It Only Takes One (1)

I've been keeping my eye on something that's starting to make sense. Maybe you've seen the results as I have, but never considered the overall dynamic.

I'm a people watcher. I find those God chose to make in His own image genuinely interesting and delightful. People are an excellent way to appreciate the diversity of the God-head and the infinite measure of His creativity.

In the olden days colleges trained teachers to observe their students and build socio-grams. These were drawings that looked a bit like a spider web. The name of each child in the group was listed with lines added to show the connections between them. I learned way back then that such observations can foster understanding. The process has continued over the years and I've come to a conclusion.

It only takes one.

It only takes one listening ear to encourage a gossip.

Gossip is an insidious snare. Holding an audience's attention with private tales can be tantalizing. The sad reality is that it doesn't take a large number of receivers. Once a willing listener has been discovered both parties become complicit in the sinful act.

It only takes one hesitant mouth to support sinful behavior.

She knew adultery was sin. That was not a question. It was just that she understood how unhappy her friend was and she didn't want to sound like a traitor. So when she heard the fateful words about a secret rendez-vous she didn't say a word.

It only takes one forgotten promise to leave a need unmet.

The problem was shared on several occasions. A brother spoke up and volunteered to go by and make the repair. He really intended to offer the blessing. However, after months of waiting the door is still broken and winter is making its chilly entry.

I could go on, but I trust you get the idea. As I pondered the significance of the number one (1), Scripture came to mind.

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned Romans 5:12

But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many. Romans 5:15

For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17

Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. Romans 5:18

For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. Romans 5:19

It only takes one ...

O Abba Father, please keep me from being the one that wanders away from You.

Teach me to turn from sin that I might not be a hindrance.

1 Corinthians 10:32

Allow me to speak your truth with love in all circumstances.

Ephesians 4:15

Train me to be a woman of The Word and my word.

Colossians 3:16; James 5:12

Dear Adonai, please cause me to be the one You use for your purpose and glory. Amen

Summits and Plateaus

Okay, so this entry has been percolating for a while. All the better to cover the topic, My Dear.

At the time the idea hit me, I was struggling ... CORRECTION I thought I was struggling. It was like this ...

I'd been on a spiritual high for a while. My daily devotions were fairly regular and particularly meaningful. Bible study meetings were rich and deep. Corporate worship times were feeding my mind and my soul. Fellowship in the body was warm and encouraging. The continuity of God's Word was evident and the relevance of Scripture was powerful. At times I was overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of God's truth and its work in the lives of His people.

Oh, there were still various challenges and hurdles around me, but the goodness of the Lord overshadowed any unpleasantness. My mind and heart were fully focused on The Savior's face and nothing else mattered. It was as if I were dwelling at the worship site atop the Mount of Olives. 2 Samuel 15:30-32 I trust you know what I mean.

Then the day came when that sense of utter contentment slipped. Like a skier who's taken a nasty fall, I checked out my various parts to be sure they were still functioning. My mind continued to affirm the truth of God's loving sovereignty. My heart was still full of gratitude for the saving work of Jesus. My conviction to submit my life to His service was as strong as ever. The circumstances around me hadn't changed significantly. Something was off and, frankly, I was not happy about it.

It took me a few days or maybe a couple of weeks to sort out my symptoms. I reviewed every aspect of my life in the Comforter's presence and the conclusion shook me. I'm almost embarrassed to share it with you. I came to the point where I asked myself what had actually changed in my life. The answer was that I didn't FEEL the same. I was shocked to think that I had been caught in the snare emotions can lay out for us. I would never have believed that I could allow my feelings to take over for truth in coloring my days. I thanked God for drawing me back to Himself and quickly confessed my sin with heartfelt gratefulness for His forgiveness. Psalm 25:15, 1 John 1:9

When I go through experiences like this I catch myself asking, "What lesson should I be learning here?" I know it's a common saying, but I cringe at the words. I don't want the intimate parts of my relationship with my LORD to be boiled down into an academic exercise. Rather, He is tenderly making Himself known to me and I want to take in every aspect of His loving character that He offers to me. [Thank you for letting me address another pet peeve, unhelpful clichés.]

