Absence Past and Future

Mark 6:31
Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

Sorry for the absence! I've been frantically preparing for a journey that will begin on Sunday. My friends (Mark and Tom) and my dad (Dick) and I are heading to an island in Lake Superior (Isle Royale National Park) for a 5-day backpacking trip. This will be a time of adventure, a time of spiritual renewal, and (believe it or not) a time of rest.

I will return around May 17th and hope to start posting to this blog soon after my return. Please pray that our trip will be safe and that we will find spiritual renewal and some rest.

Blessings!
Lon

"Happy Birthday", by Rachel Smith

Matthew 7:11
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask!

My birthday is coming up in May (so is Lon’s) and as a result I have been trying to think of what I might ask for this year. I believe that people are God’s presents to us. Not just on our birthdays or at Christmas, but every day.

If you think about it, people are a lot like presents. Each gift is unique and all carefully chosen by the giver. Each gift is intended to bring us joy or to help us in some way. I wasn’t exactly thrilled to receive a new shower door for Christmas one year, but we sure needed it! There are several people that God gives me that are truly a joy. I love un-wrapping every detail of their lives when we meet for coffee or run into each other at the store.

Then, there are others that require assembly and patience. Their packages aren’t nearly as pretty, but with some work those gifts have turned out to be dependable and necessary in my life.

I have also been given a gift or two that I’m not entirely sure what it’s for. I keep those gifts too. I feel I have to. Then, after about a year of not knowing what I would ever do with said item, it goes to the garage sale or the garbage. Ironically some of those same items are the ones I end up needing and wishing I had. I wonder how many of God’s presents we discard thinking we have no use for them.

All people are gifts to us from the great Giver of all good things. Who will you unwrap today?

Happy Birthday, Lon.

Forgotten Gifts

Matthew 7:11
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

One of the (many) stumbling blocks in my walk with the Lord has to do with the gifts that He gives me. He gives me some amazing gifts! The problem begins when I forget the fact that He gave them to me!

Here's an example. The Lord blessed me with a pretty amazing gift of discernment. However, when I turn that focus on others in the form of judgment...then we've got trouble!

The antidote to misuse of God's gifts is to keep in mind the Giver. It's hard to abuse a gift when our eyes are focused on God!

Praise God for all His gifts!
Lon

Uncertainty

Mark 13:32-33
No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.

One of the big challenges of the Christian walk is dealing with uncertainty. There is a level of comfort that comes from a sense of certainty about what will come next.

Our human nature wants to control our life. We want to manage our days and plan our tomorrows. When events are planned we can determine our daily calendars and can prepare for upcoming events in a timely manner.

The challenge is that we don't know when Christ will return. Since the "day or hour" of is uncertain, we can't put off our getting ready to a later date. We are called by Christ to be ready - all the time!

Certainty can be found only in Christ (John 14:1), not in our plans.

Trust Jesus!
Lon

"The Waiting Part", by Rachel Smith

I hate waiting. I can blame this on our culture or my personality, but no matter the cause I am just no good at waiting. I think it’s because it seems so passive to me. I picture someone with their hand on their hip tapping their toe just wasting time. I think of all the other things I could be doing, should be doing, but here I am stuck waiting.

It has occurred to me; maybe I have this picture all wrong. Maybe waiting is not an -in between the activities thing - but maybe waiting is the thing! What if instead of trying to occupy my waiting time with thoughts and to do lists, what if I just waited. The mental picture changes to a more active person on the edge of their seat. The thought of waiting becomes more useful and hopeful, even peaceful.

Maybe that’s why I’m tired so often, I don’t wait enough.

This week- I hope you have to wait some.

Isaiah 40:31 (King James Version) But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

"Friends", Rachel Smith

I don’t get to see Lon very often, but when I do we always pick up right where we left off with no effort at all. Some friends are like that. You are able to continue a deep friendship beyond the surface “how’s the job” stuff.

It reminds me of Paul’s letters to the churches. He was updating and teaching his friends. He loved them and missed them. He wanted to encourage them and share what he was doing. But his letters were meant to apply to us today too. Through the words written in the Bible by Paul and others, we stay connected to our friend Jesus. Even if it’s been a long time since you were in touch, you can pick up right where you left off.

Romans 15:4
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Frustration

Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

My frustration grows when my expectations aren't meant. That is, I set in my mind what I hope will happen and when reality fails to measure up, then my frustration begins.

If God is at work in all things for my good, then why am I frustrated? My frustration speaks a clear message to the Lord: "God, You don't know what You're doing!"

When life fails to measure up and we respond with frustration we are saying to God that we don't trust Him. We think we know better how life ought to work out. And we forget that God is at work in these very same circumstances with which we are frustrated.

Trust the Lord!
Lon

"Be Still", by Rachel Smith

It was about 5:30 the other morning and my youngest son woke up an hour earlier than usual and stumbled into my room. “I had a bad dream” was all he said. I lifted the blanket and pulled him into our bed. Opening just one eye I peeked at the clock, only one more hour, he could stay here.

