Entry #22 -- Disembarking the Roller Coaster

Did you know there is a disease called MdDs?  Its actual name is Mal de Debarquement syndrome, however it is often more commonly referred to as “disembarking syndrome” or “land sickness.”  In my general research of the malady, I discovered this syndrome usually occurs after a cruise or air flight, and generally lasts one or two days. Some of the symptoms seem to be described as a type of rocking sensation or a sense of imbalance, although this is probably an oversimplification on my part.  The point is—it is real, and I can only imagine how disorienting and frustrating such an affliction might be.

Many of my dear Christian friends (particularly those new to faith) seem to be on some sort of Spiritual roller coaster ride.  One moment with their hands in the air shouting praises and hallelujahs; the next moment donning a dejected countenance and moaning about how Satan is persecuting them. [Note: See Entry #3: Go Play with Someone Else for more on this topic.] It makes me sad to see how their emotions fluctuate so severely and so rapidly. It’s somewhat exhausting to watch—and there is a solution!

Now to be clear, yes indeed, life is full of ups and downs. We all have good days and bad days.  But for the Christian, there is a way to survive these experiences in peace.  Jesus Christ, himself, provided the example and solution.  The story of Jesus calming the storm can be found in the gospels of Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, and Luke 8:22-25.  Historically, the Sea of Galilee is well-known for its sudden storms and squalls caused by the rapid changes in temperature—this in turn due to the location, geography, and topography of the area. Such fierce winds and high waves must have terrified even the best of sailors in the small wooden vessels of that time. Yet each passage of scripture noted above records Jesus as being asleep during the storm.

Jesus is asleep.  Why?  Was he indifferent to the plight of the disciples? Was he just so exhausted to the point of not caring?  Or in modern days, would we ask: Was he being persecuted by the Satan?  I would respectfully submit none of these questions are applicable.

I once heard my father-in-law teach a Bible study series in which he stated, “God is a God of cosmos, not chaos.”  I have never forgotten that statement, and I find it to be true in this situation as well.  The sudden squall on the Sea of Galilee was indeed causing chaos for the disciples.  But Jesus slept peacefully being a part of the Trinity of the God of cosmos (a complete, orderly, harmonious system). When he awoke, his command directed to the winds and sea to be calm was immediately obeyed.  Jesus was most definitely in charge.

When chaos (a state of confusion or disorder) seems to dominate our lives, we have an inner peace provided through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He calms the storms within us.  We are able to experience cosmos on the inside, even with chaos on the outside.  YES, you are able to disembark life’s Spiritual and emotional roller coaster!

Now I feel compelled to add a word of caution.  When you finally realize you no longer need to be jerked and tossed up and down through life, when you finally realize the Spiritual and emotional roller coaster of your life can stop if you want it to do so…you MAY disembark!  Yes you will still encounter good days and bad days…but your Spiritual and emotional life can remain steady and calm.  Disregard all those who would tell you that unless you are being bounced up and down, you are not a threat to Satan, and therefore, not living a “full” life.  This is a lie and it is not backed up by scripture…in fact, the example of Jesus proves the contrary to be true.  When you finally disembark, you might have a brief case of Mal de Debarquement syndrome—an awkward sense of imbalance or rocking sensation—especially if all of your other friends are still on the roller coaster.  You might think, Is it really this simple? Can I really have a calm inner peace during life’s storms?  Yes you can!

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

“And the God of peace will be with you.”     Philippians 4:9 (NIV)

“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.”     Psalm 57:1-2 (NIV)

“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)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”     Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Life will still throw chaos in your direction.  Just remember that you are free to disembark the Spiritual and emotional roller coaster.  Simply turn to the God of Cosmos because He is waiting to give you peace, comfort, and strength—calm in the midst of life’s storms!

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian

Entry #21 -- Ineffably Sublime

As the Easter season approaches, my thoughts are focused on a question often voiced by children and young Christians: “If Jesus was such a good person, why did he have to die?”

     We who are established in our faith know the answer.  Jesus had a mission. We are all sinners in need of saving grace.  Jesus died to provide that saving grace.  Not only was Jesus a “good person,” but he was also God’s Son—blameless and sinless.  Only Jesus Christ could qualify as the perfect sacrifice able to redeem us.  By faith in Jesus Christ, and acknowledgement of his sacrifice on our behalf, we are forgiven.

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”  Romans 3:23 (NLT)

“As the Scriptures [Psalm 14:1-3] say, No one is righteous—not even one.”  [and] “All have turned away; all have become useless.  No one does good, not a single one.”  Romans 3:10-12 (NLT)

“All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.  We have left God’s paths to follow our own.  Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.”  Isaiah 53:6  (NLT)

“For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin.  People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.”  Romans 3:25 (NLT)

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.  God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”  John 3:1-17 (NLT)

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life.”  John 6:47 (NLT)

Jesus died so that we might live.

     However, this is only the first half of the story.  There is wonderful news to share.  Jesus did not remain dead.  We read in the scriptures the account of women (i.e., Mary Magdalene, Salome, and Mary the mother of James) arriving at Jesus’ tomb to anoint his body with oils. Although alarmed, the women are greeted with the wondrous news:

“He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.”  Matthew 28:6 (NLT)

“He isn’t here!  He is risen from the dead!”  Mark 16:6 and Luke 24:6 (NLT)

Jesus lives!

     This leads to another question.  “Why was Jesus raised from the dead?  Or we might ask, what was the purpose of his resurrection?”

     The answer is Blessed Hope!  What do I mean?  Because Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, Christians now have the Blessed Hope of eternal life through Christ.  His resurrection provides the promise that we, too, will rise from death to receive eternal life when Christ returns.

“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.  And after my body had decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!”       Job 19:25-27  (NLT)

“For when the trumpet sounds those who have died will be raised to live forever.”  1 Corinthians 15:52 (NLT)

“But thank God!  He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NLT)

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.  All these things are gone forever.”  Revelation 21:4 (NLT)

Jesus lives so that death itself will die.

     Did you ever have a phrase, or perhaps a melody, that seems to roll endlessly through your thoughts?  Ineffably sublime.  Those were words included in an old hymn I remember singing as a child.  At the time I had no clue what the words meant…they just sounded really cool and I liked the tongue-twisty effect of singing them. I now realize that “ineffably” refers to something that is so wonderful it is incapable of being expressed in words.  The word “sublime” is something that has awe-inspiring beauty or grandeur.  Synonyms might include words such as glorious, splendid, superb, or resplendent.  Permit me to close with some of the words from this hymn because this same old hymn also tells the story of Blessed Hope.  “Crown Him with Many Crowns”—written by Matthew Bridges, 1851, with the second stanza added by Godfrey Thring, 1874; published in Hymns of Heritage & Hope, ACGC, Charlotte, NC (2001).

Crown Him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His throne.  Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own.  Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee, and hail Him as thy matchless King thro’ all eternity.

Crown Him the Lord of life, who triumphed o’er the grave, and rose victorious in the strife for those He came to save.  His glories now we sing, who died, and rose on high, who died, eternal life to bring, and lives that death may die.

Crown Him the Lord of years, the potentate of time, Creator of the rolling spheres, ineffably sublime.  All hail, Redeemer, hail! for Thou has died for me; Thy praise shall never, never fail thro’ all eternity.

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian

Entry #19 -- Who Will Listen?

It always amazes me when thoughts for a new blog are not so much what others need to hear, but what I need to hear myself!  I have not been well this week; quite ill in fact. How appropriate to be reading about King Hezekiah’s illness in Isaiah chapter 38 (NRSV).  It seems King Hezekiah was so ill he was near death.  The prophet Isaiah brought the word of the Lord to Hezekiah that God would “add fifteen years” (v. 5) to Hezekiah’s life.  The more I thought about this, the more I realized that Isaiah writes a great deal about the frailty of human life—a striking contrast to the attributes of God.  Isaiah tells us that we are mere “grasshoppers” (Isaiah 40:22, NIV).  Again with reference to humans, Isaiah says, “…you are less than nothing and your works are utterly worthless,” (Isaiah 41:24, NIV).  Although I realize Isaiah’s message was spoken directly to the Israelites, I still see value for us today.  Perhaps this sounds a little bleak at first, but I think until we come to realize just how frail we are as humans, we never fully understand to what extent we need a saving God.

Not all of Isaiah’s messages were bleak.  Many references bring hope to the people of Isaiah’s day, and hope to us as well. 

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.”  Isaiah 43:18 (NIV)

Isn’t that just like us? Always dwelling on past mistakes; allowing guilt to keep us from moving forward?  Isaiah relates God’s promise of help;

“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)

Surely if we serve a God willing to hold us up with His mighty hand, we have no reason for fear.  Most amazingly of all, humans may sit on the frail end of the spectrum—but our Great God sits on the other end of the spectrum!  Isaiah provides a glance at some of the amazing attributes of God.

“The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.”  Isaiah 40:28 (NIV)

With reference to generations:  “I, the LORD—with the first of them and with the last—I am he,”  Isaiah 41:4 (NIV)

“Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.  I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior.”  Isaiah 43:10b-11 (NIV)

What an amazing God we serve.  He always was, He is, and He always will be.  He never gets tired.  He is the One who provides our salvation because our works are worthless and insufficient.

Isaiah had a poignant question for the people to whom he prophesied.  He asked, “Which of you will listen to this or pay close attention in time to come?”  (42:23, NIV)  I would submit this is the very question we should be asking today!

The Great and Wonderful God who created all heavens and earth is willing to save us and strengthen us with His own hand. 

Who will listen?  Who will pay attention?

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian

Entry #18 -- Everyone Does It

Most of my writing takes place during the summer months.  I sometimes find it difficult to maintain a train of thought for writing while working full time.  However, I also recognize the occasional need to slow down, process my thoughts, and write while those thoughts are still “fresh” in my mind. This is one of those times.

Not too long ago, I was surprised to learn about the rise in suicides of people jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge.  Apparently even news media had been asked to stop coverage of these events in the hopes of discouraging copy-cat events.  Now let me say, this is all supposition, because I cannot recall the original source, nor have I since been able to locate it.  However, the reason it sticks in my mind is this:  As a child, sometimes I used the excuse for my actions, “But, everyone does it!”  Then I would hear the question, “But if everyone jumped off a bridge, would you do that, too?”

Please understand, I am in no way belittling the tragedy of others.  I am merely pointing out how quick we are to excuse our way through life because of the choices of other people.  We reason, “If they can do it and it’s okay, then why isn’t it okay for me?”

One of the verses that keeps me “on track” as a Christian is this:

“Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”  James 4:17  (NIV)

I would submit that the reverse is also true:

[my paraphrase] “Anyone, then who knows the wrong he should NOT do, but does it anyway, sins.”

Somehow this seems okay as long as we are talking about big, huge sins.  Murder is wrong, we should not do it. Okay, I can agree with that!  Stealing is wrong, we should not do it. Okay, I can agree with that one, too!  Well, I’m sure you get the general idea.

Now comes the rub, as they say.  I teach middle school students, and recently there has been an overwhelming increase in certain dance moves and gestures in the hallways, classrooms, courtyard, seemingly everywhere.  This particular move has a history.  The original song artist supposedly used it in association with smoking a particular substance illegal in most states (but not all). The general explanation is, “It’s just a dance move, and everyone does it.”  I would call upon all those who consider themselves Christians to give this some thought.  Whether it is just a harmless “dance move” or not really isn’t the question.  Does it honor God?—IS the question.

I am reminded of the Bible passages after the days of Moses, and after Joshua had successfully led the Israelites into the land God had promised to them.  Joshua charged the people to:

“Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness.”  Joshua 24:14 (NIV)

“But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…” Joshua 24:15 (NIV)

“But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”  Joshua 24:15 cont’d. (NIV)

These verses remind me that I do not have to follow the crowd.  Just because “everyone is doing it” does not have to be my response to world views.  I can serve the LORD by declining to participate in those things I know do not bring honor to His Name, even if it’s supposedly just a harmless dance move.

Oh, listen folks, I am not perfect and do not claim to be.  I have many areas of my heart that need constant, daily attention.  I am daily encouraged by the words of Paul to the Philippians:

“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.  For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.  May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.”     Philippians 1:9-11 (NLT)

Now wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could say, “Everyone is doing THAT!”

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian