New Opportunities in the Writing Realm

I've been approved for the position of Harrisburg Christianity Examiner with http://www.examiner.com/. My posts will not be made public for about two weeks. I'd really appreciate your prayers for this new endeavor. I did not solicit the opportunity, and do not know how it came to my doorstep. I think it may be a result of having attended the Montrose Christian Writer's Conference, but I'm not sure. It will be quite a challenge to meet the expectations of the managers of this website. Lord, I'm depending on You.

Treasures of Darkness

And I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord God of Israel, who calls you by your name. --Isaiah 45:3
We need to search for treasures in the ordinary. We don't always appreciate the seemingly mundane tasks or the uniqueness of the ordinary soul. But ordinary events are gates, doors to the extraordinary. On a starlit night, which seemed to be an ordinary night, there burst forth a new Star, pointing out the resting place of a new order of Creation in a New Day. This One Who would change the course of human history forevermore was cradled in an ordinary manger in an ordinary stable.

But this was no ordinary babe. It was the birthplace of a King. A Treasure had come to a sin-sick world - a Treasure in the midst of darkness. A heavenly King, disguised in human flesh, walked among men who were ordinary. His touch became the magic that transformed ordinary lives into vessels of honor - even as ordinary water was turned into wine at the wedding at Cana. He showed us that He saves the best for last, so that our ordinary lives would no longer seem futile, but fulfilled.

We, like Nicodemus, learned that a second birth released us from the dungeon of darkness to thrust us forth into Light, into the Kingdom of His dear Son. "Seek first the Kingdom of God," He said. "Consider the lilies" -- "Let not your heart be troubled" -- "Come unto Me" -- "Go and sin no more."

He demonstrated the Power of Peace, spoken to the wind and the waves; and His cry in Gethsemane's ghetto, "If it be possible, let this cup pass from Me," poured out in blood and tears to become for us the prayer that never fails -- "Nevertheless, not My will, but Thine be done." And new meaning comes to the darkness. "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

The grave clothes could no longer bind Him; the tomb can no longer hold Him. Darkness would no longer diffuse His Light. Human flesh no longer conceals His Glory. The wonder of His resurrection is that we too, become treasures within the darkness - for we have this treasure in our earthen vessels. Now we can proclaim with certainty, He is coming again! We rehearse His words: "In a little while you will not see me, but I am coming for you."

We see that His coming is not an end in itself, but rather, a means to an end. Our mission is to seek first His kingdom, to lose our selfishness and self-centeredness, in order that He may become in and through us, all that He desires to be. That we might be broken bread and poured out wine in celebration of a New Creation, a New Day, and a New Order of Life -- becoming echoes of praise to our generation, dispelling darkness by showing forth His Light.

His Holy Spirit strengthens us to live, to love, to proclaim, "Even so, Lord Jesus, come!"

I Know She Didn't Mean It

Or did she? When I arrived home from the flu shot ordeal yesterday, I was greeted by the two barking Bichons as usual. Not so usual was the ripped venetian blind on the front window. I knew it was Daisy. She's the rascal who tries to attack the cats through the window from the back of the couch.

"Daisy, what did you do?" I demanded (Well, what did it look like, Dummy?)

"It wasn't my fault," she seemed to impudently bark.

"What am I going to do with you?" I sighed.

"Just stay home or take me with you," her cute little face pleaded.

I got out the roll of scotch tape and taped the broken slats together. Then I moved the couch farther away from the window. I wonder if it will do any good? If not, there's always an adoption agency. Nah. What would Mitzi do?

Flu Shot Flurry

Time to get a flu shot again -- already? Seems like we just did that, right? Where did that year go? I decided to go somewhere different this year because it was closer to home. It wouldn't take as long, right? Today was the day. I went early. So did everyone else. The line was long, but tolerable -- I thought. It was the most disorganized mess I'd ever experienced for this event.

We stood in line to sign up, then stood in line to receive a paper, then stood in line for approval for what we wrote on the paper (?) then stood in line to FINALLY receive the injection that was going to keep us healthy all winter. What in the past took about twenty minutes was running into the second hour. Now, I know we were all senior citizens, but c'mon. We might be old, but we're not stupid. This was enough to make you downright grumpy if it wasn't so entertaining.

"My time is valuable," said one of the grumps. "Unbelievable," complained another. "I'm leaving," announced a dear soul as she marched to the door. "Hey, that guy came in after me. How did he get up there?" Meanwhile, the nurse was chattering away to a "customer" she happened to know -- while we not so patiently waited. An elderly woman helped her husband to find a chair. He was on oxygen and used a walker. (Seating was not provided.)

