TerryLema

One of the greatest joys of this last trip to California was sitting in the home of our son and daughter-in-law celebrating our grandson’s 16^th birthday. We sat around a table, the entire family along with my brother who joined us. There were ten of us and I don’t know exactly who started it but while we ate we began to tell “family tales.” My brother and I came from a very dysfunctional family and we had plenty of tales to tell. Our own family had a few of their own to add also.

The laughter began; sometimes so much so we could not catch our breath. (My brother and I learned a long time ago to turn much of our troublesome experiences growing up into humor. It’s a survival technique that we have refined quite well).

There is nothing as precious as a family meal accompanied by laughter and lightheartedness. It was one of the most blessed times on this trip.

Jesus’ invitation to the church at Laodicea is very familiar. We have probably even seen drawings of Jesus standing at a door and knocking. It is an invitation to salvation. “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” [Rev 3:20]

But this morning as I read that invitation, I was drawn to the second part of it … not only will Jesus come in with salvation, He will “eat” with us. He will fellowship with us. Together we will sit at the table and we will share “family tales.” He will tell us of all the times we were rescued when we weren’t even aware of danger. He will tell us of His love. He will speak of the “joy that was set before Him” as He endured the cross. We will laugh, we will cry tears of joy. It will be the most precious time.

I took my laptop into the Geek Squad before we left on our trip. When I got to the counter, the Geek Squad asked me what it needed. I told him it needed a “Spa Day.” He gave me a blank stare. So, I elaborated. “It needs a Spa Day, you know mani-pedi, massage, facial.” Another blank stare. So, I went on, “it doesn’t have anything actually wrong with it, it just needs a ….”

“Ah,” he said as understanding set in, “it needs a tune up.” Yep, that’s it. Geek Squad and I speak a different language apparently.

Just before His death Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. John 13 tells us that at first Peter didn’t want the LORD to wash his feet until Jesus admonished him “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” [v8]

Then Peter being Peter changed his mind and wanted Jesus to bathe all of him. But Jesus told him that a person “who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean.” [v10]

We have been washed clean by the blood of the Lamb, our Savior and LORD. But as we walk through this world, our (hearts) often pick up its dirt. We get a bit bogged down with the things that do not matter. It is then that we need a “Spiritual Spa Day,” a Holy Spirit Tune-Up. We need to ask the LORD to remove the things that hinder, the things that are unnecessary, and anything that does not honor our God and King.

I’m not sure where the stock market is now. I know it took a big dip one day before we left for California (and another just this week). I didn’t watch or read much of anything while we were away, so not sure if it “recovered.” I have very little interest in trading investments anyway.

I have a great interest, however, in “investing.” 1 Timothy 6 reminds us to do good, to be rich in good deeds, generous and willing to share. It says that when we do this, we will “lay up treasure for [ourselves] as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that [we] may take hold of the life that is truly life.” [v 18-19]

Jesus was also quite clear that we are not to “store up for [ourselves] treasures on earth …. But store up for [ourselves] treasures in heaven.” [Matt 6:19-20]

I watched that in action this past week. I watched many men standing in the sun on hot days working with young boys and young men. I watched these men “investing” themselves into the lives of others, giving up their time and energy, maybe even their own wants and desires, in order to create godly character in children. My son and daughter-in-law have done that not just with their own two boys but others as well. I am so proud of the sacrifices they have made as they have given over much of their lives to molding godly character in the lives of many boys and girls, young men and young women.

When we get to heaven, our treasures will be standing with us, and speaking to us. “I’m here because you shared Christ with me … because you prayed for me … because you stood in the gap when I was struggling … because you walked with me when I was in crisis … because you molded my character like unto Christ’s.”

I have met a lot of people in my 72 years. Some of them had gorgeous outsides, some didn’t. Some had beautiful hearts, many others didn’t. The outside and the inside don’t always match. Many a person has been fooled by a charming, good-looking exterior that covered a heart that was anything but.

I have also known people who have suffered great disappointments because the world was looking for an “image” rather than quality of character. All you have to do to see that in action is to watch some of these reality talent shows and how the judges “judge” contestants before they perform – then see their reaction when the performance is not what they expected. They are stunned – stunned that the outward image did not reflect the talent.

God, however, isn’t fooled.

“But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’” [1 Sam 16:7]

The LORD doesn’t consider appearance or stature. He isn’t concerned with whether we are lithe or dumpy, tall or short, smooth skinned or wrinkled. He’s concerned with the condition of our hearts. I was touched on this last trip by the “quality” of the hearts I experienced. Old friends who love the LORD. Family members who gathered to celebrate a 16^th birthday party, who laughed and loved and cried together.

The LORD looks at the heart. Praise God.

Standing up for Christ often makes us targets for those who wish all mention of God to be silenced. Right this moment, there are people being troubled because of their testimony for Christ Jesus. The enemy of our soul wants to instill fear. He wants us to believe that he has the power—when it is Christ Jesus who has both the power and authority over all of heaven and earth. The enemy knows the time is short, he can hear that chain rattling in the hand of the angel that will one day bind him and cast him into the Abyss.

While we know that vindication and vengeance are in the Hands of God, how do we deal with the day to day assaults. For me, there is only one way – that is to praise and thank God Almighty. The writer of Hebrews tells us to “continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” [Heb 13:15 NKJV]

It is not a sacrifice to praise God when everything is going well, and we are coasting through life. It is easy to thank Him when blessing after blessing pours down upon us.

It is a sacrifice to praise God amid the trouble. When we least feel like praising God is when we need to praise Him the most. When there appears to be nothing going on for which to give thanks, that is when we must thank him continually. To praise and thank when everything seems wrong, when we can’t discern God’s presence with us takes a sacrificial act. (Remember, a sacrifice in the Scriptures often required the death of something.)

