Inside Out

We don’t go around wearing our clothes inside out. Why not? I’d say it's because they were not made to be worn that way.

The inside is where seams, darts, hems, and thread marks exist. The outside only looks good because of the work done on the inside. That concept is well expressed in Psalm 51:10-12.

After his sin with Bathsheba, David was confronted by the prophet Nathan. Then he humbled himself before God with a prayer of repentance and several requests:

·         Create in me a clean heart, O God

·         Renew a right spirit within me

·         Cast me not away from Your Presence

·         Take not Your Holy Spirit from me

·         Restore to me the joy of Your salvation

·         Sustain me with a willing spirit

 

David looked good on the outside. After his sin, he still walked around in his kingly clothes, and people continued to give him honor. But scripture says, "Man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7).

God’s word speaks of sins which separate us from Him in a lake of fire instead of heaven for all eternity. One example is Revelation 21:9.

When we repent of our sins and ask God to give us a clean heart, He does not just alter and make spiritual things fit better.

David had it right when he asked God for a clean heart and a right spirit. Paul declared, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17).

God sees us from the inside out.  Jesus said we’re to love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). And Paul told Timothy that our love is to come from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5).

Are you feeling a little unsettled spiritually? Something inside is starting to make you uncomfortable? Perhaps it’s time to review David’s prayer. 

If anything strikes a chord, sincerely make his words yours. Let God give you a clean start.

Pixabay: Shirt, Clothes, Fashion; IdeaTivas-TLM.

  

Morning NEWs

Happy NEW Year! It’s finally arrived. Our comments about it change with age. Young people say, “I can hardly wait!” Older ones say, “Where did the time go?”

Time is an ancient concept set in place by the Creator Himself. From the beginning, Genesis 1:1-2:4 declares that evening and morning make a day. We live our days on a twenty-four-hour basis, helped along by sunrise and sunset.

God is not bound by time, but He certainly understands it. Beyond the Genesis record, some argue for Peter’s statement that with God *one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day (2 Peter 3:8). When it comes to Genesis, I prefer to focus on the orderliness of Creation, not argue over the possible increments of time.

*Fiddler on the Roof, one of my favorite musicals, contains a song sung by Tevye, the Jewish Father. Sunrise, Sunset not only speaks of passing days, but passing years . . . one season following another, laden with happiness and tears

Who changed the counting of time from days to years? Encyclopedia Brittanica (sourced on Google) says the Egyptians were the first to create a “civil calendar” from the lunar one used for agriculture and religion. Their year was three seasons of four months, with thirty days each. At the end of twelve months, they added five intercalary days for a total of 365 days.

We are one of thousands of generations who have greeted a new year. To me, “Happy New Year” is a greeting that reminds me to stop, reconsider my life, and make changes where necessary.

We live our “new” daily. According to Lamentations 3:22-25, God’s love never ends, and because of His faithfulness, His mercies never cease - - - they are new every morning! That gives “have a good day” a whole new meaning.

Have a “Happy NEW Year!” But don’t stop there. Thank God for those daily NEW mercies. They’re not leftovers from last year or even the day before, and they’ll never run out. For that, I’m truly thankful.

*2 Peter 3:8 wording is from The Amplified Bible, and is used by permission of the Lockman Foundation and the Zondervan Corporation, copyright 1987 by the Lockman Foundation. 

*According to Wikipedia, Fiddler on the Roof was written in 1964 by Composer Jerry Bock and Lyricist Sheldon Harrick.

 Photo by FlashBuddy on Pixabay

 

Just Tap It

Even with renewed Covid distancing, I hear conversations while in checkout lines. This week I overheard an unusual comment from a lady ahead of me.

She was having trouble using her credit card and the clerk told her what to do. After withdrawing her card, she said, “One of these days they’re going to standardize these cards and it won’t be a problem.”

I could sympathize with her frustration. She and I are only two of the millions who have upped the credit card game from sliding to inserting to tapping.

