The Complicity of Silence

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

Stephen had been performing miracles and signs among a crowd of people. A few days later, a group of men began to debate him. They hated the wisdom and spirit with which he spoke, so they persuaded others to lie about Stephen. Although Stephen was speaking truth, he was arrested and immediately brought to trial. As he spoke in his own defense, the crowd was outraged. The Jewish leaders were enraged as he preached the gospel message and pointed out their sins. In their rage, they rushed at him and dragged him outside the city gates. There they picked up stones and stoned him to death. They threw their coats at a man standing off to the side. He stood there silently. Watching. Holding coats. Approving of the merciless killing of an innocent man.

You can read the full story of Stephen’s witness and death in Acts 6:8-8:1.

Oh. This man holding coats could have spoken up. He could have pushed aside the crowd and protected the accused man. But he didn’t. Instead, Saul stood there guarding the coats of the killers.  Standing far enough away to claim innocence. Oh.  He didn’t physically throw a stone. But his silent stance of approval said it all. 

Saul stood silent, but he was also in a fight. He was fighting against the message that Stephen had been fighting for. Saul belonged to the group who took their fight public. He went from city to city throwing people in jail and sending them to their death all for their belief in the risen Savior. Oh. He knew where he stood on the issue, and he stood on the opposite side as Stephen. Saul was fighting to bring the innocent believers to a guilty judgment in a court of injustice. He had no concern for their lives or beliefs.

So he didn’t speak up for the man who boldly stood on the opposing side of a religious belief. He stood aside and watched him die. Unwilling to allow someone else to freely speak their beliefs. He was as guilty of Stephen’s murder as those who threw the stones.

Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. Acts 8:1

Just as Saul was silent when the crowd stoned Stephen, Adam was silent when the serpent tempted Eve. Oh. Adam was standing right there with her, naked as a jaybird, and he said nothing. He didn’t remind her of God’s command not to eat the fruit from that particular tree. He listened and then took a bite when she offered it to him. There was nothing sacred or holy about that moment. They were both guilty of disobeying God. And they knew it. But they didn’t yet realize the consequences of that one bite. They didn’t realize the consequence for themselves or for the rest of humanity for all times.

The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. Genesis 3:1-7

In Adam’s case, he knew the truth and ignored it. And look at what it cost him. When we as twenty-first century Christians know the truth and do it not, we place our witness in a precarious position. Particularly if others recognize that we’ve ignored truth for comfort and cultural approval. I find these days that we’ve lost the art of courageous living. We instead lean toward acceptance and comfort. We do the easy thing in the moment, regardless of the consequences.

If we realized the moment before we made that one destructive and sinful decision, would we still do it? Would we still take just one small bite of that forbidden fruit, or would we set aside our eagerness to please others and fit in with our culture? Would we remain silent when a voice of truth needs to be heard? We can’t have it both ways. 

Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace! Proverbs 12:20

Cultural and political events in this country the past few years have caused many people to speak up for causes they believe in. They want their voice to be heard, regardless of which side of the issue they’re on. They want their opinions to be recorded in history. Some push too far. And yet, the vast majority remain publicly silent. Afraid for the career or status they could lose, they remain silent. So their silence is perceived as consent with a crowd they don’t particularly agree with. But how would anyone know that they hold a differing opinion? They surely don’t risk speaking up in public, because they’ve heard of those who do and are socially and professionally cast aside for those in agreement.

I see the same in them as I see in Saul.  Saul stood there holding the coats of those throwing stones to kill Stephen.  He was the official coat watcher.  What an excuse.  He stood by in silent consent as the mob violently threw stones on an innocent man.  Those stones broke bones and injured internal organs. The pummeling of his body with huge stones ushered Stephen into the presence of God Almighty. The silence of Saul was deafening.  In his final breath, Stephen asked God to forgive those who were killing him.

It is tempting to not speak out on an issue when you know you’ll face blow back and courage is so needed.

Gavin Ortlund

And where do I stand when I see or hear of someone being wronged? Do I stand just far enough away so that I can still see it but proclaim innocence? Don’t I know that by being silent, I’m doing Satan’s bidding?  Am I as guilty as Saul when I silently approve of those who participate in ungodly lifestyles by keeping the truth from them?   Have I not learned to stand for my beliefs, lest I fall for less? If I don’t stand for something, will I fall for anything?

Saul? The legalistic Pharisee knew all the laws. He could quote Scripture, but he didn’t believe in the Messiah who was prophesied about in those same Scriptures. He stood silently watching an innocent man die for his belief that the promise of the Messiah had actually been fulfilled. Saul’s silence was consent to the murder. Sure. He only held the coats of the killers. But that doesn’t make him innocent.

Another great apostle, Peter, remained silent three times when asked if he was one of Jesus’ followers. Three times he denied knowing Jesus, as Jesus stood on trial for crimes he didn’t commit. Three times Peter remained silent about his relationship with the man he followed with a passion. Why? He didn’t want to stand in harm’s way. He didn’t want to face an unknown future by admitting that he was one of Jesus’ disciples. Yet, earlier in the evening when Jesus had warned him that he would speak words of betrayal not once but three times, he defiantly said that he would be willing to die for Jesus. Yet outside the courtroom where Jesus was on trial, in the moment of truth, he denied even knowing Jesus.

Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” “No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same. Matthew 26:33-35

You can read the full story of of Peter’s betrayal in Matthew 26.

I have to ask myself. 

Would I continue to speak up if I was publicly ridiculed or if my livelihood was threatened? Would I continue to speak the truth if I knew it could cost me everything? Including my life? What is the truth worth these days? Would I speak up for the one charged with a crime he didn’t commit?

I think of the Germans standing by silently as their leader ordered the Jews to be hunted and marched off to prison camps. Many of the Jews were killed and still others were never seen or heard from again.  But the Germans.  They knew the wrong that was being done to their neighbors. Their friends.  Yet they did nothing.  Nothing.  They stood by silently while their neighbors and friends disappeared into the unknown.  How could they be silent?  We ask. 

Would I stand silent because I thought my life could be on the line if I spoke up? What harm does my silence do? I opened an email the other day that asked “when truth is erased, who fights back?” Think about it.

The Heart of It All

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

So. We bought this house late last summer. Oh. The stone on the front facade is a look I have always disliked. I’ve just never cared for it, but there it is on the front of a house that I willingly bought. And I’m definitely not going to invest money to replace it with something I prefer. That’s just not in the budget. There are many other updates that I want to put my money and hard work toward, so I ignore the ugly stone as much as I can and concentrate on the parts of the house that I love.

And then I step inside my home. Oh. Every wall is still currently painted white. The floor is a lighter color than I would have chosen. I have paint swatches and wallpaper samples taped to the walls, and I’ve placed rugs in a couple of rooms. I’m making plans to update light fixtures and to paint the cabinets. I’d like to replace the garden tub with a walk-in shower. Those things will happen, but they will take time because we have some big ticket items to consider. We need to install a new HVAC system, and we need to replace part of the roof. We have foggy windows that need replaced. And these updates will come all in good time.

We’ve made this house our home, and it’s a comfortable place to live. Bright light shines in through the tall living room windows and the doors. Fresh breezes flow through the house on nice days. I’m working to make this house a cozy place where we will enjoy growing old. And so far, it’s working. We love being in our home.

The thing is. If I had to buy this house based on the exterior of it alone, I would have passed on it. Not because I disliked the shape of house, because I don’t dislike it. I just don’t like the look of the stone. It’s dated and ugly and way too expensive to replace. But it was the inside of the house that drew me in. The layout. The beauty of the tall wooden ceilings. The shape of the A-frame feels rustic and homey. It is a welcoming place.

The way I’m working on making my home a place I genuinely love reminds me of the story of how David was anointed as the second king of Israel. God was displeased with King Saul’s continued disobedience, so he let Saul know that none of his sons would inherit his place on the throne. Imagine being the prophet Samuel who had to break that news to the king of Israel. But he did it. He shared the bad news.

And God then told Samuel to go to the house of Jesse and anoint one of his sons as the next king. The problem is. God didn’t tell Samuel which son he had chosen. He told Samuel he would let him know who was the chosen son when he arrived in Bethlehem. When Samuel arrived at the house, he came with an offering to present to God. It was a heifer. Jesse and his sons were invited to the sacrifice where God would tell Samuel which son was to be the next king.

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

When Samuel saw the first son, he was impressed and thought this must be the one. But God told him to keep looking. After checking out six more sons, God had still not given the green light to any of them. So Samuel asked if there were more sons. Oh. One more. The youngest. You don’t want to see him. He’s not worthy. Bring him to me, said Samuel. And when David was brought in to face Samuel, God let him know that the future king of Israel was standing before him. Samuel then anointed David in front of his father and brothers before they sat down to enjoy a feast.

Each time one of the first seven sons stood before Samuel, he thought they looked fine. All he could see was their physical appearance. But God was looking at their heart. And God had told Samuel earlier that he was looking for someone with a heart toward Him. He wanted a king who would obediently follow God while he led his country. Not a small task, at all. And when David entered the room, Samuel knew this was God’s chosen one.

Oh. We would later learn that David was far from perfect. He messed up big time. But he always turned back to God and repented of his sins. The results of momentary temptations and lusts brought him to his knees as he watched the son born of his sin die in infancy. But he arose from his knees a forgiven and changed man. He was a warrior and led the nation of Israel in many victorious wars against enemy nations. He planned and prepared for the temple that his son Solomon, the next king of Israel, would build. He was a man after God’s own heart.

Too many times we look at ourselves and wonder what God sees in us. But when we faithfully follow him, even though we may stumble, he is faithful to us. He will forgive us when we sin, as long as we repent. He knows our hearts. He knows if we have a true leaning toward being a child of God, or if we’re just playing around with our faith. He’s looking for seriously committed followers who will live out their beliefs in public. Oh. We’re not faultless, but we must be repentant when we do sin.

Just as my new home needs repairs and updates that may not be visible to the naked eye, so is our heart when it comes to spiritual growth. God sees us as we are, and he knows the work he has ordained for us. Throughout our lifetime of serving him, God will work on the areas of our heart that are not fully in tune with him. When we allow God to correct and prune us, we will grow in his likeness. When we surrender our sinful nature to him, we will experience a lifetime of growth. Just as my house has not been well cared for through the years, we can’t allow our spiritual growth to become stagnant, because our faith will erode and decay. We need daily spiritual nourishment from God’s word, prayer and fellowship with other believers. It is a lifetime of faithful obedience that draws us closer to God and makes us more like him.

Faithful Few

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

Well. We went and did it. We joined the new seniors group at church last week.  I keep asking myself if we’re really seniors. I don’t feel like one, but I also know I’m not a spring chicken. I guess it’s time to admit the inevitable, because we’re not getting any younger. 

We met some new people that night. Some younger than us and some older. One couple has been around since the church was founded, and the man built the current church building. There’s some history among the older ones in the church, that’s for sure.

I find it very inspiring to know that multiple families who have attended this church throughout its life are still attending. Their longevity at the church speaks volumes. I’ve heard talk of some tough times in the past where many in the church left. Never to return. But it’s obvious that not everyone ran away from the troubles. Some stuck around and have since seen a healing in their church body.

The past few years have seen a resurgence in attendance, and the growth of the church continues. It appears to be a healthy and thriving place for folks of all ages. There’s a nice mix of young and old in the congregation. I like that. 

And then there’s our small group. It’s a group of less than ten people who are in our age range. And the beauty of this group is that they have been together for a long time. They not only have been in the same small group, but they have attended the same church for years. Their kids grew up together and know each other. They all know the good, the bad and the ugly about each other’s families. And yet, they’ve welcomed the two of us with open arms. They’ve welcomed newcomers to their community of believers. And it feels so right.

Oh sure. In this small group, we study the Bible. And we pray together. But there is also a time of lighter conversation as we partake of some light dessert. These people genuinely care about each other. And as they talk about their children and grandchildren, there is a deep sense of pride. They greatly enjoy spending time with their adult children, and they freely admit it. I recall one man recently beamed with pride when he spoke of his son telling him that he would like to spend his Sunday afternoon one on one. Tears easily flow down the face of another of these gentlemen as he is moved by the commitment each of his children has made to faithfully serve God. He cherishes the time he gets to spend with them.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2

And no. Their families aren’t all perfect. There are some deep hurts and disappointments they’ve experienced over the years, but the frailty of family relationships hasn’t dimmed their love for their families or for their God. They remain deeply committed to both. Some of their children are currently walking down a road away from biblical principals, yet their parents remain committed to an open relationship with them. And when they take the opportunity to speak biblical truths at the appointed time. Regardless of the decisions their children make, they still love and pray for them.

