A Different Way, A Better Way

We have just returned from a week long vacation. One of the main details that had to be worked out in planning our time away was to arrange care for our dogs, Beamer and Kari. We were actively seeking someone who would come to house and dog sit during our absence. At 22 years old, our son has more single friends that could possibly relocate to our home for a short time. Though he asked around, he was unable to find someone who was available during the needed time. One week before our planned departure, we were still actively seeking someone to fill this need.

By this time I had become a bit nervous. If it were merely a weekend trip, we could accept a caregiver coming in two to three times per day to feed and play with the dogs. But this trip was going to be eight days long. That time frame was far too long.  Beamer and Kari needed a human presence for at least a part of every day, even if it was primarily someone sleeping in the home. We continued to pray and look, believing God had the perfect person to meet this need for us.

Exactly one week before we were to leave, I was praying for the answer to become clear to us. The thought occurred to me that I should request prayer in our small group gathering the following day. As soon as this thought crossed my mind, the real answer became clear to me. A short while back a family in our group had happily offered to care for the two dogs of another family. When I asked concerning our dogs and this trip, they were happy to help, and their children were very excited at the thought of having two dogs to play with for an entire week.

How often do we pray about situations over and over again with an idea of what the answer should look like? Often during these times we don’t even know what the real need is. I’m so glad that our heavenly father does truly see and meet every need we have. He sees more accurately than we do and graciously wants to meet the real need, not the one we perceive. “for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.” (Matthew 6:8 AMP)  My husband, son and I all thought we knew how this should work out. We were sure having someone to stay and care for the dogs in their own home was the proper direction. Instead, we learned this valuable principle. “A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.” (Proverbs 16:9 AMP)  It is very comforting to know that although we are to make plans, God will direct us in the right and secure way to go. 

I had been so busy looking for an answer that looked the way I expected it, that I nearly missed God’s real plan. His plans were so much better. “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, says the Lord.” (Isaiah 55:8 AMP)  Not only did we go on a vacation, but Beamer and Kari went on their own vacation. They had a new place to stay and children to play with. So while we were away having a special time with family, they were able to have a special time with children who doted on them. At the end of the week we all came home and were happily reunited. 

So I learned a valuable lesson about prayer through all this. We are told “Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.” (Philippians 4:6 AMP)  Along with not being anxious I think I will start adding to my specific requests the phrase “unless You have something better in mind, Lord.” I will also precede my prayers with, “Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths.” (Psalm 25:4 AMP)  I most definitely do not know as much as I think I do. But I do know that His way is always better than mine. 

As you go about your day and bring your needs and desires before the Lord, be open as you ask him for the things you want. Always check to see if he has a different way. If God does have a different way, it will always be a better way.

Keep the Son in Your Eyes

Have you ever played shadow tag as a child? We frequently played this game on sunny days or with another light source when playing inside. In the version that I learned, the person who was the chaser\tagger would count to 10 and then run after the other players. He would attempt to step on someone’s shadow. If your shadow was stepped on, you were temporarily out of the game. The last person to evade the tag of a shadow chaser was the winner.

How often do we as adults and believers in Jesus still run from the shadow chasers? Hard times and negative circumstances attempt to defeat us. But do they truly touch the real us? Or do they merely attack the shadow of who we are in Christ? Concerning this life the Bible states, “our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope or expectation of remaining.” (1 Chronicles 29:15b AMP)  Eternity is the true reality for the believer. The spirit man within us will live far beyond the problems of this life. We can also live in peace and joy during these times, knowing that only our earthly existence is being touched.

Newcomers to the game of shadow tag generally play with the same strategy you would play regular tag. The strategy involves running from the pursuer, always aware of how close the pursuer is getting to you. If one is a fast runner, this strategy can be successful. If one is not able to run as fast as the pursuer, this strategy will not bring about good results. Either way this strategy becomes exhausting.

