Family

I love my family and I am so glad that I have been able to get in touch with them more often. They are a source of strength to me and one place where I know I am accepted and loved. We share the same history and heritage, as quirky as it was.  Our grandparents were two of a kind. Grandpa loved to argue to pass the time. He loved to preach and tell stories and sing in a tremulous voice that my brother can imitate to a tee. One of his favorite stories to tell was about when he was a preschooler in the Oklahoma Territory. Some Indians came up on horseback and his mother grabbed the gun, put the preschool children behind her and demanded to know what they wanted. After a conversation hindered by language barriers, it turned out that he was trying to sell her peaches.
 Grandma always looked at life just a bit off kilter to the way other people did and she LOVED to tell stories. These traits led to a conversation that I had with them. I was probably in 2nd grade and had been learning about George Washington Carver in school. The next time I was at their house I asked Grandma Carver if he was one of our ancestors. Rather than giving  me a simple answer, she said no and then proceeded to give me 200 years of Carver history. Eventually she said, "Now, your great-great uncle John Carver was a stowaway on a wagon train!" Grandpa, who had been listening in, said, "Oh, Stella, he was not! It's my family and I ought to know." Without batting an eye, Grandma said, "Well, I have to make it sound good."


Our families are flawed because they are full or people. As much as we love them they will let us down and we will let them down. The wonderful thing is that God has invited us to be his family.  We are told encouraged us to live as brothers and sisters. He tells us in John 1 that to everyone who believes in Jesus is given the right to become children of God. That means that just like our earthly families share the same heritage and history, so does our spiritual family. We are connected to the saints who have gone before and will leave our legacy of faith for those who come after us. Hebrews, after, listing people in the Hall of Faith, calls this our great cloud of witnesses.(Hebrews 12:1) Even better than this is the father we are connected to. He promises to never forget us,(Isaiah 49:15) to never leave us (Hebrews 13:5)to be our shield and our very great reward.(Gen 15:1) This morning I was telling God that I did not know how he was going to do something I needed and he sent me to Isaiah 40. Even though it is longer than the passages I usually include, I am going to put it in here because we need to remember what kind of God we serve.

  Have you not known?
Have you not heard?
Has it not been told you from the beginning?
Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
²² It is He who sits above the circle of the earth,
And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers,
Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain,
And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.
²³ He brings the princes to nothing;
He makes the judges of the earth useless.

²⁴ Scarcely shall they be planted,
Scarcely shall they be sown,
Scarcely shall their stock take root in the earth,
When He will also blow on them,
And they will wither,
And the whirlwind will take them away like stubble.

²⁵ “To whom then will you liken Me,
Or to whom shall I be equal?” says the Holy One.
²⁶ Lift up your eyes on high,
And see who has created these things,
Who brings out their host by number;
He calls them all by name,
By the greatness of His might
And the strength of His power;
Not one is missing.

You know how children on the playground always say, "My daddy's bigger than your daddy"?

Rejoice today in your family. If you haven't told them you love them do it. Then rejoice in your spiritual family and if you haven't told you Heavenly Father you love him, do it. I'll start. I love you .

Tangled

Tangled

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

On the Animal Planet the other day, I watched a show where sea animals had gotten caught and tangled up in trash from the beach. The plastic bags, six pack rings and fishing line had wrapped around their fins and flippers. Some of the animals had been cut and others were unable to move. In either case they were more vulnerable to predators. Wildlife rescue workers had to bring the animals in and either untangle or cut the plastic or line and tend the wounds it left. People are urged to pick up their trash to avoid hurting the wildlife and the planet. Dramatic music accompanies the plea, of course.

I am all for saving the planet and taking care of wildlife, but we have a bigger problem than six pack rings. In our spiritual lives we get tangled up too and it can have eternal consequences. For me the things that I get tangled up in are resentments and shame.  There are two versions of this voice in my head. The first one says “you should be ashamed.” The second, more dangerous one says “Your mother would be ashamed of you”.  I don't believe that my parents, preachers or Sunday school teachers intended to subject me to shame but the enemy is crafty and, knowing my personality, twisted what I heard.

 For some people it is a particular sin or an addiction that tangles them. Maybe it is regrets about things we did or didn’t do in the past. Another big entanglement is fear or worry.  The enemy will happily bring any or all of these things up because it keeps us distracted or overwhelmed.  He can use them as strongholds, or places to hold ground and launch an attack. Fortunately my stronghold of shame and regret has been hit by a battering ram of truth this week.

How can we deal with these things that get and keep us tangled? Hebrew 12:1 says throw it off and run the race with perseverance. The first step is to realize that we have a problem. Can you imagine a turtle or fish getting tangled in a line and not realizing it? They could easily twist and turn, getting more and more trapped. The second thing we have to do is to accept help. The harder and longer we fight things on our own, the more exhausted and discouraged we get. No matter how hard the animal thrashes it usually needs someone to help it get free. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

God knows us and knows the struggles that we face. Shame and regret are powerful weapons that the enemy will use against us. Paul tells us in Romans 8:1 that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. What a good God! He provided the solution before we even knew there was a problem. As much as Satan wants you entangled, Jesus wants you free. It is why he died to save us from sin and shame. Trust him.

