Monthly Archives: February 2008

Sunday or Sabbath; Reflection and Affection!

I was just reading the book of Luke and thinking about the words of Jesus about the Sabbath.  How interesting that God took the seventh day to rest, and that day is called a Sabbath.  Did God need a Sabbath, even more did He need to ‘rest’?

My little dictionary says rest means to sleep (I don’t think God sleeps.); Freedom from activity; and Peace of mind or spirit (I am sure that God is always active and He is the essence of peace for mind or spirit.  

A few months ago I heard a different defination of rest that I just love.  I wish I could remember where I heard it so I could thank that person, because it has opened up a whole new understanding that has blessed my life.  Rest means ‘having ample provision’.

So when God rested on the seventh day He had ample provision for all that He had created.  Ample provision for man, and all creatures in and on the earth.  That is why He could look at it and say it was very good.  Well, if God says it is good, it is good!

When I realized what that means for me, I was and am excited.  If I intend to rest in God, to rest on the Sabbath, to rest at night, I must believe He has ample provision for me.  When all the cares, worry and threats of the world, and sometimes sickness and physical pain come on me, to rest in God I must believe He has ample provision.  Ample provision to see me through a situation or deliver me out of it; that is the heart of God for His children.

There is a scripture in Isaiah that says “I am in perfect peace when my mind is stayed on Thee”.   If my mind is on God and I believe He has ample provision for me, I will have perfect peace. 

Jesus said the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.  A day to think about God, to thank Him, to take notice of all of His ‘ample provision’.  To rest from our normal activities and enjoy what He has for us.

I know there are people in the world who feel very far from having ample provision for their situation.  Even though God has provided ample provision we are not always able to  appropriate it.  Many of God’s blessings are received in eternity, and that gives us hope to hang on, trust and believe, one way or another there is ample provision for everyone who knows the Lord of Glory, Jesus.  And, how about the Lord of fun and Joy?  That’s Jesus too!

Some places in the world the devil has so deceived the nations that they are full of violence, evil, hunger, sickness and death.  They have followed false gods and their people pay the price for that deception.  But, in the worst of situations Jesus will come and be with those who believe to give hope and comfort through the Holy Spirit.  Over and over provision comes where there was no provision. 

Here in America there can be, (I said can be) legalism abut the Sabbath that  robs the joy God wants us to have.  Sharing in church should be joyful, not tedious.  Enjoying the beach, the mountains, the park, a physical activity or sport should all be enjoyed with Jesus. We can enjoy just being free of the concerns of the week, free from the bondage of work, trusting in His ample provision for the week to come.

Sometimes my Sabbath is on Monday or Wednesday or any day I take a few hours or the whole day to enjoy relationship with the Lord, along with His provisions.  In San Diego I loved to go down by the bay, talk to the Lord about the ocean in front of me, the beautiful boats, the people walking or running by, walk through the grass and just let gratitude flow all over me for His Provision.  In Redding, I like to go to the prayer chapel, listen to the praise music in the back ground and enjoy the beauty all around me of snow caped mountains, trees and beauty.  In Denver, I used to prayer walk my neighborhood just thanking God for the people and again, for His provision.  Those are Sabbaths where I do not take my cares, or the cares of others, but just spend time ‘being’ with Him.

My hope (passionate expectation) and prayer is that others will find that special place to have their own special ‘Sabboths’ with their Heavenly Father.  Then we can face the tomorrows with faith for ample provision and rest.

Pastor Investigated For Political Opinion!

Happy horsefeathers! I am so upset!  I just read in the paper that a Pastor in the South from a southern Baptist Church endorsed Huckabee for President and now he is under investigation by the IRS.

Any church or non-profit organization is required to sign on the Federal application for that status, that they will not as an organization endorse or support people or legislation to protect the alleged violation of mixing religion and government.  I say alleged because those of us who have taken the time to look into that allegation that the two must be separate have found the ruling was made to keep the government from running the church, and from the church becoming government as it was in Europe before our country was founded.  I personally believe it was in no way intended to inhibit our government from using Godly principals and ethics that would guarantee freedom for all.  What an oxymoron that would be.

