SOME MAY - OTHERS CANNOT

     A twelve year old turned trustingly to his dad, "Dad, I need a new pair of shoes! See, the heels are not wearing evenly." 

     (This reflection comes from a time when leather shoes with rubber heels were far more common than the "discard" sports shoes of today's culture.)

     Fully expecting the problem to be solved with a new pair of shoes, the child accompanied his dad to the store, and looked at new shoes longingly. His dad's conversation took an unexpected turn. "Either you did not sell my son a good pair of shoes, or you misfitted him, and I want you to make it right!"

     The store owner was certainly not expecting this approach, for he was enjoying his prosperity in the small town in central United States. His was the only shoe store for miles around.

     He had an answer, however, "We sell the best shoes in this part of the state! Furthermore, we always fit them right! Sir, I can sell you a new pair of shoes, or repair your son's shoes at a fee, but I owe you  nothing!"

     The dad was firm, and he repeated the statement, "No sir, either the shoes are flawed, or you misfitted him." There was no arrogance or annoyance in the dad's voice, only firmness. But the son thought his dad was angry at the storekeeper. He fully expected the two men to get into at least a verbal assault of one another. He was amazed, however, when the store owner agreed to repair the shoes. They agreed on a time.

     Either the dad had sensed a lack of service integrity in the store owner, or was training his young son in a life of faith. Time would tell. A story that will take reflection teaches this principle. Read Isaiah 7:1-9.

     I have often wondered how the boy got home. Did he walk barefooted to the car, or did his dad feel sorry for both concerned and buy a second pair of shoes, to make sure that this conversation was about business, and not personal issues? I don't know.

     Dad was on a trip somewhere when the son had to face the store keeper in order to pick up his shoes. He had no money to pay, so was not in a position to agree with the store keeper's assessment of his dad, but had to listen to the disgruntled statement about his dad.

     Many years later, dad reminded his son . . . "Ownership and Management are not about control, but about service! Son, store ownership is a trust given to serve the need that is prevalent - whether to sell, provide access to a special design for tired, injured feet, or simply to help them find out where that need can be met!"

     This is not just a business principle to gather wealth, but reflects the nature of Christ, Himself. When it appears that all in life has gone wrong for a season, and the "store front" of your life is in shambles, remember that it could be that your service quotient is in need of repair. This is where the wise virgins of Matthew 25:8-10 did the only thing that could work for the foolish virgins. They were hopeful that they would be able learn the lesson in time. But, it was too late to change their viewpoint of opportunity. The bridegroom came while they were away.

     While King David was hiding from his enemy Saul, (who was attempting to save his own kingdom from inevitable take-over), David expresses an amazing prayer in Psalm 54:1-7, that demonstrates how to get help from God, Himself, during such a crisis!

     Jonah did not like being put in a crisis he couldn't handle on his own, but found out that he was God's choice, like it or not. Apparently he did not realize that the choice of apparent safety was not nearly as secure as bearing the right message for the right reasons. Proverbs 23:1-3.

We’ve Been Robbed!

       The bedroom door opened, and my wife said, “We have been robbed!” She continued, “Our neighbor said our garage door is wide open, and has been for two hours! They first thought that we may been in the garage ourselves, but finally suspected the worst, and rang the doorbell repeatedly to attract attention. I knew I had heard something strange outside, but had not investigated!”

       I rubbed my eyes, trying to make sense out of things. It was 1:00 a.m. I was not very happy about being short-changed in my sleep. I knew I had to investigate.

       I discovered that the side door had been forced open. Three pieces of equipment had been stolen, one of them quite expensive.

        Knowing a little of the nature of forgiveness, I forgivingly asked the question, “What do you do when someone throws the equilibrium of life off like that? Explode with anger? Call the Police? See if you can follow footprints, etcetera? Fix the damage enough so you can attempt to go back to sleep again?”

       Is there not a better way to balance the scale? Whether right or not, I responded by doing my best to repair the door sufficiently so it would at least close and lock. I then attempted to go back to sleep, but sleep eluded me.

       The next morning in the police report, I realized that it would have been helpful to call the police. This way they could have inspected for fingerprints, and look for other things out of order. It was too late.

       In the process I also discovered that our small car had also been dented in the process of theft. Also, two of the stolen items were not complete. That is, they now had one part and I the other. Neither of us could enjoy that particular piece of equipment.

       Why would someone do that? Honesty allows a person to enjoy what they purchase, receive or own. Dishonesty and theft will not allow a person to enjoy it. It often does not occur to someone to think things through. This means it hurts both parties concerned. If you do something good in secret, someone often surprises you in doing something special for you. Why don’t people remember that the same principle, applied in reverse, will eventually even the score in stolen goods?

