Entry #14 -- Words Fail Me

In my last blog entry (For Better or Worse, Richer or Poorer…), my words were pretty severe with regard to Christians who would fain claim suffering or poverty in order to be viewed as more pious. Admittedly I was writing from irritation, but also from my heart.  I still believe we do not thank our Heavenly Father often enough for His blessings.  Yet in my heart, I cannot help but remember those in true suffering and poverty. Words fail me.

The phrase, words fail me, apparently showed up in general use around the mid 1900’s. In my research I could not find a single author who first penned these words.  The words are classified as an idiom (a group of words having a meaning which differs from the meaning of the individual words used). This particular idiom, words fail me, is used whenever one cannot think of what to say in any given situation.

Sometimes when a dear friend or loved one suffers with health issues, we cannot think of what to say. Each Wednesday evening in our little church, we pray for the needs of those in our church family. The growing list of people suffering from cancer, the effects of aging, and other serious long-term illnesses is overwhelming. We rejoice in small victories of daily strength, and we thank our Heavenly Father for his mercy, comfort, and love.  But what can we say to these dear individuals who are the ones having to do the “enduring” part? How do we encourage them? Words fail me.

I do not often write lengthy passages in my blog entries, usually I just use short verses.  However, today I will share excerpts from a passage—a Psalm of David—who certainly endured true suffering in his lifetime.  Yet he knew that God would not abandon him, even though his health declined with age.  This passage comforts me, as I hope it comforts you.

O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O LORD, from childhood.  Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother’s womb you have cared for me.  No wonder I am always praising you!  My life is an example to many because you have been my strength and protection.  That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long.  And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside.  Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.

But I will keep on hoping for your help; I will praise you more and more.  I will tell everyone about your righteousness.  All day long I will proclaim your saving power, though I am not skilled with words.  I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign LORD.  I will tell everyone that you alone are just.  O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do.  Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God.  Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.                      Psalm 71:5-9, and 14-18 (NLT)

When words fail me, I turn to the Bible. God’s Word will never fail.  I see so much in this text. In the midst of aging, King David cries out to God for comfort—yes—but there is more. Notice all the words of praise and thanksgiving? Ahhh, but notice something else! King David is not finished with life even though life within him seems to be finishing.  King David still has a few jobs left to accomplish…

·        I am always praising [God]
·        My life is an example to many
·        I can never stop praising [God]
·        I declare [God’s] glory all day long
·        I will keep hoping for [God’s] help
·        I will praise [God] more and more
·        I will tell everyone about [God’s] righteousness
·        I will proclaim [God’s] saving power
·        I will proclaim [God’s] mighty deeds
·        I will tell everyone that [God] alone is just
·        I constantly tell others about the wonderful things [God] does
·        Let me proclaim [God’s] power to this new generation
·        Let me proclaim [God’s] mighty miracles to all who come after me

When my time comes to endure the aging process and strength begins to ebb, how I pray that I still have a job description similar to King David’s! Words may fail, and strength may fail, but I will close with one of my favorite hymns—Jesus Never Fails!

Earthly friends may prove untrue, doubts and fears assail;

One still loves and cares for you; One who will not fail.

            Tho’ the sky be dark and drear, fierce and strong the gale’

            Just remember He is near, and He will not fail.

                        In life’s dark and bitter hour love will still prevail;

                        Trust His everlasting pow’r, Jesus will not fail.

                                    Jesus never fails, Jesus never fails;

                                    Heav’n and earth may pass away but Jesus never fails.

                                                                        (A.A. Luther)

                                                                   Respectfully written and submitted by:  
                                                                   Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian

Entry #13 -- For Better or Worse, Richer or Poorer...

Just over a year ago, on June 18, 2015, I began the Write from My Heart adventure. In my introduction I cautioned the reader on three specific points.

·        You will encounter devotional and scriptural content intended to encourage and strengthen your commitment of faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

·        I will write original thoughts as I feel the Lord lays them upon my heart to share with others.

