“When Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him.” Acts 11:3
Don’t be so quick to criticize.
Just possibly, you might not know all the story, and the part you’re missing is most likely important. The Jewish believers in Jerusalem would have humbly shared this advice after accusing Peter of doing wrong and finding out that God was doing right. Word had gotten around that someone was sharing the good news of Jesus with those less-than-best Gentiles, and all fingers pointed to Peter. “When Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, ‘You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them’”(Acts 11:3).
What they said was true—Peter had been hanging with Cornelius, a Roman centurion, for several days—but why Peter had gone there and what God had done there were the missing details which warranted the whole event, so Peter started talking. “Peter began and explained everything to them precisely as it had happened”(Acts 11:4). He told them of his pre-lunch vision and of God’s command to eat unclean animals. He told them of his invitation to visit Cornelius, and that “the Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going”(Acts 11:12). He told them how an angel had instructed Cornelius to send for Peter because he would “bring a message through which you and all your household will be saved”(Acts 11:14). He told them how the Holy Spirit had filled the Gentiles in that home and how he had remembered the words of Jesus—“John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit”(Acts 11:16). And then he said, “So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us…who was I to think that I could oppose God?”(Acts 11:17). His words were a no-comeback clincher which shut his accusers’ mouths and opened their hearts. “When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God”(Acts 11:18).
So next time you see or hear something that doesn’t meet your approval, don’t be too quick to criticize. Consider approaching the supposed offender with an open-minded “Help me understand what happened,” rather than an indicting “What in the world were you doing?”
It’s good to remember that just because you don’t think it’s right, doesn’t mean it’s wrong. God laid out many guidelines for life in black and white, but He left a lot in gray. Don’t get too focused on the fuzzy; leave the in-between between others and God.
He’s often at work in the rest of the story.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Pillow Talk
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground apart from the will of your Father.” Matthew 10:29
It’s time for a little pillow talk—literally.
After several years of constant use and occasional abuse, the two decorative pillows adorning my couch direly need to be replaced. Since such items aren’t necessities, I’ve been on the lookout for a “just right at the right price” find, and yesterday I thought my search was over. There, sitting on the middle shelf at a local discount store, were my new pillows, simply begging to be bought. I picked them up, looked them over, showed them to my daughter, then set them down to answer an important phone call. Not wanting to be impolite to a nearby shopper, I stepped away for less than a minute, but in those few seconds, my pillows disappeared.
“Where are they?” I asked incredulously, staring at the empty space before me. “Did that lady really come over here and take them?” Alas, the answer was, “Yes,” for as I gazed around the store, I saw my two perfect pillows piled on top of an already overflowing shopping cart in the checkout line and the pillow perpetrator standing nonchalantly beside them.
I must admit that for a moment I felt like being foul. I needed those pillows (the rips in my old ones would cause you to agree.) I wanted those pillows. I had searched for those pillows. I had found those pillows. And now they were gone. But right then, I heard my daughter’s voice saying, “Mom, I can’t believe that lady took them!” and I knew I had to choose. Would I let something so insignificant as pillows steal my joy and suppress the happy time I was having with my child—or would I not? So I laughed and said, “I can’t either, but obviously God has other pillows in mind for our couch or else He would have kept those safe.” As she looked at me quizically, I continued, “I’m serious. The more you trust God with the little things in life that don’t turn out like you’ve planned, the less frustrated and upset you’ll be.”
Do I really believe that? Do I really think that the God of the universe cares about my couch? Yes— not because of my décor but because I am His daughter, and if a half-penny sparrow “will not fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father”(Matt 10:29), then lovely brown pillows won’t depart the second shelf without His approval either.
Somewhere around town, that lady has been relishing her great deal, and across the way, this lady has been reminded of a great deal. In things big and small, our faithful God and can and should be trusted. He will provide what we need, when we need it, and how we need it. “So do not be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows”(Matt 10:31).
And many pillows.
It’s time for a little pillow talk—literally.
After several years of constant use and occasional abuse, the two decorative pillows adorning my couch direly need to be replaced. Since such items aren’t necessities, I’ve been on the lookout for a “just right at the right price” find, and yesterday I thought my search was over. There, sitting on the middle shelf at a local discount store, were my new pillows, simply begging to be bought. I picked them up, looked them over, showed them to my daughter, then set them down to answer an important phone call. Not wanting to be impolite to a nearby shopper, I stepped away for less than a minute, but in those few seconds, my pillows disappeared.
“Where are they?” I asked incredulously, staring at the empty space before me. “Did that lady really come over here and take them?” Alas, the answer was, “Yes,” for as I gazed around the store, I saw my two perfect pillows piled on top of an already overflowing shopping cart in the checkout line and the pillow perpetrator standing nonchalantly beside them.
