The Phoebe Factor

My favorite episode of the TV sitcom Friends is the one where Phoebe challenges Ross, the paleontologist, about evolution. Early in the show, Phoebe admits that she does not believe in evolution, which greatly annoys Ross. He spends the rest of the show trying to convince her that it is scientific fact. When he shows up with a "briefcase of facts", Phoebe cuts him off with the following speech:

Ross, Could you just open your mind just this much! OK? Now, wasn’t there a time when the brightest minds in the world thought the earth was flat? And, up until like 50 years ago, you all thought the atom was the smallest thing, until you like split it open and this whole mess of crap came out. Now, are you telling me that you are so unbelievably arrogant that you can’t admit that there’s a teeny, tiny possibility that you could be wrong about this?

Ross hesitantly admits that there may be a teeny, tiny possibility. Phoebe then feigns astonishment that he caved so easily and lays a huge guilt trip on him. Classic!

Yes, it's funny and makes for great entertainment; but Phoebe's speech also holds some pretty sound wisdom. My take on modern science is that God's creation is like a giant jigsaw puzzle and mankind is like a group of toddlers with only a fraction of the total pieces. Yet, they are certain that they can put together the pieces they have to form the complete picture. Every so often, they discover another piece or two, work it into the interpretation of the picture that they have and declare once again that this is how it all works. OK, yes, I admit that this is an oversimplification and a generalization; but you get my drift.

Now, let me stop here to assure you that I'm not about to go off on creation vs. evolution. Instead, the topic of today's blog is arrogance. And my target is not the scientific community, but the religious one. Yet, I cannot help but to point out that on both sides of the creation vs. evolution chasm, there are distressingly horrendous cases of extreme pride and arrogance. I have read arguments on internet forums that put both the scientific and Christian communities to shame. That is all I have to say about that... for now.

After first seeing that episode of Friends, Phoebe's speech became my banner to fly against the arrogance of scientists who had dismissed creation. I have rattled it off many times. But, leave it to God to use a New Age TV character to teach me an enormous lesson. One little question, whispered quietly to me by the Holy Spirit, caused me to redirect my thinking:

"Hasn't the church been guilty of the same arrogance?"

Looking back through the history of the Christian church, there are countless examples of such arrogance. Martin Luther was witness to that arrogance in the church of his day and wrote against it in his Ninety-Five Theses. That same blind pride led church leaders to convict William Tyndale of heresy, strangle him and burn him at the stake for translating the Bible into English. Throughout the centuries, many so-called godly people have allowed themselves to become so ingrained in religious doctrine that they fail to see the truth of God's Word. The resulting cruelty and oppression have turned multitudes away from a loving, forgiving Heavenly Father. Even today, thousands of Christian churches hold fast to man-made doctrine that stands in direct opposition to the Word of God, denying the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit. Others are so bound by the letter of the law, that they completely miss the spirit of it.

This problem of arrogance is not exclusive to the Christian church. As I mentioned earlier, the scientific community has been guilty. I believe that examples could be found in every religion, culture, race, organization and community. It is a stumbling block that is common to all mankind. In fact, it is this very attitude of pride and arrogance that sent Jesus to the cross.

The Pharisees of Jesus' time had vast knowledge of the Torah and, subsequently, of the prophecies about the coming Messiah. They, of all people on the earth, should have recognized Him when he came. Yet, many of them had interpreted the prophecies in a very personal way and developed their own expectations. Ultimately, they rejected Jesus, not because He did not fulfill the prophecies (He did), but because He did not fulfill their expectations. Most of the Pharisees pridefully chose to hold on to their own beliefs and expectations, rather than open their hearts to the truth that God had provided. The price they paid was to miss out on God's promise fulfilled. Their erroneous teaching caused many generations to miss out as well.

The attitude that Jesus held toward those arrogant Pharisees should tell us all. Jesus rebuked them many times. He called them vipers because they filled the people with the poison of false doctrine. He called them white-washed tombs because they looked so holy on the outside, but their teachings were self-serving and dead to God's truth. He told those Pharisees that they were of their father the devil. Jesus reserved such rebukes for those close-minded church leaders or for the disciples that were closest to Him that demonstrated that spirit of arrogance. When Peter pridefully boasted that he would die with Him, Jesus replied, "Get behind me Satan." When Jesus was not received by a village, John and James arrogantly offered to call down fire to consume them; but Jesus rebuked them that they did not know what spirit they were of.

