Have you been naughty or extra nice this year?Will
you receive a lump of coal in your stocking or everything you wished for? “You
better watch out…Santa Claus is coming to town.” Remember, “He’s making a list;
and checking it twice; gonna find out who’s naughty and nice…He sees you
when you’re sleeping…knows when you’re awake. He knows if you’ve been bad or
good, so be good for goodness sake!”[1]
Aww, Christmas fun! Interestingly,
a few days ago I stumbled upon a website where you can actually ask Santa if
you are on the “NAUGHTY or NICE” list. Yes
indeedy, folks! Step right up, because at: http://www.claus.com/naughtyornice/nn_hmpg2.php you will find Santa’s Nice-o-Meter.By typing in your name and then clicking the “ASK SANTA” button,
you can see where you stand on Santa’s NaughtyorNice scale.
So THANKFUL for my beautiful Mom (center) and Aunts.
Driving home from work Wednesday
night before Thanksgiving, my eyes caught the McDonald’s restaurant
signboard. They were advertising a “Big Breakfast Thanksgiving morning.” A
question quickly came to mind. “Who would go to McDonald’s for this big breakfast
Thanksgiving morning?” I answered myself almost immediately, with an envious reflection,
“Probably anyone who doesn’t have a ton of cleaning, cooking and baking to do.”
I had worked late, I was tired,
and a bit cranky. But then, my thoughts were on to something else. I think I
reviewed all the ingredients I purchased earlier, making sure before I drove
all the way home, I hadn’t forgotten anything.
To me, Thanksgiving has
always been about thanking God for His blessings in my life the past year.
However, this morning, I remembered McDonald’s sign and I got to thinking about
the people who just might have attended the “Big Breakfast” feast. Were they
people who were much more prepared for this “holiday” than I was? Could this
have been their Thanksgiving tradition, to have breakfast out before beginning
the day’s activities? Or, were they people without family and the “McDonald’s
Gang” was their family? Maybe this was the only Thanksgiving
celebration they would have that day.
Maybe it’s all they could afford.
Summer transitioning to fall gives me much
more difficulty than any other seasonal change. I mean, winter to spring is a
roller-coaster ride. I’m up when the air has warmed, but down when the skies
darken and snow flurries return. Still, I know magnificent spring is only days
away. Spring to summer is exciting and much easier. The warm weather just gets
warmer. I bask the beauty of God’s handiwork enjoying intense sunlight and
longer days. Fall to winter also doesn’t seem to affect me as much. I’ve
already become accustomed to less daylight and cooler temps and, of course,
holiday anticipation keeps me in high spirits.
Nevertheless, when the shorter, gray daysof fall appear, I feel gloomy and down. I become
very introspective, thinking things need to change in my life, but not sure
what or how they should change. Sometimes, I seem to disengage, just going
through the motions of living.
Maybe some of you are like me. And if so, what
will it take for us to maintain lifted spirits and repel gray dayeffects? Should we jump on the world’s band wagon and start planning
Hallowe’en parties; or should we do something to please and honor our Lord?
When I was
young and still, as I am old, I am amazed by God’s creation, not only flora and
fauna i.e. trees, flowers, and animals, but the sky above and the earth
beneath. And I’ve always loved different
and unique stones. Some stones I’d find on my hikes were the white or “lucky”
stones and others furrowed with colors of tan, brown, and orange, peppered with
golden sparkles.
Out the
back door, through the pastures greeting curious cows as I walked, finally
arriving in the small wooded area perfectly framed by our upstairs window. This
was my special place. It was shaded, cool, and quiet. Yet, in spots, the sun
broke through beaming its rays like lasers. There, some stones I found were
green and almost appeared to be alive. But no, it was only moss. And rinsing
them with pond water sometimes yielded treasures.
Northeast Ohio sky
It tickles
me now when my grandchildren find stones and say, “Look, Grammy, isn’t is
pretty?” For a moment, I’m their age, back in my special place, and again, in
awe.