After 50 minutes I finally reached the execution chair and rolled up my sleeve. When the needle hit, I yelled, "Ouch!" Scared the bejeepers out of the nurse and the room full of candidates lost their tans. One meek soul squeaked, "Did that hurt?" The now silent nurse whispered, "Did that sting?"

"Just kiddin'," I said -- and everyone breathed again. Yep, it's time for the flu shot. Did you get yours yet? I'll bet you won't have as much fun as I did.

Distractions

It was a clear day and traffic was moving steadily on the Interstate Route 80. I was on my way to preach Revival services in western PA. The 8-hour trip would get me there in time to freshen up for the evening service. I was scheduled to speak, so I had planned to have an early lunch and skip supper.

About an hour on my way, I realized that I'd forgotten my garment bag with all my outfits for the week of services. Groaning inwardly, I turned around and headed back the way I’d come. Checking the time, I realized my plans would have to change. Most likely, I’d have to skip lunch and do a really quick shower.

I had planned to wash my hair and shave my legs – guess I’d skip that too. But wait. I could at least take care of the legs now. I kept a cosmetic bag in the glove compartment. It contained a razor. So I retrieved the razor, propped my foot on the dash, pushed up my pant leg and proceeded to shave away.

One eye on the road and the other on my leg, I happened to sense an automobile passing by. I glanced over, and lo and behold, a state police car. I slid my foot into place on the floor just as he looked over at me. We locked eyes, he nodded, I smiled sheepishly, and he passed by. Miracle of miracles, he did not motion me to pull over. Eyes focused straight ahead, I held my breath as he sped away. Oh the wonderful mercy of God to allow an angel to temporarily block his vision!

What a lesson I learned that day as I thought about my foolish action. Sure, I could have been pulled over, arrested, given a ticket, and perhaps even miss the meeting for which I was scheduled. Worst scenario, I might have caused an accident, injured, or even killed someone or even myself.

Years before, when I attended classes in a seminary, I used to study Greek verb conjugations on the way to class. Yes, in the car while I drove. Fine example.

Whenever I have related the above incident, it has gotten a round of laughter. But what seemed funny at the time could have resulted in tragedy. We hear much about the dangers of using hand-held devices while driving. Laws are being passed prohibiting their use. As Christians, we really should not need the legislation. I’ve repented of my foolish actions, and thank God for His mercy to me.

Distractions can be dangerous in our spiritual lives as well. My spiritual journey will be enriched as I guard against unnecessary interruptions to my devotional time and other spiritual exercises. My wonderful Lord deserves my full attention. Distractions really can be disastrous when we don’t keep our eyes on the road ahead -- fixed on Jesus.

Care to share what distracts you?

Watching Over Us

Walking with Jesus keeps us in the center of the Father's attention, Today I watched the Equestrian Games on TV. I'm always so moved by the mutual tie between horse and rider. The same thing happens to me when I observe the dog guides that I spoke of previously. I visited Tina and Nola yesterday at The Seeing Eye, and as I tried to capture the interactions between them, I was moved to tears.

 Again today, I choked up at the sight of the incredible performances of the horses. As one handsome horse after another jumped the hurdles, responding to the cues of its rider, I was touched.

Yet this time something different transpired in my spirit beyond a mere emotional reaction. My eyes filling with tears, I said, "Father, why do I react this way?"

I seemed to hear my heavenly Father whisper, "That is how I feel when I'm watching you."

I witnessed a few of the horses stumble, slip, or not quite make the jump. But the trainer never failed to pat its side, to give assurance, and to finish the course. What a spiritual lesson this gave me.

With renewed assurance, I felt His eyes on me. My heavenly Father watches over me. May I please His heart today.

Tina's New Dog Guide

Notice that I said "dog guide" -- not guide dog. I learned that through my association with The Seeing Eye. The dog is the guide, not the visually impaired person. We need to remember not to pet a dog guide when it is working. Note that when the harness is on the dog it is working -- even when lying down, sitting still, or whatever. So hands off unless the handler gives specific permission. Tina just received a new dog this week. She is at the school, working, bonding, and getting to know that lovely golden retriever named Nola. Welcome Nola! You're in for an exciting time with this talented, anointed worship leader! Send Tina a congrats and check out her website listed above.