The Worst Sinner?

I should have learned shorthand.

Do they still teach it? Probably not. Oh, how that would have saved me time and wear on my right hand. After five years of note taking at a weekly newspaper, followed by writing notes for college, then another 11 years as a writer at a community college, my right hand is now full of arthritis. Instead, I now see people entering text directly into their laptops or iPads.

Often I consider the prolific gospel writer, Paul. He frequently wrote while in captivity, probably on papyri and/or parchment. Unlike me, Paul wrote without: a hardwood desk, mechanical pencils or erasable pens, notebooks, folders, a dictionary or thesaurus, or computers. Paul even wrote without AI.

The following scripture was written by Paul, but it could have come from me.

"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life," (1 Timothy 1:15-16 NIV).

Jesus Christ changed Paul's life completely: from a tentmaker named Saul who persecuted Christians until he met Jesus on the road to Damascus. To a man, chosen by God to bring the Good News to Gentiles,  Jews, and Romans, and even suffering as a martyr for his faith, probably being beheaded in Rome as ordered by the emperor Nero.

Our Father, God, thank You for sending Your Son Jesus Christ to save sinners like me. Through faith in Jesus I receive Your patient mercy as I bow in gratitude before You. Hear my prayer today, O Lord. Amen.

To God be the Glory!

250 Years of Freedom

It all began on July 2, 1776. That is when the Lee Resolution was passed by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia. The Resolution made the Thirteen Original Colonies "free and independent States," separate from the British Empire.

This led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence that was proclaimed on July 4, 1776. That is the date we celebrate the anniversary of our independence. In 1876, centennial observances were held along with a Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. In 1926, a Sesquicentennial Exposition was observed in Philadelphia, and in 1976 a nationwide bicentennial observation was celebrated.

Did you know an "America's Potluck" is planned for Sunday, July 5. It is described as "an opportunity for neighbors to join with one another to share a fun, communal meal, creating a sense of connection and belonging" among Americans. It builds on the tradition of Sunday dinners and promotes celebrating the freedoms we enjoy.

When Paul wrote to the Galatians, he stressed that our freedom is to serve others. We are not to be slaves to sin. Paul reminds us to keep the command that follows.

"You, my brothers, were called to be free. but do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Galatians 5:14 NIV). 

Thank You, God, for the freedoms we enjoy in America. My prayer today is that our country, which was founded on faith, will return to its roots in You, God. Help us be a country that loves our neighbors, just as You command us. Help us return to the integrity of our forefathers, speaking truth in all we do. We pray in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.

Every Good and Perfect Gift

Does your mailbox fill up with letters asking for donations? Mine used to, but I get fewer requests than I used to. Sometimes they entice me with free gifts: notepads, personalized return address stickers, Christmas cards, bookmarks, etc. All ask for a donation toward their cause. And nearly all are worthwhile causes that I agree with. But, I just can't give to them all. Actually I don't give to any of them and I feel guilty about it.

My parents, gone now for more than 20 years, were on nearly every mailing list imaginable. They enjoyed getting "free" stuff, but they gave monetary gifts to them in return. It seemed that the requesters must have sold mailing lists of those who sent donations, because there were more and more requests coming in every year.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change  like shifting shadows," (James 1:17 NIV).

Many of the requests for donations are from above-board, reputable organizations, with causes I would like to support. We choose to give what money we have locally, especially to our church or to those with ties to people we know. 

Lord God, thank You for the gifts You place in our possession. Help us use those gifts in ways that are pleasing to You. Give us discernment through the Holy Spirit to know what is right and true. We pray in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

To God Be the Glory!

The Rock Eternal

Every now and then I search my photos files for a particular picture that I know I took but I don't know where to find it. It is so frustrating. Today I was looking for a picture of my Mama's Rock that stands in front of my home church. It has a brass plaque that is in memory of Clara Springer and gives Mama's favorite verse from Ecclesiastes 3.

If I remember right, the very large rock came from a nearby farmer's field (also a beloved member of Bethel Grove Church and a dear friend). We had the plaque made and for some reason (because he is my dear husband) John got the job of attaching the plaque to the rock in the middle of winter. On the coldest day of winter that year! Why it couldn't wait until spring, I do not know except that my mind was grief-stricken for two years after Mama died in 1999.

