Colors

Posted on May 16, 2014 by suemariericker

There are always some adjustments to be made when one moves—moving onto a military base has its own unique set of adventures, to be sure.  For my daughter, it is convenient to be close to the hangar where she works; for me, it is adjusting to a new culture where I am a bit of an outsider.

At 8:00 every morning the Star – Spangled Banner is played over loud speakers on base as the U.S. flag is raised; and at sundown, “colors” are played as the flag is lowered.  Everyone on base who is outdoors is required to stand at attention, facing the direction of the flag at those times.  Most people want to scurry inside when they hear the 5-minute notice, not so much because we aren’t patriotic, rather just because we don’t want to stand there (I found out that it isn’t just me).  As I’ve watched others stand at attention in the playgrounds (my most frequent location with my granddaughter), I have become much less self-conscious.

I am rarely outdoors in the morning for the raising of the flag, though one time I was out walking—I just happened to be in a position where I could look down the street and watch as the Red, White, and Blue was released to fly another day.  I have learned to appreciate those moments, and even when I hear the trumpet recordings from indoors, as opportunities to reflect on this nation, where we came from and where we are now—and where it seems to be we are heading.

As I considered writing this post, I decided it would be a good idea to brush up on my American history—yes, Christian principles formed the basis of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution—and a number of men who signed those documents were Christians.  The interesting thing is that it seems our country has become what our founding fathers were hoping to escape!

I have been reading the book of Jeremiah lately and my heart is taken with the impact of God’s words:  “If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it.  And if at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will relent of the good that I had intended to do to it” (Jeremiah 18:7-10).

These words were written concerning Israel, but they are not exclusive to that nation.  If any nation, particularly a nation that chose to honor God at its foundation, turns away from Him in rebellion, scripture assures us that destruction may very well lie in its future.  Jeremiah was mocked, threatened, ignored, and persecuted for speaking God’s words to Israel and it is becoming apparent that those nowadays who speak of impending (and even presently occurring) judgment will experience the same treatment—by both civic and religious leaders (Jeremiah 18 & 19 address both groups of people).  Although ancient Israel had a rich and miraculous heritage, they forsook their Creator and profaned the land by pursuing idolatry and making offerings to other “gods”; they also filled the land “with the blood of innocents” (Jeremiah 19:4).  There are striking similarities between the spiritual condition of Israel when they encountered devastation and captivity, and the moral climate in the United States today; and it is becoming increasingly difficult for Christians to express their belief in biblical morality or their faith in the Savior without vilification and derision.

Sometimes it is easy for us to forget that we are engaged in a spiritual battle, one that we are to fight by standing, “having girded your waist with truth” (Ephesians 6:14), and by faith (1 John 5:4).  Yet when the enemy attempts to silence Christians with intimidation and compromise, I am inclined to, as James and John hoped to do, “command fire to come down from heaven” to consume those who are antagonistic towards believers and to the gospel—Jesus’ response to their request, of course, was, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of.  For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them” (Luke 9:54, 55).

It is essential that our attitudes and our conduct in the midst of a hostile environment reflect that of our Savior, who came to save lives, who took on the role of a servant, and whose commandment is to love others.  The apostle Peter has much to say about conduct:  “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct”.  And, “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed” (1 Peter 1:13-15 and 1 Peter 3:15, 16).

God’s counsel to King Solomon at the dedication of the temple came in the context climate change and devastation—and while many blame global warming and its causes for the increase of natural disasters, these words are essential to consider for at the heart of them is the hope for our nation:  “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people, if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:13, 14).

This is not a Christian nation, yet praying Christians can effect change in our country—on our knees.

 

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Caught!

Posted on May 9, 2014 by suemariericker

He told her he loved her.  He said his wife didn’t understand him and he was going to leave her so they could be together.  Now this!

Waves of horror and shame clouded her vision as rough hands grabbed her arms, cruel fingers pulled at her hair, vulgar lips hurled insults and accusations.  They told her she should be stoned and she longed for death.

They dragged her aching body to the temple, pushing and shoving her to the ground—at the Master’s feet.  “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act.  Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned.  But what do You say?”

He stooped in silence and began writing in the dust; finally responding to their insistence he stood, patiently speaking, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”  …and bent again to continue His silent script.

