On the Rock

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

Matthew 7:24-25 (NIV)

These words come from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount in which He addresses and captures many of the values that are to be characteristic of a wisely lived life. He talks about the importance of building our lives on a solid foundation.

We left Missouri during the summer of the American Midwest "Great Flood of 1993." The previous year's rainy autumn, followed by heavy winter snowfalls and persistent, repetitive storms in the late spring and early summer filled the mighty Mississippi and Missouri riverbanks to overflowing.

In places like St. Louis, river levels were nearly 20 feet above flood stage, the highest ever recorded in 228 years. While the 52-foot-high St. Louis floodwall, built to handle the volume of the 1844 flood, was able to keep the 1993 waters out with just over two feet to spare, entire towns were evacuated. Crops were damaged. Property was destroyed. Havoc resulted. And still the rains kept falling.

Just south of St. Louis levee breaks near Columbia, Illinois, flooded 47,000 acres of land, inundating neighboring towns. The released water continued to flow parallel to the Mississippi River, approaching the earthen dike that protected the historic towns of Prairie du Rocher and Fort de Chartres. To force flood waters back into the river, officials decided to break through the stronger river levee.

I doubt that I'll ever forget television coverage of the intentional break. I watched in horror as a large, white farmhouse, torn from its foundation by the force of the raging, brown waters, was toppled and swept away in an instant. The engineer's plan ultimately worked and saved the historic towns.

Jesus said that the person who obeys His Word is like "a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matthew 7:25). If we build according to the unwavering truths of God's Word, we will not be swept away when crises hit with flood-like force. The tempests of temptation and the storms of suffering will not be able to sweep us off a solid foundation of faith and obedience.

Dear friend, adversity may come. Yet because we are anchored to the unshakable Rock, we can emerge with our character strengthened. Are you building your life on the solid foundation--Jesus Christ?

Blessings, dear friend.
Faithfully Following

L-i-f-e

Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.
Luke 12:22 (NIV)

My day had not gotten off to a very good start. I'd inadvertently set my alarm clock for 5 p.m. instead of 5 a.m. and overslept. Everything seemed to simply go down hill from that point.

Guilt about our upcoming move had compelled me to commit to make a fresh batch of brownies that morning for my daughter's school bake sale. Because I was running behind schedule, I rushed the baking time so I could make an appointment to sign closing papers for the sale of our house before heading to the office. Chewy around the edge of the pan and gooey in the middle--a perfect "two-sensation" pan of brownies I reasoned through my daughter's disappointment. Besides, it was either that or showing up with nothing.

As I sat in traffic, I shouldered the blame from a phone call with my long-distance husband the evening before that ended on an angry note. At the same time I fretted about how another move would affect our family, particularly our kids.

When the yellow caution light began to blink on my SUV's dashboard, I was all but ready to yank out the annoying device. "Hey! We're really low on gas here. Are you trying to get stranded?" it seemed to scream at me. Willing myself to ignore the warning, I vacillated...stop and fill up the fuel tank? Take my chances and continue on to the office for a meeting for which I was late and was to deliver a presentation? What a day. And, it wasn't yet nine o'clock!

In the New Testament book of Luke, Jesus teaches about worry (Luke 12:22-34). Five times within this short passage of Holy Scripture He encourages us to not worry needlessly. He desires that we give Him our concerns and that we trust Him to take care of them. By the power of the Holy Spirit, God empowers us with wisdom to recognize and avoid unrealistic expectations. He also enables us through faith in Jesus to accomplish what He sets before us without burning out from stress.

Stress is a fact of life. However, when we carry guilt from the past, borrow fear about the future and live in worry of today, we'll become overloaded. We may exhaust our personal resources and ignore those that come from our relationship with God. Through His Word, God works to strengthen our faith so that we trust Him to provide for our needs and handle our concerns.

Dear friend, it's particularly on those days when we spell stress "l-i-f-e" that we need to seek first God's kingdom and righteousness (Matthew 6:33). He promises to strengthen our faith, enabling us to trust Him at all times and in all situations (Psalm 56:3).

Blessings, dear friend.
Faithfully Following

Divided heart

Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name.
Psalm 86:11 (NIV)

Things to do. People to see. Places to be.

Our days are filled with an abundance of commitments and activities. In order to respond to each task, we allocate the 1,440 minutes of each day among those things that vie for our attention--children's activities, church meetings, work, family obligations, social engagements, household chores, hobbies, sleep. And, the list goes on. Each activity in and of itself is considered good and, in most cases, needful. If we're not careful, however, we can develop the "divided-heart syndrome."

Hosea became a prophet at the end of the reign of the nation of Israel's last powerful king, Jeroboam II. The people of Israel had forgotten God's first commandment: "no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3) and the country was on a downhill spiral. They had hoped to "hedge their bets" so that if the Lord failed them they would have another god to rely on. And so the Israelites turned to Baal, a Canaanite fertility god, and found Baal's worship less demanding than God's.

In the Old Testament book of Hosea, the prophet uses three colorful figures of speech to describe the people of Israel's divided hearts. First, they were like a half-baked cake--burned on one side and raw on the other they were palatable neither to God nor the pagans (Hosea 7:8). Second, unaware of their spiritual decline they were like a proud man who can't see the signs of his aging (vv. 9-10). Finally, flying from one pagan nation to another looking for help, Israel was like a senseless dove (v.11).

Today, we as Christians are often afflicted with the same condition. We trust Jesus but are reluctant to commit every area of our lives to Him. We go to church but don't want to live out our faith each day if it means giving up worldly success or pleasure. A divided heart does not please God; nor does it attract nonbelievers to Christ. Unfortunately, it may take a crisis to show us our true spiritual decline. Not to mention, we live unfulfilled lives even as we flit from one activity to another.

My friend, just as the psalmist calls out to God to protect him from a divided heart, let's pray each day, "Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth; give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name."

Blessings, dear friend.
Faithfully Following

Frantically Fluttering

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

The hummingbird darted into our garage through the open doorway, and it quickly became obvious that the little bird was totally disoriented amidst a sea of freshly painted white walls and ceiling. As fast as it zoomed in one direction, it frantically turned and zipped in another looking for an escape. The bird's long, straight and very slender bill made it appear as if a quiver of arrows was being shot throughout the room. The hum made by its rapidly beating wings echoed all through the otherwise quiet, empty garage as it hovered in mid-air.

Backwards, forwards, up, down. My husband kept his eye on each movement the bird made matching its rapid, frenzied flight pattern with his characteristically steady, deliberate pace. With straw broom in hand, he gently worked at guiding the little hummer in the direction of the open doorway. At times the space between bird and man was all but nothing that my husband could see its tiny chest throbbing from its rapid heartbeat.

After what seemed an eternity, the bird finally caught sight of the way out and it whizzed out the door's opening as swiftly as it had entered. We cheered as we watched our freed captive soar into the open air. And then we stared in horror as we followed its tiny body plummet from the sky.

Concluding that the strain of its release had simply been too much for the little guy, my husband slowly walked across our neighbor's yard to where it lay on the ground. Kneeling down next to the bird, he reached out his hand to touch the white tips of its rounded tail feathers. Suddenly, the bird perked up and flew off once more.

Too many times I'm like that little hummingbird--anxious, frazzled and afraid of what might happen next. Caught up in a sea of emotion, I flit in one direction and flutter in another. I bump my head against the proverbial brick wall, even to the point of exhaustion, before dropping to my knees and asking for help. Still God is faithful.

"The eyes of the Lord are everywhere" (Proverbs 15:3) and nothing escapes His attention. That includes you and me, dear friend. Jesus said, "Even the very hairs of your head are numbered" (Matthew 10:30). When we ask Him for help, God's response is always based on His perfect knowledge of us and our situation.

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you" (1 Peter 5:6-7). My friend, let's trust Him with our anxious concerns.

Blessings, dear friend.
Faithfully Following

Shore up the low points

Therefore, I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows."
Nehemiah 4:13 (NIV)

Throughout its history, ancient Israel's obedience to God led to blessing and disobedience led to trouble. When the kings of Israel and Judah failed to live up to the kingship covenant that was made with David, God declared through His prophets that He would judge His people's faithlessness.