Notice that Jesus associated that spirit of prideful arrogance with Satan. There is a spirit that works through mankind, particularly those with authority, to exalt their own plans above God's, to deceive the immature into following their leadership, doctrines and decisions and to resolutely hold on to man-made traditions that cause the Word of God to have no effect. It is the same satanic spirit that was cast out of heaven for attempting to exalt himself above God. It is the same spirit that deceived Eve in the garden and coerced Adam into handing over his God-given authority over the earth.

The Bible has clearly warned us to be on guard because this spirit roams about like a lion, seeking whom he may devour. I challenge you to be mindful of The Phoebe Factor, the name that I used in the title to refer to wisdom and discernment making a stand in the face of prideful arrogance - which would more aptly be called The Jesus Factor. Beware those who promote themselves and are quick to point out others' faults. Submit yourself to God. Read His Word for yourself. Pray over it and allow the Holy Spirit to teach you and guide you into all truth.

One last caution... the Pharisees were promised a Messiah and eagerly awaited His coming. They read the scriptures and memorized the prophecies that foretold His coming. But many allowed their own selfish plans to twist their expectations and to override the truth of God's plan, believing all along that they were without error in their interpretation.

Church, we have been promised that our Savior will return. Will we allow our own arrogance to deceive us with how we think it will all play out and cause us to miss that precious event? Or, will we keep God's Word pure in our hearts, submitting completely to His Truth and staying close to His ever-guiding Holy Spirit and be caught up with Him in the clouds at His return? Guard your hearts and minds, dear children.

Matthew 16:21-23; 23
Mark 7:1-23
Luke 9:51-56
John 16:13-15
James 4:6-12
1 Peter 5

Random Musings of Snow Days

Snowy Day Garden

Snow Day Weather: BRRRR! It is cold today!! I woke up this morning to teen temperatures and negative wind chill factors. Snow still covers the ground from yesterday's snowfall. Schools and many businesses are closed. The world is quiet as most people have gone into hibernation to wait out the weather. A perfect time to write a little personal blog. I've been hitting the Bible study blogs pretty heavily lately, so I thought this would be a nice change. 

Snow Day Adventure: Rick suggested that we go out for breakfast yesterday to check out the roads. About an hour later, I decided I was up for an adventure, so I agreed. I almost changed my mind when the passenger door on the truck would not open. It was frozen shut. The windshield wipers were frozen in place too. After sliding down our street and struggling with a hill, Rick decided to put the truck in four-wheel drive. He announced, "Now we'll get some traction." Then made a left turn and slid sideways down that street. I thought it was all funny until he made a right-on-red turn onto Highway 10. There were cars coming! Granted, they were a block away and doing about 10 miles per hour, but they were coming. And we were sliding again. Sideways, very slowly, down the highway, ahead of the other slowly moving cars. It was like being chased by zombies. We did actually make it to breakfast, and home safely. On the way home, we watched a big duel-wheel truck slide very slowly through a red light that he was trying to stop for. He never did get stopped. Thankfully, no one was moving toward him. The car across the intersection was just spinning, not going anywhere. It was quite a hilarious adventure!

Jessey making hot chocolate

Quinten on his 2nd day of the WoW Snow Day Marathon

Snow Day Gratitude: The boys are delighted to be out of school. Jessey is thankful that he has extra time to study for the test that was scheduled for today. He's also thankful that he does not have to drive his freshly painted car on treachery roads. Quinten is thankful for my decision that homeschoolers should get snow days too. Guess what he's doing? WoW! You're right! Quinten and I ventured outside last night to find out what 10 degree weather actually felt like. Despite my heavy coat, I was shivering in less than two minutes. Quinten insisted that it was not that bad.


Snow Day Accomplishments: I've been taking advantage of the lovely snow-reflected light that is shining into the studio - I've been painting. I have two in the works now. One is a seascape/beach scene. The other is a riverside scene that I began years ago, but never finished. I may title it "Letting Go." We'll see. Are you intrigued? I had to stop painting, though, and let both dry. One of the things I love about oil painting is the technique of layering. But that requires down time between layers. Nothing teaches you patience like waiting for paint to dry. 

Maow in her Snow Day camping spot on my bed.