These couples have stood the test of time in their faith and their marriages. They are a shining example of living a committed and faithful life not only to their chosen spouse, but also to their God. They have lived an imperfect Christian witness throughout the years, as any of us do, but their faith has only deepened throughout the hills and valleys of the years.

We don’t have to be perfect to be lifelong followers of Christ. We need to be consistent in our commitment of obedience when the Holy Spirit nudges us. We must be open to conviction when we are made aware of inconsistencies in our lives. Oh. These people I’ve recently begun doing life with don’t always get everything right. They would be the first to admit their flaws, but their walk with God through the years has proven that God is true to his word. His is faithful to those who call him Lord and Savior, and these few who call him Lord and Savior are faithful to him. Does life get any better than that?

And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:5-9

We’re pilgrims on the journey of the narrow road
And those who’ve gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives a stirring testament to God’s sustaining grace
Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race not only for the prize
But as those who’ve gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us
The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives


Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful


After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone
And our children sift through all we’ve left behind
May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover
Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find


Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful

~Steve Green

Is Your Lent Showing?

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

In case you weren’t aware, Ash Wednesday occurred this week. And if you don’t know what that is, it’s the kickoff to Lent in the Catholic (and some Protestant) churches. On Ash Wednesday, ashes are smeared in the shape of a cross on the foreheads of willing participants. Lent is then observed for forty days until Easter and consists of abstaining from something of your choice. Many people give up their favorite food or drink, or some other meaningful or not so meaningful thing in their life. For forty days, they are to avoid this chosen item.

I’ve attended a Protestant church my entire life. We never ever observed Ash Wednesday or Lent. We never gave up any type of food for forty days unless directed by a doctor. And we never had ashes in the shape of a cross smeared across our foreheads. Not to be disrespectful of anyone who observes the practice of Lent, but it’s never been an event in my life.

According to Dr. Glenn Sunshine, Lent is a period of time prior to Easter when Christians prepare themselves to commemorate Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection. Lent ends on Easter when we celebration his resurrection. Forty days are set aside for people to prepare their hearts, to repent, and to be ready to celebrate Christ’s victory over death.

The forty days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday signify the forty days Jesus fasted in the wilderness before he started his ministry. Which gives me pause. Many people “suffer” and give up their favorite food or drink or activity, or whatever it is that they lean on for these forty days. Here’s the kicker. After their forty days of fasting, what ministry do they start? What ministry do we as Christians dive into as a celebration of our denying ourselves for forty days? Or, do we just gorge ourselves to break the fast of the favorite thing we’ve given up?

Someone says Lent isn’t a moment of forced piety, but isn’t it? Why wait until a certain time of year to abstain from something that has a stronghold on your life? If God doesn’t need Lent, then why do we? If Lent is for us, then why wait until forty days before Easter to check our spiritual pulse? Shouldn’t we be doing that on a daily and weekly basis? Shouldn’t we be fellowshipping with other believers on a weekly basis, anyway? Why would we give ourselves only forty days out of the year to pause and ask the Holy Spirit what is most needed in our lives? Shouldn’t we do that regularly?

Some churches are now offering drive-thru ashes, so you don’t have to get out of your car. There is no service even at some churches. You just walk in and get a smear of ashes on your forehead. No reminders of what you are observing. No encouragement to abstain from something truly sacrificial. Why do some people believe the act of ashes on the forehead and abstaining from something for forty days is sacred? What part is sacred? The act of smearing the ashes is seen as a holy moment, but it seems to be a meaningless ritual for the sake of tradition. Because as soon as the person drives or walks away from that oh so sacred moment, do they act holy the remainder of the day?

As believers of Jesus Christ and his resurrection, we must be in the habit of dying to ourselves daily, not just for forty days each year. And if the only thing we deny ourselves during that forty days is chocolate or alcohol, well is that really a sacrifice? It’s time we take a deep dive into the practice of being a self-denying believer every day of every year, not just for forty days of the year.

If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

Just as Jesus fasted for forty days, we are told to do the same for these forty days, but we give up only one thing of our choice. And Jesus walked away from his desert experience stronger than ever in spirit. He felt a closeness with his Father that no one could take from him. Oh sure. Satan came along during that time and tempted him greatly. He tempted Jesus’ hunger by telling him to turn a stone into bread. Then he took him to the top of the Temple and suggested he jump off, because angels would protect him. Wouldn’t they? And then Satan showed him all the kingdoms of the world and promised them to him if Jesus would only bow down to him. Jesus strongly rebuked him with each temptation, and with the final one Jesus commanded him to leave. Angels came and cared for him. During his forty days of fasting in the wilderness, Jesus relied solely on God the Father.

You can read this entire story at Matthew 4:1-11.

I have to ask those who observe Lent. Do you walk away from your experience feeling close to God because you didn’t scroll through social media for those forty days? Or did the lack of caffeine give you a sense of God’s presence when you didn’t drink your daily cappuccino? When you didn’t swipe your credit card for forty days, did you feel the holiness of God’s spirit surrounding you? Did you deny yourself that favorite thing and then tell Satan to flee after he tempted you to give in to it? Or did you give in?

Do we see Lent only as a liturgical ritual?  Does it hold any true significance to the believer today if on day forty-one nothing about us has changed? If so, why observe Lent? It isn’t a requirement for salvation, and it isn’t mentioned in the Bible. I know. It’s a part of the historic church calendar, and it’s part of the liturgical year in some denominations. Is it used as a crutch for some to show they’re able to refrain from their favorite activity for a little over a month each year? If observed properly and sacredly, could Lent actually provide personal benefit and spiritual growth?

