Bricks . . . and Mortal

“If you’re angry, you can’t do any of the good things that God wants done.”  -- John 1:20

The nerve of her – calling him a narcissist!

He wasn’t arrogant.  He has empathy for others.  She claimed his insecurities stemmed from low self esteem.  It’s true that he couldn’t trust anyone else; he was the only person who wouldn’t hurt him. 

What the hell!  He didn’t need her any more anyway – “more ducks on the pond!”  She wasn’t good enough for him  – he was going places!  Power and fame were well within his reach.  He was smarter, better looking, and harder working than most.  And he knew it!  Her loss . . . totally!

Doug was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar.  His mood was a boiling caldron of toxic emotions.  She had really pissed him off! 

He watched for kids darting into his path and slowed down when he thought he saw a child.    

Crunch! 

Something solid smashed into the Jag's side door!  He slammed on the brakes and smoked the tires in reverse to the spot where the brick had been thrown.  Jumping out of the car, Doug grabbed the kid who was standing there and pushed him hard against a parked car.

"What do you think you’re doing?" Anger building quickly now, "That's a $100,000 car and that brick you threw will cost a lot of money.  Are you crazy?"

"Please sir, I didn't know what else to do," pleaded the youngster.  "I threw the brick ‘cause no one would stop . . ."

Tears were streaming down the boy's chin as he pointed around the parked car. "I’m sorry sir, but it's my brother," he said. "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair.”  He sobbed.  "Won’t you please help me get him back into his wheelchair, sir?  He's hurt and too heavy for me."

Moved to tears himself, Doug tried to swallow the lump swelling in his throat.  He lifted the young man back into the wheelchair and with his silk handkerchief, wiped blood and gravel from the handicapped boy’s scrapes.

"Thank you sir, and may God bless you," the grateful child said.   Doug then watched in awe as the little boy tenderly pushed his older brother toward their home.

It was a long, slow walk back to his Jaguar.  He never repaired the side door. He kept the dent as a reminder not to go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention.  She was probably more right than wrong - he’s really not as important as he thinks.  “Life isn't measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” – Hillary Cooper

Father, our lives are insignificant to the rest of the world.  But to You – we are each precious.  Help us foster our relationship with You rather than deceiving ourselves with foolish pride.  Amen

Bug-sense

“God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.”  -- 1 Peter 5:7

In a small southern Japanese village toward the end of the World War II, Takashi and his son Kaito were to travel to the city to sell their farm produce.  They make this weekly trip together, always arriving by 9:00 to get the best spot at the farmer’s market.

Takashi was late . . . Kaito was furious!  Takashi instantly noticed his son’s irritation and without apology, explained that he had stopped to help his neighbor get to the hospital.

“We’ll be late again!” Kaito said.  Disappointment hung as heavy as the morning dew.  “Others will take the prime locations – our vegetables will more likely spoil than sell.”

The old man stroked his chin pensively before he asked, “Which animal do you like best?”

Kaito replied quickly, “Father, you know I love horses!  They are powerful!  I admire the way they work the fields for us.  Why?”

“My son,” Takashi began, “You are young, that’s your burden.  You have much to learn.”  “I love work horses,” he continued, “But spiders, ants and bees inspire me more!”

Kaito looked confused.  These ugly insects were more than just nuisances; they bite and sting too.

Takashi explained that he liked bees because if a bear breaks their hive and steals their honey, they keep on building their honeycombs and make more honey.  He was likewise in awe of ants; if someone destroys their nest, they immediately work together and rebuild; each ant having its own job.  

Spiders too, start repairing any damage to their web right away - or build a whole new, better one by eating the old silk and reproducing it.

The two walked on in silence, allowing the infusion of his wise counsel.

As they approached the city, the whole valley was filled by a garish glow and a curious wave of blistering heat.  It didn’t occur to them that this might have had something to do with enemy warplanes.  

Today was August 6^th, 1945 - the day much of Hiroshima was razed by a nuclear bomb.  Thousands perished instantly; others would eventually die from horrific burns.

The city was no more!!  Had they arrived 30 minutes earlier they too would have been incinerated along with all those who were at the market that morning.

Life surprises us sometimes by destroying even our most carefully built plans.  Disappointments may be blessings in disguise.  Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we handle it.  But God is good . . . even when things are bad!  Like the insects, if we trust Him and are prepared to work hard and start over, eventually we’ll achieve more than we could ever have asked, dreamed or hoped for.

Father, I get discouraged when you don’t act the way I think you should.  I foolishly wonder if you are even listening to me.  Help place my confidence not in what I’m praying for – but in WHO I am praying to.  Amen.

Time in a Bottle

“We must stay sober and let our faith and love be like a suit of armor.”  - 1 Thessalonians 5:8

Helplessly he watches from a hilltop overlooking the trailer he had once called home, a place now as distant as the passion in his soul.  Loneliness tortures him.

