Entry #35 - Brown Paper Packages

Christmas! Ah yes, the season of holiday cheer, festive decorations, strings of bright lights, fancy wrapped packages with glittering bows, cookies, parties, shopping, shopping, shopping…  It’s a wonderful time—a busy time. A time when, according to The Statistic Portal, Americans will spend an average of approximately $794 on Christmas gifts. Out of curiosity, I investigated another online site, CreditDonkey.com (yes, there really is such a site and it can be located at https://www.creditdonkey.com/gift-giving.html ). It seems Credit Donkey polled 1,076 Americans age 18 and over during October 7-11, 2013, just five years ago. At that time, the following percentages were discovered:

• ·         Gift cards: 82% want to receive gift cards; 69% plan to give gift cards
• ·         Electronics: 76% want to receive electronics; 63% plan to give electronics
• ·         Clothing: 68% want to receive clothing; 59% plan to give clothing
• ·         Books: 62% want to receive books; 58% plan to give books
• ·         Toys: 56% plan to give toys and 79% of parents plan to give toys
• ·         43% of those polled admitted they will get a gift for themselves
• ·         54% will return gifts given to them (unless it is a gift card)

For the Christian, our perspective on Christmas gifts takes a different focus. For us, the primary gift given on the very first “Christmas” day was the gift of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, the Only Son of God. He came to begin the plan of salvation that will eventually culminate in his Second Advent—the blessed hope for which we wait. No other gift to us could ever compare with God’s gift of his Beloved Son.

However; if you have ever read any of my previous blogs, you know I love to look at some of the more obscure details in life. This blog entry will look at the various individuals who were present during the original “Christmas,” to consider some of the other gifts—the less obvious gifts—given during that first Christmas.

To set the background, perhaps you are familiar with the original Broadway production of the 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical The Sound of Music featuring Mary Martin as Maria, or perhaps the1965 film version with Julie Andrews as Maria. The title of today’s blog comes from the famous song “My Favorite Things.” Along with “whiskers on kittens” and “warm woolen mittens,” the character of Maria found comfort in the simple things, even “brown paper packages tied up with strings.” It occurs to me that the original story of Christmas (Matthew chapters 1-2, and Luke chapters 1-2) includes the receiving of many brown paper packages. These little “brown paper packages tied up with strings”—the less obvious gifts—are the ones we will try to discover as we explore the First Advent.

Joseph

Joseph was a righteous man, unwilling to publicly disgrace his pregnant teenage fiancée. What should he do? He was a man full of uncertainty regarding the future. His first brown paper package contained the gift of assurance.

Matthew 1:20-21  --an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”

Joseph received a second brown paper package, the gift of guidance in the midst of danger.

Matthew 2:13  When they [the Magi] had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

Mary

Most historical scholars believe Mary to be a young teenage girl, possibly as young as 13, and betrothed to Joseph according to Jewish customs of the day. One can only imagine the bewilderment gripping Mary as she realizes the enormity of the task facing her, the task of giving birth to and raising the Son of God.  Mary has found favor with God. She unwraps the gift of calming peace in the midst of perplexity.

Luke 1:30-31, 35  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. … The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.”

Simeon and Anna

Simeon was a righteous and devout man. His age is not mentioned although most scholars agree he was in his advanced years. Anna was a prophetess and the Bible does reveal her age. She had only been married seven years when her husband died leaving her a widow until she was 84 years of age. We are told Anna worshiped and prayed night and day, never leaving the temple. Although they were two distinctive individuals, Simeon and Anna shared in the common bond of anticipation. They knew the scriptures foretelling the birth of The Messiah. Would they be able to live long enough to welcome the coming Messiah? Senior adults can identify well with the aches and pains of age that Simeon and Anna must have felt as they waited. Pulling the string off their brown paper packages, they unwrap the gift of endurance and the gift of promise.

Luke 2:26, 28, and 38  It had been revealed to him [Simeon] by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. … Simeon took him [Jesus] in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation.” … Coming up to them [Mary and Joseph with the infant] at that very moment, she [Anna] gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Magi from the East

In 1857, John H. Hopkins, Jr. penned the classic Christmas hymn “We Three Kings of Orient Are.”  It is most likely this hymn in combination with three specifically mentioned gifts in the Bible—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—that establishes the image of three wisemen in modern day nativity sets. In truth, many biblical scholars believe the caravan of Magi to be as great as 200 in keeping with historical and cultural traditions of travel at that time. Ironically, the Magi are considered the premiere gift-givers of the original Christmas event. Their gifts were extravagant and to call the gifts costly seems understated. What possible brown paper packages could they receive? To the Magi were given the gifts of wisdom and discernment in order to avoid King Herod’s brutal schemes.