Have you ever
noticed how many times God uses the word stone or stones in Scripture? Probably
not, since it isn’t one of those words we readily associate with spiritual
things. But recently, I’ve been intrigued by Scripture’s stones, ordinary or
precious, used to represent people, tribes, and nations. Some are
representative like pillar stones[1], memorial stones[2], covenant stones[3], gem stones[4], temple stones[5], and the one that has
captured my heart, living stones[6].
Living stones? I thought stones were inanimate objects and even when they appear
living, it’s only because they are covered in a living substance such as moss.
True. So, what does God mean by living stones?
Near Portland, Oregon
Let’s first
think about the characteristics of a stone:
firm, strong, solid, and sometimes immovable. Stones can handle material
piled upon them and not break. Yet a stone is not alive and cannot be moved
unless someone moves it. So, how does this relate to us as living beings?
Speaking
through Peter God tells us we, as newborn babies, are to desire the pure milk
of Living Word of God – the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the foundation that has
already been laid,[7]
the Rock of our salvation,[8] the stone cut out of the
mountain without hands,[9] the Chief Cornerstone[10] given to build the Temple
of His Body. He is the original LivingStone.[11] And if we have received
Him as Savior and Lord, His Holy Spirit indwells us,[12] making us alive
spiritually and physically. We are joint heirs with Christ – adopted sons of
God – and we too, in Him, are living stones,[13] steadfast and immovable.[14] Each of us with our uniqueness, are laid upon
the foundation of Jesus and used by God to build the heavenly Jerusalem, the
bride who has made herself ready adorned for her husband[15]. This city whose Builder
and Maker is God.[16] Once we were in darkness – a dead stone, but
now alive in Christ.[17]
Multnomah Falls - Columbia River Gorge
Still, if
you have never been transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit, yet consider
yourself a Christian, you are like the stones I found in the woods – appearing
alive – but dead just the same. Let
Jesus wash you with the water of His Word.[18] Come to Him as to a LivingStone[19] and then you, along with
us, will be a living stone adding to this cohesive TEMPLE. Together we will wait to meet the Lord in the
air[20] and not listen to
date-setters, who disregard the Word of God.[21]
Have you
read the book of Jeremiah lately? Last
month the Lord led me to Jeremiah chapter five. I don’t remember what I was
studying at the time or even the reason I was reading Jeremiah five, but when I
read verse 22, my breath caught. I’m sure I’ve read Jeremiah 5:22hundred times in my 30 plus years of walking with
God, but that day was different.
“Do you
not fear Me?' says the Lord. ‘Will you not tremble at My presence, Who have
placed the sand as the bound of the sea, by a perpetual decree, that it cannot
pass beyond it? And though its waves toss to and fro, yet they cannot prevail;
though they roar,
yet they cannot pass over it.’”[1]
When I
saw the portion, “…Who have placed the sand as the bound of the sea, by a
perpetual decree, that it cannot pass over it?” my mind immediately pictured
the ocean at Sunset Beach, North Carolina, with its soft, white sand. As I
stood there gazing across the seemingly endless blue-green water, I remember
the squawk of the seagulls and the hint of salt and fish misting my face. Waves swelled, peaked, and then toppled over
in frothy whitewater hurrying toward the sand.
That
day, we probably stayed on the beach longer than we should have and by late
afternoon, the tide began to come in with rowdy and boisterous waves. Although
it was somewhat unsettling to see the water creeping ever closer to where we
were sunbathing, after some time it calmed and came no further.
To my
unscientific mind, I just chalked it up to gravity, the earth’s rotation, the
pull of the moon, and all the other geological things I don’t understand. I
really didn’t give it another thought until I read Jeremiah 5:22. Then it made
perfect sense.