·        My writing is not for the purpose of argument or debate.  I fully acknowledge other thoughts, doctrines, and philosophies exist.  Although you may find some of my content to be doctrinally or theologically controversial in nature, this is not a forum for “Trash ‘n’ Bash.”

I further understand that a myriad of ministers, theologians, and biblical scholars could pull rank on my limited scriptural knowledge base.  However, as I grow in age, I also grow in depth of understanding.  Furthermore, I have made a personal commitment to share my thoughts with honesty and sincerity, and allow the Holy Spirit to help others grow in their understanding of God’s word.

My blog title is a brief excerpt from traditional wedding vows; however, today’s blog will not focus on weddings.  Rather, I would like to share my thoughts concerning contemporary Christian views regarding two seemingly unrelated subjects that I find totally related to modern Christian life.  Subject #1: Those who suffer versus those who have peace.  Subject #2: Those who are rich versus those who are poor.  If you could choose, which one would be better than the other for living a devout Christian life?

Notice the italicized word could in the above sentence? Let’s make a clear distinction before we go any further!  The reality is most of us have no depth of understanding how many people in our world experience true suffering each and every day.  I cannot fathom the pain, agony, and abuse they endure. Likewise, most of us have no depth of understanding how many people in our world experience true poverty each and every day.  Whether the cause relates to health issues, unemployment, or poor judgement does not seem to matter when total poverty is the result.  This blog entry is NOT about people who endure true suffering or total poverty.  This blog entry is about the rest of us.

Yesterday’s Sunday School lesson included the familiar passage from Romans:

“And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.  Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”   Romans 5:2-4 (NIV)

The question posed was this, “Why did Paul write rejoice in our sufferings instead of writing rejoice because of our sufferings?”  Our little group produced several thought-provoking responses.  But most of you are beginning to know me, and you probably chuckle a little inside when I tell you that at this point my brain took a little bunny trail.  It occurred to me that if a person is in suffering…they have no choice. It is cast upon them from outward sources.  Paul was writing to Christians who were enduring the horrific suffering imposed upon them from the oppressive Roman rule of Nero. In fact, there are numerous passages in the New Testament related to the suffering of these early Christians; people who desperately needed encouragement to rely on God’s promises of peace and the blessed hope of a glorious future.  This was the reality of life as an early Christian, but it is not our reality, at least not for most of us.

In our reality, a slight change in wording to because of suffering brings the temptation to use suffering as an excuse for anything that bothers us.  Ex: I’m suffering because it’s so hot outside and my air-conditioner is broken.  Ex: I’m suffering because this traffic is so congested I’ll be late.  Ex: I’m suffering because someone is taunting me or calling me names.  Or the one that irritates me the most, Ex:  I tried to share my faith, but they ignored me, so I’m “suffering for Christ’s sake.”  Folks, most of us have no clue what true suffering is, and by God’s grace and mercy I hope we never have to know from personal experience.  How quick we are to claim suffering as an attempt to look more pious or Christ-like to others.  We have somehow deluded ourselves into believing that unless we suffer, we must not be a true Christian.  What ever happened to the concept of simply thanking and praising God for blessing you? 

The topic of poverty is absolutely related.  Yes, I realize scores of ministers and Bible teachers will cite “The Parable of the Rich Fool” (Luke 12:16-20); the encounter of Jesus with “The Rich Young Man” (Matthew 19:16-30, Mark 10:17-31, Luke 18:18-30); and Jesus’ observation of “The Widow’s Offering” (Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4); all as proof that being rich is somehow wrong and the true Christian should desire poverty, again, “for Christ’s sake.”  And folks, just for the record, I really do abhor that we tack Christ’s name onto the end of our human agendas!  In my opinion, such teachings are erroneous and totally miss the point altogether.  You see, the amount of money was never the factor in question.  It was the attitude of the heart.  It didn’t matter that the rich had a lot—it mattered that they couldn’t yield it to the Lord.  It didn’t matter that the widow had only a mite—it mattered that she gave from the heart. Yet somehow we have perverted this teaching to mean that unless we live a life of abject poverty or self-deprivation, we are somehow less of a Christian in God’s eyes.  God never taught this!  He taught us that all we have is HIS; we are to give of our means; and, giving must come from the heart.  What ever happened to the concept of simply thanking and praising God for blessing you?