Matthew 2:11-12  On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Shepherds

In all honesty, I believe the shepherds are my favorite participants in the original “Christmas” event. Culture and tradition reveal that sheep-herding was about the lowest occupation of the time and generally delegated to the youngest son. Big brothers had the better chores and little brothers were scooted outside to tend the sheep. Perhaps this is why Samuel had to wait for Jesse to bring his youngest son David in from the field; how could Jesse imagine the scruffy young boy was to be anointed as a future king? (1 Samuel 16:1-13)  Being a shepherd was also dangerous, especially during the dark evening hours full of hungry wild animals and ruthless thieves. It is in this setting we find the little band of shepherds.

Luke 2:8  And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

It was the little band of shepherds who opened at least three brown paper packages that night. Can you imagine how frightening it would be out in the darkest night when the first angel appeared and the brightness of the glory of God shone around them? No wonder they were terrified. Just as Mary did, the shepherds also unwrap their first package to discover the gift of calming peace as the angel brings good news full of joy. To the shepherds’ amazement, when the first angel finishes speaking, a great company of heavenly host appears and together they sing praises: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests (vs. 13-14).”

Now the shepherds unwrap their second package to discover the gift of boldness.

Luke 2:15-16  When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

Finally, a third brown paper package is unwrapped by the shepherds. This gift is simply amazing. This little group of scruffy boys, most likely filthy and smelling somewhat like the flocks they tended, is given a precious gift—the gift of credibility.

Luke 2:17-18, 20  When they [the shepherds] had seen him [Jesus], they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. … The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

It is my sincerest hope that this devotion finds you busily enjoying the wonderful holiday events and traditions of a joyous Christmas season. It is my challenge to you that you would take time during this Advent to read the entire account of the original “Christmas” found in Matthew (chapters 1 and 2) and Luke (chapters 1 and 2). It is my request that you join with me in prayer for our many friends and loved ones who struggle each year to manage what I call “the Holiday blues.” They need our love and support as well as our fervent prayers.  But most of all, no matter what brightly colored presents adorn your tree this year, my greatest desire is that you might receive one or more of the “brown paper packages tied up with string” found in the original “Christmas” event.

e        e        e

the gift of assurance                the gift of guidance                 the gift of endurance

e        e        e

the gift of promise                   the gift of wisdom                   the gift of discernment

e        e        e

the gift of  calming peace       the gift of boldness                 the gift of credibility

Merry Christmas to you all, and may God richly bless you!

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian (eagerly awaiting the return of Jesus Christ our Lord!)

Entry #34 - Give Me Understanding

It is a rare occasion that I respond in rebuttal format to the writings of another author. It is even rarer still that I post my opinion on such matters. First, let me state outright that I am thoroughly enjoying a study on the book of Job written by Lisa Harper. I would strongly recommend this book to my friends. Her writing gives a fresh perspective on a book most Christians find difficult to study. However; that being said, Harper does include a single comment regarding the work of John Calvin that I must address since Calvin’s view contradicts everything I know to be biblically  true about the nature and supremacy of God. I know this post will be quite lengthy with the inclusion of many scriptures—most of which you could easily find on your own—but I have chosen to include them within the post.

Response to John Calvin seminal thesis about Christianity, Institutes of the Christian Religion, as it pertains to the concept of how God [supposedly] has to condescend to communicate to us.

{as presented in JOB: A Story of Unlikely Joy, Lisa Harper, 2018, p.96}

According to McNeill, Calvin states,

“Thus such forms of speaking do not so much express clearly

what God is like as accommodate the knowledge of him to our

slight capacity. To do this he must descend far beneath his

loftiness.”   (McNeill, 1960)

Regarding Calvin's quote, Lisa Harper queries,

“What Calvin is asserting here is that our Creator and Redeemer

has to “dumb Himself down” in order for us to understand Him.