Quietly, they began to slip away, these men who, in their hearts prayed, thanking God that they were “not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even the tax collector”.  What a miracle of grace and conviction that they should turn away from this confrontation with their enemy, God’s son! –and that they should drop their contentions in the dust at the Savior’s feet.

“’Woman, where are those accusers of yours?  Has no one condemned you?’

‘No one, Lord.’

‘Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.’” (John 8 & Luke 18)

Most Christians are very familiar with this story and are overwhelmed with gratitude for the grace that comes through faith in Jesus and His substitution for the punishment we so rightly deserve.  I’ve been thinking about stone-throwers lately, though, because I have been hearing and reading some very harsh words coming from the mouths and keyboards of those professing to be Christians—I am not saying that they are not, yet many have either forgotten or are unaware of Paul’s instruction to Titus:  “…speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.  For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another” (Titus 3:2, 3).

I am one of those who, in the midst of a Christianity redefined by the culture surrounding us, as well as the fleshly desires driving many, holds fast to the Bible, the grace of salvation, the unchanging righteousness of God, and the responsibility of Christians to leave the idolatry and morality of this world behind.  Though some may argue there was only a cultural application for some of Paul’s writings, I believe in the timelessness of these verses, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?  Do not be deceived.  Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.  And such were some of you.  But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).  If we are honest, that list includes every one of us—we were that way but are no longer because of the redemptive work of Jesus and the sanctifying work of His Spirit.

I have experienced a dilemma, though.  Sometimes I just do not know how to relate to those who are “in your face” rebellious towards God and scripture, or Christians who have decided that Paul didn’t mean what he wrote and scripture doesn’t actually indicate that a homosexual lifestyle is sin.  …and what I am writing here isn’t about that particular sin, anyway.  What I want to know is how I am to live as a Spirit-filled Christian in the midst of a dark world without making compromises yet loving people as Jesus did.

This story and the words of Jesus hold so much truth for us!—if the Savior does not condemn, who are we to do so?  “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:17).  Yet our personal defense of “the law” insists that we throw sinners to the ground.

Jesus released the adulteress from condemnation and charged her to “sin no more”—and he does the same for each one of us.  Yet, it was up to her to receive forgiveness and freedom from the bondage of sin—as it is for all of us.  The interesting thing is that, in the gathering of religious leaders, each one of them also had the opportunity to acknowledge their sin and receive forgiveness.  And they walked away.

God does not wink and turn away from sin, patting us on our heads as a kindly grandfather might, and saying, “that’s ok, I know things are difficult for you”.  We must not do the same, either.  Instead, we are instructed, “I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people.  Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.  But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person” (1 Corinthians 5:9-11).

Making the choice to regard God’s Word above the influence and pressures of this world and its modern pagan culture is not easy—and spewing words of condemnation, disguising fear and hatred is not evidence of righteousness.  Loving people, without condemnation is God’s way.  And for the most difficult of moments we have this counsel—“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

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Free Indeed!

Posted on May 2, 2014 by suemariericker

I admit it – I love British TV shows, particularly British mysteries!  I can’t defend my interest, and the only explanation I can come up with is my family heritage.  Not an excuse, it is just to let you know I am not gramma Spiritual all of the time.  A comment made on a program I was watching recently piqued my thoughts about a spiritual reality, though.

A “religious” figure made the comment to a young woman who was about to leave an abusive environment, something to the effect of, “You may think you are escaping this place but I will always be in your head!”  Even though the woman left the institution, the words and the abuse continued to affect her life through old age.  As I have been thinking about this statement, I recognize that reality is true for many people, whether the abuse is physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, or religious (and not necessarily limited to these).  We tend to carry the messages of abuse and loss subconsciously our whole lives—and they have a propensity to undermine our identities and our value as human beings, created by God with a divine calling and purpose. 

The apostle Paul’s encouragement to the believers at Ephesus echoes through the ages and in our hearts today, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).  And to Timothy he wrote, “…God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began” (2 Timothy 1:9).

When satan approached Jesus in the wilderness, he began his line of seduction with the phrase, “If you are the Son of God…” seeking to undermine his identity—and he continues to use similar tactics with God’s children today.  However, Peter gives a detailed description of our identities and purpose as the people of God:  “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.  Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy” (1 Peter 2:9, 10).