I must admit that for a moment I felt like being foul. I needed those pillows (the rips in my old ones would cause you to agree.) I wanted those pillows. I had searched for those pillows. I had found those pillows. And now they were gone. But right then, I heard my daughter’s voice saying, “Mom, I can’t believe that lady took them!” and I knew I had to choose. Would I let something so insignificant as pillows steal my joy and suppress the happy time I was having with my child—or would I not? So I laughed and said, “I can’t either, but obviously God has other pillows in mind for our couch or else He would have kept those safe.” As she looked at me quizically, I continued, “I’m serious. The more you trust God with the little things in life that don’t turn out like you’ve planned, the less frustrated and upset you’ll be.”
Do I really believe that? Do I really think that the God of the universe cares about my couch? Yes— not because of my décor but because I am His daughter, and if a half-penny sparrow “will not fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father”(Matt 10:29), then lovely brown pillows won’t depart the second shelf without His approval either.
Somewhere around town, that lady has been relishing her great deal, and across the way, this lady has been reminded of a great deal. In things big and small, our faithful God and can and should be trusted. He will provide what we need, when we need it, and how we need it. “So do not be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows”(Matt 10:31).
And many pillows.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
It's All Good
“In Joppa, there was a disciple named Dorcas…who was always doing good.” Acts 9:36
Believe it or not, God never says to be good.
You can look if you like, but He really doesn’t. He doesn’t because He knows we can’t. There is no way in heaven or on earth we can be good by ourselves “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”(Rom 3:23), and, “No one is good—except God alone”(Mk 10:18). Yes, feel helpless. Yes, feel hopeless, for into such desperation and distress, God’s goodness became ours when “Jesus Christ gave himself for us to redeem us…and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good”(Tit 2:14). In other words, you can’t BE good by yourself anytime, but with Christ as your life, you can DO good all the time. And you should.
One day, back in the book of Acts, a corpse, washed and dressed in death, was laid on a bed in the town of Joppa. The deceased’s name was Dorcas, and she was known for “always doing good”(Acts 9:36). As two on-the-run, out-of-breath disciples hurried Peter up the stairs to her side, those who had been the recipients of her “doing good” held out proof for him to see. “All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing Dorcas had made for them while she was still with them”(Acts 9:39). When Peter prayed, God raised Dorcas back to life on earth for His glory—“This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord”(Acts 9:42), and so she could keep doing good—“Peter called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive”(Acts 9:41).
So stop trying to be good and start doing good. Trust God for His goodness in Christ, and turn the focus of your life from yourself to Him. “For you are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has already prepared for you to do”(Eph 2:10). Get busy—life on earth doesn’t last long, and God has lots for us to do. In innumerable ways, big and small, through kind words, cut lawns, earnest prayers, cheerful smiles, honest time-sheets, hearty casseroles, tender touches, caring conversations, sincere thanks, and an unending list of other actions and attitudes, we are to imitate Jesus, who “went about doing good”(Acts 10:38). Don’t get tired(Gal 6:9), be devoted(Titus 3:14), and be ready(Titus 3:1). God always has good for us to do.
When you let God be what you can’t be—good, you can then do what you should do—good. And in the end, others will have something to hold in their hands because of Who is in your heart.
I guess you could say, “It’s all good!”
Believe it or not, God never says to be good.
You can look if you like, but He really doesn’t. He doesn’t because He knows we can’t. There is no way in heaven or on earth we can be good by ourselves “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”(Rom 3:23), and, “No one is good—except God alone”(Mk 10:18). Yes, feel helpless. Yes, feel hopeless, for into such desperation and distress, God’s goodness became ours when “Jesus Christ gave himself for us to redeem us…and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good”(Tit 2:14). In other words, you can’t BE good by yourself anytime, but with Christ as your life, you can DO good all the time. And you should.
One day, back in the book of Acts, a corpse, washed and dressed in death, was laid on a bed in the town of Joppa. The deceased’s name was Dorcas, and she was known for “always doing good”(Acts 9:36). As two on-the-run, out-of-breath disciples hurried Peter up the stairs to her side, those who had been the recipients of her “doing good” held out proof for him to see. “All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing Dorcas had made for them while she was still with them”(Acts 9:39). When Peter prayed, God raised Dorcas back to life on earth for His glory—“This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord”(Acts 9:42), and so she could keep doing good—“Peter called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive”(Acts 9:41).