Consequently, after centuries of repeated disobedience, the northern kingdom of Israel fell to the Assyrians (722 B.C.), and Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians and the southern kingdom of Judah taken into exile in Babylon (587 B.C.). In His mercy, however, God declared that after He judged His people, He would bring them back.

And so it went. The Babylonian Empire was eventually overthrown by Cyrus, king of Persia in 539 B.C. Through the Persian rulers, God brought favor to His people and the exiles not only were allowed to return home but encouraged to practice their own religion. The Jews could at last restore their temple at Jerusalem; work that was completed in 516 B.C.

Fast forward circa 445 B.C. Despite several abortive attempts to construct Jerusalem's city walls, they remained in ruins. (Ezra 4:7-23) Without protective walls the city was vulnerable to numerous enemies. When word reached Nehemiah, who was living away in Babylonia, about the sorry plight of Jerusalem and its inhabitants, the royal cupbearer to king Artaxerxes was distressed at the news. He prayed to God about the situation. Convicted that God wanted him to ask the king if he might be released from his post and be given authority to go to Jerusalem and organize the rebuilding of the city walls, Nehemiah prayed that Artaxerxes' heart might be favorably disposed toward him. God answered his prayer, the king consented, and Nehemiah set out on the 1,100 mile journey home.

Upon arrival in Jerusalem, Nehemiah made a personal inspection of the city and organized the project. He found the people willing to work; and with his dynamic leadership, people of all sorts--priests, perfumers, goldsmiths and merchants--joined together in the rebuilding. Nonetheless, they faced first ridicule and then blackmail, intimidation and threats from powerful opponents.

Nehemiah's reply to the opposition was prayer and faith, plus practical action: "we prayed...and set a guard...Remember the Lord...and fight." (Nehemiah 4:1-20) His unshakable confidence came from the certainty that "our God will fight for us." A practical man, an organizer and leader, a man of courage, determination and deep spiritual resources to draw on, it took just 52 days, despite all opposition, to build 1.5 miles of wall.

Some days, exhausted and anxious because I've been pushed to my limits, I feel weary clear down to the marrow of my bones. My nerves are shot, my emotions vulnerable; I wonder whether I will ever accomplish anything of value.

It's at those moments that I station my Help at my exposed places. Taking up the Sword, which is the Word of God, I remember the Lord who is great and awesome. And, determined to fight, I dig deep into the spiritual resources of His Truth and declare my longing to remain faithful to what He has called me to.

What trouble do you face today, dear friend? Are you challenged with a difficult decision, hurting from a broken relationship, or drained by a rebellious child? Are you burdened with financial matters, concerned about a health issue, or fretting at the days ahead?

My friend, God answers prayer. He protects those who trust Him. His means of deliverance are never exhausted.

Blessings, dear friend.
Faithfully Following

Transition

But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

Joshua 24:15b (NIV)

If ever there was a case study regarding the effects that change has on our lives, it's the account of God's ancient people, the children of Israel. These effects, which played out in a cycle of sin--sorrow--supplication--salvation--sin recurred, are demonstrated in three periods of Israel's history.

In the beginning, God warned Adam not to choose what looked right in his own eyes, but to follow God's instructions. Still, Adam and Eve chose to go their own way and brought upon themselves the tragic consequences of broken fellowship with God.

But God, full of compassion for His people, had a plan to reconcile the world to Himself; a plan that began with one man, Abraham. Through Abraham and his descendants God made the nation Israel from whom all the world would be blessed.

At risk of being drawn into the religious practices of their pagan neighbors, God kept this small group a unified people by sending them from Canaan into Egypt. While in Egypt, the family of seventy grew into a nation of 650,000 men, plus all the women and children. Fearful that they would be overrun by the Hebrew people, the Egyptians forced the Israelites into slavery. God heard His children's cries for deliverance, and in response, sent Moses to lead His people out of bondage and back to the Promised Land. The first five books of the Bible record this approximate 600 years of history of God's people, from the call of Abraham to Moses' leading the Israelites to the edge of the land of Canaan.

A second transitional period began when the new generation of enthusiastic followers of God entered the land God had promised to Abraham's descendants. Recorded in the Old Testament books of Joshua, Judges and Ruth, this tumultuous period lasted about 360 years.

Even as God gave control of the Promised Land to the children of Israel through Joshua's victories, signs of unfaithfulness appeared. Rather than persist in the task of securing the land and driving out the inhabitants, the Israelites became content to settle alongside the Canaanites. Surrounded by the worship of many gods, the Israelites overlooked the evils of paganism. Instead of the people of God pulling their neighbors toward Him, the Baal worshipers pulled God's people toward Baal.

God had warned Israel of this great danger, and the period following Joshua's death was a very difficult, unsettled time in Israelite history. Becauses of God's great love for His children, He disciplined them in the form of oppression so they might return to Him. Only when the situation became unbearable did the people turn to Him in desperation. In humility, they repented and followed His way. Soon, however, pagan influences pulled them away once more. The Israelite's continued indulgence in pleasure and selfish desires dulled their love for God. It lessened their respect for His authority until God described them as "Every man did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

The books of 1 and 2 Samuel cover a third period of transition. After almost four centuries without central leadership, the Israelites were frustrated. Concluding that their troubles were political, the people requested a king. An earthly king. Blind to the fact that their political problems had a spiritual cause, the dilemma wasn't their request itself but the reasoning behind the request. In this transitional era, the people of Israel moved from their dependence on God toward the leadership of man.

Throughout history, God has remained faithful to His people even in periods characterized by unfaithfulness. He has proven Himself a patient, just and merciful judge who keeps His promises, brings victory, and expects obedience.

Whenever we make a change in our activities, relationships, employment or location, we invite new distractions and influences into our lives. Follow after God's heart, my friend. For faithfulness surely is the key to success; disobedence can only spell disaster.

Blessings, dear friend.
Faithfully Following

Remember

Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers. Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands.
Deuteronomy 8:1-2 (NIV)

A sentiment appears on a memorial plaque in Bastogne, Belgium, where the famous Battle of the Bulge raged, one of World War II's bloodiest conflicts. The inscription, in honor of the US 101st Airborne Division, reads, "Seldom has so much American blood been shed in the course of a single action. Oh, Lord, help us to remember!"

As I write this message, I'm waiting to board an airplane to travel home to Pennsylvania after having attended a class reunion in Missouri. On March 22, 1970, I stood with 31 eighth grade classmates as we each made a formal declaration of our faith in Jesus Christ. We were surrounded that day by our families, friends, and fellow believers in Christ who witnessed our Rite of Confirmation. Now 40 years later, we took time out of our busy lives to get together and remember.

The word remember in Greek means to deliberate--to keep it on your mind. And it is often used in the sense of remembering something for our good.

In the opening verse of the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy, Moses addresses the people of Israel. After 40 years of desert wandering, the people were camped in the plains of Moab poised to enter the land of Canaan, the promised land. God had proved His faithfulness again and again, but as soon as they crossed the Jordan River, they would have numerous battles to fight--physical clashes with the Canaanites and spiritual frays in order for them to remain God's holy people.

As the Israelites gathered on Canaan's border, eager to hear what their elderly, faithful leader had to say, most of them had been born or had reached adulthood in the desert. Moses would not enter Canaan with them. In his final act of transferring leadership to Joshua, Moses reviewed the journey and reminded the people of their covenant with God. "Remember that once you were slaves"; Remember God's love," Moses urged the Israelites. It is to God that they owe their freedom and all the good things promised to them. This called for a response, "Remember to do"...keep faith, obey. This is the key to God's blessings. To forget God in the new life was to court disaster.

It was an absolute treat to gather with my former classmates! We laughed, jarred each other's memory of school day events (some, of which, may have become just a bit embellished with time), and talked about our families and lives today. And as we considered the Lord's faithfulness during the last 40 years, we also witnessed a new group of young people begin their journey as they made their vows of loyalty and steadfastness in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

There's an old song that goes something like this: "The cross before me, the world behind me...No turning back, no turning back."* Oh, Lord, help us always to remember!

Blessings, dear friend.
Faithfully Following

*I have decided to follow Jesus