I have learned that, just as the more acute physical wounds or illnesses take a longer time and often a more involved process to heal, the same can be true for emotional and spiritual wounds.  “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion…” (Philippians 1:6) and “speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ…” (Ephesians 4:15) imply process, though often we are aggravated with some of our own weaknesses—even more often we are impatient with the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of others!

Suffering, both the suffering of others and our own, makes us uncomfortable, we want to “get over it”, and we expect people to “move-on” with their lives.  Yet the journey towards restoration is not always a quick and easy one.  We have the Savior’s assurance He came to “bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captive, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound”, to give to those in mourning “a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, [and] the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit” (Isaiah 62:1, 3)—the journey towards wholeness is one taken by steps and sometimes getting out of bed in the morning and getting dressed is a step of faith.  Picking up your Bible and reading it is a huge step of faith; going to church when you would rather stay home and stay isolated is also a step of faith.  Trusting God in the midst of tears and praising Him when it just does not make sense are steps of faith because it means you believe what He promises—no matter the pain in your heart.

I think of Peter’s release after Herod imprisoned him—he was set free from his chains, the prison doors were opened, and he was well away from the jail before he woke up and realized that he was actually free; a number of his friends and acquaintances were also not so quick to recognize that he was released (Acts 12).  Sometimes things work the same way in the spiritual realm.  It takes a bit of time, walking and living in the power of the Holy Spirit to recognize that we really are free from the chains and the wounds that bound us; it takes our friends and acquaintances even longer to see the changes God is making in our lives.  One of the strongest keys to releasing us from bondage originating from life’s abuses is forgiveness.

For a few, holding onto an attitude of woundedness has a toxic reward, but for those who long for freedom from the ravages of sin and satan, Jesus promises, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”  He goes on to proclaim, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!” (John 8:32, 36).

“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’  The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him” (Romans 8:15-17).

This journey of faith is rarely easy, but it is a good one because our Father, our God, the Creator of heaven and earth is good and He loves us!

 

“Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed;

Save me, and I shall be saved,

For you are my praise!”

Jeremiah 17:14

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“Me” Time

Posted on April 25, 2014 by suemariericker

Whether we envision it as a necessity or long for it as a luxury, most people covet “me” time—time away from the demands and responsibilities of life that seem to sap us of energy and focus.  I have been thinking about those opportunities to escape lately as figuring out how to schedule a haircut has become a challenge.  Scripture doesn’t particularly support “me time”, though—occasions where we set aside time to go where we want to go and do what we want to do—however, Jesus modeled the habit of withdrawing from the pressures of life to enjoy times of refreshing with the Father.

I cannot begin to remember the number of times I have muttered “I need a vacation!” or “I need a break!”, yet no relief came; not in the way I hoped, anyway.  Unfortunately for some, when they do get to take a break away from the demands of life, they let all restraint and boundaries go for the sake of freedom or indulgences not usually participated in.  The interesting thing is that no matter what we indulge, whether the flesh or the spirit, one does not ever seem to be satisfied, and ends up wanting more of the same.  Vacations end, weekends, even “long” weekends, seem too short, and the responsibilities of life always seem to infringe on our freedom.

After the disciples experienced an intense time of ministry, Jesus invited them to “‘Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest awhile.’  For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat” (Mark 6:31).  I’ve often taken those moments where I can be by myself, those opportunities of stillness and refreshing, to spend time in less than noble activities such as following discussions on Facebook, playing games on the computer, or watching just way too much television.  …and that is not to say that activities are, in themselves, bad; however, I have to ask myself when frustration and tensions begin to dominate my life, am I taking the time to “come away” to a desolate place, without distractions, to find rest and peace in the Lord?

Our human nature does not want to appear too spiritual, though; we want to maintain an appearance of “balance” in an attempt to make Christianity more appealing to those who are not believers in Jesus Christ (and to ourselves)—besides, we do not appreciate incursions upon our freedoms.  No matter how often we may recite, “It’s not about religion—it’s a relationship with God”, we often spend more time with our friends or on our computers and treat them with more deference than the Creator of the Universe, who beckons us into intimate relationship.

The apostle Paul wrote to the Roman believers, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.  For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:5, 6).  He also taught the Galatian church, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.  For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh….Now the works of the flesh are fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these….But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control”  (Galatians 5:16, 17, 19-23).