Technology constantly challenges us with updates and changes. I try to keep up, but sometimes I have to turn to my techie Goddaughters for help. They’re not only helpful but encouraging, with comments like “You’re doing good” (while kindly neglecting to add “for your age”).

When I heard the lady’s remarks about credit cards I was reminded of news from Europe. Experiments are being done with an ID chip on the wrist. That seems far out, but even the old comic strip with Dick Tracy talking into his wristwatch no longer seems like a crazy idea!

Science fiction fans consistently see futuristic and outlandish things. But we can find some amazing apocalyptic predictions in the last book of the Bible, too.

If interested, read Revelation 13:16-18. A world ruler will require anyone who wants to buy or sell, to have a chip implanted with his number (666) in their hand or forehead. The lady I overheard was right. One day they will standardize credit cards into small chips with one number.

The problem is, the little chip has eternal consequences (Revelation 14:9-10). Those who desire to have a part in God’s kingdom will no longer have a place if they accept this number.

Only God knows the timing of futuristic events. To be forewarned is to be forearmed; however, that includes tapping into God’s encouraging words in Psalm 37:1-3 (NKJV) while we wait:  Do not fret . . . trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land and feed on His faithfulness.        

What's Wrong with Absolutes?

Many aspects of our life depend on them. Bakers would have a hard time creating their delicious treats without absolutes. They know eight ounces will always equal one cup, three teaspoons will equal one tablespoon, and a pound of butter will weigh sixteen ounces. They can create smaller or larger amounts from those absolutes, as needed.

No matter how you feel about it, another area that depends on absolutes is math. Before we ever reach the stage of algebra or geometry, we rest assured one plus one will always equal two, four times two will always equal eight, twenty take away five will equal fifteen, and thirty divided by six will always be five.

I often wonder why people reject absolutes? Take the Ten Commandments in Exodus Twenty, for example. We are advised not to murder, commit adultery, steal, lie, or covet things that don’t belong to us. Can we say our world is improved because people choose to ignore these life-improving commands on an everyday basis?

According to a *poll published in 2021 by Gallup analytics, 47% of Americans rated U.S. moral values as “poor,” 37% as “only fair” and 16% as “excellent” or “good.” One year later would you say we have substantially improved any of these numbers?

We moderns seem to be copying an ancient scenario. Judges 17:6 and 21:25 both say, “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

Absolute truth remains the same in any context, but relative truth is variable . . . what is true for one person may not be true for another. Accepting truth as being relative or changeable, weakens the foundations of society. Whose truth can we agree upon?

Which of these do you think has abdicated personal responsibility for teaching moral values in our generation: homes, schools, or churches? What role do you play in any of these?

What’s wrong with absolutes? Nothing. In fact, our survival as a society may depend on them.

What are the absolutes by which you choose to live? If you’re clueless, Exodus Twenty can get you started.

I googled “today’s morality” and this one paragraph came up first; however, when I clicked on the tagline below it brought up a different article. 

The Fabric of Society

Have you ever watched someone work with a small loom? Whenever I have, I’m amazed at their patience. Thread by thread, or yarn by yarn, they pull the shuttle and develop a rug or piece of cloth.

A society, or community, is built up the same way. Its threads include areas of influence such as Families, Schools, Businesses, Entertainment, Media, Government, and Churches.

It’s easy to take these things for granted. I couldn’t help but think of Ukrainians today as I read Psalm 38:12 NKJV: Those also who seek my life lay snares for me; those who seek my hurt speak of destruction, and plan deception all day long.

Who could miss news about the current European David vs. Goliath conflict? Refugees by the thousands keep trying to escape war-torn Ukraine. Most are women and children since men are fighting against all odds.

They are now in a variety of countries around the world with one word in common: Different. Life as they knew it is gone.

Think about it. Picture yourself in a torn-apart society. You are out on the street because your home has been bombed, food is wherever you can find it, to even try to escape you must walk, and safety is the most elusive thing ever!

In such a state, would you be thankful for any kindness or mercy, no matter how small? Jesus taught “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7, NKJV).

Mercy is a character trait. A heart of mercy can be shown by kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity, grace, or compassion. As individuals, we show mercy in different ways.

Some people offer their skillful service to world relief organizations. Others assist at food banks or missions. Many show mercy by donating to charitable organizations, including churches involved with local communities.

Refugees aren’t the only ones dealing with society’s torn fabric. Worldwide COVID has also had a destructive impact. 

If you've ever torn a favorite shirt or skirt, you know that, even with mending, it’s never the same. That’s also true of society, but don’t give up.

Hang in there, show mercy wherever and whenever you can. A little mending is better than none!

  

Time Out for Truth

Most people are familiar with the “T” hand signal for “time out.”  It’s an important strategy in a coach’s playbook.

Like the “T” signal, you may also be acquainted with Pontius Pilate’s famous quote. He had asked a question and Jesus was answering. 

Just as Jesus was saying people on the side of truth listen to Him, Pilate cut Him off saying, “What is truth?” (John 18:33-38, NIV)

It’s not hard to see that truth in our day is fluid and irrelevant. Take fake news, for example, we don’t know who or what to believe. Yet some areas of truth seem so stable and unchangeable that we take them for granted.

In the marketplace, we expect a truthful 16 ounces in a pound, 4 full cups in a quart, and 12 eggs in a dozen. Then we expect the aisle price to print out truthfully at the register.

Since childhood I have known the truth of 2+2 = 4, a square always has 4 equal sides, and 4 sets of 4 anything will make a total of 16.

Why do we seem to reject truth on a more personal level? Do we really think it’s OK for someone to lie to us, or for us to lie to others? Is it really OK to cheat or fool people with half-truths?

Watch a carpenter use his level and he’ll make sure the “bubble of truth” falls right in the middle of the tiny glass window.

Where would we be if God had not included the stability of truth in His Creation? It’s that truth, or stability, that allows doctors and scientists to discover marvelous treatments for overcoming illness and disease.

He also gave commandments and guidelines to build stability and truth into relationships. We can choose to believe or not, but our unbelief does not change the “bubble of truth” on God’s level.    

When a coach calls “time out” he gives truthful advice to fit the occasion. Team members wisely follow it. Is truth any less important to our everyday lives?

Jesus’ truth is easily found in red-letter editions of the Bible. Short pithy truths are found in Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. Why not call a daily “time out” and discover God’s baseline truths for yourself?

 

Little Diamonds in the Dark

Diamonds can create a lot of excitement, especially an engagement ring. My ring was not large, but it was mine. That’s what made it important to me.

The birth of a natural diamond can begin even one hundred miles below the earth’s surface. Pressure upon pure carbon creates this finite resource. A full-carat diamond is becoming rarer by the day.

It seems to me that babies are like little diamonds in the dark. I’m pretty sure pregnant moms would verify that there’s pressure involved.  

I’ve never been pregnant, but I have great respect for women way beyond the “baby bump!”

Just like diamonds, babies lie in the darkness of their mother’s womb until they are brought to the light. Blessed is each baby whose family and friends look forward to THE birth day.

Birthing babies and mining diamonds both require effort. Raw diamonds come in different sizes and weights, as do infants. Diamonds are graded on four C’s: Carat, Clarity, Color, and Cut.

Newborns are given an Apgar Score. One minute after birth they are tested to see how well they tolerated the birthing process. Preferably no later than five minutes they are tested in five areas: Breathing effort, heart rate, muscle tone, reflexes, and skin color.

Just like a jeweler, parents are expected to shape their little diamonds in the rough.

Solomon gave some advice: “Train up a child in the way he should go (and in keeping with his individual gift or bent) and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6, AMP).

The Message Bible simply says, “Point your kids in the right direction---when they’re old they won’t be lost.” This could include spiritual training, education, morals, and manners. It’s important to fit into the society and culture into which you are born.

If you have been blessed with a little diamond in the dark, consider it a treasure. Not everyone gets to have one.

  

Moving On

“Do you think we were good parents?” I was surprised when mom asked this question since I had been gone from home for many years.

I remembered financial sacrifices to take family vacations and put food on the table. I also remembered helping with school projects and moral and spiritual training.

On the other hand, I thought of not being allowed to dance in gym class or go to a birthday party because they were going to a movie. Reading a book for teens about sex was curtailed, though it was by a well-known Christian author.

Her question helped me realize I had felt like a victim under some of their restraints; however, instead of anger and rehearsed complaints against the way I was raised, I had moved on.

As an adult, I was free to make my own choices, so I did.

The first movie I attended was Sound of Music, and twenty-two years after that childhood birthday party Bambi was back in theaters. I went just to see what I had missed.

Christian books about sex and marriage were read later, but I never learned to dance because I discovered I had two left feet.

My childhood issues were not as life-threatening as what some people must overcome. They did, however, affect my life view and who I was.

Let’s face it, our upbringing leaves residual effects. But a healthy move from childhood to adulthood creates change.

The Apostle Paul said, “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me” (I Corinthians 13:11 NIV).

Maturity means growing in one's ability to accept responsibility for personal choices.

Have you ever moved without getting rid of something? As we mature, we can choose to leave the emotional baggage of childhood behind.

Moving on is an important part of life. The nice thing is that this move has no age limit.  

Increase Your Christmas Joy

 

Christmas comes one day a year. When I was growing up, the big draw was two weeks out of school. Where I lived, that definitely meant lots of snow.

It also meant participation in the annual Sunday School program. Recitations and songs were followed by goodie bags for the kids. That was one Christmas tradition I was glad to outgrow---hard (unwrapped) Christmas candy sold in bulk!

I was an adult before I learned of a tradition called Advent. Advent means coming. My more liturgical friends had been celebrating Christmas with devotionals and candles starting the first Sunday after Thanksgiving.

I actually felt like I’d been cheated of something special; however, as an adult, I could change my ways.

Have you seen an Advent wreath? It’s a circle holding four candles around the outside edge, one for each Sunday of Advent. In the center is the Jesus candle. Traditional colors are four pink and one purple; however, any color can be used.

Still being in a non-liturgical church, I introduced Advent in Wednesday night services. The response was very positive. I chose four white candles for the outside, and a larger red one for the Jesus candle in the middle. I circled the candles with evergreens.

Each week celebrated a one-word theme. Words like Love or Hope or Light. Our ceremony had four simple steps: (1) A member read a scripture, (2) lit the candle of the week, (3) the congregation sang a song, and (4) a member closed with a devotional prayer.

Suggestions were available for those who wished to continue the theme in their daily devotionals.

Advent is personal and does not require a group setting. At home, I no longer light the candles but remain loyal to devotionals. 

This year I’m reading Why the Nativity? by Dr. David Jeremiah (Tyndale House Publ., 2006). It’s from my collection of Christmas books, many of which I have given away over the years.

I mentioned Advent to my sister-in-law this year. She asked what it was so I sent her a devotional. She said, “I found an Advent wreath at Hobby Lobby and we’re enjoying Advent devotionals for the first time ever.”

It’s never too late to increase your Christmas joy!

Candles and Flashlights

Last week I was watching TV when suddenly the lights went off. I had not been without electricity for years. Two things surprised me---the stifling feeling of complete darkness and the overwhelming silence.

I sat in my recliner, considering the situation. I thought I can see why people in solitary confinement might go crazy after a while. But a few minutes later I started to think now what shall I do?

First, I turned on my cell phone flashlight. God bless the person who designed that option. I used it to retrieve the flashlight on my desk, then I located the special candle created in a jar, plus some matches in my kitchen.

The furnace was off, so I bundled up in a blanket. Then I thought my cell phone works---I’ll make some calls. I even received a couple of calls, though they were surprised to learn I was sitting in the dark.

Later on, the flashlight helped me read. When that became tiring, I decided to rest. I figured the lights would come on eventually. If not, at least I could count on daylight.

The darkness was a wake-up call. But about ninety minutes later the lights came on as suddenly as they had gone off. The first thing I did was turn on the furnace. Then I located a flashlight in each room.

My stifling darkness had been alleviated by light in various forms and different sizes. I was thankful for each of them.

Light comes into our world in different ways, too. The psalmist David declared, “The LORD is my light and my salvation” (Psalm 27:1).

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world (John 8:12 NKJV). He further declared that His followers were to let His light shine through them in good works, not for their glory, but to the glory of God (Matthew 5:16).

Don’t say, “I’m only a small candle.” Don’t even think I’m only a flashlight. Just shine! Follow Jesus and do good. Even a tiny light pushes away the darkness and brings hope around it.        

 

 

Your Future is Now

Life is full of changes. We have just come through a hot summer. Now, almost overnight, it's time for the heater, not the air conditioning.

There are other obvious changes thanks to COVID. I was telling a friend about a couple of restaurants that had removed all their tables and chairs. Business seemed robust with their take-out options.

I said, "I wonder if they'll ever bring back their seating? I would think their life is simpler without it."

She said, "I think the face of our nation is forever changed." And it's not just us; COVID-19 has changed the world.

I enjoy the devotional thoughts of Sarah Young. Here are a few comments from her book, *Jesus Calling. The caps are mine for emphasis:  So many people dream of the day WHEN they will finally be happy, WHEN they are out of debt, WHEN their children are out of trouble, WHEN they will have more leisure time, and so on."

Dreams and plans are a positive part of our human experience, but there's a major problem. We are not in control of our lives or those of the people around us.  

Life HAPPENS and plans CHANGE. No truthful person would ever say life is easy, but we need to live life in the NOW. It's a choice we can make.

The Apostle Paul explained his approach in Philippians 4:11: . . . I have LEARNED how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am (AMP).

People willing to learn are flexible.

Go ahead . . . dream and plan. But realize your future is now, and learn to enjoy life today!

*Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence, Sarah Young, Thomas Nelson, Nashville, 2004, p. 266.

Run With Patience

It's funny how you can read a well-known passage, only to have a new thought pop up. I love it when that happens.

Today's reading was Hebrews, Chapter 11, sometimes called The Hall of Faith. It lists people who, against all odds, "kept the faith" to gain an eternal crown of righteousness.

In the next chapter, Paul wrote of a race to be run with endurance. It was a marathon, not a sprint.

If you say, "Runners," I think speed. That's why "run with patience" caught my attention. People usually say, "Slow down!" when they mean stop rushing around and messing things up. It's another way of saying, "Be patient."

Each of us is running our own marathon. Paul wrote to Timothy that he had "finished his race, kept the faith, and was looking forward to receiving a crown of righteousness" (2 Timothy 4:7-8, NKJV).

He was slowed down plenty of times. His short list included shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonment, hunger, sleeplessness, and more (2 Corinthians 11:24-28, NKJV).

In our day, we have been slowed down by a different challenge: COVID-19. Instead of dashing off to work, school or church, we've had to slow down. For some that meant working at home, for others loss of a job, or lack of childcare. 

As we shelter in place and listen to endless reminders for social distancing and healthcare, there's no doubt about it---we are slowed down!

Are you setting an example of running with patience? Are you enduring your challenges without complaint? Are you creatively using your abilities to endure this race with calmness and self-control?

Consider the example of wagon-train pioneers plodding slowly westward. They had no control over the weather or speed of their journey. Their only control, day after day, was self-control . . . their heart set on perseverance to the end. 

Our worldwide pandemic has no end in sight. Like the pioneers, our only control is self-control. It's a daily challenge, but let's run with patience and stay the course.

Perseverance, Courage, or Both

If Only World Problems Could Be Handled Easily

Around the world COVID-19 is still an issue. As a pandemic, it’s a widespread life changer.

Have any of these changes affected you?