EXPANSE

Genesis 1:6-8 (NET Bible) “God said, “Let there be an expanse^[1] in the midst of the waters and let it separate water from water.”  So God made the expanse^[2] and separated the water under the expanse from the water above it. It was so.  8 God called^[3] the expanse “sky.”

The sky as we know it in our human experience, (firmament, expanse, dome, open space), is considered by most as a tangible thing, yet by experience it is hardly that. It cannot be touched, and yet we know and experience its presence.

Yet, considering what it does for the human race, there are a lot of beautiful lessons to be considered.

Some have indicated that it has been used to speak of the gold that has been hammered into the features of an idol. If considered that way, it takes on the meaning of the atmosphere that is especially designed to protect, nourish, and demonstrate the handiwork of God.

This became precious to me when I considered the larger sense of God’s work. The children of Israel experienced a special protection in Goshen, while in Egypt; The children of Israel experienced the cloud and the pillar of fire in the desert; After the flood upon the earth, God placed a rainbow there to assure God’s people that the earth would never experience this particular kind of threat any more. (Genesis 9:13)

From the sky, or from such a place as the Niagara Falls observation tower, it can be observed that the rainbow is a perfect circle. The rainbow is also proof of a prism effect on the sun’s harsh rays. I find it fascinating that it can picture a covenantal relationship of a man and wife in a wedding ring, if they desire to do so.

We see a cloud re-appear in the Holy Place in the Temple, speaking the same truth. It was alluded to in Nehemiah 9:19, when the walls of Jerusalem were being rebuilt. It was re-experienced on the Mount of Transfiguration when Jesus appeared Peter, James and John. Matthew 17:5.

All of these can illustrate the marvelous truth that God cares about who and what He considers to be His property.

There is a remarkable reminder of this in outdoor weddings, when an arch is placed over the couple, referring to the “cloud” of a covenantal relationship.

Do you and I really understand firmament, canopy, expanse, cloud of God’s presence in our lives? Do we experience it in the areas that we consider important in our lives? Hosea 6:3 seems to suggest that we can know these answers as we follow closely to Him, and get to know Him better. Luke 11:52 implies that the religious leaders, who had not been living close to God, had robbed the “key” to this knowledge from the people.

Jesus also shows how a study of the clouds can be used to predict weather patterns. If the protection or provision is there – there is safety. Jesus then said, “How is it that you do not discern this time?” (Luke 12:56)

¹ “EXPANSE – FIRMAMENT”:  Canopy - Original meaning. Expanse. The original word is sometimes used for the gold or silver covering on an idol. See Psalm 19:1

² “EXPANSE – FIRMAMENT”:  Ibid
³ “CALLED”:  God gave this “expanse”, “firmament” or “canopy” - a name, and that was “sky” “Heaven”.

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Jesus was amazed!

He was amazed at disciple Nathanael’s surprise at what Jesus knew, “‘How do you know me?’ Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, ‘I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.’” . . . “Jesus said, ‘You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that.’” (John 1:48-50)

He was amazed at the faith of the Gentile centurion, who reminded Jesus that all it took was a word to get obedience from soldiers, therefore he trusted Him to declare his servant well. “When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, ‘I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.’” (Luke 7:9) 

He was amazed at the response of a Greek woman to comparing her to a scavenging dog, “ . . . a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. ‘First let the children eat all they want,’ he told her, ‘for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs.’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ she replied, ‘but even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs.’ Then he told her, ‘For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.’” (Mark 7:25-29) 

He was amazed to find the disciples sleeping when he was personally in need, and when he was about to experience the most critical time of his career – his crucifixion – demonstrating God’s Redemptive plan of History! (Luke 22:46)

All of these things point to the fact that it took a while for Jesus in his perfect humanity to catch on to His father’s heart in his calling, and perfectly human state – but when he did – He died for it, which was God’s will for you and I! He learned obedience by the things He suffered. (Hebrews 5:8)

Is this not any true parent’s love for a child?

“But Zion said, ‘The LORD has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.’ ‘Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls (your normal securities) are ever before me.’” (Isaiah 49:14-16) 

The heart of Jesus relates to the best parent there has ever been! A grandparent loves to watch the development of a grandchild, particularly if there are interests that are somewhat similar. Therefore, quite often they are the most qualified to help in situations that are bigger than the parents have been given the grace to handle!