For those who are believers in the One True God, isn’t suffering supposed to make us more holy and move us closer to God? Who, after suffering through forty days without chocolate, feels more holy than they did when they ate the last bite the day before their abstinence began? I don’t mean to disrespect the practices and observances of other denominations, but what I’ve seen and heard over my years of life is that people just give up something for forty days that they could easily live without. They aren’t really sacrificing. And if the only thing that is done is a swipe across the forehead without attending a service commemorating the meaning and beginning of Lent, then what’s the purpose?

And now I see that some Protestant churches are starting to observe Ash Wednesday and Lent. Why? Why is this practice creeping into other denominations who once ignored it? Why the ashes on the foreheads of some Christians? What has caused the shift? And is this shift causing Christian churches to allow other nonbiblical practices to inch their way into other areas of the church? Are churches promoting the act of gaining God’s approval by some petty sacrifice rather than through God’s plan of salvation? Because, if so, it won’t work. God’s approval is received by confessing our sins and repenting of them. We can’t gain God’s forgiveness by giving up something we’ll take back in forty days.

If you attend a church that has now begun to observe these rituals, you might want to ask yourself why. Better yet. Ask your pastor why. What has caused him to decide that observing Ash Wednesday and Lent has anything to do with Christianity?

Oh sure. It’s admirable to deny ourselves an item we love from time to time, but it never takes the place of dying to ourselves daily so we can become more like Jesus.

To become one with Jesus Christ, a person must be willing not only to give up sin, but also to surrender his whole way of looking at things. What our Lord wants us to present to Him is not our goodness, honesty, or our efforts to do better, but real solid sin. ~Oswald Chambers

The Goodness of Change

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

The weather has been mild this past week. Aahhh. We say. The winter has been cold and any snow is too much for me, so I’m happy with the sunny warmer days. I’ve begun taking walks around this very small town of mine. I’ve never lived here in the springtime, so it will be interesting to see how well neighbors care for their properties. Oh. I’ve already decided that it would be very appropriate to start a beautification project in this small village, but I’m sure it might ruffle some feathers. I see many homes that need some sprucing up. There’s mildew on the exterior in some places. There are unruly leftovers from past gardens. I’ve spotted multiple vehicles that have never moved from their spot in the past six months I’ve lived here. And I’ve read that this village has a problem with feral cats, none of which I’ve seen.

Oh sure. I saw the American flag waving in the cool breeze, but I also spotted a couple of leftover political signs that should have been removed after the fall election. I noticed some boarded up windows in multiple houses, and I wonder what has happened to cause them to be vacant. Even a local church boasts the same look. In one home, the blinds have been drawn so no one can even get a glimpse of any movement in the house. I hear dogs barking in other houses as I walk past, but I see no one.

I passed a couple walking their dogs a few days ago, but they wouldn’t even look in my direction. I know they had to see me walking their way, but they gave not a hint of friendliness. Perhaps not everyone in this town is friendly. Or. Perhaps they’re just cautious about anyone unfamiliar walking their streets. It’s also the time of year that the golf carts start circling the country de sac where I live. Apparently, it will be an interesting first spring in this new home of mine.

As I move through the town, I’m pleasantly surprised to discover the brick sidewalks that line many streets. Some of the residents have kept these vintage sidewalks in mint condition, while others have allowed grass to cover them. If you didn’t know the bricks were in place in some areas, you would never even suspect what is below the surface. If only all the homeowners along those streets would uncover the bricks and let them shine. They’re a throwback to the days of old when this town was once a thriving place. I’m sure some homeowners aren’t interested in maintaining these unique reminders of the past, so they have allowed the bricks to be hidden. It’s a reminder that perhaps this small village is dying for a reason.

I have no idea of the history of this place. I wonder if the very small library holds information of the town’s humble beginnings. I see the empty and unused storefronts that once housed long ago closed businesses. I can just imagine the horses and buggies parked out front, but not many people walk this part of town any longer. Oh sure. There is a bank. And a post office. There’s a town hall and a seldom used funeral home. I’ve visited the antique shop that’s open two days a week. Oh. And there’s a bar that’s open each evening. I’ve also driven past the cemetery on the edge of town. And let’s not forget the corporate grain elevator that sends trains down the tracks at all hours of the night. Across the interstate, I can see two ugly solar farms. That’s someone’s idea of progress. But others have a differing opinion on the topic of those windmills. I see signs posted on the side of a barn and along the roadside sharing their thoughts on that sore subject.

Yet I am confident I will see the Lord ’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Psalms 27:13

I know of several homes in foreclosure in this town. Mine was one of those at this time last year. Fortunately, it’s been saved and we’re now called the proud owners. The house next door is in the same predicament. I think I spied a final walk through of the house one day this week. We’ll see what the future holds over there. It would be nice to have another set of good neighbors. So far, I’ve only met a handful of neighbors, and others wave as they drive past.

When we moved here six months ago, we had no idea what was in store for us. Aside from all the needed repairs to the house, living here has been a nice change of pace. Slowing down and settling in to a new home, village and church feels good. It still feels like we made the right decision to pack up and move two states over. At this point, I wouldn’t change a thing.

I know change can be hard, but at times it’s necessary and welcoming. At other times, change comes and it’s out of our control. We just have to roll with the punches. So far, this change hasn’t felt like a gut punch, but there have been some unpleasant finds with this home that we’ve had to weather. But life is good. And I foresee many more good days ahead.

Who knows. Trouble can come tomorrow, and we must know it’s always around the corner. But we shoulder through each day, because it’s the only one we’ve got. We’ll face tomorrow’s troubles tomorrow. Today has enough of it’s own. And even whether the sun is shining or not, God is always good.

Give thanks to the Lord , for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalms 107:1

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 2 Corinthians 9:8

Harboring the Lost

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

I harbored a runaway the other day, and here’s the story.

I was getting comfortable in my husband’s easy chair one morning while drinking a hot beverage before jumping in the shower. As I sat down, I noticed movement in the the neighbor’s driveway. I saw a dog running around, skittish, uncertain of where he was, as if he didn’t belong. I got up from my easy chair and walked to the sliding door to see where the animal went. He ran over to the other side of my house and to the other neighbor’s yard. I opened the door and whistled. He spotted me and came running to the side of the deck before taking off again to the pond area. I realized I would need to rescue him, so I hurriedly dressed in warmer clothes. He didn’t know where he was or how to get home.

