Hospital Blues

Just visited my Dad in the hospital. Our family is certainly in a weird groove. Half on one side and half on the other belief-wise, aligned on opposing sides with the cross of Jesus the dividing line. In Matthew 10:34-37, he says, "I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn "a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law - a man's enemies will be the members of his own household." So true in our case. Am I alone here?

Jesus also has this to say with regard to family: "Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked. Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother.'" Mark 3:33-35

So, if members of your family write insulting letters about you and snub you; or when a "brother" ( in the flesh) tries to prevent his Christian family members from seeing their father in the hospital, then, hey, you're blessed! "If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." 1 Peter 4:14 I'm afraid I haven't quite gotten to that perspective yet, but it's good to know in which direction righteousness lies.

That's why I desperately need God's Word. It tells me to "live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3:8-9 There we go with the blessings again. As you might have guessed, I'm writing this out because I need to imprint it on my own heart.

Military Service is a Good Idea

You may not think so, but, bear with me for a moment. I've had a moment of truth. Sunday, our pastor spoke on anger and, yes, that very night I heard my nephews had been involved in a fight outside a bar. Spooky. But, young men have all that testosterone and often love a "good fight" - unless it involves being clubbed from behind by a SKUNK APE COWARD and kicked repeatedly while you're down. Well, I suppose that goes with the territory. They thrive on excitement, danger, shooting off guns, loud noises, maybe flying or diving, cheap thrills, etc. etc. So, military service nicely provides them with opportunities for all of the above, plus training to defend their country and being there should it be needed. Plus, maybe they'll GROW UP A LITTLE?? Now, I realize this is not ALL young men, but I think many are helped by their experience in the armed forces.

In Psalm 7, David is calling on the Lord to rescue him from the attack of a strong enemy, confident of what the outcome will be for "He who is pregnant with evil" (verse 15), and he praises God for the victory ahead of time. His call for help is based upon an understanding of the truth. Of who God is, of who he (David) is, living in obedience to and in relationship with his Lord, and more than that, he is doing what he's supposed to be doing.

This is the optimum position to be in in order to have a correct response to an attack. First, to be in a righteous relationship with God; second, knowing Him and His character; third to call upon Him in a time of trouble with confidence, trust and praise for the outcome. When those things are not happening, the victory is the enemy's in a spiritual if not a physical sense. Still, even after a defeat, instead of compounding an error, there is a correct response. What God's Word says about anger, holding bitterness and frustrated desires for revenge is, "It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord. " Romans 12: 17-19 ; and "do not give the devil a foothold." (Ephesians 4:27)

If the hand of God in the affairs of men and women is not taken into account, then it is impossible to correctly understand human history or individual lives.

Serving Someone?

This morning I was reading in my journal from ten years ago. I was at approximately the same place in the Bible, and made a note of Proverbs 13:18 - "He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored." I wrote: This poverty can be in areas of our lives other than just financial; wherever we are undisciplined, whether health (diet, exercise); spiritual; friendships/relationships (Prov. 13:20 - "He who walks with the wise grows wise."); even cleaning! Lord, help me to be disciplined in every area of my life.

I still need more discipline in the area of house cleaning. Not a favorite thing to do. I'd rather whip up a batch of guava jam or even make a Chocolate Stout Cake (what I'm in the middle of at the moment - the icing is cooling).

I'm enjoying looking at my old journals. Here's something from 5 years ago: If life doesn't gain you eternity and knowing your Creator, then you've wasted it. There is no other worthwhile "success" as a human being. "Destruction is certain for those who quarrel with their Creator." Isaiah 45:9
All the things that fascinate, occupy our attention, give us our meaning in life, that are other than God, that draw us away, rather than toward him, will fail us. They'll prove utterly useless.

Do you dislike hearing about God that "He is a jealous God"? - Joshua 24:19 It tells me just how much he loves me. This verse is cross-referenced to Matthew 6:24 - "No one can serve two masters..." And to Joshua, who tells the people, "choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve..." ( Joshua 24:15) I'll bet the majority of people don't think they're serving anyone or anything. But, like the old Bob Dylan song, "You Gotta Serve Somebody."

Casting Mental Stones?

This little chameleon thinks he's blending in.

We shouldn't be surprised when unbelievers hate us - even our own parents, sister or brother. The best thing is to keep on praying for them. Though, when Christian brothers and sisters give "cold shoulders" and snub us, we are saddened, because we expect more. Right. More often than not my first reaction is to get all, WELL, HOW COULD THEY? And, think about snubbing right back. But, we are told to "love one another" and I usually do remember in time or eventually.