It’s not
by some fluke that the ocean waves do not overtake the land. No, it’s by the
Lord’s perpetual decree. The sand is the boundary He has placed and it must
obey. Even in hurricanes, when the waves roar, tossing to and fro, they cannot
prevail. They must return to their God-ordained place.
But,
Jeremiah lived over 2,500 years ago. And, although I know God’s Word stands true
no matter what, I began to think about global warming reports, the ozone layer
holes and the polar ice caps melting. Where would all the water go if the ice
converted to its liquid state? Should we be concerned?
How
would global warming proponents view Jeremiah 5:22? Would they pass it off as
ancient words without meaning?
So, I
decided to do some research and of course, I found a YouTube video: Earth Under Water Worldwide Flooding Sea
Level Rise (SLR). The promo reads:
“Published on Aug 8, 2013: Miami,
New Orleans and New York City completely under water it's a very real
possibility if sea levels continue to rise. In Earth Under Water we'll see
these events unfold as leading experts forecast how mankind will be impacted if
global warming continues. They'll break down the science behind these
predictions and explore ways humanity could adapt, including engineering vast
dams near San Francisco, or building floating cities outside of New York.” [2]
What
they say is frightening and their video editing of a flooded earth caused me
sudden trepidation. But, the Lord brought me back to Jeremiah 5:22and reminded me of His Genesis covenant:
“Thus I
establish My covenant with you: Never
again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall
there be a flood to destroy the earth…I set My rainbow in the cloud and it shall be for the sign of
the covenant between Me and the earth.”[3]
Then God
asked, “Do you believe My Word?” Limply, I answered, yes, but quickly pleaded,
“Lord, increase my faith!”
How do
you feel? Are these words irrelevant in our time? Do they take a backseat to
scientific predictions? Or, is the God of the whole universe still in control
and His Word stands true until He says otherwise?
Why do the
nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing?[1]
You would
almost think these words are right out of newspaper headlines and television
news, but they’re not. This question was penned by King David about three
thousand years ago and then reiterated by Peter about one thousand years later.
Yet, since then, things have not really changed. Nations still rage and people
continue to plot and carry out vain things.
Case in
point, the political lies coming out of the news media and specifically the
three CNN employees who resigned on June 26, 2017, when an article they wrote
had to be retracted. I’m sure this has always been the situation with the media,
but no one, up until this point, has been brave enough to say it. Maybe others out
there knew some in the media greatly embellish their stories with half-truths
or fabrications, but what they had to hide, compelled them to stay silent.
Are you
facing something daunting? Something you know you can do, but one little bobble
could thwart the whole thing and keep you from achieving your goal. Maybe it’s
a task you need to complete or an ability test that will take you to the next
level in accomplishment. Is it a speech, a project, or an idea to pitch? So
many activities in life require excellence, a body honed to perfection, a
focused mind, incredible speed, or years of study.
On the
other hand, you know you are capable. You’ve done all the essential preparatory
work. You’ll try your best, but nerves may spoil your performance, make your
mind go blank, or worse, sweaty palms and a queasy stomach. You resolve to push
through whatever happens, yet apprehension and anxiety consume your thoughts
and you just need breathe.
But maybe
your test is over and now you are waiting for the results. Your mind has
reviewed every detail, every word uttered, and every move you made or didn’t
make. I should have said or done this or that. Why didn’t I? I don’t know. Each
minute that passes seems like days, and the days, well, like years. The wait is
oppressive and normal function is almost impossible. Sleep is your only escape,
but sometimes not even then. Bizarre dreams disturb you and if not dreams, then
the moment your eyes open in the morning, it’s back.
