Flying

"Human beings ... too often think they're flying when they're only falling"

Wendell Berry

Our Christian nation

Although this country has drifted from its roots, there's little doubt that we founded this nation "under God," fully intending to operate by biblical principles. Some today try to disclaim - or dilute - that intent, but changing history in speeches doesn't change it in fact. We must stand up for truth and not wilt in the face of withering opposition.

If you haven't seen this video yet, take a look:

God's selection

Kings will see, get to their feet—the princes, too—and then fall on their faces in homageBecause of God, who has faithfully kept his word,The Holy of Israel, who has chosen you."

Isaiah 49:7

And in the end....

Bob spoke to us from the grave. What would you have said if you have the chance? Bob created that opportunity, writing his own eulogy years before he passed on at age 90.

He had a chance to talk about his retirement, of the places he’d visited and the home he’d built. He had a chance to tout his business success. He had a chance to boast about his community respect.

Bob talked about his family and he talked about God. His family had gathered from Texas and California and North Carolina to honor his life and they heard a warm testimony to his love for all – down to the youngest great-grandchild. Bob knew and loved each one.

Bob closed his own eulogy with powerful words about his Savior. If one thing mattered, Bob said, it was your commitment to God. And he invited those present to make choices and to dedicate themselves to what he had dedicated himself: a daily walk to the Lord.

Bob’s descendants listened raptly, for many had done that long ago. They were Bob’s walking words, pursuing their Creator as Bob had done for 70 years. They had seen his heart and many had followed his lead.

If you could write your own eulogy, what would you write? What’s important to you? And is it seen in the people who follow?

Like Bob, you touch people every day. You’re writing your eulogy day by day. Is it about hobbies and entertainment? Is it about work and committees? Is it about awards and travel?

Is it what you want to say? How’s it going?

Friday Five: Fruit!

God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number. Gen 1:28

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. Prov 11:30

If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit.

John 15:5

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Gal 5:22-23

Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. Eph 5:8-11

Voicing the celebration

Silence. Some 400 years had crept by without a prophetic peep. God’s people had suffered through the reign of the Greeks, raised a Jewish revolt (led by the Maccabee family) and enjoyed some self-rule before the Romans blanketed Palestine.

All without a new word from God.

But the time of silence was ending. An angel appeared to a priest with a message from God. New words from the Creator King were spoken in the temple to Zechariah, who doubted and was stricken with more silence while others were given new words.

New words came from a pregnant Elizabeth, who rejoiced in God’s blessing.

"The Lord has done this for me," she said. "In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people."

Luke 1:25

Mary celebrated after Gabriel revealed the miracle on incarnation. Words could barely capture her joy.

My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me--
holy is his name.

Luke 1:46-49

Even Zechariah, relieved of his temporary muteness, burst into exultant song:

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come and has redeemed his people.

Luke 1:68

But that was nothing compared to the angels, who tumbled out of heaven in a magnificent ecstasy, proclaiming the most-amazing birth announcement ever made:

Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Luke 2:14

God brought out the full choir and orchestra for this delivery.

But the words hadn’t stopped. Simeon, that faithful and devout Jerusalem Jew, was alerted by God to meet Mary and Joseph at the temple. On seeing the baby, he celebrated:

For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel."

Luke 2:30-32

Words seemed the most appropriate way to celebrate this new birth, this revelation and glory that had come to earth. The plan was unfolding in the midst of song and prophecy.

We are on the cusp of Christmas, abuzz with gift-wrapping and fudge-making. We, as followers of Jesus, have chosen this season to celebrate the birth of our Savior, although there’s no indication that he was actually born on December 25. It’s a day we chose to celebrate.

So let’s celebrate! Do your words – and do mine – dance as Mary’s did? Do we throw our arms to heaven as Elizabeth sang? Do we tumble forward to praise God for his grace?

Can we be, like Anna, give thanks to God and speak about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:38

May these be days of song, of words of delight and joy. Glory to God in the highest!

Friday Five: Feet

Five aspects to feet:

Authority: I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Josh 1:3

Reverence: I saw this and fainted dead at his feet. His right hand pulled me upright, his voice reassured me: "Don't fear: I am First, I am Last.” Rev 1:17

Confidence: He will guard the feet of his saints,
but the wicked will be silenced in darkness. 1 Sam 2:9

Teachable: She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. Luke 10:39

Servanthood: Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with his apron. John 13:5

Marriage: God's faithfulness

I had a nightmare once at 18, where I woke up with heart pounding and sweat pouring. In my dream, I was 28 and unmarried. I could imagine nothing worse and consoled myself with the fact I had 10 years. Surely I’d find a husband by then.

Did I tell you I was a late bloomer?

I was well past 28 before God opened that door. But this isn’t a story about loneliness or defeat, but about God’s faithfulness.

The year before I married, I met a nice Christian man. We dated, we laughed, we went for long walks on the lakeshore. I thought, finally.

God said, end this relationship.

I’m ashamed to say that I argued with God for two months. I was sure that I was giving up children at very least if I obeyed. Perhaps I’d find a husband some day but it’d be too late for children.

But you know that weight that comes from disobedience? Either you get so numb you quit noticing or you finally do what you’re told.

I finally followed. The break came in December, making it a hollow holiday season.

Then Matt called, asking if he could stop by to talk to me. A tiny ember of hope glowed. Maybe he was calling about a date?

No. His parents, who had moved in with him to care for his children, had been in a car wreck while on a holiday trip. He had to bring them home. Could I stay with his children while he was gone?

Sure. I knew then I had reached the end of it. I couldn’t even tell when a guy was going to ask me out. I knew the gift of singlehood was mine.

If you were here last week, you know the end of the story. After the rescue mission, he called me again. And this time, we did set up a date.

Today I have a precious husband and six wonderful children, all of whom call me “Mom.” I treasure the family God gave me. God was faithful to me and his path was better than any of my plans. As always.

For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you.

Deut 4:31