For example, I knew my grandparents prayed, but I was amazed when my paternal grandfather prayed for us while missionaries in South Africa, and sent a letter that he had done so. “I have prayed clear through for you”. It was very important to me, for it came at a very difficult time in our experience as missionaries.

This is written all over the pages of scripture!

The disciples had observed Christ at prayer – and were amazed at the fruit of the disciplines of his prayer life. Lepers healed; Blind people seeing; Difficult encounters resolved. On it goes.

Since Jesus had understood their needs at the Father’s hand, they soon found their own hearts desperately longing, crying out to know the secret/s of prayer demonstrated in Jesus. Eventually they put a handle on it, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” (Luke 11:1)

Jesus then spoke the words most of us have memorized, “Lord’s Prayer”, thus teaching them the essence of prayer.

Thus an outline is all we need, to go along with the vision of Christ we have experienced. He knows us much more than we know! This is what the apostle Paul wanted to happen most in his life. (Philippians 3:10)

1. Prayer is directed to the Father of All – who is in Heaven;
2. Prayer is directed to call attention to God’s Name, Reputation or Fame;
3. Prayer is directed to the need for His Kingdom to increase;
4. Prayer is directed to wanting His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven;
5. Prayer is directed to asking Him for basic needs such as daily provision;
6. Prayer, to the outworking of our salvation, and is now directed to asking Him to do what we need to be doing anyway – with what is obvious around us; When we forgive, we are then qualified to worthily receive His forgiveness in situations, as we “flesh out” His will on earth; (1 Corinthians 8:3) with (Genesis 6:8) God “chose Noah”! Amazing, indeed! He saw that he did more than “put up” with the evil around him prior to the flood, he was willing to learn at the hand of God, and saved his family and animals from the flood!
7. Prayer, is directed to the danger of this journey to the heart of God, which will allow testing for authenticity of the intimate experience with God;
8. Prayer, is directed to the most important of all deliverances – from the evil one;
9. Prayer, is experiencing His Kingdom, Power, and Glory in our lives.

Our Father, Who art in Heaven; Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy Kingdom Come; Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory, forever. Amen. (Quotations from New International Version)a Blog this'

Have you ever had darkness argue with the light when it was turned on? It seems incredulous!

Why is it then, when it comes to experiencing insight, or an “aha” moment, (which is related to light), we don’t seem to have a problem with casting it aside. Of course, not every thought that comes our way qualifies as an “insight”. To make my point, when a blind man walks across a busy intersection with a white cane, but dutifully stops at a red light, we are amazed, but that is not really insightful. We know that that once the light of his eyes had been taken away, he still had the power of insight, which came from reflection on other sources of reflection on the movement of traffic and the voices of people.

I think this fascinating.

Yes, an insight can also cause problems – but most of us would agree that sometimes that is the very thing that works!

I asked a friend in the electrical business to explain how light impacts darkness, and he had a very simple reply: “View darkness as the absence of light, as you would cold, which is basically the absence of heat.”

My mind clicked – if that is true, and we choose to stay in the dark, we cannot help but receive light, even if we are choosing to reject it. Why? The very decision to reject it proves light of some kind or another – and this time that light is in us. But someone also said, if the light that we have within becomes darkness there is a major problem! It is like salt without savor, as Jesus points out.

I heard someone say it this way – “It really is ok to talk, and even to talk with yourself – even answer yourself, but something is wrong if you have to ask, ‘huh’ in reply!”

Have you ever shopped in an area of the store where lights were burned out? Why would that irritate you and I? We like to have light on something that we perceive will cost us in a way that we will perceive (there it is again) in some way. (Less money in our pocket, or less value for amount spent.)

To expand the horizons of my thinking, I am beginning to read the Book of Genesis in the Bible out loud. There I read that “darkness was on the face of the deep”, until God said, “Let there be light.” I also know that God is Light, and there is no darkness in Him at all. I have also read John with new interest.

All He has to do is show up – and light has impacted darkness.

Ultimately, then, if darkness is powerless, anything that happens can be traced to light in some way . . . even if it is misperceived, and we get more darkness to deal with.

I find it intriguing that Jesus, Himself, said He was the Light of the World. Why does the Bible say this about both God and Jesus? Are they related in some way?

When Jesus came to our world, the world did not comprehend him. At least this is what the Bible says in the beginning of St. John.

We are drawn to light by nature . . . whether it is natural light, the light of insight, or the effect of light – enlightenment.

Light is still the ultimate Cause. Just for fun, why not read Genesis 1 and John 1, and reflect on the word “light” as you find it there. Draw your own conclusions, giving proper place to light and its effect.

Did you happen to think of anything else in the process? Why? Is that also related to the impact of light?