Does that make you feel special and cared for or embarrassed by

your deficiency? Explain your answer.”  (Harper, 2018)

RESPONSE:

I do not believe God ever would “dumb Himself down” to our level—it is our job and responsibility to search and seek for him up to his level. When we don’t understand, that is where faith and trust fill the gaps. When we accept Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, at that moment we are filled with the Holy Spirit who becomes our guide for truth and understanding. But it takes effort on our part! We cannot hope to understand the scriptures if we do not make the effort to study. We cannot hope to understand or catch a glimpse of the greatness of our God unless we are willing to focus on him in our daily lives.

We live in a world seeking instant solutions—instant meals, fast food restaurants, fastest internet connections, instant information via Google (yes, I’m guilty, too), quick health solutions, etc. Even our educational systems succumb to lowering of standards to make learning easy and palatable for all students. Homework is too hard and requires too much effort. Grades are becoming generic to enable all students to “succeed,” whether or not they truly grasp the information. This is our world, our way. But it is not God’s way. I strongly believe that God wants us to put some effort into seeking him. When we do, he will always be found.

Beginning with Moses who admonished the people to seek God—and culminating with Jesus who acknowledged the lack of understanding of the disciples, and the disciples who acknowledged the lack of our understanding—the scriptures are full of passages instructing God’s people to be diligent in seeking him. Nearly the entire writings of Solomon (the wisest man known to us) is devoted to seeking wisdom as more precious than gold. Countless Psalms speak of the search for understanding. Not only this, but many of the prophets also admonished the people to seek God, with no mention of God’s standards being lowered to make it easy. Nowhere in all of these passages is there even a remote hint that God “dumb[s] himself down.” In fact, quite the opposite is always true.

All scriptures point to our inadequacy and God’s supremacy. No scriptures point to a God who lowers his standards to accommodate us. Here are just a few passages, representative of only a small sampling of scriptures (taken from NIV unless otherwise noted):

Deuteronomy 4:29 (NLT)  But from there you will search again for the LORD your God. And if you search for him with all your heart and soul, you will find him.

Psalm 14:2 and 53:2  The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.

Psalm 18:30  As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless.

Psalm 25:4-5 (NLT)  Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.

Psalm 48:1-3  Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. It is beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth. Like the utmost heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the Great King. God is in her citadels; he has shown himself to be her fortress.

Psalm 57:5, 11  Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.

Psalm 61:2 and 62:2  From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.   . . .  He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.

Psalm 63:1  O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

Psalm 70:4  But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, “Let God be exalted!”

Psalm 119:27  Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.

Psalm 119:34  Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.

Psalm 145:3  Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.

Psalm 147:5  Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.

Psalm 150:1-2, 6  Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness.  . . .  Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.

Proverbs 1:5  Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—

Proverbs 2:1-6  My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 3:5  Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding…

Proverbs 3:13-15  Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she [wisdom] is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.

Proverbs 4:7  Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

Proverbs 9:10  The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverb 14:7, 15 (NLT)  Stay away from fools, for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.  . . .  Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.

Isaiah 55:6, 8-9  Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.  . . .  “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Jeremiah 29:13  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Daniel 2:19-22  Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.  . . .  He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things…”

(Jesus teaching his disciples) 

Mark 9:32 But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.

Luke 9:45  But they did not understand what this meant. It was hidden from them, so that they did not grasp it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.

Luke 18:34  The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he [Jesus] was talking about.

Luke 24:45  Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

John 16:12-13  “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.”

(writings of the disciples to early Christians, and to us)

I Corinthians 13:12  Now we see but a poor reflection; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Philippians 1:9-10  And this is my prayer: that your love many abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ…

Philippians 4:7  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:7  Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

Hebrews 5:11-12  We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again.

1 John 5:20  We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

Once again, I want to emphasize my intent is not to diminish the written work of Lisa Harper in any way—merely to state my personal response to the writings of John Calvin, which Harper includes in her book. I recognize fully that I can be outranked by many teachers, preachers, and theologians. Nevertheless, I will remain fully opposed to the concept that God would ever “descend far beneath his loftiness” [Calvin], nor would he ever “dumb Himself down” [Harper]. It is we who must diligently and faithfully seek him, and only in doing so will we catch a glimpse of God’s truly divine nature. When we come to the inevitable life moments that cause us to cry out to God for answers, and when answers seem far removed, we have the comfort that all will be fully known to us at that moment when Christ shall come to reclaim his own.

Until then, dear friends, I will join Paul and Timothy in my prayer for you:

Colossians 1:9-10  For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God…

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian

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Works Cited

Lisa Harper, JOB: A Story of Unlikely Joy (Nashville, TN: LifeWay Press, 2018), 96.

