Still there?

Yes, there is only one door to the bathroom...

If you are a pet owner (or have a pet that owns you – I’ve never really been sure how that works) then you know the back story to this photo. For those who live lonely lives or have sparse imagination, this picture was taken in the bathroom. Keep in mind that there is only one door in and out of that particular room and he was standing in front of it. All of that is irrelevant after 30 seconds when you know who doubts what he knows to be true and implements his locksmith skills to confirm my location and dispel his doubt.

I used to bask in the thought he just loved me so very much he couldn’t stand a moment without me. Now, I face the reality that perhaps he just doesn’t want to lose me. I wear many hats, one of which is the feeder of the dog, which places me in high standing with him. I hold onto the notion that he loves me, but understand that love might be somewhat related to the contents of (or lack thereof) his dinner bowl.

The groomer of the dog hat is also mine, although I can’t say he particularly likes that part. Well, at least he feigns a dislike of the b.a.t.h. part (don’t say it out-loud or he will immediately gain 1,282 pounds of gravitational pull). Despite his protests, he does like the part where he is lying on a warm towel in front of a heater blowing his fuzzy belly hair backwards as if he were on a tropical island with an ocean breeze. This is also the part where I remind him how special he is to me and how handsome he looks…as his eyes roll back into his little head and the snoring begins.

The protector of the dog hat is one that fits my head from time to time. If there is a loud noise, he immediately begins to try find me. His story would be that he is alerting me to the danger but, his big, bad-dog woofs from behind my legs tell me he is afraid and wants my help.

Early on, I was the teacher of the dog, and he was eager to please. He would eagerly find any toy I named and follow several commands. Again, there were treats involved – so I admit that might have played a part. Nevertheless, the bright eyes and stubby tail wags told me that pleasing me was the main goal.

Schnauzer patrol. You still there?

So, my little buddy follows me whether I am going to the kitchen or inspecting the flowers in the yard. He is happiest when we are in eyesight, specifically making eye contact with him.  Likewise when he can’t see us or worse yet, sees us leaving him (GASP) the crying begins. I’m talking about “screaming like his toes are in a guillotine” crying.  We call affectionately call it the “EEEOOO” song. Some have compared it to a siren. It serves as “you forgot the dog!” and “I see you going out the door!” all expressed with volume that denies the “miniature” in miniature schnauzer. He just wants to be with us. That is basically all he asks (well, besides the dinner bowl).

As I considered his silly forgetfulness at the bathroom door, I was reminded of my very own. When I leave him, I always remind him “You be a good boy, we’ll be back in a little while”. When he is required to stay outside for a moment while I go in for something, I let him know it isn’t permanent abandonment by telling him “I’ll be right back, you stay here”. He is OK with that - as long as he can see me through the glass door. The problem with the bathroom door is that (for reasons beyond his comprehension) it is opaque. So despite my reassurance of a quick return, he is not satisfied until he sees for himself.

My Lesson

Understanding that, just between us, I tend to leave the door un-barricaded. I do it because I understand. I know God is real. I talk with Him and listen to Him and know He is as real as the sky above and the earth under my feet. I know He is faithful to His promises. I know that God will never leave me or forsake me. But…at times, I am tricked into doubt. (Beware of the Father of Lies who tells you such things. He has been around since the Garden and is still roaming around.)

You and I are not the first to experience it. Perhaps you remember that God demonstrated great signs and Pharaoh released the Hebrew children only to give chase after them. The people (who had witnessed these great signs and wonders) came to an impasse with Pharaoh and his soldiers behind them and an un-crossable body of water in front of them.  Their first thought – they were going to die. Moses reminded them “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD…The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent” Exodus 14:13, 14. Their salvation came that day in the form of the parting of a great sea, and “the sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. And when Israel saw the great power which the LORD had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and His servant Moses.” Exodus 14:22, 31

Now that’s something we wouldn’t easily forget, right? Sure, easy for you to say. Three days later they were in the wilderness and found no water. Of course, you know the story, God already had it planned out and provided what they needed in a way they just couldn’t see at the time. They needed to learn to trust Him. Years later, just before they went into the promised land, Moses reminded them “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you”.

