It was during the Feast of Dedication or Hanukkah as we know it today, that Jesus was strolling in “Solomon’s Porch in the Temple area” when he was surrounded by a throng of people all peppering Him with the same question. Don’t keep us in suspense, they said, but tell us plainly if you are the Messiah (John 10:22-26 Amplified).  How weary Jesus must have been of their doubt and unbelief! But still He indulged them and answered, “I have told you so (that I am the Messiah) yet you do not believe Me. The very works that I do by the power of My Father and in My Father’s name bear witness concerning Me. They are my credentials and evidence in support of Me.” But did that satisfy? No because that generation was fixated on signs. And no matter how many signs or proofs Jesus gave they still wanted one more. Always one more. But there comes a time when viewing the evidence is over and then comes the time of decision; a time to either believe—it’s called “faith,” or not.

Nothing changes. Today, people still want proof. History isn’t enough. The Bible isn’t enough. Changed lives aren’t enough. Miracles of healing aren’t enough. And there’s plenty to be seen if one cares to look. But the truth is that many people don’t want to look. They don’t want to see. Because seeing is believing and that means accountability. If one believes Jesus is really who He says He is then one must choose to either live their life in accordance with His word or to continue doing their own thing, placing them in firm opposition to Christ. The choice is simple, really. And when one chooses to walk away from Jesus it’s because they fail to really realize that life is so short. Their momentary pleasures are just that—momentary. All too soon the years pass and we are left staring into the face of eternity. And that all important decision we made to pursue pleasure and our own self interest or not will determine our destination for all eternity. It is a weighty matter, one that should not be made on whim or because sin gives pleasure for a season (Hebrews 11:25 KJV). For in light of eternity, that season is but a blink of the eye and then what?

Something to think about.

Until next time,

Sylvia

Last week I accompanied my daughter and grandchildren to the pediatrician where the kids each got a shot.  My grandson was fine about it, but my granddaughter, who was fearful, cried.  When it was over she admitted she hadn’t felt a thing, and that it was all a big nothing, certainly not worth fretting about.

I think this speaks volumes to the human condition. We are afraid of so many things, most of which are like that shot, a big nothing. We indulge in “what if this” and “what if that” until we work ourselves into a lather.  But simply saying “there’s nothing to fear” didn’t cut it with my granddaughter, and it doesn’t cut it with us. So how do we stop worrying and being fearful? By replacing our fears with something or someone bigger. And that someone is God.

At least 365 times, in different wording, the Bible tells us not to fear. I think because God knows our weak frame, He gave us something for each day of the year. In its basic sense, fear is simply lack of faith, lack of trust in God, in Who He is and in what He says He can do. If we truly believed, our fears, for the most part, would vanish and be replaced by what the Bible calls the “peace that passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

This world will give us many opportunities to fret and fear, but the more we get to know God, get to know Who He is, the closer and more intimate our relationship becomes, the less we will be plagued by these “big nothings” and even when something sizable comes along, we will be able to face it with peace and confidence in knowing that our God is more than up to the challenge, and He will see us through.

Until next week,

Sylvia

Years ago, someone I knew became an atheist because when her sister was sick she prayed to God and instead of answering her prayers and healing her sister, God let her sister die.  How deep was her commitment to God prior to this incident? Who can say?  Only God knows the heart, but it does bring up a valid issue, one that, I dare say, many Christians, me included, have experienced, and it is disappointment with God.  We get disappointed when we have prayed and prayed about a thing and it doesn’t happen, of if after walking in what we thought was faithful obedience for some time, God still doesn’t answer our prayers, or He lets something terrible happen, or He allows the sins of others to drastically impact our lives. And we become offended and ask, “why?” and we begin to feel resentful towards God.  And all this says a lot about us. It says we are like spoiled children, wanting our way and wanting it now. It says that we think we can run things better than God; that we know better than He does what is good for us. It also shows a lack of faith because we really don’t believe God works all things together for good for them that love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). 

Why are so many disappointed with God these days? Is it because we’ve become I-centered dough-people? Has our culture made us believe we are the center of the universe?  That everything revolves around us? And if it feels good do it and if it doesn’t, well don’t waste one more second in that marriage, in that job, or in trying to overcome that problem? I think it has.  And though we are but weak flesh and it’s often hard to fight the good fight, and we get discourage and even disappointed with God, we must hang in there.  God really does have our best interest in mind, and there is no better advocate in all the world.  He will stick closer than a brother, never leave us or forsake us, and He loves us with an everlasting love.  And if we trust Him and see the thing through we really will come out conformed more perfectly into the image of Jesus Christ. And that, in a nut shell, is the whole point.

Until next week,

Sylvia

Nothing rocks your world like the loss of someone you love.  And recently I lost my best friend to cancer.  But what I learned throughout the process is this: God’s grace is truly sufficient. He can and will take you through with remarkable tenderness and care.  Oh, how great He is and how much He loves us!  Like in that famous “footprints” piece, He will carry you when you are unable to walk. 

The other thing I’m learning is that faith blunts pain.  Since I believe in a literal heaven and hell, and since I believe Jesus’ words when he said “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father but by me,” (John 14:6) and that “in my father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you,” (John 14:2) I know that my beloved friend is living in a realm that is wonderful beyond my comprehension because he too believed these things.  And whenever I grow sad over my loss I remember that even now God is rejoicing over my friend with singing.  Oh, I have my moments.  Grieving must run its course but faith provides a wonderful tonic, a balm to ease the way.

For all those who have suffered loss, God is not only able but willing to be there for you; to carry you when you don’t think you can go on; to bind up your broken heart and give you beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3) Rest assured He will not leave you to face this alone.

Until next week,

Sylvia

Nobody denies that we are in the middle of an economic mess. Bank failures, tumbling real estate markets and large layoffs drive the point home. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.  It’s a “trickle down” mess that’s affecting everyone, even the publishing industry. Nervous publishers are cutting back.  Suddenly, many of us writers find ourselves without a contract, and uncertain prospects. Perhaps some wonder if God is putting them on a shelf for a time. Or is He finished using them all together? Then again, maybe He’s orchestrating a career change? I’ve had all these thoughts.   

But I’ve also been thinking about other things too, things I so often take for granted:  family, friends, health, a roof over my head, food on the table. And though I know it sounds clichéd, I’ve begun thanking God, really thanking God, for all of them. There’s nothing like adversity or its threat to pare down the nonessentials, to force those normally iron legs of ours to bend at the knee before the will of God.

And I’ve begun thinking about something else, too; something I’ve heard a thousand times: This earth is not my home.  And it’s not yours either. Our sojourn here is but a blink of an eye when compared to all eternity.  And oh, how glad I am that God really is in control, that He really does love us, and has a plan and purpose for our lives no matter what situations or circumstances say. And if that’s true, if that’s really settled in our minds and hearts, then I think the question is, will we walk by faith or by sight?  Will we walk by what we see, allowing fear, frustration and disappointment to lead us?  Or will we lean on God’s word that says things like: we can do all things through Christ who strengths us; that He will never leave us or forsake us; that His grace is sufficient?

Our trials often seem so consuming, severe and painful, but will we remember them on the “other side” when we—the believers in Jesus—encounter the wondrous things that God has prepared for us?  I think so since the Bible does say God will wipe away all our tears.  But even so, I suspect what we’ll remember most is if we allowed these trials to draw us closer to God; if we allowed Him to be strong in our weakness.   

And that’s a sobering thought.

Until next time,

Sylvia