John T. McNeill (ed.), Calvin: Institutes of the Christian Religion (Louisville, KY: The    

Westminster John Knox Press,1960), 121.

Entry #33 - Write From My Heart

It’s probably a little odd that the title of this entry is also the title of my blog. No, I’m not suffering from writer’s block, unable to come up with a suitable title—although at times that does happen. And no, it’s not a lack-of-coffee issue—I’m on my third cup, (Disclaimer: It’s a very small cup!). All joking aside, there is something on my mind and heart about which I feel led to write. While I always write from my heart, this perhaps reaches deeper into my heart than most topics.

Never before have I felt such deep heartfelt sorrow and despair over the state of our nation and the rebellious direction we seem to be traveling—away from truth, away from justice, away from faithfulness, and basically, away from God. The words of Isaiah are pounding in my head:

Isaiah 59:2, 12-15 (NIV) But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. … For our offenses are many in your sight, and our sins testify against us. Our offenses are ever with us, and we acknowledge our iniquities: rebellion and treachery against the LORD, turning our backs on our God, fomenting oppression and revolt, uttering lies our hearts have conceived. So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. The LORD looked and was displeased that there was no justice.

During the time of Hosea, prophet and contemporary of the prophet Isaiah, Israel was in great turmoil—all the while busily satiating their own lustful and sinful desires. The Lord God had had enough and sent word through Hosea to charge Israel face to face with their sinful ways. The graphic details can be read in Hosea, chapter four. Hosea is not an easy book to read. Yet, the root of the problem was made quite clear:

Hosea 4:1-2 (NIV) There is no faithfulness, no love, no acknowledgement of God in the land. There is only cursing, lying and murder, stealing and adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed.

What a scathing indictment for a people who were to be set apart as God’s chosen ones; a people who were to be a witness of God’s love and faithfulness to all the nations surrounding them. It was God’s intention that the Israelites would draw all nations to him. Instead of remaining steadfast, the Israelites chose in rebellion to assimilate into the cultures around them. The result?

Hosea 4:14 (NIV, last phrase) “A people without understanding will come to ruin!”

And come to ruin they did. History tells us that Samaria, the grand capital city of the northern kingdom of Israel, fell to the Assyrians in 722 B.C. The account can be found in 2 Kings.

2 Kings 17:5-6 (NIV) The king of Assyria invaded the entire land, marched against Samaria and laid siege to it for three years. In the ninth year of Hoshea [king of Israel], the king of Assyria [Shalmaneser V] captured Samaria and deported the Israelites to Assyria.

            Time and again, God sent his leaders and prophets to warn both the nations of Judah and Israel of the consequences of their sins.  He commanded them not to take any other gods or worship any gods found among the neighboring peoples. He instructed them not to follow the practices of other nations. God’s people were to set the example. God’s people were to set the standard. God’s people were to remain faithful to him alone.

            The sad truth of their rebelliousness and its consequences are recorded in 2 Kings.

2 Kings 17:7-22 (NIV, excerpts used to summarize events) All this took place because the Israelites had sinned against the LORD their God. ... They did wicked things that provoked the LORD to anger. ... The LORD warned Israel and Judah through all his prophets and seers: “Turn from your evil ways. Observe my commands and decrees, in accordance with the entire Law that I commanded your fathers to obey and that I delivered to you through my servants the prophets.” But they would not listen and were as stiff-necked as their fathers, who did not trust in the LORD their God. ... They imitated the nations around them although the LORD had ordered them, “Do not do as they do,” and they did the things the LORD had forbidden them to do. … So the LORD was very angry with Israel and removed them from his presence. …So the people of Israel were taken from their homeland into exile in Assyria…

            To be honest with you, although I am distressed by the decline of our nation’s moral character, I am even more distressed with the complacency of those of us who call ourselves Christians—and yes, I said “us” because I include myself. We hear politicians tear down one another, actively plotting and scheming entire books of lies and rumors. We see lack of respect for our President to the point where he himself questions whom he can trust. We yawn, and turn away; “I’m only one person, what can I do about it anyway?” Isaiah was one person. Hosea was one person. One person can do much when their trust is in God.

            You see, God does not change. So let’s be clear. If he did not want his people to sin then; he does not want his people to sin now. If he did not approve of cursing, lying, murder, stealing, and adultery (v. 2) then; he does not approve of cursing, lying, murder, stealing, and adultery now. If he did not want his people to worship other gods then; he does not want his people to worship other gods now. If he did not want his people to imitate the nations around them then; he does not want his people to imitate the nations around them now.

