Entry #16--The Creator of All

Generally speaking when I begin a blog entry, I start with prayer, a thought, then the scriptures come to mind to support the thought, and finally a catchy title arrives.  Today was a bit different. After prayer, it was the scripture that came first, next the title, and now the thoughts are blooming. 

 “God, the LORD, created the heavens and stretched them out.  He created the earth and everything in it.  He gives breath to everyone, life to everyone who walks the earth.  And it is he who says, ‘I, the LORD, have called you to demonstrate my righteousness.’”  

Isaiah 42:5-6a (NLT)

Using basic scientific observation skills…VERY basic…let’s look at this scripture.  What do you see?  I see words.  I see four complete thoughts, or sentences.  I notice that each time the word LORD is used, it is written in all capital letters.  Let’s start there.

When God revealed himself to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 3), the Hebrew name for God consisted of four consonants Y H V H (or Y H W H).  The Jews considered God’s name to be too sacred to be spoken, so it was usually translated Jehovah or Yahweh.  The group of four letters used is known as “tetragrammaton,” sometimes shortened to “tetragram.” If you check the Introduction in the beginning pages of your Bible, you will probably see a notation that any time the tetragram Y H V H is used in Old Testament text, it will be translated as LORD (all caps).  The New Testament scriptures were Greek texts. In Greek, the name for God is generally Adonai, and is generally translated and written as Lord (first letter capital).

Revisiting our verse, we now understand that it was the One and Only, True, Holy LORD God who created the heavens and earth.  It was no secondary, imaginary, or human-generated god… it was the LORD, Holy God, who created all things.  Man (including the ideas and theories of man) had nothing to do with it, because in fact, man was one of the creations that never existed until The LORD, Holy God, created him.  On the other hand, Holy God ALWAYS existed, He still exists TODAY, and He always WILL exist.  This is part of His Name Y H V H… 

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty—the one who always was, who is, and who is still to come.”  [and]  “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power.  For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

Revelation 4:8b and 11 (NLT)

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”  Genesis 1:1 (NLT)

(Referring to scoffers…) “They deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water.” 

2 Peter 3:5 (NLT)

“He is the God who made the world and everything in it.”  Acts 17:24 (NLT)

“But the LORD is the only true God.  He is the living God and the everlasting King!”  [and]  “But God made the earth by his power, and he preserves it by his wisdom.  With his own understanding he stretched out the heavens.”  Jeremiah 10:10 and 12 (NLT)

The leading scientific or worldly explanation of how the world began is generally built upon mathematical theories and models—obviously because man has not yet created anything that can measure the universe’s birth.  The leading theory is generally referred to as “The Big Bang Theory” which began with a small singularity and evolved over the next several billion years into the cosmos as we know it today.  So for the world…it’s guesswork at best.  The world acknowledges a starting point, but they just can’t seem to figure out what the starting point was.

For the Christian, there is no guesswork.  The starting point was God—the Only True God, who always existed, exists now, and always will exist.  Was there ever a “Big Bang”?  I say, absolutely! The Bible proves it.

 “Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”  Genesis 1:3 (NLT)

Folks, that had to be one spectacular Bang! Human brains cannot fathom just what that first instant of creation must have been like—the best we can do is create some mathematical theories and models in our feeble attempts at explanations. What humbles me is the fact that this same LORD who was able to create all we know to now exist, is in fact, the same LORD who knows each and every detail of my life!

“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 (NLT)

“The LORD looks down from heaven and sees the whole human race.  From his throne he observes all who live on the earth.  He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do.” Psalm 33:13-15 (NLT)

“O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.  You know when I sit down or stand up.  You know my thoughts even when I’m far away.  You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.  You know everything I do.  You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD.  You go before me and follow me.  You place your hand of blessing on my head.  Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!” 

Psalm 139:1-6 (NLT)

When I think of the LORD, the Creator of All, I have only one humble response:

“You made me; you created me.  Now give me the sense to follow your commands.”

Psalm 119:73 (NLT)

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian

Entry #15--Floccinaucinihilipilification

What is the most difficult word in our English language?  No, I don’t think it is the title of this blog entry—but I’ll explain that a little later.  The most difficult word, in my humble opinion, is the word wait.  This tiny four-letter word seems to be our most challenging nemesis from the earliest onset of childhood.  As a baby you waited for feedings and diaper changes.  As a child you waited for cookies to finish baking, parents to answer questions, school to start, school to end, and you waited until you were “old enough” to do whatever it was you thought so important at the time. Now that we are adults, we still wait.  We wait in lines, wait for friends, and many of us find ourselves waiting in doctors’ offices.  Waiting is not always pleasant.

So what do you do when you are waiting?  I suppose the answer to that question depends largely on the need, purpose, and duration of the waiting. Waiting briefly at a traffic light may not require any action.  Waiting for an appointment might provide time for reflection, reading, working on crossword puzzles, or similar brief activities.  You see, one form of waiting might be to remain inactive or in repose until the expected event happens.  This is okay for short-term waiting.

However, waiting long-term is quite a bit different.  Waiting for special days or special visits can be particularly difficult.  Long-term waiting requires the kind of waiting for one to be available or in readiness; to look forward to an event with eager anticipation.  Long-term waiting requires an individual to remain in an active state—in our day we might use the expression, “keep on keeping on.” Doing what?  Ah, that brings us back to the title.

Floccinaucinihilipilification, n., the estimation of something as valueless

In Latin, the words [flocci + nauci + nihili + pili] all indicate something that is of little or no value; trifling.  The suffix [-fication] refers to expressing the state or condition of something. In simple terms, we have this enormous word that literally means nothing. In terms of waiting, floccinaucinihilipilification is a big waste of time doing absolutely nothing of lasting value.

I have an idea of what you might be thinking.  So how in the world can this, in any way, remotely apply to me? The answer might take a surprising twist for the Christian.  Look at it this way: What is the next special event for the Christian that will require waiting, possibly even long-term waiting?  Yes, the answer is the second advent of our Blessed Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”  Psalm 27:14 (NIV)

“…while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ…”  Titus 2:13 (NIV)

The truth is that none of us knows how much waiting this will require.  We do know that the Bible tells us some folks will get tired of waiting, and give up on waiting altogether.

“Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires.  They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.”   2 Peter 3:3-4 (NLT)

So what do we do while we are waiting for Jesus Christ to come again? I would encourage you to fill your life with those things having value and purpose.  Even daily chores have value and purpose. Encouraging one another has value and purpose.  Working has value and purpose. Some of my favorite passages with suggestions for what to do when waiting include:

“But this one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind [don’t waste time on the past] and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV)

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.  Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Ephesians 5:15-16, 19-20 (NIV)

“Preach the word of God.  Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not.  Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.” (and) “But you should keep a clear mind in every situation.  Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord.  Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.”         2 Timothy 4:2 and 4:5 (NLT)

“Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before.  Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.”  1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NLT)

“And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.  And remember, the Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved.”  2 Peter 3:14-15 (NLT)

Wow! That’s a lot to do, and if we truly believe that the return of Jesus Christ is imminent (i.e., likely to occur at any moment), then we have so little time left in which to work!  If we are to fill our waiting time with activities of value and purpose, then we have no time to waste on floccinaucinihilipilification.

Respectfully submitted by:                

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian

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