In this portion of my growing relationship with my Abba, I've come to more fully appreciate that the mountaintop experiences are divine gifts. 2 Samuel 22:34 Perhaps they are meant to give us a taste of heaven. Perhaps they are meant to encourage us onward. Perhaps they are basic times of R&R. In any event, each one is an expression of His merciful grace. They are to be recognized and relished. However, I've also come to understand that they have their own particular season according to God's plan. Ecclesiastes 3:1

The problem was that I had grown comfortable and perhaps a bit complacent in the gift of my summit experience. There wasn't a new trauma to address nor a fresh avenue to pursue. The simple truth was that God had merely placed my feet back on the stony path of day-to-day life in a fallen world. He was/is still on His throne. Jesus was/is still whispering in His ear on my behalf. The Spirit was/is still guiding my steps. Hallelujah!

My days are unfolding once again with balance. There's not a hidden threat to uncover or carrot to chase. I'm on the pilgrim's path, the plateau of the walk of faith. The way is not always smooth, but this view of God's hand is spectacular. The summit might be more breathtaking, but the plateau offers the same security, peace and joy in His hands. His truth is in place. He is the Victor. Each portion of the journey He lays out for us is a gift!

May you be equally blessed by the God of Summits and Plateaus!

Roadblocks and Detours

It was a lovely day and we were heading out for our annual leaf peeping drive. The fall is an especially beautiful season in the northeast. A powerful rain storm had run through the night before causing us to be especially grateful to find so many trees still robed in the Father's majesty.

It wasn't a total surprise when we came upon a sawhorse on one of the back roads. We knew electricity was still out in various places. Actually, we were thankful that someone had erected a barrier to protect us from the power lines we could see draped across the road ahead. Curt went left instead of right and we sought another route to get where we wanted to go.

In a few minutes we came up to another sawhorse. This barrier was a bit of a surprise because we couldn't see any problems that would have caused its placement. Curt maneuvered the Jeep around the obstruction and we made our way about another mile. Then we saw the reason for the blockage. The river running along side the road had washed out an entire section. We had to turn around and go back the way we'd come.

It took several more attempts before we got back on track for our fall foliage tour. I must report that someone in the car, who shall remain nameless between the two of us, said on more than one occasion, "Let's just give this up and go home." Instead God carried us along and blessed us through the beauty of His creation and the warmth of our relationship in Him. We were and are thankful for His loving hand.

On that day it was our bodies that made the wandering trek. On many days it is our hearts, minds and spirits that run up against obstacles. They may not look like sawhorses, but they perform the same function. They affect the journey. The question for the believer is how to respond to the barrier before us.

Abraham did not considered the possible destruction of his promised future a roadblock preventing him from obeying God's command. He made the preparations necessary to sacrifice his son Isaac as a burnt offering. Genesis 22:8 explains that Abraham saw this sawhorse merely as a distraction. "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." Abraham set out to pursue God's call even to the plunging of a knife into Isaac's body when God made the detour clear." Genesis 22:12,13 reports that God stayed Abraham's hand and provided a ram as the offering.

What would have happened if Abraham had retreated at the first sign of a sawhorse? What if he had considered the risks and stayed at home to avoid them? We learn in other portions of Scripture what happens when God's people pay too much attention to the sawhorses they face. Jonah, Mark 14:66-72 In contrast, God's Word commends Abraham for exercising his faith by not shrinking back from the challenge before him. Hebrews 11:17-19

What about the sawhorses in our own lives? Do we see every one as a roadblock that blocks the way ahead? Do we stay at home in the garage or sit on a roadside bench when we should be persevering? Or do we, like Abraham, continue walking by faith?

There are times when a certain choice, relationship or direction simply is not good for us. We pursue them at our own peril. God knows all things and is compassionate toward His people. He provides a way out of sinful temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13

The key to walking by faith is to be sure it is our lamplight. John 8:12, Ephesians 1:1-14 We are not being asked to take a blind leap off a precipice into bottomless darkness, but a measured step into the glorious light of God's grace. Ephesians 2:8-10 We are being called to rest in and pursue the pathway laid out for us by the Sovereign of the world.

