Posted on in 2012 Posts

Come to Me All You Who are Weary…Love,God

This week we have had a young cardinal or what I call red bird sitting on our window sills chirping over and over.  At first I thought it was some prehistoric bird lost from the past, but after taking a closer look I know it is just a younger cardinal.  He’s kind of ugly with his big bulging eyes and feathers that are not a pretty red color yet as they should be.  As he and I sat there looking at each other one afternoon, I wondered, what is he doing?  Doesn’t he know I’m human and could be a threat to him if I were a bad human?  Knowing he was a baby though, I realized he hasn’t figured all of that out yet.  He’s just being curious as he discovers this new world around him.  It could be that he didn’t actually see me at all and was just talking to his reflection in the window.  I will never know.

Nonetheless, He kept chirping over and over, “Cheep, cheep, cheep, cheep,”…most of the day long.  Male cardinals are very territorial and they use song to establish their territory.  I suspect he’s a bit inexperienced with how all of that works.  He’s going to ensure his territory is his by driving anyone who tries to get close, crazy with his continuous, repetitive song!  Nonetheless, as he stares at me through the window with those beady eyes, I want to run and rescue him as he seems to be having such a hard time growing up and figuring out how to be an adult.

I’m sure we wear God out at times too when we, “Cheep, cheep, cheep,” in perhaps a whining sort of way as we grow disillusioned by trying to always do the right thing and nothing seems to go our way.   However, as we learn to trust God and grow to understand His voice, our cheep, cheep, cheeps turn into beautiful music.  As we take one day at a time exploring, reading, praying, seeking and most of all waiting, God shows us the beautiful person He created us to be.

The one thing about it all is that God doesn’t always rush to our rescue when we are going through tough times.  It’s as though He’s on the other side of the window, hearing our cries but knowing we need time to figure it out so to speak.  He knows that in order for it to be our faith and His strength working in our lives, we may have to suffer a while, probably whine a little, and go through His refining fires.  When He is done, we can then stand back and watch as God transforms our beings into something awesome!  I’m sure we look just as pathetic as the bird at my window, but it doesn’t make Him jump in and take over.  He gives us grace and waits for the time when we are ready to grow.  He watches patiently from the other side of the window. Just as beautiful as the young bird will be when his feathers are all in place and he has grown, so will your life be when you’ve passed through these trials onto the other side.

As I look around and see friends and loved ones struggling with relationships, others with their health, grief, some with depression, job loss, and even just simply unanswered prayer, I want to help them.  I want to make it all better. But I have learned that if I jump in and fix it (if I really could), it will never be fixed like it will be if they would just trust God and hang in there for the long haul.  It kills me to watch them suffering.  The one thing I know is, “God will meet them where their need is.  Perhaps not in their time and probably not how they are expecting Him to do so.  But I believe He will be faithful to those who trust in Him.  I can say this because I have been there and witnessed it all first-hand in my own life.  I can also say that it was in those dark, hopeless years of my life that I truly understood what it is to trust.  I learned not to question the works of my Master in my life…even when I thought the pain was never going to end.

My heart is heavy this week for those going through tough times.  To my loved ones…I can see your fear, your unrest, your pain, and I even understand your questions as to why God isn’t intervening in your situation. I’ve actually asked them myself on your behalf and on mine at times.  I don’t understand why when you and others are praying, praying, praying as the bird cheep, cheep, cheeps, nothing seems to change.  Maybe God is just asking for your trust.  Maybe He just needs for you to let go of everything and accept that which He has given you for this time.  Just learn to just be content in your situation so to speak.  I know that God’s way is where we all want to be.  If God is quiet, there is a reason.  He doesn’t make mistakes.

Even though I suspect the cardinal doesn’t see me in here on the other side of the window, I see him.  As a matter of fact, I have even prayed for him to find his way as he looks so pathetic to me with those big beady eyes and beak that don’t fit his head.  So if you’re standing on the other side of the window crying out to God but can’t see Him in your life right now, know that He is there.  He is watching and waiting for the perfect time to reveal Himself in your situation.  He is watching as you grow to know and understand Him more intimately.  He loves you so much!

I would like to close with some words from Moses.  Moses was one who knew suffering first hand but he also knew God intimately.  He was even allowed to see God at one point. (Exodus 33:21-23)  His words in Exodus 14:13-14 say this:  …“Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today…The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

He is God.  We are not.  May He reign in your life no matter what your circumstances may be.