Believers today seem just as prone as those of another age to "nullify the Word of God for the sake of your tradition." And, Jesus is still telling us, "they worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men." Matthew 15:6b & 9
"Do not handle! Do not taste... human commands and teachings." Colossians 2:21-23

I had a few pounds of jaboticabas a friend left after a gathering recently, as well as bananas in the freezer, so the answer to the excess was, yes - banana-jaboticaba wine (bubbling away at the moment). This might offend some, but wouldn't that be putting a denominational ruling or tradition before scripture? My divorced friend is also looked at with disfavor, by some sorts of Christians, despite the fact it was because of marital infidelity and abuse. And, many of those same tradition-bound believers will cave in to the latest "scientific" ruling on the age of the earth, six day creation, the flood, or various psychiatric findings, regardless of what God's Word says. So, isn't it just as bad to try and blend in with a denomination as with the world at large? Ah... the inconsistency of man. I need to keep my Christian coloration, no matter the background. You knew there would be a connection with the lizard on the banana tree, right?

Hardwiring Ourselves

Our brains are fabulous creations, more adaptable and programmable than we have even imagined. What an amazing God we have! I was just reading about a disease, hydrocephalus. It causes the brain to get flooded with fluid which replaces the white matter and can result in severe brain damage. Apparently, some people who have large portions of their brain missing, due to the damage caused, may go on to lead perfectly normal lives, some as much as 95% brainless (so to speak). Perhaps, depending upon their own intent, motivation and expectations, the remainder of the brain hardwires itself to take up the slack, compensating for damaged areas. This is one theory advanced to explain the phenomenon.

My reading in Joshua 17:16 this morning started the train of thought. Israelites from the tribe of Joseph are complaining that they don't have enough land for their numbers and that "the Canaanites who live in the plain have iron chariots." Joshua is all OH BU HU - totally unconvinced. It seems that their heart attitudes and lack of courage are what stand in the way of victory. He tells them, "Though the Canaanites have iron chariots and though they are strong, you can drive them out." Just go do it. Change your thinking in other words.

A man we know (on mental disability income) was talking to my husband about a recent visit to his psychiatrist. The doctor gave him a puzzle test, which, according to him, showed a decline in ability. This suggests that possibly, conversely to the above research, if the reward (State monies, benefits, etc.) is for poor brain function, then the brain hardwires itself to that end. If you claim to be crazy long enough or think you need to be, then you will achieve what you speak forth.

Where in the World is Limbo?

Are there truly souls stuck in Limbo - here on earth? I believe I have met a few lately. Though it seems the Pope has decided for the Catholic Church that there is no actual physical place, purgatory or limbo. Perhaps he noticed that earth fits the former description sufficiently. The literal meaning of limbo is edge or border from the Latin, and is related to a Sanskrit word meaning hanging over or falling. So, in the sense of not moving forward, but hanging onto or at the point of falling into hell, it makes for an interesting parable. There is no real stasis, we're either progressing or degenerating spiritually (possibly, sometimes almost imperceptibly) but still, you could say there is a metaphysical position or place indicated here. A state of mind, with the body following through. YES, A REAL LIMBO FOLKS.


People will tell you that they're still "on the fence" about something, haven't made up their minds yet. And in the matter of deciding the end goal of your life, that's a very dangerous place to be.

The Question of Faith

We're all faced with frightening things from time to time, and reading in Joshua made me think:
Did the Lord just tell him to "Be strong and courageous" or was the command directed to us all? He tells Joshua that over and over again in Chapter 1, and in the middle of it he adds, "Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." What a fantastic encouragement. He would not give anyone orders if it were not possible to carry them out. The only question that still remains is - was that exhortation for everyone who believes God, down through the ages? Or, are there those, so damaged mentally or physically, that faith wasn't meant for?

We do know that God desires none to be lost, and saves all who call on His name; and we are told that we are not tried beyond what we can bear. We are further encouraged in the New Testament: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." (Ephesians 6:10-11) Each according to their measure of faith, can be strong because "the Lord your God will be with you."

Jesus asks his disciples (us?) "where is your faith?" (Luke 8:25a) And, many times he healed people and told them, "your faith has healed you." (Luke 8:48) Reading the other day, I was struck by the faith of Mary, noticing at the wedding celebration (John 2:3) that their friends had run out of wine and were about to be greatly embarrassed, she simply tells Jesus about the situation, confident that he can take care of it. And, what great faith, on being told by an angel that she would have a child by the Holy Spirit, which would have been a terrifying situation for a young girl in that time. But, she said, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." Luke 1:38 And we also have the encouragement of that great chapter on faith, Hebrews 11.

Back in Joshua, Chapter 3 - the priests were to go ahead of the people - demonstrating in a living visible way, their trust in what God had told them. They were to walk right into the river, in expectation and faith that there would be a way opened. I like that he had leadership going ahead of the congregation, modeling a walk of faith that the rest could follow. Taking God at his Word = belief. Before they had been following a pillar of cloud or fire through the desert, and now they were following their leaders in obedience to God's command. As we ("A royal priesthood") are to be listening to the Holy Spirit, and checking that our leaders do as well.

