He Knows My Name

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

I’ve lived in this house for over a year now. I met my next door neighbor before we even moved in. And soon after we moved, he was added as a contact in my phone. He sold us a water softener system, and he’s been in my house multiple times and offered assistance in many other ways. As I type this, he’s in my garage changing the filters on the water softener. He occasionally calls me to check up on us if he doesn’t see us in the yard. He’s a good neighbor, indeed.

Just last week, I saw a new dentist. The dentist’s office is in my neighbor’s hometown about thirty minutes from where we live. The hygienist told me that she and her husband had grown up in that town, so I mentioned that my neighbor did, too. She asked his name, so I told her. And I told her that he works for the business his dad owns. She knew exactly who I was talking about. After living in a large city for many years, I’m still surprised when I talk to someone I don’t know who knows someone I do know. It doesn’t really happen too often in a large metropolitan area, but it seems to happen quite often around here.

But when I mentioned his name to the hygienist, she corrected me on his last name. For over a year now, I’ve had the wrong last name typed in my contact list. How that happened, I’m not really sure. I knew that I had initially confused the two last names, but I thought I had it correct. All this time, I’ve been wrong. Oh. I’ve never called him by the wrong last name. But I had mistakenly slapped the wrong name on him. I quickly corrected my contact list and made sure to inform my husband, because I had also given him the wrong information.

My neighbor will never know that I got his last name all mixed up. He’ll never know I’ve been calling him one name all the while it’s another one. I would definitely recognize him anywhere I saw him, but I would have gotten his last name wrong. That could have been embarrassing. But I’ve now been corrected, and all is good.

I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5

God was intentional about creating me. His timing is perfect, and by his hand I was created. He knew me before I was formed in my mother’s womb, so of course, he knows my name. He has the most intimate and thorough knowledge of me, more so than anyone else. I’m his creation, and he created me with significance and purpose. God is the one who formed me in my mother’s womb, so he is the one who commissions me to go and serve him and him alone. He knows the plans he has for me.

I don’t have to worry about God forgetting my name or calling me by the wrong name. After all, he created me in his image and named me. He values me and wants to have a relationship with me. God is omniscient, so he knows everything. After all, he even knows the number of hairs on my head.

And just when I seem to forget all that God can do, I’m reminded that he knows when I sit and when I stand. He knows my thoughts. He knows the good and the ugly thoughts I have. Before I even speak, he knows what I will say. And he loves me with an unfailing love.

You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. Psalms 139:2

I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself. Jeremiah 31:3

Oh. I don’t think my neighbor will need to walk with me through deep waters or go through rivers of difficulty with me. He won’t give his wife and daughter as a ransom for my freedom, but he has offered assistance more times that I can count. He isn’t my Savior, and he isn’t my Lord. He doesn’t need to redeem me. But he is the definition of a good neighbor. And now I know his name. But the one who knows me best and loves me most will do that and more for me. And he’s always known my name.

But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom; I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place. Isaiah 43:1-3

No. It isn’t all about me. The love of the Lord God Almighty is endless and reaches to the farthest corners of the world. Just as he loves me entirely, he loves everyone else the same. He knows your name just the same as he knows mine. And he will welcome you with open arms when you come to him in full repentance. Accept him today as your Lord and Savior and you will be welcomed into the family of God. He already knows your name, and he’s waiting for you to accept his call to repentance.

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. 1 John 4:16

Pickleball Clinic

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

I took a pickleball class earlier this year, and I’ve been playing once a week since then. I’m inconsistent in my playing, and I’d like to improve. I enjoy the sport and I want to feel, at some point, that I’m not a beginner. So. I did the only thing I knew to do besides continuing to play. I signed up for a pickleball clinic.

Two days a week. Two hours each day. For three weeks. That’s a total of twelve hours trying to improve my pickleball skills.  There were eight of us in the class, and we were drilled by our instructor on specific moves and positions and serves.  We were a sweaty bunch in motion.  We didn’t move in coordination or unison, but move we did.  Some were experienced beginners and others were very much beginners.  To say the least, the difference was obvious. I was happy to be in the more experienced group of the lot of us, but I was still far from perfect.

We learned.  We practiced.  We drilled. We failed.  We tried again.  And again. We were coached on how to improve our game.  To be honest. By the end of the clinic, I saw minimal improvement in my playing, but the instructor and his helpers told us they had seen definite improvement in all of us. Do they just say that to everyone?  Would I say the effort was a failure on my part? No way. It was an eye opener. It was a reminder of how far I’ve come and how far I have to go. I’m not trying to become a professional. I’ve just found a hobby that I enjoy.

Some may wonder why I play.  As I’m growing older, my body needs to remember how to move and maneuver. I need to be agile and be able to twist and turn and get up and down comfortably, sometimes on short notice. And pickleball keeps me moving. It’s good for me. It’s fun, and it challenges and humbles me all at the same time. It’s a worthwhile effort.

I had an injury last week while playing. Oh. It hasn’t stopped me, but I’m cautious about my moves. I was told to ice my leg, so that’s what I’m doing. I try not to overdo it when I feel the muscle tighten. I’m not an athlete, so I’m not really sure what’s the right or wrong thing to do. But I’ll keep moving as long as I can.

Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23

Here are some definitions of discipleship that I found this week. Groundwork Bible Study says that discipleship is the process of learning to love and follow Jesus and becoming more like him in our attitudes and actions. Got Questions defines Christian discipleship as one who puts Jesus first, obeys the Lord, produces good fruit, loves others, and makes more disciples. Navigators tells us that discipleship is basically a journey of spiritual growth. Regardless of how we define it, when we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, we begin a lifelong journey of learning and becoming more like him everyday. That doesn’t mean that we don’t need guidance and mentoring from believers who have been on this path of Christianity for many years and have weathered the storms of life through the lens of the Bible. We need all the help and discipleship we can get.

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20

Just as I can’t become a better pickleball player unless I discipline myself to learn the game and practice it, I can’t become a more mature Christian disciple unless I grow in my relationship with Christ. I do that by reading my Bible, spending time in prayer, attending church, and fellowshipping with and studying the Bible with fellow believers. Discipleship is the transforming process of becoming more like Christ in everything I do and say. My worldview which can be shaped by my social and cultural experiences must be converted into a biblical worldview. This only happens by choosing to process the world and everything in it from a biblical lens. We must undo any learning that tells us the gospel must somehow support cultural preferences. Our preferences and beliefs must be shaped by the Word of God alone.

Discipleship and mentoring is an important part of our Christian walk. We must surround ourselves with mature believers who can guide us and instruct us biblically when we have doubts or questions about our faith.

So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me. Colossians 1:28-29

Have you ever seen the changing of the guard ceremony at the tomb of the unknown soldier? It is very solemn and moving. Those soldiers move in precision. No mistake in their gait. Their attention to detail is impressive. Their uniforms are immaculate. They are a well trained lot of the finest men and women in the military. Their job is highly regarded and coveted. Oh. These soldiers weren’t randomly selected. They are handpicked. And then they train rigorously. Many who begin the training program do not complete it.

If you’ve studied this fine group of soldiers, you will learn there are six distinct roles. There are six different levels of responsibility at the tomb. Oh. I’ve seen the changing of the guard in person, but I didn’t notice those specifics. But I’ve since read those details about the platoon.

These soldiers weren’t assigned to their positions by chance. They studied and drilled and worked hard to achieve this lifetime assignment. It’s a role few can add to their resume, and it is impressive. Just as they have had to work hard for this superior assignment, so too must we believers work hard on our faith to develop a close relationship with our Lord. Oh. It isn’t the same type of work. It isn’t the same responsibility. But there is a rigorous training in order to prove oneself fit for the Lord’s service. We can’t shirk the responsibilities of discipleship once we’ve made the commitment to serve Christ. We can’t repent of our sins and then do nothing to strengthen our faith. There is a price to pay and a sacrifice to make. We must take up our cross daily and follow the Savior of the world. Who knows. We may be in a position someday to mentor the next generation of new believers. Let’s prepare for that important task while we still have time.

Doppelganger

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

In case you didn’t know, I have an identical twin sister. Many say we look alike, but honestly, I see no resemblance. But still others can’t seem to figure us out. Through the years, my twin has told me that she has been mistaken multiple times for a certain famous actress. Judi Dench. I told her that I’ve never been Judi Dench’d. Not ever. But she’s told me many times about her experiences. I can’t figure it out.

Just the other day, I stopped at my favorite new bakery. This small shop makes the most incredible chocolate chip cookies. They’re only open three days a week, for which I’m grateful. Otherwise, things could get dangerous for me. I stepped up to the counter and the owner of the shop waited on me. Here’s what she said. You remind me so much of Judi Dench. My response to the magical cookie maker was “it’s interesting you say that.” And I proceeded to tell her the story of my twin sister and Judi Dench.

I told the baker that I was not Judi Dench. I was not anyone famous. I also let her know that this was my first experience at being Judi Dench’d. I was thrilled. As soon as I got in my car, I called the Judi Dench doppelganger and told her that I was now in the club. She laughed.

I’ve been taking a pickleball class for the past few weeks. On the first day of class, one of the women told me that I looked really familiar and wondered how she might know me. I told her that I was fairly new in town, so I didn’t know many people. But I mentioned that I had a twin sister, so maybe she was confusing the two of us. Since that day, we’ve had multiple conversations about where she and my sister may have seen each other. No where. They haven’t gone to the same places or run in the same circles. So I told her about Judi Dench. The next day at class, she told me that she had looked up Judi Dench. And she said she saw a resemblance. Go figure.

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:1-2

Just as some people may confuse me with my sister or with Judi Dench, the one I most want to look like is Jesus Christ. I know I don’t physically look like him. That’s not the point. He was God come to earth as a man. I’m a woman conceived by my mother and father. So in that way, there’s no comparison. But do I resemble Jesus Christ in my attitude and in my words and actions? Do I have a kind sweet spirit that radiates love to others? Do I forgive as I have been forgiven?