In 1991 the movie, City Slickers,
premiered. Three city boys decided to spend their vacation driving cattle on an
authentic cattle drive. The experience, they surmised, would end their mid-life
crisis and in the process they’d become genuine cowboys. Their vacation
commenced at a dude ranch in the southwest where they learned and prepared for
the drive. It was here they met rugged, mean-looking, and very seasoned trail
boss, Curly. The drive begins normally, yet as in all comedies and good
stories, chaos quickly follows. Along the way, the main character, Mitch,
played by Billy Crystal, learns from Curly, played by Jack Palance, the secret
to life is one
thing. When Mitch asks, “What’s the one thing?” Curly says, “That’s
what you’ve got to figure out.” Mitch goes wild trying to discover what Curly
means by one thing. In the end, Mitch seems to learn his one thing. Satisfied,
he returns home to live the proverbial happily ever after.
According to the City Slickers movie
review, this one
thingis something we all must
discover for ourselves and it is different for everyone.
So, what’s your one thing? Is it family,
friends, relationships, work, lifestyle, location, a purpose in life, or
something not listed? And, do you agree it’s different for everyone?
Back then, as a fairly new Christian, I did agree.
But now, after many years walking with our Lord and Savior, I see differently.
In Luke, chapter 10, we read of a day Jesus
visited three siblings, Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Most likely, Martha was the
eldest of the three, since she welcomed Jesus into her house. Martha is
gracious, generous, organized, reliable, and under control. She is responsible
for the smooth running of the home, serving her brother and any guests who come
to call, usually with Mary’s help.
Mary must be younger as she doesn’t seem to
possess the firstborn, older child, I need to take charge characteristics. Mary
appears passionate, emotional, and a bit more carefree. No doubt, this
combination of personalities caused frustration. So, peacemaker Lazarus,
perhaps doused many emotional fires.
On the day Jesus visited, things were no
different. Martha knew exactly how she wanted the day’s activities to go and
expected Mary to comply. But Jesus was there. His words compelled Mary to
listen. She sat at His feet as if glued to Him. Truth flowed from His lips.
Love emanated from His being. And, nothing else mattered.
Even if you didn’t know the story from
Scripture, you could have easily predicted what would happen next. Martha loved
Jesus too. He was a friend and teacher, but there was work to do. So, Martha
sought Jesus’ help with Mary’s lack of responsibility.
Please understand, it’s not that Jesus felt
serving was unimportant. Of course serving is important – we can’t live without
food. But, Jesus saw Martha’s heart. Her priorities were skewed. Jesus knew
frustration with Mary and other distractions kept her bound and serving for all
the wrong reasons. Martha, the perfect hostess, had the Son of God sitting in
her living room and her focus was the kitchen.
Martha hadn’t yet understood the one thingthat really mattered - the only thing that matters
for every human being: Jesus Christ.
When He, The
True One Thing, is found, all else falls into place.
Later Martha would see Jesus crucified
for her sin, buried, and risen from the dead. Then she would
fully understand He is the Resurrection and the Life, the Truth, and the only
Way to the Father. But for now, Martha needed to let go of the many things
concerning her and comprehend “…one thing is needed…” Mary found her one thingand Jesus said it “…will not be taken away from
her."
So, this Resurrection Day, as the world
searches, without satisfaction, for their one thing, please
remember yours. He is The One and Only Thing needed.
Are you grieved
that our culture thinks so little of the God who created us and the world in
which we live that they accept when our Sovereign, Holy God is reduced to a caricature
or a joke in a monologue? I mean, where is their fear? Not just reverential
fear, I’m talking real out and out fear of Him who is able to destroy both soul
and body in hell.[1]
Do you
think it’s just a sign of the times and the prophesied falling away?[2]
In Luke
18:8, Jesus asked a question, “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He
really find faith on the earth?” You might think this is a rhetorical question,
but it’s not. He’s telling of things to come and trying to make us think.
So, what
type of thing would cause a believer to lose faith and possibly walk away from
the TRUTH of the Holy Scriptures they may have known
from childhood[3] or as an adult that brought
us to Christ?
