Faith

The Good Shepherd…

On one side of the pond, it was overcast and drops of rain were falling to the ground. Yet, across the pond, in between the water and the darkness of the trees, and the dense clouds above them, was the sun. Light in darkness, peacefully, quietly reaching out and waiting to be received, both amid the clouds and within body, mind, and soul… an open invitation to all.

One calling out in both the rain and the dry: Seek refuge in the Lord who is Love… God whose tenderness fills all needs; comforts all sorrows; heals all wounds; carries, lifts up, and strengthens all who desire.

The Good Shepherd sheds tears alongside us. Also, shares in our laughter and joy.

The Good Shepherd is always breathing life… always present.

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Love Never Fails 

Love is not proud
Love does not boast
Love after all Matters the most

Love does not run
Love does not hide
Love does not keep
Locked inside

Love is the river that flows through
Love never fails you

Love will sustain
Love will provide
Love will not cease
At the end of time

Love will protect
Love always hopes
Love still believes
When you don’t

Love is the arms that are holding you
Love never fails you

When my heart won’t make a sound
When I can’t turn back around
When the sky is falling down
Nothing is greater than this
Greater than this

Love is right here
Love is alive
Love is the way
The truth the life

Love is the river than flows through
Love is the arms that are holding you
Love is the place you will fly to
Love never fails you

Songwriters: Brandon Heath / Chad Robert Cates
Love Never Fails lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol Christian Music Group

Hope Restored… Bridges Rebuilt… No Thing Impossible…

These days there is much that can cause one to say, “I see it, but I don’t believe it!” The unbelievable and unreal seem so common place. It is so much so that the far out or absurd is no longer shocking, but rather quietly, silently absorbed into what seems like the disintegrating fabric of society. However, amidst the clouds of confusion and within the fragments of sense and sensibility, there is faith. Sometimes waiting to be discovered or rekindled, sometimes on the verge of becoming more broad or deepened.

The community of believers was of one heart and mind,
and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own
but they had everything in common.
With great power the apostles bore witness
to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus,
and great favor was accorded them all.
There was no needy person among them,
for those who owned property or houses would sell them,
bring the proceeds of the sale,
and put them at the feet of the apostles,
and they were distributed to each according to need. – Acts 4:32-35

Unbelievable! Not only a community of believers, but one of the same heart and mind working and living side-by-side. Unity… accepting differences, learning from each other, and using the ways in which we are unique (our God-given gifts and talents) to strengthen us as we strive toward a common goal (to love God, and to love one another). Unity! So wonderful, but seemingly impossible in our times. One might say, “I won’t believe it, until I see it.”

The disciple Thomas essentially said, “I won’t believe it, until I see it” (John 20:19-31). Perhaps all that he had experienced and witnessed in his life along with his knowledge of Jesus and the crucifixion, coupled with dashed hopes and shattered expectations, led Thomas to the conclusion that things were broken beyond repair. Perhaps, “I won’t believe it, until I see it,” was, “My hopes have been crushed…my trust broken. My heart cannot take any more… I need to see it (proof) for myself.” And what is Jesus’ response? He gives Thomas what he needs, and then reminds him, as well as us, to keep the faith—believe. Despite what you may or may not see, believe.

With God, there is always hope and, where there is an open heart and mind, there is nothing… absolutely nothing beyond some kind of repair.

Our life is full of brokenness – broken relationships, broken promises, broken expectations. How can we live with that brokenness without becoming bitter and resentful except by returning again and again to God’s faithful presence in our lives.

– Henri Nouwen

Bridge

Just Like That…

Ready to pack up and go, the automatic start button was pressed, the lights came on, but the engine did not. I thought, oh no! Not now! But now it was.

The events that unfolded from a number of failed attempts to start the car, the roadside technician whose heart led him to look and work where the company’s book says not to look and work, and through the remaining tasks of the day were all unexpected. However, the initial sting and set back on time, gave way to a number of experiences of the kindness of strangers, of both those helping and those in need of help, and the gift of joy waiting to be recognized as the hand of God, providing a lift for each and every one of us.

So often, things happen just like that.

Just like that, Jesus breathed his last breath and it was over (Mark 15:37). One can only imagine what it was like for those who believed. Certainly, they did not expect what had happened to occur.