Nommy on her Snow Day perch

Snow Day Pets: Did I mention that it's cold? The studio was so cold yesterday that we let the cats into our bedroom. They both slept on me last night. I didn't complain. We kept each other warm. Maow has staked out a spot on the bed and is camped there for the duration. Nommy can't be still that long. She played hunting cat from her perch today, while watching the squirrels and the birds in the back yard. Shadow and Faith made a record quick trip outside yesterday morning; but by afternoon they had decided that the snow was fun. They chased around, kicked up the snow and bit it. Twice yesterday, I had to make them come in so they wouldn't freeze.The dogs had one of their favorite treats earlier. After Jessey topped his hot chocolate with whipped cream, he squeezed out a bit for the dogs. It's so much fun to watch them catch falling whipped cream in mid-air. And if they miss, they clean up the mess themselves!

Shadow & Faith getting their Snow Day treat

Snow Day Question: "What are you doing?!" - which was asked of my repeatedly as I snuck up on people to take pictures of them. I'm sure the pets were thinking the same thing.


Snow Day Bliss: Family safe at home, enjoying the day. Getting to spend some time doing what I love.

My sweetheart is a good cook!

Snow Day Blessing: My wonderful husband cooking dinner! Cheesy Chicken Casserole is great comfort food on a cold night! Later, there will be a movie and munchies!

Snow Day Prayer: Lord, thank you for this day of much-needed rest. Also, thank you for the beautiful snowy landscape outside my window. Please keep all my friends and family safe today and blanket them with the warmth of your love. In Jesus' Name - Amen.

The Prodigal Son’s Father

I have often pondered Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). It is a story so rich, that it offers up new treasures every time I dig into it. For years, I was baffled by the father’s actions. As a parent, it was even harder to understand. His actions seemed to go against my idea of what a parent should do. Yet, I knew that if Jesus offered this as a model of proper authority, it was in my best interest to learn from it.  I have found myself continually returning to this story and seeking the Lord’s wisdom as to the father’s motives and actions.

In keeping proper context, I must acknowledge that Jesus told this parable in response to the Pharisees question of why He associated with sinners. Jesus answered through the telling of three parables – the man who left the ninety-nine sheep to go after the one lost sheep, the woman who searched her house for the one coin lost out of ten, and the father with one faithful son and one prodigal son. These stories clearly indicate that Jesus is speaking about the importance of restoration. His focus is directed toward the one who is in a position of responsibility or authority – the shepherd, the woman with the coins, the father – and how they should act when a relationship or connection has been breached. As a parent, I recognize that this lesson is meant for me.

My initial questions as to the father’s actions have always been, “why did you give the kid the money in the first place?! Didn’t you know he would just go blow it?” In answer to the second question: yes, he probably did! I found the answer to my first question in Luke 22:31-34. Jesus knew that Peter would betray Him; but He was not moved by that knowledge because He had prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail and He knew that Peter would be restored and would be stronger than before. This passage tells us three things:

1. Jesus knew Peter very well, through both personal knowledge and discernment.
2. Jesus had faith that His prayer would be answered.
3. Jesus trusted His Father more than He trusted Peter.

I found that when I applied these three principles to the father of the two sons, his actions made sense. Luke 15:12 states: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. Only one son asked for his portion, but the father divided to them both. I believe that the father knew his sons well enough to know what they would do with their inheritances. The father also had faith that the young son would return. How do I know? Because Luke 15:20 states: But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him…. That means that Daddy was watching for his boy and expecting him to come home! He knew his son and he trusted God! The same faith in God that Abraham displayed by taking Isaac up the mountain to sacrifice is demonstrated by the father who allowed his sons to make their own decisions regarding their inheritances. And what a message he gave to his sons by doing so! When he divided his living unto them, it was the same as saying: “Sons, I love you more than my wealth and I trust God to guide you.”

So, I came to understand why the father gave his sons’ their inheritances; but I still wondered how he could welcome that greedy brat home without any reprimand, yelling, or punishment. After all, that’s a parent’s job! Isn’t it?

Our Father established authority in the earth to represent Himself by giving instruction, boundaries, guidance and even discipline when it is needed. Parents, teachers, pastors, government leaders are all set in authority for this purpose. Yet, God the Father is still the highest authority. Ultimately, He wants to be the authority in our life that supersedes all others. If we are obedient to Him, why would any other authority need to correct us? Relationship is His greatest desire. When it is broken, He desires to restore it (which is the heart of Jesus’ message here).  