It behooves the godly traveller to get to know their heavenly Travel Agent - to know Him well. We need to commit ourselves to develop our relationship with God - prayer, worship, study, fellowship. In that way we will grow in understanding, confidence, peace and joy at being in His hands. We will be more able to evaluate the sawhorses that appear in our path and follow the Lord as He guides us around them.

I don't like wandering around backroads not knowing where I am. I prefer beautiful scenery to downed wires and washed out roads. I really enjoy the feeling of relief when I get back on a road I know.

I do not want to wander around in life. I want to be as close to my Abba Father as I can be. I want to enjoy His love and faithfulness up close and personal. Therefore I commit myself to my basic Christian duties. I snuggle up in my private devotions. I focus on my study of the Word. I revel in worship. I delight in fellowship with my brothers and sisters. How about you?

Unhappiness and Blame

I confess. It was a major shock to my system. I like to think that I'm past the infamous 2x4 phase in my spiritual life, but now I'm not so sure.

My morning started off pretty well even though my night's sleep was interrupted a few times. I made my way to my quiet spot and began my devotional time with my heavenly Father. Psalm 17 starts off fairly straight forward. It's a prayer of David and begins with his request that God would hear his plea.

Okay, I'm with you, David. I need God to hear my prayer too. My lips are without deceit as are yours and I know my vindication before the Father comes only through His Messiah. So we're on the same footing.

However, my heart starts to quail a bit at verse 3, "... though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin." I perform a conscience check and something is amiss. My eyes travel on to the end of verse 5 "My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped." I can go no further. What is it, Father?

The Spirit confronted me about truth years ago. I rarely slip on that one any more so that's not the issue. By God's grace I've developed a tighter rein on my tongue. James 1:26 I thank Him for causing me to seek forgiveness for a sharp remark I made recently, but that doesn't clear the deck. What's the outstanding issue here, Father? I'm serious about my resolution to keep my mouth from sin and to serve you with a clean heart. Psalm 51

The Spirit reminds me of some pretty ugly remarks I'd made in the last week. More than the words come back to me. I am forced to face the hideous condition of my heart that fed my sinful comments. I immediately throw myself on my spiritual face and cry out for forgiveness. Isaiah 6:5 comes to mind. Thankfully the closing words of 1 John 1 fly into my mind and I am overcome with gratitude and thankfulness, love and praise to God for His faithfulness and justice to grant forgiveness to ME. Amen

The work doesn't end there. There's more to learn so I search deeper. What caused me to make those unpleasant comments, Father?

The truth hits me like a ton of bricks. (Please pardon the cliché.) I was unhappy - quite a shallow feeling. Okay, I was frustrated, disappointed, discouraged and feeling helpless to change the circumstances in which I found myself. I wanted my own way and couldn't figure out how to get it. So I turned to my human nature and blamed someone else. Wrong ... wrong ... wrong! Genesis 3:13 echoes in my mind and I am devastated.

The full weight of what I'd done washes over me. I recognize the danger and can't believe I've moved into it. God is in control of all things ... ALL things. By blaming anyone else for my situation I am implying that they have power in my life. Yes, of course lives are affected by relationships, but God is the one who directs my days. NO BODY can interfere with His plans for me. Jeremiah 29:11 I return again to the sweet relief of 1 John 1:9. My soul rests in the One who knows me better than I know myself and is actively intervening into history to prepare me for eternity in His presence. Hallelujah!

I purpose that next time negative feelings come at me like the kings who joined forces to annihilate Jehoshaphat I will follow his example. I will fight off fear and discouragement by remembering that the battle is God's and not mine. I will submit myself to the God of all creation, stand firm, and look for His deliverance - resting by faith that this is His will for me. 2 Chronicles 20, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Thank you, LORD, that the only person who heard my words was my husband Curt. I'll be sure to share this glimpse of your grace with him and ask his forgiveness as well. Please do cause me to avoid this trap in the future. Though the purification process is uncomfortable, even painful at times, I want to be a clean vessel to serve you and bring glory to Your Name all my days. Amen

2 Timothy 2:20,21, Hebrews 9:14; 10:19-25