The rock was so hard (and probably frozen) that John had a terrible time drilling into the rock then glueing the plaque in place. We know it held because I remember my friends planted flowers around it several years later, and perhaps every year since. 

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal," (Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV).

Even in the turmoil of broken hearts in the midst of grief, or our world today in such a confusing mess, we can find perfect peace when we trust in God. For our God is the Rock eternal!

Oh, God, thank You for being steadfast and unchanging through all eternity, we praise You for Your presence and Your enduring love. For You keep us in perfect peace when we trust in You. We pray for Your guidance when we lose our way, and for Your peace that brings us back into Your fold. We pray in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Summertime

"Summertime and the livin' is easy..."

Welcome summer! It is finally here! Yet, it seems like only yesterday that we were in the midst of winter, longing for the sunshine and warmth. Now, we have enjoyed a month of mild temperatures through May and early June and summer officially arrives. Please slow down!

"And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years," (Genesis 1:14 NIV).

God spoke to Noah that He would never again destroy all living things upon the earth as He did, saving only Noah and his family and two of each species on the ark.

"As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease," (Genesis 8:22 NIV).

So here we are in summertime in Iowa. The corn is growing tall and the flowers are in full bloom. The children are on summer break, riding bikes (and other motorized contraptions I don't know the name of), playing baseball and softball and soccer on every green field in Ankeny. Kids walk down the street with fishing poles and bait in hand, full of hope and delight. The farmer's markets draw crowds of folks anxious to be outside in the sun or even the rain. Anything in the fresh air is beloved.

Oh, God of mercy and grace: thank You for the sunshine and the warmth of summer. We who experience cold winters are overjoyed with summer's arrival. Thank You for creating this land of beauty that we enjoy. Lord, help us have awareness of the wonder of Your creation and help us protect this environment around us in every way we can. We want to do Your will and we ask for Your guidance. In the Name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.

To God be the glory! 

Is it Knee-High?

Yesterday John and I were driving in the outskirts of Ames and we saw a tumbleweed blow across the road. To me it looked like it was three feet tall. (now I know that John will have a completely different measurement. I'll ask him when he gets home and I will note it here.)

Iowa doesn't have tumbleweeds. Not in spring. Not during a rainy season. Not in a city. Usually.

Iowa does have beautiful green fields of corn and beans. And we drove past a field of corn that will be knee high by the 4th of July, because it already is! I think they need to change the old farmers' saying to "neck-high by the 4th of July." After that, they might make the saying according to Victor Wembanyana's 7'4" stature (VM was the tallest man playing in the recent Professional Men's Basketball Tournament Championship.) Currently, the average height for men in the United States is 5'9" (for women it is 5'4"). 

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." (James 1:5-6 NIV).

I know there is little correlation between my text and the Scripture that I chose; however, think back to the tumbleweed - that is blown and tossed by the wind.

Father God, I should have asked You for wisdom before I wrote this blog. But, thank You for forgiving hearts and especially for Yours. Give us wisdom to learn and grow in our faith. Help us appreciate the beauty of our surroundings. You alone are good. Thank You, God. Amen.

To God Be The Glory! 

No Perfection Here

Sometimes I consider all of my past mistakes and I feel sad.  Very sad.  I wish I could have lived a perfect life, but I do know that no one but Christ was perfect. 

When I was in grade school I ran away from home by not riding the bus home. I stayed with a town friend who did not go to her home either. For a few hours we wandered around the town then it got cold when the sun went down. We hid in the school restroom for awhile. Then went to my friend's house.

That is where I learned that I had wonderful parents. I watched my friend be whipped by her father's belt. I felt really bad. They called my parents to come pick me up. I thought I should be spanked also. But, my father did not spank me, even after I begged him to punish me. We talked about what I had done and why it was wrong.

"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord,"       (Philippians 3:7-8 NIV). 

Lord God All Mighty, as I look over my life and the sins I have committed, I bow on my knees, asking for Your forgiveness. Nothing in my past is worthy of any profit, but only my loss. Comparing my wrongs to the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus, everything is loss. Thank You, God for Your forgiveness earned through the Lord Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross. I am humbled by Your mercy and grace. Thank You, God for Your love. I pray in the Name of Jesus, Amen.

To God be the glory!