Paul continues his letter with a discussion of the principle of sowing and reaping:  “Do not be deceived:  God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.  For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life” (Galatians 6:7, 8).

Here is where God’s grace intersects my life and lives of all who chose to commit their lives to Him:  When I was born, as an infant, a child, and a teenager, I continued to grow physically, increasingly accepting responsibility, and maturing emotionally and intellectually.  For every moment outside of the shelter of my mother’s womb, the joys and tragedies of life confronted me and either built me up or tore me down.  The same thing happened to me spiritually—I grew (and am continuing to grow) and matured (and am maturing) in my faith.  Joys built me up; yet some of the tragedies that assailed me, affected me emotionally and spiritually in ways that I did not have the ability to withstand.  As I have grown-up, though, my values have changed and I find that the greater investment I put into my relationship with Jesus and spiritual matters, the greater capacity I have to withstand temptation and cling to Him in the midst of conflict—or as Peter so aptly puts, “…make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.  For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:5-8).

Rather than “me” time, we all need “Him” time, because Jesus will keep our hearts in perfect peace when we focus our minds on Him and our trust in Him (Isaiah 26:3).  Isaiah also wrote these words of encouragement:  “Have you not known?  Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.  He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.  Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:28-31).

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Searching Amongst The Dead

Posted on April 18, 2014 by suemariericker

For many Christians, this is a week of celebration, commemorating the amazing gift of life purchased for us with the matchless blood of Jesus. Some turn away from Easter, though, denouncing it as having pagan roots. Personally, I love this holiday because it is an opportunity to celebrate Christ’s resurrection, one that Christians and unbelievers alike recognize, whether they acknowledge the significance of a risen Savior or not.

I recently read the verses in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians where he discloses, “…my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:4, 5). I admit that I had a bit of a “hmm” moment after I read these words because I do recognize the gift and necessity of faith in God and Christ’s sacrifice of His life for our eternal destiny; yet I can’t say that I have given any consideration to faith in the power of God.

There is no event since the creation of the world that demonstrates God’s power more than the resurrection of our Savior. Paul, in referring to Jesus, proclaimed, “Concerning [God’s] Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by His resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 1:3, 4). He goes on to write, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16). The message of the cross is an incomplete gospel without the good news of the resurrection, which Paul also taught, “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved….that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:1-2, 3-4).

Peter also wrote, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3-5).

On that extraordinary resurrection morning, a group of women encountered two angels at the empty tomb who questioned, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” (Luke 24:5). Even now, people continue to look for life in dead places, for those obsessed by fleshly pleasures, a wonton lifestyle; and one consumed by a desire for prosperity, driven by greed or the sense of never having enough—for the religious, regulations demanding conformity or duties performed to secure a spot in God’s kingdom. However, there is no saving power apart from the resurrection of the one who bore our sins.

Paul warned Timothy, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, loves of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power” (2 Timothy 3:1-5). The apostle clearly recognizes that an appearance of godliness has the potential to cover up depravity and spiritual tombs.

Yet the same power that raised Christ from the dead enlivens and empowers all who cling to the hope of His resurrection: “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you” (Romans 8:11); and “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord….and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—that I may know him and the power of his resurrection….” (Philippians 3:8-10).

Even though at times we do not feel that the power of God is at work within our lives, particularly when the struggles and dynamics of residency within this world overwhelm us, it is essential to remember that our citizenship is elsewhere. When our choices and attitudes do not reflect His righteousness, like Paul, our confession and hope lie in “forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13, 14).

Because of the resurrection, we have life, we are justified in the presence of God, we have hope, we have freedom and victory, we are adopted into His family, we have the power of the Holy Spirit resident within our lives, we are being transformed, and we have an eternal relationship with the one who loves us like no one else—we need search nowhere else for what our hearts desire.

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Building Materials

Posted on April 11, 2014 by suemariericker

I received a letter recently that took me back in my memory to a difficult time in my life, one that I did not handle with faith or grace. I was a Christian at the time; however, I did not particularly respond to pressure as a person who believed in the amazing love and miraculous power of Jesus.   Assessing my actions now, I am quite sure that I did not have a foundation of faith.

For Christians, the foundation of our lives is Jesus, “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ…” (1 Corinthians 3:11). It is faith, though, that affixes our lives on Him, particularly in the trying and tragic times of life.

That is not to say we will not have doubts now and again. Thomas had doubts but he eventually returned to the room where the disciples were hiding in fear of the authorities; and Jesus revealed Himself to Thomas there. The best thing we can do with our doubts is to talk to God about them. I appreciate Habakkuk’s lament as he begins his oracle, “O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you ‘Violence!’ and you will not save?” Yet he ends his narrative with this exclamation, “…I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation. God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places” (Habakkuk 1:2; 3:18, 19). Between the first verse and the last, God and the prophet carried on a conversation—Habakkuk poured out his concerns and complaints while God told his servant what He was already accomplishing. In the midst of their conversation, God reminded him “but the righteous shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4).

Like me, many people attempt to comfort the pain in their hearts with damaging habits, substances, activities, or relationships. I am so grateful for the Holy Spirit who leads us back home to the Father when we finally “come to our senses!” Sadly, many Christians believe that religious duty is what we need to be truly “spiritual”; yet when disappointment or tragedy strikes, religious obligation does very little to comfort our aching hearts. For those who base their lives on religious formulas or adherence to particular dogmas, when God doesn’t seem to be upholding his end of the bargain, they may become overly introspective about where they may be failing in some point of the law (been there, done that) or turn away from God in disgruntlement or rebellion (have done that, also).

I have finally come to understand that the things that challenge our lives and break our hearts will continue to do so until we release them, and our hearts, into the capable hands of Jesus. Easier said than done, of course; but as we grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, abandoning our lives to Him will grow increasingly natural. As Paul continues his discourse to the Corinthians, he gives insight on how that is possible: “…Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay or straw—each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done” (1 Corinthians 3:12, 13).

The interesting thing is that our faith is even more valuable than gold, as the apostle Peter teaches, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:3, 6-7).

With my eldest son deployed to Afghanistan this week, I find myself in one of those vulnerable places before the Lord. God knows I’m scared – I didn’t need to tell Him, but I did; I will not let fear consume me, however, because “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:6). I understand that many war wounds are not visible, but I am clinging to the One who came to “bind up the brokenhearted”, who brings gladness and joy, and replaces our faint spirits with praise (Isaiah 61:1-3). I trust the one who is good and does good (Psalm 119:68), and who “makes all things work together for good”, for we are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

I am thankful for His promise, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved” (Psalm 55:22); and Peter’s encouragement, “…casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

With all that is going on in the world, in our homes, our work, and our communities, one song continues to echo through my heart:

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Refrain:

On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;

All other ground is sinking sand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

 

When darkness veils His lovely face,

I rest on His unchanging grace;

In every high and stormy gale,

My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood

Support me in the whelming flood;

When all around my soul gives way,

He then is all my hope and stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,

Oh, may I then in Him be found;

Dressed in His righteousness alone,

Faultless to stand before the throne.

-Edward Mote-

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Compromise

Posted on April 5, 2014 by suemariericker

Relationships require compromise every now and again because frankly, God did not create robots or clones—we are all unique individuals, divinely fashioned in our mother’s wombs—and every one of us views life from a different angle. There is one relationship, though, where compromise just does not work (no matter how hard we try to push our own agendas), and that is with our Creator, God.

Our Father has given us a book, highly contested by skeptics, yet treasured by those who recognize this amazing gift of the Holy Spirit, spoken through about 40 different men with unique perspectives over a period of 1600 years.

To those whose minds are being renewed through the study of God’s Word and the infilling of the Holy Spirit there is no doubt that conflict will always exist between the cultures of this world and the culture of heaven. It would serve us well to examine failures of God’s chosen people and recognize where God’s people today can make the same mistakes and slip into the same practices as the children of Israel did long ago.

There are two areas of transgression characterizing this ancient people: idolatry (Jeremiah 16:10, 11), and rebellion (Hebrews 3:12-18). Lest we think that idolatry only existed long ago and involved images made of gold, silver, stone, or wood, it is important to remember that when we harbor covetousness, or offer homage or reverent honor to anyone, anything, or any ideal apart from God and the truth revealed in His Word, we are giving credence to types of idolatry.