God came to earth in flesh to demonstrate His profound love for us, and how we should walk before Him. Jesus told His followers He would be killed (give His life actually) and then rise up on the third day, yet when it happened they reacted in fear. After the crucifixion, they were waiting in fear behind closed doors when Jesus appeared to them.  

Before Jesus ascended into heave, He promised “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20.  I’m guessing He knew we would need to hear that again.

                                       

If the Hebrew children saw miracles and were still afraid and doubted what they could not see, the disciples who walked with Jesus had fears, then perhaps fear is a bridge that leads to doubt. It could be a  fear that God has abandoned us, or is not watching or will go back on His promises. Satan, our adversary, our enemy, the father of lies would have us believe that. If these two examples dealt wrongly with fear and doubt, then how should we deal with them?

Things to remember when dealing with fear and doubt.

• We abide in Him. Like the schnauzer looking for assurance that all is well, we stay near Him. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God”. 1 John 4:15

• God abides in us and is infinitely more powerful than our enemy. “The word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one”. 1 John 2:14

• Abiding in Him brings His love within us.  “God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”1 John 4:16

• His love casts out fear. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.” 1 John 4:18

Without finger-pointing at all, I recognize myself in both the doubts of a certain schnauzer, freed slaves, and the disciples of Christ, simply because I am tempted to fear instead of trust. Any and all of those fears are dispelled when I look to Him. I like to think that is why He left the door cracked a bit – just so we can see Him and remember He said “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you”, so we can confidently say “The LORD is my helper, I will not be afraid.” Hebrews 13:5, 6.

My prayer

Most gracious and loving Father in heaven,

Thank You for being so worthy of my trust, 

and for the amazing patience You show me 

even when I allow my fears blind me to Your presence.

                     

Thank You for giving me Your word 

so rich in promises and assurance. 

Show me new and fresh ways 

to abide more fully in You and Your word and 

share that with a world filled with fear.

Help me to draw near to You every day, 

seeking Your face in all I do. 

Thank You for giving me courage in the face of fear, 

by being with me and never leaving me. 

Prod me to remember to always look to 

and trust Your hand to provide in ways 

I might not be able to see.  

                                       

I pray in Jesus' name,

Amen.

~~~

From the Temple Institute. This Rabbi shares insights about the time of the exodus and the quick return of bitterness by those who had just been rescued. A very insightful look at human nature and the hand of God.

~~~~~

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Tree limbs, fences and broken plates

Broken plate.

One of the greatest things to have in your life is an encourager, someone who nurtures you and builds you up to be and do your very best. Whether they know it or not, you probably know at least one person who has lived their life in such a way that you want to follow their footsteps. To have a mentor that will invest in you and walk alongside you leading you in the proper direction is indeed a great treasure. You might share a family name with them, live with them, or even be one of them.

On the other hand, you might also know people who just want to be left alone and do their own thing or even do things harmful to themselves regardless of your pleas. “I’m not hurting anyone else, it is my body and my life and I can do with them as I like”, is a common line of reasoning. You might share a family name with them, live with them, or even be one of them. 

The problem is that the belief that any damage is only theirs, is wrong. One of the hardest concepts I have tried to explain, is that everyone IS making a difference for good or bad whether they believe it or not. 

Then, I saw this, and it made sense to me.   

This beautiful plate was created for both beauty and function. One day it was bumped onto the floor.  See the crack? Yes, right across the middle. I repaired it the best I could, but it will never be “unbroken” and suitable for its intended purpose again.

Damaged fence.

A similar story with this fence that has been quietly doing its job for 20-something years by keeping our animals in and predators out. It was stalwart in its mission until broken by a fallen limb. The tree has been growing near the fence, doing its job of growing tall and providing shade and shelter for deer, rabbits, squirrels, lizards and a wide variety of birds. Its leaves have grown each summer and fallen each winter giving a blanket of compost for the forest floor.  Its seeds have been food for a multitude, and been scattered to provide little replicas of itself. 

The plate, the fence, and the tree were all given functions to accomplish, and did so until affected by an outside force. The tree grew old and was un-nurtured in the forest, thus developed weak branches. Wind took advantage of one of its weak branches. The tree now an “amputee” without a limb. The fence, not equipped for such weight and force, bent under the fallen limb, and although now repaired, it will be forever damaged.