Monkey See Monkey Do

Welcome to Unseen today. I have been having more quiet time than usual with God since I have been sick. I learned a lot about following the examples that I have to live a good life. Read on to see what I have discovered.

Monkey See Monkey Do 

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1

We had a parakeet named Iggy when we were growing up and my brother tried to teach it to talk. Unfortunately Iggy was not interested. His cage was in the kitchen to start with and when someone pushed the buttons on the microwave he would start chirping along in perfect pitch and rhythm. Mother got tired of his comments and moved his cage to the front door. When the doorbell rang the dogs would run to the door and bark. One night we were settling in for the night and heard soft barking. Dad decided that the dogs had gotten out and declared DEFCON 1. We set out on a search party for the dogs, only to find all of them accounted for. Going past the front door we realized it was Iggy who had learned to bark. From that day on he was referred to as either the watch bird or the bird dog. 

Who do you imitate and why? Children imitate their parents, usually by doing things they shouldn’t and often without realizing it. I started wondering at some point why I chew on my pens and pencils until I saw my dad doing it. Much more destructively I also imitated his habit of refusing to use 3 little words. “I NEED HELP.” My younger son had it right, I think. The only person I know who learns from other’s mistakes, he said, “I want to be just like brother, except I ‘m not going to do this and I’m definitely not going to do that cuz that was stupid.”

Ephesians 5:1 says that we should “Be imitators of God as beloved children. That is a great idea, but I can’t get my head around it. Even things like be holy even as your father in heaven is holy are not that helpful. (Matthew 5:48) Fortunately God understands. It is one reason that he sent Jesus. This is how Paul explains it to Timothy.

1 Timothy 1:16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

Imitating Jesus is easier because he was flesh and blood, but it is easy to say yes but I am not like Jesus. Paul has an answer to that, too. He told the Corinthians, Be imitators of me as I am an imitator of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1.He goes on to list specific ways we can do that.

We need to try to be imitators of God, but if we can find a human example to follow, it is even better. Look for someone a little ahead of you in their faith walk and learn from them.  At the same time keep an eye out for people following you.

Enough

Can you believe it is a new year? And 2017? Really? It has been a week filled with hurdles, but sickness gave me time to be still (or else) and listen to Jesus. What he reminded me of most was his love.



Someone once asked john D Rockefeller, the millionaire how much money would be enough. He replied, "Just a little bit more." We can all relate to these feelings when it comes to money, but what about other things? We are bombarded by ads that promise we can be thinner in 30 days. TV shows has happy families who solve any problems they have in 50 minutes. With the right poduct we can be model gorgeous for $9.99 a month. These sound like great things, but my body didn't get the message and refuses to cooperate. How thin is thin enough? In spite of trying everything the actors on TV did, my family's problems are not solved in 50 minutes. Am I good enough, patient enough, firm enough, gentle enough, enough, enough, enough?No matter how many products I buy, I do not look like any of the models on TV?. Am I pretty enough? The list goes on.
 I am sure that you have your own list. Two questions need to be answered. What is the problem and what is the answer. The problem is that we are looking for our significance in the wrong places. We are not alone, either. Ecclesiastes talks about Solomon's search for "enoughness"He looked for it in money possessions, wives, pleasure and so many other things. He repeatedly came to the conclusion that it was all vanity.and chasing after the wind. He had just as many roadblocks to significance as we do, but they looked different. Here is the wisdom that he leaves us with in Ecclesiastes 9:7.Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do. ⁸ Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil. ⁹ Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun. ¹⁰ Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.


 For many of us the question is are we spiritual enough or working hard enough for God.  Micah 6:8 says that God has shown us what is good and what the Lord requires of us. To do justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God. It does not come down to a long checklist.


Forr those of us who struggle to be pretty or thin enough, God says in 1 Peter 3:3 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. ⁴ Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.
In the face of all the conflicting messages let us remember that God has paid a great price for us and that we are enough for  him.

Christmas Present

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights in whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17

I love Christmas. Presents are one of my love languages, and I have always enjoyed that aspect of Christmas.  My dad and his brother were very different creatures. Dad wanted to be surprised by what he got and Greg always wanted to know. He always did know, too. He confessed many years later that he slit the tape with a razor blade and then re-taped it. When they would argue he would threaten to tell Dad what his presents were. I did my share of sneaking into the living room to see if presents had come. I love wrapping gifts funny ways, like putting a watch in a huge box with paper stuffed around it. I also like to do treasure hunts, where inside the box is a note with a clue where to look next. One of my favorite gift traditions was when Mom would take me to the Christian book store and tell me to pick out books and cassette tapes that I wanted. ( I know that dates me.) Then she would send me to another part of the store and pick out what I got out of my stack. I have to work on how to show love to people who don’t share this love language. I confess that I did not always connect the gifts we gave and received with God's gift of Jesus, but I have learned to. In fact not long before mother died I asked her what she would do differently. She said that one of the biggest things she would change would be to keep the focus more on Jesus and less on stuff.