Despite Jesus’ words and the foretelling of his death and resurrection, clearly, it seemed more than they could understand. Prior to his last breath, Jesus said, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34) What did those closest to Jesus think, and how did they feel about what was happening? We all experience moments of feeling surprised, shocked, blind-sided, or abandoned. After some time to absorb what has transpired, though, there is the important question of “What now?”

It is in looking to, “What now?” that those among the closest to Jesus discovered that what may have seemed like the end was rather the beginning of something new. Not only that, but they were also reminded of the truth. To talk the talk is important, but to also walk it is difficult, impossible without sacrifice, and at times, may also seem like it is not worthwhile.

As you approach each day, remember:

While there may be lots of big, bad, bloated wolves in the world, their power is far outweighed by those who are kind, honest, caring, and wise;

Seeking to truly put God’s will first in both word and deed enables faith, hope and love to achieve all that otherwise may seem less than worthwhile, useless, or even impossible;

Light always conquers darkness, often in ways that we could not imagine, understand, or design on our own;

When being truthful with oneself, it is clear that the ends does not justify the means;

Every breath that any one of us takes is precious; and

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad” (Psalm 118).

Praise God!

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When Boughs Break…

For after all, the best thing one can do when it is raining, is to let it rain.
– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Throughout the past few days as I have been out and about, I have seen a great number of damaged trees from recent storms. Among many branches, there have been toppled trees, exposing the underside of the root systems that used to hold them upright. Then there have been trees leaning and resting upon the trunk or branches of a nearby tree. Finally, I have seen trees where the trunk simply snapped, leaving an inside view of what seems to be sturdy, living wood. Clearly, the root systems of these snapped trees were healthy; otherwise, the trees would have toppled.

However, even if a tree trunk is in perfect health, its root system is top notch, and the ground around it is not over-saturated, it can still withstand only so much force before succumbing to it. In fact, scientific studies have shown that once wind gusts reach 94 miles per hour, healthy trees with good ground conditions begin to snap and/or topple. Now, thankfully, the storms that blew through the area I live in did not have wind gusts that high. For these snapped trees, it is likely that there was some sort of imperfection, even if slight, causing weakness in their trunks. With time, culminating with the recent storms, it led to their downfall—through no fault of their own.

Taking in the view of these fallen trees, I cannot help but think that there is so much more to them than wood on the ground. At times it can be tempting to think that strong, healthy roots—a strong foundation—is the cure all. However, these broken trees are a good reminder that very few things are set in stone; also that black and white always make a shade of gray, whether we like it or not.

It is not very different with faith. There is so much more to it than any formula could ever capture. Whether high up in the sky or on the ground, there is always so much more than what meets the eye.

I will place my law within them and write it upon their hearts;
I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
No longer will they have need to teach their friends and relatives
how to know the LORD.
All, from least to greatest, shall know me, says the LORD,
for I will forgive their evildoing and remember their sin no more.

– Jeremiah 31:33-34

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For example…

As I looked around, I saw so many faces. Some were familiar and some were new, but all were listening with great interest and intrigue. I felt overwhelmed with a sense of joy and gratitude. How good it was to be in a place that seemed to be filled with openness and a deep desire for good.

As we all listened, we were reminded of ways in which God is ever-present. Not only is God always with us, but also constantly emanating a love for all creation… a love that is boundless, alongside mercy and compassion that is endless.

We sat and listened to experiences that were shared and our hearts were touched as we marveled at the manner in which God brings people together for more than the good of just a select few or a particular group. Again, reminded of a Love that is not only beyond limit, but also beyond compare… a Love in which we share.

It was good to listen and to remember, but perhaps most important, it was liberating.

It is amazing what the power of example can do when there is openness to receiving it. Sometimes it helps to ask, “What am I holding onto? And how is it affecting me, and those around me?”

Let go and let God. Oftentimes, that is all that is needed.

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If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts.

Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD;
let us acclaim the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us joyfully sing psalms to him.

If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts.

Come, let us bow down in worship;
let us kneel before the LORD who made us.
For he is our God,
and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.

If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts.