We believers must distinguish ourselves as ones set apart for the Lord. We can’t be like those who don’t profess to be Christ followers. That means we can’t be involved in all the same activities. We must live distinctly different from those who don’t claim Christ as their Lord and Savior. There must be a difference. If there isn’t, then what sets us apart? We are called to be holy. We must separate ourselves from relationships and attitudes and behaviors that don’t align with the teachings of Jesus. There are biblical standards for a reason. And we who have repented of our sins have a responsibility to uphold those standards in our daily lives.

Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. 1 John 2:6

And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1

You may ask what exactly was the attitude of Christ. Let’s look at that. Galatians 5:19-26 compares the lives of those living against the will of God and those living by the Holy Spirit’s guidance. We can see a big difference in just the words that are used to describe each type of life. Which one best describes me? Which one best describes you? Oh. We can fool ourselves and perhaps others, but we can never fool God. He sees right through us and he knows exactly where we stand in relation to him. Let’s not kid ourselves. Let’s choose the way of the cross and crucify the desires of our sinful nature and walk away from them. Then and only then will we be known as a follower of Christ.

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. Galatians 5:19-26

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:5

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:17

I must ask myself. When others spend time with me, do they recognize me as a child of God? Do they wonder what it is that makes me different from others? Does my life reflect the teaching of Jesus Christ? Do my words and actions speak volumes about my commitment to living a life of Christian discipleship? Do they see that I live a life set apart for God?

The Word of Christ should infiltrate every pore of our being. There shouldn’t be an instant that we’re not saturated in his likeness. As we go about our days, in every moment, the love and grace of Christ must shine through us. Oh. It sounds so lovely. And it is. But we are human and we have moments where we aren’t so godly. And others catch a glimpse of that. What should we do? We acknowledge our sin, repent and move on. We do better. We learn from our failings. We allow others to mentor and disciple us. We learn from the sages of old who have walked before us. The Christian walk is a daily commitment to serving Christ.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16

I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. John 17:14-16

Testing Her Religion

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

I had a Monday morning hair appointment scheduled. I arrived a few minutes before my stylist, so I waited. When she walked in, she told me that she was sitting in her car reading. We both are hobby readers, so I asked what she was reading. She said she had started reading about the forty days of Jesus. And she had inspired a group of coworkers in the salon to read the book with her. She was on day two, but she wasn’t sure if the others had started their reading yet. She also mentioned a couple other Christian books that she’s reading. She’s all shook up about the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk. Because of it, she said she’s testing her religion and wants to help her co-workers understand the Bible more.

In the few months I’ve been seeing her, I’ve learned that she is politically conservative. We’ve had some interesting conversations about politics in our state and country. We agree on some things, but not everything. And we don’t really dig deep into our agreements or disagreements. We’re cordial in our discussions. She’s talked about God and the Bible and church. She’s expressed interest but made no outward signs of getting back in church. At one point, she mentioned that she wanted to start reading the New Testament. When I followed up with her a month later, she admitted that she hadn’t opened the Bible.

I’ve read that there is a spiritual surge happening in our nation since the assassination. Many people are returning to church and seeking solace in God in answer to the harmful rhetoric and violence that’s continuing to roar loudly in our country. People are seeking to be filled with something more than hatred and anxiety. They’re looking for something to fill that deep longing of the heart. They’re searching for the meaning of life. Honestly. They’re searching for God.

Just as multitudes are turning to church to find the answer, so is my hair stylist. Oh. She knows a lot of the answers. She’s attended church. She’s read parts of the Bible. She’s familiar with Christianity and Bible stories. But she’s searching for more. And she’s searching in the right places. Oh. We’ve had conversations about church and God. I’ve invited her to my church. When I saw her earlier this week, she said she’s back in church. She and her kids. I guess her husband hasn’t had the awakening that she’s had. She’s hungry for biblical truth. I pray that she finds a deep and fulfilling relationship with her Creator. And I pray that she keeps seeking that close relationship with Him.

But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. 1 Peter 3:15-17

The sad truth is that regardless of how many turn to God in these early days of awakening revival, many others will harden their hearts. They will want nothing to do with God. They will seek vengeance and resistance to the God of truth. Some will turn to violence and criminal activities. Others will harbor bitterness and hatred in their hearts. Many will numb themselves with alcohol and drugs or just plain scrolling. Others may end their lives and even the lives of others. God help us.

For those of us who come face to face with those who have experienced this renewed attention to spiritual matters, let’s keep the door of conversation open and civil. Let’s hear what they have to say. Let’s listen to their questions as they seek truthful answers. Let’s guide them to the ultimate truth, the Savior of the world. Let’s follow up with them in their search. They may need help in getting to the truth and may not really know where to turn. Let’s not be afraid to share the gospel with them. Because if we don’t share the message of salvation that we know to be true, someone who doesn’t know the truth may misguide them. We who have experienced the saving grace of our Lord and Savior must speak up. We must live our faith boldly in front of those who are searching and in front of those who are condemning us. We can’t look the other way and hope someone else takes up our cross. We must willingly take up the cross ourselves. Each of us. It’s our call. It’s our responsibility.