So stop trying to be good and start doing good. Trust God for His goodness in Christ, and turn the focus of your life from yourself to Him. “For you are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has already prepared for you to do”(Eph 2:10). Get busy—life on earth doesn’t last long, and God has lots for us to do. In innumerable ways, big and small, through kind words, cut lawns, earnest prayers, cheerful smiles, honest time-sheets, hearty casseroles, tender touches, caring conversations, sincere thanks, and an unending list of other actions and attitudes, we are to imitate Jesus, who “went about doing good”(Acts 10:38). Don’t get tired(Gal 6:9), be devoted(Titus 3:14), and be ready(Titus 3:1). God always has good for us to do.
When you let God be what you can’t be—good, you can then do what you should do—good. And in the end, others will have something to hold in their hands because of Who is in your heart.
I guess you could say, “It’s all good!”
Monday, January 9, 2012
The Game
It’s just a game, but sometimes God uses the temporary to remind me of the eternal.
Yes, I’m talking football, and, yes, I’m talking Tebow. This morning around water coolers and restaurant tables all across America, millions are discussing the Denver Broncos playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Steeler fans, I’m sorry. We’re excited about what God is doing in Big Ben’s life too. Please don’t stop reading.) People will call it thrilling, exciting, surprising, vindicating, and a multitude of other descriptive adjectives, but I keep thinking about what I was thinking last evening as time expired in the fourth quarter and the game was tied—“What if...?”
What if Tim could have thrown a few passes just a bit better? What if the receivers would have hung on to passes they should/could have caught? What if Denver had scored a touchdown instead of opting for a field goal? What if the refs had called just one of the several obvious (at least to us Broncos fans) facemask infractions? Things would have been so different. The clock wouldn’t have been sitting at zero, and the crowd still not sure. The victory would have been within the expected boundaries and the anxiety replaced with celebration. In the span of a two television commercials, I mentally replayed a variety of scenarios that would have made the game end the way I wanted and would have left no room for the now-looming possibility of a loss. And though I try to limit my football prayers, my conversation with God went something like this: “If, for Your glory and his good, you wanted Tebow to win, You just passed up several very obvious opportunities to bring it about, so I’m not sure what You’re doing…” And then overtime began.
A kick-off and one 80 yard play later, it was all over. In a matter of seconds, worry was replaced with a win. My “Oh no” became “Oh yeah” as the fumbles and failures of the past faded into present jubilation. And in the midst of my loud cheers, I heard a still, small voice.
Through touchdowns and turn-arounds, God reminded me that in all of life He is up to something bigger and better than my small mind could ever scheme(Isa 55:9). The clocks by which I measure success or security are rarely the same instruments through which He orchestrates His sovereign will(1 Sam 16:7). The mistakes of others or the messes I make myself are never so big or so bad that He cannot weave them by grace for good(Rom 8:28). And even as time expires, I can be sure that what lies beyond the zero is far greater glory than anything I’ve seen during the game(2 Cor 4:17).
While we live in regulation (and as we begin this new year), don’t waste time on the “what if’s.” Fret and regret can’t change the past—only cloud the future. Let yesterday’s lost chances and lousy choices go, and let them rest with Jesus. Live today. God has made it; rejoice in it and in Him(Ps 118:24). Love deeply, share freely, feel honestly, and cheer loudly. Don’t just count the days; make the days count. And look forward to tomorrow. If you spend it on earth, God will be with you here, and if He takes you home, heaven is overtime, all the time.
Play each day with purpose and passion. You never need to worry or wonder. God’s victory is sure—earth’s scoreboard just can’t show the whole story.
Yes, I’m talking football, and, yes, I’m talking Tebow. This morning around water coolers and restaurant tables all across America, millions are discussing the Denver Broncos playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Steeler fans, I’m sorry. We’re excited about what God is doing in Big Ben’s life too. Please don’t stop reading.) People will call it thrilling, exciting, surprising, vindicating, and a multitude of other descriptive adjectives, but I keep thinking about what I was thinking last evening as time expired in the fourth quarter and the game was tied—“What if...?”
What if Tim could have thrown a few passes just a bit better? What if the receivers would have hung on to passes they should/could have caught? What if Denver had scored a touchdown instead of opting for a field goal? What if the refs had called just one of the several obvious (at least to us Broncos fans) facemask infractions? Things would have been so different. The clock wouldn’t have been sitting at zero, and the crowd still not sure. The victory would have been within the expected boundaries and the anxiety replaced with celebration. In the span of a two television commercials, I mentally replayed a variety of scenarios that would have made the game end the way I wanted and would have left no room for the now-looming possibility of a loss. And though I try to limit my football prayers, my conversation with God went something like this: “If, for Your glory and his good, you wanted Tebow to win, You just passed up several very obvious opportunities to bring it about, so I’m not sure what You’re doing…” And then overtime began.