When we offer a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving amid trouble, we are putting to death our own expectations, our own sufficiency, our own perception, and instead embracing God’s opportunities, His all sufficiency and His will. No part of this is easy, but then things eternal seldom are.

California trip. 3 AM living room curtain rod breaks, must nail up a sheet before we leave. Work Zones/pilot cars. Flying locust attack over Donner, hundreds of insect bodies impact Black Bart head on. Non-working hair dryer at first hotel. Tahoe Joe’s gave us worst waiter they had. Forgot hat and got scalp sunburn while eating outside in hot sun at lunch following older grandson’s scrimmage. Santa Cruz boardwalk, crowded, noise level off the charts. Traffic ….

Wait. Stop there. Don’t hold that thought!

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.” [Phil 4:9]

Enjoyed a meal with two couples (brothers and sisters in Christ) we hadn’t shared a meal with in almost 20 years; talked about old and new times! Movie, Der Wienerschnitzel and a round of Mini-Golf with youngest grandson. Hugs. Football scrimmages with both California grandsons. 16^th birthday party. Driving with 16-year-old who has his learners permit. Spent time with my brother. Hugs. Family party where we laughed so hard telling “family tales” we could hardly catch our breath. Santa Cruz boardwalk unicorn bike taxi with youngest grandson and a puppy named “Princess.” Watching a group of teenagers have a blast on rides I wouldn’t ever consider. Hugs. Watching youngest riding with his dad, showing how brave he was. Did I mention hugs?

Each day life presents us with things lovely and unlovely. It is our choice which we will think about and what we dwell on.

August 7 – OFF LINE THROUGH August 12

I am going to be offline through August 12.  My computer is going in the shop for a “spa day.”  And Bob and I are spending time with family.  I pray God ministers to you each day and gives you opportunity for prayer and praise.

God bless you all!  I so appreciate you taking the time to read my daily thoughts. Terry

Yesterday I wrote that I came across two familiar verses from John’s Gospel this week.  The first was John 1:12 and spoke of those who believe on Christ Jesus as LORD who have been given the “exousia” – the right, power, and authority to be children of God, birthed supernaturally of Him. That left me with such a sense of wonder.

But as enthralled as I was by that verse, I think the second one even more so.  Jesus prayed for His disciples in John 17. The part of His prayer that left me awestruck was the first three words in verse 23: “I in them….”

 Jesus was praying shortly before his arrest and crucifixion. He was praying for His disciples and all those who would come after them (you and I are included in that prayer). He spoke of sanctification, and glory and unity, but it was those three little words that brought me to tears today.

 “I in them….”  Jesus in me. Jesus in you. Jesus in us. The Creator of this universe, the Word of God, the One raised to the Right Hand of the Father, the One who is Alpha and Omega, deems to be “in” us by the power of the very Spirit of God.

 It makes me cry out, “Why me, God? Why would you want me? I am a nothing as far as this world views me. A hyperactive child, a rebellious teenager, an imperfect wife and mother. I’ve been fearful and arrogant most of my life. I’ve not achieved any weight of glory in this world. I’ve made wrong decisions and done so many things I ought not have. I’ve been selfish and envious and things much worse. And You want me?”

 Yes. He does. You see, it isn’t about what we were, it’s all about what He can do in us and through us. It’s all about “I in them.”  Praise His Holy Name forever and ever. Amen.

I came across two verses in John’s Gospel that gripped me. One came to me through my Daily Bible Verse email this week, the other through my PC Bible Study Program.  The first is John 1:12-13. “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”  [NIV]

 The “right” to become children of God. The KJV uses the English word “power.”  The Greek word is “exousia,” and carries with it the idea of authority.

 Children of God. Children born supernaturally of God. I am not sure words can convey the sense of wonder I find in those few words. Christ Jesus has given those who surrender to Him, the “right,” the “power,” the “authority” to be children of God. 

 Me. You. Anyone. It doesn’t matter what we’ve done in our past. It doesn’t matter our social standing, our political affiliation, our financial situation. It doesn’t matter if we are sick or healthy, young or old, weak or strong. It only matters that we believe Jesus Christ is Savior and LORD, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

 Of course, that “belief” on Christ Jesus isn’t just words, it is a heart offered to Him, a life given over to Him. I remember a line in the chorus “I’m Yours LORD,” it says … “everything I am, everything I’m not.” That’s what we give to Him. And in return He gives to us the authority to be children of God, born supernaturally into God’s family. I know I got the best part of that trade.   

I worked hospice for a few years and pastored for a lot more. I don’t think I would be exaggerating to say that I think I’ve seen it all. Let me toss out a few words and you’ll understand. Cancer. ALS. Alzheimer’s. Suicide. Murder. Accidents. Child Abuse. Domestic Violence. Infant Death. Most pastors could toss out the same words, and perhaps even more.

 There have been times when I wondered how people could go on after experiencing such tragedies. When I get to thinking like that, I remember a phrase in a verse in 2 Corinthians, “the God of all comfort.”

 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” [2 Cor 1:3-4]

 I believe that the source of all comfort is God, that He truly is the Father of compassion. I believe that all comfort originates in and disseminates from Him, whether people are aware of that or not. When we display compassion, when we offer comfort to the wounded and hurting, we are offering them something straight from the heart of God.

 I remember a lovely British man named David. He was living in a small trailer in a back yard, and he was dying. I visited him often. He refused to believe in my Jesus, but he still wanted me to come and talk. I would leave after each visit, devastated that I was unable to convince him of his need for salvation. I wept over him. I heard God tell me to continue to offer him compassion and comfort – as that may be the last time he’d experience that. Thoughts of David still make me weep.

 Beloved, never hesitate to be God’s hand of compassion and comfort—even to those who might reject His salvation.