Rebellion is obvious within our society—resistance to or defiance of God’s authority; where it becomes a problem for God’s people is when we think that perhaps we are exemptions to God’s established principles of righteousness, revealed throughout the Bible. I have been there, done that, and can say with confidence that it does not work! We are mistaken to believe, though, that it is within ourselves to live righteous lives apart from God, for only God at work in our hearts will enable the necessary changes for us to become pleasing to Him (Philippians 4:13).

We need to remember that God has an enemy (who is not even close to be on equal footing with our heavenly Father because God is eternal and omnipotent and satan and his cohorts are created beings who chose to defy their Creator) who is at war with God’s people (Revelation 12:17). Satan has had thousands of years to become skillful in attacking Christians so we must be wise to his tactics and subterfuge. In the biblical record of the fall of mankind from relationship with God, and when Satan confronted Jesus in the wilderness, he cast doubt on the clear intention of God’s words, and twisted their purpose to present a delusion that God did not intend. He uses the same tactics today. …which is why it is essential that we surrender our hearts to the same Holy Spirit who spoke to those who transcribed scripture centuries ago.

The apostle Paul warns, “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths” (2 Timothy 4:3, 4). Peter cautions, “And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:15-18).

Taking a stand for truth and righteousness is neither easy nor popular, particularly in a society that rebelliously alienates itself from God. The enemy, working through those who are antagonistic towards Jesus and His followers, does everything within his realm of expertise to intimidate, discourage, condemn, frustrate, and belittle those who put their confidence in the Word of God—we cannot be surprised that the enemy slanders Christians because he is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44).

The best way to respond to our accusers is as Jesus did when He was on trial for His life—He did not speak a word in His own defense; rather, He stated His identity (Son of Man) and His rank (at the right hand of Power – Matthew 26:62-64). Through the redemptive work of Jesus we become sons and daughters of God, heirs of His kingdom (Galatians 4:4-7); and from that place of security, our new identities become apparent: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy’. But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:43-45).

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Speaking Honestly or Speaking Truth?

Posted on April 2, 2014 by suemariericker

When someone prefaces their comments with the phrase, “to be honest…” it usually indicates they are about to reveal something a bit deeper about themselves than they might usually say in normal conversation. I think that often it has more to do with attaching significance to a statement than intimate confession; however, I am inclined to use the phrase when I want to reveal something personal.

Somewhere along the way, we’ve learned to defend our personal “realities”, while our culture teaches us to express honesty through the filter of our perceptions and emotions—all in the interest of “being transparent”. Every one of us wants to be heard; we want people to respect and understand us—we long to be loved and accepted for who we are. At a very young age we learn that there are safe people and places where it is ok to talk; yet for most of us, we realize that there are many more situations where it is not prudent to open ourselves up.

Scripture teaches us to “confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed” (James 5:16). Inherent in this directive is both the hope for healing and for answered prayer. I have noticed though, that it is so much easier to confess the “sins” of others to my friends or family members than it is to confess my own brokenness and failings—in fact, it is very difficult to see my flaws or acknowledge sin in my life. It is so much easier to focus on the people, situations, or problems confronting me than it is to confess my less than stellar reactions to imperfect human beings just being human.

For the Christian, integrity is not optional—when we receive Jesus as, not only our Savior, but also our Lord, we become new creations and the old ways of doing life pass away (2 Corinthians 5:17). Paul wrote to his son in the faith, Timothy, explaining to him that the purpose of his apostolic instruction “is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:5).

Jesus, in the parable of the sower, described the good soil, or the ones receptive to the Word of God as, “those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience” (Luke 8:15). An “honest and good heart” results from a life surrendered to Holy Spirit, growing in fruitfulness and the knowledge of Jesus through His Word. For most of us who have been walking with the Lord for a while, though, we recognize that not every word that comes out of our mouths reflect the redeemed heart God placed within us.

There seems to be such a fine line between transparently opening up our hearts and our vulnerabilities to another person and drifting into the realm of complaining or expressing discontentment with where God leads us, and the people He brings into our lives. I have to ask myself whether the words I speak flow from faith and truth or fear and faithlessness. …and whether, in the midst of my “speaking honestly”, I am speaking truth.