I was nearly back to sleep when I got the first little elbow in the stomach. Then he shifted rolled and turned some more. I waited, he calmed and then it started again. It felt to me like the Olympic tumbling team had decided to rob me of my last precious hour of sleep.

“BE STILL” I barked at him.

At that moment I could feel God smiling down on me. He gently reminded me how busy and restless I get. How He wants to give me rest and comfort but I keep tossing and turning trying to comfort myself. The familiar verse came back to me not in smooth melody but as a command that I must not ignore. “Be Still” And then we both fell back to sleep.

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

Anxiety

Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

If I really embraced this passage, how would I explain the anxiety in my life? My anxiety wells up when I lose sight of the fact that God is at work in the "things" around me. Further, I forget that even when the "things" around me make life tough that through them God is working for my good.

And in my anxiety, I forget that God is purposeful. The Lord is constantly working toward the expansion of His kingdom. I forget that He is all-powerful and all-knowing. I forget to trust Him and I become anxious.

There is no place for anxiety if I trust the Lord.

Trust Him!
Lon

Troubled Heart

John 14:1
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

During the last few days my heart has been troubled. I'll try to explain how I believe this happened.

God richly blessed me in the days preceding my troubled heart. It doesn't take much for my focus on the Lord to turn to focus on myself. As my good friend Grant states it, "The easy way for the Devil to trip me up is to let me be successful!"

I got a little taste of success last week and I let it distract me. The trouble in my heart developed when I tried to follow up on "my success" under my own strength. I placed my trust in myself and began to fail at everything I attempted.

Jesus says that the antidote to a troubled heart is to trust Him. After all, it is the Lord that gifted me with the success in the first place!

Trust Jesus!
Lon

Guest Builder: Rachel Smith - Pet Lessons

About 3 years ago our cat died and after several months of mourning we decided to adopt not only a cat but also a dog. I have two children and one loves cats and the other loves dogs. So we ended up with one of each.

Our dog is a lap dog in every sense of the word. She weighs about 8 pounds and is never happier than sitting at my feet or laying in my lap. She becomes a fierce creature should anyone raise their voice or lift a hand to harm me. (Something my husband finds very funny and pretends to do just to provoke her). She even follows me from room to room no matter what I am doing just to be near me. I don't know when she decided that I would be the one she would love and admire, but her actions show me her love and devotion.

She often makes me think, "how do I show my love for Jesus?"

Do I jump with joy at the sight of Him? Do I wait patiently at His feet for even the slightest recognition? Do I lay next to Him wanting just to feel His warmth near me? Will I guard and protect Him at all costs? Do I follow Him wherever He leads, never questioning why? And will I come to Him every day needing Him for food, water, shelter and love? Sometimes I wish I were more like my dog.

Matthew 22:37 (New International Version)

Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

Distracted

Luke 10:40a
But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.

Wow, this has been a wild few weeks! What has suffered is this blog. Sorry!

I'm not trying to make excuses; however, since the week leading up to Easter I have been very "distracted by all the preparations that had to be made"! The stuff I've been "distracted" by was very important stuff, but that's what Martha thought, too!

Granted, posting to this blog is not on par with sitting at the feet of Jesus, but it reminds me not to get too caught up in my very important work. The challenge is to keep focused on what is the MOST important; keeping our eyes on Jesus, no matter what!

Stay focused!
Lon

Guest Encourager: Rachel Smith - Numb

I sat down to do some work on the computer tonight and after about 20 minutes or so I realized I couldn't feel my foot. I had to make myself stand up and walk around with that 'pins and needles' feeling. At first it hurt, then it burned and then slowly I could feel my foot returning to it's normal state. We have all had a foot or arm fall asleep and experienced this loss of sensation.

After a google search, I've learned it's actually caused from pinching the nerves not from poor circulation. The signals are cut off between the foot and the brain. The brain is telling the foot what to do, but the foot can't understand the brain. (http://kidshealth.org/kid/talk/qa/foot_asleep.html)

This reminds me of my relationship with Christ. While, I'm never cut off from my blood connection with Him, there are times I fall asleep and am unable to understand what He is trying to tell me. Usually the remedy is to get up and walk around a bit with Him.
Luke 24:15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;

Guest Builder: Rachel Smith - Threat

I work at Western Illinois University and this past week all employees and staff were issued a security alert. A note was found near campus that threatened a shooting. As a result many people went through a huge range of emotions, tears flowed, mother's called their children, people ranted and raved and the administration evaluated the best course of action. As the busy pace of a University was suddenly halted I was reminded what a difference faith makes.

I know that this threat, real or perceived, can not change who God is. He is the same today, tomorrow and forever. Threat or no threat, God is still in charge.

I was also reminded of the power of our words. Whoever said, "sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me," was wrong. Our words can do great measure to help or hurt those around us.

And so I stayed at work. Confident in God and trusting His plan, even if I don't always understand it. And when I had a moment, I wrote this. To use words to build up and not to harm. I think we can all use a reminder of the power of words.

Ephesians 4:29 (New International Version)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Build UP: Such a Time

Esther 4:14
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?