Man-made religion and good works are bit like this strategy. We can try to outrun temptation or trials by setting up rules to live by and formulas to follow. Don’t get me wrong, living by the principles in God’s word is essential to life. Trying to live by them in our own power is both exhausting and futile. Trials, like the pursuer in the game, can come at us from an unexpected turn, touching our shadow and our daily lives.

The more experienced and most successful players of shadow tag use the most unorthodox and unexpected defense. During the initial 10 count, this player acts like the others and puts as much distance between him and the pursuer as possible. Once the pursuit is on, the tactics change drastically. The skilled player no longer runs from the pursuit, but turns to face it.  He has chosen the path of his run carefully and now the sun is directly before him. Facing the sun, his shadow is always behind him. In order for the shadow chaser to step on the shadow, he must pass the actual player, who is ready to maneuver and block the attack.

God’s word gives us many of the same principles for our approach to life. We are to run with the Son of God daily. Just as sunshine provides light, Jesus is our light. “Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life.” (John 8:12 AMP)   When the trials of life find us, we are to turn and face them head on. We are always to look to the Son, seeing the brightness of His promises even more than our problems.

When we turn toward the enemy, he stands face to face with the real us. He sees this truth, “Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.” (Romans 8:37 AMP)  It is time for us to, “Arise [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you—rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!” (Isaiah 60:1 AMP)  He must look at that glory and pass that conqueror to get to the shadow that is this life.  Although he may at times actually step on that shadow, but he cannot touch the spirit that has an eternal destiny.

So play the game to win and have fun while you play.  Do not look at the circumstances and trials that pursue you.   Remember that this life on earth is a mere shadow. The real you is eternal so always walk in peace and joy keeping the Son of God in eyes.  

Come When You Are Called!

One morning as I was spending time in the Word, My dog Beamer came up to cuddle beside me. I called to Kari, my other dog who was across the room, to come also. (I have two dogs and two sides so there is plenty of room.) But Kari stayed aloof that morning. She jumped up on the other couch and snuggled into the afghan that was there. 

David came down from upstairs and gave the dogs their morning vitamins and dental sticks. He then let them outside before he left for work. After this, the dogs went to their favorite chairs in the living room, while I continued to study in the den. 

As I was wrapping up my study time, Kari came and jumped up on the couch beside me. It was really time for me to go so that I could finish getting ready for work, but I gave her five minutes of belly rubs and cuddling. I then hurried to get ready for work. I regretted that it could only be five minutes, but I really had no time left before I needed to get out the door in order to make it to work.  As I fixed my hair and lunch, I considered how much more time Kari and I could have shared had she only come earlier, when I initially called for her.

My thoughts then turned to how much time I may have missed with God by not coming when He first calls. 

What do I have to do that is so important that I cannot immediately say, “I’m coming, Abba.”  Is cleaning the kitchen, reading a book, watching TV or playing a computer game really that important? None of these things are bad, but nor are they never reasons to ignore God’s call to time away with Him.  Is working in a ministry or helping others more important than coming when the Father calls?  Rest is a good thing, but is hitting that snooze button the best thing I can do?  Jesus tells the story of a man who gave the banquet and invited many. (See Luke 14:16-24)  One by one they came with excuses. One had recently bought land, another had purchased oxen and a third had recently married. The man giving the banquet said, “ Go out into the highways and hedges and urge and constrain [them] to yield and come in, so that my house may be filled. For I tell you, not one of those who were invited shall taste my supper.” (Luke 14-24 AMP)  I do not want this to be the result of my inattention to God’s invitations.   No excuse is worth missing what God has called me to.  

So what does this invitation from the Lord sound like?  At times it is a call to listen.  “Incline your ear [submit and consent to the divine will] and come to Me; hear, and your soul will revive; and I will make an everlasting covenant or league with you, even the sure mercy (kindness, goodwill, and compassion) promised to David.”  (Isaiah 55:3 AMP)  At other times it is a call to rest.  Jesus called out, “ Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.]” (Matthew 11:28 AMP)  And still at another time it is a call to romance.  (See Song of Solomon chapter 4)  In these and other places in the Bible, God has made it obvious that He longs for us to come and spend time close to Him.  As a Father for His children, a Bridegroom for His bride and a Friend for a friend; God longs for us.  (Isn’t that amazing?!) 