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Romans 10:14-15

Regardless of where we’re sitting, be it a crowded hair salon or a quiet coffee shop, and someone asks us a spiritual question, let’s not shy away from the answer we know in our heart of hearts. Let’s share boldly. Even if others around us hear our conversation, let’s speak up. God is working in the hearts of many, and we each have a part in responding accordingly. People are opening up to the truth of Christianity, so we must speak it out loud. It’s not the time to be shy. God does not give us a spirit of timidity but of hope and power and self-control. Let’s spread the Good News in the power of the Holy Spirit.

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his purpose and grace which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began. 2 Timothy 1:7-9

For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you. 1 Thessalonians 1:5

Running to Her Father’s Arms

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

The children’s choir was singing in church that morning, as they do once a month. The kids all look their best on that day. Girls are in their Sunday dresses and boys are wearing their shirts tucked in their pants. They look sharp. And they sound great as they sing with the worship team. They practice every Sunday after church, and they learn a new song for the next month.

But it was after the children’s choir was finished that the next scene took place. The kids came down off the stage and went to sit with their parents. Then I saw the girl who had stood on the back row of the risers run into her father’s arms. She was wearing a white hat with a blue floral ribbon that matched her pretty dress. She looked very stylish. But something had happened sometime during the morning. I’m not sure if it was while the kids were seated waiting to sing. Or was it while they were singing? Or when they moved off the risers? I’m not sure. I just know that in that moment this young girl was very upset.

As she lunged at her father’s lap, he wrapped his muscular arms around her. She clung to him with all her might and leaned against his strong chest. He held her close as she cried her pain into his ear. He gently rubbed her back as he listened attentively and whispered fatherly advice. He loved his daughter and he was willing to listen to her cries and pleas while seated in a a church full of fellow believers. He wanted the best for his girl, and it was obvious that he would change the events that caused her tears if he could. But he couldn’t. So he held her close and showed her the love and attention of a caring father. And he wasn’t ashamed to show tenderness in front of those sitting nearby.

In that moment, there is no doubt that this ten year old girl felt loved. She knew she could count on her father’s arms of love wrapped around her soothing her cries. She didn’t doubt at all that he would welcome her with open arms. He was sitting in the pew waiting for her to come sit beside him when he noticed her wounded heart. And he tended to her wounds in the way any loving father would do.

The following Sunday, I saw her sitting with her family. But this Sunday was different. When she saw her friend run to sit with a new girl in church, this same girl who was being held by her father the week before jumped up and ran to sit with this new friend, as well. All was right in her world again.

He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:4

I wonder. How many times when we’re hurting and our ego is bruised or our world has been turned upside down do we just sit alone nursing our hurts? Do we even stop to run into our heavenly Father’s arms with our needs and concerns? Don’t we who have been following Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior know that he’s waiting for us? He wants to hear us tell him the fears we’re facing. He wants to hear us say that we’re uncertain about something in our lives. That we don’t know which way to turn. Or how to handle a situation. We need someone who is always available to be there for us. And do we ever stop to remember that our heavenly Father is there waiting for us to come to him?

Maybe it’s time to stop and ask ourselves who is the first person we run to when we’re in trouble? If it isn’t God, why not?

One of the great themes of the Bible is that God is our protector. He never stumbles and falls. He never trips over his words or thoughts. He is strong yet gentle. He is jealous yet loving. He is just yet forgiving. He is exact yet comforting. He is perfect yet understanding. He’s the Creator of the universe yet he’s the lover of your soul.

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7

Oh. I know. It’s easy to try to handle all our problems in our own way and timing. It’s easy to think that our spouse or our circle of friends are the only ones we can really trust with our big issues. But unlike that little girl’s father who didn’t know her problem until she told him, our heavenly Father already knows our problems. He’s waiting for us to run to him and fling ourselves into his waiting open arms so we can spill our guts to him. He’s always available to listen and surround us with his love.

We have to know that even though we believe in the protecting hand of God, we will still face trials of every kind. We are not exempt from evil or destruction or disease. We may face unending persecution or financial ruin or deep heartache. We may be rejected by those who once professed love. Yet we can still abide in the sweet presence of our God. He will not leave us or forsake us.

When a parent protects their child who has run into their safe embrace, the child may not feel the tremors of unease in their parent. That small child may not hear the heart’s groaning of their parent as they plead with God to save their child from the serious diagnosis or the trial they’re facing. The child will rest easy in the safety of their parent’s love, knowing that they will do all they can to ease the worries of their child. So, too, as we’re being held tight in the arms of our loving Savior, he is holding us steady against the ever increasing waves of evil penetrating our culture and world. He is sheltering us from an eternal destiny of destruction as we rest in his saving and forgiving grace. Regardless of the trials and troubles we’re facing, we can rest assured our salvation is in him.

In Christ alone, my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

~Keith and Kristyn Getty

Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord ! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. Habakkuk 3:17-19

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. John 16:33

Don’t Forget the Salt

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

I eat oatmeal for breakfast every day. I make it in small batches so I only have to cook it a couple of times a week. Yes. I cook it from scratch. I don’t use the packets. And when I cook the oatmeal, I always add a pinch of salt to the boiling water. It just gives the oatmeal a better taste. I’ve learned that the hard way.