I opened the door to look for him again. As I looked around, I realized he was at the deck waiting for me. I convinced him to come up onto the deck, and I bribed him with a piece of meatball to come closer. With each bite I offered, he came a little closer until finally with that final bite, I was able to grab his collar. I saw the name and phone number of his owner on that collar, so I pulled the dog into my house on that cold and snowy day. As I called the number, the dog investigated my home. He realized another of his kind had recently been there. He very thoroughly sniffed out the remaining scents of my recently passed dog.

When I spoke to his owner, he confirmed that the dog belonged to him. I gave him my address and saw him turn onto the street. As his white pickup came my way, I asked the dog’s name. Toby, the man said. I let Toby know that I was talking to his dad, and that he was on his way to pick him up. And then the white pickup pulled into my driveway. When it finally came to a stop, the owner opened the door and stepped out. I opened the door to my house and Toby ran for his dad, jumped in the truck, and off they went to places unknown.

I’m not sure how pleased the man was at his dog getting loose, but I’m sure he breathed a sigh of relief when Toby bolted from my house and hopped into his truck. Even though he might have had words for the dog, I’m sure he was still grateful for a situation that could have had a very unhappy ending.

Later that day, I saw the white pickup coming around slowly a couple more times. I hoped that Toby hadn’t gotten out again, but I never saw him.

I think of the story of a young man who came to this country looking to improve his life, get an education and go home to help others. But during his early years in this country, a terrible thing was happening far away at home. A war broke out in his homeland, and he was no longer able to return.

Years later when he married, his visa was close to expiring. Immigration came calling. He and his young bride were given a thorough questioning about their marriage. And early one Monday morning, his father-in-law received a call asking when he had last seen this immigrant son-in-law of his. That father-in-law proudly stated that he had just seen him that weekend. And all was well. After jumping through all the legal hoops and hurdles, the young man became a citizen of this country. He did the hard work of making sure to do the honorable task of becoming a proud American.

There are those who come to this great land without jumping through all the hoops. They come running to this country skittish and uncertain, not knowing where they will land or how they’ll provide for themselves. They sometimes pay high prices in order to be smuggled across the border. Some may arrive because they know they will be provided for by the government, and they are rewarded for breaking and entering into a new country.

Oh. Toby wasn’t looking for a free meal, but I fed him in order to help return him to his owner. I would have been of no use to him if I let him continue to run around the neighborhood. But watching him scurry around in a frightened run while standing in the safety of my home, I was no better than the men who came across the injured man and did nothing for him in the biblical parable. The priest and the Levite hurried on past the man who had been beaten and robbed, while the next man we call the Good Samaritan stopped and helped him. He took him to an inn where he could be cared for until he was ready to return home. When we have an opportunity to help others, let’s do the Christian thing and get them to a point of returning to their home.

Don’t think for a minute that I’m comparing anyone made in the image of God to a dog, because that’s not the case. What I’m comparing is the way they left their home and entered someone else’s habitat without going through all the proper channels.

Do not twist justice in legal matters by favoring the poor or being partial to the rich and powerful. Always judge people fairly. Leviticus 19:15

What could have happened if I had not called Toby’s owner? Would he have somehow quit looking for him? Would he have stormed the neighborhood desperate to find his dog? Would I have always been looking over my shoulder to see if someone saw me with a dog that wasn’t mine? Would a neighbor have recognized Toby and turned me in to the authorities?

The dog wasn’t mine to keep, and I didn’t want him, anyway. It wouldn’t have been right of me to keep the dog when I knew how to get him back to his rightful owner. Of course. I gave him food and shelter while we waited for him to be claimed.

I wonder. If someone broke into your house, would you invite them in to stay as long as they wanted even if they came with ill intent? Would you invite them in and tell them to make themselves comfortable? Would you freely offer to them the comforts of life that you’ve worked long and hard for? If the person insisted on staying forever without making amends, how long would you allow them to stay? Should your sacrifices benefit someone who hasn’t worked for them?

Sure. The Bible tells us to take care of the poor and the oppressed, but it also tells us to work with our hands. It tells us to obey the laws of the land and give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s. Some of the Ten Commandments tell us not to steal or lie or covet. How do those who come to this land illegally justify their actions?

The Bible also says all of humanity are God’s image bearers. We are made in his image, and He designed his laws for our good. His laws aren’t made to be difficult.  It’s that we are the difficult ones. When we choose to forge our own path without Him, we forge a deceived path. We get things out of order by not following his specific commands. Namely, we place our own gods before Him, and when we do that, we place our will above his. In other words, we do what we want, when we want, how we want, and why we want. We won’t allow anyone to stand in our way, even if we have to break the law. And then we’re not even sorry. We get to the point of feeling no guilt.

For the Lord’s sake, submit to all human authority—whether the king as head of state, or the officials he has appointed. For the king has sent them to punish those who do wrong and to honor those who do right. 1 Peter 2:13-14

Did you realize that every person who enters any country illegally has committed a crime? Do you think they should be harbored and protected indefinitely and given special privileges? So, the big question is this. What does God’s Word say about how to treat these intentional criminals? Because they have intentionally committed the crime of entering the country without proper authority. Would God allow someone who has intentionally sinned and never repented enter heaven? Oh. You may say I’m being harsh. But what does the Bible have to say about justice? After all. We do serve a God who metes out justice to everyone of us if we don’t repent of our sins. So, why shouldn’t justice be served to those who break the law?

What should happen to people who violate the laws of the United States when they enter the country illegally? That’s the question. Even though they may be trying to escape horrendous conditions in their homeland, should they be allowed to stay in a country they’ve illegally entered with no plans to become legal?

Do they intend to assimilate into the community and be fully integrated into this country’s culture? Or, are they more concerned about finding harbor in a city that will provide sanctuary from the law? Why don’t they want to follow the law? Were they lawbreakers in their homeland, too?

But you say. What about grace? What about mercy? Grace is defined as unmerited favor. It’s something we don’t earn. Mercy is defined as leniency or compassionate treatment. And what is justice? Justice is defined as judgment and punishment of someone who has allegedly wronged another.