We are in the advent season now and we are waiting. I did not grow up in a "tribe" that celebrated advent, but it has become very special to me. It gives me an anchor to remember Jesus' coming and to look forward to his coming back. I like the visual of the candles reminding us of the gifts of love, joy, hope and faith. It is easy to forget these blessings. It is tempting to "look for God's hand and  not His face." He is loving and gracious and generous, and this week he has provided practical  blessings that have left me shaking my head in awe. Much more than that, though,
He has given me his presence in my dark stretch when I didn't feel Him. He has given me restoration with my family and assured me that there is more restoration to come. All of this would be meaningless if it were not for Jesus and His sacrifice. I believe He will come again and restore all things, and I look forward to that. My goal, though, is to seek Him and enjoy Him and serve him NOW. He has brought me through my past and he will be in my future, but He is in my Christmas in my Present.


Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever and in revelation he is honored and praised for being the god who was and is and is to come. (Revelation 4:8) There are so many other verses that speak to the presence of God in our lives and His glory, but I will leave you with these for now.

Emmanuel

Well, the holidays are here and the TV tells us that we should feel joyful and festive. The TV doesn't take real life into account, though. I don't feel joyful and festive. I have had long talks with God this week and here is some of what I have learned.




Emmanuel
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers,
  they will not sweep over you.When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned Psalms 43:1-3




Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego  were in trouble.  They weren't in trouble for doing what was wrong but for doing what was right. King Nebuchadnezzar had built a huge golden statue in the plain near Babylon and commanded that when people heard the music play they were to bow down to the statue. When the music played 3 men did not bow down. Enter the tattletales, who run to the king and inform on the three Israelites. He calls them in to talk to them and tells them that if they bow down, everything will be forgiven but if not he will throw them in a blazing furnace. They bravely tell him that they will not bow to anyone except God. He wants to know how "any god" can deliver them out of the furnace. Their answer is, We believe that our God can deliver us, but even  if he does not we will not bow down. Now only does he throw them in the furnace, but he also has it heated up to seven times the regular temperature. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were tied up and thrown in the furnace and the fire was so hot that the men throwing them in were burned up. When the king looked into the furnace he was shocked and amazed. He asked the soldiers, "Didn't we throw 3 men bound into the fire?" When they answered that they had, he said "I see 4 men walking around unbound and the fourth is like a son of the Gods!" When the 3 men were brought out they did not even smell like smoke and their clothes were not singed. King Nebuchadnezzar changed the law he had made. No one was to worship anyone except the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.


Most of you grew up hearing this story, but can you imagine what it was like to witness this sight? God did not keep them from being thrown into the fire but he was with them in the fire. Maybe this will help us when we feel like we are in a fiery trial. We may be angry at God because he could have stopped it. This is true. He could have, but He didn't. I can't pretend I know why. Many of us have had a lot of difficult things happen this year. We can take comfort in the fact that God has been with us in the fire.
Some of the last words Jesus spoke to his disciples were, "Lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20) Psalms 46, in verse 7 and 11 says, "The Lord Almighty's with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress. Look at this beautiful description of what God says he will do for us in Isaiah 43
But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
² When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
³ For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I give Egypt for your ransom,
    Cush^[a] and Seba in your stead.
⁴ Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
    and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you,
    nations in exchange for your life.
⁵ Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
    I will bring your children from the east
    and gather you from the west.


Do you still need something to feel grateful for? Me,neither.

Welcome back to Unseen. It has been a difficult couple of weeks but God is faithful. Happy All Saints Day. Take a minute to honor and remember the faithful ones who have passed on. Between grief and struggles we often feel alone. Read on to see what God showed me about his presence.




The Lord is Near


You drew near when I called on You; You said, "Do not fear!" Lamentations 3:57




Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth’s  rite of Passage?
His father takes  him into the forest, blindfolds him and leaves  him alone.
He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and  not remove the blindfold until the rays of the  morning sun shine through it.    He cannot  cry out for help to anyone.
Once he survives the night, he is a man.
He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own.
The boy is  naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of  noises. Wild  beasts must surely be all around  him. Maybe even some human might do him harm.  The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his  stump,  but he sat stoically,  never removing the blindfold. It would be the  only  way he could become a  man!   Finally, after a horrific night the sun  appeared and he removed his blindfold.
It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump
next  to him.
He had been at watch the entire night,
protecting  his son from harm. We, too, are  never alone.
Even when we don’t know it, God  is watching over us,
Sitting on the stump beside us.
When trouble  comes, all we have to do is
reach  out to Him.
The God of the universe chooses to be near to  us. Even the name Emmanuel, which the prophet gave to Jesus means God With Us. We read in Psalm 34:18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit. Philippians 4 is such a familiar passage to many of us that we over look something important. It reads
 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Did you see it? Tucked in the middle of the instructions of what to do and how to pray is the reason that we are able to. THE LORD IS NEAR. Take courage in this fact. I pray that God will give us the eyes and ears to sense his presence and take comfort from it.