Why not assess a problem in this manner – considering that light is behind the problem in some way?
Just thinking . . .

No, Its a SUITCASE!

My wife and I have been privileged to attend a Wesleyan Church event in Orlando, Florida called the "Gathering".

This opportunity came completely by surprise. I have also encountered other surprises on this trip!

I had been praying about a difficult situation, and the Lord surprised me by showing a new meaning behind a well-known slogan, "Safety is no accident". Now, I know all too well, that, contrary to popular opinion, you cannot always operate safely. However, the slogan itself is no accident either! If you act wisely, according to standards that have been put there because of the experience of countless others, the statement embodies a great truth.

It was around about that time that I encountered a young family in the hallway of the hotel where we were staying. A mother was pushing a baby buggy with a brand new baby. I congratulated her, and then saw that her husband and a little boy were following behind. The little boy was wheeling a huge suitcase for a little boy, and I said, "Wow, what a heavy load for a little boy!" Both parents smiled, but the little boy had a different response.

Correcting me very quickly and firmly, he said, "No, it is a SUITCASE!"

I had to sit up and take notice - how often life appears to be a disaster everywhere we look, and we think, "I cannot operate safely in this kind of an environment", until a child corrects us!

"No, it is a SUITCASE!"

Looking at me intently, the little boy continued . . . "The only trouble is, it keeps falling down!"

Oh my, another insight on top of the first one!

Then the Holy Spirit said, "Remember, Paul, every burden is a suitcase that tells us we are headed for a world beyond today!"

It was shortly after that that the hotel music system played, "Beyond the Sunset". How do massive hotel chains think of a Christian who needs a reminder of God's providence? Oh, I know that it may have been just the melody, not a Christian song.

But it is still something to think about. I am sure a lot of people will have explanations . . . but don't we often see His great providence in little things if we have the heart for it!

NEW CAR, CHEAP SHOES & A BENT BUMPER

Even though I have been in ministry for many years, there are still some passages that I have not really “seen” and “comprehended”. God sometimes assigns someone else to introduce me to them. One such passage I read of in Mark Batterson’s book, “In a pit with a lion on a snowy day”.

 

The man’s name was Benaiah, who had the honor of being David’s personal body-guard. 2 Samuel 23 describes him as being “the son of a valiant man, . . . who had done many acts, including the slaughter of two lionlike men, and slaying a lion in a pit on a snowy day. He challenged a “good” Egyptian, (apparently one who trusted more in his spear than the Lord), overpowered him with a staff, then killed him with his own spear.

 

Mark Batterson quotes Antoinede Saint-Exupéry before the first chapter, “You are responsible forever for what you have tamed.”

 

This seems to imply that if we have been given special abilities to be “of value” for our own sakes, it means we are then responsible to God to learn and discover God’s ways to conquer future giants for His glory! (Proverbs 30:22) This is especially true if we have accepted the provision of God’s love for salvation. (1 John 1:9)

 

Unfortunately this is impossible if we do not comprehend and follow after God’s own heart, who gave His own son on our behalf. The “heart” is the key to life, but if we do not comprehend “God’s heart”, we can easily miss vital lessons.

 

Unfortunately I speak best from my own experience in things like this. I was reminded of it when I picked up my diary, written in South Africa in the early 1970’s, where we pastored a church in Brakpan, Gauteng, South Africa.

 

More interested in the vehicle, than in wisdom at that time in my life, I decided to offer to take my wife and boys from Brakpan to the “The Bunny Park” in Benoni for a picnic, giving them a chance to see and pet the animals. I was wearing a brand new pair of cheap shoes that I had bought on a “blue-light” special for $1.77 before leaving the U.S.

 

Since I was getting used to the car, plus not being familiar with the spongy feel of the shoes, I ran the new vehicle into a tree! There was much more damage to my prideful heart than to the vehicle, so I had to swallow my pride, and acknowledge that I had to live with it! We drove it for nearly four years like that.

 

Jesus described this kind of problem as “straining at a gnat, while swallowing a camel!” By implication I personalized Proverbs 23:5 like this, “Will you set your eyes upon that which is really nothing? Apparent wealth tends to sprout wings that will enable it to fly as an eagle toward heaven.” Apparently this is the reason Jesus did not involve himself in legal cases. See Luke 12:15.

 

All power comes from God. A crisis with our own power, or ability to cope, gives us the opportunity to call upon God, through the provision of His great love! But, he may expect more honor from us than using a cheap pair of shoes to brag about it! No, cheap shoes weren’t the problem, but rather a cheap attitude towards a trust!