The Pastor under investigation, Wiley Drake, used church stationary to send out a statement that he personally endorses Mike Huckabee for President and encourages others to do the same.  His mistake was using church stationary and putting his endorsement in print, so to speak.  It is perfectly legal for any person, pastor or not to voice their own personal opinions and endorsement….it just can’t be from the pulpit or through the organization with non-profit status.  Had he personally written a letter  or even made fliers and distributed them in the parking lot, I believe he would have OK.

My ‘happy horsefeathers’ irritation in all this is….Who turned him in?  Who was so on top of things as to do that?  In a previous election Jesse Jackson and other black leaders came to black churches in San Diego and preached from the pulpit endorsing their Democratic Candidate.  I was told that one person even had everyone put their hand on their heart and swear they would vote, and support the candidate.  Obviously many knew about it, but no one turned them in; there was no investigation.

As for me, I was alarmed at such  a brazen political act, but after it was done, I saw no point in reporting it.  Would I want the church to loose their non-profit status for making such a mistake?  I think not.  I just wanted equal time for other candidates.  And, actually I just wanted them to follow the law as the rest of us are required to do.

I hope you will join me in praying for Pastor Drake and his church.  I pray he will receive a warning and nothing more, and we all learn from the incident.  Hoorays to him for standing up for what he considered an important issue.  And, chuckle, chuckle it is more publicity for Candidate Huckabee.  If it reached a small paper in Redding, California, think how many papers it must reach across the country! 

All things work together for good, for those who love the Lord. Romans 8:28 in the Bible.  I personally forgive those who blew the whistle and forgive Pastor Drake for his indiscretion as I am required and privileged to do according to Matthew 18 and  John 20:23 in the Bible.  Rats, that means I have to give up my judgment of whoever notified the IRS and let the Holy Spirit handle this.  Well, I feel better already!

P S  I am in no way endorsing Hucabee….that would be illegal; just reporting the facts!

Fun In The Home, Oh Yeah?

I watched a delightful Pastor on TBN a few nights ago, and still laugh as I remember his presentation.  He was talking about husbands and wives and the difference in men and women. 

The thing that stood out in my mind so much was his view on getting men to do things for their wives.  He said that women must ask their husbands several times to get them to even hear the request let alone agree and move on it.  He laughed and said, we just don’t hear you the first time and he would laugh and chuckle.  He said women always say, “Well I shouldn’t have to tell him more than once.” and I remember how many times I used to think that.  He wasn’t suggesting women nag their husbands but let them know the need.

I want to take that a little further.  My mother used to tell me to ‘train’ my husband not complain about him.  When we married he never remembered a holiday or any special occasion and I would be hurt and in tears.  My mother explained that we lose nothing in letting men know what we need.  Why should they be expected to understand or anticipate our needs–men do not think like women.  So I too her advice and would let my husband know (lovingly) two weeks before a birthday or holiday, one week and a few days in advance, that it was coming and he should take an ‘action’.  You know, she was so right because he really appreciated my ‘help’ and was very good at following through.

Through the the years, the gifts and cards just got better and better.  We are talking here of a great guy, good humor and personality and almost void of romance.  Our marriage improved as I changed, and he actually became more romantic in later years.

Since then I have learned that men have a ‘build in’ (unless it was damaged in their youth) need to rescue and smart women take advantage of that God given response in men to the needs of others, especially their wives and children.  Ladies, if we can do everything ourselves, we get to do everything our selves.  On the other hand if we honor and respect our husbands and let them know we have a need (to open a jar, fix the broken faucet, fill the car with gas, take our side in a family situation) they will come to the rescue.  It is all in how we ‘think’ about the situation, the way we handle it and the honor we show them.

Nagging is always caustic and full of sarcasm and or bitterness.  In respecting that guy we chose to live with we may just need to help him feel needed, not harassed.  My husband is now with the Lord.  I have a delightful picture of him, smiling mischievously, on the wall above my computer; just looking at it makes me smile and how I would like to talk him into something now, making him think it is his idea, all for my good.  I have to be content knowing he is having a ball in heaven.  So I will just have to rescue my self for awhile!