It is our choice to respond to His call.  We can be like Beamer was that morning and come of our own choice to an open invitation.  We can come as soon as we hear our name called.  Or we can set our own schedule.  I hope I will always share the feelings of the psalmist when he said.  “But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God and made Him my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.” (Psalm 73:28 AMP) God never has somewhere else to go like I did that morning. He will always be there when we call. So come often.  But, to come when He calls is the best!  Answering regular invitations can preclude the need to run in times of trouble.   

So what will your response be when God calls to you?  Will you come immediately?  Will you delay and only receive some of what you could have?  Will you ignore the call or make excuses and not listen to His voice.  The choice is yours.  Choose well.

Banded Together For Strength

Several weeks ago, I wounded my baby toe. I'm not sure really how it happened. It seemed fine when I first got up, but later that morning my left foot hurt when I attempted to walk. The dogs had been playing and I believe one may have stepped on my foot at just the right angle to injure the toe. I am not sure if it was broken, sprained or simply stubbed, but soon the toe was badly swollen and bruised. It needed some attention and support to heal.

Whatever the cause or the extent of the injury the treatment was the same. I needed to reduce the swelling, cushion against the shoe and provide support to the toe. This was accomplished by first wrapping a dressing around the toe. Although even moving the toe enough to wrap a bandage around to it caused pain, it was necessary to permit greater pain in the future. Once the toe was bandaged it was taped to several other toes beside it. Being taped to the next toes limits independent movement. This provided the stability to immobilize the toe during the healing process.

Brothers and sisters in Christ need to provide support by coming alongside someone who is weak or has been hurt.  Like the human body, the body of Christ has been equipped to band together to assist in healing.  One method we are encouraged by is “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)   Whether the believer is young in his faith or has simply been wounded by the storms of life, meeting regularly can encourage a battered soul.

Other injuries can be self inflicted by sin.  In these cases the body of Christ is still called upon to stand together.  “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”  (Galatians 6:1 ESV)  The support of the group will help the wounded member stand straight as God intended.  It will provide strength and protection against the forces that attempt to pull us away from our callings.

By a few days after my initial injury the bruising had spread across four of my toes.  There was no pain that accompanied it, but the vessels had broken and the bruising looked awful for all four toes.  Banding together and bearing others burdens can cause some shared hurt by the group.  Our hearts become involved when we truly care for each other as God intends us to. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”   (Romans 12:15 ESV)  We must be careful to care for ourselves as we care for others. 

It doesn’t really matter how the wound has occurred, a broken brother needs the help of the body to heal and be restored.  Underlying causes can and must be dealt with separately to avoid further problems.  We must be on the lookout for obstacles that can cause jammed toe and jammed lives.  These can be physical objects, people who wound with words or actions or temptations that can cause sin. Avoiding these and knowing how to respond to them will reduce further pain.

Several weeks have passed since I first hurt my toe.  I only now have stopped taping the toes.  There are still twinges of pain at times.  I’m careful as to which shoes I wear and how I place my steps.  But I know that I am on the mend.  I am also on the lookout to prevent a reoccurrence. 

If you are hurting today, seek out members of God’s family to stand with you to hold you up.  If you are strong keep your eyes open for someone who needs your encouragement and strength.  In all circumstances follow Paul’s instructions. “ addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart,” (Ephesians 5:19 ESV)

Passing on Directions

One evening, I was overwhelmed with time commitments. My husband graciously offered to run two errands for me. The first stop was a location that he knew well, but the other was a home that he had never been to. I had only been there twice, both times after dark, and was unsure of how to give him good directions. My initial call to get the proper directions was not immediately answered. So David took off to the first location, taking along with him the items that were to be dropped off at the second home.  If we could not connect with our friends, he would simply bring these items back home with him.