Posted on in 2012 Posts

Link to “Jesus, Politics and Obama…A Refreshing Perspective”

In today’s post, I put a link to my pastor’s sermon this past Sunday.  However, I have noticed it didn’t come to you properly.  So, now that I know it is out on the web now, I will try again.  If you click here, Here is the link!, then click at the top of the page where it says, “See and Hear, and then “Sermons”.  Sorry it is so difficult.  I’m not sure if I’m just being technology challenged today or if it’s something out of my control.  Nonetheless, it is there now and with a little effort, you will be able to listen if you choose to do so!  Enjoy!

Posted on in 2012 Posts

Unrest in the World…

All I can do is praise God every minute that my son is back in the United States.  This is especially true after the last several days worldwide!  I don’t know about you, but as the news of the Libyan Ambassador and other Americans being killed started popping up on my TV screen, I got an instant sick feeling deep down inside my being.  It was similar to the day when I watched the news updates about the Twin Towers being destroyed in the 9-11 incidents.  As I have heard about even more trouble popping up everywhere, I can’t help but wonder how much more time we have before Jesus returns.

Not only are we seeing more attacks simply because someone is an American, but also because of one’s faith.  As Americans, we haven’t seen near the trial and persecution that other lands are getting just simply because they are professing a faith in Jesus Christ.  However, it seems as though it is increasing here as we speak.  Last week my friend, Pastor Roy in India, sent a photo to me about a silent march of the Christians there recently.  The Christians are experiencing great persecution from the government in their land.   Typically if someone was unhappy with the government in India they would do more of a riotous march.  They would gather together, walk through the streets and be shouting bad things aimed at the government.  They might also beat up cars or other things along the path to show their anger about the situation.  Last week’s march, however, was silent.  Christian men donned white robes with black belts while marching through the streets.  The black belts were to symbolize their sadness or grief over the current situation.  No one spoke; nor was there any violence.  It was a quiet and peaceful act to protest the decisions the government is making regarding the Christians.

When the government is corrupt or simply not God-honoring, it affects us all who are God-honoring negatively.  As we are going into another election soon, I don’t know about you, but I grieve.  Sometimes I want to put on a white robe with a black sash and quietly walk through the streets to protest my unhappiness with the direction in which our leaders are taking our country just like they did in India.  As Christians living in this world right now, what is our place?  What should we be doing?  Who should we vote for? Yesterday, our pastor had a great sermon about how we as Christians should react in the days ahead.  The one thing that rings in my head from what he said  is that no matter who gets elected, God is not surprised.  He knows what our days ahead involve and He also knows how it all ends.  For those of us who are believers, it ends well.

My heart is heavy for those in the midst of chaos and persecution.  I am very aware it could happen to any of us at any time, anywhere.  I am praying earnestly for those affected daily.  I am praying for other people’s sons and daughters who are serving abroad at this tumultuous time in our world.  I am praying for our current leaders and future leaders if there were to be a change in the months ahead.  One thing I know.  I live in a world in which I don’t belong.  I’m just passing through for a while.  I’m not meant to be content here.  I may not even feel safe here at times.  However, the Holy Spirit that lives in me can guide me and direct me safely home.  He can prompt me on the things I am to do as a Christian such as pray or take action.  He will tell me when to speak and when to be silent.  He can even guide my decision for who I vote for!  I need only to trust in Him.

So in the days ahead when you see the suffering and chaos all around, take the time to pray.  Pray for those who are being persecuted, suffering and even being killed because of their faith or nationality.   My pastor, Chris Russell’s, sermon yesterday was so reassuring and encouraging at this time of crisis for our nation.   I hope you might take the time this week to listen.  It should be posted in the next day or so and is well worth it in order to see these times in a different light.  I have touched on a few of his points in this blog, but he certainly said it well.  Even though the sermon was titled, “Jesus, Politics and Obama…A Refreshing Perspective”…it is not talking for or against any candidate.  It just simply looks at all of this from a Christian point of view.   Just remember, it won’t be up for another day or so on the site.  Just hang on to this message for a few days so you can listen later.  Here is the link!

I was encouraged by 2 Corinthians Chapter 4 today in my daily reading.  Take the time to ponder it and see how God speaks to you.  I look forward to hearing some feedback from today’s message.  See you next week!