            There is a solution! And there is hope! All the Israelites needed to do was:

Hosea 14:2 (NIV) Take words with you and return to the LORD. Say to him: “Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously”

You see, God does not change. So let’s be clear. If he wanted his people to repent then; he wants his people to repent now. If he wanted his people to acknowledge him, love him, and be faithful only unto him (v. 1) then; he wants his people to acknowledge him, love him, and be faithful only unto him now. If he wanted his people to trust him then; he wants his people to trust him now, perhaps now more than ever!

Isaiah 58:9 (NIV) Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.

Acts 3:19 (NIV) Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.

Ephesians 6:13-18 (NIV) Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. … With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Colossians 2:6-8 (NIV) So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV) Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

1 Peter 4:7 (NIV) The end of all things is near, Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.

What is the bottom line? Pray. Pray that God would shake the dust of complacency off our hearts. Pray that we will no longer view our Christianity as we would a casual membership club card. Pray for our nation. Pray for our President, that he might 1^st trust God, and 2^nd be surrounded with those, who also trust God, whom he can trust. Pray before you vote. Pray after you vote. Pray daily that our nation will once again be, “One nation, under God.”

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian

Entry #32 - Message of Hope

Time plays interesting games with my mind. Some conversations are forgotten almost immediately, while others seem as fresh as the moment spoken. Such is the case for a conversation I had with my Uncle nearly 15 years ago. I shared with him my desire to use my writing talents in a more purposeful way—a way that would honor my Heavenly Father. His message stays with me today just as clearly as it was first given. He said people need to hear a message of hope. People need to know there is a God who is alive and personal; a God who knows their sorrows and despair and cares deeply for them. The following scripture selections echo this message.

“The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.” Psalm 37:23-24 (NLT)

“The LORD rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble.” Psalm 37:39 (NLT)

On one end of the spectrum, I think about God who is Creator of all things. Science has not yet discovered the true vastness of space, galaxies, and solar systems. Yet on the other end of the spectrum, God also created the microscopic and beyond. General scientific knowledge now can measure the smallest subatomic particles of atoms called quarks. From the unimaginably great to the infinitesimally small; our wonderful Heavenly Father created it all!

This is the God, our LORD, of whom the psalmist writes. When we grieve from the loss of loved ones; when our days linger with loneliness or despair; when current issues leave us overwhelmed and our path seems unsure; when we feel abandoned, unloved, or uncared for—there is hope! We serve a God who knows “every detail” of our lives. He cares deeply for his children. In times of trouble He stands ready to rescue, to pick us up when we fall, to comfort us when we despair.

“We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.” Psalm 33:20-22 (NLT)

And here is the most amazing thing; this same God, our wonderful Heavenly Father, is only a prayer away. I am reminded of the hymn written by Charles O. Farnham (1880-1947) and found in Hymns of Heritage and Hope, ACGC, 2001.

#575, Thank God I Can Pray

When the world goes wrong, and my heart is sad, thank God I can go and pray;

It relieves my fears, dries my falling tears, and gives strength for the rest of the day.

When the task is hard, and my strength is small, thank God I can go and pray;

How it cheers my heart, when He takes my part, and gives strength for the rest of the day.

When the flesh is weak, and the tempter strong, thank God I can go and pray;

Then His Spirit true, always helps me thru, and gives strength for the rest of the day.

All along the way, with each fleeting day, thank God I can go and pray;

Till the journey’s run and my work is done, He’ll give strength till the close of life’s day.

Thank God I can pray, tho’ dark be my way, to Him I can ever cry,

He will not say me nay when I earnestly pray, but with help He is always nigh.

Precious Heavenly Father, you know our sorrows and our griefs. You know what causes our pain. Yet you stand ready to comfort us. Truly You are our message of Hope. We humbly thank you for your deep abiding love. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian

Entry #31 -- Broken Pottery

In my husband’s family there is one specific treasured heirloom that must be passed down through the generations. No one is quite sure of its significance other than one generation told the next, “You must be sure to keep this.” We are told at one time the piece belonged to a set of miniature items; but alas, only one broken pot remains. In a family of sons and grandsons, you can imagine the teasing and jesting that occurs over which son or grandson will be responsible for the safe-keeping of this family treasure!