I pray many will take to heart the privilege of enjoying the difference in men and women, and change their strategy as a partner to honor and respect that special man or woman in their life!

Drive By Phone Calls And Visits…

I seem to be on a kick about family and how we interpret the affections and attention of those in our personal circle of family and friends.  I came up with this little term, drive by phone call, which means something like:

“Hi, Mom I just called to say I love you and you are in my thoughts.  How are you doing? (Not expecting a long list of what is really going on.)  Well, I am on my way to a meeting so I will talk to you later.  Love you, Bye, …. ”

And, there is the drive by drop in.  That would be the visit where they explain as they come in the door that they don’t have time to stay.  That they just came by to leave something or make sure you are alive.  And you don’t have to be old to have this experience.

Well, this can be either negative or positive.  And positive is healthier so I decided that is my choice.  A drive by phone call  is great because you know they have you on their mind, they are concerned, and it doesn’t tie up your time either.  Just a loving connection!

A drive by drop in visit is cool because no matter how busy the person is, they took the time to stop by.  Many times in the past I wasn’t prepared for company and really glad they did not  stay long so I could get out of my PJs or whatever. 

So I just invite my family and friends to do either, and I will love them for it.  In fact I am going to do some of that myself and spread a little love around to others.  Especially those who live alone!  Then every night I can look in the mirror and ask, “Did I do a drive by today?” I did!  Good girl!

Living Alone For Any Reason.

A couple of nights ago I watched a movie that I had previously seen and enjoyed.  It is called Shall We Dance, starring Richard Gere, Jennifer Lopez and Susan Sarandon.  I really enjoy the movie-and could easily watch it again, if only for the dancing. However, there is one scene that made a great impression on me. 

Susan Sarandon is meeting with a private detective whom she hired to follow her husband, Richard Gere.  They have a discussion about why people get married.  Susan says  something to the effect, “People get married so they have a witness to their life.  Some one who knows them and all they do, that makes life worthwhile.”  I may not have quoted it perfectly but you get the message.

Well, I certainly got the message.  That is the reason I feel so lonely at times.  I think that is why others who live alone for any reason feel lonely as they have no one to witness to their lives.  Some one who makes life worth while.   Since I have a personal relationship with Jesus I know He and the Holy Spirit, and my Heavenly Father are always with me and witness my life.  But, it is not the same. 

I am blessed with family and friends, however,  they have their own lives and agenda. My friends have similar emotions and complain that they don’t hear from their family often enough, or see them as much as they would like.

I work at home so for many days I may not see anyone accept a grocery store clerk or someone at the post office.  Some people may enjoy living alone.  In fact a quote in the newspaper recently, was “Solitude is the salt of person-hood.  It brings out the authentic flavor of every experience.”  I personally enjoy quiet time with the Lord, times to read, and do whatever I want.  But I still do not like eating alone, having no one to tell my opinions on evening TV, or how beautiful the sunset is, or the rain on the pine tree in my yard.  Oh yes, I can pick up the phone and call a friend, and believe me I do. It is still not the same.

It dawned on me that no one knows what I do, or how I am from minute to minute or even day to day.  I am thankful for this understanding because now I don’t have to reprimand myself for ‘not being thankful for all that I have.’ 

Then something wonderful happened.  I cleaned out a drawer looking for a greeting card for a special occasion.  I took a minute to pull out some old cards from family and friends, that I have saved for years.  The more I read the more I wanted to read. 

It was such fun, and I thought about what I learned about being lonely.  And, I changed my thinking as I realized I am not alone.  I have wonderful memories, and family and friends to call on when I truly need them.  I plan to add even more memories to savour and remember when a little demon tells me I am lonely.

We all know we have people in our lives who love us.  They aren’t short of love, they are short on time!  And I was just short on perspective; I am so thankful for what I have learned!