Dr. Calvin Beisner defines justice as rendering impartially and proportionally to everyone what’s due and in accordance with a righteous standard God has set forth in His moral law. He goes on to say that biblical justice does not show partiality or require preferential treatment. He continues in his interview on the Ideas Have Consequences podcast by saying that you can’t give some benefits to some families without taking them from other families.

Oh. It’s true. This country has offered sanctuary with open arms to many who came illegally. What now? Laws that protect the nation and its citizens should be rightfully enforced, and those who want to become law abiding residents and citizens must go through the proper channels to do so. God’s design was for citizens to obey those in authority, but he also planned for biblical principles to be instituted and followed. We’ve lost our way, and it’s time to return to biblical leadership and obedience. Let’s start today.

Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. Romans 13:1-5

Know Your Instructor

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

I’ve never been good at what we used to call “new math.” Oh. I can add, subtract, multiply and divide. That’s all I need to know for what I do in my life. I don’t need new math. I just need the old, basic arithmetic. But I remember my high school algebra teacher. Well, here’s what I remember. I didn’t learn much, and I’m not sure how I even passed the class. I never took another math class in high school. Then I went to college, and one math class was on the agenda. The instructor was amazing. She made learning math seem easy. I’m not sure that I aced the class, but I learned more than I ever had in high school. But the information didn’t stick with me because I never needed to use it again.

Years later when I went back to school, math was one of the required courses for the degree I was pursuing. But I had to take a placement test to determine my proficiency level. It was maybe a fifteen question quiz. When I took my finished quiz to the proctor, she started grading it. Then she looked at me and said that I must have mixed up the answers to the questions. I said no, I didn’t and walked out. I knew I would have to take the most remedial math class that was offered before I could take the one math class required for the program.

I began the class. The instructor was good. He explained things well. I thought I was catching on, but then I would go home and start on the homework. I wasn’t keeping up with the work. My math knowledge had reached its limits. I quit the class and the school. Years later, I opted for another school and degree that didn’t require math.

From my failed math experiences, I learned that I need a math instructor who keeps things simple and uncomplicated. If I had had that type of instructor in high school, perhaps I would have been able to go further in my “new math” skills. But ever since then, I’ve opted for a life without the requirements of too much math, and I’ve survived just fine. And I’ve decided that if math becomes a requirement in my life, the key for my success is having the right instructor. I need someone who is patient and keeps the instructions clear and simple.

I realize that math proficiency is not related to only the instructor. It lies with me, too. And I realized many years ago that math just isn’t my strong point. And I’m fine with that. But I do need to have math skills in order to be proficient in this life, whether I like it or not. It’s up to me to take the initiative to learn the basics and apply them to the areas of my life where arithmetic is needed. I can’t slough off on it just because it’s not one of my strengths.

Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Psalms 25:4-5

Life can teach us hard lessons if we live a hard life. If we always seem to go against the teachings of those in authority, we can end up in tough life lessons. And it’s not really necessary, but we do it to ourselves because we think we know best.

The same can be said for our spiritual lives. We want what we want. And we don’t want God telling us what we can and can’t do. We want to set the rules for how we live our lives. And we let our social influences lead us. Even when they lead us down a dark and winding path that moves us further from God, we seem to follow blindly.

Oh. We may think we’re following God because, after all, we’re Christians. We go to church. We give money to the church. We may even volunteer to work in different ministries in the church. But we may find ourselves following the latest spiritual leaders who aren’t leading us biblically. And we think they are because their teachings sound so easy to follow. They don’t require use to change to do anything uncomfortable or self-sacrificing. But when we don’t read and study God’s word, we can be easily led astray. It’s easy to trust anyone who tells us to do only comfortable things. But when we read the Bible and Jesus teaches us that those who call themselves his followers must deny themselves, take up their cross and follow him, then we start squirming in our seats.

Just this week, I saw a conference posted online where speakers and pastors were teaching other pastors unbiblical lessons. And then those pastors will go back to their churches and possibly teach their congregations these same unbiblical lessons. What is going on?

The only instruction that believers can trust is Scripture, which was inspired by God who doesn’t lie. He doesn’t bow to the latest fads. He doesn’t show favoritism. He offers full and complete forgiveness when we confess and repent of our sins. He instructs in the way we should live. He corrects us. He shows love and justice to everyone, regardless of the color of our skin or our birthplace.

Oh sure. We need others to come alongside us to mentor and disciple us. We need pastors who speak solid biblical truths preaching to us from the pulpit every Sunday. And then we must read and study the Word of God and apply it to our lives. There’s no way around this requirement, because it’s the only way we get to know God.

Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. Matthew 7:15

But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves. Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of truth will be slandered. 2 Peter 2:1-2

God’s instructions are straightforward, not complex. The ten commandments clearly tell us how to live. The Sermon on the Mount spells out the gospel of holy living in clear and concise words. Jesus didn’t beat around the bush when he preached to the multitudes, and those same simple words of instruction are given to us today to hear and obey. And every word written in that precious Book leads us to God. The story of salvation is not rocket science, and it’s definitely a math assignment. No one needs an advanced degree to understand it. The homework given to us is to obey the message of Jesus and embrace a life of repentance and forgiveness and then walk in obedience.

As Oswald Chambers says, if God speaks to us then we either do what he asks or tell him that we will not obey. We’re more than happy to listen to what other people say about God. We just don’t want to hear from God directly, because then we have a decision to make. And if the decision to obey God may cost us something more than we’re willing to give, we turn in the opposite direction. As a pastor recently said, there is a point of no return, and it’s either at our last breath or at the second coming of Jesus. Let’s not wait too late to make the decision to follow Christ.

It’s Ok

~ mercyfortheday ~ 1 Comment

I recently watched a video of America’s Got Talent from four years ago. A young woman singing under the name of Nightbirde sang an original song titled “It’s Ok.” But things weren’t really ok in her life. She had had cancer for several years and had been given only a two percent change of survival. Yet she lived with a life full of joy and happiness. She said, and I quote, “it’s important that everyone knows that I’m so much more than the bad things that happen to me.” And when she sang the words of her song, the calmness and confidence in her voice earned her the golden buzzer. She said that you don’t have to wait until your life is perfect in order to be happy.

