Let's face it: we all have a comfort zone. It's not easy pushing beyond that self-imposed boundary. But often it's necessary to do more than we feel comfortable doing; sometimes it's absolutely vital.
When God called Moses out of the burning bush to lead His people out of slavery in Egypt, Moses didn't jump right up and say, "Of course I will!" He was comfortable as he was. He even gave excuses why he couldn't do God's will. But God didn't relent and Moses eventually obeyed. He learned to trust God and grew mightily in faith as a result.
When God called Gideon to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Midianites, he must have thought God had made a mistake, for he kept asking God for a sign, for proof that he was hearing God correctly. But once he trusted God and did what He said, Gideon's army of only 300 defeated an enemy that was too numerous to count (with God's help, of course).
Many of our country's founders were initially reluctant to declare independence from England. But the time came that they had to leave their comfort zones when liberty was threatened as the growing tyranny of the British increased beyond their ability to bear. Had they not been willing to "pledge their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor," the United States of America would have been stillborn and the world would be a very different place.
Let's resist the temptation to remain in our comfort zones. If we step out in faith, we may be amazed at the spiritual growth and moral courage we will find, even during (and probably because of) this dark time in our nation's history.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The Cost of Ignorance
It has been said that "ignorance is bliss." There sure are a lot of blissfully ignorant people in this country.
Sometimes I envy them. Often I wish I didn't know what I know.
But because I choose to be a truthseeker, I turn over many rocks that expose ugly crawly things living in dark places.
Who is behind all the evil in the world? Satan, of course. He is real, and even though he has already been defeated by the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ, his mission is to take down as many of us as he can to join him in eternal torment. (Hell, BTW, was prepared for the devil and his angels--Matthew 25:41.)
Why is ignorance a bad thing? If we're "ignorant of Satan's devices" he will get an advantage over us (II Corinthians 2:11). A person does not sleep alone outside in the area where a man-eating lion has been known to hunt. A prudent person is watchful, on guard. And that takes knowledge. "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour." I Peter 5:8
Some people serve Satan willingly; others serve him and don't even know it. We must judge each person's words and actions by the yardstick of truth and not let smooth words deceive us: "Satan changes himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness...." II Corinthians 11:14-15
Jesus said, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." Matthew 10:16
We can't remain ignorant and be wise to the way of the devouring wolf or lion.
"In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Sometimes I envy them. Often I wish I didn't know what I know.
But because I choose to be a truthseeker, I turn over many rocks that expose ugly crawly things living in dark places.
Who is behind all the evil in the world? Satan, of course. He is real, and even though he has already been defeated by the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ, his mission is to take down as many of us as he can to join him in eternal torment. (Hell, BTW, was prepared for the devil and his angels--Matthew 25:41.)
Why is ignorance a bad thing? If we're "ignorant of Satan's devices" he will get an advantage over us (II Corinthians 2:11). A person does not sleep alone outside in the area where a man-eating lion has been known to hunt. A prudent person is watchful, on guard. And that takes knowledge. "Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour." I Peter 5:8
Some people serve Satan willingly; others serve him and don't even know it. We must judge each person's words and actions by the yardstick of truth and not let smooth words deceive us: "Satan changes himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness...." II Corinthians 11:14-15
Jesus said, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." Matthew 10:16
We can't remain ignorant and be wise to the way of the devouring wolf or lion.
"In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
True Courage
If you haven't read the actual account of David and Goliath in a while, look in I Samuel 17. It's an amazing true story: The Philistine army had God's people cowed at the presence of this giant (9'9") who defied them. Not one man in Israel's camp had the fortitude to stand up to him.
But the teenage shepherd David, youngest of eight sons, brought food to his brothers who were in the army and heard the giant's challenge. He was amazed at the fear displayed by God's people and wanted to answer Goliath. He told King Saul, "The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of the Philistine."
He refused Saul's armor and weapons and chose his shepherd's staff, sling, and five smooth stones.
When Goliath saw David coming, he made fun of and cursed him. But David, full of faith, replied, "I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day will the LORD deliver you into my hand…that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear, for the battle is the LORD's, and He will give you into our hands."
It didn't take five stones; it only took one to dispatch the giant. Afterwards, the Israelite army had courage to defeat the Philistine army. Courage is contagious!
What need we fear as long as we have true faith in the LORD? No matter how big the evil giant, the LORD is far, far greater. Let's enCOURAGE one another to greater faith and fortitude.
But the teenage shepherd David, youngest of eight sons, brought food to his brothers who were in the army and heard the giant's challenge. He was amazed at the fear displayed by God's people and wanted to answer Goliath. He told King Saul, "The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of the Philistine."
He refused Saul's armor and weapons and chose his shepherd's staff, sling, and five smooth stones.
When Goliath saw David coming, he made fun of and cursed him. But David, full of faith, replied, "I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day will the LORD deliver you into my hand…that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. And all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear, for the battle is the LORD's, and He will give you into our hands."
It didn't take five stones; it only took one to dispatch the giant. Afterwards, the Israelite army had courage to defeat the Philistine army. Courage is contagious!
What need we fear as long as we have true faith in the LORD? No matter how big the evil giant, the LORD is far, far greater. Let's enCOURAGE one another to greater faith and fortitude.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Resurrecting this blog
After months of wondering if adding my words to the din was worth the effort (as well as spending many, many hours sewing Revolutionary War costumes for George & Martha Washington and the Young Patriots Fife & Drum Corps) I've decided that I need to keep writing, even if I'm the only one who reads it.