 

1) Schools are closed, and homeschooling and online classes fill in

2) Business challenges abound with “work from home,” jobs cuts, and layoffs

3) Food Banks are overwhelmed, and churches and civic organizations are trying to help

4) Social distancing is a given, masks are becoming more of a requirement

5) Group size limited to 10 has affected weddings, funerals, and celebrations of all kinds

6) Hoarding has caused shortages in necessary goods and food supplies

7) Needed Personal Protective Equipment for hospitals and first responders is in short supply

8) With a few “essential businesses” left open, the economy is ebbing low

9) Shelter-in-place requirements have curtailed travel and closed the hospitality industry

10) Streaming Online and ZOOM have joined Skype and FaceTime as “personal” connections

I could go on, but you probably have your own list. What we have in common is this: Life will not return to our “old normal.”

Your "New Normal" May Puzzle You

Major events always create a “new normal.” That’s why I am focused on perseverance and courage.

Older citizens may think I’ve got a handle on this. Younger ages may think someone else will cover for me. The truth is, perseverance and courage are personal qualities needed at any age:

Perseverance: continuing to do something in spite of obstacles or challenges; patient effort; persistence; adherence to some action, purpose, or belief.

Courage: the attitude of facing and dealing with anything recognized as dangerous, difficult, or painful; no withdrawing from it; brave.

The apostle Paul wrote that suffering produces perseverance and perseverance produces character (Romans 5:3-4).

The phrase “be strong and courageous” appears often in the Old Testament---Joshua 1:6-9, for example.

Make A Positive Difference In This World

So . . . how are you dealing with the challenges of COVID-19?

Hopefully, your answer will be, “I’m hanging in there” (perseverance), and/or, “I’m looking for ways to deal with it” (courage).

We need both.

Change . . . Count On It

CHANGE . . . COUNT ON IT

Can you think of a person, a time or a place that has never changed? I can’t. But examples of change seem boundless.

Change is built into our world from the moment of conception. The first change, for example, is the uniting of sperm and egg. Then the embryo experiences many changes during the next nine months. Pregnant mothers become aware of change as the little one starts to make his or her presence felt in the womb.

The baby’s environment changes at birth, from water to air. People’s feelings change from apprehensive to joyful when the baby gives its first cry.

Beyond Babies 

Change happens in other parts of our world, too. Plants, for example, are changed through cross-pollination. Animals are changed by cross-breeding. The variety of plants and animals seems endless.

Time Changes Things

And what about ghost towns? Talk about change! If you visit a place like Bodie, California it’s hard to imagine it once filled with thousands of people and a rich mining operation. The same thing goes for Tonopah, Nevada.

You can’t miss the changes in that former mining town as you drive through on Highway Ninety-five. Leave the main highway, like we did, and drive down graveled side streets. You’ll see abandoned buildings all around. Weeds and boarded up or broken windows attest to a life now gone.

Moves Create Change 

I’ve experienced a lot of changes in my life with the moves I’ve made, but I’ve never rushed into it. Once I’m sure it’s the right thing to do I start packing. But I admit that on moving day I’m scarce. I don’t enjoy seeing the boxes packed into a big truck. I like following it down the highway even less.

But with a move change is inevitable. Once we arrive at our new destination, I change my attitude. There’s no going back, only forward. I unpack the boxes one at a time and the space changes and starts to become my own. I’m at peace again.

Death Brings Change 

A major change happened in my life this week. My best friend since college days passed away after struggling with physical changes and challenges this past year. We had shared experiences, telephone calls and prayer times together for over fifty years.

Her foster son called one morning and gave me a chance to say goodbye. Along with telling her how much I loved her I said I’d meet her in heaven one day. Why did I say that?

Because I believe in another awesome change. The Apostle Paul taught that earthly perishable bodies will be resurrected imperishable, to enjoy eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:39-44; 15:50-55). Because of Christ’s resurrection we have this hope in Him (1 Corinthians 15:20-26).

I get the jokes about playing harps while floating around on heavenly clouds. But I believe God, the Great Creator, has wonderful creative plans for life after this life.

More change . . . count on it!