Oh, that today you would hear his voice:
“Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,
as in the day of Massah in the desert,
Where your fathers tempted me;
they tested me though they had seen my works.”

If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts.

— Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 8-9.

Seek Face…

In times when violence and injustice seem so prevalent, one can become disheartened, disappointed, and/or a number of other words that could aptly describe the different levels and ways that the human spirit can be affected. Disturbing news comes at us and is thrown in our faces over and over through various forms of media. Amongst all the mayhem that seems to abound, it can be challenging to see or to be aware that God is continually sowing, and bringing to life, seeds of love, hope, and faith.

When Peter, James, and John accompanied Jesus up the mountain (Mk 9:2-10), they had no idea what was in store for them. They did not know what they would encounter as they journeyed or when they reached their destination, or what would happen afterward. They did, however, have faith… a faith that led them to recognize and to walk with the Lord. In doing so, they were not alone. God also gave them each other to lean on and to help along the way. Similarly, God gives us each other.

Together there is so much we can overcome and achieve. Together, the face of God shines more brightly and can be seen in and through each of us. To seek God’s face is to seek the best in each and every face… in each and every situation… to trust that God is with us as we walk up the mountain and back down, or through the valley, into the woods, and out the other side.

“Of you my heart has spoken: Seek his face. It is your face, O Lord, that I seek; hide not your face from me.” – Cf. Psalm 27 (26):8-9

Waterloo…

Surrender, keep doing it, I thought as I heard the beginning lyrics to the song. On the 18th of June, in 1815, Napoleon surrendered at the Battle of Waterloo, ending the 20 year span of Napoleonic Wars. Just five months earlier, on January 18th, the War of 1812 ended as the Battle of New Orleans came to a close, also with surrender by another general, from another country.

In all the years prior to 1815, and all those since, many a battle has been fought throughout the world. Sometimes they have been to make right, wrongs, and oftentimes they have been to take or keep hold of power, land, and possessions. Throughout time, who is “in charge” and of what they are in charge changes. Also over time, as things change, we may change, and our perceptions of events tend to shift too.

Just as battles have raged on, around the world throughout the centuries, they also occur within our souls. There is so much that perhaps we see only in hindsight. Why is that? Or, even better, what causes that?

Possessions, of one kind or another, clearly seem to take hold, to strike up life, and attempt to take root inside us, creating a fog along the way. However much that might seem to be part of human nature though, it does not have to be the rule. How so?

Seek to uncover, or if you have already discovered it, each and every day, seek to cling to and keep embracing, the truth of who you are, the ways in which you are blessed, and what your universal purpose is. That is, strive to be one with the mission and version of you that is simpatico with the good of all. Live from that place, and you will be set free of all that might otherwise possess you, and cull you into seeking possessions and territories.

And when you slip, or fall, because we all do, go back to that place, and “waterloo”.

Waterloo

More than Magical…

“We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” – Matthew 2:2

The magi came to offer gifts on bended knee. While Jesus was only an infant, surely there were many expectations that would come with the label, newborn king, and even more with that of Savior. When we jump forward three decades from the birth of Jesus, it is even clearer that many people were not expecting the Anointed One to do and say the things that Jesus was doing and saying. They were limited by their own expectations of what a king and savior should be. They were incapable of seeing the gift of Jesus’ life and his example in their very midst, all because he was not what they expected and he did not fit in with what they wanted or thought they needed despite the fact that he fit in with what God wanted. Many people simply could not see, and maybe some did not want to see.

We all have moments where reality seems to fall short of what we expect or hope for, or times when perhaps we can be held back by expectations, or lack thereof, whether our own or those of other people. That is why it is so important to check in and assess where one’s allegiance lies and where one’s focus is along the way.

The magi had a goal, to pay homage to the newborn king. They also had a focus point, to guide them to their goal. There was the star that they followed both a great many miles and very many days, and ultimately the story behind the star, the One who creates and re-creates the earth and sky, and all that resides in and among them.

In addition, the Magi were re-directed at the appropriate time. They were warned in a dream, so they changed course and took a different path home. Certainly, it was an unexpected turn, but still the message was received, taken to heart and, in the end, it was for the best.