Paul, in writing to the church at Ephesus, describes Christian maturity this way, “speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:15, 16). He also counsels the Philippians, “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation” (Philippians 2:14, 15).

There is a big difference between “venting” and confession—venting our frustrations to another person is something akin to a dog chasing its tail, running around in circles, never getting anywhere and not accomplishing anything. However, both Job and the prophet Jeremiah demonstrate that God welcomes our complaints when we recognize this about Him: “He knows the way that I take; when He has tried me, I shall come out as gold” (Job 23:10); and, “Righteous are you, O Lord, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you….But you, O Lord, know me; you see me, and test my heart toward you” (Jeremiah 12:1, 3).

Confession involves humbling ourselves and owning up to our words, activities, and attitudes—particularly the ones that reflect unbelief, disobedience, and fear. The thing is, God will not heal what we do not admit is broken; yet amazing inner healing and restoration are released when we willingly admit our sins to God and, as He leads, to other people.

What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.

– Joseph M. Scriven –

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How Do You Measure Faith?

Posted on March 22, 2014 by suemariericker

Most Christians are familiar with Jesus words, “For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20).  Somehow or another I came to the understanding that Jesus was describing the size of a mustard seed (very small) instead of the characteristics of the seed; yet as I was typing this verse from the Bible (ESV), I began to grasp a different understanding of what He was saying.

In another instance when Jesus was teaching through parables, he explained, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard see that a man took and sowed in his field.  It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches” (Matthew 13:31, 32).  With this parable, He describes these very important characteristics of a mustard seed—they are tiny but also have the potential to grow huge where one plants and nurtures them; and in doing so, they take on sustaining characteristics.

I am inclined to try to figure out if I have faith, or even enough faith, for God to hear me based on the answers (that I recognize) to my prayers or financial prosperity in my life.  The life of Paul teaches something completely different, though.  It was the grace and mercy of God that turned him from a persecutor into an apostle.  God did not punish him for unbelief, in fact in his letter to Timothy Paul wrote, “I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 1:13, 14).  God so graciously steps in and supplies the faith we need; we get to decide where we are going to plant it.

Faith in the power of God (1 Corinthians 2:5) grows as we feed it with Bible reading, praise, and fellowship (Romans 10:1:17, Romans 4:20, Hebrews 10:23-25, 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11).  I have come to realize that there is a big difference between believing in God and having faith in our loving, omnipotent Creator.  I am also learning to, like the apostle Paul, “fight the good fight” of faith so that I can get into the mainstream of His power.  Granted, we are “in” because the Holy Spirit dwells in us, but I have found certain limitations to His power existing in my life.

Good indicators of the progress we’ve made in this fight of faith are our attitudes, our words, and the way we treat others.  In an atmosphere of praise and thanksgiving, there is no room for anxiety (Philippians 4:6); and when we cast all of our cares on Him, understanding that He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7), we have no reason to complain.  Our words often reflect our attitudes, though, and I had a bit of a wake-up call last week after I responded to one of my sons’ posts on a social media site.

He announced that he will have to travel to Japan next month for work and I immediately responded with a frowny face.  I do not like that he has to travel so much; so much time in the air, away from his wife and two small sons, and me thinking what a hostile world we live in now.  I picture a flash of light, shooting an arrow into my heart and my mind as the Holy Spirit questioned, “Do you trust me with your children?  Do you believe I am directing their paths?  Do you believe that your son has a relationship with me? [Resounding ‘yes!’] Then why do you burden him with your fearful reaction?”  I immediately had to remove my response to his post.  My daughter went skydiving today and you have no idea how difficult it was for me not to strongly point out to her that she has responsibilities to consider; yet how can I assume that this “risk” was not a path of God’s choosing for her?  I trust her commitment to Him and His guidance in her life.  My oldest son is heading back to Afghanistan next month; I do not like it but the bottom line is God is good, He is faithful, and I am an incredibly blessed momma because all of my children are serving Him.

The truth is we have the capacity to affect people by our angry, complaining, or anxiety-ridden words.  I do not just want to try to be better and talk better, I long for God to change my heart.  This happens as I come to Him in repentance and choose to take the necessary steps to grow in faith, in grace, and in the knowledge of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Paul parallels the growth of faith to the increase of love between believers when he wrote the Thessalonians:  “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing” (2 Thessalonians 1:3).