The other day I was cooking oatmeal and I must have gotten distracted. The next morning when I took my first bite something tasted off. At first I thought the maple syrup I drizzle over it was bad. But no. I had used the same maple syrup the day before and it was fine. I kept eating the weird tasting oatmeal when it finally dawned on me. I had forgotten the salt.

Now I’m stuck for the next few days eating saltless oatmeal. Oh. I’ll survive, but my breakfast won’t be nearly as enjoyable as it usually is. I won’t look forward to my morning meal, as I normally do. I just have to remember to add salt the next time I cook oatmeal.

Each morning I’ve been eating this unseasoned oatmeal, I can’t ignore how unpleasant it is. What does salt do that makes food taste so much better? Especially oatmeal? Isn’t oatmeal supposed to be sweet instead of savory? I don’t understand. Nevertheless, I’m still eating the bland breakfast, and I can’t wait until I have a fresh batch to devour. And, by the way, when adding salt to oatmeal, never add enough so that you can actually taste the salt. That’s not the purpose of salting oatmeal. And that’s why I’m not adding salt to my oatmeal when I reheat it. It wouldn’t be the same. That would just make it salty oatmeal.

The reason salt is added to any dish is to enhance flavors that might otherwise get lost. It brings out the layers of goodness in any dish. Instead of eating bland food, salt takes the dish up a notch. It makes eating a more pleasant experience, so a little salt should be added to any dish that you’re cooking. Not to taste the salt, but to enhance the all around flavor.

You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. Matthew 5:13

Did you know that the Bible actually talks about salt? There are several verses that talk about how salt is good for seasoning. Oh. You may ask. What does that have to do with little ole Christian me? Well. Let’s find out.

Matthew 5:13 tells us that as followers of Christ, we are the salt of the earth. And if we’re not salty Christians continually seasoning our culture, we’ve lost flavor. We’re worthless. Salt is also known as a preservative. It helps prevent rotting in certain situations. So we believers living a salty Christian life are helping to preserve all humanity from falling deeper and deeper into utter chaos and ruin. Oh. It may not seem like we’re having any effect. But imagine if there were no Christians on the earth right now. Evil would reign supreme. And that isn’t the case today, even though times may seem pretty hopeless. As long as there are Christians walking this earth, the Holy Spirit is still present doing his work. Because when Christ comes to call his children home, the Holy Spirit will depart this earth and all chaos will break out. This is not the time.

For this lawlessness is already at work secretly, and it will remain secret until the one who is holding it back steps out of the way. 2 Thessalonians 2:7

We have to realize that, as Christians we have a circle of influence, and we must season it with our godly lives. Whether it’s in our neighborhood, our workplace, our family, or our extracurricular activities, we must live with Christian purpose. Anywhere we interact with people, we Christians are the seasoning because the Holy Spirit is with us. And if we lose our seasoning, just as salt does, it means we are not actively living out our faith. We can’t stop living faithfully to Christ, or we lose our purpose and our Christian influence. So we must always be willing to give an answer for the hope that we have. Our hope is in Christ.

Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? Flavorless salt is good neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. It is thrown away. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! Luke 14:34-35

We have to know that we aren’t living without hope. We have the hope of the world living within us. That hope keeps us salty. We as believers keep this world in check even when the tide seems to be turning against us. But in order for us to keep the world in check, our hearts and lives must live in check with the Holy Spirit. We must walk in the truth of the Light of the world. We can’t afford to lose our flavor. Otherwise, we’re not any good. Our testimony is worthless if we don’t keep our relationship with Christ fresh and growing. We followers of Christ serve an important role in the maintenance and upkeep of today’s culture. We must do our part and live faithfully according to God’s Holy Word, because the world is watching.

For everyone will be tested with fire. Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other. Mark 9:49-50

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Colossians 4:6

Don’t Burn Down the House

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

He said he likes to burn things, so he asked the neighbor if he could help burn their huge brush pile. Honestly. We didn’t like the looks of it and were afraid they would never get around to it. It’s mostly gone now, thanks to the man of the house. The small pile that’s left to dispose of was left there by the previous owners. Who knows how long it’s been sitting unattended. He was thinking of leaving that section alone, since rodents and other vermin may now call it home, but he has begun clearing it out. The part that has been burned was fresh brush from this spring when the new owners cut down all the trees.

But here’s the problem. It gets really windy in our neck of the woods. And if you’re not paying attention, you could start a fire on a windy day. Or if it doesn’t seem too windy at first, you could suddenly find yourself in a wind storm. That’s a problem when a fire is going. At least, that’s what we discovered last week.

The fire in the firepit was smoldering when he suddenly noticed some smoke in the mulch near the garage. He couldn’t figure out what was causing it until he took a closer look. A spark had blown over and set the house on fire. Oh. It didn’t burn out of control, but we now have a burned spot in the lower edge of the garage siding. Perhaps future landscaping will hide the incident. But he has discovered extra siding in the shed, so maybe that will take care of the issue. We’ll see.

Now I understand why some of the surrounding counties have issued burn bans. They know we’re in a drought like season where fires can easily and quickly get out of control.