With joking aside, what saddens me is that we will never know the significance of the item. I have so many questions! Where are all the other pieces? How did this piece get broken? Why is it the only surviving piece? Who made it? Where was it made? What was the cost? How many miles has it traveled from its origin? Who were its owners? What function did it serve? What joys are associated with this piece? What sorrows are associated with this piece? Who treasured it? Why was it treasured?

Broken pottery. A single piece of broken pottery. The psalmist, King David, felt like this—a single piece of broken pottery.

“Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, and my soul and my body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak.  . . .  I have become like broken pottery.” Psalm 31:9-10, 12 (NIV)

At times, the losses associated with life seem overwhelming. With the aging process comes deterioration of mind and body. We watch helplessly as friends and loved ones grow feeble losing the mental acuity they once possessed. Sometimes the body grows weak with age or illness requiring constant care of others. Sometimes the heart grows weary longing for rest. Sometimes it’s the searing pain of loss of loved ones that weighs us down. Deep hurt. Unspoken sorrow.

There is hope. There is strength. There is mercy.

“But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hands.” Psalm 31:14,15 (NIV)

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:24 (NIV)

“…the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.” Psalm 32:10 (NIV)

“We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.” Psalm 33:20-22 (NIV)

The psalmist, King David, knew his true source of comfort and hope. He knew when he reached his lowest limits on Whom he could rely. This is still our source of comfort and hope today. When we reach our lowest limits we cry out, “O LORD, You are my God!”

The psalmist, King David, knew something else:

“I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 (NIV)

No, the Lord didn’t remove all obstacles and negatives in David’s life. The Lord didn’t reverse circumstances and return things back to “the way it used to be.” But the Lord did something even greater—He relieved David’s fears. I believe this is the significance of the broken pottery. There will always be broken pottery—grief, sorrows, pain, and disappointments—in our lives. However; when we focus on the broken pottery, we miss the greatness of God’s deliverance from our fears.

“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:5-8 (NIV)

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian

Entry #30 -- Are We There Yet?

If you have ever taken a road trip or family vacation with small children in the car, then most likely the title of this blog will bring back many memories. “Are we there yet?” and its many variations including, “How much longer?” and “When are we going to get there?” are questions most frequently asked by little ones whose developing muscles scream: “Let me out; I want to run around!” It is very hard for small children to sit for long periods of time without movement. They need movement; they need to run.

Run. What a tiny little word. I keep an old 1965 Webster’s on my desk, and I discovered 95 uses of the term “run.” Regarding movement, a person can run from something, or run to something. Christians usually run from (problems/danger/worry), and we run to our Heavenly Father. You’re probably thinking this sounds quite simplistic and logical. Ahh! Allow me to introduce a new wrinkle of thought.

Why aren’t we there yet?

Why do we need to run to our Heavenly Father? Why aren’t we already there—wrapped in his loving arms of grace? I’m not suggesting for a moment that our lives will be free of (problems/danger/worry). However, I have noticed that Christians tend to get a little too comfortable and complacent when things go smoothly in life. There is a tendency to drift off course just a bit. There seems to be less time for Bible study or prayer time—personally justified because things are good, and life is great. Until there is a need. That’s when we dust off our Bibles and run to our Heavenly Father in prayer. So, I ask again, why aren’t we already there?

Commitment is not a convenience-based concept. When I commit my life to Christ and to following in His steps; it is not a “when I have the time” arrangement. Commitment requires constant and consistent communication between me and my Heavenly Father. I communicate with Him through prayer, and He communicates with me through study of His Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit who dwells within. To be truly effective, this arrangement needs to be a consistent daily practice.

“Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:8, NIV)

“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens [problems/danger/worry].” (Psalm 68:19, NIV)

“Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies [problems/danger/worry], for they are my constant guide.” (Psalm 119:97-98, NLT)

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies [problems/danger/worry], O LORD, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” (Psalm 143:8-10, NIV)

Life will surely bring its share of challenges. I want to be as ready as possible. When trouble comes, I don’t want to have to dust off my Bible. I’d like to have enough scripture in my mind’s memory bank to see me through each challenge. When trouble comes, I don’t want to have to reintroduce myself to God. I’d like to feel the love, strength, and comfort of knowing I am already wrapped securely in my Saviour’s loving arms of grace—that my Heavenly Father is only a prayer’s whisper away.

Are we there yet?

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian