True North

Picture by Caprice Miller

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” – Psalm 119:105

In this day and time having a GPS device or app is a must to get us where we want to go.  But what if we are in a situation where technology was not available?  Many of us may not even know how to use an actual compass due to our dependence on technology to just tell us where to go.  Admittedly, it’s nice to know I can just input the address and follow the little voice that tells me “Okay, let’s go!”  But what happens if I find myself in a location that Wi-Fi doesn’t reach?  I’m not really sure how a compass operates.  How will I know which way to go?  Where is “true North”?  What is “true North” anyway?  I’m afraid my lack of knowledge and direction would get me lost very quickly.

In a very real sense we are all traveling through this life on our own paths.  But how do we know if the path we are following is in the right direction?  The information we hear from various resources can be confusing and misleading.  How can we know what information to trust and what to ignore?  Wouldn’t it be nice to have a “life GPS” that tells us in a lovely voice “Hurtful relationship on side of road!  Do not detour.  Continue on the path ahead.” Or “health issues ahead – rest stop and healing at next right.” What we do have is something that acts as a GPS – God’s very Word, The Bible.  It truly does act as a life compass showing us the difference between relative truth and authentic truth.  By reading and studying it we can have direction in our lives that does not depend on the latest popular opinion.  Instead, it shows us God’s direction for our lives which is based on His truth – authentic truth.  In a world that is full of “relative truth” His Word can be trusted as the “True North” in our lives.  With His compass we can travel this life with confidence that we are on the right path and headed in the right direction.

What's Inside?

Picture by Caprice Miller

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7

What a head turner a car like this can be!  The color, the shape, the sound of the engine – it all seems to scream “LOOK AT ME!!!!”  And we do look.  We find ourselves wondering who drives it.  We assume things about that person such as their status in life, gender, appearance, even their personality.  We may even start imagining ourselves riding with that person in the car or, better yet, driving it ourselves.  What would it be like to own and drive a car like that?  It’s one of those things in life we can look at and think “if I had THAT I would be set.  Things would be good.”  For many, it’s the status symbol that tells the world, “Look at me!  I have arrived!”

It is curious the assumptions people make.  We see something such as a car and we assume things about those behind the wheel of said car.  Or we see an attractive person and assume they must be privileged or what their personality may be or that their life has advantages that the rest of us don’t.  It’s human nature to basically judge a book by its cover.   Or in this case, by what they….drive. 

 

However, the verse above lets us know that God views us differently.  You see, the profit, Samuel, had been given the task by God to anoint the next king of Israel.  He was told to go see a man named Jesse who had a lot of sons.  However, as the sons lined up, the Lord rejected each one.  So Samuel asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”  It was only then that Jesse mentioned the son who was still out tending his sheep like a good shepherd would.  So Samuel sent for David.  And when he arrived the Lord said to Samuel, “This is the one; anoint him!”  You see, it doesn’t matter what we drive or wear as much as it matters what the condition of our heart is.  Jesse thought any of his older sons would surely be the next anointed king.  They all possessed what would surely be “king material” – at least from a human perspective.  But that is not what God was looking for.  He already knew David and what the condition of his heart was. 

The question comes to mind, what would we look like if our outward appearance matched the condition of our hearts?  I dare say, we might find ourselves extremely disappointed.  Not many would match up – especially if viewed from God’s perspective.  But how was it that David’s heart was favored by God?  We can probably find evidence of this in David’s own writings such as Psalm 139:23-24 – “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  ²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me,and lead me in the way everlasting.”   It seems that David was in the habit of asking God to show him the condition of his heart.  That’s a risky prayer.  As we see from David’s life in 1^st and 2^nd Samuel, as much as David loved God, his heart didn’t always align with God’s instructions for his life.  David had to make changes in his life occasionally and it wasn’t easy for him.  

If we choose to ask God to show us the true condition of our hearts we have to be ready for the results.  Chances are that, for most of us, changes will need to be made if we truly desire to have a heart that pleases God.  And as Pastor Ed Young teaches, in order to have growth from change we will experience conflict – Change – Conflict – Growth.  But if we choose to ask God to “search and know our hearts”, He will change our hearts, He will help us to make the changes needed in our lives and overcome the conflicts that will ensue and we will grow stronger and closer to God as a result.  We could discover what real strength, beauty, grace and integrity look like from God’s perspective.  It would probably resemble what bravery, humility, authenticity and a heart for God would look like. 

My prayer is that we use David’s prayer and ask God to “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.  ²⁴ See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” I pray that He will move within each of us in such a way that He changes and transforms our hearts to align with His plans for our lives and who He created us to be.  My prayer is that God’s transformation will be so apparent that people don’t have to work to look beyond our exterior to see it.  But it just shines through.  And Lord, help us to see beyond the exterior of others so we see Your transformation of them also.  

He Knows And He Cares

 Picture by Caprice Miller

“Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?” – Matthew 6:26

One of the most pleasant sounds to me is the whistle of a bird right after a storm passes. It’s as though it’s telling me, “You can come out now. The storm has passed and we’re all okay.” I also love those mornings when I wake up and that same whistle is the first thing I hear. It’s a sound that reminds me that this is a new day. It’s up to me to make it what I will of it. In either circumstance of hearing the whistle of a bird, it seems to be that sound that gets my attention and reminds me of who is in control. Thankfully, that is not me. 

The verse above is one of those “tape to the mirror verses”. I’m so thankful to know He has me on His mind. It is a reminder that we don’t have to carry the burdens of life alone. We were created by God and He knows exactly what trials we are going through. He knows who we are individually. We are important to Him. These are the reminders that give us hope when health, financial, relational or other circumstances challenge our lives. Those things that are typically out of our control. 

I’m sure that I am not alone in sometimes feeling that the world is closing in around me. The everyday circumstances of life can be daunting to the point of making me want to just want to pull the covers over my head and never get out of bed. And when additional life circumstances come crashing down on us, well, I’m just locking the doors and never going out again. But that isn’t helpful. The world is still revolving and life is still going on whether we decide to participate or not. Isolating ourselves from the world does not help. If only we didn’t have to worry, right?! 

What happens when life causes us to worry and stress about things beyond our control? Our minds begin to spin and become a breeding ground of negativity. The scenarios we can create with the unknowns of life are limitless and can be debilitating, if we allow them to be. That is why it is so important to remember the truths God’s Word gives us. The FACT that we are more important to Him than the birds of the air is just one truth. He tells us so many times in scripture to be strong and courageous. He tells us that He is with us. Here’s just one example: 

“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”” – Joshua 1:9

This is another “tape to the mirror verse”. Knowing that God promises to be with me everywhere I go is a like lifting off a bolder. Many times I feel as though that bird whistle is meant to get my attention and remind me of this promise. He reminds me that He is in control, not me. What a comfort to know that the God of The Universe loves me, cares about me and is with me always in everything. 

Whatever the circumstance is you are in right now, know that you are NOT alone. 

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10

Be encouraged today to stand strong and courageously knowing that God is faithful and powerful and is holding on to you.

Be A Reflection

Picture by Caprice Miller

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” ‘ – John 8:12

What an interesting picture.  In the forefront you have the big tree with all the branches.  (It could be kind of creepy without its pretty leaves.)  But through those branches you see the light of the full moon.  But the light coming from the moon isn’t really its own light.  That light is actually the reflected light from the Sun, bouncing off the moon which acts like a mirror.  That reflection is a beautiful sight on a clear night.  It is also very welcomed when you are out in the darkness of night and need that reflection from the Sun to light your path so you can find your way.  

As you might expect, there’s a message here.  The verse above tells us one of the ways Jesus identified himself – “…..light of the world…”.  On this occasion Jesus had just dismissed the accusers of a woman who was about to be stoned because she had been found in the act of adultery.  They were not dismissed because they were mistaken about her sin.  She had been found in the act.  (Apparently they forgot to bring the guy along too in this case.)  No, they weren’t mistaken in their accusation. The crowd of accusers wanted to shine their own light on this situation.  They wanted to publicly shame this adulterous woman and at the same time attempt to find fault with Jesus.  Would he obey the Law of Moses and stone her like it said to or would he continue on this path of mercy he had a reputation for?  

Imagine the woman in the center of this dark and angry crowd with a single spotlight on her and her alone.  Her accusers are all still in the darkness of the shadows pointing their fingers at her.  And then Jesus flips the switch and turns the house lights on as he stands and says in John 8:7 “…Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”   And like predators do when caught in the light, they each dropped their stone and walked back into their darkness leaving just the woman and Jesus.  Then he turns to her and asks, 

“Where are your accusers?  Didn’t even one of them condemn you?”  “No, Lord.” she said.  And Jesus said, “Neither do I.  Go and sin no more.” – John 8:10-11.