There’s always a lesson we can learn when we own a home and try to stay current with the upkeep. You never know what issues will come your way. And they’re usually unannounced and uninvited. And unaffordable. But that’s the way life goes, isn’t it?

So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. James 4:17

We may find ourselves presented with a temptation to sin when it’s least expected. We’re minding our own business, perhaps even helping someone else. And bam! Along comes a temptation and we find the wall of our house smoldering with a small flame of temptation. And the temptation becomes so strong that it burns the siding of our house. Oh, we say. We didn’t see that one coming. But what were we caught up in when the temptation arose? Were we minding our own spiritual business? Did a stray spark of temptation blow our way when we weren’t watching? Was it necessary for us to put ourselves in that situation? Could it have been avoided?

How do we actually define unexpected temptation? Or do we say any temptation is unexpected? Oh. We can set ourselves up for a temptation when we get carried along in some activity or conversation that begins moving in a dangerously sinful direction. We can stop the temptation in its tracks, can’t we? Absolutely. But what if we are drifting into temptation by subtly ignoring warning signs? And then we can’t understand why suddenly we’re faced with a temptation to say yes to something we should say no to, or to say no to something we should say yes to. Were we really caught offguard?

Temptation does enter our lives unannounced. What fun would it be to Satan if he told us ahead of time that he was going to tempt us with something that seemed good but had eternal consequences? Would we invite him into our homes and ask him to sit down and explain it in detail? Would we be excited to know that we were being offered a sinful experience? Knowing it could cost us an eternal presence with our Lord and Savior, would we be willing to entertain Satan and his lofty ideas?

Just as a reminder, here’s the definition of sin. Anything that goes against the will of God is sin. If God disapproves and hates it, it is sin. Sin is rebellion against God and breaking his laws.

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. James 1:14-15

Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. 1 John 3:4

Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. Romans 6:12-14

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

We must guard our hearts and thoughts and desires against the schemes of Satan. We must use wisdom in our everyday decisions. We have the power to choose between right and wrong, good and evil. We have the power and authority to say no to anything that displeases God. We always have a choice. We have the final say in our decision to choose to sin or to obey God. God allows us that. He won’t intervene in our decisions and force us to obey him. So it’s our choice. Always.

We don’t have to burn the house down just because the wind blows hot embers near it. We can keep the sparks of sin at bay by staying vigilant and by studying God’s word and saying no to temptation. Just as we can follow the burn bans, we can also follow God’s commands and walk in obedience.

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23

Keeping Busy

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

It’s been a year now since we signed on the dotted line for this retirement home. And we couldn’t be happier. Life is good. Oh. There have been adjustments all right. The man of the house lived in our former state for ten months before joining me full time in retirement. Now he’s busy taking care of projects around the house. He’s still adjusting to not having a strict schedule, but he’ll get there. It just takes time.

Looking back to my working years, I can now see how I never had time to do much of anything but work. But then, that seems to be the way the system is made. Forty hours of work each week leaves precious little time for much of anything else. Oh. We all try to squeeze in as much life as we can into those evening and weekend hours, but they’re never enough. And a few weeks vacation plus holidays sure don’t go far enough to ease the stress of a heavy workload.

But this year of not working has taught me something. I really enjoy having that extra forty hours in my week. I sure seem to find enough to keep myself busy. Sure. There are times I’m doing nothing. But there are days when I have a full schedule. Now. My full schedule doesn’t look the same as it did in the past. My day doesn’t start as early and it isn’t as rushed. I don’t always have places to go and people to see. But that’s just fine. I like it that way.

Here’s what I do know. In retirement, we can’t just sit around in our recliner and do nothing. Oh sure. I imagine that as old age creeps in, we’ll slow down. At some point, physical ailments and health problems will slow down some activities. But until those things begin to happen on a regular basis, we need to be active. We need to move our bodies and our brains. We need to engage in meaningful conversations with others, young and old. We need to volunteer and give back time to others who don’t have the time. We can start hobbies we never had time for when we were working.

At this point, I’ve discovered that retirement is a very enjoyable period of life. I hadn’t really thought much about what my retirement would look like, but I’m liking it. Over the past few months, I’ve begun walking most mornings. And I’ve become a pickleball player. I’m involved in a small group Bible study at church, and I’m starting to volunteer with the midweek children’s program. Oh. I don’t know the two people I’ve been assigned to work with. I don’t know the kids. I only know two people who are involved with the entire program, so I’m a little unsettled. But I’ll find my way. Does it make me nervous to get out of my comfort zone? Absolutely. Does it stop me? Absolutely not.

Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. Ecclesiastes 9:10

And the man of the house? He’s getting involved with a couple of men’s groups at church. One group meets for coffee early one morning each week. Oh. It’s a social group, but they’re building relationships and that’s mighty important. He’s also joined the men’s Bible study group that meets once a week. And he’s volunteering with another group to build beds for kids who don’t have one.

This man of mine. He’s also helping the next door neighbor burn down their huge brush pile. He says he likes to burn things, but he also has a huge heart for helping others. And he’s putting that gift to good use. Oh. He comes in the house sweaty and exhausted, but he’s doing a good deed for others who are still working fulltime. Every little bit of help makes a difference.

Here’s the thing I’ve learned. It’s easy to get into a rut and never do anything that challenges me. I could sit in my easy chair all day and scroll on my phone or laptop. I could easily sit and read all day. I could complain that I don’t know very many people in this new place that I willingly moved to. I could just do nothing. But that’s not what God has called me to do. I’m still healthy. I’m still active enough that I can help others and I can also have fun. And there are days that I don’t do much of anything. My goal is to accomplish one thing each day, large or small. At least one thing.

I’ve met a couple of people who moved to the area in the past few years, and they’ve told me that they don’t know anyone. Their method of meeting others is working out at the fitness center. But I wonder just how many people they meet there? Most people go there to work out, not to be social. I take it that they don’t attend church or volunteer anywhere. That would be a depressing way to grow old. Never meeting anyone or doing anything. Just sitting all day. I can’t do that. At least, not at this point.

It takes courage to get out of your comfort zone. And I’ve found that even though the nervousness comes around, it won’t kill me. I’m not doing anything dangerous. I’m just getting involved so I can stay active, meet others and build lasting relationships. I plan to grow old in this place. I don’t want to spend my final years complaining because I don’t know anyone when I haven’t done anything to meet others. So I’m putting myself in uncomfortable situations and plowing through that discomfort. Someday I’m sure I’ll see the bright side of my efforts.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. Colossians 3:23-24

Facelift

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

A woman who has grown famous by pushing her daughters into fame has admitted to having her second facelift. She’ll be seventy soon, and I must say she looks beautiful. There are no more wrinkles on that pretty face of hers. Oh. Her first facelift was fifteen years ago, so it was time for a refresh, or so she says. And she admits that not everyone who is aging will go this route, but this is her way of aging gracefully. She goes under the knife to age gracefully. Think about that for a minute. But then. She’s worth millions or maybe billions, so she can do whatever she wants with the money she has earned by offering up her daughters to fame and fortune. Apparently, it’s working.

As everyone on this earth will face death, so too will this woman. Hopefully, that won’t happen anytime soon, but she isn’t invincible. She is continuing to age regardless of her efforts to hide it. Oh sure. She can hide behind her pretty smooth face and tell the world she’s aging gracefully. But she’s also had a hip replaced. Who knows what other health related issues she lives with that are kept under lock and key. But really. We don’t need to know her medical history. And now we know what we don’t need to know. Oh. Many suspected this last surgery. When you compare photos of her from earlier this year to her new photo shoot, there is an obvious difference. She’s proud of the way she looks. I guess she thinks she earned it. After all, her definition of aging gracefully seems to be working well for her.

And. She’s trying to profit off of her new look. She’s had t-shirts printed up by her son’s company to sell to women who want to be like her. There will be those who buy the shirt and wear it proudly. And some will probably be inspired to undergo unnecessary surgery, too.

This woman can have all the surgeries she wants, but underneath that smooth veneer she is still aging. Surgeries can only do so much to help her age gracefully. The cut of the knife won’t change her age. It will make her look like an older woman who’s trying to look younger. An older woman who’s afraid to accept the natural beauty in a wrinkled face or sagging body parts or stretchy skin. It happens to all of us. She wants to look as young and fresh as her daughters. Some people say she now looks like them. And others say she choreographs her life to be photo-ready at all times.

But does she know that keeping up with youth comes at a price. And I’m not just talking about a financial price. Does she still have any elasticity left in her skin, or was it all pulled too tight? She can probably afford anything money can buy, thanks to being the momager of her daughters’ careers. Her management of her girls has made at least one of them a billionaire. Reports indicate that she has helped her children start fifteen businesses. Fifteen. And according to industry sources, she gets a ten percent payout from everything her family does. Imagine.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

The question I would ask is this. Has she had plastic surgery on her soul? Or. Is it still stained with unconfessed sin? Has she confessed her sins and repented of her sinful ways? Is she following the teachings of Jesus Christ? Does she even believe in God and his saving power?

One day she too will stand before her Maker and her life will be examined closely. It will be far too late for any type of spiritual surgery. What our Heavenly Father sees on that day will be what he bases her final judgment on. No going back. No physical surgery can fix what she will face in that meeting with her Maker. Regardless of how youthful she looks on that fateful day, God will be searching his records to see if her name is in the Book of Life.

The thing is. God sees this woman and he loves her so much. He isn’t interested in all the unneeded surgeries she puts herself through to make herself acceptable to society. He cares about what he sees on the inside of her. He cares so deeply about her soul and its condition. It isn’t important to him that she has millions of dollars stashed away, or that she owns multiple homes. He isn’t impressed with the nips and tucks. That isn’t what makes him love her. He loves her because she’s created in his image, and he wants her to want him. He’s jealous for her love and affection. He wants her to commit her life to him. She’s wasted so many years of her life living for herself. Making herself into an older woman who thinks she’s aging gracefully by cutting and smoothing out her skin won’t gain God’s approval. It isn’t smooth skin that will save her in the end. Doesn’t she know that?

God’s the Creator of the universe, and he’s the master surgeon when it comes to aging gracefully into eternity. He knows the only solution to an eternal life with him is eradicating the sinfulness of her life. Oh. She still has time to turn her life over to him. He’s still waiting. Patiently waiting. I wonder if she’ll ever give him the time of day as she schedules photo shoots and interviews and schemes up new business deals for her kids. Will she ever make time for God?

You may not be planning to have a face lift to stall the aging process. And you may not have repented of your sins. But there is still an opportunity for you to do so. As long as there is breath in your lungs, you can still turn to God. Don’t be deceived by the planning and scheming in today’s world. Don’t let your heart be hardened against God, but trust in him and repent today. While there is still time.

Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. Remember what it says: “Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled.” Hebrews 3:12-15

Clinically Speaking

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

Earlier this spring, I took pickleball lessons. One hour a week for four weeks. Oh. I learned to play pickleball, and I’ve been playing it weekly ever since. It’s a fun sport for us non-sporty retirees. Yeah. Injuries can happen. I’ve heard the horror stories. And I’ve noticed that my pickleball group and I have continued to improve from our once weekly games. We have seen definite improvement week over week. We’re getting better, but we’re nowhere near pro status. That isn’t our goal. We just want to have fun.

When we were leaving the courts last week, I saw a sign indicating it was time to register for pickleball leagues for the fall. I’m not ready for that. I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready for that. I’m still very much a beginner. I dug around on the park district’s website to learn more about the park’s fall pickleball plans. I discovered that they offer a three-week clinic for beginner and intermediate players. I think I’ll join. I want to sharpen my skills and solidify my knowledge of the rules, which is somewhat slippery at times. There are lots of rules in pickleball.

I sent the link to my pickleball crew, but it seems that no one can join me. And that’s ok. I can sharpen my skills with a new group of beginners. But I wonder. When will I stop seeing myself as a beginner? Because, at this point, I feel I don’t do anything intentionally when I’m playing. The way I serve or volley or lob or dink just happen. And yes, dink is a pickleball term. I want to be an intentional player.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

I became a Christian when I was a young child. I remember the night. Our church was having a revival, and we went to church every night for about a week. And it was during the school year. My family never missed a service, so we went every night regardless of whether we had school the next day or not. At the end of the service one night, I went to the altar and asked Jesus to forgive my sins. I became a new creation in Christ that night. I think I was eight or nine.

Oh. My family attended church every time the church doors were open. If there was a service or an event at church, we were there. I attended Sunday School, church, prayer meetings, revival services, missionary meetings, VBS and church camp. It was what we did. We went to church. My parents were faithful followers of Christ, and they instilled that practice into their children.

Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian, the same as taking pickleball classes doesn’t make you a pickleball champion. There is a learning process and the daily practice of abiding by biblical principles that grow our relationship with Christ. Yes. We still need to attend church and attend often. We need to be involved with fellow believers. And we should be involved in the work of the church in some way. But works don’t make us a Christian, and works won’t get us into heaven.

It’s the daily laying down of our will and surrendering to walking the path of Christianity that helps grow our faith. In order to know God’s Word, we must read it on a regular basis. And we must study the Bible. It isn’t enough to just read it. It isn’t a novel we read once and then set aside. We must dig into it and seek to understand what God is saying to us. We must spend time in prayer, not just praying for things we want. We must pray for the needs of others, and we must pray for our spiritual and political leaders. We must pray that people who don’t know Jesus as their Lord and Savior will make that commitment. Actually, we must pray about everything. There is nothing off limits that we can’t pray about. And we must practice sound biblical ethics. There’s no point in becoming a Christian if we still plan to lie, cheat and steal and commit other ungodly behaviors.

Being a new Christian is similar to being a novice pickleballer. We need to be mentored by someone who has spent years honing their commitment to Christ and then are willing to share that knowledge with newbies. We can sign up for the new Bible study group at church, so we can learn more about God’s Word and build relationships with other believers. Oh sure. Getting involved with others may be risky. But isn’t going it alone just as risky? Anyone who’s ever tried to play pickleball alone knows it’s impossible. You can hit the ball against a wall all you want, but it isn’t the same as playing a game with a foursome of players. To get the full effect of pickleball, you need to play real games with other players. It’s the same in Christianity. We must spend time with other believers who will encourage us and sharpen us in our walk with Christ. We need accountability.

Oh. Neither pickleball or Christianity are rocket science, but there is a learning curve as a beginner. And what I mean is that, as a Christian, we need to find solid biblical teachers to guide us. Just as my first pickleball instructor left out a lot of pickleball rules and details that beginners need to know, some Bible teachers interpret Scriptures incorrectly and can lead new believers down the wrong path. And there are “Bible” teachers and people who identify as Christians who don’t teach biblical truths. We need to find Christian teachers who teach sound biblical truths. They’re out there, but you may have to search until you find a biblically sound church with solid preachers and teachers. Just don’t stop learning and don’t settle for questionable teaching. You won’t regret all the biblical truths and practices you will learn if you make a habit of lifelong learning.