Isn’t it like that with us? We were created and designed for our mission in life. No matter how strong we are, we can become damaged by the actions of others. A person who falls (into bad behavior) can take many lives with them, lives influenced by their actions now forever scarred by the betrayal or injury. They can neither undo the fall nor the effect. Like the fence hit by the crash of the limb, we can be permanently scarred by the actions of others.

When Christians become negligent in an area of weakness, we fall just like everyone else. The difference is, that our falls are widely discussed. The old question about a tree falling in the woods…in this case when a tree falls, not only does it make a sound, but everyone hears it. Especially, if the tree was a longstanding pillar, the sound will resound to many. Questions always accompany these “fallings” Should I believe anything they have said? If they could fall, what hope do I have of standing? Or, if it was OK for them, then why shouldn’t I pursue that path? The fall of one absolutely influences the faith and lives of others.

Before we piously shake our fingers at those around us, let’s consider some areas of possible weakness on our part. 

·       Sexual temptations are rampant. Bedroom clothing worn outside the bedroom, sexual innuendo, pornography has become mainstream, and sexual perversion is titillating comedy of the day. Adultery, fornication, and homosexuality are now perceived by many to be normal, alternate lifestyles of consenting adults, and are commonplace and without shame. You don’t have to be a celebrity to affect family members, or acquaintances who see and hear of your behavior and then follow in your footsteps. 

·       Marriage is throw-away if it becomes less than perfect. It is no longer a covenant but convenience, based upon the feelings of one party or the other. If it hurts, or needs work, it is tossed aside with tho hope of something better on the other side of the fence. Every time that happens, it makes it a little easier for someone else to justify the same decision.

·       Anger has hit epidemic levels. Retaliation for opinions on social media to being in the front of the freeway line is a rapidly growing movement.  Patience is considered weakness, and retribution is the way to get your own way, and prove your strength and superiority. When we try to justify our actions with “heat of the moment” excuses we fail to take responsibility and certainly will encourage others to do the same. 

·    Chemical dependency is not new at all, but is rampant. Painkillers are wonderful when used correctly. They also produce terrible results when misused. Alcohol is touted as having many health benefits, but only when used properly. Marijuana may have medicinal benefits, but also alters your state of mind, and ability to think clearly. Dabbling leads to dependency. Dependency takes away from your responsibilities elsewhere, and of course – tempts more to follow the same path.

·    The name of the Lord is precious - the most precious of all names - yet it is used casually and irreverently. We attach it to the beginning of phrases when we become angry, frustrated, or even startled. Sometimes we even try to pretend it isn’t really His name, just a sound-alike phrase or initials of a recognizable phrase. Without a reverence to His name, we lack an understanding of who He is, drawing all who hear us speak this way away from Him. 

Like the fence that did nothing wrong, yet was permanently damaged by the fall of the tree limb, always bearing the scar from the fallen limb, what we do with our lives can damage those close to us. If someone who loves you has asked you to stop doing something that endangers your life, your strength, and your testimony, then your actions are hurting someone, someone who loves you, at that. 

If I stepped on your toes, don’t worry, mine are pretty bruised too. I don’t want to lead someone to make bad choices, and I doubt that you do either. 

What can we do? Start by recognizing that;

• o  Our words can hurt someone far deeper than we imagine.

• o   Our anger can bring out words and actions that can’t be undone.

• o   Our actions leave prints, bruises, and scars that will remain for a lifetime.

• o   Our choices have an impact on all those around us – for good or bad.

• o   Our neglect to recognize our weak (limbs) will eventually cause damage to us, and others.

Where then, do we go from here? We can’t go back and change anything in the past, we only can purpose in our hearts to have a different attitude from this point forward. How? Three good ways to start.

1.      . Draw nearer to God. 
•     Study His Word to know what He expects so we will recognize sin as sin, and 
•      ask Him for forgiveness for our sins.
1. 
   
2.      .  Seek His wisdom BEFORE we act.
3. 
   
4.     .  Give our words, our actions, our anger, our decisions to God 
•     rather than making those choices based on our feelings.

Father, we are in the world that is so full of sin we forget to call it sin. Thank You for showing us the truth about sin, and for Your provision for the forgiveness of that sin. Help us to be mindful of seeking You rather than responding to our feelings, or desires, or following the path of one who has fallen. Draw us nearer to You and than the world. 

What characteristics would you want to see in a mentor for your life?