I was first made aware of the 2007-2008
best-selling book, THE SHACK, by a co-worker, who stated, “This is the best
book I have ever read.” I accepted the book and took it home to read because
the cover listed raves reviews by Eugene Peterson, the author of The Message,
and Michael W. Smith, Christian recording artist. Nevertheless, it sat on my
nightstand for weeks and for some reason, I couldn’t bring myself to read it.
The day I decided to return the unread book to my co-worker, I received a
letter and monthly catalog from Southwest Radio Church. The correspondence read,
“The Shack” teaches New Age thought.
“Ah-ha!” I thought, “Now I know why I
couldn’t read this book.”
The Holy Spirit had kept me from
reading until I could be warned of the errors within. Then He gave me the
desire to read as an exercise in discernment.
On Valentine’s Day, the doctor for whom I work, purchases red
carnations for every patient who comes that day for treatment. This affection
towards his patients has always impressed me. From my first day on the job,
November 17, 1999, I have admired this man. I never knew a doctor who not only
bought flowers for his patients, but also made personal phone calls to each new
patient following their initial treatment.
So last week, when I picked up the bouquet of carnations, I paused for
a moment to consider the crinkly, sweet-scented, little flowers. I thought
about our patients and the delight each flower would bring and then I
reminisced about my high school days. If I remember correctly, our Tri-Hi-Y
Club sold Valentine carnations. Any student could purchase a single carnation
or more and club members would deliver them to their special someone. A white
carnation meant friendship. The pink carnation indicated “I like you” and of
course, the red carnation symbolized Love.
I wondered if the same color meanings held true for the outside high
school world. According to www.flowermeaning.com, each carnation color carries its own
meaning expressing love, care, or comfort.
If the receiver is feeling rejected or if the giver wants to express
regret in some way, he or she sends a striped carnation. If the giver is
feeling a bit playful or spontaneous, they should send purple carnations.
Experiencing a great disappointment, then yellow carnations are best. Pink
carnations express thankfulness for your mother’s love and the red or scarlet
carnation usually conveys deep loveand
admiration.
Alliance, Ohio, where I work is known for the scarlet carnation. It
was Alliance doctor, Levi L. Lamborn, who developed the scarlet-colored
carnation around 1866. He was a friend and political opponent of William
McKinley, to whom Dr. Lamborn presented one of his “Lamborn Red” carnations
prior to an election. Since McKinley won the election, he adopted the scarlet
carnation as his insignia. Later, in 1904, three years after President
McKinley’s assassination, Ohio embraced the scarlet carnation as the official
state flower.[1]
And later Alliance was dubbed, “The Carnation City”.
Still, the flower name is of more interest to me than even the color.
Although some scholars believe the name carnation “…comes from the word
"corone" (flower garlands) or "coronation" because of its
use in Greek ceremonial crowns, others propose that it's derived from the Latin
"carnis" (flesh) referring to the flower's original pinkish-hued
color or "incarnacyon" (incarnation), referring to the incarnation of
God-made flesh.”[2]
Amazing. I’ve heard the word carnation all my life and I never, until
this moment, saw its similarity to the word incarnation. Of course, the flower speaks of Jesus. He
created it on the third day. “All things
were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” He is
God, the Son, who became flesh, dwelt among us, and allowed us mere humans to
behold His glory.[3]
Yet, we must jump back to the color – scarlet – the color of blood.
Scarlet is mentioned throughout the Old Testament and in almost every instance
it symbolizes Jesus. Scarlet is one of four colors of woven thread used to craft
the gate[4], the door[5], and the veil[6] of the Tabernacle in Moses’
time and the Temple in Jerusalem[7]. Each entrance represents
Jesus as does each color. Later, Isaiah speaks of our sin being as scarlet. To
me, sin is black. But I now realize,
when sin is covered by the Blood of Jesus, it becomes scarlet and then white as snow.[8]
Out of Love
Jesus shed His blood
and died in our place.
No wonder the scarlet carnation has, for all these years,
symbolized Love.