and tough as those hands were, there was also tenderness in them.  They comforted me when I needed it most.  They were soft on my shoulder when he was helping me to understand what to expect in life.  There was love in them, to give equally to all his children.  Those hands had many qualities to them.
          During my study of Hebrews, I noticed how the writer shifted tones.  The one tone showed the seriousness of the consequences that would befall those Christians who were allowing themselves to fall away from God’s grace, choosing to follow a path of sin.  God, through the writer, makes His message clear enough that those choosing this life will not receive His inheritance.  The writer also makes it clear of God’s disappointment in those that were not committed enough to stay on the heavenly path.
          As we see in verse 9, the writer shifts into a very loving and compassionate tone.  Referring to the readers as “beloved”.  The writer continues to state that they are convinced that good things are bound for these people that have been falling short of their faith.  This is a sign of God’s mercy.  He stands willing to take His children back when we stumble and fall.  He will always stretch His hand out to us, to lift us back to our feet.  We just need to be willing to except His help and guidance. 
          God’s hands will be harsh at times.  We must expect this when we choose to push His loving nature and disobey Him.  To expect anything else, would be to show a lack of respect to our Creator.  We can only receive the gift of the kingdom IF we accept His will, fully, in our hearts.
          If you feel that you have been straying down the wrong path, take this moment to ask for God’s forgiveness and His guidance to help find your way again.