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Fifty Shades of Grey - The Popcorn Effect

Fifty Shades and the popcorn effect. Why I am NOT watching.

Fifty Shades of Grey is a popular book which has been made into a movie.  I haven’t read the book and don’t intend to.  Same with the movie.

From the title, I would suppose that the premise deals with wrongs in shades of wrong/grey, with the excuse that it is only a little wrong, or that it is OK because…..Sounds like situational ethics, and that doesn’t appeal to me.  If it is wrong, then it is wrong regardless the circumstance. 

From the discussions I have read and heard, it (the book/movie) apparently deals with lust and sex.  “What’s the big deal?”  “If we are adults, why not?” “I’m not really doing anything, only watching - it is just entertainment” are some of the comments I have heard.  The idea that merely watching but not participating is thought of as okay, bothers me.  Here are some of my reasons.

    1)  Matthew 15:18-20a “The things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man.  For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders. These are the things which defile the man.” (notice that even evil thoughts are included alongside the murders that defile man.)

2)   James 1:14, 15 “…Each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.  Then lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.” (notice that the start of sin is our lust)

3)    Romans 1:18-32 (paraphrased) the wrath of God will come against everyone who is unrighteous.  We have no excuse for not knowing about God because evidence is all around us in His creation.  Those denying Him and His truth are foolish, and 24“God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity”.  26 "God gave them over to degrading passions”, 28“God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil…32 those who practice such things are worthy of death, they (who know the ordinance of God) not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.”

                   

Personally, I don’t see the grey there.  It seems to be pretty well explained.  So, I don’t want to put into my mind things that defile both my mind and my heart.  When I put lust in my mind, that gives birth to sin.  Filling my heart and mind with lustful things even causes me to give approval to others who do them.  God warns us to do away with evil in our lives, but will allow those who continue to practice these things to continue in them - with the result being impurity, degrading passions, depraved minds, all of which are worthy of the wrath of God, and death. 

Consider walking into a room where fresh hot popcorn has just been popped and buttered, and salted, and you inhale that aroma. Doesn't that make you want to taste some? It works the same way with sin.

 I have made my decision, and also encourage you to “not let sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts, and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead (saved) and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.” Romans 6:12, 13 As you have seen, the consequences are dire.

Father in heaven, 
we see Your presence all around us in Your marvelous creation.  Help us to see clearly Your desire to protect us from the danger of being enticed by the things in the world.  Help us to discern Your truth and not be misled by those things that encourage us to go against that truth.  

Thank You for giving us Your word, and equipping us to live in the world without being like the rest of the world.

In Jesus' name,
Amen

                                                                                                            

If the movie is about paint chips, I apologize.  As always, I invite your comments.

Carman  - Temptation Boogie

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The Slightly Disobedient Frog

Slightly disobedient frog.

There once was a young little frog,

Who liked to play in the bog,

So he stayed and he played,

Long after they said,

He should “leave for the day and go home”.

He knew what was best, he thought,

And said to himself, “I’m quite smart,

So, I’ll do as I please,

I’m tired of their pleas,

To stop having fun and get out.”

So, he splashed a bit more in the pond,

And swam with the fishes ‘til dawn.

He had heard all the warnings,

But still stayed until morning,

Romping with high froggie fun.

He only thought he was quite bright,

And stayed much long that night.

Then when the temperature plunged,

And he no longer could jump,

It cost him the rest of his life.

Just a slightly disobedient frog

Having oh, so much fun in the bog,

He only wanted to play,

More than obey

The wisdom of those on the log.

So our tale starts again with us two,

Yes, that’s me and perhaps even you,

When we think we know better

Than God's truth in His letter

Like the frog, we lose our lives too.

The sin in our lives works that way.

“Just stay a bit longer and play”

Is the song that it sings

While it lies and deceives

Us more and more every day.

Venturing outside of His will,

Looking for all the cheap thrills,

We stay far too long,

Blinded by wrong,

Until we lose both our lives and the thrill.

So, now comes the time for our test,

When we try to determine what’s best,

Listen to wisdom? Obey?

Or be happy to stay and just play?

Seems clear to me, want to guess?

The sad, little tale of the frog,

Does not have to be yours at all!

You can trust God today,

Have life, and obey,

And live happily in the grandest way of all!

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