There is no doubt that the genuineness of our faith will be tested by trials (1 Peter 1:6, 7) and we will have plenty of opportunities to grow.  I love the counsel given by Jesus’ brother, Jude, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.  And have mercy on those who doubt…” (Jude 20-22).

 

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer!”  Psalm 19:14

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Off The Top of My Head…

Posted on March 15, 2014 by suemariericker

There are many crises occurring in the world and in people’s lives as much now, if not more, than there ever were—imprisoned and persecuted Christians, the plight of Syria’s children, the physical and emotional suffering of many individuals to name just a few.  I have heard the impassioned pleas for prayer by many people, some request prayer for getting God to do what they want, but most are soulful cries from anguished hearts who desperately long for the presence of our loving God to invade their lives with miraculous intervention.

…and I will say a few words, off the top of my head, as a prayer to God.  I believe our Father is listening, but I am not really sure where my heart is focused (if at all) in this process of prayer.  I experienced a very “for example” moment this evening when my niece (my sister’s daughter) asked for prayer for her mom who fell and broke her wrist earlier and was still at the ER.  It was so easy to breathe a quick prayer for healing and comfort and then move on to other things.

Yet there is a complex spiritual dynamic at work in every cry for help and if I am willing to engage my heart and my mind in what God wants to do through the very difficult moments of life, I have the opportunity to partner with Him and witness His miraculous power, working to save and change lives.  A very vivid instance of this spiritual reality took place centuries ago in a garden near Jerusalem where Jesus implored his disciples, his friends, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.”  His response when sleep overcame them—“Could you not watch with me one hour?  Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation.  The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:38, 40-41).  In this vulnerable moment, Jesus gives validity to everyone who reaches out to others for prayerful support; frequently, however, our human weaknesses stop us from giving this vital reinforcement.

I recognize that it takes effort to stop. …to refocus my heart and my mind on God, to listen to Him, and to direct my prayers as the Holy Spirit leads—my flesh, my human nature is weak and not inclined to do so.  I have a choice, though.  Very rarely do I find myself in a situation where I cannot quiet my heart and consciously approach the throne of God.

Jesus asked His disciples to do more than pray, He petitioned them to “watch!”  Living with my daughter who is in the Navy, I thought she could give me a helpful perspective about being “on watch”—she did, but not what I expected.  Her responsibilities vary with where she is stationed; for instance, the differences between being on a ship or on shore duty, yet wherever she is “on watch” she is engaged in performing what is required of her.  One of my favorite “watch” verses has a military tone, also:  “The scatterer has come up against you.  Man the ramparts; watch the road; dress for battle; collect all your strength” (Nahum 2:1).

Rather than defaulting to weakness, as Holy Spirit-filled Christians we have the opportunity to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” by equipping ourselves with the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10).  Paul concludes his instruction on spiritual warfare by writing, “…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.  To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”

Instead of inadequacy or inability, I wonder if some of the hesitation we feel when it comes to prayer springs from an uncertainty that our prayers really make a difference.  Sometimes the reason is not so much about unbelief on our part—we trust God, we study scripture, we hear testimonies from those who have experienced miracles or received healing—yet, a personal sense of insignificance creates a reluctance to pray.  Granted, one could label that “unbelief”; however, trying to manufacture faith in order to get God to work is unbelief, also.

Recognizing our significance has nothing to do with pride or arrogance; in fact, it is much easier to assume the role of a servant when we are secure in our relationship with the Father and the value He places on our lives.  He considers you worth dying for (John 3:16).  He formed you in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13, 14).  He has an amazing purpose for your life (Psalm 139:16-18); and He not only has good plans for you, He hears you when you pray (Jeremiah 29:11-13).  One of my favorite parables is the story Jesus told of the one lost lamb (Luke 15)—the shepherd left the ones behind who thought they did not need him, to search for the vulnerable one.  It reminds me of Jesus’ incredible love, that nothing stopped Him from hunting me down and rescuing me from destruction.

There are so many more affirming verses throughout scripture—it is crucial that we listen to what God has to say about us, His creation, instead of the demeaning opinions of the world, the harsh words of others, or the intimidations of the enemy.  When we grasp the love and significance God gives to our lives, our prayer life will become ever more pleasurable and purposeful!

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