There is something that happens when we have the light of Jesus casts upon us.  It exposes the hidden darkness - the sin - that we ALL have in our lives.  (Romans 3:23)   It’s not a pretty sight.  That’s why we would prefer to keep it in the dark. But when we do encounter that light, we have a choice of our response to it.   We either allow ourselves to be drawn to its powerful grace that forgives and saves or we run from it because of the pain it causes as it exposes the hidden darkness we are holding on to.   When we allow the light of Jesus to expose the darkness in our lives it is then that only He can clean what is exposed.  Sure, it may be a painful process; no one wants to deal with that ugliness.  But imagine the freedom of being able to live inside that light instead of lurking in the shadows of the darkness fearing exposure if you step into the light.  

The crowd that accused this woman tried to hide in their own darkness.  They tried to turn the light on someone who they deemed “more sinful” or “more recently sinful”.  But Jesus knew better.  He also knows when we try to do the same today.  It is easier to pick up a stone of condemnation to throw at someone else instead of allowing our own darkness to be exposed.  It’s time to put down the stone of condemnation, but don’t walk away.  Come further into the light.  And as we experience the forgiveness and grace that only the light of Jesus can bring, we will discover something else too.  Like the moon reflects the light of the Sun, we will reflect the light of THE SON.  We will drop our stones of condemnation and offer compassion instead as we point others to The Light Of The World. 

 Be a Son Reflector.  Drop the stone of condemnation and offer compassion, grace and forgiveness instead.  

Burning Bush Moment

Picture by Caprice Miller

“There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up.  “This is amazing,” Moses said to himself. “Why isn’t that bush burning up? I must go see it.”  – Exodus 3:2-3 NLT

Outdoor parties are fun.  But when the sun goes down light becomes important in order to keep the guest around.  In the case of the picture above, creative lighting can work great.  It becomes not only a source of light, but a conversation piece also.

I wonder if this was God’s initial intention with the burning bush.  Grabbing the attention of Moses through the light of fire would work, but for the bush to not be consumed by the fire…..now that’s an attention getter.  An event that must be examined more closely.   Like a moth to a flame, Moses is drawn near.  Little did he know he was coming into the very presence of God.  What an encounter!  It was truly life changing for him.  Because he didn’t ignore the burning bush, he was able to spend time with his Creator.  Moses was able to get perspective and discover his purpose in life.  He was able to actually question God about this decision to choose him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.  He was able to hear God respond to the arguments he put up against this decision – I stutter, they won’t listen to me, etc….  Thankfully, God didn’t give up on Moses and turn out the light of the burning bush and leave him there talking to ashes.  Moses took the mission and led the Israelites out of Egypt.

What if Moses had ignored his burning bush moment?   How would that have changed history?  Would there have even been a book of Exodus?  That was a monumental moment for Moses and the entire nation of Israel.  

It could be said that God has “burning bush moments” for each of us also.  It may not be to instruct us about leading an entire nation out of captivity, but He has a purpose for our lives.  Too many times though, we allow ourselves to be distracted by the whirlwinds of life.  We ignore the nudges that could lead us to those moments when God would speak to our hearts.  We speed along in our days in pursuit of finding purpose.  Yet, we never seem to consider that if we stop to examine God’s word and allow it to speak into our lives, we could actually have our own “burning bush moment”.  Is He drawing you closer so He can give you a directive…..some instructions?  Don’t ignore the burning bush of God’s Word.  Take time to spend with your Creator and the instructions He has left you. Listen for His whisper in your heart as He gives you direction.  Get ready to take the steps He will guide if you take on the mission He gives you.  It will be a life changing adventure.

Appreciation

Picture by Caprice Miller

Art - "Standing Ovation" by Anitra Blayton

“Come, everyone! Clap your hands!  Shout to God with joyful praise!” – Psalm 41:1

I really appreciate a good performance.  I also appreciate the beauty of the world around me in nature and art.  And I appreciate desserts too – chocolate especially.  There are a lot of other things I appreciate also, but we’ll stop at these categories.  I have to admit though; I probably don’t show my appreciation for the things I appreciate in a way that lets others know just how much I appreciate these things.   Instead, I tend to take things for granted more often than not.  I just trust that people know that they did a good job in their performance, their display of art or creating something delicious.  I would also admit that there are times that I actually envy those skills and spend a lot of time trying to do something similar or better. I soon find myself frustrated at my attempt and just quit the whole project.  In the midst of it all I’m left wondering how those people make it look so easy and how my attempt could be such a flop?

The sculpture featured above can be found in Terminal D of the DFW airport.  Caprice actually looked up the story behind the piece.  Basically the artist wanted to give a reminder that we should more quickly applaud those around us who are doing good things.  There are so many around us each and every day who share their gifts and talents with us.  However, we may have become so use to it that we take it for granted and don’t think of it as special any longer.  I dare say that many don’t even consider their own gifts and talents as special at all.  That’s sort of the secret of understanding if it is a gift or talent…it may come easy to you, but to someone else, they wonder how in the world you do that thing you do. 

 These skills are truly God-given.  Within each of His creation God has woven unique abilities that help to set us apart from each other.  These are also the very things that give us joy as we do them.  And in turn, they give joy to those around us also.  It is important to remember that gifts and talents are not limited to musical, artistic or culinary skills.  Many times we overlook the gifts and talents of those who make life simpler because of their gift of hospitality or administration or encouragement or organization or wisdom and a whole list of other “out-of-the-spotlight” skills.  The bottom line is that we ALL have gifts and talents.  God wired us with these gifts and talents to use and share and to appreciate in ourselves and others also. 

It is interesting though that many times we don’t appreciate these gifts within us because they do come so easy to us.  We feel that “surely anyone can do what I do because it’s easy.”  Not so.  You are made with unique gifts and talents for a unique purpose in life.  Do not be distracted by the enemy who would like for you to believe otherwise.  Don’t envy what you don’t have.  Instead, appreciate and applaud the gifts and talents of others and recognize and appreciate what you have been given yourself.  As you do, show appreciation to God and thank Him for what He has given. 

Ask God to guide you in just how He would like for you to use what He has given you for His purposes – the purpose you were created for.   By pursuing His purpose for your life and utilizing your God-given gifts and talents you will find that you applaud others for doing the same instead of envying their gifts and talents.  Soon you may even lead others in what the verse above says as you show your appreciation:   “Come, everyone! Clap your hands!  Shout to God with joyful praise!”

Building or Beacon?

Picture by Caprice Miller

“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” – Matthew 16:18

Old, beautiful buildings like the one pictured above make me wonder about the history surrounding it.  When was it built?  Who designed it?  What’s happened there?  What’s inside?   I can imagine on the other side of those big, heavy doors there is an interior that would be just as dramatic and beautiful on the inside.  I love the idea that this place would be busy with activities all the time.  People coming to this place find encouragement, others to celebrate with and experience life together.  Those that come in find “The Church”.

The verse above is one of those “red letter verses” that was spoken directly from the lips of Jesus to Peter’s ears.  I’m sure at the time Peter could not fully grasp the meaning of this declaration from the Messiah.  He may have had the thought that this “church” spoken of was a physical building.  But what we know is that the church is not just a building.  The church really consists of the people who come together in the building and worship Jesus Christ and praise His name.  It is really a world- wide phenomenon.  From the beginning of “The Church” in the book of Acts, we see that this was the case.  Due to persecution, the people who made up the church realized they had to move from where they were or die.  As a result, the church expanded beyond the borders of Jerusalem and continues to expand today.  God is amazing at taking what the enemy would use to destroy and turning it around for His glory.

Now, imagine yourself as one of the first Christians.  If you had been threatened with persecution would the Good News of Jesus stop with you?  Or would it continue because of your determination to share the difference He has made in your life?  Many times we think because it is a “personal thing” we just need to keep it to ourselves.  Don’t ruffle any feathers.  What if the first Christians had kept it to themselves?  That isn’t what Jesus suffered, died and conquered death for.  Yes, He did it for you, but He did it for me too and the rest of the world.  It says so in John 3:16.  Some may find it difficult to share this message on your own.   But we are not meant to take this journey alone.   That is why we are told to come together in Hebrew 12:24-25  -

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

So, while a church building may just be a building, it should stand as a beacon of light and hope.  It is a place where fellow Christians – “The Church”- can come together to corporately praise God.   It is a place where there should be so much excitement about what God is doing in the lives of those there and that excitement can’t be contained. It is a place where those searching for that “missing piece” in their lives feel welcomed and at home.  A place where they will be encouraged also as they begin their journey in being part of “The Church”.   If you don’t already have one, find a local beacon today so that you can be a part of “The Church” where encouragement and worship happen when you come together.