A kick-off and one 80 yard play later, it was all over. In a matter of seconds, worry was replaced with a win. My “Oh no” became “Oh yeah” as the fumbles and failures of the past faded into present jubilation. And in the midst of my loud cheers, I heard a still, small voice.
Through touchdowns and turn-arounds, God reminded me that in all of life He is up to something bigger and better than my small mind could ever scheme(Isa 55:9). The clocks by which I measure success or security are rarely the same instruments through which He orchestrates His sovereign will(1 Sam 16:7). The mistakes of others or the messes I make myself are never so big or so bad that He cannot weave them by grace for good(Rom 8:28). And even as time expires, I can be sure that what lies beyond the zero is far greater glory than anything I’ve seen during the game(2 Cor 4:17).
While we live in regulation (and as we begin this new year), don’t waste time on the “what if’s.” Fret and regret can’t change the past—only cloud the future. Let yesterday’s lost chances and lousy choices go, and let them rest with Jesus. Live today. God has made it; rejoice in it and in Him(Ps 118:24). Love deeply, share freely, feel honestly, and cheer loudly. Don’t just count the days; make the days count. And look forward to tomorrow. If you spend it on earth, God will be with you here, and if He takes you home, heaven is overtime, all the time.
Play each day with purpose and passion. You never need to worry or wonder. God’s victory is sure—earth’s scoreboard just can’t show the whole story.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
O Holy Night
Last night, Christmas was lovely. Aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, in-laws, and friends all crowded around the table catching up on the present and remembering the past. Then it was onto a trailer full of hay for the annual carol ride through town. Everything was smiles, hugs, photos, songs, and great anticipation of the quickly approaching celebration. But this morning, Christmas is different. One of my girls is sick, and another almost is. Faces are pale, tummies are churning, and eyes are sleepy. We’re not sure what will become of our best-laid plans for holiday travel, and the long list of want-to-do’s for today has devolved into a short list of have-to-do’s for tomorrow.
In the midst of the mayhem, one phrase from yesterday’s carols keeps rolling around my half-awake mind. “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.” These words mean more now than they did last night. It’s a small thing, but it’s made me think. Our bit of tiredness resulting from a few hours of sickness can never compare to the weariness of a world dealing with centuries of sin. “Long lay the world in sin and error pining.” Unable to save ourselves, we were born into doom and despair. Even the faithful who continually offered the stated sacrifices lived and died knowing that judgment had only been delayed, not dealt with, and that our sins had only been set aside, not settled. The promised Savior seemed long in coming, and the weight of transgression and wrong shrouded our hearts as a never-lifting fog.
But then a mother groaned, a baby cried, and hope was born. The weary world lifted her eyes in delight at the coming of a new day. Thirty three years would pass before a blood-stained cross and an empty tomb shattered sin’s darkness forever, but Easter began at Christmas. As earth’s long night of sorrow gave way to a sinless dawn, the brightness of its first rays thrilled our hearts and calmed our fears.
Joy to the world! Christ the Savior is born! Rejoice greatly and let His love lift you up and give you life this Christmas. It really was a Holy Night.
“Because of the tender mercy of our God, the Sunrise from on High will come to us from heaven, to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.” Luke 1:78-79
Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Stargazing
Ever wish you were a star? Somewhere along our lives, the thought has crossed most of our minds. We hope to throw (or catch) the touchdown pass, make the basket, hit the homer, win the championship, wear the medal, own the stage, sing the song, write the script, or somehow achieve something so big and so bright that for a moment or more, we capture the attention of others and cause them to look our way. But why? In this season where glowing stars top trees and towers all over town, I’ve been thinking about what it means to shine.
The Christmas star is a good place to start. The Magi arrived in Jerusalem because a special star had appeared in the sky. “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him”(Matt 2:2). To the Wise Men, this star was a brilliant sign. Its light signified new life—a life so precious and important that they changed their schedules and altered their lives for a trip to a foreign land. Armed with seeking hearts and worthy treasures, they headed to the palace to see the King.
But no baby was to be found, and they were sent on their way by a suspicious tyrant and scripture-spouting teachers. “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me”(Matt 2:8). As they turned their camels south, the star showed back up. “After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was”(Matt2:9). The star, whose light had gotten them going, now became their guide, and the journey brought great delight. “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed”(Matt 2:10), and when it led them to Jesus, they gladly offered themselves and then their stuff to the One who is worthy.