Strangers from a church group work tirelessly to repair parts of his former home damaged by the oppressive Kentucky heat and frequent mudslides.  His young boys seem to enjoy the work . . . and the volunteers’ attention. 

He tries to remember how and when it turned so ugly; why his family kicked him out nearly two years ago.  He’s all alone now - alcoholism grips him like the jaws of a steel vise.  Ironically – he drank to relieve pain . . . and created more instead.

As a young boy, he avoided school because he didn't want anyone to know of his low self-esteem; he didn't want his failings made public.  A rebellious attitude kept those things well hidden.

As a young adult he lived his life on the wrong side of the law - that’s all he knew.  He drank, he fought, he hated, he caused pain and suffering.  

As a father, he was like a tornado ripping his way through their lives.  Hearts were broken.  Fear prevailed.  Trust vanished.  Selfish and inconsiderate habits kept their home in constant turmoil.  Those two boys might tragically end up doing exactly the same with their lives.

Intense shame washes over him - maybe he should just run the hell away . . . or maybe worse!

His boys are productive, happily working alongside the youth volunteers.  These are young men and women to look up to.  Guilt cuts through him.  He should be the one they admire!  He doubts that they ever remember their Daddy sober. 

He knows what to do . . . but remains too terrified to move forward.  Arrogance prevents him from admitting his problem, fearful of what others will say about his weakness.  He knows he must confess honestly and completely to God, admit that he cannot change without His help, and pray for His guidance.

So he closes his eyes, remembering happier times.  Salty tears wet his sun baked cheeks.  Calmly he prays: “Lord, I need your help!  I can’t do this without You!  Amen.”

Today he will stop drinking.  It doesn't mean it’ll be easy; recovery is never guaranteed.  The road will almost certainly be long, difficult and risky.  But he believes that once he has opened his heart with humility to Christ; recovery is possible.

Someday he will begin to reconnect with his family . . . but today marks the first day of his sobriety.  That’s a pretty good start!

Dear Lord, we all know people addicted to one thing or another.  I pray that they find You, but until they do, give me the patience to wait, the courage to serve You and the love to treat them with kindness.  Amen

Table for Two

 "The greatest among you will be your servant." -- Matthew 23:11

Kevin loved life . . . so much that he started every morning with a prayer of thanksgiving.  Wednesday’s were his favorite - Mom would fix a special meal to celebrate the week being half over.  The food was delicious of course, but it was the time to reconnect with the most important people in his life that he enjoyed the most.  

Several weeks ago Kevin started his own personal mission in the nearby park.  Tonight he had been tempted to have a second helping, but the leftovers sat on the car seat beside him along with a piece of homemade apple pie and a Thermos of coffee.

He had never been hungry.  Given up for adoption by an unwed teenage mom, he was taken in by a Christian family.  To honor his parents and his Lord, he took the uneaten portion of their Wednesday dinners to the park to share with someone homeless.  Mom always made sure there was extra.

He could’ve volunteered at the soup kitchen – but he preferred the personal interaction.  He remembered Frank - who had been on his own since he was thirteen, earning a few bucks collecting returnable bottles.  Betty’s husband died long ago and her children had moved to another city.  Beth was addicted to crack cocaine; Bud to alcohol; Lance to his own loneliness.

When he arrived at the park, he saw a ragged woman sitting on the park bench alone.  A dark wool cap covered her matted, graying hair; all her worldly possessions filled several tattered bags nearby.  Kevin approached somewhat cautiously.

"Good evening, ma'am," Kevin said, warmly. "I’ve got some dinner.  Would you like to join me?"

The woman stared at the food.  She was starving, having not eaten since last night's scraps from Arby’s dumpster.  She nodded approvingly and Kevin served her food and a steaming cup of coffee.  He watched as she ate.  The God of love was clearly working through him. 

When she finished, Kevin placed a twenty dollar bill into her gnarled palm.  "May God bless you richly, ma'am," he said softly. "Thanks for giving me the honor of sharing my dinner with you."  

And with that, Kevin picked up his dishes and returned home.

She had remained in the city, purposefully out of sight, so as not to embarrass him.  He had grown to be a wonderful young man.  Today, she had longed to tell him who she was, but couldn’t muster the courage.  Instead she thanked God that He had so richly blessed her today, in spite of her trials.

She had dinner with her son this day - and he loved the mother he never knew.

Lord of all Creation, thank you for warm hearts and humble souls.  Use our hands and our minds to make your Kingdom come. When we long for things beyond our grasp, remind us of the countless blessings you provide every second of every day.  Amen.