Short they after he left, I received call back and was able to get the easiest directions to my friend’s home. I immediately called David to let him know. So as he left the first location he called for directions. There were several turns including one that had a landmark rather than a street number. I stayed on the phone with him and directed him turn by turn.  He was able to find the home, drop off the items and return to our home.  What looked like it might not work out at all ended up running quite smoothly. Errands were run, David returned and I was able to focus on other things that required my attention.

I thought about how this is the way things should work in the body of Christ. We are commanded to help one another in their struggles.  "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."  (Galatians 6:2 ESV) That is exactly what my husband did for me that evening. I had more things to do then time would allow. Although I felt that I should be taking care of these commitments myself, his willing offer lifted a weight off of me.

Another principle that I saw involved one helping another to find the right path. You see this throughout Scripture. The epistles are all written by one believer giving directions on how to walk out a journey of faith. Sometimes this was one-on-one, as in Paul writing to Timothy. Other times letters were written to entire churches of a specific town. In still other times it was written to many brothers scattered around, as in the book of James. All of these teachers received their instruction from the Word of God and speaking and listening to the Holy Spirit. They passed on what they had learned to others. "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life," (1 John 1:1-2a ESV)  This passage is a great example, because John goes on to give several directions on how to follow the path Jesus has set for us.

I even thought about not immediately receiving an answer to my first call for directions. Sometimes we do not receive the answers we seek from God as quickly as we would like. In these times we must choose to continue looking to God and wait patiently for His response. We may be tempted to jump ahead and settle for what we think is right, rather than waiting on Him. This always causes undue trouble and wasted energy. Had I tried to give directions from my memory it would have been far more difficult for David to find his way. Likewise, if we do not wait for clear direction from God, we cause trouble both ourselves and those around us.  It is best to wait and believe this promise from Father, "When he calls to me, I will answer him;" (Psalm 91:15a ESV) 

My husband was a great help to me that evening. And by writing down the directions and relaying them onto him, I was able to make his path easy.

So as you go about your day, look for ways to help others, allow another to help you with directions and always wait on the direction from the Lord. You will accomplish the task before you.

Missing Part of Your Meal?

As a put away the groceries one evening, I made salads for the following day’s lunches. I did not say anything to my husband, David, at the time. The next morning I noticed that he had not taken his salad with him to work. It had been in the front of the refrigerator. This is the place where lunches are frequently placed. He had helped me put up the groceries, so he also knew that all the veggies were in the fridge. Had he just looked, he would have seen the salad and taken it for lunch. Instead, he simply took some pieces of fruit that were in a bowl on the counter.

After I realized he had not taken the salad, I regretted not commenting to him about the fact that the salads were in the refrigerator. I wondered why he hadn’t open the fridge door and seen it. Even if he hadn’t realized I made the salad, he knew there were burgers and other lunch appropriate items in there. Yet all he took was the fruit. Whether by hurrying or inattentiveness, he left for work with less of the lunch then he could have had.

How often can we face the Word of God in the same way? I may have neglected to tell David that the salad had been made. Jesus, on the other hand has made it clear that our every need is met and satisfied in the Word. He is the Word became flesh. (See John 1:14) Jesus also referred to himself as the bread of life.  “Jesus replied, I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never be hungry, and he who believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me will never thirst any more (at any time).” (John 6:35 AMP) Jesus also promises to give living water. “Jesus answered her, If you had only known and had recognized God’s gift and Who this is that is saying to you, Give Me a drink, you would have asked Him [instead] and He would have given you living water.” (John 4:10 AMP)  The invitation is clear. Jesus calls us to come and feast on the true nourishment of the promises and direction of God. These will be found in the Bible if we simply look.

Sometimes I go to Bible looking for verses I’ve read or heard before. I can become so focused on searching for what I already know is available to me that I don’t make the effort to open my eyes to the many other blessings God has also promised. Other times I do not open the Scriptures at all. I just quote verses that I already know from memory. I fail to even open the ‘door’ to the rest of the Word of God. I do not see what he has prepared for me, because I haven’t taken the effort to truly study the Bible.