The Christmas star is a good place to start. The Magi arrived in Jerusalem because a special star had appeared in the sky. “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him”(Matt 2:2). To the Wise Men, this star was a brilliant sign. Its light signified new life—a life so precious and important that they changed their schedules and altered their lives for a trip to a foreign land. Armed with seeking hearts and worthy treasures, they headed to the palace to see the King.
But no baby was to be found, and they were sent on their way by a suspicious tyrant and scripture-spouting teachers. “Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me”(Matt 2:8). As they turned their camels south, the star showed back up. “After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was”(Matt2:9). The star, whose light had gotten them going, now became their guide, and the journey brought great delight. “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed”(Matt 2:10), and when it led them to Jesus, they gladly offered themselves and then their stuff to the One who is worthy.
The star of Christmas did what stars do best—give light, guide, and bring glory to the One who made them. No wonder you’ve wished to be a star—that’s what you were designed to be—“Children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life”(Phil 2:15-16). You were created in Christ to give light to a dark world, to guide the people who cross your path to Jesus, and to bring glory to the One who made you. You words, actions, and attitudes should be so full of God that for a moment or more, they capture the attention of others. “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever”(Dan 12:3).
This Christmas, and beyond, be a star, but instead of seeking the spotlight, shine His light. Not so others will look at you, but so they will look for Him.
Monday, December 19, 2011
What's In The Box
I really need to wrap.
The gifts for three family gatherings are piled under a blanket in my bedroom, and not one is adorned with paper or bow. I sometimes think, “Why? Why spend so much time and tape when all will be ripped away in mere seconds? This year, why not pass out unwrapped presents?” But I wouldn’t. It wouldn’t be right. I can’t imagine coming to the tree and having gifts just sitting there for all to see. Knowing what you got the moment you got up would take away something very special from Christmas—the wonder of what’s in the box.
At the three celebrations my family will attend on Christmas Day (in two different states, by the way— good, busy times!), the scene will be much the same. Those present will gather ‘round the tree for a time of sharing. We’ll share praise to our God for the best gift ever—Jesus. We’ll share lots of love as we talk and laugh, and we’ll share the excitement and joy of giving and receiving. At each gathering, someone will be “Santa” and will pass out the gifts under the tree, and then we’ll go around the room and open the gifts one by one, with everyone else watching and waiting and wondering—What’s in the box?
That’s what makes it so fun—the excitement of the one giving and the expectation of the one receiving. The giver can hardly wait to for the “getter” to see what’s inside, and the recipient is anxious to get in there and see! Funny thing, but the more excited the one giving is about the gift, the more excited the one receiving the gift becomes. The paper, bows, and boxes, which at first might seem like barriers, actually build anticipation and add beauty to the gracious exchanges. As our time together comes to an end, the room is filled with expressions of delight and gratitude and the sweet satisfaction of sharing our best with those we love.
I’d better get busy. Only a few days are left before Christmas, and even God wrapped His gift. “You will find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”
Never lose the wonder of what’s in the box.
The gifts for three family gatherings are piled under a blanket in my bedroom, and not one is adorned with paper or bow. I sometimes think, “Why? Why spend so much time and tape when all will be ripped away in mere seconds? This year, why not pass out unwrapped presents?” But I wouldn’t. It wouldn’t be right. I can’t imagine coming to the tree and having gifts just sitting there for all to see. Knowing what you got the moment you got up would take away something very special from Christmas—the wonder of what’s in the box.
At the three celebrations my family will attend on Christmas Day (in two different states, by the way— good, busy times!), the scene will be much the same. Those present will gather ‘round the tree for a time of sharing. We’ll share praise to our God for the best gift ever—Jesus. We’ll share lots of love as we talk and laugh, and we’ll share the excitement and joy of giving and receiving. At each gathering, someone will be “Santa” and will pass out the gifts under the tree, and then we’ll go around the room and open the gifts one by one, with everyone else watching and waiting and wondering—What’s in the box?
That’s what makes it so fun—the excitement of the one giving and the expectation of the one receiving. The giver can hardly wait to for the “getter” to see what’s inside, and the recipient is anxious to get in there and see! Funny thing, but the more excited the one giving is about the gift, the more excited the one receiving the gift becomes. The paper, bows, and boxes, which at first might seem like barriers, actually build anticipation and add beauty to the gracious exchanges. As our time together comes to an end, the room is filled with expressions of delight and gratitude and the sweet satisfaction of sharing our best with those we love.
I’d better get busy. Only a few days are left before Christmas, and even God wrapped His gift. “You will find the baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”
Never lose the wonder of what’s in the box.
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