Despite expectations that may be self-imposed or put in place by others, seek to listen to and honor the One who truly knows best… the One who not only sees all things, but also bears light on all things. Those who trust in God can expect strength for the journey wherever it may lead, and guidance in all things, great and small.

MoreThanMagical

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea,
in the days of King Herod,
behold, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews?
We saw his star at its rising
and have come to do him homage.”
When King Herod heard this,
he was greatly troubled,
and all Jerusalem with him.
Assembling all the chief priests and the scribes of the people,
He inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea,
for thus it has been written through the prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
since from you shall come a ruler,
who is to shepherd my people Israel.”
Then Herod called the magi secretly
and ascertained from them the time of the star’s appearance.
He sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search diligently for the child.
When you have found him, bring me word,
that I too may go and do him homage.”
After their audience with the king they set out.
And behold, the star that they had seen at its rising preceded them,
until it came and stopped over the place where the child was.
They were overjoyed at seeing the star,
and on entering the house
they saw the child with Mary his mother.
They prostrated themselves and did him homage.
Then they opened their treasures
and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod,
they departed for their country by another way.

– Matthew 2:1-12

More Than Words…

Oftentimes there is so much more to any story or situation than what one may initially see, perceive, or be told by others. While sometimes, we not get a chance to see beyond the surface for ourselves that is not an excuse to avoid trying. In any situation, both divinity and humanity call us to dive deeper, seeking truth and compassion rather than assuming.

When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus for presentation in the temple, as was customary according to the law of Moses, they encountered Simeon and Anna, two older people who seemed to have more than knowledge, who professed understanding of who this infant before them was and what the future would hold for him and the family. One can only imagine what it must have been like for Mary and Joseph to hear the words of Simeon and Anna, especially, Simeon’s words. He blessed Jesus as Savior and “a light for revelation” and “glory” for God’s people (Luke 2:32). Not only that, but he said to Mary, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted” (Luke 2:34).  If that was not confounding enough, he told Mary, “and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed” (Luke 2:35).

As we go through life we all experience times of being told information by others. The challenge is figuring out what to believe. How we decide what to listen to and what to dismiss is key. How did Mary, Joseph, Simeon and Anna decide?

Perhaps even more significant, is determining what, of that which is spoken, is one’s business, or what is truly worth one’s time?

Mary and Joseph had already been told by Angels, messengers sent from God, that their Son would be God incarnate. They did not know exactly what that was going to mean or specifically what it would entail. Simeon and Anna both had been waiting for the birth of the Savior. Simeon had been told by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. Surely, Anna, a prophetess, who worshipped day and night, also had been told comparable news along the way.

Mary, Joseph, Simeon, and Anna, were individuals, and unique as such. While they pursued the same goal, to live in faithfulness to God, the way they went about being faithful was likely similar, but not identical. They were four people who experienced and had come to know what many people would consider unbelievable, or fantasy. However, with what they shared, as many before them, as well as after them… with great faith in and devotion to God, and through continued prayer, they were able to know which Voice to listen to and which ones to tune out—examples worth emulating.

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Peace and Good Will to All…

This year, a winter holiday gift that seems to be highly advertised is an ancestry kit. These kits promise to provide test results from one’s saliva. The information that is sent back about a month after submitting a sample shows, among other genetic data, from where in the world one’s DNA is. In other words, it verifies from where you come and the ethnic populations to whom you are related.      

Having some understanding of where you come from and who you are is important. To think that things that are so very small, molecules, and the manner in which they are bound together, can determine so much, both in the present and into the future, can be rather fascinating. Not just from a hereditary standpoint, but also from a spiritual one.

Even more amazing than the data one can obtain from DNA, is the Author… the One who created all that binds us together; all from the physical traits to the capacity to think, feel, learn, grow, love, and much more. Of all that occurs in the world, how much greater is the One who throughout the ages and through many people using diverse means, orchestrates Salvation for all!

While we may not all share the same backgrounds, whether genetic, cultural or religious, and we may not all share the same beliefs, we are still all connected… all made of mind, body and soul. The more we can remember this, and the more we choose to live in a manner that celebrates our common bond, the more our better qualities shine.

From my heart to yours, peace and good will to ALL.  

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