And she’s right.

There was a look of astonishment on the face of each of the judges as they listened to her story. Those judges who had fame and fortune at their fingertips were very unsure of how to handle someone who was so calmly dealing with a life threatening illness. Little did they know at that audition that this young woman had only months to live. Oh. They gave her high praise, saying her performance was very powerful and authentic. They were touched not only by her voice, but also with her story.

You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy. That’s what she said, and she meant it. She lived through hard times, and yet she was glowing with peace and happiness. Knowing that she had only a two percent change of surviving the cancer that was ravaging her body, she lived well. And she lived forgiven.

This young woman was a child of God. She had laid her fears and faults and sins at the feet of her Savior, and he had forgiven her. She knew that if the ninety-eight percent chance of dying came true, she would spend eternity with Jesus Christ. And that’s where she is today. She’s in eternity. She didn’t let fear of the unknown diminish her joy.

I dare to ask myself. If I had a two percent change of surviving some horrendous disease, how happy and calm would I be? I’m not sure I can answer that today, because I haven’t been dealt that diagnosis. I don’t know how I would respond to a medical death sentence. Would I calmly look death in the face and keep moving forward? Would I fight back? Would I look for alternate treatments? Would I listen to my doctors? Would I stand strong in the face of pain and suffering? Would I shrivel up in the fetal position and not get out of bed? I don’t know.

And the song that she sang. It’s Ok. She believed it was ok that her life was falling apart. That there was a high probability she wouldn’t grow old. That she would lose her life before it ever really began. And she was ok with that? If I were in her shoes, would I be ok? I don’t know.

Her friend said that “Jesus is why Jane believed a painfully tragic life could still be worth living—that life could be beautiful even when the world came crashing down.” Do I believe that to be true? Absolutely, yes, I do.

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. Isaiah 43:2-3

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

We don’t have to be facing a death sentence in order for life to be difficult. We don’t have to be staring the end of life in the eye in order to be weakened by fear and the feeling of defeat. It could be getting up and going to a difficult job each day. Or, it could be facing a brand new situation that puts us way outside of our comfort zone. It could be a spontaneous moment when we are put on the spot and forced to defend our beliefs in a public setting. It could be a forced premature ending of a marriage we thought would survive until death us do part. It could be a financial crisis we’re facing. It could be the consequences of a very poor decision.

What I do know is that God is the God of the ages. He is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Everything that comes our way is ordained and approved by him. Just as he allowed Satan to sift the life of Job down to ashes, he could do the same to us without our consent. Will we still trust him? Will we, at the end of the day, say it’s ok that my life has fallen apart? Will we say that these grim circumstances that we face are worth every moment of suffering as we wait to stand in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?

There are many curves in the road of life as our faith is refined, and much of that is out of our control. Oh. We don’t have to sit back and watch life fall apart. We can do our part to pick up the pieces as we place our complete trust in God. As we come to learn through our times of suffering that the sole source of our strength is the Lover of our souls, we can look forward to eternity at the end of our days with calmness and confidence in our Savior.

In the midst of our suffering, can we sing to the God who is with us in our suffering? The song may not be joyful, but the joy of the Lord can remain in us even during those low days. We can have the joy of the Lord within us regardless of our circumstances. During our pain, we can sing songs of lament but we don’t have to wallow in it.

Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. 2 Corinthians 6:10

It Will Be Worth It All

Sometimes the day seems long,
Our trials hard to bear.
We´re tempted to complain,
to murmur and despair.
But Christ will soon appear
to catch his bride away!
All tears forever over
in God’s eternal day!

CHORUS:
It will be worth it all
when we see Jesus!
Life’s trials will seem so small
when we see Christ.
One glimpse of his dear face,
all sorrow will erase.
So, bravely run the race
till we see Christ.

At times the sky seems dark,
with not a ray of light;
We’re tossed and driven on,
no human help in sight.
But there is One in heaven,
Who knows our deepest care;
Let Jesus solve your problems,
just go to him in prayer.

Life’s day will soon be o’re,
all storms forever past;
We’ll cross the great divide
to Glory, safe at last!
We’ll share the joys of heaven:
a harp, a home, a crown;
The tempter will be banished,
We’ll lay our burdens down.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:1-6

Don’t Be Misguided

~ mercyfortheday ~ Leave a comment

The guy on the podcast I was listening to said that the world is watching to see if a believer’s conduct lines up with their confession of faith. And we know that’s true. There are watchers of people of faith. Who knows if they’re intentionally or unintentionally watching anyone who calls themselves a believer, but some notice when a Christian is in or out of line with what they say they believe. But we also have to know that God himself knows all about us. All the good and the bad and the ugly. He knows it all. He sees it all.

Justin Martyr, a Christian apologist from AD155 said that it is for us Christians to offer to all the opportunity of inspecting our life and teachings. That means we can’t rely on our own understanding, but we must trust in the Lord. We aren’t reliable when left to our own devices. We’re easily swayed by the ideas and opinions of others who seem confident in their own beliefs. We can be easily misguided if we’re not careful of who we’re following or listening to. Whether it’s the pastor of the latest megachurch. Or the best selling author. Or the most downloaded podcaster. Or the slickest politician. Or the newest spiritual fad. We can’t just trust every word we hear from those we listen to. We must do our own study and research. And most importantly, we must study to show ourselves approved when it comes to living out our faith.

Oh sure. Others will be watching to see how we live out our faith. But our Heavenly Father is watching always and forever. We can’t escape his eye or his knowledge of our ways. So, more importantly than doing the “right thing” for others to see, we must most importantly do the “biblical thing” as God directs us. And in order for us to know the biblical thing to do, we must read the Bible. We must study God’s word so we know exactly what God requires of us.

I recently read that, as believers, we shouldn’t have to ask God to guide us because He is automatically guiding those who have put their faith in him. But we must know the truths that he has put in place for his followers. We must be prepared to act on the trust we say we have in Him when push comes to shove. We can’t depend on our own understanding, our own interpretation of right and wrong, when we’re in the fire. We can be wishy washy. Untrustworthy. Unless our complete trust is in God, we may lean on our own misguided ideas.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

The question is. Do we really trust Jesus? As believers, do we put our entire trust in Him for every aspect of our lives? If not, what are we holding onto for our own personal purposes? What part of our lives do we trust ourselves with more than we trust God? Are our ways higher than God’s ways? The Bible would say definitely not. So, why do we think we know better than God?