I don't know where this post is going, only that I do wonder about our various capacities for hearing from God and walking in faith. We know though, that the final faith required is that anyone who would be saved must trust in God's Messiah, Jesus, and follow him. Romans 3:24 and 5:11.

Beyond Your Wildest Dreams

After the last rant, this post's going to be very short. It struck me once again just how crammed with wisdom God's Word is. I am truly awed by it. Care for animals, building codes, planting instructions and on and on. God is so good! He gave us an owner's manual for our life on earth.

He also gave us five senses, and knew how they would limit our understanding in the seeming randomness, the magnitude and complexity of our natural world. And so he gave us a light on that as well - His Scriptures open up the other side of the picture - the supernatural hand of God behind, around and in the scenes from the beginning to the end. Perhaps the Genesis account of His creation of our cosmos in six days was the greatest of his miracles, but it was only the beginning. And, just wait - the events of Revelation are still to come! If you have trouble with Genesis, do you believe he can and will create a "new heavens and a new earth"? Revelation 21:1 Beyond your wildest dreams? A loose paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 2:9.

What to Do About Weeds?

Can you spot the weeds?

Christians will say they KNOW that -

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8) YES; and you "who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ" (Galatians 3:27) ; who told us very clearly - "I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father..." (John 14:12); and he told his disciples, "... these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons ..." (Mark 16:17a) So, WHY DON'T WE? Gee, do you think the enemy would rather have us focus on the last half of that verse: "they will speak in new tongues." (Mark 16:17b)?

The number of unclean spirits around has not decreased in the intervening years. THEY'RE STILL HERE .... HELLO. Sitting in our churches, sometimes disrupting, sometimes just there, stinking up the place, often insinuating themselves into leadership. Satan seeks to disrupt, deceive and ultimately destroy, if he could, the Church of Christ.

Though, praise God, the outcome is secure. Satan doesn't win in the end. However, many battles are lost, souls stumbled, leaders ruined and churches closed down. Yet, we ignore (or try to) their presence among us today, or attach interesting psychological labels to his sad captives and worry that maybe they're off their "meds" when abnormal behavior is noticed.

The Gemini temple

The church seems so powerless in the face of the real god of this "New Age" - science. That spirit is the one that has gotten us to question, pick apart and disbelieve so much of the Word of God - beginning with Genesis. Basically, that's what it is - a sin of unbelief - active in the Christian church and incubated in our liberal seminaries and "Bible Colleges." They teach students not to rely on Scripture, but to question it - rather than question "science" when it contradicts the bible. As a side note, why just question a six day creation when the whole Bible is packed with supernatural events from beginning to end? Genesis to Revelation. The answer is, of course, that the unbelief doesn't end there. And, it filters down from the top right into the congregation.

We feed the hungry, teach children, disciple new believers, send missionaries (ill-equipped) to foreign lands, we pray for healing, but don't, as a rule, take authority in His name and set the prisoners free. And, that's what they are.

Jesus said to us, as well as to those in the synagogue:
"Should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?" Luke 13:16

Is it important at all, or can we continue to shove it under the table, or into a psychiatrist's office?

See Matthew 13:24-25 & 38-39:
"The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But, while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat... the weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil."

We're told not to pull the weeds up in this parable, so as not to disturb the good plants. But he has let us know they are there so that we might use the discernment he gives us wisely, for the good of the church. Spiritually oppressed people can be delivered, and that is what Jesus did. It's their choice in the end to allow the Holy Spirit to be in total control of their lives or to let the evil one back in.

Again, "In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an unclean spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice..." Luke 4:33 (A verse I was reading today and which inspired this rant.) Note, this spirit didn't flee from the very presence of Jesus until commanded to do so. Even Jesus needed to take authority over them, to DO something. The problem won't go away by itself. And, I don't think there is a single instance in the Word of a person so afflicted who personally asked for help. It was either Jesus who noticed the problem, a disciple, a relative or friend who sought healing for the victim. They are deceived and bound, to greater or lesser degrees.

I set out cockroach and ant traps - don't want those unclean critters around. Ohhhhhh no. The slightest sign of mice brings on instant attack mode - traps, poison - whatever it takes. And, I can certainly tell a weed from a tomato plant, and pull it out. Why then are we so inept at getting rid of unclean spirits? Setting their captives free? Where is the leadership? Or, considering the number of times Scripture mentions Jesus dealing with it, the teaching, the sermons? The gift of discerning spirits (1 Corinthians 12:10) should be as appreciated and heeded as any other gift. It's certainly needed now as much as in the past.