So, think about our story. When did restoration take place? When the son came home? When he confessed his sin to his father? I believe it happened when “he came to himself” and made the decision to return to his father, confess his sin and humble himself to become his father’s servant (verses 17-18). That was the moment of true repentance! The revelation of his father’s goodness brought him to repentance. Once that happened, he corrected his course, turned around and went back home. No further correction was needed. His father was wise enough to recognize that fact! What would have happened if the father had yelled at the son or punished him at this point? The father would have been guilty of holding his judgment above God’s, because the son had already repented. It would have caused a breech in the relationship instead of restoration.

Picture this: the father going about his daily life, continually looking towards the road in faith that his son will return and be restored. He’s not worried that his son will come around looking for more money or having an attitude. His faith is set upon his son coming home humbled and appreciative. When he sees his son in the distance, the father’s compassionate love for his son overshadows any prideful impulse to correct his son any further, knowing by faith that the matter is settled and past. He is free to embrace his son and express his love openly. He patiently allows his son to make his confession; then he restores the young man to his rightful place and celebrates.

I have found the father in this parable to be a wonderful example of love in action! He was patient in waiting for his son’s return, he loved his son more than his own self or his wealth, he believed the best about his son, he rejoiced in his son’s restoration rather than in his iniquity and he endured the loss of half his fortune with no bitterness. It is the desire of my heart to be this kind of parent! I press towards the mark, knowing that when I fall short, my Father will be that kind of parent to me and will help me to be a better one to my sons.

One last note: I used to think that the oldest son had every right to be upset with his father for celebrating the youngest son’s return; but I have come to realize that if the oldest son had loved his brother more than he loved his father’s approval, he would have been rejoicing too.

I Dreamed of Zombies

Last week I was hit, once again, by congested sinuses, sore throat and a cough. It's still hanging around, but improving daily. It's worse in the morning, hacking up all the overnight collection of crud, and late evening, beginning to collect said crud. Sorry to be gross, but this IS about zombies, so what did you expect? Anyway... I spent one morning last week studying 1st and 2nd Peter, and that evening I rested and entertained myself with Arsenic and Old Lace and The 'Burbs - two hilarious comedies with rather dark tales of buried bodies. That night, I dreamed of zombies.

Now, this was the second dream I'd had of zombies in the past month! That got my attention, since I had never before had dreams of that particular subject; even after watching such intellectual selections as Night of the Living Dead, Zombieland and The Walking Dead. Furthermore, I secretly despise zombie movies. They are just too gross for me. So, why do I watch them?

1. They're hilarious! "Ooohh! Walk a little faster! The slow, shambling, rotting zombie might catch us!"
2. I am intrigued by the survivalist aspect of a zombie apocalypse (or alien invasion, robots taking over the world or other life-as-we-know-it-has-suddenly-changed-and-we-must-adapt scenarios)
3. I love a good hunt movie, especially if mankind is the prey and must turn the tables to hunt down the predator shark, alien, reanimated corpse, etc.
4. It's a geek thing...

I've digressed....

Back to the dreams! The first zombie dream was set in a junkyard. Cars were stacked all around to form a large maze. There were zombies wandering randomly around the maze. They didn't know that I was there, so I was sneaking around, trying desperately to avoid them as I found my way out of the maze. I had been very successful in avoiding them and staying hidden. I wasn't afraid, just annoyed at all the zombies I had to avoid. I wanted out! Finally, I found the exit. It was a large tunnel made of cars and it was full of zombies! I was going to have to crawl through these cars and fight the zombies to get out. I looked and looked for another way, but there was no other escape. I found a large pipe to use as a weapon; then I started into the tunnel of cars, knocking zombies out of my way as I went. Suddenly, I woke up!

The last dream was essentially the same dream, except that it took place in a building with a maze of hallways. I was staying hidden from the wandering zombies, as I looked for escape. The exit of the building was a large foyer filled with zombies! Again, I was not afraid, just annoyed by all the undead in my way. I found a baseball bat and started clearing a path to the door (where's a good shotgun when I need it?). Again, I woke up before making the escape. In both dreams, I had a sense of concern about being overwhelmed by the zombies, but no fear of being devoured by them. It was like I knew that I would escape, I just didn't want to get close to them. I was concerned about being bitten and infected - about becoming one of them. But there was no fear. The zombies were not really aggressive. They were very slow and only noticed me when I was upon them.

I didn't give the first dream much thought, but after the second dream, I realized there was something to this pattern. So, I prayed for the Lord to give me the interpretation of the dream. (Ha! You knew it! You knew I'd get spiritual about this somehow!) I do believe that the Lord speaks to us in dreams and will give us the interpretation if we simply ask. And, of course, He did.