“…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”      Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)

“Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.  Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”  Proverbs 30:7-9 (NIV)

What ever happened to the concept of simply thanking and praising God for blessing you?

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian

Entry #12 -- White Chocolate Peppermint Mocha, Double Shot

Many, many years ago, prior to the days of taking the entire class to the Book Fair, our school allowed any student with any amount of change to go to the Book Fair at any time during the day. Those were tough days on a teacher.  I’m fairly well convinced that students were coming up with coins somehow…rummaging through desks, digging in playground pebbles, shaking gym shorts…not sure how they managed to do it. The point is that on Book Fair days, kids were always coming and going, up and down the hallways, in and out of classrooms, back and forth to the Book Fair—you get the idea!

You can only imagine how frazzled this 6^th grade teacher was as I attempted to maintain some type of learning atmosphere in our room.  Yet there he was!  In the hallway, just outside our door—flailing his arms, flagging down students, and whispering to them before they entered the room. Even though it was still early in the day, the limit of my patience (which usually isn’t much anyway) had officially been reached! I squared my shoulders, donned my stern look, and with all the teacher authority I could muster, marched myself to the doorway and barked, “Paul [not his real name], what ARE you doing?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Mrs. Willmon.  I was just trying to warn them to enter quietly because you haven’t had your coffee yet.”

Oops.

Sometimes who we truly are reflects in ways we cannot fathom.  Students understand this when they set their freshly completed homework on the kitchen table or counter, and the tiniest of forgotten crumbs can soak through that paper becoming a horrifyingly visible oil spot. That’s pretty much the same way the cares of this world within us soak through to the outside. The Bible clearly teaches us that our inward focus does become our outward billboard. So the question becomes:  What concerns within me are bleeding to the surface in ways I do not recognize?

Are you concerned about work? Too much work? Too little work? People at work?

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”    Colossians 3:23,24 (NIV)

“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”   1 Thessalonians 4:11,12 (NIV)

“Be strong and courageous, and do the work.  Do not be afraid or discouraged for the LORD God, my God, is with you.  He will not fail you or forsake you.”  1 Chronicles 28:20 (NIV)

Are you concerned about gossip? Unkind words? Hurtful words? To you? From you?

“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”  James 1:19 (NIV)

“Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.”   Psalm 139:4 (NIV)

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”  Proverbs 15:1  (NIV)

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”   Ephesians 4:29  (NIV)

“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”   Psalm 19:14 (NIV)

“There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.”  Psalm 29:20 (NLT)

Are you concerned about a rocky friendship? Need to be forgiven? Need to forgive?

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”   Ephesians 4:32   (NIV)

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”  Colossians 3:12, 13  (NIV)

Are you concerned about finances? Bills? Savings? Taxes? Basic needs [not wants]?

“…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:11-13  (NIV)

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:19  (NIV)

“First, help me never to tell a lie.  Second, give me neither poverty nor riches!  Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.”   Proverbs 30:8  (NLT)

“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this?  Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.” 

1 Chronicles  29:14 (NIV)

Are you concerned about health issues? Tired? Weary? Losing hope?

“For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”  Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.  I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”  Isaiah 46:4  (NIV)

“So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.  Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.”  Hebrews 12:12,13 (NLT)

“Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you.  He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.”  Psalm 55:22  (NLT)

Oh, and one last thought.  Just for the record, I patted Paul lightly on the shoulder and commended him for the fine job he was doing.  Then I smiled, and asked him to come back inside the classroom—as soon as he was finished.  No, it wasn’t one of my shining moments.  Now retirement age is creeping up on me.  As I sit here sipping my white chocolate peppermint mocha—double shot (these days, a rare treat); I realize that the more I trust God and rely on His word, the less likely the billboard of my life will ooze unsightly oil stains from within.

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian