More Devious Than Jacob

“Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love covers all offenses.” – Proverbs 10:12

I might have been able to spend Christmas at Grandma’s when I was 8. I might have been able to avoid the trauma of the infamous slap fest. I might have avoided listening to the same 8-track 4 times in a row. She made it impossible. 

My childhood was devoid of meaning. I had an older sister who felt she was in every way superior. She could drive before me, she worked a deal to steal my larger bedroom that puts Jacob’s “Red Stew” incident to shame, and she could always get me into trouble with my parents even when she started it. 

Many years have passed since we last held a contest to see who would cry first after being slapped, and I find myself grateful that the 8-track is obsolete, but I’m even more grateful for a new outlook based on love. 

Maybe sibling rivalries are normal, but the quarrels they produce don’t bring people together. When I was eight and my father turned the car away from the road to Grandma’s because of a backseat fight I thought I hated my sister. When I cried because she slapped harder than a mountain man during a mosquito attack in springtime I felt hatred seeping into my brain. When she laughed because she could drive – and choose the music – I resented her. 

We haven’t lived under the same roof in nearly 40 years. Time has a way of prioritizing offenses. Love can replace hatred, and offenses don’t seem so offensive. Love offers a forgiveness that has been both given and received. 

Father, help me really see the person behind my resentment. Help me realize the quarrels that can occur do little to bring people together. Help me to forgive and love the way You did when You sent Your Son to die for people who hated – and quarreled.  Amen.

He Dared to Tread

You might or might not know that I love Christmas. Each year for more than twenty now I have written either a story or an audio drama that connects with Christmas. This one goes back about 15 years and is a fictional account, but one I remain connected to. May it assist in drawing you closer to the one who introduced this season. - Glenn

His whistle echoed in the empty store giving him the feeling that he was not alone, rather that he was joined by an angelic host announcing something altogether new and equally wonderful. 

He smiled a pleased smile as he pushed the broom down one vacant aisle after another. This was his job and he was trustworthy. The stock boys, clerks and managers had gone home, and he took the worst that the day had offered and made the old place shine. 

There were things some said he couldn’t do, but he could clean, he could smile and he was a master in the craft of whistling. So he smiled, he cleaned and he whistled.

This was a special night, the shoppers were all home with their families or at church celebrating the birth of a Baby. He knew the Baby and was as excited as anyone else about the celebration, but he had work to do and the Baby would want him to do his best.

So he polished, swept, waxed and hauled trash. Even Woolden’s Department Store needed to be ready just in case the baby showed up. He smiled at the thought and even let out a laugh which he didn‘t try to stop. He just couldn’t stop being happy. 

As he carted a box of trash through the store room he noticed the life-sized nativity display that couldn’t be put out anymore. He grinned at the tiny doll-like baby resting in decade’s old hay and the parents who stood by watching the Boy. Then there were the shepherds, they came as soon as the angels said “Go.” Yes this was good news - he smiled as he clapped. A baby - a precious little baby. He was flooded with memories of another display he had once seen. 

When he walked outside he stopped and turned his face upward. It had begun to snow and he wanted to catch some of the flakes on his tongue - he had always loved that. The box was hoisted effortlessly over his head and fell into the dumpster with a satisfying thud.

A moan caught his attention and he walked behind the line of dumpsters to look. His eyes lit up as he spotted a boy and a girl. She was gonna have a baby, he’d seen this before.

“You came!” he beamed.

“Hey, we’re not doing anything wrong, mister,” the young man replied.

“You havin’ a baby,” he stated what was obvious.

“Look, we just want to be left alone,” the young girl said in desperation as the pain of childbirth hit once more.

“It cold ow here. You shud come inside. It warm. Place to stay - come on, I hep you,” he grinned as he pushed his glasses a bit further up on his nose and easily carried the girl inside.

“You’re not gonna tell on us, are you?” the young man asked.

“You want I should tell peopo?” he asked with a smile.

“No! Uh, that’s alright. No one else needs to know.” the young man said.

“Alrigh,” he easily agreed.

The trio soon became a quartet in the storage room of Woolden’s. The wail of new life brought a contented grin to his face as he rocked back and forth in the sheer joy of the moment. “Can I hol’ him?” He asked as he removed the doll from the manger. “We bess lay him here, missy. Why look, Mary an Joseph, they come to see him - so di’ the shepherds.”

The young girl began to cry as she took in the sight of the nativity display with her new son lying in straw. The young man seemed equally confused.

“Don’ cry Missy. Jess look at him - he is beaut’e’ful, just like when Mary lay eyes on baby Jesus. Jess perfict,” he clapped his hands soundlessly as tears began to stream down his cheeks.

A plan was forfeited that night. The desperation of two young people who made poor decisions and were set to proceed with the most desperate act of their lives had an unexpected visit. No wise men, no uncommon conception, just one who adored them - one they would never have noticed in different circumstances. Their baby would have the birthplace of a king instead of a pathetic burial in a city dumpster.

In those moments hearts were transformed and the life of a baby boy was given hope and promise.

And an angel rejoiced.

Vacancy

It was the festive ambiance of a family at Christmas. Sisters-in-law, brothers-in law, parents-in-law, nephew, nieces. Nearly twenty in all.

On this Christmas-past, I am a sponge. I soak in all that I see and hear. My daughter is just a few months old at the time and we all agreed to meet in Colorado for Christmas. One family has an air mattress and sleeping bags in the basement. A hide-a-bed couch serves to accommodate another family; spare bedrooms are filled to capacity.

One sister, in full joy, proclaims that she has the cutest baby on planet earth, while another exacts a proclamation of equal conviction with general disagreement on all sides while I quietly gaze at my own daughter, who is without question the cutest child by far. I turn and look near the fireplace, the rest of the guys are working on a jig saw puzzle (well over a million pieces if memory serves). Our children perform grand and glorious firsts - moments worthy of a TV movie of the week and our wives are chanting their praises as the men set bleary eyed, not willing that any puzzle piece should perish for lack of immediate placement.

In time, we eat turkey and are served a full compliment of the season's finest provisions; cranberries, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, sweet potatoes, the very-veggie contents of a relish tray, candy, cookies and pies and other non-descript specialties that include a combination of marshmallows and some sort of green stuff.

We all leave the table having eaten far too much while exercising far too little restraint. The tryptophan suddenly immerses the male populace of this small village into a comical bob-n-weave as one by one; we succumb to "slumber so deep" while our children bounce on our belly's, "like bowls full of jelly".

The presents were opened and everyone ooh'ed and aah'ed and then quickly contracted an advanced case of amnesia with neither the gift nor the giver being recalled.

A clash of cultures takes place between those who have children and those that do not. Invariably, a childless in-law (generally male) cheers like they're at a football game, 50 yard line, 5th row, isle seat. Why? They are the first person to land on Boardwalk. Three mom's scurry away to calm previously sleeping children - the game is forgotten.

And as comfortable as this family inn has been, it is not home. I try to sleep but every noise is distinct in its unfamiliarity. I notice the flushing of the communal restroom facility and the creaking of the floor and the faint whisper of others seeking elusive slumber.

Suddenly it hits me; Jesus came to a packed house and wasn't allowed in. The joyful celebrating on that first Christmas refused to acknowledge a newborn babe. I imagine women joking and sharing stories of the agony and ecstasy of being moms. I imagine games that the men insisted on winning. Children alternately delighting and exasperating their parents with everyone looking forward to going home.

I seek out a quiet spot and bring my Bible...

"And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:1-7

Did I leave Him outside? Did I forget to bring Him with me? Was His presence what I had been missing in all the family fun?

No room?

I looked over and two others had also found their Bibles and it suddenly seemed the house had miraculously expanded - the Guest of honor had arrived and found He was welcome.

The Heart of His Story

Note: A different take on The Night Before Christmas. My mind does work in unusual ways. - Glenn

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the earth,

Creatures were stirring, just prior to birth.

The baby was wrapped in cloths swaddled with care,

The Son of ‘Almighty’ was finally there.

Mankind was nestled all snug in their beds,

In hopes that Messiah would remove fear and dread.

God in His manger while Mary looked on,

Soon words sprang to her lips, she sang a new song.

My spirit rejoices, my soul praises God,

I am but a servant, and some think me odd.

But today I am blessed, that will be my name,

Great things He has done, I’m no longer the same.

He brings down the haughty, and raises the weak,

He scatters the proud, and gives heart to the meek.

His people He helps, woman, child, and man,

He dispenses His mercy from a righteous right hand.

That boy, once a baby, soon debates with the wise,

He speaks as one learned, knowing how it applies.

But more years would pass by on His way to His plan,

And He would grow in favor with His God, and with man.

He called His disciples and they each made a choice,

Like sheep hear their shepherd they followed His voice.

He told them great stories and each had a purpose,

He shared His life and brought His plan to the surface.

In the quietest moments He spoke of the way,

He must die for mankind, and then rise on that day.

To pay the price for our sins, present, future and past,

To defeat death’s horrid sting, offering eternity vast.

While they did not understand as He spoke these words,

There would come a day when their memories stirred.

They had denied, they had run, they had cried.

Just outside of town, the Messiah was condemned, crucified.

And in the three days that followed, darkness clung to the land,

The earth gave a great shake, and the disciples quietly ran.

To see the body of Jesus, The reminder of promise,

Each chose to believe except one named Thomas.

Victory, sweet victory, the redeemer, alive,

When it came to forgiveness, no more need to deprive.

The love of the Father, brought to life through His son,

Redemption complete, new life won by One.

The story is clear, and the meaning is plain,

When Jesus came to this earth it took dying to gain.

New life for His people, new hope, a new plan,

That started with a baby, a mother, and man.

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the earth,

Creatures were stirring, just prior to birth.

The baby was wrapped in cloths swaddled with care,

The Son of ‘Almighty’ was finally there.

Forever Snow Day

Snow days have always been a rare piece of fruit dangling from the tree of childhood wishes. It's downright impressive to get one.

To have a snow day means sleeping in, frost on the widows, and building snow forts. Snow men come to life on snow days. In a perfect world moms stay home and make the day a special memory with the best breakfast ever and and endless supply of hot cocoa with itty bitty marshmallows.

On snow days there's a blend of cold faces and overheated backs as every child is dressed in layers. Sledding is mandatory. Snow angels are art. Snow ball fights proved the mettle of young warriors.

It appears a school in Michigan may have dealt a death blow to the snow day. This school had a 'dry run' of a new snow day protocol. Students were allowed to stay home, but they took all their regular classes online. The school proved that a snow day could mean classes can be held even when the buses don't run.

The essential hope of a snow day rests in one thing – a gift. Kids know they have to go to school Monday through Friday unless the school plans a day off for in-service or holiday. A snow day is a present to students. They get an unexpected day off.

God gave us a snow day for the rest of our lives. What He did was unexpected, but was a rare piece of fruit dangling from the tree of lifelong desires.

God told us we were responsible for our own action. He gave us a set of rules and we mess up – every day. We owe a debt we can't pay and God isn't satisfied until it's paid.

That's when God gave us the improved snow day. He sent His Son, Jesus to pay what we owe for sin. He invites us to stop trying to improve life on our own and rely on His ability to make us new.

“God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.” Romans 5:8 (MSG)

God told the world, “I've got this. Relax. Sin has been taken care of.”

Snow day?

“[Jesus said], I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.” John 10:10 (MSG)

The same joy kids feel when they have a snow day is expanded when we truly understand God didn't just choose one day – but every day until we die – to experience the love, forgiveness, and companionship He offers.

Kids will always see a snow day as good news. All of us can see God's greatest rescue plan as the greatest news. But how often do we treat following God's plans as something we have to do rather than something we can't wait to do?

What if we treated our relationship with God like a forever snow day? Sure it will be different, but when we bring the joy the days we live can bear a resemblance to the radio announcement we all remember, “Due to weather conditions there will be no school today.”

So, the next time there is a snow day, just remember God has a life that is abundant, real, and adventurous – and it won't stop when the day is done. Isn't it time to really live?

Botox for the Wrinkled Blessing Psyche

Have you ever noticed how Thanksgiving day can often feel a bit like that special time right before church when you teeter precariously between the love of God and potential homicide (mostly involving unruly offspring)?

Ah yes, a lovely holiday designed to allow all of us to express genuine moments of gratitude. Yep, that’s how it started, but some turkey farmer took a course in marketing and the holiday morphed into something about as unattainable as three dollar bills. 

The special day arrives and invariably we find that a favorite recipe calls for more items than we have available and the only store opened charges only slightly less that the national debt for things like corn starch. Many times it is whole families that converge on one home and the host family is left with no place to go when they need a good cry. The television is set on ‘consistent blither’, although the only programs worth watching seem to be a fishing show and a football game, the rest of the programs seem steeped in another holiday altogether.

Between the lack of personal space and that unusual smell that seems to coincide with family closeness, someone suggests a strategic plan for the day after Thanksgiving sales. Uncles mumble and occasionally grunt as football players run back and forth on a pretty little pasture. Mostly they just hope they won’t have to chauffeur the following day. If they refuse to pay attention they can claim ignorance.

Someone is dissatisfied with the sleeping arrangements, one nephew is in trouble for picking on the youngest, and a sister really thinks you should have had tofu turkey.

It’s amazing that holidays can become irresistible stress magnets. We promise ourselves that we won’t let the stress get to us, yet we fly into the holiday as if our entire psyche has had one too many Botox injections and we probably won’t resemble our old selves till St. Patrick’s Day.

A few years ago I was left to consider the concept of thanksgiving at a time when I wasn’t ready for some football, and turkeys were still hanging out at the feed trough telling chicken jokes. Nope, this was smack dab in the middle of summer and I found myself understanding the idea of thanksgiving better than I ever had before.

All I had to do was pay attention to the things that I was grateful for and then let the person responsible know that I was obliged. Seemed simple enough.

“Thanks for checking me out.”

“This is a grocery store and it’s my job, sir.”

“OK - thanks for taking the job. Without you being here to check me out I might be tempted to walk out with it, so thanks for saving me from a life of crime.”

“Security!”

Some experiences actually went better. In fact, there were several people that were profoundly overwhelmed that someone would take notice of something they had done. It was clear that many of these people had never been thanked before and it changed the way they looked at the rest of the day. Some thought I was joking and then seemed confused when there didn’t seem to be a punch line.

No football, no eating myself into a stupor, no stressful moment - just a few words of appreciation and my day was as close to perfect as they come.

The Old Testament is filled with moments where a father would bless his son. Jesus spent much time investing in the lives of those with whom He came in contact. He encouraged us to bless our enemies and not to curse them (I Peter 3:9).

If we have such examples that range from blessing our kids to blessing a rude brother-in-law, then extending a blessing to those we rarely come in contact with seems to make sense too. 

The strange thing is you think you’re doing it for them but something happens to you that will amaze and astound.

Oh, and if you really want turkey you can always invite the guy that takes your groceries to the car to the deli for a smoked turkey sub with whatever fixings he wants - then invite him to the park so you can throw the pig skin for awhile. On second thought, maybe he’d take it better if you just said thanks.

Sing Once More For Me

Note: I have had a couple of friends who spent years in the pastorate and after retirement they moved to ministering in nursing homes. Recently Betty Jo left her beloved Don after 60 years of marriage. It was this beautiful soul that inspired this poem. Maybe you know someone like Betty Jo - maybe you are someone like Betty Jo - someone who helps others focus on their future.  

She sits all alone

Her eyes appear vacant

She reacts to no one

Her mind seems distant

Life has been long

Health issues malicious

A bed and a wheelchair

She won't long be with us

But then a merry soul

Paid a visit one day

And sang an old hymn

As old Clara lay

Clara's eyes came in focus

And the tears filled and fell

And she joined in the song

A joyful praise from soul’s well

The nurses can’t believe

The song they are hearing

She has uttered no words

For a year or so nearing

A brilliant smile remains

Lingering after the song

Her mind fixed on Jesus

She’ll see His face before long

While her body seems useless

Her soul still communes

She holds loosely to life

Waiting for one final boon

And it comes in the end

Despite expressions of sorrow

Her soul has found rest

With no earthly tomorrow 

Eternity with Jesus

Following her longest night

Her body is whole

Her spirit is light

"I knew You would come."

She says with a smile

"I waited and remembered

And You came after awhile."

"True, dear daughter,

It’s you I’ve been waiting to see.

I heard your sweet voice, 

Now daughter, sing once more for Me."

- Glenn Hascall -

Different – With Purpose

My wife and I are nothing alike. She notices things I never do. She is a detail person. She is a bright shiny light of goodness.

I am analytical and can sometimes be messy. I am a detail person when it comes to any project I am working on, but that might mean I can lose sight of other things for a time. I tend to be an introvert.

I used to think an introverted person was someone who didn't like people and didn't like to talk. Introverts were shy people, right? My view was challenged in a few recent articles I've read. Introverts are less willing to engage in small talk. If they talk they want it to mean something. They might be engaged in very public work, but when it's all done they need some alone time to recharge. They can be the life of the party, but they don't automatically seek it.

Introverts tend to be creative and can be easily misunderstood. Some may think an introvert is snobby because they can be quiet or because they may seek a place to get away from it all. Introverts aren't necessarily interested in impressing other people, but they are interested in creating things that can impact other people.

My wife used to be very shy, but I don't think she was an introvert. Today it is so easy for her to start a conversation and keep it going. People like being around her. She makes others laugh and feel comfortable. She makes me very proud to be her husband.

It would be easy for me to simply hide away after my work is done for the day, but Nancy has been God's perfect gift. Over the years she continues to encourage me to live outside my comfort zone. We've been good for each other. Neither of us are the same people we were when we met more than 30 years ago – and that's OK. I think both of us are more like the people God intended us to be. Imperfect to be sure, but God has been consistent in shaping us as we cooperate with His plan.

In some ways we are very much alike. We are very interested in how we raise our kids. We want to be very intentional about following God. We want to make the choice to love each other even when we disagree.

Nancy is my best friend. My best conversations are with her. My happiest moments are just being with her. We have a couple of days a week when we go out for a cup of hot cocoa or a meal. These are some of our favorite moments of the week.

All of us bring good things and bad into a marriage. We may want to be as compatible with the other person as we can, but in the end God can reshape two very different people into a couple that can't imagine living life without each other.

“...a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” Genesis 2:24 (NIV)

I think God makes us different with great purpose. If we were all alike we would be incredibly bored. There would be no mystery, no need to learn, no curiosity. When we learn how we are different we can learn how those differences can compliment the relationship. This works not only in marriage, but in friendships as well.

No matter how different you may feel God has a place where only you fit.

Restoration in Progress

Last fall I went out to my garage, took a leaf blower, and removed offending tree remnants from the concrete floor. A day later? Who could tell.

When our children were small, my wife would pick up after them all the time. When they were asleep the house looked nice. In the morning? Not so much.

We all go from assignment to assignment in the hopes that at some point we get ahead of the potential disaster that seems ready to pounce on our inattention.

The Second Law of Thermodynamics is – in it's basic understanding – a bit like taking a casserole and putting it in the oven hoping to achieve a final temperature of 350 degrees. Once achieved the casserole is removed and placed on the counter. Does it stay 350 degrees? No. It cools to room temperature if you don't either apply more energy to heat or cool it.

In the privacy of your own home you can apply the Second Law of Thermodynamics to so many things. Mom's pick up after kids because the alternative is chaos. We remove leaves from our garages because we appreciate order. But to give up applying energy to anything means that it cools to room temperature. The heat leaves it. It begins to decay.

When we give up, someone has to either pick up what we left - or what we worked for becomes dust.

God's 'heat' will be applied to our lives. We feel the scorch and it's uncomfortable. But perhaps this is God's way of saying, “Hey, I'm not giving up on you.”

God invests in broken people. He keeps repairing, restoring, and applying heat so one day His investment in our future proves His love always outshone our lack.

Maybe this gives us a new perspective on why sometimes God applies pressure that feels uncomfortable. He wants our obedience to transform us into the new creations He promised. The struggle to adjust may be His way of removing the old to make way for the new.

When heat isn't applied to our lives we lose the ability to show compassion, discover real joy, and embrace the hope God offers. We generate our own heat, but that heat always leaves us cold. We mock people, embrace sarcasm, find hate easy to apply, and bitterness becomes easy to accept.

God's heat brings light and understanding. God's heat makes us wise. God's heat makes us better.

“Anyone united with the Messiah gets a fresh start, is created new. The old life is gone; a new life burgeons! Look at it! All this comes from the God who settled the relationship between us and him, and then called us to settle our relationships with each other. God put the world square with himself through the Messiah, giving the world a fresh start by offering forgiveness of sins. God has given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God’s work of making things right between them. We’re speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he’s already a friend with you.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 (MSG)

You can't restore a table without sanding the blemishes. You can't restore a car by simply painting rust. God can't restore you without applying energy to the end result that becomes willing to say, “He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30 (NIV)

The Christian life isn't self-help – it's God helping those who need help.

Defining Your Faith Legacy

Note: A couple of items that are linked together. The poem was written more than a decade ago. The article? In recent years. - Glenn

I talked to my dad recently. It was a time of remembering. The double car garage built in 1975 for around $3,000. Times when we painted houses together. Times when we organized family stuff. The time when an wayward pig nearly caused me to roll my first pickup.

This phone call conversation was intended to wish my dad a happy birthday, but it became more. It had been five years since a major surgery. Fifty-four years since he and mom said their “I do's” (she went on ahead a few years back). He'd just celebrated 35 years with the county transportation department. The conversation obviously centered around the passing of years.

When I was growing up, my dad would be the first one out of bed. He would read his Bible and pray from 4-6 am. I didn't think this unusual. Didn't all dads do that?

It was my grandma's example that my dad followed. By Dad's own admission he only got up early because that's what his mom did. At some point the example became a habit, and the habit became a lifestyle, and the lifestyle become a new example.

Dad told me that there had been a lady who visited with his mom when he was young. His mother had not grown up in a Christian home. This is why the unknown lady was so important to our family story. At some point my grandmother believed and was saved.

In her imperfect way my grandmother shared the faith that was being nurtured within. My dad accepted Jesus and his journey with Jesus started earlier than his mom's.

My faith journey started earlier than his, but God used Dad's faith to influence my interest. The faith of my father was nurtured by his mother. Her faith was the result of a stranger's introduction to Jesus.

Today my own children are the recipients of an imperfect legacy that faithfully relies on the power of a good God. My dad told me he hopes the legacy goes on, “Forever.”

We each have generational curses and blessings that we pass on. Sometimes we inadvertently pass along baggage to our children they were never meant to carry. Sometimes they continue to carry that baggage to their grave. Sometimes we have blessings we can share, but refuse to do so. We may want our children to earn the blessing, hope for the blessing, and understand we believe we control the blessing.

We withhold what we could easily give and give what we should intentionally withhold.

Like anyone else I can look honestly at my dad and wish he were more of this or less of that, but he did provide blessings when he could. He withheld pain whenever he could. Some issues he just didn't know how to handle.

I'm not perfect so I can't expect him to be either. What remains is for me to take the best of my father's legacy and pass it on, break away from behaviors that weren't always helpful, and rely on God to fill in all the gaps, before, between, and beyond.

It was a great conversation with Dad. I like to have them often.

God is the author and finisher of each of our stories. Maybe it's time for you to let Him take control of the pen and help define your legacy not by where you came from, but because of who He's making you to be.

The Faith Legacy

Glenn Hascall

She was up before dawn

Reading candlelit page

Oft times she was cold

As a prayer battle raged

Her youngest boy, Gene

Observed his dear mother

Rising alone in the dark

For one reason and no other.

A spiritual-war-ravaged Bible

Lay spread on the table

Hiding God’s Word in her heart

As long as she was able

She never once asked

For her boy to adhere

To her morning ritual

No punishment - no fear

But the boy is now 70

And each day before dawn

He is filling his mind

As he has for so long

Treating God’s Word as precious

In the quiet of the day

Meeting God in prayer

With so much to say

Like grandma in times past

And like Dad just this morn

I too search God’s Word

Since the day I was re-born

I’m a recipient it seems

Of a wondrous faith legacy

And I’ll be a willing example

So, hopefully, my children see

And perhaps someday they’ll say

He was up before dawn

A lamp lit the page

Sometimes he was weary

As a prayer battle raged

He treated God’s Word as precious

In the quiet of the day

Meeting God in prayer

His life had so much to say.

Follow Hard – Fear Not

Every day people around the world face fears that may seem odd to you, but are absolutely real to them. Sometimes these fears are debilitating.

The fear of a catastrophic event might make it impossible to participate in almost all activities away from home - the one place they may feel safe.

There's a scientific name for the fear of everything (Panphobia). There are phobias related to the fear of sunlight, dirt, loud noises, darkness and almost any other thing you could name.

We know that angels often reminded humans to knock off that whole worrying thing. Someone has even said there are 365 times that we are told to “fear not” in the Bible – one for each day of the year. Actually, depending on the version of the Bible you use there are between 80-110 mentions of this phrase, but still, the reminders are important – every day.

Humans have always been pretty good at holding onto fear like a sword, but fear won't make us live longer lives, fear won't make us promotion worthy employees, fear is a contagious condition, and fear makes life seem like less of an adventure and more like a prison sentence.

We fear what we don't understand or that which makes us uncomfortable.

In certain situations fear induces a fight or flight reaction, which can be helpful in the short-term. This is true for soldiers in war, when we're confronted with real danger, or in protecting our families. But fear is a switch that needs to be shut off once the danger is over.

To remain in a place of high anxiety leads to stress related illness that will actually subtract days from your life. High blood pressure, heart disease, and stomach ulcers are all a byproduct of fear-based anxiety.

Fear attacks your health, but also your mind – and it's never attractive. When you become obsessed with fear you suddenly find yourself thinking of every relationship, activity, and dream in light of your fear. You refuse friendships because they might bring the thing you fear with them, or you're afraid they will be hurt because they might encounter your fear.

“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” Isaiah 41:10 (MSG)

God knows there are so many things we don't understand, but He does. God sees that we get stressed out about what we can't control, but He's in control. God hears our cries for help, and He says, “Fear not.”

You see when we try to control every circumstance we are intentionally telling God we don't think He's able to take care of us. If God can keep all the elements of our world working together to sustain life He is big enough to take care of every fear you could ever entertain. When you refuse to fear you have more time to really live the life God created you to live.

Someone once said that God was a bit like a GPS. If God tells you where to go and how to get there, but you get sidetracked, He will recalculate your route to get you back on track. However, fear always takes you on detours. You will face road hazards God never intended for you to face and the detour means you will have less time to embrace the plan God has always had for you. Follow hard – fear not.

Recalculating.

To Those Who Are Willing

No one wants to be over committed. I have had to adopt a policy of 'holy subtraction' throughout my life. If you're unfamiliar with the term it simply means that you look over your commitments, readjust priorities and subtract those things that don't allow you to keep reaching for God's best. The truth is none of things you let go of should ever contradict what God says in His Word. For instance you wouldn't abandon your family in order to go live alone on a mountain. You wouldn't give up reading God's Word in order to build a new deck.

When done correctly “Holy Subtraction” has the ability to simplify your life and let you do great things instead of settling for that which is only “good”.

Once upon a time I was asked to attend a high school event and videotape the performance. My immediate response was, “I'm certain you could find someone more qualified since I have never done this before.” I thought I was being gracious, even honest, but a subsequent email suggested otherwise, “We weren't looking for great qualification we were looking for someone willing.”

The end result? I filmed three nightly performances of Oklahoma (A musical in which I performed in high school). By the third night I was no longer just a willing individual, but one with more experience than I had just a few days earlier.

I think God will give us opportunity to help others even when the help needed falls outside our comfort zone. We may resist or respond, and we can be certain that whichever choice we make we will learn something. It could be about ourselves, it could be about others, or it could even be about something that will help us in other situations.

Because I love quotes I want to share one from George Herbert who died in 1633 (well before digital video cameras), “Do not wait; the time will never be "just right." Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.”

You may have heard that God equips the called instead of always calling the equipped? Well, the evidence of this is often found when we see where God is working and go there. We jump into the situation with little more than a desire to do what we feel God is asking us to do. With each uncertain step we find that the things we need to complete the task become more accessible the longer we work.

Yet so often we are waiting for the 'just right' moment, although we may be very unsure what that moment looks like or how we will recognize it. We may have reasons to live in a sustained time of rest, and that may be the best choice, but sometimes the choice to do something is to simply start where you are and ask God for His best direction providing the lamp to the feet and a light for the path. One step, two steps, and a few more. With each forward movement we begin to find the trust we have in God grows because in each small step forward we trust His leadership, yearn for His voice, and sense there is adventure waiting – to those who are willing.

When The Going Gets Tough

Once upon a time I was a philatelist. That's a fancy name for a stamp collector. It all started innocently enough. I went to the five and dime store in town and bought a shiny new book that told me all about the postage stamps someone my age should own.

Whenever I got enough money I rode my bike ten blocks to the almost sacred shrine of the Ben Franklin store. I would toss my collection of coins on the counter and receive a small bag filled with stamps. They were all used and had cancellation marks on them, but at the time I didn't know they were less valuable. These stamps had been all over the country, and I was impressed. I was on a scavenger hunt and I needed to find every stamp in my book. I needed a complete collection. I filled many pages and had a truly impressive accumulation of leftover stamps.

Every few weeks I would enter the store with the bell over the door, walk past the mechanical horse that cost a dime to ride, up a small incline, past the goldfish, and there – just next to the marbles – more stamp collecting goodness.

The ladies who waited on me knew me by name. I'd like to think it was because I was such an ardent collector, but mostly it was because I grew up in a small town and pretty much everybody knew everybody else. Still I'd walk out with my stamps in an attempt to complete my collection.

I never did.

There's nothing that will do more to stomp on your dreams than roadblocks. I remember the first time I came home with my stamps and there were no new stamps to fill in the remaining blanks. I had tossed a couple of silver colored coins and a couple of coppers on the counter, ridden my bike to and from the store, and for what? Nothing.

It didn't take too many similar experiences to conclude that stamp collecting was a waste of my time. I transferred my energy to the skill required to make clackers work, watch the ebb and flow of my sister's lava lamp, explore the river, and read books that never once talked about stamp collecting.

When the going gets tough the average Joe goes walking. I did. God's Word says something about that, “Let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.“ Galatians 6:9-10 (MSG)

People have always been distracted by what's new and shiny. We can easily get off track. We are a people who can easily abandon a project when it's no longer easy or fun. Our stick-to-it-iveness can have less stick than a sticky note.

Maybe it really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things whether or not I finished my stamp collecting, but there are plenty of things God wants me to stick to – even when it's hard – even when I see no benefit – even when I want to give up.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)

Pack Away Some of the Daily Stuff

“Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12

My life hasn’t always been an ode to organization. Some might say it is still less than perfectly organized. I’m not in the mood to argue. 

There are things I should do, things I have to do, and some I do just because I want to. The trouble is not everything on my to do list allows me to make the most of my time. 

I remember taking my daughter to the orthodontist. I could have spent that time reading, writing or getting other things done, but in the end the time spent with my daughter was a better use of my time. 

I’ve spent time speaking about the virtues of fiscal responsibility (I was once a mayor), but I always thought fishing with my son was a better time investment. 

I’ve had pressing deadlines, but allowing my wife to talk about her day showed some growth in personal wisdom. 

Usually we use our time to buy things that make us comfortable. We buy toys, play games and seek to fill up every spare bit of breathing room with life stuff.

Our lives are fulfilling only when we work at developing relationships. We can’t take a video game with us and the ancient art of origami may do little to bring us closer to our family. 

Packing some of the daily stuff away to make room for the still small voice of God and the needs of your family is a great prescription for personal growth. 

Father, I’ve always got too much on my to-do list. I haven’t had enough time for you and sometimes my family only gets whatever scraps are left over. Help me learn when to say enough. Help me understand when my time is well spent and when it is just – spent. Amen

Finding Gratitude on the Bad Days

When gratitude is hard to come by there is always one place you've failed to look.

This year a friend may have failed you, a job might have been lost to downsizing, days may have been more difficult than productive, and finances might have become as skinny as a toothpick.

We all face extremely hard days and it's no fun when good days are thinly sandwiched between the bad and the worst.

It's like living in a proverbial forest. There are so many trees we can't really appreciate the view God sees from above. We see bad days, and we see no end to the bad days.

People make decisions that negatively impact us. Someone cheats and seems to get ahead while you play nice and seem to fall behind.

“Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” James 1:2-4 (MSG)

Bad days give us opportunity to show what we really believe to be true. Either bad days ruin us or demonstrate that we trust God. We ask God only for good days and we think He's failed us when bad days come. God wants us to be mature, well-developed, and lacking nothing when it comes to the demonstration of our faith.

We will face challenges, tests, and stressors our entire lives. Sometimes we think of life as a playground where we pursue fun and comfort at all costs. God seems to think of our lives here are preparation for life with Him.

“Keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.” 1 Peter 5:10-11 (MSG)

The Army features bootcamp – this is a training ground for soldiers who will be asked to defend. It is no fun. It is the hardest thing soldiers face. It seems unfair to ask for such dedication. But it's just what is needed to develop a young man or woman into a soldier who understand commands and has a great handle on obedience.

So, what does this have to do with gratitude? God, our commander, is training us. While He trains He also takes care of us. He has always been faithful. His rules don't change. His promises are true. His plan is this, “I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” Jeremiah 29:11 (MSG)

Gratitude is as much about thanking God for what is yet to be as it is thanking Him for what has already been. God can be trusted with our future so let's thank Him before we get there. His plans are good. He won't abandon us. His future includes His presence.

Let the bad days come – you can't stop them. Some day bad days go away for good. “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people, he’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone.” Revelation 21:4 (MSG)

Feeling grateful yet?