The zombies in my dream represent flesh. That's what zombies are, reanimated flesh with no soul or spirit. They represent aspects of my own carnal nature. Aspects that I have been avoiding. Things that have been a problem, or a nuisance, but that I have not wanted to confront. So, I've walked around in the same confining maze, avoiding the issue. The dreams revealed to me that it's time to escape. The issues are no immediate threat, but they have the potential to overwhelm and destroy me. Getting out is going to be a battle, but it's one that I already know I can win. I'm not afraid, I just don't want to go through the hassle. But, if I'm going to move forward in my life, I have to get out of the maze. I can do it. I have the weapons - the iron pipe and the bat represent God's Word. Speaking His truth over my life and situations will subdue my flesh. I think that I woke up in the middle of the battle because of my desire to avoid it. Upon waking, both times, I knew that the dreams would have ended with me coming out the other side unscathed, victorious.

So, I've done some examining of myself this week to see what needs to change. My faith has gotten weak in some areas. I need to strengthen it. I need to take better care of my health. I need to prioritize some things differently. I need to let some things go. The last two months have been a wonderful rest after winning my last great battle (over depression). But, it's time to step into battle again and take on some other foes.

At first, I thought my choice of movies had caused me to have such a dream; but upon reflection, I think it more likely that my dream sprang from my selected Bible study:

Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. ~ 1Peter 4:1-2

We must suffer in the flesh (battle the zombies) to cease from sin (escape the maze). That we no longer live the rest of our lives trapped in the maze of the undead, but are free to pursue the will of God.

~~~

Note: The sketch featured at the top of this blog is the first sketch I did in a series entitled Free. It was done in about 1991 and depicted the process of pulling free from all the things of life that try to drag us down and hold us back. The latest installment to this series is featured at the bottom of this blog. It is a digital painting that was done around 2005. Notice the transitions in the second one: color, more detail, less entangled and (my favorite) the woman now has a mouth.

Wrath or Mercy?

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. ~ Romans 5:8-10

Just before Christmas, Pastor Linda preached a beautiful message about "Peace on Earth". For me, it dove-tailed perfectly with the Bible Study I had just shared in my blog 'Tis the Season. The Lord began to reveal new insights to me that expanded on my previous blog and how her message fit with it. I let all of this simmer through the holidays and finally settled down to study it. The Lord took me from dealing with rejection to dealing with anger.

Did you know that God has emotions? He created us in His image. We have emotions because He has emotions. In that previous blog, I shared how the Lord showed me all the times and ways that He had been rejected. I had asked the Lord how He suffered it all without being moved. God graciously answered me with what I needed to hear at the time... the lesson that I needed to learn. Rejection did not affect who "I AM." That is absolutely true. The lesson that I need now is that rejection did, however, affect God's emotions.

How can both those statements be true? Because God's true being, His identity, is separate from His emotions. The same is true for us. It may not feel true; but it is. Sometimes we feel like we are our emotions... we are what we feel. Not so. Emotions change. Our spirit, our true self, is eternal.

There are many, many accounts in the Old Testament of God's anger being kindled at people's rejection and disobedience. Israel's journey through the wilderness is an ideal example. God was angry with them many times. He actually told Moses that He wanted to kill them all and begin a new nation through His faithful servant. Moses talked Him out of it. I am certain that God knew Moses would before He even made the threat. My point is that all this rejection and disobedience did affect God's emotions and made Him angry.

Pastor Linda preached a very eloquent sermon on how God's wrath was poured out on His Son at Calvary, when Jesus was crucified and all our sins were put on Him. Jesus willingly offered Himself up to be the intersection where our sins and God's wrath collided. That instant ushered in the Dispensation of Grace in which we now live. Peace between God and mankind. Our Father's anger was abated, the price for our sins was permanently paid.

The New Testament speaks much differently of wrath. It only refers to God's wrath as a future event in the day of judgment, and then towards the unrighteous. As a Christian, I can be comforted that I will never face my Father's wrath. As I have meditated over all this in the past few weeks, the Lord has once again invited me to follow His example. My Father made the decision to pour out all of His anger towards people on Jesus at the cross. He has also made the decision to abstain from being wrathful towards His other children. He let the anger poured out at the cross be enough. I have the opportunity to make that same decision. I can let all the wrath that Jesus endured be enough and I can choose to put aside my wrath instead of releasing it on my fellow man. Folks, I'll be brutally honest here, I don't think I can. I know myself, I know my buttons and I know how easily they get pushed. When the Lord revealed this opportunity to me, I saw myself in the future... failing at it... again and again. This is something that I cannot do in my own strength. No way. But... I can do ALL things through Christ, the Anointed One, who strengthens me.

The New Testament confirms this opportunity that our Father has given us by telling us how to deal with anger. The Word teaches us that we can be angry without sinning and it admonishes us to put away wrath. Most importantly, the Bible tells us that our wrath does not work the righteousness of God. If our Father chose to put away His own wrath with man and, instead, grant mercy; for us to pursue wrath towards our fellow man would be to hold our own decision... our own judgment above God's. How could that possibly turn out well for us?

I set forth on this new adventure of putting away anger with a powerful weapon. I have before my spiritual eyes a picture of my precious Savior, on the cross, suffering the penalty of wrath. When I am tempted to lash out at someone in anger, I hope to recall that image and remind myself that Jesus already took the blows for them. And, the next time I find myself being chewed up and spit out by someone in anger, I can know that He took the blows for me too and I don't have to suffer them or be devastated by them.

Father, I recognize that I have the choice of how I respond to others. Mercy or anger. I know that I am not perfect and that I make mistakes. Father, I ask for your help in this: if I err, please help me to err on the side of mercy. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Scripture references:
How to deal with anger: Eph. 4:26-32 and 6:4; Col. 3:8; 1 Tim. 2:8; Jam. 1:19-20.
God's wrath towards Israel: Ex. 32:10-12; Deu. 9:7-8, 22; Heb. 3:11, 4:3 (to name just a few)
God's wrath towards the unrighteous at Judgment (N.T. verses only): Matt. 3:7; Luke 3:7, 21:23; John 3:36; Rom. 2:5-8, 4:15, 9:22, 12:9, 13:4-5; Eph. 5:6; Col. 3:6; 1 Thes. 1:10, 2:16, 5:9; Revelation 6:16-17, 11:18, and chapters 14-19.

Photo credit: Copyright 2010 Rick Welch

Welcome to 2011!

The Lord has blessed us with a new year, 2011. It has arrived fresh, clean and full of possibilities. We can wonder, hope, dream and maybe even be fearful of what it holds.

God already knows! He has planned this year from the beginning of time. He knows every second of it for every person. He will not be surprised by any event, action, reaction, birth, death, sickness, healing, union, reunion, break-up, insult, injury, mistake, failure, success, celebration, decision, or emotion. He knows the end of 2011 from the beginning. Whatever happens, He will remain on His throne. Period.

We can trust Him to lead us and guide us by His Word and by His Spirit. We can rest in the integrity of His Word. He is faithful, who has promised. He perfects that which concerns us. Why? Because He loves us.

My hopes and prayers for all of you, dear readers, for the coming year is that you will know the depth of God's love for you and that you will allow that love to work in you and be released to others.

As always, thank you for reading! Blessings to you!

Did We Win in 2010?

If we kept the faith,

if we loved God,

if we loved others,

if we showed mercy,

if we forgave trespasses,

if we forgave ourselves,

if we stood back up after falling,

if we gave,

if we were a light in the darkness,

if we were the salt that flavored a life,

if we looked beyond ourselves,

if we met another's need,

if we fought the good fight,

if we persevered,

if we worshiped God,

if we honored Him,

if we gave Him glory,

if we simply believed Him...

...then we won.

~ ~ ~

My pastor, Linda Silverman, declared this time last year that we were destined to win in 2010. She has repeated that phrase so often throughout the year. She preached many messages that prepared us for battle and launched us toward victory. As she has said many times, you can't win without a battle. You can't make the grade without being tested. You can't overcome unless there's an obstacle. Thank you, Pastor, for training us to be good soldiers.

Everyone that I know has faced battles in 2010. Some big, some bigger, some epic. As the year neared its close, I began to seek the Lord about whether we did win in 2010. What is written above is the answer that He placed in my heart. As I wrote it, I realized that His concept of winning may be just a little different than what we expected. Maybe we didn't win the lottery or that great job or promotion. Maybe we didn't win a new car, a new house or a new wardrobe. Maybe that illness remains. Maybe all our problems weren't miraculously solved and tied up with a pretty bow. But maybe, just maybe, if we can look at God's list of victories and find those that were true of our lives in 2010, then we can step into 2011 as winners.

Victory!

~ ~ ~