Another aspect of the salads that I had prepared was that they were unique to the one they were prepared for. David’s salad was heavier on the broccoli (one of his favorites) then mine was. My salad had mushrooms added to the other veggies. David does not care for fresh mushrooms, but I love them. Likewise, the gifts and promises that God has provided each of us are unique to the individual and to the circumstance. He knows the heart of each of his children. And he communicates to each one in ways that are best.

The apple and orange that David took from the fruit bowl were nutritious. They were also sweet to taste and something that he enjoys eating. But as good as they were, they did not complete the meal in the same manner that adding salad would have. What David ate that day was good but incomplete. So also enjoying only part of what God has prepared for us is good yet incomplete. There is so much more He has for us that will make us both strong and satisfied.

So don’t settle for just the familiar or easy to see promises of God. Search deeply through the Scripture until you find the custom designed promises that your heavenly father has written in his love letter to you. He has provided spiritual food that will nourish and sustain you through every need you may have. “O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8 AMP)  Take, eat and enjoy!

What Does Your Eye Spy?

A game that is often played by preschoolers is “I Spy With My Little Eye.” The leader starts the game by choosing an item. He or she then says the words, “I spy with my little eye something that is…” A characteristic of the item is inserted into the statement. This can be color, size or anything else that describes the item chosen. Everyone else then looks around the room and guesses what that item might be. The game continues until someone guesses what the leader actually originally picked. That person is the winner and receives the benefit that was determined before the game began.

It is very interesting to watch as each child picks an item for their guess. For example, the statement may be “I spy with my little eye something that is green.” One child who is particularly fond of dinosaurs may guess the green dinosaur in the corner. Another child who loves flowers could pick the leaves on the plant by the window. Still others will find favorite toys or other cherished items that display the color green.

Moses sent twelve men from the wilderness into the promise land to spy out all of the land. (Numbers 13 - 14) All twelve came back and reported what they had seen. All of the reports included things that were huge. They even brought back a branch with only one bunch of grapes that had to be carried on a pole because of its size. They all described a land that was flowing with milk and honey.

When Moses inquired as to what they had spied, ten of the men spoke in detail of giants and strongholds and challenges. They acknowledged the huge benefits of this land. But they could not get over the challenges they would be required to overcome. By focusing on these they saw their own lack and all the things that instilled fear. This led to seeing themselves as grasshoppers by comparison.

Two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, had a different perspective. They described in detail the land that was flowing with milk and honey. They acknowledged the challenges but were focused on the huge benefits. Despite the giants and the strongholds, “Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once and possess it; we are well able to conquer it.” (13: 30 AMP)  The reason for the confidence of Joshua and Caleb is summed up in this statement.  “And they said to all the company of Israelites, The land through which we passed as scouts is an exceedingly good land.  If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land flowing with milk and honey.  Only do not rebel against the Lord, neither fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their defense and the shadow [of protection] is removed from over them, but the Lord is with us. Fear them not.” (14:7-9 AMP)

David, still a young shepherd boy, displayed the same confidence in the presence of the giant Goliath.  “Then said David to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the ranks of Israel, Whom you have defied.  This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will smite you and cut off your head. And I will give the corpses of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.” (1 Samuel 17:45-46 AMP) Although the entire Israelite army shook was terror at the sound of Goliaths voice, this young boy conquered the giant with a slingshot, a stone and confidence in the power of the most high God.

Throughout the ages people have accomplished great things when they looked to the power and promise of Almighty God instead of the circumstances before them. Our little eyes can see problems that will make us tremble. But the eye of faith in a faithful God will see the victory. Victory follows the heart that sees as God sees. 

Of all the Israelites, only Joshua and Caleb entered that land.  The other spies and everyone who believed their report died without ever seeing the promise.

Spy out each day of your life with eyes that see that the promises of God are larger than the trials ahead. You will work with God and receive the benefits promised by God.