What is your "royal position"? Are you an employer? Are you a leader in your church or in your community? Are you a teacher, a parent, a friend, or a neighbor? If so, then I believe that it is quite possible that God has placed you in that "royal position".

This begs the question, "For what purpose have I come to this position?"

Ephesians 1:11-12
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.

No matter where God has placed us, there is a purpose to it, and that purpose is God's.

Achieve His purpose.
Lon

Build UP: Defeating Words

James 1:26
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.

I hope I haven't told this story too recently! When I was a freshman at a Big 10 university, one of my first compositions in English class was returned to me with an awful grade. If the grade wasn't bad enough, the words the instructor scrawled on the page finished the job. What I remember is that I was told that "I could not write". I eventually dropped the course.

Those words echoed in my ears for over five years! I registered for many freshman English courses and at three different schools, but those words would always haunt me. I was struggling to even finish the remedial classes.

It was the 10th or 11th English class that made the difference. Nancy Krey was my instructor. She took me aside a few weeks into the course and talked to me about my writing. She said, "You write quite well." At that point I believe my draw literally dropped open. She went on to say, "You just need some work on the structure of your sentences."

Two years later while in graduate school, my professors regularly told me, "You need to get some of your work published, because you write so well."

"...because you write so well." Thank you Nancy!

Those words from that first instructor almost scuttled my entire college education.

Mind your words!
Lon

Build UP: Encouraging Word

Acts 13:15
After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue rulers sent word to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have a message of encouragement for the people, please speak."

I had an awesome phone call today! A friend called to catch me up on the recent happenings in his life. In the course of the conversation he shared that my words to him at our last meeting had been a huge encouragement to him. Further, he told me that after our conversation several other friends encouraged him in the same way. The result is that my friend is launching out into an entirely new line of work.

There is a point to sharing this story. Although our conversation was very positive, I don't really remember the specifics of my encouragement. Nonetheless, for my friend, this was a huge moment for him as he contemplated a life change. Let's keep this in mind as we interact with the world around us. Our words have the potential to make a large impact on the people with whom we interact.

Encourage someone today!
Lon

Build UP: Shame

1Corinthians 6:5
I say this to shame you.

Like my children, I often need reminders from my heavenly Parent as to proper behavior. Most often my rebukes come in the form of a sense of guilt related to a recent action. For me, shame is still a pretty useful tool in the hands of the Lord.

I've noticed though, that shame doesn't hold the same rank in our culture that it once held. It shouldn't be too much of surprise that shame has ceased to be an effective tool. After all, the world we live in shouts at us daily to do whatever we want, because you deserve to satisfy your every whim.

A sense of shame has been replaced by blaming others. When shame enters, our cultured response is to blame someone else for what we've done. It seems that every bad behavior is the fault of someone else.

Bottom line, if God can't reach us through the use of shame, then what must He resort too? It seems to me that a tablespoon of shame is much easier to swallow then the harsher medicine that is at the Lord's disposal.

Awake to the shame,
Lon

Guest Builder: Rachel Smith - Get Well Soon

Have you ever been sick? I mean really sick where you have to stop everything else and take care of you? I had that kind of sick this past week and it made me realize how quickly my priorities change and how much I take for granted my physical health.

When I'm not feeling well I will try any kind of over the counter or home remedy. When these fail I call the doctor. I beg to be seen and fast. All of my thoughts become focused on my health. All of my finances are reallocated to any type of remedy for my ailment and all of my time is spent on getting better.

Oddly enough before I was sick I didn't have any extra time, money or energy. Yet somehow my schedule has been cleared, my checkbook reallocated and my priorities changed. It occurs to me that if I am not physically healthy I can't use my resources on other activities, I must use them on getting well.

This applies to both short and long term illnesses equally. I once had an ailment that took over a year of modifying my schedule, seeking specialist advice and spending large amounts of money. I am sure you can think of at least one friend or family member whose life has been turned upside down due to medical condition.

How much more important then is our spiritual health? Maybe, just maybe, if I remembered how sick I am spiritually I might make more of an effort to seek out the doctor. I may also be more consistent in my treatment regiment. I forced to face a spiritual illness would I change the amount of time, money and other resources spent on getting well?

Just like my physical health, it is all too easy to take for granted my spiritual health. Please add me to your prayer requests for the "spiritually sick", and I will add you to mine. And if you need it, I can recommend a good specialist.

Matthew 9:12
On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.

Build UP: Sufficiency

I had a small case of writer's block tonight, so I asked the Lord to guide me to a topic. The response I received was this:

2Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

Had I, with a great exercise of will, determined and written a brilliant post, then I would have been tempted to wrestle the Lord for the praise. After all, I put all my mental powers to work discerning and crafting my thoughts.

My sense of my own power gets me in a lot of trouble. I feed my pride, until God takes me to the limits of my power. He takes me to a place where I come to the end of my strength; to a place of weakness.

It is there that the Lord reminds me of my limited power while simultaneously showing me the limitlessness of His. It is then that my pride is surrendered. It is then that I lift praises to the Lord.

And the next thing I knew, God had created this post!

Praise the Lord!
Lon