No Drugstores in the Jungle

“I will answer their prayers before they finish praying.”  -- Isaiah 65:24

In the Amazon jungle, Ruth rummaged frantically through the supply cabinet until she found a hot water bottle.   Nearby, a two year old cried; her newborn sister had survived the labor – their mother had not. 

Since there was no incubator (or electricity for that matter), they would have difficulty keeping the baby alive without the water bottle for warmth.  One student went to stoke the fire and fill the hot water bottle.  She came back too quickly - the bottle had burst (rubber perishes easily in tropical climates). 

“Put the baby as near the fire as you safely can, and sleep between the baby and the door to keep it free from drafts,” the Missionary suggested.

As dawn broke, Ruth went to pray with the children at the nearby orphanage.  She told them the tiny baby could easily die if she got chills and about her older sister, crying because their mother was in heaven now. 

Lisa, age 10, spoke with her usual candor.  “Please, God,” she prayed, “Send us a hot water bottle this afternoon, tomorrow is too late!”  She added, “and while you’re at it, please send a doll for the little girl so she'll know You really love her?' 

Ruth had great faith, but there are limits, right?  She smiled at the child’s innocence.  Who in their right mind would think to send a hot water bottle to the equator? 

Later that afternoon, there was a knock at the door.  She got there just in time to see a delivery van pull away.   A large box sat on the porch.  Packages from home were rare so Ruth sent for the orphans.  Some forty pairs of eyes were focused on the “mystery” box.  She removed medical supplies, boxes of raisins, and a few children’s books.

Then she felt it   . . . could it be?  She pulled out a brand new, rubber hot water bottle.  Shame overwhelmed her; she had not truly believed it could happen.    

Lisa rushed forward, “If God sent the bottle, He must have sent a doll, too!”

Fumbling to the bottom of the box, she pulled out the small, beautifully-dressed doll.  Cradling it gently, she ran off to give the little girl their precious gift – proof that Jesus had heard her request.  There was never a doubt!   

That package had been mailed five months earlier, packed by Ruth’s former Sunday school class, whose leader had obeyed God's prompting to send a hot water bottle, as crazy as it had sounded.  One of the kids had donated a doll for a motherless child - in answer to the faithful prayer of a ten year old nearly a half year later.

Father, it’s a “jungle” out here.  It is hard for us to trust You completely because either we don’t think You will deliver or because we want control of our lives.  Remind us that where the seeds of faith are planted, miracles blossom!  Amen.

In God We Trust

“LORD, You are my fortress, my place of safety; You are my God, and I trust you." – Psalm 91:2

Happy 235^th Birthday America!  But you knew that already. 

What you may not know - or forget - is that America is a nation under God founded on Christian values.  All but two of the fifty six (56) signers of the Declaration of Independence were Christians; 27 held theology degrees.  Two of the Continental Congress’ first actions were to hire military chaplains and to purchase 20,000 Bibles to remedy a national shortage.

On this day in 1776, our founding Fathers declared independence from British rule, allowing for the formation of our own separate government.   The ‘Declaration’ serves as the cornerstone of our great nation and was based on the fundamental belief that our ‘Creator’ was the source for irrevocable human rights.

Fast forward more than two centuries.  Cities and towns all over America still celebrate the Fourth of July.  Families and friends get together; we’ll watch parades; hear patriotic speeches and music; honor the flag; and hold family reunions.  At the end of a long, fun day, we’ll watch brilliant fireworks explode across the dark, night sky to celebrate our freedom.

"In God We Trust."  

Every time we spend a dollar bill in this country, we acknowledge the remarkable fact that this country was built upon trust in God.   Not some generic god, but the God of the Holy Bible.

When the entire stadium stands just before the start of any sporting event to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” we again place our trust in God Almighty. The fourth stanza has a phrase that goes, "And this be our motto: ‘In God is our trust!'

As we stand before the American flag, and "Pledge Allegiance” to it, we affirm that we are "One nation under God," - the same Judeo-Christian God that our founders admired.

Some will argue for a clear separation of church and state.  That’s about as possible as extracting hydrogen from the air we inhale.  It’s doable – but leaves us with something we can’t breathe.

So as I celebrate Independence Day, I’ll pause and thank God singing, "America!  America!  God shed His grace on thee."  For there is no greater liberty than the freedom from sin and death that the God I trust, provides for me.   

On this July 4^th, I’ll remember that my freedom came at a very high price – the cost of other’s lives.  I’ll not take my freedom for granted.  I’ll keep in mind that poverty and violence anywhere weakens our nation everywhere.  And I’ll trust God more from this day forward.

My God, since the beginning You gave us the right, the power, and the freedom to choose, between light and darkness, good or evil, love or hate.  Give me the strength to be a blessing in someone else's life today, and grant me the opportunity to lead others into the freedom that can be found in knowing Christ.  Amen