For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9

We’ve heard the famous saying “come as you are” when we come to Jesus. We’re told we don’t have to pretty up our behavior. We can come to Him asking for forgiveness with all the ugliness and awfulness of our lives in tow. But does Jesus really say that in the Bible? Actually, there’s no Bible verse that says those specific words, but Jesus does accept us as we are when we come to him in genuine repentance. We don’t have to change before we seek his forgiveness. But the thing is. We can’t stay as we are. We must change after we have asked him to forgive our sins. If we say that Jesus is Lord of our lives, then we must live as if what we said was true. We must live in accordance with our repentance and confession of faith. Otherwise, we are lying not only to ourselves but to the world and to God himself.

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

So. If we say Jesus is Lord of our lives, then we have to trust Him. Oh. It’s a daily dying to ourselves and laying down our faith in ourselves. We must daily hand over our own desires and leanings to Jesus Christ. We must allow our will to be bent to line up with the teachings of our Savior. We aren’t better than Him. As ones who say we have bowed our wills to Him, we must then bow daily to His will. We must honor him not only with our lips, but also with our hearts and actions. How can we say we follow our Lord and Savior if we neglect His teachings and corrections? How can we say we’re His followers if we continually disobey and dishonor Him? Who do we think we are?

And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote. Isaiah 29:13

Much To Be Thankful For

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Oswald Chambers says it best when he says that troubles almost always make us look to God, but His blessings tend to divert our attention elsewhere. Isn’t that the truth? As I sit here in my warm house, I’m faced with a second day of plumbers trying to figure out why my water isn’t running. They have to resolve that issue before they can repair the burst water line that froze in the very cold temperatures over the weekend. There is now a hole in my kitchen ceiling awaiting repair.

The fun never ends with this house. We’ve lived here not quite five months, but it’s beginning to feel like five years. I have a bathtub full of water that is used for flushing toilets. I have bottles and gallon jugs of water ready for cooking. Every sound I hear makes me wonder if there is another leak in this house we thought was so awesome. Oh. It is still an awesome house, but I’m becoming weary.

I’m reading the book of Job right now in my yearly chronological read of the Bible. I know that my troubles are nothing like his. He lost everything. All he owned and all his children in a single day were just gone. Then he got boils all over his body. His wife told him to curse God and die. His friends tried to give him advice, but they had no clue. Oh. I know my life is nothing like Job’s, and if I’m honest I don’t want it to be.

Now. I know I’m not being persecuted for my faith, as the Bible says Christians can expect. And I’m not really living through a Job experience. I know all that. But for the last four and a half months, I’ve lived through more home repair issues than I’ve ever experienced in my entire life. And I’m tired of it.

You can make many plans, but the Lord ’s purpose will prevail. Proverbs 19:21

Oh. I’ve always dreamed of a rosy life. No hardships. No failures. No troubles or trials. No sickness. No empty bank account. Just a good and easy life. And really, if I’m honest. I have a good life. And it’s relatively easy. Oh. I’ve had hardships and failures. I’ve had troubles and trials. I’ve had minor sickness and definitely an empty bank account. But I’ve survived. And so far, I’m still standing. But I can’t take all the credit. I have a faith in God that is steady and continuing to grow. I know that as the Ruler of the universe, his plans are perfect. He directs my path just as he directs the blowing of the wind. God does not play favorites, so everyone of us can expect some good and not so good things in life.

And just when I’m in the midst of moaning and complaining, I feel as if a miracle has happened. Oh sure. I’ve had plumbers in my house two days in a row. And both days I was told that I would need to replace the water softener that was installed only four months ago. The plumbers weren’t even here to look at the water softener, but they assumed because water wasn’t coming out of the faucets that the water softener was the problem. But these plumbers got it all wrong. Somehow, they didn’t recognize that some of the water pipes were slightly frozen. And when a different team of plumbers arrived the next day, the water had thawed and was running freely.

Just to be clear. The plumbers on the first day got everything wrong. We didn’t have frozen pipes above the kitchen. That leak was caused by water coming from either the leaky roof or snow that had blown into the house and melted onto our kitchen ceiling, causing a huge mess. But they didn’t catch the fact that the reason the water wasn’t running was because of frozen pipes in the crawl space. And they cut the lines to the water softener, because they thought that was the problem. The plumbers on the second day realized there were no busted pipes above the kitchen, but they also said that we would need a new water softener. I’m not sure if they wanted to back up the story from their coworkers who misdiagnosed everything on the first day, but they were all wrong.

I called my kind next door neighbor who is also my water softener guy, and he sent his dad over to check out the situation. He quickly figured out the problem and solved it. There is nothing wrong with the water softener, and there never was. He was very kind not to insult the poor diagnosis given by the plumbers, but we both knew they had greatly misdiagnosed the problem. Once again, it pays to have a very kind neighbor. He didn’t charge me a penny for the repair work. He said it would have been covered under the warranty, anyway, if they would have replaced the equipment.

I did nothing to deserve the kindness of my neighbor, but once again he has extended grace when he didn’t need to. He has a business to run, and he has to keep the lights on so he can’t give everything away. But his father said they don’t charge for repairs such as mine, and for that I’m extremely grateful.

However, I am still waiting for the roofing repairs to be completed.

It’s a great reminder that some days we get things wrong and other days we get things right. I’m not angry with the plumbers, but I will not be as trusting the next time I might need them. Oh. We all make mistakes as we go through life, and some cost us and some cost others. We do need to show grace to those who have wronged us, either intentionally or unintentionally, as hard as it may be. But we would also want others to show kindness and forgiveness to us when we have wronged them.

Life is one big lesson of learning. One minute we can be anxious and frustrated, and then turn around and get good news that melts all of those pent up feelings. It just goes to show that we can’t live on our feelings, because they are fickle and unpredictable. Our faith needs to be firmly grounded in Jesus Christ, the One who will never fail us. He won’t make a wrong diagnosis or lead us astray. His ways are always perfect.

For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. Matthew 5:45