The present course of our nation's federal government often brings me to the brink of despair. In the last months I keep reading and reminding myself of these verses:
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD forever, for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength." Isaiah 26:3-4
I KNOW that God has a purpose for everything. He doesn't send evil to anyone, but He sometimes allows evil to happen in order to chastise His children, to help us see that we have strayed from His noble purposes.
I have to trust Him with my whole heart and remember that He is bigger than any evil man can devise. Just as Peter was able to walk on water as long as he focused on Jesus (Matthew 14:29), we can accomplish the seemingly impossible as long as we fix our eyes on "the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)
I'm going to work on growing my faith and trust in the LORD. How about you?
The present course of our nation's federal government often brings me to the brink of despair. In the last months I keep reading and reminding myself of these verses:
"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee. Trust ye in the LORD forever, for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength." Isaiah 26:3-4
I KNOW that God has a purpose for everything. He doesn't send evil to anyone, but He sometimes allows evil to happen in order to chastise His children, to help us see that we have strayed from His noble purposes.
I have to trust Him with my whole heart and remember that He is bigger than any evil man can devise. Just as Peter was able to walk on water as long as he focused on Jesus (Matthew 14:29), we can accomplish the seemingly impossible as long as we fix our eyes on "the Author and Finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2)
I'm going to work on growing my faith and trust in the LORD. How about you?
Thursday, January 7, 2010
No Fear
During these dark and uncertain times it's easy to become distracted and fearful of what the future holds. Will America remain a free Republic? Or will our amazing experiment in democracy be "fundamentally transformed" into a socialist/Marxist state?
Only God knows for sure. He holds the future in His hands. It's encouraging to read the Psalms, many of which were written by David as he was being persecuted by King Saul, because the Word cuts through distractions and reminds us where to focus:
"Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me; for thou art the God of my salvation on thee do I wait all the day." Psalm 25:4-5
Same Psalm, verse 2: "O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me."
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1
And of course, this verse that has deeper meaning now: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4
What is the worst thing that could happen? Death? For a child of God, death opens the door to eternal life. Like Paul we can say, "To live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 2:21
The very worst thing is to die unprepared to meet our God. We must repent and live for Him so that we can honestly say, "whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's." Romans 14:8
Compared to eternity in heaven, we can handle this "light affliction, which is but for a moment." II Corinthians 4:17
Only God knows for sure. He holds the future in His hands. It's encouraging to read the Psalms, many of which were written by David as he was being persecuted by King Saul, because the Word cuts through distractions and reminds us where to focus:
"Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me; for thou art the God of my salvation on thee do I wait all the day." Psalm 25:4-5
Same Psalm, verse 2: "O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me."
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1
And of course, this verse that has deeper meaning now: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." Psalm 23:4
What is the worst thing that could happen? Death? For a child of God, death opens the door to eternal life. Like Paul we can say, "To live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 2:21
The very worst thing is to die unprepared to meet our God. We must repent and live for Him so that we can honestly say, "whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's." Romans 14:8
Compared to eternity in heaven, we can handle this "light affliction, which is but for a moment." II Corinthians 4:17
Saturday, January 2, 2010
The Lifter Up
About once a week I get "worked up" nearly to the point of despair against the foes of liberty that have infiltrated our Republic like a cancer.
And then I remember that God our Heavenly Father is in control, that none of this is too big for Him, and I pray instead of screaming.
Last night I read Psalm 3 and for the first time these verses popped out at me:
"Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God.
"But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head."
Wow! I knew that He was my Shield and my Rock, but He is also The Lifter Up when I droop or feel weary.
The fight for liberty is truly a spiritual one, because the same Enemy who wants to enslave each and every one of us to a totalitarian form of government also desires to enslave our souls and prevent us from serving the One True and Living God and following "the perfect law of liberty." (James 1:25)
May you always turn to God, The Lifter Up.
And then I remember that God our Heavenly Father is in control, that none of this is too big for Him, and I pray instead of screaming.
Last night I read Psalm 3 and for the first time these verses popped out at me:
"Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God.
"But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head."
Wow! I knew that He was my Shield and my Rock, but He is also The Lifter Up when I droop or feel weary.
The fight for liberty is truly a spiritual one, because the same Enemy who wants to enslave each and every one of us to a totalitarian form of government also desires to enslave our souls and prevent us from serving the One True and Living God and following "the perfect law of liberty." (James 1:25)
May you always turn to God, The Lifter Up.
Friday, January 1, 2010
A New Year
I love the beginning of a new year. It's a time to start afresh. And one of my resolutions (or revolutions, if you will) is to post more often!
I have no idea who, if anyone, reads this blog, but I still want to write. Any words that we put down on paper are valuable, if for nothing else than "priming the pump." And frankly, after over 700 letters and postcards written this year, my pump wants priming in other directions.
So I plan to post here at least 3 times a week, maybe more. Writing is communication but also helps one solidify one's convictions. I know I don't have the faith that I should; maybe you don't either.
So here's to faith, hope, and love (I Corinithians 13:13) and a better year for freedom!
I have no idea who, if anyone, reads this blog, but I still want to write. Any words that we put down on paper are valuable, if for nothing else than "priming the pump." And frankly, after over 700 letters and postcards written this year, my pump wants priming in other directions.
So I plan to post here at least 3 times a week, maybe more. Writing is communication but also helps one solidify one's convictions. I know I don't have the faith that I should; maybe you don't either.
So here's to faith, hope, and love (I Corinithians 13:13) and a better year for freedom!
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